USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Bernardston > History of the town of Bernardston, Franklin county, Massachusetts, 1736-1900, with genealogies > Part 17
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The interest instilled by early teaching and educational work accomplished in Maine, led Mr. Merrill to immediately identify himself with all educational movements here, and a valuable acqui- sition he proved himself. For seven years he served as a member of the school board, having as his coadjutors the foremost men of the place. At the time of his removal from town he was secretary of the board of trustees of Powers Institute, and had previously served on the board of trustees of Cushman Library. Public sen- timent concerning temperance reform made remarkable progress during his residence here, and Mr. Merrill was always to be found earnestly advocating its importance and furthering the cause by all possible clean, business like methods.
After his departure from town, he served successful pastorates of eight years in Wayland, Mass., four in Chesterfield, and two each in
171
REV. TRUMAN A. MERRILL.
New Braintree and Southville, Mass. He then had charge of a mission in the town of Industry, Me., where a large part of his boyhood was spent.
In 1840, when the country was beginning to be shaken with the anti-slavery agitation, Mr. Merrill decidedly arrayed himself on the side of right and had the satisfaction of depositing his first presi- dential ballot, in company with one other young man, for James G. Birney, the abolition candidate. This was in Industry, Me., and was the beginning in that town of the Republican movement. Two votes for liberty and righteousness against 200 for the spoils of office and slavery, for there seemed to be no principle at stake in nearly all cases. Five years later he was chosen to represent the town in the State legislature on the abolition platform, winning the election against the two candidates of the other parties. He had no taste for political life, but was always a fearless defender of honesty and right in political principles and methods, and to-day is not ashamed of his first vote or of the part he bore in the forma- tion of public sentiment that bore fruit in the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, and in the latter's proclamation, issued January 1, 1863, which emancipated three and a half millions of human beings and made our nation free.
Mr. Merrill brought with him to his life in Bernardston a wife and three daughters, who were most helpful to him in parish work.
"Mrs. Merrill was a model minister's wife, wise, kind, efficient. With such a wife as she no minister could help being successful. When tidings came of her death in 1890, there was sorrow in many homes in Bernardston as in other parishes where her influence had been felt, and where her memory is cherished with high esteem. The beloved daughters now reside in Malden, Mass., where Mr. Merrill makes his home when not engaged in the mission work."
These twenty years' absence have not weakened the interest always felt in our beautiful town, and the social, religious and edu- cational history of the place is indebted to Mr. Merrill for much of his fostering care and deep forethought expended while in this parish.
Rev. L. M. Pierce, although born in Olney, Ill., in 1842, is de-
172
REV. L. M. PIERCE.
scended from New England ancestry. His parents removed to Illi- nois from Londonderry, Vt., and when Mr. Pierce was but a few years old, returned to their earlier home in Vermont. Here he spent his boyhood, receiving his elementary education in the com- mon schools. He finished his preparatory studies at the Spring- field, Vt., seminary, and in 1861 entered the Middlebury, Vt., col- lege. The Civil War, which caused such a change in the plans of nearly every one, was responsible for a cessation of his studies dur- ing the year 1864; a portion of that time was expended as a dele- gate to the Christian Commission in the hospitals of Washington, D. C., and the rest in the army of the Potomac.
In the spring of 1865, collegiate work was resumed. Graduation occurred in 1866, with the honors conferred of being salutatorian of the class, and of the Waldo prize for scholarship and good con- duct. While in college he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
In early manhood, while attending the seminary at Springfield, Mr. Pierce experienced religion, soon after uniting with the Con- gregational church in Springfield. Conscientious in his motives and most sincere and earnest in his convictions, he from the first was drawn to ministerial labor and soon made choice of work in that direction as being the means by which he could best serve his Master's cause. His theological studies were pursued at Andover Theological seminary, beginning in the fall of 1866, and graduat- ing in 1869. He immediately began to labor as a home missionary in Glenwood, Miss., remaining until 1871, when returning East, he became pastor of the Congregational church at Provincetown, Mass. After a year spent here, nervous prostration, resulting from typhoid fever, necessitated a complete rest.
Some months later a call was received from the Congregational church in Bernardston, which was accepted, and his pastorate there began November 1, 1873, terminating July 1, 1883. Upon his re- moval from town, a vacation was taken, three months being spent in travel abroad, the countries of England, Scotland, Belgium, Ger- many, Switzerland and France being visited. May 1, 1884, he was settled over the church at Blackstone, Mass., which has continued to be his charge and residence.
REV. D. STRONG.
I73
REV. D. H. STRONG.
May 24, 1876, Mr. Pierce married Catherine Billings of East Arlington, Vt. Mrs. Pierce is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary.
During Mr. Pierce's able pastorate of nearly ten years here, the time was one of great prosperity to the church, the membership having been increased over 75 per cent., which fact bespeaks in most favorable terms the eloquence and wise discharge of the duties devolving upon the head of the organization.
Rev. Frank J. Grimes supplied the pulpit from 1883 to 1885, at which time Rev. Theodore J. Clark entered upon his second pas- torate, remaining until May, 1888.
In October following came Rev. David Humphrey Strong, a son of the late Rev. David A. Strong. He is a native of South Deer- field, being born there May 7, 1856. His boyhood was spent there and at Colrain, whither his parents removed in 1866, and it was at these places that he laid the foundations of his education. In 1873 he entered the Williston Academy at Easthampton, intending to complete the course therein prescribed, at the same time engaging in amateur printing. The close of the first year, however, neces- sitated a change of plan, as broken health caused for the time be- ing a suspension of both study and work. Not to be thus foiled, he continued a little later, as his physical condition would admit, a course of private study, by supplementing which with one or two terms of schooling, he was enabled to enter, on examination, Wil- liams College in 1878. Graduating here in 1882, he immediately entered the Hartford Theological seminary, where he remained three years, graduating in 1885. While here, during the intervals of study he engaged in work for the Home Missionary Society. The summer of 1883 was spent in Freedom, Maine, as acting pastor of a church, although not licensed as a preacher. Twelve months later, receiving papers of license from the Hartford Central Asso- ciation, he went West, choosing for his station the town of Dwight, situated upon the Dakota prairies, and preaching in a schoolhouse, the only church known in too many of the Western villages. Here he numbered as among his workers in the Sunday school, John Miller, who afterwards became the first governor of the new State of Dakota. His work prepared the way for a church organization, and recently a church has there been erected.
174
UNIVERSALIST "RESTORATION " SOCIETY.
Upon the completion of his studies in 1885, Mr. Strong was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Hardy of Colrain ; soon after he went to the State of Vermont to serve as pastor of the Congregational churches at Weston and Londonderry, and it was while here that he was regularly ordained to the gospel ministry. Three years were here spent, but the arduous duties necessitated by a double parish proving too great a strain, he withdrew from that field of labor, and in October, 1888, formed a connection with the Congrega- tional church in this place. It is not too much to say that the con- stant prosperity and increased interest in the society well attested the popularity of Mr. Strong, and at the same time bears witness to his capabilities for his chosen profession.
Mr. Strong was also the efficient librarian of Cushman Library, a position he held since September, 1889.
In 1900 he resigned his pastorate, much to the regret of both the society and townspeople, and accepted a call to the Congregational church at Williamstown, Orange County, Vt., his present residence.
The present pastor is Rev. Edward Day, a graduate of Andover Theological seminary, and a man much interested in and devoted to literary pursuits.
UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
This society was organized as a "Restoration Society." Au- gust 20, 1820, a warrant was issued by Jonathan Allen for a meet- ing of those interested in and inclined to this form of worship and belief. The petition for this warrant was signed by George Alex- ander, Eliezer Chamberlain, Horace Atherton, Izatus Sheldon, Charles J. Ryther, Stephen Webster, Dr. Gideon Ryther, David Ryther, Joseph Pickett, Francis Munn. Doubtless these were among the first church members. September 4, 1820, a meeting was held at the village schoolhouse. Of this meeting, Samuel Pick- ett was chosen Moderator, James Doty, Clerk, E. Chamberlain, Treasurer, Stephen Webster, Samuel Pickett and Dorus Bascom, Committee. Roswell Purple, Collector.
The first service recorded was held November 5, 1820, at the schoolhouse, Rev. Jacob Wood being the officiating clergyman. In June, 1821, use was made of the Baptist church, in which services
175
.
EARLY PASTORS.
were held. Oct. 7, 1822, Samuel Pickett, Joab Scott, Eliezur Cham- berlain, James Doty, Jr., and Jona. Connable were chosen a com- mittee "to get the wherewith to build a meeting house" and a constitution was adopted.
Feb. 4, 1823, it was voted to build a church; money ($800) was raised by subscription for that purpose, and 48 rods of land pur- chased from Job Goodale, Esq. The building committee was Sam- uel Pickett, Isaac Burrows, Roswell Purple, Horace Atherton and Izatus Sheldon. May 17 of that year, by action of the legislature, the society took the name of the First Universalist society, having changed their creed somewhat, led by Rev. John Brooks, then pastor.
In 1852 the building was thoroughly repaired and a belfry added, the rededication taking place December 22 of that year. At this time many who were regular attendants joined the society in Ley- den, withdrawing to a membership with the Bernardston church at the time of its formal organization (or reorganization) June 2, 1872, at which time there were 16. church members.
The society, always a small one, continued to hold services at in- tervals until about 1884-5, when it was finally deemed advisable to dispose of the church property, and in 1888 the society's real estate was deeded to the Massachusetts Universalist convention. The building was accordingly sold, and was about 1890 converted into a carriage and paint shop. The Universalist society, as such, ceased to exist, and its few members found for themselves a religious fel- lowship with the other societies.
Rev. Jacob Wood was for a time the acting pastor upon the first establishment of the society, but was never formally settled so far as is known.
Rev. John Brooks was the first settled pastor, he being ordained as an evangelist in 1823. He continued to preach about five years, then returned to his original profession, that of a physician, and as such was much better known. Further account of his life will be found in that part devoted to genealogy.
The society was not able to continue a settled pastor, at all times being small, and the necessary aid financially not being forthcom-
176
REV. ORREN PERKINS.
ing. Hence it is that there are so many intervals between the set- tled pastors, when either services were discontinued entirely or held occasionally as a supply could be procured. Much of the time it was voted to procure preaching one quarter or one-half of the time in proportion to the amount of the funds which could be raised.
Rev. Orren Perkins was the third pastor of the Universalist so- ciety, which relation he sustained from 1847 to 1851, four years. He was the son of William Perkins, a farmer of Savoy, Mass., where he was born August 11, 1823. Of a naturally slender con- stitution, his efforts to obtain the rudiments of knowledge were required to surmount various difficulties. But a small portion of his time could be devoted to learning, at the best, his father requir- ing his assistance upon the farm a greater part of the time when bodily health and strength admitted much activity. With passing years, however, his health improved, and by making the most of the time allotted, he found himself at the age of 19 years sufficiently advanced to be able to assume a position as teacher, which vocation he followed the most of the time for the three succeeding years, attending to farm work during his vacations, and devoting all his leisure hours to study. It was during these years that he made choice of his profession, and immediately set about preparing him- self for it by studying theology with the pastor of the Universalist. society in Adams, and reciting in Greek to L. O. Sayles, Esq., of the same place.
His ministerial labors began in Bernardston in June, 1847; here he was ordained, and in December of that year he married Miss Sarah M. Clinton of Cooperstown, N. Y., and by whom he has three children. In 1851 he was invited to take pastoral charge of the society in Wilmington, Vt. Here he remained three years, meet- ing with good success, and the society were unanimous in desiring his services retained. Owing to the ill health of Mrs. Perkins, how- ever, this course seemed inadvisable. He next preached for a time at Shirley Village, Mass., and in June, 1855, he accepted an invita- tion extended by the Universalist society of Winchester, N. H., at which place he was still stationed in 1862.
Although devoting himself largely to his profession, he still
177
REV. H. B. BUTLER.
found time to accomplish a good deal in the line of educational and literary work. In 1860 he published selections from the writ- ings of the Rev. Dr. Chapin, entitled "Living Words."
In 1861 he was appointed by the Governor of New Hampshire as school commissioner for Cheshire County, receiving a reappoint- ment the next year. In 1862 he was chosen as representative to the State Legislature.
Rev. H. B. Butler, son of Moody and Lydia (Burt) Butler, was born in Greenfield, N. H., January 1, 1827. His father was a farmer, and like others of that calling, needed his son's assistance. Con- sequently no regular course of study was pursued, although allowed the privileges of the district school. An eager desire to learn and a resulting determination to make the most of each and every op- portunity, made possible what would have been otherwise unob- tainable. He was permitted in his leisure moments to recite Latin to a physician of the place. When nearly 18 years old he was en- abled to spend three years at the Lebanon, N. H., Academy, and one year at school at Swanzey and Marlowe, N. H. During this time the winter months were spent in teaching. Attaining his majority, he gave up his studies for the time being, and entered a paper mill at Bennington, N. H. August 27, 1849, he married Mil- licent K., daughter of Caleb C. and Lydia (Simmons) Dagget of Westmoreland, N. H.
In 1851, Mr. Butler began his ministerial studies under the direc- tion of Rev. N. R. Wright of Washington, N. H. The latter is now (1892) residing at Lynn, Mass., aged nearly 90 years. While here he also studied Greek with Prof. Sanborn, author of Sanborn's Grammar. In 1852, he began as a Universalist preacher, still, how- ever, continuing his studies. In April, 1853, he began his labors in Bernardston, preaching also in Chesterfield, N. H.,-one-half of the time being given to each place. His pastorate here lasted for 14 years, 6 months, and not only was he endeared to the people of his parish, but also to the citizens generally, and faithfully did he serve their interests in the offices he was called upon to fill.
For nearly three years he was selectman, and for 12 years chair- man of the school board. While living here, there were five chil- dren born to him. In 1867 he removed to Munroe, Wis., where he
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178
LATER UNIVERSALIST PASTORS.
labored six years in his profession, then he went to Algona, Iowa, his present residence. For three years he had charge of a parish at Owattonna, Minn. He is now living on a farm with his son, his wife and daughter having both passed to their final rest, the for- mer in December, 1889, the latter in April, 1889.
To the people of the passing generation in town, the mention of Mr. Butler's name recalls both vivid and pleasant remembrances of his association here, and the good he so worthily rendered in his Master's calling.
Concerning the Revs. White, Thompson and Danforth, but little has been learned. Their pastorates here extended over but a short time each. Following came the last settled pastor the society had, Rev. Ezekiel W. Coffin. His pastorate here extended over some two or three years. He was an invalid when he came, and in No- vember, 1879, he resigned because of increasing infirmities. His death occurred December 11, 1879, of paralysis, aged 69 years, 3 months and 27 days. "Though nearly a stranger when he came to reside in town as pastor of the Universalist church, yet by ear- nestness, patience and large sympathy, though an invalid and a suf- ferer all the time, he endeared himself to all with whom he became acquainted, and to his parish, for his Christian work, he was the object of its richest reverence and love and it never seemed weary in ministering to his wants." He left a wife, Mary E. W. Coffin, and one son, Frank H. Coffin.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY.
The early history of this society it is well-nigh impossible to ob- tain, from the fact that the first church records were destroyed by the burning of a dwelling within which they were kept. This loss is greatly to be deplored, as much of value and interest is irrevoca- bly gone. It is known that a Methodist class was formed in town as early as 1799, but of its prosperity tradition does not say. From that time to 1811 all facts are lost. Doubtless from the memory of some older inhabitants one might glean some information, could we know to whom to apply. Probably there were some devotees of that denomination, although not enough to enable them to found a church.
179
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY.
According to the historical notes now extant the first record of Methodism in town is found as follows:
"Coppy of the Doings of the Society called Methodis. Bern. Dec. 6, 1811. At a society meeting of the methodis. proceeded as follows.
Ist chose Samuel Hoges moderator.
2nd " Peter Jacobs. Clerk.
3rd Zadoc Briggs & Asap. Munn, committee, "who certified that the following persons belonged" to the Methodis Religious Society in Bernard- ston.
Peter Jacobs, Teacher.
Samuel Hoges.
Frederic Thomas. Sara Briggs.
Ansel Briggs. Lyınan Jacobs.
Elijah Kingsley. Chileab Hale.
BELONGING TO GILL. -
Zebediah Darling.
Asahel Wrisley.
Stephen Kenney. Asaph Munn.
John Chace."
From an old class book bearing the date 1831, at which time Humphrey Hains and Philo Hawks were the ministers, is found the names of Orange Scott, Presiding Elder, and Joseph Connable, leader. In May, 1842, Philo Hawks still in charge, the members and friends of the Methodist Episcopal church in Bernardston met according to previous notice at the house of Hosea Aldrich and formed themselves into a society with 21 members. The meeting was opened by prayer by Rev. Philo Hawks, and Timothy K. Hor- ton was chosen moderator, Timothy P. Slate, clerk. "Voted to form ourselves into a society to be called the Methodist Episcopal Society of Bernardston. We whose names are hereunto annexed acknowledge ourselves as belonging to said society:
Levi Park. John Nelson. Gamaliel Kingsley. Timothy P. Slate. Timothy K. Horton. Ruggles Bagg.
Anson Flint. Seth Field. Hosea Aldrich. Albert Corbet. Moses Aldrich. 1
Hepsibah Atherton. Amasa Sheldon.
Freedom A. Hale.
Parmelia Hastings.
John Wells. Elvira Hartwell.
Reuben Park, Jr. Hiram Whitcomb.
Charles P. Guillow.
Charles S. Park."
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180
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY.
William Gordon was in charge of Gill circuit, to which Bernard- ston then belonged, and Rev. Asa Haynes, a highly esteemed local preacher of Guilford, Vt., supplied the pulpit. In 1844, Rev. Icha- bod Marcy was appointed pastor, having charge of the district lying between Northfield Mountain and North River, Colrain. The ser- vices were held in the Universalist church, and a Sunday school was organized. Rev. John S. Day and Rufus P. Buffington came next. During the pastorate of the latter, the society for some rea- son found it difficult to hold its own, and for a time after his dis- mission the pulpit was supplied. In 1852 the church was built, during the pastorate of Rev. Solomon Cushman. The land upon which the church stood was purchased of Miss Mary Chamberlain, and the church erected by Mr. Phillip Traver of Greenfield. It was completed and presented July 1, 1852, to the following named gentlemen, trustees of the society: John Nelson, Charles S. Park, R. Park, Jr., T. P. Slate and H. Smith. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Dr. Terombly of Brooklyn. Dr. William Butler was present and also took part in the exercises. Mr. Horace Smith was ordained local deacon by Bishop Baker at Westfield, April 23, 1854, and often preached as supply, thus aiding much at a time when the society stood in need of support. In 1856-7 there was an average membership of about 50. In 1873 the parsonage was built. About 1874 a revival of much interest was experienced, led by the " praying band " of Springfield. As a result a large number were added to the church. In 1881 the church was enlarged, the inte- rior thoroughly repaired, and rededicated free from debt Decem- ber 9, 1881, Rev. I. G. Ross being the pastor. At the present time the society membership is about 75 ; much interest is manifested and the Methodist Episcopalians are recognized as one of the lead- ing societies of the place. The officers of the church embrace two class leaders, seven stewards and five trustees. The steward's duty is to see that the pastor's claim is met for his support, and to report at each quarterly conference the financial affairs of the church. The board of trustees hold the church property in trust for the benefit of the church. They are required to see that all needful repairs are made and are accountable to the quarterly conference, to which they report annually.
181
METHODIST PASTORS.
The pastors of the church have been :
William Tod, 1831
Oliver E. Bosworth, in charge, D. K. Bannister a supply, 1832-3
William Kimball in charge, Wn1. Wilcut a supply, 1834-5
Moses Stoddard, 1836
Philo Hawks in charge, David Winslow, associate, 1841
Asa Haynes of Guilford, 1842-3
David Todd, 1843-4
Ichabod Marcy, 1844-5 -
John S. Day, m. Int. rec. July 12, 1845, Anna P. Frost of Newbury, Vt., 1846 Rufus P. Buffington,
1846-7
John Rickets, -
I848-9
William Clapp,
1849-50
Solomon Cushman,
1852
J. Jones,
1854-5
John Capen,
1855-6
John Noon, 1856-7
Amos Bowker. -
1857-9
Rufus Gerrish, -
1859-60
A. N. Field, (went to the war)
1861
G. N. Merrifield, -
I862-4
Osmnon W. Adams,
1864-6
J. F. Crow1,
I866-8
A. Baylies,
1868-70
W. Wignall,
1871-2
M. C. Chapin, -
1872-3
J. Cadwell,
1873-5
N. F. Stevens, died here June 8, 1879,
1875-6
Ichabod Marcy,
1876-9
C. H. Vinton,
1879-80
I. G. Ross,
1881-3
T. C. Martin,
1883-4
F. M. Miller,
1884-7
A. W. Baird, -
1887-90
James Sutherland,
1890
Frank H. Wheeler,
1893
Wm. Von Best,
1894
Rev. Long,
1895-96
F. Bell,
1897
Rev. L. I. Holloway,
1899-1900
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The greatest number of members recorded in one year since 1860 is 108, during Mr. Vinton's pastorate.
Concerning the very early ministers of this denomination there
182
REV. D. K. BANNISTER.
is comparatively little to be learned for the most part. Upon the establishment of the church in 1831, Rev. William Tod ministered to its needs for a year.
Following him came Oliver E. Bosworth in charge, and Rev. D. K. Bannister as a supply,
David Kingsley Bannister was born in Chesterfield, Mass., March 23, 1808 ; he was one of nine children, the oldest son, and next to the oldest child. When nine years of age he left home to earn his own way in the world, consequently his educational ad- vantages were very slight, but they were improved to the utmost When 14 years old the death of his father rendered it necessary that he should contribute to the support of the family. From this time on, he labored in the summer and taught school in the winter.
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