History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. II, Part 57

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

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Andrew M. Wetherell, enl. Sept. 24, '61, 27th Regt., Co. 1; died at Amlersonville.

Chauncy Wait, enl. July 21, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F; killed at Wilderness.

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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

Chas. S. Bardwell, sergt., enl. July 22, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F; killed at Winchester.

Stephen G. Stearns, onl. July 22, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F.

Nehemiah J. Tilden, enl. JJuly 22, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. K ; killed at White Oak Swamp.

Henry Amell, enl. July 22, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F. Enther G. Stearns, enl. July 22, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F.

Sam' E. Sanderson, enl. July 22, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F.

Ernest A. Allis, enl. Inly 22, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F.

John F. Pease, enl. July 21, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F. Elgar W. Field, enl. July 21, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F; died at Andersonville.

Edward C. Sanderson, enl, July 21, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F.

Orange Bardwell, enl. July 23, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F; killed at Wilderness.

Austin A Wait, enl. July 23, 1862, 37th liegt., Co. F.

Frederick A. Farley, sergt., enl. Aug. 1, 1862, 37th Regt., Co. F.

Robert Brown, enl, Nov. 10, 1863, 37th Regt., Co. F. Chas. Il. Walker, enl. Nov. 23, 1863, 37th Regt., Co. II.

Henry M. Wood, enl. Oct. 9, 1864, 37th Regt., Co. F. Sylvester R. Walker, enl. Nov. 20, 1861, 31st Regt., Co. C.

Henry R. Sanderson, corp., enl. Feb. 18, 1864, 57th Regt., Co. C.

Henry D. Smith, enl. Aug. 8, 1862, 1st Mase. Cav., Co. G.

Wm. A. Pearson, enl. Nov. 12, 1863, let Mass. H. Art., Co. C.

Foster Meekins, sergt., enl. Jan. 22, 1862, 34th Regt., Co. F.

Dwight L. Dickinson, enl. July 31, 1862, 34th Regt., Co. G.

Samuel S. Smith, enl. June 25, '64, 57tb Regt., Co. E. John Brown, enl. Jan. 25, 1864, 57th Regt., Co. E; died at Andersonville.

Franklin E. Weston, enl. Nov. 22, 1861, 31st Regt., Co. R.

Wm. R. Wait, enl. Jan. 5, 1864, 3d Regt., Co. B; killed at Petersburg.

Alonzo J. Hale, enl. Jan. 4, 1864, 5th Bat. L. Art. Jobn Brown, enl. Sept. 1862, 8th Regt., Co. H. Lathrop Smith, enl. June, 1861, 10th Regt., Co. C; died Sept. 1861.

In addition to the foregoing, the town had the benefit of twenty-seven non-resident soldiers, secured to fill its quotas under some nf the later calle. The total sum paid by the town for enlisteil men and recruite under all the calls was $12,100.

The following Whately men were in the service, but were credited to other places: Moses W. Jewelt, Henry A. Brown, Frederick R. Brown, Francis C. Brown, James E. Brown, Henry A. Dickinson, Oscar F. Doane, Lucius Allis, Dwight W. Bardwell, Wells Clark, and Alvah S. Frary.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HON. JOSIAH ALLIS,

who died in his native town, May 23, 1866, was a direet de- scendant of William Allis, who, emigrating from England to America about 1640, settled in Braintree, Mass., and, ac- cording to the family genealogy, " was made a freeman" in that town May 13, 1640. With his wife, Mary, he removed, in 1661, to Hatfield, of which he was one of the earliest set- tlers, and received therein, as an assignment, a home-lot of eight acres on the west side of the main street.

He died in Hatfield in 1678, and left a family of eight chil- dren, of whom John was born at Braintree, March 5, 1642, and, marrying in Hatfield in 1669, died there in 1691. Twelve children were born to him, and of these Ichabod-born July 10, 1675, married about 1698, and deceased in Hatfield 1747 -had a family of eight children, one of whom, Elisha, was the great-grandfather of the subject of this notice. Elisha was born in Hatfield, Dec. 3, 1716, and, marrying in 1744, he purchased of Thomas Crafts a farm on Spruce Hill (now known as the Elliot C. Allis farm), in Whately, and removed thither with his family. He was the owner of twelve negro slaves, and was distinguished as a man of considerable pos- sessions, and of weighty intluence in the community. He died in Whately in 1784, and left six children,-Josiah, born in Hatfield in 1754, being one of them. Ile married in 1774, and early in life became a prominent citizen of his native town. He was known as Col. Josiah Allis ; was chosen to represent Whately in the State Constitutional Convention of 1788, and fulfilled during his life many important local public trusts. His son, Elijah, born in Whately, Oct. 21, 1775, was the father of Josiah Allis, whose portrait is here presented.

Josiah, who was born upon the Spruce Hill farm in Whately, July 17, 1803, passed his youthful days there, and, like most boys of that period and place, divided his time between the village school and the pursuit of such labors as his father's agricultural interests called him to perform.

Early in life, however, he was summoned to face alone the serious responsibilities of existence, and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to a blacksmith in Whately. He entered at once with eager interest and industrious inclination upon the undertaking, and, passing creditably through the term of his apprenticeship, labored successively as a journeyman black- smith in Ashfield, and in Hatfield carried on the business in connection with his brother, Salmon White, and Eurotas Hastings. In the latter town he married, April 13, 1826, Eliza, daughter of Ebenezer White, of Hatfield. Upon his marriage he returned to Whately Centre, where his father was keeping the village hotel and store, and, assisting him in the management of the business, remained until 1830, when

he purchased the property in Whately now known as the Allis farm, and still occupied by his sons Justin W. C. and Silas W. D.

Upon this farm he renewed his agricultural labors, and there continued in the uneventful tenor of his way until 1836, when, becoming affected with the " Western fever," he turned his face toward the setting sun, with the intention of exploring the far-off country which was at that time freely inviting the attention of the dwellers in the East.

Leaving his farm in charge of his fatber, who had taken up his residence with him, he set out for Detroit, Mich., and, temporarily abiding there, he entered at once upon the business of locating lands, and, following the natural bent of his im- pulses as a trader, he was soon engaged largely in the purchase and shipment of traders' supplies. His business interests rap- idly extended, and the energetie force of his character occupied itself in pushing him forward as a representative business- man.

In connection with his other enterprises he engaged exten- sively in the lumber trade, and was soon a prominent member of the St. Clair Lumber Company, whose headquarters were at Detroit, and whose operations were extensive.

Remaining in Detroit six years, or until 1842, Mr. Allis re- turned to his home in Whately, and once more settled in the routine of a farmer's life.

The spirit of trade would, however, give him no rest, and shortly after his return home he engaged in the manufac- ture of brooms, and upon his farm erected a factory, where he employed a large number of people. He made extensive pur- chases of broom-corn, and created, in the country adjacent to him, a spirited revival of agricultural industry in the cultiva- tion of the material required for his factory.

This business Mr. Allis carried on successfully, in connec- tion with farming, until 1855, when he turned his attention toward the tobacco trade, and not only devoted his farm largely to the cultivation of the plant, but was one of the largest purchasers thereof in the Connecticut Valley.

This pursuit was the chief business interest of the remainder of his life, and, after an active, honorable, and useful career, he died May 23, 1866, aged sixty-three.

His wife survived him but a few months, dying Aug. 9, 1866, at the age of sixty-five.

Six children were born to them, three of whom, Justin W. C., Silas W. D., and Mary Eliza White, still reside upon the old Allis farm in Whately. Lewis Edward Sikes died April 7, 1860, aged twenty-eight; Edmund B. died at the age of six months ; and the last son, also Edmund B., born Dec. 11, 1835, died Oct. 12, 1861, just after he had graduated at Yale.

In public life Mr. Allis acquired considerable prominence,

Dennis Dickinson

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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.

and represented his native town frequently, in offices of trust, at home and abroad. He represented Whately in the State Constitutional Convention of 1853, was a representative at the General Court in 1854, and was run on the Douglas ticket for representative to Congress, in the 10th Congressional District, in 1860.

In politics he was ever a Democrat and a warm friend of Stephen A. Douglas, and, being chosen in 1852 a delegate to the National Democratic Convention, which nominated Franklin Pierce to the Presidency, he was subsequently, to the time of his death, sent as a delegate to every National Dem- ocratie convention, his attendance being last given at the con- vention, in June, 1860, at Charleston, S. C., where, perhaps more than on any other occasion in his life, he distinguished himself by his strict fidelity to principle and devotion to the Constitution and Union. And when treason assailed the flag he loved and honored, he was one of the very first of the party which adhered to the fortunes of Mr. Douglas to an- nounce his unflinching loyalty to the government and the integrity of the Union.

He served also quite often at State conventions, and held the office of postmaster at Whately from Franklin Pierce's time down to, and partly through, Abraham Lincoln's first terni.

He served Whately several years as town clerk and town assessor, and from 1858 to 1865 added to his other functions that of general and loeating agent for the Conway Fire In- surance Company. Mr. Allis took a prominent part in the war of the Rebellion by contributing liberally of his means and en- ergies toward supplying soldiers, and is gratefully and warmly remembered for his heroic devotion to the cause of the Union.

The story of the life of Josiah Allis is a lesson which may be profitably laid to the heart of every young man of the pres- ent day, since it teaches in eloquent language the value of a well-directed ambition, urged forward by inflexible purpose, persevering industry, and honorable impulses.

Sterling integrity was the ruling purpose of his life, which was a valuable and useful one, and when he laid it down he left to his children the noble heritage of a spotless name, to which they may ever point with pride.

DENNIS DICKINSON

is the oldest son of Daniel and Polly Dickinson, and was born in Whately, Franklin Co., Mass., May 25, 1814.

His father was born in Whately, Ang. 28, 1778, and died Nov. 4, 1830. ITe married, Nov. 9, 1813, Polly Scott, of Whately. She was born May 24, 1784, and died Sept. 7, 1859. They had a family of seven children, only three of whom are living at present. They are Dennis, Rufus, and Daniel. Those deceased were Electa, wife of Jerry Graves ; Elvira (who died in infancy); Elvira, wife of Elliott C. Allis ; and Esther, wife of Thos. L. Allis, of Conway.

Dennis Dickinson's educational advantages were few and such as were afforded by the common schools, and after he reached the age of nine years his attendance was confined to the winter terms, as his assistance was required at home dur- ing the remainder of the year. At his father's decease, which occurred when Dennis was sixteen years old, with his brother Rufus, he took charge of the farm. He remained in this partnership until 1843, when he bought the interests of the other heirs and commenced farming upon his own account. In 1846 he sold the farm, and for five years resided with his brother Rufus. At the expiration of that time he was married, June 8, 1851, to Elvira Graves. She was born in Whately. Nov. 3, 1812. They have no children living.

Mr. Dickinson soon after purchased the property known as the Dr. Bardwell place, where he has since resided.

Ile is known as a man of striet integrity and excellence, as is testified by the numerous offices of public trust to which he has been called. He has been postmaster in Whately for six years, assessor three years, selectman two years, and since 1873 has been a trustee of the Smith Charities. In 1876 he was elected clerk of the town, and still fills that office. He has been a director in the Franklin County Bank for fifteen years, and is a member of the present financial committee. In con- nection with his numerous other duties he has attended to the settlement of a great many estates, and has also appraised a great deal of property.

In politics Mr. Dickinson is a Democrat, and a firm sup- porter of the principles of his party. He also takes an active part in promoting the interests of the town in which he resides.

LEVERETT.

GEOGRAPHICAL.

LEVERETT, one of the mountainous towns of southeastern Franklin, is bounded north by Montague, south by Amherst and Shutesbury, east by Shutesbury, and west by Sunderland. The New London Northern Railroad traverses its western border, and Saw-mill River its northeastern section. The town covers an area of about 16,000 acres, more than one-half of which are unimproved, while woodland abounds in pro- fusion.

NATURAL FEATURES.

High hills are found in nearly every part of the town save on the west, where Long Plain, a narrow valley, diversifies the landscape. The only stream of importance in the town is Saw-mill River, in the northeast. Roaring Brook, in the southeast, supplies good water-power. Fish Pond, near Ley- erett village, is a small sheet of clear and deep water, and, as its name implies, is excellent fishing-ground. Pine and chest- nut grow in abundance on the hills, and also every variety of timber common to this region. Gravel and sandy loam are the general characteristics of the soil, while grazing-lands are

rich and abundant. The hills of Leverett afford charming scenery, and are themselves wildly rugged and picturesque.

Lead has been found in small quantities in the south part of the town, and some years ago it was mined by a company organized in New York ; but the enterprise failed to be remu- nerative, and has long since been abandoned. Near Long Plain is the White Roek quarry, from which is taken sulphate of baryta, used in the manufacture of white lead. The quarry is still worked, but not extensively.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Settlements were made as early as 1727 upon the tract now occupied by Leverett, when it was within the limits of the town of Sunderland. From that date to 1774 grants were made to Samuel Montague, Daniel Warner, Isaac Hubbard, Samuel Smith, Benjamin Graves, Joseph Field, Jonathan Field, Ebenezer Billings, Samuel Billings, Samuel Gunn, Daniel Russell, Isaac Graves, Benjamin Barrett, Jos. Clary, Nathaniel Dickinson. Joseph Dickinson, Nathaniel Gunn, Ebenezer Billings, Jr., Joseph Lord, William Scott, Daniel Hubbard, John Billings, Samuel Graves, Jr., Benj. Graves.

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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

Nathaniel Smith, Jonathan Bridgman, William Scott, Jr., James Bridgman, Samuel Gunn, John Gunn (2d), Samuel Smith (2d), Samuel Smith, Samuel Scott (2d), John Scott, Edward Elmer, William Rand, Israel Richardson, Daniel Hubbard, Fellows Billings, Eleazer Warner, Widow Deborah Gunn, Luke Smith, Richard Scott, Noah Graves, Simon Cooley, Samuel Blodgett, Elisha Clary, Samnel Clary, David Smith, Silas Graves, Richard Montague, Nathaniel Barstow, Nathan Adams, Seth Field, Jonathan Gilbert, Jas. Converse, Widow Root, Samuel Taylor, Samuel Harvey, Widow Bar- rett, Josiah Alvord, William Allis, Ebenezer Marsh, John Marsh, Benjamin Barrett, Zadock Sanborne, Benoni Diekin- son, Manoah Bodman, Abner Cooley, Wmn. Bowman, Solo- mon Gould, John Woodbury.

The first permanent settlement of the tract was probably made in 1750. Nathan Adams, Moses Graves, Solomon Gould, Elisha Clary, Joseph Clary, Joel Smith, Moses Smith, Jeremiah Woodbury, Joseph Hubbard, Isaac Marshall, Jona- than Ilubbard, Richard Montague, Barnard Wilde, and Ab- salom Scott took up their residence in that year. The ma- jority of them settled in the neighborhood of what is now Leverett village, although settlements were made at the same time in the north and east. Long Plain, about a mile south- west of Leverett village, was settled shortly after 1750, Josiah Cowles, Jonathan Field, Stephen Ashley, and others, being the pioneers of that section.

Among the residents of Leverett claiming descent from the early settlers of the town may be noted the Montagues, Graveses, Fields, Clarys, Diekinsons, Richardsons, Adamses, Gilberts, Goulds, Woodburys, Keetses, and Ashleys.

Early roads were laid out as follows : In 1774, one from the country road leading to Shutesbury, running west from Israel Hubbard's land, through the lowland across the river into land oeeupied by Isaac Marshall : one beginning at the road by the south end of the fish-pond, turning easterly into Nathan Adams' land, continuing in the old foot-path ; then easterly through Adams' grass-land; thence through Nie's land ; thence into Mr. Ilunt's land, and then to the country road near the Shutesbury line : one beginning at the south end of Clary's Hill, running south wardly by the river, and then by the swamp-bank some ways; then on the plain straight to the mill-dam ; thence over the river, turning northwesterly to a brook under Cave Hill; then around the south end of the hill, and thenee to Joseph Clary's house : one in the west part of the town, beginning at the country road at Silas Graves' house ; then around Graves' field west, thence south into the old riding road west of Ingram's pond, and then by marked trees to the three-square plain : one beginning at the north- west corner of Jeremiah Woodbury's lot on Cave Hill, run- ning south to the road coming from Clary's Mill. In 1778, one beginning at the northeast corner of Adam Negroe's land, running easterly into the county road, near Wm. Ilubbard's house : one from the road at Jonathan Hubbard's house north to the highway, and then to the meeting-house: one from David Boynton's house, by Elijah Cutter's house, into the mill-road : one from the county road at Barnard Wilde's house, east across the river; then south up the hill into Eleazer Packard's lot; then east to Joseph Abbott's house. Twenty pounds were raised in 1774, to be expended on high- ways that year. In 1775 it was resolved to expend no money on the highways that year. In 1778 the amount raised for work on roads was £150, and in 1780 it was £1000.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS.

In September, 1774, the town-meeting was held in Mr. Hubbard's barn. In that year Joseph Clary received 3s. for his services as town elerk, and Richard Montagne 9s. for his services at the Northampton Congress. In 1776 town-meet- ings were held in the new meeting-house. Before that they had been held at private houses. In 1778 the town let the

sugar-trees on the town lot to the highest bidder. In 1782 it was voted to approve the Confession Act for the collection of debts. In March, 1783, a bounty of 40s. was offered for each wolf's head delivered to the selectmen. At the same time the selectmen were instrueted to "approbate Dr. Ball to keep a publie-house until a legal license could be obtained."

The first pound was built in 1788, and located on the north side of the meeting-house. In 1789 it was decided to build a "stoeks." Leverett, in 1813, put up the keeping of nine paupers at auction. The town paid for their support from 50 to 80 cents each per week. Esther Gould was a pauper, and at one time the town consulted eminent counsel and made desperate efforts in a determination to get Esther " upon Snn- derland."

Moses Graves, who died in 1803, was one of the most promi- nent men in the town during his time. He served for twenty- eight successive years-from 1774 to 1802-either as select- man, treasurer, or assessor.

Mention is made in a record, dated 1774, of Joseph Clary's mill. If there were mills in Leverett at an earlier date, the records do not note the fact.

Lucius Field kept a tavern in Leverett before 1800, and it is likely that he was the first innkeeper. At present there is no hotel in the town.

Leverett afforded material assistance to the insurgents during Shays' rebellion, and furnished several volunteers.

Among the men of note whom Leverett has produced may be mentioned Gideon Lee, mayor of New York City in 1833, and a representative subsequently in Congress; Martin Field, an eminent Vermont lawyer, son of Seth Field ; Abiel Buck- man and Tilly Lynde, once members of the judiciary of the State of New York.

The oldest house in North Leverett was torn down in 1873. It was built in 1748, and was for many years the residence of Richard Montague, of Revolutionary fame, and one of Ethan Allen's command when that redoubtable chieftain took Fort Ticonderoga. The house was also much used in the early days as a place of worship by the Baptists, of whom Richard Montague was one. In opposing for himself and his fellow- religionists the payment of the ministers' rate, Montague is said to have excited by his warm demonstrations the respeet and fear of many a constable who sought in vain to make the Baptists pay the rate.

REVOLUTIONARY REMINISCENCES.

In September, 1774, the town voted to " lend our minds in writing to the Provincial Congress by a Committee." The committee was composed of Richard Montague, Jeremiah Woodbury, Moses Graves, Joseph Clary, and Stephen Ashley.

In January, 1775, it was voted "to adhere to the resolves of the Continental Congress." Minute-Men were allowed nine pence per half-day for training once a week. . Elisha Clary, Jonathan Field (2d), and Jonathan Field, Jr., were at this time appointed a committee of safety.

Aug. 20, 1776, the town resolved to obtain a stock of pow- der and lead, -a half-pound for each effective able-bodied man. A vote of Jan. 10, 1777, set forth,-" voted unani- mously that we risk our lives and fortunes in defense of our rights and liberties, wherewith God and nature hath made us free, and that we show our minds to the General Assembly of the State."

December, 1777, it was resolved to make provision for the Continental families, and, further, to disapprove of ealling in the State money ; to which end a committee was chosen to show the court the town's disapprobation of the same.

In 1778 the General Court was petitioned for some redress with regard to the Continental soldiers' families of the town. In 1779 the town raised £100 for their support. In De- cember, of that year, it was resolved to make an effort to procure clothing for soldiers. In December, 1780, it was

RES. OF W. B. STETSON, LEVERETT, MASS.

Photo. by Popkins.

Tom A Health

WILLIAM A. HATCH, son of Nathaniel and Melinda IIatch, was born in Springfield, Vt., Dec. 13, 1817. This family is of Scottish origin, and its various branches are the descendants of three brothers, who came to this country about the year 1667, one of whom became a sailor, another a farmer, and the third a merchant.

Nathaniel Hatch was a native of Massachusetts, and was born on the 11th of May, 1779. He was a blacksmith by trade, and when quite young lived in Westmoreland, N. H. From there he removed to Springfield, Vt., afterward to Wethersfield, Conn., and thence to Sunderland, Mass., in 1825 ; after which he resided for a short time in Vermont. Ile then settled in Leverett, Mass., where he spent the remainder of his life. He died on the 25th of September, 1848. In November, 1804, he married Melinda, daughter of Captain Elisha Mack, of Montague, Mass. They had a family of eight children, of whom William A. was the sixth.

When very young he commenced to work on the farm, and the amount of labor he was required to perform was increased each year. When twelve years old he was hired out to work by the month, and the only education he received was what he obtained by an irregular attendance of the very inferior common schools of that day.

When sixteen years of age he commenced work in a woolen factory in Wethersfield, and remained in that em- ployment, working a part of that time in a Springfield factory, until he reached his twenty-second year.

He then went to Leverett, Mass., and located on a farm, and also engaged in trade at North Leverett, in company with his brother Elisha, with whom he was associated until November, 1850. He then entered into partnership with C. M. Graves, of Leverett, in the manufacture of steel hoes, which they carried on successfully for about four years.

In 1854, Mr. Hatch and Mr. Graves went to North- ampton to take charge of the agricultural implement depart- ment of the Bay State Tool Co.'s Works. After remaining in that position three years, Mr. Hatch, wishing to see something of the Western country, removed to Iowa City, Iowa. Soon after his arrival there he engaged ou his own account in the commission business, and later in company with his brother Elisha. After remaining two years in Iowa he removed, in April, 1859, to Columbus, Ohio, and there obtained the position in the penitentiary of foreman in the department for the manufacture of agricultural im- plements. He discharged the duties pertaining thereto in a most satisfactory manner, and after remaining in that position abont twelve years he became desirous of a change of occupation, and in September, 1871, he returned to Massachusetts and located in Leverett, where he has since resided, engaged in agriculture and in the manufacture of wood chair bottoms.

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History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. II, Part 57

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