USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Our County and Its People A History of Hampden County, Massachusetts > Part 15
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Notwithstanding the long era of peace and plenty which followed the second war with Great Britain, the martial spirit of old Wilbraham had not entirely died away when Moultrie's guns proclaimed civil war in the United States. It was then that the loyal sons of the town revived the warlike spirit which long had laid dormant, and as its result it is found that Wilbra- ham sent into the service almost 200 men who served with the land forces, while more than 30 others are credited to the town in the naval service. In 1860 the town contained 2,081 in- habitants, from which we see that fully ten per cent of the entire population entered the army. All of them, however, did not return, and to-day some of them are still sleeping on southern battlefields; and the memory of their brave deeds is kept alive by the beautiful monument which adorns the little village of Wilbraham in the central part of the town.
Educational .- The inhabitants of Wilbraham have long been known as a progressive people, and even from the days of early settlement have given especial attention to the educational
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welfare of their youth. Indeed, one of the principal reasons why the people of the Fourth precinct of Springfield sought a separation from the mother town was that the spiritual and educational interests of the people might have better attention. In 1737 the voters of Springfield allowed the sum of 3 pounds for support of a school in this parish, and in 1740 the amount was increased to 6 pounds. Soon after 1750 a school house was built in what now is the village, and in 1775 the territory of the town comprised ten school districts. Ezra Barker, the old town clerk, is remembered as one of the early schoolmasters, while cther instructors of the youth after methods of their day were Moses Enos, Gorham Stebbins, Anson L. Brewer, Ralph Glover, Elder Bennett, Mary Newell, Laura Bennett, and others.
The growth of school interests has ever been in keeping with the advances in other directions, and at the present time Wil- braham is as well provided in this respect as any town in the the county. According to the present disposition of school in- terests the town comprises eleven districts, has eleven public schools and eleven teachers are employed annually. There are in the town about 275 children of school age, and the town raises by tax annually for school purposes about $3,900, added to which is the local share of the state school money, amounting to about $460. The total expense of the schools for each year is about $4,925. The present school committee comprises Jason Butler, chairman; H. G. Webber and Ethelbert Bliss; superintendents, Mary L. Poland, Mary L. Williams and Sidney Greenwood.
Wesleyan Academy .- The institution which above all others has been a factor for good in the history of the town for the last three-quarters of a century is the Wesleyan academy, a school of high character and wide repute, and directly connected with the New England conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. The history of this famous institution frequently has been writ- ten and widely published, and only recently was made the sub- ject of a comprehensive volume of several hundred pages. In regard to the history of the academy the annual catalogue for 1900-1901 says :
"The Wesleyan Academy was opened on September 1, 1817, at Newmarket, N. H. An act of incorporation was obtained
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from the Massachusetts legislature in 1824, and the academy removed to Wilbraham. At its opening here, November 8, 1825, there were eight students present the first day, thirty-five during the term.
"While first founded by a group of Methodist preachers, and always noted for its strong religious character, it has granted no sectarian privileges, but has always been open to all earnest young men and young women. On its removal to Wilbraham leading citizens of both local churches liberally subscribed for its endowment, and it numbers among its distinguished alumni and friends devout believers of varied forms of Christian faith."
Old Academy, Fisk and Binney Halls
"Over 17,000 different persons have been students within its walls. Some 900 have prepared for college, and as many more have gone directly to teaching, or to professional studies. At least one-third of its students have been young women.
"By some very generous donations it has recovered from several severe losses, and acquired a property amounting to $290,000. Among its many benefactors have been Amos Binney of Boston and William Rice of Springfield, early and enthusiastic advocates of learning in New England Methodism; Isaac Rich and Jacob Sleeper of Boston, afterward founders of Boston Uni-
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versity; and Horace Smith of Springfield, manufacturer and philanthropist. Gifts amounting to more than $25,000 were received in the year that ended June. 1900."
The act incorporating the "trustees of Wesleyan Academy" was passed February 7, 1824. and Amos Binney, Abel Bliss, Abraham Avery. Calvin Brewer, Enoch Mudge, Wilbur Fisk, John Lindsey, Joshua Crowell and William Rice comprised the body corporate of the institution. On land donated by William Rice, with a fund collected by agents who travelled through the
Rich Hall and Principal's Residence
conference for that purpose. the old academy building was erected. A farm of 60 acres-one-half of the old Warriner homestead-was purchased and the old farm house was re- modeled for a boarding house. The principal's house was built in 1827: a separate boarding house for young women was built in 1838: Fisk Hall was built in 1851. and Binney Hall in 1854. The new principal's residence was erected in 1856. Rich Hall was built in 1860-61. and the Smith Memorial gymnasium, the most recent acquisition to the building group. was erected in 1896 at a cost of $45.000.
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The Warriner Homestead, Wilbraham Built 1793
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The academy property and all its various structures are admirably situated and give to the pleasant little hamlet of Wilbraham the appearance of a typical New England college town. For three-quarters of a century the institution has been the chief factor in local history and has been productive of much good in general educational circles.
During the period of its history the presidents of the academy corporation, in succession, have been as follows: Col. Amos Binney, Rev. John W. Hardy, Abel Bliss, George M. Hyde, William Rice, Rev. Phineas Crandell, Rev. Amos Binney, Rev. Edward Otheman, A. M., Amos B. Merrill, Rev. Erastus O. Haven, D. D., Rev. Edward Otheman, A. M., Horace Smith, Rev. Edward Otheman, A. M., Amos B. Merrill, Edward F. Porter, Rev. Edward Otheman, A. M., Edward F. Porter, Thomas P. Richardson, William Rice, D. D., Rev. Charles F. Rice, D. D.
The principals have been as follows: Rev. Wilbur Fisk, D. D., 1825-31; W. MeK. Bangs, A. M., 1831-32; John Foster, A. M., 1832-34; David Potter, D. D., 1834-41; Charles Adams, D. D., 1841-45; Robert Allyn, D. D., 1845-48; Miner Raymond, D. D., 1848-64; Edward Cook, D. D., 1864-74 ; Nathaniel Fellows, A. M., 1874-79; George M. Steele, D. D., 1879-92; William Rice Newhall. D. D., 1892-1901, the present principal.
Churches .- The early history of the established church and that of the town were so closely interwoven that each was a part of the other. Indeed, the old Fourth parish-the original name of Wilbraham-was set off that the inhabitants of this moun- tainous region might have the benefits of religious worship with- out the necessity of traveling ten long miles to the mother church at Springfield; and as early as 1739 the settlers here were granted the privilege of preaching services a portion of each year. This was the real foundation of the Congregational church in this town. When the parish was established in 1741, Rev. Noah Merrick was employed as the leader of the spiritual body of this settlement, but the question of location of the meeting house appears to have given rise to much discussion, and not until 1747 was the site harmoniously settled. In the same year the
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structure was built in the locality known as Wigwam hill, but in 1782, upon the creation of the South parish, substantially comprising what now is Hampden, the building was removed to a more central point in the North parish, or what afterward became the village of Wilbraham. It was occupied for many years, and at length, during the early years of the last century, was replaced with another larger and more suitable edifice. The latter was burned in June, 1877, upon which the present comfort- able house of worship was built.
Although the history of the mother church in Wilbraham, especially during the first fifty years of its existence, was accom- panied with many viscissitudes, it never lost its identity or or- ganization. It was supported at the general expense of the town for many years, and when persons of other denominations declined to pay the tax assessed to maintain the mother society, troubles followed, and for a time the very life of the old institu- tion was threatened. The difficulties at length were adjusted and the society was reorganized on a more equitable basis. The pastors, in succession, of the old church have been Rev. Noah Merrick, called and settled in 1741, and died 1776; Joshua Willard, 1787-93; Ezra Witter, 1797-1814; Ebenezer Brown, 1818-27; John Hyde, 1828-31; Israel G. Rose, 1832-35: John Bowers, 1837-56; John P. Skeele, 1858-64: Alexander D. Stowell, 1865-67 ; and Rev. Martin S. Howard, whose pastoral service in Wilbraham was begun October 29, 1868.
Methodism began to develop in the South parish of Wil- braham as early as 1790, and very soon extended to and found root in the North parish through the missionary labors of Methodist preachers on the Hartford circuit who visited this region, Lemuel Smith being the first of this denomination to preach in the North precinct. Soon afterward a class was formed and included Abel and Silas Bliss, Charles Brewer and the wife of Solomon Warriner. In 1793 a meeting house was begun, but the work of construction was not finally completed until 1814. The corporation and society of the church was formally organized in August, 1832, and in 1835 a new and more commodious house of worship was erected and dedicated.
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For three-quarters of a century this church in Wilbraham has enjoyed a continuons and healthful growth, and in connec- tion with Wesleyan academy it is looked upon as one of the influential denominational institutions of the town. In 1870 the society erected the new stone memorial edifice, at a cost of more than $30,000. In point of membership the church is one of the strongest in eastern Hampden county, and under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. W. H. Thomas it ranks with the most influential ecclesiastical bodies of the region.
In the eastern part of the town, in the locality generally known as East Wilbraham, or Glendale, a M. E. chapel was built soon after 1870.
Grace Union Church is an institution of North Wilbra- ham, and although the edifice was built with the contributions of members of various denominations, and is entitled to be occupied by each of them, the church is usually called Congregational. Rev. Vernon H. Deming has charge of the services here.
A Roman Catholic mission was established in North Wil- braham in 1891. It is known as "St. Cecilia's" and is attended from Palmer.
A Baptist society was formed in the north part of the town as early as 1765, and for about three-quarters of a century after- ward was one of the recognized institutions of the locality. The society was followed by more formal church organization in 1768, and in 1770 Rev. Seth Clark became pastor of the little flock. In 1779 a house of worship was built; in 1800 the mem- bership exceeded 200 persons, yet within the next twenty years the society itself passed out of existence. In 1833 the meeting house was destroyed by fire.
Villages and Hamlets .- In this town several localities have distinguishing names, and each in a way has its own institutions, yet there are but two recognized villages having commercial standing and post-office accommodations. These are Wilbraham and North Wilbraham, about two miles apart and connected by one of the most delightful highways that any town in Hampden county can boast.
Wilbraham, formerly known as the Centre, the locality where settled the pioneers of the town, dates back in its history
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more than a century and a half, and notwithstanding the fact that there is located one of the most famous educational institu- tions of the county, the permanent population of the village proper has not at any time exceeded 450 persons. As a trading center Wilbraham owes its continued prosperity to the presence of Wesleyan academy, otherwise North Wilbraham, on the rail- road line, must have outstripped the older village. For many years at least one good store has been kept at Wilbraham, and
The Old Tavern-North Wilbraham
among the old merchants there may be recalled the names of Roderick Burt, Robert R. Wright and George W. Ely. The present merchants are George W. Ely, Frank A. Gurney and Charles N. Mowry. A post-office was established here in 1821, and William Knight was the first postmaster. The present in- cumbent of the office is Frank A. Gurney.
North Wilbraham is a post-office and way station on the line of the Boston & Albany railroad, yet its commercial importance must be shared with the station named Collins, on the line of
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the Athol branch road. Indeed. the entire north settlement might appropriately be called Collins, in allusion to and honor of Warren Collins and others of that family name who have been such prominent figures in the history of the town for the last half century. The Collins store, which burned in the fall of 1900, was one of the most extensive country stores in the county.
At one time this part of the town was called "Sodom," but along about 1846 or '47, when a post-office was established here. North Wilbraham became the accepted designation, and at the same time Warren Collins became postmaster, holding the office until 1878. The present inenmbent of the office is John W. Baldwin. The merchants here are Frank A. Fuller, general dealer, and James Egan, druggist.
As a manufacturing town Wilbraham enjoyed little promi- nence previons to 1865, although a grist mill and a number of saw mills were in operation long before that time. There also were the old carding and fulling mills which produced cloth for domestic purposes chiefly, and also a tannery, the latter owned and run by Thomas and Henry Howard. Abraham Avery once had a small tanning establishment in the town. Among the other old industries of this north part of the town we may men- tion the Ellis Mills at Bntlerville, a mile east of North Wilbra- ham, and on the site where Benjamin Butler many years ago operated a saw mill for Dr. Marens Shearer; hence the name Butlerville, once well known in town annals. The Ellis Mills were kept in operation about 1868, and Dwight W. and Stillman Ellis were the chief promoters of the enterprise, being extensive manufacturers of cassimeres. The name of Gates & Nelson, a substantial firm years ago, also is to be mentioned in the same connection.
The Collins Manufacturing company for many years has been a leading concern in North Wilbraham history. It was incorporated in 1872 as the Collins Paper company, with $200,000 capital, a large share of which once was furnished from Amherst college funds. In 1876 the name was changed to Collins Manufacturing company, as since known, and the capital was increased to $300,000. The company, with frequent
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changes in stock ownership and business control, has since been in active operation, and its works comprise the principal indus- trial enterprise of Eastern Hampden county. The plant now forms a part of the Whiting system of paper interests.
The Cutler Mills, with a ten-carload daily capacity of ground feed and grain, comprise another valuable manufactur- ing enterprise of North Wilbrahm. The plant began operations in the early part of 1877, and has continued uninterruptedly to the present time.
Nine-Mile Pond-North Wilbraham
This brief retrospect will give the reader an idea of the past history of one of the best outlying towns of Hampden county, for Wilbraham long has been regarded as one of the most sub- stantial civil divisions of the county. It has produced and sent into public life some of the best sons of pioneer stock, and from its rugged hills there have come some of the strongest men who have been chosen to public office in Hampden history. A glance
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at the earlier pages of this chapter will disclose the names of those who have represented the town in various official capacities, both at home and in the legislature, and in another chapter there may be found a list of those who have been sent to the repre- sentative halls of the state since the creation of Hampden county. But, regardless of political prominence, there are many names in Wilbraham history that are worthy of passing mention in these pages. We refer to such men as Abel Bliss, who once was a candidate for the lieutenant-governorship on the old-time abolition ticket; Deacon and Capt. Moses Burt, a worthy man in town and church affairs, and whose military title came from his connection with the "floodwood" militia of years ago; John M. Merrick, a farmer, man of substance, justice of the peace, and an influential citizen; Samuel Merrick, representative of an old substantial family and himself a successful farmer; Roderick S. Merrick ,prominent in the church and a strong representative in the legislature; Roderick Burt, son of Moses Burt, a farmer and for years in business with Robert R. Wright; Robert R. Wright, son of Robert, an early settler, and for nearly forty years a merchant in the town (Robert R. Wright, Jr., went West in 1872 and now is mayor of the city of Denver, Col.); Dr. Luther Brewer, physician, and a strong man in the legislature; Dr. Gideon Kibbe and Dr. Jesse W. Rice, both of whom were prominent figures in town history in their time; Deacon Horace Clark, a good, substantial farmer, and whose sons are among the best men of the town to-day; Joel M. Lyman, farmer; Wil- liam Brewer, who raised a large family, and brother of Dr. Brewer, previously mentioned; Timothy Brewer, farmer; John Brewer; John Bliss, once a prominent figure in town affairs; Solomon Wright, son of Solomon, who came to the town about the time of the revolution and who died in 1843; John Baldwin, a conspicuous personage in the north part of the town for many years; Warren Collins, the first station agent at North Wilbra- ham; W. Levi Collins, the merchant and prominent business man, who died in February, 1901; and still others whose names are equally worthy of mention could our list be extended in- definitely.
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However, in closing our chapter, let us note some of the chief figures in Wilbraham's history of the present day. First, there are three excellent selectmen, upon whom devolves the additional duties of overseers of the poor and who also constitute the board of health. They are Jason Butler, Henry Clark and Fred W. Green. The other town officers are Frank A. Fuller, town clerk and treasurer; Frank A. Gurney, auditor; Walter M. Green, collector; Lee W. Rice, Clarence P. Bolles, George L. Rindge, assessors; Fred W. Green, superintendent of streets; H. W. Cutler, Frank A. Gurney, Minnie M. Morgan, trustees Wilbraham Public library; Minnie M. Morgan, librarian; Francis E. Clark, Henry M. Bliss, Jason Butler, Henry I. Edson and Chauncey E. Peck, justices of the peace.
The more prominent business men of the town are the mer- chants, George W. Ely, Frank A. Fuller, Frank A. Gurney and Charles N. Mowry, all general stores; James Egan, druggist; John W. Baldwin, Erastus B. Gates and Wmn. H. McGuire, coal dealers; Drs. Arthur L. Damon, James M. Foster and Horace G. Webber, physicians and surgeons; Fred W. Green, proprietor of stage line; Anson Soule, saw miller. To the forgoing list there may be added the names of Jesse L. Rice, Henry H. Bur- bank, Henry Bliss, Ethelbert Bliss (the extensive peach grower), Ira G. Potter (large land owner and one of the town's most representative men), Charles C. Beebe, Rev. M. S. Howard (for more than 30 years pastor of the Congregational church), Rev. Dr. W. H. Thomas (pastor of the Memorial M. E. church), Chauncey E. Peck (the wheelwright and one of the best in- formed men of the town), Myron Brewer (son of the late Dr. Luther Brewer), W. E. Reddington (superintendent. of the paper mill at North Wilbraham), H. W. Cutler, J. M. Perry, John and Joseph Baldwin and many others whose names are not mentioned, but all of whom are the active factors in Wil- braham history.
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CHAPTER IV
THE TOWN OF SOUTHWICK
On the south border of Hampden county, in the second tier of towns west of the Connecticut, is situated one of the most irregularly outlined civil divisions of the region, about one-sixth of its entire territory being bounded on three sides by Connecti- cut land. In the early history of these two New England com- monwealths, it appears that no satisfactory boundary line could be agreed upon in this locality, and as late as 1800 the difference was still unsettled; and when finally adjusted it seems somewhat strange that the line dividing the states could not have been
made a right line. However, that which was Connecticut's loss was Hampshire county's gain, for about six square miles of Southwick lands lay south of the general state line. Originally this disputed area extended to the east line of Southwick, but when a compromise was effected each state took half of the tract, and this action was satisfactory to the inhabitants.
Settlement .- Originally this region was part of the mother town of Westfield, and its early settlement was accomplished dur- ing the two-score years following 1730. Tradition says that Sam- uel Fowler was the pioneer, and that in 1734 he settled in the northern part of the town, in a locality commonly designated "Poverty," because the land there was supposed to be barren and unfit for cultivation. But that happened nearly two cen- turies ago, and subsequent events have shown the lands here generally are as fertile as elsewhere in the county outside the river valleys; and it is evident that Samuel Fowler prospered in the locality, for a long line of thrifty descendants have come from the old pioneer, and among them have been some of the best men of Southwick in later years.
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Old records and documents disclose the fact that settlement in this part of Westfield was accomplished rapidly after the lands were opened for sale, and in the next few years after the coming of the pioneer we find these settlers on the land: Silas and Abner and David Fowler, Gideon Stiles, Noah Loomis, Ephraim Griffin, Matthew Laflin, Israel Perkins, William Moore, John Kent, George Granger, David Nelson, James Smith, Joseph Moore, John Campbell, John Berry, Moses Root, Phineas South- well, Eph. Chamberlain, Stephen Sexton, Phineas Perkins, Thomas Hough, Isaac Coit, David Ives, Brigham Brown, Shubal Stiles, Doras Stiles, Sampson French, Joseph and Abner For- ward, Holcomb Granger, John Rockwell, Enos Foot, Solomon Stevens and Job Langdon. Many of the grandchildren of these first settlers have aged and died, yet glancing over the lists of the townsmen we discover that many of the old surnames are still known here, and some of them are represented by men of influence and worth. To mention them all according to their merit and prominence would require a volume, hence we must be content with the reproduction of the names of pioneers and early settlers, and in later pages the names of their descendants will appear as they have been identified with the history of the town.
In 1770 Southwick was granted a district organization and in 1775 was given full town powers. The early officers evidently believed in keeping a complete list of the male inhabitants (in which respect it was an exceptional town. for only in two others have similar lists been discovered) and in 1781, according to records found in the clerk's office, the male inhabitants, subject to military duty and "poll rates" were as follows: David Hastings, Thomas Hanchet, David Nelson, Amos Noble, Gideon Stiles, Benj. Rising, jun., George Sexton, Stephen Sexton, Solomon Munsell, William Campbell, Samuel and Amos John- son, Moses and Israel Hays (Hayes), James Campbell, Daniel Wait, John Woodbury, John Pierce, John Pierce, jun., Moses Noble, Matthew Laflin, Joseph Moore, Israel Perkins, Phineas Perkins, Benj. Loomis, jun., Enos Loomis, Elijah Hough, James Smith, William Moore, John Bishop, Moses Mitchell, Jonathan
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