USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Lanesborough > History of town of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, 1741-1905 > Part 11
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FEDERAL FRAUD !
It is so common to see the publications of fraud practiced by Federalists that I fear this communication will scarce be read. But if any person takes the trouble and can publish anything like a parallel to this he will much oblige a
Revolutionary Whig. Lanesboro, May , 1810.
This day, pursuant to a warrant, the inhabitants of this town met to chose their representatives. The first object taken into consideration was "Shall we send two representatives or one only?" A warm debate ensued. A vote was taken on the ques- tion but the honorable 46 whigs of the district of New Ashford were all (by the disgraceful and contemptible usurpation of the Federal select-men) deprived of a voice! In vain did they plead for their natural constitutional dear bought rights! The arbi- trary car of Federalism was deaf to justice! The votes exclusive of New AAshford gave a small majority for one representative.
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The New Ashford patriots collected in another part of the room and gave their select-men their votes which consisted of a large majority for two so that in the whole there was a major- ity for two.
The select-men of this town then called on the electors to bring in their votes for one representative. Samuel H. Wheeler was chosen. The select-men were then called upon and 10- quested to receive votes for a second representative which they not only refused to do but left their seats. The select-men of New Ashford took the seat then vacant and called for the votes. They chose Mr. Whitman by a handsome majority. They then dissolved the meeting.
Having stated the above (what I call) unlawful aets I wish to ask a candid public if they call it perjury for a man to make oath to discharge the duties of a select-man and then refuse to do it? If not what do they call it? And what is perjury? Shall I publish the names of these traitors, my near neighbors? I blush to do it. But when persons forfeit their trust and com- mit so great a fault the public ought to know who they are, viz: John Powell, Calvin Hlubbell and Peter B. Curtis.
Perhaps these men may think me impudent for not giving them their customary titles, but I think if they have the right to deprive frecholders of voting because they wish to vote con- trary to them we must give them some higher title. The Royal title of the Turkish Monarch would be in my opinion the most suitable, viz: "The Shadow of God, God on Earth. Brother to the Sun and Moon, and Disposer of all Earthly Crowns." We do not imagine them to be the disposers of crowns at present but if they are disposers of our constitutional rights they will if not checked soon be the disposers of crowns.
The writer of this hopes that the inhabitants of this town and others will be cautious in future in choosing their t wn of- ficers and elect such select-men as will not be guilty of perjury for the base purpose of pleasing a party.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled on the first Wednesday of January, A. D., 1835:
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Humbly shews the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Lanesboro and of the denomination of christians called Bap- tists that on the 15th day of February. A. D., 1997, on the pe- tition of Gideon Wheeler and Wolcott Hubbell in behalf of said town a Resolve was passed by the General Court of that year empowering and authorizing the Rev. Daniel Collins, the then present Congregational minister of said town, with a major part of the said town, to sell and convey the ministry lands in said town and to make deed or deeds thereof to the purchaser or purchasers in fee simply and the monies arising from such sale to be put on interest on good security, and the income thereaf to be appropriated and applied annually forever thereafter to the support of the public worship of God in said town under the direction of such person or persons as the inhabitants of said town should from time to time appoint for that purpose. And the said General Court ordered $66.67 of said income to be paid to the Rev. Daniel Collins annually in addition to his then present salary during his continuance in the ministry in said town, as a compensation for his relinquishing his right to the use of said land, and to his successors forever. And two- thirds part of the remainder of said income to be paid over to the said Mr. Collins as a part of his salary, and to his successors forever, and the other third part to be paid over to the thev present minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church in said town as a part of his salary annually, and to his successors for- ever.
To which Resolve is the following proviso, viz: Provided however, that it shall be in the power of the Legislature on the application of any denomination of christians having a set- tled minister in said town. hereafter to make a new appropria- tion of said income.
And the subscribers further represent to your Hon. body that in pursuance of the authority in said Resolve the Rev. Daniel Collins and the major part of the selectmen of said town in the month of March in the year of our Lord 1797, did sell and con- vey and make deed to the purchasers in fee simple, the said ministry land in said town for the sum of $4959.02, which sum
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has ever since been put on interest, on good security, and ap- plied annually until the present time for the support of the Con- gregational and Episcopal ministers in said town, according to the tenor and effect of said Resolve.
Your petitioners further represent that heretofore they have gone to other towns to attend public worship under the preach- ing of some one of their own denomination, and have hired from time to time preachers to come into said town and preach to them, until the year A. D. 1821 when they settled Mr. Au- gustus Beach to preach to them one-half of the time, which he continued to do for six years-holding their meetings in the Town House by consent of the town until February A. D. 1828. when the house was destroyed by fire, and then, having no con- venient place to hold meetings of the Society, resolved to build a meeting-house, which was accordingly done the same year by erecting a good and convenient brick building which was com- pleted and dedicated to the worship of God within one year thereafter, and has been supplied with preaching the major part of the time since, having had the labors of Mr. Wakeman G. Johnson one-half of the time for three years previous to the year A. D. 1834; since then he has continued to preach to them the whole time. The said Beach and Johnson being regularly ordained Baptist elders or ministers; that they have formed themselves (many years ago) into a religious Baptist S view and formed a Constitution for the due regulation of their So- ciety with a clerk and committee who execute all the duties of such officers. Said Society constitute more than one-third part of the inhabitants of said town (and the major part of them permanent settlers) and consequently pay more than one- third part of all the taxes assessed in said town. Your peti- tioners further represent that on the Sth of March, A. D .. 1814. on the petition of Daniel Collins and others the General Court of this Commonwealth did order that the proviso in the said order of 1797 aforementioned, which reserved the power of mak- ing a new appropriation of the income of said fund, should be re- pealed, thereby establishing by said last order the income of said fund in the Congregational Society and the said Episcopal
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Society in said town forever. And your petitioners aver that no notice was ever served upon, nor did it ever come to their knowledge that any such petition was presented or any order made thereon until long after such order last mentioned had passed your Ilon. Body, and therefore no opportunity was given us of remonstrating against the passing of the same, which want of notice we humbly conceive to be contrary to the wellknown and established usages and proceedings of your Hon. Body. Wherefore your petitioners pray that their constitutional privi- leger may be preserved to them as provided in the third article of the Constitution of this Commonwealth and that they, as one denomination of christians, shall be equally under the pro- tection of law and not in subordination to any other sect or de- nomination-praying that the said last order may be repealed and that they may have granted to them their just and equal appropriation of the income of the fund aforesaid according to their taxable estates in said town, to be ascertained by the asses- sors thereof-or the one-half of the two-thirds which is now holden by the Congregational Society, which would, as we most sincerely believe, be complying with the true meaning and in- tent of the original character and such was the opinion of the Legislature at the time when they reserved the right to make a new appropriation of said income.
And as in duty bound will ever pray.
BUSHROD BUCK and others.
Lanesboro, Jan. 1, 1835.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
In Senate March 5, 1835.
On the petition aforesaid ordered that the petitioners canse a copy of their petition with this order thereon to be published in the Pittsfield Sun, a newspaper published in Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire, three weeks successively, the last publica- tion to be thirty days at least before the second Wednesday of the next General Court; and that they also cause an attested copy thereof to be served on the Town Clerk of said Lanesboro and on the Clerk of the First Parish and on the Clerk of the
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Protestant Episcopal Church in said Lanesboro, thirty days at least before the second Wednesday of the next General Court that all persons interested may then appear and show cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
Sent down for concurrence. Charles Calhoun, Clerk. In the House of Representatives, March 5, 1835. Read and coneurred. L. H. Cushing, Clerk
A true copy, attest. Charles Calhoun, Clerk of the Senate.
CALVIN HUBBELL, JUN. Attorney at Law.
Would inform the public that he keeps his office in one of the apartments of the dwelling-house of his father, at which place he solicits those to call who are desirous to patronize him in the concerns of his profession.
Lanesboro, Jan. 17, 1815.
A Hatter's Stand for sale, or to be let.
Situated fifteen rods cast of the south Meeting-house in Lanesboro formerly occupied by William Warner, consisting of about one acre of land, a dwelling-house, a hatter's shop, and a good well. The stand is offered for sale on very reasonable terms. If not disposed of soon will be rented. For particulars inquire of the subseriber living on the premises. Lanesboro, April 17, 1815. Joel Phelps.
JOHNSON HUBBELL.
"Fama super aethera notus."
Informs the public that he has again replenished his Old Cas- tle with an extensive and supurb assortment of fresh imported Dry Goods and Groceries and now offers for sale on terms high- ly conducive to the interest of those who may purchase and from a consideration of the variety, beauty, quality and prices of his goods he offers them in great confidence of procuring a liberal patronage from his friends and the public in general. Never-
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theless he requests all not to take for granted his opinion alone but to call, at least, and satisfy themselves by occular demon- stration.
Among which are the following, viz: Calicoes, Cambricks, Lenoes, plain and figured Dimity, Cambrick do., Muslins, white and black, Elegant Cotton Shawls, Nankins, Bombazettes, plain and figured, Parasols, Umbrellas, Factory Ginghams and Shirt- ing. Crockery and Hardware, Broad Cloths, Paper Hangings, etc., etc. W. I. Rum, Gin, Cider Brandy, Wine, Lump Brown Sugar, Box Raisins, Fresh Tobacco, Spanish Segars, Macaboy and Scotch Snuff, Window Glass, 6x8, 7x9-Hyson Skin tea first quality Coffee. Pepper and Spice, Cloves, Cinnamon, etc., etc.
The above articles he wishes to sell for ready pay if possible. Nevertheless he will credit those who possess substantial means of payment until October. Payment in full will be expected about that time. He returns his thanks to his customers for past favors and begs a continuance of the same. Lanesboro, June 20, 1815.
WILLIAMSTOWN MARBLE FACTORY.
The subscriber would inform the public that he has com- menced the Stone-Cutting Business in Williamstown, east of the College and near the Factory, where can be had all kinds of work in his line on short notice and as cheap as can be had at any shop in the County. He likewise keeps a general assort- ment of Grave Stones on hand and those that are wanting will please call and look for themselves.
He also has the right of vending the much approved Patent Stoves in nine towns in the north part of this County, which are recommended to the public for their great utility in saving fuel as a complete remedy for sinoky chimnies.
Benjamin Weed.
October 12, 1814.
N. B. The subscriber continues to carry on the business of his shop in Lanesboro as usual in all its branches.
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EXTRACTS FROM TOWN RECORDS.
Copy of the answer made by Mr. Dan'l Collins to the propri- etors of New Framingham with regard to settling with them in the work of the ministry. March the 12th, A. D., 1764.
To the proprietors of the township of New Framingham :-
Gentlemen in consequence of the call which you have given me to settle with you in the important work of the gospel minis- try, I have taken into serious consideration, viewing of it as the most important of all transactions and accordingly have ap- plied for advice of the ministers of this county as also others of my acquaintance elsewhere. Their advice to me has been that I should accept of your call. Therefore in compliance with your invitation and their advice, after seeking for direction to the wise Disposer of all events, I have concluded to accept your call and settle with you in the work of the gospel ministry, and as to proprietors' proposals made to me for encouragement to settle- am satisfied-therewith. But for the satisfaction of the people in the town I am willing in two articles to admit of some alter- ation. The salary I am willing to accept one-half in good mer- chantable provisions-am further willing the salary should rise but three pounds a year from sixty till it arrives to eighty pounds.
Daniel Collins.
DECEMBER. 26th, 1768.
Voted to accept of the proposal made by those of the profes- sion of the Church of England which is as follows-namely :- Whereas the proprietors of the Town of Lanesboro have voted to erect a meeting house fifty-eight feet long, forty feet wide and twenty-five feet high for the worship of God. We, the subscrib- ers, being professors of the Church of England do heartily con- sent and agree to be taxed as proprietors until the sum of three hundred pounds be expended towards building and finishing said meeting-house provided upon the paying said sum. we said Churchmen and our families may be excused from paying any more taxes for the building and finishing said house and we be taxed as the rest of the proprietors are from time to time until
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said sum is paid, and also we said subscribers do promise that we will not act as proprietors relative to the place where the meeting house shall stand.
Lanesboro, Dec. Sth, 1768.
A list of the names that are not present :-
Azar Curtis,
Jacob Bacon,
Asahel Beach,
Samuel Dean,
Abel Sherman,
Peter Curtis,
James Russell,
Abraham Bristol,
Nath'l Austin,
William Bradley,
Giles Barns,
Joel Sherman,
Seth Worrin,
John Powel, Asa Barns,
Theofelus Allin,
Benjamin Farnam,
Jonathan Fulford,
Elisha Baker, Ezekiel Lewis.
Nath'l Bacon,
There is a dispute concerning Seth Warrin and Noah Murry as to their being churchmen. If they will not make full profes- sion thereof in some public meeting, their entering their names in the list is to be null and void.
The last clause in the 2nd article not acted upon. Thirdly voted that the Committee be allowed to erect the meeting-house on Mr. Collins' lot on the east side of the way-the most con- venient place near the southwest corner, upon consideration the town will grant to Mr. Collins the land that has been laid out as Common for the use of the town being part of the overplus of No. eight in the first division.
Samuel Jackson,
Jonathan Barrott,
Benjamin Bridges, Thomas Ball, Jacob Ball,
Moses Learnord,
Benj. Nurse, Jr.,
Gideon Bridges,
Edward Wright,
Oliver Daetts,
Jonathan Jackson,
Sam'l Deadman,
Joseph Maynard,
Josiah Drury,
Francis Moquot,
Sam'l Stone, Jr.,
Calob Bridges.
Caleb Drury,
Thomas Buckminson, Amos Gail,
Abraham Bolknap,
Amos Waight, John Swift,
John Waight, David Langor,
Ezekiel Waight,
Aaron Nurse, Hozakiah Rice,
Ezekiel Rice, Ebenezer Singletary,
John Emms, Abraham Norse,
John Nurse, Jr., Jonathan Maynard, Benoui Hemonway, John Bruce, John White,
Joseph Nichols,
Joseph Buckminson,
Abraham Rice,
Noah Murry,
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David Pratt, Ebenezer Horrington, Thomas Horrington, Moses Pike, Daniel How, Amos Gaits, Jr., John Swift, Jr., Bozaliel Wright, Jonathan Morse,
Henry Emms, Nath'l Wilson, Joseph Angir, Bozaliel Rice,
Sam'l Putnam,
Jeremiah Pike, Sam'l Moore, Jonathan Rugg,
John Clayce,
James Clayce, Jr.,
Robert Emms,
Isaac Clark, Jr., Ebenezer Winchosoler,
Jacob Townsend,
Aaron Pike, Joseph Emms,
Thomas Stone,
Phonolias Rice,
Mathias Bent,
Richard Rice,
Uriah Drury,
Uriah Stone, Jeremiah Bolknap,
Peter Gallot, Matthias Clark,
APPENDIX XI.
LANESBORO IN THE WAR OF THE REBELION.
At the town meeting held for the consideration of war mat- ters, held Dec. 10, 1861, the selectmen of Lanesboro were au- thorized to expend money at their discretion for the relief of soldiers' families. In August of the next year the town author- ized a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer for three years, or nine months.
In April, 1864, the town voted to pay a bounty of one hun- dred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer for three years, and this arrangement was continued until the close of the war.
The expenditures in Lanesboro on the war account amounted to $12,947.91. In addition to this a considerable amount was raised by private means. The total amount of $3,856.45 was ex- pended for aid to volunteers' families, and afterward repaid by the state.
The soldiers' list of Lanesboro is as follows:
Sth Infantry, 100 days-Private George B. Powell.
49th Infantry, nine months -- George E. Howard, quartermas- ter sergeant; Ilenry S. Burbank, George E. Howard, sergeants; Elizur Bliss, Hiram Burlingham, Isaac Nourse, Samuel H. Ros- sister, David Winchell, George M. Wood, Oliver L. Wood, corpor- als; privates, William Ashburn, James Beckley, Henry Bille, Wildman Boice, John Callahan, George Dowley, Albert S. Far- num, Alfred Farnum, Garrett Fitzgerald, Charles R. Fuller, Myron Goodell, Thomas Green, Henry G. Griffen, Conratt Heins, Daniel Leman, John Lyman, William Mc Daniel, Anson S. Middlebrook, John Stevens.
1st Heavy Artillery, three years-Private, Henry Nelson.
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Srd Heavy Artillery, three years-Privates, Charles B. All- rich, Peter Carroll, Martin Lannin.
1st Cavalry, three years-Daniel R. Hines, farrier; privates, William Buskin, Calvin Carpenter, Andrew J. Gabler, Wilmot J. Joslyn, John Lyman, Edward McRussel Munson, Edward Wil- liams.
2nd Cavalry, three years-Privates, John H. Adams, John W. Gibbs. Judson A. Herman, Thomas Monroe.
3rd Cavalry, three years-Private, Charles H. Grant.
5th Cavalry, three years-Sylvester Moores, corporal.
1st Battalion, Frontier Cavalry, one year-Frank V. Parker, corporal; Robert R. Tulin, bugler.
2nd Infantry, three years-Privates, George W. Ackley. Peter Bradley, John Cavanaugh, Wellington H. Turner, Charles Wil- son.
10th Infantry, three years-Private, Henry Noble.
19th Infantry, three years-Private, Ervin Smith.
20th Infantry, three years-Edwin B. Mead, corporal: pri- vates Charles Brown, Jolin Cleary, Edward Laro, Manton A. Wood.
21st Infantry, three years-Private, Edward A. Hinckley.
23rd Infantry, three years-Private, John B. Norton.
26th Infantry, three years-Private, George F. Bayard.
21th Infantry, three years-Private, Martin Gaitley.
31st Infantry, three years-Privates, John Cummings, David McDaniels, Edward Pettit, Ralph Wolfran.
34th Infantry, three years-Privates, James F. Brodie, Henry G. Aines, Faltine Lafe, Charles E. Mason, Robert Morton, Josh- ua Phillips, Hugh Stuart.
37th Infantry, three years-Privates, Samuel P. Beers, Hen- ry Bretcher, William T. Carpenter, John Cummings, Edward Law.
57th Infantry, three years-Myron Goodell, sergeant, privates Patrick Heverou, William McDaniels.
61st Infantry, three years-Private, John Ragan.
Regular Army-Henry Bricken, Robert Fleming.
APPENDIX XII.
INSCRIPTIONS IN THE NORTH CEMETERY.
William D. Bradley, dieed Ang. 3, 1870, age 28.
Asahel T. Bradley, born Sept. 18, 1832, died Nov. 14, 1896.
William D. Bradley, died Aug. 3, 1870, age 28.
Betsy J. Bradley (wife of Asahel) died Aug. 15, 1875, age 40. Jotham Beech, died Oct. 12, 1879, age 76.
Joseph Belcher, died Jan 7, 1894, age 77.
Harriet L. Belcher, his 1st wife, died July 26, 1860, age 42 years, 3 months.
Diadama Belcher his 2nd wife, died May 28, 1878, age 58.
Charlotte Faller Belcher (wife of Pardon) died Jan. 30, 1888, age 62 years, 10 months.
Huldah M. Farrington, daughter of above and wife of Fer- nando, died April 21, 1871, age 20 years, 10 months.
Laura A., daughter of Pardon Belcher, wife of Albert Farnam, born March 15, 1844, died Jan. 9, 1893.
William Van Buren Harrison, born Jan. 14, 1832, died April 16, 1882.
G. Lyman Phillipps, died Nov. 5, 1885, age 60.
Charles Harris, born 1820, died 1889.
Arilla, his wife, born 1831, died 1893.
S. Bruce Humphreyville, born March 11, 1836, died March 22, 1896.
Joshua Pine born Oct. 20, 1817, died Dec. 18, 1896.
Joanna C., his wife, born Oct. 24, 1818, died Ang. 18, 1895.
Edith M. Knight, daughter of F. H., died June 17, 1885, age 4 years, 10 months.
Daniel Lehman, born 1811, died 1888.
Christina, his wife, born 1814, died 1899.
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Asahel Sherman, born Sept. 14, 1792, died Jan. 16, 1879.
Mary Harrison Sherman, his wife, born Feb. 16, 1798, died Sept. 26, 1878.
Job W., their son, born July 6, 1839, died Nov. 16, 1847.
Ezra H., their son, died Sept, 18 1884.
Joel B. Sherman, born May 22. 1802, died Dec. 16, 1894.
Tiszah O., his wife, born April 5, 1810, died Dec. 18, 1879.
Franklin Sturgis, died Oct. 12, 1865, aged 63.
William Bradley Sturgis, his son, died Aug. 12, 1870, age 39.
Mary B. Zink, born 1850, died 1899.
Willard W. Bradley, son of William, died February 19, 1850, age 3 mos.
Mary A. Bradley, daughter of Asahel T., died August 14, 1815, age 17 years, 4 months.
Harry Belcher, son of Austin N., born December 30, 1892, died Feb. 17, 1894.
Fredwine E. Harrison. died May 9, 1883, age 16 years, 2 months, 23 days.
Carley Humphreyville. Feb. 21, 1884-May 30, 1885.
Fannie C. Harris, 1811-1904.
Mitchell Harris, 1869 -- 1886.
Lucy A., wife of Jantes D. Middlebrook, Oct. 2. 1845-lug. 22, 1896.
Elsie MI. Wood Kirwan, wife of John P., Sept. }, 1820-April ÷, 1903.
George Ezra Sherman, son of Ezra II., Aug. 30, 1866-Oct. 1. 1868.
Susie M. Smith, died April 13, 1896, age 20.
Johnnie Smith, son of Win. H. and Lillie, died March &, 1891, age î years, 8 mouths.
Ruth N. Turney, 1872-1899.
Elna R. Turney, 1898-1898.
William Smith, 1822-1888. Isabella Monroe Smith his wife. 1831-1899. Both natives of Scotland.
Laura, daughter of R. H. and C. JJ. Williams, 1899-1900.
Daniel M. Wood. Aug. 11, 1831-Nov. 24. 19033.
Gladys V. Zink, daughter of Henry E .. Oct. 15. 1893-Nov. 6, 1897
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Henry E. Zink, 1860- - 1900. Lucy Zink, daughter of Will- iam, died July 11, 1885, age 14 months.
INSCRIPTIONS IN LOWER CEMETERY.
William MI. Avery, died July 29, 1831, age 62.
Samuel D. Angell, died Oct. 29, 1868, age 51.
Samuel Angell, died June 25, 1863, age 84 years, 6 months.
Lucinda, his wife, died May 15, 1877, age 90 years, 4 months. Smith E. Angell, their son, died Dec. 11, 1849, age 38.
Angeline Angell, their daughter, died March, 1851, age 38. Mary E. Angell, their daughter, died March 23, 1851, age 34.
Widow Anna Bacon, died May 3, 1808, age 77.
Jacob S. Baker, died Sept. 30, 1810, in his 27th year.
Elijah Baker, died April 1, 1838, age 36.
Henry Buckans, died Dec. 31, 1802, age 73.
Abraham C. Brown, son of Abraham and Rosanna Brown, died Feb. 15, 1830, age 13 months.
Anna Judson Brown, son of above, died Jan 31, 1832, age 11 months.
Ruth, wife of Deacon Jacob Burgess, died Mar. 25, 1193, in her 74th year.
Clarissa Briggs, died March 19, 1872, age 82.
Evolyn, son of Bethuel Baker, died July 10, 1808, age 3 years. 4 months.
Ebenezer Buck, died July 16, 1831, in his 82d year.
Rev. Edward J. Brace, died Sept. 22, 1845, age 31. Joseph Bagg, died May 28, 1836, aged 98.
Calvin Bagg, died Sept. 29, 1834, age 41.
Eunice Bagg, wife of Joseph, died Oct. 20, 1810, age ?1.
Aaron Bagg, died March 1, 1806, in his 56th year.
Martha Wheeler Bagg, wife of Calvin, died Oet. 12, 1841, age .11
Sally P. Bagg, 2d wife of Aaron, died, March 11, 1841 in her 46th year.
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