USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Our County and Its People A History of Hampden County, Massachusetts > Part 43
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Town Clerks .- Sumner Smith, 1878-89; John Q. Adams. 1890-92; J. W. Mulroney, 1893; John Q. Adams, 1894-98; William M. Pease, 1899, resigned December 10. 1900, and John Q. Adams appointed to fill the vacancy ; John Q. Adams, 1901 - now in office.
Town Officers. 1901 .- Dr. George T. Ballard (chairman). Nelson M. Carew, William S. Hunt, selectmen, overseers of the poor and board of health; John Q. Adams, town clerk and
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treasurer : George A. Chapin, auditor; Charles I. Burleigh, John J. Flynn, George C. Butterworth, assessors; William Leach, Erwin H. Temple, Ernest W. Howlett, highway commissioners ; Calvin Stebbins, Lyman Smith, John N. Isham, cemetery com- missioners : Moses H. Warren, D. Lincoln McCray, school com- mittee; Alonzo B. Newell, Mrs. Charles C. Chaffee, Stella Day, trustees Hampden free public library ; Mrs. John Q. Adams, librarian ; Epaphro A. Day, Sumner Smith, justices of the peace.
The census reports show the fluctuations of population in Hampden as follows: 1880, 958; 1885, 868; 1890, 831; 1895, 743; 1900, 782.
Much of the interesting early history of Hampden was made while the town formed a part of Wilbraham, yet it is a fact that the little offshoot settlement down in the south part of the older jurisdiction, located mainly on Seantic brook and border- ing on the Connecticut line, from the early years of the century to the time of the division in 1878, was the most busy, progres- sive and prosperous portion of the whole region; and much surprise often has been expressed that Hampden's people did not carlier procure an act of incorporation.
Since the days of pioneership, Hampden has been known as an agricultural town, producing well in answer to the proper and persistent efforts of the husbandman. Agricultural prod- ucts generally, with few special crops, are raised, yet for a time tobacco was grown here with fair success.
Villages and Hamlets .- When the inhabitants of this local- ity in old Wilbraham were granted a parish district, and after they had established their meeting house in the most central part of the settlement, their trading center became known as South Wilbraham ; and it was so called until after the creation of the new town, when the name was changed to Hampden. The church was the first institution to be established, then the school, and afterward various business interests and a post-office. The latter was opened about 1826, Dudley B. Post being the first postmaster, followed in later years by Samuel Beebe, Solomon C. Spellman, William Spellman, Horton Hendrick and Staunton M. Sullivan, in the order mentioned. The present postmaster,
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Mathias Casey, was appointed during the Cleveland administra- tion and has since been continued in office, he being a faithful public servant, performing his duties to the entire satisfaction of the townspeople.
South Wilbraham first began to attract attention as a manufacturing center soon after 1840, when Sumner Sessions, a man of means, influence and public spirit, erected the first woolen mill and leased it to Bradford & Scripter, but long before this time the locality enjoyed a certain moderate prominence as a producing center. Let us refer briefly to some of these old-time interests. According to recognized authority, Lewis Langdon, in 1772, built a saw mill on the Scantic, about a quarter of a mile below the site of the Hampden woolen mills, and a few years later started a grist mill further down the brook. Subsequent owners of similar industries were Benanuel Leach, David Burt, and also a Mr. Wright, that of the latter being on the middle branch. Early in the last century, a Mr. Bacon came over from Brimfield and built a grist mill on the site of the Hampden woolen mill, but soon sold out to Christopher Langdon. Later owners of this mill and privilege were Jacob Wood, Hubbard Arnold and William Mosely, the latter adding a saw mill to the enterprise. The buildings were eventually burned and a wrap- ping paper mill was erected on the site.
Another early saw mill proprietor was Charles Sessions. whose plant was located where afterward was built the Lacou- sie woolen mills. Caleb Stebbins, David Burt and Milton Burt also were owners of grist or saw mills, the latter at one time having both. Then, there were the old-time fulling, cloth and earding mills which once did a flourishing business on the Scan- tie. One of the earliest of these was that run many years ago by Walter Burt, and another was that of Jonathan Flint, which stood just below the village bridge. Beriah Smith and his brothers bought out Flint and carried on an extensive business in cloth dressing. A short distance below the Smith works one Roper at one time had a clover cleaning mill, and in connection therewith made chains for farm use. Paul Langdon and William King, both of whom were conspicuous figures in early
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South Wilbraham history, at one time conducted potasheries in the town. Daniel and Joseph Chaffee and a Mr. West appear to have been the early tanners in this locality when such indus- tries could be carried on with a fair degree of success; and much of their product was sold to the shoe factories which once gave Wales a special prominence in the county.
In speaking of the old-time business interests some mention must be made of the once famous plow works which Marcus Beebe established along during the 'fifties. Through his brothers (all of whom were sons of "Squire" Beebe) who were in business in the southern states, Mr. Beebe found a profitable market in that region, and for several years before the war of 1861-5 he carried on an extensive works here. The war, however, cut off his market and soon afterward the business was discontinued. Sometime before this paper making was an industry of consider- able importance in the town, but all traces of the works now have disappeared and the proprietors are almost forgotten.
As we have stated, in 1843 Sumner Sessions built the first woolen mill in the town, and rented it to Bradford & Scripter, who began manufacturing in 1844, with one set of machinery and turning out a good quality of satinets. Levi Bradford's connection with the concern was brief and on his retirement in 1847. the plant was operated by Luther E. Sage, William V. Sessions and Samuel Beebe, as partners, and they, in turn, were succeeded by the firm of Seripter, Sage & Co. Under them the capacity of the works was increased and tweeds, cassimeres and doeskins were added to the output. In 1856 the business passed under control of the South Wilbraham Manufacturing Co., incorporated with $200,000 capital, and thereafter the output was further increased. Later on the Lacousic Woolen Mill company succeeded the corporate company, and the business was conducted by Charles Parsons, who failed, then by Brown & Chapman, and still later by Hinsdale Smith under the imme- diate control of his son. The works were burned about eight or ten years ago.
Next in order among large factories was the so-called Hamp- den woolen mills, started by Eleazer Scripter in 1858, as the
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Ravine mill. The property afterward passed to Luther Sage. who did a heavy business throughout the war, and who in 1867 or '68 built a much larger factory. Later on the plant was carried on by outside proprietors, nearly all having indifferent success until the present management acquired control. It now is rented to various parties and is operated as the Hampden Mills company.
About 1865 the Scantic Woolen Mill company, in which Luther Sage was the moving spirit, erected a building and engaged in the manufacture of fancy cassimeres for a period of ten years. In 1875 Judson Leonard became proprietor. conti- ued business and ultimately failed, and then was succeeded by Kenworthy Bros. Still later the plant came to the present pro- prietor, John Kenworthy, who operates it with success as a yarn. blanket and eloth mills. In connection with the woolen indus- tries of earlier years, Mortimer Pease for some time operated a mill in preparing for re-carding the waste material of the larger factories.
Although the village has had at least one good store for almost a century, the names of the earliest proprietors are not accurately recalled by our old residents. Going back fifty or sixty years ago. Solomon C. and William R. Spellman were tradesmen in the village and carried a large business. In later years in mercantile pursuits there may be recalled the names of Shaw and Chapman, John C. Vinica, Russell Day & Co., C. I. Burleigh & Co., Mr. Fuller, Sumner Smith, Eldridge Vinica. Me Carty Bros., Mrs. Barnes and A. F. Ballard.
The present business interests may be noted about as follows : D. F. Powers, blacksmith ; Bernard Woodruff. boot and shoe maker ; Frank Crocker, carpenter: Edward Hitchcock. cider maker: Edward P. Lyons, coal dealer: C. C. Chaffee, flour and grain dealer: Drs. George T. Ballard and H. Warner, physicians ; Mathias Casey and Sumner Smith, general merchants: M. P. Carmody, grist and saw mills; Mrs. E. G. Vinica and J. Ryan. grocers; Mrs. P. C. Allen, propr., Allen house : Mrs. D. C. West, propr .. Hampden inn : W. S. Hunt. provision dealer : J. A. Ames, stoves and tinwares; John Q. Adams, wheelwright; the Hamp- den Mills Co., and John Kenworthy, woolen goods manufacturers.
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Schools .- In the early history of this part of Wilbraham we learn that little real attention was given to the establishment of public schools, except as the inhabitants of the South parish made provision for the instruction of their youth after their church was permanently founded. When the South parish was created the subject of schools received more attention and the territory was made to constitute districts under the general town system. Tradition, with some meagre records, inform us that among the settlers here were several persons who taught early schools, among the number being Moses and Stephen Stebbins. Samuel Beebe, Samuel Henry, Marcus Cady, Sally Wilcox, Bet- sey Sessions, Lydia Ames and others whose names at this time are not recalled.
When Hampden was incorporated as a separate town, the territory was divided into four districts, and ample provision was made for the maintenance of a school in each. In subse- quent years the districts were occasionally remodeled, and now the town has five districts with a good school in each. Accord- ing to the recent school census Hampden has 88 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years, and for their instruction five teachers are employed. There is annually raised by tax in the town the sum of about $1,400 for the schools; about $185 are expended in carrying pupils to and from school, and the total amount paid each year for all school purposes is about $1,800. Hampden receives annually nearly $500 of the public school moneys.
Soon after 1840 a number of public spirited men in this part of Wilbraham perfected a plan for the establishment of a school of higher grade than that attained under the town system, and to that end they devoted their energies until old Hampden acad- emy was founded in 1844. The moneys necessary for this insti- tution were raised by popular subscription and almost wholly within what now is Hampden. The school was opened with George Brooks in charge and soon found favor with the towns- folk, drawing pupils from the North Wilbraham locality and also from adjoining towns on the east and west. In the course of time, however, the increasing efficiency of the public schools, with grammar and high schools as provided for by law, worked
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adversely to the interests of the private institution and led to its abandonment; but it survived many others of its class and was maintained until within a comparatively recent period. The instuctors following principal Brooks were E. J. Howe, Charles Marsh, Mr. Bliss, Alonzo B. Newell and perhaps others.
Churches .- The Congegational church-the mother church -in South Wilbraham and Hampden, had its inception in the primitive meetings held at the houses of the settlers in this part of the town soon after the pioneers entered into the region. In the course of a few more years the inhabitants sought to establish regular preaching services, but the people of the northern local-
Congregational Church. Hampden
ity would not consent to a separation from the old church. At last in 1782 the South parish was duly constituted, and imme- diately thereafter an informal society for worship was formed; a plain, rough meeting house was ereeted in 1783, and in 1785 the church organization was perfected. For the next three years the church had no settled pastor, the first regular incumbent of that offiee having been Rev. Moses Warren, whose service began September 3, 1788, at which time there were 62 communicating members. Mr. Warren's connection with the pastorate contin- ued until his death, February 19, 1829, and constituted a mem-
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orable period in the history of the church. The later pastors were Lucius W. Clark, installed December 9, 1829; James A. Hazen, January 30, 1839; Hubbard Beebe, April 19, 1848; E. S. Skinner, May 19, 1853; James C. Houghton, 1855: John Whitehill, 1861; Edward B. Chamberlain, 1868; E. P. Root, 1876; Edward A. Chase, May 28, 1884. Mr. Chase was the au- thorized historian of the church and delivered the address at the centennial celebration, November 18, 1885. The address has recently been published and widely circulated throughout the town, hence a more detailed narrative history of the old South
Baptist Church
parish church is unnecessary in this chapter. In the history of the town and locality the church has always exercised an in- fluence for good, has furnished strength to other religious so- cieties, and yet has retained a substantial membership. In 1834 the old meeting house was removed from its original location to the present site, and in the winter of 1868-9 the edifice was thoroughly remodeled at a cost of $3,000. Later material re- pairs were made in 1883.
The Methodist Episcopal church and society in South Wil- braham and Hampden dates its history from the year 1830, when
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the class was resolved into an organized religious body, with a considerable membership drawn largely from the mother Con- gregational church and to a less extent from the Methodist ele- ment of population which then had become settled in the locality. Soon afterward a house of worship was erected, and from that time Methodism has been a controlling factor in the religious history of the town. The local church has a large membership and is constantly increasing in strength and usefulness. The present pastor is Rev. A. W. Baird.
A Baptist society and church was organized in South Wil- braham in 1855, and drew its original membership from the church of the same denomination in Monson, which about that time was dissolved. A house of worship was erected and from that time the history of the new church has been continuous and progressive. The present pastor is Rev. John Cameron.
The two cemeteries of Hampden were laid out, respectively. in 1755 and 1876, the older being located about a quarter of a mile from the center of the town, and comprising between two and three acres of land. The new cemetery is just outside the village proper, on the Stafford road. Both are under charge of town cemetery commissioners.
Past and Present .- During the period of its history, South Wilbraham and Hampden have produced a full quota of men of brains and substance. In our reminiscences of pioneer days in the South parish allusion is made to the men who prepared the way, for the subsequent prosperity of the town in all branches of domestic life, and it is our purpose now to mention the names of other townsmen, who during the last half century have been prominent factors in accomplishing results, but none of whom are now living.
First there may be recalled William Vyne Sessions, farmer. manufacturer, many years justice of the peace, representative to the general court, and county commissioner one term. Sumner Sessions, brother of William V., was one of the foremost men of his day, liberal and public spirited, builder of the first woolen mill that brought large business interests to the town; a farmer and owner of saw mill and other enterprises. "Squire" Beebe
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was the local lawyer, the legal advisor of the townspeople; himself not specially prominent in Hampden county legal circles, but the father of several sons who achieved fame either here or in other localities. Junius Beebe, the eldest son, went to Ohio and became wealthy; Lucius became a southern cotton dealer and gained a fortune; Decius and Cyrus likewise attained prominence, the former dying in Hampden; Marcus was the plow manufacturer, of whom mention has been made. Eleazer Scripter was one of the founders of the woolen industry here, a trial justice and man of affairs in the town for years. Luther E. Sage was another conspicuous figure in manufacturing circle, himself the builder of a large woolen mill and a valuable factor in town history.
Solomon C. Spellman was an early merchant, a prominent old-time democrat, trial justice and justice of the peace, town representative, deputy sheriff and at one time special county commissioner. He eventually removed to Springfield, but died in Hampden. Charles C. Spellman, now of the Springfield bar, is a son of the late Solomon C. Spellman. William P. Spellman, brother of Solomon C., and his partner in business, was for many years a prominent character in local history; was frequently elected to town office and represented the town in the legislature. He was a whig of the Fillmore stripe. Abner C. Burleigh came into the town from Monson and began his career as a farm hand, but later on he became a prosperous man and thrifty farmer. Sullivan U. Stanton was a prominent farmer and took an active part in town affairs; was postmaster, town clerk, assessor and selectmen.
F. K. Lathrop was a stable-keeper here years ago, and also was a factor in local polities previous to his removal to Spring- field. Ralph S. and Silas W. Chapin are remembered as sub- stantial farmers and model citizens of quiet life and habits, rather than as active figures in town affairs. John W. Langdon -"Deacon" Langdon, as best known-was specially prominent in the church and moderately so in public matters. He once represented the town as the successful candidate of the know- nothing party. Carson K. Cone was a successful farmer. Walter !
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Hitchcock was a farmer, school commissioner, assessor and town representative.
Mention also is due to Levi Hitchcock, who died in Spring- field; Isaac W. Leach, a successful man who accumulated a large property; John R. West, carpenter and contractor, builder of two of the large mill structures; James Stanton, carpenter, who removed to Minnesota; Beriah and Levi Smith, the former a farmer and the latter a cloth dresser and proprietor of a carding machine; Robert Sessions, junior, farmer, founder of the Meth- odist Epispocal church in the town, and father of H. M. and Robert O. Sessions, of Brookfield; James L. Furman; Deacon John B. Morris, brother of Oliver B. Morris of Springfield, a man of information and influence, a whig and later an ardent republican ; Drs. Marcius Cady and Abial Bottom, practicing physicians here and men of note in the town; Loren Stacy, a well-to-do farmer: A. O. Thresher, who built kilns and made charcoal here for the Hazard Powder company.
Among the more prominent characters in Hampden history to-day, we may mention the names of Sumner Smith, the mer- chant, who came to the mills here in the capacity of superintend- ent; Lyman Smith, an excellent citizen and prominent man : Mortimer Pease, whose name we have frequently noted: Dr. Ballard, present chairman of the board of selectmen and for years one of its members ; Moses H. Warren ; Lucius A. Burleigh. farmer; Charles H. and Charles I. Burleigh: E. H. Temple: Nelson M. Carew, eight years selectman: John N. Isham, a prominent and successful farmer; William J. Sessions, one of the largest taxpayers in the town, son of William R. Sessions. the latter a native of this town, now residing in Springfield. and for twelve years secretary of the state board of agriculture: William Leach, the highway commissioner; David R. McCray, a prominent farmer and former selectman; Patrick E. Wall. once first selectman and a manufacturer; F. W. Dickinson, one of the first board of selectmen in 1878; John Bartlett, a success- ful farmer and the only remaining tobacco grower in the town: Matthias Casey, merchant and postmaster; John Kenworthy. the manufacturer and former selectman : John Q. Adams, town clerk, and many others.
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APPENDIX
And they assembled all the congregation together, and they declared their pedigrees, after their families by the home of their fathers .- Numbers 1:18.
Now when William had come into Yarrow he sent forth men into all his domains to gather into one volume the names of all those in the land, showing their kinship among them- selves. their intermarriages, dates covering births and deaths. and times of those given in wedlock. This did he not alone for himself and his own day and period, but that posterity might know of a certainty concerning those who had gone before them. And the list made a noble and goodly array in a bulky volume. -Hume's History of England.
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Appendix
WILLARD, JUSTICE, Springfield, Mass,, was In the common schools of his native town the sixth in descent from Major Simon and at Kimball union academy. Meriden. Willard, who was born at Horsmondon. N. H. He has beeu twice marrled : first, to England, In 1605, came to Amerlea lu 1634, Marlon Virginla Chellis, of Cornish. N. H., and was one of the founders of Concord, on January 8, 1867; she died October 30, Mass. He was a member of the Massachu- 1873, withont lesne. He was married, sec- setts general court, and commander of a ond. to Clara Ellzabeth Galpln, of Spring- regiment of colonial troops in the early field. Mass., October 2. 1879. Thelr chil- Indlan wars. The line of descent is as fol- dren are Allen Galpin Rice, born July 20, lows : (1) Major Simon Willard, (2) Jon- 1880: Elizabeth Banks Rice, born September athan. (3) Jonathan, (+) Daniel, (5) Ruel, 10. 1881: and Ellen Birnle Rice, born (6) Justice. Justice Willard was born in April 11, 1883. John I .. Rice Is the ninth Greenfield, Mass., Aprll 5. 1790, son of In descent from Edmund Rice (1), who was Ruel and Margaret (daughter of Samuel born In Barkhamstead, England, In 1594. Wells, of Greenfield, Mass.) Willard. Hle Ile enme to America and settled In Sud- was educated at New Salem academy and bury, Mass., In 1638, sharing in the original at Dartmouth college, from the latter of division of land in that town. A wife and which he was graduated In 1811. He read seven children accompanled him from Eng- law at Albany, N. Y., and Greenfield. Mass., land. Four of their children were born and after admission to the bar began prac- Inter. Ills residence In Sudbury was on tice of his profession at Springfield, Mass .. the easterly side of Sudbury river. In the In 1814. He was collector of internal rev. southerly part of what is now Wayland. enue after the war of 1812-15. publisher lle was a selectman In 1644, and also In and editor of the Hampden Patriot about subsequent years ; deacon of the church in five years. member of the general court in 1648 and one of thirteen to petition the 1823, and of the state senate in 1825; General Court for a new plantation, which served as register of probate from 1827 to petition was granted and the plantation 1850, was actuary of the Springfield Mu- Incorporated as Marlborough. whither he tual Fire Insurance Co .. and was an active removed In 1660, sharing in the first divis- participant in the promotion and bul ding lon of lands In that town. Ilis English of the Western railroad and was a member wife, Tamazine, dled In Sudbury, June 13, of the first board of directors thereof. It: 1654. On March 1, 1655, he married Mer- his public and private life he bore an un- cle, widow of Thomas Brigham, of Cam- sullled reputation, and was one of the bridge, Mass., the progenitor of the New prominent factors in the uphullding and England Brighams. Ile dled In Marlbor- development of the city of Springfeld. In ough, May 3, 1663, and was burled nt Sud- 1819 he was married to Sally Lyman Bry- bury ; his widow. Mercle, marrled William ant. daughter of Capt. John Bryant, of Hunt, of Marlborough, In 1664, and dled Springfield. Their family of children num- December 28. 1603. Edward Rice (2), sec- bered nine-two sons and seven daughters ond son of Edmund. was born In England -of whom the following are now llving : In 1619, aud dled In Marlborough, Mass., Charlotte Willard. of Springfield : Mason August 15. 1712. Danlel Rice (3), third Willard of Longmeadow ; and Lt. Col. Wells son of Edward, was born November 8, 1665, Willard, of the United States army. Mr. In Sudbury, Mass., and dled in Marlborough, Willard dled In Springfield, Aj.rll 11. 1804. Mass., December 8, 1721. Danlel Rice 2d RICE, JOHN LOVELL, Springfield, Mass., (4), first son of Daniel, was born In Mari- was born In Weathersfield, Vt., February 1, borough, Mass., June 3. 1684, and died In 1840, son of Lysander Mason and Clarinda Shrewsbury, Mass., In 1733. Jabez Rice Whitmore (Upham) Rice. He was educated (5), sixth son of Danlel 2d. was born April
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