USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Bernardston > History of the town of Bernardston, Franklin county, Massachusetts, 1736-1900, with genealogies > Part 9
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Thus did Massachusetts receive her rebellious sons into favor. It was during this rebellion that Capt. Caleb Chapin commanded a company of four months men in Col. Ezra Badlam's regiment, and from the old payroll formerly in the possession of a descendant, the late Lucius P. Chapin of Bernardston, and by him donated to the
84
CAPTAIN CALEB CHAPIN'S COMPANY.
P. V. M. A., are gathered the names of some who quickly responded to their country's summons:
Caleb Chapin, Captain.
Thomas Rand, Private.
David Hoit, Jr., Lieutenant.
Nathaniel Walker,
Elislia Ransom, Ensign.
Elias Bardwell, 60
Eliel Gilbert, Clerk.
Levi Sartwell,
Abiatlıar Joy, Robert Bardwell, "
Abiezer Richmond,
Samuel Pollicy,
Jacob Holliday,
Samuel Hart, Corporal.
Gaius Field, 66
Stephen Lawrence,
Miller Mitchell, 66
Josiah Osgood, Jr.,
Simeon Hastings,
Thomas Nichols,
Walter Stewart,
-
Ephrainı Williams, Fifer.
Zepheniah Jones,
Aretas Lyman, Drummer.
Elisha Foster,
Cornelius Gilbert, Private.
Eleazer Lawrence,
Rosel Alvord,
Seth Denio,
66
Ebenezer Peck,
Timothy Larraba,
66
Caleb Thayer, 66
Abel Torrey,
John Briggs,
Ebenezer Emes, 66
Timothy Warren, 66
Elijah Scott, 66
Chester Gunn, =
Burriell Hayward,
Phineas Osgood,
Erastus Barnard, 66
Joseph Osgood,
Nathaniel Doakcs,
Isiah Dow,
Elijah Walker,
David Osgood,
Daniel Bliss, 66
Among these there are comparatively few Bernardston names to be found, although doubtless most of them came from this vicinity. After keeping troops in the western counties four months, they were withdrawn, and white winged peace sprang up, Phoenix like, from the quickly crushed but dangerous insurrection. Most author- ities agree that had Shay possessed sufficient knowledge to have skillfully commanded his forces, unlimited success might have at- tended his movements. In the civil war, some few writers cited · the case of Shay's insurrection to all such as were disinclined to accept the tax imposed, and it certainly seems as if one such lesson would be all that was needful in a Government's history.
War of 1812 .- Concerning the war of 1812 there is nothing upon the records. In its corporate capacity the town took no part, and it is not definitely known who went from here, although at differ- ent times there have resided here survivors of that war. The ab- sence of any action of the town at that time is explainable by the
85
WAR OF 1812.
fact that Gov. Strong, then Governor of Massachusetts, was opposed to the war, and when upon the outbreak of hostilities, President Madison issued a call for troops, he requested of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts its opinion as to the authority of the President to require a State to send its soldiers outside of the State, subject to a general, other than the President himself, as commander-in- chief of all the American forces. The decision of the court was that in certain contingencies the President might call out the State militia, but that, as there was no power given the President or Congress to determine when those contingencies did really exist, the Governor of a State must determine the question for himself. Hence the President's call had no force. Gov. Strong declined to call for troops, and many soldiers went to New York State and en- listed, and were probably credited to that State rather than to the State to which they actually belonged.
According to a letter written by Alpha Ryther in 1863, there were, in 1814, fifteen men called for from town, and thirteen re- sponded. Some of them were, besides Mr. Ryther, Elijah Tryon, fifer, Hosea Aldrich, Erastus Ryther, Ebenezer Nightengale, Gor- ham Chapin, David Guellow and a son of William Newcomb of North Bernardston. These men belonged to the second regiment, second brigade, fourth division. The Captain was David Strick- land of Greenfield. The company was ordered to Boston about September 1, 1814, and remained for three months, being stationed successively at Cambridgeport and Commercial Point. at South Boston. Mr. Ryther was for a time clerk of the company, but hav- ing lost the roll, could only give this much from memory. Who were the other members of this company is not known. Had Massachusetts taken any concerted action, we may be assured that this town would have responded in a ready and enthusiastic man- ner. All the records of this war, or in any way pertaining to those who went from the State of Massachusetts, are to be found in Wash- ington.
The first half of the ninteenth century probably passed by, in a sense, uneventfully. The country was at peace ; the inhabitants, prosperous. Passing events interested our townsmen, as they do to-day, for the time being; the morrow furnished fresh food for
86
CIVIL WAR.
thought; the social and educational side of life received its full share of attention, with the result that the schools were built up, the lyceum, spelling and singing schools, now almost forgotten in- stitutions, prospered ; days were taken for the improvement and beautifying of public, as well as private, property. In short, a happy, prosperous life was here depicted, such as is only attainable in a community at unity with itself and the outside world. Each pur- sued his wonted calling, running the race that was set before him, and many of the town's patriarchs, approaching their time appointed, were tenderly laid, by loving hands, within "God's Acre."
Civil War .- The beginning of the civil war marks another great epoch in the Nation's history, and one which cast its reflection on every town in the country; while the stirring events which then transpired are mirrored in the minds of all the passing generation. Through the latter part of the fifties, excitement and party feeling ran high on all political issues of the day, and glancing backward 40 years, we can see our town eagerly watching, with others, the attitude assumed by the Southern States, and in imagination we can enter into the feverish excitement which everywhere prevailed, and dominated men's actions, when throughout the country was flashed the news that Fort Sumter had been fired upon and hos- tilities actually begun. Never lacking patriotic enthusiasm, Ber- nardston now fully sustained her former creditable record in her ready accession to the demands of the national government, and her citizens harbor a justifiable feeling of pride at the remembrance of the noble deeds performed by her heroic sons, a feeling which is tempered and saddened by the loss of some of her loved ones who fell while in the performance of their duties.
" It singeth low in every heart, We hear it each and all, A song of those who answer not, However we may call."
At a town meeting held July 22, 1862, for the express purpose of taking action relative to the quota called for, Mr. I. K. Brown was chosen moderator, and the following resolutions, presented by Dr. William Dwight, were unanimously adopted:
"That we, as citizens of the town of Bernardston, with a view to the suppression of the most 'atrocious rebellion of modern times, do hereby
87
BOUNTY VOTED.
heartily endorse the policy of the President of the United States and hereby express our confidence in his tried patriotism, his integrity and devotion to the welfare of the whole nation.
Resolved, That the town of Bernardston in response to the call of the President come forward with a willing heart to lay upon the altar of our Common Country the lives of our sons and the treasures of our people in defense of that noble constitution and union, the preservation and perpet- uation of which, is the solemn duty of every individual throughout the length and breadth of our land.
Resolved, That the exigencies of the hour call upon old and young, rich and poor alike, to rally around the old flag of our fathers and consecrate our energies to the defence of this, the best Government that a kind Provi- dence has bestowed upon Man."
It was voted that "a bounty of $100.00 be paid to each of the eleven recruits for Massachusetts Volunteers in the service of the United States, that may enlist in Bernardston agreeable to the call of the President of the United States. To be paid when such recruits are mustered into service-and that the selectmen be instructed to borrow a sum sufficient to pay the above Bounty and use the credit of the town for that purpose: provided that a sufficient guar- antee fund shall be raised by voluntary subscription to indemnify the selectmen in the above action, if the action of the town in pass- ing this vote shall be illegal and shall not be legalized by future legislation." This guarantee fund was immediately raised. The call of the country fell upon hearts just as loyal as ever beat within human breast, and to Herbert G. Horton must be given the honor of being the first volunteer. Immediately upon the adoption of the above resolution, he presented a muster roll headed with his own name. This prompt action had its effect, and five names were soon placed beside his upon the roll. At the motion of Rev. Mr. Ruberg, three cheers were given with a will, after which the meet- ing was adjourned, six of the eleven recruits called for having been quickly secured, and the number was soon made good. During the summer of 1863 the excitement was intense. The response to calls made for men was everywhere less ready than heretofore and it was found to be impossible to fill the ranks by voluntary enlist- ments. Hence a draft was ordered, beginning in this county, Tuesday, July 14, 1863, at 10 a. m. All males between the ages
88
DRAFT ORDERED AND TAKEN.
of 20 and 35 years, except the unmarried (whose limit was extended to 45 years) were subject to this draft, and were to serve three years or through the war. The draft for the ninth district called for 3066 men, including exempts, for whom 50 per cent was allowed, and Bernardston was required to furnish twenty-three. Those drafted from here were, in the order in which the draft proceeded:
Ward A. Ferry, Sumner F. Streeter, Charles P. Cushman, Henry L. Lamb, Moses Nelson, Edwin C. Burrows, Joseph Hatfield, Zenas Butterfield, David Wells, Charles Lascoway, H. Duane Fox, Aaron W. Field, Almon D. Hale, Galusha Newton, Henry O. Root, Eze- kiel Hale, Eugene Templeman, Francis D. Hale, Joseph W. Cross, Chauncey O. Haley, Timothy B. Carpenter, Lucius W. Cook, Henry Hale. By subscription, the citizens raised a fund to pay such drafted men the same bounty as was paid those who went as volun- teers in 1862. Consequently each able bodied man either went or sent a substitute. Under the President's call of March 14, 1864, the quota assigned this town was eight.
Those who responded to their country's call were as follows, those whose names are marked with an asterisk being the ones who lost their lives in the service ; those marked t have passed away since and all are rightly classed as among the honored dead:
2Ist Regiment.
Charles O. Frizzell. *Lucius C. Hale.
*James W. Hale.
*Edward Lachore.
*George E. Hale.
27th Regiment.
John Manning. W. A. Thompson.
R. C. Briggs.
Dwight A. Reed.
Michael Sullivan. John Albett.
Ioth Regiment. William H. Seott. B. R. Morrison.
*Charles C. Harris. D. R. Scott.
George Thompson. Josiah P. Day.
3Ist Regiment.
A. N. Jolinson. Henry Baldwin.
J. J. Aldrich.
37th Regiment. Bart. Sullivan. H. A. Wolf.
4th (Vt.) Regiment.
C. O. Haley. John Haley.
Geoffrey Vaile.
+F. D. Hale:
Dennis Bartis.
+George W. Wells. *M. F. Slate.
L. B. Streeter.
89
MILITARY ROLL OF CIVIL WAR.
+Herbert G. Horton. +Enos H. Burt. D. L. Fairman.
33rd Regiment. +T. L. Sheldon. +David Newell.
+J. H. Weeks.
J. C. Fairman. C. J. Hutchins. A. F. Thompson. Mason Drury. 15th (Ct). Regiment. *Charles A. Boyle. 9th Regiment.
*H. J. Hale.
Z. A. Butterfield.
52nd Regiment.
E. S. Hurlbert.
+H. P. Lyons.
+L. P. Chase.
+J. S. Slate.
+E. C. Newton. H. W. Hale.
*James M. Thompson.
F. C. Slate.
+Lucius M. Weatherhead. George W. Thorniley. L. B. Grout.
C. R. Gould. Q. W. Benjamin. tA. W. Kingsley. W. S. Whitcomb.
6th Regiment. Rev. A. N. Field. 56th Regiment.
*William Woodrough. *George W. Woodrough.
3rd Regiment, Cavalry. William Vanall. 4th Regiment, Cavalry. A. L. Haskins. *Fred Hale.
George W. Haskins.
57th Regiment.
Anson Booter. George Norwood.
14th Regiment, Battery. William H. Walbridge.
*Henry T. Sheldon. +Joel N. Nash.
211d Regiment, Heavy Artillery. Charles T. Scott. *George A. Willey. William Palmer. James Quinn.
Ist Regiment, Heavy Artillery. George Hughs. 23rd Regiment.
+Henry O Streeter. . +John W. Temple. A. T. McClure.
Joseph Slate. Regiment unknown.
Charles Huber. Hector Murphy.
R. F. Newcomb.
William F. Oaks.
+Dwight Park. +D. H. Wheeler. F. R. Park.
I. L. Thomas.
90
BERNARDSTON MEN ENLISTED ELSEWHERE.
Among the sons of Bernardston who served under enlistment from other places, should be mentioned Capt. George Warner, now resident of Lynn, Mass., who went from Springfield, Mass., attained the rank of lieutenant in the 27th regiment, Co. K, and at the bat- tle of New Berne, lost a limb. As soon as the wound was healed and an artificial limb fitted, he returned to active duty, afterwards becoming captain of the company. He was also for a time con- nected with the subsistence department at New Berne. Likewise from Springfield went Laroy Z. Cutler, who enlisted for nine months in Co. A, 46th Reg., M. V. M., yet saw eleven months' ser- vice ere his return home.
The existing condition of affairs was the best to bring out the character of the people and many patriotic examples might be re- corded. At the time Henry W. Hale was drafted, his father gave him $300.00, the sum required for his commutation. This he re- turned with the remark that "The government wants some one to take my place and I may as well go." Mr. Hale served his country with credit to himself, passing through some thrilling experiences, and as a reward for his fidelity then, as well as a mark of the re- spect in which they hold him now, his former comrades have be- stowed upon him the position of commander of the Edwin E. Day Grand Army Post, in the town of his adoption.
Rev. J. B. Green, pastor of the Unitarian society, connected him- self with the sanitary commission for some time and rendered val- uable aid to that organization.
In 1862, October 27, Lieut. E. S. Hurlbert, with his soldiers from this place, also some others in the same company, reached here on the evening train, receiving an ovation worthy their brave spirits. The ladies had procured a sword, sash and revolver, and with the citizens generally, repaired to the hotel then under the manage- ment of Mr. E. C. Fox, whither Lieut. Hurlbert and his men were escorted by a large procession headed by a band. Here, to Lieut. Hurlbert was presented the articles by Master Everett Fox, on be- half of the ladies, in the following words:
"To you, Sir, the honored officer of a band of patriots from our own midst, the exercises of this occasion have an uncommon interest. To us all, it will be a matter of pleasant memory: and the presentation of an ele-
91
PRESENTATION OF SWORD AND SASH TO LIEUT. HURLBERT.
gant sword and sash by the ladies of Bernardston to our beloved Lieut. Hurlbert, to be used in the salvation of an afflicted country from traitorous hands, will go down in the history of this town to the latest times, as a worthy deed of respect to one of her noblest sons.
But, Sir, however much we admire the business energy you have shewn in years now past, and which have added much to the standing and growth of our place; however much we admire your intellectual and social quali- ties, which have endeared you to a large circle of friends, that earnest, de- cisive, yet courteous demeanor which has ever marked your intercourse; still, your history even now begins; your sphere of highest usefulness, of patriotism, such as will give honor to yourself, and mark with glory the annals of our community, just now opens before you. You, with your brave companions, are to write with the death dealing edge of the sword and bayonet in the hearts of our foes, lessons of terror to tyranny, of love to freedom and humanity. May God crown you with the highest success. The ladies of Bernardston, in whose behalf I make this presentation, thus express their confidence in you, their high hopes and the pride which they feel in the noble position you are to hold in our country's cause. This honor is not meant for you alone. The ladies thus shew their regard to every noble spirit that from Bernardston has enlisted in the army of our common country as compatriots with you. They and we alike rejoice that one of their number has been selected for a post of so great importance. This occasion is a token of regard for them, through you, as their lieuten- ant, and well may we honor them. You, soldiers of Bernardston, have shewn your patriotism, your courage. While some trembled and cowered, you stepped nobly forth. No man of Bernardston can sacrifice more than you are doing for a noble cause-it is not property, it is home and life you lay upon the altar of our country. You offer to live or die for her, as the god of battles may direct. O, how unlike those dastard, coward, cringing souls, who besiege the surgeon for exemption papers, yet can daily labor for themselves or charge a dollar a day to their neighbors for their work- dead to the high call of their country-may God have mercy on their cow- ardly souls !
In behalf of the ladies of Bernardston, contributing therefor, I, who would gladly be of age to accompany you in your perils and honor, present to you as a token of their esteem and high hopes, and with regard for the soldiers, your brave associates, this beautiful sword and sash: and in the sentiment of the Spartan mother to her brave son, to whom she had pre- sented a shield, saying, 'Return either with this shield or upon it,' so say
92
LIEUT. HURLBERT'S RESPONSE.
they' to you, return to us bearing this in triumph from many a gory field of battle, or if you are destined never to return, we trust your brave heart will never tarnish its brightness, except in honor to our country's flag."
Lieut. Hurlbert responded as follows :-
"Through you, Sir, it now becomes my duty to thank the fair donors for this valuable testimonial of their regard. And I trust, if by a kind provi- dence, I am again permitted to return among you, I may bring this valued gift, untarnished by any act of mine, or its lustre dimmed except by trait- or's blood.
And, Sir, when I say, thank the fair contributors, I mean all that that word can possibly express, I think I feel the full weight of the responsibil- ity resting on me in accepting it, I have sworn to do all that in me lies to support that Constitution and that Union which has been handed down to us by our fathers and sealed with their blood: come what may, I shall strive to do my duty in maintaining them.
I take it for granted, however, that not only to me is this token pre- sented, but to all who from this town have taken their lives in their hands and present them as a freewill offering in defence of the dear ones they leave behind. We know we are leaving those dear firesides around which so many pleasant memories cluster, in exchange for long and wearisome marches, sleepless nights, and all the wants and privations of an army in an enemy's country: but trusting in the righteousness of our cause, we cheerfully accept them. And I trust, God helping us, the fair givers shall never have cause to blush for any act of those whom they have by this gift commissioned to battle for the salvation of our common country."
Upon the sword was inscribed, "Presented to Lieut. E. S. Hurl- bert, by the ladies of Bernardston."
Thus do we see how the brave and independent spirit which led the women of the pioneer families to aid their husbands and sons in the treacherous Indian warfare, shows itself in their descend- ants. A hundred and fifty years later, nearly, the women were.ac- tively engaged in doing all in their power not only to stimulate patriotic sentiments, but also to relieve the wants and sufferings of those who were so dear to them. Boxes were prepared and sent to the field, and the benefits derived from their contents would have amply repaid all denial and self-sacrifice made, could the con- tributors have witnessed the same. The younger, as well as the
93
CASUALTIES.
older, ladies had their organization and worked with a will, prepar- ing delicacies and comforts which were sent to the different com- missions for further distribution. And who shall wonder if an occasional written word of encouragement was included in the " comfort bags " sent ? Or that the recipient of such should most gratefully acknowledge the favor, as did one young man who, in one of his communications to a Bernardston maiden, thus described himself: "My hair is red, I should have been good looking, had not the Lord unfortunately set both my eyes watching my nose." Such matters, little things in themselves, no doubt helped many a poor soldier through the long hours of weary marching, or served to vary the monotomy of camp routine, and if, by such means, dis- heartened spirits were encouraged, just in that proportion was good rendered to the cause for which all, at home and abroad, were most earnestly engaged.
Of those who lost their lives while in the service, Lucius C., son of Allen B. Hale, of the 21st regiment, was wounded and died in the hospital at New Berne, N. C., April 12, 1862. James W., son of John Valentine Hale, died at the same place of a fever, April 8, 1862. He was in the 21st Massachusetts regiment. Edward Lachore was killed in the battle of New Berne. George Hale was drowned in the Potomac river. James Thompson died in a hospital. Charles S., son of J. S. Slate, died in the Philadelphia hospital, November 5, 1862. He was aged 21 years, a member of the 4th Vt. regiment. Sergeant Barnard, son of Ziba Newell, was killed in the battle of Malvern Hill, near Richmond, July 28, 1864, at the age of 27. He was shot in such manner as to sever a main artery, and bled to death immediately. His body was robbed by rebels, into whose hands it fell. Sergt. Newell was a member of Co. F, Ist Massachu- setts cavalry, and although but 27, had been in between 30 and 40 battles and skirmishes. He had a brother killed in the battle of Antietam. William Woodrough and son George were killed before Petersburgh. Frederic Hale died at Fort Magruder, near Williams- burg, Va., of congestion of brain and lungs. Charles A., son of William Boyle of Bernardston, died at New Berne, N. C., of spotted fever, October 10, 1864, ae. 27. He was a member of the 15th Con- necticut volunteers. Henry T., son of Russell Sheldon, died at
94
CASUALTIES.
New Berne, October 12, 1864, ae. 18, a member of the 2nd Massa- chusetts heavy artillery.
" Down the dark future, through long generations, The sounds of war grow fainter and then cease; And, like a bell with sweet, solemn vibrations,
I hear once more the voice of Christ say, "Peace!" Peace! and no longer, from its brazen portals, The blast of war's great organ shakes the skies; But beautiful as songs of the immortals, The holy melodies of love arise."
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Deu, If. Plate 4
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C.S. Barber Z
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Mrs. Benson
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SCHOOL NO.1
RIVER
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CONNECTICUT
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1000
2000
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4 inches=2,640 feet or one half Mile.
THE MATTHEWS-NORTHRUP WORKS. BUFFALO, N.Y.
BOSTON
P.L.Cushman Estate
MAP OF BERNARDSTON VILLAGE BY O. W. GRAY, B. S., C. E. Scale, 40 Rods to one Inch.
Scale of Feet.
R.R.STA.E OGFT.HO.
R.
WAGON SHOP CIO. Cook
.
. Burrows Homestead
Ryther Hill
Geo. E. Burrows (Summer Residence)
Ryther Estate
N >Z
FOX
Fall
River
Brook
a
t
MERIDIAN
E.E. Benjamin
Stratton
R. L. Crowell
Dr. Wheeler Place &
HI. Williams
E.Cairns
Miss Bagg.
It.L. Crowell z HI. Newton METHODIST CHURCH
CPE. W. Hartwell
STORE
Wright
Irwin B. Hale
Est.
TOWN HALL
&Stratton
.A.M. Stratton
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Y. Cairns Wild
MARKET J. W.Chapin
Chąs. Vanphear
H.C.Cushman
CAIRNS' B.SH
F.R. Park
Miss M. Chaplu &
··- BRICK STORE O.W.Gray
Sanderson Homestead (Maple Shade
Pond
L.D.Slate
Mill
BAPTIST CHURCH
L.A.Slate
Dr.Clas. Bowker
BAPTIST/ PARSONAGE
PINE GROVE
J. Baker
w. Johnson
M. V. Davenport
Dea. H. Slate Em
PA SHOP
DO T. H.
......... C
MAGNETIC
Mrs. Cusmuan
PAINT SHOP
UNITARIAN PARSONAGE
CUSHMAN HALLE
STORE
PARK
dams Est.
CONGE
PARSONAGE
Carpenter Homestead
SCHOOL HOUSE NO. 2
CUSHMAN
S. H. Athertony
PARSONAGE
NEW ENGLAND HOUSE
POWERS INSITUTE
Mrs. Brown
CUSHMAN LIBRARY
& Stratton
Mrs. Chase
WAA
atration
LAUNITARIAN CH. J. P/Day O.W.Gray
my Mrs. Nash
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