History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 121

Author: L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts
Number of Pages: 700

USA > Massachusetts > History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I > Part 121

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The deacons of the church since its establishment have been Jacob Cummings, chosen 1751, resigned 1768 ; John Davis, Maverick Smith, chosen 1768, ins, chosen 1768, resigned 1789 ; resigned 1815; Daniel Gould, Joseph Cummings, chosen 1815, en 1815, resigned 1835; Warner 1830; Enos Davis, chosen 1830, s, chosen 1835, resigned 1851; resigned 1853; Milton Lewis, nderson, chosen 1853. The last

e, erected in the centre of the tions, until the year 1800, when used until 1843, when it was ·ing used for the new structure, sent house of worship. It has, ble alterations and repairs.

132,-15 males and 87 females, bath-school comprises 122 mem- idance of 76. Superintendent, ian, Wm. Marsh. Number of

TIONAL CHURCH.

ease of population in Ware vil- e to establish a Congregational ingly, in the month of April, and on April 12th a church was the house of worship now occu- pied by the society was erected. It has been remodeled several times, is a comely and substantial structure, and con- tains a handsome organ. The society also has a neat chapel on Water Street, which was erected in 1857, at a cost of $5000.

+ Mr. Moss married Mrs. Hadassah Cheesebrongh, of Stonington, Conn., where some of his descendants now live. He Imilt the house now owned by Charles Hathaway. It was afterward owned by Rev. Mr. Warc.

Each with his delegate.

* There have been three ministers of the same name,-Grindall Rawson, who graduated at Ilarvard College, 1678, settled in Mendon, 1680, where he died, 1715. Another Grindall Rawson graduated at Harvard College, 1728; was settled as the first minister in Sonth Hadley, 1733, where he is spoken of by President Edwards as a successful minister. Ile was afterward settled at Hadlyme, Conu., 1745, where he died, in 1777. Grindall Rawson, the first minister in Ware, graduated at Harvard College, 1741, and died in 1794, aged seventy-three. The first was probably the grandfather, the second an uncle, of the latter.

368

HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

1830; Aaron Gould, Joel Rice, 1831; Allender Brakenridge, Homer Bartlett, 1832; Alpheus Demond, Enos Davis, 1833; Calvin Morse, Benjamin Wilder, 1834; Thomas Wilder, John Osborne, Jr., 1833; Thomas Wilder, Reuben Lazell, 1836; Edmund Freeman, Renben Lazell, 1837; Thomas Snell, Royal Bosworth, 1838; Thomas Snell, Jason Gorham, 1839; John Bowdoin, Nelson Palmer, 1840; Joel Rice, 1841; Ebenezer Gould, 1842; Horace Goodrich, 1843; Jonathan Harwood, 1844; Ansel Phelps, Jr., 1845; Samuel M. Lemmon, 1846; Avery Clark, 1847; Ira P. Gould, 1851 ; Harrison French, 1852; Charles A. Stevens, 1853; William E. Bassett, 1854; Freeman W. Dickinson, 1855; Samuel II. Phelps, 1856; George II. Gilbert, 1857; Benjamin Davis, Jr., 1858; Lewis Demond, 1×60; Samuel Morse, 1861 ; Joseph Hartwell, 1×63; Lutber Chapin, Jr., 1864; William E. Lewis 18G6; Henry Bassett, 1868; Benjamin F. Angell, 1870; John W. Robinson, 1872; Henry C. Davis, 1874; Addison Sandford, 1876; Frederick N. Hosmer, 1879.

VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. WARE VILLAGE,

situated on Ware River, is a thriving manufacturing place. It sprang upabout the year 1824, when the manufacturing enter- prises of the town first began to assume importance, and has steadily increased. Prior to that time the business of the town had been principally transacted at the centre, and it was not until 1847 that the place for holding town-meetings was transferred to the village.

The latter comprises a population of about 3000, nearly three-fourths of the population of the town, and is regularly and uniformly laid out and lighted with gas. It contains two hotels, five churches, five factories, a large number of stores, and many handsome dwelling-houses, and is the place of residence of a large number of persons of wealth, refine- ment, and culture.

Several serions conflagrations have occurred in the village since its existence. The first of these was the burning of the large briek factory of the Otis Company in 1845. The block on the west side of Main Street, opposite the Hampshire House, was burned in 1848 or '49 ; the Ware Hotel in Decem- ber, 1864. Sanford's store was burned in March, 1866 or '67. The town-hall and Unitarian Church Nov. 6, 1867, and the Baptist Church in 1860.

In 1782, £20 were appropriated for schools, the districts re- maining as formerly. In 1785 it was voted to divide the town into six districts, and the location of school-houses was then first determined as follows :

" One school-house to be near Mr. Joseph Chandler's house, one by the pound, one by Mr. James Lamon's, one by Phinehas Converse's, one by Moses Davis's, and one by John Gilmore's."

The year following £72 were raised to ereet these houses. In 1787, £36 more were raised, and, in 1791, £12 were raised to build a school-house in the middle of the town.

In 1794, £48 were granted for schools. This was during the ministry of the Rev. Reuben Moss, who did much to raise the character of the schools. For nearly twenty years not a teacher was employed from out of town, while all the neigh- boring towns sought teachers in Ware. Ilon. Joseph Cum- mings taught seven winters in New Braintree, receiving $20 per month, being much more than was usually paid in those times. Another early teacher was Samuel Clerk, for whose benefit the following vote was passed in 1783 :

" Voted, to allow Mr. Samuel Clerk an order for £1 17s. 6d. for his keeping school, and also Interest for Two orders from the time they became dew."

In 1797 the town voted to divide the school money into eight parts, £10 to each district. The appropriation for schools in that year was $266.67, and this amount was regu- larly increased at intervals, until in 1840 it had reached $1250. The appropriation in 1878 was $6800.

At the present time there are 19 schools in the town,-one high school, in which the higher branches of education are tanght and preparation made for college, a high and grammar school, and grammar, intermediate, primary, mixed, and dis- trict schools. The number of pupils in attendance upon all the schools of the town on March I, 1878, was 856, of whom 690 attended the village schools. The whole are under the control of a board of six, two of whom are chosen annually for three years.

WARE is situated about two miles first meeting-house of the toy meetings of the settlers held, tants " went up" there " to coming down from the north, its power has been utilized f small industrial enterprises.

The hamlet contains a Con, a shoe-factory, a blacksmith-s dwelling-houses. It was her augers" were first made.

EDUCATIONA

The first action of the town appears by the records, was in

" Voted to Devid ye Peraish into two deviding Line."

" Voted Joseph Scott to take care of ridge to take care of the East Part."

At this time no money was appear to have been raised 1 preaching until after the inco At the first town-meeting it into four quarters, by a line meeting-house, and by Flat B same meeting it was

Wepresentatives continued

Charles &. Steven 1882. Hillvan 6. Salon 1885- Levi H. Robinson 188). Calvin Hitchcock 1888. William S. Syd 1892. Frederick A. Volk 1893. Frank W. Silly 1895 George . Store. 1896. Hilliam A. Newcomb. 1898.

"Voted, to raise £12 for Skoling," and that " Eatch Quarter shall Skool out there part within the year or be forfit."

The same sum was granted the year following and in 1766. In 1771 only £4 was raised; in 1772, €14; and in 1774, £15.

For several years thereafter no money was raised for schools. The town-meetings were mostly occupied in providing sol- diers for the Revolutionary army, and in paying them and providing for their families.

west parish was built.

"March, 1750-51, 'it was voted to ordain the worthy Mr. Grindall Rawson in this precinct, on the second Wednesday in May next.'

" Mr. Rawson's salary for the first two years was to be £45, the third year three pounds to be added, and four pounds annually afterward till it should be sixty pounds, and £100 settlement. He was ordained May 8, 1751." The same day a

* The council at the ordination of Mr. Rawson were Rev. John Campbell, of Oxford.

" Grindull Rawson, of Hadlyme, Conn.

369

HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

church was organized, but it is not known of how many members it consisted. It must have been small, as the whole number which had been admitted at the time of Mr. Rawson's dismission, Jan. 19, 1754, was but 43. But little is known of Mr. Rawson's history or character. Traditional accounts represent him as a man of little seriousness, comeliness, or refinement. Some disaffection seems to have shown itself soon after his settlement, for May 12, 1752, it was voted 'to reconsider the vote giving Mr. Rawson a call, and for paying the salary and settlement.' The collectors neglected or refused to collect the taxes for his salary, and a petition was sent to his Majesty's council and House of Represent- atives, asking power to excuse the collectors, and choose others in their stead, which was granted.

" It does not appear that any council was enllel to dissolve the connection. Mr. Rawson was afterward settled in Yarmouth, Mass., in 1755, where he re- mained but a few years. He is believed to have been a chaplain in the Revolu- tion .*

" After Mr. Rawson's dismission, there does not appear to have been regular preaching for some time. The poverty of the people rendered it exceeding diffi- cult to collect the taxes. It appears the precinct 'voted, Jan. 1, 1755, that the collectors of Ware River Parish that are behind in their collections, pay in and make up their collection to the Parish Committee, excepting so much as the court assigned to Mr. Rawson, by the hand of Mr. Edward Ayres, for this reason, that the Parish Treasurer is reduced to such low circumstances that the parish are not willing to trust any more in his hands.'

" In the fall of 1758 the church and Precinct called Mr. Ezra Thayer to become their ntinister, atul he was ordained Jan. 10, 1750. Ilis salary was to be £40 for three years, then £3 to be added yearly till it became £55, and as settlement £100. A deed of the parsonage land is acknowledged by him as part of the settlement, £6G 13s. 4d. He lived where Stephen Bonnay now lives. To this time the church had no confession of faith, and one was proposed by the ordain- ing council and adopted. The half-way covenant plan prevailed to considerable extent, and injured the prosperity of the church. Mr. Thayer continued to be minister till his death, Feb. 12, 1775. Seventy-nine were received into the church in full communion during his ministry.

" Mr. Thayer was a native of Mendon, graduated at Harvard College, 1756. He is said to have been a plain mun, of pleasing address, and to have secured the confidence of the people. The town erected a tombstone to mark the place of his burial, as a token of their respect.

" In 1780, Mr. Winslow Packard was invited to become the minister, but de- clined this, as well as a renewal of the call. In 1785, Mr. Jeremiah Hallock preached as a candidate, und an unsuccessful attempt was made to settle him. While he was preaching in town, an unusual interest was manifested in religion. Ile was afterward an eminent minister at Canton, Conn., und an interesting memoir of him was compiled by Rev. Cyrus Yale, of New Hartford, Conn.

" In July, 1785, Mr. Benjamin Judd was invited to settle as a minister, and was ordained Oct. 12. Hlv probably came from the county of Berkshire, as his ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Daniel Collins, of Lanesboro'. Dr. West, of Stockbridge, Rev. Mr. Perry, of Richmond, and Rev. Mr. Munson, of Lenux, were members of the council. The people were not united in calling Mr. Judd, and unhappily ditheulties soon arose, which resulted in his dismis- sion, Sept. 28, 1787, and no minister was settled for five years.

" In March, 1792, the church and town gave an unanimous invitation to Mr. Renben Moss to become their minister, and he was ordained June 21st. He was a native of Cheshire, Conn., graduated at Yale College, 1787, and studied theol- ogy with Rev. Dr. Trumbull, of New Ilaven. He received £>0 salary, and £150 settlement.

" Mr. Moss continued in the ministry in Ware until his death, Feb. 17, 1809,- more than sixteen years. Ile was a very successful and devoted minister. During his labors, 50 were added to the church,-42 by profession, und & by recommendation from other churches. He was a man of ardent piety, of refined feelings, and somewhat distinguished as a Biblical scholar. As a preacher, he was plain and practical, and enforced his instructions by a blameless example. Many now remember him as the faithful and affectionate friend of the young. I[e: was particular in his attention to the district schools, At the time of his settlement they were in a low and disorderly state, hat they very soon became very much improved through his attention and influence. By his effort in this department of his labors, he was instrumental in preparing a large number of young men to engage in the instruction of schools in this and neighboring towns. No town in this vicinity, it is said, furnished so many teachers. The tone of moral feeling and the standard of education were greatly raised among

Rev. Robert Breck, Ist Church, of Springfield.

Caleb Rice, of Sturbridge. .

= David White, of Hardwick.

= Noah Mirick, of 4th Church, Springfield (now Wilbraham).

= Thomas Skinner, of Westchester, in Colchester, Conn.

Benjamin Bowers, of Middle Haddam, Conn.

Isaac Jones, of Western (now Warren).

Pelatiah Webster, of Quabbin (now Greenwich). Each with his delegate.

* There have been three ministers of the same name,-Grindall Rawson, who graduated at Harvard College, 1678, settled in Mendon, 1680, where he died, 1715.

Another Grindall Rawson graduated at Harvard College, 1725; was settled as the first minister in South Hadley, 1733, where he is spoken of by President Edwards as a successful minister. He was afterward settled at Hadlyme, Conn., 1745, where he died, in 1777. Grindull Rawson, the first minister in Ware, graduated at Harvard College, 1741, atrel died in 1791, aged seventy-three. The first was probably the grandfather, the second an uncle, of the latter.

the people. Twice during his ministry he was afflicted with derangement, and died at the age of fifty.t

".Inly 9, 1810, Rev. Sammel Ware was invited to settle as minister, and was ordained October 31st. Salary, $400, and a settlement of $500, if he should re- main fifteen years. He was a useful minister, and was much blessed in his labors for more than fifteen years, and gathered 197 into the church-177 by profession, and 20 by letter from other churches. Ile was dismissed in conse- quence of ill health, in 1826, and the following vote, passed by the town July 30, will show the esteem in which be was held: 'Voted unanimously, that, agree- ably to his request, we dismiss and cordially recommend the Rev, Samuel Ware as an exemplary Christian, and an able, judicious, and faithful minister of the gus1+.1."

" .July 19, 1826, Rev. Augustus B. Reed, a native of Rehoboth, and graduate of Brown University in 1821, was installed as pastor of the church and people. The same conncil dismissed Mr. Ware. Te this time all business pertaining to the affairs of the parish had been done in town-meeting. Mr. Reed continned the minister of the first parish until June 5, 1838, when he was dismissed on ac- count of feeble health. He died in town, Sept. 30, 1838, aged nearly forty.

" Rev. Hervey Smith, his successor, was installed Sept. 19, 1838, and dismissed in 1840.

" Rev. William E. Dixon, of Enfield, Conn., a graduate of Williams College, was ordained Jan. 14, 1841, and dismissed May 26, 18-12.

" Rev. David N. Coburn, from Thompson, Conu., a graduate of Amherst Col- lege, was ordained Sept. 21, 1842, and was dismissed April 17, 1854."

Rev. Seth W. Banister, the successor of Mr. Coburn, was installed May 23, 1855, and dismissed June 1, 1857. Rev. Ariel P. Chute, the next pastor, was installed Sept. 22, 1857, and dismissed May 21, 1861.

Rev. William G. Tuttle, the present pastor of the church, is a native of Littleton, Mass., graduated at Amherst College in 1846, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1849. He was for over nine years pastor of the Congregational Church at Harrisville, N. H., and was installed pastor of the church in Ware Oct. 10, 1861. During his ministry 127 persons have been added to his church, and several remarkable seasons of revival have occurred, notably in 1865, 1868, 1871, 1872, 1874, and 1876.

The deacons of the church since its establishment have been Jacob Cummings, chosen 1751, resigned 1768; John Davis, chosen 1751, resigned 1768; Maverick Smith, chosen 1768, deceased 1789; Thomas Jenkins, chosen 1768, resigned 1789 ; William Paige, chosen 1789, resigned 1815; Daniel Gould, chosen 1789, resigned 1815; Joseph Cummings, chosen 1815, resigned 1826; Eli Snow, chosen 1815, resigned 1835; Warner Brown, chosen 1826, deposed 1880; Enos Davis, chosen 1830, deceased 1837; Abner Lewis, chosen 1835, resigned 1851; Thomas Snell, chosen 1837, resigned 1853; Milton Lewis, chosen 1851; Nathaniel H. Anderson, chosen 1853. The last two are the acting deacons.

The original meeting-house, erected in the centre of the town, was used, with modifications, until the year 1800, when another was built. This was used until 1843, when it was remodeled, its frame-work being used for the new structure, which is substantially the present house of worship. It has, however, undergone considerable alterations and repairs.

The present membership is 132,-45 males and 87 females, -and 34 absentees. The Sabbath-school comprises 122 mem- bers, with an average attendance of 76. Superintendent, W. L. Brakenridge. Librarian, Wm. Marsh. Number of volumes in the library, 150.

EAST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

In 1825, owing to the increase of population in Ware vil- lage, it was deemed advisable to establish a Congregational society at that place. Accordingly, in the month of April, 1826, a society was organized, and on April 12th a church was constituted. The same year the house of worship now occul- pied by the society was erveted. It has been remodeled several times, is a comely and substantial structure, and con- tains a handsome organ. The society also has a neat chapel on Water Street, which was erected in 1857, at a cost of $5000.

+ Mr. Moss married Mrs. Hadassah Cheesebrough, of Stonington, Conn., where some of his descendants now live, lle built the house now owned by Charles Ilatbaway. It was afterward owned by Rev. Mr. Ware.

370

HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

The first pastor was Rev. Parsons Cook, ordained June 21, 1826, and dismissed April 13, 1835. Ile was succeeded by Rev. Cyrus Yale, of New Hartford, Conn., who was installed June 11, 1835, and dismissed, to return to his former field, Aug. 3, 1837. Rev. Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge, a native of Worthington, Mass., and a college classmate of Rev. Mr. Cook, was installed May 2, 1838, and dismissed Dec. 28, 1840, to become one of the editors of the New England Puritan, in connection with Mr. Cook. Rev. Nahum Gale, a native of Auburn, Mass., and a graduate of Amherst College in 1837, was the next pastor, ordained June 22, 1842, and dismissed in June, 1851. Ile was succeeded by Rev. Theron G. Colton, who was installed Sept. 2, 1851, and dismissed March 26, 1855.

Rev. A. E. P. Perkins, D.D., the present pastor, is a native of Royalston, Mass., who graduated at Amherst College in 1840. Ile was for eleven years pastor of the Congregational Church at Phillipston, in Worcester County, and was installed over his present charge Dec. 5, 1855. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by Williams College.

The deacons of the church have been Joseph Cummings, chosen in 1826; resigned 1853. Luther Brown, chosen in 1826; resigned 1841. Thomas Thwing, chosen in 1826; resigned 1837. John Tolman, chosen in 1837; resigned 1853. Wm. IIyde, chosen in 1837. Lewis Demond, chosen in 1844; re- signed 1867. Francis De Witt, chosen in 1854; resigned 1863. W. S. Brakenridge, chosen in 1854; resigned 1860. Otis Lane, chosen in 1861. Henry Ives, chosen in 1864 ; resigned 1867. John W. Cummings, chosen in 1867. Lewis N. Gil- bert, chosen in 1869.

The present membership is 350; of Sabbath-school, 250; average attendance on Sabbath-school, 200; volumes in li- brary, several hundred ; superintendent of Sabbath-school, George G. Hall.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL .*

The Methodist Church in Ware was organized about the year 1826, probably by Joshua Crowell, a Methodist local el- der, residing at the centre, and Luther Payne, a local preacher and class-leader, residing at the village. The carlier meet- ings were held at private houses, often at Mr. Payne's, sometimes in an unoccupied portion of the mill, and in the school-houses on North Street and in the south part of the vil- lage. Meetings were also held for a time in an upper room in a house opposite to where the church now stands. A moet- ing-house was erected in 1844, under the pastorate of Rev. D. Sherman, D.D., for many years a presiding elder in the Meth- odist Episcopal Conference. The church was raised and en- larged by the addition of vestries, a vestibule, and tower in 1848, under the pastorate of Rev. C. L. Eastman, now pastor of the " Seaman's Bethel," Boston.

Early in the history of the society they were supplied with preaching frequently by local preachers in the vicinity, Mr. Crowell and Mr. Payne often performing this service. The first regularly-appointed preacher from the Conference was Rev. William P. White, stationed here in 1833. Mr. White's successors have been somewhat numerous, as until recently, by a law of the church, no minister could remain a pastor of the same church more than two successive years, and later only three years. Prominent among the carly preachers were W. 1. White, Samuel Palmer, James O. Deane, Thomas Marcy, David Sherman, Ichabod Marcy, C. L. Eastman, and J. W. Dadmun.

Among those who have served more recently appear the names of N. H. Martin, William Gordon, Linus Fish, Geo. F. Eaton, William M. Ayers. The present pastor is Rev. J. Peterson, who has been here two years. The present mem- bership is 160; Sunday-school membership, 170; volumes in Sunday-school library, 850; Sunday-school Superintendent, David L. Barlow ; Secretary and Treasurer, John T. Wins-

low; Librarian, Arthur Strahan; Chairman of Board of Trustees, Benjamin Davis ; Treasurer, Henry C. Davis, Esq. ; Secretary, J. P. Crowell. There are also nine stewards, of whon R. N. Roberts is Recording Steward, D. C. Gates, Dis- triet Steward, and S. F. Gates, Treasurer.

BAPTISTS.

This denomination existed for many years in the west part of the town of Hardwick, at first as the Hardwick Baptist Church, and then as the Hardwick and Ware Baptist Church. In 1846 the society removed from Hardwick to Ware, and became established at the village under the name of the Ware Baptist Church.

The first pastor was Rev. Amory Gale, a graduate of Brown University, who was ordained November 1Ith of that year. He was dismissed in 1850, and was succeeded on August 22d of that year by Rev. J. A. Bullard, of Middletown, O., who was dismissed to Troy, N. Y., in April, 1853. Rev. George E. Fuller became the next pastor soon after the withdrawal of Mr. Bul- lard, and died while discharging his duties on June 6, 1856. 1Ie was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Wiggins, of Lowell, Mass., who was ordained Feb. 10, 1857, and dismissed to South Chelmsford, Mass., Sept. 19, 1858. Rev. J. F. Jones was the next pastor, and was installed Jan. 1, 1859, and remained in that relation until October, 1860, when the house of worship, which had been dedicated in the fall of 1847, was destroyed by fire. After this disaster but a few meetings were held ; the society vir- tually dissolved, and now has no active existence.

FIRST UNITARIAN.

This society was organized Oct. 7, 1846. Prior to its estab- lishment several liberal movements had been undertaken in the town without success. In the autumn of 1845 the nucleus of the present society was formed, and met in the east brick mill, now owned by the Otis Company. Rev. George Chan- ning preached the first sermon, and regular services were held by lin, Rev. Mr. Alden, and others until the approach of winter. Meetings were then held in the Water Street chapel of the East Congregational Church. In the spring of 1846 a house of worship was begun on the spot where the church now stands, and on the 24th of January the basement was consecrated and occupied by the vestry. Here the society worshiped until the completion of the church in the following summer.

In 1848 the society received from the church in Bolton, Mass., the gift of a complete and beautiful communion service, which is still in use. The pulpit Bible was presented by the ladies of the Springfield Society, and the bell by Thomas Cordis, of Boston.

The first regular pastor was Rev. George S. Ball, who was ordained Oct. 13, 1847, and resigned, because of ill health, July 6, 1849. The next was Rev. George T. Hill, of Ilub- bardton, who was installed Sept. 22, 1852. Rev. S. F. Clarke, of Athol, was installed Dec. 24, 1856, and died in the pastoral office March 27, 1861.

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History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 121

Author: L.H. Everts & Co Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts Number of Pages: 700

Author: L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts
Number of Pages: 700