History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. II, Part 34

Author: L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts
Number of Pages: 896

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 34

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The fruits of these various unions have been nine children,- one by the first wife, two by the second, four by the third, and two by the fourth. Of these but four are living,-Howard Boardman and Nelson Ilaskins, wholesale dealers in musical instruments, at Boston ; Lorana Sophia, wife of Charles Rielı- ards, Esq., of Enfield ; and James Luther, dealer in musical instruments, at Athol, Mass., and also engaged in the insur- ance business at the same place.

667

HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

requirements of the hour, and revealed themselves to be worthy companions of the men who took upon themselves pioneer hardships.

With the departure of the era of Indian troubles, and the resumption in the valley of the Connecticut of the prosperous progress of early settlements, New Salem, in common with other towns, began to feel the encouraging influences of peace, and moved onward in the seale of material advancement, reap- ing gratifying results at every stride.

One of the earliest physicians of whom tradition tells was Dr. Joseph Goldthwaite, whose field of practice covered a wide extent of territory, and who was a man of considerable note abroad as well as at home. A Mr. Upham, who was an early settler, was something of a lawyer, but the scope for the exer- cise of his legal talents was exceedingly limited, and that he drove a very profitable trade is extremely problematical.

Daniel Shaw, an early settler, to whom reference has already been made, was a man of considerable prominence in the com- munity, and, besides filling numerous places of publie trust, served as town clerk for a period of thirty consecutive years, during the whole of which time, it is said, he used but one goose-quill to do his writing.

Varney Pierce, another early comer, was the first justice of the peace, and dealt also in legal counsel to such of his neigh- bors as felt the need of a little law to comfort them. For thirty-three years Mr. Pierce occupied various public offices within the gift of the town, lived a long and useful life as an honorable citizen and faithful public officer, and died in 1823 at a ripe old age.

Chapters might be written upon the early struggles of the New Salem pioneers, and they would be chapters of absorbing interest to those who are to-day linked in memory and sym- pathy to the history of those times; but limited space in a volume intended to contain a history of the early days of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts forbids extended refer- enee in detail to matters which would bear such reference without wearying the reader. Stout hearts and willing hands were the great dependences in those days when the conve- piences of refined civilization were few, and when the only path to success lay through the avenues of self-denial and a dogged determination to get along in life by the aid of but such surroundings and comforts as were absolutely necessary, while the discouraging obstacles encountered upon every band were well calculated to weaken hearts not borne up by a trusting faith and hope that brighter skies were to cheer the future.

The first innholder in town was James Cook. His tavern was located on the present place of D. V. Putnam, two miles south of the centre. On this place, or farm, James Cook erected the first grist-mill ever built in town. The original mill- stones can now be seen lying in the stream near the spot where the mill was built. Before this mill was built all the grain had to be carried on horseback to North Hadley, on the Connecticut River, a distance of sixteen miles from New Salem, through a trackless wilderness, the course being known by means of trees marked at convenient distances. Their path led them to ford a small stream near where the New Salem Cheese-Factory now stands; and, as a matter of convenience to themselves, they built a stone bridge over this stream and named it " Hadley Bridge," which it bears to this day, though few of the present generation know why the bridge is so ealled.

" James Cooke" left two sons, Samuel and Henry. Henry was a somnambulist and lost his life in consequence, at a public- house in Troy; N. Y. Ile arose in his sleep, went to an out- side door, which he opened, and fell from the third story to the sidewalk, where he was found dead next morning. His remains were conveyed to New Salem for interment. Samuel kept for a long period of years a store and public-honse near the old homestead. His first wife was the daughter of the

Rev. Samuel Kendall, the first ordained minister in New Salem. Samuel Cooke left two sons, Samuel and Robert. Samuel went to Iloulton, Me. He was greatly esteemed, and made probate judge by the Governor of Massachusetts ( Maine was then a part of Massachusetts). Robert always lived in New Salem, and by his industry and perseverance, combined with large natural talent, accumulated a competeney, with which he was always ready to assist those deserving and meritorious. Ile filled the highest offices in town. Ilis widow and seven ehildren survive him.

Dr. Cowles, a graduate of Dartmouth College, was one of the early physicians of New Salem. He built a large house in the centre, now occupied by William T. Freeman, and, leav- ing New Salem, nothing is known of his descendants. Tradi- tion tells the following story of the doctor and village blaek- smith. The doctor, being unmarried, as a matter of course looked here and there for a helpmcet, and fell in love with a Miss Paige, a beautiful and accomplished lady, but subse- quently became enamored of a Miss Putnam, to whom the blacksmith was paying attention. This is how the doctor cheated the blacksmith. It was announced that there would be a ball at the tavern in the centre. The doctor hit upon this plan. He said to the blacksmith, whose name was Hastings, " Come, let us swap ladies for the evening and see what ' gos- sips' say." To this the blacksmith consented. So the doctor went to the ball with the blacksmith's lady, and the black- smith with the doctor's. At the ball the doctor " popped the question" to the blacksmith's lady, was accepted, and soon married her. Hastings followed suit, married Miss Paige, and died in 1810.

Stephen Filton was one of the earliest shoemakers in New Salem. He favored Shays' rebellion, in 1786. He married Sarah Doland, only fifteen years of age. As a girl she was brought up in the family of Rev. Samuel Kendall. They had a large family of children, whose lives were an honor alike to themselves and the community in which they lived. Two sons are now living, Rev. George D. Filton, of Granville, Mass., the youngest of the family, and Ebenezer, who lives in Enfield, Mass. Stephen Filton's grandchildren, now living, and prominent in the community, are Joseph Filton, of Greenfield, Dr. George Chamberlain, of Brimfield, Mass., Dr. Cyrus N. Chamberlain, of Lawrenee, Mass., and Dr. Myron L. Chamber- lain, of Boston. These last-named three doctors are brothers, and sons of Dr. Levi Chamberlain, of New Salem. Dr. Cyrus N. Chamberlain was medical director in the Army of the Po- tomac, and was the first surgeon detailed to take charge of the hospital at Gettysburg, remaining there till the government established home hospitals. Ile was then instructed by the government to establish Home Hospital, at Worcester, Mass. Stephen Filton, having business abroad during the first winter of his marriage, left his young wife to prepare a " boiled dish ;"> and as she was solicited to join a coasting-party of young folks, she put everything into the dinner-pot at the same time, and left it over a rousing fire to care for itself, which did not add to the relish of the dinner. Moral : When a man marries a child for a wife, he must expect that she will act like a child; which is right and proper.

" Governor" Curtis, as he was called, was one of the oldest or earliest carpenters in New Salem. He was framing a building for the Rev. Mr. Foster, the second minister in town, when the latter said to him, " Governor, you seem to be a man of rare genius. Could you make a devil ?" " Certainly," said the governor to the minister; "just place your feet on this block, that I may make you eloven-footed; only a minute's work and all the alteration necessary." This anec- dote is taken from J. G. Holland's " History of the Four Western Counties of Massachusetts."

Daniel Ballard, Esq., a direet descendant and great-great- grandson of Jeremiah Ballard, one of the earliest settlers of the town, has in his possession the manuscript of several origi-

668

HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

nal documents which refer in an interesting way to the early hi istory of New Salem. Copies of these documents are here- with appended, as follows :

DEED OF NEGRO JACK.

"To all Chieftain People to whom these presents shall come, Know ye that I, Thomas Parker, of Dracutt, in ye County of Middlesex, within his Majacstie's Provinco of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, Clerk, for and in con- sideration of the sum of Sixty pounds to me in hand before the enseeling and delivery of these presents by Jeremiah Ballard, of Andover, in ye County of Essex, Husbandman, have given granted, bargained, sold, and by these presents do give, grant, bargain, sell unto the sd Jeremiah Ballard, one negro in an, named Jack, to have and to hold the sd negro Jack ; and I, the sd Thomas Parker, do promise to bind & oblige myself, my heirs, executors, and all- ministrators, by these presents, to warrant and Defend the said negro Jack unto the said Jeremiah Ballard against the lawfull claims or demands of any person or persons whatsoever, at any time or times hereafter. In witness whereof I, the sd Thomas Parker, havo hereunto set my hand & seal this fifteenth day of September, Anno Domini 1726, in the twelfth year of ye Reign of our Sovereign Lord George King.

" Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of

" THOMAS PARKER. [SEAL.]

" JONATHAN RICHARDSON. " JOHN DANE."

WARRANT FOR MEETING OF PROPRIETORS OF NEW SALEM . AT TOWN-HALL IN SALEM.

" Notice is Ilereby Given to the Proprietors of New Salem (so called), Laying in the County of Hampshire, that they Assemble Themselves Together on Wednesday, the Sixth day of June Next, at Two o'clock afternoon, at the Town- house in Salem, To Choose a Committee to manage the affairs of the Propriety and to Call Futtur meetings ; also a Clerk and Treasurer for the year ensuing. To Choose Surveyors of Highways; also to consider and act upon the Petition of Capt. Jeremiah Ballard and other of the Inhabitants for Finishing the Meet- ing-House & Settelinge the Lotts according to the Courte Grant, and Raising money for making & Repairing Highways for the Inhabitants; to Consider the Petition of Jeremiah Ballard and Jeremiah Meacham for a Grant for Building a Saw-mill on a Streame in the undivided Land of sd Propriety, and to see whether the I'roptors will Grant it or Not; to Raise such Sums of Money as shall be thought Proper for the Paying the Reyd Mr. Kindall's Salery, and other Charges arising in sd Propriety.

" By order of the Committee.

" THOMDIK PROCTER, JR., pt. Clurk.

"SALEM, May 14, 1750."

PETITION FOR JAMES COOK AS INNHOLDER.

" To the Houbl. Justices of the Sessions of the peace to be holden at Northampton, on the thirteenth instant :

" Whereas, Mr. James Cook, of New Salem, was appointed for an Innholder in sd New Salem at ye Sessions in August last, he not being able of Body to attend thereon, and the Reason why he could not have Licence, he heard, was because he had not taken the oath relating to taking the Bills of the other Gov- ernments.

"These may Certify to your Honours that the sd James has taken sd oath before Amos Foster, Dist. Clerk ; and if that will answer, as be is not able to come to the next Sessions, we pray your Honors to Grant him Licence.

" AMOS FOSTER, -

" JEREMIAH BALLARD, Selectmen.

" BENJA. SOUTHWICK, Ja.,

"NEW SALEM, Nov. ye 8, 1764."

TOWN-MEETINO WARRANT.

" Notice is hereby given to the Frecholders and other Inhabitants of New Salem, qualified by law to vote in town affairs, that they assemble and meet to- gather att the Publick Meeting-House in New Salem, on Monday, the Fourth day of March next, at ten of the clock forenoon, to consider and act on the following articles, viz. :

" First, To C'huse such officers as towns by Law are obliged to Chuse on the month of March.

" 2ly, To Raise money to Pay the Rev. Mr. Kendal's Salary.

" 3ly, To Grant money to pay for schooling.

" 4ly. To Grant money to make and mend Ilighways.

" 5ly, To Know if Swine may Run att Large this year.

"Gly, To Know if the Districts will improve what money the town Stock Powder has been sold for to Purchase another Stock, or apply to it any other use. "7ly, To Know if the Districts will allow the Selectmen to lay ont a Rode from Samnel Pierce's across Jonath Childe's and Darling Lot's to sd Childe's, and Exchange the Rode att the East end of sd Lots for the same.

"Sly, To see if the District will open the Rode att the East end of Benja. Southwick House Lot, which David Felton Has shut up.

" 9ly, To Bring in Town Debts and Grant money to pay the same.

" AMOS FOSTEn, Selectmien

" BENJA. SOUTHWICK, JR., of

" JEREMIAH BALLARD, New Salem.

" NEW SALEM, Feb. ye I1, 1765."

ASSESSORS' WARRANT.

" Whereas Benja. Southwick, Constable for ye District of New Salen for the year A.D. 1756, Complains to us, ye Subscribers, Assessors for sd District, &

sayth that Micah Rice, of sd District (Blacksmith), was rated for his Pole in the Province Rate or List Committed to him tho sum of Six Shillings and two fence, and that he, ye gd Benje Southwick, has given him, ye sd Micah Rice, Seasonable Notice and Warning to pay the same, yet he Refuses to Do it, and pays for a Warrant as ye Law Directs from us, the Subscribers, to Distreign the body of ye sd Micah Rice, he, ye sd Benja Southwick, having made search, and cannot fitil any Estate of ye sd Micah Rice Whereon to make Distress.

"This is therefore in his Majestie's Name to Impower and Require You, the above sd Constable. Benja Southwick, to Destreign the body of ye sd Micah Rice, and it Commit to his Majesties Goal, in Springfield, till he pay, or canse to be paid, the above sd sum of Six Shillings & two pence, and Costs of the sd Com- mitment.

"JOSEPH HOULTON, \ Assessora of " AMOS FOSTER, 5 New Salem.

"NEW SALEM, March 18, 1757."

REVOLUTIONARY REMINISCENCES.

When the Lexington alarm reached New Salem the inhab- itants were ealled together, and upon the village green of New Salem Centre they assembled, guns in hand, ready to march at a moment's notice. There were at this time two militia companies in the town, and of one of these companies one Goodell was eaptain, and William, son of Benjamin Stacy, who lived about a mile southwest of the present village of Millington, was the lieutenant. Capt. Goodell had previously been regarded as having leanings toward Toryism, and when his company being gathered at the time of the general rally above noted, he manifested a disinclination to raise his voice in behalf of patriotism, he was directly the object of derision, and promptly evaded responsibility by slinking away. At this, Lieutenant Stacy, doffing his hat, drew his commission from his poeket, and, tearing it to pieces, excitedly exclaimed while he did so, "Fellow-soldiers, I don't know exactly how it is with the rest of you, but as for me, I will no longer serve a king who murders my own countrymen." The effect of his example was to thrill the company with patriotie ardor, and they hurrahed and shouted their approval of the lieutenant's action. Capt. Goodell, who appeared at this instant, endeav- ored to quell the enthusiasm by an attempted exercise of authority, but the blood of his men was up to fever heat, and they waved him scornfully away. The company voted at once to march for the seat of war, reorganized by choosing the gal- lant Stacy as their captain, and before the next night he set out at their head for Cambridge. Captain Staey served through the war, rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and received from General Washington the present of a gold snuff- box as a mark of esteem. Shortly after the war elosed he re- moved to the far West, and was killed by the Indians near Marietta, Ohio.

New Salem was opposed to the war of 1812, and sent Samuel C. Allen as a delegate to the Northampton anti-war conven- tion. In 1814 a draft for soldiers was held in the Baptist Church, when, among others, the following were impressed into the service: Wm. Smith, John Shaw, Samuel Shaw, Joseph Shaw, Asa Powers, John Powers, John Frye, and Andrew Newell.

In 1814, Col. Williams' regiment, bound for Boston, halted in New Salem a few days, and was there joined by Rev. Al- pheus Harding, who had been chosen regimental chaplain.

ORGANIZATION.

In 1753 the two grants issued to the original proprietors were incorporated as a distriet and ealled New Salem, for the reason that its proprietors belonged to old Salem. Under the act of 1786, the district became a town. Previous to the in- corporation, from 1735 to 1753, the meetings of the proprietors were held in old Salem. All of the town records, dating from 1753 to 1856, as well as the proprietors' records, were destroyed by fire at New Salem Centre in 1856, and the list of town officers ean be given only from 1855 to 1879, as fol- lows :

SELECTMEN.

1855-56 .- Emerson Fay, Joseph F. Packard, Royal Whitaker. 1857 .- Emerson Fay, Royal Whitaker, Alpheus Thomas.

Photo. by C. H. Wells, Orange.

BERIAH W. FAY was born in Athol, Worcester Co., Mass., on the 2d of December, 1819. His father, Jonas Fay, was also a native of that town, a farmer by occupation, and a man of strict integrity and honor.

He married Anna R., daughter of Alpheus Ward, of Athol, by whom he had six children, of whom the subject of this notice was the third. He attended the common schools during a part of each year until seventeen years of age. He was then employed in farm-labor for three years, after which he commenced teaching school during the winter months and continued to work on the farm in the summer. He continued these avocations until 1850, and had in the mean time attended the spring and fall terms of the New Salem Academy about four years.

He also taught a class in penmanship, and select schools in Athol and Orange. In 1850, his health having become impaired by teaching and close con- finement to study, he removed to New Salem, where he had previously purchased some property, and during the following year he bought the farm which he now owns, and where he has since resided. He subsequently turned his attention to surveying, which he has practiced for twenty years.

Mr. Fay is eminently a self-made man, and what- ever he has attempted in life has been thoroughly and conscientiously performed. He has always been interested in promoting the cause of education, in which he labored a number of years as a teacher, and since 1855 has been a member of the school com- mittee.

In politics he is a Republican, and takes an active part in the politics of the town and county, and is well informed in the general political movements of the State and nation. In a local capacity he has served as selectman, assessor, and overseer of the poor. He has been special county commissioner for two terms of three years each. In 1865 he repre- sented his district in the Legislature, the duties of which office he discharged in an able manner.

On the 1st of October, 1868, he was married to Hattie L., daughter of Daniel Ballard, of Wendell, Mass. They have one child,-Henry W., born on the 13th of June, 1877.

Mr. Fay has been a member of the Congregational Society of New Salem since 1862. He is also an earnest and progressive worker in the Sabbath-school, of which he has for four years been superintendent. In social and public relations he has always com- manded the respect and esteem of his associates.

Alfschuss blanding

REV. ALPHEUS HARDING, son of Abijah and Sybil Adams Harding, was born in Barre, Worees- ter Co., Mass., Jan. 19, 1780. His father was a farmer, and Alpheus worked on the farm notil eighteen years of age. He then commenced his studies preparatory to entering college, first at Lei- cester Academy, and afterward at New Salem. Like many others of limited means, he resorted to school- teaching during the vacations in order to obtain the funds with which to prosecute his education.

In 1801 he entered Dartmouth College, and grad- nated with the degree of A.M. in 1805. After leav- ing college he taught the New Salem Academy two years, and at the same time studied divinity under the direction of the Rev. Joseph Lathrop, D.D., of West Springfield, Mass. He was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in New Salem (which in those days meant a settlement for life), Dec. 2, 1807. After remaining in that position forty years he resigned, thinking a younger man could better discharge the duties of the office. He was married, Oct. 8, 1808, to Sarah, daughter of Rev. Josiah and Irene M. Bridge, by whom he had seven children. Of this family only one survives him,-a son, also named Alpheus Harding,-to whom this memoir and the accompanying portrait are due.

For more than fifty years he was a trustee, and during a greater part of that time also president, of

the New Salem Academy, and to his persevering efforts and labors its success was largely due. Dur- ing the same length of time he had the ahnost entire charge of the public schools of the town, and main- tained an active interest in them to the day of his death.

He twice represented the town of New Salem in the Legislature, and after retiring from the ministry was for many years justice of the peace and trial- justice ; also doing much as executor and adminis- trator of estates, and as guardian for many children. His wife and six chiklren died before him, and when about eighty years of age he married the widow of James Freeman, of New Salem, who was his con- stant companion during the remainder of his life, and who survived him a few years. He died in 1869, having just entered his ninetieth year. Pos- sessel of indomitable courage and perseverance, he never shrank from the discharge of a duty, and spent a long and active life in doing good to others. He was a constant laborer in promoting the interests of education, temperanee, morality, and industry, and always foremost in any cause which tended to in- crease the prosperity of the people to the service of whom he devoted so many years of his life. He was universally esteemed for his many rare qualities of mind and heart, and sincerely mourned by all who knew him.

669

HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

1858 .- Alpheus Thomas, William F. Freeman, Joseph Gallond. 1850-60 .- Elijah F. Porter, F. R. Haskell, William Whittemore. 1861 .- Elijah F. Porter, William Whittemore, V. V. Vaughn. 1862 .- Elijah F. Porter, Samuel Adams, V. V. Vaughn. 1863 .- Elijah F. Porter, Samuel Adams, Sylvanus Sibley. 1864 .- Elijah F. Porter, Samuel Adams, Daniel V. Putnam. 1865 .- Elijah F. Porter, William T. Freeman, Daniel V. Putnami. 1866 .- Elijah F. Porter, Eugene. Ballard, Daniel V. Putnam. 1867 .- Elijah F. Porter, J. H. Carey, Daniel V. Putnam. 1868-70 .- Royal Whitaker, Beriah W. Fay, Daniel V. Putnam. 1871 .- Royal Whitaker, E. D. Andrews, Daniel V. Putnam. 1872 .- Elijah F. Porter, Samuel H. Stowell, Daniel V. Putnam. 1873 .- Elijah F. Porter, Samnel H. Stowell, Lucien T. Briggs. 1874-76 .- Nelson Haskins, F. W. Newland, William L. Powers. 1877 .- H. A. Cogswell, F. W. Newland, William L. Powers. 1878 .- Daniel Ballard, F. W. Newland, Proctor Whitaker.

TOWN CLERKS.

Charles A. Harding, Jr., 1855-57 ; Charles M. Pierce, 1757-59; Royal Whitaker, 1859-74; Charles R. Shumway, 1874; F. A. Haskell, 1875; Charles Chandler, 1876-79.

VILLAGES.

There are four villages in the town ; each is a post-office, and they are called New Salem Centre, North New Salem, Cooley- ville, and Millington.

THE CENTRE

is the oldest of the four settlements, and is a brisk little vil- lage on the mountain-top, containing two churches, the town- house, one store, the New Salem Academy, and the Academy boarding-house,-a handsome structure. A fire in 1856 de- stroyed the post-office and store, and in 1876 another fire destroyed the post-office, two stores, and a hotel.

COOLEYVILLE,

in the southwest, near the Shutesbury line, has latterly be- come a lively trading-point, and boasts three stores, which derive their main support from neighboring towns.

NORTH NEW SALEM, near the Orange line, has a church and store, and MILLINGTON, in the southeast, has a store and grist-mill. It is also the nearest point in the town to the New Salem station of the Athol and Springfield Railroad, being two miles distant therefrom.

CHURCHES.

Before the settlement of the tract was fairly begun the pro- prietors set about providing a place for public worship, and in August, 1736, they voted to build a meeting-house forth- with, 45 feet long, 35 feet wide, and 20 feet stud. For some reason the house was not built until late in 1739, and each "right," it appears, was taxed £3 to defray the cost of the edifice. There must have been a gala time at the raising of the frame, for the bill for expenses noted that, among other things, " wheat, sugar, rum, molasses, pork, beef, butter, cheese, men, and horses from Hadley" were furnished at a total cost of £29 13s. 5d. The foundations of this church may still be seen near the site of the Universalist Church in New Salem Centre.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. II, Part 34

Author: L.H. Everts & Co Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts Number of Pages: 896

Author: L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts
Number of Pages: 896