a^:V'?A- A ; a a w AA LV^ft - l IA' jfisw * 'w'M^WJJ^i^mh W5t7 /Cv 3 Al A v -^ ^ il ^Jf^ KiK^/;? A : a A KKkt^H WmSr*r* * : jkM" «» ; »¥ »¥«■ W"?t^^ ! WB {LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/ | [FORCE COLLECTION f ^V- F11 # /?;/// UNITED STATES •BssTl m^mm wv? m JU!kV:..T„. '» MJtfVi InfflfloTftMlilil All 1 I f Ti w "'**& y V^lflHj/ ^r^l ^/ / ■ * w - vg. VM iliwP^ J^piJ ws»f wjpy o o AN HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, DELIVERED AT WEST BROOKFIELD, MASS., NOV. 27, 1828. OS THE D\Y OF THE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING. BY JOSEPH I. 1 FOOT. WITH Capt, Thomas Wheeler's Narrative, NOW ANNEXED, AND ADDITIONAL. NOTICKS OF OCCURRENCES IN THE TOWN, SINCE THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THE DISCOURSE. " Inasmuch as this town is of ancient dole, and, compared with most of the Towns in this County, even with the shire Town itself, is like an elder mat- ron amidst a group of youngerly Females; and inasmuch as it has been famous for Indian inhabitants, Indian wars and Indian barbarities, I have for a considerable time felt a strong inclination and desire to search into its history — to find out its origin — the difficulties and hardships of its first Eng- lish Inhabitants, its gradual increase and progressive improvements." Rev. Dr. Fisxe's Hist. Serm. 1775. v % A WEST BROOKFIELD: PUBLISHED BY M E R R I AM & COOKE. 1S43. Ff4 33 rr\ NOTICE TO THE PRESENT EDITION Mr. Foot's Historical Discourse was the result of much inquiry, and laborious research of the Records of the Town of Brookfield, and other documents relating to its settlement and later history. It comprises a great variety of important facts, which no other publication so fully embodies; and which it is believed cannot fail to be interesting to every class of readers. It well deserves a place in every Family Library in the Town. It has a special claim to the at- tention of the rising generation; of those particularly who are descendants of the early settlers ; and of all who are curious to know the character and enterprise, the disasters and sufferings of the first English inhabitants ; and the subsequent establishment and growth of the Town. The Discourse was first published in 1S23; and was then very favorably received. The Edition was soon exhausted. Since which, for years past, although often inquired for, not a single copy was to be obtained at any Book Store. ± NOTICE TO THE PRESENT EDITION. And, now, with difficulty could an entire copy be found in the place, from which lo make a reprint. These considerations have induced the original Publishers to issue a new Edition ; with such addition to the Notes, as subsequent events and further investigation render proper and necessary. It is particularly desirable that Capt. Wheeler's Narrative of the breaking up of the first settlement should be annexed to the present Edition; as it was written immediately after the destruction of the Town, by one that shared in all the perils of the disaster; and as it was originally intended by the Author to publish it with the Discourse, had it been received in Season. HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. PSALM 145 : 4. ONE GENERATION -HALL PRAISE THY WORKS TO ANOTHER AND SHALL DECLARE THY MIGHTY ACTS. To perpetuate a knowledge of the dealings of God with ris is equally the dictate of patriotism and religion. No one, who loves his country, can medi- tate on the favors which have been poured upon her, without desiring, that they may he accurately told to future gent rations. No one, who loves the Lord, can think on his kind care and ever watchful protec- tion without f qua, Masquabamisk, and so to the hill called Asquoach ; all which land afore described, together with the trees, waters, stones, profits, commodities and advantages thereof and there- unto belonging, the said Ensign Thomas Cooper, for himself, and for the present planters of Quaboag, and their associates and successors, is to have, hold and enjoy, and that forever. And the said Shattoockquis, as well for other considerations, as also for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred fathom of wampumpeage* in hand received, doth grant, bargain and sell all and singular the aforenamed tract of land to Ensign Thomas Cooper, his successors and assigns as aforesaid, and to their heirs forever. And the said Shattoockquis doth hereby covenant and promise to and with the said Ensign Thomas Cooper, that he will save the said Thomas Cooper harmless from all manner of claims of any person or persons lawfully claiming any right or interest in the said lands hereby sold, or in any part thereof, and will defend the same from all, or any molestation and in- cumbrance by any Indians lawfully laying claim or title there- unto. In witness whereof the said Shattoockquis hath here- unto set his hand this tenth day of November 1665. * " Wompompague," says Mr. Gookin, " is made, artificially, of a part of the wilk'a shell, [wholke.] The black is of double the the value of the white. It is piade, principally, by the Narragansett black Islanders (Block- Islanders) and Long Island Indians. Upon the sandy flats and shores of those coasts the wilk shells are found." Hist. Coll. I, 152. In Roger Williams' Key, Wampum is considered as the Indian money, and is described in the 24lh chapter of that interesting tract. " One fathom of this their stringed money is worth five shillings. Their white money they call Wampum, which signifies white; their black, Suckawhock; suki signifying black." Hist. Coll. J 1L 231. APPENDIX. 53 Subscribed and ~) The mark of Shattoockquis. delivered in the | The mark of Mattawamppe, an Indian presence of I witness, who challenging some in~ Elizur Holyoke j terest in the land, above sold, received Samuel Chapin j part of the pay, and consented to the sate Japhet Chapin. j of it all. Shattoockquis an Indian above mentioned did own and ac- knowledge this to be his act and deed, resigning up all his right, title and interest in the lands abovementioned, unto Thomas Cooper, his associates and assigns as abovesaid, this tenth day of November 1665. Before me, John Pynchon, Assistant. D. At a second session of the General Court held at Boston the 18th of October, 1673. In answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Q,uaboag, the Court judgeth it meet to grant their request, and the liberty and privilege of a Township, and that the name thereof be Brook- field : provided they divide not the whole land of the Town- ship till they be forty or fifty families ; in the mean time their dividings one to another, exceed not two hundred acres to any present inhabitant. A true copy as of record. Examined — Josiah Willard, Secretary. Immediately after the incorporation of the town, Ensign Tho- mas Cooper resigned to them his title to the land by the follow- ing deed. I, Thomas Cooper above-mentioned, do hereby relinquish and resign up all my right and title in the lands within mention- ed to be bought of Shattoockquis, hereby declaring that my act- ing in the premises was only in the behalf of and for the usa and behoof of the inhabitants of duaboag (now called Brookfield) and their successors, the purchase of the abovementioned land 5* 54 APPENDIX- being at their proper cost and charge, who had obtained a grant thereof from the honorable General Court and are now allowed a Town. I do therefore hereby deliver up this instrument or deed of sale to John Warner, Richard Coye and William Pritchard of duaboag, alias Brookfield, for the use and as the proper right of the inhabitants of Brookfield, the said persons being betrusted by the town or present inhabitants of Brookfield for taking in and receiving this present deed. Wherefore I do hereby deliver it up to them, hereby declaring it and the land therein mentioned to be sold, to be, and belong to the present inhabitants of Brook- field as they are a township, and to particular persons only, ac- cording as they have, or shall have grants of land confirmed to them. The whole tract of land above-mentioned I do fully and absolutely resign up to the inhabitants of Brookfield aforesaid, and to their successors and their heirs forever, as witness my hand this 19th day of December 1673. Thomas Cooper. December 19th 1673, Lieutenant Thomas Cooper above-men- tioned, subscribed hereunto and acknowledged the resigning up this Deed and all his interest in the premises to the inhab- itants of Brookfield. Before me, John Pynchon, Assistant. This deed was recorded March 1673, by me, Elizur Holyoke, Recorder. Hampshire, sc. A true copy from record, examined per Edward Pynchon, Register. E. By bis English contemporaries Philip was supposed io be governed chiefly by feelings of hatred and revenge excited against the English on account of a few imaginary injuries re- ceived from them. He was regarded not only as implacable in his resentments, but as delighting in the infliction of injury and death. The customs of savage warfare undoubtedly led them to misunderstand the principles, by which he was influenced and APPENDIX. 55 to regard as wanton cruelty those measures which were dicta- led by ardent patriotism. It is believed that the views ex- pressed in the discourse respecting his charaoter and motives, coincide with the opinions of those, who have carefully examin- ed the subject, and also account for his conduct during every part of the war. There are, however, traditionary accounts, which if it were not for their inconsistency with every other part of his course would lead us to adopt a very different opinion respecting him. " Tradition says, he was forced on by the fu- ry of his young men, sore against his own judgment and incli- nation ; and that though he foresaw, and foretold the English, would in time by their industry, root out all the Indians, yet he was against making war with them, as what he thought would only hurry on, and increase the destruction of his people. There is a constant tradition among the posterity of the people, who lived next to him, and were familiarly conversant with him, as also with the Indians who survived the war, that both Philip, and his chief old men, were utterly averse to the war, and they shew the spot where Philip received the news, of the first En- glish men that were killed, with grief and sorrow, and wept at the news ; and that a day or two before the first outrages, he had protected an English Man the Indians had captivated, rescued him from them, and privately sent him home safe." See Callender's Hist. Disc, respecting Rhode-Island, p. 73, Boston Edition, 1739. E2. " It will not be amiss to let the reader understand the horri- ble, perfidious and treacherous dealing of these Nipnet Indians, who although of all other they had the least reason as to any pretence of injury, yet did most deceitfully join with Philip and his Indians after they had been several times sent unto by the governor and council to have prevented their rising and also had faithfully promised not to meddle in the quarrel. The inhab- itants of Brookfield had been so deiuded by those treacherous 56 APPENDIX. villains, that fearing no danger they obtained of those Nipmucs the promise of a treaty upon the 2d of August. Whereupon some of the chief of the town rode along unarmed with Captains Wheeler and Hutchinson till they came to the place appointed." Hubbard Ind. Wars. According to all tradition this place is the hill at the north end of Wickaboag Pond. This Hill appears to have been used as an Indian Cemetery. When it was cultivated by the English after their return, great numbers of human bones were exhu- mated. G. The largest collection of Indians at this time was at a place in the south western part of New Braintree. It was called Weni- messet, or Meminimesset. The spot where Captain Hutchin- son and his company were attacked cannot now be ascertained. There are two places, which tolerably answer the description given by historians. The one is near the line of Brookfield and New Braintree. The other is nearly two miles north of this line. Without records and with contradictory traditions it is probably impossible to determine with certainty at which place the onset was made. H. There has been of late years no small disagreement respecting the place, where the fortified house stood. Some have attempt- ed to maintain that it was northeast of Foster's Hill.* But as no satisfactory evidence in support of this opinion has been found, it is to be regarded as unworthy of credence. There are several * The Hill east of the Meeting House in the West Parish. APPENDIX. 57 weighty reasons for believing, that it stood on this hill. 1. The principal English settlement was there. 2. The meeting-house* which was burned by the Indians was there. 3. In the account of the attack on the fortification a well in the yard is mentioned, and a well has been discovered near the north west corner of Mr. Marsh's door yard, of which the oldest inhabitants can give no account except that they have been told, it belonged to the fortified house. 4. At a distance of a few feet north of the well the ground when cultivated as a garden was unproduc- tive. As the soil appeared to be good, it was difficult to eee any reason for the barrenness. On examination howev- er it was found that a building had stood on the place. Sev- eral loads of stone, which had formed a cellar and chimney were removed, amongst which various instruments of iron and steel were found. 5. There is a hill directly west of this place, which corresponds sufficiently well with the descriptions of that, down which the Indians rolled the cart of kindled combustibles. There is then good reason to conclude that it stood between Mr. Marsh's house and barn. The following particulars respecting the attack have been pre- served by Reverend Dr. Fiske. Note p. 13, Historical Sermon. He states, "that three of the men who were killed in the ambushment belonged to Brookfield, viz. Captain John Ayre?, John Coye and Joseph Pritchard: — That when the Indians pur- sued the party into the town, they set fire to all the buildings except a few in the neighborhood of the house in which the inhabitants had taken shelter: — That they endeavored to in- tercept five or six men that had gone to a neighboring house to secure some things there; but they all got safe to the place of refuge, except a young man, Samuel Pritchard, who was stop- ped short by a fatal bullet: — That the house in which they were besieged was unfortified, except by a few logs hastily tumbled up on the outside after the alarm, and by a few feather beds hung up on the inside. And though the siege continued sereral days, in which time innumerable balls entered the house, only one man, Henry Young, who was in the chamber, was killed.— The 58 APPENDIX. Indians shot many fire arrows to burn the house; but without effect. And on one night the besieged were surprized by a sud- den light without doors, and soon perceived that the Indians had placed a quantity of combustibles by the side of the house, and set them on fire. And though the people were obliged to go out and draw water to extinguish the flames, and were all the while exposed as marks to the enemies bullets, yet they saved the house without any one's being hurt. — During the siege one man was wounded as he was drawing water. A board fence hid him from the Indians ; but one of them seeing the well-pole drawing down, took aim at the place where he thought the man must stand, and struck him just under the chin. The man af- frighted exclaimed that he was killed. The Indian, knowing his voice, shouted and said, " Me kill Major Wilson." When the troop which relieved Brookfield got into the town, which was late at night, they were joined by a great number of cattle, that had collected together in their fright at the conflagration of the buildings, and the firing and war-whoops of the Indians ; and for protection these poor animals followed the troops till they arrived at the besieged house. The Indians deceived hereby, and thinking there was a much larger number of horsemen than there really was, immediately set fire to the barn belonging to the besieged house, and to Joseph Pritchard's house and barn and the meeting-house, which were the only buildings left un- burnt, and went off. A garrison was maintained at this house till winter, when the court ordered the people away ; soon after which the Indians came and burnt this house also. Long as this note is, I cannot conclude without saying some- thing concerning Major Willard, the celebrated deliverer of the people here. His conduct in altering his course and coming to the relief of Brookfield, being dictated by humanity and execu- ted with bravery and success, has gained him the applause of people in general. But as it was beside his orders,* he was ce.n- * " In all expeditions against Indians in the distant forest some latitude is evidently necessary. Probably the very Indians, against whom Major Wil- lard was destined were then at Brookfield." Hoyt, p. 102. APPENDIX. 59 ured by the Court and cashiered, which disgusted his friends nd broke his heart." It is well known, that a report respecting the censure and deg- adation of Major Simon Willard had been widely circulated and enerally believed. But there are subsantial reasons for con- luding, that he was not deprived of his office. A gentleman rell acquainted with the history of those times, says, " I have onsulted the contemporary historians Hubbard and Mather and arious pamphlets of that day, and Neal and Hutchinson of a iter day, and our historical collections. I have looked through hie doings of the Court of assistants from July, 1675, to July, 676, and also the records of the general court, but find not a r ord to countenance the assertion that he was cashiered, 5 ' and oncludes, that Doctor Fiske must have derived it "from tradi- on." To this it is necessary only to add, that on the 2d of larch, 1676, he was commander of a detachment for the relief f Groton,* and died at Charlestown, April 24th, of the same ear, whilst attending the court of assistants of which he was a lember, and his military successor was not appointed till the 3d f May following. These circumstances warrant the conclu- ion, that Major Willard was not cashiered. His conduct in escuing the inhabitants of this place from destruction deserves ) be commemorated by the descendants of those whose lives e preserved, and his memory will be dear to all, who know how > value deeds of heroism performed for the deliverance of the efenceless. It is frequently stated or implied by modern historians that 'hilip personally led on the Indians in their attack. The fol- nving statement will correct this misapprehension. " Upon Friday, being the 5th of this instant (August) Philip nd his company came to us at this swamp, six miles from the • Indian Wars, p. 196. Wor. Edition. gQ APPENDIX. swamp where they killed our men. Philip brought with hirri about forty men, but women and children many more, the num- ber I cannot tell. Philip's men were about 30 of them armed with guns, the rest had bows and arrows. He observed there were about ten of Philip's men wounded. Philip was conduct- ed to the swamp by two Indians, one of them Caleb of Tatum- asket, beyond Mendon. The Indians told Philip, at his first coming, what they had done to the English at Quaboag ; then he presented and gave to three sagamores, viz. John, alias Ape- quinash, Quanansit, and Mawtamps,* to each of them about a peck of unstrung wampum, which they accepted. Philip, as I understood, told Quaboag and Nipmuck Indians, that when he first came towards the Nipmuc country and left his own, hs had in his company about 250 men, besides women and chil- dren, including the squaw sachem and her company, but now they had left him, and some of them were killed, and he was reduced to 40 men, besides women and children. I heard also that Philip said, if the English had charged upon him and his people at the swamp in his own country one or two days more they had been all taken, for their powder was almost spent; he also said, that if the English had pursued him closely, as he traveled up to them, he must needs have been taken." MS. narrative of George, a christian Indian, taken prisoner in th$ ambushment of Captain HutcJiinson. Hutchinson, vol. II. p. 267. The first entry in the town records is dated February 24tb r 1687. • Mawtamps probably the same as Mattawamppe p. 53, and as " Neatnmp" p. 12. This should have been Netaump, and the reference to pp. 117 and 202 Ind. Wars. The Indian name of " Sam" mentioned in page 12 of the Discourse wae Shoshanim. Sec Worcester Magazine, Vol. II. p. 291. APPENDIX. (JJ| At a great and General Court or Assembly convened at Bos- ton, on Wednesday the 8th June 1692. Upon reading a petition from the Inhabitants of Brookfield alias Q,uaboag, praying that a Committee may be appointed as formerly, to direct and regu- late the settlement of said plantation and the affairs thereof, or- dered, that John Pynchon, Esq. Captain Gaml. Partridge, Mr. Joseph Hawley, Mr. Hitchcock, and Mr. Medad Pomroy, be and are hereby appointed and empowered to that service. William Phipps. A true copy examined by * Joseph Willard, Secretary. S '* Though the inhabitants were incorporated and the town nam- ed by the court as early as the year 1673, yet they were not allow- ed the powers and authorities of a town till the year 1718: But the court appointed and continued a committee consisting of gentle- men belonging to other places, to direct, regulate and ratify all affairs relative to settling and building up the town; so that without said committee the inhabitants could not take up for themselves, or grant to others, any lands. And it was by the direction and assistance of said committee, that monies were granted, a meeting-house built, a minister chosen, &c. — To en- courage the settling of the town, especially in the time of the Indian wars, lands were granted to divers persons upon condi- tion they would possess and improve fbem for a certain number of years." Rev. Dr. Fiske. M. Owing to the hostility of the natives and constant exposure to attacks from them, the inhabitants on theft return to the town adopted measures for their safety and protection. Several tern- porary fortifications were erected. Of tfoese the principal was 6 62 APPENDIX. Gilbert's Fort. It was near the place, where the central school house in the West Parish now stands. Its remains are said to have been visible till within a few years. On the hill north west of this place a tower was built, for the purpose of enabling the inhabitants to watch the movements of the Indians, and to ob- tain seasonable notice of their approach. It stood on a elevat- ed rock. It is related, that early in the evening of a cloudy day the sentinel discovered Indians lurking in the woods at only a small distance from him. By inadvertence a large portion of the guns which belonged to the fort, had been left at the tower. The sentinel knew, that if he gave the alarm the inhabitants would come for their guns and thus be exposed to the Indians, who were ready to destroy them. In this state of things he waited till it became quite dark. In the mean time he examined all the guns and prepared for an attack. At length he dis- charged a gun towards a place where he had seen the Indians. They returned his fire. As he was not exposed to injury from their muskets, he took a second piece ; and whenever one of their guns was discharged, he fired at the light occasioned by it. Thus single handed he carried on for some hours a contest with them. At length the firing ceased. In the morning blood was found in several places in the vicinity of the tower. It is not improbable, that several Indians were either killed or severely wounded. Mark's Garrison stood near the south west end of Wickaboag Pond, on a knoll below the junction of the waters of the pond with the Quaboag River. It is related that one day Mrs. Marks being left alone, discovered hostile Indians in the neigh- borhood of the garrison waiting for a favorable opportunity to attack the settlement. She immediately put on her husband's wig, hat, greatcoat, and taking his gun, went to the top of the fortification, and "marched backwards and forwards vociferating like a vigilant sentinel, all 's well, all 's well." This led the In- dians to believe, that they could not take the place by surprise, and fearing the result of an open, or protracted assault, they re- rcated without doingan y injury. APPENDIX. £3 Goss' Garrison stood west of Wickaboag Pond near the pre- sent residence of Mr. Isaac Gleason. Jenings', or Banister's Garrison is supposed to have stood north east of the South Parish meeting house near the junction of the road from North Brookneld with that to Boston. Some, however, think, that it was south of the meeting house and beyond the river. N. " I cannot obtain information enough to enable me to point out the exact order of time, or the day, month or year in which some of the skirmishes and slaughters happened in this town. The first mischief was in the latter end of July or beginning Jof August, 1692. A party of Indians came into the town and broke up two or three families. Joseph Woolcot, being at work a little distance from his house, his wife being fearful took her children and went out to him. When they returned to the house at noon they found the Indians had been there, for his gun and several other things were missing. And looking out at a window he saw an Indian at some distance coming towards the house. He immediately sent out his wife and his two little daughters to hide themselves in the bushes ; and he taking his little son under his arm and his broad axe in his hand, went out with his dog in sight of the Indian. The dog being large and fierce, attacked the Indian so furiously, that he was obliged to discharge his gun at the dog to rid himself of him : immediately upon which Woolcot set down the child and pursued the Indian till he heard the bullet roll down his gun (the Indian charging as he ran) he then turned back, snatched up his child and made his escape through the swamps to a fort. His wife being great- ly terrified, discovered by her shrieks where she was; and the Indian soon found and dispatched both her and her children. Others of the party about the same time came into the house of one Mason, while the family were at dinner. They killed Ma- son and. one or two children, and took^his wife and an infant 64 APPENDIX. which they had wounded, and carried them off. They also. took two brothers, Thomas and Daniel Lawrence ; they soon despatched Thomas, pretending he had misinformed them about the number of men that were in the town. John Lawrence, their brother, rode with all haste to Springfield for assistance. A company under the command of Captain Coulton came with the greatest speed and pursued the Indians. They found Mrs. Mason's child, which the savages had knocked on the head and thrown away in the bushes ; and continuing their pursuit, they came upon the Indians' encampment, which was a sort of brush hedge, which they deridingly called " Englishmen's fort." The party waited till break of day, and then came so near as to put their guns through this brush and fire upon the Indians, 14 or 15 of whom were killed. The rest fled with such precipitation as to leave several of their arms, blankets, powder horns, &c. and their prisoners, Daniel Lawrence and Mrs. Mason, whom our men conducted back. — This same John Lawrence, who rode express and procured the company that rescued the above- mentioned prisoners, was afterwards going in company with one Samuel Owen in search of a man that was. missing : the Indians came upon them, killed Lawrence, but Owen escaped. — Mary Mcintosh was fired upon and killed as she was milking her cows. Robert Grainger and John Clary were passing along the road on a certain day ; and being fired upon by the savages, Grainger was killed on the spot ; Clary attempted to escape, but had not fled far before he also was shot down. — At another time Thomas Battis of Brookfield riding express to Hadley, was killed in the wilderness, in a place now called Belchertown. — Early one morning John Woolcot, a lad about 12 or 14 years old, was riding in search of the cows, when the Indians fired at him, killed his horse under him and took him prisoner. The people at Jennings' garrison hearing the firing, and concluding the people at another garrison were beset, six men set out for their assistance, but were waylaid by the Indians. The English saw not their danger till they saw there was no escaping it. And therefore, knowing that an Indian could not look an Englishman APPENDIX. 65 iii the face and take a right aim, they stood their ground pre- senting their pieces wherever they saw an Indian without dis- charging them, excepting Abijah Bartlett, who turned to flee and was shot dead. The Indians kept firing at the rest, *nd wound- ed three of them : Joseph Jennings in two places, one ball graz- ed the top of his head, by which he was struck blind for a mo- ment; another ball passed through his shoulder wounding his collar bone; yet by neither did he fall, nor was he mortally wounded. Benjamin Jennings was wounded in the leg, and John Green in the wrist. They were preserved at last by the follow- ing stratagem. A large door hearing the firing came to our men ; one of whom, to encourage his brethren and intimidate Ihe In- dians, called out " Captain Williams is come to our assistance, for here is his dog." The Indians seeing the dog and knowing Williams to be a famous warrior, immediately fled, and our men escaped. John Woolcot, the lad abovementioned, was carried to Canada, where he remained six or seven years, during which time, by conversing wholly with Indians, he not only entirely lost his native language, but became so naturalized to the sava- ges, as to be unwilling for a while to return to his native coun- try.* Some years afterwards, viz. in March, 1728, in a time of peace, he and another man having been hunting, and coming down Connecticut river with a freight of skins and fur, they were li*ailed by some Indians; but not being willing to go to them, they steered for another shore. The Indians landed at a little distance from them ; several shots were exchanged, at length Woolcot was killed. " The last mischief which was done by the savages in Brook- * The difficulty of retaining in civilized society those who had been so long 1h captivity, as to become accustomed to savage life, was often very great. A singular instance is found in page 240 of the Record of Lands. " December 9th. 1714, then granted to Margaret Otice, alias Lebue one that was a prisoner in Canada and lately come from thence, forty acres of upland in Brookfield and twenty acres of meadow; provided she returns not again to live in Canada, but tarries in this province or territory and marries to Captain Thomas Baker." The proposal was accepted. Captain Baker was the first representative sent from this town to the General Court. 6* 66 APPENDIX. field, was about the 20th of July, 1710. Six men, viz. Ebene zer Haw ard, John .White, Stephen and Benjamin Jennings, John Grosvenor, and Joseph Kellog, were making hay in the meadows, when the Indians, who had been watching an oppor- tunity to surprise them, sprung suddenly upon them, dispatched five of them, and took the other (John White) prisoner. White, spying a small company of our people at some distance jumped from the Indian that held him and ran to join his friends ; but the Indian fired after him, and wounded him in the thigh, by which he fell ; but soon recovering and running again, he was again fired at and received his death wound." Rev. Dr. Fiske. G. "October 12th, 1716. Whereas about three years since the General Court allowed to the ministry in Brookfield twenty- pounds ; of which sum Mr. Elmer who left the ministry there so as he had but one half of said sum paid to him, there remains ten pounds of said donation ; the Committee judge it meet t his last part be paid to Mr. Thomas Cheney the present minister, as part of his salary." How many such grants from the General Court the town of Brookfield obtained, is not known but in one instance. That was on the petition of the inhabitants in 1698, then consisting but of twelve families. The document mani- fests so worthy a spirit in those early settlers, and the civil rulers of those times, that it deserves to be published, for a memorial of them. The petition of the inhabitants of Brookfield to the Honored General Court, assembled at Boston, Nov. 1698, humbly aheweth : — First. That we seem to be called of God, to continue our habitation in this place, we are low in the world, and it would be a breaking thing to our estates, to remove to any other plan- tation. And the land here is very capable of entertaining a considerable body of people ; though inhabitants have been slow APPENDIX. 67 to come to us by reason of the war, yet the land is very encour- aging, capable to afford a comfortable subsistence to many fa- milies. Second. That it is an intolerable burden to continue as we have done, without tbe preaching of the word. God doth re- quire not only family worship, but his public worship : it is the ordinance of God that on the Sabbath day, there should be an holy convocation : and that his word be preached by those that are able and faithful, and our necessities put us upon it earnest- ly to desire it ; both we and our children, need the instructions, rebukes and encouragements of the word : the darkness and deadness of our own hearts, together with the many snares that are in the world, and an experimental conviction to us, that we need all those helps and advantages that God hath sanctified for our good. Third. That we are not able at present to maintain the wor- ship of God; we are but 12 families, and are not of estate suf- ficient to give suitable encouragement to a minister ; we are willing to do to the outside of our ability ; but though as much as can be expected from us, it will not amount to such a sum as a minister may reasonably require for his labor. Fourth. That if this Honored Court would please to pity us, and grant us some help for a few years, for the maintenance of a godly, able minister, besides the advantage that it may l?&\to these few families that are here, it would be a means of bring- ing many other inhabitants to us, whereby we shall be so far assisted, that we may of ourselves, be able to uphold the wor- ship of God, and not be burdensome to others. Under these considerations we humbly beg, that this Honored Court would exercise compassion to us, and assign some relief to us out of the public treasury, which we shall look upon, not- only as a testimony of your zeal for the worship of God, but also of your tender compassion to the souls of those, whom God hath made you fathers of: and your petitioners shall pray, &c Read, Nov. 23 1698. 68 APPENDIX. In answer to the above petition, Ordered that there he twenty pounds paid out of the public Treasury of this Pro- vince, towards the support of an orthodox minister for one year to commence from^ the time of the settlement of such minis- ter amongst them. Sent up to the Honorable the Lieuten- ant Governor and Council for Concur- rence. Nathaniel Byfield, Speaker. Read in Council, Nov. 24, 1698, with the Representatives, and f Samuel O. Owen; his mark. Thomas Barnes, Hervey Gilbert, Stephen Gennings, Jno. Woolcott, James Pettee, Samuel Davie, William Barnes, Thomas Parsons, Thomas Rich, Abyan Bartlett Daniel Price, Jno. Clary, Joseph Marks, [_ John Pettee. voted a concurrence Isaiah Addington, Secretary. Congregational Muting Houses. The first meeting house stood on Foster's Hill about half & mile south east of the present meeting house, It was on the north side of the old road to the south Parish, about equally distant from the house of Mr. Baxter Barnes and that of Mr. Tyler Marsh. The place in which th* people met during the thirty years which elapsed after their return from dispersion and before the building of the second meeting house, cannot now be ascertain- ed. From their constant exposure to the irruptions of the In- dians, it is probable, that according to the customs of insulated settlements at that time, they met in a fortified place. As Gil- bert's Fort was in the centre of the settlement, it is not unlikely, that for many years the inhabitants assembled there for public worship. For a few years previously to the building of the second meeting house it seems quite probable, that they met in APPENDIX. 69= l house, which stood nearly opposite to the residence of Mr. Jaxter Barnes. A building, called the TOWN HOUSE stood n that place ; and after the completion of the second meeting louse, was given to the Reverend Mr. Cheney, on the condi- ion, that he would release the town from that part of their con- ract in which they had agreed to build him a house. The second meeting house was built on the ground, where he first had stood. The records of the town with the doings of he Committee thereon will give a distinct view of the house ind illustrate the circumstances, in which the work was under- aken. "Nov. 22, 1715. The Inhabitants of Brookfield agreed by he consent of the Committee to build a Meeting-house wherein o carry on the worship of God ; in form and manner as fol- oweth, viz. 45 feet in length, 35 feet in width, and to put in rallery pieces so that they may build galleries when they shall lave occasion ; and to carry on the building the said house as far is they can conveniently with their labors, and what shall be required in money for the carrying said work to be raised by a Lown rate and if any person or persons refuse to labor, having suitable warning by the committee hereafter mentioned, they shall pay their proportion in money. The inhabitants likewise agree to get the timber this winter." " The Committee unanimously agree that the inhabitants build a meeting house wherein to attend the worship of Cod which shall be set up and erected in said place where formerly the meeting house was built near old John Ayres' house lot lying near about the centre of the town." The third meeting house was built in 1755, and stood on the place which the present meeting house occupies. It was 45 feet in length and 35 in breadth. In 1794 it was removed and appropriated to the use of Parish and Town Meetings. The present meeting house was raised in 1794, and completed the next year. Length of the house including the west porch 80 feet, length of the body 65 feet, breadth 55. It was dedicated November 10th 1795. In 1838, 43 years from the time of its 70 APPENDIX. being built, the present meeting house was entirely remodeled. Jt was wheeled round to a right angle with its former position, and carried back about a rod in the rear of its original site. An addition was made, on each side of the old porch, the ex- tent of the building; making the length 80 feet, the breadth 52 feet. A steeple was erected instead of the former cupola 92 feet in height and bears the vane which was on the old meeting house. A projection of six feet with four pillars were added in front. — Beneath the building a new basement story was formed, 65 feet in length, 52 in width, which is divided into two apart- ments ; one for a vestry, the other for a Town Hall. By slid- ing doors the two may be thrown together whenever occasion may so require. The house was dedicated January 1, 1839. Rev. Mr. VVinslow, of Boston, preached the dedication Sermon. The old house was appraised at $1488. The cost of the. new, including the chandelier, stoves and other incidental ex* penses, was $5488. The pews sold for more than the apprais- ed value, 81165. The cost of finishing vestry and Town Hall, $300. Second Parish, now North Brookfield. The first meeting house was raised in 1749 and completed after n few years. This house was occupied for public worship till January, 1824, when a new one situated about half a mile north of the old one was completed. It is a neat and commodious edifice. Third Parish. The meeting house in the south Parish was raised in April, 1754. It was the design of the party, who erected the frame-, eventually to induce the inhabitants of the First parish to unite with them in completing and occupying the house. When the subject was presented to the General Court, an injunction was issued against the proceeding, till some order should be given by the Court : a viewing committee was appointed, who reported APPENDIX. 7 J i favor of a separation, and of the incorporation of a third irish. This report was accepted November 8ih, 1754. For any years, little was done towards a completion of the house, > will appear from the report of a parish committee, April J 9th, 758. " The pew spots set out and numbered shall be sold, or ranted as prized to such persons in the third precinct being eeholders ; giving the first offer and choice to the person, who highest upon r the town list in rateable estate and personal, as le list now stands in the clerk's office : and if refused by the rst on the list, said spot shall be offered to the next highest a the list, and so to be sold, or granted in succession, till said >ots are all taken up and sold. Also that the purchaser may ay for the spot in such materials, as shall be suitable for finish- ig the meeting house ; also the purchaser shall give his note of and to a Committee, which said precint shall appoint for to ^ceive notes of hand for said sum or sums of money, or mate- als as the purchaser shall give, and to agree with the purchas- r and allow him a reasonable price for the stuff; and that the otes shall be payable in six months, and the Committee shall e obliged to use the money and materials in finishing the meet- ig house, as the precinct shall give orders to said Committee 'ithin eighteen months. Also every purchaser shall be obliged ) build his pew upon said spot, and ceil up to the windows and ase the windows and the parts within the limits of the grant up ) the gallery, or the first girt ; if not the purchaser shall forfeit le before mentioned pew spot to the precinct to be disposed of s if it had not been taken up." This report was accepted, and I was voted, " that the precinct Committee be a Committee to ispose of the new spots according to the report and to take otes and to call in and receive the money, or materials of the urchasers of the pew spots; to provide stuff to build a pulpit, leacons seats and minister's pew, and to make use of the over- plus towards finishing the meeting house according to the pre- inct order, if any there be. The dimensions of the house were, length 55 feet, breadth 12 feet. In 1790 it underwent a thorough repair. A porch 13 72 APPENDIX. feet square was built surmounted by a steeple. The back body seats below and above were removed, and pews were construct- ed in the places which they occupied. In 1811 a clock was presented for the meeting house by Cheney Reed, Esq. on the condition that the parish would keep it in repair. In 1836 this meeting house was entirely rebuilt, (except the body of the frame) and remoddeled. The porch and steeple, at the west end, were taken down, the frame removed south some sixty feet, a projection, pillars and steeple added at the east end ; which makes the front or entrance, and a basement story formed be- neath. The whole is finished in a neat style. The story on the ground, called the Town Hall, is commodiously fitted up for holding Town meetings, and for other literary occasions. The cost of the whole about $3500. The Meeting house of the Evangelical society in South Brook- field was raised in 1828, and was dedicated August 13th, of the same year. The dimensions of the house are, length, 50 feet, breadth, 42 feet. In 1833 the Evangelical Society was present- ed with a bell for their Meeting House weighing about 600 pounds, by Messrs Jabez & George Howe & Samuel Johnson of Boston. Also in the same year the society was presented with a suit of lamps, one astral, and 9 others — for lighting the pulpit and Church: by Henry Banister of Newburyport, also with a handsome table for the Communion Service by Miss Martha Tufts. Since the building of the Meeting house, the basement story has been finished at the joint expense of Capt. William Howe and his son Francis. It is of the same extent as the house ; is well lighted and divided into two rooms : the one 42ft by 20, the other 42 by 30. The former for holding religious conferences, &c, the latter to be united with the compartment, by removing the moveable partition, for the accommodation of the Town to hold Town-meetings, Burying Yards. The place of the first burials is not known. Tradition fixes APPENDIX. 73 it somewhere in the fields eastward of the meeting house in the first parish. It probably was near a road, which in the first settlement of the town connected Foster's Hill with the Con- neticut road in the neighborhood of Deacon Samuel Barnes. The old Burying Ground in the first parish began to be used a*s a depository of the dead soon after the return of the inhabi- tants from the dispersion in Philip's war. Two men, who were killed by the Indians between this place and North Brookfield, are said to have been the first that were interred there. The six men, who in 1710 were killed in the meadows between this place and the South Parish, were soon afterwards buried near them. The six graves are still discernible in the line next west of Mr. Cornelius White's. It is often asked, why was a place se- lected so far from a public road. To this it is necessary only to say, that the ancient road from Boston to Hartford passed over the plain a little north of the meeting house, and through the fields along the east side of the burying yard. The first interments in the present burying ground were those •of Doctor Whitman Gilbert and Lieutenant John Phipps, on the 10th of January, 1809. South Parish. The burying ground in the South Parish began to be used as a depository of the dead, probably as early as 1720. Q. M At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookfield, on April the 5th, 1716. Voted that Thomas Barnes be moderator for said day. Voted that Edward Walker, Senior, Joseph Banister, and Elisha Rice, do further discourse Mr. Cheney, as to his propo- sals in order to settlement in said place, to carry on the work of the ministry. Having considered Mr. Cheney's proposals, the inhabitants voted to give Mr. Cheney for his salary, fifty-two pounds yearly for three years, and to rise forty shillings a year •until it comes to seventy pounds, and there to stay. 2dly. Voted 7 74 APPENDIX. that Mr. Cheney have all the land that the Committee propose to give him. 3dly. Voted to build him a house and barn according to the direction he has given ; Mr. Cheney providing glass and nails and iron. 4thly. Voted to break up, and fence in, and fit to sow, eight acres of land ; four acres upon the hill, 2 acres to be planted out with orcharding this year, and 4 acres to be broke up on the plain this year, the other two acres to be done within four years. 5thly. Voted to get Mr. Cheney twenty five cords of wood yearly his lifetime. 6thly. Voted to give Mr. Cheney each man one day's work yearly for six years, his house and barn to be built in four years, always provided Mr. Cheney be our ordained minister. Thomas Barnes, Moderator. Approved and allowed by the Committee for Brookfield, May 16th, 1716, provided Mr. Cheney be their settled minister three years. Samuel Partridge. John Pynchon. Samuel Porter. Ebenezer Pomrot. July 16, 1717. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Brook- field. Voted, the third Wednesday in October next is appointed and set apart for Mr. Cheney's ordination. Voted that the town celebrate and set apart a day of fasting and prayer to implore God's presence with us in this solemn and weighty matter, which day is left to Mr. Cheney to appoint ; full and clear votes. R. To his Excellency Samuel Shute, Esq. Captain-General and; Governor in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of Mas- sachusetts Bay in New England. — The honorable Council and Representatives convened in General Court the 28th of May, 1718. APPENDIX. 75 We undernamed the Committee for Brookfield after many dis- appointments by War and otherwise which for a long time the people have labored under, by the good providence of God are now so increased, that they are now near fifty families on the place, have near finished a very convenient meeting house, have settled a Church and ordained an orthodox and learned minis- ter, we humbly propose, that they be made a Township, to order nil the affairs of a Township according to the direction of the Jaw by themselves, and said committee released ; which we sub- mit to the Courts determination and for your Excellency and Honors shall ever pray. Samuel Partridge, i Committee Samuel ^orter. > for LuivE Hitchcock. J Brookfield. In the House of Representatives November 12th, 1718, read and ordered that the prayer of this petition be granted and that the inhabitants of the town of Brookfield be invested with all the powers, privileges and authorities to direct, order and man- age all the affairs of the said township, that other towns are or ought to be invested with ; and that the Committee be dismissed from their care of them with the thanks of Court for their faithful service. Agreed the said town to lye to the county of Hampshire* Sent up for concurrence, John Burrell, Speaker. In Council, November 12th, 1718. Read and concurred, with the amendments sent down for con- currence, J. Willard, Secretary A true copy from the files, Examined, J. Willard, Secretary. At a great and general Court or Assembly of his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England held at Boston on Wednesday the 4th November, 1719. December 3d 1719. A petition of Thomas Barnes and others of the select * Worcester County was incorporated April 2d, 1731, and Brookfield was ©eluded within its limits. 76 APPENDIX. men of the town of Brookfield in behalf of said town shewing that by an order of the General Court held in May, 1701, the Committee for the said town were directed to survey and make a plot of the said township containing by grants the contents of eight miles square, and lay before the Court such plot for further consideration of the bounds of the said township : that the same has been cut; the plot being mislayed and no act of the Court passed thereon : therefore praying that the said survey and plot may be accepted and confirmed and that the inhabitants may have the same power and privileges, that other towns are vested with. In the house of Representatives read and resolved that the prayer of this petition be granted, and that the bounds of the township of Brookfield be granted, confirmed and estab- lished accordingly and agreeable to a plot thereof and here- with exhibited, taken by Timothy Dwight surveyor; and that the inhabitants that now are, or hereafter shall be, are in- vested with all the powers, privileges and authorities that other towns have, and, that the choice of town officers made for said town in March is hereby approved and confirmed. In council read and concurred, Consented to, Samuel Shute. As the population increased in the neighborhood of Brook- field, new towns were formed ; and in their incorporation some of them obtained portions of the territory included in this grant. A large part of the town of Warren, a small portion of New Braintree, and of Ware, and the whole of North-Brookfield, ori- ginally belonged to this town. Its present boundaries are north by New-Braintree, and North-Brookfield; east, by Spencer and Charlton ; south, by Sturbridge and Brimfield ; west, by War- ren and Ware. It is said to contain about 27,000 acres of sur- face. Few towns present so varied and pleasing scenery. There are two extensive ponds ; one in the west parish called Wicka- boag, the other in the south parish, called Quaboag. Two streams (rising from several sources in Oakham, Paxton and Spencer, the one called by the first settlers " Five mile River," and re* APPENDIX. 77 jeniiy " Mill River ;" and the other " Seven mile River") form a unction and empty into the north-eastern part of Quaboag pond, ^ear the north-western corner of the pond is an outlet called iuaboag river, which proceeds slowly in its channel through iitensive meadows, till it arrives near the south-west part of yVickaboag pond ; where it receives from this pond a tributary, tnd takes the name of Lashaway. In Warren and Palmer it eceives many other tributaries, takes the name of Chickopee, md passes westward, till it empties into the Connecticut. Brooks and small streams intersect the town in various direc- ions, contributing to the fertility of the soil, the]amenity of the >lace, and the convenience of the cattle ; but for want of descent hey are not suitable for mills. There are several springs, whose waters are sufficiently im- )regnated with iron and other minerals to be highly useful in ;ome diseases. The chalybeate springs of the South Parish lave been a resort of invalids ; and many are said to have been elieved by the use of the water. There is also a spring on the border of the pond near the meeting house in the first parish, [n the fall and winter it has often been covered by the rise of he pond. In the few cases, in which its waters have been used or dispepsia and similar diseases, it has been found highly bene- icial. A project is formed to protect the spring from the occa- sional inundation of the pond and to render it a pleasant resort. The waters of the pond seem to be impregnated in a small iegree with iron. Vast quantities of ore have been annually :aken from it and transported to the Foundry. Representatives in the Legislature of Massachusetts. 1719 Thomas Baker. From this time to 1731,1 have not been able to learn that the town was represented. 1731 Joseph D wight 1735 Joseph D wight 1732 Samuel Barnes 1736 Joseph D wight 1733 Joseph Dwight 1737 none 1734 Joseph Dwight 1738 Joseph Dwight 7* 78 APPENDIX". 1739 Joseph Dwight 1740 Josiah Converse 174 I Joseph Dwight 174*2 Josiah Converse 1743 Josiah Converse 174 i Thomas Gilbert 1745 Josiah Converse 1745 Thomas Gilbert 1747 Josiah Converse 17S0 Dwight Foster 1781 Phineas Upham 1782 Phineas Upham 17S3 Benjamin Rice 1784 Benjamin Rice 1785 Phineas Upham 1786 Daniel Forbes 1787 Daniel Forbes Nathaniel Jenks 1748 Joseph Dwight | Speaker 1749 Josepl l Dwight ) i Dwight ) of the House. 1750 Josiah Converse 1751 Joseph Dwight 1752 none — and in conse- quence of their failure the town was fined £ 14. 1753 William Ayres 1754 1755 1756 Jabez Upharrr 1757 Jabez Upham 1758 Jabez Upham 1759 Jabez Upham 1760 Jabez Upham 1761 Jedediah Foster 1762 1763 (C << 1764 (( ii 1765 II <« 1766 II tt 1767 II tt 1768 II tt 1769 II tt 1770 tt tt 1771 tt tt 1772 tt tt 1773 tt it 1774 it a 1775 it tt 1776 Benjamin Rice 1777 John Phii pps , James Converse Benjamin Rice 1778 John Lyscomb 1779 Jedediah Foster 1788 Daniel Forbes 1789 Daniel Forbes 1790 Daniel Forbes 1791 Dwight Foster 1792 Dwight Foster 1793 Thomas Hale, jun, 1794 Thomas Hale, jun. 1795 Thomas Hale, jun. 1796 Thomas Hale, jun. 1797 Phineas Upham 1798 Thomas Hale 1799 John Cutler 1800 John Cutler 1801 John Cutler 1802 John Cutler 1803 John Culler 1304 Jabez Upham 1805 Jabez Upham 1806 Jabez Upham 1807 Oliver Crosby 1808 Dwight Foster Rufus Hamilton Oliver Crosby Isaac Nichols 1809 Dwight Foster Oliver Crosby Rufus Hamilton Simeon Draper- 1810 Thomas Hale Oliver Crosby Elisha Hammond- Rufus Hamilton 1811 Thomas Hale Oliver Crosby appej Jabez Upham fDIX. Ebenezer Merriam Elijah Clapp 1828 Alanson Hamilton 1812 Oliver Crosby John Homans Elisha Hammond 1829 Simeon Draper Simeon Draper Ebenezer Merriam 1813 Samuel B. Rice Alanson Hamilton Oliver Crosby 1830 Simeon Draper 1814 Seth Field Alanson Hamilton Oliver Crosby 1831 Abraham Skinner 1815 Elisha Hammond 1832 Solomon Gilbert Simeon Draper Rufus Harrington 1816 Simeon Draper 1833 Solomon Gilbert Israel Smith Kufus Harrington Samuel B. Rice 1834 Lewis Abbott 1817 Seth Field Isaac Gleason Simeon Draper 1835 Ebenezer Merriam 1818 Seth Field Lewis Abbott Simeon Draper 1830 Ebenezer Merriam 1819 Simeon Draper Lewis Abbott Seth Field 1837 Harrison Hathaway IS20 none Aaron Kimball 1821 Joseph W. Hamilton 1838 Ebenezer Prouty 1822 Seth Field Silvanus Thomas 1823 none 1839 Amos Prichard 1824 none Francis Howe 1825 Thomas Bond 1840 Luther S to well 1826 Heman Stebbins 1841 none 1827 John Horn an s 1842 Francis Howe 79 The following inhabitants of Erookficld have been Senators for the county of Worcester in the Legislature of Massachusetts during the period designated by the dates connected with their respective names. 1780 Honorable Joseph Dorr* 1783. 1798 Honorable Thomas Hale 1810. 1808 Honorable Pliny Merrick 180S. 1815 Honorable Oliver Crosby 1818. Representatives in Congress. 1793 Honorable Dwight Foster 1801. 1807 Honorable Jabez Upham 1809. * At the time of his election he resided in Ward. 80 APPENDIX. Senator in Congress. 1800 Honorable D wight Foster 1803. s. At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Brookfield on Mon- day the 28th day of November, 1743. Then voted Joseph Dwight, Esq. moderator for said meeting. After a long debate the question was put by the moderator, whether they would grant the prayer of the petition of Captain Witt and others, praying to be set off a separate precinct with butts and bounds as set forth in said petition and it passed in the negative. — Then voted that the petitioners and such others of the northeasterly part of the said town, who shall signify their desire under their hands to the clerk of the town therefor within three months from this day, provided their possessions do not exceed a third part of the said town for quantity and quality be set off a distinct and separate parish. And then voted to concur with the vote of the Church in their choice of Mr. Elisha Harding to be their minister. December 22d. Met according to appointment, and after a considerable debate thereon voted that there be given and grant- ed to Mr. Elisha Harding for his encouragement to settle in the Gospel ministry in said town the sum of one thousand pounds old tenor currency. 2dly. Voted that there be given and grant- ed to the said Mr. Elisha Harding for his yearly salary and sup- port during the time of his continuance in the ministry aforesaid the sum of five hundred pounds old tenor currency accounting the same as though to be paid in Indian corn at 20s. per bushel and rye at 305. per bushel, and wheat at 40s. per bushel, and so the five hundred pounds to be diminished or increased yearly in proportion to the prices of those commodities as they shall yearly rise or fall and be commonly bought or sold in said town ; provided he release to the town all right to the ministry lands or in case he inclines to have the improvement thereof he have the liberty thereof allowing and paying as much as any other person or persons would give therefor. APPENDIX. 81 In consequence of the annoyance occasioned by Indians in- itigated and employed by the French it was deemed expedient to undertake an expedition for the conquest of Canada. Exten- sive preparations were made by the inhabitants of this place to bear their part in carrying the project into execution. Arms and ammunition were procured and stored in the house of General Dwight, now owned by Mr. Nathaniel Lynde. Winter was re- garded as the most favorable time for the expedition., and hence a quantity of " snow shoes" were made and deposited in the same place to facilitate the enterprise.* At a town meeting in May, 1776, the question was asked " whether the town would support the Honorable Congress in the measure, if they for our safety should see fit to declare the colonies independent of Great Britain, and it passed in the af- firmative almost unanimously," and during the whole of that eventful struggle they did not yield to despondency, nor fail to redeem the pledge which they had given. In 1787, when the insurgents under Shays disturbed the peace of the State and threatened to destroy our civil institutions, the inhabitants of this place were not uninterested spectators of the scene. And though it is admitted, that a portion of them were found in the ranks of the insurgents, yet it cannot be denied, that the government received from the remainder a prompt and effi- cient co-operation. A company was sent to Worcester to pro- tect the Court about to sit in that place. These were soon or- dered to Springfield. Others from the town were added to them. The troops from Brookfield on the side of the govern- ment consisted of a company of Infantry from the South Parish, U portion of Colonel Crafts' Regiment of Cavalry, and a compa- ny of Volunteers from the town at large, under the command of * The " snow shoes" remained in the house till after the reduction of Que- bec by General Wolfe in 1759: In the winter of 1761, or 2, several paira of them were borrowed by Mr. Jesse Abbot and his friends to effect the interment of a person, who died when there was an unusual depth of snow. Q2 APPENDIX. Colonel Jeduthan Baldwin, as Captain ; Colonel Banister, and Major Goodale, as Lieutenants. This Company, joined to Col- onel Crafts' Troop, and conveyed in sleighs, was very efficient. They were sent on in expedition to a town, then called Mur- rayfield, to intercept provisions destined for Shays' men from Berkshire, guarded by 50 soldiers under the command of Colonel Ludington. By a rush on the village at midnight the whole party was taken with 14 sleigh loads of provisions and safely lodged the next day at Northampton. The next day the little remnant of Shays' men were pursued and routed at Peters- ham. U. Before giving a list of the individuals of this town, who have received collegiate honors, it is proper to mention the following persons, who either resided elsewhere at the time of their grad- uation, or did not receive the advantage of literary Institutions. Brigadier General Joseph Dwight was the son of Henry Dwight of Hatfield, born October 16th, 1703, settled at Brook- field, removed to Great Barrington, and died June 9th, 1765. He was graduated at Harvard College, 1722. Admitted to the practice of Law at Worcester on the first establishment of the county, was a member of the Council, Colonel of the Militia, Brigadier General in the expedition against Louisburg in the year 1745, and afterwards Judge of the Court in the County of Berkshire. The following notice of the late Judge Upham of New Brunswick, taken from a recent publication by Geo. A. Ward, containing Biographical Notices of many American Loyalist3 and other eminent men, is thought deserving a place in this list of individuals of this town, who have received collegiate and civil honors. " Joshua Upham, Esq. the son of Dr. Upham of Brookfield, was born in that town in 174L He was graduated at Harvard University in 1763 in a class with several who afterwards acted im- APPENDIX. 83 portant parts on the general stage. One of the first woolen fac- tories ever attempted in this country he established in 1768, at Brookfield. On finishing his professional studies, he was admit- ted to the bar in Worcester, August 1765. He commenced practice in his native Town, pursued his business with success- ful assiduity in the courts, till 1776, or the following year. He removed from Brookfield to Boston, where he resided till 1778, and thence to New York, where he continued during the re- mainder of the War. While in New York, he was aid-de-camp to Sir Guy Carlton, and before he left the British army, became a Colonel of dragoons. On the organization of the government of the province of New Brunswick in 1784, Upham, who had been one of the first settlers there, returned to his favorite science, the law. He svas appointed Judge of the highest court in the province, and sustained the important and responsible duties of his office with ndustry and ability. In 1807 he was selected by his brethren )n the bench to visit England, for the purpose of obtaining from ;he government a more perfect organization and arrangement jf the judiciary in the British American provinces. He fully succeeded in the object of appointment; but did not live to re- lurn to his country. He died in London in the year 1808." Honorable Jedediah Foster was born at Andover, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1744. and settled in Brookfield. [n 1754 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and of A.he Quorum for the county of Worcester. In 1751 he was appoint- ed a Major of forces raised for the defence of the country, arhen threatened with an invasion by the French advancing by tvay of Crown Point and lake Champlain. He was a member )f the " Provincial Congress" and at the commencement of hostilities with Great Britain and before the government was es- ;ablished, he was chosen by the people as Colonel of a Regi- ment. In July, 1755, he was appointed a member of the su- jreme Council. He was afterwards a Judge of Probate and al- so of the Supreme Court. In March, 1779, he was a member )f the convention at Cambridge for the purpose of forming a Constitution and a member of the Committee for drafting it. g4 APPENDIX. He died much lamented October 17th of the same year, aged 55. Honorable Joseph Dorr was graduated at Harvard College in 1752, settled in Ward, and afterwards removed to Brookfield^ where he died October 31st, 1808, aged 78. He was appoint- ed a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 177G and resigned in 1801. Judge of Probate in 1782, and resigned in 1800. In 1780 he was chosen senator for the county of Worcester. Honorable Pliny Merrick was graduated at Harvard Colleger in 1776, was appointed a Justice of the Court of Sessions in 1807, and in 1808 was chosen a Senator for the county of Wor- cester. He died March, 1814 aged 59. Honorable Oliver Crosby was born at Brookfield June 3d, 1766. Though he did not receive the advantages of a public education, yet by his solitary efforts, and the excitement produc- ed by a society* for mutual improvement, he acquired a strength of mind and an acquaintance with facts which qualified him to fill several important stations. In 1814 he was appointed a Jus- tice of the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1815 he was elected a Senator for the county of Worcester. He died July 24th, 1818. Honourable Diederick Leertouwer consul of their High Mightinesses, the States General of the United Netherlands for the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, resided many years in this town. He died August 24th, 1798, aged 38. His family have returned to Europe. GRADUATES OF DIFFERENT COLLEGES. //. U. denotes Harvard University. Y. C. Yale College. S. U. Brown University. D. C Dartmouth College. U. C. Union College. M. C. Middlebury College. W. C. Wil- liams College. A. C. Amherst College. Joshua Upham. H. U. 1763. Judge of the Supreme Court, in the Province of Mew-Brunswick. * This association was formed chiefly by the influence and enterprize of the Honorable Oliver Fiske. Its records are said to be still extant, jt is believed that a developement of the plan, exercises, and especially of the effects of this society would cast light on the subject of modern Lyceums — and furnish youUu with strong inducements to engage in the business of mutual instruction. APPENDIX. 35 Enos Hitchcock. H. U. 1767, D. D. Minister in Providence, R. I. Theodore Foster. B. U. 1770. Lawyer in Providence R. I. and for 13 years a member of the United States Senate. Dwight Foster. B. U. 1774. Lawyer in Providence and on the death of his father the Hon. Jedediah Foster, he returned to Brookfield. In 1779, he was elected a member of the conven- tion for forming the Constitution. He was commissioned a justice of the Peace and of the Quorum in 1788, Special Jus- tice of the Court of Common Pleas, for the county of Worcester 1792, and in June of the same year, High Sheriff of the Coun- ty. In 1792, He was chosen one of the Electors of President and Vice-President of the United States, He was commission- ed Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Worcester, in July, 1801 ; and continued in that office till 1811. He was a member of the Council of Massachusetts in 1818 ; and died April 29, 1823, aged 66. Tilly Rice. B. U. 1777. Samuel Hinckley. Y. C. 1781. Peletiah Hitchcock. H. U. 1785. Lawyer in Brookfield. Merrick Rice. H. U. 1785. Jabez Upham. H. U. 1785. Amos Crosby. H. U. 1786. Benjamin Joseph Gilbert. Y. C. 1786. Oliver Fiske. H. U. 1787. Physician in Worcester. Mem- ber of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Register of Deeds for the county of Worcester, from 1816, to 1821. Member of the Executive Council from 180S, to 1810, and from 1812 to 1815. Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum through the Common- wealth, and Special Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Worcester. George Baxter Upham. H. U. 1789. Lawyer in Claremont, N. H. and member of Congress. Phineas Walker. B. U. 1790. Judge of Probate, New- Hampshire. 8 gg APPENDIX. Samuel Fiske. H. U. 1793. Lovell Walker. D. C. 1794. Daniel Gilbert. D. C. 1796. John F. Jennison. D. C. 1797. William B. Bannister. D. C. 1797. Joseph Williston. H.U. 1799. Sailing Master United States'" Ship, Java. Mediterranean. Jonathan Parsons Hitchcock. B. U. 1799. Enos Cutler. B. U. 1800. Tutor from 1800 to 1801. Samuel Upham. D. C. 1801. Charles Gilbert. D. C. 1801. Henry G. Rice. H. U. 1802. John Reed. Y. C. 1803. John Foxcroft. H. U. 1807. Harvey Jenks. B. U. 1810. Joel Hawes. B. U. 1813. Pliny Merrick. H. U. 1814. Lawyer in Worcester. County Attorney. Samuel B. Rice. H. U. 1816. Alfred Dwight Foster. H. U. 1819. Henry Upham. H. U. 1819. John C. Nichols. Y. C. 1824. Lucius W. Clark. B. U. 1825. Caleb Sprague Henry. D. C. 1825. Israel Hamilton. M. C. 1825. Albert Spooner. U. C. 1826. Arad Gilbert. Y. C. 1826. Hollister B. Gilbert was three years a member of W. C. and took a dismission in 1S25. Since the incorporation of North Broohfield as a town the fol- lowing persons have been graduated, j Thomas Adams. D. C. 1814. Pastor of the Church in Vassalboro, Maine. Ebenezer Strong ' Snell. A. C. 1822. Chosen Tutor 1825, Preceptor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, 1827. APPENDIX. 87 The First Church, in Brookfield, was formed October 16th 1717, and is the oldest of those between Marlborough and the towns on Connecticut River. The Subjoined covenant is not known to have been materially altered since the formation of the Church. - You do now in the presence of the great and holy GOD, the elect Angels, and this assembly of witnesses, enter into a solemn and perpetual covenant, never to be forgotten, never to be broken. You sincerely and cordially give up yourself to that GOD whose name alone is JEHOVAH ; taking GOD the Father to be your GOD and Father, GOD the Son to be your only Sav- iour and Redeemer, GOD the Holy Ghost to be your Sanctifier and Comforter. You submit yourself to Christ, and accept him as the Pro- phet, Priest, and King of your soul, the Great Head of the Church, and the only Mediator of the covenant of grace ; pro- mising that by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, you will keep the covenant of the Lord inviolably ; that you will cleave to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith and Gospel obedience ; — and will endeavor to reform your life as to all known sin, whether open or secret; — will live in the conscientious discharge of all duty toward GOD and man ; — walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly ; — that you will endeavor that the inward temper of your mind be conformed to GOD's will and word ; — and that you will follow the excellent exam- pie which Christ has set you for the rule of your life. You also give up yourself to this Church in the Lord ; and freely covenant and bind yourself to walk as a regular member of Christ's church ; to obey them that have rule over you in the Lord — to read GOD's word, and to live in the practice of social and secret prayer, and in diligent attendance on the word g3 APPENDIX. preached, and ordinances administered : relying on the grace and all-sufficiency of Christ, which are sufficient for you — You promise to walk according to what you now know, or shall know to be your duty. Do you sincerely and cordially consent to the covenant now proposed ? We then receive you as a sincere disciple of Christ, and a member of the same church with ourselves, promising, so long as GOD shall continue you among us, to watch over you with meekness and brotherly love; and may the Lord add to the numbers and graces of his church, and finally bring us all to join the general Assembly, and Church of the Frst-born, whose names are written in heaven. Amen. Reverend Thomas Cheney was graduated at Harvard College, 1711. He is described as an acceptable preacher, and as sus- taining the character of a good man, and faithful pastor. He died December 11th, 1747, aged 57. During his ministry the Reverend George Whitfield passed through the town. Ma- ny of the people were desirous of heariug him ; but Mr. Che- ney was exceedingly reluctant. He had heard the calum- nies, which were circulated against this man of God, and feared, that the tendency of his visit would be to produce irreg- ularity. At length, however, he consented 'that the meeting house should be opened. By this time so many people were collected, that the house would not contain them and the meet- inff was held in a field northwest of the house now owned by Mr. Baxter Barnes. The rock on which Mr. Whitfield is sup- posed to have stood during his sermon, is often pointed out with pleasure. His labors were instrumental of exciting the attention and of inducing some of his hearers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. A revival ensued, of which Mr. Cheney was an active promoter. Many were added to the church. Of these none now remain. The last subject of this work of Grace died in 1819, aged 100 years and 7 months. APPENDIX. 89 V 2. tleverend Elisha Harding was graduated at Harvard College in 1745. The sermon at his ordination was preached by the Reverend Nathan Bucknam, pastor of the church in Medway, from Coll. iv. 17. It was printed. Mr. Harding is represented as " a man of singular probity and solid learning;" as one, who 1 from a child had known the Holy Scriptures,' and made them much the matter of his study. His public ministrations are de- scribed " as serious and calculated to edify and benefit his hearers." The difficulties respecting the location of the meet- ing house were the occasion of his dismission. It is believed, that he was not again settled in the ministry. V3. Reverend Joseph Parsons was the son of Reverend Joseph Parsons of Bradford (Mass.) and was graduated at Harvard Col- lege with the class of 1752. He was distinguished for the vi- vacity of his descriptions, the accuracy of his reasoning, and the persuasiveness, of his exhortations. In health he was a " promo- ter of peace, and an example of the christian virtues." His con- stitution, never strong, began at length to yield to the influence of slow and painful disease. He lingered nearly three years af- ter he became unable to discharge his ministerial duties, and was a " pattern of patience and resignation." He died " strong in faith and full of hope," January 17th, 1771, aged 37. y.4 Reverend Ephraim Ward, was born at Newtown, in 1741, and was graduated at Harvard University in 1763. The minis- try of Mr. Ward was long and peaceful. His characteristic mildness of disposition, and urbanity of deportment secured the affection of all with whom he had intercourse. " As a 8* 90 APPENDIX. preacher he was evangelical, plain and practical. He held a very respectable standing among his brethren in the ministry and in the neighboring churches. His apparent sincerity ared piety, the sound sentiments, and practical tendency of his dis- courses rendered them acceptable and edifying''* His example is remembered almost with veneration. He died at the advanc- ed age of 77. t Rev. Eliakim Phelps was born at Belchertown, March 20, 1790, and was graduated at Union College in 1814. Mr. Phelps continued in the ministry till 1826, when he received an invi- tation to become the principal of the Female Classical Semina- ry in this place. He accepted the invitation, asked a dismis- sion from his people and preached his farewell sermon on the 18th of June. His pastoral relation, however, was not dissolv- ed till the 25th of October, 1826. Rev. Joseph I. Foot was born at Watertown, Conn. Novem- ber 17th, 1796, was graduated at Union College in 1821, and during the next three years was a member of the Theological Seminary at Andover. At his ordination, Rev. Heman Hum- phrey, D. D. President of Amherst College, preached the ser- mon from 1 Cor. iii. 6. Mr. Foot was dismissed from his pas- toral charge at West Brookfield, May 1, 1S32. In 1833 he was called to take charge of the church and congregation of Salina, N. Y. where he labored two years. In 1835 he accept- ed a call from the church in Courland in the same state, and continued to labor there till 1837. In 1839, he accepted an invitation from the church in Noxville, East Tennessee, to be- come their pastor. Two months afterwards, he was chosen President of Washington College, in the same state. In the March following, he received from the College the degree of D. D. On Monday, the 20th of April, 1840, as he was riding to Washington College to be inaugurated president, his horse * Rev. Mr. Stone's Sermon at the interment of Rev. Mr. Ward, t Newtown in this article should have been Newton. APPENDIX. 91 took fright as he was descending a hill, and he was violently thrown against a rock ; by which occurrence, three of his ribs were broken, and his lungs pierced by the splinters. He lin- gered in great distress for 22 hours. On the next day, at 4 o'clock, P. M., the day before his expected inauguration, he expired in the 44th year of his age. Rev. Francis Horton was installed pastor over the church and congregation of West Brookfield, Aug. 15, 1332. Dis- missed, Sept. 15, 1841. Rev. Moses Chace was installed January 12, !842. w. The Second Church was formed May 28th, 1752. Rev. Eli Forbes D. D. was born at Westborough in 1726, and was graduated at Harvard College, in 1751. " In 1762, he went as a missionary to the Oneidas, amongst whom he esta- blished a church and instituted a school. On his return he broughtfour Indian youths, whom after educating, he sent back to instruct their nation. W.2- Rev. Joseph Appleton, was graduated at Brown University in 1772. In his intercourse with his people he is represented as l^ind and affectionate ; and in his public ministrations seri- ous and ardent. He died July 25th, 1795. W3. Rev. Thomas Snell was born at Cummington, Nov. 21', 1774, was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1795, and receiv- ed a Doctorate of Divinity from Amherst College, in 1828. X. The Third Church was formed April 15, 1756. Rev. Nathan Fiske, D, D, was born at Weston, April 6, 92 APPENDIX. 1733, and was graduated at Harvard College, 1754. He was a highly respectable scholar, and an able divine. In theological views "he was in favor of the pure doctrines of Calvanism, but called no man master. He took the sacred oracles for his guide: — and for investigating and understanding their mean- ing, he ranked high among critics.' 5 * He was no less distin- guished as a philanthropist and a patriot, than as a christian minister. November 24th, 1799, he preached from Prov, iv. 18. "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." At night he re- tired apparently in good health, and in his sleep, his spirit de- parted to its eternal home. Dr. Fiske's published works are, An Historical Sermon, 1775. A Sermon on the Public Fast, April 1776. Sermon on the death of Mr. Joshua Spoonter, 1778. Sermon on the death of Hon. Jedediah Foster, 1799. An Oration on the capture of Lord Cornwallis, October, 1781. A Sermon at the funeral of Mr. Josiah Hobbs, April, 1784. A volume of Sermons, 1794. A Dudleian Lecture, 1796. Two volumes of Essays originally published in various papers by Dr. Fiske were collected and republished after his death, and styled, the Moral Monitor. Mr. Isaac Averill was next invited to become pastor of thi3 church. His ordination was appointed October 1st, 1800, but he died suddenly on the 2Uth of September. X2. Rev. Micah Stone was born at Reading September 22, 1770, and was graduated at Harvard University in 1790. He was chosen Tutor in 1794, and continued in that office till 1795. The sermonf at his ordination was preached by his father, the Rev. Eliab Stone, pastor of the North Church in * See Rev. Mr. Ward's Sermon at the funeral of Dr. Fiske. Dr. Fiske built and occupied the house now owned and occupied by Rev. Mr. Stone, t It was printed. The text is Phil. ii. t. APPENDIX. 93 Reading. In 1827 his civil contract with the parish was dis- solved by mutual consent. He remained pastor of the church by terms of special agreement, and on the 24th of August, 1827, a new society was formed, denominated " The Evangel- ical Society in South Brookfield." With this society the Church united by vote, November 5th, 1827. Rev. Richard Woodruff was born in West Hartford, was graduated at U. C, and finished his Theological course at N, H. He was ordained colleague pastor, Feb. 5, 1834 : dismiss- ed at his request, September 12, 1838. Rev. Washington A. Nichols was born in Buckland, April 4, 1808; was graduated at A. C. 1834; finished his Theologi- cal course at Andover September, 1838, and was ordained col- league pastor, Sept. 12, 1838, and dismissed at his request through ill health, January 11, 1843. Rev. Lyman Whiting was born in North Brookfield, April 28,1817; finished his Theological course at Andover, Sep:* tember, 1842; and was ordained colleague pastor, January ll* fi 1843. Rev. George R. Noyes, was born at Newburyport, March 6th, 1798, was graduated Harvard University in 1818, and was appointed Tutor in 1825, and continued in office till 1827. Mr. Noyes discontinued his services by mutual consent with the Soeiety on the last Sabbath in September, 1834. Rev. Seth Alden their present minister commenced his stat- ed labors among them, October 18, 1835. Z. Baptist Society. As early as the year 1748, the Baptists held meetings in the eastern part of the town, and during forty years lectures were oc- casionally delivered by travelling ministers. In 1788, Mr. Jere* 94 APPENDIX. raiah Haskell was employed as a preacher, and continued his services a few years. In 1795 a commodious meeting house was erected, and afterwards well finished. The Society was in- corporated in 1800, and employed Mr. Nathaniel Price as their preacher. He was succeeded hy Reverend Laban Thurber, who was ordained in 1801, and closed his ministry in 1805. From 1805 to J8*5, the pulpit was supplied but a small part of the time. The number of members of Baptist Churches in the vicinity was only four. In 1815 the society employed Mr. John Chase then a licentiate, as a stated supply. A revival soon began. The subjects of it united with the Baptist Church in Sturbridge. In the year 1818 the number of mem! ers of Bap- tist churches residing in the vicinity was 37. These were con- stituted a distinct church and on the 10th of June, the Reverend John Chase, was ordained their pastor. " The following winter a revival began, and many were hopefully converted, and after- wards admitted to the church."* A Universalist Society was incorporated in IS12. A meeting house was built in 1820. The dimensions of the house are, length 43 feet, breadth 40 feet. Reverend John Bisbee, jun. was ordained in November, 1820, and received an invitation to be- come minister of a society in Hartford, Conn, in 1825, which he accepted. Methodist Societies. A Methodist Society was formed in the South Parish in 1826, and a meeting house erected the next year. The dimensions of the house are, length 45 feet, breadth 30 feet. •Rev. John Chnse died July 28, 1833. Rev. Benjamin B. Manning or- dained Jan. 1st 1S34; dismissed 1835. Rev. Winihrop Morse commenced his labors with the Society as Pastor in Nov. 1835; finished them 1839. Rev. J. H. Riekett, began "his ministry June 1S39; closed Oct. 1840. Rev. Job B. Boomer, the present pastor, commenced his ministry June 1841. The Meeting House erected in 1795, has been disposed of, and a neat and commodious one was built in the centre of their village, 52 ft. by 42; and dedicated, March 1840. Cost &3500. APPENDIX. 95 In the year 179S, the Methodists began to hold meetings in the north western part of the First Parish. About two years af- terwards a church was formed, and in 1823, a meeting house was erected. It is near to the line between Brookfield and Ware, and in the vicinity of a part of New Braintree and Hardwick. A. A. Mr. Whitfield passed through this town, and spent the night on his journey to visit Mr. Edwards of Northampton, in October 1740, and preached as mentioned by Mr. Foot. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. There have been two newspapers printed in this town. The Moral and Political Telegraph : Or Brookfield Advertiser, By Thomas and Waldo, 1794. The Political Repository and Farmers' Journal, By E. Merriam and Co., 1798. This paper was published but a few years. The printing of Books, how- ever, has ever since been extensively carried on. The Worcester and Brookfield Iron Foundry was incorporat- ed in June, 1826. PROFESSIONAL GENTLEMEN. Lawyers. Peletiah Hitchcock, H. U. 1875. Elisha Hammond. Y. C. 1802. Admitted to the Bar at Worcester, 1806. Jesse Bliss. D. C. 1808. Admitted to the Bar at Worcester, 1811. Arad Gilbert. Y. C. 1826: Physicians. Seth Field Lawson Mirick William Curtis. 96 APPENDIX. Justices of the Peace in Brookfield, 1843, Seth Field Edwin B. Taintor Jesse Bliss Francis Howe Elisha Hammond Otis Hayden Ebenezer Merriarn Arad Gilbert; Alanson Hamilton The BROOKFIELD ASSOCIATION of Ministers was formed at the Rev. Dr. Forbes 5 in North Brookfield, June 22d, 1757. It was composed of 16 members. The AUXILIARY FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY of the Brookfield Association was formed at Brookfield in 1824. The SABBATH SCHOOL UNION, of Brookfield, and the vicinity, was formed at Brookfield, June 18, 1828, and was composed of the Sabbath Schools in Barre, Brimfield, Brook- field, North Brookfield, New Braintree, Hardwick, Holland, Oakham, Palmer, Spencer, Southbridge, Wales, Ware and Warren. The SABBATH SCHOOL in the first Society, was first opened in 1817, by a few individuals, during the interval of di- vine service on the Sabbath. The next year it was attended by 70 scholars. In the spring of 1819, the number increased to 180. From that time to the present, it has been in success- ful operation. »CP Acknowledgments of obligation are due to the Rev. Micah Stone, of Brookfield, and the Hon. Oliver Fiske, of Worcester, for their assistance in various notes; and also to Joseph Willard, Esq., author of the history of Lan- caster, for a valuable communication offacts connected with the war of 1675. END o o o o o o F'WAMlW. Vrt m:£ mwmw ta-»^ ^M^&tS^ V A & 'a A i :: , /A *i /\ A i»ii«iMiWll llllte *iffi(i WHiiG'i^^ mmmm On „ Qa« aW\ 1 ^ ft ?»sw«* 2?a aft a^,p - - r *w imp mn liiJlim LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 077 299 9* * A • V ''^^V^ !/ ^ % ; - A" V ' \/VMS .,.■5 ««*.,£•:-•'■ ■■^ ft/$ - W^A/^J KlA. - Aa .^ >- ,, r AaA^A^ !iwr*ta