USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Cheshire > History of the town of Cheshire, Berkshire County, Mass. > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23
Among the band were many officers who owned valuable jewels, and could command money. It was not deemed safe to parole them at Pitts- field where lived many avowed Tories, and friends of King George were known to abound, so it was, that among the loyal yeomanry of Cheshire, homes were provided for them, and the drowsy tranquility which had hitherto reigned uninterruptedly in its streets was broken up, and they were made bright and noisy by the scarlet uniforms, and their wearers. There are a few in our midst to-day who remember these strangers, and tell anecdotes of their lives and doings. Many of them were young men. Men of rank in England, fond of pleasure and society. Some of them were at- tracted by the pretty faces, and pleasant manners of the young ladies of the day who in turn were gratified with attentions paid to them by these elegant men of nobility. It is said that their presence at the village merry makings made its impression upon the dress and style of the rustic belles, who sought to make them what the fastidious Britons desired. Among the noblest and best remembered of these officers were Fox, Brighton, Rowe, Ross and Cresswick. The last two sought as wives daughters of two fiery patriots who scouted the idea of accepting into their households sons of the hated foe. Rowe, more fortunate won his wife.
Being on parole they were allowed to prolong their walks, usually in numbers and with a guard, to a point where guide boards told that the town limits ceased. If the dance they wished to attend, or the lady fair upon whom they wished to call was beyond this point, they pulled up the post and planted it beyond the place. Many a sly flirtation was carried on, and some of the Englishmen began to consider America not so bad a place, after all, although taught to shiver at the very mention of the troublesome, ignorant rebels of the United States.
Upon the brow of the hill leading down to the Kitchen, stood, in those days, a pretty, brown house, buried in a perfect wealth of shrubbery; tall
107
FROM 1807-1817.
trees shook their branches over the low roof, and through the narrow hall the perfume of flowers floated in summer days; every where was the evidence of an ingenious woman's taste and fancy. From a sort of stoop at the rear of the house glimmered the garden, full of the sweet old time flowers, over the stone wall that bounded it, wild clematis, and creepers with scarlet flowers grew and bloomed at will. By the wayside glistened the smithy's forge, and here Tolman Whitmarsh hammered and sung, and laughed, the veritable picture of the village blacksmith. Gathered about this forge in rainy days the soldiers would recount the experiences of their captivity from the moment when they first found themselves, with dismay, in the power of the enemy, were relieved of their muskets, and marched away as prisoners, and indignation filled their manly faces as they related the story of that sunny, September day on Lake Champlain, of their belief that they went sailing up the little cove after the advance boat to victory, when suddenly the mask was thrown off, and the "Yankees," swarmed like bees all around them, leaped into their boat, headed it off shore, and conveyed them helpless to the Yankee lines. Around this forge they often joined in song until, to quote one who tells the story, "They almost raised the rafters," and, although their words were "Highland Mary," and " Bonnie Dundee " they no doubt sang in heart to " English Nora " or " Dutch Kathleen," and thought of the yellow Avon, and the rushing Elbe.
Around the post-office, where ever gathers a crowd in small country towns, was always seen an eager group clad in scarlet, awaiting the distri- bution of the mail. A word from friends, so far away, was a rarer thing then, than in the times of steam and ocean telegraphs, and to receive a letter one of the most cheering hopes of the day.
Among these captive officers there were two whose names are often mentioned and who are remembered because of their "gay and festive " ways, their love of a good time and genial manners, Lieutenant Carr and Ensign Ladd.
Many was the frolic they lent their hand to, and the mischievous pranks they played upon the sober going villagers. Houses were thrown open for the board and lodgings of the foreign soldiers. Many were quartered at Capt. Daniel Brown's, and the great garret turned into a dormitory. Aunt Freelove's large hall with its swinging partitions was utilized during these times, as well as the rooms in Mr. Hall's tavern opposite the church. At Levi Mason's, who lived where Liberty Hammond now owns the proper- ty, there was a detachment, and on the farms of William P. Bennet, and Mrs. Brown, as well as many other places accommodations were procured. To six officers were usually three waiters. Many of the men, some of
108
HISTORY OF CHESHIRE.
whom were Hessians, were allowed to hire out to the farmers and lumberers of the town. Upon a rock just below Mrs. Roselle Lane's was to be seen until within a few years the autograph of these men where they had cut their names, the work of some idle moment probably. Perhaps, done on some sunny day when wandering over the fields, and dreaming of the sweethearts waiting for them in their far off island home.
It so chanced, that Lieutenant Carr, Ensign Ladd, and others of the same stamp, were quartered at the Hall tavern. One stormy night, when all resources for amusement seemed exhausted, they secured a strong wire, and in the late twilight young Ladd stole across the street, climbed up the belfry stairs, and to the iron tongue of the huge bell attached the wire which he put through the window shutter, closed the doors, and retraced his steps, introducing the other end of the fine, almost invisible wire, to their own room, they retired at an early hour, and were soon apparently wrapped in deep, heavy slumbers. It was when the clocks were striking for midnight that the church bell began to peal forth its wildest notes, sounding across the Cheshire green, arousing the good people from their slumbers, windows were thrown open, doors unbarred, heads thrust out, and as the jubilant notes thrown from off the iron tongue pealed louder and faster, echoing down the valley, and resounding from the hills, the folk began to muster, the lanterns glimmered all over the common, the old and young, men and women, villagers, and farmers on panting steeds, all gathered in hot haste, and beneath the starless night, and in the dripping rain inquired breathlessly of one another, "What of the night ?"
On the low land from Capt. Brown's garden to the river stretched the unbroken meadows of the Hoosac. Here the officers laid out their ground for foot ball, and here daily in fine weather they played matched games.
Down by the river they spread their long tables with such viands as they most desired, never forgetting the finest brands of liquors and wine, with immense wooden and pewter bowls filled with loaf sugar crushed into pieces of a proper size, and tankards of water. Here the beaten side marched with the winners whom they treated to whatever their fancy dictated.
At last Lieutenant Carr and Ensign Ladd for want, possibly, of anything better to employ the time professed conversion to the American cause, doffed their becoming scarlet uniforms, joined the American Army, re- ceived the bounty, and, truth compels us to say it, deserted-went over the Canada line where once again installed in King George's army they were in the battle of Waterloo, and helped to swell the list of England's slain on that victorious field. Mr. Smith states that Dr. H. H. Childs of Pittsfield was physician in charge of all these prisoners, both soldiers and marines, with rank and pay of Hospital Surgeon, and power to appoint his
109
FROM 1807-1817.
own assistants. Dr. Isaac Hodges was a native of Savoy, practising his profession at this date on Stafford's Hill and was the physician known here to have the care of the sick among the foreign soldiers. He probably re- ceived his appointment from Dr. H. H. Childs of Pittsfield. No doctor however skilled is able to defeat death always and a low grave on the hill- side beneath the verdure and the flowers bears witness to his unerring archery. A cold, gray stone by the side of which succeeding generations of the village people have stood with a sigh of tender pity for the young soldier-dead on a foreign shore-records that, "Here lies Ensign Roberts of His Majesty's Light Infantry."
In September 1814, two strangers were arrested in the village supposed to be spies. At the close of 1814, the peace of Ghent settled the war, and the soldiers, Britons and Hessians, who had been increasing through 1814, were gathered together for the last march in America. They had played their last game of foot ball on the grassy, Hoosac meadows, they had bid- den a final good-bye to the scenes and friends of their captivity, taken hurried farewells from the girls with whom they had danced, and strolled in leafy lanes at sunset, some of them parting as lovers part, and to the sound of the bugle and the drum the procession wound slowly over the hills to Pittsfield where joining their brothers at the cantonment, they were taken by march to Canada, thence to England, to fight under the Iron Duke of Wellington against Napoleon.
In 1816 the post-office was removed to Scrabbletown and kept by Edmond Foster in a building that stood beyond the river crossing. Cap- tain Edmond Foster entered the regular army prior to the war of 1812. His papers of admission were signed by Thomas Jefferson, and those of his dismissal by James Madison. He was in some of the most important battles of the war and was a Captain in the 9th Berkshire Regiment. He had two brothers William and Charles, the former was First Lieutenant, and the latter Second Lieutenant in different companies. Winfield Scott was Captain also in this same regiment, just beginning, then, to enter upon that path of glory which widened in the Mexican war and culminated in the rebellion. Foster was wounded at Chippewa, and for bravery was breveted Major. After the prisoners were quartered at Pittsfield and Cheshire, Major Foster was given charge of a cantonment in both places. This brought him frequently to this village and to the home of Captain Daniel Brown, where quarters were given to some in the spacious garret. Here he met and married Sally, second daughter of Captain Brown, and settled in Cheshire. He died at Hoosac, N. Y. His family is scattered. Mrs. Foster died at an advanced age in Cheshire. One son and one daughter with several grandchildren still reside there, two daughters, Mrs.
110
HISTORY OF CHESHIRE.
William G. Waterman and Mrs. Justis Lane have lived for many years in Illinois and one son Lieutenant D. B. Foster died in the fall of 1883.
Up to 1816, no fires were allowed in the meeting house to worship God by. All were clad in heavy clothes. Gentlemen wore "great coats " tippets, and striped mittens. Ladies fortified themselves with foot stoves, a square box-like affair, made of tin, perforated with holes, and a drawer at the bottom, in which was put the last thing before leaving home, some red coals, and perhaps a firebrand. A bail served to carry the article, and placed upon the floor of the pew, the feet of the owner upon it, the good woman found it no uncomfortable arrangement as she tucked herself away in the corner of the high-backed, ancient pew. A paper, dated 1816, tells that certain members of the Third church undertake to provide stoves and pipe, and if it proves a failure, return to the donors the money they donate. In 1816 the town votes to pay the soldiers of the war of 1812, $15 per month beside the government prices for their services during the conflict.
In 1812 Elder John Leland published some essays upon religious topics in a pamphlet form. They were, says the Pittsfield Sun, on fine paper of handsome type and interesting matter.
In 1816 Allan B. Green was doing business at the carpenter and joiner trade.
In 1810, Captain Brown gave the land from the Hoosac river, past the store of R. M. Cole, through the village, for a new road, and it was laid out as it exists to-day. He then closed the one first surveyed, farther to the north, and over the hills, the new one merging into the old at the foot of the Kitchen Hill.
Early in this era Samuel Smith's family setted at Stafford's Hill, and in 1812, Mr. Bliss (father of Charles and Rachel Bliss) purchased the farm now owned by Philo Leonard. At his home down east he had been burned out, and in beginning again preferred new surroundings. Mr. Loomis carried on the carding and fulling business at Scrabbletown and was suc- ceeded by his son Luther, who also manufactured cheese boxes.
In January, 1816, a very remarkable natural phenomenon was witnessed by the residents of the town. A heavy fall of snow commenced toward nightfall. None of the flakes were smaller than a " four pence ha' penny bit," and during the night as they fell steadily and straight to the earth they were accompanied by terrific thunder bolts, and brilliant light- ning flashes, that gave every house and hill and spire the appearance of liquid fire. Dr. Cushing riding over the hills toward home at midnight drove his horse close to a wayside smithery that he might ascertain if possible what it was that wrapped the sides of the rude building, its roof, steps, and window panes in vivid red. Taking his long whip, while his
111
FROM 1807-1817.
horse crouched almost to the earth in affright at the thunder peals and sharp lightning chains, he scraped off from the building a little pile of its covering and held it in his hand. It was only snow-pure and color- less as ever fell from the clouds-and the doctor drove home satisfied that some peculiar condition of the atmosphere caused the delusion.
CHAPTER VI.
FROM 1817-1827.
-
CHEESE BUSINESS. FARMERS. COTTON MANUFACTURES. JONATHAN
FARNUM. STAGES. DAVID SMITH. GENERAL TRAINING. ELNATHAN SWEET CALLED TO THIRD CHURCH. HEZEKIAH MASON. CHURCH DIS- CIPLINE. EDDY MASON. SQUIRE JAMES BARKER. WILLIAM BROWN. THE VILLAGE INN. CULTIVATION OF FLAX. DANIEL CHAPMAN.
In days of peace there is a charm in reviewing the military history of our country; a fascination in reading of the stirring campaigns, as seated at ease, one watches a general move a regiment or brigade like a rook, on the board, sweeping down upon an unguarded queen. But, in fact, there is more charm in the peaceful avocations of life, and during the decade which now commences the tide of improvement was flowing rapidly onward. Changes showing progress since the infancy of the settlement were visible on every hand. Some one has said that " Genius was only taking trouble," and in the mills and industries much careful painstaking was seen, which, perhaps, laid the foundation for the manufacturing successes and the colossal fortunes the years have known.
Russell Brown, son of Caleb Brown, who watched the howling wolves on Pork Lane was doing business in a store near the house of Mrs. George Slaid, which house and store, built by Eli Greene, he owned for many years. He was a speculator in cheese, buying dairies from the farmers all around. While the business carried on at the village in various ways serv- ed to add to its life and the number of its houses, yet the farmers on the surrounding farms of this town have ever been its backbone and its sinew, they have been the corner stone of all prosperity, and to their intelligent care and patient toil, to the plodding lives, and untiring labor of the far- mer's wives is due the success the town met, and the name it won so high on the roll of the dairying interests. Russell Brown on the hill, and Moses Wolcott at the foot of it, were the places that led in this business of dairy buying. Moses Wolcott had associated his son, N. K. Wolcott, with him in the mercantile and speculating business. The latter was also appointed
113
FROM 1817-1827.
postmaster in 1818. The cheese bought by these parties was stored in their rooms sometimes for weeks, sometimes longer. They were arranged on long, narrow shelves, care observed that they should not touch each other. At stated intervals some person, way-wise in the business, turned and rub- bed them to prevent moulding. To properly cure them for market, and man- age them well was a very particular task, as to gain an unvarying reputation of sending the best brands of cheese to the city markets was to win a for- tune. The teamsters who plied the business of carrying these large dairies to " the river," at Troy or Schoodac, drove their long wagons, constructed for the purpose, to the doors of the cheese house, and loaded up the night before the start; frequently the cheese were packed in casks. At about half past three they made the first move, and by the time the sun was well up in the eastern sky they would be driving into Hancock across the Taconics.
Watering and feeding the span of horses, taking their own morning meal they were off again and a little past noon, stopping at a wayside inn, they dined and refreshed after the morning ride, entered Troy at two. Driving to the wharf, they shipped the load of cheese for New York, returned to the busy streets, when, taking on a load of flour to sell at the stores of Brown or Wolcott, they turned toward home, spending the night at the inn just out from the city, they dined at Hancock and reached home for supper. Although occupying more time than a trip to Troy does to-day it was pretty good speed for the means they had at command.
A cotton factory was established during this decade at Cheshire Harbor by Elisha Jenks who owned and carried it on for many years. It was running successfully at his death and passed into the hands of other busi- ness men so that the busy hum of loom and spindle still greets the ear and the little " Boro " holds its own.
Russell Brown was engaged in cotton mills at Adams (South Village), as early as 1817. He was interested in a cotton factory built by a stock company arrangement. Caleb and Manning Brown were also in the manufacturing business at different times.
In the beginning work was given from these factories to Cheshire women, who took the cotton when spun and wove it in their looms, returning many yards of cloth annually to the mills.
To a descendant of a Pork Lane family it has been given to amass a for- tune that would be great wealth to all of our Americans, save perhaps, to the few ; but to any one commencing with little and making it by his own energies and capabilities, it is more than colossal.
In the month of November 1819, another peculiar exhibition of nature alarmed the people, causing them to believe that the "times and half a times," were indeed all told, and the last day right at the door. Arising on the morn-
114
HISTORY OF CHESHIRE.
ing of the 9th of the month they found a darkness all around them, that the advancing morning did not dissipate. The clocks told the hour of sunrise, but " Old Sol " for once was not on time. Eagerly all the people watched his coming ; but a dull leaden cloud covered the whole sky; a yellow gloom settled upon the entire landscape. Candles were lighted in every house. In some instances people were too much affrighted to rise from their beds, but waited in terror for the end. A little past midday the gloom brightened a trifle, it was, however, several days before the sun broke out and then it appeared a small white ball, cold and shorn of its glory. Many claimed that its efficacy was all gone, that never again would it heat the ground or ripen the golden corn ; that the rich, hot days of other summers would never be known again, a fallacy which time dissipated as it has many another.
In the spring of 1827 Daniel Brown put in fourteen water looms at Cheshire Harbor. As the men worked at their task people stopped often to watch them, or dropped in to inquire how the job progressed. Many a wise business man shook his head and smiled with pity at the folly of such an outlay, as he wondered how any one could be so foolhardy as to take such a risk, or be so stupid as to suppose that the cloth of fourteen looms would eyer be needed or sold. They would be compelled to store it while waiting for market, and the slow sales would destroy all profits.
Captain Charles Converse and Anthony Burton opened a wagon shop on the hill, and James Brown bought out the smithy's forge with its four fires. This James Brown was grandson of Abraham Brown ; so also were Luther and Thomas Brown, well-known by a later generation. Daniel Brown, son of Abraham, married Nancy, second daughter of Captain Brown, and was father of Luther Brown. Luke, also son of Abraham, was the father of Thomas.
Jonathan Farnum came into the country at an early day, (1796,) settling at the Hill. He was a butcher and done a lively business. He carried calves and young stock to "the river" in a long peculiar shaped vehicle with a cover, to which was given the name of " the ark."
In 1823 stages were put upon the road running through Cheshire. Some routes had been founded in other parts of the state prior to this ; but trav- eling by private conveyance was largely practiced throughout the states, and there was comparatively little known of stage coaches before 1800.
Ladies traveled alone on horseback, taking long journeys, riding late in the evening, fearing no evil, and meeting none. If such a traveler chanced to pass a stranger on some lone unfrequented road, he simply said " Good evening, mistress," and pursued his way. It sometimes happened that when the smoky October days came, when the busy time for the Berk-
115
FROM 1817-1827.
shire farmers was over and a horse could be spared, the young wife would long to see the sweet home she had left down at Swansy or Rehobeth, or still more distant Taunton or Warwick, a homesick feeling would follow her as she thought of the placid face of the old mother sitting on the broad stoop those soft October afternoons, the father by her side reading from the page of The Book, or perhaps chatting with a neighbor who had leaned over the garden gate a minute to inquire of the "up country " people. A strong desire would come over her to wander once again through the Swansy garden, or press the soft green grass of Taunton Green, and if any in the set- tlement were going " down east," the wife would take the baby, mount the pony, and go in company the long journey.
The stages of 1823 were a section of the great thoroughfare from Boston and Albany running through Stephentown, Hancock and Lanesborough. Coming from beyond the mountains towards the west, as they approached the town of Cheshire, they plunged abruptly down a defile among the hills that led to the settlement called " Thunder, " with its low school house and blacksmith shop. Lumbering up the opposite slope they made the decline over the hill at the right-as the brook road was then a bank of tangled ferns and wild undergrowth-and so into the hollow known as the Kitch- en, where, passing the saw and grist-mill, crossing the rustic bridge that spanned the brook, they clattered up the stony highway, now a narrow, disused lane back of the house owned by Calvin Ingalls, by the Six Principle church, along a way long since closed, but clearly defined by a growth of low trees and bushes, down to the main street, which it crosses at a point near to the old burying-ground. At this point the driver of the coach sounded the loud tally-ho horn, turned his horses' heads toward the tavern of Moses Wolcott below the hill, and 'mid the admiring gaze of the chil- dren on the green before the brick school house-who stopped their plays at recess to make their manners to the strangers-dashed up between the Lom- bardy poplars and the great stone steps of the inn, where all was bustle and stir. The travelers weary with their long ride over the rough, hilly roads, leaped eagerly to the ground, and were soon regaling themselves with the generous fare provided, while Aunt Freelove was one moment serv- ing the brown bread, pork and beans, hot, juicy steak and mealy potatoes, and the next, in her husband's momentary absence, dealing rum and cider brandy through the little gate before the bar with equally deft hand. Out- side, before the porch and along the platform, merry jokes were cracked, the smoking, panting horses were exchanged for fresh relays, brought from beneath the sheds at the rear of the yard, attached to the coach and the moment of departure announced by the driver. The mail was brought from the post-office, thrown on the top of the vehicle, the travelers clamber-
116
HISTORY OF CHESHIRE.
ed to their seats, the driver mounted his box, and they whirled away up the village street, past the church, over the hills to the east.
David Smith who had kept his tavern on the Hill removed about this time to the place where Shubal Lincoln now lives, opened a tavern for a stage house and received also the appointment of postmaster. This was called the Half-Way House, and when the trip [from Albany to Northampton required two days for its accomplishment the night was spent at this house by all the passengers, and the road taken at an early hour next morning.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.