Gazetteer of Berkshire County, Mass., 1725-1885, Part 12

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Printed at the Journal Office
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Gazetteer of Berkshire County, Mass., 1725-1885 > Part 12

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Henry J. Arnold & Son's steam saw and planing-mills, located on Spring st., was established in 1878. Mr. Arnold gives employment to fifty hands in the manufacture of lumber, boxes and barrels, turning out about 3,000,000 feet of lumber per annum.

Allen Iron Works located on Mill street, operated by both steam and water-power, were built by James A. Allen, in 1871. Mr. Allen manufac- tures patent grate bars, filters for paper-mills, sugar refineries, bleacheries

TOWN OF ADAMS.

and dye works, beamers, skein spoolers, bobbin winders, chain warpers, dye machines, and chain-splitting machines, all of which are his own inventions and his specialties in manufacture. He has also invented a new steam-heat- ing apparatus, which is considered of great value for heating factories, churches and dwellings. He gives employment to about twenty-five hands.

The Greylock Woolen Mills, located at Maple Grove, on the Hoosack river, were erected in 1864, by Messrs. Peter Blackinton and B. F. Phillips. The present firm is B. F. Phillips & Son, who manufacture cassimeres, ladies' dress goods and shawls. The mills are operated by both steam and water- power, are furnished with seven sets of machinery, and give employment to 160 operatives.

James B. Dean's grist-mill and cotton-batting factory are located on road 14 cor 26 and 27, on Peck's brook. The grist-mill grinds meal and feed, and cotton batting is made from waste material gotten at cotton factories. Mr. Dean employs six hands.

The Maple Grove Warp Mills, located at Maple Grove, Adams & Co., proprietors, have 4, 100 spindles and employ 125 hands in the manufacture of cotton warp. The mills were built by Adams & Seeley, in 1848.

The Plunkett Manufacturing Co .- The mills occupied by this heavy com- pany were built by Stephen L. Arnold & Co., in 1846, going into operation July 4th of that year, manufacturing cotton cloth. Upon the death of Stephen L. Arnold, the concern was left entirely to his partner, Daniel Arnold, and then came an unsuccessful period of several years. It then became the prop- erty of O. Anold & Co., and then, several years later, came another change of proprietors, and finally, in 1881, it was taken by the present company. The officers of the concern are J. R. Anthony, president ; W. B. Plunkett, treas- urer ; and Charles T. Plunkett, manager. They have 5,200 spindles and 120 fancy looms, producing bleached dress goods.

W. C. Plunkett & Sons .- This firm, composed of William B. and Charles T. Plunkett, carry on an extensive business in the manufacture of white and colored cotton warps and yarns, operating 14,200 spindles.

The Pump Log Factory .- This old factory was located on Tophet brook, about three-quarters of a mile east of the village. It was built by Daniel and John Anthony, in 1822, 40 by 30 feet, three and one-half stories in height, for the manufacture of cotton yarn. The water was thrown upon a wheel twenty-six feet in diameter, on a level with the third story. The weaving was all done in the families of the surrounding neighborhood. About seven years later Cyrus and Jacob Peck leased the factory, changing it to a ma- chine shop for the manufacture of cotton and woolen machinery. About 1831 it was again changed, to a factory for manufacturing satinets, operated by Isaac U. Hoxie, who continued until 1834 or '35, when the factory was closed.

Turner's Factory .- This building was erected in 1814, by Gersham, Caleb, George and Sewell Turner, standing where the machine shop now stands, near the Stone Mill of the Renfrew Manuf. Co.

TOWN OF ADAMS.

Although the two towns were then one, the sketch of old Fort Massachu- setts and the Indian history pervading its story properly belong with the his- tory of North Adams, to the sketch of which town the reader is referred. But in the following remarks relative to the early settlement of the territory, it must be remembered that we speak of the two towns as a whole, or as though no division had ever been made.

Among the early settlers of the town, not including a few soldiers who lingered near the fort, were Abial Smith and his sons Gideon and Jacob, John Kilborn and John McNeal, of Litchfield, Conn .; Reuben Hinman and Jonathan Smith, of Woodbury ; and Messrs. Parker, Cook and Leavenworth, of Wallingford. These settlers, however, with others who located with them, did not remain long, most of them selling their lands to purchasers from Rhode Island, many of whom were Quakers. Others, not of that order, soon followed from the same State, until nearly the whole town was occupied by Rhode Islanders. October 15, 1778, the town was incorporated, the first town meeting being held March 8, 1779, when Capt. Philip Mason, Capt. Israel Jones, and Capt. Reuben Hinman were elected selectmen. The prin- cipal points of settlement were at what are now the villages of North Adams and Adams, forming the nucleuses about which these villages were built. The grist and saw-mill required by the grant to Ephraim Williams, were built at what is now North Adams village, and a grist-mill was built about the same time at Adams village, or as it is generally known, South Adams. The fol- lowing biographical sketches, however, are of only such as settled in what is now the township of Adams :-

Benjamin Farmer came to Adams, from Dartmouth, R. I., about 1787, settling as a pioneer farmer, where he resided until his death. His son Will- iam, born in Dartmouth in 1775, was twelve years old when he came to Adams with his father, and resided on the old homestead during the remain- der of his life. He married Martha Chase, of his native town, who bore him eleven children, who lived to attain a mature age, and all married, except one daughter who remained at home and ministered to the wants of her parents until they died. Only one of this large family, Mrs. Ann Eliza Fessenden, now resides in the town.

Job Anthony, born at Taunton, Mass., in 1797, came to Adams in 1816, commencing an apprenticeship with Joseph Shove, tanner, with whom he re- mained three years. He then entered into a contract to support Hattel Kelly, a bachelor, and his maiden sister, for the use of a small tan-yard and a farm of fifty acres. This he continued to do until the death of Mr. Kelly, when he purchased the property to which he has added from time to time. Here he has continued to live, up to the present time. Mr. Anthony is of Quaker extraction, and early identified himself with that society here, being now the only surviving member thereof. At the dismission of the society, in 1828, caused by the doctrines of Elias Hicks, Mr. Anthony took strong grounds against these sentiments, and is now decidedly orthodox. In his

TOWN OF ADAMS.

thirty-first year he married Hannah Harkness, who died in 1861. This union was blessed with the birth of two sons and a daughter, viz. : Susan (Mrs. Andrews Hall), living on Myrtle street ; Job Kelly Anthony, merchant, of the firm of Anthony & Burlingame, at Maple Grove ; and Edmund, a farmer, residing on the homestead. During his whole course as a business man, in- volving transactions of considerable amount, Mr. Anthony has never broken a contract nor failed to meet an obligation.

John Fisk, from Cheshire, came to Adams at an early date, locating on the farm his grandson, John H. Fisk, now occupies, where he remained till his death. He built the house thereon, which is still in a good state of pres- ervation, in 1797. He married Hannah Smith, who bore him four children, none of whom are living. His son Daniel succeeded him on the homestead. Daniel was twice married and reared six children, four of whom are now living, viz. : Daniel W., in Wisconsin ; Ann Eliza (Mrs. Henry Bliss), in Adams village ; John H., as before mentioned ; and Charles E., an invalid, occupying, with his mother, a part of the homestead.

Hiram H., son of Jerred Clark, was born in Williamstown, in November, 1820. He spent his youth much as other farmer's sons, in work on the farm and in attending the common school of his, neighborhood, until fourteen years of age. He then was engaged to work in the cotton mills of Dr. Bray- ton, where the woolen mills of Deweyville are now located. In 1836 he engaged with James E. Marshall, a cotton manufacturer, of North Adams. In 1846 he engaged with Messrs. Pollock & Hathaway, where he remained two years, then bought out Mr. Hathaway's interest, the firm being known as William Pollock & Co., and was continued until 1863, when Mr. Clark with- drew and formed a partnership with George W. and John S. Adams, manu- facturing cotton warp, under the firm name of Adams & Clark. This firm continued four years, when Mr. Clark purchased an interest in the Renfrew Manufacturing Co., holding the position of superintendent. Here he re- mained till 1871, when he sold out his interest and moved to Alabama, to superintend a manufactory of cotton checks and plaids, remaining there until the autumn of 1883, when he returned to Adams, and is now superin- tendent of the mills of the Plunkett Manufacturing Co. at Maple Grove.

David Anthony, from Rhode Island, came to Adams, as near as can be ascertained, about the time of the breaking out of the Revolution, locating in the southern part of the town, on the West road, near the Cheshire line. At the time of the battle of Bennington, while the men turned out with such arms as they could procure-guns, pitchforks, etc.,-and hastened forward to the scene of war, Mrs. Anthony collected her pewter ware and other valu- ables, placed them in her large brass kettle, and buried the whole in the cellar of their log house. Mr. Anthony remained where he first located until the division of the Friend's society, about 1827, when he went to live with his orthodox brother, in Greenfield, N. Y., where he died. His four sons were Elihu, John, Humphrey and David. Elihu and John, early in life,

TOWN OF ADAMS.

went to Greenfield, N. Y. Elihu was a farmer, blacksmith and Quaker preacher, John a farmer. Humphrey was a farmer and blacksmith, but owned fifteen shares of stock in the South Adams Cotton and Woolen Com- pany, and was the Company's agent one year. He married Hannah, youngest daughter of Joshua Lapham, and attained the great age of ninety-six years, his wife dying at the age of sixty-six. Their children were Daniel, Susan, Hannah, John, Joshua, Abram, Ira, Ann Eliza and Humphrey. Daniel, a man of high talents and fine education, was a manufacturer, and built, with his brother John, the Pump Log Factory, and was the prime mover in organizing the first academy in town. He left Adams about 1827, and died in Rochester, about 1857. He married Susan Reed, a daughter of one of the early settlers, and reared six children, two of whom attained a national reputation, viz. : Miss Susan B. Anthony, and Col. Daniel R. Anthony, of Leavenworth fame. John was at one time a manufacturer here, but finally went West, and became an extensive land owner. Joshua was a farmer near the old homestead, and was killed by lightning about 1835. Abram has been a manufacturer, first at Maple Grove, with his brother John, next with his brother-in-law, Israel U. Hoxie ; he then gave his attention to farming, owned 600 acres, continuing a farmer several years, when he built a saw-mill and grist-mill, at Renfrew, and finally sold out to William Pollock, in 186 -. He still owns valuable land in the vicinity of Renfrew Mills, along the Hoosac. Ira died in boyhood. Ann Eliza married Mr. Dickinson, and is now a widow, residing in Chicago. Humphrey resides in town, a wealthy farmer.

Joshua Lapham came to Adams sometime previous to 1781, and was one of the organizers of Friends society, and one of its first members. He was a farmer, and located about half a mile north of Bowen's corners. His sons nearly all went west, were enterprising and energetic men. None of the name, however, are now in town.

Stoel E. Dean was born in New Ashford, April 18, 1809, and came to Adams with his father, a tanner, when twenty years of age. He was a part- ner with his father a few years, and in 1841 he left Adams and engaged with his brother in the tanning business at Pittsfield, where he remained nine years. In 1850 he returned to Adams and formed a partnership with B. F. Phillips, under the firm name of Dean & Phillips, for the manufacture of woolen goods. This firm continued about three years, when he rented the factory to Messrs. B. F. Phillips and Peter Blackinton, but soon obtained an interest in the firm. This continued until about 1857, when Abram La Monte entered the firm, and later Messrs. Phillips and Blackinton retired, Mr. Dean and Mr. LaMonte continuing the business alone until the fac- tory was destroyed by fire. The building was soon after replaced and occu- pied by the Richmond & Upton Paper Co., in which Mr. Dean had an inter- est. The factory was finally sold to William C. Plunkett, and is now used by his sons in the manufacture of cotton warp. Since then Mr. Dean has retired from active business. He was in early life a Democrat, but in 1844,

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TOWN OF ADAMS.

believing the principle of Free Soil correct, he left the party, and at the organization of the Republican party he identified himself with it, and was elected to the State legislature in the autumn of 1860.

Horace M. Holmes, M. D., was born in Waterville, Vt., November 2, 1830. He received his education at Bakersfield Academy, and then went to Warsaw, Ill., in May, 1848, where he successfully engaged in teaching about a year and a half. He then, after teaching a short time in Alexandria, Mo., returned East, commencing the study of medicine with the late Profs. H. H. and T. Childs, of Pittsfield, also attending lectures at the old Berkshire Med- ical college, from which he graduated in 1852. He immediately commenced practice in Cambridge, Vt., remaining only a short time, however, when he located in Adams in 1853, forming a partnership with the late Dr. George C. Lawrence, which lasted one year, since which time he has practiced alone. During his first year here he was elected school committee, serving two years. In politics, Dr. Holmes is a firm Republican, and in the autumn of 1878 was elected to represent the Second Berkshire District, serving on the committee on public health, and was re-elected the following year, serving on the same committee. He has since, however, given his whole attention to his large practice.

Liscom Philips, M. D., was born in Ashfield, Mass., in 1777, studied medicine with Dr. Bryant, of Cummington, father of William Cullen Bryant, and com- menced practice in Savoy soon after graduating. He remained there until 1812, when he removed to Adams, where he remained in practice until his death, in 1821. He married Nancy Paddleford, of Taunton, who bore him seven chil- dren, all of whom, except three, removed from the town at an early age. Henry P. Philips took his father's profession, attended Williams college, and graduated from the old Berkshire Medical college, and commenced practice with his father-in-law, Dr. Tyler, in Lanesboro. Two years after he settled in Adams, remained till 1840, then removed to North Adams, where he re- mained in successful practice until his death, in November, 1881. Julia A. Phillips became the wife of Stoel E. Dean, in 1834. Benjamin F. Phillips, now occupying the homestead, on Park street, was born therein in 1817. He commenced work in the wool-carding mills of William Jenks, at the age of fourteen, remaining in this manufacture until 1850, when he became a partner with Stoel E. Dean. In 1853 Mr. Phillips and Peter Blackinton rented the mills of Mr. Dean, and in 1857 Messrs. Dean and LaMont were admitted, the firm name being Blackinton, Phillips & Co., which was con- tinued till 1860, when Blackinton and Phillips withdrew and commenced the manufacture of woolen goods at Maple Grove. In 1864 they built the pres- ent Greylock woolen mill, and in 1866 they divided their property, Mr. Phil- lips obtaining Greylock mills, which he now operates in company with his son Albert L., manufacturing cassimeres, ladies' dress-goods and shawls.

Zebedee Dean, born in Rehoboth, Mass., in 1782, moved to Cheshire about 1800, and learned the blacksmith trade of his step-father, Ephraim Farm-

TOWN OF ADAMS.

ington. After learning his trade, he bought out his father and carried on the blacksmithing business and farming until about 1860, when he gave up black- smithing and sold his farm, but lived in the house until his death, in 1867, aged eighty-five years and six months. Three children are living, D. J., James B., and Albert G.

D. J. Dean, born in Cheshire, in 1816, worked on the farm till fifteen years old, then went into the store of Russell Brown, continued there until the dis- solution of Brown & Plunkett, in 1841, then came to Adams, entering the employ of Mr. Brown, as business manager of his mill and store. He con- tinued with Mr. Brown till the latter's death, in 1851, when, after settling the deceased's estate, he bought an interest in the mercantile business, with David Richmond, continuing with him three years, then bought his interest and continued the business until 1883. He then, on account of age and failing health, sold out to E. J. Noble. He was a member of the House of Repre- sentatives in 1848 and 1876 ; member of the Senate in 1879 ; town assessor for twenty-five years; selectman one or two years ; director of the First National Bank seventeen or eighteen years; and vice-president and trustee of the South Adams Savings Bank from its commencement, in 1869, to the present time.

Russell Brown, born in Cheshire, in 1782, worked at farming until about 1803-04, then commenced mercantile business, at Cheshire, which he contin- ued successfully until 1845 -- 46. He was a member of both branches of the legislature several times. About 1820 -- 25 he bought an interest in the Adams South Village Cotton and Woolen Mfg. Co., at Adams, and by buying in the shares was principal owner in 1825-26. In 1831-32 he sold an interest in the mill to William C. Plunkett, who, in 1832-33, built the "Stone Mill," for the manufacture of print cloths, under the firm name of Brown & Plunkett, who continued together till 1841, when they dissolved, Mr. Brown taking the lower or Stone Mill, and Mr. Plunkett the upper or Brick Mill. Mr. Brown con- tinued manufacturing until his death, in 1851, aged sixty-nine years, ending a long, successful and honorable business life. He died without issue.

Gen. William C. Plunkett, who died at Adams, Saturday, January 19, 1884, ending a well spent and useful life of eighty-four years, was the last of three brothers -William C., Charles H., of Hinsdale, and Thomas F., of Pitts- field-who have left their mark in the business, social and political life of Berkshire. Mr. Plunkett was born in a log cabin at Lenox, but managed by economy to obtain a practical academic training, which fitted him for a school teacher, and enabled him to obtain a situation in Lanesboro, to which place his family had removed from Lenox. About the year 1830 he moved to Adams, and although his capital then consisted of only $270.00, it was the foundation for large manufacturing interests with which he was identified up to the time of his death. He made cotton and woolen goods, and the Plunkett Manufacturing Company and the Greylock Mills attest his enter- prise and industry. His two sons, William B. and Charles T., were associ-

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TOWN OF ADAMS.

ated with him for a number of years, owning a controlling interest in four or five mills. Mr. Plunkett acquired his military title in old military days, and although having held the high offices of lieut .- governor, executive coun- cilor, senator and representative to the general court, there was no honor he more highly prized than that of moderator over the deliberations of his fellow citizens in town meetings. He was a progressive man in every respect, and good schools and school-houses were always advocated by him. Gen. Plunkett held many offices of trust in the State. He was lieutenant-gov- ernor with Gov. Emory Washburn, of Worcester, in 1854, a member of the senate in 1840, and several times represented his district in the lower branch of the legislature, the last time in 1872-73. He served in the executive coun- cil with both Governors Rice and Long, and was a member of the constitu- tional convention in 1853. He is particularly missed by the Congregational church and Sunday school, having been one of the most prominent members of the church since its formation in 1840, its most liberal supporter and a deacon almost constantly. He had also been superintendent of the Sunday school for forty-two consecutive years.

Edmund Jenks, from Smithfield, R. I., located, in 1778, about a mile and a quarter east of Adams. He reared a large family of six sons and three daughters, the sons being named Charles, Samuel, William, Thomas, George and Edmund, Jr. They all upheld well the good reputation of the family as farmers, mechanics, manufacturers, doctors and in political life. They located in different parts of the county and have left many descendants.

Zacheus Hathaway, born at Freetown, Mass., in 1751, married Eleanor Up- ton, of Berkley, and came to Adams in 1791, locating on road 12, where they reared a family of eight children. Edward, the fifth child, remained on the old homestead, married Abigail Power, of Hudson, N. Y., and reared four children. Of these, Rufus B. and Lydia P. are living, occupying the old home farm.

During the Revolutionary period the inhabitants of Adams maintained prompt co-operation with the government. Numerous votes stand on record, authorizing assessments to defray the expenses of the part they were taking in the contest. They raised large sums at a time. At one meeting it was "voted to give nine month's men ten dollars a month in grain, -- wheat at 6s., per bushel, rye at 4s., corn at 3s., and one hundred continental dollars before they marched."

The Baptist church of Adams, located on Commercial street, was organ- ized by James Mason, Daniel Smith and others, in 1826, Rev. Mr. Sweet being the first pastor. Their church building, which is still in use, was erected in 1835 ; it is a frame structure capable of seating 300 persons, and, including grounds, etc., is valued at $2,500.00. The society now has 216 members, with C. W. Anable, D. D., pastor.

The First Congregational church of South Adams was organized by Rev. Stillman Pratt, with two members, January 1, 1840, Mr. Pratt being also the

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TOWN OF ALFORD.

first settled minister, installed in 1845. In 1843 the society erected a house of worship which did service until 1868, when the present handsome wood structure was erected, which will comfortably seat 600 persons, and is valued, including grounds, at $30,000 00, its original cost being $25,000.00. The society has about 300 members, with Rev. Edward Hungerford, pastor. We quote from a copy of the New York Observer, of 1883, the following para- graph relative to this church, from the pen of S. E. Bridgeman :-

" We were much interested in the reminiscences of the town of Adams as given by Gen. C. W. Plunkett, a county octogenarian. When he went to that town half a century ago, the Sabbath was openly pro- faned, stores were kept open, farmers plowed their fields, boys played ball in the streets, factories were ' raised,' and even the pastor of the single church carried his grist to mill on Sunday ! When an earnest Baptist minis- ter came into the village and preached against the desecration of the Sab- bath, by the people digging ditches and grinding corn, the public sentiment was so strong as to compel him to leave. Dr. Alden, of Williamstown, and Prof. Hopkins, his associate, seeing the ungodliness of their neighbors, sent out the cry : 'Who will go to Adams ?' Rev. Stillman replied, 'I'll go,' and he went, often preaching to an audience of six. In 1840 the church was organized, with two members. In two months the original church had dimin- ished one half, but that half being a woman it could not die, and to-day it has a membership of nearly 300, and a Sabbath School of over 250.

St. Paul's Universalist Parish was organized by E. F. Jenks and thirty-two others, March 28, 1844, Almond W. Mason being the first pastor. The soci- ety soon after built a small brick church, which did service until 1871, when the present commodious structure was erected, which will comfortably accom- modate 350 persons and is valued, including grounds, at $25,000.00. The present pastor of the society is Rev. W. S. Woodbridge.

St. Mark's church of Adams, Protestant Episcopal, was originally organ- ized in 1867, and re-organized in 1872, their church building being erected in 1881. This is a neat stone structure, capable of seating, including chapel, 400 persons, valued at $32,000.00, about its original cost. The parish now has sixty-three members, with Rev. Herbert Smythe, rector.

The Seven Dolors of the B. V. M., Roman Catholic church, was organ- ized by its first pastor, Rev. C. Crevier, with 400 members, in 1871, and in 1875 their church building was erected, which is valued at $6,000.00. The society now has 1,700 members, with Rev. J. B. Charbonneau, pastor.

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Gazetteer of Berkshire County, Mass., 1725-1885, Part 12

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Printed at the Journal Office Number of Pages: 972

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Printed at the Journal Office
Number of Pages: 972