USA > Massachusetts > Historical collections, being a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c., relating to the history and antiquities of every town in Massachusetts, with geographical descriptions > Part 35
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
277
BRIMFIELD.
Brooks, Morgan, Burt, Charles, Collins, Keep, Scott, Stebbins, Warriner, Nichols, Graves and Bliss. The Thomson family came from Woburn, and the Blodget and Russel families from Lexington.
The first family which settled in Brimfield was of the name of Hitchcock, in 1714 or 1715. The principal settlers were from Springfield .* The town was incorporated in 1730, and included within its original limits the towns of Monson, Wales, and Hol- land. In 1722, a meeting-house, 45 feet by 40, was erected, and stood more than eighty years. The records of the church were burnt in 1748, and some early interesting facts cannot now be ascertained. Rev. Richard Treat, the first minister, (a native of Milford, Conn.) was probably ordained in 1725; his successor, Rev. James Bridgham, was settled in 1736; the next minister was Rev. Nehemiah Williams, who continued in the ministry nearly twenty-two years, and died in 1796, aged 47. Rev. Clark Brown, his successor, was dismissed in 1803, agreeably to his own request. Rev. Warren Fay, D. D., was settled here in 1808, and remained two years and eight months; Rev. Joseph Vaill and Rev. Joseph Ful- ler have been the succeeding ministers. Most of the people of Brimfield, from its first settlement, have continued of one religious denomination.
E
South-eastern view of Brimfield.
The above is a south-eastern view of the central part of the vil- lage of Brimfield, which consists of about 40 dwelling-houses, a number of stores and mechanic shops. The manufacture of boots and shoes is an important branch of business in this place. A few rods south of the Congregational church, seen in the engra- ving, was the residence of Gen. Eaton, celebrated for his daring
* Notice of Brimfield in the "American Quarterly Register," vol. x, by B. B. Edwards. Mr. Edwards has drawn up a full list of all the Congregational minis- ters in the old county of Hampshire, with historical notices, evidently with much labor and accuracy, and the author of this work would here express his obligations to that valuable publication for much historical information.
3 De m 1
e e
TE
1
it
278.
BRIMFIELD.
expedition through the deserts of Barca, in Africa. This town contains much good land, and is finely watered by Chicopee and Quinebaug rivers. In 1837, there were 10,000 pairs of boots and 36,000 pairs of shoes manufactured in this town, the value of which was $58,650; males employed, 125; females, 50. There were 12,780 palm-leaf hats manufactured, valued at $5,112. There was 1 cotton mill, with 1,332 spindles; 230,000 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $19,500. Distance, 19 miles from Springfield, 25 miles south-west of Worcester, and 70 from Boston. Population, 1,518.
Gen. William Eaton spent the last years of his life in this town, where he died and was buried. He was born in Woodstock, Conn., Feb. 23, 1764.
" At a very early period he disclosed strong indications of intellectual vigor, and of mental eccentricity. At the age of about 16 years, without the knowledge or consent of his parents, he went from home and enlisted into the army. This was in 1780, near the close of the revolutionary war; and young Eaton continued in the army until the close of the war, a considerable part of the time in the humble station of a pri- vate soldier ; but he attained the rank of a sergeant. After the peace, in 1784, he commenced the study of the Latin language, and the year after was admitted a member of Dartmouth college, where he graduated in 1790, the period of his colle- giate life having been protracted, from the circumstance of his having devoted a portion of his time to school-keeping, which his want of pecuniary resources rendered necessary.
" In October, 1791, he was chosen clerk of the house of delegates of Vermont, resid- ing at that time in the town of Windsor, where he had been engaged in school- keeping. In March, 1792, he was appointed a captain in the army of the United States; and whilst in this situation, he performed various services upon the western and southern frontiers. He continued in the army until 1797, when he was appointed consul to Tunis. He continued in this difficult (and it may be added, perilous) situa- tion until 1803, during which period he discharged the consular functions with great firmness and ability. In 1804, Gen. Eaton returned to America and visited Washing- ton, where he disclosed the famous enterprise which he had planned to restore the ex-bashaw of Tripoli, and having obtained the sanction of government, he embarked in July of the same year, in the Argus sloop of war, with the intention of engaging in this bold and hazardous undertaking, and arrived at Alexandria, in Egypt, on the 25th of November following. - From Alexandria he proceeded to Cairo, where he found the ex-bashaw, who approved of the enterprise, and after having made suitable arrange- ments, and recruited about 500 men, (100 of which only were Christians,) it was determined by Eaton and the ex-bashaw to cross the desert and seize the province and city of Derne. After a difficult and fatiguing journey, through a dreary desert, pre- senting innumerable obstacles, they arrived within the province of Derne, and soon attacked and captured the city, having the assistance of the Hornet sloop of war. The boldness and desperate bravery of Gen. Eaton and his little party alarmed the reigning bashaw and his barbarian subjects, who almost thought they were something more than human beings; but the progress of Gen. Eaton was arrested by a peace which the American consul concluded with the bashaw. After this, Gen. Eaton returned to his native country, and was every where received with the most distin- guished applause, the grateful tribute of patriotic and heroic achievements.
" Gen. Eaton was a very extraordinary character; he possessed much original genius, was bold in his conceptions, ardent in his passions, determined in his resolu- tions, and indefatigably persevering in his conduct. He possessed considerable lite- rary acquirements, and the style of his writings was characteristic of his mind ; bold, energetic, and decisive. His courage was equalled only by his resolution ; and the boldness of his enterprises, by his ability and perseverance to execute them."*
His majesty the king of Denmark presented him with an elegant
* Pease and Niles' Gazetteer of Connecticut.
279
CHESTER.
acknowledgment, in a gold box, of services he rendered several captured Danes at Tunis, and he also received from Massachu- setts the gift of 10,000 acres of land, in token of the respect in which his talents and services were held by that state.
Epitaphs copied from the burying-yard in Brimfield.
This is erected as a faint expression of filial respect ; and to mark the spot where repose the remains of GEN. WILLIAM EATON, who died June 1st, 1811, ÆE. 47.
In memory of Stephen Pynchon, Esq., who died Feb. 5, 1828, ÆE. 55. One truth is certain, when this life is o'er Man dies to live ; and lives, to die no more.'
CHESTER.
THIS town was incorporated in 1765. The Rev. Aaron Bascom and Samuel M. Emerson appear to have been the first ministers. Rev. Rufus Pomeroy was settled here in 1819; he resigned in 1827, and was succeeded by Rev. Saul Clark in 1829. Mr. Clark was succeeded by Rev. Alanson Alvord, in 1834.
Southern vien of Chester.
The above is a southern view of Chester village, situated in the south-eastern corner of the town of Chester. This place is situated at the corners of four towns, viz. Chester, Blandford, Norwich, and Montgomery. The Methodist church seen in the engraving stands on the line between the towns of Chester and Blandford ; the house on the left is in Blandford. This little village, consisting at present [1838] of about 15 dwelling-houses, a cotton factory, and some other buildings, is situated in the gorge through which the Westfield river passes. The route of the Wes- tern railroad is laid out through the village. Part of the moun- tainous elevation seen in the back ground is within the limits of
280
GRANVILLE.
Norwich. This place is 5 miles from the center of the town, 12 from Westfield, 16 from Northampton, 21 from Springfield, and 118 from Boston. The scenery along the Westfield river is wild and picturesque in many places. Population, 1,290. In 1837, there were 2 cotton mills; cotton spindles, 1,690; cotton goods manufactured, 225,000 yards; value, $22,075 ; males employed, 13; females, 22. There were 1,055 Saxony sheep, 2,495 merino, and 170 of other kinds of sheep; average weight of fleece, 2 and three fourths pounds ; value of wool produced, $5,817 38; capital invested, $11,347. There were 3 tanneries ; hides tanned, 33,500; value of leather tanned and curried, $10,900; the value of win- dow blinds manufactured, $15,000; males employed, 14; females, twenty-six.
GRANVILLE.
THIS town was incorporated in 1754, and included in its origi- nal limits the present town of Tolland. Rev. Moses Tuttle appears to have been the first minister. He was settled in 1747, and con- tinued pastor here about six years; he was succeeded by Rev. Jedediah Smith, who was ordained in 1756. Mr. Smith was a man of uncommon piety, pleasantness, and affability. "After his dismission, in 1776, he preached his farewell sermon, and embarked at Middletown, Con., with his family, for Louisiana. In a long pas- sage up the Mississippi, being exposed to an intense heat and nox- ious atmosphere, he was attacked with a fever, and in a phrensy leaped into the river. Though rescued from the water, he soon after died, and was buried on the land. The river gradually encroached on the bank, till the grave was borne away, and 'no man knoweth of his sepulcher unto this day.' His family went on and founded a settlement in that remote country. The descend- ants comprise some of the most respectable citizens of Louisiana. . The church was destitute of a pastor for 20 years, and the place was a moral waste. Divisions were prevalent in the church, and profaneness, horse-racing, and intemperance in the town." The next settled minister after Mr. Smith was Rev. Timothy M. Cooley, D. D., who was settled in 1796, and his labors have had a happy influence in the town. The first minister of the Second church, or church in West Granville, was Rev. Aaron J. Booge, who was installed in 1786, and dismissed in 1793. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. Joel Baker, who was settled in 1797, and died in 1833; his successor, Rev. Seth Chapin, continued pastor till 1835. He was succeeded by Rev. Henry Eddy.
The principal village in this town is in East Granville. It is situated on a very elevated hill, about 17 miles from Springfield. This is situated in a mountainous region, and agriculture is the principal business of the inhabitants. In 1837, pocket-books were the principal articles manufactured in the town ; the value of these was $6,240. Population, 1,439. The church in East Granville
281
LONGMEADOW.
organized from their own number a church to form a settlement in Granville, Ohio. This colony laid the foundation of one of the most respectable churches in Ohio, and now consists of about 400 members. The church in West Granville likewise organized a church which settled in Charlestown, in the same state; this is also in a flourishing state.
HOLLAND.
THIS town was formerly a part of Brimfield. It was incorpora- ted as a town in 1796. The Rev. Ezra Reeve, the first Congrega- tional minister, was settled here in 1765. He died in 1818, at the age of 85. The next minister settled here was Rev. Enoch Burt. James Sandford, who succeeded Mr. Burt, was installed here ill 1831. Besides the Congregational, there is a Baptist church in the place. In 1837 there was one cotton mill, having 1,024 spindles; it consumed 20,902 lbs. of cotton; 104,512 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $10,451 20 ; males employed, 12; females, 17 ; capital invested, $15,000. Population, 495. Distance, 20 miles from Springfield, and 70 from Boston.
LONGMEADOW.
THIS place was originally a part of Springfield ; its Indian name was Masacksick. It was incorporated as a distinct precinct in 1713, when there were a little less than 40 families. It was incor- porated as a town in 1783. "It is not known exactly at what pe- riod the settlement commenced in this town, but probably as ear- ly as 1644. Among the earliest settlers were Benjamin Cooley, George Colton, (known in the records by the name of quarter-mas- ter Colton,) and John Keep. These persons were the ancestors of all the families of their respective names in this part of the country. The original settlement in what is now Longmeadow began in the meadow near the bank of the river. In 1703 there was a pe- tition from the inhabitants to the town, that, on account of the danger which they were in from floods, and some other inconve- niences attending their situation, they might be permitted to move out of the general field, and build on the hill, about half a mile east of the river. This petition was granted, and the town voted to give them 'the land from Pecowsic brook to Enfield bounds, and from the hill eastward of Longmeadow, half a mile further eastward into the woods.' "
The soil of Longmeadow is fertile, and the inhabitants are al- most exclusively devoted to agricultural pursuits. The principal village is pleasantly located near the east bank of Connecticut river. The following cut is a northern view of the first Congrega- tional church, and exhibits the characteristic scenery of this plea-
36
282
LONGMEADOW.
THUHH
North vien of Congregational Church, Longmeadow.
sant village. The village is built on one wide level street, which passes through the town, following the course of the Connecticut, on the first rise of ground above the meadows, which extend the whole breadth of the town from north to south. The distance from the street to the river is generally about one mile. Distance, 4 miles south of Springfield, 22 north of Hartford, 97 south-wester- ly from Boston. There are 3 churches, 2 Congregational and 1 Baptist. The Baptist and one of the Congregational churches are in the eastern part of the town, called East Longmeadow. An ex- tensive range of forest lands extend from north to south through the town, a little eastward of the main road. The western part of the township is generally level and free from stones. Popula- tion, 1,251.
The first minister of the place was Rev. Stephen Williams, who was ordained here in 1716. He was a son of Rev. John Williams, of Deerfield, and was carried captive with his father to Canada. He served as chaplain in three campaigns, and received the de- gree of D. D. from Dartmouth college in 1773. He died in 1782, in the 90th year of his age, and 66th of his ministry. Dr. Wil- liams was succeeded by Rev. Richard Salter Storrs, who was settled in 1785. Mr. Storrs died in 1819. The next minister was Rev. Baxter Dickinson, who was ordained in 1823. The first settled Baptist minister in this town was Rev. George B. Atwell, who was ordained in 1822. The Baptist meeting-house is in the eastern part of the town.
" On the 26th of March, [1676,] a number of people from Longmeadow, being on their way to attend public worship in Springfield, escorted by a party of cavalry, were attacked, and two killed and several wounded. As the attack was made from the woods bordering the road, the escort afforded little protection; two women, with their children, falling from their horses during the confusion, were seized by the Indians, and dragged into a swamp in
283
LUDLOW.
the vicinity. In the mean time the people in the van were safely convoyed to Springfield by the cavalry, who returned expedi- tiously to the place of attack; but the Indians had retired into the woods. The next day the captured women and children were found in the margin of the swamp, badly wounded by Indian hatchets, some of whom died after being conveyed to their places of residence."-Hoyt's Indian Wars, p. 125.
The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the ancient grave-yard :
In memory of Rev. Stephen Williams, D. D., who was a prudent and laborious minis- ter, a sound and evangelical preacher, a pious and exemplary christian, a sincere and faithful friend, a tender and affectionate father and consort, and a real and disinterested lover of mankind ; departed this life with humble and cheerful hope of a better, June 10th, 1782, in the 90 year of his age, and 66th of his ministry.
Softly with fainting head he lay Upon his maker's breast ;
His maker kissed his soul away, And laid his flesh to rest.
Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Richard S. Storrs, pastor of the church in Long- meadow. He was born at Mansfield, Conn., Aug. 30th, 1763, graduated at Yale Col- lege in 1783, ordained Dec. 7, 1785, died Oct. 3, 1819. In the private relations of life he eminently illustrated the graces of the christian. He was distinguished for his ap- propriate, perspicuous, and affectionate exhibition of evangelical truth, for propriety, richness and fervor in social prayer, and for his instructive coversation and christian sympathy in pastoral duties. In testimony of their affectionate remembrance of his personal worth and their regard for his ability, zeal and usefulness as their christian pastor, his mourning congregation erect this monument.
Religion, her almighty breath, Amidst that calm of sweet repose, Rebuked the winds and waves of death ; To Heaven his gentle spirit rose.
. In memory of Capt. Isaac : Colton, who died Jany. 23rd, 1757, in his 57th year. Capt. I. Colton had a military genius, commanded a company at Louisbourg, in 1745. Was respected & useful at home. Was a man of prayer. Isa. 31, 3. For behold the Lord doth take away the Captain.
How art thou fallen in the midst of the battle ; O very pleasant hast thou been. In memory of Lieutenant Nathaniel Burt, who was slain in the memorable battle of Lake George, Sept. 8th, 1755, when his Colonel and other brave officers fell, yet a sig- nal victory was obtained over the enemy. Mr. Nathaniel Burt was a deacon of this church, an exemplary christian, a man of Public Spirit, & a good soldier ; well be- loved at home, and in ye army. A concern for pure religion caused his going into ye military service. He died in his 45th year: 2 Chron. 35 and 25. And Jeremiah la- mented over Josiah. . .
Mr. Nathaniel Burt, a respectable and worthy father of the town of Longmeadow, was born A. D. 1636, and died Sept. 29th, 1720. This monument is erected by the inhabitants of said town, as a token of gratitude for his donation of lands made by him to them for the support of the gospel, and public school. Isaiah 32, 8. The liberal de- viseth liberal things, and by liberal things he shall stand.
LUDLOW.
THIS town was incorporated in 1774. The first Congregational minister settled here was Rev. Antipas Steward, who was or- dained in 1793. He resigned in 1803, and died in 1814, aged SO years. His successor, Rev. Ebenezer B. Wright, settled here in
284
MONSON.
1819. Mr. Wright resigned in 1835, and was succeeded the same year by Rev. David R. Austin. Besides the Congregational, there is now, in the central part of the town, a Methodist church.
This is principally an agricultural town; the greater part of the inhabitants live scattered about on their farms. There is, however, a flourishing little village on the Chicopee river, which forms the southern boundary of this town, dividing it from Wilbraham and Springfield. Jenks' cotton factories, two in number, are at this place. The village lies on both sides of the Chicopee. In 1837, there were in this town 2 cotton mills, having 10,000 spindles ; 500,000 lbs. of cotton were consumed; 1,600,000 yards of cotton goods were manufactured, valued at $160,000; males employed, 88; females, 200; capital invested, $100,000. Population, 1,329. Distance, 10 miles from Springfield, and 84 from Boston.
MONSON.
THIS town was originally a part of Brimfield. About one ninth of the proprietors of that town settled in this part of the township. The first house east of Springfield was erected more than 140 years ago within the present limits of this town. The name of the man who first planted himself here was Fellis. The general court granted him 200 acres of land, on condition that he would erect and keep a house of entertainment for travellers passing between Springfield and Brookfield. The man continued awhile, but soon returned to Springfield on account of alarm from the Indians. Al- though he did not entirely fulfil the conditions of the grant, yet he held and sold the land. It afterwards came into the possession of Governor Hutchinson's family. Of the above-mentioned proprie- tors who settled within the present limits of Monson, were Robert Olds, (as early as 1715,) Ezra and Samuel King, Benjamin Munn, John Keep, John Atchenson, Mark Ferry, Daniel Killam, Obadiah Cooley, and Samuel Kilborn. On petition to the general court, this part of Brimfield was incorporated as a district in the spring of 1760. Previous to this, the name of Monson was given to it by Gov. Pownal.
When the act of incorporation was obtained, there were only 49 families in the limits of the district. In the month of August fol- lowing, the first district meeting was held, at which all necessary officers were chosen. They immediately proceeded to make pre- paration for the public worship of God. In 1762, about 2 years from the incorporation, land had been procured and a meeting- house erected. During this period they had preaching in private houses, by candidates. The first who supplied them was Simeon Strong, afterwards judge of the supreme court. Rev. Abishai Sa- bin was the first pastor, ordained in 1762. His relation to the church continued about 10 years, when he was dismissed. The second pastor was Rev. Jesse Ives, a native of Meriden, Con., and.
285
MONSON.
graduate of Yale college in 1758. He was installed in 1773, and continued with the people till his death, in 1805. The present pastor, Rev. Alfred Ely, D. D., a native of West Springfield, was ordained in 1806. The amount of settlement and salary which the people offered Mr. Sabin is not known, though it is evident he had a settlement. Mr. Ives had a settlement of £100, and £65 and 30 cords of wood as an annual salary ; and the present pastor $500. The first meeting-house was taken down in 1803, having stood 41 years, and the same year the present one was built: There is no notice of the existence of any organized society of another denomi- nation till 1798, when " persons composing the first Baptist society were set off."
South-eastern vien of Monson.
The above is a representation of the centra part of Monson, as seen from the bridge, at the south-eastern extremity of the village. The academy is seen on the left, surmounted with a cupola; the Congregational church is seen in the central part of the engraving ; the building standing northerly from the church, with a small tower, is the vestry. Monson Academy is well endowed, and is a very respectable institution.
This town is about 8 miles in length, from N. to S., and about 6 miles in breadth. A narrow vale, interspersed with some small gravelly hills, runs from south to north through the center, bounded on each side by ranges of hills of moderate height. Through this vale flows for a considerable distance a small stream, which flows into the Chicopee river on the north. On this brook, within about 1 mile of the center, are 4 factories, 2 cotton and 2 woollen. The public buildings are a Congregational meeting-house, a vestry, an academy building and laboratory in the center, a Baptist meet- ing-house on the west border, and a Methodist chapel about 2 miles south of the center. Distance, 13 miles E. from Springfield, and 73 S. W. by W. of Boston. Population, 2,179.
In 1837, there were in this town 3 cotton mills, 3,636 cotton spin- dles ; 605,071 yards of cotton goods were manufactured, valued at
286
MONTGOMERY.
$67,500; males employed, 47 ; females, 73; capital invested, $39,000. There were two woollen mills and 5 sets of machinery ; wool consumed, 130,000 lbs. ; cloth manufactured, 170,000 yards; valued at $117,000; males employed, 43; females, 37; capital invested, $29,250. There were 2,712 merino, and 349 other kinds of sheep in the town; value of wool produced was $4,892; value of boots and shoes manufactured, $5,600; value of spectacles manufactured, $7,060; straw braid, $2,100.
1
MONTGOMERY.
THIS town was incorporated in 1780. A Congregational church was organized here in 1797; it consisted at the time it was organ- ized of five male members. Rev. Seth Noble, the first pastor, was settled here in 1801, and resigned in 1806. He died in the state of Ohio, a few years since, whither he had removed. His succes- sor in the ministry was Rev. John H. Fowler, who was ordained in 1822; he died in 1829, aged 58. The next pastor was Rev. Solomon Edson, who was settled in 1832, and resigned in 1836. Rev. Caleb Knight, the next pastor, was installed the same year.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.