USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. II > Part 143
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society, but at the close of his services, the hall, which was owned by the district, was to be occupied for a town-school, and the society, having no place of worship, was left without a preacher.
They continued to hold services, however, meeting in the Tavern Hall, in the village, and were supplied mostly by stu- dents from Wilbraham. In 1852 the society worshiped in the Congregational meeting-house in the " Old Centre," and were supplied by Revs. D. K. Merrill and J. A. Ames. In 1853, Palmer Centre and South Belchertown were connected as one station, and Rev. D. Atkins appointed pastor, and in 1854 it was connected with Three Rivers, Rev. E. Morgan pastor.
During this year the two societies worshiped in the town- house, " Four Corners," until cold weather compelled them to return to the old chapel at Three Rivers. In 1855, Rev. F. Fisk was preacher of the two societies, and the following year, 1856, they were left to be supplied. During this year a con- sultation of all the friends of the church in town resulted in the harmonious decision to build a house of worship at the " Four Corners," which would be central for all. The work was begun in September, 1856, and the house was dedicated June 16, 1857, Bishop O. C. Baker preaching the sermon on the occasion.
The following have successively served this church as pas- tors : Jonas M. Clark, L. R. Bolls, Jr., D. K. Bannister, I. B. Bigelow, C. 11. Hannaford, A. F. Bailey, A. P. Aiken, N. Fellows, J. M. Clark, O. W. Adams, Win. Gordon, W. R. Tisdale, Chas. T. Johnson.
For several years the church at " Four Corners," which was regarded by many as a very doubtful expedient, has been quite successful. Good congregations have assembled, the preach- ers receive a comfortable support, and additions are constantly made. But as the villages have grown stronger, and the re- ligious wants have been largely met in them, there has been less inclination to go away from them for worship. The so- ciety has also suffered somewhat from the necessity of holding its social meetings in so many different places. There remains, however, a good congregation, and the members work together in harmony. The society owns a pleasant and comfortable parsonage in the village of Thorndike. Social meetings are held in Thorndike, Three Rivers, Old Centre, Palmer Depot, and South Belchertown.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCHI (UNIVERSALIST), PALMER DEPOT.+
After several efforts extending over many years a Univer- salist Church was formed in this place on May 28, 1876. The church was organized by Rev. A. J. Patterson, D.D., of Bos- ton, 21 persons presenting themselves at the first communion for baptism and confirmation. The first measures toward this successful issue were taken by the missionary of the State Convention, Rev. Benton Smith. The early meetings were held under great disadvantages. Through the opposition of more powerful and longer-established churches one place of worship after another was closed, until it became necessary to meet in private houses, or in the parlor of one of the hotels in town. Freedom to worship and grow as a religions organi- zation became possible only when a defender of the "faith," Mr. M. W. French, built Wales Hall, which, at the time of writing, is the place of meeting. The church listened to " supplies" for one year, and then settled their first minister, Rev. C. II. Eaton, June 29, 1877. Since the settlement of a pastor the growth of the church has been very encouraging.
The following resume of the work of the church for two years of its existence will, it is thought, at once disclose the need and justify the establishment of a church of liberal faith in the town.
Résumé .- Number of church members, 60. Number of families in 1876, 40; in 1878, 110. Number in congregation
* By the pastor, Rev. Chas. T. Johnson.
+ By Rev. O. H. Eaton.
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HISTORY OF HAMPDEN COUNTY.
in 1876, 70; in 1878, 200. Number in Sunday-school in 1876, 35; in 1878, 125. Money raised for current expenses, chari- ties, etc, $4000.
A church edifice will immediately be built, to cost about $15,000, and to be located on the corner of Park and Central Streets.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN PALMER
was organized in the south part of Belchertown, under the name of the " Belchertown" and Palmer Baptist Church, on Nov. 16, 1825. The meeting-house in which the church wor- shiped was occupied in common with the Methodist Society. The church and society erected their present edifice at the village of Three Rivers during 1832, and occupied it in Jan- nary, 1833. The name of the church was then changed to the " Baptist Church in Three Rivers." The number of origi- nal members was 24,-11 males and 13 females. Among the pastors who have supplied the church have been Rev. Messrs. Alvin Bennett, Henry Archibald, Tubal Wakefield, David Pease, John R. Bigelow, Prosper Powell, N. B. Jones, Ches- ter Tilden, Joseph Hodges, Jr., Sandford Leach, Addison Parker, and Levi H. Wakeman. Clarkson F. Russell is the present pastor, having assumed that relation July 1, 1878. The church is in a prosperous condition.
THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH IN PALMER
is located at the Depot village. It was founded by a colony from the First Church ; and the public recognition of the same, and the installation of its first pastor, Rev. Samuel A. Collins, took place on the 29th of September, 1852. Under the charge of Mr. Collins the prosperity of the church was such that a commodious house of worship was erected by the society during the summer and autumn of 1853, and dedicated Feb. 22, 1854. The church cost $5000. Mr. Collins retired from his charge in the following April. Several persons have since officiated as pastor, the last being Rev. Philip Berry, who withdrew in April, 1878. The pastor of the " Baptist Church in Three Rivers" at present supplies the pulpit. The church edifiee stands near the bridge at the upper end of the village of Palmer, and presents a pleasing and attractive ap- pearanee.
CATHOLIC CHURCHIES.
These, up to July 1, 1878, were under the entire charge of Rev. F. J. Lynch, of the village of Three Rivers. At that time the parish was divided, and a separate charge established at Palmer Depot. The pastor there is the Rev. Thomas J. Sullivan, a graduate of one of the colleges connected with his denomination, and an earnest worker. Since his installation, .July 1, 1878, a handsome new church edifice has been erected at a cost of over $4000. The church is calculated to seat 250 people, is of neat Gothic style, unique in design, and is sur- mounted with a steeple and bell. It is located on Thorndike Street, opposite the old cemetery.
The chief Catholic work in Palmer is at the village of Thorndike. Ilere a handsome church edifice is standing, and there is also another at Three Rivers. A handsome parsonage has just been erected at Thorndike, and here the Rev. F. J. Lynch resides. He has been identified for many years with the growth and development of the church in Palmer and surrounding towns.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BONDS VILLAGE.
In the month of April, 1866, a few members of the South Belchertown Church and others residing in Bonds village and vicinity opened meetings in Union llall. Rev. John Cadwell was appointed preacher in charge at the close of the Conference year. A class of 15 members was formed, which soon doubled in numbers. A Sabbath-school was organized, consisting of about 70 scholars, officers, and teachers, and about 100 volumes of books were purchased for its use. At the close of the next Conference year the society was free
from debt. Rev. Mr. Cadwell was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Wm. N. Hubbard, for two years. In 1870, Rev. Wm. P. Blackmar was appointed pastor, and remained two years. In 1872, Rev. J. W. Cole served as pastor for one year. In April, 1873, Rev. George E. Chapman was ap- pointed pastor, and remained two years. Rev. Alfred Noon, in 1875 and 1876, acted as the sixth pastor of the church. During the year 1875 a new and beautiful house of worship was erected, at a cost of $6000. The corner-stone was the gift of Rev. John Cadwell, the first pastor of the church, and was laid early in September. Ground was broken August 15th or 16th, and the dedication took place Jan. 13, 1876, the dedi- catory sermon being preached by Rev. J. MI. Barckley, D.D.
In April, 1877, Rev. David K. Merrill was appointed pastor, and is now in his second year. The church is in a prosperous condition, and arrangements are being made to liquidate the entire church debt. The present membership is about 80; of the Sabbath-school, about 90; number of volumes in Sab- bath-school library, nearly 400.
UNION EVANGELICAL SOCIETY, THREE RIVERS.
This is a small but active religious organization at the vil- lage of Three Rivers. It is composed of the members of dif- ferent Christian churches, but approaches most nearly to the Congregational form of worship. A neat house of worship was erected in July, 1877, and the first pastor of the society was the Rev. M. M. Tracy. Rev. F. W. Cobb has recently been installed. The membership of the society is about 40, and the average attendance at the Sabbath-school is 58.
ADVENTISTS.
This society has an organization at Palmer Depot ; mect- ings are held, but no regular pastor is in charge.
BURIAL-PLACES.
The oldest place of burial in Palmer is located at the centre. It was laid out in 1735, and the first gravestone erected was that of Samuel Nevins, who died at the age of ninety-six years. He was not, however, the first person buried there. The ground comprises two acres, and is in a fair condition. Interred beneath its sod are the remains of many of the first settlers. Numerous antiquated stones mark their solemn rest- ing-places and testify to their virtues. The Shaws, Browns, Me Masters, MeElweans, Brackenridges, Spences, and others, are among the number whose tombstones bear early dates of sepulture. It is still in use.
The cemetery at Palmer Depot, on Thorndike Street, was laid out as early as 1750, and perhaps earlier. The oldest stone standing at present is that of Lieut. Gideon Merrick, who died of small-pox, Feb. 28, 1753, at the age of thirty years. This disease seems to have been common and fatal in those early days, for many early tombstones assign that as the cause of death. The Scotts, Cooleys, Kings, Graves, Walkers, and Merricks are buried there, and the yard is still in use. It is in a good condition, and contains many bandsome mon- uments.
The cemetery at Three Rivers was laid out in 1825, com- prises a little over two acres, and is in use by the residents of that section of the town.
The cemetery at Four Corners consists of about 2} acres, and was laid out in 1851, the first burial taking place on May 16th of that year.
The handsome Catholie cemetery at Thorndike village was laid out in 1863. A new Catholic cemetery has just been laid out north of Palmer Depot, on the road to Thorndike.
SOCIETIES AND CORPORATIONS. THE PALMER SAVINGS-BANK
was incorporated March 26, 1870. The first president of the institution was George T. Hill, the treasurer M. W. French, and the secretary James G. Allen. The present officers of
992
HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.
the bank are: President, J. B. Shaw ; Vice-Presidents, H. F. Brown, of Brimfield, P. P. Potter, of Wilbraham, and L. Dimock, of Palmer; Trustees, G. M. Fiske, J. B. Shaw, M. W. French, S. R. Lawrence, R. L. Goddard, George Mooers, J. S. Loomis, Il. P. Hlolden, E. Brown, E. Calkins, C. L. Gardner, and I. G. Potter; Secretary and Treasurer, W. A. Lincoln. The amount of deposits in the institution is about $375,000.
THE PALMER NATIONAL BANK
was organized, with a capital of $75,000, Nov. 18, 1875. The first meeting of the board of directors was held Nov. 23, 1875. M. W. French was chosen president, and Leonard Green cashier. The present officers are: President, M. W. French ; Vice-President, A. II. Willis ; Directors, J. B. Shaw, G. N. Lacey, P. P. Potter, Ira G. Potter, O. B. Smith, J. A. Squier, and George Mooers; Cashier, W. A. Lincoln; Assistant Cashier, S. W. French.
SOCIETIES.
THOMAS LODGE, A. F. AND A. M.,
was chartered Dec. 13, 1796, by Paul Revere, G. M. The charter members were Samuel Guthrie, David Young, Peter Walbridge, Hezekiah Fisk, Ephraim Allen, Elisha Wood- ward, Amasa Stowell, John Moore, Daniel Peck, Zebediah Butler, Jesse Convers, and Isaiah Blood, Jr. The lodge first existed in Monson. The principal officers of the lodge are James B. Shaw, W. M .; Charles McFarlin, S. W .; F. A. Packard, J. W .; A. H. Willis, Treas .; C. W. Cross, Sec. Meetings are held once each month at Masonic Hall, in Com- mercial block. The membership of the lodge is 100. Among the Past Masters are Joseph L. Reynolds, George Robinson, M. Fox, A. Pinney, G. B. Kenerson, and J. K. Warren.
HIAMPDEN CHAPTER, R. A. M.,
was chartered in 1863. The present leading officers are James B. Shaw, H. P .; M. Fox, K .; Wm. Merrian, S. ; C. Knox, Treas. ; H. H. Sanders, Sec. The membership is about 100, and meetings are held monthly in Masonic HIall.
THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, THREE RIVERS, was organized Nov. 4, 1876. The present membership of the society is about 25, with the following officers : President, Jas. I. Milliken ; Vice-President, E. P. Tupper; Secretary, Dwight MI. Chapman ; Treasurer, Almon A. Milliken ; Librarian, Norman McLeard.
THE THREE RIVERS READING-ROOM ASSOCIATION
was organized in October, 1878. President, Chas. McFarlin ; Secretary and Treasurer, Charles Squiers; Executive Com- mittee, Albert Barker, Charles McFarlin, John Perkins.
THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS, THORNDIKE,
was organized about two years ago. The present officers are P. J. Cahill, Pres. ; John P. Burns, V. P. ; John D. Sullivan, Treas. ; James P. Burns, Sec. Membership about 30.
ANCHOR OF HOPE LODGE, I. O. G. T.,
meets every Thursday evening in Temple HIall, Palmer Depot, and is in a flourishing condition.
THE EASTERN HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
was organized in the year 1856. The present officers are : President, Dr. Il. P. Wakefield; Vice-Presidents, George Mooers, H P. Holden ; Secretary and Treasurer, O. P. Allen ; Directors, J. F. Holbrook, C. E. Dewey, Charles Upham, Palmer; W. M. Tucker, G. W. Burdick, Monson ; N. R. Sessions, Hampden ; H. Wallis, Jr., Holland ; O. A. Davis, West Brookfield ; Delegate to State Board of Agriculture for three years, Dr. H. P. Wakefield.
THIE YOUNG MEN'S LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
was organized in the year 1878, and is now upon a firm basis, having a carefully-selected library of several hundred volumes.
The present officers are: President, Rev. C. II. Eaton ; Vice- President, Charles B. Fisk ; Secretary, S. W. French ; Treas- urer, W. A. Lineoln ; Librarian, Dr. W. Il. Stowe; Assistant Librarian, W. C. Dewey ; Directors, Dr. W. II. Stowe, S. W. French, W. A. Lincoln, and O. P. Allen.
TEMPERANCE UNION .- President, William Ilolbrook ; Vice- Presidents, Rev. J. II. Bradford, Rev. C. II. Eaton, Chas. B. Fisk; Executive Committee, E. J. Wood, George Robinson ; Secretary and Treasurer, A. L. Slader.
LITERARY CLUB .- President, Rev. B. M. Fullerton ; Vice- President, Rev. J. H. Bradford ; Executive Committee, O. P. Allen, W. A. Lincoln, Mrs. J. H. Bradford ; Secretary, W. C. Dewey.
THE PALMER DRAMATIC CLUB meets in Union Hall. President, George Robinson ; Vice-President, L. B. Colburn ; Secretary and Treasurer, S. W. French ; Directors, W. A. Weld, W. A. Barnes, Jennie Kenerson.
ANCHOR OF HOPE LODGE, I. O. G. T .- Officers : Cora M. Shaw, W. C. T .; II. G. Cross, Treasurer; Financial Seere- tary, Gertie Simonds; Secretary, William Kurtz; Assistant Secretary, Mary Nelson ; Chaplain, E. G. Wood; Marshal, Fisk Rogers ; Deputy Marshal, Mr. McCauley ; Inside Guard, A. E. Cross; Outside Guard, John Glover; P. W. C. T., Eddie Keith ; D. G. W. C. T., H. G. Cross.
A. O. II. DIVISION, No. 1 .- President, F. M. Connor; Vice- President, James IIenighan; Recording Secretary, J. L. Wilder ; Financial Secretary, T. J. Sullivan; Treasurer, Michael Folley.
A. O. II. DIVISION, No. 2 .- President, P. J. Cahill ; Vice- President, P. Ilurley ; Recording Secretary, M. Coffey ; Fi- nancial Secretary, C. G. Broderick ; Treasurer, J. D. Sullivan.
THORNDIKE REFORM CLUB .- President, Geo. A. Murdock ; Secretary, Thomas C. Hutchinson ; Financial Secretary, Wm. A. Hastings; Treasurer, Henry McGilp; Marshal, Michael Fleming ; Steward, James Hutchinson ; Sergeant-at-Arms, John Robertson ; Executive Committee, H. E. W. Clark, Wm. A. Hastings, John Woods.
BOSTON DUCK CORNET BAND .- President, F. A. Packard ; Vice-President, Chapin Warriner; Secretary, Seymour Cut- ting; Treasurer, F. A. Packard; Leader, F. A. Packard ; Instructor, Prof. M. F. Clare.
THORNDIKE CORNET BAND .- President, Peter J. Cahill ; Secretary, Thomas C. Hutchinson ; Treasurer and Financial Secretary, William G. Pasco; Teacher, J. J. Fitzgibbons ; Leader, William Hutchinson.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The principal occupation of the inhabitants of Palmer prior to 1824 was the pursuit of agriculture. A few scattered enter- prises existed, however, anterior to that time.
At the meeting of the proprietors of the district held Nov. 13, 1736, it was " voted that the Grist-mill built by Robert Ferral and Thomas Harmon be accepted as a good and suf- ficient mill for our service, and in full satisfaction of the con- dition enjoined on Steward Southgate, by the Act of the Gen- eral Court." This was the first grist-mill in the town. Steward Southgate erected one on Potaquatick Brook in 1737. The following minutes, taken from the proprietors' records, will prove of interest, as indicating the erection of the first saw- mills in the town :
"On Tuesday, the 3d day of September, 1730, the foundation of the dam on the northeast corner of Potaqnatick was laid; on the 14th of October, 1730, Potagnatick Saw-Mill was raised ; and on the 5th day of March, next after, tho saw-mill first went ; on the 13th day of December, 1732, the said mill was burnt down. It stoud, after it was raised, two years and two months, wanting one day ; after it first went it stood but one year, nine months, and eight days.
"The second saw-mill at Potaqnatick pond, rebuilt on the same spot, viz .: it was raised on the 8th day of October, 1733, and first went on the 6th day of November, 1734, and on the 26th day of April, 1736, it was undermined by the water, and broken down after it had stood two and a half years; and after it first went, one year and five months.
" The third saw-mill, built on a new spot, was raised the 20th of September, 1736, and first went on the 5th of May, 1737."
Photo, by Moffitt.
A.v. Blanchard
The Blanchard family originated in Normandy, and at an early day two of its representatives, who were brothers, came to this country and settled, the one in the eastern part of the State of Massachusetts, and the other in the western. From these two originated the two branches of the family now represented in the State.
The subject of this sketch is descended from the western branch of the family. His grandfather, Samuel, lived at Sutton, Mass., a hundred years ago or more, and engaged in farming. Ile had seven children,-Samuel, Stephen, John B., Mary, Thomas, Ahiatba, and Susan. Of these sons, Thomas was one of the most celebrated in- ventors that the United States has ever seen, his fertility of invention being wonderful and the scope of his inventive powers seemingly unlimited.
Among other things that he invented were machines for heading tacks, for bending wood, and for turning irregular forms. This latter invention was of incalculable value. It was first applied to turning the stocks of guns, and was at once adopted by the govern- ment armories ; then to the making of the indentation for letting the gunlock into the stock ; to the turning out of busts and casts from hard substances; and to a thousand and one branches of mechanical art. After inventing various other patents, and achieving a wide reputation as an inventor throughout the world, he died in the year 1865, at the age of seventy-six.
John Brewer, father of Alonzo V., was born, May 2, 1780, at Sut- ton, Mass. He was a scythe-maker by trade, and followed that occupation throughout his life, settling in Palmer, Mass., in the year 1824; and, still pursuing the manufacture of scythes, he acquired the highest reputation for the superiority of his goods. He married Silence, daughter of Reuben Barton, of Sutton, and died in October, 1850. His children were Alonzo V., Wm. J., Emily, John D., and Franklin, all of whom attained mature years, the boys becoming scythe-makers by trade; of these children only Alonzo V. and Franklin are new living, each at Blanchardville, in the town of Palmer, Mass.
Alonzo V. Blanchard was born in the northeastern part of Sut- ton, Mass. (now the town of Millbury), on Dec. 2, 1805. He passed his early life in learning the trade of a scythe-maker and in acquiring an education, attending first the common schools of his native town, and finishing at Dudley Academy and Harrison Academy ; at the age of nineteen his father located in Palmer, Alonzo V. accompanying him and engaging in the manufacture of scythes for him. After a few years he entered into partnership with his father in the same enterprise; a little later his father withdrew from the business, and Alonzo V. took into partnership with him his brother William J. The latter being obliged to withdraw on account of health, the business was first run by Alonzo V. and John D., in partnership, the fourth brother, Franklin, joining the firm a little later. This business con- nection continued for many years and achieved great success, and was only dissolved by the sudden death of John D., in the year 1872. During the time that these brothers were in partnership they were burned ont three times; but, nothing daunted, steadily pursued their avocation.
In addition to scythe-making, the Blanchard Brothers also engaged largely in the manufacture of plough and shovel handles, ox-yokes, and other bent-wood articles, having purchased of their Uncle Thomas his patent for bending wood. This department of their business reached in some years the handsome sum of $20,000, and they manufactured annually, in addition, about two thousand dozen of scythes, the market value of these being about the same sum.
When the Blanchard family first settled at the point that bears their name, but meagre improvements had been made, there being there simply a grist- and saw-mill and two dwelling houses; now there are some twelve dwelling-houses and other improvements, the whole making a pleasant little settlement about one mile and a quarter east of Palmer Depot. Mr. Blanchard occupies a handsome and homelike residence at Blanchardville, and is now engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in negotiating the favorable sale of the excellent water-privileges owned by himself, his brother Franklin, and the heirs of his brother John D.
Besides devoting his energies to his business enterprises, Mr. Blanchard has found time to perform various public duties. For the period of ten years he was one of the supervisors of the public schools of Palmer, an office requiring great taet, discrimination, and good judgment; he has also been a selectman of the town for many years, and overseer of the poor. In the years 1836, 1845, and 1847 he represented the town in the State Legislature. Ile has always been a member of the Democratic party, and was several times a candidate for important offices, being a candidate for Congress on two occasions, and for State Senator several times, coming within cight votes of being elected to the latter office in a county largely Republican. Mr. Blanchard was also one of the first inspectors of the State alms- house at Monson, and filled that position for several years.
In religious affairs Mr. Blanchard is a member of the Congre- gational Church of Palmer Depot, and has been an active and prominent member for many years, contributing largely to its benevo- lent and missionary enterprises, and filling offices of responsibility in the church.
On Oct. 25, 1827, Mr. Blanchard was nnited in marriage to Elvira Ann, daughter of Daniel Shearer, who was the first to practice the legal profession in the town of Palmer. But one child has been born to them, Mary King, who was born June 18, 1830 ; married Albert P. Chapman, Oct. 25, 1847, and died April 8, 1865. Mrs. Blanchard is still living.
The fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of this memorable couple, on Oct. 25, 1877, was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies. They left their home to revisit the " old King homestead," in the east part of the town, where they were married, and, standing on the identical spot where they stood fifty years before, there commemorated the important step they had then taken. What cares, troubles, and vicissitudes had they not experienced since then! Returning to their home, they found it in charge of many kind friends, who gave them a hearty reception and made them the recipients of costly and elegant gifts, fitly recognizing the long life of domestic peace that they had spent together.
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