USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Greenfield > History of Greefield, shire town of Franklin county, Massachusetts, Vol. II > Part 15
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1869, March 17, Henry W. Clapp died. Mr. Clapp was born in Springfield in 1798, and when sixteen years old began to learn the trade of goldsmith and jeweler at Newark, N. J. He entered into business in New York, and soon ac- cumulated what was considered a good fortune in those days. His mother was a daughter of Dr. Henry Wells of Montague, which fact probably accounts for his location in this town. He came here in 1835 and purchased the Gould place, where he resided until his death. He took great interest and pride in everything which promoted the interests of the town. He never would accept political office, but was president of the Greenfield Bank, the Franklin County Agricultural Society, the Green River Cemetery Company, the Greenfield Gas Light Company, the Franklin Savings Institution and of the
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Connecticut River Railroad Company. It was largely through the influence of Mr. Clapp that the "Greenfield Branch" of the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad was made a part of the main line from Grouts to Greenfield, and from thence to Brat- tleboro, the branch. He was the leading spirit in the consoli- dation of the Springfield & Northampton and the North- ampton & Greenfield railroads to form the Connecticut River Railroad Company. In this matter he had the sharp opposi- tion of other leading men of Greenfield who were officers in the local road. As an example of his interest in the town, he and Jonathan Bird employed at their own expense a dis- tinguished engineer to come here and estimate the expense of bringing in an abundant water supply, either by erecting a res- ervoir upon the Rocky Mountain and forcing the supply from the Connecticut, or other means. He built the first town hall, as is related in the town records. He sold to the labor- ing men of the town little homes, giving easy terms of pay- ment and doing much for their prosperity and success. The great elms on Franklin and east Main streets are a living monument to his memory. He loaned his money to promote Greenfield industries, and at his death was mourned as the leading man and well beloved citizen of the town.
1 869, April 7. Captain Daniel Crosby died, aged 67. For thirty-four years he was the sexton of the town and a respected citizen.
1870, October 31. Captain Alanson B. Long found dead in his office in New Orleans. Mr. Long was commander of the Greenfield company in the 52d regiment and was greatly beloved by his men. He was a young man of great promise and United States district attorney at the time of his death.
1871, February 8. Deacon Curtis Newton died, aged 88 years and 10 months. He was an officer of the first church many years, a son of one of the early settlers of the town and an honest man.
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February 9. Joseph Severance died, aged 92 years. He was a hatter in early days and had a shop where Arms block now stands.
1871, June 12. John Newton, brother of Deacon Curtis Newton, died, aged 91.
1871, October 3. Albert Smead died after a short sickness. Mr. Smead was a descendant of one of the oldest families of the town and well sustained the family name. He was 69 years of age, had served the town as assessor and as selectman, was a good neighbor, a modest, kindly man and a Christian gentleman.
1872, May 7. Theodore Leonard died, aged 70. Mr. Leonard was born in Sandwich in 1802, and after clerking in a store at Boston became agent for a woolen mill located in Dudley. He came to Greenfield in 1843 to take charge of the woolen factories which had been owned by N. E. Russell & Co. These had been purchased by J. K. Mills & Brother of Boston.
This firm becoming embarrassed in 1857, the business passed into the hands of Mr. Leonard who successfully manu- factured the finest of doeskins for many years. Failing in health, and adverse business conditions existing, the business was discontinued, and the once busy hamlet became like Goldsmith's deserted village. Mr. Leonard was one of the most public spirited men who ever lived in Greenfield, and he gave unsparingly of his money and time to advance every interest which he thought would make the town one more desirable for a home.
The New York Dry Goods Reporter of June 26, 1858, says : "Among the most beautiful blacks we notice those of the Greenfield Company. ... The goods of this cele- brated make have always approached more nearly the best styles of French and German doeskins than any other Ameri- can manufacture and we are glad to see a full assortment in the market."
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1872, September 23. Humphrey Stevens, register of deeds, having just come out of the courthouse for the purpose of attending a funeral, fell on the sidewalk opposite W. T. Da- vis's house and immediately expired. He was a son of Hon. Joseph Stevens of Warwick and aged 50 years. Mr. Stevens was station agent at Montague for the Fitchburg Railroad Company before he was elected register of deeds in 1855. He held the latter position until his death. He was for many years chairman of the selectmen, a director in the First National Bank, and prominent in business affairs.
Frederick G. Tuckerman, born in Boston, February 4, 1821, married Hannah L., the only child of General David S. Jones, and settled in Greenfield in 1847. He was educated at the Boston Latin School, Harvard College and the Harvard Law School. He read law in the office of Edward D. Sohier of Boston and was a member of the Boston bar. Having abun- dant means he spent some time in Europe, and in 1855 was the guest of Alfred Tennyson at Farringford, Isle of Wight. At this time the poet laureate presented him with the original manuscript of Locksley Hall. Mr. Tuckerman was a man of scholarly tastes and habits, and being a deep lover of nature, abandoned his profession and gave himself largely to the pur- suit of his favorite studies. He was a skilful botanist and was acknowledged authority upon the flora of Franklin county. He was an occasional contributor to Littell's Living Age and the Atlantic Monthly. He wrote a hymn for the dedi- cation of Green River cemetery and an ode which was sung at the dedication of the soldiers' monument. His poems were first collected and printed in 1860. They were published in London in 1863, and re-published in Boston in 1864, and again in 1869. He died May 9, 1873, leaving a daughter Anna, and a son, Dr. Frederick Tuckerman, of Amherst, both still living.
1873, September 6. Rinaldo R. Taylor, formerly editor and proprietor of the Franklin Democrat, and a leading demo-
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cratic politician of the county, died aged 50. He built the Union block and did much for the welfare of the town.
1874, May 3. James White, born about 1802 in Colrain, died at the poorhouse. Thirty years ago "Jim," the col- ored barber of the village, was an amusing character. He " went west " early in life and led a rough life on the canal and learned many cute tricks which he never forgot. For a long time he was cook at the American House and was very skilful. He always attended the Greenfield boys when they went out of town to musters and on other occasions. He had at one time a little home on Silver street but lost all his estate by hard drinking and ended his days at the poorhouse. If any young man in town put on a little more style than "the boys" thought proper, within a few days Jim, through their assistance, would be sure to appear in imitation and cause much mirth by his perfect mimicry.
1874, June 18. Alpheus Loveland, aged 78, a soldier of the War of 1812, was killed on the railroad, near the Tool factory. He was in the battle of Plattsburg, and at Stone River and Otter Creek in 1814.
1874, July 10. Charles K. Grennell, a much respected citi- zen, aged 70, died from injuries received from falling from a tree.
1874. July 14. Samuel H. Reed, died aged 79. Major Reed was born in Petersham, but went early to Rowe, where he was clerk for his brother Solomon, with whom he was afterward in partnership. He was appointed sheriff of Franklin county in 1847 and removed in 1851, to make room for Gen- eral James S. Whitney. He was again appointed in 1853 and subsequently removed by Governor Gardner who appointed Charles Pomeroy in his place. In 1856, the law having been changed, he was elected, and re-elected four times, holding the office for nineteen years. During his last years Major Reed suffered from blindness. He was a much respected citizen, and particularly active in the cause of temperance,
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JOHN RUSSELL
A John Russell came up to Deerfield in 1756 from Weth- ersfield and married a daughter of John Sheldon, thus getting into good company. This John had a son John born in 1767 who learned the silversmith's trade and in May, 1792, formed a partnership with David Ripley in the jewelry busi- ness in Greenfield. He was commissioned major in the mi- litia in 1804. His son John was born March 30, 1797. He learned his trade in his father's shop and when nineteen years of age went to Augusta, Georgia, and engaged in business, which he continued until he was about thirty-three years old, when he returned to Greenfield.
Late in 1833 John Russell & Company had in successful operation their chisel works, driven by a sixteen horse power steam-engine, probably the first engine ever used in Greenfield. Their shops were on the south side of Mill street, just west of the present Germania House. March 15, 1836, the large part of these works were destroyed by fire. Searching for a better location and cheaper and more abundant power, over- tures were made to the owners of the water power at Nash's mills, but without success. The "Bascom dam" (now Wiley & Russell Company) and the buildings on the east side of Green river having been swept away in a flood in 1835, John Russell and his brother Francis purchased the property and at that place founded a business which was destined to become of world-wide reputation. Though the works were located within the bounds of Deerfield, the concern was a Greenfield institution and so remained until its removal to Turners Falls.
Francis Russell became the New York agent and only re- turned to Greenfield a short time before his sudden death in 1850. Under the skilful management of John Russell, the company changed its business from the manufacture of chisels to that of cutlery in its various forms, and aided financially by Henry W. Clapp, the concern soon became the foremost
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work of its character in America. The trade-mark of "Green River Works" was adopted by the concern and their goods were boldly proclaimed to be "American Cutlery." The management was progressive, and the skilled workmen im- ported from Sheffield soon took up American methods, and gradually new and attractive patterns were introduced and hand work gave way to ingenious machinery which materially reduced the price of production.
After the death of Francis Russell, Nathaniel Russell be- came the New York agent, and by his large business expe- rience, keen instincts, and correct business methods, aided largely in the success of the concern. The trying times of 1837-40 were safely passed and large increase of capital was earned and used in the extension of the works until in 1870 the completion of the facilities at Turners Falls gave oppor- tunity for the construction of a plant of sufficient capacity to do their prospective business.
Mr. Russell retired from the active management of the concern when the re-organization took place, but it still re- mained the "J. Russell Cutlery Company." The Gazette says of him: "Through all the years of his business life, Mr. Russell was noted for sound judgment, untiring industry, and for his personal influence over his large number of sometimes turbulent workmen. He was a man of much natural dignity and presence. His word was a bond, and his signature was never in all the long years of his business dishonored by a protest."
Mr. John Russell died December 27, 1874, at the age of sev- enty-seven. He was married in 1830 to Juliana Witmer of Lan- caster, Pa., and his wife survived him several years. One son, Francis B. Russell, died in 1870, and one, Charles W. Rus- sell of New York, in 1903. Hon. John E. Russell of Lei- . cester, and Kate, who was the wife of the late Hon. James S. Grinnell of Greenfield, are the surviving children.
1875, February 4. Colonel David Wright, aged 82, died
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at South Deerfield. Colonel Wright kept the American House in this town many years, and was the " crier of the courts." Mr. Griswold, in his address delivered at the dedi- cation of the rebuilt courthouse, thus speaks of him :
" Nor must I pass unnoticed Colonel David Wright, the old crier of the old courthouse of the old school. It is not disparagement to the present occupants of this office to say that Colonel Wright awake or asleep was the equal, if not the superior, of them all. Although there is the highest profane au- thority for saying that on one occasion, when suddenly aroused from a sound sleep, (which he was enjoying at the crier's desk,) to adjourn the court, he shocked the judge, the jurors, the witnesses, the spectators, and even the lawyers, so far as such language can shock their sensibilities, by adding, either by mis- take or intentionally to the words, 'God save the Common- wealth,' an oath which it would be improper for me to repeat in this presence. But the legislature, in one of its spasms of reform arose in its might and majesty and swept this little office of crier of the court from the face of the earth, and with it went Colonel David Wright, the crier of this court."
1875, October 21. David R. Wait, a prominent citizen of Cheapside, died aged 76. It was no fault of Mr. Wait that he died in Deerfield instead of Greenfield, for he made a gal- lant fight for the annexation of Cheapside to Greenfield.
1876, January 19. Thomas Wait aged 67 died. " Uncle Tom " carried on an express business between Greenfield and Boston for forty-five years. Before the days of railroads he drove fine four-horse teams, laden with country produce of every kind and brought back all varieties of goods carried in country stores. His fidelity was never questioned.
1876, August 2. Alfred Wells died from injuries received in falling down stairs, aged 76. He was a son of Colonel Samuel Wells and descended from one of the first settlers of the town. He had been frequently assessor and selectman, and was for many years coroner.
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1876, February 22. Died in Boston, Harriet Ripley Allen, a daughter of Jerome Ripley, aged 80. Jerome Ripley came from Boston to Greenfield in 1787 and built the Hovey house now standing at the corner of Main and Davis street.
1876, March 24. Samuel Sheldon Eastman died, aged 59. Mr. Eastman was born of Puritanic stock in Hadley in 1816. One of his ancestors was in Deerfield on the notable night of February 29, 1704. He was apprenticed when a boy to learn the printer's art in the office of the Hampshire Gazette at Northampton, and when he became a journeyman he worked at book printing for awhile in Amherst ; later he found em- ployment in Lenox. In 1838 J. C. Kneeland of Northampton and himself came to Greenfield and started the Greenfield Cou- rier. They had but little money and they did nearly all the work of getting out the paper with their own hands. Mr. Eastman soon became the sole owner, and within a short pe- riod united the Courier with the Gazette & Mercury owned by Colonel Ansel Phelps, and the Gazette & Courier made its first appearance in 1841, under the full control of Mr. Eastman. Colonel Phelps died in 1868, having been con- nected with the Greenfield press for fifty-eight years. The next year Mr. Eastman took as partner the late Eben A. Hall, and the paper constantly grew in popularity.
Men who only occasionally met Mr. Eastman, thought him often abrupt and discourteous, but by those who knew his solid worth as a man, his inflexible determination to do what he believed to be just and right, these characteristics were for- gotten. He was a most generous, kindly man, and was always willing to do his full share in aiding every good work. He nearly always declined public office when tendered him but in 1870 became a member of the General Court.
1878, March 22. John J. Pierce died. He was born in Greenfield, May 26, 1793, and always lived in town. His father, Samuel Pierce, built what is known as the Strecker block, and for many years carried on the tinner's trade there,
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and this son was with him until he purchased the Pierce farm. He was for many years assessor of the town, and was a charter member of Franklin Royal Arch Chapter of Masons.
1878, April 13. Bela Kellogg died, aged 68. Mr. Kellogg came here from Montague about 1853 and was for several years in the shoe trade. He changed to the grocery busi- ness which his son continues. He was county treasurer for twelve years, an honest man and a good citizen.
1878, October 24. General James S. Whitney, born in Deerfield, May 19, 1817, died at Brookline. Governor Eve- rett appointed him brigadier-general when he was twenty-three years old. He was sheriff of Franklin county from 1851 to 1853, and it is claimed that his vote caused the election of Charles Sumner to the United States senate in 1851. In the soil of his birth place in South Deerfield sleep the "Flower of Essex" slain at Bloody Brook, September 18, 1675. Henry M. and William C. Whitney, of national reputation, are his sons.
1879, January 13. Peter T. Sprague died, aged 86. Mr. Sprague was a native of Malden and came to Greenfield in 1815. He was very peculiar in his manners but a very gen- erous hearted man, and it was his custom for years to leave with his grocer a sum of money to be given as he should see fit to the deserving poor. He erected a fountain on the com- mon at considerable expense as a gift to the town. He was for many years a shoe merchant, always honest and honorable in his dealings.
1879, January 31. A. P. Cooley, died aged 69. Mr. Cooley was a free and independent thinker, strong in argument, intelligent, and knew no such word as fear. . He took great interest in the lyceums, was active in the fire department and was an authority in horticultural affairs.
1879, April 21. Lucius Nims died, aged 72. Mr. Nims was born in Greenfield on the farm which was laid out to his ancestor at the settlement of the town. He was prominent in
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town affairs ever after his arrival to man's estate, serving as selectman and on the finance committee of the town, and was a member of the legislature in 1843, 1846, 1847 and 1851. At the last term he aided in the election of Charles Sumner to the United States Senate. He was for nine successive years commissioner of Franklin county. The Gazette in its notice of his death, says: "It is sufficient to say, as was said by his pastor over his coffin, that he honored every office in which he was placed. . . . But it was not in public office alone that Mr. Nims served his fellowmen and earned and received the
approbation of the community in which he lived. It was as a neighbor, a friend, and a man of generous sympathy, good counsel and kindly acts, that he won the hearts of the people. He was truly the friend of the poor man. To the appeal of the needy his heart and his hand ever readily opened without re- gard to the security offered. There are many yet who remem- ber, and whose eyes soften as they remember, the kind words and the substantial aid which in their hour of need they received from Lucius Nims."
1879. George W. Mark, known as the "Count" died July 29, aged 83. He came to Greenfield in 1817 and was a skilful sign painter, but had aspirations for higher art, and gained much celebrity by the exhibition of his works in his "Art Gallery."
1880, April 15. Rev. Dr. Roger Howard died, aged 73. He was the father of the first wife of the late Judge Conant, and was a native of Thetford, Vt., and had only resided in Greenfield about a year. He, however, was well known by the citizens of the town as he often officiated at St. James's Church when on visits to his daughter. Dr. Howard gradu- ated at Dartmouth and from that college received his doctrin- ate. He was for seventeen years a teacher at Newburyport and nine years at Bangor, Me. His reputation as a teacher was very high. He had been rector at St. Stephen's Church in Portland, Me., at Rutland and Woodstock, Vt., and
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recently at Webster, Mass. He was president of Norwich, Vt., University for several years but resigned on account of ill health. He had a fine presence, was a ripe scholar and a Christian gentleman. His remains rest in Green River cemetery.
1880. Samuel Wilder, for a half century a resident of Greenfield, died at Hinsdale, N. H., April 20.
1881, February 28. Lemuel H. Long died, aged 81. Mr. Long was assessor many years and selectman in 1841- 42-43.
1881, April 5. Major William Keith died, aged 72. Mr. Keith was of Scotch descent, born in Enfield and came to Greenfield in 1820. He worked for some years as a painter in the old Birge chair factory on School street and then went to York state, but in 1839 returned to town and pur- chased the American House which he managed until 1861. He was for several years captain of the old Greenfield artil- lery company, and as a lieutenant had a handsome young law student, who afterward became of world-wide fame,-General Charles Devens. Major Keith received many honors at the hands of his townsmen, having been selectman seven years, member of the legislature two years, and was deputy sheriff under General James S. Whitney. In 1870 he became the president of the Franklin County Bank which office he re- tained until his death. He was a man of sound business quali- fications, good solid common sense, and commanded uni- versal respect.
1881, April 15. Deacon John J. Graves, aged 82. Mr. Graves's ancestors were among the first settlers of Deerfield and Greenfield, he being the grandson of John, who escaped, and the great-grandson of Daniel, who was killed by the Indians at Country Farms, August 23, 1756. He was for many years a blacksmith at Nash's mills and in connection kept a small store. He became the agent of the Union store in the village, and after several years successful management
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purchased the stock of the Union at an advance of fifty cents upon the dollar. He was a kindly, honest man, and beloved and respected by all. In his younger days he was the adju- tant of the famous cavalry corps which then existed, and de- lighted to relate interesting anecdotes of the doings of the old- time musters.
1881, May 12. " Aunt Nancy" Lester died at the town farm aged 105 years.
1881, June 26. Whiting Draper died, aged 87. He was a son of Nathan Draper, an early settler of Greenfield, and was a very ingenious workman.
1881, July 30. Reverend Preserved Smith, died aged 92. Mr. Smith was born in Rowe, August 1, 1789. He came of a race of ministers, his father, grandfather and great-grand- father having been preachers. He was the minister for War- wick for thirty years, and afterward in Pembroke and in Deer- field. He came to Greenfield in 1863, as he says in his diary, " that he might have more time to study and more opportunity for improvement." He was the father of our honored citizen, Judge Fayette Smith, and of the late Mrs. John F. Moors.
1881, August 3. Reverend Walter A. Henneberry died aged 40 years. He was born in Luffaney, Ireland, and was educated at the theological school of his faith in Troy. He was assistant priest at Pittsfield, and came from there to this parish when it was nearly disrupted by differences between priest and people. He was one of nature's noblemen, and made all the people, whether of his faith or not, love and honor him, and he died mourned by the community in which he had lived.
1881, September II. Captain Thomas Lyman, aged 94, died. He was father of Mrs. Dr. W. S. Severance, and the oldest person in the town. He was a soldier in the War of 1812.
1882, March 17. William N. Nims died of heart disease, aged 54. He was son of Albert H. Nims.
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1882, May I. Josiah Day, aged 55, died at Jacksonville, Ill., having removed from Greenfield in 1858. He was a jeweller in company with G. C. Munsell, and married Martha B., youngest daughter of Colonel Ansel Phelps. He was a fine singer.
1882, June 12. John Osterhout died, aged 55 years.
1882, November 6. Ira Carpenter was thrown from his wagon and killed.
1883, April 13. Hervey C. Newton, aged 74, died. Mr. Newton was the son of Curtis Newton and grandson of John Newton, who was brother of Captain Isaac Newton and Samuel Newton, who with their father came here from Durham, Conn., in 1772. Mr. Newton was selectman of Greenfield for eight years, and during the War of the Rebellion gave much time to its duties. He was a man of capacity, of strong will, and faithful in every trust committed to him.
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