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A, 


"Our  County  and  Its  People  "       j^M. 


"#ur  Countp  ant)  Uts  people 


♦  ♦ 


A  History  of 
HAMPDEN   COUNTY 

Massachusetts 


editor 

Alfred  Minot  Copeland 


IPoIume  tlTtoo 

The  Century  .Memorial  Publishing  Company 
1902 


THF  LIBRARY  OF 
CONGRESS, 

-T-MT,  Cowee   R-tcsivEO 
NOV.      \|     1P^? 

corv  B. 


Copyrighted  1902 

BY 

Alfred  Minot  Copeland 


V\'"K 


To  the  Memory 

OF  THE  LATE 

S  A  M  UEL      BOWLES 

(1826-1878) 

This    volume    is    respectfully 

SDfdicateti 


Contents 

CHAPTER  I 

THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD— The  Seat  of  Justice  of  Hampden 

County    1 

CHAPTER    II 
THE   CITY   OF    SPRINGFIELD— (Continued) 28 

CHAPTER   III 
THE   CITY   OF    SPRINGFIELD— (Continued ) 48 

CHAPTER  R' 
THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD— Municipal  History 80 

CHAPTER  V 

THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD— Educational— The  Fire  Depart- 
ment— The  City  Water  Supply — The  Almshouse — The  City 
Parks  —  Libraries  —  The  Post-Office — Cemeteries — Hospitals — 
Public   Institutions    113 

CHAPTER   YI 

THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD— The  Board  of  Trade— Banking 
and  Financial — Insurance  Companies — Street  Railway  System 
— Mercantile   and    Manufacturing 217 

CHAPTER  ^'11 
THE   CITY   OF   SPRINGFIELD— Churches 281 


xii  ( 'OXTEXTS 

CHAPTER  VIII 
TOWN    OF    WESTFIELD 317 

CHAPTER   IX 
TOWN   OF   BRIMFIELD 456 

CHAPTER  X 
TOWN    OF    BLANDFORD 4H2 


Illustrations 

William    Pynchon,    Portrait 7 

Dea.  Samuel  Cilapin  Statue 12 

Miles    Morgan    Statue 16 

The    Old    Ely    "Okdiaary" 23 

Park    Congregational    Church 27 

St.    Paul's    Universalist   Church 35 

The   Old   Parsons    Ta\  ern 43 

Old   Lombard    House 49 

Old-Time   View   of   Main    Street 53 

St.   Luke's   M.   E.   Church 61 

Memorial    Church,    Spkixcfield 69 

Elm    Street    School 75 

Caleb    Rice,    Portrait 84 

The    Hooker    School 88 

Grace    M.    E.    Church 97 

Old    Unitarian    Church 109 

Old  Academic    High    School 119 

Charles    Barrows,    Portrait 123 

Admiral   P.   Stone,   Portrait 126 

Central   High   School 128 

WORTIIINGTON    StREET    ScHOOI 132 

St.    Joseph's    Church 140 

Oak    Street    School 158 

Winchester  Park  and  Buckingham  School 163 

The  Pavilion  at  Forest  Park  Entrance 165 

Dr.   William  Rice,   Portrait 173 

City  Library'  and  Art  Museum 176 

Old  Building  on  Postoffice   Site 185 

U.  S.  Custom  House  and  Postoffice 194 

Entrance    to    Springfield    Cemetery 198 

Entrance  to  Oak  Grove  Cemetery 200 


xiv  ILLrSTBATIOXS 

Pyxciion     Street    Schoui 208 

Chestek  W.  CiiAi'ix,  P()i:ti!ait 232 

Henry   S.   Lee,   Portrait 238 

Early  Rapid  Transit,   Springfield 250 

Conn-    Sen  ARE.    Springfield,    1824 256 

First   Ciiurcii   of   Christ,    Springfield 282 

Oli\et   Chlrcii.    Springfield 285 

Old  Baptist  Church,  Main  Street 297 

First    Baptist    Church,    Springfield ■  •  ■   299 

Chirch  of  the  Unity,  Springfield 303 

The    Cathedral,    Springfield 309 

Park  Square  in  Summer,  Westfield 318 

Farm  Scene  in  Westfield  River  Valley 320 

Broad    Street,    Westfield 351 

Homestead  of  Eli  Ashley,   Westfield 369 

Corner     Cltboard,     Capt.      Moseley's  Hoisk 3/0 

Old  Landlord   Fowler  Hoise.   Westfield 373 

Elder    Ambrose    Day    House,    Westfield 376 

House  Built  in  1786  by  Capt.  William  Moseley 378 

Old    Washington    Tavern.    Westfield 380 

Ezra   Clapp   Hotel,   Westfield 381 

Old  Moseley    House,    Westfield 387 

Westfield   Town   Farm 396 

Emerson   Davis,   D.   D.,   Portrait 402 

Third  Building  of  Town  Church,  Westfield 404 

The    Gen.    Shepard    Elm 415 

Eldad    Taylor,    Portrait 419 

Old  Academy'.  Westfield 425 

Westfield   High    School 430 

Old    Atheneum 432 

Corner  of  Elm  and   Main   Streets,   Westfield 434 

OlD-FaSHIONED      PuAITINCi      MACHINE 439 

First  Foundry  of  H.  B.  Smith  &  Co.,  Westfield 440 

Old  Hampden  Bank,  Westfield 442 

Crane's    Pond,    Westfield 443 

Noble    Hospital,    Westfield 445 

Soldiers'    Monument,    Westfield 453 

Steei!.\ge   Rock.    Brimfield 457 


ILL  rSTRA  TT(  )XS  x  v 

"West    BRniFiELD    at    the    Bridge 461 

Soldiers"    Monument,    Bkimfield 475 

The    BRiiiFiELD    Windmill 477 

Hitchcock   Free   High   School 479 

The   Toavn,   from  the  Fields,   Brimfield 480 

Old  House  on  Blandford  Hill 505 

"Blaxdford  Cattle   Show"   Exhibit 516 


CHAPTER   I. 

THE  CITY  OF   SPRINGFIELD— THE  SEAT  OF  JUSTICE  OF 
HAMPDEN  COUNTY 

The  history  of  the  city  of  Springfield  from  the  time  of  plant- 
ing the  first  colony  at  Agawam,  has  been  made  the  subject  of  at 
least  half  a  dozen  volumes  from  as  many  writers,  each  of  whom 
has  aimed  to  cover  the  ground  in  such  a  way  that  the  reading 
public  might  know  all  that  was  necessary  to  be  known  of  the 
annals  of  the  locality.  In  a  field  so  frequently  invaded  by  his- 
torians of  repute  the  twentieth  century  writer  can  hardly  hope 
to  furnish  anything  new  in  the  history  of  the  region,  but  as  an 
essential  part  of  the  history  of  Hampden  county  the  subject  must 
be  treated  according  to  its  importance. 

Just  fifteen  years  after  the  landing  of  the  pilgrims  at  Ply- 
mouth settlements  began  to  extend  westward  into  the  valley  of 
the  Connecticut  river,  where  the  Dutch  from  the  Netherlands 
were  making  slow  attempts  at  occupation  for  the  purpose  chiefly 
of  trading  with  the  Indians.  The  colonial  history  of  New  York 
records  the  fact  that  as  early  as  1614  Dutch  navigators  had  dis- 
covered the  Connecticut  and  had  made  explorations  of  the  coun- 
try between  that  and  the  Hudson  river  previous  to  1630,  but  it 
was  not  before  1635  that  the  sturdy  Hollanders  established  a 
trading  post  in  the  Connecticut  valley  and  disputed  the  right 
of  the  English  settlers  in  the  region.  The  Dutch  were  excellent 
traders,  but  were  poor  colonizers,  while  the  English  were  both 
traders  and  colonizers.  The  chief  articles  of  trade  which  the 
Dutch  bartered  with  the  Indians  were  rum  and  guns,  the  former 
of  which  was  eagerly  sought  for  the  temporary  gratification  of 
the  savage  appetite,  while  the  latter  was  useful  to  the  w^arrior 
and  hunter  alike,  as  the  English  afterward  learned  to  their  se- 

1-2  (  1  ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

vere  cost.  But  the  Indians  at  length  learned  that  the  New  Eng- 
land tradei-s  could  supply  them  with  gaudy  cloths  and 
trinkets,  hatchets  and  knives,  and  also  that  wampum 
(money  substitute)  was  plenty  among  them;  therefore 
they  carried  their  beaver  skins  to  the  eastern  planta- 
tions and  made  known  to  the  whites  the  first  understand- 
ing the  latter  had  of  the  Connecticut  valley  country.  Through 
their  representations  the  region  was  visited  and  explored,  and 
through  their  expressed  willingness  to  part  with  a  portion  of 
their  domain  a  number  of  adventurous  planters  of  the  Roxbury 
settlement  established  themselves  at  Agawam,  on  the  Connecti- 
cut, where  now  is  the  metropolitan  city  of  Springfield. 

There  is  room  for  the  belief  that  the  New  Englanders  first 
visited  the  site  of  the  city  as  early  as  1634,  and  that  an  investiga- 
tion of  the  character  of  the  region  was  made  at  that  time.  The 
next  year  an  application  was  made  to  the  general  court  bj'  cer- 
tain of  the  Roxbury  planters,  requesting  permission  to  settle  in 
a  remote  part  of  the  colony;  which  was  granted,  although  with 
some  hesitation,  for  then  it  was  uncertain  whether  the  region  pro- 
posed to  be  settled  was  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  mother  col- 
ony. In  this  year  (1635)  "William  Pynehon,  the  founder,  John 
Cable,  a  carpenter,  and  John  Woodstock,  an  Indian  interpreter, 
came  to  the  locality,  and  then  the  founder  undoubtedly  made  a 
verbal  agreement  for  the  purchase  of  a  considerable  tract  of  land 
at  Agawam,  on  both  sides  of  the  river.  Cable,  ^dth  the  aid  of 
AVoodstoek,  built  a  house  on  the  meadow  lands  west  of  the  river, 
but  on  being  informed  by  the  natives  that  the  locality  was  sub- 
ject to  annual  overflow  they  removed  to  the  east  side  and  built 
another  house  on  the  city  site. 

The  pioneers  of  Springfield  came  to  occupy  the  land  in  the 
spring  of  1636.  They  were  "William  Pynehon,  the  founder  in 
fact  of  the  settlement  and  its  guiding  spirit  for  the  next  fifteen 
years,  Henry  Smith,  son-in-law  of  the  founder,  Matthew 
Mitchell,  Jehu  Burr,  William  Blake.  Edmund  Wood,  Thomas 
Ufford  and  John  Cable.  Tradition  has  it  that  Mr.  Pynehon  and 
Henry  Smith  were  accompanied  by  their  wives,  and  if  such  was 
the  fact  it  may  be  assumed  that  the    others   who   had    families 

{        2        ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

brought  them  also  at  the  time  of  the  immigration.  Past  writers 
give  us  no  clear  light  on  this  subject.  We  only  know  that  the 
pioneers  came,  settled  on  the  land  and  began  its  cultivation,  and 
at  the  same  time  Mr.  Pynchon  completed  his  purchase  from  the 
natives  and  arranged  a  form  of  government  for  the  plantation 
under  the  new  proprietary.  The  latter  was  consummated  be- 
fore the  Indian  title  was  extinguished,  and  on  May  14  a  common 
ownership  in  the  land  was  agreed  upon.  The  compact  itself 
was  an  admirably  framed  document,  free  from  partiality  and 
well  adapted  to  the  needs  and  interests  of  the  colonists  them- 
selves as  well  as  to  those  who  might  follow  them  into  the  region. 

A  reproduction  of  the  articles  at  length  in  this  chapter  is 
unnecessary^  and  merely  an  allusion  to  the  expressed  purpose  of 
the  pact  will  suffice  for  present  purposes:  "May  the  14th, 
1636. — We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  being  by  God's 
Providence  ingaged  together  to  make  a  plantation  at  and  over 
against  Agam,  on  Coneeticot,  doe  mutually  agree  to  certain  arti- 
cles and  orders  to  be  observed  and  kept  by  us  and  by  our  succes- 
sors, except  we  and  every  of  us,  for  ourselves  and  in  our  per- 
sons, shall  think  meet  oppon  better  reasons  to  alter  our  present 
resolutions." 

"Ily.  Wee  intend,  by  God's  grace,  as  soon  as  we  can,  with 
all  convenient  speede,  to  procure  some  Godly  and  faithfuU  min- 
ister, with  whom  we  purpose  to  join  in  church  covenant,  to  walk 
in  all  the  ways  of  Christ." 

The  eight  men  whose  signatures  were  affixed  to  the  agree- 
ment were  those  mentioned  in  a  preceding  paragraph.  They 
were  the  founders  of  Springfield,  and  to  them  must  be  accorded 
the  honor  of  having  laid  the  foundations  of  the  town  and  subse- 
quent city,  although  none  of  them  were  permanent  residents  of 
the  locality  and  none  of  them  died  here.  Two  months  after  the 
agreement  Avas  signed  the  proprietors  secured  a  conveyance  of 
the  land  from  the  Indians,  the  instrument  bearing  date  July  15, 
1636.  It  was  the  source  of  our  land  titles,  subject  only  to  the 
title  vested  in  the  colonial  government  by  the  grants  and  char- 
ters from  the  crown,  the  latter  being  acquired  by  discovery,  occu- 
pation and  conquest. 

(        3        ) 


TEE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

The  agreement,  with  hiter  moditicatioiis,  established  a  com- 
mon ownership  in  the  lauds  and  allotted  by  mutual  consent  the 
parcels  according  to  the  interests  and  needs  of  each  member  of 
the  community,  Avith  full  justice  in  every  case.  A  little  later, 
when  a  more  perfect  form  of  government  had  been  framed,  the 
town  became  owner  of  the  lands  and  allotted^  them  upon  the 
approval  of  the  freemen  or  their  representatives.  No  unfit  per- 
son was  permitted  to  dwell  in  the  plantation,  and  if  any  such 
were  discovered  they  were  "disallowed"  and  their  improve- 
ments, if  anj'  had  been  made,  were  paid  for  out  of  the  common 
funds.  Such  an  establishment  of  government  in  existence  at  the 
present  time  would  be  regarded  as  a  "  community, ' '  which,  while 
not  wholly  intolerable  nevertheless  would  be  looked  upon  as  in- 
consistent with  the  economy  of  American  institutions. 

In  connection  with  the  mention  of  the  founders  of  the  new 
colony  and  their  settlement  at  Agawam,  the  names  of  still  others 
are  to  be  noted  and  recorded  as  of  the  same  year,  and  while  they 
appear  not  to  have  participated  in  the  proceedings  relating  to 
the  agreement  and  the  division  of  the  land,  they  are  worthy  of  at 
least  passing  notice  in  these  annals.  They  were  Richard  Ever- 
ett, Joseph  Parsons,  John  Allen,  Thomas  Horton,  Faithful  Thay- 
ler  and  John  Townes,  each  of  whom  was  a  subscribing  witness  to 
the  Indian  deed  before  mentioned ;  and  also  John  Pynchon,  son 
of  the  founder,  a  boy  of  fourteen  years,  and  who  in  later  years 
in  a  great  measure  replaced  his  father  in  influence  in  the  colony, 
in  the  performance  of  good  works,  and  in  the  affections  of  the 
settlers.      He  died  in  the  town  in  1703. 

AVithin  a  few  days  after  the  settlement  by  the  founders  was 
accomplished  their  number  was  increased  by  the  arrival  of 
Thomas  AA^odford,  Samuel  Butterfield,  Jonas  AA^ood  and  John 
Reader,  each  of  Avhom  added  his  name  to  the  agreement  and  re- 
ceived an  allotment  of  land. 

The  above  mentioned  persons  who  subscribed  their  names 
as  Avitnesses  to  the  Indian  deed  appear  not  to  have  formed  a  part 

^The  power  to  dispose  of  town  lands  afterward  was  vested  in  the  selectmen, 
and  so  continued  until  1G63.  wtien  the  granting  of  the  lots  was  done  by  a  specially 
chosen  committee.  The  first  committee  comprised  Capt.  John  Pynchon.  Ensign 
Thos.  Cooper,  Benj.  Cooley,  George  Colton,  Rowland  Thomas,  Miles  Morgan  and 
Elizur  Holyoke.       The  town  proprietary  system  was  abolished  in  1685. 

(         4         ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

of  the  original  proprietary  although  they  were  of  the  company 
of  colonists.  The  theory  has  been  advanced  that  they  came  in 
the  capacity  of  employees,  for  there  was  need  of  their  services, 
and  having  no  direct  interest  in  the  transactions  relating  to  the 
transfer  of  title  they  were  proper  persons  to  witness  the  execu- 
tion of  the  deed.  At  this  early  day  Mr.  Pynchon  evidently  had 
gained  a  true  insight  into  the  Indian  character  and  realized  that 
it  was  prudent  to  secure  as  subscribing  witnesses  to  his  dealings 
with  the  natives  every  disinterested  person  in  the  community. 

The  extent  of  lands  purchased  Avas  considerable,  on  both 
sides  of  the  Connecticut,  from  Masaksicke  (Longmeadow)  north 
to  the  Chicopee  river,  and  was  described  in  the  deed  by  parcels 
with  special  consideration  for  each.  The  main  consideration 
paid,  however,  was  18  fathoms  of  wampum,  18  coates,  18 
hatchets,  18  knives  and  18  hoes.  The  minor  considerations  con- 
sisted of  wampum,  hatchets,  etc.,  as  specifically  mentioned  by 
various  writers  of  contemporary  history,  and  as  set  forth  in  the 
deed  itself,  recorded  in  Hampshire  county  July  8,  1679. 

Having  acquired  and  made  division  of  the  lands  according 
to  the  agreement,  the  real  work  of  development  w^as  begun.  Lots 
were  laid  out  at  right  angles  with  the  river  and  varied  from  eight 
to  fourteen  rods  in  width.  At  a  distance  of  about  80  rods  from 
the  river  was  laid  out  the  ''town  street,"  substantially  on  the 
line  of  present  Main  street,  but  much  wider  than  the  latter.  It 
was  a  crude  and  informal  beginning  of  the  town's  history,  yet  it 
was  sufficient  for  the  time  and  in  accord  with  the  rules  of  pro- 
priety then  observed. 

Notwithstanding  the  favorable  circumstances  under  which 
the  foundations  of  the  town  were  laid,  none  of  the  original  colo- 
nists except  the  son  of  the  founder  remained  long  in  the  locality. 
Mr.  Pynchon  himself  and  Henry  Smith,  with  several  members 
of  their  families,  left  the  place  in  1652  and  returned  to  England ; 
and  of  all  the  pioneers  (so  far  as  an  account  tends  to  show)  who 
settled  the  town  in  1636  only  John  Pynchon  was  a  permanent 
resident  here.  INIatthew  INIitchell,  Edmund  Wood  and  Thomas 
Ufford  removed  in  the  course  of  a  few  months.  Jehu  Burr  and 
John  Cable  soon  abandoned  the  plantation  for  homes    in    Con- 


OVK  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

neeticiit,  and  William  Black  took  up  his  abode  in  Dorchester. 
Thus  at  the  end  of  fifteen  years  from  the  time  the  plantation  was 
founded  not  one  of  the  pioneers,  except  Captain  John  Pynchon, 
remained.  However,  in  the  year  last  mentioned  the  settlement 
had  grown  in  number  of  persons,  new  lands  had  been  acquired 
and  divided,  and  a  new  colony  of  factors  were  occupied  with  the 
varied  avocations  of  life. 

AYilliam  Pynchon,  the  principal  founder  of  Springfield  and 
who  in  fact  made  most  of  its  history  during  his  residence  in  the 
town,  was  of  English  birth  and  parentage,  a  resident  of  Spring- 
field, County  of  Essex  (sometimes  given  as  Essexshire),  previous 
to  his  emigration  to  America  as  one  of  ' '  The  Governor  and  Com- 
pany of  the  ]\Iassachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,"  a  company 
which  was  the  recipient  of  the  favor  of  King  James  under  the 
grant  of  1629.  Evidently  comprised  of  personages  in  favor 
with  the  crown,  the  company  was  given  the  extraordinary  privi- 
lege of  transferring  its  seat  of  government  from  England  to  New 
England ;  and  as  one  of  its  chief  promoters,  as  well  as  for  per- 
sonal advantage,  Mr.  Pynchon  came  to  America  and  became  a 
planter,  a  trader  and  ultimately  the  founder  of  a  colony  on  the 
banks  of  the  Connecticut,  on  the  site  of  Springfield,  the  latter  so 
named  in  1641  in  allusion  to  his  old  home  seat  in  England. 

]Mr.  Pynchon  came  to  New  England  in  1630  with  his  wife 
(who  died  soon  afterward)  and  four  children,  Ann,  Mary  (after- 
ward Mrs.  Holyoke)  John  and  Margaret.  He  settled  first  at 
Dorchester  and  later  located  at  Boston  Neck,  where  he  founded 
a  plantation  and  also  engaged  as  a  trader,  chiefly  in  beaver  skins 
and  furs.  He  held  a  king's  commission  as  magistrate  and  assist- 
ant and  in  the  affairs  of  the  Massachusetts  government  was  an 
important  factor.  Himself  an  officer  of  the  court  and  having 
influence  with  persons  high  in  authority,  he  readily  persuaded 
them  to  grant  permission  to  found  a  new  colony  in  the  western 
portion  of  the  domain.  His  knowledge  of  the  region  had  been 
acquired  from  the  Indians  with  whom  he  had  traded,  and  on 
their  representations  he  visited  the  Connecticut  valley  and  made 
explorations.  Having  perfected  his  plans  he  called  around  him 
those  whose  company  and  aid  he  required,  sent  their  household 

(        6        ) 


William  Pynchon 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

goods  and  other  effects  around  by  way  of  the  ocean  and  tlie  Con- 
necticut river,  and  then  set  out  upon  the  journey  to  Agawam. 
After  completing  the  bargain  with  the  Indians  and  securing 
possession  of  the  laud,  he  established  his  family  in  a  rude  though 
comfortable  house  and  began  trading  with  the  natives  in  the  val- 
ley; and  having  been  granted  special  privileges,  he  also  traded 
in  grain  and  like  commodities  which  the  Indians  produced,  as 
well  as  in  furs. 

The  privilege  of  trading  in  grain,  which  was  especially  ac- 
corded to  the  founder,  eventually  led  to  complications  and  a  feel- 
ing of  dissatisfaction  in  the  valley,  and  also  to  a  separation  of 
AgaAvam  from  the  other  colonies  on  the  river.  In  a  preceding 
chapter  the  reader  will  learn  that  the  colonists  in  this  region 
finding  themselves  separated  from  the  mother  plantations,  estab- 
lished a  system  of  government  for  their  own  convenience,  and 
designated  Mr.  Pynchon  as  one  of  the  magistrates  of  the  court 
or  council  which  met  at  Hartford.  At  the  time  the  proceedings 
of  this  body  in  a  way  partook  of  the  nature  of  a  separation  from 
the  parent  government,  and  in  fact  was  so  regarded  by  the  set- 
tlers in  the  valley  south  of  Agawam,  although  the  affairs  of  the 
region  were  nominally  in  charge  of  commissioners  appointed  by 
the  general  court;  and  even  the  latter  body  for  a  time  believed 
that  the  Avestern  plantations  were  separated  from  them  in  juris- 
diction, as  the  proceedings  for  1641  refer  to  the  "return  of 
Springfield  to  the  jurisdiction  of  Massachusetts." 

As  is  fully  narrated  in  another  part  of  this  work,  the  Pequot 
war  occurred  in  1637  and  resulted  in  the  annihilation  of  that 
savage  people  and  also  in  a  condition  of  great  distress  among  the 
colonies  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Connecticut  valley.  To  secure 
a  requisite  supply  of  corn  for  food  Captain  Mason,  the  hero  of 
the  war,  visited  Mr.  Pynchon  and  asked  permission  to  buy  the 
needed  corn  from  the  Indians  in  the  vicinity  of  Nonatuck,  and 
expressed  an  intention  to  deal  with  them  after  his  own  soldier 
fashion,  while  INIr.  P,\mchon  advised  the  more  pacific  methods 
which  he  previously  had  adopted  in  trading  with  them.  A  mis- 
understanding then  arose  and  some  feeling  was  shown  on  both 
sides.      At  length  Captain  ]\Iason  secured  the  needed  corn,  but 

(        8        ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

the  charge  was  soon  made  that  Mr.  Pynehon  was  guilty  of  at- 
tempting to  speculate  at  the  expense  of  the  other  colonists.  He 
was  summoned  before  the  court  at  Hartford,  and  that  august 
l)ody  sustained  the  charges. 

This  led  to  the  separation  of  Agawam  from  the  other  colo- 
nies in  the  valley  and  ultimately  to  a  petition  from  Mr.  Pynehon 
and  others  to  be  received  into  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Massachu- 
setts general  colony.  The  subject  was  duly  considered,  "re- 
ferred and  examined,"  and  on  June  2,  1641,  "Springfield,  upon 
Conecticott"  was  taken  back  into  the  jurisdiction  of  Massachu- 
setts, and  thenceforth  was  recognized  as  a  town.  This  was  the 
proceeding  which  various  writers  have  mentioned  as  the  "change 
of  the  name  from  Agawam  to  Springfield;^"  and  this  was  the 
action  by  which  Springfield  was  regarded  as  an  established  town 
of  Massachusetts,  although  it  was  not  then  annexed  to  any 
county,  had  no  selectmen  until  1644,  and  no  representative  in  the 
general  court  until  1649. 

In  the  affairs  of  the  plantation  at  Agawam  and  in  the  early 
history  of  the  town  of  Springfield  Mr.  Pynehon  always  was  the 
chief  figure  and  all  his  works  tended  to  the  public  welfare.  He 
was  the  local  magistrate  to  settle  the  petty  dift'erences  that  arose 
among  the  colonists  and  his  decrees  and  orders  were  character- 
ized with  fairness  and  justice.  He  was  instrumental  in  estab- 
lishing the  parish  and  church,  assisted  in  securing  the  services 
of  a  minister,  and  of  his  means  gave  liberally  for  the  support  of 
the  gospel.  He  took  part  in  the  modification  of  the  strict  re- 
quirements of  the  orthodox  church,  but  when  he  essayed  to  pro- 
mulgate new  doctrines  through  the  publication  of  "The  Merito- 
rious Price  of  Man's  Redemption,"  etc.,  he  was  promptly  sum- 
moned before  the  court  at  Boston.  He  "justified"  himself, 
however,  and  succeeded  in  establishing  his  innocence  of  wrong 
intent ;  but  his  book  was  ordered  burned,  and  he  was  deprived  of 
his  magisterial  office,  being  succeeded  by  his  son-in-law,  Henry 
Smith.  He  remained  only  two  years  longer  in  the  toAvn  and 
then  departed  with  his  family  for  England. 

lAt  a  meeting  of  the  town  held  April  16.  1640.  it  was  "ordered  that  the 
Plantation  be  called  Springfield,"  and  in  pursuance  of  that  determination  the 
general  court  recognized  the  name  in  1641. 

(        9        ) 


01 R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

AVitli  the  departure  of  Mr.  Pynchon  and  Henry  Smith  and 
portions  of  their  families,  the  old  Agawam  plantation  had  lost 
all  save  one  or  two  of  its  original  founders.  John  Pynchon  re- 
mained as  probably  did  his  sister  who  married  Elizur  Holyoke. 
This  was  the  first  event  of  its  kind  in  the  town.  But  as  rapidly 
as  the  first  settlers  left,  their  places  were  taken  by  new  comers 
and  at  no  time  was  the  number  of  inhabitants  less  than  during 
the  first  year  in  the  history  of  the  plantation.  In  1637  Rev. 
George  Moxon  came  and  entered  upon  his  duties  as  minister  of 
the  gospel.  His  was  the  only  arrival  during  the  year,  and  he  re- 
turned to  England  in  1652.  In  the  next  year  there  came  John 
Searle  and  Thomas  Merrick,  both  of  whom  died  here,  the  former 
in  1641  and  the  latter  in  1704.  After  1638  settlement  became 
more  rapid,  and  from  that  year  until  the  creation  of  Hampshire 
county  in  1662  the  plantation  was  constantly  increased  by  the 
arrival  of  settlers  who  sought  to  establish  homes  in  the  new  and 
fertile  region,  Avhere  generous  provision  had  been  made  by  the 
founders  for  those  in  humble  circumstances,  yet  who  were  willing 
to  work  to  maintain  themselves  and  their  families.  None  others 
found  more  than  temporary  lodgment  in  the  community,  and  it 
is  a  noticeable  fact  in  connection  with  the  early  history  of 
Springfield  that  idlers  found  no  comfortable  place  for  themselves 
in  the  town.  If  the  settler  was  poor  he  nevertheless  was  wel- 
come if  he  proved  faithful  to  the  orders  of  the  to^^^l  and  was  will- 
ing to  work ;  if  he  proved  unworthy  in  character,  even  if  indus- 
trious, he  was  "disallowed." 

After  the  close  of  the  Pequot  war  the  tide  of  settlement  set 
strongly  toward  the  Connecticut  valley,  and  in  the  next  half 
score  of  years  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  the  region  was  more 
than  doubled.  The  old  town  records,  a  fruitful  source  of  in- 
formation to  the  writer,  disclose  the  names  of  nearly  all  the  set- 
tlers, and  the  year  in  which  their  names  were  entered  may  be 
taken  as  a  fair  index  of  the  time  of  their  arrival.  A  study  of 
the  pages  of  the  town  books  shows  that  in  1639  several  new  set- 
tlers were  added  to  the  local  population,  and  a  number  of  them 
brought  families.  The  arrivals  of  that  year  included  AA^'illiam 
AYarriner,  who  died  here  in  1676;  Rowland  Stebbins,    who    re- 

(       10       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

moved  to  Northampton  and  died  there  in  1671 ;  Thomas 
and  John  Stebbins,  sons  of  Rowland,  the  former  of 
Avhom  died  in  Springfield  in  1683  and  the  latter  in 
Northampton  in  1679 ;  John  Leonard,  Avho  -was  killed  by 
the  Indians  in  1676,  a  victim  of  King  Philip's  savage 
warriors;  Robert  Ashley,  the  progenitor  of  a  numerous 
family  of  descendants  and  who  died  in  1682 ;  John  AVood- 
cock,  who  removed  to  Connecticut  in  1642 ;  John  Allen ;  Henry 
Gregory,  who  left  in  1642;  Samuel  Hubbard;  Samuel  Wright 
and  his  sons  Benjamin,  Samuel,  jr.,  and  James,  all  of  whom  sub- 
sequently removed  to  Northampton.  While  perhaps  a  majority 
of  the  settlers  who  came  in  this  year  subsequently  removed  to 
other  localities  a  few  remained  and  were  permanent  residents  in 
the  town.  A  glance  at  the  list  will  disclose  family  surnames 
that  are  still  represented  in  Springfield  by  some  of  its  well  known 
citizens. 

In  1640,  the  year  in  which  the  old  name  of  Agawam  was  dis- 
carded and  that  of  Springfield  adopted  in  its  stead  by  the  set- 
tlers, the  number  of  arrivals  was  less  than  in  the  preceding  year, 
and  included  Henry  Burt  and  his  family,  among  the  latter  be- 
ing his  sons  Jonathan,  David  and  Nathaniel,  all  of  whom  were 
closely  identified  with  the  subsequent  history  of  the  to^^^l ;  Elizur 
Holyoke,  who  married  a  daughter  of  William  Pynchon  and  who 
was  one  of  the  foremost  men  of  the  town  in  later  years ;  John 
Dibble,  who  died  in  1646.  John  Noble  came  in  1641  and  died 
the  same  year. 

The  most  prominent  arrival  in  the  town  in  1642  was  that  of 
the  family  of  Deacon  Samuel  Chapin,  among  whom  were  his  sons 
Henry,  Josias,  David  and  Japhet.  Deacon  Chapin  himself  filled 
an  important  place  in  the  early  history  of  the  town,  and  next  to 
Mr.  Pynchon  was  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  men  in  the 
community,  his  works  and  influence  always  being  for  good.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  selectmen  and  served  in  that  capacity  until 
1652,  when  he  was  made  "commissioner"  with  John  Pynchon. 
In  later  years  he  again  was  chosen  selectman,  and  in  many  other 
ways  he  contributed  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  place, 
in  its  public,  social  and  religious  history.      His  descendants  have 

(       11       ) 


The  Deacon  Samuel  Chapin  Statue 


Deacon  Chapin,  who  frequently  is  mentioned  as  "the  Puritan,"  was  a  man  of  upright  character 
in  all  the  walks  of  life.  His  truly  christian  example  in  a  largre  measure  molded  the  char- 
acter of  those  about  him  and  left  its  impress  upon  succeeding  generations 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

been  numerous  and  include  many  of  the  foremost  men  of  the  city 
and  county,  some  of  whom  have  attained  a  high  standing  in  busi- 
ness and  public  life.  The  splendid  statue  which  adorns  the  open 
space  adjoining  the  city  library  on  State  street  was  erected  in 
memory  of  Deacon  Chapin  and  is  a  Avorthy  tribute  of  love  and 
esteem.  The  "Puritan"— by  this  name  he  is  frequently  re- 
called— died  in  Springfield  in  1675.  Kiehard  Sikes,  who  also  in 
later  years  was  a  conspicuous  figure  in  local  history,  came  to  the 
town  in  1642. 

The  records  for  the  year  1643  make  mention  of  the  names  of 
Alexander  Edwards,  who  afterward  settled  in  Northampton,  and 
died  in  1690 ;  John  Dover ;  Morgan  Jones,  who  died  the  same 
year ;  Francis  Ball,  who  was  drowned  in  1648 ;  Thomas  Cooper, 
w^ho  was  killed  by  the  Indians  at  the  time  of  the  attack  on 
Springfield  in  1675  ;  James  Bridgman,  who  died  in  Northampton 
in  1676 ;  Eoger  Pritchard,  who  soon  removed  to  New  Haven ; 
Judah  Gregory,  who  also  settled  in  Connecticut;  "William 
Branch,  who  died  here  in  1683 ;  John  Matthews,  who  died  in 
1684 ;  John  Harmon,  who  died  in  1661 ;  and  Benjamin  Cooley, 
who  died  in  1684. 

Among  the  settlers  who  are  to  be  credited  for  the  year  1644, 
the  records  disclose  the  names  of  Miles  Morgan,  who  lived  in  the 
town  until  his  death  in  1699,  and  whose  monument  in  Court 
square  suggests  the  spirit  of  the  times  in  which  he  was  a  con- 
spicuous figure  in  local  histoTv.  In  the  same  connection  men- 
tion is  made  of  Abraham  IMunden,  Avho  was  drowned  at  Enfield 
Falls  in  1645.  For  the  year  1645  we  have  the  names  of  William 
Vaughn ;  TTilliam  Jess,  who  was  droAvned  at  Enfield  Falls  in 
1645 ;  Francis  Pepper,  who  died  here  in  1685 ;  John  Burrhall ; 
Griffith  Jones,  w^ho  died  in  1676 ;  and  James  Osborn,  who  died 
in  Hartford  in  1676.  In  1646  there  Avere  George  Colton,  whose 
family  name  for  more  than  tAvo  centuries  has  been  prominently 
mentioned  in  LongmeadoAA^  history  and  AA'ho  died  in  1699 ;  John 
Clark,  AA'ho  died  here  in  1684 ;  Thomas  ReeA-e,  AA'ho  died  in  1650 ; 
Richard  Exell,  aa^Iio  died  in  1714 :  Margaret  Bliss,  AAddoAA^  of 
Thomas  Bliss  of  Hartford,  AA'ho  came  to  the  toAvn  Avith  a  large 
family  of  children  and  in  consideration  of  her  numerous  progney 

(       13       ) 


Orii  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

was  granted  additional  lots  (a  portion  of  which  lands  are  still 
owned  by  her  descendants)  ;  Lawrence,  Samuel  and  John  Bliss, 
sons  of  Margaret,  all  of  whom  died  in  the  town ;  Thomas  Thom- 
son, who  soon  removed  elsewhere;  Reice  Bedortha,  who  was 
drowned  in  1683 ;  Hugh  Parsons,  who  was  charged  with  the  sin 
of  witchcraft,  was  tried  in  Boston  and  acquitted,  and  afterward 
settled  in  AVatertown ;  John  Lombard,  who  died  here  in  1672,  and 
whose  descendants  were  among  Springfield's  prominent  men  in 
later  years ;  George  Lancton,  who  removed  to  Northampton  and 
died  there  in  1676. 

The  name  of  a  single  settler  is  credited  to  the  year  1647,  that 
of  Rowland  Thomas,  Avho  died  here  in  1698.  In  1648  there  were 
added  the  names  of  Thomas  Sewell,  who  took  the  "oath  of  fidel- 
ity" Feb.  6,  1649,  and  Samuel  Marshfield,  who  died  in  the  town 
in  1692. 

In  1649  several  new  names  were  added  to  the  list  of  towns- 
men, among  them  being  that  of  Anthony  Dorchester,  who  died  in 
1683 ;  Henry  Walkley,  who  removed  to  Connecticut ;  Nathaniel 
Brown,  who  afterward  settled  in  Middletown;  Benjamin  Munn, 
who  died  in  1675 ;  Thomas  IMiller,  who  was  killed  by  the  Indians 
in  1675 ;  and  Jonathan  Taylor,  who  died  in  Suffield  in  1683. 
AYilliam  Brooks,  who  settled  in  Deerfield  and  died  in  1688,  was 
the  only  person  mentioned  as  having  come  to  the  town  in  1649. 

The  names  entered  on  the  lists  in  1650  were  John  Dumble- 
ton,  who  died  in  1702 ;  John  Stewart,  who  died  in  1690 ;  Edward 
Foster,  who  died  at  a  ripe  old  age  in  1720 ;  Samuel  Terry,  who 
died  in  Enfield  in  1731 :  Hugh  Dudley  and  Richard  INIaund. 
Those  credited  to  the  year  1651  were  Benjamin  Parsons  who  died 
in  1689 ;  Nathaniel  Pritchard,  who  lived  in  the  town  until  after 
1691 ;  and  John  Lamb,  who  died  here  in  1690.  In  1653  ]\Ir. 
Hosford,  whose  given  name  is  not  mentioned,  and  Thomas  Ban- 
croft, who  died  as  early  as  1684,  are  first  noted  on  the  books.  In 
1654  there  are  mentioned  George  Alexander;  Simon  Beaman, 
who  died  here  in  1676 ;  Obadiah  Miller  and  Abel  "S\"right,  the  lat- 
ter of  whom  died  in  1724.  Simon  Sackett  and  Thomas  Gilbert 
came  in  1655,  the  former  dying  in  the  town  in  1659  and  the  lat- 
ter in  1662. 

(       14       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPh'IXGFIELD 

Continuing  still  further  the  same  line  of  narration,  the  rec- 
ords show  that  the  settlers  who  came  to  the  town  in  1656  were 
John  Gilbert,  Avho  petitioned  for  an  allotment  of  land  in  AYoro- 
noco,  but  who  did  not  settle  there :  Jonathan  Gilbert,  who  at  first 
sought  to  settle  at  AYethersfield  but  did  not  in  fact;  Thomas 
Noble,  who  acquired  lands  in  Westfield,  where  he  died  in  1704, 
and  from  whom  has  descended  some  of  the  best  men  of  that 
town ;  William  INIorgan,  who  was  drowned  in  1663 ;  and  John 
Eiley,  who  died  here  in  16S4.  John  Bagg  is  first  mentioned  in 
1657,  and  his  surname  has  been  represented  in  all  succeeding 
generations  to  the  present  time  by  men  of  worth  and  prominence 
in  the  civil  and  political  history  of  the  county.  In  1658  we  find 
the  names  of  John  "Wood,  who  left  in  1660 ;  John  Stiles,  who  was 
drowned  at  Windsor  in  1683 ;  Joseph  Crowfoot,  who  removed  to 
Northampton ;  Thomas  Day,  who  died  here  in  1711 :  and  Richard 
Fellows,  who  died  at  Hartford  in  1663. 

For  the  year  1659  mention  is  made  of  Pelatiah  Glover,  the 
settled  minister  of  the  church  in  Springfield  from  1660  to  1692, 
when  he  died :  John  Scott,  who  died  in  Suffield  in  1690 :  Tahan 
Grant;  Nathaniel  Ely,  whose  descendants  have  been  numerous 
and  prominent  in  the  history  of  Springfield,  Longmeadow  and 
other  towns  of  the  county  for  many  years :  Samuel  Ely,  son  of 
Nathaniel,  and  who  died  in  1690 ;  Peter  Swinck,  supposed  to  have 
been  the  first  negro  settler  in  Springfield  and  who  died  in  1699. 
In  the  records  for  1660  there  are  found  the  names  of  John  Keep, 
who,  with  others,  was  killed  by  the  Indians  in  1676  while  on  the 
way  from  the  settlement  at  Longmeadow  to  Springfield  to  attend 
religious  worship ;  Quince  Smith,  who  was  received  into  the  set- 
tlement on  probation  for  two  months  and  then  was  "dis- 
allowed" and  warned  to  depart;  Rev.  Mr.  Hooker,  who  minis- 
tered to  the  people  of  the  parish  for  a  few  months. 

In  1661  there  appear  the  names  of  Charles  Ferry,  who  died 
in  the  town  in  1669 ;  Elizabeth  Hitchcock,  widow  of  Luke  Hitch- 
cock, who  with  her  two  sons  John  and  Luke  afterward  lived  and 
died  in  the  town  and  from  whom  have  descended  some  of  the  best 
men  of  the  county :  Jeremy  Horton  who  died  here  in  1682  and 
whose  descendants  have  been  prominent  in  succeeding  genera- 

(       15       ) 


Miles  Morgan  Statue,  Court  Square,  Springfield 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 


tious ;  John  Horton ;  John  and  Samuel  Harmon  and  John  and 
James  Dorchester,  both  of  Avhom  died  here.  In  1662  the  neAv 
comers  were  John  Petty,  who  died  here  in  1680 ;  John  Henryson, 
who  removed  to  Connecticut  and  died  there ;  "William  Hunter, 
who  Avas  killed  by  King  Philip 's  warriors  in  1676  ;  James  Taylor, 
who  died  here  in  1720 ;  Thomas  JNIascall,  who  was  admitted  as  a 
settler  from  Windsor.  Hugh  Maekey  and  Thomas  Thomson,  a 
boy,  are  mentioned  as  having  a  seat  in  the  meeting  hoiise  in  1663, 
and  John  Barber,  who  died  in  1712,  is  first  referred  to  in  the 
same  year. 

Among  the  various  old  records  and  documents  of  a  historic 
character  in  the  custody  of  the  city  clerk  of  Springfield  is  a 
paper  in  the  handwriting  of  that  worthy  settler,  Elizur  Holyoke, 
which  contains  a  list  of  names  of  the  allowed  freemen  of  the 
town,  nearly  all  of  them  heads  of  families,  in  the  year  1664.  The 
paper  reads  as  follows : 

"February  1664." 

' '  Here  follows  a  Record  or  List  of  ye  Names  of  the  Townes- 

men,  or  men  of  this  Towne  of  Springfield  that  is  to  say  of  the 

allowed  »&  admitted  Inhabitants,  who  they  are  this  present  Febr : 

1664." 

Serj.  Miles  Morgan 

William  Branch 

Capt.  John  Pynchon 

Lieut  Elizur  Holyoke 

Francis  Pepper 

Timothy  Cooper 

]\Ir.  Pelatiah  Glover 

Deacon  Sam'l  Chapin 

Japhet  Chapin 

John  Stewart 

Thomas  Noble 

AYilliam  Warriner 

Serj.  Tho.  Stebbins 

Benjamin  Mun 

David  Ashley 

Abell  Wright 


Rowland  Thomas 
Henry  Chapin 
William  Brooks 
John  Bagg 
William  Hunter 
Peter  Swinck 
Griffith  Jones 
Obadiah  Miller 
John  Henrison 
Richard  Exell 
John  Dumbleton 
Jonathan  Taylor 
Hugh  Dudley 
John  Baker 
John  Scott 
John  Riley 


John  Clarke 
Rowland  Stebbin 
Lawrence  Bliss 
James  Osborne 
John  Harman 
Nath.  Pritchard 
Benjamin  Parsons 
Widdow  M.  Bliss 
Sam'l  Bliss 
John  INIatthews. 
Anth.  Dorchester 
Rich.  Sikes 
Jonathan  Burt 
John  Lumbard 
Thomas  Bancroft 
Benjamin  Cooley 


2-2 


(       17       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 


Joseph  Crowfoote 
Edward  Ffoster 
Thomas  Miller 
John  Leonard 
Ens.  Tho.  Cooper 
Rice  Bedortha 
Samiiell  Terry 
John  Lamb 
Robert  Ashley 


James  Warriner 
Jeremy  Horton 
Symon  Bemon 
Thomas  Day 
Charles  Fferry 
Thomas  Mirick 
Sam '11  Marshfield 
Nathaneel  Ely 


John  Bliss 
John  Keepe 
Nathaneel  Burt 
Widdow  Burt 
George  Colton 
Samuel  Ely 
James  Taylor 
Jonathan  Ball 
John  Horton 


From  what  is  stated  in  preceding  paragraphs  it  may  be  seen 
that  notwithstanding  the  generous  provision  made  for  the  benefit 
of  all  worthy  persons  who  chose  to  make  their  abode  in  the  town, 
settlement  in  Springfield  during  the  early  years  of  its  history 
was  somewhat  slow.  In  the  time  of  the  elder  Pynchon  it  was 
the  purpose  of  the  founders  to  limit  the  plantation  to  forty  fam- 
ilies, which  fact,  with  the  investiture  of  the  land  proprietary  in 
the  town,  had  the  effect  to  retard  the  growth  of  the  localit3^  A 
glance  at  the  list  of  settlers  above  furnished  will  show  that  almost 
a  majority  of  those  who  came  during  the  first  few  years  of  the 
town 's  history  soon  departed  and  established  themselves  in  other 
places,  many  of  them  in  Northampton  and  others  in  the  colonies 
down  the  valley.  These  frequent  removals  leads  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  there  was  something  in  the  order  of  things  under  the 
original  founders  that  was  distasteful  to  many  of  the  first  set- 
tlers, or  that  the  Pynchon  proprietary  clung  to  the  determination 
to  limit  the  extent  of  the  plantation ;  but  there  is  no  proof  that 
such  conditions  prevailed,  and  it  may  be  that  the  temporary  set- 
tlement here  was  for  the  purpose  of  selecting  the  most  desirable 
location  on  the  part  of  the  settlers. 

The  list  of  "allowed  and  admitted  inhabitants"  prepared  by 
Elizur  Holyoke  in  1664  shows  the  names  of  seventy-four  ' '  towns- 
men" in  Springfield  at  that  time.  Each  of  those  mentioned  pre- 
sumably was  the  head  of  a  family,  and  the  number  of  actual  in- 
habitants then  in  the  town  must  have  been  more  than  three  hun- 
dred. However,  in  that  year  Springfield  Avas  a  jurisdiction  of 
considerable  size,  amounting  almost  to  a  principality  in  area,  and 
included  portions  of  towns  now  within  the  state  of  Connecticut. 


(       18       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRIXGFIELD 

The  proceeding-  of  the  general  court  in  1641,  recognizing  Spring- 
field as  a  town,  gave  it  no  bounds,  and  even  the  act  creating 
Hampshire  county  in  1662  furnished  no  more  than  indefinite 
boundaries  for  the  greater  jurisdiction. 

When  originally  set  off  in  1636  Springfield  was  common 
land  called  Agawam,  and  Mr.  Pynchon  evidently  had  authority 
to  acquire  title  to  such  portions  of  the  entire  region  as  he  felt 
disposed  to  purchase  from  the  Indians.  INIore  than  that,  when 
other  lands  were  acquired  by  other  proprietors,  and  were  settled, 
but  without  sufficient  population  to  warrant  separate  town  or- 
ganization, such  localities  were  annexed  to  the  mother  town  for 
purposes  of  local  government.  In  the  j^ear  following  the  first 
settlement  at  Agawam,  owing  perhaps  to  some  slight  differences 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  col- 
onies, the  boundary  line  between  them  was  established,  and  a  con- 
siderable area  which  formerly  had  been  within  the  general  Aga- 
wam plantation  was  separated  from  it,  although  the  inhabitants 
there  continued  for  some  time  under  its  general  authority.  In 
fact  a  part  of  the  territory  of  what  now  is  Connecticut  originally 
was  within  the  Agawam  jurisdiction. 

Of  the  several  towns  comprising  Hampden  county  Spring- 
field contributed  of  its  territory  to  the  formation,  in  whole  or  in 
part,  of  no  less  than  thirteen  of  them.^  First,  in  1669,  AVoronoco 
was  set  off  and  called  Westfield,  and  included  all  the  town  now 
so  called  together  with  Southwick  and  parts  of  Montgomery  and 
Russell.  Second,  in  1763  the  territory  of  original  Wilbraham 
was  set  off  and  comprised,  substantially,  all  the  present  town  of 
that  name  and  also  Avhat  is  now  Hampden.  Third,  in  1774  the 
remaining  portion  of  Springfield  west  of  the  Connecticut  was  set 
off  to  form  West  Springfield,  and  included  all  that  is  now  Hol- 
yoke  and  Agawam. 

The  third  subdivision  of  Springfield's  territory  was  made  in 
the  latter  part  of  February,  1774,  when  Ludlow  was  set  oft'  as  a 
district.     In  the  next  year  it  was  organized  as  a  town.     This 

^In  1664  the  town  of  Springfield  fixed  the  bounds  of  Enfield  and  ordered  that 
it  be  "accounted  a  part  of  Springfield"  until  the  general  court  ordered  other- 
wise. 

(       19        ) 


OVn  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

tOAvn  alone  of  all  the  old  component  parts  of  Springfield  has  not 
been  called  on  to  surrender  its  territory  to  later  formations.  The 
fifth  subdivision  was  made  in  1783  when  Longmeadow  was  cre- 
ated, including  nearly  all  of  the  present  town  so  called,  together 
with  the  comparatively  new  jurisdiction  called  East  Longmea- 
dow. The  sixth  and  last  reduction  in  area  of  the  mother  town 
was  made  in  1848,  when  Chicopee  was  set  otf.  In  1890  a  part 
of  Longmeadow  was  annexed  to  Springfield  and  was  brought 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  its  city  government. 

During  the  first  fev;  years  of  its  history  it  was  a  question 
whether  the  colonization  scheme  undertaken  by  Mr.  Pynchon  and 
his  associates  would  be  a  permanent  success,  and  some  writers 
have  inclined  to  the  position  that  there  was  a  time  when  the 
planters  would  have  abandoned  the  settlement  and  returned  to 
the  eastern  colonies.  Such  a  feeling  may  have  arisen  when  the 
Connecticut  colonies  began  their  work  of  persecution  and  ar- 
raigned ]\Ir.  Pynchon  before  the  court  at  Hartford  on  the  flimsy 
charge  of  speculation,  resulting  in  a  division  and  the  separation 
of  Agawam  from  its  sister  plantations  in  the  valley.  But  this 
seeming  hardship  proved  a  blessing  in  fact  and  the  little  unpro- 
tected, struggling  colony  of  planters  gradually  grew  in  strength 
and  increased  their  lands.  The  goodly  accession  to  the  number 
of  settlers  during  the  years  1640-43  determined  the  permanency 
of  the  settlement,  and  from  that  time  the  increase  was  constant 
and  healthful. 

In  1642  a  second  allotment  of  lands  was  made  and  in  1645  a 
third  division  became  necessary.  In  the  latter  year  the  Connecti- 
cut toA^^ls  sought  to  impose  a  tariff  on  Springfield  imports  and 
exports  shipped  by  way  of  the  river.  This  attempt  was  resisted, 
and  the  feeling  created  by  the  events  of  the  period  threatened  the 
peace  of  all  the  New  England  colonies.  In  1646^  the  first  annual 
town  meeting  was  held  (previous  to  this  time  the  meetings  had 
been  held  monthly)  and  in  1647  the  proceedings  were  first  regu- 
larly recorded. 

^In  this  year  George  Colton  and  Miles  Morgan  were  appointed  to  "do  their 
best  to  get  a  smith  (blacksmith)  for  the  town,"  and  later  on  the  town  bargained 
with  Francis  Ball  for  a  shop  for  the  smith,  the  building  to  be  12x16  feet  and 
"six  feet  stud  between  joints." — Town  records, 

(        20        ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

In  1648  the  community  was  first  plagued  with  the  imaginary 
sin  of  witchcraft,  growing  out  of  a  misunderstanding  between 
settlers  Parsons  and  Bedortha  and  the  physical  condition  of  the 
wife  of  the  latter  which  now  would  be  regarded  as  hysteria.  But 
the  infection  at  once  caught  in  the  plantation  and  even  the  good 
minister  Moxon's  family  did  not  escape  its  ravages.  The  aid  of 
the  law  and  the  general  court  was  invoked  during  this  period  of 
disturbance,  alleged  witches  were  apprehended  and  brought  to 
trial,  but  the  most  serious  result  was  in  the  temporary  disquiet  in 
the  plantation.  Viewing  such  events  in  the  enlightened  age  of 
the  twentieth  century  we  can  only  express  surprise  that  our  staid 
old  forefathers  could  have  been  even  temporarily  misled  by  such 
vagaries  of  imagination,  yet  they  did  exist  and  an  occasion  is  not 
wanting  in  which  the  piuiishment  of  death  was  visited  on  an 
unfortunate  offender  charged  and  convicted  of  witchery.  Salem 
was  a  hotbed  of  witchcraft  during  the  period  in  Avhich  that  evil 
was  honestly  supposed  to  exist. 

In  1650  Mr.  Pynchon,  who  had  been  chiefly  instrumental  in 
founding  and  maintaining  the  colony  at  Agawam  and  who  had 
been  the  guiding  spirit  in  all  the  affairs  of  the  plantation  as  well 
as  being  one  of  the  magistrates  of  the  court,  published  his  famous 
book,  "The  Meritorious  Price  of  Man's  Kedemption,"  which  is 
referred  to  on  an  earlier  page.  "Wliile  the  results  of  this  work, 
which  has  been  called  "the  pioneer  of  religious  thought  and  free- 
dom," in  no  wise  reflected  on  his  character  or  his  standing  in  the 
town,  he  nevertheless  was  much  affected  by  the  "burning"  of  his 
book ;  and  after  he  had  been  deprived  of  his  magisterial  office  he 
began  preparations  for  departure.  In  1652.  having  disposed  of 
most  of  his  property  and  other  interests  in  the  locality  he,  with 
his  son-in-iaw,  Henry  Smith,  returned  to  England.  INIr.  Moxon 
left  during  the  same  year,  and  thus  Springfield  lost  three  of  its 
most  upright  pioneers. 

On  the  departure  of  the  elder  P^^lellon  his  son  John  suc- 
ceeded to  the  vacant  place  in  the  town,  and  he  is  believed  to  have 
continued  the  business  of  trading,  milling  and  selling  merchan- 
dise. When  the  "head"  of  the  church  had  departed  the  younger 
P\Tichon  ministered  to  the  people  by  reading  to  them  and  ocea- 

(       21       ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

sionally  by  addressing  them  from  his  "owne  meditations."  In 
addition  to  his  services  in  this  work,  the  town,  in  1656,  employed 
Deacon  Wright,  Deacon  Chapin,  Mr.  Holyoke  and  Henry  Burt  to 
labor  in  the  "Lord's  work  on  the  Sabbath"  until  a  settled  min- 
ister should  be  engaged.  This  laudable  work  was  performed  by 
these  worthy  pioneers  until  1661,  when  Rev.  Pelatiah  Glover  was 
settled  as  minister  over  the  old  First  parish.  The  first  meeting 
house  was  built  in  1645  by  Thomas  Cooper,  and  was  the  first 
church  edifice  in  the  state  west  of  Boston.  Its  size  was  28x40 
feet,  and  nine  feet  "between  joints." 

In  1662  the  three  Connecticut  river  towns  of  Massachusetts 
were  incorporated  as  a  county  by  the  name  of  Hampshire,  and 
Springfield  Avas  designated  as  the  "shire  town,"  as  may  be  seen 
by  reference  to  the  creating  act  in  another  chapter  of  this  work. 
If  previously  there  had  been  any  question  regarding  the  perma- 
nency of  the  town  all  doubt  was  dispelled  by  this  action.  The 
three  towns  were  Springfield,  Northampton  and  Hadley,  all 
flourishing  settlements,  that  first  mentioned  being  of  the  most 
importance.  Northampton  was  not  made  a  half-shire  town  but  it 
was  ordered  that  the  courts  should  be  held  alternately  at  that 
place  and  Springfield. 

The  designation  of  Springfield  as  the  seat  of  justice  of  a  new 
county  was  the  most  important  event  in  the  early  history  of  the 
town,  and  at  once  gave  it  a  special  prominence  among  the  munici- 
palities of  the  state,  although  many  years  passed  before  a  court 
house  was  in  fact  erected.  In  1659  Captain  John  Pynchon  had 
built  a  large  brick  mansion  house  which  served  the  double  pur- 
pose of  a  residence  and  defensive  fortress  to  be  used  in  case  of  an 
attack  from  the  Indians ;  and  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the 
hospitable  owner  frequently  furnished  entertainment  to  the 
stranger  within  his  gates. 

During  the  early  years  of  the  county's  history,  the  Pynchon 
fort,  as  it  is  best  recalled,  was  the  place  in  which  courts  were  held 
and  so  far  as  common  belief  tends  to  establish  the  fact,  they  con- 
tinued to  be  held  there  until  after  the  dawning  of  the  eighteenth 
century.  Some  authorities  are  inclined  to  the  belief  that  courts 
were  frequently  held  in  the  old  Ely  "ordinary,"  or  tavern,  for 

(       22       ) 


OIR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

which  in  1665  Nathaniel  Ely  was  licensed  to  furnish  entertain- 
ment, refreshment  and  good  cheer  to  villagers  and  travellers ;  and 
in  consideration  of  the  great  good  expected  of  him  the  worthy 
host  Avas  released  from  ' '  trajTiing  in  ye  towne  soe  long  as  he  con- 
tinues to  keepe  ye  ordinary," 

The  Pynchon  fort,  or  residence,  stood  near  the  corner  of 
what  now  is  Main  and  Fort  streets,  on  ground  occupied  by  the 
Fort  block.  It  M^as  in  existence  until  1831  and  for  more  than  a 
century  was  one  of  the  most  pretentious  structures  in  the  tOAvn. 

In  1662,  after  Springfield  had  been  designated  as  the  shire 
town,  the  selectmen  caused  a  house  of  correction  to  be  built.  It 
was  located  on  the  "road  on  the  brow  of  the  hill,"  or  what  now  is 
Maple  street.  Captain  Pynchon  and  Nathaniel  Ely  were  ap- 
pointed to  lay  out  the  road  leading  to  the  prison.  Previous  to 
this  time  the  settlers  had  little  need  of  a  place  of  confinement, 
and  while  the  construction  of  a  house  of  correction  was  first  men- 
tioned in  1661,  it  was  not  until  after  the  creation  of  the  county 
that  it  was  built.  The  worthy  pioneers  would  not  belittle  the 
dignity  and  character  of  their  place  of  abode  by  designating  the 
house  of  correction  as  a  "common  gaol,"  and  the  structure  was 
not  built  as  a  place  in  which  offenders  were  to  be  punished,  but 
rather  where  tlie  evil  course  of  the  wrong-doer  was  to  be  correct- 
ed. In  later  years  the  name  "jail"  came  into  use  in  describing 
the  county  prison,  but  the  general  designation  of  house  of  correc- 
tion is  still  preserved. 

After  the  organization  of  the  county  and  the  settlement  of 
the  affairs  of  the  to^ATi  in  connection  with  the  new  order  of  things, 
the  people  entered  upon  an  era  of  progress  and  prosperity. 
From  that  time  until  the  outbreak  of  King  Philip's  war  there  was 
nothing  to  disturb  the  peace  of  the  community,  but  when  the 
Connecticut  river  Indians  began  to  show  signs  of  discontent  the 
inhabitants  naturally  were  alarmed  and  took  measures  for  the 
common  defense.  Of  all  the  plantations  that  invariably  had 
treated  the  Indians  with  generosity,  Springfield  undoubtedly 
stood  at  the  head,  but  the  prospect  of  conquering  the  whites  was 
too  much  for  the  savage  nature  to  resist,  and  it  readily  yielded  to 
Philip's  entreaties  and  without  provocation  the  natives  turned 

(       24       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

against  the  people  who  had  befriended  and  maintained  them  for 
years. 

King  Philip's  war,  the  story  of  which  is  told  in  detail  in  an 
earlier  chapter  of  this  work,  began  in  the  spring  of  1675,  but  the 
disatlection  among  the  river  tribes  did  not  show  itself  until  the 
latter  part  of  the  summer,  when  the  scene  of  events  was  trans- 
ferred from  the  eastern  part  of  the  colony  to  the  Connecticut 
valley.  The  war  was  the  most  disastrous  event  in  the  early  his- 
tory of  Springfield  and  nearly  resulted  in  the  abandonment  of 
the  settlement  by  its  white  population. 

On  October  5,  1675,  Springfield  was  attacked  and  burned  by 
the  Indians,  and  Lieut.  Cooper,  Thomas  Miller,  Pentacost  Mat- 
thews (wife  of  John  ]\Iatthews)  were  killed.  Four  other  persons 
were  wounded,  and  one  of  them,  Edmund  Pringrydays,  died  a 
few  days  later.  In  all  fifty-two  buildings,  including  the  house 
of  corecction  and  Capt.  Pynchon's  corn  and  saw  mill,  were 
burned.  Of  the  total  number  of  buildings  destroyed  thirty-two 
were  houses  and  twenty-five  were  barns  with  all  their  contents — 
the  recently  garnered  products  of  the  season. 

On  the  day  of  the  attack  the  town  was  practically  defenseless 
except  for  the  protection  afforded  by  the  fortified  houses.  The 
militia  were  away  in  the  defense  of  Hadley,  and  upon  their  re- 
turn the  savages  fled  to  the  forests.  Throughout  the  remainder 
of  that  year,  and  the  next,  the  town  was  frequently  visited  by 
marauding  bands  of  Indians,  but  beyond  an  occasional  sneaking 
assault  on  some  unguarded  settler  and  the  burning  of  a  few 
houses  and  barns  no  serious  loss  was  suffered. 

While  the  destruction  of  Springfield  was  a  serious  blow  to 
every  settler  in  the  town.  Captain  Pynchon  was  the  heaviest  loser 
in  property,  and  as  a  result  he  was  nearly  driven  to  distraction. 
Indeed,  every  settler  lost  all  he  had,  but  the  feeling  of  discourage- 
ment which  settled  in  Capt.  Pynchon's  mind  cast  a  cloud  over  the 
entire  comnumity.  The  general  court  advised  the  removal  of  the 
people  to  the  eastern  colonies  of  the  province,  but  this  was  impos- 
sible, hence  the  counsel  was  not  heeded.  For  a  year  or  two  the 
inhabitants  struggled  along  against  every  adversity,  and  at  the 
end  of  that  time  the  storm  of  war  passed  away  and  peace  and 

(       35       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

order  were  restored.  Soon  a  new  town  greAV  out  of  the  ruins  of 
the  old  place  and  a  greatly  improved  condition  of  things  was 
established. 

In  the  course  of  a  few  years  after  King  Philip's  war  new 
Indian  troubles  arose,  and  for  the  next  hundred  years  Springfield 
hardly  knew  the  blessings  of  peace.  Following  the  period  re- 
ferred to  in  preceding  paragraphs,  there  next  was  visited  on  our 
people  the  effects  of  King  AYilliam's  war,  then  Queen  Anne's 
war,  and  after  that  the  long  continued  series  of  French  and  Eng- 
lish wars  which  excited  the  public  mind  and  called  for  men  and 
money— a  continual  drain  on  the  resources  of  the  town— until 
the  final  overthrow  of  the  French  power  in  America  in  1763.  In 
less  than  a  dozen  more  years  there  followed  the  revolution,  during 
which  Springfield  was  the  center  of  military  operations,  and  for 
eight  years  more  the  people  knew  nothing  of  peace.  However,  in 
a  way  this  war  resulted  in  material  good  to  the  town,  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  federal  arsenal  and  the  watershops,  thus  adding 
greatly  to  the  local  population  and  the  constant  employment  of 
about  a  thousand  workmen.  FolloAving  close  upon  the  revolution 
came  Shays'  insurrection,  the  brief  but  exciting  struggle  between 
the  insurgents  and  the  officers  of  the  law-  and  the  courts,  and  cul- 
minating in  Shays'  ridiculous  and  fruitless  attempt  to  capture 
the  IT.  S.  arsenal  on  the  hill.  All  the  preceding  events  are  made 
subjects  of  special  chapters  in  another  part  of  this  work,  hence 
need  but  passing  notice  here. 

Among  the  multitude  of  misfortunes  which  visited  them- 
selves upon  the  town  about  the  time  of  King  Philip's  war  men- 
tion is  to  be  made  of  the  death  of  two  of  Springfield's  most  re- 
spected and  upright  citizens.  We  refer  to  Deacon  Samuel  Cha- 
pin  and  Capt.  Elizur  Holyoke,  both  of  whom  died  in  1675  and 
both  of  whom  had  labored  long  and  earnestly  for  the  temporal 
and  spiritual  welfare  of  the  people  of  the  community.  Major 
John  Pynchon,  the  last  survivor  of  the  little  pioneer  band  that 
founded  the  colony  in  1636,  was  also  removed  by  the  hand  of 
death. 

]\Iajor  Pynchon  had  been  the  leading  man  of  the  town  for 
many  years.  In  youth  be  had  come  with  his  father  and  took  part 

(       26       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

in  founding  the  plantation,  and  when  the  latter  returned  to  Eng- 
land in  1652,  the  son  succeeded  to  his  business  interests  and  also 
to  his  influence  in  the  region.  AVhen  the  inhabitants  formed  the 
first  militia  company  John  Pynehon  was  chosen  captain.  Later 
on  he  was  made  major,  a  title  by  which  he  was  afterward  known. 
From  the  organization  of  the  county  until  after  King  Philip's 
war.  Major  Pynehon  was  the  most  conspicuous  figure  in  Spring- 
field history. 

In  accordance  with  a  proclamation  issued  by  the  crown,  the 
general  court,  on  April  27,  1678,  ordered  all  subjects  to  take  the 


Park  Congregational  Church,  Springfield 

oath  of  allegiance  before  one  of  the  magistrates  of  the  colony. 
Major  Pynehon  was  appointed  to  administer  the  oath  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Springfield,  and  agreeable  to  the  act  the  following 
named  persons  attested  their  loyalty  to  the  king  during  the 
month  of  December,  1678,  and  January,  1679.  (An  hundred 
years  later  such  an  order  would  have  found  little  recognition  in 
the  colony)  :  Pelatiah  Glover,  Robert  Ashley,  Samuel  Marsh- 
field,  Benj.  Parsons,  jr.,  Lieut.  Thomas  Stebbins,  John  Lamb, 
Japhet  Chapin,  Thomas  Day,  John  Stewart,  Samuel  Bliss,  John 
Scott,  Jonathan  Ashley,  James  Dorchester,  Joseph  Leman, 
Thomas  Colton,  Nathaniel  Sikes,  John  Bagg,  John  Barber,  jr., 
AYilliam  Brook,  Samuel  Bliss,  Edward  Stebbins,  John  Holj-oke, 

(       27       ) 


OVE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

George  Colton,  Thomas  Mirrick,  Jonathan  Burt,  Miles  Morgan, 
William  Branch,  Nathaniel  Burt,  Samuel  Ely,  James  Warriner, 
Jonathan  Taylor,  John  Harmon,  Joseph  Ashley,  Thomas  Cooper, 
Isaac  Colton,  Increase  Sikes,  James  Sikes,  Obadiah  Miller, 
Charles  Ferry,  John  Matthews,  Thomas  Stebbins,  Benj.  Stebbins, 
Daniel  Denton,  Anthony  Dorchester,  John  Dumbleton,  Rowland 
Thomas,  Henry  Chapin,  John  Clark,  Rice  Bedortha,  Nathaniel 
Pritchard,  John  Hitchcock,  John  Bliss,  John  Petty,  John  Dor- 
chester, Edward  Foster,  Ephraim  Colton,  Victory  Sikes,  John 
Barber,  John  Riley,  Samuel  Ferry,  Abel  Wright,  Joseph  Steb- 
bins. 

The  above  list  probably  contains  the  names  of  all  the  male 
inhabitants  of  full  age  in  the  town  at  that  time,  and  by  compari- 
son with  Elizur  Holyoke's  list  on  a  preceding  page  the  reader  will 
gain  an  idea  of  the  growth  of  the  town  during  the  intervening 
fifteen  years.  It  should  be  stated,  however,  that  in  1669  West- 
field  was  set  ofi:'  from  Springfield  and  took  from  the  mother  town 
a  considerable  number  of  inhabitants. 


CHAPTER  11. 

THE   CITY   OF    SPRINGFIELD— (Continued) 

The  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century  found  the  town 
with  about  nine  hundred  inhabitants  scattered  over  its  vast  area, 
with  the  only  trading  and  marketing  center  of  any  consequence 
at  Springfield.  Except  that  Queene  Anne's  war  began  soon 
after  1700  and  had  the  effect  to  keep  the  people  in  a  state  of 
alarm,  the  period  was  unimportant  in  local  annals.  West 
Springfield  had  recently  (1696)  been  made  a  separate  parish  and 
soon  afterward  Longmeadow  v.-as  similarly  incorporated  for  pur- 
poses of  church  Avorship  and  government.  Neither  of  these  local- 
ities, however,  severed  its  connection  with  the  mother  town  until 
nearly  three-quarters  of  a  century  later,  and  at  the  time  of  which 

(       28       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

we  write  Springfield  still  retained  substantially  all  its  original 
territory  except  the  part  set  off  in  1669  to  form  AVestfield.  The 
creation  of  the  new  parishes  was  chiefly  for  the  purpose  of  estab- 
lishing churches  and  a  part  of  the  ecclesiastical  rather  than  the 
civil  history  of  the  town. 

After  the  death  of  Major  Pynchon  a  new  order  of  things 
began  to  replace  the  old  system  of  government.  In  fact  this 
changed  condition  began  about  the  time  tOAvn  ownership  and 
control  of  land  titles  was  abolished.  Yet  many  years  passed 
before  the  people  realized  that  the  most  thickly  settled  district 
of  their  town — what  is  now  the  city — must  of  necessity  resolve 
itself  into  the  form  and  character  of  a  municipality.  It  was  a 
county  seat,  and  a  trading  center,  provided  with  a  church,  a 
school,  a  saw  and  corn  mill  and  other  elements  of  an  embryo  city, 
but  the  town  lots  were  over  large,  being  from  eight  to  fourteen 
rods  front  on  the  main  thoroughfare,  and  even  that  "towne 
streete"  was  of  extraordinary  width. 

Previous  to  this  time  the  town  ^-irtually  had  been  governed 
by  the  Pynchon  influence,  which  while  perfectly  wholesome, 
honest  and  moral,  it  was  not  really  progressive  or  calculated  to 
increase  the  local  population  or  to  inspire  a  spirit  of  ambition  on 
the  part  of  its  inhabitants.  Even  then  many  men  had  become 
convinced  that  there  must  be  a  more  radical  separation  of  affairs 
of  the  town  and  the  church,  and  until  this  was  accomplished  there 
could  be  no  real  progress  in  the  town.  This  was  not  what  would 
be  called  a  reform  movement,  for  there  was  nothing  in  the  moral 
status  of  the  town  that  required  reformation,  but  it  was  a  step  in 
the  direction  of  systematic  local  government  and  one  which  must 
be  taken  before  Springfield  could  attain  a  standing  of  promi- 
nence among  the  civil  divisions  of  the  state. 

For  a  period  of  fully  sixty  years  Springfield  had  been  a 
county  seat  before  a  court  house  was  built,  while  Northampton 
had  erected  a  "home  of  justice"  soon  after  Hampshire  county 
was  created.  The  first  court  house  in  Springfield  was  completed 
in  1723  and  stood  near  the  corner  of  Main  and  Sanford  streets. 
The  structure  and  the  events  in  connection  with  its  history  are 
fully  mentioned  in  a  preceding  chapter. 

(       29       ) 


Orii  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

The  construction  of  the  court  house  was  not  the  first  success 
of  the  progressive  element  of  the  town  over  those  who  were  con- 
tent to  live  under  the  primitive  order  of  things,  but  it  was  the 
greatest  achievement  of  the  period.  It  had  been  hoped  that  the 
towns  of  AVestfield,  Enfield,  KSuffield  and  Brookfield  would  lend 
assistance  in  the  work  and  commissioners  were  sent  to  treat  with 
them  to  that  end  as  early  as  1721.  But  the  towns  referred  to 
failed  to  give  more  than  verbal  encouragement  to  the  project,  and 
when  the  court  house  was  in  fact  built  it  was  at  the  sole  expense 
of  this  to-wTi.  From  that  time  the  progressive  element  always 
prevailed  in  town  afl:airs  although  the  result  was  an  occasional 
division  of  the  territory  and  the  creation  of  new  towns.  No 
bitter  rivalries  were  created  and  it  was  simply  a  question  whether 
Springfield  should  be  a  progressive  or  a  non-progressive  town. 

Ten  years  later  there  arose  a  feeling  of  real  bitterness  which 
for  a  year  or  two  threatened  the  peace  of  the  community.  For 
almost  forty  years  previous  to  1734  Daniel  Brewer  had  minis- 
tered to  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  town  as  head  of  the  First  par- 
ish. This  good  man  died  in  1733  and  in  May  of  the  next  year 
Robert  Breck  was  invited  to  preach  in  the  parish  meeting  house 
with  a  view  to  settlement  as  pastoral  head  of  the  flock.  But  as 
soon  as  the  news  of  the  informal  call  had  become  known  certain 
citizens  and  ministers  in  high  standing  in  the  church,  particu- 
larly resident  in  Connecticut  towns,  circulated  serious  charges 
against  the  soundness  of  jMr.  Breck 's  religious  belief  and  teach- 
ings, openly  alleging  heresy  and  all  manner  of  false  doctrines  cal- 
culated to  deceive  the  true  believer,  promote  discord  and  throw 
down  the  very  foundations  of  the  christian  church,  if  unre- 
strained. 

AYhile  it  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  chapter  to  discuss  the 
ecclesiastical  history  of  the  town,  the  relation  of  the  event  under 
consideration  to  the  civil  history  of  the  locality  was  so  close  that 
at  least  a  passing  mention  of  it  seems  necessary  at  this  time.  The 
so-called  Breck  controversy  was  an  exciting  event  in  the  town's 
history  and  resulted  in  the  arrayal  of  the  best  people,  pro  and 
con.  with  some  feeling  on  both  sides.  The  ministerial  association 
was  summoned  to  the  relief  of  the  opposing  faction,  then  the  local 

(        30       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFBINGFIELD 

courts  became  involved  in  the  matter,  and  finally  the  power  of 
the  general  court  was  invoked,  much  in  the  same  manner  as  Mr. 
Pynchon  's  case  was  treated  nearly  half  a  century  before ;  but  the 
result  was  substantially  the  same,  and  Mr.  Brack's  theological 
views  came  to  be  accepted  in  later  years,  and  his  pastorate  was  a 
splendid  success  for  the  people  of  the  town.  At  the  outset,  how- 
ever, Mr.  Breck's  supporters  v.ere  chiefly  persons  in  full  church 
communion. 

At  length  after  a  protracted  controversy  Mr.  Breck  "justi- 
fied" himself  by  a  published  confession  of  faith,  also  by  ably 
presenting  his  own  defense  before  various  civil  and  ecclesiastical 
tribunals,  and  therefore  he  was  duly  ordained  in  the  pastoral 
relation.  He  preached  and  worked  in  the  old  First  parish  a  full 
half  century  and  was  one  of  the  most  zealous  and  upright  men  of 
his  time.  It  is  believed  that  many  of  his  former  opponents  be- 
came his  warm  friends.  Among  them  were  some  of  the  leading 
men  of  the  town  at  the  time.  Those  whose  names  are  recalled 
were  William  Pynchon,  jr.,  Robert  Harris,  John  AVorthington, 
Ebenezer  Warriner,  Benj.  Wait,  Ebenezer  Warner,  Daniel  Cad- 
well,  Jedediah  Bliss,  Samuel  Bliss,  Henry  Chapin,  Simon  Smith, 
Increase  Sikes,  jr.,  Abner  Ely,  Obadiah  Cooley,  Abel  Bliss,  Tim- 
othy Bliss,  Pelatiah  Bliss,  John  Chapin,  Luke  Bliss,  Joseph  Ash- 
ley, Thomas  Horton,  David  Chapin  and  John  Chapin,  jr. 

In  the  above  list  will  be  found  the  names  of  several  persons 
not  before  mentioned  in  town  history.  As  a  matter  of  fact  at  the 
time  of  the  trouble  regarding  Mr.  Breck,  Springfield  had  ac- 
quired a  considerable  population  and  was  no  longer  a  small  town 
as  far  as  number  of  inhabitants  was  concerned.  The  greater 
part  of  the  fertile  lands  were  even  then  under  cultivation  and 
the  forests  were  rapidly  disappearing  before  the  Avoodman's  axe. 
In  1737-8  the  town  assessment  rolls  showed  a  total  of  about  350 
taxable  inhabitants,  equal  to  an  aggregate  population  of  about 
1,400  persons  of  all  ages.  At  that  time  the  territory  was  divided 
into  districts  for  the  improvement  and  maintenance  of  roads  and 
the  convenient  collection  of  annual  rates.  According  to  the  rec- 
ords of  1738  the  town  comprised  five  of  these  districts,  and  in 
that  part  of  the  town  which  afterward  was  incorporated  as  the 

(       31       ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

city,  constable  John  jNIunn  was  collector  of  the  rates.  His  old 
list,  which  is  preserved  among  the  archives  of  the  town,  showed 
the  district  to  contain  89  taxable  inhabitants,  or  an  equivalent  of 
about  400  persons  in  the  year  mentioned. 

In  Constable  Munn's  district  these  names  appeared  on  the 
roll :  Increase  Sikes,  jr..  John  Hancock,  Widow  Hannah  Sikes, 
Simon  Smith,  Ebenezer  Lumbard,  Jonathan  Stevenson,  Israel 
AYarner,  Benj.  AVarriner,  Benjamin  Knowlton,  Joseph  Burt, 
Samuel  Weaver,  estate  of  Ebenezer  Warriner,  Daniel  Caldwell, 
Obadiah  Cooley,  Moses  Bartlett,  Samuel  AVarner,  jr.,  Benjamin 
Sikes,  Lieut.  John  Burt,  John  Burt,  jr.,  Increase  Sikes,  estate  of 
Samuel  Sikes,  Jonathan  Bartlett,  Thomas  Stiles,  Ebenezer  Steb- 
bins,  jr.,  John  j\Iunn,  Eobert  Ashley,  Dea.  Henry  Burt,  Moses 
Burt,  James  Burt,  Eobert  Harris,  Abel  Bliss,  Timothy  Bliss, 
Edward  Bliss,  Jedediah  Bliss,  Abner  Ely,  John  Harmon,  Lt. 
John  Ferre,  John  Ferre,  jr.,  Ebenezer  AYarner,  Jonathan  Day, 
AYidow  Elizur  Sikes,  Joseph  Sikes,  Samuel  Bliss,  John  Morgan, 
David  AA^arriner,  Gershom  Ferre,  Samuel  Bartlett,  Ephraim 
Bartlett,  James  AA^arriner,  AAllliam  Bliss,  jr.,  Pelatiah  Hitchcock, 
widow  Hannah  AA^hite,  widow  Ruth  Ingersoll,  Joseph  AYarriner, 
Samuel  Marshfield,  Capt.  John  Mirriek,  Thomas  Merrick,  Thomas 
Mirrick,  jr.,  David  Alirrick,  Aloses  Alirrick,  Lt.  Pelatiah  Bliss, 
Luke  Bliss,  Jonathan  Church,  AYilliam  Pynchon,  Thomas  Horton, 
Benj.  Horton,  Jeremiah  Horton,  Benj.  Horton,  jr.,  Timothy  Hor- 
ton,  John  Horton,  Daniel  AYarner,  Benj.  Brooks,  Samuel  Brooks, 
Noah  Brooks,  widow  Hannah  Beaman,  Jonathan  Bartlett,  Sam- 
uel Huggins,  John  Miller,  3d,  Noah  Alvord,  Nathaniel  Brewer, 
Katharine  Brewer,  George  Alather,  Jonathan  Bliss,  Benj.  AA^ait, 
Cornelius  Jones,  Jonathan  AYarriner,  Edmund  Newman,  Benj. 
Dorchester,  AA^illiam  Bliss,  Elijah  Stetson. 

The  affairs  of  the  town  were  beginning  to  assume  practical 
form  about  this  time,  and  the  various  offshoot  parishes  or  pre- 
cincts of  the  mother  district  were  becoming  in  a  measure  self- 
supporting  and  prosperous.  The  town  now  had  enjoyed  a  con- 
siderable period  of  comparative  peace,  but  in  1744  England  and 
France  were  again  at  war  both  in  Europe  and  in  this  country. 
This  was  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  the  French  dominion  in 

(       32       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

America  and  that  power  stniggli'd  furiously  to  maintain  its 
supremacy  on  the  continent.  As  usual  the  New  England  colo- 
nies were  seriously  involved  in  the  strife  of  the  next  twenty  years, 
and  again  the  Connecticut  valley  was  the  scene  of  constant 
disturbance  through  fear  of  another  Indian  attack  similar  to  that 
which  resulted  in  the  destruction  of  Springtield  in  1675.  But 
now  the  northern  frontier  was  well  guarded,  and  while  the  sav- 
ages were  constantly  on  the  border  this  town  was  fortunately  free 
from  attack. 

In  the  expetlition  against  Louisburg  in  1745  there  was  a 
union  of  the  forces  of  New  York  and  New  England,  and  the 
Hampshire  county  regiment  was  called  upon  for  service  in  Can- 
ada. The  command  contained  a  company  of  Springfield  men,  of 
whom  twenty-three  laid  down  their  lives  in  the  historic  siege  of 
Louisburg.  They  were  Lieut.  John  Munn,  Jonathan  Warriner, 
Abner  Hancock,  Israel  Warner,  John  Ashley,  Pelatiah  Jones, 
Gideon  Warriner,  John  Crowfoot,  Benjamin  Knowlton,  jr.,  Sam- 
uel Chapin,  jr.,  Ebenezer  AVarner,  Asahel  Chapin,  Ebenezer 
Thomas,  Reuben  Hitchcock,  Joseph  Mears,  Reuben  Dorchester 
and  George  Mygate. 

In  the  later  j^ears  of  the  war  the  town  w'as  the  scene  of  many 
interesting  events,  yet  the  actual  strife  was  confined  to  other 
localities.  The  war  was  finally  ended  by  the  treaty  of  1763,  and 
thereafter  the  inhabitants  of  the  growing  town  were  granted  a 
period  of  twelve  years  in  which  to  prepare  for  the  final  struggle 
for  American  independence. 

The  revolutionary  period  was  one  of  great  interest  in  the 
town,  and  one  also  in  which  Springfield  attained  a  special  prom- 
inence in  Massachusetts  history.  The  general  events  of  the  Avar 
are  fully  narrated  in  another  chapter,  hence  it  is  sufficient  to 
j-efer  to  things  of  a  local  character,  particularly  to  the  names  of 
l)ersons  who  bore  arms  in  the  cause  of  national  freedom.  In 
1774  West  Springfield  was  set  off  as  a  separate  jurisdiction,  and 
the  mother  town  was  now  limited  to  territory  east  of  the  Connec- 
ticut river. 

In  the  years  immediately  preceding  the  revolution  John 
Worthington  was  one  of  the  most  influential  personages  in  the 

3-2  (       33       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

town.  He  was  representative  in  the  general  court  from  1761  to 
1774  and  for  several  years  had  been  the  leading  man  of  the  board 
of  selectmen.  As  a  barrister  he  was  held  in  high  esteem  and  his 
opinion  was  regarded  as  law  with  the  majority  of  the  people. 
Before  the  war  was  begun  he  had  shown  strong  tory  leanings  and 
his  voice  and  influence  favored  British  supremacy. 

In  the  Connecticut  valley  Col.  AVorthington  had  many  fol- 
lowers, and  while  they  generally  were  men  of  substance  and  in- 
fluence their  opinions  did  not  find  favor  with  the  great  majority 
of  the  people.  The  Worthington  following  comprised  men  who 
had  been  active  in  political  affairs,  while  on  the  other  side  were 
the  real  developers  of  the  region,  the  actual  and  useful  factors  in 
town  history:  men  of  brain  and  brawn,  but  lacking  in  political 
ambition  and  possibly  wanting  in  the  power  of  loud  public  decla- 
mation. But  they  were  men  of  strong  character  and  determina- 
tion and  when  the  time  for  action  was  at  hand  they  moved 
promptly  and  effectually  and  at  once  subdued  any  strong  senti- 
ment of  toryism  that  may  have  threatened  the  community. 

When  we  consider  the  influences  under  which  the  people  of 
Springfield  had  been  reared  and  governed  previous  to  the  revolu- 
tion it  is  surprising  that  British  sympathizers  were  not  even  more 
nmnerous  during  that  period,  but  when  the  leaders  themselves 
discovered  the  trend  of  public  sentiment,  and  the  unpopularity 
of  the  cause  they  had  advocated,  they  discreetly  withdrew  from 
active  participation  in  public  aff'airs  and  held  themselves  closely 
within  their  own  narrow  circle.  Then  Col.  Worthington  and 
associates  retired  from  the  public  gaze  and  new  men  were  called 
into  prominence.  In  1773  Col.  Worthington  and  John  Bliss 
were  the  representatives  in  the  general  court.  In  1775  the  town 
was  represented  by  John  Hale,  William  Pynchon.  Capt.  George 
Pynchon  and  Dr.  Charles  Pynchon.  In  1774  the  selectmen  were 
John  Worthington,  Moses  Bliss,  John  Hale,  Phineas  Chapin  and 
Daniel  Harris.  In  1775  the  board  comprised  Daniel  Harris, 
Phineas  Chapin,  Aaron  Colton,  James  Sikes  and  William  Pyn- 
chon, jr. 

The  year  preceding  the  outbreak  of  the  war  was  one  of  deep 
interest  and  great  excitement  growing  out  of  the  unfriendly  rela- 

(        34       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

tions  of  the  colonies  with  the  mother  country,  and  on  July  12  the 
town  in  public  meeting  declared  its  loyalty  to  the  cause  for  which 
the  Americans  were  contending.  The  resolves  then  adopted  were 
prepared  by  a  committee  comprising  Dea.  Nathaniel  Brewer, 
Capt.  George  Pynchon,  Dr.  Charles  Pynchon,  Capt.  Simon  Col- 
ton,  Moses  Field,  Jonathan  Hale,  jr.,  Ensign  Phineas  Chapin, 
James  Sikes  and  Dea.  Daniel  Harris.  The  resolutions  reviewed 
at  length  the  political  situation  of  the  country  and  the  numerous 


St.  Pauls  Universalist  Church,  Si^riiigtieUl 

acts  of  oppression  on  the  part  of  the  crown,  and  promised  loyalty 
to  the  colonies. 

In  September  following  the  town  approved  of  the  measure 
calling  for  a  "county  congress"  and  chose  as  its  delegates  Dr. 
Charles  Pynchon,  Luke  Bliss  and  Jonathan  Hale,  jr.  The  com- 
mittee of  correspondence,  chosen  at  the  same  time,  comprised  Dr. 
Charles  Pynchon,  William  Pynchon,  jr.,  James  Sikes,  Dea.  Na- 
thaniel Brewer  and  John  Hale.     Dr.  Pynchon  and  John  Bliss 

(       35       ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

(the  latter  of  AVilbrahani)  were  chosen  to  represent  the  town  in 
the  genera]  court  held  at  Salem,  October  5,  and  Capt.  George 
Pynchon  and  Jonathan  Hale,  jr.,  were  selected  as  delegates  to 
the  provincial  congress  held  October  2.  In  addition  to  the  selec- 
tion of  the  most  loyal  men  to  represent  the  town  during  this 
trying  period,  the  inhabitants  made  preparation  for  war  in  the 
organization  of  militia  companies  and  in  collecting  arms  and 
annnunition.  In  March,  1775,  the  selectmen  drew  orders  on  the 
treasury  of  the  town  for  35  pounds  to  pay  Horace  White  for  25 
gun  barrels;  to  pay  Martin  Ely  25  pounds  for  25  gun  locks,  and 
to  pay  Reuben  Bliss  7  pounds,  19  shillings  and  6  pence  for 
"stocking"  25  guns.  Provision  also  w^as  made  for  the  relief  of 
a  number  of  persons  who  had  been  made  dependent  on  the  public 
bounty  in  being  compelled  to  leave  Boston,  which  city  then  was 
occupied  by  the  British  troops. 

At  the  annual  town  meeting  in  the  spring  of  1775  the  most 
loyal  men  were  elected  to  office  and  every  place  was  filled  with 
great  care.     The  officers  then  chosen  Avere  as  follows : 

Moderator— J -ames  Sikes. 

Clerk  and  Treasurer— Fidward  Pynchon,  "Esquire." 

Selectmen— Dea.  Daniel  Harris,  Ensign  Phineas  Chapin, 
James  Sikes,  William  Pynchon,  jr.,  and  Dea.  Aaron  CoLton. 

Wardens — Daniel  Lumbard  (Lombard),  Nathaniel  Burt 
and  Eleazer  Chapin. 

Assessors — Jonathan  Burt,  jr.,  Dea.  Eldward  Chapin  and 
William  Pynchon,  jr. 

CoHs^aft^e*'— Stephen  Hitchcock,  Moses  Harris,  William 
Stebbins,  jr.,  Henry  Colton  and  Stephen  AVright. 

Tythingmen  —  Timothy  Bliss,  Ebenezer  Bliss,  George  Colton, 
2d,  and  Jonathan  Bement. 

Surveyors  of  High  ways— Andrew  Colton,  Josiah  Hitchcock, 
Aaron  Cooley,  Hezekiah  Hale,  Silas  Hale,  Benoni  Chapin,  George 
Chapin  and  Eliakim  Cooley. 

Fence  Vieivers-Jacoh  Cooley,  Joseph  Stebbins,  jr.,  Festus 
Colton,  Samuel  Keep,  Ensign  Phineas  Chapin  and  William 
Chapin,  jr. 

Surveyors  of  Shingles  and  Claphoards—ljient.  Abner 
Smith,  Phineas  Chapin,  jr.,  and  David  White. 

(       36        ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Hog  Kieves — Matthew  Keep,  Edward  Craiidall,  John  Chirk 
and  Abijah  Edson. 

Deer  /i'/crfs— Nathaniel  Alexander  and  Elijah  Burt. 

Sealers  of  Leather — Samuel  Gridley  and  Jonathan  Stebbins. 

Conmiitfee  to  Adjust  Aceounts  of  rje  Treasurer— ^ewh^n 
Bliss,  Luke  Bliss  and  Jonathan  Dwight. 

Bull  Committee— John  AVarner,  Thomas  Stebbins,  Josiah 
Cooley,  Samuel  Keep,  Silas  Hale,  Dea.  Edward  Chapin,  Azariah 
Vanllorn  and  John  Horton. 

In  1775  the  town  contained  a  total  of  862  "polls."  Aeeord- 
ing  to  the  "rate  lists"  prepared  by  the  assessors  in  December  of 
that  year  the  taxable  inhabitants  were  as  follows: 

James  Page  Adlington,  Lieut.  Nathaniel  Alexander,  Lieut. 
Job  Alvord,  David  Ashley.  John  Ashley,  Joseph  Ashley,  jr.,  Asa 
Bartlett,  George  Bates,  Thomas  Bates,  Moses  Baxter,  Jonathan 
Bement,  Jonathan  Bissell,  Aaron  Bliss,  Abner  Bliss,  Alexander 
Bliss,  Calvin  Bliss.  Daniel  Bliss,  Ebenezer  Bliss  2d.  Ebenezer 
Bliss  3d,  Ebenezer  Bliss  4th,  Eli  Bliss,  Widow  Elizabeth  Bliss, 
Eunice  Bliss,  Widow  Experience  Bliss,  Gad  Bliss,  Ensign  Jede- 
diah  Bliss,  Lieut.  Luke  Bliss,  Moses  Bliss,  "Esq.,"  jMoses  Bliss, 
jr.,  Nathan  Bliss,  Nathan  Bliss,  jr.,  Nathaniel  Bliss,  Pelatiah 
Bliss,  Widow  Rebecca  Bliss,  Reuben  Bliss,  Samuel  Bliss,  Widow 
Silence  Bliss,  Timothy  Bliss,  Mary  Bond,  David  Bonner,  John 
Budges,  Charles  Brewer,  George  Brewer,  Dea.  Nathaniel  Brewer, 
Solomon  Brewer,  Widow  Lydia  Brooks,  Noah  Brooks,  David 
Burt,  David  Burt  2d,  David  Burt  3d,  Ebenezer  Burt,  Elam  Burt, 
Enoch  Burt,  Frederick  Burt,  Capt.  Gideon  Burt,  John  Burt, 
John  Burt,  jr.,  Jonathan  Burt,  Moses  Burt,  Nathaniel  Burt, 
Oliver  Burt,  Rex  Burt,  Sanniel  Burt,  Benoni  Chapin.  Dea.  Ed- 
ward Chapin,  Eleazer  Chapin,  Eieazer  Chapin,  jr.,  Enoch  Cha- 
pin, Ephraim  Chapin,  George  Chapin,  George  Chapin,  jr.,  Gid- 
eon Chapin,  Widow  Hannah  Chapin.  Isaac  Chapin,  Israel  Cha- 
pin, Jacob  Chapin,  Jacob  Chapin,  jr.,  Lieut.  Japhet  Chapin, 
Joseph  Chapin,  Joseph  Chapin,  jr.,  Josiah  Chapin,  Nathan  Cha- 
pin, Ensign  Phineas  Chapin,  Phineas  Chapin,  jr..  Widow  Sarah 
Chapin,  Seth  Chapin,  Simeon  Chapin,  Solomon  Chapin,  AYilliam 
Chapin,  William  Chapin,  jr.,  Moses  Church,  John  Clarke,  Dr. 

(        37        ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Joseph  Clarke,  Joseph  Clongh,  Dea.  Closes  Cobb,  Seth  Storer 
Coburn,  Ambrose  Collins,  Ariel  Collins,  Peter  Colson,  Dea  Aaron 
Colton,  Abner  Colton,  Andrew  Colton,  Asa  Colton,  Charles  Col- 
ton,  Charles  Colton,  jr.,  Ebenezer  Colton,  Elihn  Colton,  Festns 
Colton,  Frederick  Colton,  (;4eorge  Colton,  George  Colton  2d, 
George  Colton  3d,  Gideon  Colton,  Henry  Colton,  Colonel 
Isaac  Colton,  Israel  Colton,  John  Colton,  John  Colton,  jr.,  Sam- 
nel  Colton,  Capt.  Simon  Colton,  Thomas  Colton,  William  Colton, 
Aaron  Cooley,  Asahel  Cooley,  Caleb  Cooley,  Caleb  Cooley,  jr., 
Eli  Cooley,  Eliachim  Cooley,  George  Cooley,  Israel  Cooley,  Jabez 
Cooley,  Jacob  Cooley,  Jonah  Cooley,  Josiah  Cooley,  Josiah 
Cooley,  jr.,  Moses  Cooley,  Stephen  Cooley,  Samuel  Comes,  Widow 
Hannah  Day,  Joel  Day,  Benoni  Dewey,  Widow  Elizabeth  D wight, 
Jonathan  Dwight,  Abijah  Edson,  Samuel  Edson,  Dea.  Nathaniel 
Ely,  Nathaniel  Ely,  jr.,  Aaron  Ferre,  Elisha  Ferre,  John  Ferre, 
Joseph  Ferre,  Solomon  Ferre,  Moses  Field,  Oliver  Field,  Thomas 
Fisher,  John  Fox,  John  Frink,  Abner  Frost,  Jonathan  Frost, 
Joseph  Frost,  Samuel  Gridley,  Hezekiah  Hale,  John  Hale,  Jona- 
than Hale,  Jonathan  Hale,  jr.,  Noah  Hale,  Sylvanus  Hale,  Thos. 
Hale,  Thos.  Hale,  jr.,  Abel  Hancock,  Abel  Hancock,  jr.,  Jotham 
Hancock,  Wm.  Hancock,  jr.,  Dea.  Daniel  Harris,  Moses  Harris, 
Lt. Robert  Harris,  John  Hill,  Capt.  Ebenezer  Hitchcock,  Ebenezer 
Hitchcock,  jr.,  George  Hitchcock,  John  Hitchcock,  Josiah  Hitch- 
cock, Levi  Hitchcock,  Levi  Hitchcock,  jr.,  Luther  Hitchcock, 
Phineas  Hitchcock,  Samuel  Hitchcock,  Stephen  Hitchcock,  Gad 
Horton,  Jeremiah  Horton,  John  Horton,  Margaret  Horton, 
Widow  Mary  Horton,  Mary  Horton  "Jr.,"  Stephen  Horton, 
Benj.  Howard,  Benj.  Howard,  jr.,  Thomas  Hunt,  Jonathan  In- 
gersoll,  WidoAv  Margaret  Jones,  Matthew^  Keep,  Samuel  Keep, 
Stephen  Keep,  Joseph  Kellogg,  jr.,  John  King,  Oliver  King, 
Parmenas  King,  Daniel  Lamb,  Gad  Lamb,  John  Lloyd,  Daniel 
Lombard,  Joseph  Lombard,  Solomon  Loomis,  Thomas  Mirrick, 
(lived  in  AVilbraham  but  owned  land  in  Springtield),  Aaron 
INIorgan,  Ebenezer  ]\Iorgan,  jr.,  John  INIorgan,  Samuel  Morgan, 
Stephen  Morgan,  David  Moore,  Simon  Moore,  Samuel  Munn, 
AVidow  Sarah  Munn,  Daniel  Murphy,  Edmond  Murphy,  James 
Nash,  Patrick  Nugent,  Isaac  Osborn,  James  Parker,  Aaron  Par- 

(       38       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

sons,  Aaron  Parsons,  jr.,  Abner  Parsons,  Daniel  Parsons,  Gideon 
Parsons,  Zenas  Parsons,  John  Pascue,  John  Panlk,  Noah  Panlk, 
Andrew  Peterson,  Dr,  Charles  Pynchon,  Edward  Pynchon, 
"Esq.,"  Capt,  George  Pynchon,  John  Pynchon,  Walter  Pynchon, 
AYilliam  Pynchon,  jr.,  John  Root,  Ebenezer  Enmrill,  Nehemiah 
Rnnn-ill,  Allis  Russell,  Jednthan  Sanderson,  jNledad  Sanderson, 
Robert  Sanderson,  Lieut.  Abner  Smith,  Joel  Smith,  Philip  Smith, 
Lieut.  Smith,  Jabez  Snow,  Ebenezer  Stebbins,  Edward  Stebbins, 
Ezra  Stebbins,  Dea.  Gad  Stebbins,  Jonathan  Stebbins,  Joseph 
Stebbins,  Joseph  Stebbins,  jr.,  Lemuel  Stebbins,  Lewis  Stebbins, 
Medad  Stebbins,  AVidow  Rachael  Stebbins,  Thomas  Stebbins, 
John  Stedman,  Phineas  Stedman,  Phineas  Stedman,  jr.,  Lieut. 
Aaron  Steele,  Justus  Steele,  Squire  Steele,  Robert  Stevens,  Abia- 
thar  Stevenson,  Benajah  Stevenson,  Joseph  Taylor,  Abraham 
VanHorn,  Azariah  VanHorn,  John  VanHorn,  Moses  Wait,  Ben- 
jamin WardAvell,  Ebenezer  Warner,  Gerald  Warner,  John  War- 
ner, Zachariah  Warner,  Aaron  Warriner,  Benjamin  Warriner, 
Ebenezer  Warriner,  Ebenezer  Warriner,  jr.,  David  White,  Pre- 
served AVhite,  Preserved  White,  jr.,  William  White,  William 
White,  jr.,  Ensign  Samuel  Williams,  Thomas  Williston,  Benja- 
min Wolcott,  Azai'iah  Woolworth,  Richard  Woolworth,  Richard 
Woolworth,  jr.,  John  Worthington,  "Esq.,"  Daniel  Wright, 
David  Wright,  Ezekiel  Wright,  Ezekiel  AVright,  jr.,  George 
AVright,  George  Wright,  jr.,  Moses  Wright,  Stephen  Wright, 
Stephen  Wright,  jr. 

On  the  morning  of  April  19,  1775,  a  strong  detachment  of 
British  troops  marched  out  of  Boston  and  attacked  a  small  party 
of  Americans  who  had  gathered  at  Lexington  to  protect  the  mil- 
itary stores  deposited  at  that  place.  Within  twenty-four  hours 
from  that  time  a  mounted  courier  rode  rapidly  into  Springfield 
and  sounded  the  call  to  arms.  The  minute-men  of  the  town,  and 
of  all  other  towns  in  the  region,  at  once  prepared  for  action,  and 
in  the  space  of  a  few  hours  all  the  companies  were  ready  to  march 
to  Boston. 

In  the  office  of  the  city  clerk  of  Springtield  there  is  pre- 
served the  formal  Avritten  announcement^  of  the  attack  on  Lex- 

^The  fnll  text  of  this  ducument  will  be  found  in  the  general  chapter  on  the 
revolutionary  war. 

(       39       ) 


OUB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

ington,  which  was  left  with  the  selectmen  by  Isaac  Bissell,  the 
courier.  On  the  reverse  side  of  the  paper  there  appears  the 
names  of  many  men  of  Springfield,  all  of  whom  are  presumed  to 
liave  answered  the  call  and  enrolled  themselves  for  service,  al- 
though there  is  nothing  to  show  by  whom  they  were  commanded 
or  that  they  in  fact  marched  to  Boston  on  that  eventful  occasion. 
However,  as  an  interesting  memento  of  the  period  the  names  on 
the  paper  are  reproduced  here,  and  are  as  follows : 

Jacob  Cooley,  jr.,  Ebenezer  Colton,  Moses  Harris,  Calvin 
Bliss,  Ebenezer  Rumrill,  James  Taylor,  Spencer  Myriek,  Thomas 
Hale,  Jonah  Cooley,  Abner  Cooley,  James  Nash,  Gad  Horton, 
Joseph  King,  Zadock  Bliss,  Henry  Stiles,  Silvanus  Hale,  Jacob 
Chapin,  George  Wright,  Peter  Colton,  Abiathar  Stevenson.  Jo- 
seph Kellogg,  jr..  Squire  Steele,  Gad  Bliss,  Abner  Russell,  Mat- 
thias Lancton,  John  AVarner,  jr.,  Abel  Hancock,  jr.,  Aaron  Ferre, 
Samuel  Bliss,  Luther  Hitchcock,  Abijah  Edson,  Justin  Smith, 
Jonathan  Ingersoll,  Asahel  Cooley,  Meclad  Stebbins,  Samuel 
Keep,  Olin  Field,  John  Burt,  jr.,  Caleb  Cooley,  jr.,  Oliver  Burt, 
Israel  Chapin,  John  Stedman,  Phineas  Stedman,  jr.,  Samuel 
Edson,  Benjamin  Parsons,  Jacob  Kellogg,  Alexander  Bliss,  Pat- 
rick Nugent,  Phineas  Chapin,  Solomon  Chapin,  Joseph  Chapin, 
jr.,  Philip  Smith,  Eleazer  Chapin,  jr.,  Asher  Granger,  Walter 
Pynchon,  William  White,  Jabez  Snow,  Arthur  Hitchcock,  Solo- 
mon Brewer,  Robert  Stevens,  Samuel  Griclley. 

The  regular  Springfield  company  of  minute-men  under 
Major  Andrew  Colton  who  marched  to  Boston  on  April  20,  and 
whose  service  at  the  time  was  for  ten  days,  was  comprised  as  fol- 
lows : 

Gideon  Burt,  1st  Lieut;  Walter  Pynchon,  2d  Lieut;  Aaron 
Steele  and  William  White,  sergeants ;  Luther  Hitchcock  and 
Ambrose  Collins,  corporals ;  William  Colton  and  David  Chapin, 
fifers ;  Lewis  Chapin,  drummer ;  Jeduthan  Sanderson,  centinel ; 
and  privates  Israel  Chapin,  Samuel  Gridley,  Alexander  Bliss, 
Aaron  Parsons,  jr.,  Aaron  Ferre,  Gad  Horton,  Samuel  Bliss, 
James  Nash,  Abel  Hancock,  George  Wright,  jr.,  Matthew  Lanc- 
ton, Peter  Colton,  John  Stedman,  Abner  Russell,  Asahel  Cooley, 
John  Warner,  jr.,  Justin  Smitli,  Samuel  Edson,  Patrick  Nugent, 

(       40       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPIx'INGFIELD 

Benjamin  Parsons,  Jonathan  Ingersoll,  Calvin  Bliss,  Henry 
Stiles,  Luther  Colton,  Abner  Cooley,  Lemuel  Parsons,  Noah 
Bliss,  Joseph  King,  Caleb  Cooley,  Zadock  Bliss,  James  Taylor, 
Ebenezer  Rumrill,  Sylvanus  Hale,  Spencer  Merrick,  Joseph  Par- 
sons and  Moses  Bliss. 

In  Captain  David  Burt's  company  of  minute-men  from 
Long-meadow,  who  also  rallied  and  marched  to  Boston  on  the 
occasion  mentioned,  there  were  Ebenezer  Colton,  Nathaniel  Ely, 
Samuel  Keep,  Abner  Colton,  John  Colton,  Josiah  Cooley,  Aaron 
Bliss,  jr.,  David  White,  Samuel  Smith,  Nehemiah  Rumrill,  Oli- 
ver King,  Richard  Woohvorth,  Elijah  Burt,  John  Ashley, 
Thomas  Stebbins,  James  Parker,  Gad  Lamb,  Samuel  Morgan, 
Samuel  Burt  and  Ebenezer  Stebbins. 

There  were  several  other  minute-men  who  started  out  on 
that  tedious  march  of  April  20,  although  we  have  no  record  to 
show  that  they  were  a  part  of  a  regularly  organized  company. 
In  this  connection  there  may  be  recalled  the  names  of  Matthew 
Keep,  Thomas  Bates,  Solomon  Brewer,  Jonathan  Colton,  Benj. 
Colton,  jr.,  John  Burt,  jr.,  Abijah  Edson,  Jacob  Kellogg,  Joshua 
Kellogg,  Moses  Harris,  Robert  Stevens,  Oliver  Burt,  Jacob  Cha- 
pin,  Eleazer  Chapin,  Oliver  Field,  INIedad  Stebbins,  Jonah 
Cooley,  Simon  Moore,  Seth  Coburn  and  Thomas  Hale,  jr. 

After  the  departure  of  the  minute  men  the  town  took  imme- 
diate measures  for  raising  more  troops  for  the  army  of  the 
province,  as  there  yet  remained  many  serviceable  men  who  were 
willing  to  share  the  vicissitudes  of  a  soldier's  life.  Those  who 
took  up  arms  at  the  first  call  were  not  enlisted  for  a  specified 
time,  but  were  the  enrolled  militia,  ready  for  any  emergency, 
hence  were  "minute-men"  indeed.  On  April  24,  three  days 
after  the  minute-men  had  left,  Capt.  Gideon  Burt's  company 
was  enlisted  for  three  months'  service.  The  personnel  of  the 
command  was  as  follows : 

Gideon  Burt,  captain;  Walter  Pynchon,  1st  lieutenant; 
Aaron  Steel,  2d  lieutenant ;  Samuel  Gridley,  William  White, 
Aaron  Parsons  and  Ambrose  Collins,  sergeants ;  Luther  Hitch- 
cock, corporal ;  and  privates  Samuel  Bliss,  Simon  Moore,  Sam- 
uel Edson,  Lewis  Chapin,  Spencer    Merrick,    William    Colton, 

(       41        ) 


ova  COUNTY  AND   ITS  PEOPLE 

Nathan  Bliss,  Caleb  Cooley,  Justin  Smith,  Lenuiel  Parsons, 
Aaron  Ferre,  Beriah  Jennings,  Benj.  Parsons,  Jeduthan  Sander- 
son, Noah  Bliss,  Matthias  Lancton,  Abel  Hancock,  Jabez  Cooley, 
James  Taylor,  Stephen  Rnssell,  Theodore  Smith,  Ebenezer  Rum- 
rill,  Frederick  Colton,  Justin  Moore,  Abner  Cooley,  Benj.  How- 
ard. Abner  Russell,  Elihu  Colton,  Jacob  Ward,  Silvanus  Hale, 
Henry  Stiles,  Moses  Bedunah,  Luther  Colton,  Calvin  Bliss, 
Joseph  King,  Benoni  Bannister,  Joseph  Chapin,  Robert  Stevens, 
John  Hendrick,  David  Chapin,  Zadock  Bliss,  George  Wright, 
Patrick  Nugent,  James  Nash,  Arthur  Hitchcock,  Luther  Colton, 
Jonas  Christian,  Jonathan  Ingersoll,  INloses  Bliss,  Ebenezer  Mar- 
tin, John  Stednian  and  Peter  Colson. 

This,  however,  does  not  complete  the  list  of  soldiers  sent  out 
by  the  town  during  the  period  of  the  war,  as  nearly  all  the  able- 
bodied  young  men,  and  many  others,  who  Avere  exempt  from  mili- 
tary duty,  entered  the  service  in  one  capacity  or  another.  The 
loyalty  of  the  town  was  undoubted  and  many  households  denied 
themselves  the  necessaries  of  life  in  order  to  provide  comforts 
for  those  in  the  field.  The  records  disclose  that  in  October, 
1775,  besides  the  excessive  drain  on  the  resources  of  the  town  in 
earlier  months,  Capt.  Isaac  Colton  w^as  in  camp  at  Roxbury  with 
a  force  of  men,  among  whom  were  Lieut.  Nathaniel  Alexander, 
corporals  Moses  Wait  and  David  Murphy,  drummer  Benj.  Col- 
ton, and  privates  Stephen  Hunt,  James  Ives,  Eli  Barrister,  Abel 
Hancock,  William  Hancock,  Elijah  Hancock,  Thomas  Ferre, 
Joseph  Parsons,  James  Parker,  Ebenezer  Eddy  and  Moses  Wait. 
From  the  same  source  also  it  is  learned  that  many  young  men 
of  Springfield  were  regularly  enlisted  in  the  provincial  militia, 
while  a  few  found  their  way  into  the  American  army,  serving 
with  the  continental  troops  throughout  the  war. 

One  of  the  notable  events  of  the  year  1775  was  the  arrival 
in  Springfield  of  Ceneral  Washington,  en  route  to  Boston  to  take 
command  of  the  army  encamped  about  the  city.  He  stopped  for 
a  time  at  the  old  Parsons  tavern,  which  then  was  located  in  Elm 
street,  and  his  presence  in  the  town  was  the  occasion  of  much  en- 
thusiasm on  the  part  of  the  loyal  citizens.  On  his  departure  a 
troop  of  horsemen  escorted  the  party  as  far  as  Brookfield. 

(       42       ) 


OVB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

The  great  hardships  which  were  visited  upon  our  people 
during  the  war  had  their  beginning  in  1777,  when  the  demand 
for  men  taxed  the  capacity  of  the  town  to  its  utmost.  In  April 
of  that  year  the  Hampshire  county  militia  were  ordered  to  take 
part  in  the  expedition  against  Ticonderoga.  The  men  called  for 
at  this  time  could  not  well  be  spared,  as  the  season's  work  was  at 
hand,  but  notwithstanding  this  the  town's  quota  was  furnished 
under  the  assurance  that  the  families  of  those  who  were  away 
would  be  provided  for  by  the  older  men,  those  who  had  means, 
and  at  the  public  expense.  In  answer  to  this  call  when  the  men 
marched  aAvay  to  join  Col.  David  Seward's  regiment,  Spring- 
field 's  contribution  included  Capt.  Gideon  Burt,  Lieut.  Ebenezer 
Colton,  Jonathan  Burt,  Samuel  Gridley,  Ebenezer  Morgan,  Am- 
brose Collins,  Ephraim  Brown,  Thomas  Colton,  Festus  Colton, 
George  Cooley,  Ebenezer  Rumrill,  Simeon  Colton,  Samuel  Keep, 
Henry  Colton,  Ezra  Stebbins,  William  Hunt,  Jeduthan  Sander- 
son, Mr.  Hitchcock  (probably  Ebenezer)  Luther  Van  Horn,  Dan- 
iel Bliss,  Japhet  Chapin  and  Ephraim  Chapin. 

In  the  same  year  when  the  subject  of  confederation  of  all  the 
colonies  was  under  consideration  a  committee  was  chosen  to 
represent  the  town  at  a  conference  in  the  province.  Deacon 
Nathaniel  Brewer  was  at  the  head  of  the  committee  and  Col. 
Worthington  and  Moses  Bliss  were  among  his  designated  asso- 
ciates. Both,  however,  declined  to  serve.  Col.  Worthington 
was  a  pronounced  British  sympathizer  while  Mr.  Bliss  and  been 
quite  lukewarm  in  his  support  of  the  cause  of  the  colonies.  As 
lawyers  and  men  of  influence  both  had  for  years  been  prominent 
in  town  affairs  and  in  dealing  with  the  weighty  matters  under 
discussion  the  town  asked  their  advice,  but  it  was  refused. 

In  1778  another  demand  for  men  was  made  on  the  already 
overburdened  town.  The  available  militia  now  were  on  almost 
constant  duty  and  to  furnish  additional  troops  required  the 
greatest  effort  on  the  part  of  the  selectmen  and  the  local  commit- 
tee of  safety.  A  draft  became  necessary  and  the  company  thus 
organized  was  sent  to  Fishkill,  in  the  province  of  New  York. 

The  men  were  David  Bonner,  Austin  Brooks,  William  Hitch- 
cock, Justin  Smith,  James  Mills,  Israel  Bond,  Ezekiel    Chapin, 

{       44       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Martin  Smith,  Leba  Bellman,  Abel  Coburn,  Abnei*  Russell.  Jabez 
Crosby,  and  Daniel  Hancock. 

The  following  men  served  in  Capt.  Rowle's  company  of  Col. 
Jacob's  regiment: 

Capt.  Nathan  Rowle,  Lieut.  Enoch  Leonard,  Ebenezer  Pome- 
roy,  Simeon  Colton,  Ebenezer  Bliss,  Oliver  Hitchcock,  Abiather 
Stevenson,  Jonathan  Stevenson,  AVm.  Pepper,  Gad  AVarriner, 
George  Blake,  Timothy  Hopkins,  James  Howard  and  Russell 
Allen. 

In  Capt.  Phineas  Stebbins'  company  were  these  men  from 
Springfield : 

Nathan  Chapin,  sergeant,  John  Ferre,  Reuben  Ferre,  Moses 
Stebbins,  Moses  Barber  and  William  White. 

The  six-months'  men  who  enlisted  from  the  town  in  1780 
were  Elias  and  William  Hitchcock,  Noah  Frost,  Amaziah  Sander- 
son, Aaron  Parsons,  Alex.  Ely,  Gad  Bliss,  Moses  Bliss,  jr.,  John 
INIorgan,  David  Bannon,  George  Smith,  Thaddeus  Ferre,  Zacha- 
riah  Hancock,  Oliver  Field,  Jonathan  Stevenson,  Oliver  Han- 
cock, Solomon  Loomis,  Gideon  Cooley,  Joshua  Brooks,  David 
Hubbard,  William  Hancock,  Joseph  McGreney  and  Isaiah 
Chandler. 

In  Capt.  Browning's  company  were  several  Springfield  men 
who  entered  the  service  for  three  months  in  1780 :  Lieut.  John 
Colton,  Corp.  Benoni  Chapin,  Isaac  Stebbins,  Abram  Brooks, 
Consider  Bement,  Marsh  Bissell,  Moses  Parsons,  Luther  Smith, 
Jonathan  Felt,  Moses  Hancock,  Justin  Bliss,  Beriah  Howard, 
Isaac  Bliss,  Zenas  Bliss  and  Samuel  Sikes. 

The  Springfield  men  known  to  have  enlisted  for  three  years 
service  in  Massachusetts  regiments  of  the  continental  army  are 
as  follows:  David  Day,  John  Stevenson,  Samuel  Edson,  John 
Pease,  James  Warner,  Joseph  Chapin  and  Zachariah  Warner,  in 
the  3d  Mass. ;  Corp.  Gideon  Jones,  Simon  Johnson  and  Daniel 
Stevenson,  in  the  4th  Mass. ;  James  Mills,  in  the  5th  Mass. ; 
Joseph  Maxfield  and  Loyal  Sanderson,  in  the  6th  Mass. ;  and 
Theodore  Smith,  Ashbel  iNIighel,  Henry  Stiles  and  Samuel  Steb- 
bins, in  the  7th  IVIass.  regiment. 

Among  the  other  men  of  Springfield  who  entered  the  service 
for  three  years,  and  whose  enlistment  dated  from  1781,  there  may 

(       45       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

be  mentioned  the  names  of  Jonathan  Cooley,  Alpheus  Hancock, 
Hanou  Coltou,  Caleb  Williston,  Joshua  Brooks,  Alpheus  Colton, 
Jacob  Hills,  James  Reed,  Joseph  Dunham,  Daniel  Murphy,  Titus 
Welch,  James  Eaton,  John  Fox,  Mieah  Grant,  George  Smith. 

Springfield  first  became  a  depository  for  military  supplies 
in  1776,  and  in  a  small  way  several  cannon  were  made  about  that 
time.  In  the  next  year  Col.  Cheever  was  directed  to  transfer 
a  considerable  quantity  of  army  stores  to  the  place  and  also  to 
establish  an  arsenal  and  supply  depot  in  the  town.  In  1779 
land  was  secured  for  the  erection  of  the  watershops,  and  there- 
after the  locality  enjoyed  a  special  prominence  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  arms.  As  is  stated  in  an  earlier  chapter,  the  establish- 
ment of  the  national  armory  was  the  work  of  later  years,  but  for 
more  than  a  century  the  town  and  city  have  derived  much  ad- 
vantage from  the  vast  manufacturing  plant  on  State  street  and 
which  the  people  of  West  Springfield  once  rejected  through  fear 
of  the  demoralizing  influences  of  a  body  of  soldiers  in  the  local- 
ity. In  1780  Springfield  was  designated  as  the  rendezvous  of 
forty-three  divisions  of  three-months  men,  who  were  drilled  and 
equipped  for  service  at  the  old  training  ground  on  the  hill,  east 
of  the  business  center  of  the  town,  now  a  desirable  residence  por- 
tion of  the  city.  At  the  time  mentioned  Springfield  was  the 
central  point  of  military  operations  in  Western  Massachusetts, 
and  the  mobilization  of  the  militia  was  indirectly  the  result  of  the 
establishment  of  the  arsenal  and  military  station. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  the  people  of  the  town  began  the 
difficult  and  important  work  of  reconstruction.  The  war  itself 
had  cost  the  town  many  thousands  of  pounds  in  money.  The 
poorer  classes  were  reduced  almost  to  absolute  penury  and  men 
of  property  were  themselves  heavily  in  debt.  Paper  money  had 
at  best  very  little  purchasing  power  and  those  who  were  heavily 
involved  for  the  time  were  compelled  to  leave  past  obligations 
unpaid  in  order  to  maintain  themselves  until  the  storm  of  finan- 
cial disaster  had  passed.  But  in  spite  of  the  unfortunate  con- 
ditions which  prevailed  in  the  town,  Springfield  continued  to 
grow.  Even  during  the  later  years  of  the  war,  in  1782,  a  news- 
paper (Massachusetts  Gazette  and  General  Advertiser)  was  es- 

(       4G       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

tablished  and  in  the  same  year  an  enterprising  resident  essayed 
a  book  pnblication. 

In  1783  Longnieadow  Avas  set  off  from  Springfield,  taking 
a  considerable  portion  of  the  territory  of  the  mother  town.  In 
the  same  year  a  stage  line  was  put  in  operation  between  this 
town  and  Hartford.  But  notwithstanding  the  remarkable  re- 
cuperative powers  shown  by  the  people  during  the  two  or  three 
years  next  following  the  revolution,  the  misfortunes  of  the  war 
were  not  entirely  swept  away  by  the  prosperity  of  the  period  fol- 
lowing, but  frecpiently  made  themselves  manifest  through  mut- 
terings  of  discontent  on  the  part  of  the  debtor  class.  Little  at- 
tention was  given  to  these  grumblings  at  first,  but  in  the  course 
of  a  few  more  years  the  speck  of  disapproval  in  the  political  sky 
became  a  cloud  and  rapidly  developed  into  a  storm  of  insurrec- 
tion that  threatened  the  systems  of  state  and  local  government. 
This  was  the  period  known  in  history  as  Shays'  rebellion,  the 
events  of  which  are  narrated  in  another  chapter  of  this  work. 
The  insurrectionists  would  have  stopped  the  operation  of  the 
courts,  abolished  the  senate,  ousted  the  executive,  and.  if  success- 
ful in  their  unnatural  scheme  of  government,  would  have  de- 
luged the  state  with  worthless  money,  all  for  their  temporary 
gratification  regardless  of  the  inevitable  day  of  reckoning  which 
must  come,  but  of  which  they  knew  not.  It  was  an  exciting 
period  in  Springfield  when  Daniel  Shays'  hosts  overturned  the 
courts  and  openly  insulted  the  unorganized  militia,  but  when 
their  little  successes  prompted  an  attack  upon  the  federal  arsenal 
on  the  hill,  one  or  two  discharges  of  small  cannon  by  Gen.  Shep- 
ard's  soldiers  dispersed  the  unruly  horde  and  ended  the  embryo 
internecine  war.  This  period  was  only  another  event  in  the 
evolution  of  time  in  the  town,  the  like  of  which  was  enacted  in 
several  other  states.  It  had  its  incentive,  its  lesson  and  its  moral, 
and  when  it  was  passed  the  town  was  better  and  more  vigorous 
than  ever  before.  However,  it  was  the  last  war  within  the  bor- 
ders of  the  county  which  brought  hardships  upon  its  people.  For 
almost  a  century  and  a  half  they  had  struggled  against  either 
dusky  or  foreign  foes  and  a  struggle  among  themselves  was  a 
fitting  close  to  the  long  period  of  wars  to  which  they  were  sub- 
jected. 

(       47       ) 


OVn  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

In  1794  Springfield,  which  for  more  than  a  century  and  a 
half  had  been  the  shire  town  of  Hampshire  county,  lost  that  im- 
portant character  through  the  influence  that  sought  to  place  the 
seat  of  government  nearer  the  geographical  center  of  the  juris- 
diction. The  removal  of  the  county  seat  was  a  serious  blow  to 
local  interests  for  it  took  away  the  courts  and  their  important 
judicial  functionaries,  officers,  laAvyers  and  attendants  and  trans- 
ferred them  to  Northampton.  At  this  time  the  town  contained 
about  1,700  inhabitants  and  its  territory  included  substantially 
the  present  town  of  Springfield  and  also  that  which  now  forms 
Chicopee,  the  latter  then  being  a  scattered  and  sparsely  settled 
farming  district  with  large  areas  of  unimproved  lands. 

But  notwithstanding  the  loss  of  the  county  buildings  and 
the  courts  and  the  advantages  to  be  derived  therefrom,  the  town 
continued  to  grow,  and  the  closing  year  of  the  eighteenth  century 
found  Springfield  to  contain  2,312  inhabitants  with  business  in- 
terests eqiial  to  those  of  any  town  in  the  Connecticut  valley. 


CHAPTER  III. 
THE   CITY   OF    SPRINGFIELD— (Continued) 

At  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century  the  town  of 
Springfield  was  found  to  contain  a  population  of  about  2,500  in- 
habitants, with  a  principal  business  and  trading  center  on  the 
east  bank  of  the  Connecticut,  on  the  very  site  where  William 
Pynchon  and  his  associates  planted  a  colony  in  1636.  At  the 
time  mentioned  the  principal  business  interests  of  the  "Centre" 
comprised  about  half  a  dozen  general  stores  and  as  many  more 
small  shops,  two  or  three  public  houses,  two  printing  establish- 
ments and  one  church,  the  latter  alone  of  all  the  old  institutions 
of  the  town  having  survived  the  ravages  of  passing  years,  and 
having  continued  to  increase  in  usefulness  and  strength.  In 
the  meantime,  between  1790  and  1800,  the  jNIethodists  had  gained 

(       48       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

a  foothold  in  the  town,  and  while  a  society  of  that  denomination 
was  not  formally  organized,  frequent  meetings  were  held  by 
missionary  laborers  sent  into  the  field.  There  also  was  the 
"English"  school  at  the  Centre,  the  principal  institution  of  its 
kind  in  the  town,  with  various  others  of  less  note  scattered 
throughout  the  territory  to  suit  the  convenience  of  the  inhabit- 
ants. The  town  was  divided  into  nine  school  districts  in  1795. 
The  armory  on  the  hill  and  the  watershops  on  Mill  river  consti- 
tuted the  chief  industry,  furnishing  employment  for  about  one 


The  Old  Lombard  House,  Main  street,  Springfield 

This  house  stood  where  now  is  Besse  Place 

hundred  workmen.  On  Mill  river  at  the  same  time  Avere  the 
usual  saw,  flour  and  grist  mills,  with  the  tannery,  the  fulling 
mill  and  the  cloth  mill.  The  products  of  these  mills  were  con- 
sumed largely  in  the  town,  and  the  surplus  was  shipped  down 
the  Connecticut  to  towns  less  favored  with  manufacturing  enter- 
prises. 

At  this  time,  as  near  as  can  now  be  learned,  the  principal 
merchants  of  the  town  were  Daniel  Lombard,  whose  general  store 
was  kept  at  the  corner  of  Meeting-house  lane  (now  Elm  street)  ; 


4-2 


(       49       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

AVilliam  Sheldon,  who  carried  on  an  extensive  general  trade  in  a 
building  located  south  of  the  court  house ;  Eleazer  Williams  and 
Charles  Sheldon,  whose  stock  included  dry  and  dress  goods,  gro- 
ceries, hardware,  drugs,  etc.  John  Padley  was  the  local  tailor 
and  "habit-maker,"  Deacon  Jonathan  Church  the  hatter,  and 
John  Lloyd  the  leather  dresser,  saddler  and  harness  maker. 
James  Byers  &  Co.  sold  iron  and  hardware,  hollow  ware  and 
potash  kettles,  while  Marcus  Marble  carried  on  a  general  drug 
store.  The  postmaster  was  James  Byers,  who  kept  the  office  in 
his  store  on  the  site  where  now  stands  the  Springfield  institution 
for  savings. 

The  principal  center  of  trade  at  that  time,  and  indeed 
throughout  the  early  history  of  the  town,  was  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  old  court  house.  The  corner  where  now  stands  the  Chico- 
pee  bank  was  for  many  years  the  business  center,  while  the 
closest  rival  localities  were  the  present  Smith  &  INIurray  corner, 
where  once  stood  the  famous  Hampden  coffee  house,  and  at  the 
corners  formed  by  the  intersection  of  Main  and  State  streets. 
Springfield  was  made  a  post-office  station  in  1775,  and  from  that 
time  until  the  completion  of  the  new  federal  building/at  the  cor- 
ner of  Main,  Fort  and  Worthington  streets,  the  office  never  was 
located  south  of  State  street  nor  north  of  Pynchon  street.  The 
old  Pynchon  fort,  almost  the  last  surviving  relic  of  pioneer  times, 
was  comparatively  outside  the  center  of  trade  and  stood  almost 
alone  in  what  then  was  regarded  as  the  north  part  of  the  Centre, 
the  latter  name  being  used  to  designate  the  little  hamlet  that  had 
been  built  up  around  the  court  house.  It  was  not  until  the  com- 
pletion of  the  old  toll  bridge  that  business  began  to  extend  north 
along  Main  street,  and  not  until  after  the  opening  of  the  West- 
ern railroad  that  Main  street  became  a  thoroughfare  of  impor- 
tance. 

The  construction  of  the  toll  bridge  was  almost  the  first  im- 
portant public  improvement  Avhich  engaged  the  attention  of  the 
business  men  and  capitalists  (the  latter  were  very  few)  of  the 
time,  and  nearly  every  man  of  substance  in  the  place  was  identi- 
fied with  the  enterprise.  Indeed,  if  the  question  were  asked  as 
to  whom  were  the  principal  men  of  the  town  during  the  early 

(       50       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

years  of  the  last  century  a  proper  answer  would  be  "the  projec- 
tors and  incorporators  of  the  company  that  built  the  toll  bridge 
and  opened  it  for  traffic  in  1805.'"  The  company  included  such 
men  as  George  Bliss,  William  Sheldon,  Jonathan  Dwight, 
Thomas  Uwight,  James  Scutt  Dwight,  William  Smith,  William 
Pynchon,  Jeremiah  Stebbins.  Jonathan  Smith,  Seth  and  Samuel 
Ijathrop,  Solomon  Stebbins,  Pelatiah  Bliss,  Jacob  and  Alexander 
Bliss,  Zebina  Stebbins,  Justin  Lombard,  Ebenezer  Williams, 
Joseph  Williams,  John  Hooker,  Justin  p]ly.  jun.,  Reuben  Sikes 
and  George  Blake. 

These  proprietors  not  only  built  one  of  the  first  bridges  that 
spanned  the  Connecticut,  but  in  accomplishing  that  great  work 
they  made  Springfield  easily  accessible  to  the  people  of  the  entire 
western  region  of  the  county  and  thus  attracted  new  residents 
to  the  progressive  town  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river.  More  than 
that,  after  the  construction  of  the  bridge  Springfield  soon  at- 
tained a  standing  of  prominence  among  the  most  enterprising 
towns  of  the  state.  As  a  half-way  station  between  Boston  and 
Albany  on  the  stage  line  it  was  the  custom  of  drivers  to  "put  up 
for  the  night"  in  the  town,  and  in  later  years  it  was  the  chief 
seat  of  operations  of  the  stage  and  transportation  companies, 
whose  lines  extended  not  only  east  and  Avest  but  also  up  and  down 
the  valley  of  the  river.  About  the  same  time,  too,  Springfield 
began  to  attract  attention  on  account  of  the  product  of  its  fish- 
eries, in  connection  with  which  a  considerable  business  was  car- 
ried on :  and  while  these  things  were  constantly  drawing  new 
residents  into  the  town  the  turnpike  road  companies  were  open- 
ing new  farming  territory  and  attracting  settlement.  Taken 
altogether  the  first  fifteen  years  of  the  nineteenth  century  con- 
stituted a  period  of  advancement  and  prosperity  previously  un- 
surpassed in  the  history  of  the  town,  and  during  that  time  the 
factors  in  events  laid  the  foundations  of  the  subsequent  city — 
the  city  which  was  formally  established  in  1852. 

In  1812  Springfield  again  became  a  shire  town,  the  seat  of 
justice  of  a  new  county— a  county  which  has  endured  to  the  pres- 
ent day  and  which  ranks  with  the  most  important  civil  divisions 
of  New  England.      The  formal  act  incorporating  the  county  was 

(       51       ) 


OVB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

passed  by  the  legislature  February  12,  1812,  and  became  oper- 
ative ou  the  first  day  of  August  following.  At  this  time  the 
people  of  the  state  were  thoroughly  wrought  up  over  the  impend- 
ing war  with  Great  Britain,  and  polities  then  had  become  a  con- 
trolling factor  in  public  afitairs,  all  officers  being  chosen  with 
especial  reference  to  party  affiliation.  "When  the  act  went  into 
elfect  the  contending  factions  at  once  became  involved  in  a  politi- 
cal controversy  over  the  offices  to  be  filled  and  soon  found  them- 
selves in  a  maze  of  legal  difficulties,  with  George  Ashmun  and 
George  Bliss,  the  leading  legal  lights  of  the  time,  battling  for 
supremacy.  But  this  little  domestic  squabble  soon  Avas  settled 
and  events  resumed  natural  channels.  The  old  court  house  at 
the  corner  of  Main  and  Sandford  streets  Avas  again  put  to  use, 
having  in  previous  years  been  occupied  as  a  town  hall  and  for 
various  other  public  purposes. 

It  soon  became  evident,  however,  that  the  old  court  house, 
which  was  erected  in  1722-23,  was  unsuited  to  the  requirements 
of  the  new  county  and  that  a  larger  and  more  modern  house  of 
justice  was  a  necessity.  The  subject  was  first  discussed  about 
1815,  and  while  it  was  agreed  that  a  new  building  should  be 
erected  there  appears  to  have  been  a  division  of  sentiment  re- 
garding the  proper  location.  The  question  seems  to  have  been 
one  of  discussion  only  until  about  1820,  when  the  matter  was 
brought  to  the  attention  of  the  Supreme  judicial  court  through 
a  writ  of  information  filed  against  the  court  of  sessions,  charg- 
ing neglect  of  duty  in  not  providing  a  place  for  holding  courts. 
The  sites  most  favored  were  located  on  State  street  and  on 
Meeting-house  square.  At  that  time  State  street  had  become 
a  thoroughfare  of  considerable  importance  and  several  business 
interests  had  centered  about  the  armory,  while  Meeting-house 
square  was  the  old  established  business  center.  Fortunately  no 
bitterness  entered  into  the  controversy,  yet  the  advocates  of  each 
of  the  sites  labored  zealously  to  secure  the  coveted  buildings  for 
their  locality.  The  State  street  people  had  the  "gaol  and  house 
of  correction"  and  argued  that  the  court  house  naturally  should 
be  in  the  same  locality,  while  the  other  side  contended  for  the 
retention  of  the  building  in  the  "business  center." 

(       52       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SI'L'LX (AFIELD 

However,  after  a  protracted  and  interesting  contest  the  ad- 
vocates of  the  site  on  the  square  prevailed  with  the  controlling 
powers  and  carried  the  day ;  but  this  was  accomplished  only  after 
the  displa.y  of  a  spirit  of  public  enterprise  on  their  part.  The 
occasion  l)rought  into  prominence  many  new  factors  in  local  his- 


An  old-time  view  of  Main  street,  near  State  street,  ypriugfield 


tory,  such  men  as  Daniel  Bontecou,  Eleazer  Williams,  Elijah 
Blake,  Justice  Willard,  Edward  P.>^lchon,  Thomas  Dickman, 
James  Wells,  John  Ingersoll,  Henry  Brewer,  Solomon  AVarri- 
ner,  David  Ames,  Elisha  Edwards,  Sylvester  Clark,  Japhet  Cha- 
pin,  Samuel  Osgood,  Dr.  John  Stone,  Daniel  C.  Brewer,  Alex- 
ander Bliss,  John  Hooker,  IMoses  Howe,  Thomas  Sargeant,  F.  A. 

(       53       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AXD  ITS  PEOPLE 

Packard,  Elisha  Curtis,  Ebenezer  Russell,  Joseph  Pease,  Quartus 
Chapin,  John  Hooker,  jiin.,  Pliny  Chapin,  Lewis  Ferre,  jun., 
Charles  Stearns,  Simon  Sanburn,  Israel  E.  Trask,  Joseph  Carver, 
Edward  Bliss,  A.  G.  Tannat,  Daniel  Lombard,  Francis  Bliss, 
Robert  W.  Bowhill,  Roswell  Lombard,  Jacob  Bliss,  Oliver  B. 
Morris,  George  Blake,  James  Chapin,  Roger  Adams,  Ebenezer 
Tucker  and  others  who  were  identified  with  them  in  their  efforts 
to  promote  the  general  welfare  of  the  town  but  whose  names  have 
been  lost  with  the  lapse  of  years. 

These  men,  who  were  instrumental  in  securing  the  location 
of  the  county  building  on  the  public  square,  organized  them- 
selves into  a  purchasing  company  and  acquired  title  to  a  consid- 
erable tract  of  land,  gave  a  large  lot  for  the  structure  and  an- 
other for  the  park  square,  and  laid  out  the  remainder  into  vil- 
lage lots  for  mercantile  purposes,  thus  permanently  establishing 
Main  street  as  the  principal  business  thoroughfare  for  all  future 
time.  This  being  accomplished  the  court  of  sessions  directed 
Moses  Bliss  and  John  Ingersoll  to  see  that  the  proprietors  car- 
ried out  their  offer;  and  in  the  erection  of  the  court  house  in 
1821  (the  old  building  still  stands  and  now  is  the  Odd  Fellows' 
temple)  Jonathan  DAvight,  John  Phelps,  Daniel  Bontecou  and 
George  R.  Townsley  were  conspicuous  figures. 

Previous  to  this  time  (1813-14)  the  jail  on  State  street  was 
built,  and  in  connection  with  its  construction  the  court  of  ses- 
sions had  recourse  to  the  services  of  such  men  of  the  town  as 
Jonathan  Smith,  .jun.,  Jonathan  Dwight,  Daniel  Lombard,  Jona- 
than Dwight,  jun.,  Oliver  B.  Morris,  John  Phelps,  William  Shel- 
don, George  Bliss  and  others  Avhose  names  cannot  be  recalled. 
That  the  people  of  the  town  were  truly  and  unselfishly  public- 
spirited,  whether  in  their  personal  concerns  or  in  the  public  wel- 
fare, it  may  be  stated  that  in  1808  a  fugitive  slave  named 
"Jenny"  had  escaped  from  her  master  in  Schenectady,  N.  Y,, 
and  found  refuge  among  our  people.  She  was  pursued  and  over- 
taken, and  when  her  owner  would  have  returned  with  her  to  his 
home  the  generous  people  of  Springfield  quickly  raised  ,$100  by 
subscription  and  purchased  her  freedom. 

Having  determined  the  site  for  and  completing  the  erection 
of  the  county  buildings,  the  authorities  gave    attention    to   the 

(       54       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

matter  of  laying  out  public  streets  and  avenues  in  the  business 
portions  of  the  town.  At  this  time  the  population  had  reached 
about  4,400  inhabitants  and  Avas  increasing  steadily  each  year. 
Many  events  of  note  had  taken  place  since  the  beginning  of  the 
century,  some  of  them  being  worthy  of  passing  mention  in  this 
place.  In  1811  the  Baptist  people  had  become  sufficiently 
strong  to  plant  a  church  of  their  denomination.  In  1812  the 
old  academy  on  Elm  street  was  opened.  In  1814  the  Spring- 
field bank  began  business,  its  incorporators  being  a  portion  of  the 
men  whose  names  have  been  mentioned  in  connection  with  other 
early  enterprises  of  the  town.  In  1815  the  Methodists,  whose 
missionaries  had  visited  the  town  twenty  years  before,  siicceeded 
in  planting  a  church,  which  still  survives  and  from  v/hich  has 
grown  many  other  churches  of  later  date.  In  1817  the  Hamp- 
den Masonic  lodge  was  organized.  In  the  same  year  President 
Monroe  visited  Springfield  and  was  entertained  with  appropriate 
ceremony.  In  1819  Court  square  was  formally  laid  out  and 
donated  to  the  public,  and  in  the  same  year  there  was  erected 
the  edifice  of  the  old  First  church  which  still  stands  facing  the 
square.  In  1821  the  Hampden  cofl'ee  house,  a  famous  hostelry 
in  its  day,  was  built  on  the  corner  where  now  stands  the  Smith 
&  Murray  building.  In  1821,  also,  the  First  Protestant  Epis- 
copal church  was  established  and  a  Baptist  church  was  erected 
at  the  Watershops.  In  1823  a  cotton  factory  was  built  on 
Chicopee  i-iver. 

The  construction  of  the  cotton  mill  on  Chicopee  river  was 
the  beginning  of  the  industrial  era  in  that  locality  which  eventu- 
ally brought  that  region  into  special  prominence  and  resulted 
in  the  creation  of  a  new  town  from  the  mother  territory  of 
Springfield.  In  1831  the  legislature  incorporated  the  Spring- 
field canal  company  and  authorized  the  construction  of  a  water- 
power  canal,  locks  and  factories.  Thus  the  waters  of  that  river 
were  first  diverted  for  manufacturing  purposes.  The  proprie- 
tors of  the  enterprise  were  Benjamin  Day,  James  Brewer,  Sam- 
uel Henshaw,  Edmund  Dwight,  Jonathan  Dwight,  .jun.,  Francis 
Stanton,  Israel  Thorndike,  Harrison  Gray  Otis,  Samuel  A.  Eliot, 
"William  H.  Eliot,  George  W.  Lyman,  James  K.  Mills,  Gorham 

(       55       ) 


QUE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Brooks  and  George  Bliss.  In  1837  the  Indian  Orchard  canal 
company  was  incorporated  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  simi- 
lar industries  adjacent  to  the  river  at  a  point  a  little  farther  up 
the  stream.  This  company  comprised  Charles  Stearns,  George 
Bliss,  William  Dwight  and  their  associates. 

The  notable  events  of  1824  included  the  destruction  by  fire 
of  an  important  part  of  the  armory  buildings,  and  the  founding 
of  the  Springfield  Eepublican,  a  weekly  newspaper  under  the 
proprietorship  of  Samuel  Bowles,  and  a  paper  which  not  only 
has  enjoyed  a  continuous  and  prosperous  existence  to  the  pres- 
ent time,  but  one  which  in  later  years  became  recognized  as  one 
of  the  leading  journals  of  the  entire  country.  In  the  year  men- 
tioned the  town  supported  at  least  two  newspapers,  the  Hamp- 
den Journal,  under  the  editorial  management  of  Frederick  A. 
Packard,  who  appears  to  have  combined  journalism  with  the 
practice  of  law,  and  the  Eepublican,  founded,  owned  and  eon- 
ducted  by  Mr.  Bowles. 

Glancing  over  the  columns  of  these  papers  for  the  year  men- 
tioned, we  find  the  names  and  generally  the  "ads"  of  the  promi- 
nent business  men  and  firms  of  the  town.  In  the  issue  of  the 
Journal  on  January  7,  P.  Dickinson,  whose  place  of  business  was 
opposite  the  post-office,  offered  for  sale  a  miscellaneous  assort- 
ment of  brass  andirons,  shovels,  tongs,  fire  fenders  and  silver- 
ware. Day,  Brewer  &  Dwight,  who  were  the  leading  merchants 
of  the  place,  made  public  request  for  the  speedy  settlement  of 
all  outstanding  accounts  which  were  charged  on  their  books  pre- 
vious to  July,  1823.  John  Avery  "wants  immediately"  an  ap- 
prentice to  learn  the  blacksmith  trade,  and  says  that  a  lad  of  fif- 
teen years  of  age  "will  find  good  encouragement." 

As  an  evidence  that  the  spiritual  as  well  as  the  temporal 
welfare  of  the  people  had  a  place  in  the  editorial  mind,  the  Jour- 
nal office  announces  for  sale  "a  few  copies  of  the  family  bible," 
also  the  "Life  and  Conversion  of  Col.  Gardner,"  and  "Dodd's 
Comfort  to  the  Afclicted."  Moses  Bliss,  who  in  many  ways  had 
been  an  important  factor  in  the  town 's  history,  now  contemplat- 
ing a  change  in  his  business,  requested  immediate  payment  from 
all  "persons  indebted  to  him.      George  Colton  made  a  like  request 

(       .^6       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

and  intimated  that  unsettled  accounts  would  be  left  with  an  at- 
torney for  collection.  Flagg  &  Chapin,  general  merchants,  of- 
fered for  sale  a  large  stock  of  goods.  E.  Woodworth  (opposite 
the  armory)  announced  that  he  had  just  received  500  lbs.  of 
English  brass  kettles,  50  dozen  sleigh  bells  and  a  large  quantity 
of  general  merchandise.  H.  Edwards  suggested  that  buyers 
will  tlnd  it  to  their  interest  to  call  and  examine  his  stock  of  buf- 
falo robes,  fur  caps,  fresh  superfine  flour,  general  merchandise, 
drugs,  chemicals  etc. 

Daniel  Bonteeou,  ever  alive  to  the  wants  of  the  people,  ' '  has 
remaining  on  hand  a  few  cooking,  parlor,  office  and  box  stoves, 
which  will  be  disposed  of  at  reduced  prices,"  indicating  that 
"bargain  day"  attractions  were  not  wholly  unknown  to  our 
forefathers,  even  among  stove  dealers.  The  Springfield  brew- 
ery offered  a  constant  supply  of  winter  and  summer  ale  in  bar- 
rels, and  intimated  that  all  who  intended  to  return  their  barrels 
of  the  last  season  must  do  so  before  February  21.  Dwight  & 
Colton,  brick  manufacturers,  offer  250,000  merchantable  brick  at 
market  prices.  The  proprietors  of  the  Hartford  &  Walpole 
mail  stage  take  occasion  to  thank  the  inhabitants  of  Springfield 
for  their  liberal  patronage,  and  beg  leave  to  inform  them  that 
the  stage  will  continue  to  run  as  usual  three  times  a  week  each 
way,  and  will  stop  hereafter  to  take  up  passengers  and  baggage 
at  the  house  of  Jeremy  Warriner.  (It  is  not  surprising  that 
the  stage  people  should  select  the  famous  old  Bates  tavern  as  the 
starting  place  for  mail  coaches,  for  Uncle  Jerry  and  Aunt 
Phoebe  were  hosts  of  great  prominence  in  Springfield  during  the 
stage  coach  period,  while  the  Bates  tavern  was  the  rendezvous 
of  all  the  worthies  of  the  town  who  enjoyed  the  open-handed 
hospitality  of  the  table  and  likewise  had  a  keen  appreciation  of 
Uncle  Jerry's  toddies  and  slings.  No  severe  winter  cold  could 
withstand  the  potent  effects  of  one  of  these  decoctions.) 

Bangs  &  Ellis  (Joseph  and  Allen  Bangs  and  Ebenezer 
Ellis)  in  a  generous  "ad"  announce  the  fact  that  they  have  just 
formed  a  business  connection  and  are  "carrying  on  the  Cupola 
furnace  in  all  its  various  branches,  one  mile  south  of  the  court 
house."      In  this  connection  it  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  Cu- 

(       57       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

pola  furnace  at  that  time  was  a  leading  industry  on  Mill  river, 
and  was  a  foundry  and  machine  shop,  the  somewhat  peculiar  dis- 
tinguishing name  of  which  is  still  remembered  by  a  few  of  our 
oldest  residents. 

In  the  same  number  of  the  paper  Henry  E.  Stearns  called 
for  prompt  payment  of  outstanding  accounts.  The  Spring- 
Held  tire  insurance  company  announces  that  it  continues  to  effect 
insurance  against  loss  by  tire ;  Geo.  Bliss,  jun.,  secretary.  The 
proprietors  of  the  steamboat  Experiment  advertise  the  season's 
running  of  their  boat  between  Hartford  and  New  London. 
Joseph  Carew  takes  occasion  to  say,  under  the  heading  of  "Fair 
Play,"  that  every  claim  he  has  by  note  or  book,  which  is  due  and 
unsettled  February  1st,  will  be  placed  in  other  hands  for  collec- 
tion; "that  recent  circumstances  render  this  course  indispen- 
sable." This  announcement  was  quite  characteristic  of  Mr. 
Carew,  for  he  was  an  upright,  straightforward  business  man, 
meeting  his  own  obligations  promptly  and  exacting  from  others 
only  his  just  due.  He  was  a  worthy  type  of  Springfield's  best 
element  of  citizenship  three-quarters  of  a  century  ago,  and  the 
preservation  of  his  name  in  one  of  the  principal  streets  of  the 
city  is  a  fitting  tribute  to  his  memory.  Gideon  Kibbe,  whose 
place  of  business  at  that  time  is  not  recalled,  also  requests  set- 
tlement of  outstanding  accounts. 

Dennis  Morgan,  having  given  up  "riding  post,"  asks  all 
persons  to  settle  without  delay,  and  adds,  "payment  must  be 
made  peaceably  or  forcibly."  From  this  it  is  clear  that  the  ex- 
post  rider  meant  business  with  those  who  had  failed  to  requite 
his  services.  Charles  Stearns  advertises  a  "store  to  let,  con- 
veniently fitted  up  for  dry  goods  and  groceries."  Another 
notice  from  the  Journal  informs  the  public  that  "at  the  old 
stand  in  the  Carew  building"  the  office  does  job  work  of  every 
description.  Solomon  AVarriner,  enterprising  merchant  and 
representative  of  one  of  our  best  families,  announces  that  he  has 
on  hand  for  sale  the  publications  of  the  American  tract  society, 
and  also  "Dr.  Wood's  lecture  on  Quotations." 

T.  Dickman,  the  bookseller,  whose  surname  is  not  now  known 
in  the  city,  offers  in  connection  Avith  his  general  stock  the  eele- 

(       58       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

brated  "Chemical  Embrocation,"  or  " "WTiitwell 's  Liquid  Opo- 
deldoc," for  the  cure  of  bruises,  sprains,  gout  and  rheumatism. 
Stearns  &  Hunt,  at  their  store  opposite  Court  square,  have  a  gen- 
eral stock  of  drugs,  medicines,  oils,  dye  stuffs,  etc.,  etc.  Elisha 
Ed-wards  represents  New  York  manufacturers  in  the  sale  of 
maecoboy  snuff  and  ' '  paper  tobacco, ' '  equal  to  any  in  the  United 
States.  Robert  Russell,  according  to  his  "ad,"  offers  to  bind 
all  books  and  guarantees  "fidelity,  promptness  and  reasonable 
prices." 

The  Republican  made  its  initial  appearance  in  the  latter 
part  of  1824  and  appears  to  have  filled  "a  long  felt  want"  in  the 
community.  At  all  events  it  found  favor  with  the  public  and 
soon  gained  that  which  most  delights  the  average  publisher— a 
liberal  advertising  patronage.  In  one  of  the  September  num- 
bers is  found  the  advertisement  of  Solomon  Warriner,  who  has 
a  complete  stock  of  fall  and  winter  goods.  Bontecou  &  Hunt 
call  special  attention  to  their  "European  and  India  goods,"  gro- 
ceries, crockery  and  glassware.  C.  Smith  does  house  and  sign 
painting,  having  a  place  of  business  opposite  the  Springfield 
hotel.  Henry  Brewer  makes  special  announcement  of  500  lbs. 
of  good  cheese,  also  mackerel  in  barrels  and  half  barrels.  How- 
ard &  Lathrop  offer  cash  pay  for  paper  rags  in  large  and  small 
quantities.  S.  D.  &  W.  Sturges  (a  new  name  in  local  annals) 
manufacture  white  marble  tombstones.  S.  Hatch  gives  "last 
notice"  that  accounts  must  be  settled  by  debtors  or  they  will  be 
left  with  Justice  Willard  for  collection. 

In  the  same  issue  Justice  AVillard  and  William  Bliss  give 
public  notice  that  they  have  formed  a  law  partnership,  under  the 
name  of  Willard  &  Bliss,  for  the  "transaction  of  business  in  the 
line  of  their  profession."  J.  B.  Pitkin  announces  that  he  has 
engaged  Mr.  Stockbridge 's  assembly  room  for  the  purpose  of 
giving  lessons  in  shorthand  and  plain  and  ornamental  penman- 
ship. (In  view  of  this  announcement  it  is  somewhat  surprising 
that  the  era  of  the  office  stenographer  and  typewriter  should  have 
been  so  long  delayed.) 

In  a  special  notice  printed  in  the  columns  of  the  paper  Mr. 
Bowles  states  that  he  has  just  received  from  Ncav  York  a  variety 

(       69       ) 


OVJ{  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

of  job  type,  and  that  he  is  ready  "to  execute"  all  kinds  of  fancy 
job  printing.  Isaiah  Call,  whose  store  was  located  near  the 
bank  at  the  corner  of  what  now  is  Main  and  Elm  streets,  offers 
for  sale  his  stock  of  stoves  and  hollow  ware  of  all  descriptions. 
G.  W.  Callender  has  a  general  stock  of  books  and  stationery, 
does  binding,  and  says  he  has  need  of  a  boy  of  good  habits  to 
learn  the  trade  of  book  binding  and  to  "clerk"  in  the  store. 
Robert  Russell  is  another  bookseller  and  stationer,  having  a  place 
of  business  opposite  the  Springfield  hotel. 

Albert  Morgan,  opposite  the  armory,  carries  on  a  grocery 
store,  and  keeps  in  stock  a  generous  supply  of  St.  Croix  rum, 
Holland  gin,  lump  and  brown  sugars,  mackerel,  flour,  etc.  James 
Wells,  as  agent,  offers  to  insure  against  loss  or  damage  by  fire 
in  the  Aetna  insurance  company  of  Hartford. 

On  October  6,  Ames  &  Reynolds  announce  having  received 
an  extensive  assortment  of  new  and  fashionable  goods.  In  the 
issue  of  October  12  Bliss  &  Morris,  announce  the  arrival  of  a 
large  consignment  of  European,  India  and  American  goods.  E.- 
Edwards, opposite  the  Springfield  hotel,  offers  150  bbls.  and  half 
barrels  of  mackerel,  also  drugs,  medicines,  paints,  oils,  dye 
woods,  wines  and  liquors.  James  AVells  evidently  was  the  pio- 
neer of  the  millinery  business  in  the  town,  announcing  a  supply 
of  staple  and  fancy  goods  in  that  line,  and  also,  incidentally,  a 
few  Philadelphia  cooking  stoves.  On  October  27  Bowdoin  & 
Carew,  successors  to  W.  H.  Bowdoin,  with  a  place  of  business 
opposite  the  armory,  advertise  for  sale  a  large  stock  of  general 
merchandise.  Cook  &  Wilcox,  in  front  of  the  Springfield  brew- 
ery, carry  on  business  as  tinsmiths,  and  deal  in  sheet  iron  pipe 
and  live  hens'  and  geese  feathers. 

This  brief  and  somewhat  incomplete  retrospect  gives  the 
reader  an  idea  of  the  character  and  extent  of  the  business  inter- 
ests of  Springfield  at  the  time  indicated,  and  from  what  is  stated 
it  must  be  seen  that  the  growth  of  the  town  from  the  beginning 
of  the  century  was  both  steady  and  healthful.  About  this  time 
public  attention  was  attracted  by  and  considerable  interest  was 
taken  in  the  general  movement  in  the  direction  of  building  canals 
through  various  sections  of  the  state.       The  canal  era  was  the 

(       60       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

natural  outgrowth  of  river  navigation  and  one  of  its  most  impor- 
tant auxiliaries.  The  early  attempts  at  steamboat  navigation 
on  the  Connecticut,  so  far  at  least  as  concerned  Springfield, 
were  experimental  and  it  was  not  until  1828  that  Thomas 
Blanchard  launched  the  "Blanchard"  and  succeeded  in  mak- 
ing the  trip  to  Hartford  in  a  little  less  than  three  hours.  How- 
ever, this  first  attempt  M'as  regarded  as  a  reasonable  success  and 
during  the  next  eight  or  ten  years  several  other  steamboats  were 
built  here  and  put  into  regular  service,  as  may  be  seen  by  refer- 
ence to  the  chapter  relating  to  internal  improvements.    The  most 


St.  Lukes  M.  E.  Church,  Springfield 


notable  events  of  1828  were  the  launching  of  the  Blanchard  and 
the  ceremonies  attending  the  opening  of  the  town  hall,  on  which 
latter  occasion  George  Bliss  delivered  the  address  that  so  fre- 
quently has  formed  the  basis  of  subsequent  narratives  by  his- 
torical writers. 

Springfield  never  directly  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  a  navi- 
gable canal,  although  one  was  projected  for  the  town  as  part  of 
an  extensive  system  of  waterways  across  the  state.  In  the  early 
stages  of  the  discussion  local  public  spirit  was  fully  awakened 
and  men  of  substance  readily  gave  support  to  the  proposed  enter- 
prise, yet  before  their  plans  were  fully  matured  the  canal  scheme 

(       61       ) 


OVB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

was  abandoned  by  eastern  capitalists,  and  an  innovation— a  rail- 
road—was suggested  to  connect  Boston  with  Albany,  crossing 
the  Connecticut  at  Springfield.  At  first  the  town  did  not  take 
kindly  to  the  railroad  scheme  and  was  not  yet  ready  to  abandon 
the  cherished  canal  project  in  favor  of  an  unknown  and  doubt- 
ful medium  of  traffic  and  travel  as  was  suggested.  Local 
capitalists  shook  their  knowing  heads  dubiously  and  grave  appre- 
hensions filled  the  public  mind.  Surveyors  and  promoters  made 
frequent  visits  to  the  town  and  as  often  conferences  were  held 
at  which  the  new  idea  was  the  uppermost  topic  of  discussion; 
yet  Springfield  was  slow  to  act,  and  it  was  not  until  Hartford 
came  forward  with  a  request  that  the  line  of  road  be  laid  through 
that  town,  instead  of  Springfield,  that  a  favorable  sentiment  was 
aroused  here  and  earnest  co-operation  was  given  to  the  enter- 
prise. 

Notwithstanding  the  manifest  lack  of  enthusiasm  shown  by 
Springfield  during  the  early  stages  of  the  railroad  agitation,  the 
measure  had  a  few  zealous  advocates  among  the  townspeople. 
Those  foremost  in  the  work  were  Justice  Willard,  George  Bliss, 
Caleb  Rice,  W.  H.  Bowdoin,  with  a  few  others  whose  names  are 
not  recalled,  while  Edmund  Dwight,  then  of  Boston  but  of  sub- 
stantial Springfield  stock,  added  his  influence  in  bringing  about 
the  desired  end.  Foremost  among  all,  however,  were  Mr.  Wil- 
lard and  his  law  partner,  INIr.  Bliss.  At  one  of  the  several  pub- 
lic meetings  held  in  the  town  for  a  general  discussion  of  the  sub- 
ject Mr.  Willard,  who  was  famed  at  the  bar  as  a  special  pleader, 
addressed  an  audience  in  these  words : 

"I  am  told  that  I  am  apt  to  be  too  sanguine,  but  when  I  con- 
sider the  improvements  of  the  age,  the  new  discoveries  that  must 
hereafter  be  made  in  that  wonderful  machine,  the  steam  engine, 
and  the  new  applications  of  the  power  of  steam,  I  believe,  and 
T  am  ready  to  declare — and  I  do  declare,  here,  before  this  audi- 
ence—and some  of  you  may  make  note  of  it,  that  during  the  life- 
time of  some  persons  standing  here,  a  train  of  cars  will  run  from 
Springfield  to  Boston,  between  sun  and  sun."  And  then  paus- 
ing and  drawing  himself  up,  and  shaking  his  finger  Avith  oracular 
solemnity,  he  continued:  "Yes,  sir,  I  repeat,  between  sun  and 
sun!  and  back  again  in  the  same  day." 

(       62       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

This  public  utterance  was  received  with  satisfaction  and 
k)iid  apphiuse,  but  in  certain  minds  it  was  regarded  as  the  work- 
ings of  vain  imagination.  At  all  events  the  labors  of  the  friends 
of  the  road  had  a  telling  effect  upon  the  town  and  the  enterprise 
thereafter  received  more  cordial  support.  A  few  years  later- 
October.  1889.  — the  first  train  of  the  Western  railroad  corpora- 
tion was  run  from  Worcester  to  Springfield,  and  on  its  arrival 
a  great  throng  of  people  was  assembled  at  the  station  to  cele- 
brate the  occasion  and  hear  the  congratulatory  address  of  the 
gifted  Edward  Everett.  Before  the  entire  line  was  completed 
a  road  was  built  through  the  Connecticut  valley,  and  then  still 
others  of  later  years  until  Springfield  became  recognized  as  a 
principal  seat  of  railroad  operations :  and  the  early  prominence 
which  the  town  enjoyed  in  this  respect  as  a  railroad  center  was 
the  most  potent  factor  in  its  subsequent  growth  and  more  than 
all  other  elements  combined  contributed  to  the  progress  and  pros- 
perity of  the  town  and  its  people.  The  steam  railroads  super- 
seded the  mail  and  passenger  stages  and  likewise  made  river 
navigation  unprofitable.  The  municipalities  and  manufactur- 
ing and  trading  centers  were  greatly  benefited  by  the  change, 
but  the  advantage  W'hich  accrued  to  purely  agricultural  districts 
is  questionable.  The  old  station  on  the  west  side  of  Main  street 
was  built  in  1851.  The  tracks  Avere  elevated,  and  the  arch  and 
the  new  union  station  were  built  in  1888-89.  A  more  detailed 
histoiy  of  railroad  interests  in  Hampden  county  will  be  found 
in  the  chapter  on  internal  improvements. 

However,  let  us  return  to  an  earlier  period  of  town  history 
and  briefly  mention  some  of  the  more  important  events  in  local 
annals.  In  1830  the  old  primitive  fire  department  was  succeeded 
by  a  more  modern  system,  one  in  keeping  with  the  advanced  con- 
dition of  the  town.  In  1881  the  Pynchon  mansion,  frequently 
called  Ft.  Pynchon,  was  torn  down.  In  1832  the  Ames  paper 
factory,  the  largest  concern  of  its  kind  in  the  country,  was  estab- 
lished. In  1834  thefirst  friction  matches  "in  the  world"  were  made 
in  Chicopee.  In  1834  the  "old  corner  bookstore,"  long  a  business 
interest  of  note,  was  opened.  In  1836  Springfield  celebrated  its 
bi-eentennial   anniversary.     In   1841    Springfield   cemetery   was 

(       63       ) 


OVn  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

consecrated.  In  1842  Charles  Dickens,  the  faraecl  novelist,  visit- 
ed Springfield  and  voyaged  thence  down  the  Connecticut  to  Hart- 
ford on  the  steamboat  Massachusetts.  In  1846  John  Brown,  the 
abolitionist,  who  afterward  aroused  the  civilized  world  in  his 
efforts  to  overthrow  the  slave  power  in  this  country,  came  to 
Spring-field  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  woolen  goods. 
Three  years  later  he  organized  the  "Springfield  Gileadites,"  an 
order  of  negro  people  whose  purpose  was  to  prevent  the  capture 
and  return  to  bondage  of  fugitive  slaves.  In  1848  the  north  part 
of  the  town  was  set  off  to  form  Chicopee,  and  by  that  action  the 
mother  town  was  territorially  reduced  substantially  to  its  present 
limits.  In  1852  Louis  Kossuth  visited  Springfield,  and  in  the 
same  year  the  Young  Men 's  Christian  association  of  this  city  was 
organized. 

The  most  notable  event  of  the  year  1852  was  that  by  which 
Springfield  laid  aside  its  former  municipal  character  of  town  and 
became  a  chartered  city,  entitled  to  and  accorded  by  the  legisla- 
ture all  the  privileges  and  powers  vested  in  municipal  bodies  pol- 
itic in  this  state.  In  1636  the  little  plantation  of  Agawam  was 
founded  and  then  numbered  hardly  a  dozen  inhabitants.  Five 
years  later  the  plantation  became  a  town  by  the  name  of  Spring- 
field, and  in  the  course  of  a  few  more  years  its  territory  and 
jurisdiction  Avere  so  extended  that  the  town  in  fact  amounted  to 
a  principality.  This  limited  municipal  character  Avas  maintained 
for  two  hundred  and  eleven  years,  until  1852,  when,  having  ac- 
quired the  necessary  number  of  inhabitants,  the  town  was  incor- 
porated as  a  city.  In  1850  the  population  was  11,766,  an  in- 
crease of  nearly  1,000  inhabitants  since  1840,  and  that  despite  the 
fact  that  in  1848  Chicopee  was  set  off  and  took  from  the  mother 
town  more  than  8,000  persons  and  almost  half  her  remaining 
territory.  In  1845  the  town  as  then  constituted  had  attained  a 
population  sufficient  to  warrant  a  city  charter,  but  such  action  at 
the  time  was  not  advisable  as  the  territory  was  too  extensive  in 
area  to  justify  the  measure.  The  creation  of  Chicopee  was  sug- 
gested as  a  matter  of  public  necessity  and  convenience,  and  when 
accomplished  the  territory  of  Springfield  was  reduced  to  an  area 
that  justified  its  incorporation  as  a  city.     This  being  done  the  old 

(       G4       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRIXGITELD 

board  of  selectnien  i)assecl  out  of  existence  and  in  its  stead  there 
was  created  the  executive  and  legislative  departments  of  the  city 
—  the  mayoralty  and  the  board  of  aldermen.  The  exact  popula- 
tion of  the  city  in  1852  was  12,498  inhabitants. 

Under  the  new  form  of  nmnici])al  government  all  interests 
were  greatly  promoted  and  at  once  the  young  city  entered  upon 
another  era  of  prosperity,  which  has  continued  to  the  present 
time.  The  new  conditions  created  new  and  added  responsibili- 
ties upon  the  people  as  well  as  upon  the  governing  authorities. 
In  1856^  the  residents  in  the  localities  known  as  the  Hill,  the 
AVatershops  and  Indian  Orchard  set  on  foot  a  movement  looking 
to  the  creation  of  still  another  town  from  the  remaining  territory 
of  Springfield,  but  being  apprehensive  of  an  additional  burden 
of  taxes  by  reason  of  the  measure,  if  carried  into  effect,  the  pro- 
ject was  abandoned. 

In  1857  the  City  library  association  was  formed,  a  consolida- 
tion of  the  older  institutions  known  as  the  Young  Men's  literary 
association  and  the  Young  IMen's  institute.  Previous  to  the  erec- 
tion of  the  present  building  on  State  street  the  library  was  kept 
in  the  city  hall.  In  1869  the  Springfield  street  railway  was  in- 
corporated, the  outgrowth  of  which  is  the  admirable  electric 
street  railway  system— a  system  and  service  that  is  unsurpassed 
in  New  England,  and  one  which  is  known  as  one  of  the  most  com- 
plete systems  of  "trolley"  road  in  the  United  States.  The  first 
electric  car  in  this  city  was  run  in  June,  1890. 

In  1876  the  Connecticut  Valley  Historical  society  was  organ- 
ized, and  in  1877  the  Springfield  Botanical  societj^  and  the  Union 
Relief  association  were  formed.  In  1883  the  first  tract  of  land 
for  Forest  park  was  acquired  and  the  Springfield  hospital  was 
incorporated.  In  1886  the  school  for  Christian  Avorkers  was 
opened.  This  institution  eventually  developed  into  the  Bible 
Normal  college  and  the  International  Y.  INI.  C.  A.  training  school. 
In  the  same  year  the  Springfield  home  for  aged  women  was 
opened. 

In  1886,  on  ^Nlay  25-6,  was  celebrated  the  250th  anniversary 
of  the  founding  of  Springfield,  an  occasion  of  great  felicitation 

^The  city  hall  was  built  in  this  year.  The  police  department  building  was 
erected  in  1892. 

■^i-2  (        65        ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

and  congratulation.  The  state  honored  the  event  and  poured 
forth  its  great  mass  of  loyal  citizens  to  join  in  the  festivities  of 
the  day.  The  connnittee  of  fifty,  to  whom  was  entrusted  the 
details  of  the  celebration,  was  comprised  as  follows :  William  L. 
Smith,  chairman;  Charles  C.  Spellman,  secretary;  William  H. 
Haile,  treasurer ;  William  S.  Shurtleff ,  H.  S.  Hyde,  H.  M.  Phil- 
lips, L.  J.  Powers,  E.  Morgan,  James  A.  Rumrill,  A.  B.  Wallace, 
R.  F.  Hawkins,  H.  E.  Ducker,  C.  E.  Brown,  E.  H.  Lathrop,  S.  C. 
Warriner,  Daniel  J.  Marsh,  J.  D.  Gill,  E.  P,  Chapin,  J.  B.  Car- 
roll. Theo.  Geisel.  Milton  Bradley,  C.  J.  Goodwin,  C.  W.  Mutell, 
E.  H.  Phelps,  Robert  0.  Morris,  L.  C.  Hyde,  George  H.  Bleloch, 
T.  0.  Bemis,  Samuel  B.  Spooner,  F.  W.  Dickinson,  Edward  Pyn- 
chon,  F.  H.  Stebbins,  Dr.  C.  D.  Brewer,  Willmore  B.  Stone,  P.  S. 
Bailey,  E.  C.  Rogers,  H.  S.  Lee,  George  H.  Queen,  E.  C.  Wash- 
burn, J.  D.  Stafford,  George  A.  Morton,  E.  A.  Newell,  Frank  D. 
Foot,  J.  J.  Toomey,  C.  C.  Merritt,  A.  H.  Goetting,  Nathan  D. 
Bill,  F.  A.  Judd,  Henry  W.  Blake  and  James  McKeehnie. 

The  honorary  committee  chosen  to  represent  the  outlying 
towns  comprised  J.  Henry  Churchill.  Reuben  DeWitt,  Rev. 
Ralph  Perry  and  C.  C.  Wright,  for  Agawam :  Loranus  E.  Hitch- 
cock, George  M.  Stearns,  J.  B.  Wood,  Matthew  Ryan,  T.  W. 
Carter,  Rev.  B.  K.  Bellamy,  F.  H.  Morton  and  Harrison  JNIunger, 
for  Chicopee ;  A.  C.  Burleigh,  Decius  Beebe,  Simeon  Smith  and 
Dr.  George  T.  Ballard,  for  Hampden;  W.  A.  Chase,  William  B. 
C.  Pearsons,  AVilliam  Whiting,  W.  S.  Loomis,  J.  J.  O'Connor. 
Timothy  Merrick,  James  H.  Newton  and  R.  B.  Johnson,  for  Hol- 
yoke ;  Oliver  Wolcott.  T.  F.  Cordis,  James  Bliss  and  A.  H.  Calk- 
ins, for  Longmeadow ;  B.  F.  Burr,  L.  H.  Brigham,  C.  F.  Gros- 
venor  and  Rev.  INT.  P.  Dickey,  for  Ludlow :  Joseph  W.  Bicknell, 
John  Boyle,  Charles  D.  Abell  and  George  W.  Hamilton,  for 
Southwick :  Edward  B.  Gillett,  Lyman  N.  Clark,  L.  F.  Thayer, 
INIilton  B.  Whitney.  L.  B.  AValkley,  J.  R.  Dunbar,  Henry  Fuller 
and  Henry  W.  Ely,  for  Westfield  ;  R.  Mather  Bagg,  E.  C.  Brooks, 
B.  F.  Trask  and  (ieorge  Wright,  for  West  Springfield :  J.  W. 
Bliss,  F.  E.  Clark, M.  F.  Breek  and  Ira  G.  Potter,  for  Wilbraham : 
J.  L.  Houston,  Samuel  Hathaway,  Joseph  Allen  and  Thompson 
Grant,  for  Enfield;  AY.  B.  Woods,  S.  M.  Billings.  H.  R.  Kibbe 

(       66       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

and  D.  B.  Poiiieroy.  for  Soniers :  J.  Luther  Sherman.  W.  L. 
Loomis,  A.  C.  Allen  and  H.  K.  AVright,  for  Siiffield. 

The  celebration  exercises  in  fact  were  begun  on  Sunday, 
when  in  each  of  the  city  churches  special  services  appropriate  to 
the  occasion  were  conducted.  In  the  more  formal  ceremonies  of 
the  following'  days  the  presiding  officer  and  the  vice-presidents 
were  as  follows : 

Dr.  Joseph  C.  Pynchon.  president  of  the  day;  and  vice- 
presidents,  AYilliani  L.  Smith.  INIarcus  P.  Knowlton.  Gideon 
Wells.  Elisha  B.  JNIaynard.  l^liphalet  Trask,  Homer  Foot,  Major 
Edward  Ingersoll,  Henry  Fuller,  jr.,  Harvey  Sanderson,  Bishop 
B.  T.  O'Reilly,  of  Springfield:  E.  K.  Bodurtha,  of  Agawam; 
(jeorge  S.  Taylor,  of  Chicopee;  William  R.  Sessions,  of  Hamp- 
den ;  Oscar  Ely,  of  Holyoke ;  Stephen  T.  Colton,  of  Longmeadow ; 
Marvin  King,  of  Ludlow :  Joseph  N.  Forward,  of  Southwick ; 
Samuel  Fowler,  of  Westfield :  Aaron  Bagg,  of  West  Springfield ; 
John  M.  Merrick,  of  Wilbraham;  Charles  Brisco,  of  Enfield; 
Amos  Pease,  of  Somers :  H.  S.  Sheldon,  of  Suffield. 

All  Hampden  county,  and  thousands  from  beyond  the  bor- 
ders of  the  county,  took  part  in  the  celebration,  but  those  who 
w^ere  active  participants,  in  the  capacity  of  orators,  speakers, 
essayists  or  otherwise,  were  William  L.  Smith,  chairman  and 
speaker;  Marcus  Perrin  Knowlton,  presiding  officer;  Edwin  D. 
Metcalf,  speaker;  Gov.  George  Dexter  Robinson,  orator;  John  L. 
Houston  (of  Enfield)  orator;  Judge  Henry  Morris,  historical 
address;  William  S.  Shurtleff,  poet  (author  of  "Anniversary 
Ode")  ;  Edward  H.  Lathrop,  toastmaster;  George  M.  Stearns, 
orator ;  William  H.  Haile.  speaker ;  A.  E.  Pillsbury.  speaker ; 
Samuel  Bowles,  speaker ;  Dr.  Theodore  Pynchon,  speaker ;  Mayor 
O'Connor  (of  Holyoke),  speaker;  David  A.  Wells,  speaker;  Gen. 
H.  C.  Dwight  (of  Hartford),  speaker;  United  States  Senator 
Dawes  (of  Pittsfield),  speaker:  R.  R.  Comr.  Kinsley,  speaker; 
Rev.  John  Cuckson,  speaker ;  Rev.  John  Harding,  speaker.  The 
second  day  of  the  celebration  was  devoted  especially  to  a  monster 
civic-military  parade  and  demonstration,  and  the  occasion  was 
closed  with  a  largely  attended  ball. 

Having  thus  briefly  and  in  a  general  way  traced  the  history 
and  gradual  growth  of  the  town  of  Springfield  from  the  time  of 

(     e:     ) 


OUR   COLMY  AXD  ITS  PEOPLE 

founding  the  Agawani  plantation  to  the  incorporation  of  the 
city,  and  thence  to  the  bi-centennial  anniversary,  and  having 
referred  incidentally  at  least  to  the  more  important  events  which 
have  taken  place  during  that  long  period,  it  is  proposed  in  suc- 
ceeding chapters  to  analyze  the  subject  of  the  city's  history  and 
treat  each  element  separately,  giving  proper  attention  to  accom- 
plished results,  and  presenting  to  the  reader  the  names  of  men 
who  have  been  contributing  factors  in  producing  those  results. 
HoAvever,  before  closing  the  present  chapter  we  may  have  re- 
course to  the  census  reports  and  note  the  changes  in  number  of 
inhabitants  in  the  town  and  city  as  the  same  is  indicated  by  the 
returns  of  the  enumerators.  It  may  be  said,  however,  that  the 
figures  here  cannot  be  taken  as  a  true  index  of  the  town's  growth 
previous  to  1850,  from  the  fact  that  the  frequent  division  of  the 
territory  and  the  creation  of  other  towns  occasionally  took  from 
Springfield  some  of  its  most  thickly  populated  districts. 

The  colonial  census  of  1776  gave  the  town  1,974  inhabitants. 
The  first  regular  federal  census  Avas  taken  in  1790,  and  subse- 
quently at  the  close  of  each  decade.  The  state  enumeration  of 
population  was  begun  in  1855.  In  1790  the  population  was 
1,574:  1800,  2,312;  1810,  2,767:  1820,  3,914:  1830,  6,784:  1840, 
10,985;  1850,  11,766;  1855,  13,788;  1860,  15,199;  1865,  22,035; 
1870,  26.703:  1875,  31,053;  1880,  33,340:  1885,  37,535;  1890, 
44,179 :  1895,  51,522 :  1900,  62,059. 

SELECTMEN  OF  SPRINGFIELD   1644-1852. 

1644-45— Henry  Smith,  Thomas  Cooper,  Samuel  Chapin, 
Richard  Sikes,  Henry  Burt. 

1646— Henry  Smith,  Elizur  Holyoke,  Samuel  Chapin,  Henry 
Burt,  Benj.  Cooley. 

1647-49— Henry  Smith,  Samuel  Chapin,  Thomas  Cooper, 
Henry  Burt,  Benj.  Cooley. 

1650— John  PyiH'hon,  Henry  Smith.  Sanmel  Chapin.  Henry 
Burt,  Thomas  Cooper. 

1651— John  Pynchon,  Samuel  Chapin,  George  Colton,  Henry 
Bu7-t,  Thomas  Cooper. 

1652— John  Pynchon,  Samuel  Chapin,  George  Colton,  Henry 
Burt,  Benj.  Cooley,  Thomas  Stebbins,  Joseph  Parsons. 

{       68       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1653  — George  Coltou.  Robert  Ashley,  Thomas  Cooper,  Beiij. 
Cooley,  Thomas  Stebbins. 

1654— Thomas  Cooper,  (ieorge  Colton,  Robert  Ashley,  Henry 
Burt,  Benj.  Cooley. 

1655— Miles  Morgan,  John  Dumbleton,  George  Colton,  Thos. 
Stebbins,  John  Stebbins. 

1656 — Thomas  Cooper,  (ieorge  Colton,  Thomas  Gilbert, 
Benj.  Cooley,  Kobt.  Ashley. 

1657— Robert  Ashley.  Miles  Morgan.  John  Dumbleton,  Jon- 
athan Burt,  Thomas  Gilbert. 


Memorial  Church,  Springheld 

1658 — Thomas  Cooper,  Benjamin  Cooley,  Jonathan  Burt. 
William  AYarriner,  Robert  Ashley. 

1659  —  In  this  year  the  day  for  choosing  town  officers  was 
changed  from  the  first  Tuesday'  in  November  to  the  first  Tuesday 
in  February,  and  the  selectmen  of  1658  served  until  February. 
1660. 

1660 — Thomas  Gilbert,  Benj.  Parsons.  John  Dumbleton. 
INIiles  Moraan.  John  Pvnchon. 


(        69      ) 


01 B  COUNTY  AXD  ITS  PEOPLE 

IHGl  — Elizur  Ilolyoke,  Samuel  Chapin,  Thomas  Cooper, 
Benj.  Coole}^  Robt.  Ashley. 

1662— John  Pynehoii,  Nathaniel  Ely,  Kliziu-  Ilolyoke,  Geo. 
Colton,  Miles  Mor^ian. 

1663— John  Pynchon,  Benj.  Cooley,  Robert  Ashley,  Thomas 
Cooper,  Samuel  Marshfield. 

166-4— Samuel  Chapin,  Nathaniel  Ely,  Ceortre  Colton,  Row- 
land Thomas,  Elizur  Holyoke. 

1665— John  Pynchon,  Benjamin  Cooley,  George  Colton, 
Samuel  Marshfield,  LaAvrenee  Bliss. 

1666— Ensign  Cooper,  Robert  Ashley,  John  Dumbleton, 
Benjamin  Parsons,  Elizur  Holyoke. 

1667 — George  Colton,  Nathaniel  Ely,  Benjamin  Cooley, 
Rowland  Thomas,  Samuel  Marshfield. 

1668— Thomas  Cooper,  Miles  Morgan,  John  Dumbleton,  Ben- 
jamin Parsons,  Elizur  Holyoke. 

1669— John  Pynchon,  George  Colton,  Nathaniel  Ely,  Samuel 
Marshfield,  Lawrence  Bliss. 

1670— Elizur  Holyoke,  Thomas  Cooper,  Benjamin  Cooley, 
Benjamin  Parsons,  Henry  Chapin. 

1671  — John  Pynchon,  George  Colton,  Sanniel  Marshfield, 
Rowland  Thomas,  John  Dumbleton. 

1672 — Nathaniel  Ely,  Benjamin  Cooley,  Benjamin  Parsons, 
Anthony  Dorchester,  Elizur  Holyoke. 

1673— George  Colton,  Samuel  ]\larshfield,  Thomas  Cooper, 
John  Dumbleton,  Henry  Chapin. 

1674 — Nathaniel  Ely,  Thomas  Cooper,  Benjamin  Parsons, 
Elizur  Holyoke. 

1675 — (xeorge  Colton.  Samuel  ^larshfield,  John  Dumbleton, 
Henry  Chapin,  Jeremy  Horton. 

1676 — Benjamin  Cooley,  Jonathan  Burt.  John  Keep,  John 
Hitchcock,  Elizur  Holyoke.  (Samuel  jNlarshfield  was  chosen  in 
place  of  Elizur  Holyoke,  deceased,  and  Anthony  Dorchester  was 
chosen  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  John  Keep,  who 
was  killed  by  the  Indians,  March  26.) 

1677— George  Colton,  John  Dumbleton,  Benjamin  Parsons, 
Henry  Chapin,  John  Dorchester. 

(       70       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1678 — Samuel  Marshfield,  Japhet  Chapin,  John  Hitchcock, 
Nathaniel  Burt,  John  Holyoke. 

1679— John  Holyoke,  George  Colton,  Benjamin  Parsons, 
John  Dnmbleton,  Henry  Chapin. 

1680— Benjamin  Cooley,  Sanniel  Marshfield,  Jonathan  Burt, 
Japhet  Chapin,  John  Hitchcock. 

1681— Daniel  Denton,  John  Holyoke,  George  Colton,  Benja- 
min Parsons,  John  Dnmbleton. 

1682— Joseph  Parsons,  Dea.  Jonathan  Burt,  Thomas  Day, 
John  Hitchcock,  John  Holyoke. 

1683  — Samuel  ^Marshfield,  Benjamin  Parsons,  John  Dnmble- 
ton, Japhet  Chapin,  James  Warriner. 

1684 — Jonathan  Burt,  Henry  Chapin,  John  Hitchcock,  Sam- 
uel Ball,  John  Holyoke. 

1685— George  Colton,  Samuel  ]Marshfield.  Benj.  Parsons, 
John  Dnmbleton,  Samuel  Bliss. 

1686— Japhet  Chapin,  John  Hitchcock,  Samuel  Ball,  Thomas 
Stebbins,  John  Holyoke. 

1687 — Jonathan  Burt,  Benjamin  Parsons,  Henry  Chapin, 
John  Dnmbleton,  Luke  Hitchcock. 

1688  — Samuel  Marshfield,  Japhet  Chapin,  John  Hitchcock, 
Samuel  Ball,  John  Holyoke. 

1689— Japhet  Chapin,  Samuel  Hitchcock,  Samuel  Ball, 
Thomas  Colton,  James  Warriner,  Thomas  Stebbins. 

1690— John  Dnmbleton,  Jonathan  Burt,  Benjamin  Parsons, 
Henry  Chapin,  Abel  Wright.  (This  board  was  chosen  in  May, 
1689,  in  accordance  Avith  the  act  changing  the  day  of  election 
from  February  to  May.) 

1690 — Japhet  Chapin,  John  Hitchcock,  James  Warriner, 
Thomas  Stebbins,  John  Holyoke. 

1691 — Jonathan  Burt,  Henry  Chapin,  John  Dinnbleton, 
Isaac  Colton,  John  Holyoke. 

1692— Japhet  Chapin,  Samuel  Colton,  Samuel  Bliss,  Thomas 
Stebbins,  John  Barber. 

1693  — John  Hitchcock,  Eliakim  Cooley,  Joseph  Stebbins, 
Jonathan  Ball,  John  Holyoke. 

1694— Pelatiah  Glover,  John  Dorchester,  Joseph  Stebbins, 
Nathaniel  Bliss,  David  ^Morgan. 

(       71       ) 


Oil:  COi'XTY  AXD  ITS  PEOPLE 

1695  — Thomas  Cooper,  Thomas  Colton,  Daniel  Cooley, 
Charles  Ferre,  sr.,  John  Holyoke. 

1696— John  Pynchon,  jr.,  James  Warriner,  Luke  Hitchcock, 
Edward  Stebbins,  Benjamin  Leonard. 

1697— Jonathan  Burt,  Henry  Chapin.  James  AVarriner,  sr., 
Samuel  Bliss,  sr.,  John  Warner. 

1698— John  Hitchcock.  Benjamin  Stebbins.  Pelatiah  Glover, 
Abel  Wright.  John  Warner. 

1699 — Isaac  Colton,  John  Hitchcock,  Samuel  Bliss,  sr., 
Joseph  Stebbins.  John  Myrick. 

1700— Joseph  Stebbins,  Edward  Stebbins,  Japhet  Chapin, 
James  Warriner,  sr.,  Thomas  Colton. 

1701— Henry  Chapin.  Pelatiah  Glover,  John  Barber.  David 
Morgan,  Ebenezer  Parsons. 

1702— John  Pynchon,  jr..  Pelatiah  Glover.  John  Barber. 
John  Warner.  Samuel  Ely. 

1703  — Eliakim  Cooley,  Joseph  Stebbins,  Edward  Stebbins, 
John  Warner.  Nathaniel  Munn. 

1704 — Luke  Hitchcock,  sr.,  James  Warriner,  sr..  Edward 
Stebbins,  Benjamin  Leonard,  Joseph  Williston. 

1705 — John  PjTichon,  jr.,  Joseph  Stebbins,  Luke  Hitchcock, 
sr.,  Joseph  Cooley,  sr.,  John  Merrick. 

1706— John  Pynchon,  jr.,  Eliakim  Cooley,  Ebenezer  Par- 
sons, John  Miller,  Nathaniel  Burt,  jr. 

1707  — Thomas  Colton.  John  Merrick,  Samuel  Bliss  3d. 
Henry  Burt,  John  Holyoke. 

1708— John  Hitchcock,  sr..  Edward  Stebbins.  John  Ferre, 
Benj.  Leonard.  John  Holyoke. 

1709— John  Hitchcock,  sr.,  John  INIerrick,  John  Day,  Pela- 
tiah Bliss,  John  Holyoke. 

1710— John  Pynchon.  jr..  Edward  Stebbins.  John  Burt,  sr., 
Nathaniel  ^lunn.  Samuel  Bliss  3d. 

1711— Joseph  Cooley,  sr.,  Tilley  Merrick.  John  Miller.  Thos. 
Horton,  John  Holyoke. 

1712 — Luke  Hitchcock,  sr.,  Joseph  Stebbins,  sr.,  John  ]Mer- 
rick,  Samuel  Bliss  3d,  John  Ferre. 

1713— Pelatiah  Glover.  Ebenezer  Parsons.  Nathaniel  Burt, 
jr.,  Henry  Burt.  John  Day. 

(       72       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1714— Peiatiah  Glover,  John  Merrick,  Joseph  Cooley,  sr., 
John  Ferre,  Thomas  Terry, 

1715 — John  Pynchon,  James  Mirick,  Sanuiel  Bliss  ;^d.  Luke 
Hitchcock,  Peiatiah  Glover. 

1716 — John  Ferre,  sr.,  James  Warrinei-  2d.  John  Pynchon, 
Joseph  Stebbins.  Samuel  Elj*. 

1717 — Joseph  Stebbins,  John  Mirick,  Samuel  Bliss  3d,  John 
Ferre,  Samuel  Day. 

1718— John  Ferre,  Samuel  Bliss  3d,  Henry  Burt,  John 
Worthington,  Joseph  Parsons. 

1719  —  Samuel  Day,  Samuel  Ely,  Ebenezer  Parsons,  John 
Day,  James  JNIerrick. 

1720— Luke  Hitchcock,  John  Ferre,  Sanniel  Bliss  3d,  Henry 
Burt,  James  AYarriner,  jr. 

1721 — Joseph  Stebbins,  Jaseph  Cooley,  Sanuiel  Bliss  3d. 
Thomas  Bliss,  sr..  Increase  Sikes. 

1722— John  Mirick,  John  Ferre,  Ephraim  Colton,  John 
Worthington,  Increase  Sikes. 

1723 — Samuel  Bliss  2d,  Joseph  Stebbins.  Ephraim  Colton, 
Sanuiel  Day,  John  Day. 

1724 — John  Ferre,  James  Warriner,  Samuel  Bliss  2d,  Na- 
thaniel Sikes.  Increase  Sikes. 

1725— Luke  Hitchcock,  Ephraim  Colton,  John  Ferre,  Sam- 
uel Bliss  2d,  Joseph  "Williston. 

1726 — James  Warriner.  John  Bagg,  John  Hitchcock,  Joseph 
Williston,  Henry  Burt. 

1727 — Samuel  Bliss  2d.  John  Ferre.  Ephraim  Colton,  John 
Day,  John  Worthington. 

1728  — Samuel  Bliss,  Ebenezer  Warriner,  Ephraim  Colton, 
John  Day,  John  Ferre. 

1729 — James  Warriner,  John  Day,  Ebenezer  Warriner,  John 
Burt,  Ephraim  Colton. 

1730— James  AA^arriner,  Ebenezer  AYarriner.  John  Burt. 
Thomas  Colton,  Thomas  Stebbins. 

1731— Samuel  Bliss,  Joseph  AYilliston,  James  AA^arriner, 
Thomas  Colton,  Thomas  Stebbins. 

1732 — Joseph  AA^illiston,  John  AYorthington,  Peiatiah  Bliss, 
Thomas  Stebbins,  John  Day. 

(       73       ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1738— John  Burt,  Luke  Hitchcock  2d,  John  Ely,  James  War- 
riner,  Ebenezer  AVarriner. 

1734— Pelatiah  Bliss,  John  Burt,  Lnke  Hitchcock  2d,  Ebe- 
nezer Warriner,  John  Ely. 

1735  — Pelatiah  Bliss,  Ebenezer  AVarriner,  John  Bnrt,  John 
Ely,  Lnke  Hitchcock  2d. 

1736— John  Bnrt,  Lnke  Hitchcock  2d,  AVilliani  Pynchon, 
John  Day,  Benjamin  Chapin. 

1737— William  Pynchon,  John  Day,  John  Bnrt.  Lnke  Hitch- 
cock 2d,  Thomas  Colton. 

1738— William  Pynchon,  John  Day,  Pelatiah  Bliss,  Thomas 
Stebbins,  Lnke  Hitchcock  2d. 

1739— John  Day,  Thomas  Colton,  Thomas  Stebbins,  John 
Burt,  John  Harmon. 

1740 — John  Harmon,  Thomas  Colton,  Thomas  Stebbins, 
John  Day,  Luke  Hitchcock. 

1741  — Joseph  Pynchon,  Thomas  Colton,  Thomas  Stebbins, 
John  Harmon,  Jonathan  Chapin. 

1742 — Joseph  Pynchon,  Thomas  Colton,  Joseph  ^Miller,  Jon- 
athan Chapin,  James  Warriner. 

1743 — James  AVarriner,  Joseph  Aliller,  Thomas  Stebbins, 
Thomas  Colton,  Jonathan  Chapin. 

1744 — James  AVarriner,  Fi'ancis  Ball,  John  Bnrt.  Thomas 
Colton,  Thomas  Stebbins. 

1745 — John  Burt,  James  AVarriner,  Thomas  Stebbins,  Fran- 
cis Ball,  AA^illiam  Stebbins. 

1746— James  AVarriner,  Francis  Ball,  AVilliam  Stebbins, 
Joseph  Pynchon,  Lnke  Hitchcock  2d,  Ebenezer  Hitchcock,  Jona- 
than Church. 

1747— Jonathan  Church,  James  AVarriner,  Francis  Ball, 
AVilliam  Stebbins,  Josiah  Dwight. 

1748— Jonathan  Church,  James  AA'arrinei",  Francis  Ball, 
AA^illiam  Stebbins  Josiah  Dwight. 

1749-51— James  AVarriner,  AA'illiam  Stebbins,  Francis  Ball, 
Jonathan  Church,  Josiah  Dwight. 

1752-53— Josiah  DAvight,  AA^illiam  Stebbins.  Jonathan 
Church,  James  AA^arriner,  Samuel  Ely. 

(       74       ) 


THE  criY  OF  SPEIXGFIELD 

1754-56 — Josiah  Uwi^ilit,  James  Warriiier,  Jonathan  Church, 
Nathaniel  Burt,  Samuel  Ely. 

1757 — Josiah  D\vitiht,  Jonathan  ("hureh,  James  Wariiner, 
Samuel  Ely,  Nathaniel  Ely. 

1758 — Josiah  Dwijiht,  Jonathan  Church,  Sanniel  Ely,  Na- 
thaniel Ely  2d,  Nathaniel  Brewer. 

1759— Josiah  Dwight,  Jonathan  Church,  Nathaniel  Ely, 
Joseph  Miller,  Nathaniel  Brewer. 


Ehn  Street  School,  Springfield 

1760— Luke  Bliss,  Luke  Hitchcock,  Joseph  Miller,  Josiah 
Dwight,  Aaron  Colton. 

1761— John  AVorthington,  Ebenezer  Hitchcock,  Benjamin 
Day,  Aaron  Colton,  Echvard  Pynchon. 

1762 — John  Worthington,  Edward  Pynchon,  Aaron  Colton, 
Benjamin  Day,  Luke  Hitchcock. 

1763— John  AVorthington,  Edward  Pynchon.  Benjamin  Day, 
Josiah  Dwight,  Aaron  Colton. 

1764— John  Worthington,  Josiah  DAvight.  Edward  Pynchon, 
Benjamin  Day,  Nathaniel  Ely  2d. 

(       75       ) 


OCR  COLNTY  AXD  ITS  PEOPLE 

1765— John  Worthingtou,  Josiah  Dwight,  Edward  Pynclion, 
Benjamiu  Day,  Nathaniel  Ely,  Capt.  Samuel  Merrick. 

1766-67— John  AVorthington,  Josiah  Dwight,  Edward  Pyn- 
clion, Benjamin  Day,  Nathaniel  Ely  2d,  Robert  Harris,  Samuel 
Merrick. 

1768— John  Worthington,  Josiah  Dwight,  Edward  Pynchon, 
Benjamin  Day,  Robert  Harris,  Nathaniel  Ely,  John  Leonard. 

1769— John  AYorthington,  Edward  Pynchon,  Lt.  Robert 
Harris,  Nathaniel  Brewer,  Benjamin  Daj^  Nathaniel  Ely. 

1770— John  Worthington,  Edward  Pynchon,  Benjamin  Day, 
Nathaniel  Ely  l2d,  Nathaniel  Brewer,  Robert  Harris,  John  Leon- 
ard. 

1771— John  AYorthington,  Edward  Pynchon,  Benjamin  Day, 
Nathaniel  Ely  2d,  John  Leonard,  Moses  Bliss,  Daniel  Harris. 

1772— John  Worthington,  Edward  Pynchon,  Nathaniel  Ely, 
John  Leonard,  Daniel  Harris,  Moses  Bliss,  Jonathan  A¥hite. 

1773 — John  Worthington,  Col.  Benjamin  Day,  Nathaniel 
Ely,  Dr.  Charles  Pynchon,  John  Leonard.  Dr.  Jonathan  A^^lite, 
Lt.  John  Leonard,  Dr.  Aaron  Colton,  Benjamin  Ely. 

1774 — John  Worthington,  Moses  Bliss.  John  Hale,  Phineas 
Chapin,  Daniel  Harris. 

1775— Daniel  Harris,  Phineas  Chapin,  Aaron  Colton,  James 
Silkes,  AVilliam  Pynchon,  jr. 

1776 — Aaron  Colton,  James  Sikes,  William  Pynchon,  jr.. 
Edward  Chapin,  Daniel  Harris. 

1777— Aaron  Colton,  Edward  Chapin,  Thomas  Stebbins, 
Daniel  Harris,  William  Pynchon,  jr. 

1778— AVilliam  Pynchon,  jr.,  Edward  Chapin.  David  Burt, 
Thomas  Stebbins,  Phineas  Chapin,  Thomas  Williston. 

1779-80— Thomas  Stebbins,  Phineas  Chapin,  David  Burt, 
William  Pynchon,  Thomas  Williston. 

1781-82— Phineas  Chapin,  Thomas  Stebbins,  William  Pyn- 
chon, Thomas  AVilliston,  David  Burt. 

1783— AYilHam  Pynchon,  Phineas  Chapin,  Thomas  Stebbins, 
Thomas  Williston,  David  Burt. 

1784— William  Pynchon,  Moses  Bliss,  Reuben  Bliss,  Eph- 
raim  Chapin,  Thomas  Williston. 

(       76       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  St'RL\GFlELD 

1785-86— Moses  Bliss,  Reuben  Bliss,  William  Pj^nchon,  Eph- 
raim  Chapin,  Capt.  Thomas  Stebbins. 

1788 — Moses  Bliss,  Reuben  Bliss,  AVilliam  Pynchon,  Eph- 
raim  Chapin,  Thomas  Stebbins,  John  Hale,  Moses  Field. 

1789 — Moses  Bliss,  Reuben  Bliss,  Thomas  Stebbins,  William 
Pynchon. 

1790— Moses  Bliss,  Reuben  Bliss,  William  Pynchon. 

1791 — AVilliam  Pynchon,  Moses  Bliss,  Reuben  Bliss,  ]Moses 
Church,  Capt.  Phineas  Chapin. 

1792-94— William  Pynchon,  Jonathan  Dwight,  Reuben  Bliss, 
Moses  Church,  Capt.  Phineas  Chapin. 

1795 — William  Pynchon,  Jonathan  Dwight,  Reuben  Bliss, 
Thomas  DAvight,  Phineas  Chapin. 

1796-97 — William  Pynchon,  Jonathan  Dwight,  George  Bliss, 
Thomas  Dwight,  Phineas  Chapin. 

1798— William  Pynchon,  Jonathan  Dwight,  Francis  DAvight, 
George  Bliss,  Phineas  Chapin. 

1799-1800— William  Pynchon,  Jonathan  Dwight,  Thomas 
Dwight,  George  Bliss,  Capt.  Phineas  Chapin. 

1801— William  Pynchon,  Thomas  Dwight,  George  Bliss, 
Capt.  J.  Byer,  RiTfus  Sikes,  Moses  Chapin,  Isaac  Bliss. 

1802-3  — William  Pynchon.  Thomas  Dwight,  George  Bliss, 
Rufus  Sikes,  Moses  Chapin. 

1804-8— George  Bliss,  John  Hooker,  Thomas  Dwight,  Rufns 
Sikes,  Moses  Chapin. 

1809-11  — Thomas  Dwight,  George  Bliss,  George  Blake,  John 
Hooker,  Moses  Chapin. 

1812— Joshua  Frost,  Moses  Chapin,  Judah  Chapin,  Eleazer 
AYright,  Edward  Pynchon,  Jonas  Coolidge,  Daniel  Lombard, 
Phineas  Chapin,  Asher  Bartlett. 

1813-16— Moses  Chapin,  Edward  Pynchon.  William  Sheldon, 
George  Blake,  Jonas  Coolidge. 

1817— William  Sheldon,  Edward  Pynchrm,  Jonas  Coolidge, 
Jacob  Bliss,  Joseph  Pease. 

1818-19— Edward  Pynchon,  Jacob  Bliss.  Jonas  Coolidge, 
Thomas  Sargeant,  Joseph  Pease. 

1820— Edward  Pynchon,  Joshua  Frost,  Harvey  Chapin, 
Solomon  Hatch,  Justin  Lombard. 

(       77       ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1821  — Edward  Pynchou,  Justin  Lombard.  Solomon  Hatch, 
William  Childs,  Jesse  Pendleton. 

1822— Jesse  Pendleton,  Solomon  Hatch,  AVilliam  Childs, 
Joseph  Carew,  Simon  Sanborn. 

1823  — John  Hooker,  Kobert  Emory,  Joseph  Pease,  Israel'E. 
Trask,  Jonathan  Dwight. 

1824:— Jesse  Pendleton.  Solomon  Hatch,  AVilliam  Rice, 
George  Colton,  Allen  Bangs. 

1825  — Solomon  Hatch,  (ieorge  Colton.  "William  Rice,  Allen 
Bangs.  Bridgeman  Chapin. 

1826— William  Rice,  Joshua  Frost,  Bridgeman  Chapin, 
Henry  Chapin.  Solomon  Hatch. 

1827-28  — Oliver  B.  Morris,  George  Colton.  Charles  Stearns, 
Horace  King.  Orange  Chapin. 

1829  — George  Colton,  Charles  Stearns.  John  B.  Kirkham, 
Orange  Chapin,  Elijah  Blake. 

1830— John  Howard.  Elijah  Blake.  Allen  Bangs,  William 
Rice.  Silas  Stedman. 

1831— William  Bliss,  Allen  Bangs,  Edwin  Booth,  Orrin  Dim- 
mick.  Downer  Chapin. 

1832— George  Bliss,  Allen  Bangs.  Orange  Chapin,  Orrin 
Dimmick,  Edwin  Booth. 

1833-3-4— Allen  Bangs,  Orange  Chapin,  George  Colton, 
James  W.  Crooks,  Harvey  Chapin. 

1835— George  Ashmun  Stephen  C.  Bemis,  Walter  H.  Bow- 
doin.  William  Childs. 

1836 — George  Ashmun.  Stephen  C.  Bemis,  William  Cad  well. 

1837— William  DAvight,  Walter  Warriner,  Ephraim  S.  How- 
ard, Elihu  Adams.  AVilliam  Chapin,  Samuel  Reynolds.  Lewis 
Gorham. 

1838— William  Dwight.  Sylvester  Taylor.  Gideon  Gardner, 
James  Christie.  Samuel  Reynolds.  William  Chapin.  Thomas  I. 
Shephard. 

1839 — William  Dwight.  Samuel  Reynolds,  Sylvester  Taylor, 
Simon  Sanborn.  Silas  Stedman.  James  Christie,  Francis  M. 
Carew. 

1840-41— William  Dwight.   Samuel  Reynolds,   Simon   San- 

(       78       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPh'LXGFlELD 

born.  Fi'iuu'is  M.  CaroAv.  Otis  Skeole.  AVilliam  Caldwell,  Pliny 
Chapin. 

1842  — Otis  Skeele,  Chester  W.  Chapin,  James  W.  Crooks. 
Ezra  Kiniberly.  Bennin<i-  Tieavitt.  John  B.  Kirkhani,  Albert 
Harden. 

18-43  — Otis  Skeele.  Chester  W.  Chapin,  John  B.  Kirkham. 
Benning  Leavitt,  Albert  Hayden. 

1844 — Giles  S.  Chapin,  Charles  Howard,  Benning  Leavitt. 
John  B.  Kirkhani.  Joseph  Lombard.  Rnfns  Chandler.  Theodore 
AVilliams. 

1845 — Henry  jNlorris,  Allen  Ban^is,  Titus  Amadon,  Austin 
Chapin  2d,  Adolphns  G.  Parker. 

1846 — Henry  Morris,  Austin  Chapin,  Adolphns  G.  Parker. 
Titus  Amadon.  John  B.  M.  Stebbins,  Harvey  Butler,  Bildad  B. 
Belcher. 

1847— Adolphns  G.  Parker,  Bildad  B.  Belcher,  Titns  Ama- 
don. Henry  Vose,  Harvey  Butler,  John  B.  M.  Stebbins,  Nathaniel 
Cutler. 

1848 — Solomon  Hatch,  Jonathan  Pease,  jr.,  William  E.  Mon- 
tague. Waitstill  Hastins.  Levi  C.  Skeele.  Edward  Renney.  Philo 
F.  AA'ilcox. 

1849— Ephraim  W.  Bond,  Erasmus  D.  Beach.  Harvey  Danks 
(voted  this  year  to  have  three  selectmen). 

1850— Erasmus  D.  Beach,  Ephraim  W.  Bond,  Oliver  B.  Ban- 
non,  Simon  Sanborn,  Henry  Gray. 

1851— Eliphalet  Trask,  William  B.  Calhoun,  Theodore  Steb- 
bins. 

Town  Clerks— 'H.enry  Smith,  1636-52;  John  Pynchon,  1652- 
55 ;  Elizur  Holyoke,  1656 ;  John  Pynchon,  1657-60 :  Elizur  Hol- 
yoke.  1661-76:  John  Holyoke,  1677-80;  Daniel  Denton,  1681; 
John  Holyoke,  1682-95  ;  John  Pynchon,  jr.,  1696  ;  Jonathan  Burt, 
1697-1700;  John  Pynchon,  jr.,  1701;  John  Holyoke,  1702-11; 
Pelatiah  Bliss,  1712-15 ;  Joseph  AVarriner,  1716 ;  Pelatiah  Bliss, 
1717-27 ;  William  Pynchon,  jr.,  1728-46;  Edward  Pynchon.  1747- 
72 ;  Benjamin  Day.  1773 ;  Edward  Pynchon.  1774-75 ;  William 
Pynchon.  1776-1804 ;  Edward  Pynchon,  1805-29 ;  William  Bliss, 
1830-38;  Richard  Bliss,  1838-41;  Walter  H.  Bowdoin.  1841;  Jos- 
eph Inoraham,  1842-52. 

(       79       ) 


CHAPTER  IV 

THE    CITY    OF    SPRINGFIELD— MUNICIPAL    HISTORY 

For  fully  ten  years  previous  to  the  act  granting  the  city 
charter  Springfield  frequently  was  involved  in  political  disturb- 
ances growing  out  of  the  selection  of  public  officers,  for  it  appears 
that  the  village  and  country  districts  were  arrayed  against  one 
another,  on  the  question  of  improvements  more  than  on  party 
lines.  The  measures  most  calculated  to  promote  the  local  inter- 
ests of  the  villages  of  Springfield  and  Chicopee,  and  which  in  fact 
were  really  necessary  for  the  good  order  and  protection  of  those 
localities,  could  not  directly  extend  their  benefits  throughout  the 
entire  town,  hence  not  deriving  direct  advantage  therefrom  the 
inhabitants  of  the  rural  districts  naturally  opposed  any  proposi- 
tion which  would  put  increased  taxes  upon  their  Fands.  An 
examination  of  the  records  during  the  period  referred  to  discloses 
the  fact  that  at  the  annual  town  meetings  the  conflicting  elements 
were  so  earnest  in  their  endeavors  that  important  offices  fre- 
quently were  left  vacant  for  some  time,  and  were  filled  only  when 
public  necessity  made  such  action  imperative  and  after  some  sort 
of  temporary  compromise  had  been  "patched  up."  Usually  the 
compromise  was  reached  Avhen  the  people  of  the  villages  consent- 
ed not  to  insist  on  expenditures  which  affected  their  localities, 
which  meant  that  unless  some  remedy  was  provided  Springfield 
always  would  remain  a  non-progressive  tOAvn.  This  principal 
village  required  increased  fire  and  police  protection,  better 
schools,  a  good  water  supply  system,  street  lighting  and  other 
necessary  adjuncts  of  municipal  existence,  but  the  inhabitants  of 
the  outlying  districts  failed  to  appreciate  the  need  of  these  things, 
hence  they  opposed  them  with  their  votes. 

(       80       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

In  the  election  of  town  officers,  especially  tlie  board  of  select- 
men, there  was  more  or  less  rivalry  between  Springfield  and  Chic- 
opee,  the  population  of  the  places  being  about  the  same,  with  the 
advantages,  if  any,  in  favor  of  the  former ;  and  if  the  one  sought 
to  secure  any  api)ropriation  for  improvements  the  other  was 
quite  apt  to  oppose  it  successfully  with  the  aid  of  the  votes  from 
the  agricultural  regions,  which  always  could  be  relied  on  to  reject 
a  measure  that  must  be  paid  for  by  taxation.  At  the  annual 
town  meeting  in  1842  only  two  selectmen  were  agreed  on  and 
voted  into  office.  On  April  18  following  five  others  were 
chosen.  In  the  next  year  only  one  was  chosen  at  the  regular 
meeting,  but  later  on,  after  a  compromise  had  been  effected,  the 
remaining  five  were  selected.  In  1847  it  was  determined  to 
choose  seven  selectmen,  but  at  the  regiilar  meeting  only  three  — 
Adolphus  G.  Parker,  Bildad  ±J.  Belcher  and  Titus  Amadou  — 
were  elected.  At  an  adjourned  meeting,  after  a  truce  had  been 
agreed  on,  Henry  Vose,  Harvey  Butler,  John  B.  j\l.  Stebbins  and 
Nathaniel  Cutler  were  elected  to  complete  the  full  board. 

About  this  time,  perhaps  a  year  or  two  earlier,  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  principal  villages  demanded  a  division  of  the  town 
and  the  creation  of  a  new  jurisdiction  from  the  northern  portion. 
Chicopee  was  the  result,  the  enabling  act  therefor  being  passed 
by  the  legislature  April  29,  1848.  There  appears  to  have  been 
no  real  opposition  to  this  measure,  which  was  regarded  both  as  a 
convenience  and  a  necessity;  but  after  it  was  accomplished 
Springfield's  progress  still  was  opposed  by  certain  influences, 
now  in  part  of  a  purely  political  character.  In  1849  Ephraim 
AV.  Bond  and  Simon  Sanborn  were  chosen  selectmen  at  the  reg- 
ular meeting,  leaving  three  vacancies.  A  little  later  Harvey 
Danks  was  added  to  the  board,  and  still  later  it  was  voted  to  have 
but  three  selectmen.  In  1850  a  full  board  of  five  members  was 
chosen,  but  in  1851  Eliphalet  Trask  was  the  only  member  at  first 
elected.  Then  AVilliam  B.  Calhoun  and  Theodore  Stebbins  were 
added.  At  a  subsequent  meeting  it  was  decided  that  the  board 
as  then  constituted  was  illegal,  and  a  vote  ordered  that  the  board 
of  the  preceding  j-ear  be  recognized  and  continued  in  office. 
However,  by  some  arrangement  of  matters,  the  board  of  the  cur- 
rent year  transacted  the  business  of  the  town. 


6-2 


(       81       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

For  a  year  or  two  the  leading  men  of  both  political  parties 
had  been  discussing  the  situation  of  affairs  in  the  town*  and 
arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  a  city  charter  for  Springfield 
would  have  the  effect  to  remove  the  old  elements  of  opposition 
that  had  retarded  growth  and  advancement  in  earlier  years.  At 
a  town  meeting  held  jNIarch  1,  1852.  at  which  Samuel  Day  was 
moderator,  it  Avas  voted  "that  in  the  opinion  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  town  an  organization  under  a  city  charter  would  conduce 
to  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  town,  and  that  such  organi- 
zation ought  to  be  adopted."  And  it  was  then  further  voted 
"that  application  be  made  to  the  legislature  to  grant  the  town  a 
city  charter,  and  that  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  make 
such  application  and  procure  the  passage  of  such  charter;"  and 
voted  "that  said  committee  of  five  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
moderator. ' ' 

In  accordance  with  the  determination  of  the  meeting  the 
moderator  appointed  Henry  Vose,  John  Mills,  Stephen  C.  Bemis, 
George  Dwight  and  Henry  Gray  as  the  representatives  of  the 
town  in  securing  the  passage  of  the  charter  act :  and  it  is  quite 
evident  that  the  worthy  commission  was  in  full  harmony  Avith  the 
spirit  of  the  movement,  for  on  April  12  of  the  same  year  the  legis- 
lature passed  "An  act  to  establish  the  City  of  Springfield."  the 
creative  sections  of  which  were  as  follows : 

Sec.  1.  "The  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Springfield  shall 
continue  to  be  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  under  the  name  of 
the  City  of  Spring-field,  and.  as  such,  shall  have,  exercise  and 
enjoy  all  the  rights,  immunities,  powers  and  privileges,  and  be 
subject  to  all  the  obligations  now  incumbent  upon,  and  apper- 
taining to.  said  town  a.s  a  municipal  corporation." 

Sec.  2.  "The  administration  of  the  fiscal,  prudential  and 
municipal  affairs  of  said  city,  and  the  government  thereof,  shall 
be  vested  in  #one  principal  officer,  to  be  styled  the  mayor,  one 
council  of  eight,  to  be  called  the  board  of  aldermen:  and  one 
council  of  eighteen,  to  be  called  the  common  council,  which  boards, 
in  their  joint  capacity,  shall  be  denominated  the  city  council," 
etc. 

(       83       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

On  xVpril  21,  1852.  in  less  than  ten  days  after  the  act  was 
passed  by  the  legislature,  and  as  soon  as  the  "warning"  neces- 
sary for  a  legal  meeting  could  be  given,  the  inhabitants  again 
assembled  to  act  upon  the  adoption  or  rejection  of  the  new  char- 
ter. On  this  occasion  William  B.  Calhoun  was  appointed  mod- 
erator, after  which  the  electors  proceeded  to  vote  on  the  question, 
"Shall  the  act  entitled  'an  act  to  establish  the  city  of  Springfield' 
be  adopted?"  The  whole  number  of  votes  cast  was  1,42-S.  of 
which  there  were  969  yeas,  and  454  nays. 

Having  ratified  the  action  of  the  legislature,  the  meeting 
next  proceeded  to  designate  the  five  men  who,  under  the  act,  were 
to  divide  the  town  into  eight  wards,  and.  made  choice  of  William 
B.  Calhoun.  John  B.  Kirkham.  Theodore  Stebbins,  Eliphalet 
Trask  and  Joseph  Ingraham  for  that  duty.  In  due  season  the 
work  was  accomplished,  upon  which  it  was  found  that  the  several 
wards  thus  created  contained  a  population  as  follows:  AVard  1, 
2,222  ;  ward  2,  2,294 ;  ward  3,  2,120 ;  ward  4,  1,711 :  ward  5,  1,935  ; 
ward  6,  710 ;  ward  7,  688 ;  ward  8,  730. 

The  first  city  election  was  held  ]\Iay  13.  1852\  the  principal 
contestants  for  the  mayoralty  being  Caleb  Rice  and  AYilliam  B. 
Calhoun.  Mr.  Rice  was  elected,  having  received  a  total  of  691 
votes,  against  642  for  his  opponent.  Among  the  other  prominent 
citizens  who  received  complimentary  votes  for  the  same  otfiee 
were  Erasmus  D.  Beach  17,  Chester  W.  Chapin  11.  John  Mills  3, 
and  J.  M.  Thompson,  R.  Cleveland.  George  Dwight.  S.  B.  R. 
Leavis,  Captain  Thompson.  Ethan  Chapin,  George  Haynes  and 
John  Barbel',  one  vote  each.  The  total  vote  for  city  clerk  and 
treasurer  was  1.356.  of  which  Joseph  Ingraham  received  1,355 
and  Henry  Vose  (who  was  not  a  candidate  for  any  office  but  re- 
ceived one  vote  for  each,  except  that  of  mayor),  one  vote.  The 
total  vote  for  aldermen  w-as  1,370. 

On  the  last  used  page  of  the  last  of  the  record  books  of  town 
meetings,  in  the  characteristic  handwriting  of  the  town  clerk, 
there  appears  this  entry: 

"Springfield.  May  25,  1852. 

"This  day  ends  the  Town  and  commences  the  city  govern- 

"^The  city  government  was  org.Tnizert  May   -.">.   1832. 

(       83       ) 


Caleb  Rice 
First  mayor  of  Springrfield 


THE  CITY  OF  SFEINGFIELD 

ment — Having  been  a  town  just  two  hundred  and  sixteen  years, 
to  a  day — And  now  we  go  from  an  old  town  to  an  infant  city. 

"Joseph  lugraham, 
last  town  and  first  city  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the  old  town  and 

the  new  city  of  Springfield." 

Occasionally  during  the  half  century  of  Springfield's  exist- 
ence as  a  city,  the  charter  has  been  amended  to  meet  new  con- 
ditions and  to  provide  for  them  in  accordance  with  modern  sys- 
tems of  municipal  management,  but  there  has  not  been  at  any 
time  a  radical  revision  of  the  charter  provisions,  which  fact  at- 
tests the  genius  of  the  framers  of  the  original  act.  The  aldermen 
now  as  formerly  are  voted  for  at  large,  but  are  chosen  one  from 
each  ward.  The  conunon  councilmen  are  elected  by  wards.  Orig- 
inally the  offices  of  city  clerk  and  treasurer  were  filled  by  a 
single  person,  but  in  1888  they  were  separated  and  an  incumbent 
was  elected  for  each. 

Under  the  charter  the  board  of  aldermen,  the  common  coun- 
cil and  the  joint  body — the  city  council  —  have  been  clothed  with 
ample  power  to  provide  for  the  selection  of  subordinate  officers 
and  for  the  maintenance  of  the  several  departments  of  city  gov- 
ernment ;  and  the  generally  healthful  and  prosperous  conditions 
which  are  so  apparent  on  every  hand  are  evidence  that  the  "city 
fathers,"  and  the  people  who  elect  them,  have  not  been  miserly 
in  the  distribution  of  the  public  funds.  Still,  there  is  nothing  to 
indicate  lavish  or  unwarranted  expenditures,  each  board  having 
a  watchful  eye  upon  the  actions  of  the  other,  and  the  "negative" 
power  occasionally  has  been  exercised. 

MUNICIPAL    CIVIL   LIST 

Mayors-Caleh  Rice,  1852-53  :  Philos  B.  Tyler,  1854:  Eliplia- 
let  Trask,  1855  :  Ansel  Phelps,  jr.,  1856-58  :  William  B.  Calhoun, 
1859  :  Daniel  L.  Harris.  1860  ;  Stephen  C.  Bemis,  1861-62  ;  Henry 
Alexander,  jr.,  1863-64:  Albert  D.  Briggs,  1865-67;  Charles  A. 
Winchester,  1868-69;  William  L.  Smith,  1870-71;  Samuel  B. 
Spooner,  1872-73  ;  John  I\I.  Stebbins,  1874 :  Emerson  Wight,  1875- 
78 :  Lewis  J.  Powers,  1879-80 :  William  H.  Haile.  1881 ;  Edwin 
W.  Ladd,  1882;  Henry  ^I.  Phillips.  1883-85;  Edwin  D.  Metcalf. 

(       85       ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1886 ;  Elisha  B.  Maynard,  1887-88 ;  Edward  S.  Bradford,  1889- 
91 ;  Lawson  Sibley,  1892 ;  Edmund  P.  Kendrick,  1893-94 ;  Charles 
L.  Long,  1895 :  Newrie  D.  AYinter,  1896 ;  Henry  S.  Dickinson, 
1897-98 ;  Dwight  0.  Gilmore,  1899 ;  William  P.  Hayes,  1900-1901. 

City  Clerks  and  Treasurers— Joseph  Ingraham,  1852-59; 
Horace  G.  Lee,  1860-61 ;  Samuel  B.  Spooner,  1862,  resigned  Sept. 
30,  and  succeeded  by  Albert  T.  Folsom ;  Albert  T.  Folsom, 
1863-87. 

Cittj  Clerks— Elijah  A.  Newell  1888-1901.       (Still  in  office.) 

City  Treasurers-BMplmlet  T.  Tift,  1888-1901.  (Still  in 
office. ) 

1852. 

Aldermen— V\^ard  One,  Samuel  S.  Day;  Ward  Two,  Elipha- 
let  Trask;  Ward  Three,  E.  D.  Beach;  Ward  Four,  George 
Dwight;  Ward  Five,  Albert  jMorgan  ;  AVard  Six,  Charles  G.  Rice ; 
Ward  Seven,  Oliver  B.  Bannon ;  Ward  Eight,  F.  A.  Barton. 

C?crA;— Joseph  Ingraham. 

Common  Councihnen — President,  Henry  Morris;  Ward 
One,  J.  B.  M.  Stebbins,  Eleazer  Ripley,  John  V.  Jones;  Ward 
Two,  W.  C.  Sturtevant,  Francis  Bates,  Henry  Fuller,  jr. ;  Ward 
Three,  Charles  IMerriam,  Willis  Phelps,  Cicero  Simons ;  Ward 
Four,  Henry  Morris,  Alexander  H.  Avery,  Benjamin  F.  Warner ; 
Ward  Five,  William  Hitchcock,  Hiram  Q.  Sanderson,  Nathaniel 
Cate ;  Ward  Six,  Henry  Adams ;  Ward  Seven,  Ezra  Kimberly ; 
Ward  Eight,  Rodney  Holt. 

Clerk — Alanson  Hawley. 

1853. 

Aldermen— V\^ard  One,  John  B.  Stebbins;  Ward  Two, 
Eliphalet  Trask ;  Ward  Three.  Willis  Phelps  :  Ward  Four,  Henry 
Vose ;  AYard  Five,  Titus  Amadon ;  AYard  Six,  Drayton  Perkins ; 
AA^ard  Seven,  Joseph  N.  Sollace ;  AYard  Eight,  Harvey  Foster. 

CZerA;— Joseph  Ingraham. 

Common  Councihnen — President,  Henry  ]Morris  (resigned 
May  16),  AYilliam  Stowe ;  AYard  One.  Daniel  Hitchcock,  AA^illiam 
Pynchon,  Addison  Day;  AA'ard  Two,  Joseph  C.  Pynchon,  Orrin 
Baker,  E.  AY.  Bond :  AYard  Three,  Lombard  Dale,  T.  M.  AYalker, 
AYilliam  Stowe ;  AYard  Four,  Henry  Morris,  Alexander  H.  Avery, 

(       86        ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Edmund  Pabm'r;  Ward  Five,  Nathaniel  Gate,  AVilliaDi  Dickin- 
son, Daniel  Collins ;  Ward  Six,  Henry  Adams ;  AYard  Seven, 
Ezra  Kimberly ;  AVard  Eight,  William  S.  Barker. 

C'ZerA;— Alanson  Hawley  (resigned  March  7),  Samuel  0. 
Cxay. 

1854. 

Alder)ncti—V\^i\vd  One,  AVilson  Eddy;  "Ward  Two,  Eliphalet 
Trask ;  Ward  Three,  Elkanah  Barton ;  AVard  Four,  William  L. 
AVashburn ;  Ward  Five,  Edward  F.  Moseley;  AVard  Six,  Roder- 
ick Lombard ;  AVard  Seven,  Joseph  Lombard ;  Ward  Eight,  Rod- 
ney Holt. 

Clerk— Joseph  Ingraham, 

Common  Councilmen — President,  Samuel  S.  Day ;  AVard 
One,  Asa  Clark,  Samuel  S.  Day,  Thomas  AY.  AVasou ;  AA'ard  Two, 
George  H.  Roberts,  Henry  A.  Robinson,  Roderick  Ashley ;  AA^ard 
Three,  Philo  F.  AA^ilcox,  Lombard  Dale,  Frederick  H.  Harris; 
AVard  Four,  Daniel  L.  Harris,  Tilly  Haynes,  Joseph  B.  Hopkins; 
AA^ard  Five,  Daniel  Gollins,  G.  AV.  Harrison,  A.  H.  Clark ;  AA^ard 
Six,  Edwin  S.  Hall;  AA'^ard  Seven,  Harris  B.  Johnson;  AA^ard 
Eight,  Horace  Pease. 

Clerk — Charles  0.  Chapin. 

1855. 

Alderman— Ward  One,  James  M.  Blanchard;  AA^ard  Two, 
AV.  C.  Sturtevant ;  AA^ard  Three,  David  Smith ;  AVard  Four,  Dan- 
iel Reynolds ;  AA'ard  Five,  AA'illiam  E.  Montague ;  AA^ard  Six, 
Henry  Adams ;  AA'ard  Seven,  James  P.  Chapman ;  AA^ard  Eight, 
Harvey  Foster. 

Clerk— Joseph  Ingraham. 

Common  Councilmen  —  President,  John  M.  Stebbins;  AA^ard 
One,  E.  B.  Haskell,  John  M.  Stebbins,  Stephen  Morse ;  AVard 
Two,  0.  W.  AA' ilcox,  John  Hooker,  3d,  D.  H.  Brigham ;  Ward 
Three,  Francis  S.  Graves.  Rufus  Elmer,  E.  AA^.  Dickinson ;  AVard 
Four,  Abel  B.  Howe,  John  AA^.  Hunt,  Jeremiah  R.  Cadwell; 
AVard  Five,  Nathaniel  Howard,  S.  S.  Holmes,  E.  F.  Moseley; 
Ward  Six.  J.  G.  Capron ;  AA^'ard  Seven,  Luther  S.  Lewis;  AA'ard 
Eight,  Samuel  AA'ebber. 

Clerk— lihom2iS  Chubbuck. 

(       87       ) 


OUE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1856. 

Aldertnen —W^urd  One,  Samuel  S.  Day;  Ward  Two,  Henry 
Fuller,  jr.;  AVard  Three,  Edmund  Freeman;  Ward  Four,  Ste- 
phen C.  Bemis ;  Ward  Five,  Thomas  H.  Allen ;  Ward  Six,  Henry 
Alexander,  jr. :  Ward  Seven,  Henry  Reynolds;  Ward  Eight, 
Samuel  Webber. 

Clerk — Joseph  Ingraham. 

Common  Councilnien— President,  James  Kirkham;  Ward 
One,  Charles  O.  Russell,    Chauneey   L.    Covell,    Hervey   Hills; 


The  Hooker  School,  Springtield 

Ward  Two,  O.  W.  Wilcox,  Henry  A.  Chapin,  Dexter  H.  Brig, 
ham ;  Ward  Three,  Dr.  Nathan  Adams.  Charles  L.  Shaw,  George 
Whitney ;  Ward  Four,  James  Kirkham,  George  Walker,  John  W. 
Hunt;  Ward  Five,  Otis  A.  Seamans,  E.  F.  Moseley,  Nelson  Ty- 
ler ;  Ward  Six,  Elbridge  Barton :  Ward  Seven,  AVilliam  Smith ; 
Ward  Eight,  INIilton  Foster. 

Clerk— Charles  0.  Chapin, 

1857. 

Aldermen— V^ard  One,  Samuel  S.  Day;  Ward  Two,  Henry 
Fuller,  jr. :  Ward  Three,  Henry  Alexander,  jr. :  Ward  Four,  Ste- 

{       88       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

pheu  C.  Beniis;  Ward  Five,  Joseph  Hannis;  AVard  Six,  James 
Warner:  Ward  Seven.  Ilenry  Poniroy:  AYard  Eight,  Samuel 
Webber,  jr. 

C'/^rA;— Joseph  Ingraham. 

Common  Coioicihiicn—V resident,  George  Walker;  Ward 
One,  Charles  O.  Russell,  C'liauneey  L.  Covell.  James  Stebbins : 
Ward  Two,  Erastus  Hayes,  Lyman  King,  Francis  B.  Bacon ; 
AA^ard  Three,  Alarvin  Lincoln.  Henry  Avery,  John  R.  Hixon ; 
Ward  Four,  George  AValker,  Samuel  Leonard,  AA^illiam  Birnie ; 
AVard  Five,  Charles  AVoodman,  Luther  Upton,  George  A.  Otis; 
AVard  Six,  Elbridge  Barton ;  AVard  Seven,  AVilliam  Smith  ;  AVard 
Eight,  George  A.  Cooley. 

Clerk — Charles  0.  Chapin. 

1858. 

Aldermen— ^Xard  One,  Samuel  S.  Day;  AVard  Two,  Henry 
Fuller,  jr. ;  AVard  Three,  Henry  Alexander,  jr. ;  AA^ard  Four,  Ste- 
phen C.  Bemis ;  AVard  Five,  Joseph  Hannis ;  AA^ard  Six,  James 
AVarner ;  AA'ard  Seven,  Henry  Pomroy ;  AVard  Eight,  Samuel 
AVebber,  jr.  (resigned),  E.  A.  Fuller. 

Clerk — Joseph  Ingraham. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  John  R.  Hixon;  AVard 
One,  Wilson  Eddy,  AVilliam  Pynchon,  AVilliam  L.  Smith ;  AA^ard 
Two,  Randolph  E.  Ladd,  Ambrose  N.  Merrick,  Charles  B.  Trask: 
AA'ard  Three,  John  R.  Hixon,  Henry  A.  Chapin,  Gurdon  Bill: 
AVard  Four,  Samuel  Leonard,  John  AA^.  Hunt,  R.  G.  Shumway; 
AVard  Five,  Charles  AA^oodman,  George  Swetland,  John  Brooks: 
Ward  Six,  Elbridge  Barton ;  AVard  Seven,  Joseph  AA^heelock.  jr. ; 
AVard  Eight.  Erastus  King. 

Clerk — Charles  0.  Chapin. 

1859. 

Aldermen — AVard  One,  Chauncey  L.  Covell :  AVard  Two. 
Roger  S.  Moore :  Ward  Three,  Edmund  Freeman :  AA^'ard  Four, 
Daniel  L.  Harris:  AVard  Five,  AA^lliam  Hitchcock;  Ward  Six,  J. 
G.  Capron ;  AA^ard  Seven,  Horace  Smith :  AVard  Eight,  George  W. 
Holt. 

Clerk — Joseph  Ingraham. 

Common  Couneilmen— 'President,  A.  N.  Merrick  (resigned 
in  INIayV  Samuel  Leonard:  AA^ard  One,  Joshua   M.   Harrington. 

(       89       ) 


OVn  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Justin  M.  Cooley,  John  V.  Jones ;  Ward  Two,  George  H.  Roberts, 
Lewis  H.  Taylor,  Gurdon  C.  Jndson;  Ward  Three,  A.  N.  Mer- 
rick, Daniel  Gay,  Hosea  C.  Lombard;  Ward  Four,  Samuel  Leon- 
ard, Alfred  Rowe,  Reuben  T.  Safford ;  AA-'ard  Five,  Theodore 
Bishop,  AYalter  Maynard,  AYalter  North ;  Ward  Six,  Isaac  D. 
Gibbons;  Ward  Seven,  Ransley  Hall;  AA^ard  Eight,  Warren  L. 
Shaw. 

Clerk— Jjiicius  E.  Ladd. 

1860. 

Aid cnti an— Ward  One,  Edmund  B.  Haskell:  AVard  Two, 
Erastus  Hayes ;  Ward  Three.  Franklin  Chamberlain ;  AA^ard 
Four,  John  AV.  Hunt ;  AA^ard  Five,  AA^'illiam  Hitchcock ;  AA^ard 
Six,  John  G.  Capron ;  Ward  Seven,  William  Foster ;  AVard  Eight, 
George  AA^  Holt. 

C'ierA;— Horace  C.  Lee. 

Common  Councilmen — President  N.  A.  Leonard ;  AVard  One, 
Joshua  M.  Harrington,  H.  S.  Noyes,  J.  H.  Demond ;  AVard  Two, 
Lewis  H.  Taylor,  George  R.  Townsley,  Charles  A.  AVinchester; 
AA^ard  Three,  AVilliam  L.  AA'ilcox,  John  Hamilton,  Clark  AV. 
Bryan;  AVard  Four,  N.  A.  Leonard,  AA^illiam  Birnie,  Alfred 
Rowe ;  AVard  Five,  AA'^illiam  Higley,  A.  F.  Strong.  Charles  AVood- 
man;  AA'ard  Six,  Robert  Crossett;  AVard  Seven,  Orrin  Lombard; 
AVard  Eight,  AndrcAV  J.  Plumer. 

Cier/i;— Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

1861. 

AUhrmc It— Ward  One,  Henry  Gray;  AA'ard  Two,  Ephraim 
AV.  Bond ;  AVard  Three,  H.  N.  Case ;  Ward  Four,  Nathaniel  How- 
ard ;  AVard  Five,  Charles  AA'oodman ;  AA^ard  Six,  Amos  Call ; 
AA'ard  Seven,  AA^illiam  Smith ;  Ward  Eight,  A.  J.  Plumer. 

Clerk — Horace  C.  Lee. 

Common  Couiwilmen—Fref>\dent,  N.  A.  Leonard;  AA^ard 
One,  H.  J.  Chapin,  J.  M.  Cooley,  J.  H.  Demond ;  AVard  Two, 
Lewis  H.  Taylor,  D.  H.  Brigham,  F.  B.  Bacon :  AA^ard  Three, 
AA'illiam  L.  AA^ilcox,  John  Hamilton,  James  M.  Skiff ;  Ward  Four, 
N.  A.  Leonard,  John  AV.  Bliss,  Alfred  Rowe ;  AVard  Five,  AA^- 
liam  Higley,  Otis  A.  Seamans,  A.  W.  Allen ;  AVard  Six,  Aaron 

(       90       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFlilNGFIELD 

C.  Barton ;  AVard  Seven,  Henry  Reynolds ;  Ward  Eight,  H.  E. 
Moseley. 

Clerk — Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

1862. 

Aldermen— Wavd  One,  Henry  Gray;  Ward  Two,  E.  W. 
Bond ;  Ward  Three,  H.  N.  Case ;  Ward  Four,  T.  W.  Wason ; 
Ward  Five,  Horace  Kibbe;  Ward  Six,  Horace  Smith;  AVard 
Seven,  William  Smith ;  Ward  Eight,  H.  S.  Evans. 

Clerk-— ^.  B.  Spooner,  jr. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  N.  A.  Leonard;  Ward 
One,  Horace  J.  Chapin,  L.  0.  Hanson.  L.  J.  Powers;  AA^ard  Two, 
Sylvester  Day,  Tim  Henry,  Eli  H.  Patch ;  AVard  Three,  James 
M.  Skiff,  J.  E.  Taylor,  A.  F.  Jennings ;  Ward  Four,  N.  A.  Leon- 
ard, Alfred  Rowe,  T.  M.  Walker ;  AA- ard  Five,  P.  V.  B.  Havens, 
George  K.  Jacobs,  George  K.  Charter ;  Ward  Six,  Aaron  C.  Bar- 
ton ;  Ward  Seven,  Ezekiel  Keith ;  AA^ard  Eight,  H.  E.  Moseley. 

CZerA;— Lucius  E.  Ladd. 
,  1863. 

Aldermen— '^2iYd  One,  Justin  M.  Cooley;  AA^ard  Two,  AVil- 
liam  Patton ;  Ward  Three,  AA^illiam  K.  Baker ;  AA^ard  Four,  Dan- 
iel L.  Harris ;  Ward  Five,  AA^illiam  Bodurtha ;  AVard  Six,  Horace 
Smith ;  Ward  Seven,  Virgil  Perkins ;  AVard  Eight,  Andrew  J. 
Plumer. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen— VveaiAenX.  N.  A.  Leonard ;  Ward 
One,  N.  W.  Talcott,  George  S.  Haskell,  Luther  Clark ;  AA^ard  Two, 
0.  H.  Greenleaf,  G.  R.  Townsley,  John  AVest;  AA^ard  Three, 
Aaron  G.  Lord,  James  M.  Skiff,  Francis  S.  Graves ;  Ward  Four, 
N.  A.  Leonard,  A.  L.  Soule,  Henrj-  S.  Lee ;  AVard  Five,  Cheney 
Bigelow,  George  K.  Charter  (resigned),  Charles  Phelps,  Orlando 
Chapin  (resigned),  AAalliam  Collins;  AVard  Six,  J.  G.  Chase; 
AVard  Seven,  C.  P.  L.  AVarner;  AVard  Eight,  Hiram  Warner. 

CZerfc— Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

1864. 

Aldermen— ^?iYd  One,  Norman  AV.  Talcott;  Ward  Two, 
AMlliam  Patton;  AA^ard  Three,  Albert  D.  Briggs;  Ward  Four, 
Frederick  H.  Harris ;  Ward  Five,  Charles  Barrows ;  AVard  Six, 

(       91       ) 


OLE  COUNTY  AND    ITS  PEOPLE 

Warren  H.  AYilkinson;    Ward    Seven.    Virgil    Perkins:    AVard 
Eight,  Harvey  E.  IMoseley. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Contnwn  Councilmen—FreHident,  N.  A.  Leonard;  AVard 
One,  Henry  S.  Hyde,  John  Mulligan,  Charles  H.  Allen;  AVard 
Two,  0.  H.  Greenleaf,  G.  R.  Townsley,  J.  F.  Tannatt:  AA^ard 
Three.  Charles  A.  A\"inchester,  AA'.  H.  Smith,  A.  N.  Merrick: 
AVard  Four,  N.  A.  Leonard,  A.  L.  Sonle,  Henry  S.  Lee:  AA^ard 
Five,  Charles  Phelps,  AA'illiam  Collins,  S.  AA".  Porter ;  AVard  Six. 
L.  H.  Taylor;  AA^ard  Seven,  Peter  A^alentine:  AA^ard  Eight, 
George  Foster. 

Clerk— hucius  E.  Ladd. 

1865. 

Alder  me  II  —V\^i\yd  One,  Henry  S.  Hyde;  AVard  Two.  George 
R.  Townsley:  AVard  Three,  Otis  Childs;  AA^ard  Four,  Frederick 
H.  Harris:  AA'ard  Five.  Charles  Barrows:  AVard  Six,  AA'arren  H. 
AVilkinson ;  AA'ard  Seven,  A'irgil  Perkins ;  AVard  Eight,  Andrew 
J.  Plume r. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  C oniicilme n—VviSH\<lQ\\\..  Henry  S.  Lee:  AVard  One. 
John  Mulligan.  AA^  H.  Allis.  H.  S.  Noyes ;  AVard  Two,  Gideon 
AVells.  John  Olmsted,  J.  F.  Tannatt :  AA' ard  Three.  AVilliam  H. 
Smith.  J.  F.  Tapley,  H.  N.  Tinkham ;  Ward  Four,  N.  A.  Leon- 
ard, Henry  S.  Lee,  S.  J.  Hall :  AVard  Five,  Charles  Phelps,  S.  W. 
Porter,  J.  Q.  A.  Sexton ;  AA^ard  Six,  Gustavus  D.  Tapley ;  AA'ard 
Seven,  Rawson  Hathaway :  AA^ard  Eight,  George  Foster. 

Clerk — Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

1866. 

Aldermen— \\iivd  One.  AA'illiam  Pynchon;  AA'ard  Two,  D. 
H.  Brigham :  AA'ard  Three,  Tim  Henry ;  Ward  Four.  F.  H.  Har- 
ris;  Ward  Five.  G.  AV.  Harrison;  AA'ard  Six.  W.  H.  AA^ilkinson: 
NA'ard  Seven,  John  G.  Taylor  (died),  Rawson  Hathaway:  AVard 
Eight.  John  Severson. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Co /r»<:'(7/>/e»  — President,  AA^illiam  L.  Smith;  AA'ard 
One.  J.  H.  Demond.  AA^'arren  Emerson,  J.  C.  Mcintosh :  AVard 
Two,  Gideon  AA>lls.  H.  M.  Morehouse,  George  Dwight.  jr. ;  AVard 

(       92       ) 


IHE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Three,  H.  X.  Tinkhani,  William  H.  Smith,  Joseph  H.  Damon 
Ward  Four,  D.  B.  Wesson,  William  L.  Smith,  W.  S.  Marsh 
Ward  Five,  Chailes  Phelps,  S.  AV.  Porter,  Charles  Chapman 
AVard  Six,  Gustavns  D.  Tapley;  Ward  Seven,  John  AI.  Meggett 
Ward  Eight,  Sanmel  INlills. 

Clerk— hncmn  E.  Ladd. 

1867. 

Aldermen— Vyard  One,  John  Mnlligan ;  AYard  Two,  Tim 
Henry;  AA^ard  Three,  H.  N.  Tinkham ;  AYard  Four,  F.  H.  Harris; 
Ward  Five,  Sanmel  AY.  Porter ;  AA'ard  Six,  Amos  Call ;  AA^ard 
Seven,  Rawson  Hathaway;  AA'ard  Eight,  John  Severson. 

Clcrk-X.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councihnen — President,  AYilliam  L.  Smith;  AA^ard 
One.  J.  C.  INIcIntosh,  AVarren  Emerson,  J.  H.  Demond ;  AA^ard 
Two,  H.  ]\I.  IMorehonse,  C.  S.  Hnrlbut,  L.  A.  Tiift;  AYard  Three, 
Charles  Marsh,  H.  K.  AA^.  Dickinson,  P.  S.  Bailey ;  AYard  Four, 
AY.  L.  Smith,  AY.  S.  Marsh,  L.  J.  Powers;  AYard  Five,  Charles 
Chapman,  A.  H.  Clark,  J.  S.  Brown  :  AYard  Six,  Charles  A.  Call; 
Ward  Seven,  E.  AY.  Clark ;  AYard  Eight,  Samnel  Mills. 

Clerk — Lucins  E.  Ladd. 

1868. 

Aldermen— ^?iY(\.  One,  3 o\\n  jMnlligan;  AYard  Two,  Tim 
Henry ;  AYard  Three,  H.  N.  Tinkham  ;  AYard  Fonr,  AY.  S.  Marsh  ; 
AA'ard  Five,  Samuel  AY.  Porter;  AA^ard  Six,  Amos  Call;  AA^ard 
Seven,  E.  AY.  Clark ;  AYard  Eight,  ]\Iilo  Chapin. 

Clerk- A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Co» j)ri7»K'*/— President,  Henry  S.  Lee;  AA'ard  One, 
AYarren  Emerson,  Josiah  Bnmstead,  Roswell  Lee ;  Ward  Two,  0. 
H.  Greenleaf,  Charles  R.  Ladd,  Lewis  A.  Tifft:  AYard  Three,  E. 
H.  Patch,  A.  J.  Mcintosh,  AYilliam  H.  Smith ;  AA^ard  Four,  Henry 
S.  Lee,  E.  G.  Norton,  M.  A.  Clyde ;  AYard  Five,  Cyms  E.  Bnck- 
land,  Alden  AA^'arner,  AA^illiam  R.  Purple ;  AYard  Six,  George  E. 
Howard;  AA^ard  Seven,  Charles  (lage ;  AA^ard  Eight,  George  Swet- 
land. 

CierA— Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

1869. 

Aldermen— ^SiYd  One,  J.  jNI.  Cooley ;  AA^ard  Two,  George 
Dwight;  AYard  Three.  AAllliam  H.  Smith;  AYard  Four.  AA\    S. 

(       93       ) 


OLE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Marsh;  Ward  Five,  Joseph  M.  Hall;  Ward  Six,  George  E.  How- 
ard; Ward  Seven,  Charles  Gage;  Ward  Eight,  Charles  J.  Good- 
win. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsora. 

Common  Councilmcii  —  Fresident,  Henry  S.  Lee;  Ward  One, 
George  M.  Atwater,  Josiah  Bumstead,  John  Olmsted ;  Ward  Two, 
Charles  K.  Ladd,  0.  H.  Greenleaf,  C.  C.  Smith;  AA^ard  Three, 
A.  J.  Mcintosh,  E.  H.  Patch,  J.  H.  Appleton ;  Ward  Four,  Henry 
S.  Lee,  E.  G.  Norton,  L.  J.  Powers;  Ward  Five,  Alden  Warner. 
E.  B.  Haskell,  AY.  P.  Taylor;  AVard  Six,  I.  P.  Dickinson:  AYard 
Seven,  AVilliam  H.  Pinney;  AYard  Eight,  George  Swetland. 

Clerk— huciws  E.  Ladd. 

1870. 

Aldermen— V^ard  One,  J.  A.  Rnmrill ;  AYard  Two,  Eliphalet 
Trask:  AYard  Three,  Dr.  John  Hooker:  AYard  Fonr,  AYillis 
Phelps;  AYard  Five,  Joseph  M.  Hall;  AYard  Six,  I.  P.  Dickinson; 
AYard  Seven,  AYilliam  H.  Pinney;  AVard  Eight,  George  Foster. 

Clerk-A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councihnen — President,  Henry  S.  Lee;  AA^ard  One, 
Albert  Holt,  A.  D.  Day,  C.  B.  Holbrook ;  Ward  Two,  George 
Dwight,  jr.,  James  S.  Bourke,  David  Legro ;  AYard  Three,  James 
E.  Alelntire.  George  W.  Tapley,  George  S.  Lewis :  AYard  Four, 
Henry  S.  Lee,  Gurdon  Bill,  S.  R.  Philips;  AA^ard  Five,  Charles 
Phelps,  AA^lliam  B.  Miller,  T.  B.  AAllson :  AYard  Six,  George  E. 
Howard:  AA'ard  Seven.  John  A.  Hall:  AA^ard  Eight.  Alfred  S. 
Packard. 

Clerk — Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

1871. 

Aldermen— \\^nvd  One,  Josiah  Bumstead:  AYard  Two, 
Charles  R.  Ladd;  AYard  Three,  Lawson  Sibley;  AYard  Four. 
James  M.  Thompson ;  AYard  Five,  Richard  F.  Hawkins ;  AYard 
Six,  Isaac  P.  Dickinson :  AYard  Seven,  John  A.  Hall ;  AA'ard 
Eight,  Noyes  Bastow. 

Clerk-A]hert  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Con iieilnie n  —Frefiident.  Henry  S.  Lee;  AA'ard  One, 
Albert  Holt,  P.  AY.  Brewster,  F.  J.  Donahue ;  AA^ard  Two.  Milton 
Bradley.  Tilly  Haynes.  R.  AYarren:  AYard  Three,  B.  C.  English, 

(       94       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFIi'IXaFJELD 

S.  B.  Spooner,  N.  C.  Newell;  Ward  Four,  Henry  S.  Lee,  Henry 
M.  Phillips,  E.  A.  Perkins ;  Ward  Five,  T.  B.  Wilson,  J.  C.  Perry. 
E.  B.  Maynard;  Ward  Six,  George  E.  Howard;  Ward  Seven,  J. 
W.  Lull;  Ward  Eight,  George  Swetland. 

Ci^er/.-— Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

lcS72. 

Aldennan—M' ard  Two,  Charles  R.  Ladd ;  Ward  Three,  Wil- 
liam H.  Smith ;  Ward  Four,  Emerson  Wight ;  Ward  Five,  Joseph 
M.  Hall  R.  F.  Hawkins ;  Ward  Six,  George  E.  Howard ;  Ward 
Seven,  AVilliam  H.  Pinney ;  Ward  Eight,  Noyes  Barstow. 

Clerk— Albert  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  M.  P.  Knowlton;  Ward 
One,  F.  J.  Donahue,  L.  H.  Powers,  N.  W.  Fisk;  Ward  Two,  0. 
H.  Greenleaf,  George  W.  Ray,  Henry  F.  Trask:  Ward  Three. 
N.  C.  New^ell,  Samuel  Palmer,  George  M.  Smith;  Ward  Four,  E. 
A.  Perkins,  H.  M.  Phillips,  V.  N.  Taylor;  Ward  Five,  M.  P. 
Knowlton,  E.  B.  Maynard,  P.  H.  M.  Brooks;  Ward  Six,  E.  A. 
Newell ;  Ward  Seven.  J.  W.  Lull ;  Ward  Eight,  W.  L.  Converse. 

C^erA— Lucius  E.  Ladd. 

1873. 

Aldermen— W&rd  One,  H.  S.  Hyde ;  Ward  Two,  George  W. 
Ray;  Ward  Three,  E.  H.  Patch;  Ward  Four,  Emerson  Wight; 
Ward  Five,  R.  F.  Hawkins;  Ward  Six,  George  E.  Howard; 
Ward  Seven,  L.  A.  Tifft ;  Ward  Eight,  Noyes  Barstow. 

CierA— Albert  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen — President.  M.  P.  Knowlton ;  Ward 
One,  Florence  J.  Donahue,  Noyes  W.  Fisk,  Albert  Holt ;  Ward 
Two,  0.  H.  Greenleaf,  H.  F.  Trask.  S.  C.  Warriner ;  Ward  Three, 
Joseph  K.  Newell,  Charles  M.  Lee.  Charles  M.  King;  Ward  Four. 
Varnum  N.  Taylor,  E.  A.  Perkins,  H.  M.  Phillips;  Ward  Five. 
M.  P.  Knowlton,  J.  D.  McKnight.  W.  G.  Chamberlain;  Ward 
Six,  E.  A.  Newell ;  Ward  Seven.  B.  F.  Farrar :  AYard  Eight,  John 
Warriner. 

eZ^r/.-John  A.  Hall. 

1874. 

Aldermav—Wsird  One,  Albert  Holt;  Ward  Two,  Hugh 
Donnelly :  Ward  Three,    A.    J.    :MeIntosh :    Ward    Four.    L.    J. 

(       95       ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AXD  ITS  PEOPLE 

Powers;  Ward  Five,  Albert  W.  Allen;  Ward  Six,  I.  P.  Dickin- 
son:  Ward  Seven,  J.  W.  Lull,  AVard  Eight,  Henry  C.  Fuller. 

(7(r/,-— Albert  T.  Folsom. 

Common  CoiiHcilmen— President,  T.  B.  Wilson;  Ward  One, 

D.  J.  Curtis,  Horace  Wheeler.  James  A.  Byrnes;  Ward  Two,  L. 
B.  Lillie,  M.  L.  Tourtellotte,  P.  J.  Ryan ;  Ward  Three,  B.  S.  Has- 
kins,  Charles  A.  King,  August  Sheppert ;  Ward  Four,  J.  H.  Ap- 
pleton,  Homer  Foot,  jr.,  D.  J.  ]\Iarsh;  Ward  Five,  W.  G.  Cham- 
berlain, T.  B.  AYilson,  Benjamin  Hannis ;  Ward  Six,  Daniel 
Schoonmaker;  Ward  Seven,  E.  W.  Ladd ;  Ward  Eight,  John 
Warriner. 

Clerk-^.  A.  Newell. 

1875. 

Aldermen— ^^avd  One,  Hinsdale  Smith;  Ward  Two,  D.  H. 
Brigham ;  AVard  Three,  F.  H.  Fuller ;  AA^ard  Four,  L.  J.  Powers ; 
AVard  Five,  W.  G.  Chamberlain ;  AA'ard  Six,  Amos  Call ;  AA^ard 
Seven,  Rawson  Hathaway ;  AA'^ard  Eight,  H.  K.  AVight. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Cotincilmen-Fvefiident,  Henry  S.  Lee:  AVard  One, 
Horace  AVlieeler,  James  A.  Byrnes,  N.  AA^.  Fisk ;  AA^ard  Two,  S. 

E.  Seymour,  H.  F.  Trask,  M.  L.  Tourtellotte;  AVard  Three,  J.  K. 
Newell,  A.  J.  Plumer,  J.  K.  AA'^inter ;  AA^ard  Four,  Henry  S.  Lee, 
D.  L.  Harris,  J.  S.  Carr;  AVard  Five,  B.  S.  Haskins,  Benjamin 
Hannis,  E.  S.  Stacy;  AVard  Six,  Daniel  Schoonmaker;  AA^ard 
Seven,  E.  P.  Cook ;  AA^ard  Eight,  D.  P.  AVoolson. 

Clerk— T^.  A.  Newell. 

1876. 

Aldermen— Ward  One,  N.  W.  Talcott;  AA^ard  Two,  George 
Dwight;  AA^ard  Three,  J.  K.  Newell;  AA^ard  Four,  Henry  S.  Lee; 
AA^ard  Five,  N.  I.  Hawley ;  AA^ard  Six,  D.  L.  Swan ;  AVard  Seven, 
Rawson  HathaAvay ;  AA'^ard  Eight,  H.  K.  AA'^ight. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Co?/»fi7r»r»— President,  H.  F.  Trask:  AA^ard  One, 
John  Mulligan,  J.  M.  Cooley,  J.  J.  IMoore ;  AA^ard  Two,  ]\Iilton 
Bradley,  H.  F.  Trask,  M.  L.  Tourtellotte;  AVard  Three,  H.  N. 
Tinkham,  J.  F.  Tapley,  Elijah  Nichols ;  AA^ard  Four.  AV.  S.  Shurt- 
leff,  D.  L.  Harris,  J.  S.  Carr;  AA^ard  Five,  H.  AV.  Phelps,  Edwin 

(       96       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

McElwain,  E.  S.  Stacy;   Ward    Six,    R.   R.   McGregor;    Ward 
Seven,  Larkin  Newell ;  AVard  Eight,  Samuel  F.  Smith. 

Clerk— F,.  A.  Newell. 

1877. 

Aldertnen— Ward  One,  John  Olmsted ;  AYard  Two,  George 
Dwight;  AVard  Three,  J.  F.  Tapley;  AA^ard  Four,  Henry  S.  Lee; 
Ward  Five,  N.  I.  Hawley  (resigned),  Benj.  Hannis;  AVard  Six, 


Grace  M.  E.  Church,  Springfield 


D.  L.  Swan;  Ward  Seven,  AV.  H.  Pinney;  AA^ard  Eight,  H.  K. 
Wight. 

O^er^-Albert  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  H.  F.  Trask ;  AA'ard  One, 
John  Mulligan,  N.  AV.  Fisk,  L.  H.  Powers;  AVard  Two,  H.  F. 
Trask,  AI.  L.  Tourtellotte,  George  E.  Frink ;  AVard  Three,  H.  N. 
Tinkham,  Elijah  Nichols,  George  B.  Smith ;  AVard  Four,  Daniel 


7-2 


(       97       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

L.  Harris,  William  S.  Shurtleff,  J.  K.  Newell ;  Ward  Five,  Ed- 
win McEhvain,  John  A.  Hall,  A.  J.  Wright;  Ward  Six,  H.  C. 
Puffer ;  Ward  Seven,  E.  AY.  Ladd ;  Ward  Eight,  Milo  Chapin. 

Clerk— 'E.  A.  Newell. 

1878. 

AMermeH— Ward  One,  John  Olmsted;  Ward  Two,  George 
Dwight;  Ward  Three,  J.  F.  Tapley;  Ward  Four,  Henry  S.  Lee; 
Ward  Five,  John  A.  Hall ;  Ward  Six,  D.  L.  Swan ;  Ward  Seven, 
AV.  H.  Pinney ;  AYard  Eight,  H.  K.  AAlght. 

C7erA;— Albert  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen—Fresident,  A.  J.  AYright ;  AA'ard  One, 
John  Mulligan,  L.  H.  Powers,  E.  Belding ;  AYard  Two,  Dr.  H.  G. 
Stiekney,  Dr.  A.  K.  Kice,  E.  M.  Bartlett ;  AYard  Three,  Elijah 
Nichols,  George  B.  Smith,  J.  E.  Smith;  AA'ard  Four,  AY.  S.  Shurt- 
leff,  J.  K.  Newell,  H.  A.  Gould ;  AA^ard  Five,  A.  J.  AAMght,  N.  AY. 
Howard,  S.  L.  Hodgdon;  AA^ard  Six,  George  R.  Dickinson;  AA^ard 
Seven,  Edwin  AA\  Ladd ;  AA'ard  Eight,  F.  M.  Bardwell. 

Clerl—F,.  A.  Newell. 

1879. 

Aldermen— \\^&vd  One,  John  Olmsted;  AA^ard  Two,  George 
Dwight :  AA^ard  Three,  J.  F.  Tapley;  AA'ard  Four,  George  AA^  Tap- 
ley;  AA^ard  Five,  Benjamin  Hannis ;  AA'ard  Six,  George  R.  Dickin- 
son; AA^ard  Seven,  E.  AY.  Ladd;  AYard  Eight,  H.  K.  AAlght. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  CoimciUncn — President,  J.  R.  Smith;  AA^ard  One, 
John  Mulligan,  E.  Belding.  J.  AY.  Baldwin ;  AA'ard  Two,  E.  H. 
Phelps,  Horace  Jacobs,  F.  A.  Judd;  AA^ard  Three,  J.  R.  Smith. 
Elijah  Nichols.  Frank  E.  AA^inter;  AA^ard  Four,  Henry  A.  Gould, 
George  B.  Holbrook,  C.  J.  Sanderson;  AA'ard  Five,  N.  AA".  How- 
ard, S.  L.  Hodgdon,  M.  J.  Chamberlain;  AA'ard  Six,  E.  M.  Lom- 
bard: AA^ard  Seven,  Charles  Taylor;  AA^ard  Eight,  F.  M.  Bard- 
well. 

Clerk— E.  A.  Newell. 

1880. 

Aldermen— V^^ard  One,  John  Olmsted;  AA^ard  Two,  S.  C. 
AA'arriner;  AA'ard  Three,  J.  F.  Tapley;  AA'ard  Four,  George  AA\ 

(       98       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Tapley;  AVard  Five,  Benjamin  Haunis;  "Ward  Six,  George  R. 
Dickinson;  Ward  Seven,  E.  AV.  Ladd;  Ward  Eight,  H.  K.  Wight. 

Clerk-A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Coiincilmen — President,  Elijah  Belding;  Ward 
One,  E.  Belding,  Ethan  C.  Robinson,  Harlan  P.  Stone ;  Ward 
Two,  Fred  A.  Jndd,  E.  H.  Yoimg,  E.  M.  Bartlett;  Ward  Three, 
Elijah  Nichols,  Frank  E.  Winter,  Emory  Meekins,  Ward  Four, 
George  B.  Holbrook,  Charles  J.  Sanderson,  William  H.  Haile; 
Ward  Five,  Nathaniel  AV.  Howard,  Sewall  L.  Hodgdon,  James 
D.  Gill ;  Ward  Six,  Edward  M.  Lombard ;  Ward  Seven,  Charles 
Taylor;  Ward  Eight,  Frank  M.  Bardwell. 

Clerk— Y\.  A.  Newell. 

1881. 

Aldermen — Ward  One.  Elijah  Belding:  Ward  Two,  Ste- 
phen E.  Seymour;  Ward  Three,  Elijah  Nichols;  Ward  Four, 
Edward  P.  Chapin ;  Ward  Five,  Oscar  D.  Adams ;  Ward  Six, 
Edward  M.  Lombard;  Ward  Seven,  George  Nye;  Ward  Eight, 
H.  K.  Wight. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Couneilmen — President,  Charles  J.  Sanderson; 
Ward  One,  Harlan  P.  Stone,  Hoyt  E.  Howard,  Henry  J.  Beebe ; 
AYard  Two,  Fred  A.  Judd,  Edwin  M.  Bartlett,  John  Lobsitz; 
AVard  Three,  George  P.  Stebbins,  Jacob  C.  Lutz,  Simpson  Clark ; 
AA^ard  Four,  Charles  J.  Sanderson,  AAllliam  B.  AA'alker,  Edmund 
P.  Kendrick;  AVard  Five,  James  D.  Gill,  Henry  Dana,  James  F. 
Brierly;  AA^ard  Six,  Albert  E.  Foth :  AVard  Seven,  AA'illiara  C. 
Bemis;  AA^ard  Eight,  George  Foster. 

Clerk— ^.  A.  Newell. 

1882. 

Aldermen— VCnrd  One,  Henrj'  D.  Carroll;  AA'ard  Two,  Ste- 
phen E.  Seymour;  AVard  Three,  Elijah  Nichols;  AA'ard  Four, 
Edward  P.  Chapin;  AVard  Five,  Oscar  D.  Adams;  AA'ard  Six, 
Edward  M.  Lombard;  AA^ard  Seven,  George  Nye;  AVard  Eight, 
Davenport  L.  Fuller. 

Clerk— Albert  T.  Folsom. 

Common   Conncilmen-FYe&ideni,  Edmund    P.    Kendrick; 

AA^ard  One,  Harlan  P.  Stone,  Henrv  J.  Beebe,  Ethan  C.  Robin- 

L.3FC. 

(       99       ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

son  ;  Ward  Two,  Fred  A.  Judd,  Frank  M.  Bugbee,  Frank  E.  Car- 
penter; Ward  Three,  Simpson  Clark,  Jacob  C.  Lutz,  James  D. 
Parsons;  Ward  Four,  Edmund  P.  Kendrick,  James  C.  Alden, 
Edward  C.  Rogers ;  Ward  Five,  Henry  Dana,  Charles  E,  Dodge, 
Charles  Fuller;  Ward  Six,  George  McGregory;  Ward  Seven, 
John  S.  Sanderson ;  Ward  Eight,  Edward  D.  Chapman. 

Clerk— E.  A.  Newell. 

1883. 

Aldermen— N\^ ard  One,  Harlan  P.  Stone;  Ward  Two,  Fred 
A.  Judd ;  AVard  Three,  James  Kirkham ;  Ward  Four,  James  C. 
Alden ;  Ward  Five,  James  D.  Gill ;  Ward  Six,  Charles  A.  Call ; 
Ward  Seven,  George  Nye ;  Ward  Seven,  John  S.  Sanderson. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  E.  P.  Kendrick;  Ward 
One,  Charles  McKay,  J.  F.  Callanan,  John  L.  Knight;  Ward 
Two,  Frank  E.  Carpenter,  Frank  M.  Bugbee,  James  A.  Bill,  jr. ; 
Ward  Three,  Jacob  C.  Lutz,  Simpson  Clark,  W.  F.  Cook ;  Ward 
Four,  Edmund  P.  Kendrick,  Edward  C.  Rogers,  Thomas  D. 
Lyon ;  Ward  Five,  George  H.  Wells,  James  Kimball,  Whiteman 
T.  Steere ;  Ward  Six,  Oscar  S.  Greenleaf ;  Ward  Seven,  George 
W.  Hall ;  Ward  Eight,  John  Rivers. 

Clerk— E.  A.  Newell. 

1884. 

Aldermen — AVard  Two,  Andrew  Y.  Beach ;  Ward  Three, 
Jacob  C.  Lutz;  Ward  Four,  George  W,  Tapley;  Ward  Five, 
Henry  M.  Brewster;  W^ard  Six,  Charles  A.  Call;  Ward  Seven, 
George  Nye,  John  S.  Sanderson ;  AA^ard  Eight,  Davenport  L.  Ful- 
ler. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen— Vve^ident,  Edward  C.  Rogers;  AVard 
One,  Henry  L.  AA'hitcomb,  John  L.  Knight,  Patrick  C.  O'Con- 
nor; Ward  Two,  Hosea  C.  Lombard,  James  A.  Bill,  jr.,  James  N, 
Dodge ;  Ward  Three,  Simpson  Clark,  George  F.  Clark,  James  S. 
Adams;  Ward  Four,  Edward  C.  Rogers,  Charles  L.  Long, 
Thomas  D.  Lyon ;  AVard  five,  George  H.  AVells,  James  Kimball, 
J.  H.  Hendriek ;  AA^ard  Six,  Oscar  S.  Greenleaf ;  AVard  Seven, 
George  AV.  Hall ;  AA^ard  Eight,  John  Rivers. 

Clerk— E.  A.  Newell. 

(      100      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1885. 

Aldermen— ^2ivdi  One,  John  L.  Knight;  Ward  Two,  An- 
drew Y.  Beach ;  Ward  Three,  Jacob  C.  Lutz ;  Ward  Four,  Daniel 
P.  Crocker;  AYard  Five,  Charles  Taylor;  Ward  Six,  Charles  A, 
Call ;  Ward  Seven,  John  S.  Sanderson ;  AYard  Eight,  George  W. 
JMiller. 

Clerk— K.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  Charles  L,  Long;  Ward 
One,  George  E.  Frink,  James  F.  Bidwell,  Henry  M.  Castle  ;  Ward 
Two,  James  A.  Bill,  jr.,  Hosea  C.  Lombard,  Edwin  F.  Lyford; 
Ward  Three,  Edgar  C.  Whittemore,  Richard  D.  Whitney,  John 
H.  Clune ;  Ward  Four,  Henry  H.  Bowman,  Charles  L.  Long,  Al- 
fred N.  Mayo ;  AYard  Five,  George  H.  AVells,  Joel  H.  Hendrick, 
James  Kimball ;  Ward  Six,  Oscar  S.  Greenleaf ;  Ward  Seven, 
Richard  W.  Pinney;  Ward  Eight,  Horatio  E.  D.  Green. 

Clerk— E.  A.  Newell. 

1886. 

Aldermen — President,  Andrew  Y.  Beach;  Ward  One,  James 
F.  Bidwell ;  AVard  Two,  Andrew  Y.  Beach ;  AVard  Three,  George 
B.  Holbrook ;  Ward  Four,  George  AY.  Tapley ;  AA^'ard  Five,  Joel 
H.  Hendrick ;  AA^ard  Six.  AA^alter  H.  AA^esson ;  AA^ard  Seven,  Rich- 
ard AY.  Pinney;  AVard  Eight,  George  AA^.  INIiller. 

Clerk— A.  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  Charles  L.  Long;  AA'ard 
One,  George  E.  Frink,  Charles  A.  Fisk,  R.  Hale  Smith;  AA^ard 
Two,  James  A.  Bill,  jr.,  Edwin  F.  Lyford,  Samuel  J.  AA^hyte; 
AA^'ard  Three,  John  H.  Clune,  Claudius  C.  Margerum,  AYilliam  F. 
Callender ;  AA'ard  Four,  Charles  L.  Long,  Henry  H.  Bowman,  Al- 
fred X.  Alayo ;  AVard  Five,  Thomas  S.  Stewart,  Edward  S.  Brad- 
ford, Marcus  M.  Kendall ;  AVard  Six,  AAllliam  L.  Dickinson ; 
AVard  Seven,  George  AV.  Hall ;  AA'ard  Eight,  Horatio  E.  D.  Green. 

Clerk— E.  A.  Newell. 

1887. 

Alderman— Frenideni,  James  F.  Bidwell;  AA^ard  One,  James 
F.  Bidwell ;  AVard  Two,  Frank  M.  Bugbee ;  AA^ard  Three,  AAllliam 
F.  Callender;  AA^ard  Four,  William   H.    AA'right;    AVard    Five, 

(      101      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Sherman  D.  Porter;  AVard  Six,  William  L.    Dickinson;    Ward 
Seven,  Kichard  AY.  Pinney ;  AA^ard  Eight,  John  Rivers. 

67er/v— Albert  T.  Folsom. 

Common  Councilmen—Fvesident,  Henry  H.  Bowman; 
AVard  One,  Frederick  H.  Stebbins,  John  Dollan,  Frank  C.  Leon- 
ard; AVard  Two,  Frank  S.  Crane,  James  A.  Bill,  jr.,  Newrie  D. 
AVinter;  AA^ard  Three,  Clandins  C.  Margerum,  James  E.  Dun- 
leavy,  Howard  N.  Newell ;  AA'ard  Four,  Henry  H.  Bowman,  AVil- 
liam  AA".  More,  Charles  E.  Brown ;  AA^ard  Five,  Edward  S.  Brad- 
ford, Marcus  1\I.  Kendall,  AA'illiam  C.  Newell ;  AVard  Six,  Edward 
J.  Flannery;  AYard  Seven,  Landomer  E.  Pease;  AYard  Eight, 
James  H.  Morley. 

Clerk-1^.  A.  Newell. 

1888. 

Aldermen—President,  Frank  AI.  Bugbee ;  AYard  One,  John 
C.  Mcintosh ;  AA^ard  Two,  Frank  M.  Bugbee ;  AYard  Three,  Law- 
son  Sibley;  AVard  Four,  AA^illiam  H.  AY  right;  AYard  Five,  Sher- 
man D.  Porter;  AYard  Six,  AA'illiam  L.  Dickinson;  AYard  Seven, 
Richard  AY.  Pinney;  AYard  Eight,  John  Rivers. 

Clerk— 'E.  A.  Newell. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  Newrie  D.  AVinter;  AYard 
One,  Frederick  H.  Stebbins,  Frank  C.  Leonard,  George  AY, 
Turner;  AA^ard  Two,  Newrie  D.  AVinter,  Charles  C.  Parkhurst, 
Edward  F.  Tower ;  Ward  Three,  James  E.  Dunleavy,  Frederick 
S.  Newman,  Leonard  Schadt ;  AYard  Four,  AVilliam  W.  More, 
Charles  E.  Brown,  George  Leonard ;  AA^ard  Five,  Edward  S. 
Bradford,  Marcus  M.  Kendall,  James  AY.  Anderson ;  AYard  Six, 
Edward  J.  Flannery ;  AYard  Seven,  Charles  E.  Ladd ;  AYard 
Eight,  E.  A.  Grise. 

Clerk— Tom  Fitzgibbon. 

1889. 

Aldermen— Preaident,  John  C.  Alclntosh ;  AA^ard  One,  John 
C.  Alclntosh;  AVard  Two,  Charles  C.  Parkhurst;  AA^ard  Three, 
Herbert  C.  Puffer;  AVard  Four,  John  A.  Alurphy;  AYard  Five, 
John  AIcFethries ;  AVard  Six,  Henry  S.  Dickinson ;  AVard  Seven, 
George  AY.  Hall :  AA^ard  Eight,  Orson  Moulton. 

Clcrk-Y^.  A.  Newell. 

(      10-2      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Common  Cointcibne n  —  Fre&ident,  George  Leonard;  "Ward 
One,  George  AY.  Turner,  Leroy  Z  Cutler,  AYilliam  F.  Ray;  AVard 
Two,  AA'aldo  R.  Forester,  Francke  AY.  Dickinson,  Dr.  George  E. 
Foster;  AA^ard  Three,  Leonard  Scliadt,  Jacob  G.  Lutz,  John  P. 
Gasman ;  AYard  Four,  AA^illiam  AA^.  More,  George  Leonard, 
Charles  A^an  Vlack;  AA^ard  Five,  Milan  AA".  Bull,  Ruel  R.  Nicker- 
son,  Thomas  H.  Benton  ;  A\"ard  Six,  Cornelius  AY.  Phillips  ;  AYard 
Seven,  Charles  E.  Ladd ;  AA'ard  Eight,  Loren  AA".  King. 

Clerk— Andrew  0.  ]\IcGarrett. 

1890. 

Aldermen— 'Pvesident,  Henry  S.  Dickinson ;  AA^ard  One, 
George  AY.  Turner;  AA'ard  Two,  Charles  C.  Parkhurst ;  AYard 
Three,  George  B.  Holbrook;  AA'ard  Four,  John  A.  Murphy; 
AA'ard  Five,  Edmund  P.  Kendriek;  AYard  Six,  Henry  S.  Dick- 
inson ;  AA'ard  Seven,  George  AA".  Hall ;  AYard  Eight,  Orrin  E.  Til- 
ley. 
"      Clerk-E.  A.  Newell. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  George  Leonard;  AA'ard 
One,  Leroy  Z.  Cutler,  AA'illiam  F.  Ray,  Louis  C.  Hyde ;  AA'ard 
Two,  Francke  AY.  Dickinson,  George  D.  Fisk,  John  B.  King; 
AYard  Three,  John  P.  Gasman,  Arthur  A.  Couch,  George  J. 
Seuss ;  AA'ard  Four,  George  Leonard,  Charles  Van  Vlack,  Fred- 
erick H.  Gillett ;  AYard  Five,  Milan  A\' .  Bull,  George  H.  Clark, 
George  H.  Kemater ;  AYard  Six,  Cornelius  AY.  Phillips ;  AA'ard 
Seven,  Benjamin  C.  Harvey;  AA'ard  Eight,  Charles  E.  Jennings. 

CZerA;— Andrew  0.  McGarrett. 

1891. 

Aldermen — President,  John  A.  Alurphy ;  AA'ard  One,  Louis 
C.  Hyde :  AA'ard  Two,  Charles  C.  Parkhurst ;  AA^ard  Three,  George 
B.  Holbrook;  AYard  Four,  John  A.  Murphy;  AYard  Five,  Ed- 
ward H.  Lathrop ;  AA'ard  Six,  Frederick  Harris ;  AA^ard  Seven, 
Benjamin  C.  Harvey;  AA'ard  Eight,  Orrin  E.  Tilley. 

Clerk— 'E.  A.  Xewell. 

Common  Councilmen  — 'President,  Francke  AA^.  Dickinson; 
AA'ard  One,  Henry  E.  Marsh.  John  McDonald,  Charles  H.  Mulli- 
gan ;  AA'ard  Two,  Francke  AA'.  Dickinson,  John  B.  King,  Dwight 
O.  Gilmore ;  AA'ard  Three,  George  J.  Seuss,    Charles   AY.    Turk, 

(      103      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Jeremiah  F.  Mahoney;  Ward  Four,  Charles  Van  Vlack,  W.  F. 
Adams,  James  D.  Norton ;  AVard  Five,  Milan  W.  Bull,  Georo^e 
H.  Clark,  George  H.  Kemater;  AYard  Six,  George  M.  Stebbins; 
Ward  Seven,  Thomas  A.  Holland ;  Ward  Eight,  Charles  E.  Jen- 
nings. 

C7erA— Andrew  0.  McGarrett. 

1892. 

Aldermen— 'President,  Frederick  Harris;  Ward  One,  Louis 
C.  Hyde ;  Ward  Two,  Frank  E.  Carpenter ;  Ward  Three,  Claud- 
ius C.  Margerum;  Ward  Four,  Charles  M.  Mather;  Ward  Five, 
Samuel  D.  Sherwood;  Ward  Six,  Frederick  Harris;  Ward  Seven, 
Benjamin  C.  Harvey ;  AVard  Eight,  Leonard  B.  Richardson. 

CkrA-— Elijah  A.  Newell. 

Common  Cotincilmen — President,  James  D.  Norton;  Ward 
One,  William  P.  Hayes,  Charles  H.  Mulligan,  Henry  W.  Sex- 
ton; Ward  Two,  Edwin  A.  Carter,  DAvight  0.  Gilmore,  James  J. 
Sullivan ;  Ward  Three,  George  J.  Seuss,  Jeremiah  F.  Mahoney, 
John  Sharrocks;  Ward  Four,  W.  F.  Adams,  James  D.  Norton, 
Charles  E.  Stickney;  Ward  Five,  William  M.  Gray,  William  A. 
Harris,  Stillman  L.  Tuttle;  Ward  Six,  George  M.  Stebbins; 
Ward  Seven,  Thomas  A.  Holland;  Ward  Eight,  Henry  A.  Bra- 
man. 

Clerk— Andrew  0.  McGarrett  (resigned)— Wm.  E.  Gilbert. 

1893. 

A^denne^i— President,  George  Nye;  AYard  One,  Olin  H. 
Smith ;  AYard  Two,  Dwight  O.  Gilmore ;  AYard  Three,  Claudius 
C.  Margerum ;  AYard  Four,  Henry  H.  Bowman ;  AA'ard  Five, 
George  Nye;  AYard  Six,  Nathan  D.  Bill;  AA^ard  Seven,  Benjamin 
C.  Harvey;  AA^ard  Eight,  Leonard  B.  Richardson. 

CierA;— Elijah  A.  Newell. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  James  D.  Norton;  AYard 
One,  AYilliam  P.  Hayes,  Charles  H.  Mulligan,  AA^inford  N.  Cald- 
well; AYard  Two,  AYalter  G.  Morse,  Charles  AA^  Perkins,  George 
B.  Rathbun;  AYard  Three,  Harry  P.  Elsey,  George  F.  Sessions, 
Charles  AYorkheiser ;  AYard  Four,  AA",  F.  Adams,  James  D.  Nor- 
ton, Charles  E.  Stickney;  AYard  Five,  AYilliam  A.  Harris,  Edwin 

(      104      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

S.  Field,  Frederick  B.  Miller;  Ward  Six,  Eugene  Young;  Ward 
Seven,  William  H.  Gage ;  Ward  Eight,  Merrill  E.  Streeter. 

C7erA— AYilliam  E.  Gilbert. 

1894. 

Ak/(?r/>(<?7(— President,  Henry  H.  Bowman;  AVard  One,  Olin 
H.  Smith ;  Ward  Two,  Dwight  0.  Gilmore ;  Ward  Three,  Gus- 
tave  Remkus ;  Ward  Four,  Henry  H.  Bowman ;  Ward  Five, 
George  A.  Russell;  Ward  Six,  Claudius  C.  Margerum:  AVard 
Seven,  Daniel  AV.  AVare :  AA^ard  Eight,  Merrill  E.  Streeter. 

Clerk— Y:..  a.  Newell. 

Common  Councilmen— 'President,  George  P.  Sessions;  AA'ard 
One,  AVilliam  C.  Hayes,  Charles  L.  Burr,  George  F.  Fuller; 
Ward  Two,  Maurice  P.  Cavanaugh,  Charles  AA^.  Perkins,  Frank 
H.  Elwell;  AA'ard  Three,  Harry  P.  Elsey,  George  F.  Sessions, 
Robert  A.  Grant ;  AVard  Four,  Howard  A.  Gibbs,  Robert  A. 
Knight,  Paul  R.  Hawkins;  AA^ard  Five,  Edwin  S.  Field,  Fred- 
erick B.  INIiller,  Fred  C.  AA^right:  AA^nrd  Six,  Edward  C.  Hamil- 
ton ;  AYard  Seven,  AVilliam  S.  Bemis ;  AA'ard  Eight,  Philip  C.  Sul- 
livan. 

C/erA--AYilliam  E.  Gilbert. 

1895. 

Aldermen— 'President,  George  A.  Russell:  AYard  One, 
George  F.  Fuller-.  AYard  Two,  Albert  E.  Foth :  AA^ard  Three,  Gus- 
tave  Remkus ;  AA'ard  Four,  Henry  L.  Gaylord ;  AYard  Five, 
George  A.  Russell;  AA^ard  Six,  AYalter  P.  Goodenough;  AA^ard 
Seven,  Daniel  AA\  AA^are;  AA^ard  Eight,  IMerrill  E.  Streeter. 

Clerk— 'B.  A.  Newell. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  Robert  A.  Knight;  AA'ard 
One.  Charles  L.  Burr,  Lewis  D.  Robinson,  AA^illard  F.  Tripp ; 
AYard  Two,  ]\Iaurice  P.  Cavanaugh,  Frank  H.  Elwell,  Charles  D. 
Rathbun ;  Ward  Three,  Adin  AY.  Bangs,  Robert  A.  Grant,  George 
AY.  D.  Upton ;  AA^ard  Four,  Howard  A.  Gibbs,  Paul  R.  Hawkins, 
Robert  A.  Knight;  AYard  Five,  Albert  P.  Casey,  Augustus  A. 
Howard,  Frederick  B.  Miller ;  AA^ard  Six,  Edward  C.  Hamilton ; 
AA^ard  Seven,  Charles  E.  Ladd ;  AYard  Eight,  John  R.  Reed. 

67c}7.-— AAlUiam  E.  Gilbert. 


(       105      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1896. 

Aldermen— Fresident,  Henry  S.  Dickinson ;  Ward  One^ 
Charles  L.  Burr ;  Ward  Two,  Dwight  0.  Gilmore ;  AVard  Three, 
George  J.  Senss ;  Ward  Four,  Henry  S.  Dickinson ;  Ward  Five, 
Charles  H.  Parsons;  Ward  Six,  Charles  Rogers;  Ward  Seven, 
Charles  E.  Ladd ;  Ward  Eight,  Octave  A.  La  Riviere. 

Clerk— F,.  A.  Newell. 

Common  Counciimen— 'President,  ^Maurice  P.  Cavanaugh ; 
Ward  One,  Frank  H.  Bills,  William  J.  McCann,  Willard  F. 
Tripp;  AYard  Two,  Maurice  P.  Cavanaugh,  Harry  C.  Collins, 
Charles  T.  Winchester;  Ward  Three,  Henry  D.  Marsh,  Frank  D. 
Quilty,  George  AV.  D.  Upton ;  AVard  Four,  Ralph  W.  Ellis,  Zera 
AA^  Smith,  Fred  H.  Sturtevant ;  AVard  Five,  Frank  AA^  Barker, 
Augustus  A.  Howard,  Edward  R.  Lee ;  AA^ard  Six,  Frank  D. 
Kemp ;  AA^ard  Seven,  AVilliam  AV.  Bartlett ;  AVard  Eight,  Charles^ 
0.  Churchill. 

Cie>7v— AA^illiam  E.  Gilbert. 

1897. 

Aldcr)nen—FTeddent,  Dwight  0.  Gilmore;  AA^ard  One,  AVil- 
lard  F.  Tripp;  AVard  Two,  Charles  H.  Mulligan;  AA^ard  Three, 
Dwight  0.  Gilmore;  AVard  Four,  Ralph  AV.  Ellis;  AA^ard  Five, 
Charles  C.  Lewis  ;  AA'ard  Six,  Edward  C.  Hamilton  ;  AA^ard  Seven, 
Charles  E.  Brown ;  AVard  Eight,  Homer  D.  Packard. 

Clerk-'E.  A.  Newell. 

Common  Councihnen — President,  Frank  AV.  Barker;  AA^ard 
One,  Orville  A.  Dodge,  Lewis  D.  Robinson;  AA^ard  Two,  Luke  J. 
Coogan,  Henry  D.  Shaw,  Harry  J.  Vesper ;  AVard  Three,  Charles 
H.  Dunham,  Frank  H.  Elwell;  AA^ard  Four,  Lewis  F.  Carr, 
Charles  E.  Newell ;  AVard  Five,  Frank  AV.  Barker,  Stanford  L. 
Haynes ;  AA'ard  Six,  Fred  A.  Bearse,  Dennis  Casey,  jr. ;  AVard 
Seven,  George  A.  Bacon,  AVilliam  AA^.  Bartlett ;  AVard  Eight, 
Charles  0.  Churchill,  Alexander  C.  Alethven,  Fordis  C.  Parker. 

CZer^-AVilliam  E.  Gilbert. 

1898. 

J.Zf7erwicn— President,  Dwight  0.  Gilmore  ;  AA'ard  One,  Lewis 
D.  Robinson ;  Ward  Two,  Charles  H.  Alulligan :  AA^'ard  Three, 
Dwight  0.  Gilmore;  AA'ard  Four,  Ralph  AV.  Ellis;  AVard  Five, 

(      106      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Charles  C.  Lewis ;  Ward  Six,  Edward  C.  Hamilton  ;  AVard  Seven^ 
Charles  E.  Brown  ;  AVard  Eight,  Homer  D.  Packard. 

Clerk-E.  A.  Newell. 

Common  CoM7«Ci7w«e?i— President,  Fordis  C.  Parker ;  "Ward 
One,  Orville  A.  Dodge,  Franklin  A.  Latimer,  jr. ;  Ward  Two, 
Lnke  J.  Coogan,  Matthew  R.  Alansfield,  AYilliam  A.  Strange ; 
Ward  Three,  Edward  T.  Davis,  Harry  H.  Parkhurst;  AVard 
Fonr,  Lewis  F.  Carr,  Charles  E.  Newell ;  AYard  Five,  Fordis  C. 
Parker,  Stanford  L.  Haynes ;  AA'ard  Six,  Fred  A.  Bearse,  Samnel 
Jones ;  AYard  Seven,  r4eorge  A.  Bacon,  Seth  J.  Buckland ;  AA^ard 
Eight,  Albert  E.  AY.  Drake,  Alexander  C.  Alethven,  AAalliam  F. 
AInndell. 

CZerA;-AYilliam  E.  Gilbert. 

1899. 

Aldermen— 'Pre&ident,  Charles  H.  Alulligan ;  AYard  One, 
Franklin  A.  Latimer,  jr. ;  AA^ard  Two,  Charles  H.  Mulligan ; 
AA^ard  Three,  Frank  H.  Elwell ;  AA\ard  Fonr,  Edwin  A.  Blodgett ; 
AA^'ard  Five,  Fordis  C.  Parker ;  AYard  Six,  Fred  A.  Bearse ;  AA^ard 
Seven,  Jnlins  F.  Carman ;  AA^ard  Eight,  Alexander  C.  Methven. 

Clerk-B.  A.  Newell. 

Common  Councilmen — President,  Fred  0.  Clapp ;  AYard 
One,  Fred  0.  Clapp,  Edwin  B.  AA^oodin;  AYard  Two,  Lnke  J. 
Coogan,  Patrick  J.  AlcCarty,  Patrick  J.  Mitchell;  AYard  Three,. 
Clottlieb  Baer,  George  AA^.  D.  Upton;  AA^'ard  Four,  Lincoln  C. 
Haynes,  AYilliam  AY.  Tapley;  AA^ard  Five,  Theodore  F.  Dwight, 
Charles  A.  AA^right;  AYard  Six,  Frederick  S.  Ladd,  George  Smith; 
AA^ard  Seven,  Albert  G.  Bennett,  jr.,  Seth  J.  Buckland;  AYard 
Eight,  Albert  E.  AY.  Drake,  AYilliam  F.  Mundell,  AYoodward  E. 
Murkland. 

OZer^•-AYilliam  E.  Gilbert. 

1900. 

AZfZcnnew— President,  Edwin  A.  Blodgett;  AYard  One,  Fred 
0.  Clapp ;  AYard  Two,  Henry  AY.  Fitch ;  AYard  Three,  Frank  H. 
Elwell ;  Ward  Four,  Edwin  A.  Blodgett ;  Ward  Five,  Fordis  C. 
Parker ;  Ward  Six,  Fred  A.  Bearse ;  AYard  Seven,  Julius  F.  Car- 
man ;  Ward  Eight,  Alexander  C.  Methven. 

Clerk— 11.  A.  Newell. 

(      107      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Common  Councilmen—Fvesident,  Albert  G.  Bennett,  jr. ; 
Ward  One,  Clifford  P.  Kibbe,  William  E.  Sanderson ;  Ward  Two, 
Patrick  J.  Mitchell,  James  E.  Dunn,  John  M.  Sullivan;  Ward 
Three,  George  AV.  D.  Upton,  Napoleon  L.  Byron;  Ward  Four, 
William W.Tapley;  F.Winthrop  Edwards;  Ward  Five,  Theodore 
F.  Dwight,  George  Nye,  jr. ;  Ward  Six,  George  Smith,  Eugene 
M.  Tinkham;  Ward  Seven,  Albert  G.  Bennett,  jr.,  William  A. 
Newton;  Ward  Eight,  William  F.  Mundell,  Oliver  E.  Hines, 
Everett  E.  Stone. 

CifrA— William  E.  Gilbert  (resigned),  H.  S.  Gilbert. 

1901. 

Aldermen— Fresident,  Fred  0.  Clapp ;  Ward  One,  Fred  0. 
Clapp;  Ward  Two,  Henry  W.  Fitch;  Ward  Three,  Henry  D. 
Marsh ;  Ward  Four,  AVilliam  W.  Tapley ;  AVard  Five,  Henry  H. 
Bosworth ;  Ward  Six,  Frank  D.  Kemp :  Ward  Seven,  Albert  G. 
Bennett,  jr. ;  Ward  Eight,  Edward  J.  Murphy. 

Clerk— 'Ei.  A.  Newell. 

Common  Councihnen— President,  Everett  E.  Stone;  Ward 
One,  Clifford  P.  Kibbe,  William  E.  Sanderson ;  Ward  Two,  Pat- 
rick J.  Mitchell,  James  E.  Dunn,  Patrick  J.  Delaney;  Ward 
Three,  George  H.  McClean,  William  W.  Warren ;  Ward  Four,  F. 
Winthrop  Edwards,  Henry  P.  Norris ;  Ward  Five,  George  Nye, 
jr.,  Calvin  S.  AYhitcomb ;  AVard  Six,  Eugene  M.  Tinkham,  John 
J.  Hamilton ;  AVard  Seven,  William  A.  Newton,  Henry  G.  Cha- 
pin ;  Ward  Eight,  Oliver  E.  Hines,  Everett  E.  Stone,  AVilliam  T. 
Webster. 

Clerk-H.  S.  Gilbert. 

Presidents  of  Common  Council — Henry  Morris,  1852-53, 
resigned  May  16,  1853,  and  AA'illiam  Stowe  chosen ;  Samuel  S. 
Day,  1854 ;  John  M.  Stebbins,  1855 ;  James  Kirkham,  1856 ; 
George  Walker,  1857  ;  John  K.  Hixon,  1858  ;  A.  N.  Merrick,  1859  ; 
Nehemiah  A.  Leonard,  1860-64;  Henry  S.  Lee,  1865;  AVilliam 
L.  Smith,  1866-67 ;  Henry  S.  Lee,  1868-71 :  Marcus  P.  Knowlton, 
1872-73 ;  T.  B.  AVilson,  1874 ;  Henry  S.  Lee,  1875 ;  H.  F.  Trask, 
1876-77 ;  A.  J.  AA^right,  1878 ;  J.  R.  Smith,  1879 ;  Elijah  Belding, 
1880 :  Charles  J.  Sanderson,  1881 ;  Edmund  P.  Kendrick,  1882- 
83 ;  Edward  C.  Eogers.  1884 :  Charles  L.  Long,  1885-86 ;  Henry 

(      108      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

H.  Bo^vn]an,  1887;  Newrie  D.  Winter,  1888;  George  Leonard, 
1889-90 ;  Francke  W.  Dickinson,  1891 ;  James  D.  Norton,  1892- 
93 ;  George  F.  Sessions,  1894 ;  Robert  A.  Knight,  1895 ;  Maurice 
P.  Cavanaugh,  1896 ;  Frank  W.  Barker,  1897 ;  Fordis  C.  Parker, 
1898 ;  Fred  0.  Clapp,  1899  ;  Albert  G.  Bennett,  jr.,  1900 ;  Everett 
E.  Stone,  1901. 
Assessors. 

1852— John  B.  Kirkhani,  Harvey  Chapin,  E.  A.  Morris. 

1853— E.  A.  Mori'is,  Saiinipl  ^NTcNary,  Roderick  Ashley. 


ham. 


ley. 


Old  Unitarian  Church,  Springfield 

1854— E.  A.  Morris,  Harvey  Banks,  Horace  Kibbe. 

1855— Walter  H.  Bowdoin,  Robert  Crossett,  John  B.  Kirk- 

1856— Edward  A.  jMorris,  Jolm  B.  Kirkham,  Roderick  Ash- 

1857— J.  B.  M.  Stebbins,  Roderick  Ashley,  Henry  Smith. 
1858-59— Henry  Smith,  Horace  Ashley,  Horace  C.  Lee. 
1860— Henry  Smith,  Francis  Norton,  David  A.  Adams. 
1861— Roderick  Ashley,  Francis  Norton,  David  A.  Adams. 
1862— Francis  Norton,  David  A.  Adams,  Otis  Childs. 

(      109      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1863— Henry  Smith,  W.  C.  Sturtevant,  Francis  Norton. 

1864— Titus  Aniadon,  H.  S.  Noyes,  Edwin  Booth. 

1865— Francis  Norton,  AY.  C.  Sturtevant,  Titus  Amadon. 

1866— Francis  Norton,  H.  S.  Noyes,  Titus  Amadon. 

1867— Francis  Norton,  H.  S.  Noyes,  G.  D.  Tapley. 

1868— Francis  Norton,  Otis  Childs,  E.  B.  Haskell. 

1869-70— Francis  Norton,  D,  A.  Adams.  J.  G.  Capron, 

1871— D.  A.  Adams,  J.  G.  Capron,  T.  M.  Dewey. 

1872— D.  A.  Adams,  J.  G.  Capron,  George  Dillingham. 

1873-76— Francis  Norton,  J.  G.  Capron,  H.  G.  Shaw. 

1877-81— Francis  Norton,  J.  G.  Capron,  George  S.  Lewis. 

1882-83— Francis  Norton,  J.  G.  Capron,  Albert  H.  Kirkham. 

1884— J.  G.  Capron,  Albert  H.  Kirkham. 

1885-88— Albert  H.   Kirkham,   George  B.   Smith,  John  J. 
Leonard. 

1889-94— George  B.  Smith,  John  J.  Leonard,  Marcus  Hough- 
ton. 

1895-1901— George  B.  Smith,  John  J.  Leonard,  Frank  S. 
Crane. 
•Overseers  of  tlie  Poor} 

1852— Elijah  Blake,  Edwin  Booth,  "William  Pynchon. 

1853— Elijah  Blake,  Edwin  Booth,  Tyler  Childs. 

1854— J.  C.  Stebbins,  Edwin  Booth,  S.  C.  Bemis. 

1855— Elijah  Blake,  Henry  Collins,  Tyler  Childs. 

1856— Elijah  Blake,  Henry  Gray,  Edward  Savage. 

1857-58-Elijah  Blake,  Henry  Gray,  R.  T.  Safford. 

1859— Elijah  Blake,  Henry  Gray,  G.  W.  Harrison. 

I860— AY.  C.  Sturtevant,  Tyler  Childs,  Edwin  Booth. 

1861— H.  S.  Noyes,  Marvin  Chapin.  Edwin  Booth. 

1862 — Marvin  Chapin,  George  C.  Fisk,  Edwin  Booth. 

1863-64— David  A.  Adams,  Marvin  Chapin,  Luke  H.  Pease. 

1865— ]\L^rvin  Chapin,  Luke  H.  Pease,  Edwin  Booth. 

1866 — Luke  H.  Pease,  Thomas  H.  Allen,  Titus  Amadon. 

1867— Luke  H.  Pease,  Thomas  H.  Allen,  H.  S.  Noyes. 

1868— J.  H.  Demond,  Thomas  H.  Allen,  Luke  H.  Pease. 

1869— Luke  H.  Pease,  David  A.  Adams,  D.  J.  Bartlett. 

'The  mayor  is  an  ex-officio  member  of  this  board. 
(      110      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1870— D.  A.  Adams,  Tyler  Childs  Josiah  Bumstead. 

1871— D.  A.  Adams,  J.  H.  Demond,  D.  J.  Bartlett. 

1872-D.  A.  Adams,  D.  J.  Bartlett,  C.  C.  Smith. 

1873— D.  J.  Bartlett,  C.  C.  Smith,  Varnum  N.  Taylor  2d. 

1874-76— D.  J.  Barlett,  C.  C.  Smith,  James  Burke. 

1877-D.  J.  Bartlett,  C.  C.  Smith,  C.  L.  Covell. 

1878- D.  J.  Bartlett,  C.  L.  Covell,  James  H.  Lewis. 

1879-80— C.  L.  Covell,  James  H.  Lewis,  J.  Q.  A.  Sexton,  Dr. 
David  Clark. 

1881— C.  L.  Covell,  James  H.  Lewis,  J.  Q.  A.  Sexton,.  Dr. 
David  Clark. 

1882-C.  L.  Covell,  James  H.  Lewis,  F.  A.  Burt,  Dr.  A.  R. 
Rice. 

1883-James  H.  Lewis,  F.  A.  Burt,  Dr.  A.  R.  Rice,  C.  C. 
Smith. 

1884— F.  A.  Burt,  Dr.  A.  R.  Rice,  C.  C.  Smith,  James  F. 
Brierly. 

1885-87— Dr.  A.  R.  Rice,  C.  C.  Smith,  James  F.  Brierly,  Dr. 
C.  C.  Chatfee. 

1888-Dr.  A.  R.  Rice,  C.  C.  Smith,  James  F.  Brierly,  C.  C. 
Merritt. 

1889-91-Dr.  Walter  H.  Chapin,  C.  C.  Smith,  James  F. 
Brierly.  C.  C.  Merritt. 

1892-94-Dr.  Walter  H.  Chapin,  C.  C.  Parkhurst,  James  F. 
Brierly.  C.  C.  Merritt. 

1895— Dr.  Walter  H.  Chapin,  C.  C.  Smith,  James  F.  Brierly, 
C.  C.  Merritt. 

1896-Dr.  Walter  H.  Chapin,  C.  C.  Smith,  Edward  A.  Hall, 
C.  C.  iNIerritt. 

1897-98-Dr.  Walter  H.  Chapin,  C.  C.  Smith,  Edward  A. 
Hall,  James  H.  Lewis. 

1899-1900-Dr.  Walter  H.  Chapin,  C.  C.  Smith,  Edwin  S. 
Stacy,  James  H.  Lewis. 

1901-Dr.  Simeon  J.  Russell,  C.  C.  Smith,  Edwin  S.  Stacy, 
Charles  C.  Lewis. 

City  Physicians-H.  G.  W.  English,  1855;  A.  S.  M'Clean, 
1856-59 ;  J.  M.  Foster,  1860-61 ;  William  G.  Breck,  1862 ;  J.  M. 

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OVB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Foster,  1863 ;  H.  G.  Stickney,  1864-67 ;  George  S.  Stebbins,  1868 ; 
H.  G.  Stickney,  1869 ;  A.  K.  Rice,  1870 ;  Charles  P.  Kemp,  1871 ; 
Sarah  J.  Williams,  1872;  P.  LeB.  Stickney,  1873;  A.  R.  Rice, 
1874;  John  Hooker,  1875;  David  Clark,  1876-81;  A.  R.  Rice, 
1882-88 ;  AYalter  H.  Chapin,  1889-1900 ;  Simeon  J.  Russell,  1901. 

City  Engineers— J.  R.  Smith,  1864-67 ;  William  B.  Harris, 
1868-69 ;  T.  A.  Curtis,  1870 ;  Stockwell  Bettes,  1871-73 ;  George 
A.  Ellis,  1874-86 ;  Charles  M.  Sloeiim,  1887-1901. 

Superintendents  of  Almshouse— Z.  F.  Chadwick,  1886-87; 
Lyman  W.  Sexton,  1888-1901. 

City  Solicitors— YidmvinA  P.  Kendrick,  1895 ;  Edward  H. 
Lathrop,  1896-99 ;  William  G.  McKechnie,  1900-1901. 

Superintendents  of  Streets— Harvey  Chapin,  1857-58 ;  Jus- 
tin Sackett,  1859-67 ;  John  Q.  A.  Sexton,  1868-73 ;  Michael  Roane, 
1874-75;  Theodore  Sprague,  1876;  Henry  D.  Foss,  1877-88; 
William  L.  Dickinson,  1889-99 ;  Arthur  A.  Adams,  1900-1901. 

City  3Iarshals— David  A.  Adams,  1852-53 ;  Sylvester 
Churchill,  1854 ;  L.  P.  Rowland,  1855 ;  Sylvester  Churchill,  1856  ; 
George  Ensworth,  1857;  Wells  P.  Hodgett,  1858;  Otis  Childs, 
1859-60 ;  A.  W.  Lamb,  1861 ;  L.  H.  Pease,  1862 ;  Henry  Clark, 
1863-64  (resigned)  ;  Luke  H.  Pease,  1864-70;  John  M.  Meggett, 
1871;  Luke  H.  Pease,  1872-75;  Hiram  Q.  Sanderson,  1876-77; 
E.  C.  Pettis,  1878 ;  W.  H.  H.  Blair,  1879-81 ;  John  L.  Rice,  1882 ; 
Robert  J.  Hamilton,  1883-85 ;  E.  C.  Pettis,  1886 ;  John  H.  Clune, 
1887-88 ;  F.  G.  Southmayd,  1889-91 ;  John  L.  Rice,  1892-94 ;  Joel 
H.  Hendrick,  1895  ;  Alfred  M.  Copeland,  1896  ;  Henry  McDonald, 
1897-1900;  George  M.  Stebbins,  1901. 
License  Commissioners. 

1896— George  E.  Frink,  Frank  E.  Carpenter,  George  B. 
Holbrook. 

1897— George  E.  Frink,  William  F.  Cook,  George  B.  Hol- 
brook. 

1898-99-William  F.  Cook,  Geo.  B.  Holbrook,  Robt.  W.  Day. 

1900— William  F.  Cook,  William  C.  Hayes,  Robert  W.  Day. 

1901-William  F.  Cook,  William  C.  Hayes,  Charles  H.  Beck- 
with. 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

City  Messengers— H.  D.  Braman,  1852-53 ;  Sylvester 
Clnu-chill,  1854 ;  L.  P.  Rowland,  1855 ;  Wells  P.  Hodgett,  1856- 
58 ;  John  K.  Gardner,  1859 ;  Eodolphns  Kinsley,  1860 ;  John  K, 
Gardner,  1861-62;  DAvight  Clark,  1863;  J.  D.  Bigelow,  1864-81; 
George  S.  AYarriner,  1882-98 ;  Stephen  P.  Burns,  1899-1901. 


CHAPTER  V 

THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD— EDUCATIONAL 

From  the  time  of  planting  the  colony  at  Agawam,  in  1636, 
to  the  beginning  of  the  twentieth  century  the  inhabitants  of 
Springfield  have  given  careful  and  generous  consideration  to  the 
education  of  the  youth  of  the  town  and  subsequent  city.  In  the 
days  of  the  plantation  the  settled  minister  of  the  parish  was 
looked  upon  as  the  schoolmaster  and  teaching  the  youth  was 
almost  as  much  a  part  of  his  duty  as  that  of  guarding  the  spirit- 
ual welfare  of  his  flock.  In  1641  the  selectmen  ordered  that  all 
the  children  of  the  settlement  be  taught  to  read  and  learn  the 
catechism,  and  that  with  primer  study  and  spelling  and  writing 
comprised  the  course  of  study  available  to  the  progeny  of  our 
earliest  ancestors  in  Springfield.  In  1667  a  schoolmaster  was 
employed,  and  received  for  his  services  three  pence  per  week  for 
each  child  who  was  taught  reading,  and  four  pence  if  writing  was 
added.  In  1668  the  town  hired  one  David  Denton  to  teach  the 
school,  at  a  salary  of  20  pounds  per  year,  the  school  being  kept 
in  the  toM'er  of  the  meeting  house.  As  the  settlement  increased 
it  was  customary  to  hire  a  room  in  the  houses  of  several  of  the 
inhabitants,  Avhere  rudimentary  instruction  was  given  by  the 
good  housewife  to  the  children  of  the  neighborhood.  These  were 
the  "dame  schools"  of  the  period. 

In  1679  a  school  house  was  built  in  "the  lane  going  to  the 
upper  wharf,"  or  in  what  now  is  Cypress  street,  between  Main 
street  and  the  river.     Thomas  Stebbins,  jr.,  undertook  the  erec- 

8-3  (      113      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

tion  of  the  building,  at  the  price  of  14  pounds,  but  the  records 
state  that  if  it  be  found  that  the  builder  "have  a  hard  bargain" 
he  is  to  have  10  shillings  more  from  the  town.  In  1685  an  order 
was  adopted  compelling  attendance  at  school  by  all  children  be- 
tween the  ages  of  five  and  nine  years,  living  between  "Round 
hill"  and  Mill  river,  under  penalty  of  two  pence  per  week  for 
the  space  of  half  a  year,  to  be  paid  by  the  parents  neglecting  to 
comply  with  the  order.  Then  tuition  rates  were  paj'able  in  wood, 
grain  or  money,  at  the  choice  of  the  person  indebted  to  the  town ; 
and  as  late  as  1709,  when  John  Sherman  taught  the  grammar 
school  the  agreement  was  that  his  salary  of  40  pounds  should  be 
payable  in  "pease,  rye,  Indian  corn  and  barley"  at  the  town 
(market)  price. 

The  educational  system  of  the  town  previous  to  1700  was 
crude  and  immature  and  while  substantial  advances  were  made 
and  many  good  schools  were  established  during  the  next  hun- 
dred years  the  real  march  of  progress  in  the  direction  of  higher 
education  was  not  begun  until  after  the  beginning  of  the  nine- 
teenth century.  About  1717  the  town  was  divided  into  precincts 
and  provision  was  made  for  a  school  in  each.  Later  on,  after 
the  town  was  reduced  in  area  by  other  town  formations,  schools 
were  established  and  maintained  with  some  degree  of  regularity. 
Grammar  schools  also  were  supported,  usually  one  in  each  town, 
according  to  the  requirements  of  law,  but  the  grammar  schools 
provided  for  by  the  act  of  1647  bore  no  comparison  to  the  same 
schools  of  modern  times.  They  were  called  grammar  schools 
because  grammar  teaching  was  imperative,  and  because  the 
master  was  required  to  instruct  his  pupils  "so  far  as  they  can  be 
fitted  for  the  university."  A  school  of  this  class,  indeed  more 
than  one,  was  maintained  in  the  town  until  about  1820,  and  while 
the  course  of  study  was  available  to  all  the  youth  of  the  town,  the 
school  itself  was  not  popular,  for  then  young  persons  were  put  to 
work  as  soon  as  the  primary  branches  of  reading,  writing,  spell- 
ing and  arithmetic  were  finished  and  the  regulations  regarding 
attendance  at  the  school  were  complied  with.  Indeed,  Avhile 
schools  of  a  higher  grade  were  required  and  provided  for  by  law, 
they  were  not  always  Avelcomed  by  the  burdened  taxpaying  in- 

(      lU      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

habitants,  hence  they  were  regarded  as  an  expensive  luxury  and 
were  supported  reluctantly. 

During  the  latter  years  of  the  eighteenth  century,  after  the 
town  was  reduced  to  territory  east  of  the  Connecticut,  its  remain- 
ing lands  were  divided  into  school  districts,  and  a  committee  was 
chosen  to  manage  a  school  in  each.  Frequently,  however,  dis- 
tricts felt  too  poor  to  maintain  a  separate  school  and  united  with 
another  district  in  supporting  a  joint  school :  but  in  1800  the 
town  voted  that  each  district  should  have  and  support  its  own 
school.  In  1823  the  sum  of  $250  was  voted  for  the  town  gram- 
mar school  and  $1,000  for  the  English  or  common  schools.  In 
the  next  year  the  accumulated  school  fund  amounted  to  more 
than  $6,000,  but  instead  of  being  utilized  directly  for  the  benefit 
of  schools  it  was  loaned  by  the  "trustees  of  the  school  fund"  to 
various  persons  of  the  town  on  "secured"  notes.  This  fund 
gradually  increased  and  when  finally  it  was  made  available  for 
use  by  the  chartered  city  it  aggregated  about  $10,000.  Moses 
Bliss  was  for  many  years  clerk  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the 
school  fund. 

Previous  to  about  1825  the  common  district  schools  of  the 
town  were  not  in  any  sense  progressive,  and  were  conducted  with 
reference  to  economy  rather  than  the  welfare  of  the  youth.  As  a 
public  necessity  they  were  supported  as  the  law  required,  but  not 
one  whit  more  than  was  obligatory  was  suggested  or  considered. 
In  the  year  mentioned  the  town  voted  to  appoint  a  committee  to 
inquire  into  the  existing  conditions  and  to  "digest"  such  im- 
provements in  the  schools  as  in  its  judgment  should  seem  proper. 
The  committee  selected  for  this  duty  comprised  William  B.  Cal- 
houn, Joseph  Hall.  Frederick  A.  Packard,  James  "\V.  Crooks  and 
Justice  Willarcl. 

In  due  season  the  committee  made  its  report,  which  was  ac- 
cepted, and  thereupon  the  town  voted  to  appoint  a  committee  of 
seven,  to  be  joined  with  the  stated  clergymen  of  the  town,  "whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  see  that  all  the  provisions  of  the  law  of  this 
commonwealth  relative  to  schools  are  faithfully  complied  with, 
to  examine  all  instructors,  to  determine  what  books  shall  ])e  used 
in  the  several  schools,  and  generally  to  have  superintendence  and 

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OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

controlling  power  over  the  schools."  This  was  the  inauguration 
of  the  "school  committee"  system  which  has  been  maintained  to 
the  present  clay. 

In  1827  the  town  voted  an  appropriation  of  $2,500  for  the 
support  of  common  schools  and  $500  for  the  support  of  a  high 
school,  the  latter  having  become  obligatory  under  an  act  of  the 
legislature.  A  special  committee  was  deeined  necessary  to  devise 
means  for  establishing  the  high  school,  and  Joseph  Pease.  Solo- 
mon Hatch,  George  Bliss,  jr.,  David  Kice,  Allen  Bangs,  Israel  E. 
Trask  and  William  Childs  were  appointed  in  that  capacity.  The 
committee  carefull}^  examined  the  premises  and  reported  that  at 
that  time  there  were  824  families  or  householders  in  the  town ; 
that  in  the  five  most  central  districts  there  were  508  families,  153 
living  north  and  355  living  south  of  the  center  of  State  street ; 
that  303  families  were  living  in  the  most  central  districts  on  the 
Connecticut  river,  and  205  families  were  in  the  "Hill"  and 
Watershops  districts. 

This  information  was  furnished  for  the  purpose  of  deter- 
mining the  location  of  the  school,  but  from  what  is  stated  it  is 
seen  that  the  center  of  population  or  residence  at  the  time,  in 
what  now  is  the  city,  was  south  of  State  street.  On  the  report  of 
the  committee  the  town  voted  to  purchase  from  Charles  Stearns, 
for  $150,  a  lot  of  land  in  Union  street,  on  which  it  was  proposed  to 
build  the  school  house— a  two-story  brick  building,  65x30  feet  in 
size,  with  cupola  and  bell.  The  structure  was  to  afford  seating 
capacity  for  125  "scholars"  in  each  story,  and  the  school  was  to 
be  conducted  on  the  "monitorial"  plan.  However,  something 
soon  happened  to  change  the  location  of  the  building,  for  about 
this  time  Simon  Sanborn  came  forward  Avith  a  proposition  to  give 
a  site  in  exchange  or  as  an  "oft'set"  for  a  certain  claim  for  dam- 
ages. This  new  proposition  found  favor  with  the  committee  and 
it  was  determined  to  erect  the  first  regular  high  school  building 
at  the  northeast  corner  of  School  and  High  streets.  It  was  built 
in  1827  and  was  occupied  for  its  intended  use  until  about  1839, 
when  it  was  vacated,  and  the  high  school  idea  virtually  abolished, 
being  neither  advantageous  nor  profitable  for  the  education  of 
the  youth,  according  to  the  opinion  of  the  tax-paying  resi'dents. 

(     ne     ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

In  1841  it  was  voted  to  sell  the  land  and  building,  the  committee 
to  negotiate  the  sale  being  John  Howard,  William  Child  and 
Francis  M.  Carew.  But  it  appears  that  Mr.  Sanborn  had  donated 
the  land  for  the  sole  purpose  of  a  school,  and  on  the  sale  he  re- 
ceived a  fair  proportion  of  the  avails. 

It  was  found,  however,  that  a  high  school  in  the  town  was 
imperative  under  the  law,  hence  in  1841  the  district  school  build- 
ing on  Elm  street,  about  on  the  site  where  now  stands  the  court 
house,  was  occupied  for  that  purpose.  Its  first  principal  was 
Rev.  Sanford  Lawton,  who  was  followed  in  1844  by  Ariel  Parish. 

Soon  after  the  dissolution  of  the  first  high  school  as  an  insti- 
tution of  the  town  a  number  of  the  more  progressive  citizens  of 
the  principal  village  determined  to  revive  it  and  also  to  place  the 
common  schools  on  a  more  uniform  and  equitable  basis  of  opera- 
tion. In  1840  the  appropriation  for  school  purposes  was  $7,811.- 
08,  and  at  that  time  the  town  comprised  twenty  districts.  In  the 
town  meeting  it  was  voted  to  appoint  a  superintendent  to  take 
general  supervision  of  all  the  schools  under  the  regular  school 
committee.  S.  S.  Green  was  the  first  and  only  incumbent  of  the 
office  thus  created,  and  Avhile  his  efforts  were  in  a  measure  suc- 
cessful, and  the  schools  were  improved  under  his  superintend- 
ence, two  years'  experience  with  the  new  idea  proved  sufficient 
for  the  inhabitants,  and  the  office  was  abolished  in  1842. 

In  the  meantime  the  affairs  of  the  high  school  on  Elm  street 
were  progressing  with  varied  success,  as  the  taxpayers  in  the 
localities  known  as  Cabotville,  Skipmuck,  Indian  Orchard  and 
the  Watershops  contended  that  the  greatest  benefits  of  the  insti- 
tution were  derived  by  the  people  of  the  village  of  Springfield, 
hence  they  set  up  an  opposition  to  the  appropriations  for  its 
maintenance,  just  as  they  fought  against  all  other  measures  pro- 
posed for  the  improvement  of  the  principal  village.  Still,  under 
the  law  the  school  was  maintained  until  about  1847  or  '48,  when 
all  local  interests  were  set  aside  while  the  subject  of  dividing  the 
town  was  under  consideration.  This  Avas  accomplished  in  1848, 
when  Chicopee  was  incorporated  as  a  town,  but  by  that  time  the 
high  school  had  so  declined  that  its  existence  was  hardly  recog- 
nized. 

(117) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

In  1848  the  legislature  passed  a  new  act  in  relation  to  high 
schools  and  it  was  soon  discovered  that  the  local  institution  was 
not  conducted  in  conformity  with  the  strict  requirement  of  the 
law.  The  matter  came  up  for  consideration  in  the  town  meeting 
in  1849,  the  warrant  stating  as  one  of  the  subjects  for  action,  "to 
see  if  the  town  will  establish  a  high  school  conformably  to  the  act 
passed  in  1848."  The  result  was  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
to  consider  the  subject,  the  members  being  Erasmus  D.  Beach, 
Samuel  S.  Day,  Freeman  Bangs,  Harvey  Danks,  Homer  Foot, 
Henry  Pomeroy,  Jonathan  Carlisle,  Oliver  Kibbe,  J.  W.  Fuller 
and  F.  A.  Barton.  In  the  report  submitted  to  the  town  the  com- 
mittee say  they  "believe  the  town  liable  to  a  penalty  by  reason  of 
non-compliance  with  the  law,"  and  suggest  that  an  arrangement 
be  made  with  district  No.  1  (Springfield)  by  which  the  high 
school  of  the  district  be  converted  into  a  high  school  for  the  town  ; 
and  further  suggest  that  the  school  committee  be  empowered  to 
make  the  arrangement. 

At  a  later  meeting  the  matter  again  was  under  discussion, 
and  it  was  voted  "that  the  law  regulating  the  establishment  of  a 
high  school  in  this  town  be  so  far  complied  with  as  to  protect  the 
town  against  prosecution  for  the  penalty,  hut  no  farther."  In 
1850  it  was  voted  to  continue  the  arrangement  another  year,  but 
in  1851,  probably  on  account  of  the  unpleasant  political  feeling 
w^hich  pervaded  the  entire  town  and  worked  injury  to  every  in- 
terest, no  action  was  taken  concerning  the  high  school,  and  evi- 
dently the  previous  arrangement  was  renewed.  The  school  house 
of  district  No.  1,  to  which  allusion  has  been  made,  was  built  by 
the  district  for  its  own  purposes  and  was  regarded  as  one  of  the 
most  pretentious  structures  of  its  kind  in  the  county.  The  high 
school  was  established  there  in  1849,  and  was  maintained  until 
the  erection  of  the  first  regularly  known  high  school  on  State 
street  in  1874.  In  the  course  of  time  the  latter  building  became 
insufficient  for  the  educational  interests  of  the  city  and  was  re- 
placed with  the  present  structure  on  an  adjoining  tract  of  land 
in  1898,  the  latter  being  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  complete 
school  buildings  in  Western  Massachusetts. 

Having  briefly  traced  the  history  of  the  schools  of  the  town 
from  their  beginning  to  the  time  of  the  city  charter,  it  is  proper 

(      11«      ) 


01(1  Academic  Higli  School  Building,  Springfield 
On  tliis  site  now  stands  tlie  Police  HeadQuarters 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

in  the  present  connection  to  furnish  the  succession  of  the  school 
committee  from  the  time  the  office  was  created  in  1825  to  1852, 
when  under  the  charter  the  school  system  entered  upon  a  new  era 
of  progress.     The  succession  follows: 

1825— AVilliam  B.  Calhoun,  George  Colton,  Joseph  Hall,  jr., 
Joshua  Frost,  Frederick  A.  Packard,  James  W.  Crooks,  Justice 
Willard. 

1826— Frederick  A.  Packard,  AVilliam  B.  Calhoun,  George 
Colton,  Elijah  Blake,  John  B.  Kirkham,  James  W.  Crooks,  Dan- 
iel N.  Dewey,  and  the  clergymen  of  the  several  societies. 

1827— William  B.  Calhoun,  AYilliam  Bliss,  James  "\V.  Crooks. 

1828— William  B.  Calhoun,  William  Bliss,  James  W.  Crooks, 
Dr.  L.  W.  Belden,  Stephen  C.  Bemis. 

1829— William  B.  Calhoun,  William  Bliss,  Dr.  L.  W.  Belden. 

1830— William  B.  Calhoun,  AVilliam  Dwight,  Josiah  Hooker. 

1831— William  B.  Calhoun,  George  Colton,  Stephen  C.  Rus- 
sell. 

1832-34— Benjamin  Putnam,  Josiah  Hooker,  George  Colton. 

1835— Abraham  C.  Baldwin,  AYilliam  Bliss  3d,  George  Col- 
ton. 

1836— Elihu  Adams,  Robert  E.  Bemis,  Ebenezer  B.  Wright. 

1837— Dorus  Clark,  H.  A.  Graves,  Edwin  Seeger,  Artemas 
Rogers,  Richard  Bliss. 

1838— Dorus  Clark,  H.  A.  Graves,  Rev.  Mr.  Clapp,  Jefferson 
Church,  Richard  Bliss. 

1839— Dorus  Clark,  Sanford  Lawton,  Hiram  A.  Graves, 
Sumner  G.  Clapp,  Jefferson  Church. 

1840-41— Ezekiel  Russell,  George  Eaton,  Robert  T.  Ellis, 
Jonathan  Pease  2d,  Henry  R,  Vaille. 

1842— Henry  W.  Lee,  James  Swan,  Mark  Staples,  Albert  A. 
Folsom,  Timothy  W.  Carter. 

1843— Henry  W.  Lee,  Eli  B.  Clark,  Mark  Staples  (two  va- 
cancies). 

1844-Henry  W.  Lee,  Eli  B.  Clark,  Robert  F.  Ellis,  Albert 
A.  Folsom,  James  Swan. 

1845— William  B.  Calhoun,  Henry  W.  Lee,  Rev.  Eli  B. 
Clark,  James  Swan,  Albert  A.  Folsom. 

(      120      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1846— William  B.  Calhoun,  George  E.  Landon,  Rev.  Eli  B. 
Clark,  Henry  W.  Lee,  Robert  C.  Mills. 

1847— AVilliam  B.  Calhoun,  Samuel  McNary,  Rev.  Eli  B. 
Clark,  Henry  AV.  Lee,  Robert  C.  Mills. 

1848— Josiah  Hooker,  Samuel  McNary,  Rev.  Eli  B.  Clark, 
Robert  Kellen,  Miner  G.  Clark. 

1849 — Samuel  Osgood,  George  F.  Simmons,  Miner  G.  Clark. 
Henry  AY.  Adams. 

1850— Josiah  Hooker,  Alexander  S.  McClean,  AYilliam  L. 
Smith. 

1851— Alexander  S.  MeClean,  Josiah  Hooker,  Charles  A. 
Winchester,  William  B.  Calhoun,  George  Walker. 

When  in  1852  the  legislature  passed  an  act  to  establish  the 
city  of  Springfield  the  alfairs  of  local  government,  so  far  at  least 
as  the  schools  were  concerned,  were  in  a  decidedly  unwholesome 
condition.  The  state  laws  then  in  force  were  complied  with  by 
the  several  district  and  prudential  committees  just  far  enough  to 
escape  the  penalty  for  non-compliance,  and  very  few  of  the  dis- 
tricts had  shown  a  disposition  to  give  the  schools  the  loyal,  ear- 
nest attention  to  which  they  were  really  entitled.  The  framers 
of  the  original  city  charter  were  not  unmindful  of  the  needs  of 
the  schools,  but  they  were  compelled  to  be  exceedingly  moderate 
in  preparing  the  effective  sections  of  the  bill,  else  the  same,  if  ac- 
companied with  arbitrary  regulations,  would  have  been  rejected 
by  the  non-progressive  element  of  population  who  were  inclined 
to  oppose  the  measure  on  general  principles  and  sought  some 
half-reasonable  excuse  on  which  to  base  their  action. 

Thus  it  was  that  the  enacting  sections  relative  to  the  schools 
which  declared  that  "the  limits  of  the  several  districts  shall  be 
abolished,  and  the  several  districts  shall  be  united  under  one 
organization,"  were  not  made  imperative,  but  were  accompanied 
with  a  proviso  to  the  effect  that  the  act  of  consolidation  should 
not  become  operative  unless  within  ninety  days  from  the  accept- 
ance of  the  charter  act,  "the  several  districts  shall  vote  to  dis- 
solve their  organizations  and  sell  their  school  property."  A  fair 
number  of  districts  did  vote  to  dissolve  their  organizations  and 
placed  their  schools  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  general  com- 

(      121      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

mittee,  but  others  voted  to  continue  the  former  district  arrange- 
ment, and  thus  delayed  the  work  of  placing  all  the  schools  on  a 
uniform  footing,  with  equal  benefits  to  all ;  and  it  was  not  until 
December  1,  1855,  that  the  last  vestige  of  the  old  system  disap- 
peared. During  the  three  years  necessary  to  accomplish  this 
work  of  reformation,  the  general  school  committee  found  itself 
burdened  with  the  task  of  missionary  labor,  the  arduous  duty  of 
converting  the  committees  of  the  less  progressive  districts  from 
the  inbred  notions  of  the  old  system  to  the  more  modern  methods 
suggested  by  the  city  charter. 

Again,  the  members  of  the  first  school  board  found  them- 
selves opposed  by  many  elements  outside  the  natural  objections 
raised  against  the  abandonment  of  the  district  system.  The 
several  departments  of  the  new  city  government  were  clamorous 
for  appropriations  of  money,  and,  as  usual,  the  purely  political 
element  prevailed,  and  the  schools  were  compelled  to  await  the 
pleasure  of  the  powers.  Still  substantial  progress  was  made 
during  the  first  few  years  of  the  schools  under  the  charter,  and 
an  evening  school  for  adults  Avas  opened  in  the  winter  of  1852. 
The  committee,  in  its  first  annual  report,  urged  the  appointment 
of  a  superintendent,  but  the  demand  was  not  received  with  favor. 
During  the  first  year  Committeemen  Hooker,  Winchester  and 
McClean  acted  as  superintendents,  devoting  their  time  unselfish- 
ly to  the  work  of  visiting  the  schools,  examining  teachers  as  to 
their  qualifications,  and  also  examining  and  passing  upon  candi- 
dates for  admission  to  the  high  school.  This  work  required  much 
of  the  time  of  the  members,  and  frequently  was  done  at  great 
personal  sacrifice. 

In  1852,  in  addition  to  the  high  school,  M'hich  was  an  insti- 
tution of  the  old  town,  Springfield  contained  twelve  school  dis- 
tricts (and  a  total  of  thirty-one  schools)  known  and  designated 
as  follows :  No.  1,  Center  district,  924  children  between  the  ages 
of  five  and  fifteen  years,  and  eight  schools ;  No.  2,  North  district, 
419  pupils  and  five  schools;  No.  3,  South  district,  126  pupils  and 
three  schools ;  No.  4,  Armory  Hill  district,  387  pupils  and  five 
schools;  No.  5,  Ames  district,  64  pupils  and  two  schools;  No.  6, 
AVatershops  district,  102  pupils  and  two  schools ;  No.  7,  Carlisle 

(      122      ) 


C'liarles  Barrows 
Foi'  many  years  I'rinoipal  in  SpriJig-ticId  piiblie  soliool' 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

district,  19  pupils  and  one  school ;  No.  8,  Five  ISIile  district,  29 
pupils  and  one  school ;  No.  9,  Sixteen  Acres  district,  34  pupils 
and  one  school;  No.  10,  Wachoag  district,  30  pupils  and  one 
school ;  No.  11,  Putts  Bridge  district,  16  pupils  and  one  school ; 
No.  12,  Indian  Orchard  district,  38  pupils  and  one  school.  In 
this  year  the  total  value  of  school  property  was  estimated  at 
$39,250,  and  the  sum  appropriated  for  school  support  was  $7,500. 
The  high  school  is  described  in  the  committee's  report  as  a  model 
school,  although  it  was  kept  in  an  upper  story  of  a  building  in 
the  Center  district  on  Court  street. 

The  school  sj'stem  of  the  city  throughout  the  last  fifty  years 
has  enjoyed  a  constant  and  healthful  growth  until  it  has  at- 
tained a  standing  of  especial  prominence  in  educational  circles  in 
Massachusetts  and  in  New  England.  From  1852  to  about  1860 
the  growth  was  sIoav  and  conservative.  At  first  the  people  did 
not  appear  to  appreciate  the  benefits  to  be  derived  from  schools 
of  higher  grade  and  many  of  them  could  not  understand  why 
their  youth  should  be  given  greater  advantages  in  the  way  of 
education  than  they  themselves  had  enjoyed.  They  were  reluct- 
ant to  appropriate  money  for  the  erection  of  new  buildings,  and* 
previous  to  1864  all  that  was  accomplished  in  improving  the 
standing  of  the  schools  was  done  by  the  sub-committees  of  the 
general  board.  In  the  year  mentioned  the  principals  of  the  sev- 
eral grammar  schools  Avere  given  supervisory  powers  in  their  re- 
spective districts,  and  while  this  action  had  the  effect  to  relieve 
the  committees  of  part  of  their  former  work,  the  best  success  in 
the  grammar  schools  was  retarded  by  the  enforced  absence  of  the 
principals  in  supervising  the  work  of  the  common  schools. 

However,  in  1864  the  office  of  superintendent  of  schools  was 
created,  to  take  eft'ect  January  1,  1865.  E.  A.  Hubbard  was  the 
first  superintendent  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  April,  1873. 
]\Iuch  good  was  accomplished  during  his  term,  both  in  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  schools  themselves  and  in  the  erection  of  new 
buildings.  Among  the  more  prominent  school  houses  built  dur- 
ing this  period  mention  may  be  made  of  that  on  North  ]\Iain 
street— the  Hooker  school — and  the  Elm  street  building,  both  in 
1865 ;  the  Oak  street  building  on  Armory  hill  and  also  that  at 

(      124      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Indian  Orchard,  both  in  1867 ;  the  AYorthingtou  street  bnildin<^ 
in  1868;  the  Central  street  building  in  1870:  the  West  Union 
street  and  the  AAliite  street  buildings  in  1872,  and  the  partial 
completion  of  the  high  school  building  on  State  street  in  1873. 

On  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Hubbard,  Rev.  AYilliam  Rice  was 
chosen  his  temporary  successor,  and  served  until  the  beginning  of 
the  next  school  year,  when  Admiral  Paschal  Stone  assumed  the 
duties  of  the  office,  beginning  in  September,  1873,  His  connec- 
tion with  the  schools  continued  until  April  1,  1888,  and  he  was 
known  as  a  practical  thorough  organizer,  an  agreeable  associate 
and  co-worker,  and  a  faithful  public  official.  Under  him  the 
schools  prospered  as  never  before,  and  the  people  finally  became 
awakened  to  an  active,  earnest  interest  in  the  Avork  of  education. 
During  his  term,  in  1874,  the  high  school  building  was  completed 
and  dedicated,  and  in  the  same  year  the  Brightwood  building 
was  erected.  In  the  next  year  the  Hooker  building  was  partially 
destroyed  by  fire,  but  was  at  once  rebuilt,  and  the  East  Union 
street  primary  building  was  erected.  Among  the  other  school 
houses  built  during  his  term  we  may  recall  that  on  York  street  in 
1879,  the  Dry  Bridge  building  in  1881,  the  Oak  street  primary 
and  the  Armory  street  buildings  in  1884,  the  Ward  5  school 
house  in  1887,  and  the  beginning  of  the  Jefferson  avenue  build- 
ing in  1888.  He,  too,  was  chiefly  instrumental  in  establishing  the 
manual  training  school  in  1886. 

The  present  superintendent,  Thomas  M.  Balliet,  began  his 
commendable  work  in  Springfield  April  1,  1888.  He  found  the 
educational  system  in  good  condition,  with  reasonable  conven- 
ience and  comfort  guaranteed  under  the  existing  order  of  things, 
yet  there  was  room  for  still  further  improvement.  Almost  his 
first  work  was  the  establishment  of  the  normal  training  school  for 
teachers,  which  was  opened  in  September,  1888,  and  from  that 
time  to  the  present  his  energies  have  been  devoted  to  the  welfare 
of  those  who  work  with  him,  and  under  him,  all  to  the  end  that 
the  city  may  have  as  good  schools  as  can  be  devised  by  modern 
methods  and  advanced  theories  in  teaching.  His  efforts  have 
been  seconded  by  the  school  committees  with  whom  he  has  been 
associated,  and  the  people  have  given  loyal  encouragement  to  his 
endeavors  as  an  organizer  and  educator. 

/  (      125      ) 


Admiral  P.  Stone 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

So  many  indeed  have  been  the  changes  in  the  educational 
system  of  the  city  during  Mr.  Balliet  's  time  that  no  attempt  will 
be  made  to  follow  them  in  this  chapter,  and  for  definite  informa- 
tion concerning  them  the  reader  may  have  recourse  to  the  munici- 
pal register,  in  which  the  superintendent  presents  in  detail  the 
gradual  development  and  annual  growth  of  the  Springfield 
schools.  During  the  brief  twelve  years  of  his  superintendency 
the  school  population  of  the  city  has  almost  doubled,  the  average 
number  belonging  to  the  schools  has  more  than  doubled,  and  the 
current  expenses  have  increased  nearly  threefold.  The  records 
disclose  that  during  this  period  large  sums  of  money  have  been 
expended  for  new,  modern  school  buildings,  the  largest  outlays 
having  been  made  in  the  years  1891,  '97  and  '98.  The  Jefferson 
avenue  building  was  finished  in  1889,  the  Charles  street  and  the 
Adams  street  buildings  in  1890,  the  Buckingham  and  Pynchon 
buildings  in  1891,  the  School  street  building  in  1892,  the  Belmont 
avenue  building  in  1893,  the  Carew  street  building  in  1894,  the 
South  Main  street  building  in  1896,  the  Central  high  school,  the 
Homer  street  and  the  Indian  Orchard  primary  in  1898,  the  Bos- 
ton road,  the  Brightwood,  the  Eastern  avenue  and  the  Forest 
park  buildings  in  1899. 

The  Central  High  school  on  State  street  naturally  is  the 
chief  object  of  interest  to  all  who  have  occasion  to  observe  the 
educational  institutions  of  the  city.  In  architectural  design  and 
interior  appointment  it  is  one  of  the  most  complete  structures  of 
its  kind  in  the  state,  and  its  erection  at  a  time  when  the  city  was 
burdened  with  the  cost  of  many  other  public  buildings  reflects 
something  of  the  liberality  of  the  people  and  their  loyalty  to  the 
cause  of  education.  In  1841  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  were 
content  to  open  a  high  school  in  one  of  the  upper  rooms  of  a 
district  school  hous^9  on  Elm  street,  yet  before  the  end  of  the  next 
ten  years  the  institution  virtually  Avas  discontinued.  In  1849  it 
was  found  that  a  high  school  was  compulsory  under  the  law 
passed  in  1848,  and  in  compliance  with  the  requirements  of  the 
act  a  new  school  of  that  grade  and  character  was  opened  in  an 
upper  room  of  the  district  school  building  on  Court  street,  on  the 
site  where  now  stands  the  police  headquarters  building.     The 

(      127      ) 


5 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

school  was  maintained  there  until  1874.  when  the  first  regular 
city  high  school  was  completed.  The  structure  was  dedicated 
with  appropriate  ceremonies,  August  31,  Augustus  Lord  Soule 
being  the  principal  orator  of  the  occasion. 

The  present  Central  High  school  was  opened  in  September, 
1898,  about  five  years  after  the  real  need  of  such  a  structure  was 
first  proposed  to  the  people  by  the  school  committee  and  the 
superintendent.  Nearly  two  years  were  spent  in  discussing  the 
(piestion  and  preparing  the  minds  (and,  incidentally,  the  purses) 
of  the  taxpayers  for  what  must  come  sooner  or  later.  In  the 
latter  part  of  1895  the  project  began  to  take  definite  form  when 
Mayor  Long  appointed  a  special  high  school  commission  to  inves- 
tigate the  subject,  consider  a  location,  and  invite  plans  and  speci- 
fications for  a  building  with  normal  seating  capacity  for  800 
pupils.  The  connnission  comprised  Louis  C.  Hyde,  Frederick 
Harris,  James  B.  Carroll,  Orlando  M.  Baker  and  Jason  Perkins. 
Its  work  was  carefully  and  thoroughly  done,  and  the  result  of  the 
labors  of  its  members,  jointly  and  severally,  in  co-operation  with 
the  school  committee,  is  seen  in  the  splendid  high  school  building 
which  attracts  the  admiration  of  visitors  and  citizens  alike.  Ac- 
cording to  the  valuation  fixed  by  the  committee  on  city  property, 
the  land  on  which  the  high  school  stands  is  worth  $98,000,  while 
the  structure  itself  is  worth  $335,000  ;  value  of  furniture,  $15,000. 

The  principals  of  the  high  school  have  been  as  follows :  Rev. 
Samuel  Lawton,  1841-44 ;  Ariel  Parish,  1844-64 ;  E.  A.  Hubbard, 
acting  principal  associated  with  0.  M.  Fernald,  1865-66 :  M.  C. 
Stebbins,  1866-74:  William  W.  Colburn,  1874-90;  Charles 
Jacobus,  1890-95 ;  Fred  W.  Atkinson,  1895-1900,  resigned  in  May 
to  accept  appointment  as  U.  S.  commissioner  of  education  to  the 
Philippines ;  AYilliam  Orr,  acting  principal  from  May,  1900,  to 
close  of  the  school  year,  and  principal,  Sept.  1900. 


9-2  (      129      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 


STATISTICS  OF  THE  SPRINGFIELD  HIGH  SCHOOL 
From  its  organization  in  1849  to  1900: 


Year 

Number 

of 
Pupils 

Number 

of 

Graduates 

Year 

Number 

of 
Pupils 

Number 

of 
Graduates 

1849 

158 

1875 

246 

16 

1850 

170 

1876 

336 

33 

1851 

185 

1877 

354 

27 

1852 

159 

1878 

407 

51 

1853 

170 

1879 

426 

54 

1854 

176 

1880 

405 

58 

1855 

186 

1881 

372 

46 

1856 

166 

9^ 

1882 

346 

44 

1857 

156 

14 

1883 

322 

42 

1858 

172 

14 

1884 

322 

49 

1859 

166 

17 

1885 

348 

34 

1860 

173 

25 

1886 

379 

43 

1861 

163 

13 

1887 

372 

6P 

1862 

177 

17 

1888 

370 

52 

1863 

174 

15 

1889 

344 

61 

1864 

162 

5 

1890 

345 

45 

1865 

146 

21 

1891 

391 

56 

1866 

137 

10 

1892 

408 

52 

1867 

148 

12 

1893 

429 

53 

1868 

195 

16 

1894 

468 

53* 

1869 

217 

2- 

1895 

483 

51 

1870 

207 

14 

1896 

484 

58 

1871 

181 

19 

1897 

525 

86 

1872 

172 

24 

1898 

569 

83 

1873 

185 

21 

1899 

622 

70 

1874 

201 

20 

1900 

657 

124 

'Previous  to  this  date  there  were  no  graduating  exercises. 
"The  course  was  changed  this  year  from  three  to  four  years. 
^This  was  the  first  year  in  which  any  pupils  were  graduated  in  the  two-years 
liusiness  course. 

<The  business  course  was  abolished  after  1894. 


(      130      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

School  Committees.^ 

1852— Josiah  Hooker,  Charles  A.  "Winchester,  Alexander  S. 
McClean,  George  Walker,  AYilliam  P.  Bagg,  Henry  Adams,  Mar- 
cellus  Pinney,  Frederick  Holt. 

1853 — Josiah  Hooker,  Charles  A.  Winchester,  A.  S.  McClean, 
Alfred  Lambert,  V.  L.  Owen,  Jabez  C.  Terry,  Henry  Pomeroy, 
Harvey  E.  Moseley. 

1854— Josiah  Hooker,  Charles  A.  Winchester,  A.  S.  McClean, 
Horace  S.  Taylor,  Samuel  McNary,  Henry  Pomeroy,  George  0. 
Lombard,  Frederick  Holt. 

1855-Chester  R.  Chaffee,  John  E.  Taylor,  Henry  H.  Vaille, 
Randolph  E.  Ladd,  Charles  P.  Bragdon,  Isaac  P.  Dickinson, 
Marcellus  Pinney,  Harvey  E.  Moseley. 

1856 — Josiah  Hooker,  William  L.  Smith,  Samuel  Osgood, 
John  B.  Kirkham,  V.  L.  Owen,  Edwin  L.  Hall,  John  Kimberly, 
Samuel  Mills,  jr. 

1857— Josiah  Hooker,  R.  B.  Hildreth,  Samuel  Osgood,  John 
B.  Kirkham,  V.  L.  Owen,  Edwin  L.  Hall,  John  Kimberly,  Samuel 
Mills,  jr. 

1858— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large ;  Dr.  W.  G.  Breck,  James  E. 
INIcIntire,  Rev.  Samuel  Osgood.  Dr.  Abram  Paige,  Dr.  V.  L. 
OAven,  Edwin  L.  Hall,  John  Kimberly,  Rev.  E.  D.  Mur- 
pty. 

1859— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large:  R.  B.  Hildreth,  James  E. 
Mclntire,  Samuel  Osgood,  Charles  Marsh,  Y.  L.  Owen,  Edwin  L. 
Hall,  John  Kimberly,  Marcus  W.  Fay. 

1860— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large ;  R.  B.  Hildreth,  James  E. 
Mclntire,  Samuel  Osgood,  Osmond  Tiffany,  G.  W.  Harrison,  E. 
L.  Hall,  John  Kimberly,  Marcus  AV.  Pay. 

1861— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large;  R.  B.  Hildreth,  James  E. 
Mclntire,  Samuel  Osgood,  Osmond  Tiffany,  G.  W.  Harrison,  R. 
Crossett,  M.  Pinney,  Marcus  W.  Fay. 

1862— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large ;  R.  B.  Hildreth,  J.  E.  Mc- 
lntire, Samuel  Osgood,  Francis  Tiffany,  G.  W.  Harrison.  R. 
Crossett,  M.  Pinney,  Marcus  W.  Fay. 

1863— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large ;  R.  B.  Hildreth,  J.  E.  Mcln- 

'Members  of  school  committees  are  mentioned  In  the  order  of  ward  numbers. 
(      131      ) 


OVIi  COLMY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

tire,  S.  G.  Buekiugham,  Francis  Tiffany,  Horace  Kibbe,  Obacliali 
Frary,  M.  Pinney,  M.  AV.  Fay. 

1864— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large;  K.  B.  Hildreth,  J.  E.  :\Ic- 
Intire,  S.  G.  Buckingham,  Francis  Tift'any,  Horace  Kibbe,  J.  G. 
Chase,  W.  W.  Gardner,  A.  J.  Phimer. 

1865— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large;  Rev.  Josiah  Marvin,  Rev. 
William  Rice,  Rev.  S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King,  Horace 
Kibbe,  John  B.  Stebbins.  AMlliam  AV.  Gardner,  Andrew  J. 
Plnmer. 


\\  (trtiiiiigtou  street  iScliool,   ^springtield 

1866— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large ;  Josiah  Marvin,  AYilliam  Rice, 
S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King,  Hoi'ace  Kibbe,  John  B.  Steb- 
bins,  W.  W.  Gardner,  Hiram  Warner. 

1867— Josiah  Hooker,  at  large  ;  Josiah  Marvin,  William  Rice, 
S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King,  Horace  Kibbe.  John  B.  Steb- 
bins,  Marcellus  Pinney,  Hiram  Warner. 

1868— Horace  J.  Chapin,  at  large:  John  M.  Stebbins.  Will- 
iam Rice,  S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King,  Horace  Kibbe,  John 
B.  Stebbins,  M.  Pinney,  Hiram  Warner. 

(      132      ) 


J 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD    ' 

1869— Horace  Kibbe,  at  large;  John  M.  Stebbins,  William 
Rice.  S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King,  S.  W.  Porter,  John  B. 
Stebbins,  jNI.  Pinney.  Hii-am  Warner. 

1870— Horace  Kibbe,  at  large;  John  M.  Stebbins,  W^illiam 
Rice,  S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King,  S.  W.  Porter, 
Mrs.  Randolph,  E.  Lacld,  W.  W.  Gardner,  Charles  J. 
Goodwin. 

1871— John  E.  Taylor,  at  large;  John  M.  Stebbins,  William 
Rice,  S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King,  S.  W.  Porter.  S.  D.  Bur- 
banl\-,  W.  W.  Gardner,  Charles  J.  Goodwin. 

1872— John  E.  Taylor,  at  large :  John  M.  Stebbins,  William 
Rice,  S.  G.  Buckingham,  John  L.  King.  Samuel  W.  Porter,  S.  D. 
Burbank,  W.  W.  Gardner,  Charles  J.  Goodwin. 

1873— John  E;  Taylor,  at  large :  John  M.  Stebbins.  AVilliam 
Rice,  S.  G.  Buckingham,  Timothy  M.  Brown,  S.  W.  Porter,  John 
B.  Stebbins,  W.  AV.  Gardner,  Stephen  Harris. 

1874— Rev.  A.  D.  Mayo,  at  large;  J.  E.  Taylor,  William 
Rice,  S.  G.  Buckingham.  T.  M.  Brown,  S.  W.  Porter,  John  Fal- 
lon, W.  W.  Gardner,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1875— A.  D.  Mayo,  at  large,  J.  E.  Taylor,  William  Rice. 
S.  G.  Buckingham,  T.  M.  Brown,  S.  W.  Porter,  John  Fallon, 
W.  W.  Gardner,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1876— A.  D.  Mayo,  at  large:  J.  E.  Taylor.  William  Rice. 
S.  G.  Buckingham.  T.  M.  Brown,  S.  W.  Porter,  J.  G.  Chase,  John 
Giles,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1877— A.  D.  Mayo,  at  large ;  J.  E.  Taylor,  Rev.  William  Rice, 
S.  G.  Buckingham,  T.  M.  Brown,  S.  W.  Porter,  J.  G.  Chase,  John 
Giles,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1878— Rev.  A.  D.  Mayo,  at  large ;  J.  E.  Taylor.  William  Rice. 
Sanford  Lawton,  jr..  T.  M.  Brown,  Rev.  L.  H.  Cone,  J.  G.  Chase. 
John  Stiles,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1879— Rev.  A.  D.  Mayo,  at  large;  J.  E.  Taylor.  William 
Rice,  Dr.  Sanford  Lawton,  jr..  Rev.  L.  H.  Cone,  J.  G.  Chase,  A. 
M.  Copeland.  C.  J.  Goodwin  (one  vacancy). 

1880— John  E.  Taylor.  Joseph  C.  Pynchon.  Rev.  William 
Rice.  Sanford  Lawton.  jr.,  L.  H.  Cone,  T.  M.  Brown.  J.  G.  Chase, 
A.  M.  Copeland,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

(      133      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1881— John  E.  Taylor,  at  large ;  Joseph  C.  Pynchon,  William 
Rice,  John  R.  Smith,  C.  S.  Hurlbut,  Orlando  M.  Baker,  J.  G. 
Chase  Alfred  M.  Copeland,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1882— John  E.  Taylor,  at  large;  Joseph  C.  Pynchon,  Will- 
iam Rice,  John  R.  Smith,  Cornelius  S.  Hurlbut,  0.  M.  Baker, 
James  D.  Safford,  AV.  W.  Gardner,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1883— Avery  J.  Smith,  at  large;  George  H.  Belock,  Milton 
Bradley,  John  R.  Smith,  C.  S.  Hnrlbut,  0.  M.  Baker,  J.  D.  Saf- 
ford, W.  W.  Gardner,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1884— The  Mayor;  Avery  J.  Smith,  at  large;  George  H. 
Beloek,  Milton  Bradley,  John  R.  Smith,  C.  S.  Hurlbut, 
O.  M.  Baker,  J.  D.  Safford,  W.  W.  Gardner,  Charles 
J.  Goodwin. 

1885— The  Mayor;  Avery  J.  Smith,  at  large;  George  H. 
Beloek,  Milton  Bradley,  John  R.  Smith,  C.  S.  Hurlbut,  0.  M. 
Baker,  J.  D.  Safford,  Raw^son  Hathaway,  C.  J.  GoodAvin. 

1886  — The  Mayor;  James  L.  Johnson,  at  large:  G.  H.  Be- 
lock, Edward  H.  Phelps,  John  R.  Smith,  C.  S.  Hurlbut,  0.  M. 
Baker,  J.  D.  Safford,  R.  Hathaway,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1887  — The  Maj^or;  James  L.  Johnson,  at  large;  G.  H.  Be- 
lock, E.  H.  Phelps,  Adelaide  A.  Calkins,  C.  S.  Hurlbut,  Ellen  B. 
Merriam,  J.  D.  Safford,  Rawson  Hathaway,  Charles  J.  Goodwin. 

1888— The  Mayor;  J.  L.  Johnson,  at  large;  G.  H.  Belock, 
E.  H.  Phelps,  Adelaide  A.  Calkins,  C.  S.  Hurlbut,  Ellen  B.  Mer- 
riam. J.  D.  Safford,  Rawson  Hathaway,  Charles  J.  Goodwin. 

1889  — The  Mayor :  J.  L.  Johnson,  at  large  ;  Harlan  P.  Stone, 
G.  H.  Belock,  Adelaide  A.  Calkins,  C.  S.  Hurlburt,  Ellen  B. 
Merriam.  J.  D.  Safford,  Rawson  Hathaway,  Charles  J.  Goodwin. 

1890— The  Mayor :  J.  L.  Johnson,  at  large :  H.  P.  Stone,  G. 
H.  Belock,  A.  A.  Calkins,  Clark  W.  Bryan,  E.  B.  INIerriam,  W.  C. 
Simons,  R.  Hathaway,  C.  J.  Goodwin. 

1891  — The  Mayor;  J.  L.  Johnson,  at  large:  H.  P.  Stone.  G. 
H.  Belock,  A.  A.  Calkins,  C.  W.  Bryan,  E.  B.  Merriam,  W.  C. 
Simons.  EdAvard  0.  Robinson,  Henry  K.  Wight. 

1892— The  Mayor:  Elisha  B.  Maynard,  at  large;  H.  P. 
Stone,  S.  D.  Brooks,  A.  A.  Calkins,  C.  W.  Bryan,  E.  B.  Merriam, 
^Y.  C.  Simons,  E.  0.  Robinson,  H.  K.  Wight. 

(      134      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1893— The  Mayor;  Elisha  B.  Maynard,  at  large;  H.  P. 
Stone.  S.  D.  Brooks,  A.  A.  Calkins,  C.  W.  Bryan,  Rachel  B. 
Jacobs,  W.  C.  Simons,  Wm.  0.  Day,  H.  K.  Wight. 

1894— The  Mayor;  Elisha  B.  Maynard,  at  large;  H.  P. 
Stone,  S.  D.  Brooks,  A.  A.  Calkins,  C,  W.  Bryan,  R.  B.  Jacobs, 
W.  C.  Simons,  W.  0.  Day,  H.  K.  Wight. 

1895— The  Mayor;  Elisha  B.  Maynard,  at  large;  J.  G.  Dun- 
ning, Adelaide  H.  Trask,  A.  A.  Calkins,  C.  W.  Bryan,  R.  B. 
Jacobs,  W.  C.  Simons,  W.  0.  Day,  H.  K.  Wight. 

1896— The  Mayor;  Elisha  B.  Maynard,  at  large;  J.  G.  Dun- 
ning, A.  H.  Trask,  A.  A.  Calkins,  C.  W.  Bryan,  R.  B.  Jacobs,  W. 
C.  Simons,  W.  0.  Day,  H.  K.  Wight. 

1897— The  Mayor;  Elisha  B.  Maynard,  at  large;  J.  G.  Dun- 
ning. A.  H.  Trask,  A.  A.  Calkins,  C.  W.  Bryan,  R.  B.  Jacobs,  W. 
C.  Simons.  Frank  N.  Seerley,  Chas.  Jacobus. 

1898— The  Mayor;  Oscar  B.  Ireland,  at  large;  Willard  F. 
Tripp,  George  D.  Weston,  Adelaide  A.  Calkins,  Clark  W.  Bryan, 
Rachel  B.  Jacobs,  William  C.  Simons,  Frank  N.  Seerley,  Charles 
Jacobus. 

1899— The  Mayor;  Oscar  B.  Ireland,  at  large;  vacancy  in 
ward  one.  Dr.  George  D.  Weston,  Adelaide  H.  Trask,  John  A. 
Hall,  Rachel  B.  Jacobs,  William  C.  Simons,  Frank  N.  Seerley, 
Charles  Jacobus. 

1900— The  Mayor;  Oscar  B.  Ireland,  at  large;  Franklin  A. 
Latimer,  jun.,  Dr.  George  D.  Weston,  Adelaide  H.  Trask,  John 
A.  Hall,  Rachel  B.  Jacobs,  Frederick  E.  Hopkins,  James  G.  Dun- 
ning, Frank  N.  Seerley. 

1901— The  Mayor;  Oscar  B.  Ireland,  at  large;  Frank  H. 
Goldthwait.  George  D.  Weston,  Adelaide  H.  Trask,  John  A.  Hall, 
Rachel  B.  Jacobs,  Frederick  E.  Hopkins,  James  G.  Dunning, 
Frank  N.  Seerley. 

In  connection  with  the  history  of  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  the  schools  of  Springfield  the  appended  statistical  tables 
(taken  from  the  municipal  register)  furnish  an  interesting 
study. 


(      135      ) 


EXPENDITURES,  SCHOOL  POPULATION  AND  ENROLLMENT 


From  the  Organization  of  the  City  in  1852  to  1900 

From  1852  to  1856  expenditures  for  repairs  were  ineluded  in  current  expenses. 

Tlie  Mutual  Training  school  was  estahlislied  in  1886  (reorganized  as  the  Mechanic 
Arts  High  School  in  1898);  the  Cooking  school  in  18!«;  and  tlie  public  Kindergarten  in 
1894.  The  amounts  expended  under  these  heads  are  included  under  "  Current  Ex- 
penses." 


Year 

1852 
1853 
1854 
1855 
1856 
1857 
1858 
1859 
1860 
1861 
1862 
1863 
1864 
1865 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
1871 
18V2 
1873 
1874 
1875 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1879 
1880 
1881 
1882 
1883 
1884 
1885 
1886 
1887 
1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 
1898 
1899 
1900 


Current 
Expen.ses 


56 
60 


$6,558  89 

13,257  31 

15.049  89 

16,451  22 

17,501  03 

18,727  67 

18,494  40 

18,315  77 

18,115  04 

17.961  30 

19.358  08 

22,361  56 

29,941  54 

37,242  93 

48,542  28 

54,423 

66,544 

68,524  83 

73,636  97 

79,489  26 

92,286  88 

96,380  77 

110,066  43 

115,786  04 

106,949  96 

89,t89  74 

83,087  62 

81,780  65 

83,053  74 

88,267  73 

92,081  29 

98,624  26 

107,523  95 

111,851  90 

109,990  53 

115,749  65 

124,739  06 

134,938  12 

146,488  62 

157,644  68 

163.570  40 

172,298 

184,592 

198.620 

219.531 

239,679  72 

262.972  39 

302,854  35 

321,804  66 


Repairs  and 
Alterations 


New 
Buildings 


48 
41 
20 
84 


$4,146  81 

3,144  54 

2,939  82 

3,532  04 

2,956  24 

2,601  92 

939  55 

5,662  30 

5,516  10 

5,728  90 

3,718  32 

7,529  04 

7,778  57 

4,027  70 

4,096  28 

5,086  27 

16,760  80 

16,545  76 

21,958  95 

5,221  48 

2,938  91 

1,708  02 

2,528  04 

7,497  14 

9,240  86 

9,088  23 

10,672  68 

10,159  73 

7,490  23 

7,021  26 

9,399  94 

9,348  20 

9,314  65 

16,208  53 

17,630  70 

10,447  98 

11,549  10 

10,995  75 

13,647  77 

8,911  17 

16,095  08 

38,881  78 

12,<06  09 

11,437  20 


$6,403  47 

671  00 

1,553  16 


10,645  00 
53,969  78 
59,062  72 
41,267  84 
62,270  59 
34,285  49 
12,444  57 
28,490  00 
71,202  63 
53,095  82 
69,979  01 
17,098  73 


1,169  69 


17,228  99 
7,664  96 
1,626  17 

19,053  60 
30,712  40 
39,072  98 
48,943  67 
76,052  19 
13,829  18 
26,314  01 
46,562  87 
26,758  82 
43,878  11 
238,196  30 
363,249  04 
71,783  82 
81,698  41 


School 
Census 


2,188 
2,253 
2,449 
2,641 
2,606 
2,525 
2,675 
2,505 
2,472 
2,688 
3,090 
3,341 
3,709 
3,713 
3,846 
4,225 
4,141 
4,156 
4,232 
4,167 
4,331 
4,399 
4,712 
5,6b8 
5,408 
5,375 
5,379 
5,524 
5,865 
6,285 
6,452 
6,566 
6,583 
6,330 
6,472 
6,516 
6,416 
6,935 
7,054 
7,134 
7,318 
7,716 
8,002 
8.041 
8.307 
8,814 
9,202 
9,738 
10,251 


Enroll- 
ment 


2,270 
Z,273 
2,561 
2,409 
z,441 
2,459 
2,569 
2,546 
2,594 
2,752 
3,027 
3,808 
3,753 
3,822 
3,675 
3,(G0 
4,029 
4,617 
4,697 
4,901 
4,853 
5,238 
5,448 
5,743 
5,890 
5,877 
0,625 
5,636 
5,834 
5,981 
6,054 
6,070 
5,520 
5,665 
5,813 
5,841 
5,922 
6,165 
6,455 
6,467 
6,970 
7,225 
7,637 
8,304 
8,717 
9,488 
10,044 
10,786 
11,261 


Average 
Number 
Belonging 

1,549~~ 

1,642 

1,621 

1,769 

1,815 

1,824 

1,862 

1,855 

1,934 

1,959 

2,133 

2,342 

2,298 

2,490 

3,187 

3,266 

3,304 

3,509 

3,822 

3,717 

3,674 

3,900 

4,071 

4,296 

4,481 

4,615 

4,298 

4,475 

4,538 

4,667 

4,727 

4,661 

4,327 

4,517 

4,648 

4,643 

4,647 

4,982 

5,180 

5,217 

5,585 

5,799 

6,340 

6,810 

7,266 

7,869 

8,260 

9,072 

9,300 


(        136       ) 


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(      137      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

During  the  early  years  of  the  century  jnst  closed,  at  a  time 
when  the  common  schools  Avere  not  conducted  under  strict  legis- 
lative enactment,  there  came  a  demand  for  private  and  select 
schools  in  M-hich  children  might  have  the  advantages  of  a  good 
education  at  comparatively  small  expense.  One  of  the  earliest 
institutions  of  this  character  was  a  private  academic  school  on 
Elm  street,  which  was  opened  about  1812  and  was  continued  with 
fair  success  until  about  1825.  Among  the  teachers  here  in  early 
days  were  Benjamin  Day,  Mr.  Lusk,  Mr.  Olmstead,  Mr.  Morley, 
and  J.  W.  Crooks,  each  of  whom  was  dignified  Avith  the  title  of 
''Professor,"  and  a  portion  of  whom  were  active  factors  in  the 
history  of  the  toAvn  outside  of  educational  circles. 

About  five  years  later,  in  1829,  Julia  Hawkes  opened  a  select 
school  for  girls  in  a  house  on  Maple  street.  This  is  remembered 
as  a  school  of  unusual  merit  and  one  which  was  liberally  patron- 
ized by  the  well-to-do  people  of  the  town.  Rev.  Mr.  Eaton  suc- 
ceeded Miss  Hawkes  in  the  management  of  the  school  and  contin- 
ued at  its  head  about  two  years.  A  Lancasterian  school  was 
opened  in  Springfield  in  1829,  and  was  continued  about  twa 
years. 

In  1835  Rev.  George  Nichols  opened  a  select  school  of  high 
grade  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  State  streets,  but  soon  after- 
ward removed  to  the  building  next  west  of  the  old  court  house  on 
Court  street.  Under  a  succession  of  competent  instructors  the 
school  was  continued  in  existence  until  about  1880,  when  the 
grooving  popularity  of  the  city  public  and  high  schools  induced 
parents  to  withdraw  their  patronage  from  the  select  schools  and 
send  them  to  those  maintained  at  the  public  expense.  During 
the  later  years  of  its  existence  the  school  referred  to  was  known 
as  the  Springfield  English  and  classical  institute,  and  under  the 
charge  of  Mrs.  Nichols,  Miss  H.  S.  Avery,  Elizabeth  Stebbins, 
Celia  and  Mary  Campbell,  E.  D.  Bangs  and  C.  C.  Burnett  it  was 
an  institution  of  prominence  in  the  city. 

Another  of  the  old-time  private  schools  of  Springfield,  and 
one  which  gained  a  liberal  patronage,  w^as  that  established  dur- 
ing the  late  seventies  and  known  as  Miss  Howard's  school  for 
girls.      ]\Iany  Avives  and  mothers  noAv  living  in  the  city  can  recall 

(      138      ) 


TEE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

pleasing  memories  in  connection  with  their  attendance  at  this 
school.  Othei-  persons  refer  Avith  equal  pleasure  to  Rev.  M.  C. 
Stebbins'  college  preparatory  school  which  Avas  established  in 
1874  and  for  a  time  was  quartered  in  the  old  court  house. 

"The  Elms,"  a  family,  day  and  boarding  school  for  girls, 
located  on  High  street,  is  one  of  the  oldest  select  schools  in  the 
county  and  also  is  one  of  the  best.  The  school  was  founded  in 
Hadley.  in  1866,  by  Charlotte  W.  Porter  (associated  for  a  time 
with  Abby  Smith,  of  Hadley,  and  later  with  Rena  Champney,  of 
Northampton),  whose  purpose  from  the  beginning  was 
to  found  a  school  where  thorough  instruction  should 
be  given  in  every  department,  and  with  it  the  refine- 
ments, comforts  and  personal  care  of  a  well-ordered 
home.  In  1881  the  school  was  removed  to  Springfield 
that  its  efficiency  might  be  increased  and  a  larger  number  of  pu- 
pils received  in  the  day  school.  The  Harvard  examinations  were 
from  the  first  made  the  standard  of  the  work  done  in  the  school, 
and  it  gradually  became  evident  that  in  order  to  maintain  the 
kind  of  school  for  which  The  Elms  wished  to  stand,  it  must  make 
college  preparation  a  distinctive  feature.  Accordingly  the  cer- 
tificate privilege  was  obtained  from  A^assar,  Smith,  Wellesley  and 
Mt.  Holyoke,  and  since  1886,  with  the  exception  of  three  years, 
the  school  has  annually  sent  pupils  to  the  various  colleges. 

"The  Elms"  stands  for  thorough  instruction  not  only  in  its 
college  preparatory  and  special  courses,  including  French  and 
German,  but  also  in  its  music  course,  which  fits  for  the  examina- 
tions for  the  first  degree  of  the  American  college  of  musicians.  It 
probably  was  the  first  school  in  this  locality  to  introduce  the 
study  of  current  wants  as  a  part  of  regular  school  work.  The 
"Periodical  class,"  later  called  the  "Outlook  class,"  was  started 
in  1887,  and  as  the  good  results  of  the  work  was  seen  in  the  girls, 
the  women  of  Springfield  became  interested,  and  at  their  request 
classes  were  formed  for  them,  until  now  a  class  of  betAveen  60  and 
70  meets  fortnightly  for  tAvo  hours  to  discuss  current  wants  and 
current  literature. 

A  day  and  boarding  school  Avas  opened  in  Springfield  in 
1866  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  Giles,  and  for  a  score  and  more  of  years 

(      139      ) 


01 R  COUNTY  AXD  ITS  PEOPLE 

thereafter  it  ^vas  a  flourishing  institution  in  the  city,  special  at- 
tention being  given  to  college  preparatory  work.  A  later  school 
of  similar  character,  with  special  courses  of  study  in  modern  lan- 
guages, is  that  now  and  for  many  years  past  conducted  by  Rev. 
Paul  H.  Pitkin,  at  No.  629  Chestnut  street.  It  is  in  all  respects 
a  worthy  institution,  deserving  the  consideration  of  all  our  peo- 
ple. The  same  also  may  be  said  of  the  MacDuffie  school  for 
uirls,  located  at  No.  182  Central  street. 


.M.  Jdsepii  s  Clniich,  Howard  Street,  SpringflelU 

For  many  years  the  city  has  been  noted  for  the  excellence  of 
the  parochial  schools  which  have  been  established  in  connection 
with  the  Roman  Catholic  parishes.  One  of  the  first  of  these  was 
the  Sacred  Heart  school  on  Everett  street,  founded  in  1874  by 
Rev.  Father  McDermott,  pastor  of  the  Sacred  Heart  church  and 
parish,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  sisters  of  Notre  Dame  in  1887, 
when  330  children  were  present  to  give  greeting  to  their  teachers. 

Next  in  seniority  is  St.  Michael's  hall  and  school,  established 
in  1882,  during  the  time  of  Father  Burke.      The  erection  of  the 


(      UO      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

school  house  was  begun  in  1880;  the  corner-stone  was  laid  in 
July,  1881,  and  the  building  Avas  dedicated  in  November,  1882. 
This  school  is  under  charge  of  the  sisters  of  St.  Joseph. 

A  parochial  school  in  St.  Joseph's  i)arish  was  opened  in 
1884.  The  present  school  house  was  erected  in  1897,  and  in  the 
following  year  was  given  in  charge  of  the  sisters  of  the  Holy 
Cross.  In  1899  this  school  had  370  children  in  the  first  foui- 
grades,  nearly  all  of  whom  were  of  French-Canadian  descent. 

In  1890  Rev.  Father  Boudouin  became  pastor  of  St.  Aloysius 
Church  at  Indian  Orchard.  He  founded  and  built  the  Sisters' 
convent,  on  AVorcester  street,  the  home  of  six  sisters  of  the  order 
of  Assumption,  in  Avhose  care  is  placed  the  education  of  350  chil- 
dren. 

llie  International  Yoxmg  Men's  Clirisfian  Association 
Training  School.— In  1885  Rev.  David  Allen  Reed  founded  in 
Springfield  the  School  for  Christian  Workers,  of  which  a  depart- 
ment with  J.  T.  Bowne  at  its  head  was  devoted  to  the  training 
of  young  men  for  the  secretaryship  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  The 
course  of  study  covered  two  years  and  was  well  calculated  to 
qualify  men  for  association  work.  In  1890  the  institution  be- 
came separately  incorporated  under  its  present  name.  During 
1891  a  large  and  desirable  site,  facing  on  "Massasoit  lake,"  was 
purchased.  The  gymnasium  was  erected  in  1894  and  the  dormi- 
tory was  completed  in  the  next  year. 

The  secretarial  course  has  been  extended  to  three  years,  and 
the  subjects  studied  are  grouped  around  bible,  church  and  asso- 
ciation history  and  methods,  economics  and  sociology,  and  psy- 
chology. The  physical  department  was  organized  in  1887  with 
Luther  Gulick  and  R.  J.  Roberts  in  charge.  These  summer  ses- 
sions of  from  six  to  ten  weeks  each  were  continued  for  five  years. 
In  the  regular  session  of  1887-88  a  two  years'  physical  course 
Av;is  introduced  ;  and  was  continued  until  1894-95  when  another 
year  was  added.  Since  that  time  men  in  the  physical  course 
spend  three  years  in  the  practical  and  technical  problems  of 
physical  training. 

The  school  owns  property  valued  at  $117,000,  consisting  of 
30  acres  of  land  Avith  all  necessary  accommodations  for  65  stu- 

(      141      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

-dents.  The  library  is  one  of  the  best  in  existence  on  association 
literature  and  publications,  and  is  thoroughly  classified  and  in- 
dexed. 

This  school  aims  to  equip  young  men  for  the  offices  of  gen- 
eral secretary,  physical  director  and  director  of  boys'  work  in  the 
y.  M.  C.  A.  Christian  young  men  desiring  to  fit  themselves  for 
the  directorship  of  college  and  school  gymnasiums  are  also  ad- 
mitted. Of  the  employed  men  now  in  association  work.  135 
have  attended  this  institution,  and  in  addition,  15  men  who  have 
attended  are  now  physical  directors  in  colleges,  universities  or 
preparatory  schools. 

The  present  officers  of  the  institution  are  L.  L.  Doggett,  Ph. 
D.,  president ;  Preston  D.  Keith,  vice-president ;  Henry  H.  Bow- 
man, treasurer. 

T'he  Bible  Normal  College,  founded  under  the  name  of  the 
School  for  Christian  Workers,  was  incorporated  under  the  gen- 
eral laws  of  this  state  January  28,  1885.  It  is  a  school  of  re- 
ligious pedagogy,  the  especial  aim  being  to  train  young  men  for 
religious  and  philanthropic  work,  and  to  prepare  its  students 
for  instructorships  in  bible,  primary  and  normal  schools ;  for  the 
work  of  city,  home  and  foreign  missionaries,  and  also  as  field 
superintendents. 

In  Springfield  this  school  has  accomplished  much  good  and 
has  sent  a  number  of  young  men  into  responsible  positions,  yet 
the  institution  has  not  met  with  the  gratifying  success  its  worth 
and  importance  has  deserved.  At  a  recent  meeting  of  the  cor- 
poration it  was  determined  to  remove  the  school  from  Springfield 
to  Hartford.  The  officiary  for  the  year  1901  is  as  follows : 
Rev.  David  Allen  Reed,  president :  George  H.  Archibald  and 
Rev.  Jesse  L.  Hurlbut,  vice-presidents;  George  D.  Chamberlain, 
treasurer;  Edwin  F.  Lyford,  secretary. 

The  Frencli- American  College  was  founded  in  Lowell, Mass., 
in  1885,  under  the  name  of  French-Protestant  college,  and  was 
removed  to  Springfield  in  1888.  At  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
corporation,  June  1,  1894,  it  was  unanimously  voted  to  change 
the  name  of  the  institution  from  French-Protestant  to  French- 
American  college.  At  the  same  time  the  following  statement  of 
principles  was  adopted: 

(      142      ) 


TEE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

"I.  This  is  a  Christian  institution.  It  is  established  in 
the  interests  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ,  for  the  purpose  of  form- 
ing and  developing  Christian  manhood  and  womanhood. 

"II.  This  is  a  protestant  college,  recognizing  the  Holy 
scriptures  as  the  supreme  authority  in  all  matters  of  faith  and 
practice,  and  affirming  for  all  men  the  right  of  private  judg- 
ment and  liberty  of  conscience. 

"III.  This  is  an  evangelical  institution,  accepting  that  in- 
terpretation of  scripture  teaching  which  is  generally  held  among 
the  churches  commonly  called  evangelical. 

"IV.  This  is  a  catholic  institution,  in  hearty  accord  with 
all  branches  of  Christ's  church,  even  with  those  with  which  we 
have  no  organic  connection,  and  in  deep  sympathy  with  all 
evangelizing  movements  throughout  ecumenical  Christendom, 
which  tend  to  further  the  establishment  of  Christ's  kingdom 
throughout  the  world. 

"V.  This  is  an  American  institution,  maintaining  those  in- 
tellectual and  moral  standards  which  prevail  in  American  insti- 
utions  of  higher  christian  education,  upholding  American  ideals, 
inculcating  the  American  spirit  and  supporting  American  insti- 
tutions of  social  order  and  of  civil  and  religious  liberty." 

When  the  corporation  determined  to  remove  the  seat  of  the 
institution  from  Lowell  to  Springfield  the  trustees  were  influ- 
enced in  their  action  only  by  the  best  interests  of  the  college  and 
by  the  same  considerations  which  have  prompted  the  removal  to 
this  city  of  so  many  other  notable  institutions  and  interests.  The 
field  was  found  more  broad,  the  surroundings  more  congenial, 
and  more,  Springfield  long  had  been  known  as  a  seat  of  culture 
and  refinement,  as  well  as  a  "  city  of  homes. ' '  In  its  new  home 
the  college  was  first  opened  in  buildings  in  the  east  part  of  the 
city,  but  subsequently  the  corporation  purchased  a  considerable 
tract  of  land  (now  S^/o  acres  in  extent)  on  State  street,  where  the 
buildings  are  now  located.  The  grounds  occupy  the  block 
bounded  by  State  and  College  streets,  and  Wilbraham  and  Wind- 
sor avenues.  The  institution  is  organized  on  the  usual  plan, 
with  college  and  preparatory  school,  open  to  both  sexes. 

The  French-American  college  aims  to  instruct  its  students 
in  branches  usually  taught  in  New  England  schools  and  colleges, 

(      143      ) 


01 R  COUMY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

with  special  reference  to  training  for  the  ministry,  to  bring 
French-Americans  into  a  certain  kind  of  life— a  life  in  which  a 
pure  Christianity  at  once  creates  and  regulates  liberty. 

The  officers  of  the  corporation  are  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Lee, 
president ;  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Woodrow  vice-president ;  Henry  H. 
Bowman,  treasurer;  Jonathan  Barnes,  clerk;  H.  Curtis  Rowley, 
auditor.  The  trustees  are  Rev.  S.  H.  Lee,  Jonathan  Barnes,  H. 
H.  BoAvman,  Rev.  Joshua  Coit,  Miss  Emily  Winters,  Rev.  S.  H. 
Woodrow,  Rev.  T.  S.  St.  Aubin,  Z.  Willis  Kemp,  Gov.  W.  Mur- 
ray Crane,  Henry  A.  King,  D.  B.  Wesson,  Rev.  F.  B.  Makepeace, 
Miss  Celia  C.  Merriam,  Miss  Charlotte  W.  Porter,  H.  Curtis 
Rowley,  William  E.  AYright,  Mary  E.  Wooley;  Rev.  Winfield  S. 
Hawkes,  financial  secretary. 

More  than  three-quarters  of  a  century  ago  a  business  school 
Avas  opened  in  Springfield,  and  instruction  was  given  in  short- 
hand, book-keeping,  penmanship  and  mathematics.  Through- 
out all  subsequent  years  a  school  of  this  character  has  been  main- 
tained in  the  city,  but  the  modern  methods  of  instruction  are 
wholly  unlike  those  of  earlier  times.  Indeed,  there  has  been 
the  same  comparative  advancement  in  this  field  of  education  as 
in  the  public  and  high  schools,  and  the  business  school  or  college 
is  now  regarded  as  a  public  necessity.  At  the  present  time 
Springfield  has  two  such  institutions,  both  well  equipped  for  edu- 
cational work  in  their  special  line,  and  both  worthy  of  the  con- 
sideration of  all  our  people. 

The  Springfield  Business  school,  which  perhaps  is  one  of  the 
most  noted  and  widely  known  institutions  of  its  class  in  New 
England,  was  established  in  1884  by  Elmer  E.  Childs.  then  occu- 
pying two  small  rooms  in  Bill 's  block,  on  Main  street.  Later  on 
it  was  removed  to  a  hall  in  the  Haynes  building,  and  thence  in 
1898  to  splendidly  equipped  apartments  in  the  Besse  building, 
occupying  the  entire  upper  floor.  From  the  time  the  school  was 
founded  the  present  proprietor,  B.  J.  Griffin,  has  been  immedi- 
ately connected  with  the  shorthand  department,  first  as  teacher, 
then  as  associate  owner,  and  finally  as  sole  proprietor.  He  be- 
came partner  with  Mr.  Childs  in  1895,  and  sole  proprietor  in 
1897. 

(      144      ) 


i 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

This  school  is  perhaps  best  known  through  its  remarkable 
success  in  teaching  typewriting,  Mr.  Griffin  having  begun  using 
his  method  (which  is  simply  to  Avrite  on  the  keyboard  without 
using  the  eyes  to  locate  the  keys)  in  1889,  and  so  successful  was 
he  in  this  work  that  his  method  has  been  adopted  by  the  best 
business  schools  in  the  country.  The  graduates  of  the  Spring- 
field Business  school  may  be  numbered  almost  by  thousands,  and 
there  are  but  few  offices  in  this  city  which  has  not  given  employ- 
ment to  some  of  its  former  pupils. 

THE  FIRE  DEPARTMENT 

The  original  act  incorporating  the  city  made  no  special  pro- 
vision for  and  only  incidental  mention  of  a  fire  department,  but 
it  was  not  that  the  framers  of  tlie  act  were  unmindful  of  the  im- 
portance of  this  branch  of  city  government.  Their  first  and 
highest  aim  Avas  to  secure  the  charter  act  itself  with  as  little 
opposition  as  possible  from  those  who  were  not  in  favor  of  the 
advanced  form  of  government.  But  in  the  very  next  year  the 
legislature  made  an  important  amendment  to  the  charter  and 
authorized  the  organization  of  a  fire  department  on  a  basis  suited 
to  the  commercial  importance  of  the  young  city.  From  that 
time  the  fire  department  has  been  one  of  the  established  branches 
of  government  and  one  which  has  been  of  the  greatest  value  to 
mercantile  and  manufacturing  interests.  Every  citizen  of 
Springfield  feels  a  certain,  special  pride  in  the  department, 
and  hundreds  of  the  older  men  of  the  present  day  in  a  reminis- 
cent mood  refer  with  satisfaction  to  the  time  when  they  "ran 
with  the  machine."  Half  a  century  and  more  ago  every  public 
spirited  man  felt  it  a  duty  to  be  in  some  manner  identified  with 
one  of  the  fire  companies,  and  regardless  of  membership  it  was  a 
pleasant  self-imposed  task  to  take  hold  and  help  "man  the 
brakes"  on  the  old  goose-neck  when  a  fire  was  threatening  the 
property  of  a  fellow  townsman. 

The  Springfield  fire  department  traces  its  origin  to  the  earli- 
est years  of  the  town's  history,  when  the  founders  of  the  planta- 
tion ordered  among  themselves  to  keep  a  stout  "leathern  bucket" 
for  use  in  case  of  fire.    At  the  public  expense  a  number  of  hooks 

10-2  (      145      ) 


OLE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

and  ladders  were  made,  and  were  stored  in  some  place  known  to 
every  man  in  the  town.  A  little  later  a  two-wheeled  cart  was 
provided  to  carry  the  ladders,  and  on  each  corner  of  the  primi- 
tive ''truck"  Avas  hung  a  leather  bucket,  ready  for  instant  use. 
This  equipment  comprised  the  fire-fighting  apparatus  for  more 
than  the  first  century  of  the  town's  history,  while  the  personnel 
of  the  department  included  every  man  who  could  "pass  the 
bucket"  along  the  line  without  spilling  the  water.  During  this 
period  the  Centre,  as  the  thickly  settled  portion  of  the  town  was 
called,  was  a  little  scattered  hamlet  of  houses  and  stores  situated 
between  the  river  on  the  west  and  the  Town  brook  on  the  east, 
the  latter  being  a  small  stream  that  flowed  along  under  the  hill, 
just  east  of  Main  street.  In  dry  seasons  the  brook  could  not  be 
relied  on  for  a  water  supply,  and  to  remedy  the  defect  the  in- 
habitants caused  the  bed  of  the  stream  to  be  deepened  and 
widened,  with  here  and  there  small  reservoirs  in  which  water  was 
stored  for  fire  purposes. 

At  length,  however,  the  department  of  early  days  evolved 
from  its  primitive  state  to  that  of  the  possession  of  a  fire  engine, 
which  was  procured  by  subscription  in  1792,  and  to  which  was 
given  the  name  of  "Lion."  (It  has  been  intimated  that  the 
town  contributed  to  the  purchase  of  the  engine  but  the  records 
give  no  light  on  the  subject.)  In  1794  a  "Fire  club"  was  or- 
ganized to  man  the  engine,  and  each  member  was  required  to 
keep  in  his  house  "two  fire  bags,  made  of  skin,"  with  which  to 
remove  goods  from  burning  houses,  and  two  buckets  to  be  used 
in  carrying  water. 

As  near  as  can  be  determined  from  meagre  and  somewhat 
conflicting  records  the  original  members  of  the  fire  club  were 
Thomas  Dwight,  William  Smith,  Joseph  Williams,  William  Shel- 
don, William  Pynchon,  Luke  Bliss,  Zenas  Parsons,  Chauucey 
Brewer,  Bezaleel  Howard,  James  Byers,  Samuel  Lyman,  Zebina 
Stebbins,  John  Hooker  and  George  Bliss.  Membership,  how- 
ever, in  this  old  fire-fighting  organization  soon  increased  in  num- 
bers, and  in  the  course  of  the  next  ten  or  a  dozen  years  these 
names  were  added  to  the  roll :  Charles  Stebbins,  Jacob  Sargeant, 
Daniel  Lombard.  Jacob  Bliss,  Alex.  Bliss.  Joshua  Frost,  George 

(      146      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Blake,  Solomon  Warrinor,  Rufus  Sikes,  Justin  Lombard,  Wil- 
liam Ely,  Israel  Chapin.  Qnartiis  Stebbins,  Samuel  Osgood,  Sam- 
uel Kingsley,  Samuel  Orne,  Edward  Pynchon,  Thomas  Stebbins, 
Festus  Bliss,  Edmund  Dwight,  Oliver  B.  Morris,  Jonas  Coolidge, 
John  Chaffee,  James  Dwight,  Robert  Emory,  John  IngersoU, 
Ebenezer  Russell,  jun.,  Thomas  Sargeant,  Henry  Brewer,  John 
Howard,  Charles  Howard,  Justice  Willard,  Charles  Stearns, 
John  Worthiugton  and  Moses  Bliss. 

The  Lion  was  an  extraordinary  piece  of  mechanical  appa- 
ratus, but  was  one  of  the  types  of  its  period  and  in  a  way  served 
a  useful  purpose.  At  first  it  was  supplied  with  five  feet  of  hose 
but  under  foreman  Elijah  Blake  tw^enty-five  feet  more  were 
added.  For  many  years  the  machine  was  kept  in  a  building  on 
the  old  town  hall  site  on  State  street,  and  after  its  period  of  serv- 
ice was  ended  the  "tub"  was  removed  to  a  location  near  the 
south  end  of  Main  street,  where  it  was  kept  until  1840,  the  date 
of  its  last  public  appearance,  although  it  practically  went  out  of 
service  in  1824. 

Among  the  early  foremen  of  the  company  known  as  the  fire 
club  there  may  be  recalled  the  names  of  Festus  Bliss,  Oliver  Col- 
lins, Eleazer  Williams,  Thomas  Sargeant,  William  Ely,  James 
AYells,  Apollos  Marsh  and  Elijah  Blake,  the  latter  having  come 
into  command  of  the  town  firemen  in  1809,  and  afterward  hav- 
ing been  identified  with  the  history  of  the  department  for  many 
years.  One  of  the  last  foremen  under  the  old  system  was  Dray- 
ton Perkins,  whose  reminiscences  of  early  times  in  the  fire  de- 
partment are  exceedingly  interesting. 

In  1824,  largely  through  the  efforts  of  George  Dwight,  a 
new  side-brake  engine  —  the  "Tiger" — was  purchased,  the  funds 
therefor  being  raised  almost  wholly  by  subscription.  The  new 
engine  was  a  decided  improvement  on  the  Lion,  but  when 
brought  into  competition  Avith  the  machines  owned  by  the  Chico- 
pee  and  Northampton  people  its  men  on  the  brakes  were  so  thor- 
oughly 'Svashed"  by  the  water  thrown  by  the  visitors  that 
Springfield  determined  to  have  as  good  an  engine  as  then  was 
procurable.  In  the  meantime  the  armory  people  had  exchanged 
their  old  tubs  for  engines  of  improved  types,   one  a  Button, 

(      147      ) 


OVR  COUXTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

called  Eagle  No.  1.  and  the  other  a  Waterman,  which  was  locally 
named  Eagle  No.  2.  the  latter  being  designed  for  use  at  the 
Watershops.  This  being  done,  the  "Old  Ocean"  was  sold  to  the 
Western  railroad  company,  and  soon  gave  way  to  the  "New 
Ocean."  the  latter  a  Jeffers  make  hand  engine. 

In  May,  1824,  the  town  took  np  the  question  of  purchasing 
a  hand  engine  for  nse  in  the  principal  village — Springfield — 
and  Justice  AYillard,  Jonathan  Dwight  and  Robert  Emery  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  consider  the  matter  and  make  report. 
On  May  10  the  report  was  submitted,  and  recommended  the  pur- 
chase of  a  new  suction  engine  and  hose,  but  when  the  proposition 
was  submitted  to  the  meeting  for  approval  it  was  promptly  voted 
down,  owing  to  certain  jealousies  (not  rivalries)  which  then 
existed  among  the  several  sections  of  the  town.  Then  a  fund 
M'as  raised  for  the  purchase  of  the  "Tiger,"  of  which  mention 
has  been  made.  About  the  same  time  the  Chicopee  people,  who 
had  voted  against  the  proposition  to  purchase  an  engine  for 
Springfield  (in  which  action  they  were  supported  by  the  Indian 
Orchard  and  Sixteen  Acres  people)  secured  an  engine  which 
they  named  "Torrent"  and  which  still  is  owned  in  that  city. 

However,  in  1826,  the  town  of  Springfield  voted  to  appoint 
Elijah  Blake,  Thomas  Sargeant,  Joseph  Pease,  Joseph  Hall,  jun., 
and  Walter  Warriner  a  committee  to  consider  the  purchase  of  a 
first  class  suction  engine  with  100  feet  of  leading  hose,  and  also 
suggested  that  there  be  provided  a  suitable  place  for  keeping  the 
apparatus,  hooks  and  ladders,  and  a  carriage  for  carrying  the 
ladders  to  and  from  fires.  This  report  was  considered  in  open 
meeting,  was  accepted,  and  Joseph  Hall,  jr..  Elijah  Blake  and 
George  Colton  were  made  a  conunittee  to  purchase  the  engine. 
In  1827  it  was  voted  to  build  an  engine  house,  and  Jonathan 
Dwight.  jr.,  Albert  Morgan,  Joseph  Carew,  Alex.  Bliss,  Joseph 
Lombard,  jr..  Orange  Chapin  and  William  Childs  Avere  appointed 
a  committee  to  supervise  its  construction. 

In  1830  the  legislature  passed  an  "act  to  establish  a  fire  de- 
partment in  the  town  of  Springfield,"  and  authorized  the  select- 
men to  appoint  a  chief  and  as  many  assistants  and  fircAvards,  not 
exceeding  fourteen,  with  as  many  enginemen,  hosemen,  and  hook 

(      148      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

and  ladder  men  as  they  might  deem  necessary,  not  exceeding  42 
men  for  each  suction  engine,  30  men  for  each  common  engine,  5 
men  for  each  hose  carriage,  and  25  men  for  each  hook  and  ladder 
company.  Under  this  act  (which,  however,  was  repealed  in 
1847)  the  fire  department  began  to  assume  definite  form,  and  its 
alfairs  thereafter  were  more  directly  under  the  charge  of  the 
town  through  its  selectmen. 

In  1831  Elijah  Blake  was  appointed  chief  engineer,  George 
Bliss  1st,  Simon  Sanborn  2d,  and  Edwin  Booth  3d  assistant 
engineer.  All  were  reappointed  in  1832,  except  Edwin  Booth, 
who  was  succeeded  by  Samuel  Woodworth,  and  in  1833  the  offi- 
cers were  the  same  as  in  1831.  All  were  continued  in  their  re- 
spective capacities  until  1836.  when  Francis  M.  Carew  became 
3d  assistant.  In  1837  Chief  Blake  was  again  appointed  but  re- 
signed and  was  succeeded  by  Ithamar  Goodman.  INIr.  Carew 
was  made  1st,  and  Charles  Stearns  2d  assistant  engineer.  In 
1838  Mr.  Blake  was  chief,  Mr.  Bliss  1st,  ]\Ir.  Carew  2d,  and 
Mr.  Stearns  3d  assistant  engineer. 

In  1833  the  selectmen  made  a  practical  reorganization  of  the 
department  and  designated  manj'  new  members  for  the  several 
companies  then  in  existence  in  the  town,  including  those  of 
Chicopee,  which  was  a  district  of  considerable  importance  and 
was  regarded  by  its  people  a  fair  rival  village  to  Springfield.  In 
1834  the  legislature  passed  "An  act  concerning  the  appointment 
of  enginemen, "  and  the  town  during  the  next  five  years  adopted 
several  of  its  provisions,  the  result  being  more  complete  syvStem 
in  fire  department  affairs  and  better  protection  to  the  property 
of  citizens. 

On  October  13,  1844,  there  occurred  a  disastrous  fire  at  the 
corner  of  Main  and  Sanford  streets  which  resulted  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  five  buildings  and  eight  stores.  On  that  occasion  Chief 
Blake's  department  was  given  an  opportunity  to  show  its  effi- 
ciency, and  it  is  evident  that  the  firemen  acquitted  themselves 
nobly,  as  the  town  afterward  voted  to  pay  $50  for  "refresh- 
ments, etc.."  furnished  the  men;  and  further  it  was  voted  "that 
Dr.  James  Swan  and  Charles  Stearns  be  a  committee  to  carry  a 
vote  of  thanks  to  Jeremy  Warriner,  0.  M.  Alden  and  Roswell 
Shurtleff  for  refreshments  furnished." 

(      149      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

In  1845  the  Springfield  fire  district  was  established,  upon 
■which  the  selectmen  deeded  to  the  district  all  the  rights  of  the 
town  in  and  to  the  engine  house,  fire  apparatus  and  other  sup- 
plies and  equipment  then  in  the  district  available  for  fire  pur- 
poses. The  district  was  formed  within  the  limits  of  school  dis- 
trict No.  8.  At  the  same  time  the  Chicopee  fire  district  was 
formed,  and  in  the  same  manner  became  possessed  of  the  appa- 
ratus kept  therein.  In  this  year,  and  the  next,  the  officers  of 
the  Springfield  fire  district  were  Cicero  Simmons,  chief  engineer, 
Lucius  Harthan,  1st  assistant,  James  M.  Thompson,  2d  assistant, 
and  Samuel  S.  Day,  3d  assistant  engineer. 

From  this  time  until  1852  the  fire  department  appears  not 
to  have  received  the  attention  of  the  town  authorities,  and  from 
the  fact  that  it  then  was  of  a  local  character  it  undoubtedly  was 
maintained  by  private  contribution.  In  fact  after  the  engine 
house  and  apparatus  were  transferred  to  the  district,  the  control 
of  the  department  appears  to  have  been  vested  in  that  body 
alone,  although  no  record  of  its  transactions  is  found. 

In  1853,  according  to  Chief  Brewer's  first  annual  report, 
the  companies  comprising  the  "S.  F.  D."  were  Niagara  engine 
company  No.  1  with  70  members ;  Cataract  engine  company  No. 
2  with  48  members;  Eagle  engine  company  No.  1,  with  75  mem- 
bers; Eagle  company  No.  2,  with  66  members  (the  "two  Eagles" 
were  the  property  of  the  U.  S.  government,  kept  on  the  armory 
grounds  for  the  especial  protection  of  the  federal  buildings  but 
through  the  kindness  of  the  commandant  they  were  at  the  call  of 
the  city  in  case  of  need)  ;  and  Ocean  hose  company  No.  1,  with  30 
members.  The  other  department  equipment  comprised  13  reser- 
voirs, conveniently  located  in  different  parts  of  the  city :  an 
engine  house  in  Sanford  street,  valued  at  $2,000  ;  an  engine  house 
and  land  in  Stockbridge  street,  valued  at  $1,600 ;  an  engine  house 
and  land  in  the  sixth  ward,  valued  at  $200  :  Niagara  and  Cataract 
engines,  valued  at  $500  each;  Niagara  and  Cataract  hose  car- 
riages, valued  at  $50  each ;  and  an  old  engine  in  the  sixth  ward, 
valued  at  $50. 

Tender  the  provisions  of  the  amendatory  act  passed  in  1853 
the  city  council  adopted  an  ordinance  establishing  a  fire  depart- 

(      150      ) 


TEE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

ment.  to  consist  of  a  chief  engineer  and  eight  other  engineers, 
and  of  as  many  enginemen,  hydrant-men  and  hook  and  ladder 
men,  to  be  divided  into  companies,  as  the  number  of  engines  and 
other  fire  apparatus  should  from  time  to  time  require.  In  ac- 
cordance with  this  ordinance  the  department  was  thoroughly  re- 
modeled, and  in  1854  a  new  hook  and  ladder  company  was  added, 
taking  the  name  of  "American  hook  and  ladder  company"  in 
1855.  In  1861  "Champion  fire  company"  was  organized  at 
Indian  Orchard,  and  during  the  same  year  the  "Two  Eagles" 
were  ordered  not  to  perform  fire  duty  off  the  government  lands. 
The  order,  however,  was  subsequently  modified,  and  the  city 
again  was  given  the  benefit  of  the  companies.  About  the  same 
time,  owing  to  some  disobedience  of  the  rules,  Cataract  company 
was  disbanded,  and  its  reorganization,  while  eventually  accom- 
plished, was  a  slow  process. 

In  1862  the  city  purchased  an  Amoskeag  steam  engine, 
which  was  placed  in  the  quarters  formerly  occupied  by  Niagara 
company,  the  latter  being  temporarily  disorganized.  The 
steamer  company  took  the  name  of  "Monitor"  steam  fire  engine 
company,  No.  1.  In  the  same  year  Major  Dyer,  commandant  at 
the  armory,  was  furnished  M'ith  two  steam  engines,  both  Amos- 
keags.  and  the  Western  railroad  company  purchased  a  similar 
engine  to  replace  the  "Ocean."  At  the  annual  parade  held 
September  24,  1865,  the  "S.  F.  D."  made  a  very  creditable  show- 
ing, with  its  splendid  equipment  of  fire  apparatus  of  modern 
type.  The  companies  then  "in  line"  were  American  hook  and 
ladder  company.  Monitor  steam  fire  engine  company,  the  "Con- 
stitution" steam  fire  engine  company  (apparatus  owned  by  the 
W.  R.  R.  Co.),  and  the  Union  steam  fire  engine  company  (owned 
by  the  United  States). 

After  this  time  the  companies  were  renamed,  as  the  next 
annual  report  of  the  chief  engineer  mentions  the  working  force 
of  the  department  as  consisting  of  the  Geo.  Dwight  steamer,  the 
L.  0.  Hanson  steamer,  the  Henry  Gray  steamer,  the  AYaterspout 
steamer,  the  Champion  hand  engine  and  the  hook  and  ladder 
company.  In  1867  Alert  hose  company  Avas  organized,  and  was 
stationed  on  AVorthington  street,  near  Spring  street.       In  1868 

(      151      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

the  engine  house  and  hose  tower  (now  department  headquarters) 
on  Pynehon  street,  was  erected  and  was  first  occupied  by  the 
steamer  Dwight.  In  this  year  the  working  force  of  the  depart- 
ment comprised  three  steamers,  each  with  a  hose  carriage  and  a 
company  of  25  men,  one  independent  hose  company,  of  35  men, 
and  one  hand  engine  and  hose  carriage  at  Indian  Orchard. 

In  1870-71  the  Dwight  became  Engine  Co.  No.  1 ;  the  Hanson 
became  Engine  Co.  No.  2 ;  the  Henry  Gray  became  Engine  Co. 
No.  3 ;  the  new  steamer  bought  in  1871,  and  stationed  on  Walnut 
street,  became  Engine  Co.  No.  4:  Champion  hand  engine  com- 
pany acquired  the  old  steamer  purchased  in  1862  and  became 
Engine  Co.  No.  5 ;  Alert  hose  became  Hose  Co.  No.  1 ;  the  truck 
company  on  Sanford  street  became  H.  &  L.  Co.  No.  1  (apparatus 
put  in  service  in  1871),  while  Waterspout  engine  company  re- 
mained as  before,  not  being  under  the  control  of  the  city. 

From  this  time,  keeping  even  pace  with  the  growth  of  the 
city  in  other  directions,  the  fire  department  has  been  increased 
in  working  force  and  efficiency  as  occasion  has  required,  and  the 
city  authorities  have  made  liberal  expenditures  in  favor  of  this 
branch  of  government.  Since  1862  the  department  has  evolved 
from  the  primitive  equipment  of  an  old-time  volunteer  depart- 
ment to  that  of  a  modern  paid  organization,  yet  in  a  way  the 
volunteer  character  has  ever  been  preserved  and  the  bonds  of 
firemanic  brotherhood  apparently  are  as  strong  as  at  any  time 
in  past  years.  The  Springfield  veteran  firemen's  association 
was  organized  February  23,  1895,  and  was  incorporated  April 
10,  1897.  Its  objects  are  purely  social  and  fraternal,  and  the 
annual  muster  is  an  occasion  of  general  observance  throughout 
the  region.  Its  predecessor  organization  was  the  Firemen's 
mutual  relief  association,  organized  March  16,  1858,  with  a 
benevolent  purpose  in  view.  Its  rolls  were  open  to  members  of 
the  fire  department,  each  of  whom  contributed  twenty-five  cents 
membership  fee  and  a  like  sum  annually  for  the  support  of  the 
relief  fund. 

In  1893  it  was  deemed  best  to  place  the  affairs  of  the  depart- 
ment in  charge  of  a  commission,  and  accordingly  the  first  body 
thus  constituted  comprised  Edward  P.  Chapin,  James  E.  Dun- 

(      152      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

leavy,  William  H.  Haile,  M.  A".  B.  Edgerly  and  Olin  Smith,  five 
practical  and  thorough  business  men.  At  that  time  the  board 
of  engineers  comprised  A.  P.  Leshure,  chief  engineer,  and  J.  A. 
Stevens,  J.  H.  Gould,  J.  H.  McCleary  and  H.  W.  Kej^es,  assist- 
ant engineers. 

The  apparatus  turned  over  to  the  commission  comprised 
that  used  by  Engine  Co.  No.  1,  located  on  Bond  street,  an  Amos- 
keag  steamer,  put  in  service  in  1871,  and  a  two-horse  hose  car- 
riage, put  in  sex'vice  in  1885 ;  Engine  Co.  No.  2,  on  Pynchon 
street,  an  Amoskeag  steamer,  put  in  service  in  1873,  and  a  one- 
horse  hose  wagon,  put  in  service  in  1885  ;  Hose  Co.  No.  3,  on  Pyn- 
chon street,  a  two-horse  hose  wagon  put  in  service  in  1891 ;  En- 
gine Co.  No.  4,  on  "Walnut  street,  an  Amoskeag  steamer,  put  in 
service  in  1862,  and  a  one-horse  hose  wagon,  put  in  service  in 
1885 ;  Hose  Co.  No.  5,  Indian  Orchard,  one  hand  and  a  one-horse 
hose  carriage  and  a  set  of  ladders;  Hose  Co.  No.  6,  located  on 
South  Main  street,  a  two-horse  hose  wagon,  put  in  service  in 
1887 ;  Hose  Co.  No.  7,  on  Worthington  street,  a  two-horse  hose 
wagon,  put  in  service  in  1889 ;  Engine  Co.  No.  8.  at  AVinchester 
park,  an  Amoskeag  steamer,  put  in  service  in  1891 ;  Hose  Co. 
Xo.  9,  North  Alain  street,  a  two-horse  hose  wagon,  put  in  service 
in  1893 :  Hook  &  Ladder  Co.  No.  1,  on  Pynchon  street,  Babcock 
aerial  ladder,  put  in  service  in  1888 :  Hook  &  Ladder  Co.  No.  2, 
at  AA^inchester  park,  a  Leverich  truck,  put  in  service  in  1871 ; 
Hook  &  Ladder  Co.  No.  3,  North  Main  street,  a  Leverich  truck, 
put  in  service  in  1875. 

Under  the  control  of  the  commissioners,  although  the  advis- 
ability of  the  board  was  at  first  questioned,  the  Springfield  fire 
department  has  attained  its  highest  degree  of  efficiency,  and  to- 
day it  ranks  with  the  best  equipped,  officered  and  managed  fire 
departments  in  the  state.  During  the  last  ten  years  the  regular 
working  force  has  been  almost  doubled,  and  under  the  prudent 
management  of  the  commissioners  the  city  has  made  liberal  ap- 
propriations for  extending  the  service  of  the  department,  the 
erection  of  new  buildings  and  stations  and  for  the  purchase  of 
new  and  improved  apparatus.  A  glance  at  the  last  '"inven- 
tory" of  property  appertaining  to  the  department  shows  a  pres- 

(      153      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

ent  total  value  of  all  property  of  $305,755,  divided  as  follows: 
Land,  $47,330 ;  buildings,  $125,375  ;  equipment,  $133,050.  The 
expenses  of  the  department  for  the  current  year  1900  amounted 
to  the  sum  of  $99,500. 

The  following-  is  a  complete  list  of  the  apparatus:  Five 
steam  fire  engines  with  accompanying  hose  wagons;  one  steam 
fire  engine  in  reserve;  2  chemical  engines;  3  chemical  and  hose 
combination  wagons;  3  hose  wagons;  one  water  tower;  2  aerial 
ladder  trucks ;  2  ladder  trucks ;  one  ladder  truck  in  reserve ;  one 
hose  reel  stored  at  headquarters;  one  hose  reel  stored  at  Indian 
Orchard ;  one  hose  reel  located  near  Ludlow  line ;  one  hose  wagon 
at  Forest  park;  one  trolley  transportation  car  for  transporting 
engines  to  the  hill  and  suburbs  of  the  city;  supply  wagons  and 
sleighs  for  each  company. 

Chief  Engineers,  S.  F.  D.  (under  the  charter).— James  D. 
Brewer,  1852-53 :  George  Ensworth,  1854 ;  Levi  W.  Park,  1855 ; 
George  Dwight,  1856-59  ;  Hosea  C.  Lombard,  1860  ;  L.  0.  Hanson, 
1861 ;  Joseph  Marsh,  1862 ;  Levi  0.  Hanson,  1863-64 :  George 
Dwight,  1865 ;  L.  H.  Powers,  1866-67 ;  W.  W.  Day,  1868 :  L.  H. 
Powers,  1869 :  A.  P.  Leshure,  1870 :  L.  H.  Powers,  1871 ;  Hosea 
C.  Lombard,  1872-73 ;  A.  P.  Leshure,  1874-93 ;  William  J.  Little- 
field,  1894-1901. 

Fire  Commissioners 

1894— Edward  P.  Chapin,  James  E.  Dunleavy,  AVilliam  H. 
Haile,  M.  V.  B.  Edgerly,  Olin  H.  Smith. 

1895— Edward  P.  Chapin,  James  E.  Dunleavy,  AVilliam  H. 
Haile,  M.  V.  B.  Edgerly,  AYalter  P.  Goodenough. 

1896— Edward  P.  Chapin,  James  E.  Dunleavy,  AVilliam  H. 
Haile,  James  A.  Bill,  jr.,  Henry  S.  Dickinson. 

1897— Edward  P.  Chapin.  James  E.  Dunleavy.  AVilliam  H. 
Haile,  James  A.  Bill,  jr.,  Charles  C.  Lewis. 

1898— Edward  P.  Chapin,  James  E.  Dunleavy.  AVilliam  H. 
Haile,  Homer  G.  Gilmore,  Charles  C.  Lewis. 

1899— Edward  P.  Chapin,  James  E.  Dunleavy.  AA^illiam  H. 
Haile,  Homer  G.  Gilmore,  Franklin  A.  Latimer,  jr. 

1900— Edward  P.  Chapin.  James  E.  Dunleavy.  AVilliam  H. 
Haile,  Homer  G.  Gilmore,  Julius  P.  Carman. 

(      154      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1901  — Edward  P.  Chapin,  James  E.  Dunleavy,  Homer  G. 
Gilmore,  Henry  L.  Hines.  AYilliam  AY.  Tapley. 

THE  CITY  WATER  SUPPLY 

Previous  to  1848  the  town  of  Springfield  had  no  water  sup- 
ply for  domestic  purposes  other  than  that  furnished  by  the 
house-lot  wells  of  property  owners,  and  an  occasional  town  pump. 
For  fire  protection  that  part  of  the  town  bordering  on  the  Con- 
necticut had  recourse  to  the  river,  but  the  town  brook  was  the 
chief  dependence  for  many  years.  In  the  thickly-settled  locali- 
ties on  the  hill  a  series  of  storage  wells  were  constructed,  but 
their  water  Avas  rarely  used  for  any  other  than  fire  purposes. 

In  the  summer  of  1843  Charles  Stearns,  who  is  still  remem- 
bered as  one  of  the  most  enterprising  men  of  the  town  in  his 
time,  suggested  the  propriety  of  establishing  a  system  of  water 
works,  but  those  whom  he  sought  to  interest  in  the  undertaking 
were  doubtful  of  the  success  of  the  venture,  hence  gave  little  en- 
couragement and  no  financial  aid  to  the  project.  The  worthy 
promoter,  however,  was  not  discouraged  by  the  lack  of  interest 
shown  by  his  fellow  townsmen,  and  resolved  to  "go  it  alone"  in 
constructing  a  general  water  system  for  the  business  section  of 
the  town.  He  secured  the  necessary  permission  from  the  select- 
men, and  in  August,  1843,  began  the  work  of  la.ving  wooden 
main  pipes— pump  logs— from  what  is  known  as  the  Van  Horn 
reservoir  through  the  streets  to  the  AVestern  railroad  depot  and 
down  Main  to  Bliss  street,  supplying  dAvellings,  stores,  hotels  and 
other  buildings,  to  the  number  of  about  150,  with  good  wholesome 
water  at  moderate  cost.  Year  after  year  he  extended  the  sei'v- 
ice  until  nearly  all  the  principal  streets  in  the  business  center 
were  supplied,  and  he  even  essayed  to  furnish  water  for  fire  pro- 
tection purposes. 

]Mr.  Stearns'  Avater  Avorks  plant,  hoAvcA^er  crude  and  imper- 
fect it  may  have  been  at  the  time.  Avas  a  great  benefit  to  the  peo- 
ple of  the  toAvn.  As  an  investment  his  scheme  Avas  successful, 
and  when  the  business  interests  of  the  town  called  for  an  im- 
proved system  local  capital  Avas  ready  to  take  stock  in  the  pro- 
posed company.       In  February,  1848.  an  application  Avas  made 

(      155      ) 


01' R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

to  the  legislature  for  an  act  incorporating  the  Springfield  Aque- 
duct company,  the  petition  therefor  bearing  the  signatures  of 
eighty-three  prominent  citizens.  In  the-  meantime  a  strong 
opposition  to  the  plan  had  arisen  and  the  incorporating  act  was 
delayed  several  months.  On  April  14,  in  town  meeting  the  in- 
habitants voted  to  approve  the  measure,  but  when  the  opposition 
became  pronounced  an  attempt  was  made  to  nullify  the  former 
action  and  secure  a  vote  of  disapproval.  This  subject  came  up 
for  action  at  a  meeting  held  April  24,  but  instead  of  a  vote  on 
the  main  question  the  electors  voted  an  indefinite  postponement 
of  further  action.  This  was  a  substantial  victory  for  the  advo- 
cates of  the  water  works,  and  on  May  10  the  bill  became  a  law 
and  the  Springfield  aqueduct  company  was  duly  incorporated. 
Charles  Stearns,  Festus  Stebbins,  George  Hastings,  "and  their 
associates"  being  named  as  incorporators. 

Upon  its  organization  the  company  succeeded  to  the  prop- 
erty and  interests  formerly  owned  by  Mr.  Stearns  and  at  once 
became  one  of  the  prominent  public  improvement  enterprises  of 
the  town.  As  the  water  service  was  extended  to  meet  the  re- 
quirements of  the  public  the  capital  of  the  company  was  in- 
creased until  1867,  when  the  outstanding  stock  amounted  to 
$137,800.  The  reservoir  capacity  was  enlarged  and  new  cement- 
lined  pipes  replaced  the  old  pump  logs.  The  company  kept 
faith  with  its  promises  and  provided  the  town  with  a  good  sup- 
ply of  water  for  both  domestic  and  fire  purposes,  yet  along  about 
1860  there  arose  a  feeling  in  favor  of  city  -water  works  or  munici- 
pal ownership  in  the  system  then  being  operated.  This  feeling 
is  said  to  have  arisen  in  part  from  the  fact  that  the  city  at  that 
time  was  increasing  rapidly  in  population  and  commercial  im- 
portance and  the  fear  that  the  actual  capacity  of  the  works* then 
in  use  was  not  sufficient  on  extraordinary  occasions.  About  this 
time  the  city  authorities  had  sunk  a  well  for  fire  purposes  at  the 
intersection  of  State  and  Stebbins  streets,  and  it  was  proposed 
to  construct  a  system  of  wells,  to  connect  them  by  pipes  and  con- 
vey their  waters  to  the  lower  part  of  the  city  for  general  use. 
This  plan  seemed  practical  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
make  a  thorough  investigation  and  report  its  conclusions  to  the 
city  council. 

(      150      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

This  specially  constituted  commission  comprised  Mayor  Har- 
ris, Alderman  Hitchcock  and  Conneilmen  Leonard,  Noyes  and 
AVoodman.  They  reported  a  feasible  plan  under  the  well  sys- 
tem, and  the  result  was  in  the  formation  of  the  City  aqueduct 
company,  with  D.  L.  Harris,  E.  A.  Chapman,  (i.  R.  Townsley 
and  B.  B.  Tyler  as  its  proprietors.  This  company  took  a  supply 
of  water  from  wells  on  the  hill  and  conveyed  it  through  pipes 
into  the  business  sections  of  the  city ;  but  there  soon  arose  the  cry 
that  the  Avells  were  draining  the  private  wells  in  their  locality, 
and  also  that  trees  and  all  vegetation  were  threatened  by  the  re- 
moval of  their  natural  nourishment.  It  was  then  suggested 
that  the  city  should  become  owner  of  the  water  works  plants  and 
also  that  a  new  and  ample  supply  should  be  found  Avithout  dan- 
ger to  private  interests.  This  matter  was  the  subject  of  agita- 
tion for  several  years\  and  finally,  in  1872.  an  act  of  the  legis- 
lature authorized  a  million  dollar  bond  issue  for  the  purpose  of 
establishing  an  adequate  water  system.  Avith  a  source  of  supply 
either  in  the  Connecticut  or  the  Chicopee  river.  The  act  Avas 
approved  May  6.  1872.  and  Avas  accepted  by  the  people  on  May 
28  folloAving. 

The  first  board  of  Avater  connnissioners  appointed  under  the 
act  comprised  Horace  Smith,  Daniel  L.  Harris,  A.  D.  Briggs, 
Samuel  AT.  Porter  and  George  C.  Fisk.  and  under  their  super- 
A'ision  the  difficult  Avork  of  inaugurating  the  neAv  system  was  be- 
gun.      The  franchise  and  interests  of  the  old  Springfield  aque- 

^In  a  sperial  communication  to  the  city  council  in  August.  1871,  Mayor 
Smith  said  :  "In  1860  this  subject  was  brought  before  the  council,  and  a  commit- 
tee was  appointed  to  make  the  necessary  investigations.  The  report  of  the  com- 
mittee contained  estimates  of  the  cost  of  obtaining  a  supply  from  the  Connecticut 
river  and  other  sources.  No  steps,  however,  were  taken  toward  carrying  into 
effect  either  of  the  suggestions  of  the  committee,  and  the  matter  has  been  suf- 
fered to  rest  until  now.  The  population  and  business  of  the  city  are  steadily 
increasing,  and  the  demand  for  a  sufficient  supply  of  water  is  increasing  In  more 
than  a  corresponding  ratio.  There  is  a  considerable  portion  of  the  city  that 
the  aqueduct  company,  though  making  the  most  of  their  facilities,  cannot  reach, 
and  there  is  a  very  large  amount  of  property  without  any  adequate  protection 
from  destruction  by  fire."  Agreeable  to  the  suggestions  of  the  mayor,  the  board 
of  aldermen,  on  August  22.  designated  Messrs.  Sibley,  Dickinson  and  Hawkins  as 
members  of  a  joint  special  commission  to  make  inquiry  as  to  the  most  feasible 
plan  of  supplying  the  city  with  water.  On  August  28  the  common  council  se- 
lected as  members  of  the  commission  above  described  Messrs.  Fioward.  Bradley. 
Newell  and  Holt. 

(      157      ) 


OLE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

duct  company,  and  also  of  the  City  aqueduct  company,  were  pur- 
chased, and  their  systems  were  united,  and  a  new  temporary 
source  of  supply  was  established,  first  by  taking  water  from  Gar- 
den brook  and  later  by  ei-ecting  a  pumping  station  on  the  bank 
of  the  Connecticut  at  Brightwood.  This,  however,  was  not 
more  than  a  temporary  expedient  and  as  soon  as  the  necessary 
preliminary  investigations  could  be  concluded,  and  a  proper 
reservoir  location  could  be  found,  the  commissioners  purchased 
a  little  more  than  800  acres  of  land  in  Ludlow,  from  which  local- 
itv  the  citv  has  since  derived  its  greatest  supply  of  water. 


Oak  Street  School,  Springfield 

The  city  still  owns  the  old  sources  of  supply  which  were  ac- 
quired from  the  aqueduct  companies,  the  extensive  works  in 
Ludlow  constructed  in  1873-75.  the  works  at  Belchertown,  which 
were  constructed  in  1890-91,  and  the  additional  works  at  Lud- 
low, constructed  in  1893-94.  The  aggregate  storage  capacity  of 
all  works  is  2.295,792.000  gallons  of  water ;  mode  of  supply, 
gravitation. 

The  city  water  system  has  cost  Springfield  the  total  sum  of 
i|^2,128,559.56.  of  which  amount  interest  bearing  bonds  are  out- 

(      158      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFJELD 

standiiiu-  in  the  sum  of  $1,500,000.  According  to  the  last  annual 
report  of  the  superintendent  of  water  works,  there  are  now  in 
use  144.64  miles  of  supply  and  distribution  mains,  while  the 
total  number  of  connections  in  use  is  9,764. 

The  following  table,  taken  from  the  last  commissioners'  re- 
port, shows  the  total  amount  of  water  rates  charged  and  collected 
in  each  year  since  1885 : 


Water  Rates  Charffed 

1 

Year 

(During  th 

e  year,  onlu) 

M  ate 

i-Rate 

s  Collected 

Totals 

Increase 

Totals 

Increase 

1885 

$93,421 

60 

1 

$90,848 

05 

1886 

100.537 

77 

$7,116 

17 

97,298 

78 

$6,450  73 

1887 

108,140 

94 

7,603 

17 

105,451 

52 

8,152  74 

1888 

115.146 

35 

7,005 

41 

112.581 

21 

7,129  69 

1889 

126,220 

72 

11.074 

37 

122,541 

52 

9,960  31 

1890* 

133.553 

28* 

7,332 

56 

129,913 

27* 

7,371  75 

1891 

1  140.604 

85 

7,051 

57 

136,985 

11 

7,071  84 

1892 

!  150,515 

67 

9,910 

82 

146,349 

09 

9,363  98 

1893 

i  164,894 

65 

14,378 

98 

160,936 

78 

14,587  69 

1894 

167,376 

11 

2,481 

46 

162,769 

71 

1,832  93 

1895 

182.357 

49 

14,981 

38 

178,421 

15 

15,651  44 

1896 

194,069 

28 

11,711 

79 

189,373 

75 

10,952  60 

1897 

196.818 

72 

2,749 

44 

192,132 

58 

2,758  83 

1898 

209,183 

12 

12,364 

40 

201,710 

66 

9,578  08 

1889 

220,673 

14 

11,490 

02 

213,061 

24 

11,350  58 

1900 

225,798 

96 

5,125 

82 

218,741 

57 

5,680  33 

The  expense  of  maintenance  in  1900  Avas  $24,024.97. 
^Vater  C ommiissioncrs. 

Under  the  act  of  1872  provision  was  made  for  a  water  com- 
mission of  five  members.  In  1873  the  number  was  reduced  to 
four  members.  By  an  act  passed  in  1880  the  board  was  abol- 
ished, and  it  was  provided  that  from  and  after  February  1  the 
water  commission  of  the  city  should  comprise  the  mayor,  ex 
officio,  and  two  citizens,  the  latter  to  be  elected  by  the  city  coun- 
-cil,  and  to  hold  office  two  years  after  the  first  appointments.  One 
commissioner  is  chosen  each  year. 

♦Amounts  for  1800  estimated  at  .$20,000  less  than  actual  totals  for  that 
jear.  which  includes  \'>  months  water  rates — instead  of  VI — due  to  change  of 
jime  in  rendering  the  semi-annual  bills. 


(      159      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1872-73^— Horace  Smith.  Daniel  L.  Harris,  A.  D.  Briggs^ 
Samuel  AY.  Porter,  George  Fisk. 

1874— Charles  0.  Chapin,  A.  D.  Briggs,  George  C.  Fisk^ 
Daniel  L.  Harris.  Samuel  W.  Porter. 

1875-76  — Charles  0.  Chapin,  Lawson  Sibley,  Sanuiel  W. 
Porter. 

1877-80— Charles  0.  Chapin,  Samuel  W.  Porter,  N.  ^^\ 
Talcott. 

]  881-89  — The  Mayor.  Hiram  Q.  Sanderson,  Noyes  AV.  Fisk. 

1890-92— The  Alayor.  Hiram  Q.  Sanderson,  Charles  L. 
Goodhue. 

1893— The  INIayor,  Charles  L.  Goodhue,  Richard  F.  Hawkins. 

1894-1901  — The  Alayor.  Charles  L.  Goodhue,  James  F.  Bid- 
well. 

THE  ALMSHOUSE 

From  the  time  of  founding  the  colony  at  Agawam  the  au- 
thorities of  the  town  and  subsequent  city  have  always  made 
special  provision  for  the  support  of  the  indigent  poor.  In  the 
early  history  of  the  town  applicants  for  help  were  few,  as  it  was 
the  policy  of  the  authorities  to  rid  the  settlement  of  all  unworthy 
persons ;  but  did  one  of  their  own  townsmen  by  misfortune 
come  to  want  assistance  was  immediately  and  freely  extended. 

From  the  time  overseers  of  the  poor  were  first  elected  the 
care  of  unfortunate  persons  was  entrusted  to  them,  and  the  ap- 
plicants generally  were  placed  with  some  worthy  townsman  until 
the  public  was  relieved  of  their  support.  This  custom  prevailed 
until  1753,  when  the  town  voted  down  a  proposition  to  build  an 
almshouse,  and  instead  thereof  directed  the  selectmen  to  hire  a 
house  and  land  where  public  charges  could  be  maintained.  In 
1798  it  was  proposed  to  unite  Springfield  Avith  other  towns  and 
establish  a  common  poor  house,  but  this  plan  met  with  disap- 
proval and  Springfield  voted  to  support  its  own  poor  independent 
of  AA'est  Springfield.  Longraeadow  and  Ludlow. 

In  1801  it  was  voted  to  "purchase  a  place  for  a  poor  house,"" 
and  Jonathan  Dwight.  William  Pynchon,  George  Bliss,  AVilliam 

^The  commission  as  constituted  in  1S7--73  is  not  mentioned  in  the  published 
city  register. 

(      160      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Ely  and  John  Hooker  were  appointed  a  committee  to  carry  out 
the  Avill  of  the  inhabitants.  In  1802  the  committee  purchased 
from  the  heirs  of  John  AVorthington  the  property  formerly 
owned  by  Ebenezer  Hitchcock,  paying  therefor  $660.67.  In 
1826  it  was  voted  to  build  a  new  almshouse  on  the  land,  and  to 
erect  in  connection  therewith  a  workhouse,  but  as  the  county  then 
was  contemplating  the  erection  of  a  house  of  correction,  the  idea 
was  abandoned,  and  in  1827  the  almshouse  alone  was  built,  at  a 
cost  of  $3,000.  In  1834  the  property  was  sold  and  the  town  pur- 
chased the  Benjamin  Brown  farm  of  43  acres,  paying  $3,000  for 
the  land  and  erecting  new  buildings  at  an  additional  cost  of 
$5,500.  In  subsequent  years  the  almshouse  property  was  the 
frequent  subject  of  attention  on  the  part  of  the  authorities.  The 
present  buildings  Avere  erected  in  1873,  and  since  that  year  the 
city's  poor  have  been  given  considerate  attention  by  a  liberal 
board  of  overseers.  The  property  is  located  on  the  Boston  road, 
about  two  miles  east  of  court  square. 

During  the  year  ending  November  30,  1900,  the  city  expend- 
ed $47,453  for  the  support  of  the  indigent  poor,  and  the  addi- 
tional sum  of  $1,932.30  for  the  maintenance  of  an  isolation  hos- 
pital. During  the  year  381  persons  were  cared  for.  One  of  the 
recent  adjuncts  of  the  institution  is  the  wayfarer's  lodge,  where 
work  is  provided  and  shelter  given  to  unemployed  persons  and 
transient  applicants  for  assistance. 

In  Springfield  the  affairs  of  the  almshouse  are  in  charge  of 
the  overseers  of  the  poor,  who  are  appointed  by  the  city  council ; 
and  of  the  board  thus  constituted  the  mayor  and  the  city  physi- 
cian are  ex  officio  members. 

THE  CITY  PARKS 

Previous  to  the  creation  of  the  park  commission,  in  pursu- 
ance of  the  act  of  1882,  neither  the  city  authorities  nor  the 
people  of  Springfield  had  given  much  thought  to  the  subject  of 
parks,  or  of  a  single  large  place  of  public  resort  where  business 
cares  might  be  laid  aside  for  rest  and  quiet  and  comfort  in 
nature's  inviting  fields.  In  1821,  Avhen  certain  enterprising 
citizens  of  the  principal  village  gave  land  for  the  court  house. 


11-2 


(       161       ) 


OVU  COi'NTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

they  also  donated  to  the  public  about  one  acre  for  use  as  a  public 
square,  or  park,  to  be  enjoj^ed  by  all  the  people  in  common. 
Later  on,  as  the  town  continued  to  grow  in  population,  it  became 
necessary  to  lay  out  public  streets  in  localities  formerly  occupied 
for  farming  purposes,  and  as  the  old  roads  of  earlier  years  had 
been  established  to  suit  the  convenience  of  owners  rather  than 
with  regard  to  regularity,  the  systematic  survey  of  street  lines 
naturally  created  numerous  small  angular  parcels  at  points  of 
intersection,  which  eventually  were  transformed  into  delightful 
little  parks;  and  they  were  named  in  allusion  to  whomsoever  had 
donated  the  land  for  park  purposes  or  had  beautified  the  same  at 
personal  expense,  or  who  had  in  some  manner  been  prominently 
identified  with  the  locality. 

In  addition  to  the  magnificent  tract  of  land  known  as  Forest 
park,  the  city  owns  or  controls  for  park  purposes  twenty-eight 
other  parcels,  with  an  aggregate  area  of  22.52  acres,  known  and 
located  as  follows : 

Benton  lawn,  State  street,  3.55  acres  in  extent  (this  beautiful 
park  tract  almost  in  the  heart  of  the  city  was  the  result  of  joint 
action  by  the  municipal  authorities  and  the  commandant  at  the 
United  States  arsenal,  Colonel  J.  G.  Benton,  whose  efforts  in  the 
work  endeared  him  to  every  loyal  citizen)  ;  Calhoun  square, 
Chestnut  street,  2.4  acres,  named  in  honor  of  the  late  M^illiam  B. 
Calhoun ;  Carew  triangle.  North  Main  street,  .08  of  an  acre, 
named  in  allusion  to  the  late  Francis  M.  Carew  ;  City  Hall  square, 
Pynchon  street,  .16  of  an  acre ;  Clarendon  fountain,  Clarendon 
street,  .10  of  an  acre,  beautified  and  provided  Avith  a  drinking 
fountain  by  John  D.  and  W.  H.  McKnight,  and  donated  to  the 
public ;  Concord  terrace.  Concord  street,  .15  of  an  acre ;  Court 
square,^  Main  street,  .93  of  an  acre  (the  Wesson  fountain,  the 
gift  of  Daniel  B.  Wesson,  was  placed  on  the  Main  street  front  of 
the  square  in  1884.  Many  yeai-s  ago  Charles  Merriam  gave  two 
drinking  fountains  for  use  on  the  square,  and  in  1841  James 
Byers  erected  a  handsome  marble  fountain  in  which  the  water 
fell  in  three  consecutive  basins)  ;  Dartmouth  fountain,  Dart- 

'Court  Square  became  city  property  by  an  act  of  the  legislature  passed  in 
1885. 

(      162      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

mouth  street,  .15  of  an  acre ;  Dartmouth  terrace,  end  of  Dart- 
mouth street,  .39  of  an  acre ;  Dorchester  rest,  Dorchester  street, 
.11  of  an  acre;  Gunn  square,  Westford  avenue,  .80  of  an  acre; 
Kenwood  terrace,  Belmont  avenue,  .39  of  an  acre ;  Kibbe  foun- 
tain, Federal  street,  .07  of  an  acre;  Lafayette  rest,  end  of  Lafay- 
ette street,  .10  of  an  acre ;  Magnolia  terrace.  Magnolia  terrace.  .29 
of  an  acre ;  INIaplewood  terrace,  Maplewood  terrace,  .76  of  an 
acre :  McKnight  glen,  Ingersoll  grove,  6  acres ;  McKnight  trian- 
gle. Bay  street.  .62  of  an  acre,  improved  and  donated  by  John  D. 
and  W.  H.  INIcKnight :  Merrick  terrace,  State  street,  .55  of  an 
acre;  INIill  street  fountain.  Mill  street,  .05  of  an  acre;  ^Nlill  river 


Winchester  Park  and  Buckingham  School 

rest,  Mill  street.  .08  of  an  acre ;  Public  lawn.  ]\Iain  street.  .53  of 
an  acre;  Sargeanl's  rest.  North  Main  street,  .24  of  an  acre; 
Stearns'  square.  Bridge  street,  .46  of  an  acre  (donated  to  the 
public  about  1845  by  and  named  in  honor  of  the  late  Charles 
Stearns);  Tapley  playground,  Sherman  street,  1.07  acres;  the 
levee,  foot  of  Elm  street,  .80  of  an  acre ;  Thompson  triangle,  St. 
James  avenue.  1.06  acres:  Winchester  triangle.  State  street.  .62 
of  an  acre  (named  in  honor  of  the  late  Charles  A.  Winchester). 

Before  the  park  commission  was  established  these  tracts  were 
under  the  supervision  of  committees  of  the  city  legislative  bodies 

(       163      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

and  the  care  they  received  was  such  as  could  be  given  by  the 
employees  of  the  department,  except  as  liberal  citizens  improved 
and  beautified  them ;  but  when  the  commission  was  created  a  new 
order  of  things  was  established,  and  the  entire  people  of  the  city 
proper  were  awakened  to  an  earnest  interest  in  a  general  park 
proposition. 

Fortunately,  the  original  park  commission  comprised  five  of 
Springfield's  progressive,  public-spirited  citizens — Daniel  J. 
Marsh,  John  Olmsted,  Orick  H.  Greenleaf,  Walter  H.  Wesson 
and  John  D.  McKnight,  whose  names  must  be  forever  associated 
with  the  measures  which  led  to  the  establishment  of  what  is  now 
known  as  Forest  park,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  attractive 
home  resorts  in  the  state.  Yet  this  great  end  was  not  attained 
without  difficulties  and  personal  sacrifices  and  some  adverse 
criticism,  for  the  spirit  of  opposition  is  ever  manifest  in  measures 
proposed  for  the  public  good.  For  several  years  prior  to  the 
passage  of  the  act  there  had  been  felt  the  need  of  a  public  park, 
and  while  such  had  been  considered  in  local  official  circles,  the 
most  approved  method  of  accomplishing  that  end  had  not  been 
suggested.  The  act  of  1882,  general  in  its  character  and  scope, 
opened  the  way  and  "made  straight  the  path"  for  that  element 
of  the  people  who  desired  the  benefits  of  a  park  resort ;  but  when 
the  end  was  finally  reached  the  lesser  parks  of  the  city  w^ere  not 
in  any  way  neglected,  and  they  have  since  received  the  same  care- 
ful attention  as  the  larger  and  more  popular  resort.  In  estab- 
lishing the  wide  reputation  of  Springfield  as  a  "city  of  homes" 
the  public  parks  have  played  a  prominent  part. 

Forest  Park— On  September  29,  1883,  the  park  commission- 
ers completed  their  official  organization  by  electing  John  Olmsted 
chairman,  and  Walter  H.  Wesson  clerk.  At  that  time  neither 
the  commissioners  themselves  nor  any  other  persons  in  authority 
had  proposed  a  definite  plan  for  a  city  park,  yet  dozens  of  sug- 
gestions had  been  set  afloat  through  the  medium  of  the  press  and 
the  utterances  of  those  who  assumed  to  know  the  wants  of  the 
city.  Having  no  funds  at  their  disposal,  the  commissioners 
could  accomplish  little  except  a  supervisory  control  over  the  small 
parks. 

(      164      ) 


OVE  cor  MY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

111  his  inaugural  address  in  the  year  mentioned  Mayor  Phil- 
lips said:  "I  should  be  glad  if.  during  the  current  year,  some 
steps  could  be  taken  toward  the  inauguration  of  a  system  of 
public  parks.  Nature  has  been  wonderfully  lavish  with  our 
beautiful  city,  and  I  have  only  to  point  to  the  possibilities  which 
might  result  from  even  a  slight  expenditure  along  the  east  bank 
of  our  river  at  almost  any  point." 

For  some  time  previous  to  this  there  had  existed  a  strong 
sentiment  in  favor  of  a  public  park  on  the  bank  of  the  Con- 
necticut, and  when  the  commission  came  into  life  a  careful  exam- 
ination of  the  premises  was  made.  It  was  learned  that  there  was 
an  available  tract  of  land  on  the  river  bank  between  Bridge  and 
HoAvard  streets,  which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  commissioners, 
could  be  transformed  into  a  beautiful  park,  100  feet  wide  and 
about  2,000  feet  long,  at  an  expense  of  about  $125,000.  It  was 
then  hoped  that  the  railroad  company,  being  greatly  benefited  by 
the  improvement,  Avould  take  an  interest  in  the  matter  and  bear 
a  portion  of  the  cost,  and  some  negotiations  were  had  with  that 
end  in  view. 

AA'hile  awaiting  some  action  on  the  part  of  the  railroad  com- 
pany, and  at  the  same  time  casting  about  in  every  direction  for  a 
desirable  location,  in  October,  1884,  the  commissioners  were 
agreeably  surprised  by  the  magnanimous  offer  of  one  of  their  own 
number— Orick  H.  Greenleaf— who  proposed  to  present  the  tract 
of  land  known  as  "Forest  park"  for  the  purposes  for  which  the 
commission  was  constituted,  and  to  convey  the  same  to  the  city 
free  of  any  cost.  This  splendid  offer  was  made  in  perfect  good 
faith  and  was  followed  by  a  deed  of  conveyance,  vesting  title  in 
the  city  to  65.08  acres  of  land  located  south  of  Sumner  avenue 
and  about  one  and  one-half  miles  south  of  court  square.  The 
land  was  accepted,  and  in  the  same  year  the  commissioners  pur- 
chased from  Linus  Dickinson,  for  $2,200,  a  tract  of  17.11  acres, 
and  from  AYilliam  L.  Dickinson,  for  $1,000,  a  tract  of  7.99  acres, 
both  adjoining  the  Greenleaf  lands.  Thus  at  the  end  of  1884 
Forest  park  comprised  90.18  acres  of  land  of  as  good  quality  and 
as  well  situated  as  could  be  desired  for  that  purpose. 

There  were  no  further  acquisitions  of  land  for  the  park  for 
several  years,  and  the  annual  appropriations  were  used  in  devel- 

(      166      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

oping  and  improving  that  which  had  previously  come  into  posses- 
sion of  the  city.  Between  1884  and  1890  the  city  fathers  appro- 
priated the  total  sum  of  $46,300  for  park  improvements,  the 
greater  portion  of  which  was  expended  in  Forest  park  while  the 
smaller  tracts  were  not  in  any  manner  neglected.  In  1889  the 
county  contributed  $500  to  the  park  fund.  To  enumerate  the 
multitude  of  improvements  made  during  this  five-year  period 
would  require  more  space  than  is  at  our  command,  and  would 
add  little  of  interest  to  our  narrative.  The  immediate  work  of 
improvement  was  placed  under  charge  of  Justin  Sackett,  a  con- 
tractor of  Springfield,  and  in  the  most  admirable  and  satisfactory 
manner  lie  performed  every  duty  committed  to  his  care. 

The  year  1890  constituted  an  eventful  period  in  the  history 
of  the  park.  By  this  time  the  people  of  the  entire  city  had  be- 
come thoroughly  interested  in  the  project  and  all  opposing  ele- 
ments had  been  subdued  in  the  general  approval  of  what  had 
been  accomplished.  In  this  year  the  park  was  brought  nearer  to 
the  heart  of  the  city  by  the  completion  of  the  electric  street  rail- 
way, and  whereas  the  tract  was  previously  reached  only  at  con- 
siderable inconvenience  and  expense  of  time  and  money,  the 
opening  of  the  "trolley  road"  afforded  ready  access  to  the  park 
as  a  popular  resort  for  all  Springfield. 

In  the  same  year  the  city  was  made  the  recipient  of  still 
greater  benefactions  at  the  hands  of  generous  citizens.  First, 
John  Olmsted,  former  commissioner,  and  commissioners  Mc- 
Knight,  Greenleaf,  Wesson  and  Kirkham  purchased  at  their  own 
expense  a  tract  of  nearly  fifty  acres  and  conveyed  the  same  gratis 
to  the  city.  Then  followed  the  magnificent  and  characteristic 
gift  of  Everett  H.  Barney,  who  from  the  outset  had  taken  a  com- 
mendable interest  in  the  park  movement,  yet  who  had  entered 
into  the  active  councils  of  the  commissioners  in  this  year. 

Mr.  Barney  gave  to  the  city  for  the  park  enterprise  his  ele- 
gant homestead  property,  comprising  104.56  acres  of  land,  re- 
serving to  himself  only  a  life  occupancy  of  the  Barney  residence. 
But  this  Avas  not  all.  In  1892  he  erected  the  splendid  granite 
"Memorial  and  Lookout,"  also  caused  to  be  built  the  beautiful 
white  marble  monument,  "Faith.  Hope  and  Charity."  which 

(      167      ) 


OUR   COUNTY  AM)  ITS  PEOPLE 

attracts  admiring  attention  from  all  who  chance  to  pass  down  the 
Long  Hill  road  which  borders  the  improved  portion  of  the  park 
on  the  west.  More  than  this,  Mr.  Barney  has  given  other  valu- 
able lands,  and  has  devoted  his  time  and  conti'ibuted  liberally  of 
his  means  to  park  improvements  independent,  and  with  the  full 
approval,  of  the  other  commissioners,  until  the  western  limits  of 
the  tract  have  become  a  perfect  garden  of  beauty — an  Eden  of 
horticultural  art. 

In  1890  the  city  appropriated  $13,000  for  park  maintenance 
and  improvement  and  $14,000  for  the  purchase  of  the  property  of 
the  Dickinson  estate,  the  latter  adding  89.70  acres  to  the  lands  of 
the  park  tract.  In  the  same  year  also.  President  Marsh,  of  the 
commission,  purchased  at  his  OAvn  expense  and  donated  one  and 
one-half  acres  of  land,  making  the  total  area  334.33  acres.  In 
1891  Mr.  Greenleaf  bought  and  gave  to  the  park  4.12  acres,  this 
being  his  third  contribution  in  land  for  the  good  of  the  city's 
people.  His  work  always  was  unselfish  and  earnest.  His  was 
the  original  gift  for  the  park,  and  by  his  generosity  and  public- 
spiritedness  it  Avas  made  possible.  He  died  May  14.  1896.  but  his 
good  works  are  fondly  remembered  by  all  loyal  citizens. 

In  1892  six  more  parcels,  aggregating  61.21  acres  were  added 
to  the  park  lands  by  these  donors :  Theodore  A.  Havemyer.  3.68 
acres;  Ida  M.  Southworth,  6.33  acres;  Marvin  Chapin,  10.50 
acres;  Moses  Field,  7.20  acres:  Ella  F.  Allen,  7.20  acres;  Everett 
H.  Barney,  26.29  acres.  The  park  now  aggregated  399.66  acres 
of  land. 

Still  further  acquisitions  of  land  were  made  in  1894,  by  gift 
and  by  purchase  as  follows:  Helen  Spring.  1.74  acres;  Celia  C. 
Merriam,  1.74  acres;  Everett  H.  Barney.  22.02  and  4.24  acres  in 
separate  donations ;  Marvin  Kirkland.  3  acres ;  and  the  William 
Barry  tract  of  1.86  acres  which  was  acquired  by  purchase  and 
the  process  of  law,  at  a  cost  of  $800. 

In  1896  five  more  parcels  Avere  secured,  four  by  gift  and  one 
by  purchase.  The  donors  of  the  year  were  John  B.  Stebbins. 
4.15  acres;  George  Nye,  4.15  acres;  Elisha  Gunn,  4.15  acres; 
Everett  Barney,  17.26  acres.  The  fifth  parcel.  7.12  acres,  was 
purchased  from  the  sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  at  an  ultimate  cost  to 
the  city  of  $18,921.11. 

(      168      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Within  its  present  boundaries  Forest  park  comprises  463.24 
acres  of  land.  It  has  been  made  up  of  29  separate  parcels,  five 
of  which  were  purchased  by  the  commissioners  in  their  official 
capacity,  while  the  24  other  parcels  were  donated  by  interested 
individual  citizens.  It  cannot  be  said  that  the  city  authorities 
Iiave  been  miserly,  or  even  conservative,  in  their  appropriations 
for  park  purposes,  as  the  following  table  will  give  direct  contra- 
diction to  such  an  assertion.  During  the  seventeen  years  of  the 
history  of  the  park  the  city  has  raised  moneys  for  park  mainte- 
nance and  improvement  as  follows :  1884,  $9,500  ;  1885,  $6,300 ; 
1886,  $4,000 ;  1887,  $6,500 ;  1888,  $12,000 ;  1889,  $8,000,  and  $500 
from  the  county;  1890,  $13,000;  1891,  $18,000;  1892,  $18,500; 
1893,  $20,000  ;  1894,  $20,000 ;  1895,  $22,500 ;  1896,  $25,000 ;  1897, 
$28,050  ;  1898,  $28,000  ;  1899,  $28,000  ;  1900,  $25,000. 
The  Park  Commissioners. 

The  city  park  commissioners  have  always  performed  the 
duties  of  office  with  great  care  and  zeal.  They  have  given  their 
time  and  service  frequently  at  the  sacrifice  of  personal  interests 
and  comfort.  That  their  work  has  been  well  done  no  person  will 
care  to  dispute,  and  there  never  has  been  raised  against  their 
official  action  so  much  as  a  breath  of  suspicion.  The  personnel  of 
the  first  board  is  given  in  a  preceding  paragraph,  but  of  the  first 
members  who  comprised  that  body  only  one— Daniel  J.  Marsh  is 
now  in  office.  The  first  president  was  John  Olmsted,  who  retired 
from  the  board  in  1886,  upon  which  Mr.  Marsh  became  presi- 
dent and  has  so  continued  to  the  present  time.  Walter  H.  Wes- 
son served  as  clerk  until  1886,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Fred- 
erick Harris,  who  served  until  1891.  William  F.  Callender  was 
then  chosen  clerk  and  continued  until  1896,  when  he  retired  from 
the  board,  and  was  followed  in  office  by  Azel  F.  Packard,  who 
served  two  years.  The  next  clerk  was  Charles  E.  Ladd,  who 
still  performs  the  duties  of  that  office,  although  not  now  a  member 
of  the  commission. 

The  park  commissioners  have  been  as  follows :  John  Olm- 
sted, 1883-March  1,  1886 ;  Daniel  J.  Marsh,  1883-still  in  office : 
Orick  H.  Greenleaf,  1883-died  March  14,  1896 :  Walter  H.  Wes- 
:son,  1883-Jan.  11,  1890 ;  John  D.  IMcKnight,  1883-died  Dec.  20, 

(      169      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1890:  John  E.  Taylor,  1886-April  21,  1892;  Frederick  Harris, 
1889-Jan.  2,  1891 ;  Everett  H.  Barney,  1890-still  in  office :  Will- 
iam F.  Callender.  1891-May  1,  1896 :  James  Kirkham,  1892-died 
Feb.  8,  1893;  Azel  A.  Packard.  1896-May  1,  1898;  Edward  S. 
Bradford,  1893-Dec.  1,  1899;  Charles  E.  Ladd,  1896-1901,  now 
park  superintendent ;  Kobert  0.  Morris,  1898-1901 ;  Nathan  D. 
Bill.  1899-still  in  office:  William  E.  Wright,  1901-still  in  office; 
Herman  Buchholz,  1901-still  in  office. 

LIBRARIES 

Naturally,  in  a  city  whose  people  can  establish  and  maintain 
one  of  the  finest  and  most  complete  library  institutions  in  the 
country,  much  interest  attaches  to  all  that  can  be  said  concerning 
the  subject  of  libraries.  Still,  the  library  association  of  the  city 
had  a  beginning  as  humble  and  almost  as  primitive  as  that  of 
any  other  of  its  institutions,  and  it  was  in  fact  the  outgrowth  of 
older  literary  societies,  one  of  which  was  founded  in  the  town 
more  than  three-quarters  of  a  century  ago. 

Sometime  during  the  closing  years  of  the  eighteenth  century 
a  number  of  interested  citizens  of  the  town  associated  together 
and  founded  what  was  knoAvn  as  the  Springfield  library  com- 
pany, w^hich,  according  to  meagre  traces  of  its  history,  possessed 
a  few  hundred  volumes  of  books,  chiefly  devoted  to  subjects  of 
history,  voyages,  travels  and  poetry,  with  some  attempt  at  a  col- 
lection relating  to  divinity  and  ethical  topics,  biography  (chiefly 
European)  and  also  a  fcAv  miscellaneous  works.  But  just  when 
and  how  the  library  company  came  into  existence  and  the  causes 
of  its  dissolution,  no  person  now  assumes  to  state. 

The  second  library  was  opened  by  the  Franklin  library  asso- 
ciation, undoubtedly  so  named  in  allusion  to  Benjamin  Franklin, 
Avho  then  had  achieved  more  than  national  fame  in  the  w^orld  of 
science.  The  patrons  and  founders  of  the  association  were 
chiefly  persons  connected  with  the  U.  S.  armory,  and  its  existence 
was  continued  until  1844,  when  it  was  merged  in  the  Young 
Men's  institute,  the  latter  having  been  established  in  the  preced- 
ing year. 

Next  in  the  order  of  formation  was  the  Hampden  Mechanics^ 
association,  organized  in  January  1824,   for  the  commendable 

(      170      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

purpose  of  maintaining  a  public  library  for  the  benefit  of  its 
members,  and  also  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  an  evening 
school  for  mechanics  and  apprentices.  The  association  also  pro- 
vided for  lecture  courses  for  the  general  welfare.  It  was  a 
worth}'  organization  and  was  productive  of  much  good  in  the 
town  for  a  quarter  of  a  century-.  Its  collection  of  books  was 
transferred  to  the  Young  Men's  institute  in  1845.  and  four  years 
later  the  association  passed  out  of  existence.  The  members,  how- 
ever, were  not  unprovided  for,  as  the  transfer  Avas  made  on  con- 
dition that  they  should  have  free  access  to  the  library  and  read- 
ing rooms  of  the  institute  for  all  time.  In  1834  the  "Appren- 
tices' library,"  as  it  was  commonly  known,  contained  627  vol- 
umes. 

The  Young  Men's  institute,  which  seems  to  have  absorbed 
the  earlier  literary  societies  of  the  town,  was  founded  in  1843  and 
was  an  improvement  on  all  its  predecessor  bodies.  It  acquired 
an  excellent  local  reputation  and  a  large  membership,  receiving 
material  support  from  prominent  citizens.  Its  courses  of  lec- 
tures were  of  more  advanced  character  than  was  before  attempt- 
ed, and  its  weekly  debates  attracted  much  attention  by  reason  of 
the  forensic  efforts  of  its  orators,  particvilarly  the  young  "limbs 
of  the  law, ' '  who  were  pursuing  their  studies  in  the  village ;  and 
if  local  tradition  be  true  these  meetings  were  not  without  interest 
among  the  older  professional  men,  who  not  only  found  their  way 
into  the  weekly  gatherings,  but  who  took  part  in  the  discussions 
and  occasionally  were  "worsted"  by  their  younger  brethren. 

In  1854.  after  the  Young  Men's  institute  had  been  in  opera- 
tion about  ten  years,  a  similar  organization  under  the  name  of 
the  Young  Men's  literary  association  was  brought  into  existence, 
but  the  causes  which  led  to  its  organization  are  not  now  clearly 
apparent.  Its  character  and  objects  were  the  same  as  those  of 
the  older  society,  and  it  is  believed  that  the  new  association  was 
created  to  stimulate  discussion  of  general  topics  in  open  debating 
contests,  and  also  to  interest  a  new  element  of  citizenship  in  liter- 
ary work.  However  this  may  have  been  we  know  not,  but  the 
ultimate  result  of  the  two  societies  was  a  consolidation  of  inter- 
♦'sts  and  a  general  request,  in  1855,  supported  by  a  petition  with 

(      171      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1,200  signers,  upon  the  new  municipal  government  for  an  appro- 
priation of  $2,000  for  the  establishment  of  a  city  library.  The 
petition  and  request  were  referred  to  committees  and  in  due 
season  a  favorable  report  was  made,  yet  the  city  council  failed 
to  act,  setting  forth  as  its  chief  reason  that  the  expenditure  would 
be  unwise  in  view  of  the  contemplated  erection  of  a  city  hall  at 
great  cost  to  taxpayers. 

"Disappointed  in  this  direction,"  said  the  late  Dr.  Rice  in 
one  of  his  articles  on  library  history,  "the  friends  of  the  enter- 
prise determined  to  make  a  vigorous  effort  for  the  establishment 
of  a  public  library  by  means  of  a  voluntary  association  and  by 
seeking  private  subscriptions.  For  this  purpose  the  City  Library 
association  was  organized,  November  27,  1857.  The  members  of 
the  two  existing  organizations,  the  Springfield  institute  and  the 
Young  Men's  literary  association,  united  in  the  new  enterprise, 
and  their  small  libraries  were  made  over  to  the  City  Library  asso- 
ciation. A  committee  was  appointed  to  solicit  subscriptions 
among  the  citizens,  a  considerable  sum  was  raised,  and  accessions 
were  made  to  the  library  by  donations  of  books.  In  1859  Mayor 
Calhoun  again  brought  the  subject  to  the  notice  of  the  city  gov- 
ernment and  recommended  an  appropriation  to  the  association, 
claiming  'that  in  view  of  the  benefits  of  a  public  library  as  the 
fruitful  source,  not  of  the  ordinary  and  acknowledged  blessings 
of  intelligence  merely,  but  of  an  efficient  and  all-pervading 
economy,'  it  would  be  literally  an  'institution  of  saving.'  But 
in  view  probably  of  the  'heavy  indebtedness  of  the  city,'  no  ac- 
tion was  had  on  this  recommendation.  During  the  year,  how- 
ever, the  libraiy  was  removed  to  rooms  in  the  city  hall  with  the 
approval  of  the  mayor  and  the  committee  on  city  property.  The 
same  year  the  association  established  as  an  adjunct  in  its  work  a 
museum  of  art  and  natural  history." 

"Simultaneously  with  the  occupancy  of  these  rooms,  com- 
menced an  earnest  and  persistent  effort  to  increase  the  resources 
ot  the  association.  A  subscription  of  about  $8,000  was  raised, 
and  in  the  following  year  a  fair  was  held  by  the  ladies  for  the 
benefit  of  the  enterprise,  which  resulted  in  adding  about  $1,800 
to   its   funds.     A   reference   theological   department   was   com- 

(    n^    ) 


Dr.  William  Rice 


OLR  COUNTY  AND   ITS  PEOPLE 

menced,  and  donations  were  secured  in  money  and  books  from 
the  various  religious  denominations.  The  agricultural  depart- 
ment was  largely  increased  by  the  addition  of  the  Hampden  agri- 
cultural library.  Courses  of  lectures  were  likewise  given  which 
for  several  years  resulted  in  a  considerable  income.  No  funds, 
however,  were  received  from  the  city  until  1864,  and  no  help 
except  the  room  rent,  fuel  and  lights"  furnished  after  the  re- 
moval of  the  library  to  the  city  hall  in  1859. 

"In  1864  the  city  began  making  appropriations  for  the 
library.  It  then  contained  17,000  volumes  and  at  least  $45,000 
had  been  contributed  to  the  funds  of  the  association.  The  rooms 
in  the  city  hall  now  were  filled  to  overfloAving.  and  it  was  felt 
that  provision  must  be  made  for  its  permanent  accommodation 
and  continued  growth.  The  association  was  therefore  reorgan- 
ized under  a  new  charter  which  constituted  it  a  corporation  for 
the  purpose  of  'establishing  and  maintaining  a  social  library  and 
a  museum  of  natural  history  and  art  for  the  diffusion  of  knowl- 
edge and  the  promotion  of  intellectual  improvement  in  the  city 
of  Springfield.'  With  this  reorganization  an  effort  was  made  by 
the  association  to  secure  funds  for  a  library  building,  which 
resulted  in  the  erection  of  the  present  library  on  the  site  donated 
by  George  Bliss. ' ' 

The  City  Library  association,  the  history  of  which  Dr.  Rice 
has  briefly  traced  in  preceding  paragraphs,  was  an  institution  of 
far  more  than  minor  importance.  It  was  the  union  of  interests 
which  formerly  had  existed  in  two  similar  societies,  and  embodied 
the  best  elements  of  both.  Its  constitution  and  by-laws  were 
original,  and  were  readily  adopted  by  a  strong  membership.  The 
persons  who  subscribed  their  names  to  the  original  instrument 
were  as  follows :  Ariel  Parish,  H.  M.  Dickinson,  J.  W.  Jenkins, 
Wm.  H.  Smith,  Lewis  A.  Tift,  T.  D.  Bridgman,  Charles  M.  Lee, 
Henry  S.  Lee,  Oliver  Marsh,  Justus  W.  Grant,  F.  H.  Fuller. 
Daniel  J.  Marsh,  Henry  A.  Chapin.  W.  H.  Ellis,  Wm.  H.  Haile, 
Edwin  L.  Knight,  Elisha  Morgan,  Francis  Norton,  George  Wal- 
ker, Robert  Crossett,  Osmond  Tiffany,  Charles  Marsh,  J.  S.  Me- 
Elwain,  F.  B.  Bacon,  Thomas  Atchison,  J.  F.  Moseley,  C.  S. 
TTurlbut,   A.  N.  Merrick,  Frederick  Bill.   Augustus  E.   Pease, 

(      1^4      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Theodore  A.  Belkuap,  H.  IM.  Morehouse,  AVm.  S.  Shiirtleff,  E.  B. 
Vinton,  James  INI.  Buzzell,  James  M.  Arnold,  Henry  Tracy,  W.  G. 
Chamberlain,  J.  W.  Preston,  W.  Emerson,  George  T.  Bond, 
George  W.  Winchester,  Albert  Holt. 

On  the  formal  organization  of  the  association  these  officers 
Avere  chosen  for  the  first  year :  President,  Charles  Marsh ;  vice- 
president,  Charles  0.  Chapin ;  clerk  and  secretary,  Lewis  A.  Tift ; 
treasurer,  Wm.  H.  Smith.  The  subsequent  presidents  were 
Charles  Marsh,  1858;  Charles  Merriam,  1859;  John  L.  King, 
1860-64.  The  vice-presidents  after  the  first  year  were  A.  N. 
Merrick,  1858 ;  Charles  Marsh,  1859 :  George  Merriam,  1860-63 ; 
Daniel  L.  Harris,  1864.  The  secretaries  were  Lewis  A.  Tift, 
1858-59  :  Osmond  Tifi'any,  1860-61 ;  AVilliam  Rice.  1862-64.  The 
treasurers  were  C.  S.  Hurlbut.  1858 ;  Henry  S.  Lee,  1859 ;  Julius 
H.  Appleton,  1860-61 ;  James  D.  Safford,  1862-64. 

The  City  Library  association  of  Springfield,  the  present  or- 
ganization, was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  legislature  passed 
April  8,  1864,  and  was  authorized  to  own  and  hold  real  estate  not 
exceeding  $150,000  in  value  (this  amount  was  afterward  in- 
creased). The  corporators  named  in  the  act  were  John  L.  King, 
Chester  W.  Chapin,  George  Bliss,  James  ]\I.  Thompson,  Ephraim 
AY.  Bond  and  Homer  Foot.  Under  the  provisions  of  the  act  the 
city  was  authorized  to  make  appropriations  for  the  benefit  of  the 
library  so  long  as  the  association  "allowed  the  inhabitants  of  the 
city  free  access  to  the  library  at  reasonable  hours." 

But  it  was  not  this  action  that  led  to  the  establishment  of  the 
library  in  its  present  location.  The  need  of  more  commodious 
quarters  had  long  been  felt  and  for  several  years  the  library  had 
been  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  auxiliary  educational 
institutions  of  the  city.  Committees  of  the  old  society  had  fre- 
quently urged  the  importance  of  more  ample  space  for  books  and 
reading  rooms,  but  under  the  conditions  then  existing  a  way  out 
of  the  dilemma  had  not  been  suggested  and  made  clear  from  any 
authentic  source.  Various  expedients  were  recommended,  yet 
none  met  the  requirements  of  the  occasion. 

In  this  emergency  it  was  reported  that  George  Bliss  (of  hon- 
ored memory  and  worthy  fame,  a  scion  of  the  old  substantial 

(      175      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

families  of  Springfield)  had  offered  to  give  his  home  property  for 
the  purpose  of  a  library  site,  and  as  the  nucleus  of  a  building 
fund  was  willing  to  contribute  $10,000  in  addition  to  the  land. 
Then  the  necessary  legislative  authority  was  invoked,  the  bill  was 
drawn,  presented,  and  enacted  into  a  law,  and  the  city  libr-ary 
association  became  a  body  corporate  for  the  purposes  indicated  in 
its  charter. 

According  to  the  regulations  of  the  association,  the  officers 
thereof  were  to  be  a  president,  vice-president,  clerk,  treasurer,  a 
board  of  directors  of  ten  members  (subsequently  increased  but 
still  later  reduced)  and  two  auditors.  On  the  formal  organiza- 
tion these  oiScers  were  chosen : 

President,  John  L.  King ;  vice-president,  Daniel  L.  Harris ; 
clerk,  William  Rice ;  treasurer,  James  D.  Safford ;  directors, 
George  Bliss,  Chester  AA^.  Chapin,  James  M.  Thompson,  Charles 
Merriam,  George  Walker,  Ephraim  "W.  Bond,  Josiah  G.  Holland, 
John  B.  Stebbins,  P.  B.  Tyler  and  James  Kirkham. 

On  May  30,  at  a  meeting  of  the  directors  the  offer  of  Mr. 
Bliss  was  made  the  subject  of  special  consideration,  and  at  the 
same  time  a  committee  was  appointed  to  employ  the  services  of  a 
competent  architect  with  a  view  to  determine  the  kind  and  char- 
acter of  building  which  would  be  best  suited  to  the  requirements 
of  the  association.  This  special  committee  comprised  James  M. 
Thompson,  Ephraim  W.  Bond,  Josiah  G.  Holland  and  William 
Rice.  In  the  meantime  the  association  had  not  been  idle  in 
regard  to  other  matters  relating  to  the  construction  of  the  pro- 
posed building,  for  soon  after  the  passage  of  the  act  the  presi- 
dent, Mr.  King,  consented  to  personally  interest  himself  in  the 
work  of  creating  a  building  fund ;  and  with  such  success  were  his 
endeavors  rewarded  that  within  a  year  a  fund  of  $77,000  had 
been  raised  by  subscription.  On  their  part  the  members  of  the 
building  committee  secured  the  services  of  architect  George 
Hathorne,  of  New  York.  The  plans  at  length  were  prepared 
and  approved,  the  work  of  construction  was  begun,  and  the 
libra ly  at  the  northeast  corner  of  State  and  Chestnut  streets  was 
the  result  of  the  united  efforts  of  the  association  and  the  generous 
people  of  Springfield  who  contributed  to  the  building  fund:  and 

12-2  (      177      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Avhen  it  was  found  that  the  structure  could  not  be  finished  within 
the  original  estimate  and  a  debt  of  about  $25,000  was  hanging 
over  the  institution,  the  people  again  liberally  responded  to  the 
call  and  relieved  the  association  of  its  burden. 

In  this  brief  chapter  the  library  building  itself  needs  no 
detailed  description,  for  it  is  known  to  every  person  in  the  city, 
and  generally  throughout  the  county.  In  size  the  building  is  100 
by  65  feet,  the  material  used  in  exterior  construction  being  native 
granite  and  pressed  brick,  ^\ii\i  richly  cut  Ohio  freestone  trim- 
ming-s.  The  entire  structure  is  in  the  medifBval  style  of  archi- 
tecture. The  work  of  construction  was  finished  in  the  spring  of 
1871,  and  the  library  was  opened  to  the  public  in  the  following 
fall,  with  31,400  books  on  the  shelves.  In  later  years,  when  the 
art  and  science  buildings  were  erected,  the  original  library  build- 
ing was  given  the  name  of  the  "Rice  building,"  in  honor  of  the 
late  Dr.  William  Rice,  who  had  labored  long  and  faithfully,  in 
season  and  out  of  season,  for  the  success  of  this  grand  institution. 

In  speaking  of  the  subsequent  history  of  the  library,  a  co- 
temporary  writer  has  said:  "Having  comfortably  located  the 
city  library  in  its  splendid  new  home,  the  managers  again 
appealed  to  the  city  for  greater  liberality  in  the  direction  of  ap- 
propriations. The  new  building,  with  what  it  contained  and  the 
ground  it  occupied,  represented  a  value  of  $185,000,  all  of  which 
had  been  secured  by  the  enteiTDrise  of  the  association.  The  asso- 
ciation received  annually  from  the  subscription  fees  of  one  dollar, 
which  Avere  still  required  for  the  drawing  of  books,  and  from 
other  soui'ces.  The  importance  of  additional  endowment  funds 
had,  meantime,  been  urged  upon  the  public  in  annual  reports  of 
the  directors,  and  the  desirability  of  making  the  library  entirely 
free  by  increased  appropriation  was  also  presented  from  time  to 
time  to  the  city  government.  In  this  line  special  effort  was  made 
in  1884  to  increase  the  endowment  funds.  A  plan  was  adopted 
]\v  which  it  was  provided  that  all  subscriptions  of  $5,000  and 
upwards  might  be  separately  invested,  and  the  fund  thus  created 
be  known  by  the  name  designated  by  the  donor,  and  the  annual 
interest  on  such  fund  be  expended  for  the  specific  department 
indicated  by  the  donor.  This  plan  met  with  approval,  and 
$80,000  was  almost  immediately  subscribed." 

(      178      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

"The  library  was  opened  to  the  public  May  25,  1885,  entirely 
free  in  all  departments.  The  success  of  the  movement  speedily 
dispelled  the  misgivings  of  those  who  had  entertained  doubts  re- 
garding the  wisdom  of  the  plan,  and  more  than  met  the  expecta- 
tions of  the  most  sanguine  of  its  supporters.  Before  the  close  of 
the  first  year  the  number  of  persons  holding  cards  in  the  library 
had  increased  from  1,100  to  more  than  7,000,  and  the  annual  cir- 
culation of  books  grew'  in  the  same  time  from  41,000  to  154,000. ' ' 

When  the  library  was  made  free  the  future  success  of  the 
association  was  assured,  and  the  sympathies  and  earnest  support 
of  the  city  and  its  people  were  with  the  institution.  In  connec- 
tion with  the  library  there  are  now  five  endowed  departments : 
The  John  Bryant  department  of  natural  history,  endowed  by 
INIary  Bryant  m  1875,  $5,000  ;  the  Chester  AY.  Chapin  department 
of  reference,  endowed  by  Dorcas  Chapin  in  1884,  $10,000;  the 
Augustus  Hazard  department  of  industrial  art.  endowed  by 
Fanny  Hazard  Bond,  $5,000  :  the  Charles  Merriam  department  of 
history,  biography  and  travel,  endowed  by  Charles  Merriam, 
$5,000;  and  the  James  M.  Thompson  department  of  English  lit- 
erature, endowed  by  Anna  Thompson,  $5,000. 

The  principal  legacies  bequeathed  to  the  association  have 
been  as  follows:  Estate  of  J.  B.  Vinton,  1871.  $993;  Elam 
Stockbridge,  1882,  $1,500 ;  Catharine  H.  Lombard,  1892,  $5,126 ; 
Horace  Smith,  1894.  $50,000;  AYilliam  IMerrick,  1896.  $30,000; 
William  Rice,  1898,  $5,000. 

The  history  of  the  city  library  during  the  last  ten  years  has 
been  a  record  of  continued  progress,  and  in  that  time  it  has  be- 
come an  important  factor  in  educational  growth  and  develop- 
ment. It  is  and  for  years  has  been  operated  in  connection  with 
the  city  school  system,  and  through  the  courtesy  of  the  directors 
books  are  sent  to  the  Central  high  school  and  also  to  the  remotely 
situated  schools  of  less  advanced  grade.  The  co-operation  of  the 
city  authorities  in  carrying  out  the  true  purpose  of  the  institu- 
tion is  both  earnest  and  generous,  and  the  mayor,  president  of 
the  common  council  and  the  superintendent  of  schools  are  made 
ex  officio  members  of  the  board  of  directors. 

For  several  years  beginning  in  1865  the  city  appropriated 
annually  $1,500  for  the  library,  and  then  increased  the  amount 

(      179      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

to  $3,500.  In  1873,  '74  and  '75  the  sum  of  $4,500  was  appropri- 
ated annually,  and  in  the  following  year  the  city  "dog  money" 
was  added  to  the  amount.  From  that  year  to  1901  the  annual 
appropriations  for  the  library  have  been  as  follows:  1876,  $4,000 
and  $1,611.13  dog  money ;  1877,  $3,500  and  $2,451.11  dog  money ; 
1878,  $3,000  and  $2,024.64  dog  money ;  1879.  $3,000  and  $1,623.60 
dog  money;  1880,  $3,800  and  $1,286.09  dog  money;  1881,  $4,800 
and  $1,263.49  dog  money ;  1882,  $5,500  and  $1,307.35  dog  money ; 
1883,  $7,000  and  $1,231.32  dog  money :  1884,  $6,500  and  $1,779.80 
dog  money;  1885,  $10,500  and  $1,926.93  dog  money;  1886, 
$13,000  and  $2,064.90  dog  money ;  1887,  $12,600  and  $2,444.48 
dog  money ;  1888,  $12,600  and  $2,594.62  dog  money ;  1889,  $12,- 
800  and  $2,365.08  dog  money ;  1890,  $13,000  and  $2,377.50  dog 
money;  1891,  $14,300  and  $2,712.80  dog  money;  1892,  $15,800 
and  $2,698.38  dog  money;  1893,  $17,000  and  $2,657.07  dog 
money;  1894,  $17,000  and  $2,405.51  dog  money;  1895,  $21,000 
and  $2,840.00  dog  money:  1896,  $21,000  and  $2,956.77  dog 
money:  1897,  $23,500  and  $3,124.99  dog  money;  1898,  $23,500 
and  $3,168.53  dog  money;  1899,  $29,161  including  dog  money; 
1900,  $29,945.56 ;  1901,  $29,944.95. 

Under  the  present  arrangement  of  its  affairs  the  property  of 
the  library  association  comprises  three  principal  buildings, 
known,  respectively,  as  the  Rice  building  (the  library  building), 
the  art  building  and  the  science  building,  and  also  an  auxiliary 
building  known  as  the  M'omen's  club.  Of  each  of  these  we  may 
briefly  treat. 

The  Art  Building— It  was  the  purpose  of  the  City  library 
association  founded  in  1857  to  establish  and  maintain  in  connec- 
tion with  its  library  of  books  a  department  for  the  collection  and 
exhibition  of  works  of  art,  the  greater  portion  of  which  it  was 
expected  would  be  contributed  by  friends  of  the  enterprise ;  but 
in  the  early  struggle  for  a  permanent  existence  the  association 
managers  were  content  to  devote  their  energies  to  the  mainte- 
nance of  the  library  alone,  hence  the  collection  of  art  works  for 
many  years  was  quite  limited.  Under  the  charter  of  1864  the 
managers  of  the  association  determined  to  establish  an  art 
museum  and  made  some  little  attempt  to  collect  exhibits  for  that 

(      180      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPEIXGFIELD 

department,  but  there  was  no  systematic  effort  in  that  direction 
for  several  years. 

On  June  1,  1867,  the  legislature  incorporated  the  "Spring- 
field atheneum  and  gallery  of  arts,"  naming  as  incorporators 
William  Stowe,  Samuel  Bowles,  Albert  D.  Briggs,  Frederic  H. 
Harris  and  Charles  0.  Chapin.  Whether  it  was  the  purpose  of 
the  new  corporation  to  found  an  art  museum  and  manage  it  in 
connection  with  the  library  association  or  as  an  entirely  separate 
institution  is  not  now  known,  but  it  is  a  fact  that  the  incorpor- 
ators themselves  were,  with  one  exception,  members  of  the  asso- 
ciation. The  authorized  capital  of  the  atheneum  association  was 
$100,000,  and  it  was  permitted  to  own  and  hold  real  estate  not 
exceeding  $75,000  in  value.  Evidently  the  new  corporation  soon 
merged  in  the  older  and  the  establishment  of  the  art  gallery  was 
the  result  of  their  joint  efforts. 

The  movement  whicli  led  to  the  establishment  of  the  Spring- 
field art  museum  was  begun  in  1889,  when  the  overcrowded  con- 
dition of  the  library  building  made  some  change  necessary.  At 
one  of  the  board  meetings  of  the  year  George  V.  Smith  offered  by 
letter  to  bequeath  his  valuable  collection  of  art  treasures  to  the 
association  on  condition  that  there  be  provided  a  suitable  place 
for  its  display :  and  this  offer  was  supplemented  by  that  of  Mrs. 
Smith  to  likewise  bequeath  her  rare  collection  of  laces.  About 
this  time,  through  the  offices  of  Noyes  W.  Fisk.  who,  acting  for 
the  AVinthrop  club,  held  the  refusal  of  the  property  adjoining  the 
library  on  the  east,  the  directors  were  able  to  purchase  the  same 
for  $35,000,  the  lot  having  a  frontage  of  115  feet  on  State  street 
and  400  feet  deep.  The  frame  residence  was  removed  to  the  rear 
of  the  lot  and  was  refitted  for  the  women's  club.  This  purchase 
was  made  in  1890  with  funds  from  the  Horace  Smith  donation. 
Then  began  the  work  of  creating  a  fund  for  the  art  building, 
the  onus  being  assumed  by  John  Olmsted,  who  headed  the  sub- 
scription with  a  cash  donation  of  $10,000,  and  by  his  earnest 
work  in  the  city  he  soon  secured  subscriptions  sufficient  to  war- 
rant the  erection  of  the  building.  The  sum  of  $50,000  at  first 
was  thought  to  be  sufficient  for  the  purpose,  but  the  total  amount 
required  was  more  than  $90,000.     The  building  was  completed 

(      181      ) 


OVli  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

and  opened  in  1895.  In  both  exterior  and  interior  design  and 
finish  it  is  a  model  of  ai'chitectural  genius,  an  excellent  example 
of  the  Italian  renaissance  style,  and  also  is  an  example  of  "good, 
honest  construction."  The  west  and  south  facades,  in  addition 
to  their  ornamentation,  are  appropriately  inscribed  with  the 
names  of  the  most  famous  painters,  sculptors  and  artisans  of 
Eurojje  and  America.  The  building  is  of  brick,  with  terra  cotta 
trimmings.  The  main  entrance  is  at  the  end  of  the  avenue  lead- 
ing from  Chestnut  street  back  of  the  library  building,  hence  the 
more  elaborate  ornamentation  on  the  w^est  facade.  The  first 
story  is  devoted  to  the  natural  history  museum,  a  large  lecture 
room  and  another  of  less  size,  but  when  opened  together  will 
comfortably  seat  350  persons.  The  second  story  is  used  for  the 
art  galleries.  On  a  bronze  tablet  in  the  building  may  be  seen 
the  names  of  the  contributors  to  the  construction  fund. 

The  Science  building  of  the  library  association  was  erected 
in  1898,  and  was  the  result  of  a  popular  demand  that  the  ap- 
pointments of  the  association  be  made  as  complete  and  as  elabor- 
ate as  any  city  in  the  land  can  boast.  Ample  space  for  the  build- 
ing was  found  on  the  land  north  of  the  art  museum,  and  when 
the  directors  had  fully  determined  to  undertake  the  work,  and 
had  completed  their  plans,  John  Olmsted  again  went  among  the 
loyal  citizens  of  Springfield  and  secured  the  necessary  pledges  to 
the  building  fund,  amounting  to  $30,000,  and  representing  the 
contributions  of  more  than  one  hundred  persons.  The  building 
was  occupied  in  1898,  and  on  a  bronze  tablet  within  its  walls  may 
be  seen  the  names  of  those  who  helped  to  share  the  expense. 

The  succession  of  officials  of  the  City  library  association  is  as 
follows : 

Premie /(/s— John  L.King,  1864-72:  Daniel  L.  Harris,  1873- 
79 ;  Ephraini  W.  Bond,  1880-91 :  James  R.  Rumrill,  1892-1901 ; 
John  Olmsted,  1901. 

Vice-Presidents— Daniel  L.  Harris,  1864-72;  Ephraim  W. 
Bond,  1873-79 :  James  M.  Thompson,  1880-83 ;  James  A.  Rumrill. 
1884-94;  John  Olmsted.  1892-1900 :  Nathan  D.  Bill,  1901. 

Clerks— \y\\\mm  Rice,  1864-1897 ;  John  Cotton  Dana,  1898. 

Treasurers— JanwH  D.  Safford,  1864-88:  Henry  H.  Bowman, 
1889. 

(      182      ) 


TEE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Directors— IIqwyy  J.  Beebe.  1897 —  ;  Nathan  D.  Bill,  1887- 
1901 ;  George  Bliss.  1864-72  ;  Ephraim  W.  Bond,  1864-72 ;  Samuel 
Bowles  2d,  1866-77:  Samuel  Bowles  3d,  1878 — ;  Charles  0. 
Chapin,  1872-82 :  Chester  W.  Chapin,  1864-83 ;  Luke  Corcoran, 
1897—  ;  George  H.  Deane,  1884-89 :  Frederick  H.  Gillett,  1893- 
—  :  Orick  H.  Greenleaf,  1872-96 :  William  H.  Haile,  1892-1901 ; 
Azariah  B.  Harris,  1880-91 ;  Josiah  G.  Holland,  1864-71 ;  George 
E.  Howard,  1873-88:  James  Kirkham,  1864-92;  James  W.  Kirk- 
ham,  1893 —  :  Henry  S.  Lee,  1893 —  ;  Charles  Merriam,  1864-87 ; 
George  S.  Merriam,  1896 —  :  William  Merrick,  1883-86 ;  James 
A.  Rumrill,  1901 — :  John  Olmsted,  1889-91 :  Robert  0.  Morris, 
1901—  ;  William  S.  Shurtleff,  1890-95  :  G.  W.  V.  Smith,  1892—  ; 
Horace  Smith,  1877-92;  C.  H.  Southworth,  1892-96:  John  B. 
Stebbins,  1864-98 :  James  M.  Thompson,  1864-79 :  P.  B.  Tyler, 
1864-65:  George  AValker,  1864-76;  Daniel  B.  Wesson,  1888-92: 
Walter  H.  Wesson,  1899. 

Officers,  iPM— President,  John  Olmsted;  vice-president, 
Nathan  D.  Bill:  clerk,  John  Cotton  Dana;  treasurer,  Henry  H. 
Bowman ;  directors,  Luke  Corcoran,  Samuel  Bowles,  George  S. 
Merriam,  G.  W.  V.  Smith,  Henry  S.  Lee,  Frederick  H.  Gillett, 
James  W.  Kirkham,  Henry  J.  Beebe,  James  A.  Rumrill,  Robert 
0.  Morris ;  and  ex  officio,  the  mayor,  William  P.  Hayes ;  the  pres- 
ident of  the  common  council,  Everett  E.  Stone :  and  the  superin- 
tendent of  schools,  Thomas  M.  Balliet. 

Auditors,  J.  H.  Appleton  and  R.  F.  Hawkins. 

The  Library  Corps— Any  allusion  to  the  personnel  of  the 
working  force  of  the  library  association  that  failed  to  mention 
the  splendid  services  of  the  late  Dr.  Rice  would  indeed  be  imper- 
fect, for  with  him  the  success  of  the  institution  was  the  chief 
object  of  his  long  and  useful  life.  He  was  an  early  member  of 
the  old  city  library  association,  and  was  its  clerk,  secretary  and 
librarian,  and  also  its  most  earnest  advocate  after  1860.  He  was 
the  first  clerk  and  librarian  of  the  successor  institution  on  its 
organization  in  1864,  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  the  time 
of  his  death  in  1897.  He  was  followed  in  office  by  Mr.  Dana,  the 
present  librarian,  who  has  brought  into  the  affairs  of  the  associa- 
tion a  new  spirit  of  progress,  new  and  improved  methods,  and 

(      183      ) 


01  R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

under  his  supervision  the  usefulness  of  the  institution  has  been 
greatl}^  increased. 

The  art  and  science  departments  in  their  respective  buildings 
are  now  recognized  as  essential  institutions  of  the  city,  and  in 
connection  with  educational  development  they  are  factors  of 
great  importance.  The  art  museum  is  under  the  curat orship  of 
G.  W.  V.  Smith,  with  Solomon  Stebbins  and  Bernhart  Richter 
as  assistants,  and  Eleanor  A.  Wade  assistant  in  the  art  library. 
In  the  science  museum  William  Orr,  principal  of  the  central  high 
school,  holds  the  curatorship,  with  Grace  L.  Pettis  as  assistant. 
In  the  library  Mr.  Dana  has  a  large  corps  of  excellent  assistants, 
among  whom  are  persons  whose  service  in  their  respective  depart- 
ments have  made  them  experts  on  questions  of  library  history. 
In  seniority  of  service  the  first  assistant  librarian,  Alice  Shepard, 
is  to  be  first  mentioned,  followed  by  William  Stone,  of  the  read- 
ing rooms,  Mary  Medlicott,  the  reference  librarian,  and  A.  Louise 
Morton,  in  the  order  named. 

THE  SPRINGFIELD  POST-OFFICE  — ITS  MASTERS    AND    ITS    MUTATIONS 
FOR  MORE  THAN  A  CENTURY.^ 

There  is  no  knowTi  record  of  the  time  when  a  post-office  was 
first  established  in  Springfield.  The  business  of  carrying  let- 
ters in  the  American  colonies  existed  from  the  time  of  the  earliest 
settlements,  and  in  populous  centers  persons  took  it  upon  them- 
selves to  become  depositaries  and  forwarders  of  them.  Such 
persons  later  became  quasi  public  functionaries  by  receiving 
licenses  ' '  to  keep  a  post-office ' '  and  to  charge  certain  fees.  Prob- 
ably the  earliest  enactment  of  this  kind  was  the  order  of  the  gen- 
eral court  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  1639,  providing  "that  notice 
be  given  that  Richard  Fairbanks  his  house  in  Boston  is  the  place 
appointed  for  all  letters  which  are  brought  from  beyond  the  seas 
or  are  to  be  sent  thither  to  be  left  with  him,  and  he  is  to  take  care 
that  they  are  to  be  delivered  or  sent  according  to  the  direction. 
And  he  is  allowed  for  every  letter  a  penny,  and  must  answer  all 
miscarriages  through  his  own  neglect  in  this  kind."       In  1677 

^From  a  paper  prepared  by  Col.  John  L.  Rice  on  the  occasion  of  laying  the 
coiner  stone  of  the  new  postofflce  building,  February  22,  1890. 

(      184      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

the  merchants  of  Boston  petitioned  the  general  court,  setting 
forth  the  inconvenience  of  the  private  conveyance  of  letters  and 
asking  for  the  appointment  of  "some  meet  person"  to  conduct 
the  business  under  regulations  to  be  prescribed.  Nothing  came 
of  this,  however.  A  like  condition  of  things  existed  in  all  the 
colonies  down  to  near  the  close  of  the  17th  century.  The  assem- 
bly of  Pennsylvania  in  1683  made  it  the  duty  of  sheriffs,  con- 
stables and  justices  of  the  peace  to  convey  from  county  to  county 


Old  building  formerly  on  Postoifice  site 

letters  on  the  public  business.  In  like  manner  a  Virginia  statute 
of  1661  required  the  planters  of  that  colony  to  forward  such  let- 
ters from  plantation  to  plantation  under  a  penalty  of  350  pounds 
of  tobacco  for  each  default,  and  further  provided  that  "if  there 
is  any  person  in  the  family  where  the  said  letters  come  as  can 
write,  such  person  is  required  to  indorse  the  day  and  hour  he  re- 
ceived them,  that  the  neglect  or  contempt  of  any  pei-son  stopping 
them  may  be  better  known  and  punished  accordingly." 

(      185      ) 


OLE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Parliament  took  no  steps  to  provide  a  postal  service  for  the 
colonies  till  1691,  when  Thomas  Neal  of  London  was  granted  the 
exclusive  privilege  of  establishing  post-offices  in  North  America 
for  21  years,  apparently  with  a  view  to  his  pecuniary  advantage 
rather  than  the  accommodation  of  the  colonists.  He  proceeded 
at  once  to  farm  out  his  privilege  through  a  postmaster-general, 
whom  he  appointed  and  established  at  New  York.  Under  this 
regime  Duncan  Campbell  became  postmaster  "of  Boston  and 
New  England"  in  1693,  and  was  succeeded  in  1701  by  John 
Campbell,  who  held  the  office  till  1718.  Although  there  was 
legislation  to  prevent  the  private  conveyance  of  letters,  yet  the 
competition  from  this  source  was  such  that  Neal's  postmasters 
found  the  business  attended  with  little  profit,  and  the  Campbells 
were  frequent  petitioners  to  the  general  court  for  aid,  which  was 
generally  granted  in  a  small  way.  In  1693  ' '  An  Act  to  Encour- 
age the  Post-Office"  was  passed  in  Massachusetts.  This  was  a 
well-considered  piece  of  legislation,  and  was  calculated  to  place 
the  postal  service  upon  a  basis  of  public  usefulness  rather  than 
of  private  gain.  But  the  act  was  disallowed  by  the  privy  coun- 
cil at  London  as  "inconsistent  with  the  patent  granted  Thomas 
Neal,  for  the  post-office  in  America,"  and  things  went  on  as  be- 
fore. But  in  1710  parliament  took  the  matter  in  hand,  and 
from  that  time  forward  a  postal  service  of  a  public  nature  was 
gradually  established  in  the  colonies,  and  by  1765  there  was  a 
line  of  posts  along  the  Atlantic  sea-board  from  New  Hampshire 
to  Georgia,  with  offices  at  all  the  principal  towns  on  the  route. 
As  early  as  1772  stages  were  running  between  New  York  and 
Boston  carrying  the  mail.  At  firet  these  passed  to  the  south- 
ward of  Springfield  after  leaving  Hartford,  but  there  was  un- 
doubtedly a  post-office  at  Springfield  long  before  this,  although 
it  was  probably  devoid  of  any  official  character,  and  received  its 
mails  from  Hartford  by  post  rider. 

One  of  the  first  cares  of  the  continental  congress  after  as- 
suming control  of  public  affairs  was  the  establishment  of  a  postal 
service  throughout  the  colonies  by  the  act  of  July  26,  1775,  and 
the  appointment  of  Benjamin  Franklin  as  postmaster-general. 
Moses  Church  was  immediately  appointed  postmaster  at  Spring- 

(      186      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

field,  as  appears  by  the  financial  recoixls  at  Washington,  although 
the  record  and  exact  date  of  his  appointment  is  not  preserved, 
and  continued  in  the  office  throughout  the  entire  period  of  the 
confederation,  covering  the  incumbency  as  postmaster-general  of 
Benjamin  Franklin,  Richard  Bache  and  Ebenezer  Hazard.  With 
his  appointment  our  earliest  certain  knowledge  of  the  Spring- 
field office  begins,  and  a  glance  at  its  historj^  shows  that  its  re- 
moval to  the  new  public  building  will  be  a  radical  change  in  point 
of  location.  For  considerably  more  than  a  century  it  has  never 
been  north  of  Pynchon  street  nor  south  of  State  street.  It  has 
been  housed  in  10  different  buildings  under  the  administration 
of  15  different  postmasters.  Postmaster  Church,  upon  his  ap- 
pointment, established  it  in  a  one-story  frame  building  which 
stood  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Main  and  Court  streets,  on 
ground  now  occupied  by  the  Five  Cents  savings  bank  building, 
where  he  carried  on  a  hat  and  fur  business  which  he  had  in- 
herited from  his  father,  Dea.  Jonathan  Church.  When  the  pos- 
tal service  was  transferred  from  the  government  of  the  confeder- 
ation to  that  of  the  constitution,  he  was  re-appointed  postmaster 
by  Samuel  Osgood,  President  Washington's  first  postmaster-gen- 
eral, his  commission  dating  June  2,  1790.  At  that  time  there 
were  only  75  post-offices  in  the  whole  country  and  the  total  reve- 
nue from  them  all  that  year  was  $37,935,  only  a  trifle  more  than 
the  receipts  from  the  Springfield  office  for  the  last  four  months, 
although  the  average  letter  rate  then  was  15  cents  in  lieu  of  the 
two  cents  w^hich  now  suffices.  The  efficiency  of  the  early  postal 
service  may  be  judged  from  the  fact  that  among  the  first  records 
in  the  dead-letter  office  at  Washington  there  is  note  of  an  un- 
delivered letter,  mailed  at  Boston,  August  25,  1786,  addressed  to 
"Jonathan  Dwight,  Springfield,  Mass.,"  probably  at  that  time 
the  best  known  man  in  the  town. 

Postmaster  Church  was  one  of  the  town  worthies  in  his  day 
who  held  numerous  public  offices  and  besides  the  store  kept  a 
popular  tavern  across  the  street  on  the  site  of  AVilson's  new 
block.  He  died  in  1810,  but  his  hat  business  has  come  down  un- 
interruptedly to  this  generation  and  is  now  carried  on  by  San- 
derson &  Son  near  by  its  earliest  location.       .\  part  of  the  orig- 

(      187      ) 


OVB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

inal  post-office  building,  now  used  as  a  blacksmith  shop,  is  still 
standing  on  East  Court  street.  Postmaster  Church  was  succeeded 
July  21,  1792,  by  Ezra  W.  Weld,  a  new-comer  in  Springfield,  who 
had  been  sent  from  Worcester  to  take  charge  of  the  Hampshire 
Chronicle,  for  its  owner,  the  celebrated  Isaiah  Thomas,  the 
founder  of  the  Worcester  Spy  and  many  other  newspapers.  At 
that  time  newspaper  offices  were  also  bookstores,  as  well  as  the 
starting  points  for  the  post  riders  who  distributed  the  papers 
through  the  country,  and  were  also  licensed  to  carry  letters  on 
"cross  lines"  not  traversed  by  stages.  Towards  such  centers  of 
intelligence  the  post-offices  naturally  gravitated,  the  public  con- 
venience seconding  the  publisher's  ambition,  and  it  thus  came 
about  that  wherever  a  newspaper  existed  it  was  quite  common 
to  find  its  publisher  filling  the  office  of  postmaster.  This  cus- 
tom, coupled  with  the  influence  of  his  patron,  undoubtedly  ac- 
counts for  the  appointment  of  a  stranger  like  Weld,  as  well  as 
that  of  his  immediate  successor.  Postmaster  Weld  removed  the 
office  to  the  Chronicle  establishment,  a  two-story  building  at  the 
corner  of  Main  and  Elm  streets,  where  the  new  Chicopee  bank 
building  now  stands. 

The  next  year  Weld  and  Thomas  sold  out  the  Chronicle  and 
Thomas  established  the  Federal  Spy,  sending  here  his  son-in-law, 
James  R.  Hutehins,  to  manage  it.  The  Spy  not  only  speedily 
killed  oft'  the  Chronicle,  but  it  also  secured  the  post-office. 
Editor  Hutehins  succeeded  Editor  Weld  as  postmaster  April  25, 
1793,  and  removed  the  office  to  the  Spy  establishment  "at  the 
corner  of  the  entrance  to  the  court  house."  where  Brewer's  drug 
store  now  is,  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Sanford  streets.  The 
following  year  the  Spy  passed  into  the  hands  of  John  W.  Hooker 
and  Francis  Stebbins,  and  the  post-office  appears  to  have  gone 
with  it,  for  the  record  shows  that  Hooker  became  postma.ster 
April  1,  1794.  Two  years  later  Stebbins  announced  himself 
"sole  editor  and  proprietor"  of  the  paper,  and  October  1,  1796, 
the  postmastership  was  conferred  upon  him.  He  sold  out  the 
paper  near  the  close  of  1799,  but  for  some  reason  the  post-office 
then  ceased  to  be  an  appurtenance  of  the  establishment.  Perhaps 
ihe  public  had  tired  of  seeing  the  office  bandied  about  at  the  sport 

(      188      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRIXOFIELD 

of  the  varying'  fortunes  of  newspaper  editors  who  came  and  went 
with  sneh  frequency,  for  the  fonr  knights  of  the  quill  who  had 
left  the  office  seemed  to  have  been  carpet-baggers  in  Springfield, 
who  remained  only  so  long  as  their  newspaper  connection  lasted. 

James  Byers,  jr.,  was  appointed  postmaster  January  1,  1800, 
under  the  presidency  of  John  Adams.  He  was  engaged  in  trade 
in  a  building  then  standing  on  the  lot  next  north  of  the  Spring- 
field institution  for  savings,  and  by  removing  the  post-office  to  his 
store  he  doubtless  drew  fresh  patronage  to  his  counters.  This 
federalist  official  survived  the  defeat  of  his  party  a  few  months 
later,  for  the  spoils  system  was  not  yet  in  vogue,  and  held  on 
through  the  first  and  well  into  the  second  term  of  President  Jef- 
ferson, when  he  sold  out  his  store  and  surrendered  the  post- 
mastership  to  a  rival  merchant  across  the  way.  Subsequently 
Byers  passed  a  long  and  successful  business  career  in  Spring- 
field, accumulating  a  large  fortune  and  dying  here  in  1854  at  an 
advanced  age.  Among  his  enterprises  was  the  erection,  along 
in  the  thirties,  of  the  block  on  the  Chieopee  bank  corner,  now  par- 
tially demolished,  and  the  two  blocks  adjoining  on  Elm  street. 
Byers  street  perpetuates  his  name. 

Daniel  Lombard  succeeded  Byers  as  postmaster  July  29, 
1806,  and  at  once  transferred  the  office  to  his  own  store,  which 
was  then  on  the  Elm  street  corner,  thus  bringing  it  back  to  where- 
it  had  been  when  attached  to  the  Chronicle  a  dozen  years  before. 
Here  for  23  years  Lombard  officiated  as  postmaster  to  the  general 
satisfaction  of  the  public,  under  the  changing  administrations  of 
Jefferson,  Madison,  Monroe  and  the  younger  Adams,  till  the 
deluge  came  with  the  inauguration  of  Andrew  Jackson.  The 
"clean  sweep"  of  that  memorable  era  reached  Springfield  June 
3, 1829.  when  Lombard  was  succeeded  by  Albert  Morgan.  Spring- 
field was  a  whig  to\^ai,  almost  an  entire  generation  had  witnessed 
no  change  in  the  postmastership,  and  there  was  a  great  display 
of  indignation,  more  or  less  simulated,  at  the  removal  for  purely 
political  reasons  of  this  long-tried  and  faithful  official.  The 
demonstrations  of  disapproval  were  so  prolonged  that  the  demo- 
crats tardily  offered  the  excuse  that  he  was  "incapacitated  by 
age"  and  too  frequently  delegated  his  duties  "to  a  female  attend- 

(189) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

ant,  and  a  colored  female  at  that."  This  last  charge  was  stoutly 
denied,  and  as  to  his  age,  he  continued  in  active  business  many 
years  afterward,  dying  in  1856  at  the  age  of  92.  He  was  a  man 
of  wealth  and  position,  held  many  town  offices  and  was  a  soldier 
on  the  right  side  in  the  time  of  the  Shays  rebellion.  He  is  well 
remembered  by  our  older  citizens,  and  two  of  his  daughters  are 
still  living  at  an  advanced  age  on  Howard  street.  A  younger 
son,  William,  is  also  living  in  Chicago.  He  was  the  first  letter 
carrier  in  Springfield,  carrying  letters  as  early  as  1820  and  re- 
ceiving one  cent  each  for  the  service. 

Postmaster  Morgan  carried  the  office  round  to  the  corner  of 
State  and  Market  streets  to  a  two-story  wooden  building  which 
was  torn  away  in  1866  to  make  room  for  the  present  savings  bank 
building.  Here  the  office  continued  till  1834,  when  it  migrated 
to  the  Elm  street  store  now  occupied  by  Auctioneer  Winter, 
Here,  and  in  the  two  stores  next  west  in  the  same  building,  it  re- 
mained for  upward  of  30  years  under  six  successive  postmasters. 
The  newspapers  of  the  period  bear  testimony  to  the  prevalence 
of  the  spoils  doctrine,  which  had  now  become  a  prominent  feature 
in  politics.  Within  a  week  after  Morgan's  appointment  the 
democratic  ncAvspaper  announces  with  a  flourish  that  the  whig 
editor  "has  been  removed  from,  and  we  are  the  happy  recipients 
of  the  distinguished  office  of  honor  and  profit,  that  of  advertis- 
ing the  dead  letters  i-emaining  in  our  post-office."  The  whig 
organ  in  reply  expresses  "the  hope  that  the  circumstances  may 
not  shake  our  political  faith:"  whereupon  the  administration 
journal  retorts  Avith  fine  irony,  "we  in  turn  as  Idndly  hope  that 
his  enjoyment  of  this  lucrative  post  for  past  years  has  not  been 
the  only  reason  that  his  political  integrity  has  not  been  ques- 
tioned." James  E.  Russell  was  assistant  postmaster  and  man  of 
all  work  in  the  office  at  this  time.  He  slept  in  the  office  and  relates 
that  four  consecutive  houre  of  rest  was  the  most  that  he  was  able 
to  get  out  of  the  24.  Morgan  served  through  President  Jack- 
son's two  terms  and  was  reappointed  by  Van  Buren.  After  his 
retirement  he  established  the  American  house  on  the  site  of  the 
Boston  &  Albany  railroad's  granite  building.  Afterward  he 
was  president  of  the  Agawam  bank  and  of  the  Hampden  saA-ings 

(      190      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPFIXGFIELD 

bank,  and  was  one  of  the  first  board  of  directors  of  tlie  Fire  and 
Marine  insurance  company.      He  died  in  1860. 

The  early  death  of  President  Harrison  and  the  uncertain 
course  of  Vice-president  Tyler  postponed  the  fruits  of  the  whig 
victory  of  1840,  but  on  April  1,  1842,  Col.  Solomon  Warriner 
was  appointed  to  succeed  Morgan.  The  whig  paper  of  the  fol- 
lowing week  exulted  that  "after  13  years  we  are  enabled  to  greet 
the  return  to  our  columns  of  the  post-of¥ice  advertising.  For 
more  than  a  year  after  the  whig  administration  commenced,  our 
late  postmaster  (Mr.  Morgan)  continued  to  advertise  in  the 
democratic  paper."  The  editor  of  the  latter  quoted  this  boast 
and  replied,  "We  advise  the  paper  to  make  the  most  of  it  during 
the  three  years  of  ]\Ir.  Tyler's  administration,  for  from  that 
period  we  reckon  it  will  be  more  than  13  years  before  it  Avill 
again  be  restored."  A  year  later  Tyler  had  so  far  apostatized 
that  he  was  turning  out  his  whig  appointees  and  installing  demo- 
crats in  their  places.  August  29,  1843,  Col.  AVarriner  was  re- 
moved and  Col.  Harvey  Chapin  stepped  into  his  shoes,  but  only, 
for  a  brief  period,  as  the  event  proved.  Col.  Warriner  was  long 
a  leading  business  man  in  the  town  and  Avas  for  many  years 
actively  identified  with  the  militia.  He  was  also  a  soldier  in  the 
war  of  1812.  But  he  is  best  remembered  as  an  enthusiast  in 
musical  matters.  For  a  long  period  he  was  a  chorister  at  the 
First  church,  where  the  choir  of  75  or  100  voices  made  an  im- 
posing part  of  the  public  worship.  He  was  also  leader  of  the 
first  musical  society  in  Springfield,  the  old  Handel  and  Hayden 
society,  a  compiler  of  several  collections  of  church  tunes,  and  a 
recognized  authority  in  musical  matters  in  all  this  region.  He 
died  in  1860  at  the  age  of  82. 

The  senate  not  being  in  session  at  the  time  of  Col.  Chapin 's 
appointment,  it  was  not  necessary  that  he  should  await  the  ac- 
tion of  that  body,  and  he  entered  upon  his  duties  as  postmaster 
at  once.  At  the  next  session  of  congress,  however,  the  senate 
was  found  to  be  not  in  the  mood  of  confirming  Tyler's  nomina- 
tions, and  that  of  Col.  Chapin  was  rejected  along  with  many 
others,  and  he  stepped  down  and  out.  The  local  democi*acy 
promptly  provided  a  fresh  candidate.  Dr.  Elijah  Ashley,  editor 

(      191      ) 


OVB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

of  the  Independent  Democrat,  a  newly  established  Tyler  organ,, 
the  democratic  Post  never  having  come  to  the  support  of  the  ad- 
ministration. The  senate  rejected  Ashley's  nomination,  and 
Ethan  A.  Clary,  who  was  next  nominated,  shared  the  same  fate. 
Finally  on  June  15.  1844.  the  last  day  of  the  session.  Col.  Galen. 
Ames  was  nominated  and  confirmed,  and  served  to  the  end  of 
Tyler's  term  in  the  year  following.  He  was  a  prominent  mer- 
chant at  that  time,  an  officer  in  the  militia  and  took  an  active 
part  in  public  affairs  generally.  Subsequently  he  was  for  many 
years  employed  in  the  Boston  and  Albany  office,  remaining  at 
his  desk  till  within  a  few  months  of  his  death.  He  died  in  1882,. 
at  the  age  of  86.  When  the  democrats  came  to  their  own  again, 
Col.  Chapin  naturally  sought  a  vindication,  and  on  May  5,  1845, 
President  Polk  appointed  him  postmaster,  and  he  held  the  office 
till  the  whigs  returned  to  power  again,  four  years  later.  He  was 
a  leading  democratic  politician,  an  officer  in  the  militia,  and  a 
popular  tavern  keeper  in  the  days  of  turnpikes  and  stages.  Like 
so  many  of  his  predecessors,  he  lived  to  be  very  old,  dying  in  this 
city  in  1877,  at  the  age  of  89  years. 

Postmasterships  had  now  come  to  be  universally  recognized 
as  legitimate  spoils  in  politics,  and  when  the  whigs  came  in  again 
Col.  Chapin  went  out,  and  June  7,  1849,  President  Zachary  Tay- 
lor appointed  William  Stowe  to  succeed  him.  Mr.  Stowe  had 
for  several  years  published  the  Springfield  Gazette,  an  able  whig 
paper  which  shortly  before  his  appointment  had  been  absorbed 
by  the  Eepublican.  Whig  ascendency,  however,  lasted  only 
four  years,  and  with  the  inauguration  of  President  Pierce  the 
democrats  began  to  cast  about  for  Stowe 's  successor.  The  choice 
finally  fell  upon  Abijah  Chapin,  son  of  Col.  Harvey  Chapin,  and 
A^^gust  10,  1853,  he  was  appointed.  President  Buchanan  re- 
appointed him  in  1858  and  he  continued  in  office  until  the  in- 
auguration of  the  first  republican  administration  in  1861,  after 
which  he  was  engaged  in  the  insurance  business  in  this  city  for 
several  years,  and  later  retired  to  a  farm  in  Deerfield,  Mass. 
William  Stowe  came  back  to  the  office  by  appointment  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  April  10,  1861,  Postmaster  Chapin  being  removed 
a  year  before  the  expiration  of  his  second  term.       In  the  inter- 

(      192      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

val  since  his  retirement  in  1853,  Mr.  Stowe  had  served  by  sev- 
eral successive  elections  as  clerk  of  the  Massachusetts  house  of 
representatives.  He  was  reappointed  by  President  Johnson  in 
1866  and  again  by  President  Grant  in  1870  and  died  in  office  De- 
cember 7,  1871.  In  1866  he  removed  the  office  from  its  out- 
grown quarters  on  Elm  street  to  the  Haynes  hotel  building,  just 
then  erected,  where  it  remained  for  10  years. 

President  Grant  filled  the  vacancy  January  8,  1872,  by  the 
appointment  of  Gen.  Horace  C.  Lee,  Avho  had  given  up  the  office 
of  city  clerk  at  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion  to  enter  the  army. 
His  appointment  was  asked  for  by  practically  the  unanimous 
voice  of  his  fellow  citizens  in  recognition  of  his  brilliant  military 
services,  although  there  Mas  some  effort  made  to  procure  the  ap- 
pointment of  the  late  Capt.  Lewis  A.  Tifft,  father  of  E.  T.  Tifft. 
Postmaster  Lee  was  reappointed  by  President  Grant  in  1876  and 
again  by  President  Hayes  in  1880.  At  the  close  of  his  third  term 
in  1884  he  retired  in  shattered  health  and  died  a  few  months 
after  from  a  complication  of  troubles  induced  by  his  service  in 
the  army.  Under  his  administration  in  1883  the  free  delivery 
system  was  established  in  Springfield,  this  service  at  that  time 
requiring  but  eight  carriers.  There  had  been,  however,  a  carrier 
system  in  vogue  for  a  long  time  before  this,  the  old  penny  post, 
so-called,  although  the  carrier  was  usually  allowed  to  charge  two 
cents  for  delivering  a  letter.  Chauncey  K.  Camp  is  remembered 
by  many  of  our  older  citizens  as  a  postman  away  back  in  the  for- 
ties as  well  as  his  father  before  him.  Gen.  Lee  also  procured 
the  removal  of  the  office  to  the  Five  Cents  savings  bank  building 
in  1876,  after  a  sharp  contest  between  that  location  and  the  one 
where  the  office  now  is. 

Upon  the  retirement  of  Gen.  Lee,  President  Arthur  ap- 
pointed Edward  P.  Chapin,  his  commission  bearing  date  Janu- 
ary 15,  1884.  The  late  LeAvis  H.  Taylor  was  the  only  opposing 
candidate  at  this  time.  Postmaster  Chapin  held  the  office  for 
nearly  a  year  after  the  inauguration  of  President  Cleveland's 
administration,  retiring  voluntarily  in  February,  1886,  to  accept 
the  appointment  of  savings  bank  commissioner  tendered  him  by 
Gov.  Robinson.      The  vacancy  was  filled  by  the  appointment  of 

13-2  (      193      ) 


United  States  Custom  House  and  Post-Ottice 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

John  L.  Kioe,  whose  commission,  signed  hx  (irover  Cleveland, 
bears  the  date  of  January  20,  1886.  In  the  following  year  the 
office  Avas  removed  to  the  Gilmore  block,  and  there  remained 
until  the  completion  of  the  new  federal  building  at  the  corner 
of  Maine,  AVorthington  and  Fort  streets.  Col.  Rice  Avas  the  in- 
cumbent of  the  i)ostmastership  until  ^larch,  1890,  although  the 
commission  of  his  successor.  Col.  Henry  ]\I.  Phillips,  bears  the 
date  of  January  21)  of  that  year.  The  latter  served  until  suc- 
ceeded by  John  H.  Clune,  whose  commission  was  dated  jNIay  16, 
1894.  Louis  C.  Hyde,  the  present  postmaster,  was  next  in  the 
succession,  his  connnission  bearing  the  date  of  June  30,  1898. 

The  movement  to  secure  an  appropriation  for  a  federal 
building  and  i^ost-otHce  in  this  city  began  several  years  previous 
to  the  passage  of  the  act  of  congress  authorizing  its  construction. 
During  the  term  of  office  of  Congressman  Rockwell,  a  bill  was 
passed  appropriating  $150,000  for  the  erection  of  such  a  build- 
ing, and  when  that  was  done,  and  approved,  the  business  men  of 
the  north  and  south  parts  of  ]Main  street  became  earnest  rivals, 
each  striving  to  secure  the  coveted  building  for  their  locality. 
As  is  usual  in  such  cases,  the  advocates  of  the  site  in  the  newest 
locality  Avere  successful,  and  for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of 
the  town  and  city  the  post-ot^ee  went  north  of  Pynchon  street. 
But  this  great  acquisition  to  business  interests  near  the  arch  Avas 
not  gained  Avithout  considerable  cost  to  the  successful  competi- 
tors, for  the  land  on  Avhich  the  building  Avas  erected  was  pur- 
chased by  them  at  a  cost  of  $70,000  and  was  sold  to  the  govern- 
ment for  $18,500.  The  corner-stone  of  the  new  building  Avas 
laid  Avith  impressive  ceremonies  on  February  22,  1890,  and  on 
February  28,  1891,  Col.  Phillips  removed  the  post-office  into  the 
finished  structure. 

The  Springtield  post-office  building  is  a  model  of  beauty, 
although  in  its  construction  there  is  no  elaborate  architectural 
display.  It  is  of  LongmeadoAv  broAA'n  stone,  substantial  and  sym- 
metrical in  every  part,  Avith  artistic  trimmings.  When  built  it 
Avas  large  enough  for  the  business  of  the  office,  but  in  the  course 
of  a  fcAv  years  there  Avas  a  demand  for  more  room.  The  croAvded 
condition  Avas  partially  relieved  by  the  extension  built  on  the 
AYorthington  street  side  in  1900-01. 

(      195      )  ' 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

CEMETERIES 

The  city  of  Springfield  has  six  well  laid  out  and  improved 
places  for  the  burial  of  the  dead.  In  the  early  history  of  the 
town  the  settlers  established  a  burial  ground  in  rear  of  the  meet- 
ing house  lot,  which  w'as  entered  by  way  of  Meeting-house  lane, 
or  the  thoroughfare  which  is  now  called  Elm  street.  This  was 
the  "silent  city"  for  the  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  town 
which  bordered  on  the  river.  In  1645,  according  to  the  town 
records,  "William  Pynchon  and  Henry  Smith  bargained  with 
Francis  Ball  and  Thomas  Stebbins  for  two  and  one-half  acres  of 
land  on  the  river,  which  previously  had  been  the  ' '  home  lots ' '  of 
those  worthy  settlers,  but  which  was  secured  by  the  town  for  a 
burying  ground  and  a  training  field.  It  was  maintained  as  a 
town  cemetery  until  1696  and  then  was  conveyed  to  the  trustees 
of  the  First  parish.  This  plot  lay  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river 
and  extended  from  Elm  street  nearly  to  State  street. 

The  second  burying  ground  in  this  locality  comprised  half 
an  acre  of  land  bought  by  the  trustees  of  the  parish  from  Aaron 
Warriner,  the  tract  having  been  a  part  of  that  settler 's  home  lot. 
It  was  situated  north  of  Elm  street,  west  of  the  present  line  of 
Water  street,  and  extended  north  to  the  south  line  of  the  old 
Trask  foundry  lot  of  later  years.  For  more  than  two  centuries 
these  tracts  were  known  as  the  north  and  the  south  burying 
grounds,  and  throughout  that  long  period  they  were  the  estab- 
lished cemeteries  of  this  part  of  the  town ;  and  so  continued  until 
the  construction  of  the  railroad  necessitated  the  removal  of  the 
bones  from  their  quiet  resting-place  on  the  bank  of  the  Connecti- 
cut to  some  locality  more  remote  from  the  busy  haunts  of  man. 
This  work  was  done  under  the  direction  of  Elijah  Blake ;  and  by 
him  the  honored  dust  of  some  of  our  most  worthy  forefathers 
was  transferred  to  a  specially  designated  spot  in  the  Pine  street 
portion  of  the  new  cemetery,  there  to  await  the  final  call.  Among 
the  remains  thus  removed  were  those. of  Mari  (Mary),  wife  of 
Elizur  Holyoke ;  Henry  Burt,  who  died  in  1662 ;  Deacon  Samuel 
Chapin,  the  Puritan,  whose  statue  in  bronze  adorns  the  terrace 
west  of  the  city  library  building ;  Capt.  Elizur  Holyoke,  who  died 
in  1675 ;  Major  John  Pynchon,  son  of  the  founder  of  the  colony 

(      196      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

and  town;  Japhet  Chapin,  son  of  the  Deacon;  Col.  Wm.  Pj'n- 
chon ;  Col.  John  Pynchon,  Josiah  Dwight,  Col.  John  Worthing- 
ton,  and  hundreds  of  others  who  in  some  manner  during  their 
lives  had  been  identified  with  the  early  interesting  history  of  the 
town. 

The  Second  parish  graveyard,  "set  aside  by  the  pioneers  of 
Springfield,  was  at  Chicopee,  on  the  north  side  of  Chicopee  river. 
Many  years  later  the  Springfield  land  company,  who  were  the 
original  purchasers  and  who  developed  the  water  power  at  the 
center  village,  laid  out  the  private  cemetery  of  four  acres  on  Elm 
street,  in  rear  of  the  old  high  school  building,  to  which  several 
additions  were  afterward  made."  About  1865  the  town  of 
Chicopee  purchased  25  acres  between  the  Center  and  the  Falls 
and  laid  out  the  beautifully  shaded  city  cemetery  of  to-day.  The 
first  Catholic  cemetery  was  opened  by  Father  Brady  of  Chicopee, 
on  Springfield  street,  and  within  the  limits  of  the  present  city 
of  Springfield,  but  for  some  reason  it  never  was  used  to  any  great 
extent  for  burial  purposes. 

The  Springfield  Cemetery. — For  more  than  a  year  previous 
to  the  laying  out  of  this  cemetery  there  was  a  strong  feeling  in 
favor  of  such  a  movement,  but  the  question  of  location  was  the 
subject  of  much  consideration.  At  that  time  Dr.  W.  B.  0.  Pea- 
body  was  an  influential  personage  in  local  history  and  he  gave 
the  matter  of  a  new  cemetery  plot  much  careful  thought.  Hav- 
ing a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  topographical  character  of  the 
town,  and  evidently  an  intuitive  understanding  of  its  future 
growth,  he  finally  suggested  the  beautiful  locality  known  as 
"Martha's  dingle"  as  the  most  appropriate  tract  for  a  burial 
place.  He  found  earnest  co-workers  in  George  Bliss,  George 
Eaton,  George  Ashmun,  Justice  Willard,  Homer  Foot  and  other 
prominent  men  of  the  time,  and  with  such  energy  as  these  influ- 
ences could  bring  to  bear  the  work  of  organizing  an  association 
was  hardly  more  than  a  matter  of  form. 

In  1840  all  preliminaries  were  settled  and  the  site  was 
chosen  by  a  committee  selected  for  that  purpose.  On  May  9, 
1841,  on  the  application  of  fourteen  representative  citizens  (Jus- 
tice Willard.  AY.  B.  0.  Peabody.  Henry  Adams.    Samuel    Key- 

(      197      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

nolds.  George  Dwight.  George  Eaton,  Homer  Foot,  Edward  Sav- 
age. Allen  Bangs,  AVni.  S.  Elwell,  Solynian  Merrick,  John  Avery, 
Charles  A.  Mann  and  Eliphalet  Trask)  a  warrant  was  issued  for 
a  meeting  of  townsmen  to  organize  the  "Rural  cemetery  associa- 
tion/' At  the  meeting  George  Ashmun  occupied  the  chair,  and 
John  Howard,  Justice  Willard.  Elijah  Blake,  Charles  AV.  Chapin 
and  Asa  Flagg  presented  a  plan  of  organization,  which  was 
adopted.  Dr.  Peabody  was  chosen  president,  Elijah  Blake, 
treasurer,  and  Chester  Harding,  Philo  Wilcox,  George  Dwight, 
Joseph  Weatherhead,  George  Eaton,  Samuel  Reynolds  and  Wal- 
ter H.  Bowdoin  as  the  trustees  of  the  association. 

The  original  cemetery  purchase  comprised  a  little  less  than 
twenty  acres  of  land,,  but  in  later  years  the  association  was  com- 
pelled occasionally  to  add  other  parcels  until  the  grounds  occu- 
pied much  of  the  space  bounded  by  Walnut,  Pine,  Cedar  and 
Union  streets,  with  principal  entrances  from  ]\Iaple  and  Walnut 
streets.  The  cemetery  was  consecrated  September  5,  1841,  the 
principal  orator  of  the  occasion  being  Dr.  Peabody.  The  first 
burial  was  made  September  6,  1841.  The  burying  grounds  of 
the  Union  street  Methodist  society  were  laid  out  about  1825.  and 
were  included  within  the  cemetery  tract  in  1844. 

The  Springfield  cemetery,  which  frequently  is  known  as  the 
"Peabody"  cemetery,  in  honor  of  its  founder  in  fact,  for  many 
years  has  been  regarded  as  the  favorite  depositary  of  the  dead  in 
the  city.  Nature's  endowment  here  has  been  beautiful  and 
abundant,  and  while  the  grounds  are  not  well  adapted  either  to 
residence  of  business  occupancy  they  are  admirably  situated  for 
burial  purposes.  The  vrorks  of  nature  have  been  materially  im- 
proved upon  by  the  arts  of  man.  In  the  presidency  of  the 
association  Dr.  Peabody  was  succeeded  by  George  Bliss,  and  the 
latter  in  turn  by  Albert  D.  Briggs.  The  later  presidents  have 
been  George  Dwight,  Charles  0.  Chapin,  Calvin  C.  Chaffee  and 
Edward  P.  Chapin.  The  present  officers  of  the  association  are 
Edward  P.  Chapin,  president :  C.  A.  Nichols,  vice-president ;  W. 
C.  Marsh,  clerk  and  treasurer;  Dr.  D.  F.  Atwater  and  Henry  H. 
Bowman,  auditors.       Superintendent.  Fred  Emery. 

St.  Benedict's  Cemetery,  more  frequently  referred  to  as  the 
"Old  Catholic  cemetery,"  at  the  junction  of  Liberty  and  Arm- 

(      109      ) 


OLE   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

ory  streets,  the  burial  plots  in  which  were  filled,  many  years  ago, 
was  laid  out  in  18-18  and  was  intended  for  the  interment  of  the 
Catholic  dead  of  Chicopee  and  Springfield. 

St.  3Iichael's  Cemetery  w^as  purchased  and  laid  out  in  1871, 
under  the  direction  of  Bishop  O'Reilly,  of  the  diocese  of  Spring- 
field. The  tract  comprises  fifty  acres  of  rolling  land,  pleasantly 
situated  south  of  the  Boston  road,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city. 
Subsequently  thirty-three  acres  more  were  added  to  the  tract, 
thus  constituting  one  of  the  most  extensive  burial  places  in  the 
county. 


Entrance  to  Uak  Urove  Cemetery,   Sjuinglield 

Oak  Grove  Cemetery.  —  This  beautiful  location  as  a  place  of 
burial  owes  its  existence  to  the  efforts  chiefly  of  James  Kirkham, 
who  succeeded  in  securing  subscriptions  to  the  capital  stock 
($25,000)  with  which  to  make  the  purchase  of  land  and,  in  part, 
to  lay  out  the  cemetery  lots,  avenues  and  parks.  Among  the 
others  who  were  financially  interested  in  the  undertaking  there 
may  be  recalled  the  names  of  Daniel  B.  Wesson,  John  Olmsted, 
Orick  H.  Greenleaf,  Ephraim  W.  Bond,  Justin  Sackett,  James 
M.  Thompson.  H.  S.  Lee,  Horace    Smith,    G.    A.    Kibbe,    N.  C. 

(      200      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Newell,  G.  W.  Tapley,  Wm.  H.  Haile,  Elisha  Gimn,  0.  D.  Adams, 
Gideon  Wells  and  John  Goodrich. 

The  association  was  organized  in  1881,  at  a  time  when  the 
city  was  in  need  of  another  cemetery,  and  the  laying  out  of  the 
new  plot  was  looked  upon  in  the  light  of  a  public  enterprise.  The 
lands  selected  comprised  parts  of  the  old  Stebbins,  Sackett. 
Adams  and  Thompson  farms,  and  contained  ninety  acres  of 
land.  The  purchase  price  was  $12,249,  but  far  more  than  that 
amount  in  addition  was  expended  in  developing  the  plot  under 
the  direction  of  Justin  Sackett. 

Oak  Grove  Cemetery  is  situated  on  the  old  "Bay  road." 
about  two  miles  east  of  court  square.  "Its  spacious  ave- 
nues and  walks,  in  straight  lines  and  circles,  are  of  solid 
gravel,  while  its  aquatic  and  forestry  adornments,  in  which  sim- 
plicity and  wildness  have  not  been  sacrificed  to  artistic  ornament- 
ation, are  thoroughly  gratifying  to  the  sense  and  taste."  The 
cemetery  was  consecrated  with  impressive  ceremonies,  in  charge 
of  Rev.  Samuel  G.  Buckingham,  in  October,  1885.  The  beauti- 
ful arch  at  the  Bay  street  entrance  was  built  in  1883.  The  pres- 
ent officers  of  the  association  are  Daniel  B.  Wesson,  president: 
D.  A.  Folsom,  treasurer;  and  Jonathan  Barnes,  clerk.  Super- 
intendent, James  C.  Sackett. 

Mapleicoocl  Cemetery,  at  Indian  Orchard,  dates  back  in  its 
history  to  the  year  1816,  when  a  small  tract  comprising  less  than 
an  acre  of  land  was  set  apart  as  a  burying  ground  for  the  people 
of  that  locality.  An  acre  of  land  was  added  to  the  plot  in  1882, 
and  in  the  same  year  the  Maplewood  cemetery  association  was 
organized. 

Previous  to  aliout  three-score  years  ago  nearly  every  re- 
ligious society  having  a  house  of  worship  also  had  a  churchyard 
for  the  burial  of  the  dead ;  but  after  the  rise  of  the  recognized 
cemeteries,  old  customs  were  changed  and  the  remains  of  the 
dead  no  longer  were  laid  at  rest  in  the  church  lot.  A  few  burial 
places  of  this  class  are  still  in  existence  and  among  them  men- 
tion may  be  made  of  that  in  what  once  was  called  Cherry  lane, 
near  where  stood  a  Baptist  church  edifice ;  another  is  seen  near 
the  once-known  "Faith  chapel,"  on  Sumner  avenue:  another  on 

(      201      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Allen  street,  three  miles  out  on  the  road  to  Hampden ;  and  still 
another  on  Parker  street,  between  Sixteen  Acres  and  the  Lud- 
low mills. 

HOSPITALS 

Several  years  before  Springfield  became  a  city  the  subject 
of  founding  a  hospital  had  been  discussed  in  the  town,  and  from 
old  records  it  is  learned  that  such  a  proposition  received  the  at- 
tention of  the  inhabitants  in  one  or  more  of  the  town  meetings. 
Still,  nothing  was  accomplished  in  this  direction  until  about  the 
period  of  the  civil  war,  when  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  were 
brought  here  for  rest  and  treatment.  This  led  to  an  act  of  the 
legislature  incorporating  a  hospital  association,  Albert  D. 
Briggs,  Orick  H.  Greenleaf  and  Samuel  G.  Buckingham  being 
the  leading  spirits  of  the  enterprise.  Ths  association,  however, 
was  never  fully  organized  and  the  charter  became  inetfective. 

The  Springfield  Hospital.— In  1868  Dr.  George  S.  Stebbins, 
then  city  physician,  in  his  annual  official  report  recommended 
the  establishment  of  a  city  hospital.  In  the  following  year  the 
city  purchased  a  tract  of  land  on  the  Boston  road  and  remodeled 
the  large  farm  house  thereon  for  hospital  occupancy.  The 
grounds  comprised  about  two  acres  of  land,  which,  with  the 
buildings,  cost  the  city  $10,630,  with  $2,455  additional  for  fur- 
nishings. The  institution  was  opened  to  the  public  in  April, 
1870,  and  was,  until  the  appointment  of  a  board  of  managers  in 
October  of  that  year,  in  charge  of  the  city  physician  and  a  com- 
mittee of  the  city  council. 

"Wliile  the  hospital  itself,  even  in  the  early  period  of  its  his- 
tory, was  one  of  the  worthy  institutions  of  the  city,  it  was  appa- 
rent that  the  best  interests  of  the  city  demanded  that  the  eon- 
duct  of  its  afl:'airs  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  board  of  managers. 
The  mayor  so  recommended  in  his  message  in  1870,  and  in  ac- 
cordance therewith  a  board  was  constituted,  comprising,  origi- 
nally, Eliphalet  Trask.  James  A.  Kiunrill,  Henry  S.  Lee,  George 
E.  Howard,  John  A.  Hall,  H.  N.  Case,  Henry  S.  Hyde,  Abijah 
AA'.  Chapin  and  John  B.  Stebbins.  Mr.  Trask  was  the  first  presi- 
dent and  Air.  Hall  the  first  secretary  of  the  board. 

(      20'-3      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

In  1873  an  act  of  the  legislatnre  authorized  the  city  to  raise 
by  tax  such  sum  of  money  as  the  city  council  might  deem  neces- 
sary for  the  support  of  the  hospital.  From  this  time  until  1879 
the  institution  was  conducted  by  the  board  of  managers  without 
material  change  in  method,  but  the  demand  for  more  room  and 
better  accommodations  was  constantly  increasing.  In  the  year 
mentioned  an  amended  ordinance  vested  the  immediate  control 
of  the  hospital  in  a  board  of  trustees,  three  of  whom,  it  was  pro- 
vided, should  be  women.  This  ordinance  was  a  departure  com- 
pared with  previous  methods,  but  it  proved  of  great  benefit  to  all 
interests,  having  brought  several  women  into  the  councils  of  the 
board  and  thereby  created  an  added  interest  in  the  institution 
thi'oughout  the  city. 

The  Springfield  hospital  was  incorporated  December  24, 
1883,  the  original  corporate  members  being  Henry  M.  Phillips, 
Henry  S.  Hyde,  Dorcas  Chapin,  Charles  Marsh,  Lizzie  D. 
Nichols,  Henry  A.  Gould,  James  A.  Rumrill,  Julia  A.  Callender, 
Lucinda  0.  Howard,  Iranna  L.  Pomeroy,  John  Cotton  Brooks, 
AYilliam  Merrick,  Charles  H.  Southworth,  David  Allen  Reed  and 
Timothy  ]\I.  Brown.  The  object  of  the  corporation,  according 
to  its  by-law^s,  was  to  establish  and  maintain  a  hospital  in  the 
city  of  Springfield  for  the  purpose  of  furnishing  medical  and 
surgical  treatment  for  persons  requiring  the  same  temporarily. 
Originally  the  corporation  comprised  fifty  persons,  but  in  1897 
the  number  Avas  increased  to  one  hundred  persons. 

The  first  officers  were  Henry  S.  Hyde,  president:  Timothy 
Isl.  Brown,  clerk;  Charles  Marsh,  treasurer;  James  A.  Rumrill, 
Henry  A.  Gould,  Lucinda  0.  Howard,  Henry  S.  Hyde,  Lizzie  D. 
Nichols,  Julia  A.  Callender,  Charles  H.  Southworth  and  David 
Allen  Reed,  trustees,  with  the  mayor  and  president  of  the  com- 
mon council  ex  officio  members  of  the  board. 

Many  of  the  original  officiary  were  long  associated  with  the 
work  of  the  institution  and  unselfishly  gave  their  time  to  the 
conduct  of  its  affairs ;  and,  did  the  necessities  of  the  occasion  re- 
quire, they  contributed  liberally  of  their  means  to  its  mainte- 
nance. Mr.  Hyde,  the  first  president,  is  still  in  office  and  his  in- 
fluence in  the  affairs  of  the  institution  always  has  been  for  the 
general  good. 

(      203      ) 


01 R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

One  of  the  objects  of  the  corporate  body  was  to  provide,  as 
soon  as  possible,  a  specially  constructed  and  equipped  hospital 
building,  but  the  most  pnident  means  to  accomplish  that  end  was 
not  then  apparent,  the  chief  obstacle  being  the  lack  of  necessary 
funds.  However,  before  the  hospital  itself  was  founded  one 
of  the  city's  foremost  men,  Chester  W.  Chapin,  who  in  some 
prominent  manner  had  been  identified  with  many  worthy  public 
enterprises,  had  contemplated  the  establishment  of  a  city  hos- 
pital, but  he  died  before  the  plans  were  fully  matured;  and  it 
remained  for  his  widow,  Dorcas  Chapin,  a  most  estimable  woman, 
to  carry  out  the  intentions  of  her  husband.  On  her  death,  No- 
vember 14,  1886.  she  bequeathed  to  the  corporation  the  sum  of 
$25,000  for  the  benefit  of  the  hospital,  on  condition  that  a  like 
sum  be  raised  by  subscription  and  that  the  city  convey  to  the 
corporation  its  hospital  and  equipment.  Both  conditions  were 
complied  with  and  the  corporation  found  its  affairs  to  be  on  an 
excellent  financial  basis,  deriving  a  fair  income  from  invested 
funds  and  receiving  an  annual  appropriation  from  the  city  gov- 
ernment. 

Early  in  1887  (Jan.  17)  William  ]\Ierrick,  whose  untimely 
taking  off  caused  a  shock  in  city  business  circles,  also  died,  and  in 
his  Avill  the  hospital  corporation  was  made  residuary  legatee.  All 
the  funds  from  this  source  did  not  become  immediately  available, 
but  were  turned  over  as  soon  as  the  procedure  of  the  court 
would  permit;  and  when  acquired  the  legacy  enriched  the  cor- 
poration by  more  than  $98,000.  The  subscription  fund  called 
for  under  the  Chapin  will  was  raised  in  April,  1887.  and 
amounted  to  $28,444.96.  In  October  of  the  same  year  the  city 
deeded  to  the  corporation  the  hospital  property  on  the  Boston 
road. 

In  November,  1887,  the  Fuller  farm  of  about  35  acres  of 
land  on  North  Chestnut  street  was  purchased  by  the  trustees, 
and  in  accordance  with  plans  adopted  May  15,  1888,  the  pres- 
ent hospital  building  was  erected  thereon.  On  Saturday,  May 
14,  1889,  the  building  was  dedicated  with  appropriate  exercises, 
and  on  the  following  Monday  the  hospital  was  opened  for  the 
reception  of  patients. 

(      204      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Thns  permanently  established  under  excellent  management, 
the  Springfield  hospital  at  once  became  one  of  the  most  worthy- 
institutions  of  the  city,  and  one  which  to-day  ranks  with  the  best 
hospitals  in  the  state.  Fortunately  for  the  institution,  its  trus- 
tees and  officers  have  been  chosen  from  among  the  best  business 
men  and  the  most  benevolently  inclined  women  of  the  city,  and 
in  every  respect  its  aft'airs  and  mangement  have  been  in  trust- 
worthy hands. 

So  commendable  indeed  has  been  the  main  object  of  the  in- 
stitution and  so  earnest  have  been  the  endeavors  of  its  officers 
that  the  corporation  has  been  the  recipient  of  several  splendid 
bequests  and  endoAvments  besides  those  previously  mentioned. 
In  1891  the  Margaret  H.  Lombard  bequest  of  $10,000  was  re- 
ceived and  was  made  to  constitute  the  "Lombard  fund  for  the 
establishment  of  free  beds."  In  1892  the  John  Lombard  fund 
was  received  under  the  will  of  Catherine  H.  Lombard.  In  1894 
the  corporation  received  the  Horace  Smith  bequest  of  $30,000 
for  the  establishment  of  free  beds.  In  1895  Mrs.  James  A. 
Kumrill  established  a  free  bed  with  the  income  of  $520  per  an- 
num. In  1898  there  was  received  from  the  Caroline  C.  Briggs  es- 
tate the  sum  of  $1,609 ;  from  the  Charles  Bill  estate,  $6,000 ;  and 
from  the  Mary  J.  Baldwin  estate,  $6,000.  In  1899  there  was  re- 
ceived from  Elizabeth  AY.  and  Nathan  Adams,  $6,300,  and  from 
the  estate  of  Angelina  Stebbins  the  sum  of  $1,000.  In  1900  the 
additional  sum  of  $233.21  was  received  from  Elizabeth  W.  and 
Nathan  Adams. 

Thus,  in  the  aggregate,  the  hospital  corporation  has  received 
from  all  sources  since  1886  the  splendid  sum  of  $248,264.86,  of 
which  amount  $33,952.59  Avere  raised  by  popular  subscription. 
The  present  hospital  property  represents  a  value  of  $112,711.91 ; 
the  Merrick  building  a  value  of  $18,130.48 :  the  laboratory,  $435, 
and  the  furnishings  in  all  departments,  $4,887.30. 

The  officers  of  the  corporation  for  the  year  1901  are  as  fol- 
lows :  Henry  S.  Hyde,  president ;  C.  H.  Beckwith,  clerk ;  W. 
F.  Callender,  treasurer :  Henry  S.  Hyde,  Henry  A.  Gould,  James 
A.  Kumrill,  Henry  IVI.  Phillips,  Robert  AV.  Day,  W.  F.  Callen- 
der, Chester  W.  Bliss,  Airs.  C.  A.   Nichols,    Mrs.    Charles   A^an 

(      205      ) 


01 R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Vlack,  Mrs.  Samuel  Bowles,  jNIrs.  Gideon  Wells,  Andrew  B.  Wal- 
lace, Lewis  F.  Carr,  Mrs.  James  T.  Abbe,  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Stick- 
ney,  with  the  mayor  and  president  of  the  common  council,  both 
ex  officio,  trustees.  The  personnel  of  the  committee  on  aids  and 
charities  is  as  follows :  Mrs.  H.  A.  Gould,  Mrs.  James  D.  Saf- 
ford,  Mrs.  Frederick  Harris,  Mrs.  R.  W.  Day,  Mrs.  E.  B.  Hed- 
den,  Mrs.  R.  F.  Hawkins,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Wesson,  Mrs.  F.  B.  Doten, 
Mrs.  Chester  W.  Bliss,  Mrs.  Henry  P.  Trask,  Mrs.  Austin  E. 
Smith,  Mrs.  E.  S.  Brewer,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Bill  and  Mrs.  A.  B.  Wal- 
lace. 

Tlic  House  of  Mercy  Hospital  was  founded  in  1896,  when 
Bishop  Beaven  purchased  the  Allis  property  on  Carew  street  and 
remodeled  the  building  for  a  new  occupancy.  The  hospital  was 
formally  opened  July  19,  1898,  in  the  old  Allis  house,  and  in  the 
same  year  the  work  of  erecting  a  new  building  was  begun  under 
the  personal  supervision  of  the  bishop  and  his  faithful  co- 
workers, the  corner-stone  ceremonies  being  held  in  October.  In 
due  season  the  structure  w^as  finished  and  dedicated,  and  at  once 
was  given  in  charge  of  the  good  sisters  of  Providence,  through 
whose  splendid  work  the  three  great  hospitals  in  Holyoke,  Wor- 
cester and  Springfield  have  been  founded  and  maintained. 

The  Mercy  hospital,  as  commonly  known,  is  one  of  Spring- 
field's noblest  charities,  and  one  which  the  people  have  learned 
to  appreciate  according  to  its  worth.  When  the  institution  was 
founded  its  business  affairs  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
Mercy  hospital  corporation,  the  present  officers  of  which  ai^  as 
follows :  President,  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  D.  Beaven :  secretary, 
Rev.  Thomas  Smyth ;  treasurer.  Mother  ]\Iary  of  Providence : 
executive  committee,  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  D.  Beaven,  Rev.  Thomas 
Smyth,  Mrs.  Ann  Mara,  John  McFethries,  Mother  I\Iary  of 
Providence,  and  Mrs.  James  B.  Carroll. 

Hampden  Homoeopathic  Hospital. — On  January  29.  1900, 
at  the  solicitation  of  Dr.  John  H.  Carmichael,  Daniel  B.  and  Cyn- 
thia M.  Wesson  donated  their  elegant  residence,  No.  132  High 
street,  for  a  homoeopathic  hospital.  The  munificent  gift  was 
accepted  by  the  representatives  of  homoeopathy  in  the  county, 
and  before  ]\Iay  1  following  the  sum  of  $10,000  had  been  raised 

(      206      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFRIXGFIELD 

to  remodel  the  interior  of  the  building  into  a  modern  hospital, 
fully  equipped  for  the  very  best  kind  of  professional  work  and 
supplied  with  all  kinds  of  medical  and  surgical  apparatus. 

On  ]May  1  the  institution  was  regularly  incorporated  under 
the  name  above  mentioned,  the  corporators  being  Daniel  B.  Wes- 
son, George  B.  Holbrook,  A.  N.  Mayo,  A.  W.  Damon,  C.  C.  Lewis, 
E.  P.  Chapin,  Oscar  H.  Greenleaf,  H,  E.  Marsh,  Lewis  J.  Powers, 
Henry  Beebe,  W.  E.  Wright,  H.  C.  Rowley,  William  W.  Mc- 
Clench,  Dr.  John  H.  Carmichael,  Henry  H.  Bowman  and  AVar- 
iier  F.  Sturtevant. 

The  hospital  building  contains  thirty  beds  and  is  admirably 
arranged  for  its  new  occupancy.  The  surrounding  grounds  are 
ample  and  contain  a  grove  and  several  fine  springs.  In  connec- 
tion with  the  management  of  the  institution  there  is  an  excellent 
nurse's  training  school.  In  every  respect  the  hospital  fills  a 
long  felt  want  in  the  city,  especially  in  homoeopathic  circles,  and 
during  the  brief  period  of  its  existence  it  has  gained  rapidly  in 
popularity  and  usefulness. 

The  object  of  the  institution  is  to  care  for  the  sick,  and  all 
physicians  and  surgeons,  of  whatever  school,  have  such  free  ac- 
cess to  its  benefits  as  is  consistent  with  its  somewhat  limited  size 
and  accommodations.  Any  physician  in  good  standing  is  allowed 
the  privileges  of  the  hospital,  and  subject  to  the  rules  of  the  cor- 
poration may  treat  private  patients  therein.  Patients  of  this 
class  are  expected  to  pay  a  moderate  fee  for  the  use  of  the  sur- 
gery, and  admissions  are  made  on  application  to  the  matron,  or 
through  their  own  physician. 

The  present  officers  of  the  corporation  are  as  follows :  Presi- 
dent, Lewis  J.  Powers ;  first  vice-president,  Edward  P.  Chapin : 
second  vice-president,  H.  C.  Rowley;  secretary,  William  W.  Mc- 
Clench;  treasurer,  Henry  H.  Bowman:  trustees,  Mrs.  0.  B.  Ire- 
land, Dr.  Clarice  J.  Parsons,  Annie  L.  Bailey,  Harriet  S.  Rowley, 
Fred  C.  Wright,  Mrs.  John  H.  Carmichael,  Mrs.  F.  H.  Page, 
Daniel  B.  Wesson,  W.  C.  Newell.  George  M.  Holbrook  and  Phil- 
lip C.  Powers.  Executive  committee.  Dr.  John  H.  Carmichael, 
chairman,  Dr.  0.  AY.  Roberts  and  Dr.  F.  M.  Bennitt.  Medical 
and  surgical  staff,  Drs.  O.  AA".  Roberts,  Plum  Brown,  F*.  AI.  Ben- 

(      207       ) 


OLE    cor  MY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

nitt  and  Clara  M.  Sweet.  Consulting  physicians,  Drs.  George 
G.  Shelton  (New  York),  George  H.  Smith  (Holyoke),  J.  P. 
Sutherland  (Boston)  and  A.  M.  Gushing  (Springfield).  Assist- 
ant physicians,  Drs.  Clarice  J.  Parsons,  James  M.  Gates  and 
Alice  E.  Rowe.  Surgeon-in-chief,  Dr.  John  H.  Carmichael. 
Assistant  surgeons,  Drs.  Robert  F.  Hovey,  James  B.  Comins, 
Harry  W.  Green  and  Seth  A.  Lewis.  Consulting  surgeons,  Drs. 
Sidney  F.  AVilcox  (New  York),  Nathaniel  Emerson  (Boston). 
Oculist    and    aurist.    Dr.    George    Rhoads.        Rhynologist    and 


Pynchon  Street  School,  Springfield 


laryngologist.  Dr.  Charles  Chapman.  Bacteriologist  and  path- 
ologist, Dr.  Harry  W.  Green.  Electro  therapeutist.  Dr.  Clarice 
J.  Parsons.  Anaesthetists,  Drs.  James  M.  Gates  and  Alice  E. 
Rowe.       Dental  surgeon,  Dr.  C.  S.  Hurlbut. 

The  King's  Daughters  and  Sons  Hospital,  located  at  No.  12 
Brace  street,  in  the  extreme  south  part  of  the  city  and  in  the  de- 
lightful vicinity  of  Forest  park,  is  one  of  the  newest  charitable 
institutions  of  Springfield.  The  hospital  was  incorporated 
April  26,  .1900,  and  is  maintained  largely  through  the  benevolent 

(      208      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

work  of  Avomen.  The  house  accommodations  are  small,  yet  the 
care  of  patients  is  as  carefully  provided  for  as  in  any  of  the 
larger  similar  institutions  of  the  city.  The  corporation  has  not 
finished  the  first  year  of  its  history,  but  its  present  condition 
indicates  a  future  of  usefulness  and  progress.  The  present  offi- 
cers are  Mrs.  Mary  P.  Flagg,  president;  Mrs.  Hattie  A.  Powers, 
clerk ;  Mrs.  F.  C.  AVoodstock,  treasurer. 

Springfield  Home  for  Friendless  Women  and  Children. — 
This,  the  oldest  eleemosynary  institution  of  the  city,  dates  its 
history  from  1865,  when  an  act  of  incorporation  Avas  passed  by 
the  legislature,  naming  Rachel  C.  Merriam,  Charlotte  Barnes, 
Caroline  L.  Rice,  and  their  associates,  as  corporators,  and  au- 
thorizing them  to  establish  and  maintain  a  temporary  home  for 
destitute  and  friendless  women  and  children.  Originally  the 
corporation  Avas  authorized  to  hold  real  and  personal  property 
to  the  amount  of  $20,000,  but  by  subsequent  supplementary  acts 
the  amount  Avas  increased,  and  uoaa-  the  corporation  may  hold 
property  to  the  value  of  $200,000. 

In  1865  the  managers  purchased,  at  a  cost  of  $4,500,  a  house 
and  lot  in  William  street,  AAhere  the  home  began  its  history,  but 
after  five  years  a  separate  house  for  children  (the  property  be- 
ing located  on  Buckingham  street)  Avas  purchased.  The  build- 
ing AA'as  improved  and  made  ready  for  immediate  occupancy,  and 
the  people  gave  generously  in  response  to  appeals  for  financial 
aid  in  behalf  of  the  institutions.  Since  that  time  tAvo  homes  have 
been  supported,  and  ever  have  been  in  prudent  hands.  For 
several  years  the  legislature  made  annual  appropriations  of 
$2,000  for  the  benefit  of  the  homes,  but  in  1872  these  contribu- 
tions AA'cre  discontinued.  Noav  the  homes  are  supported  chiefly 
by  the  city  churches  and  the  interest  from  invested  funds.  The 
permanent  fund  at  this  time  amounts  to  almost  $140,000.  About 
$15,000  are  required  for  annual  maintenance. 

The  officers  and  managers  of  the  corporation  for  1901  are  as 
folloAvs:  Mrs.  "William  C.  Warren,  president:  Mary  L.  Jacobs 
and  ]Mrs.  AYilliam  G.  Breck,  vice-presidents ;  Mrs.  J.  H.  Car- 
michael,  clerk ;  Mrs.  George  H.  Carter,  treasurer ;  Mrs.  George 
AY.  Tapley,  corresponding  secretary ;  Henry  S.  Lee  and  George 

14-2  (      209      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

W.  Tapley,  auditors.  The  board  of  managers  comprises  ]\Irs. 
Wm.  G.  Brecli,  ]Mrs.  George  Church,  jNlrs.  David  P.  Smith,  jNIrs. 
George  AV.  Tapley,  Mary  L.  Jacobs,  Mrs.  Charles  Hall,  Mrs. 
Henry  S.  Hyde.  Mrs.  Harlan  P.  Stone,  Mrs.  Charles  A.  Nichols. 
Mrs.  0.  S.  Greenleaf,  Elizabeth  M.  Ames,  ]Mrs.  Homer  G.  Gil- 
more,  Mrs.  VCm.  C.  Warren,  INIrs.  Charles  P.  Nichols.  INIrs.  Azel 
A.  Packard.  Mrs.  George  H.  Carter,  Amy  B.  Alexander,  Mrs. 
John  H.  Carmichael,  Mrs.  Ferguson  R.  Mellows,  jNIary  M.  At- 
water,  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Stickney,  Mrs.  Silas  Kenyon,  ]Mrs.  James 
D.  Safford,  Mrs.  Charles  Shaw,  Mrs.  Bradley  D.  Rising.  Mrs. 
Edmund  E.  Charles,  Mrs.  E.  L.  Janes,  Mrs.  Orthello  K.  :\Ierrill. 
Mrs.  Joseph  T.  Herrick,  Mrs.  Elijah  Belding.  Advisory  com- 
mittee, Gurdon  Bill.  Henry  S.  Lee,  George  W.  Tapley.  Rev.  John 
C.  Brooks,  Harlan  P.  Stone,  R.  AV.  Ellis,  H.  H.  Skinner.  Board 
of  physicians,  Drs.  Marshall  Calkins,  Frederick  W.  Chapin, 
George  L.  Woods,  Cheney  H.  Calkins.  Wm.  H.  Pomeroy,  Sarah 
M.  Wilbur,  Mary  Blake. 

Springfield  Home  for  Aged  Womeu.  —  ln  the  early  part  of 
the  year  1884  a  movement  was  begun  in  Springfield  in  behalf  of 
a  home  for  aged  women.  One  of  the  most  earnest  advocates  of 
the  cause  was  the  late  Dr.  Thomas  L.  Chapman,  through  whom 
the  late  INIarvin  Chapin  (who  for  many  years  had  been  a  promi- 
nent factor  in  city  history)  became  likewise  interested  in  the 
project.  The  early  informal  meetings  of  friends  of  the  work 
Avere  held  in  ]\Ir.  Chapin 's  residence,  and  there  the  preliminaries 
were  discussed  and  the  plans  were  matured.  Among  the  other 
persons  prominently  identified  with  the  early  history  of  the  in- 
stitution were  ]Mrs.  Chester  AV.  Chapin  and  Miss  Frances  Lom- 
bard. 

The  home  was  regularly  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the 
state,  and  the  articles  of  association  were  signed  September  3  of 
that  year.  The  original  incorporators  were  ^Marvin  Chapin. 
Thomas  L.  Chapman,  Oriek  H.  Greenleaf,  Homer  Alerriam, 
David  Allen  Reed,  Mrs.  I.  Newton  Bullens.  Henry  S.  Lee,  J. 
Augustus  Robinson,  Wm.  P.  Draper,  Wm.  H.  Chapin,  Gratia  R. 
Reed,  Edward  C.  Rogers,  Eliza  B.  Rogers,  Harriet  S.  C.  Birnie, 
Wm.  L.  Smith,  Caroline  L.  Smith,  Theo.    F.    Breck.    Helen    C. 

(      210      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Breck,  Thomas  W.  Bishop,  i\Iary  D.  Chapman,  Angelina  Steb- 
bins,  ]\Irs.  James  D.  Brewer,  Frances  Lombard,  JNIargaret  H. 
Lombard,  M.  Lucretia  Smith,  Mary  A.  Bill,  Harriet  E.  Button. 
Elizabeth  D.  Nichols,  Annie  L.  Brooks,  Sadie  E.  Haywood,  j\Iary 
Ames,  Jeannie  G.  Ireland,  Rebecca  A.  Gordon,  Harriet  B.  Hitch- 
cock, Horace  Smith,  Gurdon  Bill,  Mrs.-  J.  M.  Thompson,  Eliza- 
beth ]M.  Ames,  Mrs.  Chester  W.  Chapin,  Prank  R.  Young,  Isa- 
bel S.  Young,  William  Birnie.. 

The  first  officers  of  the  corporation  were,  president,  INIarvin 
Chapin ;  vice-president,  Thomas  Luce  Chapman ;  treasurer, 
Henry  S.  Lee:  clerk,  Frank  R.  Young;  finance  committee,  Mar- 
vin Chapin  (chairman),  Horace  Smith,  Wm.  L.  Smith. 

The  corporation  purchased  a  house  and  lot  at  the  corner  of 
INIain  and  William  streets,  which  was  made  the  first  home  of  the 
association.  The  building  was  remodeled  and  furnished  largely 
through  the  liberality  of  Marvin  Chapin.  The  home  was  opened 
for  inmates  November  22,  1886,  wdiich  date  marks  the  beginning 
of  its  history  in  the  boundless  field  of  charitable  work ;  and  from 
that  time  it  has  been  recognized  as  one  of  the  worthy  institutions 
of  the  city,  and  one  in  which  the  benevolent  people  have  taken  a 
most  kindly  interest.  In  the  course  of  time,  however,  the  in- 
creasing popularity  of  the  home  resulted  in  a  severe  tax  upon  its 
capacity  and  the  managers  began  looking  for  a  new  loca- 
tion and  hoping  for  a  much  larger  building.  Having  received 
several  considerable  donations  of  money  and  having  been  given 
assurances  of  necessary  help  in  building  a  larger  home,  the  cor- 
poration purchased  from  John  Olmsted  his  splendid  residence 
property  on  Chestnut  street,  the  consideration  paid  therefor  be- 
ing merely  nominal  when  compared  with  the  real  value  of  the 
lands. 

The  house  on  the  land,  being  unsuitable  for  the  purposes  of 
the  home,  was  removed,  and  in  its  place  was  erected  the  present 
elegant  structure,  Avith  a  capacity  for  thirty  inmates.  It  was 
completed  and  occupied  May  31,  1900,  and  was  formally  dedi- 
cated in  the  following  fall. 

According  to  the  published  statement  of  the  board  of  man- 
agers, this  home  is  not  designed  to  be  a  boarding  house,  nor  to 

(      211      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

be  altogether  free  to  its  inmates,  but  it  is  intended  for  the  accom- 
modation of  these  three  classes  of  women  over  65  years  of  age : 
' '  Those  who  have  some  relative  Avho  cannot  conveniently  receive 
them  into  his  or  her  family,  and  who  desires  and  prefers  to  pay 
for  their  support  in  an  institution  of  this  kind ;  those  whose  sup- 
port will  be  assumed  wholly,  or  in  part,  by  the  church  to  which 
they  belong;  and  those  who  have  some  means  of  their  own,  but 
not  enough  to  maintain  themselves  Avithout  help,  during  their 
declining  years." 

The  Industrial  House  CliariUes  of  Springfield  was  origi- 
nally organized  in  1883  and  was  incorporated  in  1895.  The  cor- 
porators were  Mina  C.  Hall,  Jane  E.  Law,  Harriet  N,  Hosley, 
Elizabeth  0.  Bailey,  Mary  E.  Heywood,  Martha  M.  Mills,  Emms, 
C.  Bugbee,  Emma  M.  Downing,  Ednah  D.  Tobey  and  Sarah  B. 
Stone.  The  object  of  this  organization  is  to  aid  the  poor  of  the 
city  and  help  the  destitute  to  provide  for  themselves.  For  its 
trulj^  benevolent  purposes  the  corporation  has  provided  a  com- 
fortable home  building  on  Bliss  street.  It  ^s  supported  by  the 
charitable  contributions  of  citizens,  the  earnings  of  its  inmates 
and  the  interest  derived  from  invested  funds.  It  is  a  Avorthy 
charity,  deserving  the  earnest  consideration  of  the  public. 

The  board  of  officers  and  managers  for  1901  is  as  follows: 
President,  Mrs.  Charles  Hosley ;  vice-president,  ]\Irs.  Frederic 
S.  Bailey ;  clerk,  pro  tern.,  Mrs.  David  Allen  Reed ;  treasurer, 
Martha  M.  Mills;  corresponding  secretary,  Mrs.  Ernest  D.  Bug- 
bee  ;  advisory  board,  G.  F.  Adams,  Arthur  B.  AVest,  Charles  H. 
Barrows,  James  B.  Kirkham,  Andrew  B.  Wallace ;  auditor,  G.  F. 
Adams;  managers,  Mrs.  Charles  D.  Hosley,  Mrs.  Silas  N.  Hey- 
wood, Mrs.  Frederic  S.  Bailey,  Mrs.  Charles  A.  Stone,  Emma  L. 
Holbrook,  Addie  Clark,  Mrs.  David  A.  Reed,  Mrs.  Fordis  C. 
Parker,  Martha  M.  Mills,  Mrs.  Frank  G.  Tobey,  Mrs.  AVm.  P. 
Draper,  Carrie  Emory,  Mrs.  Ernest  D.  Bugbee,  Mrs.  Wm.  T. 
Parker,  Mrs.  W.  0.  Collins. 

The  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  — 1l\\\^  association 
of  christian  w'orkers  in  Springfield,  now  comprising  one  corpora- 
tion with  four  branches,  traces  its  history  back  to  the  year  1852, 
when  the  first  formal  organization  was  efifected,  although  early 

(      212      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

in  its  work  certain  questions  regarding  membership  gave  rise  to 
much  discussion  and  soon  accomplished  the  downfall  of  the  insti- 
tution. No  secretary's  record  of  transactions  has  been  pre- 
served, and  little  is  known  of  early  association  history,  but  it  may 
be  said  that  the  Springfield  organization  was  third  in  point  of 
seniority  among  the  associations  of  America.  In  1854:  and  1855 
H.  A.  Chapin  -was  president,  and  at  that  time  rooms  in  Blake's 
building,  opposite  court  square,  were  occupied.  In  185-4  the 
association  was  represented  by  H.  A.  Robinson  at  the  first  inter- 
national convention  assembled  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  but  the  next 
year  it  passed  out  of  existence. 

In  the  course  of  the  next  ten  years  evidently  there  was  a 
revival  of  interest  in  the  city,  as  the  local  body  is  reported  as 
having  a  representation  at  the  Philadelphia  convention  in  1865. 
In  1866  it  had  130  members,  and  in  1867  delegates  were  sent  to 
the  convention  at  ]\Iontreal  and  also  to  the  state  convention.  In 
1868  the  members  numbered  202,  and  W.  H.  H.  Wooster  was 
president.  In  1869  the  members  had  increased  to  253,  and  in 
that  year,  also  in  1870,  H.  AY.  Hallett  was  president.  0.  D. 
Morse  was  president  in  1871-72 ;  G.  C.  Andrews  in  1873 ;  ^Milton 
Bradley  in  1874-75,  and  AVm.  P.  Draper  in  1876,  the  membership 
then  being  390.  However,  about  this  time  the  association  ap- 
pears to  have  declined,  and  in  the  following  year  it  is  mentioned 
merely  as  having  an  existence. 

In  1878  the  Springfield  Railroad  Y.  M.  C.  A.  first  appears 
by  name  in  the  general  reports,  and  from  that  time  its  history 
has  been  continuous.  The  West  Springfield  railroad  branch  is 
first  mentioned  in  1882,  and  that,  too,  has  since  grown  and  pros- 
pered. From  this  we  may  fairly  assume  that  the  Springfield 
railroad  branch  was  the  only  local  association  in  the  city  from 
1878  to  1883.  In  the  latter  year  the  Armory  Hill  association  was 
organized  and  entered  on  its  career  of  usefulness.  It  was  incor- 
porated in  1886.  In  1884  the  Springfield  association  was  organ- 
ized, and  from  that  time  to  1891  there  were  three  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
bodies  in  the  city.  The  Springfield  association  was  incorporated 
in  1885  as  the  Central  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  the  corporators  being  J. 
Stuart  Kirkham.  Ralph  W.  Ellis,  Stedman  AY.  Craig,  E.  Porter 

(      213      ) 


OLE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Dyer,  Z.  W.  Smith,  Charles  E.  BroAvn,  C.  H.  Morton,  A.  Ladner, 
W.  F.  Andrews,  Charles  H.  BarroAvs,  C.  H.  Sonthworth,  F.  H. 
Dumbleton,  J.  F.  E.  Chamberlain.  F.  D.  Howard  and  W.  M.- 
AYhite. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature  passed  in  1891  the  Central  asso- 
ciation and  the  Armory  Hill  association  were  consolidated  under 
the  name  of  the  "Springfield  Young  Men's  Christian  Associa- 
tion. ' '  Since  that  time  the  history  of  the  greater  body  has  been 
a  record  of  continued  and  gratifying  success.  It  soon  came  to 
be  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  institutions  of  the  city,  and 
under  its  liberal  plan  of  government  it  has  found  favor  and 
support  in  all  christian  circles.  It  is  now  referred  to  as  one- 
corporation  with  four  branches,  i.  e. :  The  Central  branch,  cor- 
ner of  State  and  Dwight  streets ;  the  Railroad  branch,  No.  227 
Main  street;  the  West  Side  branch,  and  the  Student's  branch,  at 
the  training  school  on  Alden  street. 

During  the  twenty-five  years  following  the  first  attempt  to 
found  an  association  in  the  city,  the  endeavors  of  the  interested 
persons  were  opposed  by  many  obstacles,  some  of  which  Avere 
unsurmountable,  but  later  efforts  in  the  same  direction  have  been 
rewarded  with  gratifying  success.  On  May  5,  1894,  the  associa- 
tion laid  the  corner-stone  of  the  splendid  Y.  M.  C.  A.  building  on 
State  street,  and  on  March  19,  1895,  the  completed  structure  was 
dedicated  with  appropriate  ceremonies.  The  building  cost  about 
$130,000. 

The  association  now  has  a  total  membership  of  553  men  and 
176  boys,  or  an  aggregate  of  729  members.  The  officers  and 
directors  in  1901  are  as  follows :  Jonathan  Barnes,  president ; 
Henry  H.  Bowman,  vice-president :  Herbert  C.  Hastings,  record- 
ing secretary;  Ralph  P.  Alden,  treasurer;  William  Knowdes 
Cooper,  general  secretary.  Board  of  directors,  W.  P.  Draper, 
Jonathan  Barnes,  G.  D.  Chamberlain,  L.  C.  Haynes,  Charles  H. 
Burnham,  Wm.  A.  Lincoln,  Ralph  P.  Alden,  T.  D.  Potter,  H.  C. 
Hastings,  H.  H.  Bowman,  C.  C.  Lewis,  W.  W.  Tapley,  H.  A. 
King,  Mase  S.  Southworth,  C.  A.  Crocker,  F.  ^Y.  Lathrop,  H.  E. 
Flint,  AY.  F.  Andrews,  Charles  Jacobus,  John  AIcFethries. 


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THE  CITY  OF  SFBINGFIEItD 

CONNECTICUT   VALLEY   HISTORICAL    SOCIETY 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  in  which  was  celebrated  the 
centennial  of  American  independence  a  number  of  interested 
citizens  of  Springtield  and  its  locality  began  to  discuss  the  sub- 
ject of  forming  a  historical  society  whose  purpose  should  be  "to 
procure  and  preserve  Avhatever  may  relate  to  the  natural,  civil, 
military,  literary,  ecclesiastical  and  genealogical  history  of  the 
country,  and  especially  of  the  territorj-^  included  in  the  Connecti- 
cut valley. ' ' 

Several  preliminary  meetings  were  held  for  free  discussion 
of  the  subject,  and  on  November  1,  1876,  the  articles  of  associa- 
tion of  the  Connecticut  Valley  Historical  society  were  duly 
signed  by  Henry  Morris,  William  Rice,  Samuel  Bowles,  Samuel 
G.  Buckingham,  Augustus  Lord  Soule,  Henry  S.  Lee,  Charles 
Marsh,  Homer  Merriam,  E.  A.  Reed,  Joseph  C.  Pynchon  and 
William  L.  Smith.  On  April  21  the  organizers  adopted  by-laws 
for  the  regulation  of  the  society  and  elected  the  first  board  of 
officers,  viz.:  Henry  Morris,  president;  Augustus  L.  Soule, 
AYilliam  L.  Smith,  Samuel  Bowles,  vice-presidents ;  AVilliam  Rice, 
clerk  and  treasurer;  S.  G.  Bucldngham,  Homer  Merriam,  E.  A, 
Reed,  Joseph  Pynchon,  Henry  S.  Lee,  Charles  INIarsh,  executive 
committee. 

Thus  was  perfected  the  organization  of  Avhat  was  intended 
to  be  one  of  the  inost  beneficial  historical,  social  and  literary 
societies  in  the  valley  region  and  for  a  time  the  zeal  of  its  mem- 
bers and  the  public  approval  seemed  to  indicate  a  permanent  and 
healthful  existence  in  all  later  years.  On  May  22,  1876,  the 
membership  Avas  increased  by  53  persons,  and  in  September  fol- 
lowing 46  more  names  were  placed  on  the  rolls.  For  nearly  five 
years  a  lively  interest  was  manifested  in  the  affairs  of  the  society, 
after  which  the  records  show  evidences  of  decline  in  the  frequent 
notings  of  "no  quorum."  No  meetings  were  held  from  1882  to 
1889,  during  which  period  the  society  lay  dormant:  but  in  the 
latter  year  a  radical  reorganization  was  effected,  the  by-laws 
were  amended  and  re-adopted,  and  a  new  membership  of  more 
than  250  persons  was  established.     Instead  of  three  vice-presi- 

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OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

dents,  the  number  was  increased  to  thirteen,  and  they  were 
selected  from  various  towns  of  this  county  and  Hampshire  and 
also  from  the  neighboring  towns  in  Connecticut. 

The  reorganization  having  been  accomplished  the  society  was 
again  established  upon  an  apparently  secure  basis,  but  in  the 
course  of  a  few  years  the  interest  again  began  to  abate  and  there 
came  various  omissions  of  meetings.  However,  during  these 
years  the  society  succeeded  in  collecting  a  large  amount  of  valu- 
able historical  material  and  published  one  excellent  volume ;  and 
while  a  majority  of  the  members  became  somewhat  indifferent  to 
the  success  and  permanency  of  the  institution,  a  few  active  and 
willing  spirits  maintained  and  supported  it  for  years.  No  reg- 
ular meetings  were  held  between  1896  and  1901,  when,  in  the 
latter  year,  a  second  revival  w^as  accomplished  through  the  efforts 
of  a  few  loyal  members.  The  purposes  of  the  society  certainly 
are  commendable  and  its  work  should  be  given  the  hearty  support 
of  every  loyal  son  and  daughter  of  the  entire  region  of  the  Con- 
necticut valley. 

The  officers  of  the  society  since  its  organization  have  been  as 
follows : 

1876— Henry  IMorris.  president;  A.  L.  Soule,  Wm.  L.  Smith, 
Samuel  Bowles,  vice-presidents ;  AVm.  Rice,  clerk  and  treasurer. 

1877— Henry  Morris,  president ;  A.  L.  Soule,  Samuel  0. 
Lamb,  Samuel  T.  Spaulding,  vice-presidents ;  Wm.  Rice,  clerk 
and  treasurer. 

1878-1888-Henry  Morris,  president;  A.  L.  Soule,  S.  0. 
Lamb,  Rev.  L.  Clark  Seelye,  vice-presidents ;  Wm.  Rice,  clerk  and 
treasurer. 

1889-90— Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Buckingham,  president ;  Geo. 
D.  Robinson.  E.  B.  Gillett.  W.  B.  C.  Pearsons,  L.  Clark  Seelye, 
George  ]\I.  Steele,  Levi  Stockbridge,  S.  0.  Lamb,  Charles  L.  Gard- 
ner, J.  W.  Harding,  Wm.  N.  Flynt,  R.  0.  Dwight,  Henry  F. 
BroAvn,  H.  S.  Sheldon,  vice-presidents;  Edward  Morris,  clerk; 
Charles  Marsh,  treasurer;  A.  H.  Kirkham,  cor.  sec. 

1891 — Samuel  G.  Buckingham,  president;  same  as  in  pre- 
vious year,  vice-presidents :  Edward  Morris,  clerk ;  A.  H.  Kirk- 
ham, corresponding  secretary  and  treasurer. 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPEINGFIELD 

1892-93— Samuel  G.  Buckingham,  president;  Wm.  S.  Shurt- 
leff,  first,  Wm.  Rice,  second,  Clark  W.  Bryan,  third  vice-presi- 
dent; Edward  Morris,  clerk;  J.  Stuart  Kirkham,  treasurer;  A.  H. 
Kirkham,  corresponding  secretary. 

1894— William  S.  Shurtleff,  president;  S.  G.  Buckingham, 
Clark  W.  Bryan,  Alfred  M.  Copeland,  vice-presidents;  W.  F. 
Adams,  clerk;  J.  Stuart  Kirkham,  treasurer;  A.  H.  Kirkham, 
corresponding  secretary. 

1895— William  S.  Shurtlefit',  president;  S.  G.  Buckingham, 
Clark  W.  Bryan,  Alfred  M.  Copeland,  vice-presidents;  W.  P. 
Adams,  clerk;  A.  H.  Kirkham,  treasurer;  Harry  A.  Wright,  cor- 
responding secretary. 

1896-1900- Alfred  M.  Copeland.  president;  Samuel  G. 
Buckingham,  Clark  W.  Bryan,  John  L.  Rice,  vice-presidents; 
W.  F.  Adams,  clerk;  Harry  A.  Wright,  treasurer;  A.  H.  Kirk- 
ham, corresponding  secretary. 

1901— Alfred  M.  Copeland,  president;  John  L.  Rice,  Samuel 
Bowles,  Edward  P.  Chapin,  vice-presidents;  William  C.  Stone, 
clerk  and  treasurer;  Albert  H.  Kirkham.  corresponding  secre- 
tary ;  AV.  F.  Adams,  Harry  A.  Wright,  Frank  G.  Tobey,  Freder- 
ick H.  Stebbins,  Mrs.  Charlotte  E.  Warner,  Miss  Mary  A.  Booth, 
executive  committee. 


CHAPTER  VI 

THE    CITY    OF    SPRINGFIELD— BOARD  OF  TRADE 

In  the  early  part  of  1890  several  business  men  in  informal 
conversation  were  discussing  the  probable  benefits  to  be  derived 
from  an  organization  whose  purpose  should  be  to  promote  com- 
mercial and  manufacturing  interests  in  the  city,  and  in  the 
course  of  a  few  days,  as  a  result  of  the  meeting,  the  following 
circular  Avas  addressed  to  many  citizens ; 

"Sir: — Your  presence  is  earnestly  desired  at  the  old  Grand 
Army  Hall,  in  the  Massachusetts  Life  Insurance  building.  No. 

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OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

413  Main  street,  on  Monday,  March  3,  at  7.30  p.  m.,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  considering  the  desirability  of  forming  a  Board  of  Trade 
or  Commercial  Club. 

"Such  an  organization  is  most  imperatively  needed  in  our 
community,  and  in  not  having  it,  we  are  at  present  in  the  rear 
rank  of  the  progressive  municipalities  of  the  country.  Do  not 
fail  to  attend.  Eespectfully, 

"E.  P.  Chapin,  W.  E.  Wright,  H.  P.  Stone,  Elisha  Morgan,  E.  H. 

Lathrop." 

The  meeting  -was  held,  the  subject  in  hand  was  thoroughly 
discussed,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  and  report 
at  a  future  meeting  a  plan  of  permanent  organization.  The  com- 
mittee comprised  Harlan  P.  Stone,  Clark  AV.  Bryan.  George  M. 
Stearns,  AVilliam  E.  Wright,  Elisha  Morgan,  Edward  S.  Brad- 
ford, Henry  S.  Hyde,  L.  S.  Stowe,  Edward  P.  Chapin,  A.  N. 
Mayo,  Noyes  W.  Fisk,  Henry  M.  Phillips,  N.  C.  Newell,  A.  D. 
Nason  and  E.  B.  Maynard,  from  whom  Messrs.  Hyde,  Chapin, 
Fisk,  Stearns  and  Stone  were  made  a  sub-committee  to  report  on 
scope  and  plan. 

The  necessary  preliminaries  having  been  settled,  a  general 
meeting  of  business  men  of  the  city  was  held  jNIarch  19,  at  which 
time  it  was  determined  to  establish  a  corporate  body :  and  there- 
after, on  March  31,  the  Springfield  Board  of  Trade  was  incor- 
porated under  the  laws  of  the  state.  At  a  meeting  held  April  7 
nearly  300  memberships  were  created,  and  on  the  next  day  a 
board  of  directors  was  chosen. 

As  is  defined  in  the  by-laws  the  purpose  of  the  board  is  "To 
establish  a  body  of  recognized  authority  to  deal  with-  matters  of 
interest  to  the  business  men  of  Springfield,  and  to  the  general 
public ;  to  forward  the  prosperity  of  the  mercantile  and  manu- 
facturing community :  and  to  procure  and  spread  such  informa- 
tion as  will  advance  and  elevate  commercial  dealings,  and  extend 
just  methods  of  business  by  the  establishment  and  maintenance 
of  a  place  for  business  and  social  meetings." 

Under  its  plan  of  government,  the  general  body  of  the  asso- 
ciation chooses  a  board  of  fifteen  directors,  in  which  is  vested 
the  control  of  the  business  policy,  and  also  the  authority  to  des- 
ignate the  annual  officers  of  the  board. 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

For  more  than  ten  years  the  Springfield  board  of  trade  has 
been  an  active  factor  for  good  in  mercantile  and  manufacturing 
circles  in  the  city.  Its  affairs  always  have  been  in  prudent,  safe 
hands,  and  much  of  the  prosperity  which  has  come  to  the  city 
during  that  peiiod  is  directly  traceable  to  the  excellent  business 
capacity  and  sound  judgment  of  the  men  who  have  comprised 
the  board  of  officers  and  directors.  To  enumerate  in  detail  the 
many  benefits  thus  derived  would  require  more  space  than  is  at 
our  disposal,  j'et  all  business  men  in  the  city  are  aware  of  the 
importance  and  value  of  the  board  of  trade  as  a  factor  in  munici- 
pal history. 

Since  the  organization  the  officiary  of  the  board  has  been  as 
follows : 

1890— Harlan  P.  Stone,  president;  Elisha  B.  IVIaynarcl, 
Henry  S.  Hyde,  vice-presidents ;  George  M.  Stearns,  secretary 
and  treasurer ;  John  W.  Drown,  assistant  secretary ;  Harlan  P. 
Stone.  R.  F.  Hawkins,  Edward  P.  Chapin,  A.  A.  Packard,  Elisha 
Morgan,  Clark  W.  Bryan,  Henry  M.  Phillips,  AY.  E.  Wright,  E. 
B.  Maynard,  A.  D.  Nason.  George  M.  Stearns,  H.  S.  Hyde.  A.  N. 
Mayo,  Xoyes  W.  Fisk,  E.  H.  Lathrop,  directors. 

1891  —  0.  S.  Greenleaf,  president:  E.  B.  Maynard,  Edward 
S.  Brewer,  vice-presidents ;  George  M.  Stearns,  treasurer :  John 
W.  Drown,  secretary;  0.  S.  Greenleaf,  E.  B.  Maynard,  E.  S. 
BreAver,  G.  M.  Stearns.  Charles  H.  Parsons,  H.  M.  Phillips,  A.  H. 
Overman.  Clark  AA\  Bryan,  A.  N.  Mayo,  R.  F.  Hawkins,  W.  E. 
Wright,  A.  D.  Nason,  L.  C.  Hyde,  H.  P.  Stone,  Wm.  W.  More, 
directors. 

1892—0.  S.  Greenleaf.  president;  Clark  W.  Bryan,  Edward 
S.  Brewer,  vice-presidents  :  Wm.  A.  AVebster.  clerk  and  secretary : 
Edward  P.  Chapin.  auditor;  0.  S.  Greenleaf,  AV.  E.  AVright,  A. 
H.  Overman,  E.  S.  Brewer,  L.  C.  Hyde,  H.  P.  Stone.  T.  L. 
Haynes,  H.  M.  Phillips,  A.  D.  Nason,  Clark  AV.  Bryan,  R.  F. 
Hawkins,  E.  P.  Chapin,  George  Nye,  Peter  Murray,  A.  B.  AVal- 
lace,  directors. 

1893— Charles  Hall,  president;  Clark  AV.  Bryan,  Louis  C. 
Hyde,  vice-presidents;  AA'm.  AA^  More,  treasurer;  AVm.  A.  AA^eb- 
ster,  clerk  and  secretary;  E.  P.  Chapin.  auditor;  0.  S.  Greenleaf, 

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OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Elijah  Belding,  Lyman  P.  Briggs,  A.  J,  Wright,  L.  C.  Hyde,  W. 
0.  Day,  T.  L.  Haynes,  H.  M.  Phillips,  Charles  Hall,  Clark  W. 
Bryan,  Francis  D.  Foot,  Charles  VanVlack,  George  Nye,  jr., 
Peter  Murray,  A.  B.  Wallace,  directors. 

1894— James  T.  Abbe,  president ;  Clark  W.  Bryan,  Louis  C. 
Hyde,  vice-presidents ;  Wm.  W.  More,  treasurer ;  Wm.  A.  Web- 
ster, clerk  and  secretary;  Edwin  A.  Carter,  auditor;  Charles 
Hall,  0.  S.  Greenleaf,  James  T.  Abbe,  Clark  W.  Bryan,  A.  B. 
Wallace,  L.  C.  Hyde,  John  S.  Sanderson,  Charles  VanVlack,  T. 
L.  Haynes,  Lyman  P.  Briggs,  Peter  Murray,  W.  0.  Day,  Francis 

D.  Foot,  John  West,  N.  D.  Winter,  directors. 

1895— Newrie  D.  Winter,  president;  Charles  VanVlack, 
John  S.  Sanderson,  vice-presidents;  AVm.  W^.  More,  treasurer; 
Wm.  A.  Webster,  clerk  and  secretary ;  Edwin  A.  Carter,  auditor ; 
N.  D.  Winter,  Charles  Hall,  Charles  VanVlack,  T.  L.  Haynes, 
L.  P.  Briggs,  J.  S.  Sanderson,  H.  P.  Stone,  E.  C.  Rogers,  H.  C. 
Eowley,  R.  W.  Day,  Frederick  Harris,  Charles  C.  Lewis,  H.  G. 
Gilmore,  C.  C.  Spellman,  P.  H.  Potter,  directors. 

1896 — John  Olmsted,  president ;  Francke  W.  Dickinson,  H. 
C.  Rowley,  vice-presidents ;  W.  W.  More,  treasurer ;  W.  A.  Web- 
ster, clerk  and  secretary ;  E.  A.  Carter,  auditor ;  John  Olmsted, 
H.  C.  Rowley,  B.  D.  Rising,  H.  G.  Gilmore,  J.  P.  Fait,  E.  C. 
Rogers,  H.  H.  Bowman,  T.  W.  Leete,  F.  W.  Dickinson.  P.  H. 
Potter,  N.  D.  AYinter,  D.  H.  Brigham,  James  F.  Bidwell,  C.  C. 
Spellman,  L.  Z.  Cutler,  directors. 

1897— Francke  W.  Dickinson,  president;  Ed\vard  C.  Rogers, 
Henry  H.  Bowman,  vice-presidents ;  W.  W.  More,  treasurer ;  W. 
A.  Webster,  clerk  and  secretary ;  Edwin  A.  Carter,  auditor ;  John 
Olmsted,  H.  H.  Bowman,  B.  D.  Rising,  F.  W.  Dickinson,  J.  P. 
Fait,  David  Allen  Reed,  Charles  E.  Hoag,  E.  C.  Rogers,  T.  W. 
Leete,  P.  H.  Potter,  Leroy  Z.  Cutler,  Samuel  D.  Sherwood,  David 

E.  Taylor,  Nathan  D.  Bill,  Judson  Strong,  jr.,  directors. 

1898— Theodore  W.  Leete,  president;  William  W.  More, 
Henry  E.  ]\Iarsh,  vice-presidents;  Louis  C.  Hyde,  treasurer;  Wm. 
A.  Webster,  clerk  and  secretary ;  Edwin  A.  Carter,  auditor ;  John 
Olmsted,  F.  W.  Dickinson,  H.  H.  Bowman,  T.  W.  Leete,  D.  A. 
Reed,  L.  Z.  Cutler,  S.  D.  Sherwood,  D.  E.  Taylor,  Judson  Strong, 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

jr.,  Wm.  W.  More,  H.  W.  Marsh,  E.  0.  Clark,  Ralph  W.  Ellis,. 
Henry  J.  Perkins,  R.  Hale  Smith,  directors. 

1899— Theodore  W,  Leete,  president ;  Henry  E.  Marsh,  Mase 
S.  Southworth,  vice-presidents;  L.  C.  Hyde,  treasurer;  Frederick 
S.  Sibley,  clerk  and  secretary ;  George  H.  Kemater,  auditor ;  T. 
W.  Leete,  H.  E.  Marsh,  M.  S.  Southworth,  R.  H.  Smith,  H.  J. 
Perkins,  H.  H.  Bowman,  S.  D.  Sherwood,  E.  0.  Clark,  D.  E. 
Taylor,  Lewis  F.  Carr,  Walter  G.  Morse,  Charles  A.  Stone,  Stan- 
ford L.  Haynes,  Charles  D.  Reid,  William  E.  Wright,  directors. 

1900— Theodore  W.  Leete,  president;  Mase  S.  Southworth, 
Henry  E.  Marsh,  vice-presidents;  Louis  C.  Hyde,  treasurer;  Fred 
S.  Sibley,  clerk  and  secretary ;  George  H.  Kemater,  auditor ;  T. 
W.  Leete,  M.  S.  Southworth,  H.  E.  Marsh,  R.  Hale  Smith,  Wm. 
E.  Wright,  E.  0.  Clark,  Charles  D.  Reid,  W.  G.  Morse,  C.  A. 
Stone,  S.  L.  Haynes,  William  P.  Hayes,  Everett  H.  Barney,  Azel: 
A.  Packard,  Eliphalet  T.  Titft,  Charles  A.  Royce,  directors. 

1901— Henry  E.  Marsh,  president;  Charles  D.  Reid,  Charles 
A.  Stone,  vice-presidents ;  Louis  C.  Hyde,  treasurer ;  Frederick 
S.  Sibley,  clerk  and  secretary ;  George  H.  Kemater,  auditor ; 
Henry  E.  Marsh,  Charles  D.  Reid,  Charles  A.  Stone,  Theodore 
W.  Leete,  Mase  S.  Southworth,  William  P.  Hayes,  Stanford  L. 
Haynes,  Everett  H.  Barney,  Eliphalet  T.  Tifft,  Charles  A. 
Royce,  Charles  C.  Lewis,  Herbert  C.  Puffer,  Henry  A.  King, 
William  H.  Baush,  James  J.  Sullivan,  directors, 

BANKING    AND    FINANCIAL    INSTITUTIONS 

One  of  the  surest  indications  of  a  healthful  condition  of  busi- 
ness affairs  in  any  city  is  in  the  number  of  its  banking  houses. 
Ordinarily  cities  of  less  than  65,000  population  do  not  maintain 
fifteen  regular  corporate  banks,  yet  in  Springfield  this  condition 
obtains  and,  what  is  more,  each  of  these  institutions  is  planted  on 
a  firm  foundation.  The  first  bank  opened  here  is  yet  in  opera- 
tion and  its  history  has  been  an  unbroken  record  of  business 
prosperity,  although  the  original  name  is  now  changed :  and  in 
the  same  manner  the  most  recently  organized  banking  house  of 
the  city  is  also  in  a  flourishing  condition  notAnthstanding  the 
numerous  similar  institutions  with   which  it   must  compete   in 

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01 R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

order  to  do  business.  As  a  matter  of  fact  Springfield,  in  its  busi- 
ness history,  is  an  exceptional  city  and  draws  a  vast  amount  of 
trade  in  all  commercial  and  industrial  lines  from  beyond  its  own 
corporate  limits.  The  truth  of  this  statement  is  readily  apparent 
to  the  casual  observer  of  affairs,  while  to  one  who  takes  occasion 
to  inquire  closely  into  business  conditions  the  magnitude  and 
extent  of  local  business  operations  is  surprising  and  at  times 
almost  unaccountable.  Naturally,  in  the  course  of  events  disas- 
ters have  overtaken  and  caused  the  downfall  of  a  few  banks  in 
the  city,  but  these  occurrences  are  specially  noticeable  for  their 
infrequency,  and  on  final  liquidation  serious  losses  generally 
have  been  averted. 

The  Springfield  bank,  the  pioneer  institution  of  its  character 
in  the  city  (then  town),  was  incorporated  bj'  an  act  of  the  legis- 
lature passed  February  4,  1814,  with  an  original  capital  of 
$200,000,  and  with  authority  to  continue  business  until  October 
1,  1831.  The  state  reserved  the  right  to  subscribe  to  $50,000  of 
the  capital  stock,  also  to  borrow  money  from  the  bank,  not  ex- 
ceeding $20,000  at  any  one  time.  The  incorporators  were  Jona- 
than Dwight,  John  Hooker,  George  Bliss,  James  Byers,  James  S. 
Dwight,  Justin  Ely,  Jonathan  Dwight,  jr.,  Moses  Bliss,  jr.,  Ed- 
ward Pynchon  and  Oliver  B.  ]\Iorris.  Subsequent  to  the  original 
act  the  legislature  frequently  changed  the  amount  of  the  capital 
stock,  reducing  it  at  one  time  to  $100,000  and  eventually  increas- 
ing it  to  $250,000. 

The  corporation  was  fully  organized  at  a  meeting  of  stock- 
holders held  IVIay  12,  1814.  at  Jeremy  "Warriner's  tavern.  Jona- 
than DAvight.  Jonathan  Dwight,  jr.,  James  Byers,  John  Hooker 
and  Moses  Bliss  were  chosen  directors.  The  first  president  was 
Jonathan  Dwight,  and  the  first  cashier  was  Edward  Pynchon. 
The  bank  opened  its  doors  for  business  in  a  building  on  State 
street,  and  remained  in  that  location  until  1866,  when,  having 
been  reorganized  under  the  national  banking  act  of  1863,  it  was 
removed  to  the  corner  of  ]\Iain  street  and  ToAATisley  avenue,  the 
site  now  occupied  by  the  successor  institution,  the  Second  Na- 
tional bank  of  Springfield.  During  the  period  of  its  history 
under  the  state  law.  the  old  Springfield  bank  was  one  of  the 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

strongest  and  most  reliable  financial  institntions  in  the  Connecti- 
cut valley,  and  when  after  almost  forty  years  of  successful  oper- 
ation it  was  converted  into  a  national  bank  its  old-time  record 
survived  in  the  memory  of  business  men  and  it  was  looked  upon 
with  much  favor  in  local  circles. 

The  presidents  of  the  old  bank  down  to  1863  were  Jonathan 
Dwight,  1814-17:  John  Hooker,  1817-19;  (no  record  from  1819 
to  1833)  :  James  Byers,  1833-36;  John  Howard,  1836-49;  Benja- 
min Day,  1849-56 ;  Edward  A.  Morris,  1856-59 :  Henry  Alexan- 
der, 1859-63.  The  cashiers  for  the  same  period  were  Edward 
Pynchon,  1814-17;  Moses  Bliss  and  Benjamin  Day,  from  1817  to 
1823  ;  John  Howard,  1823-36  ;  Lewis  AYarriner,  1836-63. 

The  Second  National  bank.  No.  181,  was  the  direct  out- 
growth of  the  Springfield  bank,  the  latter  having  been  reorgan- 
ized in  1863  in  conformity  to  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  con- 
gress authorizing  national  banks.  Its  capital  was,  and  still  is, 
$300,000,  and  from  the  time  of  reorganization  to  the  present  day 
it  has  been  regarded  as  one  of  the  safest  and  most  substantial 
financial  institutions  in  the  county.  According  to  the  most  re- 
cent published  report  of  its  condition  the  bank  has  assets  of  the 
value  of  more  than  $1,500,000,  a  surplus  fund  of  $150,000,  and 
an  undivided  profit  account  of  over  $45,000. 

The  succession  of  presidents  of  the  Second  National  bank 
since  1863  is  as  follows :  Henry  Alexander,  1863-78 ;  Alfred 
Kowe,  1878-87 ;  Albert  T.  Folsom,  1887-93 ;  Gurdon  Bill,  1893- 
1900;  Walter  G.  Morse,  1900-—.  The  cashiers  for  the  same 
period  have  been  Lewis  Warriner,  1863-80 ;  Harry  P.  Piper, 
1880-81 ;  Charles  H.  Churchill,  1881— now  in  office.  Directors, 
1901,  Gurdon  Bill,  Dwight  0.  Gilmore.  Theodore  AV.  Leete,  Wal- 
ter G.  Morse,  Henry  j\I.  Phillips,  William  P.  Porter,  Frank  C. 
Rice.  George  A.  Russell,  Horace  P.  Wright. 

The  Chicopee  bank,  the  second  banking  institution  in  Spring- 
field, was  incorporated  April  9,  1836,  with  $200,000  capital,  by 
Elisha  Edwards,  William  Bryant,  Albert  Morgan,  and  their 
associates.  Its  organization  was  perfected  at  a  meeting  held  in 
Jeremy  Warriner's  famous  hostelry,  and  on  October  30  its  doors 
were  opened  for  business  with  George  Bliss,  president,  and  Henry 

(      223      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

Seymour,  cashier.  The  first  directors  Avere  George  Bliss,  Elisha 
Edwards,  William  Bryant,  Sable  Rogers,  James  Brewer,  Albert 
Morgan,  Edward  A.  Morris,  Wells  Lathrop  and  William  Dwight. 

The  bank  began  business  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Elm 
streets,  where  from  1836  to  1865  it  was  in  the  heart  of  the  mer- 
cantile district  of  the  town  and  subsequent  city.  The  successor 
institution,  the  Chicopee  National  bank,  occupies  the  same  cor- 
ner, although  the  old  building  of  early  years  has  been  replaced 
with  one  of  more  modern  construction  and  architecture.  From 
the  beginning  of  its  history  the  Chicopee  bank  has  been  success- 
ful in  its  business  operations  and  its  managing  officers  have  been 
chosen  from  the  best  material  at  the  command  of  the  directors. 
Previous  to  the  reorganization  in  1865  the  presidents  w^ere  George 
Bliss,  1836-46,  and  Philo  Wilcox,  1846-65.  For  the  same  period 
the  cashiers  were  Henry  Seymour,  1836-41 ;  B.  Frank  Warner, 
1841-56  ;  Thomas  Warner,  jr.,  1856-65. 

The  Chicopee  National  bank.  No.  464  (revised  No.  466),  suc- 
cessor to  the  Chicopee  bank,  the  state  institution,  was  incorpor- 
ated in  March,  1865,  under  the  act  of  congress  authorizing  the 
organization  of  national  banks  m  the  several  states.  The  change 
w-as  one  of  character  of  the  corporation  rather  than  in  business 
policy  of  the  old  bank,  and  nearly  all  the  directors  of  the  former 
were  re-elected.  The  personnel  of  the  new  board  was  as  follows : 
Jas.  D.  Brewer,  Philo  F.  Wilcox,  Henry  Fuller,  jr..  Gad  0.  Bliss, 
Elijah  W.  Bliss,  Horace  Smith  and  Henry  S.  Lee.  The  new- 
officers  were  James  D.  Bre^ver,  president,  and  Thomas  Warner, 
cashier.  The  subsequent  presidents  have  been  Henry  S.  Lee, 
1866-69  ;  Henry  Fuller,  jr.,  1869-87  :  Horace  Smith,  1887-9  :  A.  J. 
Mcintosh,  March,  1893— now  president.  The  cashiers  have  been 
Thomas  Warner,  1865-79;  and  Arthur  B.  West,  1879— now 
cashier. 

The  Chicopee  bank  (by  this  name  it  has  been  known  in 
Springfield  business  circles  for  more  than  sixty-five  years)  has: 
long  been  regarded  as  one  of  the  sound  financial  institutions  of 
the  city,  and  deservedly  has  enjoyed  a  successful  and  healthful 
business  career.  During  the  period  of  its  history  as  a  state  bank 
the  capital  was  occasionally  changed  to  meet  new  conditions,  but 

(      224       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

never  at  any  time  was  the  soundness  of  the  institution  brought 
into  question.  The  present  paid  in  capital  is  $400,000,  and  the 
deposit  account,  both  in  amount  and  number  of  depositors,  com- 
pares favorably  ^^^th  that  of  any  bank  in  the  city.  The  present 
surplus  fund  aggregates  $150,000,  and  about  $55,000  stands 
credited  to  the  undivided  profit  account.  The  present  officers  of 
the  bank  are  A.  J.  ]\lcIntosh,  president ;  Arthur  B.  West,  cashier ; 
Henry  S.  Lee,  George  L.  "Wright,  Arthur  B.  West,  A.  J.  Mcin- 
tosh, George  S.  Taylor  and  B.  D.  Rising,  directors. 

The  Agawam  bank,  predecessor  institution  to  the  Agawam 
National  bank,  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  legislature 
passed  February  12,  1846,  the  corporators  being  Chester  W. 
Chapin,  Addison  Ware  and  Edmund  Freeman.  The  original 
capital  was  $100,000,  and  was  increased  in  1848  to  $200,000,  and 
to  $300,000  in  1857,  The  act  provided  that  the  bank  should  be 
located  and  maintained  within  twenty-five  rods,  north  or  south, 
of  the  Western  railroad  in  Springfield,  which  fact  in  a  measure 
may  account  for  the  continuous  location  of  the  bank  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  railroad  for  more  than  half  a  century.  The  principal 
reason  that  has  impelled  the  directors  to  remain  in  this  locality  is 
in  the  fact  that  the  surroundings  are  entirely  congenial,  and  in 
this  busy  center  of  trade  and  traffic  the  bank  has  become  one  of 
the  fixed  and  leading  institutions. 

The  first  board  of  directors  comprised  Chester  W.  Chapin, 
Horatio  Lyon,  Wells  SouthAvorth,  Albert  INIorgan,  J.  B.  Vinton, 
James  Barnes,  Benjamin  Day,  Willis  Phelps  and  Addison  Ware. 
Mr.  Chapin  was  the  first  president  and  Frederick  S.  Bailey  the 
first  cashier.  Mr.  Chapin  was  continued  in  office  until  1850, 
when  Albert  Morgan  succeeded  him.  The  latter  died  in  1856 
and  was  succeeded  by  Thomas  Stebbins,  who  continued  until  the 
election  of  ]Marvin  Chapin  in  1862.  Mr.  Chapin  was  president 
throughout  the  reorganization  period  and  until  1870,  when  he 
declined  a  re-election.  Mr.  Bailey  as  cashier  and  active  officer 
of  the  bank  had  a  long  and  honorable  service  in  that  capacity, 
and  on  his  retirement  was  succeeded  by  the  present  cashier, 
W.  M.  AVillard. 

The  Agawam  National  bank.  No.  1,055,  was  organized  in 
May,  1865,  with  a  paid-in  capital  of  $300,000,  and  an  authorized 

15-2  (      225      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

capital  of  $500,000.  When  the  reorganization  was  effected  there 
was  no  change  in  the  officers  and  board  of  directors.  On  Mr. 
Chapin's  retirement  from  the  presidency  in  1870,  Henry  S.  Hyde 
was  elected  his  successor  and  was  continued  at  the  head  of  the 
bank  until  January,  1901,  when  he  retired  and  was  succeeded 
by  Mr.  McGregory. 

From  the  time  it  was  first  established  in  1846  to  the  present 
day  the  Agawam  bank,  state  and  national,  has  held  a  high 
standing  in  financial  circles  in  New  England,  and  it  ahvays  has 
been  regarded  as  a  safe  and  well  managed  institution.  The 
present  officers  are  H.  W.  McGregory,  president ;  W,  M.  Willard, 
cashier;  H.  W.  McGregory,  George  Nye,  jr.,  William  H.  Chapin, 
Charles  A.  Nichols,  Mase  S.  Southworth,  Lewis  J.  Powers  and 
Henry  M.  Brewster,  directors. 

The  Western  bank,  of  Springfield,  was  incorporated  by  an 
act  of  the  legislature  passed  May  1,  1849,  the  corporators,  who 
also  were  its  guiding  spirits  throughout  its  brief  career,  being 
Eliphalet  Trask,  Samuel  Bailey,  Samuel  Day,  and  their  asso- 
ciates. The  original  capital  was  $100,000,  the  amount  being  in- 
creased in  1850  by  an  additional  $150,000. 

The  bank  began  business  under  favorable  circumstances  and 
was  well  officered.  Its  first  and  only  president  Avas  Caleb  Rice, 
while  Charles  P.  Bissell  was  the  first  cashier.  He  was  succeeded 
by  George  P.  Bissell,  and  the  latter,  in  turn,  by  J.  L.  Warriner. 
Among  the  other  prominent  men  who  were  at  some  time  identified 
with  the  business  affairs  of  the  bank  there  may  be  recalled  the 
names  of  Eliphalet  Tra.sk,  Edmund  Freeman,  H.  N.  Case,  W.  N. 
Flynt,  William  Rice,  Willis  Phelps,  W.  C.  Sturtevant,  Samuel  S. 
Day,  William  Birnie,  Chauncey  L.  Covell  and  others,  who  served 
in  the  capacity  of  directors.  Eventually,  however,  the  bank  be- 
came involved  in  loans  to  western  railroads  and  other  enterprises, 
and  failing  in  an  emergency  to  realize  on  its  securities  it  was 
forced  to  suspend. 

The  John  Hancock  bank  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the 
legislature  passed  April  6,  1850,  the  corporators  being  James  W. 
Crooks,  James  M.  Thompson,  Walter  H.  Bowdoin  and  Solomon 
Hatch,  who  are  remembered  by  our  older  citizens  as  four  of  the 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

foremost  men  of  the  town  in  their  time,  and  whose  connection 
with  the  organization  of  the  bank  inspired  confidence  in  the 
enterprise  on  the  part  of  the  public.  The  original  capital  was 
$100,000,  but  afterward  the  amount  was  increased  to  $150,000. 
The  bank  was  organized  at  a  meeting  held  at  the  old  Armory 
house,  on  the  hill,  for  this  was  distinctively  an  institution  of  that 
locality,  the  charter  itself  providing  that  it  be  esitablished  on  the 
south  side  of  State  street  "on  the  hill,  near  the  armory."  In 
1857  the  legislature  authorized  its  removal  to  "some  more  con- 
venient location."  and  accordingly  in  the  same  year  the  concern 
was  established  in  its  present  quarters  on  Main  street. 

Although  Mr.  Crooks  was  the  guiding  spirit  of  the  enterprise 
even  to  the  extent  of  suggesting  its  name,  he  was  too  much  occu- 
pied with  other  business  affairs  to  assume  its  management,  there- 
fore Colonel  Thompson  was  chosen  president,  and  Edmund  D. 
Chapin,  the  present  president,  was  made  cashier.  The  first 
board  of  directors  included  such  well  known  business  men  as  ]\Ir. 
Crooks,  Col.  Thompson,  W.  H.  Bowdoin.  Solomon  Hatch,  Edward 
P.  ]Moseley,  Pliny  Cadwell,  Alexander  H.  Avery  and  Roger  S. 
IMoore.  For  eight  years  the  bank  did  business  on  the  hill,  and 
then  it  was  resolved  to  move  nearer  the  active  center  of  trade  on 
jNIain  street.  This  being  accomplished  the  old  bank's  career  was 
continued  with  gratifying  success  to  its  stockholders  until  1865, 
when  a  reorganization  under  the  national  banking  act  was  effect- 
ed. Col.  Thompson  was  president  until  1863,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Roger  S.  Moore.  Mr.  Chapin  was  cashier  of  the  state 
bank  throughout  the  period  of  its  existence  and  for  several  years 
after  it  was  reorganized  as  a  national  bank. 

The  John  Hancock  National  bank.  No.  982,  w^as  organized  in 
1865  with  $150,000  capital  stock  (subsequently  increased  to 
$250,000)  and  since  that  time  it  has  been  one  of  the  leading  finan- 
cial institutions  of  the  city.  INIr.  Moore  was  elected  its  first 
president  and  served  in  that  capacity  until  1890,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Edmund  D.  Chapin,  who  for  many  years  has  been 
regarded  as  the  mainstay  of  the  bank,  and  its  active  managing 
officer.  "When  ]\Ir.  Chapin  became  president  E.  D.  Metcalf  was 
chosen  vice-president  and  E.  Dudley  Chapin  was  made  cashier. 

(      227      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

This  personnel  of  the  officiary  has  been  changed  but  little  in  later 
years. 

A  glance  at  the  bank  report  discloses  a  healthful  condition 
of  affairs  in  connection  with  the  John  Hancock  bank.  Its  policy 
for  3'ears  has  been  conservative,  therefore  safe  and  prudent, 
hence  the  confidence  felt  in  its  management  by  the  business 
public.  The  last  report  of  its  condition  shoAVS  a  surplus  and 
undivided  profit  account  of  more  than  $90,000,  and  a  total  de- 
posit account  of  more  than  $400,000.  The  present  officers  and 
directors  are  Edmiind  D.  Chapin,  president;  E.  Dudley  Chapin, 
cashier;  Edmund  D.  Chapin,  John  Kimberly,  Edward  C.  Rogers, 
L.  Z.  Cutler,  Edward  H.  Wilkins  and  E.  Dudley  Chapin, 
directors. 

The  Pynchon  bank  was  incorporated  under  the  state  laws 
relating  to  banks,  in  1853,  and  was  established  in  a  location  at 
the  southern  end  of  the  business  center  of  the  city  at  that  time. 
The  state  was  not  wholly  in  favor  of  granting  bank  charters 
indiscriminately  and  it  was  necessary  that  incorporators  furnish 
some  logical  reason  for  founding  their  institution,  and  the  need 
thereof.  The  old  Agawam  bank  was  started  within  tAventy  rods 
of  the  AA^estern  railroad  depot,  to  accommodate  trade  in  that 
vicinity ;  the  John  Hancock  bank  was  started  on  the  hill,  near 
the  armory,  where  trade  then  was  increasing ;  and  in  the  same 
manner  the  Pynchon  bank  was  intended  to  accommodate  the  mer- 
chants and  other  business  interests  in  the  south  part  of  the  city, 
near  the  corner  of  State  street. 

Among  the  prominent  men  interested  in  founding  the  bank 
were  AA^illis  Phelps,  Homer  Foot,  "Gov."  Beach,  George  Mer- 
riam,  Charles  Merriam,  J.  B.  Rumrill,  Col.  Case,  Samuel  Bowles 
and  AAHlliam  StoAve.  each  of  whose  names  is  frequently  mentioned 
elsewhere  in  connection  with  events  of  early  city  business  his- 
tory. H.  N.  Case — Col.  Case— was  the  first  president,  and 
Henry  Alexander,  jr.,  Avas  the  first  cashier.  In  1865  the  bank 
Avas  reorganized  as  the  PAaichon  National  bank.  No.  987,  and  in 
1869  the  capital  Avas  increased  from  $150,000  to  $200,000. 

The  presidents  of  the  Pynchon  bank,  both  state  and  national, 
Avere  H.  N.  Case,  1853-58 ;  James  Kirkham,  1858-62 ;  H.  N.  Case, 

(      228      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1862-89;  Charles  Marsh,  1889-91;  Edward  D.  Chapin,  1891-1901. 
During  the  same  period  the  cashiers  were  Henry  Alexander,  jr., 
1853-58 ;  Frederick  H.  Harris,  1858-63 ;  James  D.  Safford.  1863- 
06 ;  Charles  Marsh,  1866-89 :  George  R.  Bond,  1889-1901. 

For  almost  half  a  century  the  Pynchon  bank  was  numbered 
among  the  solid  tinancial  institutions  of  Springfield,  and  deser- 
vedly enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  public,  as  well  as  a  large  pat- 
ronage ;  but  on  June  21,  1901,  owing  to  certain  investments  on 
which  immediate  returns  were  not  possible,  the  comptroller  of 
the  currency  ordered  a  suspension  of  business.  At  that  time  the 
bank's  capital  was  $200,000  and  its  surplus  was  $100,000.  The 
officers  and  directors  in  1901  Avere  Edward  P.  Chapin,  president ; 
George  R.  Bond,  cashier ;  Edward  P.  Chapin.  H.  C.  Rowley,  John 
S.  Sanderson,  James  T.  Abbe,  AYilliam  0.  Day,  Charles  C.  Lewis 
and  George  R.  Bond,  directors. 

The  First  National  bank.  No.  11,  of  Springfield,  was  char- 
tered in  1863,  and  its  founders  are  said  to  have  constituted  the 
first  body  of  business  men  in  the  entire  country  to  apply  for  a 
charter  after  the  national  banking  act  went  into  effect.  How- 
ever, other  applications  were  received  first,  hence  in  the  numeri- 
cal order  this  bank  was  given  the  number  14.  It  was  organized 
February  24,  1863.  with  $150,000  capital,  the  amount  being  in- 
creased to  $300,000  in  1864,  and  to  $400,000  in  1871.  The  first 
directors  were  James  Kirkham,  Henry  Morris,  Orick  H.  Green- 
leaf.  Daniel  B.  Wesson,  Samuel  Norris,  "W.  K.  Baker  and  George 
E.  Howard. 

On  the  organization  of  the  board,  Mr.  Kirkham  was  elected 
president,  and  from  that  time  until  his  death  in  February,  1893, 
he  was  at  the  head  of  the  bank  and  its  chief  managing  officer.  In 
March  following  John  Olmsted  was  elected  president  and  still 
serves  in  that  capacity.  His  successful  business  career  is  too 
well  known  in  Springfield  to  need  mention  here,  and  the  reader 
only  has  to  refer  to  the  institutions  of  the  city  to  ascertain  how 
he  has  been  a  factor  in  local  events.  Julius  H.  Appleton  was  the 
first  cashier,  being  succeeded  in  1866  by  James  D.  Safford,  who, 
in  turn,  was  succeeded  in  1872  by  Dustin  A.  Folsom,  the  present 
cashier  and  active  officer  of  the  bank. 

(      229      ) 


OUR    COIMY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

The  First  National  bank  is  one  of  the  solid  financial  institu- 
tions of  the  Connecticut  valley  in  Massachusetts,  and  in  banking 
circles  in  New  England  it  always  has  held  an  enviable  standing ; 
and  its  affairs  never  Avere  more  prosperous  than  at  the  present 
time.  Its  capital  is  $400,000 ;  surplus,  $80,000 ;  undivided  pro- 
fits, $32,753.  The  officers  and  directors  are  as  follows :  John 
Olmsted,  president :  Dustin  A.  Folsom,  cashier ;  F.  L.  Safford, 
assistant  cashier ;  John  Olmsted,  John  West,  Peter  Murray, 
Henr>^  J.  Beebe,  Harlan  P.  Stone,  Alfred  N.  Mayo,  James  W. 
Kirkham,  and  B.  Frank  Steele,  directors. 

The  Third  National  bank  of  Springfield,  No.  308,  in  the 
numerical  succession,  and  second  of  the  original  national  banks 
in  this  city,  was  organized  in  1864,  under  the  immediate  super- 
vision of  George  Walker,  who  in  later  years  attained  a  standing 
of  prominence  in  financial  circles  both  in  this  country  and  in 
Europe.  The  bank  was  formally  organized  February  20,  1864, 
with  $500,000  capital,  and  opened  its  doors  for  business  with 
these  officers  and  directors  :  George  Walker,  president ;  Freder- 
ick H.  Harris,  cashier ;  George  Walker,  John  L.  King,  John 
Wells,  Joseph  C.  Parsons,  Emerson  Gaylord,  Edmund  Freeman, 
Clark  W.  Bryan,  Joseph  Carew  and  Aaron  Bagg,  directors. 

Mr.  Walker  continued  at  the  head  of  the  bank  until  1876, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Joseph  C.  Parsons.  On  the  death  of 
the  latter  in  1886,  Frederick  H.  Harris,  the  former  cashier  (and 
who  in  one  capacity  or  another  has  been  identified  with  banking 
history  in  the  city  since  1839)  was  elected  president  and  still 
holds  that  relation  to  the  institution.  Frederick  Harris,  son  of 
the  president,  was  appointed  assistant  cashier  in  1873,  and  on 
the  election  of  his  father  to  the  presidency,  he  Avas  chosen  cashier, 
which  position  he  still  holds. 

Except  as  one  board  of  officers  has  succeeded  another  in  the 
evolution  of  time  and  events,  there  has  been  little  change  in  the 
personnel  of  the  management  of  the  Third  National  bank.  When, 
the  institution  was  founded  it  at  once  became  a  prominent  factor 
in  the  financial  history  of  the  city,  and  from  that  time  its  pro- 
gress has  been  onward  until  it  came  to  be  regarded  as  one  of  the 
safest  banking  houses  in  New  England.     For  many  years  it  has 

(      230      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPBINGFJELD 

been  a  depository  for  government  funds,  and  at  various  times 
its  disbursements  for  the  armory  pay-rolls  has  been  exceedingly 
large.  The  building  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Hillman  streets 
was  erected  in  1875,  and  even  now  it  is  numbered  among  the  more 
substantial  structures  of  the  city.  The  building  committee,  un- 
der whose  supervision  the  work  of  construction  was  done,  com- 
prised Henry  A.  Gould,  James  H.  Newton  and  Joseph  Carew. 

The  Third  National  bank  has  a  capital  of  .$500,000,  a  sur- 
plus of  $400,000,  an  undivided  profit  account  of  more  than 
.$66,000,  and  a  total  deposit  account  of  over  $1,600,000.  In  a  large 
degree  this  gratifying  success  was  due  to  the  capacity  of  Mr. 
Walker,  yet  since  his  death  the  conduct  of  the  business  has  been 
in  equally  reliable  hands  in  his  successor.  At  the  present  time 
the  officers  and  directors  of  the  bank  are  as  follows :  Frederick 
H.  Harris,  president;  Frederick  Harris,  cashier;  Frederick  H. 
Harris,  Henry  A.  Gould,  J.  S.  McElwain  (Holyoke),  Charles  R. 
Ladd,  Aaron  Bagg,  jr.,  A.  W.  Damon  and  Frederick  Harris, 
directors. 

The  Chapin  National  bank  was  first  incorporated  in  1872 
under  the  state  laws,  as  the  Chapin  Banking  and  Trust  company, 
and  was  named  in  allusion  to  Chester  W.  Chapin,  its  founder 
and  principal  stockholder,  and  also  one  of  Springfield's  foremost 
business  men  for  many  years.  Indeed,  it  is  doubtful  if  any 
other  man  was  more  closely  identified  with  vast  and  varied  busi- 
ness interests  in  the  city  and  county  than  w-as  Mr.  Chapin.  The 
first  directors  of  the  banking  and  trust  company  were  Chester 
W.  Chapin,  William  K.  Baker,  James  M.  Thompson,  James  A. 
Rumrill,  John  B.  Stebbins,  Daniel  L.  Harris,  Henry  S.  Lee,  Geo. 
C.  Fisk,  Charles  0.  Russell  and  W.  H.  AVilkinson.  (Having 
mentioned  Mr.  Chapin 's  close  relation  to  business  interests  in 
the  city,  it  is  also  proper  to  state  in  this  connection  that  no  bank 
previously  organized  in  Springfield  had  a  stronger  board  of 
directors  than  the  original  Chapin  bank.)  Mr.  Chapin  was  the 
first  presid'cnt,  Mr.  Baker  the  first  vice-president,  and  James  D. 
Safford  the  first  cashier. 

Thus  officered  and  with  a  capital  of  $500,000,  the  bank 
opened  its  doors  for  business  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  years  it 

(      231      ) 


Chester  W.  Chapiu 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

was  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  successful  financial  institutions 
of  the  city.  There  was  little  change  in  the  officiary  of  the  board 
of  directors  before  1879,  when  James  A.  Rumrill  succeeded  Mr. 
Chapin  in  the  presidency,  and  William  F.  Callender,  who  had 
"been  teller  in  the  bank  since  it  was  started,  was  made  cashier  in 
place  of  Mr.  Safit'ord.  On  October  1,  1879,  the  state  charter  was 
surrendered  and  the  bank  was  reorganized  under  the  national 
banking  act  as  the  Chapin  National  bank,  No.  2,435. 

From  the  time  the  Chapin  bank  began  business  it  has  been  a 
strong  financial  institution,  always  popular  with  the  public,  well 
managed  and  officered,  yet  the  best  results  have  been  achieved 
since  the  reorganization  of  1879.  In  its  present  condition  the 
bank  has  a  capital  of  $500,000,  a  surplus  of  $100,000,  and  an  un- 
divided profit  account  of  $65,000.  The  deposit  account  aggre- 
gates over  $1,300,000.  The  officers  and  directors  are  William  F. 
Callender,  president,  who  was  elected  to  that  office  June  3,  1897, 
succeeding  Mr.  Baker;  George  R.  Yerrall,  cashier,  elected  April 
5,  1893,  succeeding  Mr.  Callender,  who  was  made  vice-president 
at  that  time;  James  A.  Rumrill,  Edward  S.  Bradford,  Samuel  R. 
Whiting,  William  F.  Callender,  Charles  C.  Jenks,  Chester  W. 
Bliss,  Dr.  Theodore  F.  Breck  and  George  R.  Yerrall,  directors. 

The  City  National  bank  of  Springfield,  No.  2,433,  was  organ- 
ized September  9,  1879,  with  $250,000  capital,  and  with  James  D. 
■Safford  (formerly  cashier  of  the  Chapin  banking  and  trust  com- 
pany) as  president,  and  Henry  H.  Bowman  (now  president  of 
the  Springfield  National  bank)  as  cashier.  The  first  directors 
Avere  James  M.  Thompson,  John  B.  Stebbins,  Marcus  P.  Knowl- 
ton,  Nelson  C.  Newell,  George  B.  Holbrook  and  James  D.  Safford. 

Throughout  the  period  of  its  history  Mr.  Safford  has  been 
president  and  active  managing  officer  of  the  bank,  and  the  certain 
success  achieved  by  the  institution  is  largely  due  to  his  efforts. 
Mr.  Bowman  was  cashier  until  succeeded  by  Edwin  A.  Carter,  in 
January,  1893,  and  the  latter  was,  in  turn,  succeeded  in  1900  by 
William  E.  Gilbert,  the  present  cashier. 

The  managers  of  the  bank  at  the  outset  adopted  a  liberal 
policy,  and  its  affairs  always  have  been  conducted  in  accordance 
Avith  progressive  business  methods,  hence  its  success  and  the 

(      233      ) 


OrR   COLMY   ASD   ITS   PEOPLE 

popular  standing  it  has  in  business  circles  in  the  city.  Accord- 
ing to  the  latest  published  report  of  its  condition,  the  bank  has  a 
surplus  and  undivided  account  of  over  $160,000,  and  a  deposit 
account  of  more  than  $1,163,000. 

The  present  officers  and  directors  are  as  follows :  James  D. 
Saftord.  president ;  AYilliam  E.  Gilbert,  cashier ;  Marcus  P. 
Knowlton,  Nelson  C.  Newell,  Luke  S.  Stowe,  Lewis  F.  Carr, 
Edwin  A.  Carter,  James  B.  Carroll  and  James  D.  Safford, 
directors. 

The  Springfield  National  bank,  the  youngest  of  the  city's 
financial  institutions  established  under  federal  laws,  was  organ- 
ized May  6,  1893,  with  a  capital  of  $200,000,  but  notwithstanding 
this  it  is  unquestionably  one  of  the  strongest  banks  in  New  Eng- 
land. Eight  years  of  business  shows  an  accumulated  surplus  of 
$200,000,  undivided  profits  amounting  to  more  that  $61,000,  and 
a  deposit  account  of  over  $2,243,000.  The  original  officers. 
(Henry  H.  Bowman,  president;  George  B.  Holbrook,  vice-presi- 
dent; and  Kalph  P.  Alden,  cashier)  are  still  in  their  respective 
positions,  and  in  the  personnel  of  the  board  of  directors  there  has 
been  little  change.  W.  C.  King,  B.  D.  Rising  and  A.  H.  Over- 
man, who  Avere  members  of  the  first  board  are  not  now  of  the 
number.  The  present  directors  are  Robert  W.  Day,  Ralph  W. 
Ellis,  AY.  D.  Kinsman,  Franklin  Pierce,  F.  G.  Tobey,  Michael 
Dunn,  George  B.  Holbrook,  C.  A.  Crocker,  George  W.  Tapley, 
Henry  H.  Bowman  and  Ralph  P.  Alden. 

The  Springfield  Safe  Deposit  and  Trust  company,  the  oldest 
banking  concern  of  the  city  doing  business  under  state  laws,  and 
also  one  of  the  most  substantial  institutions  of  its  kind  in  the 
entire  region,  Avas  organized  in  December,  1885,  and  opened  its 
doors  for  business  in  July,  1886.  The  original  charter  was 
granted  in  1873  to  Henry  Alexander,  jr..  Smith  R.  Phillips, 
Charles  0.  Chapin,  Samuel  B.  Spooner  and  Samuel  Palmer,  but 
as  no  organization  was  effected  under  the  charter  within  the 
required  time  the  company  forfeited  its  rights  and  subsequent 
legislation  was  necessary  to  revive  it. 

The  first  board  of  directors,  chosen  in  1885,  comprised  J.  G. 
jNIcIntosh,  Samuel  Bigelow,  C.  H.  Haywood,  Edwin  McElwain^ 

(      234      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Nathan  D.  Bill,  A.  B.  AYallaee,  Charles  D.  Rood,  J.  S.  Hiirlbut, 
Timothy  Merrick,  Kodney  Wallace,  AYilliam  Skinner,  AV.  L. 
BroAvn,  J.  S.  INIcEhvain,  Joseph  Metcalf,  G.  H.  Newman,  J.  L. 
AVarriner  and  Sanniel  Blaisdell.  The  first  officers  were  J.  G. 
^Mcintosh,  president;  AY.  A.  Lincoln,  treasurer;  Timothy  Aler- 
rick,  Samuel  Bigelow,  A.  B.  AYallace,  AAllliam  Skinner  and 
Joseph  Aletcalf,  executive  committee.  The  original  capital  of 
$300,000  was  subsequently  increased  to  $500,000,  and  although  a 
safe  deposit  and  trust  company  within  the  strict  interpretation 
of  the  name,  the  institution  always  has  done  a  general  banking 
business,  and,  except  in  the  issue  of  currency,  has  greater  power 
than  is  extended  to  national  banks. 

For  more  than  fifteen  years  the  Springfield  Safe  Deposit 
and  Trust  comj-yany  has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  business 
history  of  the  city  and  state.  Its  affairs  always  have  been  well 
managed  and  it  has  gained  especial  popularity  in  mercantile  and 
manufacturing  circles.  As  has  been  stated,  the  company's  capi- 
tal is  .$500,000,  the  surplus  and  undivided  profit  account  aggre- 
gates more  than  $311,000,  and  its  deposit  account  is  above  $2,- 
700,000.     The  total  assets  are  more  than  $3,544,000. 

The  present  officers  of  the  company  are  J.  G.  Mcintosh, 
president ;  AA".  A.  Lincoln,  vice-president ;  George  H.  Kemater, 
treasurer ;  J.  G.  Alclntosh,  A.  B.  AA'allace,  Joseph  Aletcalf,  Sam- 
uel Bigelow,  AY.  H.  Heywood,  John  E.  Stevens,  Edwin  McEl- 
wain,  Luke  Corcoran,  A.  A.  Alarston,  Albert  D.  Nason,  J.  Searle 
Hurlbut  and  AA".  A.  Lincoln,  directors. 

The  Hampden  Trust  company  was  incorporated  by  a  special 
act  of  the  legislature,  June  1,  1887,  under  the  name  of  the  Ham]>- 
den  Loan  and  Trust  company,  by  Emerson  Gaylord,  Henry  S. 
Hyde,  Henry  AI.  Phillips,  Edward  H.  Lathrop,  AVilliam  AY. 
AA^right,  Daniel  J.  Marsh  and  Charles  A.  Kibbe.  The  object  of 
the  company  was  to  carry  on  a  general  banking,  loan  and  trust 
business  under  the  laws  of  this  state,  and  the  incorporation  ap- 
pears to  have  been  suggested  by  Col.  M.  V.  B.  Edgerly,  who 
aimed  to  conduct  the  business  in  connection  with  the  Massachu- 
setts Mutual  Life  as  auxiliary  to  that  corporation.  However, 
under  the  charter  nothing  was  accomplished  for  several  years, 

(      235      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  UIS  PEOPLE 

and  the  company  in  fact  was  not  organized  and  ready  for  busi- 
ness until  the  spring  of  1895. 

The  first  officers  were  Col,  Edgerly,  president;  Henry  M. 
Phillips,  vice-president;  and  William  G.  Mclntyre,  treasurer. 
Before  the  business  was  fairly  started  Col.  Edgerly  died  and 
John  A.  Hall  was  thereupon  elected  his  successor.  He  served 
one  year  and  was  succeeded  by  Gov.  Haile,  who  died  in  February, 
1901,  and  during  whose  term  in  the  presidency  the  company  be- 
came firmly  established  in  banking  circles  in  the  city.  On  the 
death  of  Gov.  Haile,  William  G.  Mclntyre,  the  former  treasurer, 
was  elected  president  of  the  company,  and  at  the  same  time  Say- 
ward  Galbraith,  originally  clerk  and  later  assistant  treasurer, 
succeeded  to  the  vacancy  created  by  the  advancement  of  Mr. 
Mclntyre. 

Six  years  of  business  have  demonstrated  the  usefulness  and 
success  of  the  Hampden  Trust  company  (the  name  having  been 
changed  May  1,  1901)  as  one  of  the  financial  institutions  of 
Springfield.  The  company  does  a  general  banking  business, 
having  a  deposit  account  of  nearly  $1,500,000,  and  in  addition 
thereto  acts  as  trustee,  executor  or  administrator  of  estates  of 
deceased  persons,  and  also  as  registrar  for  corporations.  Indeed, 
under  its  charter  and  the  laws  of  the  state  the  company  possesses 
all  the  advantages  of  national  banks,  except  in  the  issue  of  cur- 
rency, and  in  many  respects  has  greater  powers.  The  latest 
report  of  its  condition  shows  a  capital  of  $100,000.  undivided 
profits  amounting  to  $57,000,  and  trust  accounts  aggregating 
nearly  $200,000. 

The  present  officers  of  the  company  are  William  G.  Mc- 
lntyre, president;  AVilliam  F.  Whiting  and  Henry  C.  Haile,  vice- 
presidents;  Sayward  Galbraith,  treasurer;  Henry  M.  Phillips, 
AVilliam  E.  Wright,  William  B.  Plunkett,  Peter  Murray,  Henry 
C.  Haile,  AVilliam  W.  McClench,  Edmund  P.  Kendrick,  William 
F.  Whiting  and  William  G.  Mclntyre,  directors. 

The  Springfield  Institution  for  Savings,  the  oldest  corpora- 
tion of  its  kind  in  Hampden  county  and  one  of  the  oldest  in 
Massachusetts,  dates  back  in  its  history— an  unbroken  record  of 
successful  business  operation— to  the  year  1827,  when  it  was 

(      236      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

brought  into  existence  by  a  special  act  of  the  legislature.  When 
business  was  begun  the  institution  was  conducted  as  an  auxiliary 
to  the  old  Springfield  bank,  and  occupied  the  same  building  until 
1S44.  At  first  its  business  was  quite  limited,  the  deposits  in  the 
year  mentioned  amounting  to  less  than  $50,000.  About  that  time 
the  trustees  were  disposed  to  wind  up  its  afi:'airs,  but  finally  ap- 
pointed a  committee  (William  DAnght,  John  Howard,  Theodore 
Bliss,  James  Brewer  and  Samuel  Reynolds)  to  consider  the  prem- 
ises and  suggest  a  plan  of  action  for  the  future.  The  committee 
reported  in  favor  of  continuing  the  bank,  and  accordingly  it  was 
separated  from  the  old  patron  institution  and  started  out  on  an 
independent  career. 

Subsequent  events  proved  the  wisdom  of  this  proceeding, 
and  in  the  course  of  a  few  years  the  savings  institution  became 
established  on  a  firm  foundation ;  and  it  has  since  continued  to 
grow  in  strength  and  public  favor  until  it  has  come  to  be  recog- 
nized as  one  of  the  most  solid  institutions  for  savings  in  all  New 
England.  In  proof  of  this  assertion  we  have  only  to  refer  to  the 
present  condition  of  its  affairs.  The  depositors  number  over 
40,000  persons,  and  the  total  deposits  aggregate  $16,614,075.50. 
Few  similar  institutions  in  the  country  can  make  a  better 
sho^^^ug. 

The  first  officers  were  John  Hooker,  president;  George  Bliss, 
Jonathan  Dwight,  jr.,  David  Ames,  Roswell  Lee,  John  Chaffee, 
Joshua  Frost,  Robert  Emery  and  John  Ingersoll,  vice-presidents ; 
Daniel  Bontecou,  John  B.  Kirkham,  Diah  Allen,  Samuel  Hen- 
shaw,  William  Child,  Joseph  Wetherhead,  Benj.  Day,  W.  F. 
Wolcott,  George  Colton,  George  Bliss,  jr.,  Charles  Stearns,  Moses 
Bliss  2d,  Oliver  B.  Morris,  Justice  Willard  and  Samuel  Reynolds, 
trustees. 

When  the  savings  institution  was  separated  from  the  Spring- 
field bank  in  1844.  new  quarters  were  found  for  the  former  in 
Foot's  building,  but  in  1867  the  trustees  caused  to  be  erected  the 
substantial  building  at  the  corner  of  jNIain  and  State  streets,  the 
subsequent  and  present  home  of  the  corporation. 

The  succession  of  presidents  is  as  follows :  John  Hooker, 
1827-44;  Theodore  Bliss  and  William  Dwight,  each  for  brief 

(      237      ) 


Henry  S.  Lee 


THE  CITY  OF  SFRIXGFIELD 

terms  from  1844:  to  1847 ;  Josiah  Hooker,  1847-70 ;  James  M. 
Thompson,  1870-84;  John  B.  Stebbins,  1884-99;  Henry  S.  Lee, 
1899— now  in  office.  The  treasurers  have  been  John  Howard, 
1827-49  ;  Henry  Stearns,  1849-58  :  Henry  S.  Lee,  1858-99  ;  Joseph 
C.  Booth,  1899— now  in  office. 

The  present  officers  of  the  institution  are  as  follows :  Henry 
S.  Lee,  president^ :  Julius  H.  Appleton,  vice-president :  Joseph  C. 
Booth,  treasurer :  W.  N.  Caldwell,  clerk ;  Henry  S.  Lee,  Julius  H. 
Appleton,  Marcus  P.  Knowlton,  Edward  P.  Chapin,  Arthur  B. 
West,  John  A.  Hall,  Homer  L.  Bosworth,  W.  N.  Caldwell  and 
John  McFethries,  trustees;  James  D.  Safford,  W.  C.  INlarsh  and 
H.  W.  Haskins,  auditors. 

The  Hampden  Savings  bank  was  incorporated  and  organized 
in  1852,  and  "was  the  creation  of  Chester  W.  Chapin,  who  had 
in  view  the  establishment  of  a  bank  near  the  depot,  to  accommo- 
date the  employees  of  the  "Western  railroad  and  others  from  out 
of  town,  who  might  desire  to  make  deposits  out  of  their  monthly 
earnings."  On  the  formal  organization  of  the  bank  (]May  21, 
1852)  Albert  Morgan  was  elected  president;  James  T.  Ames, 
Chester  "W.  Chapin,  Franklin  Morgan  and  Eliphalet  Trask,  vice- 
presidents ;  Frederick  S.  Bailey,  treasurer;  Samuel  S.  Day,  Will- 
iam Melcher,  Ezekiel  Blake,  Sylvanus  Adams,  Andrew  Hunting- 
ton, Stephen  C.  Bemis,  Gilman  Jaquith,  Hiram  Q.  Sanderson. 
Henry  Gray,  Ephraim  W.  Bond,  Thomas  W.  Wason  and  Edward 
Southworth,  trustees. 

Previous  to  1873  the  savings  accounts  were  kept  in  the  Aga- 
wam  bank,  to  which  in  a  measure  the  savings  bank  was  auxiliary, 
but  in  that  year  the  institutions  were  separated  and  in  1899  the 
savings  bank  was  removed  to  its  present  quarters  on  the  west  side 
of  Main  street.  From  the  time  of  its  organization  the  affairs  of 
the  bank  have  been  prudently  and  conservatively  managed,  and 
the  hopes  of  the  founder  were  realized  in  the  opening  of  many  ac- 
counts by  railroad  employees  and  others  of  the  wage-earning  ele- 
ment of  the  city's  population. 

Mr.  Morgan  continued  in  the  presidency  from  1852  to  1856, 
and  then  was  succeeded  by  Stephen  C.  Bemis,  who  served  until 

'Mr.  Lee  died  March  29,  1902,  and  .Julius  H.  Appleton  has  been  elected  in  his 
place. 

(      239      ) 


01 R   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

1871.  Eliphalet  Trask  was  the  next  president,  serving  until  his 
death  in  1890.  John  Mulligan  followed  next,  and  was  succeeded 
in  February,  1899,  by  Charles  L.  Gardner,  the  present  president. 
During  the  half  century  of  its  existence,  the  bank  has  had  only 
two  treasurers,  Frederick  S.  Bailey,  who  was  the  active  manager 
of  its  affairs  from  1852  to  1870,  and  then  was  succeeded  by  Peter 
S.  Bailey,  who  is  still  in  office. 

According  to  the  most  recent  published  statement  of  its 
condition,  the  Hampden  Savings  bank  has  a  deposit  fund  of  more 
than  $3,300,000,  and  total  assets  of  more  than  $3,529,000.  The 
present  officers  are  as  follows:  Charles  L.  Gardner,  president; 
Henry  S.  Hyde  and  Lewis  J.  Powers,  vice-presidents;  Peter  S. 
Bailey,  clerk  and  treasurer;  Louis  C.  Hyde,  Elijah  Belding, 
Frank  E.  Carpenter,  W.  Chaplin  Bemis,  E.  Dudley  Chapin,  F. 
H.  Stebbins,  William  F.  Callender,  J.  F.  Bidwell,  AV.  E.  Wright, 
Mase  S.  Southworth,  Dwight  0.  Gilmore  and  George  K.  Ester- 
brook,  trustees. 

The  Springfield  Five  Cents  Savings  bank  was  chartered  and 
organized  in  1854,  and  was  the  first  institution  of  its  kind  in  the 
city  to  specially  invite  small  savings,  its  patrons  being  allowed  to 
deposit  sums  as  small  in  amount  as  five  cents,  and  from  that  to 
$1,000.  Dr.  George  W.  Rice  Avas  the  guiding  spirit  of  the  enter- 
prise, and  in  his  early  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  bank  he  was  aided 
by  Willis  Phelps  and  Dr.  Joseph  C.  Pynchon.  On  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  officiary  ]\Ir.  Phelps  Avas  chosen  president,  and  Dr. 
Pynchon,  treasurer.  In  1858  Dr.  Pynchon  became  president  and 
Charles  Marsh  was  made  treasurer. 

Dr.  Pynchon  w-as  continued  in  the  presidency  until  1889, 
when  he  died,  and  was  succeeded  by  Ephraim  W.  Bond.  The 
latter  died  December  5,  1891,  and  was  followed  as  president  by 
Dr.  William  Rice,  who  served  until  his  death,  August  17,  1897, 
when  Robert  0.  ^Morris  was  elected  his  successor.  In  1859, 
Charles  Marsh,  treasurer,  w^as  made  cashier  of  the  Pynchon  bank, 
upon  which  Daniel  J.  Marsh  was  elected  to  the  vacant  office  in 
the  savings  bank.  He  still  serves  in  that  capacity  and  now 
ranks  with  the  oldest  bankers  in  the  city ;  and  it  may  truthfully 
be  said  that  in  a  large  degree  the  success  of  this  institution  has 
been  due  to  his  prudent  management  of  its  business  affairs. 

(      240      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFEINGFIELD 

From  the  outset  the  business  of  the  bank  has  been  conducted 
Avith  gratifying  success.  During  the  first  year  the  deposits 
amounted  to  $99,406,  and  from  that  time  they  have  increased 
until  the  aggregate  account  at  present  is  more  than  .$6,077,000. 

The  present  officers  of  the  bank  are  as  follows:  Robert  0. 
Morris,  president :  Henry  M.  Phillips,  Oliver  Marsh,  Charles  A. 
Nichols,  vice-presidents ;  Daniel  J.  Marsh,  treasurer ;  Robert  0. 
Morris,  Henry  M.  Phillips,  Charles  A.  Nichols,  Alfred  M.  Cope- 
land,  Henry  S.  Dickinson,  Richard  W.  Rice,  Aaron  Bagg,  George 
Leonard,  Daniel  J.  Marsh,  Oliver  Marsh,  Ralph  W.  Ellis.  James 
H.  Pjnichon,  AYilliam  H.  Gray  and  Henry  D.  Marsh,  trustees; 
Henry  D.  Marsh,  clerk ;  Oliver  Marsh,  AVilliam  H.  Gray,  finance 
committee :  Alfred  M.  Copelanci,  George  Leonard,  Richard  W. 
Rice,  auditing  committee. 

IXSURAXCE  COMPANIES 

The  history  of  insurance  in  Springfield  dates  from  the  early 
years  of  the  last  century.  At  one  time  the  city  gave  promise  of 
unusual  prominence  as  the  home  of  many  companies,  and  for  a 
time  the  leadership  of  Hartford  in  this  respect  was  questioned. 
Still,  of  all  the  old  insurance  companies  chartered,  organized  and 
for  a  time  continued  in  this  city,  only  three  have  survived  the 
ravages  of  time  and  experience  and  are  in  successful  operation 
to-day.  Some  of  our  older  citizens  will  remember  the  old  Massa- 
soit  and  Hampden  insurance  companies,  and  the  first  Springfield 
Fire  insurance  company,  all  of  which  lived  for  a  time  and  then 
passed  naturally  out  of  existence.  At  a  later  date  there  were 
organized  in  succession  the  Washington  ^Mutual  Life  and  the 
Citizens'  insurance  companies,  which,  like  the  majority  of  their 
predecessors,  found  actual  experience  at  variance  with  theory, 
and  as  a  result  they,  too,  fell  by  the  wayside.  A  like  fate  over- 
took nearly  all  the  later  assessment  companies,  each  of  which 
promised  much  and  accomplished  little  for  the  good  of  mankind. 

The  Mutual  Fire  Assurance  company  of  Springfield,  the  old- 
est institution  of  its  kind  in  the  city,  and  one  of  the  oldest  in  the 
state,  Avas  chartered  and  organized  in  1827,  and  was  the  result  of 
an  accident.     On  a  Sunday  morning  early  in  that  year,  when  the 


16-2 


(      241      ) 


OLE   COINTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

meeting  house  bell  was  calling  the  inhabitants  to  worship,  a  fire 
broke  out  in  the  dwelling  house  of  Zebina  Stebbins,  and  in  spite 
of  the  efforts  of  the  villagers  and  the  fire  company  the  building 
was  destroyed.  It  was  a  custom  of  the  period,  and  one  which 
had  existed  almost  from  the  time  the  town  was  founded,  in  case 
of  serious  loss  by  fire  by  one  of  the  townsmen  his  neighl)ors  would 
generously  join  together  and  replace  the  building  or  contribute 
money  for  that  purpose ;  and  occasions  are  not  wanting  in  which 
the  town  voted  to  make  good  the  losses  of  sutferers  by  fire.  This 
not  only  was  a  custom  of  the  age,  but  also  was  purely  mutual  in- 
surance without  the  formality  of  charter  or  organization. 

Zebina  Stebbins,  the  victim  of  the  Sunday  morning  fire  in 
Ferry  lane,  was  a  conspicuous  figure  in  early  Springfield  history. 
He  did  not  need  contribution  on  the  part  of  his  neighbors,  but  the 
fire  itself  suggested  to  his  mind  the  need  of  an  insurance  com- 
pany in  the  town,  and  he  set  about  the  work  to  accomplish  that 
end.  As  a  result  of  his  efforts  the  legislature,  on  February  23, 
1827,  granted  a  charter  to  the  Mutual  Fire  Assurance  company 
of  Springfield,  naming  as  incorporators  Zebina  Stebbins,  Joseph 
Carew,  David  Ames,  jr.,  Festus  Stebbins,  Walter  Stebbins,  John 
Newbury,  Sable  Rogers  and  Jacob  Bliss.  At  a  meeting  of  in- 
terested persons  held  at  Russell's  inn  on  February  14.  an  infor- 
mal organization  of  the  company  was  effected.  "William  Bliss 
was  chosen  permanent  secretary,  but  the  election  of  other  offi- 
cers was  deferred  until  the  next  day.  On  the  loth  Zebina 
Stebbins  was  made  president ;  "William  Bliss,  treasurer :  and  Ze- 
bina Stebbins.  Jacob  Bliss,  Joseph  CareAV,  Sable  Rogers,  Theo- 
dore Bliss,  David  Ames,  jr.,  and  Francis  M.  Carew,  directors. 

From  the  beginning  of  its  history  to  the  present  time  the 
policy  of  the  company  has  been  very  conservative,  and  not  once 
has  it  departed  from  its  old  traditions.  As  a  purely  mutual 
corporation  it  could  not  well  do  otherwise  and  keep  faith  with 
the  pledges  and  purposes  of  the  organizers.  There  are  no  sal- 
aried officers,  other  than  the  secretary  and  treasurer,  the  direc- 
tors receiving  a  nominal  compensation  for  attending  meetings ; 
and  there  are  no  agents  whose  commissions  make  inroads  on  the 
revenues  of  the  company,  and  every  endeavor  is  made  to  keep 

(      242      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

down  the  expense  account  for  the  benefit  of  policy  holders.  The 
company  insux'es  only  dwelling  house  property,  yet  its  fame  and 
popularity  is  such  that  about  2,700  policies  are  constantly  out- 
standing. Covering  the  entire  period  of  the  company's  history, 
the  directors  have  returned  to  policy  holders  an  average  divi- 
dend of  80  per  cent.,  and  for  the  last  nine  years  have  returned  a 
dividend  of  90  per  cent.  The  actual  cost  to  the  assured  on  a 
policy  is  about  $1.25  on  each  .$1,000  for  five  years.  The  assets 
now  aggregate  $200,000.  The  company  never  has  been  embar- 
assed  by  serious  losses  and  its  business  department  always  has 
been  in  safe  hands. 

The  presidents  of  the  company  have  been  as  follows:  Ze- 
bina  Stebbins,  May  15-July  25,  1827;  Joseph  Carew,  July  25, 
1827-Oct.  5,  1829 :  George  Colton,  Oct.  5,  1829-March  9,  1838 ; 
William  Child.  March  9.  1838-Oct.  4,  1841;  Samuel  Reynolds, 
Oct.  4,  1841,  declined :  Charles  Howard,  declined ;  Philo  F.  Wil- 
cox, Oct.  4,  1841-Oct.  11,  1850 ;  Elijah  Blake,  Oct.  11,  1850- 
Oct.  4,  1869;  AY.  C.  Sturtevant,  Oct.  4,  1869-died  Aug. 
21,  1891 ;  Alfred  Rowe,  Oct.  6,  1891-Oct.  7,  1895 ;  George  B.  Hol- 
brook,  Oct.  12.  1895-now  in  office.  The  secretaries  have  been 
William  Bliss,  1827-38 ;  Justice  Willard,  1838-49 ;  Lewis  Gor- 
ham,  1849-68 ;  Lewis  A.  Titft,  1868-74 :  Frank  R.  Young,  Sept. 
19.  1874-now  in  office.  The  treasurers  have  been  William 
Bliss,  1827,  declined:  Sable  Rogers,  1827-48.  (On  Oct.  2,  1848, 
this  office  was  consolidated  with  that  of  secretary.) 

The  officers  in  1901  are :  George  B.  Holbrook,  president ; 
Frank  R.  Young,  secretary  and  treasurer ;  John  West,  Edwin 
McElwain,  James  L.  Johnson,  H.  Curtis  Rowley,  Henry  A. 
King,  Azel  A.  Packard,  Julius  H.  Appleton,  George  B.  Holbrook 
and  Frank  R.  Young,  directors. 

The  Springfield  Fire  and  Marine  Insurance  company,  one 
of  the  most  successful  corporations  of  its  character  ever  char- 
tered under  the  laws  of  Massachusetts,  was  incorporated  by  an 
act  of  the  legislature,  passed  April  24,  1849,  with  an  authorized 
capital  of  $150,000  "for  the  purpose  of  making  insurance 
against  losses  by  fire  and  against  maritime  losses."  The  act 
authorized  the  company  to  conduct  its   business    twenty   years 

(      343      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

(later  on  the  charter  was  made  perpetual)  and  to  hold  real  es- 
tate not  exceeding  $15,000  in  vahie.  The  incorporators  were 
Edmund  Freeman,  George  Dwight,  John  L.  King,  and  their 
associates  and  successors. 

Previous  to  the  formal  act  of  incorporation  the  company  in 
an  embryo  state  began  making  history,  through  its  founder, 
Marvin  Chapin,  a  man  of  means  and  influence  in  Springfield. 
Loyal  always  to  the  town  (the  city  then  was  not  incorporated) 
and  its  institutions,  he  argued  earnestly  in  favor  of  an  insurance 
company  at  home,  which  property  owners  and  insurers  might 
patronize  rather  than  contribute  to  the  support  of  corporations 
having  no  local  interests,  but  which  annually  took  away  large 
sums  of  money  in  premiums.  At  first  his  efforts  met  with  little 
encouragement,  but  finally  business  men  saw  the  logic  of  his 
argument  and  by  their  promise  to  take  stock  the  enterprise  was 
made  a  success. 

After  the  charter  was  granted  no  further  action  was  taken 
until  April  9,  1851,  when  the  persons  interested  held  a  meeting 
at  the  Massasoit  house  for  the  purpose  of  accepting  the  act  and 
completing  the  organization.  At  a  meeting  held  May  19,  Wil- 
liam Conner,  jr.,  was  elected  secretary,  and  then  it  was  reported 
that  two  rooms  in  the  City  hotel  building  had  been  hired  for  the 
business  operations  of  the  company.  It  was  voted  to  call  in  $50,- 
000  of  the  capital,  and  to  begin  business  July  1  by  the  issue  of 
policies,  no  single  risk  to  be  written  for  a  larger  sum  than  $5,000. 
Two  years  afterward  an  office  was  opened  in  New  York  city,  and 
soon  after  the  company  branched  out  into  other  states ;  and  now 
the  Springfield  F.  &  M.  does  business  wherever  American  fire  in- 
surance companies  issue  policies.  The  losses  for  1851  amounted 
to  $356.25,  and  the  total  fire  risks  written  during  the  year  were 
$1,784,916,  and  marine  risks,  $8,280. 

The  first  officers  of  the  company  Avere  Edmund  Freeman, 
president,  and  William  Conner,  jr.,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The 
first  board  of  directors  comprised  eleven  prominent  business  and 
professional  men,  Avho  were  identified  not  only  with  the  history 
of  the  company  but  also  with  the  best  interests  of  Springfield  in 
general.      All,  except  Mr.  Walker,  Avere  elected  to  the  director- 

(      244      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

ate  on  April  9,  1851,  and  served  for  the  period  set  opposite  their 
respective  names :  Marvin  Chapin,  died  June  27,  1899 ;  Ed- 
mund Freeman,  died  Jan.  25,  1879 ;  Daniel  L.  Harris,  died  July 
11,  1879 ;  Chester  W.  Chapin,  died  June  10,  1883 :  Andrew 
Huntington,  died  August  18,  1858 ;  Edward  Southworth,  died 
Dec.  11,  1869 ;  John  L.  King,  resigned  1852  and  died  September 
5.  1872 ;  Jacob  B.  Merrick,  died  June  9,  1863 ;  Albert  Morgan, 
died  Sept.  24,  I860;  Waitstill  Hastings,  died  May  24,  1888; 
George  Walker,  resigned  1876  and  died  Jan.  15,  1888. 

After  six  years  of  successful  operation  it  was  determined  to 
secure  more  connnodious  quarters  for  the  company,  and  accord- 
ingly a  committee  was  appointed  to  select  a  suitable  site  for  a 
building.  In  1857  land  was  purchased  at  the  corner  of  Main 
and  Fort  streets  (where  once  stood  the  old  Pynchon  fort,  or 
mansion)  the  consideration  paid  being  the  sum  of  $5,600.  On 
this  historic  land  the  home  office  building  of  the  company  was 
erected,  and  Avas  occupied  in  1858. 

The  Springfield  F.  &  M.  has  passed  the  fiftieth  year  of  its 
history — a  half  century  of  remarkable  success  when  we  consider 
the  many  serious  events  which  during  that  period  have  worked 
the  downfall  of  hundreds  of  kindred  enterprises.  True  it  is  that 
during  this  period  our  own  home  company  has  not  escaped  dis- 
aster, and  while  the  losses  in  the  Boston  fire  of  1872  (the  most 
serious  in  the  history  of  the  company)  swept  away  the  accumu- 
lated surplus  and  impaired  the  capital  to  the  extent  of  $150,000, 
the  stockholders  stood  firmly  together,  paying  all  demands  with- 
out complaint  and  showing  no  disposition  to  part  with  their  cer- 
tificates on  account  of  the  losses  of  that  and  the  preceding  year, 
or  at  any  other  time  when  disturbances  in  business  circles  neces- 
sitated heroic  action  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  the  company. 

Several  times  during  the  period  of  its  history  the  capital 
stock  of  the  company  has  been  increased  to  keep  step  with  grow- 
ing conditions.  In  1859  it  was  doubled,  and  in  1866  it  was  in- 
creased from  $300,000  to  $500,000.  In  later  years  as  business 
operations  were  extended  and  the  company  became  recognized 
as  one  of  the  most  reliable  insurance  concerns  in  the  country, 
still  further  increases  were  made,  the  last    of   which,    in    July, 

(      245      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

1901,  raised  the  capital  from  $1,500,000  to  $2,000,000.  On 
January  1,  1901,  the  total  assets  were  $5,159,623.47,  while  the 
total  liabilities,  including  capital,  amounted  to  $3,340,480.06.  At 
that  time  the  net  surplus  was  $1,819,143.41,  and  the  surplus  as 
regards  policy  holders,  $3,319,143.41.  Since  it  began  business 
the  company  has  paid  losses  aggregating  $27,459,196.69. 

The  succession  of  offieere  of  the  company  is  as  follows : 

Presidents— Edmund  Freeman,  April  9,  1851-resigned 
April  11,  1874;  Dwight  K.  Smith  April  20,  1874-died  April  15, 
1880 ;  Jarvis  N.  Dunham,  May  31,  1880-died  Dec.  2,  1891 ;  An- 
drew J.  Wright,  Dec.  7,  1891-died  March  14,  1895 ;  A.  Willard 
Damon,  April  8,  1895-now  in  office. 

Vice-presidents— Dwight  R.  Smith,  April  14,  1868- April  20, 
1874 ;  Andrew  J.  Wright,  Dec.  8,  1890-Dec.  7,  1891 ;  Charles  E. 
Galacar,  Sept.  25,  1896-now  in  office. 

Secretary  and  Treasurers — AA^illiam  Conner,  jr..  May  26, 
1851-resigned  Feb.  5,  1866;  Jarvis  N.  Dunham,  March  5,  1866- 
resigned  June  6,  1868 ;  Sanford  J.  Hall,  July  6,  1868-resigned 
April  1,  1872. 

Secretaries— Sanford  J.  Hall,  July  6,  1868-died  Dec.  28, 
1900;  William  J.  Mackay,  Jan.  1,  1900-now  in  office. 

Treasurers— Andrew  J.  Wright,  April  9.  1872-Dec.  7,  1891 ; 
Henry  M.  Gates,  Dec.  7,  1891-died  April  30,  1899 ;  Francis  H. 
Williams,  May  8,  1899-now  in  office. 

Assistant  secretaries- Sanford  J.  Hall,  Nov.  12,  1866- July 
6,  1868 ;  Charles  A.  Birnie,  April  17,  1884-Feb.  10,  1890 ;  A  Wil- 
lard Damon,  Dec.  8,  1890- April  8,  1895;  William  J.  Mackay, 
April  15,  1895-Jan.  1,  1901. 

Directors,  1901— Frederick  H.  Harris,  Marshall  Field, 
James  L.  Pease,  Mase  S.  Southworth,  Henry  S.  Lee,  Warren  D. 
Kinsman,  Homer  L.  Bosworth,  William  A.  Harris,  A.  Willard 
Damon,  Charles  E.  Galacar. 

The  Massachusetts  Mutual  Life  Insurance  company,  the 
survivor  of  all  the  numerous  life  insurance  companies  AA^hich  dur- 
ing the  last  thirty  years  have  striven  to  gain  a  permanent  foot- 
hold in  this  city,  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  legislature, 
approved  May  15,  1851,  and  from  that  time  has  been  numbered 

(      246       ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFEINGFIELD 

among  the  most  successful  institutions  of  its  kind  in  the  state. 
A  mutual  organization  from  the  outset,  its  founders  aimed  to  es- 
tablish a  firm  financial  basis  by  providing  a  guarantee  capital  of 
$100,000,  but  in  1867  this  feature  was  abolished  and  the  company 
became  in  fact,  as  well  as  in  name,  a  purely  mutual  corporation. 

The  real  founders  of  the  company  were  George  W.  Rice  and 
Dr.  Alfred  Lambert,  the  former  at  one  time  having  been  the  rep- 
resentative of  a  foreign  life  company,  while  the  latter  was  its 
medical  examiner  in  the  town.  They  conceived  the  idea  of  es- 
tablishing a  life  insurance  company  in  Springfield,  and  set  about 
the  missionary  work  necessary  to  educate  the  pubic  to  that  end. 
The  ultimate  result  of  their  labors  was  an  informal  organization, 
pledges  to  the  guarantee  capital,  and  a  lively  interest  in  having 
a  home  life  company  established  on  an  equitable  basis  of  opera- 
tion. Then  followed  the  act  of  incorporation,  the  principal 
persons  mentioned  in  which  were  Alexander  H.  Avery,  James  M. 
Thompson  and  William  Rice,  and  their  associates  and  successors. 

On  May  27  the  stockholders  held  a  meeting,  perfected  a  tem- 
porary organization  and  elected  the  following  board  of  directors  : 
James  M.  Thompson,  Alexander  H.  Avery,  Harvey  Danks,  Ches- 
ter AV.  Chapin,  William  B.  Calhoun,  Samuel  S.  Day,  George 
Bliss,  George  Ashmun,  Henry  Gray,  Edmund  Freeman,  William 
Rice,  Rufus  Chandler,  George  Dwight,  E.  P.  Moseley,  Caleb 
Rice,  Henry  Fuller,  jr.,  Erasmus  D.  Beach,  John  Hamilton,  Al- 
fred Lambert  and  W.  W.  Boyington  On  June  20  the  board 
voted  to  employ  a  secretary — F.  E.  Bacon — who  also  was  to  act 
as  managing  officer  of  the  company's  business.  In  August  the 
first  policy  was  written,  the  assured  being  director  Harvey 
Danks.  From  that  time  forward  the  work  was  vigorously  pushed 
and  offices  were  established  in  various  places  in  this  and  other 
states. 

The  early  years  of  the  company's  history  were  accompanied 
with  many  vicissitudes,  and  on  at  least  one  occasion  the  perma- 
nence of  the  institution  was  threatened ;  but  in  the  course  of  a 
few  more  years  the  former  experiences  served  as  object  lessons 
for  the  future  and  success  was  assured.  Now,  having  passed  a 
half  century  of  active  business  life,  and   having   in   that   time 

(     247       ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

grown  from  a  small  organization  struggling  for  existence  to  one 
of  the  strongest  and  safest  insurance  corporations  in  all  New 
England,  the  fondest  hopes  of  the  founders  have  been  realized  to 
their  fullest  extent,  though  none  of  the  original  factors  in  its 
creation  have  lived  to  witness  its  best  achievements  in  the  clos- 
ing years  of  the  nineteenth,  or  its  splendid  condition  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  twentieth  century. 

During  the  last  decade  of  the  century  just  closed  the  assets 
of  the  company  increased  more  than  133  per  cent.,  and  the  sur- 
plus more  than  167  per  cent.  On  December  31,  1900,  the  assets 
aggregated  $26,2-45,622.04,  while  the  liabilities  amounted  to  $23,- 
920,986.53 ;  surplus,  $2,324,635.51.  From  1851  to  the  close  of 
the  year  1900  the  company  paid  death  claims  amounting  to  the 
gross  sum  $20,163,430.97;  endowments  matured,  $3,370,018.00; 
and  dividends,  $9,559,142.03. 

This  gratifying  success  has  been  due  largely  to  the  con- 
fidence of  the  public  in  the  stability  of  the  company,  and  this  sta- 
bility, in  turn,  has  been  the  result  of  efficient  management  and 
the  high  character  of  those  who  have  composed  the  officiary  of 
the  company. 

The  presidents  of  the  company  have  been  Caleb  Rice, 
1851-73  ;  Ephraim  W.  Bond,  1873-86  :  M.  Y.  B.  Edgerly,  1886-95  ; 
John  A.  Hall,  1895-now  in  office.  The  vice-presidents  have  been 
Erasmus  D.  Beach,  1851-67 ;  Ephraim  W.  Bond,  1867-73 ;  C.  Mc- 
Lean Knox,  1873-74;  Henry  Fuller,  jr.,  1874-85:  M.  V.  B.  Edg- 
erly, 1885-86 ;  Henry  S.  Lee,  1886-now  in  office.  The  secretaries 
have  been  F.  E.  Bacon,  1851-70;  C.  McLean  Knox,  1870-73; 
Avery  J.  Smith,  1873-81 ;  John  A.  Hall,  1881-95  ;  Henry  M.  Phil- 
lips, 1895-now  in  office.  The  actuaries  have  been  James  W. 
Mason,  1860-73 ;  Oscar  B.  Ireland,  1873-now  in  office. 

The  present  officers  and  directors  are  as  follows :  John  A. 
Hall,  president;  Heniy  S.  Lee,  vice-president;  Henry  M.  Phil- 
lips, secretary ;  Oscar  B.  Ireland,  actuary ;  Julius  H.  Appleton, 
Henry  S.  Hyde,  Marcus  P.  Knowlton,  N.  C.  Newell,  Lewis  J. 
Powers,  John  A.  Hall,  Henry  S.  Lee,  Henry  M.  Phillips,  Charles 
S.  Warburton,  William  W.  McClench,  John  S.  Tilney,  John  F. 
Anderson,  jr.,  Edward  A.  Groesbeck,  John  R.  Redfield,  George  B. 

(      248      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Chandler,  Edwin  D.  INIetcalf,  John  K.    Marshall,    Albert   E.   F. 
White  and  Charles  S.  Mellen,  directors. 

THE  STREET  RAILWAY  SYSTEM 

During'  the  early  years  of  the  war  of  1861-65,  at  a  time  when 
nearly  all  of  the  progressive  cities  of  New  England  were  agitat- 
ing the  subject  of  street  railroads,  a  movement  was  set  on  foot 
looking  to  the  establishment  in  Springfield  of  such  a  carrier  sys- 
tem. On  March  30,  1863,  the  legislature  passed  an  act  to  incor- 
porate the  "Springfield  horse  railroad  company,"  with  a  capital 
of  $100,000,  and  authority  to  construct  and  operate  a  horse  rail- 
road with  single  or  double  tracks  from  such  points  on  Main  street 
as  the  city  council  might  determine,  reserving  to  the  city  the 
privilege  to  purchase  the  road  after  the  expiration  of  ten  years. 

The  incorporators  named  in  the  act  were  Chester  W. 
Chapin,  George  Bliss  and  Henry  Alexander,  jr.,  all  of  whom 
were  conspicuous  figures  in  early  city  history.  But  however 
praiseworthy  may  have  been  the  purpose  of  these  citizens,  their 
scheme  never  was  developed  into  life,  and  beyond  securing  the 
charter  and  a  general  discussion  of  the  matter  nothing  was  ac- 
complished, probably  owing  to  the  uncertainties  of  the  war  then 
in  progress  in  the  South. 

In  1868  the  subject  was  revived,  and  on  March  16  of  that 
year  the  legislature  passed  an  act  incorporating  the  Springfield 
street  railway  company,  naming  as  incorporators  George  M. 
Atwater,  Chauncey  L.  Covell  and  Ethan  S.  Chapin,  and  grant- 
ing the  company  authority  to  construct  and  operate  a  line  of 
street  railway  through  Main  street,  and  also  to  the  neighboring 
towns  of  Chicopee  and  Longmeadow.  Under  this  act  nothing 
was  accomplished,  hence  the  charter  virtually  was  forfeited ;  but 
in  1869,  by  an  act  passed  March  26,  the  charter  was  revived  and 
authority  was  then  given  to  build  and  operate  a  road  through 
INIain  and  State  streets. 

This  was  the  company  which  in  fact  built  and  put  in  opera- 
tion the  first  street  railway  in  the  city.  The  authorized  capital 
was  $100,000,  but  business  was  begun  with  half  that  sum.  On  the 
organization  the  first  board  of  directors  comprised  George  M.  At- 

(      249      ) 


q=l 


02 


P5 


< 


THE  CITY  OF  SPBIXGFIELD 

water.  Homer  Foot,  Chaiincey  Covell,  Caleb  Alden  and  Gurdon 
Bill.  The  officers  were  George  M.  Atwater,  president;  J.  C. 
Mcintosh,  treasurer,  and  Gideon  Wells,  clerk. 

The  principal  point  of  operations  was  at  the  company's  stables 
at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Hooker  streets,  from  which  in  1870  a 
line  of  track  was  laid  through  Main  and  State  streets  to  Oak 
street.  The  fii^t  car  was  run  on  March  10  of  that  year.  This  was 
known  as  the  Main  and  State  street  line  when  the  company  had 
become  possessed  of  sufficient  franchises  to  warrant  distinguish- 
ing names.  In  1873  the  board  of  aldermen  gave  permission  to 
locate  a  road  from  State  street  through  Main  and  Locust  streets 
to  Mill  river.  In  1874  a  location  was  granted  for  a  line  to  extend 
north  from  Hooker  street  to  Brightwood.  In  1879  an  extension 
was  granted  from  State  street  through  Maple  and  Central  streets 
to  the  Watershops.  In  1884  the  location  for  the  St.  James  ave- 
nue line  was  granted  In  1886  the  AYalnut  and  King  street 
location  was  granted,  and  the  road  was  opened  the  same  year. 
In  1887  the  Lyman,  Chestnut  and  Carew^  street  line  was  located, 
and  in  the  same  year  the  Worthington  street  line  was  opened  as 
far  as  Kibbe  avenue.  In  1887,  also,  the  location  for  the  Chicopee 
line  Avas  granted,  and  the  road  was  opened  on  North  Main  street 
in  1888.  In  1889  the  Mill  river  line  was  authorized  to  be  ex- 
tended through  Ft.  Pleasant  and  Summer  avenues  to  Forest 
park.  This  extension  was  opened  for  traffic  in  1890,  and  settled 
beyond  all  cjuestion  the  permanency  of  the  park.  Previously  a 
few  thousand  visitors  had  patronized  that  resort  each  season, 
but  after  the  road  was  opened  the  number  of  visitors  multiplied 
several  fold. 

The  year  1890  was  eventful  both  in  the  history  of  the  com- 
pany and  the  system  it  operated.  The  Forest  park  line  was 
equipped  Avith  electric  motor  cars,  and  so  gratifying  was  the 
success  of  this  first  effort  that  on  the  older  lines  the  use  of  horse 
poAver  Avas  discontinued  as  rapidly  as  possible  and  the  more  rapid 
"trolley"  system  replaced  the  old.  sIoav  and  uncertain  method 
of  transportation.  In  later  years  all  ncAV  lines  and  the  extension 
of  older  ones  AA-ere  equipped  AA'ith  electric  poAver  for  propelling 
cars.     In  the  adoption  of  electric  motors.  hoAvever,  the  Spring- 

(      251      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

field  street  railway  company  was  not  a  pioneer,  the  management 
awaiting  the  results  of  the  experiment  in  other  cities,  and  adopt- 
ing the  same  after  its  value  had  been  fully  demonstrated. 

When  the  company  was  granted  permission  to  operate  its 
lines  wdth  electric  power  the  Maple  street  and  Mitteneague 
branches  were  excepted  from  the  operation  of  the  grant ;  the 
former  on  account  of  an  objection  on  the  part  of  residents  in 
that  street,  and  the  latter  because  the  authorities  were  doubtful 
of  the  expediency  of  permitting  electric  cars  to  cross  the  old 
structure  at  the  foot  of  Bridge  street.  The  Maple  street  people 
for  some  time  fought  the  company  persistently,  basing  their 
objections  on  the  ground  that  the  street  was  too  narrow  for  the 
convenient  operation  of  cars  and  the  superior  rights  of  the' 
public,  and  further,  on  the  ground  that  the  people  of  the  street 
did  not  want  a  railroad  line  through  a  principal  residence 
thoroughfare  of  the  city.  But,  at  length,  when  it  was  proposed 
to  equip  the  Maple  street  line  with  electricity,  which  measure 
-also  was  opposed,  the  board  of  aldermen  voted  to  submit  the 
question  to  the  people  at  the  next  general  election,  upon  which 
the  spirit  of  opposition  gradually  subsided,  and  the  change  was 
made. 

The  location  for  the  original  West  Springfield  line  across  the 
old  toll  bridge  and  thence  through  Bridge,  Main,  Park,  Elm  and 
Westfield  streets  to  Mitteneague,  was  granted  in  1888.  In  1892 
the  line  was  changed  to  cross  the  North  End  bridge.  In  1892 
also  the  Glenwood  line  to  Chicopee  was  located ;  the  Worthington 
street  line  was  extended  from  Kibbe  avenue  to  St.  James  avenue ; 
the  Indian  Orchard  line  was  located,  and  the  Liberty  street  line 
was  opened.  The  latter  soon  afterward  was  extended  through 
Liberty  street  and  Broadway  in  Chicopee  to  Chicopee  Falls. 
The  Catherine  street  line  was  located  and  opened  for  traffic  in 
1893 ;  the  Longmeadow  line  in  1896 ;  the  Plainfield  street  line  in 
1897 ;  the  Hancock,  Walnut,  Mill,  Allen  and  White  streets  line 
in  1897;  the  Holyoke  extension  in  1895;  the  Westfield  extension 
to  Tatham  and  the  Agawam  line  in  1900.  The  Belmont  avenue 
location  was  granted  in  1894.  The  cars  on  the  line  formerly  run 
.by  way  of  the  park  and  the  "X"  at  the  south  line  of  Euclid 

(      252      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPHINGFIELB 

avenue,  but  afterward  a  road  was  built  to  connect  the  Euclid 
avenue  terminus  with  the  line  at  the  foot  of  Ft.  Pleasant  avenue. 

In  1870  the  Springfield  street  railway  company  operated  a 
line  of  horse  cars  over  13,039  feet  of  track,  using'  four  ears  and 
twenty-five  horses  and  furnishing  employment  for  eleven  men. 
From  July  1  to  September  30,  1870,  the  company  carried  67,705 
passengers,  at  an  average  rate  of  speed  of  three  and  three-fifths 
miles  per  hour.  The  operating  expenses  for  the  time  mentioned 
were  $4,455,  while  the  total  earnings  were  $4,525.  The  cost  of 
the  road  then  in  operation  was  $45,330.87,  from  which  it  may 
correctly  be  inferred  that  at  that  time  the  street  railway  invest- 
ment was  not  regarded  as  really  profitable. 

Mr.  Atwater  was  president  of  the  company  from  its  organiza- 
tion until  January,  1876,  and  the  success  of  the  company  during 
the  period  of  his  management  was  due  in  a  great  measure  to  his 
personal  efforts.  He  was  president  during  the  creative  period 
of  the  company's  history,  a  period  in  which  in  nearly  all  large 
undertakings  profits  and  dividends  are  not  expected.  However, 
in  1876  John  Olmsted  was  elected  president  of  the  company.  At 
that  time  he  was  not  a  practical  railroad  man,  but  he  was  a 
practical,  thorough  and  successful  business  man  in  various  mer- 
cantile and  manufacturing  enterprises.  When  the  change  was 
made  the  directors  Avere  George  ]\1.  Atwater,  John  Olmsted, 
Homer  Foot,  Chauncey  L.  Covell  and  Henry  W.  Phelps. 

Mr.  Olmsted  was  made  a  director  of  the  company  in  1871, 
and  when  he  became  president  in  fact  he  assumed  absolute  con- 
trol of  its  business  and  management ;  and  whether  under  his 
guiding  hand  the  company  has  been  siiccessful,  and  the  people 
have  been  satisfied  with  the  service  rendered,  the  general  public 
must  determine.  Whatever  was  necessary  to  be  done  Mr.  Olm- 
sted did,  and  the  directors  never  once  questioned  his  policy.  If 
questions  arose  that  required  the  action  of  the  board,  that  body 
assembled  and  heard  the  statement  of  the  president  and  then 
requested  him  to  proceed  according  to  his  own  judgment;  and 
subsequent  events  have  shown  that  this  confidence  in  the 
managing    officer  was  not  misplaced. 

The  result  of  the  management  of  the  Springfield  street  rail- 
way company  has  been  entirely  gratifying  to  every  person  con- 

(      253      ) 


OIB    COUNTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

nected  with  the  enterprise,  and  also  to  the  general  public :  and 
to-day  the  railway  system  of  the  city  stands  unsurpassed  by  any 
of  its  kind  in  the  country.  It  operates  nearly  68  miles  of  main 
road,  owns  more  than  225  cars,  employs  440  men,  and  for  the 
year  ending  September  30,  1900,  carried  almost  fourteen  millions 
of  passengers.  The  present  capital,  which  frequently  has  been 
increased  with  tlie  constant  growth  of  the  company's  interests, 
is  nearly  $1,500,000,  yet  the  general  assets  of  the  corporation  are 
worth  about  $4,000,000. 

In  the  year  mentioned  the  company  paid  its  employees  about 
$232,000,  and  the  operating  expenses  were  nearly  $500,000 :  the 
gross  expenditures  were  more  than  $672,000,  and  the  gross  earn- 
ings amounted  to  more  than  $686,000.  In  the  same  year  the 
company  paid  dividends  of  more  than  $116,000.  about  an  eight 
per  cent,  dividend,  which  has  been  paid  regularly  for  several 
years. 

However,  in  speaking  of  the  splendid  results  accomplished  by 
the  management  of  the  company  much  credit  must  be  given  to 
Mr.  Olmsted's  faithful  assistants.  During  the  old  '^ horse  car" 
days  F.  E.  King  acted  as  superintendent,  and  on  his  death  he 
was  succeeded  by  Austin  E.  Smith.  The  latter,  perhaps  more 
than  any  other  one  person,  was  a  valuable  aid  to  Mr.  Olmsted 
in  working  the  system  up  to  its  standard  of  excellence.  He  was 
chosen  treasurer  of  the  company  in  1881,  and  became  a  director 
in  1888.  Subsequently  (July  29,  1890)  he  was  made  manager 
and  held  that  responsible  position  at  the  time  of  his  death  in 
1899.  He  was  followed  in  office  by  George  W.  Cook,  the  present 
managing  director. 

In  all  the  multitude  of  elements  which  have  combined  to 
place  Springfield  among  the  progressive  cities  of  the  country,  the 
street  railway  company  has  been  a  leading  and  prominent  factor. 
During  the  busy  hours  of  day  nearly  a  hundred  cars  are  in  con- 
stant motion,  with  their  loads  of  traders,  shoppers  and  pleasure 
seekers.  The  operation  of  the  extended  suburban  lines  has 
brought  to  the  city  the  best  trade  of  Holyoke  and  AVestfield, 
while  Chicopee  people  thereby  are  enabled  to  buy  most  of  their 
goods  in  Springfield.     The  same  also  is  true  of  Chicopee  Falls, 

(      254      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFRIXGFIELD 

Ludlow,  Indian  Orchard,  Longmeadow,  AVest  Springfield  and 
AgaAvam,  and  every  day  buyers  from  the  border  towns  of  Con- 
necticut find  their  way  over  the  "trolley''  lines  to  Springfield's 
large  mercantile  establishments.  Taken  altogether  it  is  doubtful 
if  any  of  the  enterprises  for  which  this  city  is  noted  has  been 
productive  of  more  sulistantial  and  general  good  to  all  interests 
than  the  street  railway  company. 

The  present  officers  of  the  corporation  are  John  Olmsted, 
president ;  Frederick  Harris,  treasurer :  Jonathan  Barnes,  clerk ; 
Lucius  E.  Ladd,  auditor;  George  W.  Cook,  superintendent; 
George  M.  Atwater,  John  Olmsted,  Frederick  Harris.  Alonzo  AY. 
Damon  and  George  AT.  Cook,  directors. 

mercantUjE  and  manufacturing  interests 

In  an  earlier  part  of  the  city  chapter  frequent  reference  is 
made  to  the  old  interests  of  Springfield,  and  some  attempt  has 
been  made  to  recall  the  names  of  business  men  at  various  periods 
of  the  town's  history.  A  century  ago,  Springfield  with  its  2,300 
population  laid  claim  to  perhaps  a  dozen  mercantile  establish- 
ments, a  few  small  shops  and  no  industries  of  consequence  except 
that  carried  on  by  the  government  in  the  manufacture  of  fire- 
arms. When  Hampden  county  was  created  and  Springfield  was 
designated  as  its  shire  town  all  interests  naturally  were  bene- 
fited, yet  the  greatest  advantage  to  mercantile  pursuits  at  that 
time  came  from  the  operation  of  the  several  stage  lines  through 
the  town.  This  period  continued  from  the  early  years  of  the 
century  until  about  the  time  of  the  city  charter— a  period  of 
something  like  fifty  years,  and  one  in  which  was  laid  the  founda- 
tion of  many  substantial  fortunes  in  the  town.  Indeed,  the  busi- 
ness men,  most  of  them  engaged  in  mercantile  enterprises, 
advocated  and  procured  the  passage  of  the  charter  act  of  1852, 
and  thus  gave  Springfield  a  standing  in  commercial  circles  in  the 
state. 

However,  it  was  during  the  half  century  of  progress  which 
followed  the  opening  of  the  Western  railroad  that  Springfield 
made  the  greatest  strides  in  business  advancement.  Previous  to 
that  time  the  stores  were  chiefly  centered  about  court  square, 

(      255      ) 


a 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

while  State  street  aud  armory  hill  were  struggling'  for  existence 
as  trade  localities.  The  opening  of  the  railroad  had  not  the 
effect  to  destroy  these  interests,  but  rather  to  promote  them  in 
the  greatly  increased  population  of  the  next  score  of  years. 
After  the  road  was  completed  Main  street  became  the  recognized 
thoroughfare  of  traffic  and  trade,  and  the  general  growth  in  all 
directions  naturally  strengthened  all  interests  in  other  localities. 
The  period  of  steam  railroad  building  in  Springfield  continued 
from  about  1840  to  1870,  and  in  that  time  both  the  population 
and  mercantile  houses  were  more  than  doubled.  Not  only  Main 
and  State  streets  became  established  trading  avenues  during  the 
period,  but  Dwight,  Lyman,  Worthington,  Taylor,  Bridge,  Hill- 
man  and  Sandford  streets  and  Harrison  avenue  were  trans- 
formed from  residence  localities  into  mercantile  and  business  dis- 
tricts, while  north  of  the  tracks  the  street  was  rapidly  taking  the 
form  and  semblance  of  a  trading  center.  The  early  establish- 
ment of  Cooley's  hotel  in  that  vicinity  had  much  to  do  with 
attracting  trade  in  that  direction,  but  the  general  desirability  of 
the  region  was  a  considerable  factor  in  accomplishing  that  end. 

If  the  reader  peruses  the  early  portions  of  the  city  chapter 
it  will  be  found  that  the  most  extensive  merchants  of  the  town 
kept  on  hand  large  quantities  of  wares  of  various  kinds,  and 
under  the  head  of  "general  stores"'  liquors  frequently  were  kept 
on  sale  as  part  of  the  usual  stock  in  trade.  The  Dwights  were 
among  the  largest  traders  of  early  days,  and  while  their  stock 
is  not  said  to  have  included  the  commodity  just  mentioned,  their 
general  assortment  of  goods  might  be  likened  to  a  miniature  of 
the  present  vast  establishments  of  the  city  conducted  by  Smith 
&  Murray,  Forbes  &  Wallace,  IMeekins,  Packard  &  AAlieat,  Dick- 
ieson  &  Co.,  Quigley's  and  others  now  in  trade  in  the  city. 

The  establishment  of  the  modern  department  store  is  in 
a  way  a  return  to  an  old-time  custom  in  merchandising,  only  on 
a  far  greater  scale  of  operation.  If  local  tradition  be  true,  the 
DAvight  store  in  the  best  days  employed  from  six  to  eight  sales- 
men, all  of  whom  were  males ;  the  present  modern  stores  of  the 
city  give  employment  to  from  250  to  400  clerks,  both  men  and 
women,  the  latter  perhaps  prevailing  in  point  of  numbers.     In 

17-2  (      257      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

stablishing  stores  of  this  class  Springfield  was  not  a  pioneer 
city,  but  adopted  the  custom  of  the  larger  metropolitan  cities 
after  the  departure  had  proved  a  success.  The  Forbes  &  "Wal- 
lace store  dates  back  in  its  history  to  the  year  1866,  when  Alex- 
ander Forbes  and  J.  M.  Smith  began  business  at  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Vernon  streets.  Mr.  Wallace  replaced  Mr.  Smith  in 
the  concern  in  1874,  since  which  time  the  firm  name  has  been 
well  known  in  business  circles,  although  the  personnel  of  the 
proprietary  has  changed  in  later  years.  The  Smith  &  Murray 
establishment  was  founded  in  1879,  occupying  a  substantial 
building  at  the  corner  of  Court  Square,  where  formerly  stood  the 
famous  Hampden  coffee  house.  Meekins,  Packard  &  Wheat  are 
a  more  recent  yet  equally  strong  house,  and  with  such  concerns 
as  Dickiesons,  D.  H.  Brigham  Co.,  Carter  &  Cooley,  H.  S. 
Christopher,  W.  D,  Kinsman,  the  George  F.  Quigley  Co.,  and 
probably  twenty  others  in  the  same  lines  of  trade,  have  combined 
to  give  Springfield  an  especial  prominence  in  business  circles  in 
the  central  and  western  portions  of  the  state. 

A  mention  of  these  interests  naturally  suggests  others  in 
various  branches  of  trade,  but  it  is  not  possible  or  within  the 
province  of  our  work  to  mention  the  names  of  all  merchants, 
either  past  or  present,  who  have  contributed  to  the  business  his- 
tory of  the  city.  Still,  in  speaking  of  stores  of  remarkable  size 
and  strength  some  notice  must  be  given  to  such  houses  as  Haynes 
&  Co.  (one  of  the  strongest  and  best  in  Western  Massachusetts), 
Besse,  Carpenter  &  Co.,  Meigs  &  Co.,  Charles  E.  Lynch,  all  of 
whom  have  contributed  in  a  large  degree  to  the  prosperity  of  the 
city.  Our  observations  in  this  direction  might  be  continued 
almost  indefinitely,  until  every  branch  of  business  is  mentioned, 
but  scope  and  policy  forbid.  Each,  however,  is  worthy  of  notice 
and  each  is  a  factor  for  good  in  the  history  of  the  city,  but  it  is 
not  the  purpose  of  this  work  to  advertise  the  business  men  of 
Springfield. 

Springfield  has  a  population  of  more  than  63,000  inhabi- 
tants, and  business  houses  sufficient  in  number,  size  and  variety 
to  supply  the  demands  of  100,000  people ;  and  this  demand  they 
do  supply,  for  the  city  draws  trade  from  all  points  within  a 

(      258      ) 


.    THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

radius  of  twenty  miles,  and  is  known  as  the  best  business  center 
in  the  state  outside  of  the  city  of  Boston.  The  volume  of  busi- 
ness at  the  post-office  is  surprising,  and  may  be  taken  as  an  index 
of  the  magnitude  of  the  mercantile  and  manufacturing  trade  of 
the  city.  In  this  respect  Springfield  enjoys  an  unusual  distinc- 
tion, as  may  be  seen  by  reference  to  the  statistical  tables  of  the 
cities  of  New  England.  Yet  comparative  statistics  tending  to 
show  to  the  disadvantage  of  cities  larger  than  our  own  are  not 
desirable. 

For  much  of  its  progress  during  the  last  half  century  the 
city  is  indebted  to  the  numerous  lines  of  steam  and  electric  rail- 
way, the  latter  having  been  the  particular  factor  in  accomplish- 
ing good  results.  Strangers  visiting  Springfield  and  observing 
the  number  and  apparent  thrift  of  its  business  interests,  fre- 
quently are  impelled  to  ask  whence  comes  the  trade  to  maintain 
them ;  but  the  answer  is  plain,  and  one  need  only  point  to  the 
^'trolley"  lines  leading  to  suburban  localities  to  show  that  all 
the  surrounding  country  is  in  truth  tributary  to  the  city  and  the 
bulk  of  the  trade  of  more  than  50,000  people  from  beyond  its 
own  corporate  limits  is  attracted  here. 

MANUFACTURING 

As  an  industrial  city  Springfield  has  long  held  an  enviable 
prominence  in  New  England,  but  there  are  few  manufacturing 
centers  in  the  whole  region  which  are  less  favored  with  natural 
facilities  for  this  pursuit.  The  waters  of  the  Connecticut  have 
not  and  cannot  be  readily  diverted  for  manufacturing  purposes 
within  the  city  limits,  and  the  only  other  stream  of  sufficient  size 
to  afford  water  power  is  Mill  river.  This  is  narrow  and  of 
limited  capacity,  yet  from  "time  out  of  mind"  its  waters  have 
been  utilized  for  power  purposes.  The  pioneers  had  recouree  to 
this  stream  in  the  construction  of  the  primitive  mills  of  their 
period,  hence  the  name— Mill  river— by  which  it  has  ever  since 
been  known.  After  the  construction  of  the  saw  and  grist  mills 
there  was  built  on  its  banks  a  fulling  and  cloth  mill,  then  a  small 
tannery  and  bleachery,  and  later,  among  the  old  industries  of  the 
locality,  the  watershops  plant,  a  government  enterprise  for  the 

(      259      ) 


OVU    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

manufacture  of  firearms,  which  has  continued  to  the  present  daj^ 
and  one  Avhich,  with  the  main  construction  works  on  State  street, 
constitutes  the  greatest  labor  employing  concern  in  the  city. 

The  next  considerable  industry  on  the  river  was  the  Ames 
paper  mill,  a  small  affair  when  first  started,  but  the  humble  be- 
ginning of  the  greatest  industry  in  the  Connecticut  valley,  and 
one  which  has  given  Holyoke  a  world-wide  prominence.  For  the 
last  three-quarters  of  a  century  the  Mill  river  locality  has  been 
an  important  manufacturing  district,  yet  in  a  great  measure 
water  power  has  been  replaced  with  steam  power,  hence  proprie- 
tors have  established  their  works  in  the  vicinity  of  the  railroads. 

Previous  to  1848  one  of  the  most  available  manufacturing 
localities  of  Springfield  was  along  the  banks  of  Chicopee  river, 
where  a  few  small  factories  w^ere  started  about  one  hundred  yeai's 
ago.  About  1825  or  '30  the  waters  of  the  river  were  diverted  for 
manufacturing  purposes  and  at  least  two  heavily  capitalized 
companies  were  formed  for  the  purpose  of  constructing  dams, 
canals  and  mills,  and  for  the  operation  of  the  latter.  In  the  year 
mentioned  (1848)  the  public  welfare  demanded  a  division  of 
Springfield  and  the  creation  of  the  new  town  of  Chicopee,  which, 
when  done,  took  from  the  mother  town  several  of  its  largest  man- 
ufacturing enterprises.  At  the  time  and  for  many  years 
afterward,  these  plants  were  owned  by  Springfield  capital,  and 
to-day  business  men  of  this  city  are  largely  interested  in  Chico- 
pee and  Chicopee  Falls  industries. 

Between  1840  and  1850  steam  power  as  a  means  of  operating 
machinery  came  into  use,  and  soon  afterward  Springfield  again 
became  recognized  as  a  manufacturing  center.  The  construction 
of  the  several  lines  of  railroad  impelled  still  greater  efforts  in 
this  direction,  and  along  about  1860  the  city  took  rank  with  the 
most  progressive  factory  cities  of  New  England.  None  of  this 
prestige  has  been  lost  in  later  years  and  there  are  few  cities  of 
the  same  population  that  can  boast  of  a  greater  number  or 
variety  of  manufacturing  industries  than  Springfield  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  twentieth  century.  Three  principal  lines  of  rail- 
road carry  the  product  of  its  factories  to  all  the  great  markets, 
while  the  lesser  branches  furnish  ready  access  to  interior  regions 

(      260      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

and  add  materially  to  the  industrial  and  commercial  wealth  of 
the  city. 

A  careful  observer  of  Springfield's  manufacturing  enter- 
prises has  placed  their  number  at  more  than  two  hundred,  great 
and  small,  varying  in  employing  capacity  from  25  to  300  men. 
The  reader  will  see  how  impossible  it  will  be  to  record  the  history 
of  each  plant  in  this  chapter  without  the  writer  involving  himself 
in  a  maze  of  statistics  and  needless  detail ;  and  more,  the  proprie- 
tors themselves  have  expressed  a  desire  not  to  be  "written  up" 
exhaustively  as  a  part  of  the  city's  history.  Plowever,  it  is 
proper  to  mention  these  establishments  separately,  especially 
those  of  importance,  as  many  of  them  have  been  conspicuous  fac- 
tors in  Springfield's  industrial  growth. 

The  little  primitive  paper  mill  started  by  David  Ames  about 
1800  evidently  made  good  progress  during  the  first  twenty-five 
years  of  its  operation,  for  in  1827  the  Ames  paper  company  was 
incorporated  by  Mr.  Ames  and  his  sons  David,  jr.,  and  John 
Ames.  The  latter  then  were  young  men,  the  elder  being  a  man 
of  thorough  business  qualifications  and  a  practical  paper  maker, 
while  the  younger,  in  addition  to  his  knowledge  of  the  business, 
developed  an  inventive  genius  and  perfected  several  machines 
and  processes  for  use  in  paper  making.  As  the  concern  pros- 
pered others  became  interested  in  the  business  in  other  localities 
and  soon  Hampden  county  gained  an  enviable  notoriety  from  its 
paper  products.  The  Ames  works  was  the  real  beginning,  how- 
ever, of  this  now  vast  industry,  and  was  located  on  Mill  river. 

In  1823  a  number  of  Springfield  capitalists  and  business 
men  conceived  the  idea  of  starting  an  extensive  cotton  goods 
and  iron  mill  in  the  town,  and  to  that  end  secured  an  act 
of  incorporation  for  the  Boston  &  Springfield  manufacturing 
company.  The  prime  movers  of  the  enterprise  were  Israel  E. 
Trask,  Jonathan  Dwight,  jr.,  Edmund  Dwight,  Joseph  Hall,  jr., 
Benjamin  Day,  James  Brewer,  Joseph  Brown,  John  W.  Dwight, 
3d,  James  S.  Dwight  and  Samuel  Henshaw.  The  works  were 
put  in  operation  on  Chicopee  river  about  1824,  the  company  em- 
ploying a  capital  of  .$500,000.  In  1827  the  name  was  changed 
to  Chicopee  manufacturing  company,  and  woolen  goods  and  ma- 
chinery were  added  to  the  list  of  products. 

(      261    .  ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   US   PEOPLE 

Another  old  industry  was  that  known  as  the  "Proprietors 
of  the  Hampden  brewery,"  incorporated  in  1826  for  the  purpose 
of  manufacturing  and  selling  ales,  beer  and  porter.  This 
is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  concern  for  the  production  of 
malt  liquors  in  the  town,  and  while  perhaps  the  later  interests  of 
the  same  class  (and  the  city  never  has  been  without  them)  are  in 
no  sense  the  outgrowth  of  the  old  company,  the  principles  em- 
ployed in  the  manufacture  are  not  greatly  changed.  At  the 
present  time  the  city  is  well  supplied  with  breweries,  and  each 
has  an  excellent  standing  in  commercial  circles.  In  this  line  we 
may  refer  to  the  Springfield  Breweries  company,  H.  Porter  & 
Co.,  and  to  the  Highland  concern,  w^hose  reputation  as  producers 
is  knoAvn  throughout  Western  Massachusetts.  The  proprietor 
of  the  old  concern  known  as  the  Springfield  brewery,  to  which 
reference  has  been  made,  were  William  F.  Wolcott,  Elisha  Curtis, 
John  B.  Kirkham,  Stephen  Warren,  jr.,  Edmund  Allen,  jr.,  Itha- 
mar  Goodman  and  Samuel  H.  Stebbins. 

The  Springfield  card  manufacturing  company  was  incor- 
porated in  1826,  by  Joseph  CarcAV,  Walter  H.  Bowdoin,  Israel 
Phillips,  jr.,  and  William  Bowdoin,  jr.,  for  the  purpose  of  mak- 
ing and  vending  machines  and  cards.  The  works  of  this  com- 
pany were  commonly  known  as  the  "old  card  factory,"  a  once 
famous  industry  in  early  Springfield  history ;  but  now  the  plant 
is  gone  and  its  site  is  being  rapidly  filled  to  grade  level  with  the 
surrounding  property. 

Another  notable  old  industry  was  the  Ames  Manufacturing 
company,  which  was  incorporated  in  1834  by  Nathan  P.  and 
James  T.  Ames,  Edmund  Dwight,  and  James  K.  Mills,  for  the 
manufacture  of  hardware,  cutlery  and  other  articles  in  that  line. 
The  company  built  works  on  Chicopee  river  and  developed  a 
valuable  industry,  but  when  Springfield  was  divided  it  became 
an  interest  of  the  new  town  of  Chicopee,  although  started  and 
owned  largely  by  Springfield  capital. 

The  Springfield  Manufacturing  company  also  is  to  be  men- 
tioned in  the  same  connection.  The  company  was  incorporated 
in  1832,  wath  an  authorized  capital  of  one  million  dollars,  by 
Jonathan  Dwight,  Harrison  Gray  Otis,  Israel  Thorndike,  Ed- 

(      263      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

mund  Dwight,  James  K.  Mills,  Thomas  H.  Perkins,  Samuel  A. 
Eliot,  Benjamin  Day,  Samuel  Cabot,  Francis  Stanton,  George 
AV.  Lyman  and  George  Bliss.  The  establishment  of  this  com- 
pany was  Avell  known  in  its  day,  and  was  a  cotton  and  woolen 
factory  of  much  importance  half  a  century  ago.  Although  an 
industry  of  that  part  of  the  town  set  off  to  Chieopee,  much 
Springfield  capital  was  employed,  and  great  good  came  to  the 
town  through  its  operation.  AYith  the  others  before  mentioned, 
this  plant  went  to  Chieopee  in  1848. 

The  Dwight  company,  the  first  corporation  so  called,  was 
incorporated  in  1836,  by  Charles  Stearns,  George  Bliss  and  Wil- 
liam Dwight,  all  of  whom,  it  is  remembered,  were  interested  in 
securing  the  early  completion  of  the  railroad  from  AVorcester  to 
Springfield  and  thence  to  the  Hudson  river.  In  their  endeavors 
to  promote  this  enterprise  these  men  secured  a  charter  for  the 
company  and  proposed  to  establish  in  Springfield  a  factory  for 
the  construction  of  locomotives  and  other  steam  engines.  The 
plant,  however,  was  not  built,  and  nothing  more  than  organiza- 
tion of  the  company  Avas  etfected  under  the  charter. 

The  Dwight  Manufacturing  company  was  incorporated  in 
1841  by  Thomas.  H.  Perkins,  William  Sturges  and  Edmund 
Dwight,  with  $500,000  capital,  for  the  erection  and  the  equipment 
of  a  factory  building  and  the  manufacture  of  cotton  goods,  the 
Chieopee  river  being  selected  as  the  site  of  operations.  The  Chi- 
eopee falls  company,  incorporated  in  1836  by  David  M.  Bryant, 
David  Bemis  and  George  W.  Buckland,  was  another  old  Spring- 
field enterprise  which  became  lost  to  the  town  as  a  result  of  the 
division  of  the  territory. 

In  1837  the  Indian  Orchard  Canal  company  was  incorpo- 
rated for  the  purpose  of  constructing  a  canal  and  diverting  the 
waters  of  Chieopee  river  for  manufacturing  purposes.  The  com- 
pany also  was  authorized  to  engage  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton 
and  woolen  goods.  This  was  the  actual  beginning  of  the  indus- 
trial history  of  the  locality  knoAvn  as  Indian  Orchard,  although 
steps  toward  that  end  were  taken  several  years  earlier.  In  1821 
the  Springfield  Manufacturing  company  was  organized,  Benja- 
min Jencks  being  the  leading  spirit  of  the  enterprise.     The  first 

(      263      ) 


OIR    COUNTY   AXB   ITS   PEOPLE 

mills  in  the  locality  were  built  on  the  Ludlow  side  of  the  river, 
while  early  all  the  employees  were  domiciled  on  the  Springfield 
side.  In  1825  Charles  Stearns  began  purchasing  lands  in  the 
vicinity,  with  the  ultimate  intention  to  found  an  industrial  set- 
tlement in  that  part  of  the  town.  Soon  afterward  George  Bliss, 
James  BreAver  and  "Willis  Phelps  became  interested  in  the  enter- 
prise with  Mr.  Stearns,  and  through  their  united  efforts  mast  of 
the  available  mill  sites  and  power  privileges  were  brought  under 
their  control.  Then  followed  the  incorporation  of  the  Indian 
Orchard  Canal  compau}^  and  the  real  development  of  the  indus- 
trial resources  of  the  region.  In  1845  the  canal  company  suc- 
ceeded to  the  rights  and  interests  of  the  old  Springfield  ]Manu- 
facturing  company  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  and  in  the  same 
year  the  first  massive  stone  dam  was  constructed  across  the 
stream. 

The  work  of  the  canal  company  was  performed  slowly  but 
surely,  and  it  was  not  until  about  1852  that  the  erection  of  the 
mill  buildings  was  begun.  In  the  meantime  the  canal  for  power 
purposes  had  been  excavated,  the  company  lands  had  been  sur- 
veyed and  laid  out  into  lots,  and  a  small  village  had  been 
founded.  In  1853  the  Ward  Manufacturing  company  succeeded 
to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  canal  company,  and  at  that 
time  the  two  principal  factory  buildings  were  partially  com- 
pleted. In  1857  the  Ward  company  conveyed  its  property  to 
William  Dehon,  Henry  V.  Ward  and  Samuel  Frothinghani,  as 
trustees,  and  at  the  same  time  a  mortgage  was  given  to  George 
Bliss,  George  Walker  and  Caleb  Barstow,  also  as  trustees.  This 
lien  afterward  was  released  to  the  Indian  Orchard  Mills  com- 
pany, w^ho  became  the  next  proprietors  of  the  mills  and  land 
enterprise.  At  this  time  1,800  spindles  and  352  looms  Avere  in 
operation  in  the  mills,  and  twenty-five  houses  had  been  built  in 
the  village. 

A  second  mill  was  built  in  1859,  and  operated  1.800  spindles 
and  385  looms.  The  general  capacity  was  afterward  increased 
until  the  mills  run  more  than  50.000  spindles  and  nearly  1,200 
looms.  In  1859,  also,  the  company  established  a  library  and 
reading  room  for  the  benefit  of  its  employees.     The  result  of  the 

(      264      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

work  of  these  several  companies  was  the  establishment  of  a 
tloiirishino'  villajie.  wliieh  ever  has  been  known  as  Indian  Orch- 
ard. The  old  industries  lived  out  their  time  and  then  gave  way 
to  others  of  a  different  and  more  modern  character,  and  not  less 
important  in    the  history  of  the  city 

One  of  the  best  of  these  successor  industries  is  that  known 
throughout  the  land  as  the  Chapman  Valve  company,  one  of  the 
largest,  most  solid  and  reliable  labor-employing  concerns  in 
Western  Massachusetts.  Its  product  is  distributed  throughout 
the  United  States  and  in  general  business  circles  it  has  a  very 
high  standing.  The  company  was  incorporated  July  20,  1874, 
with  an  original  capital  of  $60,000,  and  began  business  January 
25,  1875,  occupying  two  of  the  buildings  which  had  been  erected 
by  the  Indian  Orchard  Mills  company.  Even  at  that  time,  with 
comparatively  limited  capital,  the  Avorks  operated  were  regarded 
as  an  important  element  of  manufacturing  life  in  the  city,  yet 
within  a  very  short  time  it  was  found  necessary  to  increase  the 
■capital  stock  and  also  to  add  to  the  capacity  of  the  plant.  The 
most  extensive  enlargements  were  made  between  1880  and  1890, 
but  since  the  business  was  first  begun  every  year  has  witnessed 
the  growth  of  the  works  to  meet  the  demands  of  constantly  in- 
creasing business.  The  capital  has  been  enlarged  at  various 
times,  and  now  is  $600,000.  James  D.  Saft'ord  is  the  president, 
and  Henry  R.  Dalton,  jr.,  treasurer,  of  the  company. 

The  Spring-field  Satinet  company  was  another  of  the  old  in- 
terests of  the  town,  and  for  several  years  was  operated  in  the 
card  factory  building  in  the  "dingle.'"  to  which  previous  allusion 
has  been  made.  The  incorporators  of  the  company  were  Elisha 
Curtis,  Walter  H.  Bowdoin  and  AYilliam  Child,  each  of  whom 
was  a  conspicuous  figure  in  early  city  history.  The  charter  was 
granted  in  1837  and  for  something  like  twenty  years  afterward 
the  company  was  a  factor  in  Springfield  industrial  circles. 

The  Springfield  Car  and  Engine  company  was  incorporated 
in  1848  by  Osgood  Bradley.  Amasa  Stone,  jr.,  and  Azariah 
Boody,  with  $250,000  capital,  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing 
care,  steam  engines  and  othei-  machinery  incident  to  the  equip- 
ment of  steam  i-ail  roads.      Previous  to  the  incorporation  some  of 

(      2<;5      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AND    ITS   PEOPLE 

the  persons  interested  in  the  company  had  begun  the  manufac- 
ture of  cars  for  the  railroads,  but  the  business  was  conducted  in 
a  small  Avay  and  it  was  expected  that  the  stock  company  would 
establish  a  plant  of  greater  magnitude  and  employing  capacity. 
This  hope,  however,  was  not  realized  and  in  a  few  months  the 
concern  lost  its  identity  and  the  works  passed  into  the  hands  of 
the  proprietors  of  the  firm  which  afterward  was  resolved  into  the 
Wason  Manufaeturing  company,  the  latter  destined  to  become 
one  of  the  greatest  industrial  enterprises  of  the  whole  country. 
The  AVason  Manufacturing  company,  which  was  incorpo- 
rated under  its  present  name  April  17,  1862,with  a  capital  at  that 
time  of  $50,000,  dates  its  history  in  Springfield  to  the  year 
1845,  when  Thomas  W.  and  Charles  Wason  left  the  employ  of 
one  of  the  Cabotville  cotton  mill  companies,  came  to  Springfield 
and  began  making  cars  for  the  Connecticut  Kiver  railroad  com- 
pany. The  first  car  was  built  entirely  by  themselves,  and  almost 
wholly  without  machinery  or  mechanical  appliances  except 
skill  and  persevering  energy.  During  the  first  year  the  brothers 
and  their  employees  built  eight  box  cars,  and  in  1846,  as  their 
business  promised  future  success,  they  removed  from  their  first 
location  near  the  bridge  across  the  Connecticut  to  a  larger  shop- 
on  Liberty  street.  Two  years  later  they  occupied  the  buildings 
previously  used  by  the  old  car  and  engine  company.  Soon  after- 
ward Charles  Wason  retired  from  the  firm,  and  Thomas  W., 
after  carrying  on  business  alone  for  a  year  or  two,  took  as  part- 
ners L.  0.  Hanson,  Josiah  Bumstead  and  J.  S.  Mellen,  Mr.  Wason 
having  a  half  and  each  of  the  others  a  sixth  interest  in  the  works. 
In  1854  George  C.  Fisk  succeeded  Mr.  Mellen  in  the  partnership, 
and  the  firm  thus  constituted  carried  on  the  works  without  ma- 
terial change  until  1862,  when  the  Wason  Manufacturing  com- 
pany was  incorporated.  The  later  changes  in  the  personnel  of 
the  company  and  its  management  are  unnecessary  in  this  place; 
a  sufficient  record  of  the  wonderful  success  and  growth  of  the 
industry  would  require  a  volume'.  In  1870  Mr.  Wason,  actual 
founder  and  at  that  time  president  of  the  company,  died,  but 
the  vast  business  of  the  corporation  was  continued  uninterrupt- 
edly until  it  became  the  principal  industry  of  the  city.     Soon: 

(      266      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

after  the  death  of  Mr.  Wason  the  company  purchased  a  consid- 
erable tract  of  land  at  Brightwood,  a  northern  suburb  of  the  city, 
and  in  1873  the  works  were  removed  to  that  point.  The  company 
has  a  present  capital  of  $300,000  and  furnishes  constant  employ- 
ment to  from  400  to  750  workmen  in  all  departments.  The  pro- 
duct of  the  factories  (the  company  operates  several  acres  of 
buildings)  of  the  Wason  Manufacturing  company  may  be  seen 
in  almost  every  city  in  the  United  states,  and  Americans  travel- 
ing outside  the  jurisdiction  of  our  government  very  frequently 
notice  the  best  emblem  of  the  company,  "Wason  Manufacturing 
Co.,  Springfield,  Mass.,"  in  gilt  letters  in  cars  where  chance  calls 
them.  The  principal  officers  of  the  company  at  the  present  time 
are  George  C.  Fisk,  president,  and  H.  S.  Hyde,  treasurer. 

The  Springfield  Gas  Light  company  was  incorporated  Feb- 
ruary 10,  1847,  by  James  D.  Brewer,  Albert  Morgan  and  Henry 
Gray,  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  illuminating  gas  and 
supplying  the  same  to  consumers  in  the  then  principal  village 
of  the  tOAvn.  Although  a  small  enterprise  at  the  outset  the  com- 
pany evidently  filled  a  "long-felt  want,"  and  in  1848  entered 
into  a  contract  with  the  selectmen  to  supply  Main  and  State 
streets  Avith  38  lamp-posts  (to  be  paid  for  by  the  town)  and  to 
furnish  lights  each  night  in  the  month,  "except  when  the  moon 
is  above  the  horizon."  For  more  than  half  a  century  the  gas 
company  has  been  an  important  element  in  the  industrial  history 
of  the  city.  Previous  to  1900  it  was  principally  a  local  concern, 
but  in  February  of  that  year  the  stock  was  transferred  to  a  syndi- 
cate of  capitalists  outside  of  the  city.  The  company  has  about 
90  miles  of  main  pipes  in  use  and  about  8,600  consumers.  The 
presidents  in  succession  have  been  Solyman  Merrick,  James  D. 
Brewer,  Marvin  Chapin,  James  M.  Thompson,  Marvin  Chapin, 
AYilliam  H.  Haile,  James  A.  Kumrill  and  Charles  H.  Tenney. 
The  present  officers  are  Charles  H.  Tenney,  president;  F.  de  V.. 
Thompson,  manager;  I.  B.  Allen,  treasurer. 

The  Springfield  AYater  Power  company  was  incorporated  in 
1846,  with  $300,000  capital,  by  Willis  Phelps,  James  D.  Brewer 
and  Henry  Sargeant,  for  the  purpose  of  creating  a  water  power 
and  diverting  the  waters  of  Chicopee  river  for  manufacturing 

(      267      ) 


OLE    COUNTY    AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

purposes  in  Springfield.  This  was  another  of  the  eai-ly  enter- 
prises planned  for  the  general  welfare  of  the  town,  but  like  many 
others  of  its  time  and  kind  it  now  has  passed  out  of  existence. 

The  Ludlow  ]\Ianufacturing  company,  a  Springfield  enter- 
prise, although  the  name  indicates  a  location  in  another  town, 
was  incorporated  in  1849  by  James  Stebbins,  John  B.  M.  Steb- 
bins  and  Timothy  W.  Carter,  who,  with  their  associates  and  suc- 
cessors, proposed  to  create  a  water  power  and  erect  a  series  of 
factory  buildings  for  the  manufacture  of  cotton  and  woolen 
goods,  iron  and  other  wares,  succeeding  in  their  operations  to  the 
well  planned  but  less  elaborate  works  started  by  Benjamin 
Jencks  in  the  towns  of  Ludlow,  Springfield  and  Wilbraham. 

The  Springfield  INIachine  company  was  incorporated  in  1850, 
with  a  capita]  of  $150,000,  by  Amasa  Stone,  jr.,  Azariah  Boody 
and  Addison  Ware,  for  the  manufacture  of  various  articles  of 
wood  and  iron.  The  American  Hardware  company  was  incor- 
porated in  185-1,  with  $150,000  capital,  by  Homer  Foot,  and 
Philos  B.  Tyler  and  their  associates,  for  the  manufacture  of  fur- 
niture casters  and  other  hardware.  The  Indian  Mills  company, 
to  which  reference  is  made  in  a  preceding  paragraph,  was  in- 
corporated in  1859  by  Jabez  C.  Howe,  George  0.  Hovey  and 
George  S.  Bullens.  Its  object  was  to  construct  and  maintain 
dams  across  Chicopee  river,  and  also  to  engage  in  the  production 
of  cotton  goods  in  the  towns  of  Chicopee  and  Ludlow,  but  in  the 
course  of  its  oi)erations  the  concern  found  its  way  into  the  town 
of  Springfield. 

In  treating  of  the  old  and  well  established  industries  of  the 
city  special  mention  must  be  made  of  the  enterprise  carried  on 
for  almost  half  a  century  under  the  firm  style  of  Smith  &  Wes- 
son, manufacturers  of  fine  grade  revolvers  and  other  small  arms. 
This  universally  known  house  was  established  in  1857 
by  Horace  Smith  and  Daniel  B.  Wesson,  both  of  whom 
are  frequently  mentioned  in  various  portions  of  this 
chapter  as  factors  in  the  civil  and  political  as  well 
as  the  industrial  history  of  the  city.  The  original 
firm  continued  in  business  until  1874,  when  the  senior  partner 
retired  and  Mr.  Wesson  then  continued  alone  until  1882.     In 

(      268      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SFRINGFIELD 

this  year  Walter  AVesson  became  partner  with  his  father,  and 
still  later  Joseph  H.  Wesson,  also  a  son  of  the  founder,  became 
interested  in  the  firm  which  throughout  this  long  period  has  been 
under  the  old  style  of  ymi1,h  &  Wesson  — a  name  known  in  busi- 
ness circles  throughout  the  world. 

The  Hampden  Watch  company,  an  industry  of  the  city  for 
more  than  twenty  years,  Avas  established  in  1867,  taking  the  place 
of  the  still  older  New  York  Watch  company.  At  the  outset  the 
business  was  small,  but  the  product  of  the  works,  while  limited, 
found  favor  in  the  markets  of  the  country.  The  company  was 
originally  incorporated  in  1870  and  was  reorganized  and  rein- 
coi'porated  in  1877,  at  which  time  Homer  Foot  was  the  principal 
man  of  the  concern.  The  works  were  maintained  in  the  city 
until  about  1889  and  then  Avere  removed  to  Ohio. 

The  Waltham  Watch  company,  a  more  enduring  and  success- 
ful enterprise  than  any  of  its  predecessors  in  Springfield,  was 
not  the  outgrowth  of  any  previous  establishment  of  the  same 
class,  yet  it  came  to  the  city  by  removal  from  Waltham  in  1890, 
in  Avhich  year,  also,  the  company  Avas  incorporated.  It  is  in  all 
respects  a  reliable  concern  and  gives  employment  to  many  sldlled 
W'Orkmen.  The  active  officers  of  the  company  are  C.  E.  Van 
Norman,  president:  William  E.  Wright,  vice-president;  John 
McFetheries,  treasurer. 

The  Morgan  En\'elope  company  Avas  originally  incorporated 
in  April,  1870,  and  Avas  reincorporated  in  March,  1872,  but  the 
enterprise  as  an  industry  of  the  city  dates  back  to  1864,  when 
Elisha  Morgan  began  the  manufacture  of  envelopes  in  a  small 
Avay  in  a  building  on  Hillman  street.  At  first  an  experimental 
investment  in  a  comparatively  ucav  field  of  operation,  the 
proprietor  did  a  careful  and  conserA^ative  business,  but  at  the  end 
of  a  year  or  tAvo  the  A'enture  had  proA^ed  a  success.  Then  it  be- 
came necessary  to  remove  to  larger  quarters  on  Taylor  street, 
Avhere  in  the  course  of  time  the  buildings  occupied  by  the  con- 
cern extended  through  to  Worthington  street.  In  1883  the  com- 
pany removed  into  the  most  con)plete  and  thoroughly  appointed 
factory  buildings  in  the  city.  Here  the  company  has  found 
permanent  lodgment,  and  here  it  has  developed  one  of  the  best 

(      2r,9      ) 


OLE   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

industries  in  the  region.  The  first  president  of  the  company  was 
Emerson  Wight,  while  Mr.  Morgan  was  the  treasurer  and  man- 
ager. The  latter  became  president  in  1884,  and  still  stands  at 
the  head  of  the  company.     Robert  Day  is  the  present  treasurer. 

The  American  Papeterie  company,  which  was  organized  in 
1878,  w^as  the  result  of  a  consolidation  of  interests  in  the  pape- 
terie departments  of  the  Morgan  Envelope  company,  the  Powers 
Paper  company  and  the  Plympton  Manufacturing  company,  the 
latter  a  Hartford  concern.  The  American  Writing  Paper  com- 
pany, incorporated  in  July,  1899,  is  the  outcome  of  a  consolida- 
tion of  individual  paper  companies  of  various  cities.  Elisha 
Morgan  is  president  of  the  latter  company. 

The  National  Needle  company,  an  important  factor  among 
the  industries  of  the  city,  was  organized  in  September,  1873,  and 
was  incorporated  in  the  next  month.  When  the  business  was  be- 
gun six  workmen  were  employed,  but  when  the  resources  of  the 
company  w^ere  fully  developed  the  number  of  employees  was  in- 
creased to  more  than  150  in  all  departments.  The  present  offi- 
cers are  James  D.  Safford,  president,  and  Selden  B.  Hickox,  treas- 
urer. The  works  are  located  on  Boylston,  Emery  and  Fulton 
streets. 

The  Barney  &  Berry  Skate  works,  one  of  the  old  manufac- 
turing concerns  of  the  city,  and  one  w^hich  has  been  continued 
more  than  thirty-five  years  with  unvarying  success,  was  estab- 
lished in  1864  by  Everett  H.  Barney  and  John  Berry,  and  began 
operations  in  what  was  then  known  as  the  AVarner  pistol  factory 
building  at  Pecowsic.  During  the  first  year  only  500  pairs  of 
skates  were  made  and  six  or  eight  men  were  employed.  In  more 
recent  years  an  annual  product  of  from  75,000  to  100,000  pairs  of 
skates  has  not  been  regarded  as  an  unusual  event.  Mr.  Berry 
retired  from  the  firm  in  1869,  Mr.  Barney  then  becoming  sole 
proprietor,  but  the  old  firm  style  always  has  been  retained.  The 
large  factory  building  at  Broad  and  Hanover  streets  was  erected 
in  1882. 

The  R.  F.  Hawkins  Iron  works,  which  is  recognized  as  one 
of  the  best  industries  of  its  class  in  this  part  of  the  state,  was  es- 
tablished under  its  present  name  in  1868,  although  the  business 

(      270      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

dates  its  history  from  1846,  when  the  firm  of  Stone  &  Harris  be- 
gan the  manufacture  of  the  Howe  truss  bridge  and  in  connection 
therewith  did  general  machine  work.  Mr.  Hawkins  at  first  was 
an  office  employee  of  the  old  firm  and  became  partner  with  Mr. 
Harris  in  1863.  Five  years  later  he  became  sole  proprietor  and 
during  the  more  than  thirty  years  of  his  active  business  life  iu 
the  city  he  has  shipped  the  product  of  his  works  to  nearly  all 
parts  of  the  country.  As  is  well  known  this  plant  manufactures 
bridges,  steam  boilers  and  builders'  and  contractors'  iron  work. 
The  present  proprietors  are  R.  F.  and  Paul  R.  Hawkins. 

The  Hampden  Paint  and  Chemical  company  as  an  industry 
of  this  county  dates  its  history  from  1852,  when  a  charter  was 
granted  to  the  Serpentine  Paint  and  Fire  Brick  company,  the 
corporators  being  Reuben  A.  Chapman,  C.  C.  Chaffee,  Herman 
S.  Jjucas  and  Charles  Phelps.  On  a  reorganization  of  the  con- 
cern the  name  was  changed  to  Hampden  Paint  and  Chemical 
company,  as  now  known  in  manufacturing  and  trade  circles.  The 
company  is  an  important  factor  in  the  industrial  history  of  the 
city.  The  present  ofificers  are  Edward  P.  Chapin,  president,  and 
Edward  K.  Baker,  treasurer. 

The  Newell  Brothers  Manufacturing  company,  whose  works 
at  the  foot  of  Howard  street  produce  an  extensive  variety  of  cov- 
ered, ivory  and  pearl  buttons  and  give  constant  employment  to  a 
large  number  of  wage  earners,  was  established  originally  in  Long- 
meadow,  and  thence  removed  to  Springfield  in  1864.  The  found- 
ers of  the  enterprise  were  Nelson  C.  and  Samuel  R.  Newell,  who 
made  their  beginning  in  1848.  The  company  was  incorporated 
in  1870,  and  upon  the  death  of  Samuel  R.  Newell,  in  1879,  a  re- 
incorporation was  effected.  From  the  outset  tliis  business  has  been 
successful  and  the  company  has  established  an  excellent  reputa- 
tion in  trade  circles  as  well  as  in  this  city.  During  the  period  of 
its  operation  the  works  have  been  enlarged  frequently  and  the 
working  force  as  often  increased.  The  personnel  of  the  manage- 
ment also  has  occasionally  changed,  as  is  customary  with  estab- 
lishments of  long  standing  in  any  community.  The  present 
officers  are  Nelson  C.  Newell,  president  and  treasurer;  A.  W. 
Newell,  vice-president,  and  William  C.  Newell,  superintendent. 

(      271      ) 


OUR   COVNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

The  Phillips  jNIaniifacturing  company,  producers  of  steam 
heating  apparatus  for  public  and  private  buildings,  was  incor- 
porated in  March,  1876,  and  for  many  years  thereafter  was'  an 
important  industry  in  the  city.  It  was  named  in  allusion  to  Col. 
ffenry  M.  Phillips,  its  president,  who  also  for'years  has  been  a 
factor  in  Springfield  civil  and  political  history. 

The  Medlicott-Morgan  company,  successor  to  the  AV.  G.  Med- 
licott  company,  was  incorporated  in  1887,  although  the  predeces- 
sor concern  dated  from  1881.  The  company  for  several  years 
was  the  only  manufacturer  of  textile  fabrics  in  the  city,  and  all 
through  the  period  of  its  history  has  held  a  good  standing  in  in- 
dustrial circles.  The  present  company  in  its  works  on  Worth- 
ington  street  produces  a  general  line  of  men's  tine  fancy  cotton 
underwear.  The  officei-s  are  James  C.  Cooley,  president;  H.  J. 
Straukamp,  secretary,  and  H.  M.  Morgan,  treasurer. 

The  Taylor  &  Tapley  Manufacturing  company  was  incorpor- 
ated January  1.  1884,  although  its  business  was  begun  in  1882 
as  an  individual  concern  succeeding  the  still  earlier  interests  car- 
ried on  by  Bingham  &  Co.  est.,  1863  ;  Ray  &  Taylor,  1865  ;  George 
Tapley,  1866,  and  the  Ray  &  Taylor  company,  organized  in  1874. 

The  Milton  Bradley  company,  so  long  known  in  litographic 
and  publishing  circles  in  Springfield,  has  been  for  many  years  an 
important  concern  in  the  city.  It  was  started  in  1860  by  Milton 
Bradley,  who  soon  afterward  was  joined  by  Clark  W.  Bryan  and 
J.  F.  Tapley,  and  later  by  Lewis  Bradley,  then  establishing  the 
firm  of  Milton  Bradley  &  Co.  The  company  was  incorporated  in 
1884,  with  George  AA".  Tapley  as  president,  and  Milton  Bradley  as 
treasurer  and  manager. 

The  Cheney  Bigelow  AYire  works  was  incorporated  in  1887, 
with  $90,000  capital,  yet  the  company  traces  its  history  to  a  time 
previous  to  the  city  charter,  when  Cheney  Bigelow  with  a  single 
assistant  opened  a  small  shop  in  the  principal  village  of  the  town 
and  began  the  manufacture  of  various  articles  from  wire.  This 
was  in  1842.  Mr.  Bigelow  continued  the  business  with  fair  suc- 
cess until  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1873,  when  W.  D.  Stevens,  a 
former  mechanical  draughtsman  and  office  employee  in  the  shop, 
undertook  the  management.     His  efforts  also  were  rewai'ded  with 

(      272      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

success,  and  in  1889  the  former  individual  company  was  resolved 
into  an  incorporated  stock  company,  the  first  officers  being  J.  H. 
Bigelow,  president,  and  W.  D.  Stevens,  treasurer  and  manager. 
The  works  now  occupied  bj-  the  company  are  located  at  the  foot 
of  Heywood  avenue,  and  the  product  includes  a  large  variety  of 
wire  goods.  The  present  officers  are  Daniel  B.  AYesson,  presi- 
dent, and  Edwin  C.  Spear,  treasurer  and  manager. 

The  Baj^  State  Corset  companj-  was  incorporated  July  19, 
1890,  and  was  the  outgroM'th  of  an  individual  enterprise  previ- 
ously co2iducted  in  West  Brookfield,  having  removed  thence  to 
Spring-field  in  1886.  The  proprietors  at  that  time  were  C.  L. 
Olmstead  and  A.  D.  Nason.  and  on  the  organization  under  the  in- 
corporation JMr.  Olmstead  became  president  and  Mr.  Nason  treas- 
urer of  the  company.  The  other  persons  interested  in  the  enter- 
prise were  Myron  AV.  Sherman.  Charles  E.  Whitney  and  William 
M.  Titus.  From  the  humble  beginning  indicated  above  the  com- 
pany has  become  one  of  the  best  employers  of  labor  in  Spring- 
field, furnisliing  work  to  from  400  to  500  wage  earaere.  and 
carrying  on  a  very  extensive  business.  The  present  officers  are 
William  M.  Titus,  president  and  manager ;  Joseph  A.  Ordway, 
treasurer;  Frank  E.  Powell,  assistant  treasurer;  John  J.  Line- 
han,  secretary. 

Having  thus  referred  at  some  length  to  many  of  the  older 
maniifacturing  interests,  both  individual  and  corporate,  of 
Springfield,  it  will  be  seen  that  from  the  early  years  of  the  cen- 
tury just  closed  this  city  has  been  an  industrial  center  of  far 
more  than  ordinary  prominence.  In  preceding  paragraphs  the 
writer  has  attempted  to  mention  as  many  as  possible  of  the  labor 
employing  establishments  which  had  an  existence  previous  to 
ten  years  ago,  yet  doubtless  many  concerns  have  been  omitted 
which  are  deserving  of  notice.  The  claim  has  been  made,  and 
with  undoubted  fairness,  that  at  least  20,000  of  the  city's  popu- 
lation are  daily  employed  in  the  numerous  factories  which  are 
now  in  operation,  and  also  that  the  city  has  as  many  as  200  es- 
tablishments in  which  material  is  improved  or  manufactured. 
j\Iany  of  these  concerns  are  conducted  by  individual  owners,  or 
partnership  proprietors,  while  an  equal  number  are  carried  on 

18-2  .  (      273      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

by  corporate  companies  organized  under  the  general  laws  of  the 
state.  In  succeeding  paragraphs  it  is  our  purpose  to  mention 
briefly  the  names  of  the  persons,  firms  and  companies  now  or  re- 
cently in  the  city  and  engaged  in  industrial  pursuits;  and  if  any 
are  omitted  it  is  the  result  of  oversight  rather  than  design,  and 
none  can  be  noticed  at  length  if  the  writer  adheres  to  the  policy 
of  this  work  in  declining  to  advertise  the  business  of  any  man  or 
company. 

In  addition  to  the  industries  mentioned  in  preceding  para- 
graphs a  passing  allusion  may  be  made  to  others,  many  of  which 
have  come  into  existence  during  the  last  twenty  years.  Among 
these  mention  may  be  made  of  the  Mill  River  Machine  shops,  of 
which  Humphrey  Ford  is  proprietor;  R.  P.  AVhipple  &  Co., 
makers  of  patent  automatic  blind  hangers ;  the  Chadwick  Copy- 
ing Book  Co. ;  the  Springfield  Printing  and  Binding  Co. ;  the  R. 
H.  Long  Shoe  Mfg.  Co. ;  Chamberlain  &  Co..  brass  founders,  cop- 
persmiths and  machinists ;  D.  J.  Curtis  &  Son,  Phillips  Bros.,  and 
Potter  &  Potter,  brick  manufacturers;  the  Chandler  Co.,  E.  A. 
Evans  &  Co.,  Warren  S.  Rogers,  and  Charles  AVorkheiser,  button 
makers ;  John  W.  Russell  and  E,  S.  Stacy,  button  machinery 
makers ;  Burgin  Bros,  and  the  Iroquois  Mfg.  Co.,  manufacturers 
of  canvas  goods;  the  New  England  Card  and  Paper  Co.,  D.  L. 
Swan's  Sons,  proprietors;  the  Hodges  Fibre  Carpet  Co.,  of  In- 
dian Orchard ;  Morris  H.  Barnett,  Margerum  Bros.,  the  Massa- 
soit  Co.,  Adolph  Weber,  Joseph  Whitcomb,  &  Co.  and  H.  P. 
Wright,  cigar  manufacturers;  the  Century  Mfg.  Co.,  makers  of 
butchers'  frocks  and  overalls;  Wadsworth,  Howland  &  Co., 
coach  color  makers ;  the  Natick  Underwear  Co.,  T.  M. 
Walker  &  Co.,  sash,  door  and  blind  makers ;  the  Moore 
Drop  Forging  Co. ;  the  Hampden  Corundum  Wheel  Co., 
at  Brightwood ;  the  Baker  Extract  Co.,  the  Crown 
Chemical  Co. ;  the  Fast  Color  Eyelet  Co. ;  the  Springfield 
Covered  Eyelet  Co. ;  George  A.  Schastey,  maker  of  architectural 
woodwork:  Burgin  Bros,  and  the  Planet  Mfg.  Co.,  makers  of 
horse  feed  bags;  the  Tucker  &  Cook  Mfg.  Co.,  knit- 
ting cotton  manufacturers ;  the  Hopkinson  machine  works ; 
the    Springfield     Iron    works;    the     Olmstead   &   Tuttle     Co., 

(      274      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

makers  of  wiping  and  packing  wastes  and  fleece  filled  mattresses 
and  pillows;  the  Springfield  Felting  Co.,  F.  J.  Millea,  proprietor; 
L.  W.  Brown  &  Co.,  the  Burgess  Paper  Box  Co.,  P.  P.  Kellogg 
&  Co.,  Ernest  C.  King,  N.  AV.  IMerrill,  and  C.  C.  Taylor  &  Co., 
paper  box  makers ;  the  United  Mfg.  Co.,  manufacturers  of  paper 
collars. 

In  the  same  manner  a  brief  allusion  may  be  made  to  the  in- 
corporated or  stock  companies,  the  operations  of  which  have  con- 
tributed so  materially  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  city. 
A  glance  over  the  list  will  disclose  the  fact  that  most  of  these  com- 
panies have  been  incorporated  within  the  last  twenty  years,  the 
period  in  which  Springfield  has  attained  a  greater  manufactur- 
ing prominence  than  at  any  previous  time  in  its  history. 

The  A.  F.  Leonard  company  was  incorporated  Dec.  27,  1894. 
The  A.  &  T.  Fairbanks  Confectionery  Co.  was  incorporated 
Oct.  4.  1897,  with  $15,000  capital ;  officers,  Arthur  T.  Fairbanks, 
president  and  treasurer.  The  Alaska  Knitting  Co.  was  incor- 
porated April  28,  1900.  The  Atlas  Pulp  Co.  was  incorporated 
March  30,  1885.  The  Aerated  Fuel  Co.  was  incorporated  in 
1887,  capital,  $250,000 ;  officers,  H.  A.  Chapin,  president ;  Charles 
E.  Stickney,  secretary,  and  J.  H.  Bullard,  treasurer  and  man- 
ager. The  American  Flax  Co.  was  incorporated  in  January, 
1896,  capital,  $125,000;  officers,  Harry  G.  Chapin,  president; 
John  H.  Clune,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Bausch  &  Harris 
Machine  Tool  Co.  was  incorporated  April  4,  1896,  with  $75,000 
capital.  The  business  was  originally  established  in  1880.  The 
officers  are  William  H.  Bausch,  president  and  general  manager; 
George  H.  Bausch,  vice-president  and  superintendent ; 
Samuel  L.  Pratt,  treasurer.  The  Baker  Extract  Co. 
was  incorporated  in  1892,  capital,  $50,000,  for  the  manu- 
facture of  flavoring  extracts,  succeeding  a  business  es- 
tablished in  1879  by  Maurice  Baker;  officers,  Edwin 
L.  Smith,  president;  Frank  L.  Worthy,  vice-president;  T.  Walter 
Carman,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Bemis  Car  Box  Co.,  man- 
ufacturers of  the  Berais  patent  journal  and  gear,  was  incorpo- 
rated in  1885,  capital,  $300,000 ;  officers,  Sumner  A.  Bemis,  presi- 
dent, and  George  M.    Hoadley,    manager.      The    Bemis   &  Call 

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OUR    COUNTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

Hardware  and  Tool  Co..  manufacturers  of  combination  nut  and 
pipe  Avrenches  and  other  tools,  was  incorporated  in  1855 ;  officers. 
W.  Chaplin  Bemis,  president  and  treasurer;  Howard  R.  Bemis, 
assistant  treasurer,  and  John  C.  Beggs,  secretary.  The  Blair 
Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated  in  1884,  with  $25,000  capital ;  officers, 
"W.  A.  Loud,  president ;  A.  B.  Case,  treasurer  and  manager,  and 
C.  L.  Brooks,  secretary.  The  Blake  Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated 
Feb.  10,  1892,  capital,  $15,000;  officers,  George  A.  Eussell,  presi- 
dent; "William  E.  Blake,  treasurer,  and  James  A.  Bill,  secretary. 
The  Brightwood  Box  Machinery  Co.  was  incorporated  in  1895, 
capital,  $50,000 ;  officers,  L.  W.  Brown,  president ;  Alfred  Birnie, 
treasurer ;  Donald  Birnie,  secretary.  The  Brightwood  Brick  Co. 
was  incorporated  in  March,  1900,  capital,  $18,000 ;  officers.  E.  M. 
Coates,  president;  AY.  H.  Selvey,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The 
Brooks  Bank  Note  Co.  was  incorporated  in  1896,  capital,  $75,000  ; 
officers,  J.  L.  Brooks,  president,  and  A.  D.  Cutler,  treasurer.  The 
Bullard  Camera  Co.  was  incorporated  Sept.  30,  1899,  capital, 
$100.000 ;  officere,  Elisha  Morgan,  president,  and  Henry  H.  Bow- 
man, treasurer.  The  Chapin  &  Could  Paper  Co.  was  incorpo- 
rated in  March,  1900,  capital,  $200,000 ;  officers,  Henry  A.  Gould, 
president ;  Edward  H.  Sterns,  treasurer,  and  Henry  G.  Chapin, 
secretary.  The  Confectioners'  Machinery  and  Mfg.  Co.  was  in- 
corporated in  1893,  capital,  $200,000;  officers,  F.  H.  Page,  presi- 
dent ;  Henry  H.  Bowman,  treasurer,  and  George  C.  Baldwin,  jr., 
secretary.  The  C.  W.  Mutell  Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated  Oct.  31, 
1890.  The  Cycle  and  Tool  Co.  was  incorporated  Nov.  13,  1896, 
capital,  $27.000 :  officers,  William  C.  Brown,  president ;  William 
C.  Marsh,  treasurer,  and  Chester  E.  Clemens,  clerk.  The  Davis 
Tire  Co.  was  incorporated  in  December,  1900,  capital,  $100,000 ; 
officers,  C.  S.  VanAuker,  president ;  William  F.  Ellis,  treasurer ; 
Robert  Knight,  secretary.  The  Dickinson  Hard  Rubber  Co.  was 
incorporated  Feb.  6,  1880,  capital,  $40,000 :  officers  James  Duck- 
worth, president  and  treasurer,  and  George  H.  Empsall,  secre- 
tary. The  E.  Stebbins  Mfg.  Co.,  brass  founders  and  finishers,  at 
Brightwood.  was  incorporated  February  13,  1868,  capital,  $50,- 
000:  officers,  H.  M.  Brewster,  president  and  treasurer;  E.  P. 
Marsh,  agent.     The  Duckworth  Chain  INIfg.  Co.  was  incorporated 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

in  1900,  capital  $15,000 ;  officers,  James  Diiekwortli,  presi- 
dent and  treasurer,  and  George  H.  Enipsall,  secretary. 
The  Elektron  Mfg.  Co.,  builders  of  elevators,  hoists  and  elec- 
trical appliances,  was  incorporated  in  1888,  capital,  $200,000 ; 
officers,  W.  D.  Sargent,  president;  W.  E.  Wright,  vice-president; 

E.  H.  Cutler,  manager;  Leon  J.  Harley,  superintendent.  The 
P.  P.  Emory  Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated  Nov.  30,  1890,  capital, 
$30.000 ;  officers,  George  C.  Kimball,  president ;  A.  W.  Allen, 
vice-president;  George  W.  Kimball,  treasurer  and  manager.  The 

F.  L.  Hewes  Paint  Co.  was  incorporated  Jan.  19,  1894,  capital, 
$6,000.  The  Fisk  Mfg.  Co.,  makers  of  fine  toilet  and  other  soaps 
for  all  domestic  uses,  was  incorporated  Nov.  10,  1880,  capital, 
$50,000 ;  officers,  George  C.  Fisk,  president  and  treasurer,  and 
Harry  G.  Fisk,  agent.  The  Fisk  Rubber  Co.  was  incorporated 
in  1898,  capital,  $33,000 ;  officers,  Harry  C.  Fisk,  president,  secre- 
tary and  treasurer.  The  Gilbert  &  Barker  Co.  Avas  incorporated 
March  31,  1870,  capital,  $40,000;  officers,  J.  F.  Barker,  presi- 
dent :  W.  C.  Clarke,  treasurer,  and  W.  T.  Rayner,  clerk. 
The  Hampden  Corundum  Wheel  Co.  was  incorporated  in 
1888,  capital,  $16,000 ;  Willard  P.  Lashure,  president  and  treas- 
urer, and  Julian  S.  Deane,  secretary.  The  Hampden  Zinc  and 
Lead  Co.  was  incorporated  Jan.  10,  1900,  capital.  $150,000 ; 
officers,  Julius  F.  Carman,  president;  N.  E.  Russell,  vice-presi- 
dent ;  George  C.  Tait,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Hendee  Mfg. 
Co.  was  incorporated  Oct.  6,  1898,  capital,  $5,000 :  officers.  George 
M.  Hendee,  president  and  treasurer;  A.  M.  Coleman,  secretary. 
The  Hodges  Fibre  Carpet  Co.  was  incorporated  in  1893,  capital, 
$1,000,000:  officers,  A.  J.  Bailey,  president:  H.  K.  Wiuht,  vice- 
president;  Frank  F.  Hodges,  secretary  and  manager:  William  M. 
Stevenson,  supt.  The  Holyoke  Card  and  Paper  Co.  was  incorpo- 
rated March  10,  1884,  capital,  $150,000 ;  officers,  Franklin  Pierce, 
president;  Henry  H.  Bowman,  treasurer,  and  Frank  Merriam, 
secretary.  The  Hough  Cash  Recorder  Co.  was  incorporated  Nov. 
13,  1895,  capital,  $30,000 :  officers,  W.  C.  Godfrey,  president ;  H. 
K.  AVight,  treasurer,  and  Henry  C.  Spence,  general  manager. 
The  Hut  chins  Narrow  Fabric  Co.  was  incorporated  Aug.  12, 
1896,  capital.  $40,000;  offieei-s,    George    R.    Bond,    president; 

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OVR   COUNTY    AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Charles  D.  Bond,  secretary,  E.  AY.  Bond,  treasurer.  The  Indian 
Orchard  Co.,  one  of  the  most  extensive  fabric  manufacturing 
concerns  in  Indian  Orchard,  was  incorporated  March  24,  1890, 
capital,  $350,000  ;  officers,  A.  N.  Mayo,  president ;  Elisha  Morgan, 
vice-president,  and  H.  K.  Wight,  treasurer.  The  Larsson  Whip 
Co.  was  incorporated  in  January,  1901,  capital,  $25,000;  officers, 
Henry  W.  Larsson,  president  and  manager,  and  Eobert  S.  CTunn, 
secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Leukos  Co.,  manufacturers  of  gas 
machines,  was  incorporated  in  April,  1901 ;  officers,  C.  B.  Bojtq- 
ton,  president ;  Charles  E.  Flagg,  secretary ;  Myron  B.  Spooner, 
treasurer.  The  R.  H.  Long  Shoe  Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated  in 
1897,  capital,  $30,000;  officers,  R.  H.  Long,  president;  J.  M. 
Clough,  treasurer.  The  Metal  Castings  Mfg.  Co.  w'as  incorpo- 
ated  March  4,  1901,  capital,  $150,000 ;  officer,  E.  P.  Chapin, 
president;  Fred.  Carpenter,  secretary;  W.  P.  P.  Fogg,  treasurer. 
The  M.  D.  Stebbins  Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated  Dee.  30,  1896.  The 
Metallic  Drawing  Roll  Co.  was  incorporated  in  July,  1890,  capi- 
tal, $80,000;  officers,  Julius  H.  Appleton,  president:  H.  K. 
Wight,  treasurer;  Henry  C.  Spence,  general  manager.  The 
Moore  Drop  Forging  Co.  was  incorporated  Oct.  11,  1900,  capital, 
$30,000;  officers,  Henry  E.  Marsh,  president;  Fred.  S.  Sibley, 
treasurer  and  manager.  The  ]\Iunder  Electrical  Works  Co.  was 
incorporated  in  1889,  capital,  $200,000;  officers,  S.  A.  Bemis, 
president;  C.  F.  Munder,  treasurer;  George  M.  Hoadley,  secre- 
tary. The  Natrick  Underwear  Co.  was  incorporated  in  1897, 
capital,  $30,000;  officers,  D.  Edward  Miller,  president;  E.  E. 
Carlton,  treasurer.  The  National  Papeterie  Co.  was  in- 
corporated January  15,  1889,  capital,  $100,000 ;  officers, 
George  A.  Russell,  president;  James  A.  Bill,  jr.,  treas- 
urer; Louis  G.  Scheuing,  assistant  treasurer;  A.  G. 
Bennett,  clerk.  The  Novelty  Blind  Operator  Co.  was 
incorporated  March  16,  1901,  capital,  $100,000;  officers,  Hi- 
ram D.  Osborn,  president;  Charles  P.  Chase,  treasurer;  John 
Aldrich,  secretary.  The  Planet  Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated  Jan. 
8,  1898,  capital,  $25,000 ;  officers,  Roscoe  R.  Moody,  president  and 
general  manager ;  Robert  Gowdy,  vice-president ;  J.  F.  Dietz,  sec- 
retary; Charles  S.  Browning,  treasurer.     The  J.  H.  Rogers  Car- 

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THE  CITY  OF  SFIUNGFIELD 

riage  Co.  was  incorporated  in  Jannary,  1893,  capital,  $40,000 ; 
officers,  S.  A.  Bemis,  president;  Charles  B.  Brown,  secretary;  F. 
H.  Chapman,  treasurer.  The  George  A.  Schastey  Co.  was  incor- 
porated in  April,  1891,  capital,  $120,000 ;  officers,  J.  P.  Harding, 
president  and  manager;  0.  K.  Merrill,  treasurer.  The  Sherbet- 
Tade  Co.  was  incorporated  in  November,  1900,  capital,  $100,000, 
for  the  manufacture  of  soda  fountain  syrups ;  officers,  C.  E. 
Worthen,  president;  W.  W.  BelloAvs,  secretary;  A.  M,  Worthen, 
treasurer.  The  Skalon  Whip  Co.  was  incorporated  in  January, 
1901,  capital,  $200,000;  officers,  George  Birnie,  president; 
Julian  Pomeroy,  vice-president  and  secretary.  The  R.  H. 
Smith  Mfg.  Co.  Avas  incorporated  January  2,  1884,  with 
$20,000  capital,  yet  the  history  of  the  company  in  fact  dates 
back  to  1865,  when  the  business  had  its  beginning. 
Officers,  R.  H.  Smith,  president  and  treasurer;  H.  M. 
Smithj  vice-president ;  Henry  P.  Smith,  clerk  and  secretary. 
The    Springfield   Paper    Co.    was   incoporated    in    1870  and  in 

1882.  The  Springfield  Brass  Co.  was  incorporated  April  1,  1890, 
capital,  $25,000 ;  officers,  L.  B.  Porter,  president ;  H.  C.  Cornwell, 
manager.  The  Springfield  BreAveries  Co.  was  incorporated  in 
March,  1899,  capital,  $2,500,000;  officers,  M.  H.  Curley,  presi- 
dent: D.  W.  C.  Skates,  treasurer.  The  Springfield  Brick  Co. 
was  incorporated  July  18,  1899,  capital,  $50,000 ;  officers,  A.  N. 
Mayo,  president ;  George  E.  Frink,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The 
Springfield  Co-operative  Milk  Association  was  incorporated  in 

1883,  capital,  $30,000;  officers,  0.  A.  Parks,  president;  F.  B. 
Allen,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Springfield  Drop  Forging 
Co.  was  incorporated  May  18,  1893,  capital,  $100,000;  officers, 
William  H,  Crosby,  president ;  A.  D.  Dana,  treasurer  and  man- 
,ager;  W.  W.  Merrill,  secretary.  The  Springfield  Coil  Boiler  Co. 
was  incorporated  July  12,  1893.  The  Sprinfield  Door,  Sash  and 
Blind  Co.  was  incorporated  August  12,  1891.  The  Springfield 
Electrical  Mfg.  Co.  was  incorporated  May  11,  1900,  capital,  $10,- 
000;  officers,  H.  E.  Bosworth,  president;  B.  C.  Starr,  treasurer; 
H.  H.  Curtis,  secretary.  The  Springfield  Construction  Co.  was 
incorporated  January  18,  1896,  capital,  $20,000,  for  the  purpose 
of  construction  of  iron  and  steel  bridges.     The  Springfield  Ele- 

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Ol'R   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

vator  and  Pump  Co.  Avas  incorporated  April  2.  1896.  capital, 
$100,000 ;  officers,  John  Mayher,  president ;  James  Hale,  treas- 
urer. The  Springfield  Engine  8top  Co.  was  incorporated  in 
August,  1895,  capital,  $100,000:  officers.  J.  D.  Millea,  president; 
M.  J.  Carroll,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Springfield  Eureka 
Hard  Plaster  Co.  was  incorporated  Nov.  21.  1895.  capital,  $20,- 
000;  officers,  A.  L.  Wright,  president;  D.  W.  Mellen,  vice-presi- 
dent; "W.  T.  Gregg,  secretary;  W.  T.  Underwood,  treasurer  and 
manager.  The  Springfield  Foundry  Co.  was  established  in  1870 
and  incorporated  Oct.  9,  1877,  capital,  $100,000.  The  Spring- 
field Glazed  Paper  Co.  was  incorporated  May  -t.  1871:.  capital, 
$100,000;  officers,  W.  H.  Shuart.  president;  John  F.  Marsh, 
treasurer  (works  at  the  west  end  of  old  toll  bridge.) 
The  Springfield  Iron  Works  was  incorporated  May  1,  1895, 
capital,  $20,000 ;  officers.  James  Gibbons,  president  and  treas- 
urer ;  Edmund  DeWitt,  secretary.  The  Springfield  Knitting  Co. 
was  incorporated  May  6,  1892;  officers,  Gurdon  Bill,  president; 
Nathan  D.  Bill,  treasurer;  C.  B.  Potter,  secretary  and  manager. 
The  Springfield  Machine  Screw  Co.  was  incorporated  August  10, 
1895,  capital,  $5,500 ;  officers.  Edward  S.  Bradford,  president ; 
Edward  S.  Bradford,  jr.,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  Spring- 
field Narrow  Fabric  Co.  was  incorporated  April  8.  1890.  The 
Springfield  Planing  and  Moulding  Co.  was  incorporated  January 
3,  1894.  The  Springfield  Steam  Power  Co.  was  incorporated 
March  28,  1881,  capital,  $200,000 ;  officers,  George  C.  Fisk,  presi- 
dent ;  Henry  S.  Hyde,  treasurer ;  L.  C.  Hyde,  clerk ;  J.  AV.  Hyde, 
assistant  treasurer  and  manager.  The  Springfield  Waste  Co. 
was  incorporated  March  24.  1884,  capital,  $150,000;  officers. 
George  E.  Howard,  president  and  treasurer.  The  Springfield 
Weaving  Co.  was  incorporated  July  23.  1878.  The  Springfield 
Webbing  Co.  was  incorporated  June  25,  1894.  capital,  $15,000 ; 
officers,  Joseph  Merriam,  president ;  L.  F.  Denio.  treasurer.  The 
Standard  Brick  Co.  was  incorporated  April  17,  1884,  capital, 
$5,000;  officers,  J.  S.  Sanderson,  president;  A.  N.  Mayo,  treas- 
urer; George  E.  Frink,  secretary.  The  Standard  Button  Co. 
was  incorporated  Feb.  10,  1893.  capital,  $4,000 ;  officers.  Mre.  J. 
W.  Holton,  president;  J.  W.  Holton,  treasurer.     The  Standard 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Knvelope  Co.  was  incorporated  April  7.  1882.  The  J.  W.  Steers 
&  Son  Organ  Co.  was  incorporated  May  1,  1901,  capital,  $50,000 ; 
officers,  George  A.  Bacon,  president  and  secretary;  A.  L.  White, 
vice-president  and  manager.  The  United  Electric  Light  Co. 
was  incorporated  May  9,  1887,  capital,  $500.000 ;  officers,  Elisha 
Morgan,  president;  W.  A.  Lincoln,  treasurer;  Henry  S.  An- 
derson, manager.  The  LTnited  States  Compound  Oxygen  Co. 
was  incorporated  January  19,  1886.  The  United  States 
Envelope  Machine  Co.  ^vas  incorporated  March  19,  1886. 
The  Ignited  States  Spring  Bed  Co.  was  incorporated  June 
18,  1889,  capital.  $10,000 ;  officers,  H.  H.  Bowman,  president ;  F. 
M.  Tinkham,  treasurer  and  manager.  The  Victor  Sporting 
Goods  Co.  was  incorporated  in  1898,  capital,  $50,000 ;  officers,  F. 
J.  Faulkner,  president;  C.  B.  Whitney,  treasurer.  The  Whittier 
]\Iills  Co.  was  incorporated  in  1898,  capital,  $70,000 ;  officers,  H. 
A.  AA^hittier.  president;  Nelson  AVhittier,  treasurer;  Walter  R.  B. 
Whittier,  manager.  The  AA^ight-Thayer  Co.  of  Indian  Orchard, 
was  incorporated  July  21,  1898,  capital,  $10,000;  officers,  Charles 
H.  Thayer,  president  and  secretary :  Henry  K.  AYight,  treasurer. 


CHAPTER  Yll. 

THE    CITY    OF    SPRINGFIELD— CHURCHES 
CONGREGATIONAL 

The  First  Church  of  Clirist  — The  mother  church  of  Spring- 
field, from  which  during  the  first  century  of  its  history  there 
were  set  off  several  parishes,  and  from  which  in  later  years,  both 
directly  and  indirectly,  there  have  been  numerous  otfshoots,  is 
said  by  various  writers  to  have  been  established  in  1637,  when 
George  Moxon  was  settled  as  minister  of  the  parish.  A  doubt 
exists  as  to  the  exact  time  of  Mr.  Aloxon's  settlement,  the  town 
records  giving  no  clear  light  as  to  whether  he  was  settled  in  1637 
or  in  the  year  following.     The  present  writer  is  inclined  to  the 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPKINGFIELD 

belief  that  the  church  in  fact  was  established  May  14,  1636,  when 
the  little  colony  of  planters  under  Mr.  Pynchon  entered  into 
solemn  compact  with  one  another  and  framed  articles  of  govern- 
ment, the  second  declaration  of  Avhich  reads  as  follows:  "Wee 
intend,  by  God's  grace,  as  soon  as  wee  can,  with  all  convenient 
speede,  to  procure  some  Godly  and  faithfull  minister,  with  whom 
wee  purpose  to  joyne,  to  Avalk  in  all  the  Avays  of  Christ." 

Inasmuch  as  the  settlement  of  a  minister  is  not  prerequisite 
to  the  establishment  of  a  church,  and  that  the  latter  action  is  de- 
pendent only  upon  the  declaration  and  intention  of  the  covenant- 
ers, it  is  a  question  whether  the  First  church  of  Christ  in  Spring- 
field was  not  founded  in  1636. 

In  1645  a  meeting  house  was  built  near  the  southeast  corner 
of  what  is  now  court  square.  It  was  25  x  40  feet  in  size  and 
faced  south,  on  Meeting  house  lane  (now  Elm  street).  This 
structure  was  one  of  the  few  buildings  of  the  town  that  escaped 
destruction  by  the  Indians  on  the  occasion  of  the  burning  of 
Springfield  during  King  Philip's  war,  yet  in  1h77  it  was  replaced 
by  a  more  commodious  structure,  the  latter  standing  farther  west 
and  quite  within  the  limits  of  the  square.  The  third  meeting 
house  was  larger  than  either  of  its  predecessors,  being  46  x  60 
feet  in  dimensions  and  "26  feet  between  joints.  It  stood  directly 
east  of  the  present  church  edifice  and  on  the  square.  The  fourtti 
and  present  edifice  was  erected  in  1819  and  still  stands,  and  not- 
withstanding its  more  than  four  score  years  of  service  it  now  is 
an  attractive  and  comfortable  building,  and  one  around  which 
cluster  a  thousand  historic  memories.  Although  devoid  of  archi- 
tectural display  its  exterior  is  pleasing  in  every  sense,  and  great 
care  has  been  exercised  to  preserve  it  against  the  ravages  of  time 
and  the  elements.  So,  too,  with  the  interior,  which  retains  much 
of  its  original  appearance,  except  that  modern  heating  appli- 
ances have  replaced  the  old-time  foot-stoves  and  the  magnificent 
pipe  organ  now  stands  back  of  the  pastor's  desk  instead  of  occu- 
pying a  niche  in  the  rear  gallery,  as  did  its  predecessor.  The  old 
high  pulpit  was  first  lowered  in  1854.  Cushions  were  placed  in 
the  pews  in  1862.  Modern  custopis  of  worship  prevail,  but  other 
than  is  noted  the  aim  has  been  to  preserve  the  interior  in  accord- 

(      283      ) 


OUK    COUNTY   AND   ITS    TEOFLE 

-ance  with  the  ideas  of  the  builders  in  1819.  The  chapel  east  of 
the  edifice,  and  connecting  therewith,  Avas  built  in  1872. 

For  more  than  a  century  and  three-quarters  the  mother 
church  of  Springfield  was  supported  at  the  common  expense  of 
the  townspeople,  and  when  during  the  latter  years  of  the  eight- 
eenth century  the  region  had  become  settled  with  families  of 
other  denominations,  there  naturally  arose  some  opposition  to  the 
payment  of  church  rates  where  the  people  wei-e  not  Congregation- 
alists  and  preferred  the  associations  of  their  own  church.  The 
collection  of  rates  was  enforced  until  about  the  beginning  of  the 
nineteenth  century,  when  the  custom  became  unpopular  and  was 
finally  swept  aside.  However,  since  that  time  the  old  society 
never  has  suffered  from  lack  of  support,  and  to-day  the  First 
church  is  the  largest  and  most  infiuential  ecclesiavStical  body  in 
the  city,  having  a  total  meuibei*ship  of  more  than  1,100  persons. 

The  ministers  and  pastors  of  the  First  church  have  been  as 
follows  :  George  Moxon,  1637  (  or  1688) -1652  :  Mr.  Hosford,  1653  : 
Thomas  Thomson,  1655-56:  Mr.  Hooker,  1656,  three  months; 
Pelatiah  Glover,  1660-92 :  John  Haynes,  1693,  a  few  months ; 
Daniel  Brewer,  May  16,  1694-1733,  died  1733  :  Robert  Breck,  Jan. 
26,  1734-1784,  died  1784 ;  Bezaleel  Howard,  D.  D.,  April  27,  1785- 
1809,  died  1837 :  Samuel  Osgood,  D.  D.,  Jan.  25,  1809-1854,  died 
1862:  Henry  M.  Parsons,  Nov.  15.  1854-1870:  Edward  A.  Reed, 
June  14,  1871-1878:  Edward  P.  Terhune,  D.  D..  April  30,  1879- 
1884 ;  Michael  Burnham.  Feb.  27,  1885-1894 :  Fi-ank  L.  Good- 
speed,  D.  D.,  Nov.,  1894— the  present  pastor. 

Olivet  Church — In  December,  1832,  eleven  members  of  the 
Firet  church  requested  letters  of  dismission  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  another  Congregational  society  in  Springfield,  whose 
house  of  worship  should  be  located  on  Armory  hill  for  the  es- 
pecial accommodation  of  families  living  in  that  rapidly  growing 
vicinit.y.  The  application  received  the  approval  of  the  mother 
society  and  on  January  8,  1883,  the  Fourth  Congregational 
church  of  Springfield  was  duly  organized  with  nineteen  constitu- 
ent members.  The  Sabbath  school  was  organized  on  the  third 
Sunday  in  January  of  the  samc,^  year,  with  four  teachers  and 
twelve  pupils.     This  church  has  been  known  by  the  name  of  Oli- 

(      284      ) 


TEE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

vet  since  March,  1855.  although  the  act  of  the  legislature  au- 
thorizing its  adoption  Avas  not  passed  until  March  31.  1875.  Tlie^ 
first  services  of  the  new  society  Avere  held  in  what  was  known  as 
the  Conference  house,  a  brick  building  standing  at  the  corner  of 
High  street  and  AYoodworth  avenue.  The  first  church  edifice  was 
built  on  State  street  in  1834  and  still  stands,  although  constantly 
increasing  membership  has  necessitated  subsequent  enlargements 


Olivet  Churcli,  Springfield 


and  substantial  repairs  to  the  original  structure.     The  vestry, 
Sunday  school  and  society  building  was  erected  in  1878. 

Olivet  church  for  many  years  has  been  an  important  and  in- 
fluential factor  in  the  ecclesiastical  history  of  the  city.  The  pres- 
ent members  number  more  than  300  persons,  while  the  Sunday 
school  has  more  than  200  pupils.  The  pastors  of  the  church,  in 
succession,  have  been  as  follows :  "Waters  AVarren.  minister,  Jan. 
8,  1833- April  8,  1833 :  Abraham  C.  Baldwin.  Dec.  4.  1833-Jaii.  8, 
1839 :  Ezekiel  Russell.  D.  D..  Alay  15.  1839- July  17.  1849  :  Samuel 

285      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND    U\S    PEOPLE 

W.  Strong,  March  27,  1850-Oct.  10,  1852 ;  Henry  B.  Elliott,  min- 
ister, Jan.  16,  1853-Oct.  29,  1854 ;  George  DeF.  Folsom,  May  23, 
1855-Sept.  1,  1860 ;  W.  W.  Woodworth,  minister,  Sept.  23,  1860- 
March  3,  1862 ;  George  H.  Gould,  D.  D.,  minister,  June  1,  1862- 
June  1,  1864 ;  William  K.  Hall,  minister,  April  15,  1865-April  2, 
1866 ;  John  A.  Hamilton,  minister,  April  1,  1867-July  1,  1867 ; 
Luther  H.  Cone,  Oct.  30,  1867-now  pastor  emeritus;  Edwin  H. 
Hadlock,  Ph.D.,  June  20,  1899— the  present  pastor. 

South  Congregational  C'/atrc/i— Nothwithstanding  the  or- 
ganization of  the  Third  society  in  1819  and  the  Fourth  in  1833, 
the  rapid  increase  in  population  in  the  town  during  the  ten  years 
next  following  the  latter  date  necessitated  the  formation  of  still 
another  church  society.  Consequently,  in  1842  the  parish  of  the 
South  Congregational  society  was  organized  with  40  original 
members  and  was  an  offshoot  from  the  mother  church  on  Court 
square,  including  in  its  membership  a  number  of  the  leading  busi- 
ness and  professional  men  of  the  town,  and  their  families.  Early 
services  were  held  in  the  old  court  house  on  Sanford  street,  and 
the  first  house  of  worship  was  built  on  Bliss  street.  Its  cost,  in- 
cluding the  chapel  adjoining,  was  less  than  $10,000.  The  present 
church  edifice  on  Maple  street  was  erected  in  1874,  and  then  (as 
now)  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  pretentious  structures  of 
its  kind  in  the  city. 

Throughout  the  period  of  its  history  the  South  church  has 
had  but  three  regular  pastorates,^  covering  an  aggregate  of  al- 
most three-score  years.  The  first  pastor  was  Rev.  Noah  Porter, 
jr.,  from  1843  to  1847,  followed  by  the  memorable  pastorate  of 
Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Buckingham,  who  both  in  church  work  and 
in  the  interests  of  all  the  institutions  of  the  city  always  labored 
for  the  public  good,  and  often  at  the  expense  of  personal  comfort. 
He  retired  from  active  church  work  in  1894,  but  was  regarded  as 
pastor  emeritus  until  the  time  of  his  death,  Julj^  12,  1898.  Rev. 
Dr.  Philip  S.  Moxom  succeeded  to  the  pastorate  in  April,  1894, 
and  still  serves  in  that  capacity.     Under  his  ministry  here  the 

'On  May  7,  1885.  Rev.  Edward  G.  Selden  was  installed  associate  and  active 
pastor,  and  worked  in  conjunction  witti  Dr.  Bucliingham,  pastor,  active  and  emer- 
itus, until  October  5,   1893,   when  he  was  dismissed. 

(      286      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

church  membership  has  increased  to  nearly  500  persons,  while  the 
Sunday  school  has  270  pupils. 

North  Congregational  CJmrch—ln  the  spring  of  1846  a 
number  of  meetings  were  held  for  the  discussion  of  a  proposition 
to  organize  another  Congregational  society  in  Springfield,  and 
the  result  was  the  adoption  of  a  constitution  and  articles  of  faith 
by  a  number  of  interested  persons ;  and  with  this  informal  or- 
ganization the  little  society  secured  the  services  of  Rev.  Robert 
H.  Conklin,  and  in  September  of  that  year  began  holding  meet- 
ings in  Frost's  hall.  The  more  formal  church  organization  was 
perfected  on  Oct.  28,  with  22  constituent  members.  The  Sunday 
school  was  formed  Nov.  11,  George  White  being  the  first  superin- 
tendent. In  September,  1847,  the  church  acting  in  the  capacity 
of  a  parish  purchased  a  lot  of  land  at  the  southeast  corner  of 
Main  and  Worthington  streets,  and  built  thereon  a  chapel;  and 
in  the  following  month  the  society  hired  for  use  during  the  win- 
ter months  the  old  structure  on  Sanford  street  which  was  known 
as  the  "Free  church."  However,  the  lot  above  mentioned  was 
soon  sold  and  in  place  thereof  the  society  purchased  a  new  lot  on 
the  west  side  of  Main  street,  north  of  Bridge  street.  In  March, 
1848,  the  church  was  duly  incorporated,  and  in  the  same  year  a 
substantial  edifice  was  built  on  the  new  site.  It  was  completed 
and  formally  dedicated  March  1,  1849,  the  day  of  the  installation 
of  the  first  pastor. 

In  1871  this  property  was  sold  for  $46,000,  and  a  new  site 
was  purchased,  the  land  being  located  at  the  corner  of  Salem 
street  and  the  avenue  of  the  same  name.  Here  a  large  edifice  was 
erected  in  1873,  the  dedicatory  services  being  held  September  18. 
The  cost  of  the  structure,  including  the  chapel,  was  more  than 
$53,000. 

The  North  church  at  present  has  a  membership  of  440  per- 
sons, and  in  its  Sunday  school  are  315  pupils.  A  colony  of  fifty- 
five  membere  of  this  church  was  organized  into  the  Memorial 
church  by  a  council  held  in  the  vestry  of  the  former  church,  Oc- 
tober 27,  1865.  The  succession  of  pastors  of  the  North  church  is 
as  follows:  Raymond  H.  Seelye,  D.  D.,  March  1,  1849-Jan.  26. 
1858;  James  Drummond,  June  16,  1858,  died  in  the  pastorate 

(      287      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

Nov.  29,  1861 ;  L.  Clarke  Seelye,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Jan.  20,  1863-May 
31,  1865:  Kichard  G.  Greene,  May  13,  1866-Oct.,  1874:  Washing- 
ton Gladden,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Feb.  1,  1875-Dec.  7,  1882 :  Charles 
VanOrden,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  May  13,  1883-Oct.  11,  1886;  W.  L. 
Gage,  D.  D.,  April  16,  1887-one  year;  F.  Barrows  Makepeace, 
Oct.  6,  1888-1899 :  Newton  M.  Hall,  Oct.  4,  1899-the  present  pas- 
tor. 

Indian  Orchard  Church — The  Firet  Congregational  society 
of  Indian  Orchard  was  organized  March  23,  1848,  with  fifteen 
members  nnder  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Luther  H.  Cone,  late 
pastor  and  now  pastor  emeritus  of  Olivet  church.  In  1856  the 
Ward  Manufacturing  company  gave  the  society  two  lots  at  the 
corner  of  Main  and  Oak  streets,  and  in  1863  a  neat  house  of  wor- 
ship Avas  erected  thereon.  In  the  course  of  a  few  years  the  soci- 
ety became  disorganized  and  the  church  property  passed  into  the 
hands  of  Harvey  Butler  and  later  of  the  Indian  Orchard  Mill 
company.  In  the  late  winter  of  1865  a  reorganization  was  ef- 
fected, and  Mr.  Rice  was  called  to  the  pastorate.  From  that  time 
the  church  maintained  a  fairly  healthful  existence,  although  not 
always  self-supporting.  The  present  members  number  161  per- 
sons, with  a  Sunday  school  of  200  pupils.  The  church  at  present 
is  without  a  pastor. 

Hope  Congregational  Church — This  church,  now  among  the 
first  in  point  of  numerical  strength  in  the  city,  had  its  inception 
in  the  successful  work  of  a  mission  Sunday  school  which  was 
opened  in  the  eastern  central  part  of  the  city  in  1865  by  a  num- 
ber of  interested  members  of  the  South  church.  At  first  these 
sessions  of  the  school,  with  occasional  infoi-mal  church  services, 
were  held  in  dwelling  houses,  but  later  on  a  barn  in  Union  street 
was  purchased  and  fitted  up  for  Sunday  occupancy.  In  1870  a 
small  chapel  building — Hope  Chapel — was  erected,  but  in  the 
course  of  the  next  five  years  three  separate  enlargements  of  the 
original  structure  were  necessary.  In  1875  Charles  Morgan,  a 
recent  graduate  of  Yale  Divinity  school,  was  called  to  take 
charge  of  the  mission  work,  and  in  the  same  year  articles  of  faith 
and  by-laws  for  a  new  church  were  adopted.  On  ^Nlarch  15,  1876, 
a  ehui'ch  was  regularly  organized  and  Mr.  Morgan  was  ordained 

(      288      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

and  installed  as  its  first  pastor.  On  November  14  the  chapel  was 
removed  to  a  new  location  at  the  corner  of  State  and  Winchester 
streets,  and  during  the  succeeding  five  years  the  increase  in  in- 
terest and  membership  was  such  that  a  new  and  larger  house  of 
worship  was  a  necessity.  On  September  24,  1882,  the  corner 
stone  of  the  present  attractive  edifice  Avas  laid  with  impressive 
ceremonies,  and  the  completed  structure  Avas  occupied  for  the 
first  time,  October  14,  1883.  Its  cost  was  $38,000.  However,  be- 
fore three  more  years  had  passed  there  was  a  call  for  "more 
room,"  and  in  1887  galleries  were  constructed  in  the  auditorium, 
increasing  the  seating  capacity  of  the  edifice  from  900  to  a  little 
more  than  1,200  persons. 

Although  one  of  the  younger  religious  bodies  of  the  city 
Hope  church,  like  the  First  church  from  which  it  sprung,  has  it- 
self been  a  prolific  mother.  Let  us  briefly  mention  its  principal 
offshoots : 

Emmanuel  CliurcJi  —  ln  the  latter  part  of  1881  a  Sunday 
school  was  formed  in  the  school  house  on  the  East  Longmeadow 
road  and  was  conducted  by  four  young  men  from  Hope  church.  A 
Sunday  evening  prayer  meeting  was  held  and  also  occasional 
preaching  services.  A  neat  chapel  was  subsequently  erected  on 
White  street  by  the  standing  committee  of  Hope  church,  and  was 
dedicated  December  7,  1884.  On  November  20,  1888,  the  mission 
was  organized  into  Emmanuel  Congregational  church,  with  a 
membership  of  45  and  a  Sunday  school  of  103  pupils.  This 
church  now  numbers  77  members  and  is  under  the  pastoral  care 
of  Kev.  David  L.  Kebbe,  who  was  called  to  that  office  in  1895. 

Eastern  Avenue  Cliurch  — The  Eastern  Avenue  chapel  was 
erected  by  the  standing  committee  of  Hope  church  in  the  early 
part  of  1884.  In  July  of  that  year  Rev.  Orville  Reed,  associate 
pastor  of  Hope  church,  took  charge  of  the  work  both  at  the  East- 
ern avenue  and  the  White  street  missions.  On  February  22, 
1888,  the  mission  was  organized  into  a  church  with  58  members 
and  160  Sunday  school  attendants.  The  chapel  building  has 
since  been  enlarged.  Although  temporarily  without  a  pastoral 
head  the  Eastern  Avenue  church  has  a  present  membership  of 
123  persons,  while  in  its  Sunday  school  are  177  pupils. 

19-2  (      289      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

The  Park  Church — In  1887  Hope  church  evangelization  so- 
ciety purchased  the  lot  at  the  corner  of  St.  James  avenue  and 
Clarendon  street  and  erected  thereon  a  dwelling  house,  finishing 
the  lower  floor  for  use  as  a  chapel.  The  growth  of  the  locality 
soon  made  it  evident  that  enlarged  accommodations  would  be 
needed,  upon  which  the  dwelling  was  removed  and  the  erection 
of  the  present  chapel  was  begun  in  August,  1888.  The  building 
was  completed  in  May,  1889.  In  June  of  that  year  a  church  was 
organized  with  56  members  and  a  Sunday  school  of  136  pupils. 
This  church  has  a  present  membership  of  64  persons,  and  from 
1896  to  the  early  part  of  1901  was  under  the  pastoral  charge  of 
Rev.  Allen  E.  Cross. 

8t.  John's  Church— For  several  years  Hope  church  was  in- 
terested in  a  work  among  colored  people  of  the  city,  and  in  carry- 
ing out  that  work  a  chapel  was  built  in  Quincy  street.  In  1890, 
by  the  union  of  the  Sanford  street  church  and  the  Quincy  street 
mission,  St.  John's  church  was  organized  with  a  membership  of 
23  persons  and  a  Sunday  school  of  60  attendants.  Since  that 
time  the  church  has  enjoyed  a  quiet,  steady  growth. 

Thus  it  is  our  privilege  to  note  in  part  the  commendable 
work  originating  with  and  carried  to  successful  results  by  the  en- 
terprising benevolence  and  truly  missionary  spirit  of  Hope 
church,  a  comparatively  young  but  in  point  of  membership  tlie 
second  in  numerical  strength  among  the  Congregational  churches 
of  the  city.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  it  frequently  has  con- 
tributed its  members  to  offshoot  bodies,  the  mother  church  has  a 
present  membership  of  678  pereons,  and  in  its  Sunday  school  are 
662  pupils. 

The  succession  of  pastors,  their  associates  and  co-workers,  of 
Hope  church  is  as  follows:  Charles  Lincoln  Morgan,  March  15, 
1876-November  1,  1880 ;  David  Allen  Reed,  June  7,  1881-Decem- 
ber  23,  1889 ;  Orville  Reed,  in  charge  of  Eastern  Avenue  and 
White  street  chapels,  1884-86,  and  co-pastor  of  Hope  church, 
1886-88 ;  Ralph  Watson  Brokaw,  co-pastor,  1888-89,  pastor,  1889- 
98;  Samuel  H.  Woodrow,  September  1,  1898— the  present  pas- 
tor. 

The  French  Church— The  society  of  this  church  was  the  out- 
growth   of    missionary    work    among    the    French  residents  of 

(      290      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Springfield  during  the  years  immediately  preceding  1886.  The 
church  organization  was  perfected  in  1886  and  since  that  time 
has  been  one  of  the  institutions  of  the  city.  The  house  of  wor- 
ship is  located  in  Bliss  street.  Since  1897  this  parish  has  been 
under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Thomas  S.  St.  Aubin,  the  mem- 
bere  numbering  37  persons. 

The  Sivedish  Congregational  Church,  which  does  not  ap- 
pear in  the  minutes  of  the  general  association  as  one  of  the  regu- 
lar societies  of  that  denomination  in  the  city,  was  organized  in 
1891,  and  now  is  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  Rev.  Gustave  Lind- 
strom. 

Faith  Congregational  Church — With  a  house  of  worship  at 
the  corner  of  Fort  Pleasant  and  Sumner  avenues,  was  organized 
in  1894;  pastor,  Rev.  D.  Butler  Pratt. 

METHODIST  EPISCOPAL 

Ashury  First  M.  E.  C/mrc/i— Bishop  Asbury  visited  Spring- 
field as  early  as  1791  and  preached  his  first  sermon  on  July  15  of 
that  year.  He  again  visited  the  town  in  1794-95,  and  was  fol- 
lowed by  other  missionary  laborers,  all  of  whom  worked  faith- 
fully for  the  establishment  of  a  permanent  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  in  the  locality.  Preaching  services  were  held  in  dwell- 
ings, and  a  class  was  formed  as  a  result  of  the  work  in  1796. 
These  sei*\aces  were  continued  with  more  or  less  regularity  until 
1801,  when  circuit  preachere  ceased  their  visits  and  left  whatever 
was  of  public  worship  under  Methodist  teachings  to  the  local 
preachers  of  the  neighborhood.  In  1815  the  class  and  society 
were  reorganized  by  William  Marsh  and  were  made  a  part  of  the 
Tolland  circuit.  In  1819  Springfield  w^as  made  a  separate  sta- 
tion and  Daniel  Dorchester  was  appointed  pastor;  and  in  addi- 
tion to  his  regular  labors  this  worthy  teacher  of  Methodism  also 
taught  school  in  the  old  block  house  on  the  armory  grounds. 
About  this  time  the  meetings  were  held  alternately  in  the  school 
house  near  the  corner  of  Hancock  and  Central  streets,  at  the 
Watershops,  and  also  in  the  armory  chapel  on  the  hill,  with  occa- 
sional services  in  the  old  court  house  In  1820  Moses  Fifield  was 
sent  to  take  charge  of  tlie  local  services,  and  in  the  same  year  a 

(      291      ) 


01 R   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

chapel  Avas  built  at  the  AVatei-shops.  This  was  the  first  regular 
church  home  of  Methodism  iu  Springfield,  and  at  the  time  there 
Avere  only  fifteen  churches  of  that  denomination  in  Massachusetts. 
However,  the  first  sermon  in  the  little  chapel  was  preached  by 
Elder  Sawyer,  a  minister  of  the  Baptist  church.  In  1835  the 
building  was  enlarged,  but  finally  was  made  into  a  tenement 
house.  In  1821  Thomas  Asbury,  a  local  preacher,  was  employed 
to  assist  Mr.  Fifield,  and  in  1823  a  new  meeting  house  was  built 
in  Union  street,  to  which  place  the  old  organization  was  trans- 
ferred, although  occasional  services  were  continued  to  be  held 
at  the  AA^atershops  until  1832,  when  regular  preaching  was  re- 
established there. 

In  1834  a  great  revival  increased  the  number  of  local  Metho- 
dists to  346,  and  in  the  following  year  the  society  was  divided 
into  two  separate  churches  and  a  pastor  was  appointed  for  each. 
In  1844  a  new  church  was  organized  and  a  new  house  of  worship 
was  built  in  Pynchon  street,  to  which  place  the  Asbury  members 
were  transferred.  Ten  years  later  preaching  was  resumed  at  the 
old  church  edifice  and  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  Miner  Ray- 
mond, D.  D.,  principal  of  Wesleyan  academy  at  Wilbraham.  In 
1860  the  old  society  was  once  more  constituted  a  church,  and  was 
placed  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Samuel  Jackson.  In  1865  the 
erection  of  a  new  house  of  worship  was  begun,  the  structure  be- 
ing located  in  Florence  street,  from  which  fact  it  was  called  the 
Florence  Street  M.  E.  church.  The  corner-stone  address  was  de- 
livered by  William  Rice,  and  in  November,  1866,  Bishop  Simpson 
preached  the  dedicatory  sermon.  In  1871  the  name  was  changed 
to  Asbury  First  ]\I.  E.  church,  by  which  it  since  has  been  known. 

The  change  in  name  to  Asbury  First  church  established  his- 
torical connection  with  Bishop  Asbury,  the  founder  of  Methodism 
in  Springfield ;  and  the  entertainment  of  the  100th  session  of  the 
New  England  conference  by  the  mother  church  in  1896  was  an 
eminently  fitting  event.  In  church  circles  in  Springfield  Asbury 
First  exercises  a  wide  influence  for  good,  and  its  pulpit  has  been 
filled  with  the  best  material  at  the  command  of  the  conference. 
The  church  noAv  numbers  307  members. 

Glancing  back  into  the  history  of  the  church  and  society,  we 
may  recall  the  names  of  many  of  its  ministers  and  pastors,  as 

{      292      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

nearly  as  possible  in  the  order  of  succession:  Daniel  Dorchester 
(1819),  Moses  Fifield  (1820),  Thomas  Asbury  (assistant  to  Mr. 
Fifield),  Thomas  Pierce  (1822),  John  M.  Hardy  (1823-24),  Mr. 
White  and  Sanford  Benton  (1832),  Mr.  White  and  Moses 
Dwight  (1833),  Bartholmew  Otherman  and  George  F.  Poole 
(1834),  Ebenezer  Blake,  H.  H.  White,  J.  D.  Bridge,  W.  H.  Rich- 
ards, E.  Potter.  J.  Fleming,  E.  A.  Manning,  Miner  Raymond, 
Samuel  Jackson,  John  C.  Smith  (1862-63),  Pliny  Wood 
(1864-65),  Mr.  Fulton  (1866-67).  Samuel  Roy  (1868-69),  Charles 
D.  Hills  (1870-72),  F.  K.  Stratton  (1873-75),  W.  C.  High 
(1876-77),  Joseph  Scott  (1878)  ;  and  since  1878 :  E.  P.  King,  V. 
N.  Simons,  Henry  Matthews,  C.  A.  Littlefield,  Charles  Tilton,  and 
W.  J.  Heath,  the  latter  the  present  pastor. 

The  Wesley  Church — Although  one  of  the  youngest  religious 
societies  of  the  city,  the  Wesley  church  is  nevertheless  descended 
almost  directly  from  the  old  Union  street  society,  which  dates  its 
history  from  the  year  1823.  In  that  year  a-large  frame  meeting 
house  was  erected  in  Union  street.  The  later  and  more  pre- 
tentious State  street  edifice  was  completed  in  1873,  at  a  cost  of 
$80,000,  and  was  dedicated  on  November  25  of  that  year,  by 
Bishop  Simpson. 

St.  Luke's  church  was  organized  in  1888,  the  charter  there- 
for bearing  date  January  14,  and  under  the  advice  of  the  com- 
mittee in  charge  it  was  determined  to  build  a  chapel  at  the  High- 
lands. The  structure  was  finished  during  that  year  and  the  so- 
ciety took  the  name  of  St.  Luke's.  During  the  next  ten  years  this 
church  increased  rapidly  in  strength,  and  in  1896  it  numbered 
318  members.  The  pastors  of  St.  Luke's  were  George  A.  Yiets, 
1888 ;  L.  H.  Dorchester,  1889-93 ;  W.  G.  Richardson,  1894-98. 

In  1899-1900  the  work  of  uniting  State  street  and  St.  Luke's 
churches  was  undertaken  by  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  F.  Rice,  assisted  by 
Dr.  Seaman,  and  the  present  Wesley  church  of  more  than  600 
members  is  the  result  of  their  endeavors.  More  than  that,  the 
society  is  possessed  of  one  of  the  most  complete  and  attractive 
church  edifices  in  the  city,  and  under  the  pastoral  guidance  of  Dr. 
Rice  future  success  and  increased  growth  are  assured. 

The  pastors  of  the  old  Union  street  church  were  D.  Dorches- 
ter, Daniel  Webb,  Timothy  iMerritt.  Orange  Scott,  T.  C.  Pierce, 

(      293      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Hiram  H.  White,  Bartholmew  Otherman,  A.  D.  Merrill,  William 
Livesay,  John  Rice,  Charles  K.  True,  Mark  Staples,  Daniel  Wise, 
R.  S.  Rust,  A.  D.  MerriU,  W.  R.  Clark,  George  Landon,  J.  W. 
Mowrey,  F.  A.  Griswold,  Moses  Dwight,  C.  B.  Bragdon,  J.  M. 
Barley,  Oliver  S.  Howe,  A,  0.  Hamilton,  Daniel  Steele,  Isaac 
Cushman,  Nelson  Stutson,  Joseph  Scott,  Joseph  H.  Mansfield, 
John  C.  Smith. 

The  pastors  of  the  State  street  church  were  R.  R.  Meredith, 
Merritt  Hubard,  J.  H.  Twombly,  Daniel  Dorchester,  W.  T.  Per- 
rin,  W.  E.  Knox,  C.  S.  Rogers,  W.  R.  Newhall.  W.  H.  Meredith, 
T.  Corwin  Watkins  and  W.  G.  Seaman,  in  the  order  mentioned. 

Trinity  Church — This  church  is  a  continuation  of  what 
many  Springfield  Methodists  remember  with  affection  as  the  old 
Pynchon  street  church.  It  had  its  inception  in  the  prayer  meet- 
ings held  in  the  grand  jury  room  of  the  court  house,  and  in  the 
same  building  also  was  held  the  meeting  at  which  the  church 
organization  was  effected,  February  9,  1844.  On  that  occasion 
this  resolution  was  adopted :  ' '  We,  the  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church  in  Springfield,  Mass.,  residing  in  and  about 
Main  street,  having  advised  with  our  brethren  in  the  other  parts 
of  the  town,  deem  it  to  be  our  duty  to  proceed  forthwith  in  the 
erection  of  a  place  of  worship."  In  April,  1844,  Jefferson  Has- 
call  was  assigned  to  the  charge,  which  at  the  time  had  about  forty 
members.  The  church  edifice  was  dedicated  in  March,  1845,  ana 
immediately  the  church  began  to  take  a  leading  position  m 
the  religious  life  of  the  town.  The  Pynchon  street  building  was 
maintained  and  occupied  until  1869,  and  during  its  history  its 
pastors  were  as  follows :  Jefferson  Hascall.  George  Landon. 
Mark  Tafton,  Isaac  A.  Savage,  J.  D.  Bridge,  Fales  H.  Newhall, 
Jett'erson  Hascall,  Mark  Tafton,  Nelson  Stutson.  J.  S.  Barrows, 
A.  McKeown,  William  R.  Clark  and  C.  D.  Hills. 

The  present  Trinity  church  edifice  in  Bridge  street,  near 
Main  street,  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Simpson,  December  1,  1369, 
during  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Hills.  The  total  cost  of  the  structure, 
including  land,  was  $73,000.  The  succession  of  pastors  of  Trinity 
church  is  as  follows :  C.  D.  Hills,  1869  ;  J.  0.  Peck,  1870-73  ;  Mer- 
ritt Hubbard,  1873-76:  S.  F.  Upham,  1876-79:  F.  J.  Wagner, 

(      294      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

1879-82  ;  Frederick  Woods,  1882-85  ;  George  Skene,  1885-88  ;  Wal- 
lace McMullen,  1888-93  ;  Henry  Tnckley.  1893-98  ;  A.  C.  Skinner, 
1898— the  present  pastor. 

This  church  has  a  total  membership  of  690  pereons,  and  is 
recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  Methodist  Episcopal  churches  in 
the  Connecticut  valley. 

Grace  Church  — In  the  latter  part  of  1866  there  was  voiced 
a  strong  sentiment  in  favor  of  the  establishment  of  a  church  of 
this  denomination  in  the  south  part  of  the  city,  and  to  that  end 
about  thirty  members  of  Pynchon  street  (now  Trinity)  church 
withdrew  their  membership  and  organized  the  Central  M.  E. 
church.  For  several  years  meetings  were  held  in  the  old  Union 
hall,  then  in  Institute  hall,  and  still  later  in  the  old  Universalist 
meeting  house,  which  was  rented  by  the  new  society.  In  1869  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  members  withdrew  from  the  new 
church  and  returned  to  the  old  society ;  but  notwithstanding  this 
loss  the  others  held  firmly  to  their  purpose  and  through  their 
united  labors  the  church  continued  to  grow  in  strength. 

In  1872,  Rev.  A.  J.  Cass  was  appointed  pastor,  which  proved 
a  fortunate  event  in  the  history  of  the  church.  During  his  term 
the  name  was  changed  to  Grace  M.  E.  church  and  the  large  house 
of  worship  on  Main  and  Winthrop  streets  was  erected.  The 
formal  dedication  took  place  January  19.  1875.  The  completed 
edifice  cost  $73,000.  The  present  membership  of  the  church  is 
303  persons.  The  succession  of  pastors  is  as  follows:  Charles 
A.  Merrill,  1867-68 :  Kev.  Dr.  Cook,  supply.  1869-70 ;  Charles  F. 
Johnson,  1870-71 ;  J.  R.  Tiddy,  1871-72 ;  J.  A.  Cass,  1872-76 ;  E. 
A.  Smith,  1876-78;  J.  0.  Knowles,  1878-80:  S.  B.  Sweetser, 
1880-83 :  T.  W.  Bishop,  1883-86 :  W.  J.  Heath,  1886-91 ;  F.  H. 
King.  1891-94;  E.  P.  Herriek,  1894-98:  C.  E.  Spaulding,  1898— 
the  present  pastor. 

Swedish  Church— In  the  early  part  of  1893  S.  L.  Carlander, 
superintendent  of  the  Swedish  missions  in  the  New  England  con- 
ference, visited  Springfield  and  found  about  one  thousand  per- 
sons of  Swedish  birth  living  in  the  city,  only  about  twenty  of 
Avliom  were  members  of  the  church,  and  all  of  whom 
were    desirions    to    have  a  church  home  for  their  own  people. 

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OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Accordingly,  on  June  4  of  that  year,  the  First  Swedish  M.  E. 
church  was  organized,  but  not  until  1901  did  the  little  band  se- 
cure a  house  of  worship  of  their  own  in  the  erection  of  the  small 
edifice  on  Bay  street.  The  present  members  number  about  fifty 
persons.  Hilmer  Larson  was  the  first  pastor,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Peter  Frost  and  Charles  Paulson,  in  the  order  mentioned. 

8t.  James  Church— In  1901  the  society  of  this  church  erected 
an  attractive  house  of  worship  on  North  Main  street,  and  now  as 
a  permanent  institution  of  Methodism  it  shows  a  membership  of 
more  than  100  persons.  The  church  had  its  inception  in  a  mis- 
sion chapel  built  by  subscription  in  1879.  An  organization 
known  as  the  Union  Evangelical  church  was  effected  in  1887,  but 
in  1898  a  reorganization  resulted  in  a  church  society  under  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  supervision.  The  name  was  changed  to  St.  James 
church,  and  the  new  edifice  Avas  built  in  1901.  The  pastor  is  Rev. 
W.  E.  Vandermark. 

The  Loving  Street  African  M.  E.  church,  which  for  several 
years  has  been  a  religious  institution  of  the  citv,  is  not  allied  to 
the  M.  E.  church  of  the  New  England  conference.  For  a  time 
an  effort  was  made  to  bring  the  society  witliin  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  conference,  but  the  conditions  necessary  to  effect  that  end 
were  not  fulfilled. 

BAPTIST  CHURCHES 

The  First  Church— N^'ith  the  establishment  of  the  United 
States  buildings  at  the  Watershops  there  came  to  live  in  Spring- 
field many  persons  and  families  who  held  to  religious  teachings 
differing  with  those  of  the  old  First  parish  church,  and  whenever 
opportunity  oft'ered  both  Baptists  and  INIethodists  assembled  in 
some  convenient  place  for  worship  according  to  their  own  desires. 
In  1811  nineteen  Baptists  formed  themselves  into  the  First  Bap- 
tist society  of  Springfield,  and  on  May  13  of  that  year  the  church 
was  recognized  by  a  regularly  convened  council  according  to  the 
rules  of  the  church.  The  new  church  began  its  history  with 
twenty-five  members  and  during  the  next  ten  years  the  number 
was  more  than  doubled,  although  the  society  had  no  settled  pastor 
and  no  regular  house  of  worship  previous  to  1821,  when  a  plain 

(      29(1      ) 


OVB   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

frame  building  was  erected  at  the  corner  of  Central  and  Cherry 
streets.  In  the  next  year  Rev.  Allen  Hough  was  installed  as  pas- 
tor, at  which  time  the  members  had  increased  to  50  persons. 

In  1832  a  more  comfortable  house  of  worship  was  built  at  the 
comer  of  Maple  and  Mulberry  streets,  the  dedication  services  be- 
ing held  September  ]  2.  However,  during  the  next  fifteen  years 
even  this  building  was  found  to  be  too  small  for  the  growing  con- 
gregations, and  it  was  therefore  sold  and  removed  to  Union  street, 
where  it  now  does  service  as  a  dwelling  house.  Having  sold  the 
old  meeting  house,  the  Baptist  people  at  once  began  the  erection 
of  a  substantial  brick  and  stone  edifice  at  the  corner  of  Main 
street  and  Harrison  avenue,  on  ground  where  now  stands  the  Re- 
publican building.  The  structure,  which  cost  $18,000,  was  dedi- 
cated September  27.  1847.  Here  in  the  very  heart  and  center  of 
the  business  district  for  the  next  forty-two  years  was  the  princi- 
pal home  of  Baptist  teaching  in  the  locality.  During  this  long 
period  the  old  First  society  sent  forth  her  members  to  form  other 
churches  of  the  same  denomination,  more  than  100  withdrawing 
themselves  in  1864  to  found  the  State  street  society,  while  many 
others  removed  to  the  west ;  and  the  First  Baptist  church  of  Chi- 
cago may  almost  be  called  the  offspring  of  the  mother  church  in 
Springfield.  The  present  splendid  edifice  on  State  street  was 
completed  and  dedicated  in  1889,  and  cost  about  $90,000.  It  is 
one  of  the  largest  and  most  attractive  structures  of  its  kind  in  the 
city,  and  when  the  dedicatory  services  were  concluded  the  prop- 
erty was  free  from  debt.  This  society  celebrated  its  90th  anni- 
versary. May  12-13,  1901. 

During  the  period  of  its  history  the  pastors,  in  succession,  of 
the  First  church  have  been  as  follows  :  Allen  C.  Hough,  1822-25  ; 
Joseph  Hough,  1825-27;  Nicholas  Branch,  1827-30;  Benjamin 
Putnam,  1830-36;  Dwight  Ives,  1836-38;  Hiram  0.  Graves, 
1838-40;  J.  W.  Eaton,  1840-43;  Humphrey  Richards,  1840-46; 
Minor  G.  Clark.  1846-50 ;  E.  E.  Cummings,  1851-52 ;  George  B. 
Ide,  D.  D.,1852-72 ;  George  E.  Merrill,  1872-77 ;  C.  W.  Annable, 
D.  D.,  1877-82;  Lester  L.  Potter,  1882-84;  George  C.  Baldwin, 
1886-99 ;  William  N.  Hubbell,  1899— the  present  pastor. 

The  State  Street  Chnrch  — On  April  10.  1864,  the  First 
church  granted  permission  to  such  members  as  desired  to  hold 

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.^-«^-4'  — W-T^ 


u. 

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OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

separate  meetings  with  the  ultimate  purpose  to  establish  a  new 
church  in  the  city,  and  about  the  same  time,  agreeable  to  the  pre- 
vailing sentiment,  an  organization  was  formed  under  the  name  of 
' '  The  Colony  of  the  First  Baptist  Church. ' '  Meetings  were  held 
in  Union  hall,  and  so  great  Mas  the  interest  shown  in  the  move- 
ment that  on  August  7  letters  Avere  granted  to  121  members  of  the 
mother  society  who,  with  ten  others  from  other  churches,  on  Au- 
gust 17,  organized  the  State  Street  Baptist  church.  On  March 
20,  18G5,  the  society  voted  to  purchase  a  lot  on  State  street,  op- 
posite Dwight,  and  on  June  21  following,  it  was  voted  to  build  a 
"brick  meeting  house"  on  the  site,  ^i'he  corner-stone  was  laid  Au- 
gust 31,  1865,  the  vestry  was  dedicated  July  8,  1866,  and  the  edi- 
fice itself  was  formally  dedicated  December  18,  1867.  The  entire 
cost  of  the  property  was  $57,378, 

Like  the  mother  society,  the  State  street  church  has  made  a 
progressive  historical  record  and  not  less  than  three  distinct 
church  societies  are  numbered  among  its  offshoots.  In  the  fall  of 
1876  seventy-eight  members  were  dismissed  to  form  the  West 
Springfield  church.  In  1886  more  than  one  hundred  more  with- 
drew to  organize  the  Higliland  church,  and  in  1899  fifty-six 
others  went  out  to  establish  the  Belmont  avenue  church.  But  not- 
withstanding this  the  State  street  church  always  has  held  a  strong- 
membership  and  to-day  is  ranked  with  the  leading  religious  so- 
cieties of  the  city,  both  in  influence  and  numerical  strength.  The 
succession  of  pastors  is  as  follows :  A.  K.  Potter,  1865-83 ;  W.  H. 
P.  Faunce,  1884-89 :  James  Grant,  1890-92 ;  B.  D.  Hahn,  D.  D., 
March  26,  1893— the  present  pastor. 

Tliird  Ckurcli — This  society  had  its  inception  in  the  weekly 
prayer  meetings  held  in  the  homes  of  William  M.  Clark  and  Lucy 
Hicks  on  Hancock  street  in  the  years  1869-70.  About  1871  a 
number  of  colored  families  came  to  Springfield  from  the  South 
and  the  State  street  church  offered  them  the  use  of  its  vestry  for 
Sunday  afternoon  services.  In  1872  as  the  new  movement  in- 
creased in  interest  rooms  were  engaged  in  the  Institution  for  Sav- 
ings building,  and  on  October  8,  the  organization  of  the  Pilgrim 
Baptist  chui'ch  was  duly  recognized.  In  1876,  owing  to  some  dif- 
ferences, a  split  occurred  in  the  new  church,  and  the  dissentient 

(      300      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

membere  who  withdrew  formed  what  was  called  the  Berean  Bap- 
tist church.  The  difficulty,  however,  was  soon  repaired,  the  Be- 
rean followers  returned,  and  a  reorganization  was  effected  under 
the  name  of  the  Third  Baptist  church.  The  house  of  worship  of 
this  society  was  secured  Jargely  through  the  contributions  of  gen- 
erous members  of  the  First  and  State  street  churches.  The  pas- 
tors have  been  as  follows :  Spencer  Harris,  Peter  Smith,  Eli  N. 
Smith,  AA^illiam  Garrett,  S.  Henri  Brown,  and  Eugene  C.  Brown, 
the  latter  the  present  pastor. 

Carew  Street  Church  — On  May  22,  1880,  several  members  of 
the  First  church  organized  a  Sunday  school  at  the  north  end  of 
the  city  in  the  old  "balmoral  factory"  on  Ringgold  street,  and  to 
this  school  was  given  the  name  of  Ward  One  Baptist  mission.  In 
July,  1882,  the  First  church  relinquished  the  work,  upon  which 
the  mission  became  an  organized  society.  In  1885  a  chapel  was 
built  at  the  corner  of  Carew  and  North  streets,  and  on  December 
13  of  that  year  the  building  was  dedicated.  In  1890  it  was  remod- 
eled and  enlarged  at  an  expense  of  $11,000.  On  May  12,  1887,  a 
church  organization  Avas  effected  and  the  name  was  changed  to 
Carew  Street  Baptist  church,  and  as  such  was  incorporated  De- 
cember 26,  1889.  This  is  the  only  Baptist  church  in  the  north 
part  of  the  city  and  is  the  source  of  great  good  in  that  locality. 
Its  membership  is  296  persons.  The  pastors,  in  succession,  have 
been  as  follows:  AA".  E.  Waterbury,  1887-92:  S.  E.  Frohock,  1892- 
98 ;  Clarence  Minard,  January  to  October,  1899 ;  A.  P.  Wedge, 
March  1,  1900 — the  present  pastor. 

Highland  Churcli  — The  lot  upon  w^hich  the  present  edifice 
stands  was  purchased  in  October,  1882.  The  chapel  was  dedi- 
cated September  27,  1885.  The  Bible  school  was  organized  Octo- 
ber 4,  1885,  as  a  branch  school  of  the  State  street  church ;  and  it 
was  organized  as  an  independent  school  December  27,  1885.  The 
church  was  organized  Dec.  12,  1886,  with  119  constituent  mem- 
bers, of  whom  102  came  from  the  State  street  society.  The  church 
edifice  was  dedicated  June  20,  1893.  The  present  estimated 
value  of  the  church  property  is  $60,000.  To  the  original  119 
members  there  were  added  up  to  January  1,  1901,  602  members, 
making  a  total  during  the  history  of  the  church  to  that  time  of 

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OL'R    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

721  members ;  present  membership,  497.  The  pastors  have  been 
fis  follows:  George  S.  Goodspeecl,  Dec.  12,  1886- June,  1888; 
George  W.  Quick,  June  1888— the  present  pastor. 

Belmont  Avenue  Church— Thh  church  was  organized  June 
30,  1899.  In  May,  1889,  the  State  street  church  voted  to  accept 
a  building  lot  at  the  corner  of  Belmont  and  Euclid  avenues  which 
had  been  donated  by  the  late  D.  L.  Swan  for  the  purposes  of 
church  extension  in  the  south  part  of  the  city.  In  1890  Mr. 
Swan,  George  A.  Russell  and  George  W,  Tapley  caused  a  chapel 
to  be  built  on  this  lot  for  occupancy  as  a  Bible  school.  The  in- 
terest of  the  State  street  society  in  this  mission  was  continued 
until  June  20,  1899,  w^hen  56  members  went  out  to  unite  with 
others  in  the  organization  of  the  Belmont  avenue  church.  In 
1897  Rev.  J.  W.  Martin  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Belmont 
and  Carlisle  missions,  and  later  on  in  the  same  year  Rev.  Willard 
E.  Waterbury  became  missionary  pastor  in  both  fields.  In  1899 
Mr.  Waterbury  was  made  pastor  of  the  Belmont  avenue  church 
and  now  serves  in  that  capacity, 

UNITARIAN 

Church  of  the  Unity — For  nearly  ten  years  previous  to  the 
division  of  the  mother  church  and  the  creation  of  the  Third  Con- 
gregational society  in  Springfield  there  was  a  strong  inclination 
on  the  part  of  many  influential  persons  and  families  to  separate 
themselves  from  the  parent  body,  then  under  the  ministry  of  Dr. 
Osgood,  but  the  strong  will  and  determined  opposition  of  that  dis- 
tinguished leader  restrained  those  who  would  have  withdra\vn 
to  establish  a  new  society  more  in  accordance  with  their  views  on 
certain  doctrinal  questions.  As  years  passed  the  feeling  in  favor 
of  a  separation  was  strengthened  rather  than  diminished,  and  on 
May  27,  1818,  fifty-four  prominent  citizens  of  the  town,  nearly 
if  not  quite  all  of  them  members  of  the  mother  church,  addressed 
a  petition  to  the  general  court  asking  for  an  act  of  incoproation 
of  the  Second  society  of  the  First  parish,  with  the  usual  privi- 
leges and  a  portion  of  the  maintenance  fund  of  the  parish  accord- 
ing to  the  proportion  of  taxes  for  church  purposes  contributed  by 
the  petitioners. 

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Church  of  the  Unity.  Springfield 


01 R    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

This  suggestion,  supported  by  a  numerous  following  from 
the  best  element  of  the  parish,  created  a  storm  of  opposition  from 
the  Avorthy  pastor  and  a  large  number  of  his  faithful  adherents, 
but  under  the  careful  guidance  of  Rev.  Bezaleel  Howard  (Dr. 
Osgood's  predecessor  in  the  pastorate  of  the  First  church)  and 
Jonathan  Dwight,  on  February  15,  1819,  secured  an  act  of  in- 
corporation of  the  '"Second  Congregational  society  of  the  First 
Parish  of  Springfield."  On  January  31,  1820,  a  supplementary 
act  of  the  legislature  re-incorporated  the  society  under  the  name 
of  the  "Third  Congregational  society  of  Springfield" —  a  name 
by  which  it  has  since  been  legally  and  strictly  known,  although 
the  name.  Church  of  the  Unity,  is  more  generally  used.  It  also 
may  be  said  that  distinctively  Unitarian  doctrines  were  not 
avowed  by  the  founders  of  the  new  society  at  the  time  of  the  di- 
vision, but  were  adopted  during  the  early  part  of  the  ministry  of 
Dr.  Peabody,  the  first  pastoral  head  of  the  church. 

In  the  meantime  Mr.  Dwight,  whose  name  is  previously  men- 
tioned, gave  increased  ardor  to  the  action  of  the  separatists  in  a 
generous  offer  to  erect  a  suitable  house  of  worship  at  his  own  cost, 
on  the  sole  condition  that  the  other  members  of  the  society  should 
establish  an  ample  fund  for  the  support  of  the  minister.  This 
was  accomplished  in  the  creation  of  a  subscription  fund  of  more 
than  $14,000,  and  thereafter  (May  19)  Jonathan  Dwight,  jr..  Dr. 
Joshua  Frost,  Eobert  Emery,  Samuel  Orne  and  John  Howard 
were  constituted  a  board  of  trustees  of  the  society 's  funds. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  new  edifice  was  laid  with  appropri- 
ate ceremony  on  Thursday.  May  20,  1819,  and  on  September  12 
the  house  was  so  far  completed  that  services  were  held  there  that 
day.  The  structure  stood  at  the  corner  of  State  and  AVillow 
streets  and  served  the  requirements  of  the  society  until  1869, 
when  the  splendid  edifice  on  State  street,  one  of  the  most  com- 
plete and  elaborate  structures  of  its  kind  in  the  city,  was  finished 
and  ready  for  occupancy.  The  corner-stone  Avas  laid  May  20, 
1867,  and  on  February  14,  1869,  the  dedicatory  service  was  held. 
The  pastor's  residence  adjoining  the  edifice  was  built  in  1886,  and 
was  the  generous  gift  of  ]\Irs.  Dorcas  Chapin. 

From  the  earliest  period  of  its  history  the  Church  of  the 
Unity  in  Springfield  has  exercised  an  influence  for  good,  and 

(      304      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

among  the  ecclesiastical  bodies  of  the  reg:ion  it  has  always  held 
a  prominent  position.  Its  founders  were  among  the  foremost 
men  of  the  old  First  parish  and  through  all  succeeding  genera- 
tions the  congregations  attending  service  in  the  Unitarian  church 
have  included  many  of  tlie  leading  business  and  professional  men 
of  the  city.     The  church  now  numbers  200  families. 

The  succession  of  pastors  is  as  follows:  William  B.  0.  Pea- 
body,  Oct.  12,  1820-May  28,  1847 :  George  F.  Simmons,  Feb.  9, 
1848-Oet.  12,  1851;  Francis  Tiffany.  Dec.  30,  1852-Jan.  1,  1864; 
Charles  A.  Humphreys,  Nov.  29,  1865-Jan.  24,  1872 ;  A.  D.  Mayo, 
Oct.  1873-Dec.  25,  1879  ;  E.  B.  Payne.  Dec.  28, 1880-Dec.  13, 1883 ; 
John  Cuckson,  Sept.  10,  1884-1892 ;  Bradley  Oilman,  June,  1892 
— the  present  pastor. 

PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL 

Clirist  Church  —  An  early  as  the  year  1817  Episcopal  serv- 
ices were  held  in  the  armory  chapel  by  the  Rev.  Titus  Strong,  of 
Greenfield,  and  in  July,  1821,  the  Rev.  Edward  Rutledge  was 
made  rector  of  the  newly  created  parish.  The  results  of  his  work, 
hoAvever,  were  not  entirely  satisfactory  and  despite  his  patient 
efforts,  coupled  with  the  valuable  aid  of  Col.  Roswell  Lee,  the 
services  were  discontinued  in  1822,  not  again  to  be  resumed  for 
fourteen  years.  During  this  brief  ministry  the  seed  of  the  church 
was  sown  and  was  destined  to  yield  an  abundant  harvest  in  good 
season.  In  Mr.  Rutledge 's  time  there  were  only  four  Episcopal 
families  in  the  parish,  and  when  in  1835  Rev.  Samuel  McBurney 
was  sent  here  "in  the  hope"  that  the  church  might  be  well  es- 
tablished little  encouraging  results  rewarded  his  endeavors.  To- 
day the  church  numbers  twelve  hundred  communicants. 

In  1838,  under  the  leadership  of  the  Rev.  Henry  W.  Lee, 
son  of  Col.  Lee,  a  new  effort  Avas  made  to  re-establish  the  church, 
and  in  the  next  ten  years,  through  the  assistance  of  prominent 
churchmen  of  Boston,  Hartford  and  Lowell,  a  modest  though 
comfortable  church  edifice  w^as  built,  the  parish  was  reorganized 
and  an  act  of  incorporation  was  secured.  The  first  edifice  was 
consecrated  April  1,  1840,  and  since  that  time  the  church  has 
continued  to  grow  in  influence  and  strength.     During  Mr.  Lee's 

20-2  (      305      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

rectorship  the  number  of  communicants  was  increased  from  20 
to  190,  and  in  1851  it  was  found  necessary  to  enlarge  the  church 
building ;  and  again,  soon  after  1870,  it  became  apparent  that  a 
new,  more  modern  and  much  larger  edifice  must  be  provided. 
To  this  end  the  parishioners  directed  their  energies,  with  result 
in  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  in  1874  of  the  splendid  building 
on  Chestnut  street,  which  attracts  attention  of  all  visitors  in 
that  locality.  The  work  was  completed  in  May.  1876.  and  the 
church  was  consecrated  October  10,  1900. 

Much  of  the  best  work  in  the  history  of  Christ  church  has 
been  accomplished  during  the  rectorship  of  Mr.  Brooks.  When 
he  came  to  Springfield  in  1878  an  indebtedness  of  $40,000  was 
hanging  over  the  parish,  but  all  that  debt  has  been  swept  away ; 
and  more,  during  his  time  the  parish  house  has  been  built  at  a 
cost  of  $15,000 ;  a  new  organ  for  the  church  has  cost  $5,000 ; 
memorial  windows  in  the  parish  house  cost  $3,000 :  the  organ  in 
that  building  cost  $1,000;  there  was  paid  for  Merrick  park 
$5,000,  and  the  erection  of  St.  Peter's  church  by  the  mother 
parish  cost  $10,000.  The  present  total  value  of  parish  property 
and  invested  funds  aggregates  $163,500. 

The  rectors  of  the  parish,  in  succession,  have  been  as  fol- 
lows:  Edward  Eutledge,  July,  1821-January  20,  1822:  Henry 
W.  Lee  (afterward  Bishop  of  Iowa,  died  1874),  1838-47;  Henry 
W.  Adams,  1848-49  :  A.N.  Little.john,  D.  D.  (now  Bishop  of  Long 
Island^  1850-51:  William  S.  Child,  D.  D.,  1851-59;  George  H. 
McKnight,  D.  D.  1859-69  ;  Alexander  Burgess,  D.  D.  (now  bishop 
of  Quincy),  1869-78;  John  Cotton  Brooks,  December,  1878— the 
present  rector;  Rev.  James  Clement  Sharp,  rector's  assistant. 

St.  Peter's  Church — The  mission  of  St.  Peter's  parish  was 
organized  in  the  latter  part  of  1891,  under  the  direction  and 
support  of  Christ  church.  The  church  was  organized  in  1893, 
and  was  placed  under  the  rectorship  of  Rev.  John  F.  Ballentine. 
The  church  edifice  was  built  chiefly  by  the  mother  parish,  and 
cost  $15,000.  St.  Peter's  now  numbei-s  200  connnunicants ;  rec- 
tor, Rev.  John  A.  Staunton,  jr. 


(      306      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 


UNIVERSALIST 

.S'^.  Paul's  First  Church— The  society  of  St.  Paul's  First 
Uiiiversalist  church  dates  its  history  from  the  year  1827,  when 
Edmund  Allen,  Alexander  Stocking,  Dudley  Brown,  Israel  Phil- 
lips, jr.,  Ethan  A.  Clary  and  Moses  Y.  Beach  were  incorporated 
under  the  name  of  the  First  Independent  Universalist  society  in 
Springfield.  The  early  meetings  were  held  in  the  armory  chapel 
and  later  in  Beacon  hall  at  the  corner  of  State  and  Walnut 
streets.  About  1840,  through  the  efforts  of  Eliphalet  Trask, 
Thomas  AV.  Wason  and  others,  the  society  gained  added  strength 
and  four  years  later  a  plain  house  of  worship  was  built  at  the 
corner  of  Main  and  Stockbridge  streets.  The  church  organiza- 
tion was  formally  effected  by  Rev.  J.  J.  Twiss,  February  25, 
1855.  The  present  handsome  edifice  at  the  corner  of  Chestnut 
and  Bridge  streets  was  erected  in  1869.  The  society  now  num- 
bers about  250  families,  and  that  notwithstanding  the  fact  that 
two  other  societies  of  the  same  denomination  have  recently  been 
organized  in  the  city  and  have  drawn  their  strength  chiefly  from 
the  mother  church. 

The  records  of  St.  Paul's  are  somewhat  imperfect,  yet  from 
reliable  sources  it  is  learned  that  the  ministers  and  pastors  of 
the  church,  in  succession,  have  been  as  follows :  Lucius  R. 
Paige,  1834 —  :  Charles  Spear,  service  unknown;  D.  J.  Mandell, 
1842-48:  A.  A.  Folsom,  1844-47:  H.  P.  Ambler,  1849,  a  few 
months:  J.  AY.  Ford,  about  two  years:  J.  J.  Twiss,  1854-57: 
Josiah  Marvin.  1857-65 :  H.  R.  Nye,  1866-71 :  Oscar  F.  Safford. 
1871-78 :  Rev.  Mr.  Seward,  a  few  months :  A.  H.  Sweetser,  1874- 
77:  George  AV.  Perry,  1877-80:  J.  K.  Mason,  1880-85:  L.  L. 
Houghton,  1886-88 :  G.  I.  Keirn,  supply  a  few  months  in  1888 ; 
Marion  Crosley,  1888-94:  Charles  Conklin.  1894-98:  Flint  M. 
Bissell.  1898— the  present  pastor. 

The  Second  and  Third  Universalist  societies  are  offshoots 
from  the  mother  church,  and  were  organized  in  1898  under  the 
pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Charles  Conklin.  The  neat  frame  house  of 
worship  at  the  corner  of  Bay  and  Princeton  streets  was  built  in 
1899,  and  the  new  church  home  of  the  Third  society  was  com- 


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OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

pleted  and  dedicated  in  November,  I'JOl.     Both  of  these  church- 
es now  are  under  the  charge  of  Rev.  Mr.  Conklin. 

CATHOLIC 

St.  Michael's  CaiJicdral—As  early  as  1830  mass  was  said  at 
Cabotville,  then  a  part  of  the  town  of  Springfield,  but  now 
Chicopee,  M'here  at  that  time  there  were  three  Catholic  families. 
In  1835  Rev.  John  Brady,  of  Hartford,  said  masses  in  the  local- 
ity of  the  Watershops  and  occasionally  in  other  parts  of  the 
town.  Father  Brady  continued  his  missionary  Avork  here  about 
ten  years  and  in  that  time  laid  the  foundations  of  the  church  in 
what  now  is  the  city.  In  1840  Rev.  George  W.  Reardon  was  ap- 
pointed to  the  care  of  Springfield,  and  about  this  time  land  was 
secured  for  the  purposes  of  a  church  building.  A  few  years 
later  additional  land  was  bought,  and  in  1846  Father  Reardon 
purchased  the  old  Baptist  meeting  house  and  caused  it  to  be 
removed  from  Mulberry  street  to  Union  street,  where  it  was 
remodeled,  repaired  and  became  the  first  Catholic  church  in 
Springfield— St.  Benedict's  church— dedicated  by  Bishop  Fitz- 
patrick  February  14,  1847. 

The  Catholic  people  of  Springfield  had  occupied  the  Union 
street  building  less  than  fifteen  years  when  there  came  a  demand 
for  more  room.  The  opening  of  the  Western  railroad,  followed 
soon  afterward  by  the  construction  of  another  road  through  the 
valley,  with  Springfield  as  a  central  point  of  operations,  natu- 
rally had  the  effect  to  bring  many  Catholics  to  the  town,  vdth 
result  in  taxing  the  capacity  of  the  church  building.  Father 
Gallagher,  who  then  was  in  charge  of  the  parish,  enlarged  the 
edifice  to  a  seating  capacity  of  800,  but  this  answered  a  tempo- 
rary purpose  only,  and  in  the  nieantime  the  worthy  priest  was 
casting  about  in  search  of  a  favorable  location  for  a  new  build- 
ing. In  January,  1860,  he  made  the  first  purchase  at  the  corner 
of  State  and  Elliott  streets,  folloAved  that  transaction  with  sev- 
eral others  of  like  character  until  he  had  invested  in  land  the 
then  unusual  sum  of  $34,750  and  had  acquired  a  tract  300  feet 
wide  on  State  street  and  extending  north  on  Elliott  street  more 
than  700  feet.     So  much  of  this  tract  as  was  necessary  for  his 

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The  Cathedral,  Springfield 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

purposes  Father  Gallagher  retained  and  sold  the  remainder  at  a 
good  advance  above  its  cost. 

On  the  State  street  front  of  this  lot  in  July,  1860.  Father 
Gallagher  began  the  work  of  building  a  church  edifice.  He  had 
planned  to  build  a  large  parish  church,  at  a  cost  of  about  $75,000, 
but  he  in  fact  built  a  splendid  diocesan  cathedral,  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  edifices  of  the  kind  in  Western  Massachusetts. 
The  finished  building  was  opened  for  services  December  27,  1861, 
and  on  September  28,  1867,  less  than  ten  years  later,  the  church 
of  St.  Michael  was  consecrated  by  Rt.  Rev.  John  Williams, 
Bishop  of  Boston.  In  1870  Springfield  was  made  an  episcopal 
see  and  on  September  25  of  that  year  Rev.  P.  T.  O'Reilly  was 
consecrated  first  bishop  of  the  new  diocese.  Then  St.  Michael's 
church  became  St.  Michael's  cathedral.  It  is  of  brick  and  stone 
construction,  105  feet  wide  at  the  transepts,  175  feet  long,  with 
a  spire  towering  190  feet  above  the  State  street  level. 

Upon  the  accession  of  Bishop  O'Reilly,  Rev.  Patrick  Healy 
was  appointed  vicar-general  of  the  diocese,  and  Rev.  James  J. 
McDermott  was  called  to  the  rectorship  of  the  cathedral.  Bishop 
O'Reilly  died  May  28,  1892,  and  on  October  18  following  Rev. 
Thomas  D.  Beaven,  pastor  of  the  Holy  Rosary  church  of  Hol- 
yoke,  was  consecrated  as  his  successor. 

The  pastors  of  St.  Benedict's  church  (1846-64)  were  Rev. 
George  Reardon.  Rev.  John  Julius  Dougherty  and  the  Rev. 
Michael  P.  Gallagher.  The  succession  of  pastors  of  St.  Michael's 
is  as  follows :  Rev.  Michael  P.  Gallagher,  1864-69 ;  Rev.  Pat- 
rick Healy,  1869-70;  Rev.  James  J.  McDermott,  1870-74;  Rev. 
Charles  E.  Burke,  1874-83 ;  Rev.  William  Goggin,  1883-86 ;  Rev. 
Garrett  H.  Dolan,  1886-88;  Rev.  B.  S.  Conaty,  1888-97;  Rev. 
Edward  S.  Fitzgerald,  January  24,  1897— the  present  pastor. 
The  regularly  appointed  curates  of  St.  Michael's  parish  have 
been  Revs.  Thomas  0 'Sullivan,  Miles  O'Reilly,  P.  B.  Phelan, 
Charles  Burke,  AVilliam  Goggin,  Garrett  Dolan.  William  Power, 
John  Fagan,  Levi  Achim,  Edward  S.  Fitzgerald.  John  P.  Mc- 
Caughan  and  Michael  A.  K.  Kelly. 

>S'^.  Matthew's  Church— Mass  is  said  to  have  been  read  to 
the  Catholic  families  in  Indian  Orchard  as  early  as  1846  by  Rev. 

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THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

Father  Reardon,  and  in  1850  snch  service  is  known  to  have  been 
held  by  Father  Blenkinsop,  of  Chicopee,  in  the  cloth  mill  of  the 
old  Indian  Orchard  company ;  but  it  is  not  understood  that  regu- 
lar visits  to  this  part  of  the  town  were  made  much  earlier  than 
1864,  when  Father  Healy  built  St.  Matthew's  church.  For  eight 
years  the  church  was  attended  from  Chicopee,  and  in  1878  a  resi- 
dent pastor  was  appointed  for  the  parish  in  the  person  of  Rev. 
J.  F.  Fitzgerald,  then  curate  of  the  Sacred  Heart  church.  The 
subsequent  pastors  have  been  Rev.  John  Kenney,  nine  years,  and 
William  J.  Power,  who  began  his  work  here  in  1889. 

Sacred  Heart  ChurdiSo  rapid  was  the  growth  and  out- 
spreading of  the  influence  of  the  Catholic  church  in  the  years 
immediately  folloAving  the  close  of  the  war  of  1861-65,  that  a 
division  of  St.  Michael's  parish  became  necessary.  Upon  the 
death  of  Father  Gallagher,  Father  Healy  took  charge  of  the 
church  and  he  soon  learned  the  need  of  a  new  parish  in  the 
north  part  of  the  city.  Accordingly  he  purchased  a  tract  of  land 
at  the  north  end,  and  when  Father  McDermott  was  appointed 
rector  of  the  mother  church  he  increased  the  area  of  the  tract  by 
the  addition  of  the  site  of  the  present  school  and  convent.  When 
the  division  was  accomplished  in  1873  Father  McDermott,  then 
rector  of  the  cathedral,  was  given  charge  of  the  new  parish,  and 
said  his  masses  in  the  school  building  on  Everett  street,  which 
was  used  as  a  parish  chapel  until  the  completion  of  the  church 
building  in  1896.     The  school  and  chapel  were  dedicated  in  1874. 

Father  McDermott  was  an  earnest  and  prudent  organizer 
and  worker,  a  thorough  believer  in  education  and  a  worthy 
pastoi'al  head  of  a  church.  He  first  secured  the  land,  then  the 
school,  and  the  year  1887  found  his  parish  free  from  debt  and  a 
good  balance  in  the  treasury.  He  then  began  work  on  the 
church  building.  The  corner-stone  of  the  handsome  brownstone 
structure  w'as  laid  October  21,  1888,  but  the  good  priest  did  not 
live  to  see  the  completion  of  his  work,  for  he  died  in  Paris,  July 
26,  1891,  while  travelling  in  search  of  health.  He  was  succeeded 
by  Father  Smyth,  who  took  up  the  work  of  his  predecessor  with 
commendable  zeal  and  on  October  ]8,  1896,  the  finest  parish 
church  in  New  England  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Beaven.     In 

(      311      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

1895  Father  Smyth  built  a  chapel  in  Brightwood  where  mass  has 
since  been  said  on  Sundays  and  holydays. 

The  rectorship  of  the  Sacred  Heart  church  has  had  but  two 
incumbents.  Fathers  McDermott  and  Smyth.  The  curates  ap- 
pointed to  this  parish  are  Revs.  J.  E.  Fitzgerald,  James  J.  Boyle, 
M.  J.  Howard,  J.  J.  Fallon,  Austin  0 'Grady,  Francis  J.  Reilly, 
M.  J.  Griffin,  M.  J.  Tyrrell  and  M.  Z.  Boyne. 

St.  Joseph's  Church — After  two  ineffectual  attempts  to 
found  a  parish  for  the  benefit  of  the  French-Canadians  of 
Springfield,  the  work  was  successfully  accomplished  by  Father 
Louis  Gagnier  in  1873.  He  organized  the  parish  and  said  his 
first  mass  on  March  9  of  that  year  in  the  city  hall.  Then  he 
began  the  equally  arduous  task  of  creating  a  fund  for  the  pur- 
chase of  a  site  and  the  erection  of  a  church  building.  The  base- 
ment of  the  present  St.  Joseph's  church  on  Howard  street  was 
ready  for  occupancy  in  June,  1873,  and  was  used  for  church 
services  until  the  completion  of  the  superstructure  in  1877. 
When  organized  the  parish  numbered  1,460  persons;  now  the 
number  is  more  than  3,300.  The  large  parochial  school  building 
was  erected  in  1897-8  and  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Beaven  on 
May  8  of  the  latter  year.  The  Sisters  of  the  Holy  Cross  have 
charge  of  the  school,  which  is  attended  by  about  400  children. 

St.  Aloysius'  Church — The  parish  of  this  church  was  organ- 
ized March  3,  1873,  for  the  especial  welfare  of  the  many  French- 
Canadian  families  who  then  were  settled  in  Indian  Orchard  and 
its  locality.  The  Indian  Orchard  Mills  company  donated  a  lot 
for  a  church  building  and  the  structure  was  ready  for  occupancy 
on  Christmas  day,  1873,  when  the  first  pastor.  Rev.  Louis  Gag- 
nier, said  mass.  During  Father  Boudouin's  pastorate  the  con- 
vent building  was  erected  as  a  cost  of  $10,000.  St.  Aloysius' 
parish  numbers  about  2,500  Catholics.  The  rectors  have  been 
as  follows :  Rev.  Louis  Gagnier,  1873-76 ;  Rev.  H.  Landry, 
1876-86 ;  Rev.  Charles  Crevier,  1886-90 ;  Rev.  Clovius  Boudouin, 
1890-1897 ;  Rev.  J.  E.  Marcoux,  1897-1901 ;  Rev.  Edmund  Gra- 
ton,  the  present  rector. 


(      312      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

EVANGELICAL 

Memorial  C'liurcli  —  On  the  silver  plate  deposited  under  the 
corner-stone  of  the  j\Iemorial  church  is  this  inscription:  "From 
love  to  God  and  good-will  to  man,  a  company  of  believers,  who 
profess  faith  in  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  mankind,  by  the  aid  of 
the  Churches  of  Spring-field,  and  other  friends  of  the  enterprise, 
build  this  house  of  worship  for  the  Memorial  Church." 

"This  Church,  constituted  by  the  fellowship  of  Christians 
of  diffei'ent  denominations,  was  organized  October  29,  1865,  and 
named  the  'JNIemorial  Church'  in  memory  of  the  deceased  min- 
isters of  Christ  in  New  England.'' 

Tlie  Memorial  church  has  been  one  of  the  institutions  of 
Springiield  for  more  than  thirty-five  years,  yet  there  are  many 
pei^sons  in  the  community  who  do  not  understand  its  origin,  char- 
acter and  purpose.  As  has  been  stated,  the  church  was  organ- 
ized in  October,  1865,  and  was  recognized  by  an  ecclesiastical 
council  of  the  neighboring  churches.  For  the  information  of  all 
who  seek  to  learn  something  of  the  character  and  quality  of  the 
church  the  following  declaration  of  the  founders  will  be  found 
of  interest : 

"Believing  that  the  interests  of  religion  require  the  forma- 
tion of  a  Church  in  Ward  One,  we.  a  company  of  believers  who 
profess  faith  in  Christ  and  acknowledge  Him  to  be  the  Saviour 
of  mankind,  to  effect  this  purpose,  in  connection  with  the  Society 
W'hich  has  been  formed  to  build  a  house  of  worship  in  said  w^ard, 
do  hereby  organize  ourselves  into  a  Church  of  Christ. ' ' 

"In  love  to  the  memory  of  the  deceased  ministers  of  New 
England,  this  Church  shall  be  called  the  Memorial  Church." 

"Love  to  God  and  good  will  to  men  shall  be  our  bond  of 
union." 

"This  Church  shall  be  Congregational  in  its  form  of  gov- 
ernment and  discipline,  in  accordance  with  the  legal  interests  of 
the  Society  with  which  it  is  connected.  It  will  seek  the  rela- 
tions of  Christian  fellowship  with  other  evangelical  churches,  by 
the  mutual  transfer  of  members,  by  ministerial  exchanges,  by 
sacramental  communion,  by  mutual  councils,  and  by  all  suitable 
modes  of  co-operation." 

(      313      ) 


OVB    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

On  the  first  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  the  church, 
Oct.  29,  1866,  these  resolutions  were  adopted : 

"Believing  that  an  organized  company  of  believers  in  Jesus 
Christ,  and  who  acknowledge  Him  to  be  the  Saviour  of  man- 
kind, form  and  constitute  a  Christian  Chui'ch :  that  a  Congrega- 
tional Church  is  one  which  vests  all  ecclesiastical  power  in  a  com- 
pany thus  organized,  and  that  the  Holy  Catholic  Church  is  the 
universal  Christian  brotherhood ;  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Memorial  Church  of  Springfield,  having 
declared  in  its  creed  its  belief  in  the  Holy  Catholic  Church,  wel- 
comes to  its  membership  and  communion  all  who  love  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity  and  trutli.  and  wlio  agree  with  it  con- 
cerning the  essential  doctrines  of  the  Christian  religion,  by  what- 
ever name  they  may  be  called." 

"That  the  success  of  the  Church  upon  this  basis  during  the 
first  year  of  its  history— a  success  which  has  brought  at  least 
five  denominations  into  happy  communion  of  personal  feeling 
and  action— is  our  sufficient  justification  for  reaffirming  this 
basis  as  a  ground  of  Christian  liberality,  a  guide  to  a  wise  and 
sound  policy,  and  especially  as  the  true  basis  for  organized 
Christian  effort  in  the  Avard  in  which  our  church  is  located." 

On  the  second  anniversary,  Oct.  27,  1867.  this  declaration 
was  made  by  the  church : 

"Whereas,  the  INlemorial  Church,  in  its  plan  of  organization, 
declares  that  it  will  seek  the  relations  of  Christian  fellowship 
with  other  evangelical  churches  by  the  mutual  transfer  of  mem- 
bers, etc., 

"Resolved.  That  in  its  action  in  pursuance  of  these  prin- 
ciples, it  does  not  intend  to  merge  itself  in  any  denominational 
organization. ' ' 

Throughout  the  period  of  its  history  the  Memorial  church 
has  been  governed  in  accordance  with  the  declarations  of  its 
founders,  and  during  that  same  period  also  it  has  become  recog- 
nized as  one  of  the  leading  influential  religious  bodies  in  New 
England.  The  church  property  is  conveniently  and  delightfully 
located  at  the  southern  slope  of  Round  hill,  and  the  edifice  is  one 
of  the  most  attractive  structures  of  its  kind  in  the  region.    It  was 

(      314      ) 


THE  CITY  OF  SPRINGFIELD 

completed  and  opened  for  worehip  in  March,  1869,  and  cost 
$100,000,  all  of  which  simi  was  paid  long  ago.  In  November,  1888, 
and  again  in  January,  1889,  the  pastor  called  attention  to  the 
great  need  of  a  parish  house  in  connection  Avith  the  constantly 
increasing  work  of  the  church.  Soon  after  this  (ieorge  M.  At- 
water.  one  of  the  founders  of  the  church,  contributed  $5,000  to- 
ward the  parish  house  fund,  and  on  the  veiy  same  day  John  H. 
Southworth  donated  an  equal  sura  for  the  same  purpose.  In 
January,  1891,  Mrs.  Catherine  H.  Lombard  sent  the  pastor  a 
check  for  $5,000  in  aid  of  the  enterpi'ise.  and  hiter  on  in  the  year 
Harriet  B.  Hitchcock  gave  the  land  for  the  building,  in  memory 
of  her  father,  Daniel  Hitchcock.  Other  substantial  contributions 
to  the  fund  were  made,  and  on  April  17,  1895.  the  splendid  par- 
ish house  on  North  Main  street  was  dedicated,  free  of  debt.  The 
entire  expense  of  its  construction,  exclusive  of  the  land,  was 
about  $37,000. 

During  the  period  of  its  history  the  Memorial  church  has 
had  one  minister  and  two  pastors.  Rev.  Mark  Trafton,  D.  D., 
supplied  the  pulpit  for  one  year  from  April  1.  1867.  Rev.  Wil- 
liam T.  Eustis.  D.  D.,  the  first  pastor,  was  installed  June  3,  1869, 
and  died  in  office  March  30,  1888.  Rev.  John  L.  R.  Trask,  D.  D., 
the  second  and  present  pastor,  began  his  ministry  here  October 
1,  1888.  and  was  installed  pastor  December  13  of  that  year. 

OTHER  CHURCHES 

First  Presbyterian  Churcli  —  This  church  dates  its  history 
from  1895,  when  about  a  dozen  Scotch  Presbyterians  and  about 
40  former  members  of  the  Park  Congregational  church  organized 
a  society  and  church  according  to  the  Presbyterian  form  of  gov- 
ernment and  worship.  From  an  original  membership  of  55  the 
number  is  now  increased  to  170  persons.  The  house  of  woi*ship 
is  located  at  the  corner  of  State  street  and  Concord  terrace.  The 
first  pastor  was  Rev.  William  Hart  Dexter,  who  was  succeeded 
in  January,  1899,  by  Rev.  Stanley  G.  Tyndall,  the  present 
pastor. 

Among-  the  otlier  and  perhaps  more  recently  organized 
church  societies  of  the  city  mention  nmy  V)e  made  of  the  German 

(      315      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Evangelical  Lutheran  church,  organized  in  1889,  with  a  house 
of  worship  located  on  King  street,  near  Walnut  street;  the 
Swedish  Evangelical  Lutheran  Bethesda  church,  organized  in 
1891  and  incorporated  in  1892,  the  house  of  worship  being  on 
Union  street,  near  Main  street;  the  Church  of  Christ  (Disciples), 
organized  in  1895,  and  having  a  church  home  on  South  Main 
street;  the  Church  of  the  New  Jerusalem  (Second  Advent), 
which  dates  its  history  from  the  year  1853 ;  the  Advent  Chris- 
tian church,  and  also  the  Seventh  Day  Advent  society,  both 
among  the  recently  organized  religious  societies  of  the  city ;  and 
the  Jewish  synagogue,  at  No.  2-1  Gray's  avenue. 


(      316      ) 


CHAPTER  VIII 

THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIBLD 

BY  JAMES  CARRUTHERS  GREENOUGH,  LL.  D. 

Introductory.  — One  school  of  historians  would  teach  us  that 
the  evolution  of  a  community  is  determined  by  man, — that  the 
ultimate  source  of  history  is  the  human  will;  another  school 
would  teach  us  that  the  physical  environment  of  a  community 
determines  its  history.  Each  school  teaches  a  partial  truth. 
AVhile  Ave  must  admit  that  the  history  of  our  town  has  been  de- 
termined mainly  by  the  personal  qualities  of  its  citizens,  we  may 
not  pass  unnoticed  their  physical  environment. 

Pliysiography.  —  The  central  part  of  the  township  is  an  al- 
luvial valley  extending  six  or  seven  miles  from  east  to  west.  It  is 
from  two  to  three  miles  in  Avidth.  The  steep  banks  or  bluffs  bor- 
dering this  valley  and  separating  it  from  the  surrounding  plains 
are  generally  about  seventy  feet  in  height.  Prom  the  brow  of 
these  banks,  the  Avidely  spread  dwellings,  embowered  in  elms  and 
maples,  the  steeples  of  the  churches  rising  above  the  trees,  the 
broad  meadows  divided  by  the  wandering  streams,  the  back- 
ground of  Avestern  hills  and  the  serrated  range  on  the  east,  pre- 
sent a  scene  beautiful  and  picturesque.  There  is  a  tradition  that 
this  valley  Avas  once  so  Availed  by  the  Holyoke  range  on  the  east 
that  it  Avas  the  bed  of  a  lake,  and  that  by  the  giAnng  Avay  of  this 
range  at  the  place  of  the  outlet,  or  by  gradual  erosion  the  lake 
Avas  drained ;  but  geological  facts  do  not  substantiate  this  theory. 

Geologists  tell  us  that  in  the  remote  past,  a  bay  or  estuary 
several  miles  in  Avidth  extended  north  from  the  ocean  across  Avhat 
is  noAV  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts  in  the  direction  noAV 
marked  by  the  Connecticut  river.    Material  brought  into  this  bay 

(      317      ) 


01 R    COUM'Y   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

from  the  north  and  from  the  Appalachian  elevations  on  the  west, 
helped  to  fill  it.  The  Westfield  river  seems  to  have  furnished  its 
contribution  so  long  as  it  discharged  its  waters  into  this  bay. 
Later,  tlie  northern  part  of  the  continent  as  far  south  as  the  for- 
tieth parallel  of  latitude  was  covered  with  glaciers,  moving  from 
north  to  south.  That  the  channel  of  the  Westfield  river  among 
the  western  highlands  existed  previous  to  the  glacial  period,  is 
asserted  by  geologists,  who  find  that  the  large  glacier  moving 


Park  Square.  Westtiekl,  in  Suniuier 


south  along  what  is  now  the  Connecticut  valley,  sent  a  lateral 
branch  westerly'  some  distance  into  the  channel  of  the  Westfield 
river. 

As  the  huge  mass  of  the  glacier  moved  in  a  southerly  direc- 
tion it  wore  away  the  red  sandstone  underlying  it,  in  Massachu- 
setts, comminuted  it  to  be  borne  by  the  glacial  streams  and  de- 
posited in  beds  now  hard  and  compact  and  known  as  the  Port- 

(      318      ) 


THE  TO\yy  OF   WEST  FIELD 

land  red  sandstone  of  Connecticut,  so  generally  nsed  in  buildings 
throughout  the  valley.  Other  results  than  the  abi-asion  of  the 
red  sandstone  are  to-day  evident  in  the  broad  plains  which  bor- 
der the  alluvial  portion  of  the  valley  and  which  are  composed 
of  sands,  clays  and  pebbles  belonging  to  drift.  The  hard  trap 
rock  of  the  Holyoke  range  and  of  other  elevations,  could  not,  like 
sandstone,  be  easily  worn  away ;  hence  it  now  stands  boldly  above 
the  plains. 

So  long  as  the  Westfield  river,  as  it  emerged  from  its  channel 
among  the  western  hills,  met  the  waters  of  the  estuary  or  mingled 
with  the  underflowing  waters  of  the  glacier,  contributing  its  silt 
to  the  upbuilding  of  the  valley,  its  water  would  take  a  southerly 
course  from  the  present  site  of  Westfield  to  the  sea.  The  Con- 
necticut and  its  tributaries  have  cut  out  of  the  plains  formed  by 
glacial  action,  the  alluvial  basins. 

The  present  easterly  course  of  the  Westfield  river  through 
the  towns  of  Westfield  and  West  Springfield,  may  have  been  ow- 
ing to  a  considerable  depression  or  opening  in  Holyoke  range 
that  runs  north  and  south  near  the  dividing  line  of  these  towns, 
-or  to  terminal  moraines  deposited  by  the  receding  glacier  not 
farther  south  than  the  town  of  Southwick. 

It  will  be  admitted  that  one  of  the  many  shallow  lakes  that 
the  glaciers,  as  they  melted,  left  in  New  England,  may  have 
rested,  though  at  a  much  higher  level,  where  the  village  of  West- 
field  now  stands,  but  that  the  present  alluvial  valley  was  the  bed 
of  a  lake  no  geologist  can  admit. 

Whatever  may  have  determined  the  easterly  course  of  the 
river  across  the  glacial  plain,  there  is  no  reasonable  doubt  that 
the  long  alluvial  valley,  that  now  forms  so  large  a  part  of  the 
township  of  Westfield.  is  the  work  of  the  Westfield  river  and  its 
tributary.  Little  river.  One  evidence  that  this  valley  was  formed 
by  the  erosion  of  these  streams  is  the  fact  that  it  is  a  terraced 
valley  such  as  rivers  are  now  making  wherever  they  are  flowing 
through  a  yielding  soil,  and  in  beds  that  are  gradually  finding 
a  lower  level.  The  more  sinuous  the  course  of  a  stream  the  great- 
er the  lateral  erosion.  As  a  river  erodes  its  concave  banks  it  de- 
posits on  its  convex  banks,  forming  alluvial  flats  at  length  raised 

(      319      ) 


■^ 

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31 

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a> 

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'4= 

THE  TOWN  OF  ^V  EST  FIELD 

as  high  as  the  tiood  waters  build.  When  a  river  is  continually 
deepening  its  channel,  it  is  evident  that  the  alluvial  flats  last 
formed  will  be  at  a  lower  level  than  those  formed  at  an  earlier 
period.    The  result  is  a  terraced  valley. 

Another  evidence  that  the  rivers  now  flowing  in  this  valley 
have  made  it,  is  the  fact  that  by  digging  down  a  few  feet  in  any 
part  of  it,  one  will  come  upon  the  rounded  stones  and  pebbles 
of  an  old  river  bed.  The  way  in  which  the  rivers  widen  the 
valley  is  evident  to  any  one  who  will  observe  how  Little  river  is 
cutting  away  the  bordering  bluff,  below  the  railroad  bridge  which 
crosses  this  river. 

Before  the  coming  of  the  white  man,  the  alluvial  soil  of  this 
valley,  cleared  every  spring  by  fires  set  by  the  Indians,  was 
adapted  to  produce  an  abundance  of  maise,  grass  and  other 
crops.  The  streams  abounded  with  fish.  The  time  is  not  far  re- 
mote when  shad  and  salmon  Avere  plenty  in  these  streams.  Their 
smooth  surfaces  were  often  rippled  by  the  scurrying  water  fowl 
and  along  their  banks  the  otter,  the  mink,  the  beaver,  and  other 
fur-bearing  animals  made  their  homes.  The  forests  that  covered 
what  are  now  for  the  most  part  plains,  to  the  north  and  to  the 
south,  and  the  hills  on  the  west,  furnished  attractive  and  profit- 
able hunting  grounds. 

The  bordering  blufts  near  tlie  open  fields  of  the  valley  above 
the  reach  of  the  occasional  floods,  we  can  readily  imagine,  were 
favorite  camping  grounds  of  the  Indians.  It  is  not  strange  that 
they  called  the  region  AVauwunockoo,  which  is  said  to  mean,  ''it 
is  fat  hunting. ' '  This  name  like  other  Indian  names  took  various 
forms  in  the  records  ere  the  permanent  form  Woronoco  was 
evolved.  From  this  Woronoco  valley,  radiated  the  Indian  trails 
as  now  radiate  the  highways  from  the  town  along  the  banks  of 
the  streams  to  the  mountain  valleys  on  the  west,  toward  the  Con- 
necticut on  the  east,  and  across  the  then  wooded  plains  that 
stretched  away  to  the  north  and  to  the  south.  .The  routes  of 
many  of  the  colonial  roads  were  first  surveyed  by  the  Indians  in 
locating  their  trails.  They  little  dreamed  of  the  busy  highways 
and  the  iron  tracks  that  were  to  follow  the  courses  they  had 
marked. 

31-2  (      321      ) 


01 R   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

BEGINNING  OF   SETTLEMENT 

The  first  white  men  who  made  a  temporary  abode  in  this 
region  seem  to  have  been  attracted  by  the  opportunities  to  trade 
with  the  Indians  for  beaver  skins  and  other  furs.  It  is  impossi- 
ble to  trace  the  routes,  to  locate  the  stopping  places,  or  to  deter- 
mine the  times  of  these  early  pioneers. 

Controversy  tvith  Connecticut.  —  In  1641,  as  shown  by  the 
Colonial  records,  the  general  court  of  Massachusetts,  finding  that 
the  people  of  Connecticut  had  encroached  upon  the  domain  of 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  wrote  them  as  follows : 

*'It  is  greivos  to  us  to  meete  with  any  occation  that  might 
cause  difference  to  arise  betweene  yor  people  &  us,  standing  in 
so  near  relation  of  friendship,  neighborhood  &  Christianity,  espe- 
cially; therefore  or  study  is  (when  any  such  arise)  to  labor  the 
removing  of  them  upon  the  first  appearance.  Now,  so  it  is,  that 
we  have  been  certified  that  you  have  given  leave  to  some  of  yors 
to  set  up  a  trading  house  at  AVoronock,  wch  is  knowne  to  bee 
wthin  or  patent,  lying  as  much  or  more  to  the  north  than  Spring- 
field. Wee  heare  also,  that  you  have  granted  to  Mr.  Rob't  Sal- 
tonstall  a  great  quantity  of  land,  not  far  beneath  Springfield, 
Avch  wee  apphend  to  bee  an  injury  to  us,  &  do  us  such  right  in  re- 
dresse  hearof  as  you  would  expect  fro  us  in  a  like  case. 
Wee  suppose  wee  shall  not  need  to  use  other  argumts ;  wee  know 
to  whom  wee  wright.  Wee  have  thought  meete  upon  these  occa- 
tions  to  intimate  further  unto  you  that  wee  intend  (by  God's 
help)  to  know  the  certeinty  of  or  limits,  to  the  end  that  wee  may 
neither  intrench  upon  the  right  of  any  of  or  neighbors,  nor  suf- 
fer orselves  &  or  posterity  to  bee  deprived  of  what  rightly  be- 
longeth  unto  us,  wch  wee  hope  wilbe  wthout  offence  to  any ;  & 
upon  this  wee  may  have  some  ground  peeeding  in  or  further 
treaty  wth  you  about  such  things  as  may  concerne  the  welfare  of 
us  all.  These  things  wee  leave  to  yor  consideration,  &  shall  ex- 
pect yor  answear.     In  the  meane  time  wee  rest." 

The  immediate  occasion  of  this  letter  was  the  fact  that  Gov- 
ernor Hopkins  of  Hartford  had  obtained  a  grant  of  land,  and,  in 
16-40,  had  established  a  trading  house  at  "Woronock." 

(      322      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

Sayhrook  Fort.  — At  a  still  earlier  period  the  people  of  Con- 
necticut claimed  a  certain  jurisdiction  over  Springfield,  even,  as 
well  as  the  territory  lying  west.  In  1635,  John  Winthrop,  son  of 
Governor  AYinthrop  of  Massachusetts,  came  from  England  having 
a  commission  from  Lord  Say  and  Lord  Brook  appointing  him 
governor  in  Connecticut.  Two  thousand  dollars  were  given  him 
for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  fort  at  the  mouth  of  the  Connecti- 
cut river.  He  built  the  fort  and  named  it  Saybrook  fort,  fitting 
it  up  Avith  an  armament  he  brought  wath  him  from  England. 

Not  unlike  a  mediaeval  baron  who  built  his  castle  on  a  rocky 
battlement  overlooking  a  highway  leading  through  a  mountain 
pass  and  levied  toll  under  the  excuse  of  protecting  those  who 
passed  by.  so  all  vessels  passing  up  the  river  were  now  required 
to  pay  toll.  Settlers  from  Massachusetts  Bay  in  Windsor,  Weth- 
ersfield  and  Hartford  to  avoid  a  contest  paid  the  toll.  Springfield 
refused  to  pay.  Hence  arose  the  most  serious  controversy  that 
ever  occurred  betAveen  the  two  colonies.  The  general  court  of 
Massachusetts  when  appealed  to  for  protection  responded 
stoutly  in  defence  of  Springfield.  In  1644,  when  the  Connecti- 
cut settlements  bought  the  fort,  they  included  in  the  purchase  all 
claims  against  Springfield  for  unpaid  tolls.  When  these  claims 
were  urged  upon  the  attention  of  the  commissioners  of  the 
united  colonies  their  decision  was  long  deferred  until  the  commis- 
sioners from  Massachusetts  refusing  to  act,  the  others  decided  in 
favor  of  the  claimants ;  but  Springfield  stubbornly  refused  pay- 
ment. Massachusetts,  siding  strongly  with  Springfield,  retaliated 
by  attempting  to  levy  toll  upon  all  vessels  of  other  colonies  enter- 
ing the  harbor  of  Boston.  The  colonies  would  not  endure  this, 
and  to  prevent  the  breaking  up  of  the  union  of  the  colonies,  the 
measure  was  Avithdrawn.  The  claims  of  Connecticut  for  tolls  still 
remain  unpaid. 

The  boundaries  of  Springfield  were  from  time  to  time  so  ex- 
tended as  to  include  a  good  share  if  not  all  of  the  territory  after- 
Avards  known  as  Westfield,  and  that  of  several  other  towns.  In 
1647,  the  general  court  issued  the  following  order: 

"It  is  ordered  by  this  Court,  that  Woronoko  upon  Connecti- 
cut Kiver  Avthin  ys  jurisdiction,  shall  be,  and  be  reputed  as  a 

(      323      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

part  of  ye  towne  of  Springfield,  &  liable  to  all  charges  there  as 
other  pts  of  the  same  toune;  vntill  errecting  some  other  planta- 
tion more  eonvenieut,  it  shall  be  thought  fitt  by  ye  Court  to 
annex  it  to  such  new  plantation." 

Holland  tells  us  that  "at  the  May  court,  1662, certain  gentle- 
men who  appear  to  have  belonged  in  Windsor  and  Dorchester, 
presented  a  petition,  representing  themselves  to  be  much  in  want 
of  land,  and  asking  for  a  tract  six  miles  square  at  Woronoco,to  be 
joined  with  the  farms  of  'the  late  much  honored  Maj.-Gen.  Ather- 
ton  and  Capt.  Roger  Clapp  of  Dorchester,'  to  whom  it  appears 
grants  had  previously  been  made  by  the  court.  The  petition  was 
signed  by  fifteen  individuals.  The  deputies  voted  to  grant  the 
petition,  and  decreed  that  the  farms  alluded  to  should  belong  to 
the  plantation,  in  respect  to  public  charges,  and  that  4he  order 
for  Woronoeo  henceforth  to  lie  to  Springfield  should  be  void;' 
provided  the  petitioners  should  settle  themselves  and  a  minister 
within  three  years ;  otherwise  the  land  was  to  belong  to  Spring- 
field until  a  plantation  should  be  settled  there.  .  .  .  But  this 
scheme  seems  to  have  entirely  miscarried,  as  no  considerable  set- 
tlement occurred  there  until  1666,  and  among  those  who  held 
titles  confirmed  by  a  residence  of  five  years,  thereafter,  the  name 
of  but  one  of  the  petitioners  can  be  found,  viz.,  George  Phelps, 
who  emigrated  from  Windsor.  The  first  settlers  were  from 
Springfield,  Windsor,  and  Northampton. ' ' 

First  Settlers. — Ensign  Thomas  Cooper  seems  in  1658  to 
have  received  the  first  grant  of  land  in  Woronoeo  from  the  town 
of  Springfield.  It  was  located  ' '  on  the  northeast  side  of  Worro- 
noke  River,  to  wit.,  betwixt  the  brook  called  Tomhammucke  and 
the  river  called  Worriuoke  River,  from  the  mouth  of  the  said 
River  Tomhammucke,  and  soe  up,  soe  high  towards  Pochasuck  as 
until  he  cometh  to  the  hill  AVasapskotuck. "  This  grant  in- 
cluded, it  would  seem,  most  of  the  alluvial  lands  on  the  north 
side  of  the  Westfield  and  extended  from  Brass  or  Prospect  hill 
on  the  west  to  the  stream  flowing  from  Springdale  mills  on  the 
east.  Across  tlie  east  part  of  this  tract,  after  1664,  passed  the 
road  from  Northampton  to  Windsor. 

In  1660.  March  13,  "There  is  granted  to  Samuel  Cha.pin  a 
piece  of  land  at  Woronoeo,  being  between   twenty   and    thirty 

(      324      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  ^\  EST  FIELD 

acres  'lying  on  the  east  side  of  the  second  brook,  that  is  on  this 
side  of  Thomas  Cooper's  farm  there  and  is  to  be  bonnded  by  the 
hill  on  the  north  and  the  river  on  the  south,  provided  those  lands 
shall  be  considered  by  the  court  to  belong  to  this  toAvn  and  he 
purchase  the  said  land  of  the  Indians,  and  he  is  not  to  hinder 
passage  through  it  to  other  lands  beyond  it.'  " 

This  grant  from  Springfield  recognized,  as  did  other  origi- 
nal grants,  the  OAvnership  of  the  Indians.  Those  to  Avhom  lands 
were  originally  granted,  Avere  to  purchase  them  of  the  Indians, 
in  order  to  obtain  a  complete  title. 

Judging  from  the  records  and  traditions,  Walter  Lee,  John 
Sackett,  and  George  Saxton  were  the  first  permanent  settlers  on 
the  north  side  of  the  Westfield  river.  The  site  of  Mr.  Sackett 's 
house  is  still  shown.  He  is  believed  to  have  been  the  ancestor  of 
those  of  the  name  who  have  since  resided  in  Westfield.  Benja- 
min, the  son  of  George  Saxton,  who  lived  for  a  time  on  the  part 
of  the  Northampton  and  AYindsor  road  running  from  the  pres- 
ent road  from  Westfield  to  Springfield,  to  the  hamlet.  Little 
river,  was  the  first  child  born  among  the  settlers  of  Westfield. 
He  was  born  in  1666  and  was  among  the  first  to  give  proof  by  his 
life  in  Westfield  that  it  is  a  place  favorable  to  longevity.  He 
died  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight. 

As  the  old  Indian  fort  was  said  to  have  stood  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Westfield  river  near  its  confluence  Avith  Little  river, 
the  area  between  the  rivers  Avas  called  the  fort  side.  This  name 
may  have  been  perpetuated  because  part  of  the  area  AA'as  fortified 
after  a  time  by  palisades.  The  land  lying  north  of  the  Westfield 
river  AA'as  called  the  north  side  and  that  south  of  the  river  but 
east  of  Little  river,  the  south  side. 

Forests  and  Glades. — We  should  be  glad  to  have  some  pho- 
tographic vicAA's  of  the  lands  on  the  AVestfield  river,  as  they  Avere 
before  they  AA-ere  occupied  by  AA'hite  men.  but  no  man  used  a  cam- 
era in  those  days.  The  best  lands  Avere  annually  cleared  by  the 
Indians  in  many  places  by  kindling  fires  in  November  that  con- 
sumed leaves,  underbrush  and  dead  limbs  on  the  ground.  A  Mr. 
Graves,  writing  in  1629,  says,  the  country  "is  very  beautiful  in 
open  lands  mixed  Avith  goodly  Avoods  and  again  open  plains,  in 

(      325      ) 


OLE    COUNTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

some  places  500  acres,  some  more,  some  less,  not  much  trouble- 
some to  clear  for  the  plough."  "The  grass  and  weeds  grow  up  to 
a  man's  face;  in  the  low^  lands  and  by  fresh  rivers  abundance  of 
grass  and  large  meadows  without  any  tree  or  shrub.'' 

There  was  plenty  of  land  ready  for  the  plow.  The  fires  of 
the  Indians  had  swept  widely.  The  uplands  bordering  the  low- 
lands Avere  often  thinly  covered  Avith  trees,  and  the  dense  forests 
beyond  the  reach  of  the  meadow  fires  were  generally  free  from 
underbrush,  so  that  hunters  and  companies  of  soldiers  mounted 
or  on  foot  easily  penetrated  the  forests  in  all  directions.  Owing 
to  the  annual  burnings  good  timber  in  some  of  the  river  towns 
was  not  as  plenty  as  has  been  supposed.  Westfield  was  better 
provided  than  Springfield.  The  western  hills  were  nearer. 
Springfield  voted  in  1647  "that  no  timber,  boards,  planks,  shin- 
gle-timber, nor  pipe-staves  should  be  carried-  out  of  the  town 
from  the  east  side  of  the  river. ' ' 

Worovoco  Committee.— At  a  town  meeting  held  at  Spring- 
field, Feb.  7.  1664,  Capt.  John  Pynchon,  Nathaniel  Ely,  George 
Colton,  Benjamin  Cooley  and  Elizur  Holyoke  were  chosen  to  be 
a  standing  committee  "to  have  the  sole  power  to  order  matters 
concerning  the  lands  in  Woronoco  and  for  admittance  of  inhab- 
itants for  that  place  and  for  granting  of  lands  there  or  any  other 
affairs  that  concern  that  place,  and  that  may  conduce  to  the  set- 
tling the  said  towne.  This  committee  to  hold  till  the  tOA\Ti  see 
cause  otherwise  to  order." 

This  committee  soon  made  grants  to  Capt.  Aron  Cooke, 
Thomas  Day,  John  Ingersoll,  Joseph  Leeds,  Moses  Cooke,  John 
Osborne,  John  Holyoke,  David  Ashley.  Thomas  Noble.  Sergeant 
Stebbins,  Samuel  Mansfield,  John  Ponder.  John  Root,  Benjamin 
Cooley,  Hugh  Dudley,  and  Thomas  Orton. 

Jan.  9,  1667,  the  committee  declared  the  lands  of  certain 
grantees  "forfeited  fully,  unless  they  begin  the  work  of  settlers 
in  fencing,  etc."  "It  is  ordered  that  Capt.  Cooke,  Thos.  Dewey, 
John  Williams,  John  Sacket,  John  Ponder,  David  Ashley  and 
]\Ir.  Cornish  shall  view  the  land  to  be  fenced,  and  determine 
where  the  fence  shall  be  set,  what  quantity  there  is,  and  where 
each  man 's  portion  shall  be,  and  this  work  to  be  attended  to  forth- 
with." 

(      326      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

"It  is  further  ordered  that  all  such  as  have  lands  granted  at 
Woi'onoak  shall  meet  there  on  Tuesday  fortnight  next,  if  the 
weather  will  allow,  or  the  next  fay  re  and  fit  day,  to  consider  and 
agree  about  fencing  and  other  matters  of  concernment,  and  if 
due  notice  to  the  persons  concerned  (that  are  now  absent)  then 
such  as  shall  come  may  act  and  determine  what  tends  to  the 
speedy  carrying  on  of  the  fencing  and  other  necessary  affairs." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  for  Woronoco,  March  2,  1667, 
Thomas  Noble,  David  Ashley  and  John  Root  made  request  that 
their  home  lots  westerly  from  the  Indian  fort,  may  be  each  two 
rods  broader  for  convenience  in  setting  their  fence,  the  ground 
of  the  present  line  being  wet.  At  the  same  meeting  George 
Fyler  makes  request  for  a  home  lot  "on  that  side  of  the  river 
by  the  Indian  fort." 

Certain  lands  "on  the  north  side  of  Woronoak  river  above 
the  cellars"  were  granted.  Also  certain  other  lands  were  granted 
"on  the  south  side  of  the  river  not  yet  disposed  of,  to  Ambrose 
Fowler,  George  Saxton  and  Jonathan  Alvord. " 

Among  the  various  orders  of  the  committee,  March  13,  1667, 
is  the  order  that  the  "gate  by  (John)  Sacket's  be  well  hung  for 
the  security  of  the  field  by  the  25th  of  this  inst.  March  and  after 
yt  time  who  ever  shall  leave  open  or  not  shut  the  gate  shall  pay 
5s  to  the  use  of  the  proprietors." 

This  gate  it  is  thought  was  a  little  east  and  south  of  the  site 
of  the  Springdale  mills,  probably  where  the  road  from  North- 
ampton to  Windsor  entered  the  common  field.  This  road  held 
its  southerly  course  to  the  river,  where  there  was  a  ford  called  in 
some  of  the  old  documents  the  "neck  riding."  The  road  then 
continued  easterly  along  the  south  bank  of  the  AVestfield  river, 
until  it  approached  the  present  site  of  the  county  bridge ;  then 
it  took  the  present  course  of  the  road  running  southerly  from 
the  bridge  to  the  hamlet  now  knowai  as  Little  river.  Some- 
where across  this  road,  perhaps  where  the  road  left  the  com- 
mon field  as  it  proceeded  to  the  south,  another  gate  was  hung. 
This  was  to  be  closed  by  those  passing,  under  the  same  penalty, 
"for  the  security  of  the  corn  field." 

Division  of  Lands. —While  a  considerable  tract  was  held  as 

(      327      ) 


01 R    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

a  common  field  it  Avas  found  desirable  to  allot  a  home  lot  to  each 
householder.    Later  the  common  field  was  divided. 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  proprietors  of  land  of  Woronoak  on 
the  tfort  side  March  the  13th,  1668,  for  laying  out  the  propor- 
tions of  land  on  the  ffort  side." 

''All  the  proprietors  unanimously  agree  that  for  the  most 
equall  disbursing  and  dividing  their  generall  portions  of  land, 
the  land  to  be  now  laid  out  shall  be  divided  into  three  parts,  one 
part  of  it  next  to  the  ffort  river  shall  be  accounted  or  goe  in  lieu 
of  meadow,  where  every  man  shall  have  his  share,  only  Serg. 
Stebbins,  Thos.  Bancroft,  &  that  whereas  William  Brooke's  allot- 
ment are  to  have  their  shares  (viz.)  three  acres  (not  these  but) 
against  their  home  lotts  in  the  low  land  there,  which  is  instead 
thereof,  this  for  the  first  part  or  division  of  land  which  is  ac- 
counted the  meadow  division. 

"Nextly  the  plowland  is  to  lye  in  two  divisions  and  every 
man  to  have  his  proportion  in  each  Division  of  the  plow  land. 
And  for  the  laying  of  men's  land,  that  is  the  place  where  each 
man's  portion  of  land  shall  lye,  it  is  agreed  that  it  be  de- 
mined  by  casting  lotts  for  it,  every  proprietor  agreeing  to  ac- 
quiesce in  that  place  where  his  lott  shall  fall.  And  for  the  be- 
ginning of  the  first  division  of  plowland,  it  shall  be  at  the  lower- 
most or  southeasterly  side,  there  the  first  lot  is  to  lye,  &  from 
thence  to  goe  upward  or  Westerly. 

"The  first  lott  came  out  to  Thomas  Gunn,  who  lyes  next  the 
river  on  the  easterly  syde  of  all  the  other  lotts  Avhere  he  hath 
seventeen  acres,  length  160  rod,  breadth  10  rods  at  the  front 
and  24  rods  at  ye  west  and  besides  this  there  is  2  rods  broad  al- 
lowed more  to  this  lott  for  a  high  way  downe  to  the  river  all  the 
length  of  it." 

Then  follows  the  description  of  the  lots  laid  out  (1)  from 
the  meadow  land  (2)  from  the  first  division  of  the  plowland  and 
(3)  from  the  second  division  of  the  plowland.  The  names  of  the 
parties  to  whom  these  three  divisions  were  severally  apportioned 
bv  lot  are : 


(      328      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  ^yESTFlELD 


14  No.   7 


Thomas  Gunn  

David  Ashley  ..   . 

John  Ponders 

Sergeant  Stebbins. 
Joseph  Whiting  . . 
William  Brookes  . 
Thomas  Bancroft  . 

Hugh  Dudley 

Isaac   Phelps     

George  Phelps 

Thomas  Eoot 

John  Root         

Thomas  Noble 


o 
-a 

Meadow 

Division 

(1) 

17  acres 

(2) 

11      " 

(3) 

11      " 

(4) 

13      " 

(5) 

16      " 

(6) 

10      " 

(7) 

11      " 

(8) 

6      " 

(9) 

10      " 

(10) 

26      " 

(11) 

8      " 

(12) 

11      " 

(13) 

13      " 

(6) 
(3) 

(1) 
* 

(5) 


(2) 
(10) 

(8) 
(9) 
(7) 
(4) 


'S  c  *" 

5"-  3j  01  r. 

2, 

'Zi^'^-^t. 

5M 

5-  O  C  C8 

0 

S.  S—  *  :; 

i-i-^s 

t^ 

u  x,Z  =  y 

C 

E^  c  c.s 

6  acres 

(5) 

4      " 

(3) 

4      " 

(12) 

* 

(7) 

6      " 

t 

* 

(10) 

* 

(4) 

2      ' 

(1) 

3      ' 

(8) 

8      ' 

(6) 

3      ' 

(3) 

4      ' 

(11) 

4      ' 

(9) 

ir-C  C  fc-  cs 

H    ^     tH     S    O- 


9  acres 


The  term  "Hundred  Acres"  was  applied  to  the  lowlands 
south  of  Little  river,  between  the  Southwiek  road  and  the  rail- 
road running  south  from  Westfield. 

"An  account  of  the  land  called  the  hundred  acres": 

Joseph  "Whiting    16  acres 

Thomas  Boot  7  acres 

Thomas   Stebbins    3  acres 

Israel  Dewey  6  acres 

Isaac  Phelps 6  acres 

George  Phelps 16  acres 

Hugh  Dudley    5  acres 

John  Ponder   7  acres 

Thomas  Gunn   10  acres 

David  Ashley    7  acres 

John  Root    7  acres 

Thomas  Noble  7  acres 

"18th  Feb.  1668.  Grants  of  land  made  by  the  town.  John 
Sacket  hath  liberty  to  lay  downe  the  five  acres  of  boggy  meadow 

*No  allotment  in  this  division,  having  received  allotment  adjoining  home  lots. 

t"Mr.  Whiting's  lot  is  wanting,  the  land  not  holding  out  any  more  in  this 
place,  and  so  he  must  have  it  some  other  where,  which  he  chooseth  in  the  'Hun- 
dred Acres,'  that  parcell  which  remayns  above  the  Uootes  lot." 


(      329      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

and  to  take  up  five  acres  on  that  side  of  the  river  elsewhere  so 
that  it  be  not  to  the  detriment  of  former  grants. ' ' 
19th  March 

1669.  Sackett's  creek  is  granted  to  Mr.  Whiting  &  Da- 

vid Ashley,  to  set  a  mill  theron  to  grind  and  also  the  land  about 
the  creek  is  granted  them  for  a  pasture.  More  granted  them 
for  encouragemt  an  hundred  acres  of  land  &  liberty  to  choose  it 
in  two  places. ' ' 

TOWN  ORGANIZATION 

At  a  meeting  at  Woronoco  the  21st  of  Jan..  1668,  it  was 
''voted  that  James  Cornish,  George  Phelps,  Thomas  Dewey,  and 
Tho.  Noble  shall  goe  to  Springfield  the  first  Tuesday  in  Febru- 
ary next  at  a  towne  meeting,  to  propound  to  the  town  for  the 
settlement  of  our  place  and  affayres,  in  particular  to  determine 
where  the  lyne  shall  run  betwixt  Springfield  and  us  and  to  ap- 
poynt  persons  to  lay  out  the  bounds  granted  us  by  the  Honor 'd 
Genii  Court  and  to  allow  us  to  be  a  township  of  ourselves  and 
signify  the  same  to  the  honored  Genii  Court  etc. ' ' 

Springfield  we  find  acquiesced  in  the  wishes  of  the  proprie- 
tors, so  that  later  in  the  year,  on  the  11th  of  August,  the  settlers 
voted  unanimously  "that  we  will  look  out  for  a  minister  to  carry 
on  the  work  of  God  in  this  place."  The  record  of  this  meeting  is 
dated  Streamfield,  apparently  the  name  first  chosen  by  the  set- 
tlers as  they  were  about  to  organize  the  town. 

The  preliminary  order  of  the  town  of  Springfield  was  as 
follows  : 

"  Springfeild,  Att  a  Towne  meeting  ffeb.  2d,  1668.  Uppon 
ye  Motion  of  ye  Inhabitants  at  Worronoco  This  Town  being  wall- 
ing to  prmote  &  further  their  desire  of  being  a  Township  of 
Themselves,  (amongst  other  graunts  to  them  did  &g)  Doe  leave 
the  Inhabitants  there  to  themselves  to  mannage  their  o^^^l  mat- 
ters, or  as  to  Honnord  Genie  Corte  shall  further  Order:  And 
we  hope  the  Corte  will  see  cause  to  Order  them  to  be  a  Township 
&  that  they  through  the  favor  of  God  may  grow  up  into  a  com- 
fortable society,  &  bee  a  happy  Neighbourhood  to  Us  &  Our 
ifriends  &  Theires. 

(      330      ) 


THE  TO^yX  OF  \y  EST  FIELD 

''This  is  a  true  Coppy  of  the  Town  Ordr  vizt.,  soe  much  of 
it  as  is  concerning  the  releasing  of  AVoronoco  from  Springfeild. 

"Taken  out  of  ye  Town  Records 

"By  mee  Elizur  Holyoke   Recorder.'" 

vB.  112,  P.  193.) 

The  action  of  the  general  court  was  as  follows: 

"There  being  a  motion  made  to  this  Court  in  ye  behalf e  of 
ye  Inhabitants  at  Woronoake  belonging  to  Springfield,  That  they 
may  be  a  Township  of  ymselves  :  Springfeild  being  willing  there- 
toe  as  appeares  by  Coppy  of  an  order  of  that  Towne  under  their 
Recorders  hand  heretoe  anexed.  Leaving  Woronoak  to  ymselves 
&  referring  ym  to  this  Court :  This  Court  (therefore)  Doth  here- 
"by  Grant  them  to  be  a  Township,  <&  allows  them  all  Priviledges 
according  as  other  Townes  have  in  this  Collony,  And  that  ye  Sd 
Towne  be  caller  Westf eild : 

"The  magists  have  past  this  their  brethren  the  Deputys 
hereto  consenting. 

28  May  1669.  Edward  Rawson,  Secty. 

Consented  to  by  the  Deputyes. 

(B.  112,  P.  193.)  William  Torrey  Cleric." 

The  boundaries  of  the  township  as  determined  by  a  com- 
mittee of  the  town  of  Springfield  acting  under  the  authority  of 
the  general  court  is  as  follows : 

Springfeild,  April  14th  1670. 

Wee  whose  names  are  here  subscribed  being  a  Comittee  ap- 
poynted  by  the  Town  of  Springfeild  for  ye  laying  out  of  the 
quantityof  Six  miles  Square  graunted  to  Westfeild  by  the  Hon- 
nord  Genii  Corte  have  attended  the  said  Work  and  therefore  doe 
hereby  declare  how  Their  said  quantity  of  land  shall  lye,  that  is 
to  say  the  said  quantity  of  land  is  laid  out  to  them  five  mile  broad 
at  ye  Northerly  end  thereof  extending  from  a  pine  tree  marked 
at  ye  East  Mountayne  to  a  white  oake  marked  at  ye  West  Moun- 
tayne,  &  it  runneth  in  length  Southerly  Nine  Mile  that  is  to  say 
from  the  said  Pine  tree  holding  the  course  of  the  South  South 
West  poynt  uppon  ye  Meridian  compass :  And  at  the  Southerly 
•end  of  their  Nine  ]\Iile  their  limitts  are  ffoure  miles  broad  West- 
ward :  And  the  Ledge  of  Mouuta\Ties  is  to  be  the  bounds  between 

(      331      ) 


01 R    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Springfeild  &  "Westfeild :  Avthin  this  tract  of  land  their  is  con- 
teyned  the  quantity  of  about  three  Square  miles  of  land  granted 
before  by  Springfeild  to  Westfeild,  &  about  the  quantity  of  Two 
square  miles  in  reference  to  the  farmes  of  the  AVorthy  Major 
Atherton  deceased  &  Capt.  Clapp. 

Elizur  Holyoke  George  Coulton 

Samuell  Marshfeild  Rowland  Thomas. 

The  Deputyes  approve  of  this  returne  sd  Honor 'd  magists 
Consenting  thereto. 

William  Torrey  Cleric. 

The  Magists  Consent  hereto. 

Edw.  Rawson  Secrety^ 
[Massachusetts  Archives,  vol.  112,  page  201.] 

The  general  court  required  that  Indians  occupying  land 
should  be  paid  for  the  same  in  order  that  settlers  might  secure  a 
complete  title.  We  subjoin  a  copj'  of  the  deed  by  which  the  In- 
dians made  a  transfer  of  a  large  tract  of  land  lying  between 
"Little  and  Great  rivers."  This  deed  was  certified  June  30, 
1669.  and  regarded,  we  believe,  as  just  and  as  necessary  a  part 
of  the  conditions  of  possession,  as  the  action  of  the  general  court 
or  the  action  of  the  town  of  Springfield. 

These  presants  testifi  That  Alquat  the  Indian  Sachem  of 
waranoake  and  pochasuck  for  &  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of 
forty  Pounds  in  english  act  being  so  much  sterling  to  him  in  hand 
before  ye  sealing  &  Delivery  hear  of  well  &  truly  Payed  by  ye 
Capt  John  Pynchon  of  Springfield  for  &  in  behalf  of  Capt  Aron 
Cook,  Mr  James  Cornish  Mr  Joseph  Whiting  Geo  Phelps  Tho 
Noble  David  Ashley  John  Roote  &  other  ye  Inhabitants  of  war- 
ranoake  alais  AYestfield.  The  Recipt  whare  of  the  sd  Alquat 
Doth  Acknolidg  by  these  presents  and  tharewith  to  be  fully  sat- 
isfyed  &  contented  hath  Given  Granted  Bargained  &  sold  &  by 
these  presents  Doth  fully  &  clearlly  and  absolutely  Give  grant 
Bargain  &  sell  unto  Capt  Aron  Cooke  Mr  James  Cornish  Mr  Jo- 
seph Whiting  George  Phelps  Tho  Noble  David  Ashley  John  Roote 
of  Westfield  alias  waranoake  aforsad  For  themselves  and  ye 
Present  Inhabitants  of  ye  aforsad  Place  or  Plantation  and  theire 

(      332      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

successors  &  assignes  from  time  to  time  &  unto  their  hires  For 
ever  according  as  theire  severall  Proportions  or  Divisions  shall 
be  laid  out  &  proportioned  to  them.  A  certain  Parcel  or  tract  of 
Land  Meddo  &  wood  Land  lying  &  being  at  waranoake  aforesad 
on  ye  south  side  of  woranoake  River  ye  greate  River  &  on  ye 
North  or  northerly  side  of  ye  Little  River  or  Foart  River  adjoin- 
ing on  ye  southeast,  East  and  North  east  on  Land  formerly 
Purched  by  Saml  Marshfield  of  Springfield  for  the  Inhabitants 
of  Westfield  aforesaid  and  on  ye  south  and  sou  west  on  ye  Little 
River  affoar  named  comonly  called  the  fort  River  on  ye  North  or 
Northerly  it  is  bounded  by  ye  greate  River  called  woranoak  River 
&  so  Running  up  waranoak  river  to  ye  falls  near  about  a  mile 
above  ye  present  Housen  to  a  marked  tree  tliare  and  from  that 
marked  tree  it  runs  off  westerly  or  souwesterly  upon  a  straight 
line  to  the  Little  River  or  fort  River  to  a  stone  at  ye  Nooke  or 
Poynt  whare  all  ye  good  land  ends  &  whare  going  up  ye  hill  the 
pine  plaine  begins  the  sd  common  or  Pine  Plain  being  ye  westerly 
or  Northwesterly  bounds  of  this  tract  of  Land  ye  line  of  Division 
being  run  by  several  English  going  a  long  with  ye  Indian  from 
ye  f awls  in  the  greate  River  over  to  that  stone  afore  named  which 
IS  on  the  top  of  the  hill  by  the  Little  River  whare  the  Pine  plaine 
begins  To  have  and  to  hold  all  ye  Parcel  or  tract  of  Land  before 
mentioned  containing  severall  Hundrid  acres  with  all  ye  profits 
and  apurtinances  thareupon  or  thareunto  belonging  to  the  sd 
Capt  Cooke  James  Cornish  Joseph  Whiting  Geo  Phelps  Tho 
Noble  David  Ashley  and  John  Roote  for  ye  Inhabitnts  of  West- 
field  aforsd  according  as  Division  thareof  shall  be  made  to  them 
&  their  hires  &  assignees  for  ever  only  Reserving  &  Exemting 
oute  of  ye  presant  sale  seven  acres  of  Meddo  Land  for  Wollump, 
son  of  sd  Alquat.  which  seven  acres  resarved  and  exemted  Lyes 
in  a  nooke  by  ye  Little  River  &  against  land  now  Divided  and 
Proportioned  to  Mr  Joseph  "VMiiting  &  is  to  be  at  the  soul  dis- 
pose of  the  sd  Alquat  &  Wollump  all  so  Reserving  Liberty  for 
Indians  to  fish  &  take  foull  and  ye  sd  Alquat  Doth  covenant  and 
premise  to  and  with  ye  sd  Capt  Cooke  James  Cornish  Mr  Joseph 
Whiting  Geo  Phelps  Tho  Noble  David  Ashley  &  John  Root  that 
he  will  save  them  harmles  from  all  manner  of  claim  of  any  per- 

(      333      ) 


OIR    COUNTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

son  or  persons  Lawfully  claiming  any  right  title  or  intrest  in  the 
premises  otherwise  than  ye  Reserve  or  exemption  of  ye  seven 
acres  aforesd  for  Wolhimp  In  witness  whereof  the  sd  Alquat 
hath  hearnnto  affixed  his  hand  and  seall  this  30th  day  of  June 
1669. 

Subscribed  sealed  &  Delivered  in  ye  presence    of    Samuel 
Marshfield.  "William  Brooks  Timothy  Cooper  John  AYatson. 
the  mark  of  Indian  witnesses 

Wollump,  his  mark 

Wollamunt,  his  mark  f 
The  mark  of  Al  8  quat. 

Alquat  ye  indian  Sachem  acknowledge  this  instrument  to  be 
his  act  and  deed  this  present  30th  of  June,  1669  before  mee  John 
Pynchon  of  Spring-field. 

Attested  by  me  Isaac  Phelps,  ^' 

Town  Clerk. 

(A  true  copy  of  ye  original  deed.) 

The  First  Town  Center.— ^ear  the  confluence  of  Little  and 
Westfield  rivers  was  the  central  hamlet  of  the  first  settlers.  There 
they  built  their  first  meeting-house,  probably  of  logs,  thirty-six 
feet  square  with  fourteen  feet  posts.  Those  who  had  settled,  some 
tAVO  miles  farther  east  in  the  hamlet  now  known  as  Little  river, 
hoped,  we  are  told,  to  have  the  building  in  their  neighborhood. 
Those  who  had  settled  on  the  north  side  of  the  AVestfield  river 
had  like  aspirations.    The  ' '  fort  side ' '  was  the  most  central. 

The  wearing  waters  of  the  rivers,  in  spring  time  using  ice 
for  tools, 

"Mining  the  soil  for  ages," 
have  cut  aAvay  much  of  the  meadow  terrace  upon    which    the 
houses  near  the  church  were  built,  yet  a  part  of  the  site  of  the 
first  meeting  house,  selected  in  January,  1668,  remains. 

The  triangular  plot  thus  occupied  by  houses  and  home  lots, 
bounded  on  two  sides  by  streams,  Avas  more  easily  defended  than 
forest-bordered  fields.  Down  the  streams  the  settlers  could  float 
the  logs  needed  for  their  rude  buildings.  On  these  streams  also, 
before  jealousies  had  hindered  intercourse,  came  and  went  the 
canoes  of  their  swarthy  neighbors  with  whom  they  traded.     In 

(      334      ) 


THE  TO^^N  OF  WESTFIELD 

the  winter  the  ice  furnished  convenient  highways  reaching  far 
into  the  forest.  At  all  seasons  the  waters,  abounding  in  fish,  were 
a  storehouse  of  food.  Nature  seems  to  have  designated  this  as 
a  suitable  place  for  the  settler's  home.  According  to  tradition 
the  Indians  once  had  a  fort  here. 

Defenses  against  the  Indians.  —  One  or  more  houses  were 
built  as  forts  by  the  settlers  and  during  the  often 
recurring  Indian  Avars  several  were  forted,  i.  e.,  the 
walls  were  made  bullet-proof,  ammunition  and  provisions 
were  stored,  and  measures  taken  to  extinguish  fire  in  case  the 
houses  were  set  on  fire  by  an  enemy.  Some  of  these  forted  houses 
Avere  surrounded  by  palisades.  These  palisades  Avere  made  by 
splitting  sections  of  the  trunks  of  trees  of  inoderate  size  in  halves 
and  so  straightening  and  scoring  the  edges,  that  AA-hen  they  Avere 
set  in  the  ground  edge  to  edge  they  Avould  form  a  continuous 
Avall  or  closed  fence,  not  less  than  tAvo  inches  thick  and  eight  or 
more  feet  high.  The  tops  of  the  palisades  Avere  pointed.  The 
palisades  enclosing  the  central  hamlet  of  AA^estfield  are  said  at 
one  time,  during  King  Philip's  and  other  Indian  Avars,  to  have 
been  about  two  miles  in  circuit.  If  one  Avould  trace  the  position 
of  this  Avooden  Avall  or  fence,  as  it  was  at  the  close  of  Philip's 
Avar,  let  him  leave  Main  street  at  its  junction  Avith  MeadoAv 
street,  and  facing  the  east,  turn  to  the  left,  follow  the  broAV  of 
the  meadoAv  terrace  ai'ound  behind  the  Moseley  house  in  its  sinu- 
ous course  till  he  reaches  the  bank  of  AA^estfield  riA^er,  thence 
along  the  bank  of  the  river  nearly  or  quite  to  the  mouth  of  Little 
river,  then  along  its  bank  until  the  brook  that  crosses  Noble  street 
is  reached,  then  Avesterly  along  by  this  brook,  at  length  turning 
from  it  by  a  curve  to  the  north  to  reach  our  point  of  departure. 

It  is  evident  if  the  course  of  the  palisades  has  been  correctly 
outlined,  that  betAveeii  the  Moseley  house  and  the  bridge  over  Lit- 
tle river,  palisades  once  stood  opposite  to  the  entrance  of  Noble 
street  close  upon  Avhat  is  noAV  Main  street.  The  Avestern  gate  of 
the  enclosed  area  was  not  far  from  the  Avest  side  of  MeadoAv 
street  at  its  junction  with  Main  street.  The  brow  of  the  terrace 
along  AA'hich  the  northern  line  of  the  palisades  ran  Avas  made 
doubly  strong  for  defense  by  the  steep  bank  that  fell  aAvay  from 

(      335      ) 


OLE   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

the  palisades  and  by  the  swampy  land  at  its  base.  The  high 
banks  of  the  rivers  also  formed  a  fine  rampart,  rendering  the 
palisades  along  the  banks  more  effective.  The  area  within  the 
palisades  is  sometimes  designated  in  the  old  records  as  "the 
fort."  Owing  to  the  fact  that  at  times  those  settlers  who  could 
not  avail  themselves  of  the  forted  houses  without  the  palisades,, 
were  obliged  to  find  places  of  abode  by  building  within,  it  was 
called  at  times  the  place  of  compact  dwellings. 

There  seems  to  be  no  record  in  the  town  books  of  the  setting 
up  of  these  j^alisades,  which  constituted  a  general  fort  for  the 
town.  This,  however,  does  not  prove  that  no  such  action  was 
taken,  for  early  records  of  the  town  are  incomplete;  but  per- 
haps the  law  of  the  general  court,  1667.  rendered  the  action  of  the 
town  by  vote  unnecessary.    This  law  authorized : 

"The  committee  of  militia  in  every  toune  Avth  the  selectmen 
thereof,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  to  erect  or  cause  to  be  erected 
within  their  tounes.  either  enclosing  the  meeting  houses  or  some 
other  convenient  place,  a  fortiffication.  or  fort,  of  stone,  bricke, 
timber  or  earth,  as  the  places  may  be  most  capable,  of  such  di- 
mensions as  may  best  suite  their  ability  and  use ;  in  which  for- 
tiffication the  weomen,  children  &  aged  persons  may  be  secured, 
in  case  of  any  suddaine  danger,  whereby  the  souldjers  may  be 
more  free  to  oppose  an  enemy :  for  the  effecting  whereof,  itt  is 
here  by  ordered,  that  the  trayned  souldiers,  both  horse  and  ffoote, 
in  every  toune,  vpon  their  trayning  dayes,  shall  be  imployed 
about  building  the  syd  fort  at  the  guidance  of  the  chiefe  military 
officers  of  the  toune ;  and  all  others  exempted  from  ordinary 
tra^^lings,  who  have  estates  or  bodily  abillity,  that  dwell  in  the 
toune,  or  belong  to  it,  they  shall  also,  according  to  proportion, 
contribute  their  help  and  assistance  in  bodily  labour  or  other- 
wise, according  as  the  comitee  of  militia  and  select  men  shall  or- 
der and  appoint." 

"Westfield,  at  the  time  of  its  settlement,  was  the  town  farthest 
west  in  Massachusetts.  It  has  been  said  that  Mt.  Tekoa,  now 
standing  upon  the  western  border  of  the  town,  continued  to 
mark  the  boundary  of  Massachusetts  and  the  limits  of  civiliza- 
tion so  far  as  the  homes  of  her  people  were  concerned,  until  1725. 

(      336      ) 


THE  TO^V^'  OF  ^y  EST  FIELD 

The  rocky  hills  west  of  Tekoa,  to  those  accustomed  to  the 
lowlands,  the  plateaus  and  the  slopes  of  the  valley  of  the  Con- 
necticut, were  undesirable  as  places  of  abode.  When  the  sons 
and  daughters  of  the  early  settlers  of  AVestfield  sought  new 
lands  they  went  forty  miles  west  and  rested  not  until  they 
found  soil  in  the  valley  of  the  Housatonic  as  attractive  as  that  of 
their  early  home.  Another  objection  to  the  settlement  of  the 
part  of  ]\Iassachusetts  Avest  of  Westfield  was  that  New  York,  with 
its  system  of  land  rents,  claimed  the  territory.  The  western 
boundary  of  the  Bay  State  was  long  a  matter  of  dispute. 

AYestfield,  then,  for  half  a  century,  was  the  most  western 
town  of  the  state ;  and,  in  proportion  to  its  number  of  inhabi- 
tants, had  to  do  with  a  larger  number  of  Indians  than  those 
dwelling  in  older  towns.  Greater  caution  was  here  needed  in  pro- 
tecting the  families  of  the  settlers.  The  first  fort  house,  as  well 
as  those  from  time  to  time  subsequently  "forted. "  was  solidly 
built,  the  space  between  the  outside  and  inside  boarding  of  the 
walls  being  filled  with  material  impervious  to  bullets.  An  am- 
ple cellar  was  the  i-efuge  of  women  and  children  wdien  the  fort 
was  attacked.  "Whenever  the  surrounding  Indians  were  un- 
friendly or  hostile,  the  strong  palisade,  extended  as  we  have  seen, 
nearly  two  miles  in  circuit,  was  guarded. 

In  the  stress  of  Philip's  war,  settlers  vvho  had  ventured  to 
make  a  home  outside  of  the  area  enclosed  by  palisades,  complied 
with  the  plans  of  a  committee  of  the  general  court  in  1667,  re- 
quiring settlers  to  form  more  compact  communities.  The 
proprietors  within  the  palisades  agreed  to  break  their  lots  and 
alloAV  the  outsiders  to  settle  upon  them.  In  payment  for  every 
acre  so  relinquished,  two  acres  were  received  in  outlying  lots. 

Advantages  of  Village  Settlements.  — The  clustering  of 
dwellings  in  hamlets  and  villages,  in  the  earlier  days  of  New 
England,  has  had  much  to  do  with  the  development  of  the  in- 
tellectual, religious  and  social  life  of  her  people  and  of  their 
descendants,  many  of  whom  have  settled  in  other  parts  of  our 
land.  The  homes  of  the  settlers  were  near  the  church  building 
and  the  school  house.  In  the  church  centered  their  religious  life. 
In  the  school,  then  as  now.  children  Avere  trained  to  live  and  to 

22-2  (      337      ) 


OVB    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

act  together,  to  respect  each  other's  rights,  to  submit  to  consti- 
tuted authority  and  to  practice  that  self-control  which  is  essen- 
tial to  the  existence  of  a  free  government.  Dangers  that  threat- 
ened the  very  existence  of  their  homes,  fears  that  touched  the 
stoutest  hearts,  made  them  one  in  sympathy,  in  endurance  and 
in  courage.  The  joys  of  peace,  the  rewards  of  victory  they  to- 
gether experienced.  While  the  integrity  of  the  family  was 
stoutly  maintained  they  lived  so  near  to  each  other  that  the  ques- 
tions of  the  day  were  constantly  discussed.  They  found  the  say- 
ing true : 

' '  Truth  like  a  torch,  the  more  'tis  shook  the  more  it  shines. ' ' 

The  strenuous  endeavor  imposed  by  deprivations  and  dan- 
gers challenged  their  heroism,  and  individual  examples  were  not 
wanting  to  stimulate  achievement.  Each  felt  that  he  had  some- 
thing to  do  in  caring  for  his  neighbors,  each  had  a  part  in  pro- 
moting the  general  welfare.  The  more  thoughtful  and  religious 
were  persuaded  that  a  Divine  Providence  was  guiding  them  and 
that  they  were  commissioned  to  possess  the  land  and  to  lay  the 
foundations  of  social  order  for  coming  generations. 

The  external  evidences  of  this  social  and  civic  life,  made 
glad  "the  wilderness  and  the  solitary  place."  The  improvements 
made  in  a  house  and  its  surroundings  by  one  family  stirred  the 
emulation  of  another.  The  log  houses,  after  a  time,  began  to  give 
place  to  better  buildings.  When  at  length  there  were  no  more 
wars  with  the  Indians,  when  unmolested  they  could  gather  their 
harvests,  householders  vied  with  each  other  in  building  commodi- 
ous dwellings,  having  roomsof  generous  size,  with  broad  fireplaces 
befitting  the  generous  hospitality  of  the  times.  The  few  large 
country  houses  more  than  a  hundred  years  old  that  yet  remain 
in  Westfield  are  stately  reminders  of  the  taste  and  the  thrift  of 
the  forefathers.  To-day  there  is  a  growing  appreciation  of  the 
"colonial  style"  as  appropriate  for  a  country  home. 

Lombardy  poplars  and  other  trees  and  shrubs  brought 
across  the  seas,  set  along  the  borders  of  the  ample  front  yards, 
seemed  to  link  them  Avith  their  English  ancestry,  while  they  pre- 
sented pleasing  contrasts  with  the  native  trees  and  shrubs  that 
seemed  to  glory  in  their  superior  power  of  enduring  the  vicissi- 
tudes of  climate. 

(      338      ) 


THE  TO^y^  OF  yv  EST  FIELD 

The  kindly  rivalry  in  the  attractiveness  of  the  family  home 
and  its  surronndiny-s  \vhieh  has  given  tlie  New  England  village 
such  an  enviable  reputation  had  its  origin  in  the  desire  of  the 
settlers  to  be  near  the  church  and  school  and  in  the  necessity  of 
protection  against  the  wiles  of  treacherous  foes. 

Summarizing  the  condition  of  the  colonies  in  the  Connecti- 
cut valley  four  years  after  the  incorporation  of  Westfiekl,  Hol- 
land says:  "Fifteen  hundred  would  doubtless  be  an  extrava- 
gant estimate  of  the  white  population  of  the  valley,"  in  1673. 
He  reckons  that  the  population  of  Westfield,  Deerfield  and 
Northfield  taken  together  was  probably  from  two  to  four  hun- 
dred. Westfield  was  destined  for  some  time  to  be  the  western- 
most settlement  in  the  valley.  For  this  reason  it  seemed  less  de- 
sirable as  a  place  of  settlement.  For  several  years  it  contained 
only  a  few  score  of  settlers. 

Bdation  to  ilie  Indians.  — The  Indian  inhabitants  -were  not 
numerous,  though  it  is  not  easy  to  estimate  the  number  in  the 
valley  or  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Westfield.  The  rights  of 
the  Indians  were  generally  respected.  The  settlers  bought  from 
them  the  lands  they  occupied.  The  Indians  were  well  treated. 
It  Avas  for  their  interest  to  keep  the  peace  that  their  trade  with 
the  whites  might  not  be  interrupted.  They  managed  their  own 
aifairs,  though  when  living  in  the  neighborhood  of  a  settlement 
it  was  their  custom  in  this  valley  to  look  to  the  authorities  main- 
tained in  the  settlement  to  administer  justice.  The  records  of 
these  early  times  show  that  the  settlers  tried  to  be  just  to  the  In- 
dians as  to  their  own  people,  consequently  the  Indians  usually 
submitted  to  the  verdicts  of  the  settlers  when  penalties  were  vis- 
ited by  the  magistrates  upon  Indians  who  had  wronged  the  Eng- 
lish. It  was  not  uncommon  for  the  magistrates  in  issuing  a  war- 
rant to  arrest  an  Indian  to  give  instructions  to  the  constable  to 
abstain  from  force.  The  Indians  were  allowed  in  several  towns 
to  place  their  clusters  of  wigwams  on  land  owned  by  the  town 
and  to  hold  them  unmolested.  Under  very  reasonable  conditions 
they  were  allowed  in  some  towns  to  build  forts  upon  town  land. 

When  the  Indians  in  Pochasic  complained  that  the  English 
had  allowed  their  cattle  to  injure  the  corn  of  the  Indians,  claim- 

(      339      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

ing  damages,  the  court  ordered  the  claims  of  the  parties  to  be  ad- 
justed according  to  the  following  agreement : 

' '  That  the  English  there  forever  hereafter  shall  be  free  from 
doeing,  making  or  maynteyning  any  finces  about  the  Indians 
corne  or  lauds  about  Pochasick:  In  consideration  whereof  the 
English  at  Westfield  are  sometyme  this  next  winter  to  pay  the 
Indians  twenty  bush,  of  Indian  corne  and  (between  this  and  the 
next  spring,)  one  hundred  and  twenty  fadom  of  wampum,  or  ye 
value  thereof.  And  that  they  shall  cart  for  the  Indians  twenty 
load  of  fencing  stuff,  which  fencing  stuff  the  Indians  are  to  get 
in  places  feazable  for  the  carting:  and  the  English  having  this 
performed,  the  Indians  are  to  secure  their  own  fields,  or  other- 
wise not  to  require  anything  of  the  English  for  damage  etc." 

The  records  give  evidence  that  it  was  the  endeavor  of  the 
courts  to  mete  out  even-handed  justice.  The  settlers  used  very 
stringent  measures  to  keep  firearms  and  liquor  from  the  Indians. 
Yet  the  frequent  and  severe  fines  imposed  did  not  avail  to  pre- 
vent sales.  Fines  were  increased  until  in  some  cases  £40  and 
more  were  paid.  Whole  townshijis  were  sometimes  sold  for  less. 
Yet  drunkenness  became  fearfully  frequent,  and  so  anxious  were 
the  Indians  to  obtain  firearms  that  they  found  men  unprincipled 
enough  to  accept  the  large  prices  they  were  willing  to  pay  in  ex- 
change for  guns.  This  statement  is  found  in  the  records  of  the 
court  of  Hampshire  county  for  the  year  1670  :  ' '  The  wof ul 
drunkenness  of  the  Indians  calls  aloud  to  use  the  most  laudable 
means  to  prevent  that  sin  among  them."  Indians  when  sober 
must  be  guarded  against,  for  many  of  them  were  treacherous  and 
cunning.  When  intoxicated  and  possessed  of  fire-arms,  the  worst 
results  might  be  apprehended. 

We  have  spoken  of  the  fort  erected  in  Westfield.  As  the 
settlement  extended,  fortified  houses  were  built,  to  furnish 
outlying  posts  of  defence  and  places  of  refuge  for  those 
living  at  a  distance  from  the  central  fort.  In  every  town 
a  military  organization  Avas  maintained,  and  men  and  boys 
above  fifteen  years  of  age  were  required  to  assemble  several  times 
in  the  year  to  receive  military  instruction  and  training.  Delin- 
quents were  promptly  fined.     Among    the    orders    adopted    at 

(      340      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  y\  EST  FIELD 

Springfield  in  1639  occurs  the  folloAving:  "It  is  ordered  that 
the  exercise  of  trayning  shall  be  practised  one  day  in  every 
month ;  and  if  occasion  doe  sometimes  hinder,  then  the  like  space 
of  time  shall  be  observed  another  tyme,  though  it  be  two  days 
after  one  another.  And  whosoever  shall  absent  himself  without 
a  laAvful  excuse,  shall  forfeit  twelve  pence,  and  all  above  fifteen 
years  of  age  shall  be  counted  for  soldiers."  Similar  action  was 
taken  in  other  towns. 

In  1648,  the  New  England  colonies  formed  a  union  or 
league  by  which  they  made  all  wars,  whether  offensive  or  defen- 
sive, chargeable  upon  all  the  colonies  in  proportion  to  the  male 
inhabitants  between  sixteen  and  sixty  years  of  age.  In  1644,  a 
general  military  organization  of  the  militia  was  provided  for. 
The  several  companies  of  the  militia  chose  their  own  officers ;  but 
all  officers  higher  in  rank  received  their  appointment  from  the 
general  court.  That  religious  qualifications  were  then  regarded 
essential  in  public  officers  is  evident  in  the  selection  of  the  first 
commander-in-chief,  Thomas  Dudley,  "whose  faithfulness,"  we 
are  told,  "and  great  zeal,  and  love  for  the  truths  of  Christ, 
caused  the  people  to  choose  him  to  this  office,  although  he  were 
far  stricken  in  years." 

Events  were  at  hand  which  were  to  tax  the  military  re- 
sources, the  courage  and  the  endurance  of  the  settlers  to  the  ut- 
most. The  commanding  influence  and  large  authority  of  Massa- 
soit,  the  chief  of  the  Wampanoags,  not  only  over  his  own  tribe, 
but  over  neighboring  petty  tribes,  proved  a  strong  bulwark  to  the 
Massachusetts  colonies  from  1621  to  the  time  of  his  death  in 
1662— forty-one  years.  His  two  sons,  Alexander  and  Philip,  sur- 
vived him.  Alexander  held  the  position  vacated  by  the  death 
of  his  father,  only  one  year,  then  Philip  became  the  grand  sachem 
of  his  tribe.  He  was  the  opposite  of  his  father  in  nature  and  in 
his  purposes.  It  is  said  that  "for  eight  or  nine  years  after  the 
accession  of  Philip  to  the  chieftainship,  little  is  heard  of  him, 
save  in  business  transactions  with  the  English,  involving  the 
transfer  of  lands.  During  this  time,  however,  and  in  these  very 
transactions,  he  saw  with  prophetic  forecast,  the  sceptre  depart- 
ing from  his  hand  and  his  land  absorbed  by  strangers.    During 

(      341      ) 


OVB   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

this  time,  too,  his  power  had  been  increased  by  the  acquisition 
of  English  arms  and  by  the  confirmation  of  friendly  relations 
with  the  Narragansetts,  established  before  the  death  of  Massa- 
soit.  Skilled  beyond  savage  diplomacy  in  deception,  possessing 
a  mental  power  that,  among  the  various  tribes,  carried  mth  it 
great  influence,  brave  even  to  ferocity,  jealous  of  the  English, 
and  ambitious  in  proportion  to  the  strength  of  his  intellect,  it  is 
not  strange  that,  trampling  upon  treaties,  he  should  conceive  the 
design  of  annihilating  the  English  settlements  in  New  England." 

King  Philip's  War.  — In  1675,  only  six  years  after  the  incor- 
poration of  the  town  of  Westfield,  the  storm  that  had  been  gath- 
ering burst  upon  the  colonies.  For  three  years  the  savages 
burned  dwellings,  sometimes  destroying  Avhole  villages,  slew 
men,  w^omen  and  children,  and  threatened  the  utter  destruction 
of  the  English  and  all  they  had  wrought.  The  terror,  the  anx- 
iety, the  suffering  of  the  settlers  in  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut 
during  this  period  no  pen  can  describe.  Those  living  in  West- 
field,  few  in  number,  and  forming  a  sort  of  outpost  on  the  ad- 
vancing line  of  settlement,  seemed  most  exposed  to  attack.  Yet 
they  held  their  ground,  though  frequently  urged  to  fall  back  to- 
ward the  more  populous  to\vns.  Perhaps  the  newness  of  the  set- 
tlement, which  prevented  the  accumulation  of  stores  and  other 
things  desired  by  the  Indians,  led  them  to  leave  "VYestfield  com- 
paratively unharmed,  while  they  plundered  and  burned  most  of 
the  other  towns  in  the  valley  within  the  limits  of  iNIassachusetts. 
Northfield  was  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  line  of  the  state, 
W'hile  Springfield  was  the  to^^^l  farthest  to  the  south.  Between 
these  were  Westfield,  Northampton,  Hadley,  Hatfield  and  Deer- 
field.  Springfield  and  Northampton  were  the  older  towns.  The 
newer  towns  Avere  composed  largely  of  emigrants  from  the  oth- 
ers. Farming  was  the  business  of  the  time,  and  when  a  new  gen- 
eration came  to  manhood,  finding  the  best  lands  along  the  river 
occupied,  they  felt  the  need  of  occupying  new  territory. 

As  a  result  of  the  terrible  devastation  of  the  first  year  of  the 
war,  Deerfield  and  Northampton  were  abandoned,  and  the  stress 
of  the  war  was  so  severe  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state  that  the 
authorities  could  not  easily  decide  what  course  to  pursue.     The 

(      342      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIELD 

council  at  Boston,  limited  in  means,  in  need  of  men  to  complete 
the  depleted  ranks,  finding  it  impossible  to  properly  garrison  the 
towns  in  the  valley,  planned  to  concentrate  the  settlements  by 
having  the  inhabitants  of  other  towns  move  to  Springfield  and 
Hadley. 

The  plan  Avas  proposed  to  the  towns  in  a  letter,  dated  March 
26,  1676,  from  Secretary  Rawson  to  Major  Savage,  commander 
of  the  Massachusetts  forces.  The  headquarters  of  the  major 
were  at  Hadley,  which  seems  at  this  time  to  have  been  more 
strongly  fortified  than  Northampton.  The  letter,  after  setting 
forth  the  necessity  of  concentrating  the  inhabitants  of  the  valley, 
adds : 

"Some  that  know  those  places  best,  do  apprehend  that 
Spring-field  and  Hadley  are  the  fittest  places  for  their  fortyfying 
and  planting." 

Another  letter  of  similar  import  was  addressed  by  Secretary 
Rawson  to  Major  Pynchon  of  Springfield,  dated  March  20,  1676. 
As  this  letter  concerned  the  people  of  Westfield  we  quote  from  it. 
The  secretary,  doubtless  expressing  the  conclusions  of  the  gov- 
ernor and  council,  says  that  he  can  see  no  other  way, 

"But  to  come  all  together  in  some  convenient  p'ace  in  the 
town  and  take  in  so  large  a  fort  that  the  proprietors  may  live  in 
distinct  houses  or  shelters  ....  and  Westfield  must  join 
with  you,  and  totally  remove  to  you,  for  'lis  impossible  to  hold 
both  towns,  the  enemy  being  so  many  in  those  parts  and  our 
army  must  remove  from  them,  we  are  assaulted  on  every  side. 
Most  of  our  frontiers  are  away  off:  our  present 
work  is  to  secure  the  principal  towns  upon  the  sea-coast :  we  can- 
not see  how  your  people  can  remove  at  present,  but  must  ride 
it  out  as  best  you  can ;  we  speak  not  of  particular  persons  but  of 
the  bodv  of  the  people ;  for  whither  will  you  go.  or  how  will  you 
remove Vour  corn  and  goods?  The  like  advice  we  have  given  for 
the  other  towns  upon  the  river  to  come  in  all  to  Hadley  and 
fortify  it  well,  and  there  by  united  strength  it  may  be  kept,  but 
otherwise  all  will  be  lost  according  to  reason.  Suppose  the 
enemy  should  plant  upon  your  deserted  towns :  it  is  hoped  when 
the  corn  is  grown  we  may  have  ability  to  destroy  it.    We  must 

(      343      ) 


OIR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

strengthen  the  heart.  Ammunition  is  scarce  here.  If  your  people 
be  averse  to  our  advice,  we  must  be  necessitated  to  draw  off  our 
forces  from  them,  for  we  cannot  spare  them  nor  supply  them 
with  ammunition.  We  have  ordered  the  major  to  leave  some  of 
the  garrison  soldiers  to  strengthen  you,  if  you  are  able  to  provide 
food  for  them." 

Northampton  protested  stoutly  against  removal  to  Hadley, 
and  Westfield  still  more  stoutly  to  removal  to  Springfield. 

A  town  meeting  was  held  by  the  people  of  Westfield,  and  a 
committee  chosen  to  show  reason  to  the  council  Avhy  the  people 
of  Westfield  should  not  remove  to  Springfield.  The  letter  of  the 
committee  which  we  quote  was  prepared  by  the  minister,  Rev. 
Edward  Taylor: 
"Westfield  letter 

3  Aprill  Rec'd 

28  Aprill  76" 

Honrd  CounciU:  We  Presume  a  Second  time  to  trouble  ye 
Worships  with  a  few  lines,  ffor  having  cast  orselves.  upon  ye 
Honored  Counsells  concerning  or  abiding  here,  or  removing  hence 
&  for  that  End  having  faithfully  represented  our  State  unto 
you  we  were  in  Expectation  of  hearing  yr  advice.  But  at  last 
perceiving  yr  thoughts  by  ye  Order  you  gave  unto  Maj.  Generall 
Savage  the  wch  in  pt  ye  have  attended  upon,  viz.,  to  gather  op  ye 
mindes  of  or  town  respecting  or  remoove  where  we  made  such 
an  offer  as  this  to  any  that  should  come  to  vs,  that  we  would  deny 
orselves  to  accommodate  between  f-wenty  &  thirty  families  of  or 
Present  tillage  land  if  so  many  Avould  come  to  vs  &  that  during 
ye  continuance  of  ye  troubles :  ye  which  in  a  town  meeting  was 
judged  by  all  that  we  could  do ;  But  when  or  Commitee,  came 
to  Consult  with  or  Neighbour  towns,  although  singly,  &  apart 
it  was  generally  thought  strange  that  Springfield  should  be 
judged  a  better.  &  more  Convenient  place  for  ffortification  than 
AYestfield,  they  rather  was  silent,  or  moving  for  or  remove  to 
Springfield,  the  wch  was  &  is  altogether  against  or  inhabitants, 
insomuch  that  there  is  not  a  man  among  vs  hath  any  ye  least  in- 
clination to  remove  that  way.  &  in  that  there  is  an  intimation  of 
such  a  thing  in  yr  Honrd  Order  to  ye  Generall,  as  if  Springfield 

(      344      ) 


THE  TO^SN  OF  ^y  EST  FIELD 

&c :  was  fittest  for  It'ortification,  with  great  respect  vnto  ye  In- 
formation we  cannot  bnt  take  ye  boldness  as  to  intimate  ye 
grounds  of  or  thoughts  to  ye  Contrary,  as  1.  Its  Situation  lying 
on  both  sides  of  ye  great  River  Connecticut,  whose  East  Side  is 
voyd  of  habitations  being  but  a  very  few  left,  &  those  a  great 
distance  asunder  those  on  ye  West  side  being  scattered  above  a 
mile  up  &  down  some  of  which  are  hid  with  brambles,  &  as  for 
its  tillidge  ground  ye  most  being  a  great  distance  from  ye  town  & 
not  cleare  from  brush  in  some  places  of  it  &.  to  it,  in  so  much  as 
an  indifferent  person  cannot  but  judge  (as  we  suppose)  yt  ye 
Danger  is  double  in  mannaging  ffield  imploym'nt:  to  what  ors  is. 
2.  Its  Preparation,  It  is  a  Place  (with  grief e  of  heart  be  it 
spoken)  most  of  ye  East  side  in  asbes,  vnbuilt  &  vnfortified 
vnlese  some  few  houses.  3.  Its  Providentiall  Dispensation.  It 
hath  been  sorely  under  ye  blasting  hand  of  God,  So  that  it  hath 
but  in  a  lower  degree  than  ordinary  answered  ye  labour  of  ye 
Husbandman,  &  sometimes  his  labour  on  it  is  wholely  cast  away, 
now  these  thoughts  are  very  discouraging  vnto  all  thoughts  of 
or  removall  thither,  for  to  remove  from  Habitations  to  none, 
from  ft'ortifications  to  none,  from  a  Compact  and  plain  place  to 
scatter  'd,  from  a  place  of  lesse  danger  in  ye  ffield  to  ye  more, 
from  a  place  under  ye  ordinary  Blessing  vpon  ovr  Labours  to  one 
vsually  blasted,  seems  to  vs  such  a  strange  thing  that  we  finde 
not  a  man  amongst  vs  inclining  thereto,  wherefore  being  by  ye 
Honord  Councill  at  Hartford,  vpon  address  for  strength  from 
them,  yt  wth  their  own  necessities  could  not  dispence  with,  ad- 
viced  not  to  desert  ye  place  as  yet,  we  are  determined  to  draw  in 
or  out  Garrison  houses,  and  to  Contract  or  ffortification  into  ye 
Compass  of  about  70  rodslong,yewich  or  thoughts  are  to  ffortifie 
strongly  and  to  keep  with  five  flankers,  and  for  this  end  ovr  earn- 
est suit  is  that  you  would  allow  vs,  if,  it  may  bee  a  garrison  of 
thirty  souldiers,  Ave  are  not  without  hope  of  gaining  some  Corn 
for  our  families  as  yet.  But  if  you  cannot  allow  any,  then  or 
present  thoughts  are  that  if  we  cannot  have  a  safe  Convoy  from 
ye  town  to  some  place  downward,  it  is  judged  that  we  had  better 
abide  here  in  or  ffortification  thus  strengthened,  and  that  al- 
tbough  we  have  no  help  from  abroad,  with  respect  to  or  own 

(      345      ) 


OlE    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

safety  than  to  go  to  Springfield.  It  grieves  vs  that  we  should  ob- 
ject so  much  against  Springfield  for  ye  Worshipfull  Maj'r 
Pynchou's  sake.  But  we  judge  there  is  a  better  way  for  his  safety 
than  this,  &  although  we  would  do  much  for  his  sake,  yet  we 
cannot  adventure  on  this  ground  into  such  great  hazzard  as  ap- 
pears. Here  are  some  young  men  with  vs  its  said  Avould  inlist 
themselves  in  Country  service  to  garrison  if  they  could  be  ad- 
mitted, whom  necessity  will  force  from  vs  if  it  cannot  be. 

Ffurthermore,  we  are  at  ye  Present  altogether  incapacitated 
for  any  removall,  by  reason  of  ye  awfuU  hand  of  God  upon  us 
in  Personall  visitations,  for  here  came  a  souldier  sick  of  ye 
Bloody  fflux,  and  dying  amongst  vs  in  Capt.  Cook's  family,  hath 
infected  ye  ffamily  therewith  in  somuch  that  he  hath 
lost  a  son  of  it,  his  AYife  lies  at  ye  point  of  Death  his  youngest 
son  is  very  weak  of  it,  and  he  him  selfe  is  almost  brought  to  his 
bed  by  it,  &  there  is  another  ffamily  in  his  house  hath  it.  AVe 
hope  yr  "Worships  will  Pardon  or  teadiousness,  &  give  or  argu- 
ments a  Patient  hearing  for  surely  it  is  against  vs  to  say  as  we 
do,  if  great  danger  did  not  stare  us  in  ye  fface.  The  Good  Lord 
Sanctifie.  and  deliver  vs.    We  remain 

Yr  Servants,  &  Suppliants 

ill  the  name  of  the  Towne. 

Isaac  Phelps, 
David  Ashly, 

WestfieJch  3.  2//).  1676,  Josiah  Dewey. 

The  letters  from  the  council  so  vigorously  met  by  protest  bv 
the  people  of  Northampton  and  by  the  people  of  AVestfield 
"show,"  as  Trumbull,  the  author  of  the  recent  admirable  history 
of  Northampton  has  well  said,  ' '  that  a  state  almost  of  panic  pre- 
vailed among  the  leading  men  of  the  colony.  Beset  on  all  sides, 
the  authorities  knew  not  which  way  to  turn.  Needing  their  re- 
sources for  the  defense  of  the  eastern  towns,  they  must  devise 
some  means  by  which  the  valley  settlements  could  take  care  of 
themselves.  The  most  feasible  method  seemed  to  be  that  of  union 
for  a  common  defense.  Such  a  concentration  and  abandonment 
of  towns  must  have  resulted  in  the  entire  removal  of  the  English 
from  the  valley.    This  advice  was  injudicious  and  disheartening. 

(       346      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  ^Y  EST  FIELD 

Fortunately  the  proposition  found  no  supporters,  among  those 
who  were  most  immediately  interested  in  the  suggested  movement. 
Strong,  able  and  voluminous  protests  were  showered  upon  the 
council.  The  authorities  had  misjudged  the  spirit  of  the  settlers. 
They  Avere  not  yet  ready  to  give  up  all  that  they  had  toiled  so 
hard,  and  suffered  so  much  to  gain.  They  refused  to  yield  their 
homes,  their  land,  and  their  household  effects  to  the  fury  of  the 
savage  foe.  Such  a  course,  while  it  would  greatly  encourage  the 
enemy,  and  proclaim  the  panic  existing  among  the  English, 
would  also  add  impetus  to  the  reported  designs  of  the  French, 
as  shadowed  by  the  statements  of  the  Indians,  that  they  intended 
to  drive  out  the  English  and  recolonize  the  country." 

If  the  battle  of  the  French  and  English  upon  the  Plains  of 
Abraham  adjacent  to  Qitebec  in  1759  may  be  regarded  as  the 
Thermopylae  of  the  occupancy  of  America  by  the  English  rather 
than  by  the  French,  the  determined  stand  of  the  people  of  North- 
ampton and  AVestfield  may  be  reckoned  as  the  Marathon. 

Events  soon  proved  the  wisdom  of  remaining  at  Westfield 
instead  of  moving  to  Springfield.  October  5,  Springfield  was 
attacked  and  most  of  its  houses  burned.  Owing  to  the  destruc- 
tion of  their  corn  mill,  the  people  of  Springfield  resorted  to  West- 
field  to  have  their  corn  ground.  Fortunately  for  both  towns,  the 
mills  owned  by  three  Dewey  brothers,  Thomas,  Josiah  and  Jeda- 
diah,  and  Joseph  Whiting,  on  Two-Mile  brook,  the  outlet  of 
Congamond  ponds,  had  been  completed  in  1672.  These  mills 
were  on  the  AVindsor  road,  a  mile  or  more  west  of  the  school- 
house  at  Little  river.  The  Dewey  grist  mill  was  the  first  grist 
mill  built  in  Westfield. 

The  minister.  Rev.  Edward  Taylor,  noted  some  of  the  events 
of  Philip 's  war.  He  says,  beginning  in  the  year  1675,  "but  sum- 
mer coming  opened  a  door  unto  that  desolating  war  began  by 
Philip,  Sachem  of  the  Pokoneket  Indians,  ^by  which  this  handful 
was  sorely  pressed,  yet  sovereignly  preserved,  but  yet  not  so  as 
that  we  should  be  wholly  exempted  from  the  fury  of  war,  for  our 
soil  was  moistened  by  the  blood  of  three  Springfield  men,  young 
Goodman  Dumbleton.  who  came  to  our  mill,  and  two  sons  of 
Goodman  Brooks,  who  came  here  to  look  after  the  iron  on  the 

(      347      ) 


OrR    COUNTY   AM)   ITS   PEOPLE. 

land  he  had  lately  bought  of  j\Ir.  John  Pynchon,  Esq.  Who  be- 
ing persuaded  by  Springfield  folk,  went  to  accompany  them,  but 
fell  in  the  way  by  the  first  assault  of  the  enemy  made  upon  us,  at 
which  time  they  burned  Mr.  Cornish's  house  to  ashes  and  also 
John  Sachet's  with  his  barn  and  what  was  in  it,  being  the  first 
snowy  day  of  winter ;  they  also  at  this  time  lodged  a  bullet  in 
George  Granger's  leg,  which  was,  the  next  morning  taken  out  by 
Mr.  Bulkley,  and  the  wound  soon  healed.  It  was  judged  that  the 
enemy  did  receive  some  loss  at  this  time,  because  in  the  ashes  of 
Mr.  Cornish's  house  were  found  pieces  of  the  bones  of  a  man 
lying  about  the  length  of  a  man  in  the  ashes.  Also  in  winter, 
some  skulking  rascals,  upon  a  Lord's  day,  in  the  time  of  our  af- 
ternoon worship  fired  Ambrose  Fowler's  house  and  barn;  but  in 
the  latter  end  and  giving  up  of  winter,  the  last  snowy  day  we 
had  thereof,  we  discovering  an  end  of  Indians,  did  send  out  to 
make  a  full  discovery  of  the  same,  designing  only  three  or  four 
to  go  out,  with  order  that  they  should  not  assault  them,  but  to 
our  woe  and  smart,  there  going  10  or  12,  not  as  scouts,  but  as 
assailants,  rid  furiously  upon  the  enemy,  from  whom  they  re- 
ceived a  furious  charge,  whereby  Moses  Cook,  an  inhabitant,  and 
Clemence  Bates,  a  soldier,  lost  their  lives.  Clemence  in  the  place 
and  Moses  at  night.  Besides  Avhich  w^e  lost  none  of  the  town, 
only  at  the  Falls  fight  at  Deerfield,  there  going  nine  from  our 
toM'n,  three  garrison  soldiers  fell.  Thus,  though  we  lay  in  the 
very  rode  of  the  enemy,  we  were  preserved,  only  the  war  had  so 
impoverished  us  that  many  times  we  were  ready  to  leave  the 
place. ' ' 

During  the  first  year  of  the  war,  and  earlier.  AYestfield  and 
other  towns  in  Western  Massachusetts  repaired  and  completed 
their  lines  of  palisades.  This  work  went  on  during  the  winter  of 
1675-6,  which  is  said  to  have  been  a  mild  season.  The  Indians 
seem  to  have  retired  beyond  the  northern  boundaries  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 

In  March,  1676,  we  find  the  following  action  was  taken : 
' '  The  town  considering  the  hand  of  God  upon  us  in  having  or  let- 
ting loose  the  Indians  upon  us,  so  that  now  we  cannot  carry  on 
our  occasion  for  liberty  had  as  fonnerly :  and  considering  that  it 

(      348      ) 


THE  To^y^'  of  westfield 

is  not  a  time  uow  to  advance  our  state,  but  tardy  our  rate  of  our 
former  advantage,  that  so  we  may  carry  on  something  together 
for  the  good  of  the  whole,  that  so  by  God's  blesvsing  on  our  labors 
we  may  be  in  a  way  of  getting  food  for  our  families,  therefore  in 
•case  the  honored  court  laid  not  cost  or  repose,  we  agree  to  carry 
on  as  followeth :  we  agree  to  fence  only  the  northeast  field, 
.  .  .  .  and  we  agree  to  plow  and  sow  and  carry  on  the  im- 
provements of  this  field  in  general;  that  is,  such  as  shall  agree 
hereunto  as  it  shall  be  ordered  by  some  men  that  we  shall  ap- 
point, who  shall  go  out  to  work  and  who  shall  tarry  at  home  from 
day  to  day;  and  if  it  shall  please  God  to  give  opportunity  to  rate 
the  long  fit  of  labouring,  men  shall  resume  an  equal  proportion 
according  to  his  family.  Necessary  public  charges,  [if]  any,  first 
charged.  And  the  rest,  if  any  man  sow  more  seed  than  his  pro- 
portion, he  shall  reserve  that  again  in  the  first  plan  [place] .  The 
men  chosen  to  order  the  whole  matter  for  service  and  farming 
are  Goodman  Ashley  Seignoir  and  Goodman  Gunn.  We  who 
agree  hereunto  do  promise  and  engage  to  submit  ourselves  to  the 
said  proportion  as  witness  our  hands. 

George  Phelps,  Josiah  Dewey, 

Thomas  Gunn,  Nathaniel  Weller, 

Samuel  Loomis,  Thomas  Dev^^ey, 

IsAACK  Phelps,  John  Sacket, 

David  Ashley,  Edward  Neal." 

The  above  record  is  obtained  from  what  seems  to  be  a  record 
but  partly  understood  by  the  one  copying  it  into  the  present 
Tjooks  of  the  town.    Hence  its  ineohereney. 

The  condition  of  affairs  in  the  winter  of  1675-6  was  in  "West- 
field  most  disheartening.  Deerfield  and  Northfield,  newer  outly- 
ing towns  like  AVestfield,  had  suffered  terribly  and  had  been 
abandoned.  However  mild  the  early  winter,  later  the  cold  was 
intense,  and  the  snow  was  deep  ;  yet  this  may  have  helped  to  hold 
the  Indians  in  their  wigwams  in  the  valleys  of  Vermont.  The 
population,  as  Edward  Taylor  said,  was  but  a  "handful,"  prob- 
ably less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty,  possibly  not  over  one  hun- 
dred, all  told.  Some  of  the  men  had  fallen.  Some,  discouraged 
with  the  outlook,  had  moved  to  larger  towns  that  seemed  safer 

(      349      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

from  attack.  Soldiers  left  by  ]Major  Treat,  to  garrison  the  town^ 
when  he  led  his  division  back  into  Connecticut,  were  billeted 
upon  the  householders :  less  had  been  planted  than  usual.  The 
troublous  times  and  the  withdrawal  of  men  for  defense  and  for 
war  had  left  what  was  planted  in  a  measure  uncared  for,  and  in 
part,  unharvested.  Grain  and  other  supplies  had  been  levied  to 
supply  the  needs  of  the  forces.  How  to  husband  the  limited  sup- 
plies for  man  and  beast  so  as  to  survive  the  winter,  was  a  per- 
plexing problem,  and  Avho  could  tell  how  soon  they  would  be  as- 
saulted ? 

As  William  G.  Bates  has  written :  "In  the  case  of  our  fath- 
ers, there  was  nothing  to  sustain  them  but  their  own  fortitude, 
inspired  by  their  own  high  hopes  of  the  future.  It  Avas  no  holi- 
day warfare  which  was  impending The  result  was 

to  be  literally  victory  or  death,  not  a  death  to  them  only,  but  a 
death  of  extermination  of  all  their  kindred." 

"Nor  can  we  fail  to  admire,  also,  the  heroism  of  those,  who 
were  left  almost  alone  in  their  homes  of  precarious  safety,  when 
the  stalwart  men  of  the  settlement  went  forth  to  war.  The  in- 
firm and  those  of  immature  age,  were  their  only  defenders.  It 
was  for  them  to  protect  the  families  against  a  stealthy  foe,  whose 
war-whoop  was  followed,  at  once,  by  the  torch  and  the  tomahawk, 
which  too  often  awoke  and  silenced  a  whole  settlement.  They 
were  the  guardians,  who,  from  the  summit  of  the  watch-tower, 
Avere  to  watch,  and  listen  through  the  long  days,  and  the  longer 
nights,  for  the  approach  of  the  savage,  and  to  patrol,  during  the 
same  periods,  along  the  poorly  constructed  palisades.  In  the 
meantime,  the  anxious  mothers  were  snatching  their  broken  slum- 
bers, in  the  embraces  of  their  terrified  children,  their  rest  dis- 
turbed by  dreams  of  danger,  and  visions  of  disaster." 

The  news  from  the  valleys  of  Manchester  and  Sunderland  in 
Vermont,  where  late  in  the  year  1675  the  Indians  had  made  their 
camps,  was  not  encouraging.  Two  of  the  captives  taken  by  the- 
Indians  Avere  purposely  alloAved  full  opportunity  to  count  their 
rank  and  file,  Avhen  draAvn  up  in  full  array,  and  then  freed  and 
sent  to  Albany.  They  reported  that  twenty-one  hundred  were 
well  armed,  evidently  ready  to  slaughter  and  devastate  until  the 

(      350      > 


THE  TO^^N  OF  WESTFIELD 

English  should  be  driven  from  the  land.  The  effectiveness  of 
this  body  of  Indians  was  increased  by  the  knowledge  and  skill  of 
those  Indians  who  had  lived  near  the  settlements  and  mingled 
with  the  English. 

The  wasteful  feasting  and  revelling  in  the  camp  rapidly  re- 
duced the  stores  gained  by  pillage  the  season  before.  Soon  a  large- 
division  with  limited  rations  was  upon  the  warpath,  as  fierce  for 
prey  as  hungry  wolves.  Early  in  March,  Lancaster.  Chelmsford 
and  a  half-dozen  other  places  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state  were 
attacked. 


Broad  Street,  Westtield 


On  the  14th  of  ^Nlarch,  the  yells  of  the  savages  on  all  sides  of 
the  stockade  awoke  the  people  of  Northampton  to  the  terrific  fact 
that  the  town  Avas  assaulted.  The  Indians  with  unwonted  fury 
made  the  attack  on  three  sides  of  the  stockade.  Soon  they  were 
pouring  into  one  opening.  Four  houses  outside  and  one  inside 
were  soon  in  flames.  The  soldiers  of  the  garrison,  under  the  lead- 
ership of  Capt.  Turner,  and  those  of  the  two  Connecticut  com- 
panies, under  Major  Treat,  who  had  providentially  reached 
Northampton  the  night  before— less  than  two  hundred  in  all— in 

(      351      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

the  lurid  light  of  the  burning  buildings  hemmed  in  the  Indians 
within  the  stockade,  killed  many,  while  the  others  retreated 
through  the  opening.  These  Indians  found  themselves  en- 
trapped and  never  after  did  a  body  of  assaulting  Indians  rush 
into  a  stockade  through  a  narrow  opening. 

The  successful  repulse  of  this  impetuous  assault  of  the  In- 
dians seems  to  have  ett'ectually  arrested  their  advance  to  the 
south.  Had  they  succeeded,  or  had  their  loss  been  less  severe, 
Westfield,  the  next  town  at  that  time  on  the  south,  must  have  suf- 
fered. The  little  settlement  at  AVestfield  with  its  slender  garri- 
son could  hardly  have  survived  the  attack  of  so  large  a  force  of 
Indians  as  swarmed  that  night  around  the  stockade  at  North- 
ampton. 

Companies  of  Indians  frequently  changing  their  camp,  ever 
intent  upon  plunder,  stealthily  prowling  about  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  towns,  continued  to  terrify  the  English  and  to  gather 
booty.  Soon  after  the  attack  on  Northampton,  a  large  body  of 
Indians  appeared  at  Hatfield,  but  Capt.  Samuel  Moseley  was  pre- 
pared for  them  and  they  were  not  anxious  to  repeat  the  severe 
experiences  at  Northampton. 

On  the  26tli  of  March,  1676,  a  company  of  people  on  their 
way  to  church  from  Longmeadow  to  Springfield  were  waylaid 
by  Indians.  Two  were  killed,  two  wounded  and  two  women  and 
their  babes  captured.  During  the  winter,  two  men  were  killed 
and  two  houses  burned  in  AVestfield. 

Harassed  on  every  side  by  attacks  of  Indians,  now  here,  now 
there,  and  unable  to  adequateh'  garrison  the  towns  against  such 
numerous  and  ubiquitous  foes,  the  Connecticut  council  sent  a 
flag  of  truce  up  the  river,  asking  for  an  exchange  of  prisoners, 
and  suggesting  a  treaty  of  peace.  The  Indians  who  had  enjoyed 
the  just  dealings  of  the  people  of  AVestfield,  and  tribes  who  had 
enjoyed  the  hospitality  of  towns  in  ]\Iassachusetts  farther  up  the 
valley,  were  ready  for  peace.  But  the  larger  body  of  the  Indians 
parleyed,  that  they  might  lay  in  a  store  of  provisions  at  the 
spring  fisheries  and  plant  the  deserted  meadows  of  Deerfield  and 
some  other  fields.  April  Avas  a  quiet  month ;  the  Indians  were 
busy  fishing  and  carousing.     They  were  gathered  in  large  num- 

(      352      ) 


THE  TOM'N  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

bers  in  May  about  the  falls  above  Deerfield  on  the  Connecticut 
river. 

Though  Capt.  Turner  was  too  ill  to  undertake  so  hazardous 
an  enterprise  as  an  attack  upon  the  Indians,  he  was  appointed  to 
lead.  Three  of  the  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  mounted  men, 
who  made  the  nitiht  march  from  Hatfield  to  what  is  now  known 
as  Turner's  Falls,  were  Westfield  men.  These  brave  men  sur- 
prised the  Indians  at  break  of  day,  while  they  Avere  yet  sleeping 
off  the  night's  debauch,  the  consequence  of  a  successful  raid 
upon  the  village  of  Hatfield,  May  30th,  1676.  This  slaughter  of 
Indians  at  the  Falls,  was  the  severest  blow  yet  inflicted  by  the 
English  upon  the  Indians  in  the  valley.  The  courage  and  en- 
durance of  the  attacking  party,  though  the  Indians  greatly  out- 
numbered them,  impressed  the  Indians  with  the  unconquerable 
valor  of  the  English.  The  fight  at  Turner's  Falls,  where  so  many 
Indians  were  slain,  or,  in  the  panic,  drowned  in  the  river,  was 
one  of  the  most  decisive  battles  in  Philip's  Avar.  This  battle,  to- 
gether with  the  repulse  of  the  well-planned  attack  on  Northamp- 
ton, the  hostility  of  the  Mohawks  and  disputes  and  disagreements 
that  arose  between  sachems  and  tribes  soon  led  to  the  disintegra- 
tion of  the  Indian  forces.  Still  the  inhabitants  in  the  valley  and 
those  in  other  parts  of  the  state  could  not  divine  when  they 
would  again  unite.  Indians  were  still  prowling  about  in  differ- 
ent places  shooting  men,  occasionally  stealing  cattle,  and  com- 
mitting other  depredations. 

On  the  19th  of  September.  1676,  a  party  of  Indians  from 
Canada  descended  upon  Hatfield,  killing  twelve  men,  wounding 
four,  and  taldng  seventeen  prisoners.  This  Avas  the  heaAnest  loss 
of  men.  Avomen  and  children  yet  experienced  by  any  Hampshire 
toAvn.  On  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  the  raiding  party  was  at 
Deerfield.  Five  men  Avere  there  erecting  houses  on  their  aban- 
doned farms,  hoping  soon  to  reinstate  their  families.  The  five 
men  Avere  captured  and  though  hotly  pursued,  the  Indians  made 
good  their  escape  to  Canada. 

Not  knoAving  that  this  Avas  the  last  raid  of  the  war,  and 
knoAving  that  the  skill  of  the  Indians,  increased  by  three  years  of 
active  Avarfare,  made  them,  if  again  united,  more  dangerous  than 

23-2  (      353      ) 


OVE   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

ever,  the  general  court  appointed  a  committee  to  bring  the  resi- 
dents in  towns  more  closely  together  in  order  to  better  provide 
for  their  defense. 

The  order  of  the  committee  having  jurisdiction  of  Westfield, 
as  copied  from  our  town  records  by  Louis  M.  Dewey,  genealo- 
gist, is  as  follows : 

"Northampton,  Nov.  19,  1677. 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  for  ordering  Compact 
Dwelling  together  for  better  defence  and  safety— present  John 
Pynchon,  Lt.  William  Clark,  Mr.  Peter  Tilton,  Lt.  William  Allin, 
En'sn  Samuel  Loomise.  For  Westfield  we  do  order  that  the  In- 
habitants there  do  all  possess  and  settle  together  in  that  tract  of 
land  which  lies  from  about  Hugh  Dudley's  barn  easterly  to  take 
in  Mr.  Taylor's  house  and  their  meeting  house  and  so  to  turn 
south  or  southwest  beyond  Goodman  Phelps  his  toward  the  hill  by 
the  bridge,  so  far  that  way  as  to  have  land  for  convenient  building 
for  all  the  Inhabitants;  and  then  turning  westerly  all  they  can 
near  over  against  Hugh  Dudley's  barn,  whence  to  turn  to  that 
and  into  the  street  there ;  and  all  the  Inhabitants  there  are  to 
repair  to  and  settle  within  that  tract  of  land,  except  we  do  allow 
of  Thomas  Dewey  to  Continue  where  he  is,  if  he  desire  it,  in  re- 
gard of  the  mill  that  way  and  security  to  the  Common  road,  yet 
it  is  provided  he  be  well  fortified  and  take  care  to  have  5  or  6 
men  with  him  for  his  defence ;  and  Ambrose  Fowler  having  now 
built  is  to  fortify  himself  well  and  to  have  5  or  6  men  with  him 
of  his  family,  we  permit  his  abiding  awhile  till  we  see  what  next 
summer  may  come  to ;  but  for  all  other  persons,  according  to 
order  of  General  Court  requiring  our  stating  the  compactness  of 
their  Dwellings,  we  order  their  removing  and  setting  as  above. 

' '  In  the  tract  of  land  above  mentioned  and  forthwith  to  pre- 
pair  and  fit  to  attend  the  same,  getting  fortification  this  winter 
and  ready  to  sett  up  early  in  the  spring  which  will  advise  to  be 
made  strong  and  substantial,  and  every  one  of  them  to  carry  on 
their  proportion  in  the  fortification ;  and  in  case  of  their  dis- 
agreeing about  the  way  or  rule  of  proportioning  it,  Majr.  Pynch- 
on, with  anyone  more  of  the  committee,  to  determine  the  same 
according  to  discretion  we  have  had  together  and  directions  there 

(      354      ) 


THE  TO^^'N  OF  WEST  FIELD 

about;  and  for  satisfaction  to  such  whose  land  must  be  made  use 
of  for  others  to  build  on,  understanding  the  Inhabitants  are  in  a 
way  to  allow  land  for  it,  we  advise  their  agreement  thereabouts ; 
and  case  of  any  disagreement  about  it,  according  to  the  rule  we 
have  set  for  others,  Ma  jr.  Pynchon  and  any  one  more  of  the  com- 
mittee to  determine  the  same  and  order  of  the  Committes. ' ' 

The  town  having  already  fixed  upon  the  area  described  by 
the  committee  as  most  suitable  for  defense,  and  having  already 
fortified  some  of  it  readily  concurred  in  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee. 

AVe  have  already  spoken  of  the  Dewey  mills  built  on  Two- 
Mile  brook  on  the  Windsor  road.  The  house  of  Ambrose  Fowler 
was  on  the  west  side  of  the  road  that  runs  from  East  Silver 
street,  through  the  meadows  and  under  the  railroad  bridge,  about 
half  way  between  Silver  street  and  the  bridge. 

In  1679,  May  30,  the  general  court  enacted  the  following: 

"Whereas  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Gennerall  Court 
in  October  1677,  for  new  modelling  the  dwelling  of  people  in 
Hampshire,  did  accordingly  order  a  coming  nearer  together  in 
some  of  those  tonnes,  &  living  more  compact,  for  safety  &  se- 
curity of  the  said  people,  and  particularly  appoynting  a  tract 
of  land  for  the  inhabitants  of  Westfield,  to  build  on  nearer  to- 
gether at  or  by  their  meeting  house ;  and  some  of  the  committee 
aforesajd  having  treated  the  inhabitants  of  Westfield  about  it, 
who  by  a  generall  vote  consented  to  the  settling  thereon :  and 
the  proprietors  of  that  land  also  yielding  to  breake  their  home 
lots,  &  forgoe  part  of  their  right  and  interest  in  them  to  such 
other  persons  as  should  come  and  settle  on  them,  they,  the  pres- 
ent proprietors,  being  allowed  for  the  land  they  parted  with  two 
acres  for  one  out  of  the  tounes  adjacent  lands  intended  for  home 
lots,  or  thereabouts,  which  was  accordingly  granted  by  the  tonne, 
to  incourage  the  persons  to  bring  in  and  sett  their  buildings  on 
those  particular  parcells  or  portions  of  lands  which  were  sett  out 
and  measured  to  them,  being  about  half  an  acre,  or  three  quar- 
ters of  an  acre  to  a  man— now,  for  the  full  assurance  of  those 
portions  of  land  to  such  persons  as  have  removed,  or  are  about 
removing,  &  settling,  building  thereon,  this  Court    doth    order 

(      355      ) 


OVE   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

those  persons  which  have  or  ought  to  have  parted  with  their  land 
as  abovesajd,  having  had  or  being  tendered  satisfaction  from  the 
toiine,  as  above,  they  shall  give  deeds,  and  make  legall  confirma- 
tions of  those  small  portions  of  land  vnto  those  persons,  who.  in 
obedience  vnto  authority,  have  them  in  actual  possession  or  in 
grant  in  order  thereunto. ' ' 

Philip's  war,  so  far  as  concerted  action  of  Indian  tribes  was 
concerned,  was  over ;  but  roving  bands  of  Indians  still  demanded 
unceasing  vigilance  in  g-uarding  life  and  property. 

Quaker  Troubles. —  The  difficulties  with  the  Quakers  were 
mainly  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state.  Westfield,  however,  was 
not  wholly  exempt.  George  Fyler,  the  first  surgeon  mentioned 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Northampton,  was  granted  a  home 
lot  of  six  acres  and  an  additional  thirty  acres,  on  condition  that 
he  should  build  on  his  lot  and  remain  four  years.  He  seems  to 
have  come  into  possession  of  the  land,  but  scon  after  sold  it  and 
removed  to  Westfield.    At  the  March  term  of  the  court  in  1673 : 

"George  ffiler  of  Westfield  being  prsented  by  the  Jury  for 
divers  disorders  and  being  examined  firstly  for  entertayn- 
ing  Quakers  last  summer  he  owns  he  did  entertayne 
them  being  necessitated  thereunto  because  none  else  would 
as  he  sayes.  George  ffiler  sayth  he  shall  before  the  World 
own  that  he  is  one  of  them  whom  ye  world  calls  Quakers :  Also 
he  is  prsented  for  absenting  himselfe  from  God's  publike  wor- 
shipp  on  ye  Sabbaths,  he  ownes  he  has  genrally  absented  himself 
genrally  last  winter.  His  speeches  have  been  contemptuous  of 
the  Ministers  of  the  Word,  and  their  work,  viz.  that  they  turne 
over  20  or  3o  Authors  a  Aveeke  to  patch  up  an  houres  discourse  or 
two  on  the  Sabbath.  And  tho  he  would  prtend  that  he  meant 
not  the  ministry  in  that  town  or  of  N.  England  yet  by  testi- 
monyes  it  appears  otherv.^ise.  He  seems  to  be  a  very  seminary  of 
corrupt  heriticall  opinions  tending  to  poysoning  and  corrupting 
the  minds  of  them  with  wm  he  hath  to  doe.  And  in  speaking  of 
the  religion  of  the  Quakers  (he  speaks  of  it  as  distinct  from  that 
prfessed  by  our  Nation  in  this  country)  :  he  calls  it  Our  re- 
ligion, that  is  his  own  and  such  as  hee.  The  said  George  ffiler  for 
his  venting  of  his  hetorodoxyes  and  adhering  '  to    the    pnicious 

(      356      ) 


THE  TOM'N  OF  ^y  EST  FIELD 

waves  of  the  Quakers  was  prtested  agt  by  the  Corte  and  admoii- 
isht  thereof.  And  for  his  absenting  himself  fro  Gods  Ordinances 
on  the  Sabbath  haveing  been  formrly  admonisht  thereof,  both  by 
ye  Worppll  Major  Pynchon  and  also  by  Westfield  Commissionrs 
was  now  also  admonisht  ye  of  by  the  Corte.  And  it  declared  to 
him  that  it  was  in  order  to  further  dealing  with  him  except  he  re- 
form his  course  therein.  And  for  his  contemptuous  and  scandal- 
ous speeches  of  the  ministry  of  the  country  and  of  Christ's  holy 
institutions  as  denying  the  Sacramts,  &c.,  he  is  sentenced  to  pay 
a  fyne  to  ye  County  5s  or  els  to  be  well  whipt."  Thomas  Noble 
of  AA'estfield  agreed  to  see  the  fine  paid. 

Early  Highways.  — The  settlers  first  made  their  way  through 
the  forests  and  across  the  glades  by  following  the  Indian  trails. 
Some  of  these  trails  were  the  result  of  no  little  experience  on  the 
part  of  the  Indians,  in  finding  the  most  feasible  routes  over 
mountains,  across  streams,  and  along  valleys.  The  sons  of  the 
forest  have  proved  unwittingly  the  preliminary  surveyors  of 
many  of  our  old  highways. 

As  early  as  1635  and  1636,  the  towns  of  Springfield,  Weth- 
ersfield,  and  Hartford  Avere  incorporated.  From  these  towns 
came  the  first  settlers  of  Northampton.  Those  from  Springfield 
went  on  the  east  side  of  the  river.  Most  of  those  from  the  other 
towns,  went  by  a  track  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  before  the 
town  of  Westfield  was  incorporated.  Northampton  was  organ- 
ized as  a  town  as  early  as  1655,  earlier  than  the  record  of  any 
English  settlers  in  Westfield. 

The  county  of  Hampshire,  then  including  all  AVestern  Mass- 
achusetts, was  incorporated  in  1662.  Two  years  later  by  author- 
ity of  the  county,  two  roads,  or  ' '  cart  ways, ' '  as  they  were  called, 
were  laid  out.  One  road  was  to  be  on  the  east  side  of  the  river 
to  connect  Hadley  and  Northampton  with  Springfield,  the  other 
to  connect  Hadley  and  Northampton  Avith  Windsor  and  Hart- 
ford. As  this  latter  road  is  the  oldest  highway  crossing  the  terri- 
tory of  Westfield,  and  is  in  part  now  maintained  as  a  tow^n  high- 
way, we  give  its  course,  taken  from  the  records  at  Northampton, 
as  noted  by  Sylvester  Judd.  The  road  from  Northampton  and 
Hadley  to  Springfield  and  from  Thence  "to  the  dividing  lyne  be- 

(      357      ) 


.  OUR    COUNTY   AXD   ITS   PEOPLE 

tweene  the  Collonyes"  (of  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut)  is 
first  outlined  and  then  proceeding  from  south  to  north,  the  road 
on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  as  follows  : 

"And  from  the  said  dividing  lyne  on  the  West  side  of  ye 
river  towards  Waranoak,  in  the  way  that  is  now  improved,  com- 
monly called  ye  new  way,  that  is  to  say,  to  two  mile  brooke  fourty 
rods,  and  from  thence  to  Waranoak  hill  where  the  trading  house 
stood,  twenty  rods,  and  from  tlience  to  ye  passage  of  ye  river 
where  ye  Avay  now  lies  six  rods,  and  from  thence  through  ye  other 
meddow  to  ye  great  hill  as  the  way  now  lies  six  rodds  and  from 
thence  to  Munhan  river  forty  rods,  and  from  Munhan  river  to  ye 
lotts  now  laid  out  neere  ye  mill  river   fourty    rods,    and    from 

thence  to  the  town  of  Northampton  ffoure  rods, 

And  the  wayes  and  bridges  from  the  landing  place  at  the  great 
river  [in  Northampton]  unto  the  top  of  Waranoak  hill  to  be 
made  and  mayntayned  by  North  Hampton,  and  from  thence  unto 
Windsor  to  be  made  and  mayntayned  by  Hadley  and  Northamp- 
ton mutually.  And  further  we  determine  yt  if  Hadly  and  North- 
ampton eyther  or  both  of  them  shall  at  anytyme  hereafter  see 
cause  to  desert  the  highway  they  now  use  and  shall  make  the  way 
through  Springfield  their  comon  roade  to  Windsor  for  carting, 
then  eyther  or  both  shall  contribute  to  ye  mending  the  bridge  at 
Long  Meddow.  And  for  these  several  wayes  and  bridges  to  be 
made  and  repaired  sufficient  for  travel  with  carts,  we  determine 
that  they  be  done  by  the  severall  townes  respectively  at  or  before 
ye  sixth  day  of  June  next,  as  also  yt  such  stones  as  are  movable 
in  Scanunganunk  river  be  turned  aside  out  of  the  cartway  and 
ye  charge  thereof  to  be  paid  by  the  County  Treasurer." 

For  several  years  Springfield,  Hadley  and  Northampton 
maintained  these  tvvo  "cart-ways"  as  far  as  Windsor,  where  was 
the  line  between  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  as  claimed  by 
the  former.  The  number  of  rods  given  in  the  description  of  the 
road  from  one  point  to  another  is  the  number  of  rods  in  -width. 
It  may  seem  strange  that  the  road  should  be  laid  out  in  some 
places  twenty  rods,  and  in  others,  forty  rods  wide.  The  explan- 
ations given  are  two :  First ;  w^here  the  land  was  unoccupied  and 
covered  with  trees  there  was  more  or  less  danger  of  being  at- 

(      358      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

tacked  by  one  or  more  skulking  Indians,  plying  the  business  of 
killing  and  robbing  on  the  highway.  Wood  and  timber  was 
scarce  on  many  of  the  alluvial  tracts  first  occupied,  owing  to  the 
annual  fires  of  the  Indians,  preparatory  to  planting  and  grazing, 
so  that  trees  growing  upon  highway  land  could  be  easily  removed 
by  allowing  any  one  to  cut  any  trees  not  reserved  by  order  of  the 
town  or  of  the  central  authority  at  Boston. 

Another  reason  was  that  the  committee  laying  out  the  road, 
felt  that  where  land  was  unoccupied,  the  road  should  be  laid  out 
of  sufiicient  width  to  allow  opportunity  to  change  the  road-bed 
as  economy  or  the  public  convenience  might  require.  The  road 
we  have  noticed  was  known  in  Westfield  as  the  Windsor  road. 
Tracing  it  in  the  direction  it  was  laid  out,  we  find  it  entered  the 
southeast  part  of  our  present  township  in  the  vicinity  of  what  is 
now  known  as  Longyard,  and  pursuing  a  westerly  course  until  it 
reached  Two-Mile  brook,  crossed  it,  and  then  pursued  a  northerly 
course  passing,  as  it  now  does,  across  the  west  end  of  Little  river 
street  at  right  angles  to  it,  and,  as  now,  reaching  East  Main 
street,  near  the  present  bridge  across  the  Westfield  river.  Thence 
it  continued  w^esterly  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  crossing  it  some 
distance  below  its  junction  with  Little  river :  then  taking  a  north- 
erly direction  across  the  meadows  up  the  hill  at  Springdale, 
("through  the  other  meddow  to  ye  great  hill"  as  the  committee 
described  it)  and  across  the  plains  on  the  west  side  of  Hampton 
Ponds  to  Northampton.  The  present  road  on  the  west  of  these 
ponds  is  several  rods  farther  west  than  the  old  Windsor  road, 
though  essentially  the  same. 

This  road  and  the  road  east  of  the  river  for  nearly  half  a 
century  were  the  main  lines  of  transportation  for  all  goods 
brought  into  Western  Massachusetts  and  for  all  products  carried 
out,  whether  the  goods  were  from  places  east,  south  or  west,  or 
whether  the  products  were  destined  for  places  in  any  one  of  those 
directions.  If  grain,  very  largely  a  substitute  for  money,  beef 
and  pork,  or  lumber,  were  to  be  sent  to  Boston  in  payment  of 
taxes,  or  for  purposes  of  trade,  this  freight  was  generally  carted 
to  Windsor,  below  the  falls,  or  to  Hartford,  and  thence  trans- 
ported by  water.  The  carting  was  over  the  same  roads  if  the 
freight  was  to  or  from  New  York. 

(      359      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

The  way  from  the  valley  to  the  west  Mas  from  AVestfield  over 
the  hills  through  Blandford,  to  Kinderhook  and  thence  to  Al- 
bany, 

Among  the  captives  taken  at  Hatfield  by  the  Indians  during 
their  last  raid  upon  towns  in  the  valley,  were  the  wife  and  three 
children  of  Benjamin  Waite  and  the  wife  and  two  children  of 
Stephen  Jennings. 

The  two  husbands  procuring  the  requisite  papers  from  the 
general  court  and  appropriation  toward  the  expenses,  went  to 
Canada  whither  the  retreating  Indians  had  gone.  There  they 
found  the  prisoners.  After  tedious  negotiations,  occupying 
nearly  two  months,  they  succeeded  in  ransoming  all  the  captives. 
As  soon  as  the  people  of  Hatfield  learned  that  the  company 
under  a  French  escort  had  in  spite  of  the  lingering  winter, 
reached  Albany,  a  company  from  Hatfield  with  horses  and  pro- 
visions started  to  meet  the  returning  captives.  Going  by  way  of 
Westfield  they  met  them  at  Kinderhook,  May  27,  1678.  They  all 
returned  by  way  of  Westfield  to  Hatfield.  For  nearly  a  century 
this  route  seems  to  have  been  almost  the  only  one  in  Massachu- 
setts from  the  valley  of  the  Connecticut  to  the  valley  of  the  Hud- 
son. 

Over  this  trail  passed  Indians  before  and  during  Philip's 
war  on  their  way  to  and  from  Connecticut,  avoiding  Westfield, 
but  coming  near  enough  at  times  to  excite  great  fear.  Along  this 
way  during  the  many  years  of  the  French  and  Indian  wars  went 
horsemen  and  footmen  and  military  supplies.  For  many  years  a 
fort  was  maintained  at  what  is  now  Blandford  to  furnish  convoy 
and  defence  and  quarters  for  rest.  General  Amherst  and  his 
army  on  his  way  from  Boston  to  Canada,  destined  by  the  aid  of 
Wolfe  and  Prideaux  to  strike  the  final  blow  to  the  tottering  domi- 
nation of  the  French  on  this  continent,  stopped  one  night  at 
Westfield,  another  at  Blandford,  another  at  Sandisfield  and  an- 
other at  Monterey. 

During  the  war  for  independence,  the  teams  mustered  in 
Westfield  and  elsewhere  to  get  through  the  snow  or  over  the  mud 
and  the  hills  from  Westfield  to  Albany,  were  sometimes  of  no 
ordinary  size.    It  is  a  matter  of  history  that  ' '  it  took  twenty  yoke 

(     3no     ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WEST  FIELD 

of  oxen  and  eighty  men  to  convey  a  mortar  over  the  hills  to  West 
Point."  Twenty  of  these  eighty  men  would  be  required  to  drive 
the  oxen.  Whether  the  remaining  sixty  Mere  employed  in  open- 
ing the  drifts  or  in  strengthening  the  rude  bridges  and  in  bed- 
ding the  mud  holes  wnth  boughs  is  not  stated. 

A  part  of  the  prisoners  taken  at  Bennington,  in  1777,  passed 
over  this  road  on  their  way  through  Westfield  to  Boston. 

This  road  was  the  route  of  Burgoyne  's  army  after  its  defeat 
at  Stillwater,  on  their  way  to  Boston.  After  a  three  days'  halt 
at  Otis,  they  moved  on,  stopping  one  night  in  Westfield,  we  are 
told.  After  the  war,  this  road  was  designated,  "The  great  road 
from  Boston  to  Albany."  It  was  the  only  road  between  these 
places  directly  crossing  Berkshire  county.  Over  this  road  came 
Washington  when  visiting  New  England  after  the  war.  He  was 
for  a  little  while  the  guest  of  Creneral  Shepard,  then  living  on 
Pranklin  street.  Other  events  worthy  of  note  that  occurred  along 
this  highway,  however  many,  are  not  discoverable  in  the  scanty 
choronicles  of  the  past,  or,  if  recorded,  have  escaped  our  notice. 
The  intersection  of  these  highways  in  Westfield,  the  one  running 
north  and  south,  with  the  "great  road"  running  east  and  west, 
has  tended  to  promote  the  intelligence  of  the  people  of  West- 
field  and  to  render  them  more  cosmopolitan  than  people  living  re- 
mote from  avenues  of  travel  and  traffic. 

The  way  connecting  Springfield  and  Westfield  was  laid  out 
as  a  highway  at  an  early  date. 

Westfield,  then,  at  the  time  of  its  incorporation,  1669,  was 
not  so  much  of  an  out-of-the-way  place  as  many  have  supposed. 
It  was  on  the  line  of  communication  of  all  the  towns  in  the  val- 
ley, with  Albany  and  places  farther  west.  It  was  on  a  main  line 
of  communication  between  towns  in  the  valley  north  and  south  of 
Westfield. 

Mr.  Judd  tells  us  that  "there  is  no  record  of  goods  being 
l^rought  from  Boston  to  Connecticut  river  by  land,  except  small 
quantities  on  horseback,  before  1767,  so  that  for  a  century  after 
the  settlement  of  Westfield,  goods  from  Boston  came  to  the  town, 
as  to  other  towns  in  the  valley,  by  water  around  the  cape  along 
the  sou^i  shore  and  u])  the  Connecticut  river  to  Hartford  and 

(     :^'n     ) 


OVB    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

AVinclsor  and  then  by  cart  to  towns  farther  north."  In  the  year 
1767  it  is  recorded  that  one  Simeon  Smith  of  Amherst  "carried 
down  produce  and  brought  up  goods  for  traders  and  others,  in 
the  towns  on  both  sides  of  the  river."  He  made  his  way  with 
a  wagon,  over  the  ungraded  roads,  sometimes  with  a  load  weigh- 
ing nearly  a  ton.  He  charged  from  a  dollar  to  a  dollar  and  a  half 
per  hundred  for  his  freight.  He  did  not  make  regular  trips  in 
winter,  the  roads  in  some  places  being  blocked  by  snow  drifts. 
Drummers  would  have  had  a  sorry  time  of  it  in  those  days.  Ped- 
dlers with  thread,  needles  and  other  small  articles  on  horseback 
w^ere  not  uncommon  on  the  bay  paths  running  from  Hadley  and 
Springfield  to  Boston.  The  foot  peddler,  even  in  winter  time, 
with  his  pack  or  with  his  two  little  tin  trunks  hung  from  the  ends 
of  a  shoulder  yoke  to  lessen  the  pull  upon  his  arms,  could  make 
his  way  from  house  to  house  over  the  deepest  snow  and  the  high- 
est drifts  on  his  snowshoes  or  rackets,  as  they  were  called. 

Simeon  Smith  did  not  long  plod  his  way  alone  over  the  hills 
and  through  the  forests  to  Boston.  Other  teamsters  began  to  keep 
company  with  him.  AA^e  have  no  record  of  those  from  A\"estfield, 
but  in  tlie  winter,  after  "hog  killing,"  the  farmers  would  load 
their  pork  on  "pungs"  drawn  by  horses,  and,  forming  a  train  of 
loaded  teams,  move  on  to  Boston.  If  they  found  the  road  drifted 
they  could  "all  turn  to  and  shovel  out."  Fortunately,  a  good 
share  of  the  way  forest  trees  protected  the  snow  from  the  "pil- 
ing W'inds. "  If  a  hill  was  unusually  steep,  they  could  ' ' double ' ' 
their  teams,  and  thus  cheerily  pull  up  one  load  after  another. 
Having  made  successful  sales  their  homeward  trips  with  full 
pockets  and  light  loads  of  sugar,  molasses  and  other  household 
supplies,  and  their  merry  and  sometimes  boisterous  ways,  led  to 
the  charge  of  "revylyng  on  the  highwayes"  ;  but  there  was  no  re- 
porter to  put  up  a  column  concerning  their  performances  nor  a 
daily  paper  to  publish  it.  As  they  neared  their  homes  the  old 
responsibilities  again  impressed  them,  and  they  entered  AVest- 
field  with  a  mien  as  sedate  as  that  of  their  horses.  The  titles 
"Colonel,"  "Captain."  "Ensign,"  etc.,  seemed  to  rest  upon 
them  as  appropriately  as  if  their  boyish  escapades  had  not  oc- 
curred.    That  Boston  had  learned  of  the  products  of  AA'estfield 

(      362      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

not  many  years  after  the  incorporation  of  the  town,  is  evident 
from  the  diary  of  Chief  Justice  Samuel  Sewall,  who  has  been 
styled  "the  Puritan  Pepys."  Writing  in  1692,  he  says:  "Our 
kitchen  chimney  fell  on  fire  about  noon,  and  blazed  out  sorely  at 
top,  appeared  to  be  foul ;  the  fire  fell  on  the  shingles  so  that  they 
began  to  burn  in  several  places,  being  very  dry ;  but  by  the  good 
Providence  of  God,  no  harm  was  done.  Mr,  Fisk  was  with  us, 
and  we  sat  merrily  to  a  dinner  on  the  Westfield  pork  that  was 
snatched  from  the  fire  on  this  occasion." 

Town  Eoads.—A  volume  might  be  written  describing  the 
town  roads  and  streets  of  AVestfield.  As  early  as  1667,  or  very 
soon  thereafter.  Main  street.  Union  street.  Meadow  street  and 
Silver  street  were  laid  out.  The  street  that  once  ran  from  "West- 
field  river  across  Main  street,  near  the  Little  river  bridge,  south 
to  Silver  street,  was  long  ago  cut  off  by  Little  river.  So  much  of 
South  street  as  runs  north  from  Silver  street  to  the  river  bank 
is  all  that  remains  of  old  South  street.  Little  river  was  forded  in 
early  times  above  the  bridge.  From  this  ford  the  road  took  a 
northeasterly  course  into  the  Windsor  road  by  the  bank  of  the 
river.  The  present  road  between  the  bridges  is  comparatively 
new.  The  way  to  the  plains  (Southwick)  on  the  south  was  along 
South  street  to  the  river  ford  above  the  present  railroad,  thence 
across  the  river  and  up  the  hill  in  a  southwesterly  direction. 

The  Early  French  and  English  Wars.— King  Philip's  war 
had  ended  in  1677,  As  the  Indians  no  longer  attacked  towns 
nor  massed  their  warriors  for  desolating  expeditions,  the  bless- 
ings of  peace  returned.  Confidence  was  gradually  restored. 
Houses  and  barns  were  rebuilt,  the  western  towns  were  strength- 
ened in  numbers  and  in  Avealth  by  the  arrival  of  new  settlers. 
The  areas  of  occupancy  Avere  Avidened.  Forests  hitherto  undis- 
turbed by  the  Avoodman's  axe  began  to  echo  Avith  its  sound  and 
open  lands  untouched  by  the  implements  of  tillage  Avere  subject- 
ed to  the  plough.  Prosperity  returned.  The  abundance  of 
good  land  easily  obtained  as  yet  in  the  A'alley,  made  it  compara- 
tively easy  to  reduce  the  indebtedness  incurred  by  the  war. 

The  years  of  peace,  hoAvever,  Avere  fcAv.  In  1688  AYilliam 
and  Mary  became  the  sovereigns  of  England.      The  Avar  knoAvn 

(      363      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

as  King  William's  war  between  the  French  and  English  in- 
volved the  colonists  in  fresh  difficulties.  This  was  the  first  of 
four  conflicts,  which,  as  Francis  Parkman  remarks,  "ended 
in  giving  Great  Britain  a  maritime  and  colonial  preponder- 
ance over  France  and  Spain."  "So  far  as  concerns  the  colo- 
nies and  the  sea,"  he  adds,  "these  several  wars  may  be  re- 
garded as  a  single  and  protracted  one,  broken  by  inter- 
vals of  truce."  Like  the  solitary  oaks  upon  the  moun- 
tainside, that  come  to  full  strength  and  maturity  exposed  to  the 
sunlight  and  the  storms,  so  each  New  England  settlement  during 
many  years  experienced  its  vicissitudes  of  peace  and  war,  of 
plenty  and  want,  of  joy  and  sorrow,  through  all,  growing  in 
strength  and  in  wisdom.  At  length  the  character  and  culture  of 
the  people  of  New  England  have  come  to  determine  the  character 
of  a  nation. 

During  King  William's  war,  Deerfield,  being  the  northern 
settlement  in  the  valley,  Northfield  not  yet  being  resettled,  suf- 
fered the  loss  of  several  inhabitants  at  the  hands  of  skulking  In- 
dians; but  Westfield  suffered  little.  During  Queen  Anne's  war 
the  sack  of  Deerfield  on  the  last  day  of  February,  1704,  thrilled 
with  horror  the  people  of  Westfield.  The  French  and  Indians, 
after  much  slaughter  and  house  burning,  started  over  the  snow 
for  Canada  with  one  hundred  and  eleven  prisoners.  Who  could 
tell  when  the  next  town  in  the  valley  Avould  be  overpowered  ? 

May  14,  as  soon  as  the  condition  of  the  ground  was  favor- 
able to  repairing  the  stockade,  "it  was  voted  unanimously  that 
all  persons  shall  work  hoth  with  themselves  and  theire  teames  att 
repairing  of  the  fort  aboute  Mr.  Taylor's  house  forthwith  &  who- 
soever shall  neglect  to  doe  his  share  shall  pay  theire  equal  pro- 
portion to  others  according  to  what  work  is  done  att  sd  fort  or 
worke  at  some  other  public  workes  of  ye  towne." 

At  a  town  meeting  June  30,  1704,  ''it  Avas  voted  unani- 
mously by  ye  inhabitants  that  ye  severall  houses  in  the  town  that 
are  forted,  hereafter  named  shall  stand  and  be  defended  and 
have  there  severall  proportions  of  men  posted  to  them  (by  ye 
committy  appoynted)  as  may  be  accounted  convenient  under 
theire  circumstances  for  theire  defense  viz.  Mr.  Taylor's  Stephen 

(      364      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIELD 

Kelloji's  Consider  .Maudsley 's,  John  SacUet's  John  Noble's, 
Thomas  Root's." 

At  the  same  meeting  "it  was  unanimously  voted  that  ye  sev- 
erall  honsen  and  garrisons  above  mentioned  shall  be  free  (as 
well  for  the  proper  owners,)  for  all  families  and  good  (accord- 
ing to  their  proportions)  who  shall  be  appoynted  to  the  severall 
garrisons  by  the  eommitty  of  malisha. " 

Truiiibiill  says :  ' '  Constant  rumors  of  an  approaching  ene- 
my kept  the  country  in  a  continued  state  of  alarm.  At  no  time 
since  Philip's  war,  twenty-eight  years  previous,  had  there  been 
so  many  soldiers  in  the  county.  They  were  quartered  in  every 
town,  and  there  were  marchings  and  countermarchings  in  every 
direction.  Indians,  spies  and  scouts  of  the  approaching  army, 
filled  the  forests.  Parties  of  English,  many  of  them  citizens  of 
the  river  towns,  incessantly  ranged  the  woods.  None  of  the  in- 
habitants dared  venture  far  beyond  the  fortifications  without  an 
efficient  guard,  and  the  occupations  of  the  farming  community 
w^ere  greatly  interfered  with,  if  not  wholly  suspended. ' '  In  spite 
of  the  vigilance  of  the  English,  during  this  and  several  years 
following,  Indian  murders  were  not  infrequent.  In  1708,  Haver- 
hill was  attacked,  about  forty  persons  killed  and  many  taken 
captive.  The  various  expeditions  fitted  out  by  the  colonists 
against  the  French  in  Canada,  not  meeting  with  the  needed  aid 
from  England,  failed  of  decisive  results. 

During  the  ten  years  of  the  war  one  hundred  and  nineteen 
persons  were  killed  in  Hampshire  county,  twenty-five  wounded, 
while  the  captives  numbered  one  hundred  and  twenty-five. 

The  burden  of  taxes  which  the  war  imposed  upon  Massa- 
chusetts was  enormous,  and  the  means  of  paying  them  were 
scanty.  An  average  tax  of  more  than  a  million  a  year  was  levied 
upon  the  people  of  ]\Iassachusetts.  The  treaty  of  Utrecht,  in 
March,  1713,  establishing  peace,  was  hailed  with  joy  and 
thanksgiving. 

Though  England  and  France  were  at  peace,  the  Indians  hov- 
ering near  the  towns  were  still  ready  to  plunder  whenever  it 
seemed  to  them  safe  to  do  so,  and,  like  lionnds  that  have  tasted 
blood,  they  were  prone  to  take  life. 

(      365      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

In  174-t,  the  terrors  of  King  George's  war  darkened  the  land. 
At  a  legal  town  meeting  April  27,  1747,  "it  was  voted  that  the 
Commission  Officers  and  the  Selectmen  and  Doctor  Ashley  shall 
be  the  Connnittv  to  see  what  measures  and  what  houses  should 
be  forted  and  to  make  Report  to  the  town  what  is  best  to  be  done : 
att  the  same  meeting  it  was  voted  to  pay  a  scout  that  may  be  sent 
by  the  Commission  ofScers  out  after  the  discovery  of  the  enemy 
if  the  province  will  not  pay  them :  this  meeting  was  voted  to  be 
continued  by  adjournment  untill  Monday  next  the  4.  day  of 
May :  the  town  met  at  the  time  adjourned  to  and  the  Committy 
Reported  to  the  town  that  they  were  determined  it  was  best  to 
make  a  fort  Round  Stephen  Kelloggs  house  and  Lieut  Consider 
Mosleys  and  Doct.  Ashley  house  and  one  over  the  Little  River 
and  one  over  the  great  River  and  two  watch  boxes  and  to  be  done 
by  the  town." 

The  "Doctor  Ashley  house,"  spoken  of  in  the  above  note, 
was  situated  in  Silver  street  at  the  south  end  of  Noble  street,  on 
the  site  of  William  Atkins's  house.  The  building  has  been  razed 
within  a  few  years,  to  make  room  for  a  modern  structure.  The 
base  of  the  second  story  projected  over  the  top  of  the  first  story, 
and  the  walls  were  fortified  against  musket-balls.  The  fort-houses 
were  situated  in  positions  convenient  for  the  refuge  of  the  in- 
habitants, in  case  of  a  hostile  attack.  The  old  Ingersoll  house, 
not  long  ago  standing  over  Little  river,  is  said  to  have  been  the 
one  which  was  fortified,  or  "forted." 

The  peace  of  Aix-la-Chapelle  brought  a  respite  to  the  col- 
onists of  only  a  few  years.  In  1754  began  the  tremendous  strug- 
gle of  the  French  and  English  for  the  dominant  power  in  North 
America.  The  cost  to  the  towns  in  the  valley,  both  in  men  and 
in  money,  was  large ;  but  in  the  campaigns  of  this  last  and  wide- 
spread French  and  Indian  war,  the  English  of  the  colonies 
were  trained  in  the  art  of  organized  warfare  and  rendered 
effective  service  in  many  terrible  battles.  In  the  four  hours' 
fight  near  the  shore  of  Lake  George,  in  the  expedition  against 
CroAvn  Point,  in  1755,  victory  was  won  largely  by  the  stubborn 
valor  of  the  Hampshire  regiment.  Nearly  one-fourth  of  all  the 
killed  and  wounded  belonged  to  this  regiment.     Major    Noah 

(      366      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIELD 

Ashley.  Capt.  Jonathaji  Ingersoll  and  Richard  Campbell,  from 
Westfield,  are  reported  among  the  dead.  It  is  impossible  to  give 
a  complete  list  of  those  from  Westfield  who  helped,  in  this  and  in 
the  previous  wars,  to  destroy  the  domination  of  the  French  and 
to  put  an  end  to  the  depredations  of  their  savage  allies.  The 
following  are  recorded  from  Westfield  as  soldiers  for  Canada  in 
1757:  William  Shepard  (afterwards  General),  Thomas 
Campbell,  Eli  Noble,  John  Larrabee,  Seth  Root,  Simeon 
Root,  William  Hitchcock,  Richard  Falley,  Israel  Noble, 
Elisha  Martindale,  Daniel  Hubbard,  James  AVilson,  Gideon 
Gunn,  Shem  Kellogg  and  William  Kerr.  The  two  last,  named 
were  killed  and  Falley  was  taken  prisoner.  It  is  said  that  Oliver 
Root  and  Ozam  Sacket  were  also  in  the  war  and  "put  up  a  vote 
of  thanks  upon  the  meeting  house  door  in  1760."  Zenas  Noble, 
Aaron  Ashley,  Peleg  Combs,  Stephen  Ward,  Moses  Root,  A. 
Jones,  Samuel  Johnson,  Enos  Loomis,  Nathaniel  Church,  Joseph 
Baker,  Stephen  Saxton,  William  Patterson  and  Benjamin  Pike 
enlisted  in  1761-2,  probably  for  the  expedition  against  Pontiac. 
There  is  no  record  of  the  individual  sufferings  of  thousands  be- 
cause of  the  French  and  Indian  wars.  At  length,  after  a  series 
of  wars  extending  over  the  larger  part  of  a  century,  in  1760,  the 
French  surrendered  the  province  of  Canada. 

Speaking  of  this  period,  Holland,  referring  to  this  valley, 
says: 

"Children  had  been  born,  had  grown  up  to  manhood,  and 
descended  to  old  age,  knowing  little  or  nothing  of  peace  and 
tranquillity.  Hundreds  had  been  killed,  and  large  numbers  car- 
ried into  captivity.  Men,  women  and  children  had  been  butch- 
ered by  scores.  There  is  hardly  a  square  acre,  certainly  not  a 
square  mile,  in  the  Connecticut  valley,  that  has  not  been  tracked 
by  the  flying  feet  of  fear,  resounded  with  the  groans  of  the  djdng, 
drunk  the  blood  of  the  dead,  or  served  as  the  scene  of  toils  made 
doubly  toilsome  by  an  apprehension  of  danger  that  never  slept. 
It  was  among  such  scenes  and  such  trials  as  these  that  the  settle- 
ments of  Western  Massachusetts  were  planted.  It  was  by  these 
scenes  and  trials  that  their  sinews  were  knit  to  that  degree  of 
strength  that,  when  the  incubus  of  war  and  fear  were  lifted,  they 

(      367      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

spraug  to  those  enterprises  of  peace,  which  in  less  than  one  cen- 
tury have  transformed  the  valley  and  the  Berkshire  hills  into  a 
garden  of  beauty,  a  home  of  luxury  and  refinement,  an  abode  of 
plenty,  and  a  seat  of  free  education  and  free  religion.  The  joy 
of  victory  that  spread  everywhere  over  the  colonies  was  great, 
but  the  joy  of  peace  was  greater.  The  relief  felt  on  every  hand 
can  hardly  be  imagined  now.  The  long  clogged  wheels  of  en- 
terprise moved  again,  and  settlements  that  had  been  forsaken 
Avere  reclaimed,  while  new  ones  were  commenced.  The  axe  re- 
sounded in  the  forests,  and  smiling  harvests  returned  once  more 
to  be  gathered  rejoicingly  beneath  the  reign  of  peace." 

EARl.y  HABITS  AND  CUSTOMS 

The  first  dwellings  of  the  settlers  were  very  rude— log  houses 
or  bank  houses,  facing  the  south,  so  that  the  bank  on  the  north 
would  protect  from  cold  and  allow  of  underground  rooms  behind 
the  sunny  front  rooms.  These  ground  dwellings  were  sometimes 
called  cellars.  The  banks  that  bound  the  lowlands  on  the  north 
side  of  the  Westfield  river  and  the  meadow  terraces  are  well 
adapted  to  such  dwellings.  Here  several  seem  to  have  been 
made,  for  this  side  was  sometimes  known  as  the  north  or  cellar 
side.  These  cellars  were  not  uncommon  in  other  parts  of  the 
town.  At  a  town  meeting  February  4,  1678,  during  the  stress 
of  Philip's  -war,  "there  is  granted  liberty  to  John  Ponder  to  set 
a  house  or  celler  within  the  gate  by  Lieut.  Moseley  for  a  while 
in  case  he  is  thrust  from  his  OAvn  by  reason  of  troublous  times." 

As  sawmills  were  built  and  the  increasing  means  of  the 
settlers  made  it  possible  to  provide  better  buildings,  log  houses 
gave  place  to  more  commodious  dwellings.  Those  of  simpler 
form  were  one-story  houses,  having  rooms  of  good  size,  while  the 
unfinished  attic  furnished  a  generous  chamber  for  children,  with 
abundant  opportunity  for  the  storage  of  corn  and  other  grains, 
for  the  drying  of  nuts  and  for  the  safekeeping  of  manifold  house- 
hold goods.  The  huge  stone  chimney,  built  with  clay  instead  of 
mortar,  occupying  a  large  portion  of  the  cellar,  and 
claiming  a  good  share  of  the  house  as  its  right,  that  it  might 
present  in  every  room  a  large  fireplace,  and    rising    above    the 

(      368      ) 


M    ^ 


24-2 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

ridge  of  the  house  with  a  top  square  and  large  as  if  defying 
the  fiercest  storms,  was  one  of  the  most  distinctive  features  of  the 
earlier  colonial  houses.  The  front  door  opened  into  a  small  en- 
try, on  the  right  and  on  the  left  of  which  was  a  door  opening 
into  a  front  room,  one  the  parlor  occasionally  used,  the  other  the 
sitting  room.     Back  of  these  rooms  was  the  long  kitchen,  or  liv- 


Corner  cupboard   in  the  house  built  by  Captain  William 
Moseley  in  1786 

Now   owned  by  his   grandsons,   Edward  and  Thomas   B.   Moseley, 
Westfleld,  Mass. 

ing  room,  running  the  whole  length  of  the  house  save  as  it  was 
shortened  by  ''mother's  bedroom,"  a  pantry  and  a  closed  stair- 
way leading  from  the  kitchen  to  the  attic.  The  kitchen  by  doors 
comnumicated  Avith  all  the  other  rooms  of  the  house  and  with 
the  woodshed.     A  side  door,  in  many  houses,  opening  on  to  the 

(      370      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  WEST  FIELD 

yard,  gave  an  unhindered  view  of  the  fields,  and  added  to  the 
good  cheer  of  the  room  in  summer  time. 

Larger  houses,  though  of  the  same  general  plan,  were  two 
stories  in  height  and  had  four  front  rooms.  The  chimney  held 
so  large  an  area  that  the  space  for  the  front  hall  and  angular 
stairs  w-as  often  quite  limited.  The  kitchen  with  its  concomitants 
was  usually  provided  for  under  a  lean-to  roof.  The  Moseley 
homestead,  on  Union  street,  which  long  ago  passed  its  centennial, 
is  a  stately  example  of  this  sort  of  house,  though  it  has  a  rear 
ell  instead  of  the  lean-to  roof. 

Another  plan,  more  aristocratic,  was  that  of  a  two-story 
house  having  eight  rooms  nearly  square  in  the  main  house,  with 
a  generous  hall  on  eaeh  floor,  running  from  front  to  rear.  The 
kitchen  was  in  an  ell  projecting  from  one-half  of  the  rear  of  the 
main  house.  As  provision  was  made  for  heating  all  the  rooms 
by  fireplaces,  two  chimneys  were  required  in  the  main  house  and 
one  in  the  ell.  Such  a  house  when  standing  on  rising  ground  in 
an  ample  yard  bordered  Avith  Lombardy  poplars,  originally  im- 
ported from  over  the  sea,  was  indeed  a  stately  reminder  of  the 
manor  houses  of  old  England  and  of  ancestral  rank.  The  mould- 
ings and  carvings  of  the  front  entrances  of  these  old  houses,  the 
chaste  mantels,  the  panelled  wainscot  and  the  corner  cup- 
boards of  the  front  rooms  are  much  admired. 

The  finish  of  the  front  entrance  of  the  large  gambrel-roofed 
house  on  Main  street,  near  Noble  street,  is  yet  well  preserved. 
This  house  was  long  known  as  Landlord  Fowler's  house,  and 
later  as  Harrison  tavern. 

Burgoyne,  with  some  of  his  companions,  after  his  defeat  at 
Saratoga,  is  said,  under  the  convoy  of  American  soldiers,  to  have 
slept  here  one  night  while  on  his  way  from  Albany  to  Boston, 
hence  the  house  is  often  called  the  "Burgoyne  house." 

The  kitchen  in  these  colonial  houses,  with  its  long  mantel 
spanning  the  huge  fireplace  and  oven  and  with  its  high-backed 
settle,  that,  in  zei'o  weather,  attempted  to  wall  off  the  frigid  cold 
in  the  rear  of  the  room  from  the  torrid  heat  of  the  fire,  well 
nourished  by  Avood  from  four  to  eight  feet  in  length,  was  the 
center  of  the  home  life  of  the  household. 

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OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Whittier  has  well  described  the  winter  evening  fire,  as  it 
lighted  lip  the  kitchen : 

"As  night  drew  on,  and,  from  the  crest 
Of  wooded  knolls  that  ridged  the  west, 
The  sun,  a  snow-blown  traveller,  sank 
From  sight  beneath  the  smothering  bank, — 
We  piled,  with  care,  our  nightly  stack 
Of  wood  against  the  chimney-back, — 
The  oaken  log,  green,  huge,  and  thick. 
And  on  its  top  the  stout  back-stick ; 
The  knotty  forestick  laid  apart, 
And  filled  between  with  curious  art, 
The  ragged  brush ;  then,  hovering  near, 
We  watched  the  first  red  blaze  appear, 
Heard  the  sharp  crackle,  caught  the  gleam 
On  whitewashed  wall  and  sagging  beam, 
Until  the  old  rude-furnished  room 
Burst,  flower  like,  into  rosy  bloom." 
The  kitchen  was  in  its  best  array  in    late    autumn,    when 
strings  of  quartered  apples,  clusters  of  red  peppers,  braids  of 
popcorn  vied  with  crook-necked  squashes,  bacon,  ham,  dried  beef 
and  sheaves  of  herbs  in  adorning  the  walls. 

The  straight  backed  chairs  seemed  to  say,  "This  is  no  place 
for  lounging,"  while  the  tall  clock,  with  its  deliberate  and  sol- 
emn tick,  seemed  to  remind  of  those  lines  of  Young: 
"We  take  no  note  of  time. 
But  from  its  loss ;  to  give  it  then  a  tongue, 
Is  wise  in  man. ' ' 
The  kitchen  was  indeed  a  place  where  these  siiggestions  were 
heeded.    Time  was  improved.     In  addition  to  the  usual  cooking 
and  cleaning  there  was  soap-making,  brewing  and  dyeing,  the 
making  of  cloth  for  the  family  and  the  cutting  and  making  of 
garments.  At  one  end  of  the  long  room  stood  the  spinning  wheel 
and  the  loom.     The  whir  of  the  one  and  the  rattle  and  thud  of 
the  other  made  music  in  the  ear  of  the  thrifty  housewife.    Here 
the  flax  which  the  men  had  raised,  threshed,  retted  and  broken, 
the  women  with  distaff  and  spindle  Avrought  into  thread  to  be 

(      372      ) 


THE  TOWy  OF  WESTFIELD 

woven  into  linen— some  of  which  woven  more  than  a  century  ago 
is  among  the  heirlooms  of  Westfield  homesteads  to  day— or  to  be 
woven  with  woolen  yarn  into  linsey-woolsey. 

Over  the  mantel  hung  the  gnn  proved  in  many  a  hunt  and 
relied  upon  as  a  staunch  Aveapon  of  defense.  On  the  mantel  the 
little  hoard  of  books,  well  read  because  without  competitors. 
There  also  was  the  box  containing  the  flint  and  steel,  the  tinder 
and  lint  wherewith  to  start  a  fire,  if  the  fire  on  the  hearth  should 


Old  ••Landloid  Fowler  House,"  Westfield 

go  out.  When  other  sources  of  fire  failed,  a  tramp  to  some  neigh- 
bor's house  must  be  taken  with  tin  lantern  to  bring  home  the 
lighted  candle. 

The  kitchen  was  at  times  the  workshop  of  the  men  and  boys 
as  well  as  of  the  women.  During  the  long  evenings  shingles 
were  shaved,  yokes  and  other  farm  implements  were  fashioned. 

Glancing  at  the  table  and  cupboard,  we  should  notice  that 
pewter  and  woodenware  were  in  common  use.     Crockeiy    was 

(      373      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

sparingly  used  by  settlers  in  the  seventeenth  century.  The  table 
was  supplied  with  articles  of  food  from  the  farm  and  house  gar- 
den. The  smoke-house  and  the  meat  barrels  in  the  cellar  fur- 
nished a  continual  supply  of  meat,  alternated  with  fowl,  game, 
fish  and  the  snow-preserved  fresh  meats  of  winter.  Boiled  din- 
ner, with  Indian  pudding,  was  a  frequent  midday  meal  and  was 
served  cold  at  supper  to  Avorkingmen.  Wheat  bread  seems  to 
have  been  more  common  in  the  seventeenth  than  in  the  eighteenth 
century.  Rye  and  corn  came  to  be  the  common  ingredients  of 
bread.  Brown  bread,  composed  of  two  parts  Indian  meal  and 
one  part  rye,  was  largely  used.  Prof.  Shaler  of  Harvard  has  well 
set  forth  the  value  of  Indian  corn  to  the  settlers.    He  says : 

"The  success  of  the  first  settlements  in  America  w^as  also 
greatly  aided  by  the  fact  that  the  continent  afforded  them  a  new 
and  cheaper  source  of  bread  in  the  maize  or  Indian  corn,  which 
was  everywhere  used  by  the  aborigines  of  America.  It  is  diffi- 
cult to  convey  an  adequate  impression  of  the  importance  of  this 
grain  in  the  early  history  of  America.  In  the  first  place,  it  yields 
not  less  than  twice  the  amount  of  food  per  acre  of  tilled  land, 
Avith  much  less  labor  ( ?)  than  is  required  for  an  acre  of  small 
grains ;  is  far  less  dependent  on  the  changes  of  the  seasons ;  the 
yield  is  much  more  uniform  than  that  of  the  old  European 
grains ;  the  harvest  need  not  be  made  at  such  a  particular  sea- 
son ;  the  crop  may  Avith  little  loss  be  alloAved  to  remain  ungath- 
ered  for  Aveeks  after  the  grain  is  ripe  ;  the  stalks  of  the  grain  need 
not  be  touched  in  the  harvesting,  the  ears  alone  being  gathered ; 
these  stalks  are  of  greater  value  for  forage  than  is  the  straw  of 
wheat  and  other  similar  grains.  Probably  the  greatest  advan- 
tage of  all  that  this  beneficent  plant  afforded  to  the  early  set- 
tlers Avas  the  way  in  Avhich  it  could  be  planted  Avithout  plough- 
ing, amid  the  standing  forest  trees  AA-hich  had  been  only  deadened 
by  having  their  bark  stripped  aAvay  by  the  axe.  .  .  .  Its 
strong  roots  readily  penetrated  deep  into  the  soil,  and  the 
strong  tops  fought  their  Avay  to  the  light  Avith  a  vigor  Avhich  fcAv 
plants  possess.  The  grain  Avas  ready  for  domestic  use  AAnthin 
three  months  from  the  time  of  planting,  and  in  four  months  it 
Avas  ready  for  the  harvest." 

(      374      ) 


THE  TOWy  OF  WESTFIELD 

Tea  niul  colTee  were  long  considered  rare  luxuries  in  most 
families.  Fortunately,  they  have  taken  the  place  of  cider,  so  long 
considered  needful.  Orchards  are  now  reared  for  better  pur- 
poses than  for  the  filling  of  cider  barrels  for  home  consumption. 
In  early  times,  before  the  settlers  had  planted  orchards  or  built 
cider  mills,  home-brewed  beer  was  a  common  drink.  For  many 
decades,  in  the  eighteenth  and  nineteenth  centuries,  a  supply  of 
cider  was  c(msidered  as  important  as  other  articles  of  diet. 
Charles  Francis  Adams  tells  us  that  "to  the  end  of  his  life,  a 
large  tankard  of  hard  cider  w^as  John  Adams's  morning  draught 
before  breakfast ;  and  in  sending  directions  from  Philadelphia 
to  Qnincy  to  her  agent  in  1799,  Mrs.  Adams  takes  care  to  men- 
tion that  the  '  President  hopes  you  wdll  not  omit  to  have  eight  or 
nine  barrels  of  good  late  made  cider  put  up  in  the  cellar  for  his 
own  particular  use.'  " 

Trumbull,  speaking  of  the  meals  of  these  early  times,  says : 
"For  breakfast,  meat  was  seldom  provided,  but  bread  and  milk 
or  bread  and  cider,  hasty  pudding  with  milk  or  molasses,  and 
sometimes  porridge  or  broth,  made  of  peas  or  beans  flavored  by 
being  cooked  with  salt  pork  or  beef,  was  the  usual  fare. 

"Dinner  w-as  deemed  the  most  important,  and  some  kind  of 
meat  or  fish,  with  vegetables,  was  ahvays  served.  Potatoes  were 
unknown ;  but  turnips,  cabbages,  beans  and  a  few  other  veget- 
ables, were  used  to  a  considerable  extent."  Potatoes  w-ere  in- 
troduced into  the  Connecticut  valley  about  1720,  and  were  not 
used  as  a  common  article  of  diet  until  several  years  later. 

One  of  the  oldest  colonial  houses,  built  according  to  the 
plans  we  have  noticed,  is  the  Day  house,  as  it  is  called,  on  the 
high  land  north  of  the  Boston  and  Albany  railroad  and  west  of 
the  trap  rock  ridge;  another  is  the  brick  house  in  Pochassic,  for 
several  years  the  home  of  Barnum  Perry  and  his  family ;  and  an- 
other is  the  IMoseley  house  on  the  north  side  of  Main  street,  just 
east  of  the  junction  of  Meadow  and  Main  streets.  Other  houses 
deserve  mention,  but  these  must  suffice. 

The  genealogy  cennected  with  each  of  these  houses  is  inter- 
esting. We  will  speak  of  those  only  who  have  occupied  the 
Moseley  house,  using  an  account  given  by  one  of  the  family.    In 

(      375      ) 


OVB   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

1677  John  Maudsley  (or  Moseley)  removed  from  Windsor  with 
his  wife,  Mary  Newbury,  to  Westfield,  and  purchased  the  house 
and  store  of  Mr.  Whitney,  w^hich  thenceforth  has  been  known  as 
their  home  or  the  home  of  their  descendants.  Mr.  Moseley  had 
already  proved  his  valor  in  battles  with  the  followers  of  King 
Philip.  Hence,  he  was  warmly  welcomed  to  the  stockaded  hamlet 
and  chosen  lieutenant  of  the  little  company  of  defenders.  He 
was  also  recorded  as  one  of  the  seven  original  members  or  ' '  foun- 
dation men,"  of  the  church  first  organized  under  Rev.  Edward 
Taylor,  in  1677.  The  sons  of  "Lieut.  John"  ''struck  out"  in 
new  paths  for  themselves.  Consider  has  many  descendants  in 
Westfield  and  elsewhere,  one  of  them,  Mrs.  Bingham  (Sybil 
Moseley)   was  among  the  earliest  missionaries  to  the  Sandwich 


Elder  Ambrose  Dav  House 


Islands.  "Quartermaster  John,"  as  he  was  called,  was  another 
son.  He  was  the  father  of  Col.  John  Moseley,  one  of  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  in  the  war  for  independence.  Owing  to  his  pub- 
lic services,  his  name  often  appears  in  the  town  and  in  the  state 
records.  While  the  widow  of  Joseph  (another  son)  was  living  in 
the  house,  we  find  the  record  was  made  upon  the  town  book  that 
the  selectmen  had  agreed  with  one  John  Negro  to  call  the  peo- 
ple to  meeting  by  beating  the  first  drum,  "against  the  widow 
Moseley 's  house  in  good  weather."  This  drum  beating  by  John 
or  some  one  else  for  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  served 
instead  of  bell-ringing  to  promote  punctual  attendance  at  church. 
When  the  first  meeting-house,  near  the  bridge,  over  Little 
river,  became  inadequate  to  the  needs  of  the  growing  town,  in 

(      376      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE^T FIELD 

1719,  measures  were  taken  to  build  another.  After  much  dis- 
cussion and  disagreement  respecting  the  site  for  the  new  build- 
ing, the  town  by  vote  made  Samuel  Partridge  final  arbiter.  His 
decision  was  that  "the  place  for  erecting  and  setting  up  the  new 
Meeting  House,  to  be  the  knowl  on  Capt.  Maudsley's  lot  on  the 
north  side  of  ye  way  behind  his  housing."  This  meeting-house 
stood  not  far  from  the  present  southwest  corner  of  the  Moseley 
place  on  Meadow  and  Main  streets. 

In  1749,  we  find  David  Moseley,  Esq.,  as  he  is  named  in  his. 
commission  from  George  II,  appointing  him  magistrate  of 
Hampshire  county,  occupying  the  Moseley  house.  Like  many 
other  officers  of  law  and  landholders,  during  the  earlier  troubles 
with  the  mother  country,  he  was  known  as  a  tory.  Had  he  lived 
to  feel  the  injustice  of  later  and  more  oppressive  measures  of  the 
home  government  he  would  doubtless  have  helped  to  swell  the 
unanimous  votes  passed  during  the  revolutionary  struggle,  tend- 
ing to  secure  independence.  He  was  the  first  public  surveyor  of 
the  to^^^l.  His  royal  commission  is  still  preserved  by  his  descend- 
ants, and  also  his  compass,  used  in  running  town  and  division 
lines.  His  book  shows  the  "Two  Hundred  Acres  lying  on  the 
Symsbury  Road,"  laid  out  by  him  for  Jacob  Wendell,  Esq.,  of 
Boston.  These  acres  were  afterwards  given  for  the  first  bell 
hung  in  the  "coney"  on  the  town  meeting  house,  near  the 
Moseley  house.  His  son,  also  named  David,  was  a  staunch  pat- 
riot, a  selectman  for  several  years,  serving  in  other  offices  also, 
and  chosen,  in  1775.  one  of  "the  Committee  of  Correspondence 
and  Safety  to  carry  out  the  Plans  of  the  Provincial  Congress  ap- 
pointed by  the  town."  While  serving  in  the  war  for  independ- 
ence he  was  commissioned  colonel  of  the  Third  regiment  of 
militia  in  Hampshire  county.    In  his  diary  we  find : 

"24th  Day  of  Sept.  1777.  I  went  to  Saratoga  in  the  alarm 
of  the  militia :  General  Burgoyne  was  Delivered  into  our  hands 
a  prisoner  of  War  the  17th  day  of  Oct.  1777.  I  returned  home 
the  19th  day  of  Oct.  from  the  camps." 

This  Captain,  afterwards  Colonel,  Moseley,  had  charge  of  at 
least  one  tory  when  a  John  Ingersoll  was  examined  by  the  com- 
mittee and  placed  under  guard. 

(      377      ) 


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TEE  TOWN  OF  ^Y  EST  FIELD 

Time  had  made  sad  inroads  on  doors  and  windows  "since 
this  old  house  was  new,"  and  about  fifty  years  ago  one  of  the 
descendants  of  "Lieut.  Moseley  from  Windsor"  made  repairs 
and  changes.  The  huge  central  chimney,  with  its  wide  fireplaces, 
was  taken  out  and  a  hall  made  through  the  center  of  the  house. 
The  panelled  Avails  were  stripped  of  much  of  their  handiwork 
and  a  modern  finish  substituted.  The  corner  cupboards  were  re- 
moved, windows  changed  and  the  decaying  doors  on  the  front 
and  east  side,  with  their  artistic  carvings,  curved  mouldings  and 
enormous  brass  knockers,  gave  place  to  modern  contrivances. 
Fourteen  brides,  each  bearing  the  name  of  Moseley,  have  been 
married  in  the  "best  room"  on  the  west  side  of  the  house,  dur- 
ing the  more  than  two  hundred  years  in  M-hich  the  house  has 
passed  in  the  same  family  from  generation  to  generation.  Those 
born  and  reared  in  the  Moseley  house,  joining  hands  and  hearts 
with  others,  have  built  up  from  time  to  time  new  homes,  here 
and  elsewhere,  far  and  wide,  under  the  colonial  names.  Noble, 
Ingersoll,  Koot,  Sackett,  Fowler,  Dewey,  Taylor  and  others,  as 
well  as  the  name  of  Moseley. 

Work  was  the  motto  of  the  settlers.  Their  circumstances 
compelled  persistent  industry.  Yet  they  were  not  as  gloomy  a 
people  as  they  are  often  represented.  They  made  "the  wilder- 
ness and  the  solitary  place"  glad  with  their  good  cheer,  born  of 
full  health.  The  variety  of  their  work  made  recreation  less  a 
necessity  for  them  than  for  those  of  the  present  time,  when  di- 
vision of  labor  has  made  so  many  well  nigh  parts  of  the  mechan- 
ism of  a  factory.  Nor  did  they  lack  amusement  and  recreation. 
There  were  training-days,  when  work  was  suspended,  that  the 
militia  might  assemble  on  the  "common"  and  receive  instruc- 
tion and  drill.  The  day  of  annual  muster  was  another  holiday. 
Old  election  day  was  maintained  as  a  holiday  long  after  the  elec- 
tion of  state  officers  was  transferred  from  May  to  November. 
"Raising  day"  was  anticipated  by  every  boy,  as  he  saw  the 
heavy  frame  of  a  building  nearing  completion,  for  he  knew  that 
the  able-bodied  men  and  the  boys  of  the  neighborhood  would 
assemble  in  gladsome  mood  at  the  "raising,"  and  feats  of 
strength,  skill  and  courage  might  be  expected.     It  was  the  cus- 

(      379      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

torn  to  levy  the  tax  for  the  repair  of  the  roads  as  a  separate  tax 
to  be  "worked  out"  under  district  surveyors.  After  planting 
time  the  surveyors  in  the  several  districts  summoned  men  with 
their  teams  to  put  the  roads  in  good  condition.  Boys,  allowed  a 
wage  according  to  their  years,  mingled  with  men.  Working  on 
the  roads  was  a  social  affair.  Local  history,  personal  reminis- 
cence and  mirthful  story  gave  zest  to  the  busy  hours.  The  noon 
hour,  when  under  some  wide,  arching  tree,  each  partook  of  the 
dinner  he  had  brousht.  was  a  time  for  nuich    discussion    of   the 


Old  Washington  Tavern 


questions  of  the  day.  These  were  very  democratic  occasions,  for 
the  minister  and  the  doctor  (though  doctors  were  rare)  worked 
out  their  tax  with  others.  Then,  there  were  husking  parties, 
dancing,  hunting  parties,  games  of  ball,  in  which  all  might  play, 
being  chosen  as  at  evening  spelling  matches  on  one  side  or  the 
other;  spinning  bees  for  the  girls,  and  games  at  neighborhood 
parties,  in  which  all  might  engage,  that  made  the  colonial  houses, 
illuminated  with  generous  hearth  fires,  resound  with  merry-mak- 


ing. 


(      380      ) 


THE  TOUA    OF  MESTFIELD 

That  the  large  fireplaces  were  great  consumers  of  fuel  is  evi- 
dent from  the  annual  supply  of  wood  necessary  for  a  household. 
The  annual  supply  <if  a  minister's  family  is  fairly  known  from 
church  and  town  records.  Mr.  C'hauncy  of  Hatfield  used  from 
fifty  to  sixty  cords.  Mr.  Edwards,  aftei-  174(1.  consumed,  in 
Northampton,  upwards  of  seventy  loads  each  year.  It  has  been 
estimated  that  one  hundred  families  of  Hadley,  as  late  as  1765, 
when  the  size  of  fireplaces  was  less  than  a  century  earlier,  con- 
sumed not  less  than  three  thousand  cords  annually.  Westfield 
burned  as  nuieh  wood  per  family  as  other  towns  in  the  county. 
Sylvester  Judd,  the  historian  of  Hadley,  wrote  :  "The  minister's 
Avood  was  got  on  days  appointed,  and  the  minister  furnished  the 


Ezra  Clapp  Hotel,  built  before  1752 

flip  and  other  drink,  but  not  the  food."  These  were  high  days 
for  young  men,  and  for  some  not  young,  in  Hadley  and  in  other 
towns. 

It  would  seem  that  among  other  amusements  there  must 
have  been  sleigh  rides  in  winter.  Judd  tells  us  that  "the  first 
settlers  of  New  England  knew  nothing  about  sleds  and  sleighs, 
nor  did  they  use  them  for  some  yeare.  In  Hampshire,  wood  was 
sometimes  sledded  before  1670,  but  in  general  it  was  carted  long 
after  that  date.  For  many  years  logs  were  conveyed  to  saw  pits 
and  sawmills  on  wheels,  and  almost  everything  was  carted."  He 
adds:  "There  were  no  sleigh-rides  in  these  towns  till  after  1730 
or  1740."     Later,  as  those  now  living  can  testify,  this  form  of 


(      381      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

winter  amusement  was  common.  Weddings  were  festive  occa- 
sions and  not  infrequently  both  merry  and  boisterous. 

Rev.  John  Ballantine,  who  seems  to  have  made  careful  en- 
tries in  his  diary  of  the  largess  of  his  people,  notes  the 
following  articles  received  on  the  16th  of  October,  the  day  be- 
fore the  marriage  of  his  daughter,  Mary,  to  Capt.  John  Ash- 
ley: "Mrs.  Parks,  one  gallon  of  rum;  Capt.  Moseley,  two  quarts 
of  rum ;  Deacon  Shepard,  a  leg  of  mutton ;  Mrs.  Clapp,  one  quart 
of  rum ;  Thomas  Root,  two  quarts  of  brandy ;  Matthew  Noble, 
flour  and  suet;  Ensign  Noble,  some  butter;  Clark  King,  a  pig; 
Ensign  Ingersoll,  two  quarts  of  rum ;  Mrs.  Ashley,  a  loin  of  mut- 
ton and  butter ;  Moseley,  a  pig  and  three  fowls ;  A.  Weller,  some 
apples ;  Mrs.  Ford,  cabbage  and  potatoes ;  L.  Noble,  two  fowls ; 
D.  Root,  two  quarts  of  brandy." 

In  this  list  articles  are  not  wanting  adapted  to  stimulate 
hilarity.  If  they  were  placed  on  the  table  they  would  hardly 
correspond  to  a  modern  array  of  bridal  presents. 

The  bridegroom  above  named  was  a  resident  of  Sheffield, 
and  in  the  time  of  Shays'  rebellion  major-general  of  the  state 
militia.  The  lineage  of  the  bride,  Mary,  was  restored  to  AVest- 
field  in  the  person  of  Jane  P.  Ashley,  her  granddaughter,  who 
married  William  G.  Bates  in  1830. 

The  dress  of  the  bride  was  often  as  expensive  as  her  cir- 
cumstances allowed.  The  "coming  out  groom  and  bride"  were 
always  expected  at  the  church  services  on  the  Sabbath  imme- 
diately following  the  wedding.  The  law  of  1647,  imposing  a  fine 
of  £5  for  gaining  the  affections  of  a  girl  with  intent  of  marriage, 
before  having  obtained  permission  from  her  parents  or  guar- 
dians, does  not  appear  to  have  been  applied  to  any  suitor  in 
Westfield  or  in  Hampden  county. 

Lechford,  in  his  "News  from  New  England,"  says  of  fu- 
nerals in  1642:  "At  burials,  nothing  is  read,  nor  any  funeral 
sermon  made,  but  all  the  neighborhood,  or  a  good  company  of 
them,  come  together  by  tolling  of  the  bell,  and  carry  the  dead  sol- 
emnly to  his  grave,  and  there  stand  by  him  while  he  is  buried." 
The  earlier  ministers  of  New  England,  we  are  told,  refrained 
from  prayers  at  funerals,  because  there  was  in  the  Bible  neither 

(      382      ) 


TEE  TOM'N  OF  WESTFIELD 

precept  nor  example  for  such  prayers.  Near  the  close  of  the 
seventeenth  century  prayers  at  funerals  were  not  uncommon, 
and  twenty  years  later  Mather  tells  us  that  the  minister  in  many 
towns  made  a  prayer  at  the  house  and  a  short  speech  at  the 
grave. 

The  English  custom  of  a  bountiful  meal  at  the  house  of  the 
deceased  just  after  the  funeral  had  justification  among  the  colo- 
nists in  the  fact  that  the  homes  of  many  attending  were  at  a  dis- 
tance. That  these  meals  should  be  of  a  festive  sort  can  hardly 
be  excused  on  the  ground  that  they  were  a  means  of  allaying 
grief.  The  day  before  the  burial  of  his  wife  we  find  Pareon  Bal- 
lantine  made  the  following  entries  in  his  diary,  showing  that  his 
people  were  mindful  of  his  needs : 

Donation  Mr.  Zachariah  Bush,  — piece  of  fresh  meat 

''  "     Bohan  King,— spare  rib; 

"  "     John  Phelps.     2  fowls,  suet,  sugar. 

"  "     Capt.  Bush,    2  pieces  of  fresh  meat. 

"  "     Deacon  Mather,  2  fowls,  biscuit  and  pie. 

"  "     Mr.  Morse,   piece  of  fresh  meat. 

*'  ''     John  Atwater,  Butler's  cake. 

"  "     Dr.  Whitney,  bottle  of  cherry  rum  etc. 

"  "     Mr.  Samuel  Fowler,  bottle  of  cherry  rum. 

What  Mr.  Ballantine  bought  to  supplement  these  gifts  we 
do  not  know;  but  we  may  believe  the  supply  for  the  meal  that 
followed  the  funeral  exercises  was  ample. 

The  simplicity  and  the  limited  means  of  country  people  for- 
bade their  adoption  of  many  of  the  extravagant  customs  of  the 
aristocracy  in  Boston— customs  brought  mainly  from  London. 
We  are  told  that  "in  some  cases,  gloves  were  lavishly  given  — 
700  pairs  at  one  funeral  1000  pairs  at  another,  and  above  3000 
pairs  and  200  rings  at  the  funeral  of  A.  Faneuil  in  Boston  in 
1738.  A  Boston  minister,  in  1728,  estimated  that  the  rings  and 
gloves  which  he  received  at  funerals  in  a  year  were  worth  £15." 
During  King  Philip's  war  many  believed  that  the  sufferings 
the  settles  endured  were  the  result  of  their  wickedness.  Rev. 
Solomon  Stoddard  of  Northampton,  writing  to  Increase  Mather, 
says :    "I  desire  that  you  would  speak  to  the  Governor  that  there 

(      383      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

may  be  some  thorough  care  for  a  reformation,"  and  among  the 
"many  sins  grown  in  fashion"  he  mentions  "intolerable  pride  in 
clothes  and  hair."  At  the  November  session  of  the  legislature, 
in  1675,  many  sins  were  noted,  with  penalties  provided  for  those 
who  yielded  to  them.  Under  previous  sumptuary  laws  three 
Westfield  women  were  "presented,"  in  1673,  for  wearing  silk 
contrary  to  law.  In  1676  scores  of  persons  in  the  Connecticut 
valley  were  fined,  some  for  wearing  silk  in  a  "flaunting  man- 
ner," and  others  for  indulging  in  long  hair.  Five  of  these  were 
from  Westfield.  But  then,  as  now,  men  admired  beautiful  dress 
and  the  Avomen  Avere  not  averse,  so  that  the  sumptuary  laws  soon 
became  obsolete. 

We  quote  a  paragraph  from  the  history  of  Pittsfield,  as  it 
gives  a  glimpse  of  some  of  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Westfield 
as  inhabitants  of  that  town.  "Still  another  class  of  festivities, 
less  generally  remembered,  were  the  evening  suppers,  at  which 
the  choicest  of  substantial  country  luxuries— from  the  goose  and 
turkey,  down  to  the  pumpkin-pie  and  nut-cake,  not  forgetting 
apples,  chestnuts  and  cider — were  served  in  turn  at  the  houses 
of  circles  of  friend's,  who  formed  a  kind  of  informal  club ;  the 
most  flourishing  of  Avhieh  was  the  Woronokers,  composed  of  im- 
migrants from  Westfield,  and  their  descendants— a  right  hearty 
and  jovial  set  of  men,  noted  for  stalwart  frames,  vigorous  and 
manly  intellects,  integrity  of  character,  and  devotion  to  the 
democratic  party. ' ' 

Holland  says  that  a  large  portion  of  the  inhabitants  of  Pitts- 
field  at  the  time  of  its  incorporation,  1761,  Avere  from  Westfield. 

Meeti)ig-IIonses.—We  are  accustomed  to  speak  of  church 
buildings  as  churches.  The  early  settlers  designated  their  houses 
for  Sabbath  gatherings,  meeting-houses,  for  they  Avere  used,  when- 
ever they  met  together,  to  transact  any  business  requiring  the 
meeting  together  of  the  people.  Some  room  in  the  fort,  or 
' '  f orted  house, ' '  Avas  probably  used  for  Sabbath  meetings  by  the 
people  of  Westfield  previous  to  1672.  In  December  of  that  year 
we  find  the  toAvn  voted  "that  the  toAvn  Avill  go  on  Avith  building 
a  meeting  house  Avith  all  convenient  speed  as  may  be.  The  di- 
mensions are  as  folloAVS;  — about  thirty-six  feet  square.     [Height 

(      384      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

of  ceiling]  is  fourteen  feet  and  for  form  like  the  Hatfield  meet- 
ing house. ' '  According  to  tradition,  the  settlement  begun  on  the 
north  side  of  the  "Westfield  river,  and  the  settlement  at  Little 
river  on  the  Windsor  road,  strove  with  each  other  and  with  the 
settlement  between  the  rivers,  respecting  the  location  of  the 
meeting  house.  Each  wished  the  house  to  be  located  in  its  own 
precincts.  After  it  was  decided  to  build  it  on  the  "fort  side," 
not  far  from  the  confluence  of  the  rivers,  there  still  was  diversity 
of  opinion  respecting  the  place  in  which  it  should  stand.  The 
record  says  that  "after  solemn  looking  to  God,  the  lotts  were 
drawn.  The  lot  came  forth  on  the  place  before  CTOodman  Phelps' 
or  Goodman  Gunn's,  on  the  point." 

This  first  meeting  house  was  probably  made  of  logs  and 
stood  on  the  north  side  of  Main  street  on  the  terrace  near  the  con- 
fluence of  the  rivers  and  a  little  northwest  of  the  bridge  over 
Little  river.  A  central  aisle  led  from  the  entrance  to  the  pulpit. 
On  each  side  of  this  aisle,  and  at  right  angles  to  it,  were  the  long 
benches  that  filled  the  body  of  the  church.  On  the  sides  of  the 
church  were  benches  perhaps  at  right  angles  to  those  filling  the 
body  of  the  house.     These  were  the  flank  seats. 

As  the  little  community  increased  in  numbers  more  seats 
were  needecL  By  vote  of  the  town,  May  10,  1703,  "Gallareyes" 
were  built  on  each  side  of  the  meeting  house.  The  end  gallery 
opposite  the  pulpit  may  have  been  built  when  the  church  was 
built. 

The  body  seats  decreased  in  dignity  from  front  to  rear.  The 
dignity  of  other  seats  was  determined  by  vote  of  the  town  acting 
upon  a  report  of  a  committee  previously  appointed.  Change  in 
seats  of  the  church  required  a  new  dignifying  of  seats. 

At  a  town  meeting  held  the  same  year  that  the  side  galleries 
were  put  in,  among  other  matters,  it  was  voted  "to  build  pcAVs  in 
ye  meeting  house  Avhere  ye  flank  seats  now  stand."  It  Avas  also 
"voted  that  the  fore  pew  is  in  Dignity  betv^^een  the  fore  seats  in 
ye  body  and  ye  Table  and  the  second  pew  to  be  in  Dignity  be- 
town  ye  first  and  second  seats  in  ye  body ;  and  the  fore  Gallary 
is  accounted  to  be  in  Dignity  between  ye  second  and  third  seats 
in  ye  body ;  and  the  side  fore  seats  in  ye  Gallary  to  be  in  Dignity 

35-2  (      385      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

between  the  third  and  forth  in  ye  body  and  ye  second  seats  in 
fore  Gallary  to  be  in  dignity  between  ye  fifth  and  sixth  seats  in 
ye  body ;  and  the  Alley  seats  in  ye  Gallary  to  be  in  Dignity  with 
the  sixth  seats  in  ye  body;  and  ye  second  seats  in  the  side  Gal- 
lary to  be  in  betAveen  the  sixth  and  seventh  seats  in  ye  body." 

It  was  also  ' '  voted  yt  Capt.  Phelps,  Sergt  Root,  Xathl  Ban- 
croft, Saml  Ashley  &  Thomas  Noble  Junr,  are  chosen  to  seat  per- 
sons in  the  meeting  house. ' ' 

If  the  town  concurred  with  the  report  of  the  committee,  as 
was  the  usual  custom,  there  was  no  seating  anew  for  some  years, 
until  a  change  of  population  made  a  new  seating  necessary. 

The  general  rules  for  seating  guiding  the  seating  committee 
were  enunciated  at  times  by  vote  of  the  town  and  were  quite  uni- 
form. December  10,  1722.  upon  the  completion  of  the  second 
meeting-house  (the  first  being  at  that  time  inadequate),  which 
stood  on  Main  street,  just  east  of  Meadow  street,  the  seating 
committee  Avas  ordered  "to  seat  by  age  and  estate  only,  and  that 
so  much  estate  as  any  man's  list  is  advanced  by  negroes  shall  be 
excluded  and  cast  out."  Also  that  the  seating  should  be  done 
''by  nine  men  in  three  distinct  companies,  and  so  the  major  part 
of  them  agreeing  to  stand ;  and  that  no  man  shall  be  seated  for 
more  than  only  a  third  part  of  what  estate  he  hath  by  hire  or  by 
marrying  a  widow." 

At  a  new  seating  several  years  later  the  "seators"  were  en- 
joined by  vote  of  the  town  "to  observe  that  three  pounds  on  his 
(one's)  list  shall  be  accounted  equal  to  one  year  of  age,  and  to 
seat  according  to  age,  estate,  and  qualifications  according  to  their 
best  judgment."  We  cannot  tell  what  heartburnings  this  seat- 
ing caused 

"AYlien  in  order  due  and  fit 
As  by  public  vote  directed,  ranked  and  classed  the  people  sit ; 
.     .     .     Clerkly  squire  before  the  clown 

From  the  brave  coat  lace-embroidered  to  the  gray  frock  shad- 
ing down." 

In  1772  it  was  voted  to  new  seat  the  church  by  the  ' '  Auction 
Rule."     Our  readers  are  acquainted  with  this  method. 

The  second  church  building,  of  which  we  have  spoken,  was 
in  accordance  with  a  vote  passed  November  17,  1719,  "to  build  a 

(      386      ) 


i£       3  .£ 


a  3 


S 


O     5 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

meeting  house  barn  fation  with  a  bell  coney  upon  the  middle  of 
it,  fifty  two  foots  in  length  and  forty  one  foots  in  breadth." 
"Barn  fation"  meant  having  two  roofs  and  gables.  The  gables 
are  said  to  have  been  on  the  north  and  south  ends.  The  bell,  for 
which  two  hundred  acres  of  land  were  exchanged,  took  the  place 
of  the  drum-call  to  meeting,  and  was  rung  by  a  rope  reaching 
to  the  middle  of  the  church  floor.  This  building  was  in  size  a 
little  larger  than  the  main  building  of  the  Westfield  atheneum, 
which  is  forty-six  by  forty-two  feet. 

The  raising  of  this  building  Avas  a  town  affair,  and  is  a  fa- 
mous example  of  such  occasions.  No  one  has  chronicled  the  do- 
ings of  the  day ;  we  can  only  quote  from  the  town  records  the  pre- 
paratory votes. 

June  6,  1720,  "it  was  voated  by  the  town  that  they  would 
begin  to  raise  the  meeting  house  on  WednesDay  morning,  at  2 
hours  by  the  sun  in  the  morning,  the  8th  day  of  this  instant 
June,  (assembling)  to  work,  at  the  beat  of  the  drum  every  morn- 
ing, until  it  is  done." 

"It  was  also  voted  that  all  men  belonging  to  the  town  shall 
assist  in  the  w^ork  of  raising  the  meeting  house,  from  seventeen 
years  of  age  and  upwards,  on  pain  and  penalty  of  three  shillings 
per  day  for  every  day's  neglect  during  the  time  of  raising,  ex- 
cept all  such  as  shall  make  a  satisfactory  excuse  unto  the  comitey 
yt  have  the  charge  of  ye  Mater.  It  was  also  voted  that  the  com- 
itey shall  have  liberty  to  prepare  four  or  five  barels  of  beer  at 
the  Town's  Charge  for  that  concern  above  mentioned  and  that 
Captain  Phelps,  Deacon  Nolles  &  Deacon  Ashley  should  go  and 
desire  Mr.  Taylor  to  come  to  the  place  of  raising  the  meeting- 
house then  &  there  at  the  time  apointed  to  seek  to  God  for  his 
guide  and  protection  in  the  work  of  raising." 

Whether  the  raisers  needed  protection  from  timbers,  or  from 
beer,  is  indefinite.  This  vote  leads  us  to  infer  that  it  was  too 
early  as  yet  for  the  English  custom  of  beer  drinking  to  yield  to 
the  drinking  of  cider,  which  became  general  before  the  close  of 
the  century.  That  long  seats  filled  the  body  of  the  house  in  this 
building  as  in  the  old  is  evident  from  a  later  vote  "to  take  out 
all  the  long  seats  in  the  body  of  the  meeting-house  and  build  or 

(      388      ) 


THE  TO^VN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

make  pews  in  their  places.''  In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day 
the  vote  was  reconsidered  and  lost.  Fifty  years  ago  in  attending 
meetings  in  the  conference  room  of  the  Congregational  church 
the  women  occupied  the  seats  at  the  minister's  left  and  the  men 
those  at  the  right.  This  custom  seems  to  have  been  an  old  Eng- 
lish custom,  still  strictly  enforced  in  some  of  the  churches  of 
England  and  maintained  in  Westfield  in  the  long  seats  of  the 
earlier  church  buildings. 

That  the  church  buildings  had  a  men's  side  and  a  women's 
side  is  evident  from  the  vote  of  the  town  in  January,  1748-49, 
when  it  was  voted  "to  build  a  pew  for  the  minister's  wife  and 
family,  the  woman's  side  of  the  house."  Pews  restored  the  fam- 
ily in  the  church  seats. 

It  appears  that  for  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  years 
the  people  of  Westfield  attended  church  without  any  means  of 
warming  the  church  building.  An  ample  force  of  "tithing 
men"  was  maintained  all  the  while,  who,  according  to  the  vote 
of  the  town,  were  to  "have  full  power  to  take  especial  care  that 
all  disordei's  in  the  meeting  house,  especially  upon  the  Sabbath 
day,  are  stilled,  and  to  give  such  correction  that  they  shall  think 
fit,  unto  the  boys,  to  keep  them  in  order. "  It  is  not  strange  that 
the  boys  in  the  gallery  were  restive  under  the  long  sermons,  and 
were  sometimes  noisy  as  they  attempted  to  warm  their  feet  by 
striking  their  boots  together.  When  it  was  first  proposed  in  iovm 
meeting  that  the  Congregational  society  should  raise  money  for 
stoves  the  vote  of  the  moderator  decided  the  tie  vote  in  the  af- 
firmative :  but  a  reconsideration  followed  and  reference  to  a  com- 
mittee to  report.  December,  1827,  in  the  third  meeting-house,  to 
be  described  hereafter,  the  innovation,  so  long  dreaded  by  many, 
came.  The  town  voted  that  the  "selectmen  provide  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  Congregational  society  of  this  town,  two  stoves  to- 
gether with  pipes,  not  to  exceed  in  am't  80  dollars." 

William  G.  Bates,  in  his  ' '  Pictures  of  Westfield, ' '  says :  ' ' AVe 
cannot  conclude,  without  referring  to  an  incident,  in  those  times, 
strongly  illustrating  the  power  of  the  imagination.  'The  meeting- 
house' was  then  unwarmed.  There  was  no  fireplace  or  stove  in  it, 
and  no  provision  for  heat,  except  a  hot  brick,  or  soap-stone,  or  a 

(      389      ) 


OLE  COUMY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

foot-stove.  There  were,  besides,  no  sidewalks,  as  we  have  now ; 
and  the  article  of  overshoes  was  confined  to  a  few  persons.  The 
congTegation  iised  to  wade  'to  meeting.'  sit  with  wet  feet  during 
a  long  sermon,  and  then  hurry  home  to  those  restoring  influences, 
which  so  effectually  guarded  against  colds.  The  project  was  agi- 
tated, of  warming  'the  meeting-house.'  It  met  with  a  furious 
opposition.  Dr.  Atwater  was  one  of  the  innovators;  yet  even  his 
opinions  could  not  dispel  the  dread  of  stove-heat.  At  last 
[many  yeare  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Atwater],  two  stoves 
were  put  in.  Some  said,  'Oh  how  comfortable!'  Said  oth- 
ers, 'It  makes  me  faint  !'  On  the  second  Sunday,  owing  to  a 
neglect  to  provide  fuel,  no  fires  Avere  built.  But  the  stoves  were 
there !  One  lady,  of  Court  street,  who  was  annoyed  on  the  first 
Sunday,  was  still  more  annoyed  on  the  second.  She  at  first  re- 
sorted to  the  reviving  fan.  She  brandished  it  furiously,  but  its 
breezes  could  not  cool  that  odious  and  distressing  stove-heat.  She 
untied  her  bonnet-strings,  threw  off  her  shawl,  and  opened  her 
cloak :  but  the  stove-heat  increased  upon  her.  Unable  longer  to 
sustain  the  fury  of  the  Nebuchadnezzarean  furnace,  she  rushed 
doAAm  the  broad  aisle,  and  sought  relief  from  the  internal  heat  in 
an  atmosphere  of  20  degrees  beloAv  zero.  It  may  readily  be  im- 
agined, that  good  old  Parson  Knapp  Avas  seized  Avith  a  fit  of 
coughing  about  that  time,  and  that  the  congregation  AA^ondered, 
hoAV  tAvo  cold  stoves  could  produce  such  an  inflammation  in  only 
one  person." 

The  relation  of  the  ministers  of  early  Ncav  England  to  their 
people  is  vividly  portrayed  by  MclNIaster.  "High  as  the  doctors 
stood  in  the  good  graces  of  their  felloAV-men,  the  ministers  formed 
a  yet  more  respected  class  of  New  England  society.  In  no  other 
section  of  the  country  had  religion  so  firm  a  hold  on  the  affec- 
tions of  the  people.  NoAvhere  else  were  men  so  truly  devout,  and 
the  minister  held  in  such  high  esteem.  It  had,  indeed,  from  the 
days  of  the  founders  of  the  colony  been  the  fashion  among  Ncav 
Englanders  to  look  to  the  pastor  Avith  profound  reverence,  not 
unmingled  Avith  aAve.  He  Avas  not  to  them  as  other  men  were. 
He  Avas  the  just  man  made  perfect ;  the  oracle  of  DiA'ine  Avill ;  the 
sure  guide  to  truth.    The  heedless  one  Avho  absented  himself  from 

(      390      ) 


THE  TOir.Y  OF  ^y  EST  FIELD 

the  preaching'  on  a  Sabbath  was  hunted  up  by  the  tithing  man, 
Avas  admonished  severely,  and  if  he  still  persisted  in  his  evil  ways, 
was  tined,  exposed  in  the  stocks,  or  imprisoned  in  the  cage. 

"In  snch  a  community  the  authority  of  the  reverend  man 
was  almost  supreme.  To  speak  disrespectfully  concerning  him, 
to  jeer  at  his  sermons,  or  to  laugh  at  his  odd  ways,  was  sure  to 
bring  down  on  the  offender  a  heavy  fine.  His  adA'ice  was  often 
sought  on  matters  of  state,  nor  did  he  hesitate  to  give,  unasked, 
his  opinion  on  what  he  considered  the  arbitrary  acts  of  the  high 
functionaries  of  the  province.  In  the  years  immediately  pre- 
ceding the  war,  the  power  of  the  minister  in  matters  of  govern- 
ment and  politics  had  been  greatly  impaired  by  the  rise  of  that 
class  of  laymen  in  the  foremost  rank  of  which  stood  Otis,  Han- 
cock and  Samuel  Adams.  Yet  his  spiritual  influence  was  as  great 
as  ever.  He  was  still  a  member  of  the  most  learned  and  respected 
class  in  a  community  by  no  means  ignorant.  He  was  a  divine  and 
came  of  a  family  of  divines.  Not  a  few  of  the  preachers  who  wit- 
nessed the  revolution,  could  trace  descent  through  an  unbroken 
line  of  ministers,  stretching  back  from  son  to  father  for  three 
generations,  to  some  canting,  psalm-singing  Puritan,  who  bore 
arms  with  distinction  on  the  great  day  at  Naseby,  or  had  prayed 
at  the  head  of  Oliver's  troops,  and  had,  at  the  restoration,  when 
old  soldiers  of  the  Protector  were  turning  their  swords  into  reap- 
ing-hooks and  their  pikes  into  pruning-knives,  come  over  to  New 
England  to  seek  liberty  of  worship  not  found  at  home.  Such  a 
man  had  usually  received  a  learned  education  at  Harvard  or  at 
Yale,  and  would,  in  these  days,  be  thought  a  scholar  of  high  at- 
tainments. Of  the  men  who  Sunday  after  Sunday  preached  to 
the  farmers  and  blacksmithsof  the  petty  villages,  one  had  explored 
the  treasures  of  Hebrew  literature,  another  was  an  authority  on 
matters  of  Greek  grammar,  while  a  third  added  to  his  classical  ac- 
quirements a  knowledge  of  metaphysics  and  philosophy.  His  nar- 
roAvmindedness  and  sectarianism,  his  proneness  to  see  in  the  com- 
monest events  of  daily  life  manifestations  of  Divine  wrath,  his 
absurd  pedantry,  his  fondness  for  scraps  of  Latin,  may  well  seem 
laughable.     Yet,  bigoted  as  he  was.  the  views  he  held  and  the 

(      391      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

doctrines  he  preached  would  by  his  great-grandfather  have  been 
despised  as  latitudinarian.  Compared  M'ith  Cotton  or  Hooker,  a 
New  England  minister  of  1784  had  indeed  made  vast  strides  to- 
ward toleration.  He  was  a  very  different  man  from  the  fanatics 
who  burned  Catholics  at  the  stake,  who  drove  out  the  Quakers, 
who  sent  Roger  Williams  to  find  an  asylum  among  the  Indians  of 
Rhode  Island,  and  sat  in  judgment  on  the  witches  of  Salem  and 
Andover.  In  the  general  advance  from  ignorance  toward 
knowledge,  the  whole  line  was  going  forward. ' ' 

Speaking  of  the  minister  just  after  the  war  of  the  revolu- 
tion, McMaster  says:  "When  at  last  the  independence  the  min- 
ister so  much  wished  was  achieved,  he  found  himself,  with  all  his 
neighbors,  in  the  depth  of  poverty.  His  stipend,  which  had  once 
been  paid  with  punctuality  to  the  last  pistareen,  was  now  delayed 
till  long  after  the  day  of  payment,  and  often  consisted  of  bar- 
rels of  turnips,  bushels  of  corn,  sacks  of  beans  and  flitches  of 
bacon.  Patches  appeared  on  his  homespun  suit,  and  in  extreme 
need  he  betook  himself  in  his  moments  of  leisure  to  teaching 
school.  His  home  was  turned  into  a  seminary  for  half  a  dozen 
boys,  whom  he  undertook,  for  a  miserable  pittance,  to  board, 
lodge,  and  fit  for  college.  Yet  his  dignity  and  self-complacency 
were  never  for  a  moment  laid  aside.  He  had  succeeded  his  father 
in  the  pastorship  of  the  little  white  meeting-house,  and  he  never 
left  his  charge  till  he  was  carried  out  to  be  laid  away  in  the  shade 
of  the  elm  and  chestnut  trees  in  the  burying  ground  beside  the 
church. 

"His  sermon  was  the  one  event  of  the  week.  There  were  no 
concerts,  no  plays,  no  lectures,  none  of  the  amusements  which 
in  the  great  towns  like  Boston,  drew  away  the  thoughts  from  re- 
ligion. On  a  Sabbath  the  whole  village  turned  out  in  force  with 
note  book  and  pencil  to  take  down  the  text  and  so  much  of  the 
discussion  as  they  could,  and,  when  the  services  were  over,  drew 
up  along  the  aisle  to  let  the  great  man  and  his  family  pass  out 
first.  Nor  were  his  discourses  altogether  undeserving  such 
marks  of  distinction.  ...  In  truth,  of  the  writers  who,  up 
to  the  peace,  and  for  many  years  after,  put  forth  treatises,  argu- 
ments, and  expositions  on  metaphysical  themes,  scarcely  one  can 

(      392      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  ^Y  EST  FIELD 

be  named  who  was  not  a  native  of  New  England,  and  a  pastor  of 
a  New  England  church." 

Town  Ministers.— The  earlier  ministers  in  Westfield  were 
ministers  of  the  town,  selected  by  authority  of  the  town  and  paid 
by  town  appropriations.  March  19,  1666,  the  town  appropriated 
a  lot  of  twelve  acres  for  the  minister.  According  to  the  account 
of  Rev.  Edward  Taylor,  written  a  few  years  later : 

"Westfield,  then  Warronnokee,  coming  to  be  an  English 
plantation,  had  at  first  Mr.  John  Holyoake,  son  of  that  Godly 
Captain  Elizur  Holyoake  of  Springfield,  to  dispense  ye  word  of 
life  amongst  them  Ano  Dmi  1667,  about  half  a  year ;  but  in  ye 
beginning  of  winter  following,  he,  as  finding  ye  ministry  of  the 
word  too  heavie  for  him,  desisted :  from  which  time  till  ye  be- 
ginning of  winter  1668  they  had  no  minister." 

Springfield  was  still  recognized  as  the  parent  colony.  Co- 
operating with  a  committee  at  Springfield,  it  was  voted,  in  1668, 
''that  Capt.  Cook  shall  go  into  the  Bay  to  procure  a  minister." 
The  record  of  this  qviest  is  wanting,  but  he  probably  obtained 
Rev.  Moses  Fisk,  son  of  a  minister  of  the  church  at  Chelmsford, 
for  he  served  as  minister  three  years.  They  then  tried  to  obtain 
a  Mr.  Adams  from  Dedham,  but  failed,  finding  him  "not  as  yet 
movable  from  ye  collidge." 

Mr.  Edward  Taylor  was  the  next  minister  sought  and  ob- 
tained. He  was  the  minister  selected  by  the  town  soon  after  its 
organization.  The  town,  including  every  man,  woman  and  child 
within  its  borders,  was  his  parish.  For  more  than  half  a  cent- 
ury, during  its  early  formative  period,  he  was  the  religious,  the 
educational,  and,  in  large  degree,  the  civil  leader  of  the  town.- 
An  outline  of  his  life  cannot  fail  to  present  facts  of  importance 
relating  to  the  early  history  of  the  town.  A  letter  by  one  of  his 
descendants,  Henry  W.  Taylor,  Esq.,  of  Canandaigua,  to  William 
G.  Bates  and  dated  October  1,  1869,  gives  some  facts  pertaining 
to  the  early  life  of  Rev.  Edward  Taylor.    Prom  this  we  quote  : 

"He  was  born  in  England,  educated  for  the  ministry,  stud- 
ied seven  years  in  one  of  their  universities;  but  the  ejection  of 
2,000  dissenting  clergymen  in  1662,  and  the  persecutions  which 
that  class  of  Christians  sufi'ered,  induced  him  to  a  voluntary  ex- 

(      393      ) 


01 R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

ile.  It  seeiiis  he  was  then  an  ardent  anti-monarchist,  and  his 
early  writings  are  said  to  breathe,  in  no  doubtful  terms,  his 
strong  aversion  to  the  rulings  of  the  existing  dynasty.  He  was, 
through  his  whole  life,  a  most  voluminous  writer,  keeping  a  diary 
of  the  running  events  of  his  life,  and  recording  things  of  pass- 
ing interest.  He  left  a  large  number  of  written  folio  volumes, 
and  he  was  in  the  habit  of  transcribing,  with  his  own  hand,  the 
books  which  were  loaned  to  him  by  his  friend.  Judge  Sewall  of 
Boston.  Mr.  Taylor  also  studied  medicine ;  and  during  his  life 
was  accustomed  to  minister  as  well  to  the  diseases  of  the  body,  as 
of  the  soul.  He  also  gave  attention  to  the  study  of  natural  his- 
tory, and  some  of  his  compositions  were  published  in  the  scien- 
tific literature  of  the  day." 

The  description  of  Mr.  Taylor's  voyage  across  the  Atlantic 
his  residence  in  Cambridge  and  his  entering  upon  the  work  of 
the  ministry  in  Westfield  we  quote  from  his  diary : 

"Anno  Domini  1668.  April  22,  being  Lord's  day,  between 
ten  and  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  I  came  for  sea,  taking  boat  at 
Execution  Dock,  Wapping.  They  got  to  the  Downs,  May  1,  and 
we  are  forced  to  tarry  for  the  winds.  I  sent  a  letter  to  London 
and  another  to  Sketchley.  May  3,  I  had  a  sad  forenoon,  but  to- 
ward evening  the  ship-master  sent  for  me,  and  enjoined  me  to  go 
to  prayer  with  them.  ^la}'  14,  against  Dover.  I  sent  a  letter  to 
my  brother  Richard.  ]May  15,  against  the  Isle  of  AVight.  May 
20,  against  the  Lisard.  Lord's  day.  May  24,  I  then  being  put  to 
exercise  spoke  from  John  3d,  3d.  May  31,  Lord's  day,  wind 
west.  I  was  very  sick,  so  that  I  could  not  perform  the  duties  of 
the  day.  June  7,  our  latitude  is  forty-three  degrees.  These  two 
last  days  we  sailed  Avell  nigh  150  leagues.  I  being  somewhat  bet- 
ter in  health  than  before,  did  exercise  from  and  apply  the  doc- 
trine that  before  I  approved.  June  13,  we  exercised  from  Isaiah 
3d,  11th.  June  18,  our  latitude  41  degrees,  longitude  51  degrees. 
After  dinner  I  read  the  4th  chapter  of  John,  in  Greek.  Lord's 
day,  June  21,  I  approved  the  doctrine  I  delivered  the  Lord's  day 
before.  Lord's  day,  June  28,  I  exercised  from  the  words,  "For 
the  reward  of  their  hands  shall  be  given  them,''  Isaiah  3d,  11th. 
July  2d,  sounded  50  fathoms.    July  4th,  thick  fog;  seeing  land 

(      394      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  WESTFIELD 

on  both  hands,  Plymouth  on  the  left  and  Salem  on  the  right,  to- 
wards snn-setting',  about  five  o'clock  we  saw  the  Island  in  our 
passage  up  to  Boston.  About  three  o'clock  on  Lord's  day,  July 
5th,  in  the  morning  we  came  to  shore.  July  23d  I  was  admitted 
into  the  college,  pupil  under  Mr.  Thomas  Graves,  Sir  Fellow  in 
a  great,  yet  civil  class.  I  continued  there  three  years  and  a  quar- 
ter, all  which  time  I  was  college  butler.  I  proposed  to  lay  dowTi 
my  place  at  the  commencement.  The  President  by  his  incessant 
request  and  desires  prevailed  with  me  to  tarry  in  it,  as  for  three 
years  before;  but  after  a  quarter's  trial  he  (I)  was  invited  by 
Mr.  Thomas  Flint  of  Braintree  to  come  and  study  with  him.  He 
(I)  went  in  1671,  but  soon  returned  and  settled  in  the  college, 
and  was  instituted  scholar  of  the  house  the  16th  day  of  Novem- 
ber, 1671 :  but  the  17th  being  quarter  day,  Thomas  Dewey  a  mes- 
senger from  Westfield  on  Connecticut  river,  to  the  Bay  to  get  a 
minister  for  the  people,  being  by  eight  or  nine  elders,  met  at  the 
lecture  at  Boston,  directed  to  myself,  came  to  me  with  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Increase  Mather ;  and  whom,  for  ansAver,  I  referred  to 
the  Rev.  President  Chauncey  and  FelloAvs ;  and  finding  Mr.  Dan- 
forth  for  it,  Mr.  Oakes  indifferent,  rather  advising  to  it,  the 
President  altogether  against  it." 

At  this  time  the  President  and  Fellows  wanted  to  retain  Mr. 
Taylor  for  a  Fellow.  But  Mr.  Danforth  the  Chief  Magistrate- 
advised,  and  did  on  the  18th  advise  Anth  Mr.  Increase  Mather 
and  Mr.  Flint.    Their  advice  was  positive  for  going  to  Westfield. 

"Nov.  27,  I  set  out  with  ]\Ir.  Dewey,  and  arrived  at  West- 
field  Dec.  1.  On  Lord's  day  I  preached  to  them  from  Matthew 
3d,  2d — my  first  sermon,  Dec.  3,  1671. 

"My  going  to  Westfield  Avith  Mr.  DeAvey,  Avas  a  great  part 
of  the  way,  by  markd  trees :  I  arrived  and  lodged  the  first  night 
at  Captain  Cook's,  in  the  little  village." 

The  Westfield  settlement  Avas  small  Avhen  ]\Ir.  Taylor  came 
into  it :  the  cloud  of  King  Philip 's  Avar  was  gathering  about  to- 
burst  in  devastation  and  slaughter  upon  the  scattered  towns ; 
Westfield  seemed  especially  exposed  to  attack,  being  the  Avestern- 
most  settlement.  It  seemed  to  be  no  time  to  organize  churches 
and  provide  for  the  needs  of  a  fixed  population.     HoAvever  hope- 

(      395      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  M'ESTFIELD 

fill  the  outlook,  when  Mr.  'I'aylor  found  his  Avay  with  i\Ir.  Dewey 
on  their  horses  through  the  forest  from  Cambridge  to  AVestfield, 
times  soon  changed  for  the  worse,  and  whether  this  outpost  of 
western  advance  could  be  maintained,  was  soon  a  very  grave 
question. 

But  !o\e  is  not  bound  by  i)rudential  considerations.  Mr. 
Taylor  was  winning  the  afl'eetions  of  a  worthy  woman,  Avho  had 
already  won  his  heart.  By  what  sacreligious  hands  so  touching 
and  fulsome  evidence  of  his  attachment  as  a  love  letter,  written 
not  long  before  his  marriage,  should  have  been  deposited  among 
the  collections  of  the  Connecticut  historical  society,  we  cannot 
tell.  Yet  it  is  there  and  we  submit  a  copy  of  it,  as  transcribed  by 
his  great-grandson : 

"AVestfield,  Mass.,  8th  day  of  the  7th  month,  1674. 

"My  Dove:  —  I  send  you  not  my  heart,  for  that  I  hope  is 
sent  to  Heaven  long  since,  and  unless  it  has  awfully  deceived  me 
it  hath  not  taken  up  its  lodgings  in  any  one's  bosom  on  this  side 
the  royal  city  of  the  Great  King ;  but  yet  the  most  of  it  that  is 
allowed  to  be  layed  out  upon  any  creature  doth  safely  and  singly 
fall  to  your  share.  So  much  my  post  pigeon  presents  you  with 
here  in  these  lines.  Look  not  (I  entreat  you)  on  it  as  one  of 
love 's  hyperboles.  If  I  borrow  the  beams  of  some  sparkling  met- 
aphor to  illustrate  my  respects  unto  thyself  by,  for  you  having 
made  my  breast  the  cabinet  of  your  affections  as  I  yours  mine.  I 
know  not  how  to  offer  a  fitter  comparison  to  set  out  mj^  love  by, 
than  to  compare  it  unto  a  golden  ball  of  pure  fire  rolling  up  and 
down  my  breast,  from  which  there  flies  now  and  then  a  spark 
like  a  glorious  beam  from  the  body  of  the  flaming  sun.  But  alas ! 
striving  to  catch  these  sparks  into  a  love  letter  unto  yourself,  and 
to  gild  it  with  them  as  with  a  sun  beam,  find,  that  by  what  time 
they  have  fallen  through  my  pen  upon  my  paper,  they  have  lost 
their  shine  and  fall  only  like  a  little  smoke  thereon  instead  of 
gilding  them.  Wherefore,  finding  myself  so  much  deceived,  I  am 
ready  to  begrudge  my  instruments,  for  though  my  love  within 
my  breast  is  so  large  that  my  heart  is  not  sufficient  to  contain  it, 
yet  they  can  make  it  no  more  room  to  ride  into,  than  to  squeeze 
it  up  betwixt  my  black  ink  and  white  paper.  But  know  that  it 
is  the  coarsest  part  that  is  couchant  there,  for  the  finest  is  too 

(      397      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

fine  to  clothe  in  any  linguist  and  huswifry,  or  to  be  expressed  in 
words,  and  though  this  letter  bears  but  the  coarsest  part  to  you, 
yet  the  purest  is  improved  for  you.  But  now,  my  dear  love,  lest 
my  letter  should  be  judged  the  lavish  language  of  a  lover's  pen, 
I  shall  endeavor  to  show  that  conjugal  love  ought  to  exceed  all 
other  love.  1st,  appears  from  that  which  it  represents,  viz. :  The 
respect  there  is  betwixt  Christ  and  his  church,  Eph.  5th,  25th, 
although  it  differs  from  that  in  kind ;  for  that  is  spiritual  and 
this  human,  and  in  degree,  that  is  boundless  and  transcendent, 
this  limited  and  subordinate :  yet  it  holds  out  that  this  should  be 
cordial  and  with  respect  to  all  other  transcendent.  2d,  Because 
conjugal  love  is  the  ground  of  conjugal  union,  or  conjugal  shar- 
ing the  effects  of  this  love,  is  also  a  ground  of  this  union.  3d, 
From  those  Christian  duties  which  are  incumbent  on  persons  in 
this  state  as  not  only  a  serving  God  together,  a  praying  together, 
a  joining  in  the  ruling  and  instructing  their  family  together, 
which  could  not  be  carried  on  as  it  should  be  without  a  great 
degree  of  true  love,  and  also  a  mutual  giving  each  other  to  each 
other,  a  mutual  succoring  each  other  in  all  states,  ails,  griev- 
ances; and  how  can  this  be  when  there  is  not  a  love  exceeding 
all  other  love  to  any  creature!  And  hereby  if  persons  in  this 
state  have  not  love  exceeding  all  love,  it's  with  them  for  the  most 
part  as  with  the  strings  of  an  instrument  not  tuned  up,  when 
struck  upon  makes  but  a  jarring,  harsh  sound.  But  when  we 
get  the  wires  of  an  instrument  equally  drawn  up,  and  rightly 
struck  upon,  sound  together,  make  sweet  music  whose  harmony 
doth  enravish  the  ear;  so  when  the  golden  strings  of  true  affec- 
tion are  struck  up  into  a  right  conjugal  love,  thus  sweetly  doth 
this  state  then  harmonize  to  the  comfort  of  each  other  and  to  the 
glory  of  God  when  sanctified.  But  yet,  the  conjugal  love  must 
exceed  all  other,  yet  it  must  be  kept  within  bounds,  for  it  must 
be  subordinate  to  God's  glory:  the  which  that  mine  may  be  so. 
it  having  got  you  in  its  heart,  doth  offer  my  heart  with  you  in 
it  as  a  more  rich  sacrifice  into  God  through  Christ,  and  so  it  sub- 
scribeth  me.  Your  true  love  till  death, 

Edw^\rd  Taylor. 
This  for  my  friend  and  only  beloved  Miss  Eliz- 
abeth Fitch  at  her  father's  house  in  Normch. " 

(      398      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

Miss  Fitch  was  the  daughter  of  Rev.  James  Fitch,  one  of 
the  original  proprietors,  and  the  first  clergyman  settled  in  Nor- 
wich, Conn.  Mr.  Taylor  was  married  to  Miss  Fitch  before  the 
close  of  the  year. 

During  Philip's  war  he  and  his  bride  shared  the  toils,  the 
privations,  the  anxieties  and  the  heartrending  sorrows  of  the 
colonists.  Every  night,  for  many  months,  he  with  his  wife  and 
others  repaired  to  the  fort,  one  of  the  forted  houses  of  which 
mention  is  often  made  in  the  town  records,  and  every  night  the 
watch  was  set  to  guard  the  encircling  palisades  and  give  notice 
if  the  enemy  approached.  In  the  midst  of  the  war,  as  we  have 
seen,  the  central  authority  of  the  colonies  urged  the  settlers  to 
abandon  the  town  and  remove  to  Springfield.  The  stout  reply 
of  the  little  settlement  we  have  given.  The  framer  of  this  reply 
was  the  young  minister,  whose  heart  was  with  the  people  and 
whose  patriotic  determination  fitted  him  for  leadership  in 
''times  that  tried  men's  souls." 

But  the  terrible  years  of  Philip 's  war  wore  away.  AVestfield 
had  been  saved  from  the  fire  and  slaughter  that  drove  the  settlers 
of  Deerfield  and  of  Northfield  from  their  homes,  though  several 
of  the  people  of  Westfield  had  fallen  victims  "to  ye  rage  of  ye 
enemy."  A  brighter  future  dawned.  Steps  were  taken  to  es- 
tablish a  church  and  to  install  Mr.  Taylor. 

The  letters  inviting  a  council  bore  the  date  of  July.  1679. 
August  27  w^as  the  day  for  the  assembling  of  the  council.  The 
day  is  described  as  the  last  fourth  day  of  the  sixth  month.  This 
is  in  accord  with  the  ecclesiastical  year,  old  style,  which  began 
the  year  with  the  first  of  March.  The  council,  we  are  told,  ' '  con- 
sisted of  Rev.  Solomon  Stoddard  of  Northampton,  Mr.  Strong, 
ruling  elder,  and  Capt.  Aaron  Cook  and  Lieut.  Clark,  messen- 
gers ;  Rev.  John  Russell  of  Hadley,  and  Lieut.  Smith  and  Mr. 
Younglove,  messengei's;  Rev.  Pelatiah  Glover  of  Springfield, 
teaching  elder  and  I.  Holyoke,  Dea.  Burt  and  Mr.  Parsons,  mes- 
sengers ;  and  one  messenger  from  Meriden,  Conn.,  the  pastor  being 
detained  by  sickness ;  there  -were  present  also,  as  guests,  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Hooker  of  Farmington,  Conn.,  and  the  'Worshipful 
Maj.  John  Pynchon'  of  Springfield.  The  council  assisted  inorgan- 

(     399      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

izing  the  church,  consisting  of  the  foUowing  members: — Edward 
Taylor,  John  Maiidsley  (Moseley),  Samuel  Loomis,  Isaac  Phelps, 
from  the  church  in  Windsor ;  Josiah  Dewey  and  John  Ingersoll 
from  Northampton,  and  John  Root  from  Farmington,  Conn.  The 
council  then  proceeded  in  accordance  with  the  expressed  wish  of 
the  church  to  ordain  Mr.  Taylor  as  pastor." 

Mr.  Taylor,  by  study  of  medicine,  had  prepared  himself  to 
care  for  the  bodies  as  w^ell  as  the  souls  of  his  charge.  He 
was  much  beloved  and  respected  by  the  people  of  the  town. 
However  severe  the  stress  of  war,  however  straitened  their  cir- 
cumstances, the  town  records  show  their  readiness  to  vote  his 
full  salary. 

Mr.  Taylor,  like  other  country  ministers,  was  a  farmer.  His 
people  could  not  help  him  to  write  sermons,  they  could  help 
him  in  his  field  work.  It  seems  to  have  been  the  custom  for  his 
parishioners  to  render  him  voluntary  aid  in  haying  and  harvest 
time.  There  is  a  vote  on  record  providing  such  aid  and  also  re- 
quiring the  women  of  the  town  to  assist  Mrs.  Taylor  in  spinning. 
When  Mr.  Taylor  was  advanced  in  life,  the  town  increased  his 
salary  one-third.  AVith  filial  tenderness  they  provided  by  abun- 
dant gifts  for  his  table  on  Thanksgiving  and  other  festive  occa- 
sions. 

One  of  his  daughters  married  Isaac  Stiles,  whose  son  became 
president  of  Yale  college.  President  Stiles  made  these  notes  of 
Mr.  Taylor:  "He  was  an  excellent  classical  scholar,  being  mas- 
ter of  three  learned  languages,  a  great  historian,  and  every  way 
a  learned  man.  He  had  a  steady  correspondence  with  Judge 
Sewall  of  Boston,  who  duly  communicated  to  him  all  the  trans- 
actions in  the  assembly,  and  occurrences  in  the  nation."  "He 
was  a  vigorous  advocate  of  Oliver  Cromwell,  and  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty.  He  was  an  incessant  student."  "A  man  of 
small  stature,  but  firm ;  of  quick  passions,  yet  serious  and  grave. 
Exemplary  in  piety,  and  for  a  sacred  observance  of  the  Lord's 
day." 

For  many  years  he  was  the  only  physician  in  Westfield  and 
for  many  miles  around.  Some  of  his  medical,  as  well  as  his  the- 
ological books,  he  transcribed.    Natural  history  was  hardly  recog- 

(      400      ) 


THE  TO^VN  OF  ^V  EST  FIELD 

laized  as  a  school  study,  yet  he  accumulated  no  little  knowledge 
of  plants,  minerals  and  animals.  He  continued  to  minister  to  his 
people  fifty-seven  and  one-half  years,  preaching  regularly  till 
within  a  few  years  of  his  death  in  1729,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
seven. 

Mr.  Nehemiah  Bull  succeeded  Mr.  Taylor.  He,  if  not  eccen- 
tric, was  a  man  of  marked  individuality.  He  died  in  1740,  in 
the  thirty-ninth  year  of  his  age  and  the  fourteenth  of  his  minis- 
try. Mr.  David  Parsons  for  a  time  supplied  the  pulpit,  then 
Rev.  John  Ballantine  began  his  life-long  pastorate  replete  with 
toil.  He  died  in  1776,  aged  sixty,  having  discharged  the  duties 
of  a  pastor  for  thirty-five  years.  Dr.  Lathrop,  for  sixty-five 
years  pastor  of  the  church  at  West  Springfield,  says  of  him:  "He 
was  blessed  with  superior  abilities,  a  clear  understanding,  a 
capacious  mind  and  a  solid  judgment."  "His  ministerial  life 
was  a  useful  pattern  to  his  brethren,  and  his  Christian  life  was 
an  instructive  copy  to  his  people." 

Rev.  Noah  Atwater  was  the  next  pastor.  He  left  a  tutor- 
ship at  Yale  and  proved  himself  a  very  scholarly  and  efficient 
educational  and  religious  leader.  During  his  pastorate  the  plan 
of  an  academy  was  formed,  a  charter  obtained,  a  fund  collected, 
a  finely  proportioned  building  erected  and  the  fourth  academy 
in  the  state,  the  only  one  in  Western  jNIassachusetts,  began  its 
successful  career.  Mr.  Atwater  always  prepared  sermons  in  ad- 
vance of  the  immediate  demand,  visited  every  family  frequently, 
before  the  academy  was  opened  trained  young  men  for  college, 
and  largely  increased  the  numbers  and  the  efficiency  of  the 
church.  He  was  no  common  man,  and,  during  the  twenty  years 
of  his  ministry,  he  evidently  produced  a  deep  impression  upon 
the  people  of  the  town.  He  was  a  man  of  unceasing  energy  and 
was  profoundly  respected  by  his  people.  At  the  close  of  the 
twentieth  year  of  his  ministry,  taking  for  his  text,  "Having 
therefore  obtained  help  of  God  I  continue  unto  this  day,"  he 
delivered  his  last  sermon  November  22,  1801. 

As  the  meeting-house  was  too  small  for  the  population  of  the 
town,  now  numbering  upwards  of  two  thousand,  a  movement 
was  begun  to  secure  another.     At  an  adjourned  meeting,  June, 

26-2  (      401      ) 


Emerson  Davis,  D.  D. 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

1803,  it  was  voted  "to  build  the  meeting  house  by  sale  of  pews." 
It  was  also  voted  that  the  committee  should  "prepare  a  plan  of 
a  meeting  house,  copies  of  same  to  be  distributed  in  the  several 
parts  of  the  town,  that  they  may  have  opportunity  to  inspect  the 
same,  and  which  plan  the  said  committee  are  to  lay  before  the 
town. ' ' 

After  the  plan  was  agreed  upon,  it  was  voted,  December  21, 
1803,  that  the  committee  should  "ascertain  the  exact  length  and 
bigness  of  each  stick  of  timber  that  shall  be  wanted  in  building 
said  house,  and  put  the  same  up  at  vendue  at  the  lowest  bidder." 

January  25,  1804,  it  was  found  that  seventy-five  pews  had 
been  bid  off,  by  which  $6,019.50  had  been  pledged  toward  build- 
ing the  meeting-house.  The  town  then  voted  that  in  considera- 
tion "of  fifteen  pews  and  the  galleries  to  the  use  of  the  town, 
they  will  complete,  finish,  and  forever  keep  in  repair  the  said 
house. ' '  This  was  the  last  town  meeting-house ;  this,  as  we  shall 
see,  was  at  length  transferred  to  the  Congregational  church  and 
society. 

October  26,  1803,  the  town  chose  a  committee  to  make  ar- 
rangements on  the  occasion  of  settling  Mr.  Isaac  Knapp.  He 
was  the  last  town  minister,  though  his  successor  during  the 
greater  part  of  his  pastorate  discharged  the  functions  of  a  town 
minister. 

Mr.  Emerson  Davis,  a  graduate  of  Williams  college  and  for 
a  time  tutor  in  the  college,  after  fourteen  years '  service  in  West- 
field  academy  as  preceptor,  became  pastor  of  the  Congrega- 
tional church,  in  1836,  as  colleague  of  Mr.  Knapp.  On  the  thir- 
tieth anniversary  of  his  settlement  he  preached  a  sermon  re- 
view^ing  the  history  of  the  church  and  recalling  some  of  his  own 
experiences.  On  the  following  Friday  night  he  died  suddenly, 
having  had  almost  uninterrupted  health  during  his  long  life  of 
remarkable  usefulness.  No  later  minister  may  ever  expect  to 
hold  such  paternal  relations  as  Dr.  Davis  to  all  the  residents  of 
the  town.^ 

'The  present  pastor,  who  has  himself  served  twenty-three  years,  in  his  bi- 
centennial sermon  delivered  in  1879,  says;  "It  is  a  remarkable  fact  in  those  days  of 
short  pastorates  and  unsettled  supplies,  that  the  first  six  pastors  of  this  clnirch  began 
and  ended  their  ministerial  work  here,  and  were  laid  to  rest  by  their  grateful  and 
loving  people.    Their  average  term  of  service  is  thirty-two  years." 

(      403      ) 


Third  building  of  the  town  church,  Westfield.     Dedicated  Jan.  1,  1806 
It  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  First  Congregational  Church 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

Dr.  Davis  was  no  oi'diiiaiy  man.  He  was  largely  endowed 
with  common  sense  and  was  noted  for  his  industry,  his  sound 
judgment,  his  manly  sincerity  and  his  devotion  to  his  pastoral 
duties.  The  town  was  his  parish.  He  was  ever  the  thoughtful 
and  wise  counsellor  both  in  secular  and  in  religious  affairs. 

His  preaching,  simple,  straightforward  and  free  from  un- 
necessary words,  was  always  practical  and  instructive.  No  one 
can  estimate  the  value  of  his  fourteen  years'  service  as  preceptor 
of  the  academy  and  his  thirty  years  service  as  pastor  to  the 
people  of  Westfield.  He  was  by  nature  a  leader  of  men.  He 
exerted  a  strong  influence  in  the  earlier  councils  of  the  state 
board  of  education,  of  which  he  was  a  member,  and  in  all  the 
progressive  educational  movements  of  his  time.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  school  committee  twenty-five  years,  was  the  god- 
father of  the  state  normal  school  and  at  the  time  of  his  death 
was  vice-president  of  Williams  college. 

In  1856  the  First  Congregational  church  had  become  so 
large  that  from  it  was  formed  the  Second  Congregational  church. 
The  present  church  building  of  this  church  was  completed  in 
1861.  The  same  year  the  First  Congregational  church  completed 
its  present  building  (the  fourth  in  order  of  succession)  on  the 
site  of  the  third  town  meeting-house.  Several  years  later  the 
tall  and  beautiful  steeple  of  this  church  was  plunged  into  the 
body  of  the  church  by  a  terrific  gale ;  a  safer  but  less  impressive 
steeple  has  been  erected.  The  later  pastors  of  the  First  Congre- 
gational church  are : 

Rev.  Elias  H.  Richardson,  1867-1872. 

Rev.  Adoniram  J.  Titsworth,  1873-1878. 

Rev.  John  H.  Lockwood,  1879  to  the  present. 

W^ESTFIELD  REVOLUTIONARY  HISTORY 

The  parliament  of  Great  Britain,  March  7,  1774,  ordered  the 
port  of  Boston  closed  to  commerce  and  the  custom-house,  courts 
of  justice  and  other  public  offices  to  be  removed  to  Salem. 
Salem  refused  to  take  them  from  Boston.  The  people  of  Marble- 
head  offered  the  merchants  of  Boston  the  free  use  of  their 
wharves.     Other  oppressive  acts  of  parliament  followed,  affeet- 

(      405      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

ing  not  only  Boston,  but  Massachusetts,  and  General  Gage,  with 
his  soldiers,  was  on  the  ground  to  enforce  the  acts.  On  the  first 
of  June  the  port  bill  took  full  etit'ect.  The  ruin  of  trade  resulted 
in  the  ruin  of  fortunes  and  abject  poverty.  "All  classes,"  says 
Lossing,  "felt  the  scourge  of  the  oppressor,  but  bore  it  with  re- 
markable fortitude.  They  Avere  conscious  of  being  right,  and 
everywhere  tokens  of  the  liveliest  sympathy  were  manifested. 
Flour,  rice,  cereal  grains,  fuel  and  money  were  sent  to  the  suf- 
fering people  from  the  ditferent  colonies ;  and  the  city  of  Lon- 
don, in  its  corporate  capacity,  subscribed  one  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars  for  the  poor  of  Boston." 

May  25,  1774,  a  town  meeting  was  called  "to  see  what  an- 
swer the  town  will  make  to  a  letter  received  from  the  Town  Clerk 
of  Boston  setting  forth  the  sore  calamities  the  town  labors  un- 
der." Eldad  Taylor,  Elisha  Parks,  John  Phelps,  Dr.  Samuel 
Mather  and  John  Ingei'soll  were  chosen  a  committee  to  inquire 
into  the  state  of  Boston  and  report  at  a  subsequent  meeting.  July 
19  they  made  the  following  report : 

"W^hereas  the  State  House  of  Representatives  of  this  Prov- 
ince on  the  17th  of  June  last  past  taking  into  consideration  the 
many  distresses  and  difficulties  into  which  the  American  colonies 
and  this  Province  in  particular,  are  and  must  be  reduced  by  the 
operation  of  certain  late  acts  of  Parliament,  did  resolve  to  de- 
termine that  it  is  highly  expedient  that  a  Committee  should  be 
appointed  by  the  several  British  Colonies  on  this  continent  to 
consult  together  on  the  present  state  of  the  colonies  and  to  de- 
liberate and  determine  upon  Proper  Measures  to  be  by  them 
recommended  to  all  colonies,  for  the  recovery  and  establishment 
of  the  just  rights  and  liberties,  and  the  restoring  of  that  Union 
and  Harmony  between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies  ardently 
desired  by  all  good  men:  and  did,  on  the  same  day,  appoint  a 
comtee  of  five  Gentlemen  to  meet  said  Committee  on  the  first  day 
of  September  next  at  the  city  of  Philadelphia  for  the  purposes 
before  said; — 

"Voted  that  we  the  inhabitants  aforesaid  in  town  meeting 
assembled,  do  cordially  approve  of  the  above  measure  taken  by 
the  said  House,  and  would  fervently  pray  that  the  Great  Father 

(      406      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

of  the  Universe  out  of  his  abundant  ^loodness,  would  bless  their 
meeting,  and  afford  them  that  wisdom  that  is  profitable  to  direct 
upon  measures  most  salutary  to  Extricate  us  from  ye  difficulties 
and  distresses  under  which  we  are  laboring,  and  that  we  are 
cheerfully  ready  to  adopt  and  strictly  to  adhere  to  any  practica- 
ble measures  said  Congress  may  recommend  relative  to  said  re- 
lief not  inconsistent  with  our  duty  to  (Jod  and  allegiance  to  our 
Rightful  Sovereign  George  the  third;  and  in  the  meantime  we 
shall  encourage  our  own  Manufactures,  and  discountenance  un- 
necessary use  of  India  Teas  and  British  goods,  and  that  we  shall 
not  be  wanting  of  charity  to  the  town  of  Boston  and  Charles- 
town  in  their  Distressing  Day; — but  think  they  ought  to  be  re- 
lieved and  sustained  until  the  sense  of  the  colonies  may  be  had 
touching  their  conduct  and  shall  send  them  that  relief  that  their 
Circumstances  and  our  abilities  upon  due  consideration  shall  dic- 
tate and  direct." 

' '  The  foregoing  was  voted  to  be  accepted  by  the  town  unani- 
mously, and  the  Clerk  of  the  Town  is  desired  to  forward  it  to  the 
Chairman  of  the  Congress  at  Boston,  and  that  it  may  be  pub- 
licly entered  in  ye  Publick  Prints." 

July  19,  1774,  the  town  voted  unanimously  and  granted,  to 
be  paid  out  of  the  town  treasury,  forty  shillings  for  the  committee 
of  congress. 

September  19,  1774,  Capt.  John  Moseley,  Eldad  Taylor  and 
Mr.  Elisha  Parks  were  chosen  delegates  to  a  county  congress  to 
meet  at  Northampton. 

Capt.  John  Moseley  and  Mr.  Elisha  Parks  were  chosen  as 
representatives  of  the  town  to  attend  the  general  court,  to  be  held 
October  5  at  Salem.  It  was  voted  "that  if  the  General  Court 
doth  not  act  constitutionally,  that  our  Representatives,  with  Rep- 
resentatives of  the  Provinces,  if  they  judge  it  expedient,  do  form 
themselves  into  a  Congress  unitedly  to  sit  at  Concord  or  any  other 
place  Avhere  they  may  agree,  to  consult  the  best  interests  and 
safety  of  the  Provinces  at  this  critical  time." 

At  a  town  meeting  November  14,  1774,  it  was  "voted  and  ac- 
cepted the  list  of  the  soldiers  as  is  returned  by  the  Comtee,  viz. 
Eldad  Taylor,  Elisha  Parks,  Joseph  Root,  Capt.  John  Moseley, 

(      407      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Daniel  Sacket,  Daniel  Fowler,  Oliver  Ingersole,  Capt.  Shepard 
appointed  to  make  a  division  into  two  companies." 

"Voted  that  Capt.  John  Moseley  and  Mr.  Elisha  Parks  be 
desired  to  attend  the  Congress  at  Cambridge  next  or  next  ses- 
sion." 

At  a  meeting  called  in  Jan.  1775,  the  same  two  men  were 
chosen  to  attend  the  congress  at  Cambridge  and  instructed  "that 
our  Comtee  shall  not  consent  when  in  ye  Provincial  Congress,  to 
any  acts  that  may  be  there  made  to  take  up  the  Government  or 
to  assume  kingly  authority." 

At  a  meeting  in  February,  1775,  "the  Comtee  appointed  to 
search  for  Province  Guns  and  to  see  what  may  be  procured  for 
the  use  of  the  minute-men  on  a  sudden  emergence, ' '  reported  that 
they  found  in  the  houses  of  sundry  persons  some  province 
arms,  "witli  what  can  be  hired  is  between  30  or  40,  and  a  few 
Bagganets. 

"Voted  to  provide  necessary  provision  for  those  persons  that 
are  not  able  to  provide  for  themselves  &  to  see  that  all  persons 
be  immediately  Equipt  Avith  Millitary  accoutrements  as  the  law 
of  the  Province  requires." 

"Voted  that  the  Comtee  of  Correspondence  be  a  Comtee  with 
the  select  men  to  make  the  necessary  Provision  as  Granted 
above. ' ' 

"Voted  by  Great  Majority  That  there  shall  or  may  be 
Raised  a  Company  of  minute  men." 

On  the  19th  of  April,  1775,  Major  Pitcairn  ordered  the  ad- 
vanced guard  of  the  British  forces,  sent  to  Lexington  to  destroy 
the  military  stores  there  collected.  Eight  colonists  were 
killed  and  many  others  wounded.  "When  the  news  of  Lex- 
ington reached  "Westfield,"  Holland  says,  "seventy  men  at  once 
set  out  for  Boston,  under  command  of  Capt.  Warham  Parks  and 
Lieutenants  John  Shepard  and  Richard  Falley. ' '  According  to 
Holland  this  is  the  largest  number  of  soldiers  that  went  at  once 
from  any  town  in  Hampshire  county,  then  including  the  three 
river  counties.  To  this  number  we  must  add  one  officer,  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel William  Shepard,  who,  with  Colonel  Timothy 
Danielson  of  Brimtield,  commanded  a  regiment. 

(      408      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  ^\  EST  FIELD 

Some  who  have  given  us  an  aeeonnt  of  the  men  who  set  out 
from  Westfield  the  day  after  the  battle  at  Lexington  say  that 
there  were  seventy-six  men  from  Westfield,  others  that  there  were 
fifty-three.  There  were  probably  fifty-three  in  the  company  that 
marched  from  AVestfield  on  the  20th  of  April,  the  day  after  the 
fight  at  Lexington.  Others  were  delayed  a  little  in  Westfield,  it 
seems,  and  joined  the  advance  division  near  Boston.  The  follow- 
ing names  are  accredited  to  the  first  division :  Zechariah  Bush, 
Amos  Bush,  Moses  Bush,  Lewis  Charles,  James  Culverson,  Aaron 
Chapman,  Moses  Dewey,  Benjamin  Dewey,  James  Derrick,  Eliab 
Dewey,  Jonathan  Dewey,  Stephen  Dewey,  Moses  Gunn,  Eli 
Granger,  Daniel  Gunn,  Warham  Gunn,  Joseph  Kellogg,  David 
King,  Agnatius  Linus,  Bartholomew  Noble,  Asa  Noble,  Roger 
Noble,  James  Minocks,  Azariah  Moseley,  Asahel  Owen,  David 
Pierey,  Jared  Plumb,  Justus  Pomerory,  William  Robinson,  David 
Ross,  Martin  Root,  Jonathan  Snell,  John  Smith,  Joshua  Senn, 
Phineas  Sexton,  Abner  Sackett,  Israel  Sackett,  Gideon  Shepard, 
John  Shepard,  David  Taylor,  Nathaniel  Tremain,  Jedediah  Tay- 
lor, Ruggles  Winchell,  William  Welch,  Luther  White,  Reuben 
Whai-field,  Solomon  Williams,  Abner  Ward. 

A  partial  list  of  others  than  those  named  who  served  as  sol- 
diers during  some  part  of  the  war,  we  also  note :  William  Ashley, 
Simeon  Burke,  Amos  Barlow,  Lieut.  Bagg,  Lieut.  Buell,  Aaron 
Bush,  Elijah  Bliss,  Titus  Bigelow,  James  Carter,  John  Carter, 
Buckley  Caldwell,  Noah  Cobley,  Aaron  DcAvey,  Deacon  Israel 
Dewey,  John  Dewey,  Noah  Dewey,  jr.,  Asaph  Dewey,  David 
Dewej',  Sergt.  Moses  Dewey,  Ely  Danielson,  Sergt.  Benjamin 
Dewey,  Timothy  Dewey,  A.  Eager,  Isaac  Ensign,  Samuel  Fowler, 
Frederic  Fowler,  Ebenezer  Fowler,  Blackleach  Fowler,  Luther 
Fowler,  John  Fowler,  Daniel  Fowler,  John  Frost,  Capt.  John 
Ferguson,  Stephen  Fowler,  Bildad  Fowler,  jr.,  David  Fowler,  jr., 
Capt.  Gray,  Elijah  Haxman,  Enoch  Holcomb,  jr.,  Moses  Han- 
chet,  Jacob  Halliday,  Oliver  Ingersoll,  John  Ingersoll,  Capt.  John 
Kellogg,  Aaron  King,  jr.,  Peter  Kitts,  Silas  King,  Gideon  J. 
Linsey,  Seth  Linsey,  Jonathan  Lyon,  Capt.  David  Moseley,  Sam- 
uel Mather,  Zadoc,  Edward  and  Samuel  Martindale,  Bilda  Noble, 
Lieut.  Stephen  Noble,  Paul  Noble,  Sergeant  Gad  Noble,  Shadrack 

(      409      )      . 


OrH  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Noble,  Aaron  Phelps,  Justin  Pomeroy,  David  Province,  William 
Palmer,  Silas,  Samnel  and  Jonathan  Root,  Joseph  Root,  jr., 
Datis  E.  Root,  jr.,  Abner  Stevenson,  Simeon  Stiles,  William 
Sackett,  Thomas  Sparks,  John  Stiles,  Phineas  Southwell,  Jona- 
than Sibley,  Elijah  Williams,  Sergt.  Martin  Way,  James  Wood- 
bury, John  AA^ilson,  Nathan  Waldron.  During  the  first  three 
years  of  the  war  it  is  estimated  that  more  than  a  hundred  men 
entered  the  army  from  Westfield.^ 

The  town  meeting,  in  April,  a  few  days  after  the  battle  of 
Lexington,  gave  evidence  of  progress  towards  independence.  The 
second  article  of  the  warrant  was  ''to  consult  what  measure  may 
be  best  to  be  done  to  secure  our  privileges  and  whether  it  is  ad- 
visable to  take  up  government."  Money  was  also  voted  to  pur- 
chase "powder  and  warlike  stores."  As  the  town  records  are 
imperfect,  the  record  of  the  earlier  committee  of  "Correspond- 
ence and  Inspection"  is  wanting;  but  the  names  of  those  chosen 
by  the  town  in  December,  1775,  are  as  follows :  Col.  John  Mose- 
ley,  Col.  Elisha  Parks,  Daniel  Fowler,  Dr.  Samuel  Mather,  Capt. 
David  iNIoseley,  Lieut.  John  Kellogg,  Lieat.  Daniel  Sacket,  En- 
sign Zachariah  Bush,  Bohan  King,  Oliver  Ingersoll,  David  Wel- 
ler,  jr..  Ensign  Daniel  Bragg,  Lieut.  Stephen  Noble. 

At  a  subsequent  election  of  a  "Conunittee  of  Correspond- 
ence, Inspection  and  Safety,"  August,  1776,  the  new  men  elected 
were  Martin  Root,  Robert  Hazard,  William  H.  Church,  William 
Hiscock  and  Oliver  Weller.  The  following  year  the  committee 
included  Benjamin  Saxton  and  Capt.  John  Gray. 

During  the  winter  of  1777-78,  ever  memorable  for  the  patri- 
otic fortitude  of  the  continental  army  suffering  for  clothing  and 
other  supplies  at  Valley  Forge,  Col.  Shepard  writes  to  his  towns- 
men. At  a  meeting  held  March  9,  1778,  it  was  voted  to  send  War- 
ham  Parks  to  Boston,  "as  an  agent  for  the  town  in  consequence 
of  sundry  letters  from  Col.  Shepard  &  others  in  the  continental 

'J.  D.  Bartlett,  of  Westfield,  who  has  spent  much  time  in  gatliering  facts  for  a 
history  of  the  town  tells  me  that  he  has  evidence  gathered  from  the  state  records  and 
other  sources  that  not  less  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  men  from  Westfield  entered 
the  army  during  the  Revolutionary  war.  Granting  that  the  population  of  the  town 
during  this  period  was  about  1,500,  and  that  the  males  numbered  750,  one-third  of  the 
males,  practically  all  the  able-bodied  men  of  military  age  were  at  one  time  or  another 
in  the  army. 

(      410      ) 


THE  TinVX  OF  ^yESTFlELD 

anny,  — on  the  cost  of  the  toAvn.  Voted  also  to  choose  a  com- 
mittee to  remonstrate  to  the  general  conrt  of  the  Nakedness  of 
the  Army,  and  of  the  Necessity  of  its  being  supplied  with  cloth- 
ing." It  seems  the  state  authorities  acted  promptly,  considering 
the  slow  means  of  connnunication,  for  in  April  the  town  held  a 
meeting  and  appointed  a  conniiittee  to  provide  the  fifty-three 
shirts  and  lifty-three  pairs  of  shoes  and  stockings,  demanded  for 
the  army.  The  committee,  according  to  their  judgment,  made 
requisitions  upon  each  householder.  There  was  not  time  to  make 
the  articles  required.  The  army  was  suft'ering.  The  articles,  we 
may  believe,  Avere  collected  and  forwarded  promptly.  There  were 
no  stores  of  ready-made  clothing  as  now.  Each  family,  in  the 
rural  districts  especially,  made  its  own  clothing. 

At  the  May  meeting,  1778,  it  was  voted  to  pay  thirty  pounds 
to  each  soldier  raised  to  reinforce  the  army.  This  was  a  bounty. 
At  the  May  meeting  of  the  next  year  the  town,  by  a  vote  of  75 
to  1,  instructed  their  representatives  to  give  their  votes  for  call- 
ing a  state  convention  to  form  a  new  (state)  constitution  or  form 
of  government. 

June  29,  1779,  it  was  "voted  to  raise  the  sum  of  Twelve 
Hundred  Pounds  for  the  encouragement  of  the  soldiers  to  be 
raised  to  join  the  continental  army  forthwith,  for  the  space  of 
nine  months."  In  August,  Col.  John  Moseley  was  chosen  a  mem- 
ber of  the  convention  to  meet  at  Cambridge,  September  1,  to  form 
a  new  (state)  constitution.  A  committee  of  nine  men  were  chosen 
to  instruct  the  delegate. 

At  the  same  meeting  August,  1779,  appeared  a  hint  of  dis- 
satisfaction with  the  existing  government,  which  later  ripened 
into  a  threatened  revolution  under  the  name  of  Shays 's  rebellion. 
Then,  and  in  the  years  following,  the  people  of  Westfield  acted 
wdth  due  consideration,  avoiding  those  ill-concerted  gatherings 
and  movements  that  disgraced  many  other  sections  of  the  state. 
Gen.  Shepard  of  AA^estfield  rendered  most  effective  service  in  re- 
storing order  to  the  state.  It  was  voted  at  this  time  "that  the 
petition  of  Benjamin  Winchell  and  others  for  the  purpose  of 
stopping  the  Courts  of  Justice  in  the  County  be  not  entertained." 

At  the  October  meeting,  1779,  a  bounty  of  thirty  pounds  was 
voted  for  each  soldier  "now  to  be  raised  for  the  continental  ser- 

(      411      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

vice  &  destined  to  Claversack  and  also  their  mileage  at  two  shill- 
ings per  mile. ' '  When  the  state  constitution  was  formed,  and  sub- 
mitted to  the  people  of  the  state,  the  town  appointed  a  committee 
of  eleven  "to  make  objections,"  and  report.  At  the  adjourned 
meeting  the  town  voted  to  accept  the  whole  constitution,  except- 
ing those  articles  objected  to  by  the  committee.  Among  the  im- 
provements suggested  by  the  committee  were  the  following: 

"The  Senate  should  consist  of  28  only.'" 

"The  Governor  should  declare  himself  to  be  of  the  Chris- 
tian and  Protestant  Religion." 

"Justices  of  the  Peace  should  be  nominated  by  the  town, 
and  hold  office  for  3  years." 

"No  minister  of  the  gospel  should  be  allowed  a  seat  in  the 
House  of  Representatives." 

As  the  war  continued,  the  need  of  men  at  home  was  more  se- 
verely felt  and  it  was  more  and  more  difficult  for  Westfield  to 
meet  the  requisitions  for  money  and  men.  In  1780,  June  16.  the 
town  voted  "to  give  the  nineteen  soldiers  to  be  raised  for  the  con- 
tinental army  for  the  term  of  six  months  three  pounds  per  month 
in  hard  money,  or  Continental  money  equivalent,  as  wages,  and 
one  thousand  dollars  in  continental  money  as  bounty  for  each 
man  and  the  bounty  money  to  be  paid  before  the  marching  of 
the  men."  July  5,  five  additional  six  months  men  were  raised,  to 
whom  it  was  agreed  to  pay  a  like  heavy  bounty.  As  requested  by 
the  general  court,  the  town,  during  the  year,  agreed  to  purchase 
twelve  horses  for  the  army.  The  town  also  voted  to  raise  $44,000 
to  purchase  beef,  in  accord  with  the  order  of  the  general  court. 
Before  the  year  closed  they  voted  to  raise  eighteen  more  men.  It 
was  voted  to  raise  30,000  pounds  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the 
year. 

January  2,  1781,  it  was  voted  to  raise  130  pounds  in  hard 
money  to  buy  beef  ordered  for  the  army  by  the  general  court. 
In  September  of  this  year  the  town  resolved  to  give  each  one 
of  the  militia  who  should  serve  in  Connecticut,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Governor  Trumbull,  3  pounds  per  month,  in  hard 
money. 

There  was  a  public  celebration  in  Westfield  of  the  signing 
of  the  treaty  of  peace.  Thirteen  guns,  in  honor  of  the  states  joined 

(      412      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIELD 

in  one  nation,  was  the  mornin^i  salute.  Rev.  Noah  Atwater,  the 
town  minister,  delivered  an  eloriuent  discourse  in  the  forenoon ; 
then  followed  the  banquet,  with  many  toasts,  each  followed  by 
discharge  of  cannon.  The  fii'eworks  of  the  evening  closed  the 
day. 

Shays'  Eehellion.—'Freedom  from  British  rule  by  the  toils 
and  privations  of  a  seven  years'  war  had  been  gained.  New 
troubles  arose.  It  was  difficult  in  country  towns  to  obtain  money 
enough  to  pay  the  taxes.  The  settlement  of  debts  had  been  de- 
ferred during  the  war.  The  courts  were  now  busy  in  enforcing 
payment ;  imprisonment  was  a  penalty  for  non-payment. 

Those  who  were  in  straitened  circumstances,  but  who  in- 
tended to  pay  their  debts,  keenly  felt  the  need  of  delay,  and 
would  gladly  have  the  courts  stop  for  a  time — at  least  until  the 
state  legislature  would  diminish  what  seemed  unnecessaiy  ex- 
pense in  the  legal  processes  of  enforcing  payments. 

There  was  another  class  who  Avished  in  some  way  to  avoid 
paying  theii-  debts.  These  had  not  forgotten  that  the  colonists 
in  freeing  themselves  from  the  government  of  Great  Britain  had 
freed  themselves  from  debts  due  the  English  abroad.  "Why  not 
have  another  revolution,  set  up  a  new  government,  and  escape 
from  the  debts  contracted  under  the  present  government? 

There  was  another  class  whose  pleasure  was  foiuid  in  ex- 
citement, in  adventure  and  in  change.  The  stirring  events  of  the 
war  had  passed.  The  staid  life  of  a  New  England  farmer  was 
irksome:  they  jn-eferred  to  be  where  something  was  "going  on." 

These  several  classes  were  in  no  sense  bloodthirsty.  They 
thought  to  sto])  the  courts  and  compel  acquiescence  in  their  de- 
mands, by  gathering  crowds  (mobs),  hoping  to  prevail  by  force 
of  numbers.  Perhaps  a  hundred  men  and  boys  from  Westfield 
were  at  one  time  and  another  with  the  rabble  that  made  up  the 
followers  of  Shays,  yet  the  citizens  of  Westfield,  as  a  body,  as 
shown  by  the  town  records,  were  in  favor  of  constitutional  and 
conservative  methods  of  adapting  public  measures  to  the  ex- 
igencies of  the  times.  They  and  some  fifty  other  towns  in  Hamp- 
shire county,  sent  delegates  to  the  Hatfield  convention  and  after- 
wards instructed  their  representative  to  the  general  court  to  se- 

(      413      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

cure  by  legislative  enactment,  in  a  legitimate  way,  changes  in 
the  laws,  that,  as  a  result  of  the  discussions  in  the  convention, 
seemed  desirable.  The  town  in  these  troublous  times  was  both 
considerate  and  conservative.  The  action  of  General  Shepard,  a 
leading  citizen  of  the  town,  in  resisting  with  his  military  force 
the  mob  intent  upon  plundering  the  arsenal  at  Springfield,  was 
as  humane  as  it  was  decisive,  and  quite  in  keeping  with  the  hon- 
orable record  of  his  unswerving  patriotism. 

General  Shepard.  — It  would  be  fitting,  if  space  allowed,  to 
outline  the  personal  history  of  men  who  have  led  in  the  pro- 
gressive development  of  Westfield,  and  who,  by  their  deeds  here, 
and  elsewhere,  have  deserved  lasting  honor.  The  heroes  of 
former  days,  whose  exploits  were  worthy  of  fame,  had  no  scribes 
to  herald  their  deeds.  A  little  fellow  in  one  of  our  schools,  after 
listening  to  stories  and  incidents  of  men  engaged  in  one  of  our 
recent  wars,  was  asked  Avhy  these  men  went  to  war.  He  replied : 
^'To  have  something  written,  and  stories  told,  about  them." 
Publicity  was  not  a  motive  in  earlier  times  and  the  products  of 
the  press  were  very  limited  as  compared  with  the  present.  The 
materials  for  biographies  of  the  founders  of  our  nation  are  very 
scanty.  We  shall  attempt  to  outline  but  two  of  the  famous  men 
of  Westfield,  making  use,  in  the  first  case,  of  one  of  the  sketches 
of  William  G.  Bates,  who,  in  his  boyhood,  had  some  personal 
knowledge  of  the  man : 

Major-General  AA^illiam  Shepard  was  born  December  1,  1737, 
and  died  November,  1817.  The  eighty  years  of  his  life  included 
the  times  of  all  the  wars  with  the  French  and  Indians,  beginning 
with  King  George's  war  and  ending  with  the  capture  of  Quebec 
and  the  conquest  of  Canada.  These  eighty  years  also  included 
the  time  of  the  war  for  independence  and  the  war  of  1812.  In 
all  these  wars,  with  the  exception  of  the  latter,  Gen.  Shepai'd 
was  an  active  participant,  and  could  his  life  in  detail  be  written, 
as  Irving  wrote  the  life  of  Washington,  it  would  be  an  epitome  of 
the  history  of  the  wars.  His  limited  common  school  education 
ended  at  the  age  of  seventeen.  Avhen  he  entered  the  army  at  the 
l)eginning  of  the  French  and  Indian  war.  Under  Generals  Aber- 
■crombie  and  Amherst  he  was  promoted  from  the  ranks,  through 

(      414      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

successive  grades,  and  remained  with  the  army  until  the  con- 
quest of  Canada  established  Anglo-Saxon  supremacy  in  North 
America.  He  then  returned  to  Westfield,  married,  hung  up  his 
sword  and  put  his  hand  to  the  plough,  hoping  to  enjoy  the  peace 
of  a  farmer's  life.  The  thrill  of  the  slaughter  at  Lexington  and 
Concord  was  felt  by  all.      William  Shepard  hastened  at  once 


The  General  Shepard  Ehn 
Franklin  Street.  Westfield,  Mass. 


to  the  camp  at  Roxbury.  He  was  made  colonel  and  was  the  com- 
panion of  Washington  in  most  if  not  in  all  his  battles.  By  him 
he  was  appointed  to  protect  the  retreat  from  Long  Island,  dur- 
ing which  his  neck  was  pierced  by  a  ball.  He  was  borne  from 
the  field.  While  the  surgeons  were  probing  for  the  ball  his  con- 
seiousness  returned.    "Bring  me  a  canteen,"  said  he.    Finding 

(      415      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

that  he  could  drink,  and  tjiat  the  organs  of  his  throat  were  not 
severed,  he  said  to  the  surgeon:  "It  is  all  right,  doctor,  stick 
on  a  plaster  and  tie  on  my  cravat,  for  I  am  going  out  again."  In 
spite  of  the  remonstrance  of  the  surgeon,  and  to  the  amazement 
of  the  attendants,  out  he  Avent  into  the  battle.  This  was  but  one 
of  the  twenty-two  battles  that  tested  his  valor  and  proved  that 
the  commission  of  general  was  .justly  and  Avisely  given  him. 

When  the  war  was  ended,  and  the  impressive  words  of 
Washington  had  been  spoken  to  the  officers,  who,  through  so 
many  years,  had  been  his  companions  in  toil,  privation  and  "on 
the  perilous  edge  of  battle,"  General  Shepard  again  returned  to 
his  little  estate  to  maintain  himself  and  those  dependent  upon 
him  by  his  toil  in  the  fields.  He  did  more.  His  simple  style  of 
living,  his  exemplary  conduct,  his  public  spirit,  his  Christian 
endeavor  and  his  neighborly  kindness  furnished  a  model  for 
younger  men  and  kindled  their  aspirations  for  a  noble  life. 
Though  his  opportunities  for  intellectual  culture  had  been  re- 
stricted in  youth,  and  though  the  routine  of  camp  life  had  allowed 
little  opportunity  for  adding  to  his  general  knowledge,  such  were 
his  common  sense,  his  bravery,  his  high  character  for  upright- 
ness and  intelligence,  that  the  people  were  ready  to  trust  him  to 
perform  the  highest  and  most  delicate  services  for  the  public 
good.  He  was  chosen  state  representative,  senator  and  coun- 
cillor. He  was  three  times  elected  representative  to  congress. 
The  governor  of  Massachusetts  appointed  him  to  treat  with  the 
Indians  of  Penobscot.  The  United  States  government  appointed 
him  to  treat  with  the  Six  Nations.  He  served  in  many  town  of- 
fices and  was  deacon  of  the  church  for  twenty-four  years.  He 
was  a  large,  well  formed  man,  six  feet  in  height,  compactlj^  built, 
not  corpulent,  and  weighing  something  more  than  two  hundred 
pounds.  His  personal  appearance  was  impressive.  On  training 
days,  when,  with  others,  he  came  out  to  observe  the  evolutions  of 
the  military  companies  during  the  closing  years  of  his  life.  Mr. 
Bates,  then  a  boy,  says  of  him:  "When  I  recall  his  large,  im- 
posing figure,  bedecked  with  his  trusty  sword  and  crimson  sash, 
the  modest  insignia  of  his  rank,  accompanied  by  Adjutant  Dewey, 
with  the  bright  point  of  his  spontoon  glistening  in  the  sun,  and 

(      416      ) 


THE  To^^^'  of  westfield 

heard  the  whispers  'There's  the  general,'  I  remember  the  awe, 
notwithstanding  his  genial  face,  with  which  he  inspired  me." 

After  the  reviews  and  evolutions  were  finished  the  soldiers 
were  discharged.  "Then  came  the  greetings  and  the  shaking 
hands  with  the  general." 

Speaking  of  his  character,  Mr.  Bates  adds:  "The  man,  who 
for  more  than  thirty  years,  was  in  the  service  of  his  country,  in 
places  of  high  emolument,  the  man  who  was  esteemed  by  Wash- 
ington and  was  his  companion  in  all  the  battles  of  the  revolu- 
tion, who,  being  detached  for  that  purpose,  fought  with  Gates  at 
the  battle  of  Saratoga  and  contributed  to  the  surrender  of  Bur- 
goyne ;  the  man  who.  notwithstanding  his  simple  and  frugal  hab- 
its of  living,  in  his  small  brown  house,  his  constant  and  energetic 
labor,  in  the  favorite  business  of  his  life,  went  to  his  grave  a  poor 
man  !^  AVhat  a  record  is  that  to  leave  of  him  ?  No  taint  of  mean- 
ness or  dishonesty  ever  attached  itself  to  him.  He  was  distin* 
guished  for  his  good  character  and  his  unbending  integrity." 

The  rank  and  file  of  the  leading  men  of  Westfield  during 
the  Indian  wars  and  the  war  of  the  revolution  furnish  many 
examples  of  worthy  and  valiant  men.  Our  limits  forbid  the 
notice  of  more  than  one,  though  his  eotemporaries  were  equally 
worthy. 

"Eldad  Taylor,"  according  to  the  local  historian,  J.  D. 
Bartlett,  "the  last  son  and  child  of  Minister  Taylor  and  Ruth 
Wyllys,  his  second  wife,  was  born  in  1708.  He  lived  to  be- 
come one  of  the  eminent  men  of  Westfield,  both  in  church  and 
state."  Though  not  himself  a  clergyman,  he  was  closely  related 
to  several,  as  his  father  was  a  lifelong  minister,  and  each  of  his 
five  sisters  married  a  minister.  In  1741,  the  year  of  the  settle- 
ment of  Rev.  John  Ballantine,  Mr.  Taylor  became  deacon,  and 
was  prominent  in  earing  for  the  interests  of  the  church.  His 
large  family,  including  several  sons,  well  sustained  the  honor 
of  the  name  in  public  and  in  private  life. 

Mr.  Taylor's  name  is  of  frequent  occurrence  on  the  toAvii 
records.     He  held  many  town  offices  at  different  times.    At  the 

'The  inventory  of  his  real  and  personal  estate  as  reported  by  his  executors  was 
S289,  as  proved  l)y  the  researches  of  .T.  D.  Bartlett. 

27-2  (       417      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

age  of  twenty-live  he  represented  the  town  in  the  colonial  legis- 
lature and  many  times  during  later  years.  He  had  a  part  in 
laying  the  foundations  of  our  state  government,  for  he,  with 
Elisha  Parks,  Col.  John  Moseley,  William  Shepard  and  Daniel 
Fowler,  all  notable  men,  represented  Westfield  in  the  first  "Con- 
tinental" legislature  of  Massachusetts,  1775.  Mr.  Taylor  is  al- 
luded to  as  "  a  member  of  the  council,"  the  following  year. 
Some  selections  from  a  long  letter  written  to  his  wife  from  Bos- 
ton, or  the  immediate  vicinity,  give  some  details  of  the  evacua- 
tion of  Boston  by  the  British,  which  may  not  have  been  recorded 
elsewhere : 

Sunday,  March  18,  1776. 

My  Dear  :  This  morning  opens  with  much  news,  no  doubt 
it  will  be  pleasing  to  you  and  all  friends  to  have  ye  most  authen- 
tic account  probable.  The  Ministerial  Vermin  left  Boston  yester- 
day morning  iu  ye  utmost  confusion.  .  .  .  This  morning,  I 
have  been  with  Dr.  Winthrop  to  get  the  best  intelligence.  They 
say  that  ever  since  our  cannonading  ye  Sabbath  before  last,  they, 
viz.,  ye  Regulars  have  been  upon  ye  move  &  designed  to  with- 
draw last  Friday,  but  ye  wind  not  favoring  of  ym  were  de- 
tained and  left  Saturday  night.  Our  forces  took  possession  of 
a  small  hill  nearer  Boston  and  ye  shipping  than  ever  before,  on 
Dorchester  Point  [which]  caused  ye  Regulars  to  fire  at  ym  all 
night  but  without  any  hurt  to  any  of  our  men  except  one  a  lit- 
tle, not  much  hurt  by  ye  scattering  of  some  gravel  &  we  did  not 
return  one  shot.  In  ye  morning  early  they  left  in  utmost  haste 
d;nd  confusion  and  [are]  below  ye  Castle  and  where  they  are 
destined  is  not  known  but  supposed  to  Halifax.  The  tories  are 
gone  otf  with  ye  Regulars  except  a  few.  .  .  .  The  Select- 
men say  that  ye  tories  were  ye  most  dreadful  against  ym  of  any. 
They  say  that  all  ye  sufTerings  of  ye  poor  for  want  of  pro- 
visions and  necessaries  of  life,  was  not  equal  to  ye  insult,  scorn 
&  derision  &  contempt  from  them. 

The  Ministerial  Butchers  have  robbed  the  Warehouses  and 
shops  of  all  ye  best  goods  they  could  carry  away  and  destroyed 
what  they  could  in  their  hurry.     ...     In  their  hurry  on  pur- 

(      418     ) 


TEE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

posely  they  scattered  numbers  of  good  blankets.  It  is  said  that 
in  one  of  tJieni  was  wrapped  up  a  child  that  had  died  of  Small 
Pox.  We  are  more  in  danger  in  that  quarter  now  than  from  the 
Enemie.  .  .  .  The  poor  distressed  captives  from  Boston 
come  with  a  most  pleasing  aspect  in  their  faces  rejoicing  at  so 
great  deliverance.     .     .     . 

They  say  that  ye  tories  about  a  fortnet  ago  was  in  high 
spirits  encouraging  ye  troops  that  they  should  be  soon  masters  of 
America  but — when  ye  orders  were  given  to  prepare  to  sail,  they 
were  struck  with  paleness  &  astonishment.  .  .  .  Mortifying 
indeed.    They,  ye  Selectmen,  say  ye  town  is  in  a  most  dreadful 


Eldad  Taylor 

condition,  houses  torn,  streets  nasty,  town  empty.  They  carried 
away  our  prisonei*s  taken  at  Bunker  hill  fight  in  irons,  also  Mas- 
ter Lovewell.  They  left  some  of  their  draft  horses  and  about 
1000  bushels  of  wheat.    The  Bells  and  organs  are  not  hurt. 

From  as  always  your  consort,  Eldad  Taylor. 

In  the  old  burying  gTound  is  a  tablet  to  Mr.  Taylor's  firet 
wife,  Avho  died  in  1740,  in  the  twenty-ninth  year  of  her  age. 

A  second  tablet  bears  his  name  and  that  of  his  second  wife, 
to  whom  the  letter  was  addressied.    The  inscription  is: 

(      419      ) 


OVK  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

In  memory  of  the 

Honorable  Eldad  Taylor  Esq. 

who  died  iu  Boston  the  21st  of 

May,  1777,  AEt.  69,  and  lies 

interred  in  the  Tomb  of  the 

Hon.  John  Wendell  Esq. 

ALSO 

Mrs.   Thankful   Taylor 
his  relic  died  Aug.  12th 
1803  aged  82  years 
Kind  reader  this  stone 
Informs  you  who  we  are, 
What  we  were  we  tell  you  not, 
AVhat  we  ought  to  ha\'e  been  that  be  thou, 
Where  we  are  now  ye  "will  know  hereafter. 
Remember  that  Christ 
is  the  resurrection  and  the  life. 


EDUCATIONAL  HISTORY 

Before  the  town  was  organized  the  settlers  provided  a  school 
for  their  children.  After  the  incorporation  of  the  town  the  se- 
lectmen annually,  in  town  meeting,  were  required  by  vote  of  the 
town  to  provide  a  schoolmaster  and  to  pay  him  a  specified  salary. 
No  stress  of  war  was  deemed  sufficient  to  excuse  the  town  from 
caring  for  the  school.  The  schoolmaster  in  the  earlier  days  often 
received  his  pay  in  grain  at  the  prices  fixed  by  the  town.  Such 
was  the  scarcity  of  money  that  payments  were  often  more 
promptly  made  in  grain  than  in  cash.  The  contract  with  the 
schoolmaster  was  a  matter  of  sufficient  importance  to  be  at  times 
recorded  upon  the  town  books.     For  instance : 

"December  16,  1703.  These  presents  testify  an  agreement 
made  between  the  select  men  and  Joseph  Sexton  in  behalf  of  the 
tOAvne  of  Westfield  wc  is  as  ffowlleth  viz:  — The  said  Joseph  Sex- 
ton is  hereby  bound  and  obliged  to  keepe  schoole  from  ye  day  of 
ye  date  hereof  untill  the  fifteenth  day  of  Aprill  nexte  ensuing  all 
wc  time  hee  Doth  Ingage  to  use  ye  best  of  his  skill  and  industry 

(      420      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

soe  far  forthe  as  he  is  capassatated  to  teach  children  to  read  & 
wright  \vn  sent  to  schoole  during  said  terms. 

"2nd.  The  Select  men  as  aforesaid  in  behalf  of  vetowneDoth 
Ingage  to  pay  to  ye  afore  sd  Sexton  or  to  his  order  ye  sums  of  ten 
pounds  att  or  before  ye  afour  sd  terms  shall  be  expired  Viz. 
Wheat  at  5s  per  bushell,  Good  white  pease  at  4s.  6d  pr  bushell, 
Ry  at  3s.  3d.  per  bushell  Indian  corn  at  2s.  4d  per  bushell,  barley 
at  3s  per  bushell  in  any  or  either  of  ye  afoursd  species  being  good 
and  merchantable.  This  ye  afou  sd  parties  Doe  acknowledge  to 
be  ye  trew  intent  and  meaning  of  ye  a  four'sd  bargaine  in  every 
particular. 

"Entered  by  order  of  the  selectmen. 
"Attest:  Joseph  Sexton,  Toivn  Clarke." 

If  the  spelling  of  these  early  records  is  defective,  this  should 
be  remembered :  There  wal  no  fixed  standard  of  spelling  avail- 
able for  the  common  people,  beyond  the  limited  lists  furnished  in 
spelling  books.  Johnson's  dictionary  was  not  published  until 
after  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Walker's  dictionary 
was  published  a  score  of  years  earlier,  but  its  vocabulary  was  lim- 
ited and  it  was  rarely  seen  in  rural  communities. 

That  Latin  was  taught  by  the  town  or  grammar  school- 
master is  evident  from  the  vote  passed  in  1724  respecting  IMr. 
Isaac  Stiles,  whom  the  town  promises  to  pay  "fivety  pounds  for 
keeping  the  school  one  year,  that  is  to  say  the  three  sum- 
mer months,  he  shall  be  obliged  only  for  keeping  the  Latin  school- 
ers. ' ' 

Yet  when  there  were  no  pupils  in  the  school  studying  Latin 
the  selectmen  do  not  seem  to  have  been  required  to  obtain  a  col- 
lege graduate  as  teacher,  but  might  obtain  a  "scolar  or  some  other 

lit  person." 

In  several  towns  the  grammar  school  became  at  times  migra- 
tory. There  were  reasons  why  families  living  on  Union  street 
and  in  Little  river  district  should  wish  to  bring  the  school  to 
their  neighborhoods.  January  15,  1774,  the  town  voted  not  to 
move  the^grammar  school  from  place  to  place.  It  was  customary 
to  charge  tuition  to  those  attending  the  grammar  or  town  school. 
Votes  similar  to  the  following  frequently  occur.     December  2, 

(      421      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1698,  it  was  voted  "that  all  boys  capable  to  go  to  school,  their 
parents  or  masters  to  pay  three  pence  a  week  for  readers  and 
four  pence  a  week  for  wrighters. "  The  grammar  school  was  in 
part  to  prepare  for  college.  As  there  were  no  higher  institutions 
during  the  first  century  after  the  incorporation  of  the  town 
open  to  women,  one  reason  for  the  attendance  of  girls  at  the 
grammar  school  was  wanting.  The  main  reason,  however,  for 
their  non-attendance  was  that  the  opinion  generally  prevailed 
that  it  was  neither  needful,  fitting  nor  wise  to  educate  girls  be- 
yond the  ability  to  read  and  to  write.  The  duty  of  educating 
boys  was  recognized.  The  duty  of  educating  girls  was  disre- 
garded after  they  had  learned  to  read  and  write. 

In  a  vote  passed  April  26,  1705,  the  first  mention  of  girls  as 
pupils  of  the  town  school  occurs.  They  are  to  pay  the  same  tui- 
tion as  boys  "if  they  goo,"  but  all  boys  from  7  to  12  are  to  pay 
"whether  they  go  or  not." 

The  town  took  no  action  respecting  the  ' '  Dame ' '  or  primary 
schools  for  many  years.  These  seem  to  have  been  maintained  by 
private  effort.  With,  or  without  schools,  all  children,  in  respect- 
able families,  were  taught  to  read,  for  it  was  deemed  the  duty  of 
parents  to  see  to  it  that  their  children  were  trained  to  read  the 
Bible. 

At  the  town  meeting,  held  March  9.  1719,  action  was  taken 
recognizing  one  other  school  than  that  taught  at  the  center  or 
fort  side  of  the  town.  It  was  voted  "to  allow  forty  five  sliillings 
towards  the  school  over  Little  River."  In  1724  three  pounds 
were  voted  "to  be  improved  in  hiring  a  schoolmaster  there  this 
winter  season."  May  13,  1725,  the  town  voted  to  "give  the 
widow  Catharine  Noble  twenty  five  shillings  a  month  for  keep- 
ing school  so  long  as  the  toAvn  sees  cause  to  improve  her  in  that 
service  and  if  she  sees  cause  to  assent  to  it."  This  appears  to  be 
the  first  recognition  in  the  town  records  of  a  female  teacher. 

The  wood  for  fuel  was  furnished  the  school  by  the  parents 
and  guardians  of  the  pupils.  In  December,  1698,  the  town  voted 
that  "such  persons  that  send  their  children  to  the  school  shall 
provide  a  load  of  wood  for  each  scholar ;  it  is  to  be  understood 
that  boys  from  4  to  14  are  to  pay."    This  action  seems  to  be  but 

(      422      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

the  legal  enforcement  of  a  custom  that  for  many  years  obtained 
in  the  country  towns. 

The  objects  sought  by  those  who  first  settled  our  state  made 
the  school  the  necessary  complement  of  the  church.  When  the 
community  came  to  be  made  up  of  denominations  differing  in  re- 
ligious belief,  as  well  as  of  those  caring  little  for  any  form  of 
faith,  public  schools  could  no  longer  be  maintained  by  one  de- 
nomination. The  school  was  no  longer  the  handmaid  of  the 
church.  The  religious  motives  for  maintaining  the  public  school 
declined.  The  terrible  war  of  Philip,  soon  followed  by  French 
and  Indian  wars,  prolonged  with  uncertain  intervals  through 
two  generations,  and  the  long  and  exhausting  struggle  for  inde- 
pendence, diverted  attention  from  the  public  schools  and  dimin- 
ished the  means  for  their  upbuilding.  They  were  in  a  wretched 
condition  at  the  close  of  the  war  for  independence.  Those  inter- 
ested in  the  education  of  the  young  were  obliged  to  provide  other 
schools.  With  no  little  self-denial  on  the  part  of  the  donors,  aided 
from  time  to  time  by  legislative  grants,  academies  were  estab- 
lished. The  centering  of  the  interest  of  the  friends  of  popular 
education  in  academies  increased  their  number  and  their  effi- 
ciency, but  helped  also  to  increase  the  neglect  of  the  common 
schools  and  to  postpone  any  generous  attempt  to  improve  them. 
In  the  dark  age,  as  it  has  been  called,  of  the  common  schools,  ele- 
mentary education  Avas  persistently  cherished,  at  the  firesides 
of  the  people,  however  defective  the  public  schools,  until  men  who 
had  learned  the  value  of  better  schools  b}^  attending  academies 
and  by  informing  themselves  of  the  methods  of  educational  re- 
formers in  Germany  and  elsewhere,  introduced  a  new^  and  pro- 
gressive era  in  the  common  schools  of  the  state  and  the  nation. 

Westfield  Academy  was  chartered  June  19,  1793,  though  not 
opened  for  the  admission  of  students  imtil  January,  1800.  The 
scholarly  and  energetic  minister  of  the  loAvn,  Key.  Noah  At- 
water,  for  three  years  previous  to  his  settlement,  in  1781,  a  tutor 
in  Yale  college,  evidently  had  much  to  do  with  the  founding  of 
the  academy.  The  minister  in  most  of  the  settlements  was  the 
educational,  no  less  than  the  religious,  leader  of  the  community. 
Mr.  Atwater  seems  to  have  been  especially  earnest  in  caring  for 

(      423      ) 


Ol'R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

the  culture  of  the  young.  At  times  he  joined  the  work  of  teach- 
ing to  that  of  the  ministry,  that  he  might  help  boys  on  toward 
college.  The  state  authorities  willingly  granted  the  act  of  incor- 
poration of  Westtield  academy,  as  there  was  no  other  institution 
of  the  sort  in  Western  Massachusetts.  It  was  the  fourth  academy 
incorporated  in  INIassachusetts. 

That  the  academy  might  be  established  the  tow-n  voted  £600 
towards  its  endowment.  The  act  of  incorporation  named  Gen- 
eral William  Shepard  and  others  as  trustees  of  Westtield  acad- 
emy, *'to  be  and  continue  a  body  politic,  by  the  same  name,  for- 
ever." The  trustees  were  authorized  to  hold  lands  or  other  es- 
tate, the  annual  income  of  which  should  not  exceed  $2,000.  In 
1797  citizens  of  the  town  had  subscribed  $1,000.  In  response  to 
a  petition  of  the  trustees  half  a  township  of  land  in  the  district 
of  Maine  was  granted  by  the  legislature  in  aid  of  the  academy. 
The  sale  of  this  land  and  private  subscriptions  so  increased  the 
funds  that  a  building  was  completed  in  1799,  at  a  cost  of  about 
$5,000.  Hon.  Samuel  Fowler,  agent  for  building  the  academy, 
in  town  meeting,  April  13,  1803,  reported  the  cost  to  be  £927 
10s.  8d. 

On  the  first  of  January,  1800,  the  building  was  opened  with 
appropriate  dedicatory  exercises.  Rev.  Joseph  Lathrop  of  West 
Springfield  preached  the  sermon,  taking  as  his  text  Ps.  144:12. 
In  the  closing  paragraph  occurs  this  passage:  ''This  day  intro- 
duces a  new  year— the  year  that  closes  the  eighteenth  century 
from  the  era  of  your  redemption.  On  this  day  we  are  assembled 
to  dedicate  to  God  and  commit  to  his  blessing  this  infant  semi- 
nary, hoping  that  here  'our  sons  will  be  as  plants  grown  up  in 
their  youth,  and  our  daughtei's  as  corner-stones  polished  after 
the  similitude  of  a  palace'— that  here  formed  to  useful  knowl- 
edge, pious  sentiments,  and  virtuous  mannere,  they  will  bring 
honor  to  God,  do  service  to  men  in  their  day,  and  transmit  to 
another  generation  the  pious  principles  and  the  excellent  wis- 
dom which  they  here  imbibe." 

The  sermon  was  followed  by  a  brief  address,  and  the  present- 
ation of  the  keys  by  Hon.  Samuel  Fowler,  president  of  the  board 
of  trustees.    The  following  passage  occurs  in  the  first  part  of  his 

(      424      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIELI) 

address:  "We  have  assembled  this  day  for  the  delightful  pur- 
pose of  dedicating  and  setting  apart  this  building  for  the  im- 
portant design  of  education,  that  the  rising  generation  may  be 
instructed  in  the  various  bi'anches  of  human  and  sacred  erudi- 
tion. 

"We  rejoice  that  this  hapi)y  lot  has  fallen  to  us  and  that  we 
have  an  opportunity  to  impart  a  small  poi'tion  of  our  property 
in  laying  the  foundation  of  so  useful  an  institution. 

"The  attention  of  the  citizens  of  this  commonwealth  to  the 
education  of  the  rising  generation  aft'ords  a  most  pleasing  pros- 


The  old  Academy,  Westfield 

pect  of  the  future  support  of  religion,  science  and  morality. 
These  are  the  grand  pillars  on  which  this  country  has  been  raised 
to  its  present  opulence  and  splendor  and  on  which  the  principles 
of  our  most  excellent  frame  of  government  must  be  continued 
and  supported." 

Preceptors  following  Peter  Starr,  the  first  preceptor,  were: 
Henry  C.  iNlartindale,  afterwards  member  of  congress;  Lyman 
Strong,  Alfred  Perry,  M.  D.,  Horatio  Waldo,  Saul  Clark,  Theo- 
dore North,  Sylvester  Selden,  Francis  L.  Robbins,  Samuel  INF. 


(      425      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Emerson,  Alfred  Stearns,  Charles  Jenkins,  Stephen  Taylor,  Fla- 
vel  S.  Gaylord,  George  W.  Benedict,  Elnathan  Gridley,  Alvan 
Wheeler,  M.  D.,  Parsons  Cooke  and  Emerson  Davis,  who  re- 
signed in  1836,  after  fourteen  years'  service,  to  become  pastor  of 
the  Congregational  church.  The  above  named,  with  one  excep- 
tion, were  graduates  of  Williams  college. 

In  his  brief  sketch  of  Westfield,  printed  in  1826,  Preceptor 
Davis  thus  outlines  the  condition  of  the  academy: 

"The  building  was  repaired  in  1824.  It  has  two  school 
rooms  on  the  lower  floor  and  on  the  other  a  large  hall  and  lecture 
room.  The  institution  is  furnished  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of 
chemical  and  philosophical  apparatus  for  illustrating  the  gen- 
eral principles  of  those  sciences.  There  is  also  a  respectable  col- 
lection of  minerals  for  the  use  of  the  academ3\  Instruction  is 
given  in  the  departments  of  natural  history  to  those  who  Avish. 
Terms  continue  eleven  weeks— tuition  is  three  dollars  per  quar- 
ter. During  the  fall,  winter  and  spring  quarters,  twenty-five 
cents  in  addition  is  paid  for  fuel,  sweeping,  bell  ringing,  &c. 
Present  number  of  students  110.  About  three  thousand  have 
been  educated  at  this  academy  since  its  establishment,  many  of 
whom  hold  conspicuous  stations  in  life,  and  many  others  are  use- 
ful members  of  society.    The  funds  of  the  academy  are  $5000."^ 

The  preceptors  following  Emerson  Davis,  between  the  years 
1844  and  1856,  were:  Ariel  Parish,  William  W.  Woodworth, 
Eev.  Hubbard  Beebe,  AYilliam  C.  Goldthwaite,  Ephraim  Flint, 
William  C.  Butler  and  Moses  Smith. 

Many  ushers  and  many  ladies  of  superior  ability  and  of  gen- 
erous culture  left  the  impress  of  their  character  and  teaching 
upon  students  in  attendance.  Among  the  lady  assistants,  or  pre- 
ceptresses, was  Miss  Emma  Hart,  from  Connecticut,  who  after- 
ward married  Dr.  Willard  of  Troy  and  established  the  famous 
Troy  female  seminary,  one  of  the  first  schools  in  the  country  to 
provide  adequate  higher  instruction  for  women.  Miss  Philena 
Carpenter,  preceptress  for  several  years,  added  to  her  other  ac- 
complishments skill  in  teaching  needlework  and  painting.  Pict- 
ures painted  under  her  instruction  were  much  appreciated  in 
many  homes.     Another,  among  many  others  who  won  and  who- 

(      426      ) 


THE  TO^VN  OF  ^Y  EST  FIELD 

deserved  high  esteem,  was  Miss  A.  Elizabeth  Stebbins,  after- 
wards the  wife  of  Norman  T.  Leonard. 

When  Westfield  academy  was  founded  it  was  the  only  in- 
stitution of  the  sort  in  Western  Massachusetts.  During  the  fol- 
lowing half  century  rival  institutions,  better  endowed,  sprang 
up,  and  free  high  schools  began  to  be  established.  This  academy 
became  but  one  of  many  institutions  occupying  territory  once 
exclusively  her  own.  William  G.  Bates  was  the  soul  of  a  move- 
ment to  prevent  the  decline  of  the  institution.  We  quote  from 
him: 

"It  became  apparent  to  the  friends  of  the  academy,  that,  in 
its  appointments,  it  was  in  a  situation  where  a  large  expenditure 
should  be,  and  must  be,  made,  to  prolong  its  usefulness.  The 
building,  though  an  elegant  one  for  the  time  it  was  erected,  had 
become  dilapidated  and  old.  It  was  still  comfortable,  and  might 
by  repairs  have  been  made  still  more  so;  but  it  was  'behind  the 
times, '  in  its  extent  and  in  its  architectural  beauty.  It  was  there- 
fore determined  to  erect  a  new  building  as  an  addition— or,  rath- 
er, to  erect  a  new  academy,  and  have  the  old  building  subserve 
the  part  of  lecture  rooms,  and  other  similar  purposes.  An  ad- 
dress was  accordingly  prepared  and  printed,  addressed  to  the 
alumni  and  the  friends  of  the  academy.  A  response  was  made 
to  the  application,  by,  in  some  cases,  very  generous  subscriptions. 
A  contract  was  made  for  the  building,  and  on  the  31st  of  July, 
1857,  the  corner-stone  was  laid,  with  imposing  ceremonies,  and 
an  address  was  delivered  by  Mr.  Bates,  and  original  odes  were 
sung  by  a  chorus  of  voices.  The  future  seemed  prosperous,  and 
the  donors  felt  that  their  benefactions  had  been  judiciously  ex- 
pended." 

J.  B.  Holland  was  appointed  preceptor  in  1858.  Circulars 
had  been  sent  to  the  alumni  to  aid  in  securing  students.  The 
school  opened  with  a  full  attendance.  It  was  soon  evident  that 
the  decline  of  the  academy  could  not  be  permanently  arrested. 
The  rise  of  the  Westfield  and  other  high  schools,  the  development 
of  Williston  seminary  and  other  well  endowed  institutions  within 
the  territory  once  exclusively  the  territory  of  the  Westfield  acad- 
emy made  it  impossible  without  a  large  endowment  to  restore  its 

(      427      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

pre-eminence  or  to  continue  its  new  life.  Mr.  Holland  resigned 
in  1864.  Charles  F.  Diirfee  was  preceptor  for  a  year.  Mr. 
Geddes  attempted  to  maintain  the  school  another  year.  In  1867 
the  grounds  and  the  building  were  sold  to  the  town  of  Westfield 
and  have  since  been  the  premises  of  the  high  school.  The  trus- 
tees added  the  proceeds  to  the  fund  of  the  academy  to  accumu- 
late until  there  should  be  suitable  opportunity  to  use  the  same, 
in  the  words  of  the  charter,  in  "promoting  piety,  religion,  and 
morality,  and  for  the  instruction  of  youth  in  such  languages,  and 
such  of  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  as  the  trustees  shall  direct." 

We  may  not  pass  from  the  institutional  life  of  the  academy 
without  again  quoting  from  Mr.  Bates.  In  his  bi-centennial  ad- 
di-ess,  delivered  October  6,  1869,  on  the  occasion  of  the  two  hun- 
dredth anniversary  of  the  incorporation  of  Westfield,  alluding  to 
the  academy,  he  said : 

"It  would  be  a  pleasing  retrovspeet  if  we  were  to  pass  over 
the  first  two-thirds  of  the  present  century,  and  record  the  names 
of  those  at  whose  feet,  from  time  to  time,  we  have  sat  for  guid- 
ance and  for  instruction ;  if  we  were  to  recall  those  early  com- 
panions, with  whom  we  strayed,  and  played,  and  perhaps  toiled 
along  the  paths  of  learning— companions  dear  to  us  then — of 
whom  we  felt,  'very  pleasant  hast  thou  been  to  me,  my  brother' — 
but  oh,  how  doubly  dear  now,  as  one  by  one  they  have  faded  from 
our  sight,  leaving  us  more  and  more  alone,  like  a  city,  which  sits 
solitary,  and  yet  is  full  of  people— in  the  world,  but  not  of  it, 
among  men,  yet  not  of  them,  and  sighing  for  the  unselfish  friend- 
ship of  those  who  made  our  young  hours  happy ;  if  we  were  to 
estimate  the  effect  which  the  establishment  of  the  institution  has 
wrought  upon  the  material  interests  of  the  town,  its  moral  influ- 
ence upon  the  people,  and  the  heightened  tone  it  has  given  to  its 
intelligence  and  its  virtue ;  if  we  were  to  consider  what  a  result 
has  been  produced  upon  the  world  at  large,  by  more  than  nine 
thousand  people,  who  have  gone  out  from  it,  to  all  parts  of  the 
civilized  globe.  But  the  topic  is  too  vast  for  the  occasion.  I  may 
say,  however,  in  regard  to  it  as  a  part  of  the  history  of  the  town, 
that  the  proximity  of  other  institutions,  endoAved  by  enlightened 
liberality.   Avith   ample   funds,   enabling  them   to   provide  more 

(       428       ) 


THE  TOWN  OF   WEST  FIELD 

numerous  teachers,  more  extensive  apparatus,  and  more  com- 
modious boarding  accommodations,  inaugurated  a  rivalry  against 
which  this  almost  unendowed  institution  could  poorly  struggle. 
The  buildings  and  grounds,  which  had  come  down  to  us,  were  ac- 
cordingly sold.  The  estate  of  the  academy  is  invested  for  in- 
crease, until  by  accumulation,  augmented  as  I  trust  it  will  be,  by 
future  benefactions,  it  shall  again  spring  forward  into  a  field 
of  usefulness. 

"My  fellow  citizens,  I  say  now,  in  as  full  faith  as  I  said  to 
you  on  the  31st  of  July,  1857,  '  Westfield  academy  will  never  die ! 
It  was  born  to  be  immortal !  It  was  incorporated  to  he  and  con- 
tinue a  body  politic  forever' ;  and  if  this  generation  shall  pass 
away  with  a  deluded  apathy  to  its  interests,  it  will  find,  in  a  gen- 
eration perhaps  now  unborn,  friends  who  will  rally  around  it, 
with  the  zeal  of  its  first  founders,  and  rejoice  with  exceeding 
great  joy,  in  its  returned  prosperity." 

Mr.  Bates  proved  his  faith  by  his  works.  Before  his  death 
he  deeded  to  the  trustees  of  the  AVestfield  academy,  in  aid  of  its 
purposes,  real  estate  which  he  valued  approximately  at  ten 
thousand  dollars.  The  trustees  of  the  academy,  in  recent  years, 
have  secured  the  ends  for  which  it  Avas  established  by  using  the 
income  of  its  fund  in  extending  the  course  of  study  and  in  in- 
creasing the  efficiency  of  the  high  school ;  the  trustees  also  ac- 
tively co-operate  with  the  school  committee  of  the  town  in  the 
management  of  the  school ;  hence  the  history  of  the  academy  is 
in  a  measure  merged  with  that  of  the  high  school.  We  turn  to 
its  history. 

The  Higli  School.  — The  first  movement  toward  the  establish- 
ment of  a  high  school,  as  appears  from  the  town  records,  was  the 
appointment  of  a  committee,  in  1837,  to  procure  a  site  and  to 
build  a  town  house  and  high  school  building. 

When  the  town  house  was  completed  it  contained  rooms  in 
the  first  story  for  a  high  school,  while  the  second  story  was  a  town 
hall. 

Though  no  arrangement  was  made  by  the  town  for  that  pur- 
pose, the  academy  continued  to  provide,  as  heretofore,  for  the  in- 
struction of  those  who  continued  their  studies  after  learning  the 
grammar  grades. 

(      429      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

In  1845,  when  the  state  board  of  education  were  about  to 
provide  a  permanent  abode  for  the  normal  school,  the  town  of- 
fered to  sell  the  first  story  and  the  basement  of  the  town  hall  to 
the  state  for  the  use  of  the  normal  school  for  the  sum  of  $1,500 ; 
but  if  the  board  preferred  to  erect  a  separate  building  the  town 
offered  to  give  $500  for  that  purpose. 


Westfield  High  School 


At  the  April  meeting,  1855,  the  town  appropriated  $1,000 
"for  the  high  school  and  for  fitting  up  rooms  for  that  purpose.'' 

The  school  opened  in  the  town  hall  building  the  same  year. 
H.  E.  Daniels  was  the  first  principal.  Miss  H.  N.  Fletcher  (after- 
wards Mrs.  L.  R.  Norton),  the  first  assistant.  These  were  suc- 
ceeded by  Almon  B.  and  Mrs.  Clapp.  The  succeeding  principals 
were  A.  H.  Bingham,  C.  D.  Hills,  E.  A.  Booth,  H.  H.  Tuttle,  A. 
E.  Gibbs,  Henry  Dame,  John  Welch  and  James  McLaughlin. 

(      430      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIELD 

In  1867,  as  we  have  seen,  the  building  and  grounds  of  the 
Westfield  academy  became  those  of  the  high  school.  The  town, 
in  1889,  purchased  the  Ives  property  and  thus  extended  the 
grounds  towards  the  south.  In  that  year  the  town  also  voted 
$26,000  for  the  reconstructioji  and  enlargement  of  the  high 
tschool  building.  During  that  year,  also,  an  arrangement  to 
continue  for  a  term  of  years  was  completed  between  the  trustees 
of  the  academy  and  the  town,  by  which  the  income  of  the  acad- 
emy fund,  upon  certain  conditions,  should  be  used  to  improve 
and  to  extend  the  work  of  the  high  school.  In  carrying  out  this 
arrangement  the  trustees  co-operate  with  the  school  committee. 

In  September,  1890,  the  new  building  was  ready;  a  larger 
faculty  had  been  carefully  selected,  and  a  more  extended  course 
of  study  had  been  prepared  by  the  incoming  principal.  The  school 
entered  upon  a  new  era  of  usefulness. 

During  the  year  the  rear  wing— the  old  academy— was 
burned.  It  was  replaced  by  a  brick  wing  adapted  to  the  needs 
of  the  school. 

The  studies  of  the  high  school  are  now  largely  elective,  fur- 
nishing opportunity  for  individual  culture  and  for  special  prep- 
aration for  future  work.  The  studies  are  grouped  under  the 
following  heads :  College  preparatory,  Latin  scientific,  modern 
language,  English  and  business  course. 

Herbert  W.  Kittredge  was  appointed  principal  in  1890.  As 
the  result  of  his  thorough  teaching,  careful  administration  and 
tireless  energy,  and  the  loyal  co-operation  of  competent  teach- 
ers in  the  several  departments,  the  school  has  reached  the  fore- 
most rank  in  the  high  schools  of  the  state.  The  principal  in- 
structs in  Greek  and  college  English.  The  teachers  of  other  de- 
partments are:  D.  M.  Cole,  sciences;  George  W.  Miner,  business 
branches ;  Sara  M.  Kneil,  English  and  civics ;  Lucy  Jane  Dow, 
Latin;  Elizabeth  F.  Atwood,  stenography  and  typewriting; 
Grace  Crafts  Alden,  mathematics;  Caroline  Barhauer,  modern 
languages ;  Margaret  B.  Randal,  English,  history  and  elocution ; 
Sterrie  A.  Weaver,  music;  Marion  E.  Hurlbut,  drawing. 

The  Atheneum.—ln  1864  Samuel  Mather,  Hiram  Harrison 
and  Cutler  Laflin,  their  associates  and  successors,  were  incor- 

431      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

porated  under  the  name  of  AVestfield  atheneum.  Mr.  Mather 
gave  $10,000  as  a  permanent  fund  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
library,  and  is  designated  on  the  records  as  the  "founder  of  the 
institution."  Mv.  Harrison  gave  about  the  same  amount  in  the 
form  of  land,  and  the  building  which  he  erected  upon  it,  on 
Main  street.  Ten  thousand  dollars  were  raised  by  subscription 
for  the  purchase  of  books.  The  donors  were  Henry  T.  Morgan, 
$3,500 ;  Cutler  Laflin  and  Charles  Jessup,  $1,000  each ;  William 
G.  Bates,  Henry  J.  Bush,  Edward  B.  Gillett,  George  L.  Laflin 
and  Samuel  Fowler,  $500  each.     Smaller  sums  were  donated  by 


The  Old  Athoiieum 

other  parties.  Recently  the  legacy  of  Addison  C.  Rand,  $5,000, 
and  that  of  Fanny  B.  Bates.  $1,000,  and  donations  from  others, 
of  less  amount,  have  been  received. 

In  1872,  Mrs.  Cynthia  Eldridge,  sister  of  Samuel  Mather, 
gave  $1,000. 

May  10,  1895,  by  the  joint  action  of  the  directors  and  the 
town  the  library  was  made  free.  Number  of  volumes  in  the  li- 
brary February,  1902,  18,800 ;  number  of  regular  patrons,  4,000 ; 
circulation  about  40,000. 

CHURCHES 

The  church  first  established  in  AYestfield,  and  for  more  than 
one  hundred  years  maintained  by  the  town,  is  now  known  as  the 

(      433      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

First  Congregational  church.  We  have  already  outlined  its  his- 
tory. We  may  add  that  within  a  few  years  a  commodious  parish 
house  has  been  added  to  the  church  building,  furnishing  accom- 
modations for  the  large  Sabbath  school  and  for  the  social  gath- 
erings of  the  various  organizations  connected  with  the  church. 
The  present  membership  is  450. 

In  1856  a  colony  of  sixty-three  from  the  First  church  was 
organized  as  the  Second  Congregational  church.  In  1862  the 
present  church  building  was  erected.  A  convenient  chapel  has 
since  been  added.  The  present  membership  is  434.  The  follow- 
ing is  a  list  of  the  pastors,  with  the  date  of  entering  upon  their 
duties :  Francis  Homes,  1856 ;  Joel  S.  Bingham,  1856 ;  George 
Bowler,  1863;  Henry  Hopkins,  1865;  Lyman  H.  Blake,  1882; 
William  E.  Gordon,  the  present  pastor,  1899. 

The  first  Baptist  church  organized  in  Westfield  was  at  the 
West  Farms  (Wyben).  This  church  prospered  for  many  years, 
but  after  a  time  it  was  evident  that  a  strong  church  could  not  be 
maintained  so  far  from  the  center  of  population.  Services,  how- 
ever, were  maintained  until  1871,  when  the  church  was  disor- 
ganized, the  members  uniting  with  the  Central  Baptist  church. 
Since  that  time  various  clergymen  from  Westfield  have  held 
services  on  Sunday  afternoons  in  a  mission  chapel. 

The  "First  Baptist  church"  of  AVestfield  was  organized  in 
1784.  Five  years  later  a  building  was  erected  near  the  old  county 
bridge.  In  1795  the  church  became  divided  and  disorganized. 
The  revival  of  1806  infused  new  life.  Services  were  resumed. 
The  little  band  failed  to  maintain  services  from  1810  to  1819. 
Then  Kev.  David  Wright  became  the  pastor,  and  through  his 
earnest  efforts  the  membership  was  increased  to  203  in  1826.  This 
church  erected  its  second  house  of  ^^orship  on  Main  street,  near 
the  bridge  over  Little  river. 

On  May  23,  1833,  the  Central  Baptist  church  was  organized, 
with  Rev.  David  Wright  as  pastor.  This  was  the  beginning  of  a 
new  era  for  the  Baptists  of  Westfield.  A  church  building  was  at 
once  erected  on  the  corner  of  Elm  and  Church  streets.  The 
church  grew  and  in  a  fcAV  years  absorbed  the  Baptist  interests  of 
Westfield.     In  1867-8,  the  church  having  outgroAvn  its  accom- 

28-2  (      433      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

modations,  the  present  house  of  Avorship,  during  the  pastorate  of 
Kev.  John  Jennings,  was  erected.  In  1898  Mi's.  G.  I.  Hays  pur- 
chased the  brick  building,  built  by  A.  B.  Whitman,  and  pre- 
sented it  to  the  church,  thus  supplying  a  want  long  felt  for  kin- 
dergarten rooms  and  furnishing  admirable  opportunities  for  so- 
cial gatherings.  The  church  has  recently  provided  a  new  par- 
sonage.   The  following  pastors  have  served  the  church  :    Andrew 


Corner  of  Elm  and  Main  Street,  Westfield 
The  Vmilding  at  the  left  is  the  old  Methodist  churcli,  long  since  abandoned 


M.  Smith.  David  Wright,  Charles  Van  Loan,  Farondia  Bester, 
Alfred  Colburn,  John  Alden,  William  Carpenter,  John  R.  Beau- 
mis,  John  Jennings,  E.  M.  Gerome,  AV.  H.  Eaton,  H.  P.  Smith 
and  R.  B.  Esten.    W.  S.  Ayres  is  now  the  pastor. 

Methodism  began  in  Westfield  in  1794.    The  town  then  was 
included  in  what  was  then  called  the  Granville  circuit,  and  was 

(      434      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

a  part  of  the  New  York  conference.  Services  were  first  held  in 
that  part  of  the  town  now  called  Mimdale,  then  known  as  Hoop- 
hole.  In  1812  the  first  sermon  was  preached  at  the  center,  by 
Thomas  Thorpe,  and  a  class  was  formed.  The  first  meeting-house 
was  built  at  Hoophole,  also  called  West  Parish  and  Mundale.  In 
1830  the  town  purchased  a  site  and  in  1833  the  building  on  Main 
street  Avas  dedicated.  In  1836  it  became  an  independent  church 
with  Kev.  Paul  Townsend  as  first  pastor.  As  a  circuit  it  has  had 
the  services  of  the  most  distinguished  preachers  of  early  Method- 
ism, such  as  David  Kilbourn,  Erastus  Otis,  Jefferson  Ilascall, 
Thomas  W.  Tucker,  Jonathan  D.  Bridge  and  others. 

Revs.  Smith,  B.  McLouth,  Ephraim  Scott,  Jefferson  Has- 
call  were  successors  of  Mr.  Townsend.  In  1843,  under  Mr. 
Hascall,  a  splendid  church  building  was  erected  on  Elm  street. 
So  strong  and  prosperous  had  the  society  become  that  the  New 
England  annual  conference  was  held  in  AVestfield,  in  1841.  Dr. 
Hascall  was  succeeded  by  Drs.  Mark  Trafton,  H.  V.  Degen,  Miner 
Raymond,  J.  B.  Hatch,  G.  F.  Cox,  J.  H.  Twombly  (twice),  Wil- 
liam Butler,  Gilbert  Haven  (afterwards  bishop),  I.  J.  P.  Collyer, 
D.  E.  Chapin,  George  Bowler,  Hills,  Henry  W.  Warren  (now 
bishop),  Daniel  Richards,  W.  G.  H.  Lewis,  J.  H.  Mansfield, 
George  Whitaker,  J.  S.  Barrows,  S.  L.  Graoey,  F.  Woods  (twice), 
J.  A.  Cass,  E.  A.  Titus,  J.  M.  Leonard,  Charles  Young,  L.  H. 
Dorchester,  Frederic  N.  Upham  and  John  D.  Pickles,  the  pres- 
ent pastor.  The  church  has  been  characterized  by  strength  and 
aggressiveness.  During  the  second  pastorate  of  Dr.  Twombly, 
the  present  large  and  beautiful  church  edifice  was  erected.  It 
was  dedicated  in  1875. 

Methodism  has  had  more  than  a  hundred  years'  history  in 
that  part  of  the  town  known  as  Mundale.  If  our  limits  allowed 
it  would  be  a  pleasure  to  note  the  labors  of  those  who  from  time 
to  time  have  been  its  pastors.  Rev.  John  Evans  is  the  present 
pastor. 

The  Universalist  church  was  organized  in  1853.  Rev.  D.  H. 
Plumb  was  the  first  pastor.  In  1889.  the  present  church  build- 
ing on  Elm  street  was  erected.  The  pastor  of  this  church, 
Rev.  Lucy  A.  Milton,  has  recently  resigned. 

(      435      ) 


OCR  cor  MY  AXB  ITS  PEOPLE 

The  Episcopal  church  was  organized  in  1860.  Services 
were  held  for  some  years  in  the  Universalist  chapel  and  later  in 
a  hall  and  in  the  Universalist  church.  In  1873,  the  parish  was 
incorporated  under  its  present  name,  "The  Church  of  the 
Atonement."  In  1875,  it  Avas  accepted  into  the  Episcopal  dio- 
cese of  Massachusetts.  AVe  note  the  names  of  the  rectors :  Kev. 
J.  Mines,  Rev.  Andrew  Mackie,  Rev.  J.  F.  Winldey,  Rev.  B.  F. 
Cooley,  Henry  Sheridan,  Rev.  Mr.  Parker,  Rev.  H.  N.  Cunning- 
ham, Allen  C.  Prescott,  Rev.  Henry  Tarrant,  Rev.  N.  S.  Board- 
man  and  Frederick  A.  Wright,  who  became  rector  of  the  church 
in  1899,  and  has  recently  been  compelled  by  ill-health  to  resign. 

The  Second  Advent  church  began  as  a  mission  church  in 
1866.  Here  Rev.  H.  L.  Hastings  and  wife  labored.  In  1869,  Mr. 
Hastings  organized  a  church.  Services  were  held  for  a  time  in 
the  Universalist  chapel  on  Chapel  street,  later  in  the  old  Baptist 
church,  corner  of  Elm  and  Church  streets.  In  1874,  the  present 
chapel  on  School  street  was  erected.  The  ten  settled  pastors 
have  been :  Revs.  E.  S.  Owen,  George  L.  Teeple,  James  Hem- 
menway,  AVilliam  C.  Stewart.  S.  G.  Mathewson,  J.  E.  Cross,  John 
C.  St.  John,  M.  E.  Andrews,  George  M.  Little  and  Allan  H. 
Bissell,  recently  installed. 

If  our  limits  permitted,  we  should  insert  the  admirable  his- 
tory of  St.  Mary's  church,  found  in  the  "History  of  the  Catholic 
Church,"  written  by  Rev.  J.  J.  McCoy.     AYe  shall  use  parts  of  it. 

It  is  not  clear  when  the  first  mass  was  said  in  Westfield. 
Father  Fitlon  speaks  of  visiting  AVestfield  as  a  missionary, 
between  1828  and  1880.  Father  John  Brady  of  Hartford,  was 
in  Westfield  during  the  building  of  the  canal,  caring  for  the 
Catholic  workmen.  Later,  during  the  building  of  railroads, 
services  were  again  held.  John  Healy  was  here  in  1840,  and 
about  the  same  time  William  Sullivan,  William  Callinan  and 
John  O'Neil.  This  same  O'Neil  Avas  drowned  in  Southwick 
ponds  while  bringing  up  the  last  boat  that  ever  came  up  the  old 
canal. 

The  first  mass  definitely  remembered  was  in  the  tOAvn  hall, 
November,  1851.  About  one  hundred  and  fifty  were  present. 
For  some  time  the  Catholics  gathered  in  some  one  of  their  houses 

(      436      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WESTFIELD 

whenever  the  priest  visited  them.  On  Sundays,  if  no  priest 
could  be  with  them,  they  still  assembled  and  said  the  rosary  and 
the  litanies  in  common. 

James  Phillips  Avas  an  earnest  worker.  His  Protestant 
friends  aided  him  in  securing  a  church  building  by  purchasing  a 
site  in  1853.  The  vigil  of  Christ  was  held  in  the  new  building 
the  next  year,  though  the  walls  were  yet  unplastered.  Father 
Blenkinsop  of  Chicopee  had  charge  at  this  joyful  opening  of  the 
church. 

In  1854,  during  the  time  of  intense  "Know  Nothing"  excite- 
ment, some  of  the  "baser  sort"  of  the  town's  people  gathered 
and  moved  toward  the  new  church,  threatening  to  burn  it. 
Catholics  gathered  in  its  defence.  Hiram  Hull,  a  leading  man 
of  the  town,  met  the  mob,  and  by  a  few  well-timed  and  decisive 
words,  turned  them  away  from  the  church.  Dr.  McCoy  adds: 
^'The  Catholics  were  never  afterwards  molested.  On  the  con- 
trary, there  has  been  no  time  in  the  church's  history,  when  Prot- 
estant neighbors  have  failed,  by  kind  word  and  generous  help, 
to  encourage  all  the  good  that  the  Catholic  hearts  and  minds 
could  plan." 

In  1855,  in  the  month  of  June,  Bp.  Fitzpatrick  of  Boston 
attended  the  first  confirmation.  John  Healey,  the  first  to  be 
buried  in  the  Catholic  cemetery,  was  present  to  see  his  four  chil- 
dren confirmed,  though  he  was  in  the  last  stages  of  consumption. 

Westfield  was  for  a  time  a  mission  of  Springfield.  In  1862, 
Rev.  M.  X.  Carroll  became  the  first  resident  pastor.  He  was 
followed  in  1868  by  Father  IMiglionico.  In  1874,  Rev.  Thomas 
Smythe  became  pastor,  a  man  much  respected  by  all  classes.  He 
had  large  influence  in  town  affairs. 

March,  1881,  the  church  was  destroyed  by  fire.  The  com- 
modious brick  church,  now  so  serviceable,  was  dedicated  by 
Bishop  0  'Reilly  INIarch  1,  1885.  Father  Smythe  very  much  en- 
larged the  grounds  of  the  church.  One  of  his  latest  purchases' 
was  the  land  opposite  the  church,  on  which  now  stand  the  con- 
vent and  the  new  parochial  school. 

Father  Donahue  succeeded  Father  Smythe  in  1891.  His 
pastorate,  thus    far,    has    been    eminently    succesvsful.     On  the 

(      437      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

church  books  are  recorded  between  six  and  seven  hundred  mar- 
riages and  nearly  four  thousand  baptisms. 

INDUSTRIES 

Westfield  for  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  was 
a  farming  town.  Its  extensive  alluvial  meadow  lands  made  it 
a  leading  agricultural  town.  Citizens  are  now  living  who  re- 
member the  beginnings  of  other  industries  that  now  absorb 
so  large  a  proportion  of  the  capital  and  the  labor  of  its  people ; 
yet  the  amount  of  grass,  corn,  tobacco  and  other  crops  is  still 
large. 

The  whips  made  in  Westfield  have  spread  its  name  widely. 
The  strands  for  lashes  were  first  cut  on  flat  tables.  The  Shakers 
of  Lebanon,  New  York,  were  the  first  to  cut  strands  from  horse- 
hides  by  "stripping,"  a  handicraft  practiced  with  wonderful 
skill  by  cutters  in  Westfield. 

The  manufacture  of  whips  seems  to  have  been  begun,  in  a 
very  simple  and  rude  way,  in  Westfield,  nearly  a  century  ago. 
Tradition  has  it  that  Joseph  Jokes,  as  early  as  1808,  made  whips 
with  hickory  stocks,  to  which,  by  a  loop  or  "keeper,"  a  lash  was 
fastened.  Soon  improvements  were  made  by  boiling  the  wood 
in  a  preparation  of  colored  oils.  The  stocks  of  the  "twisted 
whips,"  as  they  were  called,  were  made  of  white  oak  or  other 
wood  of  tough  fibre,  and  covered  with  black  sheepskin  sewed  on. 
The  stock  of  the  first  plaited  whip  made  in  Westfield  is  said  to 
have  been  made  in  the  cabinet  shop  of  Erastus  Grant,  by  D.  L. 
Farnham,  by  gluing  together  pieces  of  rattan  around  a  whale- 
bone centre.  The  plaiting  machines  for  covering  stocks,  as  they 
are  now  covered,  were  first  introduced  from  Germany  and  Eng- 
land; though  they  were  greatly  improved  by  the  ingenuity  of 
New  England  men.  The  first  plaiting  machines  were  barrel  ma- 
chines.    They  might  be  called  hand-braiding  machines. 

The  plaiting  was  afterwards  done  by  machines  that  were 
worked  with  a  crank.  Sixty  years  ago,  these  were  also  run  by 
water.  Improvements  in  the  plaiting  machines  have  made  it 
possible  to  run  them  with  great  rapidity.  A  machine  will  cover 
with  its  fine  weaving  from  six  to  ten  stocks  in  an  hour.     There 

(      438      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

are  some  thirty-lhree  firms  or  companies  in  Westfield  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  whips,  besides  a  considerable  number  of 
manufacturers  of  parts  of  whips.  Two  million  dollars  worth  of 
whips  are  annually  sold.  Ajiproximately  one-half  of  this  amount 
is  received  by  the  United  States  whip  company,  the  largest  in  the 
world.     The  Pomeroy  and  Van  Deusen  company  is  reckoned 


The  old-fasliioned  plaiting  machine 


the  second  in  size.  Hiram  Hull  did  much  to  promote  the  earlier 
development  of  this  industry. 

We  name  some  of  the  more  important  industries  that,  to- 
gether with  the  manufacture  of  whips,  go  far  to  make  Westfield 
a  manufacturing  town : 

American  Cycle  company,  opened  in  1897  as  the  Lozier  Man- 
ufacturing company ;  organized  in  1900  under  its  present  name. 

(      439      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   JTS   PEOPLE 

Employs  from  400  to  800  men.  Annual  product,  30,000  wheels. 
About  one-third  of  these  exported  in  1901. 

Automobiles — E.  J.  Moore  Manufacturing  Co.  is  arranging 
to  employ  100  men, 

Ijoomis  Manufacturing  Co.  — Opened  in  1899;  can  fill  but 
a  tithe  of  its  orders  for  automobiles. 


The  First  Foundry  of  H.  B.  Smith  &  Co.,  Westfield 

As  established  in  A.  D.  1853,  on  the  line  of  the  Farmington  canal,  which  then  extended 
from  New  Haven,  Conn,  to  Northampton,  Mass.  The  canal  was  practically  closed 
to  travel  before  1850,  though  not  filled  up  until  many  years  later.  This  building 
was  built  and  probably  pictured  before  the  canal  closed.  H.  B,  Smith  began  in  it 
in  1853. 

Casket  Handles  and  Trimmings— American  Casket  Co.  em- 
ploys fifteen  to  twenty-five  hands. 

Textile  Manufacturing  Co.— Incorporated  1880.  Capital 
stock  $100,000.     Employs  about  sixty  hands. 


(      440      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  WESTFIELD 

Cigars— There  are  several  cigar  manufacturers.  The  an- 
nual output  is  about  ten  millions  of  cigars 

The  tobacco  packers  of  Westfield  handle  about  $750,000 
worth  of  tobacco  annually. 

AYestfield  Brickyard — Six  to  ten  millions  of  bricks  annually. 

Wm.  Warren  Thread  Works  — Spool  cotton  and  thread  of 
every  description.     One  hundred  and  fifty  hands. 

Foster  Machine  Co— Incorporated  1891.  Fifty  to  eighty 
hands.  Produce  annually  from  seventy-five  to  one  hundred  cane 
and  tube  winding  machines,  having  twenty  to  one  hundred 
spindles  each. 

Bryant  Box  Co.  — Incorporated  1892.  Paper  and  cigar 
boxes.     Value  of  annual  output,  $25,000. 

A.  E.  Ensign  Box  Co.— Fine  cigar  boxes.  Established  over 
fifty  years. 

Planet  Co.— Manufacturers  canvas  goods,  bags,  awnings, 
coverings. 

Organ  Pipe  Factory- Employs  twenty  men,  and  uses  24.- 
000  lbs.  of  lead,  1,400  lbs.  of  tin,  and  40,000  lbs.  of  zinc  annually. 

The  H.  B,  Smith  Co.— The  foundation  of  this  company  was 
laid  in  Westfield,  in  1853,  by  Henry  B.  and  Edwin  Smith, 
brothers,  the  owners  of  a  small  foundry  producing  iron  fences 
mainly.  In  1860,  they  began  the  manufacture  of  boilers.  In- 
corporated in  1878.  About  five  hundred  hands  now  employed, 
and  about  seventy-five  tons  of  iron  melted  per  day  in  making 
boilers,  radiators,  cottage  heaters,  etc.,  for  steam  and  water 
heating. 

Church  Orgavs.  —  The  church  organs  built  by  Emmons 
Howard  have  received  deserved  recognition  in  the  wide  appre- 
ciation of  his  large  organ  exhibited  at  the  exposition  at  Buffalo 
in  1901. 

The  Westfield  Marble  and  Sandstone  Co.  is  producing  from 
its  quarry  a  highly  ornamental  marble,  which  is  coming  into 
wide  use. 

PAPER  MANUFACTURE 

The  first  attempt  to  manufacture  paper  was  made  at  Spring- 
dale,  as  the  locality  is  now  called,  by  the  brothers  Augustus  E., 

(      441      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Charles  A.,  and  Alexander  C.  Jessup.  They  made  paper  by 
hand,  dipping  square  sieves  into  a  vat  of  pulp. 

The  Columbian  Photo  Paper  Co.  now  owns  the  premises. 
Incorporated  in  1890.  It  is  said  to  be  the  only  mill  in  the 
country  in  which  paper  is  made  from  rags  and  completely  fin- 
ished  for  the  photographer.     Capacity,  one  ton  per  day. 

Crane  Brothers'  Mills— Upper  and  Lower — Produce  fine 
ledger,  Japanese  and  other  linen  papers.  The  excellence  of  the 
product  has  secured  a  world-wide  reputation.  Three  tons  of 
paper  per  day  are  produced. 

BANKS 

First  National  — Organized  1864  by  consolidating  the  First 
National  Bank,  capital  $150,000,  with  the  Westfield  Bank,  capital 


The  old  Hampden  Bank 

From  an  old  lithograph;  showing  also  the  house  of  Mrs.  Messer,  who 
conducted  a  fancy  goods  store,  corner  of  Elm  and  Main  streets 

$100,000.  The  Westfield  Bank  was  organized  in  1851.  Capital, 
$250,000 ;  surplus,  $120,000. 

Hampden  National — Incorporated  1825.  Became  a  national 
bank  in  1865.     Capital,  $150,000 ;  surplus,  $100,000. 

Co-operative  Bank — Incorporated  1881.  Authorized  capi- 
tal, $1,000,000. 

(      442      ) 


OlUl  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Saving's  Banks— AVoronoco  and  Westfield,  each  having  be- 
tween one  and  two  millions  deposits. 

CHARITABLE  INSTITUTIONS 

Noble  Hospital— Incorporated  1893.  During  the  five  years 
since  the  building  was  opened,  seven  hundred  patients  have  re- 
ceived treatment. 

Shurtleff  INlission  — Cares  for  the  children  of  the  poor  and 
destitute.  Incorporated  1895.  The  charter  requires  that  those 
having  charge  of  the  children  shall  "foster  in  their  minds  the 
spirit  and  teachings  of  the  gospel." 

Space  forbids  notice  of  various  other  associations,  charit- 
able, literary  and  religious  connected  with  the  churches,  or  main- 
tained independently. 

The  Young  Men's  Christian  association  was  incorporated 
March  10,  1891.  The  corner-stone  of  the  present  convenient 
building  standing  on  a  lot  costing  $10,000,  was  laid  Oct.  15,  1900. 

An  active  Christian  Temperance  union  has  long  been  main- 
tained by  ladies  of  Westfield. 

The  Board  of  Trade,  numbering  from  100  to  150,  takes  ac- 
tive interest  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  development  of  the  town. 

The  "Woronoco  Street  Railway  Co.,  incorporated  in  1890, 
operates  ove^  eleven  miles  of  track,  and  is  projecting  large  ex- 
tensions. 

Selectmen  of  Westfield— As  given  in  the  town  records:— 

1672  — Capt.  Cook,  Dea.  Hanchett,  Sergt.  Dewey,  John 
Sackett,  Joseph  Whiting. 

1676— Isaac  Phelps,  Thos.  Gunn,  John  Porter,  John  Inger- 
soU,  David  Ashley. 

1677— Ens.  Loomis,  Geo.  Phelps,  Josiah  Dewey,  Isaac 
Phelps,  Thos.  Dewey,  David  Ashley. 

1678— Lieut.  Moseley,  Thos.  Bancroft,  Jedediah  Dewey. 

1679— David  Ashley,  Josiah  Dewey,  Isaac  Phelps. 

1680— Serg't  Dewey,  Isaac  Phelps,  David  Ashley. 

1685— Ens.  Loomis,  Serg't  Phelps,  David  Ashley. 

(      444      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1686  — Cornet  Dewey,  Ens.  Dewey,  John  Root. 
1687-88— Isaac   Phelps,   Lieut.   Loomis,   Nathaniel   Weller, 
Capt.  Maudsley,  John  Saeket,  Jedediah  Dewey. 

1689— Josiah  Dewey,  Samuel  Root,  Isaac  Phelps. 

1690 — Isaac  Phelps,  Nathaniel  Weller,  Samuel  Root. 

1691-92— Lieut.  Phelps,  John  Saeket,  Nathaniel  Weller. 

1693  — Isaac  Phelps,  Samuel  Root,  John  Saeket. 

1694— Deacon  Dewey,  Deacon  Weller,  David  Ashley. 

1695— Isaac  Phelps,  Samuel  Root,  Ens.  Dewey. 

1696— Dea.  Weller,  John  Gunn,  John  Noble. 

1697— Dea.  Weller,  Nathaniel  Weller,  Jedediah  Dewey. 

1698— Lieut.  Root,  Ensign  Dewey,  Deacon  Weller. 

1699 — Jedediah  Dewey,  Isaac  Phelps,  David  Ashley. 

1701  — Joseph  Maudsley,  Nathaniel  Phelps,  Thos.  Noble. 

1702— Nathaniel  Phelps,  Nathaniel  AVeller,  Samuel  Root. 

1703 — Isaac  Phelps,  Deacon  Weller,  Samuel  Ashley. 

1704 — Isaac  Phelps,  Samuel  Ashley,  Nathaniel  Phelps. 

1705  — Capt.  Phelps,  Nathaniel  Phelps,  Samuel  Taylor. 

1706 — Samuel  Taylor,  David  Dewey,  Isaac  Phelps. 

1707 — Nathaniel  Weller,  Isaac  Phelps,  Samuel  Taylor. 

1708-9  — David  Dewey,  Isaac  Phelps,  Nathaniel  Weller. 

1710— Nathaniel  Weller,  Nathaniel  Phelps,  Stephen  Kellogg. 

1711— Nathaniel  Phelps,  John  Root,  Stephen  Kellogg. 

1712— David  Ashley,  Nathaniel  Phelps,  John  Root. 

1713— Isaac  Phelps,  John  Root,  David  Ashley. 

1714- 

1715— Nathaniel  Phelps,  Thos.  Noble,  John  Root. 

1716- 

1717— John  Root,  Capt.  Moseley,  Thos.  Dewey. 

1718— John  Root,  Daniel  Bagg,  Ens.  Gunn. 

1719— John  Root,  John  Gunn,  Mark  Noble. 

1720— Samuel  Ashley,  Thos.  Noble,  Israel  Dewey. 

1721— John  Gunn,  Thos.  Ingersoll,  Samuel  Ashley. 

1722— Thos.  Noble,  James  Dewey,  John  Root. 

1723 — John  Shepard,  John  Gunn,  Daniel  Bagg. 

1724— Thos.  Ingersoll,  John  Ashley,  Samuel  Bush  (2d). 

1725  — Thos.  Ingersoll,  John  Root,  Jonathan  Ashley. 

(      446      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  ^y  EST  FIELD 

1726— John  Gunn,  Lieut.  Root,  Joseph  Dewey. 

1727— Thos.  Ingersoll,  Samuel  Bush  (2d),  Jonathan  Phelps. 

1728— John  Gunn,  John  Shepard,  Thos.  Ingersoll 

1729— John  Gunn.  Consider  Maudsley,  Thos.  Dewey. 

1730— John  Gunn,  Samuel  Fowler,  Abijah  Dewey,  John 
Shepard,  Consider  Maudsley. 

1731— John  Root,  John  Gunn,  Thos.  Ingersoll,  Nathaniel 
Bancroft,  Elizur  Weller. 

1732 — Deacon  Shepard,  James  Dewey,  Nehemiah  Loomis. 

1733— Thos.  Ingersoll,  Eldad  Taylor,  James  Dewey. 

1734— Lieut.  Ingersoll,  Dea.  Shepard,  Ensign  Taylor,  Lieut. 
Ashley,  James  Dewey. 

1735 — Dea.  Shepard,  Lieut.  Ingersoll,  Ensign  Maudsley, 
Samuel  Fowler  (2d),  Ens.  Taylor. 

1736— Samuel  Fowler  (2d),  John  Lee.  Elizur  Weller,  En- 
sign Maudsley,  Lieut.  Ingersoll. 

1737— Dea.  Shepard,  Ensign  Maudsley,  Lieut.  Ingersoll, 
Joseph  Root,  David  Dewey. 

1738 — Thos.  Ingersoll.  Joseph  Root,  Ensign  Maudsley,  Mat- 
thew Noble,  John  Gunn. 

1739— Joseph  Root,  Ensign  Taylor,  Dea.  Shepard,  Thos.  In- 
gersoll, John  Gunn. 

1740 — Abijah  Dewey,  James  Dewey,  David  Dewey,  Matthew 
Noble,  Samuel  Fowler. 

1741— James  Dewey,  Ensign  Maudsley,  Joseph  Root,  David 
Dewey,  Matthew  Noble. 

1742— Thos.  Ingersoll,  Ensign  Maudsley,  Joseph  Root.  Dea. 
Dewey,  Israel  Maudsley. 

1743— Ensign  Maudsley,  Dea.  Dewey,  Israel  Maudsley,  En- 
sign Taylor,  Thos.  Ingersoll. 

1744— David  Moseley,  John  Shepard,  Dea.  Taylor,  David 
Bagg,  Ensign  Noble. 

1745— James  Dewey,  David  Moseley,  Eldad  Taylor,  Thos. 
Ingersoll,  John  Shepard. 

1746— Abel  Cadwell,  John  Shepard,  Capt.  Ingersoll,  David 
Moseley,  Eldad  Taylor. 

1747— Israel  Ashley,  Abel  Cadwell.  David  Moseley,  John 
Shepard,  David  Weller. 

(      447      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1748— David  ]Moseley,  John  Shepard,  Abel  Cadwell,  Asa 
Noble,  Stephen  Nash. 

1749-50— David  Moseley,  Aaron  Phelps,  Moses  Dewey,  Dr. 
Ashley,  John  Shepard. 

1751— Jonathan  Ingersoll,  Israel  ]\Ioseley,  Israel  Dewey, 
Ens.  Noble,  Stephen  Nash. 

1752— David  Moseley,  Noah  Ashley,  Dr.  Ashley,  Abel  Cad- 
Avell,  Jonathan  Ingersoll. 

1753— Noah  Ashley,  David  Moseley,  Dr.  Ashley.  AYm. 
Sacket,  Abel  Cadwell. 

1754— David  Moseley.  Israel  Ashley,  AVni.  Sacket,  David 
AA'eller,  Jonathan  Ingersoll. 

1755— David  jNIoseley,  Israel  Ashley,  David  AVeller,  Jona- 
than Ingersoll,  Wm.  Sacket. 

1756— David  Moseley,  Israel  Ashley,  Moses  Dewey.  David 
Weller,  Wm.  Sacket. 

1757— Israel  Ashley,  Eldad  Taylor,  David  Aloseley,  John 
Shepard,  ]\Iartin  Dewey. 

1758— David  JNIoseley,  Israel  Ashley,  Martin  Dewey,  John 
Shepard,  John  Ingersoll. 

1759  — David  Moseley,  John  Ingersoll,  Ezra  Clapp,  Moses 
Dewey,  Aaron  King. 

1760-1— Matthew  Noble,  Sanmel  Fowler,  Joseph  Root, 
Aaron  King. 

1762— David  Aloseley,  John  Ingersoll,  John  Moseley,  Eldad 
Taylor,  Samuel  Fowler. 

The  records  covering  the  period  between  1762  and  1774  have 
been  lost. 

1774— John  Ingersoll,  John  Bancroft,  Wm.  Shepard,  David 
Fowler,  Elisha  Parks. 

1775— Elisha  Parks,  John  Moseley,  Wm.  Shepard,  Eldad 
Taylor,  Daniel  Fowler. 

1776— John  Moselej^,  Daniel  Fowler,  Daniel  Bagg,  Dr. 
Mather,  Daniel  Sacket. 

1777— David  Moseley,  Daniel  Sacket,  Benjamin  Saxton, 
Martin  Root,  Samnel  Mather. 

1778— John  Ingersoll,  Bohan  King,  David  AVeller,  jr.,  Dan- 
iel Fowler,  John  Kellogg. 

(      448      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

1779— John  Kellogg,  Israel  Ashley,  David  Moseley,  David 
Weller,  Elisha  Parks. 

1780— Israel  Ashley,  Daniel  Saeket,  Samuel  Fowler,  Israel 
Dewey,  Esquire  Ingersoll. 

1781— Dr.  Ashley,  Samuel  Fowler,  James  Taylor,  Deacon 
Dewey,  Esquire  Ingersoll. 

1782— Capt.  Saeket,  Dr.  Ashley,  Samuel  Fowler,  Capt.  Tay- 
lor, Aaron  Dewey. 

1783— John  Ingersoll,  Samuel  Fowler,  John  Bancroft,  Bil- 
dad  Fowler,  jr.,  Noah  Phelps. 

1784— John  Ingersoll,  Capt.  Bancroft,  Col.  Shepard,  Israel 
Ashley,  Samuel  Fowler. 

1785— Wm.  Shepard,  Israel  Ashley,    David    Moseley,    Dr. 
Whitney,  John  Ingersoll. 

1786— Samuel    Fowler,    Col.    Shepard,    Col.    Moseley,    Dr. 
"Whitney,  Jedediah  Taylor. 

1787— David  Moseley,  Gen.  Shepard,    Samuel   Fowler,   Dr. 
Whitney,  Jedediah  Taylor. 

1788-9 — Samuel  Fowler,  John  Bancroft,  John  Phelps,  Gad 
Noble,  Ezra  Clapp. 

1790-91  — Samuel  Fowler,  Wm.  Shepard,  John  Phelps,  War- 
ham  Parks,  Aaron  Dewey. 

1792— Aaron  Dewey,  Wm.  Shepard,  Bohan  King,  Zachariah 
Bush,  jr.,  Paul  Whitney. 

•  1793 — Aaron  Dewey,  Paul  Whitney,  Zachariah  Bush. 

1794 — Zachariah  Bush,  Aaron  Dewey,  Paul  Whitney,  Wm. 
Shepard,  James  Taylor. 

1795-6— Wm.  Shepard,  James  Taylor,  Warham  Parks,  Zach- 
ariah Bush,  jr.,  Zadock  Martindale. 

1797-8— James  Taylor,  Warham  Parks,  Abel  Whitney,  Silas 
Bush,  John  Dewey. 

1799— Warham  Parks,  James  Taylor,  Silas  Bush. 

1800— James  Taylor,  John  Dewey,    Silas    Bush,    Jedediah 
Taylor,  Gen.  Parks. 

1801— Jedediah  Taylor,  John  Dewey,  James   Taylor,    Silas 
Bush,  Wm.  Moseley. 


39-2  (      449      ) 


01' R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1802— Jedediali  Taylor,  Israel  Ashley,  V\^m.  Moseley. 

1803-4— Israel  Ashley,  Jedediah  Taylor,  Wm.  Moseley,  Silas 
Bush,  Solomon  Phelps. 

1805-7— Silas  Bush,  Jedediah  Taylor,  Solomon  Phelps,  Fred- 
erick Fowler,  Isaac  Ensign. 

1808— Solomon  Phelps,  Jedediah  Taylor,  Silas  Bush. 

1809  — Silas  Bush,  Jedediah  Taylor,  Frederick  Fowler,  Ben- 
jamin Hastings,  Enoch  Holcomb. 

1810— Silas  Bush,  Benjamin  Hastings,  Enoch  Holcomb,  Aza- 
riah  Moseley,  Frederick  Fowler. 

1811— Frederick  Fowder,  Jedediah  Taylor,  Enoch  Holcomb, 
Azariah  Moseley,  Benjamin  Hastings. 

1812— Jedediah  Taylor,  Frederick  Fowler,  Azariah  Moseley. 

1813-14— Jedediah  Taylor,  Frederick  Fowler,  Azariah 
Moseley,  Ambrose  Day,  Isaac  Allen. 

1815— Azariah  Moseley,  Frederick  Fowler,  David  King,  Ja- 
cob Cooper,  Roswell  Dewey. 

1816— Frederick  Fowler,  Azariah  Moseley,  David  King, 
Isaac  Allen,  Roswell  Dewey. 

1817— Roswell  Dewey,  Azariah  Moseley,  Eager  Noble,  Wm. 
Atwater,  Isaac  Allen. 

1818— Wm.  Atwater,  Eager  Noble,  Jared  Noble,  Ambrose 
Day,  Isaac  Allen. 

1819— Wm.  Atwater,  Eager  Noble,  Jared  Noble,  Ambrose 
Day,  Elisha  G.  Cook. 

1820— Azariah  Moseley,  Ambrose  Day,  Jas.  Fowler,  Eager 
Noble,  Elisha  G.  Cook. 

1821-2— James  Fowler,  Elisha  G.  Cook,  Azariah  Moseley. 

1823— Ambrose  Day,  Warham  Shepard,  Elisha  G.  Cook, 
Henry  Fowler,  Wm.  Hooker. 

1824— Ambrose  Day,  Warham  Shepard,  Elisha  G.  Cook, 
Jas.  Fowler,  Roland  Taylor. 

1825— James  Fowler,  Ambrose  Day,  Elisha  G.  Cook,  Elijah 
Arnold,  Eager  Noble. 

1826— Elisha  G.  Cook,  Chas.  Douglas,  Harvey  Champion, 
Warham  Shepard,  John  Shepard. 


(      450      ) 


TEE  TO^yN  OF  WE  ST  FIELD 

1827— Chas.  Douglas,  Harvey  Champion,  John  Shepard, 
Kansford  Allen,  Wni.  Atwater. 

1828  — Chas.  Douglas,  AVm.  Atwater,  John  Shepard,  Sylva- 
nus  G.  Morley,  Sturges  Upson. 

1829  — Sylvanus  G.  Morley.  Asahel  Bush,  John  Shepard, 
Sturges  Upson,  Lewis  Fowler. 

1830— Asahel  Bush,  Sturges  Upson,  Lewis  Fowler,  Chaun- 
GQj  Pease,  Joshua  Loomis. 

1831— Asahel  Bush,  Sturges  Upson,  John  Shepard,  Thomas 
Ashley,  Wm.  Sibley. 

1832— Asahel  Bush,  Chauncey  Pease,  Thos.  Loomis,  Ezra 
Allen,  George  Taylor. 

1833  — Chauncey  Pease,  Henry  Douglas,  S.  G.  Morley,  Lucas 
Cowles,  Adna  Avery. 

1834— Asahel  Bush,  Chauncey  Pease,  Thomas  Loomis,  Chas. 
Noble,  Adna  Avery. 

1835— Asahel  Bush,  Chauncey  Pease,  Thomas  Loomis,  Geo. 
Taylor,  Adna  Avery. 

1836— Lucius  Wright,  Asa  B.  Whitman,  Geo.  W.  Noble, 
Israel  Sackett,  Thos.  Loomis. 

1837— Lucius  Wright,  Asa  B.  Whitman,  Israel  Sacket. 

1838— Lucius  AVright,  Israel  Sackett.  Ashbel  Dewey,  Chas. 
Dewey,  Orin  Cowles. 

1839— Asa  B.  Whitman.  David  Moseley.  Lucius  Wright, 
Orin  Cowles,  Ashbel  Dewey. 

1840— David  ]\Ioseley,  Hiram  Harrison,  Roswell  Sherman, 
David  Drake,  Salmon  Ensign. 

1841— David  Moseley,  Roswell  Sherman,  Salmon  Ensign, 
David  Drake,  Wm.  Noble,  jr. 

1842-3— David  ^Moseley,  Lewis  Fowler,  Martin  Sackett, 
Chauncey  Pease.  Alonzo  Allen. 

1844— David  Moseley,  Joseph  IVI.  Ely,  Stephen  Harrison, 
Micajah  Taylor,  Alonzo  Allen. 

1845  — Dennis  Hedges.  Joseph  Arnold,  Geo.  H.  Moseley. 

1846  — Dennis  Hedges,  Geo.  H.  Moseley,  Horace  Root,  Ed- 
Avin  Brewer.  Jason  Fox. 


(      451      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1847— Dennis  Hedges,  Geo.  H.  Moseley,  Horace  Root,  Edwin 
Brewer,  Jason  Fox. 

1848-9— Jovseph  M.  Ely,  Stephen  Harrison,  Geo.  Sackett, 
Jas.  Noble,  Frederick  Morgan. 

1850— Joseph  M.  Ely,  Geo.  Sackett,  Fred'k  Morgan,  Ste- 
phen Harrison,  Jas.  Noble. 

1851— Geo.  Noble,  Dennis  Hedges,  Wm.  Moseley,  Silas  Root, 
Ebenezer  W.  Cook. 

1852— Dennis  Hedges,  AYm.  Moseley,  E.  W.  Cook,  Geo.  W. 
Noble,  Silas  Root. 

1853— Francis  S.  Eggleston,  Jehial  Shepard,  G.  W.  Noble, 
Frederick  Fowler,  Dennis  Hedges. 

1854— Henry  Fuller,  Frederick  Fowler,  Jehial  Shepard,  F. 
S.  Eggleston,  Geo.  W.  Noble. 

1855— Silas  Root,  J.  S.  Knowles,  Thos.  Cowles,  Barnum 
Perry,  E.  W.  Cook. 

1856— Samuel  Horton,  Thos.  Kneil,  Thos.  Cowles,  L.  B. 
Blood,  Chas.  Fowler. 

1857— Caleb  Alden,  Dennis  Hedges,  Joseph  Arnold,  Frank- 
lin Arthur,  Merwin  Loomis. 

1858— Hiram  Hull,  Geo.  H.  Moseley,  Joseph  Arnold. 

1859-60— Hiram  Hull,  Geo.  H.  Moseley,  Seth  Bush. 

1861-L.  C.  Gillett,  Hiram  Hull,  Seth  Bush. 

1862— L.  C.  Gillett,  Reuben  Loomis,  Wm.  Provin. 

1863— Wm.  Provin,  L.  C.  Gillett,  L.  F.  Thayer. 

1864— L.  F.  Thayer,  L.  F.  Root,  Wm.  Provin. 

1865— H.  B.  Lewis,  Elihu  Gay  lord,  Wm.  Provin. 

1866-67— H.  B.  Lewis,  Elihu  Gaylord,  Geo.  E.  Knapp. 

1868— Wm.  Provin,  Elihu  Gaylord,  John  Fowler. 

1869— H.  B.  Lewis,  John  Fowler,  Chas.  H.  Bush. 

1870— F.  S.  Egleston,  J.  M.  Ely,  Daniel  Fowler. 

1871— Alexander  McKenzie,  F.  S.  Egleston,  Elihu  Gay- 
lord. 

1872— F.  S.  Egleston,  Jos.  S.  Clark,  E.  P.  Parks. 

1873-74-F.  S.  Egleston,  Jos.  S.  Clark,  M.  R.  Van  Deusen. 

1875-F.  S.  Egleston,  Jos.  S.  Clark,  W.  S.  Bush. 


(      452      ) 


THE  TO\yN  OF  WEST  FIELD 

1876 -L.  F.  Thayer,  Wm.  S.  Bush,  Alexander  McKeuzie. 
1877-L.  F.  Thayer,  Wm.  S.  Bush,  L.  F.  Root. 
1878-L.  F.  Thayer,  Jos.  S.  Clark,  L.  F.  Root. 
1879— L.  F.  Thayer,  David  Lainberton,  E.  C.  Carpenter. 
1880-L.  F.  Thayer,  E.  C.  Carpenter,  Seth  Bush. 
1881-Wm.  Provin,  jr.,  I.  H.  Plumley,  G.  H.  Moseley. 
1882— EdAvin  Hedges,  Frank  F.  Arthur,  John  Fowler. 
1883— Edwin  Hedges,  Frank  F.  Arthur,  John  Fowler. 
1884— Edwin  Hedges,  C.  D.  Allen.  John  Fowler. 


Soldiers'  Monument 

1885— Edwin  Hedges,  C.  D.  Allen,  John  Fowler. 
1886— Edwin  Hedges,  C.  D.  Allen,  John  Fowler. 
1887— Edwin  Hedges,  W.  H.  Foote,  T.  B.  Moseley. 
1888 -W.  C.  Clark,  T.  B.  Moseley,  L.  F.  Root. 
1889-W.  C.  Clark,  T.  B.  Moseley,  L.  F.  Root. 
1890— Jas.  P.  Freeman,  T.  B.  Moseley,  L.  F.  Root. 
1891— Jas.  P.  Freeman,  T.  B.  Moseley,  L.  F.  Thayer. 
1892— Jas.  P.  Freeman,  T.  B.  Moseley,  L.  F.  Thayer. 
1893— Jas.  P.  Freeman,  T.  B.  Moseley,  L.  F.  Thayer. 


(      453      ) 


ley. 
ley. 


01 R    COUNTY   AM)   ITS   PEOPLE 

1894— Edwin  Hedges,  T.  B.  Moseley,  James  P.  Freeman. 
1895— Olin  C.  Towle,  Orrin  A.  Granger,  Jas.  P.  Freeman. 
1896— Orrin  A.  Granger,  Jas.  P.  Freeman,  Thos.  B.  Moseley. 
1897— Orrin  A.  Granger,  Jas.  P.  Freeman.  Thos.  B.  Mose- 

1898  — Orrin  A.  Granger,  Jas.  P.  Freeman,  Thos.  B.  Mos€- 

1899-Chas.  H.  Beals,  Jas.  P.  Freeman.  Thos.  B.  Moseley. 
1900— R.  J.  Morrissey,  Jas.  P.  Freeman,  Thos.  B.  Moseley. 
1901 — R.  J.  MoiTissey,  Jas.  P.  Freeman,  "Wm.  S.  Bush. 
1902-James  H.  Clark,  George  H.  Loomis,  ^\m.  S.  Bush. 

TOWN  CLERKS 

1693— John  Ashley. 
1694— Joseph  Sexton. 
1695-1702— Isaac  Phelps. 
1702-1705— Joseph  Sexton. 
1705-1715— Isaac  Phelps. 
1715-1731— John  Root. 
1731-1747-John  Gunn. 
1747-1763-Eldad  Taylor. 
1763-1774— Record  wanting. 
1774-1777-Eldad  Taylor. 
1777-1781 -Samuel  Mather. 
1781  — Samuel  Fowler. 
1782-1788 -Israel  Ashley. 
1788— Samuel  Fowler. 
1789  — Israel  Ashley. 
1790-1795 -Paul  Whitney. 
1796— John  Atwater. 
1797-1799-Abel  Whitney. 
1799-1813-John  Ingersoll. 
1813-1815- Chas.  Douglas. 
1815-1817 -AYilliam  Blair. 
1817-1823— David  King. 
182.3-1826-Alfred   Stearns. 


(      454      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  ^yESTFIELD 

1826— Eli  B.  Hamilton. 

1827— JNIatthew  Ives,  jr. 

1828- Chas.  Douglas. 

1829-1832— Matthew  Ives.  jr. 

1832-1834-Homer  Holland. 

1834-1836-Joseph  S.  Stebbins. 

1836-1842-Xorman  T.  Leonard. 

1842-1845-Wm.  0.  Fletcher. 

1845-1847-Reiiben  Noble. 

1848— Hiram  A.  Beebe. 

1848-1850-Asahel  Bush. 

1850-1852-Henry  C.  Moseley. 

1852-1854- Gilbert  W.  Cobb. 

1854— Geo.  R.  Whitman. 

1855-1865-P.  H.  Boise. 

1865-1868-Dwight  W.  Stowell. 

1868-Geo.  H.  Douglas. 

1869 -AVm.  H.  Foote. 

1870-1874— R.  B.  Robinson. 

1874-1879-E.  W.  Dickerman. 

1879-1888-D.  M.  Chace. 

1888— March  to  August,  1888,  E.  Axtell. 

1888— August,  Charles  X.  Cakes  (present  town  clerk). 

REPRESENTATIVES  TO  THE  GENERAL  COURT 

from  1671  to  1876,  when  Westfield  became  a  part  of  the  10th 
Representative  District. 
J.  F.  Hull.  Thos.  Dewey,  John  Ashley,  Daniel  Bagg,  John 
Moseley,  Elisha  Parks,  Joseph  Lyman,  Isaac  Phelps,  James  Tay- 
lor, John  Ingersoll,  Ashbel  Eager,  Jedediah  Taylor,  Benjamin 
Hastings.  Frederick  Fowler,  Azariah  Moseley,  Wm.  Blair,  James 
Fowler,  David  King,  Wm.  Atwater,  Alfred  Stearns,  Elijah  Ar- 
nold, Chas.  Douglas,  David  Wright,  Aaron  Sibley,  Matthew 
Ives,  Jesse  Farnam,  Henrv'  Douglas.  Eli  B.  Hamilton,  Henry 
FoAvler,  Joseph  S.  Avery,  Elias  Cadwell,  Lewis  Fowler,  Asahel 
Bush,  Henry  Champion,  Chauncey  Pease,  Thos.  Loomis,  Joseph 


(      455      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Hedges,  Asa  B.  Whitman,  Lucius  Wright,  Joseph  Arnold,  David 
Moseley,  Jonah  L.  Gross,  Norman  T.  Leonard,  Dennis  Hedges, 
Samuel  R.  B.  Lewis,  Geo.  Sackett,  Hiram  Harrison,  Oliver 
Moseley,  Chauncey  Colton,  Hiram  Fox,  Royal  Fowler,  Hiram 
A.  Beebe,  Israel  Sackett,  Josiah  S.  Knowles,  Daniel  D.  Erving, 
Hiram  Hull,  Geo.  H.  Moseley,  Jas.  Noble  2d,  James  Holland, 
Luke  Bush,  Henry  Fuller,  D.  N.  Goff,  Geo.  Green,  Addison  Gage, 
Jasper  R.  Rand,  David  M.  Chase,  Lewis  R.  Norton,  Henry  J. 
Bush,  Thos.  Kneil,  Jas.  R.  Gladwin,  Chas.  Dickerman,  William 
G.  Bates,  Samuel  Horton,  Alexander  MeKenzie,  Reuben  Noble, 
L.  B.  Walkley. 


CHAPTER  IX 

THE  TOWN  OF  BRIMFIELD 

The  town  of  Brimfield,  comprising  something  more  than 
21,500  acres,  lies  on  the  eastern  line  of  Hampden  county.  It  is 
bounded  on  the  north  by  the  town  of  Warren,  Worcester  county ; 
east  by  the  town  of  Sturbridge,  Worcester  county ;  south  by  the 
towns  of  AVales  and  Tolland;  and  on  the  west  by  Monson  and 
Palmer.  Straight  lines  define  the  boundaries  on  the  west,  south 
and  east  sides,  while  the  northern  boundary  is  irregular,  being 
formed  in  part  by  the  Quaboag  river,  by  which  Brimfield  is 
separated  from  the  town  of  Palmer.  The  land  is  high,  forming 
part  of  the  watershed  between  the  Thames  and  Connecticut 
rivers.  The  highest  elevations  in  the  town  are  some  1,200  feet 
above  the  sea  level.  There  are  no  mountains,  strictly  speaking, 
but  in  the  western  portion  of  the  town  a  well-defined  range  of 
hills  rises  to  a  height  of  500  or  600  feet  at  the  highest  points.  On 
one  of  the  highest  summits  of  this  range  a  massive  bowlder  bears 
the  distinctive  name  of  "Steerage  rock."  This  eminence  com- 
mands a  wide  view  over  the  surrounding  country,  and  tradition 
ascribes  the  name  of  the  rock  to  the  fact  that  it  was  visited  by 

(      456      ) 


THE    TOWN   OF   BRIMFIELD 

the  Indians,  when  journejnng  through  the  regions,  that  they 
might  take  correct  bearings  for  any  point  which  they  desired  to 
reach.  Perhaps  to  facilitate  these  observations,  the  surround- 
ing hills  had  been  burned  over,  so  that  at  the  time  of  the  first 
survey  by  white  men,  preparatory  to  settlement,  the  timber  on 
the  hills  had  been  destroyed,  while  the  valleys  were  principally 
■covered  by  a  strong  growtli  of  native  gi-asses. 

The  first  steps  toward  the  settlement  of  Avhat  became  the 
town  of  Brimtield  were  taken  in  the  year  1701,  when  on  the  20th 
of  June  the  general  court,  in  compliance  with  tlie  petition  of 


Steerage   Eock 


twenty-one  citizens  of  Springfield,  appointed  a  "prudential  com- 
mittee" of  five  Springfield  men— Major  John  Pynchon,  Captain 
Thomas  Colton,  James  Warriner,  David  Morgan,  and  Joseph 
Stebbins— to  lay  out  a  new  township,  to  the  eastward  of  Spring- 
field, to  allot  lands,  and  to  have  the  general  management  of  the 
afi'airs  of  the  settlement.  The  township  was  to  be  eight  miles 
square,  and  grants  of  land  were  to  be  made  to  sixty  families,  or 
to  seventy,  if  so  many  could  be  accommodated ;  but  no  more  than 
120  acres  were  to  be  assigned  to  any  one  person 

(      -157      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

The  committee,  accompanied  by  twenty  other  persons  from 
Springfield,  visited  the  region  on  the  22d  of  September,  1701, 
and  spent  some  time  in  the  selection  of  a  town  site.  The  location 
first  chosen  was  what  is  known  as  Grout's  hill,  now  in  the  town 
of  Monson;  but  further  investigation  showed  better  land  lying 
near  the  eastern  side  of  the  township,  and  the  site  Avas  changed 
accordingly.  Thirteen  grants  of  land  wei-e  made  December  81. 
following,  on  condition  that  work  thereon  should  be  begun  the 
next  spring,  but  this  agreement  was  not  carried  out,  and  nothing- 
further  was  done  for  some  years.  The  war  existing  between 
England  and  France,  the  hostile  disposition  of  the  Indians,  and 
the  distance  of  Brimfield  from  the  stronger  settlements,  exposed 
its  settlers  to  many  dangers,  and  the  development  of  the  town- 
ship proceeded  but  slowly.  In  1717  the  general  court,  on  peti- 
tion, extended  the  town  limits  three  miles  further  east,  so  as  to^ 
embrace  some  desirable  land  lying  in  that  direction. 

The  tract  thus  laid  out  included  the  territory  now  covered 
by  the  towns  of  Brimfield,  Monson,  Wales  and  Holland,  as  well 
as  certain  tracts  since  included  within  the  limits  of  Warren  and 
of  Palmer.  Monson  was  incorporated  as  a  district  in  1760,  and 
became  a  town  in  1775 ;  Wales  and  Holland  originally  consti- 
tuted the  district  of  South  Brimfield.  The  former  was  made  a 
district  September  18,  1762,  and  became  the  town  of  Wales  Feb- 
ruary 20,  1828.  Holland  Avas  incorporated  as  a  district  July  5, 
1783,  and  as  a  town  May  1,  1836. 

Owing  to  the  slow  development  of  the  new  township,  so 
much  dissatisfaction  arose  that  the  general  court  was  petitioned 
to  appoint  a  new  committee,  and  this  was  done  June  12,  1723, 
the  following  persons  being  named  :  Hon.  John  Chandler,  Henry 
DAvight,  Esq.,  and  Joseph  Jennings.  Six  years  later,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1729,  this  committee  made  a  report,  recommending  annul- 
ment of  the  grants  of  land  made  by  the  former  committee,  and  a 
new  allotment.  This  action  naturally  caused  consternation.  The 
recommendation  elicited  strong  protest  from  those  likely  to  be 
affected,  and  they  addressed  to  the  general  court  a  memorial 
setting  forth  the  injustice  Avhich  Avould  be  done  them  if  thus 
deprived  of  lands  Avhich  they  had  improA'ed  "\Aath  great  hazard; 

(      458      ) 


THE   TO^VN   OF   BEIMFIELD 

of  their  lives  and  substance,  living-  on  and  defending-  the  same." 
The  matter  was  settled  on  the  18th  of  June.  1731,  by  an  act  of 
the  general  court  contirming  grants  of  120  acres  each  made  by 
the  first  committee  to  "Nathaniel  Hitchcock,  Ebeuezer  Graves, 
David  Hitchcock,  Benjamin  Cooley,  Leonard  Hoar,  Captain 
John  Sherman,  David  ]\Iorgan  and  Nathan  Collins,  and  one  to 
one  of  the  sons  of  each  of  them;  to  Deliverance  Brooks,  Daniel 
Hubbard,  John  Ateheson,  and  one  to  his  son;  one  to  Park  Wil- 
liams in  his  OAvn  right,  and  one  purchased  by  him,  originally 
granted  to  Robert  Old;  one  to  John  Stebbins,  AVilliam  Wilson, 
and  John  Charles,  and  likewise  one  to  each  of  their  sons:  one  to 
ffohn  Lumbard,  David  Lumbard,  Samuel  Hubbard.  Peter 
Haynes,  Joseph  Haynes,  Peter  Montague,  Henry  Burt.  Thomas 
Stebbins,  the  heirs  of  William  Nichols,  Micah  Townsley,  Eleazer 
Foot,  William  AVarriner,  James  Thompson,  heirs  of  Francis 
Baxter,  George  Erwin.  Joseph  Frost.  David  Shaw,  John  alias 
Daniel  Burt,  Joshua  ShaAv,  Samuel  Bliss.  Thomas  Foot  and 
assigns,  John  Keep,  Samuel  Allen,  Nathaniel  INIiller,  Ezra  King, 
Robert  Old,  Samuel  King,  Anthony  Needham.  Robert  Moulton, 
Robert  Moulton,  Jr.,  John  Wilson,  John  Danielson.  John  Miller, 
John  Mighill,  Joseph  Davis,  Benjamin  Warner,  Daniel  Graves, 
Benjamin  Mun.  Daniel  Fuller,  Nathaniel  Clark  and  John  Bullen, 
amounting  to  169  lots  of  120  acres  each.  To  Samuel  Munger, 
Thomas  Green,  Joshua  Old,  Ebenezer  Scott,  Mark  Ferrey,  Sam- 
uel Allen.  Jr.,  Samuel  Shaw,  Seth  Shaw  and  Daniel  Kilhim.  each 
a  home  lot  of  sixty  acres,  already  laid  out,  and  if  any  of  them 
should  be  found  to  have  more  than  that  amount,  to  retain  the 
same,  the  surplus  to  be  deducted  from  their  after  rights.  To. 
Rev.  Mr.  Treat,  the  minister  of  the  town,  a  lot  of  120  acres,  with 
all  after  rights;  also  a  lot  to  Samuel  Chandler,  son  of  John 
Chandler,  who  had  built  a  house  here :  one  to  Seth  DAAnght,  son 
of  Henry  D'wight,  and  one  to  Joseph  Jennings,  in  consideration 
of  their  services  as  a  prudential  committee :  also  to  AVilliam  Pyn- 
chon  and  Obadiah  Cooley,  who,  although  they  did  not  reside  on 
the  grants,  'did  provide  some  materials  for  finishing  the  meeting- 
house, and  have  since  made  some  improvements  thereon';  also  a 
lot  to  them  jointly,  'in  consideration  that  they  pi'ovide  iron-work 

(      459      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

for  the  first  sawmill,  they  drawing  no  after  rights.'  Also  to 
Captain  George  Colton  and  David  Ingersole  a  lot  'in  considera- 
tion of  their  having  provided  nails  of  all  sorts,  sufficient  for 
finishing  the  meeting-house';  also  to  the  heirs  of  Lieut.  Col. 
Pynchon,  Captain  Thomas  Colton,  James  Warriner,  David  Mor- 
gan and  Joseph  Stebbins,  all  deceased,  and  to  Pelatiah  Glover, 
120  acres  each,  without  any  after  rights.  To  Thomas  Ingersole, 
in  consideration  of  expenses  incurred  on  the  first  committee;  to 
Thomas  Mirrick,  Thomas  Mirrick.  Jr.,  the  heirs  of  Nathaniel 
Sikes,  Increase  Sikes,  Samuel  Keep  and  Tilly  Merrick,  in  con- 
sideration of  money  paid,  lots  were  granted  and  confirmed  with- 
out after  rights  or  divisions.  The  claims  rejected  were  those  of 
AVilliam  Brewer,  William  Hamilton,  Patrick  Marshall,  Andrew 
Bayley,  Pelatiah  Glover,  Jr.,  John  Evans,  and  Ebenezer 
Cooley. ' '  It  was  further  directed  by  the  general  court  that  after 
these  grants  were  satisfied  the  remaining  lands  should  belong  to 
the  grantees,  and  be  proportionately  divided,  with  after  rights, 
and  that  the  inhabitants  should  enjoy  all  the  rights  and  privi- 
leges of  other  towns  in  the  province. 

The  grantees  under  this  act  practically  included  all  of  the 
first  settlers  of  the  town,  and  their  family  names  bear  an  honor- 
able part  in  the  history  of  the  tOAvn  for  many  generations.  In 
order  properly  to  award  the  lands,  some  twenty  roads  or  high- 
ways were  authorized ;  but  as  courses  and  distances  were  not 
made  mattei^  of  record  for  many  yeai-s,  the  descriptions  were 
often  perplexing  to  parties  interested,  as  well  as  amusing  in  the 
later  reading,  as  for  instance:  "Across  land  of  Joshua  Shaw, 
where  there  is  the  best  going,  leading  from  a  big  rock  in  the  line 
of  said  Joshua's  plain  lot  to  a  black-oak  staddle  over  a  squeachy 
place." 

The  first  town  meeting,  on  a  warrant  issued  by  John  Sher- 
man, under  authority  from  the  general  court,  was  held  March  16, 
1731,  while  the  matter  of  land  grants  still  remained  unsettled. 
The  full  list  of  officers  then  elected  was  as  follows:  Town  clerk, 
Robert  Moulton ;  selectmen,  Robert  Moulton,  John  Stebbins,  Ezra 
King,  David  Morgan,  and  David  Shaw;  treasurer,  John  Steb- 
bins;  assessors,   Joseph   Blodgett,   Joseph   Haynes,   and   David 

(       460       ) 


THE   TOMN   OF   BRIMFIELD 

Hitchcock;  constables,  George  Charles  and  John  Erwen;  sur- 
veyors of  higlnvays,  James  Thompson,  Joseph  Frost,  Samuel  Al- 
len, and  Nathan  Collins;  tithingmeu,  Ebenezer  Scott  and  Henry 
Burt ;  fence-viewers,  Thomas  Stebbins,  John  Nelson,  and  John 
Keep;  hog-reeves,  Samuel  Bliss  and  Benjamin  Cooley.  A  sealer 
of  leather  was  chosen  in  1736,  a  sealer  of  weights  and  measures  in 
1738,  a  packer  of  beef  and  pork  in  1771,  a  culler  of  shingles  and 
staves  in  1793,  while  field  drivers  were  not  elected  until  1823. 


West  Brinitield  at  the  bridge 


John  Stebbins,  Robert  Moulton  and  David  Shaw  were  elected 
May  4,  1731,  to  represent  the  interests  of  the  town  before  the 
general  court,  and  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month  Robert  Moul- 
ton was  chosen  as  the  representative  of  the  town  to  the  general 
court,  as  the  legislature  was  then  designated. 

The  offices  of  selectmen,  town  clerk,  and  representative 
(until  1812,  when  the  district  system  of  representation  was 
adopted)  have  been  filled  by  the  following  persons: 

(      461      ) 


OLE    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Selectmen  — llSl,  Robert  Moulton,  John  Stebbins,  Ezra 
King,  David  Morgan,  David  Shaw;  1732,  Robert  Moulton,  John 
Stebbins,  John  Sherman.  John  Russell,  William  Nelson;  1733, 
Robert  Moulton,  John  Sherman,  John  Russell,  William  Nelson, 
Joshua  Shaw ;  1734,  John  Stebbins,  John  Sherman,  Ebenezer 
Graves,  Leonard  Hoar,  Benjamin  Cooley;  1735,  John  Sherman, 
Ebenezer  Graves,  Nathaniel  Hitchcock,  John  Keep,  Joseph  Blod- 
gett ;  1736,  John  Stebbins.  John  Sherman,  John  Russell,  David 
Hitchcock,  Nicholas  Graves:  1737,  Ezra  King,  John  Sherman, 
Leonard  Hoar,  Joseph  Haynes,  William  Warriner;  1738,  John 
Stebbins.  Benjamin  Cooley,  Nathaniel  Hitchcock,  Joseph  Blod- 
gett,  Samuel  King;  1739,  John  Stebbins.  John  Sherman,  Wil- 
liam Nelson.  David  Hitchcock,  Nathaniel  ]\Iiller;  1740,  John 
Stebbins,  John  Sherman,  William  Nelson,  Nathaniel  Miller; 
1741,  John  Sherman,  James  Merrick,  Henry  Burt,  Nathan  Col- 
lins. John  ]\Iighe]l :  1742,  John  Stebbins,  John  Sherman,  John 
Russell,  Joseph  Blodgett.  Nicholas  Graves;  1743,  John  Russell, 
Nathaniel  ]\Tiller,  John  Mighell,  Thomas  Stebbins,  Benjamin 
Morgan;  1744,  John  Stebbins,  John  Russell,  Joseph  Blodgett, 
David  Hitchcock,  John  ]\Iighell;  1745,  John  Sherman,  Leonard 
Hoar,  Benjamin  Cooley,  John  Mighill,  Thomas  Stebbins;  1746, 
John  Sherman,  Leonard  Hoar,  David  Hitchcock,  Anthony  Need- 
ham,  Joseph  Davis ;  1747,  John  Sherman,  Leonard  Hoar,  Samuel 
King,  Thomas  Stebbins.  Anthony  Needham ;  1748,  Robert  ]\Ioul- 
ton,  Joseph  Blodgett,  George  Colton,  Joseph  Hoar.  Thomas  El- 
lingwood  ;  1749,  Robert  ]\[oulton,  John  Sherman,  Leonard  Hoar, 
John  Keep,  Enoch  Hides ;  1750,  John  Sherman,  Joseph  Blodgett, 
Thomas  Stebbins,  Joseph  Hoar,  Daniel  Burt;  1751,  John  Sher- 
man, Joshua  Shaw,  Samuel  King,  Joseph  Hoar,  John  Danielson ; 
1752,  John  Sherman,  James  Merrick,  George  Colton ;  1753,  John 
Sherman,  Leonard  Hoar,  Joseph  Blodgett,  George  Colton,  Enoch 
Hides;  1754,  John  Keep,  Luke  Blashfield,  Noah  Hitchcock, 
Adonijah  Russell ;  1755,  Samuel  King,  Joseph  Hoar,  Daniel 
Burt,  Bezaleel  Sherman ;  1756,  John  Sherman,  Thomas  Steb- 
bins, Daniel  Burt,  Samuel  Moulton ;  1757,  Samuel  King,  An- 
thony Needham,  Daniel  Burt,  Luke  Blashfield;  1758,  Joseph 
Davis,   Noah   Hitchcock,   Francis   Sikes,   Edward   Bond;   1759, 

(      4fi2      ) 


THE  To^y^  of  beimfield 

Thomas  Stebbins,  Joseph  Davis,  Daniel  Burt,  Sarimel  Nichols; 
1760,  Joseph  Blodgett,  Daniel  Burt,  Adonijah  Russell,  Edward 
Bond,  Jonathan  Ferry;  1761,  Joseph  Iloar,  Samuel  Nichols, 
James  Lawrence,  Jonathan  Janes,  Joseph  Hitchcock ;  1762.  Jo- 
seph Blodgett,  Anthony  Needham,  Joseph  Hoar,  Noah  Hitch- 
cock; 1763,  Joseph  Hoar,  Daniel  Burt,  Moses  Hitchcock,  Jona- 
than Charles,  Benjamin  Merrick;  1764,  Joseph  Davis,  Adonijah 
Russell,  Edward  Bond,  Jonathan  Janes,  Timothy  Danielson ; 
1765,  Joseph  Hoar,  Daniel  Burt,  Adonijah  Russell,  Timothy 
Danielson,  James  Sherman ;  1766,  Joseph  Hoar,  Daniel  Burt, 
Adonijah  Russell,  Timothy  Danielson,  James  Sherman ;  1767, 
Joseph  Hoar,  Adonijah  Russell,  Bezaleel  Sherman,  Samuel  Nich- 
ols, Timothy  Danielson ;  1768,  Joseph  Hoar,  Adonijah  Russell, 
Bezaleel  Sherman,  Samuel  Nichols,  Timothy  Danielson :  1769, 
Thomas  Ellingwood,  Daniel  Burt,  Bezaleel  Sherman,  Joseph 
Hitchcock,  Joseph  Browning;  1770,  Daniel  Burt,  Bezaleel  Sher- 
man, Joseph  Hitchcock,  Timothy  Danielson ;  1771,  Daniel  Burt, 
Bezaleel  Sherman,  Samuel  Nichols,  Timothy  Danielson,  Joseph 
BroMTiing;  1772,  Joseph  Hoar,  Daniel  Burt,  Bezaleel  Sherman, 
Timothy  Danielson,  James  Bridgham ;  1773,  Joseph  Hoar,  Beza- 
leel Sherman,  Timothy  Danielson,  James  Bridgham,  Jonathan 
Brown ;  1774,  Joseph  Hoar,  Bezaleel  Sherman,  Timothy  Daniel- 
son, Joseph  Browning,  James  Bridgham ;  1775,  Thomas  Elling- 
wood, Daniel  Burt.  Joseph  Browning,  James  Bridgham,  Joseph 
Hoar,  Jr. ;  1776,  Daniel  Burt,  Bezaleel  Sherman,  Samuel  Nichols, 
Timothy  Danielson.  James  Brigham;  1777,  Daniel  Burt,  Bezaleel 
Sherman,  Timothy  Danielson,  Joseph  Browning,  Jonathan 
Thompson;  1778,  Jonathan  Brown,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Thomas 
Lombard,  Simeon  Hubbard,  William  Janes;  1779.  Daniel  Burt, 
Joseph  BroAvning,  Jonathan  Brown.  Jonathan  Thompson,  Aaron 
Mighill;  1780,  Daniel  Burt,  Jonathan  Brown,  Joseph  Hoar.  Jr., 
Aaron  Charles,  Abner  Morgan;  1781,  Joseph  Browning,  Jona- 
than Brown,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Aaron  Mighill,  Aaron  Charles; 
1782,  Daniel  Burt.  Joseph  Browning,  Jonathan  Brown,  Joseph 
Hoar,  Jr..  Aaron  Mighill;  1783.  Daniel  Burt.  Joseph  Browning, 
Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Simeon  Hubbard,  Samuel  Bates ;  1784,  Daniel 
Burt,  Joseph  Hitchcock,  Joseph  Browning,  Aaron  Mighill,  Sam- 

(      463      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

uel  Bates;  1785,  Daniel  Burt,  Joseph  Browning,  Joseph  Hoar, 
Jr.,  Samuel  Bates,  Issaeliar  Brown;  1786,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr., 
Aaron  Mighill,  Abner  Morgan,  Issachar  Brown,  John  Carpen- 
ter; 1787,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Abner  Morgan,  Issachar  Brown, 
Alexander  Sessions,  Medad  Hitchcock;  1788,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr., 
Aaron  Mighill,  Abner  Morgan,  Issachar  Brown,  David  Morgan; 
1789,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Aaron  Mighill,  Abner  Morgan,  Issachar 
Brown,  David  Morgan;  1790,  Joseph  Browning,  Simeon  Hub- 
bard, Abner  Morgan,  Issachar  Brown,  David  Morgan;  1791, 
Joseph  Browning,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Abner  Morgan,  Issachar 
Brown,  Samuel  Sherman;  1792,  Joseph  Browning,  Abner  Mor- 
gan, Samuel  Bates,  David  Morgan,  Jonas  Blodgett;  1793,  Jo- 
seph BroAvning,  Abner  Morgan,  Samuel  Bates,  David  Morgan; 
1794,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Abner  Morgan,  Issachar  Brown,  Alexan- 
der Sessions,  Jonas  Blodgett;  1795,  Joseph  Browning,  Joseph 
Hoar,  Jr.,  Abner  Morgan,  Issachar  Brown,  Jonas  Blodgett ;  1796, 
Joseph  Browning,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Abner  Morgan,  Medad 
Hitchcock,  Samuel  Sherman;  1797,  Joseph  Browning,  Jo- 
seph Hoar,  Jr.,  Abner  Morgan,  Medad  Hitchcock,  Jo- 
nas BJodgett;  1798,  Joseph  Browning,  Abner  Morgan, 
Medad  Hitchcock,  Aaron  Morgan,  Joseph  Moffat;  1799, 
Joseph  Browning,  Abner  Morgan,  Medad  Hitchcock,  Aaron 
Morgan,  Joseph  Moffat;  1800,  Joseph  Browning,  Abner 
Morgan,  Medad  Hitchcock,  Aaron  Morgan,  Joseph  IMoffat ;  1801, 
Joseph  Browning,  Abner  Morgan,  Medad  Hitchcock,  Aaron 
Morgan,  Joseph  Moft'at;  1802,  Joseph  Browning,  Joseph  Hoar, 
Jr.,  Abner  Morgan,  Medad  Hitchcock,  Aaron  Morgan,  Joseph 
Moffat;  1803,  Joseph  Bro"\\Tiing,  Joseph  Hoar,  Jr.,  Abner  Mor- 
gan, Aaron  Morgan,  Philemon  "Warren ;  1804,  Joseph  BroAvning, 
Abner  Morgan,  Aaron  Morgan,  Philemon  Warren;  1805,  Ste- 
phen Pynchon,  Thomas  Sherman,  Alfred  Allen,  Benjamin  Sher- 
man; 1806,  Stephen  Pynchon,  Thomas  Sherman,  Alfred  Allen, 
Benjamin  Sherman;  1807,  Abner  Morgan,  Thomas  Sherman, 
Benjamin  Sherman,  Joseph  D.  Browning;  1808,  Stephen  Pyn- 
chon, Benjamin  Sherman,  Joseph  D.  Browning,  Reuben  Patrick; 
1809,  Stephen  Pynchon,  Benjamin  Sherman,  Joseph  D.  Brown- 
ing,   Jacob    Bishop ;    1810,  Abner  Morgan,  Stephen  Pynchon, 

(      464      ) 


THE   TOWN   OF   BRIMFIELB 

Thomas  Sherman,  Benjamin  Sherman,  Abner  Stebbins;  1811, 
Abner  Morgan,  Philemon  Warren,  Darius  Charles,  David  Hoar ; 
1812,  Philemon  Warren,  Stephen  Pynchon,  Darius  Charles, 
David  Hoar;  1813,  Philemon  Warren,  Stephen  Pynchon,  Cyrus 
Janes,  James  Blodgett;  1814,  Issaehar  Brown,  Stephen  Pyn- 
chon, Benjamin  Sherman,  Joseph  D.  Browning;  1815,  Issaehar 
Brown,  Stephen  Pynchon,  Benjamin  Sherman,  Joseph  D.  Brown- 
ing; 1816,  Stephen  Pynchon,  Alfred  Allen,  Daniel  Nichols,  Mar- 
quis Converse;  1817,  Issaehar  Brown,  Stephen  Pynchon,  Benja- 
min Sherman,  Marquis  Converse,  Asa  Lincoln ;  1818,  Stephen 
Pynchon,  Benjamin  Sherman,  Cyrus  Janes,  Marquis  Converse, 
Asa  Lincoln ;  1819,  Abner  Morgan,  Joseph  D.  Browning,  Darius 
Charles,  Asa  Lincoln,  Ichabod  Bliss;  1820,  Stephen  Pynchon, 
Daniel  Burt,  Samuel  Brown,  Simeon  Coye,  John  Wyles;  1821, 
Stephen  Pynchon,  Daniel  Burt,  Samuel  Brown,  Simeon  Coye, 
John  Wyles ;  1822,  Cyrus  Janes,  Asa  Lincoln,  Simeon  Coye,  John 
Wyles,  William  W.  Thompson ;  1823,  Benjamin  Sherman,  Cyrus 
Janes,  Asa  Lincoln,  Simeon  Coye,  Lewis  Williams;  1824,  Benja- 
min Sherman,  Simeon  Coye,  Lewis  Williams,  Thomas  Merrick, 
Justin  Morgan ;  1825,  Benjamin  Sherman,  Marquis  Converse, 
John  Wyles,  Lewis  Williams,  Justin  Morgan;  1826,  Darius 
Charles,  John  Wyles,  Lewis  Williams,  Justin  Morgan,  Oliver 
Blair;  1827,  Asa  Lincoln,  Lewis  Williams,  Oliver  Blair,  Julius 
Burt,  Lyman  Bruce ;  1828,  Asa  Lincoln,  Lewis  Williams,  Oliver 
Blair,  Julius  Burt,  Lyman  Bruce :  1829,  Asa  Lincoln,  Oliver 
Blair,  Julius  Burt,  Col.  Dauphin  Bro^Ti,  Robert  Andrews;  1830, 
Darius  Charles,  Simeon  Coye,  Col.  Dauphin  Brown,  Robert  An- 
drews, Festus  Foster;  1831,  Julius  Burt,  Col.  Dauphin  Brown, 
Cyril  R.  Brown,  Augustus  Janes,  John  M.  Warren ;  1832,  Darius 
Charles,  Simeon  Coye,  Festus  Foster,  Royal  Wales,  Absalom 
Lombard;  1833,  Royal  Wales,  Absalom  Lombard,  Linus  Hoar, 
Lemuel  Lombard,  Nathaniel  Parker;  1834,  Festus  Foster,  Linus 
Hoar,  Issacher  Brown,  Jr.,  Moses  Tyler,  Johnson  Bixby;  1835, 
Festus  Foster,  Linus  Hoar,  Issaehar  Brown,  Jr.,  Moses  Tyler, 
Johnson  Bixby;  1836,  Festus  Foster,  Linus  Hoar,  Abner  Hitch- 
cock, Parsons  Allen,  Peuuel  Parker;  1837,  Festus  Foster,  Linus 
Hoar,  Abner  Hitchcock,   Parson  Allen,   Penuel  Parker;   1838, 


30-2 


(      465      ) 


01' R    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Asa  Lincoln,  Augustus  Janes,  Abner  Hitchcock,  Parsons  Allen, 
Samuel  Tarbell,  Ebenezer  Fairbanks;  1839,  Ebenezer  Knight, 
Samuel  A.  Hitchcock,  Darius  Shaw,  James  Fenton,  William  J. 
Sherman;  1840,  Ebenezer  Knight,  James  Fenton,  Harvey  Fen- 
ton, Lewis  Stebbins,  Orson  Sherman,  Albigence  Newell;  1841, 
John  Wyles,  Cyril  R.  Brown,  James  Fenton,  Orson  Sherman, 
Abram  Charles,  Sumner  Parker;  1842,  Asa  Lincoln,  Cyril  R. 
Brown,  James  Fenton,  Harvey  Janes,  Nathan  F.  Robinson,  Solo- 
mon Homer,  Jr.;  1843,  Asa  Lincoln,  Augustus  Janes,  James 
Fenton,  Fitz  Henry  Warren,  Lemuel  Allen,  George  Puffer ;  1844, 
Absalom  Lombard,  Parsons  Allen,  James  Fenton,  Lemuel  Allen, 
George  Puffer,  Abner  Brown ;  1845,  Cyril  R.  Brown,  James  Fen- 
ton, Alvin  Janes,  Alfred  Hitchcock,  James  Tourtellott ;  1846,  Ab- 
ner Brown,  Darius  Shaw,  Harvey  Fenton,  Austin  Andrews,  Leon- 
ard Henshaw ;  1847,  William  J.  Sherman,  Orson  Sherman,  Sum- 
ner Parker,  Alured  Homer,  Philip  G.  Hubbard;  1848,  Paul  W. 
Paige,  Lyman  Upham,  Augustus  Wheeler,  Francis  D.  Lincoln, 
Cheney  Newton;  1849,  Johnson  Bixby,  Sumner  Parker,  Lyman 
Upham,  Wilson  Homer,  Joseph  C.  Hunter ;  1850,  Abram  Charles, 
Nathan  F.  Robinson,  Joseph  C.  Hunter,  Jairus  Walker,  Jonathan 
Emerson;  1851,  Penuel  Parker,  Sumner  Parker,  Lemuel  Allen, 
Ezra  Perry,  3d,  Calvin  B.  Brown ;  1852,  Sumner  Parker,  Warren 
F.  Tarbell,  Ambrose  N.  Merrick,  Alfred  L.  Converse,  Thomas  J. 
Morgan ;  1853,  Nathan  F.  Robinson,  Alured  Homer,  Elam  Ferry, 
William  G.  Tarbell,  Alfred  Lombard;  1854,  Henry  F.  Brown, 
Oilman  Noyes,  Aaron  B.  Lyman,  Orra  Parker,  Dauphin  Brown ; 
1855,  Calvin  B.  Brown,  Warren  F.  Tarbell,  Oilman  Noyes.  Alden 
Goodell,  James  S.  Blair;  1856,  Oilman  Noyes,  Edward  W.  Pot- 
ter, William  H.  Wyles,  Samuel  N.  Coye,  Samuel  W.  Brown: 
1857,  Parsons  Allen,  Oilman  Noyes,  Edward  W.  Potter,  William 
H.  Wyles,  Braraan  Sibley;  1858,  Parsons  Allen,  William  H. 
Wyles,  Samuel  W.  Brown,  Newton  S.  Hubbard,  Pliny  F.  Spauld- 
ing;  1859.  Jonathan  Emerson,  Orra  Parker,  William  H.  Wyles, 
James  B.  Brown,  George  C.  Homer-,  1860,  Sumner  Parker,  AVil- 
liam  H.  Wyles.  Newton  S.  Hubbard ;  1861,  Sumner  Parker,  Wil- 
liam H.  Wyles,  Newton  S.  Hubbard :  1862,  Sumner  Parker,  Wil- 
liam H.  Wyles,  Edwin  A.  Janes ;  1863,  Sumner  Parker.  James  S. 

(      466      ) 


THE   TO^^'N   OF   BEIMFIELD 

Blair,  William  H.  Wyles ;  1864,  Sumner  Parker,  Thomas  J.  Mor- 
gan, William  H.  Wyles ;  1865,  Warren  F.  Tarbell,  William  H. 
Wyles,  James  B.  Brown;  1866,  Cyril  R.  Brown,  Cheney  Newton, 
Porter  A.  Parker ;  1867,  Sumner  Parker,  Cheney  Newton,  James 
S.  Blair;  1868,  Cheney  Newton,  Dauphin  Brown,  James  B. 
Brown;  1869,  Samuel  W.  Brown,  Ephraim  Fenton,  Abram 
Charles;  1870,  Newton  S.  Hubbard,  George  Bacon,  Francis  E. 
Cook;  1871,  Pliny  F.  Spaulding,  James  B.  Brown,  John  W. 
Lawrence;  1872,  Samuel  W.  Brown,  James  B.  Brown,  John  W. 
Lawrence;  1873,  James  S.  Blair,  James  B.  Brown,  Albert  S. 
Prouty;  1874,  James  B.  Brown,  Porter  A.  Parker,  Moses  H. 
Baker;  1875,  Newton  S.  Hubbard,  Porter  A.  Parker,  Moses  H. 
Baker;  1876,  Newton  S.  Hubbard,  James  B.  Brown,  Porter  A. 
Parker;  1877,  James  B.  Brown,  Moses  H.  Baker,  Charles  F. 
Spaulding;  1878,  Cheney  Newton,  Charles  F.  Spaulding,  Moses 
H.  Baker;  1879,  Cheney  Newton,  Moses  H.  Baker,  Pliny  F. 
Spaulding;  1880,  James  B.  Brown,  Pliny  F.  Spaulding.  Dwight 
P.  Allen;  1881,  Cheney  Newton,  Samuel  W.  Brown,  Edward 
Bliss;  1882,  Sanford  Booth,  Moses  H.  Baker,  Oscar  F.  Brown; 
1883.  Moses  H.  Baker,  Sanford  Booth,  Edwin  H.  Morgan ;  1884, 
Moses  H.  Baker.  Frank  R.  Newton,  John  C.  Spring;  1885,  Moses 
H.  Baker,  Frank  R.  Newton,  Daniel  W.  Janes;  1886,  Moses  H. 
Baker,  Frank  R.  Newton,  Daniel  W.  Janes ;  1887,  Frank  R.  New- 
ton, Oscar  F.  Brown,  Josiah  Stebbins;  1888,  Frank  R.  Newton, 
Oscar  F.  Brown,  Josiah  Stebbins ;  1889,  Oscar  F.  Brown,  Josiah 
Stebbins,  Orrin  Hicks;  1890,  Oscar  F.  Brown,  Josiah  Stebbins, 
Orrin  Hicks;  1891,  Frank  R.  Newton,  Moses  H.  Baker,  Orrin 
Hicks;  1892,  Frank  R.  Newton,  Moses  H.  Baker,  F.  Edgar 
Brown;  1893.  Frank  R.  Newton,  Moses  H.  Baker,  F.  Edgar 
Brown:  1894.  Frank  R.  Newton,  Arthur  D.  Brown,  Charles  C. 
Brown;  1895,  Arthur  B.  Brown,  Charles  C.  Brown,  Moses  H. 
Baker;  1896,  Newton  Hubbard,  Arthur  B.  Brown,  George  W. 
Sherman ;  1897,  Moses  H.  Baker,  Arthur  B.  Brown,  George  W. 
Sherman;  1898,  Arthur  B.  Brown,  Edward  H.  Davenport,  Ed- 
ward B.  Brown ;  1899,  Arthur  B.  Brown,  Edward  B.  Brown.  Ed- 
ward H.  Davenport ;  1900,  Edward  B.  Brown.  Edward  H.  Dav- 
enport, Charles  S.  Tarbell;  1901,  Edward  B.  Brown.  Edward  H. 
Davenport,  Charles  C.  Brown. 

(      467      ) 


OVB  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Town  Clerks— Hohert  Moulton,  1731 ;  John  Sherman,  1732- 
61 ;  Joseph  Blodgett,  1761-2 ;  Timothy  Danielson,  1763-75  ;  James 
Bridgham,  1775-6;  Aaron  Mighill,  1777-8;  Joseph  Moffat, 
1779-84 ;  Aaron  Morgan,  1784-97 ;  Stephen  Pynchon,  1797-1823 ; 
William  W.  Thompson,  1823-6 ;  Ebenezer  Knight,  1826-9 ;  John 
B.  Cooley,  1829-31;  Francis  B.  Stebbins,  1831;  Abner  Brown, 
1832 ;  Francis  B.  Stebbins,  1833 ;  Ebenezer  Knight,  1834-9 ;  Asa 
Lincoln,  1839 ;  Fitz  Henry  Warren,  1840 ;  John  W.  Bliss,  1841 ; 
Asa  Lincoln,  1842 ;  Otis  Lane,  1843-5 ;  Henry  F.  Brown,  1845-8 ; 
Philip  G.  Hubbard,  1849 ;  John  Newton,  1850 ;  Henry  F.  Brown, 
1851 ;  Charles  Le  Baron,  1852 ;  George  Bacon,  1853-6 ;  James  B. 
Brown,  1857;  Calvin  B.  Brown,  1858-60;  Henry  F.  Brown, 
1861-2;  George  Bacon,  1863-4;  Henry  F.  BroAvn,  1865-91; 
George  M.  Hitchcock,  1892-6 ;  Oscar  F.  Brown,  1897. 

The  town  officers  of  Brimfield  for  1901  are  as  follows: 
Town  clerk  and  treasurer,  Oscar  F.  Brown;  selectmen,  overseers 
of  the  poor  and  board  of  health,  Edward  B.  Brown,  Edward  H. 
Davenport,  Charles  C.  Brown;  auditors,  George  F.  Kibbe,  Miner 
H.  Corbin;  collector,  Charles  S.  Tarbell ;  assessors,  Sanford 
Booth,  Charles  C.  Brown,  Gilbert  L.  Brown;  constables,  George 
W.  Sherman,  George  E.  Hitchcock,  Orrin  Hicks,  William  C. 
Davenport;  superintendent  of  streets,  Edward  H.  Davenport; 
cemetery  committee,  George  M.  Hitchcock,  Edward  W.  Potter, 
Emory  Livermore;  school  committee,  James  Read  Brown,  Dr. 
Robert  V.  Sawin,  Clarence  B.  Brown ;  superintendent  of  schools, 
James  A.  MacDougall  of  Monsou;  trustees  of  public  library, 
Thomas  J.  Morgan,  Charles  C.  Brown,  Issac  W.  Allen,  Rebecca 
M.  Lincoln,  M.  Lizzie  Noyes,  M.  Anna  Tarbell  (librarian). 

Fepresentatives^—Uohert  Moulton,  1731;  John  Sherman, 
1740;  Thomas  Mighill,  1746;  Thomas  Stebbins,  1747-51;  John 
Sherman,  1753-4;  Daniel  Burt,  1760-65;  Timothy  Danielson, 
1767-72 ;  James  Bridgham,  1773 ;  Daniel  Burt,  1781 ;  Dr.  Joseph 
Moffat,  1782;  Aaron  Mighill,  1783;  Nehemiah  May,  1784;  Jo- 
seph Browning,  1786-93;  David  Morgan,  1794;  Joseph  Brown- 
ing,  1795-6;   Joseph   Hoar,   1797;   Abner  Morgan,   1798-1801; 

'Town  representatives  subsequent  to  1812  will  be  found  in  the  county  civil 
lists. 

(      468      ) 


THE   TOWN   OF   BBIMFIELD 

Clark  Brown,  1802-3 ;  Stephen  Pynchon,  1805-7 ;  William  Eaton, 
1808 ;  Stephen  Pynchon,  1809-12 ;  James  Blodgett,  1809 ;  Phile- 
mon Warren,  1810-12  (town  entitled  to  two  representatives  from 
1809  to  1812). 

"Wliile  the  settlei-s  of  Brimfield  experienced  not  a  little 
trouble  from  Indians,  and  built  two  block  houses  in  different  por- 
tions of  the  settlement  as  places  of  refuge  in  case  of  need,  it  is  a 
pleasure  to  record  that  there  was  no  occasion  for  their  use,  the 
t()\vn  being  spared  the  scenes  of  butchery  and  conflagration  to 
which  many  of  the  early  IVIassachusetts  settlements  were  sub- 
jected. The  town,  however,  furnished  a  generous  proportion  of 
its  citizens  for  service  in  the  various  Indian  wars  preceding  the 
revolution.  There  is  no  occasion  to  doubt  that  these  men  served 
faithfully,  although  the  records  are  lamentably  meager.  Their 
names,  however,  have  been  preserved,  and  the  following  list, 
which  is  doubtless  reasonably  complete  and  correct,  includes  the 
names  of  the  Brimfield  men  rendering  sei'vice  in  the  companies 
and  at  the  times  designated : 

Expedition  Against  the  French  and  Indians,  1747 — Ensign 
James  Mirick,  Sergeant  Ichabod  Bliss,  Corporal  Medad  Hitch- 
cock, Sentinel  Daniel  Graves  -.  Samuel  Kilborn,  Nathaniel  Clark, 
Mark  Ferry,  Humphrey  Gardner,  Charles  Hoar,  Daniel  Morgan, 
Henry  Burt.  John  Nelson,  E.  Moreton,  Joseph  Bullings,  Nathan- 
iel Munger. 

French  and  Indian  AVar,  1755:  Captain  Daniel  Burt's  com- 
pany—Lieutenant Samuel  Chandler,  Ensign  Trustrum  Davis; 
Sergeants  Jonathan  Brown,  John  Harkness,  and  William  Janes ; 
Clerk  Daniel  Loomis,  Drummer  Ebenezer  Arms,  Corporals  John 
Hallowell,  Joshua  Russell,  John  Mighill,  and  Jabez  Keep;  Senti- 
nels Ephraim  W^hite,  Ebenezer  Bishop.  Joseph  Moffatt.  Jr.,  Na- 
thaniel Collins,  and  John  Bishop ;  John  Thompson.  Asa  Merritt. 
Samuel  Livermore,  William  Gordon,  Joseph  Davis,  Elijah  Mig- 
hill. Gideon  Dimock,  Benjamin  Webber,  Joshua  Garey,  Ichabod 
Meecham,  Francis  Baxter,  Thomas  Walton.  Simeon  Burke,  Perez 
Marsh,  Jr.,  Dennis  AVedge,  John  Burt,  Nathaniel  Mighill,  Robert 
Dunkly,  Jr.,  James  Turner,  Daniel  Moffatt,  John  Brightwell, 
Thomas  Blodgett,  Edward  Roatch,  Jehiel  Morgan,  Ebenezer 
Scott,  Jr.,  Deliverance  Carpenter,  William  Dadee. 

(      469      ) 


01 R    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Captain  Ebenezer  Moulton's  company — Lieutenant  Gideon 
Mirrick,  Ensign  David Wallis,  Clerk  Humphrey  Crane,  Sergeants 
Hugh  Taeldes,  Joseph  Belknap,  and  Joseph  Hunger;  Corporals 
Joshua  Burgess,  Phineas  Mirrick,  Phineas  Durkee,  and  Aaron 
Graves;  Drummer  Richard  Gordon;  Samuel  McClellan,  John 
Cross,  John  Danielson,  Jr.,  Abuer  Blodgett,  Robert  McMaster, 
Benjamin  Stebbins,  David  Lumbard,  Thomas  Riddle,  Stephen 
Clark,  John  Chedle,  Ebenezer  Frost,  Asa  Belknap,  William 
Gardner,  Nehemiah  Needham,  Samuel  Bullen,  John  Hiel,  John 
Lamberton,  Thomas  Anders,  Jonathan  Lumbard,  Timothy 
Walker,  Reuben  Morgan,  Jonathan  Kilbourn,  Josiah  Converse, 
Jr.,  Joseph  Moulton,  William  Belknap,  James  Runnels,  Isaac 
Aplin,  Timothy  Farrell,  David  Brittian,  Jonathan  King,  William 
Fleming,  Samuel  Frost,  Timothy  Collins,  Adonijah  Russell,  Abi- 
jah  Healey,  Henry  Webber,  Samuel  Dearing,  William  Garey, 
Henry  Lyon,  Jonathan  Frost,  Ebenezer  Cooley. 

Crown  Point  Expedition,  1756:  Captain  Trustram  Davis' 
company— Clerk  John  Mighill,  Sergeant  Israel  Walker,  Corporal 
Ephraim  White,  Drummer  Joseph  Foot;  Elijah  Mighill,  John 
Post,  Samuel  Allen,  Josiah  Smith,  Reuben  Townsley,  Samuel 
Lee,  David  Allen,  Joseph  Moulton,  John  Davis,  Joseph  Needham, 
Jacob  Webber,  Asa  Belknap,  Andrew  Walton,  Isaac  Wallis, 
Jotham  King,  William  Garle,  Samuel  Smith,  Edward  Cobb. 

During  the  same  year  five  Brimfield  men  were  pressed  into 
the  service :  Simeon  Hubbard,  Samuel  Lee,  Samuel  Bates,  John 
Burt,  and  Edward  Cobb. 

Expedition  Against  Canada,  1758:  Captain  Daniel  Burt's 
company — Sergeants  Aaron  Merrick,  Phineas  Durkee;  Corporal 
Josiah  Holbrook;  Drummers  Isaac  Mund,  Jasper  Needham;  Is- 
rael Walker,  Benjamin  Blodgett,  Timothy  Walker,  Jonathan 
Moulton,  Isaac  Bliss,  John  Morgan,  Joseph  Thompson,  John 
Rosebrook,  Richard  Bishup,  Samuel  Webber,  Samuel  Mighill, 
John  Thompson,  Reuben  Lilley,  Asa  Belknap,  Israel  Janes, 
Peter  Fuller,  Asa  Holbrook,  Thomas  Hobart,  Reuben  Hoar, 
Aquila  Moffatt,  Paul  Hitchcock,  Jotham  King,  Benjamin  Nelson, 
William  Garey,  Nathaniel  Mighill,  Reuben  Townsley,  Phineas 
Graves,  Simeon  Keene,  Ebenezer  Stebbins,  Elnathan  Munger, 

(      470      ) 


THE   TOWN   OF   BEIMFIELD 

John  Shaw,  John  Harris,  Peter  Groves,  Smith  Ainsworth,  Isaac 
Scott,  Daniel  Sherman,  Beriah  Sherman,  Joseph  Morgan,  Jacob 
Ainsworth,  Matthias  Hartman,  William  Nelson,  Benjamin  Car- 
penter, Benjamin  Webber. 

Captain  Trustram  Davis'  company,  1760— Lieutenants 
Jonathan  Morgan  and  Joseph  Thompson,  Ensign  Daniel  Knowl- 
ton.  Sergeants  Samuel  Mighill  and  Gideon  Dimick,  Corporals 
Peter  Fuller,  John  Anderson  and  William  Bishop,  Sentinels 
Reuben  Lilley,  George  Larkins  and  Jehiel  Morgan,  Drummer 
Samuel  Blodgett;  Asa  Belknap,  Ariel  Mighill,  John  Robinson, 
Samuel  Friz/ell,  Joseph  Hitchcock,  Daniel  Haines,  Adonijah 
Cooley,  Joseph  Davis,  George  Peagray,  John  Hinds,  Aaron 
Mighill,  Joseph  Craw^foot,  Reuben  TowTisley,  Benjamin  Nelson, 
Caleb  Loomis,  Edward  Cobb,  Thomas  Anderson,  John  Willis, 
John  Davis,  Jonathan  Babcock,  Benajah  Rice,  Jonathan  Norris, 
John  Harris,  Jonathan  Torrey,  Da\ad  Torrey,  Leonard  Hoar, 
Alexander  Jennings,  Nathaniel  Cooley,  Trustram  Davis,  Jr., 
Lemuel  Hind. 

It  is  noteworthy,  in  connection  vdth  the  last  named  com- 
pany, that  one  of  its  membei-s,  Reuben  Townsley,  was  taken 
captive  by  the  Indians,  and  was  subjected  to  their  favorite 
ordeal  of  running  the  gauntlet.  Despite  this  trying  reception, 
he  became  a  favorite  Avith  his  captors,  was  adopted  into  the  tribe, 
and  lived  with  the  red  men  for  ten  years.  He  then  returned  to 
Brimfield,  but  finding  civilized  life  distasteful,  went  back  to  the 
forest  Avhere  he  passed  the  rest  of  his  days. 

In  the  discussions  and  active  measures  which  preceded  the 
actual  outbreak  of  the  revolution,  the  people  of  Brimfield  took 
an  earnest  part.  At  the  town  meeting  in  1768  it  was  voted  to 
send  Timothy  Danielson  as  a  delegate  from  Brimfield  to  the 
convention  to  be  held  at  Boston  on  the  22d  of  September  of  that 
year  to  consider  the  relations  between  the  colony  and  the  English 
government.  In  1773  strong  resolutions  denouncing  certain 
objectionable  acts  of  Parliament  were  adopted,  and  in  1774  the 
voters  of  the  town  unanimously  adopted  the  covenant  pledging 
them  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  any  goods  imported  from  Great 
Britain  and  to  sunder  all  commercial  relations  with  those  who 

(      471      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

continued  to  sell  goods  so  imported.  This  covenant  was  signed 
by  190  freeholders  of  the  town,  and  as  there  was  no  dissenting 
vote  recorded,  it  is  probable  that  this  number  included  prac- 
tically all  of  the  men  of  the  town.  During  the  same  year  money 
was  raised  for  the  purchase  of  powder  and  lead,  and  measures 
were  taken  for  the  organization  of  two  militia  companies,  who 
were  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's 
notice  to  the  defense  of  the  province.  The  organizations  were 
designated  as  the  East  and  West  companies,  and  the  following 
officers  were  appointed  on  the  7th  of  October :  East  company — 
Captain  James  Sherman,  First  Lieutenant  Jonathan  Charles, 
Second  Lieutenant  Phineas  Sherman,  Ensign  Daniel  Burt.  West 
company — Captain  Samuel  Nichols,  First  Lieutenant  Jonathan 
Brown,  Second  Lieutenant  Nathan  Hoar,  Ensign  Abner  Steb- 
bins.  In  January,  1775,  it  was  voted  that  a  company  of  fifty 
minute  men  be  raised  and  equipped  at  the  expense  of  the  town, 
and  Joseph  Thompson  was  chosen  as  their  captain.  He  remained 
in  the  service  until  the  close  of  the  war,  attaining  the  rank  of 
lieutenant-colonel. 

With  the  opening  of  the  war  the  demands  upon  the  people 
of  the  town  became  heavy,  and  so  continued  to  the  close  of  the 
struggle.  Not  only  were  soldiers  furnished  in  liberal  number 
to  maintain  the  continental  army,  but  the  tax  upon  the  people 
who  remained  at  home,  to  supply  the  necessities  of  the  troops, 
to  pay  for  their  service,  and  to  meet  other  requirements,  was 
enough  to  appall  the  bravest.  Yet  there  was  no  faltering  or 
demur.  Whatever  was  required  was  voted  M'ith  unanimity,  and 
the  most  serious  burdens  were  assumed  unflinchingly.  The  list 
of  those  who  served  in  the  patriot  army,  so  far  as  preserved,  is 
given  below;  but  it  is  believed  that  in  all  the  town  sent  fully 
200  of  her  sons  into  the  service— a  most  heroic  number  consider- 
ing the  population  at  the  time.  Wliere  these  men  served,  the 
battles  in  which  they  were  engaged,  the  marches  and  the  hard- 
ships which  they  endured,  are  not  recorded;  but  it  is  of  record 
that  at  the  close  of  the  war  the  town  bore  a  burden  of  £1,768  Ss. 
as  its  share  of  the  arrears  of  pay  due  the  faithful  troops  who 
had  M'On  the  independence  of  the  colonies. 

(      472      ) 


THE   TO^^'N   OF   BRIMFJELD 

So  far  as  preserved,  the  names  of  Bi-inifield's  soldiers  in 
the  war  of  the  revolution  were : 

Brigadier-General  Timothy  Danielson,  Colonel  Jonathan 
Thompson,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Joseph  Thompson,  Majors 
Nathaniel  Dickinson  and  Abner  Morgan,  Captains  Thomas  T. 
Burt,  Joseph  Browning,  John  Carpenter,  Joseph  Hoar  and 
James  Sherman,  Lieutenants  Jonathan  Brown.  Reuben  Lilly, 
Aaron  Mighill  and  Phineas  Sherman,  p]nsign  Nathaniel  INIiller; 
John  Atehinson,  Henry  Abbott,  Zebediah  Abbott,  Nathan  Ames, 
Peter  Alexander,  Samuel  Andrew,  James  Burnett,  Joseph  Baker, 
Sherebiah  Ballard,  John  Bartlett,  George  Bement,  Jesse  Bement, 
George  Blanchard,  James  Blashfield,  John  Blashfield,  Ozem 
Blashfield.  William  Blashfield,  Henry  Bliss.  John  Bloss,  Blodgett 
Bliss,  Edward  Bond,  Ephraim  Bond,  Luke  Bond,  Samuel  Bond, 
Daniel  Belknap,  Thomas  Bliss,  Admatha  Blodgett,  Jonas  Blod- 
gett, Benjamin  Blodgett,  Ephraim  Blodgett,  Rufus  Blodgett, 
Hooper  Bishop,  Solomon  Bishop,  Abner  Bishop,  Jonathan  Bridg- 
ham,  Silas  Brooks,  Bartholomew  Brown,  Jonathan  Brown,  John 
Bryant,  Noadiah  Burr,  Abel  Burt,  Stoddard  Cady,  Abial  Car- 
penter, John  Carpenter,  William  Carpenter,  Timothy  Corliss, 
Lemuel  Chapman,  Aaron  Charles,  Jonathan  Charles,  Nathaniel 
Charles,  Nehemiah  Charles,  Solomon  Charles,  John  Charles, 
Nathaniel  Chickering,  Benoni  Clark,  Peter  Clark,  Lewis  Collins, 
Nathaniel  Collins,  Stephen  Collins,  Thaddeus  Collins,  Azariah 
Cooley,  John  Collis,  Altamont  Danielson,  Calvin  Danielson, 
Daniel  Danielson,  Jghn  Danielson,  Lothario  Danielson,  Luther 
Danielson,  Samuel  Davis,  William  Davis,  Isaac  Draper,  Samuel 
Draper,  Joseph  Dunham,  Hananiah  Ellingwood,  Rufus  Fair- 
banks, Ebenezer  Fairbanks,  Elijah  Fay,  Levi  Fay.  Judah  Ferry, 
Jonathan  Fisk,  Luther  Fuller,  Jesse  Graves,  John  Gardner,  John 
Harris,  Danial  Haynes,  Jonas  Haynes,  Samuel  Haynes,  Josiah 
Hill,  Aaron  Hitchcock,  Abijah  Hitchcock,  Abner  Hitchcock, 
Eldad  Hitchcock,  Eli  Hitchcock,  Elijah  Hitchcock,  Ezra  Hitch- 
cock, Jacob  Hitchcock,  Joseph  Hitchcock,  Levi  Hitchcock,  Luther 
Hitchcock,  Medad  Hitchcock,  Winchester  Hitchcock,  Leonard 
Hoar,  John  B.  Hubbard,  Jonathan  Hubbard,  Henry  Hooker, 
Jeremiah  Howard,  David  Janes,  Elijah  Janes.  Eliphalet  Janes, 

(      -473      ) 


01 B   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Isaac  Janes,  Israel  Janes,  Jonathan  Janes,  Peleg  Cheney  Janes, 
Solomon  Janes,  Thomas  Janes,  William  Janes,  Asaph  Lane, 
Samuel  Lewis,  Benjamin  Lilly,  Joseph  Lilly,  Reuben  Lilly, 
Samuel  Lilly,  Daniel  Livermore,  Absalom  Lumbard,  Aaron 
Lumbard,  David  Lumbard,  Jeremiah  Lumbard,  Stephen  Lum- 
bard, Thomas  Lumbard,  Nathaniel  Mighill,  Oliver  Mason,  Ezra 
May,  Thomas  McClure,  Abner  Mighill,  Nathaniel  Miller,  Amos 
Miller,  Daniel  Moffatt,  Jacob  Moftatt,  Joel  Moifatt,  Judah  Mof- 
fatt,  Lewis  Moffatt,  William  Moft'att,  Aaron  Morgan,  Benjamin 
Morgan,  David  Morgan,  Enoch  Morgan,  Jacob  Morgan,  Jonathan 
Morgan,  Joseph  Morgan,  Pelatiah  Morgan,  William  Morgan, 
Benjamin  Nelson,  Samuel  Nelson,  John  Newell,  Asher  Nichols, 
John  Nichols,  Zadok  Nichols,  Jesse  Parker,  Lemuel  Parker,  Eli 
Powers,  Joseph  Russell,  Simon  Rogers,  Sylvanus  Sanderson, 
George  Shaw.  Samuel  Shaw,  Benjamin  Sherman,  Beriah  Sher- 
man, Bezaleel  Sherman,  James  Sherman,  John  Sherman,  Joseph 
Sherman,  Lemuel  Sherman,  Noah  Sherman,  Samuel  Sherman, 
Thomas  Sherman,  George  Shumway,  Elijah  Smith,  John  Smith, 
Daniel  Stearns,  Abner  Stebbins,  David  Stebbins,  John  Stebbins, 
Jotham  Stebbins,  Judah  Stebbins,  Levi  Stebbins,  Thomas  Stone, 
Abner  Sabin,  Alpheus  Thompson,  Asa  Thompson,  Amherst 
Thompson,  James  Thompson,  Jonathan  Thompson,  John  Thomp- 
son, Samuel  Thompson,  Solomon  Thompson,  Stephen  Thompson, 
Adam  Townsley,  Daniel  Townsley,  Gad  Townsley,  Jacob  Towns- 
ley,  Reuben  Townsley,  Benjamin  Trask.  Noah  Trask,  William 
Trask,  Joseph  Tucker,  Christopher  AVard,  Comfort  Ward, 
Ebenezer  Ward,  Elijah  Ward,  Bradley  Webber,  Gershom  Whit- 
ney, Joshua  Witham,  Calvin  Worthington. 

In  the  Shays  rebellion  of  1786-7  the  town  stood  in  support 
of  the  government,  and  its  two  militia  companies  were  twice 
ordered  to  Springfield— on  September  25,  1786,  remaining  six 
days,  and  on  January  17,  1787,  remaining  on  duty  for  twenty- 
four  days.  A  special  company  was  also  enlisted,  and  served 
from  February  7  to  March  12,  1787. 

The  people  of  Brimfield,  as  was  the  case  generally  through- 
out New  England,  were  not  in  sympathy  with  the  war  of  1812, 
and  did  not  fail  to  express  their  dissent  in  town  meetings  and 

(     474       ) 


THE    TO^^'N    OF   BRIMFIELD 

otherwise.  Nevertheless,  sturdy  sons  of  the  town  followed  the 
flag  of  their  eoimtry,  though  tlie  details  of  their  service,  as  in 
other  eases,  are  known  only  in  vague  tradition.  The  towns  of 
Monson,  Brinifield  and  South  Brimfield  united  in  raising  a  com- 
pany for  this  war,  under  command  of  Captain  Isaac  Fuller  of 
Monson,  of  which  Brimfield  furnished : 

Lieutenant  Abner  Brown,  Sergeant-Major  Daniel  Frost, 
Sergeants  Julius  AVard  and  Erastus  Lumbard,  Corporal  Zadoc 
Nichols;  Saunders  Allen,  Lemuel  Allen,  Shubael  Butterworth, 


Soldiers'  Monument 

William  Blodgett.  Martin  Durkee,  Chester  Ellinwood,  Oliver 
Felton,  Timothy  Gardner,  Jonathan  Hayues,  Eaton  Hitchcock, 
John  Dunbar,  Edward  Lewis,  John  G.  Moore,  Joshua  Nichols, 
Daniel  S.  Nichols,  LewTS  Robinson,  Timothy  Snyder,  Martin 
Smith,  Abial  Stebbins.  Erastus  Stebbins,  Calvin  Burnett,  Loring 
Collins,  Aaron  English,  George  Harvey. 

In  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  from  1861  to  1865,  the  people  of 
the  town  manifested  for  the  preservation  of  the  nation  a  heroism 
as  lofty  and  self-sacrificing  as  that  displayed  in  the  long  struggle 
for  independence   and   a    republican    government.      Under   the 

(      475      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

n^arious  calls  for  soldiers  during  that  war,  the  town  furnished 
138  men,  being  an  excess  of  five  over  the  quota  required.  The 
larger  portion  of  these  men  served  with  the  27th,  34th  and  46th 
Massachusetts  regiments,  though  many  other  organizations  within 
the  state,  and  some  from  other  states,  bore  the  names  of  Brimfield 
men  upon  their  rolls.  There  was  i-aised  and  expended  for  mili- 
tary purposes  during  the  war,  by  the  town,  over  $15,000,  besides 
$5,853  for  state  aid  to  soldiers'  families,  which  was  afterward 
repaid  by  the  state.  Over  $1,800  was  also  raised  by  the  women 
of  Brimfield  for  the  Sanitary  and  Christian  Commissions,  to  aid 
in  the  work  of  these  noble  organizations  in  behalf  of  sick, 
wounded,  and  needj^  soldiers  in  the  field  and  in  hospitals.  The 
town  was  one  of  the  first  in  the  state  to  erect  a  soldiers'  monu- 
ment, an  appropriation  of  $1,250  for  the  purpose  being  made 
March  12,  1866,  and  the  monument  being  dedicated  July  4 
following.  AVitli  other  appropriate  inscription,  it  bears  the 
names  of  18  soldiers  from  the  town  who  died  in  the  service. 

It  is  thus  shown  that  whenever  a  resort  to  arms  has  been 
necessary,  the  men  of  Brimfield  have  been  ready  to  meet  the 
fullest  requirements  of  patriotic  citizenship,  whether  by  the 
giving  of  their  substance,  the  manful  bearing  of  privation  and 
hardship,  or  even  the  supreme  measure  of  life  sacrifice,  in  behalf 
of  American  ideas  and  institutions;  and  this  while  they  have 
been  eminently  a  peaceful,  almost  pastoral,  people,  devoted  to 
the  culture  of  their  fertile  acres,  and  to  those  amenities  which 
give  to  life  its  sweetest  and  most  charming  aspect. 

The  settlement  of  Brimfield  was  decided  upon  on  account  of 
the  fertility  of  the  soil  and  the  inviting  nature  of  its  lands  for 
farming  purposes.  Naturally,  agriculture  has  always  remained 
the  principal  pursuit  of  its  inhabitants.  The  township  as  settled 
was  divided  into  farms  of  moderate  proportions,  and  compara- 
tively little  change  has  been  made  during  the  subsequent  ex- 
periences of  the  inhabitants.  "Within  the  town  limits  there  are 
nearly  200  farms,  with  an  average  valuation  of  some  $3,000. 
This  distribution  of  the  town  property  indicates,  a  thrifty,  pros- 
perous community,  on  the  one  hand  without  concentration  of 
great  wealth  in  a  few  hands,  and  on  the  other  being  spared  the 

(      476      ) 


THE   TO^^'N    OF   BRIMFIELD 

blight  of  widespread  poverty.  A  community  of  people  with 
homes  is  the  ideal  of  American  life,  and  that  has  ever  been  the- 
condition  of  Brimfield's  inhabitants. 

The  manufacturing  interests  have  never  been  extensive, 
though  a  considerable  variety  of  industries  have  first  and  last 
been  established.  In  the  early  days,  potash,  saltpeter  and  tar 
Avere  produced  to  some  extent,  and  later  some  pottery  was  made 
from  clay  obtained  at  Sherman's  pond.  Brick  making  has  con- 
tinued to  the  present  time,  as  have  saw  mills  and  grist  mills. 
Wool  dressing,  tailoring,  and  the  manufacture  of  woolen  hats 


Tlie   BriniHeld  Windmill 


were  followed  prior  to  the  modern  practice  of  consolidating  such 
industries  in  large  establishments.  Some  cotton  and  woolen 
manufacturing  was  carried  on  during  the  first  half  of  the  last 
century,  and  the  plant  was  afterward  used  for  the  manufacture 
of  shoemaking  tools  and  machinery.  The  tanning  of  leather  was 
carried  on  until  the  destruction  of  the  plant  about  1850,  and 
the  manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes  was  at  one  time  of  some  im- 
portance. It  is  said  that  Brimfield  sent  the  first  ready-made 
boots  to  some  of  the  Connecticut  markets,  and  to  other  southern 
points,  but  the  industry  never  attained  to  large  proportions. 

(      477      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Various  other  branches  of  business  have  been  entered  from  time 
to  time,  and  have  proved  more  or  less  valuable  factors  in  the 
town's  development;  but  none  have  come  to  compare  in  impor- 
tance with  the  permanent  and  profitable  labors  of  the  husband- 
man. 

The  matter  of  education  received  attention  early  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  town,  it  being  voted  December  28,  1731,  that  the  town 
have  a  school.  The  territory  was  divided  into  three  districts  in 
1736,  but  only  a  single  teacher  was  employed,  dividing  the  time 
between  the  three  sections.  The  boundaries  of  the  districts  were 
established  in  December,  1742,  and  at  the  same  time  a  tax  of  £80 
was  voted  to  pay  for  labor  and  materials  for  the  building  of 
school-houses.  In  1753  it  was  voted  to  have  schools  kept  in  seven 
places,  and  thirteen  years  later  the  number  of  districts  was  in- 
creased to  ten.  A  year  previous  a  grammar  school  had  been 
voted;  but  the  compensation  of  the  teachers  cannot  have  been 
very  liberal,  as  the  annual  appropriation  for  1755  was  only  £30, 
of  which  about  one-ninth  was  to  go  to  the  teacher  of  the  grammar 
school,  the  remainder  to  be  equally  divided  between  the  seven 
districts.  The  examination  of  teachers  and  care  of  the  schools 
was  in  the  hands  of  the  minister  until  1819,  when  a  committee 
of  ten — one  for  each  district — was  appointed  for  his  assistance. 
In  1843  the  plan  of  a  general  committee  of  three  to  have  over- 
sight of  all  schools  in  the  town  was  adopted,  but  it  was  not  until 
1859  that  school  reports  were  printed.  The  district  system  was 
abolished  by  the  state  in  1870,  and  the  present  plan  of  graded 
schools  took  the  place  of  the  old  method. 

The  Hitchcock  Free  Academy  was  established  in  1855, 
through  the  liberality  of  Mr.  Samuel  A.  Hitchcock,  and  for 
almost  half  a  century  has  held  an  honorable  place  among  the 
educational  institutions  of  the  county  and  state.  Mr.  Hitchcock 
was  a  public-spirited  citizen  of  the  best  type,  and  bestowed  his 
means,  -while  still  living  and  able  to  direct  the  beneficence,  for 
the  permanent  good  of  his  native  town.  His  total  contributions 
amounted  to  $75,000,  and  these  have  been  supplemented  to  some 
extent  by  outside  subscriptions,  although  substantially  the  school 
stands  as  the  monument,  of  most  noble  type,  of  its  namesake  and 

(      478      ) 


THE   TO^Y^   OF   BRIM  FIELD 

founder.  Tlie  incorporation  was  effected  A\n-\\  26.  1855,  as 
"The  Tiiistees  of  the  Brimfield  Free  Grammar  School."  In 
June  of  the  following  year  the  name  was  changed  to  the  Hitch- 
cock Free  Grammar  school,  in  March,  1871,  to  the  Hitchcock 
Free  High  school,  and  June  10.  1897,  to  Hitchcock  Free  academy. 
The  school  buildings  are  pleasantly  located  on  a  commodious 
Jot  in  the  center  of  the  village,  and  are  equipped  with  modern 
scientific  apparatus  and  a  carefully  selected  library.  The  insti- 
tulion  is  primarily  designed   for  the  free  accommodation  and 


Hitchcock  Free  High  School 

benefit  of  Brimfield  residents,  but  applicants  from  other  towns 
are  received  on  favorable  terms  to  the  capacity  of  the  school,  and 
so  widespread  is  its  reputation  that  there  is  never  a  lack  of 
pupils.  English  and  classical  courses  of  study  are  provided,  the 
latter  covering  four  years, and  being  designed  to  qualify  students 
for  admission  to  the  best  American  colleges. 

The  principals  of  the  school,  from  the  time  of  its  opening 
until  the  present  have  been:  Henry  A.  Littel,  Joseph  G.  Scott, 
Edwin  D.  Dewey,  Charles  E.  Sumner,  Nathan  Thompson, 
€harles   M.    Palmer.   Henrv   Harden.    W.    S.    Knowlton,    Elias 


(      479      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Brookings,  William  W.  McClench,  E.  W.  Norwood,  Charles  H. 
Cooper,  Francis  E.  Burnett,  R.  B.  Clarke,  Arthur  A.  Upham, 
Henry  S.  Pratt,  J.  M.  Russell,  George  W.  Earle,  Fred  A.  Luce 
and  "Wellington  Hodgkins. 

It  may  almost  be  said  that  Brimfield  has  had  but  a  single 
charch  during  its  history.  One  of  the  requirements  embodied 
in  the  commission  of  the  first  prudential  committee  was  that  they 
should  settle  an  able  Orthodox  minister  as  soon  as  might  be,  and 


ji«r^^- 


The  Town,  from  tlie  fields 


early  in  the  history  of  settlement  this  requirement  was  carried 
out.  The  first  meeting-house  was  erected  in  1722  on  the  site  of 
the  present  village  church.  It  was  a  plain  frame  structure,  with- 
out tower  or  steeple,  and  in  accordance  with  the  custom  of  that 
time  it  was  built  without  chimneys  or  any  provision  for  artificial 
warmth.  Still  it  served  its  purpose  until  1804,  when  a  new  build- 
ing was  erected  on  the  site,  at  a  cost  of  $6,000,  the  "raising"  of 
the  frame  being  made  a  day  of  general  jubilation  through  the 
town.     This  building  was  remodeled  in  1838,  and  was  destroyed 

(      480      ) 


THE   TO^yN   OF   BEIM FIELD 

by  fire  in  1847.  As  soon  as  practicable  it  was  replaced  by  the 
present  structure,  which  was  dedicated  in  January,  1848,  and 
with  some  improvements  has  served  the  people  for  more  than 
half  a  century.    The  Sunday  school  was  established  in  1819. 

Rev.  Kichard  Treat,  the  first  minister,  was  ordained  Novem- 
ber 18,  1724,  being  granted  120  acres  with  "after  rights,"  and 
paid  a  salary  of  £85,  afterward  increased  to  £105— a  liberal 
allowance  for  the  time  and  in  the  condition  of  the  settlement. 
He  resigned  the  pastorate  in  1734,  and  his  successor,  Rev.  James 
Bridgham,  Avas  called  in  1736,  serving  for  forty  years,  until  his 
death  in  1776.  The  subsequent  pastors  have  been :  Rev.  Nehemiah 
AVilliams,  1775-96 ;  Rev.  Clark  Brown,  1798-1803 ;  Rev.  Warren 
Fay,  1808-11;  Rev.  Joseph  Vaill,  Jr.,  1814-34,  1837-41;  Rev. 
Joseph  Fuller,  1835-7;  Rev.  George  C.  Partridge,  1842-6;  Rev. 
B.  E.  Hale,  1847-9;  Rev.  Jason  Moore,  1849-61;  Rev.  Charles  M. 
Hyde,  1862-70;  Rev.  Moses  B.  Boardman,  1870-73;  Rev.  Webster 
K.  Pierce,  1874-8 ;  Rev.  Doane  R.  Atkins,  1879-81 ;  Rev.  Samuel 
V.  McDufTee,  1882-4;  Rev.  Joseph  Kyte,  1884-8;  Rev.  M.  L. 
Richardson,  1889-91 ;  Rev.  AVilbur  Rand,  1891-3 ;  Rev.  Robert  J. 
Kyle,  1893-1900;  Rev.  William  P.  Clancy,  1900. 

A  few  minor  societies  have  for  short  periods  held  meetings 
in  the  toAvn,  but  none  have  long  continued,  and  the  record  of  the 
community  has  been  one  of  remarkable  religious  unity. 

In  area  the  present  town  of  Brimfield  covers  35.2  square 
miles.  In  population  it  had  in  1840  attained  1410,  by  the  United 
State  census,  and  in  1850  reached  its  highest  figure— 1420.  Since 
that  time  the  falling  off  has  been  continual,  the  census  figures 
showing,  in  1860,  1361;  1870,  1288;  ,1880,  1203;  1890,  1096; 
1900,  941. 


31-2  (      481      ) 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  TOWN  OF  BLANDFORD 
BY   A.    M.    COPELAND 

Blandford  is  located  south  of  Chester,  and  is  bounded  north 
by  Chester  and  Huntington,  east  by  Russell,  south  by  Tolland 
and  Granville,  and  west  by  Otis  and  Becket,  For  the  most  part 
the  town  is  on  a  plateau  of  an  average  altitude  of  about  1,300 
feet  above  the  sea.  The  highest  land  is  Walnut  Hill  in  the  west- 
ern part  of  the  town,  the  summit  of  which  is  1,760  feet  above  the 
sea.  There  are  four  natural  ponds :  North  Meadow  pond.  Long 
pond,  Blair  pond  and  Cochran  pond.  A  branch  of  Westfield 
river  known  as  Little  river  flows  from  North  Meadow  pond  in  a 
southeasterly  direction  through  the  central  part  of  the  town  and 
the  south  part  of  Russell,  and  enters  the  Westfield  river  just 
below  Westfield  village. 

The  views  from  Blandford  are  extensive,  the  city  of  Spring- 
field being  easily  seen  through  a  strong  glass,  and  in  the  evening 
the  illumination  from  the  electric  lights  is  visible  from  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  meeting-house.  The  view  to  the  north  across  the  West- 
field  river  ravine  and  over  the  highlands  of  Montgomery  and 
Huntington  and  Chester  and  beyond,  is  grand,  and  so  to  the 
west  and  south  and  east  it  is  extensive  and  almost  equally  grand. 

There  are  two  villages  in  the  town,  Blandford  and  North 
Blandford.  Highways  lead  from  these  to  Russell  and  to  West- 
field,  to  Chester  and  Huntington,  to  Otis  and  to  Becket,  to  Tol- 
land and  to  Granville.  There  are  numerous  brooks  flowing  in 
every  direction,  some  flowing  toAvard  and  into  AA^estfield  river, 
and  some  flowing  toward  and  mingling  their  Avaters  with  the 

(      482      ) 


THE   TOWN  OF  BLANDFORD 

Parmington  river.  These  streams  afford  many  water  privileges 
for  saw-mills,  and  at  North  Blandford  for  other  manufacturing. 

The  geological  formation  is  metamorphic  to  a  high  degree. 
AVhile  there  is  found  here  and  there  a  fair  degree  of  fertility  of 
soil,  for  the  most  part  the  soil  of  this  town  is  not  so  favorable  for 
agriculture  as  in  some  of  the  adjoining  towns.  Mr.  Gibbs  in  his 
address  upon  the  history  of  Blandford  says  that  "For  many 
years  after  the  settlement  of  the  town,  our  most  wealthy  farmers 
cut  only  sufficient  hay  to  winter  a  cow  and  a  few  sheep.  Those 
who  kept  horses  were  obliged  to  have  them  wintered  in  West- 
field." 

In  the  northwesterly  part  of  the  town  is  a  soap  stone  ledge : 
near  this  place  is  a  hummock  of  serpentine  rock,  and  it  is  marked 
on  some  maps,  verj^  erroneously,  as  an  extinct  volcanic  crater. 
There  are  other  outcropings  of  soapstone.  In  the  east  part  of 
the  town  is  a  bed  of  kaolin  which  is  utilized  in  connection  with 
the  maiiufacture  of  brick  at  Russell. 

Prior  to  1713  some  of  the  northern  tier  of  towns  in  the  state 
of  Connecticut  were  supposed  to  be  within  the  limits  of  the 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  the  government  of  Massa- 
chusetts exercised  jurisdiction  over  them.  Woodstock,  Enfield 
and  Nuffield  were  for  many  years  treated  as  Massachusetts  towns. 
Deeds  of  land  in  Suffield  were  recorded  in  the  Old  Hampshire 
county  records.  But  the  boundary  line  between  the  colony  of 
Connecticut  and  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  Avas  for 
many  years  a  matter  of  controversy  betvv'een  the  Province  and 
the  Colony.  In  1713  a  commission  was  agreed  upon  to  survey 
and  establish  the  line.  The  line  as  established  by  the  commission 
threw  into  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  the  towns  of  Woodstock. 
Huffield,  the  southern  extremity  of  the  old  town  of  Springfield 
both  east  and  west  of  the  Connecticut  river,  and  the  southern 
part  of  the  town  of  Westfield.  By  the  terms  of  the  agreement. 
Massachusetts  was,  as  before,  to  have  jurisdiction  over  the  old 
border  towns,  though  they  fell  south  of  the  new  line.  For  this 
privilege  of  jurisdiction  Massachusetts  agreed  to  compensate 
Connecticut.  For  as  much  territory  as  Massachusetts  governed 
south  of  the  true  line,  she  agreed  to  give  the  same  amount  of 

(      483      ) 


OVE   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

ten-itory  to  Connecticut  in  unimproved  lands  in  western  Massa- 
chusetts and  in  New  Hampshire,  and  a  further  allowance  was 
made  by  a  promise  to  sell  the  more  distant  lands  at  a  cheaper 
rate.  These  unimproved  lands  were  called  equivalent  lands.  The 
small  disputed  tract  at  Windsor  fell  to  Connecticut.  The  lands 
in  Connecticut  that  Massachusetts  governed  by  the  above  agree- 
ment were : 

In  Woodstock 30,419  acres 

In  Enfield 36,180  acres 

In  SufQeld 22,172  acres 

Part  of  Springfield,  east  of  Connecticut  river 640  acres 

Part  of  Springfield,  west  of  Connecticut  river 287  acres 

In  Westfield 5,549  acres 

Besides  there  were  some  lands  in  grants  to  private  indi- 
viduals. 

It  was  customary  for  individuals  to  own  large  tracts  of  land 
in  commo2i,  principally  for  pasturage,  and  they  were  called  the 
proprietors  of  common  and  undivided  lands.  The  laws  of  the 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  recognized  this  kind  of  proprie- 
torship of  lands,  and  laws  were  passed  touching  the  organiza- 
tion of  such  proprietors  for  the  purpose  of  regulating  the  use 
and  enjoyment  of  such  common  and  undivided  lands.  In  the 
toAvn  of  Suffield  were  a  large  number  of  owners  of  common  and 
undivided  lands.  It  appears  that  some  of  the  lands  so  held  in 
Suffield  were  set  to  Windsor  and  some  to  Simsbury  by  the  re- 
adjustment of  toAvn  lines  incident  to  this  settlement  of  the  line 
between  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  and  so  were  brought 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  Connecticut;  and  thus  the  proprietors 
were  deprived  of  their  former  rights  as  tenants  in  common.  To 
compensate  these  proprietors  for  their  loss,  the  general  court  of 
the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  gave  to  these  Suffield  pro- 
prietors of  common  lands  so  set  to  the  towns  of  Windsor  and 
Simsbury,  a  tract  of  land  just  west  of  Westfield  to  be  of  the  con- 
tents of  six  miles  square,  as  an  equivalent  for  these  common  lands 
of  which  they  had  been  so  deprived.  This  grant  was  made  in 
1732,  and  the  land  so  granted  was  called  New  Glasgow,  or  often 
simply  Glasgow.    There  were  somewhat  more  than  one  hundred 

(      484      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  BLAND  FORD 

of  these  proprietors.  Their  rights  were  held  common  and  un- 
divided, but  in  unequal  shares,  each  individual  share  consisting 
of  a  definite  number  of  acres. 

About  1734,  Christopher  Jacob  Lawton,  a  lawyer,  of  Suf- 
field,  began  to  buy  of  each  proprietor  his  share  in  the  New  Glas- 
gow lands,  each  one  giving  Lawton,  for  a  named  consideration,  a 
deed  of  his  right,  naming  the  number  of  acres,  without  giving 
any  other  description  except  naming  the  township,  designating 
it  as  the  equivalent  land  granted  by  the  general  court  of  the 
Province  of  IMassachusetts  Bay  to  the  proprietors  of  common 
lands  in  Suffield  that  were  set  off  to  Windsor  and  Simsbury  in 
establishing  the  line  between  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  in 
1713.  A  copy  of  one  of  the  deeds  will  give  a  good  idea  of  the 
transaction,  besides  giving  valuable  historic  facts.  The  follow- 
ing is  a  substantial  copy  of  a  deed  to  Lawton  from  Joseph  King 
of  Suffield.  Omitting  the  formal  preliminary  statements,  the 
deed  runs  thus:  "For  divers  good  causes  and  considerations  me 
hereunto  moving,  but  especially  for  those  hereafter  mentioned, 
viz. :  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  pounds,  to  me  in  hand  paid  or  secured  by  Christo- 
pher Jacob  Lawton  of  Suffield,  aforesaid,  and  for  the  great  ex- 
pense the  said  Lawton  has  been  at  to  obtain  a  grant  of  the  gen- 
eral assembly  of  the  Province  aforesaid  (Mass.  Bay)  of  the  con- 
tents of  six  miles  square  of  land  for  an  equivalent  to  the  pro- 
prietors of  the  common  and  undivided  lands  in  said  Suffield  for 
land  taken  away  from  the  proprietors  of  the  township  of  Suf- 
field, aforesaid,  and  laid  to  the  towns  of  Windsor  and  Simsbury 
by  the  late  establishment  of  the  line  between  the  Pro\dnce  afore- 
said and  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  and  for  the  further  expense 
in  viewing  and  surveying  a  tract  of  land  whereon  to  lay  said 
equivalent,  and  getting  a  confirmation  of  the  same  by  the  gen- 
eral assembly  aforesaid,  do  remise,  release,  and  forever  quit- 
claim, and  by  these  presents  do,  for  myself  and  my  heirs  re- 
mise, release  and  forever  quitclaim  unto  him,  the  said  Christo- 
pher Jacob  LaAvton,  and  to  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  all  the 
right,  estate,  interest,  claim  and  demand  whatsoever  which  I, 
the  said  Joseph  King,  had  or  ought  to  have  of,  in.  and  unto  the 

(      485      ) 


OLR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

aforesaid  grant  of  six  miles  square  of  land  (as  it  is  confirmed  by 
the  general  court  of  the  Province  aforesaid,  reference  being  had 
to  the  province  records  may  appear),  by  any  deed  or  deeds  here- 
tofore made  to  me,  the  said  Joseph  King,  viz. :  By  deed  made  me 
by  Jared  Huxley  and  William  Pluxley  of  a  forty-acre  right  on 
the  right  of  their  father,  Thomas  Huxley,  one  of  the  original 
proprietors  of  said  Suffield,  deceased ;  and  by  a  deed  made  to  me 
by  Luke  Hitchcock,  Esq.,  of  a  fifty-acre  right;  and  by  a  deed 
made  to  me  of  a  fifty-acre  right  by  Joseph  Leonard;  and  by  a 
deed  made  to  me  by  my  brother,  James  King,  of  a  fifty-acre  right 
on  the  right  of  John  Huggins,  deceased ;  and  by  a  deed  made  to 
me  by  Ebenezer  Scott  of  the  six-acre  right  of  his  father,  John 
Scott;  and  by  a  deed  of  a  twelve-acre  right  made  to  me  by  my 
honored  father  and  mother,  James  King  and  Eliza  King,  his 
wife ;  and  a  ten-acre  right  on  the  right  of  Benjamin  Cooley,  de- 
ceased, by  deed  made  me  by  his  son,  Benjamin  Cooley;  and  by 
deed  made  to  me  of  the  fifty-acre  right  of  Obediali  Miller,  de- 
ceased, by  his  heirs,  viz. :  Obediah  Miller,  John  Barker,  Timothy 
Hale  and  Hannah,  his  wife,  Nathan  Miller,  John  Miller,  Thomas 
Terry  and  Martha,  his  wife,  Benjamin  Wright  and  Mary,  his 
wife,  and  from  John  Stephensen,  Jonathan  Stephenson,  and 
Benajah  Stephenson,  Ebenezer  Leonard  and  Joannah,  his  wife; 
and  on  the  fifty-acre  right  of  George  Colton,  by  deed  made  to  me 
by  Capt.  Thomas  Colton,  John  Colton,  Nathaniel  Bliss  and  Deo- 
bora,  his  wife,  Capt.  George  Colton,  Ephraim  Colton,  Samuel 
Colton,  Josiah  Colton,  Ebenezer  Bliss  and  Sarah,  his  Avife,  Mar- 
garet Colton,  Samuel  Bernard,  Jonathan  Wells,  Ebenezer 
Graves,  Capt.  John  jNIirick  and  his  wife,  Benjamin  Chapin  and 
his  wife ;  and  on  the  fifty-acre  right  Rowland  Thomas,  deceased, 
by  deed  from  his  heirs  that  are  hereafter  named,  viz. :  Eben- 
ezer Thomas,  Samuel  Thomas,  Josiah  Thomas,  Benjamin  Thomas, 
James  Warriner  and  Sarah,  his  wife,  John  Bagg  and  Mary,  his 
wife.  All  the  aforementioned  rights  were  original  rights  in  the 
township  of  Suffield.  and  I,  the  said  Joseph  King,  am  a  com- 
moner thereon  so  far  as  these  deeds  mentioned  make  me  so  or  by 
any  other  way  or  means  howsoever. 

To  have  and  to  hold  all  my  right  in  or  title  unto  the  afore- 
said grant  of  six  miles  square  as  an  equivalent  as  aforesaid,  unto 

(      486      ) 


THE   TOWN  OF   BLANDFOHD 

him  the  said  Christopher  Jacob  Lawton,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for- 
ever (yet  nevertheless  it  is  to  be  understood  that  the  said  Chris- 
topher Jacob  Lawton,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  is  to  be  at  all  further 
changes  in  fulfilling  the  conditions  enjoyned  by  the  general  assem- 
bly, aforesaid,  in  respect  to  building  and  settling  said  equivalent 
to  bring  forAvard  a  town  there  so  far  as  I,  myself,  ought  to  have 
done),  to  their  only  proper  use  and  behoof  of  him,  said  Chris- 
topher Jacob  LaAvton,  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever.  So  that 
neither  I,  the  said  Joseph  King,  nor  my  heirs,  executors  or  ad- 
ministrators, or  any  other  person  or  persons  by,  from,  or  under 
me  or  them,  or  in  the  right  or  stead  of  any  of  them,  shall  or  will, 
by  any  Avay  or  means,  hereafter  have  claim,  challenge,  or  de- 
mand any  estate,  right,  title  or  interest  in  or  to  the  premises,  or 
any  part  or  parcel  thereof;  and  furthermore  I,  the  said  Joseph 
King,  hereby  covenant  and  engage  for  myself,  my  heirs,  execu- 
tors and  administrators  to  and  Avith  the  said  Christopher  Jacob 
Lawton,  his  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  that  he  or  they 
shall  have  the  benefit  of  any  one,  so  mam^  or  all  my  deeds  so  far 
as  they  respect  said  equivalent  at  his  or  their  own  proper  cost 
and  charges  in  the  law  to  bring  an  action  or  actions  on  the  said 
deeds  or  either  of  them,  against  any  or  every  of  the  vendors  in 
my  name,  or  in  the  name  of  my  heirs,  executors  or  administra- 
tors, wherein  any  of  said  vendors  or  all  have  broken  their  cove- 
nants with  me  or  my  heirs,  &e.,  on  final  judgment  I  covenant  for 
mA^self,  my  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  that  he,  the  said 
LaAV'ton,  his  heirs,  executors  or  administrators,  shall  and  may 
have  the  benefit  of  any  judgment  or  judgments  of  court  it  or 
them  receive  and  discharge  Avithout  being  accountable  to  me, 
my  heirs,  executors  or  administrators  so  far  as  respects  said 
equivalent,  and  I  further  covenant  that  I  have  the  said  deeds  of 
the  aforesaid  premises  on  the  public  records,  or  shall  have 
them. 

In  Avitness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal 
this  tAventy-fourth  day  of  November,  A.  D.  1735. 

Joseph  King— and  seal." 

There  haA-e  been  statements  made  in  some  of  the  historical 
sketches  of  Blandford  that  the  conditions  of  settlement  Avere  im- 

(      487      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

posed  because  the  proprietors  had  caused  the  township  to  be 
surveyed  seven  instead  of  six  miles  square.  The  statements  are 
credited  to  "tradition."  But  the  conditions  were  the  same  as 
were  imposed  upon  other  townships  that  came  by  grant  into  the 
hands  of  private  individuals  as  proprietors.  The  deed  to  Law- 
t(m  from  Joseph  King  and  the  following  do  not  appear  to  justify 
the  tradition. 

' '  To  all  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come :  Christo- 
pher Jacob  Lawton  of  Suffield  in  the  county  of  Hampshire  and 
Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  Esq.,  sendeth 
greeting.  Whereas,  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  December,  A.  D. 
1732,  upon  the  petition  of  Joseph  Winchell  and  Joseph  King  to 
the  great  and  general  court  then  assembled  at  Boston  in  the 
county  of  Suffolk  within  the  Province  aforesaid,  in  behalf  of 
themselves  and  the  other  commoners  and  proprietors  of  the  com- 
mon and  undivided  lands  in  the  said  town,  setting  forth  that  in 
running  the  line  between  the  aforesaid  province  and  the  colony 
of  Connecticut,  A.  D.  1713,  there  was  taken  from  the  aforesaid 
town  of  Suffield  a  very  large  quantity  of  land,  and  praying  that 
they  might  be  allowed  an  equivalent  for  the  lands  so  taken  away, 
a  vote  was  passed  in  the  Honorable  House  of  Representatives, 
that  the  prayer  of  said  petition  should  be  so  far  granted  as  that 
the  commoners  and  proprietors  of  the  common  and  undivided 
lands  in  said  town  should  be  impowered  by  a  surveyor  and 
chainmen  on  oath  to  survey  and  lay  out  at  their  cost  and  charge 
the  contents  of  six  miles  square  of  the  unappropriated  lands  of 
the  aforesaid  province  on  the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river,  pro- 
vided that  within  the  term  of  seven  years  from  the  confirmation 
of  said  grant  they  should  settle  on  the  spot  60  families  who 
should  be  obliged  by  the  said  grant  to  bring  to  clear  and  fit  for 
improvement  3  acres,  and  6  acres  more  well  stocked  with  English 
grass,  and  also  should  each  of  them  have  a  good  convenient 
dwelling  house  on  the  said  land  of  one  story  high  and  18  feet 
square  at  the  least,  and  to  build  within  the  said  town  a  conve- 
nient house  for  the  public  worship  of  GOD,  and  settle  a  learned 
orthodox  minister  there,  and  that  the  said  commoners  and  pro- 
prietors should  return  a  plan  of  the  said  granted  premises  to  the 

(      488      ) 


THE   TOWN  OF  BLANDFORB 

general  court  within  twelve  months  for  confirmation  of  the  same 
to  the  said  commoners  and  proprietors,  their  heirs  and  assigns 
forever;  which  said  vote  was  afterwards  concurred  in  by  the 
Honorable  Council,  and  consented  to  by  His  Excellency,  the 
Governor,  and  whereas,  the  aforesaid  twelve  months  in  and  by 
the  aforesaid  proviso  limited  for  the  surveying  and  laying  out  of 
the  aforesaid  six  miles  square,  and  returning  a  plan  thereof  to 
the  general  court  for  the  confirmation  of  the  same  to  the  said 
commoners  and  proprietors,  their  heirs  and  assigns,  were  by  two 
subsequent  orders  of  the  general  court  prolonged  to  the  space  of 
two  years  from  the  time  of  the  aforesaid  grant;  and  the  afore- 
said term  of  7  years  in  the  aforesaid  provision  limited  for  set- 
tling the  said  60  families  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  on  said  tract  of 
land,  was  also  prolonged  to  the  space  of  8  years  from  the  time  of 
said  grant :  and  whereas,  pursuant  to  the  aforesaid  grant  and 
orders  of  said  general  court  a  tract  of  land  of  the  contents  of 
six  miles  square  of  the  unappropriated  lands  of  the  said  prov- 
ince on  the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river  was  surveyed  and  laid 
out  by  a  surveyor  and  chainman  on  oath  for  the  aforesaid  com- 
moners and  proprietors,  who  returned  a  plan  thereof  to  the 
great  and  general  court  in  December  last,  which  was  by  said 
court  accepted  on  the  4th  day  of  the  same  month  and  recorded 
(as  by  the  records  of  the  said  court  reference  being  had  thereto 
may  appear)  whereby  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land  which  is  but- 
ted and  bounded  as  in  the  said  plan  returned  to  the  general  court 
is  particularly  mentioned  and  described,  was  confirmed  to  the 
said  proprietors  and  commoners  of  the  common  and  undivided 
lands  of  the  said  town  of  Suffield,  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever. 
And  whereas  the  said  Christopher  Jacob  Lawton  hath  since 
purchased  of  the  aforesaid  commoners  and  proprietors  all  their 
several  respective  rights  of,  in  and  to  the  aforesaid  tract  of  land 
except  the  rights  of  Josiah  Sheldon  and  the  heirs  of  Joshua  Lea- 
vitt,  deceased,  of  said  Suffield,  and  hath  agreed  with  Robert 
Senot,  James  Freeland,  John  Osborne,  Hugh  Hambleton,  Hugh 
Black,  Comeinne  Anderson,  James  Beard,  Joseph  Rice,  Benjamin 
AVoods,  Samuel  Karmer,  James  Montgomery,  Armon  Hambleton, 
Israel  Gibbs,  Robert  Henry,  Jonathan  Boyce,  James  Wark,  Rob- 

(      489      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

trt  Black,  John  Osborne,  John  Hambleton,  Jeremiah  Anderson^ 
M^illiam  Province,  James  MacCletick,  Samuel  Ferguson,  James 
Freeland,  Jr.,  John  Houstin,  Samuel  Cook,  Daniel  Stone,  Robert 
Houston,  David  Boyce,  John  Stuart,  William  Knox,  Samuel 
Crooks,  Samuel  Tyger,  William  Anderson,  William  Barker, 
Samuel  Wark,  Alexander  Osborn,  Thomas  Reed,  Matthew  Blair, 
Robert  Cook.  John  Cockhoran,  Robert  Hambleton,  Hugh  Ham- 
bleton, Daniel  Howe,  Adam  Knox,  John  Knox,  Joseph  Freeland,. 
John  Stuart,  Robert  Huston,  Samuel  Cook,  William  Dunaghoi, 
AVilliam  Province,  James  Beard,  John  Cockran,  Robert  Hamble- 
ton, for  the  settlement  of  60  families  on  said  land  in  such  manner 
and  within  such  time  as  in  the  said  proviso,  in  the  aforemen- 
tioned grant  is  contained  and  expressed,  to  whom  the  said  Chris- 
topher Jacob  Lawton  hath  covenanted  to  grant  the  several  quan- 
tities hereafter  mentioned,  viz. :  To  fifty  families  120  acres, 
each,  to  two  families  60  acres  each,  to  five  families  40  acres  each, 
to  one  family  30  acres,  rendering  to  him,  his  heirs  and  assigns 
six  per  cent  current  lawful  money  of  New  England  yearly  if  de- 
manded for  each  120  acres  of  land  and  so  proportionably,  which 
said  settlers  have  given  bonds  and  covenants  to  John  Foye  and 
Francis  Wells,  both  within  the  province  aforesaid,  merchants, 
and  the  said  Christopher  Jacob  Lawton  in  penalty  amounting  in 
the  whole  to  £22,500  lawful  money  of  New  England  with  con- 
ditions to  accomplish  their  several  settlements  and  pay  their 
aforesaid  bonds.  Noiv  iciUiesseth  these  presents,  that  the  said 
Christopher  Jacob  Lawton  for  and  in  consideration  of  £3,000  in 
lawful  public  bills  of  credit  to  him  in  hand  paid  by  Francis 
Brinley  of  Roxbury  in  the  county  of  Suffold  and  province  afore- 
said, Esq.,  before  the  sealing  and  delivery  of  these  presents,  the 
receipt  whereof  is  hereby  acknowledged, ' '  etc.  Then  follows,  in 
usual  form,  a  deed  to  said  Brinley  of  one  undivided  fourth  part 
of  said  township.  This  deed  is  dated  July  8th,  1735.  Lawton 
had  already,  by  deed  dated  January  17th,  1735,  conveyed  to- 
Francis  Wells  of  Cambridge  and  to  John  Foye  of  Charlestown, 
one  undivided  fourth  to  each,  of  his  interest  in  said  township. 
And  on  March  30th,  1737,  these  several  proprietors  executed  a 
deed  of  partition  among  themselves ;  so  that  from  that  date  eacb 

(      490      ) 


THE  TOV,^'   OF  BLANDFOBD 

became  the  owner  of  certain  lots  located  in  different  parts  of 
the  town  containing  500  acres  each. 

The  people  named  in  the  above  cited  deed  from  Lawton  to 
Brinley,  Avere,  for  the  most  part,  those  who  came  to  Glasgow  from 
Hopkinton,  J\Iass.  It  came  about  in  this  way:  A  Congrega- 
tional church  was  organized  in  Hopkinton  Sept.  2d,  1724. 
"Seven  of  the  original  members  of  the  church  were  Scotch  Pres- 
byterians, and  five  others  soon  after  joined.  As  nothing  was 
said  at  the  outset  about  a  form  of  church  government,  these  men 
could  conscientiously  assent  to  the  covenant  and  unite  in  Chris- 
tian communion.  April  9th,  1731,  the  church  voted  'to  comply 
with  the  Platform  of  Church  Discipline  agreed  to  by  the  Synod 
of  Churches  assembled  at  Cambridge,  1649,  as  the  rule  of  their 
discipline,  so  far  as  they  apprehended  it  to  be  agreeable  to  the 
Word  of  God.'  This  voting  the  church  Congregational  gave 
great  offense  to  the  Presbyterians.  About  ten  families  with- 
drew from  the  communion  of  the  church.  They  were  brought 
under  discipline,  and  eventually  several  of  them  excommuni- 
cated. In  1734,  they  organized  a  Presbyterian  church,  built  a 
small  meeting-house  about  one  and  one-half  miles  west  of  the 
village,  near  what  is  known  as  the  Ellery  place.  Subsequently, 
on  the  removal  of  many  of  these  families  to  Blandford.  this 
church  organization  was,  by  consent  of  Presbytery,  transferred 
to  that  town,  where  it  existed  till  1800." 

The  list  of  membership  of  the  First  Congregational  church 
in  Hopkinton,  contains  the  names  of  those  who  were  excommu- 
nicated. Of  them  are  the  names  of  Robert  Cook,  "William  Duna- 
ghoi,  Robert  Hambleton,  Robert  Huston,  Hugh  Black  and  his 
wife,  William  Henry,  Matthew  Blair,  Sarah  Montgomery,  Robert 
Black,  Jane  Wark,  Rebecca  AYark,  James  Montgomery,  John 
Hambleton,  Adam  Knox,  Israel  Gibbs.  Mary  Gibbs,  Israel 
Walker.  Mrs.  Robert  Sennet,  Mrs.  Robert  Cook,  Hugh  Hambleton 
and  wife,  Walter  Steward  and  wife,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Montgomery^ 
Mary  Hambleton,  and  these  people  went  to  Blandford,  then 
called  New  Glasgow,  and  took  their  church  with  them.  Tradi- 
tion has  it  that  they  were  promised  a  church  bell  from  the  city 
of  GlasgOAV  if  they  would  call  the  town  Glasgow,  and  continue 
that  name. 

(      491      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Previous  to  the  coining  of  these  people  (to  quote  from  Wm. 
H.  Gibbs'  historical  address  in  1859)  "they  sent  a  number  of 
bold  and  courageous  young  men  to  select  the  best  route  and  erect 
habitations  for  their  reception.  These  hardy  adventurers 
rc^ached  the  centre  of  this  town  in  the  latter  part  of  April,  1735. 
On  the  day  of  their  arrival,  a  severe  snowstorm  commenced  and 
continued  three  days,  leaving  a  body  of  snow  on  the  ground  to 
the  depth  of  three  or  four  feet.  We  can  but  faintly  imagine  their 
sufferings."  Such  shelter  as  they  could  find  in  the  forest  under 
the  protectiiig  boughs  of  pines  and  hemlocks  they  had.  But  the 
snow  soon  began  to  waste,  and  they  were  then  able  to  clear  away 
trees  and  to  erect  temporary  cabins.  ' '  The  lEirst  families  arrived 
the  following  autumn,  the  residue  the  succeeding  spring.  Hugh 
Black  Avas  the  first  man  who  arrived  with  his  family. " 
"The  next  individual  who  emigrated  to  this  town  with  his  family 
was  James  Baird."  The  locations  selected  by  these  settlers,  as 
given  by  Mr.  Gibbs,  cannot  at  this  late  day  be  definitely  given. 
We  can  only  say  that  they  were  somewhere  Avithin  the  bounds 
of  the  township— probably  within  the  limits  of  the  tract  laid  out 
for  the  settlers— a  tract  about  2  miles  Avide  by  about  4  miles  long. 
It  included  the  AA'hole  of  North  street  extending  northerly  nearly 
to  what  is  knoAvn  as  "Beulah  Land,"  on  its  Avesterly  line,  and 
southerly  about  to  a  soapstone  quarry  lying  betAveen  "Fall  road" 
and  Little  river;  its  easterly  line  extending  from  Tarrott's  hill 
to  near  Chester  line.  It  included  the  territory  on  Avhich  the 
village  of  Blandford  is  built,  and  it  includes  the  road  located 
easterh'  of,  and  little  more  than  a  mile  from  and  parallel  with 
North  street.  In  this  tract  of  land  the  lots  for  settlers  AA^ere  laid 
out.  Mr.  Gibbs  says  that,  ' '  The  settlers  selected  their  farm  lots, 
and  the  names  of  several  families  who  obtained  farms  on  the 
west  side  of  the  town  street,  are  left  on  record,  viz. :  Messrs. 
Black,  Reed,  McClinton,  Taggart,  Brown,  Anderson,  Hamilton, 
Wells,  Blair,  Stewart.  Montgomery,  Boise,  Ferguson,  Campbell, 
Wilson,  Sennett,  Young,  Knox  and  Gibbs.  The  majority  of  the 
above-named  persons  became  permanent  residents  upon  the  lots 
they  drew."  The  northernmost  lot  drawn  was  in  the  vicinity, 
probably,  of  Dug  hill  and  near  Avhere  the  highAvay  to  Huntington 

(      492      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  BLAND  FORD 

turns  off  from  North  street.  Mr.  Gibbs  suggests  that  the  entire 
country  from  this  spot  to  Canada  was  a  trackless  wilderness. 
The  nearest  settlement  was  Westfield,  ten  miles  east.  ' '  The  team 
which  drew  the  first  cart  that  entered  the  town  was  driven  by 
Widow  IMoses  Carr  while  the  men  were  repairing  the  road.  It 
is  said  that  the  team  belonged  to  Israel  Gibbs,  who  settled  on 
Ihe  farm  now  (1850)  occupied  by  John  Gibbs;  and  his  son  Israel 
M'as  the  first  male  child  born  in  this  town." 

"The  number  of  families  which  emigrated  with  the  second 
company,  cannot  be  ascertained.  Their  progress  in  ascending 
the  mountain  through  Russell  (then  part  of  Westfield),  was 
laborious  and  disheartening.  They  commenced  the  ascent  at 
'Sackett's  Tavern'  (probably  near  the  four-mile  house),  on  the 
old  Westfield  road,  a  distance  slightly  exceeding  seven  miles  to 
the  centre  of  this  town.  The  ascent  of  the  mountain  began  on 
the  margin  of  the  river,  and  continued  up  a  rocky  ledge,  which, 
from  its  rude  and  forbidding  appearance,  acquired  the  name  of 
'De^dl's  Stairs'.  Such  was  the  difficulty  of  forcing  a  passage 
up  the  hills  and  through  the  unsubdued  forest,  that  the  team  was 
able  to  travel  only  two  miles  the  first  day.  As  night  came  on, 
they  encamped  in  the  forest.  The  second  day  they  reached  the 
top  of  'Birch  Hill,'  and  again  encamped  for  the  night  in  the 
midst  of  beasts  of  prey  and  venomous  reptiles.  On  the  third  day, 
the  wearied  families  arrived  at  their  anticipated  home,  and 
seated  in  their  log  hut.  participated  in  the  bounties  it  afforded." 

' '  Soon  after  a  part  of  these  families  removed  further  north ; 
in  reaching  their  locality  they  had  to  pass  through  the  'Caus- 
way, '  then  a  pathless  hemlock  swamp.  This  passage  required  a 
day  of  severe  toil.  James  Baird,  an  athletic  man  belonging  to 
the  company,  was  so  fatigued  in  accomplishing  this  task,  that 
on  leaving  the  swamp,  he  immediately  threw  himself  upon  the 
earth  and  quietly  slumbered  during  the  night  beneath  the 
branches  of  a  large  hemlock.  His  family,  consisting  of  eight 
persons,  is  believed  to  have  removed  with  him.  In  a  similar 
manner  other  families  urged  their  toilsome  way  to  their  respec- 
tive places  of  residence.  The  trial  and  perplexities  which  they 
endured  cannot  be  described !     Probably  there  is  not  a  parallel 

(      493      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

in  the  history  of  the  settlement  of  any  town  upon  the  moun- 
tains." 

Patrick  Boise,  Esq.,  in  an  address  upon  the  early  history  of 
Blandford,  says:  "In  1737  the  proprietors  became  owners  of 
"their  lands,  severally  by  a  deed  of  partition.  By  this  they  appor- 
i;ioned  between  themselves  fifty-one  lots  of  land.  IMessrs.  Lawton, 
Brinley  and  Foj'e  took  thirteen  lots  aside  from  the  two  sixty-acre 
lots  given  to  each  of  the  first  fifty  settlers.  A  grant  was  made 
of  a  ten-acre  lot  in  the  center  of  the  town,  for  public  uses  and 
as  a  general  common.  The  other  lands  in  the  town  were  laid  out 
in  500-acre  lots.  It  is  here  worthy  of  remark  that  the  exact 
figure  of  the  town  plot  and  the  uniformity  in  the  location  and 
dimension  of  the  lots  of  land,  form  a  system  of  order  and  ar- 
rangement which  is  not  to  be  found  in  any  other  town  in  the 
county— if  in  the  State.  It  was  a  method  well  adapted  to  make 
certain  the  limits,  preserve  the  boundaries,  and  secure  the 
property  of  land-holders  and  purchasers.  To  this  cause  more 
than  any  other  may  be  attributed  that  harmony  which  has  so 
generally  prevailed  among  the  owners  of  land  in  this  town.  Few 
questions  of  disputed  title  have  arisen  to  create  disturbance  and 
jealousy  in  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants." 

In  1741  the  general  court  of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  passed  an  act  as  follows:  "Whereas,  it  hath  been  repre- 
sented to  this  court,  by  the  inhabitants  of  Suif  [e]i[e]ld  equiva- 
lent lands,  commonly  called  Glasgow,  in  the  county  Hampshire, 
that  they  labor  under  great  difficulties  by  reason  of  their  not 
being  incorporated  into  a  township.  Be  it  enacted  by  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor,  Council  and  Representatives  in  General 
Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same. 

"Section  1.  That  the  lands  aforesaid  be  and  hereby  are 
erected  into  a  separate  and  distinct  township  by  the  name  of 
Blandford:  the  bounds  whereof  are  as  follow^eth,  viz.:  beginning 
at  a  black  birch,  marked,  with  stones  about  it,  being  the  southeast 
corner,  and  is  near  a  small  brook  that  runs  into  Westfield  River, 
and  on  the  west  side  of  a  steep  round  mountain;  from  thence, 
running  west,  twenty  degrees  north,  one  thousand  nine  hundred 
and  forty-five  rods,   to   a  maple  tree,   marked;   thence  north, 

(      494      ) 


THE   TO^yN   OF  BLAXDFOKD 

twenty  degrees  east,  one  thousand  nine  hundred  and  twenty  rods, 
to  a  beech  tree,  marked,  with  stones  about  it ;  from  thence,  east, 
twenty  degrees  south,  one  thousand  nine  hundred  and  forty-five 
rods,  to  a  yellow  pine  tree,  marked,  with  stones  about  it;  from 
thence,  running  south,  twenty  degrees  west,  one  thousand  nine 
hundred  and  twenty  rods,  to  the  bound  first  mentioned. 

"Sec.  2.  And  the  inhabitants  on  the  land  aforesaid  be  and 
are  hereby  vested  with  all  the  powers,  privileges  and  immunities 
which  the  inhabitants  of  other  towns  are  or  ought  to  be  vested 
with."    Passed  April  10,  1741. 

The  people  of  the  town  wished  it  called  Glasgow,  but  Gov. 
Shirley,  who  had  recently  arrived  in  the  good  ship  Blandford, 
insisted  that  this  toAvn  should  be  called  Blandford. 

■'These  early  inhabitants  were  so  poor  that  they  were  com- 
pelled to  solicit  many  favors  from  the  proprietors  of  the  town. 
They  frequently  petitioned  the  Colonial  Legislature  for  grants 
of  money  and  remission  of  taxes.  This  being  a  frontier  settle- 
ment the  court  patiently  listened  to  their  prayers,  and  cheerfully 
imparted  the  solicited  boon.  At  one  time  forty  bushels  of  salt 
were  given  to  the  town  to  be  distributed  among  the  inhabitants. 

In  1755  a  special  favor  granted  by  the  court  to  the  town  is 
noticed  upon  their  records,  and  acknowledged  in  the  following 
terms:  "By  virtue  of  a  petition  put  into  the  Great  and  General 
Court  of  Boston  by  Rev.  Mr.  Morton  in  behalf  of  this  town,  the 
Honorable  Court  was  pleased  to  grant  us  one  sivivel  gun  as  an 
alarm  gun,  with  one  quarter  barrel  of  powder  and  one  bag  of 
bullets  for  the  same,  and  also  one  hundred  flints  for  the  use  of 
the  town,  which  we  have  received  and  paid  charges  on  the  same, 
from  Boston  to  this  town,  which  is  two  pounds  and  sixteen 
shillings  old  tenor,  to  Captain  Houston.'' 

"In  1758  (quoting  further  from  Gibbs),  owing  to  the  em- 
barrassing circumstances  of  the  first  settlers,  the  General  Court 
discharged  them  from  the  obligation  of  furnishing  their  quota  of 
men  for  the  public  service.  In  the  spring  of  1749,  the  Indians 
began  to  make  encroachments  upon  the  white  settlers  of  the  town, 
and  all  the  families  but  four  fled  to  the  neighboring  towns ;  some 
to  Westfield.  others  to  Windsor.  Suffield.  Simsbury.  and  "Wethers- 

(      495      ) 


OUR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

field,  Conn.  A  portion  of  tlieiu  returned  the  following  autumn, 
the  remainder  the  next  spring.  At  an  early  period  three  forts 
were  erected;  the  first  upon  a  lot  now  (1850)  owned  by  Elijah 
Knox,  another  upon  a  lot  now  (1850)  owned  by  Col.  Justin 
AVilson,  and  the  third  upon  the  farm  now  (1850)  owned  by  John 
Gibbs.  At  night  all  the  families  were  collected  into  these  forts. 
This  state  of  things  continued  for  the  space  of  a  year ;  and  even 
long  after  that,  on  the  least  alarm,  the  inhabitants  fled  at  dead  of 
night  from  their  OAvn  dwellings  to  seek  refuge  in  these  fortifica- 
tions. How  imminent  and  trying  their  situation !  They  seldom 
repaired  to  the  field  to  their  daily  toil  without  taking  fire-arms 
and  placing  a  sentinel  to  keep  guard  while  the  others  labored. 
Nor  did  they  deem  it  safe  to  meet  on  the  Sabbath  for  religious 
worship  unarmed." 

There  Avas  no  grist-mill  nearer  than  Westfield,  which  fact 
added  to  the  hardship  of  the  inhabitants. 

"Many  are  the  instances  when  they  carried  their  grain  and 
returned  -with  their  meal  on  foot,  thus  performing  a  journey 
Avith  a  load  upon  their  back  of  more  than  twenty  miles.  Some 
families,  considering  the  distance,  fatigue,  and  time  it  required 
in  going  to  and  from  mill,  used  to  pound  the  corn  in  mortars." 

"The  inhabitants  who  first  settled  at  the  center  of  the  town 
obtained  most  of  their  hay  for  many  years  from  North  Bland- 
ford,  Avhere  we  are  informed  were  two  beaver  dams;  one  stood 
where  the  factory  dam  now  (1850)  stands,  and  the  other  near 
the  sawmill  of  Mr.  Orrin  Sennett.  These  were  demolished,  and 
the  grass  sprang  up  and  grew  luxuriantly." 

About  twenty  years  after  the  settlement  of  the  town  a  grist- 
mill was  erected  upon  the  stream  and  farm  owned  in  1850  by 
Levi  Sizer,  and  it  was  known  as  "Bunnell's  Mill."  The  next 
year  after  its  construction,  a  salmon  weighing  13  lbs.  was  taken 
in  the  pond.  Salmon  were  known  to  ascend  the  river  for  many 
years  later,  and  they  gave  name  to  Salmon  falls  in  Russell. 
The  most  available  source  of  information  touching  the  early  his- 
tory of  Blandford  is  Mr.  Gibbs'  historical  address  written  in 
1850,  and  it  is  used  freely  in  this  sketch  of  the  town. 

The  civil  affairs  of  the  town  advanced  as  fast  as  could  be 
expected  in  a  situation  so  secluded,  and  where  the  inhabitants 

(      496      ) 


THE  TO^YN  OF  BLANDFORD 

were  devoted  to  agricultural  pursuits.  It  appears  from  the 
records  that  the  people  were  deeply  interested  in  the  political 
questions  agitating  the  country  at  that  early  date.  They  par- 
ticipated in  the  general  grievance  that  agitated  the  colony 
because  of  the  arbitrary  taxation  imposed  by  Great  Britain ; 
and  they  were  prompt  in  selecting  delegates  in  1775,  to 
attend  conventions  at  Concord,  Watertown  and  Boston,  hoping 
to  obtain  a  redress  of  these  grievances.  The  persons  chosen  as 
delegates  were  William  Boies,  William  Carnahan  and  William 
Knox,  AA^hen  the  national  independence  was  declared,  and  the 
people  took  up  arms  against  the  mother  country,  some  of  the 
citizens  of  this  town  demurred  and  boldly  avowed  their  loyalty 
to  the  king.  And  these  loyalists  were  forbidden  by  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  to  pass  beyond  the  boundaries  of  their  own 
farms.    But  these  men  occasioned  the  town  little  trouble. 

The  town  met  its  proportion  of  the  expenses  of  the  war,  and 
furnished  its  quota  of  soldiers.  Though  poor  in  purse,  and  at 
the  same  time  taxed  to  the  utmost  of  its  ability  to  sustain  the 
war,  this  town  voluntarily  selected  a  committee  of  enterprising 
men  to  collect  money  for  those  who  would  enlist  as  soldiers  for 
the  northern  companies.  In  1778  the  town  raised  £106,  and 
placed  it  in  the  hands  of  the  selectmen,  to  furnish  clothing  for  the 
soldiers.  Committees  of  safety,  inspection  and  correspondence 
were  cliosen,  who  were  vigilant  in  watching  the  movements  of 
the  enemy,  hoping  to  be  ready  for  any  emergency.  In  1779  new 
troubles  and  difficulties  arose  because  of  the  depreciation  of  the 
value  of  money  used  as  a  circulating  medium.  It  was  difficult 
to  obtain  credit,  and  dangerous  to  give  it. 

About  this  time  Justus  Aslimun  was  chosen  delegate  to 
attend  a  convention  at  Concord,  to  deliberate  upon  this  subject, 
and  to  prevent,  if  possible,  the  further  depreciation  of  the  cur- 
rency. The  town  assessed  and  raised  £682  of  the  existing  cur- 
rency for  military  bounty,  also  to  meet  a  demand  brought  against 
the  town  for  blankets  which  were  provided  for  the  soldiers  who 
were  employed  in  the  service  upon  the  Hudson  river.  Most  of 
the  military  stores  used  in  the  West  during  the  Revolution  were 
transported  from  Boston  through  this  town.    The  roads  were  so 

32-3  (      497      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

bad  at  that  time  that  20  yoke  of  oxen  and  80  men  were  required 
to  convey  a  mortar  over  Blandford  hills  on  its  way  to  West 
Point. 

When  the  news  reached  this  town  that  Burgoyne  was  march- 
ing from  Canada  down  the  Hudson,  many  of  Blandford 's  citizens 
shouldered  their  muskets  and  hastened  to  join  our  army.  Isaac 
Gibbs  received  the  intelligence  at  sunset,  and  during  the  evening 
moulded  300  or  400  bullets,  and  was  ready  in  the  morning  to 
mount  his  horse  and  repair  to  the  scene  of  action.  He,  together 
with  others,  arrived  at  Bennington  just  after  the  victory  in  that 
celebrated  battle  had  turned  in  our  favor.  The  fresh  troops  that 
had  collected  from  the  surrounding  country  were  stationed  as 
guards  of  the  provisions  they  had  captured,  while  the  regular 
soldiers,  weary  from  hard  fighting,  enjoyed  a  season  of  repose. 
Some  of  the  prisoners  taken  at  this  battle  were  marched  on  their 
A\'ay  to  Boston  through  this  town,  where  they  were  caught  in  a 
severe  snow  storm,  which  occasioned  them  much  suffering.  But 
the  people  did  what  they  reasonably  could  for  the  comfort  of 
the  prisoners.  The  snow  soon  dissolved  and  they  were  able  to 
resume  their  march. 

It  is  said  that,  in  1791,  Mr.  Gibbs  brought  into  town  the 
first  single  wagon  used  here.  Previous  to  this  time,  heavy  bur- 
dens were  transported  upon  the  back  of  horses.  A  man,  his  wife 
and  two  or  three  children  would  mount  a  single  horse  to  attend 
church  or  to  make  a  visit,  so  says  tradition.  The  ladies  of  those 
days  were  great  equestrians.  It  was  a  common  occurence  for 
them  to  ride  on  horseback  from  Blandford  to  Western  (now 
AVarren),  a  distance  of  40  miles,  in  a  day.  When  a  number  of 
young  ladies  rode  in  company,  they  enjoyed  much  pleasure  in 
trying  the  SM^ftness  of  their  steeds. 

The  expenses  of  the  revolutionary  war,  and  the  deprecia- 
tion of  the  general  currency,  reduced  many  of  the  inhabitants 
almost  to  penury,  and  during  a  long  period  after  the  war,  our 
agriculturists  obtained  but  little  cash  for  their  produce.  They 
cleared  their  lands  and  prepared  the  way  for  future  prosperity. 
Pease,  beans,  flax  and  flax-seed  were  the  principal  articles  of 
produce.     These  ai-ticles  for  the  most  part  were  transported  to 

(      498      ) 


THE   TOWN   OF  BLANDFOBD 

Hartford  and  exchanged  for  salt,  groceries,  and  such  other 
goods  as  they  needed.  INIost  of  the  clothes  worn  in  those  times 
were  of  home  manufacture. 

About  1807,  Amos  M.  Collins  took  up  his  residence  in  this 
town.  He  was  a  merchant  of  considerable  wealth  from  Con- 
necticut. Previous  to  his  arrival,  the  farmers  had  devoted  their 
efforts  to  the  cultivation  of  grain  and  wool;  but  the  soil  and 
locality  were  not  eminently  favorable  for  growing  grain.  Mr. 
Collins  induced  the  farmers  to  try  dairying  with  reference  par- 
ticularly to  butter  and  cheese.  This  proposal  being  accepted 
by  many,  he  proceeded  to  New  York  state  and  purchased  a  large 
drove  of  cows,  which  were  distributed  among  the  inhabitants. 
He  devoted  his  efforts  patiently  and  persistently  to  teaching 
the  people  hoAv  to  make  cheese,  going  from  house  to  house  for 
that  purpose.  His  efforts  were  highly  successful,  and  resulted 
in  the  prosperity  of  the  people.  And  it  became  a  saying  among 
the  farmers  that  "Mr.  Collins  was  the  making  of  the  town."  In 
1837  there  were  1535  cows  in  the  town;  230,000  lbs.  of  cheese 
were  manufactured  annually  and  20,000  lbs.  of  butter.  The  annual 
product  of  cheese  was  valued  at  $16,000  and  the  butter  at  $3,000. 
The  capital  invested  was  estimated  at  $60,000  and  there  were 
employed  200  men  and  300  women.  During  the  time  ]\Ir.  Collins 
was  in  Blandford  he  is  said  to  have  accumulated  the  handsome 
little  fortune  of  $25,000.  He  was  succeeded  by  Orrin  Sage,  who, 
for  more  than  thirty  years  was  extensively  engaged  in  buying 
cheese.  He  always  paid  the  market  price,  and  the  pay  was  sure. 
He  was  highly  esteemed  as  a  man  of  high  moral  worth  in  addi- 
tion to  his  excellent  business  ability,  and  used  to  be  spoken  of 
as  "the  Bank"  of  Blandford. 

From  the  period  above  referred  to  down  to  the  present  time 
there  has  been  no  change  in  the  agricultural  prosperity  of  an 
upward  tendency  in  the  town.  It  has  shared  the  decadence  of 
the  towns  of  Avestern  Hampden.  There  are  many  so  called  aban- 
doned farms,  and  not  a  few  old  farm  buildings,  evidently  erected 
by  prosperous  proprietors,  have  gone  to  decay.  The  Blandford 
farmers  of  to-day  who  are  blessed  with  business  ability  and  good 
business   habits   are   well-to-do.      Many   of   the   less   well-to-do 

(      499      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

famers  cut  off  the  wood  and  timber  from  their  land  and  eon- 
verted  it  into  railroad  ties,  cord  wood  and  lumber,  and  many- 
farms  are  left  partly  or  wholly  nntilled. 

HIGHWAYS 

In  so  mountainous  a  town  as  Blandford  the  making  and  main- 
taining of  roads  is  so  important  in  every  way,  especially  in  diffi- 
culty and  expense  of  construction,  as  to  be  an  item  of  historical 
interest.  In  Blandford  as  in  all  the  mountain  towns  the  high- 
ways pass  over  high  points  of  land  to  the  great  inconvenience  of 
travel,  when,  as  we  view  it  to-day,  better  grades  could  have  been 
secured.  One  reason  at  least  for  this,  as  in  the  town  of  Chester, 
the  settling  lots  were  laid  out  and  located  where  inconvenient 
grades  could  not  well  be  avoided.  It  cannot  justly  be  charged 
upon  the  early  settlers  that  they  lacked  good  judgment  in  this 
respect.  The  fact  is,  they  were  poor  and  had  to  submit  to  dicta- 
tion where  they  had  not  the  power  to  choose  for  themselves. 
There  may  have  been  other  reasons.  But  one  good  reason  is 
better  than  many  speculative  reasons.  At  any  rate  the  settling 
lots  were  from  1000  to  1500  feet  above  the  sea,  and  the  ascent  to 
them  from  the  Westfield  river  was  rather  abrupt,  and  there  are 
a  good  many  "Devil's  Stairs"  on  the  way.  Mr.  Gibbs  says:  "We 
are  informed  that  when  the  first  road  was  made  from  Springfield 
west,  the  pioneers  who  laid  it  out  traveled  to  the  top  of  the  first 
hill,  then  started  for  the  highest  peak  of  the  next,  and  so  on,  until 
they  arrived  at  Albany."    This  is  rather  fanciful. 

The  proprietors'  plan  shows  an  oblong  tract  of  land  laid  out 
in  the  southwesterly  part  of  the  town,  and  marked  on  the  plan 
as  "Pixley's  Farm."  A  road  was  laid  from  Springfield  to  Great 
Barrington,  and  is  still  called  the  Old  Barrington  road,  which 
passed  through  the  south  part  of  Blandford  and  through  the 
Pixley  farm  soon  after  the  settlement  of  the  town. 

A  grant  of  300  acres  of  land  was  made  to  Mr.  Pixley,  who 
was  to  "have,  occupy  and  OAvn  said  land"  if  he  fulfilled  the  fol- 
lowing conditions:— "Provided,  that  the  said  Pixley  shall  erect 
a  public  house  upon  the  mountains,  half  way  between  Spring- 
field and  Great  Barrington ;  and  that  the  said  house  shall  be  40 

(      500      ) 


TEE   TO^Y^^   OF  BLANDFOIW 

feet  lang,  25  feet  wide,  and  9  feet  posts,  etc. ;  and  that  the  said 
Pixley  shall  provide  wholesome  food  for  travelers,  hay  and  grain 
for  horses,  at  the  usual  prices,"  etc.  Tradition  has  it  that  the 
honse  was  erected,  and  that  for  several  years  it  had  no  floor  nor 
chimney.  A  fire  was  constantly  kept  upon  the  ground  in  the 
center:  logs  eight  and  ten  feet  long  were  drawn  in  by  a  horse 
and  rolled  upon  the  log  heap  fire,  the  smoke  passing  out  through 
a  hole  in  the  roof.  Roads  in  those  days  were  hardly  worthy  the 
name,  and  in  fact  were  nearly  impassable.  For  many  years  the 
only  way  of  transporting  heavy  merchandise  was  upon  a  dray. 
In  1795  a  mail  route  from  Springfield  to  Kinderhook  passed 
through  Blandford.  In  1806  a  mail  route  was  established  from 
this  town  to  Hartford. 

In  1801,  the  Eleventh  Massachusetts  Turnpike  Corporation 
was  incorporated  to  connect  with  the  turnpike  from  Hartford 
to  the  state  line,  "then  into  and  through  the  east  parish  of 
Granville,  to  Blandford  meeting-house,  by  the  usual  Pittsfield 
road,  so  called,  and  into  the  town  of  Becket,  until  it  connects  with 
the  road  of  the  Eighth  Turnpike  Corporation." 

March  16,  1805,  the  Blandford  and  Russell  Turnpike  Cor- 
poration was  incorporated,  and  it  was  described  in  the  act  as  "a 
turnpike  road  from  the  dwelling-house  of  Stephen  Sacket,  in 
Westfield,  through  Russell,  to  the  dwelling-house  of  Solomon 
Noble  in  Blandford. ' '  The  incorporators  were  mostly  Blandford 
men.  Some  of  these  highways  were  changed  as  to  location  because 
of  the  difficulty  not  only  of  grade  but  of  building  and  main- 
tenance of  the  same  over  hard  ledges  and  in  places  where  they 
were  very  liable  to  be  injured  by  rains  and  melting  snow.  These 
difficulties  in  the  matter  of  maintaining  highways  in  this  town 
are  and  always  have  been  an  obstacle  to  the  town's  prosperity. 
Roads  of  better  grade  could  be  constructed,  but  the  distance 
would  be  increased  as  well  as  the  expense  of  construction,  and 
there  are  other  obvious  reasons  why  such  changes  are  not  made. 
It  is  stated  by  Gibbs  that  between  1800  and  1850  the  town  had 
made  a  total  appropriation  of  $53,360  for  the  building  and  repair 
of  highways.  There  are  to-day  many  miles  of  fairly  good  roads ; 
there  are  some  roads  of  considerable  length,  somewhat  expensive 

(      501      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

to  keep  in  repaid,  that  are  maintained  apparently  to  accommo- 
date a  very  small  number  of  farms.  Many  of  the  roads  suffer 
because  of  heavy  teaming  over  them  with  narrow-tired  wagons. 

VILLAGES 

There  w'ere  until  1853  three  villages  in  Avhich  the  town  of 
Blandford  was  interested.  Part  of  Chester  Village  was  within 
the  bounds  of  Blandford.  The  original  north  line  between  this 
town  and  Chester,  extending  from  the  northwest  corner  of  the 
town,  ended  at  "Rockhouse  corner,"  so  called,  it  being  the  point 
where  the  corners  of  Norwich  and  Montgomery  and  Blandford 
met.  In  the  division  of  the  500-acre  lots  among  the  proprietors 
of  Blandford  the  northeast  corner  lot  fell  to  John  Foye,  and  out 
of  this  lot  he  sold  to  John  Bolton  27  acres  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  Bolton  grant  of  250  acres  in  the  town  of  Murray- 
field.  This  was  included  in  Chester  Village.  The  village  school - 
house  was  about  on  the  Blandford  line,  which  also  passed  through 
the  village  meeting-house.  The  relations  of  Blandford  people 
who  resided  in  the  northeasterly  part  of  the  town,  for  school 
and  church  purposes,  were  wholly  with  this  village;  and  their 
business  interests  were  almost  wholly  with  Chester  Village.  "When 
Chester  Village  and  the  territory  immediately  surrounding  it 
was  annexed  to  Norwich  the  new  line  was  carried  so  far  south 
as  to  include  most  of  the  families  thus  identified  with  the  social 
and  business  interests  of  Chester  Village.    This  occurred  in  1853. 

North  Blandford  is  a  village  located  in  the  northwesterly 
part  of  the  toAvn.  The  waters  of  North  Meadow  pond  flow  out 
through  the  stream  known  as  Little  river,  and  at  the  village  it 
takes  the  waters  from  Long  pond.  This  stream  affords  water 
power  of  some  value,  so  that  this  has  been  a  manufacturing  vil- 
lage for  a  long  time.  Quoting  from  Gibbs:  "Although  the  in- 
habitants of  this  town  are  (1850)  principally  employed  in 
agricultural  pursuits,  its  fine  water-power  is  by  no  means 
neglected.  At  the  falls,  in  the  north  village,  the  stream  descends 
150  feet  within  less  than  the  same  number  of  rods;  affording 
several  excellent  mill  sites. ' ' 

"About  1812,  A.  M.  Collins  and  others  formed  a  company 
for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  woolen  goods  here,  and  the 

(      502      ) 


THE  TO^yN  OF  BLANDFORD 

materials  for  erecting  a  factory,  and  the  necessary  machinery, 
were  purchased.  But  the  sudden  depression  of  business  at  the 
close  of  the  war,  induced  them  to  abandon  the  project.  In  1822 
another  company  was  formed,  under  the  firm  of  Sprague,  Gibbs 
and  Lyman,  who  completed  the  undertaking  and  manufactured 
that  kind  of  goods  for  several  years,  and  then  dissolved,  not 
having  realized  very  large  profits.  In  1825  Mr.  Freegrace 
Norton  became  proprietor,  and  he  soon  built  a  second  factory  and 
managed  their  operations  successfully.  In  1838  Edwin  Ely  be- 
came associated  Avith  him  as  a  partner,  whose  manly  course  in 
his  public  and  social  relations,  gained  for  him  a  high  reputation 
for  integrity,  candor  and  ability.  They  also  have  (1850)  a  tan- 
nery under  their  control,  and  are  doing  an  extensive  business. 
In  1832  a  paper  mill  for  the  manufacture  of  wrapping  paper 
was  erected  by  Lyman  Gibbs,  and  is  now  (1850)  carried  on  by 
W.  H.  &  0.  F.  Gibbs."  The  value  of  the  annual  products  of 
these  mills  was  estimated  at  $50,000. 

The  tannery  of  David  Bates,  in  the  south  part  of  the  town, 
and  that  of  Jarvis  Osborn  at  the  center,  w^ere  profitably  em- 
ployed. There  were  also  several  wooden  ware  manufactories 
that  were  doing  good  business. 

Dr.  Holland's  history  (1855)  states,  referring  to  North 
Blandford,  that  "The  tanning  business  is  pursued  by  Norton 
and  Ely,  who  have  $6,000  invested,  employ  11  hands,  and  turn 
out  $20,000  worth  of  leather  yearly ;  by  Robinson  and  Bridgham, 
who  have  $3,000  invested,  employ  6  hands,  and  produce  $8,000 
yearly;  by  Alfred  Peckham,  with  $2,000  invested,  5  hands,  and 
a  product  of  $8,000  yearly,  and  by  David  Bates,  with  $1,000 
invested,  3  hands,  and  a  product  of  $2,000  annually.  The  total 
amount  invested  in  tanneries  is  $12,000,  hands  employed  25, 
total  annual  product  $38,000.  Foot  &  Kyle  have  $2,000  invested 
in  the  manufacture  of  bedsteads,  employ  2  hands,  and  turn  out 
$2,000  worth  yearly ;  Daniel  Fay  has  $500  invested  in  the  same 
business,  employs  3  hands,  and  turns  out  a  $1,000  yearly. 
Joseph  Kitman  makes  $1,000  worth  of  butter  prints,  rolling  pins, 
etc.,  yearly,  and  Gibbs  &  Brother  $1,400  worth  of  wooden  bowls. 
Lyman  Gibbs  has  $4,000  invested  in  a  paper  mill  whose  operative 

(      503      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

force  is  4  hands,  and  whose  product  is  $4,000.  Norton  &  Ely, 
and  Gibbs  &  Brother  have  each  a  team  constantly  engaged  in 
carting  goods,  lumber,  leather,  etc.,  between  Blandford  and  the 
depot  at  Chester  Factories,  to  an  aggregate  amount  of  not  less 
than  500  tons  annually." 

At  one  time  the  business  of  making  starch  from  potatoes  was 
successfully  prosecuted  at  North  Blandford,  consuming  many 
tons  of  potatoes  annually. 

CHURCHES  AT  NORTH  BLANDFORD 

The  meeting-house  of  the  First  Methodist  church  was  built 
at  North  Blandford  in  1845.  Rev.  J.  B.  Bigelow  was  the  first 
pastor,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Barnan,  Mr.  Sherman,  Mr. 
Wood  and  others.  In  1878  Rev.  W,  T.  Miller  was  in  charge, 
being  also  pastor  at  the  Center  until  1880,  at  which  time  the 
church  numbered  about  70  members.  A  few  years  ago  the  meet- 
ing-house was  destroyed  by  fire ;  and  as  it  was  not  rebuilt,  the 
work  of  the  church  was  discontinued,  and  the  records  were  re- 
moved ;  so  that  a  full  list  of  pastors  has  not  been  obtained  for 
this  sketch. 

The  church  at  North  Blandford  at  this  time  is  the  Second 
Congregational  church,  organized  in  1893.  The  pastor  in  charge 
in  1901  was  Rev.  Sumner  G.  Wood,  who  was  also  pastor  of  the 
First  Congregational  church. 

A  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  great  antiquity  is  said  to 
have  once  existed  in  the  south  part  of  the  town  at  a  place  known 
as  "Beach  Hill"  near  the  north  line  of  Granville. 

Blandford  Village,  where,  and  near  which,  the  first  settlers 
established  their  homes,  is  not  a  manufacturing  locality.  It  is 
more  particularly  an  agricultural  section.  But  whatever  else 
it  produced,  it  produced  men  of  sterling  worth.  Eli  Boise  was 
the  first  young  man  that  went  to  college  from  Blandford.  He 
entered  Yale  college  in  1788,  but  died  before  finishing  his  course. 
William  Boise  graduated  at  Williams  college  in  1801,  and  became 
a  clergyman.  Joseph  Boise  graduated  at  Williams  college  in 
1807  and  became  a  lawyer.  Patrick  Boise  graduated  at  Williams 
college  in  1808,  and  became  a  lawyer  and  settled  in  Westfield. 

(      504      ) 


THE   TOWN   OF  BLAND  FORD 

ArtemavS  Boise  graduated  at  Williams  college  in  1816  and  en- 
tered the  ministry.  Gardner  Ilayden  graduated  at  Williams 
college  in  1816  and  entered  the  ministry.  J.  Hooker  Ashmun 
graduated  at  Williams  college  and  became  professor  in  the  law 
school  at  Harvard  university.  Hon.  George  Ashmun  graduated 
at  Yale  college  in  1823,  and  became  an  able  lawyer.  He  was  a 
representative  in  Congress  at  one  time.  He  was  a  prominent 
character,  and  had  a  national  reputation.  Lester  Lloyd  gradu- 
ated at  Williams  college  and  became  a  lawyer.     He  settled  in 

1 


An  old  house  on  Blandford  Hill 


Ohio.  Horace  Smith  graduated  at  AVilliams  college  in  1819,  and 
became  a  lawyer.  Asa  Blair  graduated  at  Yale  college  in  1810, 
and  entered  the  ministry.  Harper  Boise  graduated  at  Williams 
college  in  1825  and  entered  the  ministry.  John  P.  Boise  gradu- 
ated at  Union  college,  and  he  became  judge  of  a  circuit  court  in 
Illinois.  Augustus  Collins  graduated  at  Williams  college  in  1825 
and  became  a  teacher.  Aratus  Knox  entered  Washington  col- 
lege, Hartford,  Conn.,  in  1825,  but  died  before  completing  the 
course.  Russell  A.  Wilson  graduated  at  Union  college  in  1823, 
and  became  a  lawyer.  Eli  W.  Lloyd  was  a  member  of  the  senior 
class  in  Union  college,  and  died  in  Ohio  in  1834,  aged  22.  Samuel 

(      505      ) 


OVR   COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Knox,  son  of  General  Alanson  Knox,  graduated  at  AVilliams 
coJlege  in  1833,  and  Ment  into  the  practice  of  law  at  St.  Louis, 
Mo.  Ousting  Eels  graduated  at  Williams  college  in  1830,  and 
entered  the  ministry.  Simeon  Shurtleff  graduated  at  Amherst 
college  in  1834,  and  entered  the  medical  profession.  Chauncey 
Hall  graduated  at  Amherst  college  in  1835  and  entered  the  med- 
ical profession.  Edwin  Hall  graduated  at  Jackson\nlle,  111.,  in 
1837,  and  entered  the  ministry.  Tyrrill  Blair  graduated  at  Wil- 
liams college  and  entered  the  ministrj^  D.  P.  Robinson  grad- 
uated at  the  Wesleyan  university,  IMiddletown,  Conn.,  in  1841, 
and  engaged  in  mercantile  business  in  Blandford.  James  R. 
Boise  graduated  at  Brown  university  in  1844  and  became  pro- 
fessor of  Greek  in  that  university.  Franklin  0.  Blair  graduated 
at  the  Wesleyan  university  in  1848  and  became  a  teacher.  James 
C.  Hinsdale  graduated  at  Yale  college  in  1848  and  became  a 
lawyer.  Patrick  R.  Boise  graduated  at  Williams  college  in 
1843  and  became  a  lawyer.  Fisher  A.  Boise  graduated  at  Wil- 
liams college  in  1849  and  became  a  lawyer.  Daniel  Butler  re- 
ceived a  liberal  education  and  entered  the  ministry.  Henry 
Smith  Atwater  received  a  liberal  education  and  entered  the 
ministry.  Catherine  Wright  and  Celia  Wright,  daughters  of  Dr. 
S.  P.  Wright,  Sarah  Hinsdale,  daughter  of  Rev.  Chas.  J.  Hins- 
dale, jNIary  Pease,  daughter  of  Eli  Pease,  and  Mary  P.  Boise, 
daughter  of  Reuben  Boise,  all  graduated  at  Mt.  Holyoke  sem- 
inary between  1842  and  1850. 

Some  superior  men  have  been  raised  in  Blandford.  who  had 
not  the  advantage  of  a  collegiate  education.  Eli  P.  Ashmun  was 
the  first  lawyer  who  took  up  his  residence  in  this  town.  He  sub- 
sequently represented  Massachusetts  in  the  United  States 
senate;  Gen.  Alanson  Knox,  a  lawyer;  Reuben  Knox,  a  skillful 
physician ;  Joseph  Knox,  a  lawyer ;  William  Blair,  a  lawyer ; 
Phineas  Blair,  a  lawyer;  David  Scott,  a  lawyer,  and  judge  of 
a  circuit  court  in  Pennsylvania;  George  Scott,  a  lawyer; 
David  Scott,  a  physician ;  Anson  Boise,  a  physician ;  Eli  Boise 
and  Levi  Boise,  brothers,  were  physicians;  Thomas  Baird,  a  law- 
yer; Eli  and  Otis  Boise,  physicians;  Albert  Boise,  a  lawyer; 
William  Baird,  a  physician :  Chester  AV.  Preeland,  physician ; 

(      506      ) 


THE   2  0TViV   OF  BLANDFORD 

EdAvard  Hatch,  a  physician ;  Lga^s  J.  Blair,  a  physician ;  Lester 
Noble,  a  pi-ominent  dentist ;  Samuel  S.  Rogers,  a  physician ;  Noah 
S.  Bartlett,  a  physician;  Heman  S.  Lucas,  a  physician,  who 
settled  in  Chester ;  Roxwell  Tracy,  a  physician.  Thus  the  record 
stood  in  1850.  It  is  probable  that  from  that  date  to  the  present 
time  others  could  be  added  to  it.  But  perhaps  this  is  enough  to 
show  the  quality  of  the  people  who  settled  this  town.  What 
better  e^ddence  can  we  need  that  the  town  of  Blandford  was  not 
settled  in  vain?  As  has  been  already  explained,  "most  of  the 
first  settlers  organized  into  a  church  under  the  Presbyterian 
form  and  usages,  before  they  left  Hopkinton."  To  quote  now 
from  Mr.  Gibbs'  address:  "Their  attention  was  early  and 
earnestly  directed  to  the  establishment  of  the  gospel  ministry  in 
this  place.  They  seemed  to  feel  as  if  their  prosperity  and  well- 
being  depended  upon  this  object.  The  measures  taken  for  hiring 
and  ordaining  ministers  were  transacted  in  town  meetings,  and, 
as  appears  from  the  journal  of  proceedings,  formed  a  great  por- 
tion of  the  business  of  the  meetings.  It  was  the  only  object  for 
which  they  seemed  willing  to  raise  money  and  pay  taxes.  The 
church,  as  an  independent  body,  gave  the  invitation  to  the  minis- 
ters, while  the  town  meeting  in  a  parochial  character,  gave  ad- 
vice and  direction  to  the  church.  The  Presbyterian  mode  of  gov- 
ernment was  continued  until  the  year  1801.  In  the  month  of 
September  of  that  year  the  church  finding  it  'inconvenient  to 
practice  according  to  the  Presbyterian  plan  of  government' 
adopted  a  new  and  separate  form  of  government,  viz. :  the  Con- 
gregational. ' ' 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Keep  gives  the  following  description  of  the 
first  meeting-house  erected  in  this  town:  "The  original  pro- 
prietors of  the  town  entered  into  a  covenant  with  the  first  set- 
tlers, to  set  up  the  frame  of  a  meeting-house,  and  to  cover  the 
outside  and  put  in  glass  windows.  This  they  were  to  do  for  the 
people,  besides  giving  them  ten  acres  of  land  in  the  center,  for  a 
common,  and  one  hundred  sixty-acre  lots.  The  frame  of  the 
meeting-house  was  set  up  1740.  The  men  who  assisted  in  raising 
it  were  most  of  them  from  Westfield  and  Suffield.  The  frame 
stood  one  year,  the  sport  of  winds  and  tempests,  before  it  was 

(      507      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

covered.     The  boards  which  were  used  for  the  covering  were 
brought  from  Southampton  and  Westfield.     But  the  glass  win- 
dows were  not  supplied  until  after  a  lapse  of  more  than  twelve 
years.     Thirteen  years  the  people  met  in  the  house  for  worship 
without  any  floor  in  it,  excepting  some  loose  boards,  the  earth, 
and.  the  rock  upon  which  it  stood.     Their  seats  were  blocks, 
boards  and  movable  benches.    A  plain  box,  instead  of  a  pulpit, 
was  used  for  the  accommodation  of  the  preachers.     The  first 
floor  was  laid  in  1753,  four  years  after  the  ordination  of  their 
second  minister.    In  1759  they  '  Voted,  To  build  a  pulpit  to  make 
a  pew  for  the  minister,  and  to  build  seats  in  the  body  of  the 
house,  upon  the  ground  floor. '    This  was  a  great  effort  as  it  was 
carried  into  effect.    It  was  next  allowed  to  individuals  who  felt 
disposed,  to  occupy  either  side  of  the  house  with  pews,  if  they 
would  make  them  at  their  own  expense,  and  finish  them  by  the 
end  of  the  year,  and  build  up  the  walls  to  the  girts.    In  1760  it 
was  voted  to  lay  the  floor  in  the  front  gallery.    The  next  year  the 
gallery  timbers  on  the  sides  were  put  up,  and  the  stairs  built. 
In  1781  it  was  voted  to  take  up  the  seats  in  the  body  of  the  house, 
except  two  next  to  the  pulpit,  and  to  fill  up  the  ground  floor  with 
pews.    In  the  following  year  the  two  side  galleries  were  made  by 
taking  the  seats  from  below,  and  the  walls  ceiled  up  to  the  girts. 
In  1786  the  house  (forty-six  years  from  the  raising  of  the  frame) 
was  plastered.     The  steeple  was  built  by  subscription.     In  1789 
the  town  voted  to  give  the  subscribers  liberty  to  erect  a  steeple, 
but  refused  to  appropriate  anything  in  aid  of  it.    The  year  fol- 
lowing the  town  agreed  to  purchase  a  bell.     In  1791  measures 
v^'cre  taken  to  put  on  a  new  covering  and  to  paint  the  same.    III 
1794  the  timbers  under  the  gallery  were  covered,  and  in  the  au- 
tumn of  1805,  a  few  days  previous  to  my  ordination,  the  posts 
and  some  other  timbers  were  cased,  etc.     Such  is  a  brief  history 
of  this  house  for  religious  worship,  and  all  must  allow,  consider- 
ing the  manner  in  which  it  was  built,  that  its  appearance  is  quite 
as  good  as  could  be  expected.    We  may  look  around  these  walls 
and  say:  'Sixty  and  five  years  was  this  house  in  the  process  of 
building.'    But  we  cannot  add,  'Its  glory  corresponds  with  the 
use  for  which  it  was  designed,'  or,  'the  circumstances  of  the 

(      508      ) 


THE   TO^VN  OF  BLANDFORD 

people  for  whose  accommodation  it  was  erected.'  Nor  can  we 
say,  'Lord,  we  oti'er  the  first  and  the  best.'  " 

Mr.  Keep  also  says,  that  "previous  to  1775  the  method  of 
singing  had  been  for  all  who  felt  disposed  to  join  their  voices, 
while  the  clerk  or  deacon  read  the  line  of  the  psalms  as  they 
were  sung.  To  this  method  some  were  so  attached  as  to  plead  a 
wounded  conscience  when  any  change  was  proposed."  The 
leaders  of  church  music  were  chosen  at  town  meetings,  and  were 
under  the  implied,  if  not  expressed  direction,  to  conduct  the 
singing  in  the  "good  old  way."  A  modern  chorister  may  smile 
at  the  following  vote,  passed  as  late  as  1771.  The  question  was 
raised  whether  the  singing  should  be  carried  on  with  the  beat?  — 
it  was  voted  in  the  negative. 

Caleb  Taylor,  of  Westfield,  was  the  first  singing  master  who 
taught  here  and  when  he  named  the  tune  and  sang  with  the  beat, 
many  were  so  grieved  at  the  indecency  of  the  method  that  they 
actually  left  the  meeting-house. 

' '  This  church  has  been  favored  with  talented  preachers,  who 
have  exerted  a  salutary  influence.  Look  at  the  graduating  list 
of  our  colleges.  Notice  the  number  which  have  gone  forth  to 
preach  'Christ  and  him  crucified'  from  this  town."  The  follow- 
ing are  the  names  of  the  pastors  who  have  been  settled  over  this 
society : 

Rev.  William  McClenathan,  settled  1744. 

Rev.  Mr.  Morton,  settled  1749. 

Rev.  Joseph  Patrick,  settled  1772. 

Rev.  Joseph  Badger,  settled,  settled  1787. 

Rev.  John  Keep,  settled  1805. 

Rev.  Dorus  Clark,  settled  1823. 

Rev.  Charles  J.  Hinsdale,  settled  1836. 

Rev.  Arthur  W.  Field,  settled  Nov.  13.  1872;  dismissed 
April  23,  1879. 

Rev.  Daniel  B.  Lord,  settled  Dec.  15,  1880;  dismissed  May 
31,  1883. 

Rev.  Allan  Conant  Ferrin,  settled  June  30,  1896 ;  dismissed 
Sept.  19,  1900. 

Rev.  Sumner  G.  Wood,  installed  June  26,  1901. 

(      509      ) 


OVR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

Mr.  Gibbs  adds:  "Blandford  took  the  lead  in  this  region 
b}^  erecting  a  new  house  for  religious  worship.  This  church  edi- 
fice which  was  built  in  1822,  has  been  an  honor  to  the  town,  and 
is  spoken  of  abroad  as  being  the  noblest  on  the  mountains."  In 
a  clear  day  this  snow-white  meeting-house  can  be  seen  from  sev- 
eral points  in  Springfield. 

TJie  Episcoiml  Church  was  located  on  the  westerly  side  of 
North  street  near  the  point  where  the  road  from  Huntington 
enters  this  street.  For  many  years  this  meeting-house  stood  a 
silent  and  deserted  witness  that  an  Episcopal  society  once  ex- 
isted in  Blandford. 

The  Protestant  Episcopal  Society  in  Blandford  was  incor- 
porated February  2,  1799.  The  corporators  were  Sanford  Thom- 
son, Jedediah  Smith,  Russell  Atwater,  Timothy  Hatch,  Samuel 
Sloper,  William  Knox,  3d,  William  Thomson,  David  Hamilton, 
Joseph  Harvey,  David  Butler,  John  Webster,  James  Beard, 
James  Sennett,  Ijuke  Osborn,  Jonathan  Frary,  Nathan  Stewart, 
Frederick  Falley,  John  Morton,  James  Slade,  Thoda  Garrett, 
David  Hannum,  James  Hamilton,  William  Montgomery,  Charles 
Plum,  Perry  Button,  George  Smith,  Francis  Hamilton,  Benja- 
min Harrington,  Samuel  Moor,  George  Nies,  Thomas  Moor,  Eze- 
kiel  Cannon,  Benjamin  Bowers,  John  Bowers,  Newell  Bowers, 
Oliver  Knox,  Abijah  Babcock,  Jacob  Plum,  Jonas  Johnson,  Wil- 
liam Mitchell,  David  C.  Osborn,  Roger  Parks,  David  Knox,  2d, 
Matthew  Blair,  Seth  AVebster,  William  Wooldridge,  Phineas  Ash- 
mun,  Timothy  Linus  Hatch,  Nathan  Gibbs,  Samuel  Sloper,  Jr., 
and  John  Frost. 

"In  regard  to  the  Episcopal  Church,"  Mr.  Gibbs  says,  "we 
have  not  been  able  to  learn  much  of  its  early  history.  We  are 
informed,  however,  that  about  the  year  1790,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Badger  asked  for  a  dismission  from  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
but  was  refused  by  his  church  and  society.  This  placed  Mr. 
Badger  in  a  dilemma  from  which  it  required  no  little  strata- 
gem to  extricate  himself.  To  succeed  in  his  wishes,  it  is  said  he 
commenced  preaching  with  great  power  and  efficiency  the  doc- 
trine of  unconditional  election.  This  caused  a  division  in  the 
congregation.    The  disaffected  portion  separated  from  the  other 

(      510      ) 


THE  TOWN  OF  BLANDFORD 

and  established  a  new  church  after  the  form  of  the  Church  of 
England.  This  church  sustained  preaching  a  part  of  the  time, 
until  about  the  1830.  At  this  time  the  church  erected  an  Episco- 
pal church  edifice.  The  institutions  of  the  church  were  sus- 
tained for  about  fifteen  years.  They  have  (1850)  a  snug  fund, 
the  object  of  which  is  to  sustain  the  ministry. ' ' 

The  intensely  religious  spirit  of  the  first  settlers  of  Bland- 
ford  may  be  further  illustrated  by  a  "covenant  with  God,"  writ- 
ten and  signed  by  David  Boies,  as  follows : 

"Eternal  Jehovah,  I  desire  to  come  unto  thee  a  poor 
i.vretched  sinner,  a  miserable  creature  who  am  full  of  sin  and  of 
iniquit}^  defiled  in  all  the  powers  and  faculties  of  both  soul  and 
l)ody  by  reason  of  original  sin  and  actual  transgression,  and  am 
justly  liable  unto  thy  wrath  and  displeasure  not  only  in  this 
world,  but  also  in  that  which  is  to  come,  and  that  I  can  by  no 
power  of  mine  own  nor  no  created  being,  either  angels  or  men, 
can  help  me  out  of  this  miserable  condition  in  which  I  am,  and 
seeing  those  hast  made  known  to  me  in  thy  Blessed  name  that 
there  is  a  way  provided  for  the  relief  and  recovery  of  poor  sin- 
ners in  and  through  Jesus  Christ,  and  hath  been  pleased  to  con- 
descend so  low  as  to  make  known  to  me  the  way  how  to  obtain  the 
pardon  of  my  sins  and  be  again  restored  unto  God's  favour,  and 
the  way  is  if  ever  I  expect  salvation  in  and  through  the  blessed 
redeemer  Jesus  Christ  I  must  be  denied  to  myself  and  all  mine 
■own  righteousness  and  to  accept  of  him  as  he  is  freely  offered 
in  the  Gospel  and  to  be  for  thee  and  never  for  another,  and  to 
follow  thee  through  good  report  and  Bad  report  and  to  continue 
faithful  unto  nw  life's  end. 

"And  now  0  Lord  the  Eternal  God,  the  wonderful,  con- 
descending and  merciful  God,  the  heart  searching  and  re- 
intrieng  God  who  hath  been  pleased  of  thy  boundless  and  infinit 
mercy  to  provide  such  a  way  of  relief  in  and  through  Jesus 
Christ  the  only  Saviour  and  redeemer  of  poor  Lost  and  undon 
sinners  and  hast  made  proclamation  in  the  Gospel  that  whoso- 
e.xer  cometh  to  thee  in  and  through  him  thou  will  in  no  way  cast 
•out,  and  has  invited  the  weary  heavy  laden  sinner  to  come  unto 
thee  and  they  shall  find  rest  unto  their  soule  and  seeing  0  Lord 

(      511      ) 


OUR    COUNTY   AND   ITS   PEOPLE 

God  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  invite  such  a  poor  wretched  sin- 
ner as  I  am  to  come  and  enter  into  covenant  with  thee  who  De- 
serveth  rather  to  be  cast  into  hell  for  my  sins  than  to  have  such 
a  kind  offer  made  unto  me :  yet  0  Lord  God  seeing  thou  art 
pleased  of  thy  infinit  mercy  to  condecend  so  low  as  to  invite  me 
poor  sinfull  miserabl  me  to  come  and  enter  into  covenant  with 
thee,  which  would  have  indeed  Been  unpardonable  presumption 
in  me  to  have  attempted  to  do  were  it  not  that  thou  has  invited 
me  to  come.  I  do  hartily  imbrace  the  offer  0  Lord  Let  it  be  a 
Bargin  Lord  of  Belive  help  my  unbelif  Lord  I  give  myself  to 
thee  to  be  for  thee  and  to  serve  thee  for  ever  Lord  let  thy  grace  be 
suficent  for  me  and  now  0  Lord  my  request  and  my  petition  is  to 
thee  for  Grace  to  help  me  to  perform  this  covenant  aright  and  0 
Lord  God  let  not  my  failings  mak  void  this  covenant :  now  0 
Ijord  God  what  I  have  now  don  on  earth  let  it  be  ratified  in 
heaven  amen  and  amen. 

' '  Deated  the  18th  of  April ;  1728  David  Boies. ' ' 

The  penmanship  of  the  original  is  excellent.  All  the  pecu- 
liarities of  the  original  are,  so  far  as  possible,  preserved  in  the 
above  copy. 

At  Blandford  village : 

"Tn  the  year  1826  a  Baptist  church  was  organized,  consist- 
irg  of  about  40  m-mibers.  The  following  year  the  Rev.  Charles 
A.  Turner  was  ordained,  and  preached  here  for  several  years. 
During  his  ministration  numbers  were  added  by  baptism  and 
profession  of  faith  to  the  church.  There  are  several  worthy  fam- 
ilies who  have  sustained  preaching  a  part  of  the  time  until  the 
past  year."  (1849).  From  Mr.  Gihhs'  address.  At  that  time 
they  numbered  35  members. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  the  village  of  Bland- 
ford  was  organized  and  a  meeting-house  erected  about  1846 ;  and 
it  has  been  quite  prosperous  since  its  organization.  Mr.  D.  P. 
Robinson  and  the  Rev.  N.  E.  Cobleigh  were  active  in  its  organiza- 
tion. About  this  time  there  was  a  transfer  of  many  members 
from  the  church  at  North  Blandford  to  this  church. 

Rev.  N.  E.  Cobleigh  appears  to  have  been  the  first  pastor  in 
the  years  1845-1846;  Rev.  Mr.  Ward,  1847-1848;  Rev.  Mr.  Cha- 

(      512      ) 


THE   TO^S'N  OF  BLANDFORD 

pin,  1848-1850 ;  Rev.  H.  M.  Bridges,  1851-1852 ;  Rev.  M.  Leffing- 
well,  1853;  Rev.  B.  F.  Green,  1854;  Rev.  J.  W.  Lee,  1855-1856; 
Rev.  J.  H.  Gaylord,  1857;  Rev.  J.  Capen,  1858-1859;  Rev. 
Ephraim  Scott,  1860 ;  Rev.  F.  C.  Morse,  1861-  August  1862,  when 
he  enlisted  in  the  civil  war;  Rev.  Thomas  B.  Treadwell,  1863- 
1864;  Rev.  J.  H.  Gaylord,  1865-1866;  Rev.  E.  J.  Stevens,  1867- 
1868;  Rev.  D.  K.  Merrill,  1869-1870;  Rev.  N.  M.  D.  Granger, 
1871-1872;  Rev.  R.  F.  Holway,  1873-1874;  Rev.  George  Hewes, 
1875 ;  Rev.  J.  W.  Cole,  1876-1877 ;  Rev.  W.  T.  Miller,  1878-1880 ; 
Rev.  A.  0.  Abbott,  1881-1883;  Rev.  AV.  Ferguson,  1884-1885; 
Rev.  Joseph  Wood,  1886 ;  Rev.  A¥.  H.  Atkinson,  1887-1888 ;  Rev. 
Joseph  AVood,  1886;  Rev.  W.  H.  Atkinson,  1887,  1888;  Rev. 
George  Hudson,  1889-1891;  Rev.  John  Van  Bast  1892;  Rev. 
Nelson  L.  Porter,  1893-1895;  Rev.  John  Mason,  1896;  Rev.  J. 
Hall  Long,  1897;  Rev.  E.  B.  Marshall,  1898-1900;  Rev.  H.  H. 
Weyant,  1901. 

Mr.  Gibbs  in  his  address  in  1850,  devoted  some  space  to  the 
subject  of  Temperance  in  Blandford,  and  quoted  some  votes 
taken  at  town-meetings  to  pay  for  liquors  used  in  connection  with 
some  officers  touching  the  church.  This  of  itself  was  not  unusual 
in  those  times.  Other  town  records  show  like  votes.  He  notes 
that  "There  have  been  in  Blandford  since  the  incorporation  of 
the  town,  38  taverners.  Of  these  3  died  of  delirium  tremens;  17 
became  intemperate ;  one  died  in  the  poor  house ;  18  lost  their 
property;  ]7  did  not  improve  their  pecuniary  condition  by  the 
business.  Three  only  acquired  property;  4  were  cursed  with 
intemperate  wives ;  25  sons  and  4  daughters  became  intem- 
perate. ' ' 

At  a  reunion  of  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Blandford  August 
26,  1897,  Rev.  H.  L.  Hastings,  the  orator  of  the  day,  gave  sub- 
stantially the  account  quoted  above  from  Mr.  Gibbs'  address, 
and  added  this  fact:  "I  know  an  old  cellar  in  the  town  of 
Blandford,  where,  I  have  been  told,  200  barrels  of  cider  have 
been  stored  in  the  fall,  and  rolled  out  in  the  spring  and  distilled 
into  brandy,  which  was  drank  and  sold ;  and  the  man  who  owned 
that  cellar  was  a  preacher  of  the  gospel."  It  is  a  lamentable 
fact  that  the  condition  of  things  in  Blandford  justify  the  above 

33-2  (513      ) 


OLE  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

statements.  "Early  in  the  19th  century  the  pastor  of  the  church, 
Rev.  John  Keep,  fought  the  rum  traffic  single  handed  and 
alone."  But,  to  the  credit  of  the  town,  such  a  state  of  things 
could  not  exist,  nor  would  it  be  tolerated  to-day.  It  is  a  relict 
of  the  olden  time  when  taverns  were  scattered  along  the  highways 
every  four  or  five  miles— in  the  old  stage  times  and  when  the  old 
methods  of  transportation  were  in  use — before  the  railroad  came. 

Mr.  Gibbs  gives  an  account  of  minerals  in  Blandford  on 
the  authority  of  Dr.  Shurtleff,  then  residing  in  Westfield.  But 
the  general  chapter  on  the  geology  of  the  county  refers  to  every- 
thing of  practical  value. 

But  Mr.  Gibbs  gives  an  account  of  an  incident  which  the 
writer  used  to  hear  accounts  of  in  his  boyhood,  and  it  was  be- 
lieved to  have  some  foundation  in  fact.  "About  the  year  1795, 
John  Baird,  who  lived  in  the  north  part  of  the  'second  division', 
discovered  a  mass  of  lead  and  silver  ore  near  the  north  line  of  the 
toAvn.  He  cast  a  portion  of  it  into  balls,  and  sent  one  pound  of 
it  by  Mr.  Knox,  then  our  Representative,  to  Boston,  to  be  an- 
alyzed. It  proved  to  contain  nine  ounces  of  lead  and  and  two 
ounces  of  silver  to  the  pound.  A  number  of  gentlemen  from 
Boston  made  Mr.  Baird  an  offer,  which  would  make  him  inde- 
pendently rich,  if  he  would  show  them  the  place  where  he  had 
discovered  the  ore.  He  went  from  home  in  a  clear  sun-shiny  day 
through  the  wilderness  into  a  valley  which  united  with  the 
Chester  river.  The  fog  from  the  river  rendered  said  valley  so 
dark  that  it  frightened  Baird,  who  was  superstitious,  to  such  a 
degree  that  neither  money  nor  friends  could  induce  him  ever 
after  to  visit  the  place.  Hundreds  have  searched  for  that  mine, 
but  have  never  discovered  it.  There  is  no  doubt  but  that  if 
found,  it  might  be  worked  to  great  pecuniary  advantage."  There 
were  many  people  in  Blandford  and  in  Chester  who  concurred 
with  Mr.  Gibbs'  opinion.  Several  attempts  have  been  made  in 
Blandford  to  search  both  for  silver  and  gold. 

The  population  of  the  town.  In  1776,  772;  1790,  1,416;  1800, 
1,778;  1810,  1,613;  1820,  1,515;  1830,  1,590;  1840,  1,427;  1850, 
1,515;  1860,  1,256;  1870,  1,020:  1880,  979;  1890,  871;  1900,  836. 

Burial  places.  There  are  four  cemeteries  in  town ;  the  most 
ancient  is  in  the  village  of  Blandford  near  the  school  house,  and 

(      514      ) 


THE   TOWN   OF   BLANDFORD 

was  laid  out  in  17-42.  The  new  cemetery  in  the  village  is  opposite 
the  meeting-house.  There  is  one  at  North  Blandford,  and  there 
is  one  in  the  south  part  of  the  town  about  l^/o  miles  south  of  Blair 
pond. 

School  lioiiscs.  There  are  twelve  school  houses  in  the  town. 
The  first  action  of  the  town  upon  the  subject  of  schools  appears 
to  have  been  taken  in  September,  1756,  when  the  town  voted  that 
£3  be  expended  to  hire  a  school  teacher.  The  first  regular  school 
in  town  was  taught  by  James  Carter,  a  sea  captain,  in  the  house 
of  Robert  Black.  For  several  years  the  schools  were  kept  in 
dwelling  houses,  and  continued  only  two  months  in  the  year.  In 
1758,  the  town  voted  "That  the  five  pounds  Given  to  us  By  the 
Honorable  Corte  and  two  pounds  more  to  Be  api)lied  to  the  use 
of  schooling. " ' 

The  record  shows  that  in  1759  the  town  voted  £6  for  school 
purposes  that  year:  and  Isaac  Gibbs,  James  IMontgomery, 
William  Mitchell  were  chosen  a  committee  to  look  after  the 
schools,  and  hire  teachers.  In  1760  £10  were  appropriated  for 
schooling.  In  1762  the  town  was  divided  into  three  school  dis- 
tricts, and  three  school  houses  were  built,  after  which  rapid 
progress  was  made  in  education,  a  teacher  being  employed  for 
three  months  in  the  year.  In  1802  the  town  was  divided  into 
thirteen  school  districts.  One  of  these  districts  included  a  part 
of  Chester  Village. 

During  the  year  1805  widow  Jane  Taggart  bequeathed  to 
school  district  number  3  $1,200  for  the  purposes  of  education 
within  that  district.  And  by  act  of  the  legislature,  INIarch  9. 
1808.  Ephraim  Gibbs  and  eighteen  others  were  incorporated  as 
''trustees  to  receive  and  hold  said  legacy,  and  all  other  money 
for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  however  accruing,  to  the  amount  of 
eighty-five  hundred  dollars:  and  real  estate  to  the  amount  of 
five  thousand  dollars  in  trust,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  in- 
habitants of  said  district,  and  the  permanent  support  of  schools 
within  the  same;  and  shall  constitute  a  body  politic  and  cor- 
porate, to  have  perpetual  succession  for  the  due  and  faithful 
management  of  said  trust :  and  shall  be  vested  with  all  powers 
incident  to  corporations,  necessary  or  requisite  for  that  purpose." 

(      515      ) 


THE   TOWW   OF  BLAMJFOIW 

In  March,  1888,  <\n  additional  act  was  passed  by  the  legisla- 
ture, constituting  the  freeholders  of  the  district  the  trustees  of 
the  fund.  This  fund  was  put  at  interest.  By  aid  of  this  fund 
the  cause  of  education  was  greatly  advanced  not  only  in  that 
district  but  in  the  town  at  large. 

There  is  a  Free  Library  in  the  village.  The  number  of 
books  in  1897,  1,756  volumes. 

Agricultural  Suciety.  The  Union  Agricultural  and  Horti- 
cutural  Society  was  incorporated  in  1867.  The  act  states  that 
"Enos  W,  Boies,  Howard  P.  Robinson,  Henry  A.  Blair,  their 
associates  and  successors,  are  hereby  made  a  corporation  by  the 
name  of  the  Union  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Society,  and 
established  in  the  town  of  Blandford,"  etc.  It  originally  raised 
by  contribution  $4,447.23  -.  and  in  1897  had  .$9,000  invested  as  a 
capital  stock  in  real  estate  and  personal.  Total  assets  $9,099.65, 
of  which  $8,000  was  in  real  estate.  In  that  year  it  paid  in  pre- 
miums and  gratuities  $1,152,  which  went  to  19  cities  and  towns. 
One  hundred  and  ninety-eight  received  premiums  and  ninety-two 
gratuities.  The  society  reported  1,308  members— 605  males  and 
703  females.  The  annual  fairs  and  cattle  shows  held  on  the 
sightly  grounds  of  the  society,  are  attended  by  hundreds  of 
people  from  the  surrounding  towns,  and  the  occasion  is  Bland- 
ford  's  gala  day. 

Blandford  as  a  summer  resort.  The  great  altitude  of 
this  town,  the  extensive  view  from  the  village  and  vicinity, 
the  dry  and  invigorating  atmosphere,  the  unsurpassed  op- 
portunities for  erecting  fine  residences  with  ample  grounds, 
and  the  fine  drives  about  the  town,  bring  many  people 
every  summer  fi-om  Springfield  and  other  cities  to  this  locality. 
A  stage  runs  from  the  village  to  the  railroad  station  to  Russell 
twice  a  day  or  oftener,  a  distance  of  4  miles.  There  have  usually 
been  two  hotels  in  the  village.  But  many  of  the  summer  resi- 
dents occupy  their  own  cottages,  the  number  of  which  increases 
yearly.  The  citizens  are  hopeful  that  in  a  year  or  two  they  will 
enjoy  the  advantages  of  a  line  of  trolley  cars  to  Russell. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  Blandford  men  who  served  in  the 
revolutionary  war: 

(      517      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Minute  nieu  who  responded  to  the  Lexington  alarm :  Capt. 
John  Ferguson,  Lieut.  David  Hamilton,  Sergeants  Silas  Noble, 
James  Nut ;  Corporals  James  Stewart,  ]Moses  Ker ;  Privates 
Timothj'  Blair,  Joseph  Baird,  Archable  Black.  John  Crooks, 
Cornelius  Cochran,  Solomon  Ferguson,  Samuel  Hamilton,  Oliver 
Knox,  John  Knox,  James  Knox,  David  Kennedy,  John  Kennedy, 
AA^illiam  Mitchell,  Alexander  Moroson,  John  Proven,  Matthew 
Proven,  Jehial  Stewart,  Spencer  Stewart,  John  Savage,  John 
Wheeler,  Jonathan  Henry,  Reuben  Boies,  Robert  Blair,  Joel 
Boies. 

Names  of  those  other  than  the  minute  men  who  served  in 
the  war:  James  Anderson,  John  Ashmun,  Stephen  Bullard, 
Barzilla  Benjamin,  Nathan  Bennett,  Ebenezer  Bartlett,  John 
Blair,  David  Boies,  David  Butler,  Thomas  Bigelow,  David  Blair, 
David  Black,  James  Blair,  Jr..  Matthew  Blair,  Jacob  Blair,  John 
Black,  Seth  Blair,  William  Crooks,  Nathaniel  Cannon,  David 
Campbell,  John  Coney,  Robert  Currey,  William  Cannon,  Samuel 
Ellis,  William  Fullerton,  Elisha  Fobes,  Jonathan  Frarey,  Joseph 
Gilbert,  Warham  Gunn,  James  Gilmore,  John  Gibb,  Isaac  Gibbs, 
AVilliam  Gilmore,  David  Harroun,  Asa  Havens,  Jonah  Halliday, 
Charles  Hewes,  James  Hogan,  Joel  Hayden,  David  Knox, 
AYilliam  Knox,  Elijah  Knox,  William  Lindsey,  John  Lindsey, 
William  Longhead,  James  Longhead,  2d.,  John  Longhead,  2d., 
David  IMcConoughey,  Michael  ]\IcManus,  James  INIatthews, 
Elijah  IMore.  James  More,  Alexander  Morrison,  William  Mor- 
rison, Robert  McGorney,  James  Pelton,  Abner  Pease,  Abner 
Ramsey,  Spencer  Stow,  Jedediah  Simonds,  Timothy  Simonds, 
Joshua  Stevens,  Moses  Steward,  Sylvanus  Steward,  Christopher 
Smith,  Samuel  Sloper,  William  Thompson,  Stephen  Velleau, 
Joel  White,  Ephraim  Warfield,  Jonathan  Gregg  Wilson,  Moses 
Wheeler,  John  White,  John  AVilson,  Reuben  Warfield,  John 
Watson,  James  Wallace.  Stephen  Ward. 

Names  of  men  who  served  for  Blandford,  but  were  from 
other  towns :  James  Law  of  Boston,  Thomas  Thorp  of  Boston, 
William  Fry  of  Boston,  Gilbert  Mclntire,  Michael  Tuway,  John 
Benbeck,  Samuel  Fry,  ail  of  Boston ;  Henry  Flood  of  Falmouth, 
Jonathan  Bissell  of  AVindsor,  Elijah  Atkinson,  a  sea-faring  man, 

{      51S      ) 


THE   TO\yy   OF  BLANDFORD 

Paul  Langdon  of  Cambridge,  Jonathan  Norton,  a  transient  man, 
Timothy  Smith  of  ]Murrayfield,  Samnel  Peters  of  London  and 
Moses  Eggleston  of  IMurrayfield. 

CIVIL  LIST 

Selectmen.  1742-43,  David  Boies,  Robert  Cook,  Jas.  Hazzard, 
John  Stewart,  John  Young;  1744,  Wm.  Knox,  David  Boies,  John 
Steward,  Jas.  Hazzard,  Jas.  Montgomery;  1745,  David  Boies, 
Wm.  Knox.  John  Stewart,  Jas.  Montgomery,  Jas,  Hazzard ;  1746, 
Thomas  Read,  John  Hamilton,  ]\Iatthew  Blair,  William  Donohue, 
David  Campbell;  1747,  David  Boies,  Robert  AVilson,  Jas.  Mont- 
gomery, John  Stewart,  John  Hamilton ;  1748,  Samuel  Crooks, 
Israel  Gibbs,  ^latthew  Blair,  James  Baird,  Robert  Black;  1749, 
Walter  Stewart,  Israel  Gibbs,  John  Knox,  Robert  Black,  Mat- 
thew Blair;  1750,  David  Boies,  Robert  Henry,  Israel  Gibbs, 
William  Knox,  ^Matthew  Blair;  1751,  Robert  Henry,  Walter 
Stewart.  :\Iatthew  Blair,  William  Boies.  Robert  Black;  1752, 
David  Boies,  David  IMcConoughey,  Israel  Gibbs,  Walter  Stewart, 
William  Boies;  1753,  Robert  Huston,  Israel  Gibbs,  William  Hus- 
ton. Robert  Henry,  John  Boies;  1754.  Robert  Henry,  Robert 
Blair,  William  Boies,  Robert  Black,  John  Boies;  1755,  Robert 
Henry,  William  Boies,  Matthew  Blair,  Robert  Black,  John  Boies; 
1756,  Robert  Henry,  Robert  Black,  AVilliam  Boies,  John  Hamil- 
ton; 1757,  Robert  Henry,  Robert  Black,  Samuel  Boies,  David 
Black,  William  Knox;  1758,  Robert  Henry,  John  Knox,  David 
Black,  John  Boies.  James  Montgomery;  1759,  Robert  Henry, 
Israel  Gibbs,  John  Knox,  ]\[atthew  Blair,  John  Hamilton;  1760, 
Robert  Henry,  John  Knox.  Robert  Black,  David  McConoughey, 
John  Hamilton ;  1761,  Robert  Henry,  David  ^McConoughey, 
Robert  Black.  AVilliam  ]\Iitchell,  William  Knox;  1762,  Samuel 
Boies.  David  Black,  John  Hamilton,  Nathaniel  Pease,  William 
Knox;  1763,  Samuel  Boies,  Nathaniel  Pease.  AVilliam  Knox, 
William  Boies,  Robert  Blair;  1764,  John  Hamilton,  Robert 
Henry,  David  ]\IcConoughey,  Nathaniel  Pease,  William  Boies; 
1765,  William  Boies,  William  Knox.  Israel  Gibbs.  William 
Mitchell,  John  Hamilton;  1766,  Robert  Blair,  John  Wilson, 
William  ^Mitchell,  AVilliam  Knox.  Samuel  Ferguson;  1767,  John 

(      519       ) 


Ol'R  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

Hamilton,  Robert  Blair,  "William  Boies,  John  Knox,  William 
Mitchell;  1768,  Robert  Blair,  William  Boies,  John  Hamilton, 
Israel  Gibbs ;  1769,  Robert  Blair,  William  Boies,  John  Hamilton, 
John  Scott,  Jr.,  Alexander  Osborn;  1770,  Robert  Blair,  William 
Boies,  William  Knox,  Israel  Gibbs,  David  McConoughey;  1771. 
William  Boies,  Robert  Blair,  William  Knox,  John  Scott,  David 
McConoughey ;  1772,  William  Knox,  Robert  Blair,  Samuel  Boies, 
William  Carnahan,  William  Boies;  1773-74,  William  Knox, 
William  Carnahan,  Solomon  Brown,  John  Furguson,  Juda 
Bement;  1775,  Juda  Bement,  David  McConoughey,  William 
Carnahan,  William  Knox,  Samuel  Boies;  1776,  Samuel  Boies, 
Juda  Bement,  David  McConoughey,  Samuel  Sloper,  John  Knox ; 
1777,  John  Knox,  Samuel  Boies,  Juda  Bement,  Solomon  Stewart. 
Isaac  Gibbs ;  1778,  William  Boies,  Samuel  Sloper,  Solomon 
Stewart,  John  Furguson,  Isaac  Gibbs;  1779,  Samuel  Sloper. 
David  Conoughey,  Nathaniel  Taggart,  Ephraim  Gibbs.  Solomon 
Brown;  1780,  John  Wilson,  John  Furguson,  William  Knox, 
Robert  Blair,  Israel  Gibbs;  1781,  AVareham  Parks,  Justin  Ash- 
mun,  John  Gibbs,  Samuel  Ferguson,  Samuel  Cannon;  1782, 
Wareham  Parks,  David  McConoughey,  William  Boies,  Justin 
Ashmun,  John  Scott;  1783,  William  Boies,  Wareham  Parks, 
John  Scott,  Reuben  Boies,  John  Hamilton;  1784,  Wareham 
Parks,  John  Scott.  Samuel  Boies,  Samuel  Sloper,  John  Fergu- 
son; 1785,  Wareham  Parks,  Samuel  Sloper,  John  Scott,  John 
AVatson,  Robert  Lawhead;  1786,  Samuel  Sloper,  Samuel  Boies, 
John  Ferguson,  Justin  Ashmun,  John  Watson ;  1787,  Samuel 
Sloper,  Samuel  Boies,  John  Cochran,  David  Boies,  Asa  Blair; 
1788,  John  Ferguson,  Samuel  Beard,  Reuben  Boies,  Isaac  Gibbs, 
Samuel  Knox;  1789,  John  Ferguson,  Reuben  Boies,  Robert  Blair. 
Jr.,  Timothy  Blair,  Timothy  Hatch;  1790,  Robert  Blair,  Jr.. 
Reuben  Boies,  Timothy  Hatch,  Asa  Blair,  Samuel  Boies ;  1791-92, 
Robert  Blair,  Jr.,  Reuben  Boies,  Timothy  Hatch,  Timothy  Blair, 
David  Boies:  1793,  Samuel  Sloper,  Reuben  Boies,  David  Boies, 
Ebenezer  Bruce,  Adam  Blair;  1794,  David  McConoughey,  David 
Boies,  Asa  Blair,  Samuel  Knox,  Timothy  Hatch;  1795,  David 
McConoughey,  David  Boies,  Reuben  Boies,  Rufus  Blair,  William 
Knox;    1796,    David    AlcConoughey,    William    Knox,    Timothy 

(      520      ) 


THE   TOWN  OF  BLANDFORD 

Hatch,  William  Knox,  Jr.,  Jedediah  Smith;  1797,  David  Boies, 
Jedediah  Smith,  AVilliam  Knox,  Reuben  Boies,  Samuel  Knox; 
1798,  David  Boies,  AVilliam  Knox,  Asa  Blair,  Abner  Pease,  Rus- 
sell Atwater ;  1799,  David  Boies,  Asa  Blair,  David  MeConoughey, 
Abner  Pease.  John  Crooks;  1800,  David  Boies,  "William  Knox, 
Reuben  Boies,  Asa  Blair,  David  ]\leConoughey ;  1801.  Asa  Blair, 
Russell  Atwater,  William  Knox,  Reuben  Boies,  John  Hamilton ; 
1802,  David  Boies,  Reuben  Boies,  Adam  Blair,  RusseU  Atwater, 
Reuben  Blair;  1803,  Asa  Blair,  David  Boies,  Reuben  Boies, 
Reuben  Blair,  Eli  P.  Ashmun ;  1804,  Reuben  Boies,  Eli  P.  Ash- 
mun,  David  Boies,  Sanniel  Knox,  Asa  Blair ;  1805 ;  Eli  P. 
Ashmun,  David  Boies,  William  Knox,  Reuben  Boies,  Abijah 
Babcock;  1806,  Eli  P.  Ashmun,  Samuel  Knox,  Reuben  Blair, 
AVilliam  Knox,  Abijah  Babcock;  1807,  David  Boies,  AVilliam 
Knox.  Samuel  Knox,  Asa  Blair,  Nathaniel  Cannon;  1808,  AVil- 
liam Knox.  Reuben  Boies,  Adam  Blair,  David  C.  Osborne, 
Samuel  Boies,  2d;  1809.  David  Boies,  Asa  Blair,  Samuel  Knox, 
David  Boies,  2d,  Robert  Lloyd;  1810,  Samuel  Knox,  David 
Boies,  2d.  Andrew  Wilson,  Robert  Lloyd,  John  Hamilton;  1811, 
Samuel  Knox.  Reuben  Blair,  David  Boies,  Samuel  C.  Gibbs; 
1812,  Samuel  Knox,  Andrew  AAHson,  Reuben  Blair,  Solomon 
Noble,  Isaac  Lloyd;  1813,  Samuel  Knox,  Reuben  Blair,  Andrew 
AVilson,  David  Boies,  2d,  David  Blair.  2d;  181-t,  Samuel  Knox, 
Andrew  AVilson,  David  Boies,  2d,  David  Blair,  2d,  Isaac  Lloyd; 
1815,  Samuel  Knox,  Reuben  Boies,  David  Boies,  2d,  Andrew 
AVilson,  Abner  Gibbs;  1816,  Reuben  Boies,  David  Boies,  2d, 
Isaac  Lloyd,  Andrew  AVhite,  Abner  Gibbs ;  1817,  Reuben  Boies, 
David  Boies,  2d,  Abner  Gibbs,  David  Blair,  2d.  John  Gibbs; 
1818,  Abner  Gibbs,  David  Blair,  2d,  Isaac  Lloyd.  Reuben  Boies, 
2d.,  Israel  Cannon ;  1819,  Abner  Gibbs,  Reuben  Boies,  Jr.,  John 
Gibbs,  Setphen  Rowley,  Henry  Knox;  1820,  Abner  Gibbs,  David 
Boies,  3d,  David  Blair,  Jr.;  1821,  David  Blair,  Jr.,  Reuben 
Boies,  Jr.,  David  Boies,  2d;  1822,  Reuben  Boies,  Jr.,  David 
Boies,  3d,  Robert  Lloyd,  Enos  Boies,  Israel  Cannon;  1823, 
Reuben  Boies,  Jr.,  David  Blair.  Jr..  Israel  Cannon;  1824;  Da\dd 
Blair,  Jr.,  Israel  Cannon,  Henry  Tracy,  Justin  AVilson,  James 
NA^atson;  1825-26,  Israel  Cannon,  Henry  Tracy,  Justin  AA^ilson; 

(      521      ) 


OVR  COUNTY  AND  ITS  PEOPLE 

1827,  Henry  Tracy,  Justin  Wilson,  David  Blair,  3d;  1828, 
Henry  Tracy,  Justin  Wilson,  Adam  Blair,  Jr. ;  1829,  Henry 
Tracy.  Adam  Blair,  Curtis  Knox ;  1830,  Adam  Blair,  Jr.,  Justin 
Wilson,  Oliver  Watson;  1831,  Abner  Gibbs,  David  Parks,  Curtis 
Hall;  1832,  Log:an  Crosby,  Alfred  Smith,  Porter  Gibbs;  1833, 
Logan  Crosby,  Alfred  Smith,  Kilbourn  Bates;  1834-35,  Kilbourn 
Bates,  Curtis  Hall,  Spelman  Gibbs;  1836,  Kilbourn  Bates,  Lester 
E.  Gibbs.  Joel  Hall ;  1837,  Lester  E.  Gibbs,  David  Parks,  Reuben 
Boies ;  1838,  Edward  Ely,  Curtis  Hall,  Milton  Boies ;  1839,  Orrin 
Sage,  Lyman  Gibbs,  Justin  Wilson ;  1840,  Lyman  Gibbs,  Orrin 
Sage,  Olcott  Osborn:  1841,  Orrin  Sage,  Olcott  Osborn;  1842, 
Olcott  Osborn,  Leverett  Sackett,  William  C.  Clark;  1843,  Justin 
Wilson,  Leverett  Sackett,  Kilbourn  Bates ;  1844,  Justin  Wilson, 
Adam  Blair,  Edwin  Ely,  1845,  Adam  Blair,  Edwin  Ely,  Kil- 
bourn Bates;  1846,  Edwin  Ely,  Orrin  Sage,  Justin  Knox;  1847, 
Justin  Wilson,  F.  W.  Gibbs,  Albert  Knox  -.  1848.  George  C.  Gibbs, 
John  F.  Collister,  Westley  L.  Boies :  1849,  W.  L.  Boies,  John  F. 
Collister,  Thomas  S.  Chaffe ;  1850,  T.  S.  Chaffe,  Leverett  Sackett, 
John  Parks;  1851,  Albert  Knox,  John  Parks,  S.  A.  Bartholomew; 
1852,  Albert  Knox,  S.  A.  Bartholomew,  Thomas  Herrick;  1853, 
Thomas  Herrick,  S.  A.  Bartholomew,  John  Cross;  1854,  Albert 
Knox.  Leverett  Sackett,  Curtis  Hall ;  1855,  Thomas  S.  Chaffe, 
Linus  Shepard,  Stephen  Burton ;  1856,  S.  A.  Bartholomew,  Israel 
M.  Gibbs,  Eli  P.  Hayden :  1857,  Samuel  A.  Bartholomew,  E.  W. 
Shepard.  Eli  H.  Osborn;  1858,  E.  W.  Shepard,  Alva  Foot,  Eli 
Osborn:  1859,  E.  W.  Shepard,  Eli  Osborn,  Charles  Lee;  1860, 
George  C.  Gibbs,  Frank  C.  Knox,  B.  S.  Bracket;  1861,  T.  S. 
Chaft'e,  Lyman  K.  Norton,  David  Bates ;  1862.  James  C.  Hins- 
dale, AVilliam  INI.  Lewis,  Alfred  Peckham;  1863,  AVatson  E.  Boies, 
Francis  Bates,  Eli  A.  Cross:  1864,  Samuel  A.  Bartholomew, 
AVilliam  M.  Lewis,  H.  D.  Tinker ;  1865,  AAlUiam  AI.  Lewis,  Eli 
Osborn,  George  C.  Collister:  1866,  Eli  Osborn,  Charles  AI.  Wait, 
Henry  K.  Herrick ;  1867,  George  C.  Gibbs,  F.  C.  Knox,  AVilliam 
H.  H.  Blair;  1868,  Francis  Bates.  Franklin  C.  Knox,  Alva 
Bishop :  1869,  F.  C.  Knox,  AA' m.  H.  H.  Blair,  Eli  A.  Cross ;  1870, 
Franklin  C.  Knox,  Noah  B.  Nye,  James  F.  Blair;  1871,  Henry  K. 
Herrick,  Noah  B.  Nye,  James  F.  Blair;  1872.  E.  \V.  Shepard,. 

(      522      ) 


THE   TOWN   OF  BLANDFORD 

George  C.  Collister,  James  W.  Knox;  1873,  Franklin  C.  Knox,. 
Henry  S.  Bnrdiek,  Lewis  C.  Nye;  1874,  F.  C.  Knox,  S.  A.  Bar- 
tholomew, Lewis  C.  Nye;  1875-79,  H.  K.  Herrick,  James  AV. 
Knox,  Jarvis  J.  Lloyd ;  1880,  James  W.  Knox,  Jarvis  J.  Lloyd, 
AVilliam  Bates ;  1881,  1882,  James  W.  Knox,  Lyman  R.  Nye,  Wil- 
liam Bates;  1883,  James  AV.  Knox,  William  Bates,  William  H. 
Watson:  1884,  William  Bates,  William  H.  Watson,  Martin  S. 
Phelps;  1885,  1886,  1887,  James  W.  Knox,  Henry  E.  Lee,  Mar- 
vin A.  Hall;  1888,  James  W.  Knox,  Fred  M.  AYaite,  Edward  W, 
Bennett;  1889,  James  W".  Knox,  Fred  M.  Waite,  Joseph  H. 
Moore;  1890,  James  W.  Knox,  Fred  M.  Waite,  E.  A.  Bishop; 
1891,  James  AV.  Knox,  E.  A.  Bishop,  H.  S.  Burdick;  1892,  E.  A. 
Bishop,  H.  S.  Burdick,  AVilliam  H.  Lewis;  1893,  E.  A.  Bishop, 
AVilliam  H.  LeAvis,  Lee  AV.  Higgins;  1894,  1895,  Edward  A. 
Bishop,  Lee  AV.  Higgins,  J.  E.  Cooney;  1896,  E.  A.  Bishop,  John 
E.  Cooney,  W.  D.  Healy;  1897,  E.  A.  Bishop,  James  W.  Knox, 
B.  H.  AVhite;  1898,  1899,  1900,  1901,  1902,  J.  E.  Cooney,  S.  H. 
Bodurtha,  A.  W.  Lloyd. 

Toifii  clerks.  James  Hazzard,  1742-48 ;  John  Knox,  1748 ; 
David  Boies,  1749-52 ;  David  McConoughey,  1752 ;  AVilliam  Hus- 
ton, 1753  ;  Robert  Black,  1757-57  ;  Robert  Henry,  1757-62 ;  AVilliam 
Boies,  1762-66  ;  Robert  Blair,  1766  ;  William  Boies,  1767-73  ;  Judah 
Bement,  1773-78;  Robert  Blair,  1778;  David  McConoughey, 
1779-84:  Samuel  Sloper,  1784-88;  Robert  Blair,  1788-94;  David 
AlcConoughey,  1794-1806;  Joseph  Bull,  1806-9;  Reuben  Blair, 
1809-11;  Alanson  Knox,  1811-19;  Orrin  Sage,  1819-21;  Alanson 
Knox,  1821-30;  Russell  A.  AA^ilson,  1830-32;  Orrin  Sage,  1832- 
36 :  Samuel  S.  Day,  1836-38 ;  Orrin  Sage,  1838 ;  Enos  Boise,  1839- 
43  ;  Thomas  S.  Chaffee,  1843-49  ;  David  P.  Robinson,  1849 ;  Justin 
AA'ilson,  1850-52;  Thomas  S.  Chaffee,  1852-54;  W^atson  E.  Boise, 
1854:  Elisha  AA^.  Shepard,  1855;  Timothy  R.  Boise,  1856-58; 
Norman  A^  Lewis,  1858-65;  B.  R.  Norton,  1865;  Elisha  AV. 
Shepard,  1866-80;  Henry  K.  Herrick,  1880;  Levi  D.  Tiffany, 
1881 ;  Enos  AV.  Boise,  1882  to  the  present  time. 

Representatives  prior  to  the  division  of  the  county : 
To  the  Provincial  Congress— 1775 :  AVilliam  Knox  and  Wil- 
liam Carnahan. 

(      523      ) 


OUR  COUNTY  AX  I)  ITS  PEOPLE 

Gibbs  says  that  "For  many  years  the  town  could  not  get 
any  one  to  accept  the  office  of  representative,  and  as  appears 
from  the  records,  'voted  to  send  if  we  can  get  any  one  to  ac- 
cept.' "    But  the  following  list  shows  that  they  could  get  some 
to  go  to  the  General  Couil:     1787,  Timothy  Blair;  1789,  John 
Ferguson ;  1792,  1793,  1794,  Eeuben  Boies ;  1795  and  '96,  Jede- 
diah  Smith;  1797,  Reuben  Boies;  1799  and  1801,  William  Knox 
1803  and  1804,  Eli  P.  Ashmun;  1805  and  1806,  David  Boies 
1807,  Joseph  Bull;  1808,  Edward  Pinchon;  1809,  David  Boies 
1811,  Samuel  Knox;  1812,  Alanson  Knox. 

Civil  War  list.  Henry  B.  Cannon,  10th  Mass. ;  Austin 
AVilliams.  10th  Mass. ;  Edwin  Jones,  27th  Mass. ;  Harvey 
De  Forest,  27th  Mass.;  William  W.  Bracket,  27th  Mass.; 
James  Waters,  27th  Mass. ;  Lewis  E.  Robinson,  27th 
Mass.;  Maxon  J.  Haley,  27th  Mass.;  Frank  T.  Smith, 
27th  Mass.;  David  I.  Hall,  27th  Mass.;  Jarvis  W.  Stewart, 
27th  Mass. ;  Lyman  B.  Cannon,  27th  Mass. ;  Jefferson  P.  Moore, 
27th  Mass. ;  James  M,  Thompson,  27th  Mass. ;  Henry  T.  Jackson, 
27th  Mass.  In  the  31st  Mass.  the  following  names :  Alexander 
H.  G.  Lewis,  Philander  Dickinson,  Robert  McDarby,  Geo.  War- 
field,  Geo.  W.  Griswold,  Wm.  J.  Nye,  Luther  C.  Nye,  Elijah  Nye, 
Charles  P.  Snow,  Edward  Chapman,  Charles  Granger.  In  the 
46th  Mass.,  Albert  F.  Sizer,  Leroy  Warfield,  Chas.  Tinker,  Jr., 
Geo.  W.  Frost,  Chas.  R.  Bemis,  Fred  Tracy,  Peter  Hall,  Jas.  S. 
Brooks,  Edwin  E.  Gibbs,  Chas.  B.  Hayden,  John  Aiken,  John  W. 
Bradburn,  Milo  E.  Cook,  Orlando  W.  Dayton,  Geo.  N.  Granger, 
Franklin  J.  Hall,  Benj.  P.  Kyle,  Dwight  C.  Osborn,  Edward 
Phelps,  John  T.  Linnet,  Lewis  Herrick.  In  the  37th  Mass.,  Wil- 
liam E.  Pease,  Frank  C.  Morse,  Wm.  A.  Waterman.  In  the  34th 
Mass.,  Dighton  Goddard,  Lester  C.  Farnum.  In  the  59th  Mass., 
Thomas  Jackson,  Edwin  Baker,  S.  W.  Burdick.  In  the  1st 
Mass.  Cavalry,  Wm.  H.  Smith,  Franklin  L.  Cannon,  Lewis  C. 
Allen,  Judson  S.  Sizer,  Thos.  B.  Brooks,  Ezra  J.  Dudley,  Patrick 
Ballou,  Josepli  Kingsley,  Edward  Norton. 


(End  of  Vol.  II) 


LRbN  25