Gazetteer of Berkshire County, Mass., 1725-1885, Part 15

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 15

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Nathan Mason came to Cheshire, from Rehoboth, Mass., sometime previ- ous to the Revolution, locating about two and a half miles northwest of the village. Sometime previous to his death he went to Adams, to reside with his son, where he died, at the age of eighty-six. He was a Revolutionary soldier and was at the battle of Bennington. His son, Nathan, who was a child when he came here with his father, spent most of his life in Adams, dy- ing there in 1850. He reared a family of seven children, four of whom, Ethan A., of California, Ira N., a physician in Cheshire, Maria D., also of this town, and one, a minister, living in Malden, Mass., survive.

Nathan Wood removed to Cheshire from Rehoboth, Mass., some time pre- vious to the Revolutionary war, and reared a family, two sons of whom, Nathan and Daniel, served in the Revolution and were at the battle of Ben- nington. Daniel located on the farm where Mrs. Daniel Wood now resides, and reared a family, one of whom, Mrs. Laura Northrop, is living. He died in 1820. Elisha, son of Daniel, was born on the homestead, where he resided until his death, in 1850. Daniel, son of Elisha, was also born on the home- stead, where he resided until his death, in 1881. Several of his children reside in town, whose children are the sixth generation to make their home here. Nathan, brother of Daniel Wood, located on the farm adjoining Daniel, and reared a family of sixteen children, fourteen living to maturity, but only one of whom, Mrs. Orisa A. Ingalls, survives. Nathan died about 1842. Mason, son of Nathan, was born in town, where he resided until his death, in 1858. Two of his grandchildren, Mrs. Nancy L. Leonard and Henry F. Wood, survive.

John Bennett, from Warwick, R. I., immigrated to Cheshire about the time of the breaking out of the Revolution, locating on road 18, upon the farm now owned by Amy E. Brown. He reared a family of nine children, none of whom survive, and died about 1856, at the age of ninety-four years and five months. His son Andrew, born here in 1795, died in 1860. He reared a family of six children, three of whom, Luther M., Mrs. Amy E. Brown, and William P., who resides on road 26, survive, all residing in Cheshire. Andrew represented his district in the State legislature and held other offices of trust.

Rev. Nathan Mason, a Baptist clergyman, from Rehoboth, who came here at an early day, lived here many years and died in Montreal, while on a visit there. His son Hezekiah came to Cheshire about the year 1776, where he lived till within about three years of his death, which occurred in Stephen- town, N. Y., in 1825, at the age of seventy-two years. He reared a family of eleven children, all of whom survived him. But three of the family remained in this vicinity, nearly all of them removing to New York, Pennsyl-

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TOWN OF CHESHIRE.

vania and the West. One daughter, Sally, married Samuel Martin, and died in this town. Her son, Orrin, now resides here.

Israel Cole came to Cheshire, from Swanzey, Mass., about the time of the battle of Bennington, locating about two miles west of the village, reared eight children, and died in Adams, about 1831, at the age of ninety-five His oldest son, James, always resided in Cheshire, where he died at the age of eighty-eight. Another son, Jonathan, who came here with his father at the age of eight years, went to Saratoga county, N. Y., when a young man, removing from there to Herkimer county, where he died in 1848. He reared a family of eight children. His son Lansing is now a resident of the town. Silas Cole, grandson of Jonathan, was born in Cheshire, lived for many years on the farm now owned by L. A. Cole, and died in 1878. A son. M. L. Cole, now resides on road 13 corner 12.

Stephen Whipple, who came to Cheshire from Providence, R. I., in 1776, located in the southern part of the town, on the farm now occupied by Martin Ingalls, residing here until his death. He had born to him twelve children, all of whom lived to maturity, and nearly all of whom attained an advanced age. Stephen was at the battle of Bennington. One son, Samuel, who was ten years of age when he came to this town, resided here until his death, in 1853, at the age of eighty-six. He reared a family of ten chil- dren, four of whom, D. C., wife of Aaron Richardson, of Attica, N. Y., Harvey, of Canastota, N. Y., James M., of Windsor, and Samuel P., of Cheshire, survive.

Jesse Jenks, one of the early settlers of Cheshire, came from Smithfield, R.I., locating in the eastern part of the town, where he cleared a farm. He reared a large family, and died about 1827. His son Jesse, who came here with his father, reared a family of nine children, of whom one, Jesse A., sur- vives, and resided in Cheshire until his death, in 1853. Havrille was born in this town and spent his life here and in Adams. He died in 1853. Of his family of eight children, one daughter and seven sons, all of the sons survive. One, Towner, served in the late war and was wounded at the battle of Gettys- burgh. Another son, Marquis D., resides on road 8. Elisha Jenks, born in Cheshire in 1801, was a print cloth manufacturer at Cheshire Harbor for over forty years, acquiring a large fortune ; and was also largely engaged in farm- ing. He was twice married, but reared no family, dying in 1871. His widow, Sarah A., survives him, a resident of this town.

Samuel Lowe, who resided on the farm now owned by M. V. B. Jenks, was one of the early settlers. Mr. Lowe was a slave-bolder, owning four slaves at the breaking out of the Revolution. He freed two, William and Mary Dia- mond, keeping the other two, Alhoy and Mary, their children, whom he car- ried to New York. "Aunt Mary" remained in Cheshire, attaining the great age of 105 years.

Danie! Wood came to Cheshire from Rhode Island, about 1780, and set- tled in the northern part of the town, living there till his death, in 1820. He

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had a large family, only one daughter, Mrs. Laura Northup, of Cheshire, aged ninety-four, now living. His son, Elisha, was born in Cheshire, had eight children, five still living, and three in this county. Elisha was select- man. His son, Luther D., lives in Lanesboro on road 8, and has carried on the cheese factory ten years.

Silas Partridge came to Cheshire at an early date. His father, Josiah Part- ridge, was in the battle of Bennington. Silas left Cheshire for Adams and afterwards went to Savoy and Connecticut, where he died. His son, Joseph S., was born in Cheshire, but followed his father and died in Connecticut. His son Truman, born in Savoy, went to Lanesboro, where he now lives on road 22.

Samuel Wolcott, a native of Goshen, Conn., immigrated to Cheshire about. 1778, and located in the southern part of the town. He was with Ethan Allen at the capture of Ticonderoga. He died of small-pox. His son Moses, who came to Cheshire with his father, reared a family of six children,. none of whom survive. Moses was a soldier in the Revolution, and was in a number of severe battles. He died in 1837. His son Russell B., born here in 1793, died in 1855. He was a farmer, and at one time owned over 1,400 acres of land. Only one of his four children, John C., a lawyer, of this town, survives.

Samuel Ingalls came to Cheshire, from Rehoboth, Mass., in 1786, and located on the farm where David D. Ingalls now resides, where he died in 1795. He was a man of gigantic stature and great physical strength. He is said to have carried seven and a half bushels of corn at a time, up a flight of stairs. Samuel, his son, came to this town with his father, but went to Cooperstown, N. Y., about 1796, and died in 1827. Stephen, son of Stephen Jr., came from. Cooperstown to Cheshire, located on the farm where his son, David D., now resides, and reared fifteen children, twelve of whom lived to maturity, and nine are now living, their average age being seventy years, and eigth of whom reside in Berkshire county. One son, Samuel, was engaged in a manufactur- ing business in Adams, and a son of Samuel is now cashier of the Berkshire National Bank of North Adams.

Jonathan Farnum immigrated to Cheshire from Uxbridge, Mass., about 1796, and located on Stafford Hill, where he lived until his death, in 1834, rearing a family of nine children. His son, Warren, was born in 1792, and made his home here until his death, in 1876. His wife, Hannah, now resides in Cheshire.

Pardon Lincoln, from Smithfield, R. I., came to Cheshire about 1795, locating upon a farm in the eastern part of the town. He reared a family of five children, four of whom, Seneca L., Mrs. Alden Jenks, Shubael W., and Mrs. Lucinda Mirick, of Savoy, survive. He was deacon of the Baptist church and its last clerk ; he was also captain of the militia. He died in 1870, at the age of seventy-five years.

Edward Martin immigrated to Cheshire, from Barrington, R. I., in 1791,

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TOWN OF CHESHIRE.

· moving his family and goods upon a sled, drawn by two yoke of oxen. He located upon a farm he had purchased the year previous, and which is now owned by his grandson, Orrin. Edward was thrice married and reared a fam- ily of eight children, none of whom survive. Later, he removed to the farm now owned by L. A. Cole, where he died in 1830. Samuel, son of Edward Martin, who was six years of age when he came here with his father, remained upon the old homestead, reared a family of five children, only one, Orrin, now living, and died in 1854, at the age of sixty-nine.

Zebedee Dean, who came to Cheshire in 1798, from Taunton, Mass., was a blacksmith by trade and a farmer. He had born to him three sons, Albert G., Dallas J., and J. B. Zebedee died in Chesire, in 1868. His son, Albert G., died at the age of forty. Dallas J. was for many years a merchant in Adams. J. B., who has always resided in town, commenced the mercantile business in 1840, in which he coutinued until 1883, his son, George Z., being his partner for the last twenty years and is now his successor. He has also been engaged in the lumber business and establised the business now carried on by his son, Warren B.

Daniel W. Baxter, a shoemaker, came to Cheshire from Canada, about 1809, locating about half a mile west of Cheshire village. He reared a large family of children, three of whom survive, one son, William, residing on road 26. He died here in 1859.

Ichabod Loomis, from Windsor, Conn., came to Cheshire in 1810. He was a clothier by trade, in which business he was engaged in Cheshire for many years. He reared a family of three children, only one of whom, Luther B., is now living. He died in this town, in 1849. Luther B. was born in Cheshire in 1812, and resides on Main street. He succeeded his father in the clothing business.

Daniel Chapman was one of the early settlers in Great Barrington, com- ing there some time previous to the Revolution. He was taken prisoner at New London and kept in captivity for several years, returning, after his re- lease, to Great Barrington, where he remained a few years, removed from thence to Windsor, where he remained several years, coming, about 1819, to Cheshire, where he died about the year 1830. Daniel, Jr., born in Groton, Conn., In 1769, removing with his father, located in Cheshire, and reared a family of eight children, only one, Mason Chapman, of this town is now living. Daniel, Jr., died in 1857, at the age of eighty-eight.

James Brown, son of Caleb and Amy Brown, who came to Cheshire, from Rhode Island, lived here many years, reared a family, and died in 1854 or 55. His son, Russell C. Brown, born in this town in 1813, engaged in the mercantile business for many years, being also identified with the sand business. He was the postmaster for many years. A son, Fred C., now resides in town. Russell, another son of Caleb, was a prominent manufac- turer at Adams, where he took an active part in public affairs.

George W. Fisher came to Cheshire, from Franklin, Mass., in 1835, and

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resided for some time with his sister, in the eastern part of the town, but settling in 1854, upon the farm where he now resides. He has been a select- man since 1858, with the exception of two years. During the war he was provost marshall for the town, also recruiting officer, and in 1875 was census enumerator.

Felix F. Petitcler, born in Dampiere, France, in 1839, emigrated to America with his mother when but six years of age. In 1850 he came to Cheshire and entered the employ of L. H. Stevens, for whom he worked until the autumn of 1853, when he entered the employ of the Lanesboro Iron Company. He is said to have gone to New York in search of work- men for the iron company when but a lad of ten years. He has been en- gaged in the lumber business and in farming, besides other pursuits, and is now superintendent of the Berkshire Glass Sand Co.'s works. He married a daughter of Dr. Cole.

Phineas Lamphire removed from Tolland, Conn., to Lanesboro, at an early day, coming some time before the Revolution. He reared a family of five children. One son, Amos, born in Lanesboro, in 1777, resided there until his death, in 1857. Amos reared a family of eight children, only one of whom, Chester K., now survive. Chester was born in Lanesboro in 1807, where he resided until about thirty years of age, after which he removed to Lee, remaining there until 1880, when he located in Cheshire, where he now resides.

Joseph Hathaway came to Savoy, from New Bedford, Mass., about the time of the Revolution, living there until his death. He had a numerous family, one son of whom, Jesse, was born in Savoy, but removed to Adams, where he resided many years, dying in Savoy. He reared a family of twelve children, six of whom survive, one son, John W., residing on road 16, in Cheshire.

Rev. Edmund Foster was pastor of the Unitarian church in Littleton, Middlesex county, Mass., in the year 1770. He led his parishioners in the conflicts at Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, and became known as the " fighting parson." He was the father of thirteen children, the oldest of whom was Edmund, who enlisted in the United States army and was appointed an ensign by Thomas Jefferson, president of the United States, in the ninth regi- ment of riflemen, to rank as such from the 12th day of December, 18c8. His commission was countersigned by John Smith, acting secretary of war. On the 6th of July, 1812, he was appointed first lieutenant in the ninth regi- ment of infantry, under Col. Winfield Scott, afterward made lieutenant-gen- eral of the United States army. This commisson was granted by James Madison, president of the United States, William Eustiss, secretary of war. He was appointed a captain in the same regiment on the 13th of March, 1813, by James Madison, president, William H. Crawford, secretary of war. He was in the battles of Brownville, Fort Erie, Lundy Lane and others during the war. Had the command for a time of the cantonment at Pittsfield, and

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at the end of the war was honorably discharged. His next younger brother, William, was first lieutenant in the same company and his brother Charles, second lieutenant in the same company. They served through the war and were honorably discharged at the same time. His commissions on parch- ment, signed by Jefferson and Madison, are now in the possession of E. D. Foster, his oldest son, who resides in Cheshire. His youngest son, the late Daniel B. Foster, was first lieutenant in company C, 49th regiment Massa- chusetts Volunteers, and served in the war of the rebellion.

Rev. John Leland, for many years pastor of the Baptist church, was a man of mark in his time. He took an active interest in all the public affairs of the town. He was a member of the legislature in 1811, and labored power- fully against the provisions of the 3d article of the Bill of Rights, contending that legislatures had no power to bind the consciences of men. He was a ready orator, as well as writer, and composed his own epitaph, as follows :-

HERE LIES THE BODY OF JOHN LELAND, WHO LABORED 68 YEARS TO PROMOTE PIETY, AND VINDICATE THE CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS RIGHTS OF ALL MEN.

The Baptist church of Cheshire was organized by Rufus Mason and others, May 30, 1769, having about seventy members. The first pastor, Rev. Peter Werden, held the office from 1770 until his death, February 21, 1808. Their first church building was erected in 1794, and did service until 1849, when the present building was erected. It will seat 300 persons and is valued, including grounds, at $8,000.00, its original cost being $5,000.00.

The Methodist Episcopal church of Cheshire was organized by Rev. John Cadwell, with twelve members, in February, 1844, Rev. John F. Crowl being installed as the first pastor. Their church building, which will comfortably accommodate 200 persons, was erected in 1848-49. It is valued, including grounds, at $3,000.00. The society now has fifty-five members, with Rev. -.- Hobbs, pastor.

C LARKSBURG lies in the extreme northern part of the county, in lat. 42 48' and long. 3º 53 , bounded north by Benningtoncounty, Vermont, east by Florida, south by North Adams and west by Williamstown. It was formed from on unincorporated gore of land lying north of North Adams, which formed parts of Bernardston's grant and Bullock's grant. Rev. John W. Yeomans, in the History of Berkshire, speaks of the formation of the town as follows :-

"When Colonel William Bullock measured out the grant which bears his name, he was compelled, in order to complete his complement of 23,040

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acres, to extend it around Bernardston's grant. He intended to reach to the line of Vermont ; but not knowing precisely where it was, and careful not to loose any part of his grant by going unto that State, he stopped a mile short of the line, and proceeded westward four or five miles along the north line of Bernardston's grant and Adams [now North Adams]. The part of Bullock's grant which lies north of this grant and town, and west of Monroe [the portion 'west of Monroe' now forms a part of Florida] to- gether with the gore which separates it from Williamstown and Vermont, now constitutes Clarksburg."

The town was incorporated March 2, 1798, receiving its name in honor of the numerous family of Clarks then residing in the town, though it was the intention of the petitioners for the act of incorporation to have it named Hudson, after a man of that name who, it is said, felled the first tree in the town, and in honor of whom Hudson's brook derives its name. The name Hudson was inserted in the petition, and, it is said, the petitioners never knew by what authority or by whom it was altered in the petition. The act of incorporation describes the boundaries of the town as follows :-

"Beginning at the northeast corner of Williamstown, and thence running east on the line between this commonwealth and the State of Vermont, seven miles ; thence south to the line of Bernardston's grant about two and one- half miles ; thence west on said line to the east line of Adams ; thence north on said line to the northeast corner of Adams ; thence on the north line of Adams to the east line of Williamstown; thence north on said line to the first mentioned boundary."

According to these bounds the town area was 10,400 acres, which amount was somewhat diminished May 2d, 1848, when it was shorn of a portion of the eastern part of its territory, which was annexed to Florida.

The surface of the territory is uneven and mountainous, Hoosac mountain lying on its eastern border and Bald mountain on its western. The latter elevation, sometimes also called Clarksburg mountain, attains an altitude of 2,272 feet, affording an excellent view of Greylock and other mountains, and of the surrounding country. It was also an important station in the

trigonometrical survey of the State. The principal streams are the west branch of Hoosac river, Hudson's brook, Beaver creek, and Hunterfield and Wheeler brooks, all of which, except Beaver creek, flow a southerly course. Several good mill-sites are afforded by the streams. The soil is generally hard and stony, as a large amount of the territory lies upon the mountains we have mentioned, though it sustains some valuable oak, chestnut, spruce and hemlock timber. Between the mountains the soil is more arable, afford- ing some excellent grazing land, and also a fair amount that produces wheat, rye, oats and potatoes to advantage.

The rocks that enter into its geological structure are granite, mica- slate, quartz and limestone. Iron ore is said to exist in the southeastern part of the town.

In 1880 Clarksburg had a population of 724. In 1883 the town employed one male and six female teachers in its public schools, to whom was paid an

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average salary of $28.00 to the male and $25.67 per month to the females. There were 148 school children in the town, while the entire amount raised for school purposes was $742.59.

BRIGGSVILLE, a post village located in the southern part of the town, has one store, a woolen-mill and about twelve dwellings.

Briggs Bro's woolen mill, located at Briggsville, was built in 1866. It has thirty broad and six quarter looms, and manufactures about 350,000 yards of fancy cassimeres per year, giving employment to 135 hands.

Joel C. Hoskins's steam saw-mill, located on Hudson's brook, on road I, is supplied with circular and band saws and shingle machine. Mr. Hoskins manufacturers about 500,000 feet of lumber and 500,000 shingles per annum, and also deals largely in railroad ties and telegraph poles.

The Berkshire File Works, located on road 8, owned by H. F. Hurd, were originally established at North Adams, in 1872, by R. R. Andrews. Mr. Hurd employs five men in the manufacture of files, superintending the busi- ness himself.

C. W. Gallup's saw and grist-mill, located on road 6, grinds about 6,000 bushels of grain and cuts 250,000 feet of lumber per annum.

R. G. Hall's turning works, located on road 12, were established by him in 1861, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of wagon spokes and wagon stock.

The settlement of the town was commenced in 1769, by Capt. Matthew Ketchum, his son Matthew, and his cousins Epenetus, Daniel and Samuel, all from Long Island. Four brothers came to this locality, from Rhode Island, previous to 1773, and the town derived its name from them. Eventu- ally one left and went to Rochester N. Y., two returned to Rhode Island, and one, Nicholas, remained in Clarksburg till his death in 1803. He raised a large family of children, one of whom, Samuel, was born here in 1773, and lived here till a few months before his death, which occurred at North Adams in 1830. He had eight children, who all lived to maturity, and two still remain ; a son, Reuben, lives in Lanesboro, on road 7, and a daughter, Mrs. Emily Cook, in Halifax, Vt. Laban, son of Joseph, and grandson of Nicholas, is a resident of this town.

Daniel Aldrich was also an early settler, and died here at the age of eighty- three years, having during his life here built a saw and grist-mill on road 4, and also established a glass factory. Asahel Aldrich, residing on road 4, is a son of Daniel.

George F. Kilburn came from Stamford, Vt., in 1866, locating where he now resides, on road I. He has held the office of collector one year and of selectman two years.

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TOWN OF DALTON.

D ALTON lies just north of the central part the county, in lat. 42° 28' and long. 3º 52', bounded north by Cheshire, east by Windsor and Hinsdale, south by Hinsdale and Washington, and west by Cheshire, Lanesboro and Pittsfield. It was originally known as "Ashuelot Equi- valent," for the reason that it was granted to Oliver Partridge and others, of Hatfield as an equivalent for a township granted them on the Ashuelot river, which now forms a part of the township of Winchester, N. H., and which was subsequently found to belong to New Hampshire. In 1784, March 20th, the township was incorporated, under the name it now bears, given in honor of Hon. Tristram Dalton, then speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1795 about 5,000 acres from Windsor were added to the territory of the town, while in 1804 the area was diminished by a tract 2,500 acres in extent which was annexed to Hinsdale. This left Dalton's territory nine miles in length from northeast to southwest, with an average width of less than two and one half miles, covering an area of about 13,000.

The surface of the town is in general rough and broken, especially so in the northern and southern parts. Through its central part, from northeast to southwest extends a beautiful valley, through which flows a branch of the Housatonic. This stream, while lending a charm to its surrounding scenic beauties, also affords many excellent mill privilges. This fact was not lost sight of by Zenas Crane when he came among the Berkshire hills, in 1799, prospecting for an eligible site for the establishment of the first paper-mill in western Massachusetts, and which, together with the springs of exceptionally pure water he found in the evironing hills, led him to locate that site in Dal- ton. Since then this narrow valley has gained a world wide celebrity for the fine paper it produces. The finest point of view, though there are many, is that afforded from the summit of Day mountain, an eminence having an altitude of about 700 feet above the surrounding country, and lying about a mile south of Dalton village. "On the south, at the foot the hill, runs the old road from Pittsfield to Hinsdale, over which Burgoyne's army was marched prisoners on their way to Boston. To the north in the distance lies Greylock, towering like a monarch above his fellows, with hills rolling below like vast ocean billows. At one's feet the quiet little village-too busy in its thriving, ever grinding paper-mills, and whirring and combing cotton and woolen mills, to make much stir of business outside the factory walls -- nestles its hamlet along the well used waters of the Housatonic, every drop of which must help to whirl its turbines as often as the surveyor's level indicates a suitable fall. On the north- east, the bare walls of Windsor, with beyond a glimse of Hampshire's sum- mits ; next comes the church of Peru hill, from whose divided ridge waters flow into the Connecticut on one side and the Housatonic on the other. At one's feet on the east, Hinsdale, with its factories ; next beyond, Washington. On the west is the beautiful valley, broad enough and especially adapted by Nature for her Queen, with room for 50,000 people, each home surrounded by a park. In it lies Pittsfield, the city of parks, shown in all its glory, with its

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Gazetteer of Berkshire County, Mass., 1725-1885, Part 15

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