USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Cummington > Sketches and directory of the town of Cummington > Part 1
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-: SKETCHES :-
AND DIREGTORY
OF THE TOWN OF
CUMMINGTON.
.922.9.18
BY H. E. MILLER.
NETON
WEST CUMMINGTON, MASS .:
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR.
SKETCHES
AND DIRECTORY
OF THE TOWN OF
CUMMINGTON.
-)0( --
BY H. ELMER MILLER
AUTHOR OF "HISTORY OF SAVOY," ETC.
OF-Čo
E80
ASHINGTON
WEST CUMMINGTON, MASS .:
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR.
1881.
·
SKETCHES OF GUMMINGTON.
IUMMINGTON is situated in the western part of Hampshire Co., Mass., 18 miles from Northampton the county seat. The Westfield river passes through the entire length of the town from west to east, while from either side of its narrow valley rise to the height of sev eral hundred feet a series of hills belonging to the Hoo sac range of the Green Mountain System. In the north- western part of the town, its base washed by the river, rises " Deer Hill" its southern slope covered with oak trees of remarkably even growth, forming one of the most symmetrical elevations of land in the state.
The larger portion of the farming population reside on the higher lands while the several villages and man- ufacturing interests are within the narrow limits of the river valley.
The town has no railroad connection, Williamsburg on the east and Hinsdale on the west being the nearest stations. It has, however, tolerable mail facilities being located about midway on the stage route connecting the above named stations.
In the extreme eastern part of the town lies the little hamlet Known as "Swift River " containing a Post Office
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
and several wood-working mills. About two miles west is the pretty village of Cummington containing a Post Office, two churches, four stores, hotel, five or six shops or mills for the manufacture of gloves, saw and shovel handles, towel racks, etc., harness shop, two blacksmith shops, tin and stove store, and watch repairing establish- ment. Three miles west of Cummington village is a mill for carding wool and making satinet eloth. This place bears the sounding title of " Lightning Bug." At a dis tance of two miles west lies the west village ( formerly called " Woodchuck Hollow"), with about forty dwelling houses, post office, two churches, hotel, three stores, a carriage and cabinet shop, two paper mills, two black smith shops, saw mill, turning shop, printing office, pen holder factory and a clock repairing establishment.
EARLY HISTORY.
The history of the town commences with the sale of the township. at auction June 2. 1762, to John Cuming of Worcester. for £ 1800. Associated with him in this purchase were twenty six others though few of the com pany ever became residents of the township. Its area included the present town of Cummington with portions of the present towns of Plainfield and Windsor, and was known as "No. 5," being one of the ten townships sold at that time.
Col. Cuming was of Scotch descent and possessed re markable qualifications for those days, having been ed ucated for the medical profession: he also distinguished himself in military life and took an active part. in educa tional and religious enterprises.
The conditions of the sale required the reservation of one sxty-third part for the first settled minister. one six ty-third part for the ministry and the same amount for
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SKETCHIES OF CUMMINGTON.
the support of a school forever, and that within five years there should be sixty settlers within the township limits. each having a dwelling 24 x 18 feet and seven acres of land cleared and fenced and brought to English grass. and plowed. and shall have settled a learned Protestant minister.
The first settler was Samuel Brewer, of Worcester. who came to town in 1762 or 1763 and located on land now owned by P. P. Lyman, where traces of the ancient habitation may still be seen.
In 1765 Charles Prescott built a saw mill near where Jacob Higgins now resides. Ruins of this structure ar. also visible.
For nine years the meetings of the proprietors were held in Concord, but as the township was fast being set led: it became necessary to transact business of this na ture within its limits and the first town inceting wa- held at the house of Stephen Warner ( on the Dea. Rog ers place, ) June 19th 1771 Capt. Daniel Reed was mod erator and Wm. Ward, elerk. At this and subsequent meetings the important subject finding a suitable loca tion for the "meeting honse" seems to have been the principal topic for consideration. Several committecs were appointed who " pitched upon " as many sites for the edifiee and the controversy was not settled for many years.
June 23d 1779, the General Conrt passed an act incol porating the town of CUMMINGTON within these hounds "beginning at the North-west corner of Worthington and running east Nineteen degrees, Sonth sixteen hundred and twenty-five poles, then North nineteen degrees, East six miles to stake and stones, then running West nine teen degrees North ( including part of Hatfild Equivalent to the Northeast corner of lot No. thirteen of the second Division in said plantation. then running South nineteen
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
degrees to the bounds first mentioned." In 1786 the east line of the town was extended to the towns of Ash field, Goshen. and Chesterfield. Sept. 3d 1778 a part of the town was set off to Gageboro, (now Windsor ), and in 1794 a portion was allotted to Plainfield
Among the families residing here in 1776 were those of Samuel Brewer. Stephen Farr. Jacob Melvin, Charles Prescott. Thomas Barrett. Stephen Hayward. Tilly Mer- rick and Obed Shaw. The dwellings of these pioneers were mostly built of logs Whenever a new family ar- rived in the township; those already residing there would assist in preparing the house, often entting the timber. framing and erecting the house in one day. The first settlements were made on the hills in the south part of the town. as the low land on the river was not thought as suitable for cultivation, and also because the higher tand was near the old military road from Northampton to Adams and Bennington At a later date a road was laid out in the north part of the town, passing by where H. A. Streeter now lives. thence to the river at - Light ning Bug. " and passing through Windsor to the towns on the Hoosac river. Prior to the introduction of steam transportation by rail, this road was much used and ser «l'al times a day might be heard the sound of the horn blown by the driver of the six-horse coach as he came in sight of each hamlet ou his route.
Having thus briefly sketched the most important inci- dents connected with the early history of the town. we shall now classify the several events connected with the churches, schools, and industries. each in its appropri- xte department, which may be readily found by an exam iuation of the index.
JACOB MELVIN. THE HUNTER ( ** ) PARK 19. )
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
CHURCHES AND MINISTERS.
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THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was organized soon after the settlement of the town, and until the erection of suitable building. the meetings were held at private dwellings. The first church edifice was built about the year 1772, near the four corners on the farm of the late Wm. C. Bryant. This building was re moved to " Meeting House Hill," and was for a number of years the only place of worship in the town. The min isters of this church were: Revs. John Hooker. Jesse Reed, Mr. Porter, Mr. Billings. Mr. Hotchkiss, and Rev. James Briggs.
Mr. Briggs was ordained in this place, July 7th 1779, and remained pastor of this church forty-six years, deriv ing his support from the whole town, each citizen being taxed according to his means. During this entire period Parson Briggs took an active part in all public affairs, opening town meetings officiating at funerals and wed dings, and performing the duties now devolving on the school committee. In this connection we insert an anec dote related by the late Dr. Royal Joy who, while young. came before the Parson for examination as a teacher and was questioned as follows :-
' What is your name ?'
' Royal Joy.'
· Are your parents members of the church ?'
' Yes, sir.'
'Very well, here is your certificate.'
Mr. Briggs was succeeded by Revs. Roswell Hawkes, S. D. Darling, James Chapman. Mr. Barker and Mr. Thompson. This society continued until 1868.
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was organized at Cummington village, July 1st 1839, by members of the first church who disliked to go so far to worship: the church was built and dedicated the same year, a beautiful knoll of sand being removed to allow its erection on the site purchased of Mr. Tirrell.
The pulpit of this church has been supplied by the fol lowing clergymen :- Royal Reed, T. J. Clark, J. J. Dana- Messrs. Alvord, Hutchinson. Otman. Gary, O. S. Morris and H. B. Blake the present pastor.
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WEAT CUMMINGTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This society war organized and the church erected iu 1839 The church ( a ent of which is here given) stands on elevated land commanding a fine view of the princi pal street of the village. In Nov- ember. 1840, Rev. Joseph B. Baldwin became pastor of this church and remained with the society over sixteen years. Mr. Baldwin was subsequently called to a second pastorate making, in all, about twenty years of labor in this field. He now resides in the place. having purchas- ed a residence on North St., in 1878.
Other clergymen who have labored with this people are :- Rev. Josiah Pomeroy, for a little more than a year :
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
Mr. Brown, one year ; Charles Scott, one year and one half : Robert Samuels, one year and a half ; J. U. Par sons. one year : O. S. Morris. from May 1st 1873 to May 1st 1881 : and Mr. Amsden, the present pastor.
The church has an excellent choir under the charge of H L. Allen. In former years this society was large and prosperons but death and removals have diminished its numbers
THE UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY
was organized at the west village about the year 1835. In 1845 a neat edifice was erected on land donated by Charles Shaw. Soon after the church was completed Rev Almon W. Mason became their pastor. Mr. Mason was well known throughout the entire region, having taught innsie in this and adjoining towns for several years. He was succeeded by Revs. Earl Guilford, Moses Stoddard. Mr. Gifford, Mr. PInmb, Mr. Hughes. D. J. Mandell. L. W Brigham, and Mr. Trask.
For several years the society has not sustained regular services, the pulpit being occasionally supplied by speak ers from abroad. In 1883 an effort w .s made to revive the interest and repair the church : at present, however nothing has been done further than to repair the steeph. which had come to resemble the leaning tower at Pisa
THE BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized at the east village in 1821. with only four teen members. The church was built in 1823. At the raising of the frame the laborers were stimulated in their
10
SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
endeavors by a barrel of rum.
The clergymen who have labored with this society are: Revs. Asa Todd, J. Grant. H. Trumbull, David Wright, Edwin Sandys. G. Tripp, H. C. Coombs and the present pastor, Rev. A. B. Whipple.
This church must have had a powerful influence upon the community, constant accessions augmenting its num bers to about three hundred. In later years the society has been nearly extinct. and much active labor is neces sary to regain its former influence.
THE METHODIST SOCIETY.
Rev. Wm. Willcutt commenced holding meetings in the " gospel shop " ( old carding mill ) at Lightning Bng, soon after 1830. Quite a reformation followed and resulted in the formation of a society, and the erecti mn of a church at the corner near the residence of Stephen Benjamin.
This society existed for about twelve years. and pro- moted remarkable phenomenal revivals. Here it was that a certain brother, with more religious zeal than ed acation. used nightly to exhort and pray, always com "encing ; "O! Thou great and abominable Creator!" and closing with a petition to an overruling power to " introduct us to heaven at last."
Pastors :- Revs. Mr. Graves. Philo Hawkes and C.Mason.
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MISCELLANEOUS.
Aug. 18th 1835. a branch of the "Latter Day Saints " was established at Lightning Bug, and was revived by
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
Noah Packard in 1843. This church had sixteen mem bers. and prospered until the arrival of one Hyde with instructions to introduce polygamy. This revelation was not accepted by all, and Hyde, with several of his follow ers, emigrated to Salt Lake City where he became one of Brigham Young's Apostles.
Unitarian meetings were formerly held at the east vil- lage : though no church was built. and we do not learn that any minister of the denomination resided there.
There are many Spiritualists who have occasional meet- ings in various parts of the town. Among those who have labored in this section are several of the ablest speakers of the denomination.
SCHOOLS.
Educational advantages were secured, at the first sale of the township. by a reservation of one sixty-third part for the support of a school forever, and tolerable facil ities for obtaining a common school education have been afforded during the entire existenco of the town.
In early years an active interest was manifested, and the result was the the erection of an Academy near the place now occupied by Stephen Warner. Dr. Howland Dawes was, at one time. a teacher in this school.
Many years later another Academy was built south of the Baptist church at Cummington village. Although at that time nearly every town in New England supported a similar institution few excelled it in the number of stu dents who have attained to prominent stations in literary circles, educational enterprises, and important positions
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
in our state and nation. Among these are Ex-Gov. Tal bot, U. S. Senator Henry L. Dawes, and several teachers of recognized ability.
A select school was supported, for a time, in a hall over the store on the hill.
The district schools of the town have. from their com- mencement, been as successful as those of other towns in western Massachusetts. The town was originally di vided into ten school distrets. two of which. Nos. six and nine, have been discontinued. Each of the surviving dis tricts has a convenient school house and supports a school during twenty four weeks of the year. In addition to this a term of high school will be maintained the pres ent year.
The total amount of the school fund for 1881 is $1243. 'The number of scholars in the town is about two hun- dred.
Among those who have taught in the town are: Royal Joy, who taught school thirty-five winters in succession : L. C. Robinson, an experienced teacher ; and Win. W. Mitchell who has been engaged in educational work for many years.
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
CUMMINGTON LIBRARY.
0 -
LIBRARY BUILDING.
An important institution of the town is the Bryant free Library, established in 1872 through the liberality of the late lamented Win. C. Bryant, and maintained by an an nual appropriation of { of one mill percentage on the val nation of the town.
The Library building is of stone, fire proof. and with the residence of the Librarian, constitutes an attractive and valuable property. This institution is an ornament to the town and a fitting monument to the illustrious do nor who expended $ 20,000 in this gift to his native town. Mr. Bryant also paid the salary of the Librarian until the death of the former in 1878.
This Library contains, at present, not less than 4000 volumes. The catalogue contains a list of books classified under the headings of theology, biography, history, fic- tion, travels, etc. All books are free to inhabitants of the town, subject to the regulations necessary in all in stitutions of this kind. L. H. Tower, Librarian.
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CERTOHRS OF CUMMINGION.
SECACT SOCIETIES, &C.
MASONIO LODGR.
In the early years of the present century Orion Lodge, F. A. M., was established at Cummington, and regular meetings were held in a hall at east village. This socisty continued until the famous " Morgan " excitement so em bittered the public feeling against souret orders that the lodge began to lar, rich and eventually disbanded
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Temperance Movements.
About the time of the Washingtonian tem perance agitation. a general interest was created in the east part of the town, through the labors of an able law yer from some town in the county. The interest was al most universal, and its beneficial results were apparent in subsequent years.
In the spring of 1878, when the Murphy movement was sweeping like a tidal wave over the New England states. the west village was visited by prominent speakers. and n general temperance uprising followed, in which almost the entire population participated. Blue ribbons ( Muur phy's badge ) were donned by old and young, and lasting benefits accrued to the entire community.
Rev. O. S. Morris, then pastor of the Congregational church, was an active supporter of this movement, and during his residence in the town, labored with commend Able zeal in the temperance cause.
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
HOTELS AND LANDLORDS.
1785.
Entertainment By. A. Packard.
The first Hotel or " Tay ern" was built where C. C. Streeter now resides and for a number of years was pop ular with travellers on the " Greit Rood." This house was built and owned by Mr. Mitch. 11.
Another tavern was kept by Asa Streeter on the farm now owned by H. A. Street-
Adam Packard opened public house on Cumming ton hill. We present a cut of the old sign which lung before this tavern. and be OLD TAVERN SIGN. neath which our ancestors met for an evening smoke. while they discussed th . contemp mary events connected with the formation of our national government. This old sign may be seen at the residence of Mr. Pettingill at ost village .*
At a later date Seth Willi uns established a store house and tavern at east village, where it wis maintained until
*Mr. P. has in his possession another relic in the form of a chair-table, brought over in the Mayfl wer. We as sure the reader that this is a veritable fact, although we admit there are enough relics, now in existence, to sink a dozen ships like that venerable craft.
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
1815 by this family, and afterwards by a Mr. Sawyer,
In 1821, Levi Kingman opened a hotel at east village. which was maintained for a number of years.
In 1846, Wm. White built the house since used as a hotel at east village. Among the later proprietors have been : E. B. Bruce, C. M. Babbitt, and R. W. Shattuck. This hotel is known as the " Union House."
A tavern was built by Mr. Tower, near H. N. Elder's residence. It was afterwards owne I by Col. L. Bates. and still later by Mr. Albro.
Another tavern was opened, soon after the settlement of west village, by Mr. Reed in the building since used as a boarding house at the paper mill. It is said that Reed sold the " chalk-stone " ledge (in Windsor) and in vested the proceeds in liquors for his tavern.
In 1840, the present hotel building at west village was built by Elisha Mitchell and Wal. Hubbard. Among the proprietors since that time are : Ephraim Whitman. Ar temas Tirrell. Joseph Harlow. Washington Elder, Dexter Dyer Jr .. Mr. O'Brien. Mr. Eaton, C. M. Babbitt, and E. P. Hunt the present occupant. This hot. dis large and convenient, and under the management of Mr. Hunt has acquired considerable popularity among travellers.
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON
PHYSICIANS.
- -)o(-
The to . s always been supplied with physicians. In the early years Drs. Bradish, Mick and Fay attended to the health of the pioneers, ever ready to assist in cur ing the people of disease, and just as ready to - assist in taking the small pox "
After the incorporation of the town, the following phy sicians have practiced in the town : Dr. Peter Bryant, Dr Shaw associated with Mr Bryant, and afterwards Located at Plainfield : Howland Dawes, who came to Cumming. ton in 1780 ; Robert Robinson, from North Adams ; Dr. Clark; Royal Joy, who stn lied with Dr. Bryant, located at West Cummington in 1834 and afterwards removed to East Village: Drs. Tobey, at West Village; Richards at both villages; C. M. Barton, at West Village; Stedman. Bemus and Giltillan ( a brother of James G.ifillen of the Treasury Department at Washington.)
The Physiciaus now practicing in the town are : A. H Kimball. at Cummington: and Adam Eberg, at the West Village.
-- )$o$( ---
Hillside Agricultural Society.
Organized in 1868 at. Cummington, with active mem bers residing in this and the adjoining towns of Windsor and Plainfield. Although this Society receives nothing in admission fees. its annual fairs are generally quite successful. For 1881 it has the following
OFFICERS :
STEPHEN HAYWARD, President; R. R. PACKARD. Treasurer V. M. G. ATKINS, Secretary.
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SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
Sketches of Principal Families, ANECDOTES, TRADITIONS ETC.
Adam Packard settled and kept a tavern on the Mason place. William, his son, also lived there.
Ensign Abel Packard lived near the road leading from the Library to the hill. Mr. Packard was an officer in the continental army during the Revolutionary War.
EBENEZER SNELL EsQ ..
came from Bridgewater, and was a prominent man in the early years of the town's existence. His family were di rect descendants of John Alden of the Mayflower. Sev eral amusing anecdotes are related in which the "Squire took a conspicuous part. He had. it is said. two negro servants. " Liph " and " Aleck," both a little addicted to laziness. One day the "Squire" sent them to work "log ging," while he, knowing their characteristic weakness- proceeded to watch them. "Aleck" stretched himself on the ground behind a large rock, and " Liph" crawled in to a hollow log. The "Squire" aroused the first and set him chopping the identical log in which the second dar key was reposing. The log was somewhat decayed and two or three blows unearthed the recumbent Ethiopian who, covered with rubbish, emerged from the aperture. and each terrified African rushed toward the house and declared he had "seen de Debbil suah."
WM. MITCHELL
also came from Bridgewater. Mr. Mitchell lived where Charles Streeter resides. His children were influential members of society. His sons were: Cushing. Pyam, Wm., Chester, Elisha and Bela.
19
SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
JACOB MELVIN
lived on the farm now owned by Hiram Steele. Mr. Mel vin was fond of hunting and often visited Deer Hill in search of game, and it is said that he seldom failed to re turn with a deer on his back. Mr. F. Knapp now living in the place is a grandson of the early hunter.
STEPHEN FARK
lived near the old road from Northampton. where some claim he kept an inn. If this is correct. it must have been one of the first, and should have received notice in our sketches of hotels.
DR. JAMES BRADISH
came to Cummington before 1780. and lived in the house now owned by Edwin Knapp. His son. Luther Bradish was born in Cummington, September 15, 1783. He pre pared for college at the Academy on the hill, and gradu ated at Williams College in 1804. Removing to Franklin County, N. Y., he engaged in the practice of law. In 1829 he became Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York, to which office he was elected fourteen years in succession. Mr. Bradish also held office at New York city nnder the National Government. He died in 1863.
THE KNAPP FAMILY
resided in the south part of the town, and representatives of this family have lived in the town since its first set tlement. Shepard Knapp the wealthy merchant and re nowned banker of New York, was born in Cummington, February 5. 1793. He went to New York in 1812. and by industry and integrity acquired wealth which he gave freely in the cause of philanthropy. He was President
20
SKETCHES OF CUMMINGTON.
of the Mech nic's Bank, and also held the office of City Chamberlain. He died in 1875.
REV. JAMES BRIGGS
the first settled minister, had one son, James W., who. in his boy-hocd. it appears. liked a little sport as well as other boys. One night after the family had retired and the good parson was meditating on his sermon, just as he reached sixteenthly he was startled by the report of a gun in the boy's bed-chamber. Jumping out of bed the excited dominie rushed to his door and asked :-
"James, James, what is the matter ?"
"Nothing, father, only shooting bed-bugs."
Mr. Briggs kept a few sheep which he very much val- ued. A neighbor had a grudge against the parson, and SCRIBNER'S MONTHLY thus tells how he paid it :- " One evening he appeared at the parsonage and in a manner betraying the livliest concern, informed Mr. Briggs that one of his most valuable sheep was very sick down in a field near the highway. The anxious clergyman sped to the place described with breathless haste, and lo ! there in corner of a fence, dead drunk, was a favorite parish. ioner,-a sick sheep indeed."
DEA. BARNABAS PACKARD
was the grandfather of the Packards now living in the west part of the town and in Plainfield and Windsor.
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