USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Goshen > History of the town of Goshen, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement in 1761 to 1881, with family sketches > Part 7
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I836.
Eben'r W. Town, E. Putney, B. Prentice.
1837.
Rev. Stephen Mason, B. White, F. Putney.
1838.
Rev. J. C. Thompson, B. White, L. L. Pierce.
Rev. J. C. Thompson, F. W. Lyman, L. L. Pierce.
Rev. J. C. Thompson, Doct. Dan'l Pierce, F. W. Lyman.
1839. 1840. IS41. 1842.
Rev. J. C. Thompson, B. White, Alfred Jones.
F. W. Lyman, Geo. Dresser, Rev. J. C. Thompson.
1843. Rev. Royal Reed, Geo. Dresser, F. W. Lyman.
1844. Rev. Royal Reed, Geo. Dresser, Hiram Barrus.
1845. Rev. Royal Reed, F. W. Lyman, Geo. Dresser.
1846. Doct. D. Pierce, Hiram Barrus. Geo. Dresser.
1847. Rev. R. Reed, E. Putney, Doct. Pierce.
1848. Rev. Wm. J. Boardman, H. Barrus, Geo. Dresser.
1849. Rev. Wm. J. Boardman, Amasa Putney, B. White.
1850. Rev. R. Crossett, Sanford Gage, Geo. Dresser.
1851. Rev. R, Crossett, Hiram Barrus, Geo. Dresser.
76
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
1852. Rev. R. Crossett, Hiram Barrus, George Dresser.
1853. Rev. R. Crossett, Hiram Barrus, E. Putney.
1854. Rev. T. H. Rood, Hiram Barrus, E. Putney.
1855. Rev. T. H. Rood, Hiram Barrus, E. Putney.
1856. Rev. T. H. Rood, Hiram Barrus, E. Putney.
1857. Rev. T. H. Rood, Theron L. Barrus, E. Putney.
1858. Bennett Allen for 1 year, Theron L. Barrus for 2 years, H. Barrus for 3 years.
1859. Rev. T. H. Rood for 3 years.
1860. Miss Fannie Hawks for three years.
1861. George Dresser for 3 years, Rev. J. C. Thompson, vice H. Barrus resigned.
1862. Rev. J. C. Thompson for 3 yrs.
1863. T. L. Barrus for 3 years, Rev. Sidney Holman for 2 years.
1864.
E. Putney, George Dresser for 2 years.
1865.
Rev. S. Holman for 3 years.
1866.
George Dresser for 3 years.
Rev. H. M. Rogers for 3 years, T. L. Barrus I year.
1869.
George Dresser for 3 years.
1870.
T. L. Barrus for 3 years.
1871.
Fannie E. Hawks for 3 years.
1872. 1873. 1874.
George C. Dresser for 3 years.
T. L. Barrus for 3 years.
Fannie E. Hawks for 3 years.
Edward C. Packard for 3 years.
1878.
T. L. Barrus for 3 years.
1879. Edw. C. Packard for 3 years.
1880. George C. Dresser for 3 years.
School Statistics.
1845-6. 4 schools ; number of children, 134; length of schools, 33 months ; amount raised for schools, $300 ; value of contributions, $73 ; wages of male teachers, $16.67 ; female teachers, $10.24 ; pop- ulation, 556 ; valuation of the town, $131,867.
T. L. Barrus for 3 years, Alvan Barrus for 2 years.
1867. 1868.
Alvan Barrus for 3 years.
1875. 1876. 1877. George H. Sears for 3 years.
77
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
1860. 5 schools ; number of children, 101 ; length of schools, 32 mon'hs ; amount raised for schools, $350 ; contributions, $200 ; wages of teachers, males, $23 ; females, $16 ; population, 439 ; val- uation, $157,942.
1870. 4 schools ; number of children 84 ; length of school, 27 months ; amount raised for schools, $500 ; contributions, $188; wages of teachers, males, $28 ; females, $22.50 ; population, 368 ; valuation, $152,796.
1878 4 schools ; number of children, 92 ; length of school, 26; months ; raised for schools, $350 ; contributions, $211 ; wages of teachers, males, $24 ; females, $22 ; share of school fund, $210.14.
78
, HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
CHAPTER VII.
Highways.
In 1755, the soldiers serving in the French and Indian war, when sent from Boston to Albany, were transported around via Long Is- Iand Sound, New York and Hudson River. In 1758, a more direct route by land was followed. This route led westward from North- ampton through Williamsburgh, Goshen, Cummington, etc., and over it passed successive companies of troops, so that it may properly be considered as the first great highway across this portion of the coun- try from Boston to Albany. The soldiers had frequent camp-grounds, where, in providing themselves with fuel, they made considerable openings in the forest. In Williamsburgh one of their camps was on land afterwards occupied by Ludo Thayer. A little eminence of land near by was long known as the "Coffee Lot," where the soldiers made and drank their coffee. In Goshen, they passed over the south part of the farm of the late Capt. Grant, and left a log bridge, which remained to his day. Their next camping ground was on the spot where Col. L. Stone's "Red House" was built. The remains of their bark huts were found here by Maj. Stone, later than 1780. Joshua Packard once passed over the route with the troops, and on this camp- ground he lost his pocket knife. After he became a resident of the place, he searched for the knife, and happily found it.
This "trail" seems to have been followed and preserved by the set- tlers in after years, till it finally became, and was perhaps dedicated as one of the public highways of the town. It had one element that recommended it to public favor in those days-it passed over the highest hills that could be found on the route. The highest available lands were then preferred for farms and dwellings, but were deemed especially important for the location of the principal meeting-house of the town.
Marked trees indicated the most approved course from one point
79
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
to another through the wilderness, till a path was worn into distinct- ness by repeated travel. Walking and horseback were the chief means of locomotion for many years,-and even after the year isoo, saddle-bags for small, and panniers for larger packages, laid across the horse's back, served for the common "express" purposes of fam- ilies and communities. The boy on horse-back canied the grist to mill; the man on horse-back carried upon the pohon behind him his wife and daughter to church; the females upon horse-back performed long equestrian journeys, that would surprise their posterity. So- phia Banister, who married a Foster, and removed to Ohio, perform- ed the journey of 600 miles on horse back. John Williams had a wagon in 1786,-probably the first in town.
Soon after 1800, the old style chaise, with its ample wheels, was introduced by some of the more enterprising citizens. In. 1807, Oli- ver Taylor, Nehemiah May, Ebenezer and Solomon Parsons, were severally taxed on pleasure carriages, the only vehicles of the kind then in town. Wagons were not much used till after ISto. They were made without springs, or with rude springs of wood. The first great improvement in these was about 1830, when the "thorough- brace" was introduced, by which the body of the carriage was attach- ed by strong pieces of leather to the "running gear." Wagons with elliptic springs, introduced a new word, or a new application of an old word, into our vocabulary, -buggy,-followed in five or six years after.
The people themselves were the first mail-carriers here. A few of the more interested arranged between them for one of their number and then another, in succession, to go to Northampton every week, to bring the mail and the HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE. When one had ful- filled his task, he wrote upon the GAZETTE belonging to the coming man, "your turn next," and so each succeeding week was provided for. At length a post-rider, (said to be a Mr. Richardson,) com - menced doing this business. In a short time he was succeeded by that veteran of post-riders, Ebenezer Hunt, late of Cummington. He was succeeded by an elderly man named Kingman, of Worthington, who carried the papers about one year. The next was Josiah Shaw, late of Haydenville, who was succeeded by Theron A. Hamlin, I. A. Hamlin, Jacob Lovell, Frederick W. Belden, Jason C. Thayer, - - Loud, and O. P. Clark.
80
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
John Williams, Esq., was first postmaster. He was appointed probably in 1817, and retained the office about 23 years. His son Hinckley Williams, succeeded him, and was postmaster till 1853, when the office was removed. John L. Godfrey held the office for about two years, when Maj. Joseph Hawks received the appointment, and still retains it.
Between the years 1810-35, quite an extensive business was done in carrying farmers' produce, pork, butter, cheese, etc., and other goods, leather being quite an item, from the hill towns to Boston, and bringing in return goods for the merchants and others. The teams usually stopped the first night at Gilbert's, in Belchertown, and reached Boston early on the fifth day, in season to exchange loads and get out of the city on their way back to spend their first night. An old teamster, many years on the route, relates that the tedious- ness of the journey was quite often forgotten by reason of the number that were able to join company. At one time he counted thirty-four teams moving on together, each having from two to six horses.
In 1813, the town had a pauper who left his keepers and went to Boston. A man was sent to bring him back, who charged the follow- ing, as his expenses on the way. It is interesting as showing the rate of travel, and the cost and kind of items deemed a reasonable charge for such a journey. The bill of particulars reads: "Spencer, March 17, 1813, Half a mug sling, 10 cents; 1-2 peck of oats, 13 cents. Worcester. hay two baiting, 12 cents, sling 10 cents, dinner 30 cents, supper 25 cents, lodging 8 cents, gate 6 1-4 cents, hay 8 cents, gate 6 I-4 cents. Framingham-sling 12 1-2 cents, gate 6 1-4 cents. New- ton-sling 12 1-2 cents. oats 13, gate 6 1-4. Boston-supper 30 cents. Boston, March 19-Oats 1-2 peck, 20 cents, horsekeeping 56 cents, lodging 13 cents, sling 12 1-2 cents, hay 8 cents. (He secured his fugitive, and set out on his return the same day.) Dinner for Sam and I, 62 cents, gate 6 1-4 cents. Needham-sling 12 1-2 cents, : ("Sam," the pauper, probably didn't have sling,) gate 6 1.4 cents. Supper for two at Framingham, 62 cents, gate and oats. Westboro, March 20, horsekeeping 30 cents, lodging for two 16 cents, cider 8 cents, (probably for Sam). Worcester-sling 12 1-2 cents, hay 8 cents, breakfast for two 50 cents. Leicester-sling 12 1-2 cents, (no oats). Spencer-Oats 12 1-2 cents, sling 10 cents, supper for two. Sam staid over Sunday, 21st, at Brookfield, lodging 8 cents, cider 6, vitualling 34. Next day at Ware-one glass of sling 6 cents. (Prices
81
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
are tending downward.) Belchertown-lodging 8, sling 6, breakfast 25, lunch 12. (Probably took supper in Goshen that night.)
The late Hattil Washburn, Sen., a native of New Bedford, came here in 1790, at the age of nine years, and lived with Dr. Burgess till he was of age. When he first became acquainted with the road to Northampton, there were quite a number of houses between that town and this. The first house this side of Northampton was the old -- Warner house, aud the next, the Clark tavern, standing near Wil- liamsburgh line. The old Fairfield tavern. where Haydenville now is, was next, then Thayer's house, in Skinnerville, then a house stand- ing under the great elm, where W. S. Pierce lived, next was Samuel Bodman's, near where the town house in Willamsburgh now stands. The Dr. Cary house, Hubbard's tavern, was then standing, and op- posite was Abner Williams'. At Thayer's factory, -. Taylor had a mill. On the hill, at the brick house, where Squire Clapp formerly resided, lived a man named Wilds. Next was Rev. Mr. Strong's, and opposite, Joshua Thayer's tavern; at the top of the hill beyond, was Bartlett's tavern; and at the Dea. Rogers' place was Dwight's store, and then a little off the road was Dr. Paine's-recently Spen- cer Bartlett's. Next was a house owned by - Lull, then Ludo Thayer's, then James Hunt's-Theron Warner's; then followed the houses of Joshua Abell, Richard Tower.(Dr. Daniel Pierce's,) Rev. Mr. Whitman, Col. May, Lieut. Lyon, John Williams, Eben Parsons. The last named lived on the Jared Hawks faim, northwest of the center of Goshen.
Stores.
The first trader in town was John James. He had a store in 1782, and did a successful business. Nehemiah May and Ebenezer Parsons were also in trade for some time. May died in 1813, and Adams, of Conway, took the business. Dr. Hutchins bought him out and finally closed the store.
John Williams was connected in trade for a short time probably with Mr. James, but about 1786, he commenced the sale of dry goods and groceries on, his own account, and eventually secured an exten- sive trade. His son Hinckley continued the business for many years, completing more than half a century in which a store was kept at this place. A store was kept by George Salmon, 1810-15, in the Lemuel Lyon house. E. W. Town, in 1832-8, occupied the store which
82
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
D.W. Graves previously kept for some years. W. A. Godfrey commenc- ing again in 1853, sold to Joseph Hawks, and in 1858 the building was removed and attached to the hotel. A. W. Crafts and Alvan Barrus opened a store in 1860; Joshua Knowlton bought the house of Alvan Barrus in 1863, and after about three years sold to J. H. Godfrey, who still continues the business in the same place. The store is in the house built for Rev. Joel Wright as a parsonage in 1821, and subsequently became the residence of Widow Timothy Lyman.
Taverns-Hotels.
Public houses for the "entertainment of man and beast,"-particu- larly the man,-formerly abounded. Col. Nehemiah May was one of the earliest engaging in the business, which he carried on while he lived. Jared, Hawks, his son-in-law, continued it for several years after May's decease, and the house was closed about 1819.
Lemuel Lyon was among the first to open his house as a tavern, but he did not long continue the business. An incident is related that caused considerable merriment at his expense. He had a hogs- head of liquor so large that it could not be rolled into his cellar, and he was obliged to draw it off and carry it in, a pail full at a time. While waiting for his pail to fill, he unwittingly fell asleep. The liquor ran till the pail was full and then ran away till the cask was empty. It was probably quite as well for the public, but rather de- pleting to his pocket. Lyon afterward lived where Lowell Hunt now lives, and kept tavern there. A tavern was again kept from 1821 to 1824, at Lyon's former residence. Ebenezer Parsons, in 1785; Solo- mon Parsons, in 1791; Jonah Williams,* in 1816, severally opened their houses as public inns for brief periods.
John Williams kept liquors in connection with his store, as early as 1786. The amount of his sales in '87 and '88 appear to have been more than a thousand dollars per year. He soon after opened a
* NOTE. It is told that Mr. Williams in reply to the question why he opened a tavern, said : "Because I have a neighbor who goes every day to get his dram of brother John, and will eventually drink up all his property. I may as well save him the travel and get the property myself, as to let another have it." The neighbor heard of it, and taking the hint, wisely concluded to keep his property in his own hands. HIe immediately reformed and lived to a good old age, a temperate man, with a comfortable estate. There may be room for criticism in relation to many things done in former times, but we need to remember what the dear old friend of somebody used to say with the truest Christian charity, when he heard anyone being loudly condemned for some fault: "Ah! well, yes, it seems very bad to me, because that's not my way of sinning."
HIGHLAND HOUSE
Albertype - Forbes Co., Boston.
HIGHLAND HOUSE. - - MAJ. JOSEPH HAWKS, PROPRIETOR.
83
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
4
tavern, which he ultimately relinquished to his son, H. Williams, who leased it in 1837-8, to Edwin A. Carpenter. It was closed as a hotel in 1841.
A hotel was built by Capt. Reuben Dresser, in 1818. He sold to Downing W. Graves about 1824, who kept it about eight years, and was succeeded by Israel B. Thompson. Alfred Jones was his suc- cessor in 1838, and remained till 1841. Then followed W. H. Guil- ford, L. Gurney, and Edward Bridgman, the last named remaining from 1842 to 1851. L. Gurney then returned and and staid till 1855, when Maj. Hawks became proprietor.
It was burnt October 31, 1867, and was succeeded by the pres- ent large and well arranged house, which, under the management of the Major and his efficient daughter, Miss Fannie E. Hawks, has become a very popular resort for persons seeking for health or pleas- ne. The location is elevated, the view one of the finest in the state, the air pure, the scenery diversified and charming, the village quiet ; and all combine to make the place attractive. The "History of the Connecticut Valley," says,
"Once located here under the care of the Major, upon the highest land in Hampshire County, enjoying the purest air of the Green Mountain chain, it is no wonder that guests are loath to leave and quick to come again. No where does day dawn over the eastern hills with lovelier tints, nor paint the western sky with more resplendent colors. From the wide and pleasant piazzas of the Highland House charming views greet the eye in every direction-landscapes of unequalled beauty, comprising mountains and valleys, forests and fields, rural homes and village mansions. Beautiful drives are everywhere open to the tourist. Moore's Hill is but a short distance away-a fine rounded elevation of open fields and unobstructed views,-rising six hundred feet above Mount Holyoke, with a far wider range of vision. The whole town is so elevated that to climb the highest summit is an easy affair, neither fatiguing the traveler, nor requiring a perpend cular railway. The Cascade, the Devil's Den, the Lily Pond, are worth many a visit, while numerous unnamed localities offer abundant attractions. The geologist may gather the choic- est specimens known to science and the botanist cull flowers of rich and rare beauty."
Physicians.
Dr. Isaac Robinson has been referred to as the first physician here. His son, Dr. Joseph Robinson, was here in 1794-5. Dr. Job Ranger from Brookfield lived here in 1789-90; he boarded with John Williams, whose wife was his cousin ; his mother and the wife
84
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
of Capt. Thomas Weeks were sisters. , William White, Jr., studied medicine with him. Dr. Ranger's health failing he returned to his native town, and soon after died. In answer to the inquiry where he went when he left Goshen, of one who knew him well, the reply was, "To heaven," -- referring to his devoted piety and early death.
Dr. Benjamin Burgess studied medicine with Dr. Perry of New Bedford. He went into practice on Martha's Vineyard, first, it is said, in Chilmark and then in Tisbury. He came to Goshen about the time of its incorporation, and had an extensive and lucrative practice. Further notice of him and his family will be found in a subsequent chapter.
Dr. Ellis Coney, a physician of good abilities, came from Worces- ter county, served as Selectman and Treasurer, died in 1807, after a residence of only a few years.
Dr. George Rogers was in practice here about 1810-12. He removed to Conway.
Drs. Childs and R. C. Robinson were here about 1812-13. Dr. Robinson removed to North Adams. Dr. Erastus Hawks practiced here 1817 to 24. At the latter date Dr. Wm. C. Dwight of North- ampton came and spent a year or two. A Dr. Fuller was here in 1820, and A. W. Rockwell in 1822. Dr. Geo. Wright from North- ampton, 1826 to 1831, was much esteemed as a physician and as a man. He removed to Montague. J. W. Rockwell, his successor, 1833-4, staid only two years. Dr. Daniel Pierce from Worthington, came in 1836 and remained till his death in 1857. During the later years of his life he relinquished the active duties of his profession for other pursuits. He was a native of Peru. Of a vigorous mind he distinguished himself as a medical student under the care of Dr. Peter Bryant of Cummington, father of the poet, became a practi- tioner of good ability, residing in the towns of Brookfield, Peru and at Worthington, and, at the latter place was for some time a deacon of the Congregational church. Since his death, the town has not had a resident physician. Its proverbial healthfulness does not offer to the profession an inviting field.
In former times, physicians were " called," by act of the people to
85
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
settle with them, though in a less formal manner than the calling of the minister.
Dr. Charles Knowlton, of Ashfield, who died in February, 1850, was the leading physician in this vicinity for nearly twenty years, and was often employed in this town. His son, Dr. C. L. Knowl- ton, suceeeded his father and had an extensive field of service for many years. He removed to Northampton 1867 or '68.
The following too truthful lines are borrowed of him :
God and the Doctor we alike adore,
Just on the brink of danger, not before ; The danger passed, both are alike requited, God is forgotten and the Doctor slighted.
Industrial Pursuits.
Agriculture has always been the chief employment of the citizens of Goshen. Hay, lumber and firewood have always been sold out of town to some extent.
The State Census for 1875, gives a list of agricultural products for the year from all the towns in the state.
The following table gives a list of each product whose value exceeds fifty dollars:
Apples, 1,604 bushels,
$695
Beef, 29,275 lbs
2,476
Beets, 84 bushels
67
Blueberries, 1,304 quarts
145
Buckwheat, 85 bushels
85
Chickens, 1,285 lbs.
232
Corn, 578 bushels
578
Eggs, 3,885 doz.
1,083
Hay, English, 1,227 tons.
17,818
Hay, meadow, 105 tons
1,240
Manure, 990 cords.
5,778
Milk, 8, 175 gallons
1,550
Oats, 260 bushels
196
Pork, 15,876 lbs. .
1,572
Potatoes, 7,377 bushels
3,689
86
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
Straw, 9 tons. $107
Turkey, 949 lbs 20I
Turnips, 1,061 bush 43I
Veal, 3,215 lbs 306
Wool, 264 .. 1bs
I16
DOMESTIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE.
Butter, 14,578 lbs 4,7.24
Cider, 2,197 gallons
259
Firewood, 473 cords
2,243
Maple Sugar, 6,400 lbs
9II
DOMESTIC PRODUCTS FOR USE.
Butter, 8,667 lbs 2,805
Cider, 1,793 gallons.
224
Dried fruit.
59
Maple Sugar, 13,600 lbs
1,629
Maple Molasses, 140 gallons
147
AGGREGATES.
.
Domestic products for sale
8,185
66
use
4,947
Hay crop
19,088
Other agricultural products
19,664
$51,884
PROPERTY IN THE TOWN-CENSUS OF 1875.
Farms
93
value $195,105
Houses
83
Barns
97
Sheds
23
Corn crib
I
Sugar houses
2
206 76,600
1
87
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
Land in crops 1,896 acres $ 45,552
Orchard land, 39 ٠،
1,180
Unimproved land, 5,529
37,328
Unimprovable land, 350
66
IIO
Woodland, 1,837
34,335
9,651
118,505
Bees, swarms, 8
$ 45
Bulls, 18.
557
Calves, 98
903
Colts, 14
1,175
Dogs, 28.
199
Geese, 2
2
Guinea fowls; 6
S
Heifers, 75-
1,536
Hens and chickens, 1,000
790
Hogs, 45 -
600
Horses, $7,
8,596
Lambs, 24
92
Milch Cows, 190
8,648
Oxen, 32 .
2,750
Pigs, 14 . .
124
Sheep, 64.
270
Steers, 40.
1,241
Turkeys, 50
$4
$27,620
AGGREGATES.
Land.
$118,505
Buildings
76,600
Fruit trees
3,870
Domestic animals.
27,620
Agricultural tools in use
7,366
$233,961
88
HISTORY OF GOSHEN.
Mills and Manufactories.
Reuben Dresser built a saw mill, one of the first in town, more than a hundred years since, below the Dresser Pond. A broom-handle factory was added about forty years ago; and later, button moulds have been manufactured there. It now belongs to the heirs of C. C. Dresser. About two miles above, Emmons Putney built a saw mill not far from 1835, which ran for twenty years or more, and was owned finally by Wm. H. Webster.
Ezekiel Corbin had a grist mill on Swift River a little below Shaw's bridge near Cummington line, as early as 1796. James Patrick had a saw and grist mill two miles or so above, on Swift River, near Ash- field line, built about 1788. Daniel Williams, many years later built a new mill and and stone dam a few rods above the old mill, which has since been owned by Samuel Ranney and others, and later, for many years, by J. D. Shipman, who sold in 1880 to Ansel Cole. Stone's saw mill and broom handle factory, on Stone's brook, a branch of Swift River, were erected in 1828. It was the first factory for turning broom handles by machinery in this vicinity. Planes
were. made here from 1854 to 1859 by Hiram Barrus and brothers. At the present time, the works comprise a saw mill and brush handle factory, owned by Amos H. Stone and Son. The second grist mill in town stood about forty rods higher up the stream, built by Capt. Bigelow. Maj. Ambrose Stone in 1780 changed the works to a ful- ling mill and clothier establishment, the first by nearly forty years for many miles around. Nearly a mile above, Willard and Hiram Pack- ard had a saw mill which was abandoned more than 20 years ago. Still further up, on a branch of Stone's brook at the outlet of Beaver Meadow, is Sears' saw mill, formerly owned by Dea. Stephen Par- sons. Beaver Meadow is connected by a small stream with the upper Reservoir, which in time of high water, discharged its waters in two directions-one, through Stone's brook into the Westfield River, the other through Mill River into the Connecticut. Near the south end of the upper Reservoir, built in 1873, was another saw mill erected by Francis and Thomas Lyman about 60 years ago. At the lower Reservoir, on the street east of the meeting-house, there was an an- cient saw mill, owned by John Williams-called "Carpenter John," to distinguish him from "Squire John," the Postmaster. It was after- ward owned by Abner Moore, who added a small grist mill with
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