Full text of "History of the town of Bernardston, Franklin county, Massachusetts. 1736-1900. With genealogies"

UMASS/AMHERST

31EDbbDD725T2HS

LlJIu L

•1863

DATE DUE

^^^J±6'^

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

AT
AMHERST

F
74

B32
K3

mmmmmask

Zng^ by H'W Smith, from a Vaffu.' iy J AAVhipple

tti^tZ^i-

JlJBjmAJSllit^TON, MA?*5i~

HISTORY

OF THE

Town of Bernardston

FRANKLIN COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

1736-1900.

WITH GENEALOGIES

LUCY CUTLER KELLOGG.

GREENFIELD, MASS.;

Press op E. A. Hall & Co.,

1902.

HPeDicatton.

As A SLIGHT TRIBUTE TO THOSE EVER CHERISHED FRIENDS AMONG

WHOM THE EARLIER YEARS OF LIFE WERE SPENT, AS

AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE EXCELLENT

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS RECEIVED

IN THESE SCHOOLS,

J\n tlobing Commemoration

OF THOSE IMMEDIATE FAMILY FRIENDS WHO CHOSE THIS TOWN AS

THE SCENE OF THEIR EARTHLY STRUGGLES AND TRIUMPHS, AND

AS THEIR FINAL RESTING-PLACE, AND TO THOSE REMAINING,

WHO, IN THE COURSE OF A COMPARATIVELY FEW YEARS,

WILL BE TENDERLY AND REVERENTLY LAID BESIDE

THOSE GONE BEFORE, THESE ANNALS ARE

MOST AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.

PREFACE.

The history of this town is, by far, of much greater value and
interest than a casual observer of to-day would be led to believe
possible. It is, therefore, with a feeling of deepest satisfaction
that the completion of this work is viewed, — all the more intense
because undertaken purely from motives of veneration and cher-
ished remembrances of childhood associations.

As is well known to many residents of the place, this is the third
attempt made to embody in permanent form the history of our
ancestors, their stru»-a-les to reclaim the land and establish for
themselves a home on the frontier. The late Lieut." Governor
Henry W. Cushman began making notes of conversations held
with older inhabitants as early as 1835. A native of the place, and
thoroughly interested in local historical research, he sedulously
collected, so far as he was able, each and every item of information
which, by any possible chance, he might need in the preparation
of the history he some day expected to publish. His death pre-
vented the fulfillment of his hopes. His papers were all bequeathed
to the New Ensfland Genealoorical and Historical Society of Boston
(of which he was a member), and for twenty years, to those locally
interested, it seemed as if the fruits of his labors were lost.

In April, 1884, the town appointed a committee to procure the
papers, finish up the work as might be necessary, and publish the
same. It had been said, and was supposed to be the case, that, had
Mr. Cushman lived, a month's labor was all that would have been
required to complete the manuscript for publication. With the
aid of an amanuensis, this might have been pretty nearly correct,
for, to one who had been studying the subject and collecting mate-
rial for so long a time, the general plan of procedure and scope of
the work must have been practically arranged, mentally at least,
and the need of a certain date or fact had but to become apparent

VI PREFACE.

when it could be almost instantly produced. As it was, the com-
mittee, Rev. Stillman Barber, Dr. (). A. Wheeler and Mr. Frederic
Chapin, procured from the New Enjjland Society rooms in Boston,
about 1700 papers, varying in size from a piece three or four inches
square to a sheet of foolscap, and containing not only items rela-
tive to town matters, but also personal and business letters, invita-
tions, notices and even telegrams ; altogether a most heterogeneous
collection, and one which, without a thorough perusal, might well
seem of no practicable application to the subject. The committee
were disheartened by the presentation of so many and unexpected
obstacles, and the matter was then given no further consideration.

Under the stimulus of an ever-growing desire to learn of the
days of old, to prove or disprove the many traditions, and having
these desires fostered by the willing relation of many facts and
incidents drawn from the retentive memories of family friends,
the wish grew that others, too, might be better informed. vSuch
was the inception of this volume. As the work progressed, the
fact of how much was irrevocably gone by the passing of the for-
mer generation, was borne home with overwhelming force and
augmented the resolve already made, that all which was at pres-
ent garnered in Memory's storehouse should be culled, that the
harvest might be golden.

During the winter of 1889 90 these same papers of Lieut. Gov.
Cushman were procured from the late Mr. P. L. Cushman, who had
accidently found, and, recognizing the hand-writing of his cousin,
Lieut. Gov. Cushman, taken them to his own home for safety.
A discriminating research was made, and all in any way relative
to the work proposed, laid one side ; the rest were returned to the
Society in Boston.

At the annual March meeting, 1900, the town passed a vote mak-
ing an appropriation to assist in the publication of this work, ap-
pointing Rev. D. H. Strong, Messrs. O. W. Gray and R. L. Crowell
as a committee to have the matter in charge.

In the winter of 1900 there was received from Rev. C. C. Carpen-
ter of Andover, a few pages of manuscript " History of T^ernard-
ston," written probably about 18 14 by Major Stephen Webster.

PREFACE. vii

This quaint compilation of facts had been found among the
papers of the late Dr. Carpenter, and further reference is made to
it on pages 245, 6, 7.

Careful perusal and consideration of the best methods of pro-
cedure followed. It soon became evident that everything in hand
was of a decidedly fragmentary nature, and that the only systema-
tized work left, was that embodied in the lectures delivered before
lyceums, several of which had been published in the County
papers as they appeared. Taking these as a basis, verifying and
adding to the notes left, by careful research and close examination
of the original records of both town and churches, as well as by
an extensive correspondence, the result is herewith presented.
And it is hoped that it will be received on its merits as an at-
tempted faithful narration of what has been endured by those
sturdy yeomen who gave the best efforts of their lives, of their
free, untramelled spirit, to our immediate progenitors that they,
in turn, might enjoy greater blessings and still further pave the
way for a life of comfort and comparative ease for those who
should come after them. So closely were the people allied and so
dependent was each upon the other that the whole record is, as it
were, a grand mosaic. Separate the lives and deeds as you will,
each forms a small section, complete in itself, ornamental of itself,
and furnishing examples worthy of emulation. Fit these sections,
cement them firmly — as the lives and common interests of our
people have always been 'cemented — and who shall say that ours
does not express a living panorama of bravery, sufferings, priva-
tions and hardships, merging finally into the greatest blessings
that a cultured civilization can bestow?

It remains to gratefully acknowledge the cheerful and ready co-
operation which has been everywhere extended, coming, as it has
in many instances, from entire strangers. Thanks are tendered
to Mr. Wm. P. Greenlaw and the New England Genealogical &
Historical Society, of which he is a member, for the loan of books
and manuscripts; to the Town Clerks, Messrs. Slate and Crowell,
and to the local pastors for their interest and kindness in looking
up and loaning books and papers ; to Messrs. O. W. Gray, who
has generously made and contributed the valuable maps ; and to

Vlll PREFACE.

George E. Burrows for his patient and painstaking work in the
matter of illustrating. Both these gentlemen have a high stand-
ing in their professions and their advice and disinterested labor in
this matter has been of the greatest assistance in the preparation
of the work. To Hon. Geo. Sheldon, and not least of all to my
dear father and grandfather, who have always stood ready to ad-
vise and revise, and to give from retentive memories many facts
which it would otherwise have been difficult to obtain ; to my
mother, who has always lovingly lightened home duties that needed
time for research might be secured, and, finally, to each and every
one who, by ready response to inquiries and with words of kindly
encouragement, have thus assisted in bringing the matter to a suc-
cessful termination.

Few words will suffice to place this work before the friends and
former townspeople, as well as those of future generations, for
whose perusal, pleasure, and it may be profit, it has especially been
compiled.

The value of local history is, year by year, becoming more and
more apparent in this section, so rich in historical reminiscences.
It is a difficult matter to find a place so secluded that careful re-
search does not disclose some fact of interest to the general public.
In the primal settlements of new countries there is always a
marked similarity; even before the Christian Era we see the same
parallel. The "survival of the fittest."

From the days when pagan Britain surrendered to the more
dvilized Roman government, through the so-called dark ages
Town to the time of Christ; then through the centuries succeed-
ng, in the old world,— the then only known world, — the result is
he same, — knowledge and strength combined triumph over ignor-
nce and its attendant weaknesses. So in the early settlements in
ur own country, the arts and means employed in military warfare
ventually overmatched the daring cunning of the uncivilized
aces.

PREFACE. IX

The study of ancient history and of the pre-historic races is pos-
sessed of a peculiar fascination, and the lives of many of our most
learned men are expended in patient research and writing regard-
ing the same. If, then, this deeply buried matter is of such inter-
est and importance as to thus engage the wise men of our day, is
it clainling too much to assume that each and every one of us
ought to have some definite knowledge, first regarding the found-
ing of the places with which our individual lives are intimately
connected, and secondly concerning the lives and deeds of those
to whom we directly owe our very existence? It would seem that
a spirit of veneration would prompt such inquiry, but unfortu-
nately this has not always been proven the case. The general his-
tory of countries is now taught in the schools. Hence, as a rule,
the young people of to-day are better informed upon such topics
than were those of fifty years ago. On the other hand, formerly
the early settlement of the country was a common subject. Had
those of former generations realized the value of the knowledge
they held and committed the main facts to writing, how much bet-
ter instructed might we of to-day be! Much is now irrevocably
gone and much that remains is so obscured that the most patient
research alone will separate the true from the false, and not im-
possibly then the shadow of doubt must rest upon some portion of
that retained.

In the time that is left, ere our aged men shall have passed be-
yond, let us each strive to glean all which their retentive memories
have thus far perpetuated, and then see to it that the same is re-
corded somewhere and in available shape, remembering that,
while each may not regard prominence in the literary or historical
world, it is the sum total of the little things, — common every-day
happenings if you will, — which must enter into the construction of
the grand, completed whole. The chronological table is filled only
when each fact occupies its appropriate niche.

No attempt has been made to connect the events transacted here
with those of the outer world, except so far as is necessary to a
proper understanding of the same, and it is in the hope that some
degree of information may be imparted to those now upon the stage
of action, and with the certainty that those of a future generation

PREFACE.

may see here as plain a record as possible, that this work is placed
before the public. To those already near the golden gate may it
revive pleasant memories! As it has been undertaken in a spirit
of kindly affection, that its many shortcomings may receive a
kindly criticism is all that is asked.

It is only by the ready assistance of friends that much needed
material has been obtained. To them and to others let it here-
with be returned.

Lucy Cutler Kellogg.

Greenfield, Mass.
Feb. 1902.

L. C. KELLOGG.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
Location and Boundaries — Additional Grants- — Colraine
Gore — District of Leyden^Names of the Town and
their Origin— Natural Features — River, Brooks,
Mountains, Glen, Soil — Productions — Anecdote of
Samuel Connable. - - . - - - i-8

CHArTF:R II.

Early History and Origin — The Falls Fight — Petition for
a Grant — The Reply — Territorial Grants — Proprie-
tors — First Proprietors' Meeting — Division of Land
— Numbers of the Lots Drawn — Josiah Scott's Set-
tling Bond — Collectors — Plan of the Town Ordered
— The "Gore" — First Families— Church Matters. 8-27

CHAPTER III.

First Settlements — Location of the Forts — Methods De-
vised for Escape from the Indians — Mr. Norton's
Dismissal — Indian Hostilities — Burk Fort and its
Inhabitants — Records of Military Service — Anec-
dotes — Letter from John Burk to his Wife — Resi-
dents in 1760 — Rev. Mr. Wright's Call and Accept-
ance — Incorporation of the Town — Pound Ordered
— First Town Meeting and Town Officers — Petition
for Relief from the Province Tax— First Represen-
tative, Major John Burk — Extracts from his Diary —
His Commissions. ----- 27-48

CHAPTER IV.

Roads — Votes relative to Roads and Bridges — Bridges —
Mills — Taverns — Stages — Railroad — Industries — -
vShoe-shops — Snath-shops — Lime-quarries — Black-
smiths — Stone-work — Rope- work — Tailers — Har-
ness-making — Distilleries — Cutlery — Stores - 48-72

Xll TADLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER V.

Political and Military History — Patriotic Position Taken
Durinof the Revoluticm — Committees of Inspection
and Safety Appointed — Their Duties — Case of Jacob
Orcutt — Revolutionary Soldiers — Captain Joseph
Slate — Action in regard to the State Convention —
Amount of Supplies Furnished — Votes in the first
State Election — Valuation of the Town in 1780 —
Shay's Rebellion— War of iS 12— Civil War— First
Volunteers — Roll of Bcrnardston Men who served
in the Arm.y — Relief Work of the Ladies — Presenta-
tion to Lieut. Hurlbert. - - - - 72-95

CHAPTER VI.

District of Leyden — Fall Town Gore. - - - 95-101

CHAPTER VII.

Ecclesiastical History — First Parish — Organization — Pearly
History — Early Ministers — Ordination Sermon —
Rev. John Norton — Rev. Job Wright — Rev. i\masa
Cook — Rev. Timothy Rogers — Society becomes
Unitarian — Unitarian Pastors. - - - 101-149

CHAPTER VIII.

Baptist Society — Pastors — Orthodox Congregational So-
ciety — Pastors — Universalist Society — Pastors —
Methodist Society — Pastors— Dorrellites. - - 149-190

CHArrKK IX.

Bernardston's Centennial Aug. 20, 1862. - - 190-222

CHAPTER X.
Cushman Library — Schools. . - - - 222-245

CIIAPTKR xi.
Historical and Local Items — Rt)ll of those who vServed in
Wars of 1744-1758 — Revolution — Shays Rebellion —
War of 1812 — Civil War — Postmasters — Town
Officials. ------ 245-272

CIIAPIKR XII.

Homes — Park -Public Buildings — Cemeteries — Town

Farm— Conclusion. ----- 272-282
Genealogical Register. ----- 282-525

ERRATA.

Page 2, line 23, and page 14, line 16, read r>criiard instead of
Ba7'nard.

Page 2, line 24, read Hampshire instead of Franklin.

Page 6, line 3, read stratum instead of strata.

Page 29, line 4, read as instead of 71s.

Page 30, line 32, read Rebecca Perry, Miriam and Moses Scott
instead of the tliree latter.

Page 49, line 3, after //pj, insert see page 121.

Page 65, last line, omit word now.

Page 82, line 3, read under Kin.gly instead of uiikingly.

Page 152, line 14, read i2j instead of ^9.

Page 166, line 11, read three instead oi five.

Page 296, line 23, read Burk instead of Brick.

Page 379, line 26, read 5/(7^(?r^/ instead of Safford.

Page 384, last line, read Euda instead of Enda.

Page 412, line 5, read Miss instead of Mrs.

Page 422, next to last line, read Anson instead of Alison.

Page 436, line 8, read Frank E. instead of Frank J.

Page 486, line 20, omit Stebbins.

ADDENDA.

Here are to be found some families whose records were re-
ceived too late to go into the Genealogical Register in their proper
places, also two or three unintentionally omitted.
Cutler, Joel", (James^ Abner', Thomas', Thomas^ James' of
Watertown), b. May 20, 1796; m. (i) Apr. 10, 1828, Charlotte,
dau. of Abraham Moore of Dover, Vt., who d. Mch. 16, 1832,
ae. 29 years; m. (2) Mch", 1835, Ruby Haskins, widow of
Andrew A. Rawson. She was b. in Dover, Vt., Feb. 14,
1803; d. Nov. 28, 1888. Mr. Cutler resided many years in
Dover, purchasing in i860 a small farm in North Bernard-

ston, the place now owned by Talbot, and where he

d. Mch. 20, 1890. Until over 90 years of age he was able to
look after his work. He retained a vivid recollection of the
events of the War of 181 2. Had :
i. Ephraim \V.", b. Aug. 13, 1829; d. Feb. 6, 1830.

A step-daughter, Lucy Maynard Rawson, b. Feb. 19, 1825; m.
Mch. 17, 1853, A. Utley Chase of Bernardston.

Lanphear, Charles and George, brothers who came from the
north part of Colrain to town some years ago. Charles re-
sides near the iron bridge at the village on the Lathrop
Cushman place, George on the Fox Brook road.

Rice, Arland Fayette-', (Jason A.', Jason C), b. in Rowe, July
16, i860; m. Mch. 23, 1 89 1, Mrs. Ada R. Thayer, dau. of Fay-
ette Snow of Rowe. She was b. Oct. 25, 1863. Mr. Rice re-
moved from East Charlemont to Bern., Dec. 5, 1891, pur-
chasing the Benjamin F. Hale place on the Gill road, his
present home. Children:
i. Amy Hannah^ b. Mch. 24, 1898.
ii. Ari.and Snow\ b. Jan. 18, 1900.

ToTTLN(;iiAM, E. H., is l)y trade a painter having his shop in the
old Universalist church building. • His home is the place
formerly owned by George Brooks, north of the New Eng-
land House.

CHAPTER I.

LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES — ADDITIONAL GRANTS — COLERAINE GORE

— DISTRICT OF LEYDEN — NAMES OF THE TOWN AND THEIR ORIGIN
— NATURAL FEATURES— RIVER, BROOKS, MOUNTAINS, GLEN, SOIL,

— PRODUCTIONS — ANECDOTE OF SAMUEL CONNABLE.

Location and Boundaries. — Bernardston is situated contiguous to
the State of Vermont, in a section of the beautiful Connecticut Val-
ley justly famed for the grandeur and variety of its scenery. One
of the northern towns of Franklin County, its boundaries are : On
the north, the State line, on the east, the towns of Northfield and
Gill, on the south. Gill and Greenfield, and on the west, Leyden.
It is distant from Boston about loo miles, west by north, in lati-
tude 42 degrees, 43 minutes, and longitude 4 degrees, 19 minutes,
east of Washington. Its shape is nearly that of a trapezium, none
of its four sides being either equal or parallel. From a survey
made by Lt. (tov. Cushman in 1830 it is seen that the west is the
longest and the north the shortest side. The average distance
north to .south is five miles, east to west, four and one-half miles.
At that time it contained twenty-three and one-fourth square miles,
or 14.895 square acres.

Florida Grant. — When the town was first laid out it was not defi-
nitely known where the vState line was, but in 1763 the line was
run, and it was found that a strip about one-half a mile in width
on the north side, belonged to New Hampshire, which at that time
included Vermont. . To compensate the proprietors for the lo.ss
thus sustained, the Legislature granted, in June, 1765, about 7,500
acres on Hoosac mountain, which land is located within the pres-
ent town of Florida, and the grant was confirmed in November of
the same year. In 1779 trouble began with regard to town division,
which was settled in 1780 by action of the Legislature, setting off
2,576 acres lying west of Green river, to Colrain. This was in ac-
cordance with the wishes of the inhabitants of the " Gore," as the
land thus disposed of had come to be known. March 12, 1784, the

NAME.

town was again shorn of her possessions by the district of Leyden
being set off. It has twice received small annexations, the first
time in 1838 when a small strip of land located near Mr. Hurlbert's
factory was acquired, and the second, June 10, 1886, when the south-
east corner of Leyden was ceded to the parent town. To-day the
town of Bernardston comprises but about one-half of its original
territory.

Nauic. — Its early name commemorated the event to which it di-
rectly owed its existence, — the Falls Fight. Doubtless because of the
length of the name " Falls Fight Township" as it was first called,
came the gradual contraction to " Fall Town," and the stream " Fall
River " probably took its name from the town and the circum-
stances of its settlement, rather than the town having been named
from the river, as some in recent years have asserted. Up to 1762,
the time of the formal inc(M'porati()n of the hamlet into a town, this
was the name by which the pioneer settlement was known. In
January, 1762, the General Assembly of the Province of Massachu-
setts Bay set its official seal upon the petition presented by the in-
habitants, and the name of Fall Town lingered only in the memo-
ries of those to whom the place was possessed of a personal interest.
To the world at large " Barnardstown " suggested the little village
in northern Franklin County. This name was bestowed in honor
of vSir Francis Ikirnard, baronet of Nettleham, Lincolnshire, Old
England, and Provincial G(Jvernor of Massachusetts under George
the Third.

The fact that the place was named for a Tory (lovernor has, at
times, aroused the ire of some of her citizens, but some measure of
consolation may be gleamed from the truism that the man could
hardly have been held alone responsible for the age in which he
lived, nor yet for having been born a British subject. May not the
circumstance of his being considered by his king worth}' to assume
such a position, serve in some degree to mitigate this feeling?

The sentiments which led to the settlement of this country and
the subsequent life of the colonists, — these two things of them-
selves would prevent anyone loyal to the British ruler from being
acceptable to the people. The independent spirit here fostered
was directly opposed to the policy of the English government, and

KIVKRS AND liROOKS.

Oppression was the inevitable result. Had Eng-land realized the
strength of her offspring we might almost have looked for more
diplomatic measures. Severe indeed was the lesson she had to learn!

The present name, Bernardston, — Barnardstown suffering con-
traction, — is less suggestive, and, to the casual observer, there is
nothing, as in the first names, to indicate anything relative to the
town's history.

River and Brooks. — Fall River bisects the' town from north to
south, entering the Connecticut at Kiverside a little below the Falls
where occurred the memorable fight. It is. a beautiful, placid
stream whose waters are unusually clear and cold, owing perhaps
to its being fed by innumerable springs and small streams. The
source of its east branch is just south 'of the slate quarries in Guil-
ford, Vermont. On the farm of Mr. Abbott Brown in North Ber-
nardston it is joined by the north-west branch, coming down from
the mountain west.

As in all places, the land is irrigated by brooks, some of the
larger being locally known as the " Newcomb Brook," the " Ceph
Slate " or " Branch Brook," " Dry" and " Mill" brooks, the "Casey
Brook," " Moll's Brook " and " Fox Brook." Many of these names
suggest their origin and application. The " Newcomb," " Casey,"
" Fox " and " Slate " brooks ran near or through the farms of men
bearing those names.

"Moll's Brook " owes its name to "Old Aunt Moll Foster" who,
in her later years, became a town charge. She lived in a log house
in " Moll's Hollow " (likewise named for her) east of the Burk
bridge near where the brook empties its waters into Fall River.
" Dry Brook" starts on " Huckle Hill," on the David Severance, —
afterward David Streeter — farm, and acquires its name from the
fact that in its course downward, in the " Purple Meadow " back of
the location of the Lieut. Sheldon Fort site, it is invariably dry in
summer.

One characteristic of the brooks here is, that they are all moun-
tain brooks, and their course carries them down through gorge and
glen, forming by the roadsides numberless picturesque scenes and
cool retreats, most inviting upon a summer day, or most beautiful
to behold when in the grasp of winter.

NATURAL FEATURES.

Natural Features. — The natural features are everywhere varied
and pleasing. The town is nestled in the valley running north and
south, girt about with rugged hills, offshoots of the Green Moun-
tain range. The principal elevations are locally known as West
Mountain, Bald and Ragged Mountain, or, as the latter has been
designated of late, "Tame Cat." West Mountain is nearly 630 feet
in height, the others but little less. "From the top of West Moun-
tain, which is a rock but a few feet in width, there is a beautiful,
variegated and extensive view of the surrounding country, extend-
ing south as far as Connecticut. North the view is intercepted by
the Green Mountains and north-east the Monadnock rises like an
island in the midst of an ocean. At the south-east the 'deep roll-
ing Connecticut ' may be seen winding its course through the val-
ley, as a poet has beautifully expressed it, ' Giving verdure to na-
ture and morals to man.'

More than 50 towns, probably, are in sight, 1 1 churches can be
seen with the naked eye and, with a telescope, more than 20 can
be discovered, and a tract of country which is scarcely excelled in
point of the fertility of the soil and the virtues of its inhabitants."
Thus Lieut. Gov. Cushman, in 1861, described the outlook.

Passing on toward North Bernardston, Wildcat looms above the
horizon to the left. This grand old mountain is seen to its best
advantage from its northern approach, where its densely wooded,
precipitous sides are sharply delineated, and, with its companion.
Tame Cat, opposite, and the beautiful meadow farms and peace-
fully flowing river between, it presents a scene of rarely equalled
beauty. From the wild nature of the place rather than from the
ferocious animal has the name been applied, and many have been
the hunting expeditions planned in days of yore, with Wildcat as
the objective point.

Upon the opposite side of the river is Tame Cat or. as it was ear-
lier known, " Ragged Mountain." This elevation has always been
much more accessible, and after the timber was cut from it, the
wood-choppers gave it the name in contrast to the appearance of
Wildcat opposite, and Tame Cat it remains to the present. At
North Bernardston the mountain at whose b'ase lie nestled the farm
and buildings of Myron Corbett, has long been known as " Crow-

r
o
o
>

NATURAL F1':A TURKS. 5

berry Hill," while across the river is East Mountain, whose south-
ern elevation is " Tame Cat."

Bald Mountai)i.- — '• Ball Mountain " for short, — lies a little farther
east and south of Tame Cat and is said to derive its name from a
bald, rocky spot near its summit, where the only vegetation ever
found is a little moss clinging- here and there to the crevices.

On the east side of this mountain is " Huckle Hill," rendered
memorable as being: the orio^inal site of the first church, and hav-
ing located thereon also one of the first dwellings, the " Dea. Shel-
don Fort." The huckleberries growing there in such profusion
gave it the name. Stratton Hill is the name of a gentle rise of
ground located north-west of Grass hollow, in the east part of the
town, north-west of the Purple place, while east of Dry Brook is
" Snow Hill," the early home of the vSnow family. In that portion
of the town incorporated into the district of Leyden are found
" Frizzle Hill," named for the Mr. Frizzle who settled there, and
" Beaver Meadow," so called from tlic great number of beaver for-
merly found there, while in the south-east part of the town is Shel-
don Hill.

Certain districts of the place have always been thus denominated,
and the older people of today will tell with pride how the great
number of geese kept by the residents on South street caused that
road to be known as " Ctoosc Lane," while " Burk Flat " was so des-
ignated because of its containing the John Burk Fort in the town's
early history ; and how one of the village worthies, years ago, used
to facetiously call this same " Flat" " The plains of Abraham," for
what reason, history is silent.

There are no very remarkable or striking curiosities here situ-
ated. Perhaps the glen upon the Newcomb I]rook merits more
than a passing notice, fr(nn its (nvn natural beauty, and also l)e-
cause here was enacted one of the many tragedies incident to the
Indian warfares. The place referred to is near the site of the
old Connable sawmill. The passage is not more than 12 to 15
feet in width and from 60 to 70 in depth. The water here falls
over the solid rock to the basin beneath. Over this place the
Indians passed on a log, en route to Canada after the pillaging of
Deerfield in 1704. One of the captives, (probably Hannah, daughter
of Samuel Carter,) here met her death.

I'KOlJUCnoNS.

The soil is largely composed of gravel, and it is due to this that
the roads are so easily kept in so good a condition. In sections a
strata of red sandstone appears. There are. here and there, some
mineral deposits, but not in sufficient quantities or in quality pure
enough to be of any practicable value. On the mountain on the
north part of the Levi Park place, where the lime and iron ores
are found, there are .scattered small mineral springs, whose waters
are impregnated with magnesia, sulphur and iron, and that to such
an extent that the soil and stones are covered with a thick, yellow
sediment.

Productions. — The alluvial meadow lands have been brought to a
high state of cultivation. In 1828 it was estimated by persons com-
petent to judge, that the town produced 8000 bushels of rye and
as much corn ; also that there was made that year 5000 barrels of
cider. In 1862 Mr. John Sanderson sent to the New York market
his famous ox, " Constitution " or " Hero," said at that time to have
been the largest beef creature ever dre.ssed there. He was of a
roan color, a grade Durham, small horn, and of the following mea.s-
urements: height, 5 feet 9 inches, largest girth, 11 feet 5 inches,
length from roots of horns to tail, 9 feet, width of back, 4 feet,
width across rump, i foot 1 1 inches, across shoulders, 3 feet 3 inches,
between forelegs, 1 foot 4 inches, length from hip to root of tail,
2 feet 1 1 inches, length from ham to brisket, 7 feet 5 inches, girth
around neck forward of shoulder, 9 feet 5 inches. His dressed
weight was 2,473 pounds. A large portion of this w^as purchased
for the Enelish market and the sum realized was invested in about
12,000 pounds of other good meat for distribution among the sol-
diers' families. Just a year later, in February, 1863, INIr. Imla K.
Brown slauofhtered a half-blood Chester hog, age 17 months and 1

t)' ■^'to

week, which at that time was considered a remarkable animal,
weighing, after hanging ten hours, 752 pounds. As the years go
by the Bernardston farmers keep pace with the times and take a
commendable pride in their vocation and productions. The latter
are of a nature to be found in all farming communities. An abund-
ance of good timber abounds, chestnut being now predominant.
Anecdote of Samuel Coiinnl'Ie.— li is a fact known to comparatively
few, probably, that the inhabitants of Bernardston were among the

ANECDOTK OF SAMUEL CONNARLE.

first to make to any great extent, what has now grown to be a staple
article of ci')mmerce in New England, namely the maple products.
To whom the honor of discovery belongs or whether we must go
back to the old Indian legend, we cannot tell. In " Dodsley's Reg-
ister " for October, 1765, it is stated that a " method of making sugar
and molasses from the sap of a certain tree called the maple, com-
mon in the New England colonies, has just been discovered and
put in practice at several portions of New England, but especially
at Bernardston, about 20 miles from Athol." In connection with
this industry is an anecdote of Mr. Samuel Connable, one of the
pioneers of the place, and a man remarkable for his ingenuity and
self acquired mechanical skill. Of him it is said that he gathered
" the sa]) in a basket and boiled it in a tub," which is literally true,
and was published at the time in the English periodicals, accord-
ing to Lieut, (tov. Cush man's papers. The explanation of this
seeming impossibility is found thus. The sap was gathered in a
basket, when frozen. The boiling in a tub does not seem quite as
admissable as truth, but in those days one article was required to
be put to as many uses as possible, and among the possessions of
Mr. Connable was an old fashicMicd " ]:)(^tash kettle" very large
round, conical in shape, but withal, shallow. How to utilize this
became a study. Finallv his ino-enuitv KSusjo:ested that greater
depth might be acquired h\ placing a tub top of the kettle, so pro-
curiuij:: a " set work " tub with cars to it, in which a handle could be
inserted, he remx)ved the bottom, placed the tub within the top of
the kettle and firmly packed the two together, something after the
manner of calking, and when his kettle — or tub — call it as you
will — was suspended from an improvised crane of crotched sticks,
over an open fire, he was ready in reality to " boil sap in a tub."
The contrast between this and the modern methods is certainly
suggestive.

And as in the subsequent pages, we see most plainly the vicissi-
tudes experienced and successes achieved, and the many obvious
comparisons, we may, in the same proportion, realize that

" The s^rcat eventful Present hides the Past ; but through the din
Of its loud life, hints and echoes from the life behind steal in
And the lore of home and fireside, and the legendary rhyme
Make the task of duty lighter, whicli the true man owes his time."

CHAPTER II.

EARLY HISTORY AND ORIGIN — THE FALLS FIGHT — PETITION FOR A
GRANT — THE REPLY — TERRITORIAL GRANTS — PROPRIETORS— FI RST
proprietors' meeting — DIVISION OF LAND— NUMBERS OF THE
LOTS DRAWN — JOSIAH SCOTT's SEI TLING BOND — COLLECT(JRS —
PLAN OF THE TOWN ORDERED— THE " GORE" — FIRST FAMILIES-
CHURCH MATTERS.

The early history of Bernardston is so closely identified with
that of contiguous towns, that, in treatin<^ of it, that of Leyden, a
part of Colrain, and other territory must necessarily be included.

The origin of the township properly antedates the grant of land
made in 1735 by the General Court, 58 years, when at the present
site of Riverside, near Turners Falls, occurred the " Falls Fight."
There were two accounts of the engagement written within a year
of its occurrence. One by Rev. William Hubbard of Ipswich, the
other, anonymously, and signed " N. vS." Both of these accounts
are well worthy perusal and vary only in minor details. i\fter
careful research Rev. George Bodge prepared the following ac-
count for the Genealogical Register (April, 1887), and has given
it in a full and accurate manner.

Falls Fight. — " A company consisting of volunteers and many of
the inhabitants of the towns along the Connecticut River mounted
upon their own horses, and armed as each might be able, or from
the garrison, took up the line of march in the evening of May i8th
from Hatfield towards the Falls, twenty miles away, through the
woods. Taking their way northwards through Hatfield meadows
and on by the road where both Lathrop and Beers had met disaster
and death, past the ruins of Ueerfield, they cro.ssed the river at the
northerly part of the meadow (a late high authority says ' at the
mouth of Sheldon's brook ') and thus eluding the Indian outposts
stationed at a place now called ' Cheapside ' to guard the usual
place of crossing. These Indians, it is said, overheard the crossing

FALLS FIGHT.

of the troops and turned out with torches and examined the usual
ford, but finding no traces there, and hearing no further disturb-
ance, concluded that the noise was made by moose crossing, and
so went back to their sleep. A heavy thunder shower during the
night greatly aided the secrecy of the march, while it drove the
Indians to their wigwams and prevented any suspicion of an attack.
This danger safely passed, the troops rode forward through Green-
field meadows and crossing Green River, 'at the mouth of Ash
Swamp brook to the eastward, skirting the great swamp' (says
Mr. Sheldon) they at length, about daybreak, reached the high land
south of Mt. Adams, where the men dismounted, and leaving the
horses under a small guard, pushed on through Fall River and up
a steep hill, and halted, silently awaiting daylight, upon the slope
above the sleeping Indian Camp. Here all was wrapped in pro-
found sleep. It is said that a great feast had been celebrated the
night before by the Indians, at which they had gorged themselves
with fresh salmon from the river, and beef and new milk from the
Hatfield cattle. Not a guard had been set and no preparation had
been made, so secure were they and unsuspicious of an English
raid. And now with advancing daylight the sturdy settlers gath-
ered silently down and about their unconscious foes, to whom the
first warning of danger was the crashing of a hundred muskets,
dealing death in at their wigwam doors. Many were killed at the
first fire, and scarcely a show of resistence was made. The savages
who escaped were terrified at the thought that their old enemy
was upon them and fled towards the river yelling 'Mohawks!
Mohawks!' and wildly threw themselves into the canoes along
the banks, but many of these overcrowding the canoes, were thrown
into the river and carried over the Falls to certain death; others
were shot in attempting to reach the other side ; others were chased
to the shelving rocks along the banks and there shot down. It is
said that Capt. Holyoke there dispatched five with his own hand.
Very few of the Indians escaped and their loss was computed by
contemporary writers at 300. Only one of the English was killed
and he by mistake by one of his own comrades, and another was
wounded in this attack. The soldiers burned all the wigwams and
their contents, captured the tools of the Indian blacksmiths who

lO FALLS FIGHT.

had set up two forges for mending arms, and threw ' two great
piggs of lead (intended for making bullets) into the river.' But
while this was being accomplished, the several larger bodies of
Indians upon the river above and below, rallied, and from various
quarters gathered in and about the English. A small party acted
as decoys and showed themselves crossing the river above, and
succeeded in drawing a portion of our forces away from the main
body only to meet a large force and regain the command with diffi-
culty. Capt. Turner, enfeebled as he was by disease, collected and
drew off his troops towards the horses, while the guards were
about this time attacked by the enemy, who hastily withdrew at
the coming of the main body. Mounting their horses, the English
began the march for Hatfield. The Indians in increasing numbers
gathered upon flank and rear ; Capt. Turner led the van, though
so weak from long sickness as scarcely able to manage his horse.
The intrepid Capt. Holyoke commanded the rear guard, but in ef-
fect conducted the retreat. The Indians advanced upon the left
and rear and several sharp skirmishes ensued, while they tried to
separate the rear guard from the main. Once Capt. Holyoke's
horse was shot down and he narrowly escaped capture by the In-
dians who rushed forward to seize him, by shooting down the fore-
most with his pistol, till his men came to his aid. On the left of
the line of march, nearly all the way to Green River, was a swamp
in which the Indians found safe cover. A rumor was started (by
an escaped captive it is said) that Philip with a thousand warriors
was at hand, and a panic ensued.

The guides differed as to the course, and some following one and
some another, disorder prevailed and the command was broken up.
Two parties leaving the main body were cut off and lost. Captain
Turner pushed forward with the advance as far as Green River,
and was shot by the Indians while crossing the stream- near the
mouth of the brook upon which afterwards stood ' Nash's Mills.'
His body was found near the place by a scouting party a short time
afterwards. John Chase of Newbury, in 1735, testified that he was
in this expedition and helped to bury the body of Capt. Turner.

The whole command now devolved upon Capt. Holyoke, who
led his shattered forces, fighting every rod of the way to the south

I'K'rrnoN ok samuei, hunt. ii

side of Deerfield meadow to the place now known as the ' Bars'
(according- to Gen. Hovt's account). That the retreat did not end
in a general massacre is doubtless due to the skill and bravery of
Capt. Holyoke in keeping the main l)ody together, and in protect-
ing flank and rear while pushing forward to avoid the chance of
ambuscades; as it was, they found on arriving at Hatfield, that
some forty-five or more of their men were missing. Rev. Mr. Rus-
sell's letter of May 22nd gives some account of the losses, and says
that six of the missing have come in, reducing the number of lost
to thirty eight or nine. Of the Indian losses he gives the report
of vSergt. Bardwell, that he counted upwards of one hundred in and
about tlie wigwams and ah^ig the river banks, and the testimony
of William Drew and others that they counted some ' six score and
ten.' Hence we cannot but judge that there were above two hun-
dred of them slain."

Petition of Sanuici Hunt. — The services and sufferings of this in-
trepid band of Capt. Turner's certainly merited a fitting recognition
from the government they sought to protect, and a favorable re-
ply was received to the following, presented November, 1734.
" A petition of Samuel Hunt, of Billerica, for himself and other
suri'i-i'ors of the officers and soldiers that belonged to the com-
pany of Capt. Turner, and the representatives of tho.se that are de-
ceased, shewing that the said company in 1676 engaged the Indian
enemy at a place above Deerfield, and destroyed above three hun-
dred of them, and therefore, praying that this Court would grant
them a tract of land above Deerfield suital^le to make a township."

Reply. — The reply to this petition shows the condition which our
former legislators deemed necessary for the welfare of the future
town. In the House of Representatives Nov. 28, 1734, " Voted that
the prayer there-of be so far granted, as that the petitioners have
leave by a surveyor and chain-man upon oath to lay out a Town-
ship of the contents of six square miles, to the Northward of the
town of Deerfield, in the unappropriated lands of the Province, and
return a plat there-of to this Court for confirmation within twelve
months, and that the said township is granted to the petitioners
and such other Officers and soldiers that were in said fight above
Deerfield, commonly called the Falls Fight, and to the descendants

12 REPLY.

of any of the ofificers and soldiers that were in said fight and are
deceased, and that shall be admitted by the committee hereafter
named ; provided the grantees do within four years settle sixty
families in said township, and have each of them an house eighteen
feet square and five acres of land brought to English grass, or broke
up by plowing, and also build a convenient Meeting House, and
settle a learned orthodox Minister among them, lay out a home lot
for the first settled minister, and another for the Ministry, each of
which to draw a seventieth part of said township ; also a lot for the
school, of one hundred acres, the remainder to be divided into equal
parts among those that are admitted, and that John Stoddard, Jo-
seph Dwight, Charles Church, Samuel Danforth, Esqrs., with such
as shall be appointed by the Honorable Board, be a committee to
receive the claims of all such as shall challenge by this grant, and
are empowered and required to admit all such Officers and Soldiers
as shall within a twelve months from this time put in their claims
and give satisfactory accounts of their being in the fight, and shall
also admit one and only one, of the descendants of each of the Of-
ficers and Soldiers that were killed in said fight, or since deceased,
provided they put in their claims and make their challenge within
twelve months as aforesaid. And the committee are further di-
rected always to give preference to the eldest of the sons of each
officer or soldier, deceased, that shall put in their claims, and in
case no son puts in his claim within twelve months, then to give
preference to the eldest male descended from any such Officer or
Soldier, deceased, that shall put in their claims as aforesaid, and
all others shall be excluded."

TJic Grant.- — The land granted included what is now within the
limits of Bernardston, Leyden, a portion of Colrain, and a small
belt which was afterwards proven to have belonged to New Hamp-
shire, in all a tract 6 miles square. A previous grant to a Mr. Fair-
weather of 500 acres, situated in the east part of the new township,
together with the inountainous and waste lands included, so reduced
this in value that, in 1741, as the proprietors increased numerically,
they petitioned for and obtained another tract not yet covered by
any prior grants.

The following is a copy of the original order for calling the first

THE GRANT. I3

meeting of the " Mantlers of Fall Town "' and the return thereof.

'•In the House of Rep'tives, Dec. 24, 1735.
Ordered, That Thomas Wells, Esq'r, be empowered and directed to notifie
the Grantees of the Tract of Land or Township made by this Court to the
Officers and Soldiers that were in the Fall fight above Deerfield, and to
their Descendants, that they appear at some town in the County of Hamp-
shire as soon as conveniently may beto chose a Moderator and Proprietors'
Clerk and to agree upon effectual methods for the laying out and fiulfilling
of their grant and to call meetings for the future.

Sent up for Concurance. J. Quincy, Sp'kr.

In Council, Dec. 26, 1735.
Read and Concurred. J. Willard, Sec'y.

Consented to. J. Belcher.

A true copy.

Examined pr Thomas Mason, Dep't Secry."

On the back of this order is the follovv^ing in the handwriting of
Esquire Wells.

" Hampshire ss. Dec. 26, 1735.
Pursuant to the Directions of the Within order I the Subscriber have No-
tified the Grantees of the Township within mentioned by posting up notifi-
cations in those towns where any of the porsons concerned Dwell to appear
at ye house of Mr; Benjamin Stebbins of Northampton in sd county on
Jan'y ye 27, 1735-6, for ends and purposes within mentioned.

Tho's Wells."

It will be observed that this order was signed by Gov. Belcher
Dec. 24, and the return made Dec. 26. The grantees dwelt in 21
different towns in Massachusetts, scattered from Amesbury to
Kingston in the east and from Deerfield to Suffield on the Connect-
icut River, beside 13 towns in Connecticut. Those were not the
days of fast mails and Esquire Wells does not tell us how he exe-
cuted his commission.

This grant of 500 acres had its origin as follows : — Nov, 24, 1720,
in Council at Boston was received a petition from John Fayer-
weather in behalf of himself and others, grandchildren and heirs
of Jonathan Payne, late of Boston, deceased, shewing that about
1673, by direction of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay the latter
did run the southern line of said Colony to Hudsons River, having
the whole charge of the business thereby incurring great expense,

14 FAVEUWKATHKR GRANT.

hardships and fatigue. For this service the General Court granted
him, May 12, 1675, 1800 acres of land, and 4000 acres to be laid out
in two different places. Payne's death occurred before he could
procure the grant.

The " Plat " of the survey was returned Nov. 21, 1721, Timothy
Dwight, Surveyor. The land was laid out between Northfield and
Deerfield upon a brook known by the name of Dry Brook, begin-
ning 20 rods west of the ford way over said brook and running
north. By this we see that Dry Brook received its name at least

15 years before the grant of Falls Fight township.

Considering the circumstances of its origin, what could be more
appropriate than that the name of " Fall Town " should be be-
stowed, thus commemorating the " Falls Fight " of a half century
before! This name the hamlet retained until its formal incorpora-
tion as a town in 1762, at which time the name of " Barnardstown "
was adopted in honor of Gov. Barnard, a Provincial Governor of
Massachusetts Colony under King George the Third, of England.

Claimants. — The soldiers and descendants of those deceased who
were entitled to claims in the township granted were :

Joseph, only son of Hope Atlierton, of Dt'erlield.

Nathaniel, from Nathaniel Alexander, Northampton.

Thomas, eldest son of Thomas Alvord, Middleton.

John, son of William Arms, Deertield.

John, son of Timothy Baker, Northampton.

Samuel, son of Samuel Bedortha, Springfield.

John Field, descendant of James Bennett, Decrlield.

John, son of John Barbour, Springfield.

John, son of John Bradshaw, Medford.

Isaac, son of John Burnap, Windham.

Samuel Clesson, descendant of Peter P>ushrod, Northampton.

Samuel, son of Samuel Boltwood, Hadley.

Samuel, son of Robert Bardwell, Ueerfield.

John Hitchcock, descendant of Samuel Ball, Springfield.

Stephen, son of Stephen Belden, Hatlield or Northampton.

Richard, son of Klnathan Beers, Watertown.

Samuel, son of vSamuel Beldin, Hatlield.

Preserved, son of Preserved Clapp, Northampton.

Thomas, son of Japliet Chapin, vSpringtield.

Samuel, son of vSamuel Crow, Hadley.

Joseph, descendant of Joseph Crowfoot, Wethersfield.

William, son of William Clark, Lebauon.

CLAIMANTS. 1 5

Noah Cook, descendant of Noah Coleman, Hadley.

Benjamin, son of Benjamin Chamberlain, Colchester.

Nathaniel, descendant of Joseph Chamberlain.

Samuel, son of John Conniball, Boston.

John, son of John Chase, Newbury.

William, son of Nehemiah Dickeson, Hadley.

vSamuel Jellett, descendant of John Dickeson, Hatfield.

Benjamin, son of Benjamin Edwards. Northampton.

Joseph, son of Joseph Fuller, Newtown.

Samuel, son of Samuel Field, Deerlield.

Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel F'oot, Colchester.

John, son of John Flanders, Kin«^ston.

Isaac, son of Isaac Gleason, Enfield.

Richard Chuch, descendant of Isaac Harrison, Hadley.

Simon, son of Simon Grover, Maiden.

vSanmel, son of Joseph Griffin, Roxl)ury.

John, son of John Hitchcock, vSpringfield.

Luke, son of Luke Hitchcock, Springfield.

Jonathan, son of David Hoit, Deerfield.

Jonathan vScott, descendant of John Hawks, Waterbury.

Eleazer, son of Eleazer Hawks, Deerlield.

James, son of James Harwood, Concord.

John Doud, descendant of I^xpeiience Hinsdell, Middleton.

vSamuel, son of Samuel Hunt, Tewksbury.

William, son of Abel James, Lebannon.

John, son of John Ingram, Hadley.

Sanmel, son of vSamuell Jellett, Hatfield.

William, son of Robert Jones, Almsl)ury.

Medad, son of John King, Northampton.

Francis, son of F'rancis Keet, Northampton.

Martin, son of Joseph Kellogg, Sulield.

John, .son of John Lee, Westlield.

John, son of John Lyman, Northampton.

Joseph, son of Jo.seph Leeds, Dorchester.

Josiah, son of Josiah Leonard, vSpringlield.

John, son of Cornelius Merry, Long Island.

Stephen Noble, descendant of Isaac Morgan, formerly of Eiilield.

Jonathan, son of Jonathan Morgan, SpringfiehL

Thomas, son of Thomas Miller, vSpringlield.

James, sou of James Mun, Colchester.

Benjamin, son of John Mun, Deerlield.

John, .son of Phillip Matoon, Wallingford.

John, son of Godfrey Xinis, Deerlield.

F^benezer, son of Medad Puniroy, Northam])ton.

Sanmel, son of Caleb Pumroy, N. H.

Sanmel, son of Robert Price, Glastenbury.

Samuel, descendant of John Preston, Hadley.

1 6 CLAIMANTS.

Thomas, son of John Pratt, Maiden.

John, son of John Pressy, Almsbury.

Henry, son of Henry Rogers, Springfield.

John, son of Thomas Reed, Westford.

Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel Sikes, vSpringfield.

Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel Sutliff, Durham.

Samuel, son of Samuel Stebbins, Springfield.

Luke Noble, descendant of Thomas Stebbins, Westfield.

Ebenezer, son of William Smeed, Deerlield.

Joseph, son of John Smith, Hatfield.

James, son of James Stephenson, Springfield.

Thomas, son of Joseph Seldon, Haddam.

Josiah, son of William Scott, Hatfield.

John, son of John Salter, Charlestown.

William, grandson of Capt. Turner, Swanzey.

Benjamin, son of Benjamin Thomas, Stafford.

Capt. Joseph Winchell, Jr., descendant of Jonathan Tailer, Suffield.

Samuel, son of Samuel Tyley, Boston.

Preserved, son of James Wright, N. PI.

Cornelius, son of John Webb, vSpringfield.

Jonathan, son of Richard Webb, vStamford.

John, son of Benjamin Wait, Hatfield.

Pvleazer, son of Kleazer Webber or W^eller, Westfield.

Capt. Thoinas, son of Thomas Wells, Deerfield.

Ebenezer, .son of Joseph Warriner, Rnlield.

Jonathan, son of Jonathan Wells, Deerlield.

William, son of Nicholas Worthington. Colchester.

John, grandson of John vScott, Klbows.

" The Committee appointed to inlist the officei's and soldiers in
the fight called the falls fight under the Command of Capt. William
Turner then slain, and the Descendts. of such as are Deceased and
that are intitled to the grant of this great and general Court made
them of a township, have attended many times that service & re-
turne the list above & aforesaid which contains the persons names
claiming & from whome and Which the Committee have accord-
ingly allowed all which is Submitted."

William Dudley.

Ezekiel Lewis.

John Stoddard.

Joseph Dwight.

John Wainwright.
Boston, June, 1736.

In Council June 23, 1736. Read and ordered that this Report be

PRni'KTETOkS MEETINGS. 1/

accepted. Sent down for concurrence. Simon Frost Dep'v Secre-
tary. (Mass. State Archives, Vol. 114, pag'e 610.) To this list Mr.
Williams in the " Redeemed Captive " adds the names of Samuel
Colby of Almsbury and Iri^al Newbury of Maiden.

As will be seen, a number of the claimants resided in Connecti-
cut ; also some of the soldiers were at this time living, and person-
ally applied for their allotments, as in the cases of Nathaniel Alex-
ander, John Chase, vSamuel Beldin. John Bradshaw, Joseph Fuller,
vSamuel Hunt, James Mun, Jonathan Wells and others.

Proprietors' Meetings. — The grant was confirmed Jan. 21, 1736, and
six days later, Jan. 27, according to a notification issued by the
House of Representatives, the Proprietors held their first meeting
at the house of Beniamin Stebbins, at Northampton. Ebenezer
Pomeroy was chosen moderator, also proprietors' clerk, Thomas
Wells, Esq., Samuel Field and Jonathan Hoit of Deerfield were
elected a committee whose duty it should be to " examine ye place
agreeable to ye Act of ye Genii Assembly where ye Town Shall
Ly and when They by viewing, obtain satisfaction where to lay sd
town. Then to Gett itt Laid out by a vSurveyor and chairman under
Oath." They were further instructed to prepare a plan of the
township, subject to the acceptance of the proprietors and ulti-
mately to confirmation by the General Court.

The second Proprietors' meeting was also held at Mr. Stebbins'
home the succeeding fall, Oct. 6th. In the notification all are
warned to " Come prepared to Pay ye First Charge For Laying out
sd Township." The land was laid out in four divisions ; the first
was planned in such manner that each proprietor received a "Home
Lot '' of not less than 50 acres, and all " Entervail or meddow Lands
Should not be Laid out In ye aforesaid 50 acre Home Lotts." The
committee having this division in charge was Ichabod AUice of
Hatfield, William Dickson of Hadley, Hezekiah Wright of North-
ampton, Samuel Field of Deerfield, Benjamin Munn, Jonathan
Hoit and Eleazer Hawks of Deerfield. A commendable spirit of
fairness and honorable dealing with each other was most excel-
lently portrayed by the minute instructions given this committee.
Among other things they were particularly requested to note, in
all cases the quality of the land, and wherever they found that

l8 DIVISION OF LOTS.

which seemed inferior, to offset the same by an additional quantity,
that all might be made as nearly equal as possible. The first
charges made were for 3 pounds a person, and no one was to be
admitted to a draught until he had paid that sum. About this
time it was again voted to petition the General Assembly for an
additional grant, upon the ground that the grantees were more
numerous than in other towns granted for such like military ser-
vices. Thomas Wells was invited to prefer the petition : but if
any further action was taken in the matter at this time it was not
recorded. It is not improbable, however, that the " Gore " received
in 1 741 was the result of a revival of this petition.

In 1737 there had 97 proven their claims to a proprietorship in
the new town, consequently it was deemed advisable that the land
should be divided into 100 lots, 97 proprietary, and 3 to be known
as Public Lots, i. e., devoted to the use of the church and school.
These latter were to be " Pitched upon by ye Committee that Laid
Out ye Same and the Lotts Pitched upon by ye Committee are as
foUoweth ; viz. the Minister's Lott, No. 6, School Lott, No. 60. The
Ministry Lot, No. 26."

Thus we see that amid the hardships incident to the settlement
of a new and hostile country, our sturdy ancestors did not, for a
moment, lose sight of the fact that in a religious and educational
development lay the means of facilitating their own and their coun-
try's progress.

Having taken the first steps tending towards future moral and
mental advancement, their attention was turned to the disposition
of the Home Lands, all who were there then drawing their number
or "Ticket." The absentees were to be instructed to apply to the
Clerk who kept " The Remainder of ye Tickets not now drawn."

" And here followeth a Lift of ye Proprietors' Numbers That
each proprietor drew " those marked :{: designating the ones who
gave the required bonds for settling.

Home lot.

eadow lot

tjohn Rurke, from Nathaniel AlcxaiuUr,

No. 9

No. 67

Thomas Alvard,

" 58

John vShcldon, from John Arms,

" 36

( (

John Raker,

" 59

" 35

Joscpli Atherton,

•• 98

I'KOl'RIKTORS. NUMHKK OF LOTS EACH DREW.

Jonatlian Wliite, from vSaniucl Bcdortha,

J0I111 Kly, from John Barbour,

John Bradshaw,

Jonathan Wells, P'sq.,

Sti.'])hen Rehlin's Heirs,

Samuel Tyky,

Joseph I'uller,

Samuel Hunt,

William Turner,

tCa])t. Thomas Wells,

Jo.seph Iax'cIs,

Isaac Burna])

Samuel Clesson,

J Aaron vSmith, from .Samuel Boltwood,

t Samuel Bardvvell,

John Hitchcock,

Richard Beers,

Ichahod Allice, from Samuel Beldin,

Captain Preserved Cla]i]),

+Shem Cha])in, from Thomas Chapin,

Samuel Colton, from Samuel Crow,

William Clark,

:Noah Cook,

James vScovel, from Benjamin Chamberlain,

Nathaniel Chamberlaiti,

William Dickeson,

vSamuel Jellett,

Hezekiah Wri<rht, from Benjamin P'dwards,

vSamuel Field,

X Nathaniel Foot,

John Hinsdell, from Isaac Gleason,

Kbenezer Sheldin, from Richard Church,

tjohn Hitchcock,

Luke Hitchcock,

Jonathan Hoit, from Judah Wrij^ht,

Simeon White, from Jonathan Scott,

John Doud,

X Eliezur Hawks,

John Ingrams,

F^henezer Sheldon, from Samuel Jellett,

+ Joseph Bascom, from Medad Kinc;,

+ Charles vSheldin, from F'rancis Keet,

Josejili Kello<i;j,(, from Martin Kellojjg,

John Lee,

Josiah Leonard,

: Thomas Miller,

Home lot.

Meadow lot"

No. 79

No.

" 12

" 42

" IOC)

" 21

" 6

" 19

■' 48, 46

■' 92

" 9.3

" 3,0

" 54

" 12

" 66

" 78

" ?,

" 41

" 75

•• 16

" 91

" .38

" 94

" 47

" 14

" 61

" 40

" 56

" 1

" 5"

" 50

" -3

" 18

7
73
78

15
8

76
1 1
82

32
16

13
92

17
77
72
25
55

" 84

" 20

•' 87

" 99

■' 62

" 5'

■' 55

" 96

" 76

" 52

" 32

No. 9.S:8i

No.

5
74
66

PROl'KIETORS. NU.MliliR OF LOTS EACH DREW.

vSanniel Rennt'tt, from James Mun,
+ Benjamin Mun,
John Motunc,
+ Jolin Nimes,

Josc})li Barnard, from I^benc/.L-r I'umroN-,
vSanmtl Pumroy,
Samuel Preston,

+ Aaron .Stcbbins, from vSamuel Stebhins,
Aaron Noble, from Luke Noble.
+ Ebenezer Smead,
Joseph Smith,
ijosiah Scott,
John Lyman,
Capt. Joseph Winchall,

Joseph Mitchell, from Preserved W'rij^dit.
:john Wait,
: Klie/,er Webljer,

Shein Chapin, from William Worthint^ton,
Thomas Seldin,
These yt follow Drew Lolts ,'iftcr yv Mce

iHezekiah Wrij^ht, from John l-'ield,

t Nathaniel Sikes,

Samuel Cunnibell,

Stephen Noble, from Jonathan Mori^an,

John Alexander, from John Webb,

Samuel Blancliard, from John Pratt,

Samuel Blancliard, from vSimon (iruver,

Kbenezer Warriner,

Timothy Coo])er, from Henry Roi^er.S,

t Charles Coates, from James Stevenson,

William James,

William Scott, from J(jlin Scott,

Nathaniel Sutliff,

Jonathan Webl)er,

Tile Minister's Lot,

The School Lot,

Charles Clark,

John Pressy,

benjamin Thomas,

Jonathan Morj^an,

Josiah (irisvvold, from Jose])!) Crowfoot.

Thomas Goodwin, from Samuel Pierce,

William Jones,

John Reed,

John Salter,

Home lot.

Meadow lot.

No. 68

No.

" 41

" 30

" 23

" 35

" 27

" 39

" 90

■• 69

" 21

" S3

" 81

" 35

• 64

" 24

" 23

" 33

" 89

" 37

'■ 48

" 49

No.

29^^:56

" 24

No. 7

" 27

" 11

" 51

" 28

" 34

tinj^' of M

IV VL

.4th, 1;

Home lot.

cidow lot.

No. 86

No. 72

" 88

" 40

" 67

" 97

" 45

" 1 00

" 57

" 95

" 29

" 22

" 62

•■ ,S8

" 10

" 44

" 85

" 53

" 70

" 6

•• 19

" 6u

" 70

" 37

•■ 64

■• 54

" 94

" 71

■' 45

" 74

•• 42

•• 84

" 83

" 52

'• 63

" 10

" 5

" 48

/3/

tr
ill

I)|\1S[()N OK .MI':a1)<)\V lots. 21

oinc lot.

L-adow lot.

No. 2(J

No. 2

"44

" 28
" 3«

( (

" 53

John Mezz}-,
James Harwood,

Okcs Answer, from SaiiuR-l ('.rifntli,
John MandL-rs,
The Ministry Lot,

(The edi^es of the leaves upon which tlu- nxnnhers of tin- last tliree lots were re-
coriled have been worn oft. ;

In addition the followino' drew meadow lots:

Meadow lot.

vShem Cha]:iin, from Cornelas Webh, No. 49

Widdow Beldin, " 7,

J Ile/.ekiah Ne\vconiI), " 98

Isaac 15ij.^elow, " 86

Charles Case, " 60

Simon Grover, " 82

I\l)ene/.er Sheldin, " 79

Jndah W'rii^ht, from Jonathan Iloit, " 36

Jonathan Scott, from .Simeon Wait, " 97

F^lijah Williams, " 93

John Merry, " 88

: Joshua Wells, " 8

Kbenezer Sheldin, from Samuel Tumro}-, " 68

tjohn Catlin, 3rd, " 63

Thomas Pratt, " 46

After the dispo.sal of tlie lot.s a,s above, thi.s meeting was ad-
journed to what would pc^.s.sibly seem an unseasonable hour, seven
of the morning following; to tliose of whom we write, however, it
was of no uncommon occurence, for tluring the succeeding four
years mention is frequently made of meetings being held at that
hour, and in one instance, at six. A possible explanation may be
found in the fact that many of the proprietors, being non-residents
of Deerticld, (where the most of the meetings were held) were nec-
essarily obliged to remain over night, and preferred, or rather,
needed the most of the dav wendimr their wav homeward, through
paths which, at the best, were fraught with many and unseen dan-
' ''e r.s

At this adjourned meeting were appointed Ebenezer Barnard
and Shem Chapin to prevent any strip or waste being committed
upon the land, prosecution being the penalty of all such depreda-
tions. In October, 1737, this action was so modified that the priv
ilege of cutting sizable wood and timbjr was pjrmittel. In th'3

22 SETTLING BOND OF JOSIAH SCOTT.

spring this was followed by a vote restricting the prerogative to
such wood as was used upon the place.

Prior to this, no really definite steps had been taken toward set-
tling within the limits of the new town. All that had been accom-
plished was, necessarily, work of a preparatory nature. Now it
was deemed advisable to further comply with the conditions of the
grant and procure settlers to the number of sixty, and a committee
was chosen for that purpose. They were instructed to receive
bonds of looij" from each settler. The bond taken from Josiah
Scott is still in existence, and is an interesting document of which
the following is a copy :

Josiah Scoffs Settling Bond. — " Know all men by thefe Prefents
that I, Josiah Scott of Hatfield in the fd County of Hampfhire in
Province of Mafsachufet bay in New England, houfewright. Am
holden & Stand firmly Bound & obliged unto Samll Field of Deer-
field In fd County aforefd Treafurer for the Proprietors of the fall
fight township above Deerfield aforefd So Called, to his Succefsors
in fd office in the full & juft sum of one Hundred Pounds Current
Money of New England to be Paide unto the fd Samll Field in his
capacity aforefd or to his Succefsors in fd office or to his or theire
Certiani Attorney for the ufe of fd Proprietore to the which Pay-
ment well and truly to be maide, I bind myselfe my Heirs, Excters

(two words not decipherable— ) firmly By thefe Prefents

Sealed with my Seal, Dated this 29 Day of April in the Eleventh
year of his majesties Reign Anno Domini one thoufand Seven Hun-
dred & thirty Eight.

The Condition of this obligation is such that whare of the Grate
& General Courte have Granted a tract of Land for a township to
the officers & Soldiers and theire Defcendants that ware in the fall
fight in the year 1676, on Condition that they settle vSixty familcys
in fd townfhip, Each to Build a Houfe 18 feet square and 7 feet
studd & clear & Bring too 6 acres of Land for Plowing or to Grafs.
Reference to fd Grant Being Had will more fully appear & the sd
Josiah Scott Being a Propriett)r in fd townfhip, if therearefore he
the sd Josiah Scott do by Himselfeor some other meet Person Buld
a Houfe as a fore sd on the Lott No. 33 In the firft Devifsion of
Land in sd townfhip or on any other Parte of his Propriaty their

THOSE WHO (lAVE SETTLING ISONDS. 23

& settle a family clear & Bring too 6 acres of Land for Plowing or
to Grafs, as a aforesd & do all that is required of a Setlor in sd
township in order to fulfill the Terms on which sd townfhip is
Granted according to the true Intent & meaning Their-of within
the Time Limited By Sd Court then the above obligation to be
voide & of None Effect But on Default of any Parte theire of to
abide & Remaine in full force & vertue.

Josiah Scott. (Seal.)
Signed Sealed & Delrd
In prefence of us
John Barnard
Abner Barnard."

From the existing records it would seem that it was with some
difficulty that the sixty settlers were secured. An iS.^" bond was
required of the non-settlers and it was voted to take this of Joshua
Fuller, Joseph Fuller, William Turner and Thomas Seldin, at their
request. Later it was reported that the thirty-seven non-settlers
paying iS£ each, it was impossible to secure the requisite sixty,
hence it was decided to raise the non settling bond to 22^^. It ap-
peared that five had been dilatory in their choice of lots, and had
not yet paid their first assessment of t,£. Therefore, at the next
meeting the Clerk " in open meeting " was to draw lots as to which
the delinquents should be of the number to settle, or to give a 22;^
bond. There were but 42 who expressed themselves ready to take
up their abode in the new town, therefore the Proprietors, consid-
ering that 27 of their number had failed to give a bond either way,
and that there remained then 17 to make up the number required,
instructed the Clerk to draw lots to fill the vacancy. The result
was that these were to settle :

Thomas Alvard
IchaVjod Allice
Jonathan White
Samuel Cunuabell
John Ely
William Jones
Stephen Beldin
John Lyman
Josiah Leonard
Henrj' Rotters

drew lot No.

•67

24 COI.l.KCinKS.

Nathanifl vSiitliff drc-vv lot No. 53

Joseph MiU-liL-ll 49 & 29

.Saiiiiicl Iknnctt ' 68

John Rl'l(1 ....>. ^,

Capt. JosL'])h Wincliall " " " ^8

William .Scott 85

Hcnjaniin Rug<^ 51

Now, and perhaps to their surprise, the Proprietors found that,
ineluding the Minister's lot, there were sixty-one lots taken. This
being one more than the number called for. permission was given
Ebenezer Barnard to become a non-settler by giving the usual 22i^
bond. The proceeds of these bonds were to be devoted to the es-
tablishment of a house of worship and the maintenance of a Chris-
tian minister. As a matter of fact, Samuel Cunnabell was the only
one of these positively known to have settled in town, and in the
excitement of the perilous Indian warfare which so soon followed,
it is more than probable that this clause in the conditions of the
grant was soon lost sight of.

As yet the people resided at such distances that it was consid-
ered necessary for three collectors to be chosen ; they were Mr.
Samuel Blanchard for the district exclusive of Hampshire County,
John Hinsdale for the upper part of that County, and Aaron Steb-
bins for the lower part and any other place not before mentioned.

According to the instructions given by the General Court a plan
of the township was prepared by Surveyor Nathaniel Kellogg and
presented by the proprietors to Ensign Jonathan Hoit for safe
keeping. At a subsequent meeting it was ordered to be passed to
Mr. Elijah Williams. In the Mass. State Archives, Vol. 35, p. 21,
is a plan, drawn in 1734.

June 13, 1739, Messrs. Williams and Kellogg were desired to pre-
pare a plan upon parchment of the first division Home and Meadow
Lots. July 2nd, 1807, this parchment plan was referred to by Ep.
Hoyt of Deerfield as being used by himself in preparing a plan of
that portion of the town known as " Frizzell Hill," and which was
a part of the territory set off as Leyden.

A plan drawn by Dr. Caleb Chapin was, in 1893, in the pos.session
of his grandson, Mr. S. W. Chapin (since deceased), and is an inter-
esting and valuable document, 'i^hat this plan must have been

rKi'irioN voK 'I'liK " coRi':. 25

made at a much later date is evident by its containing all the font-
divisions of land.

Up to this time, 173S, the Proprietors' clerk had been Ebenezer
Pumroy, whose residence was at Northampton; now tlie most of
the business seemed likely to be manai^ed at Deerheld, or within
the limits of the new township, therefore it was decided to elect a
clerk residino" nearer, and I^vbenezei- I'arnard, a resident of Deer-
field, was chosen by a great majority. The succeedinLj year choice
was made of a new moderator in the person of Elijah Williams,
who, with vSamuel I'ield and Ii^benezer Sheldon, was also appointed
to lay out the roads. Hereafter upon the application of 7 proprie-
tors the clerk was instructed to call a meetiu'r, notifications beinof
sent to Deerfield, Hatfield, Northampton, Hadlev, Spring-field,
Wethersfield, "Mauldin (Maiden) and Watertown, thirty days before,
and the same advertised in the " Public Prints." From these towns,
doubtless, the most of the first settlers came. Mcjnday, October 19,
1740, a vote was passed that a man be sent with a petition to the
General Court for the gore of land lying between the township and
Boston township No. 2, above Deerfield, and to get the plat of the
town confirmed. Thomas Wells was asked to represent their claims
and, if successful, he was to receive for his services 150 acres of
land anvwhere in the gore. Mr. Wells ol)tained for the town the
additional territory sought, but for some unexplainable reason the
t(^wn later rescinded their vote regarding his payment, and ten-
dered him, instead, the sum of 50/'.

CliurcJi listablisJicd. — In the meantime, as reference to the eccle-
siastical history will show, a church had been erected, and Septem-
ber 23, 1 74 1, w\as rendered memorable by the meeting of the day
at which it was voted to settle a Minister. Out of the 48 votes cast,
Rev. John Norton received 47. A committee was chosen to confer
with Mr. Norton and draw up ])lans for his settlement. Eliezer
Plawks, Chairman, submitted the following:

" As to a vSettlement, Mr. Norton Shall have a 70th. Part of the
Six Miles Square which is the original Grant of sd township, or an
Equail Part of the whole township with each Proprietor, the ufe of
the ministry Right During his abode in the work of the Ministry
in sd Place and 200^ to be paid him half in money and half in

26 FIRST S F/n' I. KKS.

Work or Materials for building", within one year from the time of
his settlement in sd work. 2nd, As to his sallery he shall have one
hundred and thirty pounds pr Annum for the first five years, and
then to advanee five pounds pr Annum until it Amounts to 170^^
pr xVnnum, the liills to be equal to vSilver at 29s. pr ounee, or Silver
at 2(js pr ounee and his firewood brought to his door." These pro-
])()sals were aeceptcd by the proprietors and idtimately by Mr. Nor-
ton. He was settled November 25, 1741, the exereises oeeurring
at Ueerfield, and at tlie same time the present Unitarian ( then ( )rtho-
dox) ehurch of Deerlield was organized. To defray the expenses
of this oeeurrenee a tax of 3/" was imposed upon eaeh original
right — publie rights exeepted.

A seeond division of land was now eontemplated, and presumably
laid out. In this divrsion each proprietor, in turn, had the privil-
ege of laying out his property wheresoever he eliose in the undi-
vided lands, the newlv aecjuii'ed gore excepted. 15v this division,
eaeh had his possessions increased by one hundred acres.

I-irst Settlers. — Thus we have traced the- origin and foundation
of the settlement, its history as revealetl by the records found upon
the proprietors' Ijooks. The conditions of the grant had been com-
plied with, the church established, the pastor settled, the business
meetings of the jM'oprietors held at home, the first one at Mr. K)ben-
ezer Sheldon's, September 23, 1741, and the first one held at a pu.b-
lie nlace haviuLT Ijeen convened at the church or Meeting House,
vSeptember 2, 1742. All things looked auspicious foi- a healthy
growth of the colony, which at tiie close of the year 1743, numbered
17 families, so far as known as follows:

1. Saimicl C()iiiui))Lil. S. IMosus Scott.

2. Lt. I'^ljciK/.L-r vShchlon. 9. Rev. John Norton.

3. Dca. " " 10. John Lcc.

4. Maj. John Ihirk. 1 1 . James Couch.

5. Calcl) Chapin. 12. Capt. Kddy Ncwconil).

6. IVtcr Ncwconil). i.V I.<t. David Rider or Ryther.

7. Sihis Newc-onih. 14. John Perry.

Little did the inli.abitauts realize that harrassing times were so
near at hand. The recital of the occui-rences of the next twenty
years is one of almost constant warfare and a struggle for e\'en
existence.

CHAPTER III.

FIRST SETTLEMENTS — LOCATION OF THE FORTS— METHODS DEVISED
FOR ESCAPE FROM THE INDIANS — MR. NORTON'S DISMISSAL — INDIAN
HOSTILITIES — BURK FORT AND ITS INHABITANTS— RECORDS OF
MILITARY SERVICE — ANECDOTES — LETTER FROM JOHN BURK TO
HIS WIFE — RESIDENTS IN I 760 — REV. MR. WRIGHT'S CALL AND AC-
CEPTANCE — INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN— POUND ORDERED —
FIRST TOWN MEETING AND TOWN OFFICERS — PETITION FOR RELIEF
FROM THE PROVINCE TAX — FIRST REPRESENTATIVE, MAJOR JOHN
BURK — EXTRACTS FROM HIS DIARY — HIS COMMISSIONS.

Forts. — The years 1744 to 1748 will be remembered as marking
the duration of King George's War against the Freneb and Span-
ish. Previous to this time there had been a few settlements made
at Fall Town. The first four hcnises, or forts, as they were called,
were located as follows : At what is now North Bernardston stood
Samuel Connable's fort. The site of this is the late Madison
Ryther Place, the ell of which was a part or whole of the fort built
by Mr. Connable in 1739, ^"^^ i-'' ^^ill standing in a good state of
preservation, as is also the large addition made many years prior
to the Revolution. This was the second dwelling erected in town.
Major Burk's fort being the first, as well as the largest, and the two
Sheldon Forts, the third and fourth buildings being raised in 1740
or early in 1741.

On Burk Flat was the Burk Fort, on the site of the place built by
Russell Bates, now owned and occupied by Mrs. Tenney, a widow,
and nearly opposite Mr. Merick Slate's, the barn standing over the
original well. Lt. Ebenezer Sheldon's Fort was in the east part of
the town, between the Huckle Hill road and the Robert Cushman
farm, or more accurately speaking, in the south-west corner of the
Purple meadcjw, the location being now pretty nearly marked by a
knoll a few rods east of the road leading to Huckle Hill. The
Deacon Sheldon fort stood upon Huckle Hill near the Seorem Slate
place, or more definitely, on a slight elevation a few rods east of

28 FOR'J'S.

the road and opposite the house of John B. Field. The construc-
tion of these forts was much the same as of others of the colonial
period ; they were built of hewn logs, provided with port-holes and
watch towers. The Burk Fcnt is described as being six rods square,
built of timbers lo to 12 feet in length, pointed at the top and placed
perpendicularly in the earth, close together. At each corner an
elevated watch tcnvcr was provided for the sentinels. The fort
contained eiirht houses, some of these being little more than a "lean-
to," the outer walls of the fort constituting the outer walls of the
house. Every precaution possible was taken to guard against the
peculiarities of the Indian warfare to which a frontier settlement,
as Fall Town then was, must necessarily be exposed. One method
of escape as devised by Samuel Cunnable in his fort was told by
his grandson, Joseph Cunnable. In the north-east room of the
hou.se, in one corner of the floor, were certain short boards. Origin-
ally these were left un nailed and were concealed by a bed, so that
in ca.se of a sudden Indian attack, the.se boards might be displaced
at a moment's warning, a secret escape made into the cellar and
thence by a private way. By this means the inmates hoped to be
saved from a capture and merciless destruction by the Indian foe.
June 14, 1744, war having been declared between France and
England, fcjrts were built at " East Iloosuck " the location being
now in North Adams near the line of Williamstown, named Fort
Mas.sachusetts ; on the high countrv in Rowc, Fort Pelham ; in
Heath, Fort Shirly. There were built in Colrain, two block houses,
in Fall Town, one, in Greenfield, one ; Fort Dummer was situated
just in the northern limit of Vernon, Vt., No. 4, at Charlestown,
N. H. These forts formed a part of a cordon or line of defence
extending from Fort Dummer on Connecticut River in Vernon, to
I)ea. vSheldon's Fort on Iluckle Hill, thence to Morrison's Fort in
Colrain, across lloosac ^Mountain to Fort Massachusetts.

During this war there arc no records either of meetings or settle-
ments b)' the proprietors, :ind this circumstance, together with for-
mer oral testimony and the known hostility of the Indians through-
out the colonies, confirms the conclusion that the .settlers either
returned to moi'c thickly populated districts, or betook themselves
to tlie forts for better protection. " Jul\- 17, 1745, 1 have ordered

TROUHLES (W THE TIMES. 29

Corporal Alexander back to Fall Town by reason of his family is
there. (Signed) Ephraira Williams." In tlie j^etition which the
people in 1762 presented to the General Court for relief from the
Province tax, they give us evidence of the hardships endured, that
the war which began in 1744 was very disastrous, one house was
burned, sundry cattle killed and all the people save two families
left town. Because of the "troubles of the times" Mr. Norton was
invited to " remove from the ministry in this town for the present."
During one year of this war the Government stationed a Sergeant
and eight men at both Burk's and Deacon Sheldon's Forts. Major
Burk held the office of Sergeant and had the command of a fort
and soldiers. During an attack by the Indians in 1747, (Lt. Gov.
Cushman), or May 9, 1747, (Doolittle's narrative), he was wounded,
there being but two men with him at the time. Their small force,
however, did not prevent their repulsing the foe and mortally
wounding two. During this struggle, the wives of Major Burk
and Sergt. Caleb Chapin each loaded two guns until the barrels
were so hot they could not bear their hands upon them. Thus in
times of war, as well as peace, did these fearless women prove them-
selves indeed helpmeets.

There seems to have been some sort of a company organized for
the protection of the settlers very early, for upon the back f)f a
notification for a {proprietors' meeting, dated March S, 1 742-3, is the
following in the same hand writing as the notification :

b'ORT SHia.lJ(JX.
Capt. Wright. Clerk Chapin.

Ensign Hawks. Drunimcr Fuller.

Sergt. Burk. Soldier Eandlier.

Corpr. Newcouil).

No date is appended to this note and it not improbably refers to
the eight men stationed by the ( Tovernment at the Fort during one
of the years of the Indian warfare. The document is yellowed
with age and the margin a little ragged, but the text is well pre-
served and perfectly legible.

In 1746, the Deacon Sheldon fort was the scene of hostilities.
One day Lt. Sheldon heard the report of guns and rightly concluded
that Deacon vSheldon's fort was attacked by Indians. "There being
but two or three men with him, thev mounted their horses and.

,■)

O ATTACK ON Dl'JA. SHKLDOX FORT.

with their muskets, their eonstant companions, rode hastily to the
assistance of their brethren in clanger. Having arrived near the
place, he found the Indians so numerous that to fight them openly
would be folly and ensure his own defeat. Here the quick, pene-
trating mind of the warrior is seen in the stratasfem he laid. Beinsf
within hearing of the Fort but concealed by the woods, he began
to give his commands to his men in a loud voice, and to ride from
one direction to another as though he had a large number of men
with him, directing the other men that were with him to do the
same. The stratagem succeeded admirably. The Indians, suppos-
ing that they were attacked by a force superior to their own, soon
began their retreat, and with their accustomed war-w^hoop and set-
ting fire to one house, left the brave Lt. Sheldon and the people in
the fort free from further molestation." It was supposed that the
Indians, upon this occasion, were piloted by a young Indian lad
whom Major Burk had f(nind upon the banks of Fall River near
his fort. He took him into his family, tatight him to read and
work, giving him the name of John Harmon. But the Indian na-
ture remained unchangeable, and upon reaching manhood the lad
ran away from "Old Aquilise," as he called his would-be benefactor.

July 15, 1747, Eliakim, son of Lt. Sheldon, while at work in a
field just without the walls of the fort, w^as fired upon by an Indian,
receiving wounds from which he died the following night. His
body was buried near by, on the east side of the present road lead-
ing to Huckle Hill, and the older inhabitants recall a rough brown
stone as formerly marking the site of the grave.

The surrender of Fort Massachusetts in Adams in 1746 is of local
interest, inasmuch as some of our people were there pre.sent, as
follows :

Chaplain John Norton, fohn Perry and his wife Rebecca, Moses
Scott, his wife Miriam and their children Ebenezer and Moses.
The three latter died in captivity in Canada. Constant ward and
watch only brought about a comparative safety, and the hai'dy
frontiersmen were impressed for man v and perilous tasks. In 1747,
James Couch received 7s. 6d. for three days scouting. David Rider
or Ryther was sent upon scouting duty to l^'ort Bridgman, situated
in Vernon, \"t. In 1749, rvbcnc/.cr vShcldon, vSgt., I'^benezcr Sliel-

WAR OF 1755. CAl.Kll CIIAIMN. 3 1

don, Jr., " Centinel," Remembrance, Abner and Elijah Sheldon and
Ebenezer Severance were out in Col. Israel Williams' Company.

1755 marks the beginning of the French and Indian Wars which
broiiQrht terror and desolation to so manv homes in the Connecticut
Valley. Fall Town suffered, as did many other places, although
not to so great an extent. In so much danger were the inhabitants
that they again removed to the forts for better protection, most of
them going to the Burk fort. Those who lived there for the ensu-
ing five years were : Major John Burk, Samuel Cunnable and James
Couch (one family), Lt. John Severance, Zebulon Allen, David
Rider, Sr., Caleb Chapin, John Foster, Dea. x\aron Field and Dea-
con Sheldon, in all about fifty persons. The people who sought ref-
uge there were indeed fortunate in not being molested.

Anecdotes. — In connection with this war there are two well authen-
ticated incidents worthy of perpetuation ; the first shows the self-
sacrifice and forethought for others so often required, and the sec-
ond, the courage so often displayed by the mothers of the race.
In 1755 a regiment was raised in Western Massachusetts by Col.
Ephraim Williams, the founder of Williams College. In one of
the companies of that regiment were Sergt. Caleb Chapin and his
sons, Joel and Hezekiah Chapin of Fall Town. The principal seat
of the war, at this time, was in the vicinity of Lake George. Col.
Williams' Regfiment was ordered to make an attack on the French
forces under Baron Dieskau. In passing through a ravine, the reg-
iment was ambuscaded by French and Indians, defeated, and Col.
Williams killed. In the flight which succeeded, Serg. Chapin and
his sons kept together for some time, but being wounded, the
strength of the former began to fail, and realizing that his sons
remaining with him meant for them certain death, he sternly com-
manded them to leave him to his fate, saying, "Go! Save yourselves.
Your lives are more useful than mine. Go and take care of your
Mother and her family. Go at once and God bless you all." By
this most noble and heroic act of Sergt. Chapin's the lives of his
sons were saved. They returned the next day to find him near
where they had left him, dead and scalped, with the tomahawk
buried in his head. The instrument of death was preserved and
some years ago, presented to Lt. Gov. Cushman, who in turn, de-

32 TRICSKKVAIIOX OF M US. ALl.KN AND FAMILY.

posited it at the rooms of the American Antiquarian vSociety at
Worcester. Among- the early settlers was Zebulon Allen, who,
with his familv resided in a loi^ house near the Dalton Newcomb
place, so called. One day. having- loaded his gun, he went out to
his corn-field, within, as he supposed, a safe distance from his house,
leaving his wife and two or three small children. Having com-
pleted her household tasks, Mrs. x\llen began spinning flax. Like
the good wife as described by Solomon, "She layeth her hands to
the spindle and her hands hold the distaff." Upon hearing a slight
noise at an open window behind her. she turned, and to her horror,
beheld two Indians dressed in warrior's costume and armed with
guns and knives. Instantly recognizing the utter impossibility of
either defence or flight, also the uselessness of attempting to alarm
her husband, she, by a seemingly superhuman effort, returned to
her work, apparently as calmly as before. To her unspeakable re-
lief the unwelcome visitors soon glided away as noiselessly as they
had approached. Thus by sagacity, heroism and self-control did
Mrs. Allen preserve the lives of herself and little ones. A possible
explanation of t!ie unusual conduct of the Indians may be found
in the fact that they, being cunning and wary themselves, and con-
sequently looking for stratagem in others, niay have imagined from
Mrs. Allen's unlooked for and unusual demeanor, that they were
menaced by some near ^ukI unseen danger and judged discretion
to be the better part of valor. These two incidents forcibly illus-
trate the manv and great dangers through which the inhabitants
of the town pa.'^sed during the first twenty years of its settlement.

In such a state of sieg-e was the entire region, and in so great
danger from the marauding parties of French and Indians, that
frecjuent petitions were sent to the Massachusetts Oovernment for
aid, and especially from the cordon of forts extending from No. 4
(Charlestown) on the north, down through Hinsdale and Northfield,
thence to those lying to the westward. In 1756. Lt. Ebenezer Shel-
don wrote that his " Was the (;nly garrison in the place. The
enemy were here several times last summer and Repulsed. His
son was killed. Have expended 300^;" O. T. in relniilding and
picketing the fort, which was a place of security for himself and
his neighbors. This your petitioner has done, being determined

SOLDIERS IN FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR OF 1 755- 33

not to flee before the enemy, if he can possibly help it. But his cir-
cumstances are such, that he is unable to bear so great a charge."
He especially desired pecuniary assistance repairing his fort. Dur-
ing this year Sgt. Ebenezer Sheldon, Jr., and seven men were sta-
tioned at Sheldon's Fort. vSgt. Remembrance Sheldon and seven
men were stationed at Burk's Fort. During 1757, Sgt. Remem-
brance vSheldon and 16 men were stationed in Fall Town, Col. Israel
Williams being in command. In 1758 the line of forts was under
Capt. John Catlin, vSgt. Remembrance Sheldon and eleven men
were at Burk's, and Sgt. Amasa Sheldon and eight men were at
Sheldon's Fort. September 24, 1758, Capt. John Catlin of Deerfield
died in the service at Burk's Fort. March 15, 1755, Commissary
(Elijah?) Williams charges the Province for "15 pounds of powder
and thirty and one half pounds of lead and three dozen flints deliv-
ered to John Burk for Burk's Fort." Among other supplies given
out that winter were nineteen o-ailons of rum to Lt. Burk for Shel-
(Ion's Fort.

Military Lists. — July 5. 1755, IMajor Williams wrote Col. Israel

Williams that thirty scouts report making frequent discoveries of

Indians at Fall Town, Colrain and Charlemont and were daily seen

at Fort ^lassachusetts. In Col. Israel Williams' Company scouting

to the westward until October 18, 1756, were

Kbfiiezer Sheldon, Jr., .St^t. Wareham Smith.

Noah .Smith, Ccntiiicl. William Harper.

David Rider. Amasa Sheldon.

John vSeverance. Stephen Coats.

Nathaniel Day. Charles Coats.

Waitstill .\l^er. Elislia vSheldon.

.Samuel Fri/.zell. Samuel F'airchild.

John 15urk, Sj^t. Zebulon Allen, Centinel.

Joel Chapin. Ichabod Warner.

(Gardner Kello_t(i<. David Allen.

Jonathan INIoody. James Couch.

Aaron Field. William White.

^Muster R(j11 from October 19. 1756, to January 23, 1757, Aaron
Field, John Severance, Elijah vSheldon, Ichabod Warner. They
were engaged in scouting to the westward. A scouting party un-
der command of Lt. Matthew Cles.seon was out from March to
April 25, 1756, among whom were Mo.ses Scott, vSgt. and Amasa

34 SOLDIERS, 1755—1760.

Sheldon. May 31, 1764,1110 former made solemn oath tliat none
had received any pay for the above scout. In 1756 John I>urk was
captain of a company at Fort Ivlward, mtistercd October 1 i. The
same year vStephen Webster held a like ])osition in the late intended
expedition ag'ainst Crown Point. This year Ezekiel Foster, Cor-
poral, was out twenty days on the western frontier, likewise John
Workman for twenty-three days. The latter was also out from
June 27 to October, 1758. "Feb. 24, 1760, lehabod Warner ae. 26,
born in Lebanon, Ct., eidistcd for the total reduction of Canada"
(vState Archives.) Capt. John Ihirk's enlistment roll, endinp^ No-
vember 30, 175S, was as follows fi'om l^^all Town :

John l''ostcr, vSj^t. John I'nrk, Lt.

Caleb Chapin. John vSc\ crancc.

James Couch. .\aron I'icld.

David Riikr. vSiniton Hall.

John T'oster, Jr. Rufu.s Sarycant.

Joel Cha])in. Ze))ulon Allen, Sijt.

John h'oster. .\niasa Sheldon.

Joshua Wells. Moses vScott.

vSaniuel Friz/.ell. W'arehani vSniith.

Charles Coats. Remembrance Sheldon.

Oliver Medcalf. Ichabod Warner.

Michael Friz/.ell. l^lijah Sheldon.

Capt. Burk's company was one of 17 under command of Col. Jos.
Frye. The regiment was composed of iSoo men.

Major Ihirk. — Maior r>nrk also particijiatcd in the battle of Lake
(ieoro-e, and the followinu" letter to hi.s wife <'"ives an idea of the
terrible experiences of Indian warfare.

''Lake Sacrament, now called bake (ieorge, Sept. m, 1755.
Dear Wife: —

1 wrote to you yesterday, l)nt was not allowed to say any more than that
I was well, and that we have had a battle >.\;c. The |)articulars of the en-
gagement, 1 now semi you by ('aiH. Wyman. On the 7 inst., our Indians
discovered the traek of a large body of the enemy east of us. On the
eigiith, Col. Williams with a Detachment 1000 strong, marched in pursuit,
or to make discovery. They marched in the road 3 miles south, and being
discovered by the enemy, (as we arc told by the krent h Oeneral who is
taken by us) were wa\-laid by iSoo l^'rencJi and Indians. The l''reiu'h lay
on one side of the road on rising grouiul; the Indians on the other side in
a swamp. I'aia of ihc fi-eiuh were regular troops: these lay sonth. Their

LKTTER FROM JOHN BURK. 35

scheme was to let our men inarch t}uite to the south end of the ambush, the
regular troops to give the first fire, then all to fire and rush out; which if
they had done they would have cut our men all to pieces. But the general
says that a beady Indian who was very eager, fired as soon as they entered
the ambush. Then the enemy pursued and fired briskly, and having the
advantage of the ground, obliged the men to retreat, which the French
Creneral says they did very regularly. We at the camp heard the guns:
were not suffered to go out, but to make ready to receive the enemy, lest
they should rout us and take our baggage, for we knew they retreated by
the guns, (viz. our men.) 'I'he enemy drove on very furiously, but while
they were coming we placed our cannon, felled trees, and rolled logs to
make a breastwork all around the camp, but it was a poor defence. The
regulars marched along the road 6 deep till they got near our camp, then
all fired upon us and we upon them with cannon and small arms. They
made a very smart push, but we stood firm, and I believe there never was
such firing before and had not our cannon broke their regulars and affrighted
their Indians, they might, perhaps, destroyed more of us if not taken the
camp. The battle began between 10 and 11 and continued till between 5
and 6 afternoon at which time we were so hot upon them that they began
to draw off. Our men pursued some way; we were so fast upon them that
they left their dead and wounded on the spot. The enemy all drew off to
where they ambuscaded our men at first. While we were engaged the peo-
ple at the other fort at the carrying place heard our great guns, and sent
200 New Hampshire and New York men to relieve us. These met the
enemy stripping our dead, engaged them smartly, drove them off the
ground. They fought 3 hours, took 2 prisoners and 2 scalps. We have
taken about 25 prisoners in all. One is the general of all the French forces
in North America. Another officer called aid-de-camp who was stunned
by a cannon-ball and lay till night, came in and surrendered himself. The
French General is wounded in the knee and thigh, and like to recover.
Some of the captives are dead, others very badly wounded. One is Mr.
Thomas French's sisters son, cousin to Lue. He says that Lue was killed
in the engagement. We have had a very smart battle, but got the victory.
The French general says we have broke his army all to pieces. We have
been out and burietl our dead, and got a great deal of plunder, guns, blank-
ets, provisions iS:c. We have lost some famous men in battle a *list of which
1 send, belonging to our regiment, and also of the wounded and missing

*This list, if sent as above, must have been detached from the letter and long since
lost.

T,6 PEACE.

as far as I am able. This is the best account I can get at present uf the
dead, wounded and missing. Let cousin Chapin know that her dear hus-
band is certainly dead and buried. Joel and Hezekiah are well. I can
sympathize with her for it is a great loss to me as we were friends and
neighbors. Pray God to comfort her. Hope our friends and neighbors
will not be disheartened at this news and so fail of coming to assist us.
They that love their religion and liberty I hope will not fail to come to the
help of the Lord against the mighty. Now is the time to exert ourselves.

P. S. 1 have wrote you in great haste, not so well as otherwise. 1 re-
ceived a letter frtnii you last night. Pray send as often as you can. The
army is in high spirits. Hope we shall have Crown Point sooner or later.
W'e have done a good job toward it.

Loving wife, since the scout is detained till to-morrow 1 add something

more. Yesterday we buried on the road 136 dead corpses of ours; to-day

4 more. I believe about 15 or 20 were buried at the camp. Several of our

Indians were killed. King Hendrick is killed. The day after battle every

captain carried in an account of dead, wountled and missing. The whole

of the dead and missing was 191 and about 224 wounded in our regiment.

Since this account several are come in that were missing. Col. Titc )m

is killed. Capt. Regas is dead — killed. 1 mention those because some

may know them. The account carried in was as followeth: Col. Williams'

regiment 50. Col. Ruggle's regiment and others 1 must omit; I cannot

find the account. The French general is a very great man, has been an

old warrior in Flanders. He says his army consisted of some of the chief

men in Canada, a great many of which are killed. The chief man that

headed the army at Ohio against Praddock is killed here. I'his general

had an exact account of all our proceedings, our numbers antl chief officers

and als(j a list oi all his own troo[)s and forces. Perhaj)-. this may be of

service t(^ us. This is the best account I can semi; it is not alttjgelher

perfect.

Your Icjving husbaiul,

John PukKE."

Peace. — Between the year.s 1755 and 1760 there are no e.Kistin^;-
record.s. About the latter date peace a;4-ain rei<^ned and the .settler.s
resumed their wonted occtipation.s, reniovinj^' from the fort to their
own homes so long deserted. In 1760 there were 25 families in
town, loeated as follows: In district No. i, Sgt. Joseph (?) Allen,
Zebulon Allen, and Caleb Chapin; No. 2, Remembranee vSheldon,
Joshua Wells (on vSeorim Cushman's place), Lt. Rider, vSgt. John

REV. JOB WRIGHT. 37

Foster, Lt. Howe (on G. Kingsley's place), Capt. Scott and Mr. Friz-
zell ; No. 3, Samuel Cimnable and James Couch; No. 4, Maj. Burk,
Dr. Ezekiel Foster, Benjamin Green, (a settler that year) ; No. 5,
Job. Wright, Joel, Hezekiah, Selah and David Chapin, Dea. Eben-
ezer Sheldon. Aaron Field, Lt. John Severance; No. 6, Capt. Amasa
and Elijah Sheldon, Charles Coats and Moses Tute (spoken of else-
where as " Old Tute.")

At one of the first meetings called after the inhabitants' return
home the question of repairs came up. After so long a period of
comparative disuse and neglect, bridges, roadways, &c., had una-
voidably fallen to decay, hence committees were appointed to at-
tend to all neces.sary repairs.

AVt'. Job WrigJit. — Since the removal of Mr. Norton at the begin-
ning of the Indian troubles, there had been no settled pastor, the
pulpit being supplied as occasion presented. March 5, 1761, it was
voted to extend a call to Rev. Job Wright of East Hampton and
to offer him in addition to his regular salary of 6(>£ 13s. 8d. in
money and 40 cords of firewood, the sum of 133^^ 6s. 8d. The suc-
ceeding May the committee reported Mr. Wright's acceptance of
the call and July i, 1761, was chosen as the date of his ordination.
One committee was appointed to provide entertainment for the ex- °
pected visitors and another to carry and lay "3000 of board " in the
galleries of the meeting house that people might " set with more
conveniency." Although but 23 years of age at the time of his
settlement, Mr. Wright's long pastorate proved his worthiness for
his chosen profession. At its close, he remained in Bernardston,
identifying himself closely with her interests, and in return recog-
nized by her citizens as one of their most useful and honored resi
dents.

Petition for Toivii Govcrnvient. — Up to this time the territory in-
cluding Bernardston, Leyden and a part of Colrain had been known
as " Fall Town." Now the question of incorporation arose and
speedily found many adherents, the settlers feeling that if they
were invested with the privileges arising from such a form of gov-
ernment they would be materially benefited and taxes lightened.
It had been found that the northern boundary of the township was
an encroachment upon New Hampshire's territory (then including

38 PETITION FOR TOWN GOVERNMENT.

the present State of Verment), hence a belt a half mile in width had
been surrendered to that State. Consequently the following peti-
tion for incorporation and an additional grant was presented to
the General Court December i6, 1761.

"To His Excellency Francis Bernard Esq., Capt. General (!s:c. 'To ihe
Honorable his Majesties Council and House of Representatives. —

The Memorial of some of the proprietfjis of Pall town Humbly sheweth,
that whereas the Proprietors of ?"all town did in the year 1744 settle a
Minister who was obliged to leave said town on account of ye War, anti
the said Proprietors did the last year settle another minister, which has
been very heavy u])on ye said [:)roprietors your Memorialists therefore hum-
bly pray that the Inhabitants of said Fall Town may be incor[)()rated into a
town by the name of Barnard and be invested with all the privileges of the
rest of the Towns in this province and may be directed to raise their taxes
and defray their charges as the rest of the towns do excepting a reasonable
tax upon the unimproved lands for the present — and considering the large
number of the proprietors in said Township, their great expense in settling
two ministers, and a large tract of land falling into New Hampshire, your
Memorialists humbly pray the proprietors of said Fall Town may have a
tract of land granted to them to make them equal with other grantees of
the government for service Done and Vour petitioners shall as m duty
bound ever pray »S:c.

Fall town Dec. 16, 1761. Ebenezer Sheldon, Jr.

John Severance.

Elijah SHELt)ON.

Joseph Allen.

John Burk.

Daniel Dexter.

Jonathan Ashley.

Thomas Williams."
The Act for erecting the New Plantation called Fall Town, in
the County of Hampshire, into a town by the name of Barnardstown
was passed to be enacted in the House of Representatives and also
in the Council on the fifth of March, 1762, and the next day March 6,
it received the signature of Governor Bernard. Also a grant ot
7544 acres was made, which land is now within the township of
Florida, upon Hoosac Mountain.

Barnardstown now took its place beside other towns in the State
and its first town meeting was called in the chtirch on Tuesday,

TOWN ORGANIZATION. 39

May II, 1762. Mr. Joseph i\llen was chosen moderator. At an
adjourned meeting, held 14 days later, these town officers were
chosen:

Town Clerk, Maj. John Burk, (an office which he held 22 years.)
Town Treasurer, Dea. Ebenezer Sheldon. Selectmen and Assessors,
Maj. Burk, Moses Scott, Remembrance vSheldon. Constable, Aaron
Field. Tithingman, Joseph Allen. Wardens, James Couch, Re-
membrance Sheldon. Surveyors of highway, David Ryder, Moses
Scott, vSamuel Hastings. Deer reaves, James Tute, Samuel Hast-
ings. Hog reaves, Moses Scott, John Foster. Joel Chapin. Fence
viewers, (for which office it was customary to choose the tallest
men), Samuel Cunnable. Joel Chapin. Scaler of weights and meas-
ures, Sgt. John Severance.

At the second annual March tuceting in 1763 the offices of sur-
veyors of wheat, and of shingles and ckijiboards, were added with
Joel Chapin, Lt. Sampson Howe, and Lt. Howe, with David Rider
as the respective incumbents.

The next year a pound about 34 feet square was projected, but
of its proposed location, or as to whether it was really built, there
IS nothing to determine. Upon it was to be e.Kpended 12 days' work
and as much team work as was necessary.

K commendable order was at this time passed ensuring the pres-
ervation of all trees bordering the roads, and as we enjoy the many
beautiful drives abcnit our place ought we not to hold in grateful
remembrance these many wise acts of our forefathers? Truly their
deeds live after them !

In 1762 the townspeople petitioned the Legislature for relief
from the Province tax. In the petition they give as reasons that
the whole of the land under improvement was but 34 acres. Of
the 20 years which had elai)sed since the first settlements were
made, 12 had been spent in warfare. The war began in 1744, when
there were but 17 families in town, and proved very disa.strous.
May 6. 1746, Burk's Fort was attacked by a large party of Indians,
there being but three soldiers within the fort at the time. They
successfully defended it, however, till a man some 40 rods distant
suceeded in giving the alarm to one farther away. The Indians
seeing that their presence was tliscovered, quickly withdrew, leav-

40 COMMISSIONS i)V JOHN IIURK.

ing two of their number mortally wounded. Maj. Burk was also
slightly wounded near his shoulder blade. In 1747 Dea. Sheldon's
house w^as burned, while at Lt. Sheldon's Fort, Eliakim, son of Lt.
Sheldon, was shot by the Indians, 10 cattle were killed and all save
two families fled the place.

This petition portrays most vividly the hardships our progenitors
experienced, about which we in our peaceful homes can hardly
form an adequate idea. In 1764 it was voted that Maj. John Burk
should represent the town in the General Court, and he accordingly
went as Bernardston's first representative.

/o/m Ihirk's Commissions. — Bernardston did well to thus honor
one of her founders and one who had alwas's done so much for her
protection. He probably did " more for the improvement of the
town and for advancing its reputation than any other man. He
went through all the regular grades of military offices, from that
of corporal to that of major. And let it be remembered a military
title in those days was a mark of superiority." His first commis-
sion was as follows:

" Province of the Massachusetts ]>ay. (Seal.)

William Shirley Esq. —
('aptain General and Ciovernor in Chief in and
over his Majesties Province of the Massachu-
setts Pay in New England <S:c.

To John Burk — Gentleman — Greeting:

Py Virtue of the Power and Authority in and by His Majesty's Royal
Commission to Me granted to be Captain (reneral <.S:c. over this His Majes-
ty's Province of the Massachusetts Ba\\ aforesaid I do, (by these presents)
reposing especial'l'rust and Confulence in your Loyalty, Courage and good
Conduct, constitute and a])point Vou the saiti John liurk — to be Ensign of
a Company of Volunteers for his Majesty's Service for the Defence of the
Western Frontiers under the command of ('apt. Phineas Stevans to be
posted at the l''ort called Nund)er Four. * .1= * *

You are therefore carefully antl diligently to Discharge the Duty of an

Lj^(..Q^.-» ^ t! -K 'T' -t- f* -t* T^

in leacHng, Ordering and e.xercising said Company in .Vrir.s, both inferior
officers and .Soldiers, and to kee|") them in good order and Disci]")line; here-
by commanding them to obey you as their F^nsign and yourself

to observe and follow sucii Orders and Instructions as you shall from time

IIOBK S FIGHT. 4I

to time receive from Me as the Commander in Chief for the time being, or
rather, your Superior Officers for His Majesty's Service, according to Mil-
itary Rules and DiscipHne, Pursuant to the Trust reposed in you.

Given under My Hand and Seal at Arms at Boston, the first Day of
March In the twenty first Year of the Reign of His Majesty King

George the Second, Anno; Domini 1747.

W. Shirley.
By His Excellency's
Command.

J. Willard, Secr'y."

In 1748, Major Burk participated in what is known as " Hobb's
fig'ht," a severe skirmish which occttrred on Stmday, June 26, be-
tween the Indians and a scouting party of about thirty tinder com-
mand of Capt. Melven. This contest took place some 35 miles from
Fort Dumraer, up West River, (Vt.) and lasted several hours, "man
to man as it were — each one relying upon his personal skill to hide
himself behind trees and logs, and to kill the Indians, who were
finally compelled to retreat." There were three men killed and four
wounded. Zebulon Allen of Bernardston was also in this affray,
at that time holding the of^ce of Sergeant.

His second commission appointed him " an Ensign in the fort
Company in Fall Town under the Command & Ebenezer Shel-
don Jun. is Lieutenant in the northern Regiment of Militia in the
County of Hampshire whereof Israel Williams Esq., is Colonel,"
and is dated Aug. 14, 1754, signed by W. Shirley, Governor.

His third commission, dated the loth of the next September ap-
pointed him " Ensign of the forces raised and posted at Greenfield
and Fall Town in the Regiment of Militia under the Command of
Col. Israel Williams."

March 29. 1755, he was commissioned as "Capt; Lieutenant of a
company of foot under the command of Col. Ephraim Williams be-
ing part of the forces raised within the Province for the defence
and protection of his Majesties territories from the encroachments
of the French at Crown Point and upon the Lake Iroquois — com-
monly called by the French, Lake Champlain — and for removing
the encroachments already made thereof which forces Col. Wil-
liams is Commander in Chief."

It was during his service in this campaign that he wrote the let-

EXTRACTS PROM TOIIX RURK S DTARV.

ter already oiven. From his diary is extracted the following, which
will still further show the demands made upon soldiers at this time :

JOHN r.URK's DIARY.

" Thiiisday, jjst. (1755) I was ordered up the river wilh about 30 men to
see what 1 could discover, but saw nothing. Tarried still at Saratoga.
Our men went out to Saratoga Fort and dug out of the earth 1 114 cannon
l)all. The men, about 300, went u|) the river to make the road. 1 tarried
in the camp.

Friday, ^iiii^. Jst. The army all moved to the second falls above Saratoga,
4 miles. \\'e drew the Batteaux u[> the llrst falls, load and all; it was fatigu-
ing, but the men worked like lions, some t(j the neck in water. W'e had
about 180 batteau.x. This day the men had half a pint of rum more than
tlie allowance.

Satiiyda\\ 2nd. We tarried at the falls and got our batteaux in the river.
'I'he Dutch came u[) wilh t^2 wag(jns, carried all our provisions by, and some
tents. Our guard that went U[i the river to make ready, saw 4 or 5 hulians.

Sitnda\\ jrd. We moved to carrying [)laje, Col. Lydies' house, about 45
miles from Albany. It rained hard this night: some provisions g(Jt wet.

JSIonda\\ 4ih. I was ordered to attend the court, which adjourned to this
day. It was adjoui'ned again to l'"riday next in the afternoon. 1 was or-
dered with 5 men to scout round the cam|is, but made no discovery.

Tiicsila\\ jt/i. 1 was ordered to take 9 men and go to the l>ake Sacra-
ment. I/ieut. May, Ensign Siratton ami l^nsign Stevens went to make the
number. .\s we marched we saw 3 deei", 1 bear, and an old mare and a
wolf, which was at the lake. We came a little back from the lake and
camped.

IVcdiiesday, 61I1. We returned to our camps, brought in an old mare,
pit;ked some huckleberries, brought some to (ieneral Lyman. Made no
discovery; g(jt baik bv 3 o\lot k. This dav the man conlined for sodomy
was whipped 100 stri|)es and drummed out of the company.

77ii/i sdtiv, "///. I tarried in the camps. The men got tind)er foi- a store
house anil bark to cover it, \'c. .\ scout was sent to the drowned land, at
the place called by the l)ulch Zia/iortcr.

Friday, Sth. 'I'arried at the caiuj); hidp about the fort t'a[)tain i'atler-
son set out for \\ Ood Creek with 30 men. He was orderetl to go to the
mouth of the creek.

Siilurda\\ Ljtii. 1 lariit.d at tlu' camps; woikcd at drawing lumbei', \-c.
'I'he scout that went for the diowned land returned, hut ilid not llml it.

EXTRACTS FROM JOHN IJURKS DIARV. 43

Sunday, lOth. We work at forting our company; set up 15 foot of stock-
ades. Mr. Williams preached two sermons. The scout returned from
Wood Creek; they saw signs of Indians, viz. a piece of bread stuck up in
the path. Maj. Hoar and Lieut. Nixson set out for Albany.

Monday, 1 ith. I help get some timber. 1 tarried at the camps. A scout
set out for Crown Point, another fur the South Bay, and another for Lake
Sacrament. 'I'he two last returned. They reported that they saw Lidians,
but upon examination it was their own men. Some men went to Saratoga,
to kill some Dutch cattle.

Tuesday, 12th. 1 tarried at the camp and hel[) get timber. Some went
to clear roads. The men that went to Saratoga returned, brought some
beef, and brought news that the rest of the army was coming near by.

Wednesday, ijth. 1 tarried at the camps; went over on the island after-
noon to get gate timber. Ceneral Lyman had an express from (iov. Fitch,
and some newspapers which gave an account of the death of Gen. Brad-
dock, and that the army was defeated.

Thursday, 14th. Gen. Johnson, Col. Titcom, and Col. Williams, with a
great number of forces, came to the carrying place, with some Indians and
20 cannon, 2 of which were thirty-two poumlers, and a great many wagons.
The general was waited upon with a number oi men, and (jn his arrival
saluted by the ofificers and the discharge of field pieces. Connecticut boys
and Rhode Island all came.

Friday, J§th. A council was held; it was determined to send for more
men to join us at our head quarters. "Little or no work done this day. A
scout from Crown Point returned; no news.

Saturday, 16th. I tarried at the camps; did little or nothing. A scout
came from Fort Massachusetts. I heartl from home.

Sunday, ijih. I was ordered by Gen. Jcjhnson to scout, with 1 i men
and 7 Indians, to the Lake Sacrament. Capt. Passore, bound for the So.
Bay, with 30 or 40 white men and 6 Indians, marched 4 miles with us, and
turned off. I marched 10 miles. Connecticut and New York forces ar-
rived with women; a man was drowned.

Monday, 18th. We marched to the Lake; made no discovery of an enemy.
Six of the Indians went farther westward. We sat out from the lake at
orie o'clock, and got home before dark.

Tuesday, igth. Tarried in the camps; did ncjthing. A general Court
martial was held. (}en. Lyman, C'ols. Ruggels, \\'illiams, (ioodrich, were
ordered to be ready to meet at all hours.

44 F.XTRAC'IS FROM JOHN liURK S DIARY.

]]'ednesday, 20th. 'I'arried at the camps. A general court martial was
held in trial of Lieut. Noble and others. Capt. Ayres began to dig a trench.
A great number was employed at digging.

Thiirsiiay 2nt. Tarried in camp. Saw Nelly and Polly, in great taking
for the women, — were all ordered away. Five Indians of the Six Nations
came from C'anada. Oeneral court martial. About 120 men employed
digging in the trenches. 'I'he Indians brought news from Canada, that 17
ships were at Quebec, 600 regulars; that 8000 were exjiected at Crown
Point, 300 out.

Friday, 22nd. I tarried at the camp. A council sat; determined to go
by Lake Sacrament. 1 sent a letter to my wife. Trenching yet, sawing
boards.

Saturday, 2jrd. Four hundred men were ordered to go upon the road;
1 went |)ilot. Cleared 6 miles. 'Ihe women were sent to .Albany. When
they went off there was a great lui/za. Trenching and sawing with whip-
saw yet.

Sunday, 24II1. 1 was not well; I had a bad cold. Kept in the tent all
day. Mr. Williams preat'hcd two sermons. ;\ number of men went upon
the road. Some Indians came to us; informed of more coming. Lieut.
Noble read his acknowledgment before the assembly.

Monday, 2^tli. 1 tarried at home in the cam]:)s. A scout sent to Fort
Massachusetts, — Serg. .Avery, who was one ordered to Deerfield. 1 wrote
to my wife. 'Prenching and sawing and making a powder house. All go-
ing forward briskly.

Tuesday, 26/h. Cen. Johnson, Cols. Ruggels, Williams, (jooilrich's regi-
ments, and some Rhode Island and york forces, about 1500 men and 200
wagons, marched forward for Lake Sacrament. March 6 miles and camped.

Wednesday, 2~tli. We all marched 4 miles and camfKul. We h.id some
clearing and large causeways to make this day.

Thursday, 2Stli. We cleared the road 10 miles; got to the lake. The
men worked very hard this day. One of the men found a gun and Indian
pack.

Friday, 2i)lh. Went to clearing by the lake, making a causeway, ^vx.
The wagons returned for more stores. .About 20 Lidians came to us.

Saturday, jotlt. 1 was matk; captain of the guard. Ileihirick, with about
170 Indians, came to us, they were saluted with a round of guns, and the
nuMi all drew n]i to receive them. The clc;aring went off brisklv. One
man killed, 1 taken, 3 escapc^l. They were keepnig cattle at tlu' great
carrying place.

EXTRACTS FROM JOHN BURK S DIARY. 45

Sunday, jist. A number of wagons and cannon came up, guarded by the
Rhode Islanders and Yorkers. Clearing carried on still. At night the In-
dians had a great dance.

Monday, Sept. ist. Capt. Porter, with some Indians marched to the So.
Bay to intercept the enemy that did st)me mischief. Some canoes were
seen by our Indians up the lake. I tarried by the camp and cleared for
tenting. Alarm at night; a sentry shot at a horse.

Tuesday, 2nd. Capt. Porter and men returned. The Intlians marched
forward. Five Indians that went out five days ago, that went to the carry-
ing place at the north end of lake, saw 15 of the enemy. Could not come
to speech. Our scout returned from Fort Massachusetts. I tarried at the
camps. Moved our tents.

Wednesday, jrd. Gen. Lyman, Col. Titcomb, Col. Gilbert came to us
at Lake George. Some Indians came and joined us. It is said that they
came 1100 miles. I tarried the camps. 3 Indians went a scalping to Cr(jvvn
Point.

Thursday, 4th. I was ordered to go up the lake with Capt. Stodtiard and
Capt. Ingersoll, and 3 other white men to carry 3 Indians, who were going
to Lake West, and we sailed 15 miles. Landed the Indians; returned by
II at night. Began to build a fort.

Friday, §th. I was very bad with a cold; tarried at the camps. No
news this day.

Saturday, 6th. I went to get a cask out of the store-house, &c. Heard
that eight or nine of the sick were dead at the other forts. Batteaux,
stores, daily coming up. Fort building, scows making.

Sunday, jth. A scout of Indians came in who have been to Crown Point,
and inform us that they saw as they returned the signs of a large army
marching south in 3 files; designed as they suppose, for our fort, at great
carrying place. A man who was thought to have deserted was found dead
at the other fort; killed by the fall of a tree it is supposed.

Monday, 8th. Col. Williams was sent out with 1000 men in search of
the enemy; determined to march toward the south bay. They marched
so in the road 3 miles, when they were waylaid by the enemy and fired
upon. The enemy having the advantage of the ground, obliged our men
to retreat to the camps; killed and wounded a great many by the way.
The enemy made a very smart attack upon the camps, but we stood ground
and drove them back. Took the general and aid de-cam [), and about 25
prisoners. New Hampshire and york men at the other fort, at the carry-

46 FIl ril AM) SIXTH COMMISSION OF JOHN r.UKK.

ing- phu.e, heard the great guns, came up and met the enemy stripping our
dead; drove them from the ground and took 2 prisoners. 'I'hey fought
them three hours, ami we fought them from between 10 and 11 till between
6 and 7 afternoon. No such battle before in North America.

Tuesday, gth. About 300 we sent out to bury the dead. 1 went with
them. The men forward took a start, ran back; were stopped by the offi-
cers. I''ound it too late to do the business. Returned to the camp:;, brought
one wounded man of ours, a great deal of plunder, i\:c.

Wediicsda\\ lolh. We went out again, liuried 136 dead (;f ours, and some
l''rench. IJrought in a great deal of plunder and I'Vench provisions, and
one of oiir wounded, a scout from the other fort and from Hoosuck, Capt.
Wyman. 1 sent a letter to my wife. All a-fortifying at the camps. Col.
W'illard, Capt. Symers. came up with a nundjer of wagons with provi-
sions, cVc. The wagoners went back, the Indians went off home. A great
number of men went plundering; found a great deal. Buried 4 more of
our men."

Major Bttrk was also present at the surrender of Fort William
Henry, Ang-ust 10, 1757, escapincr from that massacre clad only in
his " deer skin breeches and his watch," while his reported losses
inehided 328^^ 8s. continental currency, (or about $50), and a "To-
bacco box, I pound."

His fifth comtnission appointed him " Lieutenant of the Forces
posted at Fall Town, Colrain, Charlemont, Northfield, (xreenfield,
Hunts Town, Pontoosuck and Stockbridge under Israel Williams,
Fsc| , (who has the Chief Comtnand of the Forces in the Western
Frontier.") This paper was dated June 5th, 1758, and was signed
bv T. Pownall, (lovernor, and Thos. Clark, Depty. Secy.

His next commission appointed him " Captain of a Company in
a Regiment of Foot whereof Brigadeer General Timothy Ruggles
is Colonel, raised by me to be employed in his Majesties Service
the ensuing Campaign," dated March 31st, 1759. His seventh com-
mission appointing him Major is as follows :

"I'rovince of the Thomas Pownall Ksq.

Massachusetts ilay. Captain (leneral and (iovernor

Seal. in ('hief, in and of His Majesties

Province of the Massachusetts JJay
in New Kngland and \'ice .Admiral
of t lie Same ivc.

COMMISSION OF MAJOR I5URK. 47

To John Burk Esq. Greeting.

By Virtue of the Power and Authority in and by His Majesty's Royal
Commission to Me granted to be Captain General &c. over this His Majes-
ty's Province of the Massachusetts P>ay aforesaid I do by these Presents
(rep(jsing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Loyalty, courage and good

conduct) constitute and appoint You the said John Burk to be Major

of the First Batallion of a Regiment whereof Timothy Ruggles Esq. is
Colonel.

You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a
Major in leading ordering and exercising said Regiment in, Arms both in-
ferior Officers and Soldiers and to keep them in good order and Discipline
and they are hereby Commanded to obey you as their Major and you are
yourself to observe and follow Such Orders and Instructions as you Shall
from time to time recieve from the General and commander in Chief of His
Majesties Forces in North America 1 your Colonel or rather your Superior
Officer, according to the Rules and l)isci[:)line of War in pursuance of the
Trust hereby reposed in you.

Given under my H;ind and Seal at Arms at B(jston the day of February
In the thirty third Year of the Reign of His Majesty King (reorge the
Second, Anno, Domini, 1760.

T. PoWNALL.

By His Excellency's

Command.
A. Olliver, Sec."

The orii^inal of the first, fifth, sixth and seventh commissions are
in the possession of tlie "Ciishman Library" at Bernardston and
the others vv^ere presented by Gov. Ctishman to the American Anti-
qitarian Society at Worcester, Mass.

Such is the military record of Major John Burk prior to the Rev-
oltition. In that crisis he was " ever a firm and unwavering friend
of his country, and by his influence did much in our glorious strug-
gle for liberty. * - He was a man of a sotmd, discriminating
mind, of good edtication for the times, — a judicious politician — a
practical christian — one of the pillars of the church, and a man
much beloved in private life. In short, as a man, as a soldier, as a
statesman, and as a Christian he was eminent. And what higher
eulogiiim can be pronounced tipon any man?"

CHAPTER IV.

ROADS — VOTES RELATIVE TO ROADS AND BRIDGES — BRIDGES — MILLS
— TAVERNS — STAGES — RAILROAD — INDUSTRIES — SHOE-SHOPS —
SNATH-SHOI'S — LIME-QUARRIES— BLACKSMITHS — STONE-WORK —
ROPE-WORK — TAILORS — HARNESS-MAKING — DISTILLERIES — CUT-
LERY — STORES.

HigJnvays. — As in all places settled during" the colonial period, so
here the first roads were little more than mere bridle paths through
the forest. The proprietors, when they came, were upon the very
frontiers of civilization, and of necessity their attention centered
UDon their homes and the means of subsistence. Later more time
was given to the consideration of other matters, hence, after a few
years, we find mention made in the records of their annual meet-
ings, of their roadways.

In the early settlement of the place, the inhabitants were located
principally upon the river, north from the present iron bridge,
north-east onto Huckle Hill, east to the Lt. Sheldon Fort, later
known as the " Purple Place." Why the Hill should have been
chosen as a site for the Meeting House, or seemed especially desir-
able for a home location, it might, perhaps, seem difftcult to under-
stand, unless because a path from Greenfield, or Deerfield, as the
territory was then called, was here laid out. A retrospective glance
toward the colonial history of most towns in Massachusetts suggests
striking similarities, showing that very often upon the hii^hest
ground were the first buildings erected. This may be tracable to
two causes; protection from the dampness of the more marshy
lowlands, and a greater degree of security from the Indians. Upon
the river, the superiority of the land and its ready adaptability to
their needs, doubtless had its influence. Therefore we find that
the earliest roads were in these sections of the town, seemingly
following no prescribed plan other than to pass by the dwellings
of the inhabitants.

O
O

h-1

H
M
M
Bi
H

a
u

FIRST ROADWAYS. 49

No known plan of these early roads is in existence. In the Massa-
chusetts State Archives, Vol. 12, p. i, is this plan protracted Mch.26,
1795. It would almost appear that this was a vState paper prepared
with especial reference to the location of the churches, inasmuch
as many roads known to have been then laid out are not therein
delineated. The votes taken reg-arding the early roads are here
'given at length, inasmuch as they tend to show, not only the loca-
tion of the roads, but also who were the families in town, and, to
a certain extent, the places of their habitation.

Probably the first recorded action on highways was in 1740, when
it was ordered that highways be laid out wherever the committee
should deem it advisable. The old " King's Highway " was pre-
sumably the first road and ran from the Burk Fort east, the river
being forded, through a portion of the lot known now as the " Town
Farm " to Deacon Sheldon's Fort upon Huckle Hill. Thence a
road ran south-east to the Lt. Sheldon Fort. Some of the other ear-
lier ones were from Lt. Sheldon's, in the east part of the town, to the
sawmill, probably what was called the county road ; a part of the
way this nearly concurred with the present Northfield road, one of
the exceptions being that it ran around by the place now owned by
Mr. George Parmenter. Other roads ran from the county road
by the sawmill to Simeon Hall's ; from the sawmill to Sg. Allen's ;
from Moses Scott's to Deacon Sheldon's; from Samuel Hastings",
probably on Huckle Hill, to Dry Brook ; from the county road to
Amasa Sheldon's ; from Benjamin Green's southward ; from Deer-
field to Colrain (which road passed through Fall Town), from or
near Major Burk's north as far as Samuel Connable's. The first
road to Greenfield ran nearly parallel with the present main road,
but further to the east, down by Mr. P. L. Cushman's, and is to-day
known as the " Back Road to Greenfield," or " Lamp-black Street."

In 1764 it was voted that a road be laid out from the bridge by
the sawmill to Lt. Sheldon's ; from house lot No. i6 down by Moses
Scott's house ; that the road from the bridge to Lt. Sheldon's be
established ; that the road laid from the county road by the saw-
mill to Simeon Hall's be a town road.

Dec. 31, 1765, voted that Moses Scott, Deacon Sheldon, Major

50 VOTES RELATIVE TO HIGIIWAVS.

Burk, David Rider, Amasa Sheldon, be a committee for the preser-
vation of timber on the several roads in town.

1766. Among- the existing- roads at this date were those from
Moses Scott's to Sgt. John Severances'; Samuel Hastings' to Daniel
Slate's ; The country (county?) road to Amasa Sheldon's ; the saw-
mill east to the country road ; the sawmill to Joseph Slate's and
Sgt. Allen's ; Deerfield to Colrain ; road to the west part of the
town ; road to Elijah Sheldon's lot, above the Fairweather farm ;
from the country road the west side of Fall River to Ichabod
Warner's.

1767. Road from James Couch's to Michael Frizzell's lot, No. 73,
ist division, be confirmed ; from the sawmill to Joseph Slate's, and
thence toward Sgt. Allen's, be confirmed as far as the "slow at the
swamp;" from the south-east corner of Simeon Hall's lot. No. 80,
ist division, up to the Province line.

1769. Road by Simeon Hall's up to Thomas Wooley's and from
this road down to Ichabod Warner's house be confirmed.

1770. Road from David Ryder's corner of the garden fence down
to ye road that comes from the sawmill ; from the corner of the
garden fence west 25 degrees S. 58 rods to Daniel Dexter's lot ;
from the north-east corner of Ezekiel Foster's house to the south
line of Benjamin Green's land.

1 77 1. Road across Aaron Field's and Thomas Gilley's lot, then
across Dry Brook, and so up sd Dry Brook to vSamuel Hastings'
north lot, then up by west end of said Hastings' lot and the west
end of Daniel Slate's lot to Elias Parmenter's lot.

1774. To confirm road up to David Smalley's and so to David
Page's land ; to confirm the road from Nehemiah Andros's log-
house up to his lot, through David Rider and William Fox's land,
sd Rider to have $4.00, and wood on road through his land ; con-
firm the road to Ichabod Warner's viz., from Simeon Hall's to Prov-
ince line ; to Moses Smith's land so as to leave Samuel Ellis's house
one half a rod to the west of the road ; to build a bridge over Fall
River on the road from Major Burk's to the meeting house, to be
done out of the highway work, Major Burk, David Rider and Moses
Scott to be a committee to build said bridge ; voted that all the
men that live north of the north-west branch of Fall River shall be

VOTES RKT.ATIVK TO HIGHWAYS. 5 I

allowed to do their quota of highway work towards building a bridge
over said branch on these terms: that Hophni Rider will give two
days' work ; Ichabod Warner, four days ; Simeon Hall, two days ;
Jacob Orcutt, one day; Samuel Cunnable, Jr., one day; David
Smalley, two days' work toward building said bridge and if above
mentioned work does not finish it, it must ly by till further order.
Voted that John Burk, Moses Scott and Remembrance Sheldon be
a committee to determine where Benjamin Green, Jr., shall build
a house on the sawmill yard, and what he shall give for the land
if they think there is room for a house and not incommode the
mill yard.

1776. To confirm the road from the slab bridge across Dry Plain
to the road west of Samuel Hale's. It comes into said road at the
bridge, a little north of Samuel Hale's house.

1777. To confirm the road going by Joshua Wells' house to the
Guilford line.

1779. To confirm the road laid from the south line of the town
east of Lemuel Robbins' house, and so north to the pole bridge on
Dr. Cushman's land.

1786. That a road be laid out from Zebulon Allen's west to Ley-
den ; also from Ichabod Warner's to the sawmill yard.

1789. To lay a road across Fall River from the road on the east
side to the road on the west side, just north of Daniel Loomis' ;
to build a bridge across James Couch's brook, where the county
road is laid.

1803. To discontinue the road from Tute Hollow, so called, by
the Casey house to the Gill line.

1 8 1 1 . To discontinue the road from Dry Brook to Deacon Snow's.

1 8 14. Voted to procure five scrapers and that it be left with the
surveyors to purchase them.

Prior to the Revolution an act was passed which in some degree
anticipated the work of the modern rural clubs and improvement
societies, inasmuch as by it all were prohibited from cutting any
trees located within the bounds of the highway. Had it not have
been for this wise regulation, some of our most attractive drives
might, probably would, have been despoiled of much of their nat-

52 BRIDGES.

ural beauty. The improvements on the roads have been continu-
ous, and to-day, go where you will about the town, they are found
to be in excellent condition, and conceded to be among the best to
be found in the county. Winding in and out, following the trend
of river and brook, between and over the mountains, prettily wooded
in many places, well shaded a greater portion of the way, one needs
but a soul in harmony with Nature to deeply appreciate the ever
changing panorama with which the eye is constantly greeted on a
drive about our beautiful town.

Bridges. — One of the first, if not tJic first bridge to be built in
town, was across Fall River, near or on the site of the present iron
structure at the village. In 1740, Caleb Chapin, John Hitchcock
and Josiah Scott were chosen to build a bridge " near the sawmill."
Later on, in 1744, the committee upon bridge-building was Gershem
Hawks, Ebenezer Sheldon, Jr., Moses Scott, Noah Wright, John
Burk and Peter Newcomb. Probably the first bridge was built
under the direction of one or both of these committees. In the
Connable Genealogy, mention is made of three bridges being con-
structed across Fall River by Samuel Connable, one of the first set-
tlers. The first, built in 1741, was the first in town, the second, in
1750, and a third in 1760, located near the sawmill.

During the period of the Indian wars, and the subsequent com-
parative desertion of the town, ruin and decay became apparent on
all sides. Upon the dawn of peace in 1760, the settlers returning,
devoted their attention to the restoration of order, and Samuel
Connable and Moses Scott were chosen to rebuild the bridge, the
price agreed upon being 2']£, ($90.00.) For this sum they were to
pitch the timbers above water mark and take any further precau-
tions which would render it more durable. About 1780 it became
evident that further repairs, or possibly a reconstruction of this
structure, must be soon forthcoming, and March 3, 1783, it was de-
creed that the bridge should be made 12 feet in width between the
posts, that it should be " what is called a Hook Bridge and planked
with sawed planks for a covering 3 inches thick."

March 7, 1774, it was voted to build a bridge on the road from
" Major Burk's to the Meeting House," which has been since known
as the " Burk Bridge." Hitherto the river at this point had been
forded. Now a substantial iron bridge spans the river.

P.RIDGES. 53

In 1800 there is mention made of repairing the old bridge across
Fall River near Dr. Ryther's sawmill. In 1774 there was one also
to be built across the north-west branch of Fall River upon the site
of the one now near the home of Mr. A. C. Brown. The 26th of
the December following, it was voted to build a part of the bridge
over Fall River, on the Greenfield line, provided that Greenfield
will build their part, the building to be done the ensuing summer.
Presumably this plan was not then put into execution, from the
fact that July 26, 1781 — seven j^ears later — it was voted to " Raise
tlie sum of 4£ los. to pay the master workman for framing this
town's part of the bridge at the Iron Works, and to purchase rum
for the raising of the Bridge." The iron works here referred to
occupied a position near or on the site of E. S. Hurlbert's factory,
the territory being upon what was then the boundary line between
Bernardston and Greenfield. This bridge was once the scene of
what would have, in the majority of cases, proven a serious acci-
dent. In April, 1797, as Mr. Consider Cushman, with a cart, yoke
of oxen and a horse, was crossing the structure, the sleepers gave
way, precipitating Mr. Cushman and his teams into the stream some
15 to 20 feet below, amid the fallen timbers. In an almost miracu-
lous manner Mr. C. and his animals escaped unhurt, and his cart
was found to be intact. So says Lt. Gov. Cushman, who also adds
that Bethan Dickinson was an eye witness of the affair, and that
P. L. Cushman, ist., soon appeared with proffered assistance. The
bridge was not immediately repaired, and the next August the re-
mainder was swept away by the "August Flood." This flood caused
much devastation along the course of the river. Heavy and pro-
longed rains quickly raised the waters, converting them, for the
time being, into a most turbulent torrent, and so suddenly did this
rise occur that in some cases it is said that cattle were surrounded
and carried off, while the mills and bridges from the source to the
mouth of the river were, almost without exception, swept away.
This IS the only occasion upon which damage to so great an extent
has been wrought by our ordinarily peaceful stream. The bridges
were soon rebuilt and about 1870, the wooden bridge across the
river at the village was replaced by the present substantial iron
one. At the north part of the town, across Newcomb brook, iron
has also superseded the wood, and, without doubt, as the older

54 MILLS.

bridges yield to time and decay, the stronger and more durable
material will come into even more general use.

Mills. — The proprietors of this township early recognized the
advantages to be derived from the water power in their possession,
hence we find this note in the record of their second meeting, held
October 6, 1736, at the home of Mr. Stebbins at Northampton:
"Att ye same Time itt was Voted that the Committee shall take
effectual care In Laying Sd Home Lotts out that they preserve and
not Lay out any Stream or Place or Places sutuble and sufficient
to set any mill or mills upon, but that they may be preferved for
ye Good and benefit of ye Proprietes and so be att their disposi-
tion."

Further action was taken at a meeting held May 5, 1737, as fol-
lows : Messrs. Ichabod AUice, Jonathan Hoit, Samuel Field, Eben-
ezer Sheldon and Benjamin Munn were chosen a committee to
" Take effectual care there be a saw-mill erected in sd place speed-
ily upon ye Falls In Fall River In That Place upon sd River be-
tween where ye entervail or Meddow land Is, or Lyeth upon sd
River and yt the Man or Men ye committee agree with to Sett up
sd Mill Shall have ye sole benefitt of ye sd streem half a mile up
sd River from ye Middle Falls in sd PLiver for ye benefit of ye
Proprietors, for a sawmill and a grist mill, and that no man shall
erect or sett up any mill or dams ; viz. either saw or grist mill be-
low ye Mill or Mills the man or men The sd Proprietory committee
shall agree with so near his sd mill or mills so as any way to dem-
nifie him In ye Improvement of his sd Mills." In October ensu-
ing, it was voted to raise the sum of 40^^, the same to be applied
toward the erection of the sawmill, and the above mentioned com-
mittee were empowered to agree with Joseph Mitchell, or some
other person to undertake the work, the succeeding summer. A
grist mill was likewise projected, to cover the cost of which a tax
of los. a person was imposed. The saw mill was the first to be
completed, but at what date there is nothing upon record to show.
We may suppose that the committee having the matter in hand
executed their commission promptly. That some portion of the
work was speedily accomplished is shown by the entry made
June 13, 1799, when the statement was made that certain meadow

MILLS. 55

lands were overflowed because of the mill dam havmg been con-
structed ; those whose property was thus inundated were granted
the privilege of making an exchange for any undivided lands they
might prefer, the said exchange to be made at their own expense.
Whether any availed themselves of this opportunity is unknown.
This mill was located just south of the present iron bridge, and
occupied that position until about 1870. Among the later owners
was Job Goodale, who leased the property to his son-in-law, Zebina
Newcomb. September 15, 1879, ^^e Newtons of Holyoke bought
and shipped away all the mill machinery from this old sawmill,
and the building itself was torn down the next month.

At intervals the grist mill project was agitated, but with no defi-
nite results until March 6, 1775, when Samuel Connable built a
" Corn Mill '' upon the north-west branch of Fall River. At a much
later date one was put in and run in connection with Mr. Goodale's
sawmill.

The second sawmill was built on the Newcomb brook by Captain
John Connable, and in the raising of the same he had only the
assistance of his daughter Molly, and the "Old White Mare." This
location is connected in a most vivid manner with the Indian ter-
rors experienced by the older town of Deerfield, inasmuch as near
here one of the Deerfield captives — an infant — was most cruelly
thrown down into the gorge, thus meeting its death at the hands
of its captors, they being en route to Canada. On this brook was
a shop owned and operated by Solomon Newcomb and located
about a half mile above the Connable mill. Here was made almost
all articles for domestic use, from turned woods, such as churns,
cheese presses, chairs, &c.

A short distance below the Connable mill stood the gin distil-
lery. Into this Ezra Newcomb put gearing and started a saw and
shingle mill. He sold to Ralph Cushman, and he, in turn, to George
Thompson. The latter sold the gearing to wSheldon Wright and
Gaines Green, who, later, transferred it to a mill which they had
built on Branch brook, near Galusha Newton's farm. The mill was
sold about 1846-8 to Zenas Cutler, who took down the building,
moved it to his place, and transformed it into a barn and hop house.

The waters of West Branch turned the mill wheels owned by

56 MILLS.

Socrates Sheldon, wlio finally sold his interests to Olivier and Rno^-
j:^les Bagg. Hucklc Hill's representative in this industry was John,
son of Deacon Daniel Slate, \vh(\ about 1840 or 1845, built a saw-
mill on Dry Brook ; this only had an existence of two or three
years. At about the same time, Stephen Gore built another on
Burk Flat, which was successively sold to Joseph Cheeny, Col.
Aretas Ferry, Henry Park and Lucius M. Wcatherhead. It is now
owned by a Mr. Welcome and is one of the two still running".
Oeorge Alexander had a sawmill on the brook north of P. L. Cush-
man's fishpond, the dam being where the present one is.

In the west part of the town, upon Mill brook, Increase Sumner
Hale owned and o]:)erated a sawmill. As the weight of years bore
heavily upon him, his son, Hartly, succeeded to its management and
removed it to a position opposite the depot, utilizing steam as motive
power, and combining with this a gristmill. Later another change
was made, purchasing in iS.So the mill site and power of the mill
formerly owned and operated l)y Chaunccy vSlate, whose mill had
been burned. Here a good water power was available and Mr.
Hale steadily increased his lousiness, finally removing his sawmill
to this location. These mills were sold from his estate to Chas.
Barber, by whom they were operated until destroyed by fire July 22,
1899. Upon this site he has erected a sawmill whicli is now oper-
ated ])y John Chapin. The grist mill was built on the west side
of the road, fitted out with rdl modern improvements, a large ele-
Vcator built in, the power being transmitted from the river by cables.
To the milling business he has added trade in flour, grains and
coal.

These mills, in connection with the one now owned by Mr. Wel-
come two miles north, are the only ones which check the eea.seless
flow of the streams in their oceanward course.

V^nvcriis. — To one inclined to make close inquiry regarding the
establishment ;ind ready adaptrd)ility of houses of public entertain-
ment for different purposes, in former times, many interesting
facts are revealed. Not only did they serve to provide accommo-
dations for the travelling ])ublic, l)Ut also as a place iov keeping
relavs of horses upon the v.irious stage routes, as a conv'cnient place
of assemblage, at which all the absorbing topics of the day were

TAVERNS. 57

discussed, and the town, lacking- other suitable public buildings,
as a place in which to hold their annual meetings. Certainly the
old time taverns in this place were used for these very purposes.
And who that has read Irving's Rip Van Winkle, does not recall
the peaceful scene there depicted — the venerable white-haired,
white-bearded old man, sitting calmly smoking beneath the spread-
ing branches of the old tree by the village inn, either with the
children by his side or else discussing the political situation ? And
having read, who is there so lacking in imagination as not to be
able to see just such scenes re-enacted under the spreading branches
of the fine old trees about the old Chase Tavern at North Bernards-
ton, or at the New England House at the village? Trees, noble
specimens of their kind, which have been mute witnesses of scenes,
peaceful and warlike, joyful and sorrowful ! Trees lending to the
place a charm of their own and inseparably associated with the
places in memory!

As early as 1760, Elijah (or Elisha) Sheldon, kept a tavern near
Huckle Hill and this, no doubt, was the first one here. Upon the
farm now owned by the Frizzell Bros., and near the site of Burk
Fort, Major John Burk kept, in 1763, a tavern, which fact was an-
nounced by a shield shaped sign, having painted upon its centre a
decanter and glasses, while large letters surrounding this design
declared that here was provided " Entertainment for Man and
Beast. John Burk." This sign was preserved and by Mr. Richard
H. Hoyt presented to the P. V. M. A. of Deerfield,and can now be
seen in the Society room. This hotel was a part of the original
Burk Fort, it having been removed from its first location and a
front built on.

In the house now owned by Mr. Abbott Brown in North Bernard-
ston is recognized what was for years known as the "Connable Tav-
ern." For many years this house was kept by Mr. Brown's maternal
grand-parent, Capt. Jonathan Connable, and was presumably opened
to the public about the year 1800. A half mile further north, and
the same distance south from the Vermont line, stands the old
" Chase Tavern," long used as a po.st for changing horses upon the
Brattleboro stage route. This had a number of owners, among
others being a Mr. Root, son of Major Root, Col. Wright of South

58 NEW ENGLAND ?K)USE.

Deerfield, Rufus Chase and his son vSanford, Sage Newcorab and
his son-in-law Ford, and lastly Mr. E. C. Newton. Since about 1882
the house has been closed to the public and is now occupied as a
private dwelling. About 1795 Ruel Willard came from Greenfield
to live upon his landed estates. He returned to Greenfield, and
again in 1805 removed to Bernardston to his farm and tavern stand,
where he died May 24, 1806, ae. 54. This was located on or near
the place owned by the late Frederic Chapin.

The present hotel, the " New England House " at the village, had
its beginning near the opening of the ninteenth century, when it
was kept by Major Webster, who sold it to P. L. Cushman, who was
the proprietor many years. Among those who succeeded him were
Lt. Gov. Cushman, John N. Purple, P. L. Cushman, 2nd, from 1847
to 1850, and Willard Owen. The latter gentleman was born July 10,
1820, died November 29, 1892, and his body brought back to Ber-
nardston for burial. For some time the stand was kept by Eli C.
Fox, who sold in April, 1864, to Isaac P. Morrison of Brooklyn,
N. Y. The October following it was purchased by Mr. John San-
derson and Col. Ferry and by them leased in December of that
year to William Bascom. vSucceeding the last named as lessees
were Henry C. Uenham and Joseph Scott. The later lessees have
been Mr. O. C. Allen, who assumed control in November, 1879, '^^^^
by whom it was most successfully conducted for about 10 years,
and Mr. H. Taintor. About 1888 or 1890, the property was sold to
Frederick K. Clough and was leased by him to Mr. Frank Turner.
The present owner and proprietor is Mr. 11. B. Reed, who came here
from Vernon, Vt. He has taken a deal of professional pride in
refitting the house throughout with all modern conveniences to be
found in large places and the same spirit of improvement has been
displayed in the barns and ice houses. The large and rapidly grow-
ing number of patrons from surrounding towns bears ample testi-
mony to the luxurious cuisine and service there provided. The
town is to be congratulated upon having one of the best hotels in
Franklin County.

Stag-iS a)id Railnxxd. — The first means of conveyance succeeding
the primitive method of horse back riding, was by stages, the ad-
vent of which was hailed as a marked advancement. The appear-

STAGES AND RAILROAD. 59

ance of the stage was the signal for an unwonted activity, and when
it is considered that all communication with the outside world came
through this avenue, can it prove after all, a source of wonder ? In
the thirties, the stage line between Greenfield and Brattleboro,
passing through Bernardston, was operated by Asher Spencer, a
resident of Greenfield. He had what was designated as the "Tele-
graph " or fast line, carrying the through New York mail north-
ward. On this line it was required that seven miles an hour be
covered, no account or allowance being made for inclement weather
or the poor condition of the roads. For failure in this direction a
forfeiture of $100.00 was exacted. For this service the best of horse
flesh was procured and special coaches made in Albany, N. Y., were
used. The drivers were only allowed to carry six inside passen-
gers and an extra charge was made for travel. The ordinary coach
line was running, in addition to the "Telegraph" line and by far
the largest part of the travel was done by means of the latter. The
usual rates of transportation were about five cents a mile. In sum-
mer there were three stages daily each way ; during the winter
but two.

This was the manner in which we must imagine our ancestors
travelling up to the year 1846. At this date the Connecticut River,
now the Boston and Maine, railroad, was opened, passing through
Bernardston, and from thence the stage was an institution of the
past. This railroad is the only one passing through the place and
its excellent service is fully appreciated by its patrons.

Industries. — Bernardston has always been, and probably will be,
essentially an agricultural and educational town. Its natural ad-
vantages all foretell this. From time to time manufacturing indus-
tries have sprung up, suited to the needs of her inhabitants, and
this is something traceable in the early history of all pioneer towns
— the very demand creates its fulfillment. Towns of much size
being remote from each other, and far from Boston, which during
the 1 8th century was the principal market place, the people of nec-
essity made for themselves, so far as possible, all articles needful
for common or daily use. Thus we see why so many tanneries and
shoe shops, scythe-snath and blacksmith shops, saw and grist mills
and such like industries had an existence. In the following account

6o TANNKRIKS AND SHOE-SllOl'S.

of those established in this town only approximate dates are ^^iven.
In the ag-gregate it seems like an unusual amount of business for
the size of the place, but it must be borne in mind that one fol-
lowed the other in the majority of cases, and in this way the seem-
ing paradox is explainable.

Tanneries and Shoc-sliops. — Some of the first of these to be estab-
lished were the tanneries and shoe-shops. The present Cushman
Hall is on the site o'f probably the largest of these old tanneries.
It was owned by Izatus Sheldon and Elizur Chamberlain, about
1830 to 1840. In connection with this, they owned and carried on
shoe-shops. Chamberlain's shoe-shop was on the corner opposite
where the library now stands, owned at present by Mrs. Harriet
Brown. Tanninii; their own leather, employing oftentimes a dozen
men in working it up, they found a market for their productions in
the distant vSouth. Although in company, they each hadaseparate
shoe-shop. They also employed Mr. Amos Carrier, who had a shop
just south of the present residence of Mr. Frank Burrows on South
street. After the di.ssolution of their partnership, Mr. Carrier car-
ried on the same business for himself at his old stand. Sheldon's
shop was in the back part of his house, on the site of the one now
occupied by Mr. vSumner Stratton. The tannery was sold out to
one Joel Fay, who came from the vicinity of New Salem. He ran
It for three or four years, when it was given up, and a part torn
down, probably not far from 1850. A second part was moved to
the present library location and converted into a blacksmith shop,
which was occupied by the Fox brothers, Selah Wright, and Eli C.
This was later owned by Mr. J. N. Dewey, and moved to its pres-
ent position back of the Universalist church building. Mr. Dewey
sold about 1880 to Wells Bardwell, and he, May, 1880, to A. Kenney.
It is now occupied by Mr. Cairns.

A third portion of the old tannery was moved to a position on
South street, standing where Dr. Bowker's barn is now located and
was occupied by Col. Ferry as a .scythe-snath shop. This was finally
burned.

A second tannery was situated at North Bernardstoii, east of
Charles r>agg's place and upon the river, owned by Lewis Prouty.
About i860, lames Linton owned and ran a shoe-shop, which was

LLl

DC
00

SCYTHE-SNATHS. 6l

afterward bought and run by Lucius and Marcus Cook in the old
Goodale Academy, later transformed into a dwelling by J. N. Dewey.
These shops all did a fair amount of business according to the old-
time method. In 1829 there was advertised as being for sale a
house, wood house, tanner's shop, shoemaker's shop and bark mill
on a fine stream. Quartus vSheldon was then living on the prem-
ises. About 1845 John Allen made and repaired shoes, his place
of business being at North Bernardston. In 1872 the largest in-
dustry probably in this line the town has ever had was started by
N. S. Cutler, in the manufacturing of women's, misses' and chil-
dren's shoes. A shop was built upon the old Ur. Brooks place on
vSouth street and a force of fifteen hands employed. This enter-
prise steadily grew until some fifty hands were busy, and with
the increasing cares and needs, partnerships were formed with
Capt. George Warner, a native of Bernardston, now resident in
Lynn, and with George T. Cutler, a brother of the senior member.
In 1880 the business had assumed such proportions as to render
the distance from a more desirable shipping point and banking
facilities a most serious drawback ; consequently after much delib-
eration and careful consideration, the business was transferred to
Greenfield, Mass., July ist, 1880.

Scytlu'-snatJis. — About 1840, Col. Ferry owned a scythe-snath shop
located where Dr. Bowker's barn now stands. This was burned
and he rebuilt on the river south of where is now the Barber mill.
Here, until 1867, a prosperous business was carried on. Col. Ferry
retiring, sold the property to James Haynes, who in turn disposed
of it to Alburtus Weatherhead. The latter converted it into a
wheelwright shop, carrying on that business until his death. In
the settlement of his estate, E. S. Hurlbert became possessed of
the property, leasing the same to J. Henry Nichols for the manu-
facture of cutlery.

Blacksmiths. — In a shop situated between the present iron bridge
and the old sawmill site, vSelah W. and Eli C. Fox, brothers, car-
ried on blacksmithiiig. Here they made the snath trimmings
used by Col. Ferry, and the business careers of these two firms
were nearly or quite contemporaneous.

Near by the shop of Messrs. Fox was located another, owned by

62 liLACKSMITIIS.

Medad Squires, just west of the present residence of Mr. O. W. Gray.
ITpon the site of the present brick store building there was. at an
early date, one owned by Horace Atherton. This one was burned
in 1S21, but was soon after rebuilt, used for a time, then removed
to the lot upon which now stands the house recently owned by the
late H. N. Porter, upon the river bank. April 2, 1828, Jared Fox and
Jedediah S. Woodard, blacksmiths, dissolved partnership and the
business was continued by Fox, who in October, 1829, sold the

same to Pliney Merrill, whose apprentices, Stratton and Frank

vSnow, carried on the business. Subsequently Enoch Moore bought
this and during; his ownership it was again devastated by fire. In
rebuilding, Mr. Moore chose a site about a quarter of a mile to the
south. This shop he sold to Josiah P. Day, who owned and oper-
ated it many years, finally selling the same. Mr. Moore soon after
built another forge on the next lot south of Mr. Day's. The build-
ing is still standing, but has long since fallen into disuse. One of
the last occupants was William Chase, who in 1879 removed thence
to the stand owned by Mr. Dewey. Where now Mr. ^Sanderson's
ice-house stands, Joel Doty at one time plied his trade. In the
north part of the town, near the location of the recent store. Dea-
con Gore's forge and bellows were to be seen. This subsequently
passed to the ownership of Benjamin Arnold Streeter, while upon
the opposite side of the street was one owned by a Mr. Lee. The
first blacksmith in town was a Mr. Bailey, who had a shop in the
old Burk Fort. Mr. Bailey was the seccmd man to be buried in the
old burying ground in or about 1757, a soldier's interment there
being the first.

With the exception of Messrs. Day and Dewey's shops, the exist-
ence of most of these antedate the war or the year 1865 at the lat-
est. The precise dates relative to many it has been well nigh ini-
possible to obtain, and the same applies to other industries. Close
inquiry from the older inhabitants elicits the information that "such
a one had its beginning when I was a boy, and might have been
run until I was about so old." No doubt there were tethers in the
early settlement of the place not here mentioned.

Gravesto)ics.--\i may be a fact not generall}' known that very
many of the black slate slabs in the old cemetery, as well as some

(^)UAKRIKS ANM) MINERALS. 63

in the new, were produced from native soil, and were quarried and
sawed by Samuel and Caleb Chapin. Their quarry was situated
on the top of West Mountain, very nearly opposite the hotel. About
1830 they conducted quite a business in this line, their shop being
located upon the banks of the Blake pond, so called, a little above the
late Mr. P. L. Cushman's. Here they did their sawing- by water
power, using a smooth edged piece of steel for a saw, and making sand
and water, slowly sprinkled and poured on in the track of the steel,
do the work of sawing. The lettering on these stones was done in
a building which has stood until within the last twelve to twenty
years, just north of Mrs. Janette Chapin's place, at the corner of
Depot and South streets. Mr. Nelson Blake purchased their shop,
thereby securing the water power, and here he established a wheel-
wright shop, which he conducted until his death. The next own-
ers of the place were, .successively, George Green, Mr. Merrifield,
and, lastly, C. C. Cook, formerly of Turners Falls.

Minerals. — Among the minerals here found are lime and iron,
and with varying degrees of success have the ores been mined.
Lt. Gov. Cushman is authority for the statement that in the year
1769, Major Burk dug about 20 tons of limestone at the Chapin
quarry which he sent away. Where, was not recorded, if known.
About 1830, the Chapin brothers — Samuel, Caleb, Dana and Justin,
built a lime kiln about three-quarters of a mile north of the village,
on the east side of the Brattleboro road, between that and the
bridge crossing the river to the old cemetery. Quite a mound is
discernible there to-day and, should an excavation be made, the
remains of this old kiln would be revealed. The stone was obtained
from the mountain just west, on the farm recently owned by Harris
Williams. This industry was carried on for some i 5 to 18 years, but
as the lime produced was of an exceedingly strong and inferior
quality, as well as of a very dark color, it was not especially succes.s-
ful. About 1780 the iron works were in operation on the present
site of E. S. Hurlbert's factory, and here the ore obtained on West
Mountain was smelted. Ore has in recent years been dug on Mr.
Harris Williams' farm, the right being sold by him to New York
parties. This, however, had no marketable value, the ore being so
strongly impregnated with sulphur. There is also a slate quarry
at the north end of the Fairweather farm, so called.

64 CARDING MACHINES. ROPE-MAKINC}.

Carding Machmcs. — Up to 1825 a wool carding machine was run
on Fall River, east of Blake's pond, by Simeon Cushman. From
his estate it was purchased, in May of that year, by P. C. Alexan-
der and Jason Brown. They advertised to manufacture wool on
shares. Up to 1828 John Wait and Jason Brown were in company,
then the business was advertised as being for sale, also a sawmill
on the premises. This was later owned by Richard Montague,
being purchased by him of Truman Shattuck, and this was the one
owned by Col. Ferry and A. Weatherhead. About 1810 Oliver and
Ruggles Bagg began to run a carding machine and fulling mill on
the west branch of Fall River, west of the old Chase tavern. This
was an enterprising firm, they conducting, in addition to this busi-
ness, a saw and grist mill, and adding the branch of cloth dressing
in 1829. In 18 1 8 George Alexander advertised " a good stand for
clothier, also a carding machine in good repair." August, 1801,
Ebenezer Hills assumed control — by purchase or rental — of cloth-
ing shop lately owned by George Mowry. September 4, 1807, John
Purple purchased the clothier's works formerly owned by Ebene-
zer Hills.

Rope-making. — About 1800, Israel Slate engaged in an industry,
which, in this town, has never had a rival, that of rope making.
Formerly large quantities of flax were here raised annually. Of
this Mr. Slate (aided by his sons) took his share, returning the best
of flaxen rope in the shape of bed-cords, clothes-lines, halters, or in
heavier piece rope as desired. His place of business was his home-
stead, the present residence of his grandson, Mr. L. A. Slate. Orig-
inally the house was in the shape of a letter L, and in the long part
running at right angles to the street, he used to stretch and twist
his rope, or failing in finding the requisite length there, he often-
times used to stretch it across the road, leaving just space so that
a team might pass upon the further side. His grandsons. Deacon
Henry and Mr. Francis L. Slate, have both, in their boyhood, worked
at this trade.

Tailors. — 1830 or there abouts, marked the advent of two tailor
shops in town. One was kept by Lorenzo Parmenter, at the pres-
ent home of L. F. Whithed. The second by Charles Slate, at a
house which stood between the Ferry and Fontaine places, just

HARNESS AND SADDLE-MAKING. 65

north of and opposite the hotel. Both of these gentlemen were
Bernardston boys who learned their trade at Northfield. Mr. Par-
menter is at present a resident of Edgartown, 111. Mr. Slate died
some years since at his home, the old Baptist meeting house across
the iron bridge. Another tailor, Mr. L. Pi.erce, was in business
about i860 at the present home of John Chapin.

Harness tind Saddle-Making. — The harness and saddling indus-
tries have been represented by two firms. The first of these was
in 1815, in which year Theodore B. Hoyt came here from the older
parent town of Deerfield. He settled in North Bernardston and
had a saddler's shop in the back part of the house recently occu-
pied as a dwelling by Charles Bagg. After remaining here three
or four years he moved to the place since owned by vSamuel Conna-
ble, farther south. Thence he moved to the village, occupying
the Dr. Carpenter place, and having a room for his business over
Horace Atherton's blacksmith shop. Here he remained until that
building was burned, when he was again forced to change his loca-
tion, this time choosing a place over the Zebina Newcomb store,
then situated on the lot owned now by Mr. J. P. Day, just east of
the Unitarian church. In the spring of 1821 he purchased the
property where now stands the Institute, and there built a house,
at the south-west corner of which was the well, still to be seen
upon the Institute grounds. Here the business remained until
1832, when another change was made to the place now owned
by Moses Aldrich. After a twelve years' residence here, he re-
moved to the present Clogston place upon Burk Flat. In the mean-
time, harness making had been added to the original trade of sad-
dle-making, and Mr. Hoyt's son, Richard H., had been admitted to
a partnership. From 1842 on, the latter successfully a.ssumed
charge of the business, and in 1850, the father's health being im-
paired, he retired. A .shop was built opposite the residence,
and here the business was carried on until 1873, when Mr. Hoyt,
changing his residence to the Dr. Brooks place on South street,
transferred it thither. So long as he lived in town, until 1881, he
continued to work for a greater part of the time at the harness-
maker's trade. The second representative in this business was
Anson Flint, who, about 1850, had a shop in the ell of the house
owned by the late Mr. Albert Hare, on South street.

66 DISTILLERIES.

Distilleries. — Formerly the distilleries were common throughout
the country. Going through the town with an older inhabitant,
these old land-marks are frequently pointed out and spoken of, or
perhaps more properly, the sites they used to occupy. Of the cider
mills it is not my purpose to speak at length, but of these cider
and gin distilleries there were four or five, and they being in
New England, comparatively an institution of the past, they seem
to deserve, at least, a passing notice.

Probably the earliest one to be erected was the one still standing,
built by Joseph (?) Connable not far from 1780. This was later
owned by Samuel Connable, always by some member of the family,
and remained in use until about 1865 to 1870. Fifteen years ago
this distillery formed one of the many picturesque scenes with which
the North Bernardston road abounds. The old building at the
north end, painted red, with " skim milk and redding," the long
trough running high overhead, to the large, wooden, unpainted
tank, the long roof erected over it, the immense wheel near at hand,
the whole overgrown with a tangled mass of vines, while a profu-
sion of wild flowers relieved the more dense green of both back
and foreground of overarching trees and shrubs, all these combined
to produce as quaint and charming a picture as could be imagined.
Now behold the change! The tank, trough, wheel and shed, gone :
the tangled wildwood and flowers cleared away, and the old red
building, surrounded by a smooth, grassy plot, was all that was left
to attract the eye of those passing to what was once the scene of
so much activity — and now that is gone.

About 1800 a gin distillery was built on the Newcomb brook, just
to the west of the present bridge. The timbers of the dam across
the head of the ravine have stood until within a very few years.
This distillery was run by Major Samuel Root. This was the
place where one of the Deerfield captives met death at the hands
of the Indians, as already referred to in this chapter. Cruel as the
fate seems, may not the little one, too young, probably, to realize
danger or recognize fear, have thus been spared a more terrible
torture.

About this same time there was a cider distillery built on Huckle
Hill. It was owned by a kind of corporation of the resident farm-

CIGAR MAKINC. CU'II.Kk\'. \V1 1 EP:i,\V KIGl ITS. 67

ers, and was located in the hollow back of the present school house,
and between Elias Parmenter's and Simon Edwards' houses. This
had an existence of about 35 years. There was also one at the east
part of the town operated by Squire Hamilton, and another on Mill
brook, owned by Lieut. Hale.

Cigars. — At different times within the past 15 years there have
firms engaged in the manufacture of cigars. The first was George
Lane in the old Goodale Academy. The second, Sanderson and
Hale, who occupied a part of the Cutler shoe-shop, which was moved
in 1880 by John Baker to a i)osition opposite the cemetery at the
village, and by him fitted up as a wheelwright shop. They were
succeeded by a firm from Westfield. The latter remained but a
short time and the shop itself was finally burned.

Lntlc7-y. — The only manufactury now located in town is that of
E. S. Hurlbert & Co.; upon the site of the old foundry. In 1853 Mr.
Hurlbert began to make here steel hoes, corn knives and rakes, in
the production of which he employed 15 hands. This business he
increased greatly, adding thereto the making of brick and plastering
trowels and corn-cutters, also a fine line of cutlery. During this
time he formed partnerships with John Cushman and S. N. Brooks.
About 1880 he associated with him Walter E. and Henry Nichols,
who later succeeded tcj the management of the business, Mr. Hurl-
bert being in poor health, hi 1892 the Nichols Brothers bought a
factory in Greenfield, moving their share of the works there, and Mr.
Hurlbert again assumed the entire charge of the industry he has so
successfully nurtured. The present firm is comprised oi E. S. Hurl-
bert, Henry Crowell and x\lonzo Alford.

W'licclivrights. — At different times there have been a number of
wheelwright shops here. In addition to the ones already mentioned,
George T. Cutler had one a little south of the Cutler house, at the
north part of the town. ( )n and near South street there were three,
one in the present garden of Henry Keet, owned by Chester Wright,
one at the Ziba Newell place, which was later moved out onto the
west road, and to-day stands on the place lately owned by Hiram
Norton. At the old stand of Nelson Blake is now Air. C. C. Cook's
shop.

Stores. — For many years this place has supported three general

68 STORES.

Stores, sometimes four, each doing- a fair amount of business. Prob-
ably the one which brought to its owners the greatest wealth was
the old "Zebina Newcomb " store years ago. This, in its first loca-
tion, stood on Mr. J. P. Day's lot, just east of the Unitarian church.
About 1835 he built and moved into the brick store, and later the
old building was moved back on the original lot and converted into
a barn. Succeeding Mr. Newcomb in the management of the busi-
ness, came his two sons, John C, now of Chicago, and Richard F.,
now of Quincy, 111. Upon the death of the elder Newcomb. the
property was sold to Lorenzo Park, who, in two or three years,
rented the same to Messrs. Allen and Lyman, the latter a son-in-law.
Mr. Allen finally bought out his partner's interest, and conducted
the business alone, until failing health obliged him to retire, when
Mr. Park sold the property to O. W. Gray, then of Philadelphia, Pa.
The latter gentleman leased the place to E. K. Burgess of Broad-
brook, Ct., whose stay in town proved to be of short duration.
From the time of his departure until 1894, the business at the vil-
lage was divided between the other two stores, Mr. Gray convert-
ing his building into an office for personal use. In the fall of 1894
it was refitted, a new stock of goods opened up, and again the
" Brick store"' took its place beside the others. Under Mr. Gray's
efficient management its success is assured.

From 181 5 or 1820 to 1830, vSamuel Wells Willard kept a store in
one room of his dwelling, the house owned by the late Hartley Hale
on the " Green." At about the same time, Capt. John Hunt suc-
ceeded to a store which stood opposite the hotel. Who the first
owner of this was, is not known. About 1835, Col. Aretas Ferry
came to town and soon bought out Mr. Hunt. In 1858 the project
of forming a " Union Protective Store " was carried out. The or-
ganization of this association was perfected on the fifth of Septem-
ber of that year, and Col. Ferry's store was henceforth known as
the "Bernardston LTnion Store of Division No. 50. of the New Eng-
land Protective LTnion." The object of this association as stated
in their constitution was to "Provide to the members groceries
and provisions at the lowest possible price, by means of an agency
established in Bernardston and conducted on a Cask basis exclu-
sively ^ Business was begun on the 24th of October following or-

" UNION PROTECTIVE STORE." 69

ganization, with a capital stock of $860.00, there being 86 shares at
$10 each. The amount of goods sold during the first eleven months
was $6643.32, a net profit of $187.00, being shown. The salesman
employed to conduct the store was Gilbert S. Mattoon of North-
field. At the annual report it was given out that the amount of
capital was insufficient to successfully carry oa a business of that
character. The second annual report showed but little improve-
ment, the capital stock having been increased only by the sale of
three shares, while about $50.00 worth of molasses had been lost
by the carelessness of a teamster. The whole affair seemed to be
devoid of success, and at a special meeting called for December 17,
1855, it was voted to accept the proposition of Mr. A. J. Aid rich to
assume the debts of the corporation and pay each shareholder
eleven dollars in goods, or ten dollars in cash or flour, at the option
of the shareholder. Thus the end came for the Union store, and
Mr. Aldrich w\as the next owner. Succeeding him was L. B. Wright,
who conducted the business successfully until his death. Upon
the disposal of the real estate by the administratrix the stores and
fixtures were bought by Mr. O. C. Allen, who carried on the busi-
ness for a time, selling to Ransom L. Crowell. Under the admin-
istration of the latter a most successful business has been built up.
At the present time his son Henry is in partnership — R. L. Crow-
ell & Son — and by close attention to business and the wants of
their patrons they have won their way into the fullest confidence
and esteem. x\nd that the public appreciate their efforts is shown
by their prosperous and steadily increasing trade.

A younger claimant to patronage appeared in the store erected
across the street from the post office by A. M. Stratton, between
1850 and i860. This store has also steadily won its way by the
careful management and consideration of the proprietors. Messrs.
Park and Gould bought out Mr. Stratton and eventually Mr. Gould
purchased the interest of his partner. He most successfully con-
ducted the business until his death. George R. Paige of New Salem
bought the property at the settlement of Mr. Gould's estate, and
by his gentlemanly bearing and careful attention to all the details
of its management, sustained the excellent reputation which this
store has always borne. The store is now owned and successfully

70 'NORTH BERNARDSTON STORE.

managed by Sumner S. Stratton, successor to W. A. Stratton &
Son.

For a few years Lucius and Marcus Cook owned and carried on
a store in the old Goodale Academy building. At the north part
of the town there was for many years a store which drew its pat-
ronage not only from its own territory, but much from the neigh-
boring towns of Guilford and Leyden. The first store here kept
was in the room of the old hotel, which has since been utilized as a
dining room. George Bugbee of Brattleboro was the proprietor.
The Hinsdale house, so called, was built by Luke Gore, who had a
store in the south end of his residence. Further to the south, Mr.
Alvin Howe built a store opposite his dwelling. He sold it to
Timothy K. Horton, who, as did his predecessor, had there a good
business. The third owner was George Temple; he, in turn, sold
to Green. This building was finally burnt. The store occu-
pied for some time by J. O. Bliss, was bought bv him from Messrs.
Smith and Jaquith, who secured it in 1879 fi'<^m A. M. Stratton,
acting for the creditors of G. Plaisted. Mr. Bliss closed his store
at North Bernardston in 1894, having taken a position with Mr.
Gray at the brick store at the village.

Among the earlier stores was one standing by itself, or kept in
ahouse which did stand near the meetinghouse in 1795, owned by
John Harte. In May, 1804, Oliver Cooley removed his stock of
goods from the store, which he occupied at as early a date as 1801,
to the store near Medad Squires' blacksmith shop. This was prob-
ably the store kept on the "Green" in a log house. In June. 1804,
Mr. Clement vSmith came to town, opening a general store in the
building vacated by Cooley. From about 181 2 to about 1818, Elijah
A. Gould was a merchant in town. July 22, 1818, the firm of Har-
ris and Maxwell was dissolved by mutual consent, the latter con-
tinuing in trade in town. According to all accounts Henry R.
Sheldon and Samuel Willard also "kept store " in the log house on
the "Green," but there seems to be a confliction in the few dates
obtain'able concerning them and their business transactions.

Pockctbooks. — About 1S70 this industry was established in town
by Mr. Emil Weissbrod, remaining for two or three years. This
was located in the house just north of the late Obed Dickinson on

LAWYERS. HOr-l'ICKINc;. "J \

Depot street. The business was removed to Montague and later
to Greenfield, in which place it has come to be recognized as one of
the leading industries.

Lawyers. — The lawyer's profession has had at least one represen-
tative here, for in December, 1822, Jonathan A. vSaxton removed
here from Deerfield and opened a law office. How long he re-
mained is unknown.

Among the agricultural products not already mentioned, is, or
rather was, one, the harvesting of which was the signal for a good
time as well as considerable hard work. In the autumn the hop
fields presented a lively appearance with the young men and maid-
ens gathered from afar and near for the hop gathering. The fields
of Zenas Cutler, Joseph Connable and David Streeter were among
the first to be devoted to hop-raising, not far from 1S35, and for a
number of years that was considered a most profitable product.

The beginning of O. W. Gray's successful career as a publisher
of maps was in town, where he did the first work in making the
same.

In closing this chapter upon Bernardston's industries, it is with
a feeling of deep regret that it may be that much has been left not
chronicled ; that in a manner, it is a poorly treated, un.satisfactory
one. This may be attributed, in part, to a lack of sufficient dates
and positive information, although all effort has been expended to
secure the same. Then, in form.er times, as is sometimes the case
now, one business was so interwoven with and dependent upon
another, especially in rural communities, that classification is diffi-
cult. It is hoped, however, that enough has been said in a general
way to give an idea of what has been accomplished here in a busi-
ness way, and to arouse enough interest in the matter, so that, in
the future, senile one better qualified can take up the research — the
thread here broken off — and successfully wind up the narrative.

CHAPTER V.

POLITICAL AND MILirARV HISTORY — PATRIOTIC POSITION TAKLX
DURING TIIL RLVOLUTION — COMMITTEKS OF INSPPXTION AND
SAFETY APi'OINTED — THEIR DUTIES— CASE OF IAC015 ORCUTT —
REYOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS — CAPTAIN JOSEPH SLATE — ACTION IN
RE(;ARI) to the state CONYENTION— amount of supplies FUR-
NISHED — YOIES IN THE FIRST STATE ELECTION — VALUATION OF
'THE TOWN IN 1 780 — SHAY's RE15ELLION — WAR OF l8l2 — CIVIL
WAR — FIRST VOLUN'TFERS — ROLL OF PERNARDS'TON MEN WHO
SERVED IN 'THE ARMY — RELIEF WORK OF THE LADIES — PRESEN-
TATION 'TO I.'T. HURLPERT.

Hitherto the transactions of the town meetings so nearly repre-
sent the daily lives and deeds of the inhabitants that it was deemed
best to give them, in some degree, chronologically. From the ear-
lier records many abstracts are given ■vcrbatiui, in the hope that the
quaint orthography may prove as entertaining to the reader as to
the writer. Should any, perchance, think that the text of the orig-
inal records has been too closely followed, let this serve as an ex-
planation, and if need be, apology. Not only do these quotations
reveal the style of recording the proceedings of those days, but to
a careful observer, much as to the educational advantages, and the
use made of them by our former scribes. From this date forward
the work is arranged in topics as they would naturally occur.

The annals of the town have now been brieilv broui^^ht down to
the momentous Revolutionary period, a period fi'aught with dan-
gers and deeds of patroitism never to be obliterated. The begin-
ning of this war properly luarks the commencement of a new epoch,
and perhaps one of more general interest to us, occurring as it
does within the recollection of some of our childhood associates.
The people of this town have always been zealous for the cyuse of
liberty, and in the colonial struggle we can but recount with be-
coming prid^^he part taken. Although the town had scarcely

COMMITTEES OF INSPECTION AND SAFETY. 73

recovered from the effects of the Indian wars, it raised its full quota
of soldiers and furnished largely of funds and provisions. They
were among the first to resist by force the oppression of a foreign
power, and to plant the tree of liberty in a soil which they had de-
fended by their arms and which had been watered by their blood.
In common with their country men, their motto was "We determine
to die or be free." Truth compels us to record the existence of
six Tories in town, but in the face of so much enthusiasm, their
sentiments were kept to themselves. At this time, Bernardston
numbered not far from 500 inhabitants. January 30, 1775, when
war was an almost assured event, a committee of inspection was
appointed, consisting of John Connable, Elisha Burnham, Joseph
Slate, Joel Chapin, and James Couch. The committee of corre-
spondence was Aaron Field, Elisha L. Burnham, Stephen Webster,
Jonathan vSheldon and Hezekiah Newcomb. These two commit-
tees were later united and for the succeeding years were as follows:^
1776. 1777.

Capt. Elisha Bunihani. Capt. Elisha Burnham.

Aaron Field. Major John Burk.

Lt. Joseph Slate. Remembrance vSheldon.

Daniel Newcomb. .Stephen Webster.

Caleb Chapin. Joel Chapin.

James Couch.

Jonathan Sheldon.

In May of this year a second committee' was chosen and author-
ity was transferred to them. They were

Capt. Elisha Burnham. Lt. Daniel Newcomb.

Sgt. Elijah Kingsley. Lt. Severance.

1778. 1779.

Lt. David Rider. John Connable.

Thomas Edwards. Jason Parmenter.

Jason Parmenter. Elijah Kingsley.
Elijah Kingsley.
William Fox.

1780.
Lt. Joseph Slate. Lt. Joel Chapin. Samuel Hastings.

These committees were possessed of almost unlimited power ;
they could cause the arrest of suspected persons, or their confine-
ment within the limits of their farms; as we are told, in some cases
they did. In 1776 they made an example of one Jacob Orcutt,

74 SOLDIERS PAID IN 1 786.

who was found guilty of altering a six penny bill to a six pound
note. He was tried before the committee of safety and sentenced
to receive thirty lashes on the bare back at the hands of the consta-
ble, Samuel Connable. The courage of the latter proved unequal
to the task, and the punishment was finally administered by Lieut.
Ezekiel Foster. This occurred in May, at Major Burk's house.
After the chastisement, the culprit was given a glass of rum and,
it is needless to add, quickly took his departure.

I li^ 5s. 2d., a sum equal to the province tax, was ordered raised
and paid into the town treasury, there to remain until ordered out
by the town. The Provincial Congress urged that the towns and
districts within the State hasten to comply with the important de-
mands laid upon them, therefore. May 10, 1775, the collectors in
Bernardston were instructed to gather the Province money within
three weeks, and pay it over to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stowe.
They further showed their patriotism by voting that the province
rate of all enlisted persons, or of those who might enlist during the
year, should be also forwarded to Mr. Gardner. Sixteen men were
to be secured to serve in the Continental army in addition to those
already in the service at Cambridge. The names of those from
our town given collectively cannot be found, but by a careful peru-
sal of the treasurer's book we learn of some who served their coun-
try at this time.

March 6, 1786, there was paid to

Jabez Deiinison, for serving as a continental soldier, 12^.

Henry Lee, " " " " " 12^.

Samuel Connable, " " " " " 11/ 2s. 6(1.

Benjamin Cook, " " " " " 12/,".

Rbenezer Ninis, " " " " " 12^.

Kzekiel Foster, " " " Militia " 10/ 10 s.

Samuel Green, " " " " " 10/," ids.

Lt. John Severance, his son Daniel's bounty, 10^.

Daniel Davis, for serving as a continental soldier, 12^.

Owen Rriggs, " " " Militia " 6£..

Records Wilbur, " " " " " 6£.

Daniel Chapin, " " " " " 9/.

vSamuel (xuild, " " " " " 9/.

Isaac Smith, " " " Continental " 12/.

Joseph Hale or Renoni Hrown ye hire of soldier, 'iOjC-

Moses Scott, " " " " 10 ^ los.

CAPTAIN JOSEPH SLATE. 75

The State archives add to this list the names of Samuel Barnard
and James Merrett as being six months men for 1 780, at which time
Ebenezer Nims also served for six months.

These were presumably the sixteen men secured, and this only a
month after the battle of Lexington. It was also voted that "those
persons who took powder from the common stock last spring in the
alarm (probably the Lexington alarm), and returned home soon
after from Cambridge, are to be accountable for the same to the
town." Soon after, June 17, 1775, occurred the battle of Bunker
Hill, the news of which rapidly spread throughout the colonies.
All the peaceful arts were laid aside and every one assumed the
defensive. Almost every man old enough to carry a musket re-
paired to the scene of action. An example of this kind occurred
within less than a mile from this place, a fact, which, though it
may seem to border on the marvellous, is, however, well authen-
ticated.

Capt. Joseph Slate, a hero of the French and Indian war, was
ploughing that self-same day on West Mountain. At different
times during the day he heard, or thought he heard, the sound of
cannonading, although at the distance of 100 miles. Often he ap-
plied his ear to the ground to satisfy himself. He predicted that
that day blood was again spilled in defense of his country. And
he was right. So sure was he that he heard firing, that before
night he left his ploughing and went to Deerfield to learn the fact,
and the next day he was on his way towards Boston, where he re-
mained the most of the season. Those who read this statement
may be disposed to think that, in this instance, "coming events
cast their shadows before " and that something akin to the spirit
of prophecy might have stirred the blood and quickened the ears
of the brave old soldier. I content myself with recording the fact
without undertaking to explain it. If it proves nothing else, it
proves the feverish excitement to which men's minds had been
worked up. (Lt. Gov. Cushman.)

Appropriations of money and drafts were frequently made and
in the aggregate would have done much credit to an older and
more thickly populated community.

'J^ MILITARY ROLLS.

The roll of Capt. Agrippa Wells' Co., dated April 20, to May i,
1775, is as follows:

Lieut. Ezekiel Foster, out ten days.

Serg. Elijah Kingsley, " "

Corp. Asaph Alku, " "

Corp. Ebenezer Scott, " "

Samuel Turner, " " "

John Connable, " " "

Ezekiel Foster, Jr., " "

John Coats, " "

Nehemiah Andrews, " " "

Reuben Shattuck, " "
Daniel Chapin,

Thomas Hunt, " "

David Davis, " "

William Chad wick. " "

Lt. Joseph Slate, " fifteen days

vSgt. Joel Chapin,

Caleb Chapin, " thirty-nine days.

Samuel Hasting.s, " fifteen days.

Samuel Connable, '-' " "

Hezekiah Chapin,

Simeon Allen,

John Severance, " thirty-three days.

Col. Whitcomb's regiment, Capt. A. Wells' company, dismissed
September 23, 1775, contained from Bernardston

Ensign Ezekiel Foster, second lieutenant. Ezekiel Foster.

Elijah Kingsley, third sergeant. Jason Parmenter.

Asaph Allen, first corporal. John Hunt.

Robert (Reuben?) Shattuck, 3d corporal. Sanmel Turner.

John Coats. Zebadiah Slate.

David (Daniel?) Davis. Hezekiah Chapin.

David (Daniel?) Chapin. Nehemiah Andrews.

Ebenezer Scott. William Chad wick.
Thomas Hunt.

The payroll of the above men credits them with being out from
May first, in all, three months and eight days, and travelling i 12
miles. The same year, for eight months' service, is found the
name of Arad Sheldon upon the coat roll of Capt. Joseph Stebbins'
company, Col. J. Brewer's regiment. The company was made up
of men from all over the State. September 28, 1775, Capt. David
Cowden's company (of Pelham) Col. Woodbridge's regiment, ser-
vice near Prospect Hill. Coat roll, James McColoh, Sgt. On the

MILITARY LISTS. ']J

coat roll appears the name of John Workman, May 24, 2£ i8s. 7d. In
Capt. Wentworth Stuart's 3Lst reg., Sept. 29, 1775. vSeptember 17,
1776, ration or mileage money for company, under command of
Capt. Samuel Taylor of Roxbury, out three months to Dec, 1776.

Joseph Slate, Ensijjjn, 120 miles at one penny, total lo/," ris.

Joel Chapin, Sgt., " " " " " " 10^," iis.

Jacob Webster, " " " " " " iq/.

Jonathan Slate, " " - " " - 10^.

June 9, 1779, in Col. Wells' regiment, were Jonathan Griffin, ae.
34 years ; Reuben Whitcomb, ae. 21 ; Simeon Cotes, ae. 21. When
mustered these were delivered to Ensign Thomas Clark.

To march to horse neck under Col. John Mosely, in Capt. Mc-
Clellan's company, was Silas Green. In July, 1779, in Col. Wells'
regiment, Capt. Sheldon's company, were Thomas Wolloy, ae. 50 ;
Calvin Weld, ae. 16; Thias Johnson, ae. 16; vSamuel Barnard, ae. 16.
From September, 1777, to January, 1780, there was due the town
of Bernardston for supplies for soldiers' families, 152^^ i6s. old cur-
rency, or 3^^" i6s. 5d. consolidated sums. Due to John Burk, 6£.
"Mustered and Received of Mr. Samuel Guild, chairman of Class
No. — for the town of Bernardston, a certain Jacob Orcutt, a re-
cruit for the term of three years.

Seth Bannister, Capt.
Springfield, Sept. 18, 1782."

The following is a copy of a letter written by vStephen Buckland,
whose descendants resided within the district of Leyden, or rather
that portion of Bernardston afterward incorporated as such. It is
of interest in connection with the Revolutionary war:

On board the Prison Ship N. York, April 9, 1782.
Sir: —

Before this comes to hand you doubtless will hear of our fate. We ware
taken the 2nd. just by the Brige perseverance of 14 size Kops Com-
mander. Ezekel Olmsted is slightly wounded but will be well in a few

da3''s. All the Rest are well, poor Mikel was drowned by the over Seting
of the Boat and several others narrowly escaped.

Our situation you can guess, if you can do anything for us should be glad,
if you Git any person to Exchange for any of us you must Git him or them
paroled and send them in on condition that they Git the persons Exchanged

78 LETTERS OF STEPHEN AUCKLAND.

that you Send them for or to Return, for you send Ever so many in a tlag
they will not be Exchanged for us

Remember me to my family and friends

1 am Sir yours

SrKl'HKN liUCKLAN'O.

Mr. Aaron Oi.MsrEAi).
Capt. Gideon OtMsrHAD.
Mr. Abraham Mii.lkr.

P. S. April 22nd. Ewd. Leger was on board yesterday and informs
that their will be no exchange for privattears men that he had got Liberty
to take twenty prisoners only that war taken in Merchantmen. Our situa-
tion is truly distressing Espeshely our people for they were stri|)ed of
everything even to the Buckles out of their Shoes and Buttons out of their
Sleeves hats Coats and Jackets. Many of them have got the small i)ox and
must all have it that have not had it and have not a fathing of money.
You would do well to inform their friends tliat if they are Inclined to Send
them any Relief they may if an opertunity presents. 'I'heir is on bord this
ship about Seven huiulred prisoners and Increasing all most livery day.
You can Esely Gess what a Life we must Live and hot weather a Cuming
on — at present we are as well as can be Expected, what [)r()visions we Git
is very Good it is an Excellent place to [prepare a man for (Erockelation?)
Lieut Warner stood in the Brige that took us and had the promise of being
put ashore. 1 hop he is got home before this.

If you can think of any way by which you could git us out Shold be very
Glad, for my part I cant think of any at present but to make the best of
a bad Bargain.

StEPHN l)UCKl.AM).

To Mrs. Mary Buck land.

Prison Ship of N. York April 22th, 1782.
M_y Dear: —

before this Cums to hand you will doubtless hear of our Misft)rtune.
1 have nothing to Right but that we are all well Except some have got the
Small pox, poor Mikel was drowned by the overseting of the WyaI ami sev-
eral others in Great Danger.

1 hoop it wont be long before we will get home by Sum means or other.

Give yourself ncj uneasiness about me. 1 live very well and remain yt)ur

ever

Efectent

Stephen Bucki.and.

Mrs. Buckland.

I50UNTY VOTED. 79

On the reverse side of this letter is the following- in explanation
and also it supplements the record:

May the 7, 1783.
Stephen 13uckland Dyed in the Prison Ship garly At New York in the
39 year of his age.

And Mammy "as in her 37 year of her Age

Polly Buckland was 13 years old. Hannah Buckhnul was i i years old.
Betsey Buckland was 3 years old Ral[)h Buckland Was 9 months old

When our Daddy Dytle A time that never will l!ee forgot By us tho we
were very young.

(Unsigned. )

This was evidently written by one of the (^Ider daughters.

Hannah Buckland m. Alch. 24, 1779, Capt. Joncathan Btidington.
She was then of East Hartford, Ct.

This letter portrays a different side of the Revolutionary strug-
gle, the greater part of those engaged in service from this section
being among the land forces. I have endeavored to find some clue
as to the identity of the Lieut. Warner referred to, but without suc-
cess. He doubtless belonged to some of the Connecticut families
of the name who were numerous in the vicinity of Hartford.

In February, 1778, the town voted 50 pounds, nominal value $167,
as bounty to any person enlisting for a term of eight months. Ow-
ing to a depreciation in continental currency at this time, the real
value was not far from $35. In the succeeding May, it was voted
to pay for all rations for those sent from town to serve in the army.
In July of that year it was voted that Sgt. Joseph Allen and Corp.
William Fox be allowed to join the army, also that Major Stephen
Webster receive the sum of 63^ — or about $50 — for serving eight
months in the militia; that the west part of the town make Joshua
Wells, Jr., a reasonable satisfaction for serving as a militia soldier
eight months, and that they furthermore find one man as a military
soldier for six months to go to Albany, as their proportion of the
two draughts before last spring. September 8, 1778. a company
of thirty men under command of Major John Burk — he then
acting as Captain — was ordered to be ready, equipped with arms
and ammunition upon any emergency to oppose the enemy. Again

8o MILITARY LISTS.

in June, 1780. it was decreed that nine men should be engaged in
the war six months and that they, should each receive 40 shillings
($6.67) per month, or " Wheat, rye, Indian corn, wool, flax, neet
cattle, or sheep at silver money prices." The next month — July —
thirteen additional men were called for, but who they were is un-
known. 1 780- 1 78 1 there were enlisted for three years

Ebcnezer Scott, April 16, ae. 37. Edward Dowidson, June i, ae. 2\.

William Hegus, " 20, " 20. Timothy Stark, May 24, " 60.

Levi Duncan, " 20, " 24.

In 1780, fifth regiment of foot, Capt. Alvord's company, Col. Brew-
er's regiment, were

Charles King, for three years. John Cotes, for cij^ht months.

Samuel Mallin, " " John Evens, "

Joshua Harding, " " Moses Tute, " " "

vSamutl Kimpland, " "

July 24, 1780, Lt. Col. David Wells' regiment, 4th and 5th com-
panies, 5th regiment, were

Elijah Rislcy, ae. 22. Eleazcr Groover, ae. 19.

Amasa Bus.sel, " 19.

Records Wilbur, " 17.

Elijah Walworth, " 18.

Amos Williams, " 16.

Rufus Foster, " 19.

Samuel Green, " 20.

David Wooley, " 20.

Daniel Severance, " 17.

Owen Briggs, " 22.

The response for provisions for their fellow citizens and country-
men was equally ready and generous. In 1775-6 Moses Scott, Jr.,
carried blankets to Cambridge for soldiers belonging to this town.
In 1775 were sent 445- pounds of bread and 115 pounds of pork to
Capt. A. Wells' company, while in October, 1780, in accordance with
a call made by the General Assembly, were forwarded 3360 pounds
of beef, and the ensuing January, 6454 pounds additional were sent.
In 1779 the town voted to supply Samuel Farrer's family with
provision, he being then in the army. All of this, added to the
amount of the Province taxes levied, constituted a heavy demand
upon the resources of our ancestors, but one which by their uncom-
promising integrity and fervent belief in their country's rights,
they were enabled to meet most heroically.

The action taken by the town regarding the formation of the
new government is on record as follows, September 30, 1776:

"Then the question was put Whether they will give their consent

ACTION ON STATE CONSTITUTION. 8 1

that the present house of Representatives of this State of Massa-
chusetts Bay in New England together with the counsil if they
consent, in one body with the House and by equal voice Should
consent, agree on and enact a constitution and Form of Govern-
ment for This State as the Said House of Representatives and
Counsil aforesaid on the fullest and most mature consideration
shall judge, will most conduce to the Safety, peace and happiness
of this state in all After Successions and Generations, and if they
would direct that the same be made Publick for the Inspection and
Perusal of the Inhabitants before the satisfaction thereof by the
Assembly, and pafed in the Affirmative by a Great Majority."
Capt. Elisha Burnham was chosen to represent the town in the
General Assembly of the State, and to him at a later time were
given instructions respecting the Articles of Confederation and
Perpetual Union of the American States. Two years later, Apr. 15,

1778, the draft of the constitution was received, and that its import
was foreign to the views of the people is shown by there being but
15 votes out of a total of 71 cast for its acceptance. August 19,

1779, the question of voting for a new constitution or form of gov-
ernment came up again, and this time there were 68 for and two
against it. The representative for the next year was empowered
to vote for the calling of the State convention for the sole purpose
of forming a new constitution, provided that when one is formed
it shall be sent back to the people, and if two-thirds are for it, it
shall be established, and if more than one-third are against it, then
it shall become null and void.

The fall following, a convention was called at Cambridge for the
purpose of forming a constitution. To this convention Bernard-
ston declined to send a delegate. July 14 of that year a similar
convention had been held at Concord, the transactions of which
were obnoxious to our good people. They accordingly chose a
committee to "write the committee of Convention to convene at
Concord the first Wednesday of October next, and shew reasons
for their disapproval of the doeings of the convention." Capt. Elisha
Burnham, Lieut. John Severance and Robert Riddle constituted
this committee. May 10, 1780, 30 out of 39 voted for the " third
Article m the bill of rights," and 26 out of 29 favored the remain-
ing articles of the Constitution. These several actions of the town

82 shay's rebellion.

delineate the jealousy with which they regarded any movement
which savored of an encroachment upon their civil rights, and
viewing their grievances as endured unkingly rule, can we wonder
at it?

At a town meeting held September i, Monday. 1780, the follow-
ing vote was taken, under the newly formed and accepted Consti-
tution, for Governor, Lieut. Governor and Senators. Governors:
John Hancock, 16; James Bowdoin, 10. Senators: Col. John Bliss,
13; Caleb Strong, 15; Major Joseph Hawley, 13; Capt. McClel-
lan, 4 ; Gen. Daniel Danielson, 7 ; Rev. Job Wright, i i ; Moses
Bliss, I.

Thus we see the constant self-sacrifice and the ready responses
made for and to the demands of the war. In exchange for these
came the merited satisfaction and pride in a self-formed govern-
ment. No longer must the people bow themselves to a Monarch's
caprice. In matters social, civil or religious they were answerable
only to their own people and the officials whom they chose to place
in power. In 1780 the assessors returned for Bernardston 33,477
acres, from which a deduction of 5000 acres was made for ponds, riv-
ers and unimproved lands, leaving 28,477 acres, rateable at 12,489^^"
I2S. The value of the grain on hand was i \j£ 4s. The polls re-
turned were 1 19, while the houses numbered 1 17. Truly a record
which we may well view with commendable pride and satisfaction.

Shay's Rebellion. — Scarcely had peace been regained after the
fiercely contested Revolution before Mas.sachusetts, especially the
western counties of the State, were called upon to suppress the
vShay's Rebellion. In the feverish condition of mind succeeding
the war, many did not comprehend the exact situation of public
affairs, and it needed but one bold and unscrupulous enough to
assume the command to obtain a ready following of insurgents,
and such a leader was found in the person of Daniel Shay, who
was born in Hopkinton, Mass., in 1747, ^^^^ di\Q^ at Sparta, N. Y..
September 29, 1825. Although not prominently connected with
the first movements of the rebellion, he was finally placed in com-
mand, not impossibly because of his having become somewhat fa-
miliar with martial duties while serving as sergeant at Bunker
Hill, and afterward as captain in the Revolutionary army.

shay's rebellion. 83

There were numerous causes assigned by the insurrectionists for
their action, among which were the following: that the salary paid
the governor was too high, the senate was aristocratic, the lawyers
extortionate, and most of all, the existence of partial taxation, es-
pecially as applied to western Massachusetts. As a redress of their
grievances they demanded an issue of paper money and the re-
moval of the General Court from Boston. An effort was made by
the authorities to allay their discontent by the abatement of certain
back taxes and debts, but without success. In August, 1786, the
trouble began, the malccjntents having as one of their primary ob-
jects the abolishment of the courts, beginning thus early to assail
the power of the Government so recently established, and that,
too, at such a cost of human life. Enough of victory favored the
rebelling forces to enable them to carry on the insurrection until
the last of February following, when the movement was quelled
and the leaders fled. This affair is of local interest inasmuch as
among Shay's followers were some from Bernardst(jn. In an en-
gagement at Springfield in the beginning of 1787, the troops for
the defense under command of General Shephard, fired upon the
Shay's party, killing f(jur — Messrs. Spicer of Leyden, Ezekiel Root
of Bernardston, Hunter of vShelburne, and Webster of Gill. This
repulse followed closely by the retreat to Pelham, and the destruc-
tion of many of their number dispersed the already confused mob.
Their leaders lied the State and the insurgents themselves were
speedily brought in by the cavalry. In attempting to secure one,
Jason Parmenter of Bernardston, in the east part of the town, he
fired upon the capturing party, killing Jacob Walker of Whately.
Parmenter was tried, convicted and sentenced to the gallows. All
the preparations were made, and the criminals brought out ready
for execution, in accordance with Gov. Hancock's orders. Then,
and not until then, was a pardon produced and read, and this par-
don was afterward extended to Shay and his leaders.

Thus did Massachusetts receive her rebellious sons into favor.
It was during this rebellion that Capt. Caleb Chapin commanded a
company of four months men in Col. Ezra Badlam's regiment, and
from the old payroll formerly in the possession of a descendant,
the late Lucius P. Chapin of Bernardston, and by him donated to the

CAPTAIN CALFJ! CHAPIN S COMPANY.

P. V. M. A., are gathered the names of some who quickly responded
to their coimtrv's summons:

Caleb Chapin, Captain.
David Hoit, Jr., Lieutenant.
Elisha Ransom, Rnsifjn.
Eliel Gilbert, Clerk.
Abiathar Joy, "
Robert Bard well, "
Samuel Pollicy, "
Samuel Hart, Corporal.
Stephen Lawrence, "
Josiah Osjijood, Jr., "
Thomas Nichols, "
Ephraim Williams, P'ifer.
Aretas Lyman, Drummer.
Cornelius Gilbert, Private.
Rosel Alvord,
Ebeuezer Peck, "

Caleb Thayer,
John Briggs,
Timothy Warren,
Chester Gunn, "

Phinea-s Osgood , ' '

Joseph Osgood, "

IsiahDow, "

Thomas Rand, Private.
Nathaniel Walker,
Elias Bardwell, "

Levi Sartwell,
Daniel Bliss,
Abiezer Richmond, "
Jacob Hollida}-, "

Gaius Field, "

Miller Mitchell,
Simeon Hastings,
Walter Stewart,
Zepheniah Jones, "

Elisha P'oster, "

Eleazer Lawrence, "
Setli Denio, "

Timothy Larraba, "

AbelTorrey,
Ebenezer Emes, "

Elijah Scott,
Burriell Hay ward, "

Erastus Barnard, "

Nathaniel Doakes, "
Elijah Walker, "

David Osgood, "

Among these there are comparatively few Bernardston names to
be found, although doubtless most of them came from this vicinity.
After keeping troops in the western counties four months, they
were withdrawn, and white winged peace sprang up, Phoenix like,
from the quickly crushed but dangerous insurrection. Most author-
ities agree that had Shay po.ssessed sufficient knowledge to have
skillfully commanded his forces, unlimited success might have at-
tended his movements. In the civil war, some few writers cited
the case of Shay's insurrection to all such as were disinclined to
accept the tax imposed, and it certainly seems as if one such lesson
would be all that was needful in a Government's history.

IVar of 1S12. — Concerning the war of 1812 there is nothing upon
the records. In its corporate capacity the town took no part, and
it is not definitely known who went from here, although at dift'cr-
ent times there have resided here survivors of that war. The ab-
sence of any action of the town at that time is explainable by the

WAR OF l8l2. 85

fact that Gov. Strong, then Governor of Massachusetts, was opposed
to the war, and when upon the outbreak of hostilities, President
Madison issued a call for troops, he requested of the Supreme Court
of Massachusetts its opinion as to the authority of the President
to require a State to send its soldiers outside of the State, subject
to a general, other than the President himself, as commander-in-
chief of all the American forces. The decision of the court was
that in certain coiitiugoicic's the President might call out the State
militia, but that, as there was no power given the President or
Congress to determine when those contingencies did really exist,
the Governor of a State must determine the question for himself.
Hence the President's call had no force. Gov. Strong declined to
call for troops, and many soldiers went to New York State and en-
listed, and were probably credited to that State rather than to the
State to which they actually belonged.

According to a letter written by xA.lpha Ryther in 1863, there
were, in 18 14. fifteen men called for from town, and thirteen re-
sjDonded. Some of them were, besides Mr. Ryther, Elijah Tryon,
fifer, Hosea Aid rich, Erastus Ryther, Ebenezer Nightengale, Gor-
ham Chapin, David Guellow and a st)n of William Newcomb of
North Bernardston. These men belonged to the second regiment,
second brigade, fourth division. The Captain was David Strick-
land of Greenfield. The company was ordered to Boston about
September 1, 1814, and remained for three months, being stationed
successively at Cambridgeport and Commercial Point at South
Boston. Mr. Ryther was for a time clerk of the company, but hav-
ing lost the roll, could only give this much from memory. Who
were the other members of this company is not known. Had
Massachtisetts taken any concerted action, we may be assured that
this town would have responded in a ready and enthusiastic man-
ner. All the records of this war, or in any way pertaining to those
who went from the State of Massachusetts, are to be found in Wash-
ington.

The first half of the ninteenth century probably passed by, in a
sense, uneventfully. The country was at peace ; the inhabitants,
prosperous. Passing events interested our townsmen, as they do
to-day, for the time being; the morrow furnished fresh food for

86 CIVIL WAR.

thought; the social and educational side of life received its full
share of attention, with the result that the schools were built up,
the lyceutn, spelling and singing schools, now almost forgotten in-
stitutions, prospered ; days were taken for the improvement and
beautifying of public, as well as private, property. In short, a happy,
prosperous life was here depicted, such as is only attainable in a
community at unity with itself and the outside world. Each pur-
sued his wonted calling, running the race that was set before him,
and many of the town's patriarchs, ap])roaching their time appointed,
were tenderly laid, by loving hands, within "God's Acre."

Civil War. — The beoinningr of the civil war marks another crreat
epoch in the Nation's history, and one which cast its reflection on
every town in the country; while the stirring events which then
transpired are mirrored in the minds of all the passing generation.
Through the latter part of the fifties, excitement and party feeling
ran high on all political issues of the day, and glancing backward
40 years, we can see our town eagerly watching, with others, the
attitude assumed by the Southern States, and in imagination we
can enter into the feverish excitement which everywhere prevailed,
and dominated men's actions, when throughout the country was
flashed the news that Fort Sumter had been fired upon and hos-
tilities actually begun. Never lacking patriotic enthusiasm, Ber-
nardston now fully sustained her former creditable record in her
ready accession to the demands of the national government, and
her citizens harbor a justifiable feeling of pride at the remembrance
of the noble deeds performed by her heroic sons, a feeling which
is tempered and saddened by the loss of some of her loved ones
who fell while in the performance of their duties.

" It sintjcth low in every heart,

We hear it each and all,
A song of those who answer not,

However wc may call."

At a town meel^ing held July 22, 1862, for the express purpcxse of
taking action relative to the quota called for, Mr. I. K. Brown was
cho.sen moderator, and the following resolutions, presented by Ur.
William Dwight, were unanimously adopted:

"'I'hat we, as citizens of the town of licniardston, with a view t() the
suppression of the most atroci(Mis rebelhon of modern times, do hereby

BOUNTY VOTED. 87

heartily endorse the policy of the President of the United States and hereby
express our confidence in his tried patriotism, his integrity and devotion
to the welfare of the whole nation.

Resolved, That the town of Bernardston in response to the call of the
President come forward with a willing heart to lay upon the altar of our
([lomnion Country the lives of our sons and the treasures of our jieople in
defense of that noble constitution and union, the preservation and perpet-
uation of which, is the solemn duty of every individual throughout the
length and breadth of our land.

Resolved, That the exigencies of the hour call upon old i\nd young, rich
and poor alike, to rally around the old flag of our fathers antl consecrate
our energies to the defence of this, the best Government that a kind Provi-
dence has bestowed upon Man."

It was voted that "a bounty of $100.00 be paid to each of the eleven
recruits for Massachusetts Volunteers in the service of the United
States that may enlist in Bernardston agreeable to the call of the
President of the United States. To be paid when such recruits
are mustered into service — and that the selectmen be instructed
to borrow a sum sufficient to pay the above Bounty and use the
credit of the town for that purpo.se: provided that a sufficient guar-
antee fund shall be raised by voluntary subscription to indemnify
the selectinen in the above action, if the action of the town in pass-
ing this vote shall be illegal and shall not be legalized by future
legislation." This guarantee fund was immediately raised. The
call of the country fell upon hearts just as loyal as ever beat within
human breast, and to Herbert G. Horton must be given the honor
of being the first volunteer. Immediately upon the adoption of
the above resolution, he presented a inuster roll headed with his
own name. This prompt action had its effect, and five names were
soon placed beside his upon the roll. At the motion of Rev. Mr.
Ruberg, three cheers were given with a will, after which the meet-
ing was adjourned, six of the eleven recruits called for having been
quickly secured, and the number was soon made good. During
the summer of 1863 the excitement was intense. The response to
calls made for men was everywhere less ready than heretofore and
it was found to be impossible to fill the ranks by voluntary enlist-
ments. Hence a draft was ordered, beginning in this county,
Tuesday, July 14, 1863, at 10 a. m. All males between the ages

DRAFT ORDERED AND TAKEN.

of 20 and 35 years, except the unmarried (whose limit was extended
to 45 years) were subject to this draft, and were to serve three years
or through the war. The draft for the ninth district called for
3066 men, including exempts, for whom 50 per cent was allowed,
and Bernardston was required to furnish twenty-three. Those
drafted from here were, in the order in whicli the draft proceeded:

Ward A. Ferry, Sumner F. Streeter, Charles P. Cushman, Henry
L. Lamb, Moses Nelson, Edwin C. Burrows, Joseph Hatfield, Zenas
Butterfield, David Wells, Charles Lascoway, H. Duane Fox, Aaron
W. Field, Almon D. Hale, Galusha Newton, Henry O. Root, Eze-
kiel Hale, Eugene Tern pieman, Francis D. Hale, Joseph W. Cross.
Chauncey O. Haley, Timothy B. Carpenter, Lucius W. Cook, Henry
Hale. By subscription, the citizens raised a fund to pay such
drafted men the same bounty as was paid those who went as volun-
teers in 1862. Consequently each able bodied man either went or
sent a substitute. Under the President's call of March 14, 1864, the
quota assigned this town was eight.

Those who responded to their country's call were as follows, those

whose names are marked with an asterisk being the ones who lost

their lives in the service ; those marked f have passed away since

and all are rightly classed as among the honored dead:

2ist Regimeut.

Charles O. Frizzell. *Lucius C. Hale.

*James W. Hale. * Edward Lachore.

*George E. Hale.

27th Regiment.

R. C. Briggs.
Michael Sullivan.

loth Regiment.
William H. Scott.
*Charles C. Harris.
George Thompson.

31st Regiment.
A. N. Johnson.

37th Regiment.
Bart. Sullivan.

4th (Vt. ) Regiment.
C. O. Haley. John Haley.

John Manning.
W. A. Thompson.

tOeorge W. Wells
*M. F. Slate.
I/. B. Streeter.

J. J. Aldrich.

Geoffrey Vaile.
tF. D. Hale.
Dennis Bartis.

Dwight A. Reed.
John Albett.

B. R. Morrison.
D. R. vScott.
Josiah P. Day.

Henry Baldwin.

H. A. Wolf.

MILITARY ROLL OF CIVIL WAR.

tHerbert G. Horton
tEnos H. Burt.
D. L. Fairman.

33rd Regiment.

tT. L. Sheldon.
tDavid Newell.
+J. H. Weeks.

Mason Drury.

15th (Ct). Regiment.

♦Charles A. Boyle.

9th Regiment.

Z. A.

52nd Regiment.

R. F. Newcomb.
William F. Oaks,
tj. S. Slate.
tE. C. Newton.
*James M. Thompson.
C. R. Gould.
tA. W. Kingsley.

6th Regiment.
Rev. A. N. Field.
56th Regiment.
William Woodrough. *George

3rd Regiment, Cavalry.
William Vanall.

J. C. Fairman.
C. J. Hutchins.
A. F. Thompson.

*H. J. Hale.

n. S. Hurlbert.

tH. P. Lyons.

+L. P. Chase.

I. L. Thomas.

tLucius M. Weatherhead.

George W. Thorniley.

L. B. Grout.

Butter field.

tD wight Park.
tD. H. Wheeler.
F. R. Park.
H. W. Hale.
F. C. Slate.
Q. W. Benjamin.
W. S. Whitcomb.

W. Woodrough.

George W. Haskins.

* Henry T. Sheldon,
tjoel N. Nash.

tHenry O Streeter.

4th Regiment, Cavalry.

A. L. Haskins. *Fred Hale.

57th Regiment.

Anson Booter. George Norwood .

14th Regiment, Battery.

William H. Walbridge.

2nd Regiment, Heavy Artillery.

Charles T. Scott. *George A. Willey.

William Palmer. James Quinn.

1st Regiment, Heavy Artillery.
George Hughs.

23rd Regiment.

tjohn W. Temple. A. T. McClure.

Joseph Slate.

Regiment unknown.

Charles Huber. Hector Murphy.

go RERNARUSTON MEN ENLISTED ELSEWHERE.

Among the sons of Bernardston who served under enlistment
from other places, should be mentioned Capt. George Warner, now
resident of Lynn, Mass., who went from Springfield, Mass., attained
the rank of lieutenant in the 27th regiment, Co. K, and at the bat-
tle of New Berne, lost a limb. As soon as the wound was healed
and an artificial limb fitted, he returned to active duty, afterwards
becoming captain of the company. He was also for a time con-
nected with the subsistence department at New Berne. Likewise
from vSpringfield went Laroy Z. Cutler, who enlisted for nine
months in Co. A, 46th Reg., M. V. M., yet saw eleven months' ser-
vice ere his return home.

The existing condition of alTairs was the best to bring out the
character of the people and many patriotic examples might be re-
corded. At the time Henry W. Hale was drafted, his father gave
him $300.00, the sum required for his commutation. This he re-
turned with the remark that "The government wants some one to
take my place and I may as well go." Mr. Hale served his country
with credit to himself, passing through some thrilling experiences,
and as a reward for his fidelity then, as well as a mark of the re-
spect in which they hold him now, his former comrades have be-
stowed upon him the position of commander of the Edwin E. Day
Grand Army Post, in the town of his adoption.

Rev. J. B. Green, pastor of the Unitarian society, connected him-
self with the sanitary commi.ssion for some time and rendered val-
uable aid to that organization.

In 1862, October 27, Lieut. E. S. Flurlbert, with his soldiers from
this place, also some others in the same company, reached here on
the evening train, receiving an ovation worthy their brave spirits.
The ladies had procured a sword, sash and revolver, and with the
citizens generally, repaired to the hotel then under the manage-
ment of Mr. E. C. Fox, whither Lieut. Hurlbert and his men were
escorted by a large procession headed by a band. Here, to Lieut.
Hurlbert was presented the articles by Master Everett Fox, on be-
half of the ladies, in the following words:

"I'o you, Sir, the honored officer of a band of patriots from our own
midst, the exercises of this occasion have an uncommon interest. To us
all, it will be a matter of pleasant memory: and the presentation of an ele-"

PRESENTATION OF SWORD AND SASH TO LIEUT. HURLBERT. 9I

gant sword and sash by the ladies of Bernardston to our l)eh:)ved Lieut.
Hurlbert, to be used in the salvation of an afflicted country from traitorous
hands, will go down in the history of this town to the latest times, as a
worthy deed of respect to one of her noblest sons.

But, Sir, however much we admire the business energy you have shewn
in years now past, and which have added much to the standing and growth
of our place; however much we admire your intellectual and social quali-
ties, which have endeared you to a large circle of friends, that earnest, de-
cisive, yet courteous demeanor which has ever marked your intercourse ;
still, your history even now begins; your sphere of highest usefulness, of
patriotism, such as will give honor to yourself, and mark-with glory the
annals of our community, just now opens before you. You, with your brave
companions, are to write with the death dealing edge of the sword and
bayonet in the hearts of our foes, lessons of terror to tyranny, of love to
freedom and humanity. May Ood crown you with the highest success.
The ladies of Bernardston, in whose behalf I make this presentation, thus
express their confidence in you, their high hopes and the pride which they
feel in the noble position you are to hold in our country's cause. This
honor is not meant for you alone. The ladies thus shew their regard to
every noble spirit that from Iiernardston has enlisted in the army of our
common country as compatriots with you. They and we alike rejoice that
one of their number has been selected for a post of so great importance.
This occasion is a token of regard for them, through you, as their lieuten-
ant, and well may we honor them. You, soldiers of Bernardston, have
shewn your patriotism, your courage. While some trembled and cowered,
you stepped nobly forth. No man of Bernardston can sacrifice more than
you are doing for a noble cause — -it is not property, it is home and life you
lay upon the altar of our country. You offer to live or die for her, as the
god of battles may direct. O, haw unlike those dastard, coward, cringing
souls, who besiege the surgeon for exemption papers, yet can daily labor
for themselves or charge a dollar a day to their neighbors for their work —
dead to the high call of their country — may God have mercy on their cow-
ardly souls!

In behalf of the ladies of Bernardston, contributing therefor, I, who
would gladly be of age to accompany you in your perils and honor, present
to you as a token of their esteem and high hopes, and with regard for the
soldiers, your brave associates, this beautiful sword and sash: and in the
sentiment of the Spartan mother to her brave son, to whom she had pre-
sented a shield, saying, 'Return either with this shield or upon it,' so say

92 LIEUT. HURLBERTS RESPONSE.

they to you, reluni to us bearing this in triumph from many a gory field
of battle, or if you are destined never to return, we trust your brave heart
will never tarnish its brightness, except in honor to our country's flag."

Lieut. Hurlbert responded as follows: —

"Through you, Sir, it now becomes my duty to thank the fair donors for
this valuable testimonial of their regard. And I trust, if by a kind provi-
dence, 1 am again permitted to return among you, I may bring this valued
gift, untarnished by any act of mine, or its lustre dimmed except by trait-
or's blood.

And, Sir, when I say, thank the fair contributors, 1 mean all that that
word can possibly express, I think I feel the full weight of the responsibil-
ity resting on me in accepting it, 1 have sworn to do all that in me lies to
support that Ccjnstitution and that Union which has been handed tlown t(j
us by our fathers and sealed with their blood: come what may, I shall
strive to do my duty in maintaining them.

I take it for granted, however, that not only to me is this token pre-
sented, but to all who from this town have taken their lives in their hands
and present them as a freewill offering in defence of the dear ones they
leave behind. We know we are leaving those dear firesides around which
so many pleasant memories cluster, in exchange for long and wearisome
marches, sleepless nights, and all the wants and privations of an army in
an enemy's country: but trusting in the righteousness of our cause, we
cheerfully accept them. .And 1 trust, God helping us, the fair givers shall
never have cause to blush for any act of those whom they have by this gift
commissioned to battle for the salvation (^f our common country."

Upon the sword was inscribed, "Presented to Lieut. E. S. Htirl-
bert, by the ladies of Bernardston."

Thtis do we see how the brave and independent spirit which led
the women of the pioneer families to aid their husbands and sons
in the treacherous Indian warfare, shows itself in their descend-
ants. A hundred and fifty years later, nearly, the women were ac-
tively engaged in doing all in their power not only to stimulate
patriotic sentiments, but also to relieve the wants and sufferings of
those who were so dear to them. Boxes were prepared and sent
to the field, and the benefits derived from their contents would
have amply repaid all denial and self-sacrifice made, could the con-
tributors have witnessed the same. The younger, as well as the

CASUALTIES. 93

older, ladies had their org'anization and worked with a will, prepar-
ingf delicacies and comforts which were sent to the different com-
missions for further distribution. And who shall wonder if an
occasional written word of encouragement was included in the
" comfort bag-s " sent ? Or that the recipient of such should most
gratefully acknowledge the favor, as did one young man who, in
one of his communications to a Bernardston maiden, thus described
himself: "My hair is red, I should have been good looking, had not
the Lord unfortunately set both my eyes watching my nose." Such
matters, little things in themselves, no doubt helped many a poor
soldier through the long hours of weary marching, or served to
vary the monotomy of camp routine, and if, by such means, dis-
heartened spirits were encouraged, just in that proportion was good
rendered to the cause for which all, at home and abroad, were most
earnestly engaged.

Of those who lost their lives while in the service, Lucius C, .son
of Allen B. Hale, of the 21st regiment, was wounded and died in
the hospital at New Berne, N. C, April 12, 1862. James W., son
of John Valentine Hale, died at the same place of a fever, April 8,
1862. He was in the 2 ist Massachusetts regiment. Edward Lachore
was killed in the battle of New Berne. George Hale was drowned
in the Potomac river. James Thompson died in a hospital. Charles
S., son of J. S. Slate, died in the Philadelphia hospital, November 5,
1862. He was aged 21 years, a member of the 4th Vt. regiment.
Sergeant Barnard, son of Ziba Newell, was killed in the battle of
Malvern Hill, near Richmond, July 28, 1864, at the age of 27. He
was shot in such manner as to sever a main artery, and bled to
death immediately. His body was robbed by rebels, into whose
hands it fell. Sergt. Newell was a member of Co. F, ist Massachu-
setts cavalry, and although but 27, had been in between 30 and 40
battles and skirmishes. He had a brother killed in the battle of
Antietam. William Woodrough and son George were killed before
Petersburgh. Frederic Hale died at Fort Magruder, near Williams-
burg, Va., of congestion of brain and lungs. Charles A., son of
William Boyle of Bernardston, died at New Berne, N. C, of spotted
fever, October 10, 1864, ae. 27. He was a member of the 15th Con-
necticut volunteers. Henry T., son of Russell Sheldon, died at

94 CASUALTIES.

New Berne, October 12, 1864, ae. 18, a member of the 2nd Massa-
chusetts heavy artillery.

" Down the dark future, through long generations,

The sounds of war grow fainter and then cease;
And, like a bell with sweet, solemn vibrations,

I hear once more the voice of Christ say, "Peace!"
Peace ! and no longer, froift its brazen portals.

The blast of war's great organ shakes the skies;
But beautiful as songs of the immortals.

The holy melodies of love arise."

-' V/. -

CHAPTER VI.

DISTRICT OF LEYUEN — FALL TOWN GORE.

Up to the year 1784, the history of Bernardston is the history of
Leyden. From that time on, it is as the record of mother and
daughter, each depending upon, and assisting the other, in certain
directions. And not alone in municipal, religious and educational
matters, but by the strong and near ties of kinship existing between
the inhabitants, are the relations more closely cemented, as a
thoughtful perusal of the records will show.

In the earlier days of the parent town, the settlers, branching
out from the north part, seemed to follow the water courses, and
going in a westerly direction, we soon find, up the Newcomb brook,
the homes of the Connable, Newcomb, Willis, Shattuck, Foster,
Bagg and Frizzell families. The causes leading up to the separa-
tion were, as in the case of the "Gore," natural ones. Up to the
Revolutionary period it is supposed, and everything substantiates
the supposition, that, dividing the town into equal quarters by run-
ning lines north and south, and east and west, at right angles, by
far the greatest number of families would have been found in the
north-east quarter, and here also was located the only public build-
ing, the meeting house, likewise the only place that we definitely
know to have served the purpose of an inn. Hence when settle-
ments began to be made in the west part of the town about the
year 1770, the people were obliged to travel, probably, two-thirds
of the breadth of the township to attend divine service. This one
thing must have been a powerful factor for division, for in those
days, if one was absent from church, the question put was not where
is he, but hozv is he, for it was a generally accepted fact that illness
alone would cause such absence. The natural features of the coun-
try presented many difhculties to be overcome in the making of
good roads at a time when the men not in the service of their coun-
try, had their time fully occupied in clearing the land and erecting
the customary log-house. So these early roadways, many of them,

96 EARLY LEVDEN SETTLERS.

we may safely conjecture, were little more than bridle paths through
the densely wooded country, and full of unseen dangers to the un-
wary traveller. Imagining ourselves in their conditions, can we
wonder at their thoughts turning toward a nearer township, a
nearer civil and religious home ? The first settlement was made
in the east part of Leyden on what is now called Frizzle Hill, by
a Mrs. Frizzle, and the next, at about the same time, a little distance
north, on Beaver meadow. These portions of the town were com-
paratively thinly settled for a number of years, and at the time of
its division by the Legislature in 1784, it had not enough inhabi-
tants to constitute a town, hence was called the district of Leyden.

At a town meeting held in 1779. it was voted that the land lying
east of Green River be divided by a line running due north and
south into two towns or districts, and the- final division in 1784 was
the result. After this they united with Bernardston in choosing
a representative to the General Court, but chose their own town
officers. Some of those residing in Leyden prior to this time were
John Connable and his sons, who came in 1772, Oliver Babcock,
David Page in 1779, Ezra Shattuck in 1780, Capt. Jonathan Bud-
dington in about 1783, Caleb and John Adams, Andrew Henry,

Lieut. Reuben Shattuck, Charles Packer, Ezekiel Foster,

Spicer, Capt. Agrippa Wells, Lieut. Daniel Newcomb, Samuel Guild,
Alpheus Barstow, Selah Chapin, Lieut. Joseph Eason, Nathaniel
Eason. Uriah Wilbur came from Rhode Lsland about 1780. Li 1784
the following persons are supposed to have come to town: John B.
Demontal and family from Shelburne, John Moore and family,
Mary Moore and family from Palmer, Sylvester Crandell and fam-
ily from Guilford, Vt., John Wells and family from Springfield,
Vt., Jehial and Polly Niles from Connecticut. Oliver Noyes and fam-
ily from Guilford, Vt., Daniel Edwards and family from Coventry,
Ct., Solomon Dimmock, Bedgood Bulfish and wife, Ellen and Sarah
Cole, all from Enfield, Ct., Levi Brooks and family, Thomas Brooks
and wife from Guilford, Vt., Benjamin Grinnell and wife from
Rhode Island, James Phillips and wife from vSpringfield, Mass.
In 1785 there came from Guilford, Vt., Jcxshua Noyes and family,
David Dennison and family, John Burrows and family. In 1787
John Saunders and family from Rhode Island, Peter Brown and

I.EYDEN AFFAIRS. 97

family from Montague, Jabez Knapp and family, Enoch Childs and
family, and Joseph Engley from Taunton, Benjamin Carleton from
Warwick.

This settlement was named Leyden after the town of Leyden,
Holland, and the residence of the Puritans for a time prior to their
emigration. It is claimed that one Coolidge, probably David, came
from Rhode Island and established himself on a farm, the first
inhabitant. If so, he must have been here as early as 1770.

The act of division was passed March 12, 1784, Tristam Dotham
being speaker of the House, Samuel Adams, president of the Sen-
ate, John Hancock, Governor, and John Avery, Secretary of the
Commonwealth. The first meeting was called by a warrant issued
by David Smead, Justice of the Peace, dated Greenfield, April 22,
1784, and directed to Caleb Adams, the meeting to be called at the
dwelling house of Lieut. Joseph Eason on the 26th. The meeting
was holden accordingly, and David Severance, Esq., presided as
moderator, Alpheus Barstow was chosen town clerk, Samuel Guild,
treasurer, Capt. Agrippa Wells, Charles Packer and Lieut. Reuben
Shattuck, selectmen and assessors, and Capt. John Adams, consta-
ble and collector, for which he was to receive 3^^ is.

At the time of Captain Buddington's settlement in town the place
is thus graphically described:

"But few people lived in this hilly wilderness. Here and there
the smoke of the log cabin struggles through the thick woods of
oak, maple, beach and chestnut. The Indian still lingered, though
his dependence on the whites had made him friendly. The deer
was plenty in the woods and sometimes the childlike wail of the
panther would startle the mother from sleep." The log school-
house soon appeared. One of the oldest inhabitants used often to
relate her experiences in teaching in those early times. To her, it
seemed wonderful how the children came out of the woods to school
and how they would return to the woods, and she be left alone.

In 1789 it was voted to form the district into four school districts,
and in 1791 to rai.se 60^ for the purpose of supporting schools the
ensuing year. The school committee made their first appearance
in the year 1803, the first one chosen being Samuel Connable, John
Hunt, Isaac Bullock, Paul Babcock, Benjamin Baker. Joseph Bab-

98 FALL TOWN GORE.

cock and Nathan Hastings. A committee has been annually
chosen since, with one exception. In 1805 it was voted "not to
Raise a School Committee." Comparatively little is found con-
cerning the earlier schools, and the cause is traceable to the divi-
sion of the district into the four school districts so soon after the
incorporation of Leyden, and each district was charged with the
care and expense of its educational interests.

In its religious history the place is at marked variance with most
places, in that the first church organization effected was not of the
standing order, or Congregational denomination, and to the pres-
ent time no society or church of that faith has been found within
its bounds. In July, 1780, nine years before the appearance of the
Baptist society in Bernardston, a Baptist church was organized in
Leyden. The members worshipped presumably in private houses
or in Colrain until 1797, when there was erected by several persons
in company, called the " Meeting house proprietors," a place of
worship.

The Methodists early formed a class here, and in 18 10 a church
organization was effected. In 1841 a church was built, and for the
first time the Methodists found for themselves a permanent home.

In 1830 a Universalist society was organized, but had an exist-
ence of only three years. In 1867 the .society and church was re-
organized with 24 members, and with their Methodist brethren
united in holding services in the one church at Leyden Centre.

Fall Toivn Gore. — As has been stated in a preceding part of this
work, this " Gore " of land — so called — was early applied for, and
granted to the proprietors upon their representations that, numer-
ically, theirs exceeded the usual number of grantees proportion-
ately to the size of the township granted. Feeling strongly the
reasonableness and justice of their claims, the proprietors, in 1736-7,
began the agitation of a petition to the General Court, inviting
Thomas Wells to prefer the same on their behalf. Probably no
further definite action was then taken, if so, no trace of it is to be
found in the records of the proprietors.

On Monday, October 19, 1740, a vote was passed that a man be
sent with a petition to the General Court for the gore of land lying
between the township and Boston township No. 2 above Deerfield,

Kol'OSKD lOWN DIVISION.

tliiis sliowin^^ that altliou^li immediate aetion liad been suspended,
the jirojeet liad not been L^iven over. The same Thomas Wells
was asked to represent them at IJoston, he to receive for his ser-
vices, if suecessfnl, 150 acres of land anywhere within the (rore.
His mission was attended with favorable results, and at a later date,
the town for some unknown reason ha\'ini^ rescinded their vote con-
cernini^; his payment, tendered him the sum of 50/". Just the rea-
son for the inhabitants desiring" this particular gore, it would seem
hard to determine, separated as it was from the town by natural
boundaries. The only theory we can advance is, that it adjoined
their possessions and ]:)romised to become marketable ])ro]-)ertv. It
seems to have been a bone of contention, so to speak, a greater part
of tlie time until its hnal annexation to Colrain in 1779. As apart
of the parent town the inhabitants had no interests in common with
her citizens. The latter were, as we have seen, located principally
tipon Iluckle Hill, Hald Mountain .and North I>ernardston sections.
The church where the residents of the (jore were expected to re-
pair on the Sabbath and to take part in the town gatherings, was
on the highest point of Huckle Hill, and the distance, some four-
teen miles as the road was then laid out, and it was to this fact that
some of the agitation concerning "movin<^ the meetin;^ h<->use" may
l)e traced.

At one time an attempt was made to divide the town into two
districts in order to facilitate the transaction of town affairs, the
part situated within the (rore to belong to the sotith-west district,
but without success. A revival of this project resulted in the sep-
aration of the district of Leyden. This state of affairs existed un-
til 1771, and we may presume that the feeling was intensified when
the inhabitants of the (lore preferred a petition to Governor Hutch-
inson setting forth their grievances as follows: "For years past and
now labor under very difficult circumstances, by reason of being
such a distance from the meeting house of iJernardston aforesaid,
which is not less than fourteen miles from the nearest of us, and
then we are obliged to go through a part of Shelburne, and part of
(ireenfield which is the way the road now is, and the only way that
it ever can go as your petitioners would furtlier inform your Hon-
ours that it is impossible t(^ git a road anv other way by reason on

lOO GORE ANNEXED TO COLKAIN.

a large River with very high Banks on both sides and the water
many times in the year is so high that there is no possibility in
eettino: across and when over the river the mountains are so high
& Rocky that it is impossible to get a road over them; and whereas
your Petitioners are obliged to bear their proportionate part of the
burdens of the Town when they receive no benefit therefrom they
therefore petition for annexation to Colrain," which town was but
two and one-half miles distant. The petition was signed by John
Workman, George Clark, Andrew Henry, David Morris, Andrew
Luck, Robert Riddle, Abraham Peck, William Stewart.

The defense prepared October 2, 1771, set forth "that four of thti
petitioners do not belong to Bernardston, they live in Colrain and
probably will never live upon their lands in Bernardston, some of
them. That the petitioners have not represented the River and
Hills in a true lic^ht ; The River is not so large but that a tree will
reach across and a bridge may easily be made to stand on said river
and the Banks and hills are passable in some places. That it will
very much hurt, if not spoil another parish in the west part of the
town finally."

As to the faithfulness of the representations of the defense the
existing highways and bridges to-day bear witness. Colrain citi-
zens themselves, although carrying the vote favoring annexation,
did so in the face of strong opposition from those resident in the
west portion of the town. The parent town carried on the opposi-
tion to the movement until 1779, when it was finally voted that that
portion of the town lying west of Green River be annexed to Col-
rain, thus surrendering 2576 acres of land. At this date it is sup-
posed that there were 16 families settled within the limits of the
Gore. The names of thirteen (;f them were as follows, and doubt-
less others were some of those signing the petition of 1771:

Joliu NcwfU. William Nelsou.

Oliver Newell. John Coffran.

01(1 Roinus (colored). John Matthews.

Benjatuin Carleton. John Hurlbert.

John Bolton. Jolin Workman.

Thomas vShearer. Abraham Peck.
Moses Ranger.

CHAPTER VII.

KCCI.KSIASriCAI. 1IIST()R\' — FIKST TARISII — O R( ; AM/AI'K )X — KARI.N'
11 IS TORY — KARIA- MINISTERS — ORDINATION SKRMON — RKW JOHN
NORTON — RKV. joT, WRICIIT — UFA". AMASA C(JOK — RKW 'TIMOTHY
ROC T: RS — S( )C I KT V 1 ! !'X'( » M KS U N I T A R I A N — I ' N 1 T A R 1 A N TAS T( ) RS.

Another branch of our history now confronts us in the record of
our clmrchcs and tlicir important work The cliureh and school
characterize a town as well as a nation, each exertin;^' in a similar
manner their civilizini^ and elcvatiuL^ influence.

" Above the forest's flowing shade

The Altar and the School appeared;

On titat the Kifts of faith were laid,

On ihis their precious hopes were reared."

The importance attached to the early establishment of a place of
worship is shown by the conditions of the grant, one of which was
that a meeting hottse should be built within four years. At a meet-
ing held in Deerfield, in June, 1739, the proprietors voted to build
a meeting house which should be 50 feet long, 40 feet wide and
23 feet between joists, and in the summer of 1739, two years after
the arrival of the first settlers, it was built. Although the place
chosen was bleak and uninviting, the meeting house was located
on the south part of Huckle Hill just south of the farm of John B.
Field, upon the highest point of land and a few rods west of the
present road, probably near the centre of population at that time.
The building was but partially finished inside, and no money ex-
pended in what would now be considered the most necessary ad-
jtincts. The original locaticMi is thus described: The building was
to "Set in or near the Road between the 26th. and the 6th. houfe
lotts Somewhere Between the South Line of the 6th lott and the
North line of the 5th and that the committee that shall be Ch<~)fe
to build the meeting houfe Determine as to the Perticular Place
whare it shall vStand." A later vote authorized the committee
already chosen to prepare the material "to Gitt the sd houfe framed
and Raifed and Covered." After beginning work the lot selected

I02 REV. JOHN NORTON CALLED.

was found to be very inconveniently located, therefore it was voted
that three acres from lot No. 3 be utilized as bein^' nearer where
the lumber was framed. A committee was chosen to jxirtially fin-
ish the buildini:^, "to Lay the Lower Floor, Build a Pulpit and make
the Body Seats."

In October, 1740, it was voted that "there be 20^ paid out of the
Proprietor's treasury for the support of preaching the (xospel in
Fall Town the ensuing winter," and at an adjourned meeting that
"A committee be chosen tc; cut the brush and burn them, ten rods
round the meeting house."' At the first proprietors' meeting held
in Fall Town (at the house of Lieut. Ebenezer .Sheldon) vSeptem-
ber 23, 1 74 1, it was voted by a majority of 47 out of 48, that Rev.
John Norton be invited to settle in the ministry. His answer to
the call appears on the early record books as follows:

" To the Proprietors of fdll town aclj(jyiiinjj^ to Dcerfield — Ocntlcmeii —
you made your application to me by your comtee Laft vviiUcr tu Preacli
the Gospel with you and in the Spring 1 reed a .Second application from
another comtee to ccnitinue with you for some time aiul alfo have by a
comtee chofen by you on the 23d day of Sej)teml)er batt Reed your Invi-
tation to settle in the ministry among you and the olfers you made me.
1 thereupon made it my care to address the throne of (irace for direction
in this affair which is of so Great lmi)ortance. I mu>t i:onfess my un\vt)i-
thiness and Inefficiency for so Important a Work aiul it is with 'rrembling
I have Entertained thought of it but when I consider how Desirable it is
to serve the Enterest of Christ and of Souls and of being Instrumental in
the hands of Ciod to Lead Souls to Chri>t and the all efficiency of Christ
to make the weakest means I'owerful to thet Kiul I think 1 can Say 1 I )e-
siree in the fear of God and with a humble Dependence on him for assist-
ance to Enter upon that work where and when God shall ("all me t(j it and
understanding their is a General Desire among you that 1 should take upon
me the Work of the Gospel ministry among you whiefi I must Needs Say
Inclines mv hart to ycju ami Gives me a Greater Desire of Settling wiili
you than with any other people.

As to the offers you have made me 1 don't know but lli-y are sufficieiii
to support me if they are not 1 conclude it i^ your intention to I )oo moi^e
for me, if I [a'eacdi the (/ospel 1 look upon it Rea>onabk- 1 should live <if
the Gospel I purpose no other iavtdyhootl but that, and then 1 should lie
unfaithfuU to you shoiiKl 1 leave the ministry to se<.'k a i.ivelyhotid any

REV. JOTTN NORTON'S SETTLEMENT. IO3

Other way. 1 hope I shall not expect Great things and I hope you will not
suffer me to want if you are able to do for me. as to the seventieth part
of the Six miles Square or an Equal part of the whole Township with Each
Proprietor the first is the most but yet I think it will be the least trouble
to you if I should accept of the h'.st. I therefore do it yet I hope you will
consider it and Grant me a wood lot Near to that you offer me. As to the
Settlement I to Live with it and be Content to suffer with you in the day
of your Small things and truft you will Not Suffer me to want, when you
Can Relieve me. If my Necessities Should Call for more. I desire your
Prayers that if God should bring me into the ministry among you 1 may
come to you in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ and So
1 Remain yours to Serve

Deerfield, Oct. 13th. day John Norton.

.A Domini 1741.

Mr. Norton was accord in j^ly settled with a salary of 130^^ for the
first five years and afterwards to increase 5^^ annually till the sum
should be \'jo£ ($566.66) annually, and his firewood brought to
his door. He was to have 20oi^ settlement money, one-half in
money, and one-half in labor or materials for buildino;-.

His ordination sermon was preached by Jonathan Ashley, A. M.
It was published and the only known copy is to be found in the
rooms of the P. V. M. Association at Deerfield, and through the
courtesy of Hon. George Sheldon the following copy has been ob-
tained. It has been said that a copy was also in the possession of
WcM-cester Antiquarian Society, but Lieut. Governor Cushman's
research proved the impression to be erroneous:

AN ORDINATION SERMON.

Romans XV. jo.

No2u I befeecli you, Bretliren, for the Lord Jefus Chrift Sake, and for the
Love of the Spirit, that ye ftrive toj^ether with me, in your Prayers to God for me.

That fame Spirit of Pride and Malice, which the Pharifees manifefted
towards our bleffed Lord himfelf, whilft fulfilling his Miniftry in the Flefh,
|)revailed very much againft his Church after his Death, and Afcenfion into
Heaven; wherefore the Church of Chrift at Jerufalem was greatly oppreffed,
and many were afraid to unite themfelves to it, for fear they fhould fall
under the Displeafure of the Rulers; and efpecially were the Rich and
Great unwilling to hazard their All for the Sake of Religion, fo that the

104 ORDINATION SERMON.

Number of Believers confifted chiefly of the poorer Sort, who were not well
able to fupport the Gofpel. St. Paul therefore the Apoftlet the Gentiles,
endeavors to ftir up a Spirit of Charity amongft them ; and tells them, they
were Debtors to the Jews, and ought to give them of their carnal Things,
fince they had fo largely received of their fpirit-ual Things, ver. 27. (Such was
the Temper and fuch the primitive Spirit in the days of the Apoftles; and
would to God there was more of it handed down to us in thefe remote Ages.)
And when the Apoftle had obtained a Collection among the Gentiles, and
was going up to Jerufalem to deliver the fame to the Saints, he writes this
Epiftle from Corinth to Rome; wherein he informs the Chriftians there, that
whem he fhould Journey into Spain, he purpofed to come to them, and af-
fures them he fhould come to them in the Fulnefs of the Bleffings of the
Gofpel of Chrift ver, 29. And therefore he befeeches them to ftrive in
Prayer for him to (iod. In the Words we may obferve,

1. The Duty recommended, and this is ftriving. And he lets them know
he was engaged in it himfelf. Strive together with me He does indeed tell
us, 2 Tim. 2. 24. That it is not lawful for a Sefvant of the Lord to ftrive.
But there he ufes a different Word (Macheftbai) which ffgnifies to contend
in Anger and with Weapons: But the Word here rendered ftrive, is Agoni-
shai to be in an Agony, or to agonize; and the fame Word is ufed,
Luk. 13. 24.

2. The Manner of ftriving; and that is, in Prayer; in which we are to be
in an Agony. Thus Jacob wreftled in Prayer, Gen. 32. 24. So Chrift him-
felf was in an Agony of Prayer, Luke 22. 44. And Epaphras laboured fer-
vently in Prayer, Col. 4. 12. Our Prayers fhould all be fervent and in-
wrought Prayers.

3. What it is the Apoftle urged them thus earneftly to ftrive for in Prayer;
and it was that he might come unto them in the Fulnef of the Bleffings of
the Gofpel of Chrift; that he might come to them with Joy by the Will of
God, and be refrefhed with them, verfef 29 c\: 32.

4. The Motives to this Duty of earneft Prayer for him. And they are
the Lord Jefus Chrift's fake and the Love of the Spirit. As if the Apoftle
had faid; be it fo you have no Love for me, yet if you have any Defire to
advance the Kingdom of your Lord; and have any Defire to feel the bleffed
Influence of the Spirit upon your own Hearts, and fee the Operations thereof
upon others, then pray for me, that my Miniftry may be profpered.

Hence the

DOC T. That it greatly concerns both Minifters, and People to unite

ORDINATIOX SKKMON. I05

their eanieft Kiuieavors, and moft fervent I'rayers to Ciod, that the (ireat
Ends and rurpofcs of the Miniftry may be anfwei'ed.

When our Lord had purchafed a Church here with his own lUood, and
was about to defcend up on hio;h; lie did not leave it comfoftlefs; but fent
down his Holy Spirit, which wonderfully fdled the Hearts of his People:
nor did he leave his Church without Means and Hel[:)s for its (irowth and
Increafe; but gave Gifts to Men, Kph. 4. 8. He was pleafed to conftitute
an Order of Men to teach and build Men up ni the Faith, and gracioufly
has promifed them his Prefence to the End of the \V\)rl(l.

Now, do we confider what their lUifinefs is, who it is that fentls them
forth to it, and how they muft, e're it be long, render an Account to him:
how does it concern them in an efpecial Manner to be fervent in S[)irit
fervein the Lord? xVLankind are ready to think the Work of the Miniftry
is an eafy Employment, very much freed from all Difficulties; and many
have envied them their Eafe; yea it is to be feared fome have left their
fecular Employments, and turned into the Miniftry, that they might indulge
greater Sloth and Idlenefs: But fuch Men are grofly ignorant of the fhar[)
Conflicts & fevere Agonies which attend a faithful Difcharge of the Minif-
try. Oftentimes Earth and Hell unite againft them.

Wherefore a People are not to look upon themfelves altogether uncon-
cerned about the Miniftry; whether it be fucceeded or not; but muft do
all in their Power to promote the great Defigns of it; they muft do nothing
to oppofe, and hinder it themfelves; and when they fee it laboring under
Difficulties, and Oppofitions, they may not fit ftill, and leave Minifters to
grapple with them; but muft appear for their Help, and fay to them as the
People once did, to Ezra, Chap. 10. 4. Arife, for this Matter belongeth
unto thee: we alfo will be with thee, be of good Courage and do it. It is
of great Concern, that a People as well as Minifters do what they can to
forward the Miniftry.

But in handling this Doctrine I propofe Firft, To fhow what it is that
Minifters cS: People are to endeavor after and pray earneftly for.

Secondly, Point out the Manner in which they are to feek the Advance-
ment of the Miniftry.

Thirdly, Give fome Reafons of the Doctrine.
Laftly. Apply the Truth to Minifters and People.

Firft then, I am to show what it is Minifters and People are to endeavor
after and pray earneftly for.

And in general it is the Glory of God by the Salvation of Men in the Way

io6

ORDINATION Si;UMON.

of ihe ('r()f|)el. The (/lory of (ioti is the great ImkI of our Creation, ami it
is what we fhoiiid always aim at in our Actions. As we are Men we shouUi
endeavor fo to live that Ood may be honored by us: and as we are Minif-
ters and C^hriftains we are efpecially concerned to prcjinote the Honor and
Cilory of (lod, by feeking cuir own, and the Salvation of (jthers, in that Way
revealed by Chrift in the (fof[)eI: And in order to this,

I. Minifters muft ftrive and even be in an Agony, till (thrift be formed
in their own Souls, and the Souls of their Hearers.

Men are not always c<jnverted when they enter into the Miniftry many
Instances there have been of their Converfion by their own Miniftry. lUit
if this be the Cafe of any Minifters not to converted, Iniw fliouUl they cry
to God Day and Night for pardoning and faiictifying Mercy? .\iid give
no Peace to themfelves till tiiey are born of the S[)irit of (iod; left while
they preach the (iofi)el of Clirift to <jthers, they be a Ccd'taway themselves,
I Cor. 9. 27. How fhould they wreftle in Prayer till they know the Work
(.)f (lod upon the Heart, aiul can feelingly l)itty, and travail in iiirlh with
others ? .\iul when this happy C'hange is elTectcd 111 their own Souls; how
Miould they ftrive and agonize in I'rayer till CMirift be formed in the Souls
of their Hearers? (l-al. 4. 19.

And if Minifters have ever felt the Terrors of the Law, ami cxperieiu'ed
the Comforts of Ood's S[)irit, they can't be eafy till their l'co[)le are bro't
out of a State of Sm and Heath into the I'avour of (iod, they will not reft
till they have refcued them from the Hands of the Devil, and introduced
them int(J the Kingdom of our Lord jefus ('hrift. .NLiiifter^ mult take
much Tains for the Converfion of their Hearers; and efpecially if at any
Time they [Perceive a good Work begun m their Souks; they thould never
give over till it end in a thoro' Converfion to Cod.

And at the fame Time that Minifters of the (iof|)el are travailing in
IJirth for their own and the Souls of others, a People mufl join with them
anti pray earneftly for them. Have any of yon an unconverteil Minitter,
ycni may not reject him even for that; you have no fuch Warrant from the
\V(;rd of (iod; to do this would be to impeach the Wifilom of our i.oid
Jefus Chrift, who commanded the Hearers to obferve and do all thai ihc
Scribes and Pharifees taught them. Mat. j;,. 2. j,. .\iid it would be to
make your felves wifer than the Wifdom of (iod, who chotc one to the
Apofllefhip whom he knew was in a State of Nature; ami at that very Time
forefaw he W(Uild lift up his Heel againft him.

Your Duty m fuch a Cafe is to pray earneftly to (iod for him; that he
maybe made of (iotl a faithful experimental Mmifter of Jefus Chrift Ami

ORDINATION SKRMON. I07

is your Minifter labouring for the Converfioii (jf you or yours, can you

neglect ftriving with him, 'till fuch a bleffed Work be effected in you ?

3. Minifters and I'eople are unitedly to endeavor to u|)hokl and promote
real Piety and (jodiinefs among themselves.

Minifters must ftrive to be exemplary themfelves, to be Patterns of Pa-
tience, Holinefs and heavenly Mindenefs; they muft refift all 'Pemptations
to Lewdnefs and Vanity. It is a great Reproach t(J Religion when Men,
who bear the C'haracter of C'hrift Ambaffadors, give themfelves up to Sen-
suality, and have no Government over their Paffions and Appetites. Put
this has been unhappily fometimes the Cafe to the great Difhonour of
C'hrift. Would we be Minifters of our afcended Ltjrd and glorified Re-
deemer, we muft avoid everything which tends to bring ourfelves and his
Doctrines into Contempt.

And all fuch as profefs themselves Christians muft be very watchful over
themfelves, ami walk circumfpectly, not as Fools but as Wife, redeemein
the 'I'ime, Eph. 5. 15. 16, 'I'hey muft avoid all Appearances of Evil, and
live up to the Character they fuftain. Nor is it enough here, that Minif-
ters and People are externally f(jber and religious; but they muft kee[) up
the Life and Power of Godlinefs, as well as the Form of it, Tim. 3. 5.

And do Minifters and Pe(^ple at any 'Pime observe Religion dying, how
fhould they ftrive tcjgether, to revive it? Is any Sin prevailing and grow-
ing rampant; they must awake t(j put a Stop to it and face it down: It is
not enough that Minifters exert themfelves; but a People muft alfo join
their ftrongeft Endeavors and moft fervent Prayefs: they muft ftrengthen
the Hands, and encourage the Hearts of Minifters; as they in Ezra 10. 4,
forecited.

3. Minifters and People are concerned to do all in them lies to preferve
Peace and good Order among themfelves. Chrift's Bleffing to his Church
was Peace, joh. 14. 27. And the Gofpel often enjoins Peace u[)on the
Followers of Chrift. Hence we are commanded to live i)eaceably as much
as possible, Rom. 12. 18 and to follow the 'Phings which make for Peace,
Rom. 14. 19. And Peace amongft a People is very neceffary in order. to
the flourifhing of Religion: 'Phe Spirit oi Ciod will not dwell in the midft
of War and Contention. How watchful therefore fhould Minifters and Peo-
ple be that they don't fall into Strifes and Animofities? Satan is always
ready to cast in Bones of Contenti<jn: Minifters muft ftrive fo to live that
they may give none Offence to any; and that Satan may have nothing to
improve againft them to (.leftr(jy their Ufefulnefs: .And a People muft avoid
all Occafions of Contention, by living in Love, by bearing with, and for-

I08 ORDINATION SERMON.

giving one another. And is any Keud fpringing up, iiow does it concern
us all to quench the Coals.

4. Ministers and People muft unite their Endeavors and Prayers that the
Doctrines of Chrift may be preferved pure and unmixed with Errors. We
are all bound earneftly to contend for the Faith, Jude 3. And efpecially
fhould it be of a great Concern to fuch, as are appointed to 'Peach the
Truth to others, to be well grounded themfelves in the Truth. Minifters
may not indifferently embrace any Tenets; thinking it no Matter fo their
People are eafy with them; but they muft examine the 'Pruth, and when
they are well inftructef in it, muft teach it to others: and they are com-
manded to convince Crainfayers, Tit. i. 9. And is any Herefy fpringing up
at any 'Pi me, they muft make a vigerous Oppofition; and a People muft
affift them herein, left the Corru|)tion become epidemical, and prove fatal
to the Souls of many.

So alfo it equally concerns APmifters tS: People to preferve the Worfhip
of Ciod unmixed with the Inventions and Superftions of Men, Moses in
building the 'I'abernacle, was to follow exactly the Pattern fhown him in
the mount: So we in all our Worfhip fhould pattern arter the Mind of God
revealed in his Word. We muft keep up a holy Jealoufy for God's Wor-
fhip, and be always ready to refcue it from the Impofitions of Men, which
however pleafing they may be to carnal Reafon, yet are condemned by
God, and unfafe for us.

5. Minifters and People muft do all they can to fupport Chrift's Author-
ity in his Church, that his Paws and Government may take i')lace upon
'I'ranfgrelTors. 'I'hat Chnft has left Authority in his Church is certain,
Mat. iS (S; 1 Cor. 5. In whofe Hands it is repofited, 1 fhall not now attempt
to determine; nor is it neceffary it fhould be decided, would Minifters and
People aftist and ftrengthen one another, and both do what in them lies to
reclaim Sinners and bring them to Repentance; but fo long as Minifters
and Pople are jealous of one another and all they aim at is to ingrofs the
Power into their own Hands; and refufe to ftrengthen one another, 'Phings
will grow worfe and worfe if poffible. It is a Reproach to Christians that
there is fcarce fo much as a Shatlow f)f Government in the Church; and it
is fo hard a Matter to bring Offenders to humble themfelves; and obftinate
Men cannot be brought to fubmit to Order. Hap])y would it be, Minifters
and I'eople unite to recover the linking .Authority of Chrift in particular
Churches; fuice we can't have anv Help from Councils of Churches: Au-
thority is as necessary in a CHiurch as in a Kingdom: and the more this
finks, the more will Religion die with it. Minifters therefore muft bear a

ORDIXATIOX SERMUV. I OQ

Teftiinony againft Offenders; inuft boldly call them t<^ Account; and a
People niuft ftrengthen a Minifiers Hands and encourage his Heart herein;
and may not juftify the Wicked, as is too commonly the Cafe.

6 It concerns Minifters and People to endeavor to fuppiM't the Honour
and Credit of the Miniftry. However a corrupt and degenerate Age may
defpife Men of a facred Character; yet certainly the Work of the Miniftry
is the moft honourable Employment in the World: and Chrift affures us.
that fuch as defpife them defpife him, Luk lo, i6. He will have them ef-
teemed highly for their Works fake, r 1'ef. 5. 13, and accounted worthy of
double Honor, i Tim. 5. 17. And when we confider how much the Succefs
of the Miniftry depends upon the Kfteem Men have (jf Minifters them-
felves, fhall not both they and a People l\o all they can to advance their
Credit and Reputation? They nuift themfelves live fo holy and exem[)lary
that none may have any Reafon to cenfure and Reproach them. They
muft ajDprove themfelves to the Confiences <jf Men. Their Lives and Con -
verfations muft be fuch as will command Reverance from Men. But then
Minifters are Men of like PafiPions, and fubject to like Temptations with
other men, Act. 14. 15. And if they do any Thing inconfiftent with their
Character and Calling; a People muft bear with their Infirmities, overlook,
and cover their Failings, (iod has guarded their Reputation better than
any Mens whatever, i, Tim. 5. 19. How afraid then fhould you be to f[)eak
Evil of them, as is the common Practice of Mankind? As tho' they hired
them into the Miniftry t(j let loofe reproachful Words of them? But not-
withstanding all the Care God has taken to preferve the Reputation of
Minifters, how ready are Men to fpread every Failing they are guilty of to
the greateft Diftance? But when Minifters are thus wounded in their
Reputations, their Ufefulnefs is greatly deftroyed.

And in order to your upholding the Credit (^f the Miniftry you muft fup-
port them honourably whcj labour for your Souls. God commanded that
tlie ().\ which treadeth (Hit the C(;rn fhould n(jt be muzzled, Deut. 25. 4.
Which the Apoftle api)lies to the [)refent Cafe, i Cor. 9. 9. 10. And he
lets us know there is the fame Reafon they who preach the (rofpel fhould
live the Gofpel as they who atteml upon the Altar fhould be Partakers of
the Altar, Verfes 13. 14. ]]ut it is certain, the Priefts under the Law were
allowed by God a vaftly greater Maintenance than Men are willing to allow
ALnifters of the Gofpel. It is a vain Imagination fome men have, that if
-Minifters are kept poor and dependant, they will be more faithful, that they
may not be rejected by the l'eo|)le: This is the Way to make them Ser-
vants to Mens Humours, inftead of Servants to their Scdvation; if thev are

I lO OkDINAIION SKR.MON.

kepi mean ami low, ihev will not have Courai^e to repi"ove Men Ix^ldly, and
face tiowii their dailii^y Sins: their Strength is not the Strength of Stones,
nor their l''lefh IJrafs. |(j1). 6. 12. And if tliey are kept poor and depend-
ant, when Troubles arife and Men evil intreat them, they are ready to fink,
antl know not how to [lerfift in their Work. And it is to be feared this has
overborn and wafted the Spirits of fome of the faithful Servants of our
Lord Jefus Chrift.

Secondly. I am to fhow in what Way and Manner Minifters and People
are t(J endeavor to promote the great Ends of the Miniftry.

And the [^articular Way the Apoftle points out to us all is Prayer: Yet
we are not U) fup[)ofe this is the only Method i\'Iinifters and People are to
ufe, for the Liglu of Nature, and the Word of Ood itfelf, will teach us to
add to i'rayer all reafonable Means and Endeavors; but as we are intirely
dependant ui^on God and Christ for our Salvation, and can do nothing for
ourfelves; fo nothing is more reafonable than this, that we fhould make
known all our Wants to God, and commit all our Cares to him by Prayer;
Me alone can profiler (jur Endeavors, and grant us our Defires. And ef-
pecially fhould Minifters of C'hrift be fre(|uent in this Duty of Prayer; they
are altogether of themfelves insufficient for this Work, and all their Suffi-
ciency is (jf God, 2 Cor. 3. 5. And how earneftly fhould they implore
upon their Knees the compatfionate Pretence of their Eord, and the gra-
ciouf Influences of his Spirit, to conduct them into the Paths of Truth, and
fave them from the endlefs Labyrinths of Error? That he would Sujiport
and Comfort them under all the great Diificulties and Difcouragements they
meet with in their Work? How fhould they agonize in Prayer, and j^lead for
the Inlluence of the S[)irit in all their more private or [)ul)lick Services?
That both in their Studies, and in the Congregation they may a[)prove them-
selves to God, and l)e faithful Minifters of the New Teftament? They mufl
alfo l)e much in Prayer f(>r their People; muft carry all their Cafes to (iod.
They nuift i:onfefs and bewail their Sins before (ioil, and intreat God to fpare
them, Joel 2. 17. V'ea they muft do this, when (iod feems to be ready to
deftroy them: Minifters may not hide themfelves in the Day of God's .\n-
gei. Minifters muft plead with G xl for all the Mercies their People want;
and efpecially for the Graces of his Holy Si)irit u|)on them.

Minifters muft be: well accpiaiiited with the St;ite of their I'Mocks, Prov,
27. 23. 'I'hat they may fmt their Prayers to their various C'ircumstances.

And at the fame time that Minifters arc thus wrestling m Prayer, a I'eo-
ple muft alfo lift up holy Hands to God, and labour earneftly in Pr;iyer for
their Minifters and themfelves It is not enough th;it von put up tome

ORDINATION SERMON. Ill

cold Petitions for your Minifters on Lord's Days; and yet perha[5s this is
more than many, who would be accounted Christians, do. You muft wret-
tle in Prayer for them that Ood would be with them; direct, atfift, fecceed
and profper them in their Work; and this fhould be Matter of your daily
Prayer, both in the Clofet and Family; fo alfo how earneft muft you be in
Prayer for yourfelves, that God would keep you from Sin, and guide you
in the l-'aths of Life and Peace.

But as Minifters and People ftand in different Relations to one another,
it concerns them to ftrive in different ways to forward and fucceed the
Miniftry.

I. Then, as to Minifters they muft take much Pains to be furnifhed with
Knowledge for their Work. They muft give thenifelves to reading, and
attend continually upon ihefe Things, i Tim. 4. 13, iS: 15. 'I'hat they may
handle the Word of God skilfully, and be Workmen that need not be
afhamed, 2 Tim. 2. 15. They muft convince Gainfayers, 'I'it. i. 9. and give
to every one his portion in due Seafon. which they never can do unlefs
they are Men of Knowledge and acquainted with Learning of diverfe Sorts.
It is in vain for Minifters to pretend they need not take Pains for their
Difcourfes; and that the Spirit of God will fuggeft Truths while they are
fpeaking. We are not fo to expect the Affiftance of the S[)irit at the pref-
ent day. We muft fearch out acceptable Words, Reel. 12. 10. However
Men of fuch a Stamp who defpife humane Learning and Study may be ad-
mired and followed when Men are over heated with Zeal; it is certain they
cannot laft long; and in a little Time their Folly will be known to all Men;
and the World will as much defpife them as now they admire and carefs
them. .\ Minifter may at fome Times have a call to enter into the desk
with but little previous Meditation <S: Preparation; but always to do this
is Prcfumption and inexcusable Arrogance.

And while we are composing our Sermons, we muft endeavour to fuit
them to the Confciences of Men, and not to their itching Ears; We muft
ftrive for fuch \\'ords as will awaken Mens Hopes and Fears, and make
them engaged for the Salvation of their Souls; and not ftudy for polifhed
Words and Ftrains of Rhetorick, which will foar above Mens Understand-
ings, and make no lafting Impreffion upon their Souls.

— And not only must Ministers ftrive to compofe their Sermons well; but
muft take Pains in the delivery of them. I fhall not pretend to determine
whether it ought to be with or without reading their written Notes: I think
there is much needlefs I)if|Hite in this Matter; and after all there is Lib-
erty of Confcience. J!ut let the Way and Manner be what it will, Minif-

112 ORDINATION SERMON.

ters inuft fpeak in the Name of God and with Authority. Their Words
their (refture, and very countenance niuft difcouver them in earneft for
the Salvation of Souls. Minifters muft not be cold andlifelefs in the Defk;
but fhould be Flames of Fire, Heb. i. 7. When they addrefs themfelves
to Sinners they muft be Sons of Thunder, denouncing the Terrors of the
Law in fuch a Manner that Fear and Trembling may take hold on them.
And when they fpeak to awakened and waery Sinners, it muft be with fuch
tendernefs and Compafion that they may be drawn to Chrift for Life and
Reft, If Minifters are cold and lifelefs in their Delivery, they will make
carelefs and dead Hearers.

So alfo they muft take much Pains in their publick Prayers and manifeft
fuch earneftnefs and fo fuit themfelves to the State of their Flocks, that
they may command the AttentitMi of the People. And in all their Conver-
fation they muft endeavor fo to behave themfelves, fo to teach, e.xhort, and
reprove Men privately that all may profit by them as well as in their pub-
lick Miniftry.

2. On the other hand a People muft (according to the Relation they
ftand in to Minifters) take much Pains that the Miniftry may be fucceeded.
A People muft then take due Care to attain to a fuitable preaching of the
Word of Ciod. You muft break up the fallow ground of your Hearts, Jer. 4,
3. That the Seed to be fown may be received into good Ground. If you
come to the publick Worfhip without any Preparation of Soul, you cannot
e.xpect to profit by what is delivered to you: It will be no more than a dead
letter. And is not this ona great Reafon why Multitudes have heard
'Fhoufands of Sermons, and never profited by them? If Hearers do not
awake the Powers of their Souls with Metlitation and Prayer to hear the
Word preached, Minifters may ordinarily preach to elead Walls and lifelefs
Images, to as much Advantage.

You muft alfo embrace all Ojiportunities to hear the Word preached, and
not neglect affembling your felves together, Heb. 10. 25. What will all the
Study and Pains of a Minifter avail, if you will not attend upon their .Min-
iftry. \'ou muft willingly mifs no 0|)portuiiity of hearing, left you mifs of
fome Truth that might awaken convince ami c(.)mfort your Souls.

And you muft ftrive to hear aright what is preached to you. Mar. 4. 24.
You muft take Pains to underftand it, and not allow your Tho'ts to wan-
der to the ImuIs of the I'^arth; nor your felves drowned 111 Sleep, while
Truths of the greateft Importance are delivered to you.

.And you muft take nuu h Tains to treafure u|) in your Memories; that
you may pray over what you hear. It is unhappily the C'afe of many Hear-

ORDTXATION SERMON. I 13

ers, thev never carry any Thins^ from the Houfe of God. Hut would you
profit bv the Miniftry, you muft often think of what you hear, and pray
(A'er it, that Crod would blefs it to your Salvation.

And you muft l)e careful to practice what y<m hear from Time to Time;
otherwife it will be of no .Vdvantage to you. Mat. 7. 24 — 27. Many think
if they hear good Difcourfes and commend them they anfwer their Duty;
and are eafy if they never put them in Practice; but the Knd of Hearing
is to Practice; and how careful fhould you be to Practice what you hear,
left the wicked One take it from you.

And to fum up all here with refpect to a Peaple, would you ftrive together
with Minifters to promote their Miniftry; you muft govern your own Fam-
ilies. And herein yini will make their Work much eafier, ami more happy;
Hereby you may do much towards the Peace of a Church, and flourifhing
of Religion; but if you are negligent m this Point, you will ley a Founda-
tion for Rebellion i.\: Trouble in the C'hurch. If Children are not bound
to obey at Home, they will not fubmit eitlier to Minifters or Magiftrates.
It is what Crod mention^ of Aliraham to his Honour, that he governed his
Houfehold, Creii. 18. ly. .And a Want of this has been the Caufe of fo much
Trouble and \'e.\ation to Minifters and fuch a World of Diforder and Con-
fufion in Church iV State, Would you then help and encourage Minifters
of the Crofpel, yt)u muft tram up your Children in the Nurture and Admo-
nition of the 1 .ord.

Thirdly, Proceed we now to give fome Reafons oi the Doctrine.

1. Then, when we ( onfider how very great ant! noble the Ends and De-
figns of the Miniftry are: it is enough to animate Minifters and People to
do all they can to promote the fame; Xow thefe are nothing fhort of the
Cilory of (iod, and the eternal well being of immortal Souls. W'hat can we
better employ our souls about, and fpend our Strength for, than thefe?
Thefe are worthy our higeft Ambitn^n, and well deferve our warmeff En-
deavours. Can we do to much for (rod's Honour, or the Salvation of our
own Souls.' .And thefe arc what the Miniftry is aiming at

2. The greateft and weightinefs of this Work oi the >[iniftery calls for
the mutual Endeavors of Minifters anil People. Have Minifters fo much
u[)on their Hands, and will they not be concerned U) acccjmplifh the fame?
Can they loiter and indulge Sloth' And have a People any Pity for Minif-
ters, and know how great a liurden they fuftain, can they refufe to affift,
encourage and ftrengthen them? Cod commanded his People to help even
an .\fs labouring under a Ikirdcn, E.\. 23. 5. And can you omit bearing
with the Minifters, and ftriving with them'

IT4

OROIXATTOX SERMON.

3. The fucceefs of the Miniftry depends very much upon the joint En-
deavors of Minifters ami People to j^romote it. What ran either Minifters
or I'eople tlo ah)ne' If Minifters are zealous and laborious in their Work;
vet if a People remain c:arelefs iV slothful, they will have Reafon in com-
|)lain they labour in vain: So, if a I'eople are ftriving in I'rayer, and Minif-
ters are void of Life, there will be but little Fruit: Hut when they both
unite their Kndeavors and Prayers, there is a Profjiect of a ,y[lori()Us Har-
veft.

4. The Confideration that Mmifters are emplcjyed to advance the King-
dom of our Lord Jefus Chrift, ought to invigorate Minifters and People to
ufe their beft Endeavors and promote the iXHniftry. If we have any Love
t(; the L()rd Jefus Chrift, who has loved us to the Death, fhall we not feek
the Advancement of his Kingdom of Peace in the AVorld? His (govern-
ment is moft happy eS: reafonable: His Laws are all juft and good. And
fhall we not feek to promote fuch a Kingdom in the World ? Which the
more it prevails, the more hai)py it will make Men; for his \'oke is eafy,
and his Burden light, Mat. 29. 30.

5. Have Minifters and People any Love to the Spirit of Ood, they will
ftrive together. If they have any Defire to feel the bleffed influences of
the Spirit of (rod upon their own Hearts; or do thev long to fee the blelted
Fruits and Effects of it upon the Souls of others, they will ftrive together
herefor; The more faithful and labourious .Minifters are, ami the more a
Fec.iljle ftrive to [M"oht, fo much the more is the godd Spirit (jf (iod t:herifhe(l
amongft a People: Hut if NLnifter^ are unfaithful, and a People are care-
lefs and flothful, they will quench the Spirit of (iod, and drive him from
them.

6. The perfect circumstances of Religion in the Country reciuire the moft
vigorous F'.ndeavors of ^Lnifters aiui People to fupp(Ul the fame. (lod has
been |)leafed remarkably to revive his Works m our Laud: Hut by Reafon
of the Lnprudencr ;md over heated Zeal of one Set of Men; and the CoUl-
nefs and Lulifference of another towards Religion; il is dying in many
I'arts of the Land: and we are in the utmoft Danger of falling into the
wildeft Confufion in our religious Affairs. Some are haftening on the great -
eft Ivxtravegante in Religion, and others growmg into a Coldiiefs aiul Con-
tempt of the Work of (iod. And it is now high Time for Minifters and
People to ufe their beft Endeavors to guaril Religion, and fave themfelves
from the a|)proaching Calamities?

7. Hoth Minifters and Pi'o|)le are accountable to Chrift their Judge for
what thev do. We niuft all ftand before the ludgmeiit Seal of Chrift.

ORDIV ATION SKKMOX.

11^

Rnni. 14. 10. And iimft _L,M.Vf an account of ourselves, vcr. 12. Miiiifters
for what tlicy have ])rcache(l, ami \'ou for what you have heard, and how
you have profited bvit: And what Account cm we i(ive,ifwe have not done
our }'auleavors to advance' the Kingdom of our Lord lefus ("hrift' If Min-
ifters are not faithful to thi^ charge then- Truft, and a l'eo|")le don't take
("are to profit undei' their Miniftrv, lunv ama/.mi; will their account be'

What remains is to appl_\- What has been fa:d to Minifters and l*eo|)le.

rsi^ I. (.)f Information- And what vou have heard fhews you how falfely
they jutlge of 'rhino's, who env\- Minifters their Work becaufe it is attended
with i^reater Kafe than other l->mployinen ts. Tiiex' know not what 'I'rials
and Sorrows the_\' are i-xercifed with, who attend u|)oii thr Miniftry: Wdiile
you eat and llee[) tweetly, Minifters {ci-^\ u]")on the liread of '{"ears, and
Sleep (lies from tiieni: 'I'ln')- have Agonies aiul Strugi^les whu h the Workl
know not of.

So alfo what has been faid fhews us what Reafon both Minifters and Peo-
ple have for Ihimiii.Uion and Self-Abafement : We have all chme too little
U>r C'hrift; Have not Itroven together as we on^ht to liax'e done; The beft
and inoft faithful Minifters have Reafon to be afhamed thev have ftroven
no miM-e to advance the KiiiL^rdom of ("hrift, and the Salvation of Souls and
may juftly fay, they have been unprofitable Servants, I.uk. 17. 10. Ami
that I'eople who have ftrove mofl to advance the Kin^alom of C'hrift, and
the Salvation of their Souls, ma_\- juftly fay in many 'I'hinj^s we have of-
fendetl all, jam 3. 2.

We ma_\- alfo from what has been faid, account for it that the Mimftry is
attended with no better Succefs. Minifters and People don't ftrive to-
gether, and are not tiiitably concerned to promote Religion; would they
ftir up themfelves and put their Hands to the Work, would nut a merciful
("lotl do for them what thev c.in't do themfelves'

We alfo learn from what has been faid it fhould be Matter (_)f great re-
joycmg, when Ood pours out his Spirit, to both Minifters \: People, for now
Minifters may expect much Suc( efs m tlu'ir Work, and a Peeple hope for
the SalvatuMi of Souls. So on the other Hand how fhould they mourn
when ("rod takes away his Spirit from them; for then .Minifters will labinir
very much m vam; and a i'eoj)le will grow cokl, and draw back in Reli-

USE. II. Of Direction to Minifters and I'eople. Would 'I'hey mutually
ftrive together :

I, Ret both Minifters and People endeavor to entertain jufl Thoughts

116

nlU»INAT10\ SKKMC^N.

(if one another. It has too oftfii happened becaufe Minifters and a People
have entertained wroiiLi; Tliouiihts of ea( h other, iii a little Time they have
fallen into a fhaiiiefiil coldnefs and null fferenc\' towards each other: Thus
a I'eoplc fomelinies when they call a Mmifter aiiion^ them exalt him above
Meafure; and frareely will allow luimaiie Frailties in him; lUit this is only
to prejjaie him for the i^reater [''all: lake a Pendulum the farther it is
ftretihed on one iHle; will m its return fwint:; as far on the <j[:)[)ohte Side.
And even fuch a People are eommonlv as readv to debafe him as before
to e.xalt him Pet a Peo[)le therefore' look upon their Mmifter as a Man
of the fame Paftioiis and Infirmities with I liemfeKa's; and exjieet he will
fail 111 fome '1'hini.js as well as they

S(; let a Mmifter look upon his People as Mrii who have manv Remaiu-
ilers of (."orriipt ion, from whom he mufl expect to receive: Injuries and
Abufes, Miniftcrs li.ive fometimes been ready to look upon then People
wholly free from thefe 'I'hmi^s, and when thev luive evilly mlre.ited them,
have been ready to fink under it.

2. Let Miniflers and Peo[)le take |)ains to i^row and mcreafe m their I.ove
for one another; and then they will ftrive to,L,^ether; and will not (;p|)ofe
one another.

Minifters mufl lo\-e their Peo|)le as their fpei lal ("hari^e, whofe Souls
thev :ire accountal)le for. And if ihcv [lerifli thru' their Neglect, the\' iiiuft
anfwer for them to dod. .And let a Peo|)le look upon their Mmifters af
fpetial blehm^s bcftowed l)V (.'hrift the i.::reat lltMd > >\ the C^hurch, l-lpli. 4,
II. I J \ ]. ;iiul a Peo|)!e ought to love them m a high IK'grec as fuch

,V W'oukl Mmifters and People flrive togctluT, let them le.irii to bear
with and cover over one another's bailings, .\ Mmifter mutt be very fpar-
ing in fi)reading abroad tin; W'caknefs or Sins of his People; and a Pc'ople
muft always conceal as much as pothble the Infirmities of tluir Mmiflcrs
Pet not the [•ailings of Minifters be: the Subject of vour ("onversatiou, :ind
the Xews you Ccirrv abroatl with you. A want of this mutUid bearing be-
tween Minifters :ind Peo[)le has greatly hindered the Mimftrv and the Sal-
vation of Souls.

.|. Pet Minifters and Peojile make the .\dvancement of Religion their
ijreat Pufinefs. Poth Minifters ;ind I'eople are too cold in the Service of
("hrift, by lveaf(m of their being too much engaged m worldly AM.iirs. .\
I'eople think hard to fiip|)ort the Mimftrv, and do much to |)romote it; be-
caufe they are more com erned to pnimoir fomething elfe. N'mv if tlu'
Advancement of Chrift's Kmgilom lies nearefl the llearts of Minifters and
People, they will ftnve together.

ORDINATION S1':UM()N. 11/

USE. 111. Of Motive to Miiiifters and People to ftrive toi^ether. Aixl
I. Let us all 'confider how much the Lcjrd jefus Clirift has done for us.
He freely undertook for our Reilemptioii ; left the (rlories of I leaven; c;anie
down and dwelt in Flefh; He who was rich eiii|)tied hiinfelf and betanie
poor, that we might be made rich. 2 Cor. 8. 9. He obeyed the Law which
we had broke; and has [laid the Debt we owed to l)i\inc juftiie He fuf-
fered the fhameful and cruel Death of tlie Oofs, and is afcendcd into
Heaven, ther to make Literceffion for Sinners: And now can we be unwil-
ling to do all we can for Chrift. who has done fo much for us'

2. Let Mmifters and I'eople confider how awful it will be to pcrifh after
they have lived under the (lofpel, the one preaching and the other hearing
the glad Tidings of Salvation Barely preaching the Word of (rod, or hear-
ing the Gofpel preached, will not intitle Men to SalvatiDu; and many who
now preach, and hear the Gofpel preached, will another Day hear Chiift
fay to them, I know you not, Mat. 7. 22. 23. Luk. 15 25 liut can .\Lri-
ifters or People bear the 'I'hots of being thus difowned bv Clirift.

3. Often think what Joy and Satisfaction it will yield you m the great
Day of Acc(.)unts to be found together at the right Hand of Chnft. What
pleafure will it be to Minifters to fee m that Day great Xumbers of their
People, whom they travailled in Birth for, ftaiuling with them at the right
Hand of Chrift cloathed in white Rainment, This will afford mutu.il and
inexprelfible Joy to Minifters and I'eoj^le.

To conclude. Let us all keep in view the (jlories of the upper World,
and that unfpeakable Reward which will be given both to Minifters and
People who are faithful and ftrive together to promote the Kingdom of our
Lord Jefus Chrift. Eye has noi. feen, nor Ear heard, nor can it enter into
our Hearts to conceive of the great Things God has prepared for fuch,
I Cor. 2. 9. And both Minifters and People wh(j ftrive together to [)romote
the Ringdom of Chrift: and are made the happy Inftruments of recovering
Souls from Sin to God, will fhine as the Brightnefs of the Firmament, and
and as the Stars for ever and ever."

The charge was given Mr. Norton by Rev. Reniamin Doolittle
and was as follows:

"When our bleffed Lord afcended up on high, he gave Gifts to Men;
and this was one of the precious gifts of our afceniled Redeemer, even a
fettled Miniftry, an Order of Men feparated and ordained to the Office and
VVork of the Ciofpel Miniftry, to teach and inftruct Men in the Way of Sal-
vation: And God having in his wife Providence inclined the Hearts of this

ii8

ciiak(;k.

l'eo[)le, to call vou to this Li;rt:at aiui ^Dod Work amon^i llu-in; ami your's
alfo tt) accept their InvitatiDii : We the I'Jclers aiul Metfiiigers now prcfciit,
being fatifified of your (iifts and (^ualilicalions therefor, do now hcarldy
join together to feparate and ordain you to the Ciofpel Miniftry according
to Chrift's Appointment, aiul particularly a I'.iftor over this Cluirch, whofe
Call you have now accepted: And we give thee Charge in the Sight of (iod,
anil before our Lord Jefus Chrift, who fhall judge the C2uick and the Dead,
at his Appearing and Kingdom, to take the Overfight thereof, not for lilthy
Lucre fake; but of a ready Miiul. And we truft the great Lord of the
Harveft will be with yt)u; who calls you to Labour iii hi> \'ineyard, and
make you an able, faithful, aiul fiu-cefsful .NLiiifter of the New Teflanient.

And we folemnly Charge you before (rod, to [ireach the Word; be iii-
ftant in Seafon, antl out of Seafon : Repnn'e, Rebuke, t*'-.\hort, with all
l^ong fuffering and Doctrine.

Take Care to fhow thyfelf approved, a Workman that needeth not to be
afhamed, rightly dividing the Word of 'I'ruth; and give to everyone hif
Portion in due Seafon. Crive Attendance to Reading, to ivvhortation, to
Doctrine; holding faft the faithful Word as thou haft been taught, ai;cor(l-

7 ■— ^ 1

ing to the Scriptures of Truth; that thou mayft be able to exhort and con-
vince Gainfayers.

Take care alfo to inftruct the ignorant, convince the erroneous; coiuend
earneftly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints; \'ou nuift rebuke the
obftinate, and comfort the feel)le minded.

Make full Proof of thy ALniftry; Meditate ui)oii thefe Things; give thy-
felf wholly to them; that thy profiting may a[)pear to all .Men.

Take heed to thy felf, and thy Doctrine; that thou mayft both fave thy
felf, and them that hear thee.

\'ou muft pray ior this People both in publick and (ii-ivate and be iheir
daily Interceffor at the Throne of (irace.

Do thou alfo now receive .\uthority to admmifter the Sacraments, and
Seals of the New Teftament, to perfons fiiitabiy (pialilied: taking Care
always to diftinguifh between the precious and the vile; remembring that
Holinefs becomes God's Houfe for ever.

Unto thee are now committed the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven the
Key of Doctrine, and the Key of Difcipline; them that Sin rebuke before
all.

And we now folemnly Charge thee before the great Ci(M), the Lord Jefus

Kicirr iiANM) OK ri-:i,i.()\vsiiir. i 19

Chrift, ami the elect Aiifjels, that thou obferve tliefe 'rhini^s without pre-
ferring (Mie before aiujther; doing nothing by I'artiality: keep thy felf pure.

Let no Man defpife thee; but be thou an ICxaniple to the JJelievers, in
Word, in Converfation, in Charity, in Spirit, m I'aith, \n I'urity.

Confider alfo that a JJifhop must be blauielefs, and the Servant of the
Lord muft not ftrive, but be gentle tt)\vards all Men.

He nuift be patient, m Meeknefs inftructing th(jfe that opiiofe theni-
felves, if peradventure God may give them Repentance to the acknowledge-
ment of the Truth.

Carefully thus feed the Flock of CHRlS'l' now committed to your Charge;
not as being a Lord over (rod's Heritage, but as an exam|ile to the l-'lock:
And when our bleffed L(jrd, the great Shepherd fhall api)ear you shall re-
cieve a Crown of Olory that fadeth not away.

The Right Hand of Fellowship was given by Rev. Joseph Ashley:

Dear Sir,

We now declare you a Mmifterof jKFUS CHRIST, and a Taftor of this
Church, over which y(ju have now recieved a f(.»lemn Charge, regularly in-
trcjduced into the Miniftry, and c(jnfecrated there'to as CjOD, Angels, and
this Affembly now Witnefs; and therefore with hearty Affection we ncnv
recieve you into the Fellowfhip of our >Lniftry; ami acknowlege you as a
Brother and Fellow Labourer therein; which beuig attended with many
and great Difficulties, we may juftly fay with the Apoftle, Who is fufficient
for thefe Things? There is alfo much Need of the mutual Prayers and Af-
fiiftance of all employed in the Miniftry; and therefore we both promife
the fame to you; and ex[)ect it from you; And as a Teftimony hereof we
give you our Right Hand ever wifhing (Irace, Mercy and Peace from Gotl
the Father, and our Lord Jefus Chrift, may be multiplied to you, and this
little Flock, over which the Holy Ghoft has now made you an Overfeer.

Mr. Norton's ministry lasted about four years, when he was asked
to "remove froin the Ministry in this town for the present," proba-
bly on account of the wars which were then beginning", a request
with which he complied. From this time until 1761, there was no
settled minister in the place, althottgh from the records we learn
that the pulpit was occasionally supplied, Rev. Mr. Ashley having
preached several times, also others. The Indians were constantly
harassing the settlers, and carried on a continuous warfare until
1760. For twenty-two years our forefathers were subjected to pri-

I20 SETTLEMKNT OF KF.V. |(>i; WRK.lll'

vations, toils and sufferino^s, of which wc, in our present peaceful
homes, can form no accurate idea, homes too, that were obtained
only through their courage, perseverance ;ind lihjod.

In April, 1760, the Proprietors voted "to chose a Committee to see
that the meeting house be not burned or otherwise damaged." The
reason of this vote was found in the fact that hunters fretjuently
set fires in the forest for the purpose of starting game, and in this
way often burned over many acres, sometimes endangering dwell-

ings.

In January, 1761, a call was given to Rev. Job Wriglit [\lv. Nor-
ton being then settled over a parish in Connecticut, i 1 le accepted,
and, at the age of twenty-three, was ord.iined, in July, 1761. Mis
salary was fixed at 66£" 13s. 4d., and 133^ 6s. Sd., as settlement
money.

In 1768, the qtiestion of moving the meeting house was agitated.
As the west part of the town became more thickly settled, such in-
habitants felt that their convenience ought to be consulted in some
degree. Practically the town was dudded into two districts, each
striving for the supremacy. They were unable to reach a decision
at that time, althougli a committee was appointed. In 1772, the
subject was revived and a committee chosen "from al)road." The
gentlemen constituting this committee were Capt. Joseph Root of
Montague, Capt. Nathaniel Dwight of P)elchertown and Capt. Wil-
liam Lyman of Northfield. They, having no personal interests to
consult, chose a spot about half a mile south of the original site,
near the house recently owned by Albert Chapin, and thither the
building was removed in December. As the original records put
it, "Mr. Samuel Connable Shall have the whole ordering of the af-
fair with respect to drawing the meeting house." It was moved
whole, by means of capstans and rollers, and by men alone, the
time occupied being about a month. The ground over which it
was moved was hilly and rough, ill suited in every way for such a
work, and much credit was dtie Mr. Connable's mechanical skill in
bringing the affair to so successful a termination. One of the pow-
erful agencies in olden times is shown by the following: "1772,
Voted, that Major John P)urk be allowed for the rum he has found
the Town while drawinir the Meetinu' house."

^
^
^

^■

■ i

^ ■

N, v/^ "N(

($-

1 i

i„..r^...

„. 1

T-

REMOVAL OF TIIE MEETINCi HOUSE. 12 1

The meeting house now stood about fifty rods west of the Rev.
Job Wright's residence, and here it remained until 1791, in the
meantime having the interior nearly finished. In 1779, it was voted
to nail up the windows, put on the boards that had come off the
building to "make if more comfortable," also that "ye windows in
the lower part to be made so as to slip up."

As the town grew and became more evenly populated, the ques-
tion of a second remove was brought forward, and in 1788 a com-
mittee was appointed to determine the center of the town. March,
1791, saw a new location agreed upon, and 150^ raised to carry on
the work of removal, the mone}' to be payable in beef, wheat, rye,
Indian corn, flour, wood, neat cattle and sheep at current cash prices.
This time the building was taken down, moved, and put up again
in the same shape and size. Deacon Jonathan Sheldon, Hezekiah
Newcomb, Esq., and Mr. James Couch were the ones having the
matter in charge. x\t this time Rev. Amasa Cook was pastor and
"for the convenience of a Common around the House of public
worship," he deeded June 2; 1794, one acre, two roods and 34 perches
of land whereon the meeting house stood, to the church and so-
ciety. This plot was bounded north bv land of Barnice Foot, west
by town road, and east by his own land. This was the first re-
corded gift to the .society.

Reference to the plan on the following page will show its location
more definitely. Just the reason for the making of this plan must re-
main a matter of conjecture. It is of interest to us in that it re-
veals the location of some of the roads, and the names by which
they were then known, and gives a definite location to the two then
existing "Meeting houses," also the saw and grist mill at the vil-
lage. This plan, protracted March 26, 1795, is found in Vol. 12, p. i
of the Mass. State Archives.

It was now located near the point of intersection of three roads,
and near the subsequent residence of two of its ministers, Revs.
Cook and Rogers. It was finished off inside, and furnished with
a pulpit and thirty square pews. There was also a gallery for the
accommodation of the choir and children. The latter were not al-
lowed places by their parents, that being considered highly im-
proper. They were accordingly placed in the gallery, the boys on

^L.

,<^

^
r>i

llqccL^t^

RF.V. AM ASA COOK. 123

one side, the oirls on the oilier, and (jrder was enforeed by ihe
tithinoinan. Wlietliji" the \-oung-er portion of the eongregation
l^leaned more of benelit from the sermons of those days and under
such discipline, is an ethical problem easily solved in most minds.
Among- Lt. Gov. Cushmairs papers is found this comment on the
structure:

"The niL'fliiiu; house, ;ls al last coiiipleled, had one apperulajjje which we,
111 ihis possibl)- (Ic.t^eiicratc ai.^c (') have ciitircl}" omitted. 1 refer to the
circuhii' 'Sountling board' siispcndeti ovet" the preacher's he<'ul 111 the i)ul-
pit. 1 reiiieinbei" it well in my early days, the ver\' natural incjiiiry for
what possible pur[)ose that could be placed thei'c. And the only satisfac-
tory answer (the science of acoustics I was not (juite old enough to then un-
derstantl) was, that if the Minister did not preach sound doctrine, it would
fall on him and crush him to atomsl How far it k.e|)t the clergy of that
period from the adoption of any heresy, neither the church records nor the
traditions of the time> give any reliable information."

For tliirt}- three years the nieetino house remained untouched
b\- the builders' hand, except that, in accordance with a vote passed
in 1794, it was "colored yellow."

In 17.S2, at his own request, Rev. Mr. Wright was dismissed, and
Lt. John Severance, Deacon Zebulon Allen, Capt. Nathaniel Cush-
man, Mr. Sheldon, fames Couch, Elijah Sheldon and Capt. Joseph
Slate were chosen a committee to determine with Mr. Wright his
terms of dismission; a further account of this will be found latter
on in his biography. The Council for his dismission met March
13, 1782, and "dissolved the union between the Rev. Job Wright
and the Church of Christ in Bernardston," where Mr. Wright had
been past(U" for 21 \-ears. His successor was Rev. Amasa Cook;
whose answer to the call extended is as follows, and now for the
first time do we find the name "Church" applied.
""To the Church of Chiist m Bernaydston.

As you under your (^resent circumstances, being destitute of any spirit-
ual guide or Teacher regularly settled over you in the Lord have been
[)leased to Manifest a gotnl and baudable disposition for a regular resettle-
ment of the (iospi'l in the Ordinances thereof among you, according to the
(ios|)el rule iV the usage of the standing churches in this Land, you did at
a meeting helil on the '8ih day (jf Sept. A. ]). 1 7S3, elect me as your pastor
>S: gave me a call to settle among you m the work of the Gospel Ministry.

124 SKITLKMliN' r OF RK,\ . lIMurilV RoiJKUS.

And as the other inhabitants of the saitl town of liernardston in Legal
Town meeting, on the 15th clay of September, A. 1). 17^3, concurred with
)'ou in making choice of me t(j serve as a Gospel Minister in this Town, and
have shewed a commendable disposition freely to contribute of their Tem-
poralities to the support iS: M iintenance of the Oospel Ministry.

brothers of tlie Church and other inhabitants of said Town, I cannot
but acknowledge the great respect and high esteem that you have herein
manifested for me, unequal as 1 know 1 feel myself to be for such an Im-
portant undertaking ; what you have dcjiie has Commanded my most Ser-
ious attention. 1 have advised with my friends upon the subject, and after
the most deliberate and mature consideration, depending entirely upon the
Cjrace and strength of Christ to qualify ine to the right discharge of the
work to which 1 am now called. Provided that the 'Town without any care
of mine provide me with 40 cords of fire wooti annually so long as I shall
continue to be Minister in said Town, the other articles which the town
have voted considering their circumstances and the difificulties of the times,
1 am satisfied with, in case the salary be paid me annually while 1 shall con-
tinue your minister, Providing this my answer shall be accepted by both
Church and Town, 1 lIo consent and agree to settle with you in the work
of the Ministry, who am with sincere love d\M\ esteem, yours to serve in the

Lord.

A.MASA Cook.
Pernardslon, Oct, 17, 1 7<S3.

To the Church of Christ aiul other inhabitants of the Town of Jk'rnard-
ston \-c, "

December, 1S03, it wa.s x'oted to number the pews in the meeting'
hon.se, and that it .should be done in the pi'esenee of the meetint^.

In 1S05, Mr. Cook was dismissed with some ditiieulty. and in
1S09, tlie Re\-. Timolli)- Rollers was settled. The names of tliose
])LTS()ns wlio attended the town meetino' called to eonsidei" the set-
tlement of Mr. lioL^ers were as follows. They are g'iven as show-
ing who some of the residents of the }:)laee were at that time:

Dr. S. I'rcntiss. Mhen S. iMeld. James Couch.

Thoiuus Snow. Capt. Josei)h Slatt-. Tliomas W. Ripley.

J()se])li Sanderson. Dr. C. Clia])iii. Daniel Looniis.

l.t. iM. S(|uires. Dca. J . I'leld. Tim. Shelilon.

William Newromli Oeorge I'armenter. Capt. Jonathan Slate.

Israi 1 .Slate. I",. I'arment(.r. IClias rarmeiitcr.

Ivnsi;.^]! ('• . .\lL\an(ler. Tim. Slate. Major S. Wclister.

CHrRCir REMOVED TO PRESENT LOCATION. 1 25

John Purple. Major S. Root. Gideon Ryther.

Dea. P. Snow. John Hale. Ezra Connable.

Et T. Hale. Joel Smith. P. Newconib.

Thomas L. P-dwards. N. Fox. Moses vScott.

Simon PM wards. John Burke. David Dennison.

Samuel Williams. Ral])li Cushman. Chester Wrij^hl.

Dalton Newcoml). vSimeon .\lj;jer. Joel Warner.

Jo.seph Smith. P^ Chaml)erlain. Capt. Chapin.

Jona. .-Mien. P>.ra Purple. R. Hastinj^.s.

David R\ther. C. Hastinj.js. Gamaliel Kinj.^sley.

Timothy F.Roger.s, to the Church and vSociety in Bernardston.
"Brethren and beloved.

S'our attention aiul candor, your kindness and liberality towards ine,
merit niy grateful acknowledgments and strongly attach me to you. The
recent exertions which have been made in my favor, will, I hope, justify
me in accepting ytuir invitation aiul enable me to devote myself to the work
to which you have called me. 'I'his is infinitely important. Who is ade-
ciuate to the discharge of the arduous and solemn duties of the Christian
Ministry! I am not sufficient of myself; my sufficiency must come of God.
Go to Him, my brethren, antl pray for me. If God Almighty own and
strengthen and guide me, then will I lead you, and guide you to Jesus.
Bernardfton, 24th, July, 1809."

In 1824, settlement.s had been made .so as to bring the centre of
])opulation nearer to the present village, and as the church was in
some degree removed, it was again taken down and rebttilt on its
present site, Major Orra Sheldon being the architect and builder.
It was dedicated Jan. 12th, 1825, a .sermon was preached from Ro-
mans XV. 5-6-7 verses by the pastor, Rev. T. F. Rogers, under
whose teachings the society changed from the Calvinistic to the
Unitarian doctrine. Kl this time the belfry was added, and in
June, 1824, it was voted to purchase a bell. The next year, 1825,
it was voted to exchange the bell, althottgh no cause for so doing
is recorded. Yet it is probable that its being imperfect may have
been the motive, for from the Gazette and Herald, under date of
Augttst, 1828, we learn that the bell was purchased of Revere & Co.
of Boston, but the tone was never considered satisfactory. Owing
to the failure of the firm from whom the purchase was made, no
exchange was possible. In May. 1828, close observation revealed
a small crack in the side of the bell where the tongue struck. A

126 iTRrnASR C)y A ciirRCii m-:ij..

j^enius of the place proposed to remedy this, and with that in view,
cut out the crack about one-half an inch in width, and it was claimed
that the bell was as i^ood as new. The records show that in 1829
it was prop(jsed to raise money by subscription, and to add to the
avails of the broken bell and procure another as larg'e as the fund
would buy. P. L. Cushman, Hatsell Purple and OHver Root were
to superintend the hang'ing- of the bell. This bell is the one in
present use.

To Rev. Mr. Rogers must also be given the honor of founding
the Sunday vSchool library. He originated the idea and gave five
dollars as a nucleus of the library fund, and asked the society to

contribute the sura of ten dollars, which they did. In 1S47,

Snow, Col. Ferry,,!. K. Brown, J. F. Hale and Zenas Cutler were
appointed a committee to investigate and report whatever repairs
were needful, and a second committee consisting of Dalton New-
comb, J. F. Hale, Jason Brown, John Sanderson and Daniel Slate
was chosen to make all such repairs as the judgment of the first
named committee might deem advisable.

On the second committee Mr. Sanderson declined to serve and
the Hon. Henry W. Cushman was chosen in his stead.

The interior of the building was essentially altered by the re-
moval of the circular gallery, the high pulpit and the division of
the large room into two, the upper one being fitted for an audito-
rium, while the lower one was to be sometime finished as a vestry,
at this time it was left ver\- plain. The building was re-dedicated,
Oct. 31, 1850, with a sermon by Rev. John F. Moors — then of Deer-
field — text, John xvii-3. This dedicatory sermon, also that preached
by Rev. Mr. Rogers, is in print. In 1852, a reed organ was purchased,
which did good service for a number of years. In 187 1 it was re-
placed by a double bank pipe organ of sweet tone.

In 1879, the building underwent another season of change ac-
cording to the plans of Messrs Almon Newcoml), P. L. Cushman
and N. S. Cutler, this time more especially in the interior. An ad-
dition was ])laced upon the south end, making room for the (U*-
gan and choir behind the pulpit, while the vestry downstairs gave
way to the pleasant Sunday School rooms, parlor, kitchen, etc.
Could the original builders of the church view it to-day with its

GIFTS TO THE SOCIETY. 1 2/

modern conveniences and comforts, great would be their astonish-
ment, and with their strict puritanical ideas, it would be doubtful
if they would consider some of our modern places of worship as
justifying the end sought. When we consider that in former times
such a thing as heating the House of God was unheard of, the dif-
ference between past and present, is the more striking. The near-
est neighbors were expected to furnish coals for the foot stoves at
noon during the moderatel}' cold weather, while in midwinter,
when the cold was too mtense, services were held at private dwell-
ings, and at the annual town meetings, places were appointed for
that purpose. Many such obvious comparisons might be depicted
would space permit.

The next record of any gift to this society, aside from Mr. Rogers"
contribution to the library fund, is dated Nov. 21, 1828, when the
society voted to "accept of the Present made by Miss Rachael C. Pur-
ple, which was a note held by her father, John Purple, against this
parish at his decease, valued at $87.10."

In 1850, at the time of the re-dedication of the church, the society
was most generously remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Perkins
of Hartford with a large and beautiful bible for their desk, and by
Hon. Edward Epps Powers of Columbus, Ga., with a silver com-
munion service. Upon the acquisition of the latter, the old service
was donated to their Methodist brethren, and is used by them at
the present time. How this first service was procured the records
are silent.

In July, 1880, Rev. J. B. Green, a former pastor, caused to be
placed upon the walls of the parlor a handsomely framed portrait
of Channing, the Eminent Unitarian Divine. Other portraits now
ornament the walls, being gifts of different friends interested in
the welfare of the society.

In Lt. (tov. Cushman's death the church lost one of its most
able supports. His interest in his church he demonstrated by his
bountiful remembrance of her needs. In his will he bequeathed
his residence, valued at $4000, to the society for a parsonage, also
fifty shares in the Franklm County National Bank, valued at $5000
par, and $500 to be called the Cushman Library Fund. The Bank
shares were to be called the Cushman Religious Fund, the income

128 EARLY CHURCH RECORDS.

to be used for the support of an able pastor, provided the society
shall annually raise not less than $200. Thus the church as well
as the town has g-ood reason to hold in grateful remembrance one
(jf her illustrious sons.

In Mr. J. P. Hale, late of New York, is recognized another of the
benefactors, not only of this society, but in some degree of all in
town. April 2, 1S71, he gave to the Sunday school the sum of $100
to be used to replenish its library. Several years ago he gave the
income of $1000, to be devoted to the maintenance of an annual
"union picnic," and at his decease it was found that to the society
with which he was wont to worship in former davs, he had be-
queathed the sum of §10,000. From such examples ought not all
to learn "To crowd the narrow span of life with wise designs and
virtuous deeds."

Just wlio were the original niembers of this church it is difficult
to determine. The earliest records now extant are embodied in
tlie first town records, and llicrc being at tiial time Ijut the one so-
ciety. all were ta.xed alike for its support. The earliest church
record comes down to us m the call for a council to settle Rev. T. F.
Rogers. Sept. 19, 1809 The church being called the Church of
Christ. The treasurer's book of accounts commences March, 18 17,
at the time of the separation of church and town affairs. The first
record of the first clerk, Elijah A. Gould, Jan. 29, 1817, is for a call
for a meeting of the "Congregational Society to assemble at S.
Perrins' Inn." The first mention in the society records of the word
Unitarian is in a call June i, 1835. ^^^ ^ meeting of the proprietors
of the pews in the Unitarian church. That name was retained
until 1842, when the name of the First Congregational society
again appears. In the warrant for the meeting in 1850, the name
is Unitarian Congregational society. Afterwards, for some years
it is given as the I'nitarian society. The name Congregational
Unitarian society appears in 1855, for that year only. From that
time the name V\rs\. Congregational, or Unitarian society, was used
up to the time of the final settlement of the name as "Congrega-
tional Unitarian Society" by act of the Legislature, Feb. 19, 1891.

At the first ])arish meeting held .March 3, 1817. jobGoodale, Caleb
Chapin and Major vSamucl Root were chosen a committee to select

One of Bernardston's Benefactors.

( ON ( , Ri:( ; A 1 1 ( ).N A L L' X I lA R 1 AX SOC I KTV.

129

those papcfs rclntive to the eoncerns of the first parish, now in the
hands of the tcnvn treasurer, Ralph Cushman, and transfer them
to Z. C. Newcomb, the parish treasurer. In a warrant for the
March nieetiuL^ held that )'ear is found an article to see if the so-
ciety would examine the expediency of holding- parish meetings
separately from the town meetings, but the minutes of the meeting
state that it was voted to pass over this article. If the early rec-
ords were kept apart from the town records it is to be deeply re-
gretted that they were not more carefully preserved. The first
existing record upon the parish register bears the date of Jan. 29,
1817, at which time the society had had an existence of 75 years.
In 17S3, the vote for Rev. Mr. Cook is on file as follows:

Vcas.
Capt. Cushman.
Jaiiic-s Couch.
Ca])t. Caleb Cliapin.
Iknjauiin Green, Jr.
L,t. Joel Chapin.
Thomas Hchsards.
Joseph Allen.
vSamuel Hastini^s.
William Newcomb.
Ensign John Connal)le.
Joseph .Atherton.
Prince Snow.
Reiil)en l-'ri/.zell .
William Orris.
Ilezekiah Newcomb.
Ivt. Jona. Severance.
Asaph .\llen.

Nays.
Klijah .Sheldon.
Caleb .Sheldon.

In all, iift\- for and six against the vote.

If the above were not all actually church members, they were
probably so connected with the parish as to be considered as hav-
ing a legal voice in the g-cwernment.

In February, 1S91, by act of the Legislature, the name of the so-
ciety was changed to " Congregational l^nit.arian Society of Ber-
nardston," thus legalizing all be([uests as well as proving itself an
incorporated st^ciety.

Remembrance .Sheldon.
Daniel Loomis.
Ca])t. Joseph .Slate.
.Samuel Connable, Jr.
Joseph Denio.
John I'oster.
Joseph Hale,
laisha B. Sheldon.
Reuben Ingram
Kbenezer .Slate.
.Stejihen Webster, Jr.
William Ilawes.
William Vox.
.Scba Allen.
Doctor Cushman.
Lt. Neliemiah Andros.
John Burk.

Zebulon .Allen.
Jonathan .Sheldon

Capt. Moses .Scott.
Aaron Field.
Ilezekiah Chapin.
Daniel Slate.
Jesse Field.
John Pinks.
Moses .Scott, Jr.
Lt. Jona. Slate.
FClias Parmenter.
Lt. Michael Frizzell.
John Rurke, Jr.
Lt. Fzekiel Foster.
Calvin Bliss.
Israel Bagg.
David Rider, Jr.
Jona. llurlbert.

Capt. Amasa Sheldon.
Klijah Kingsley.

130 KE\ . JfHIN NORTON.

Rev. John Norton, born November 16, 1715. in the parish of Ken-
sing^ton. llien a pai't of Farniinirton. now within the present town of
Berlin, Ct., was the fourtli son and child of John and Anna (Thomp-
son ) Norton of Kensington, g'randson of fohn and Rtith (Moore)
Norton of Farmington. and great ij;randson of John and Elizabeth
Norton of Hranford, Ct. The family is of Norman descent, and
the first of the name La Seur Norville (afterward changed to Nor-
ton I, came to Fmgland from Normandy with William the Conqueror
in 1066, as his constable, then a military (office of high rank. The
family in lingland settled in Sharpenhow. a hamlet of Bedfordshire.

John Norton graduated at Yale college, class of i"]})"], probably
sttidied theology in vSpringfield, settled as pastor in Fall Town, at
Deerfield, November 25. 1741, (). vS., at which time a church for
that town was also founded. Owing to the condition of the coun-
try and the l"'rench and Indian wars his ministry here was of short
durcHtion. ^After his dismissal from the ministry in this town he
passed his time among the cordon of forts extending through
Franklin County, liaving been appointed chaplain of them in Feb-
ruary, 174*^. His wife and three small children resided in Fort
Shirley in the town of Heath, which fort he seems to have made
his headquarters. In August, 1746, he was taken captive at Fort
Massachusetts and with the rest of the garrison carried to Quebec,
where he remained about a year, was then exchanged and returned to
Boston. In January, 1748, he a{:)pears again as a resident of vSpring-
field, at which time he petitioned and received from the General
Court i" £, los. for his services and sufferings while in captivity.
November 30, i74<S, he was installed as the first pastor of the Con-
gregational church at East Hampton, Ct. Here he remained until
his death with the exception of a few months in 1755-56, during
which time he was chaplain of the forces raised by the colony tt)
go to Crown Point. In 1760 he served as chaplain of the third reg-
iment raised for the expedition against Canada; the length of this
time of service is unknown, but it was doubtless a short one. Mr.
Norton died of small-])ox March 24, 177S. In the inventory of his
estate was included a library of 29 volumes and 96 pam})hlets.

He married hvunice, daughter of Luke and ICli/.abeth (Walker)
Hitchcock of Springlicld. She was born ^Llrch 2. 1712 I3,died

REV. JOHN NORTON'S FAMILY. I3I

Mav 27, 1796. A great-great grand-daughter of Rev. John Norton
is now living in Bernardston in the person of Mrs. Jonathan Field
Cushman. So far as can be learned, Mr. Norton was a man of fair
abilities, pious and devoted to his calling.

CHILDREN.

Asenath, b. in Springfield, October 13, 1738; m. July 13, 1758, James
Bill of Lebanon, Ct.; She d. January 2, 1810; eleven children.

Elizabeth, b. in Springfield, December 19, 1740; m. November 6, 1766,
Nathaniel Clark; She d. May 18, 1770, leaving a dau. Eunice.

John, Jr., b. 1743, probably in Fall Town; ni. September 19, 1765, Ede,
dau. Jabez Clark; d. May 11, 180S; had nine children. His widow m. a
second time.

Anna, b. Fall Town, September 22, 1745; d. at Fort Shirley, August 26,

1747-

Jacob, b. December 15, 1748; d. in a prison shi[) in New Ycjrk during

the Revolution.

Elias, b. October 21, 1750; d. Novembers, 1750.

Anne, b. March 29, 1752; no positive further record.

Eunice, b. October 23, 1754; d. unm. October 12, 1845.

Elias, b. also October 23, 1754; eventually became a loyalist and for a
time lived in the provinces. Retarned and d. in Addison, Me., about
1846; left a widow but no other known family.

Rev. Job. Wright, second minister of Fall Town, was born at
Easthampton, Mass., October 13, 1737, graduated at Yale college
in 1757, and was ordained as minister of this town the first day of
July, 1761. He continued in the ministry nearly 21 years — to
March 13, 1782,— when he was, at his own request, dismissed on ac-
count of the financial troubles of the times, and perhaps, also, from
some disrelish of parochial duties. The council for his dismission
consisted of Rev. John Hubbard and Deacon Samuel Root of North-
field, Rev. Judah Nash and Joseph Root, Esq., of Montague, and
Rev. Roger Newton and Deacon Ebenezer Graves of Greenfield.
The terms of his dismissal were "that he shall be freed from pub-
lic taxes, both poll and land tax for five years from the date hereof,
and longer in case arrears due to him from the town for services
are not paid up by that time, and furthermore, that he shall enjoy
all the other civil privileges during his residence in town, that be-
long to settled ministers of the Gospel."

132 REV. JOB WRIGHT.

As an example of the difficulty of procuring money, the follow-
ing vote, passed in 1781, will serve: "To raise sixty six pounds, thir-
teen shillings and four pence silver money, to pay Mr. Wright's
sallery and to be paid in silver, wheat, rye, Indian corn or flax at
silver money price — or paper money at the common exchange."

After Mr. Wright left the ministry at the age of 45 years, he
was engaged in the cultivation of his farm and in public duties.
He was for three years one of the selectmen and assessors of Ber-
nardston, five years town clerk, and two years town treasurer, and
was frequently appointed to fill other public offices. He was sev-
eral times a candidate (but not elected) for the office of Senator in
the Legislature. He also received a commission as justice of the
peace.

As a preacher of the Gospel his sermons were chaste and in-
structive. As a man he was kind and affectionate and as a Chris-
tian he exemplified the doctrines of the Bible in a high degree.
His piety was ardent and exemplary, and his qualities in the circle
of domestic and social life, endearing. His mind was quick and
his judgment rapid in the attainment of its object. He was seldom
engaged in polemic tlieology, was no dogmatist, believing as many
others do, that but little good can result from religious controver-
sies; that a good life is the best preparation for death and the fu-
ture world, and that Christians should devote their whole attention
to the practice of the religion they profess.

In his politics (and he devoted considerable attention to that sub-
ject) he was ever a firm friend to liberty and equal rights for all
men. During the Revolutionary war he was a Whig in heart and
deed.

One of his contemporaries, the late Hon. Samuel C. Allen of
Northfield, thus spoke of him: "I loved Mr. Wright for the sim-
plicity of his manners and his highly intellectual attainments,
combined in so great a degree with the Christian character and
conduct. It always afforded me a feast to hear that good old man
converse. He was very sociable and his mind was well stored with
correct and useful ideas of men and things which he communicated
to others with a great deal of ease and pleasure. The talents and
usefulness of Mr. Wright were much underated by his parishoners
and the people of Bernardston."

REV. AMASA COOK. I 33

He died in the town January 24, 1823, aged 85 years. Of him
we may truly say in the language of Holy Writ. " Blessed are the
dead that die in the Lord; yea saith the Spirit for their works do
follow them."

Rev. Amasa Cook, the third minister of Bernardston. was born
in Hadley, Mass., in June, 1 750, graduated at Brown University,
Providence, R. I., in i776,studied theology with Rev. Dr. Hopkins
of Hadley, Mass., was licensed to preach August 2, 1780, b)^ the
Hampshire Association, and preached for a time at Rowe. In Au-
gust, 1783, he "was hired to preach on pr()batif)n of settlement in
the work (^f the ministrv " in Bernardston, and in September of
the same year it was voted to "settle him and give a salary of sixty
pounds ($200), and to raise three pounds every year until it should
amount to 75 pounds per annum. Also to give him 140^^ settle-
ment money ($466.66)." Mr. Cook accepted these propositions and
was ordained November, 1783. According to Governor Cushman
the Rev. Dr. Hopkins of Hadley preached the sermon, but refer-
ence to a paper prepared by A. H. Washburn, Esq., of Vernon, Vt.,
and by him read before the P. V. M. A. in 1872. shows that the
ministers assemblimr the eveniny; before the ordination was to oc-
cur, It was discovered that the one who had been selected to preach
the ordination sermon was absent. This duty was placed upon the
Rev. Bunker Gay. Said he, " I have made no preparation for this
occasion." As it was voted not to excuse him, he accepted. From
his previous acquaintance with Cook, he selected for his text,
"There is death in the pot," found in ii Kings, 4th Chap. 40.

For several years previous to 1805, disaffection had arisen in the
society of which Mr. Cook was pastor, principally because of his
growing intemperate habits, and some had left and joined the Bap-
tist. In March of that year, a committee was chosen to "settle the
difficulty with Mr. Cook." They reported that they were unable
to settle with him. But the objectionable conduct of Mr. Cook and
the consequent dissatisfaction of his society were both increasing.
Mr. Cook wrote a letter to the selectmen, in which he stated that
he had understood that there was a dissatisfaction in town and
that he would agree to the calling of a mutual council and abide
by its decisions. Previous to that time, Mr. Cook having been set-
tled for life agreeable to the usage of that period, had objected to

134 REV. AMASA cook's DISMISSION.

the calling of a council. The council to which Mr. Cook finally,
with great reluctance, agreed, which was to decide all questions
both civil and ecclesiastical, consisted of Rev. Roger Newton of
Greenfield, Rev. Thomas Mason of Northfield, and Rev. John Tay-
lor of Deerfield. After a protracted hearing in which both Mr.
Cook and the society were represented by able lawyers, Hon. R. E.
Newcomb of Greenfield for the society, and Hon. George Bliss of
Springfield for Mr. Cook, the council finally advised that Mr. Cook
be dismissed and it was accordingly done in May, 1805.

The former pastor, Mr. Wright, and some of his ministerial col-
leagues were present at this council, although not members of it.
Of Mr. Wright some of his friends inquired, at that time, if, " in
their opinion, he ought, with other members of his church and
congregation to clothe himself in sackcloth and sprinkle dust on
his head in mourning at the prospect of their being left destitute
of a minister, or whether he was not entitled to a song of exulta-
tion over his neighbors in remembrance of the circumstances of
his separation from them." Rev. Bunker Gay replied, "Sing! Sing!"
Mr. Wright observed that he was no singer, but only spoke meta-
phorically, and had no song prepared for the occasion. Said Mr.
Gay, "Then sing this, and we will assist you: "

"Reduced to want, with lantern jaws,

My people I forsook;
And to avenge my righteous cause,

God sent them Parson Cook."

The objections to Mr. Cook were on account of his moral char-
acter and conduct. He had strong intellectual and logical powers
and considerable ability as a preacher. In the early part of his
ministry of 22 years, he was successful and acceptable to the peo-
ple. But one of the besetting sins of the times overcame him.
"The wine when it is red " was a temptation which sensitive na-
tures and a character broken by suffering and disease, impelled by
the common habits of the people of that day, could not resist. The
unfortunate close of his ministry had many palliating circumstancs
which would not be admissible at this age of the world. He died
in Bernardston, June 11, 1816, in his 66th year. The following is
the epitaph on his gravestone in the north burial ground of the town:

"If all my life I tried in vain to save,

Hear, O hear me speaking from the grave."

SETTLEMENT OF REV. TIMOTHY ROGERS. ' 1 35

His wife was Mary Dorothea, daughter of Captain Obed Foote
of Gill. She was born in Waterbury, now Plymouth, Ct., June ii,
1764, married Mr. Cook at Gill, in 1783. Mr. Cook was born June,
1750. Their children were

Amasa, b. February 6, 1788.

Amanda, b. March ^, 1790; d. October 25, 1794.

Payton Randolph, b. January i, 1792.

Mrs. Cook m. (2) a Mr. McCloud, and died at Persia, Erie Co.,
N. Y., April 17, 1835. ae. 71.

From 1805 to 1809, several persons supplied the pulpit of that
society, among whom were Revs. Caleb Atwater and Elihu Rock-
wood.

Rev. Timothy Foster Rogers was the fourth Congregational min-
ister of Bernardston, born in Tewksbury, Mass., March, 1791. "It
was his happiness to be the son of pious parents whose example and
prayers had a powerful influence upon him in childhood and in
after life. His mother was endowed with the most excellent qual-
ities of mind and heart." He w^as prepared for college at Phillips
Academy, Andover, and graduated at Harvard university in 1802.
A classmate thus spok-e of him while in college : " During the
whole of his college life, it was his firmly fixed purpose to make
theology his future profession. He had been bred up in the Ortho-
dox faith, in the most rigid form, and brought within the walls of
the university his attachment to its principles and his earnest zeal
in their advocacy and defense. Yet on further inquiry into, and a
closer investigation of religious subjects, he was led gradually to
abandon the doctrines of his early adopted creed, for those of a
more liberal and heart cheering faith."

Mr. Rogers pursued his theological studies with Rev. Asa Pack-
ard of Marlboro, Mass., and completed them with Rev. Dr. Lothrop
of West Springfield. He commenced preaching in 1806, and deliv-
ered his first sermon in Bernardston, February 26, 1809. The so-
ciety invited him to become their pastor on the 27th of April fol-
lowing, and he was ordained the 20th of September, 1809. The
ordaining council consisted of Rev. William Wells. D. D., of Brattle-
boro, Vt., Rev. Asa Packard of Marlboro, Mass., Rev. John Foster

136 DIVISION OF THE SOCIETY.

of Brighton; Rev. Jacob Coggin of Tewksbury, Rev. Samuel Wil-
lard, D. D., of Deerfield, and Rev. Jason Chamberlain of Guilford,
Vt. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Foster.

May 29, 1 8 10, Mr. Rogers married Mary, daughter of Jacob Pierce
of Woburn, Mass. For about thirty years she was afflicted with
a very painful insanity, which continued until her death, July 5, 1846,
at the age of 60 years. Their children were

Mary, b. December 17, 1812; m. John Mowry of Leyden, resided in Ber-
nardston. She died May 3, 1872, aged 59; he died August 26, 1878, ae. 76.

Timothy Pierce, b. November 18, 1814.
William, b. August 6, 1823; removed to Canada.

For about 12 years after his ordination, Mr. Rogers lived in great
harmony with his people. But that was a period of theological
controversy, and it could not be expected that his society should
be exempt from the spirit of division then so common, especially
in the Congregational denomination. The ablest minds among
the clergy of New England were, in the early part of this century,
engaged in discussing the great doctrines of the Trinity, the atone-
ment. Total Depravity, Election, Regeneration by the special influ-
ence of the HolySpirit and kindred tenets of the Calvinistic faith ;
and the result was a division of the Congregationalists into parties
or denominations called the "Unitarians," and the "Orthodox." In
1882 Mr. Rogers and his society being of the Unitarian faith, nine
of his church members left and formed the "Orthodox Congrega
tional Society." Others also left and joined a newly formed Uni-
versalist society. As a consequence, his society became much
weakened. But such trials of his faith and patience only made
him firmer and truer to his conviction of duty. He would not leave
his people in the days of their adversity. For several years he sup
plied other pulpits one-half of the time, being employed by the
"Massachusetts Evangelical Society " and also by the "Society for
Propagating the Gospel among the Indians and others in North
America" in that service, preaching the other half of the time to
his own people. The Rev. Dr. Parkman of Boston, secretary of
the latter society, in his report of Mr. Rogers' services, remarked
of him that "he fulfilled his work with characteristic fidelity, godly
simplicity and in a spirit of faith unfeigned, commending himself

REV. A. M. BKIDGK. 1 37

wherever he went, as a good steward of the manifold grace of God."
Thus Mr. Rogers sacrificed much for the support of the Gospel as
he understood it, in the town of his adoption and among a people
he greatly loved. The result in after times showed the wisdom of
his course.

In January, 1825, Mr. Rogers preached a sermon at the dedica-
tion of the meeting house which had been removed and rebuilt by
his society, which was printed, the only one he ever published.

In the autumn of 1843 he had a paralytic affection, from which
he never recovered, but he continued to perform his parochial du-
ties, although greatly enfeebled in body and mind, till a year or
two before his decease, which took place February 26, 1847, ^t the
age of 66 years. About a year prior to his death, he had the great
satisfaction of witnessing the settlement of a colleague and to see
his beloved society so far increased in numbers and wealth as to
be able to support regular ministrations of the Gospel each Sab-
bath, which had not been done for the preceding twenty-four
years.

Rev. Asarelah Morse Bridge, fifth minister, was born in Lancas-
ter, January 21, 1810, and was the son of Josiah Bridge. His early
education was acquired at the common schools of that town and at
the academy. When 14 he entered a store in Boston, where he
remained 6 years. He then studied two and one-half years at New
Salem academy, and in 1832 entered the Divinity school at Cam-
bridge, graduating July, 1835. August 2nd of that year he com-
menced preaching as a candidate in Norton, and his service proving
acceptable, he was unanimously invited by the Congregational
(Unitarian) parish in that town "to settle with them as their pastor
in the Gospel Ministry." He was accordingly ordained the 27th of
January, 1836. At a meeting of the parish in August, 1840, Mr.
Bridge was dismissed by "the mutual consent of all parties,", and
on November 1st of the same year he preached his valedictory ser-
mon to that society.

At a meeting of the church September 30, 1842, it was '"Resolved
that we have full confidence in Rev. A. M. Bridge as a pious, faith-
ful and devoted Christian Minister ; and that we cordially recom-
mend him as such to those with whom he may be called to labour."

138 REV. THOMAS WESTON.

Mr. Bridge was installed colleague pastor of the Unitarian soci-
ety with Rev. Timothy F. Rogers of Bernardston February 18,
1846. Sermon on that occasion by Rev. Chandler Robbins of Bos-
ton from the text John x. 16. The other services were as follows:
Introductory prayer, by Rev. Mr. Barlow of Warwick; reading of
the Scripture, by Rev. Mr. Moors of Deerfield ; prayer of installa-
tion, by Rev. Mr. Harding of New Salem: charge by the Rev. Mr.
Livermore of Keene, N. H. ; address to the people, by Rev. Mr.
Willis of Walpole, N. H., and the concluding prayer by Rev. Mr.
Stearns of Rowe. The sermon was printed.

Having remained in Bernardston about four years, he asked for
a dismission and preached his farewell sermon March 31, 1850.

May I, 185 I, Mr. Bridge was settled in Hampton Falls, N. H., at
which place he resided in February, 1863, but was then in very
poor health, and is since deceased. He was twice married, the sec-
ond time to Mary Ann, daughter of David and Sophia Fullom; she
was born in Boston, December 5, 1819. His children were

Mary Ellen, b. at Bernardston, July 31, 1846.

Charles Lee Fullom, b. at Bernardston, January 16, 1849.

Emma, b. at Hampton Falls, N. H., .August 19, 1853.

Next came Rev. Thomas Weston, the son of Capt. Coomer and
Mrs. Hannah (Doten) Weston, born in Plymouth, Mass , August 30,
1 82 1. His early education was received in the public schools of
his native town. Being of studious habit he continued to study
even while engaged in other occupations, and thus fitted himself
to enter the Meadville (Penn.) theological school. Beginning his
attendance there in 1846, he pursued the regular course of study,
graduating in June, 1849.

After supplying various pulpits for short periods, he became pas-
tor of the church in Bernardston, December, 1850, and continued
there until the spring of 1852.

He was married April 29, 1852, to Lucinda, daughter of Ralph
Cushman of Bernardston., She died in Greenfield, Mass., Decem-
ber, 1889. They had one daughter, Mary Kay Weston, born at
Bernardston, September 12, 1855.

In the autumn of 1852, Mr. Weston became pastor of the Unita-

REV. WILLIAM \V. HEBBARD. 1 39

rian church in Northumberland, Penn., where he remained two
years. Returning to Massachusetts, he was installed pastor of the
First Congregational church in New Salem, April 18, 1855. After
four years of service here, he assumed a like charge at Farming-
ton, Me. ; here he resided for five years, then transferred his min-
isterial labors to the society at Barnstable, Mass., where he remained
nine years, being in addition to his ministry, librarian of the
Sturgis (Free) library. In 1872 he removed to Warwick, Mass., re-
maining here for six years. In 1878 he became pastor of the first
church in Stowe, Mass., where he continued seven years. Becom-
ing permanently lame — -from the effects of a fall — he relinquished
parish work, and in the summer of 1885, took up his residence at
Greenfield, Mass., where with his daughter he now resides.

Mr. Weston has always been much interested in the cause of
education, and has served as superintendent and school committee
in most of the towns in which he has resided. He has occasionally
preached as a supply since his retirement. A sermon preached at
the funeral of Dr. Elijah W. Carpenter of Bernardston was pub-
lished in November, 1855, accompanied by an obituary and an ex-
cellent lithographic engraving of Dr. Carpenter. He has also had
published a Fast day sermon at Farmington, in April, 1861, and a
Thanksgiving day sermon delivered at the same place, Novem-
ber 21, 1 861, was published in the "Franklin Patriot," a newspaper
printed in that town.

Mr. Weston has now in composition an interesting history of
his native place, Plymouth, teeming with valuable historic reminis-
cences, and containing an extended and vivid account of the Pil-
grims. This is not, however, prepared with any definite plan for
publication, Mr. Weston expending his leisure in the study and
research so congenial to his taste.

As a pastor, he has always been devout and faithful; as a writer,
he is concise and entertaining. He is also a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity, in whose gatherings he takes a keen interest.

Rev. William Wallace Hebbard followed, preaching for the First
Congregational (Unitarian) society for three years, commencing in
April, 1852, and ending the 25th of April, 1855, but was not installed.
He was born in Lisbon or Topsfield, Me., March 9, 1823-4, and was

I40 REV. DARWIN HARLOW RAXNEY.

the son of Timothy Merrick and Mary (Dyer) Hebbard ; wa.s mar-
ried in Granby, Ct., January 29, 1845,10 Martha Sybil, daughter of
Dr. Daniel Benjamin of that town. vShe died in Bernardston,
July 28, 1854.

Mr. Hebbard was educated in Brunswick, Me., preached as a
Universalist in Sheffield, Ma.ss., in 1843, subsequently at Granby,
Ct., and afterwards at Adrian, Mich., in 1846-7. He studied
medicine with Dr. Lee, a homeopathic physician of Hartford, Ct.,
and graduated at the medical college, Brunswick, Me., in 1848,
practiced medicine as a homeopathist in Attleboro and Waltham,
Mass., studied theology at the Divmity school at Harvard univer-
sity, graduated in July, 1851, preached about four years as a Unita-
rian, then relinquished the ministry and took up the practice of
medicine. He was a political lecturer of the anti-slavery and Re-
publican parties, afterwards engaged in the dry goods business in
Boston. In 1864 he resided at "Swango." Richmond, Me.

He was con.sidered an eloquent preacher and lecturer, and some-
times wrote poetry, but his frequent changes diminished his use-
fulness. During the Fremont campaign in 1856, he. by invitation,
delivered his great poem "The Patriot's Hope," in nearly every
State in the Union. He died in Nashua, N. H., December 10, i8g-
where he had resided for a number of years. One son, Dr. E. C.
Hebbard of Boston, survives him.

Rev. Darwin Harlow Ranney preached for the First Congrega-
tional (Unitarian) society from December, 1855, to April, 1861, five
years and four months, but was not installed anrl resided during
that time with his family at West Brattleboro, Vt. He was the
son of Hon. Waitstill Ranney of Townshend, Vt., and was born at
Chester, Vt., December 13, 1812. He obtained his preliminary
education at Chester (Vt.) academy, was graduated at Middlebury
college, Vt., in the class of 1835. He was ordained as an evangel-
ist of the Baptist denomination at Westport, N. Y., the same year,
and was employed at Westport and Ludlow, Vt., and at Claremont.
N. H., for five years as a preacher of that denomination. Becotn-
ing dissatisfied with the exclusiveness of the Baptists, and think-
ing it his duty to maintain the doctrine of open communion, and
that all professed Christians in any locality should unite in one

RKV. JOHN i;. (;reen s settlement. 141

church on the basis of discipleship with Jesus Christ, he adopted
independent views of Christian fellowship and discipline and pub-
lished a small volume and some tracts on Christian Union.

Hence for fifteen years he was called a "Unionist " and preached
to different s(^cieties on this basis at R(^ckingham. Vt., and subse-
qtiently at Dover and Wilmington, \"t., where he assisted in organ-
ing three churches with the Bible c/z/j' for a creed and the recog-ni-
tion of the personal right of judgment in the interpretation of the
Scriptures. During the latter part of that time he preached to the
Unitarian society of (Trcenheld, Mass., where he had an invitation
to settle in the ministry, but for prudential reasons, declined it.
In February, 1855, he removed to a farm at West Brattleboro, Vt.,
where he resided fc^r a long time. In 1860-61, he was elected a
member of \"ermont House of Representatives from Hrattleboro,
where he distinguished himself as an able debater and a judicious
statesman. He married vSybil Hale McKinne\- of Westport, N. Y.,
January, 1836, and had six children. He ])reached his farewell
sermon to the society in Hernardston, March 31. 1861, subsequently
preaching in Wal[)olc, N. H., and Vernon, Vt. Upon his departure
from town, appropriate resolutions were drafted expressing the
appreciation of his labors in the behalf of the society. He died in
New York (?) and is buried in the cemetery at Townshend, Vt.

Rev. John Bremner (Treen was a pastor greatly endeared to this
society, a native of vScotland. When cjuite young he came to this
country, and received his theological educati(jn from the Meadville
Divinity school, from which he graduated in 1861. In August of
that year he became pastor of this church and was ordained Feb-
ruary 5, 1862. It was during Mr. Green's pastorate that the stirring
events of the first part of the civil war took place, and he was soon
found in the front ranks joining the sanitary commission with
which he was connected some time and where he rendered most
excellent service. In 1864 he resigned his pastorate here, imme-
diately accepting a call from the church in Leominster, where he
remained about three years, going thence to Chelsea. In Febru-
ary, 1876, he resigned to accept a call to a church in Montreal,
Canada, remaining there three and a half years; thence he went to
Brattleboro, Vt. Succeeding his residence and work there, he be-

142 REV. CHARLES T. CANFIELD.

came for two years agent for the American Unitarian association
and the Christian Register association in the matter of their pub-
lications. He then preached in Louisville, Kv-, for a year, at the
expiration of which time he was settled in Gloucester, Mass. Six
years were spent in the Master's service there, when a resignation
was tendered that he might take the charge of a mission in the
"North End," Boston, carried on by the Boston Benevolent Frater-
nity of Churches. Here he remained two years, during which time
the population had become changed to such an extent by the ad-
vent of the Hebrews in that section, that the mission was abandoned
and Mr. Green was obliged to seek a new field of labor. In June,
1 89 1, he was installed pastor of the Christian Union church in
Reading, Mass.

He has been twice married. Of his children, one son has followed
in the footsteps of his father, in that he has cho.sen the ministry
for his life work.

Mr. Green is a most pleasing speaker, sincere in his convictions
and earnest in his efforts to impart the truth of Holy Writ to his
people, and upon his occasional ministrations here to his former
parishioners, is eagerly welcomed by those who hold him in fond
remembrance. He is now settled in Newberg, N. Y.

The next pastor, Rev. Charles T. Canfield, was born in Danby,
N. Y., April 13, 1833, graduated at Harvard in 1852, from the Har-
vard Divinity school in 1855. His first settlement was at Lock-
port, 111., in 1856. From this he was forced by illness to resign in
the second year of his pastorate. He came east, settling in Ux-
bridge, Mass., where he was ordained in 1859. ^^ '862 he left to
enter the 36th regiment, Massachusetts volunteers, as chaplain.

February 12, 1861. he married Louisa B. Haywood of Walpole,
N. H. In 1864 he came to Bernardston, remaining here until 1866,
when he assumed charge of the Divinity school in Boston. LTpon
the transfer of that school to Cambridge, he remained in Boston,
being engaged for about three years in teaching. Subsequently
he assumed, for several years, the agency for different charitable
institutions. In 1891 he was settled over the Unitarian church in
Ellsworth, Me., but owing to illness, remained only about a year.
In November, 1893, he went to Bath, N. H., where he now is in

REV. STILLMAN BARBER. I43

charge of the Unitarian society. His pastorate here was of short
duration, and as pastors he and Rev. Mr. Campbell, on that account,
were among the least known, perhaps, of any who have occupied
the pulpit of this society.

Rev. Stillman Barber, the son of Azariah and Rhoda Temple
Barber, was born in Warwick, Mass., July 21, 1818. His father
was a farmer and he was early called upon to perform such duties
about the farm as his years would admit, consequently the educa-
tional advantages afforded were limited, the amount of schooling
received being ten weeks in summer and winter until the age of
ten years, and for the succeeding six years, ten in winter only.
Possessed by a great love of study, and realizing the need of judi-
cious use of the time allowed for that, he was enabled to master
the common English branches, adding thereto enough of the sci-
ences, United States history and the higher mathematics, so that
fourteen weeks attendance during the two succeeding years at a
private school, served to qualify him for teaching. This vocation
he pursued during the winter months for seven succeeding years.

In 1840, he attended two terms of school at New Salem academy.
From the age of sixteen on, it was his custom to devote at least
one hour daily to study, more if possible, and in order to do this
and facilitate the end so eagerly sought, namely, the acquisition of
a thorough education, all amusements and recreations enjoyed by
others of corresponding age, were of necessity given over. When
sixteen years old, he made his first appearance as a public speaker,
delivering a lecture before the district school lyceum. Two years
later he began the study of Latin, carrying his books with him to
the hayfield in order to secure the coveted time.

April 22, 1841, he was joined in wedlock to Mary C, daughter
of Moses and Lydia Fisher of Warwick, and they immediately be-
gan housekeeping, she aiding, by adding dressmaking to her other
duties. ]\Ir. Barber cultivated a small farm and at the same time
increased his income by devoting all spare time to the perform-
ance of whatever other work came to his hands to do. There have
been three children born to them: Charles S., the eldest, Frank-
lin wS., who died August 29, 1856, and Carrie A., a graduate of the
Framingham Normal school, and now a teacher in Plainfield, N, J.
Mrs. Barber died February 21, 1898.

144 •<>"-'^'- HENRY F. CAMPBELL.

Mr. Barber's relig-ious convictions were formed at the early age
of sixteen, and with slig^ht modifications, always existed practically
the same. At this time h6 had an ardent desire to enter the Chris-
tian ministry, but was dissuaded from making the necessary prep-
arations. When the Meadville Divinity school was established in
the year 1844, determination to enter it came also, and the opening
of its second year saw him enrolled as a student. The three years
course ended in graduation in the summer of 1848. Immediately
he began his ministerial labors at Como, 111., a town upon Rock
River, where he remained during the summer of 1848, preaching
also for a time at Rockford, 111., and returning east in the late fall.
The succeeding year was spent largely in Massachusetts, preach-
ing whenever and wherever occasion presented. In the winter of
1849-50, he was called upon to candidate in Rowe, Mass., and after
preaching two Sundays, received a unanimous call to settle over
that society, a call which was accepted. He was ordained June 1 1,
1850, the now Bishop Huntington preaching the sermon.

After a three years pastorate, he was successively a resident and
pastor over the societies at Hubbardston, Townsend, Mendon and
Tyngsboro, Mass. In the spring of 1868 he received and accepted
a call to assume a pastoral relation over the Unitarian society in
Bernardston, which relation continued in force three years.

After 1873, the time was largely devoted to agricultural pursuits,
in which he always took a deep interest. He was president of the
Franklin Farmers' institute, frequently lecturing before it, and
was in 1893 a vice-president of the Franklin Agricultural Society.
He was also greatly interested in historical matters, following
closely the matter presented by the local historical society, the
P. V. M. A. of Deerfield. He died February 15, 1901.

Rev. Henry F. Campbell occupied the Unitarian pulpit here for
a time in 1871. Upon leaving his charge here, he removed to the
eastern part of the State, where in 1881, he perfected some inven-
tions and successfully engaged in business at Cambridge. He in-
vented a machine for making barrel hoops, which proved an un-
qualified success, and Mr. Campbell was able to dispose of a part
interest in the same at a sum which rendered him financially in-
dependent.

REV. SAMUEL P.. FLAtlG. I45

In 1884, it is understood that he was preaching for a Unitarian
church and society at Francestown, N. H., where he had devoted
some $2,000 to the improvement of the church building. For some
years his time was wholly given up to secular pursuits. He was
in 1894 in Boston, and one of the company owning Lookout Moun-
tain hotel in Tennessee.

Rev. Samuel B. Flagg was born in Grafton, Mass., August 6,
1828, where he died November 16, 1900. He is descended from
one of the original settlers of that place. His primary education
was supplemented by attendance at the Friends school in Bolton,
then Leicester academy and (Juaboag seminary, Warren. He en-
tered upon a collegiate course at Brown university, from which
institution he graduated in 1850. Designing to become a member
of the medical fraternity, he studied for that profession with Dr.
H. Parker at Grafton, continuing his studies at Woodstock, Vt.,
and Boston, Mass., after which he enrolled himself as a student at
the Berkshire medical school in Pittsfield, completing the course
and graduating in the class of 1855. He successfully engaged in
practice in Boston. Convinced that his duty to his Maker called
him in other paths, and following the dictates of his conscience,
he soon made a second choice in the matter of his life work, elect-
ing the ministry. He entered the Meadville Theological school,
graduating therefrom in 1859. His first pastorate, of six years'
duration, was at Kalamazoo, Mich., where he was instrumental in
organizing a church and society. Returning east, he was in 1865
installed over the society at Waltham, Mass., remaining there un-
til 1868, when he resigned. For a year and a half he acted as stated
supply at Sandwich, Mass., to which parish he was again called in
January, 1893, and where he for some years resided, a much loved
pastor among a cherished people.

December 29, 1869, he married Anna B., daughter of William W.
Allcott of Kalamazoo, and grand-daughter of the late Osias Bangs
of Cambridgeport, Mass. vShe died May 8, 1900, in Grafton, Mass.
There are two sons, Charles, who was for a time a tutor in Bowdoin
college, Brunswick, Me., then in the library at the Capitol, Albany,
N. Y., now in the Congressional library, Washington, D. C, and
George, now in San Francisco, Cal.

146 REV. WILLIAM JENKINS.

In 1 87 1 Mr. Flagg came to Bernardston, remaining there for
eleven years, a term of service equalled by none since Mr. Rogers'
death in 1847. During his stay the society experienced a healthy,
steady growth, and the wonderful example of steadfast faith, cour-
age and devotion there displayed, not only cemented more closely
the existing relations between pastor and people, but also exerted
an influence for good over the best interests of the community.
Not alone for his own church did he labor, but his usefulness was
extended to the sister churches and the schools, and all have reason
to hold in grateful remembrance the deep and abiding interest man-
ifested, and the harmonious results.

After leaving town, and before returning to Sandwich, he min-
istered at several places, chief among them being Marshfield, Mass..
and Dixfield, Me., and wherever his lot was cast, to an unusual de-
gree did we find him enjoying the esteem and respect of those
with whom he was brought into contact, and as was also his wife,
active in promoting the welfare of both society and Sunday school.

Rev. William Jenkins was born in Boston, February 7, 1827. His
collegiate education was acquired at Harvard, whence he graduated
in 1848. Designing to make the ministry his profession, he en-
rolled himself a student at the Cambridge Divinity school, com-
pleted the course and graduated therefrom in the class of 1855.
The 19th of the September following, he was ordained at Law-
rence, Mass., where he remained until July, 1864, a pastorate of
nine years. June, 1865. he was settled at Northampton, going
thence in 1870 and locating the succeeding June at Brattleboro, Vt.
Here he remained several years. In November, 1884, he was called
to the church in Bernardston, and his ministrations here lasted un-
til June, 1892 — in all eight years.

It will be noticed that wherever Mr. Jenkins has been called,
there he has remained for a considerable time, having had but four
settlements in his thirty-seven years of ministerial work. This cir-
cumstance is an eloquent testimony of his moral worth and intel-
lectual ability, also of the esteem in which he has been held by his
parishioners. His present residence is in Dorchester. He has re-
tired from active service, feeble health obliging him so to do, and

REV. FRANCIS W. HOLDEN. H?

in his retirement he can look back upon a life well and happily
spent in a noble calling.

Rev. Francis Wilder Holden is the son of Josiah Holden of Waits-
field, Vt., where he was born July 28, 1862. His academical edu-
cation was received at the Barre, Vt., academy, graduating in the
class of 1885. He prepared himself for the? ministry at the Mead-
ville Theological school, from which he graduated in 1891. He be-
gan his professional duties while pursuing his theological studies,
preaching during different summers at Strawberry Point, la., Ar-
cadia, Wis., and Grand Haven, Mich. A year was spent in Roches-
ter, N. H., and during that time he had the satisfaction of seeing
a society organized and take its place beside sister churches in the
denomination. Thence he came to Bernardston, where his ordina-
tion occurred January 10, 1893. the sermon being preached by Rev.
R. A. Griffin of Northampton. His connection here was terminated
January, 1896. He married August 18, 1896, Gertrude, daughter
of Leander Lynde of Gardner, Mass. Began preaching in Norton,
Mass., September i. 1896. During his pastorate here he closely
allied himself with the young people of the society and the Young
People's Fraternity bears evidence of his zeal in that direction.

Rev. Richard Elliott Birks, the present pastor of this society,
was born at Stowey Middleton, Derbyshire, England, in 1846, the
son of Rev. William Birks, whose busy parochial life furnished a
worthy example to the three sons, all of whom became Unitarian
ministers. Originally the Birks family were Scotch, but during
the days of the first Stuarts, settled in England, "Being always lib-
eral in Theology and politics." The Elliotts were a well-known
puritan family, and Richard Elliott, the ancestor of Richard Elliott
Birks, was a contemporary of John Wesley, and entered the min-
istry at the personally expressed wish of the latter. " The Unita-
rian Chapels or Meeting houses in the county of Derby, were mostly
founded by the old English Presbyterians, who might be justly
called the liberals of the Puritans. They built their churches and
left them free from fetters of creed or covenant, in trust for the
worship of Almighty God. Many of the first pastors were of the
noble 2000 — ministers who were ejected from the parish churches
in 1662 (Charles the Second's Reign) because they objected to swear

148 REV. RICHARD ELLIOTT BIRKS.

to be loyal to a ' bad ' King (not believing in the divine rights of
kings) and also refused to give their assent and consent to every-
thing in the book of common prayer. It was of such stock and in
the old meeting houses and manses still largely supported by the
descendants of those sturdy and independent puritans," that Mr.
Birks was reared and it is evident that he freely imbibed of the
spirit of intelligence, thrift and manly independence of the people
of that locality. From his father, a disciple of Dr. Channing, he
received his early education and teachings in Unitarianism.

When just ready for the university, his father's death obliged
him to change his plans, and his latter education was obtained
wholly by his own efforts, but by self-sacrificing perseverance he
was enabled to prepare himself for the ministry, and was ordained
at Topsham, Devon, England, in 1872. He was afterwards minis-
ter at Northampton, Tan worth, Chichester, Gloucester, Douglas,
Isle of Man and finally at Rawtenstall, near Manchester, in all of
which places he rendered good work, being especially successful
in building up and restoring societies in those pnrishes where there
had existed a lack of religious enthusiasm and life. He was in
this country during the last years of the civil war, returning for a
brief season to London in 1866. His marriage occured in Boston
in 1867, and he kept his residence there until 1871, when he again
crossed the water, returning in 1892, and coming to Bernardston
in 1896.

Besides his ministerial labors, Mr. Birks has always taken an ac-
tive interest and part in all matters pertaining to improvement and
education, being always found upon the liberal, progressive side,
and his record since coming among the people of Bernardston is
but a rounding out and completion of the busy, useful life he spent
in England. He numbers among his transatlantic acquaintances
some of the foremost writers and leaders in reform, who hold him
in grateful remembrance. Although having been here but a short
time, the .society have recognized his sterling qualities and are glad
to thus number him among their cherished pastors.

CHAPTER VIII.

IJAl'TIST SOCIETY — I'AS r( )RS— ORTl K )!)( ).\ CONdRKC.A TIONA L SOCIETY
— PASTORS — UNIVKRSAl.IST SOCIETY — I'ASTORS — METIIOIJIST SOCI-
ETY — I'ASTORS— DOR RE ELITES.

Chronolog'ically the Baptist society ranks second. January 7, 1782,
the town " Voted that those persons who are professed Baptists
and have attended that particular form of worship shall be freed
from payinjr ministers taxes so loni^ back as they have been of the
Baptist persuasion and have attended sd worship."

Up to this date there having been but the one religious society,
all were taxed for the support of the common church. This vcjte
of the town shows their willingness to extend to others what they
themselves, or their fathers, sought in their emigration from Eng-
land, — freedom to worship according to the dictates of one's con-
science. Such toleration of new sects or denominations was not
then so common, and this fact renders the incident all the more
praiseworthy.

" Ay, call it holy j^round,

The soil where hrst they trod,
They've left unstained what there they found, —

Freedom to worship God."

In 1789 a liaptist society was organized, and the year following
a church built on the east corner of meeting house and church
street, near the place lately owned by Philander M. vSlate. The
same year Elder Levi Hodge was ordained as their first pastor.
wSubsequently the church, a small one-story building, was sold, the
society having become much smaller because of internal dissen-
sions, and the meetings were finally discontinued. January i,
1808, an ecclesiastical council met at the house of William Fox.
Jeremy Parker was chosen moderator, and John Noyes, clerk —
both members of the church in Conway. After prayer and delib-
eration it was decided to organize, and January i i the following
named persons subscribed themselves members of the P)aptist
church in Bernardston:

150 BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY.

Reuben Park. William Fox. Moses Smith.

Samuel Sikes, Jr. Jonathan Sanderson. Selah Hastings.

Reuben Alj^er. Eunice Smith. Mary Park.

Susanna Hastings. Abigail Green. Rachael Carey.

Lovice Darling.

A considerable deofree of interest must have existed in the
church, for the rest of that year saw 30 members added to the
original thirteen. As evidence of their prosperity, in 1817 a new
church was built a few rods west of the former one. The interior
of this remained unfinished until about 1835. This may be ac-
counted for in some degree by the parish records, which show that
from 1822 until 1831 the society was without a settled pastor, and
during this time the Congregational society met with them, each
furnishing preaching half of the time, when they could so do.
About 1835 the building was completed, and used until 185 1, when
it was sold and i.s now owned by the estate of Mrs. Ashley and oc-
cupied as a dwelling.

In the summer of 185 1 the present house of worship was erected,
and dedicated December 10 of that year. The dedicatory sermon
was preached by Rev. Mr. Baldwin of Brooklyn, from the text,
"God is Love." In January, 1842, a revival was experienced, con-
ducted by Elder Coles of South Reading. It lasted four weeks
and resulted in much good, adding about 20 to the church. In 1853
the society membership was 93. For the past ten years services
have been held a greater part of the time. The society is known
as the Clo.se Communion Baptist, and in 1888 there were 46 mem-
bers, of whom 16 were non-resident. During the Rev. Mr. Worth-
ington's pastorate in 1880, the audience room was repaired and
partially refurni.shed, adding much to the attractiveness thereof.
Mr. J. V. Hale has also done quite a good deal for the .society in
different ways, proving himself a friend in time of need.

Elder Jeremy Parker of Guilford, Vt.. supplied one-quarter of
the time for one year, commencing March 20, 1809. George Stock-
well alternating for a time. During the nine year.s the society
worshipped with the Congregationalists, some of the supplies were
Linus Austin, Rufus Fitts, E. Montague and Tristam Aldrich. In
1834 and 1836, Rev. Edward Davenport of the 2nd Congregational

REV. A. A. DAVIS' HISTORICAL SKETCH. 15I

church in Colrain supplied one-half of the time, and in 1837 the
pulpit was supplied in the same manner by James Parsons of the
State convention.

Since completing the above, through the courtesy of Rev. A. A.
Davis, pastor, his manuscript history of the Baptist society in this
place was placed at the disposal of the writer. There are in ex-
istence two record books, one of the church and one of the parish.
He has endeavored to bring into reconciliation the accounts con-
tained in both, and has woven them into a continuous history, and,
of course, was enabled to give a much more minute and graphic
description than would be permissible in a work of this nature.

He places the origin of the church and society in the year 1806,
taking the ground that whatever may have existed prior to this
date was wholly traditionary, and not supported by any recorded
evidence, hence must have related wholly to a Baptist society, and
that up to 1806, the Baptist church, as an organized ecclesiastical
body, did not exist. In this it would seem that he may have erred,
for upon the old proprietors' record book under date of January 7,
1782, is the following: "Voted that those persons that are professed
Baptists and have attended to that particular form of worship shall
be freed from paying ministerial taxes so long back as they have
been of the Baptist persuasion and have attended sd worship."
This vote alone, and it is a recorded action of the town, would
tend to show that there was enough of a band of Baptist brethren
to enable them to carry on their own form of worship whether in-
corporated as a distinct society or church, or otherwise. Gov. Cush-
man goes still farther and says in his historical lectures upon the
town's early history, which was published in the Franklin Mercury
in 1833, that "In 1789 the Baptist Society was organized in this
town and in 1790 their first meeting house was built and the same
year Elder Hodge their first minister was ordained. This meeting
house stood on the corner west of Gamaliel Kingsley's and was in
shape and size something like the Universalist Meeting house.
Elder Hodge remained about ten years and a few years afterward
the meetinghouse was sold. After this. Elder Rogers preached
to the Baptist society a few years, but was never ordained. Elder
Green was the next settled minister." Gov. Cushman's father was

152 ORGANIZATION OF BAPTIST SOCIETY.

a lifelong resident of this place and his birth antedates the forma-
tion of the first society by 1 1 years, and of the present society, in
1806 or 1808 as the two church and parish books record it, by 28
or 30 years. Had there been no Baptist society and church in ex-
istence until he had reached that age, would he not have been cog-
nizant of the fact, and saved his son, who aimed to be the town's
historian, from making any such misstatement ? It would certainly
appear so, for he was an educated man, interested and well informed
relative to town affairs. Furthermore Gov. Cushman has the cor-
roboration of Rev. Erastus Andrews, a former Baptist pastor, who
writes in a letter dated June 22, 1863, " Elder Levi Hodge was or-
dained in Bernardston." Now is it supposable that a man can be
ordamed over a society and church which does not exist? And
again, the plan of the town protracted in 1795, found opposite page 49
and deposited in the State Archives, gives the exact location of both
Baptist and Orthodox meeting houses. This church was but a
small one-story structure and as the society as a society and the
church so far as is known, as a church, went out of existence soon
after Elder Hodge's departure to Warwick, (his next charge) it was
sold.

The church and parish records vary by two years in placing the
organization of the present society, or the reorganization of the
original one, as the case might be. The book per.sonally examined
placed the date of organization as 1808. Mr. Davis gives it as 1806.
That there were meetings held with a view to organization at both
times is evident, from the fact that these two meetings are recorded
as being held at different places and with different presiding offi-
cers. The church was not built until a subsequent date, as hereto-
fore stated, and prior to its erection, meetings were held at Mr.
Samuel Green's, or as a life-long resident of the place said, "In Sam
Green's kitchen," and the said Samuel Green's home went by the
name of the " Baptist Tavern," from the fact that all the supplies
of the Baptist society found there a temporary shelter.

The rest of the record as given by Mr. Davis coincides practically
with the account given, only as already noticed, carried out much
more minutely. It might be added that the society's method of
raising funds has in several instances nearly proven a Scylla and

KAKLV ISM'TIST I'ASTORS. 153

Charybdis, the steerini^ clear of which has been well nij^h an im-
possibility. The society did not submit readily to direct or com-
pulsory taxation, and the methods of discipline which some at-
tempted to exercise caused such men as Deas. John Burk and
Uaniel Slate to be excluded, and for no t^reater sins than that they
saw fit to occasionally attend services held in other churches. This
seems a restraint upon the freedom of worship sou^-ht by the pil-
grims in their emigration to this country wholly t(j be unlooked
for in their descendants, and especially in a town where the first ac-
tion in religious matters taken by the town beyond the establish-
ment and maintenance of its first society was. to extend freedom of
worship to those who felt they could no longer ally themselves with
the existing forms of the country.

Concerning the earlier Baptist ministers comparatively little can
be obtained. Elder Levi Hodge, who was early ordained over the
Baptist society, was a native of (ylastenbury, Ct., and brother (jf
Wm. Fox's first wife. He served in the Revolutionary war. Upon
the organization of this church he was sectired as pastor, coming
here from Easterly, Ct., retaining the relationship until iSor, when
he became pastor of the Warwick and Royalston churches, being
installed o\^er the church in Warwick in June, 1802, which engage-
ment he fulfilled until his death in 18 19. It is said of him that he
was a great worker in both secular and religious enterprises; not
an educated man, but one highly esteemed as a useful and good
minister in the Master's service.

Peter Rogers, the pastor of the society upon its reorganization,
was a native of Connecticut, and came to Bernardston from Kil-
lingly; he was a soldier in the Revoluti(ni, being appointed as one
of Gen. Washington's Life Ouards at the battle of Monmouth,
going out from New London, was in many important battles, win-
tered at Valley Forge and was discharged at Yorktown.

He went into the war a rich man ; at its close he literally begged
his way home, continental bills having depreciated so that they
were not accepted long before he reached New London, where he
found that his property had been burned with the burning of the
city. He therefore learned the cabinet maker's trade, but soon
gave it up and studied for the ministry. Prior to his settlement in

154 EARLY 15APT1ST PASTORS.

Bernardston in 1815, he was pastor of one or more churches in
Connecticut, and also of the Baptist church in Leicester, Mass. He
remained in Bernardston until 18 19, when he removed to Swanzy,
N. H., going thence to Waterloo, 111., where he died at the extreme
age of nearly 100 years. His ministry in Bernardston was marked
by an extensive revival, 80 being added to the church by baptism
one winter. It is said that " a hole was cut in the ice, the people
immersed, and not one took cold."

Elder Edward Green, who was early of Halifax, Vt., was ordained
over the Baptist society here November 25, 1819, the sermon being
preached by Rev. George Witherel. He continued here in the
ministry about three years, and at a much later date resided in
Pownal, Vt.

Elders Davenport of Colrain and Lamb of Guilford, Vt., each
supplied the pulpit between 1822 and 1831. They, however, did not
claim Bernardston as their residence, and the opinion has been ex-
pressed by some of the later pastors of the society that they should
not be properly counted as ministers of tJiis Baptist society.

Rev. Benjamin Franklin Remington of Adams came here in 1831,
remaining three years. In 1863 he was supposed to be in New
York City.

Rev. Aaron Burbank's ministry here covered one year. He
came in 1838, from the eastern part of this State (?).

Rev. Erastus Andrews was born in Templeton, May 19, 1805.
His father, Rev. Elihu Andrews, was pastor of the Baptist church
in that town. In 18 16 he removed with his parents to Hinsdale,
N. H., where he spent his minority. In 1827 he received a license
to preach and was ordained as pastor over the Baptist church in Mid-
dlefield (N. H.?)May 20, 1829. The next year he spent as a supply
in Agawam. In April, 1831, he removed to North Sunderland, tak-
ing pastoral oversight of the church known as the Sunderland and
Montague Baptist church. In 1855 this charge was resigned and
his residence changed to Shelburne, where through that year he
supplied half the time, the other half being devoted to Bernard-
ston. In 1836 a unanimous call came to him to return to North
Sunderland to his former parish, which he finally accepted. In
1839, his health being impaired, he again resigned and an absence

REV. ERASTUS ANDREWS. 155

of 5 years ensued. During^ this time he preached from the fall of
1839 to the spring of 1S41 at Bernardston, also about the same
length of time at Hinsdale, X. H.. and the remainder of the time
was spent in traveling through the New England and Western
States.

With returning health his old parishioners in Sunderland again
extended to him a third call, thus showing how closely he had en-
twined his life with theirs. This call he heeded, remaining with
his beloved people until 1857, in all a period of 20 years. In 1858
he assumed charge of the church in Suffield, Ct., remaining there
for three years. At the expiration of this time he returned to his
old home in Montague, where he had lived during the greater part
of his last pastorate at North Sunderland, and this became his final
earthly home.

In 185 1 and again in 1832, Mr. Andrews ably represented the
town of Montague in legislative halls as Representative, while in
1855 he was sent as Senator from Franklin County. For seven
years he was an active member of the board of trustees of the Shel-
burne Falls Academy. In 1859 the honorary degree of A. M. was
conferred upon him by Brown University. Thus we see that Mr.
Andrews labored for the best interests of mankind, not only in the
lines prescribed by his ministerial calling, but also in advancing
educational and legislative mea.sures in accordance with his nat-
ural good judgment and excellent business capabilities. He mar-
ried ]\Iay 10, 1829, Almira, daughter of John and Martha Bartlett
of West Boylston, Mass., who died in Montague, in January, 1891.

Their children were

Emory Pearl, b. March 28, 1830; was ist Lieut, of Co. C, 31st Reg.
Mass. Vol. Also provost sheriff of New Orleans under (ren. Butler. Prior
to the war he was preceptor of Hollis Institute at So. Braintree, Mass.

Charles B., b. November 4, 1830; graduated at Amherst in 1858; became
a lawyer of Kent, Ct., and afterwards governor of the State.

Martha Ann, b. September 3, 1833; m, Dr. E. P. Alden of Hoosick
Falls, N. Y., December 1, 1858.

Erastus, C, b. May 17, 1835.

John L, b. April i, 1837; died September 29, 1839.

Thomas D., b. September 26, 1839; d. May 5, 1856.

Augustus P., b. April 30, 1841.

156 REVS. FARR1:R, CRKEN. P'ULLER, baker, CROWLEY,

E. Benjamin, b. January 10, 1S44; was a nun-cuinniissioned (officer of
I St Reg. C't. Artillery; [iresident of Brown University of Providence, R. 1.;
now superintendent of schools, (Chicago, 111.

Joseph I.., b. November 27, 1S45; was a member of Co. F, 52nd Reg.
Mass. Vol.

Arthur K., b. March i, 1849.

FK)ra N., b. August 23, 1850.

Rev. Charles Farrer settled in Bernardston in 1S42, and remained
there three vears, removini^ thenee to Tennessee.

Rev. John Green was born in Belchertown, Mass., June 17, iSoi.
His education was acquired at the Amherst academy, and at what
is now known as the Madison University of Hamilton. N. Y., (grad-
uating from the latter June 2, 1830. While a theological student
at Hamilton he preached one year as a sttpply to the New vStock-
bridge Baptist church in Peterborough, N. Y. During the month
succeeding his graduation he began his labcjrs in the Leicester.
Mass., Baptist church, and by request of the society was ordained
as an evangelist August 19, 1830. and recognized as pastor ISIay,

1831.

August 2, 1830, he was joined in marriage to Miss Mary Thomp-
son of Munson, .Mass. His ministry in Leicester terminating
April I, 1840, he next went to Shutesbury, reinaining there 5 years.
He came to Bernardston in April, 1845, and closed his connection
with this society April i, 1848. During the next six years he was
stationed at Florida and Huntington, four and two years respec-
tively. Owing to failing health the duties of his profession were
abandoned the most of the titne until i86[, when in April he be-
came pastor of the church in North Leverett, Mass.

Rev. George Edwin Fuller came from Chesterfield, N. H., to
Bernardston in 1848, remaining four years and going thence to
Ware.

Rev. Calvin Baker was of Cornish, N. H. He came to this place
in 1852, but remained only a year.

Rev. Harvey Crowley's pastorate lasted from 1855 to 1858. He
later resided in New York State, and died in Rochester, N. Y.,
December 23, 1862, ae. 59.

RKVS. STOCKWKl.L AND RUliKRC. I 57

Rev. George L. Stockwell was born in Lnnenberg-, Vt., Janu-
ary 20, 1818, and there his early education was obtained; later he
studied in Massachusetts. He was ordained in the ministry in
Weston, Vt., June 17, 1844. In 1858 Mr. Stockwell was settled in
Bernardston, and continued there until March, 1861, when he re-
moved to Springfield, Mass., where he was engaged with others in
endeavoring to found an agricultural college, which enterprise had
its origin in efforts previously made b}' Hon. H. W. Cushman to
establish an agricultural department at Powers Institute in Ber-
nardston.

Rev. George L. Ruberg was born May 28, 1828, on Nantucket
Island. He was of Swedish extraction, his father, b^hn Georfre
Ruberg, being born in vStockholm, vSweden, October 2],, 1793. He
emigrated to Nantucket, which was his home for forty years. Here

he married, his wife's name being Nancy ; she was a native

of Nantucket, being born there May lo, 1803. Until the age of 15
the subject of this sketch regularly attended school, going as high
as the grammar department. During the next year the time was
necessarily divided between work and instruction from a private
teacher. When 17 years old he was apprenticed to the dry goods
trade, his employer being a man who allowed many opportunities
for study, and who did all possible to expand and develop his
clerk's ideas concerning the meaning and aims of worthy living.
Prior to this time, in Mr. Ruberg's own words, "I had failed to com-
prehend the ends and object of life ; could not see why it was that
one like myself should have an existence at all." His opportuni-
ties for theological study were as nothing. Such time as could be
spared from business was spent in studying the Gospel, and at the
age of 1(9 years he felt that his life work must be associated with
the diffusion of its teachings. A lack of means, however, prevented
his giving the time to preparation that he considered necessary to
successful work. Hence for some years he kept on in his secular pur-
suits. In May, 1861, having fitted himself as best he could, he be-
gan to supply the pulpit here for the Baptist society, with the result
that in July of the same year the church extended a unanimous
call for his settlement. This he accepted and, by a council called
for the purpose, he was publicly set apart for work in the Gospel

158 LATER BAPTIST PASTORS.

ministry October 23, 1861. Mr. Ruberg- was in char^je of his par-
ish here for four years, leaving September. 1865. In the year 1852
he married Mary Abby, daughter of Capt. Henry J. vStarbuck of
Nantucket. She was born at the latter place March 21, 1S31. They
had three children, Nelson Curtis, born February 12, 1855: vSusie
Maria, born March 6, 1859; Henry Jud.son, born May 28, 1861. He
died in North Egremont, March 6, 1901.

Rev. Thomas Wrinkle was the pastor of this .society from 1866
to August 2T,, 1868.

Until 1 87 1 there was no settled pastor. In June of that year
came Rev. B. F. Tuck. He ministered to the wants of the people
for six years, removing from this place in 1877. In July, 1884, he
was stationed at Acworth, N. H.

Rev. A. \V. Goodnow came in 1877, and was dismissed in May,
1878. He was followed by Rev. J. H. Parmalee, born in Wilming-
ton, Vt., May 4, 1823. He was the son of Dennis Parmalee, a dea-
con of the Baptist church of that place, as was also his grand-
father.

His education was obtained by attendance at the academies of
Townshend and Ludlow, Vt., supplemented by a college cour.se at
Waterville college, now Colby University, Maine, from which he
graduated in 1850. A year was then spent in teaching, as princi-
pal of the North Conway academy, succeeded by a two years' course
at the Theological seminary at Rochester, N. Y. His ordination
to the ministry took place soon after at Xenia, Ohio, and for several
years he preached in the States of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

During the latter part of the war of the Rebellion he had charge
of the Christian commission work at Vicksburg, Miss.

About 1871 Mr. Parmalee came to Bcrnardston, making this town
his home for the next sixteen years, and preaching here as well
as in the neighboring towns. His pastoral charge of the Baptist
society here extended from May, 1878, to October, 1879.

In 1887 he removed to De I'^uniak Springs, Fla., where he is en-
joying the relaxation to be obtained from a small vineyard and fruit
grove. He also devotes his time to such ministerial calls as arc

ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL SOCIF:tY.

159

made upon hiin. His family consists of a wife, daug-hter and son,
Frank. The latter is married and a resident of the east part of
Bernardston.

Rev. J. Shephardson came in April. 1880, and was dismissed in
June, 1881.

Rev. W. A. Worthington preached here most acceptably from
June 18, 1 88 1, to May, 1883. He was later stationed at Groton, Vt.,
(1883) and in May or June, 1884, died suddenly in Concord. Vt.

The following named gentlemen succeeded Rev. Mr. Worthing-
ton, but no biographical notices have been obtainable:

O. L. Shephardson, ]May, 1883, dismissed October i, 1884. J^hn
Randlett supplied until April i, 1885. W. vS. Walker. May i, 1885,
dismis.sed April i. 1888. William F. Newton of Mt. Hermon school
supplied until June, 1889. Sumner Latham, September, 1889.
A.A.Davis. 1892, dismissed 1895. Rev. Mr. Everett supplying
since 1897.

THE ORTHODOX COXGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.

The greater number of the original members of this society be-
longed to the P^irst Congregational church, and withdrew from that
when it became identified as being of the Unitarian faith. Clin<'--
ing to the religion endeared to them by long asscjciation and train-
ing, they soon sotight a new h(jme where they might carry out its
observance. With this end in view a council was called at the
house of Hon. Job (loodale— now owned by Mr. Willis Stratton, at
which Rev. Samuel Taggart was chosen moderator, and Rev. James
Taylor scribe, and resulting in the formation of a society January 9,
1823, with 15 members:

Mrs. Phoflit Hastinj^s.

Mrs. Mary I). Cook. ( Rev. A. Cook's wife. )
Anna Scarle.
George Parnienter.
vSaniuel W. Chapin.
Joseph Slate.
Mrs. Syhia E. Slate.
Rufns Hastings.

Not owning a place of worship, an arrangement was made with
the Baptist society whereby they obtained the use of that church
alternate Sabbaths. In 1831 Judge Goodale erected a small build-

Jonathan vSlate.
Job Goodale.
Mrs. Lydia Cjoodale.
Timothy Slate.
iVIrs. Tirzah Slate.
Samuel Hastings.
Mrs. Olive Hastings.

l6o ALTliRATlONS IN TIIK CHURCH.

ing just east of his residence, securing to them the land by will.
It was dedicated August i8, i83i,a sermon being preached by Rev.
Aretas Loomis of Colrain.

Judge Goodale also gave to the society the parsonage, together
with the adjacent building, then known as Goodale Academy. The
latter was disposed of, together with the greater portion of the land
bequeathed. In 1846 the church was thoroughly repaired and en-
larged, some of the alterations being executed in a novel manner.

According to the Rev. D. H. Strong the building was removed
and the foundations relaid on a larger scale. Restored to its posi-
tion the old church was split "through the middle, lengthwise, cut-
tine ridcre and gable, wall and floor alike as one might saw a box
in two. Then the two sections were moved apart to the outer walls
and the space built up between." A belfry was added, within which,
tiirough the generosity of Mrs. Lydia Goodale (widow of Judge
(Toodale) a bell was soon placed. The church was rededicated
July 2, 1846. Sermon by the pastor. Rev. Willard Janes, from the
26th psalm. 8th verse.

In 1890, through the munificence of Mr. Richard F. Newcomb of
(^uincy. 111., a native of Bernardston, and a descendant of Judge
Cxoodale, the building was materially changed, Mr. R. L. Crowell,
chairman of the committee, having charge of the work. An addi-
tion was placed upon the north end, thus admitting in tasteful
arches the pulpit, organ and choir loft and speakers' platform.
The windows of the auditorium are of cathedral glass

"Through which the lights, rose, amber, emerald, blue,"

glow in soft radiance upon the assembled worshippers.

Downstairs in place of the old vestry one beholds everything
which gofxl judgment could suggest pertaining to convenience and
comfort. The Sunday school rooms are pleasant and well adapted
to their use, while for the social gatherings of the parish, parlor
and kitchen supply every need. Furnaces have supplanted the old
stoves; in fact all bespeaks the sound taste and judgment expended
upon the different capartments, and in these accessories and the ren-
ovation, free from del^t practically, the society arc to be congratu-
lated. Tlie rededication occurred December 12, 1890, the sermon
being delivered by the Rev. Mr. Cowan of South Deerficld, from tlic

GOODALE MEMORIAL CHURCH. l6l

text "Thy kingdom come." The interest of the occasion was en-
hanced by the presence and participation in the exercises of the
resident pastors, also of those of the neighboring towns. An in-
teresting account of the founding of the society was given by the
pastor, Rev. Mr. Strong, and letters filled with kindly expressions
from absent friends were read.

"Two large revivals have been experienced, one in 1841, when
41 were admitted to the church in one year, one in 1852, and 11
were admitted. In 1839 ^^ accession to the church was made by
members from Gill."

For a considerable portion of the time since 1840 missionary aid
has been received.

The society has been designated as the "First Presbyterian,"
later, in 1831, as the "Evangelical Congregational," and since 1833
as the "Orthodox Congregational." In 1891, at the first annual par-
ish meeting after the repairs were made, the following was resolved:

"That we, members of the Orthodox Congregational society of Bernard-
ston, hereby express their heartfelt thanks to Mr. Richard F. Newcomb of
Quhicy, 111., for his very generous gift towards reconstructing and reno-
vating their house of worship. This gift is the more appreciated since it
comes from one representing the family of the original donor of the church
property — the Hon. Job Goodale, whose devotion and support while the
church was in the weakness of its infancy, makes his name inseparable
from its history.

Voted, That the foregoing resolution and votes be placed upon the rec-
ords of the society and a copy of the same be forwarded to Mr. Richard
F. Newcomb.

Voted, That the church building now owned and occupied by the Ortho-
dox Congregational society of Bernardston be hereafter known as the
"Goodale Memorial Church."

At present there are about sixty church members.

DEACONS.

Timothy Slate, chosen 1824. Died 1847.

Perrin M. Richards,
Samuel \V. Chapin,
Lymau Griswold,
Curtis Chapin,
Henry Slate,
Arthur F. Wells,

1839
1841

1849
1852
1862

1875

Dismissed 1849.
Died 1 85 1.
(?) " 1863.
" 1875-

l62 REV. VINSON GOULD.

Rev. Vinson Gould, the first settled minister of the Orthodox
society, was installed October 30, 1833, ^^"^ the sermon on that oc-
casion was by Rev. Artemas Boise. Mr. Gould was born in Sharon,
Ct., August 13, 1773, graduated at Williams College, in 1797; was a
tutor two years at that college ; studied divinity with Dr. Backus
of Somers, Ct., and was ordained at Southampton, Mass., August 21,
1801, as colleague with Rev. Jonathan Judd, first minister of that
town. Dismissed from Southampton, January 5, 1832. He was
dismissed from the society in Bernardston, December 21, 1836,
after a ministry of a little more than three years. He resided af-
terwards at Southampton, and died there April 4, 1841, ae. about
68 years. In 1808 he married Mindwell, daughter of Dr. Sylvester
Woodbridge of Southampton. She died in 1837. During his min-
istry in Bernardston he was preceptor of "Goodale Academy."
Mr. Gould's ministry continued at Southampton till the fifth of
January, 1832, a period of 31 years. Among his qualifications for
sermonizing, was a remarkable power for illustration. Very few
ministers made more pertinent use of passing events. The lead-
ing characteristic of his mind was quickness of apprehension. He
seized with the rapidity of instinct or intuition upon any casual
incident Which could throw any light upon the subject in hand.

He gave much time and thought to the promotion of the interests
of the common school. His peculiar talents had here a fine opportu-
nity for employment. The ease, the perfect facility with which
he could adapt his remarks to the capacities of those whom he ad-
dressed, have been acknowledged by all who were familiar with
the circumstances. The same interest in children was manifest
in the annual catechetical instruction which he superintended. In
the summer of every year, nearly all the children and youth in the
place between the ages of six and sixteen assembled in two par-
allel rows in the aisles of the meetinghouse, and recited to the pas-
tor in the hearing of many of the congregation in four or five suc-
cessive Sabbaths, the whole of the assembly's shorter catechism.
The considerateness with which Mr. Gould put the more difficult
questions to the trembling catechumen so that he could not miss,
will long be remembered.

" Early in his ministry he labored for some months with good

REV. I5ANCROFT FOWLER. 1 63

success as a missionary in the destitute portions of Maine. When
it was proposed to remove Williams college to Northampton, Mr.
Gould acted with gratifying success as an agent in raising the large
fund which the trustees of the college named as a condition of the
removal. Of the old and very useful Harnpshire Missionary Soci-
ety he was a trustee and active friend. The Hampshire Education
Society also found in him an intelligent and warm supporter. The
dawn of the foreign missionary enterprise in i<Sio he hailed as the
indication of a brighter era to the church. Of the property which
God had given him (larger than most clergymen are favored with)
he was a liberal almoner. At a day when comparatively few Chris-
tians were awake to their great duty of laboring for the conver-
sion of the world, he entered with characteristic ardor into the va-
rious plans of benevolence."

After his dismission from the church in Southampton in 1832,
Mr. Gould taught a high school in South Hadley. He subsequently
preached for some time in Bernardston. He then returned with
his family to his house in Southampton, continuing to preach as
occasion offered, m the neighboring towns, and still feeling the
deepest interest in the progress of the Redeemer's Kingdom.

Rev. Bancroft Fowler was installed as the second pastor of this
church December 21, 1836, and the sermon was preached by Rev.
Roger G. Hatch of Warwick. Mr. Fowler's ministry here was of
two years' duration, he being dismissed December 31, 1838. He
was born in Pittsfield, Mass., September 12, 1775 ; graduated at
Yale College in 1796; studied law at Northampton two and a half
years; was tutor at Williams College from 1799 to 1801 ; then as-
suming the same position at Yale, where he remained until 1804.
May 22, 1805, he was settled as pastor at Windsor, Vt. He was dis-
missed from there in 1819; from this time until 1825, he occupied
the chair of professor of sacred literature at Bangor seminary, then
took up his residence at Pittsfield, Mass. In 1828 he took charge
of a female seminary at West Brookfield, remaining there until
1 83 1. He was installed as pastor of the Second (Orthodox) Con-
gregational church in Northfield, April 21, 1831, and after a pastor-
ate of about five years, was dismissed July 20, 1836. He then took
charge of Goodale Academy in Bernardston, and was installed pas-

164 REV. FREDERICK JANES.

tor of the church there, as before mentioned. November 20, 1839,
he was settled at Greenfield, N. H., and dismissed from there
April 22, 1845. His final residence was at Stockbridge, where he
died. He was twice married, first to Lucretia Curtis, who died at
Bernardston, October 12, 1837, aged 49 years; second, to Miss Ripley
of Greenfield, Mass. (?) She was buried at Greenfield, N. H.

Rev. Frederick Janes, the third minister of this society, was born
in Northfield, Mass., May, 1808. His collegiate studies were pur-
sued at Yale and Amherst colleges, but he did not graduate, al-
though he spent several years in teaching and studying theology.
November 8, 1837, he was ordained as an evangelist in New York
City by Rev. Joshua Leavitt. Until 1838 he preached in North
Walton, N. Y., then until 1840 in Colchester, N. Y. November 4,
1840, he was installed as pastor over the society in Bernardston,
the sermon being by Rev. Charles Wiley of Northampton; he was
dismissed after a pastorate of three years, November 9, 1843. In
1844 he was installed in Pelham, where he remained but a year.
The three succeeding years he was agent for the American Protes-
tant Society, then assumed charge of a female seminary in West-
ern New York. After remaining here a year he preached some
time in Michigan, then (1854) took up his residence in New York
City, where he became the editor of the "Christian Parlor Maga-
zine." He was the author of the genealogy of the Janes family.
His last years were spent at the home of a daughter in Willing-
ton, Ct., where he had at one time preached, and his decease oc-
curred there the latter part of the year 1890, at the age of 82 years.
His father was Deacon Xenophon Janes of Northfield, and his an-
cestor, William Janes, who came from England in 1637. Wm', Sam-
uel", Jonathan', Ebenezer', Xenophon". He married September 15,
1833, Paulina Burnell, who died November 20, 185 1, married (2)
January 18, 1853, Rachel B, Truesdale, who died 1874.

CHILDREN.

Margaret P., b. September 17, 1834.

Mary S., b. June 28, 1836.

John C, b. July 6, 1839.

Lucy A., b. June 10, 1841; m. Albert Leffer.

Josephine A., b. December 10, 1854.

REV. CHARLES KENDALL. 165

VVm. A., b. November 11, 1856.

Anna F., b. April 3, 1858.

Isabella, b. June 10, 1861; d. May 9, 1864.

Charles H., b. October 23, 1865.

Rev. Charles Kendall was born in Westminster, Mass., Febru-
ary 14, 1 81 3, and was a son of Edward and Polly (Gerrish) Kendall.
His early life was passed in his native place, serving as clerk in a
country store six years. When 1 8 years of age he became personally
interested in the subject of religion and he chose at once the min-
istry as his department of labor through life. In 1832 he entered
Westminster Academy, and began his preparatory course under
Wm. C. Clark, finishing the same under Josiah Clark, (who was
later of Easthampton). In the fall of 1834 he entered Amherst
College, remaining there two years, when the failure of his health
compelled him to leave. In 1837, having in a measure regained
his health, he returned a second time to Amherst, and graduated
in 1839, i^ ^ class of 57. That fall he taught a select school in
Oakham, entering the Union Theological seminary in New York
in December of that year. From here he graduated June 24, 1842.
He was licensed to preach by the third Presbytery, N. S. in New
York, April 8, 1842, and the succeeding August began his labors
in the ministry at South Hadley Falls. He left there in Febru-
ary, 1843, after fulfilling an engagement of 6 months. In the au-
tumn of 1843 he received an invitation to settle over the Orthodox
Congregational society in Bernardston, which he accepted, and
was ordained January 24, 1844, Rev. T. Packard, Jr., preaching the
sermon. He remained in town until 1853, when, on account of im-
paired health, he left for a residence in East Tennessee, but was
taken ill on the way, which induced a change of plans. He was
for six months engaged in teaching a female seminary in Mercers-
berg, Pa., where also he supplied for the greater part of that time
the pulpit of the O. S. Presbyterian church. He was dismissed
from his pastorate charge in Bernardston, July, 1854, having been
there ten years. The same year he began to labor with the church
in South Royalston, Mass., and continued until January, 1856. The
following May he was invited to take charge of the Trinitarian
church in Petersham ; here he remained until October, i860, when
he removed to Auburn, Mass., to take charge of the church in that

l66 REV. CHARLES KENDALL.

place, and where he remained six years. From conscientious mo-
tives Mr. Kendall was never installed over but one church. As a
supply he felt that he could accomplish more good and he always
identified himself with the church where he labored, thus becom-
ing responsible to his own church. He was married July 25, 1842,
to Maria, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Howe of Marlboro,
who died September 28, 1858, in Petersham. Mrs. Kendall was
educated at i\mherst and Mt. Holyoke seminary. She had the
care of the female department in New vSalem academy one or more
years, and was also associate principal in the academy in Mexico,
N. Y. She left five children: Harriet E., born vSeptember 2, 1843,
in Marlboro; Charles Henry, born July 15, 1845, ii^ Bernardston and
Agnes Maria, born September 15, 1858, in Petersham. Possessed
of a quick, well-balanced mind and a kind and benevolent spirit,
she was always greatly Vjcloved by every people among whom her
lot was cast.

On June 21, 1859, ^^- Kendall married (2) Sarah E., daughter of
Benjamin and Mary Gilbert of Stamford, N. Y. vShe was educated
at the female seminary in Mercersberg, Pa., and for some time was
teacher in the Collegiate Institute in her native place.

Mr. Kendall was a man who won his way into the hearts of the
people in a manner given only to a few, and not only his old parish-
ioners, but the townspeople as well, all hold him in loving remem-
brance. Throughout the county he was well known for his constant
interest in all good reforms, in education, music and temperance.
That he possessed a keen sense of the humorous, is illustrated by
the following incident : While preaching in town he borrowed one
Saturday afternoon a five dollar bill from the parish treasurer.

Monday morning he promptly paid it back, and upon Mr. N 's

remarking that it was the same bill which he had borrowed, Mr.
Kendall replied Yes! He had simply borrowed it because he thought
that he could preach better with the knowledge that he had a little
money in his pocket, from which we may conclude that in those
times, in the smaller places at least, money was not at all times any
too plenty. Likewise it may have illustrated a truism in that the
sense of possession even of a little, enters largely into the element
of success.

REV. WILLARD BRIGHAM. 167

Mr. Kendall died March 19, 1873, in Windham Center, N. Y,,
where he was in charge of the Congregational Society. "He passed
away as he had lived, with a perfect trust in the Lord."

Rev. Willard Brigham was born May 4, 181 3, in Marlboro, Mass.,
where his paternal ancestors had resided since the first settlement
of the town. His collegiate education was obtained at Williams
College, from which he graduated in 1838. Pursuing his studies
further, he completed the Andover Theological course in June,

1842. For one year, 1839-40 he taught the academy at Pepperell.
In the winter of 1842-3 he went to Wardsboro, Vt., and May 24,

1843, was installed over the Congregational church in North Wards-
boro. Here he remained 12 years, being dismissed March 20, 1855.
The two succeeding months he supplied for the church at Plain-
field, Mass., receiving a call to settle there and to which a negative
answer was returned. From June i, 1855, to March, 1856, he sup-
plied at Bernardston, removing thence to Ashfield, Mass., where
he was formally installed March 12, 1856.

Mr. Brigham was twice married. His first wife was Maria Dav-
enport of Boylston, with whom he united himself May 4, 1843 J she
died in Ashfield, September 21, 1857. His second was a Miss Cleve-
land of Medford, Mass. His children were Helen F., Albert J.,
Herbert W. and Mary M. Brigham.

Succeeding Rev. Mr. Brigham, came Rev. Harrison Greenough
Park. He was ordained August 12, 1856, and dismissed April 26,
1858. Mr. Park was the son of Rev. Dr. Calvin Park of Providence,
R. I., and a brother of the distinguished Andover theologian. He
was educated at Brown University and Princeton vSeminary.

Prior to his pastorate here, he had been engaged in ministerial
work at South Dedham, South Danvers and Burlington, and had
also been engaged in the publication of a family magazine.

After leaving town he had a short pastorate at Westminster, Vt.,
and was for several years agent of the Massachusetts Temperance
Alliance, residing at Norwood, Mass., where he died June 28, 1876,
in his seventieth year.

In 1854 he published a book, entitled "A Voice from the Parson-
age." He was a talented and able preacher, but his connection

l68 REV. HARRISON G. PARK.

with a business establishment — which he entered into with the
hope of bringing new residents into the town and so advancing
the interests of his charge — interfered with his pastoral success.
One of his daughters — Julia, was married to Henry, son of Mr.
John Valentine Hale of this place.

Rev. Theodore Jarvis Clark has twice been connected with this
society, the only pastor thus honored.

He was the son of Dea. Enos and Susan Allen Clark, and was
born at Northampton, Mass., February 14, 18 15. His collegiate
education was obtained at Williams, graduating from that institu-
tion in 1836. The succeeding year was spent as a teacher at Ken-
yon College, Ohio. His theological studies were begun at East
Windsor, Vt., remaining there one year, then teaching a year at
Northampton, and finishing his studies at the Andover Theolog-
ical school in 1841.

October 5, 1842, he married Julia Pierpont, daughter of Alvah
and Mary HoUister of Manchester, Vt. October 1 1 of that year he
was ordained pastor of the church at Cummington, Mass., received
his dismission May 26, 1852, but continued to preach there as a sup-
ply until April 11, 1859. J^^^ ^9 following, he was installed over
the church in Bernardston, continuing in that relation till May i,
1861. June II, 1862, he took pastoral charge of the second church
in Ashfield, Mass.

In 1885 he returned to Bernardston to reside. Soon after, the
pulpit of the Orthodox society was left vacant by the resignation
of Rev. Mr. Grimes, and Mr. Clark was invited to supply, which he
did until May, 1888, nearly three years.

His ministry here was characterized by a feeling of good fellow-
ship with all his ministerial colleagues, and an earnest, hearty co-
operation on the part of his parishioners. He died 1896, at North-
field.

Rev. Daniel H. Rogan was the pastor of this society from 1861
to 1863. He was a native of Tennessee, where he was preaching
at the breaking out of the rebellion. Ardently supporting the
Union's cause, he was obliged to sacrifice all that he had and flee
to the northern States, a section with which he was acquainted, as

REVS. D. H. ROGAN AND A. B. FOSTER. 169

he had graduated at Amherst college and his wife was an Amherst
lady, Miss Hunt. He preached his farewell sermon in Bernardston,
March 23, 1863, and was ordained over the north parish at Green-
field, Mass., the next Sabbath, March 30. He was a man cordially
remembered by all, an excellent preacher and devoted to the best
interests of the cause in which he labored.

Rev. Andrew Butler Foster was the son of Andrew Butler and
Clarissa (Davenport) Foster; he was born in Brookline, Mass., De-
cember 6, 1 8 19. Four years later his father died, and his mother
returning to her former home, Dorchester, Mass., it was there that
his boyhood was spent, and his primary education received. In
1833 he entered Phillips-Andover Academy, three years later —
1836 — he entered Amherst College, where he remained for the four
years' course, graduating in 1840.

He first connected himself with Dr. Codman's church in Dorches-
ter in 1836. Upon the completion of the collegiate course in 1840,
he began his ministerial studies at the Connecticut Theological
institute at East Windsor. His ordination took place in 1844 at
Orford, N. H. Here he remained for seven years, asking for and re-
ceiving his dismission because of a throat trouble, which obliged
him to abandon, for the time being, his professional work. During
this time he was associate principal of Thetford, Vt., academy. In
1852 he resumed ministerial labor, being installed at Petersham,
Mass., and remaining there three years. His succeeding pastorates
were at Erving, Gill, Hanson, Westminster, Vt. In 1863, he as-
sumed charge of the Congregational parish in Bernardston, going
thence in 1865 to Orange, Mass.

In 1872 a return of the throat trouble formerly experienced com-
pelled him to again give up his chosen vocation, and he accordingly
engaged in business, purchasing an interest in a drug store in
Orange. He later succeeded to an entire ownership. In 1889 ^^il"
ing health obliged him to retire from any active labor. His death
occurred at Orange, February 25, 1891.

Mr. Foster was married October 3, 1844, to Irene C. Cooley of
Amherst, Mass.

Rev. Truman Allen Merrill is a native of Maine, born in Pros-

170 REV. TRUMAN A. MERRILL.

pect in 1 8 18. His father was Rev. Thomas Merrill, a pastor of the
Baptist church in Prospect from the year 18 14 until his death in
1824.

Mr. Merrill early engaged in teaching, which avocation he most
successfully pursued for three years in the city schools of Bangor,
Maine, also in the country towns in his native vState. His theolog-
ical study was obtained at Bangor Theological seminary, from
which he graduated in 1855. His ordination in the gospel minis-
try took place at Bristol, Me., July 14, 1858. He served brief pas-
torates in Richmond and Belfast, then in May, 1865, took up his
work in Bernardston, where he labored most successfully for eight
years. Upon his arrival the society seemed in a weak condition,
but hard work soon developed an interest in religious work, and
during the years that followed, Mr. Merrill had the satisfaction of
seeing the church established once more upon a firm and progres-
sive foundation. The church edifice was thoroughly repaired and
the organ purchased, thus adding to the attractiveness of the place
of worship. Especially was a fraternal spirit inculcated, and union
meetings with other denominations were carefully arranged and
most successfully carried out, thus bringing about a spirit of re-
ligious harmony throughout the town, and a brotherly interest each
for his neighbor, was excited to an unusual degree.

The interest instilled by early teaching and educational work
accomplished in Maine, led Mr. Merrill to immediately identify
himself with all educational movements here, and a valuable acqui-
sition he proved himself. For seven years he served as a member
of the school board, having as his coadjutors the foremost men of
the place. At the time of his removal from town he was secretary
of the board of trustees of Powers Institute, and had previously
served on the board of trustees of Cushman Library. Public sen-
timent concerning temperance reform made remarkable progress
during his residence here, and Mr. Morrill was always to be found
earnestly advocating its importance and furthering the cause by
all possible clean, business like methods.

After his departure from town, he served successful pastorates of
eight years in Wayland, Mass., four in Chesterfield, and two each in

RE\'. TRUMAN A. MERRILL. I71

New Braintree and Southville, Mass. He then had charge of a
mission in the town of Industry, Me., where a large part of his
boyhood was spent.

In 1840, when the country was beginning to be shaken with the
anti-slavery agitation, Mr. Merrill decidedly arrayed himself on the
side of right and had the satisfaction of depositing his first presi-
dential ballot, in company with one other young man, for James G.
Birney, the abolition candidate. This was in Industry, Me., and
was the beginning in that town of the Republican movement.
Two votes for liberty and righteousness against 200 for the spoils
of office and slavery, for there seemed to be no principle at stake
in nearly all cases. Five years later he was chosen to represent
the town in the State legislature on the abolition platform, winning
the election against the two candidates of the other parties. He
had no taste for political life, but was always a fearless defender
of honesty and riglit in political principles and methods, and to-day
is not ashamed of his first vote or of the part he bore in the forma-
tion of public sentiment that bore fruit in the election of Abraham
Lincoln to the Presidency, and in the latter 's proclamation, issued
January i, i<S63, which emancipated three and a half millions of
human beincjs and made our nation free.

Mr. jNIerrill brought with him to his life in Bernardston a wife
and three daughters, who were most helpful to him in parish work.

"Mrs. Merrill was a model minister's wife, wise, kind, efficient.
With such a wife as she no minister could help being successful.
When tidings came of her death in 1890, there was sorrow in many
homes in Bernardston as in other parishes where her influence had
been felt, and where her memory is cherished with high esteem.
The beloved daughters now reside in Maiden, Mass., where Mr.
Merrill makes his home when not engaged in the mission work."

These twenty years' absence have not weakened the interest
always felt in our beautiful town, and the social, religious and edu-
cational history of the place is indebted to Mr. Merrill for much
of his fostering care and deep forethought expended while in this
parish.

Rev. L. M. Pierce, although born in Olney, 111., in 1842, is de-

172 REV. L. M. PIERCE.

scended from New England ancestry. His parents removed to Illi-
nois from Londonderry, Vt., and when Mr. Pierce was but a few
years old, returned to their earlier home in Vermont. Here he
spent his boyhood, receiving" his elementary education in the com-
mon schools. He finished his preparatory studies at the Spring-
field, Vt., seminary, and in 1861 entered the Middlebury, Vt., col-
lege. The Civil War, which caused such a change in the plans of
nearly every one, was responsible for a cessation of his studies dur-
ing the year 1864; a portion of that tune was expended as a dele-
gate to the Christian Commission in the hospitals of Washington,
U. C, and the rest in the army of the Potomac.

In the spring of 1865, collegiate work was resumed. Graduation
occurred in 1866, with the honors conferred of being salutatorian
of the class, and of the Waldo prize for scholarship and good con-
duct. While in college he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa
Society.

In early manhood, while attending the seminary at vSpringfield,
Mr. Pierce experienced religion, soon after uniting with the Con-
gregational church in Springfield. Conscientious in his motives
and most sincere and earnest in his convictions, he from the first
was drawn to ministerial labor and soon made choice of work in
that direction as being the means by which he could best serve his
Master's cause. His theological studies were pursued at Andover
Theological seminary, beginning in the fall of 1866, and graduat-
ing in 1869. He immediately began to labor as a home missionary
in Glenwood, Miss., remaining until 1871, when returning East, he
became pastor of the Congregational church at Provincetown, Mass.
After a year spent here, nervous prostration, resulting from typhoid
fever, necessitated a complete rest.

Some months later a call was received from the Congregational
church in Bernardston, which was accepted, and his pastorate there
began November i, 1873, terminating July i, 1883. Upon his re-
moval from town, a vacation was taken, three months being spent
in travel abroad, the countries of ICngland, .Scotland, Belgium, Ger-
many, Switzerland and France being visited. May i, 1884, he was
settled over the church at Blackstone, Mass., which has continued
to be his charge and residence.

REV. D. STRONG.

REV. D. H. STRONG. 1 73

May 24, 1876, Mr. Pierce married Catherine Billings of East
Arlington, Vt. Mrs. Pierce is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary.

During Mr. Pierce's able pastorate of nearly ten years here, the
time was one of great prosperity to the church, the membership
having been increased over 75 per cent., which fact bespeaks in
most favorable terms the eloquence and wise discharge of the
duties devolving upon the head of the organization.

Rev. Frank J. Grimes supplied the pulpit from 1883 to 1885'. at
which time Rev. Theodore J. Clark entered upon his second pas-
torate, remaining until May, 1888.

In October following came Rev. David Humphrey Strong, a son
of the late Rev. David A. Strong. He is a native of South Deer-
field, being born there May 7, 1856. His boyhood was spent there
and at Colrain, whither his parents removed in 1866, and it was at
these places that he laid the foundations of his education. In 1873
he entered the Williston Academy at Easthampton, intending to
complete the course therein prescribed, at the same time engaging
in amateur printing. The close of the first year, however, neces-
sitated a change of plan, as broken health caused for the time be-
ing a suspension of both study and work. Not to be thus foiled,
he continued a little later, as his physical condition would admit, a
course of private study, by supplementing which with one or two
terms of schooling, he was enabled to enter, on examination, Wil-
liams College in 1878. Graduating here in 1882, he immediately
entered the Hartford Theological seminary, where he remained
three years, graduating in 1885. While here, during the intervals
of study he engaged in work for the Home Missionary Society.
The summer of 1883 was spent in Freedom, Maine, as acting pastor
of a church, although not licensed as a preacher. Twelve months
later, receiving papers of license from the Hartford Central Asso-
ciation, he went West, choosing for his station the town of Dwight,
situated upon the Dakota prairies, and preaching in a schoolhouse,
the only church known in too many of the Western villages. Here
he numbered as among his workers in the Sunday school, John
Miller, who afterwards became the first governor of the new State
of Dakota. His work prepared the way for a church organization,
and recently a church has there been erected.

174 UNIVERSALIST "RESTORATION SOCIETY.

Upon the completion of his studies in 1885, Mr. vStrong was united
in marriage to Miss Abbie Hardy of Colrain ; soon after he went
to the State of Vermont to serve as pastor of the Congregational
churches at Weston and Londonderry, and it was while here that
he was regularly ordained to the gospel ministry. Three years
were here spent, but the arduous duties necessitated by a double
parish proving too great a strain, he withdrew from that field of
labor, and in October, 1888, formed a connection with the Congrega-
tional church in this place. It is not too much to say that the con-
stant prosperity and increased interest in the society well attested
the popularity of Mr. Strong, and at the same time bears witness
to his capabilities for his chosen profession.

Mr. Strong was also the efficient librarian of Cushman Library,
a position he held since September, 1889.

In 1900 he resigned his pastorate, much to the regret of both the
society and townspeople, and accepted a call to the Congregational
church at Williamstown, Orange County, Vt., his present residence.

The present pastor is Rev. Edward Day, a graduate of Andover
Theological seminary, and a man much intere.sted in and devoted
to literary pursuits.

UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.

This society was organized as a "Restoration Society." Au-
o-ust 20, 1820, a warrant was issued by Jonathan Allen for a meet-
ing of those interested in and inclined to this form of worship and
belief. The petition for this warrant was signed by George Alex-
ander, Eliezer Chamberlain, Horace Atherton, Izatus Sheldon,
Charles J. Ryther, Stephen Webster, Dr. Gideon Ryther, David
Ryther, Joseph Pickett, Francis Munn. Doubtless these were
among the first church members. September 4, 1820, a meeting
was held at the village schoolhouse. Of this meeting, Samuel Pick-
ett was chosen Moderator, James Doty, Clerk, E. Chamberlain,
Treasurer, Stephen Webster, Samuel Pickett and Dorus Bascom,
Committee. Roswell Purple, Collector.

The first service recorded was held November 5, 1820, at the
schoolhouse. Rev. Jacob Wood being the officiating clergyman.
In June, 182 1, use was made of the Baptist church, in which services

EARLY PASTORS. 175

were held. Oct. 7, 1822, Samuel Pickett, Joab vScott, Eliezur Cham-
berlain, James Doty, Jr., and Jona. Connablc were chosen a com-
mittee "to get the wherewith to build a meeting house" and a
constitution was adopted.

Feb. 4. 1823, it was voted to build a church : money ($800) was
raised by subscription for that purpose, and 4S rods of land pur-
chased from Job Goodale, Esq. The building committee was Sam-
uel Pickett, Isaac Burrows, Roswell Purple, Horace Atherton and
Izatus Sheldon. May 17 of that year, by action of the legislature,
the society took the name of the First Universalist society, having
changed their creed somewhat, led by Rev. John iJrooks, then
pastor.

In 1852 the building was thoroughly repaired and a belfry added,
the rededication taking place December 22 of that year. At this
time many who were regular attendants joined the society in Ley-
den, withdrawing to a membership with the Bernardston church
at the time of its formal organization (or reorganization) June 2,
1872, at which time there were 16 church members.

The society, always a small one, continued to hold services at in-
tervals until about 1884-5, when it was finall}^ deemed advisable to
dispose of the church property, and in 1888 the society's real estate
was deeded to the Mas.sachusetts Universalist convention. The
building was accordingly sold, and was about 1890 converted into
a carriage and paint shop. The Universalist society, as such, ceased
to exist, and its few members found for themselves a religious fel-
lowship with the other societies.

Rev. Jacob Wood was for a time the acting pastor upon the first
establishment of the society, but was never formally settled so far
as is known.

Rev. John Brooks was the first settled pastor, he being ordained
as an evangelist in 1823. He continued to preach about five years,
then returned to his original profession, that of a physician, and
as such was much better known. Further account of his life will
be found in that part devoted to genealogy.

The society was not able to continue a settled pastor, at all times
being small, and the necessary aid financially not being forthcom-

176 REV. ORREN PERKINS.

ing. Hence it is that there are so many intervals between the set-
tled pastors, when either services were discontinued entirely or
held occasionally as a supply could be procured. Much of the
time it was voted to procure preaching one quarter or one-half of
the time in proportion to the amount of the funds which could be
raised.

Rev. Orren Perkins was the third pastor of the Universalist so^
ciety, which relation he sustained from 1847 to 185 1, four years.
He was the son of William Perkins, a farmer of Savoy, Mass.,
where he was born August 11, 1823. Of a naturally slender con-
stitution, his efforts to obtain the rudiments of knowledge were
required to surmount various difficulties. But a small portion of
his time could be devoted to learning, at the best, his father requir-
ing his assistance upon the farm a greater part of the time when
bodily health and strength admitted much activity. With passing
years, however, his health improved, and by making the most of
the time allotted, he found himself at the age of 19 years sufficiently
advanced to be able to assume a position as teacher, which vocation
he followed the most of the time for the three succeeding years,
attending to farm work during his vacations, and devoting all his
leisure hours to study. It was during these years that he made
choice of his profession, and immediately set about preparing him-
self for it by studying theology with the pastor of the Universalist
society in Adams, and reciting in Greek to L. O. Sayles, Esq., of
the same place.

His ministerial labors began in Bernardston in June, 1847; here
he was ordained, and in December of that year he married Miss
Sarah M. Clinton of Cooperstown, N. Y., and by whom he has three
children. In 1851 he was invited to take pastoral charge of the
society in Wilmington, Vt. Here he remained three years, meet-
ing with good success, and the society were unanimous in desiring
his services retained. Owing to the ill health of Mrs. Perkins, how-
ever, this course seemed inadvisable. He next preached for a time
at Shirley Village, Mass., and in June, 1855, he accepted an invita-
tion extended by the Universalist society of Winchester, N. H., at
which place he was still stationed in 1862.

Although devoting himself largely to his profession, he still

REV. II. B. BUTLER. 1 77

found time to accomplish a good deal in the line of educational
and literary work. In i860 he publi.shed selections from the writ-
ings of the Rev. Dr. Chapin, entitled " Living Words."

In 1861 he was appointed by the Governor of New Hampshire
as school commissioner for Cheshire County, receiving a reappoint-
ment the next year. In 1862 he was chosen as representative to
the State Legislature.

Rev. H. B. Butler, son of Moody and Lydia (Burt) Butler, was
born in Greenfield, N. H., January i , 1 827. His father was a farmer,
and like others of that calling, needed his son's assistance. Con-
sequently no regular course of study was pursued, although allowed
the privileges of the district .school. An eager desire to learn and
a resulting determination to make the most of each and every op-
portunity, made possible what would have been otherwise unob-
tainable. He was permitted in his leisure moments to recite Latin
to a physician of the place. When nearly 18 years old he was en-
abled to spend three years at the Lebanon, N. H., Academy, and
one year at school at Swanzey and Marlowe, N. H. During this
time the winter months were spent in teaching. Attaining his
majority, he gave up his studies for the time being, and entered a
paper mill at Bennington. N. H. August 27, 1849, he married Mil-
licent K., daughter of Caleb C. and Lydia (Simmons) Dagget of
Westmoreland, N. H.

In 1 85 1, Mr. Butler began his ministerial studies under the direc-
tion of Rev. N. R. Wright of Washington, N. H. The latter is now
(1892) residing at Lynn, Ma.ss., aged nearly 90 years. While here
he also studied Greek with Prof. Sanborn, author of Sanborn's
Grammar. In 1852, he began as a Universalist preacher, still, how-
ever, continuing his studies. In April, 1853, he began his labors
in Bernardston, preaching also in Chesterfield, N. H., — one-half of
the time being given to each place. His pastorate here lasted for
14 years, 6 months, and not only was he endeared to the people of
his parish, but also to the citizens generally, and faithfully did he
serve their interests in the offices he was called upon to fill.

For nearly three years he was selectman, and for 12 years chair-
man of the school board. While living here, there were five chil-
dren born to him. In 1867 he removed to Munroe, Wis., where he

\/S LATER UNIVEKSAl.IST I'ASTORS.

labored six years in his ])rofession, then he went to Algona, Iowa,
his present residence. For three years he had charge of a parish
at ()wattonna, Minn. He is now living on a farm with his son, his
wife and daughter having both passed to their final re.st, the for-
mer in December, 1889, the latter in April, 1889.

To the people of the passing generation in town, the mention of
]\Ir. Butler's name recalls both vivid and pleasant remembrances
of his association here, and the gO(jd he so worthily rendered in
his Master's calling.

Concerning the Revs. White, Thompson and Danforth, but little
has been learned. Their pastorates here extended over but a short
time each. Following came the last settled pastor the s(;cicty had.
Rev. Ezekiel AV. Coffin. His pastorate here extended over some
two or three years. He was an invalid when he came, and in No-
vember, 1879, 1^^ resigned because ui increasing infirmities. His
death occurred December 11, 1S79, "^ paralysis, aged 69 years,
3 months and 27 days. "Though nearlv a stranger when he came
to reside in town as pastor of the l^nix'crsalist church, yet b_\- ear-
nestness, patience and large sympathy, though an invalid and a suf-
ferer all the time, he endeared himself to all with whom he became
acquainted, and to his parish, for his Christian work, he was the
object of its richest reverence and love and it never seemed weary
in ministering to his wants." He left a wife, Mary l\. \V. Coffin,
and one son, Frank H. Coffin.

THF ^HnTI()DIST EPISCOPAL .SOCIETY.

The carl)- history of this society it is well-nigh impossible to ob-
tain, from the fact that the first church records were destroyed by
the burning of a dwelling within which they were kept. This loss
is greatly to be deplored, as much of value and interest is irrevoca-
bly gone. It is known that a Methodist class was formed in town
as early as 1799, but of its prosperity iraclition does not say. From
that time to 181 r all facts are lost. Doubtless from the memory
of some older inhabitants one might glean some information, could
we know to whom to a])ply. Probably there were some devotees
of that denomination, although not enouuh to enable them to found
a church.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY. 1 79

According to the historical notes now extant the first record of
Methodism in town is found as follows:

"Coppy of the Doings of the Society called Methodis. liern. Dec. 6. 181 1.
At a society meeting of the methodis. proceeded as follows.
I St chose Samuel Hoges moderator.
2nd " Peter Jacobs. Clerk.

3rd " Zadoc Briggs ^: Asap. Munn, committee, "who certified that the
following persons belonged" to the Methodis Religious Society in Bernard-
ston.

Peter Jacobs, Teacher. Frederic Thomas.

Samuel Hoges. Sara Briggs.

Ansel Brij^gs. Elijah Kiu,t(slcy.

Lymau Jacobs. Chileab Hale.

BKI.OXGIXC TO CtILI-.
Zebediah Darling. Asaliel Wrisley.

Stephen Kenney. John Chace."

Asaph Munn.

From an old class book bearing the date 183 1, at which time
Humphrey Hains and Philo Hawks were the ministers, is found
the names of Orange Scott, Presiding Elder, and Joseph Connable,
leader. In May, 1842, Philo Hawks still in charge, the members
and friends of the Methodist Episcopal church in Bernardston met
according to previous notice at the house of Hosea Aldrich and
fonned themselves into a society with 21 members. The meeting
was opened by prayer by Rev. Philo Hawks, and Timothy K. Hor-
ton was chosen ■ moderator, Timothy P. Slate, clerk. "Voted to
form ourselves into a society to be called the Methodist Episcopal
Society of Bernardston. We who.se names are hereunto annexed
acknowledge ourselves as belonging- to said society:

Levi Park. Hepsibah Atherton.

John Nelson. Amasa Sheldon.

Gamaliel Kingsley. Freedom A. Hale.

Timothy P. Slate. Parmelia Hastings.

Timothy K. Horton. John Wells.

Ruggles Bagg. Elvira Hartvvell.

Anson Flint. Reuben Park, Jr.

Seth Field. Hiram Whitcomb.

Hosea Aldrich. Charles P. Guillow.

Albert Corbet. Charles S. Park."
Moses Aldrich.

l8o METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY.

William Gordon was in charge of Gill circuit, to which Bernard-
ston then belonged, and Rev. Asa Haynes, a highly esteemed local
preacher of Guilford, Vt., supplied the pulpit. In 1844, Rev. Icha-
bod Marcy was appointed pastor, having charge of the district lying
between Northfield Mountain and North River, Colrain. The ser-
vices were held in the Universalist church, and a Sunday school
was organized. Rev. John S. Day and Rufus P. Buffington came
next. During the pastorate of the latter, the society for some rea-
son found it difficult to hold its own, and for a time after his dis-
mission the pulpit was supplied. In 1852 the church was built,
during the pastorate of Rev. Solomon Cushman. The land upon
which the church stood was purchased of Miss Mary Chamberlain,
and the church erected by Mr. Phillip Traver of Greenfield. It
was completed and presented July i, 1852, to the following named
gentlemen, trustees of the society: John Nelson, Charles S. Park,
R. Park, "Jr., T. P. Slate and H. Smith. The dedicatory sermon
was preached by Dr. Terombly of Brooklyn. Dr. William Butler
was present and also took part in the exercises. Mr. Horace Smith
was ordained local deacon by Bishop Baker at Westfield, April 23,
1854, and often preached as supply, thus aiding much at a time
when the society stood in need of support. In 1856-7 there was an
average membership of about 50. In 1873 the parsonage was built.
About 1874 a revival of much interest was experienced, led by the
" praying band " of Springfield. As a result a large number were
added to the church. In 1881 the church was enlarged, the inte-
rior thoroughly repaired, and rededicated free from debt Decem-
ber 9, 1 88 1, Rev. I. G. Ross being the pastor. At the present time
the society membership is about 75 ; much interest is manifested
and the Methodist Episcopalians are recognized as one of the lead-
ing societies of the place. The officers of the church embrace two
class leaders, seven stewards and five trustees. The steward's duty
is to see that the pastor's claim is met for his support, and to report
at each quarterly conference the financial affairs of the church.
The board of trustees hold the church property in trust for the
benefit of the church. They are required to see that all needful
repairs are made and are accountable to the quarterly conference,
to which they report annually.

METHODIST PASTORS.

I8l

The pastors of the church have been :

William Tod, -------

Oliver K. Rosworth, in charj^r, D. K. Tiaiinister a supply,
William Kimball in charge, Wni. Wilcut a supply,
Moses Stoddard, - - - -

Pliilo Hawks in cliarge, David Winslow, associate,

Asa Haj'nes of Guilford, ------

David Todd, -..-..-

Icliabod Marcy, ....---

John vS. Day, m. Int. rec. July r2, 1S45, Anna 1'. I'rostof Newl)ury,Vt
Rufus P. lUiffington, ------

John Rickets, --------

William Clapp, -------

Solomon Cushman, -------

J.Jones, --------

John Capen, --------

John Noon, -------

Amos Bowker, --------

Rufus Gerrish, -------

A. N. Field, (went to the war) . . . _ .

G. N. Merrilield, -------

Osmon W. Adams, -------

J. F. Crowl, ----...

A. Baylies, -.-...--

W. WMgnall, --..---

M. C. Chapin, --------

J. Cadwell, ^ ..... .

N. F. vStevens, died here June 8, 1879, . - - -

Ichabod Marcy, -------

C. H. Vinton, .......

I. G. Ross, -------

T. C. Martin, -.--.--

F. M. Miller, -------

A. W. Baird, --------

James Sutherland, - - - - . .

Frank H. Wheeler, -------

Wm. Von Best, -------

Rev. Long, ---_....

F. Bell, --..-.-.

Rev. L. I. Holloway, ------

The greatest number of members recorded in one
i860 is 108, during Mr. Vinton's pastorate.
Concerning the very early ministers of this denomin

1 83 1

1832-3

1834-5
1836

1841
1842-3

1843-4
1844-5
, 1846
1846-7
1848-9
1849-50
1852

1854-5
1855-6
J856-7

1857-9

1859-60

1861

1862-4

1864-6

1866-8

1868-70

1871-2

1872-3

1873-5

1875-6

1876-9

1879-80

1881-3

1883-4

1884-7

1887-90

1890

1893.

1894

1895-96

1897

I 899- I 900

year since
ation there

1 82 REV. D. K. ILVNXISTER.

is comparatively little to be learned for the most part. Upon the
establishment of the church in 1831, Rev. William Tod ministered
to its needs for a year.

Following him came Oliver E. Bosworth in charge, and Rev.
D. K. Bannister as a supply,

David Kingsley Bannister was born in Chesterfield, ]Mass.,
March 23, 1808 ; he was one of nine children, the oldest son, and
next to the oldest child. When nine years of age he left home to
earn his own way in the world, consequently his educational ad-
vantages were very slight, but they were improved to the utmost
When 14 years old the death of his father rendered it necessary
that he should contribute to the support of the family. From this
time on, he labored in the summer and taught school in the winter.

At the age of 23 he took a decided religious stand, and soon af-
ter devoted himself to the ministry, receiving an exhorter's license
.signed by Ephraim Scott. For nine months he gave himself wholly
to study, preaching as occasion presented. In 1833 ^^ received
his first appointment under the presiding elder, Orange Scott. His
work was on the Gill and Colrain circuit, and included several
towns, Bernardston being one of the number; this was a six weeks'
circuit. In 1834 he joined the conference on trial, was sent to Lit-
tle Compton, R. I., and the succeeding year, to the Barnstable cir-
cuit. His success from the very beginning was most marked,
everywhere winning the love and confidence of his people, and his
power and influence for Ihe Master's cause was most decided. Ac-
cording to the custom of the times, during the first five years of
his professional life he received his board and lodging largely from
his parishioners, and in addition, from $66.00 to $80.00 yearly. In
1836-7 he married Harriet Newel Steele, daughter of Rev. Joel
Steele. They had seven children, of whom three are living. He
died at Ludlow, Mass., June 27. 1886. His family still reside there.

As reference to the list of pastors will show, there were a num-
ber who mini.stered to this church during the next ten years, most
of them remaining but a year or so.

Rev. Ichabod Marcy has twice been appointed to lead this soci-
ety in worship; first in 1844-5 and again in 1876-9. He is descended
from John Marcy, who came to this country April 13, 1686, from

REV. ICIIAI'.OD MARCY. 1 83

England. He settled between 1686-9 i^ Woodstock, Ct. ; married
Sarah Hadlock, who was born at Roxbury, Mass., December 16,
1670, had eleven children.

Mr. Marcy was born in Leyden, Mass., July 16, 181 1. Until the
age of 16, he attended district schools for about two months each
year. For the next five years he served an apprenticeship to a
hat-maker. He was converted in Colrain, and was one of the first
in organizing a ^lethodist church in that town. His ministerial
studies were begun at Shelburne Falls in the spring of 1833 ; there
and a year spent at Wilbraham, prepared him for college, and his
further education was obtained at the Wesleyan University at Mid-
dletown, Ct., from which he graduated in 1839. ^^ '^4^ ^^ began
preaching, and in 1844-5 '^^'^s located at Bernardston, Gill and Ley-
den (which constituted a circuit), as he was also in 1876-9. He
saw 46 years of active work, more than is allotted to most pastors.
Mr. Marcy was the first preacher appointed to the charge in Ber-
nardston ; the circuit then included Gill, Leyden and Northfield,
at which places one-half the time was spent, the other half being
devoted to the Bernardston parish. At this time there was neither
church nor parsonage owned by the society, and services were held
at the Universalist church.

Mr. Marcy has been long known in this community, and has en-
deared himself to many outside of his denomination. He died
March 20, 1899, i'^ Dorchester, Mass. He married Sarah Haws,
daughter of Elijah and Rebecca Gill of Chesterville, Me., June 23,
1841.

CHILDREN.

Charles De Witt, b. October 24, 1842.

Harriet Eliza, b. May 26, 1846; m. W. D. Murdock.

Rev. A. N. Field was here only a short time by reason of his tak-
ing part in the great civil conflict then engaging the nation. His
wife, Nellie, died August 9, 1862, at the age of 25 years.

Rev. F. M. Miller was here from 1884 to 1887.

Rev. Solomon Cushman was born in Southwick, July 28, 1804,
and was the son of Capt. Simeon Merritt Cushman. His lineage
is traceable to Rev. Robert Cushman, the Puritan ancestor, through

184 METHODIST PASTORS.

Simeon M.,' Solomon,' Benjamin," Thomas,' Elder Thomas,' Rev.
Robert.' He married November i, 1824, Betsev Williams, dauofh-
ter of William Prentice. His was not a collegiate education, but
rather such as a hard working student could obtain in the common
schools. In 1838 he was ordained to the ministry, and preached
in various places in New Hampshire and Massaohusetts. He was
in Bernardston two, and Gill one and one-half years. While sta-
tioned at the latter place, he died suddenly October 8, 1853. He
was an able, earnest preacher, winning for himself the respect and
esteem of all.

Rev. A. W. Baird was the son of a farmer, and born in Lysan-
der, N. Y., January 13, 1846. His minority was passed in farm and
shop work, acquiring such knowledge as was available in the dis-
trict schools. At the age of eighteen he became possessed of a de-
sire to acquire a better training preparatory to entering the minis-
try, and accordingly entered the Falley Seminary, N. Y., through
which he finally worked his way, and entered the theological de-
partment of the Boston University, graduating after a four years'
course in 1872, since which time he has had various appointments.
Mr. Baird made it his home in Bernardston from April, 1887, until
April, 1890.

Rev. N. F. Stevens resided in town until his death, June 8, 1879,
ae. 48. He was in feeble health for a number of years.

Rev. Horace Smith was ordained as an evangelist at Hadley,
February 27, 1822, and went to Trumbull County, Ohio, in the ser-
vice of the Hampshire Missionary Society. Many of the latter
years of his life were spent in town as a carpenter, his last home
being in North Bernardston, and later, the site of the old Brick
Fort.

THE DORRELLITES.

In various parts of the country one frequently reads accounts
of and wonders at the strange so-called religious zeal manifested
Fanaticism seems oftentimes a more appropriate term. While
we see and wonder, how many of the younger generation, surely,
realize that about the year 1794, there sprang up here in our midst,
a sect, whose teachings were just as fanatical and just as foreign

THE DORRELLITES. 185

to all civilized Christian practises as was possible for them to be.
From the name of the founder of this order, William Dorrell, came
the name of these strange believers, "The Dorrellites." In 1882
F. M. Thompson, Esq., read a most excellent paper upon this sub-
ject before the P. V. M. A., and free reference has been made to
his production for much of the following, supplemented by notes
of the conversations held by Gov. Cushman with both Mr. Dorrell
and some of his followers.

On Monday, January 27, 1834, in company with Geo. T. Davis, Esq.,
of Greenfield, Gov. Cushman writes that he visited "William Dor-
rell — alias — the famous imposter, Dorrell." He was the son of an
English farmer, born in Yorkshire, Eng., March 15, 1752. He be-
came in early life a soldier, serving through three campaigns in
Ireland ; after this he emigrated to America and served through
two campaigns here, being under Burgoyne at his surrender in
1777.

Upon his resumption of civil life, he settled at Petersham, Mass.
Here he married Polly Chase, a woman ten years his junior. At
the expiration of two years he moved to Warwick ; his home for
some succeeding years was in Northfield, in 1784 going thence to
Leyden.

In appearance he was described as being large of stature, six
feet or more in height, his forehead full and sloping, eyes quick,
"and having the phrenological development of firmness very full
indeed." He was in many respects a most remarkable man, al-
though a most ignorant and intemperate one. Intoxicated to the
worst degree, or perfectly sober, he was never known to make an
engagement which he did not fulfill to the letter. Uneducated,
not even able to read or write, he nevertheless possessed an unusu-
ally retentive memory, being able to repeat a large portion of the
Bible from hearing it read by his wife. He was possessed of a pleas-
ing address, which, combined with good native talent, must have
constituted an important factor of his power.

His home at the time of Gov. Cushman's visit, was in the north-
west corner of Leyden, in a poor old smoky house, situated away
from the traveled road and remote from any residence of human
beings. The furniture consisted of a table, loom, bed, crockery

l86 THE Df)RRP:LLITES.

shelves and two or three chairs. There at the age of 82 or 83 he
lived alone, possessed of remarkably good health. Although he
then had no followers, he still clung to his belief, saying that the
Bible was "all wrong, all wrong!" He thought that some of the
old Dorrellites still clung to the religion, even though they might
not publicly acknowledge it. Even at that age he took a pride in
telling his callers that he would persist in getting drunk occa-
sionally.

With his beliefs and the teachings he sought to instill into the
minds of his followers, it seems unparalleled that so many promi-
nent men of the time should class themselves as among his adher-
ents. Asa rule the Dorrellites were respectable, churchgoing men,
several of them town officials, and numbered some 20 or 30 families.
Among them we find the names of Hezekiah Newcomb, Samuel
and John Connable, Ezra vShattuck, Charles Packer, Messrs. Dewey
and Eddy, Zenas, Reuben and Michael Frizzell, Capt. Parmenter,
Joshua Wells, Abner Evans, Mr. Paige, Amos Burrows, Reuben
Sheldon, James and Pitts Phillips, Charles Stearns, David Potter,
Jedediah Fuller and John Dixon: Probably the greater part of
these were residents of Leyden.

The first revelation which led to the founding of the faith came
to Dorrell while he was "chopping." He did not .seem to be able
to recall it exactly, but in his conversation gave it as "Render your-
self an agreeable sacrifice," or something similar. There were
many subsequent ones pertaining, no doubt, to the practises to be
put in execution. "His first success as a preacher was about 1794,
and gaining a few followers the strange doctrines soon spread from
neighborhood to neighborhood and quite a number of respectable
people were attracted by them and cast in their lot with their hu-
manitarian leader, for the doctrine as first declared was founded
upon the principle that man should not eat of flesh, and should not
cause the death of any living creature. The doctrine was carried
to that extent that no member might wear shoes or use harne.sses
made" of leather, or use the skins of animals for any domestic pur-
pose." The majority of his followers wore wooden shoes made by
one of their number, Ezra Shattuck. To this rule Mr. Amos Bur-
rows was an exception, and from the fact that his blacksmith bel-

THE DORRELLITES. 18/

lows were first covered in the usual manner with leather, and a
covering of painted cloth put on outside so that he nominally con-
formed to the custom merely, we may conclude that he was not as
enthusiastic a member of the fold as some. The harnesses were
made of rope, and much of the cloth used for domestic purposes
was a coarse tow cloth.

"With his success in obtaining followers, his inspiration increased
and he was led to preach that every generation of men had its Mes-
siah ; that He was the Messiah of Ids generation ; that no arm of
flesh could hurt him; that there was no resurrection from the dead;
that when 'resurrection' was spoken of in the Bible its meaning
was a resurrection from a state of sin to spiritual life; that Jesus
Christ was a spirit ; that he took a body ; that he died, but that he
never was raised from the dead ; that all who are raised from a
state of sin to this spiritual life become perfect ; that they can then
do no sin, and are no more responsible to the civil law, and are be-
yond all 'principalities and powers.' There was no future judg-
ment, no knowledge after death of what passed in this world ; that
God had no power over man to control his actions, therefore there
was no need of prayer. He had no hope for the future, but he had
an abundance of assurance that all was well. He was perfect, his
body being in perfect obedience to the spirit, and his followers
were comparatively perfect, as the members of the body are per-
fect when compared with the head ; that all covenants made by
God with men were ended, and he was the head of a new cove-
nant ; that neither Moses nor Christ wrought miracles, and that Jie
stood precisely the same as Jesus Christ, and that while no person
might worship his human body yet he might be worshiped as
Christ was worshipped, as God united to human flesh."

This is the substance of a "confession of faith," if it might be so
called, obtained from the lips of Dorrell by the Rev. John Taylor
of Deerfield in 1798, the interview being had for that purpose.
As the freedom of sin arrived at by the followers of this new seer
led them into the commission of acts condemned by the majority
of people as grossly immoral, Dorrell was very cautious, the Rev.
Mr. Taylor says, about committing himself on those subjects, but
upon the subject of marriage he declared that when a husband or

I 88 THE DORRELLITES.

wife became perfect, by being raised to the spiritual life, the other
party was not holden by the old covenant or the civil law ; and if
both were raised, still the parties were not holden to each other
and had perfect right to promiscuous intercourse.

The sect had no meetings for worship, as they considered all
days alike, one day as holy as another, and according to report their
later meetings were scenes of most outrageous and beastly conduct,
interspersed wiih the singing of "bacchanalian songs and lascivious
addresses." At one time seven Dorrellites were complained of for
raising a building on Sunday. Securing Richard F. Newcomb of
Greenfield as their attorney, all were cleared but one.

The sect had a common treasury, and the office was filled by a
shrewd business man, and it is a common report that the Dorrellite
treasury was the foundation of the fortune of one of the wealthiest
and most influential families in this portion of the county, but
whether there is more truth in the story than the fact that the
founder of one of our most highly respected families was the treas-
urer of the sect, I know not.

The sect was at the height of its prosperity about 1798, but Dor-
rell having become addicted to habits of intemperance, his influ-
ence with the more respectable portion of his followers began to
wane, while he more vigorously proclaimed his possession of supe-
rior powers and his immunity from all bodily weaknesses and harm,
to the disgust of the better portion of the community, who believed
that he was the representative of the evil spirit rather than the
good.

The final meeting of the sect is described by Thomp.son, in his
gazetteer of Vermont, in the following language : "At length, at
one of their meetings, a goodly number having assembled, Dorrell
opened with music, and began to deliver a discourse. Among the
spectators was one, Capt. Ezekiel Foster, a man of good sense, of a
giant frame, having a countenance which bespoke authority. When
Dorrell, in the course of his remarks, uttered the words ' No arm
of flesh can harm me, Foster arose, indignant at the blasphemy
and boasting of Dorrell, and stretching forth his brawny arm,
knocked him tlown with his fist. Affrighted and almost senseless,
Dorrell attempted to rise, when he received a second blow, at which

THE DORRELLITES. I 89

he cried for mercy. F'oster promised to forebear on condition that
he would renounce his doctrine, yet continued to beat him. A
short parley ensued, when Dorrell yielded and renounced his doc-
trines in the hearing of all his astonished followers." They, ashamed
of having been the victims of such duplicity, quickly departed, and it
is a remarkable fact that none of them were afterwards known to
form any connection with any religious society. Dorrell himself
was made to promise that his own life should pay the penalty of
any future impositions.

In the practices of his religion he claimed the assistance of his
black fiddler, Jack, who was, he said, possessed of plenty of both
ignorance and cunning. When asked why he had set up a religion
of his own, his reply was "To see what fools I can make of people."
He admitted himself to be an ignorant old countryman, and that
he had led the people a wild goose chase long enough.

Dorrell spent the remainder of his life in Leyden, nearly 50
years, but for many years prior to his death he was maintained as
a town charge. He died Aug. 28, 1846, aged 94 years, 5 months, 13
days. He had literally starved himself to death by refusing any
food, saying that he had lived long enough, and that if he con-
tinued to eat he never should die. He has descendants living in
and near the territory which witnessed the scenes brought about
by Dorrellism, who are numbered as being among our intelligent,
respected citizens.

CHAPTER IX.

HKRNARDSTOX'S CENTENNIAL, Al'C. 20. 1 862.

The history of no nation or race would be complete without an
account of its festive days. They are to be fcmnd in some form in
every known country, the manner of their celebration differing,
not only on account of the kind of an event to be commemorated,
but also in direct proportion to the character, intelligence and civ-
ilization of the participants. A little thoughtful retrospect will in-
controvertibly establish this truism. In the aboriginal tribes of a
country, the highest motives ascribed for any celebration are usually
found either in the rites attendant upon the offerings to their
heathen deities, the intensity of their observance being proportion-
ate to the imaginary blessings conferred, or which they wish to
receive; or perhaps in feasting because of a victory recently ac-
quired over some neighboring tribes. Usually a superstitious relig-
ious tendency pervades it all, and the observance is typical of a
people whom scientists would place upon almost the lowest plane
of civilization. Through all the so-called heathen races this man-
ner of celebration, modified in one way or another, is apparent. As
we advance in the civilized scale, notice the pace assumed and main-
tained by the mind, until in the intelligent civilized races of to-day,
the character of the celebrations is such that it is as well the in-
tellect to which food is administered. And in the progress which
present generations are making in this direction may be found
striking illustrations of the increasing power constantly being ac-
quired by mind over matter.

In the lives of individuals, the rapidly passing years bring to
each many days, the ob.servance of which are attended with feel-
ings pleasurable; and then again, with emotions too sacred to be
shown even to the most intimate and sympathizing. And to many,
days come and their celebrations in which the.se conflicting emc^tions
are each striving for the supremacy, for it often happens that in the
keenest pleasure there is a trace of pain impossible to be eliminated.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 19I

So it is in a town's and a nation's history. They each have their
days of mourning and of gladness; but in such cases these ele-
ments are kept more distinct. As our country grows older, how
manv places do we know and read of which are celebrating their
festive days, days which are peculiarly their own, in that they are
anniversaries of their natal days, and by their records such towns
show that they have reason to take a pride — and a just pride — in
what they have accomplished, and with the prospect of doing still
more in future years.

With such feelings do we imagine the inhabitants of our town to
have been stirred. as they realized that very soon would be here the
one hundredth anniversary of her incorporation. And when we
recall that at this time the whole nation was in the midst of a
fiercely contested civil war. that her existence was seriously threat-
ened, and that in spite of all these things which the feeble spirited
might have termed discouragements at the beginning, these towns-
men following in the late Gov. Cushman's lead, got up such a mag-
nificent one hundredth birthday gathering, and one which in its
results has exerted such lasting beneficial influences, is it any won-
der that we experience such feelings of pride and exultation at the
remembrance ?

As early as 1861, the matter was agitated and it was voted that
"this town will, in its municipal capacity, at such time during the
next year as shall hereafter be determined upon, in a suitable and
proper manner, celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of its in-
corporation as a town."

The town of Leyden entered enthusiastically into the matter, and
appointed a committee to confer with the committee chosen by the
parent town. On the i ith of January, 1862, these committees met
in the town hall at Bernardston, chose Hon. Henry W. Gush man as
chairman, and voted to have the celebration on Wednesday, the
20th day of August, 1862. vSub-committees were appointed and the
committee separated, agreeing that this celebration should be one
" worthy the descendants of the old ' Falls Fight Township' and
which will be creditable to those towns a hundred years hence,"
and how nobly this committee fulfilled their mission, the event
proved. The following invitation was issued :

192 INVITATION.

"CENTKNNIAI, CELKIi K A 1 loX OK 1' H K I NCORl'OR A 1 ION' OK HERN A RDSTON, MASS.

To all the people of Bernaicistoii and Leyden, — to all who have resided
in, or are natives of either of those towns, and to all who are connected
with them by ties of consanguinity or marriage: —
Brethren and Friends:

At a legal meeting of the Town of Bernardston, held on the 5th day of
November, 1861, the following Preamble and Votes were unanimously
adopted: —

WHEREAS, the territory now contained in the TOWNS OF BER-
NARDSTON, LEYDEN, and a part of COLERAINE, was granted by
the Legislature of the Province of Massachusetts in 1734, to those and the
descendants of those whcj were in the battle fought on the 18th of May,
1676, at Turners Falls on the Connecticut River, — between the Indians
and the English settlers, — which grant for about 25 years, was called "The
Fails Fight Township," or "Fall Town."

AND WHEREAS, said territory was incorporated as a Town by the
name of Bernardston, in 1762, and therefore, the first Centennial Anniver-
sary of said town occurs during the next year:

AND WHEREAS, the remembrance of the important eras in the life
of individuals and of communities furnishes a good opportunity, in accord-
ance with the higher principles of our nature and of an enlightened and
Christian civilization, to review their past history and experience, and form
resolutions for the future;

THEREFORE VOTED, That this Town will, in its municipal charac-
ter, at such time during the next year as shall hereafter be determined on,
in a suitable and proper manner, celebrate the One Hundredth Anniver-
sary of its Incorporation as a town:

VOTED, That a Committee of Twelve, consisting of the present select-
men, Town Clerk, School committee and Constable of the town, and five
others at large be appointed to make all the arrangements and take such
measures as may be necessary to carry cnit the object contemplated in this
celebration :

VOTED, That the district and other schools be invited to attend the
Celebration in a body, wiih their teachers and friends,

.'\N1) W i n''J\.i-',AS, The Town (;f Leyden was for many years a part of
Bernardst(Hi

THEREFORE VO TED, I'hat the inhabitants of Leyden be invited to
join with us in this celebration.

I'KEPARATIONS FOR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. I93

The following committee was appointed agreeable to the foregoing vote,
viz. — S. N. Brooks, Town Clerk; S. J. Lyons, I.K. Brown, P. L. Cushman,
Selectmen; Rev. H. B. Butler, B. S. Burrinvs, School committee; E. C. Hale,
Constable; Hon. H. W. Cushman, Prof. L. F. Ward, Hon. John Sander-
son, R. F. Newcomb, Dea. David Streeter, at large.

At a legal meeting of the town of Leyden held the same day, the follow-
ing vote was passed: —

VOTED, To unite with the town of Bernardston in celebrating the one
hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of that town, and to choose a
committee of five to confer with a like committee from said town, in fur-
therance of that object; and that DAVID MOWRY, HORACE POTTER,
F. W. CARLTON, CHESTER SEVERANCE, and OLIVER CHAPIN,
constitute said committee.

And at a meeting of the aforesaid committees of Bernardston and Ley-
den held in the town hall in Bernardston on Saturday, the irth day of Jan-
ary, 1862, Hon. HENRY W. CUSHMAN having been chosen Chairman,
and Silas N. Brooks Esq. Secretary, it was

VOTED, That whereas the 6th. day of March, on which the Act In-
corporating the town of Bernardston was passed, and the i ith. day of May,
on which said Act was accepted by the town, are inconvenient days for a
general ^meeting of the people, the Celebration of the Centennial Anniver-
sary of the Incorporation of Bernardston be appointed on

WEDNESDAY, THE 20th DAY OF AUGUST, 1862.
And on that day all the descendants of "Fall Town" and all who are in
any way connected with them, be invited to assemble at the town hall in
Bernardston, at 10 o'clock A. M. and join in such Public Exercises as may
be appropriate to such an occasion.

Come, then, Kinsmen and Friends: — Come one and all, to this gathering
of the lineage of a common ancestry — this meeting of an historic era — this
One Hundredth Jubilee of our natal or adopted town. Come once more
to the home of your Fathers; to the hearth stone where you first saw the
blessed light of Heaven. Quench your thirst again from 'the old oaken
bucket,' which hangs in the well. Stand once more, if never again, at the
graves of your ancestors and the monuments which commemorate their
memory.

Another event of this kind none of us will ever attend. So far as we can
learn, there is now no person living who was born in 'Fall Town,' one hun-
dred years ago; and in all human probability the child is not yet born that

194 PREPARATIONS FOR CKNTENNTAL CELEBRATION.

will be present at another Celebration of this kind a hundred years hence.
It is then, a rare occasion, — a glorious era — an event of no common interest.

Let all who by consanguinity, by marriage or by residence are in any
way connected with the towns of IJernardston and Leyden meet on that
day in the Spirit of a Common Brotherhood and a Sympathizing Christian-
ity; and with Music, with Prayer and Praises to the Criver of every good
and perfect gift, with Speeches and Sentiments, and a Union at the festive
board let the day be spent joyfully, and h()|)cfully, in commemoration of
the past, ami in memory of the trials, the virtues, the piety and the intel-
ligence of our Common Ancestry.

And although the present year may be clouded and rendered less auspi-
cious by a rebellion of the slave holding States against the best government
ever devised by ?Nan, and many of our brethren and friemls may be engaged
in the patriotic duty of sustaining the Flag of our Lhiion, its Constitution
and Laws; yet while we do not forget our country and its brave Defenders
in our prayers and by our contributions, let us also obey the injunctions of
sacred writ: ' Remember the days of old, and consider the years of many
generations.'

And while standing thus at this central p(jint in the great Cycle of Ages,
and looking back through the vista of a hundred years, we may draw les-
sons of wisdom from the history of the past and form resolutions for a
higher walk in the path of duty in the coming years. '

All of a kindred birth and a kindretl spirit are then cordially invited to
join in this Centennial Celebration. Our Hearts and our Homes shall be wide
open to receive and hospitably entertain all the sons and daughters of the
'Old Falls Fight Township."'

Such was the cordially v^orded invitation issued by the commit-
tee of arrangements, and according to the published reports, was
readily accepted by 2500 to 3000 persons. At about ten in tlie morn-
ing a procession was formed near the town hall under the guid-
ance of S. J. Lyons and F. \V. Carlton, assisted by T. B. Carpenter,
P. L. Cushman, E. S. Hurlbert, Marcus Cook, B. vS. Burrows, C. W.
Severance, Capt. F. R. H. Allen, Jason Brown, H. O. Root, J. N.
Dewey, L K. Brown, J. Buddington, Jr., R. H. Hoyt, R. F. New-
comb, L. A. Slate, A. W. Carpenter. S. P. Chase, Asa Fisk. S. R.
Hills, D. N. Carpenter and Charles Cushman. It consisted of chief
marshals, band, committee of arrangements. President and Vice-
Presidents, orator and poet, tt)astmaslcr and reporter, invited speak-

ORDER OF EXERCISES. IQS

ers, clergy, choir, selectmen and ex-selectmen of Bernardston and
Leyden, people over 80 yeans in carriages, people over 70 years,
sons and daughters of Bernardston who reside abroad, visitors from
neighboring towns, district schools of Leyden, district schools of
Bernardston and adjoining schools, teachers and scholars of Pow-
ers Institute, Goodale Academy, citizens of Leyden, citizens of Ber-
nardston.

Under the escort of a band from Hatfield the procession wended
its way around the square near the depot, thence to the Institute
grounds, where upon the north end of the lot a bower had been
erected and seats provided for 1500 people. The seats were soon
filled, and hundreds were obliged to stand throughout the exercises
which followed. The choice of President of the day fell upon Hon.
John Sanderson of Bernardston. For Vice-Presidents, upon Jon-
athan Buddington, Dr. T. S. Vining, Daniel L. Morgan, Zadoc King,
E. W. Packer, A. O. Buddington, Briggs Potter of Leyden ; Lsaac
Barton of Greenfield; Dorus Bascom of Gill; Ralph Cushman,
Simon Edwards, Isaac Burrows, Col. Aretas Ferry, John Nelson,
Dr. Noyes Barstow, Seorim Cushman, Z. C. Newcomb, Capt. Jos-
eph Slate, Dr. William Dwight of Bernardston. The exercises of
the day then took place in the following order:

1st. Music by the Hatfield Band.

2nd. Selections from the Scriptures, by Rev. T. J. Clark of Ashfield, (a former

pastor in Bernardston. )

3rd. Prayer by the oldest Ex-Clergyman present.

4th. Original Hymn, by Rev. John B. Green.

5th. Historical Address, by Hon. Henry W. Cushman.

6th. Original Hymn, by Rev. George h- Ruberg.

7th. Poem by Dr. John Brooks, the Octogenarian Poet of Bernardston.

8th. Anthem, Creation.

9th. Concluding Prayer by Rev. Mr. Brigham.

loth. Benediction.

Upon the conclusion of these exercises a procession was formed
and marched to what is now known as Cushman Park, where all
were entertained at dinner by E. C. Fox, proprietor of the hotel.
The noon hour passed, the people again adjourned to the Institute
grounds, where the after-dinner exercises were opened by brief
and appropriate address of welcome by the President, Hon. John
Sanderson. Mr. S. N. Brooks performed the duties of toastmaster,

196 TOASTS.

in a manner most appropriate and pleasing. The first toast an-
nounced was

Leyden. — "Sixty-eight years ago, as our Daughter she left the parental
hearth-stone. To-day, as our Sister, with a warm greeting, she returns
to it."

Rev. Thomas Marcy of Framingham, a native of Leyden, replied
to this sentiment, paying a noble tribute to his native town and
her sons. He stated that Leyden had produced among her other
noble children, 1 1 clergymen, four doctors and three lawyers.

Former residents of Bernardston. — "Scattered from Labrador to the
Pacific Isles. Living, they honor their aged Mother, Dying, they bequeath
her tokens of their life-l<jng regard. We have gratitude for the dead — a
welcome for the living "

Responded to by Justice Willard, Esq., of Springfield, in one of
the most spirited and telling speeches of the day. Among the
other old residents of Bernardston, he gave a biography of old Nat,
the negro fiddler, who was present with his fiddle at all the merry-
makings of his boyhood days, and whose proficiency upon that in-
strument was superior to that of the Ole Bulls and other modern
musicians.

Ex-Clergymen of Bernardston. — "In former years have they sown here
the 'good seed which is the dread of life.' Though some may have fallen
by the wayside, some been choked with them, still may the harvest pro-
duce an hundred fold."

Rev. Erastus Andrews of Montague responded to this sentiment.
He spoke of the early history of the Baptist society in Bernardston.
He stated that Capt. Turner, the hero of the Falls Fight, was a
Baptist, and that his services were at first refused by the Governor
of Massachusetts on account of his religious belief. He also gave
as an incident of the respect other denominations in Bernardston
had felt for the Baptists of that time, that upon the occasion of the
funeral of one of its early pastors, as the procession was passing
the house of a good Orthodox deacon, he left his work in the field,
stopped the procession and treated it to pailsfuU of the best toddy
of the day. This the speaker thought was at least true " Cogniac
hospitality."

Rev. Charles Kendall also spoke in response to the sentiment,

TOASTS. 197

referring to the ex-clergymen and the good feeling that generally
existed in the town towards their religious teachers. He spoke of
some of the ex-pastors as being "fast drivers," but could not drive
fast enough, however, to get out of the town as soon as their pa-
rishioners wanted to have them.

Rev. A. M. Bridge and Rev. Rufus Gerrish also replied to the
toast. Mr. Gerrish gave as a sentiment :

The Growing Beauties of Beniardston. — " May their lustre never be
dimmed. "

Residents abroad who have married daughters of Bernardston —

" Our loss has been their gain;

And never will we forget —
' Ev"n while we sigh for those blessings gone ' —

We've 'more of the same sort' yet."

The American Antiquarian Society of Worcester. — "Located at the
'Heart of the Commonwealth,' and aided by the wealth and guided by the
talent of an enterprising city, it is doing a great and good work in ' Con-
sidering the days of old — The years of ancient times.' "

Responded to by Hon. Isaac Davis of Worcester.

Massachusetts Historical Society of Boston.— "Venerable for its age, for
the ability of its members, and for the great amount of its historical col-
lections. We honor it as the Pioneer m the domain of historic research."

Responded to by Hon. George T. Davis of Greenfield, who spoke
of the syinpathy the society felt with celebrations of this kind, of
our former and present struggles for a national existence, and of
the prominent part Bernardston had taken in the first and was now
taking in the last. He gave as a sentiment:

Descendants of the First Settlers. — "All the more dutiful to the demands
of the present, that they are not forgetful of the past."

Education — Our Common Schools and Powers Institute. — "Our children
will well obtain the first, while over the second and last we keep strict
watch and Ward."

This sentiment was responded to by Prof. L. F. Ward, who gave
as a sentiment :

The 'I'own of Bernardston, its Characteristics — Prosperous Educational
Institute; Flourishing Christian Churches and Enterprising People. — "May
the next Centennial anniversary find these characteristics none the less
worthy, but increased and enlarged proportionately by time."

198 TOASTS.

Goodale Academy. — "The memory of its usefiiUness as an educational
institution is yet green in the hearts of its graduates."

Responded to in a pleasant three minutes speech by Pliny Fisk,
Esq., of Shelburne, a former principal of the academy.

Soldiers of Bernardston and Leyden Who Have Fallen in Defence of Their
Country's Honor and Their Country's Flag — Martyrs in the Noblest Cause !
— "While we weep with their friends who mourn their early loss, we rejoice
in the thought that this sealing of their courage and their patriotism with
their heart's blood x'i not in vain. By such sacrifices was our Liberty bought
— by such shall it be preserved."

Responded to by the band.

Major Stephen Webster, Major Samuel Root, Capt. Joseph Slate, Capt.
Stephen Buddington, Capt. Caleb Chapin, Sergt. Joseph Allen, Samuel
Green and their numerous comrades who sustained the name and honor of
Bernardston in the dark hour of our Revolutionary struggle. — "In the pres-
ent dark hour may their descendants emulate their bright example with
the same glorious results."

Responded to by the band.

The Ladies — Invariably toasted at every American gathering. — "The
wonder is that they are not yet done brown, but diV& fairer than ever."

Responded to by Jtidge Tyler of Oswego, N. Y., in a pleasant
and patriotic speech.

Three cheers were then given for the Bernardston and Leyden
boys who have gone abroad and so ably represented their native
towns.

Lieut. George Warner of Bernardston. — "One of whose limbs is now on
Southern soil, on the battle-ground at Newbern, and who is present to-day
— a fit representative of the old Puritan pluck."

Three cheers were then given for Lieut. Warner. The toast-
master then proposed three cheers for the star spangled banner;
three more for the music the Yankees fight under, and three more
for the band, which were heartily given.

The following volunteer sentiments were then given : —
"Long live the Republic. Death to secession and no resurrection. May
the time of our redemption speedily arrive. We need some more effective
weapon than administering the oath of allegiance. We call it not inhu-

TOASTS. 199

man to put every rebel and rebel sympathizer out of the United States.
Put true men in office and not graven images. In the words of Benton,
'we have been bamboozled long enough!' "

Maintain Constitutional Liberty, Framed by Our Fathers. — "The storm
which shakes the oak, only loosens the earth around its roots, and its vio-
lence enables the tree to strike its roots deeper into the soil. So shall it
be with the crisis of the Union."

The Town of Bernardston — "Fortunate in having in its very few rich men
those who are disposed to promote the cause of education."

The Past Century and That which is Coming. — "The one has seen our
country materially prosperous, with slavery, and may the other see it both
materially and morally prosperous without slavery."

His Excellency, Abraham Lincoln. — "A second Washington, sentof God,
as we trust, to conduct the nation thrcnigh a war which is to result in es-
tablishing the truth of the declaration, that 'all men are equal,' m regard
to 'certain inalienable rights.' "

Bernardston's Share of Soldiers in the Present War. —

" All trials, thus far, prove of courage no lack.
For none who are wounded are hit in the back."

Hon. E. Kirkland of Brattleboro, Vt., who married his wife in
Bernardston, btit who was prevented from attending the celebra-
tion by illness, sent the following sentiment; —

The Town of Bernardston, whose Natal Day We Now Celebrate. — "May its
ne.xt anniversary find it, not as now, a member of a nation torn with war,
but of a free, united and happy people, with every evil and bitter thing re-
moved from its borders."

Hon. William A. Prenti.ss, late mayor of the city of Milwaukee,
Wis., a former resident of Bernardston, sent the following: —

Bernardston. — ''Settled more than a century since by an intelligent and
industrious class of people, noted for their independence of opinion on all
political and religious matters — may its present and future inhabitants con-
tinue to maintain a like independence on all questions, thereby manifesting
to the world, that freedom of thought and speech is not dangerous to civil
or religious institutions when reason is left free to combat it."

H. D. Newcomb, Esq., a distinguished merchant of Louisville,
Ky., a native of Bernardston, sent the following :

"During the past ten years I have been interested in the manufacture of

2CK) HYMN BY REV. J. K. GREEN.

cotton, on the banks of the Ohio, which has suggested to my mind the fol-
lowing sentiment which I beg leave to offer: — The Cotton Manufacturing
Interests of New England — The splendid result of sixty years persistent
labor and skill directed to that object— now periled by the loss of its trained
operatives, increased burdens on its capital, and the prospective diminu-
tion in the cultivation of raw material."

It now being half past four, the rest of the day was given to the
students of Powers Institute. Aaron W. Field of Bernardston, a
student of Williams College, delivered an address, and M. D. Col-
lister of Sullivan, N. H., a student of Middlebury College, deliv-
ered a poem, and thus closed the exercises of a day which was des-
tined to become by reason of the pleasant associations revived,
and the valuable and interesting commemorative exercises, not to
speak of the attendant gift of one of her most noble and best be-
loved sons, a red-letter day in the town's history.

ORIGINAL HYMN.

(By Rev. John B. Green, Pastor of the Unitarian Society )

We meet, the sons of honored sires,

Around one altar here,
To sing and venerate their deeds

And shed a passing tear.

We sing those deeds of daring bokl,
Where, joyous, leaps yon wave.
They fought— some crowned with glory, fell
And filled a warrior's grave.

And surely we can ne'er forget

The debt we truly owe —

While clothed in green, these hills are seen,

Or wrapt in spotless snow.

A place and home their deeds have won
To us, their children, here;
And while we emulate their lives,
What foe have we to fear ?

Their first desire, to worship God
And act His holy will;
For, ere themselves a shelter found,
A church was ou the hill.

HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 20I

And now we meet with grateful hearts
For what the}' did forego,
Who planted here the seeds of truth
A hundred years ago.

And when the sun forgets to rise,
And stars their place resign.
Will we forget the debt we owe
The sires of "Auld Lang Syne."

Now may the God our Fathers loved

Grant us the gift divine,
To guide us in the better way

As He did THEM, lang syne.

Then welcome, welcome, one and all.

To this our festal day;
We open wide our hearts and homes,

Let care be far away.

Lt. Gov. Cushman's address was a most excellent one, of an histor-
ical nature, covering the more important happenings of the past.
To repeat it in full would be but to repeat much which has already
been given in the earlier pages of this work; hence it has been
deemed best that the incidents and early records stand in their re-
spective places. Indeed they are so closely interwoven with the
daily lives and deeds of our forefathers, as to render a separation
out of the question only by breaking the thread of the narrative.
And because of this, is given extracts, rather than the address in
the form delivered.

''Felloiv Citizens and Friends: — We are assembled to-day in accordance
with some of the purest and noblest impulses and principles of humanity.
The love of 'home sweet home,' and of kindred and friends, is, not merely
an innate desire of our natures; it is more than that; it is an indication of
a cultivated and refined sentiment, — it is obedience to 'the higher law' of
the Christian life.

And connected with this principle is the feeling of regard and veneration
for the place of our birth; — for the home of our childhood or our maturer
years; for the spot where our eyes first saw the blessed light of heaven
and the glorious works of God; for the scenes that were familiar to us 'in
days of Auld lang syne " — for the old oaken bucket which hangs in the
well, from which we have often quenched our thirst in years long since

202 HTSTOKTCAT, ADDRESS.

passed and for the graves of our ancestors, who years ago, finished their
work on earth and have gone to their eternal reward.

' Lives there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land?'

Such views are common to all in a greater or less degree; but they are,
in a particular manner, the feelings and guiding sentiments of the educated
and thoughtful, of those who have seen many years come and go and whose
heads are whitened with the frost of three-score years.

Animated by such sentiments, we have met to-day, a band of brothers
and friends, — not to plan schemes for our material wealth; not to select
candidates for political promotion; not even to celebrate the independence
or victories of our country; but we meet to review the past ; 'to consitler
the years of many generations '; to attend to the neglected and remember
the forgotten; to renew the recollections of our early days and bring to
mind the toils, the sufferings and the virtues of our fathers. We have
come together on this one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of
this little municipality, not to celebrate the great things of earth; but with
deep feelings of veneration for the past, to take old friends by the hand
once more, perhaps never again; U) look back on our journey of life, and
thus, by the contemplation of the good or the evil we have done to be
guided in the future of our mortal course. Says another, 'it is a privilege
to learn what shall be from what has been, to turn experience into proph-
ecy; to view in the mirror of the Past, the vision oi the Future."

And you will permit me, Ladies and Crentlemen, on this pleasant occa-
sion tinged as I know it must be with sadness when we remember many

dear friends who have passed the dark waters before us; — permit me to
extend to you all a most cordial and hearty welcome. As a true son of the
old 'Falls Fight Townshij"),' I offer you all the salutations of this anniver-
sary. It gladdens the heart to meet so many cheerful countenances on
the one hundredth j ubilee of the independent municipal existence of our
town.

And in a particular manner would I extend the hand of friendship and
fraternal regard, to those who have come from distant States, to join with
us in the services of this joyous d.iy. Welcome all, from the prairies and
the cities of the great west; from the Green mountains of Vermont, and
from States and homes more or less distant from us — welcome to this gath-
ering of the descendants of a common ancestry, welcome all who by birth
or residence, by ties of consanguinity or marriage, all who have come here

HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 203

today because you cared for Bernardston and Leyden for what they con-
tain or have contained. In behalf of my fellow-citizens, 1 bid you all a
hearty welcome. And I would, also, with a like cordiality welcome those,
who by a love of historic studies and who feel a deep interest in genealog-
ical researches are attracted to commemorations of this kind. Sympathiz-
ing with us in the sentiments of antiquity, we are most happy to meet you
all on this historic era — this one-hundredth standpoint in the cycle of
ages!

And I must not forget to receive with an open hand and heart this large
concourse of children and youth who have assembled to join in the services
of this anniversary occasion. I see before me, a numerous band of teach-
ers and pupils of Powers Institute, of every school district in Bernardston
and Leyden and several schools from the adjoining towns. Most happy
am I to greet you with joyful salutations on an anniversary which none of
you, in any probability, can ever attend again. Your smiling faces, your
gay dresses, your beautiful bouquets and waving banners, all show me how
much you enjoy and how long you will remember the services of this day.
Welcome, my voung friends to the instructive events of the passing hour.

One hundred years ago ! Who can understand the mighty past? Who
can fathom the years of a century! What immense changes in the condi-
tion of the human race; what vast results have come from the progress of
civilization by the Anglo-Saxon race in America, during that period ! Think
for a moment of the condition of things in Europe, in America, on this
spot, even, in 1762 and in 1862. Then — and now. One hundred years
ago the people who had settled along these pleasant valleys and on these
hillsides, were few and far between. Now, a pleasant village is near us
where the arts and amenities of civilized life are cultivated and where the
school houses and the church are among the most prominent institutions
of the place. And more than all the railroad and telegraph, the most strik-
ing indications of the mechanical inventions of this epoch with their im-
mense power to promote the comfort and facilitate the business of man,
are both of them in our midst.

One hundred years ago and not one of us had seen the cheering light of
day; not one of this large assemblage were then among the living. And
so far as we know there is now no person alive who was born in Fall Town
a hundred years ago. And but one person is living who was born within
13 years after the incorporation of Bernardston. And that one — Mr. Dan-
iel Hale — the oldest living person who was born in the Falls Fight Town-
ship is not here to-day. Another venerable form sits by my side — Mr.

204 HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

Edward Nelson^now in his 98th year, who made Leyden his adopted town,
more than 60 years ago. We rejoice that by the blessing of God he is with
us to-day, a living memorial of the year 1765, the year of his birth; the
senior by more than ten years of any person in Bernardston or Leyden.
His trembling form shows the decaying influence of almost a hundred win-
ters; and the solemn fact, that though many years may be granted us, yet
the time of departure to another and better life, must come to all !

With these introductory remarks I now propose to take a topic which
has engaged my attention more or less for many years and which seems
peculiarly pertinent to the object for which the day is set apart — A com-
memoration of the beginning and the history of this town, including Ley-
den.

And here perhaps, a word of apology may be proper. It was with much
reluctance that I took the place of the distinguished gentleman who was
expected to address you at this time. Residing in a distant, foreign State,
of eminent abilities and official position, connected by consanguinity with
many of this audience, we were of course much disappointed that Hon.
Elisha H. Allen could not have been here as the principal speaker to-day.
The short time 1 have had to prepare what 1 have to say, must be an apol-
ogy for any shortcomings of this address.

The history of this town, unlike that of many other towns, who were off-
shoots from a mother town, runs back to and is connected with the early
events and wars in New England. If our origin is not as romantic and
apocryphal as that of Romulus and Remus, the founders of ancient Rome,
we are nevertheless, indebted to some of the important and startling events
of the early Indian wars for the first idea of the settlement of this town.
In order therefore that we may understand the origin of the grant of this
territory by the Legislature of the province of Massachusetts bay in New
England, in 1734, it is necessary to cast our minds back to prior events.

In the first settlement of New England at Plymouth in 1620 our Pilgrim
fathers were influenced in no small degree, in connection with other great
principles, with a strong desire to carry the gospel to the heathen. Ani-
mated by that high and God-like motive, they brought with them and car-
ried into practice, in their intercourse with the aborigines of this country,
the noble principles of justice aqd integrity; granting to them their origi-
nal right to the soil, and taking nothing irom them except by a fair bar-
gain and equivalent. Hence it was that, for more than 50 years after the
first Puritan had stepped on Plymouth Rt)ck, to a great extent, peace and
harmony existed between them and the Indians.

HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 205

But half a century had passed away and Bradford, Winslow, Brewster
and Standish and their contemporaries had gone to their eternal rest.
Massasoit, Samoset, Squanto and the other Indian chiefs had also died,
and in the places of these just and peaceable men, another generation had
come forward, whose civilization and Christian life did not equal that of
their fathers. The red men became enraged at the frequent acts of injus-
tice by the English settlers; and influenced by jealousy and revenge, the
natural attributes of the race, commenced a series of pillage and murder
on the unprotected white men. 'King Phillip's War,' as it is usually called,
was the consequence, in which, under that famous and noble chieftain — for,
as an uncivilized Indian he certainly had heroic and noble qualities — a war
of extermination was commenced about the year 1675, in which nearly all
the New England Indians were united and the Mohawks of New York,
also joined them. Eew and feeble as were the military defences of our
people, the Indians supposed, with considerable reason, that they could
cut off and entirely destroy their enemy, who they had sagacity enough to
perceive, were gradually occupying their most valuable corn lands and
their fishing and hunting grounds. * * * *

It will be observed that there are three prominent ideas running through
that act (referring to the grant, and its provisions,) each of them indica-
tions of the public sentiment and the average civilization of the best men
of that period. First the grant was based upon the principle of justice.
It was a consideration for the valuable service of the grantees of their pred-
ecessors. It was of compensation so far as it could be, for the labors,
sufferings and losses of the soldiers, who, at a very critical period of 'King
Phillip's War,' volunteered their services and periled their lives for the
safety, yea, for the very existence of the colony. Though late, yet justice
was done to those heroic and self-sacrificing men. I trust in God that
equal justice may in due time, be done to the patriotic and brave men who
are now risking their lives in defence of the government of our beloved
country. Then, it was an Indian enemy, who, perhaps, had some reason
for their conduct, — that sought to destroy and thus blot out the entire col-
ony. Now a base and wicked set of rebels are seeking to destroy the best
government ever devised by man and to base it on a slave holding oligarchy.
As in the course of Providence, the Indians disappeared from the country,
and civilization, with all its manifold benefits, have spread over the land,
so, at an early day, if a God of justice reigns on high, I trust that the
power and influence of the secession rebels will be swept off, to return no
more forever.

206 HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

Second, the provisions for education and religion, the school and the
church, m the act granting this town is another evidence of the far-sighted
wisdom and sagacity of the leading minds of that age. One thirty-fifth
part, amounting to 600 acres, was thus set apart by the original act and
subsequently confirmed by the proprietors for the support of the Christian
ministry; and it is a fact which should be mentioned in this connection
that a part of the proceeds of the sale of this land set apart for ministerial
purposes at that time, is yet held by one of the religious societies of this
town, the successor of the first religious organization in Fall Town; and
the proceeds of the sale of the schooling lands is yet held by the town,
and the income is used annually for the support of the district schools.
More than a hundred years have elapsed since those lands were sequestered
for the education of the people, and the money for which they were sold
yet remains. In view of such good judgment and prudence in our fathers,
we may very properly be proud of their memories.

It will also be noticed that the original grant required the erection of a
'convenient Meeting House and the settlement of a learned, orthodox min-
ister within four years.' As we shall see hereafter, that condition was
more than complied with; for a meetinghouse was erected the year after
the first settlement commenced, and was the first framed building in town;
and a minister was settled soon after. Another provision of the original
grant required the land to go, when the father was deceased, to the oldest
son; and in case there was no sons, then to the oldest male descendant,
thus excluding by the law of primogeniture all daughters from any right
to their father's land, a law which we, at this time, should consider very
unjust.

Our local history then runs back to, and is connected with an important
battle in an early Indian war, without which, this town, in all probability,
would have been settled by an entirely different class of men. How mys-
terious are the ways of Providence! These broad and beautiful fields, this
pleasant village and this large collection of kindred and friends might
never have been without the terrible death-struggle at Turners Falls on
the i8th of May, 1676.

Struggling on, year by year, through trials and difficulties which we can
poorly appreciate we now see a fair and goodly land, covered with com-
fortable dwellings and inhabited by an intelligent and moral people. For
all these blessings — for the example of wise and pious ancestors — for these
broad acres and this goodly laml, 'Let us praise the Lord; for his goodness
and mercy endureth forever.'

HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 20/

And now, m view of the past, what are the duties and responsibiUties of
this day and of coming time ?

Men and Women of Bernardston andLeyden; all that is worth living for
in life — or hoping for in death depends mostly on you. This large con-
course of children are soon to take our places and to be the fathers and
mothers of coming generations. With them is the hope of the future. As
the child is, so is the man. Four great principles cover the whole ground
of their future lives, ist. Education; 2nd. Religion; 3rd. Pecuniary pros-
perity and 4th. A free and good government. A people that have these,
have all that is necessary for prijsperity — for success — for hap[)iness in life.

I entreat you then, Brethren and Friends, looking forward into the great
future which no man can fathom; 1 entreat you to consider well the inter-
ests of the rising generation. By the blessing of Ood you can make this
town 'The home of the gootl and the land of the free.' .Standing on this
high point in the cycle of ages and with a prophetic eye looking forward
a hundred years I charge you to cultivate, and try every means in your
power, to diffuse the inestimable blessings of Education and Religion, — of
successful industry and a Free Government. 'I'hen you may be assured
your children and your children's children — through a long line of genera-
tions 'will rise up and call you blessed.'

But before 1 close I must for myself and in behalf of this large assem-
blage of friends, pay my respects to the 20th day of Aug. 1962; — Far down
in the long vista of years 1 see a large gathering of men, women, and chil-
dren — not one of whom is here to-day — assembled t<:) celebrate the second
Centennial Anniversary of the Incorporation of Bernardston. A large
crowd is here. The sun, like to-day, shines brightly on their cheerful faces.
They talk freely of us— who long since have been known only by the mar-
ble monument or the sculptured granite. They think and speak of us and
of what we do and say to-day. To them 1 have a few words to say.

Men and Women who may meet here on the 20th of August, 1962, we
send you greetings of a Universal Brotherhood and of a Sympathizing
Christianity. That you will do more and better than we have done or can
do, we fully believe. A hundred years of labor and of experience must add
much to your advancement and must place you much higher in the scale
of Christian civilization than we are. Look kindly then, we beseech you,
on the shortcomings of this generation and of the services of this day. If
we send down to you the blessings of a republican government, you must
improve and perfect it. If we leave you schools and churches you must
make them better. We know well and we regret it greatly, that 'the Chris-

208 HYMN BY REY. (lEORGE L. KUHERG.

tianity of Christ,' is yet i)ut poorly understood, and less perfectly practised
by us. Ikit we believe in the progress and ultimately in the high jiosition
of the human race. If we have done little, you must (.\o more, and thus
the great design of our Heavenly Father, m the creation of us, his children,
will be accomplished.

Kinsmen and Friends, the path of a higher destiny is yours. Peace and
the blessing of God be with you.

And finally, may this large assemblage — and an(nher that will meet a
hundred years from this day, for a similar purpose — and all who in coming
ages may attend Centennial Celebrations of the Incorporation of this their
native or adopted town — all — all finally meet in 'the great hereafter of the
blessed,' and sing praises 'unto Him that sitteth on the throne and to the
Lamb forever and ever.' "

ORIGINAL HYMN.

(By Rev. George L Riibcrg, Pastor of the Baptist Society.)

Kindred and friends, 'tis here we meet,
•With kindly welcomes each to greet;
With cheerful hearts we join in praise
For this review of other days.

'Tis of the past we join to sing,
A fresh memorial here to bring —
United in one gladsome throng.
Singing a Centennial Song.

A hundred years! all, all have fled.
Our Fathers gone, they all are dead,
They, every one, have passed away.
Who first beheld our natal day.

The savage now no longer roams
These groves and fields, our hill-side homes,
With treacherous eye and wary breath.
The loved and loving threatening death.

The lovely scenery around —
The winding streamlet's gentle sound —
All speak the blessings and the praise
Secured and won in former days.

roEM. 209

What glorious thoughts our hearts inspire !
What patriot words our bosoms fire!
As we now stand and here incline
Our thoughts to scenes of olden time.

We stand to-day the past review,
The present brings us conflicts new,
The memory of the honored brave
Should stimulate our flag to save.

EXTRACTvS FROM DR. JOHN BROOKS' POEM.

In my own self-defence,

Christian ladies and gents.

Who have gathered before me a host,

I begin by proclaiming

I'm no poet worth naming.

But merely a rhymer at most.

Don't take it amiss

If I pass over this

To sketch here and there other things.

As I chance to find means

From the ends and betweens

Of history, gathered in strings.

I must talk, I suppose.

As one who well knows.

For a century now that is past,

Of the town and the race

Occupying this place,

And which lately is changing so fast.

Till within a few years,

For aught it appears,

The most to excite admiration

Was our excellent roads.

And the pleasant abodes

'Tween the east and the west elevation.

On what's called Huckle Hill,

(As is true even still)

Some go-ahead farmers resided,

And up there stood the church.

As if left in the lurch.

With all of religion one-sided.

2IO DR. JOHN BROOKS.

There they gathered each week,

Dressed up tidy and sleek,

To listen to sermons and prayers,

But in winter half frozen,

As if all were supposin'

'Twas wicked in church to have fires.

To complete self-denial,

Neither orgati nor viol,

Noraught that would make a sweet sound,

Was allowed for a minute,

Lest the De'il might be in it,

And pleasure thus carnal abound.

When for singing all ripe.

Leader blew the pitch-pipe.

And he and the choir took the sound.

And the singing that followed,

Not artfully mellowed.

Would a sensitive ear quite astound.

Then the parson did preach,
(Meaning hard hearts to reach)
For never much less than an hour.
Till some hearers were mad,
And others were glad,
Declaring the sermon a power.

When the sermon was done,

Up they rose every one.

All turning their seats back with a noise,

There to stand, as in fear,

A long prayer still to hear.

Postponing, at least, half their joys.

Like of this was the fashion,

Through much of the nation

In times we call early and rude,

And it's fair to presume.

When such customs found room.

They were hailed as becoming and good.

But as time passed away,

And the people grew gay.

Or more and more generally pious,

They moved the church down

Tow'rds what now is the town.

Though it didn't then come very nigh us.

I'OEM. 211

By and by, with some pain,

They moved it again,

And once more again even later,

And they then built up more.

E'en the fifth of a score

To prove the town quite a sin hater.

There they stand all in sight,

Each a lantern of light.

To guide the poor traveler benighted,

So that all with fair gait

Cannot fail to go straight,

Or if not may be speedily righted.

These five sects as they grew,

Sought for something to do,

To make all around them to flourish,

So they built up the schools.

Unlike bigoted fools,

Such as virulent party doth nourish.

No schools far around

Can be easily found

That show in a better condition.

And from them have up-grown.

And them almost alone.

Our men who sustain high position.

And since here in our town.
Besides schools of renown
We have a far-famed Institute,
'Twere a pity our sons
Shouldn't prove useful ones,
As of fair education the fruit.

Our daughters we trust.

If not marked as the first

For external polish and show.

Would be chosen for wives.

To make happy the lives

Of husbands, as faithful and true.

212 DR. JOHN BROOKS.

When our town was he^un.

Scarce a work could be done

Unguarded l)y musket and sword,

For the Indian was near

To inspire all with fear

I^est his murderous yell should be heard.

The children and spouses

Were kept in block houses,

Of which two stood up east on the hill,

And so great was the care

To protect them up there,

That the Indians no one's blood did spill.

I'P north stood a fort,

To which all could resort

In case of a savage surprise;

And the)' lived year by year.

Thus familiar with fear

As where safety in watchfulness lies.

When our town 'gan to flourish,
And the virtues to nourish,
vSome half of a centurj- ago,
The old serpent came in,
With temptations to sin
So as Kden, our town to undo.

All at once, with a will.

Alcohol to distil,

From the cider, the corn and the rj-e,

The old serpent began,

Through his instrument, man,

To carry his schemes bold and high.

vSad times then were known.

And such seeds then were sown

As by this time had wrought complete ruin,

Rut a grand reformation

Took place in the nation

And kept us our town from undoin'.

In politics most

Of our peo])le can boast

They are democrats (juite to the core.

POEM. 213

But they're called by such names
As, in false cheating games,
Might really cheat twice in four.

We all are the friends

Of each measure that tends

The mass of the people to bless

So, called what you will

We are democrats still.

And not a whit more or whit less.

L.A.DIRS .A.ND GENTLHMEN.

Full forty years ago I came,

With sober, unambitious aim

To Beruardston to dwell;

The houses then were brown and sparse,

The signs of elegance were scarce,

And signs of wealth as well.

From place of business called the Green,

Three houses only could be seen,

Or four, I think, at most.

Whose tops ascended tow'rds the sky

To what is called two stories high.

At very moderate cost.

No church near by could then be seen
And all was silent on said Green
And through the district round;
For days, except that stages run,
You saw no stir, except for fun,
And scarcely heard a sound.

The village seemed no business place.
The people seemed a quiet race.
With comforts at command;
The mountains tow'ring in their pride,
And all the verdant vales beside,
Displayed a prospect grand.

Those mountains and those vales remain,

And now are clothed with grass and grain,

As we admiring see;

The houses also where they stood.

By care and painting have kept good.

And grown as twelve from three.

214 ^^- JOHN BROOKS.

Some mansions, even now appear,

And some are added, year by year,

Our village to adorn:

No blacksmith's shop or tanner's yard,

Which once our lovely church street marred,

Now stands there "all forlorn."

Instead of one store, high up stairs,
With but a few ^mercantile wares,
As once by Newcoinb kept.
We now in town have three or four,
From each of which as much or more
Is often cleanly swept.

Near Newconib's, now, where once so still,
There runs a famous working mill.
Thousands of boards to saw;
And up the stream there stands one more.
Built on dry land by Stephen Gore,
That works without a flaw.

Three other saw'mills long have stood,
Besides one lost in whelming flood,
A long, long time ago;
Two grist mills grind our rye and corn
As fast as those that eat are born.
And streams with water flow.

Three blacksmiths keep our horses shod.
And each would think it truly odd
Had he no work to do;
Three doctors, also, go the rounds.
When any sickness much abounds, —
And undertakers, too.

Five ministers attempt to live
On what the people choose to give
To have them preach and pray;
Five carpenters, perhaps, are here.
Who lay up money, year by year.
Unless too much they play.

Some lawyers, I believe, have tried

In our good village to abide.

But never tried it long;

They found at law we scarce would sue.

E'en if we lost what might be due.

Or took it in a song.

POEM. 215

Two hundred farmers, more or less,
Preserve from hunger and distress
Themselves and all around.
By grain and grass, and things that grow.
From what thev plant and what they hoe.
And gather from the ground.

We have shoemakers here, 'tis said,
Who rank as masters of the trade,
And in good times must thrive;
We've one machine for carding wool.
While some cut garments out by rule.
And all to live, contrive.

But finally, to crown the whole.
Nought comes so near perfection's goal,
Except what perfect grows,
Considered in all points of view.
For qualities both good and new.
As do the modern hoes.

A modern hoe put side by side,
With such a hoe as was supplied
An hundred years ago.
Would be so much a sight to see
That Barnum would demand a fee
And keep them for a show.

A modern hoe would hardly weigh
A third of one of former day.
Nor much more like it look
Than finest needle to be found
Looks like a bar that weighs a pound.
Or wafer like a book.

I've seen the hoes that then were made.

And partially once learnt the trade

With such to hoe the corn;

Their weight alone did little lack

Of breaking shoulders, arms and back.

And made one look forlorn.

Their shovels tallied with their hoes,

And took the strength, we may suppose,

A common cart to fill,

That 'twould to haul, through mud and mire,

A load at which a horse would tire,

Or turn a cider-mill.

2l6 DR. JOHN BROOKS.

A dumped thing, all made of wood,
Except a point of iron good,

That shovel, firm and strong;

The man who used it proved, no doubt,

Because he used it he was stout.

If not to be so long.

Their axes, too, with dangling blades,
Fashioned as if begun for spades.
Were mean wherewith to chop;
The handle seemed, as if in spite.
Where'er it crooked to not crook right.
As rise when it should drop.

Their plows were also wooden tools.
Plated with iron by no rules.
And hard to draw or hold;
A man and yoke of oxen, now,
Would do as much a field to plow.
As three of each of old.

And thus it was with nearly all

Of what a farmer's tools we call,

An hundred years ago;

We old folks know, for they remained

Till some of us had manhood gained.

When they were here to show.

The women then had cards and reels.
Their great and little spinning wheels.
And looms the cloth to weave;
They then were busy all the day.
Sometimes out door a raking hay,
Their husbands to relieve.

With health most women then were blest.

But not so flattered and caressed

As in these modern times;

Much exercise in open air,

Some hardship, with rustic fare.

With highest health most chimes.

'Twere matter once, of boast and pride
How well a farmer's wife could ride.
With husband, on one horse;
The man got seated well before,
While just behind the pillion bore
The wife, two-third