USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > The history of Pittsfield (Berkshire County), Massachusetts, from the year 1800 to the year 1876 > Part 1
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AGRICULTURAL
THE COLLEGE
HISTORY OF PITTSFIELD,
.
(BERKSHIRE COUNTY,)
MASSACHUSETTS,
FROM THE YEAR 1800 TO THE YEAR 1876.
COMPILED AND WRITTEN, UNDER THE GENERAL DIRECTION OF A COMMITTEE,
BY
J. E. A. SMITH.
BY AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN.
SPRINGFIELD: PUBLISHED BY C. W. BRYAN & CO., 1876.
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775 M38z P685
[ V.2]
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by THE TOWN OF PITTSFIELD, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.
CLARK W. BRYAN & Co., Publishers, Printers and Binders. SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
F8.5 01
PREFACE.
IN presenting the second volume of the History of the Town to the citizens of Pittsfield, we have to apologize for some vexatious delay, which, however, finds its compensa- tion in the fact that some important portions of the work have been made correct, where it would have been impos- sible to do so had the story been finished at a much earlier date.
Our intention has been to give prominence to those events, enterprises, and institutions which have had an essential bearing upon the town's prosperity. We have also desired to do some justice to the men who have given it character, and labored for its good. In some instances, lack of material has rendered it impossible to accomplish this as fully as we could wish ; and possibly we may have sometimes erred in judgment; but we have sincerely aimed to be impartial, and believe that substantial justice has been done.
The original plan of the work was to make the earlier portions more full than the later: indeed, to give but a brief skeleton of recent affairs ; it being exceedingly diffi- cult to make contemporary history satisfactory to those who have taken part in it. We have in a few instances departed from this course, for reasons which will suggest themselves to the reader. And now, in order that the size of the book may not exceed reasonable limits, we have been obliged to omit accounts of several gentlemen, and of enterprises of recent date which had already been prepared.
iv
PREFACE.
For the same reason we make this presentation of our work very brief, trusting that the charity of our fellow- citizens will suggest to them an excuse for such faults as they may discover, and for what may appear to them unfortunate omissions. We may, however, claim that the Record here contained is one of which any town may be proud ; and one which will show that few towns have con- tributed so much to the general history of the country, in all its departments.
Pittsfield, July, 1876.
CONTENTS.
HISTORY.
CHAPTER I.
PITTSFIELD, A. D. 1800.
Preliminary-The village mapped and described-Old houses still standing-Excel- lence of the joiner-work-Buildings which have been destroyed-The village witling-Anecdote of the Berkshire hotel-Shade-trees, flower-gardens and shrubbery - Popular appreciation of the beautiful in nature-Stores-Major
< Israel Stoddard-Influence of method of first settlement on distribution of population-Streets, roads, traveling and transportation. . 3
.
CHAPTER II. POPULATION-EMIGRATION-NEWSPAPERS-POST-OFFICES-[1787-1800.]
Census of 1800-Increase and decrease of Berkshire towns-Causes of emigration- Anecdote of Phillips Merrill-Early newspapers-American Centinel-Berk- shire Chronicle-Local items-Advertisements-Influence upon agriculture, manufactures and morals-Publishers' troubles-Post-riders-Scarcity of paper -Berkshire Gazette-More post-riders and the first post-office . 20
CHAPTER III.
AGRICULTURE-MANUFACTURES-MERCANTILE AFFAIRS-[1787-1805.]
Farming universal -Deterioration of soils-Agricultural teachings - Products- L Price of land-Prices of stock and farm-products-Fulling-mills-Iron forges- Tanneries-Potasheries-Oil-mills-Nail-factory-Early mercantile business- Trade by barter-Patriotic merchants-What goods were sent to market- Joshua Denforth-Simon Larned-John B. Root-Trade in 1798-1805 . . . 30
CHAPTER IV.
DOMESTIC AND SOCIAL LIFE-MANNERS AND MORALS-[1790-1810.]
The interior of houses-Dress-Household labor-Tea-parties-Social gaieties- Spinning-bees for the minister's wife-Hunting-match and club-suppers-Danc- ing-parties ; their pleasures and their dangers - Freedom of manners-In- fluence of the wars and foreign intercourse on morals and manners-Customs in connection with dancing-parties-Bundling-Use and abuse of ardent spirits -Habits of Col. Oliver Root-Liquor-selling-Varieties of wines and liquors in vogue-Early efforts for temperance-reform-Doctor Rush's essay upon the effect of alcohol-He favors wine, beer and punch-Gambling-Lotteries-Im- prisonment for debt-Unequal laws-Reforms of the nineteenth century . 49
vi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
SOME LEADING CITIZENS-[1800-1810.]
Charles Goodrich-Woodbridge Little-Rev. Thomas Allen-Dr. Timothy Childs- David Campbell-Henry Van Schaack-Oliver Wendell-Henry H. Childs- -Thomas Allen, Jr .- JJonathan Allen-Rev. William Allen-James D. Colt- Samuel D. Colt - John B. Root - Oliver Root-Lemuel Pomeroy-Phinehas Allen-Jason Clapp-Jolin W. Hulbert-Ezekiel Bacon -- The generation as a whole-The town epitomized. 68
CHAPTER VI.
POLITICAL FEUDS, AND DIVISION OF THE FIRST PARISH.
Political rancor of the age-Exaggerations of tradition-Illustrative anecdote- State of American politics-Sources of political bitterness peculiar to Berkshire -Berkshire federalists and democrats characterized-Elder Leland, Theodore Sedgwick and Rev. Thomas Allen-Obnoxious sermons preached by Mr. Allen- Woodbridge Little's letter of complaint-Mr. Allen's reply-Action of the dissatisfied-Advice of the Berkshire association of Congregational ministers- Mr. Allen annoyed by newspaper-scandals-The Berkshire Reporter-Letter from Mr. Allen to Mr. Little-Union parish incorporated-Difficulties in organizing a new church solved by an ex parte council-Church of Union parish instituted-Names of members-Proposals for the resignation of Mr. Allen- Ordination of Rev. Mr. Punderson over Union church-Health of Mr. Allen; he preaches an election-sermon at Boston; writes a historical sketch of the town and county; his death ; monuments to his memory. . 90
CHAPTER VII.
THE METHODIST AND BAPTIST CHURCHES - CONGREGATIONAL ZEAL FOR THE RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF THE YOUNG-[1800-1812.]
Inequality of the Massachusetts laws-Reorganization of the Baptist church- Rev. John Francis-Charter of the Methodist parish of Pittsfield and other towns-Secession of reformed Methodists-Dissenters from all churches-Phil- osophical religionists-Obstacles to the new churches-Rev. Mr. Hibbard- Congregational plan for the instruction of youth in religion . . 135
CHAPTER VIII.
EARLY WOOLEN MANUFACTURES-[1800-1812.]
State of American manufactures in 1800-First woolen-mills in America-Arthur Scholfield - Birth, parentage and education-Emigrates to America-Com- mences business at Byfield-Removes to Pittsfield-Makes broadcloths, carding- machines, spinning-jennies and looms-The first Pittsfield factory - James Strandring's manufacture of comb-plates- Elkanah Watson's efforts for Berkshire woolen-manufactures-Statement of his manufacture of broadcloth from his own merino wool-A woolen manufacturing company formed-It fails -Scholfield establishes a woolen manufactory-His difficulties-The Pittsfield Sun's statement of manufactures in 1809-Close of Arthur Scholfield's life. . 158
CHAPTER IX. . BEFORE THE WAR-[1800-1812.]
7 Business-activity-Establishment and failure of the Berkshire bank-Other busl- ness-losses-Building of a democratic hotel-Names of prominent democrats -Park square and its business-surroundings - Drum-factory - Jonathan Allen, 2d-Pomeroy's gun-factory-Ordination of Rev. William Allen. . 181
?
vii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X.
WAR OF 1812-CANTONMENT AND DEPOT FOR PRISONERS OF WAR-[1811-1815.]
Politics and political influences in Pittsfield -- Names of prominent politicians- News of declaration of war received, and its effect-The Cantonment estab- lished-Barracks erected-Troops arrive-Dinners for the soldiers-Social intercourse and officers' balls-Recruiting and drilling-Major Melville as organizer and manager of the post-Slanders against him met and refuted -The 9th and other regiments called to the front-The Cantonment a depot for prisoners of war-Major Melville as agent for prisoners and deputy marshal-Escape of prisoners attributed to federalists-Stables converted into prisons-Incidents-Unruly prisoners-Prisoners released at close of the war and unwilling to return to Canada-Berkshire regiments in the war-Pittsfield officers-Dinner to General Ripley. . 192
CHAPTER XI.
THE WAR OF 1812-POLITICAL EVENTS CONCERNING IT-THE MILITIA- PEACE-[1812-1815.]
Opening of the war, and position of parties concerning it-Resolutions of Pittsfield in support of the national government-Washington Benevolent Society- Celebration of Washington's birthday-Election of John W. Hulbert to con- gress-Spies arrested and prisoners of war escape-Critical position of the country-Massachusetts militia called out-The question of their command- in-chief-Patriotic action of Pittsfield-The militia-system and Pittsfield militia-Berkshire militia marched to Boston-Chaplain Billy Hibbard's ac- count-News of peace received with joyful demonstrations . . 226
CHAPTER XII.
THE DIVIDED PARISH-PASTORATES OF REV. WILLIAM ALLEN AND REV. THOMAS PUNDERSON-REUNION-[1810-1817.]
Divorce of town and parish affairs-Temporary change in the mode of supporting public worship-Ordination of Rev. William Allen-The town appropriates moneys for a school-fund-Misapplication of the same to the purposes of the First parish, and controversy concerning the same-The First church continues the discipline of its seceding members-Measures looking towards reunion, and obstacles to them-Death and benevolent will of Woodbridge Little-The fathers of the church characterized by Rev. Dr. Humphrey-Rev. Messrs. Allen and Punderson propose reunion, and resign to facilitate it-Their dismission- The churches agree upon a basis of reunion-It is consummated under the auspices of an ecclesiastical council . . 262
CHAPTER XIII. PASTORATE OF REV. DR. HUMPHREY-[1817-1823.]
Changes in the mode of transacting parish-business-Rev. Heman Humphrey chosen pastor-Sketch of Dr. Humphrey-His installation at Pittsfield-State of the Pittsfield parish-Doctor Humphrey's fitness to harmonize its con- flicts-Pastoral work-Catalogue of Bible-class-Sunday-school-His release of dissenting members of the parish from the payment of taxes-Condition of the dissenting parishes-A remarkable revival-Its effects on morals and feuds- Fourth of July, and St. John's day-Mr. Humphrey is invited to the presidency of Amherst collegiate institute-Opposition to his acceptance-His own doubts- Accepts under the advice of a council-Farewell to Pittsfield-His return- Residence and death there-Interesting incidents
. 281
viii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIV.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1820-AMENDMENT TO THE THIRD ARTICLE OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS-ABOLITION OF SEATING THE MEETING-HOUSE-[1820-1836.]
Opinions and votes of Pittsfield regarding the convention-Equality of religious sects before the law-Amendment of the bill of rights offered and advocated by Hon. H. H. Childs-Rejected by the convention-Senatorial apportionment upon a property-basis-Changes in the political-year-Vote of Pittsfield on the several amendments-Reforms in the constitution finally obtained-Curious advertisement of Sylvester Rathbun as Methodist committee-man-Legislative action upon the amendment of the bill of rights-Proposition to change the pews in the meeting-house into slips and to abolish the seating-system-Doctor Humphrey's description of the old system-Names of seating-committees from 1790 to 1830-Evils of the seating-system-Plans for change-Change effected 305
CHAPTER XV.
THE BERKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF AGRI- CULTURE AND MANUFACTURES-[1807-1830.]
Agricultural societies in Europe and America prior to the Berkshire-The just claims of the Berkshire society to precedence-Evidence and acknowledgment of its beneficial influence throughout the country-Biographical sketch of Elkanah Watson-His removal to Pittsfield and exhibition of merino sheep under the Elm-He advocates the establishment of an agricultural society and the introduction of merino sheep-Independent cattle-show in 1810-Its influence upon Berkshire sheep-culture-The society incorporated-Its first cattle-show-Premiums, and prophetic address by Elkanah Watson-Berkshire system of agricultural fairs gradually developed-Ingenious device to interest women in them-Organization of the society's work-Plowing-match and view- ing-committees introduced-Marked effect of the society's effort upon Berkshire agriculture-Pecuniary difficulties-Contributions of Pittsfield-Aid granted by the Commonwealth-Efforts to make the shows migratory successfully resisted -Death of Mr. Watson-Ode by William Cullen Bryant. . 316
CHAPTER XVI.
MEDICAL COLLEGE AND MEDICAL SOCIETIES-[1784-1875.]
Preliminary action-Dr. O. S. Root-Application for charter-Nature of the opposi- tion to it-Charter granted-Lecture-course before the charter-First faculty and trustees-Purchase of Pittsfield hotel-building-Subscriptions and endow- ment-Town action and grant-Popular dread of resurrectionists-Exciting cases of "body-snatching" -Anecdote of Timothy Hall-Provisions for anatomical study at the medical college-Doctor Goodhue elected president- Sketch of his life-Lyceum of natural history-Sketch of Prof. Chester Dewey- Death of Doctor Goodhue-Dr. Zadock Howe elected president-Dr. H. H. Childs made president-Connection with Williams College dissolved-Equality of the two medical colleges of Massachusetts recognized by the State Medical Society-Death of Professor Palmer-College-building burned-Relief by grant from the legislature and citizens' subscriptions-New college erected on South street-Dr. H. H. Childs resigns his professorship-Decline of the college- Clinique established-Doctor Timothy Childs-Efforts to restore the prosperity of the college-Berkshire Medical Journal-The institution dissolved and the building sold-Lyceums and alumni-History of Berkshire medical societies- Pittsfield Medical Society established-Vaccination introduced into Berkshire. 352
ix
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVII. DETACHED SUBJEOTS-[1820-1840.]
Population-Business-changes-Agricultural bank-Fires and first fire-engine- First mutual insurance-company-Stock-insurance company-Berkshire Mutual Fire-Insurance Company-First grading and planting the park-Abel West- Visit of General Lafayette-The temperance-reformation-Explosion of a powder-magazine. . . 377
CHAPTER XVIII. PROMINENT CITIZENS-[1812-1860.]
Thomas Melville-Henry Clinton Brown-William C. Jarvis-Samuel M. Mckay- Thomas Barnard Strong-Henry Hubbard-Edward A. Newton-Ezekiel R. Colt-Nathan Willis-Dr. Robert Campbell-Dr. John Milton Brewster- Solomon L. Russell-Berkshire hotel and incidents. . 398
CHAPTER XIX. CONGREGATIONAL CHUROHES-[1824-1875.]
First Church and Parish-Rev. Mr. Bailey-Rev. Dr. Tappan-Rev. Mr. Yeomans- Revivalist preaching, and division of the church-Six ex-pastors of the Con- gregational churches become college-presidents-Rev. Dr. Brinsmade-Rev. Dr. Todd-Church-statistics-Rev. Mr. Bartlett-Encouragement of sacred music- The first organ and other instrumental music-Trustees of the ministerial fund-Parsonage bought, burned and rebuilt-The church hires the Union Parish meeting-house for a lecture-room-Building struck by lightning-Objec- tions to its use-A new lecture-room built-The church of 1794 damaged by fire, sold and removed-A stone-church built-A stone-chapel built-South Congregational Church and Parish-Measures preliminary to colonization- Organization of parish, and first members-New church begun and burned- Rebuilding-Organization of church-Pastorate of Rev. Dr. Harris-Succeed- ing pastors-New organ-Second Congregational Church. . 416
CHAPTER XX. CHURCHES AND TOWN-HALL-[1812-1875.]
First Baptist Church-Methodist Episcopal Church-Wesleyan Methodist Church- St. Stephen's Church-Town-hall-St. Joseph's Church-Church of St. Jean Le Baptiste-German Lutheran Church-Synagogue Ansha Amonium-Shaker Society. . 435
CHAPTER XXI.
WOOLEN, DUCK, COTTON, PAPER AND FLOURING MILLS-[1808-1875.]
State of manufactures in 1812-Effect of Scholfield's machinery-Seth Moore's rope-walk-Root, Maynard & Co.'s duck-factory-Housatonic woolen and cotton mill-Pittsfield woolen and cotton company-Their mills built ; leased to L. Pomeroy and Josiah Pomeroy-Sold to Josiah Pomeroy & Co .- Bought by L. Pomeroy & Sons-Berkshire agitation for protection to American manu- factures-Henry Shaw-Pontoosuc woolen-factory built-Hindrances to suc- cess-Saxony sheep introduced-Henry Clay's visit to Pittsfield-The Stearns family and their factories-The Barker brothers and their factories-The Russell factories-The Peck factories-Taconic factory-Pittsfield woolen-factory- Bel Air factory-Tillotson & Collins's factory-Pittsfield cotton-factory-Colts- ville paper-mill-Wahconah flouring-mills-Shaker flouring-mill -Osceola River flouring-mill. . 465
X
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXII.
TURNPIKES AND RAILROADS-[1797-1875.]
The turnpike-system-Third Massachusetts, or Worthington, turnpike-Pontoosuc turnpike-Favorable pass through the mountains-Obstacles to the plans of the company-Final success, and opening excursion to Springfield-Proposed canals -Railroad from Boston to thé Hudson river-Explorations for a route made- Theodore Sedgwick - Discussion of the railway-system in the newspapers- Public meetings-Patent railroad from New York to Pittsfield proposed-Further prosecution of the project for a railroad from Boston to Albany-Hudson and Berkshire railroad constructed - Peculiar charter of the Western railroad- Books of subscription opened - Contest and decision concerning the route through Berkshire-The road completed and opened-Depots in Pittsfield- North Adams railroad-Stockbridge and Pittsfield railroad. . . 507
CHAPTER XXIII. FIRE-DISTRICT AND WATER-WORKS-[1795-1875.]
Old fire-department - Organization of fire-district - Purchase of fire-engines- Housatonic and Pontoosuc engine-companies-Greylock hook-and-ladder com- pany - List of engineers-Steam fire-engines - Fires-Early water-works- Ashley water-works-Sidewalks, sewers, and main drains. . 548
CHAPTER XXIV. BERKSHIRE JUBILEE-[1844.]
Origin of the jubilee-Preparatory measures-Reception and public exercises- Farewell-addresses-Biographical sketches of George N. Briggs, Julius Rockwell and James D. Colt. . 573
CHAPTER XXV. BURIAL-PLACES AND CEMETERIES-[1754-1875.]
Earliest burial-places-Condition of the first central ground-Movements for a new ground-Purchase of the First-street ground-The town-lot-Grants and sales of portions of the first burial-ground-Friends object to the removal of the dead -A rural cemetery proposed-Town grants a site to a cemetery-corporation- Preparation of the grounds - Their dedication -Subsequent history - St. Joseph's cemetery. . 597
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE CIVIL WAR-THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE PARK-[1861-1872.]
Pittsfield soldiers of 1775, and 1861, compared-Pittsfield Guard-Allen Guard- First soldiers for the war-Henry S. Briggs-Pollock Guard and Tenth regi- ment-William Pollock-Twentieth and Twenty-first regiments-Lieutenant- Colonel Richardson-Western Bay State or Thirty-first regiment-Thirty-fourth regiment - Camp Briggs-Thirty-seventh regiment-Forty-ninth regiment- General W. F. Bartlett-Eighth regiment-Otherregiments-Bounties-Recruit- ing and patriotic speeches-S. W. Bowerman-Labors of the selectmen- Ladies aid-societies-Death of a patriotic young lady-Mrs. C. T. Fenn-Mrs. J. R. Morewood-Soldiers' monument-Improvement of the park-Dedication of the monument-Speeches of General Bartlett and Hon. Thomas Colt- Oration of George William Curtis. . 609
L
xi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVII.
LIBRARIES AND ATHENEUM.
Early private libraries-Pittsfield social libraries-Pittsfield Young Men's Associa- tions-Berkshire Athenæum-Thomas Allen-Calvin Martin-Phinehas Allen- Thomas F. Plunkett-Rev. Dr. Todd-Henry L. Dawes. . 640
CHAPTER XXVIII. [MISCELLANEOUS-[1800-1876.]
Agricultural society-Schools-Newspapers-Removal of county-buildings-Banks and insurance-company-Academy of Music-Abraham Burbank-Edward Learned-John C. Hoadley-New manufactures-Valuation and census. . 662
HISTORY.
HISTORY OF PITTSFIELD.
CHAPTER I.
PITTSFIELD, A. D. 1800.
Preliminary - The village mapped and described - Old houses still stand- ing - Excellence of the joiner-work - Buildings which have been de- stroyed-The village witling-Anecdote of the Berkshire hotel-Shade trees, flower-gardens and shrubbery - Popular appreciation of the beau- tiful in nature-Stores-Major Israel Stoddard - Influence of method of first settlement on distribution of population - Streets, roads, traveling and transportation.
TN the first volume of this work, we related the history of the township of Pittsfield from the time when it was the hunting- ground of the Mohegans, until about the year 1800, reserving, however, a few points, chiefly concerning manufactures, agricul- ture, and political affairs, subsequent to the Shays rebellion, in order to treat of them more consecutively in connection with their fuller development.
In resuming our task, our first endeavor will be to paint, or at least to map, the town as it stood at the close of the eighteenth century ; to portray some of its leading citizens; to depict its social and domestic life; to describe its physical condition in re- gard to agriculture, commerce, manufactures, and the means of intercommunication with the world beyond the mountains which surround it; in fine, to render the reader as familiar as we may with the Pittsfield of seventy-five years ago.
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