History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 170

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 170

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1842 .- Joseph Stanton, Dearborn Randall, James II. Williams. 1843 .- Joseph Stauton, Dearborn Randall, Washington Stevens. 1844 .- Francis Harwood, William Taylor, Samuel S. Stowell. 18.15 .- William Taylor, Garry Munson, Ashley Lyman. 1846 .- A. B. Dimock, Garry Munson, Ashley Lyman. 1847 .- William Taylor, Daniel Sanford, Harmon Stanton. 1848 .- Daniel Sanford, Mortimer L. Higgins, Harmon Stanton. 1849,-Daniel Sanford, Samuel S. Stowell, Ashley Lyman. 1850 .- Daniel Sanford, Henry Stanton, Samuel S. Stowell. 1851 .- Harmon Stanton, Seth Porter, E. B. Tinker. 1852 .- A. B. Dimock, E. N. Woods, Henry Stanton. 1853 .- E. N. Woods, Washington Stevens, E. B. Tinker. 1854 .- E. B. Tinker, Edward Williams, Jabez Stanton. 1855 .- Washington Stevens, Edward Williams, Melvin Copeland.

1856 .- Washington Stevens, John Park, James Jones. 1837 .- Garry Munson, Eli L. Edwards, S. S. Stowell. 1858-60 .- John Parks, C. II. Kirkland, Moses M. Lyman. 1861-62 .- C. H. Kirkland, G. S. Lewis, Win. P. Miller. 1863 .- Daniel Fry, Jairus J. Lyman, E. B. Tinker. 1864 .- John l'arks, Charles II. Kirkland, Jairns J. Lyman. 1865 .- John Parks, Benjamin R. Coit, Ashley Lyman. 1866-67 .- John Parks, Benjamin R. Coit, Wm. A. Little. 1868 .- E. V. Lilly, C. A. Dewey, N. M. Merritt. 1869 .- G. Munson, E. V. Lilly, Dexter Lyman. 1870 .- E. N. Woods, B. R. Cuit, HI. Heath. 1871 .- E. N. Woods, Wm. P. Miller, Henry Heath. 1872 .- E. N. Woods, Wo. P. Miller, Wellington Sheldon. 1873 .- E. N. Woods, Wmt. P. Miller, Wm. S. Gibson. 1874-75 .- E. N. Woods, Wm. P. Miller, John Parks. 1876 .- E. N. Woods, A. S. Sylvester, David Smith.

1877 .- E. N. Woods, Wm. P. Miller, John Parks.

1878 .- E. N. Woods, Benjamin R. Coit, E. D. Rude.

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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

TOWN CLERKS.

John Kirkland, 1773-76; records lost four years; Wm. Fobes, 1780; Samuel Knight, 1781-22, died in office; Aaron Hall, 1792-97; Titus Pomeroy, 1798-99; Eliakim Sylvester, 1800; Rodolphus Knight, 1801-5; Samnel Knight, 180G-12; Wm. Hooker, Jr., 1x13-15; Artemas Knight, ISIG-20; Richardson Hall, 1821-26; George Dunlap, 1827-30; Aaron Dimock, 1831-35; Oliver Clark, Jr., 1836-37 ; Nathan Harwood, 1838-41 ; Henry Stanton, 1842; Il. D. Knight, 1813-44; Henry Stanton, 1845-49; Edward Williams, 1850-53; Lyman Dimock, 1854; Daniel Granger, 1855-56; E. N. Woods, 1857 ; Alfred M. Copeland, 1858; A. J. Stanton, 1850-62; E. N. Woods, IS63-65 ; Win. S. Tinker, 1866-79.

REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.

Ebenezer Meacham, 1774; David Scott, 1777 ; John Kirkland, 1779-83; Jona- than Ware, 1785; David Scott, 1788: Aaron Hall, 1805-12; Jesse Joy, 1813-16; Aaron Hall, 1817; Sammel Kirkland, 1823-29; Joseph Stanton, 1830-32; Silas Warner, 1833; Aaron B. Dimock, 1834; Augustus Clapp, 1835; Horace Taylor, 1836-37; Joseph Stanton, 1838; Aaron B. Dimork, 1840; Lyman Dimock, 1#41; Francis Harwood, 1842; Garry Munson, 1844 ; Ebenezer R. Wright, 1849 ; Sal- mon Parsons, 1850; Wmt. Taylor, I>51; Henry Stautou, 1852; Thomas Ring. I>55; Charles II. Kirkland, 1860-64; Edward II. Lathrop, 1868; Elijah N. Woods, 1873.

Those who think the exemption of United States bonds from taxation a modern affair, and suppose it due to the action of Congress during the civil war, will be reminded that it is a question far older than that by reading in the town records of Norwich that in 1848 a clause was inserted in the warrant for a town-meeting :

"Tu see if the town will petition the Legislature to invoke the attention of Congress upon the injustice of a Jaw whereby United States stocks are exempted from turation in the hands of their owners in the several States."

There must have been " bloated bondholders" somebody was " going for" in Norwich at that time.

VILLAGES-SPECIAL OR LOCAL NAMES. NORWICH HILL

is the name by which the old business point in the town was known in the early times, and it bears the same designation yet. It is rather divided into two portions: the northern part, where are mills, shops, school-house, and the post- office; the southern part, where is located the Congrega- tional meeting-house, a school-house, and a few dwelling- houses. Together, this is the " Norwich" of old times,-the residence of the Kirklands, the Knights, the Hannums, and, not far away, the Fairmans, Fobes, and others, of 1773.

NORWICH HOLLOW.

This is an old name not belonging to any village, but applied to the valley in the north part of the town, and the eentral, as distinguished from the " Hill." It included the homesteads of those carly settlers, Rude and Miller and Pitcher. From the latter comes the name " Pitcher's Bridge," an old and familiar term in this section of country.

KNIGHTVILLE

lies a little northwest of " Norwich Hill," in the valley of the east branch. Whatever there is of the village grew up around the shops and mills, and the improvement of the water-power generally. Its name, of course, is derived from the Knight family in the town.

NORWICH BRIDGE

is an old point in the history of the town. Ilere were located the inn and the grist-mill of Isaac Mixer. The early town- meetings were warned by posting the warrant at Mixer's grist- mill. Here was the preaching-place of Rev. Mr. Bascom, of Murrayfield, before the organization of Norwich. Here boarded the first minister, Mr. Butler, preaching in Norwich.

HUNTINGTON (FORMERLY (HESTER VILLAGE).

This, with its surrounding hills, constitutes the territory annexed to Norwich in 1853, and is so much a specimen of civil mosaic work-a gathering together of town fragments -that its history is difficult to trace. It was originally known as Falley's X-roads. It was on the old stage-route,-Boston and Albany, ria Springfield. It was very nearly at the inter-

section of the lines of four towns,-Montgomery, Blandford, Chester, Norwich. When the Boston and Albany Railroad had finally wound its devious pathway up the valley of the Westfield River, this was known as Chester village, the point of the station being within the lines of that town; and the village seven miles west was known as Chester Factories. After the reconstruction of 1853-55, the name was changed to Huntington to correspond with that of the town, while the village west became simply Chester. These three successive names have also applied to the post-office, the latter having been established early in this century. At first the mail was only twice a week each way, and a little later three times a week. There was also a mail-route at one time from North- ampton to Falley's Cross-Roads, by way of Norwich Hill. The citizens north hope to re-establish that old line daily at the next letting of contracts.

Daniel Falley and Richard Falley came in some time before 1800, and opened a tavern and a store, about on the site of the present hotel. One of them lived near where Pease store now stands. Daniel moved to New York State 1801 to 1805, or near that time.

The Falley tavern passed to Collins about 1807, and the lat- ter kept it for many years. Near the Baptist meeting-house was the tavern of Wm. Lindsey.

In Huntington village, at the present time, is the plane-fac- tory of George M. Lindsey. The other mills and improve- ment of water-power are spoken of elsewhere.

The store opened by the Falleys was continued by Daniel Collins. The Dwights, of Springfield, opened a store under the management of Wm. Wade. His widow and sons con- tinued it for some time. Following the Wades were several proprietors,-Augustus Jessup, Dimock & Ilannum, Pomeroy, Dewey, Pease & Sloan. The Collins store was continued by J. B. Williams, and in later years by L. B. Williams.

Day carried on the hat business opposite the Esquire Wade place. Elijah Rice was a blacksmith early in this century. Mr. Williams, from whom we obtain many of these items, re- members Rice shoeing horses all one Sunday for the army, in the war of 1812. Ebenezer Williams was an early shoemaker ; shop where the Congregational Church now stands, after that opposite Daniels' factory. Peter Whitney was an early tailor.

In the later years of Huntington village the name of Melvin Copeland has been identified with every public interest. He came to this place from Hartford in 1842. Ile was from a family recognized for nearly two hundred years for their great probity, moral worth, and intellectual power. Mr. Copeland's influence in Huntington contributed largely to the social and moral elevation of the community. Ile enjoyed the confidence of the people in a high degree, and was elected to many promi- nent offices. Hle was county commissioner for three years, and a magistrate during nearly his whole residence in Huntington. IIe died in 1866, aged sixty-nine years.

There is now a thriving trade at Huntington village. The place took its most important advance from the opening of the railroad, that made this the business centre for quite a large section of country.

The Bolton Grant, so called, of early times, covered the pres- ent site of Huntington village, and his house stood a little north of the present station.

The first postmaster was Daniel Falley. He was succeeded by Charles Collins, Lewis Collins, Daniel Collins, JJr., Israel D. Clark. The name was then changed to Chester village, and the postmasters were Lyman Dimock and Jabin B. Williams. The office was then named Huntington, and the postmasters since have been Lucien B. Williams, Samuel T. Lyman, and Edward Pease. The last named is the present inenmbent.

SCHOOLS.

At the first town-meeting following that of the organiza- tion, £10 were voted for the support of schools. The vote was

513

HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

reconsidered Oet. 26, 1773, of the same year, and only £4 al- lowed. March 31, 1774, voted £8 for the support of schools, a vote for £17 pounds the 14th of March having been recon- sidered. April 3, 1776, the following school districts were arranged :

One "beginning Northeasterly corner of Welker's Grant ; thence running on the North line of said grant to Murrayfield line; thence on said Murrayfield line to the South line of Deacon Sparge's grant, exclusive of Capt. Ebenezer Geer and Mr. Elijah Geer, to Southampton line; thence on Southampton and Northampton line till parallel with the first-mentioned bound; and thence to the said first-mentioned bounds, encluding arnel arrel and holbard and Mr. John Griswold."

We copy that last clause verbatim et literatim.

Another district (it is not the same) is said to consist of David Palmer, Nathaniel Ormsby, Moses Cook, Samuel Fair- man, Jonathan Ware, Solomon Blair, Samuel Wood, with a committee of John Kirkland and Samuel Knight. Another, " Mr. James Fairman's district includes Capt. Geer and Elijah Geer, and south to Mr. Washburn's, and ' perrelel' across the town, bounding north on the hill district." Another, " Mr. William Carter's district bounds north on Mr. Fairman's dis- trict, and encluding all to the south end of the town." An- other, Deacon Miller's district from the north of the hill district to the north bounds of the town.

These four names stand in the record as if constituting another district, or else are the inhabitants in the last men- tioned above, or finally are a committee that reported the above plan,-Mr. Carter, John Kirkland, James Fairman, David Scott.

September, 1782, five school districts were arranged. About £20 were usually voted for schools for some years. In 1790, £30 were voted; in 1792, £45 were voted.

The modern school system dates from the enactment of the law of March 4, 1826. Norwich chose the first school com- mittee under that law at the March meeting of 1827,-Rev. B. R. Woodbridge, Silas Warner, George Dunlap, Erastus Knight, and Joseph Stanton. At this time, and generally from 1800 down, there was usually voted $300 for the support of schools.

The law was rather inoperative until 1829, when it was amended and made more effective.

After the annexation of Chester village, a rearrangement of districts took place. The subject having been referred to a committee, of which E. B. Tinker was chairman, his re- port dividing the town into seven school districts was adopted at the March meeting of 1854. The same year the school committee made a sweeping attack upon the school-houses of the town in their annual report. We extract the following sharp passage :

" While men are making their dwellings more pleasant, comfortable, and healthy, improving their farms, making their land more productive, the barns for their cattle and horses more neat and commodious, their hen-roosts more tasty and elegant, and bestowing much labor and care npon their hog-houses and barn-yards, there is one thing which seems to be totally disregarded and left out of this list of improvements, and this slighted and uncared-for thing goes by the name of school-house. Instead of our school-houses being made better, we are compelled to say that they rather grow worse. Just step into one of theni some cold day, and there you will find a climate embracing that of every zone. Scholars whose seats are at a certain distance from the stove are blessed with the delightful temperature of the temperate zones; others situated nearer the stove are suffering all the intolerance of the torrid clime; while those more re- mote are undergoing all the severities of the frigid zone.

"Several of our school buildings are so shabby, antiquated, and dilapidated that they are good for nothing save as curious relies of dark ages, and should be preserved only as such. We might give a history of our life during the months spent in four of them, and tell of being roasted in one, frozen in another, smoked in a third, aud sickened in the impure air of a fourth.

(Signed)

"E. B. WRIGHT. " Wa. TAYLOR. "S. S. STOWELL .. "

The appropriation for schools was made $600 this year, in- stead of $400 as in 1852 and 1853, due perhaps to the eloquence of the school committee.

The quarter of a century following this date has seen a marked change for the better in the town, as the several school-

houses are now in at least a fair condition. Very liberal sums have been voted in some subsequent years, occasionally rising to $1500 and $1600. For 1878 the sum of $1300 was voted.

To this notice of the schools it is appropriate to add a list of the graduates who have gone out from this town, as well as others who have entered the various professions without com- pleting a full course at college: Edward Kirkland, graduated at. Amherst College in 1831; entered the profession of law ; settled at Brattleboro', and died there Jan. 6, 1866. Henry B. Taylor, Williams College; entered the ministry. Henry B. Lewis, Amherst College ; his health failing, he left without graduating ; afterward studied law, and settled at Westfield. Homer B. Stevens, Williams College in 1857; became a law- yer, and settled at Westfield. Alfred J. Taylor, Yale College, 1859; entered the profession of law, and settled in New York City. Alfred M. Copeland became a lawyer, and settled in Springfield. Myron A. Munson, Harvard University, 1860; entered the ministry. Harvey Porter, Amherst College, 1870; now a professor in the Protestant College, Beirut, Syria. Oscar D. Thomas, Newton Theological Seminary ; entered the ministry, settled at West Springfield. Asahel H. Lyman, Amherst Agricultural College. Others who have gone into the medical profession from this town are Luke Stanton, Alden Samson, Edward Ellis, Horatio G. Stickney, Charles D. Stickney, Theodore G. Wright, Ellsworth S. Ellis, Harlow Fisk. Many others have filled important publie positions for many years, as Harvey Kirkland, long-time register of deeds at Northampton. From the families of Falley, Collins, Mun- son, and Kirkland have gone out men who have become prom- inent in business of various kinds.

SCHOOL STATISTICS.

January, 1837 .- Eight schools; attending in the summer, 99; average, 80; winter, 150; average, 125; in town, between 4 and 16, 180; summer schools, 25 months; winter, 21 mouths; summer teachers, 7 females; winter, 5 males, 2 females; average wages of male leachers per month, $18,60 ; female, $8.77.

January, 1847 .- Eight schools; attending in summer, 172; average, 128; win- ter, 198; average, 143; in town, between 4 and 16, 197; attending under 4, 10; over 16, 15; summer schools, 23 months, 14 days; winter, 23 months; total, 48 months, 14 days ; summer teachers, 7 females ; wioter, 5 males, 2 females; average wages of male teachers per month, $17.40; female, $10.11.

January, 1857 .- Nine schools; attending in summer, 258; average, 197; win- ter, 264 ; average, 213; altending under 5, 10; over 15, 12; in town, between 5 and 15, 200; summer teachers, 9 females; winter, 2 males, 7 females; summer schools, 26 months, 2 days; winter, 24 months, 3 days; total, 50 months, 5 days ; average wages of male teachers per month, $25 ; female, $15.36.

January, 1867 .- Eight schools; attending in the summer, 221; average, 179; winter, 219 ; average, 174; attending under 5, 13; over 15, 36; in town, between 5 and 15, 238; summer teachers, 9 females; winter, 2 males, 7 females ; summer schools, 29 months, 15 days ; winter, 24 months, 10 days ; average wages of male teachers per month, $30.13; female, $23.22.

January, 1878 .- Seven schools; repairs, $21.08; attending, 221; average, 139; under 5, 4; over 15, 15; in town, between 5 and 15, 194; teachers, females, 9; from normal school, 2; school, 56 months ; average wages of female teachers per month, $28.04; taxation, $1600; expense of superintendence, $124.25 ; printing, $21.30 ; incoqie of local funds and dog tax, $78.46; 1 private school; 19 scholars; tuition, $104.83; town's share of school fund, $229.48.

CHURCHES.

Rev. Aaron Bascom was settled as the first minister of Murrayfield in 1769. The inhabitants of that part of the town which was afterward formed into Norwich District were, of course, required to pay their share of the expenses. They insisted that preaching should be held among them a part of the time. This was granted after some discussion, and perhaps dissension. Mr. Bascom preached one-third of the time for ahout three years at the inn of Isaac Mixer, near Norwich Bridge. The arrangement was not satisfactory, however, and the desire for a separate church and for the full service of a settled pastor undoubtedly had considerable influ- ence in leading the people to petition for a special civil organ- ization. This having been obtained, immediate steps were taken to provide for the support of the gospel in the new district.

Rev. Mr. Butler preached in Norwich for some months, but was not settled. This was in 1773 and 1774. Others were

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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

employed, but their names do not appear in the town-book. The records for 1777-79 are also missing, and the next name appearing is that of the first settled pastor.

The following notes from the records show the above facts, and also bring out many interesting particulars as to names, dates, and places :

Aug. 12, 1773 .- Voted the preaching to le held on the Sabbath at John Kirk- land's, Caleb Fobes', and Ebenezer King's. Voted 3d Eablath at Mr. Fobes', 21 at Mr. Kirkland's, and Ist at Mr. King's.

Nov. 23, 173" .- Voted to give Mr. Zebulon Batler a call to preach on preba- tion for a seasun.

Nov. 20th .- Appointed Isaac Mixer, Caleb Fobes, David Scott to treat with Mr. Butler, " and in case Mr. Butler don't tarry with us," to provide preaching any way for the money sulscril ed.

March 31, 1774 .- Voted that the selectmen shall introduce and obtain occa- sional preaching as they have opportunity till the District meeting. Voted 2 dollars to Landlord Mixer for keeping Mr. Butler the year past, Voted that the selectmen shall provide a place or places for whatever ministers we shall have to preach with us to board, and bring in an account for the same.

June 9, 1774 .- Voted 20 pounds for the support of preaching the present year. Voted Landlord King, David Crow, Isaac Mixer, Caleb Fobes, and Deacon Miller a committee to proportion the preaching to three several places, viz., at the house of Caleb Fobes, Ebenezer King, John Kirkland, "according to the estates and polls for the expending the above sum." Ministerial committee instructed to dismiss a minister " if ten men that are proper inhabitants make a sufficient objection against him, and try another." Voted 2 pounds 19 shillings 3 pence to settle with Mr. Butler for preaching last spring.

NORWICH, Jan. 3, 1775,-Considering the broken state of government, and the public distresses, we are still desirous of enjoying the gospel, and for the sub- sciibers to appoint the place for preaching, and the persons to preach, and set at time for paying the subscription. In witness whereof we have set our hands. The time of payment is ten months from date. Caleb Fobes. £1 10x. ; David Palmer, 15%, ; Isaac Williams, £1; John Kirkland, £2; Wm. Carter, 10x, ; David Scott, £1 10s. ; Samuel Fairman, £1 4% .; Daniel Kirkland, £1; Jonathan Ware, £1; David Crow, 88 .; Zebulon Ross, 15s. ; John Griswold, -; James Fair- man, 12%.

March 6, 1781 .- Voted to accept of Mr. Stephen Tracy's answer. Voted that Wednesday, the 231 day of May next, be appointed for the installation, Voted a committee of five to make the necessary arrangements,-Jolin Kirkland, David Scott, Jonathan Ware, Caleb Fobes, Samuel Fairman.

This vote was reconsidered, and the third Wednesday of March agreed upon.

March 19, 1781, the town-meetings were voted to be held at the meeting-house. It must have been finished, so far as to be occupied, about this time. The first town-meeting being held there April 2, 1781, religious meetings no doubt commenced there about the same time. The question of a new meeting- house was agitated somewhat in 1782, it seems, from the ap- pointment of a committee to look up a place. This was De- eember 4th, and the same day the procuring of Mr. Tracy's firewood was struck off to William Fohes at £3 8s. A dwell- ing-house was built for Mr. Tracy in the fall of 1783.

The first log house stood near the poplar-tree, a few rods east of it. The first church edifice, erected in 1780-81, as above shown, was on the hill, on the present site of the First Congregational Society. It was located near where the school- house now stands, and is described by a recent writer as

" A one-story building, rudely constructed, unsightly in exterior, and uncom- fortable within ; the adornments of modern times were wanting, but it answered for purposes of devotion ; the prayers and praises there were as acceptable to God as though offered within marble walls beneath a gilded spire."

The site of this house was not satisfactory to all, and an early etfort was made for a new house in a new place. This was only two years after the erection of the first.

A second house was finally built in 1790. It was the occa- sion of many meetings, much discussion, and no doubt consid- erable irritation. It was at last located where the present one stands, and, as a compromise, some of the most disaffected were relieved from their proportionate share of the expense.

" The building erected was a plain, two-story edifice, without any steeple ; a porch on one side formed the entrance below, with a stairway for the gallery ; ·the pulpit was on the side opposite the entrance; over the pulpit was suspended a large sounding-board; galleries were on three sides, with seats for the singers in front and pews in the rear for the young people. The pews on both floors were square pens with seats on at least three sides; no man claimed to own a pew; the people were annually seated by the selectmen of the town. It was used in the coldest wenther without any heating apparatus except the foot-stoves of a few old ladies; these were sometimes passed around the paw for the benefit

of all its occupants. The knocking of men's boots together to keep the feet wa:m often made considerable clattering."

This second house stood about fifty years, and was the place where the older people of the present time went to meeting in their childhood. The third house, and the one in present use, was built in 1841, and dedicated Feb. 10, 1842, the sermon being preached by Rev. E. Davis, of Westfield. It is in modern style, with steeple without and suitable means of heating within. The congregation, with good judgment, have deemed it better to keep this in repair with due economy than to imitate more ambitious places and build a house " with all the modern improvements," including a mortgage.

The church was organized in July, 1778, composed (as stated in Bisbee's history of Huntington) of the following persons : " William Miller and Elizabeth, his wife; Samuel Knight and Betsey, his wife ; Thomas Converse and his wife ; John Kirkland, Samuel Warner, Joseph Parks, Jonathan Ware, John Griswold, Edward Bancroft, and others whose names are not preserved." This was the "Congregational Church of Norwich," changed in later years to the " First Congrega- tional Church of Huntington," in accordance with the new name of the town. The first deacons chosen were John Kirkland and Jonathan Ware.

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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 170

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