USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Lanesborough > History of town of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, 1741-1905 > Part 6
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Others are afraid that those existing funds will fill the minis- terial ranks with indolent, covetous mercenaries. That lazy boys (seeing the prospect before them) will assume the guise of pharasie reserve, become beneficaries and licenciates for their own emolument and not for the good of others. That these exertions tend to foster the pride of those who wish to be heard -attended to and treated as a class of singular characters. That there is no likeness between the apostolic missionary exertions and the present. either in spirit or method. That it is going over the ground again, which the church trod in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, which produced a national established Christian- ity and finally led on to the rise of the whole of Babylon. The parties are now at issue. Time will bring a true verdict.
In comparison of the present missionary struggle, a recent affair, within the memory of many who are now living, claims an account. In Windsor and Tolland, Conn., a few of the new lights were internally impressed that God had a great work for them to do at the west, and were not disobedient to the divine teaching. Daniel Marshall left his home and took his course to the head of Susquehanna, carrying his family with him. And Shubal Stearns, with a few of his church, in 1154, started for the West, selling or giving away what they had. Stearns and Marshall met in Virginia, and moved on to North Carolina. Here they fixed their station, and in 1255 they formed into a. church, having 16 members, on Sandy Creek, Guilford County. They immediately began their work and God smiles on their la- bors. Soon their little church increased to more than 600. From this beginning the flame prevailed in every direction. In
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the south part of Virginia-North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky there are more than a thousand Bap- tist churches now existing, which arose from that beginning.
These missionaries had neither outfit nor annuity. The pro- vince of God-the prayers of the saints and benevolence of those who were taught by them carrried them through. Stearns died in 181. Marshall lived until 1784, and then fell asleep. This affair borders on the missionary proceedings of the apostles; but the modern exertions seem to be grounded on human caleu- lation, and not on divine impression. In which outfit and annui- ties form a prominent part-in the domestic mission our own money circulates from hand to hand; but in the foreign mission nothing but silver and gold will answer, which drains the conn- try of its precious metals. On this, a question arises, whether the institution of Christ to christianize the world has anything in which it tends to impoverish a nation?
That Christianity is now in a flourishing condition, in the outer court, is certain. The, hosts that unite with religious so- cieties-the many splendid houses that are built for Christian worship, and the immense sums that are raised to endow theo- logical seminaries and send missionaries over sea and land, all substantiate the fact. Indeed, what is called religion, is now the most fashionable thing that can be named, through every grade of the community, from the venerable president of the Bible so- ciety down to the lisping child at Sunday school.
But the inner court presents nothing so flattering. There is but little likeness between the religion of the present day and that which prevailed in the prime of Christianity. Murders, robberies, fraud, drunkenness, duellings, ambition for office. thirst for money and wealth, extravagance in praise, religion- deception to collect money, ete., seem to keep pace with our population; so that a man, unbiassed by any religious system. would conclude that there was a loud call for the Hindoo to send their missionaries among us to reclaim us from these er- rors as there is for us to send our missionaries among them. to turn them from idolatry and immolation.
The time of outward prosperity and inward depression of ro-
ligion. is favorable for the introduction of customs and laws, which lead on to persecution and blood-shedding; the buildings of these begin to appear among us. Why fine a Jew for open- ing his store on Sunday? Why stop travelers on the same day? Why have a law of Congress to stop the mail? on the day that one part of the community think should be kept holy, and an- other part as honestly believe that another day is appointed by God? And a third and a larger part believe that every day is alike? In this diversity of sentiment, must Congress, or any un- inspired legislature decide the question-explain for certain the laws of God, and punish all that disobey? If one individual has his own liberty guaranteed to him. why should he wish to have his neighbor deprived of the same? When two men meet in the road. what right has one more than the other to demand the whole part? None but tyrants desire it. For one man to make his own conscience the standard for another's conduct is cruel stupidity.
Some meeting-houses are built by legal taxation-some by a generous individual-but many are erected (like the one in which we are) by the combination of many. Each contributes ac- cording to his pleasure. And as the house is built on liberal principles, so. likewise (1 am instructed to state) that it is to be occupied in a free manner. No person who shall choose to attend, either constantly or transiently, will be considered an intruder in seating himself at pleasure. None will be compelled to come-none will be refused accommodation. We congratu- late the proprietors of this house, in completing it without the loss of life or limb. And surely your liberal views and helping hands will meet with praise of all lovers of Jesus and lovers of freedom-here you may be accommodated for life, and when you go the way of all the earth, your descendants may enjoy it as an inheritance. We hope your liberal exertions will ascend as a memorial to him, for whose praise and glory the house was built, and He will frequently send down His holy spirit on the people who assemble at this place. Why may we not pray for a heavenly blessing to-day? It would be presumption for us to pray for the Holy Ghost, like a mighty rushing wind, to
Childhood Home of Josh Billings, now known as Hilcrest, P. E. Newcomb, Proprietor.
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descend and fill this house, as it did in the temple on the day of Pentecost: vet surely it cannot be arrogant or improper for us to pray that the spirit of the Lord might descend in its ordi- nary course, and not only fill the saints with joy, but turn sin- ners from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto the living God. For nothing appears more gloomy and prepos- terons than to see a temple built for the worship of God, filled with a lifeless preacher and inattentive congregation. It is therefore, ardently desired that this congregation (whether they have a stated preacher,or only occasional supplies) may be visited by Him who walks amidst the golden candle sticks. and holds the stars in his right hand. Our hearts rise with pleasing an- ticipation that this house may be a place of the spreading nets, and that the fish may be as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. That while the gospel. like living waters, shall flow from this pulpit. the seats may be filled with penitent sinners, and ro- joicing saints. That multitudes may here say. "Come draw near Je that fear God. and I will declare what he has done for my soul." Such exercises would richly reward the proprietors of this house for their labor-fill the saints with joy, that would extend to the angels in heaven.
Young people, can you hear of this without emotion of the heart? Is there none of you that will huzza for Jesus to-day- none that will desert from Satan and fly to the Saviour. who loved sinners and gave his blood to save them?
Sinners, can you hate that Saviour? C'an you thrust him from your arms? Once He died for your behaviour. Now He calls yon to His charms.
APPENDIX VI.
AN OLD FASHIONED TRAINING.
Fifty years ago the military enthusiasm in Lanesborough was very great. The war closed with Great Britain in 1815, with victory to our banners. The military organizations were kept up by law, the country feeling the importance of ever being ready to meet the troops of Johnnie Bull. In our own common- wealth, all able bodied men between the ages of 18 and 45 were required to be entered upon the military roll and were subject to military duty. There were two companies in Lanesborough, and there was a great strife between the two, to see which should excel in drill. Their annual gathering was the first of May. The companies were required to come together once a month. for training and for practicing. all the evolutions on the programme for the season. Those who failed to be present with- out a good excuse (if sick to be certified by Dr. Burbank) were fined $4.00. Both companies were uniformed, and at that time there were plenty of smart young men in town so that the ranks of the companies were always full.
There was a line of demarcation through the town, on one side of which was the north village, and on the other the south village, each with its military company. Capt. R. A. Gibbs, who was a boll, energetic officer, commanded the south com- pany. Under him the company was brought up to a high state of military discipline. The up-town company was commanded by Capt. Sherman Curtis. He also was a good officer and his company well disciplined. The companies often met together (with jealous eyes) to show their expert movements, and then the excitement ran high, not only with the officers and soldiers. but with the citizens generally, who came together from differ- ent parts of the town. men, women and children, all interested
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deeply, for their respective companies. The people of that day all seem to have engaged in all the public doings with great en- thusiasm, which gave inspiration to the officers and soldiers and encouragement to them to do their best. The greatest excite- ment was when the companies chose officers. By law in those days if a commissioned officer was "jumped," as it was called by a subordinate officer, or a soldier was chosen over a standing officer, he had a right to claim a discharge from all military duty. There was much of this done.
At one time there was great excitement. The company did not want to promote the regular officer, and they could not agree on a man in regular line. They voted and elected Rev. Noah Sheldon; he was notified, and said he would take a week's time (which the law allowed him) to think of it. They came together again, Mr. Sheldon not accepting, they promoted A. A. Powell from ensign to lieutenant. It was always expected that the officer promoted would make a speech. Mr. Powell was call- ed for and came out in front of the company and said, "Gentle- men, Officers and Fellow soldiers: I thank you for electing me your Ensign to-day." "One peg higher," cried Dan Barker from the lower end of the Company. Seeing the mistake, Mr. Powell responded, "your lieutenant to-day."
"From among the scrubby beeches you've took a sapling out, And choose me for your leader to gad with you about."
Many were the good times at the military gatherings. When the companies trained, they expected the officers would give them a good treat, and the corporals were always sent for a pail of rum and a pail of water. It was passed around and drank with much smacking of lips. Then, having a new enthu- siasm, they were ready for a new show. Captain advances in front: "Soldiers, every man to his place; subordinates, look well to your platoons; forni line! heads erect, eyes right, eyes left, eyes front; shoulder arms; present arms; shoulder arms; right face; music ready; forni sections; forward march; quick time; form platoons; change front to rear by the counter march of platoons; quick motion; come into order in a bee line; recover your former positions; march, form sections; quick step; atten-
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tion the whole: halt: a section form in line, front face, present arms, shoulder arms, rest." Such were the drill tactics. The captain commands the music to remain stationary, while the company performs some fancy pieces,-Company right face, forward! and off they go "Whipping the snake" and perform- ing many other original and fancy evolutions which the boys loved dearly. There were many men that were honored with military commissions: Capt. N. B. Williams. Capt. Seth Far- num. Capt. Curtis Tillotson, Capt. Wm. Goodenough, Capt. H. P. Rubble, all were active military men.
The greatest military event that ever happened in Lanesbor- ough was a brigade training in the fall of 1826, when all the military companies in the county came together. Then there were several artillery companies and several companies of cav- alry. It was a beautiful day. The brigade met on a rise of ground east of the village. The fences were removed to encompass a lot of some 50 acres, every company in the county was present. well manned and officered. Great was the enthusiasm. The artillerymen were ordered to fire a round of cannon to proclaim all was ready. The officers then appeared with great pomp and took their various positions. Then commenced the pro- gramme of various evolutions, and the whole vast body moved over the field. The Major General gave the commands which were echoed by his subalterns. It was a beautiful sight as the men moved in order with bands of music, with hats plumed with red, white and blue feathers, and the arms glistening in the rays of a bright sun. For an hour they move forward in the various evolutions. They were then broken into line, with the artillery in the center, and the order along the line was given "rest." Then orders were issued to the artillery, "prepare to fire a salute." On the right of the line was discovered Gov. Levi Lin- coin, with his staff, who was present to review the troops. Then came the order. "Captains of artillery. ready. fire!" And their salute made the earth tremble. The Governor and his staff pro- cooled to the center, turning their horses fronting the line of soldiery, and removed their caps. Orders ran along the line. "Present Arms!" while the Governor and suite, with drawn
swords passed along. Then commenced the review; "Shoulder arms, right face, form platoons, forward march," and they march- ed around in front of the Governor and aids with great success and with great satisfaction to the commander of the troops of Massachusetts. It was a memorable day. Many that are now living tell of it, as one of the greatest events of their childhood and youth. The number present was large from all over the country, from every hill and valley. Every horse and vehicle was brought into requisition. Men, women, boys and girls were there with their best clothes on. The ladies were numerous and Inminous; it was not only a brigade training, but it also was a great show time, a great opportunity for putting on airs. The peddlers were there, even from Gotham and the cities round about. What a display of peaches, melons, new cider and pies; but the greatest show was gingerbread. This was an ar- ticle every man, women, boy and girl calculated to buy, and if they had money the first thing was to buy a card. There were two sizes of cards, a cake of six creases and of twelve, and he that could buy one of twelve was a hero. It was real fun to pass around and see the groups of boys and girls, men and women, with the card of gingerbread, feasting with great relish, and they could pay two cents a glass for sweet cider, and have a meal fit for the Gods.
This was a day of the supremest happiness to great numbers, ladies, boys and girls and men, and it made Lanesboro a place of great notoriety.
APPENDIX VII.
Extracts from Newspapers Illustrative of Lanes- boro.
1820. Thomas Durant, variety store, taking place of E. & J. Hall's store. Luther R. Lasell has a jewelry store in the end of the above.
1820. Johnson IIubbell's store is advertised in the form of a proclamation that "whereas I have just returned from New York and have brought with me a large supply of good things which are calculated to heal the wounds, supply the rational wants and revive the drooping spirits of mankind, therefore, let all resort to my castle there to receive balm for all their wounds and counsel and refreshment when needed. Administered gra- tis. Ipecac.
Physicians, since their business like mine is that of benevo- lence, shall be furnished at nearly original cost."
August 1, 1803. Advertisement of Abner Bagg to sell 60,000 brick at his brick yard a mile and a half south of the meeting house.
In 1819 the Fourth of July celebration occurred in a delight- ful arbor. Spacious tables properly and elegantly served. The propriety and decorum of the exercises spoke well for the re- finement of the young gentlemen and ladies of the town.
1825. Fourth of July was ushered in by national salutes and ringing of bells. At noon a procession under the leadership of Jabez Hall and Stoddard Hubbell proceeded to the meeting house. Prayer was offered by Noah Sheldon. The Declaration of Independence was read by Franklin Sturgis. The oration was replete with patriotism, feeling and sound views. The sing- ing under the lead of George Rockwell was highly satisfactory. A number of hoary headed Revolutionary soldiers were on the
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platform. After the exercises the procession moved to Mr. Tower's and' sat down to an elegant repast, after which toasts were drunk to the accompaniment of the firing of cannon and tremendous cheering. The toasts were responded to by George N. Briggs and Messrs. Sheldon, Curtis, Henry Shaw, William H. Tyler, William C. Plunkett, Sideny Hubbell, Franklin Stur- gis, Josiah Rockwell, Lyman Hall, Bushrod Buck, George Rock- well and Justus Tower.
1851 occurred a notable Fourth of July celebration in one of the groves for which Lanesboro is celebrated. The Lanesboro Glee Club sang in notes that broke on the ear as the morning song of an uncaged bird. Daniel Day read the Declaration of Independence. William Palmer was toastmaster. The address was by William T. Filley. Remarks were made by Russell Gibbs and George Rockwell, who spoke on the fact that the Yankee nation could do anything except stay away from picnics. Asel Buck, who spoke on the growing size of Pittsfield and the smallness of Lanesboro as not being significant because a small fish did not become a leviathan by swimming into deeper wa- ters and the same body of water separating the two towns could not properly be called Lanesboro Pond at one end and Pittsfield Lake at the other.
1806. A Fourth of July procession of three hundred formed at Mr. S. Bacon's with a company of artillery and band of mu- sic. An oration was delivered by Rev. Daniel Collins, after which the people repaired to a bower. A number of toasts were read of which this is a sample: "The political priests and law- yers, may they no longer play the old game of the one hold and the other skin the people." "The navy, may it not be the pirati- cal shark of the ocean."
On January 8, 1842, a great Jackson celebration was held by democrats, who differ from their fellow citizens in not thinking it unbecoming in a moral and religious people to rejoice at tlie success of our armies. At the inn of H. W. Brown supper was held. The oration was delivered by David L. Seymour at the Baptist church. After a sermon by Elder Leland at the sumpt- uous feast presided over by Asahel Buck several toasts were re-
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sponded to of which these are samples: "The hard cider ora- tiens, like small necked bottles, the less they have in them the more noise they make in turning out." "The city of Troy, may we see more of her sons and they cause us to see more of the beauties of democracy." "The extra Session of 18-11, brought up to relieve the wants of the people, it relieved the government of about three million dollars."
In 1829 a Fourth of July celebration was held at the Baptist church. A sermon was preached by the Rev. John Leland. The Declaration of Independence was read by Marshall L. Wilcox with energy and distinctness. The oration was delivered by 1. W. Hall on the distinction between the partisan and patriot. A collection was taken for the Colonization Society. Then, as the rain was pouring. the people repaired to the inn of Justus Tower. Sheldon Curtiss presided at the table and toasts were re- sponded to by Henry Meade, Russell Gibbs, Lyman Hall, Asel Buck and JJustus Tower, of which this is a sample: "The tipler, when he tips down his whisky and punch may he remember he whisky money out of his pocket and punches the breath out of his body."
It is curions on the next page of the newspaper which records the above to read an account of a Fourth of July celebration in Kentucky, held in special honor of Henry Clay, at which one hundred and seventy-three gallons of whisky and fifty-five gal- lons of brandy were drank. This, as the editor sagely remarks, keeping the spirits up by pouring the spirits down. In giving an account of the Lanesboro cele- bration the compositor was guilty of the unfortunate error of describing Gov. Briggs as the apostle of intemperance when he intended to say an apostle of temperance.
Sept. 29, 1825. Lanesboro Brick Yard turned out 16.068 bricks in one day, Alpheus Jeffords preparing the clay, Benja- min Gunn loading the table and L. Shepardson moulding the brick- and Anson Smith carrying them away. And the Pittsfield Works under Morton & Francis were challenged to beat them in a test by a few of the Lanesboro boys. On a subsequent day 20,- 256 bricks were made for the Pontoeste Mills then being erect-
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ed. In the new issue of January 22, 1824, appears an adver- tisement of a new blacksmith shop conducted by Jedediah Wil- liams and J. L. Dickinson.
On Ang. 20, 1:88, occurred the worst wind storm ever known which felled all the trees on hundreds of groves. Vegetables were torn up by the roots and the roofs of houses thrown in all directions. The issue of Aug. 6, 1788, contains the advertise- ment of Abner Wolcott. the post rider between Pittsfield and Williamstown, who states that he will take rags in payment for the newspapers which he delivers and rags can be left at the store of his brother, Moses Wolcott. in Lanesboro. Also an ad- vertisement stating that at the store of Miles Powell goods will be sold and exchanged for clean rags, and ashes will be received at the rate of 85 cents a bushel. Also mention is made of the store of Jonathan Woodard. In the issue of July 31, 1:88, it is stated that two children in Lanesboro, aged eleven and five, went into the field and found a bottle of rum left by a hay maker and drank it and that in consequence the younger was dying and the elder would only with great difficulty recover. In advertisement of a store of A. B. Torry occurs in this issue. Also an account of the presentation to the Rev. Gideon Bostwick of forty-three runs of spun linen yarn.
In 1:89 was held a review by Maj. Gear of the state militia of the Lanesboro troops under Capt. Danforth and C'apt. Tor- rey, during which review a boy was nearly killed by a pistol shot. An advertisement occurs in the same issue of the store of Samuel Bacon a few rods south of the meeting house, who will receives ashes, rags, beeswax and old pewter in exchange for goods.
EXTRAACTS FROM THE TOWN RECORDS.
The first burying ground was located in Lot No. 21, bounded by the highway on the north, and Lot 36 on the east. It ex- tended north and south ten rods and east and west four rods. for this purpose one quarter of an acre being sold by Asa Barnes for 40 shillings.
Joseph Farnham was appointed to sweep the meeting house for nine shillings a year.
The first town meeting was held July 15. 1765, Samuel Todd, Moses Hale and Francis Guiteau being chosen selectmen and as- se-sors, Samuel Warren being chosen treasurer.
The earliest schools were in 1721. one being near the meeting house, one near Andrew Squeir's house, one between Jabez Hall's and Ambrose Hall's, one in the northeast corner of Dea- con Root's loi, one in the Leek Meadows. James Loomis was next elected to sweep the meeting house, his compensation be- ing the right to use the burying ground for grazing purposes during the next summer.
The prescribed form of certificate for those not paying the ministers rates was as follows: "To the assessors of Lanesboro: This may certil'y that A and B are members of our congrega- tion and profess to believe the Anti-Pedo Baptist sentiments to be right and so far as we know are honest in their profession, and that they do frequently and usually attend the worship of God with us on the Lord's day. Signed by the Elder and three principal members.
In 1775 a committee was appointed to take all suitable meas- ures to prevent Sabbath breaking by townspeople or travellers and desired that if necessary messages be sent to neighboring towns for assistance to prevent travelling and other disorders on said day, the committee to have power to determine suitable punishment for such offenders. It was voted at the same meet- ing to allow minute men sixty pounds and to purchase one hun- dred and fifty pounds of powder, six hundred pounds of lead, fifty guns and a thousand flint locks. A vote was taken as to whether the town should express satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the services of Rev. Mr. Collins. It was voted that forty- three were satisfied and seventeen dissatisfied.
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