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 94
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1870 .- Elbert Langdon, C. C. Butlett, Charles N. Lond. 1871-72 .- A. G. Jewett, C. C. Bartlett, Charles Clark. 1873 .- A. G. Jewett, Charles Clark, R. W. Clapp. 1874-75 .- A. G. Jewett, Franklin Strong, R. W. Clapp. 1876 .- A. G. Jewett, Franklin Strong, George Burt. 1877 .- A. G. Jewett, George Burt, E. P. Lyman. 1878 .- George Burt, John Watson, E. l'ayson Lyman. 1×79 .- A. G. Jewett, George Burt, John Watson.
TOWN CLERKS.
Sylvester Judd, 1778; Gideon Clark, Jr., 1779-1813; Sylvester Judd, Jr., 1814- 13; Luke Phelps, 1816-29; John A. Judd, 1830-36; Francis Loud, 1837; Jolm A. Judd, 1838-54; Daniel W. Clark, 1855-66; Charles N. Loud, 1867-69 ; Thomas (. Davenport, 1870; F. H. Judd, 1871-80.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.
John Smith, 1781; Sylvester Jndd, 1787-88; Gideon Clark, 1793; Sylvester Judd, 1796; Sylvester Judd, 1798; Aaron Fisher, 1801; Sylvester Judd, 1804; Sylvester Judd, 1805-6; Sylvester Judd, 1803-10; Timothy Edwards, 1811 ; Syl- vester JJudd, 1812; Sylvester Judd, 1813; Sylvester Judd, 1814-15; Aaron Fisher, 1×16; Sylvester Jndd, 1817; Joseph Kingsley, Jr., 1818; Willard Smith, 1819; Aaron Fisher, 1822; Joseph Kingsley, Jr., 1823; Joseph Kingsley, Jr., 1827; Samuel Edwards, Jr., 1828; Bela P. Clapp, 1829-30; Samuel Edwards, Jr., 1832 ; John A. Judd, 1833; Jesse Lyman, 1834; Eleazer Judd, 1×35; Jesse Lyman, 1836; John A. Judd, 1837; Jared Bartlett, 1840; JJoel Cook, 1841 ; Almon B. Ludden, 1842; Jolin A. Judd, 1843; Asa Parsons, 1847; Levi Bunt, 1849; Daniel W. Clark, 1851; Medad King, I>52; Festus Hooker, 1853; Joel Cook, 1858; Matthias Rice, 1862; Wm. J. Edwards, 1869.
VILLAGES.
This subject is easily disposed of. The CENTRE, so-called, first derived its importance from the location of the meeting- house. A small stream tumbling down from the western hills furnishes water-power, which has generally been improved. A country store has usually been maintained, and at the present time there are two, one kept by F. A. Judd, in the building of T. C. Davenport, the other by E. D. Pratt, on the southeast corner. The wateh-repairing business, by T. C. Davenport, has for many years been a feature of Westhampton Centre, rivaling, if not excelling, that of more showy establishments in larger villages. IIe is also postmaster and justice of the peaee. In and near the Centre are quite a number of the large, roomy, hospitable-looking dwellings of olden time.
George Burt is the present owner of the Dr. Hooker home- stead, a place associated in the memory of the oldest citizens with "turnkeys" and pills, as well as the kindly sympathy of " the beloved physician." Nathan Burt has the Hale home- stead. The Chapman family the Sylvester Judd mansion. The Dr. Oreutt place, still owned by the family, was the old Nathan Clark homestead. David Montague owns the Benoni Clark place, and A. G. Jewett that of Theodore Clark. If the " Centre" ean scarcely be called a village, yet there is a history clustering around it which renders it a cherished spot to the sons and daughters of Westhampton. However far they may have wandered, "their hearts untraveled" fondly turn to the picturesque hillsides and the secluded dells of this rural hamlet. Some special names may be noticed.
SHACK STREET seems to be applied to the northwest part of the town from the custom in early times of sending the swine up into those woods to fatten upon the falling nuts of the forest. BABCOCK'S CORNER, on the Huntington road, is so called from a family of that name once residing there.
LOUDVILLE owns a divided allegiance to Northampton and Westhampton. Its mills and stores and shops, excepting the wood-turning business of Francis Norton, are all in the for- mer town, and also the school-house. But the residences of the citizens situated upon the west side of the principal street are in Westhampton, and the Loudville people seem to be closely connected to Westhampton in church, social, and busi- ness affairs.
The first postmaster at Westhampton Centre was Jonathan Judd. His successors have been John A. Judd, Anson Chap- man, John A. Judd a second time, F. H. Judd, and T. C. Da- venport. The last named was appointed in 1865, and has kept the office to the present time.
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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.
SCHOOLS.
The first settlers of Westhampton took early measures to provide education for their children. They petitioned the town of Northampton to allow the people of the Long Division something for schooling. In 1776, as noted elsewhere, they succeeded in obtaining an appropriation of £9 for preaching and schooling. Some children were sent to Northampton, and some to Southampton.
In the winter of 1781-82, the people of the south part raised a fund by private contribution and opened a school. This was probably the first school kept in the town. The teacher was Deacon Samuel Edwards, and he taught in a room of Azariah Lyman's house. This was kept about three months. Tradition states that he was an excellent teacher, and was en- gaged for several winters. He taught reading, writing, arith- metic, and spelling.
The first school-house was built by private means, in 1782, near Babcock's Corner. Rev. Enoch HIale took much interest in starting the schools, and urged the town to make suitable provision for the education of youth. Ile encouraged young men to go on in their studies; he assisted them, and invited them to come to his house for instruction ; and it was through his advice that so many young men in the early years of the town fitted themselves to enter college. These students had very small means to aid them in their studies, and the kind assistance of their pastor saved their funds from exhaustion and quick- ened their zeal. Rev. Justin Edwards pursued his preparatory studies with Mr. Hale, and entered the sophomore class, and yet his whole expenses were only $38. These lessons of economy ought not to be lost upon the present age, when the middle and poorer elasses of the community are well-nigh denied the advantages of higher education in consequence of the ex- pense with which modern extravagance has surrounded the pathway of the student even at heavily-endowed institutions.
Williams was the favorite college for the Westhampton boys. Justin Edwards several times walked to and from Wil- liamstown,-a distance of 40 miles. But the early collegians used to generally ride to and from college on horseback.
At the beginning of the term a number from this and the adjoining towns would go up together, taking one person along with them on a spare horse. The latter would go to the college in one day, pass the night, and on the following day lead back the horses with empty saddles, and at the end of the term some one go to Williamstown for them in a similar way.
March 22, 1779 .- The first official action with reference to schools seems to have been in the negative, as an item in the warrant to see whether the town would raise any money to encourage schooling was voted down.
Schools were evidently sustained by private enterprise several years.
March 13, 1786 .- A committee was appointed to divide the town into a con- venient number of districts, in order to receive the benefit of schooling,-Messrs. Israel Parsons, Ebenezer Clark, Martin Clark, Peter Montague, Aaron Fisher, John Baker, Azariah Lyman, Jonathan Wales, Noah Edwards, Timothy Ed- wards, and Rufus Lyman.
May 29, 1786 .- Voted, to raise the sum of twenty-five pounds to be expended in schooling during the term of one year from this time,
June 26, 1786 .- Committee on school districts discharged and the town divided into six districts by a vote then and there,-certainly a prompt, summary method, if not the most accurate and complete. District No. I at the corner by Ebenezer French's house; 2 at Oliver Post's; 3d at Cornelius Bartlett's; 4th at or near the crotch of the road at Wright's fiehl, so called; 5th at Elijah Boyden's; 6th at John Baker's.
Also voted, that each district board their own master or mistress. Also voted, that each man's money be expended at that school to which he is the nearest, measuring on the road, except John Bullard, John Pittsinger, Jonathan Alvord, and Jehial Alvord, who shall be allowed to lay out their money at Elijah Boy- den's, if they shall think fit.
March 12, 1787 .- Voted, to raise twenty-five pounds for schooling, to he divided as last year, except the six families that live the southeast side of Tur- key Hill, who are to lay out their proportion in schooling where they please ; und each district to act their pleasure concerning the boarding of their masters or mistresses.
March 10, 1788 .- Voted, 30 pounds for schooling, and appointed Israel Par-
sons, Samuel Edwards, Sylvester Judd, Justin Edwards, John Smith a committee to determine from time to time upon the propriety of each school district send- ing their children to other districts, if any complaint be made.
March 2, 1789,-Voted, 30 pounds for schooling. Those persons near the cen- tre of the town about to build a school-house allowed to expend their money at the new house, in case it should be built.
In a meeting held at Northampton, Oct. 22, 1818, for the purpose of considering the expediency of establishing a college in Hampshire County, at which the Hon. John Hooker, of Springfield, was chosen chairman, and Rev. Isaac Knapp, of Westfield, secretary, a committee was appointed to see about the removal of Williams College to this county. On that committee were Rev. Dr. Lyman, of Hatfield ; Rev. Mr. Wil- liston, of Easthampton ; Rev. Mr. Hale, of Westhampton ; Rev. Mr. Gould, of Southampton ; Sylvester Judd, Esq., of Westhampton; Hon. Ezra Starkweather, of Worthington. The little town of Westhampton, it appears, had two members of this important committee,-a compliment to its educational standing and to the distinguished men residing there.
The modern school system of the town, founded by these vig- orous labors of the fathers, is in steady and successful opera- tion, and liberal appropriations are made from year to year.
The following is a list of graduates of colleges, natives of Westhampton :
Tertius Strong, 1700, Williams College, law.
Levi Parsons, 1801, Williams College, ministry.
Nathan Hale, LL. D., 1804, Williams College, journalism.
William Fisher, 1805, Williams College, ministry.
Justus Kingsley, 1809, Williams College.
Justin Edwards, D. D., 1810, Williams College, ministry. Hophni Judd, 1812, Williams College, law.
Ebenezer B. Wright, 1814, Williams College, ministry. Calvin Montague, 1814, Williams College, medicine.
Epaphras Clark, 1815, Williams College, law. Dorus Clarke, 1817, Williams College, ministry. Anson Hooker, 1819, Williams College, medicine. Edward Hooker, 1820, Williams College, law. Joel Burt, 1821, Union College, medicine. Tertius S. Clarke, D.D., 1824, Yale College, ministry. George Burt, 1825, Amherst College, business. Levi F. Claflin, 1826, Williams College, business. Orange Clark, D.D., 1828, Columbia College, ministry.
Jacob L. Clark, D.D., 1831, Yale College, ministry. Calvin Clark, 1832, Williams College, ministry. Sylvester Judd (3d), 1836, Yale College, ministry. George Lyman, 1887, Amherst College, ministry. Zenas M. Phelps, 1839, Williams College, teaching. Jonathan S. Judd, 1839, Williams College, ministry. Dexter Clapp, 1839, Amherst College, ministry. Chauncey P. Judd, 1840, Yale College, law.
Melzar Montague, 1841, Williams College, ministry. Enos J. Montague, 1841, Williams College, ministry. Luther Clapp, 1841, Williams College, ministry. Saniuel W. Fisher, 1841, Williams College, business.
James Brewer, 1842, Williams College, ministry.
Anson Clark, 1845, Williams College, ministry. Charles H. Norton, 1847, Williams College, ministry.
Justin W. Parsons, 1849, Williams College, foreign mis- sions.
Chester Bridgman, 1856, Amherst College, ministry.
Henry M. Bridgman, 1857, Amherst College, foreign mis- sions.
Francis Burt, 1857, Amherst College, teaching.
With reference to Samuel Fisher, usually included in the above catalogue, the editor of the " Reunion Pamphlet" adds a statement to show that he was undoubtedly a native of the town. The explanation needs explaining. The Jonathan Fisher who died in the army was only thirty-four years of age, and was the son of the Jonathan that bought the Abner Smith place in 1770. That the younger Jonathan lived in
295
HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.
Westhampton is sufficiently proved by the general under- standing that he represented the town in the Continental army, but it could only have been for a period of five years, or at most seven. Samuel Fisher was the youngest son, and a posthumous child, born in Sunderland, June 30, 1777, his father, the lieutenant, having died in the month of March before. The widow of the lieutenant evidently returned to Dedliam soon after, as Samuel lived with his mother there until he was five years of age, and after that with his uncle, Dr. Samuel Ware, of Conway.
As this disposes of the name of Samuel, it is proper to add that the date of William Fisher's birth, in 1776, leaves it pretty certain that he was born in Westhampton. Jonathan, who graduated at Harvard and became the pastor of the church at Blue Hill, Me., and was the author of several works, was probably born in Dedham before the removal to West- hampton, as he died at quite an advanced age in 1845.
Besides the list of graduates, there are others who entered various professions without completing a full college course. Among these may be mentioned Dr. Enoch Hale, of Gardi- ner, Maine, and afterward Boston; Dr. Sylvanus Clapp, of Pawtucket, R. I. ; Dr. Oliver D. Norton, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Dr. Watson Loud, Dr. Philo Clark, Dr. Henry Cook, Dr. Mendal Jewett, Rev. Christopher Clapp, Rev. Henry Loud, Rev. Joseph Stearns, Rev. Anson Stearns.
There are others who took a classical course of studies, without, however, graduating, and went into business instead of professional life, as John A. Judd, Edwin Cook, Zenas Kingsley, Alvin Clark.
Joseph Alvord was connected with the Wheeler & Wilson sewing-machine works, and was a noted business-man. He died within a few years.
LITERATURE.
The Rev. Enoch Hale prepared a spelling-book about the beginning of this century. lle was far in advance of his age. That book is now something of a literary curiosity,-a rare prize for the antiquarian. It contained lessons and stories for children, written in a style adapted to their understanding. It is said the book suited the children, but not the adults. The latter supposed that abstract doctrines of theology were the right and proper material to be placed in the hands of children, even to learn to read. Mr. Hale's method became popular thirty years later, and the bright, cheerful literature of modern school-books is but the development of his idea.
Sylvester Judd, Jr., was not only editor and historian, but an author of several books, as " Margaret," and other works of fiction. His name is still standard authority upon the early annals of the Connecticut Valley.
His published history of Hadley is a specimen of the dili- gence with which he labored, and the fullness and accuracy of his writings.
The " Reunion" of 1866 was a noteworthy occasion in the history of the town. It was similar to a centennial celebra- tion, and its proceedings are appropriately preserved in a pam- phlet full of valuable historic material.
To have the gathering twelve years before the completion of a century had the advantage of securing the attendance of many aged people, natives of the town, then living, but who soon after passed away,-among them Jesse Lyman, Asa Par- sons, Mr. Burt, Eli Clark, and doubtless many others.
School Statistics.
January, 1837 .- Nine schools; attending in the summer, 198; average not stated; winter, 269; average, 233; in town between 4 and 16, 259; summer schools, 32 months; winter, 22 months and 7 days; summer teachers, 8 females ; winter, 7 males, 3 females ; average wages of male teachers per month, $19.43; female teachers, $9.73.
January, 1847 .- Eight schools ; attending in summer, 163; average, 123 ; winter, 175; average, 132; in town between 4 and 16, 206; attending under 4, 11 ; over 16, 14; summer schools, 28 months and 21 days; winter, 23 months; total, 51 months, 21 days; summer teachers, 8 females; winter, 5 males, 3 females; aver- age wages of male teachers per month, $18.80; female, $11.45.
January, 1857 .- Seven schools; attending in summer, 83; average, GG; winter, 100; average, 86; attending under 5, 8; over 15, 11; in town between 5 and 15, 116; sunumer teachers, 7 females; winter, 7 females; summer schools, 21 months and 5 days; winter, 22 months, 5 days ; total, 43 months, 10 days; average wages female teachers per month, $12.57.
January, 1867 .- Six schools; attending in the summer, 86; average, 70; winter, 12G; average, 102; attending under 5, 7; over 15, 14; in town between 5 and 15. 147 ; summer teachers, 7 females; winter, 2 males, 3 females; summer schools, 26 months; winter, 16 months and 5 days; average wages of male teachers per month, $33.66; female teachers, $30.80.
January, 1878 .- Five schools; $18.37 for repairs; scholars attending during the year, 114; average, 70; I nnder 5; 21 over 15; number between 5 and 15 in town, 127; teachers, 3 males, 7 females; schools kept 38 months, 15 days; wages of male teachers per month, $26 ; female, $24 per month ; taxation, $1000; super- inteudence, $45; income of vested funds and dog tax, $35.90; 1 private school, 10 scholars; tuition, $127.50; town share of State school fund, $224.57.
CHURCHIES.
As in most other New England towns, so especially in Westhampton, the convenience of public worship was a matter considered at the time of the incorporation, and as one of the reasons for it. In the memorial to the General Court asking for an act to organize a new town, it is expressly stated "that your petitioners, being now increased to a considerable num- ber, are of the opinion that we can support a minister of the gospel among ourselves." But there are earlier records than this, showing their earnestness in this matter. At the town- meeting of Northampton, March, 1772, the inhabitants of Long Division petitioned the town to return to them their minister and school-rates, in order to pay for preaching. This request was granted, and in August of that year an order was drawn in favor of Samuel Kingsley, representing Long Division, for £7 16x. At the December meeting of the same year Northampton voted £8 to Long Division for preach- ing. A year later, November, 1774, the town voted £9 to Long Division for preaching and schooling, and in November, 1777, Northampton voted Long Division £15 for the support of preaching. These appropriations by Northampton were ren- dered effective by the vigorous efforts and the zealous sacri- fiees of the people themselves ; ministers were procured, some- times for single Sabbaths, again for several weeks at a time, and so public worship was quite steadily maintained as early as the summer of 1772. It is stated that Noah Cook, of Had- ley, preached that year a few Sundays, services being held at the house of Samuel Kingsley, and also at the house of Tim- othy Thayer.
The house of Samuel Kingsley was not far from Babcock's Corners, where a few years later it was proposed to locate the meeting-house. The house of Timothy Thayer was over the brook, near the residence in later years of William Edwards, and to accommodate some of the foot-people logs were placed across the stream ; sometimes both boys and girls waded through the water.
Mr. Cook was a lame man and walked with a crutch, so that he was sometimes called the " three-legged minister." The next winter one Mr. Gould preached a few times. In the winter of 1773-74, Mr. Hooker, of Northampton, held service and baptized three children, whose names were Noah Kings- ley, Justice Burk, and Rebecca Fisher, and it is supposed these were the first baptisms in Westhampton.
There was preaching in 1774 or 1775 in the northerly part of the town, at the house of Jonathan Wales, by a Mr. Taft, brother of Mrs. Wales. These were the times that " tried men's souls." Mr. Taft was a zealous Whig, talked Revolu- tionary politics during the week, and preached and prayed for liberty on Sunday. He believed in the non-intercourse policy, and refused to drink any tea when England was endeavoring to force Americans to pay a tax upon it.
Rev. Mr. Hooker, of Northampton, and Mr. Judd, of Southampton, occasionally came and gave lectures on week- days. As places of meeting the barns of Joseph or Samuel Kingsley and of Nathan Clark were alternately used.
A Mr. Hotchkiss preached a few times in Westhampton and
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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.
Norwich. In the spring of 1778, John Eliot preached four Sabbaths. Jonathan Smith, of Hadley, and David Parsons, of Amherst, preached during the same year.
And old man, known as Father Saxton, who lived in Long Division, near the old house of Solomon Judd, preached all one summer in 1776 or 1777.
But these preliminary and somewhat irregular services soon gave way to something more permanent and orderly. Previous to the incorporation of the town, Rev. Enoch Hale had preached one or more Sabbaths, and at the first meeting, Nov. 19, 1778, about the only business done, except to elect town officers, was the appointing of Martin Clark, Azariah Lyman, and Sylvester Judd a committee to engage his further service ; the preaching one-half of the time to be at the house of Nathan Clark, the other half at the house of Azariah Lyman. The settlement of a minister in those days was an affair of deliberation,-slow, but very certain to be wise and judicious. It was not until nearly a year later, August, 1779, that a regular call was extended Mr. Hale to become the settled pastor. It was accepted. The terms of settlement consisted of many items, substantially the following : A lot of land in the northwest part of the town,-15 acres from Nathan Clark's farm, 5 acres from Elihu Chilson's home- stead,-a parsonage to be built, 32 by 30, or the value of such a house paid to Mr. Hale in money. The annual salary was to be the first year £40, and to rise by adding £3 a year until it reached £70, this sum to be perpetual. To this was added the finding of the minister's firewood annually after the first six years ; and also the promise to make further provisions for his support if these stipulations proved to be insufficient.
The ordination took place Sept. 20, 1779, in a barn on the old Norwich road, standing a little east of the present resi- dence of Mr. W. E. Lyman. It was an occasion of great interest, long remembered by those who were present, and often described by them to the children of later years. The ordaining council consisted of Rev. Jonathan Judd, Rev. Solomon Williams, Rev. Samuel Hopkins, Rev. Joseph Huntington, Rev. Joseph Lyman, Rev. Aaron Bascom, Rev. Gershom C. Lyman, and Mr. Joel Hayes, a delegate.
The church was organized Sept. 1, 1779, Rev. Jonathan Judd, of Southampton, and Rev. Mr. Hooker, of Northamp- ton, present and assisting. The first deacons chosen were Mar- tin Clark and Reuben Wright. The exact list of members at the date of organization is not preserved, but the following names appear in the handwriting of Rev. Enoch Hale, and by him are described as being members " soon after the formation of the church :" Jonathan Alvord, William Bartlett, Joel Bartlett, Elijah Boyden, John Bullard, Jonathan Clark, Na- than Clark, Ebenezer Clark, Gideon Clark, Noah Edwards, Jonathan Fisher, Ebenezer French, Samuel Hubbard, Saml. Kingsley, Joseph Kingsley, Sylvester Judd, Azariah Lyman, Rufus Lyman, Peter Montague, John Parsons, David Parsons, Oliver Post, John Smith, Noah Strong, Amasa Strong, Elijah Tyler, Mary Bartlett, Ruth Boyden, Joanna Bullard, Sarah Clark, Eunice Clark (wife of Nathan), Eunice Clark (wife of Ebenezer), Esther Clark, Jerusha Edwards, Mary Elwell, Rachel French, Beriah French, Jerusha Hubbard, Hannah Judd, Isabel Kingsley, Martha Lyman, Mary Montague, Lydia Parsons, Irene Parsons, Mary Phelps, MIrs. Strong (wife of Noah), Thankful Strong, Sarah Strong, Ruth Tyler, Abigail Wright.
The erection of a meeting-house was considerably delayed by the discussion over the site. The story is too long for our limits ; we can only state the successive steps. May 21, 1779, a site was selected by the town and a house voted to be built 40 by 50. This site was very near the present location, as ap- pears from subsequent statements in the town records, but it was unsatisfactory. The south part of the town desired to have it on the old historic Norwich road, where the first settlement had been made, and where the majority of the people then
lived, and they suggested what has been known in late years as Babcock's Corners. The northern portion insisted on the " square" in front of Nathan Clark's, now the rock-covered triangle near the centre school-house. The dissension was se- vere and threatening. Meanwhile, Mr. Ilale's house was erected, the present place of Nathan Burt, and meetings were held in that, his house, perhaps, as well as himself, thus proving a peacemaker ; but the town returned the meetings to Nathan Clark'> the next spring. The geographical centre, near the top of Tob's ITill, was gravely proposed. Then a committee from abroad, consisting of Col. Chapin, of Hatfield, Deacon White, of Springfield, and Deacon White, of Whately, were invited to decide the location. They reported a site which the town accepted, but which was not really satisfactory to either party, and this was abandoned. Five weary years were thus passed, when, with considerable unanimity, the town came back nearly to a previous selection, and the house was at last lo- cated and built where the present one stands. It was in the woods, the primeval timber being cut away to make room for it, the log hut of Samuel Hering and the house of Mr. Hale, now the place of Nathan Burt, being the only habitations near the meeting-house ; but the struggle was ended, and ended for all succeeding years.
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