History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 143

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 143

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At Harvard University : James Hayward, class of 1819; Tilly Brown Hayward, 1820.

At Amherst College: Austin Richards, class of 1824; Eras- tus Dickinson, 1832; William A. Hallock, about 1858; Wm. A. Richards, 1861; Leavitt HIallock, 1863.

The whole number 22; 15 graduating at Williams, 2 at Harvard, 5 at Amherst.

Homan Hallock entered Amherst College, but ill health compelled him to leave. He afterward became a missionary printer on the Mediterranean. Foster W. Gilbert entered with the class of 1877, but failure of health prevented his gradu- ating. The list of 22 comprises six pairs of brothers. It also contains the names of three sons of Deacon James Richards. Of the 22, 9 entered the ministry ; 3 became lawyers ; 1 was professor of Latin in Williams; 1 was professor of mathematics and natural philosophy in Harvard; 1 has long and very hon- orably been associated with the American Tract Society as corresponding secretary ; 1 founded the New York Journal of Commeree, and was its editor and proprietor for many years ; 1 died in the army; 4 devoted themselves to foreign missions ; 1 is a surgeon in the navy ; 5 are teachers. Two of the 4 for- eign missionaries are still living in South Africa. It may be mentioned that Mrs. Byington, of Constantinople, and Mrs. David Rood, of South Africa, went from Plainfield. To the foregoing may be added the following professional men not graduates of college : Lewis Whiting, M.D., Saratoga, N. Y .; Emerson Warner, M.D., Virginia ; Daniel Thayer, M.D., Plainfield ; Almon Warner, Esq., a lawyer of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Rev. Spencer Dyer, Francis Torrey, superintendent of schools, Newark, N. J. ; Rev. Jephthah Pool, many years ago a pastor in Windsor, Berkshire, Co. ; Dr. Shepherd L. Ham- lin, an eminent dentist, Cincinnati, Ohio; Dr. Joseph Beals, dentist, Greenfield.

The following names of professional men, mostly physicians, not graduates, and mostly natives of this town, are also added : Dr. Torrey, one of the earliest physicians that settled in this place. Samuel Shaw, M.D. ; he first became associated with his father-in-law, Dr. Peter Bryant, of Cummington, but in 1824, at the earnest invitation of the people, hie removed to this his native town, and had an extensive ride for thirty years. He was a man of great physical endurance. The snows and blows and drifted roads of winter did not deter him from any professional service. Ile is said to have never lost a meal through sickness for forty-seven years. Dana Shaw, M.D., a brother of the foregoing, for over twenty-five years was a physician of Barre, N. H.

Jacob Porter, author of a historical sketch of Plainfield, full of valuable information. Dr. Porter's forte lay not in medical practice, but in some of the natural sciences,-botany, mineralogy, and the like. His contributions to several Euro- pean societies won him considerable reputation. Joseph Rich- ards, a brother of the missionaries, was a physician in Hills- dale, N. Y. G. Washington Shaw, M.D., settled in Williams-

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IHISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

hurg ; highly esteemed as a physician and a citizen. Chilion Packard, M.D., in early life went South. Seth II. Pratt, M.D., went West many years ago. Newell White, M.D., is still living in Pennsylvania. James F. Richards, M. D., prac- tieed ten years at Campello, in North Bridgewater, then went abroad for study, spending one or two years in London, Berlin, and Vienna. He now resides in Andover. Royal Joy studied with Dr. Shaw, and settled in Cummington.

Elisha Bassett stodied law, and was for many years con- nected with the office of the United States District Court, Boston.

Elder James Clark and Elder Thomas Thayer were both ministers of the Baptist denomination. The former preached in Pennsylvania, the latter in the West. In all, 22 graduates, 23 professional men not graduates, and 3 who entered college without graduating ; also, Mrs. Byington, of Constantinople, and Mrs. Rood, of South Africa, making the round number of 50.

To this may be added others of prominence. Hosea F. Stockwell, a lawyer of ability, having an extensive practice in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Away thirty-six years, he has only visited Plainfield twice,-once in 1850, and again re- cently. Horace Hamlin, brother of Deacon HIamlin, went to Ohio with others of this town forty-seven years ago, and has been for many years distinguished as a teacher of vocal and instrumental music. Charles Whittier spent his early days in Plainfield, took his first lessons on the piano here, and has since attained to distinction, being a professor in the Boston Conservatory of Music.

Mrs. Fidelia Cook, daughter of Stephen Hayward, Esq., a lady of much intellectual culture, superintended for a time the literary department of the Springfield Republican. Lat- terly deprived almost wholly of the use of her eyes, she has been obliged to seelude herself from the world of letters. IIon. Daniel Pratt was a lawyer, and is now a judge in Michi- gan. Francis Pratt, M.D., is a physician in Ohio. Newton Robinson, M.D., is a physician in Ohio. His father, Seth R., was a brother of William Robinson. John Packard was county recorder, and many years a clerk in the office (Cleveland, O.). Charles Dudley Warner, the well-known author, was a native of this town ; a graduate of Hamilton College, class of 1851. Kirkland Hayward, a son of Stephen Hayward, became a distinguished engineer and president of a Western railroad; a man of great energy and executive ability. Erastus N. Bates is a prominent man in one of the Western States. IIe was a graduate of Williams College, and has filled numerous posi- tions of responsibility in connection with the State govern- ment. Samuel Hallock resides at Beyroot, Syria. IIe suc- ceeded his father (Iloman) in the difficult task of preparing molds for the printing of the Arabian Bible. When the American Bible Society commenced the publication of the Arabic Bible in the city of New York, it is stated that only two persons in the world understood this particular business,- an aged German and Mr. Homan Hallock. When, after a few years, they transferred the work to Beyroot to save ex- peuse, Mr. Samuel Hallock, inheriting his father's skill, took the position his father had occupied, and has filled it ever since with much ability.

In this unequaled list of distinguished men we see clearly that this quiet town in the northwest corner of Hampshire County, not rich as judged by a material standard, possesses, nevertheless, a kind of wealth more ennobling and enduring, for which she may well be grateful.

CHURCHES.

Previous to the incorporation of the town, the inhabitants attended church at Cummington. But prompt measures were taken to set up public worship in the district. Sums of money were voted to secure preaching, and it is understood that vari- ous ministers from the neighboring towns preached in Plain-

field during the year 1785. An effort was made to settle Rev. James Thompson, who undoubtedly preached here in 1786-87. This appears by the action taken as in other towns at the reg- ular meetings. To support the gospel, to hire ministers, to provide for religious worship generally, was a part of the busi- ness for which districts and towns were organized, and it was attended to as regularly as any other town business, with or without a church.

July 24, 1786,-Voted, to agree with Mr. James Thompson to preach with us four Sabbaths upon probation.

O.t. 2, 1786 .- Voted, to give Mr. James Thompson a call to settle in the work of the ministry in Plainfield. Committee to draft proposals, Deacon Samuel Pool, Lieut. Ebenezer Colson, Lieut. John Packard, Lieut. Joshua Shaw, Capt. John Cunningham. They reported it was not expedient to make any proposals " until such time as it may be known whether the Equivalent would be set to Plain- fiehl or not," and further advised that a committee be chosen to acquaint Mr. Thompson with the above votes, and to agree with him to preach with us until such time as the matter may be properly adjusted. Lieut. John Packard, Capt. Juli Cunningham, and Isaac Joy be a committee to treat with Mr. Thompson.

This action ripened into a formal call May 14, 1787, with an offer of a yearly salary of £60. The invitation was de- clined. But other arrangements to found the institutions of religion went steadily forward. Aug. 16, 1787, a committee was appointed to find the centre of Plainfield, and to agree upon a place which they shall think most proper for erecting a meeting-house. May 23, 1791, a spot was agreed upon, and October 27th it was voted to build a house 553 feet by 423. November 23d a committee, consisting of Caleb White, Capt. John Cunningham, Capt. James Richards, Andrew Cook, and John Hamlin, was appointed to procure materials and carry on the building of said meeting-house in such a manner as shall be most advantageous to the district according to their best discretion. April 23d voted that the owners of pews in the meeting-house procure rum to raise said building. The meeting-house was raised soon after, but, owing to the limited resources of the district at that time, it was not completed till 1797. It was then dedicated on the 15th of June, two sermons being preached on the occasion,-one by Rev. Aaron Bascom, of Chester; the other by Rev. John Leland, of Peru.

Meanwhile, the church had been organized Aug. 31, 1786. The members admitted that day were Andrew Ford, Sarah Ford, John Packard, Ilannah Packard, Andrew Ford, Jr., Sarah Ford, Solomon Nash, Martha Nash, Elijah Ford, Solo- mon Ford, Amy White, Martha Town, Martha Robinson, Molly Packard, Samuel Pool, Rebekah Pool, Moses Curtis, John Jones, Ruth Jones. Admitted in 1790, were Abijah Snow, Sarah Snow, James Richards, Lydia Richards. In 1791, Rebekah Walker, Betsey Burroughs, Lydia Campbell, Joseph Clark, Alice Clark, Hannah Colson. In 1792, Jacob Hawes, Betsey Hawes, Shubael Fuller, Solomon Pratt, Re- member Pratt, Jacob Clark, Susanna Clark, Ephraim Gloyd, HIannah Gloyd, Abijah Pool, Sarah Pool, Silence Hammond, Joseph Beals, Jephthah Pool, Benjamin Dyer, Abigail Smith, Polly Streeter, Phebe White, Mehitable Walker, Hannah Joy, Caleb Joy, Sarah Joy,, Priscilla Snow, Patty Packard, Rev. Moses Hallock, Margaret Hallock, Bethia Hosford. In 1793, Anna Ford, Sarah Burroughs, Alpheus Parse, Mary Parse. In 1794, Hannah Barton, Mary Bates, Polly Easton, David Whiting, Sally Warner, Miriam Colson. In 1796, James Hayward, Elizabeth Hayward, Hannah Stowell.

The first deacons were Messrs. John Packard and James Richards.

March 3, 1791, the church voted to give Mr. Moses Hallock a call to settle with them in the work of the gospel ministry. March 14th the district concurred with the church, and offered him £90 settlement and £45 a year salary for the first two years, then to increase £5 a year until it amounts to £60. Mr. Hallock first declined, on account of ill health; but a year later the call was renewed, and his ordination took place July 11, 1792. The sermon was by Rev. Samuel Whitman, of Goshen; text, " And they shall teach my people the difference

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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean." This was published in pamphlet form, and is said to be now very scarce.

For the ordination of Mr. Hallock, the town voted that an invitation be extended to ministers of the gospel, candidates for the ministry, students in colleges, together with the parents, brothers, and sisters of Rev. Moses Hallock, and such others as he shall see fit to invite to an entertainment with the coun- cil, at such place as shall hereafter be appointed.

Voted that Capt. John Cunningham make the above enter- tainment in a decent and handsome manner, and lay his " ac- compts" before the district for allowance.

The ordination having taken place July 11, 1792, Capt. John Cunningham was allowed £3 9s. 6d. for boarding Mr. Hallock and keeping his horse eleven weeks, and the sum of £3 10s. 8d. for making the entertainment ; from which we may infer that it was, after all, a frugal affair, economically arranged.

At this time they voted to paint the meeting-house. A question of church architecture must have arisen, as they voted that the window frames be let in between the studs.

Jan. 13, 1794, voted to receive two tiers of lots off of the southerly part of Hawley, with the inhabitants thereon to enjoy ministerial privileges with us, upon condition of their obligating themselves to bear their proportion with us in supporting the gospel. Voted that the selectmen take an obligation of the afore- said inhabitants agreeable to the above vote. This "bond," if in existence, must be a document of considerable interest, and one which the church officers could occasionally read to the present inhabitants of "the two tiers of lots" taken from Hawley if they fail to pay their fair share of church expenses ; for they must be held not only in the " bonds of the gospel," but under " legal bonds" to the church of Plainfield. This appears to be seven years before the annexation took place.

During Mr. Hallock's ministry the church prospered, and many times of special revival occurred. A writer notes one of 1790 (showing Mr. Hallock must have preached here con- siderably before his ordination); 17 joined the church in one day. In 1797 there was a general awakening in every part of the town, and 3I persons joined the church that year.

" July 1, 1798, 24 persons adorned the aisle at one time, and appeared to rejoice at an opportunity to confess the Lord Jesus."

In 1800 an excellent bell was procured, partly at the expense of the district and partly by subscription. It was cast at New Haven, by Fenton & Cochran, and weighed about 600 pounds. A belfry, to which was attached a lightning-rod, was erected at the same time. The same bell is still in use.

In 1808 a revival occurred, and 34 were admitted to the church on the Ist of May, and 26 on the 3d of July. In 1830 the Unitarian controversy agitated the church, and one brother was finally excommunicated for publicly dissenting from the creed and expressing his disbelief of the doctrine of the Trinity and the supreme deity of Jesus Christ.

A Sunday-school, consisting of 103 scholars, was established in May, 1819. This has ever since been continued.

In 1822 two stoves for warming the meeting-house were procured and placed near the pulpit. In 1823 an elegant eopy of " Gurney's Family Bible," published in 1816, and embel- lished with a series of engravings by the first artists, was pre- sented for the pulpit by James Hayward, tutor in Harvard College.

Jacob Porter says, " The practice of reading the Scriptures publicly on the Lord's day had been introduced some years before ;" from which we infer they had not been so read in the earlier years. Jan. 5, 1823, 10 persons were admitted. Nov. 24, 1827, 29 persons were admitted.

June 3, 1829, the Rev. John II. Russ was ordained here as an evangelist by the Mountain Association; sermon by the Rev. William A. Hawley, of Hinsdale. Aug. 29, 1830,

the church chose a committee to superintend tract distribu- tion.

In the spring of 1829, Rev. Moses Hallock, mindful of the growing infirmities of age, and with tender solicitude for the people over whom he had ministered nearly forty years, ad- dressed a letter to them suggesting the appointment of a suc- cessor. The letter contained this beautiful passage :

" I have entered my seventieth year, and know not the day of my death. When a parent is about to die, he endeavors to set his house in order that it may le well with his family after his decease. With equal ardor I desire that yon, as a religious community, may have a good minister of Jesus Christ when my lips shall be unable to keep knowledge. Before I die I wish to see my pulpit occupied by such a minister."

The reply of the committee advising the church and town to accede to his suggestions displays equal feeling. They say :

" He hereby evinces that he seeks not ours, but us,-that he still retains an affectionate regard for the dear people over which the Holy Spirit hath so long made him overseer. And his solicitude for us extends beyond the time when he shall have ceased to be our minister, or shall have closed his eyes in death."

These proceedings resulted in the installation of Rev. David Kimball, March 2, 1831, as a colleague ; but Mr. Hallock re- mained as senior pastor, and lived beyond the close of Mr. Kimball's ministry. On the 17th of July, 1837, he was dis- missed by a higher than earthly authority from the scenes of his life-long labors. The pastorate of Rev. Moses Hallock passed into history. His life and labors were a legacy of price- less value to Plainfield, and the town stands forever honored by the ministry of this noble man, this beloved pastor, this distinguished teacher.

In 1829 the meeting-house was painted anew, and Jacob Porter, writing in 1834, rather revels in a luxurious descrip- tion :

" The outside white; the inside, except the pews, a beautiful cream color. The pulpit was rebuilt in the modern style. Curtains of bombazet were fur- nished for the window, and the pulpit dressed with damask fringed with tich and elegant drapery, all of red, by John Mack, Esq. The house now makes a handsome appearance; indeed, it is believed that few churches erected forty years since discover so good a taste, or are in all respects so convenient."

This house was taken down in 1846, and the present one „erected on the same site. The new church was erected under the direction of a building committee consisting of Cyrus Joslyn, James Cook, Josiah F. Rood. The house cost $2450, and was built by voluntary subscriptions, a large number of which were $100 each, and others $50. The pews were after- ward sold and the amount refunded to the subscribers. The pews sold for $200 more than the cost of the house, and that went into the treasury of the parish.

The prudential committees are usually changed from year to year. James Winslow is clerk of the parish, and has been for several years. Deacon Ilamlin is clerk of the church, and is also treasurer of the parish, which office he has filled for twenty-three years in all. The communicants number 100 to 110; congregation, 150 to 200; superintendent of Sunday- school, Seth W. Clark. Charles N. Dyer is leader of the choir. The music is still assisted occasionally by the double- bass viol, as in olden times.

In 1838, during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Goodsell, a revival occurred, and about 75 were added either by letter or profes- sion. In 1848 occurred another revival, under Rev. Mr. Gaylord, in which 30 or more united with the church. In 1858, soon after the commencement of the labors of Rev. MIr. Clarke, a general awakening took place, and during that year and the following about 40 members were added. In 1866, 42 united. In 1876 a special work took place, as the result of which 14 were added.

Ministerial Record-1st. Rev. Moses Hallock, ordained July 14, 1792; died in the midst of his people, while still their pastor, July 17, 1837. 2d. Rev. David Kimball was installed as col- league to Mr. Hallock in 1831, and labored in that capacity four years, his services closing in 1835, though his formal dismission did not take place until Sept. 27, 1837 ; died in 1876, in Illinois.

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HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

3d. Rev. Dana Goodsell, installed Sept. 27, 1837; dismissed Sept. 25, 1839 ; died Feb. 19, 1876, in Philadelphia. 4th. Rev. Wm. A. Hawley, installed July 21, 1841 ; services ended July 1, 1847 ; formally dismissed Oct. 6, 1847; died in Sun- derland, in 1854. 5th. Rev. II. J. Gaylord, installed Oct. 6, 1847 ; at the same time and place there was also ordained Rev. Daniel Rood as a missionary of the American Board ; Mr. Gaylord was dismissed Oct. 6, 1851 ; remained in the ministry, and is now in Delaware. 6th. Rev. David B. Bradford, in- stalled June 10, 1852 ; dismissed in May, 1854. 7th. Rev. D. B. Bradford, installed pastor June 10, 1852; dismissed May 17, 1854. Mr. Baldwin and others officiated as temporary supply from time to time. 8th. Rev. Solomon Clark ; he commenced his labors in January, 1858, and has continued until the present time, being now in the twenty-first year of his pastorate.

Record of Deacons .- John Packard, chosen Nov. 15, 1792; died Dee. 28, 1807. James Richards, chosen Nov. 15, 1792 ; Joseph Beals (The Mountain Miller), chosen April 20, 1803 ; died July 20, 1813. Robert Beals, chosen Sept. 23, 1813; died July, 1844. Erastus Bates, chosen June 27, 1828 ; died March 13, 1836. John Carr, chosen Sept. 6, 1834; removed to Buckland; died, 1851. Wm. N. Ford, chosen Nov. 11, 1841 ; removed to Grinnell, Iowa. Freeman Hamlin,* chosen Aug. 30, 1844. Jerijah Barber,* chosen May 5, 1855. William A. Bates, chosen Nov. 16, 1867; removed to Windsor in a year or two. Seth W. Clark," chosen March 3, 1877. James A. Winslow,* chosen March 3, 1877.

BAPTIST CHURCH OF PLAINFIELD.

This society was formed Feb. 25, 1833, the meeting for or- ganization having been called by Asa Thayer, pursuant to a warrant drawn by Nehemiah Richards, Esq., of Cumming- ton. The full church organization took place June 18th, of the same year. Elder David Wright was the moderator of the council that constituted the church. The families inter- ested specially in the formation of this church were those of Mr. Stockwell, Thayer (Asa and Kingman), Jones, Daniels, Bezar Reed, two or three families of the Packards, Silas Shaw, Joseph Vining, the Gardner families, and several from Ash- field.

The society existed mostly in the cast part of the town, and has been extinet for some years.

The meeting-house was built 1840 to 1842, and stood east of , the place where Ansil Cole now lives some fifty rods. After the dissolution of the society the building was taken down and sald, 1866-67. The building was a plain, comfortable chapel, not very large.

Ministerial Record .- 1st. Rev. Alden B. Eggleston. His wife was a daughter of Asa Thayer. 2d. Rev. Nathaniel McCullock. 3d. Rev. Samuel S. Kingsley. 4th. Rev. Wil- liam A. Pease. 5th. Rev. A. H. Sweet. 6th. Rev. James Clark. There were several others who preached for short periods in the few years preceding the dissolution of the society. Early deacons chosen were Asa Thayer and Jere- miah Stockwell, Jr., 1833, and, later, Jacob Jones.

BURIAL-PLACES.

The burial-grounds in this town are the following : At the centre is the principal one, situated north of the village. This was established in 1808. Lieut. Solomon Shaw was the first person buried here, though two of his grandchildren, who had died earlier, were afterward taken up and buried near him. This ground is well eared for. There is another, southeast of the village, in the Dyer neighborhood or School District No. 2. It is located in a picturesque spot not far from Meadow Brook. East from the centre, beyond the Winslow farm, is another place of burial. This is mostly a private yard, con-

taining the remains of members of the Stockwell family. Not far from the Tirrell farm is yet another cemetery, in the southwest part of the town, on the south part of West Hill, so called. This dates back to 1800, probably. Another, near the Philip Packard place, perhaps dates back to 1810 or 1815, in the northwest part of the town. The road is now dis- continued at this point and the yard unused. In the south- west part of the town, in the neighborhood of Dexter Dyer, is a small cemetery still in use to some extent. On the present Elijah Warner farm was a place of burial almost lost sight of; few traces of it remain, and no inscriptions,-a few old field-stones. This is thought to be as early as any in town. There is also another, in the south part of the town, near the Cummington line, on land now owned by Henry Streeter ; the place has not been used for sixty years or more, and only a few were buried there. On the farm of Lorenzo Joy, at the centre, is the principal old place, being used until the open- ing, in 1808, of the one at the north.

TOWN SOCIETIES, LIBRARIES, Etc.

There have, at times, been various societies for missionary and religious work. Many of them have only had a brief existence. In later years contributions are taken and for- warded more directly by the pastor and the church officers than formerly, a less number of local societies and a less number of soliciting agents being employed. Such societies were the Plainfield Tract Society, 1832; the Foreign Mission- ary Association of Plainfield, formed in 1824; and the Bible Association of Plainfield, auxiliary, 1826. In the effort to supply the United States with Bibles about 1830, this society paid more than a hundred dollars. The Temperance Associa- tion of Plainfield, auxiliary to the Hampshire County Tem- perance Society, was formed June 27, 1828, and had a flourish- ing existence, having, in 1834, about 500 members, none being admitted under twelve years of age. Jacob Porter wrote of the movement :

" The inhabitants have great reason to felicitate themselves on the progress of the temperance cause among them. Though this was never considered an in- temperate place when compared with its sister-towns, yet a few years since there were six licensed taverns, and at the principal store there were sold 12 hogs- heads of ardent spirits in a year. Now there are bat two licensed houses, and at the same store there is sold about a barrel in the same period of time. The number of iutemperate persons is greatly diminished, and there is an improve- ment in the manners and morals of the people which is truly gratifying."

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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 143

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