USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Bernardston > History of the town of Bernardston, Franklin county, Massachusetts, 1736-1900, with genealogies > Part 8
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Pocketbooks .- About 1870 this industry was established in town by Mr. Emil Weissbrod, remaining for two or three years. This was located in the house just north of the late Obed Dickinson on
71
LAWYERS. HOP-PICKING.
Depot street. The business was removed to Montague and later to Greenfield, in which place it has come to be recognized as one of the leading industries.
Lawyers .- The lawyer's profession has had at least one represen- tative here, for in December, 1822, Jonathan A. Saxton removed here from Deerfield and opened a law office. How long he re- mained is unknown.
Among the agricultural products not already mentioned, is, or rather was, one, the harvesting of which was the signal for a good time as well as considerable hard work. In the autumn the hop fields presented a lively appearance with the young men and maid- ens gathered from afar and near for the hop gathering. The fields of Zenas Cutler, Joseph Connable and David Streeter were among the first to be devoted to hop-raising, not far from 1835, and for a number of years that was considered a most profitable product.
The beginning of O. W. Gray's successful career as a publisher of maps was in town, where he did the first work in making the same.
In closing this chapter upon Bernardston's industries, it is with a feeling of deep regret that it may be that much has been left not chronicled ; that in a manner, it is a poorly treated, unsatisfactory one. This may be attributed, in part, to a lack of sufficient dates and positive information, although all effort has been expended to secure the same. Then, in former times, as is sometimes the case now, one business was so interwoven with and dependent upon another, especially in rural communities, that classification is diffi- cult. It is hoped, however, that enough has been said in a general way to give an idea of what has been accomplished here in a busi- ness way, and to arouse enough interest in the matter, so that, in the future, some one better qualified can take up the research-the thread here broken off-and successfully wind up the narrative.
CHAPTER V.
POLITICAL AND MILITARY HISTORY - PATRIOTIC POSITION TAKEN DURING THE REVOLUTION-COMMITTEES OF INSPECTION AND SAFETY APPOINTED -THEIR DUTIES-CASE OF JACOB ORCUTT - REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS- CAPTAIN JOSEPH SLATE-ACTION IN REGARD TO THE STATE CONVENTION-AMOUNT OF SUPPLIES FUR- NISHED-VOTES IN THE FIRST STATE ELECTION-VALUATION OF THE TOWN IN 1780-SHAY'S REBELLION - WAR OF 1812-CIVIL WAR-FIRST VOLUNTEERS- ROLL OF BERNARDSTON MEN WHO SERVED IN THE ARMY-RELIEF WORK OF THE LADIES-PRESEN- TATION TO LT. HURLBERT.
Hitherto the transactions of the town meetings so nearly repre- sent the daily lives and deeds of the inhabitants that it was deemed best to give them, in some degree, chronologically. From the ear- lier records many abstracts are given verbatim, in the hope that the quaint orthography may prove as entertaining to the reader as to the writer. Should any, perchance, think that the text of the orig- inal records has been too closely followed, let this serve as an ex- planation, and if need be, apology. Not only do these quotations reveal the style of recording the proceedings of those days, but to a careful observer, much as to the educational advantages, and the use made of them by our former scribes. From this date forward the work is arranged in topics as they would naturally occur.
The annals of the town have now been briefly brought down to the momentous Revolutionary period, a period fraught with dan- gers and deeds of patroitism never to be obliterated. The begin- ning of this war properly marks the commencement of a new epoch, and perhaps one of more general interest to us, occurring as it does within the recollection of some of our childhood associates. The people of this town have always been zealous for the cause of liberty, and in the colonial struggle we can but recount with be- coming pride the part taken. Although the town had scarcely
73
COMMITTEES OF INSPECTION AND SAFETY.
recovered from the effects of the Indian wars, it raised its full quota of soldiers and furnished largely of funds and provisions. They were among the first to resist by force the oppression of a foreign power, and to plant the tree of liberty in a soil which they had de- fended by their arms and which had been watered by their blood. In common with their country men, their motto was "We determine to die or be free." Truth compels us to record the existence of six Tories in town, but in the face of so much enthusiasm, their sentiments were kept to themselves. At this time, Bernardston numbered not far from 500 inhabitants. January 30, 1775, when war was an almost assured event, a committee of inspection was appointed, consisting of John Connable, Elisha Burnham, Joseph Slate, Joel Chapin, and James Couch. The committee of corre- spondence was Aaron Field, Elisha L. Burnham, Stephen Webster, Jonathan Sheldon and Hezekiah Newcomb. These two commit- tees were later united and for the succeeding years were as follows:
1776. Capt. Elisha Burnham. Aaron Field. Lt. Joseph Slate. Daniel Newcomb. Caleb Chapin.
1777. Capt. Elisha Burnhanı. Major John Burk.
Remembrance Sheldon.
Stephen Webster.
Joel Chapin. James Couch.
Jonathan Sheldon.
In May of this year a second committee was chosen and author- ity was transferred to them. They were
Capt. Elisha Burnham. Sgt. Elijah Kingsley. 1778. Lt. David Rider.
Lt. Daniel Newcomb.
Lt. Severance. 1779. John Connable. Jason Parmenter. Elijah Kingsley.
Thomas Edwards. Jason Parmenter. Elijah Kingsley. William Fox.
1780.
Lt. Joseph Slate. Lt. Joel Chapin. Samuel Hastings.
These committees were possessed of almost unlimited power ; they could cause the arrest of suspected persons, or their confine- ment within the limits of their farms; as we are told, in some cases they did. In 1776 they made an example of one Jacob Orcutt,
74
SOLDIERS PAID IN 1786.
who was found guilty of altering a six penny bill to a six pound note. He was tried before the committee of safety and sentenced to receive thirty lashes on the bare back at the hands of the consta- ble, Samuel Connable. The courage of the latter proved unequal to the task, and the punishment was finally administered by Lieut. Ezekiel Foster. This occurred in May, at Major Burk's house. After the chastisement, the culprit was given a glass of rum and, it is needless to add, quickly took his departure.
II£ 5s. 2d., a sum equal to the province tax, was ordered raised and paid into the town treasury, there to remain until ordered out by the town. The Provincial Congress urged that the towns and districts within the State hasten to comply with the important de- mands laid upon them, therefore, May 10, 1775, the collectors in Bernardston were instructed to gather the Province money within three weeks, and pay it over to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stowe. They further showed their patriotism by voting that the province rate of all enlisted persons, or of those who might enlist during the year, should be also forwarded to Mr. Gardner. Sixteen men were to be secured to serve in the Continental army in addition to those already in the service at Cambridge. The names of those from our town given collectively cannot be found, but by a careful peru- sal of the treasurer's book we learn of some who served their coun- try at this time.
March 6, 1786, there was paid to
Jabez Dennison, for serving as a continental soldier, 12.6.
Henry Lee, 66
.
66
11£ 25.6d.
Benjamin Cook,
66 12%.
Ebenezer Nimis,
66 12£.
Ezekiel Foster, 66
Militia
10% 10 S.
Samuel Green, 66
16 10% 10 s. 105.
Lt. John Severance, his son Daniel's bounty,
Daniel Davis, for serving as a continental soldier,
12,6.
Owen Briggs,
Militia
65.
Records Wilbur,
66
66.
Daniel Chapin,
9.6.
Samuel Guild, 66
66
9.6.
Isaac Smith,
Continental
12.6.
Joseplı Hale or Benoni Brown ye liire of soldier, Moses Scott,
106.
10 £ IOS.
12€.
Samuel Connable, 66
75
CAPTAIN JOSEPH SLATE.
The State archives add to this list the names of Samuel Barnard and James Merrett as being six months men for 1780, at which time Ebenezer Nims also served for six months.
These were presumably the sixteen men secured, and this only a month after the battle of Lexington. It was also voted that "those persons who took powder from the common stock last spring in the alarm (probably the Lexington alarm), and returned home soon after from Cambridge, are to be accountable for the same to the town." Soon after, June 17, 1775, occurred the battle of Bunker Hill, the news of which rapidly spread throughout the colonies. All the peaceful arts were laid aside and every one assumed the defensive. Almost every man old enough to carry a musket re- paired to the scene of action. An example of this kind occurred within less than a mile from this place, a fact, which, though it may seem to border on the marvellous, is, however, well authen- ticated.
Capt. Joseph Slate, a hero of the French and Indian war, was ploughing that self-same day on West Mountain. At different times during the day he heard, or thought he heard, the sound of cannonading, although at the distance of 100 miles. Often he ap- plied his ear to the ground to satisfy himself. He predicted that that day blood was again spilled in defense of his country. And he was right. So sure was he that he heard firing, that before night he left his ploughing and went to Deerfield to learn the fact, and the next day he was on his way towards Boston, where he re- mained the most of the season. Those who read this statement may be disposed to think that, in this instance, "coming events cast their shadows before " and that something akin to the spirit of prophecy might have stirred the blood and quickened the ears of the brave old soldier. I content myself with recording the fact without undertaking to explain it. If it proves nothing else, it proves the feverish excitement to which men's minds had been worked up. (Lt. Gov. Cushman.)
Appropriations of money and drafts were frequently made and in the aggregate would have done much credit to an older and more thickly populated community.
76
MILITARY ROLLS.
The roll of Capt. Agrippa Wells' Co., dated April 20, to May I, 1775, is as follows:
Lieut. Ezekiel Foster, out ten days.
Serg. Elijah Kingsley, “
Corp. Asaph Allen, 66
Corp. Ebenezer Scott,
66
Samuel Turner, 66
66
John Connable, 66 66
Ezekiel Foster, Jr., 66
John Coats,
Nehemiah Andrews,
Reuben Shattuck, 66
66
Daniel Chapin, .€
Thomas Hunt,
66
David Davis,
William Chadwick.
66 66
Lt. Joseph Slate,
" fifteen days
Sgt. Joel Chapin,
..
66
Caleb Chapin,
" thirty-nine days.
Samuel Hastings,
fifteen days.
Samuel Connable,
66
Hezekiah Chapin,
66
66
Simeon Allen,
John Severance,
thirty-three days.
Col. Whitcomb's regiment, Capt. A. Wells' company, dismissed September 23, 1775, contained from Bernardston
Ensign Ezekiel Foster, second lieutenant.
Elijah Kingsley, third sergeant.
Jason Parmenter.
Asaph Allen, first corporal.
Jolın Hunt.
Robert ( Reuben?) Shattuck, 3d corporal.
Samuel Turner.
David (Daniel?) Davis.
Hezekiah Chapin.
David (Daniel?) Chapin.
Nehemiah Andrews.
Ebenezer Scott.
Willian Chadwick.
Thomas Hunt.
Ezekiel Foster.
John Coats.
Zebadialı Slate.
The payroll of the above men credits them with being out from May first, in all, three months and eight days, and travelling 112 miles. The same year, for eight months' service, is found the name of Arad Sheldon upon the coat roll of Capt. Joseph Stebbins' company, Col. J. Brewer's regiment. The company was made up of men from all over the State. September 28, 1775, Capt. David Cowden's company (of Pelham) Col. Woodbridge's regiment, ser- vice near Prospect Hill. Coat roll, James McColoh, Sgt. On the
77
MILITARY LISTS.
coat roll appears the name of John Workman, May 24, 2£ 18s. 7d. In Capt. Wentworth Stuart's 31st reg., Sept. 29, 1775. September 17, 1776, ration or mileage money for company, under command of Capt. Samuel Taylor of Roxbury, out three months to Dec., 1776.
Joseph Slate, Ensign, 120 miles at one penny, total 10% IIS.
Joel Chapin, Sgt., 66
66 10% IIS.
Jacob Webster,
66 66
10£:
Jonathan Slate, 66
66
105.
June 9, 1779, in Col. Wells' regiment, were Jonathan Griffin, ae. 34 years ; Reuben Whitcomb, ae. 21 ; Simeon Cotes, ae. 21. When mustered these were delivered to Ensign Thomas Clark.
To march to horse neck under Col. John Mosely, in Capt. Mc- Clellan's company, was Silas Green. In July, 1779, in Col. Wells' regiment, Capt. Sheldon's company, were Thomas Wolloy, ae. 50 ; Calvin Weld, ae. 16; Thias Johnson, ae. 16; Samuel Barnard, ae. 16. From September, 1777, to January, 1780, there was due the town of Bernardston for supplies for soldiers' families, 1526 16s. old cur. rency, or 3£ 16s. 5d. consolidated sums. Due to John Burk, 66. "Mustered and Received of Mr. Samuel Guild, chairman of Class No. - for the town of Bernardston, a certain Jacob Orcutt, a re- cruit for the term of three years.
Seth Bannister, Capt.
Springfield, Sept. 18, 1782."
The following is a copy of a letter written by Stephen Buckland, whose descendants resided within the district of Leyden, or rather that portion of Bernardston afterward incorporated as such. It is of interest in connection with the Revolutionary war:
On board the Prison Ship N. York, April 9, 1782.
Sir :-
Before this comes to hand you doubtless will hear of our fate. We ware taken the 2nd. just by the Brige perseverance of 14 size Kops Com- mander. - Ezekel Olmsted is slightly wounded but will be well in a few days. All the Rest are well. poor Mikel was drowned by the over Seting of the Boat and several others narrowly escaped.
Our situation you can guess, if you can do anything for us should be glad. if you Git any person to Exchange for any of us you must Git him or them paroled and send them in on condition that they Git the persons Exchanged
78
LETTERS OF STEPHEN BUCKLAND.
that you Send them for or to Return, for you send Ever so many in a flag they will not be Exchanged for us
Remember me to my family and friends
I am Sir yours
STEPHEN BUCKLAND.
Mr. AARON OLMSTEAD.
CAPT. GIDEON OLMSTEAD.
MR. ABRAHAM MILLER.
P. S. April 22nd. Ewd. Leger was on board yesterday and informs that their will be no exchange for privattears men that he had got Liberty to take twenty prisoners only that war taken in Merchantmen. Our situa- tion is truly distressing Espeshely our people for they were striped of everything even to the Buckles out of their Shoes and Buttons out of their Sleeves hats Coats and Jackets. Many of them have got the small pox and must all have it that have not had it and have not a fathing of money. You would do well to inform their friends that if they are Inclined to Send them any Relief they may if an opertunity presents. Their is on bord this ship about Seven hundred prisoners and Increasing all most Every day. You can Esely Gess what a Life we must Live and hot weather a Cuming on-at present we are as well as can be Expected, what provisions we Git is very Good it is an Excelient place to prepare a man for (Erockelation?) Lieut Warner stood in the Brige that took us and had the promise of being put ashore. I hop he is got home before this.
If you can think of any way by which you could git us out Shold be very Glad. for my part I cant think of any at present but to make the best of a bad Bargain.
STEPHN BUCKLAND.
To Mrs. Mary Buckland.
Prison Ship of N. York April 22th, 1782.
My Dear :-
before this Cums to hand you will doubtless hear of our Misfortune. I have nothing to Right but that we are all well Except some have got the Small pox, poor Mikel was drowned by the overseting of the boat and sev- eral others in Great Danger.
I hoop it wont be long before we will get home by Sum means or other. Give yourself no uneasiness about me. I live very well and remain your ever
Efectent
STEPHEN BUCKLAND.
Mrs. Buckland.
79
BOUNTY VOTED.
On the reverse side of this letter is the following in explanation and also it supplements the record:
May the 7, 1782.
Stephen Buckland Dyed in the Prison Ship garly At New York in the 39 year of his age.
And Mammy "as in her 37 year of her Age
Polly Buckland was 13 years old. Hannah Buckland was 11 years old. Betsey Buckland was 3 years old Ralph Buckland Was 9 months old
When our Daddy Dyde A time that never will Bee forgot By us tho we were very young.
(Unsigned.)
This was evidently written by one of the older daughters.
Hannah Buckland m. Mch. 24, 1779, Capt. Jonathan Budington. She was then of East Hartford, Ct.
This letter portrays a different side of the Revolutionary strug- gle, the greater part of those engaged in service from this section being among the land forces. I have endeavored to find some clue as to the identity of the Lieut. Warner referred to, but without suc- cess. He doubtless belonged to some of the Connecticut families of the name who were numerous in the vicinity of Hartford.
In February, 1778, the town voted 50 pounds, nominal value $167, as bounty to any person enlisting for a term of eight months. Ow- ing to a depreciation in continental currency at this time, the real value was not far from $35. In the succeeding May, it was voted to pay for all rations for those sent from town to serve in the army. In July of that year it was voted that Sgt. Joseph Allen and Corp. William Fox be allowed to join the army, also that Major Stephen Webster receive the sum of 635-or about $50-for serving eight months in the militia; that the west part of the town make Joshua Wells, Jr., a reasonable satisfaction for serving as a militia soldier eight months, and that they furthermore find one man as a military soldier for six months to go to Albany, as their proportion of the two draughts before last spring. September 8, 1778, a company of thirty men under command of Major John Burk -he then acting as Captain-was ordered to be ready, equipped with arms and ammunition upon any emergency to oppose the enemy. Again
80
MILITARY LISTS.
in June, 1780, it was decreed that nine men should be engaged in the war six months and that they should each receive 40 shillings ($6.67) per month, or " Wheat, rye, indian corn, wool, flax, neet cattle, or sheep at silver money prices." The next month-July- thirteen additional men were called for, but who they were is un- known. 1780-1781 there were enlisted for three years
Ebenezer Scott, April 16, ae. 37. Edward Dowidson, June 1, ae. 21.
William Hegus, 20, “ : " 20. Timothy Stark, May 24, " 60.
Levi Duncan, 20, " 24.
In 1780, fifth regiment of foot, Capt. Alvord's company, Col. Brew- er's regiment, were
Charles King, for three years.
John Cotes, for eight months.
Samuel Mallin,
Jolın Evens, “
$6
Joshua Harding, 66 66 Moses Tute, 66
Samuel Kimpland, “
July 24, 1780, Lt. Col. David Wells' regiment, 4th and 5th com- panies, 5th regiment, were
Elijah Risley. ae. 22. Eleazer Groover, ae. 19.
Rufus Foster,
" 19.
Amasa Bussel, " 19.
Samuel Green, 20 Records Wilbur, 17.
David Wooley, "' 20.
Elijah Walworth, " 18.
Daniel Severance, " 17.
Amos Williams, “ 16.
Owen Briggs, 22.
The response for provisions for their fellow citizens and country- men was equally ready and generous. In 1775-6 Moses Scott, Jr., carried blankets to Cambridge for soldiers belonging to this town. In 1775 were sent 445 pounds of bread and 115 pounds of pork to Capt. A. Wells' company, while in October, 1780, in accordance with a call made by the General Assembly, were forwarded 3360 pounds of beef, and the ensuing January, 6454 pounds additional were sent. In 1779 the town voted to supply Samuel Farrer's family with provision, he being then in the army. All of this, added to the amount of the Province taxes levied, constituted a heavy demand upon the resources of our ancestors, but one which by their uncom- promising integrity and fervent belief in their country's rights, they were enabled to meet most heroically.
The action taken by the town regarding the formation of the new government is on record as follows, September 30, 1776:
"Then the question was put Whether they will give their consent
81
ACTION ON STATE CONSTITUTION.
that the present house of Representatives of this State of Massa- chusetts Bay in New England together with the counsil if they consent, in one body with the House and by equal voice Should consent, agree on and enact a constitution and Form of Govern- ment for This State as the Said House of Representatives and Counsil aforesaid on the fullest and most mature consideration shall judge, will most conduce to the Safety, peace and happiness of this state in all After Successions and Generations, and if they would direct that the same be made Publick for the Inspection and Perusal of the Inhabitants before the satisfaction thereof by the Assembly, and pafed in the Affirmative by a Great Majority." Capt. Elisha Burnham was chosen to represent the town in the General Assembly of the State, and to him at a later time were given instructions respecting the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union of the American States. Two years later, Apr. 15, 1778, the draft of the constitution was received, and that its import was foreign to the views of the people is shown by there being but 15 votes out of a total of 71 cast for its acceptance. August 19, 1779, the question of voting for a new constitution or form of gov- ernment came up again, and this time there were 68 for and two against it. The representative for the next year was empowered to vote for the calling of the State convention for the sole purpose of forming a new constitution, provided that when one is formed it shall be sent back to the people, and if two-thirds are for it, it shall be established, and if more than one-third are against it, then it shall become null and void.
The fall following, a convention was called at Cambridge for the purpose of forming a constitution. To this convention Bernard- ston declined to send a delegate. July 14 of that year a similar convention had been held at Concord, the transactions of which were obnoxious to our good people. They accordingly chose' a committee to "write the committee of Convention to convene at Concord the first Wednesday of October next, and shew reasons for their disapproval of the doeings of the convention." Capt. Elisha Burnham, Lieut. John Severance and Robert Riddle constituted this committee. May 10, 1780, 30 out of 39 voted for the " third Article in the bill of rights," and 26 out of 29 favored the remain- ing articles of the Constitution. These several actions of the town
82
SHAY'S REBELLION.
delineate the jealousy with which they regarded any movement which savored of an encroachment upon their civil rights, and viewing their grievances as endured unkingly rule, can we wonder at it?
At a town meeting held September 1, Monday, 1780, the follow- ing vote was taken, under the newly formed and accepted Consti- tution, for Governor, Lieut. Governor and Senators. Governors: John Hancock, 16; James Bowdoin, 10. Senators: Col. John Bliss, 13 ; Caleb Strong, 15; Major Joseph Hawley, 13 ; Capt. McClel- lan, 4; Gen. Daniel Danielson, 7; Rev. Job Wright, 11 ; Moses Bliss, I.
Thus we see the constant self-sacrifice and the ready responses made for and to the demands of the war. In exchange for these came the merited satisfaction and pride in a self-formed govern- ment. No longer must the people bow themselves to a Monarch's caprice. In matters social, civil or religious they were answerable only to their own people and the officials whom they chose to place in power. In 1780 the assessors returned for Bernardston 33,477 acres, from which a deduction of 5000 acres was made for ponds, riv- ers and unimproved lands, leaving 28,477 acres, rateable at 12,489£ 12S. The value of the grain on hand was 1175 4s. The polls re- turned were 119, while the houses numbered 117. Truly a record which we may well view with commendable pride and satisfaction.
Shay's Rebellion .- Scarcely had peace been regained after the fiercely contested Revolution before Massachusetts, especially the western counties of the State, were called upon to suppress the Shay's Rebellion. In the feverish condition of mind succeeding the war, many did not comprehend the exact situation of public affairs, and it needed but one bold and unscrupulous enough to assume the command to obtain a ready following of insurgents, and such a leader was found in the person of Daniel Shay, who was born in Hopkinton, Mass., in 1747, and died at Sparta, N. Y., September 29, 1825. Although not prominently connected with the first movements of the rebellion, he was finally placed in com- mand, not impossibly because of his having become somewhat fa- miliar with martial duties while serving as sergeant at Bunker Hill, and afterward as captain in the Revolutionary army.
83
SHAY'S REBELLION.
There were numerous causes assigned by the insurrectionists for their action, among which were the following: that the salary paid the governor was too high, the senate was aristocratic, the lawyers extortionate, and most of all, the existence of partial taxation, es- pecially as applied to western Massachusetts. As a redress of their grievances they demanded an issue of paper money and the re- moval of the General Court from Boston. An effort was made by the authorities to allay their discontent by the abatement of certain back taxes and debts, but without success. In August, 1786, the trouble began, the malcontents having as one of their primary ob- jects the abolishment of the courts, beginning thus early to assail the power of the Government so recently established, and that, too, at such a cost of human life. Enough of victory favored the rebelling forces to enable them to carry on the insurrection until the last of February following, when the movement was quelled and the leaders fled. This affair is of local interest inasmuch as among Shay's followers were some from Bernardston. In an en- gagement at Springfield in the beginning of 1787, the troops for the defense under command of General Shephard, fired upon the Shay's party, killing four - Messrs. Spicer of Leyden, Ezekiel Root of Bernardston, Hunter of Shelburne, and Webster of Gill. This repulse followed closely by the retreat to Pelham, and the destruc- tion of many of their number dispersed the already confused mob. Their leaders fled the State and the insurgents themselves were speedily brought in by the cavalry. In attempting to secure one, Jason Parmenter of Bernardston, in the east part of the town, he fired upon the capturing party, killing Jacob Walker of Whately. Parmenter was tried, convicted and sentenced to the gallows. All the preparations were made, and the criminals brought out ready for execution, in accordance with Gov. Hancock's orders. Then, and not until then, was a pardon produced and read, and this par- don was afterward extended to Shay and his leaders.
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