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 40
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319
EASTHAMPTON.
river, but met with no success; they then directed their course toward Westfield; but Westfield river was so high that they could not pass it. Some of the Indians had been at Northampton, in a friendly manner, the year before, and informed their companions that there was a small village at Paskhomuck, where they might get provisions, for they were almost famished, and intended, as they afterwards declared, to resign themselves up, if they could obtain no food otherwise. In the evening before the 13th of May, the Indians went upon Mount Tom, and observed the situation of the place. As the meadow was then covered with water, they sup- posed the village might be taken, and that no aid could come sea- sonably from the town, on account of the intervening flood. The village consisted only of five families : Samuel Janes', Benoni Jones', John Searls', Deacon Benjamin Janes', and Moses Hutch- inson's. A little before day-light, the Indians attacked the village. Benoni Jones' house, which stood on the lot where Nathaniel Kentfield afterwards lived, was encompassed with pickets. The Indians procured flax and other combustibles, and set them on fire, which was communicated to the house. A young woman, named Patience Webb, was waked, and, looking out of the win- dow, was shot through the head. The people surrendered, and all the above families were killed or taken prisoners. Some of the prisoners were afterwards rescued by the people from the town. These, commanded by Capt. Taylor, went round by Pomroy's meadow, and met the Indians near the mountain, when a skir- mish ensued, in which Capt. Taylor was killed. Of the five fami- lies before mentioned, the Indians killed the following persons : Samuel Janes, and his wife and three children; Benoni Jones, and two children, and the young woman before named; John Searls, and three children ; Deacon Benjamin Janes, and four children ; and Moses Hutchinson, and one child. The wife of Benjamin Janes was taken to the top of Pomroy's mountain, and was there knocked in the head and scalped. Our people found her in that situation, and, perceiving that she was still alive, brought her home, and she recovered, and lived till she was more than eighty years old. The wife of Moses Hutchinson was taken prisoner, but soon made her escape. John Searls' wife was also taken, and severely wounded, but was afterwards rescued from the In- dians. Benoni Jones' wife, and Elisha, the son of John Searls, were taken prisoners to Canada. Ten Indians went to the lower farms, where there was then but one house, in which Captain Wright lived, at the place afterwards owned by Mr. Elias Lyman. Captain Wright refused to surrender, and shot one of the Indians, and broke his arm. They then attempted to burn the house, by shooting spiked arrows, dipped in brimstone, upon the roof; but a young man in the house, named Thomas Stebbins, wrapping him- self in a feather bed, drew water from the well, and put out the fire." *
* "The season, at that time, was remarkably backward ; for, though so late in the year, being the 24th of May, according to the present style, the trees and bushes had
320
GRANBY.
ENFIELD.
THIS town was incorporated in 1814; previous to which it formed a part of the towns of Greenwich and Belchertown. The first minister was the Rev. Joshua Crosby, who was a chaplain in the Revolutionary war. The next pastor was Rev. Sumner G. Clapp, who was settled here in 1828, and resigned in 1837. Rev. John Whiton was the next minister.
This town is watered by two branches of Swift river, a main branch of the Chicopee, and is an important stream for manufac- turing purposes. In 1837, there were two cotton mills; the value of cotton goods manufactured was $8,000. Two woollen mills, five sets of machinery ; 150,000 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $100,000; twenty-five males and twenty-five females were employed. The value of boots and shoes manufactured was $11,729. Sixty thousand palm-leaf hats were manufactured, valued at $12,000. Value of wool cards manufactured, $35,000; twelve males and six females were employed; capital invested, $20,000; value of cotton batting and wicking manufactured, $10,000. Population, 1,058. Distance from Northampton, 15 miles, 5 from Ware, and 75 from Boston.
GRANBY.
THIS town, formerly the second parish in South Hadley, was incorporated a's a town in 1768. The original Congregational church in the place was organized in 1762, and Rev. Simon Backus was settled as pastor the same year. He continued here till 1784. His successor, Rev. Benjamin Chapman, was settled in 1790, and died in 1804 ; he was succeeded by Rev. Elijah Gridley. In 1821, the church was divided, and two churches constituted, called the East and West churches. The division grew out of a difficulty respecting the location of a meeting-house. "At the time of divi- sion, the West church had 130 members, and the East, 144. An attempt was made, in the spring of 1836, to unite the churches. By this effort, a portion of the West church, with their minister, were transferred to the East. A portion still remain. The West church has, perhaps, about 40 members. The East church has 281 members."
This town is watered on the north by a small stream, which originates in a pond in Belchertown, and runs westward along the foot of mount Holyoke, and passes into the Connecticut in South Hadley. On this stream there is a number of manufacturing
not budded ; and the year was so far advanced before the flood subsided from the meadow, that many persons doubted whether it was expedient to plant their corn ; but notwithstanding, as there was no frost till late in the season, the crop of corn proved to be uncommonly good."
321
GREENWICH.
establishments. In 1837, there were two woollen mills; 26,200 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $20,200; ten males and ten females were employed. There were 1,900 merino, and 167 other kinds of sheep. The average weight of fleece was 3 lbs .; value of wool produced, $3,670. Population, 922. Distance, 9 miles from Northampton, 12 from Springfield, and 90 from Boston.
GOSHEN.
THIS town, the smallest in the county of Hampshire, was in- corporated in 1781. Rev. Samuel Whitman was installed pastor in this place in 1788, and continued such till 1818. He was suc- ceeded, in 1821, by Rev. Joel Wright. The next minister was Rev. Henry B. Holmes, who was settled in 1830; he continued for nearly three years, and was succeeded by Rev. Stephen Mason, who was installed in 1836.
This township is on elevated land. In the central part of the town there are 2 churches, 1 for Congregationalists and 1 for Baptists. In 1837, there were in the town 710 Saxony, 2,115 merino, and 223 other kinds of sheep. The value of wool pro- duced was $4,500. The value of broom-handles manufactured was $3,000; the value of sawed lumber was $5,000. Population, 560. Distance, 12 miles from Northampton, and 105 from Boston.
GREENWICH.
THIS town was incorporated in 1754. It was originally settled by a colony from the north of Ireland, and many of their descend- ants still remain in the town. Rev. Pelatiah Webster, the first minister, was ordained here in 1749; he resigned in 1755. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert Cutler, who was installed in 1760, and died in 1786, aged 68. Mr. Cutler was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Blodget, who was settled here in 1786, and died in 1833. Rev. Joseph H. Patrick was settled here as colleague pastor in 1830.
This township is pleasantly situated on the east and west branches of Swift river, a branch of. the Chicopee. In 1837, there was one woollen mill; 3,000 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $3,000. One scythe manufactory; scythes manufac- tured, 10,200, valued at $7,000; twelve hands were employed; capital invested, $4,000. There were 30,000 palm-leaf hats manu- factured, valued at $4,375. Population, 842. Distance, 17 miles from Northampton, 26 from Worcester, and 75 from Boston.
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322
HADLEY.
HADLEY.
JOHN WEBSTER and John Russell may be considered as the foun- ders of Hadley. Mr. Webster was a magistrate of Connecticut in 1639, and was elected governor in 1656, and sustained that office a number of years ; Mr. Russell was a minister at Wethersfield, in Connecticut. About the year 1660, there was quite an excitement and controversy in the colony of Connecticut, respecting the quali- fications of baptism, church-membership, &c. As the minds of the people could not be united on these subjects, many, in order to enjoy peace and harmony, thought it best to remove, and com- mence settlements in other places. "The original agreement, or association, for removal, is on record, dated at Hartford, April 18, 1659. John Webster is the first signer, and about 30 names follow. Mr. Russell and his people signed another instrument, and his name, at the head of the list, is followed by about 30 of his con- gregation. Mr. Russell was installed the first minister of Hadley. He removed to this place in 1659, and Mr. Webster, with three others of his name, it is believed, the same year." It is stated that these emigrants purchased the whole territory now included in the towns of Hadley, Hatfield, Granby, and Amherst. The Rev. Isaac Chauncy succeeded Mr. Russell, in 1695. The next minis- ter was Rev. Chester Williams, who was ordained colleague pastor in 1740-1; he died 1753, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Hopkins, in 1775. Dr. Hopkins was succeeded by Rev. John Woodbridge, who was ordained colleague in 1810. Rev. John Brown, D. D., the next minister, was installed in 1831. Rev. Ebenezer Brown was installed pastor of the second church in 1835.
Hadley is a fine agricultural town, and the meadows on the banks of the Connecticut river are some of the best in New Eng- land. Large quantities of broom-corn are annually raised, and the manufacture of brooms is an important branch of business in this town. The value of brooms manufactured in 1837 was $89,248. There were also 42,300 palm-leaf hats manufactured, valued at $6,768. Connecticut river, between this town and Northampton, winds about in entirely opposite directions, and above Northampton village forms a kind of peninsula. On the isthmus, or neck, of this peninsula, the village of Hadley is situ- ated. It lies mostly on one street, a mile in length, running di- rectly north and south; is sixteen rods in breadth; is nearly a perfect level ; is covered, during the summer, with a rich verdure; abuts at both ends on the river ; and yields every where a delight- ful prospect.
The following shows the appearance of the gorge between Mount Holyoke and Mount Tom, as seen from the south end of the east street in Hadley, looking down the river. Mount Holyoke is seen in the distance, on the left; the mountain house is just discerni- ble on its summit, with the path leading up to it. Mount Tom is seen still farther to the south, on the right of the engraving. "In the beginning of April, (1676,) a number of inhabitants of Had-
323
HADLEY.
View from the south end of Hadley Street.
ley, who had gone down the river to Hoccanum, under a small guard, for the purpose of tillage, ventured out some distance from the guard, and a part to the summit of Mount Holyoke, to view the surrounding country from the peak so noted at this day. A party of Indians rushed upon them, and killed two of their num- ber on the mount. Deacon Goodman, having proceeded some dis- tance in a different direction, to view the enclosures of his field, was also killed."
Hadley is situated about 3 miles N. E. of Northampton ; it is connected with this town by a covered bridge, which was erected at a considerable expense, being 1,080 feet in length. It is 88 miles W. of Boston, 3 N. W. of Mount Holyoke, and 6 N. of South Hadley. Population, 1,805. Incorporated a town in 1661.
Hadley is celebrated as being the place of refuge for Goffe and Whalley, two of the judges of Charles I. of England, called by some " the regicides." Soon after the restoration of monarchy in England, thirty of the judges who condemned king Charles to death were apprehended and executed as traitors. Among those who made their escape, were Goffe and Whalley, who arrived at Boston in 1660. They were gentlemen of worth; their appear- ance and manners were dignified, commanding universal respect ; they were also highly esteemed by the colonists for their unfeigned piety. Whalley had been a lieutenant-general, and Goffe a ma- jor-general, in Cromwell's army. An order for their apprehension, from Charles II., reached New England soon after their arrival. The king's commissioners, eager to execute this order, compelled the judges to resort to the woods, caves, and other places of con- cealment; and they would undoubtedly have been taken, had not the colonists secretly aided and assisted them in their conceal- ments. Sometimes they found a refuge in a kind of cave, on West Rock, a mountain, about two miles from New Haven, and at others in the cellars of the houses of their friends ; and once they were secreted under a bridge, near New Haven, while their pur- suers crossed it on horseback.
324
HADLEY.
"At or about the time the pursuers came to New Haven, and perhaps a little before, to prepare the minds of the people for their reception, the Rev. Mr. Davenport preached publicly from this text : ISAIAH xvi. 3, 4 .- ' Take counsel, execute judgment, make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday ; hide the outcasts, betray not him that wandereth. Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab ; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler.' This, doubtless, had its effect, and put the whole town upon their guard, and united the people in caution and concealment.
" To show the dexterity of the judges at fencing, the following story is told : That while at Boston, there appeared a fencing-master, who, on a stage erected for the pur- pose, walked it for several days, challenging and defying any one to play with him at swords ; at length, one of the judges, disguised in a rustic dress, holding in one hand a cheese, wrapped in a napkin, for a shield, with a broomstick, whose mop he had besmeared with dirty puddle water as he passed along-thus equipped, he mounted the stage. The fencing-master railed at him for his impudence, asked him what busi- ness he had there, and bid him begone. The judge stood his ground, upon which the gladiator made a pass at him with his sword, to drive him off-a rencounter ensued- the judge received the sword into the cheese, and held it until he drew the mop of the broom gently over his mouth, and gave the gentleman a pair of whiskers. He made another pass, and, plunging his sword a second time, it was caught and held in the cheese, whilst the mop was drawn gently over his eyes. At a third lunge, it was again caught and held in the cheese, until the judge had rubbed the broom all over his face. Upon this, the gentleman let fall his small sword, and took up the broad sword. The judge then said, 'Stop, sir; hitherto, you see, I have only played with you, and not attempted to harm you ; but if you come at me now with the broad sword, know that I will certainly take your life.' The firmness with which he spoke struck the master, who, desisting, exclaimed, ' Who can you be ? You must be either Goffe, Whalley, or the devil ; for there was no other man in England that could beat me.'" -- Stiles' History of the Judges.
After about three years and a half weary pilgrimage at New Haven and its vicinity, they, on October 13, 1664, set out for Hadley. Travelling in the night only, probably with a guide, they were undiscovered, and arrived at the house of Mr. Russell, the minister of Hadley, after a journey of about 100 miles. The house of this friendly clergyman, situated on the east side of the main street, near the center of the village, was of two stories, with a kitchen attached, and ingeniously fitted up for the recep- tion of the judges. The east chamber was assigned for their resi- dence, from which a door opened into a closet, back of the chim- ney, and a secret trap-door communicated with an under closet, from which was a private passage to the cellar, into which it was easy to descend, in case of a search. Here, unknown to the peo- ple of Hadley, excepting to a few confidants and the family of Mr. Russell, the judges remained fifteen or sixteen years. The dangerous secret of their concealment was known to Peter Tilton, Esq., whose residence stood on the same side of the street with Mr. Russell's, about half the distance towards the south end of the village; and here, it is said, the judges occasionally resided. A Mr. Smith, who lived in the northern part of the village, is said to have occasionally admitted the exiles to his house. Mr. Tilton was frequently at Boston, being often a member of the general court from Hadley, and through him donations from their friends in England, and elsewhere, were received by the judges. During his residence in Hadley, Goffe held a correspondence with his wife in England, under a fictitious name. By one of the letters, dated April 2, 1679, it appears that Whalley had died some time previ-
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325
HADLEY.
ously, at Mr. Russell's. He was buried in a sort of tomb, formed of mason work, and covered with flags of hewn stone, just with- out the cellar wall of Mr. Russell's house; where his bones were found by Mr. Gaylord, who built a house on the spot where Mr. Russell's was standing, as late as 1794. Soon after the death of Whalley, Goffe left Hadley, and travelled to the southward; after which, no certain information of him can be obtained. There is a tradition, however, that he also died at Hadley, and was buried in the garden or near the house of Mr. Tilton. Not long after the arrival of the two judges at Hadley, Col. John Dixwell, an- other of the judges, joined them at Mr. Russell's, and resided there for a while; he afterward settled down at New Haven, Con., under the assumed name of Davids, where he died in 1688-9. It has been conjectured by President Stiles, and others, that the re- mains of both Goffe and Whalley were interred near those of Dixwell's, there being monuments near that of Dixwell's inscribed with the initials of their names.
During Philip's war, in 1676, Hadley was attacked on the morning of the 12th of June, by about seven hundred Indians. "In the preceding night, they approached the town, laid an am- buscade at the southern extremity, and advanced the main body towards the other, and at day-light the attack was commenced with great spirit; but the English, turning out, received them at the palisades. The Indians gained possession of a house at the north end of the street, and fired a barn, but were in a short time driven back with loss. The attack was renewed on other points, and the Indians, though warmly opposed, appeared determined on car- 'ying the place ; but a discharge of a piece of ordnance checked their fury, and their ambuscade failing of their object, which was to attack the people who might be driven from the village, they drew off. Major Talcott, at Northampton, hearing the attack, hurried on, passed the river, and, joining the Hadley forces, pre- cipitated the Indians into the woods. Only two or three men were ost by the English ; the enemy's was not ascertained.". "When the people were in great consternation, and rallying to oppose the Indians, a man of venerable aspect, differing from the inhabitants n his apparel, appeared, and, assuming command, arrayed them n the best manner for defence, evincing much knowledge of mili- ary tactics, and by his advice and example continued to animate he men throughout the attack. When the Indians drew off, the stranger disappeared, and nothing further was heard of him. Who the deliverer was, none could inform .or conjecture, but by supposing, as was common at that day, that Hadley had been saved by its guardian angel. It will be recollected that at this ime the two judges, Whalley and Goffe, were secreted in the village, at the house of the Rev. Mr. Russell. The supposed angel, then, was no other than Gen. Goffe, who, seeing the village in imminent langer, put all at risk, left his concealment, mixed with the inha- bitants, and animated them to a vigorous defence. Whalley, being
326
HATFIELD.
then superannuated, probably remained in his secluded cham- ber." *
The following inscriptions were copied from monuments in the grave-yard in this town :-
REVEREND RVSSELLS REMAINS, WHO FIRST GATHERED, AND FOR 33 YEARS FAITHFULLY GOVERNED THE FLOCK OF CHRIST IN HADLEY, TIL THE' CHEIF SHEPHERD SUDDENLY CALLED HIM OFF TO RECIEVE HIS REWARD, IN THE 66 YEAR OF HIS AGE, DECEMBER 10, 1692.
REBECKAH, MADE BY GOD A MEIT HELP TO MR. JOHN RUSSELL, AND FELLOW LABOVR- ER IN CHRIST'S WORK ; A WISE, VERTVOVS, PIOVS MOTHER IN ISRAEL LYES HERE, IN FULL ASSURANCE OF A JOYFUL RESURRECTION. SHE DIED IN THE 57 YEAR OF HER AGE, NO- VEMBER 21, 1688.
To the memory of John Webster, Esq., one of the first settlers of Hartford, in Con- necticut, who was many years a magistrate or assistant, & afterwards Deputy Gover- nor of that Colony, & in 1659, with three sons, Robert, William & Thomas, associ- ated with others in the purchase and settlement of Hadley, where he died in 1665.1 This monument is erected, in 1818, by his descendant, Noah Webster, of Amherst.
In memory of Mrs. Sarah Marsh, wife of Ebenezer Marsh, who departed this life January ye 31, 1794, in the 66 year of her age.
Prudence is an eveness of soul, A steady temper, which no cares controul, No passions ruffle, no desires inflame, Still constant to itself, & still the same.
Here lies the body of the rev. ISAAC CHAUNCY, pastor of the first church in Hadley, who was of a truly peaceable and catholic spirit, a good scholar, an eloquent orator, an able divine, a lively, pathetic preacher, a burning and shining light in this candle- stick, an exemplary christian, an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile. He de- parted this life 2 May, A. D. 1745, ætat. 74.
HATFIELD.
HATFIELD is one of the oldest settlements in the county, and was originally included within the bounds of Hadley. It was incorpo- rated in 1670. The Rev. Hope Atherton appears to have been the first minister. Mr. Atherton died in 1679, aged 33. He was succeed- ed by Rev. Nathaniel Chauncy. Mr. Chauncy died in 1685, and was succeeded by Rev. William Williams, who died in 1741. Rev. Timothy Woodbridge was installed here in 1740, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. Joseph Lyman, D. D., in 1772. Dr. Lyman died in 1828, and was succeeded by Rev. Jared B. Waterbury, in 1827, who was succeeded by Rev. Levi Pratt, in 1830. This is a fine agricultural town, and noted for its raising fine beef cattle. A part of the township is a pine plain, a part intervals of the first quality, and the remaining part valuable upland. The principal village lies on an interval opposite the north end of Hadley, at the distance of one mile and a half. There is one Congregational church. Population, 937. Distance, 5 miles north of Northamp-
* Hoyt's Indian Wars, p. 135.
+ This is an error ; it should be 1661.
327
HATFIELD.
ton, and 95 west of Boston. The value of brooms manufactured in this town in 1837 was $28,600.
Hatfield, like other ancient towns in this vicinity, has passed through many scenes of distress and danger. On October 19, 1675, in Philip's war, between seven and eight hundred Indians ap- proached the outposts of Hatfield, flushed with their recent suc- cesses in Deerfield and other places. Having cut off several par- ties who were scouring the woods in the vicinity, they made a rapid attack on the town in various directions. Fortunately, two companies, under the command of Captains Mosely and Poole, were at this time in the village. While Poole bravely defended one extremity, Mosely with no less resolution defended the center, while Captain Appleton, arriving with his company from Hadley, protected the other extremity. After a severe contest, the Indians were repulsed at every point ; many were driven across Mill river in confusion, and in their hurry, attempting to carry off their dead and wounded, lost many of their guns in the river. They how- ever found time to fire several buildings, which were consumed, and to drive off a number of cattle and sheep. Their retreat being made at the dusk of the evening, their loss could not be ascer- tained; the loss of the English is not given. Captain Appleton had a narrow escape, a ball passing through the hair of his head: his sergeant at his side was mortally wounded. On the 30th of May, 1676, a body of 6 or 700 Indians fell upon Hatfield again, and burnt about a dozen houses and barns in the skirts of the town. One party attacked the fortified houses to which the inhabitants had fled, the other drove away the cattle belonging to the inha- bitants. In the mean time twenty-five young men from Hadley crossed the river, and with invincible resolution broke their way through the enemy, and assisted in repelling the savages.
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