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 140
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" Loving and much respected master, my saving remembrance unto you and my dame, hoping you are well as I am at the riting hearof, blessed be god for it. My wiff desiars to be remembered to you and my dame, and wee are yet in oure habitation thro god's marsi, but we are in expectation of the enimi everi day, If god be not the more marsifull unto us. I have been out 7 weeks myself, and if provision had not grown short wee had folerd the enimi into youre borders, and then I wolld have given you a visit If it had been posibel ; for I went out a volintere under Ca. wardsworth, of Milton, but he is caled hom to scout about there oune toun, and so I left off the desine at present.
"there is many of oure freods are taken from us. Ca. Jonson, of Roxberi, was slaine at naragansit, and will lincorn died before his wounds was cured ; and filap Curtis was slaine at a wigwame, about mendham, but we have lost but one man with us these wares. My mother vose Is ded, and my sister swift. I pray remember my love to John elis and his wiff and the Rest of oure frends; and however it is like to fare with us god knows, and wec desiar to Comit all oure afairs into his hands, So having nothing els, desiring yonre praiars for us, I rest your servant, " JOHN SHARPE.
" MADRINIER, 8 of the Ist mo., 1676."
Thomas, son of Thomas, Jr., born Nov. 8, 1673, settled in Hartford, and afterward went South. John, born Jan. 12, 1672, remained in IJatfield. Hle was a well-to-do farmer, as were all the sous for several generations. ITis son Thomas, born October, 1718, was succeeded in the next generation by another of the same name, born in 1743, who
removed to the northwestern part of Williamsburg, in 1764. His sons were Thomas, Stephen, and Joseph. Thomas died young. The sons of Stephen were Thomas, Stephen, and Christopher. Thomas, the «Mest, was born Dec. 1, 1796. Of a not robust constitution, and un- able to perform hard work, he early resolved to obtain what was then considered an education, and, notwithstanding some discouragement by his family, he found time to acquire a sufficient knowledge of Latin and Greck, in addition to the usual English branches, to fit himself for a teacher. Ilis tutors were Rev. Henry Lord and Elisha Hub- bard, Esq.
In 1818, after a year or two in the village schools, he accepted an invitation to North Carolina as assistant in an academy, of which Davis H. Maybew, formerly of Williamsburg, was principal. At the end of three years he returned to his native place, and in 1824 com- meneed the study of medicine with Dr. Daniel Collins, and graduated at Berkshire Medical College, after three years of office-work and two full courses of medical lectures. Ile at once commenced practice in ('ummington ; but, a more promising field presenting itself in Worth- ington, he soon removed to the latter place, where he remained until invited to return to Williamsburg by many of the prominent citizens, including his former preceptor, Dr. Collins, between whom and himself there existed a warm friendship until the death of the former, in 1857.
The invitation was accepted, and in August, 1828, he was settled as a physician in Williamsburg, where he still resides. In the fall of the same year he married Ilannab, daughter of Isaac Little, Esq., by whom he had two children,-Thomas W., born June 16, 1830, and Caroline A., born March 18, 1833. ITis wife died Dec. 12, 1844, and their daughter, Caroline, Feb. 16, 1846. He was married, again, to Maria S., daughter of Spencer Goodman, Sept. 19, 1845.
Dr. Meekins has always been one of the leading men in town affairs, naturally taking much interest in the schools in his younger days. He was three times elected to the General Court, in 1834 and 1835 as a representative of anti-Masonic sentiment at the time of the Morgan excitement, and again, io 1854, as a mark of the respect of his fellow- citizens, irrespective of party. In politics he has been conservative. A Whig from the birth to the death of the party, a firm adherent of Clay and Webster, and no sympathizer with the earlier abolitionists, he went, with many conservative Whigs, to the Democratic party, with whom he has since acted.
Thomas W., his son, received an academic education at Williston Seminary, Easthampton, remaining there from the spring of 1842 until the fall of 1846. The following May he commenced a two years' course of study in dentistry with Dr. J. W. Smith, of Northampton, which was supplemented by a three years' course in the Berkshire Medical Colloge, from which he graduated in November, 1852. He succeeded to the practice of Dr. Smith, May 1, 1853, and has con- tinued it to the present time. Jan. 23, 1857, he married Harriette R., daughter of Benjamin M. Hill, D.D., of New York. Their sons are Thomas Hill, born Dec. 25, 1857, and Edward Munro, horn Dec. 30, 1860.
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Photo. by Hardie & Schadee.
Benjamins. Johnson
BENJAMIN SIDNEY JOHNSON was born in Williamsburg, Hamp- shire Co., Mass., Oct. 24, 1813. The branch of the family to which he belongs is of English origin and of Puritan antecedents, but the time of their emigration to this country is not at present definitely known. Caleb Johnson, the earliest progenitor of whom there is certain knowledge, and of whom B. S. Johnson is a descendant in the fifth generation, is known to have been a resident of Willington, Conn.
Ilis grandson, Caleb Johnson, was born there, March 6, 1757. The latter removed to lladley, Mass., in 1785, where his son Benjamin (the father of our subject) .was born the same year; and in 1789, Caleb removed to Williamsburg, being one of the early settlers of that town. Ilis farm was situated on what is known as Walnut IFill, and there Benjamin S. was boro. At the age of three years his father removed from Walnut Ilill to that part of the town now known as Ilnydenville, and in 1822 to Northampton, where he lived uotil the time of his death, Sept. 29, 1855, occupying a farm about equi- distant between the village of Haydenville on the one side, and of Leeds, in Northampton, un the other. On this farm Benjamin S. Johnson lived until 1871, when he removed to Haydenville, where he now resides, having the previous year been chosen treasurer of the Haydenville Savings-Bank.
llis early education was such as could be obtained in the common schools of that day. Sowie years before leaving the farm he com- menced doing business as an insurance agent, the making of deeds, and the various other duties usually required of a justice of the peace in a community where there was no regular justice in active business. Ile discharged the duties thus entrusted to him in so satisfactory a manner that they increased fromn year to year, and he found but little time for farming operations. Ile early became interested in the tem- Ferance cause, and for more than forty years has been a thoroughgoing and consistent temperance man.
Early in life be showed a fondness for politics, and much earlier than most boys began to take a deep interest in questions of that nature, and for several years before he could vote was an netive political worker. Ile wns connected successively with the National Republican and Whig parties ; and in 1840, upon the formation of the Liberty party, he be- came an influential member of that organization. When the Liberty party became merged in the Free-Soil party, in 1848, he gave it his hearty support, and was chairman of the county committee. In 1854 he identified himself with the Republican party, and was for years one of the members of the county committee. Taking a deep interest in everything that relates to the carly history of the section of country where he resides, he has spent much time and given valuable nssist- anco to persons who hnve written its history. Ile has a remarkable faculty for remembering historical and politienl dates and events.
Though not a church member, he has been a constant supporter of the religious interests of his neighborhood, and soon after the formation of the Haydenville parish he was chosen one of the assessors, and has served in that capacity twenty-one years. He was one of the earliest directors of the Haydenville Cemetery Association, and has heen its superintendent since its organization.
la 1851 he was appointed a justice of the peace for Hampshire County, and subsequently a justice of the Quorum throughout the State, which office he now holds. In 1871 he was appointed notary public for Hampshire County, and his commission was renewed in 1878. In 1871 he was chosen one of the commissioners of insolvency for his county, and re-elected in 1874, but declined further service in 1877. 1Ie has served his native town of Williamsburg as selectman, assessor, and overseer of the poor, besides holding other offices of trust in the gift of the people. Ile commenced the insurance business in 1860, which he has continued to the present time, and during that period bas held the agency of large and important companies, and transacted quite an extensive business in that line. Ile has neted as conveyancer for many years, and at present is probably more familiar with the titles to real estate than any one in town. For years the draw- ing of wills and the settlement of estates has been an important branch of his business, and the satisfaction so frequently expressed by the heirs at the manner in which these responsible and often delicate duties have been performed is an evidence of the justice he has endeavored tu mete out to all parties. That he has established a character uf fairness and impartiality in his dealings will be inferred from the fact that he is often called upon to act ns a referee in the settlement of disputes which arise, and it is unquestionably true that many expensive law- suits, with their attendant neighborhood quarrels, he has helped to settle in this way.
On March 7, 1839, he married Mary F. Abercrombie, granddaughter of the Rev. Robert Abercrombie, of Pelham. She was a native of Amherst, though a resident of Pelham at the time. She died March 4, 1871. Their children were Horace W., Mary Ellen, who died Oct. 27, 1855, Clarissn, or Clara Lucinda, Alice A., and Sarah A.
Inheriting in a large measure the characteristics of his maternal ancestors, Mr. Johnson possesses great activity, energy, and a de- termined will, which enables him to overcome difficulties that would discourage many men, and few among those who started in life with him have accomplished more in their generation. Especially is this true considering the limited advantages of his early years. Ilis life adds another illustration of what, under our institutions, may be done by a man who uses well the powers with which he has been endowed, and strives to make the most of his opportunities in the community in which his lot is cast.
425
HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.
Juseph W. Strong, sergt., enl. Oct. 2, 1862, 520 M. V.
M., Co. C; disch. Ang. 14, 1863; lied in New York on the way home; buried in Williams- burg.
Frank C. Clapp, enl. Oct. 2, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. (; disch. Ang. 14, 1863.
Charles E. Tileston, capt., enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 524 M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Calvin C. Walbridge, sergt., enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 5211 M.V. M., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Francis H. Ilolines, corp., enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Edmund Duggan, enl. D.c. 17, 1863, 37th Inf., Co. K ; trans, June 21, 1865, to 20th Inf. ; disch. June 24, 1865.
Edward Ryan, enl. Dec. 29, 1863, 37th Inf., Co. II ; disch. Dec. 29, 1864, for disab.
John Reynolds, enl. Dec. 17, 1863, 37th Inf. ; un- assigned recruit; died Jan. 17, 1864.
Wm. S. Philips, corp., enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. II; disch. June 21, 1865.
· Myron Ames, en1. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. II ; trans., Feb. II, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Lyman C. Bartlett, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. Il; killed May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Val.
Thomas Brazel, enl. Nov. 30, 1563, 37th Inf., Co. II ; trans. Dec. 30, 1863, to 20th Inf .; disch. June 21, 1865; absent ; wounded.
Win. HI. Cook, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. II ; died Sept. 2, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga. ; sub- stitute ; name retained because he died in the service for the town.
Emery E. Cowan, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. Il ; trans, July 2, 1863, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Gilbert W. Thomas, enl. Aug. 31, 1864, 2d 11. Art., Co. G; disch. June 26, 1865; had previously served in the IOth; also nine months in the 52d.
Wm. F. Knapp, enl. Sept. 26, 1864, 2d II. Art .; ·lisch. Sept. 7, 1864, rejected recruit.
John W. Miller, enl. Aug. 26, 1864, 17th Iuf., Co. F; disch. July 27, 1865, order of War Depart- muent (probably from Goshen).
Martin Cahill, corp., en1. June 21, 1861, 10tb Inf., Co. I; disch. July 1, 1864.
John Moore, sergt., enl. Aug. 12, 1863, 11th Inf., Co. H ; killed Oct. 27, 1864, at Petersburg, Va .; perhaps a sub. ; name retained because he lost his life in service for the town.
Samuel W. Hayden, Nov. 19, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Ang. 14, 1863; re-enl. Ang. 26, 1864, 2d II. Art., Co. G ; disch. June 26, 1865. Charles G. Hillman, en1. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; died March 3, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
Medad C. Hill, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Jonathan O. Howard, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Ang. 14, 1863.
Ilenry S. Leonard, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Henry D. Miller, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. 1; disch, Ang. 14, 1863.
Charles R. Kaplinger, enl. Aug. 26, 1864, 2d II. Art., Co. G; trans, Jan. 17, 1865, to 17th Inf. ; disch. June 30, 1865, by order of War Depart- ment.
George Stevens, enl. Sept. 20, ISGI, 27thı Inf., Co. A; reported missing; probably died in the service ; his widow draws a pension.
Caleb F. Tufts, enl. Dec. 18, 1863, 27th Inf., Co. A ; disch. June 26, 1865; probably from West- hampton.
William Sheridan, enl. Oct. 1, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. H ; died Nov. 11, 1862, at Annapoli-, Md.
Robert Eller, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. K ; killed June 5, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. Thomas Ellsworth, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Iuf., Co. HI ; unaccounted for in adjt .- general's re- port of volunteers, vol. ii. page 789.
James W. Willman, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. H ; disch. June 21, 1865.
George L. French, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A; disch. Sept. 27, 1864.
Martin Hathaway. enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A; died April 24, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. 54
Luther Loom's, Jr., ent. Sept. 2), 18G1, 27th Inf., Co. A ; died June 1, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. John McCaffery, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co.
A ; re-enl. Dec. 24, 1863; died Sept. 4, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga.
Charles Morganweek, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A; disch. to re-enl. Dec. 23, 1864 ( East- hampton).
Charles Il. Otto, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A ; di-ch. Jan 1, 1863, for disability.
Calvin Johnson, enl. May 25, 1861, 2d Inf., Co. I; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
John Eller, enl. May 25, 1861, 2d Inf., Co. K ; re- enl. Dec. 30, 1803; disch. July 14, 1865.
James R. Londergon, en). May 25, 1861, 2d Inf., Co. K; disch. Oct. 16, 1861, for disability.
Elwin Whitney, Ist lieut., enl. Nov. 26, 1862, 10th Inf .; disch. July 1, 18GE.
George F. Polley, sergt .- maj., cul. June 21, 1861, 10th Inf .; re-enl. same rank, Dec. 21, 1863; pro. to Ist lieut., May 6, 1864; killed June 20, 1864, at Petersburg, Va.
IIngh McGee, en]. June 21, 1861, 10th Inf., Co. A ; re-enl. Frb. 21, 1864; trans. June 20, 1864, to 37th luf .; injured in the hand, and disch. Feb. 14, 1865.
Jacob Ilerman, enl. Sept. 3, 1864, 2d Cav., Co. D; disch. June 26, 1865.
Jolın Burke, enl. Feb. 8, 1865, 2d Cav., Co. G ; disclı. July 20, 1865.
Thomas Ryan, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. II. Rodolphus Vining, enl. Aug. 30, 1863, 37th Inf., Co. H ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps.
James P. Warner, enl. Dec. 16, 1863, 37th Inf., Co. HI ; trans. June 21, 1865, to 20th Inf .; disch. July 16, 1865.
Stepheu G. Warner, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. HI; killed Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericks- burg, Va.
Samuel W. Williams, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. HI ; disch. June 21, 1865.
Albert F. Damon, enl. Feb, 19, ISGI, 21st Inf., Co. I; trans. Oct. 23, 1862, to U. S. Cav.
Almeron Damon, en !. Feb. 27, 1864, 21st Inf., Co. I; trans. to 36th Iof .; disch. July 12, 1865.
Thomas Sexton, enl. Aug. 19, 1861, 21st Inf., Co. 1 ; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps.
Benson Munyan, musician, en1. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf .; disch. Aug. 30, 1862, by order of War Department.
Frank Kinslow, corp., enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Regt., Co. A; disch. Sept. 27, 1864.
Wm. W. Newman, corp., enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Regt., Co. A; died Nov. IS, 1862, at Newbern, N. C.
Thomas J. Partridge, Ist sorgt., enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co, H; killed April 12, 1865, before Richmond.
Patrick Donivan, sergt., enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. Il ; disch. June 15, 1865, for disal,
David B. Miller, sergt., enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. II; killed April 6, 1865, at Sailors' Creek, Va .; wasat home at town-meeting just about a month before his death.
Richard M. Porter, sergt., enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. II; died Aug. 29, 1864, at Alexandria, Va.
Moses S. Ames, corp., enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf , Co. JI; killed Sept. 19, 1864, at Winchester, Va.
Edward MeCaffery, corp., enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. H ; disch. June 9, 1865, by order of the War Department.
William Wright, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. HI; trans. Dec. 19, 1864, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Wm. Hamilton, sergt., enl. Sept. 4, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. K ; tisch. June 21, 1865.
Samnel W. Cowles, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 520 M. V. M., Co. I ; died Feb. 6, 1863, at Batou Rouge, La. Charles M. Gillett, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Nathan S. Graves, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Chauncey Guilford, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Ang. 14, 1863.
Ira N. Guillo, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch, Ang. 14, 1863.
Willis Guilford, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d MI.V. M., Co. J; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Francis W. Moore, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
Monroe MI. Morton, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M.V. M., Co. I; died Feb. 26, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La. Azro B. Niles, en !. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d MI. V. M., Co. I; died Jnne 20, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
Edward S. Perkins, enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M.V. M ., Co. [; disch. Ang. 14, 1863.
Joseph T. Thayer, Jr., enl. Oct. 11, 1862, 52d M. V. M., Co. I ; disch. Aug. 14, 1863.
James Adams, enl. Sept. 20, 1801, 27th Inf., Co. A ; re-vnl. Dec. 24, 1863; disch. June 7, 1865.
Wm. H. Bartlett, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A; re-enl. Dec. 24, 1863; disch. June 7, 1865. Wm. S. Brown, enl. Sept. 11, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A; disch. Sept. 27, 1864; re-enl. Dec. 28, 1864, U. S. V. V.
John Buchanan, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A; re-enl. Dec. 24, 1863; died Sept. 4, 1864, at Andersonville, Ga.
Thomas Dooley, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27tb Inf., Co. A ; disch. Sept. 27, 1864.
John Donovan, enl. Sept. 20, 1861, 27th Inf., Co. A ; (lisch. to re-enl. Dec. 23, 1863.
Lewis T Black, enl. June 21, 1861, 10th Iuf., Co. E; pro. tu sergt., June 22, 1863, in the 20th, and trans. June 19, 1864, to 37th Inf. ; disch. July 1G, 1865.
Levi Black, sorgt., enl. June 21, 1861, 10tb Inf., Co. E; disch. July 1, 1864.
Charles E. Adams, enl. June 21, 1861, 10th Inf., Co. E; disch, to re-enl. Dec. 21, 1863.
Samuel C. Bodman, onl. June 21, 1861, 10th Inf., Co. E; disch. July 1, 1864.
Albert E. Pelton, enl. June 21, 1861, 10th Inf., Co. E; re-enl Dec. 21, 1863 ; trans, June 19, 1864, to 3ītlı Inf.
William H. Bemis, enl. June 21, 1861, 10th Inf., l'o. H; disch. May 29, 1865.
John S. Kaplinger, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. 11 ; disch. June 21, 1865.
Michael Londergon, enl. Dec. 17, 1863, 37th Inf., Co. H.
William Madden, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. II ; dischi. Feb. 19, 1864, for disab.
Arthur T. Merritt, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. IT ; killed May 6, 1864, at Wilderness, Va. Clark G. Rice, enl. Aug. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. H ; disch. June 21, 1865.
Michael Rowe, enl. Ang. 30, 1862, 37th Inf., Co. IT ; unaccounted for in adjt .- general's report of volunteers, 1868, vol. ii., page 789.
J. l', Coburn, en]. 10th Inf., Co. C.
George Hathaway.
P. W. Kingsley, enl. 10th Regt., Co. C.
Ilenry (. Burby, enl. 10th Regt., Co. C.
Henry Guyer, enl. IOth Regt., Co. C.
Frederick Goodrich, enl. 10th Regt., Co. (.
John Atwood, en]. 10th Regt., Co. B.
James Welsh, enl. 10th Regt., Co. K.
Newell Rice, en1. 10th Regt., Co. C.
Ilenry A. Ivea, en1. 10th Regt., Co. C.
Joshına A. Loomis, capt., enl. 10th Regt., Co. C; wounded.
Frederick 0. ITillman, enl. 10th Regt., Co. C.
Levant French, enl. 27th Regt., Co. A.
Henry C. French, enl. 10th Regt., Co. E; died in the Peninsula campaign.
J. Il. Oberempt, enl. 27th Regt., Cu. A.
Albert Fry, enl. 27th Regt., Co. A.
Albert Myers, enl. 27th Regt., Co. A.
Emerson Torrey, enl. 27th. Regt., Co. A.
Joseph L. Hayden, capt., enl. 37th Regt., Co. II ; wounded.
Charles N. Clark, enl. 37th Regt., Co. II.
Edward P'. Nichols, enl. 37tb legt., Co. H.
Henry H. Field, enl. 37th Regt., Co. H.
Thomas Whalen, enl. 37th Regt., Co. H. Francis G. Bardwell, enl. 52d Regt., Co. I.
Win. Cowles, enl. 52d Regt., Co. I. Sereno Clapp, eul. 31st Regt. ; died soon after return.
Charles B. Newton, enl. 52d Regt., Co. I.
George Mentor, enl. 21st Regt.
Thomas Stephens, enl. 2Ist Regt.
Whitney L. Williams, ent. Ist Cav.
PLAINFIELD.
GEOGRAPHICAL.
PLAINFIELD occupies the northwest corner of Hampshire County, and is centrally distant from Northampton nineteen miles, air-line measurement. It is bounded north by Frank- lin County, east by Franklin County, south by Cumming- ton, and west by Berkshire County. The reason why it is a part of Hampshire County may simply be that at the time of the division of old Hampshire the people desired to have it so. Perhaps the arrangement cannot be improved even now, though direct stage communication is eastward and northward into Franklin County rather than southward. The farm acreage is 11,961 acres. A large portion of the town was originally included in Cummington, and was a part of Town- ship No. 5, the title being direct from the colony of Massa- chusetts Bay. To this was added, Feb. 4, 1794, a portion of Ashfield, with the families of Joseph Clarke and Joseph Beals, and June 21, 1803, one mile in width from the southerly por- tion of the town of Hawley. This was a part of certain equiv- alent lands originally granted to the town of Hatfield and located in Hawley. This introduced into deeds the term " Hatfield Equivalents."
Jason Richards states that the northeast part of this town, comprising 600 acres, was a tract granted to Mr. Mayhew for missionary and perhaps legal services among the Indians ; that it was transferred soon after to one Wainwright, and was known by his name. James Richards originally lived on the south boundary of this estate, and was appointed an agent to have the care of it.
Plainfield was made an important point in the trigonomet- rical surveys of the State, and the exact position of the meet- ing-lionse was given as latitude 42° 30' 50"; longitude 72° 57/ 47'.
NATURAL FEATURES.
The surface of the town is rough and mountainous. Ranges of hills extend from northeast to southwest through the east- ern portion. Separate elevations are found in the west. Several such also occur among the ranges of the east. These have only local names. One on the south boundary west of the centre is named Deer Hill. This is a beautiful, sym- metrically-shaped elevation, attraeting much attention from tourists.
The town is situated just south of the dividing ridges be- tween the waters of the Deerfield River and those of the West- field. Several rivulets that flow down these valleys rise not far from the northern boundary. But the town is drained south- wardly by three tributaries of the Middle Branch of the West- field River. The central one is known as Mill Brook. This atfords water-power of considerable value. From the slopes of the hills in the west there are a number of small streams that, flowing into Berkshire County, form another tributary of the Middle Branch.
In the east there are several streams that unite farther south than Plainfield, under the name of Swift River, and this be- comes still another tributary of the same Middle Branch of the Westfichl. Meadow Brook and Still Brook are among these. North Pond is a beautiful sheet of water, dotted with islands, lying in the northwest part of the town. Crooked Pond is also in the same vicinity.
With all this combination of hill, valley, and stream, Plain-
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field has romantie and picturesque scenery. Geologically, Plainfield possesses many interesting features in common with the other towns lying along this mountainous range.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Plainfield was settled from 1770 to 1780. Mr. Mcintyre was probably the first pioneer to penetrate the forests and es- tablish a home for his family. His precise location is not de- termined. From the early records of Cummington we obtain the names of others who came to Plainfield about the time of the Revolutionary war.
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