USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Plainfield > History of the town of Plainfield, Hampshire County, Mass., from its settlement to 1891, including a genealogical history of twenty-three of the original settlers and their descendants, with anecdotes and sketches > Part 10
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2. Orren died Sept. 14, 1813.
3. Reuben settled in Plainfield and was five times mar- ried. His first wife was Rhoda Richards. Married Feb. 15, 1816, died Dec. 29, 1826 .- Second, Fanny Warner, mar. April 17, 1828, died July 22, 1839 .- Third, Elizabeth Jones, mar. Nov. 3, 1839, died Dec. 11, 1851 .- Fourth, Mrs. Eu- nice, widow of Abram S. Tirrell, mar. Jan. 1, 1854, died Jan. 1, 1864 .- Fifth, Mrs. Pamela Little of Shelburne Falls, mar. Sept. 23, 1866. She survived him. He died at Shelburne Falls, Mass., Dec. 28, 1866. Children of Reuben and Rhoda were Marilla R., born June 4, 1817, died Oct. 7, 1837; Flora A., March 29, 1819, died June 12, 1840; Mar- tha A., March 28, 1821; Shepard L., Feb. 14, 1823; Laura B., April, 1825, died Oct. 14, 1826. Children of Reuben and Fanny W. were Laura B., born April 27, 1829; Rosa- mond W., June 1, 1831, died Aug. 29, 1844; Alfred W., June 17, 1834; Albert Wallace, March 13, 1839 .- Martha A. mar. Wm. C. Bissell of Twinsburg, O., March 19, 1855, died Sept. 8, 1857 .- Shepard L. mar. Elizabeth B. Valen- tine of Cincinnati, Nov. 19, 1850, died May 6, 1866 .- Laura B. mar. James C. Bellman of Cincinnati, Dec. 22, 1853 .- Alfred W. mar. Harriet N. Stratton of Jeffersonville, Ind., Nov. 19, 1863, died June 6, 1872 .- Albert Wallace mar. Rachel Mercer of Princeton, Ill., Oct. 27, 1870 .- None of Reuben's children settled in Plainfield.
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HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
4. Clarissa mar. Otis Pratt, Jan. 18, 1817, died Dec. 13, 1831.
5. Nabby mar. John Ford of Cummington, Sept. 3, 1818; died Sept. 29, 1833.
6. Lyman mar. Lucy Flint of West Bloomfield, N. Y., 1826. Children: Sarah E., born May 20, 1827; Mary M., April 3, 1830; Amelia, March 29, 1833; Horace, June 8, 1835, died Feb. 8, 1839; Horatio B., Aug. 1, 1837; William V., Aug. 29, 1840; Martha A., Feb. 2, 1843; Alice Flora, June 25, 1846, died Jan. 25, 1854; Edwin C., Jan. 11, 1849, died Nov. 14, 1865; Frederick B., July 31, 1853 .-- Sarah E. mar. John C. Johns of West Bloomfield, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1848 .- Mary M. mar. Russell Bradley, Nov. 13, 1854 .- Amelia mar. Wm. D. Quick, March 29, 1854 .- Horatio B. mar. Harriet Brown of Clarkston, Mich., Dec. 17, 1861. -Martha A. mar. Dennis Collins of Clarkston, Mich., May 2, 1865 .- Frederick B. mar. Lizzie Weeks of Pontiac, Mich.
7. Freeman mar. Clarissa Whiting, June 4, 1829. She deceased Oct. 13, 1847. For a second wife he married Mar- tha Taylor of Hawley, Nov. 30, 1848. Was chosen one of the Selectmen in 1846 and served six years. Represented the town in the Legislature in 1850 and 1851. In 1853 he was chosen town clerk, an office which he held for twenty- three years in succession, at the end of which time he de- clined further service. During his term of service he in- dexed all the town records of births, marriages, deaths and intentions of marriage, which had not been done previous to 1864, adding many that had been omitted, particularly births, thus rendering the records of far greater value. For this labor he asked no compensation. Was chosen deacon of the Congregational church Aug. 30, 1844, serving most acceptably until his resignation in 1867. He was also
F. Hansen
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JOHN HAMLEN.
for many years clerk of the church and compiled the last church manual published in 1884. He and his brother Reuben were for many years leaders of the church choir, both having excellent voices. Freeman remained on the old homestead until about 1855, when he removed to the village. He died on the morning of Jan. 16, 1889, while seated in the family sitting room. He had been in feeble health for some time, and his death, though sudden, was not wholly unexpected. He was a man of thorough hones- ty and sound judgment, and was worthy of and reeeived the confidence of the entire community. Humility, sin- cerity and charity were marked features of his Christian character. Truly, in many ways, "he being dead yet speaketh." He had one child only, a son by his first wife, Edward F, born June 6, 1842. He served as first Sergeant in Co. I 52d Mass. in the war for the Union. Was for a number of years after his return from the army in business in Northampton. Is now employed at the State House, Boston, as Executive Clerk for the Governor and Council, a position which he has held for some fifteen years. He married Helen A. Church of N. Y. City, June 9, 1868. Franklin Church, son of Edward F. and Helen A., was born in Boston, Sept. 19, 1876.
8. Polly mar. Mason Ames, May 12, 1830, died in Ches- ter, Ohio, March 18, 1847.
9. Horace mar. Clarissa Bancroft of Granville, Ohio, May 1, 1834. She deceased Aug. 8, 1875. For a second wife he mar. Mrs. Lizzie Gavnen of Gratiot, Ohio, July 6, 1876. One son, Samuel B., born Feb. 20, 1835, mar. Lydia Clark of Easthampton, Mass., Sept. 16, 1856.
10. John Jr. (2d) died in Granville, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1844.
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HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
JACOB JONES.
Jacob Jones, son of John and Ruth, was born in Wey- mouth, Mass., Nov. 1770. His father died in 1800 and his mother in 1814, aged seventy-four. He mar. Elizabeth Whi- ton, sister of Maj. David Whiton, Nov. 27, 1800. They lived on the farm now occupied by his grandson, William Jones. Died Aug. 22, 1861. Children: Addison, born 1801, died Oct. 4. 1832; Jacob Jr., born July 9, 1802; Merritt, Feb. 19, 1804; Elizabeth, Dec. 25, 1805; Nancy, Aug. 29, 1807; Sarah, April 22, 1809; Minerva, July 15, 1811; Hannah, Feb. 3, 1815.
2. Jacob Jr. mar. Lucy H. Howes of Ashfield, March, 1828. Died suddenly while at work Dec. 15, 1873. Chil- dren: Mary Christina, born July 28, 1829; William, May 13, 1832; Nancy W., June 1, 1834; David, July 20, 1838, died June 18, 1845; Samuel W., born Aug. 26, 1842 .- M. Christina mar. Ansel K. Bradford, Sept. 27, 1849. Reside in Florence, Mass .- William mar. Caroline M. Field of Windsor, Mass., March, 1856. One daughter, Anna M., born Oct. 9, 1868, mar. Frederic M. Rice of Ashfield, April 13, 1887 .- Nancy W. mar. Seth W. Clark, Sept. 3, 1855 .- Samuel W. served in the civil war in the 46th Mass. After his return from the army he removed to Lockport, Ill., where he mar. Eliza Paddock, Dec. 25, 1867. Children: Hattie, born Oct. 9, 1868, since deceased, and William, born 1872.
3. Merritt mar. Celia Gardner, June 30, 1825. She died May 22, 1845. For a second wife he mar. Mrs. Chloe R. K. Ford, widow of William Ford, July 26, 1846. Served as one of the Selectmen in 1863, died Dec. 30, 1884. Children by his first wife, Rozelia M., born Aug. 31, 1830,
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ISAAC JOY.
died July 24, 1840; Sarah A., born Feb. 22, 1842, died Oct. 7, 1857; also two others who died in infancy.
4. Elizabeth mar. Reuben Hamlen, (third wife) Nov. 3, 1839, died Dec. 11, 1851.
5. Nancy mar. Seth S. Williams of Ashfield, Oct. 5, 1826, and is the only surviving member of this family.
6. Sarah mar. Samuel Williams of Ashfield, Oct. 24, 1833.
7. Minerva mar. Chester Clark, Dec. 1, 1831, died July 22, 1885.
8. Hannah mar. John Clark, Dec., 1834.
ISAAC JOY.
Isaac Joy was a pioneer settler from Weymouth, Mass. Lived a short distance south of where W. E. Shaw now lives. He had the honor of serving the warrant calling the first district meeting, it being directed to him as a " principle inhabitant." Was chosen one of the Selectmen in 1788, serving two years. His wife, Hannah, died March 4, 1797. For a second wife mar. Mrs. Hannah Hatha- way of Adams, Oct., 1799. Died July 20, 1801. Chil- dren: Isaac, Jr., born 1761; Joseph, 1763; Mary, who mar. Ezekiel Eldred, and Hannah, who mar. John Tay- lor of Hawley, Nov. 22, 1810. All these children were born in Weymouth, Mass .- Isaac, Jr., mar. Ruth Tir- rell, Dec., 1785, died March 5, 1843. Children: William, born Dec. 23, 1786; Zenas, Jan. 20, 1790; Lucinda, Nov. 29, 1796; Alonzo, May 17, 1801; Susanna, (known as Susan) Feb. 27, 1803; Harriet, Nov. 2, 1804; Isaac, (3d) June 9, 1815, and one who died in infancy. It is remarkable that there was a difference of nearly twenty-eight and one-half years in the ages of the oldest and youngest of this family.
11
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HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
1. William mar. Sally Campbell, March, 1810. Chil- dren: Fordyce, born Sept. 19, 1811; Lydia, Feb. 4, 1814; Horace, Feb. 23, 1816; Rozina, May 22, 1818; Wil- liam, Jr., Feb. 23, 1821; Edwin, June 7, 1823.
2. Zenas mar. Abigail Everett of Northampton. The birth of one child only appears on the records, Lewis, born Jan. 25, 1812.
3. Lucinda mar. Quartus Taylor.
4. Alonzo mar. Lois Kingman of Hawley. Children: James T., Horatio and Julia A. His wife deceased, and for a second he mar. Minerva Smith of Hawley. Children: Caroline A., born Oct. 28, 1846, died Oct. 13, 1850; Emily, born Sept. 20, 1848, died Sept. 2, 1850; Wil- liam F., born April 6, 1853 .- James T. mar. Mary J. Taylor, Feb. 24, 1853 .- Julia A. mar. C. Thayer of Hadley.
5. Susan mar. James Cook, Jan. 24, 1833.
6. Harriet mar. Abishur Nash, Jan. 11, 1827.
7. Isaac (3d) removed to Cambridgeport, Mass., where he married and now resides.
Joseph Joy, son of Isaac 1st, mar. Molly Porter of Ab- ington. She died Jan 19, 1826, aged sixty-five. For a second wife he mar. Mrs. Mehitable Brown of Abington, Sept. 1829. She died March 15, 1836, aged sixty-seven. He died Nov. 22, 1839. His children were Clarissa, born Feb. 21, 1788; Leonard, March 14, 1790; James, Sept. 1, 1793; Polly, May 10, 1796; Merilla, Aug. 20, 1800; Electa, Feb. 11, 1803; and one who died in infancy.
1. Clarissa mar. Levi Campbell, June 14, 1810, died Dec. 26, 1856.
2. Leonard mar. Polly Warner, daughter of Abel, Nov. 19, 1811. Died Jan. 15, 1881. For some years kept the
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ISAAC JOY.
hotel known as the "Hampshire House." Children : Lucre- tia, born Aug 19, 1813, died March 17, 1818; Cordelia, born May 27, 1815; Sarah M., March 28, 1817; Emeline and Caroline, (twins) June 15, 1819; Francis W., May 13, 1822; Charles, Oct. 16, 1824; Electa P., 1827; Lorenzo W., born in Worthington, 1832 .- Cordelia mar. Rush Gurney of Cummington, second wife, about 1839 .- Sarah M. mar. John M. Crane of Washington, Mass., Sept. 19, 1838. -Caroline mar. Jonas Holden of Hawley, May 10, 1841 .- Francis W. mar. Rachel Chapel of Washington, Mass., April, 1845, died Aug. 17, 1887 .- Charles mar. Julia M. Sanderson, Nov., 1848, died Aug. 12, 1850 .- Electa P. mar. Reuben Scott, Jr., of Hawley, June 3, 1847 .- Lorenzo W. mar. Delia R. Colburn, Jan., 1855.
3. James mar. Mary Whiton, June 10, 1818. Children: Mary Ann P., born June 23, 1819; Amelia Antoinette, Nov. 2, 1823; Clara H., May 30, 1830. Mary Ann mar. Elisha Bassett, now Clerk of the U. S. District Court at Boston, Sept. 5, 1843 .-- Antoinette mar. William Bassett, April 2, 1845. They reside in Heath, Mass .- Clara H. mar. Benj. F. Hallett of Boston, (second wife) Aug. 4, 1858. He was the senior member of the Hallett & Davis Piano Company, and deceased several years since. Mrs. Hallett now resides in Florence, Mass.
4. Polly mar. Verus Patrick, March 27, 1822.
5. Merilla mar. Dura Torrey, Dec. 4, 1821.
6. Electa mar. Levi Clark, Oct. 2, 1828, both of whom are still living in town.
JACOB NASH.
Jacob Nash was born in Weymouth, Mass., in 1760. Served through the entire war of the Revolution, although at the beginning only fifteen years of age, and came to
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HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
Plainfield directly after the close of the war and settled on the farm now occupied by Stephen Parsons. In 1788 he mar. Joan Reade of Abington, whose English ancestors came to America in the Mayflower. She died Sept. 8, 1849, aged eighty-six. He died April 14, 1851. Their children were Sybil, born Aug. 19, 1789; Arvin, Nov. 19, 1790; Roxana, Aug. 22, 1792, died Jan. 20, 1868; Eunice, April 30, 1795; Mandana, Jan. 19, 1800. Sybil and Roxana never married .- Arvin mar. Lucinda Vinton in 1813. Chil- dren : Eunice V., Martha J., Spencer and Maria S. Eu- nice and Spencer died in childhood.
Martha J. mar. Chas. A. Lamb, Sept. 8, 1852. She has since become well known in the literary world. Among her notable productions are "The History of the City of New York," in two folio volumes, considered in many re- spects the most remarkable city history ever written; "The Homes of America," published by the Appletons in 1879; "Memorial of Dr. J. D. Russ ; " "Wall Street in History," thirteen volumes for children, which have gone through many editions ; "Spicy," a novel, celebrated for contain- ing the best description extant of the great Chicago fire; her work on the coast survey used as a text book in some of our colleges, and upwards of one hundred and fifty im- portant historical and other papers in leading magazines. Early in 1883 Mrs. Lamb was made editor-in-chief of the " Magazine of American History," a position she still holds (1891.) It has won the distinction of being one of the best edited and best conducted magazines of its kind in the world, and is in all the first-class public libraries of the English speaking cities of three continents, a valued authority in all leading literary circles. Mrs. Lamb's work is of the highest character and is recognized as such among
165
JACOB NASH.
the most eminent scholars in all parts of the world. She has been elected to membership in twenty-six historical and learned societies in this country and Europe,-honors never before conferred on any American woman. Her residence for the past twenty-five years has been in New York City.
Maria S. mar. J. S. Whitmarsh, (second wife) April 10, 1865. Reside in Florence, Mass.
Arvin's wife having deceased he mar. for a second Mrs. Dorothy Covell of Buckland. Children : James A. and Mary L .- James A. mar. Mary A. Torrey, Sept. 16, 1860. He settled in town and has been for about twenty-five years proprietor of the grist-mill standing near the site of the old mill formerly owned by Dea. Joseph Beals, "the Mountain Miller." Was chosen one of the Selectmen in 1874, and served nine years, a part of the time as chairman. Children : Elmer E., born in Chicago; Frank E., born July 25, 1866; Charles A., Aug. 14, 1870 ; Lewis S., Sept. 20, 1884 .- Mary L. mar. John Baker of Savoy. He recently deceased in Adams, Mass., where his widow still resides .- Arvin Nash's second wife died in 1841, and he mar. Lucretia Pixley, Sept. 20, 1842. He died July 12, 1869 .- Eunice, daughter of Jacob, mar. David Crittenden of Charlemont, Sept. 1, 1813 .- Mandana, daughter of Jacob, mar. Jacob Pratt, May 29, 1828, and is now living in South Amherst, Mass., at the ad- vanced age of 91.
BARNABAS PACKARD.
Barnabas Packard was born in Cummington in 1764, his father's name being also Barnabas. He mar. Mary Nash of Plainfield, July, 1789, and settled on the farm
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HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
where Thos. K. Wheeler lives, south of Orrin Tirrell's, died April 30, 1847. Children : Achsah, born April 26, 1790, died June 21, 1791; Sally, born July 3, 1792, died April 25, 1868, unmarried; Barnabas, Jr., born June 10, 1795; Patty, Aug. 25, 1797; Ruby, Sept. 29, 1799; Norton, Nov. 22, 1802; Milton, Jan. 10, 1805 ; Roswell, Feb. 15, 1808, and one who died in infancy June 14, 1794.
Barnabas, Jr. mar. Ruth Snow, died at Cameron, Mo., in 1872. Children : Polly N., born July 18, 1819, died Nov. 10, 1868, unmarried ; Cynthia, born Nov. 27, 1820 ; Wm. H., Oct. 1, 1822 ; Patty (or Martha) Aug. 18, 1824; Irene, Sept. 20, 1826; Mary Jane, Oct. 22, 1828 ; Roswell Clifford, Feb. 4, 1831; Chalmer O., July, 1834 ; Charles Edwin, March 19, 1838; H. Clark, Feb. 20, 1840. Cynthia mar. Aaron G. Ayres, Dec., 1841.
William H. mar. Rachel B. Tillson of Cummington, April, 1847, and settled in Windsor. Children: Cornelia, Joseph, Tillson, Luther W., Cyrus W., B. Franklin, Fred, Mary and Henry C. Rachel, wife of Wm. H., died Jan. 30, 1881. For a second wife he mar. Mrs. Mary Ann (Dyer) Brackett, Oct. 26, 1887. Of the children of Wm. H., Cornelia, Joseph and Tillson (deceased) settled in Canada .- Luther mar. Lucy O. Stetson, Oct. 18, 1882. Children : Minnie R., Annie E. and Mary E .- Cy- rus W. mar. Nellie Mason, April 14, 1878. She deceased, and for a second wife he mar. Dora A. Mills. Their children are John H., Maggie A., Joseph W., Charles, Marion E. and Robert B .- B. Franklin mar. Julia E. Beals, of Goshen, June 25, 1890, one son, Joseph A. Fred died Aug. 12, 1884, aged twenty-four. Mary died July 13, 1887, aged twenty-five .- Henry C. mar. Bertha B. Gurney, Dec. 14, 1890 .- Martha, daughter of Barnabas, Jr., mar. Charles
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BARNABAS PACKARD.
T. Ford of Windsor, Dec., 1843 .- Irene mar. Horatio Lyon, April, 1847 .- Mary Jane mar. Zebedee H. Ran- dall of Cummington, March, 1852 .- Clifford mar. El- nora J. Vining of Cummington, Feb. 25, 1869, and settled in Missouri. Children : Emma E., born March 9, 1870 ; Geo. C., March 13, 1873 ; Leonard C., Dec. 8, 1875; Etta B., Dec. 13, 1877; E. Edwin, Feb. 1, 1880; Jennie S., Aug. 5, 1882 .- Chalmer mar. Sophia Dean of Savoy, April 1, 1863 ; settled in Missouri. Have one son, Herbert M., born July, 1867 .- Chas. Edwin mar. Araminta Utter of Ohio in 1867, settled in Missouri. Children : Wm. B., born Sept. 19, 1870; Clark S., Dec. 29, 1873; Eva L., Aug. 10, 1876 ; Martha P., Feb. 5, 1880 ; Bessie D., 1884 ; Laura E., Aug. 10, 1886, and an infant daughter who died in 1870. -These three brothers all reside at Cameron, Mo., Edwin being cashier of the Farmers' Bank at that place .- H. Clark mar. Melona C. Dawes, June 4, 1865. One daugh- ter, Vesta D., born Aug. 28, 1866, mar. Arthur B. Rich- ards of Cummington, June 29, 1890.
Patty, daughter of Barnabas, mar. Nathan Beals, July 13, 1815.
Norton, son of Barnabas, mar. Mary Ann Thompson, 1828. Children : George W., born Jan. 30, 1829 ; Philena M., Nov. 27, 1834 ; Marilla B., April 25, 1837; John K., Aug. 16, 1839.
Milton, son of Barnabas, mar. Charlotte Parker, Jan. 7, 1828. Children : Lurinda, born Aug. 30, 1830 ; Lyman, April 15, 1833 ; Leavitt, Oct. 19. 1835 ; Laura, Jan. 23, 1843; Lozene E., Jan. 18, 1845; Franklin, Dec. 12, 1852; Lyman and Leavitt went West and died there .- Lozene mar. Mina Wheeler. They reside in Windsor. Have several children. - Franklin mar. Nellie Whitman. Reside in Cummington and have quite a family.
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HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
Roswell, son of Barnabas, mar. Susan Bird of Wil- liamstown, July, 1832. They had one daughter born in Plainfield, Vesta, Oct. 9, 1833.
JAMES RICHARDS.
James Richards was the son of Joseph and Sarah (Whit- marsh) Richards, the fourth of a family of four sons and three daughters. He was born in Eastern Massachu- setts, May 31, 1757. Was one of the earliest settlers and had seen service in the Revolutionary army. He was an educated man, of versatile talents, and throughout his ac- tive life was prominent in church and town affairs. Was one of the first two deacons chosen Nov. 15, 1792. Taught school in winter for many years. Was a fine singer and organized and led the first choir; also taught singing schools in early times in this and adjoining towns. He was held in high esteem by the towns-people. and his opinion on any public question had the effect of law. One Sunday morning a new minister had preached, and as the congregation were passing out one asked another how he liked the sermon, "Oh, I don't know," he replied, " I haven't seen Deacon Richards yet." He was chosen one of the Selectmen in 1790 and served in that capacity twenty-one years. Only one has served the town in that office longer, the exception being Levi N. Campbell, who served twenty-two years. In 1797 he was chosen Town Clerk and served four years. Represented the District and Cummington in General Court in 1793, '98, and 1801, 3 and 5, and after its incorporation as a town he was sent as its representative in 1811, '12 and '16. He was also a delegate to the Convention for Revising the Constitution in Nov., 1820. Was commissioned a Justice of the Peace
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JAMES RICHARDS.
in 1802, an office at that time attended with far greater responsibilities than now, which office he held twenty- eight years. He was totally blind for some years previous to his death, which occurred Mch. 1, 1842. Mar. Lydia Shaw of Abington, sister of Josiah Shaw, May 1, 1780. She died Aug. 20, 1828, aged seventy-one. She is spoken of by those who remember her as a most excellent woman. The home- stead on which they settled and where they lived and died is that now occupied by A. B. Cole, the house now stand- ing being the same occupied by them. This was built be- fore 1800, probably, and was the birth-place of the writer. Their children were a daughter, born May 1, 1781, who died in infancy; Lydia, born May 1, 1782; James, Jr., Feb. 23, 1784; Joseph, Nov. 6, 1785; Sarah, Aug. 15, 1787; Nancy Shaw, Jan. 5, 1790, died Dec. 20, 1794; William, Aug. 22, 1793; Jason, June 27, 1796, died May 1, 1798; Jason (2d) Aug. 31, 1798; Austin, Feb. 9, 1800. Of these, the first five were born before their settlement in Plain- field .- Lydia mar. Ebenezer Snell, Esq., of Cumming- ton, (second wife) Oct. 27, 1825, died June 26, 1846.
James, Jr. graduated at Williams College in 1809. Stud- ied theology at Andover, graduating in 1812. While at col- lege he with four others, of whom Samuel J. Mills was the leader, became greatly interested in the subject of foreign missions and prayed into existence the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. In September, 1811, he offered his services to the Board as a missionary. After completing his theological studies he devoted con- siderable time to the study of medicine and surgery, with a view to increased usefulness among the heathen. He mar. Sarah Bardwell, May 31, 1815, and Oct. 23, 1815, they sailed for Ceylon, where they arrived after a voyage,
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HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
considered a prosperous one, but which required five months. After over six years of faithful labor, part of which time, however, Mr. Richards was greatly hindered by sickness, he died at Tillapilly, Ceylon, Aug. 3, 1822. A monument bearing suitable inscriptions in English and Tamul, marks his last resting place. His widow died April 26, 1825.
Joseph mar. Mehitable Allen, April 4, 1809. He was a physician and located at Hillsdale, N. Y. Had one son, William, also a physician, for several years located in Cummington. Married Martha Brown of Peru.
Sarah mar. John Mack, Oct. 27, 1808, died Jan. 25, 1866.
William studied for the ministry, graduated at Williams College in 1819, studied divinity at Andover, offered his services as a missionary, and was ordained at New Haven, Sept. 12, 1822. He mar. Clarissa Lyman, and they sailed for the Sandwich Islands, Nov. 19, 1822, arriving there in April, 1823. He became an influential adviser of the King of the islands, and after fifteen years at the work of civilizing and christianizing the people and aiding in translating the Bible into their language, he entered the service of their government and gave shape and direction to their politics. His first duty was to prepare a constitu- tion and code of laws for the nation, which remains, a last- ing monument to his memory. He then sailed for Europe and the United States as Minister Plenipotentiary of the King, to obtain from the great powers of the earth an ac- knowledgment of the Sandwich Islands as an independent kingdom. His credentials, handsomely engrossed on vel- lum, bearing the signature and seal of the king, are now in the possession of his neice, Mrs. Wm. Holmes Hallock.
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JAMES RICHARDS.
Mr. Richards was accompanied to the United States by Prince Haalilio, the heir apparent to the Hawaiian throne, whose visit to Plainfield will be remembered by a few. The prince died at sea on the return passage. After Mr. Richards' return to the Sandwich Islands, he was for sev- eral years Minister of Public Instruction, and his labors were incessant. The king had perfect confidence in his judgment and considered him his best friend. His death, which occurred Nov. 7, 1847, was by them regarded as a national bereavement.
Jason received as thorough an education as could be obtained at the common schools. He spent his life in Plainfield and cared for his parents until their death. He taught very successfully for many years in the schools of this and adjacent towns. Was chosen Town Clerk in 1833 and held the office twelve years. He was a very plain and careful penman and very exact in making records. He rep- resented the town in the Legislature in 1841 and '42. About this time he was appointed a Justice of the Peace, an office which he held until a short time before his death, which oc- curred Aug. 7, 1885. It is somewhat remarkable that he pro- fessed Christ and united with the church at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, giving good evidence during the remainder of his life that he had indeed "passed from death unto life." He gave much attention to the study of common law and though he never took any regular course, was considered excellent authority by the people of the town in ordinary matters of law, being often consulted on legal subjects, and his opinions when given were very sel- dom wrong. Had he received a thorough legal education he would without doubt have been a shining light in that profession, for which he had great natural talents. He
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