USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Our county and its people : A history of Hampden County, Massachusetts. Volume 2 > Part 5
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In 1812 Springfield again became a shire town, the seat of justice of a new county-a county which has endured to the pres- ent day and which ranks with the most important civil divisions of New England. The formal act incorporating the county was
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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
passed by the legislature February 12, 1812, and became oper- ative on the first day of August following. At this time the people of the state were thoroughly wrought up over the impend- ing war with Great Britain, and politics then had become a con- . trolling factor in public affairs, all officers being chosen with especial reference to party affiliation. When the act went into effect the contending factions at once became involved in a politi- cal controversy over the offices to be filled and soon found them- selves in a maze of legal difficulties, with George Ashmun and George Bliss, the leading legal lights of the time, battling for supremacy. But this little domestic squabble soon was settled and events resumed natural channels. The old court house at the corner of Main and Sandford streets was again put to use, having in previous years been occupied as a town hall and for various other public purposes.
It soon became evident, however, that the old court house, which was erected in 1722-23, was unsuited to the requirements of the new county and that a larger and more modern house of justice was a necessity. The subject was first discussed about 1815, and while it was agreed that a new building should be erected there appears to have been a division of sentiment re- garding the proper location. The question seems to have been one of discussion only until about 1820, when the matter was brought to the attention of the Supreme judicial court through a writ of information filed against the court of sessions, charg- ing neglect of duty in not providing a place for holding courts. The sites most favored were located on State street and on Meeting-house square. At that time State street had become a thoroughfare of considerable importance and several business interests had centered about the armory, while Meeting-house square was the old established business center. Fortunately no bitterness entered into the controversy, yet the advocates of each of the sites labored zealously to secure the coveted buildings for their locality. The State street people had the "gaol and house of correction" and argued that the court house naturally should be in the same locality, while the other side contended for the retention of the building in the "business center."
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However, after a protracted and interesting contest the ad- vocates of the site on the square prevailed with the controlling powers and carried the day ; but this was accomplished only after the display of a spirit of public enterprise on their part. The occasion brought into prominence many new factors in local his-
An old-time view of Main street, near State street, Springfield
tory, such men as Daniel Bontecou, Eleazer Williams, Elijah Blake, Justice Willard, Edward Pynchon, Thomas Dickman, James Wells, John Ingersoll, Henry Brewer, Solomon Warri- ner, David Ames, Elisha Edwards, Sylvester Clark, Japhet Cha- pin, Samuel Osgood, Dr. John Stone, Daniel C. Brewer, Alex- ander Bliss, John Hooker, Moses Howe, Thomas Sargeant, F. A.
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Packard, Elisha Curtis, Ebenezer Russell, Joseph Pease, Quartus Chapin, John Hooker, jun., Pliny Chapin, Lewis Ferre, jun., Charles Stearns, Simon Sanburn, Israel E. Trask, Joseph Carver, Edward Bliss, A. G. Tannat, Daniel Lombard, Francis Bliss, Robert W. Bowhill, Roswell Lombard, Jacob Bliss, Oliver B. Morris, George Blake, James Chapin, Roger Adams, Ebenezer Tucker and others who were identified with them in their efforts to promote the general welfare of the town but whose names have been lost with the lapse of years.
These men, who were instrumental in securing the location of the county building on the public square, organized them- selves into a purchasing company and acquired title to a consid- erable tract of land, gave a large lot for the structure and an- other for the park square, and laid out the remainder into vil- lage lots for mercantile purposes, thus permanently establishing Main street as the principal business thoroughfare for all future time. This being accomplished the court of sessions directed Moses Bliss and John Ingersoll to see that the proprietors car- ried out their offer; and in the erection of the court house in 1821 (the old building still stands and now is the Odd Fellows' temple) Jonathan Dwight, John Phelps, Daniel Bontecou and George R. Townsley were conspicuous figures.
Previous to this time (1813-14) the jail on State street was built, and in connection with its construction the court of ses- sions had recourse to the services of such men of the town as Jonathan Smith, jun., Jonathan Dwight, Daniel Lombard, Jona- than Dwight, jun., Oliver B. Morris, John Phelps, William Shel- don, George Bliss and others whose names cannot be recalled. That the people of the town were truly and unselfishly public- spirited, whether in their personal concerns or in the public wel- fare, it may be stated that in 1808 a fugitive slave named "Jenny" had escaped from her master in Schenectady, N. Y., and found refuge among our people. She was pursued and over- taken, and when her owner would have returned with her to his home the generous people of Springfield quickly raised $100 by subscription and purchased her freedom.
Having determined the site for and completing the erection of the county buildings, the authorities gave attention to the
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matter of laying out public streets and avenues in the business portions of the town. At this time the population had reached about 4,400 inhabitants and was increasing steadily each year. Many events of note had taken place since the beginning of the century, some of them being worthy of passing mention in this place. In 1811 the Baptist people had become sufficiently
In 1812 the strong to plant a church of their denomination. In 1814 the Spring- old academy on Elm street was opened. field bank began business, its incorporators being a portion of the men whose names have been mentioned in connection with other early enterprises of the town. In 1815 the Methodists, whose missionaries had visited the town twenty years before, succeeded in planting a church, which still survives and from which has grown many other churches of later date. In 1817 the Hamp- den Masonic lodge was organized. In the same year President Monroe visited Springfield and was entertained with appropriate ceremony. In 1819 Court square was formally laid out and donated to the public, and in the same year there was erected the edifice of the old First church which still stands facing the square. In 1821 the Hampden coffee house, a famous hostelry in its day, was built on the corner where now stands the Smith & Murray building. In 1821, also, the First Protestant Epis- copal church was established and a Baptist church was erected at the Watershops. In 1823 a cotton factory was built on Chicopee river.
The construction of the cotton mill on Chicopee river was the beginning of the industrial era in that locality which eventu- ally brought that region into special prominence and resulted in the creation of a new town from the mother territory of Springfield. In 1831 the legislature incorporated the Spring- field canal company and authorized the construction of a water- power canal, locks and factories. Thus the waters of that river were first diverted for manufacturing purposes. The proprie- tors of the enterprise were Benjamin Day, James Brewer, Sam- nel Henshaw, Edmund Dwight, Jonathan Dwight, jun., Francis Stanton, Israel Thorndike, Harrison Gray Otis, Samuel A. Eliot, William H. Eliot, George W. Lyman, James K. Mills, Gorham
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Brooks and George Bliss. In 1837 the Indian Orchard canal company was incorporated for the purpose of establishing simi- lar industries adjacent to the river at a point a little farther up the stream. This company comprised Charles Stearns, George Bliss, William Dwight and their associates.
The notable events of 1824 included the destruction by fire of an important part of the armory buildings, and the founding of the Springfield Republican, a weekly newspaper under the proprietorship of Samuel Bowles, and a paper which not only has enjoyed a continuous and prosperous existence to the pres- ent time, but one which in later years became recognized as one of the leading journals of the entire country. In the year men- tioned the town supported at least two newspapers, the Hamp- den Journal, under the editorial management of Frederick A. Packard, who appears to have combined journalism with the practice of law, and the Republican, founded, owned and con- ducted by Mr. Bowles.
Glancing over the columns of these papers for the year men- tioned, we find the names and generally the "ads" of the promi- nent business men and firms of the town. In the issue of the Journal on January 7, P. Dickinson, whose place of business was opposite the post-office, offered for sale a miscellaneous assort- ment of brass andirons, shovels, tongs, fire fenders and silver- ware. Day, Brewer & Dwight, who were the leading merchants of the place, made public request for the speedy settlement of all outstanding accounts which were charged on their books pre- vious to July, 1823. John Avery "wants immediately" an ap- prentice to learn the blacksmith trade, and says that a lad of fif- teen years of age "will find good encouragement."
As an evidence that the spiritual as well as the temporal welfare of the people had a place in the editorial mind, the Jour- nal office announces for sale "a few copies of the family bible," also the "Life and Conversion of Col. Gardner," and "Dodd's Comfort to the Afflicted." Moses Bliss, who in many ways had been an important factor in the town's history, now contemplat- ing a change in his business, requested immediate payment from all persons indebted to him. George Colton made a like request
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and intimated that unsettled accounts would be left with an at- torney for collection. Flagg & Chapin, general merchants, of- fered for sale a large stock of goods. E. Woodworth (opposite the armory) announced that he had just received 500 lbs. of English brass kettles, 50 dozen sleigh bells and a large quantity of general merchandise. H. Edwards suggested that buyers will find it to their interest to call and examine his stock of buf- falo robes, fur caps, fresh superfine flour, general merchandise, drugs, chemicals etc.
Daniel Bontecou, ever alive to the wants of the people, "has remaining on hand a few cooking, parlor, office and box stoves, which will be disposed of at reduced prices," indicating that "bargain day" attractions were not wholly unknown to our forefathers, even among stove dealers. The Springfield brew- ery offered a constant supply of winter and summer ale in bar- rels, and intimated that all who intended to return their barrels of the last season must do so before February 21. Dwight & Colton, brick manufacturers, offer 250,000 merchantable brick at market prices. The proprietors of the Hartford & Walpole mail stage take occasion to thank the inhabitants of Springfield for their liberal patronage, and beg leave to inform them that the stage will continue to run as usual three times a week each way, and will stop hereafter to take up passengers and baggage at the house of Jeremy Warriner. (It is not surprising that the stage people should select the famous old Bates tavern as the starting place for mail coaches, for Uncle Jerry and Aunt Phoebe were hosts of great prominence in Springfield during the stage coach period, while the Bates tavern was the rendezvous of all the worthies of the town who enjoyed the open-handed hospitality of the table and likewise had a keen appreciation of Uncle Jerry's toddies and slings. No severe winter cold could withstand the potent effects of one of these decoctions.)
Bangs & Ellis (Joseph and Allen Bangs and Ebenezer Ellis) in a generous "ad" announce the fact that they have just formed a business connection and are "carrying on the Cupola furnace in all its various branches, one mile south of the court house." In this connection it is interesting to note that the Cu-
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pola furnace at that time was a leading industry on Mill river, and was a foundry and machine shop, the somewhat peculiar dis- tinguishing name of which is still remembered by a few of our oldest residents.
In the same number of the paper Henry E. Stearns called for prompt payment of outstanding accounts. The Spring- field fire insurance company announces that it continues to effect insurance against loss by fire; Geo. Bliss, jun., secretary. The proprietors of the steamboat Experiment advertise the season's running of their boat between Hartford and New London. Joseph Carew takes occasion to say, under the heading of "Fair Play," that every claim he has by note or book, which is due and unsettled February 1st, will be placed in other hands for collec- tion; "that recent circumstances render this course indispen- sable." This announcement was quite characteristic of Mr. Carew, for he was an upright, straightforward business man, meeting his own obligations promptly and exacting from others only his just due. He was a worthy type of Springfield's best element of citizenship three-quarters of a century ago, and the preservation of his name in one of the principal streets of the city is a fitting tribute to his memory. Gideon Kibbe, whose place of business at that time is not recalled, also requests set- tlement of outstanding accounts.
Dennis Morgan, having given up "riding post," asks all persons to settle without delay, and adds, "payment must be made peaceably or forcibly." From this it is clear that the ex- post rider meant business with those who had failed to requite his services. Charles Stearns advertises a "store to let, con- veniently fitted up for dry goods and groceries." Another notice from the Journal informs the public that "at the old stand in the Carew building" the office does job work of every description. Solomon Warriner, enterprising merchant and representative of one of our best families, announces that he has on hand for sale the publications of the American tract society, and also "Dr. Wood's lecture on Quotations."
T. Dickman, the bookseller, whose surname is not now known in the city, offers in connection with his general stock the cele-
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brated "Chemical Embrocation," or "Whitwell's Liquid Opo- deldoc," for the cure of bruises, sprains, gout and rheumatism. Stearns & Hunt, at their store opposite Court square, have a gen- eral stock of drugs, medicines, oils, dye stuffs, etc., etc. Elisha Edwards represents New York manufacturers in the sale of maccoboy snuff and "paper tobacco," equal to any in the United States. Robert Russell, according to his "ad," offers to bind all books and guarantees "fidelity, promptness and reasonable prices."
The Republican made its initial appearance in the latter part of 1824 and appears to have filled "a long felt want" in the community. At all events it found favor with the public and soon gained that which most delights the average publisher-a liberal advertising patronage. In one of the September num- bers is found the advertisement of Solomon Warriner, who has a complete stock of fall and winter goods. Bontecou & Hunt call special attention to their "European and India goods," gro- ceries, crockery and glassware. C. Smith does house and sign painting, having a place of business opposite the Springfield hotel. Henry Brewer makes special announcement of 500 lbs. of good cheese, also mackerel in barrels and half barrels. How- ard & Lathrop offer cash pay for paper rags in large and small quantities. S. D. & W. Sturges (a new name in local annals) manufacture white marble tombstones. S. Hatch gives "last notice" that accounts must be settled by debtors or they will be left with Justice Willard for collection.
In the same issue Justice Willard and William Bliss give public notice that they have formed a law partnership, under the name of Willard & Bliss, for the "transaction of business in the line of their profession." J. B. Pitkin announces that he has engaged Mr. Stockbridge's assembly room for the purpose of giving lessons in shorthand and plain and ornamental penman- ship. (In view of this announcement it is somewhat surprising that the era of the office stenographer and typewriter should have been so long delayed.)
In a special notice printed in the columns of the paper Mr. Bowles states that he has just received from New York a variety
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of job type, and that he is ready "to execute" all kinds of fancy job printing. Isaiah Call, whose store was located near the bank at the corner of what now is Main and Elm streets, offers for sale his stock of stoves and hollow ware of all descriptions. G. W. Callender has a general stock of books and stationery, does binding, and says he has need of a boy of good habits to learn the trade of book binding and to "clerk" in the store. Robert Russell is another bookseller and stationer, having a place of business opposite the Springfield hotel.
Albert Morgan, opposite the armory, carries on a grocery store, and keeps in stock a generous supply of St. Croix rum, Holland gin, lump and brown sugars, mackerel, flour, etc. James Wells, as agent, offers to insure against loss or damage by fire in the Aetna insurance company of Hartford.
On October 6, Ames & Reynolds announce having received an extensive assortment of new and fashionable goods. In the issue of October 12 Bliss & Morris announce the arrival of a large consignment of European, India and American goods. E. Edwards, opposite the Springfield hotel, offers 150 bbls. and half barrels of mackerel, also drugs, medicines, paints, oils, dye woods, wines and liquors. James Wells evidently was the pio- neer of the millinery business in the town, announcing a supply of staple and fancy goods in that line, and also, incidentally, a few Philadelphia cooking stoves. On October 27 Bowdoin & Carew, successors to W. H. Bowdoin, with a place of business opposite the armory, advertise for sale a large stock of general merchandise. Cook & Wilcox, in front of the Springfield brew- ery, carry on business as tinsmiths, and deal in sheet iron pipe and live hens' and geese feathers.
This brief and somewhat incomplete retrospect gives the reader an idea of the character and extent of the business inter- ests of Springfield at the time indicated, and from what is stated it must be seen that the growth of the town from the beginning of the century was both steady and healthful. About this time public attention was attracted by and considerable interest was taken in the general movement in the direction of building canals through various sections of the state. The canal era was the
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THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
natural outgrowth of river navigation and one of its most impor- tant auxiliaries. The early attempts at steamboat navigation on the Connecticut, so far at least as concerned Springfield, - were experimental and it was not until 1828 that Thomas Blanchard launched the "Blanchard" and succeeded in mak- ing the trip to Hartford in a little less than three hours. How- ever, this first attempt was regarded as a reasonable success and during the next eight or ten years several other steamboats were built here and put into regular service, as may be seen by refer- ence to the chapter relating to internal improvements. The most
St. Luke's M. E. Church, Springfield
notable events of 1828 were the launching of the Blanchard and the ceremonies attending the opening of the town hall, on which latter occasion George Bliss delivered the address that so fre- quently has formed the basis of subsequent narratives by his- torical writers.
Springfield never directly enjoyed the advantages of a navi- gable canal, although one was projected for the town as part of an extensive system of waterways across the state. In the early stages of the discussion local public spirit was fully awakened and men of substance readily gave support to the proposed enter- prise, yet before their plans were fully matured the canal scheme
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was abandoned by eastern capitalists, and an innovation-a rail- road-was suggested to connect Boston with Albany, crossing the Connecticut at Springfield. At first the town did not take kindly to the railroad scheme and was not yet ready to abandon the cherished canal project in favor of an unknown and doubt- ful medium of traffic and travel as was suggested. Local capitalists shook their knowing heads dubiously and grave appre- hensions filled the public mind. Surveyors and promoters made frequent visits to the town and as often conferences were held at which the new idea was the uppermost topic of discussion ; yet Springfield was slow to act, and it was not until Hartford came forward with a request that the line of road be laid through that town, instead of Springfield, that a favorable sentiment was aroused here and earnest co-operation was given to the enter- prise.
Notwithstanding the manifest lack of enthusiasm shown by Springfield during the early stages of the railroad agitation, the measure had a few zealous advocates among the townspeople. Those foremost in the work were Justice Willard, George Bliss, Caleb Rice, W. H. Bowdoin, with a few others whose names are not recalled, while Edmund Dwight, then of Boston but of sub- stantial Springfield stock, added his influence in bringing about the desired end. Foremost among all, however, were Mr. Wil- lard and his law partner, Mr. Bliss. At one of the several pub- lic meetings held in the town for a general discussion of the sub- ject Mr. Willard, who was famed at the bar as a special pleader, addressed an audience in these words :
"I am told that I am apt to be too sanguine, but when I con- sider the improvements of the age, the new discoveries that must hereafter be made in that wonderful machine, the steam engine, and the new applications of the power of steam, I believe, and I am ready to declare-and I do declare, here, before this audi- ence-and some of you may make note of it, that during the life- time of some persons standing here, a train of cars will run from Springfield to Boston, between sun and sun." And then paus- ing and drawing himself up, and shaking his finger with oracular solemnity, he continued : "Yes, sir, I repeat, between sun and sun ! and back again in the same day."
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This public utterance was received with satisfaction and loud applause, but in certain minds it was regarded as the work- ings of vain imagination. At all events the labors of the friends of the road had a telling effect upon the town and the enterprise thereafter received more cordial support. A few years later- October, 1839,-the first train of the Western railroad corpora- tion was run from Worcester to Springfield, and on its arrival a great throng of people was assembled at the station to cele- brate the occasion and hear the congratulatory address of the gifted Edward Everett. Before the entire line was completed a road was built through the Connecticut valley, and then still others of later years until Springfield became recognized as a principal seat of railroad operations; and the early prominence which the town enjoyed in this respect as a railroad center was the most potent factor in its subsequent growth and more than all other elements combined contributed to the progress and pros- perity of the town and its people. The steam railroads super- seded the mail and passenger stages and likewise made river navigation unprofitable. The municipalities and manufactur- ing and trading centers were greatly benefited by the change, but the advantage which accrued to purely agricultural districts is questionable. The old station on the west side of Main street
was built in 1851. The tracks were elevated, and the arch and the new union station were built in 1888-89. A more detailed history of railroad interests in Hampden county will be found in the chapter on internal improvements.
However, let us return to an earlier period of town history and briefly mention some of the more important events in local annals. In 1830 the old primitive fire department was succeeded by a more modern system, one in keeping with the advanced con- dition of the town. In 1831 the Pynchon mansion, frequently called Ft. Pynchon, was torn down. In 1832 the Ames paper factory, the largest concern of its kind in the country, was estab- lished. In 1834 the first friction matches "in the world" were made in Chicopee. In 1834 the "old corner bookstore," long a business interest of note, was opened. In 1836 Springfield celebrated its bi-centennial anniversary. In 1841 Springfield cemetery was
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