USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Ware > An address, delivered at the opening of the new Townhall, Ware, Mass., March 31, 1847 : containing sketches of the early history of that town, and its first settlers > Part 3
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Brethren, pray for me, that I may be made a precious gift of our as- cended Saviour to you. I hope that you will never do any thing to weaken my hands or discourage my heart. [which I assure you is almost dismayed already under the gloomy prospect.] nor expect perfection from me, for I am a man of like passions, and subject to human infirm- ities, which I hope you will ever be ready to cover with a mantle of love. And that you may behave yourselves, as becomes knowing, wise and discreet christians, nothing wavering or unsteady, shall ever be iny prayer for you.
GRINDALL RAWSON."
PEACE, FEB. 11, 1750.
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Mr. Rawson's salary for the first two years was to be £45, the third year three pounds to be added, and four pounds annually afterwards till it should be sixty pounds, and £100 settlement. He was ordained May 8, 1751 .* The same day a church was organized, but it is not known of how many members it consisted. It must have been small, as the whole number which had been admitted at the time of Mr. Rawson's dismission, Jan. 19, 1754, was but 43. But little is known of Mr. Rawson's history or character. Traditional accounts represent him as a man of little seriousness, comeliness or refinement. Some disaffection seems to have shown itself soon after his settlement, for May 12, 1752, it was voted, " to reconsider the vote giving Mr. Rawson a call, and for paying the salary and settlement." The collectors neglected or refused to collect the taxes for his salary, and a petition was sent to his Majesty's council and House of Representatives, asking power to excuse the col- lectors, and choose others in their stead, which was granted.
Mr. Rawson's request for a dismission is upon record as follows:
" To the Committee of Ware River Parish, to be communicated to the parish.
You are sensible that for some time I have wanted to be released from my relation to Ware River Parish as a minister, and as the inajor part of the voters have dismissed me from my relation to them as a minister, I gladly accept the opportunity of releasing myself from you, especially as the major part of my church have this day invited me to accompany them into a new settlement of which I have accepted, and I therefore do now release you from your relation to me as a minister from this day forward, as witness my hand, Jan. 30, 1754.
GRINDALL RAWSON."
It does not appear that any council was called to dissolve the connexion. Mr. Rawson was afterwards settled in Yar- mouth, Mass. in 1755, where he remained but a few years.
* The Council at the ordination of Mr. Rawson, were Rev. John Campbell, of Oxford.
Grindall Rawson, of Hadlyme, Conn.
Robert Breck, Ist church, of Springfield.
" Caleb Rice, of Sturbridge.
David White, of Hardwick.
Noah Mirick, of 4th church, Springfield, (now Wilbraham.)
Thomas Skinner, of Westchester, in Colchester, Ct.
Benjamin Bowers, of Middle Haddam, Ct.
Isaac Jones, of Western, (now Warren.)
Pelatiah Webster, of Quabbin, (now Greenwich.) each with his delegate.
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He is believed to have been a Chaplain in the Revolu- tion. *
After Mr. Rawson's dismission, there does not appear to have been regular preaching for some time. The poverty of the people rendered it exceeding difficult to collect the taxes. It appears the precinct " voted Jan. 1, 1755, that the collectors of Ware River Parish that are behind in their collections, pay in and make up their collection to the Parish Committee, excepting so much as the court assigned to Mr. Rawson, by the hand of Mr. Edward Ayres, for this reason, that the Parish Treasurer is reduced to such low circum- stances, that the parish are not willing to trust any more in his hands. "
In the fall of 1758, the church and Precinct called Mr. Ezra Thayer to become their minister, and he was or- dained Jan. 10, 1759. His salary was to be £40 for three years, then £3 to be added yearly till it became £55, and as settlement, £100. A deed of the parsonage land is ac- knowledged by him as part of the settlement, £66 13s. 4d. He lived where Samuel Holbrook now lives. To this time the church had no confession of faith, and one was proposed by the ordaining council and adopted. The half way cove- nant plan prevailed to considerable extent, and injured the prosperity of the church. Mr. Thayer continued to be minister till his death, Feb. 12, 1775. Seventy-nine were received into the church in full communion, during his min- istry.
Mr. Thayer was a native of Mendon, graduated at Har- vard College, 1756. He is said to have been a plain man, of pleasing address, and to have secured the confidence of the people. The town erected tomb stones to mark the place of his burial, as a token of their respect.
The following is the Epitaph on his tomb stone, now standing in the burying ground in the West Parish.
" In Memory of the Rev. Ezra Thayer, the Learned, Pious, Faith- ful, and Deservedly Esteemed Pastor of the Church in this town, who
* I find there have been three ministers of the same name,-Grin- dall Rawson, who graduated at Harvard College, 1678, settled in Men- don 1680, where he died, 1715.
Another Grindali Rawson graduated at Harvard College, 1728-was settled as the first minister in South Hadley, 1733, where he is spoken of by President Edwards. as a successful minister. He was afterwards settled at Hadlyme, Ct. 1745, where he died in 1737. Grindall Raw- son, the first minister in Ware, graduated at Harvard College, 1741, and died in 1794, aged 73. The first was probably the grand-father, the second, an uncle of the latter.
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died Feb. 12, 1775, in the 43d year of his age, and the 16th of his ministry.
Go reader mind The better part, Believe the Gospel, Mend thy heart. Go learn to live, Learn to die, For die thou must As well as I."
In 1780, Mr. Winslow Packard was invited to become the minister, but declined this, as well as a renewal of the call. In 1785, Mr. Jeremiah Hallock preached here as a candidate, and an unsuccessful attempt was made to settle him. While he was preaching here, an unusual interest was manifested in religion. He afterwards was an eminent min- ister at Canton, Ct., and an interesting memoir of him was compiled by Rev. Cyrus Yale, of New Hartford, Ct. A few sentences from his diary, while he was preaching in this place, will be interesting.
" 1785, Oct. 17, Sabbath. Spent some time in medita- tion and prayer this morning. The people were very atten- tive. O, may I never forget the mercies of the Lord .- Had a very full and attentive conference this evening. Had freedom in discourse, and so had others .- Some appear- ance of an awakening-O, may it come on, O, may it come on. Nov. 7 .- A remarkable meeting this evening. Some suppose there were three hundred persons present-was en- abled to preach with freedom to the most affected audience I ever saw.
Feb. 1. Visited my pleasant grove, and took my farewell of Ware. I have been there twelve Sabbaths. When I came the young people were light and gay, but it has pleased God to awaken them so that their frolicks are turned into confer- ences, and to God's name be all the glory. There are about twelve hopeful converts."
In July, 1785, Mr. Benjamin Judd was invited to settle as a minister, and was ordained, Oct. 12. He probably came from the county of Berkshire, as his ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Daniel Collins of Lanesboro'. Dr. West of Stockbridge, Rev. Mr. Perry of Richmond, and Rev. Mr. Munson of Lenox, were members of the council. The people were not united in calling Mr. Judd, and un- happily difficulties soon arose, which resulted in his dismis-
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sion, Sept. 28, 1787, and no minister was settled for five years.
In March, 1792, the church and town gave an unanimous invitation to Mr. Reuben Moss, to become their minister, and he was ordained June 12th. He was a native of Che- shire, Ct., graduated at Yale College, 1787, and studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Trumbull, of New Haven. He received £80 salary, and £150 settlement. The following is his answer to the call, copied from the original, which has been carefully preserved.
" To the Church and other Inhabitants in Ware.
Brethren and Friends,
I have taken your Call to settle with you as a Gospel minister, into serious, deliberate and praverful Consideration. Influenced by Solomon's Assertion, In the multitude of Counsellors there is safety, I have also asked the opinion of my Honoured Parents and of many Reverend Fathers in the Ministry. On the whole, re- viewing the singular Providence of God, in opening a door for me to preach the gospel among you, the Unanimity of your hearts in Elect- ing me for your pastor, Your generous Proposals for my temporal sup- port and the joint Encouragement of all to whom I have made appli- cation for advice to go forward, I am inclined to think that the Voice of the People is the voice of God, saying this is the way, walk in it': however, contemplating the Magnitude and extent of a good work, how many fiery darts may be hurled at an Officer in the Church mili- itant, and the Solemn account all who watch for souls must give at the last great day, I am ready to adopt the language of the apostle, who is sufficient for these things. But the Captain of our Salvation hath said, Lo I am with you always. Animated by this Great and precious promise, I Cheerfully comply with your joint invitation. Let me be Interested always in your effectual fervent prayers, and constantly sup- ported by your pious Examples, and I think I shall be cordially willing to spend and be spent for you. . I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would satisfy you Early with his mercies, do you good and make you Glad according to the days wherein he hath afflicted you, and the years wherein you have seen Evil. Now the God of hope pour his spirit upon you, and his blessing upon your offspring and fill you all, both old and young with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the holy Ghost. Permit me to subscribe myself your servant for Jesus' Sake.
·
REUBEN MOSS.
N. B. As Ware is so far from my kindred according to the flesh, from the public seats of Literature. &c., I may have occasion to be absent three or four Sabbaths Yearly.
P. S. It is written If any man provide not for his own but especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an Infidel. You will expect therefore that I pay suitable attention to the things which are seen. I shall consider it an act of kindness if
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the town will give their obligation to Mr. Thomas Marsh for forty-five pounds as soon as he procures and delivers me a Warranty Deed of the seventeen acres of land called his wife's thirds. If it be your pleasure that the year in our computation of time respecting my annual Salary commence the first day of April, when I last returned to you from Pel-
, ham, I have no objections .- Once more I beg leave to rely on your punctuality. Punctuality will be best for you, for in general sufficient unto a year are the burdens thereof. Punctuality I apprehend will be of great service to me. I suppose I shall be willing to enter into a fa- mily state, as soon as I can procure Decent Buildings without being much involved, and I have but little to depend on to defray the expense of Building, besides my annual income and the kind donation of a gen- erous people. Punctuality, therefore, and any assistance which has been or may be proposed, will be received with gratitude by him who is cheerfully devoted to the service of God our Saviour among you. Finally, Brethren, be perfect, be of good Comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you. Happy is that People that is in such a case, yea happy is that People whosc God is the Lord.
WARE, MAY 18, 1792.
REUBEN MOSS, TO THE WHOLE TOWN, GREETING.
As it is customary in this Commonwealth for every family to make an Entertainment, I am sensible the expenses of Ordination have been pretty considerable. And you been at some Cost and pains in sending to call my distant friends. Desirous therefore of sharing with you in the Expenses of Ordination and of exhibiting a public solid testimony of my grateful sense of your kindness in sending so far to my old friends, I request you to accept of five pounds. If you comply with this request, the Assessors may be directed to make a rate bill for this year's Salary, which will amount only to seventy-five pounds.
The Moderator of the Town Meeting of Ware, to be communicated. WARE, JUNE 26, 1792.
In answer to this, the town voted " to accept of Mr. Moss' gratis."
Mr. Moss continued in the ministry in this place until his death, Feb. 17, 1809, more than sixteen years. He was a very successful and devoted minister. During his labors, fifty were added to the church, forty-two by profession, and eight by recommendation from other churches. He was a man of ardent piety, of refined feelings, and somewhat dis- tinguished as a Biblical scholar. As a preacher, he was plain and practical, and enforced his instructions by a blame- less example. Many now remember him as the faithful and affectionate friend of the young. He was particular in his attention to the district schools. At the time of his settle- ment they were in a low and disorderly state, but they very soon became very much improved through his attention and influence. By his effort in this department of his labors, he
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was instrumental in preparing a large number of young men to engage in the instruction of schools in this and neighbor- ing towns. No town in this vicinity it is said, furnished so many teachers. The tone of moral feeling and the standard of education were greatly raised among the people. Twice during his ministry, he was afflicted with derangement, and died at the age of fifty .*
July 9, 1810. Rev. Samuel Ware was invited to settle as minister, and was ordained Oct. 31. Salary, $400, and a settlement of $500, if he should remain fifteen years. He was a useful minister, and was much blessed in his labors, for more than fifteen years, and gathered- one hundred and ninety-seven into the church, 177 by profession, and 20 by letter from other churches. He was dismissed in conse- quence of ill health, in 1826, and the following vote passed by the town, July 3, will show the esteem in which he was held. " Voted, unanimously, that agreeably to his request, we dismiss and cordially recommend the Rev. Samuel Ware, as an exemplary christian, and an able, judicious and faithful minister of the gospel."
In July 19, 1826, Rev. Augustus B. Reed, a native of Rehoboth, and graduate of Brown University, in 1821, was installed as pastor of the church and people. The same council dismissed Mr. Ware, who is still living. To this time, all business pertaining to the affairs of the parish had been done in town meeting. Mr. Reed continued the min- ister of the first parish until June 5, 1838, when he was dis- missed on account of feeble health. He died in this town, Sept. 30, 1838, aged nearly 40.
Rev. Hervey Smith, his successor, was installed Sept. 19, 1838, dismissed 1840, and is now living in the state of New York.
Rev. William E. Dixon, of Enfield, Ct., a graduate of Williams College, was ordained Jan. 14, 1841, and dismiss- ed May 26, 1842. He is now living in his native place.
Rev. David N. Coburn, from Thompson, Ct., a graduate of Amherst College, was ordained Sept. 21, 1842, and is the present minister of the first church.
Until 1825, the inhabitants of the town had generally met in one place of worship. In consequence of the flourishing
* Mr. Moss married Mrs. Hadassah Cheesebrough, of Stonington, Ct. where some of his descendants now live. He built the house now owned by Reuel Washburn. It was afterwards owned by Rev. Mr. Ware.
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village which rose as by magic in that year on the eastern border of the town, containing about one half of the popula- tion, it was found necessary to form a new society, and erect a house of worship. In April, 1826, a society was organized, and a church formed, April 12. Rev. Parsons Cook, a native of Hadley, and a graduate of Williams Col- lege, was ordained June 21, 1826 .* The same year the house of worship now occupied by the East Congregational Society was built. The house has been remodelled the past year, and will compare advantageously with any house in the commonwealth west of Worcester. It will seat 900 per- sons. Mr. Cook continued pastor of the church until April 13, 1835. He gathered 350 members into the church dur- ing his ministry. He was succeeded by Rev. Cyrus Yale, from New Hartford, Ct., installed June 11, 1835, who was dismissed, and returned to his former field of labor Aug. 3, 1837.
Rev. Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge, a native of Wor- thington in this county, and college class-mate of Mr. Cook, was installed May 2, 1838. He was dismissed Dec. 28, 1S40, to become one of the editors of the N. E. Puritan, in connexion with Rev. Mr. Cook.
June 28, 1842, the present minister, Rev. Nahum Gale was ordained. He is a native of Auburn, Mass. and was graduated at Amherst College, 1837.
Since the Village sprung up, a small Methodist Society has existed here.
A Baptist Society, just over the line in Hardwick has ex- isted for more than fifty years, to which Rev. Ebenezer Burt bas preached most of the time, and to which some fa- milies in this town have belonged. During the last year, a Baptist church has been organized in the Village, and Rev. Amory Gale, a graduate of Brown University, was ordain- ed Nov. 11, 1846. They have not yet erected a house of worship, but propose to do so this year.
A small Free Will Baptist church has existed a few years in the southwest part of the town, but has no house of wor- ship.
A house is now going up for an Unitarian Society in the Village.
* The services at the ordination were, Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Wood- bridge, of Hadley. Ordaining Prayer, by Rev. Mr. Vaill, of Brimfield. Charge, by Rev. Mr. Ely of Monson. Right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Mr. Gridley of Williamstown. Concluding Prayer, by Rev. Mr. Sweet, of Palmer.
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The following persons have been deacons in the first church, viz :-
JACOB CUMMINGS, Chosen 1751. Died Feb. 27, 1776.
JOHN DAVIS, 1751. Date of death not known.
MAVERICK SMITH, 1758. Died Sept. 11, 1789.
THOMAS JENKINS,
1768. March 24, 1792. .
WILLIAM PAIGE,
1789.
66
June 23, 1826.
DANIEL GOULD, 66 1789.
July 10, 1834.
JOSEPH CUMMINGS,
1815. Dişmissed, 1826.
ELI SNOW,
1815.
Died, Dec. 23, 1835.
WARNER BROWN,
1826.
Deposed, 1830.
ENOS DAVIS,
1830.
Died May 10, 1837.
ABNER LEWIS,
1835.
THOMAS SNELL,
1837.
The deacons in the East Congregational Church.
JOSEPH CUMMINGS, chosen in 1826.
LUTHER BROWN, 1826. Resigned, 1841.
THOMAS THWING, 66 " 1826.
1837.
JOHN TOLMAN,
" 1837.
WILLIAM HYDE,
1837.
LEWIS DEMOND,
1844.
CIVIL HISTORY.
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Ware was incorporated as a town Nov. 25, 1761. The first warrant for town meeting was issued by Eleazar Porter, . Esq. of Hadley, Feb. 23, 1762, and the meeting held March 9th. William Brakenridge was chosen clerk. He had been clerk of the Precinct from 1757, and held the of- fice until 1777. The first board of Selectmen were Sam- uel Sherman, William Brakenridge, John Davis, Jacob Cummings, and Judah Marsh, who were also Assessors,- Jacob Cummings, Treasurer. The first town meetings were called in His Majesty's name, which continued till 1776. Then they were called " in the name of Massachusetts and the people," or " the government and the people of Massa- chusetts Bay in New England," till the adoption of the State Constitution, in 1780, when the present style was adopted, " in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
In March, 1775, William Brakenridge was chosen dele- gate to the Provincial Congress. In May of the same year " it was voted to choose three men to take turns to attend the
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Congress, a free gratis, the district bearing their expense," and it appears that in October, that William Brakenridge was allowed £3 6s. Sd. and Joseph Foster was allowed £3 9s. 6d. Dea. Thomas Jenkins was the other delegate. In 1778, a frame of government, or Constitution was sent out to the people, and unanimously rejected. The action of this town upon the Constitution that was sent out to the people, in 1780, is a curious chapter in history, and is worthy of being copied entire, as an illustration of the difficulties our fathers encountered when they undertook to set up a govern- ment of their own.
" May 17, 1780. The meeting being opened, made choice of Lieut. Abraham Cummings moderator for said meeting.
Voted to choose a committee of seven men to consider of the Constitution, made choice of Capt. Wm. Braken- ridge, Deacon Thomas Jenkins, Mr. Thomas Mcclintock, Lieut. Abraham Cummings, Mr. Samuel Dunsmore, Dea. Maverick Smith, and one Tisdale.
Voted to adjourn the meeting till Thursday, the 25th inst. at 1 o'clock. Met and adjourned till Wednesday, the 31st inst. at 1 o'clock. Met according to adjournment. Voted not to accept of the whole of the Constitution. Voted to accept the sixteenth article of the Bill of rights, with this amendment :- Where it does not hurt the innocent frame of government.
Cbap. 1. Sec. 2. Art. 1 .- Voted to take off one third of the council and Senate.
Sec. 3. Art. 2 .- Voted that no town shall send more than four Representatives.
Chap. 2. Sec. 1. Art. 2 .- Voted that the Governor shall be of the Protestant religion.
Art. 13 .- Voted that Salaries shall be lowered as well as raised.
Chap. 3, Art. 1 .- Voted that the word Shall, be put in instead of the word May.
Chap. 6. Art. 3 .- Voted, that they shall not increase the qualifications of property, of persons to be elected to office.
Thirty-one persons voted to accept the Constitution with the alterations here made, except one man against the third article of the declaration of rights."
If the Constitution fared as hard in other towns, we may wonder how our government had an existence. We must
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remember, that there was no model in Europe or elsewhere that our fathers would follow; and though some of these votes may seem to us strange, they at least shew that the men of those times thought for themselves. It shows also, that some things which have provoked much discussion with- in a few years, especially with regard to the lowering of sa- laries, were as well considered then.
This was during the war of the Revolution, when money was scarce, and the inhabitants being poor, suffered great hardships. They do not seem to have been destitute of pat- riotism, for the records show, that they made great efforts to comply with the requisitions for men and for supplies. " In 1777, the town voted to raise eight men for the Conti- nental army, and to pay each man twenty pounds as a boun- ty from the town. In 177S, voted to raise the clothing for the soldiers, to allow six dollars a pair for shoes, four dol- lars a pair for stockings, ten shillings a yard for cloth a yard wide. Edward Demond, Jr. to provide twenty-one yards." These prices were in consequence of the depreciation of the continental money. In 1780, the town raised £1,000 to hire preaching, £1,500 for town charges, £2,000 to repair highways, at $£0 a day.
The same year Mr. Winslow Packard was invited to be- come the minister, with £130 settlement, £45 salary " 10 be stated on the following articles. Wheat, at five shillings per bushel. Rye, at three shillings and four pence per bushel. Indian corn, at two shillings and six pence per bushel. Pork, at three pence half penny per pound. Beef, at two pence per pound. Sheep's wool, at one shilling and six pence per pound. Butter, at seven pence per pound. La- bor, at two shillings and six pence per day in hay time." " It was also voted to pay Capt. Brakenridge seven shillings per week for boarding Mr. Packard, the old way, or eighty double Continental money." Deacon William Paige was also allowed " seven shillings a week old way, or seventy- two double continental."
Daniel Gould, Oliver Coney, and David Brown, were allowed for twelve days making taxes; eight dollars a day, ninety-six dollars.
Sept. 1780 .- It was voted to raise thirteen thousand six hundred and eighty pounds to pay the soldiers that are now in service. Jan. 1781 .-- Mr. Davenport was allowed three hundred twenty-eight pounds for preaching, forty pounds per day.
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March, 1781. The poll-tax was thirty pounds ten shillings. Maverick Smith, Daniel Gould, and David Brown were al- lowed for making taxes 35 days, at $20 a day, two hundred and ten pounds.
.At the first election under the Constitution, Sept. 4, 1780, John Hancock had 20 votes for Governor, James Bowdoin, 1 vote
Robert Treat Paine, 1 vote. Azor One, had 10 votes for Lieut. Governor. Artemas Ward had 4 votes.
Senators-Joseph Hawley, 14. Col. Woodbridge, 18
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