USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Amherst > The history of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, pt 2 > Part 19
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572
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
Among the earlier 'settlers few were held in higher esteem than was Jonathan Dickinson, son of Samuel, born in Shutesbury in 1715. He served in the French and Indian wars and in the war of the Revolution. Chosen selectman in 1759, the year Amherst was set off as a district, he held the office five years. He married, Sept. 26, 1745, Dorothy Stoughton of Windsor, Conn.
Joseph Church, son of Samuel, was born in Hadley in 1728. He served in the war of the Revolution, was a man of means and held the office of selectman six years. He married, Jan. 2, 1755, Abigail Smith, and died in Amherst Sept. 7. 1819.
Noah Smith, son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1742. He, also, served on Amherst's quota in the war of the Revolution. For six years he served as selectman. He married, in 1766, Mary Elmer and died Feb. 22, 1830.
Jonathan Dickinson, Jr., son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1749. He held the office of selectman nine years. He married, March 27, 1783, Azubah Coleman, and died June 2, 1836.
Ebenezer Boltwood, son of Solomon, was born in Amherst in 1752. He was graduated from Harvard College and was one of the first men in the new settlement to engage in mercantile pursuits. From 1782 to 1788, he kept an inn. In 1786, he was appointed justice of the peace. For eleven years he served as selectman. He died July 23, 1804.
Moses Hastings, son of Thomas, was born in Amherst in 1755. IIe served in the war of the Revolution. A leading member of the First church, he was one of the first trustees of its ministerial fund. He held many public offices, serving as selectman eight years. He married, Aug. 29, 1776, Elizabeth Parker of Amherst. His death occurred June 6, 1844.
Elijah Dickinson, son of Moses, was born in Amherst in 1760. He served in the war of the Revolution, gaining the title of colonel. by which he was generally known. He donated the land on which the first Amherst College building was erected. He was a leading member of the First church, and held many town offices, including that of selectman. He married, June 13, 1780, Jerusha Smith, whose portrait appears on the opposite page. He died Feb. 1, 1820.
Gideon Stetson was born in 1762, married Nancy Thayer of Belcher- town and died in 1835. He held the office of selectman five years.
John Kellogg, son of Ephraim, was born in Amherst in 1765. He was deacon in the First church and served the town as selectman six years. He married (1), Roxana Mattoon ; (2), Mrs. Martha Ingram. He died Dec. 6, 1844.
Nathan Franklin, son of Henry, was born in Amherst in 1767. He represented the town in the General Court. He served as selectman seven
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ADJUTANT FRAZAR STEARNS.
LT. GEORGE COOKE.
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MRS. JERUSHA DICKINSON.
SARAH STRONG MCCONIHE.
573
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
years and was deacon of the South church. He married, Nov. 29, 1798, Jerusha Dickinson, and died March 11, 1832.
Ephraim Roberts, son of Joseph, was born in East Hartford, Conn. in 1769. He was one of the first in Amherst to engage in the manufacture of paper. He was a leading citizen in the North parish. He married (1), Susan Eastman of East Hartford; (2), Jerusha Mann. He died in Amherst, April 19, 1853.
Martin Baker, son of Elijah, was born in Amherst in 1770. He served the town as selectman seven years and held other town offices. He mar- ried, July 16, 1797, Mary Smith, and died Dec. 11, 1842.
Reuben Roberts, son of Joseph, was born in East Hartford, Conn. in 1775. In company with his brother Ephraim he engaged in the manufac- ture of paper. He served the town as representative in the General Court. He married, in 1796, Esther Rissley of East Hartford, and died Oct. 25, 1864.
Zebina Dickinson, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1778. He was one of the first deputy sheriffs for the town of Amherst, holding office many years. He represented the town in the General Court one year, served as selectman and assessor and held other town offices. He married, in 1808, Mary Watson. His death occurred June 2, 1837.
Chester Dickinson, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1780. He served the town as selectman eight years. An innkeeper many years, his tavern was noted for the hospitality with which its guests were treated. He was the first treasurer of the North parish. From his appointment as justice of the peace he gained the title of " 'Squire" by which he was famil- iarly known. He married, May 29, 1803, Susanna Dickinson, and died May 10, 1850. -
Horace Smith, son of Silas, was born in South Hadley in 1781. He was deacon in the First church, justice of the peace and a colonel in the militia. He married (1), March 5, 1805. Rebecca Moody ; (2), - King of Suffield. Conn. He died Nov. 11, 1862.
Isaac G. Cutler, son of Robert, was born in Pelham in 17S2. He was graduated at Williams College in 1801. He practiced medicine in Amherst until his death, which occurred Nov. 29, 1834. He was a very popular physician, a fact witnessed by his record of professional attend- ance upon 1336 cases of childbirtir, now on file in the office of the town clerk. He represented the town in the General Court in 1830. He mar- ried, Dec. 24, 1807, Nancy Hastings.
Ebenezer Williams, son of Justus, was born in Amherst in 1783. He Served the town as representative to the General Court, also holding the office of selectman five years. He married. Jan. 21, ISOS, Philomela Dickinson of Amherst.
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574
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
Timothy Henderson, son of Timothy, was born in Amherst in 1784. He was a prosperous farmer, greatly beloved in the community, a leader in town and church affairs. He held the office of selectman seven years. He married (1), Aug. 26, 1811, Mary Parker; (2), Tryphena Kellogg. He died in Hadley, Oct. 28, 1861.
Nathaniel C. Dickinson, son of Jonathan, was born in Shutesbury in 1784. He was active in church affairs, gave the land on which the South church was built and served as deacon and superintendent of the Sunday- school. He held office as selectman and assessor many years. He mar- ried (1), Jan. 27, 1807, Submit Smith of Brattleboro : (2), June 2, 1841. Sibyl Strickland of Greenfield. He died March 19, 1868.
Eleazer Gaylord. son of Eleazer, was born in Windsor, Conn. in 1785. He served the town as selectmen, and was for many years deacon in the First church. He was a leader among the farmers of the town. He mar- ried (1), in 1819, Hannah Haskell of Holden ; (2), in 1832, Sally Church of Amherst. He died in New Haven, Conn., Aug. 10, 1865.
Benoni Rust, son of Oliver, was born in Amherst in 1786. He was engaged in the manufacture of stoves and steel springs. He served the town as selectman. He married Susan Dickinson of Amherst and died Dec. 29, 1848.
George Nutting, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1786. He rep- resented the town in the General Court and also as selectman and assessor. He was a member of the first parish committee of the South church and one of the contractors who erected the church building. He married Judith Hastings of Amherst and died Aug. 1, 1838.
Cotton Smith, son of Chileab, was born in Hadley in 1787. In ISIc. he conducted a store at East Amherst, but spent the greater part of his life as a farmer at " Mill Valley." He was a prominent member of the First church. He served the town as selectman. He married Sibyl Smith of Amherst and died Aug. 17, 1855.
Thomas Jones, son of Elnathan, was born in Concord in 1787. He was engaged for many years in the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods at North Amherst, owning at one time three mills. He took an active part in the organization of the Hampshire and Franklin railroad company and was a man of great enterprise and public spirit. He repre- sented the town in the General Court. He married (1), June 3, 1829. Elizabeth M. Lyman of Northampton ; (2), Dec. 24, 1835, Mary H. French of Newfane, Vt. He died Oct. 21, 1853.
Chester Kellogg, son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1788. He was for many years a prosperous merchant and a leading member of the First church. He married (1), in June, 1808, Lois Dickinson ; (2), Aug. 1, 1816, Maria Bixby. He died Jan. 7, 18.49.
A GROUP OF SELECTMEN .
DANIEL CONVERSE.
DICKINSON.
ITST
THOMAS HASTINGS.
PORTER DI
V
KINSON
EZRA INGRAM.
(ELEAZER
K
ELLOGG.
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575
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Solomon K. Eastman, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1788. He was a prominent farmer and a leading member of the First church. He served the town as selectman and also held other town offices. He married, Nov. 10, 1819, Almira Richardson, and died April 15, 1872.
Seneca Holland, son of Jonas, was born in Petersham in 1790. He lived in Belchertown for a time, removing to Amherst in 1832. For many years he was one of the leading business men of the town, held in high esteem in the community: He married, Nov. 30, 1823, Fanny Dickinson of Amherst and died Dec. 5, 1871.
Joseph Dana, son of Amariah, was born in Amherst in 1795. He was a successful farmer. He was a member of the Second church until the South church was formed, when he joined the latter and served it as deacon. He was one of the members of the South militia company who marched to Boston during the war of 1812. He married, Oct. 28, 1824, Clara Benton of Tolland, Conn. He died April 27, 1874.
Alfred Baker, son of Enos, was born in Amherst in 1798. A success- ful farmer, he was also prominent in town affairs. He served the town as selectman i2 years and also represented it in the General Court. He was active in securing the organization of the Hampshire Agricultural society and was elected its first president. He was captain of a militia company in 1830. He married (1), Sept. 17, 1835, Catherine D. Wiley of Sunder- land ; (2), Elizabeth Olmsted. He died March 14, 1877.
Ezra Ingram, son of Ebenezer, was born in Amherst in 1799. In early life he worked in the mills owned by his father, but the death of his father when Ezra was but twenty years of age placed him in possession of the homestead, and he spent his life in farming, disposing of his interest in the mills to his brother Peter. He represented the town in the General Court. He served the town as selectman and overseer of the poor 18 years and held other town offices. He was a member of the board of selectmen at the time of the war for the preservation of the Union, and with two others became personally responsible for a large sum of money needed to prevent a draft of Amherst men. He was a justice of the peace. He married, Nov. 24, 1824, Susan E. Roberts of East Hartford, Conn. He died June 15, 1881.
David Dexter, son of David, was born in Windsor, Conn. in 1799. He was engaged in manufacturing at " Mill Valley." He served as select- man. He married, Sept. 21, 1830, Cynthia Rankin of Pelham, and died Feb. 14, 1876.
Ephraim Cushman, son of Ephraim, was born in Amherst in 1799. He engaged in paper making in company with his brother John R. For over 50 years he was a leading member of the North church. He married Wealthy Cutter. He died Dec. 1, 1887.
576
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
Eleazer Kellogg, son of John, was born in Amherst in ISoo. He served the town as selectman eleven years and was its representative in the General Court in 1838. For upwards of 25 years he was a trustee of the ministerial fund of the North church. He married, Dec. 30, 1824. Sally M. Roberts. He died June 7, 1885.
Salem Hammond, son of Moses, was born in Charlton in 1803. He removed to South Amherst in 1837 and engaged in farming. He united with the South church in 1838, and was an active and influential member until his removal to Hadley in 1859. He served the town as selectman and assessor. He married, Sept. 22, 1841, Mrs. Julia A. Eldredge of Hadley. He died in Hadley July 18. 1871.
Samuel C. Carter, son of Nathaniel, was born in~Newburyport in 1803. He learned the book-binders' trade in the employ of Jonathan Leavitt of Andover. He came to Amherst in 1825, and entered in part- nership with John S. Adams, under the firm name of Carter & Adams. Their business included a book-store, a printing office and a book-bindery. They published for two years the New England Inquirer, the first local paper printed in the town. The partnership was dissolved in 1827. For more than 60 years Mr. Carter was a leading citizen in the community, respected and beloved by all. For over 32 years, from 1837 to 1846, and again from 1857 to 1880, Mr. Carter served the town as clerk and treasurer. During that time $1,339.386 of the public moneys passed through his hands, every cent of which was carefully and faithfully accounted for. In 1837, he was the town agent to receive and dispose of the surplus revenue. In 1865, he prepared a full and accurate military record of those who had served on Amherst's quota during the war for the preservation of the Union. In 1841 and 1842, he represented the town in the General Court, and was a member of the committee which drafted the excellent law yet in force for the registration of vital statistics. He served as post-master for two terms. From 1837 to 1839, he was a member of the school committee. For many years he was clerk and treasurer of the First parish, member of the parish committee and treasurer of the sinking fund. In 1829, he was appointed librarian of the First church Sunday-school, and was for fifty years connected with the school as scholar, librarian, teacher and superin- tendent. He was treasurer of the Amherst Savings bank from its organi- zation in 1865 until his resignation of the office in 1887, In 1827. he assisted in organizing an engine company, retaining his connection with it for many years. For twelve years he was secretary and treasurer of the West Amherst Temperance union, and also served as librarian and treas. urer of the Amherst Lyceum. He married (1), in April, 1826, Matilda Ayres ; (2), Elizabeth D. Jackson of Boston. He died June 9, 1889.
George Montague, son of Luke, was born in Amherst in 1804. He
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FORMER TOWN CLERKS.
WILLIAM.A.HUNT.
SAMUEL C.CARTER.
NEWTON FITCH.
JAMES W. BOYDEN
577
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
studied at Amherst Academy. From 1828 to 1831, he was accountant and instructor at Mt. Pleasant Academy. From 1834 to i836, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in the South. He served as treasurer of the Agri- cultural College and for 14 years as auditor of accounts of the treasurer of Amherst College. He served as deacon of the First church and was for seven years clerk of Hampshire East Conference. He married (1), March 7, 1834, Mary A. Parsons of Columbus, Ga .; (2), Nov. 20, 1856, Sarah M. Seelye of New York city. He died Jan. 22, 1893.
Moses B. Greene, son of Clark, was born in Amherst in 1805, and was fitted for college at Amherst Academy. After his graduation from Amherst College in 1829, he taught in Massachusetts, Louisiana and Miss- issippi. Returning to Amherst in 1847, he resided there until his death, which occurred Aug. 7, 1865. He was a leading member of the First church and served for many years as chairman of the school committee, with dis- tinguished success. He married, Dec. 22, 1830, Betsey A. Seabury of New Orleans, La.
Allen P. Merrick, son of Aaron, was born in Amherst in ISo7. He was a successful farmer, a prominent man in the South parish and served the town as selectman. In early life, before the railway era, he traveled extensively in New England and Canada, selling wagons and farm produce. He was one of the early advocates of the "abolition " and " free-soil " movements, but in his later years was in politics an independent democrat ; in 1878 it was the wish of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler that Mr. Merrick would consent to run as candidate for state treasurer on the democratic ticket, but he refused. He married, May 7, 1834, Minerva Blodgett of Amherst and died June 16, 1886.
Rufus Belden, son of Aaron, was born in Whately in 1809. He entered Amherst College in the class of 1833, remaining two years. He was graduated from the Pittsfield Medical Institute and practiced medicine in New York city, Brooklyn and Amherst. He was a leading physician of his day, meeting with distinguished success in the cities, and when he removed to Amherst his services were in constant demand in this and in neighboring towns. He was a leader in town and church affairs, greatly beloved in the community. He married, Feb. 18, 1835, Henrietta Howland of West Barnstable, and died in Amherst April 29, 1870.
Porter Dickinson, son of Eli, was born in Amherst in 1809. He was engaged for many years in the manufacture of tools at East Amherst. He served the town as selectman five years. He married, in November, 1832, Elizabeth R. Billings of Amherst and died Nov. 13, 1880.
Newton Fitch, son of Joseph, was born in Windham, Conn. in IS10. He came to Amherst about the year 1835, and engaged in the druggist's
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578
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
business, buying of a man named Underwood a store, which stood on the site now occupied by W. H. H. Morgan's drug-store. He was assistant- postmaster during S. C. Carter's term of office. He served as town clerk and treasurer from 1845 to 1848. He removed to Uxbridge in 1859. but returning to Amherst in 1875 resided here until his death, which occurred July 23, 1877. He was justice of the peace. He was one of the prominent advocates of the Hampshire & Franklin railway. He mar- ried, April 2, 1834, Eunice H. Jillson of Willimantic, Conn.
Samuel Nash, son of Elijah, was born in Hadley in ISIo. He was deacon of the church in North Hadley, a trustee of Hopkins Academy and a representative to the General Court in 1844. He was the first editor of the Hampshire and Franklin Express, a man of keen intellect, held in high esteem in the community. He was one of the incorporators of the Mt. Holyoke railway company. He married, May 1, 1834, Lurintha Ball of Leverett, and died Feb. 13, 1861.
Josiah Ayres, son of Josiah, was born in Amherst in 1819. He rep- resented the town in the General Court. He served as selectman and held many other town offices. He was for many years superintendent of the Sunday-school of the First church. He married, April 1, 1835, Cath- arine Strickland of Greenfield, and died Aug. 4. 1860.
James E. Merrick, son of Aaron, was born in Amherst in 18II. He taught school in early life, afterwards devoting his attention to farming in which he was very successful. He served the town as selectman and assessor for several years. He was a leading member of the South church. He married, Dec. 24, 1845, Harriet Bridgman, and died March 24, 1885.
Israel H. Taylor was born in Pelham in ISII. He removed to Amherst in 1850, residing here until his death, which occurred Oct. 15, IS90. He was one of the town's best-known physicians, highly esteemed in the community.
Austin Eastman, son of Elijah, was born in Amherst in 1812. He was a successful farmer and a prominent man in the North parish. He served the town as selectman. A member of the Baptist church at its organization, he continued in its communion until his death, which occurred Aug. 8, 1892. He married, Oct. 6, 1833, Mary Spear.
Waitstill Dickinson, son of Oliver, was born in Amherst in 1814. For several years he followed the business of teaming. In IS42, he opened a store at South Amherst. For many years he was engaged in business in the brick store near the common at South Amherst. He served the town as selectman, assessor and member of school committee. In 1850, he represented the town in the General Court. He was post- master at South Amherst for many years. He married, April 20, 1837, Mercy Dickinson of Amherst, and died March 10, 1884.
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579
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Ansel C. Marshall, son of Chester, was born in Amherst in 1816. He spent his life in farming and was a leading citizen of the North parish. He served the town as selectman for five years. He was a director of the First National bank from its organization until his death. For more than 40 years he was connected with the North church and served as trustee of its parish fund. He married, Dec. 12, 1861, Lucy C. Palmer, and died Dec. 18, 1894.
Richard B. Bridgman, son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1817, on the old Bridgman homestead at 'South Amherst. He was a successful farmer, one of the strong men of the South parish. A leading member of the South church, he served it as deacon for several years. Ile mar- ried, March 22, 1843, Mary Nutting of Amherst, and died July 27, 1882.
Benjamin F. Smith, son of Simeon, was born in East Lyme, Conn. in 1818. He was graduated at Yale College early in the '40s and studied medicine. He practiced his profession at Amherst many years, being held in high repute. He was a prominent member of Pacific Lodge F. & A. M. He was married three times, (1) to Elizabeth Caulkings, (2) to Julia Bucklin, (3) to Amy M. Thayer. He died in Amherst, Aug. 10, 1865.
Charles Delano, son of Gideon, was born in New Braintree in 1820. He removed to Amherst in 1833, attended Amherst Academy and was graduated from Amherst College in 1840. He studied law in the office of Osmyn Baker, and was admitted to the bar in 1842. In 1847, he entered in partnership with Mr. Baker, with offices in Northampton. In 1849, he was chosen treasurer of Hampshire county, holding the office nine years. He was elected to the United States Congress in 1858 and again in 1860. He was a lawyer of fine abilities, greatly respected and admired. He married, Sept. 12, 1848, Sarah B. Gridley, and died Jan. 23, 1883.
Harrison Ingram, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1820. He was prominent in town affairs, serving six years as selectman. He married, Nov. 5, 1845, Rhoda D. Hubbard of Sunderland and died May 12, 1879. James W. Boyden, son of Wyatt C., was born in Beverly Farms in 1822. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1843, from Harvard Law School in 1846. He removed to Amherst in 1846 and practiced law here until 1859, when he removed to Chicago. In IS58, he was elected to the Massachusetts Senate. He was town clerk and treasurer many years, and while engaged in the duties of these offices compiled a genealog- ical record of Amherst families, of great interest and value. At the organization of the Hampshire Agricultural society he was elected sec- retary and treasurer. He assisted in organizing the Amherst Branch rail- road company. In 1858, he was appointed trial justice. He married, May 18, 1847, Eliza O. Turner. He died Feb. 14, 1892, in Chicago, Ill.
Pliny H. White, son of John, was born in Springfield, Vt., in 1822.
580
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
He removed to Amherst from St. Johnsbury, Vt. in 1857, and while here was licensed to preach by the Hampshire East Association. He was for a time editor of the Hampshire and Franklin Express. He married, May 11, 1847, Electa B. Gates and died in Coventry, Vt., April 24, 1869.
Enos D. Williams, son of Ebenezer, was born in Amherst in 1822. He was an active and enterprising man, employing his large means in building up the town. He served as selectman three years. He married, Nov. 28, 1845, Caroline R. Hawley of Hadley. He died Oct. 9, 1866, at Gaba, Ill.
Ithamar F. Conkey, son of Ithamar, was born in Amherst in 1823. He entered Amherst College in the class of '43, but left before graduation. He studied law and practiced his profession in Amherst from 1844 until his death, which occurred Aug. 8, 1875. In 1856, he was elected district attorney of the Northwest judicial district. In 1874 and '75, he was U. S. register in bankruptcy, In 1852, he represented the town in the General Court. For 26 years he served as moderator at town meetings. For several years he was member of the school committee. He assisted in the organization of the Amherst Savings bank and was a member of its board of trustees. He was appointed justice of the peace in 1847. He was a prominent member of the Hampshire Agricultural society, secretary of the Amherst lyceum, clerk of Cataract Engine company and a general leader in town affairs. He was an influential member of Grace church, serving as vestryman. He married, June 15, 1847, Luthera Cutler of Amherst.
Charles S. Smith, son of Samuel, was born in Amherst in 1828. He attended Amherst College for two years but left before graduation. For several years he was engaged in the lumber business in Cincinnati, Ohio. Returning to Amherst in 1866, he engaged in farming, meeting with great success. He represented the town in the General Court and also served as selectman. He was a leader in the organization of the Amherst Coop- erative society which for many years conducted the Grange store. He was a charter member of Amherst Grange and of the Amherst Creamery asso- ciation. He married, Feb. 4, 1863, Jennie Hyde, and died March 23, 1895.
William A. Dickinson, son of Edward, was born in Amherst in 1829. He fitted for college at Amherst Academy and Williston Seminary, was graduated from Amherst College in 1850 and from Harvard Law School in 1854. Entering his father's law-office In Amherst, he practiced his pro- fession here until his death. On the death of his father, in 1874, he was chosen treasurer of Amherst College, an office he held during life. He served as moderator of town-meetings for nearly twenty years. He was a prominent member of the First church, for many years a member of its parish committee. A leading member of the Village Improvement society from its organization, he took an active interest in every movement for beauti-
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