USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Plainfield > Topographical description and historical sketch of Plainfield, in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, May, 1834 > Part 2
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LIBRARIES.
A social library was established in the south-east part of the town in April, 1832. It contains 97 volumes. The number of private libraries is not great. The largest is that belonging to the writer, which consists of about 400 volumes, some of them of great rarity and value; besides a collection of about 1,200 pamphlets.
LYCEUM.
In December, 1832, a Lyceum was formed for mutual improve- ment. The number of members is respectable; and the meetings hitherto have been interesting and well attended.
GRADUATES.
The following is a list of those, who have received a public education. Though the number is not great, it is believed they will not suffer by a comparison with those of any other place in our country.
1. James Richards, son of deacon James Richards, and born at Abington, February 23, 1784, was graduated at Williams College in 1809. He studied divinity at Andover, where he completed his education in 1812.
It is supposed by his friends that he became a decided Christian, when about fourteen years old. He was enabled ever after to
15
support a Christian character and deportment, always manifesting a regard for religion ;- was a strict observer of the sabbath, and a constant attendant on the public worship of God, and other religious meetings. In August, 1805, he publicly professed his faith in Christ, and united with the Congregational church in Plainfield. For many years it was his habitual practice to devote one day in every month to secret fasting and prayer.
While at college, he with some others, of whom Samuel John Mills was the leader, concerted a plan for the conversion of the world, and prayed into existence the American Board of Commis- sioners for Foreign Missions. This plan was afterwards still further matured at Andover; and in September, 1811, not long after the formation of the American Board, Mr. Richards offered himself as a missionary to the heathen, and was taken under their patronage.
After completing his theological education, he devoted consider- able time, under the direction of the Board, to the study of medicine and surgery, with a view to increased usefulness among the heathen. He attended a course of lectures at Hanover, and two courses at Philadelphia, where he was engaged for some time in the Pennsylvania Hospital. In view of his multiplied engagements while here, for he sometimes had more on hand than he could possibly perform, he remarked in a letter to his friends; "It is much more pleasant to be hurried in business than to be idle."
June 12, 1815, he was ordained with five others at Newburyport, and sailed October 23, for Columbo, where he arrived after a prosperous voyage of five months. When asked, afterwards, how he could refrain from weeping at the time of leaving his native coun- try, and all, that was dear to him there, he replied, " Why should I have wept? I had been waiting with anxiety almost eight years for an opportunity to go and preach Christ among the heathen. I had often wept at the long delay. But the day, on which I bade farewell to my native land, was the happiest day of my life." It was not long, however, before he was so debilitated by the influ- ence of a tropical climate and undue exposure as to be incapable of much active service. This was to him a very severe trial, for he ever retained a strong partiality for the missionary work, as may be seen by the following extract of a letter to his brother.
" Could the friends of missions in America see the things, which I see, and hear the things, which I hear, they would not withhold
16
their contributions from the treasury of the Lord. Could they see, as I do, the hearts of my brethren and sisters united " as the heart of one man;" could they behold these wretched heathen from day to day, carrying on their breasts and on their foreheads the badges of heathenism, and know the cruel bondage, in which they are held, there would, I think, be no more need of missionary sermons and missionary agents to unlock the coffers of the rich. The country would be all in motion. Some would give their thousands, and multitudes their dollars and cents, till the treasury of the Lord should be filled. If the object could not be effected in any other way, some would live on bread and water, and others would sell their houses and lands, to furnish the means of enlightening the heathen,-of making known to them the only Redeemer of sin- ners."
The following extracts from letters addressed also to his brother breathe the same intense feeling on the subject of missions to the heathen. From Batticotta, April 17, 1820, he writes: "How long, O! how long will Christians continue to sleep over the mis- eries of a fallen world! I would give the Christian world all the credit for all they feel, and for all they do, for the salvation of sinners. But I do think that the majority of the Christian world are still asleep, or, at most, but half awake. Even New England Christians are only beginning to awake. O! for another Mills- for another Buchanan-for another Harriet!" From the same place, February 23, 1821, he says, " The principal trial, that I now experience on account of my sickness, is inability to do the proper work of a missionary. And this is a great trial, both by day and by night. No other subject ever engrossed my feelings like that of preaching Christ to the heathen. To the accomplish- ment of this object I have endeavored to direct all my plans, and all my actions. For this I left almost all, that was dear to me in life, and came to this land of pagan darkness to publish the Sa- vior's love to stupid idolaters. And now, when the miseries of the heathen are full in my view, it is my great trial not to be able to preach to them."
After several years of protracted suffering, he expired at Tillipally in Ceylon, August 3, 1822. " He died rejoicing in the hope of a glorious immortality." He was buried in the afternoon of the next day, (which was the Lord's day,) and converted heathen carried him to his grave.
17
" His sound judgment, meekness, disinterestedness, faithfulness, love to his Savior, to his fellow missionaries, to the heathen,- his piety towards God, and universal benevolence to men ;- ren- dered him a truly valuable laborer in the vineyard of the Lord." He may justly be considered as one of the first martyrs from this country in the high and holy cause of missions to the heathen.
A monument, bearing the following inscription in English and in Tamul, was placed over his grave by his bereaved widow. .
In memory of The Rev. James Richards, A. M. American Missionary, who died August 3, 1822, Aged 38 years. One of the first projectors of American Missions, He gave himself first to Christ, and then to the heathen. A physician both to soul and body, He was In health, laborious, In sickness, patient,- In death, triumphant. He is not, for God took him.
Tamul Inscription translated. In memory of The Rev. James Richards, A. M. American Missionary, who died August 3, 1822, Aged 38 years. Reader, He came to this country to tell you that, excepting through Christ Jesus, there is no way to escape Hell, and obtain Heaven. Believing in this Savior, He died, rejoicing in hope of eternal happiness. Let all, who read this, prepare for death also.
The English inscription was written by the Reverend M. Winslow, that in Tamul, by the Reverend H. Woodward.
2. Cyrus Joy, son to Jacob Joy, was graduated at Williams College in 1811. He studied law and practiced at Northampton, 3
18
and afterwards in this place. He relinquished the practice several years since, and now resides in Philadelphia.
3. William Allen Hallock, son of the Reverend Moses Hallock, was born June 2, 1794, and graduated at Williams College in 1819. He studied divinity at Andover, and while there, was chosen agent, and afterwards assistant secretary to the American Tract Society, at that time located at Andover. He assisted in the formation of the American Tract Society at New York in 1825, and was chosen the first corresponding secretary and general agent, in which offices he still continues, much to the satisfaction of the soci- ety and the public.
This society has stereotyped nearly 700 publications, including about 20 standard evangelical volumes, has printed 35,000,000 copies, and has remitted upwards of 30,000 dollars to aid in the circulation of tracts in heathen lands.
4. Gerard Hallock, son of the Reverend Moses Hallock, was born March 18, 1800, and graduated at Williams College in 1819. He was engaged for a while in instructing youth, particularly as preceptor of Amherst Academy. He afterwards commenced a religious and miscellaneous paper in Boston, entitled the Boston Telegraph. After being published for one year, a union was formed between this paper and the Boston Recorder, and Mr. Hallock continued in the editorship of the united paper till the middle of 1826, when he transferred his interest in the' establish- ment to the Reverend Asa Rand. He then removed to New York, where he became one of the editors and proprietors of the New York Observer, which paper he continued till Januury, 1829. He is now joint editor and proprietor of the New York Journal of Commerce, one of the largest newspaper establishments in the United States.
5, James Hayward, son of captain James Hayward, was gradu- ated at Harvard University in 1819. In 1820 he was appointed tutor in the department of mathematics and natural philosophy ; and in 1826, was made college, professor iu the same department. This office he resigned in 1827, being appointed a member of the Board of Internal Improvement for the state of Massachusetts, and engineer to that Board. In 1829 he published at Cambridge Elements of Geometry upon the Inductive Method.
6. William Richards, son to deacon James Richards, born
19
August 22, 1793, was graduated at Williams College in 1819. He studied divinity at Andover Theological Seminary, and was ordained as a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions at New Haven, September 12, 1822. He sailed with his wife from New Haven for the Sandwich Islands, November 19, the same year, where he arrived in April, 1823. His labors here appear to have been very acceptable and useful. " He resides in the village of Lahaina, (in the island of Maui,) one of the most delightful spots in the Sandwich Islands He has a beeutiful house built of coral by the natives, two stories high, plastered and whitewashed within and without, with a piazza and handsome yard in front. He has a fertile garden spot, in which every thing wished for may be raised with suitable care." "He preaches in a new coral meeting house to an audience of about 2,500. This house, which was built by the natives with very little expense to the mission, has a gallery, bellfry and bell, is plastered and whitewashed within and without, with a floor of hewn coral covered with mats." " It is the most substantial and noble structure in Polynesia." "There are," says a writer in the Nantucket Inquir- er, "about sixty church members, (exclusive of the missionary fami- lies, )" later accounts say 195 in all, " many of them native chiefs. A Temperance Society has been formed, which consists of about forty members. There is not a shop for the sale of ardent spirits on the island, and, indeed, the traffic is rigidly prohibited.
" Of the necessaries and conveniences of life there is a very bountiful supply, together with many of the luxuries used in this country, including an ample stock of dry goods and other mer- chandize,-and, in short, all the indications of civilized life. The people are kind and hospitable, the climate mild, and the soil fertile,-all presenting numerous inducements to a residence there. This island is considered the most productive of the whole group."
It must be extremely gratifying to the friends of the Redeemer to learn that the missionaries have translated and published the New Testament in the language of these islands.
7. Tilly Brown Hayward, son of captain James Hayward, was born April 2, 1797, and graduated at Harvard University in 1820. Since this time he has been employed in the instruction of youth.
8. Austin Richards son of deacon James Richards, and born February 9, 1800, was educated at Amherst College. He be-
20
longed to the class of 1824, and, after the institution was incorpo- rated, received the degree of bachelor of arts. He studied divinity at Andover, and was ordained as minister of Francestown, New Hampshire, November 7, 1827 ..
9. Erastus Dickinson, son of Ebenezer Dickinson, was born April 1, 1807, and graduated at Amherst College in 1832. He is now a member of Auburn Theological Seminary.
POPULATION.
The number of inhabitants from the settlement of the town to the census of 1790 can not be accurately ascertained. In that year there were 458; in 1800, 797; in 1810, 977; in 1820, 936; in 1830, 983. This slow increase is owing to no unusual cause, except the great number of emigrations.
The number of ratable polls is 220. The number of voters, ac- cording to a list made out by the selectmen in March, 1834, is 207.
BILL OF MORTALITY.
The church records furnish by far the most complete list of deaths; those of the district and town being considered too imper- fect in this respect to be of much value. Unfortunately, in the church records, the ages are not given till 1802. The following table exhibits the most complete list, that I have been able to obtain, of the deaths from 1785, inclusive, to the present time, with the name and age of the oldest person, woj died in each year from 1802. Such of our inhabitants as died abroad are not reckoned in this list.
1785,
2
1794,
18
1786,
2
I795,
2
1787,
8
1796,
11
1788,
6
1797,
8
1789,
2
1798,
0
1790,
3
1799,
10
1791,
6
1800,
13
1792,
7
1801,
18
1793,
3
1802,
9 Widow Macintire,
83.
1803,
30
John Carr,
94.
21
1804, 15
Jacob Gloyd,
71.
1805,
11 Deacon John Packard's wife, 60.
1806, 15 Widow Whiton,
86.
1807,
14 Deacon John Packard,
71.
1808,
18
Moses Curtis,
86.
1809,
8
Jacob Hawes,
68.
1810,
15
Widow Snow,
81.
1811,
11
Seth Ford's wife,
86.
1812,
12
Jacob Joy,
77.
1813,
17
Deacon Joseph Beals,
61.
1814,
16
Ebenezer Beals,
83.
1815,
13
Jepthah Pool's wife,
60.
1816,
11 Widow Hannah Colson,
96
1817,
12
Caleb Beals,
60.
1818,
14 Widow Hannah Smith,
75.
1819,
14 Widow Shaw,
81.
1820,
7 John Joy's wife,
39.
1821,
12
Benjamin Pool,
56.
1822,
10 Widow Daniels,
76.
1823,
13 Joseph Pool,
84.
1824,
15 Samuel Whitman,
93.
1825,
13
Deacon Gideon Shaw,
80.
1826,
16 Levi Stetson,
80.
1827,
8 Caleb Joy,
76.
1828,
9 Ammon White,
82.
1829,
13
Noah Packard's wife,
75.
1830,
17 Benjamin Carr's wife,
82.
1831,
13 Widow Abigail Vining,
71.
1832,
7
Jacob Clarke,
77.
1833,
9 Gideon Hammond,
90.
In the years 1794 and 1803 the scarlet fever prevailed; in 1806, the typhus fever. It is remarkable that, in the year 1798, there was no death; also, from Augusr 5, 1827, to March 17, 1828, more than seven months, no person died. No instance of suicide or murder ever occurred in this town.
The following deaths seem worthy of particular notice. Jan- uary 9, 1804, Lucinda Packard of this town, but resident in Cummington, was found dead in her bed. May 19, 1804, James Thayer was drowned at Cummington, aged 21. . " June 22, 1812,
22
Levi Stetson, junior, was killed almost instantly by the fall of a tree, aged 35." August 11, the same year, "the wife of Gideon Hammond died in her chair at work, instantly, as is supposed; probably of the dropsy. Her husband awoke from a short nap after dinner, and found her sitting at her quillwheel, dead. Her age was 51." October 22, 1817, a son of Judson Stetson died from a bean in the windpipe, aged 5. May 4, 1820, Daniel Brown was killed instantly by a milllog rolling over him. May 10, 1828, the wife of Benjamin Towne, aged 39, was found, after much search, dead in the woods at Hawley, having wandered from home several days before, in a state of derangement. October 28, 1831, Clarissa Stetson, aged 8, died in consequence of her clothes' taking fire. July 11, 1833, Samuel Swift, residing in this place, was killed instantly, at Cummington, by the fall of a tree, aged about 50. March 8, 1834, Charles Bela Dyer, 2 years old, died in consequence of a piece of apple in the windpipe.
" Man is like a vapor ;
His life is like a shadow, that passeth away."-DAVID.
CIVIL HISTORY.
It does not appear that the Indians ever resided on these moun- tains, though, doubtless, their hunting parties occasionally traversed them in pursuit of game. The only antiquity belonging to the natives of the forest, that has been found here within my knowledge, is an arrowhead; and this is unfortunately lost.
Cummington, including Plainfield, was sold by the General Court to colonel John Cummings of Concord, June 2, 1762. The first meeting of the proprietors was held at Concord, December 21, the same year. The first meeting held at Cummington was on the third Wednesday of June, 1771.
The first person, who resided within the present limits of the town, was a Scotchman by the name of Macintire, who, with his family, began a settlement here in March, 1770. In the true spirit of Scotch hospitality, they used to prepare a haggess at each of their daughters' wedding feasts.
Many of the early settlers came from Bridgewater and Abington. Captain Joseph Joy is the first male inhabitant now living. Widow Ruth Cook, now in her ninety-fifth year, is the earliest settler
23
living, and the oldest person in town. Her son, John Cook, who was born October 27, 1778, is, so far as is known, the first person born in the town.
One of the first settlers, lately deceased, informed me that deer were very common here about 50 years since, and that he had seen tracks made by them in the snow similar to the paths made by our cattle in going to drink, and that a large number of them made their head quarters on Deer Hill in Cummington, but were entirely extirpated by the hunters of those days. He also said that one was caught by some hunters at a time when the snow in the woods would not bear him up, and, one of the party taking a fancy to ride him, he was tied on by the feet, and a bridle being put into the animal's mouth, he galloped off with his rider in full speed On coming, however, to a cleared spot, the crust was so hard as to bear up both the deer and his rider, so that, owing to the intracta- ble disposition of his beast, and the rapidity and eccentricity of his movements, his airing was not the most agreeable. Wolves and bears were also not uncommon in these early times.
It is believed that in the revolutionary struggle this town furnished its full proportion of men and means, as the present number of pensioners seems to show.
Cummington including Plainfield was incorporated as a town June 23, 1779. The first town meeting was held December 20, the same year. Plainfield was incorporated ss a district of Cum- mington, March 16, 1785. The first district meeting was notified and warned by Isaac Joy, pursuant to a warrant from Nahum Eager, esquire, of Worthington. This meeting was holden in the house of Simon Burroughs on Monday, July 25, 1786. Ebenezer Colson acted as moderator, and the following were the principal officers chosen: Joshua Shaw, district clerk; Ebenezer Colson, John Packard and John Cunningham, selectmen; Joshua Shaw, district treasurer; Isaac Joy and John Packard, tythingmen; John Streeter, deerreve. A deerreve was also chosen the next year.
In the insurrection under Shays in 1786, several of the inhabi- tants took a part. They were, however, soon convinced that they were in the wrong, and took the oath of allegiance.
March 22, 1790. " Voted to raise twenty pounds for schooling the ensuing year." April 5, 1790. " Voted to build school houses in each district for schooling."
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February 4, 1794, Joseph Clarke and Jonathan Beals with their families, together with all the lands lying north of a strait line from the south-east corner of Plainfield to the south-west corner of Ashfield was set off from the town of Ashfield, and annexed to the district of Plainfield. June 21, 1803, one mile of the southerly part of Hawley was set off to the district of Plainfield.
May, 15, 1806, it was " voted unanimously to petition the Gen- eral Court to set off the district of Plainfield from Cummington, and incorporate it into a town." This was accordingly done, June 15, 1807.
It appears that this town has always been opposed to a division of the county. In 1805, this opposition was expressed by a unan- imous and very full vote; and in 1811, a similar vote passed unanimously. The division, however, could not be prevented; and, soon after this, to borrow the forcible language of president Dwight, a native of Northampton, "This noble county, after exist- ing as a fine Doric column of industry, good order, morals, learn- ing and religion in Massachusetts for more than a century, was by an unwise legislature broken into three parts. Of its ruins were formed the three counties, of Franklin on the north, Hampshire in the middle, and Hampden on the south; each of them extending through the original breadth of the county of Hampshire. One political purpose, intended to be answered by this disruption, was to destroy the firm order and sound principles of the inhabitants. How far the plan will succeed, time alone can discover. From analogy it may be concluded, or, at least, ration- ally feared, that the inhabitants will lose some part of their elevation of character. Little counties almost of course have little officers, and little concerns; and the existence of these is but too common- * ly followed by a contraction of views, a diminution of measures, a destruction of influence and a deterioration of character."
A postoffice was established here in 1816.
Representatives.
Previous to the incorporation of Plainfield as a town in 1807, the representatives were chosen by the inhabitants of Cumming- ton and Plainfield in joint meeting. When no date is given, the town was not represented.
25
1786, William Ward of Cummington,
1787, William Ward, 1788, William Ward, 1790, William Ward,
1791, William Ward,
1793, James Richards,
1796, William Ward,
1797, William Ward,
1798, James Richards,
1800, Ebenezer Snell of Cummington,
1801, James Richards,
1802, Ebenezer Snell,
1803, James Richards,
1804, Ebenezer Snell,
1805, James Richards,
1806, Peter Bryant of Cummington, Adam Packard of Cummington,
1803, John Cunningham,
1809, John Cunningham,
1810, John Cunningham,
1811, James Richards,
1812, James Richards,
1813, John Hamlin,
1814, John Hamlin,
1815, John Hamlin,
1816, James Richards,
1819, Cyrus Joy,
I821, Elijah Warner,
1823, John Hamlin,
1826, John Hamlin,
1827, Elijah Warner;
1828, John Mack,
1829, John Mack,
1830, John Mack,
1831, Erastus Bates,
1832, Erastus Bates,
1833, Erastus Bates,
1834, Erastus Bates.
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1
Delegate to a Convention from the Counties of Hampshire, Frank- lin and Hampden at Northampton, July 14 and 15, 1812. Nehemiah Joy.
Delegate to the Convention for revising the Constitution, Novem- ber, 1820.
James Richards.
Justices of the Peace.
Appointed,
June 8, 1802, James Richards, commission expired January 28, 1830;
May 23, 1812, Ebenezer Colson, removed to Hamilton, New York, May, 1816;
June 18, 1819, Cyrus Joy, removed toNew York, 1824;
February 19, 1827, Iram Packard, removed to Ohio, September, 1832;
February 25, 1828, Elijah Warner;
March 11, 1830, John Mack, died February 15, 1833, aged 54; March 23, 1833, Erastus Bates, removed to Ohio, May, 1834; February 7, 1834, Leavitt Hallock.
Attornies.
Several attornies have practiced here, each for a short time; but no one has met with sufficient encouragement to make it his permanent residence.
Physicians.
Solomon Bond, Barney Torrey, Jacob Porter and Samuel Shaw have successively practiced physic in this place. The last named is a fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Militia.
There are two companies of militia; an artillery company with two brass field pieces, and a company of infantry. Their discipline is thought to be fully equal to that of the neighboring towns.
27
Revolutionary Pensioners.
Lemuel Allis,
$96,00
Joseph Barnard,
96,00
Ebenezer Bisbee, 20,00
John Campbell, died April 26, 1833, aged 80,
23,33
Vinson Curtis, .
80,00
Ebenezer Dickinson,
30,00
James Dyer,
100,00
Joseph Gloyd,
20,00
Reverend Moses Hallock,
23,33
Jacob Nash,
100,00
Philip Packard,
96,00
Whitcomb Pratt,
80,00
James Richards,
25,55
Josiah Shaw,
80.00
Samuel Streeter,
96,00
Josiah Torrey,
106,66
Caleb White,
32,33
The Poor.
The poor have, in some instances, been struck off at auction to the lowest bidder. At other times, perhaps more generally, they have been committed to the care of the overseers of the poor, to be provided for according to their best discretion. The cost of supporting them has never been great. At present, only one person is assisted by the town, at an expense of 72 cents a week,= 37 dollars, 44 cents a year.
Taxes for 1834.
Minister's salary, $400,00
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