USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > History of the county of Berkshire, Massachusetts, in two parts > Part 23
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Physicians of New Marlborough. 1 Elihu Wright.
Ebenezer Parish.
Ephraim Guiteau ; removed to Norfolk, Con. David Church ; removed to New Orleans, Lou. Benjamin Smith ; still living.
Elijah Catlin ; died June 5, 1823, aged 61,
207
NEW MARLBOROUGH.
Reuben Buckman ; still living.
Gilbert Smith ; died about 1804.
Ira Smith ; removed to Auburn, N. Y.
Edmund C. Peet ; died May 6, 1823, aged 44. Remus M. Fowler ; removed to Washington, Con. John Scovill ; still living.
Aretas Risiug ; "
Magistrates.
Jabez Ward; died Aug. 29, 1787, aged 60.
Jabez Ward ; " Aug. 17, 1786, aged 52.
Obadiah Ward; moved away.
Daniel Taylor ; died July 6, 1814.
Ebenezer Smith; died Sept. 8, 1816, aged 71.
Benjamin Wheeler ; still living.
Joseph Fitch ;
Jason Warner ;
‹6
Edward Stevens ; 66
Isaac Turner ; 66
Benjamin Sheldon ;
Warren Wheeler ; 66
Levi L. Smith ; 66
A HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF SANDISFIELD.
BY REV. LEVI WHITE.
THIS town now includes the original township of San- disfield and the tract formerly called the South Eleven Thousand Acres. This tract was incorporated as a dis- trict in 1797, and annexed to Sandisfield in 1819. The town is situated in the south-east corner of Berkshire County, and is in extent six miles from east to west, and about nine miles from north to south. It is longer, however, on the east than on the west line. It is bound- ed on the south by Connecticut line, which separates it from Colebrook and Norfolk ; on the west by New Marlborough, and for a small distance, by Tyringham ; . on the north by Tyringham and Otis; and on the east by Otis and Tolland. It contains about 34,560 acres.
The surface of the town is hilly in general ; the hills are to a considerable height, but not abrupt, rising into large swells. In the south-east section of the town, how- ever, a considerable mountain rises on the western bank of Farmington river, known by the name of Hang- ing mountain. Its highest point of elevation is 450 feet above the bank, and presents to the south-east a mural perpendicular front, more than 300 feet high. Large pieces of rocks, dislocated by the frost, or other causes, often fall from the jutting side with tremendous force.
Farmington river runs near the east line of the town through the whole extent, and affords many mill-seats and water privileges. And there are other small streams intersecting the town, upon which are mills and other ma- chinery. In the north part of the town, at the outlet of
299
SANDISFIELD.
Spectacle pond, the water privileges are excellent. But as the site is remote from any good road, but little use com- paratively, is made of the water at present. There are two other ponds in the town, but small in extent. There are abundance of springs, and the town generally is sup- plied with excellent warer.
The soil is various, but generally of a good quality. It consists of a moist loam ; stony in many places, and principally adapted to grazing. Some parts of the town, however, are suited to the cultivation of different kinds of grain. Formerly the raising of live stock of various kinds was the principal object of farmers : but for a number of years past, the dairy has been pursued with success, and carried on extensively.
This town was originally Indian hunting ground. In clearing a piece of ground, a few years since, a large number of heads of arrows, formed of stone, was found safely deposited between two rocks; probably placed there ages ago. So far as appears, the town was never an Indian settlement.
This town, in connection with Tyringham, New Marl- borough, and Becket, was granted to a company who petitioned for the same in 1735. It was called No. 3. The proprietors generally lived in the county of Worces- ter. The charter of the town was granted in 1736; and the year following the proprietors held their first meeting for the purpose of choosing a committee to sur- vey and divide the town into lots. Many meetings were held in successive years.
The town was designed at first to have been six miles square ; but an addition was made to the south end of it, in consideration of ponds : and then there was left to the south and south-east. the South Eleven Thousand Acres abovementioned.
No family moved into the town until 1:50. Thomas Brown was the first. Soon after, his father, Daniel Brown, Esq., moved in with his numerous family. He owned a large share of the town ; and in transacting its concerns, was the principal man. He was born near Boston, though he had lived for some time in Eufield, Con. The settlement of the town advanced rapidly. A large number of families came in from Wethersfield, Con., and the adjoining towns ; also a considerable
1
300
HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE.
number from the towns below Plymouth, on Cape Cod. This town was incorporated in 1762.
The first white child born in the town, was Lot Smith. He was born on the 7th of Aug. 1757, and was thus called, because the proprietors, meeting on that day, talked of giving him a lot of land. Of this they failed, but his mother insisted upon his being called Lot. On the 13th of the same month, Mr. Sanford Brown was born, who is still living.
The General Court, in their original grant, manifest- ed a regard for public worship, and made it a condition of the grant, that the proprietors should locate 300 acres, to be given to the first settled minister, and the same to the second. Afterwards, in 1766, the proprie- tors gave a lot of one hundred acres for the use of the successive ministers of the first parish. The town en- joyed a preached gospel within five or six years of the first settlement. The first meeting-house was erected about 1757, but was not finished till 1761. This re- mained till the second was built, which was in 1796. Its site is very nearly in the centre of the town, and the house is literally built upon a rock.
The Congregational church was formed in 1756. It consisted of seven male members : how many female, is unknown.
Three pastors have been settled over this church : the Rev. Cornelius Jones, Eleazer Storrs, and Levi White. As Mr. Jones was in a few years dismissed, little is known respecting the state of the church under his ministry. Under the ministry of Mr. Storrs, there were considerable numbers added to the church, though the precise number cannot be ascertained. In 1998, when the present pastor was ordained, the church con- sisted of about 70 members. There were about 25 ac- tive male members. Since that time, 307 have been admired to the church. Many in the course of this time have died, and very many have moved to the new settlements.
The present number of members in the church is lit- tle rising of 200.
Mr. Jones was born in Bellingham, and graduated at Harvard College in 1752. He was ordained at the time the church was organized ; and for want of a more con-
301
SANDISFIELD.
venient place, was ordained in a barn. The first Pre- sident Edwards, then settled over the Stockbridge In- dians, was moderator of the council, preached the ordi- nation sermon, was active in forming the church, and drew up the articles of faith and covenant, which are substantially the same at the present time. In conse- quence of difficulties. Mr. Jones was dismissed in 1761. The year after, he purchased 10,000 acres of wild land, which constitutes the principal part of the present town of Rowe. He removed to the place in 1764 or 5, aud became a wealthy farmer, but preached occasionally. About 1779 or 80, having disposed of all his lands, he removed to Skenesborough, now Whitehall, in the State of New York, where he died at an advanced age, hav- ing sustained the reputation of a pious, good man. He preached occasionally until his death, though he never settled in the ministry after leaving Sandisfeld. He was a zealous whig, and in the capacity of a military officer, commanded the militia of Rowe at the capture of Burgoyne. One of his sons was killed in a skir- mish with the Indians near Saratoga.
Mr. Storrs, the second minister, was a native of Mansfield, Con. He was graduated at Yale College in 1762. He was ordained pastor of this church and peo- ple, Feb. 26, 1766. He was a popular preacher, and retained the affections of his people until the unhappy Shays insurrection. At that time, from his measures in favour of government, a considerable number were offended, and left his ministry. He, however, conti- nued his pastoral relation till, in consequence of ill health, he was dismissed, April 26, 1797. He conti- nued in feeble health a number of years, and died Dec. 24,1810, aged 72.
Mr. White succeeded him, June 28, 1798, and is the present pastor. He is a native of Randolph, in this State, and is connected by consanguinity to Peregrine White, who is said to have been the first child of Eng- lish descent born in New England. His collegiate edu- cation was received at Dartmouth College, where he was graduated in 1996.
There have been a number of seasons of special re- ligious attention in this town. Under the ministry of
26
302
HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE.
Mr. Storrs, there were two or three partial revivals of religion, and some as fruits were added to the church,
In 1799, soon after the settlement of the present pas- tor, there was a revival of considerable extent. Thirty were added to the Congregational church, and a number to the Baptist. More than usual seriousness also pre- vailed in 1803. After this, for a number of years, there was but little special attention to religion, and the friends of Zion mourned.
In 1815, at the monthly concert in September, was a scene of solemnity long to be remembered, and such as never was witnessed before in this place. From this time, an unusual religious inquiry and solemnity rapidly extended into almost all sections of the town. This re- vival continued with little abatement for six months. About 200 indulged a hope of an interest in the Saviour. In less than a year, 140 were admitted to the Congre- gational church, and a considerable number to the · Baptist.
In 1821, there was a partial revival of religion, and 22 were added to the church. Also in 1827 there was a religious excitement of considerable extent. To the Congregational church 40 were admitted as the fruits of it.
There are two Baptist churches in Sandisfield, though the meeting-house of the Second Church is in the south-west corner of Otis.
The first was organized Aug. 21, 1779. The society with which this is connected, was incorporated Feb. 25, 1794, by the Legislature of the State ; and Baptists from Sandisfield, Tyringham and New Marlborough were permitted to unite with it. They meet for worship in the north-west part of the town, where they erected their present meeting-house in 1802.
On the 2d of Oct. 1779, Elder Joshua Morse, who was present at its organization, was constituted pastor of this church. He had been previously ordained, in May, 1750, at New London, Con. His connection with it was dissolved by death, July 26, 1796, in the 70th year of his age. The church gradually increased during his ministry. Those admitted to the church du- ring his ministry, taken in connection with those admit- fed at its organization, were 101.
303
SANDISFIELD,
In 1798, Mr. Jesse Hartwell, from Ashfield, improved with the church, and on the 9th of January, 1800, was ordained an Evangelist ; but preached generally to this people. In May, 1827, he was dismissed from the church, and soon after removed to Perry, Geauga Co., Ohio.
This church enjoyed revivals in 1798 or 9, 1806, 1815, and in the spring of 1818, to some of which, allu- sions have been already made. By the first, 74, by the second, 18, by the third, 27, and by the fourth, 14, were brought into the communion. In the spring of 1827, there was some special attention, but few admis- sions.
Besides the admissions already adverted to, indivi- duals have been admitted at other times; so that the whole number admitted from the beginning is 270. The present number of communicants is 54.
The second Baptist church, consisting of 19 members, was constituted April 25, 1788. Gradually increasing, the church called Mr. Benjamin Baldwin, a native of Otis, to be their minister, who was ordained June 9, 1790. He died July 24, 1810, aged 52. Having been useful in life, he was greatly lamented. During his mi- nistry there were several revivals, and about 211 added to the church.
Mr. Israel Keach, a native of Hoosic, N. Y., succes sor to Elder Baldwin, was ordained June 18, 1817: and dismissed Feb. 23, 1824. A revival occurred du- ring his ministry, and 47 were added to the church.
Since his dismission, though destitute of a pastor, the church has been favored with a revival, and 35 have ·been added to their number.
The whole number belonging to the church from the begnning, is about 288. It has ever enjoyed a good degree of harmony. The present number of members is 124.
There are in Sandisfield, 230 dwelling-houses, 5 stores, 2 post-offices, 3 taverns, 2 grist-mills, 8 saw-mills, 2 oil-mills, and 6 tanneries, some of them extensive.
There are 13 district schools in town, and the town appropriates $600 annually for the support of school- ing ; a considerable sum is raised by the districts,
304
HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE.
Two public libraries have been established in town; one in the centre containing about 350 volumes, and one at New Boston containing nearly as many. They have been of about 20 years standing.
The annual expense of supporting the poor of the ' town is about $500; and the selectmen have the over- sight of them.
Physicians in Sandisfield.
Amos Smith, -- Holden, - Cowder, Samuel Carrington, - Buckman, -- Morrison, Robert King, Erastus Beach, Ebenezer Balch.
Lawyers.
Ephraim A. Judson, David B. Curtis, and Thomas Twining.
Mr. Judson was the only son of the Rev. Mr. Judson, of Sheffield. He was graduated at Williams College in 1797. and admitted to the Berkshire bar about 1800. He died March 6, 1807, aged 31.
Mr. Curtis was a native of Granville, was graduated at Williams College in 1801, and admitted to the bar in 1906. He died at Black Rock, N. Y., during the late war.
305
A HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF BECKET.
RY REV. JOSEPH L. MILLS.
-
THIS town lies upon the Green Mountain range, and is bounded by Washington on the north, by Middlefield and Chester on the east, by Otis on the south, and by Tyringham and Lee on the west. It was granted toJo- seph Brigham and 59 others in 1735 ; and a few indi- viduals came into the town with a view of settling in it, as early as 1740 ; but through fear of the Indians they returned home, not, however, until they had erected a saw mill in the east part of the town, for which they were rewarded by the other proprietors. The first per- manent settlement was made in 1755, by persons who emigrated principally from the eastern part of Connec- ticut. The first settlers were of the name of Birchard, Goss, King, Kingsley, Messenger. Wadsworth, Wait, and Walker. All these names, with the exception of Goss, now remain in town. The descendants of the Wads- worth family are numerous. Jabez Wadsworth, the first native of the town, was born in December of the year in which the settlement began ; who, after sustain- ing a respectable and christian character, died in April, 1826.
The town was incorporated by its present name, June 21, 1765, and the first town meeting was held on the 15th of the succeeding month ; at which time Nathariel Kingsley was chosen moderator ard clerk ; Nathaniel Kingsley. James Birchard ard Eldad Taylor were cho- sen selectmen, James Birchard treasurer, and Jonathan
26* .
.
306
HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE.
Walker constable. Of these persons, Mr. Birchard was the last survivor. After a long and useful life, he died, in the consolation of that religion which he had many years professed, July 27, 1828, aged about 90.
It was originally intended that the town should be of the contents of six miles square ; but owing to the ponds. included in it, (it is understood, ) it was laid out a little larger. The chartered limits were 8 miles by 4 and 210 rods. But various alterations have taken place since the charter was given, and the lines of the town are now very irregular. In 1783, that part of the town which lay north-east of the west branch of Agawam or Westfield river, was united with certain other tracts, and formed into the present town of Middlefield. In 1798, a traet lying between this town and Blanford, and that part of Otis which was then called Loudon, was annexed to the town on the south. In 1810, another smaller tract was annexed to the town from that part of Otis which was formerly called Bethlehem. By these alterations, the town has gained somewhat more than it has lost, and the contents are now about 26,000 acres.
The surface is hilly, broken and rocky. Stones of almost every species exist, but the granite provails, fre- quently impregnated with iron and sulphur. It is uni- formly found not far from the surface, and in many pla- ces rises above it, in huge masses, andjin " unblushing nakedness."
The soil is hard and cold ; very little clay or sand is found. The natural growth of timber is that which is common in the vicinity, excepting walnut, chesnut, and white oak. Attempts have been made to cultivate these, but with little success. The varieties of fir are indigenous ; but when removed, a crop of beach and maple commonly succeeds, especially on the hilla.
When well cultivated the ground yields rye and corn in moderate quantities ; wheat is " not at home" in this soil. The farmer finds his principal account in the cultivation of grass. Indifferent horses, excellent neat cattle and fine sheep cover the hills. Of course, beef, butter, cheese, wool, and its fabrics, constitute the prin- eipal income.
The water is uniformly salubrious. The streams are many and rapid; but as they are all natives of the
307
BECKET.
town, they are of course small, and scarcely supply suf- ficient water for mills. In the west part of the town is a pond, called Green-water pond, which after stretching: two miles along the Farmington river turnpike, sends forth at the north a small stream which unites with the Housatonic in Lee. Beyond this, on the line of Ty- ringham, on very elevated ground, are two connected ponds, called Goose ponds, the outlet of which unites with Green-water brook. With the same brook, the outlet of a small pond called Mud pond, also unites. A mile or two south-easterly of Green-water pond, is a small pond, which with some neighboring marshes gives rise to Farmington river. On the height of ground east of Green-water pond, is Yokum pond, thus called, it is said, from an Indian who died there, the outlet of which is to the north-east. Farther east is Rudd pond, whose outlet unites with that of Yokum pond, and the stream runs north into the Agawam. North of the Congrega- tional church is Centre pond, two miles long, in some . places a mile wide, and in some very deep. The stream from this flows into Agawam river. In the south-east part of the town is another considerable pond, called Horn pond, whose outlet is a tributary to the same stream.
The machinery propelled by water, are 2 grist-mills, 5 saw-mills, 3 carding machines, and 2 clothiers' works. There are 2 post-offices in the town, and 4 licensed ta- verns.
With the exception of two physicians, two mer- chants, a few mechanics, and one minister of the gospel, the inhabitants are. farmers; industrious, frugal, plain in manners, and independent in spirit.
Notwithstanding the severity of the winter, and the the prevalence of high piercing winds during that sea- son, health generally prevails; and the longevity of the inhabitants is believed to be uncommon, even in New Eugland. From somewhat more than 1000 inhabitants, the average number of deaths is only about 12 in a year.
There is only one public grave-yard in the town, and and that is in the centre; though some individuals have been buried in the east and some in the west part of the town.
303
HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE.
The fathers of the town were determined to support the institutions of the gospel. On the 11th of October, 1753, they invited Mr. Ebenezer Martin, a graduate of Yale College, to settle with them in the ministry ; and on the 28th of December following the church was ga- thered and organized. Mr. Martin was ordained Feb. 23. 1759, and continued pastor of the church until Oct: 12, 1764, when he was dismissed.
The first house for public worship was erected in 1762, and remained about 40 years.
The Rev Zadock Hunn was called to the pastoral office, Sepr. 26. 1790, and ordained June 5. 1771. He was dismissed in October, 1788, and subsequently re- moved to the county of Ontario, N. Y., where he la- bored faithfully and usefully among the new settlers, who were then crowding into that region. He died at Canandaigua, May 12. 1801. He was born in Weth- ersfield, (Newington parish) Con., and graduated at Yale College, 1766.
After the dismission of Mr. Hunn, the inhabitants became mere and more disunited in religious senti- ments, until the members of the Congregational church and society found it impracticable to raise mo- ney for the support of the gospel by taxation. After great difficulty and trial, an effort was made to raise a fund by subscription for this purpose. The subscribers to this fund, then 60 in number, were incorporated as the first Congregational Society in Becket, Feb. 17, 1798. The fund amounts to $5,565 36
In the autumn following, it was proposed to build a new house for public worship, by the sale of the pews. This house was raised on the 20th of May, and dedica- ted on the 19th of November, 1800. The bell attached to it was a donation from Mr. David Brown, in October, 1812.
After the employment of various candidates, the Rev: Joseph L. Mills, the present pastor, was ordained June 5, 1806.
Deacons.
Isaiah Kingsley ; chosen March 8, 1759 ; died 1797 Ebenezer Bush ; chosen Dec. 9, 1761 ; died 1768. :
Nathaniel Kingsley ; chosen Oct. 14, 1772; died 1807.
309
BECKET.
Ebenezer Walden ; chosen Nov. 9, 1797 ; died 1822. Oliver Brewster ; do. 1812. Elijah Alford ; chosen Oct. 8, 1807; dismissed 1811. Enos Kingsley ; do.
Gaius Carter ; chosen June 5, 1816.
At the time Dea. Alford was dismissed, 10 others were dismissed, and with him formed into a new church. They removed to Ohio, and settled a new township, since called Windham.
This town has been favoured with several seasons of revival. About the year 1976 or 7, there was a revival, the good effects of which were long visible. In 1807, more than usual attention was manifest among the peo- ple, and though it was confined principally to one sec- tion of the town, it resulted in the admission of about 26 to the Congregational church. In 1815 and 16, a more extensive and powerful work spread among the inhabi- tants : more than 70 entertained hopes of a saving change. In 1827 the Lord visited the people again in mercy, and as the fruits of it, 98 were added to the Congregational, and a number to the Baptist church. On the first of January last, the communicants in the Congregational church were 194.
The Baptist church was organized in Sept., 1764. Their first pastor was Elder Robert Nesbit. He was succeeded by Elacr HIHIUD IMUSWE Winmoley, who was ordained in 1810, and removed from town in 1815. The church is now vacant.
The number of members in May last, was 50. The present deacons are Samuel Chapman and Timothy Snow.
The Baptist meeting-house was built in 1815.
The district schools in town are 9, and are commonly taught each nine months in the year. They are de- cently and cheerfully supported, and are increasing in respectablity and usefulness. We have also a well-se» lected library in successful operation.
Dr. Oliver Brewster served this town many years as a physician. He was a gentleman of great excellence, ,and was very useful not only in his profession, but as -a Christian and as an officer in the church. He was suc- .ceeded by his :os, John M. Brewster, who is now ser- dled as a physician in Lenox. Charles Culver, suc-
310
HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE.
ceeded him, but has removed to Chatham, N. Y. Our present physicians are Chester J. Freeland, and Vassal White, jun.
Magistrates.
Nathaniel Kingsley ; commissioned 1777; died 1807. George Conant; 1805;
Benjamin C. Perkins ; 1813;
Asa Baird ;
do. 1825.
Gaius Carter,
1829;
Timothy Snow,
do
1
011
1
A HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF OTIS.
BY REV. JONATHAN LEE.
THIS town consists of the former town of Loudon and the district of Bethlehem. Loudon was incorpora- ted in 1773. Previously it was called Tyringham Equi- valent, because most of it was granted to the proprietors of Tyringham, to compensate them for certain losses which they sustained. It was bounded by Becket on the north, by Blanford on the east, by West Granville [now Tolland] on the south, and by Sandisfield and Bethlehem on the West. It was of an irregular, ob- long shape, being greater in breadth at the north than at the south end. It was upon an average seven miles in length from north to south, and about three in breadth, from east to west. The contents were formerly estima- ted at 13,000 acres, of which 2944 were ponds.
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