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 2
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EARLY SETTLERS.
Most of the early settlers came from Abington, Bridge- water and Weymouth, Mass. The first settler who resided within the present limits of the town was a Scotchman named McIntire, who came here with his family in 1770, and located near where Mrs. Mary A. Dunning now lives. in the north part of the town. The following persons, and doubtless a number of others, had settled here before 1780, viz. : Lieut. Joshua Shaw, Andrew Cook, Isaac Joy, Caleb White, Lieut. Ebenezer Colson, Lieut. Samuel Noyes, Ebenezer Bisbee, Abram Beals, John Streeter, Jonathan Monroe, and Noah Packard. The first birth recorded is that of Hannah Cook, Oct. 6, 1774, daughter of Andrew Cook.
20
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
FIRST TOWN MEETING.
The following is a copy of the warrant calling the first town meeting, and also of the record of the proceedings at that meeting :
HAMPSHIRE, SS. To Isaac Joy of Plainfield, in the County of Hampshire, aforesaid, yeoman, Greeting: Pursuant to an act of the Commonwealth for erecting the Northerly part of Cummington, in the County of Hampshire, into a District by the Name of Plainfield, and investing the Inhabitants of the said District with all the Privileges and Immunities that other Towns or Districts within this Commonwealth Do Enjoy; Also Im- powering Nahum Eager, Esqr. to Issue his Warrant Directed to Some Principle Inhabitant of sd District, Requiring him to call a meeting of said Inhabitants in order to Choose Town Officers, as by Law Towns or Dis- tricts are Impowered to Choose in the month of March Annually; These are therefore in the Name of the Com- monwealth of Massachusetts to Require you the sd Isaac Joy to Notify and Warn the Inhabitants of the sd District of Plainfield, that they assemble themselves together at the Dwelling-house of Mr. Simon Burroughs, in said Plain- field, on Monday, the 25th Day of July, Instant, at One of the Clock in the afternoon, then and there to Choose all such Officers as Towns within this Commonwealth are Impowered to Choose in the month of March Annually. Hereof you nor they may not fail. Given under my Hand and Seal at Worthington, this 14th Day of July, A. D. 1785.
NAHUM EAGER, Justice Peace.
"At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Plainfield, at the dwelling-house of Mr. Simon Burroughs, in said district, on Monday, the 25th day of July, A. D., 1785, Lieut. Ebenezer Colson was chosen Moderator; Lieut. Joshua Shaw, District Clerk; Lieut. Ebenezer Colson, Lieut. John Packard and Lieut. John Cunningham, Selectmen; Lieut. Joshua Shaw, District Treasurer; Simon Burroughs, Constable; Isaac Joy and Lieut. John Pack- ard, Tythingmen; Josiah Torrey, Solomon Nash, Nathan Fay, William Daniels, Jacob Clark, Abijah Pool, Jona-
21
FIRST TOWN MEETING.
than Munroe, David White and Daniel Streetor, Survey- ors of Highways; Lieut. Samuel Noyes, Surveyor of Lum- ber; Daniel Streetor, Sealer of Leather; John Streetor, Fence Viewer; Asa Joy and Azariah Beals, Hogreeves; David White, Field Driver; John Streetor, Deer-rieff; the meeting dissolved." Simon Burroughs, at whose house this meeting was held, lived about twelve rods north of J. W. Sears's house (formerly occupied by Newell Dyer.) The site of the Burroughs house can still be distinctly traced. It was torn down one night by some citizens to prevent its occupancy by a negro family who were about to move into it. The next eight meetings were held " at the dwel- ling-house of Mr. Jonathan Munroe," whose house stood where that of the late Lewis Shaw now stands; then at "Capt. John Cunningham's new barn." This was on what is now known as the "Strong place," about a mile north of the village. During the summer and winter of 1788, town meetings, which were frequent in those days, were held at Samuel Streetor's barn. Then a meeting "to choose one Governor, one Lt. Governor, and four Sena- tors," was held April 6, 1789, in "Capt. Cunningham's new barn;" again, May 11, 1789, a meeting " to vote for a Representative for the Great and General Court" (with Cummington) was held at Lieut. David White's. By this time the voters had evidently had enough of "barn " meetings, and until August, 1792, meetings were held "at the dwelling-house of Mr. Samuel Streetor." This house stood where S. H. Sears's house now stands, just north of the meeting-house, or possibly it might have been the present structure, which was erected about that time. Aug. 20,' 1792, the first meeting-house was sufficiently completed for a town-meeting to be held in it, and it was
22
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
ever afterwards used for such meetings, as well as for service on the Sabbath. Only those persons having a free- hold estate of the annual income of three pounds, or any other estate to the value of sixty pounds, were allowed to vote for State officers.
LIST OF SELECTMEN.
The following is a list of Selectmen from 1785 to the present time (1891,) with the year of their first election, and number of years service:
First Elected.
Years of Service.
Ebenezer Colson,
1785
3
John Packard,
3
John Cunningham,
66
11
Caleb White,
1786
4
David White,
66
1
Isaac Joy,
1788
2
Ebenezer Bisbee,
66
15
James Porter,
1
James Richards,
1790
21
Jeremiah Robinson,
1791
1
Joseph Beals,
1795
1
Thomas Shaw,
1798
3
James Hayward,
66
2
Ebenezer Colson, Jr.,
1799
John Hamlen,
1800
19
Peter B. Beals,
1803
1
Amos Crittenden,
1804
1
Elijah Warner,
18
Nehemiah Joy,
1808
2
Jacob Joy,
1814
·
1
Robert Beals,
1819
4
23
LIST OF SELECTMEN.
First Elected.
Years of Service.
Iram Packard,
1821
4
John Packard, Jr.,
1822
5
John Mack,
1824
3
Justus Warner,
1825
2
Samuel Shaw,
1826
8
Erastus Bates,
1828
3
Jacob Pratt,
1831
3
Isaac K. Lincoln,
1832
2
John Carr,
1833
3
Samuel White,
1834
4
Stephen Gloyd,
1835
12
William Robinson,
1836
4
Jerijah Barber,
1837
7
Albert Dyer,
1840
4
Wm. N. Ford,
1842
4
Elias Giddings,
1843
1
Stephen Hayward,
1845
6
Freeman Hamlen,
1846
6
Wm. A. Hawley,
1848
2
Levi N. Campbell,
1849
22
Wanton C. Gilbert,
1854
1
Lewis Shaw,
18
Samuel W. Lincoln,
1855
8
Samuel Dyer,
1
Joseph Sears,
1857
6
Fordyce Whitmarsh,
1858
2
Merritt Torrey,
1860
7
Merritt Jones,
1863
1
Jacob W. Pratt,
1867
5
Homer Cook,
1871
11
Stephen Hayward, Jr.,
1872
2
24
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
First Elected.
Years of Service.
Seth W. Clark,
1873
6
James A. Nash,
1874
9
James A. Winslow,
1876
2
Edwin A. Atkins,
1878
2
Levi W. Gloyd,
1883
5
Joseph W. Sears,
1887
1
Albert N. Gurney,
1888
3
Harold S. Packard,
2
Daniel H. Gould,
1890
1
The present board elected March 2, 1891, are-Albert N. Gurney, Daniel H. Gould, Joseph W. Sears. The Select- men have always served as Assessors and Overseers of the Poor.
LIST OF TOWN CLERKS.
The following is a list of Town Clerks since 1785, with the year of their first election and number of years ser- vice. Town Clerks have, without exception, been chosen and served as Town Treasurer:
First Elected.
Years of Service.
Joshua Shaw,
1785
10
John Cunningham,
1795
2
James Richards,
1797
.
1
Thomas Shaw,
1801
14
John Mack,
1815
3
Cyrus Joy,
1818
3
Robert Beals,
1821
7
Justus Warner,
1828
1
Leavitt Hallock,
1829
2
Erastus Bates,
1831
1
25
REPRESENTATIVES IN GENERAL COURT.
First Elected.
Years of Service.
John Mack, Jr.,
1832
1
Jason Richards,
1833
12
Jacob Clark,
1841
3
Levi Clark,
1848
5
Freeman Hamlen,
1853
23
Charles N. Dyer,
1876
15
REPRESENTATIVES IN GENERAL COURT.
Since the incorporation of Plainfield as a town in 1808, the following persons have had the honor of representing the town in the Legislature. When no dates are given the town was not represented:
1808-9-10,
1811-12, 1813-14-15,
John Cunningham. James Richards. John Hamlen. James Richards.
1816,
1819,
1821,
1823-26,
1827, 1828-29-30, 1831-2-3-4, 1835-36,
1837, 1839-40, 1841-42, 1844-46,
1849, 1850-51, 1852-53, 1854,
Cyrus Joy. Elijah Warner. John Hamlen. Elijah Warner. John Mack. Erastus Bates.
Elijah Clark. John Carr. Stephen Gloyd. Jason Richards. Jerijah Barber. Leavitt Hallock. Freeman Hamlen. Wanton C. Gilbert. Levi N. Campbell.
26
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
Mr. Campbell was the last elected under the old system. The present district system went into operation in 1857. and the following named were elected from Plainfield to serve in the years named:
1860,
1864, 1871, 1877, 1884, 1891,
Samuel W. Lincoln. Levi N. Campbell. Stephen Hayward, Jr. Merritt Torrey. James A. Winslow. Edwin A. Atkins.
The district at first comprised the towns of Cumming- ton, Goshen, Middlefield, Plainfield and Worthington. In 1866 Chesterfield was added, in 1876 Huntington, and in 1886 Westhampton.
CHAPTER III.
CHURCH HISTORY .- EARLY MINISTERS .- ORGANIZATION OF FIRST CHURCH .- LIST OF ORIGINAL MEMBERS .- FIRST MEETING-HOUSE .- PRICE OF MATERIALS .- PLAN OF INTERIOR .- DEDICATION. - BELFRY AND BELL .- SUNDRY ITEMS .- CALL AND SET- TLEMENT OF REV. MOSES HALLOCK .- INSTALLATION .- ENTERTAINMENT.
Previous to the incorporation of Plainfield as a district, the inhabitants attended church at Cummington, and formed part of the ministerial charge of the Rev. James Briggs. One of the first acts of the settlers after being set off from Cummington, was to take measures to provide stated preaching. Aug. 11, 1785, "Voted to raise 14 pound to hire preaching the present year," also, "Voted that Isaac Joy, Lieut. John Packard and Lieut. John Cunningham be a committee to hire a Gospel Minister to preach with us." Sept. 5, 1785, "Voted that the west side the brook inhabitants should have their proportion- able part of the preaching on that side said brook," July 24, 1786, " Voted to agree with Mr. James Thompson to preach with us four Sabbaths on probation." May 14, 1787, " Voted unanimously to give Mr. James Thompson a call to settle in the work of the ministry among us." This for some reason was not accepted. It seems that Mr. Thompson was not the first who preached here, for March 12, 1787: " Voted to allow Andrew Cook's account for boarding Mr. Hatch while he was preaching with us, 19s, and what he paid Mr. Hatch for preaching, 6 pounds."
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28
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
ORGANIZATION OF FIRST CHURCH.
Plainfield, Aug. 31, 1786. At the desire of a number of the inhabitants of Plainfield, a district of Cummington, convened the Rev. Timothy Allen, James Briggs and Elisha Fish, to lead them in forming into a church state. The Rev. Timothy Allen was chosen .Moderator, and Elisha Fish, Scribe. Mr. James Thompson, preacher of the gospel, was invited to sit and assist in this business. Accordingly the aforesaid inhabitants of Plainfield pre- sented themselves and exhibited such satisfactory evi- dence by letters from the churches to which they belong- ed, and by answering to questions propounded to them, of the propriety of proceeding to incorporate them into a church state, that the Rev'd gentlemen aforesaid thought fit, and accordingly did incorporate said persons into a visible church of Christ.
TIMOTHY ALLEN, Moderator.
Attest,
ELISHA FISH, Scribe.
This is a true copy of the proceedings of the council who formed the persons aforesaid into a visible church of Christ in Plainfield.
Attest,
MOSES HALLOCK, now pastor of said church. The following is a list of the original members:
Andrew Ford,
Martha Nash,
Sarah Ford,
Elijah Ford,
John Packard,
Solomon Ford,
Hannah Packard,
Amy White,
Andrew Ford, Jr.,
Martha Town,
Sarah Ford, Martha Robinson,
Solomon Nash,
Molly Packard.
This church celebrated the 100th anniversary of its in- corporation, Aug. 31, 1886. An address of welcome was given by the acting pastor, Rev. F. G. Webster, and Rev. Solomon Clark, a former pastor, delivered a most interest- ing discourse. Homan Hallock, son of Rev. Moses, Rev. Leavitt H. Hallock of Portland, Me., Rev. Wm. Hallock
29
FIRST MEETING HOUSE.
of New Jersey, and Charles Hallock, grandson of the same, were present and made short addresses, and in other ways added greatly to the interest of the occasion. The exercises occupied nearly the whole day, many former residents being present and taking part in the exercises. The church now has 78 resident members, and 12 non- resident.
FIRST MEETING HOUSE-LOOKING NORTHWEST.
Aug. 16, 1787, a committee was appointed "to measure and find the .center of Plainfield, and likewise to agree upon a place which they shall think most proper for erect- ing a meeting-house upon." May 23, 1791, "Voted that the spot of ground west of the road leading from Samuel Streetor's to Robinson's corn-mill, and south of the road leading from Samuel Streetor's to his saw-mill, and joining upon said roads, be the spot of ground to build a meeting- house upon; 67 yeas and 4 nays." Oct. 27, 1791, it was
30
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
voted to build the meeting-house on the spot fixed upon, and that the dimensions should be 553x422. Nov. 3, "Voted that Caleb White, Capt. John Cunningham, Capt. James Richards, Andrew Cook, and John Hamlen be a committee to receive notes of those persons who purchase Pews, likewise that they procure material and carry on the building said meeting-house in such a manner as shall be most advantageous to the district." The following prices were established for materials, delivered on the spot: Good Hemlock boards, £1-6s. per M.
66 Spruce
1-6
Clapboards, 1-6 66
Ash Slitwork, 3-4, 1-10
66 Pine boards, inch thick, 3-0
Nails were estimated by count instead of by the lb. 10d nails, 9s. per M .; 8d nails, 6s. 8d. per M .; 4d nails, 3s. per M. Voted that the joints in the roof before shingling be covered with birch bark. April 23, 1792, " Voted that the owners of pews in the meeting-house provide rum to raise said building." The meeting-house was raised soon after, but owing to the limited resources of the district it was not completed until 1797, five years afterwards. It was dedicated June 15, 1797. Two sermons were preached on the occasion, one by Rev. Aaron Bascom of Chester, and the other by Rev. John Leland of Partridgefield, (now Peru.) The meeting-house contained 44 pews below and 19 in the gallery, ranged on the outside against the wall. The gallery was on three sides, the singers' seats being in front of the gallery pews. Two were afterwards added below and two above. The plan of the interior was copied from the town records. The original was the work of Joshua Shaw and James Richards. The figures in each
Jacob Solomon Gloyair Pratt 35 20
Samuel Streeter 40
Perm. Hallock
Pulpit
Simon Burroughs 42
Dr Soln Bond 39
John Hamlin 38
Caleb Beals 22
Abram. Clark 21
Samuel Stoddard 25
James Parseril and
Marian Reed 36
Luther Packard 35
Campbell 20
Joseph mason
Solomon Nash 37
Isaac Joy 45
Cant John Cuningham 56
Noah 29
Asa Packard Streeter 32
East Door
Asa Glo4à 20
Stephen Smith 22
Barnabas Ct Joshua Packard 21
Robinson 43
Jos Joy and Isaac C
Asa JOY 25 John
Seth Ford 24
Jephthal Pool 24
John Shaw 22
Ensign Abijah Pool 2 4
Jacob Clark 26
Caleb JOY 37
Benj. Town 27
Campbell 23
Ebenezer Colson Jr. 24
Alijah whiten 20
Lt. John Andrew Packard Cook 37 24
Ely jah Nashı 31
South Doort
Joshua Shau 3 4
It. Sam? Elarea 37
Caleb White 24
Joseph Beals 22
FLOOR PLAN OF FIRST MEETING HOUSE.
James Richards 21
west Door
Jeremiah
Shaw 41
32
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
pew indicate the number of dollars originally paid for it. Above the high pulpit was hung the old-fashioned sound- ing board, considered an indispensable feature in those days. March 7, 1796, " Voted that the district provide three wands for the tythingmen." A belfry with a steeple was erected in 1800, a bell being procured at the same time. It was cast at New Haven, Ct., by Fenton & Coch- rane, and weighs 650 lbs. It is the same bell now in use. Its key was D, but is now nearly D flat, the pitch of in- struments having been raised nearly half a tone since the date of its manufacture. There was no means of heating the meeting-house until 1822, when two stoves were pro- cured and placed near the pulpit, not however without considerable opposition. Before this time at the noon in- termission during cold weather the people visited Samuel Streetor's and one or two other houses near by to eat the lunch they had brought with them, and absorb heat enough if possible to last them through the long sermon in the afternoon. Most of the elderly ladies carried "foot stoves," in which they placed a dish of glowing coals raked out of "Uncle Sam's " fire place, and carried with them back to meeting. The men meanwhile had taken a little good old rum internally to prevent the cold from piercing their vitals. It was customary for the congrega- tion to stand during the "long prayer." The seats in the pews were hinged and movable. When the occupants of a pew arose, these seats, which ran quite around the pew except the doorway, were lifted, in order to give them more standing room. When the " Amen " was pronounc- ed these seats all came down into place with a bang and clatter which would be astonishing to the present genera- tion. In March, 1791, the church and district voted to
33
INSTALLATION-ENTERTAINMENT.
-
give Rev. Moses Hallock a call to settle with them in the work of the gospel ministry. "Voted that the following offers should be made to Mr. Hallock for his settlement and maintenance, viz: Ninety pounds for his settlement and forty-five pounds a year for the first two years, then to increase five pounds a year until it amounts to sixty pounds, there to remain. Mr. Hallock declined the call at this time on account of ill health. March 8, 1792, this call was renewed with the same offers as before, " his set- tlement and salary to be paid, one quarter in cash, and three quarters in farm produce at cash prices." The fol- lowing are the prices named for produce:
Rye at 3s. 4d. per bush. Indian Corn at 2s. 8d. per bush. Grown, grass-fed beef, at 20s. per hundred.
9-score pork at 32d. per lb.
Good, well dressed flax, at 7d. per lb.
This call being accepted, he was ordained and installed July 11, 1792. The sermon was preached by Rev. Samuel Whitman of Goshen, the text being from Ezekiel 44-23: "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern be- tween the unclean and the clean." June 14, 1792, " Voted that an invitation be given to Ministers of the Gospel, Candidates for the Ministry, Students of Colleges, togeth- er with the Parents, Brethren and Sisters of Mr. Moses Hallock, and such others as he shall see fit to invite, to an Entertainment with the Council, at such place as shall hereafter be appointed. Voted that Capt. John Cunning- ham make the above Entertainment, in a decent and hand- some manner, and lay his account before the district for allowance." Aug. 20, " Voted to allow Capt. John Cun- ningham ten shillings and three pence for Entertaining the Council at the Ordination of Mr. Moses Hallock."
3
CHAPTER IV.
SKETCH OF REV. MOSES HALLOCK .- HIS SCHOOL .- ANECDOTES .- COLLEAGUE CALLED. -REV. DANA GOODSELL .- " STOP THAT PREPARATION."-HIS SUCCESSORS .- DEA- CONS. - PRESENT MEETING-HOUSE .- DANIELS FUND .- ORGANIZATION OF FIRST PAR- ISH .- BAPTIST SOCIETY .- ADVENT CHAPEL.
Rev. Moses Hallock was born on Long Island, Feb. 16, 1760. Before devoting himself to study, he served some time in the Revolutionary army. Graduated at Yale in 1788. His divinity studies were pursued under the in- struction of Rev. Samuel Whitman of Goshen, Mass., where his parents resided. The house which he built and in which he lived and died, is now occupied by James Spearman. Except as it has gradually fallen into decay, it remains in nearly the same form in which he left it. It is hoped that in the near future it may be repaired and preserved, on account of the many hallowed associations which cluster around it. His labors during the long pe- riod of his ministry were acceptable and useful in a re- markable degree and were greatly blessed. He was re- spected and beloved by all. Mr. Hallock for thirty years taught a private school, in which he fitted young men for college, they boarding in his house. More than 300 availed themselves of the privileges of this school. Among them were Wm. Cullen Bryant, the poet, James Richards, Jonas King, Pliny Fisk, Levi Parsons and William Rich- ards, foreign missionaries, Dr. Samuel Shaw and Prof. James Hayward. At that time families were more eco-
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35
SKETCH OF REV. MOSES HALLOCK.
nomical and lived on much coarser and plainer food than now. Pies, cakes and sweetmeats as every day articles of food were not used. One gentleman who brought his son to Mr. Hallock to be schooled, told him that at home the boy had been in the habit of having gingerbread, and wished that it might be furnished him at Mr. Hallock's. " Yes," said Mr. Hallock, "he shall have gingerbread." Soon after he said to Mrs. Hallock, in his dry way, " When you make your next batch of brown bread will you please put some ginger in it." In illustration of his simple honesty it is related, that owning a farm, he had at one time a pair of young oxen which he wished to sell. One of his neighbors learning the fact, called, and after looking the cattle over said, "I will give you sixty dol- lars for them." Said Mr. Hallock, "They are not worth so much; you shall have them for fifty dollars." In the spring of 1829, after having discharged the duties of his office with uncommon fidelity for nearly thirty-seven years, he made the following communication to his be- loved people:
1128764
" To the Inhabitants of the Town of Plainfield :- My Brethren and Friends: The time approaches when I shall no longer be your minister. This awfully responsible, though pleasant work, must soon be committed to the hands of some other man. I have entered my seventieth year 'and know not the day of my death.' When a pa- rent is about to die he endeavors to set his house in order, that it may be well with his family after his decease. With equal ardor I desire that you as a religious commu- nity, may have a good minister of Jesus Christ when my lips shall be unable to teach knowledge. Before I die, I wish to see my pulpit occupied by such a minister; and may he be far more useful to old and young than his pre- decessor, and as much respected. As soon as you are ready to settle another minister, which will probably be in a year or two, I will consent, the church and congregation re- questing it, that the ordaining council should dismiss me
36
HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.
on the day of the ordination. It is not uncommon in cases like this, that the town make some provision for the sup- port of the worn out pastor. If you should please by legal vote, to commit to my disposal as my own property, the pew which my family occupy, or some other as valuable, and also to exempt me and the little property I may pos- sess from all kinds of taxation during my life, it will be thankfully accepted." (Signed) MOSES HALLOCK.
Rev. David Kimball was installed colleague pastor with Rev. Mr. Hallock, March 2, 1831. Mr. Hallock died at his home in Plainfield, July 17, 1837, aged 77 years. He was interred in the cemetery north of the church. His tomb- stone bears the following inscription:
The Reverend Moses Hallock. Born at Brookhaven, L. I., Feb. 16, 1760. Reared by Godly parents, Goshen, Mass. Graduated at Yale College, 178S. Ordained and installed first pastor of the Church in Plainfield, July 11, 1792. Ministered to a confiding and united people 45 years. Died July 17, 1837, aged 77 years. At 70 he requested a colleague, having Received to the church 358 members, Instructed 304 pupils-50 became ministers, 7 missionaries. A man of patriarchal simplicity, integrity, Sincerity, kindness. Without an enemy. He loved, studied, preached, exemplified the Bible, and gloried in the Cross.
Rev. David Kimball was dismissed and his successor, Rev. Dana Goodsell, installed Sept. 27, 1837. Mr. Good- sell was inclined to be overbearing in his manner, and was not very popular. The following story is related. Some little time previous to his settlement, violins and one or two bass-viols had been introduced into the meeting-house gallery to assist the choir. It was necessary of course that these instruments should harmonize, and the players were in the habit of gathering in the gallery a short time pre-
37
HIS SUCCESSORS.
vious to the opening of service, and tuning their various instruments. Mr. Goodsell had not much knowledge of, and no ear for music. One Sabbath morning when they were tuning their instruments, as usual, Mr. Goodsell rose in the pulpit and raising his voice said, "I insist on that preparation being stopped." At noon when he started to- ward home for his dinner, David Shaw, one of the violin players, fell in a few rods behind him with his violin in hand, and following him through the street to his house, twanged out the lively notes of a march. Mr. Goodsell was dismissed Sept. 23, 1839. The next settled pastor was Rev. Wm. A. Hawley, who was installed July, 21, 1841, and dismissed Oct. 5, 1847. He was immediately succeed- ed by Rev. H. J. Gaylord, who served four years and was dismissed Oct. 6, 1851. Rev. D. B. Bradford was installed June 10, 1852, and dismissed May 17, 1854. From this time until January, 1858. the church had no permanent pastor. At this time the Rev. Solomon Clark commenced his labors and continued acting pastor until April, 1886, a period of over 28 years. His ministry was greatly blessed, he having received into the church during his pastorate here upwards of 150 members. Mr. Clark was never formally settled, but was hired from year to year. The church having had some trouble with previous pastors thought it a better policy not to settle another. From April, 1886, to April, 1888, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. F. G. Webster, who also preached at the same time at Cummington, where he resided. From May, 1888, to March, 1889, Rev. Geo. E. Spaulding supplied. At the latter date he was obliged to resign on account of ill health. In June, 1889, Rev. John A. Woodhull, by invitation, assumed the duties of acting pastor, and has continued in
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