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 150
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In all the varied relations which Mr. Merrick has sustained to the world and to society, his conduct has been exemplary and praiseworthy, and to-day he is one of Wilbraham's most honored and substantial citizens.
JOHN M. MERRICK.
RESIDENCE OF JOHN M. MERRICK, WILBRAHAM, MASS.
1011
HISTORY OF HAMPDEN COUNTY.
The resources from which this property has been accumu- lated are as follows :
Donations by Isaac Rich, Esq., of Boston ... $10,000
Lee Claflin, Esq., of Hopkinton, 10,500
Col. Amos Binney, of Boston 10,000
Appropriations from the State.
36,500
Donations of $1000 and under by many friends
36,600
Avails of profits and sale of Zion's Herald.
3,400
Legacy of the late David Smith, of Springfield.
1,000
Amos B. Merrill, of Boston
6,250
Total.
$144.250
The Inte Amos B. Merrill also left to the academy his private library, a very choice collection of over 1200 volumes, inventoried in his estate at $3500.
This school has had nine principals since its reopening in Wilbraham, viz. : Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D.D., 1825-31 ; Rev. W. MeK. Bangs, A.M., 1831-32; Rev. John Foster, A. M., 1832-34; Rev. David Patten, D.D., 1834-41; Rev. Charles Adams, D.D., 1841-45; Rev. Robert Allyn, A. M., 1845-48; Rev. Miner Raymond, D.D., 1848-64; Rev. Edward Cooke, D. D., 1864-74; Rev. Nathaniel Fellows, A. M., 1874. Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D. D., the first principal, after filling that posi- tion with great success for six years, was elected president of the Wesleyan University. If we accept the statements of his students, it is hardly possible to speak too highly of his piety, learning, sound judgment, and the grace and dignity of his manner. lle was equally distinguished for the skill with which he conducted the varied interests of a great school or college, and for a most impressive, convincing, and persuasive eloquence in the pulpit .*
Rev. David Patten, D.D., Rev. Charles Adams, D.D., and Rev. Robert Allyn, D.D., have each spent many years in la- borious and successful educational work since leaving the academy. Rev. Miner Raymond, D.D., presided over the academy sixteen years,-longer than any other principal. He was connected with the school as pupil, teacher, and principal some twenty-five years. During his administration the present magnificent and commodious buildings were erected, and the institution prospered in all its interests. For fifteen years Dr. Raymond has been professor of theology in the Biblical Institute, at Evanston, Ill. He has recently published a very able and elaborate work on " Systematic Theology."
Dr. Edward Cocke came to Wilbraham with the wisdom acquired from a long experience at the head of similar insti- tutions, which eminently fitted him to improve, organize, and classify the school so that it compares favorably with the best scientific and classical schools of New England. Dr. Cooke is now president of Claflin University, South Carolina.
The Faculty is at present composed of the following per- sons : Rev. Nathaniel Fellows, A. M., Principal, Mental and Moral Science ; Mrs. A. C. Knight, Preceptress, Modern Lan- guages ; Miss Hannah D. Morill, English Literature; Charles M. Parker, A.M., Latin ; William Il. H. Phillips, Ph. D., Iligher Mathematics; Watson F. Lamb, Commercial De- partment and Fine Arts ; Rev. Benjamin Gill, A.M., Greek ; Edward E. Kelsey, Director of Music ; Joseph C. Burke, A. M., Natural Science ; Charles H. Raymond, A. B., Elocution and Physical Culture; Rev. Benjamin Gill, Librarian.
The rest of this article is mainly taken from a sketch prepared by Prof. Benjamin Gill, -" Work Accomplished." The aver- number of students per term for the last thirty years is at least 250. The largest number during any single term has been 358. The whole number of different persons who have attended the academy since its foundation is something over 1700. Up to 1863 about 500 graduates had entered college, and by a care- ful computation we may add to that number at least 170 more. Allowing that of those who graduated here from one-fourth
to one-third do not go to college, the academy has probably graduated from 900 to 1000 young men. And, as the ladies average in number about one-half, there have graduated from the school about 500 ladies. The number of ladies is now about two-fifths of the whole number in attendance. This statement is, however, a very inadequate presentation of the work of the academy. The great mass of the students have not gradu- ated, and have in the few terms they have spent here received their only academic training, and have gone from these halls to the practical work of life. They are scattered all over the continent, and one can scarcely enter a town in Massachu- setts or Connecticut without finding persons occupying prom- inent civil and social positions who are indebted to the Wes- leyan Academy for the instruction and intellectual culture which prepared them to act well their part in life.
Before the days of normal schools it had a class for the training of teachers, and for many years each winter from 50 to 80 went out to give instruction in the schools of New Eng- land. It has always been a favorite resort for mature per- sons whose early education has been neglected, or those who feel their need of a more extended education after they have reached the years of manhood. Perhaps more of this class came in former times, but scarcely a term passes now when there are not a number in the school who have reached the age of twenty-five. Many of these are preparing for teaching or the ministry or missionary work. With such material for students, there is of course much earnest work done, and the school has a salutary moral and religious atmosphere.
Government .- The guardianship and general management of the school is in the hands of a board of trustees, consisting of about 30 members. This body elects its own members. It meets yearly ; but for cases of emergency it chooses a pruden- tial committee, or local board, to act with full powers in the interim of the yearly sessions. This committee is composed of men who reside either in Springfield or Wilbraham, or some place easy of access to Wilbraham. To watch over its present educational growth and advancement, a visiting board is appointed by the patronizing Conferences, the New Eng- land and the New York East. The committee for term examinations is usually chosen by the teachers.
Libraries, Cabinets, etc .- There are libraries connected with the academy, and also with each of the 4 literary societies. The number of volumes is 6366.
There are several collections in the department of natural history, containing about 500 specimens of plants, 800 geo- logical specimens, and numerous fossils; the collection of birds is especially good. The philosophical apparatus includes, among other things, a lever air-pump, a 5-inch telescope, plate electrical machine, magneto-electric and galvanic bat- teries, spectroscope, compound microscope, etc. The mathe- matical apparatus includes a fine transit instrument, compass, level, quadrant, sextant, etc. The art-room has the finest location of any in the academy, but is entirely without fur- nishings, save a few busts, chromos, and paintings, used as models. There is a fine hall in the music building devoted to gymnastie purposes, supplied with Indian-clubs, dumb-bells, etc., etc. A very excellent reading-room is connected with the school, abundantly supplied with dailies, weeklies, month- lies, and quarterlies, secular and religious. The music de- partment is supplied with 10 new pianos, one a concert grand, with pipe-organs and a cabinet-organ.
Lyceums, etc .- There are four literary societies connected with the school. The oldest is the " Young Men's Debating Club and Lyceum," established in 1825. A scion of this is . the " Union Philosophical Society," formed in 1832. The two ladies' societies were formed, as they now stand, in 1851. They are named " Athena" and " Pieria." Such a pleasant rivalry has always existed between them that they have always been prosperous and thoroughly active. "Club" and "' Philo" are old familiar names to all Wilbraham boys.
* Dr. F'isk was born at Brattleboro', Vt., Ang. 31, 1792. In 1823 he was made presiding elder of the Vermont District; was delegate to the General Conference in 1824, 1828, and 1832. In 1830 he was elected the first president of the Wes- leyan University, at Middletown, Conn. He died of pulmonary disease, at Mid- dletown, Feb. 22, 1838.
1012
HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.
Bishops, doctors of divinity, clergymen, lawyers, and doctors, by hundreds, are indebted to these societies more than any other one thing in connection with the school. The training afforded by these societies has given the students a very prominent rank in elocution and forensics in the higher institutions which they have entered.
The programme of work is essentially as follows, in both ladies' and gentlemen's societies : Declamation, or select read- ing, debate, paper, critic's report, and miscellaneous business. The exercises are introduced with prayer, and enlivened with singing. Each society has a finely frescoed and furnished hall in the " Fisk Hall" building. Each has a cabinet-organ or piano. Their rooms are furnished with paintings, and each has a fine library.
Expenses to Students .- The catalogue says, " Necessary school expenses need not exceed $200 per year." Some of the items are as follows : Board per week, $3,-less than a term, $3.50 ; steam per week, 50 cents ; room-rent, $2,-front rooms, $3; tuition, in common English, as a basis, $6; church sit- tings, etc., $2; library, 50 cents ; washing, 62 cents per dozen. For natural science, languages, higher mathematics, elocution, music, business studies, and art, the tuition is extra, as is usual in such cases. Facilities for spending money outside are very few.
Trustees .- The board of trustees is now composed of the following persons : President, Hon. Edward F. Porter, West Newton ; Treasurer, Rev. N. Fellows, Wilbraham ; Secretary, Rev. William Rice, D. D., Springfield ; John M. Merrick, Wilbraham ; Robert R. Wright, Wilbraham ; Rev. Edward Otheman, A.M., Chelsea ; Ilon. Jacob Sleeper, Boston ; Rev. Loranus Crowell, D.D., Lynn ; Rev. Fales HI. Newhall, D.D., Saugus ; Henry J. Bush, Westfield ; Wilbur F. Claflin, Hop- kinton ; Rev. David K. Merrill, Boston; Hon. Thomas P'. Richardson, Lynn; Harrison Newhall, Lynn; Horace M. Sessions, Ilamp den; Horace Smith, Springfield; Lewis H. Taylor, Springfield; Edwin H. Johnson, Lynn; Emerson Warner, M.D., Worcester; William HI. Smith, Springfield ; Rev. Joseph Cummings, D.D., LL.D., Middletown, Conn. ; Rev. Daniel Steel, D.D., Lynn; Rev. Samuel F. Upham, D.D., Springfield; George L. Wright, Springfield; Rev. Asabel C. Eggleston, A.M., New Haven, Conn .; S. G. Good- enough, Wilbraham ; Charles P. Armstrong, New Haven, Conn. ; L. C. Smith, Springfield.
CHURCHES. CONGREGATIONAL.
As stated elsewhere, the Rev. Noah Merrick was the first ordained pastor of the church in Wilbraham. He died Dec. 22, 1776, at the age of sixty-six years, and after a ministry of thirty-five years and six months. When the town was divided into two parishes, in 1782, Mr. Merrick had been dead six years. The North Parish at once set about the double labor of removing their meeting-house to a more central and acces- sible spot than Wigwam Hill, and of settling a minister. Rev. Joshua Willard was ordained the next pastor on the fourth Wednesday in May, 1787, and remained until his dis- mission, in 1793. After a struggle of twelve years in regard to the location of a meeting-house, a piece of land on the north side of Jonathan Merrick's lot was purchased of him for £33, and thereon was erected the meeting-house. The next regular pastor was Rev. Ezra Witter, who was ordained Aug. 16, 1797, and dismissed April 11, 1814. During his pastorate, the meeting-house was repaired, and a bell pur- ' chased, in 1802,-the first church bell in the town. Rev. Ebenezer Brown was called as the next pastor, Dee. 16, 1818, and dismissed July 5, 1827. Since Mr. Brown, the regular pastors of the church have been Rev. John Hyde, from April 18, 1828, to Oct. 20, 1831; Rev. Israel G. Rose, from 1832 to Jan. 21, 1835; Rev. John Bowers, from Dee. 13, 1837, to May 11, 1856; Rev. John P. Skeele, from Nov. 30, 1858, to
April 7, 1864 ; Rev. Alexander D. Stowell, from May 10, 1865, to April 11, 1867. The present pastor, Rev. Martin S. Howard, was ordained Oct. 29, 1868. The old meeting-house now does service as a livery-stable, and stands near the pres- ent church structure. The house erected in its stead was de- stroyed by fire June 24, 1877. The present unique, tasteful, and attractive place of worship was immediately erected, at a cost of $12,000, and dedicated June 26, 1878. The present membership of the church is 230; of Sabbath-school, 150. The Sabbath-school library was lost in the fire, and has only been partially replaced.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
In 1791 the Methodist preachers on the Hartford eircuit visited the South Parish once in two weeks and held meetings in the school-house. These were the first meetings of that branch of the Christian Church held in the town. Later in the year Rev. Lemuel Smith preached the first Methodist sermon in the North Parish, at the house of Charles Brewer, and for two years services were held in the same place once in two weeks. Charles Brewer, Abel Bliss, Silas Bliss, and Mrs. Solomon Warriner were among those who joined the first Methodist class. In the year 1793 the first meeting-house was raised and covered, but not finished till 1814. During these years it was only furnished with rough slab seats.
Sept. 4, 1794, the New England Conference, consisting then of about a dozen members, convened in the new chapel, and again held its session in the same place in the year 1797.
The first corporate meeting of the Methodist Episcopal So- ciety was organized under a warrant issued by Wm. Knight, Esq., at the petition of Abraham Avery and ten others, and was held in the Methodist meeting-house, Aug. 29, 1832. May 19, 1835, a new meeting-house, which had been erceted at a cost of nearly $3000, raised by subseription to shares of stock, was dedicated by the Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D.D. It was in size 42 by GO fret, with a tower, and is now used as a music hall and gymnasium by Wesleyan Academy. The original meeting-house is south of the present church, and is used as a dwelling. Until the year 1823 the church formed a part of the "Tolland circuit;" since that time it has usually been a station by itself.
Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church .- The handsome brown-stone structure at present used by the society was erected in 1870, at a cost of over $30,000. The present mem- bership of the church is 200. A Sabbath-school of about 80 is connected with the church; another exists at East Wil- braham, and another in connection with the academy. The Sabbath-school library comprises about 450 volumes.
The following ministers have been appointed to this church :
1791, Menzies Raynor ; 1791-94, Lemuel Smith ; 1792, Hope Hull, F. Aldridge ; 1793-74, George Pickering; 1793, Joshua Hall; 1795, Nicholas Snethen, Christo- pher Spry; 1796, Even Rogers, Thomas Coope; 1797-98, Lawrence MeCombs; 1799, Daniel Ostrander; 1:00, Abner Wood; 1:01, Henry Eames; 1801-3, An- gustus Jocelyn; 1:02-3, Elijah Batchelor; 1>02, Alexander Mclane; 1804, John Gove; 1805, Nuble W. Thomas ; 1806, Benjamin Hill, John Tinkham, Theophilus Smith ; 1807, Hollis Sampson, G. R. Norris; 1:08, B. F. Lombard ; 1809, B. P. IliD), Wm. Hinman; 1810, Jocl Steel, Samuel Cutter; 1811, Philip Munger, Robert Arnold; 1812, Elias Marble, Thomas Tucker; 1813-31, Edward Hyde ; 1813-17, Benjamin Sahin ; 1814, Joel Winch, Job Pratt; 1815, Wm. Marsh, Orin Roberts; 1816-17, Salmon Winchester, Nathan Paine; 1818-19, Leonard Ben- nett ; 1818, Hezekiah Davis; 1819, Francis Pane; 1820-21, Ebenezer Blake; 1×21, Dan'l Dorchester; 1822, Joel W. McKee, Allen Barnes ; 1823-24, '28, Phineas Peck ; 1825-26, Isaac Jennison; 1827, Wilbur Fisk ; I>28, J. Foster : 1829, A. Waitt ; 1830, Samuel Davis; 1832, T. W. Tucker; 1833, N. B. Spaulding ; 1834-35, Reuben Ransom; 1836, James Porter; 1837-39, William Livesey ; 1840, Ship- ley W. Wilson; 1841-42, Charles Admis; 1:43-44, Nelson E. Cobleigh ; 1845, F. Notting: 1846-47, H. V. Degen; 1848, Charles Baker; 1849-50, Z. I]. Mudge; 1851-52, Stephen Cushing ; 1853-54, Gilbert Haven ; 1855-56, Chester Field ; 1857, HI. P. Andrews; 1858-59, W. F. Warren; 1860, Lorenzo White; 1861, George Prentice; 1862 63, Nathaniel Fellows; 1864, Miner Raymond; 1865, Edward Cook ; 1866, Hiram P. Satchbill ; 1867, H. V. Degen ; 1868-69, Franklin Farber ; 1870-72, James Mudge; 1873-75, Thomas W. Bishop, 1876-78, Willard T. Per- 1in, the present pastor.
A small chapel at East Wilbraham was recently erected by the Methodist Episcopal Society, at a cost of about $800, and
1013
HISTORY OF HAMPDEN COUNTY.
services are held there by local preachers and general supplies. A Sabbath-school of about 30 is connected with the enter- prise.
Grace Chapel is located at North Wilbraham, and is owned and controlled by members of the different evangelical churches resident there, though adhering more closely to the Congregational form of worship. It is supplied by the Rev. Mr. Howard, of the Congregational Church, and others. It has a congregation of about 100, and a Sabbath-school of about 65.
BAPTISTS.
This religious society first entered Wilbraham at the North village in 1765, organized a church in 1768, ordained the Rev. Seth Clark as pastor in 1770, and in 1779 built a meeting-house in the pine grove, near the house of John Powell. In 1802 the society reported 228 members, but afterward declined, and in 1807 was reported to have " lost its visibility." Occasional preaching was had in the meeting-house until about 1830. In 1833 the house was destroyed by fire.
The Glendale Church was organized about 1868. Dr. Cook, formerly principal of Wilbraham Academy, was instrumental in its organization, and was at one time its pastor. The mem- bership is at present small, probably about 75, but the society is quite flourishing.
BURIAL-PLACES.
The oldest place of interment in the town is what is known as the Centre Cemetery, which lies about a mile south of the village. It was laid out over one hundred years ago, and con- tains about three acres of land. The oldest stone in the yard, and the first erected in the town, is that of Elizabeth Cockril, who died April 26, 1741. Other early monuments are those of Mary Warner, who died June 6, 1754; Miriam, wife of Ezra Barker, who died May 26, 1754; Mary, wife of Isaac Brewer, who died May 20, 1759; Timothy Merrick, who died Aug. 7, 1761 ; David Merrick, who died Nov. 30, 1757 ; Noah Alvord, who died Sept. 1, 1763 ; Moses Colton, who died Feb. 24, 1777; Nathaniel Bliss, who died Nov. 5, 1782; Jesse Warner, who died Feb. 20, 1784; Nathaniel Warriner, who died Jan. 10, 1780; Abel Bliss, who died April 30, 1762; Samuel Warner, who died Sept. 10, 1787; and Isane Brewer, who died May 19, 1788. The yard is still in use.
The cemetery at East Wilbraham, comprising two or three acres, was laid out about sixty years ago, and was formerly used in connection with the old Baptist Church. The first person buried there was a Shaw, but he had no gravestone, as there were woods there at the time and a public road passed through it. The oldest stones in the yard are those of Caleb Stebbins, Jr., who died March 28, 1787, aged forty-six years, and Caleb Stebbins, who died Feb. 22, 1796, at the age of eighty-six.
The Woodland Dell Cemetery is pleasantly located near and cast of the central village, and is the principal and most at- tractive place of burial in the town. The grounds now occu- pied by the cemetery, comprising ten acres and a half, were first purchased by R. R. Wright, H. B. Brewer, and John M. Merrick, at a cost of $1100. They are under the control of an association, which was organized under the general statutes Feb. 12, 1858. A board of trustees, nine in number, is chosen annually, and has the care of the property. The first burial in these grounds was Louisa W. Wright, wife of R. R. Wright, who died Dec. 26, 1851.
The President of the association is Robert R. Wright ; Vice-President, George W. Ely ; Clerk and Treasurer, John M. Merrick; Trustees, Robert R. Wright, J. M. Merrick, H. II. Burbank, Job W. Green, Dr. Stebbins Foskit, Orrin Daggett, Calvin G. Robbins, George W. Ely, E. B. Brewer.
SOCIETIES. NEWTON LODGE, A. F. AND A. M.,
is located at Wilbraham village, and was chartered Sept. 13, 1871, with the following charter members : Edward Cooke,
D.D., Albert S. Newton, Stebbins Foskit, M.D., Calvin G. Robbins, Wm. H. Day, Job W. Green, James S. Morgan, Edmund Jones, Edwin B. Newell, Wm. F. Morgan, Lurin J. Potter, Warren L. Collins, Asa Boothby, Charles M. Parker, Walter M. Green, Wm. Kent, Daniel A. Atchinson, Herbert JJ. Calkins, and Wm. T. Eaton. The lodge has a membership of 80, and holds its sessions in Masonic Hall. The Past Mas- ters are Edward Cooke, 1871; Albert S. Newton, 1872-73; Chauncey E. Peek, 1874-79. The principal officers are Chauncey E. Peck, W. M. ; Joseph A. Parker, S. W. ; Har- low B. Spencer, J. W. ; Stebbins Foskit, Treas .; Wm. II. Day, Sec.
NOTES.
The first potatoes were taken into Wilbraham by Deacon Nathaniel Warriner, about 1751. Broom-corn was first raised by Thomas Jones or Joshua Leonard. Plaster of paris or gyp- sum was first brought from West Springfield by Gad Lainb, about 1776. Calvin Stebbins brought the first plow with iron mold-board into town, and Daniel Isham used the first cast- iron plow.
It was considered disreputable in early times for farmers to go after shad. They were said by their neighbors to be " out of pork." Hence, persons going after shad went in the morn- ing before their neighbors were up, and returned after they had retired.
The first frame house was built by Oliver Bliss in 1786. Log houses were occupied till nearly 1800. Lieut. Paul Lang- don brought the first wagon into town. In 1784 there were but two two-horse wagons and five two-horse sleighs. In 1804, Jesse or Pliny Bliss introduced a one-horse wagon. The first hutlalo robe was brought from Montreal in 1805, and cost $5. Lewis Langdon invented a machine for turning cider-mill serews; Walter Burt, shears for cutting the nap of cloth ; Edwin Chaffee, the use of India-rubber preparations for cloth.
David Chapin brought the first rat to the town in a sack of wool from Rhode Island. Capt. Charles Sessions introduced merino sheep, and had a large flock. Capt. Joseph Lathrop and sons introduced Saxony sheep, and kept a flock of several Imindred.
The legend of " Kibbe's shirt" is based upon the fact that a man named Kibbe, having discharged his gun at some game on Sunday, and, fearing punishment therefor, took off his shirt and shot a hole through it, alleging that he had been fired at by two Indians, which caused great alarm. The fact that no corresponding hole was found on Kibbe led to his detection and confession.
The history of the town would not seem to be complete without introducing the " Elegy of the Mountains," a piece of American doggerel which had its origin and incidents in Wilbraham in 1761, and which has had a more extensive cir- culation and reprint than any piece of like nature in the country. The original is as follows, depicting the tragic fate of a young man bitten by a rattlesnake, and is said to have been composed by the young lady to whom the victim of the tragedy, who lies buried in the town, was engaged .* It is often sung to the tune of " Old Hundred" and others.
"On Springfield mountains there did dwell A likely youth who was knowne full well, Lieutenant Mirick onley sone, A likely youth, nigh twenty-one.
"One friday morning he did go in to the medow, and did moe A round or two, then he did feal A pisin sarpent at his heal.
" When he received his dedly wond he dropt his sithe a pon the ground, And strate for home was his intent, Caling aloude stil as he went.
* Other "authors" to whom it is ascribed are Daniel and Jesse Carpenter and Nathan Torrey, the latter with some plansibility.
1014
HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.
" though all around his voys was hered, but none of his friends to him apeered ; they thot it wase some work men call, and there poor Timothy alone must fall.
" So soon his Carful father went to seak his son with discontent, and there his fond, onley son he found, ded as a stone a pon the ground.
"And there he lay down sopose to rest, with both his hands Acrost his brest, his month and eyes Closed fast, And there, poor man, he slept his last.
" his father vieude his track with great consarn, Where he had ran across the corn; uneven tracks where he did go did apear to stagger to and frow.
" The seventh of August, sixty-one, this fatal axsident was done. Let this a warning be to all, to be Prepared when God does call."
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