USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Our County and Its People A History of Hampden County, Massachusetts > Part 14
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At length, however, after three several attempts to establish a district during the year 1762, the town of Springfield at a meeting held May 17, 1763, voted to grant the prayer of the petitioners of the fourth precinet; and agreeably thereto, on June 15, the general court passed "An act for incorporating the Fourth parish of Springfield in the county of Hampshire, into a separate town by the name of Wilbraham". The terri- tory of the town, according to the act, comprised the region previously known as the Fourth parish in Springfield, with the addition of half a mile west from the west line of the parish, and from the "Chicobee" (Chicopee) river on the north to the line of the town of Somers (Conn.) on the south.
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The new creation was granted all the powers and privileges of other towns in the province; except that of electing a separate representative to the general court. In this selection the town joined with Springfield until 1786, when it was accorded full town powers. During the period of parish character, the com- mittee of the precinct for each year was as follows:
Committee of the Precinct .- 1741, Thomas Merrick, Isaac Brewer, Nathaniel Warriner: 1742, Daniel Warner, Nathaniel Hitchcock, Moses Burt; 1743, Stephen Stebbins, Nathaniel Warriner, Moses Burt; 1744, Thomas Merrick, Nathaniel Bliss, David Jones: 1745, Nathaniel Warriner, John Jones, Stephen Stebbins: 1746, Nathaniel Warriner, Nathaniel Bliss, Moses Burt; 1747, John Jones, Daniel Warner, John Hitchcock; 1748, Thomas Merrick, John Hitchcock, Nathaniel Bliss; 1749, Nath- aniel Warriner, Daniel Warner, Simeon Willard; 1750, Nath- aniel Bliss, Daniel Cadwell, Aaron Stebbins; 1751, Thomas Merrick, James Warriner, Nathaniel Bliss; 1752, John Hitch- cock, jun., Caleb Stebbins, Thomas Merrick; 1753, John Hitch- cock, jun., Daniel Warner, Ezra Barker; 1754, John Hitchcock, jun., James Warriner, jun., Daniel Warner; 1755, Moses Burt. Isaac Brewer, James Warriner, jun .; 1756, Daniel Cadwell. James Warriner. Daniel Warner; 1757, Moses Burt, Daniel Cadwell. Daniel Warner; 1758, Moses Burt, Daniel Cadwell, James Warriner; 1759-61, Daniel Cadwell, James Warriner, jun., Daniel Warner; 1762, Ezra Barker, Daniel Cadwell, Daniel Warner; 1763. Ezra Barker, Phineas Newton, Daniel Warner.
During the same period the clerks of the precinct were David Merrick, 1741-55, and Isaac Brewer, 1756-63.
Town Organization .- The incorporating act directed John Worthington to issue his warrant for the first town meeting in Wilbraham, and to fix the date and place holding the same. In pursuance thereof the inhabitants met at the "town meeting house", chose Lieut. Thomas Merrick moderator, Ezra Barker, town clerk. and then adjourned to allow the latter to proceed to Springfield and take the required oath of office, for there was no magistrate in the Fourth parish at that time. On the follow- ing day the electors reassembled and chose a full board of town
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officers. The succession of selectmen and town clerks from 1764 to 1901 is as follows:
Selectmen .- 1764-67, Thomas Merrick, Nathaniel Warriner, Stephen Stebbins: 1768, Nathaniel Warriner, Thomas Merrick, John Bliss: 1769, Daniel Cadwell, James Warriner, Nathaniel Warriner. William King, John Bliss; 1770, Nathaniel Warriner. William King, John Bliss, Caleb Stebbins, James Warriner; 1771-75, Nathaniel Warriner, James Warriner, John Bliss; 1776-77, James Warriner, John Hitchcock, John Bliss; 1778, James Warriner, John Hitchcock, John Bliss, Daniel Cadwell, Eleazer Smith; 1779, John Hitchcock, John Bliss, Eleazer Smith ; 1780, John Hitchcock, John Bliss, James Warriner; 1781, John Hitchcock. James Warriner. Abner Chapin ; 1782, David Burt, Zebulon Chapin, Abner Chapin ; 1783-84, James Warriner, Phineas Stebbins, John Stearns; 1785, John Stearns, Phineas Stebbins, Gideon Burt; 1786, Gideon Burt, David Burt, Phineas Stebbins: 1787-88, Gideon Burt, Phineas Stebbins, Noah Steb- bins; 1789, Oliver Bliss, Robert Sessions, Phineas Stebbins : 1790-91, James Shaw, Robert Sessions, Gideon Burt: 1792. Gideon Burt. James Shaw, Noah Stebbins; 1793, Robert Ses- sions, James Shaw, Gideon Burt; 1794, John Hitchcock, James Shaw, Robert Sessions; 1795, James Shaw, Phineas Stebbins, Robert Sessions: 1796-97. James Shaw, Gideon Burt, Robert Sessions: 1798, Phineas Stebbins, Joseph Lathrop, Robert Ses- sions; 1799, Gideon Burt, James Shaw, Steward Beebe; 1800, Levi Bliss, Steward Beebe, William Brewer; 1801, Timothy Burt. Levi Bliss, Steward Beebe; 1802, Levi Bliss, Steward Beebe, Robert Sessions; 1803, William Brewer, Robert Sessions, Steward Beebe: 1804, William Rindge, Robert Sessions, Steward Beebe: 1805. William Brewer, William Rindge, Joel Lyman : 1806, William Rindge, Joel Lyman, Solomon Wright; 1807, Joel Lyman, Augustus Sisson, Solomon Wright; 1808, Robert Ses- sions, William Rindge, Augustus Sisson; 1809, Robert Sessions, William Rindge, William Clark; 1810, Augustus Sisson, Walter Stebbins, Nathan Alden; 1811, Abel Bliss, Augustus Sisson, Nathan Alden; 1812. Joseph Lathrop, William Clark, Moses Burt; 1813-16. Joseph Lathrop, Moses Burt, Daniel Shaw :
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1817-18, Daniel Isham, Moses Burt, Chester Sexton; 1819, Abel Bliss, jun., Enoch Crocker, William Wood; 1820-22; Abel Bliss, jun., William Wood, Enoch Crocker; 1823, William Wood, Enoch Crocker, William Clark; 1824, Abraham Avery, Dudley D. Post, Nathan Alden ; 1825, Abraham Avery, Dudley D. Post, Thomas Glover; 1826, David Stebbins, Noah Merrick, John MeCray, jun .; 1827-28, David Stebbins, Jonathan Ely, John McCray; 1829, Calvin Stebbins, Comfort Chaffee, Daniel Isham; 1830, Calvin Stebbins, John Carpenter, Jacob B. Merrick; 1831, John Carpenter, Joseph Morris, Abraham Avery; 1832, John Carpenter, Luther Brewer, Beriah Smith; 1833, Luther Brewer, Beriah Smith, Pliny Merrick; 1834, Stephen Stebbins, Nathaniel Pease, Seth Moulton; 1835-36, Stephen Stebbins, Walter Steb- gins, Pliny Merrick; 1837, Stephen Stebbins, John McCray, Jonathan Burt; 1838, Stephen Stebbins, William V. Sessions, Jesse W. Rice; 1839, Stephen Stebbins, John Carpenter, Timothy Brewer; 1840, Abraham Avery, Jesse W. Rice, Aaron Warner; 1841, Abraham Avery, Samuel B. Stebbins, Jonathan Burt; 1842-43, Samuel Beebe, Luther B. Bliss, Roderick Mer- rick ; 1844, Philip P. Potter, Aaron Goodwell, John Smith ; 1845, William V. Sessions, John V. Morris, Jonathan Burt; 1846, John McCray, Shubal Pease, Peter Knowlton; 1847, John G. Perrin, Pliny Merrick, Shubal Pease; 1848-49, Samuel Beebe, Luther B. Bliss, Seth Knowlton; 1850, John G. Perrin, Pliny Merrick, Hiram Hendrick; 1851, Samuel Beebe, Joel M. Lyman, Robert A. Sessions; 1852, Samuel Beebe, Robert A. Sessions, John M. Merrick; 1853, Philip P. Potter, Aaron Goodwell, James M. Brewer; 1854, John W. Langdon, Porter Cross, H. B. Brewer; 1855, Joseph Mix Gregory, Sullivan U. Staunton, Eleazer Scripter; 1856, Eleazer Scripter, Sullivan U. Staunton, Benja- min Butler; 1857, John Baldwin, Samuel Warner, Henry Burt; 1858, John Baldwin, Henry Burt, Samuel Beebe; 1859, Samuel Beebe, John Baldwin, William P. Chaffee; 1860, Samuel Beebe, Philip P. Potter, William P. Chaffee; 1861, Philip P. Potter, William V. Sessions, Horace Clark; 1862, Horace Clark, Marcus Beebe, Hiram Hendricks; 1863, Horace Clark, Porter Cross, Walter Hitchcock; 1864, John Baldwin, Horace Clark, Sumner
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Smith; 1865-66, John Baldwin, Sumner Smith, William R. Ses- sions: 1867, Francis J. Warner, Abner C. Burley, William H. Lyman; 1868, Francis J. Warner, William H. Lyman, John W. Langdon: 1869, Porter Cross, John W. Langdon, Lyman G. Kellogg: 1870, John Ormsby, William R. Sessions, Francis E. Clark : 1871-72, William R. Sessions, Ira G. Potter, Francis E. Clark; 1873, Francis E. Clark, William R. Sessions, Albert Bedurtha ; 1874, Francis E. Clark, William H. Warren, Albert Bedurtha : 1875, M. F. Beebe, Sullivan U. Staunton, Erasmus B. Gates: 1876, Marcus F. Beebe, Francis E. Clark, Albert Bedurtha ; 1877, Francis E. Clark, William R. Sessions, F. W. Dickinson ; 1878, William R. Sessions, Francis E. Clark, F. W. Dickinson; 1879, Francis E. Clark, Ira G. Potter, Marcus F. Beebe ; 1880, Francis E. Clark, Marcus F. Beebe, Philip Potter; 1881, Marcus F. Beebe, Philip P. Potter, A. J. Blanchard; 1882, Marcus F. Beebe, A. J. Blanchard, Hiram Danks; 1884, M. F. Beebe, Hiram Danks, P. P. Potter; 1885, M. F. Beebe, Henry Clark, E. H. Cutler; 1886, M. F. Beebe, Henry Clark, P. P. Potter; 1887, Henry Cutler, Henry Clark, P. P. Potter; 1888-89, Henry Cutler, P. P. Potter, Anson C. Brewer; 1890, W. F. Morgan, Jason Butler, C. E. Stacy ; 1891, W. F. Morgan, Jason Butler, J. L. Rice ; 1892-95, W. F. Morgan, Henry Clark, Jesse L. Rice; 1896, Henry Clark, Jesse L. Rice, E. M. Scott; 1897, E. M. Scott, Alvin Chilson, F. W. Green; 1898-1901, Jason Butler, Henry Clark, F. W. Green.
Town Clerks .- Ezra Barker, 1763-73; James Warriner, 1773-78; Noah Warriner, 1779-80; James Warriner, 1781-85; Pliny Merrick, 1785-86; Samuel S. Merrick, 1786-90; John Buckland, 1791-92; Daniel Dana, 1793; Robert Sessions, 1793- 1805; Philip Morgan, 1805-10; Augustus Sisson, 1810-11; Abel Bliss, 1811-12; Philip Morgan, 1812-14; Moses Burt, 1814-20; Calvin Stebbins, 1820-24; Luther Brewer, 1824-25; William Wood, 1826; Luther Brewer, 1826-27; John McCray, 1828; Syl- vanus Stebbins, 1829-36; Luther Brewer, 1837-38; Luther B. Bliss, 1839; John M. Merrick, 1840-41; John McCray, 1842; Roderick S. Merrick, 1843-47; Solomon C. Spellman, 1848-49; Jesse W. Rice, 1850; Luther B. Bliss, 1851-52; Horace M. Ses-
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sions, 1853-54; Roderick Burt, 1855; Ralph Glover, 1856; William P. Spellman, 1857-58; H. Bridgman Brewer, 1859-60: Howard Staunton, 1861; James Staunton, 1862; John M. Mer- rick, 1863-64; Gilbert Rockwood, 1865-66; Francis E. Clark, 1867-68; Sullivan U. Staunton, 1869-70; Robert R. Wright, jun., 1871; Chauncey C. Peck, 1872; William P. Spellman. 1873-74 ; Erasmus B. Gates, 1875-79; Charles E. Stacey, 1880-85; W. E. Stone, 1886-89; Henry Cutler, 1890; Charles E. Stacey. 1891-97; Frank A. Fuller, 1898-1901.
In one of the earlier chapters of this work the reader will find the names of Wilbraham's representatives in the general court, and also the names of those who have been elected to the senate since the creation of Hampden county in 1812. But previous to that time this town was represented in the lower house of the legislature by some of the strongest men in all the region. and in the present connection a mention of their names is appropriate. John Bliss represented the town in 1773, 17934, 1796-1803; Phineas Stebbins, 1786-88 and 1805; William Rindge and Solomon Wright, 1807; William Rindge and Augustus Sisson, 1809; Augustus Sisson and Walter Stebbins, 1810; Walter Stebbins and Abel Bliss, jun., in 1811.
From all that is stated, in preceding paragraphs, it must be seen that the settlement and development of the lands in Wilbraham was rapidly accomplished. This is true especially of that part of the town now known as Wilbraham, while in the southern portion, originally known as the south parish, later as Sonth Wilbraham and now Hampden, there were no white in- habitants previous to 1741. On the separate organization of the town, the inhabitants first gave attention to the establishment of schools, the laying out of highways and the opening of new lands to attract settlers. From 1741 to 1764 the number of settler was greatly increased, and during that period and the score of years immediately following, many new families were added to the town's population. Glancing over the records of the middle period of Wilbraham history, we discover such names as Stephen Stebbins, Aaron Stebbins, Lewis Langdon (builder of the first saw mill in 1750), Abner Chapin (from the old Chicopee family
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of Chapins and a descendant of Deacon Samuel Chapin, the Puritan, whose statue in bronze adorns the library park in Springfield). Capt. Paul Langdon (who brought the first four- wheeled vehicle into the town), William King, William Stacey (whose descendants in later years have been prominent figures n local history), Moses Stebbins, Comfort Chaffee, Henry Badger. Isaac Morris, Benjamin Skinner, Jabez Hendrick, Daniel Carpenter, Ezekiel Russell, Rowland Crocker, Jonathan
Wilbraham-An old-fashioned house front
Cly, Caleb Stebbins, Rowland Crocker, Daniel Cadwell, Joseph likes, Philip Lyon, Benoni Atchinson, Ezra Barker and others chose names are now forgotten, but all of whom were once onspicuous figures in the events of early history in this inter- sting part of the county. The southern portion of the town ras settled between 1741 and 1760, and in 1782 the locality was stablished as the south parish. In later years when parishes 'ere no longer distinguishing features of history this locality
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took the name of South Wilbraham and was so known until the division of the town and the incorporation of Hampden in 1878.
Having thus referred at length to the early settlement of the town at large, and having at the same time traced something of its civil history, the following statistics from the census reports will furnish an idea of the actual growth of the locality of which we write. In 1776, at the time of the colonial census, Wilbraham was found to contain 1.057 inhabitants. Subsequent changes in population may be noted as follows: 1790, 1,555; 1800, 1,743; 1810, 1,776; 1820, 1,979; 1830, 2,034; 1840, 1,864; 1850, 2,127; 1855, 2,032; 1860, 2,081; 1865, 2,111; 1870, 2,330; 1875, 2,576; 1880, 1,628: 1885, 1,724; 1890, 1,814; 1895, 1,740; 1900, 1,595.
Military History .- Settlement in the fourth parish of Spring- field was begun during the period of the long continued French and English wars, but at a time when the powers were not en- gaged in actual contest, but were strengthening their armies in America pending the final struggle. When the strife was at its height the people of this precinct were attempting to secure a separation from the mother town, and the non-success which attended their efforts was probably in part due to the demands made upon Springfield for men and means necessary to defend the frontier of Hampshire county against the Indians who in- fested the region. In another chapter of this work the events of that period are recorded in detail and the part taken by Hampshire county soldiery is fully narrated. Among the in- habitants of the parish who entered and took part in the wars there may be mentioned the names of Capt. Samuel Day, Lieut. Thomas Merrick, Ensign Abel Bliss, John Langdon, Timothy Wright, Philip Lyon, William King, Jr., Paul Langdon, Daniel Cadwell, Isaac Colton, Aaron Bliss, Benjamin Warriner, Aaron Alvord. Samuel Warner, Benjamin Wright, Aaron Warriner, Stephen Bliss, Jesse Warner, Aaron Parsons, Benoni Atchinson, Thomas Dunham. Moses Bartlett, Samuel Warner, Sr., Paul Hitchcock, Samuel Warner, Jr., and Moses Warriner.
However, it was during the revolutionary war that the town first established a military record, although the martial spirit of its people antedated that period by many years. Indeed, among
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the settlers here were many persons whose ancestors had taken part in the early Indian troubles, and some of whom served in the memorable King Philip's war. In the years immediately preceding the outbreak of the revolution this town had taken such action as was necessary for the common defence; the able- bodied young men were enrolled among the militia, and the company of minutemen was ready to march when. the call was made. In July, 1774, settlers Daniel Cadwell, William King, Moses Stebbins, Eleazer Smith, John Stearns, John Bliss and Ezra Barker were appointed a committee to express by resolu- tion the sentiment of the town in regard to the oppressions of the mother country, and in October following Nathaniel War- riner, Sergt. Daniel Cadwell, Lieut. William King, Maj. John Bliss and Eleazer Smith were appointed a committee of corre- spondence and inspection. Maj. Bliss represented the town in the famous Northampton convention, and also was chosen a delegate to the provincial congress held at Concord. The non- consumption pledge, by which the inhabitants declared their aversion to all British importations, was signed by 124 persons in this town alone, thus indicating a thoroughly loyal American spirit throughout the region. There were a few, however, who were inclined to favor the mother country, but the spirit of toryism was suppressed by the greater zeal of the patriotic Americans, and after Col. John Worthington withdrew from the public gaze there was little manifestation of disloyalty in Wilbra- ham. Moses Bliss, too, was well known as a British sympathizer during the early part of the war, and with such influence to sway them it was only natural that toryism should at first find a following in the town. (The Moses Bliss referred to just above was a lawyer of considerable prominence in Springfield.)
On the occasion of the "Lexington alarm," which really was the beginning of the revolution, Capt. James Warriner marched his company of minntemen to the vicinity of Boston and there served about ten days. This company was comprised as follows: Capt. James Warriner, Lieut. William King, Ser- geants Enos Stebbins, Thomas King. Aaron Alvord, and Privates Eleazer Smith. Samuel Day, Joshua Chaffee, Samuel Merrick,
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Asa Chaffee, Isaac Morris, Moses Colton, Chiliab Merrick, Jonathan Cooley, Isaac Dunham, Ezekiel Russell, Reuben Thayer, Benjamin Farnham, Comfort Chaffee, Jesse Warner, Jesse Carpenter, Joshua Jones, Rowland Crocker, Darius Chaffee, Ebenezer Cadwell, Joshua Eddy, Enos Clark, Ezekiel Wright, Calvin Stebbins, Thomas Coleman, Gideon Burt, Abel King, Charles Brewer, Benjamin Colton, John Stearns.
Capt. Paul Langdon's company was raised chiefly in Wil- braham and partially in other towns in this part of the county. The company roll follows: Paul Langdon, captain ; Daniel Cad- well, first lieutenant; Noah Warriner, John Langdon, Philip Lyon, sergeants; Aaron Stebbins, Othneil Hitchcock, corporals ; Charles Ferry, drummer ; Abner Warriner, fifer; and privates, Daniel Carpenter, Aaron Cadwell, Jonathan Sikes (served at Quebec), Seth Clark, Abner Chapin, Nathan Sikes, Moses Sim- mons, Phanuel Warner (served at Quebec), John Langdon, 2d, Ichabod Parker, Cyprian Wright, Ezekiel Beebe, Lathrop Fuller, Solomon Cooley, John Johnson, Joseph Jennings (the last six from Ludlow), Daniel Sweetland (from Somers, Conn., served at Quebec), Daniel Simmons, Charles Cooley (Ludlow), Simon Stacey, John W. Chaffee, Ephraim Wright, Josiah Sweetland (from Somers, served at Quebec), John Davis, Reuben Shayler, Nathaniel Mighets, Ephraim Dunham, Joseph Dunham, William Clark ( Belchertown). Edward Cotton ( Ludlow). Moses Ells- worth ( East Windsor), Ephraim Wright, Benjamin Chubb (died), Moses Rood, Eli Beebe, Simeon Bates.
The following is the pay roll of Capt. Daniel Cadwell's com- pany of Col. Danielson's regiment, for service at Ticonderoga from December 5, 1776, to April 2, 1777 (180 miles travel. 7 pounds 7 shillings bounty, 99 days' service, wages 60 shillings per month) : Daniel Cadwell, captain: Daniel Parsons, first lieutenant ; Robert McMaster, second lieutenant; John Colton. John MeElwain and Stephen Wright. sergeants: Medad Steb- bins, Abner Warner, Aaron Colton and Joseph Colton, corporals ; Judah Moore, drummer; William Colton, fifer; Joseph Abbott, Luther Bliss. Ebenezer Beebe, Steward Beebe, Zadock Beebe, Jesse Carpenter, Asa Chaffee, Amos Chaffee, John Hancock,
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Jabez Hancock, John Hitchcock, Isaac Morris, Moses Stebbins, James Shaw, Samuel Warner, Daniel Chapin, Judah Chapin, Jesse Lamphere, John Stebbins, Perez Hitchcock, privates.
One of the most notable companies raised in the town was that commanded by Capt. James Shaw, attached to Col. Charles Pynchon's regiment, and served in Vermont and New York, at Bennington and in the vicinity of Saratoga, from September 24 to October 18, 1777. The personnel of the company was as fol- lows: James Shaw, captain; Oliver King, Israel Chapin, Noah Stebbins and Ebenezer Colton, lieutenants; Joseph Sexton, Charles Ferry, Gad Lamb, Gaius Brewer, sergeants; Josiah Cooley, Aaron Chanwell, Abner Chapin, Medad Stebbins, cor- porals; Calvin Stebbins, fifer; Gordon Percival, Samuel F. Mer- rick, Edward Colton, Jonathan Leach, Jonathan Merrick, Luther Hitchcock. Benjamin Howard, Solomon Loomis, George Cooley, Nathaniel Warner, David Bliss, Asa Jones, Solomon Warriner, Phineas Hitchcock, Comfort Chaffee, Timothy Worthington, Daniel Sweetland, Solomon Lathrop, Jabez Cooley, David Wood, John Chaterton, Luther Cooley, Reuben Warriner, John Colton, Lemuel Whitney, Elijah Parsons, Judah Ely, John Langdon, Edward Morris, Jesse Lamphere, Aaron Stebbins, Judah Willey, Isaac Morris, David White, Matthew Keep, Asa Simonds, Aaron Howard, Zadock Stebbins, privates.
Among the other men of Wilbraham who rendered service in the field at some time during the period of the war there may be mentioned the names Levi Bannister (of Wilborougham), a fifer in Capt. Henry's company, Col. Brewer's regiment, and who afterward entered the continental army for three years; Daniel Colton, private in Capt. Colton's company ; Luther King, fifer; and Paul Newton and Solomon King, privates in the same company. The Wilbraham contingent of men drafted for nine months' service at Kingston comprised Lewis Langdon, John Calkins, Moses Albert, John Russell, John Huntley, Joseph Cutt (a negro) and Zadock Benton. Samuel Calkins and Jonathan Polley were later additions to the Kingston troops.
The six months' men in the continental service in 1780 from Wilbraham were David Allen, Daniel Mason, John James Sikes,
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Reuben Abbott, Ethan Smith, Seth Warner, Ebenezer Thomas. Gad Warriner, John White, Isaiah Chaffee, Titus Ammidown (Amadon), Henry Wright, John Orcutt, Joseph Bumstead, Zenas Cone, Gaius Stebbins, Stephen Simons, Kittridge Davis, Emmons Lillie. Jonas Banton, Nathaniel Hitchcock, Samuel Lyon, John Raymond, Asa Woodworth, Peleg Burdick, and Phineas Mason are credited to Wilbraham for the continental army.
The following men served under command of Capt. John Carpenter: Nathan Ainsworth, Jotham Carpenter, Chester Morris, John Amidon, Isaiah Chaffee, Philip Lyon, Josiah Lang. don, Reuben Carpenter, James Richardson, Johnson Richardson. The following served in Capt. Abel King's company, Col. Ash- ley's regiment : Jesse Elwell, Eliphalet Hodges, Jabez Percival, Johnson Richardson, John White, Francis West. In Capt. Woodbridge's company we find the names of Caesar Merrick (negro), Gaius Stebbins and Oliver Sexton. In Capt. Joseph Browning's company were Asa Hill and John Thwing. In Capt. Reuben Munn's company were Daniel Bliss, sergeant ; Zadock Stebbins, corporal; Joseph Bumsted, drummer; James Eddy, John Russell, Peleg Burdick, Aaron Hitchcock and Gamalial Dunham, privates. Israel Conant was a private in Capt. Cooper's company, Col. Bradford's regiment.
The following men of Wilbraham laid down their lives either on the field of battle or died from causes originating from the severities of a soldier's life : Benjamin Chubb, 1775; Solo- mon King, 1775; Nathaniel Miles, Phanuel Warner, George Merrick, Aaron Bliss, all of the army of Canada, 1776; Joseph Morris, Benjamin Russell, Ticonderoga, 1776; Josiah Wright, Joshua Leach, 1776; Malam Dunham, Roxbury 1776; Joseph Butler, 1776; Daniel Warriner, Albany, 1777; Capt. Daniel Cadwell, Sergt. Joseph Abbott, northern army, 1777; Samuel Lyon, 1778; Moses Simmons, White Plains, 1780; John Chaffee. Luther Ainsworth, near Little Falls, 1780; Isaac Skinner, killed by Indians, 1780. In all twenty men of this town were lost during the war, four being killed in battle and sixteen dying from exposure or disease.
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Following closely upon the revolution with all its distressing events and hardships for the people of our town, there came what is known in history as Shays' rebellion, in which a few misguided Wilbraham men are said to have taken part with the insurgent forces. On the other side the town was better repre- sented, and in Gen. Shepard's army were many loyal sons of the town. It is said that there were nine members of the Chaffee family who answered at the roll call of men who stood in defense of the law, the courts and the public welfare among Gen. Shepard's troops.
During the war of 1812-15 the excitement of the period was largely due to the division of sentiment among the inhabitants, and in this town the federal or peace party advocates were in the majority. This commonwealth generally did not furnish many troops for the service, yet in old Wilbraham we have the names of a few men who fought against the British in that con- test. These men were Ralph Bennett, Stephen Cadwell, Joel M. Lyman, Eleazer Hitchcock, Robert Sessions, Phineas Burr and Solomon Jones.
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