USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > History of the county of Berkshire, Massachusetts, in two parts > Part 20
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He had stated seasons for private communion with God. In the morning, after dressing and washing, he used to go to his closet almost as steadily as the sun arose. His season for private devotion in the evening, was a little after eight, when he used to retire, even if company were at his house, though he did it in such a manner that the reason of his withdrawing was not per- ceived by strangers.
In keeping the sabbath he was very strict. Having all his concerns previously adjusted, that his mind might not be disturbed on this sacred day, he was wont when the sun went down on Saturday, to give himself to prayer for the blessing of God upon his own soul, upon his church and people, and upon the world. The day, except so far it was taken up in family and public devo- tions, was spent in reading, meditation, and secret com- munion with God.
Though Dr. West read the Scriptures much, proba- bly from early life, he gave them a more thorough ex- amination after his conversion. Now in the prime of life, all the powers of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and of a renewed heart, were brought to an investiga- tion of the truth as it lies on the inspired pages. The practice of giving expository lectures on the sabbath, the superintendeuce of a theological class of young men, and another of young women, together with the instruc- tion of students in divinity, living in his family and per- mitted to ask him questions at any time on subjects of doctrine and practice, conspired also to make him thus earnestly and habitually attentive to the sacred volume. Hence he became mighty in the Scriptures; and was able beyond almost any other man to unfold the mean- ing of the Holy Ghost. For many of the last years of his life, he read the Bible more than all other books united. These he read in course in private, as well as in the family.
The traits and habits which I have now mentioned, gave a heavenly cast to his conversation and con- duct in his family, and to his visits among his friends and among his people. The things of this world were little regarded, and a savour of divine goodness and wis- dom continually attended him,
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It is hardly possible that the preaching of such a man should not have been excellent. This excellence, how- ever, did not consist so much in the graces of style, as in lucid and forcible exhibitions of truth, applied to the conscience and heart. He was logical generally, ra- ther than rhetorical ; though sometimes in his exposi- tory and extemporaneous performances, when warmed with the subject, he became highly eloquent.
As an instructor in theology, his attention was con- fined pretty much to what is deemed Didactic Theolo- gy. A system of questions was given out on the great doctrines and duties of religion ; on which the students read, reflected, and wrote. On their compositions, when read before him, he remarked, pointing out their excel- lences and defects. He said comparatively little to them concerning biblical criticism, philology, and some other subjects, which are important to theological stu- dents, especially at the present day. His great object was to make them thoroughly acquainted with the sys- tem of doctrines revealed in the Bible ; an object which his own preaching and conversation contributed not a little to promote. Many of them have been distinguish- ed in the churches ; among whom may be mentioned the late Dr. Spring of Newburyport, and the late Dr. Catlin of New Marlborough.
As a writer, Dr. West ranks high among the writers of his day. His Essay on Moral Agency, first pub- lished in 1772, and republished with an Appendix in 1794, is a proof of very respectable talents and diligent research, and sufficient alone to establish his reputation as a metaphysician. His treatise on the Atonement, published in 1785, which has also passed through a se- cond edition, has been highly approved by the most competent judges. Besides these larger works, he pub- lished in 1779, a sernion on the duty and obligation of christians to marry only in the Lord ; in 1780, a vindi- cation of the principles and conduct of the church in Stockbridge, in excluding from their communion one of their members for marrying a person immoral and pro- fane ; about 1785 or 90, a sermon on the impotency of sinners ; a sermon preached in Lenox, Dec. 6, 1787, at the execution of John Bly and Charles Rose for burglary ; a sermon preached at Windsor at the ordina-
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tion of the Rev. Gordon Dorrance, July 1, 1795 ; an inquiry into the ground and import of infant baptism, published about 1795 ; two sermons in a volume col- lected, published in 1797; a dissertation on infant bap- tism, in reply to the Rev. Cyprian Strong's second in- quiry on that subject, published in 1798 ; a fast sermon, preached April 9, 1801 ; a sermon preached in New Hartford, Con., at the ordination of the Rev. Amasa Jerome, Aug. 18, 1302 ; a sermon preached in Stock- bridge, on the duty of praying for ministers, Dec. 12, 1802; Sketches of the Life of the Rev. Samuel Hop- kins, D. D., published in 1805; a sermon preached at the ordination of the Rev. Elijah ,Wheeler, in Great Barrington, Sept. 24, 1806 ; a sermon preached in Dal- ton, March 4, 1808, at the funeral of the Hon. William Williams ; three sermons on the Mosaic account of the creation, published in 1809 ; a sermon preached at the ordination of his colleague, Rev. Ephraim G. Swift, Sept. 26, 1810 ; and an essay on the evidence of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, composed when he was 80 years of age, published in 1816. He was also the author of many essays in the 'Theological Magazine, published in New York; and in the Connecticut Evan- gelical Magazine, published in Hartford. His writings are honorable to his understanding and heart, and have been well received by the friends of the doctrines of grace.
But the greatest excellence of Dr. West yet remains to be noticed : he was wise to win souls to Christ. His preaching, soon after his conversion, was with power. A revival occurred in the year 1773. The members of the church were improved in wisdom and grace, and some from the world were converted.
In 1782, there was a greater number of converts in a revival which then existed; though the solemnity was not so general in the congregation.
I. 1790, 91 and 2, in a protracted revival, in which not more than seven or eight were the subjects of spo- cial impression at once, there were a still greater num- ber of converts.
In 1799 some conversions occurred.
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By the first of these revivals 16, by the second 24, by the third 46, and by the fourth 20 persons were brought into the communion of the church.
But the most extensive and powerful revival which occurred in Dr. West's day, was in 1813, during the period in which he had the assistance of a colleague. There had been more than ordinary attention to the con- cerns of religion for two or three years previous, and some conversions. On the first sabbath in January, 13 made a profession of Christianity ; the sight of whom, thus solemnly giving themselves to God, greatly affect- ed the minds of others. Many were soon convicted, and some rejoiced in hope. During the revival, more than one hundred were considered as born into the kingdom of God; 67 of whom made a profession on the last sabbath in June, 14 others made a profession in the course of that year, and some afterwards.
Besides these seasons of refreshing from the pre- sence of the Lord, individuals from time to time expe- rienced divine grace.
During his whole ministry, 384 persons were admit- ted to the church from the world, (22 of whom were In- dians,) and 120 by recommendation from other church- es ; 504 in all. Nine hundred were baptized, 115 adults and 785 infants ; of whom 62 were Indians, 13 adults and 49 infants.
It was impossible that such a man should not have been considerably known. Peculiar circumstances also served to elicit and display his talents and graces. Set- tling in Stockbridge while some of the southern, most of the middle, and all the northern parts of Berkshire were a wilderness, he had an extended opportunity for influencing the views, and shaping the habits of the new settlers, who flocked into the County in the early part of his ministry from every quarter. He assisted in the formation of many of the churches, and had an important agency in introducing the orthodox confessions of faith with which these churches are now blessed. He helped to ordain the pastors of these churches, many of whom had been his pupils. He was often called upon in councils for settling difficulties, and was for many years standing moderator of the Berkshire Association. In all his services he displayed ability, acquitted himself
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with honour, and enjoyed pre-eminently the estcem and confidence of' bis brethren and of the community.
Among his more particular friends and correspond- ents were Dr. Bellamy, Dr. Hopkins, Dr. Edwards, and the Rev. John Ryland, of Bristol, in England.
On the 25th of January, 1919, Dea. Stephen James and 18 others were dismissed from this church, with a view of being formed into a new church at Brownhelm; in the State of Ohio, walther a number of families had moved from this place and formed a settlement.
On the 25th of Augas. in the same year, the Rev. David D. Field was installed over this people as pastor. The Lord visited the congregation in great mercy, in 1821, and again in the beginning of 1827. By the for- mer revival 91 were received into the church as fruits, and by the latter 55. The whole number admitted by the present pastor is 186. The number of members at the commencement of the present year was 219.
The following persons have been deacons in the church, viz. Timothy Woodbridge, Peter Pauquaunau- peet, Samuel Brown, Elnathan Curtis, Stephen Nash, Elisha Bradley, Timothy Edwards, Erastus Sergeant, Eben. Plumb, Eben. Cook, Stephen James, Jona. In- gersoll, John Whiton, Alfred Perry, and Josiah Jones.
The erection of the first meeting-house has been al- ready mentioned. A larger house, to accommodate the increasing population, was built iths of a mile north, in 1784, and dedicated in November of that year.
The discovery of Indian bones when the foundation of this house was prepared, gives some confirmation to the opinion that the Indian battle, described on page 15th of this work, was fought near this spot. In the close of 1823, a third house was proposed to be built, and it was determined by the society to place it on the level and beautiful ground by the grave-yard, near the site of the first house.' This was built of brick, 70 feet by 50, in 1824, and dedicated on the 20th of Jan. 1825. The location was dissatisfactory to a portion of the peo- ple, and about a fourth part of the society withdrew, and set up a separate meeting ; and on the 22d cf Dc- ccwber, 1824, a new church, styled the North Con- gregational church of Stockbridge, was organized, con- sisting of 63 members, taken from the original church.
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The Rev. Nathan Shaw, who had been settled in West Stockbridge, was installed their pastor, January 10, 1827, and has admitted 27 to the communion. The number of members on the 1st of Jan. last was 84. Da- biel Fairchild and David Curtis are deacons in this church. The society built a brick meeting-house in 1826, 61 feet by 40, which was dedicated when the pas- tor was installed.
The great body of the people have ever been Con- gregationalists ; though there are some Episcopal, some Baptist and Methodist families, who go out of town for their own worship.
The town was generally settled by the English, who bought out the Indian rights one after another, before the Indians emigrated to Oneida. Families by the nanie of Ball, Hamilton, Cadwell, and Lynch, were in the west part of the town; of Curtis and Churchell in the north part, and of Bradley 'and Williams in the East street, at an early period ; together with other families which have now no descendants remaining in the place, of their names.
For nearly half a century, the population has been about 1350. It may now be 1500. For 19 years from the 1st of January last, the deaths were 399, averaging 21 in a year.
There is but one cemetery now used. This is oppo- site the south meeting-house ; and is interesting on ac- count of the numerous white marble monuments of dif- ferent forms placed in it; and more so, on account of the pious and venerable dead, who are there resting in hope. The Indians buried in the south-west corner of this yard, and on a sandy knoll about 30 rods west.
By the separation of West Stockbridge in 1774, the breadth of the town was reduced to 3} miles and its contents to 13,440 acres. By the annexation of a small tract to that town from the north-west corner the present year, the breadth is further reduced for a short distance. The number of acres now is 12,510. With that town on the west, this place is bounded by Richmond and Lenox on the north, by Lenox and Lee on the east, and Great Barrington on the south.
Stockbridge mountain, along the west border of the towa, je in some places of steep, and in others of gentle arrlivity. It is broken down in two or three instances so
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as to admit of favorable passages for roads, particularly where the Housatonic turnpike is laid.
At the south is Monument mountain. Rumors are now abroad, that in the region of this mountain a coal mine [anthracite] exists. Some small specimens have been found; and it is hoped that search will continue to be made until it is ascertained whether there is a bed of any importance.
In the south-east corner the Beartown mountains rise. On the height of the north-west spur of these mountains is a very narrow and deep ravine, perhaps a quarter of a mile long, where the rocks of every size and form are thrown together in the wildest confusion. This is call- ed the " Ice Hole," from the fact that ice remains in this chaos through the year.
On the east side of the town, and wholly within its limits, is Rattlesnake mountain, about two miles in length, and capable of cultivation in most places to near- ly its summit. This is one of the very few single moun- tain elevations in New England.
The Housatonic enters the town from Lee, along the northern base of the Beartown mountains, and takes first a western, then a northern, then again a western, and then a southern direction, passing round Monument mountain into Great Barrington. Its windings are ma- ny, and extensive meadows lie on its borders.
This receives Konkapot brook, a sluggish stream, from the south, and Barnum's brook, Great-pond brook, and Mohawk brook, from the nortli.
Barnum's brook flows from a pond and marsh to the south of Rattlesnake mountain. On this a small corn mill was built soon after the town was settled. It now supplies a tobacco factory, an oil-mill and saw-mill.
The corn mill just mentioned, being insufficient for the inhabitants, another was soon erected on the Hou- satonic, back from the dwelling-house of Mr. Flavius Pease. Though this mill-site has long been unoccu- pied, it is said that the water might be taken out there in a canal, and conveyed along the southern side of the village, and machinery established to a great extent.
A grist and saw-mill were built on the Housatonic at " Mill Hollow," a little more than a mile west of the vil- lage, about 1781 ; where the water privileges are very great. Buildings, erected for a woollen factory in 1813 or
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14; have recently been purchased by Lester, Avery & Co. who are repairing them, with a view to a cotton fac- tory ; for which 16 carding machines, 944 spindles and 28 power looms are now preparing. Here are also a grist-mill and a saw-mill. Between this spot and Great Barrington line, are also important water privile- ges ; near which a road has just been opened.
Half a mile up the stream, a cotton factory, now be- longing to the same firm, was established in 1815, and repaired in 1825. This is supplied with water from a side dam, and has 17 carding machines, 976 spindles, and 24 power looms, and employs 42 hands, who manufacture cotton sheeting, yard wide, No. 16, at the rate of 150,000 yards annually.
Great pond lies in the north part of the town, in the hollow between Rattlesnake and Stockbridge moun- tains. It is about a mile in length, and from half a mile to a mile in breadth. Besides being fed by subjacent springs, it receives two or three brooks, which are suffi- cient to work saw-mills a part of the year : on which are two in this place. On the outlet, which runs about two miles, are valuable mill-sites. A grist-mill was erected upon it about 1782. There are now a grist-mill and saw- mill, a distillery, built in 1812; Curtis & Bacon's woollen factory, built in 1813, employing 18 hands, and manu- facturing 40,000 yards of flannel in a year ; a clothier's works ; Olmsted & Sage's woollen factory, employing about 16 hands, and manufacturing annually about 14,000 yards of satinet; Churchell & Co.'s clair fac- tory, built in 1822, (burnt in July, 1827, and immedi- ately rebuilt,) employing 30 hands, and making about 8,000 chairs a year ; and a trip-hammer shop, built in 1807; all which, excepting the shop, are within half a mile of each other, and within a mile of the pond. The outlet, on its way to the shop, receives the waters of Cur- tis pond, a small pond to the west.
Mohawk pond is in an opening in Stockbridge moun- tain to the south, the outlet of which turns a saw-mill.
With the exception of the rough lands on the moun- tains, (which by the way afford considerable wood and timber, ) the soil is very good, and generally; easy of cul- tivation, adapted to all the varieties of crops raised in this region. The meadows on the Housatonic, the lands on the "Hill," and to the south-east of Rattlesnake
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mountain, and some tracts in the north part of the town, are remarkably excellent. Fine crops of winter, as well as summer wheat, are sometimes raised.
Clay is found in various places in sufficient quantities for making brick. Limestone and marble exist. The former is occasionally burnt in several kilns. The mar- ble beds can hardly be said to be opened.
The scenery of the town has been much admired by strangers. The country opens delightfully as it is ap- proached on the Great Barrington road, along the side of Monument mountain. The view of the town, as it- is approached on the West Stockbridge road, and from various other points, is interesting. But the finest view is from the " Hill." Here you have the village directly under the eye, and the meanders and meadows of the Housatonic, while the Beartown, Monument, and Stock- bridge mountains rise at a little distance.
The village is beautifully situated on the Plain, a tract of level land, between the " Hill " and the Housatonic, moderately elevated above the river. Here are a meeting- house, academy, the Housatonic bank, a tavern, post-of- fice, 4 merchant stores, various mechanic shops, and 45 houses, inhabited by 55 families. Most of the build- ings are on a single street running east and west, broad, and lined on each side with trees. Many of the houses are handsomely painted and prettily enclosed. The bank was incorporated in 1825, and has a capital of $100,000. A printing office was opened in 1788, which issued a weekly paper until 1828; when the pa- per was removed to Lenox. The great road from Bos- ton to Albany by Springfield, passes directly through the village, crossed by the principal north and south county road. By stages and otherways, intercourse is - perpetually kept up with different parts of the country.
There are in the town G merchant stores, 20% dwell- ing-houses and 239 families.
A good degree of attention has been paid to educa- tion, and a considerable number have gone into the learned professions. Besides the academy just men- tioned, there is in the village a select female school, and the private school of the Rev. Noah Sheldon. Towards. supporting 7 district schools, 2 of which are in the vil- Jage, the town annually raises about $600.
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A public library which had existed several years, Was sold in 1822. A juvenile library was formed in 1826, and contains about 160 volumes. A library established in the north part of the town in 1814, has 137.
Several individuals distinguished in civil life and in the professions of physic and law, must be briefly noticed.
Timothy Woodbridge, the Indian school-master, and for a long time agent and superintendent of Indian af- fairs, was a man of superior abilities and acquisitions. He was the first deacon in the church, and the first ma- gistrate in the town ; he was also, according to tradition; a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Hampshire. county, before this County was formed, and afterwards he was a judge of this court in Berkshire. Near the time of his death, he was appointed a member of the Gover- nor's council by mandamus from the king ; but did not ac- cept the appointment. He died May 11, 1774, aged 65 .. His son Enoch, a lawyer in Vermont, was first an asso- ciate and then chief judge of the Supreme Court in that State.
Col. Ephraim Williams was a man of great respeeta- bility ; and served some time as a judge of the Common Pleas in Hampshire county. He died at Deerfield ; but at what time is not known. He was twice married. By his first wife he had two children, Ephraim and Thomas; and by his second seven, viz. Abigail, Josiah, Lizza, Ju- dith, Elizabeth, Elijah, and Enoch. Ephraim was the founder of Williams College, Thomas was a distinguish- ed physician in Deerfield, Abigail was first the wife of the Rev. John Sergeant, and after his death, of Gen. Joseph Dwight ; Elizabeth was the first wife of Dr. West, Judith was the wife of the Rev. Enoch Thair of Ware, and Elijah was the late Col. Williams, for many years sheriff of the County.
Jahleel Woodbridge, only son of Joseph Woodbridge, graduate of Princeton College 1761, besides discharg- ing the duties of many town offices, was repeatedly a member of the Legislature in both branches, associate and presiding judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and judge of probate. He died Aug. 13, 1796, aged 59, having been esteemed for his good sense, integrity and piety.
Timothy Edwards, eldest son of Pres. Edwards, graduate of Princeton College 1757, and for some time
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a merchant in Elizabethtown N. J., came here about 1770, and opened the first store in 1772. From 1775 until 1780, a period of great difficulty, he was a mem -. ber of the State Council ; and afterwards judge of Pro- bate. In 1779 he was appointed a member of Con- gress. This appointment he declined. He was a man of extensive information ; a venerated member and of- ficer of the church. He died in Oct.1813, at the age of 75.
John Bacon, native of Canterbury, Con. graduate of Princeton College 1765, having preached some time to two vacant churches in Somerset Co., Md., was settled over the old South Church in Boston from Sept. 25, 1771 until 1775. Soon after, he came to this town, and en- tered upon civil life, though he occasionally preached ; became a justice of the peace, a representative to the legislature, associate and presiding judge of the Com- mon Pleas, a member and president of the State Senate, and a member of Congress. He had a strong mind, was fond of debate, and tenacious of his opinions ; but deci- ded in prosecuting what he deemed his duty. He died Oct. 25, 1520, aged 82.
Henry Williams Dwight, son of Gen. J. Dwight, a ma- gistrate in the town, and for 22 years clerk of the Judicial Courts in the county, was a man of good sense, amiable in his temper, and regular in his morals. Notwithstanding these things, however, he was led to depend on the grace of God alone for salvation. He died upon his birth- day, Sept. 15, 1804, aged 47.
Erastus Sergeant, studied physic with his uncle Will- iams at Deerfield, and commenced practice in 1768. He was extensively employed and very highly esteem- ed; a beloved physician, endowed with sound judgment, skill in his profession, and an eminent share of the chris- tian graces. More than 20 young men were fitted for practice under his instructions. He was also a deacon in the church, and a magistrate in the town. He died suddenly, Nov. 14, 1814, aged 72.
Oliver Partridge, Richard Tidmaslı [an Englishman, ] Horatio Jones, Royal Fowler and Alfred Parry, have al- so been physicians in the town. Dr. Tidmash removed to Philadelphia. Dr. Jones died greatly lamented, April 26, 1813, aged 42. A little time before he had hopefully become a subject of grace. The other three persons named are now in practice.
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HISTORY OF DERKSHIRE.
The following is a list of the lawyers, viz. Tho. Will- iams, Then. Sedgwick, Eph. Williams, Barnabas Bid- well, Joseph Woodbridge, Tho. Williams (son of prece- ding) John Hunt, Henry D. Sedgwick, Saml. Jones, Aug. Sherrell, Jas. Pepoon, Henry W. Dwight, Chas. Sedg- wick, Geo. Whitney, Lawson D. Bidwell, Horatio By- ington, and Theo. S. Pomeroy.
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