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 142
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162 | Part 163 | Part 164 | Part 165 | Part 166 | Part 167 | Part 168 | Part 169 | Part 170 | Part 171 | Part 172 | Part 173 | Part 174 | Part 175 | Part 176 | Part 177 | Part 178 | Part 179 | Part 180 | Part 181 | Part 182 | Part 183 | Part 184 | Part 185 | Part 186
Abner Gurney traded at the centre for a time in the Moses Hallock building. Miss Hotchkin carried on the busi- ness of making palm-leaf hats for several years, putting out the braiding to families in the vicinity. George Vining kept store where Wesley Beals now lives,-not continued long. HIe also opened a tavern for a short time.
TAVERNS.
> On the Joseph Sears place was a tavern probably before 1800, kept by Samuel Streeter. The present house is partly the same building, and is one of the oldest buildings in town. " The tavern of Salem Streeter was on the site of the present · house of Lorenzo W. Joy. The Mack tavern was opened a few years later than his store. The old house was on the site
* John Bisbee died two weeks after the interview above given.
430
HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.
of the house at the East Corners now owned by Clark Smith. Dr. Torrey's tavern was at the East Corners, opposite the house of Clark Smith, at the corner, on what is now the place of Rev. Solomon Clark. It was afterward the residence of Dr. Porter. Later the buildings were removed. Abel Warner kept a tav- ern at the present place of Francis W. Joy. The change in the travel caused this to be discontinued. On the present Orange Stetson place was a tavern kept by Mr. Robbins. After Robbins it was kept by Adin Ruggles.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Solomon Bond was probably the earliest physician in Plainfield. He was here in 1794, and no doubt for some years before that time lived at the village. Dr. Barney Torrey is given in Porter's history as the next. He resided on the south- east eorner, at the east end of the village. Practiced many years. Dr. Jacob Porter followed him, and had the same residence. Dr. Porter gave much attention to scientific subjects, and did not continue an active medical practice. He died about 1846 -47. Dr. Samuel Shaw resided at the east end of the village, on the northwest corner. Praetieed from 1824 to 1854; was widely consulted, and had an extensive practice in this and other towns. Ile was a fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He was disabled ly being thrown from his buggy, in 1854. Since that time have been Dr. Charles Booker, about one year; Dr. John Eaton, about three years; Dr. G. II. Taylor, ten or twelve years ; Dr. Lamb, one year ; Dr. Daniel Thayer, two years ; and the present physician, Dr. G. R. Fessenden, who came to the place and commenced practice in August, 1878.
Lawyers have never found Plainfield a profitable place to practice their profession.
It is said that Wm. Cullen Bryant, during the few years that he devoted to that profession, located in Plainfield for a short time. Porter's history says several practiced for a short time each, but no one permanently. Legal papers were drawn in early times largely by James Richards, and afterward by his son, Col. Jason Richards.
The four items below are from the old files of the Hampshire Gazette :
Sept. 14, 1794 .- Jonathan Perkins, merchant, advertises that all indebted must settle up by making immediate payment to Dr. Solomon Bond, and offers to take butter, cheese, flax, tow-cloth, and wheat.
Sept. 9, 1800 .- The sale of patent rights and territory for the same is not a de- vice of modern times. Samuel Davison offers the Rev. Ezra Wells' patent wash- ing-machine and territorial rights in Hampshire and Berkshire Counties.
Sept. 9, 1812 .- A pattern for young ladies. Miss Lana Smith, aged sixteen, living in Plainfield, spun and recled 133 knots and 17 threads of good woolen yarn from one spindle in one day while the suu was up. A month later it is an- nonneed that Miss Lydia Ford, of Plainfield, on the 29th of August last, spun and reeled from one spindle 142 knots.
ORGANIZATION.
The inconvenience of attending church in Cummington, and of going to the centre of that town for public business, soon led to a proposition for a separate town. The act of in- corporation was passed March 16, 1785. The Revolution was complete, but the old practice of the colonial Legislature to in- corporate districts rather than towns was still adhered to in this case, and a few others. The district became a towu June 15, 1807.
The following records from the books show more fully the several steps of the organization, the names of the men chosen to office, and the business transacted :
WARRANT FOR THE FIRST TOWN-MEETING.
HAMPSHIRE Co., a4 .- To Isnac Joy, uf Plainfield, in the County of Hampshire, greeting. Pursuant to an act of this Commonwealth for erecting the Northerly part of Cummington, in the County of Hampshire, into a District by the name of Plainfield, and investing the inhabitants of the said District with all the privileges and immunities that other towns or districts within this Common- wealth do enjoy ; also, empowering Nahnm Eager, Esq., to issue his warrant di- rected to some principal inhabitant of said district, requiring him to call a meeting of said inhabitants in order to choose town officers, as by law towns or Districts are empowered to choose in the mouth of March annually.
These are, therefore, in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to require you, the said Isaac Joy, to notify and warn the inhabitants of said dis- triet of Plainfield that they assemble themselves together at the dwelling-house of Mr. Simon Burroughs, in said Plainfield, on Monday, the 25th day of July, instant, at one of the clock in the afternoon, then and there to choose all such officers as towns within this Commonwealth are empowered to choose in the month of March annually. Hereof, you nor they may not fail. Given under my hand and seal, at Worthington, this 4th day of July, 1785.
NAHUM EAGER, Justice of the Peace.
FROM THE TOWN RECORDS.
First District-Meeting .- At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the District of Plainfield, at the dwelling-house of Mr. Simon Burroughs, in said District, on Monday, the 25th day of July, A.D. 1785, Lieut. Ebenezer Colson was chosen Moderator ; Lieut. Joshua Shaw, District Clerk ; Lieut. Ebenezer Colson, Lieut. John Packard, and Lient. John Cunningham, Selectmen ; Lieut. Joshua Shaw, District Treasurer ; Simon Burroughs, Constable; Isaac Jey and Lieut. John Packard, Tythingmen ; Josiah Torry, Solomon Nash, Nathan Fay, William Dan- iels, Jacob, Clark, Abijah Pool, Jonathan Munroe, David White, and Daniel Streeter, Surveyors of Highways; Lieut. Samnel Noyes, Surveyor of Lumber; Daniel Streeter, Sealer of Leather; John Streeter, Fence-Viewer ; Asa Joy nul Azariah Beals, Ilog-Reeves; David White, Field-Driver; John Streeter, Deer- Reeve. The meeting dissolved.
At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the District of Plainfield at Mr. Jon- athan Munroe's, in said district, on Thursday, the 11th day of August, 1785, made choice of Lieut, John Packard, Moderator, Voted to raise £14 to hire preaching the present year. Voted that Isaac Joy, Lieut. John Packard, and Lieut. John Cunningham hire a gospel minister to preach for ns the present year. Voted that three days upon the poll at four shillings per day each hand, and upon the estates in proportion to our other tax, be raised to repair the highways the present year. Voted that Joshua Shaw, Simon Burroughs, and Noah Packard be a com- mittre to request of the town of Cummington a division of the line and a settle- ment between the town and the district of Plainfield. Voted that Jonathan Munrue's dwelling-house, in said Plainfield, be the place to hold town-meetings, and also meetings on the Lord's Day for the future.
At n legal meeting. Sept. 5, 1785, Lient. Ebenezer Colson, Moderator, Voted not to accept of the report of the committee appointed to settle the line between Cummington and Plainfield. Voted that the West-side-brook inhabitants should have their proportionable share of the preaching ou that side of the brook. Voted that the above committee, in conjunction with a committee of Cumming- ton, shall measure the south line of Cummington from the northwest corner of Worthington, according to the bill of incorporation of said town, and also make a line upon the east side of Cummington and Plainheld, and settle the line be- twixt Cummington and Plainfield according to the bill of incorporation. The meeting dissolved.
Jan. 23, 1786 .- At a legal meeting, Lieut. Colson, Moderator, voted that a di- vision of the county should not take place, but that the courts should be held in the centre of said county. A clause in the warrant in relation to paper currency was passed over, the town fathers not caring, perhaps, to discuss the great finan- cial questions involved in the hard times of that period, as they are in those of the present.
Monday, March 13, 1786 .- Lient. Ebenezer Colson, Moderator. Chuse Lieut. Joshna Shaw District Clerk. Chose Lient. Ebenezer Colson, Caleb White, and David White, Selectmen; Lient. Joshua Shaw, Treasurer ; Lient. John Cunning- ham, Constable ; Joseph Cook, Josiah Shaw, Stephen Walker, Elisha Bishec, Azarialı Beals, Benjamin Bullin, Asa Streeter, Jared Jay, Jr., Surveyors of Iligh- ways ; Solomon Pratt, Surveyor of Lumber ; Daniel Streeter, Sealer of Leather ; Joseph Beals, Tythingman ; Abraham Clark and Joseph Cook, Hog-Reeves; Isaac Joy, Fence-Viewer; Lieut. John Packard and Jacob Joy, Wardens; Asa Dunbar, Deer-Reef. Voted to raise twenty pounds to hire preaching the present year. Voted not to raise any money for to support a school. Voted that the meeting shall be holden at Mr. Jonathan Munroe's the ensuing year. Voted to raise forty shillings to detray district charges. Voted that Andrew Cook, Abi- jah l'ool, Lient. John Packard, be a committee to hire a gospel minister to preach with us the ensuing year. Voted that Andrew Cook, Noah Packard, and Caleb White be a committee to settle the line between Cummington and Plainfield, according to the Bill of incorporation. Voted twelve shillings upon the Poll to repair the Highways, and upon the estates in the same proportion as other taxes. Voted that the surveyors shall prosecute those persons who shall refuse or ne- glect to work out what is set to them in the highway rate by the first day of No- vember next. Voted that a road be allowed from Noah Packard's running west- erly between Nathan Fay and Josiah Torrey, two rods in width, one-half on saidl Fay's land, and the other on Josiah Torrey's land until it strikes the road on the west end of their land, said land to be given or receipted. Voted a road from John Joues to the turn of the road between James Porter and Abraham Clark. Voted a road beginning four rods south of James Porter's land, and running easterly between Josiah Shaw's House and barn; from thence to the south side of John Shaw's dwelling-house, as it is fenced to the east line of old No. 5.
Town-meetings were held "at the house of Simon Bur- roughs ;" " at the house of Mr. Jonathan Munroe ; " " at Mr. Samuel Streeter's barn ; "> " at Capt. John Cunningham's new barn ;" " at the dwelling-house of Lieut. David White ;" "at Mr. Samuel Streeter's dwelling-house." The first town- meeting "at the meeting-house" was held Aug. 22, 1792, and they were held there continuously until March 2, 1846. July
431
HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.
4, 1846, a town-meeting was held at Salem Streeter's Hall, and after that to Nov. 8, 1847, inclusive. This was in the present house of Lorenzo W. Joy. Feb. 7, 1848, they met " at the town-hall in said town," evidently for the first time.
The town-hall and school-house, combined, was finished the summer before. The proceedings to secure the ercetion of the building began two years earlier than this, and were as fol- łows :
" March 4, 1846 .- Voted to choose a committee of three to consult, examine, inquiry, and ascertain how, where, and on what terms and conditions, and at what expense, the town can hest build a town-house, nud to report at a future town-meeting."
Capt. James Cook, Josiah F. Rude, Freeman Shaw, were said committee. The committee reported July 4, 1846, that an arrangement had been entered into with a committee of the centre school district to jointly erect a building for town and school purposes, the district to furnish the ground, and pay four-ninths of the cost of erection, exclusive of the settees for the hall ; the building to be 32 by 46, according to the plan drawn. The committee estimated the expense at $900. The report was approved by the town, and the building committee on the part of the town were Josiah F. Rude, William War- ner, and Jacob Pratt. Before this union with the school district, a similar movement was contemplated with the artil- lery company in the erection of an armory, or " gun-house," as it is known by the citizens. The plan was not, however, adopted.
SELECTMEN FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN.
1785 .- Ebenezer Colson, John Packard, John Cunningham. 1786 .- Caleb White, David White, Ebenezer C'olson.
1787 .- Ebenezer Colson, John Packard, John Cunningham.
1788 .- Isaac Joy, Ebenezer Bishce, James Porter.
1789 .- John Packard, John Cunningham, Isaac Joy.
1790 .- James Richards, Caleb White, Ebenezer Bisbee. 1891 .- Jeremiah Robinson, John Cunningham, James Richards.
1792-94 .- John Cunningham, Ebenezer Bisbee, James Richards.
1795,-Joseph Beals, Ebenezer Bisbee, James Richards.
1796 .- Caleb White, Ebenezer Bisbee, James Richards. 1797 .- John Cunningham, Caleb White, Ebenezer Risbee. 1798 .- Thomas Shaw, James Hayward, Ebenezer Bishee. 1799,-Ebenezer Colson, Jr., Ebenezer Bisbee, Thomas Shaw. 1800 .- John Hamlin, Thomas Shaw, Ebenezer Colson, Jr. 1801 .- James Hayward, Ebenezer Colson, Jr., John Hamlin. 1802 .- Ebenezer Bisbee, Ebenezer Colson, Jr., John Hamlin. 1803 .- Peter B. Beals, James Richards, Ebenezer Colson, Jr. 1804 .- Amos Crittenden, Elijah Warner, Ebenezer Bishee. 1805-7 .- John Cunningham, James Richards, Ebenezer Bisbee. 1808 .- Nehemiah Joy, James Richards, Ebenezer Colson, Jr. 1809-13 .- James Richards, John Hamlin, Elijah Warner. 1814 .- John Hamlin, Nehemiah Joy, Jacob Joy. 1815-18 .- James Richards, John Hamlin, Elijah Warner. 1819 .- Robert Beals, John llamlin, Elijah Warner. 1820,-Jobn Hamlin, Elijah Warner, Robert Beals. 1821 .- John Hamlin, Elijah Warner, Iram Packard. 1822 .- Elijah Warner, Iram Packard, John Packard. 1823 .- John Hamlin, Elijah Warner, Iram Packard. 1824 .- John Hamlin, Elijah Warner, John Mack. 1825 .- Justns Warner, John Packard, Jolın Mack. 1826 .- Sammel Shaw, John Packard, Justns Warner. 1827 .- John Packard, John Mack, Samuel Shaw. 1828 .- Erastus Bates, John Packard, Samuel Shaw. 1×20 .- Iram Packard, Samuel Shaw, Erastus Bates. 1830 .- John Hamlin, Elijah Warner, Samnel Shaw. 1831 .- Jacob Pratt, Elijah Warner, Robert Beals. 1832 .- Isaac K. Lincoln, Samuel Shaw, Erastus Bates. 1833 .- John Carr, Samuel Shaw, Isaac K. Lincoln. 1834 .- Samuel White, Samuel Shaw, John Carr. 1835,-Stephen Gloyd, John Carr, Samuel White. 1836 .- William Robinson, Samuel White, Stephen Gloyd. 1837 .- Jerijah Barber, Robert Beals, Stephen Gloyd. 1838-39 .- Stephen Gloyd, William Robinson, Jerijah Barber. 1840 .- Albert Dyer, Samuel White, Stephen Gloyd. 1841 .- Stephen Gloyd, Jerijah Barber, Albert Dyer. 1842 .- William N. Ford, Stephen Gloyd, Jerijah Barber. 1843 .- Elias Giddings, Stephen Gloyd, Jerijah Barber. 1844 .- Stephen Gloyd, William Robinson, Albert Dyer. 1845,-Stephen Ilayward, Stephen Gloyd, Jerijah Barber.
1846 .- Freeman Hamlin, Stephen Gloyd, Stephen Hayward. 1847 .- Jacob Pratt, Stepben Hayward, Freeman Hamlin. 1848,-Wm. A. Hawley, Stephen Hayward, Freeman llamlin.
1849 .- Levi N. Campbell, Freeman Hamlin, Wm. A. Hawley. 1850 .- Jacob Pratt, Stephen Hayward, Levi N. Campbell. 1851-52 .- Wm. N. Ford, Freeman Hamlin, Levi N. Campbell. 1853 .- Albert Dyer, Wm. N. Ford, Levi N. Campbell. 1854 .- Wanton C. Gilbert, Lewis Shaw, Levi N. Campbell. 1855 .- Sammuel W. Lincoln, Samuel Dyer, Lewis Shaw. 1856 .- Stephen Hayward, Levi N. Campbell, Samuel W. Lincoln.
1857 .- Joseph Sears, Levi N. Campbell, Samuel W. Lincoln.
1858 .- Fordyce Whitmarsh, Levi N. Campbell, Samuel W. Lincoln.
1859 .- Levi N. Campbell, Samuel W. Lincoln, Fordyce Whitmarsh. 1860-62 .- Levi N. Campbell, Samuel W. Lincoln, Merritt Torrey. 1863 .- Levi N. Campbell, Merritt Torrey, Merritt Jones. 1864-66 .- Levi N. Campbell, Joseph Sears, Merritt Torrey. 1867-69 .- Levi N. Campbell, Lewis Shaw, Jacob W. Pratt. 1870 .- Lewis Shaw, Joseph Scars, Jacob W. Pratt.
1871 .- Lewis Shaw, Jacob W. Pratt, Homer Cook.
1872 .- Levi N. Campbell, llomer Cook, Stephen Ilayward. 1873 .- Lewis Shaw, Joseph Sears, Seth W. Clark. 1874-75 .- Lewis Shaw, Seth W. Clark, James A. Nash.
1876-77 .- Lewis Shaw, James A. Winslow, James A. Nash.
1878 .- Lewis Shaw, James A. Nash, E. A. Atkins.
1879 .- L. N. Campbell, James A. Nash, E. A. Atkins.
TOWN CLERKS .*
Joshua Shaw, 1785-94; John Cunningham, 1795-96; James Richards, 1797- 1800; Thomas Shaw, 1801-14; John Mack, 1x15-17; Cyrus Jny, 1818-20 ; Robert Beals, 1821-27; Justus Warner, 1828; Leavitt Hallock, 1829-30; Erastns Bates, 1831; John Mack, Jr., 1×32; Jason Richards, 1833-40; Jacob Clark, 1841-43; Jason Richards, 1844-47; Levi Black, 1848-52; Freeman Hamlin, 1853-75; Charles N. Dyer, 1876-80.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.
From 1786 to 1807, inclusive, Plainfield was simply a Dis- trict of Cummington for the purpose of representation. Dur- ing that period the representatives to the Legislature were as follows :
William Ward (Cummington), 1786-91, inclusive; James Richards, 1793; Wil- liam Ward, 1796-97 ; James Richards, 1798; Ebenezer Snell (Cummington), 1800; James Richards, 1801; Ebenezer Snell, 1802; James Richards, 1803; Ebenezer Suell, 1804; James Richards, 1805; l'eter Bryant and Adam Packard (Cumming- ton), 1806.
From Plainfield Alone .- John Cunningham, 1808, annually, to 1810, inclusive ; James Richards, 1811-12; John Damlin, 1813-15; James Richards, 1816; Cyrus Joy, 1819 ; Elijah Warner, 1821 ; John Hamlin, 1823-26; Elijah Warner, 1827; John Mack, 1828-30; Erastus Bates, 1831-34; Elijah Clark, 1835-36 ; John Carr, 1837; Stephen Gluyd, 1839-40; Jason Richards, 1×41-42; Jerijah Barber, 1846; Leavitt Hallock, 1849; Freeman llamlin, 1850-51; Wanton C. Gilbert, 1852-53; Levi N. Campbell, 1854.
Under the District System .- Sammel W. Lincoln, 1860; Levi N. Campbell, 1865 ; Stephen Hayward, Jr., 1871; Merritt Torrey, 1877.
VILLAGES.
The only village in town is the one at the centre. It con- sists principally of one street, nearly three-quarters of a mile long, and extending east and west. This is intersected by the two roads from the south, which unite in one, north of the vil- lage, at the cemetery.
The principal public buildings-the meeting-house, the school-house, one store, and the former hotel-are at the West Corners. One store is at the East Corners. Along this one street are principally situated the private residences. Rev. Solomon Clark, the present pastor, resides at the East Corners, -having a residence with ample and convenient grounds at- tached. On the north side of the street, not far from the East Corners, is the old dwelling-house of Rev. Moses Hal- 4 lock. On the whole, the village is a fair specimen of a secluded New England town, distant from railroads, having but little trade or business, yet with many things to attract a visitor, in the culture and refinement of the people, the pure mountain air, and the delightful scenery.
The post-office here was established about 1810. The first postmaster was John Mack. He was succeeded by John Mack, Jr., by Abner Gurney, by Jacob Clark, by Levi Clark, and by Leonard Campbell, the present incumbent.
SCHOOLS.
The subject of education received early attention. For twelve years or so after the first settlement, the appropriations
* In this town the clerk has invariably been also treasurer.
432
HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.
made by Cummington applied to a portion of the present town of Plainfield. But the population was scattering, and there were probably few schools attempted. After the town had been organized a year or two, small regular appropria- tions were made each year. Jacob Porter states that the average sum appropriated fifty years ago was $350. In later years this has been increased considerably. The statistics herewith given show that there has been quite a change at times in the number and arrangement of the districts,-in- creased to ten at one time, and reduced now to six. The loss of population has rendered this reduction necessary.
Plainfield was noted in early times for the private school of Rev. Moses Hallock. Settled here as a pastor in 1792, he imi- mediately commenced his labors as an educator. More than 300 students received the benefit of his training. It is un- doubtedly due largely to his personal influence that so many young men from these hill-towns sought and obtained a classical education. This school was a principal feeder of Williams College in early years. Poets, statesmen, editors, divines, and devoted missionaries were the graduates of Moses Hallock's school. Here in this quiet street is still seen the house where he lived, taught, and died. When the far-reach- ing results of his life and labors are considered, may we not pro- nounce this place almost sacred for its religions and classical memories ? Among those students that have risen to distinc- tion may be appropriately mentioned the names of William Cullen Bryant, James Richards, Jonas King, Pliny Fisk, Levi Parsons, William Richards, William Hale Maynard, Jeremiah H. Hallock, James Hayward, Sylvester Hovey, Prof. B. B. Edwards, Rev. Jonathan Woodbridge, Dr. Ans- tin Richards, William Carmichael, M.D., and Rev. Dudley Phelps.
In later years, besides the excellent system of district schools, there have frequently been private schools, con- tinuing for eleven weeks each, usually in the autumn months. These have afforded opportunities to the young people for the study of the languages and other branches of higher educa- tion. At present the schools are maintained for about six months in the year in each district,-divided into two terms, " one in the spring and early summer, the other in the fall. In the winter one school only is maintained, and that at the cen- tre. This is taught (1878-79) by Miss Tileston, and, though consisting of but a small number of pupils, offers the opportu- nity of a more advanced education than the district schools usually afford.
This school is in the town-hall building, and bas a con- venient room. The other district school buildings are in a fair condition. In some of the neighborhoods are district libraries.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
January, 1837 .- Seven schools; attending in the sminmer, 187; average, 149; winter, 246; average, 190; in town between 4 and 16, 255 ; summer schools, 27 months; winter, 19 months, 21 days; sunnuer teachers, 7 females; winter, 6 males, 2 females; average wages of male teachers per month, $20.83; female teachers, $10.50.
January, 1847 .- Nine schools; attending in the summer, 229; average, 165; winter, 292; average, 231; in town between 4 and 16, 277 ; attending under 4, 5; over 16, 41 ; summer schools, 24 months, 14 days; winter, 27 months, 14 days; total, 52 months ; summer teachers, 8 females ; winter, 8 males, 2 females ; aver- age wages of male teachers per month, $20.23; females, $10.50.
January, 1857 .- Ten schools; attending in summer, 130; average, 97; winter- 167; average, 116; attending under 5, 21; over 15, 37; in town between 5 and 15, 124 ; summer teachers, 10 females; winter, 6 males, and 4 females ; summer schools, 28 months, 11 days; winter, 29 months, 16 days; total, 58 months, 7 days; average wages of male teachers per month, $20.25; female, $13.08.
Jannary, 1867 .- Ten schools; attending in the sunner, 121; average, 108; winter, 169; average, 148; attemling under 5, 13; over 15, 18; in town between 5 und 15, 104 ; sumner teachers, 10 females ; winter, 2 mules, 8 females ; summer schools, 26 months; winter, 22 months, 5 days ; average wages of male teachers per mouth, $24; female, $16.70.
January, 1878 .- Six schools; attending, 108; average, 69; under 5, 2; over 15, 19; in town between 5 und 16, 73 ; teachers, 2 males, & females ; 1 from normal ; school, 36 months ; average wages of male teachers per month, $22; female, $20.34; taxation, $500; expense of anperintendence, $47 ; printing, $7; income of local funny and dog tax, $26.
COLLEGE GRADUATES.
The following article, written by Rev. Solomon Clark, con- denses into a brief space much valuable information upon this subject. Mr. Clark adds to the duties of his pastorate much careful historical research that amply qualifies him to do jus- tice to Plainfield, as well as to other towns in Western Massa- chusetts. His contributions to the journals of the day are of standard authority upon these and similar topics. The first series embraces those who entered and graduated at Williams College, the figures referring to the year of graduation : James Richards, class of 1809 ; Cyrus Joy, 1811; William A. Hal- lock, 1819; Gerard HIallock, 1819; William Richards, 1819; Alden B. Vining, 1843; Martin S. Pixley, 1844; David Rood, 1844 ; Isaac Newton Lincoln, 1847; Alden Porter Beals, 1849; Stephen C. Pixley, 1852; Ephraim L. Lincoln, 1855; Samuel F. Shaw, 1855; Charles L. Shaw, 1864; Fordyce A. Dyer, 1865.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.