USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Ashfield > History of the town of Ashfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts from its settlement in 1742 to 1910 > Part 1
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3 1833 00064 1032
Gc 974.402 As351h Howes, Frederick G. History of the Town Of Ashfield Massachusetts ...
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https://archive.org/details/historyoftownofa1742howe
Henry I Ranney
HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF ASHFIELD FRANKLIN COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
FROM ITS
SETTLEMENT IN 1742 TO 1910
BY FREDERICK G. HOWES
ALSO A
Historical Sketch of the Town
WRITTEN BY
REV. DR. THOMAS SHEPARD IN 1834
PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN
PREFACE 1137164
At a town meeting held Nov. 3, 1908, it was "Voted that a town history be published by the town, and that Frederick G. Howes, John M. Sears and Charles A. Hall be a Committee of publication."
It is due to the care and vigilance of our late veteran town clerk for fifty years, Henry S. Ranney, Esq., that the records of our town have been so well preserved. Not only the books of record, but scraps of paper relating to the history of the town have been treasured up.
The manuscript history written by Dr. Shepard over seventy years ago, when the early events were fresh in the minds of the older people then living, was carefully preserved by Mr. Ranney and is published here entire.
In 1888, Dr. E. R. Ellis of Detroit, Mich., published a book of nearly 500 pages, giving a genealogy of the descendants of Richard Ellis, the first settler of Ashfield, also many historical sketches of this town. Mr. Ranney and the writer furnished considerable matter for the work, also for the "Centennial Gazette," and in this book we have quoted from them quite freely, sometimes without giving credit. Dr. Ellis kindly presented our library with two copies of the book.
Mr. Barnabas Howes, in his "Sketches of Ashfield," has preserved many scraps of our town's history of which we have made use.
Mrs. Amanda F. Hall, with her rich store of historical lore, has been very generous in the lending.
Mr. A. W. Howes and Mr. A. L. Wing have furnished items of interest which they noted down as gathered from Mr. George Howes and other old people. The town officials have been obliging in giving free access to the old records and people in general have been very helpful in giving information sought for.
It could hardly be expected that genealogies of all the families would be given. Very full genealogies of the Hall, Howes, Phillips, Sears and other town families have been published,
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HISTORY OF ASHFIELD
and sketches of many of the old families have been given in the Ellis book. The town also has voted to publish its vital records with the aid given by the state, and these will give the births, marriages and deaths as far as can be ascertained from the records up to 1855, and will also give the place of burial of each person if it can be located.
We have given brief sketches of many of the early families in an endeavor to bring them down within convenient reaching distance of the descendants who may care to trace back to their ancestors. Many of the early settlers did not put their decds on record, so it is not always easy to ascertain their first location and later sojournings.
Of the mass of material at hand the compiler's greatest difficulty has been to decide what to insert and what to reject. Tastes differ; what would please one, might be uninteresting and perhaps distasteful to another.
The pressure of various duties upon the other members of the publication committee has put a large share of the labor upon the chairman. But such has been the help and encouragement received from them, also the valuable aid given by his wife, he feels he can use the plural pronoun "we" without affectation. But for the errors which may appear, also for the general de- merits and imperfections of the book, he holds himself respon- sible.
As we go over the doings of those who have gone before us, especially in the records of the church, we find so many of what now seem petty quarrels and small bickerings that lead us to look upon it as the church militant instead of the church spirit- ual, yet through it all there is a spirit of progress, an ever reach- ing forward for that which is best.
So we leave the task with an increased respect and love for the work of our fathers and for the good old town which gave us birth and a share in its many privileges.
F. G. H.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DR. SHEPARD'S HISTORICAL SKETCH
CHAPTER I
BEGINNINGS
Records of the Old Proprietors-First Survey of the Township Division of Lots-Condition of Country-Action by Proprietors in Regard to Corn and Saw Mills-The First Settlers-Mills Built.
49
CHAPTER II
PROGRESS, INDIANS, WHY ASHFIELD?
Condition of Settlement in 1754-55-Flight of Settlers from Indians-Errors in Dates-Return-Marriage of Ebenezer Smith-Old Petition for a Guard-Forts and Garrison-One of the Guard Falls in Love with Chileab's Daughter-Second Division of Lots into 100 Acres Each-Auction Sales for Pay- ment of Expenses-Trying to find out where the Town was- Troubles with Deerfield-Final Conformation and Incorpora- tion-Origin of the Name Ashfield-Act of Incorporation- Conway's Grievance.
CHAPTER III
ROADS, MEETINGHOUSE, BAPTIST TROUBLES
Early Roads-Building the Meetinghouse-Trouble About Location-Frame Erected on Bellows Hill-Taken Down and Erected near Village-Trouble with the Baptists-Mr. Charles A. Hall's Account of same read before the P. V. M. A.
CHAPTER IV
RUNNING RECORDS AND EVENTS TO 1812
Early Town Meetings-Clark of the Market, and Tithing Man-Financial Troubles-Refusal to Pay State Tax-Sym- pathy of Majority of Citizens with Shays' Rebellion-Guns Buried in Pelham Woods Recovered-List of Fifty of Shays' Sympathizers Who Were Pardoned-Opposition to Division of County-War of 1812.
63
75
87
6
HISTORY OF ASHFIELD
CHAPTER V
POPULATION
Who Were Here-Tax List, 1766-Additions in 1772-Who Were Here in 1793, Tax Payers for That Year-Who Were Here and Where They Lived in 1822-School District List-Popu- lation by Half Decades from 1765 to 1910-Decrease in Popu- lation, Causes of.
95
CHAPTER VI
ROADS AND POST OFFICES
The Earlier Roads-The Four County Roads in 1795-The Buckland and Hawley Roads-Opposition to New Roads- New Roads Later-The Highway District System-Struggles for the Town System-The First Road Machine-Highway Accidents-Post Route and Post Offices-Stage Routes and Stage Drivers-Early Cost of Postage.
109
CHAPTER VII
INDUSTRIES, ETC.
Agriculture-Old Mills and Various Industries-Stores- Taverns-Ashfield Business Ads. in Old Hampshire Gazette- Ashfield Insurance Co. and Fires-Ashfield Water and Fire Co .- Railroad Aspirations.
119
CHAPTER VIII
TOPOGRAPHY OF TOWN
Survey of Town in 1794 and 1830 Compared-Trouble Over Goshen Line-Question of Birthplace of Mary Lyon-Height of Different Locations-Scenery, Drives, etc .- Old Houses- Types of Houses Built from 1790 to 1810-Same from 1830 to 1850-Builders Employed-Shallow and Deeper Wells-"The Gravity System."
CHAPTER IX
CHURCHES
Founding of Baptist Church in 1753 by Chileab Smith- Troubles with the "other Society"-Division of the Church in 1789-Chileab's Opposition to "hirelings" as Preachers-
137
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cases of Discipline-1796, Churches Again United-1831, Church Moved-1814, The South Ashfield Baptist Church- Rev. Josiah Loomis-1867, Ashfield Plain Baptist Church- Ministers-1763, Congregational Church-Rev. Willard Brig- ham's Centennial Paper-Organization and Creed-Rev. Jacob Sherwin-Rev. Nehemiah Porter-Controversy with the Bap- tists-1808, Rev. Alvan Sanderson-New Meetinghouse and the Woodbridge Dissension-1819, Beginning of Rev. Thomas Shepard's Pastorate of 14 Years-1833, Rev. Mason Grosvenor and Trouble with the Doctors-1836, Rev. Burr Baldwin- 1840, Rev. S. D. Clark, Church Remodeled, Singing Trouble- 1851, Rev. Wm. H. Gilbert and Division of Church-1855, Rev. Willard Brigham and Removal of the Meetinghouse-Later Ministers and Union of the Churches-Episcopal Church- Dr. Huntington's Paper-Formation, 1820-Church Built 1827 -Different Pastors-1836, Rev. Jacob Pearson, Sunday School Established-1850, Rectory Purchase-1862, Rcv. Brinton Flower-1864, Rev. Lewis Green Began Pastorate of 19 Ycars- Rev. Dr. Huntington-Late Pastors-Records of Universalist Church-Old Chapel-Methodist Church-Ministers and Missionaries.
CHAPTER X
SCHOOLS
First Action of Town Regarding-School Districts Formed- Dates of Organization-E. C. Gardner's description of the old "Round School"-Sums of Money Raiscd for Schools from 1766 to 1900-School Supervision-Names of School Committees-Early Teachers-Good Points of the Old District System-District Meetings-Interest of Parents-Spelling Schools-Lyceums-Mr. Curtis' Description of Steady Lane School-Long Routes for Pupils-Extract from Old District Account Book.
CHAPTER XI
THE ACADEMY AND LIBRARY
Academy Founded by Alvan Sanderson-Organization and Brief Review-Early Teachers-Mary Lyon as Pupil and
149
175
8
HISTORY OF ASHFIELD
Teacher-Later Teachers-Trustees Serving-Students Who Bceame Noted-Deeline of School and Decision of Messrs. Norton and Curtis to Revive It-The Academy Dinners- Donations of Mr. and Mrs. Field-The New Academy-Co- operation with the Town-Alvan Sanderson's Bequest-Teach- ers in New Academy-Graduates From-Changes by Superin- tendent Judkins-Tribute to Deceased Trustees-The Library -Organization of, 1815-Librarians and Chief Supporters- Standard Books Selected-Educational Influence of Library- 1862, Loss of Interest in Library-Reorganization by Aid of Messrs. Curtis and Norton-Gifts for the Library by Mrs. Field, Mr. Lilly and Others-Twenty-three Lectures by Mr. Curtis; also Lectures by Professor Norton and Dr. G. Stanley Hall-Officers-Braneh Libraries.
CHAPTER XII
TOWN OFFICERS, CIVIL MAGISTRATES
List of Men Who Have Served as Selectmen, Town Clerks and Treasurers-Representatives to General Court-Whigs and Democrats-Growth of Liberty and Freesoil Party- Election of Freesoil Candidate in 1849 by One Vote-The "Old Swivel" Plays a Part-Mr. Blake's Election Contested- 1850, Mr. Blake Reelected by Close Vote-The Know Nothings -The Early Magistrates-Esq. Phillips-Esq. Williams- Esq. Paine-Esq. White-Esq. Bassett-Esqs. Sanderson- Bement-Ranney-And the Later Justices.
213
CHAPTER XIII
THE REVOLUTION
Financial Distress-The Tories-Minister Joins Army- Bounties for Soldiers-"Sink of Money"-The Five Day Enlistments-The Ashfield Captains-The Soldier List of Over 170 Men.
227
CHAPTER XIV
CEMETERIES
Oldest Burial Ground ?- Alleged Wizard Refused Burial- Baptist Corner and Beldingville Cemeteries-Plain Cemetery-
191
9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Northwest Cemetery and the Taylor Benefactions-The Spruce Corner, Meetinghouse Hill, Briar Hill and South Ashfield Cemeteries-Ashfield Burial Ground Association-Funerals and Burials-Casualties.
239
CHAPTER XV
THE NEW MEETINGHOUSE
Differences as to Its Location-Decision by Referees- Building of House by Col. John Ames in 1812-Suicide of Builder-Mrs. Miles' Description of New House-1840, Divided into Two Rooms-1857, House Moved to Village Town Meeting Formerly Held in Old Meetinghouse-1820, John Williams Leases Hall to Town-1848, Sues to Recover Pay-Description of Hall and Meetings-Attempts to Build New Town House-Proposition to Buy Room in Old Meeting- house Defeated-The Two Churches United and Meetinghouse Bought by the Town-Repairs and Changes of Town Hall- Peculiar Architecture.
CHAPTER XVI PROVISION FOR THE POOR
Early Provision For-Boarded Out-Prisoners' Families- Children Bound Out-Votes for Poor House Surplus Revenue -The Town Poor Farm-The Miller Fund-Intemperance and the Reform.
261
CHAPTER XVII ASHFIELD CENTENNIAL, 1865
Greenfield Gazette's Account of-Senator Dawes' Address of Welcome Toasts and Responses-Dr. Paine's Address- Poems on the Occasion.
269
CHAPTER XVIII
THE CIVIL WAR
Action of Town in Raising Men-List of Men Serving From Ashfield-Sketches of the 10th and 34th Regiments-Extracts from Journal of Roswell L. Church-52d, 31st, 37th, 60th, 27th and 25th Regiments and 1st Massachusetts Cavalry-Soldiers' Monument.
251
289
10
HISTORY OF ASHFIELD
CHAPTER XIX
MILITIA COMPANIES AND OTHER MATTERS
North and South Militia Companies-Trainings and Musters -Wild Beasts-Hunting and Fishing-Wrestling Matches- The Old Swivel.
303
CHAPTER XX
OLD FAMILIES AND EARLY SCHOOL DISTRICTS
The Aldens-Beldings-Eldredges-Halls-Henry C. Hall- Principal Joseph Hall-President G. Stanley and Rev. Robert Hall-Seven Branches of Howes Families-Four Branches of Sears Families-Four Branches of Smiths-Dr. Walter- Three Branches of Taylors-School Districts-Baptist Corner -Wardville-Postmaster Gen. Paine-Plain-Mr. Ranney's Account of-Steady Lane-Alonzo Lilly-South Ashfield- Samuel Allen-Briar Hill-The Loomis Family-Chapel Falls -Alvan Clark-Apple Valley-Northwest-New Boston- Spruce Corner-Clarence Hawkes, the Blind Writer-His Boyhood Impressions-Cape Street.
311
CHAPTER XXI
MRS. MILES' AND H. M. SMITH'S REMINISCENCES
Household Industries-Food, First Barrel of Flour-Hired Girls and Female Teachers Get $1 Per Week-Social Visits- Losing the Fire-No Clock-The Old Steady Lane School- house-Our School Books and Lessons-Teachers and Progress Made-1835, Enters Franklin Academy at Shelburne Falls- Description of Village and School-Her First Experience as Teacher-Notes on Her 40 Years' Experience as Teacher- 1875, Marriage to Mr. Miles-Retrospect-Reminiscences, H. M. Smith-Ancestors-Summer Life on the Farm-Old Steady Lane School-The "Old Bell Meetinghouse."
CHAPTER XXII
PRES. G. STANLEY HALL'S BOY LIFE IN ASHFIELD
Winter Occupations-Women's Work-Children's Amuse- ments-Rainy Day Yarns-Philander's Old Gun-Breaking
335
11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Roads-Household Trades-Good Educational Influence of Old Life.
349
CHAPTER XXIII
PHYSICIANS, SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC.
Early Physicians-Dr. Bartlett-Dr. Smith-Anecdotes of -The Two Dr. Knowltons-Later Physicians-Consumption -Small Pox-Masonic Lodge in 1826-Grange-Shakers in Ashfield --- Millerism.
365
CHAPTER XXIV
ASHFIELD SUMMER RESIDENTS
Professor Norton's First Visit to the Town-Purchase of a Place by Him and by Mr. Curtis-Interest in the Town Mani- fested-The Well Worn Footpath-Mr. Curtis' Lectures- The Academy Dinners-Mr. Curtis' Death and Funeral in 1892-Death of Professor Norton in 1908-Tablets Erected in Town Hall-Mr. and Mrs. John W. Field-Mrs. Lowell and Mr. Farragut-Other Summer Residents.
377
APPENDIX
389
Rev. Thomas Shepard O. D.
13
DR. SHEPARD'S HISTORICAL SKETCH
SKETCHES IN THE
HISTORY OF ASHFIELD, MASS., FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE YEAR 1833
DEDICATION
To the inhabitants of the First Parish in Ashfield over whom the writer was settled in the Gospel ministry for nearly fourteen years, and with whom he lived in uninterrupted harmony and mutual confidence, these sketches in the history of their town are most affectionately and respectfully dedicated, by their most obliged and obedient servant,
THE AUTHOR.
Amherst, March, 1834.
INTRODUCTION
It cannot be expected that a town comparatively of such recent origin, and so retired in its location as this, should afford, in the progress of its history, many events of general interest. To those, however, who were born and educated here, and to those who now live here, it must be a matter of considerable interest to know who were the pioneers of this town, and what are some of those principal events that have transpired here since the howl of the wild beast was alone heard through the forest, which spread unbroken over these hills and vales, now verdant under the cultivating hand of a numerous and thriving population. To the generations that may come after us, who may have little or no access to the facts connected with the early history of this place, which are familiar to us by tradition, a written history must be of increasing value. With a view of rescuing from oblivion many events connected with the early settlement of this town, and to hand them down for the informa- tion and amusement of those who may come after us, as well
14
HISTORY OF ASHFIELD
as to revive in the memory of many now living, the things of former years, I have, by conversation with the few surviving fathers of the town, and by a diligent examination of its ancient and modern records, drawn out the following imperfect sketch of the principal events in its history.
BOUNDARIES
That portion of territory within the County of Franklin now called Ashfield was originally intended to embrace a tract of land six miles square; but from some unknown cause, its present boundaries do not lie in this exact form. The town, if reduced to regular dimensions, would form a square whose sides would extend six miles and one-fifth, inclosing an area of 24,6011/2 acres.
SOIL-CLIMATE-DISEASES-POPULATION
The surface of this town is broken into hills and valleys and contains but a comparatively small portion of arable land. Indian corn succeeds well, but English grain is of secondary quality compared with that raised on the lighter soils of Con- necticut river. Wheat is seldom sown. Grazing may be said to be a principal object with the farming interest. Large dairies are kept here, and many tons of the finest wool are yearly furnished for the manufactories. The highest mountain in the town is that situated west of the pond. Its height is estimated at about 800 feet .* There are no very considerable streams running through the town, inviting the manufacturing capitalist. The principal streams, however, furnish water power for all domestic purposes. Water from the springs and wells is gen- erally of ready access and of the purest quality. The winters are long and severe. The snow generally falls about the first of December and continues until the first of April. During February and March the ways are frequently blocked and pass-
*Peter's Mountain, named from a colored man who lived there in early times. About 1885 Hon. James Russell Lowell, late U. S. Minister to Eng- land, purchased a site for a summer residence on the east side of this moun- tain. Soon after, his wife died, and Mr. Lowell removed to England, and, it is said, has decided not to build thereon. It is a very sightly place, and from its top, on a clear day, points in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecti- cut and New York are visible. It is 1840 feet in height.
15
DR. SHEPARD'S HISTORICAL SKETCH
ing difficult. The climate, though severe in winter, is neverthe- less healthy. The prevailing disease with the middle-aged, upon these mountains, may be said to be consumption. This may be owing in part, perhaps, to the severe and variable winters. From the year 1819 to 1831, twelve years, one hundred and sixty-three persons died in this town over 12 years of age. Of these, nine died by casualties, or, as is commonly said, by acci- dent; twenty-one of old age, and ten by diseases unknown to the writer: leaving one hundred and twenty-three persons over 12 years of age who have died in consequence of some definable disease. Of these 123 persons, fifty-four-nearly one-half- died with the consumption. Dysentery has frequently pre- vailed among children during the months of August and Septem- ber. In 1825 twenty-one under five years died in this town, most of whom were carried off by the above complaint. During 1829 and 1830 the scarlet fever or canker rash prevailed very extensively, and in several instances proved mortal to children.
The average number of deaths during the fourteen years of the writer's connection with this people was a fraction over twenty-two a year, which would be one from every twenty-five of its inhabitants. The highest number of deaths in any one year during this period was thirty-seven; the lowest number, thirteen.
The population of Ashfield in 1820 was 1,748; in 1830 it was 1,732. The town contains four houses for religious worship, one academy, thirteen schoolhouses, two hundred and fifty dwelling-houses, three taverns, five stores, two gristmills, nine sawmills, three clothier shops and three carding machines. It also has two machines for turning broom handles, five black- smith shops and two tanneries.
FIRST SETTLEMENT
The original name of this place was Huntstown; a name given to it in honor of Capt. Ephraim Hunt, of Weymouth. In the year 1690 this gentleman was sent out, by order of Government, as commander of a company of men selected from Weymouth and vicinity, in an expedition against the Canadas, in a contest between the English and French, commonly called King Wil- liam's war. This war commenced in the year 1690 and termin-
16
HISTORY OF ASHFIELD
ated in 1697. It was attended with many disastrous conse- quences to the American Colonies. An infuriated horde of savage warriors were let loose upon our scattered and defence- less population. The company under the command of Capt. Hunt composed a part of an expedition fitted out by the united colonies of New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts, for the reduction of Montreal and Quebec, then in the hands of the French. A combination of unfortunate circumstances, how- ever, defeated the design, and the expedition, after encounter- ing numerous hardships and disasters, returned without accom- plishing their object. The success of the expedition had been so confidently anticipated that no express provision had been made for the payment of the troops. Massachusetts, in the low state of her finances, issued bills of credit as a substitute for money; and in the year 1736, after a delay of more than forty- six years, redeemed those bills; at least, so far as the aforcsaid company was concerned, by granting them, their heirs or legal representatives, a tract of land within the limits of this town. In the conditions of the grant express provision was made for the early settlement of the town, the erection of a meetinghouse, the settlement of a learned and orthodox minister, and the cause of common schools. By a Committee of General Court sixty-three lots, called Rights, containing from fifty to sixty- three acres each, according to the quality of the land, were set off and numbered, to be disposed of as follows: One right to be given to the first settled minister, one right for the use of the ministry, and one right for the use of common schools. The remaining sixty rights were to be divided by lot among the officers and privates of the aforesaid company, their heirs or legal representatives. The grantees-or Proprietors, as they were henceforth called-held their first meeting at Weymouth, where most of them resided, March 13, 1738, and on the 24th of July, 1739, they met again at the same place and drew lots for their respective rights, set off for them by government in this town.
The early settlement of the town being a desirable object with the proprietors, inasmuch as it would tend to enhance the
17
DR. SHEPARD'S HISTORICAL SKETCH
value of the property they now owned in it, they passed a re- solve. May 28. 1741, that a bounty of £5 should be paid to each of the first ten of their number who should take actual posses- sion of their respective rights, build a house and bring under cultivation six acres of land individually. How many of those men who endured the toils and privations of the Canada expedi- tion lived to receive their bounty of land, does not appcar; but the lapse of forty-six years from the expiration of that expedi- tion, very probably had carried the greater part of them to that "bourn from whence no traveler returns," and their heirs alone remained to realize the tardy remuneration which should have long before fallen to those who had sustained the burden and heat of that perilous day. Nor does it appear from the records that any of the original proprietors ever settled upon their lands in person. Their rights were sold to others of a more adventurous spirit, from time to time, as they had opportunity. In the meantime taxes began to accumulate upon them, and many of them were parted with for a little more than was sufficient to meet the demands of the collector.
The precise year when a permanent settlement was made in this town I have not been able to ascertain .* Soon after the lots were drawn, in 1739, it doubtless became the temporary abode of emigrants, as they came out from time to time to pioneer the wilderness. From the best information I have been able to obtain, I have been led to fix the first permanent settle- ment of this town about the year 1745.1 The first family that pitched their tent upon these hills as permanent residents was that of Mr. Richard Ellis, a native of Dublin, in Ireland. Re- specting the immigration of this gentleman from that distant land to America, tradition has handed down in the family the following account, which, if true, is only in accordance with many of the like kind-the result of the cupidity and knavery of unprincipled shipmasters. The story is this: Mr. Ellis was the only son of a widow. A wealthy planter living in Virginia,
*A corn mill was built in the year 1743. It is believed that a permanent settlement was made in 1741.
¡Preaching was had here as early as 1742. See Proprietors' Records, pp. 51, 54 and 55.
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HISTORY OF ASHFIELD
a native of Ircland, having no children, made application to his friend in Dublin to send him out some youth of promisc, to be adopted into his family and brought up under his carc and patronage. Young Ellis was selected and sent out for this pur- pose. On his embarkation his passage was paid and an agrce- ment made with the captain of the ship to land him safely on the coast of Virginia. Faithless to his trust, he brought the youth to Boston and there sold him for his passage money. After serving the time thus unjustly extorted from him he re- moved from Boston, and at length settled in Easton, where he was married. From Easton he came to this town. The first tree was felled by his hands, on White Brook, a small stream running a little to the west of the dwelling of Mr. Phineas Flower. He built for his family the first habitation in the north- eastern section of the town-a log cabin, partly under ground, in the side of the hill, about fifty rods to the east of Mr. John Belding's, near the ancient burying yard, and where the new road runs. The next immigrant to this lonely wilderness was Mr. Thomas Phillips, with his family, from Easton, whose sister was the wife of Mr. Ellis. Mr. Phillips built for himself a log house about one-half of a mile to the north of the dwelling of his only fellow-townsman, Mr. Ellis. Soon a third family was added-that of Mr. Chileab Smith, from that part of Hadley now called South Hadley. Mr. Smith settled on the spot which the house of his son, Chileab Smith, now occupies. Mr. Smith, the present occupant, now in his 92d year,¿ was about 8 years old when his father removed to this town. To the retentive memory and free communication of this vencrable father and pillar in the town I am indebted for many of the facts here recorded.
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