History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 157

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 157

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John Newton, of Middlefield, was baptized July 5, 1800, and the next year elected a deacon in the Hinsdale Church. Matthew Smith was baptized September, 1801; Calvin Smith and Solomon Root, April 25, 1802. At this time the Hins- dale Church voted that meetings should be held in Middle- field one-fifth of the time. Less than two years later, it was voted to hold them one-third of the time in Middlefield. In 1805 the same vote was repeated, Deacon Newton's house be- ing mentioned as the place. The original law, by which all, of whatever sentiment, were taxed to support the Congrega- tional Church " of the standing order," was modified quite early, so far that those who could produce certificates of actual membership in another church, or in a society organized to support a church, were exempted from the tax. Upon the committee of the Hinsdale Church, appointed to sign such certificates in 1803, Deacon John Newton's name appears.

The meetings continued to be held in Middlefield one-third of the time till the erection of the meeting-house in Hinsdale, 1816. The completion of the house of worship made it proper to concentrate their efforts more completely at that point. This marked a new era in the history of the Baptist work in these towns. It led to greater strength and success at Ilinsdale, and to the establishment of a church at Middlefield. This latter movement received the hearty co-operation of the Hins- dale brethren, and the new church was constituted July 21, 1817, by a council composed of delegates from the churches of Chesterfield, Chester, and Hinsdale. The council met upon the invitation of a committee consisting of Deacon Newton and Matthew Smith. Elder Asa Todd, of Chesterfield, was moderator of the council, and brother Dan Daniels clerk.

The names of those received as forming the church of Mid- dlefield that day were John Newton, Matthew Smith, Calvin Smith, Solomon Root, Levi Olds, Payne Loveland, William Taylor, Amariah Ballou, David Ballou, Clark Martin, Asa Ackadd, Asa Ides, Martha Newton, Asenath Smith, Anna Smith, Mary Root, Lucy Olds, Phebe Loveland, Priscilla Taylor, Polly Ballou, Mary Ballou, Elizabeth Skinner, Mary

474

HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

Ballou, Elizabeth Durant, Lucy Metcalf, Sarah Johnson, Sarah Smith, Sarah Allison, Louis Freeland,-29 in all. Thirty more joined during the next two years, and the society thus commenced its existence with a membership of consider- able numbers and strength. In 1818 a substantial house of worship was erected. Calvin Smith is spoken of as a very liberal contributor to that object. The first settled pastor was Rev. Isaac Child, ordained June 9, 1818. At his ordination the sermon was preached by Rev. Thomas Rand, of West Springfield, under whose oversight and instruction Mr. Childs had pursued his studies for the ministry.

The first meeting-house, mentioned above, stood east of the centre, beyond the gambrel-roofed house where Dr. William Coleman formerly resided. In 1846 the present handsome and neatly-finished edifice was erected at the centre. The dedication took place in October of that year. The sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Turnbull, of Hartford. The parsonage was built in 1851. The present pastor, in a sketch read before the Westfield Association ten years ago, said :

" A pleasing feature of the records traced by the church in its history of half a century is the enlightened liberality with which it has ai led the different ob- jects of Christian benevolence.

" Home and Foreign Missions, Education, Bible Distribution, and the enuse of human freedom, have shared freely its sympathies.

" Never wealthy, drawing its material sustenance mainly from a rugged soil, its largest reported membership never having exceeded one hundred and thirty - five, and dropping often from removals and changes to a much smaller number, it has always shown regard for the religious charities of the day, and been ever ready on occasions to utter a friendly word to its sister-churches in their time of newil.

" Looking back over the period which has now passed in review, it is pleasant to notice the tokens of God's favor that have been granted to this people. No less than eight special seasons of revival have been enjoyed. These were in 1818, '29, '31, '33, '38, '42, '50, and '58.

" Many were the sheaves gathered at these seasons to replenish the waste of time and change, and much the joy and comfort of the saints. To some extent the awakening and converting influences of the Spirit have also been manifested during the intervals between revival seasons. From the organization of the church to the present time. Sept. 22, 1869, the whole number that have been lap- tized is two hundred and fifty-nine. This with the twenty-nine original members, fifty-seven received by letter, and two by experience, make the whole number three hundred and forty-seven. Diminution by death, eighty-four; by distuis- sion, one hundred and fifty-three; by exclusion, eighteen; by erasure, seven, makes the present number of members eighty-five. The number who have gone from the church with letters of dismission is nearly one hundred larger than the number received on recommendation from other churches."

To the revivals mentioned in the above should be added that of 1870-71, when the records show that 6 were received by baptism January 8th, and 7 on the 14th of May. In 1876, and extending into the winter of 1877, 14 united with the church.

Record of the Ministers .- 1st. Rev. Isaac Childs ; ordained June 10, 1818; dismissed at his own request in 1828; died while pastor of the Goshen Church in 1842. 2d. Rev. Erastus Andrews ; ordained May 20, 1829. His labors with this people were continued for two years, probably having preached for some months before his ordination. Hle afterward labored for many years in connection with the Baptist Churches of Central Massachusetts. During the time of the " American Party ?? was elected to the Legislature. A son of Mr. Andrews is president of Dennison University, Ohio. 3d. Rev. Cullen Townsend ; ordained June 29, 1831. After about two years of service here (commencing some months before his ordina- tion), he went West, and soon after died. 4th. Rev. Ilenry Archibald; his labors here commenced in 1832, or early in 1833, and were continued about three years. He was born in Scotland ; died at Mt. Holly, Vt., Dec. 4, 1859, aged seventy- three. 5th. Rev. Orson Spencer, settled here in 1836 to 1841. He had an after-history somewhat peculiar. Becoming a con- vert to Mormonism, he returned to Middlefield and preached the faith of that people. He was a man of pleasing address and gentlemanly manners, and was popular while here as a pastor. It is stated as an interesting fact that, notwithstand- ing these winning qualities, he was not able to induce a single person here to accept his views, Gth, Rev, Foranda Bestor ;

settled in November, 1841, and closed his labors January, 1848; he preached afterward for several years, and later joined a son in business at Hartford. 7th. Rev. Volney Church ; settled here in 1848; resigned in the spring of 1849; went West ; supposed to have continued in the ministry. 8th. Rev. Orlando Cunningham; settled here in July, 1850, and con- tinued until the spring of 1855; went to Connecticut ; his health failed, and he went into the insurance business. 9th. Rev. Lewis Holmes; services commeneed April, 1858, and continued to May, 1864; now residing in Plymouth, Mass. 10th. Rev. J. M. Rockwood, the present minister ; commenced his labors here in May, 1865, and is therefore now in the four- teenth year of his pastorate.

Record of the Deacons .- John Newton, a deacon of the IFinsdale Church, afterward of this church, was chosen Oct. 23, 1817; died aged ninety-five. Clark Martin, chosen July 1, 1821; died in office. David Ballon, chosen July 1, 1821 ; died in office. Moses Gamwell, date not given ; died in 1865. William W. Leonard, chosen Jan. 25, 1831; removed to Becket. Solomon Root, chosen Jan. 7, 1835; died in office. Oliver Smith, chosen Jan. 7, 1835; yet living; the senior deacon of the church. Ebenezer Smith, chosen April 13, 1856; died in office. Eldridge Pease, chosen April 13, 1856 ; died in office. Solomon F. Root, date not given ; removed to Hinsdale. Morgan Pease, chosen Jan. 6, 1875; present dea- con (1879). Harlow Loveland, chosen Jan. 6, 1875; present deacon (1879).

The clerks have been Matthew Smith, 1817-30; Solomon Root, Jr., 1830-43; John Smith, 1843-53; Solomon F. Root, 1853-55; Samuel Smith, 1856; Solomon F. Root, 1856-60; Charles Wright, 1860 to the present time (1879).

Present church committee : M. J. Smith, Morgan Pease, Wallace Pease ; the last named is treasurer ; superintendent of Sunday-school, Charles Wright ; present number of com- munieants, 92; congregation, 75 to 100.

It will be of convenient reference to add at this point some notes from an address before the Baptist Association, a few years since, giving dates and facts applicable generally to western Hampshire County :

The First Baptist Church of Chesterfield was formed in 1780; those of Cummington and Plainfield, in 1821; and the Second Baptist Church of Chesterfield, in 1824. Of the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, Ebenezer Vining was an early pastor. In 1803, Rev. Asa Todd became pastor, having left Whately for that purpose, and he continued for more than fourteen years. In 1807-8 there was a wonderful revival, and nearly one hundred persons became members by baptism. In ISli the number of members reported was 197. It is spoken of in 1844 as sadly diminished, and needing a new house in a central position. The Goshen Baptist Church joined the Association in 1822. The Second Baptist Church of Chesterfield became a member of the Association in 1825. The Middlefield Church donated $171.93, in 1832, to the gen- eral work of the church. McCulloch, Kellogg, Eggleston, and S. S. Kingsley are spoken of as having been members of the Plainfield Church.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MIDDLEFIELD.

About 1810, or soon after, meetings of this denomination were held in the southeast part of the town. The location was in the Wright neighborhood, familiarly known as " The Den," and the school-house was the place of meeting. A class was formed, and a few years later a church was organized and constituted a part of Pittsfield Cireuit. Among early fami- lies that were interested in sustaining this work were those of Thomas Ward, Jesse Wright, Nathan Wright, Ambrose Smith, Alexander Dickson, Horatio N. Dickson, and others. There were several from the neighboring portions of the towns of Chester and Worthington.

Thomas Ward was very much the leader of the movement.

475

HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

Ile was known far and wide as " Father Ward." In the ab- sence of a minister he conducted meetings, and was very suc- cessful as an active Christian worker. The church was con- nected with the Dalton Circuit a few years later ; afterward it was a part of the Hinsdale Circuit ; and still later this, with other churches, constituted the Middlefield and Washington Cireuit. A small but neat and convenient chapel was erected about 1827 or 1828. It stood near the present residence of G. W. Howe, formerly the Jesse Wright place. About the same time, and for several years, there was an extensive religious interest in connection with this church. Large audiences at- tended the little rural chapel ; many young men were con- verted. At that period the congregation is said to have been as large as that of any other society in town. In 1853 or 1854 the society moved to the centre. The house of worship was taken down and rebuilt south of the town-house. Several of the people living in the old neighborhood regretted the change, and perhaps the society lost something of its former strength by the new departure.

The ministers preaching in the older times are not easily recalled by the families now remaining. The great revival work of 1827-30 was conducted by Rev. Peter C. Oakley and Bradley Selleck. At the centre the following ministers, and perhaps others, officiated: Rev. Messrs. Shurtleff, Morgan, Boxley, Cobb, and Johns.

In 1861-62 the society was very much weakened by a large number of deaths and removals, occurring not far from the same time. The number left were too few to continue the services successfully ; the society was dissolved, and the house of worship sold to the Congregational Church for a chapel, the families remaining finding in the growing liberality of modern times pleasant association with other churches.

Among the later officers of the Methodist Church were George Spencer, class-leader, and John L. Bell and Mr. Spencer, stewards. To Mr. Bell we are indebted for the facts given in this notice, as well as for other faets in the civil and military history of the town. lle also furnishes the following facts relating to a period still earlier than the organization of the church above given. A class was formed in 1801 or 1802, consisting probably of Thomas Ward and wife, Daniel Falley and wife, David Cross and wife, Samuel Brown and wife, Jesse Brown and wife, also the Gilberts, Rhoades, Talcotts, Mrs. Elijah Churchill, and others, Thomas Ward being class-leader. They first held meetings in a barn standing on the east side of the brook, near the place of George W. House ; afterward in the school-house, some thirty rods north.

BURIAL-PLACES.

The first action of the town is the following :

May 28, 1783 .- Voted that Josiah Leonard and Joseph Blish, Jr., be grave- diggers or sextons for the ensuing year.

March 1, 1784 .- Voted that the town will purchase one-quarter of an acre of land for a burying-place of Mr. Josiah Leonard. Voted to give Mr. Leonard ten shillings for fencing the said ground. Voted "if any person will clear the logs ont of the burial-place it shall be reducted out of his highway tax."

The list of burial-places in town seems to include the follow- ing : Ist. The main or central cemetery, east of the village. This is now a large burial-ground, convenient of access, having been enlarged from time to time. It is in good preservation, showing considerable taste, as well as loving care, in the ar- rangement and beautifying of the lots. It is the principal place of burial in the town, and has some fine monuments. 2d. There is a very old burial-place in the south part of the town, near the present residence of George Bell. 3d. Near the village is the first burial-place of all. Here rests the " faithful steward," Deacon Maek, after his long and useful life. This place needs very much to be improved with new fences, and by clearing out and adorning the grounds of the beloved dead render them a place to be visited with reverent footsteps, not only by the descendants of the pioneer, but by many who have been spiritually blessed in reading the story of his active Chris-

tian lifc. 4th. The Wright family burial-place. This is near the present residence of C. B. Wright, at Glendale Farm. This dates back perhaps to 1800, and includes a few from other families. It is in good preservation. 5th. There is the private family burial-place of one branch of the Church family, near the residence in former years of Wm. Church, and in later times of Green Church.

TOWN SOCIETIES.

THE HIGHLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY .*

Aug. 28, 1856, a partial organization was made for a " caitle- show." Ambrose Loveland was chosen President, and S. F. Root Secretary. The first exhibition was held the 17th of September following. The day was fine, and stock of various kinds was on the ground at an early hour, as well as a large concourse of people. In the afternoon an address was delivered in the Congregational Church by Rev. Moody Harrington, of Middlefield. This cattle-show was so successful that it was determined to have an organized society. Jan. 3, 1857, a meeting of prominent citizens from this and different towns was held for the purpose of organizing a society. A constitu- tion and by-laws were then adopted. Matthew Smith was chosen President ; Edwin McElwain, Secretary; and S. F. Root, Treasurer. Those becoming members were required to pay one dollar cuch annually, and liberal premiums were of- fered, with the expectation that the society would pay such a proportion as its funds were equal to after paying necessary expenses. A fine pole, eighty feet in length, and of beautiful proportions, was brought from Peru, and presented to the so- ciety by Peter Geer, of that town, upon which was hoisted the Stars and Stripes, a beautiful flag contributed by the ladies. The exhibition was held September 23d, and, though the weather was unfavorable, about 400 head of cattle were on the ground, besides a fine display of horses and a fair number of sheep and swine. Among the horses were the celebrated " Lone Star," " Lone Star, Jr.," " Black Hawk," etc. Chester furnished 65 yokes of oxen and steers in one string, headed by a " sturdy bull," decorated with bells and ribbons, and ridden by a stout boy, all drawing a large wagon orna- mented with a profusion of flowers and evergreens, carrying the musicians of the day, with the national tlag floating over their heads. The address was delivered by Dr. T. K. De Wolf. The grounds on Agricultural Hill were donated to the society by Matthew Smith. Steps were then taken to secure life mem- bers and become incorporated. Much credit is due Matthew Smith, of Middlefield, whose untiring energy did very much toward accomplishing the desired object. An incorporation was effected in 1859, allowing the society the territory of three counties,-Berkshire, Hampshire, and Hampden. Agricul- tural llall was built at a cost of $925, and the structure was completed in time for the cattle-show, and for the first ladies' fair, held a few days before.

The death of Dr. James U. Church, a young, active, en- thusiastic member, and president of the society, cast a gloom over the transactions of the society that year, in a measure restraining much of the enthusiasm which would otherwise have been manifested. George H1. Huntington, of Becket, was appointed in his place. On the second day Hon. George S. Boutwell delivered the address. Jan. 9, 1860, George H. Huntington was again elected president. Matthew Smith was chosen delegate to the State Board of Agriculture. Prof. Wm. S. Clarke delivered the address ; subject, " The Horse."' In 1861, Dr. George B. Loring, of Salem, delivered an address that greatly encouraged the society, just then meeting with discouragements. The society, subjected to a severe test, sur- vived its troubles, was prosperous, and has from year to year increased in numbers. At one time beef and summer pastur- ing threatened to undermine the society, and for a little the

$ By Jonathan McElwain.

476

HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

attention of the farmer seemed centring in that direction ; an effort was also made to have the society moved to some place more easy of access on the line of the railroad. After a brief struggle, that was abandoned, and the members now work together harmoniously. The literary entertainment on the evening of the first day of the annual fair is an institution peculiarly our own. It attracts a class of educated men and women of every creed, seeuring speeches, musie, and a thorough good time.

Presidents .- Monroe F. Watkins, 1862-63; Charles O. Per- kins, 1864-65; Charles W. Knox, 1866-67 ; Metealf J. Smith, 1868-69; Simon H. White, 1870-71; Orrin Millard, 1872-78; William S. Bowen, 1874-75; Charles Fay, 1876-77.

Addresses .- Dr. George B. Loring, 1862; Rev. John II. Bisbee, 1863; L. Witherell, Esq., 1864; Hon. Joseph White, 1865; Rov. Wm. N. Rice, 1866; Rev. James F. Clark, 1867; Ilon. Charles L. Flint, 1868; Prof. L. Stockbridge, 1869; Rev. J. M. Rockwood, 1870; Prof. John Tatlock, 1871; Sam- uel B. Quigley, 1872; Alexander Ilyde, Esq., 1873; Dr. Geo. B. Loring, 1874; Prof. Edward P. Smith, 1875; L. M. Gam- well, Esq., 1876; L. F. Mellen, Esq., 1877.

Delegates to State Board for Three Fears .- Matthew Smith, 1860-63; Munroe F. Watkins, 1865; Geo. T. Plunkett, 1868; Jonathan MeElwain, 1871; Metcalf J. Smith, 1874; Abiel K. Abbott.

LODGE NO. 68; I. O. G. T.,

organized at Middlefield, Tuesday evening, Ang. 8, 1871. The lodge was instituted by Mr. T. S. Wait, of Westfield, and Mrs. Lane, of the same place. The number of charter members was 15. The first officers were S. F. Root, W. C. T .; Mrs. Mary S. MeElwain, W. V. T .; Charles Wright, P. W. C. T. ; Mrs. Lydia J. Geer, W. R. S. ; Dwight Smith, W. A. R. S. ; John Dickson, W. F. S. ; Mrs. Sarah S. Wright, W. T .; Milton Dickson, W. M .; Miss Eliza A. Smith, W. D. M .; Royal D. Geer, W. C .; Mrs. Ann S. Root, R. II. S .; Miss Elsie Wright, L. H. S. ; John Metealf, W. I. G. ; Jo- seph Ingham, W. O. G. S. F. Root soon after was elected lodge deputy. The lodge met at the school-house, also at private houses, and, after the town-hall was complete, in that. The lodge has maintained a vigorous existence, and now has about 60 members. Charles Wright followed Mr. Root as deputy, and the present deputy is MI. J. Smith. This is the only temperance organization in the place, and the lodge has wielded a strong temperance influence.

Present Officers (1879) .- Azariah Root, W. C. T .; Mary Smith, R. II. S .; Vara Geer, L. 1I. S. ; Alice Smith, W. V. T. ; - Lyman, W. C .; Clara Ferris, W. S. ; Mrs. Charles Wright, W. T .; William S. Wright, W. F. S .; Willis Graves, W. M .; Emma Geer, W. D. M. ; Phebe Sims, W. I. G .; Cooley Graves, W. O. G .; John Bryan, P. W. C. T.

MIDDLEFIELD GRANGE, P. 11.,

organized Feb. 9, 1874. Deputy Newton was present as in- stituting offieer, and 26 members were admitted. The first officers were Metealf .I. Smith, W. ML ; Solomon F. Root, W. S .; C. C. Thompson, Overseer; J. MeElwain, Lecturer ; Chas. Wright, Steward ; Chas. M. Combs, Assistant Steward ; Iliram Taylor, Chaplain ; Harlow Loveland, Treas. ; Elwin W. Geer, Gate-keeper; Mrs. C. M. Combs, Lady Assistant Steward ; Mrs. Daniel Alderman, Flora ; Mrs. C. C. Thomp- son, Ceres ; Mrs. Amasa Graves, Pomona. The grange met at the town-hall. The meetings were very pleasant social occasions, and considerable business was transacted, but have been suspended for several months.

PLACES OF SPECIAL NOTE.

These have been noted under other heads,-the place of the first town-meeting, at the house of David Mack (the present llaskell place), and the points where the first openings were made in the forest in 1773.

The house of Samuel Jones (the present place of George Bell) was the headquarters of the "Shays men" in this vicin- ity during that exciting period. The Shays leaders were arrested there after Col. Maek's visit to Springfield. When the company of Shays men, 80 in number, fled from Spring- field after their repulse before the armory, they were undoubt- edly gathered at Samuel Jones' place when surrounded and compelled to surrender by the State troops.

The falls upon the farm of C. B. Wright are worthy of special note, and will repay well the traveler and the summer tourist for a visit. A series of rapids and successive caseades, extending for a third of a mile and descending over 200 feet, form a charming resort for the lover of nature. Were it better known, this wild, rocky glen would take rank with other places more famous, but not more beautiful.

INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.

The people of Middlefield are largely engaged in agricul- ture. Lumber and firewood in early times were articles of ex- tensive sale. In later years, after the opening of the Boston and Albany Railroad, large traets were eleared of timber for wood. The introduction of coal upon the road put an end mostly to the firewood business. Considerable charcoal was burned in former years and marketed. Maple-sugar has always been made in large quantities, and is still an impor- tant item in the business of the town. Mr. Clarkson Smith, who has a very extensive "sugar bush," sometimes makes 6000 or 7000 pounds a year. The sugar season is one of the busiest portions of the year in Middlefield, requiring close attention and the employment of extra hands.

The soil of Middlefield, though not well adapted to tillage, is well suited to grazing. Much attention was formerly given to the raising of fine wool. Every effort was made to perfect the quality of the staple. Ten thousand sheep were sometimes sheared in a single year. This business lost very much of its importance some years ago, and wool is now the lowest of the ten leading artieles of production. Much attention has been paid to the rearing of fine cattle. Purity of blood, beauty of form, and color have received much care, and a writer twenty years ago stated that such efforts had been given to this de- partment of farm business as to have banished the old native breed of cattle, and supplanted them with thoroughbred stoek. This is still a leading feature of the town. The agricultural society located here, with its annual fair, has had a large in- fluence in promoting improvement, and Middlefield has be- come justly celebrated among the neighboring towns for its fat cattle, its thoroughbred cattle, and its working cattle. There are a number of fine farms in this town, and many of the farm buildings are neatly painted, giving evidence of thrift and energy.

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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 157

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