USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > History of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Volume II pt 1 > Part 39
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A few weeks before the death of Dr. Allen, on the 23d of September, his brother, Solomon L. Allen, was killed by falling from the roof of a college building, which was unfinished. at Middlebury, Vt. Professor Allen graduated at Middlebury, in 1815, and was elected professor of the ancient languages, a short time before his death.
Still another son of Rer. Mr. Allen, Samuel L. Allen, die at Oore. chee, near Savannah, Georgia, August 10th, 1816. He was born in 1984.
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entered the United States Army at the commencement of the war of 1812, and served with fidelity and reputation ; being engaged in nearly all the hard fought battles on what was then the western frontier.
Lieutenant William Browning, before entering the army, was a hat- ter. He is described by those who knew him, as possessing unusual ac- complishments, and a very landable ambition.
Captain David Perry was a lawyer who removed to Pittsfield from the east-from Boston it is said ; but information of him is scanty.
Captain, afterward Major Reynolds ME. Kirby was also a lawyer in Pittsfield. and married Harriet, daughter of Colonel Simon Earned. In the nullification excitement of 1832 he was in command of the guard sta- tioned at the State arsenal in Charleston, which was removed, at the re- quest of the governor of South Carolina, to Fort Moultrie.
Eleazer Wheelock Ripley, born at Hanover, N. H., in 1782, was the son of Rev. Sylvanus Ripley, first professor of divinity at Dartmouth College, and grandson of Rev. Dr. Eleazer Wheelock, the founder and first president of that institution. He was also a lineal descendant of Miles Standish. He graduated at Dartmouth in 1800, and settled in the practice of the law at Fryeburg, in Maine. Bring a member of the Massa- chusetts House of Representatives, when, in January, 1812. Joseph Story resigned the speakership on his appointment as julge of the United States Supreme Court, Mr. Ripley was chosen to fill the vacancy. In 1811 he married Miss Love, daughter of Res. Thomas Allen, a lady to whom tradition attributes unusual charms of mind and person : with whose family that of her husband was already connected by the mar- riage of Rev. Dr. William Allen to the daughter of the second President Wheelock.
At the breaking out of the war, Mr. Ripley received a commission as lieutenant colonel in the Twenty-first regiment. Lientenant Colonel Ripley came back to Pittsfield, where he had married the previous year, at the head of a fine detachment of men which he had raised in Maine. His conduct in the field was so creditable that, in March. 1814, he was promoted brigadier general in company with Scott, Gaines, and Macomb. In the campaign of the following summer he served gallantly ; and at the sortie of Fort Erie, on the 17th of September,, while at the head of the Twenty-first regiment, then engaged at close quarters with the enemy, he received a very dangerous wound in the neck, from which a tedions and painful illness resulted, during which he was faithfully attended by his young wife.
In November Congress voted to Generals Brown, Scott, Gaines, Mil. ler, Porter, and Ripley, the thanks of the nation ; and to each a gold medal. That of General Ripley bore on one side his bust, in profile, his name and military title : on the other a figure of Victory ; hanging upon the branches of a palm tree a tablet inscribed with the names Chippewa, Niagara. Erie. New York, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Georgia also voted thanks and " visible tokens of approbation " to General Ripley.
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When he returned to Pittsfield, in February, 1815, the citizens hon- ored him with a public dinner.
General Ripley was one of the four brigadiers retained in the reduc. tion of the aring to a peace basis; the others being Scott, Gaines, and Macomb. In 1816 he was assigned to the command of the military dis- triet the headquarters of which were at New Orleans. In 1890 he resigned. but remained in that city in the practice of the law ; and in 1836 was chosen representative in Congress, which office be held until his death in 1839.
Major Watson was born at Newport. R. I., in 1750, and entered the army in 1812 as second lieutenant in the Twenty-fourth infantry, and in the following year was successively promoted first lieutenant, and adju tant, with the rank of captain. In 1814 he was breveted major for gal. lant conduct at the battle of Niagara Falls. In the reduction of the army he was retained as major in the Sixth infantry. In August, 1820, being then in command of the post at Pittsfield, he married Miss Elizabeth Marsh of that town, a granddaughter of Deacon William Williams, of Dalton. He died October 4th, 1827. in the house of his friend. General E. P. Gaines, at Newport, Ky., and was buried in the private burying ground of General Zachary Taylor.
Captain Jared Ingersoll was the son of a well known earnest demo- erat of the same name. His mother was, before her second marriage. the widow of Colonel John Brown, of Revolutionary fame. Captain Inger. soll, the younger, was born in 1787. Like his father a very ardent dema. crat, he entered the army at the commencement of the war, and served with conspicnous bravery. Even in the Bloody Ninth his gallantry was considered exceptional. His name and that of Major Kirby were fre quently mentioned with the highest commendation in the dispatched of commanding officers. The citizens of Pittsfield recognized his merits by the presentation of a costly sword, with a scabbard of solid silver. After the war he was for many years deputy sheriff and coroner, holding ilp. latter office at his death in 1871.
The establishment of a military post at Pittsfield could not fail to increase the number and ardor of the supporters of the war ; and there- fore the violence of their antagonism to the friends of peace. In many of the eastern towns in Massachusetts, where the Federalists were largely in the majority, resolutions denunciatory of the war had been adopted in town meetings. In Boston several had been held, and resolutions partic- ularly intemperate in their language had been adopted, In Pittsfield. in a full town meeting held for that purpose on the 27th of August, the fol lowing resolutions were adopted, after a spirited discussion :
PRFAMHLE AND RESOLUTIONS
" Whereas, the inhabitants of the town of Boston have, at sandry meetings of said inhabitants lately heid, passed sundry resolutions, and recommended a system of measures to be adopted and pursued by such other Jisaffected towns or voluntary as.
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sociations in this commonwealth as shall show a disposition to concur with them therein, which, under pretense of aiding the civil authorities of the State 'in the sup- pression of tumults, riots and unlawful assemblies,' which have neither arisen or been threatened, have obviously in view the organization of an armed force within the bosom of our commonwealth, for some unapored and illegitimate purpose-and hove also appointed delegates to a convention of the State, unrecognized by the constitution and the laws-to be convened by no public or lawful authority-composed of per- sons deputed in no regular or authorized manner-and for the effecting of objects neither specified or known to the good people of the commonwealth at large. And certain other towns and associations of disaffected individuals, having also adopted various measures of a similar import, tendency and design. And whereis, the afore- said proceedings, when taken in connection with the refusal of the governor of this commonwealth, and of the State of Connecticut, to order out sich detachment of the militia of these States as are deemed necessary by the president of the United States. for the defense thereof against the invasions or depredations to which they are et- posed on the part of a foreign nation with whom the United States are engaged in a just and necessary war. And whereas, the sentiments now openly propagated and avowed through the medium of the public newspapers printed in the town of Boston, and elsewhere, indicate an intention of withdrawing from the service of their country. at this most interesting crisis, the military force of the State, and arraying the people and civil authorities thereof against the authority of the United States, and against the just cause in which our country is now contending. And it is therefore deemed necessary that the most prompt and efficient measures should forthwith be adopted on the part of such of the inhabitants of this commonwealth as ate resolved to sitt? or fall with their country, for the purpose of meeting all such events as may be brought upon them through the agency of such alarming and unjustifiable combina- tions, as well as for the upholding of the constituted authority of the Union in all lawful measures which they may adopt to vindicate the just rights of the nation abroad, and to maintain its authority at home. l'herefore.
" Resolved as the sense of this town. That we have all that confidence in our national government, which flows from an attachment to its principles and an appro- bation of its measures. That we will obey its laws, execute to the utmost of our ability its constitutional requisitions, suppress and deteat all unlawful combinations against its authority; and in despite of all ofen or insidious attempts to withdraw our allegiance from our country-will stand or fall in it's common cause.
" Resolved, That we have seen with much regret, but entirely without dismay. sundry resolutions and proceedings of the town of Boston; which, under the pretence of suppressing tumultuous and unlawful assemblies of the people, appear designed to arm one portion of them against the other, and to array the local and state authorities against that of the United States, instead of turning them to their proper legitimate objects-the arrogance of its declared enemies.
" Resolved, That the plan of organizing a state-convention, not recognized by the constitution or the laws of the commonwealth-called by no legmimate vitnarita and for effecting of no specified or avowed object, is either an die and wanton at. tempt to alarm and vex the public mind with vain and nugatory projects; or to tisurp unconstitutional and lawless powers, by a body having no regular tile or chum to the exercise thereof -- a procedure which, on the first aopposition, meris our codeuse". and the second demands, and shall receive, our organifind remonter.
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" Resolved, That we will with equal promptitude, devote ourselves and substance to maintain the just rights of the nation against foreign aggression, and to put down domestic usurpations under whatever pretence they may be attempted, or under whatever local authorities they may be countenanced and supported.
" Resolved, That although we have as sincere a detestation of all rioto is and tumultuous proceedings as the town of Boston has, or would appear to have; yet we will not affect terrors which we do not feel, nor will we exhaust that spirit and that indignation with which every American bosom ought at this moment, to beat against our foreign foes, in extravagant and passionate denunciations Against our fellow citi- zens of other States, who, if guilty, are amenable to their own laws, and punishable by their own civil authorities.
" Resolved, That it will conduce much to the quiet of the State, if the inhabitants of the town of Boston would attend more to their own concerns, and cease to harass the good people of the commonwealth with their impracticable ' natiant' and theje ambitious and illusory projects.
" Resolved, That the governor of the commonwealth having refused to call out those detachments of its militia, which were deemed necessary by the president of the United States to aid in the defense of its vulnerable points, is justly responsible for the safety of the State, and its protection against all foreign annoyances, depre- dations or invasions.
" Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to every citizen capable of per- forming military duty, to furnish and keep on hand suitable arms and equipments. and stand ready to aid the government of the United States, either in the repulsion of foreign enemies or in the suppression of unlawful combinations and nsurgiutions against its authority and the constitutional powers of the State, whether under the form of conventions, or any other organized associations whatever.""
The town, also, by vote. instructed the selection to purchase. in ad dition to the usual stock of ammunition six casks of powder, and two hun. dred pounds of ball: and offered a bounty of ten dollars to each of its citizens who should voluntarily enlist : to be paid within one year after the recruit was called into service.
In the crisis which arose in the autumn of 1514 the action of both parties was most honorable, and fully sustained the patriotic fame of the town. The following is taken from the Pittsfield Sun of September 22d, 1814 :
" PITTSFIELD TOWN . MEETING, PATRIOTISM. UNANIMITY
"With proud satisfaction, we present to the public the proceedings of the town meeting of Pittsfield, on Monday last, at which Joshua Danforth presided, as moderator. All parties came forward unanimously, and sacrificed at the shrine of their common country, all their animosities and dissensions, in support of truc American principles. We trust that every town in the county and State will do like- wise. We shall thus present an impenetrable phalany of patriots to the enemy, which will command her respect, obtain for us an honorable peace, and, with it. the admiration of the world.
"REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.
" Whereas, a town meeting has been convened at the request of a number of * The italics in these resolutions are those of the Field Sie
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inhabitants, for the purpose of taking into consideration, 'what they in their corporate capacity ought to do to aid the constituted authorities of our country in retelling the invasion of our territory, and also to enable them in future to protect the other parts of our country from invasion.'
"And whereas, at the meeting so convened, the following persons have been chosen a committee to propose resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting on the subject for which it is called, viz: Oliver Root, Thomas Gold, Theodore Hins- dale, jr., James D. Colt, Elkanah Watson and Themes Melville, jt; and the commit- tec having met, have adopted and present to their fellow-citizens the following pre- amble and resolutions:
" Preamble. That as we have arrived at a crisis which requires the individual and joint exertions of every citizen; and that as the sacred charter of our Indepen- dence, and the safety of our country is at stake.
"It has become the duty of every American to risk his life and property, to pre- serve the sacred inheritance for which our fathers fought and bled. If incentives are necessary to rouse us to a true sense of our danger, and our duty: let us consider that not only our state is invaded, but our enemy has declared it to be her intention, to take possession of, and to re-annex to the crown of Great Britain, all the territory east of Penobscot River; that she has, besides, officially declared, that she will lay waste and destroy such towns and districts on our coasts as may be assailable. And if this is not sufficient, let us cast our eyes on the depredations committed in the south, as well as those more recently committed in the District of Maine.
" Those acts, whilst they demonstrate to us most unequivocally the intentions of our enemy, admonish us to shun dissensions; and to keep constantly in view, that united we stand, and divided we fall. If the enemy counts on our internal divisions, we trust that the patriotism of Americans will prove to her, and to the world, that no difference of opinion exists among us, on the great questions of self-defence, or our existence as a nation. Let each and every one of us, therefore, in this solemn hour of danger, bring forward and deposit on the altar of our country, every passion, every feeling, every prejudice that may tend to awaken resistance, or in:pair exertion
" Let us, as a united people, come forward in defence of our common country. Let us take efficient measures to learn the duties of the soldier. Let us be prepared, and in constant readiness to take the field and meet the enemy.
" Let us, like the sages of 1776, pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor, for the maintenance of our National Independence; and our enemy will soon learn that the cause of America is the cause of each of its citizens.
"To these sentiments your committee flatter themselves there cannot be a dis senting voice; and therefore, propose with confidence, the following resolutions.
" Resolved, Ist. That as an extraordinary occasion exists for putting the whole military force of the town into a condition for active and efficient service, the select- men are instructed forthwith to provide such arms, munitions of war and camp. equipage, as the law has required of towns; and to have the whole ready for immediate use.
" Resolved, 2d. That the selectmen be empowered to give liberal and to the families of such militia as are, or hereafter may be, called into service, who may need assistance; and that the selectmen be charged with that duty.
" Resolved, 3d. That we will use our utmost endeavors to increase the number
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ot the militia, to discourage and prevent all evasions, or neglect of duty, that we may insure to the country an active and efficient force.
" Resolved, 4th. That it be recommended to all exempts, to enroll and form themselves into a company, to equip and prepare themselves for active service,
" Resolved, 5th. That we will honestly and sincerely exert ourselves to promote union, energy and public spirit among all our fellow. citizens; and we appeal with con- fidence to our fellow-citizens of the county of Berkshire, and elsewhere, on this trying occasion, and we trust they will rise in their native strength and majesty to defend their country and to repel all invasions.
" Signed, Oliver Root, Thomas Melville, jr., Thomas Gold, James D. Colt Elkanah Watson, Theodore Hinsdale, jr., Committee.
" The preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted: and one thousand dollars appropriated to carry them into complete effect."
The committee that drafted the resolutions were equally divided politically: Messrs. Root, Watson, and Melville, were democrats; Messis. Gold, Colt, and Hinsdale, federalists.
Of course the people in Pittsfield rejoiced at the return of peace. though the cessation of hostilities was far from favorable to their im- mediate material interests.
Domestic life in Pittsfield was, in early times, like that in all interior New England towns. simple and economical. When the circumstances by which the early settlers were surrounded are considered it will be readily understood that this simplicity of life was imposed on them by their surroundings. They were not exempt from the common frailties of humanity, and, within the limits of their ability, they were just as liable as the people of the present day to permit good taste to degenerate into vanity; but in the exercise of taste or the indulgence of vanity they were limited and directed by surrounding circumstances, as well as by the dic. tates of omnipotent fashion.
They raised their flax, and spun and wove their linen because cheaper substitutes for it were not then known. They manufactured their own woolen cloths, because woolen mills were not then in existence here, and only the wealthiest among them could afford the Inxury of a " broad. cloth" coat. Their garments were made by tailors, tailoresses, and sean- stresses in their houses ; for circumstances had not then called into es. istence the merchant tailor, and the now ubiquitous Israelite, with his " sheap coods," had not made his appearance, nor had sewing machines been invented. The old dye tub, the evening seat of the younger chil dren, had its place in every chimney corner, and the wool that had been colored in it was carded and spun in the house, and the yarn was knit into stockings for the family by the female members thereof, for the im mense mills of the present day, with their thousands of knitting ma- chines, that produce a cheap but comparatively inferior article, were not then regarded as possibilities.
They manufactured their own leather, or had it tannet " on shares." and hired their own and their children's shoes made either in their
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houses, or at the shops of the shoemakers that came here with the first settlers ; for the immense manufactories and the shoe stores of the pres- ent day had not been thought of.
The " blazing hearth" was then a reality, for their houses were warmed by the cheerful wood fires that are now seldom seen. The huge brick oven for baking the corn pones, pork and beans, pumpkin pies. etc., of that time, was to be found at the side of every fire place, for it was not then known. or even believed, that baking could be done by any other means, except in some cases by the bake kettle. The fuel afforded by the primitive forest was then abundant, and that in the bowels of the earth had not been discovered. Necessity had not then called for the exercise of inventive genius in devising the convenient and economical furnaces. ranges, and stoves of the present day, and the conservatism of the people led them to regard as useless innovations the improvements that changing circumstances afterward compelled them to adopt. Their houses were lighted by tallow dips for sometimes by what were termed " sluts "), for oil lamps were scarcely known. The use of gas had not then been introduced even in larger cities, and petroleum was awaiting discovery by the present generation. The wooden trenchers, pewter plates, clumsy earthenware, and expensive foreign china ware of early times had not begun to give place to the elegant and cheap products of American potteries, and the ceramic art was not developed in Europe. The vulgarity of carrying food to the month on one's knife had not then been discovered. and many of the refinements or conventionalities of modern society had no existence. The old fashioned clock ocenpied its position on the shelf, or in its tall case, and ticked the seconds, struck the hours, and measured the time with all the accuracy and regularity of the modern smaller and more convenient time keepers.
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In the houses that succeeded the primitive log cabins of the early set tlers advances in ornamentation were made. The paneled wainseating. the heavy quaint cornices, and the excessive ornamental work about the fire places were characteristic of the architecture of those times.
The earliest carpets were made of rags, a household product that was introduced by Mrs. Van Schaack. The first woven carpet was brought into town by Mrs. Dr. Timothy Childs, and it covered a space of about nine feet square in the parlor of the house. The first carpet covering a whole floor was laid in the parlor of John Chandler Williams. Floors were usually sprinkled with sand. Painted floors were a later innova- tion, and were denounced by conservative old ladies as dangerous be. cause of liability to slip on them. For the same reason stone instead of wooden doorsteps were at first received with disfavor.
The style of dress in the latter part of the eighteenth century was. like that of other periods, peculiar. When the small clothes, knee breeches, cooked hats, and quenes of the preceding few years were giving way for the more modern styles, many clung to the fashions to which
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they had been accustomed, and an assembly at that time exhibited a variety of styles.
The tables of the people were as plentifully spread as their circum stances would permit, and they were not niggardly in their hospitality. The social life of Pittsfield, from this era when the community began to recover from the pecuniary difficulties which followed the Revolution till after the war of 1812, was more genial, merry, and unconstrained than at any period before or since. Social gatherings, private dancing parties. tea parties, hunting frolies, corn huskings, minister's " bees." etc. Were frequent, as were evening suppers, when the choices New England luxu ries-from turkey and goose to pumpkin pie, nut cake, apples, chestunts. and cider-were served in turn at the houses of friends. Every event. from an ecclesiastical council to a military training, was made the occa- sion for generous and convivial hospitality.
In this keen and general enjoyment of social life there was much that was very pleasant : and there me some who. now in their extreme old age, look back on it with delighted memories. It is true, however, that this departure from ancient puritan ansterity of life, a reaction against which had commenced a century earlier, was deeply regretted by old people who saw in it an evidence of the decadence of morals : but as in other similar cases, it was only a decadence of their standard of morality.
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