USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Bernardston > History of the town of Bernardston, Franklin county, Massachusetts, 1736-1900, with genealogies > Part 20
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205
HISTORICAL ADDRESS.
But half a century had passed away and Bradford, Winslow, Brewster and Standish and their contemporaries had gone to their eternal rest. Massasoit, Samoset, Squanto and the other Indian chiefs had also died, and in the places of these just and peaceable men, another generation had come forward, whose civilization and Christian life did not equal that of their fathers. The red men became enraged at the frequent acts of injus- tice by the English settlers; and influenced by jealousy and revenge, the natural attributes of the race, commenced a series of pillage and murder on the unprotected white men. 'King Phillip's War,' as it is usually called, was the consequence, in which, under that famous and noble chieftain-for, as an uncivilized Indian he certainly had heroic and noble qualities-a war of extermination was commenced about the year 1675, in which nearly all the New England Indians were united and the Mohawks of New York, also joined them. Few and feeble as were the military defences of our people, the Indians supposed, with considerable reason, that they could cut off and entirely destroy their enemy, who they had sagacity enough to perceive, were gradually occupying their most valuable corn lands and their fishing and hunting grounds. * *
It will be observed that there are three prominent ideas running through that act (referring to the grant, and its provisions,) each of them indica- tions of the public sentiment and the average civilization of the best men of that period. First the grant was based upon the principle of justice. It was a consideration for the valuable service of the grantees of their pred- ecessors. It was of compensation so far as it could be, for the labors, sufferings and losses of the soldiers, who, at a very critical period of 'King Phillip's War,' volunteered their services and periled their lives for the safety, yea, for the very existence of the colony. Though late, yet justice was done to those heroic and self-sacrificing men. I trust in God that equal justice may in due time, be done to the patriotic and brave men who are now risking their lives in defence of the government of our beloved country. Then, it was an Indian enemy, who, perhaps, had some reason for their conduct,-that sought to destroy and thus blot out the entire col- ony. Now a base and wicked set of rebels are seeking to destroy the best government ever devised by man and to base it on a slave holding oligarchy. As in the course of Providence, the Indians disappeared from the country, and civilization, with all its manifold benefits, have spread over the land, so, at an early day, if a God of justice reigns on high, I trust that the power and influence of the secession rebels will be swept off, to return no more forever.
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206
HISTORICAL ADDRESS.
Second, the provisions for education and religion, the school and the church, in the act granting this town is another evidence of the far-sighted wisdom and sagacity of the leading minds of that age. One thirty-fifth part, amounting to 600 acres, was thus set apart by the original act and subsequently confirmed by the proprietors for the support of the Christian ministry; and it is a fact which should be mentioned in this connection that a part of the proceeds of the sale of this land set apart for ministerial purposes at that time, is yet held by one of the religious societies of this town, the successor of the first religious organization in Fall Town; and the proceeds of the sale of the schooling lands is yet held by the town, and the income is used annually for the support of the district schools. More than a hundred years have elapsed since those lands were sequestered for the education of the people, and the money for which they were sold yet remains. In view of such good judgment and prudence in our fathers, we may very properly be proud of their memories.
It will also be noticed that the original grant required the erection of a 'convenient Meeting House and the settlement of a learned, orthodox min- ister within four years.' As we shall see hereafter, that condition was more than complied with; for a meetinghouse was erected the year after the first settlement commenced, and was the first framed building in town; and a minister was settled soon after. Another provision of the original grant required the land to go, when the father was deceased, to the oldest son; and in case there was no sons, then to the oldest male descendant, thus excluding by the law of primogeniture all daughters from any right to their father's land, a law which we, at this time, should consider very unjust.
Our local history then runs back to, and is connected with an important battle in an early Indian war, without which, this town, in all probability, ยท would have been settled by an entirely different class of men. How mys- terious are the ways of Providence! These broad and beautiful fields, this pleasant village and this large collection of kindred and friends might never have been without the terrible death-struggle at Turners Falls on the 18th of May, 1676.
Struggling on, year by year, through trials and difficulties which we can poorly appreciate we now see a fair and goodly land, covered with com- fortable dwellings and inhabited by an intelligent and moral people. For all these blessings-for the example of wise and pious ancestors-for these broad acres and this goodly land, 'Let us praise the Lord; for his goodness and mercy endureth forever.'
207
HISTORICAL ADDRESS.
And now, in view of the past, what are the duties and responsibilities of this day and of coming time ?
Men and Women of Bernardston and Leyden; all that is worth living for in life-or hoping for in death depends mostly on you. This large con- course of children are soon to take our places and to be the fathers and mothers of coming generations. With them is the hope of the future. As the child is, so is the man. Four great principles cover the whole ground of their future lives. Ist. Education; 2nd. Religion; 3rd. Pecuniary pros- perity and 4th. A free and good government. A people that have these, have all that is necessary for prosperity-for success-for happiness in life.
I entreat you then, Brethren and Friends, looking forward into the great future which no man can fathom; I entreat you to consider well the inter- ests of the rising generation. By the blessing of God you can make this town 'The home of the good and the land of the free.' Standing on this high point in the cycle of ages and with a prophetic eye looking forward a hundred years I charge you to cultivate, and try every means in your power, to diffuse the inestimable blessings of Education and Religion, -of successful industry and a Free Government. Then you may be assured your children and your children's children-through a long line of genera- tions 'will rise up and call you blessed.'
But before I close I must for myself and in behalf of this large assem- blage of friends, pay my respects to the 20th day of Aug. 1962 ;- Far down in the long vista of years I see a large gathering of men, women, and chil- dren-not one of whom is here to-day-assembled to celebrate the second Centennial Anniversary of the Incorporation of Bernardston. A large crowd is here. The sun, like to-day, shines brightly on their cheerful faces. They talk freely of us-who long since have been known only by the mar- ble monument or the sculptured granite. They think and speak of us and of what we do and say to-day. To them I have a few words to say.
Men and Women who may meet here on the 20th of August, 1962, we send you greetings of a Universal Brotherhood and of a Sympathizing Christianity. That you will do more and better than we have done or can do, we fully believe. A hundred years of labor and of experience must add much to your advancement and must place you much higher in the scale of Christian civilization than we are. Look kindly then, we beseech you, on the shortcomings of this generation and of the services of this day. If we send down to you the blessings of a republican government, you must improve and perfect it. If we leave you schools and churches you must make them better. We know well and we regret it greatly, that 'the Chris-
208
HYMN BY REV. GEORGE L. RUBERG.
tianity of Christ,' is yet but poorly understood, and less perfectly practised by us. But we believe in the progress and ultimately in the high position of the human race. If we have done little, you must do more, and thus the great design of our Heavenly Father, in the creation of us, his children, will be accomplished.
Kinsmen and Friends, the path of a higher destiny is yours. Peace and the blessing of God be with you.
And finally, may this large assemblage-and another that will meet a hundred years from this day, for a similar purpose-and all who in coming ages may attend Centennial Celebrations of the Incorporation of this their native or adopted town-all-all finally meet in 'the great hereafter of the blessed,' and sing praises 'unto Him that sitteth on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.'"
ORIGINAL HYMN.
(By Rev. George L Ruberg, Pastor of the Baptist Society.)
Kindred and friends, 'tis here we meet, With kindly welcomes each to greet; With cheerful hearts we join in praise For this review of other days.
"Tis of the past we join to sing, A fresh memorial here to bring- United in one gladsome throng, Singing a Centennial Song.
A hundred years! all, all have fled, Our Fathers gone, they all are dead, They, every one, have passed away, Who first beheld our natal day.
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The savage now no longer roams These groves and fields, our hill-side homes, With treacherous eye and wary breath, The loved and loving threatening death.
The lovely scenery around- The winding streamlet's gentle sound- All speak the blessings and the praise Secured and won in former days.
209 .
POEM.
What glorious thoughts our hearts inspire ! What patriot words our bosoms fire! As we now stand and here incline Our thoughts to scenes of olden time.
We stand to-day the past review, The present brings us conflicts new, The memory of the honored brave Should stimulate our flag to save.
EXTRACTS FROM DR. JOHN BROOKS' POEM.
In my own self-defence, Christian ladies and gents, Who have gathered before me a host,
. I begin by proclaiming I'm no poet worth naming, But merely a rhymer at most.
*
Don't take it amiss If I pass over this To sketch here and there other things, As I chance to find means From the ends and betweens Of history, gathered in strings.
I must talk, I suppose, As one who well knows, For a century now that is past, Of the town and the race Occupying this place, And which lately is changing so fast.
Till within a few years, For aught it appears, The most to excite admiration Was our excellent roads, And the pleasant abodes "Tween the east and the west elevation.
On what's called Huckle Hill, (As is true even still) Some go-a-head farmers resided, And np there stood the church, As if left in the lurch, With all of religion one-sided.
210
DR. JOHN BROOKS.
There they gathered each week, Dressed up tidy and sleek, To listen to sermons and prayers, But in winter half frozen, As if all were supposin' 'Twas wicked in church to have fires.
To complete self-denial,
Neither organ nor viol,
Nor aught that would make a sweet sound,
Was allowed for a minute,
Lest the De'il might be in it,
And pleasure thus carnal abound.
When for singing all ripe,
Leader blew the pitch-pipe,
. And he and the choir took the sound,
And the singing that followed,
Not artfully mellowed, Would a sensitive ear quite astound.
Then the parson did preach,
(Meaning hard hearts to reach) For never much less than an hour,
Till some hearers were mad, And others were glad,
Declaring the sermon a power.
When the sermon was done,
Up they rose every one, All turning their seats back with a noise,
There to stand, as in fear, A long prayer still to hear, Postponing, at least, half their joys.
Like of this was the fashion, Through much of the nation In times we call early and rude, And it's fair to presume, When such customis found room, They were hailed as becoming and good.
But as time passed away, And the people grew gay, Or more and more generally pions, They moved the church down Tow'rds what now is the town, Though it didn't then come very nigh us.
211
POEM.
By and by, with some pain, They moved it again, And once more again even later, And they then built up more, E'en the fifth of a score
To prove the town quite a sin hater.
There they stand all in sight, Each a lantern of light, To guide the poor traveler benighted, So that all with fair gait Cannot fail to go straight, Or if not may be speedily righted.
*
*
These five sects as they grew, Sought for something to do, To make all around them to flourish, So they built up the schools, Unlike bigoted fools,
Such as virulent party doth nourish.
No schools far around Can be easily found That show in a better condition, And from them have up-grown, And them almost alone, Our men who sustain high position.
* * *
And since here in our town, Besides schools of renown We have a far-famed Institute, "Twere a pity our sons Shouldn't prove useful ones, As of fair education the fruit.
Our daughters we trust, If not marked as the first For external polish and show, Would be chosen for wives, To make happy the lives Of husbands, as faithful and true.
212
DR. JOHN BROOKS.
When our town was begun, Scarce a work could be done Unguarded by musket and sword, For the Indian was near To inspire all with fear Lest his murderous yell should be heard.
The children and spouses
Were kept in block houses, Of which two stood up east on the hill,
And so great was the care
To protect them up there, That the Indians no one's blood did spill.
Up north stood a fort,
To which all could resort In case of a savage surprise; And they lived year by year, Thus familiar with fear As where safety in watchfulness lies.
* *
When our town 'gan to flourish, And the virtues to nourish,
Some half of a century ago, The old serpent came in, With temptations to sin So as Eden, our town to undo.
All at once, with a will, Alcohol to distil, From the cider, the corn and the rye, The old serpent began, Through his instrument, man, To carry his schemes bold and high.
*
Sad times then were known, And such seeds then were sown As by this time had wrought complete ruin, But a grand reformation Took place in the nation And kept us our town from undoin'.
In politics most Of our people can boast They are democrats quite to the core.
213
POEM.
But they're called by such names As, in false cheating games, Might really cheat twice in four.
We all are the friends Of each measure that tends The mass of the people to bless So, called what you will We are democrats still, And not a whit more or whit less.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
Full forty years ago I came, With sober, unambitious aim To Bernardston to dwell; The houses then were brown and sparse, The signs of elegance were scarce, And signs of wealth as well.
From place of business called the Green, Three houses only could be seen, Or four, I think, at most, Whose tops ascended tow'rds the sky To what is called two stories high, At very moderate cost.
No church near by could then be seen And all was silent on said Green And through the district round; For days, except that stages run, You saw no stir, except for fun,. And scarcely heard a sound.
The village seemed no business place, The people seemed a quiet race, With comforts at command; The mountains tow'ring in their pride, And all the verdant vales beside, Displayed a prospect grand.
Those mountains and those vales remain, And now are clothed with grass and grain, As we admiring see; The houses also where they stood, By care and painting have kept good, And grown as twelve from three.
214
DR. JOHN BROOKS.
Some mansions, even now appear, And some are added, year by year, Our village to adorn: No blacksmith's shop or tanner's yard, Which once our lovely church street marred, Now stands there "all forlorn."
Instead of one store, high up stairs, With but a few mercantile wares, As once by Newcomb kept, We now in town have three or four, From each of which as much or more Is often cleanly swept.
Near Newcomb's, now, where once so still, There runs a famous working mill, Thousands of boards to saw; And up the stream there stands one more, Built on dry land by Stephen Gore, That works without a flaw.
Three other saw mills long have stood, Besides one lost in whelming flood, A long, long time ago; Two grist mills grind our rye and corn As fast as those that eat are born, And streams with water flow.
Three blacksmiths keep our horses shod, And each would think it truly odd Had he no work to do; Three doctors, also, go the rounds, When any sickness much abounds, - And undertakers, too.
Five ministers attempt to live On what the people choose to give To have them preach and pray; Five carpenters, perhaps, are here, Who lay up money, year by year, Unless too much they play.
Some lawyers, I believe, have tried Iii our good village to abide, But never tried it long; They found at law we scarce would sue, E'en if we lost what might be due, Or took it in a song.
215
POEM.
Two hundred farmers, more or less, Preserve from hunger and distress Themselves and all around, By grain and grass, and things that grow, From what they plant and what they hoe, And gather from the ground.
We have shoemakers here, 'tis said, Who rank as masters of the trade, And in good times must thrive; We've one machine for carding wool, While some cut garments out by rule, And all to live, contrive.
But finally, to crown the whole, Nought comes so near perfection's goal, Except what perfect grows, Considered in all points of view, For qualities both good and new, As do the modern hoes.
A modern hoe put side by side, With such a hoe as was supplied An hundred years ago, Would be so much a sight to see That Barnum would demand a fee And keep them for a show.
A modern hoe would hardly weigh A third of one of former day, Nor much more like it look Than finest needle to be found Looks like a bar that weighs a pound, Or wafer like a book.
I've seen the hoes that then were made, And partially once learnt the trade With such to hoe the corn; Their weight alone did little lack Of breaking shoulders, arms and back, And made one look forlorn.
Their shovels tallied with their hoes, And took the strength, we may suppose, A common cart to fill, That 'twould to haul, through mud and mire, A load at which a horse would tire, Or turn a cider-mill.
216
DR. JOHN BROOKS.
A dumped thing, all made of wood, Except a point of iron good, That shovel, firm and strong; The man who used it proved, no doubt, Because he used it he was stout, If not to be so long.
Their axes, too, with dangling blades,, Fashioned as if begun for spades, Were mean wherewith to chop; 1
The handle seemed, as if in spite, Where'er it crooked to not crook right, As rise when it should drop.
Their plows were also wooden tools, Plated with iron by no rules, And hard to draw or hold; A man and yoke of oxen, now, Would do as much a field to plow, As three of each of old.
And thus it was with nearly all Of what a fariner's tools we call, An hundred years ago; We old folks know, for they remained
Till some of us had manhood gained, When they were here to show.
The women then had cards and reels, Their great and little spinning wheels, And looms the cloth to weave; They then were busy all the day, Sometimes out door a raking hay, Their husbands to relieve.
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With health most women then were blest, But not so flattered and caressed As in these modern times; Much exercise in open air, Some hardship, with rustic fare, With highest health most chimes.
'Twere matter once, of boast and pride How well a farmer's wife could ride, With husband, on one horse; The man got seated well before, While just behind the pillion bore The wife, two-thirds across.
217
POEM.
Thus oft to church they passed along, Among the Sabbath-keeping throng, To join in prayer and praise; And if this service something cost, To them 'twas far from being lost, Or heirs they chanced to raise.
*
. On such occasions women all Wore shoes whose heels stood up so tall Their weight fell on their toes; The shoe was pointed, like a skate, The heel ran down the toe to mate, And both were dangerous foes.
Cocked hats and wigs, about those days, Fashioned and dressed in various ways, By men of grace were worn. And breeches buckled at the knees, Looking by far too tight to please, All comfort seemed to scorn.
When men of hair did show no lack, They had it cued up in the back, Some like a rat-tail file; And cued with eelskin, it was said Its slender length has sometimes made A portion of a mile.
These hints of men's and women's dress, Show what prevailed in every place, Say seventy years ago; And then these fashions were not new, (If memory is correct and true, ) But through the century flow.
Whether in minor things of taste Our modern fashions are more chaste Than those of olden time, May be a question of such doubt, That prudence prompts to leave it out, And thus commit no crime. * *
As God's good angel from on high Who brought, at first, the gospel nigh, As tidings good to all, So in the future shall it prove, Inciting men to deeds of love, Not daily, few nor small.
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218
A. W. FIELD'S ADDRESS.
A century hence, if we shall know The gains in wisdom here below, Through a pure gospel's aid, The town of Bernardston, I trust, Will take full rank among the first, Perfect in wisdom made.
Mr. Aaron W. Field, then a student in Williams College, and representing the Institute, addressed the audience upon "The three fundamental means of acquiring an education." In an instructive and entertaining paper he demonstrated that the first of these methods was self-help. Contrasting the body and mind in their respective seasons of activity and rest, their voluntary and invol- untary powers, and deducing therefrom the fact that in order to increase in knowledge and perfection, we must exert ourselves, intellectually and physically to the uttermost. Application is the one thing which determines success. "If therefore we would live, we must think ; we must send out our thoughts on foraging expe- ditions to gather in provisions for our moral and intellectual growth." The second means cited was assistance from others. "The human race, is as it were, a web, every person of which is a thread. Our characters, wealth, learning and social condition are the stripes and checks of the fabric. Every step we take jars the whole earth. Every thought we utter influences all succeeding generations. If these things are so, what great opportunities there are for obtaining knowledge from each other ! One way of learn- ing from others is by means of schools. They are an institution adapted to the wants of the race. No country can arrive to any degree of civilization without them. They are the foundation of all democratic and republican constitutions, the roots of the tree of liberty. The prohibition of them is the direct road to tyranny. Their establishment and maintenance the direct road to liberty. Therefore, it becomes legislators and statesmen, and the public generally, to see that every child has its share of schooling, for by neglect, minds may be allowed to slumber in forgetfulness, that otherwise would arise and shine and be a blessing to themselves and the world. * * * The third means of acquiring an educa- tion is instruction from God. Education is something more than the enlightening of the intellect. The affections need educating
219
GIFT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY.
as well as the intellect. That, and that only, is true education, that enlightens the mind and purifies the affections. God does not delight in a great intellect unless it is governed by a great heart, beating in unison with His own. *
* * Would you be educated in the true signification of the term, then help yourselves, obtain all the assistance you can from other people and receive the instruction of God. The two last means require study and self-exertion. There- fore activity is an attribute of the true man, without it there can be no progression."
After reading letters of congratulation from former residents of Bernardston, who were unable to be present, S. N. Brooks, Esq., read the following :
To the Inhabitants of Bernardston :-
Fellow Citizens :- The observation and experience of my whole life have satisfied me that education and religion are the great and fundamental principles on which the prosperity and happiness of all communities must depend, and that it is the duty of all men to promote those objects by all the means within their power.
Your religious institutions consist of five religious societies, all in suc- cessful operation; of five church buildings, all pleasant edifices, and in good repair, with five pastors, all men of ability and zeal in the sacred calling, of five Sabbath-schools for the religious education of the young. and as many Sunday school libraries. Thus 'your arrangements for pro- moting religious principles, and spiritual attainments are ample and suffi- cient.
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