• 
 

 M HB R ST, 
 
i 7 3 i 1896 
 
 THE HISTORY 
 
 Town of Amherst, 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 PUBLISHED IN TWO PARTS. PARI' I.— GENERAL HISTORY 
 
 OF THE TOWN. PART II.— TOWN MEETING 
 
 RECORDS. COMPLETE IN ONE 
 
 VOLUME. 
 
 COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY 
 
 CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE. 
 
 AMHERST, MASS.: 
 $)rea» of (!* arpenter & ^Stoveljoxx^s. 
 
 1896. 
 

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 ^^WWBMMBS^ 
 
Zo the memory? of 
 
 THE "EAST INHABITANTS " OF HADLEY 
 
 AND OF THEIR 
 
 HONORED DESCENDANTS 
 
 WHO HAVE MADE THE TOWN - OF AMHERST 
 
 WHAT IT WAS AND IS 
 
 THIS VOLUME 
 
 IN LOVE AND REVERENCE 
 
 IS DEDICATED 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Amherst is child of Hadley, grandchild of Hartford and Wethers- 
 field, great-grandchild of the settlements that, clustering around Boston 
 Harbor, united to form the Province of the Massachusetts Bay. Never 
 was there more honored lineage, never a more honorable descendant. 
 The life-story of those strong men and true-hearted women who braved 
 the perils of the North Atlantic and dared the dangers of a wilderness 
 unknown that, in a stranger land, they might find the freedom which a 
 jealous and imperfect civilization denied, who built their rude cabins in 
 Roxbury and Cambridge and Charlestown, surrounding primitive meeting- 
 houses wherein they found "freedom to worship God," their story, rich in 
 heroism, in devotion to principle, in glorious self-sacrifice, has been written 
 and rewritten, in poetry and prose, in song and legend, in history and 
 romance, until it has become a classic. Nor has the historian slighted the 
 doings of that goodly company who sailed from Boston Harbor, rounded 
 Cape Cod, traversed the waters of Long Island Sound and ascended far up 
 New England's fairest stream, the broad Connecticut, until they reached the 
 fertile meadows where they planted the first inland settlement and called it 
 Hartford. Hadley's history has been written by a master hand, a noble 
 history, bravely written, a wealth of information secured to generations yet 
 to come. What of Amherst? A settlement in 1731, a district in 1759, a 
 town in 1776, its history has, up to this time, remained unwritten save in 
 the pages of old record books, with naught else to preserve it save the 
 memory of succeeding generations. The history of Amherst should have 
 been written long time ago ; each passing year destroys or renders less 
 available historic matter of interest and value ; each year removes from the 
 scene of life's activities men and women whose memories are treasure- 
 houses of historic fact. These facts borne in mind furnished a leading 
 motive to those who have compiled and published this History of the Town 
 of Amherst. Claiming no special fitness for the work, realizing that others 
 might, if they would, achieve greater success in such an undertaking, they 
 believed that the time for action had come, that a history of Amherst 
 should be written, and written now. Realizing fully the magnitude of the 
 work involved, they entered upon it with the determination that no effort 
 should be spared to make the history worthy of the town. In what they 
 have succeeded, in how much they have failed, time must bear witness. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 A town, not without a history, but without an historian. Such a dis- 
 tinction is not to be coveted, but it has rendered Amherst unique among 
 the towns of any considerable size or importance situate in Massachusetts 
 or New England, dating back in time of settlement to the earlier years of 
 the Eighteenth century. Amherst is not a town of mushroom growth such 
 as dot the prairies of the West, whose history can be written in one brief 
 paragraph. It is rich in historic incident and association ; it occupies 
 historic ground. The forests that clothed its hills and valleys once 
 resounded with the savage cries of King Philip's dusky warriors as they 
 rallied to the attack upon Old Hadley. the parent settlement. Along its 
 highways marched the captive troops of Burgoyne on their weary journey 
 from Saratoga to Boston. Later on, these same highways re-echoed to 
 the hurried tread of Shays' insurgents retreating to Pelham after their 
 unsuccessful attack upon the arsenal at Springfield. Amherst militia-men 
 were in the army that Gov. Strong reviewed on Boston common when a 
 British fleet threatened invasion during the war of 1812. For more than 
 one hundred and sixty years Amherst, as settlement, precinct, district 
 and town, has borne an honored and honorable part in history-making 
 events in the life of the grand old Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
 The history of such a town is worth the writing, and the reading- 
 That writing might well have engaged the services of some student of 
 history, some polished rhetorician, but such have failed to embrace the 
 opportunity and, lacking these, the task has fallen upon one who may, 
 with some propriety, be regarded as an intruder in the field of historical 
 writing. The importance of the work and the inexpediency of longer 
 waiting may excuse what otherwise might seem presumption on the writer's 
 part. 
 
 For many years the proprietors of the Amherst Record have been 
 engaged in the collection of material relating to the history of the town of 
 Amherst. This was done, at the first, with no settled purpose of writing 
 and publishing an historical work, but with knowledge that such material 
 is of value and should be preserved. When the suggestion of compiling 
 and publishing a history of Amherst was first made to some of the older 
 and more influential residents of the town, it was received with such hearty 
 favor and so warmly encouraged that a determination was formed to enter 
 
Vlll. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 upon the work forthwith. After careful consideration, it was decided to 
 arrange and print the history in two parts, to be bound together in the 
 same volume. The first should contain such matters relating to the general 
 history of the town and its inhabitants as could be gathered from available 
 sources of information, the second, a transcription of the records of town- 
 meetings from the earliest days of the settlement down to the year 1800, 
 with a record of the more important votes passed at such meetings from 
 1800 up to and including the year 1865. The material for the second 
 part being already in hand, the work of printing began at once. The 
 records from 1735 to 1800 have been copied entire, and generous extracts 
 made from the town books covering the period between 1800 and 1866. 
 The value of these records can hardly be estimated in dollars and cents. 
 They are a mine of information, and by placing them in print they have 
 been made easily accessible and rendered secure from loss or injury. 
 
 The matter contained in Part I. has been collected from sources 
 almost innumerable. Two aims have ever been in mind, completeness 
 and accuracy. The task involved was the greater in that there had 
 been no previous attempt at historic writing in connection with the 
 town of Amherst. The lands comprised in the township of Amherst once 
 formed a part of Hadley, hence for the earlier history of the settlement 
 recourse must needs be had to the records of the parent town. The Hadley 
 records were carefully examined and afforded an abundance of interesting 
 and valuable information. Other facts relating to the town's beginnings 
 were gathered from Judd's History of Hadley and from the unpublished 
 manuscripts of Sylvester Judd, now in possession of J. R. Trumbull of 
 Northampton, to whose courtesy in permitting free access to this most 
 valuable collection the publishers are greatly indebted. In the arrange- 
 ment of matter it was thought best that the opening chapters should follow 
 closely the chronological order of prominent historical events up to the 
 time of the founding of Amherst College, while after that date particular 
 subjects should be treated under separate chapter headings. Thus the first 
 eight chapters of the History are devoted to a review of the causes leading 
 to the settlement of Hadley, the early history of that settlement, the setting 
 off from Hadley of its " Third Precinct," the first settlers in the precinct, 
 the founders of Amherst families, the organization of the First church and 
 settlement of its first pastor, the first school-houses, the boundaries of the 
 lands comprised in the precinct and annexations of land as made from time 
 to time, the laying out of highways, and matters of interest concerning the 
 early settlers, their homes and their occupations. In the ninth chapter is 
 recorded the service of settlers in the precinct in the French and Indian 
 wars, largely compiled from manuscript archives on file in the State-house at 
 Boston. This is followed by a chapter containing facts relative to the 
 
INTRODUCTION. IX. 
 
 setting off of Amherst as a district, including an interesting biographical 
 sketch of Teffery, Lord Amherst, written for this work by Prof. Herbert B. 
 Adams of Johns Hopkins University. A very complete and accurate history 
 is given of the part borne by Amherst and its inhabitants in the war of the 
 Revolution. But little of this matter has before appeared in print in any 
 form. The list of Amherst soldiers who served in the war is compiled from 
 original muster-rolls now on file among the state archives. Especial interest 
 must attach to the story of the treatment accorded by the patriots to the 
 tory element which was powerful in the town. 
 
 The next prominent event in Amherst history was the effort made to 
 divide the town, and the bitter controversy which led to the organization of 
 the Second parish ; these subjects are treated at considerable length. Three 
 chapters are devoted to the " Shays Rebellion," one of the most unique 
 events in Massachusetts history, which affected the whole commonwealth 
 but had its storm-center in Western Massachusetts, with Amherst and 
 Pelham as rallying points for the insurgents. Much of interest concern- 
 ing this attempted revolution is gathered from Minot's history, printed at 
 Worcester in 1788, while valuable documents concerning it have been 
 copied from the state archives and are printed for the first time in this 
 volume. The history of Amherst Academy is of peculiar interest, from 
 the fact that it was the first literary institution established at Amherst which 
 gained more than local celebrity, and that it furnished a foundation for 
 Amherst College. The originals of the petition for establishing the acad- 
 emy and the charter granted it by the state are copied entire from the state 
 archives. Four chapters are devoted to an outline history of Amherst 
 College, especial attention being paid to the part borne in its establishment 
 by Amherst citizens. Brief sketches are given of the presidents of the 
 college and prominent events of their several administrations. 
 
 Nearly 80 pages are devoted to the churches and other religious organ- 
 izations of the town. This material was gathered largely from church and 
 society records, access to which was readily granted by those having them 
 in charge. Of particular interest are the records relating to the controversy 
 between the First and Second parishes, the ownership of the meeting-house 
 in the North parish and the great church quarrel in the South parish. The 
 doings of the Hampshire East Association and Hampshire East Conference 
 are here recorded. A chapter is devoted to educational institutions, includ- 
 ing public and private schools. Extracts are made from records of the old 
 school districts and sketches given of the Mount Pleasant Institute, the 
 Amherst Female Academy, and other academies and schools well-known 
 in their day. A chapter on agriculture gives a very complete history 
 of the Hampshire Agricultural society, describing the old-time cattle-shows, 
 and the controversy that arose over the purchase of the society's grounds 
 
X. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 at East Amherst. Two chapters are devoted to a review of manufacturing 
 industries, prominence being given to the textile industries which flourished 
 for a time at North Amherst and the many manufacturing enterprises which 
 centered at East Amherst and about the New London Northern depot. 
 Residents of Amherst at the present time will be surprised to learn the 
 extent and variety of the industries that from time to time have found a 
 home in Amherst. Some twenty pages are devoted to a history of the 
 various railway enterprises in which the town and its citizens have inter- 
 ested themselves. The " Hampshire and Franklin" and "Amherst Branch" 
 railway companies may well be considered as the forerunners of the two 
 railway lines that now pass through the town. 
 
 Other subjects treated under special chapter headings are banks, post- 
 offices and courts, newspapers and printing, libraries and lyceums, fire 
 organizations, militia companies, taverns and stage-routes, liquor selling 
 and societies for the promotion of temperance, the care of the town's 
 poor, cemeteries, village improvement, public improvements, including 
 street-lighting, concrete walks, water supply and sewers, highways and 
 bridges, public buildings, crimes, accidents and epidemics, schemes for 
 acquiring wealth, including the " mulberry craze," the " mining craze " and 
 assessment insurance, old business firms, old houses, town politics, amuse- 
 ments and celebrations, weather phenomena, the " old cannon," slavery 
 and the abolition movement, authors and scientists, natural features of the 
 town, locality names, society organizations. Fifty pages are devoted to the 
 part borne by the town and its inhabitants in the war for the preservation 
 of the Union. This feature of the History is as complete and accurate as 
 careful investigation of all available sources of information could make 
 it. It is presented in a form calculated to make it especially valuable for 
 reference. An outline history of the Massachusetts Agricultural College 
 occupies nearly forty pages, containing matter which must prove of value to 
 the future historian of the college. 
 
 Six appendixes contain lists of town officers and representatives to the 
 General Court, an exhaustive review of the town debt, showing how it was 
 contracted and what payments have been made upon it, tables showing 
 appropriations made for certain specific objects since the first settlement, 
 a tabular review of total appropriations and expenditures for the past fifty 
 years, valuation lists and tax-rates for the past thirty years, complete valu- 
 ation lists for the year 1759, when the district was set off, and the year 
 1776, when it became a town, a voters' list compiled in 1802 and original 
 documents of interest in connection with the town's early history. A 
 special feature of the work is its illustrations, comprising a large number 
 of portraits of some of the best known of the earlier inhabitants, together 
 with many landscape views and pictures of old buildings, some of the 
 
INTRODUCTION. XI. 
 
 latter yet standing, others existing but in memory. The work involved ia 
 securing the originals of these illustrations was very great; many of them 
 were copied from old daguerreotypes and oil paintings : many were pro- 
 cured from parties residing in distant parts of the country. The publishers 
 consider themselves fortunate in having secured the portraits of so many 
 representative men ; they regret that of others whose names frequently 
 occur in these pages no portraits are in existence. For the uniform excel- 
 lence of these illustrations great credit is due to J. L. Lovell, the artist 
 photographer, who secured nearly all the negatives from which the plates 
 were made, and in them may be found some of his best work. The half- 
 tone plates from which the illustrations were printed are the work of the 
 Springfield Photo-Engraving company. It will be noticed that this History 
 does not contain a portrait of any man now living. There are many 
 residents of the town yet living whose portraits would honor these 
 pages, but all could not be printed, and the task of selecting certain ones 
 among them would be ungrateful. 
 
 In compiling the material contained in this volume the publishers 
 have received valuable assistance from many sources. A complete list of 
 individuals who have willingly and gladly aided in the work would occupy 
 more space than the publishers feel at liberty to devote to it. There are 
 some whose services deserve special recognition, and the publishers take 
 pleasure in extending their cordial thanks to the officials in charge of the 
 state archives at Boston, to James R. Trumbull of Northampton, to Presi- 
 dent Henry H. Goodell of the Agricultural College, to Librarian William 
 I. Fletcher of Amherst College, to Town Clerk Charles H. Edwards, to 
 Charles O. Parmenter, to Henry Jackson, to Deacon Thomas B. Read of 
 South Amherst, to Loomis H. Merrick, and to any and all who have in any 
 way aided them in their labors. The citizens of Amherst generally have 
 shown a generous interest in the undertaking and have gladly furnished 
 any desired information in their possession. Without their cordial coop- 
 eration success would have been impossible. Many valuable manuscripts 
 have been contributed by lineal descendants of the earlier settlers. 
 
 This History contains no attempt at fine writing, makes no claim to 
 especial literary merit. It is a record of facts, written in language concise 
 and fairly intelligible, and so arranged that the reader will have little diffi- 
 culty in referring to particular subjects. Comprehensive in design, it deals 
 with many subjects in detail, the aim being to make it especially valuable 
 as a book of reference. It is compiled in the main from original manu- 
 scripts ; copies have not been used when originals could be obtained. 
 Many interesting and valuable documents are copied entire, liberal extracts 
 being made from others. Especial prominence has been given to matters 
 pertaining to the earlier history of the town. Anything of possible value 
 
Xll. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 concerning that history that could be secured is here preserved. So far as 
 possible the line has been drawn between fact and tradition. While an 
 attempt has been made to bring the History down to date the happenings 
 of recent vears have been accorded comparatively little space. 
 
 The publication of this volume will naturally invite criticism. While 
 an attempt has been made to secure accuracy in all its details, it is hardly to 
 be expected that it should be entirely free from errors. In many instances 
 there has been discovered a conflict of authorities concerning matters here 
 recorded; where such has occurred that authority has been accepted which 
 has proved most uniformly accurate and reliable. Great difficulty has been 
 experienced in insuring accuracy in recording the names of the earlier 
 inhabitants. Old-time methods of spelling were largely phonetic, and a 
 man's name underwent surprising transformation as it was recorded by one 
 and then by another of his contemporaries. The common names such as 
 Smith and Clark and Strong, could generally be recognized despite the 
 various orthographical indignities to which they were subjected. Abbre- 
 viations were common, some readily recognized, others, like ''Toon" for 
 Mattoon and "Crummy " for Abercrombie, taxing the resources of one not 
 an expert in philology. Confusion is also caused in many cases by the 
 number of persons bearing the same name, family names being handed 
 down from generation to generation. Such names as Daniel Dickinson 
 and Jonathan Cowls and Edward Smith have figured on the assessors' rolls 
 from the date of earliest settlement down to the present time. In indexing 
 these names but one title has been used, although apparent that the refer- 
 ences relate to different persons. The names of Cowls and Cowles are 
 indexed together, being of common origin. 
 
 Several persons who have expressed a deep interest in the publication 
 of this History have urged that space be accorded to genealogical reviews 
 of the families of the earlier settlers. The publishers would have been 
 glad to accede to this request, had they not realized that the addition of 
 any considerable amount of matter to that already in hand would necessi- 
 tate the publishing of the History in two volumes, making it more cum- 
 bersome and less convenient as a book of reference. There can be little 
 question that, at some time in the future, probably not far distant, the gen- 
 ealogies of families prominent in the first settlement of Amherst will be 
 written and published ; the tendencies of the times are encouraging to labor 
 in the field of genealogical research. There is hardly a family that can trace 
 back its ancestry to the earlier settlers in New England but numbers among 
 its members some one who is engaged in collecting statistics concerning 
 the family history. Valuable beginnings for the genealogies of Amherst 
 families may be found in the genealogies of Hadley, Amherst, Granby and 
 South Hadley families compiled by Lucius M. Boltwood and published in 
 
INTRODUCTION. Xlll. 
 
 Judd's History of Hadley, and in the lists of Amherst families compiled 
 by James W. Boyden and now on file in the office of the Amherst town 
 clerk. These sources of information are in the main correct and are of 
 great interest and value. 
 
 Brief biographical sketches are here presented of certain citizens who 
 were prominent in the town in their day and generation. The list is not as 
 complete as might be desired ; it is possible, even probable, that names 
 have been omitted from the list whose owners well deserve special mention. 
 In making their selections the publishers have been largely governed by 
 the prominence accorded to individuals in the town records and in the mass 
 of historical data which they have collected. Information concerning 
 many men known to have been prominent in the earlier history of the town 
 has been gained with great difficulty. Some of the families once leaders 
 in the community have no living descendants so far as can be ascertained. 
 While it is matter for regret that these sketches are incomplete there is, on 
 the other hand, reason for congratulation that so much of information con- 
 cerning the early settlers has been secured and is here recorded. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I. 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PACK. 
 
 Indian Deed of Lands — River Indians — Original Bounds of Hadley — Causes 
 Leading to Hadley's Settlement— Beginnings of the Town of Hadley — 
 Indian Wars, 1675 — '74^, • • • • • - • 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Early Settlements in Hampshire County — Division of Hadley Outer Commons 
 
 — Equivalent Land — Flat Hills Lands — East Inhabitants in 1731. . 10 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Founders of Amherst Families — Biographical Sketches of the Early Settlers, 22 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Burial Ground for East Inhabitants — Occupations — Wild Animals — Hadley 
 Votes Concerning East Inhabitants — Third Precinct Set Off. . . 29 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 David Parsons, the First Minister— Organization of the First Church — Mr. 
 
 Parsons' Salary and Firewood — The First Meeting-House, . 34 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 School Appropriations by Hadley and by the Third Precinct — First School- 
 Houses — Lands Comprised in Hadley Third Precinct — Annexations of 
 Land, . . . . . . . . . . 41 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 The First Highways — Encroachments on Highways — Hadley Votes Concern- 
 ing Roads and Bridges — John Morton and NathanDickinson — New High- 
 ways Laid Out, . . . . . . . . .48 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 Innkeepers — Cemetery and Town Lot — Occupations — Pauper Expenses — 
 Negroes — Physicians — Lawyers, . . . . . 56 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 French and Indian Wars — An Old Lawsuit — Amherst Troops in the Wars — 
 
 Petitions for Relief — Militia Company, . . . . .61 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 Petition to Become a District — The District Organized — Amherst and Lord 
 
 Amherst — Province Taxes — Statistics in 177 1. . . . . 65 
 
XVI. CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 Amherst in the Revolution — Minute Men — Tories — The Canadian Campaign 
 
 — Names of Amherst Soldiers, . . . . . -77 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 The Committee of Safety — Tories Imprisoned — Simeon Strong's Blanket — 
 The Battle of Saratoga — Hiring and Drafting Soldiers, . . .86 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 Prominent Patriots — Ebenezer Mattoon — Leading Opponents of the Revolu- 
 tion — Josiah Chauncey — John Field— The Boltwoods, . . .98 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Proposed Division of Amherst — Petition Against a Division, . . . 102 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 Controversy Concerning a New Minister — Dr. David Parsons — Action by 
 
 Church and Parish — Ecclesiastical Councils — Second Parish Organized, 108 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 Second Parish Meeting House — Rev. Ichabod Draper, the First Pastor — A 
 
 Letter of Discipline — Decree by the General Court, . . .114 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 Hard Times Following the Revolution — Causes Leading to the Shays Rebel- 
 lion — Heavy Taxation — Legal Troubles — Mob Law at Northampton — 
 Neighborhood Conventions — Arraignment of Government by Hatfield 
 Convention, . . . . . . . . .118 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 Conspiracy Against the Supreme Court — Daniel Shays — Action by the Gen- 
 eral Court— Militia Called Out — Bloodshed at Springfield — Retreat of the 
 Insurgents, . . . . . . . . . 123 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 Pursuit of the Insurgents — Correspondence Between Lincoln and Shays — The 
 March to Petersham — Terms of Amnesty — Amherst Men who Took the 
 Oath of Allegiance — The Conkey Tavern — The Clapp Tavern, . . 129 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 Statistics in 1777, 1779, and 1781 — Counterfeiting — Industrial Movements — 
 Merchants and Traders — Amherst in 1800 — War of 1812, . . . 137 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 Origin of Amherst Academy — Petitions to the Legislature — Act of Incorpor- 
 ation — Life at the Academy — Mary Lyon — Academy Teachers, . . 143 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 Old-Time Catalogs— Amherst Students at the Academy — Academy Laws — 
 Officers of the Corporation — Principals and Instructors — Courses of 
 Study, . . . . . . . . . .150 
 
CONTENTS. XV11. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 Origin of Amherst College — The Charity Fund — Convention of Churches 
 — Negotiations with Williams College — First College Building Erected — 
 Noah Webster's Address, ....... 155 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 Zephaniah Swift Moore, First President of Amherst College — Rufus Graves — 
 Samuel F. Dickinson — Hezekiah W. Strong — Life at the College in its 
 Early Days — Heman Humphrey Elected President— How the Charter was 
 Secured — Events of President Humphrey's Administration, . . 162 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 Edward Hitchcock Elected President — Generous Endowments by Samuel 
 Williston and others — President Hitchcock's Resignation — Professors and 
 Instructors — Original Deed of College Land. .... 175 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 Biographical Sketches of Prominent Citizens Who were Born in the Years 
 
 Dating from 16S6 to 1720, ....... 182 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 The First Church — Pastors and Terms of Service — Meeting-Houses — Vestry 
 and Agricultural Hall — Church Music — The Parsonage — Parish Funds — 
 The Present Church Edifice, ....... 198 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 The Second Church — Pastors and Terms of Service— First and Second 
 Meeting-Houses — Janitor's Duties — Church Music — Differences Between 
 the First and Second Church. ...... . 209 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 The South Church — Pastors and Terms of Service — Troubles in the Church 
 
 Organization of a Xew Parish — The Meeting-House — Church Music, .215 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 The North Church and Parish — Organization and Offcers — Pastors and Terms 
 of Service— Oliver Dickinson's Meeting-House — The Pew Deeds — The 
 Pulpit and Communion Service — The Ministerial Fund, . . . 224 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 The College Church — Its Pastors — Church Building — Zion Chapel — College 
 
 Mission Work, ......... 231 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 The Baptist Church— Connection with Churches in New Salem and Northamp- 
 ton — Independent Organization — Pastors and Terms of Service — The 
 Meeting-House — Methods of Raising Funds — Miscellaneous Votes. . 234 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 Methodist Episcopal Churches— Grace Church — St Bridget's Church — Second 
 Advent Church — Universalist Church — Church Associations — Hampshire 
 East Association — Hampshire East Conference, .... 242 
 00 
 
XVlli. CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Education in Amherst — School Buildings — School District Records — Grading 
 the Public Schools — The High School — Superintendents and Teachers — 
 School Appropriations — Terms and Vacations — Private Schools — Mt. 
 Pleasant Classical Institute — "Amherst Female Academy" — Other Insti- 
 tutions, .......... 259 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Agriculture in Amherst — Farm Products — The First Agricultural Society — 
 Cattle Shows from 1846 to 1850— East Hampshire Agricultural Society — 
 Dissensions among the Members — Hampshire Park and Hall — Creamery 
 Associations, ......... 276 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Manufacturing Interests — Paper Making — Textile Industries — Amherst Cotton 
 Factory — Woolen Mills — Hat Manufacturing— L. M. Hills & Son— Iron 
 and Steel Manufactures — Kellogg Plane Factory — The Roper Repeating 
 Rifle — Bowie Knife Pistols — Hoop Skirts — Wire Goods — Cooking Stoves 
 — Carriage Making — Children's Carriages and Sleds, . . . 286 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 Miscellaneous Manufactures — "Burnham's Mills" — Wood-working Establish- 
 ments — Faucets — Tanneries — Brick-making — American Button Company 
 — Bonnet-making — Lesser Industries, . . . . . 301 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 The First Railway in Massachusetts — Connecticut River Road — Hampshire 
 and Franklin Railway — Mount Holyoke Railway Company — Amherst 
 Branch Railroad — The Amherst and Belchertown Railway Company — 
 New London Northern Road — Massachusetts Central Railway Company. 307 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 Banks, Post-Offices and Courts — The First Amherst Bank — Hampshire and 
 Franklin Bank — First National Bank — Amherst Savings Bank — Post- 
 Offices, Post-Masters and Mails— Courts, Court Sessions and Court 
 Officers — Justices of the Peace, ...... 327 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 Newspapers and Printing — The First Printing Press — J. S.& C.Adams — New 
 England Inquirer — Hampshire and Franklin Express — Local News and 
 Advertisements — Hampshire Express — The Amherst Record — Other 
 Newspaper Ventures — Miscellaneous Publications. . . . 337 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 Libraries and Lyceums — Constitution and By-Laws of the First Library — Agri- 
 cultural Library— The North Amherst Library — The Center Library — The 
 North Amherst Lyceum — The South Amherst Lyceum — Lyceums at the 
 Center and at East Amherst, ....... 347 
 
 CHAPTER XLI I. 
 Fire Department and Fires — The Old Volunteer Companies — The First Fire 
 Engines — Cataract Engine Co. — Deluge Engine Co. — Lafayette Hook and 
 Ladder Co. — Reservoirs — Fire Apparatus — Pelham Water Introduced — 
 Alert Hose Co. No. 1 — Hose Co. No. 2 — Great Fires in Amherst. . 358 
 
CONTENTS. Xix. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 Amherst Militia — The North and South Companies — Militia in the War of 
 1812 — The Hampshire Rangers — The Cavalry Company — Amherst Artil- 
 lery Company — Company C — Company K, . . . . 369 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 Taverns and Stage Routes — Pioltwood's Tavern — The Mansion House — 
 Hygeian Hotel — Baggs* Tavern — Inns at North, East and South Amherst 
 — Early Stage Routes — Stage Drivers. ..... 380 
 
 CHAPTER XLV. 
 Liquor Selling and Intemperance — Drinking Habits in Early Times— First 
 Efforts to Check the Evil — Temperance Association at South Amherst — 
 Washington Total Abstinence Society at East Amherst— Washington 
 Society at North Amherst — West Center Society — Reform Club — W. C. 
 T. U. — Good Templars Organizations — Liquor Licenses, . . . 388 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI. 
 The Care of the Town's Poor — Early Methods — The Poor Farm and Alms- 
 house— Expenses at the Almshouse — The Night Police — The Lock-up — 
 The Smith Charities. ........ 396 
 
 CHAPTER XLV II. 
 Town Cemeteries — The Old West Cemetery — Cemeteries at North and South 
 Amherst — Wildwood Cemetery— Village Improvement — The Commons — 
 The Ornamental Tree Association— Village Improvement Societies at the 
 Center, at East Amherst, South Amherst, North Amherst and the "City," 403 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI II. 
 Public Improvements— Street Lighting — The Introduction of Gas — The 
 Amherst Gas Co. — Electric Lighting— Concrete Walks— Water Supply — 
 The First Survey — The Amherst Water Co.— Spring Water Co. — Sewers, 416 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX. 
 Highways and Bridges — The Northampton Bridge—Street Sprinkling— Tri- 
 angle Street Fight — The Town Hall, ...... 428 
 
 CHAPTER L. 
 Crimes, Accidents, Epidemics — Fatal Accidents — Murders— Birdie Danahey 
 — Small-Pox in Amherst, ....... 435 
 
 CHAPTER LI. 
 Schemes for Acquiring Wealth — The Mulberry Craze — Mining Stock Invest- 
 ments —Assessment Insurance — Old Business Firms, . . . 442 
 
 CHAPTER LII. 
 Old Houses — Town Politics— Amusements and Celebrations — Amherst's Cen- 
 tennial—Weather Phenomena — Storms and Flood — The " Blizzard,"' . 450 
 
 CHAPTER LIU. 
 The Old Cannon — Slavery and the Abolition Movement — Authors — Scientists 
 
 — Natural Features — Locality Names — Public Conveniences — Societies, 460 
 
XX. CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER LIV. 
 Amherst in the Civil War — Action Taken by the State Government — The 
 Raising of Troops — Regiments in which Amherst Men Served — Mass 
 Meetings and Flag-Raisings in Amherst — Raising Men and Money — 
 Death of Adjutant Stearns — Amherst Men Killed and Wounded in the 
 Early Battles of the War, ....... 474 
 
 CHAPTER LV. 
 Hard Times in 1863 — The Conscription Act — Amherst's Enrollment — The 
 Draft at Greenfield — Substitutes and Commutation — Battles in 1S63 — 
 Measures to avoid the Draft — Return of the 27th— Amherst Men Killed 
 and Wounded in 1864 — The Roll of Honor — Losses in Battle — Service 
 by Regiments — Muster by Months — War Expenses of the Town, . . 482 
 
 CHAPTER LVI. 
 Regimental History — Twenty-Seventh — Thirty-Seventh — Fifty-Second — 
 
 Tenth — Twenty-First — Fifty-Fourth, ...... 493 
 
 CHAPTER LVII. 
 Service Record, by Regiments, of Each Man who Served on Amherst's 
 Quota, and Others Whose Names Appear on the Marble Tablets in the 
 Town Hall, ........; 503 
 
 CHAPTER LVIII. 
 Amherst College — Administration of President Stearns — Gifts and Bequests 
 — College Buildings — New Departments — The College in the War — The 
 50th Anniversary — Julius H. Seelye Elected President — Gifts to the Col- 
 lege — Members of the Faculty — The Library — Physical Culture — The 
 " Amherst System " — Greek Letter Fraternities, .... 524 
 
 CHAPTER LIX. 
 The Agricultural College- — Causes Leading to its Establishment — Hon. Mar- 
 shall P. Wilder's Address — The Agricultural College Commission — Presi- 
 dent Hitchcock's Report— Plans for a College— The " School of Agricul- 
 ture " — The Morrill Land Grant Act— Its Provisions — Massachusetts 
 Accepts the Grant — The Agricultural College Trustees Incorporated — 
 Their First Report — Securing a Location — Amherst's Subscription to the 
 Fund — The Lands Purchased — Amherst's Petition, . 532 
 
 CHAPTER LX. 
 Hon. Henry F. French Elected President — Plan for Organization — Locating 
 the Buildings — Prof. Paul A. Chadbourne Succeeds President French 
 — Injunction against the Town — Courses of Instruction — Buildings Con- 
 tracted for— College Bonds and Loans — William S. Clark Elected Presi- 
 dent — Requisites for Admission — The College Opens — President Clark's 
 Report — Grants by the General Court— New Buildings— Gifts to the Col- 
 lege — Unsuccessful Effort to Remove the College from State Control, . 543 
 
 CHAPTER LXI. 
 Graduation of the First Class — Endowment of Prizes— Alumni Association 
 Organized — Changes in the Faculty — Labor Fund Established — Experi- 
 mental Work — Free Scholarships — Hard Times at the College — President 
 
CONTENTS. XXI. 
 
 Clark's Resignation— Reorganization— Charles L. Flint Elected President 
 —Levi Stockbridge Succeeds President Flint— Final Attempt to Remove 
 the College from State Control— Proposal to Raise a College Fund— Paul 
 A. Chadbourne Elected President ....•• 553 
 
 CHAPTER LXII. 
 The State Experiment Station Organized— James C. Greenough Elected 
 President— New Buildings Erected— Henry H.Goodell Elected President 
 —Hatch Experiment Station Formed— Grant by the National Government 
 —Additions to College Equipment— State Appropriations -Student Organ- 
 izations—Value of the Work Accomplished by the College . . 5 6 ' 
 
 CHAPTER LXII I. 
 Biographical Sketches of Prominent Citizens, . . . • • 57 1 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 List of Representatives in the General Court. Selectmen, Town- 
 Clerks, Town Treasurers, and Moderators of Town-Meetings, 
 1735-1S96, .......••• 5 8 4 
 
 APPENDIX 15. 
 Town Finances, ......-•• 5 8 9 
 
 APPENDIX C. 
 Valuation Lists, . . . . • • -597 
 
 APPENDIX D. 
 Population, Families, Voters' List 1802, ..... 604 
 
 APPENDIX E. 
 Soldiers of the Revolution, ....... 610 
 
 APPENDIX F. 
 Old Manuscripts. ........ 613 
 
 Index, .......... 617 
 
 Addenda, .......... 641 
 
 Errata, ........ • • 642 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Town-Meeting Records, ....... i 
 
 Index to Town-Meeting Records, . . . . • -257 
 
List of Illustrations. 
 
 Page 
 Lord Amherst. facing title page 
 
 Seal of Amherst, II. 
 
 Old Map of Town. 17 
 
 Dickinson, Sq John 22 
 
 Dickinson, Sq Chester 22 
 
 Dickinson. Zebina 22 
 
 Dickinson Judge John 22 
 
 Dickinson, Mrs Ame 22 
 
 Old Clapp House, 30 
 
 Simeon Clark's House, 30 
 
 Kellogg House at East St.. 30 
 
 Old House at South Amherst, 30 
 
 Oldest House on the Bay Road, 30 
 
 " Ye Kunk." 39 
 Watch owned by Nathaniel Smith, 39 
 
 Old Boltwood House, 44 
 
 Old House at M A C, 44 
 
 Daniel Dickinson's House, 44 
 
 Dickinson Tavern, 44 
 
 Cowles House MAC, 44 
 
 John Nash's Tavern Sign, 58 
 
 Strong House, 60 
 
 Henderson House, 60 
 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer, 100 
 
 Colton, Aaron M ro8 
 
 Parsons, Dr David 10S 
 First Parish, Fourth Meeting-House,io8 
 
 Nathan Dickinson House, 134 
 
 Conkey Tavern, 134 
 Autograph Manuscript of Daniel 
 
 Shays, 135 
 
 Old Whiting House and Elm, 141 
 
 Brick School House, 144 
 
 Amherst Academy, 144 
 
 Stearns, William A 155 
 
 Seelye, Julius H 155 
 
 Moore, Zephaniah S 155 
 
 Humphrey, Heman 155 
 
 Hitchcock, Edward 155 
 
 Amherst College 1856. 177 
 
 Scene on Fort River, 177 
 
 Wright, Silas 185 
 
 Webster, Noah 185 
 
 Adams, Charles D 185 
 
 Delano, Charles 185 
 
 Baker, Osmyn 189 
 
 Boltwood, Lucius 189 
 
 Conkey, I Frank 189 
 
 Conkey, Ithamar 189 
 
 Roberts, Reuben Sr 195 
 
 Roberts, Reuben Jr 195 
 
 Cushman, John R 195 
 
 Cushman, Ephraim 195 
 
 Smith, Rev J T 198 
 
 Page. 
 Parker, Rev S P 198 
 Moyce, Rev P J 198 
 Merrick, Rev James L 198 
 Belden, Rev Pomeroy 198 
 Hunt, Rev W W 198 
 King, Rev E P 198 
 First Parish, Second Meeting-House,203 
 First Parish, Third Meeting-House, 205 
 Second Parish, First Meeting House, 209 
 Second Parish, Second Meeting- 
 House, 209 
 North Congregational Church, 223 
 South Congregational Church, 223 
 Dickinson, Oliver 230 
 Cowles, Oliver 230 
 Montague, Jemima 230 
 Montague, Zebina 230 
 College Well, 231 
 Amherst College Church, 231 
 Baptist Church, 234 
 Wesley M E Church, 242 
 M E Church at North Amherst City, 242 
 Grace Episcopal Church, 246 
 First Universalist Church, 250 
 St Bridget's Church, 250 
 Amherst as seen from Pelham before 
 
 1850, 271 
 
 Mt Pleasant Institute, 271 
 
 Hills, Henry F 286 
 
 Jones, Thomas 286 
 
 "Hills, Leonard M 286 
 
 Watson, Oliver 286 
 
 Burnham, George 286 
 
 Clapp, Oliver M 286 
 
 Kellogg, James 2S6 
 
 W S Clark's House. 288 
 
 Old Mill at North Amherst. 288 
 
 Pleasant St looking North, 292 
 
 Fearing's Shop, 292 
 
 An old wood cut of common, 296 
 
 Rifle shop, 296 
 
 Dickinson, Daniel 312 
 
 Nash, John A 3 12 
 
 Nash, Samuel 3 12 
 
 Dickinson, Enos 312 
 
 Greene, Moses B 312 
 
 Clark, Simeon 312 
 
 I. eland. John 3 12 
 
 Boltwood Tavern Sign, 332 
 
 South Amherst Post-office Sign. 332 
 
 Dickinson, Edward 335 
 
 Gaylord, Eleazar 337 
 
 Baker, Alfred 337 
 
 Eastman, Solomon K 337 
 
List of Illustrations. 
 
 xxm. 
 
 Boltwood, Elijah 
 
 Gallond, George B 
 
 Palmer, Frederick A 
 
 Smith, William W 
 
 Mack, David 
 
 Mack, Samuel E 
 
 Sweetser, Luke 
 
 Adams, John S 
 
 Holland, Seneca 
 
 Old Fire Bucket, 
 
 Merchants Row 1S65. 
 
 Merchants Row 1879, 
 
 Hat of Hampshire Rifles. 
 
 Merchants Row 1S96. 
 
 Amherst House, 
 
 Field Building 1859, 
 
 Hygeian Hotel, 
 
 Oldest Stone in West Cemetery. 
 
 The Common 1870. 
 
 The Common 1895, 
 
 Cash Row, 
 
 Chase's Block, 
 
 Town Hall, 
 
 M A C Barn and House, 
 
 Phoenix Row before 18S0, 
 
 Phoenix Row 1840, 
 
 Judge John Dickinson's House, 
 
 Delano House, 
 
 Warner House, 
 
 Maple Avenue, 
 
 Palmer's Block, 
 
 Amherst House and Stage. 
 
 Fish, Seth 
 
 Fish. D B N 
 
 Gridley, Timothy J 
 
 Belden, Rufus 
 
 Smith, Benjamin F 
 
 Amherst College Fraternity Houses 
 Alpha Delta Phi House, 
 Delta Kappa Epsilon House, 
 
 Page. Page. 
 
 337 Delta Upsilon House. 528 
 
 337 Chi Phi House. 528 
 
 337 Chi Psi Lodge, 528 
 
 337 Psi Upsilon House, 528 
 
 338 Beta Theta Pi House 530 
 338 Theta Delta Chi House, 530 
 338 Phi Delta Theta House. 530 
 338 Phi Gamma Delta House. 530 
 338 Phi Kappa Psi House, 530 
 364 French, Henry F 532 
 368 Flint, Charles L 532 
 368 Chadbourne, Paul A 532 
 376 Clark. W S 532 
 382 Mass Agricultural College, 550 
 382 McConihe. Sarah S 572 
 384 Dickinson, Jerusha 572 
 384 ( 'ooke, ( ieorge 572 
 404 Stearns, Frazar A 572 
 407 Kellogg. Fleazer A 575 
 407 Converse, Daniel 575 
 423 Ingram, Ezra 575 
 423 Hastings, Thomas 575 
 433 Dickinson, Porter 575 
 433 Dickinson, Waitstill . 575 
 447 B03 den, James W 576 
 447 Carter, Samuel C 576 
 450 Hunt, William A 576 
 450 Fitch. Newton 576 
 459 Lessey, Chauncey W 581 
 459 Howland. Warren S 581 
 459 Beston, John Jr 581 
 459 Merrill, Calvin 581 
 470 Montague, George 581 
 470 Snell, Ebenezer S 581 
 470 Nims, Seth 581 
 470 Smith, Cotton 581 
 470 Slate, Jonathan S 581 
 
 Henderson, Timothv 581 
 
 52S Warner, David S 581 
 
 528 Parsons. David 581 
 
PART I 
 
A History of Amherst, Mass. 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 Indian Deed of Lands. — River Indians. — Original Bounds of 
 Hadley. — Causes Leading to Hadley's Settlement. — Begin- 
 nings of the Town of Hadley. — Indian Wars, 1675 — 1 74&- 
 
 The lands comprised within the present limits of the township of 
 Amherst are a part of those acquired by John Pynchon of Springfield, by 
 purchase from the Nonotuck or Norwottuck tribe of Indians in 1658. In 
 1653 a number of men residing in Windsor, Hartford and other places in 
 Connecticut petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts to grant them 
 a plantation at Nonotuck, above Springfield. This petition was granted 
 and the General Court appointed three men of Springfield, John Pynchon, 
 Elizur Holyoke and Samuel Chapin, to divide the land into two planta- 
 tions, the petitioners to have one of them. In December, 1658, Major 
 Pynchon secured from the Indians the following deed of land : 
 
 This deed embraces the land from the mouth of Fort River, and Mount Hol- 
 yoke, on the south, to the mouth of Mohawk brook and the southern part of Mount 
 Toby, on the north, extending easterly nine miles into the woods. 
 
 •• Here followeth a copy of a deed or writing whereby the Indians of Xolwotogg, 
 upon the river Ouienecticott, made sale of certain lands unto Maj. John Pynchon, 
 of Springfield, together with the copy of the said Maj. John Pynchon his assign- 
 ment of the said deed to the use and behoof of the inhabitants of Hadley, and his 
 acknowledgment thereof. 
 
 Be it known to all men by these presents that Chickwollop alias Wahillowa. 
 Umpanchella alias Womscom, and Ouonquont alias Wompshaw, the sachems of 
 Nolwotogg, and the sole and proper owners of all the land on the east side of 
 Ouonicticot river, from the hills called Petowamachu, and from the mouth of the 
 brook or river called Towunucksett. and so all along by the great river upward or 
 northward to the brook called Nepassooenegg. and from the hither part of south 
 end of the great hills called Kunckquachu, (being guessed at near about nine miles 
 in length) by the river Quenecticott — We the aforenamed Chickwallop alias Waah- 
 illow. Umpanchala alias Womscom. and Ouonquont alias Wompshaw. of Xolwo- 
 togg, on the one party, do give, grant, bargain and sell unto John Pynchon, of 
 Springfield, on the other party, to him, his assigns and successors forever, all the 
 1 
 
2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 grounds, woods, ponds, waters, meadows, trees, stones, &c. lying on the east side 
 of Quenicticot River, within the compass aforesaid, from the mouth of the little 
 Riverett called Towenucksett, and the hills Petowomuchu northward up the great 
 river of Quenecticot, to the Brook Nepowssooenegg, and from the south end of 
 the hills Quaquachu, being near about nine miles in length, from the south part to 
 the north part, and all within the compass from Quenecticot River eastward nine 
 miles out into the woods, all the aforesaid tract of ground called Towunucksett, 
 Sunmukquommuck, Suchaw, Noycoy, Gassek, Pomptuckset, Mattabaget. Wun- 
 naquickset, Kunckkiunk-qualluck, Neposeoneag, and to the south end of the great 
 hill called Kunckquachu, and for nine or ten miles eastward from the great river 
 out into the woods eastward — We the said Chickwallop, Umpanchella, and Ouon- 
 quont, do for and in consideration of two hundred fathom of wampom, and twenty 
 fathom and one large coat at eight fathom, which Chickwallop sets off, of trusts, 
 besides several small gifts, and for other good causes and considerations do sell, 
 give, grant, and have given, granted, bargained and sold to John Pynchon, of 
 Springfield, and to his assigns and successors all and singular the aforenamed 
 land, or by whatever other name it is or may be called, quietly to possess, have and 
 enjoy the aforesaid tract of ground free from all molestations or incumbrances of 
 Indians, and that forever, only the Indians aforenamed, and in particular Quon- 
 quont, doth reserve and keep one corn field about twelve, sixteen, or twenty acres 
 of ground, a little above Mattabaget, by the brook called Wunnaquickset, lying 
 on the south side of the said brook, and compassed in by a swamp from that brook 
 to the great river, and also they reserve liberty to hunt deer, fowl, &c. and to take 
 fish, beaver or otter, &c. but otherwise all the aforesaid premises the said John 
 Pynchon, his assigns and successors and their heirs shall forever enjoy absolutely 
 and clearly, free from all incumbrances of any Indians or their corn fields forever, 
 except as before excepted. And in witness hereof, we the said Indians do sub- 
 scribe our marks this present twenty-fifth day of December. 1658. It is only the 
 corn field on this or south side of the brook called Wunnuckeckset. and the little 
 bit of ground by it within the swamp and betwixt the swamp and the great river 
 which the Indians do reserve, and are to enjoy. But the little corn field on the 
 other side or further side or north side of Wunnaquickset, and all the other corn 
 fields within the compass of ground aforenamed, the Indians are to leave and yield 
 up, as witness their hands. 
 
 The mark — of Umpanchla alias Womscom. 
 The mark — of Quonquont alias Wompshaw. 
 The mark — of Chickwalopp alias Wowahillowa. 
 
 Witness to this purchase and that the Indians do fully sell all the lands afore- 
 mentioned to Air. Pynchon. and that the marks were subscribed by the Indians 
 themselves. 
 
 Joseph Parsons. 
 
 Edwd. Elmore. 
 
 Joseph Fitch, 
 
 Samuel Wright. 
 
 Arthur Williams, 
 
 The mark R. T. of Rowland Thomas, who was privy to the whole discourse 
 and conclusion of the purchase, and Joseph Parsons was present and acquainted 
 with the whole agreement; the other witnesses came in to testify to the subscrib- 
 ing, and that the Indians owned all as it was read to them. 
 
LANDS PURCHASED OF THE INDIANS. 3 
 
 The Indians desired they might set their wigwams at sometimes within the 
 tract of ground they sold without offence, and that the English would be kind and 
 neighborly to them in not prohibiting them fire-wood out of the woods, &c. which 
 was promised them." 
 
 In the earlier part of the i 7th century the Indians dwelling in Western 
 Massachusetts near the Connecticut river belonged to four small tribes or 
 clans, the Agawams, located at Springfield and West Springfield, the War- 
 anokes at Westfield, the Xonotucks or Norwottucks at Northampton, 
 Hadley and Hatfield, the Pocomtucks at Deerfield. They were generally 
 known as " River Indians," and numbered between ten and eleven hun- 
 dred. They were allied to the Xipmucks or Nipnets, who inhabited the 
 interior of Massachusetts, but were not subject to a common sachem. 
 The principal chiefs of the Norwottucks were Chickwallop, Umpanchala 
 and Quonquont. They claimed to be the owners of most of the lands on 
 both sides of the river, Chickwallop of the southern, Umpanchala of the 
 middle and Quonquont of the northern part. They seem to have been 
 ever ready to dispose of their lands to the whites, and while the prices 
 paid will hardly bear comparison with real estate values at the present 
 time, there is little doubt the Indians were as well satisfied with their bar- 
 gains as were the purchasers. In making these sales the Indians generally 
 reserved the rights of fishing and hunting on the granted premises, which 
 from the Indian standpoint constituted the principal value of land. In 
 view of the general charge that the American Indians have been robbed 
 and defrauded of their rightful heritage, it is pleasing to know that the 
 lands of Amherst were fairly purchased of their Indian owners and fairly 
 paid for. 
 
 Major Pynchon charged the residents of Hadley for the land pur- 
 chased on the east side of the Connecticut river ^62, 10s. That this was 
 considered a high price at the time is shown by an extract from a petition 
 to the General Court by the citizens of Hadley, dated May 25, 1663 : 
 "We have purchased of the Indians at such rates as we believe never any 
 plantation in New England was purchased.'' The deed was assigned by 
 Major Pynchon to "the present Inhabitants of Hadley." Oct. 28, 1663, in 
 a writing in which he says he acted in the purchase as an agent entrusted 
 by them. Pynchon received his pay from individuals and not of the 
 town, from 1661 to 166S. The account was balanced Nov. 12, 1669. 
 The sums were paid in money, grain and merchandise. 
 
 In October, 1663, the General Court determined that the bounds of 
 Hadley, on the east side of the river, should be five miles from their 
 meeting-house place up the river, five miles down the river and four miles 
 from the most eastern part of the river. In October, 1672, the people of 
 Hadley petitioned the General Court for an enlargement of their township. 
 
4 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In their petition they said: "The common feeding place of our working 
 cattle, whereby we carry on our husbandry, is without our town-bounds." 
 This "common feeding place" was probably in the present town of 
 Amherst. In answer to this petition the General Court decreed. May 7, 
 1673 : "that their bounds shall run from their meeting-house five miles up 
 the river, five miles down the river and six miles from their meeting-house 
 eastward." In April, 1739, Oliver Partridge of Hatfield was employed 
 to survey the township according to the grant of 1673. He first ascer- 
 tained the point or place that was exactly six miles clue east of the old 
 meeting-house, and from that point measured north five miles and south five 
 miles and from each extremity of this line of ten miles he ran a line 
 directly west to the Connecticut river. His south line was 7 miles and 94 
 rods long and his north line 4 miles and 142 rods. 
 
 The first white settlers in the town of Hadley came from Hartford, 
 Wethersfield and Windsor, Conn. Between the years 1647 and 1657 
 serious differences arose among the members of the church at Hartford. 
 Thomas Hooker, the beloved pastor for many years, died July 7, 1647 anc l 
 was succeeded by Samuel Stone, a good man yet lacking something in 
 prudence and in the spirit of conciliation which had kept the church free 
 from discord during the ministry of Mr. Hooker. Mr. Stone endeavored 
 to introduce some new practices into the church ; these, according to the 
 historian Trumbull, related to the qualifications for baptism, church mem- 
 bership and the rights of brotherhood. Some of the prominent members 
 of the church, including Gov. Webster, Andrew Bacon and William Lewis, 
 opposed the innovations ; councils from the neighboring churches were 
 convened and attempted to reconcile the parties but without avail. The 
 minister was sustained by a majority of the church-members, and in the 
 latter part of 1657 or the early part of 165S the minority formally with- 
 drew from the church, proposing to form a union with the church at Weth- 
 ersfield. The General Court interfered in March, 1658, and prohibited 
 the church from proceeding with the withdrawers in a course of discipline 
 and forbade the withdrawers to prosecute their object. 
 
 In the early part of 1658 the minority of the church sent men up the 
 river to view the lands east and north of Northampton. May 20, 165S, 
 Capt. John Cullick and Elder William Goodwin, two prominent men 
 among the " withdrawers " as they were called, presented a petition to the 
 Genera] Court at lioston, representing that they with several others wished 
 to come under "the pious and godly government " of Massachusetts, and 
 desiring " whether we may, without offence, view any tract of land unpos- 
 sessed within your colony, in order to such an end. and in case we 
 can present any thing that may be to the encouraging of a considerable 
 company to take up a plantation, either at Nonotuck or elsewhere, we may 
 
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF HADLEV. 5 
 
 have your gracious allowance to dispose ourselves there." This request 
 was granted, May 25, 1 65S, with the provision that " they submit themselves 
 to a due and orderly hearing of the differences between themselves and 
 their brethren." The agreement or engagement of those who intended to 
 remove from Connecticut to Massachusetts is dated at Hartford, April 18, 
 1659 and is signed by 60 names, of which 3S were of men who belonged 
 to Hartford. 20 to Wethersfield and two to Windsor; of this number 18 
 did not remove to Hadley or remained there but a short time. 
 
 May 28, 1659, the General Court appointed Capt. Pynchon, Lieut. 
 Holyoke and Dea. Chapin of Springfield, nnd William Holton and Richard 
 Lyman of Northampton a committee " to lay out the bounds of the new 
 plantation, on either or both sides of the river, as they shall see cause." 
 This committee reported, Sept. 30. 1659, that they had laid out the planta- 
 tion on both sides of the river and designated the following as the boun- 
 daries : " On the East side of said river their southerly bounds to be from 
 the head of the Falls above Springfield and so to run cast and by north 
 the length of nine miles from the said river : And their Northerly bounds 
 to be a little brook called by the Indians Nepasoaneage up to a mountain 
 called Quunkwattchu, and so running eastward from the river the same 
 length of nine miles : from their southerly bounds to the northerly bounds 
 on the east side the river is about 11 or 1 2 miles." It is believed that the 
 broad street and the homelots were laid out in 1659 and that a party of 
 the " engagers," as they were termed, came to the plantation and established 
 themselves there the same year. Nov. 9, 1659, seven men called 
 "Townsmen" were chosen "to order all public occasions." Oct. S. 1660, 
 a meeting was held at the house of Andrew Warner and a series of votes 
 was passed and signed by 28 persons who were probably all that had 
 taken up their residence in the new plantation. By an order of the 
 General Court, May 22, 1661, the settlement was named Hadley, from a 
 town of the same name situated in the county of Suffolk, England. 
 
 From 1660 until 1675 the inhabitants of Hadley prospered in their 
 affairs. The rich meadow-lands yielded bountiful crops of grain and their 
 cattle found good pasturage in the swamps and lowlands. On the 12th of 
 December, 166 1, the town ordered the erection of a meeting-house: the 
 work was begun in 1665 but was not completed until 1670. The first 
 minister was Mr. John Russell, Jr., who was born in England, graduated 
 at Harvard college in 1645 ar >d preached in Wethersfield beginning in 1649 ; 
 in 1659 or 1660 he removed to Hadley, where he died in 1692. In those 
 early days, among the settlers of New England, religion and education 
 went hand in hand, and as early as 1667 we find the inhabitants of Hadley 
 making a grant of land for a grammar school, the funds to establish which 
 had been provided by Edward Hopkins. Esq., at one time governor of 
 
6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Connecticut, who lived for a time in Hartford, returning afterwards to 
 England where he died in March, 1657. Hadley received from Mr. Hop- 
 kins' estate the sum of ^308, which furnished the foundation for the 
 Hopkins grammar school, one of the most noted educational institutions 
 of New England. In 1665 the town voted to give "^20 per annum for 
 three years towards the maintenance of a school-master, to teach the 
 children and to be as a help to Mr. Russell, as occasion may require." 
 Caleb Watson appears to have been the first school-master. In May, 1667, 
 the inhabitants of the town on the west side of the river petitioned the 
 General Court to be set off as a separate parish ; this petition was opposed 
 by the inhabitants on the east side and it was not until December, 1669, 
 that a committee appointed by both parties agreed on the terms for an 
 amicable separation. The town of Hatfield was incorporated the 31st of 
 May, 1670. 
 
 In 1675 began the first of a series of Indian wars which for nearly 
 ninety years devastated the valley of the Connecticut, turning the settle- 
 ments into armed camps, ravaging them with fire and sword, burning the 
 dwellings and torturing and murdering their inhabitants. The pages of 
 Haclley's history are stained with blood, but they are bright with deeds of 
 valor and self-sacrifice. In 1662, Philip, on the death of his father Mas- 
 sasoit and his brother Alexander, became chief of the Wampanoags, an 
 Indian tribe whose hunting-grounds were in the eastern part of Massa- 
 chusetts and Rhode Island. He at once entered into negotiations with 
 chieftains of other tribes, his aim being to secure their aid in inaugurating 
 a war of extermination against the English. Hostilities were begun in 
 June, 1675, at Swanzey, and in August a party of horsemen commanded 
 by Captains Hutchinson and Wheeler fell into an ambuscade near Brook- 
 field and eight of their number were killed outright, three others being 
 mortally wounded. This was followed by the burning of Brookfield, its 
 inhabitants taking refuge in a fortified house and making such a stout 
 defence that when reinforcements arrived the savages fled. The Indians 
 concerned in this attack were Nipmucks. Toward the last of July Philip 
 left his stronghold in the swamp at Pocasset, and with a band of his 
 followers made his way into the Nipmuck country. The Indians about 
 Hadley had for a long time acted in a suspicious manner, and Captains 
 Beers and Lathrop from the eastern part of the colony were ordered with 
 their companies to that town where they had under their command 180 
 men. The Indians were ordered to deliver up their arms; they expressed 
 their readiness to do this, but deferred the matter until night when, it being 
 the 25th of August, they secretly left their fort and Med up the river. They 
 were pursued by the forces under Beers and Lathrop, and being overtaken 
 near the base of Sugarloaf mountain in South Deerfield an engagement 
 
ATTACK ON HADLEY. — -THE FIGHT AT BLOODY BROOK. 7 
 
 followed in which the Indians lost 26 killed and the English 10. This was 
 followed within a week by the burning of Deerfield and an attack upon 
 Northfield where nine or ten white men were killed. Captain Beers with 
 36 mounted men while on the way to Northfield fell into an ambuscade, 
 and after a gallant battle against heavy odds the Englishmen who survived, 
 only sixteen in number, retreated and made their way to Hadley. 
 
 September 1st an attack was made upon Hadley by a band of Indians, 
 who it is supposed were Xipmucks and Wampanoags that had come from 
 the east. The inhabitants were assembled in the meeting-house engaged 
 in public worship. The Indians made an attack upon the meeting-house; 
 it was the custom of the time for the inhabitants to carry arms when they 
 attended meetings, and they returned the fire of the Indians ; the advan- 
 tage was with the latter, when *" Suddenly and in the midst of the people 
 there appeared a man of a very venerable aspect, and different from the 
 inhabitants in his apparel, who took the command, arranged, and ordered 
 them in the best military manner, and under his direction they repelled 
 and routed the Indians, and the town was saved." This man, as was 
 afterwards proved, was Gen. William Goffe, one of the judges who presided 
 at the trial of Charles I. of England and condemned him to death. Gen. 
 Goffe and Gen. Edward Whalley, another of the •'regicides,'' fled from 
 England on the restoration of Charles II. and coming to Hadley were 
 received by Rev. John Russell and concealed in his house for many years. 
 
 In September, Captain Lathrop and So young men marched from 
 Hadley to Deerfield to assist in securing a large quantity of wheat that 
 was there in stack. They arrived safely at their destination, and after 
 threshing the grain the baggage wagons were loaded and, Sept. 18, the 
 party set out on their return. Arriving nearly opposite Sugar-loaf moun- 
 tain, their path lay across a stream on which the events of that day con- 
 ferred the name of " Bloody Brook." Concealed in the thickets by the 
 side of the stream was a party of 700 Indians ; the company halted when 
 part way across the morass to rest and to watch the passage of the teams. 
 The Indians from their ambush opened a deadly fire and in less than an 
 hour Capt. Lathrop and all of his command with the exception of seven 
 or eight were slain. The noise of the battle was heard by Capt. Morely 
 who sallied out from Deerfield with a small company of men and attacked 
 the Indians as they were stripping the slain ; although greatly outnumbered, 
 his command soon put the savages to flight, they were assisted in the 
 pursuit by Major Treat and one hundred men from Hadley who arrived at 
 an opportune moment. The number of white men killed in the fight at 
 Bloody Brook is given by Rev. Mr. Russell of Hadley as 71. 
 
 *History of Three of the Judges of Charles I. published in 1794 by President Stiles. 
 
8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Oct. 5, a body of Indians said to number about 100 attacked Spring- 
 field, killed two men and one woman and burned some 30 dwelling-houses 
 and many barns. Oct. 19, an attack was made upon Hatfield but the 
 Indians were repulsed. During the remainder of the year the Indians 
 caused little trouble to the settlers, although the latter were constantly 
 apprehensive of an attack. Rev. Mr. Russell estimated the number of 
 whites killed in Hampshire county during the year at 145. of whom about 
 43 or 44 were inhabitants of the county the remainder coming from other 
 parts of the colony. In the autumn and winter of 1675 palisades were 
 built about the town of Hadley consisting of rows of stakes or posts, 
 about ten feet in length, planted two feet deep in the ground and standing 
 eight feet above ground. 
 
 In the spring of 1676 the Indians opened hostilities in Hampshire 
 county by an attack upon Northampton, March 14; they were repulsed 
 with considerable loss, after burning five houses and five barns and killing 
 four men and one woman. About April 1 three men were killed at Hock- 
 anum. May 18, a party of mounted men numbering from 150 to 160 from 
 Springfield. YVestfield, Northampton, Hadley and Hatfield, assembled at 
 Hatfield and marched from there to a place called " the falls," now known 
 as Turners Falls, where about daybreak the following morning they sur- 
 prised the Indians in their wigwams and killed between 130 and 180 men, 
 women and children. On their return they were in turn attacked by the 
 Indians and 38 whites were slain. May 30, a party of Indians estimated 
 to number 250 attacked Hatfield, burning many houses and barns without 
 the fortification. A rescuing party of 25 men crossed the river from 
 Hadley and gave battle to the Indians, five Hadley men being killed. On 
 June 12 an attack was made upon Hadley by about 250 Indians, but the 
 garrison having been largely reinforced by troops from Connecticut the 
 Indians were repulsed. Three soldiers who were surprised outside the 
 fortifications were killed. This was the last Indian attack in Hampshire 
 county in 1676. Sept. 19. 1677, a party of Indians attacked Hatfield, 
 killed twelve persons and took seventeen captives ; proceeding to Deerfield 
 they killed one and captured four; the captives were taken to Canada. In 
 October the corn-mill at Hadley was burned. There were no more Indian 
 attacks on Hampshire county towns during the year, which witnessed the 
 close of what Avas known as " King Philip's war." 
 
 In 1688 began what was known as " King William's war," between 
 tlu- English and French. The American colonies of the two nations were 
 early involved in the conllict. the French securing as their allies some of 
 the northern tribes of Indians. Hampshire county escaped the ravages 
 of war in 1689 and 1690, but there were many alarms and men were often 
 called to arms. Sept. 15. 1 694, a combined attack was made by the French 
 
THIRD, FOURTH AND FIFTH INDIAN WARS. 9 
 
 and Indians upon the fort at Deerfield. but they were repulsed. Oct. 5, 
 1696, Richard Church of Hadley was slain by Hudson River Indians: 
 four of the latter were tried and two were found guilty and shot to death 
 at Northampton, Oct. 23. These were the first executions in Hampshire 
 county. During this war which lasted nearly ten years, 28 of the inhabi- 
 tants of Hampshire county were killed and several captured. 
 
 In May, 1702, still another war began between England and France, 
 extending the following year to the colonies. Feb. 29. 1704. the French 
 and Indians attacked Deerfield, their combined forces numbering about 340 
 men. The attack was in the early morning, the sentinels were unfaithful 
 and had retired to rest and the entire party entered the place undiscovered. 
 They broke in the doors of houses, dragged out their startled inhabitants, 
 killed such as resisted and took prisoners nearly all the remainder; 38 
 were slain and 112 made captives, among the latter being Rev. John 
 Williams, his wife and five children. Two men escaped and hurried to 
 Hatfield; returning with a small body of men they overtook and attacked 
 the enemy, but were compelled to retreat with a loss of nine of their 
 number. The captives were taken to Canada. 22 being killed or dying on 
 the way; 28 remained in Canada and 60 returned. May 13, 1704. a 
 party of Indians attacked a hamlet of five families at Pascommuck, near 
 the northeast end of Mount Tom in Northampton and killed 19 persons, 
 capturing 14 others. This war came to an end in 17 13, having lasted ten 
 years ; during this time 103 persons were slain in Hampshire county or in 
 excursions from it. 
 
 The fourth Indian war lasted from 1722 to 1726 ; some soldiers from 
 Hadley served at Northfield and Deerfield but no person belonging to the 
 town was killed or injured during the war. The fifth war began in 1744 
 and lasted until 174S. June 17, 1745. Louisburg in Cape Breton surren- 
 dered after a siege of 49 days to an army from New England aided by a 
 British squadron. In the English army were troops from Hadley, probably 
 some from the east settlement. In a garrison that bravely defended a fort 
 at Charlestown, N. H., in April, 1747, were six men from the Second and 
 Third Precincts of Hadley, viz., Eleazar Smith, William Boltwood, Nehe- 
 miah Dickinson, Nathaniel Church, Jr., Josiah Swan and Ebenezer Dickin- 
 son. Of the sixth and final Indian war more will be recorded later on. 
 
 From the beginning of the first Indian war in 1675 until the close of 
 the fifth in 1748 the inhabitants of Hadley were compelled to devote a 
 large part of their time and effort to military affairs. A feeble little 
 settlement in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by savage foes, 
 knowing not at what moment or from what quarter to expect an attack, it 
 is wonderful that its inhabitants maintained stout hearts and refused to 
 relinquish their homes bought at so dear a price and surrounded by such 
 
IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 manifold dangers, but such a thought seems never to have possessed them. 
 The same spirit that moved them to separate from the churches in Hartford 
 and Wethersfield and to found a plantation where they could enjoy the 
 fullest measure of religious liberty, continued to animate and strengthen 
 them when attacked by heathen hordes. They loved their new homes 
 better than the old and were ready to do anything and dare everything to 
 protect and maintain them. They preferred rather to dwell in an armed 
 camp than to return to the peaceful plantations down the river. They 
 gave not of their lives alone but of their substance as well, contributing 
 their full share toward paying the expenses of long and bloody conflicts. 
 Such was the fibre of the men, and of the women too, who founded the 
 old town of Hadley, the parent town of Hatfield, South Hadley, Amherst 
 and Granby. No honor paid to them by their descendants can be too 
 great, too loving. 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 Early Settlements in Hampshire County. — Division of Hadley 
 Outer Commons. — Equivalent Land. — Flat Hills Lands. — 
 East Inhabitants in 1731. 
 
 The earliest settlement made by the English within the present 
 boundaries of Hampshire county was at Northampton in 1654. The 
 second was at Hadley in 1659 and at Hatfield, then a part of Hadley, the 
 same year. In 1700, the first permanent settlement was made at East- 
 hampton. In 1725 South Hadley, then a part of Hadley, was settled and 
 in 1732 became the Second Precinct of the parent town. Ware was 
 settled in 1729. In 1731 families from Northampton, Hatfield and Hadley 
 settled in Belchertown, then known as " Cold Spring." In 1732 a settle- 
 ment was made at Southampton and one at Pelham in 1739. In 1662 the 
 county of Hampshire was established by an act of the General Court, 
 being the fifth county in Massachusetts. It embraced the lands within the 
 present boundaries of Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin and Berkshire 
 counties, and also included lands in Connecticut ; at the time of its erection 
 it contained three settlements, at Springfield, Northampton and Hadley. 
 Springfield was made the shire town, and the courts were to be held at that 
 place and at Northampton alternate years. A settlement was made at 
 
DIVISION OF HADLEY COMMON LANDS. II 
 
 Westfield, then known as " Woronoco " in 1666, the settlers coming from 
 Springrield and Northampton. In 1670 Hatfield was set off from Hadley 
 and incorporated as a town. The same year a settlement was made at 
 Deerfield, then known as " Pocumtuck." This was followed, three years 
 later, by a settlement at " Squakheag," afterwards known as Northfield. 
 This completed the line of settlements along the river-bank, at Springfield, 
 Northampton, Hadley, Hatfield, Deerfield and Northfield prior to the year 
 1703 when the bounds of the Third Precinct of Hadley were laid out. 
 
 •• King Philip's war " came to an end in 1677. and for ten years the 
 inhabitants of Hadley were allowed to engage in peaceful pursuits unmo- 
 lested. They increased in numbers and finding themselves in need of 
 more land for tillage and pasturage began to consider the division of their 
 lands to the eastward. These lands had been granted to them by the 
 General Court in 1673, on petition signed by 3S persons. At a meeting of 
 the town held April 10, 1688 the following vote was passed: 
 
 ■• Voted by the Towne that all their Comon lands lyeing within their Bounds 
 shall be laid out into particular Alottments to the proprietors and Inhabitants of 
 this Towne of Hadley acording to the rule they shall agree upon. 
 
 Voted by the Towne that every proprietor and Inhabitant shall receive his- 
 proportion in said Comon lands acording to a former Custom viz: acording to a 
 200 pound estate or a 150 or a 100 or 50 &c : or as the Towne shall see meet to 
 grant to persons that have had no former grant of lands." 
 
 In July of the same year the second Indian war began, continuing ten 
 years ; during this period the attention of the inhabitants was turned to 
 military affairs and to the protection of their lives and property from the 
 savages. There is no further allusion to a division of lands, in the town 
 records, until 1699, when the following appears : 
 
 •• At a Leagall Towne meting January S. 1699. 
 Voted that Capt. Cook Left Kellogg .Mr Samuell Porter Cornet Dickinson 
 Sergt Daniell Marsh Be A Committy To consider A method that may be best for 
 the Laying out of The Commons ; And Accordingly to make Report thereof to ye 
 Towne." 
 
 There is no minute on the town records as to whether this committee 
 made a report, but under date of March 4, 1700, the following appears : 
 
 •• Voted by the Towne that 3 miles and one quarter Eastward from the meeting- 
 house And so from the north side of mount holyoke unto the mill River shall Lye 
 as Common Land forever supposing that this Line will take in the whole of the 
 new Swamp. 
 
 Voted that the Rest of the Comons Eastward shall be Laid out in three 
 Devisions that is to say Betwixt the Roade Leading to Brookfield and the mill 
 River notwithstanding there is Liberty for the Cutting wood and timber so Long 
 as it Lyeth unfensed. 
 
 There is Likewise to be left betwixt every Division forty Rods for highways :. 
 And what will be nesesary to be left for highways East and West Threw every. 
 
a 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Division: is to be left To the discression of the messirers: And every one to have 
 a proportion in the first or second Devision: And every one to have a proporsion 
 in the third Devision : And every householder to have a fifty pound Allotment. 
 And all others who are now the proper Inhabitants of Hadley from sixteen years 
 old and upwards to have a five and twenty pound Allotment in said Commons." 
 
 It is evident from this vote and from action subsequently taken by 
 the town that the lots in the first and second divisions were intended as 
 homelots and those in the third division as pastures for cattle. 
 
 March 3, 1701, the following votes were passed : 
 
 '• Voted by the Town that the proprietors of the Commons Agreed on to be 
 Laid ought to the proper Inhabitants of sixteen years old mensioned in the vote in 
 .March Last past: is to be understood as an accommodation to the parent or master 
 ■ of such Inhabitant and is to be Laid ought to his allotment. 
 
 Voted that the Commons agreed upon this time twelve months To be Laid 
 ought be done as soone as conveniently may be and that we now proceed to the 
 drawing of Lots in order thereto. 
 
 Voted that so many as desire Their Lots to lye together may have Liberty to 
 agree together and draw but once and so have their Lots Laid Sucksessively. 
 
 Voted that in the Laying ought of the Commons : having had Respect to the 
 poules according to the vote last past that the Rest be Laid ought according to 
 the meadow Land that each person is now in the possession of. 
 
 Voted that in the Laying ought of the Commons the first Lott shall begin next 
 the path that Leads to Brookfield : And so to be Laid Norward Till they come to 
 the mill River : And the next Lott to be on the second Division Next to said path : 
 And so to go on to the said mill River." 
 
 Judd states in his history of Hadley that " In a division south of 
 Mount Holyoke, lots were drawn in this manner. As many papers as there 
 were proprietors were numbered, and put into a box and well shaken. 
 Each proprietor drew out one of these papers, or if any were absent, the 
 moderator drew for them." It is probable that in this, or in some similar 
 fashion, the lots were drawn which decided the first individual ownership 
 of lands in the town of Amherst. From the Hadley " town book " are 
 copied the names of the following persons who had a part in this first dis- 
 tribution of Amherst lands.* 
 
 *For a plan of the lots drawn in the third division, see Town Records, Part II. of this volume, 
 p. 152. 
 
FIRST PROPRIETORS OF AMHERST LANDS. 
 
 J J 
 
 •3 
 14 
 15 
 16 
 
 17 
 18 
 
 19 
 20 
 
 First Division. 
 Brookfield road. 
 
 Jonathan Marsh, 
 Samuel Nash, 
 Ebenezer Nash. 
 Samuel Marsh, 
 Ephraim Nash, 
 Samuel Crow, 
 Thomas Selding, 
 John Selding, 
 William Rooker, 
 Joseph Smith, 
 Widow Craft, 
 Sam'l Dickinson, 
 Mr. Wm. Williams, 
 John Cowle, 
 John Graves, 
 Stephen Belding, 
 Ebenezer Billing, 
 Samuel Belding. Jr., 
 Daniel Warner, 
 Widow Warner, 
 
 Rods, 
 
 feet. 
 
 5^ 
 
 57 
 
 7 
 
 53 
 
 16 
 
 1 
 
 54 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 55 
 
 21 
 
 13 
 
 56 
 
 12 
 
 7 
 
 57 
 
 35 
 
 
 
 58 
 
 70 
 
 
 
 59 
 
 20 
 
 7 
 
 60 
 
 Joseph Smith. 
 Ebenezer Wells, 
 Nathaniel White, 
 John Smith, Tailor, 
 John Preston, 
 Nathaniel Warner, 
 Daniel Hubbard. 
 Col. Samuel Partrigg, 
 Samuel Partrigg, Jr.. 
 Sam'l and Eben'r Moody. 
 John Ingram. Sr., 
 John Ingram, Jr.. 
 Samuel Ingram, 
 Nathaniel Ingram, 
 Jonathan Ingram. 
 Thomas Goodman, 
 John Smith. Orphan, 
 Samuel Barnard, 
 Highway 40 rods wide, 
 
 44 
 29 
 
 45 
 60 
 40 
 
 75 
 69 
 42 
 24 
 17 
 17 
 17 
 
 48 
 
 45 
 goeth 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 1 1 
 S 
 
 9 
 
 o 
 8 
 8 
 o 
 
 5 
 5 
 1 
 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 
 25 
 
 5 
 
 17 
 
 5 
 
 2 5 
 
 10 
 
 5i 
 
 8 
 
 3 1 
 
 6 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 3 2 
 
 3 
 
 2 3 
 
 6 
 
 Highway 40 rods wide. S. of Fort River. 9 
 
 51 Preserved Smith. 17 8 
 
 Highway 40 Rods N. end of Wells's Hill. 
 
 Samuel Gaylord. 
 
 William Gaylord, 
 
 Wid. Hannah Porter, 
 
 Samuel Porter, 
 
 Hezekiah Porter 
 
 John Porter, 
 
 Experience Porter. 
 
 Ichabod Porter, 
 
 Peter Montague. 
 
 Mill River, North. 
 
 Second Division 
 
 Brookfield Road. 
 
 John Goodman. 
 
 Aaron Cook, Esq., 
 
 Thomas Hovey, 
 
 Westwood Cook, 
 
 Samuel Cook. 
 Highway 40 rods 
 
 Moses Cook. 
 
 Samuel Boltwood, 
 
 Daniel Marsh. 
 
 Thos. Dickinson. 
 
 Deac. Samuel Smith. 
 
 John Montague, 
 
 Isaac Warner. 
 
 Daniel Warner, 
 
 Widow Cooke, 
 
 Ens. Chileab Smith. 
 
 Samuel Smith, son of Ch 
 
 Luke Smith. 
 
 Ebenezer Smith. 
 
 John Smith. 
 
 Mr. Isaac Chauncey. 
 
 Town Lot. 60 acres, 
 
 George Stillman, 
 
 Ichabod Smith, 
 
 Jacob Warner. 
 
 Highway 40 rods, "runs down to 
 Foot's Folly from New Swamp." 
 
 24 
 
 89 
 
 67 
 39 
 4S 
 73 
 44 
 removed 1734. 
 
 44 
 62 
 
 134 
 44 
 45 
 54 
 17 
 8 
 
 39 
 
 34 
 55 
 21 
 26 
 
 5 2 
 40 
 55 
 3S 
 44 
 
 over 26 
 Folly. 27 
 
 New Swamp, and runs to Foot's 
 
 39 Samuel Church, 45 o 
 
 40 Josiah Church. 24 14 
 
 41 Joseph Church. 16 1 
 
 42 John Taylor, Sr., 6S 11 
 
 43 John Taylor. Jr., 17 S 
 
 44 Eleazar Warner, 17 S 
 
 45 John Hilyard, 17 8 
 
 46 William Brown, 17 8 
 
 47 Nathaniel Dickinson, 3 11 
 
 48 Edward Church. 35 o 
 
 49 Samuel Smith. Sr., 17 8 
 
 50 James Smith, 46 n 
 
 29 
 30 
 
 34 
 
 36 
 37 
 
 39 
 
 Land of Coleman, 
 
 John Kellogg, 32 
 
 Edward Kellogg. 17 
 
 Lt. Joseph Kellogg, 55 
 
 Nathaniel Kellogg, 17 
 
 Mr. Samuel Russell, 4 
 
 Mr. Jonathan Russell, 7 
 
 John Nash, 31 
 
 Joseph Nash. 31 
 
 Thomas Nash, S 
 Highway 32 rods in breadth. 
 
 Neh'h Dickinson & sons. 113 
 
 Timothy Eastman, 69 
 
 Peter Tilton, 59} acres, 39 
 Commons, North. 
 
 '5 
 
 15 
 
 15 
 
 7 
 
 15 
 o 
 
 9 
 o 
 
 7 
 o 
 
14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 March i, 1703, the town of Hadley passed the following vote : 
 
 '• Voted That whareas we the Towne of Hadley About 3 yeres since Agreed 
 upon Laying out A Trakt of our Common Land: east of the Towne: we desire 
 that the Towne mesurers would proceed to Lay it ought to the Towne Agreement 
 And we desire and expect that Inasmuch as it is to be Laid in Large peces That 
 they do it for one penny per acre in pay which they may demand of each person 
 According to the number of Acres Laid ought for him or them and we oblige our- 
 selves to pay them accordingly." 
 
 The town measurers, Capt. Aaron Cooke, Capt. Nehemiah Dickinson 
 and Mr. Samuel Porter, proceeded to lay out these " Large peces " of 
 land, unaided by a surveyor's compass ; they began at the Brookfield road 
 and, in running their line northerly, in order not to include the ' New 
 Swamp" and other lands, they inclined 13 or 14 degrees easterly of the 
 east line of Hadley. This caused them to encroach upon province lands, 
 now in the town of Belchertown and Pelham. May 3, 1703, the following 
 vote was passed by the town : 
 
 '■Voted, that whereas the towne mesurers have Laid out according to our 
 order: Three divisions of Land East of our Town : That we desire the Clerk to 
 Record said Lands in the Towne Booke together in the same order as they were 
 drawn for by the Inhabitants According to the List presented by said mesurers:— 
 for the doing of which we will pay him what is reasonable out of the Town Rate.'' 
 
 The lots in the first and second divisions were each 240 rods in length 
 and in breadth as given in the foregoing table. The first division extended 
 from the Brookfield road to Mill river, a distance of 1961 rods, including 
 120 rods that was set apart for three highways, each to be 40 rods in 
 width. In this division 60 lots were laid out, comprising some 2760 
 acres. In the second division 37 lots were laid out, comprising 2343 acres 
 and extending north from the Brookfield road 1674 rods, including 1 12 
 rods set apart for three highways. This division did not extend as far 
 north as Mill river. The lots in the third division were two miles in 
 length and the number of lots drawn was 93, two persons who drew in the 
 other divisions receiving an equivalent elsewhere and three others drawing 
 as one. The width of the 93 lots, according to the measurers, was 1971 
 rods and no land was set aside for highways. The division as laid out 
 contained 7884 acres. In the drawing for lots in the first and second 
 divisions the head of a family apparently drew 17.V rods in width, or 26+ 
 acres, for himself, and half as much for each son between 16 and 21 years 
 of age. Men over 21 who were not householders seem to have had no 
 more than minors. In the drawing of lots in the third division the head 
 of a family appears to have drawn 10 rods and 6 feet in width, or 41 ?,- 
 acres, for himself, and half as much for sons between 16 and 21, besides 
 what he drew for meadow land. It would seem, therefore, that as originally 
 
FLAT HILLS LANDS. 1 5 
 
 laid out, the extreme length of the lands in Amherst was 197 i rods, or a 
 little over six miles, and the breadth three and three-fourths miles. The 
 number of acres comprised in the territory was 12,987. 
 
 As before stated, the Hadley measurers in running their east line in 
 1703 without the aid of a compass, carried the line too far to the east and 
 encroached upon what was afterwards known as equivalent land. The 
 south line of Massachusetts, run in 1642, was several miles too far to the 
 south, and the colony granted south of the true line 105,793 acres of 
 land, mostly to Suffield, Enfield and Woodstock. After a long controversy, 
 it was agreed that Massachusetts should give to Connecticut the same 
 number of acres as an equivalent, and the towns named should remain in 
 Massachusetts. In 17 15 two men from Connecticut and one from Massa- 
 chusetts laid out this equivalent land, 51,850 acres of which was to the 
 east of Hadley, part of it being comprised in the present limits of Belcher- 
 town and Pelham. The west line, of this land cut off some 3000 acres 
 from the third division laid out by the Hadley measurers in 1 703. Sylvester 
 Judd in unpublished mss. states that the Pelham line cut off one and one- 
 half miles from the two miles in length of the most northerly lots as 
 originally laid out in the third division ; as the line passed further south 
 less was taken off, and the lots below those granted to Samuel, Hezekiah 
 and John Porter were of full length. In 1738 the town voted to lay out 
 land north of the old division of 1703 and south of Mill river "to those 
 who had lost land in the 3d division by running the town line against 
 Pelham." The names of those to whom this land was granted were as 
 follows : 
 
 Samuel Partridge, Mr. Jones and Samuel Russell. 
 
 Ebenezer Selden. Edward Church. 
 
 Samuel Barnard. William Rooker. 
 
 John Goodman, ' Nathaniel Dickinson. 
 
 Eleazer Warner. Dea. Nathaniel White, 
 
 Ichabod Smith, Samuel Crow. 
 
 John Montague, Jacob W T arner, 
 
 Nathaniel Warner. John Preston, 
 
 Edmund Hubbard. Peter Montague, 
 
 Solomon Boltwood, John Taylor, Sr. & Jr.. 
 
 Samuel Smith. Geo. Stillman, 
 
 Thomas Dickinson, Timothy Eastman. 
 
 Daniel Marsh. John Selden. 
 
 Samuel Porter. Isaac Warner, 
 
 Daniel W T arner, Samuel and Ebenezer Nash. 
 
 Thomas Goodman. 
 
 This land was in the region known as " Flat Hills." It was divided 
 in two tiers and made 654 acres, 137 rods. For each two acres of land 
 lost from the third division they were allowed ii acres here. It was voted 
 
1 6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 in November, 1738, "to sequester 100 acres nextto north lot in 2ddivision 
 for use of the 3d precinct." The third division extended further north 
 than the second division. 
 
 Of the 97 persons who drew lots in the first and second division, 78 
 were residents of Hadley, 16 of Hatfield and three non-residents. The 
 number of families in Hadley in 1701 was about 70, all living on the old 
 broad street and the highway at the north end. The laying out in 1703 
 was according to polls and meadow-land in 1701, and to the drawing of 
 that year. Of the 97 persons who became the first proprietors of the 
 lands now comprised in the town of Amherst, but a small proportion ever 
 occupied their lots in person. The distribution was completed in 1703; 
 the same year was signalized by the beginning of a war between England 
 and France, which extended to the colonies and lasted for ten years. 
 During this war the French and their Indian allies made frequent attacks 
 on the English settlements in the Connecticut valley, burning Deerfield and 
 rendering life and property unsafe without the limits of the fortified towns. 
 There was little inducement to make new settlements and land in the three 
 divisions was held at little value by its owners. Judd says that in 1703 
 land in Amherst was not worth a pistareen an acre ; later it was valued at 
 from three to four shillings. There is a tradition, mentioned by Judd in 
 the Hadley history and by Holland in his history of Western Massachu- 
 setts, that the first settler on these lands was a Mr. Foote, who came from 
 Hatfield. Holland says : " A Mr. Foote, probably from Hatfield, is said 
 to have built a shanty in the east part of the town prior to 1703. The 
 location was a little north of the East parish meeting-house. He chose the 
 spot, thinking that he could subsist thereby hunting and fishing, but failing 
 to do so, he left, and, in commemoration of his folly, the east part of the 
 town was for many years called " Foote-Folly Swamp ! " Judd deemed it 
 probable that the first permanent settlement was made in 1727 or 1728. 
 
 In the Hadley town records the first mention of the " east inhabitants " 
 is found under date of Jan. 5, 1730, when a committee was appointed to 
 lay out a burying place for them. If the tradition concerning Foote be 
 disregarded, there is no record and no way of ascertaining as to who was 
 the original settler in the present bounds of Amherst, nor where the first 
 house was erected. There is reason to believe that the first settlement 
 was at East Amherst, on the highway between the second and third divis- 
 ions. In 1731 Hadley voted to divide among its inhabitants the "Inner 
 Commons, - ' which in 1700 they had voted should "Lye as Comon Land 
 forever." The provisions of this vote were not carried out until 1 741, but 
 a list of the inhabitants taken in 1 73 1, who afterwards had a part in the 
 distribution, gives the names and ratable estate of 18 persons under the 
 heading of " Fast Inhabitants." These names were as follows : 
 

 Hn ©lo flDap of 
 
 Hmberst, flfoass-, 
 
 flDaoe about 1772. 
 
 ( wan (HtUfrw JM*f * ■ ' 
 
FIRST RESIDENTS. I 7 
 
 John Ingram, Sr., John Ingram, Jr., 
 
 Ebenezer Kellogg, John Cowls, 
 
 Jonathan Cowls, Samuel Boltwood, 
 
 Samuel Hawley, Nathaniel Church, 
 
 John Wells, Aaron Smith, 
 
 Nathaniel Smith, Richard Chauncey, 
 
 Stephen Smith, John Nash, Jr., 
 
 Joseph Wells. Ebenezer Scovil, 
 
 Ebenezer Ingram, Ebenezer Dickinson. 
 
 Of these, John Cowls, Jonathan Cowls, Samuel Hawley, John Wells, 
 Stephen Smith and Joseph Wells came from Hatfield, the remainder being 
 from Hadley. Only five of these names are found in the original allot- 
 ment of lands, those of John Ingram, Sr., John Ingram, Jr., Samuel 
 Boltwood, John Nash and John Cowls. The others had doubtless acquired 
 their land by purchase or inheritance. It is impossible to state with 
 accuracy the precise locations of the houses of these " East Inhabitants,'* 
 but from a map of the town drawn about the year 1770 we are enabled to 
 locate the following: Jonathan Cowls (spelled Cole) lived on a highway 
 running northwesterly from the highway between the first and second 
 divisions; John Nash, on the highway between the first and second divisions 
 in the second house south of the meeting-house ; Ebenezer Dickinson, on 
 the highway between the first and second divisions at the north part ; 
 Nathaniel Smith, on the highway between the first and second divisions in 
 the first house south of the meeting-honse. This map has been badly 
 defaced and portions of it lost, but gives a fair idea of the distribution of 
 the inhabitants at the time it was made. 
 
 It would thus appear that of the eighteen original settlers but four 
 were living in the present bounds of Amherst in 1770. Of the remaining 
 fourteen, John Wells had removed to Hardwick, Joseph Wells to Sunder- 
 land, Aaron Smith to Shutesbury where he died in 1759, Richard Chauncey 
 to Whately where he died in 1790, Stephen Smith to Sunderland where he 
 died in 1760; Nathaniel Church had also removed, but where he went is 
 not recorded. Ebenezer Scovil died in 1731, the same year he removed to 
 the new settlement. Ebenezer Ingram and John Cowls died in 1735, John 
 Ingram, Jr. in 1737, Samuel Boltwood in 1738, and Ebenezer Kellogg in 
 1766. There is no record of the death of John Ingram and Samuel 
 Hawley: the former was living in 1742 "at an advanced age," and the 
 latter, born in 16S6, probably died before the map was made. The descend- 
 ants of John Cowls removed to Belchertown. John Ingram, Jr. left four 
 sons, Samuel, Philip, John and Reuben. On this map we find a Philip 
 Ingram (spelled " Ingraham ") living on the highway between the first and 
 second divisions, near Mill Valley, and a John Ingraham living on the east 
 highway near the north part. 
 2 
 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Between 1731 and 1738 the following persons were added to the 
 population of the settlement : 
 
 Joseph Clary, 
 Solomon Boltwood, 
 William Murray, 
 Peletiah Smith, 
 Ebenezer Williams. 
 Joseph Hawley, 
 John Morton, 
 
 Jonathan Atherton. 
 Charles Chauncey. 
 Nathan Moody. 
 John Perry, 
 Zechariah Field, 
 Samuel Hawley. Jr. 
 Moses Smith. 
 
 Zecheriah Field, Joseph Hawley, Samuel Hawley, Jr. and John Morton 
 came from Hatfield, Ebenezer Williams from Deerfield, the remainder from 
 Hadley. 
 
 Of these, the following may be located on the map : Peletiah Smith, 
 on the west highway, near what is now known as Mill Valley ; Ebenezer 
 Williams, on the east highway toward South Amherst; John Morton, on the 
 east highway north of where the East Cong'l church now stands : Nathan 
 Moody, on the west highway a little way over College hill ; Moses Smith. 
 on the Bay road. Jonathan Atherton died in 1744 and John Perry removed. 
 Solomon Boltwood died in 1762 and left a son Solomon ; on the map is 
 found Lt. Solomon Boltwood living on the highway running from the west 
 highway toward Hadley. Zechariah Field died in 173S and left a son 
 John ; the map has a Lieut. John Field living at the intersection of the 
 west highway with the highway leading toward Hadley. 
 
 From 1739 to 1745 there were 34 persons added to the settlement, as 
 follows : 
 
 Samuel Ingram, 
 John Field, 
 David Nash, 
 Moses Hawley, 
 Moses Warner, 
 Aaron Warner, 
 Jonathan Nash. 
 Nathaniel Coleman, 
 Jonathan Moody. 
 Samuel Church, 
 Daniel Dickinson, 
 John Dickinson. 
 Moses Dickinson, 
 Nathan Dickinson, 
 Jonathan Dickinson, 
 Jonathan Smith, 
 Nehemiah Strong, 
 
 Noah Baker. 
 Charles Wright, 
 Preserved Clapp. 
 Westwood Cook. Jr.. 
 Joseph Eastman. Jr.. 
 Deac. Eleazar Mattoon. 
 Rev. David Parsons, 
 Peter Smith, 
 Nathaniel Kellogg, 
 Ephraim Kellogg, 
 Alexander Porter. 
 Elisha Ingram. 
 Phinehas Smith. 
 David Smith. 
 Joseph Morton. 
 Daniel Smith. 
 Seth Kibbe. 
 
 ( )f these, David Nash removed to South Hadley, Phinehas Smith to 
 Granby, and Noah Baker to Sunderland: David Smith returned to Hadley. 
 
PLACES OF RESIDENCE. 1 9 
 
 Joseph Morton and Seth Kibbe died. The following appear upon the 
 map : Moses Warner and Aaron Warner, on the west highway just north of 
 the meeting-house ; Jonathan Nash, on the east highway, toward South 
 Amherst ; Jonathan Moody, a little north of the Bay road but off the high- 
 way : Samuel Church, on the west highway near the Bay road ; Daniel 
 Dickinson, on the west highway, a little north from the Bay road; Nathan 
 and Jonathan Dickinson, on the east highway just north of the highway 
 leading to Pel ham ; Jonathan Smith, on the west highway toward the north 
 part : Joseph Eastman, on the west highway at the north ; Rev. David 
 1'arsons, on the west highway nearly opposite the meeting-house; Elihu 
 Ingram, on the west highway south of highway leading to Hadley. There 
 is a Coleman given on the map, on the east highway near where the South 
 Cong'l church now stands ; this may have been Nathaniel Coleman's home; 
 his son, Dea. Seth Coleman, lived on the west highway just north of the 
 highway that crossed the second division. John Dickinson was living at 
 the time the map was drawn but his name does not appear on it. Moses 
 Dickinson did not die until 1803. but his name also is missing from the 
 map. Nehemiah Strong died in 1772 and left a son Simeon born in 1736. 
 The map gives the residence of Simeon Strong, Esq. at the junction of the 
 west highway and the highway leading to Hadley. Charles Wright removed 
 to Pownal, Vt., prior to 1762. Preserved Clapp died in 1758 and left a 
 son Oliver born in 1744; the map gives the residence of Oliver Clapp on 
 the east highway just south of the road leading to Pelham. Westwood 
 Cook died about 174S and left a son Moses born in 1726. The map gives 
 the residence of a Moses " Bascom," which should be Moses Cook, on 
 the west highway near the highway branching off to the northwest. Eleazar 
 Mattoon died in 1767, leaving a son Ebenezer born in 1720 ; on the map 
 the residence of Ebenezer "Toon," which should be Mattoon, is given on 
 the westhighway near the north part. Peter Smith did not die until 1787, 
 but his name does not appear on the map. Nathaniel Kellogg died in 
 1750 and Ephraim Kellogg in 1777. The records contain nothing con- 
 cerning Alexander Porter. 
 
 Between the years 1745 and 1763 the following persons were added 
 to the population : 
 
 Daniel Kellogg, David Smith. 
 
 Abraham Kellogg, Xoah Smith, 
 
 Ebenezer Kellogg, Jr.. Martin Smith, 
 
 Joseph Church, Eleazer Smith, 
 
 Isaac Hubbard, John Petty or Pettis, 
 
 Moses Cook, John Cowls, Jr., 
 
 Jacob Warner, Oliver Cowls. 
 
 Gideon Dickinson, Benjamin Harwood, 
 
 Reuben Dickinson, Samuel Elmer, 
 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Joseph Dickinson, 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, Jr.. 
 Nathan Dickinson, Jr., 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, 3d, 
 Simeon Dickinson, 
 Noah Dickinson, 
 Jonathan Dickinson, Jr.. 
 Jonathan Dickinson, 
 Azariah Dickinson, 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, 
 Nehemiah Dickinson, 
 David Dickinson, 
 Thomas Hastings, 
 Simeon Strong', 
 Ens. Josiah Chauncey, 
 Isaac Goodale. 
 Elijah Baker, 
 Simeon Pomeroy, 
 John Keet, 
 Jonathan Edwards, 
 Alexander Smith, 
 Edward Smith, 
 Pelatiah Smith, Jr., 
 Simeon Smith, 
 Jonathan Smith, Jr., 
 Thomas Morton, 
 
 Of these, Thomas Hastings, Hezekiah Belding, John Allis and John 
 Billing came from Hatfield, Elijah Baker, John Keet, Jonathan Edwards, 
 Simeon (lark and Gideon Henderson from Northampton, Simeon Pomeroy 
 from Southampton; the remainder from Hadley. The following are found 
 upon the map: Daniel Kellogg, on the east highway north of the highway 
 crossing the second division ; Joseph Church, on the west highway at the 
 north part; Gideon Dickinson, on the east highway at the north part ; 
 Reuben Dickinson, on the east highway at the north part ; Joseph Dickin- 
 son, on the west highway at the north part ; Nathan Dickinson, Jr., on the 
 east highway toward the south part; Noah Dickinson, on the east highway 
 a little south of the highway leading to Pelham ; Nathaniel Dickinson, on 
 the highway leading northwest from the west highway : Thomas Hastings, 
 a little east of the east highway toward the south part; Josiah Chauncey, 
 on the west highway toward "Mill Valley;" Isaac Goodale, on the west 
 highway at junction of highway leading to the northwest: Simeon Pomeroy, 
 on the east highway toward the south part; Jonathan Edwards, probably 
 the " Dea. Edwards" on the map, on the east highway toward the south 
 part: Alexander Smith, on the west highway toward "Mill Valley;" David 
 Smith and Noah Smith, on the highway leading northwest from the west 
 
 Eli Colton, 
 James Merrick, 
 Solomon Boltwood, Jr., 
 William Boltwood, 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 Simeon Clark, 
 John Nash, Jr., 
 Ncadiah Lewis, 
 John Ingram, 3d, 
 Philip Ingram, 
 Reuben Ingram, 
 Hezekiah Belding, 
 William Murray, Jr.. 
 John field, Jr., 
 John Allis, 
 John Billing, 
 Preserved Clapp, 
 David Blodget, 
 Jonathan Moody, Jr., 
 Asahel Moody, 
 Benjamin Rhodes, 
 Justus Williams, 
 Thomas Bascom, 
 Gideon Henderson, 
 Abner Adams. 
 
PLACES OF RESIDENXE. 2 1 
 
 highway; Martin Smith, on the highway leading to Pelham ; John Petty, 
 on the south road crossing the second division ; Oliver Cowls, (spelled 
 " Cole ") on the northwest highway ; James Merrick, on the west highway 
 at the south part; William Boltwood, on the west highway toward " Mill 
 Valley;" Simeon Clark. " Dea, Clark" on the map. on the highway leading 
 to Hadley ; Noadiah Lewis, on the highway leading to Hadley ; Hezekiah 
 Belding, on the east highway at the north part ; John Field, Jr.. on the 
 highway running northwest ; John Billing, on the west highway toward 
 " Mill Valley ;" David Blodgett, on the east highway just north of the 
 highway leading to Pelham; Justus Williams, on the east highway toward 
 the south part ; Gideon Henderson, on ihe northwest highway. 
 
 Resides the names of the original settlers and the additions prior to 
 1763 as given in Judd's History, there are found upon the map the following 
 names: Lemuel Moody, Israel 1 hckinson, Lieut. Dickinson, Timothy 
 Green, Reuben Cowls, Lieut. Jonathan Field, Widow Ingram, Stephen 
 Smith, Solomon Gould, Silas Matthew, John Williams, William Rood, Enos 
 Dickinson. Stephen Cole, Abner Lee, Aaron Warner, Jr., Gideon Dickinson, 
 Jr., Timothy Hubbard, Joel Billing, Thomas Hastings, Jr., Joseph Nash and 
 Eli Parker. Concerning six of these, Lieut. Jonathan Field, John Williams, 
 Stephen Cole, Abner Lee, Timothy Hubbard and Joseph Nash, but little is 
 to be found in the records. Of those remaining, Lemuel Moody was 
 probably the son of Jonathan Moody who came to Amherst between 1739 
 and 1745. Israel Dickinson was the son of John Dickinson who came to 
 Amherst before 1745. " Lieut."' Dickinson was probably Reuben Dickin- 
 son, son of Ebenezer, one of the original settlers. Timothy Green was 
 born in 174S and came to Amherst from Hadley. Reuben Cowls was son 
 of Jonathan, one of the original settlers. The widow Ingram was doubt- 
 less the widow of John Ingram, Jr., also one of the first settlers. Stephen 
 Smith was son of Stephen who came to Amherst before 1739. Solomon 
 Gould came to Amherst from Hadley before 17G0 and Silas Matthew before 
 1772. William Rood might have been a son of Benjamin Rhodes. Enos 
 Dickinson was son of Nathan who came to Amherst about 1742. Aaron 
 Warner. Jr., was son of Aaron who came to Amherst between 1739 and 
 1745 ; Gideon Dickinson, Jr., of Gideon who came before 1763 ; Joel 
 Billing, of John who came before 1763; Thomas Hastings, Jr.. of Thomas 
 who came before 1763. Eli Parker came from Hadley and died in 1829, 
 aged 93. 
 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER III, 
 
 Founders of Amherst Families. — Biographical Sketches of the 
 Early Settlers. 
 
 Among the eighteen "east inhabitants" of Hadley in 1731 was 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, the founder of a family in Amherst which has claimed 
 more numerous descendants and exercised a greater influence over town 
 affairs than any other. Ebenezer Dickinson was the son of Nehemiah, 
 who died in Hadley in 1723 in his 79th year, and the grandson of Nathaniel 
 who removed from Wethersfield to Hadley in 1659, being one of the 
 original settlers. Ebenezer had four sons, Gideon, Ebenezer, Reuben and 
 Joseph, and five daughters, Abigail, Sarah, Mary, Jerusha and Experience. 
 Gideon married in 1745 Hannah, dau. of Nathaniel Edwards of Amherst; 
 they had three sons, Gideon, Elisha and Samuel, and five daughters, 
 Hannah, Abigail, Sarah, Martha and Naomi. Ebenezer 2 Dickinson 
 married in 1734 Chloe Holton ; they had five sons, Ebenezer, Roswell, 
 Luther, Zimri and Joseph, and two daughters, Chloe and Experience. 
 Reuben commanded a company from Amherst in the Revolutionary war, 
 and after the war removed to Thetford, Vt. His children were, Reuben, 
 Sarah, Esther, Ruth, Josiah, Solomon, Elijah, Josiah, Rachel. Joseph 
 Dickinson married (1) Martha daughter of Jonathan Dickinson, by whom 
 he had Joseph and Martha; (2) a second Martha Dickinson, by whom he 
 had a son Ira. Abigail Dickinson married in 1740 Samuel Ingram, by 
 whom she had two children, Lydia and Sarah. Sarah Dickinson married 
 in 1743 Asa Adams. Mary Dickinson married in 1757 Noah Dickinson, 
 son of Jonathan, by whom she had a daughter Mary. Jerusha Dickinson 
 married in 1763 David Blodgett. Experience Dickinson died in Hadley 
 in 1 770, unmarried. 
 
 Between the years 1739 and 1745 there came to the east settlement 
 Daniel, John and Moses Dickinson from Hadley and Nathan and Jonathan 
 Dickinson from Hatfield. Daniel Dickinson married in 1779 Sybil, 
 daughter of Josiah Dickinson ; their children were, Sophia, Henry, Char- 
 lotte, Samuel, Sylvanus, Elihu, Lucy, Daniel and Edward. John Dickinson 
 married in 1741 Esther, daughter of Nathaniel Dickinson of Sunderland, 
 by whom he had three sons, Nathaniel, Israel and Waitstill. Moses 
 Dickinson married Thankful, daughter of Chileab Smith, by whom he had 
 Hannah, Moses, Lois, Aaron, Medad, Mercy, Elijah, Eli and Judah. 
 Nathan Dickinson was three times married. By his first wife, Thankful 
 
SQUIRE JOHN DICKINSON 
 
 AND 
 
 FAMILY 
 
THE DICKINSON FAMILY. 23 
 
 Warner, he had Nathan, Ebenezer, Irene and Enos ; by his second wife, 
 Joanna Leonard, Azariah, Elihu, Shelah, Thankful, Lois, Asa, Levi, Joanna ; 
 by his third wife, Judith Hosmer, Stephen and Judith. Jonathan Dickinson 
 married in 1745 Dorothy, daughter of John Stoughton, of Windsor. Conn., 
 by whom he had Lucy, Dorothy, Jonathan, Joel, Samuel, Stoughton and 
 Daniel. 
 
 From 1745 to 1763 rive more Dickinsons removed to the east settlement, 
 Jonathan, Azariah, Nathaniel and Nehemiah from Shutesbury and David 
 from Hadley. Jonathan married in 1724 Mary, daughter of Nathaniel 
 Smith of Hatfield, and had children Simeon, Noah, Jonathan, Mary and 
 Martha. Azariah married in 1747 Eunice, daughter of John Stoughton of 
 Windsor, Conn.; their children were Eunice, Hannah, Azariah and Oliver. 
 
 Nathaniel was twice married ; by his first wife. Thankful , he had 
 
 Mary. Nathaniel, Josiah, Elijah, Rachel, Rebecca and Salome ; his second 
 wife was Jemima Wales ; by her he had no children. Nehemiah married 
 in 1749 Amy, still another daughter of John Stoughton, and by her had 
 Nehemiah, John and Simeon. The records contain no mention of descend- 
 ants of David Dickinson. Bearing in mind the small number of the early 
 settlers, the length of the foregoing list gives ample reason why the Dick- 
 inson family should have gained great prominence in the community from 
 the beginning. 
 
 There were two Smiths, Aaron and Nathaniel, among the east inhabi- 
 tants in 1 73 1 ; they were brothers, and sons of Ichabod Smith of Hadley, 
 and grandsons of Philip, one of the original settlers of Hadley, whose 
 death was ascribed by Cotton Mather to witchcraft. Aaron was married 
 in 1724 to Mehitable, daughter of John Ingram, and had four children, 
 a son who died young, Jemima, Philip and Aaron. Nathaniel Smith was 
 the first physician in Amherst, where he died July 21, 1789, aged 84. He 
 had three children, Nathaniel, Dorothy and Rebecca. There were three 
 Smiths added to the settlement between 1731 and 1739, Stephen from 
 Hatfield and Peletiah and Moses from Hadley. Stephen was son of Jonathan 
 and grandson of Philip ; he removed from Amherst to Sunderland where 
 he died in 1760; his children were Stephen, Joel, Titus and Mary. 
 Peletiah was son of Samuel and grandson of Chileab. He married in 172 1 
 Abigail, daughter of William Wait; their children were Elizabeth, Pelatiah, 
 Abigail and Lucy. Moses was brother to Aaron and Nathaniel ; he married 
 in 1732 Hannah, daughter of Samuel Childs of Deerfield ; their children 
 were Moses, Simeon, Hannah, Catharine, Azubah, Elizabeth, Amasa, 
 Samuel. Noadiah and Oliver. Betw-een 1739 and 1745 five Smiths were 
 added to the settlement, Jonathan and Daniel from Hatfield, and Peter, 
 Phinehas and David from Hadley. Jonathan married in 1722 Hannah, 
 daughter of Benoni Wright of Hatfield, and had children Jonathan, Martin, 
 
24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 David, Noah, Hannah, Abigail, Rebecca and Jerusha. Judd says "Daniel 
 Smith was crazy;" there is no mention of him or his descendants in early 
 records. Peter was the son of Chileab 3 and the grandson of Chileab 1 
 Smith, who was in Hadley in 1673 ; Peter married Amy Bissell of Windsor, 
 Conn, and had children Chileab and Elisha. Phinehas soon removed to 
 Granby and David returned to Hadley. 
 
 From 1745 to 1763 nine persons bearing the name of Smith were added 
 to the population, Alexander, Edward, Peletiah, Jr., Simeon, Jonathan, Jr., 
 David, Noah, Martin and Eleazar. Of these, Peletiah, Jr., was son of Pele- 
 tiah, Simeon son of Moses, and Jonathan, Jr., Noah and Martin sons of Jona- 
 than. Alexander and Edward were sons of Joseph 2 , and grandsons 
 of Joseph 1 Smith who came to Hadley from Hartford in 1680. David 
 was son of Luke and grandson of Chileab. Eleazar was son of John', 
 grandson of John 1 , and great-grandson of Philip, one of the original 
 settlers of Hadley. Alexander married in 1743 Rebecca Warner of West- 
 field ; their children were Nathaniel Alexander, Hannah, Joseph, Rebecca, 
 Elias and Samuel. Edward married Hamutal, daughter of Benjamin 
 Ellsworth of East Windsor, Conn.; they had children Benjamin, Timothy, 
 Hewitt, Tryphena, Sarah, Roxana and Lucy. Peletiah, Jr. married in 1755 
 Rhoda Morgan ; their children were Reuben, Rhoda, Sarah, Mary, Aaron, 
 Phinehas and Samuel. Simeon married in 1763 Rachel, daughter of 
 Nathaniel Strong of Northampton ; their children were Simeon, Asa, 
 Electa, Rachel and Sylvanus. Jonathan, Jr. married in 1756 Rebecca, 
 daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Smith ; they had one child, Jerusha. David 
 resided in Amherst but a few years. Noah married in 1766 Mary, daughter 
 of Edward Elmer; their children were Hannah, Jonathan, Reuben, Noah, 
 Andrew, Polly, Rebecca, Sarah and Abigail. Martin married in 1760 
 Lucy, daughter of Preserved Clapp ; they had children Levi, Josiah, 
 Solomon, Jonathan, Martin, Stephen, Wright and Phineas. Eleazar was 
 twice married, first to Lydia Thomas of Lebanon, Conn., and second to 
 Abigail, daughter of Thomas Hale of Longmeadow ; his children, all but 
 the last-named by his first wife, were : Lydia, Lucina, Eleazar, Ithamar, 
 Sarah, Ethan, Achsah, Justin and Seth. 
 
 John Cowls and Jonathan Cowls were numbered among the east inhabi- 
 tants in 1731. They came from Hatfield, were brothers and sons of 
 Jonathan, grandsons of John 2 and great-grandsons of John 1 Cowls who 
 removed from Farmington, Ct. to Hatfield about 1664. John Cowls married 
 Mary — — , and had children Israel, Abia, John, Martha and Mary. 
 Jonathan Cowls married in 1732 Sarah Gaylord ; their children were Sarah, 
 ( Hiver, Jerusha. Jonathan, I )avid. Josiah, Eleazar, Reuben, Enosand Simeon. 
 ( )f the eight sons of Jonathan, five married and had large families of 
 children. 
 
FOUNDERS OF FAMILIES. 25 
 
 Three of the east inhabitants bore the name of Ingram, John, Sr., John, 
 Jr. and Kbenezer. John Ingram, Sr. was the son of John, who was free- 
 man in Hadley in 1683. He married in 1689 Mehitable, daughter of John 
 Dickinson; their children were Elizabeth, John, Ebenezer, Hannah. 
 Mehitable, Rebecca. Jonathan. Experience and Elisha. John Ingrain. Jr. 
 married in 1719 Lydia, daughter of Samuel Boltwood ; their children were 
 Samuel, Sarah. Philip, John. Reuben and Kbenezer. Elisha, Samuel, 
 Philip. John and Reuben remained in Amherst, married and reared large 
 families. 
 
 Ebenezer Kellogg was one of the east inhabitants in i 731. He was son 
 of Nathaniel, and grandson of Joseph who removed from Boston to Hadley 
 as early as 1662. He was a captain and resided successively in Hadley, 
 Amherst, New Salem and Stow. He married in 1716 Elizabeth, widow of 
 Philip Panthorn, and had two children. Martin and Ebenezer. Nathaniel 
 Kellogg, father of Ebenezer, removed to the new settlement about 1739. 
 He married in 1692 Sarah, daughter of Samuel Boltwood- their children 
 were Nathaniel. Ebenezer, Ezekiel, Samuel. Sarah, Abigail, Mary, Ephraim 
 and Experience. Ephraim. son of Nathaniel and brother of Ebenezer, 
 was among the east inhabitants previous to 1745: he married, in 1741, 
 Dorothy, daughter of Samuel Hawley ; their children were Ephraim, 
 Martin, Dorothy, Abigail. John, Sarah and Joseph. Daniel and Abraham 
 Kellogg came to the settlement between the years 1745 and 1763; 
 they were sons of Nathaniel- and grandsons of Nathaniel' Kellogg. 
 Daniel was three times married, first in 1751 to Esther, daughter of John 
 Smith of South Hadley, by whom he had four children, Daniel, Aaron, 
 David and Jonathan; second in 1758 to Thankful, widow of Joseph 
 Hawley; third to Sarah, daughter of Josiah Powers of Northampton. 
 Abraham was married in 1758 to Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Cowls; 
 their children were Sybil. Sarah, Samuel and Abraham. 
 
 Among the east inhabitants in 1 73 1 was Samuel Boltwood. He was 
 son of Samuel who was killed at Deerfield in the French and Indian war 
 in 1704, and grandson of Robert Boltwood one of the first settlers in 
 Hadley. He married in 1703 Hannah, daughter of Nathaniel Alexander. 
 Their children were Hannah. Samuel. Sarah. Mary. Martha, Abigail and 
 Jemima. Solomon Boltwood, brother of Samuel, came to the settlement 
 before 1739. He married Mary, widow of John Pantry, Jr. of Hartford 
 and daughter of John Norton of Farmington, Conn.; their children were 
 Ruth, Sarah, William, Solomon, Ebenezer and Mary. 
 
 In the first list of east inhabitants appears the name of Samuel 
 Hawley. He was son of Joseph Hawley of Northampton and grandson 
 of Thomas Hawley of Roxbury. He settled in Hatfield whence he removed 
 to the east settlement in Hadley. He married in 1708 Mehitable, daughter 
 
26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of Samuel Belding ; their children were Lydia, Samuel, Joseph, Moses, 
 John, Dorothy and Mary. His sons Samuel, Joseph and Moses, remained 
 in the east settlement where they married and raised large families. 
 
 The name of Nathaniel Church is also found on the list of east 
 inhabitants in 1 73 1 . He was probably the son of Samuel Church of 
 Hadley. He married in 1727 Rachel McCranney of Springfield by whom 
 he had these children : Nathaniel, William Harrison, Rachel, Malachi, 
 Jesse, Eber, Timothy, Samuel, Experience, Ruth, Mary, David, Jonathan and 
 Benjamin. Samuel Church, brother of Nathaniel, came to the east settle- 
 ment between 1739 and 1745. He married Margaret, daughter of Samuel 
 Smith; their children were Margaret, Sarah, Abigail, Thankful, Daniel, 
 Eunice and Giles. Another brother, Joseph, came to the settlement 
 between 1745 and 1763. He married in 1755 Abigail, daughter of Jona- 
 than Smith ; their children were Samuel, Abigail, Joseph, and Sylvanus. 
 
 Richard Chauncey was one of the east inhabitants in 1731. He was 
 a son of the Rev. Isaac Chauncey of Stratford, Conn., who in 1696 was 
 ordained over the Hadley church. Richard married in 1729 Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Jonathan Smith of Hatfield; their children were Oliver, 
 Elizabeth, Eunice, Jerusha, Medad and Abigail. Charles Chauncey, 
 brother to Richard, came to the new settlement before 1739. He 
 married in 1740 Sarah Ingram, by whom he had children Catharine, 
 Dorothy and Isaac. In 1746 he married Mary Gaylord, by whom he had 
 Eunice and David. Josiah Chauncey, brother to Charles and Richard, 
 came to the east settlement between 1745 and 1763. He occupied many 
 important offices and removed about 17S1 to New York state. His children 
 were Elizabeth B., Mary, Sarah, Josiah, Isaac, Moses, and Samuel. 
 
 The list of east inhabitants in 1 73 1 contains the name of John Nash, 
 Jr. He was the son of John and grandson of Timothy Nash who removed 
 from Hartford to Hadley in 1663. John Nash was a deacon in the church 
 and died about 1778. He married in 17 16 Hannah Ingram ; their chil- 
 dren were Jonathan, David, Hannah and John. His three sons continued 
 to reside in the new settlement where they married and raised large 
 families of children. 
 
 Among those added to the east inhabitants between 1731 and 1739 
 were Zechariah Eield, Nathan Moody and John Morton. 
 
 Zechariah Eield was the son of John of Hatfield and grandson of 
 Zechariah who removed from Hartford to Northampton in 1659. Zecha- 
 riah 2 was married in 1705 to Sarah, daughter of Dea. John Clark of 
 Northampton ; their children were Ebenezer, Rebecca, Sarah, Mary and 
 John. 
 
 Nathan Moody was the son of Samuel' and grandson of Samuel 1 
 Moody. He married in 1735 Abigail Montague; their children were 
 
FOUNDERS OF FAMILIES. 27 
 
 John, Josiah and Abigail. Jonathan, brother to Nathan, came to the new 
 settlement between 1739 and 1745. He married in 1730 Bridget Smith; 
 their children were Huldah, Jonathan, Asahel, Lemuel, Eldad. Medadand 
 Perez. 
 
 John Morton was son of Joseph of Hatfield and grandson of Richard 
 Morton who removed from Hartford to Hatfield in 1670. John Morton 
 married in 1730 Lydia, daughter, of Samuel Hawley ; their children were 
 Ruth, Rhoda, Thomas. Lydia, John and Joseph. 
 
 In the list of those added to the new settlement between 1739 and 
 1745 are found the following names : Moses and Aaron Warner, Nathaniel 
 Coleman, Nehemiah Strong, Preserved Clapp, Westwood Cook, Jr., Joseph 
 Eastman, Jr., Eleazar Mattoon and David Parsons. 
 
 Moses and Aaron Warner were brothers, sons of Jacob'", grandsons 
 of Jacob' and great-grandsons or Andrew Warner, who removed from 
 Hartford to Hadley in 1659, being among the first settlers. Moses Warner 
 was married in 173S to Mary Field ; their children were Mary and Moses. - 
 Aaron Warner was a blacksmith, probably the first in Amherst. His 
 children were Maribee, Ruth, Aaron, Lucy. Noadiah, Hannah, David, 
 Jonathan and Elisha. Jacob Warner, brother to Moses and Aaron, came 
 to the settlement between 1745 and 1763. His children were Wareham, 
 Jacob, Anna, Abigail. Esther, Reuben and Sarah. 
 
 Nathaniel Coleman was son of Nathaniel, grandson of John and great- 
 grandson of Thomas Coleman who was one of the first settlers in Hadley. 
 Nathaniel'"' Coleman married in 1739 Mercy Smith; their children were 
 Seth, Thankful, Azubah and Enos. 
 
 Nehemiah Strong was son of Samuel Strong of Northampton. He 
 was twice married, (1) to Hannah Edwards, by whom he had children 
 Nehemiah, Mary and Simeon: (2) to Catherine Barrett of Sunderland. 
 
 Preserved Clapp was son of Preserved Clapp of Northampton. He 
 married in 1730 Sarah, daughter of Christopher West of Guilford, Conn.; 
 their children were Preserved, Sarah, Lucy, Irene, Miriam, Oliver, Alary, 
 Timothy and William. 
 
 Westwood Cook was son of Westwood and grandson of Capt. Aaron 
 Cook. He married in 1723 Joanna, daughter of Moses Cook ; their children 
 were Jane, Moses, Mary. Joannah. 
 
 Joseph Eastman, Jr. was son of Joseph'- and grandson of Joseph 1 
 Eastman who removed in 1682 from Salisbury to Hadley. Joseph 1 ' 
 Eastman married in 1746 Sarah Ingram; their children were Sarah, Ruth, 
 Joseph, Ebenezer, John, Mercy, Lydia, Miry, Hannah and Tilton. 
 
 Eleazer Mattoon was son of Philip Mattoon of Springfield and removed 
 to the new settlement from Northfield ; his children were Elizabeth, 
 Ebenezer and Sarah. 
 
.2 8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Rev. David Parsons was son of Rev. David and was born in Maiden, 
 March 24, 17 12 ; he was graduated from Harvard college in 1729. He 
 married Eunice, daughter of Gideon Wells of Wethersfield, Conn. Their 
 children were Eunice, David, Salome, Mary, Gideon and Leonard. 
 
 Among the names of those added to the east settlement between 1745 
 and 1763 are found the following: Thomas Hastings, Isaac Goodale, 
 Elijah Baker, Simeon Pomeroy, Jonathan Edwards, James Merrick, Simeon 
 Clark, Hezekiah Belding, John Billings and Gideon Henderson. 
 
 Thomas Hastings was son of Thomas 2 and grandson of Thomas 1 
 Hastings, who was born in Watertown in 1652 and afterwards removed 
 to Hatfield. Thomas 3 Hastings married Mary, daughter of Joseph Belden 
 of Hatfield ; their children were Esther, Sarah, Thomas, Aaron. Waitstill, 
 Samuel, Sybil, Moses, Mary, Elisha, Tabitha and Lucy. 
 
 Isaac Goodale (or Goodell) was born about 1730; he was twice 
 married, (1) in 1753 to Huldah, daughter of Thomas Burt of Northampton, 
 by whom he had childred Isaac, Mercy, Thomas, David and Eleanor ; 
 (2) in 1805 to Prudence Billings. 
 
 Elijah Baker was son of John Baker of Northampton. He was twice 
 married, (1) in 1757 to Rebecca, daughter of Jonathan Smith, by whom 
 he had children Elijah, Hannah, Enos, Sarah and Martin ; by his second 
 wife he had a daughter Martha. 
 
 Simeon Pomeroy was son of Samuel Pomeroy of Northampton and 
 was born in 1725. He married in 1747 Abigail Smith ; their children were 
 Abigail, Eunice, Lucy, Simeon, Mary, Jerusha, David, Mary. Dorcas, 
 Samuel and Moses. 
 
 Jonathan Edwards was son of Nathaniel Edwards of Northampton 
 and was born in 1722. He married in 1748 Rebecca, daughter of Samuel 
 Smith of Sunderland ; their children were Jonathan, Rebecca, Nathaniel. 
 Lydia, Philip, Mary, Sarah, Hannah and Martha. 
 
 James Merrick was son of James of Monson and was born in 1729. 
 He married in 1754 Esther Colton of Longmeadow ; their children were 
 Mary, Lucy, Sarah, James, Samuel, Esther, and Aaron. 
 
 Simeon Clark was son of Increase Clark of Northampton and was 
 born in 1720. He married in 1749 Rebecca, daughter of Nathaniel 
 Strong; their children were Eunice, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Lois, Asahel, 
 Justus, Mary and Jerusha. 
 
 Hezekiah Belding was son of Samuel, grandson of Stephen and great- 
 grandson of Samuel Belding who removed from Wethersfield to Hatfield. 
 Hezekiah llelding was four times married, (1) in 1752 to Mary, daughter 
 of Jonathan Dickinson; (2) to Abigail, daughter of John Nash of Hat- 
 field; (3) in 1767 to Martha Eield of Sunderland; (4) in 1795 to 
 
THE BURIAL GROUND. 29/ 
 
 Martha, daughter of Widow Smith of Hadley. His children were Mary, 
 Elizabeth. Submit. Hepzibah. Abigail, John, Elihu and Martha. 
 
 John Killings was son of Richard", grandson of Samuel and great- 
 grandson of Richard' Billings who removed from Hartford to Hatfield 
 in 1661. John Billings was twice married, (i) to Jerusha, daughter of 
 John Waite of Hatfield, and (2) to Sarah, daughter of William Mat- 
 thews. His children were Joel. Hannah. Lois, Ursula, John, Moses, Aaron, 
 ferusha, David, Martha. Sarah and Ame. 
 
 Gideon Henderson resided in Northampton and Sunderland before 
 removing to the east settlement. He married in 1740 Sarah Baker; their 
 children were Sarah, Gideon. Mehitable, Elizabeth, Mary, Timothy and 
 Susanna. 
 
 These necessarily brief and incomplete biographical sketches of the 
 early settlers in the limits of the present township of Amherst contain the 
 names of most of those who were prominent in the early history of the 
 precinct, district and town, and many as well that have descended from 
 generation to generation, and are borne by their lineal descendants to-day. 
 They explain why it is that the names of Dickinson and Smith and Cowls 
 and a score of others are found on nearly every page of the old precinct 
 records, and occupy so prominent a place in assessors' lists and muster- 
 rolls, and later on in town directories. Many of these names may be — 
 some have been — traced back to the earliest settlements in Massachusetts, 
 and further back, across the Atlantic, to their original homes in England.. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Burial Ground for East Inhabitants. — Occupations. — Wild Animals. 
 Hadley Votes Concerning East Inhabitants. — Third Pre- 
 cinct Set Off. 
 
 The first minute in the town records of Hadley in relation to the east 
 inhabitants is a rather gruesome one, relating as it does to the laying out 
 of a burial ground for their use. It is found under date of Jan. 5, 1730, 
 and reads as follows : 
 
 "Voted that the East Inhabitants have Liberty Granted them for a Burying" 
 place there In some Convenient place and made choice of John Ingram Samuel 
 Boltwood and John Xash Jun. to view and lay out about an acre of Land for said 
 use in a Convenient place and form and make return thereof at next March 
 meeting." 
 
30 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 The committee was prompt to accomplish its work, as is found on the 
 records under date of March 2. 1730 : 
 
 ''The Comity in Jan. Meeting abovesaid made Return as follows: They have 
 laid out the Burying place fifteen rod joyning on Nath' Church's Lot west, and 
 twelve rod Last in the highway, being about an acre and twenty rod of ground : 15 
 rod in length 12 in Bredth." 
 
 The principal occupation of the early inhabitants of the east settle- 
 ment at Hadley was farming; they tilled the soil as their fathers and 
 grandfathers had done before them. Much of the land in the first and 
 second divisions was of excellent quality, rewarding their labors with 
 abundant crops. The leading products were Indian corn, wheat, rye, barley 
 and peas. The grain was ground at a mill located on what was known as 
 the Mill river, which marked the northern boundary of the first division; 
 the flour was bolted by hand. Much of the land was free from timber and 
 only required plowing to fit it for planting the seed. The Indians had a 
 custom of burning the grass and leaves in November of each year, to 
 render hunting easier and to make the grass grow ; this custom was gen- 
 erally adopted by the whites. These burnings were continued in some 
 places as late as 1750, but a law was passed in 1743 to restrict these fires. 
 Good timber was far from abundant and at an early date restrictions were 
 made upon cutting and using it. Horses, cattle, sheep and hogs were 
 pastured in the woods; cows were under a keeper, but young cattle roamed 
 without restraint and were often allowed to remain in the woods until 
 winter. Town rates, ministers' rates and private debts were mostly paid 
 in grain, the price of which was fixed at a certain sum in money. 
 
 A few of the early settlers combined some other occupation with that 
 of farming; Nathaniel Smith, who was among the first of the east inhabi- 
 tants, was a doctor, the first to practice his profession in the new settle- 
 ment. Aaron Warner, also one of the first settlers, was a blacksmith and 
 practiced his trade in 1741. Ebenezer Kellogg kept an inn from 1734 to 
 1737, and was also engaged in trade. Many of the farmers could turn 
 their hands to carpentering or rough mason-work, and their wives and 
 daughters spun flax and carded wool and wove the cloth that was fashioned 
 into garments not always shapely but comfortable. " Candlewood " and 
 tallow-dips provided light of an evening, but the latter were esteemed a 
 luxury only to be indulged in on state occasions. Beef, pork and corn- 
 meal were staple articles of diet, with shad and salmon in their season. 
 The Connecticut river was formerly very prolific in shad, but the fish was 
 little esteemed. Wildcats and bears were also numerous; blackbirds and 
 < rows were such a nuisance to the fanners that bounties were offered for 
 their destruction. Deer and turkeys were numerous and were hunted 
 both by the Indians and the whites. 
 
HADLEY VOTES. 3 I 
 
 In Amherst records under date of 1767 is found the name "Wolfpit 
 brook," showing that wolves were formerly caught in pits here, as in other 
 places. That they were numerous and caused havoc among sheep is proved 
 b\ the bounties offered both by towns and by the state for their destruction. 
 Two wolves were killed in Amherst in 1765 and the following application 
 for the state bounty is found in the archives at Boston : 
 
 '• Mr. Treasurer— This is to certify, that there has been paid out of the Town 
 of Amherst for one grown wolf killed on & near this District since the 1st 
 Day of March last, and the head thereof brought unto one of our constables, 
 and the ears thereof cut off in the Presence of some of ourselves, as the Law 
 directs, and so certified unto us. in the whole the sum of two pounds, which sum we 
 desire you to allow to our District, by paying the same unto Simeon Strong, our 
 District Treasurer. Dated in Amherst aforesaid, the Seventh Day of May Anno 
 Dom. 1765. 
 
 John Billings j 
 
 Simeon Clark [ Selectmen 
 
 Moses Dickinson 1 
 
 In 17S7 Amherst paid Isaac Hubbard £6 for killing a wolf. In 1805 
 two wolves ranged for some time from the northern part of Amherst and 
 Hadley to the northern part of Montague, and killed many sheep. Men 
 from three or four towns turned out after a light snow and surrounded and 
 killed them. 
 
 A glance at the plan of Amherst in 1770 shows that the inhabitants 
 were about evenly divided between the east and west highways. There 
 was no one living on the main highway crossing the second division, and 
 but three on the highway that crossed the same division further south. 
 There was an extensive settlement at the north end, and another at the 
 south end near the Bay road. The centre of population was probably not 
 far from where the first meeting-house had been erected, on College hill. 
 
 The east inhabitants having been provided with a burying place, we 
 find no further mention of them in Hadley town records until 1731, when 
 under date of Jan. 3 the following appears : 
 
 •■ Voted That the East Inhabitants that are at the charge of hireing a min- 
 ister their shall be abated their fifth part of the 120 pound Salary above mentioned 
 to the Rev' 1 M 1 Chauncey." 
 
 And again under date of March 5, 1733 : 
 
 "Voted and Granted that when Ever there be occasion and opportunity to 
 settle a good orthodox minister among our East Inhabitants, that the then East 
 Inhabitants of our Town shall have and it is hereby Granted unto them to have 
 the fee property and disposition of the two Lots of Land in the Second and third 
 division of out Lands known by the name of Town Land or Lots to Give, Grantor 
 Dispose of as they shall think Best in order to the Settleing a good orthodox 
 minister among them."" 
 
32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Again under date of August 27, 1733 : 
 
 ''Voted That our East Inhabitants may have Liberty to hire a minister to 
 Preach among them six months this year and that if they so do they shall be 
 abated one half of their rate to our minister: and so in Proportion for the time 
 they Hire not Exceeding six months." 
 
 It would thus appear that the east inhabitants had hired a minister 
 previous to 1731, but who this minister was there is nothing in the records 
 to show. The inhabitants of Hadley first precinct were willing that the 
 new settlers should hire a minister, but at the same time desired that they 
 should continue to contribute to the support of Rev. Mr. Chauncey. This, 
 naturally, was little to the liking of the east inhabitants, who found them- 
 selves subjected to two ministerial rates. There was but one means by 
 which this injustice could be remedied ; that was by forming a separate 
 precinct, and in June, 1734. John Ingram and others signed a petition 
 which was presented to the General Court, praying that such a precinct 
 might be set off. In the General Court Records under date of June 6, 
 1734, the following appears : 
 
 "A Petition of John Ingram and a Great Number of other Inhabitants of a 
 Tract of Land lying in and near the Township of Hadley Bounded Easterly on 
 the East bounds of said Town Northerly on Sunderland Southerly on Mount 
 Holyoke & Westerly from the east bounds of Hadley about two miles and three 
 Quarters Showing their distance from the place of Publick Worship in said Town 
 and theirAdvantageous Situation for their being made a precinct and therefore 
 praying that they be constituted a separate precinct accordingly — 
 
 In the House of Representatives Read & Ordered That the Pet" serve the 
 first precinct in Hadley with a Copy of the Petition that they shew cause if any 
 they have on the first Thursday of the next Sitting of the Court why the prayer 
 thereof should not be Granted. 
 
 In Council Read & Concurred." 
 
 The Hadley records under date of June 26, 1734, contain the 
 following entry : 
 
 "At a Legal meeting of the First Precinct Voted Dea Eastman Moderator for 
 said meeting it being put to vote whether we are willing to set off our East Inhab- 
 itants a separate Precinct and it past in the negative. 
 
 Voted that they will make answer to the Petition to the General Court to 
 shew the unreasonableness thereof. Voted Elez r Porter Capt. Smith Leut Moses 
 Cook'Dea Eastman and Job Marsh a Committee to draw up something in order to 
 send to the General Court against said Petition and left to their discretion to send 
 a man clown if they think best to manage that business to the General Court at 
 the Town's Charge." 
 
 The '• something " drawn up by this committee was carried to Boston 
 by Capt. Luke Smith and proved such an effective argument that the 
 petition was not granted at the time. A later minute in the records shows. 
 that : 
 
HADLEY THIRD PRECINCT SET OFF, $$ 
 
 •• Ebenezer Kellogg, John Wells. Nath 1 Church, Peletiah Smith and Nath 
 Smith do enter their Decent against paying of Capt. Smith for going to Boston 
 upon the Town Business Respecting a Petition of the East Inhabitants." 
 
 December 10, 1734, a second petition headed by Zechariah Field and 
 signed by the east inhabitants, praying that they might be set off a separate 
 precinct, was presented to the General Court. This petition is missing 
 from the state archives. In the General Court Records under date of 
 December, 1734, is found the following : 
 
 •'On the petition of Zechariah Field and othersof the town of Hadley praying- 
 as entered the 10th Currant. — 
 
 Ordered That the prayer of the petition be Granted, and the Lands hereafter 
 bounded and Described with the Inhabitants thereon be and hereby are Erected 
 into a Seperate and Destinct Precinct Accordingly ; The precinct being of the 
 Contents of ten miles and three Quarters in bredth and Seven miles in length; 
 Bounded westerly on a Tract of Land Reserved by the Town of Hadley to ly as 
 Comon forever. Southerly on Boston Road, Easterly on the Equivalent Lands and 
 northerly on the Town of Sunderland And the petit" and Inhabitants of the said 
 Precint are hereby obliged and Enjoyned within three years to Build a Convenient 
 House for the Publick worship of < lod, Settle a Learned orthodox Minister among 
 them (one of Good Conversation) & provide for his handsome & honorable Support ; 
 and the better to Enable them to proceed herein. It is hereby further Ordered 
 that the Lands Lying and being within the said Precinct belonging to Non Resi- 
 dent proprietors (not belonging to the old Precinct in Hadley) be and hereby are 
 subjected to a Tax of two pence per acre — for the Space of Six years next coming 
 to be applied for the Support of the ministry there." 
 
 The lands comprised within the present limits of the township of 
 South Hadley were set off as the second or south precinct of Hadley in 
 1732 ; the new precinct, or what is now Amherst, thus became by the act 
 of separation " Hadley Third Precinct." It had previously been known 
 as " Xew Swamp," " Foote's Folly Swamp." "Hadley Farms," ''Fast 
 Farms," " Hadley Outer Commons " and "East Hadley." The warrant 
 for the first meeting in the new Precinct was signed by Eleazar Porter, 
 justice of the peace, and was dated Sept. 22, 1735. It was served by 
 Ebenezer Kellogg and the meeting was held Oct. 8. At that time it was 
 the custom to hold two town meetings annually, one in January when 
 ordinary business was transacted, and one in March when officers were 
 elected for the ensuing year. Previous to 1735, and for many years there- 
 after, the year was considered to end March 25 instead of Jan. 1, and this 
 has frequently caused a confusion of dates in copying and quoting from 
 ancient records. Thus January, February and March up to the 25th were 
 accounted a part of and dated as the preceding year. The Third Precinct 
 adopted the custom of the town in holding its regular meetings in January 
 and March, and also introduced a custom of holding special meetings which 
 has continued up to the present time. Samuel Hawley was chosen moder- 
 3 
 
34 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 ator of the first meeting, and together with John Ingram and Samuel 
 Boltwood was chosen a member of the committee to call precinct meetings. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 David Parsons, the First Minister. — Organization of the First 
 Church. — Mr. Parsons' Salary and Firewood. — The First 
 Meeting-House. 
 
 One of the conditions imposed by the General Court in setting off the 
 new precinct was the building within three years of a " Convenient House 
 for the Publick worship of God," another the settling of a "Learned 
 orthodox Minister among them " and providing " for his handsome and 
 honorable Support." To fulfilling these conditions the inhabitants of the 
 Third Precinct addressed themselves at their first public meeting, appoint- 
 ing a committee to have charge of building the meeting-house and voting 
 to hire a minister half a year. This committee engaged the services of 
 Rev. David Parsons, Jr., who began preaching in the Third Precinct in 
 November, 1735. Mr. Parsons was son of Rev. David Parsons who was 
 settled in the ministry at Maiden and afterwards at Leicester, and grand- 
 son of Joseph Parsons, Esq. of Northampton. He was born in Maiden, 
 March 24, 17 12, and was graduated from Harvard college in the class of 
 1729. He married Eunice, daughter of Gideon Wells of YYethersfield, 
 Conn. Three years after graduation he took the degree of A. M. at 
 Harvard, the theme of his thesis on that occasion being " Whether all the 
 Sacred writings are contained in the books of the Old and New Testa- 
 ment," which he answered in the affirmative. He was described by a 
 lifelong friend as "a man of strong intellectual powers, with a penetrating 
 eye, giving token of that shrewd and judicial mind which made his counsel 
 valued ; retaining his classical learning beyond most men of his age, but 
 with ' divinity ' as his favorite study : a doctrinal preacher, reverent in 
 manner, devout in temper and fervent in prayer. His sermons were 
 scholarly and orthodox to a degree." Judd says in his history of Hadley, 
 "April 26, 1 76 1, Mr. Parsons of Amherst preached at Hadley a spring 
 sermon, from the beautiful description of spring in Solomon's Songs 11 : 
 10 — 13." And again : " Mr. Parsons of Amherst preached a sacramen- 
 tal sermon at Hadley, March 31, 1754, from Cant. 1:12." At a meeting 
 
REV. DAVID PARSONS. 35 
 
 held March 10. 1755. the precinct voted to raise fifteen pounds of money 
 to be paid towards the minister's rate. At a meeting held Sept. 16, 1736, 
 it was again voted to hire a minister six months. The earliest pages of 
 the old Precinct and District records, which up to 17S2 were the parish 
 records as well, and which are copied in the last part of this volume, are 
 largely given up to votes concerning the Rev. David Parsons, his salary, 
 his settlement and his firewood, and to votes concerning the building and 
 "seating 1 ' of the meeting-house. At the risk of some repetition, it is 
 thought best to present here in connected form the doings of the early 
 inhabitants of the Third Precinct in regard to their first minister and their 
 first meeting-house. 
 
 In April, 1737. the Precinct voted to give David Parsons. Jr. a call to 
 settle in the ministry ; the salary was to be ^80 the first year and £5 to 
 be added yearly until the sum amounted to ^100. It was also voted to 
 build him a house. 40 feet in length. 2 1 feet in breadth and two stories 
 high, and to give him the two lots of land granted by the town of Hadley 
 in 1733. In [uly of the same year it was voted to try to get more lands 
 for his settlement. In September it was voted to give him £120 pounds 
 salary. These inducements evidently were not sufficient, for in November 
 it was voted to hire a minister for five months and to give him 40 shillings 
 a Sabbath. Mr. Parsons preached in Southampton in 1737 and 1738, 
 but that he also preached in the Third Precinct is shown by bills that were 
 allowed at the Precinct meeting March 16, 1738, including one from John 
 Cowls of five shillings for keeping Mr. Parsons' horse, and eight shillings 
 to Jonathan Cowls for keeping Mr. Parsons upon the Sabbath. December 
 15, 1738. it was voted to raise ^Tioo for Mr. David Parsons for preaching 
 the year past. Under the same date is found the first vote in relation to 
 Mr. Parsons' firewood, which afterwards proved such an important item in 
 the allowance for his support. July 12, 1739, the inhabitants of the 
 Precinct extended still another offer to Mr. Parsons to settle there in the 
 ministry. They voted to give him the two lots of land granted by the 
 town of Hadley and ^175 of money towards building his house. In Sep- 
 tember of the same year they voted as his salary ^100 the first year and 
 agreed to make yearly additions until the salary amounted to £ 160. Sept. 
 28, 1739, Mr. Parsons accepted the call and Nov. 7. 1739. as is learned 
 from the old record book, he was " ordained Pastor of the Church of 
 Christ in Hadley Third Precinct, which was gathered on that Day &: con- 
 sisted of the Persons hereafter mentioned."' 
 
 The persons who thus united to form the first church in Hadley Third 
 Precinct were : 
 
3^ 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 David Parsons, pastor, 
 Samuel Mauley, 
 Pelatiah Smith, 
 Aaron Smith, 
 Nathaniel Smith, 
 
 John Ingram. 
 John Nash, 
 John Cowls. 
 Jonathan Smith, 
 Jonathan Cowls, 
 
 Nathaniel Kellogg, 
 Eleazer Mattoon, 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, 
 Ebenezer Kellogg, 
 Joseph Clary, 
 Richard Chauncey. 
 
 These names include those of ten of the 18 men who were numbered 
 among the east inhabitants in 1 73 1. Of the other eight, four died previous 
 to 1739 and two had removed. Stephen Smith and Nathaniel Church were 
 residents of the Precinct in 1739 but their names do not appear on the 
 church roll. To these original members of the church there were added 
 Jan. 1, 1740, "by recommendation from other churches," the following: 
 
 Mehetabel Hawley, Wid. Abigail Smith, 
 
 Alary Cowls, Elizabeth Mattoon, 
 
 Wid. Hannah Boltwood. Sarah Hawley, 
 
 Wid. Lydia Ingram, 
 
 Sarah Clary, 
 
 Rebecca Hawley, 
 
 Sarah Kellogg, 
 
 Sarah Dickinson, 
 
 Mary Boltwood, 
 
 Abigail Moody. 
 
 David Smith. 
 Hannah Smith, 
 Sarah Cowls, 
 Martha Boltwood, 
 Mehetabel Ingram, 
 Abigail Field, 
 Hannah Nash', 
 Elizabeth Smith, 
 Ruth Boltwood, 
 
 Elizabeth Kellogg, 
 Wid. Sarah Field, 
 Mehetabel Smith, 
 Abigail Smith, 
 Elizabeth Chauncey, 
 Hannah Murray, 
 
 Of these 28 persons all but one were females and were the mothers, 
 wives and daughters of the original members. Of the sixteen original 
 members all but one, the minister, were house-holders, married and had 
 children. Of the women who united with the church there were six wdiose 
 husbands were not members. The whole number of families represented 
 in the church by either husband or wife was 24, the whole number in the 
 settlement 29. Four days after the church was organized the pastor bap- 
 tized Jonathan, the son of Jonathan and Sarah Cowls, and in less than a 
 month he baptized three more children. During the first pastorate there 
 were 583 baptisms, nearly all of children. Two of the females who united 
 with the church were young and unmarried, Elizabeth Smith and Ruth 
 Boltwood. The sons and daughters of the families first represented in the 
 church numbered in all over 190, not all living at one time, but there was 
 no lack of a youthful element in parish or congregation. 
 
 The salary voted to Mr. Parsons at the time of his settlement was 
 ^100 for the first year, with an annual increase until the sum should 
 amount to ^TiCo. This was to be paid in " Province Bills of ye old Tenour 
 or one-third so much of ye New," until the year 1741. Province bills were 
 first issued in Massachusetts in 1702, to supply a lack of circulating 
 medium. As these bills increased in number their value suffered a corre- 
 sponding decrease. In May, 1736, a new issue of bills was made, which 
 
THE MINISTERS FIREWOOD. 37 
 
 was ordered to be equal to coined silver at 6s. Sd. per ounce, or three 
 times as much as the old. Thereafter the first issues were known as " old 
 tenor " and the later one as "new tenor " or " lawful money." In Novem- 
 ber, 1 741, there was still another issue, of which one pound was to be 
 equal in value to four pounds of "old tenor." This latest issue then 
 became ''new tenor" and that of 1736 was referred to as "middle tenor." 
 The precinct further agreed that after 1741 it would pay Mr. Parsons' 
 salary in money, "if any be passing" or in some commodity equivalent to 
 "money on the footing money now stands." The salary was to be paid 
 annually in the month of March. This salary was to be raised by a rate 
 upon polls and estates; these as they were recorded in the year 1738 were 
 as follows: Polls 35, each valued at £1, 5s. 6d.; estates ^1101, 10s. 6d.; 
 the rate was made at one shilling on the pound. In 1746 it was voted to 
 allow Mr. Parsons 35 shillings the ounce for his salary ; in 1750 this had 
 arisen to £5 the ounce. In 1754 and 1755 the district added each year 
 to Mr. Parsons' salary £92, 10s. "old tenor," and in 1756 £13, 6s. 8cl. 
 "new tenor." In 1757 the addition was ,£15 "lawful money." In 1759, 
 1760 and 1761 the entire salary was for each year ,£66, 13s. 4d. "lawful 
 money." In 1762 and 1763 the sum of £§0 lawful money was voted. 
 In 1764 a committee was appointed to consult with Mr. Parsons in regard 
 to his salary, and he suggested the sum of £&o lawful money with firewood, 
 or £"93, 6s. 8d. without firewood. The latter proposition was accepted. 
 This salary was to be paid in money, or should that be scarce, in grain and 
 other necessaries of life. 
 
 Judd says in his Hadley history : " I never found in any records a 
 minister who consumed so much wood as Mr. Parsons." In 1738 it was 
 voted : " yt Each head & teame be Improved to get firewood for Mr. 
 Parsons." In 1742, 60 loads were provided, each load containing probably 
 from two-thirds to three-fourths of a cord; in 1743, Mr. Parsons received 
 70 loads of wood, in 1744, 80, in 1749, 90 and in 1751., 100 "good" loads. 
 For a long time the value of wood was only the expense of cutting and 
 drawing it; in 1742 it was valued at eight shillings the load old tenor, in 
 1750, three shillings per load new tenor, in 1763, 18 shillings old tenor. In 
 1745 the precinct voted £40 old tenor for providing the wood, in 1747 it 
 paid Dea. Ebenezer Dickinson ,£36 for furnishing it. In 1749, £122, 10s. 
 was appropriated and in 1750 £13, 10s. " lawful money." After 1764 Mr. 
 Parsons provided his own firewood as per agreement. The early settlers 
 made use of oak, walnut and other hard woods as firewood ; pine, chest- 
 nut and other soft woods were not generally used until a comparatively 
 recent period. The old fashioned fireplaces of generous proportions with 
 the strong draught furnished by the great stone chimneys were great con- 
 sumers of fuel. 
 
3$> HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 At the first meeting of the Third Precinct it was voted to build a 
 meeting-house and to set it on the hill east of John Nash's house ; a com- 
 mittee was appointed to see to the building. November 25 of the same 
 year it was voted to set the meeting-house near the " Hartling Stake ;" 
 Dec. 25 it was voted to set it upon the east end of Noah Smith's lot, and 
 Nov. 14, 173S the former votes were revoked and the original location, on 
 the hill east of John Nash's house, was decided on. The house was to be 
 45 feet in length, 35 in breadth, to be covered with "quarter-boards" of 
 spruce and roofed with spruce shingles " with out sap." March 22, 1737, 
 it was voted to frame, raise and cover the meeting-house that year. Dec. 
 15, 173S, it was voted to raise ^19 for framing the meeting-house and ^3, 
 17s. were voted to Ebenezer Kellogg for rum and sugar which were prob- 
 ably important factors at this as at all old-time " raisings." The house 
 was built upon the hill where the Amherst College observatory now stands, 
 which was then about the center of the common. It was not completed 
 until 1753, although meetings were held in it before 1742. March 25, 
 1743, it was voted to provide fastenings for the meeting-house doors and to 
 secure the windows; it was also voted to give Aaron Warner 30 shillings 
 to sweep the meeting-house and to "give a signe " when to go to meeting, 
 for one year. March 16, 1 741, it was voted to build a pew for the minister's 
 wife and said pew was to be where " Rev. Mr. David Parsons shall chuse." 
 November 3, 1744, it was voted to build two pews in the meeting-house, 
 one upon the woman's side and one upon the men's side, and also to finish 
 the outside of the house; December 11 the vote respecting the building 
 of pews was revoked and it was voted to build all pews around the sides 
 of the meeting-house. November 16, ij^S, £ 100 was voted for building 
 pews in the meeting-house. August 3, 1749, it was voted to seat the males 
 together and the females together. A committee was appointed to " seat" 
 the meeting-house ; in so doing they were to have regard to age, estate and 
 qualifications. This question of "seating" the meeting-house seems to 
 have been one of the most vexatious problems with which the inhabitants 
 of the Third Precinct had to deal. A person's seat in the meeting-house 
 was to a certain extent an index of his standing in the community. This 
 fact must have occasioned rivalry and jealousy, for although the early 
 inhabitants were a God-fearing people they were not superior to the weak- 
 nesses of human nature. It was no light or agreeable task that the com- 
 mittee on '• seating " the house were called upon to perform ; however ably 
 or conscientiously they may have accomplished their work the result was 
 bound to awaken criticism. There were certain seats that were regarded 
 as of especial dignity and honor, and these were awarded to persons on 
 whom wealth or official dignity were esteemed to confer their title. The 
 committee which first seated the house consisted of five persons, but Jan. 
 
WATCH ONCE OWNED BY DR. NATHANIEL SMITH. 
 
 YE KINK." THAT FIRST SI MMONED WORSHIPERS TO "MEETING 
 
THE FIRST MEETING-HOUSE. 39 
 
 18, 1750, it was voted to seat the meeting-house anew and four other 
 persons were added to the committee, making nine in all. July 5, 1753, 
 it was voted to make four pews in the meeting-house, "where the Hind 
 seats are " and to move the other seats forward. March 22, 1754, four 
 persons were granted liberty to build a pew where the " two hind seats " 
 were, and the " Late Seators " were requested to consider if they could 
 reasonably make any alterations in seating the house. March 24, 1755, 
 the committee was desired to make some alterations so as to provide for 
 new comers. March 24, 1760, a committee of five was chosen to seat the 
 meeting-house, and still another committee for the same purpose Feb. 1, 
 1762. Dec. 19, 1763, twelve persons were granted leave to build a pew 
 in the place of the " two hind seats in the upper Teer in the Gallary," but 
 were to resign the same when the district required it. Jan. 5, 1767, the 
 house again required seating and a committee of five was appointed to 
 attend to the matter. March 16, 1768 it was voted that children and 
 "Prentices " should be required to keep their seats. Jan. 21. 177 1, it was 
 voted to make some changes in seating the meeting-house. 
 
 Nov. 15, 1750, it was voted to provide glass for mending the meeting- 
 house windows and Dec. 2, 1751, to finish the meeting-house the year 
 ensuing. No picture or likeness of the first meeting-house exists : it is 
 probable that none was ever made. Drawing and painting were not among 
 the accomplishments of the early inhabitants and the photographer's 
 camera was unknown. It could not have been a very ornamental structure ; 
 the only rules that governed colonial architecture in those days were utility 
 and the covering of a maximum of space at a minimum of expense. It 
 probably was of the dimensions specified in the original vote to build it. 45 
 feet in length and 35 in breadth. It had galleries, and the seats in these 
 were probably reserved, as was the custom, for persons of inferior estate. 
 It had no bell and the signal for attending worship was the blowing of a 
 conch shell, which was indifferently written as " konk " or "kunk" by 
 keepers of the early records. A salary was voted each year to some able- 
 bodied and strong-lunged person for sweeping the meeting-house and 
 blowing the conch. There was no musical instrument of any kind as an 
 aid to the congregational singing, except it might have been a tuning-fork 
 or pitch-pipe. There was no artificial light or heat, unless some of the 
 good dames brought with them their foot-stoves and filled them with coals 
 at the house of some hospitable neighbor. Carpets were an unknown 
 luxury, and the hard wooden seats, innocent of cushions, were calculated 
 to keep their occupants fully awake to the spiritual admonitions that came 
 from the pulpit. 
 
 The officers of the parish were a clerk and deacons. John Nash, the 
 first clerk elected, served for many years. Eleazer Mattoon had the 
 
4° HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 title of deacon in 1739; he may have been a deacon at Northfield. 
 Ebenezer Dickinson was called deacon in 1740, John Nash in 1742, Jona- 
 than Edwards in 1766, Simeon Clark in 1770, Eleazar Smith in 1782. The 
 committees on building and seating the meeting-house were made up of 
 the most influential men in the parish. The original building committee 
 consisted of Samuel Boltwood, Ebenezer Dickinson, John Cowls, Peletiah 
 Smith and John Ingram, Jr. The committee appointed in 1749 to seat the 
 meeting-house included Lieut. Jonathan Smith, Solomon Boltwood, John 
 Nash, Dea. Ebenezer Dickinson and Lieut. Ebenezer Kellogg. 
 
 In the church records under date of May 31, 1741, is found the first 
 minute in regard to the use of wine at communion services ; it reads as 
 follows : 
 
 " The church voted to raise a contribution of 5s. upon each communicant for 
 purchasing a stock of wine for the year ensuing, and procuring furniture for the 
 communion table, which amounted to the sum of — " 
 
 Contributions of 4s. 6d. were voted in 1742 and 1744, and in the 
 records under date of March 26, 1746 is the following: 
 
 " At a church meeting regularly warned the church voted that such members 
 ■of the church as neglected to pay in their part of the contribution within four weeks 
 after it was publickly called, should be together as persons who walk disorderly." 
 
 The additions to the church for the first 25 years after its organization 
 numbered as follows: In 1741, 24; 1742, 10; 1746, 6 ; 1747, 2 ; 1748, 
 2: 1749, 1; 1750, 3; 1751, 2; 1752, 5; 1753, 4; 1754, 9; 1755, 5; 
 
 ^s 6 ^; 1757- - ^ ^s 8 ' 6 ; 1759*4; 17 60 - II: 17 62 ' 6 ; 1 7 6 3^ 7- 
 
 In 1735, the year that David Parsons began his ministry in the Third 
 Precinct of Hadley, a great revival of religion had taken place among the 
 inhabitants of towns in the Connecticut river valley. Four years later, or 
 the same year in which the church in the Third Precinct was organized, 
 there was another great religious awakening in which George Whitefield, 
 the evangelist, took part. There can be little question that this arousing 
 of religious interest had a marked effect upon the membership of the new 
 church, adding to its numbers and cementing them more closely in the bonds 
 of Christian fellowship. Under the ministrations of David Parsons the 
 church grew and prospered, with no serious division among its members 
 until his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 1781. 
 
HADLEY APPROPRIATIONS FOR SCHOOLS. 4 1 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 School Appropriations p,y Hadley and by the Third Precinct. — 
 First School Houses. — Lands Comprised in Hadley Third 
 Precinct. — Annexations of Land. 
 
 It is probable that for many years after the first settlement at East 
 Hadley, and after the setting off of the Third Precinct, the children of the 
 early settlers attended school in the parent town. The Hadley records 
 under date of March 6, 1748, contain the following: 
 
 " Voted that one hundred Pounds (old tenor) be granted and raised for and 
 towards the Support of Schooling in the Second and third precincts : that is to 
 say, Fifty Pounds for the use of the Second Precinct and Fifty Pounds for the 
 use of the Third Precinct." 
 
 This is the first reference that can be found in regard to schooling in 
 the Precinct, although Tudd considers it probable that some private schools 
 were established before that date. In 1734, Samuel Mighill, an old school- 
 master, resided in the Precinct. May 17, 1754, the town of Hadley appro- 
 priated £6, 13s. for schooling in the Second Precinct; South Hadley had 
 been set off as a separate district and the Third Precinct had become the 
 Second. Aug. 5 of the same year Hadley voted that the money appropri- 
 ated for schools in the Second Precinct " be employed in hiring some suit- 
 able schoolmaster." March 3, 1753,^80 old tenor was voted by Hadley 
 for schooling in the Second Precinct ; March 1. 1756, the sum was increased 
 to ^"150, old tenor. March 7, 1757, Hadley allowed ^"20 "lawful" for 
 schooling in the Second Precinct. The following year the town voted that 
 the Precinct should be set off as a separate District and, consequently, 
 made no further provision for the maintenance of its schools. 
 
 The early schools in the Precinct were generally taught by men. 
 They were long kept in private rooms and were in session but a few months 
 each year. The pay of the school-masters was small, a part of it being 
 borne by the parents of the pupils. Free public schools were unknown 
 until a much later period. In Judd's unpublished mss. is found the record 
 of a conversation with John Dickinson of Amherst, born in 1757, in which 
 Mr. Dickinson said that when he was young he thought no schoolmistresses 
 were employed in the public schools ; girls went to school, but there was 
 not much schooling. " Mr. Dickinson and Mr. Pierce used to keep school 
 in Amherst after they were run down in Hadley. Dickinson was very odd 
 in pulpit and school. A boy said he made more fun in the pulpit than 
 
42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Mr. P." The Mr. Pierce mentioned above was Josiah Pierce of Hadley, 
 who began to teach school in Amherst Oct. 27, 1766 ; he taught six months 
 or more in the year for three years. His pay was 32 shillings, or $5.33 a 
 month, and his board. In winter evenings he kept ciphering schools a few 
 weeks at one shilling an evening. In the winter from 30 to 40 attended 
 his day school in Amherst, and in summer about half as many. March 
 29, 1769, he dismissed the school for want of wood. He probably taught 
 Latin if desired. 
 
 The first vote in the Third Precinct records in regard to schooling is 
 found under date of March 13, 1749, or about one year after the first 
 recorded grant of school money by the town to the precinct. The vote 
 was to hire three " scool Dames " for three or four months in the summer 
 season to teach children to read. The first record of an appropriation for 
 schools by the Precinct is under date of March 22, 1754; the amount was 
 £4. The records contain no further mention of school appropriations 
 until March 19, 1759, when it was voted to raise ^20 ; this was the year 
 that the Precinct was raised into a District, by the name of Amherst. The 
 appropriations made for schooling in the years immediately succeeding 
 were as follows: Jan. 23, 1760, ^10, 13s., 4c!.; March iS, 1760, £13, 6s., 
 Sd.; March 2, 1761, ,£14; Dec. 22, 1 76 1, ,£5 "more"; April 28, 1762, 
 ^"13, 6s., Sd.; Dec. 19, 1763, ^"24; Dec. 17, 1764, ^20; Jan. 6, 1766, 
 £ 2 7 ; J<™. 5, 1767, £27; Jan. 4, 1768, ^24; Jan. 2, 1769, £27, 10s.; 
 Jan. 1, 1770, £29, 6s.; Jan. 18. 1773, £35; Jan. 24, 1776, ^26; Jan. 20, 
 i779»j£3°5 Nov. 14, 1777, £50 ; Jan. 12,1778, £50; Nov. 5, 1778, £100 ; 
 Dec. 28. 1778, £iG6\ Jan. 3, 1780, /T400; Dec. 4, 17S0, ^300 ; Nov. 7, 
 1781, £24; Jan. 7, 17S2, ^24; Jan. 20, 1783, £36; Oct. 16, 1783,^30; 
 Jan. 19, 17S4, ^45; Nov. 15. 1784,^30; Jan. 3, 1785 £30, Oct. 13, 
 1785, /"40. The enormous increase in school appropriations in the years 
 1778 and 1780 was caused by a great depreciation in the currency, and 
 the sudden drop to ^,"24 in 1781 marks a restoration of normal values at 
 the close of the war of the revolution. 
 
 The location of the first school-houses in the District was attended 
 with the same difficulties and even more discussion than the choice of the 
 site of the original meeting-house. With the population scattered over a 
 wide extent of territory, and with poor facilities for travel, it is not strange 
 that parents desired to have the school-houses located as near as possible 
 to their own homes. At a meeting held Jan. 5, 1761, it was voted to build 
 two school-houses, and at the same time a committee was appointed to 
 consider whether it would be best to have two or three. Apparently they 
 decided upon three, for Dec. 22 of the same year it was voted to build 
 three school-houses, one at the center, " near the place where Moses War- 
 ners house formerly stood," one at the north, " in the highway that runs 
 
FIRST SCHOOL-HOUSES. 43 
 
 east and west between Joseph Church and Jon'th Coles," and one at the 
 south, "in the highway south of Nath'll Colemans Lot.*' The center 
 school-house was to be on the site now occupied by Hunt's block, the north 
 near where the North Cong'l church now stands, and the south not far 
 from the site of the present grammar school-house in South Amherst. 
 These school-houses were not built at the time, for Oct. 18,1762, it was again. 
 voted to build three school-houses, and three committees were chosen to 
 have charge of the matter, one to decide on the location, a second to 
 •• wait on " the first committee, and a third to build the houses. These 
 committees probably were unable to agree among themselves or to arrange 
 the matter to the District's liking, for Dec. 17, 1764, a vote was passed to 
 build four school-houses, a "north," a "south,'" an " east middle" and a 
 " west middle." Committees were chosen to fix upon the locations and 
 other committees to attend to the building, and the District voted to abide 
 by their decision. Work was probably begun on the center or "middle" 
 school-houses soon after, and one of them was completed as early as Jan. 
 6, 1766, for at a meeting held that day it was voted to remove the meeting 
 to "the School House which is near Landlord Warner's dwelling House." 
 This school-house stood where W. W. Hunt's store now is ; it was a low, 
 one-story building with chimney and fire-place near the east end. At the 
 same meeting it was voted that the price of summer work upon the school- 
 houses should be two shillings per day and the price of fall work one 
 shilling and sixpence. Carpenter's work in summer was to be two shillings 
 and eightpence. and in the fall two shillings and fourpence. March 17,1768, 
 it was voted to remove the school-house near Landlord M. Warner's. Jan. 
 14, 1772. it was voted that the school-house near Edward Smith's house be 
 removed to the east side of the street. 
 
 In 1752, the town of Hadley granted £60 for schooling in the Second 
 Precinct, and it was voted to spend half the sum for hiring a school-master 
 in the fall and the remainder for hiring "school dames" in the summer. 
 July 5, 1753, it was voted to provide three schools in the precinct, equally 
 divided according to the number of scholars. The north school-house 
 was apparently located in that section now known as the " city," which 
 fact excited some jealousy among the residents of the west street ; at a 
 meeting held Jan. 4, 1768. it was voted that the north school be kept one- 
 half of the time in the west street. Oct. 23, 1769, it was voted to allow 
 the north and south schools their proportion of money for schooling. Jan. 
 21, 1 77 1. the selectmen were instructed to set up a new school at the north 
 end of the District six weeks in addition to the present school. Aug. 17, 
 1772, the district voted to "improve M'r William Guy Ballentine for Six 
 months from his first Entering in the School." Judd says that Mr. Ballen- 
 tine taught Latin and English and read theology with Mr. Parsons. Jan. 
 
-44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 i8, 1773, it was voted to postpone till the March meeting the article pro- 
 viding for more schooling for small children in English. March S, 1773, 
 it was voted to allow five months schooling to " each quarter of the town." 
 April 14 of the same year the District voted to be at the expense of twelve 
 months grammar schooling in the winter season. Nov. 5. 1778, it was 
 voted that the persons who sent scholars should provide wood for the 
 schools ; also that school should be kept three months at the north school- 
 house and three months in the west street the ensuing winter. Jan. 7, 
 1779, it was voted that money raised for schooling in the north 
 part of the town should be used in the north school house. Oct. 21, 
 1779, a committee was chosen to see how many schools should be kept 
 in town and at what places. This committee reported at a meeting 
 held the 6th of Jan., 17S0, that six schools should be maintained that year, 
 one in the west street in the northern part of the town, one " in the street 
 leading from Ezra Roods to Andrew Kimbals," one at each school- 
 house near the " middle of the town, one in the west street in the southern 
 part of the town, and one in the school-house at the southern part of 
 the town;" at an adjournment ofthis meeting it was voted to have eighteen 
 months schooling in town "the present year;" this allowed three months 
 schooling at each of the schools. May 13, 1783, it was voted to grant the 
 west street their proportion of money to be used by them in employing 
 school dames. Nov. 15, 1784, the selectmen were instructed to set up six 
 schools within the town, four in places they had usually been kept in and 
 .two in such places as they saw fit. Jan. 3, 1785, it was voted that schools 
 should be kept three months in the year. Of the earlier private schools 
 in town there is no record, but a woman living in Hadley told Judd, the 
 historian, that when a girl she had attended a school for young ladies in 
 Amherst, taught by a man; this was before Amherst academy was established. 
 When the petition of the " east inhabitants " of Hadley to be set off 
 as a separate precinct was granted by the General Court in 1734, the terri- 
 .tory comprised in the precinct was described as being seven miles in length 
 and two and three-quarters miles in breadth, bounded on the north by Sun- 
 derland, on the east by equivalent lands, on the south by the Boston road 
 and on the west by Hadley common lands. In laying out the lands in the 
 third division there had been an encroachment on the equivalent lands, 
 and when later on the line was run by compass it was found that upwards 
 of 3000 acres had been wrongfully included in this division. To compen- 
 sate those who had drawn lots there that were taken from them by the later 
 survey, the town granted to them in 1738 about 600 acres in that section 
 known as " Flat Hills."' The lands included in the second division were 
 .not all laid out in 1703; the first division was laid out as far north as 
 
LANDS GRANTED TO SOUTH HADLEY. 45- 
 
 the Mill river, and the second, beginning at the Boston or Brookfield road, 
 1674 rods to the north. In the Hadley records under date of March 5, 
 1744. is found the following: 
 
 •• Voted and Granted to the Second Precinct in Hadley so much Land north 
 of Dea. Mattoon's Land in the third Precinct as shall make them Equal in Quality 
 by a rule of Proportion to be Considered by their tax to what was Granted to the 
 first precinct which land shall be laid out to them and Judged as to the Quality by 
 a Committee for that purpose appointed if the Land may their be found for them. 
 
 Voted Dea. John Smith Sen Dr Eastman Lew Chiliab Smith Nat hI Kellogg 
 Jun. and Dea. Matoon to be a Committee for the affair abovesaid." 
 
 Again under date of Jan. 7, 1744-5 : 
 
 ■• The Committee abovesaid having viewed the land in the third Precinct in 
 Hadley north of Dea. Mattoon's Land Agreeable to the Town's vote abovesaid 
 have Surveyed and Set out to the Second Precinct in Hadley two parcels of land 
 hereafter Delinated which said Committee Judge is not more than an Equivalent 
 to them by the Rule of Proportion Agreeable to their tax. 
 
 The Land Lyeth in Two Tracts and is bounded as follows, viz. one Tract of. 
 about 1S5 acres is bounded East and west on Highways north on the mill river and 
 south on Dea. Matoon's land beginning at the NT. W. corner of Sd Matoon's land 
 from which it runs north 15 East 240 Rods to the mill river from thence said river 
 is the west Bounds till it gets about ten Rods East of Nathaniel Kellogg's Corn 
 mill. Thence south three hundred and forty Rods to Matoon's land. Thence 
 west i7 c north one hundred and fifty Rods to the first Boundery. 
 
 The other Tract contains about 35 acres and is bounded North W on the mill 
 river and south on Land of Thomas Goodman and East on a Highway beginning 
 at the N. East Corner of said Goodman's Land from which it runs N. 100 Rods to 
 the mill River and from said Goodman's N. E. Corner it runs west 140 Rods to the 
 mill River Note that in both tracts of Land there is Highways runing thro, the 
 Land of 4 Rod wide Each where they are Prickt in the Plan; or where the Roads 
 now run up the flat Hills and by the mill River. 
 
 Joseph Eastman i 
 
 Nath'l Kellogg Jnr , Committee." 
 
 John Smith > 
 
 The land thus laid out to the Second Precinct, afterwards South 
 Hadley, was in the northerly part of the second division, and included the 
 land not distributed in 1703. 
 
 In Hadley records under date of Jan. 5, 1759, the following appears: 
 
 "Voted and Granted to the Inhabitants of the First and Second Precincts in; 
 said Hadley, and to the Inhabitants of the District of South Hadley, .all the Com- 
 mon or undivided Lands, excepting those that are in possession of particular 
 persons by Incroachment. lying in the Second precinct of Hadley aforesaid, to be 
 divided to the aforesaid Precincts of Hadley. and to the said District, in the same 
 proportion that each of said parties or Societies paid in the Province Tax in the 
 same year that the aforesaid District of South Hadley was made a district by. the, 
 Court." 
 
4-0 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 Under date of Jan. 4, 1762 : 
 
 " Voted That a petition be preferred to the Great and General Court praying 
 that the Higeway near Joseph Clary's in Amherst being surrounded' by Inhabitants 
 of Amherst, may be annexed to Amherst, and that Charles Phelps Esqr and Josiah 
 Peirce be a Committee to prepare and prefer the same. 1 ' 
 
 At the same meeting that this vote was passed a committee was 
 appointed to make a plan of the highway. At a meeting held Nov. 29 of 
 the same year Hadley appointed a committee of five to sell the town's 
 right in the sequestered lands in Amherst on the best terms they could 
 make. 
 
 In 1759, when the Second Precinct of Hadley was erected into the 
 District of Amherst, Isaac Ward, Reuben Ingraham, Philip Ingraham, 
 Isaac Hubbard, Edward Elmer and their respective estates were annexed 
 to the new district. In November, 1772, the line between Amherst and 
 Hadley was run by Simeon Parsons and the selectmen of the two towns; 
 its directions and distances as recorded in Hadley records were as follows : 
 "Beginning at a Stake and Stones at the Pay Road, and running N. 12 
 Et 670 rods to a Stake and Stones at the Southwest corner of Richard 
 Chauncey's lot ; then N. 8° 15' Et 142 rods to a Black Oak Tree at the 
 So Wt corner of John Billings Lot markt W. M. then N. io° Et 307 rods 
 to a. Stub and heap of Stones at the So Wt corner of Solomon Boltwood's 
 Lot; then N. 13° Et 93 rods to a Spruce Staddle at the end of a Ditch at 
 the So Wt corner of John Taylor's Lot ; then N. 8° Et 336 rods to a Ditch 
 called Porter's So Wt ditch; then N. 12 Et 370 rods to a Stub the South 
 Side of Hadley Mill River, then N. n° Et 380 rods to a Stake and Stones 
 that we now set up at Sunderland line." Judd says in his unpublished 
 mss.: "In laying out Flat Hills, 1784, the east line of Amherst extended 
 north of the north line of the third or east division, not far from 573 rods 
 to the N. E. corner. This upper lot is bounded east on town line and west 
 on Mill river, and next lot south has Mill river W. and N. Third division 
 was 197 1 rods at W. end and 2051 reds at E. end; add 573 rods at N. 
 end and the E. line of Amherst was 2624 rods or 8 miles and 64 rods long. 
 It was longer because oblique." In 1779 Amherst petitioned for the annex- 
 ation of the eastern part of Haclky inner commons ; Hadley voted, May 
 13, 1779, that the petition be dismissed. 
 
 By an act of the General Court passed in 1788, John Dickinson, 
 Nehemiah Dickinson, Simeon Dickinson and Silas Wright and their estates 
 were set off from the town of Hadley and annexed to the town of Amherst, 
 also the bridge over the Mill river in the county road leading through 
 Amherst to Sunderland. Soon after 1800 Amherst made a second attempt 
 to annex the Hadley inner commons, but was again defeated. The matter 
 was brought before the General Court, and Mr. Kellogg who represented 
 
ANNEXATION OF LAND. 47 
 
 Hadley at the time proposed if this was done that the Connecticut river should 
 be made the western boundary of Amherst, and Hadley a parish of Amherst. 
 This caused a fellow member to remark that he " had heard of the sow 
 eating up the pigs, but never before heard of the pigs eating up the sow." 
 That settled the matter. Feb. 18, 1S12. what was known as the " Mountain 
 division " was annexed to Amherst, extending the town boundary on the 
 south from the Bay road to the summit of Mt. Holyoke. It began at the 
 southwest corner of Amherst's bounds and ran in the direction of Amherst's 
 west line to the north line of South Hadley. Thence by the north line of 
 South Hadley and Granby to Belchertown line, thence by Belchertown line 
 to southeast corner of Amherst, thence by the south line of Amherst to the 
 first corner or bound. 
 
 Feb. 17, 1814, the following act was passed by the General Court : 
 
 ■• Be it enacted, etc. — That all the lands and the inhabitants thereon, lying and 
 being in Hadley. described within the following limits and bounds, not already 
 annexed to Amherst, be. and the same are hereby set off from Hadley, and 
 annexed to Amherst : that is to say. beginning at the southwest corner of David 
 Smith's land, being the northeast corner of Noah Smith's land, lying in the town of 
 Amherst, on the east line of Hadley : thence running west, to the west end of the 
 first division of lands in Hadley, to a town-way: thence northwardly, on the west 
 line of said division, as far as the same extends: and thence, on the same corner 
 to the south line of Sunderland, to the original northeast corner of Amherst : 
 thence southwardly, on the original line between Amherst and Hadley, to the 
 first mentioned corner. 
 
 Be it further enacted, That the respective valuations of the towns of Hadley 
 and Amherst, be so altered, in consideration of the above, that the sum of one 
 cent, in the proportion of one thousand dollars, be taken from Hadley and put to 
 Amherst: and that all taxes already granted or assessed by the town of Hadley, 
 on the polls and estates hereby set off, be collected in the same manner as though 
 this act had not been passed." 
 
 This was the the last considerable addition to the lands com- 
 prised in the township of Amherst. In 1S15 an act was passed that 
 slightly altered the boundary line between Hadley and Amherst. In 
 1800, John Thayer, Ebenezer Bliss, Reuben Thayer and Nathaniel Goodale 
 were set off from Belchertown and annexed to the second parish of Amherst, 
 for " parochial privileges.*' Later on the farm of Elias Smith, situated on 
 the road from Amherst to Hadley, was annexed to Amherst. In 1795, 
 Amherst refused to have any part of Belchertown annexed ; later on it 
 refused to receive a part of Pelham. The original surveyors of Hadley 
 outer commons intended that the tracts of land laid out should be of equal 
 breadth, extending from the Brookfield road to the Mill river. The narrow- 
 ing of the third division owing to its encroachment on the equivalent lands, 
 the addition of the " Flat Hills" territory, and the annexation from time to 
 time of other lands formerlv included in the boundaries of Hadlev, have 
 
4$ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 given to the town of Amherst its present irregular outline. In the atlas of 
 Massachusetts published by George H. Walker & Co. of Boston in 1891, 
 the east line of Amherst is found to be a little less than nine miles in 
 length, while the extreme breadth near the south part of the town is four 
 miles and at the north a little over three miles. The territory contained in 
 the three divisons laid out in 1703 amounted to over 13,000 acres, which 
 was reduced to about 10,000 acres by the cutting off of the equivalent 
 land. Including the additions, the territory now comprised within the 
 town limits amounts to something like 16,000 acres. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The First Highways. — Encroachments on Highways. — Hadley 
 Votes Concerning Roads and Bridges. — John Morton and 
 Nathan Dickinson. — New Highways Laid Out. 
 
 Aside from the gospel ministry, there was no other one subject that 
 occupied so much the attention of the early settlers as the laying out and 
 maintenance of highways. Every new settlement as it was laid out had its 
 main street extending from end to end, and as the settlers grew in numbers 
 cross streets and parellel streets were added. Prom the main street there 
 would be narrow highways leading to the woods, the meadows and the 
 river. When a journey of any distance was to be made dependence was 
 placed upon the old Indian trails, which frequently marked out the paths 
 of highways that succeeded them. Travel was mostly by foot or horseback, 
 carriages being unknown in this section until well along in the eighteenth 
 century. The wagons or carts that were used for the conveyance of farm 
 produce were heavy and substantially-built affairs. The first well-marked 
 road passing through the present limits of Amherst was the old Bay road, 
 leading through lirookfield to Boston. Judd says in his Hadley history 
 that in early days there was a " Nashaway Path " north of Fort river. In 
 1674 and many years after, the Bay road crossed Fort river near the south 
 end of Spruce hill. In his unpublished mss. Judd says that the Bay road 
 was laid out May 2, 1732, by a jury of 12, under Ebenezer Pomeroy 
 sheriff. Concerning this historic highway more will be recorded in a later 
 chapter. 
 
WIDTH OF HIGHWAYS. 49 
 
 When the Hadley outer commons were first surveyed, in accordance 
 with the vote of the town there were left between the first and second, and 
 between the second and third divisions, spaces for highways 40 rods in 
 width. There were also left spaces forty rods in width for highways to 
 cross the first and second divisions. It is supposed that this great width 
 was allowed that the future inhabitants in laying out their travel-ways 
 might deviate from a straight line and take advantage of the most favorable 
 portions of the land for road-making. But whatever the object, the result 
 was a series of encroachments upon the highways by abutters, and seem- 
 ingly endless controversies whose echoes have hardly died away at the 
 present clay. In 1754, Hadley reduced the western highway to 20 rods in 
 width and the eastern to 12 rods; the width of the cross highways was 
 also reduced. In 17SS, Amherst narrowed the highways to six rods and 
 some to four rods in breadth, and sold the land thus gained to owners of 
 adjoining lots. 
 
 January 5, 1735, shortly after Hadley Third Precinct was set off, the 
 town of Hadley voted as follows : 
 
 •■ Voted That Each Precinct in Hadley may and shall take Effectual Care for 
 the keeping in good Repair all the Roads or highways Belonging to their own Pre- 
 cincts Respectively in such a way. manner or method by a Rate or otherways as 
 they shall think best from time to time. Bridges only Excepted which are to be 
 done at the charge of the Town in such manner as they shall see cause." 
 
 The following appears in Hadley records under date of March 
 
 5> x 744: 
 
 "Voted That there shall be a Highway laid through the third Division of 
 Land East of the Town to Pelham bounds where the Committee appointed shall 
 think best; and said Committee to purchase said Highway as cheap as they can." 
 
 It is evident that the encroachments upon the highways in the Third 
 Precinct must have begun at an early date, for in Hadley records under 
 date of March 4, 1745, the following appears : 
 
 "Voted that there be a Committee to lay out all the Streets or Highways in 
 the East Precinct the same Bredth as per Record they shall appear to be as near 
 as may be in the same places and on the same Corners as they were originally laid 
 out making known original Bounds as Stakes Mark d Trees and Ditches etc. their 
 guide. 
 
 Voted Committee Capt. Cook Leut Chilliab Smith Nath 1 Kellogg Ebenezer 
 Kellogg Ebenezer Dickinson and Solomon Boltwood." 
 
 This committee performed its task and reported to a meeting held 
 Jan. 6, 1745-6, when the town passed the following votes : 
 
 "Whereas their was a Committee Chosen and appointed Last March Town 
 meeting to lay out anew the Streets and Roads in the Third Precinct of Hadley ; 
 and they having clone the work: and returned the Plan thereof: 
 
 4 
 
50 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted That said Return According to the said Plan be Excepted and Confirmed 
 Whereas it appears to the Town by the Plan abovesaid that many persons 
 have Encroched upon the Streets and highways in said third Precinct 
 
 Voted That Col Porter Job Marsh and Nath 1 Kellogg Jun. and Ebenezer 
 Dickinson Lt. Jonathan Smith be a Committee in the behalf and at the Charge of 
 the Town to Persecute said Tresspassers and Incrochments to Effect in Law or 
 to Compound with them by Selling or Exchanging for other Lands what they have 
 taken in out of the highway as abovesaid and as said Committee shall think Best." 
 
 In Hadley records under date of March 7, 1747. is found the first 
 mention of a bridge in the Third Precinct : 
 
 " Voted Committee to build or impower some person to build a Bridge over 
 Fort River in Pelham Road Deac" s Ebenezer Dickinson and John Nash." 
 
 In 174S there was felt the need of a road through the first division, 
 and Hadley voted under date of Jan. 2 : 
 
 "'Voted a Committee to look out a convenient place for a Road through the 
 first Division in the third Precinct, and to discourse the owners of the Land, and 
 make Report where they Judge a Road may most suitably be laid out and what 
 terms the Land may be had upon, at the meeting of the Town next March : Col. 
 Eleazer Porter, Dea" John Nash and Lieut. Nath 1 Kellogg. 
 
 Voted a Committee to build a convenient Cart Bridge over Fort River, near 
 the mill in the third Precinct, at the expense of the Town, Dea" s John Nash and 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, and M 1 ' Solomon Boltwood and Lieut. Ebenezer Kellogg." 
 
 The same year under date of March 6 the following vote was recorded : 
 
 "Voted Committee to view the Bridge over the Mill River in the 3' 1 Precinct, 
 and make report to the Town, whether they judge it convenient, to rebuild the 
 same, or to build another in some other place, and what place they think most 
 suitable, if the place where the Bridge now is. be not by them thought most con- 
 venient be chosen. 
 
 Voted Messi Peletiah Smith, Daniel Dickinson and Nathaniel Coleman be 
 joined with Dea John Nash &c. Committee for building a Bridge over the Fort 
 River near the mill in the third Precinct chosen last January." 
 
 Nothing was done in regard to rebuilding the bridge over Mill river 
 that year, and at the meeting held March 5, 1749. the following vote was 
 passed by the town : 
 
 ''Voted That whereas a vote of this Town was past March 6, 174S, relating to 
 rebuilding the Bridge over the mill River in the third precinct: but no committee 
 was chosen to manage said affair : Messi. Joseph Smith, Benj" Smith and Jonathan 
 Dickinson be a Committee for that affair, and they are accordingly desired and 
 impowered to pursue the Instructions of the said vote, and to make Report to the 
 Town at the next Town meeting." 
 
 In j 746 the town of Hadley engaged in a controversy with John Mor- 
 ton of the Third Precinct, accused of encroaching upon the highway 
 between the second and third divisions, which was carried on before 
 referees, the county courts and the General Court for more than fifteen 
 
JOHN MORTON AND NATHAN DICKINSON. 5 I 
 
 years. In 1750 and afterwards Nathan Dickinson was joined with John 
 Morton as defendants in the various actions brought by the town for 
 trespass. Morton and Dickinson came from Hatfield and were the first 
 settlers in the eastern division of the Third Precinct. They laid claim to 
 most of the land in the highway adjoining their lots and refused to give it 
 up. They evidently had full belief in the justice of their claim as appears 
 from their memorial to the General Court. The case was a celebrated one 
 in its daw and as the first of many highway controversies that have arisen 
 in Amherst is worthy of extended consideration. There is no record as 
 to the final settlement of the case, but as the decision of the countv court 
 and referees favored the town it is probable that Morton and Dickinson 
 were dispossessed or made some satisfactory settlement for the lands they 
 had taken. The records of Amherst contain but little in regard to the 
 controversy, but those of Hadley bear many allusions to it: from them the 
 following are quoted : 
 
 "April 19. 1749. Voted that Eleazer Porter Esq Dea Joseph Eastman. Lieut 
 Nathaniel Kellogg, Dea Ebenezer Dickinson and Dea John Nash be a Committee 
 authorized and impowered. in behalf and at the cost of the Town, To sue and prose- 
 cute to Effect in Law John Morton incroaching upon the Highway in the third 
 Precinct; as also all other persons who have made, or shall make Incroachments 
 on. or incumber the high-ways in said Precinct." 
 
 "July 26, 1750. Voted That application be made to the Great and General 
 Court for some Relief under the Difficulties subsisting in the Third Precinct of 
 this Town, relating to the Highways or land sequestered for Highways within said 
 Precinct. 
 
 Voted that Eleazer Porter Esq and Messi Benjamin Dickinson and Josiah 
 Peirce, be a Committee to prepare a Petition, in behalf of this Town to be preferred 
 before the Great and General Court, praying their Direction and Help in order to 
 remove the Difficulties subsisting in the Third Precinct of the Town relating to the 
 High-ways or land Sequestered for High-ways within said Precinct: and they are 
 desired to prepare the same, by the time of the said Court's next sitting. 
 
 Voted that Eleazer Porter Esq. is desired to prefer our Petition respecting the 
 High ways to the General Court at their next session.'' 
 
 ■• Nov. 19, 1750. Whereas there has long subsisted a Controversy between the 
 Town of Hadley on the one part, and John Morton and Nathan Dickinson of 
 said Hadley on the other Part, relating to some land by the said Town formerly 
 Sequestered for an High-way between the Second and Third Divisions of Land in 
 the Third Precinct ; and all measures hitherto taken for a Reconciliation have 
 proved ineffectual : 
 
 Therefore voted That the said Controversy be submitted to the Determination 
 and final Decision of the Hon'' 1 John Chandler and James Minot Esquires, Col 
 Nahum Ward Esq. They viewing the said Land in Controversy, and hearing the 
 parties and setting out the said Sequestered Land between the said Second and 
 Third Divisions; and also those Lands Sequestered for an Highway between the 
 said Second Division and the first Division in said precinct : all as near as may be 
 to the original laying out of the same in the year 1703. as may appear to them from 
 
52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, .MASS. 
 
 the Records of the Town and such Boundaries as are to be found remaining, and 
 that M r Benjamin Day of Springfield, Surveyor, be impowered to assist in Run- 
 ning the Lines ; and Stephen Warner and Nath 1 Church of Hadley to carry the 
 Chain. 
 
 Said John Morton and Nathan Dickinson being present when the said vote 
 was past, and giving their voice in and Consent to the same. Allso 
 
 Voted that Eleazer Porter Esqr. Lieut Nathaniel Kellogg and Dea. Ebenezer 
 Dickinson be a Committee to manage the affair in behalf of the Town, at the Cost 
 of the Town." 
 
 •• March 25. 1751. Voted that the Treasurer be, and hereby is Impowered and 
 ordered to pay out of the Treasury to the Committee for managing the affair 
 relating to the Controversy subsisting in the East Precinct about the Town Land 
 &c, appointed Nov. 19, 1750, such Sum or Sums of money as they shall call for to 
 carry on the said affair."' 
 
 •• May 11. 1752. Voted That Messi David Smith, Moses Porter and Samuel 
 Smith Jun. be a Committee Impowered, in Behalf of the Town, and at the Cost of 
 the Town, to prosecute and Eject such persons as are Trespassers, and shall 
 Trespass upon any of the Lands by the Town Sequestred for Highways in the 
 Third Precinct, and also that the said Committee is fully authorized and Impow- 
 ered by the Town to make Sale of so much of the said Sequestred Land, as may 
 be needful for the defraying the Charge of such Prosecution, as also to Reimburse 
 the Charge and Cost the Town has already been at, about said Land. They 
 always leaving at least Twenty Pole in Breadth for Highways: and likewise, that 
 the said Committee are fully authorized and Impowered, in Behalf of the Town, to 
 Compound and agree with any person or persons Trespassing on any part of the 
 said Land on such Terms as they shall judge equal and just. 
 
 Voted That Eleazer Porter Esqr. and Messi Nathaniel Kellogg, Edmund 
 Hubbard, David Smith, Enos Nash, and Moses Porter, be a Committee, to 
 Examine the case represented to the Town by Samuel Gaylord, Complaining he 
 has not his full Complement of Land by him purchased of the Town, in the third 
 Precinct: who are fully authorized and Impowered, in Behalf of the Town, to 
 agree with the said Gaylord; and also to represent the Town in any Case that 
 may be depending in Law. relating thereto/' 
 
 "March 29. 1754. Voted That the Sequestration of those lands between the 
 Divisions of land in the Second or East Precinct, which the Town of Hadley 
 formerly reserved for Highways, is taken off: saving with regard to such parts of 
 the said lands as are now established for Highways, and such parts as have been 
 already disposed of by the Town of Hadley. 
 
 Voted to Impower, Elect and authorize Messi John Nash, Ebenezer Dickinson 
 and Jonathan Dickinson, Inhabitants of the Second Precinct in Hadley, as a Com- 
 mittee on behalf of the Town, in their name, to prosecute in Course of Law. and 
 finally, and to Effect to Dispossess and Eject all such persons as have Trespassed 
 upon the lands formerly Sequestred for Highways or Common Roads; Provided 
 always the Second Precinct be at the whole Charges of the Prosecution in the Law. 
 
 Voted That the Town do give, grant, alien, convey and confirm to the Inhabi- 
 tants of the Second Precinct in Hadley all the several Tracts of land originally 
 Sequestred by the Town of Hadley, within the bounds of said precinct, for the use 
 of Roads or Highways, save so much as the town now have established for High- 
 ways, and such parcel or part of said lands as hath been given or sold to any 
 person or persons in any of the said land, and any such part as is Trespassed upon. 
 
JOHN MORTON AND NATHAN DICKINSON. 53 
 
 or in possession of such Trespassers: Provided the said second precinct pay to the 
 first precinct their Proportion of the Charges expended about said lands upon the 
 Two Committees and their Surveyor, and their Charges for Entertainment, Being 
 Ten Pound Lawful money: as also the South District their Proportion of the 
 aforesaid Charges, if they (being set off from said Town) have just and Legal 
 Rights thereto." 
 
 '• .March 11. 175;. Met and put to vote whether the Town is of the mind to 
 appoint and authorize Agents to make answer to Messi John Morton and Nathan 
 Dickinson Complaining against the Town, relating to the Highways, and past in 
 the affirmative. 
 
 Voted That Capt. Jonathan Smith and Messi Ebenezer Dickinson and John 
 Nash, are appointed and authorized, in behalf of the Town, to appear and make 
 answer to the complaint of Messi John Morton and Nathan Dickinson, relating to 
 the High-ways, with Power of Substitution." 
 
 " Oct. 28. 1756. Voted Messi Ebenezer Dickinson, Josiah Chauncey and 
 Jonathan Smith be appointed and authorized to appear and make answer, in behalf 
 of the Town, to Messi Nathan Dickinson and John Morton in the Case relating 
 to the Highways." 
 
 •• Dec. 19. 1759. Voted That the Committee appointed to make answer to the 
 memorial of Morton and Dickinson be Impowered to attest the memorial of 
 Amherst in answer to Morton and Dickinson, if Amherst Committee desire it. and 
 they apprehend it not prejudicial to the Town."' 
 
 At a meeting held Nov. 29, 1762, Hadley appointed a committee to 
 make sale of the town's right in the sequestered lands and Jan. 10, 1763, 
 voted to dispose of the right at a vendue. There are few references to 
 this case in Amherst records ; when the controversy began Amherst was 
 but a precinct and the control of the highways rested in the town. As 
 will be noted in Hadley records, the town grew tired of the contest in 
 1754, and voted to turn the matter over to the Precinct. The first allusion 
 to the matter in Amherst records is found under date of March 21. 1753, 
 when a committee was appointed to ''take advice of sum Gentelmen " 
 concerning the lands sequestered for highways. July 5 of the same year the 
 members of the committee were instructed to take advice and to act in the 
 affair according to their best judgment. Nov. 21, 1759, a committee was 
 appointed to make answer to the General Court against the petition of 
 Morton and Dickinson. April 28, 1762, a committee was chosen to settle 
 with the Hadley committee concerning the highways. Amherst, both as a 
 precinct and as a district, appears to have aided Hadley in all possible 
 ways in the contest with Morton and Dickinson, and to have accepted 
 readily the task of prosecuting the offenders. To understand the attitude 
 assumed by Morton and Dickinson, it may be well to read the following 
 abstract of an entry in the General Court records, under date of October, 
 1759: 
 
 "John Morton and Nathan Dickinson petitioned the General Court, stating 
 that 15 years since they had purchased lands in the third division, running through 
 
54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the whole breadth of the division, and had built on or near the westernly end of 
 their respective lots. In March, 1754, the selectmen of Hadley laid out a private 
 way across the whole breadth of petitioners' lots, alleging that the land so taken 
 away was the estate of the town. Complaint was made to the court of general 
 sessions, and in May, 1757. was submitted to a referee; the referee having con- 
 sidered the case reported against the complainants."' 
 
 That Morton and Dickinson were not the only persons who attempted 
 to add to their possesions by taking land from the highways, is shown by a 
 complaint made in 175S against Moses Smith and Nathaniel Kellogg for 
 fencing in a part of the Bay road; they were ordered to move their fences 
 back. In 1759, Daniel Kellogg was complained of " for erecting a wood 
 mansion house, log shop and some fence upon the street between the 
 second and third divisions of the east precinct." Reuben Dickinson was 
 also complained of for a barn and fence in the same street. In 1754, a 
 road was laid out through the East Precinct, Pelham and " Quabbin " to 
 Hardwick. " Quabbin " was the original name of the lands now com- 
 prised in the town of Enfield and Greenwich. This road began at the 
 upper end of the "pine plain " in Hadley, ran to the " Hartling stake " 
 near where the Amherst house now stands, crossed the second division 
 and then went on to Pelham. It did not follow the old path all the way. 
 This road then first became a county road. 
 
 The early settlers called the low places between mountain peaks 
 "cracks", and the paths or roads that ran through them "crack roads ". 
 Such a path was in existence before the settlement of either Amherst or 
 South Hadley in what was known as the "Round Hill crack " where is 
 now the highway between these towns. This "crack " was also known as 
 "Turkey pass " from its use by hunters after turkeys and deer. The 
 "crack road" to South Hadley from Pine hill on the Bay road in Amherst 
 was laid out in 1762 and accepted in 1763. 
 
 In Judd's unpublished mss. is found the following account of the 
 laying out of highways by the selectmen of Hadley, March iS, 1754: 
 these highways were in the East Precinct, but the precinct records do not 
 allude to this action : 
 
 •■ No. 1. Between Jonathan Cowls and land lately Samuel Gaylord's, 10 rods 
 wide. This was across first or west division. It was next to Gaylord's lot whii li 
 was on south side of the road but went 10 rods east of Gaylord's lot to Highway 
 Xo. 2. 
 
 Xo. 2. From .Mill river to Bay road, twenty rods wide, between first and 
 second divisions. Began at a red oak on the side hill east of the dug path leading 
 
 i d r Mill river below Ephraim Kellogg's mill, and extending to the 
 
 Bay road on the south. The whole distance, exclusive of that from Daniel Dick- 
 inson's to Samuel Church's is 1813 rods, but not so much in a straight line. The 
 line crooks about in the old 40 rods highway. Did not begin so far north as Mill 
 river. When these lots were laid out in 1703 it was called i960 rods from the Hay 
 road to Mill river. 
 
HIGHWAYS LAID OUT. 55 
 
 No. 3. Highway north and south between second and third divisions, begin- 
 ning at Bay road and going north on west side of road to end of the division, in all 
 1568 rods. This road is 12 rods wide, except a little distance near Fort river it is 
 18 rods. 
 
 No. 4. Between Ebenezer Dickinson's and Josiah Chauncey's land, ten rods 
 wide, east to the road running north and south between second and third divisions. 
 Length, 26S4 rods. 
 
 No. 5. Between Jonathan Dickinson and Moses Warner's lots, north of 
 Warner's lot N. 11 E. 20 rods made breadth of the road — then E. u S. 100 rods, 
 thence E. 17- S. 144 rods to S. E. corner of Jonathan Dickinson's lot, then S. 17° 
 W. to Moses Warner's N. E. corner 16 rods. Thence back on Warner's land to 
 beginning -only 244 rods long. ( Was not this the Foots' Folly road?) 
 
 Xo. 6. Between Solomon Boltwood and Simeon Clark. Began 6 rods X. of 
 Simeon Clark's X. W. corner; then E. 5 X. 100 rods on S. side of road: then E. 
 30 X. 72 rods to X. side of road, which ends 1 rod S. of William Boltwood's south 
 door; thence E. 44 S. 76 rods on X. side of road ; thence S. 1 1 W. 20 rods to the 
 "Hartling Stake " on S. side of road. Road 20 rods wide in every part. (This is 
 the old X. road — present road at X. end of square, that is, it was part of Hadley 
 X. road to Amherst.) 
 
 Xo. 7. Between Moses Cook and Xathaniel Coleman. Began S. 11 W. 20 
 rods, from X*. Coleman's S. E. corner: then W. 5- X. 247 rods on S. side of the 
 road to W. end 20 rods wide. 
 
 Xo. 8. Between John Dickinson's and Ebenezer William's land. Began at 
 William's S. E. corner, run W. 9 X. through the division Road 10 rods wide south 
 of this line. 
 
 Xo. 9. Lies on S. side of John Keets' land and runs through the third divis- 
 ion, 2 rods wide. Corner. E. io-i S. 
 
 Two of the highways ran X. and S.: 6 were across the first andsecond divisions 
 (3 each probably) and one across the eastern division." 
 
 The old •• Middle road." from rear of the " pine plain " homelots to 
 the line of Amherst, was laid out in the path called the "middle highway," 
 Oct. 26, 1769, by the selectmen of Hadley. 
 
 Osmyn Baker, in a conversation with Mr. Judd in 1S5S, said that 
 when he was young the house of his grandfather, Elijah Baker, and that of 
 Gen. Mattoon's father stood on opposite sides of the street, where they are 
 placed on the plan of the town drawn about 1770 and before alluded to. 
 This was the end of inhabitants on that road and the land north was poor. 
 There were no houses for three-quarters of a mile north of Elijah Baker's ; 
 the road then stopped and did not go to Mill river but turned off each way 
 to the east and west and these cross-roads were inhabited. In 17S8 a new- 
 road was laid out from Sunderland to the Bay road, passing through the 
 third division in a diagonal course. It is supposed that this road followed 
 the general lines of West Pleasant street. Shays street and the road to 
 Logtown. 
 
 Jan. 7, 1750, Hadley appointed a committee to build a bridge in the 
 Third Precinct, --over the Gutter in the Street near William Murray's 
 
5 6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 house." Aug. 3, 1 76 1, a committee was appointed to make a plan of the 
 land where a bridge over the Mill river, near Joseph Clary's, was thought 
 to be needful, and also of the highway in that place. 
 
 The first mention of highways in the Third Precinct records is found 
 under date of March 10, 1735-6, when it was voted that highway work 
 should be done by " heads and Teams," and that a team should be equal 
 to a hand per day. March 16, 1738. it was voted that highway work should 
 be done by ''pools," i. e. polls. This vote was repeated in 1740 and 1742. 
 but in 1743 it was voted that the highway work should be brought into a 
 rate. The prices allowed for highway work rose and fell with the fluctua- 
 ting value of the currency. The highest prices paid were in the spring 
 and summer months. The same sum was allowed for a man as for a team. 
 In 1765, Amherst voted for repairs (in labor) £50, in 1777,^40; in 1783, 
 ,£60; in 1784, £jo; in 1 79 1, ^100. Surveyors of highways were first 
 appointed in 1763. In 1774, it was voted that the highways should be 
 put in equal repair with the county roads. Jan. 2, 1769, Amherst appointed 
 a committee to ascertain the bounds of the townways in the district, to erect 
 sufficient boundaries, and to prosecute persons who had made encroach- 
 ments on the highways. Highways were discontinued from time to time 
 and new ones laid out. Damages were claimed and allowed to individuals 
 for roads laid out over their land, and there were frequent exchanges of 
 land for highway purposes. In 1799, the Sixth Massachusetts Turnpike 
 corporation was chartered for the construction of a road from the east line 
 of Amherst to Worcester, passing through the towns of Pelham, Green- 
 wich. Hardwick, New Braintree, Oakham. Rutland, Holden, and Worcester, 
 and uniting with the "great road in Shrewsbury." leading from New York 
 to Boston. 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 Innkeepers. — Cemetery and Ti >wn Lot. — Occupations. — Pauper 
 Expenses. — Nkoroes. — Physicians. — Lawyers. 
 
 The first innkeeper in the Third Precinct was Ebenezer Kellogg, from 
 1734 to 1737, and again from 1752 to 1757. From 1744 to 175^. Ephraim 
 Kellogg, brother to Ebenezer. kept an inn. From 1757 to 1 7 7 1 , Moses 
 Warner kept an inn near the meeting-house, which proved a great conven- 
 
LIQUORS AND LIQUOR SELLERS. 57 
 
 iencc for the hungry and thirsty voters at district meetings. From 175810 
 1766, Moses Smith kept an inn on the Bay road. From 1758 to 1763, Alex- 
 ander Smith kept an inn on the highway between the first and second divis- 
 ions, south of the meeting-house. Among the other innkeepers in the earlier 
 history of the town were Martin Kellogg. 1771-73 ; Gideon Parsons, 1777-78; 
 Flisha Ingram, 1779-82 ; Oliver Clapp, 177S-85 ; Seth Wales, 1779-80; 
 Daniel Cooley, 1780: Ezra Rood, 1779-84; Nathaniel Dickinson, 1781 ; 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr., 1783-85 ; David Trowbridge, 1781-82 ; Joseph Pet- 
 tis, [783-88 ; Nathaniel Peck, 1785-87 ; John Belden, 1787. The old inns or 
 taverns were a peculiar feature of earl}' life in New England. Most of them 
 were simply large dwelling-houses, with two or three-'spare"rooms where trav- 
 elers could lodge for the night, and find a supply of food and drink. More 
 attention was paid to supplying the wants of the thirsty than of the 
 hungry. The bill of fare was simple but substantial and the prices charged 
 were reasonable. But unpretentious as were these country taverns, they 
 were the center of social life in the community. Here were held the old- 
 fashioned country dances, and here after the cows were milked and the 
 •• chores " done for the night the farmers assembled to discuss neighbor- 
 hood matters, talk politics, smoke their pipes and season their discussions 
 with New England rum. Here the village oracle established his head- 
 quarters, relating anecdotes of earlier clays and giving opinions on matters 
 of politics, theology, and social economics that had behind them the 
 authority that comes of years and of experience. 
 
 The early settlers in New England were a temperate people, but most 
 of them came from England where indulgence in intoxicants was general. 
 Following the custom prevalent in the mother country, licenses to sell 
 liquor were granted, but only to persons of approved standing in the com- 
 munity. The common drinks were wine and beer, until rum was brought 
 from the West Indies. Beer was first made from imported malt, but later 
 on of malt made from grain raised in the settlements. Cider was used as 
 a beverage from an early date, and from its cheapness and the ease with 
 which it could be manufactured became a common drink. " Flip", made 
 of beer, sugar and spirits, was introduced near the close of the seventeenth 
 century : it soon became a favorite tipple. Drinking in moderation was a 
 general custom, sanctioned by public sentiment. Liquor played a promi- 
 nent part at ••raisings" and in nearly all public celebrations. There was 
 some drunkenness, but little of an offensive character, and apparently, in 
 the earlier years, little poverty or suffering resulting from it. 
 
 Retailers of liquors were licensed aside from tavern-keepers, and of 
 these Amherst seems to have had more than its proportionate share. 
 Judd in his unpublished mss. gives the following list of 25 men who were 
 licensed retailers in Amherst between the years 1759 and 17S4: Josiah 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Chauncey, 1759-67 ; Peter Smith, 1759-60; Nathaniel Coleman, 1761-62 ; 
 Elisha Ingram, 1766-73 ; John Field, 1768-73 ; Eli Parker, 1773 ; Solomon 
 Boltwood, 1773; Elijah Smith, 1783; Jacob McDaniel, 1783-85; Elijah 
 Hastings, 17S8; Ephraim- Kellogg, 1783; Moses Rowe, 1783; Simeon 
 Peck, 1782; Samuel Peck, 17S3 ; Stephen Smith, 1785-87 ; Chiliab Smith, 
 177S ; Thomas Bascom, 1778 ; Moses Cook, 1779-87 ; Zebina. Montague, 
 17S4-S8 : Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., 1779-80; Elisha Smith, 1780-81 ; John 
 Nash, 1784; Andrew Kimball, 1785-88; Ebenezer Boltwood, 1782-88; 
 Eli Putnam, 1782-84. In 1789, Seth Wait, Nathaniel Peck, Joseph Pettis 
 and Oliver Clapp were innkeepers; in 1790, Gideon Parsons. In 1785, 
 John Nash kept a tavern near where the house of Mrs. Edward Tuckerm an 
 now stands. Some of these taverns or inns had more than a local celebrity 
 and were closely connected with public events of great importance. Of 
 such was the old " Clapp tavern " at East Amherst, a sketch of which will 
 be given in connection .with the events of the Revolutionary war and the 
 Shays rebellion. 
 
 In January, 1730, the Town of Hadley voted to its '* east inhabitants " 
 liberty for a burying place and appointed a committee to lay it out ; in 
 March of the same year the committee reported that they had laid out an 
 acre and twenty rods of land " joyning on Nath'l Church's lot west." 
 This, with additions made later on, comprised the land in the old " West 
 cemetery." From time to time the inhabitants of the Precinct, District and 
 Town passed votes in relation to fencing and caring for this cemetery. 
 The first person to be buried there was John Scott, who died Oct. 3, 1737, 
 aged 27. He was a school-teacher and came from the "Elbows", now 
 Palmer. March 14, 1764, it was voted to provide a grave cloth for the use 
 of the district. Hearses for conveying the dead to the cemeteries were 
 unknown in this section until the beginning of the 19th century. There is 
 a story to the effect that when Deacon Eleazer Mattoon died in 1767 the 
 snow was so deep upon the ground it was proposed to draw his body to the 
 cemetery, two miles distant, upon a hand-sled, but the Rev. David 1'arsons 
 would not listen to the proposition and the bearers placed the coffin upon 
 their shoulders and walked with it through the snow the entire distance to 
 the place of burial. 
 
 Amherst had a town-lot, that embraced some of the land upon which 
 the Amherst College buildings now stand, and extended to the north and 
 south. March 5, 1739, the town of Hadley passed the following vote: 
 
 •• Voted an addition to the West end of the Town Lot Lying in the;,' 1 Precinct 
 of Hadley, said addition to Extend twenty two rod west upon the north side of 
 said Lot and twenty rod on South side of said Lot, and said addition to Lxtend 
 lour rod north against .Nathaniel Smith's lot.'* 
 
SIGN OF JOHN NASH S TAVERN. 
 
PAUPER EXPENSES. 59 
 
 This town lot or common was partly a swamp and partly grown up to 
 white birch ; it was used as a pasture ground for cattle. On the east side 
 there was a goose-pond skirted with alders. 
 
 The Kelloggs, who were the first innkeepers, seem also to have been 
 the first to engage in milling. The first grist-mill was owned by Ephraim 
 Kellogg and was situated "far up on Mill river." March 3, 1740, Hadley 
 ••granted to Nathaniel Kellogg liberty to erect a saw mill on Mill river at 
 the place called the biggest falls." In 1744, Nathaniel Kellogg had a corn- 
 mill on Mill river, 340 rods north of the upper end of the second division. 
 There was a mill on Fort river prior to 174S. but the name of the owner is 
 not recorded. In 1741, Hadley voted that " 15 rods wide of the highway 
 joining south on Jacob Warner, leading through the second tier, should be 
 given up to the East Precinct, they to dispose of it to Aaron Warner to 
 encourage him to set up a blacksmith's trade among them." There were 
 few traders in the settlement ; in 1764. Ephraim Kellogg traded in molasses, 
 salt, rum, etc. Between 1759 and 1764, Josiah Chauncey and Elisha Ingram 
 were licensed to sell tea, coffee and chinaware. 
 
 The expense of caring for the poor was small. Jonathan Atherton 
 suffered from stone in the bladder, which when extracted by surgeons in 
 1 743 weighed three ounces ; he was aided by the precinct and by individuals. 
 Of the French people who were driven from their homes in Nova Scotia 
 and dispersed among the British colonies in 1755 and 1756, nearly a thou- 
 sand came to Massachusetts and one family was sent to Hadley in 1761. 
 l'he\' were known as " French neutrals " and were supported by the town. 
 Amherst contributed to their support and in 1767 appropriated 50 shillings 
 to aid in sending them to Canada. I )aniel Smith was insane for many years 
 and was partly supported by Hadley and partly by Amherst. In the 
 Province laws, under date of Jan. 12, 1759, by the same act that erected 
 the Second Precinct into a district, it was ordered that Daniel Smith, " an 
 indigent person in said town, be supported at the Expence of the Town of 
 Hadley and of said District in equal Moieties." In 1779 and after, Moses 
 Hawley and wife, and in 17S9, widow Mehitable Smith, received aid from 
 the town. In 1S07, Aaron Kellogg, insane, and Caesar Prutt, an aged 
 negro, were put up at vendue and the former was bid off for a year at S50 
 and the latter at S65. In 17S9, the town appropriated £6 for the support 
 of the poor; in 1793, ^20; in 1S01, $75, and in 1S09, S150. 
 
 In 1765, there were six negroes in Amherst; three at least were owned 
 as slaves, one by Josiah Chauncey, one by John Adams and one by 
 Ephraim Kellogg. There were other slaveholders in earlier years. In 
 1738, Zechariah Field had a slave valued at ^130. Ebenezer Kellogg 
 owned slaves. Richard Chauncey, John Ingram, Sr. and Daniel Kellogg, 
 had each a negro, probably a slave. 
 
• Go HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Nathaniel Smith was the first resident physician in the Third Precinct, 
 where he practiced his profession until his death in 1789. Dr. Crouch of 
 Hadley also had considerable practice in the East Precinct. Physicians 
 in the early days used medicines of undoubted strength if not efficacy. 
 With them it was frequently a case of kill or cure. Bleeding and blister- 
 ing were standard remedies for almost every known or unknown ailment; 
 calomel was in high repute. They also used medicines that at the present 
 day are unknown to the pharmacopoeia. In 1762, Dr. Crouch paid five 
 shillings, old tenor, to David Blodgett of Amherst for five snake balls ; 
 these balls were made of parts of the rattlesnake and were esteemed to 
 possess great medicinal virtues. Seth Coleman began the practice of 
 medicine in Amherst in 1767 and died in 18 16. William Kittredge was a 
 physician here in 1784, remaining but a few years. Perhaps the most 
 noted of the earlier physicians of Amherst was Dr. Robert Cutler, who 
 began to practice in Pelham, in 1770, removed to Amherst before 1787 and 
 did not die until 1835. Residents of Amherst now living remember well old 
 Dr. Cutler. Samuel Gamwell practiced his profession in Amherst as early 
 as 1793. 
 
 The first justice of the peace in Amherst was Josiah Chauncey, 
 appointed about 1758, the second, Simeon Strong, in 1768. Simeon 
 Strong was one of the most noted of men who have resided in Amherst. 
 Me was son of Xehemiah Strong and was born March 6, 1736, in North- 
 ampton. He removed with his father's family to Amherst in 1741, was 
 graduated from Yale College in the class of '56, read law with Col. Wor- 
 thington of Springfield, was representative to the General Court in 1767 
 and 1769, and senator in 1792 and 1793, arose to great eminence in his 
 profession and in 1800 was appointed one of the justices of the Mass. 
 supreme court. He died while in office, Dec. 14, 1805. He was one of 
 the incorporators of an association chartered in 1792 for the purpose of 
 building canals around the falls in the Connecticut river at South Hadley 
 and Turners Falls. His son Simeon, born Feb. 22, 1764, was graduated 
 from Vale College in 1786 and practiced law in Conway and Amherst 
 Another son, Solomon, born March 2, 1780, was graduated from Williams 
 College in 1798, practiced law in Royalston, Athol. Westminster and Leom- 
 inster, was member of Congress 1815-19; in 18 19 was appointed judge of 
 the circuit court of common pleas and in 1821 judge of the court of 
 common pleas, a position he held until 1842. Two other sons of Judge 
 Strong, Hezekiah and John, practiced law in Amherst, both Josiah 
 Chauncey and Simeon Strong lost their office as justices because they were 
 unfriendly to tin- cause of the Revolution, and in their stead were- appointed, 
 in 1775. Moses Dickinson; in 17S1. Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr., and in [783, 
 Ebenezer Mattoon. Jr. 
 
THE HENDERSON HOUSE. 
 
 HOUSE BUILT BY NEHEMIAH STRONG. 1744. 
 (Oldest House in Town.) 
 
FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS. 6l 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 French and Indian Wars. — An Old Lawsuit. — Amherst Troops in 
 the Wars. — Petitions for Relief. — Militia Company. 
 
 In 1744, some fifteen years after the first settlement was made at East 
 Hadley, war between Great Britain and France began in Europe and soon 
 extended to the colonies. In this, as in the earlier wars, France made 
 allies of the Indians. To guard against attacks from the savages Massa- 
 chusetts maintained garrisons at Heath. Rowe. and "East Hoosuck", after- 
 wards Adams. There was also a fort garrisoned by Massachusetts men at 
 Charlestown, X. H.. which was attacked in April, 1747. and bravely 
 defended. Among the garrison were rive men from Hadley South and 
 East Precincts, Eleazer Smith. William Boltwood, Nehemiah Dickinson, 
 Nathaniel Church, Jr., and Fbenezer Dickinson. In a list of mounted 
 soldiers that went in quest of the enemy to " Capt. Bridgman's fort, above 
 Northrield," under command of Captain Seth Dwight, Oct. 22, 1747, and 
 were out six days, are found the names of Sergeant Solomon Boltwood, 
 Joseph ( Ian. Aaron Smith. Pelatiah Smith, Hezekiah Belding, Samuel 
 In-ram and William Boltwood. 
 
 As a result of the scouting expedition to the north in October, 1747, 
 a lawsuit was brought by Fphraim Kellogg against Solomon Boltwood, 
 which was among the celebrated cases of the time. Lieut. Boltwood was 
 ordered to go with a detachment of men to the relief of the people on the 
 northern frontiers, who had been assaulted by the enemy. The order was 
 given by Lieut. Jonathan Smith of Hadley, who procured Fphraim Kellogg's 
 mare for Beltwood to ride on. Soon after, Kellogg sued Boltwood, claim- 
 ing that the latter had rode the mare so severely she was in a great measure 
 ruined. The matter came before the courts and a great mass of evidence 
 was taken. Among the witnesses was Isaac Hubbard, who testified as 
 follows : 
 
 •• In October I happened to be at the House of Charles Wright when M r Sol- 
 omon Boltwood and Company returned from up the Country the time when Mr. 
 Boltwood had Ephraim Kelloggs mare and there 1 heard one of the Company 
 Setting forth how Exceeding quick they came from Sunderland: and Altho I 
 Cannot Speak Positively Concerning" the Number of Minutes, yet I well Remember 
 that in the time of it I made a Calculation how far they would Ride in one Hour 
 and I Remember it was Above Twenty Six mile' so that it must be made Ten 
 minnits the Space they Rode was four miles So C all d by Every one that is 
 Acquainted with the Rhoad ; and went out of the House and viewe J the Horses, 
 and found they Sweat Exceedingly and smok 1 very much." 
 
D2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 A mare that could cover four miles of poor roadway in ten minutes 
 must have been considered a very valuable animal in those days, and it is 
 small wonder that her owner desired a round sum to recompense him for 
 her "ruin". But Jonathan Smith testified for the defence, his evidence 
 going to show the mare was little injured. His testimony was, in brief, 
 that he was the officer that sent out the party for the relief of the frontiers, 
 by order of Col. Porter, in the fall of the year 1747. Mr. Solomon Bolt- 
 wood was the head of the party and he rode upon Ephraim Kellogg's 
 mare. After their return, hearing that Kellogg complained that his mare 
 •was abused, he took notice of her from time to time and never saw her 
 otherwise to appearance than sound and well. She was then with foal, 
 had afterwards a likely colt, and to all appearances remained sound up to 
 the time of the trial. The case was before the courts for a long time, was 
 left out to arbitrators and finally settled by agreement. 
 
 In the company under Capt. William Lyman at Fort Massachusetts in 
 "East Hoosuck" in 1747-4S were William Murray and Isaac Goodale. In 
 the company of Capt. William Williams, out from March 10 to Oct. 20. 
 174S. were Jonathan Dickinson, Eleazer Mattoon and Aaron Smith. In 
 Col. Joseph Dwight's company, on the Western frontiers from Aug. 7 to 
 21, 174S. were the following from the East Precinct: Ensign Solomon 
 Boltwood, Corp'l Joseph Hawley, Josiah Chauncey, Ebenezer Dickinson, 
 Ebenezer Kellogg, William Boltwood, John Ingram and Nathaniel Church, 
 Jr. There were, probably, men from the Third Precinct of Hadley in the 
 army that besieged and captured Louisburg in 1745, but their names are 
 not known. Soldiers were enlisted for this expedition in all the Hampshire 
 county towns. This war continued until 174S, when it was ended by the 
 treaty of Aix la Chapelle. 
 
 The last of the French and Indian wars was begun in 1 754, continu- 
 ing for nearly ten years. Many men from the East Precinct took part in 
 the struggle. In the company commanded by Capt. Israel Williams in 
 1754-55 were Corp'ls Nathan Dickinson and Preserved Clapp. A part of this 
 company went to Huntstown (now Ashfield) to guard the inhabitants while 
 they were gathering their corn. In 1755, an expedition was undertaken by 
 the English against Crown Point, a French fortress on Lake Champlain. 
 Capt. Moses Porter of Hadley led a company in this expedition and among 
 the men under his command were the following from the East Precinct: 
 Serg't Reuben Dickinson, David Dickinson, David Smith, Jonathan 
 Moody, Jr., Nathaniel Dickinson, Preserved Clapp; in a company under 
 Capt. Elijah Smith of '"Cold Spring" (Belchertown) were Josiah Chaun- 
 cey, Samuel Cutler. ( >liver Cowls, Abner How, Eleazer Harwood, Philip 
 Ingram: in Thomas Kdward's company of Col. Joseph Dwight's regiment 
 were Joseph Clary, David Dickinson, Oliver Cowls, Samuel Hawley, Jr. 
 
AMHERST SOLDIERS IN THE WAR. 63 
 
 and his son Elijah. The latter died previous to March 19, 1757. His 
 father received, by order of the General Court. " the full allowance for his 
 son's subsistence on his return from ye army at Lake George in 1755." 
 In Lieut. Jonathan Dickinson's company, Col. Israel Williams' regiment, 
 called out to defend the Western frontiers when Fort William Henry was 
 besieged in 1757, were Lieut. Jonathan Dickinson, Nehemiah Dickinson 
 and Abner Adams. In Col. Williams' regiment at Charlemont from Jan. 
 24 to Nov. 30, 1757, were Nathaniel Dickinson, Jonathan Moody, Asahel 
 Moody, Justus Williams and Simeon Smith. In Lieut. Joseph Billings' 
 company that marched to the relief of Fort William Henry when it was 
 invested in 1757 were John billing, Samuel Church and John Nash. In 
 1758, an expedition was organized for the invasion of Canada, and a regi- 
 ment was raised in Hampshire county by Col. Israel Williams for this 
 service. In Elisha Pomeroy's company, among the men who enlisted in 
 April and May and were paid on an average for 45 days' service, were 
 Corporals David Smith and Joseph Dickinson and Oliver Cowls, David 
 Dickinson, Noadiah Lewis, Thomas Morton. Caesar Prutt and Justus 
 Williams. Others from the Hast Precinct who took part in this expedition 
 were Nathan Dickinson, Jr., John Keet, Jr., Micah Guilford, Alexander 
 Smith, Abner How, Moses Warner, David Blodgett, Lemuel Moody, Eli 
 Colton, Paul Guilford, Charles Chauncey, Samuel Graham. Eleazar Har- 
 wood, Isaac Ward, Abner How, Charles Wright. Philip Ingram. In Selah 
 Barnard's company in 1760 were Ebenezer Harwood, Solomon Sawtell, 
 Micah Guilford. Benjamin Harwood, Zechariah Harwood, Simeon Rude, 
 Jabez Snow, Josiah Chauncey. Aaron Smith, Jr. was in Major Roger's. 
 Rangers, and was captured near Ticonderoga, March 13, 175S. 
 
 A list of those from the East Precinct who took part in this war, com- 
 piled by Judd, contains the following names that do not appear above : 
 Elijah Piaker, Peletiah Bucknam, Benjamin Bucknam, Nehemiah How, 
 Isaac Temple, Nathan Davis, Simeon Walker, John Gould. In the fight- 
 ing in the vicinity of Lake George, Sept. 8, 1755, Zebadiah Williams, 
 " perhaps of Amherst," was killed. 
 
 There is no minute concerning these wars in the precinct records. 
 Bounties were paid by the government to the soldiers who enlisted for the 
 expeditions against Louisburg and Crown Point ; most of those who 
 engaged in the service were young men, attracted by the liberal pay and 
 with a desire to travel and see something of the world. 
 
 Soon after the close of the French and Indian wars the General Court 
 was flooded with petitions for aid by relatives of soldiers who had been 
 killed, wounded, or carried into captivity. The following, on file among 
 the state archives, were presented by residents of Pelham and East Hadley : 
 
64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 " Petition of John Conkey of Pelham & Aaron Smith. Sr. of Hadley, to the 
 Hon. Andrew Oliver of Boston, secretary for the province. 
 
 Pelham Sept' ,r y e 19 th 175S. 
 
 Honoured Sir > 
 
 In as much as there is notification to those that have their relations in Captivity 
 to make it known to you 
 
 These are therefore to inform that my son Joshua Conkey of Pelham and 
 Aaron Smith of Hadley who were in the Publick Service under Major Rogers and 
 was taken the 13 th of March last Near Ticonderoga and as we are informed are 
 alive now in Keneda we therefor pray that you will take proper Care that they be 
 brought home as soon as may be which is all at present from your Humble 
 Servants. 
 
 John Conkey 
 Aaron Smith. Sen r " 
 
 March ig, 1760, Petition of Isaac Ward. 
 
 •' Whereas my Son Isaac Ward of Captain Elijah Smith's Company was, in 
 November last, left Sick at Crown Point, without any Provincial, being allowed to 
 Stay, to take care of Him: upon receiving Information thereof, I was at the Charge 
 of Sending two men to his relief; who proceeded as far as Green Bush with their 
 horses, and finding it impractable to Cross the Lake at that Time Returned Home 
 again, without Getting any Intelligence of my Said Son; whereupon I Sent another 
 man who went with his horse as far as Said Green Bush where he got Intelligence 
 that my Said Son Died about the twentieth Day of December last, and So pro- 
 ceeded no further; and as my Said Son is made up in Said Captain Smith's Muster 
 Roll, many Days Short of the Time when he Died — 
 
 I Humbly Pray that Your Excellency and Your Honours would Graciously 
 Grant what You in Your Wisdom Shall Judge reasonable for the Charge I was at 
 on account of my Said Son : and also Wages for him from the Time he was made 
 up to in Said Captain Smith's Muster-Roil to the Time of his Death." 
 
 This was accompanied by a bill of expenses amounting to over ^14; 
 the General Court allowed him £6, 2, 4. 
 
 May 23, 1764, Benjamin Rhoades petitioned the Governor, Council 
 and General Court for pay for the loss of the services of his apprentice 
 Thomas Quiggle, who was a private soldier at Crown Point and afterwards 
 at Ticonderoga, when, being sent by his officers after some provisions "he 
 froze his feet in so Terrible a manner that he Lost all his toes & hath been 
 under ye care of chirurgeons ever since & is not yet Healed — by which 
 your Petitioner hath greatly suffer'd in ye Loss of his Labor & ye Costs 
 of his Maintenance &c." The committee of the Genera] Court to whom 
 the petition was referred, reported in favor of giving Mr. Rhoades £3. 
 
 A militia company was organized in the precinct soon after 1740, its 
 first officers being Jonathan Smith, lieutenant, and Kbcnezer Kellogg, 
 ensign. Jonathan Smith became captain about 1749 and Ebenezer Kellogg 
 lieutenant. Some of the first settlers had taken part in the earlier Indian 
 wars, so the military spirit was not lacking. The training received in these 
 
SECOND AND THIRD PRECINCTS. 65 
 
 companies and the experience gained in the campaigns against the French 
 and Indians were of incalculable service later on when the war against 
 England began. The colonists while few in number, possessing little 
 knowledge of the science of war, were naturally good fighters, and having 
 a thorough acquaintance with the country were enabled to take advantage 
 of the frequent mistakes of the enemy. The militia companies of the 
 early days were intended not so much for ornament as for service. Their 
 discipline was hardly of the character inculcated at West Point, and their 
 maneuvers would excite more laughter than applause if executed at the 
 present day, but they learned how to fight and how to obey, two necessary 
 attributes of the soldier of to-day as of him who lived one hundred and 
 fifty years ago. They were sadly lacking in arms and equipment and 
 uniforms, viewed from a modern standpoint, but they possessed fighting 
 qualities that would put to shame many of the finely equipped companies 
 of the present time. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Petition to Become a District. — The District Organized, — Amherst 
 and Lord Amherst. — Province Taxes. — Statistics in 177 i. 
 
 In 1753, the Second Precinct of Hadley was erected into the district 
 of South Hadley, and the old Third Precinct became the new Second. 
 The lands at South Hadley were settled earlier than those at Amherst, and 
 the settlers south of the mountain increased more rapidly than those in 
 the East Precinct, in 173 1 outnumbering the latter two to one. There was, 
 however, a steady growth in the East Precinct that was destined in a few 
 years to give it a larger population than South Hadley or even the parent 
 settlement, although for many years the latter continued to rank first in 
 wealth and taxable estate. For many years before they were set off as 
 districts, the South and East Precincts could have united and out-voted the 
 First Precinct and controlled the town, but there is nothing in the old 
 records to show that such action was ever attempted or even contemplated. 
 A majority of the selectmen were always chosen from the old village, 
 excepting in 175 1 and 1757. The first selectman and the first assessor 
 to represent the East Precinct were chosen in 1732. In 1756 the inhabi- 
 tants in the East Precinct exceeded those in the old First Precinct. 
 5 
 
66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 As long as the precinct organization was continued, it was necessary 
 for the transaction of town business to go to the old village ; this, as years 
 passed by and the population of the East Precinct steadily increased, 
 came to be regarded more and more as a hardship. The need of a district 
 organization was apparent, and in 1758 steps were taken to bring it about. 
 The following paragraphs, quoted from the Province Laws in 1758 and 
 1759, show the method of procedure : 
 
 "June S, 175S. A Petition of John Nash and Others, a Committee of the 
 Second Precinct in Hadley in the County of Hampshire — Setting forth the incon- 
 veniences they Labour under by being connected with the first Precinct, as well on 
 account of their high Taxes, from which they do not reap a proportional Advan- 
 tage, as on account of their Distance from the Place where their Town Meetings 
 are constantly held, and praying that they with the Addition of some of the Inhab- 
 itants of the said first Precinct may be erected into a distinct and separate District 
 agreeable to the Limits mentioned, accompanied with, 
 
 A Certificate from Isaac Ward and Others, Resident on a Tract of Land, lying 
 in the first Precinct in said Town, and adjoining to the second, shewing that they 
 are desirous of being incorporated with the said second Precinct, as a separate and 
 distinct District, they being much more conveniently situated for transacting 
 Business there, than where they now belong. 
 
 In the House of Representatives Read and Ordered. That the Petitioners 
 serve the Clerk of the first Precinct in the Town of Hadley with an Attested Copy 
 of this Petition, that they shew cause, if any they have, on the second Friday of 
 the next Sitting of the Court why the Prayer thereof should not be granted. 
 
 In Council. Read and Concurred." — Council Records, vol. XX 1 1., p. 381. 
 
 "January 9. 1759. A petition of the Inhabitants of the second Precinct in 
 Hadley Praying as entered 8 June last to be erected into a District. 
 
 In Council Read again together with the Answer of the first Parish in the 
 Town of Hadley ; and the other Papers accompanying the same. And Ordered 
 That Benjamin Lynde and William Brattle, Esq rs with such as the honourable 
 House shall join be a Committee to take the Petition and papers under considera- 
 tion and report what they judge proper to be done thereon. 
 
 In the House of Representatives Read and Concurred and M r Tyng, M r Niles 
 and Capt. Stevens are joined in the Affair." 
 
 "Jan. 12, 1759. The Committee appointed the 9" 1 Instant on the Petition of 
 the Inhabitants of the second Precinct in Hadley reported according to Order. In 
 Council. Read and Accepted. And Ordered That the Petitioners have leave to 
 bring in a Bill for erecting the Second Parish in Hadley into a District agreeable 
 to the foregoing Report. And further Ordered That Daniel Smith an indigent 
 Person in said Town be supported at the Expence of the Town of Hadley and of 
 said District in equal .Moieties. 
 
 In the House of Representatives Read and Concurred." 
 
 "An act for erecting the Second Precinct in the Town of Hadley, in the 
 county of Hampshire, into a District by the name of Amherst. 
 
 Whereas the inhabitants of the second precinct in the Town of Hadley, in the 
 county of Hampshire, have petitioned this court, setting forth sundry difficulties 
 they labour under by means of their not being a district and praying they may be 
 so erected, — 
 
ACT ERECTING THE DISTRICT OF AMHERST. 67 
 
 Be it therefore enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Representatives. 
 
 That the said second precinct in Hadley, according to its present known 
 bounds, be and hereby is erected into a separate and distinct district by the name 
 of Amherst : and that the inhabitants thereof do the duties that are required, and 
 enjoy all privileges that towns do or by law ought to enjoy in this province, that of 
 sending- a representative to the general assembly only excepted: and that the 
 inhabitants of said district shall have full right to join witli the inhabitants of the 
 said town of Hadley in electing a representative annually, and shall be notified of 
 the time and place of election with the inhabitants of the said town of^Hadley. by 
 a warrant from the selectmen of Hadley. directed to the constable of 'said district, 
 requiring him to warn the inhabitants of said district to attend the meeting for that 
 purpose at the time and place by them assigned, which warrant shall be seasonably 
 returned by said constable ; and the representative may be chosen indifferently out 
 of siid town or either of the districts, his pay and allowance to be borne by the 
 town of Hadley and the said districts, in the proportion_that they respectively pay 
 to the province tax. 
 
 And be it further enacted. 
 
 That Isaac Ward. Reuben Ingraham. Phillip Ingraham. Isaac Hubbard and 
 Edward Elmer, and their respective estates lying within the bounds of the tract of 
 seventeen hundred and seventy-seven acres petitioned for, and adjoining to the 
 said second precinct line, be and hereby are annexed to the said district, there to 
 enjoy privilege and do duty. 
 
 And be it further enacted. 
 
 That Timothy Dwight Esq r be and hereby is directed andjimpowered to issue 
 his warrant, directed to some principal inhabitant within said district, requiring 
 him to warn the inhabitants of said district qualified to vote in town affairs, to 
 assemble at some suitable time and place to choose such officers as are necessary 
 to manage the affairs of said district: provided, nevertheless, the inhabitants of 
 said district shall pay their proportionable part of all such town, county and 
 province charges as are already assured in like manner as tho* this act had not 
 been made." [Passed Feb. 13, published Feb. 14, 1759.] 
 
 Judd says, Hadley consented that East Hadley should be a district, 
 but opposed the annexation of the five families, who seem to have resided 
 on the road leading; from Amherst to Sunderland. Two minutes regarding; 
 the matter are found in Hadley records, one under date of March 6, 1758, 
 which reads as follows : 
 
 " Voted That the East Precinct be sett off a saparate District according to their 
 present Bounds." 
 
 The other, under date of Feb. 8. 1760 : 
 
 •• Voted That the District of Amherst, shall have their proportionable part 
 of the Town Stock of Powder. Lead and Flints, as they paid in the last Province 
 Tax, before they were erected into a separate District " 
 
 The town and district organization was practically the same ; their 
 powers were identical, save that to towns was reserved the privilege of send- 
 ing representatives to the General Court. Amherst chose a delegate to the 
 Provincial Congress in 1774, thus assuming the privilege accorded only to 
 
68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 towns. In 1776, it assumed the name of the " town of Amherst ", to which 
 
 it had no legal title. No special act for its incorporation as a town was 
 ever passed, but March 23, 1786. it was enacted by the General Court that 
 all districts incorporated prior to Jan. 1, 1777. should be towns. This 
 carried with it the privilege of sending a representative to the General 
 Court, a privilege that was also a duty, as it appears that in 17S2 Amherst 
 was fined £28, 6, S for not sending a representative ; one-half this fine 
 was afterwards remitted. In the management of its own affairs the district 
 was supreme, electing officers, making rates and controlling highways. The 
 first meeting in the new District was held March 19, 1759, with Ebenezer 
 Dickinson moderator, when a full list of officers was elected. 
 
 There has been more or less controversy as to how the name Amherst 
 came to be bestowed upon . the District. The statement has been made 
 that in the bill for erecting the District, the name " Norwottuck " was written 
 in, and afterwards erased by Governor Pownall and " Amherst " substituted. 
 The records at the state house in Boston contain nothing to verify this 
 statement, and no documentary evidence can be found to substantiate it. 
 It is possible, and even probable, that the name " Norwottuck " was sug- 
 gested and favored by some of the residents in the Second Precinct. It was 
 the old Indian name for this section of the Connecticut valley, signifying 
 "in the midst of the river." The privilege of bestowing names upon the 
 new districts was one of the perquisites of the colonial governor, and there 
 is every reason to believe that when the bill erecting the District was passed 
 by the General Court, a blank was left for the name and this blank was 
 filled in by the governor with the word " Amherst". At that time Thomas 
 Pownall, Esq. was governor-general of the Province of Massachusetts 
 Bay, under appointment of King George II. of England. He was an 
 intimate friend of General Jeffery Amherst, whom the king had placed in 
 command of the expedition against Louisburg, and this friendship, coupled 
 with the success of the expedition and the fame and honor which it brought 
 to Gen. Amherst, made it natural and fitting that the name Amherst should 
 be bestowed upon the new District. 
 
 The following interesting article, concerning the name "Amherst" and 
 Lord Amherst, was written especially for this History by Prof. Herbert B. 
 Adams of Johns Hopkins University, a native of Amherst, who has in 
 many ways shown his interest in the preparation of this work. 
 
 AMHERST AND LORD AMHERST. 
 
 The name Amherst is of old English origin and was first applied to 
 a landed estate in the parish of Pembury, in the county of Kent. Early 
 forms of the name were Hemhurste and Hemmehurst, compound words 
 formed by prefixing the Saxon Hem, meaning a border, to the Saxon Hurst, 
 
GENERAL JEFFERY AMHERST. 69 
 
 meaning a wood. Amherst therefore probably signifies the border of a 
 forest, or Edge-wood* 
 
 The Amherst family derived its name from the situation of its land. 
 Gilbertus de Hemmehurst is on record as early 12 15. The family occupied 
 its Amherst estate for over five centuries, but now lives at a country-seat 
 called •• Montreal House'", near Seven Oaks. Kent. The present owner is 
 Earl Amherst, who signs his name simply " Amherst ". His father and 
 grandfather before him were Earls, but the man in honor of whom our 
 town was named in 1759 was, at that time, Major General Amherst. 
 
 Jeffery Amherst was born January 29, 17 17. He was the second son 
 of a barrister and early (173 1) entered the English army, serving as staff- 
 officer, under General Ligonier and the Duke of Cumberland, in those old 
 wars which England waged for the defense of Hanover and in alliance 
 with Frederick the Great. In 1758 Colonel Amherst was called home from 
 German}- and made a Major General by William Pitt, who was looking for 
 new and efficient men to lead the English campaigns against the French 
 in America. Braddock had been defeated and killed. Oswego and the 
 lake region were lost. The Earl of Loudon had failed to capture Louis- 
 bourg and was now recalled. 
 
 In May. 1 7 5 S , General Amherst was put in command of the Louis- 
 bourg expedition, with over 12,000 troops and a great fleet of which Bos- 
 cawen was Admiral. Under Amherst was Brigadier Wolfe, bold, dashing, 
 and eager for glory, but not distinguished like his chief for prudence and 
 absolute self control. Parkman says of Amherst : " He was energetic and 
 resolute, somewhat cautious and slow, but with a bulldog tenacity of grip". 
 Amherst had the best fighting qualities of his race and nation, and was 
 withal sagacious, far-sighted, and eminently humane in his policy of dealing 
 with men. 
 
 On the eastern coast of the island of Cape Breton may still be seen, 
 in a land-locked harbor, the ruins of old Louisbourg, once the French strong- 
 hold, guarding the Northern Atlantic. Captured in 1745. by a provincial 
 army under Colonel Pepperrell (see a good account in New England Mag- 
 azine, June, 1895 ) the place had been ignominiously restored to France by 
 
 * Ik Marvel (Donald G. Mitchell) long ago adopted '"Edgewood" for the name of his place. 
 Professor F. A. March, of Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., a graduate of Amherst College and one 
 of the most eminent English philologists in America, says, in a letter dated Sept. 14. 1895 : "I can 
 find nothing more to establish or explain the history of Amherst suggested by the earlier forms 
 which you mention. I would take kemme as descriptive of hurst. Amherst = a border fodder-wood, 
 bordering an open meadow, perhaps, or a stream. That makes a good name enough to be an 
 accepted hypothesis for the given facts. But the general run of the names of hurst makes one 
 suspect that the hemme is a variation of hatnme or helmc for elmme. and that the original name was 
 an enclosed wood, or elm-wood, or Ham ' s or Am's-wood." 
 
 Thus we have a pleasing variety of good old Saxon etymologies to choose from. Still another 
 is Homewood, if we accept the derivation of Amherst from Hamhurst by dropping the letter "h." 
 Homewood is as good a name as Edgewood or Elmwood. Amhurst is a family name in England. 
 
70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 treaty in r 748. Since then the fortifications had been greatly strengthened. 
 They were a mile and a half in extent and enclosed an area of 120 acres 
 in the form of a peninsula triangle, protected on two sides by the sea and, 
 on the land side, considered impregnable. In spite of the difficulties 
 occasioned by heavy surf and a craggy shore, a landing was effected at 
 Fresh Water Cove by the gallantry of Wolfe and his soldiers, supported 
 by Amherst and the whole army. The British fleet cooperated and destroyed 
 the French shipping. General Amherst commanded operations and con- 
 ducted the siege. Batteries were erected at various points around the 
 harbor. By means of trenches the siege-guns were brought nearer and 
 nearer to Louisbourg, whose great bastions began at last to give way. 
 After an heroic defense of two months, the French commander was com- 
 pelled to sue for terms. Amherst demanded the surrender of the whole 
 garrison as prisoners of war and a definite reply within an hour. A French 
 officer was sent out to beg for more honorable conditions, but Amherst 
 refused to parley. He sent back a curt and peremptory message to Drucour, 
 the commandant : " You will have the goodness to give your answer, yes 
 or no, within half an hour.'' A contemporary account says : " A lieuten- 
 ant-colonel came running out of the garrison, making signs at a distance 
 and bawling out as loud as he could, ' We accept ! We accept ! ' He 
 was followed by two others, and they were all conducted to General 
 Amherst's headquarters." 
 
 Louisbourg was duly surrendered July 26, 175S, with all its stores and 
 munitions of war, together with the whole island of Cape Breton and also 
 the Isle St. Jean or Prince Edward Island. All the outlying coast-pos- 
 sessions of France in this region were thus cut off at one blow. It was a 
 signal victory. Throughout the English colonies men thanked God and 
 took courage. England went wild with joy. The flags captured at Louis- 
 bourg were carried in triumph through the streets of London and were 
 placed as trophies in the cathedral of St. Paul. In recognition of his dis- 
 tinguished services General Amherst was made Commander-in-Chief of the 
 K ing's forces in America and his name was honored throughout the English- 
 speaking world. 
 
 From the beginning of recorded history towns have been named after 
 illustrious men. The town of Amherst,* Massachusetts, is a living monu- 
 ment to the hero of Louisbourg. On the 13th of February, 1759, (see 
 Acts and Resolves, vol, iv., [73), the precinct hitherto known as East 
 
 Le oi tin- I nited States shows that " Amherst " is a local name not 
 only in Massachusetts, bul also in Maim-. New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Wiscon- 
 sin, Minn. isi it a and Is; nis, is. I here is .1 town called "'Amherst " in Nova 5i "i i 1 (midway between 
 st. John and Halifax) on the Bay of Fundy; and there is an " Amherst Island", the chief of the 
 M.i "i lien group, at the entrance to the Gull of St. Lawrence. I here is an Amh< rstburg in ( Intario, 
 in Amherst island in Lake Ontario. The name is applied to a seaport in Burmah, to 
 islands off the coast of Arakan, and to a group ofl Kon 1. 
 
GENERAL JEFFERY AMHERST. 7 I 
 
 Hadley, or Hadley Farms, or East Farms, was made a separate district* with 
 all town privileges except special representation and with the distinctive 
 historic name of Amherst. Our beautiful town, still on the edge of the 
 woods in almost every direction, was a fitting although unconscious revival 
 in New England of the old English Hemhurst, for the conscious purpose 
 of honoring the man who bore the Amherst name and who had restored 
 the greatest conquest in American colonial history. The recovery of Louis- 
 bourg was absolutely necessary for the siege of Quebec in 1759 by Wolfe 
 and the final occupation of Canada in 1760 by General Amherst. 
 
 It is a great mistake to suppose that French dominion in America was 
 destroyed at Quebec. Wolfe's exploit was another glorious victory, but it 
 did not end the war. The French army escaped, returned again in 1760 
 under Gen. Levis, and defeated Wolfe's successor, General Murray, before 
 the walls of Quebec, as Wolfe had defeated Montcalm. But for the oppor- 
 tune arrival of an English fleet, the reckless Murray would have lost all 
 that the daring Wolfe had won. It was left for General Amherst to capture 
 the army of Le'vis at Montreal, where, after taking Ticonderoga, Crown 
 Point. Oswego, Fort Niagara, and restoring all posts lost by his predeces- 
 sors, Amherst brought together three English armies in a masterly strategic 
 combination. Under Amherst's orders Murray moved up the St. Lawrence 
 from Quebec with 2,500 men, the remnant of Wolfe's forces. Brigadier 
 Haviland advanced northwards from Crown Point with 3.400 men, forced 
 the passage out of Lake Champlain, and marched through the woods to 
 the St. Lawrence to unite with Murray below Montreal. Amherst descended 
 the river from Lake Ontario with 10,000 soldiers, 1.000 Indians, and all 
 his artillery. It was considered something of an exploit by his contempor- 
 aries. Sir Joshua Reynolds, with unerring instinct, seized upon that descent 
 of the rapids with an army in open boats as the most heroic scene in 
 Amherst's life time. He is represented as watching the passage of the 
 flotilla at one critical point as he stands upon the heights above the river. 
 For artistic reasons the great painter pictured his hero in the full regalia 
 of a Knight of the Bath, with armor glistening, the red sash over his 
 shoulder, and a golden sunburst upon his breast. His helmet is removed 
 and rests before him, while he leans thoughtfully upon a marshal's trun- 
 cheon, with the map of Canada spread out before him. 
 
 Horace Walpole, in his Memoirs of George II. (111. 287-288) says : 
 " Wolfe, with all the formidable apparatus of modern war, had almost 
 
 *Judd. in his excellent History of Hadley, p. 426, says ••Amherst was a district in August. 1775, 
 and a town in January. 1776. The date of its incorporation as a town is not known." Amherst 
 simply grew as a District. She acted with Hadley in public matters as long as it was convenient 
 to do so. and then virtually seceded. Amherst obtained practical recognition as a separate town 
 by independent representation in the General Court two years before the United Colonies declared 
 themselves free from the mother country. 
 
72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 failed before Quebec : Amherst with barks and boats invaded Montreal, 
 and achieved the conquest, though, what would have daunted the heroes 
 of antiquity, he had the cataracts to pass. He surmounted that danger 
 with inconsiderable loss*, and appeared before Montreal on the very same 
 clay with General Murray." The English armies then closed around the 
 French on the island of Montreal as the Germans closed around Sedan, 
 Sept. i, 1870, when Sheridan, shutting his field glass, said to Moltke, "It 
 is all over with the French now." It was all over with the French then, 
 on that morning of the 7th of September, 1760, when the three armies of 
 Amherst, Murray, and Haviland, came together from those far-distant 
 points of departure, Oswewo, Quebec and Crown Point. 
 
 On the following day, Vaudreuil, the French governor, signed the 
 capitulation of Montreal, and with it surrendered all Canada, on the terms 
 demanded by General Amherst. " Half a continent,"' said Parkman, " had 
 changed hands at the scratch of a pen."' 
 
 The present generation is in danger of forgetting who Amherst was 
 and what he did to make our forefathers rejoice in his name for our 
 town. They knew the reason for their rejoicing. The pulpits of New 
 England resounded with Amherst's praises. The pastor of the Old South 
 Church in Boston said to his congregation: "We behold His Majesty's 
 victorious troops treading upon the high places of the enemy, their last 
 fortress delivered up, and their whole country surrendered to the King of 
 Great Britain in the person of his General, the intrepid, the serene, the 
 successful Amherst." In like manner all the churches of Massachusetts 
 observed a clay of Thanksgiving. Parliament gave the victorious Com- 
 mander-in-Chief a vote of thanks and he was appointed Governor General 
 of British North America. He took up his residence in New York City 
 and was knighteclt at Staten Island, Oct. 25, 1761, by authority of the 
 King and William Pitt. 
 
 Sir Jeffery Amherst returned to England in November, 1763, and was 
 for many years a popular hero. Honors and emoluments were heaped 
 upon him all the rest of his days. In fact, he became Commander-in-Chief 
 of all the Forces of Great Britain and was the adviser of the English gov- 
 ernment during the war of the American Revolution. In 17S7 he was 
 created Lord Amherst of Montreal, having already in 1776 been made 
 Baron Amherst} of Holmesdale, Kent. When at last, in 1795, he resigned 
 the office of Commander-in-Chief, he refused an earldom. The following 
 year he was made Field Marshall. He died August 3, 1797, at the ripe 
 
 *Amherst lost 64 boats and 100 lives in the Cedar Rapids alone. 
 
 Magazine <>i . Imerii an History, 11., 502. 
 {The supporters to the Amherst coat-of-arms are two Indians in full battle array. The family 
 motto is Constantiaet Virtute. 
 
PROVINCE TAXES ON HADLEY AND AMHERST. 73 
 
 old age of eighty, leaving no children. His title and property and country- 
 seat ' % Montreal " in Kent, passed to Ids nephew. William Pitt Amherst, 
 whose name commemorates the great minister to whom the Amherst family 
 and the English nation owed in no small degree their glory in America. 
 Jeffery Amherst* should be remembered as the hero of Louisbourg and as 
 the conqueror of Canada. 
 
 In the General Court Records, under date of October, 1759, the fol- 
 lowing appears : 
 
 •■ A Petition of Jonathan Smith and others Selectmen of Hadley. Setting forth 
 that the District of Amherst being taken off from said Town, they are apprehen- 
 sive that part of the province Tax which ought to be paid by Amherst still lies 
 upon Hadley. and that said District ought also to be assessed for part of the 
 Representative's pay in 1757 and 175S. And praying the Interposition of this 
 Court for their Relief. 
 
 In the House of Representatives; Read and Voted That the Tax laid upon 
 the Town of Hadley in the County of Hampshire this year shall be assessed and 
 levied upon said Town, and upon the District of Amherst in the same County in 
 the proportion following that is to say. Two hundred and eighty pounds seven 
 shillings and ninepence thereof upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of 
 said Town: and one hundred and thirty-eight pounds fifteen shillings and nine- 
 pence thereof upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of said District, and 
 the Assessors of said Town and District respectively are hereby ordered to govern 
 themselves accordingly in making their Assessments." 
 
 At the session of the General Court in May, 1761. the western part 
 of Hampshire county was set off and incorporated as a distinct county by 
 the name of Berkshire. At this same time there arose a controversy among 
 the towns in Hampshire as to whether Northampton or Hadley should be 
 the shire town. The towns on the west side of the Connecticut river gen- 
 erally favored Northampton, while those on the east side preferred Hadley. 
 Amherst sent a petition to the General Court signed by Jonathan Dickin- 
 son, Peter Smith, John Dickinson, John Field and Joseph Eastman, select- 
 men, urging the claims of Hadley, as nearest the center of the county, 
 and being itself "very handsomely situated". One great objection to 
 Northampton was the difficulties experienced in crossing the river, particu- 
 larly in times of flood. 
 
 *There is no life of Amherst. His dispatches are preserved in the public record offices at London 
 and Halifax. In Albany there are many of his letters to Col. Bradstreet, Sir William Johnson and 
 Gov. DeLancey. written by secretaries but bearing Amherst's well-known signature. Other original 
 materials are printed in the X. Y. Colonial Documents, vol. vn. and in the Aspinwall Papers. 
 Among the Parkman mss. in the Mass. Hist. Society are copies of five letters from Amherst to Pitt, 
 written at Louisbourg. Parkman's " Pontiac " and his " Montcalm and Wolfe " contain many inter- 
 esting passages relating to General Amherst. See also G. E. Hart's "Fall of Xew France" and 
 numerous references in Winsor's Xarrative and Critical History of America, vol. v.: Wright's Life 
 of Wolfe ; Stone's Life of Sir William Johnson ; and Lanman's Michigan. Lodge's Portrait--, vol. 
 vni.. lias a very inaccurate sketch of "Jeffery, First Lord Amherst."' Leslie Stephen's Dictionary 
 of Xational Biography (18S5) sives a better notice, with a short iist of authorities, by H. M. Stephens, 
 who justly says of Amherst: "His greatest glory is to have conquered Canada : and if much of 
 that glory belongs to Pitt and Wolfe, neither Pitt's combinations nor Wolfe's valor would have 
 been effectual without Amherst's steady purpose and unflinching determination." 
 
74 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In 1 76 1 , the province tax of Amherst was ,£142, 3, 9; in 1762, the 
 same; in 1763, ,£92, 7, 11 ; in 1764 and 1765, the same; in 1766, ,£75, 
 16, S ; in 1767, £16, 2, 3 ; in 1769, ^56, 17, 6 ; in 1770, .£47, 7, 11. 
 Amherst's proportion of the representative's pay was. in 1761, £4., 10; in 
 
 i7 62 > £5 I in I 7 6 3. £3, 4; in i7 6 4- £3 ; in 1 7 6 5^ £ 6 < 2 I in n GCj < £l, 
 10; in 1767, £8, s ; in 1769, £9, io ; in 1770, £5, 10. 
 
 The following statistics of Amherst in 177 1 are taken from Judd's His- 
 tory of Hadley : Ratable polls, 196 ; unratable polls, 9 ; dwelling houses, 
 120; barns, 84; shops, 14; gristmills, 2; sawmills, 3; potash works, 2; 
 money at interest, ^"1312 ; stock in trade. ,£"73 ; horses, three years old 
 and more, 153 ; oxen, four years old and more, 187 ; cows, three years old 
 and more, 319 ; sheep, one year old and more, 647 ; swine, one year old 
 and more. 214; barrels of cider made, 524; acres of tillage land, 1292 ; 
 bushels of grain raised, 6596; acres of English and upland mowing, S27 ; 
 tons of hay from it. 720 ; acres of fresh meadow, 389 ; tons of hay mowed, 
 337 ; acres of pasturage, 419. These statistics were copied by Mr. Judd 
 from original papers in the state house. From other sources he gained 
 the following: Families in 1765, 104; white people in 1765, 639; white 
 people in 1776, 915 ; polls in 1784, 276. Side by side on the same page 
 with these figures are other statistics of the same date from Hadley, South 
 Hadley and Granby. They show that Amherst had. in population and in 
 many branches of industry, outstripped the parent town. Thus while 
 Amherst had 196 "ratable" polls, Hadley had 147, South Hadley 131, and 
 Granby 95. Amherst had 120 dwelling houses, Hadley 88, South Hadley 
 79, Granby 61. Amherst had 89 barns, Hadley 82, Granby 47. Amherst 
 had £2 more money at interest than Hadley, but Hadley's stock in trade 
 was ^1252 while Amherst's was but ,£73. Amherst had the most horses, 
 oxen, cows, sheep and swine ; it had also the rather doubtful honor of 
 making the most barrels of cider. Hadley had more tillage land and 
 raised a much larger quantity of grain, but Amherst had nearly four times 
 as many acres of English and upland mowing and raised a proportionally 
 larger quantity of hay. Hadley had the largest number of acres of fresh 
 meadow, Amherst the most acres of pasturage. Amherst had five more 
 families than Hadley in 1765, 86 more white people in 1765, 234 more 
 white people in 1776 and 73 more polls in 1784. 
 
 1 Iadle_\- had 39 corn-houses; the other towns returned none. The 
 ''unratable polls" were those of old and infirm men. Of the mills in 
 Amherst, besides those owned by the Kelloggs, which have been referred 
 to before, there was a mill owned by John Adams, perhaps the one on 
 Mill river; Simeon Clark owned three-fourths of a mill and another was 
 owned in iaths. The potash works in Amherst were owned, one by Martin 
 Kellogg, the other by Elisha Ingram, Moses Warner and John Billings. Resi- 
 
STATISTICS. 75 
 
 dents of Amherst who had^ioo or more at interest were: Solomon 
 Boltwood, ^300; Nehemiah Strong, ^200; Simeon Strong, £100; 
 Nathaniel Smith, ^100: Nathaniel Dickinson, ^100. Solomon Boltwood 
 and Daniel Kellogg had each eight cows, and Mr. Boltwood had 35 sheep. 
 The cider made in the four towns averaged 4^ barrels to a house. There 
 was a distillery in Amherst ; Col. Ephraim Smith, born in Hadley in t 788, 
 told Mr. Judd that he had carted many loads of cider to Amherst to be 
 distilled, by a man who lived near where the South Cong'l church now 
 stands. The same man carried on a rye distillery, and rye was carried 
 from Hadley to Amherst and gin returned. Amherst had many maple 
 trees and considerable quantities of sugar and molasses were made. 
 Horses were of inferior grade and were chiefly used under the saddle. The 
 harness was simple, generally made by the shoemaker and rope-maker. 
 Horses were used in farming operations before oxen. 
 
 In 1767, Simeon Smith, son of Moses Smith who lived on the Bay 
 road in Amherst, started a wagon freight route between Amherst and 
 Boston, over the Bay road by way of Brookfield. This was the pioneer 
 route of the kind in Hampshire country. He sometimes carried loads that 
 weighed more than a ton. which, over the rough country roads, must have 
 proved a severe tax upon his horses. He carried to Boston grain, meat, 
 farm produce and quantities of potash, the latter worth in Boston in 1770 
 34 shillings per cwt. On his return trips he would bring back supplies 
 for the traders, including generous quantities of New England rum. 
 
 Between the years 1750 and 1775. horses were valued at what in our 
 currency would amount to from Sio to S40. The charge for hiring a horse 
 was from one to twopence per mile traveled. When oxen were introduced 
 they took the place of horses in farming occupations. Oxen were worth 
 from Si 5 to S45 per yoke. Early in the iSth century, Hadley began to 
 fatten cattle for the Boston market, an example that was followed in 
 Amherst soon after its first settlement. Cattle were driven to Boston and 
 sold on credit, the result being many lawsuits in the Hampshire courts. 
 Some cattle were killed and the meat salted down in barrels before being 
 shipped to Boston. There were few regular butchers in this section, 
 farmers slaughtering their own cattle when in need of fresh meat. Great 
 quantities of pork were raised and consumed, this being the principal meat 
 food of the early settlers. The pork was salted clown in brine, some of it 
 being afterwards smoked in large pieces. The old name for lard was suet... 
 and it brought about the same price in the market as butter. Hogs, fat 
 and lean, were driven from the Connecticut river to Boston ; considerable 
 quantities of pork were shipped to market in barrels. 
 
 Cows were fairly plentiful, their price ranging, in our money, from S7 
 to Si 1. Milk was a staple article of diet: combined with bread or hasty- 
 
76 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 pudding it furnished many a breakfast and supper table. Cows were 
 allowed to run at large and during most of the year were able to secure 
 sufficient feed. Sometimes they were placed in charge of a keeper, but as 
 a general thing the bells they wore were considered a sufficient guarantee 
 against their straying away and becoming lost. Sheep were raised both 
 for mutton and wool. The price of live sheep in 1790 was one penny per 
 pound, the price of wool previous to the Revolution, from eight pence to 
 ■one shilling per pound. A carding machine was erected in the north part 
 of Amherst in 1S03 ; previous to this the wool was carded by women. 
 Some of the best wool was not carded but combed ; from this worsted 
 was spun. 
 
 Hens were early introduced and were kept by all farmers. They sold 
 for from fourpence to sixpence each in 1700, while eggs were worth three- 
 pence per dozen. Tame turkeys were far from plentiful, but wild ones 
 abounded. Geese were rare in Hampshire county until the middle of the 
 iSth century. There was always a good market for geese-feathers, the 
 price previous to 1750 being 18 shillings, old tenor, per pound. Wild bees 
 were hunted, many swarms being found in the woods and on the mountain. 
 
 Tobacco was in general use both for smoking and chewing. The 
 traders in Hampshire county sold great quantities of pipes. Cigars were 
 not introduced until near the end of the century. Little patches of tobacco 
 were raised in Amherst as in surrounding towns. The price of leaf 
 tobacco was from twopence to sixpence per pound. 
 
 Butter and cheese were made in large quantities for home consump- 
 tion. The price of butter in 1775 was five or sixpence, of cheese four or 
 fivepence. A mill for making linseed oil was established at North Hadley 
 in 1795. 
 
 Wild strawberries, dewberries and huckleberries abounded. They 
 were gathered by the children, many of them to be eaten at home and 
 some to be sold in the market at a penny a quart. Checkerberries were 
 abundant and highly esteemed by the children. 
 
 Chestnuts and walnuts were very plentiful. Chestnuts have always 
 been regarded as common property, but from an early time walnuts came 
 to be regarded as a regular farm crop to be gathered and sold in the 
 markets. Many walnut trees were cut and sold for timber and firewood. 
 
 Watches and clocks were luxuries known to but few of the early 
 settlers; they depended lor the time of day on hour-glasses, sun dials, and 
 ■"noon-marks" on the window casings. Dr. Nathaniel Smith had an old- 
 Eashioned "bullseye" watch, still treasured by Mrs. Enos baker, one of 
 his lineal descendants. 
 
 The first carriage owned in Amherst was a " fall-back chaise," taxed 
 to Simeon Strong in 1791. The first one-horse wagons made in this 
 
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 77- 
 
 vicinity were manufactured by Mason Abbe at Amherst. Joseph Smith of 
 Hadley bought one of Abbe, in 1808. In 1S09, Abbe removed to 
 Belchertown. 
 
 The spring plowing was done in Amherst and surrounding towns from 
 April 10 to April 25. Barley, flax, rye, oats and peas were sown in April 
 and the first week in May. Corn was planted from May 5 to 23, hoed the. 
 first time from June 1 to 15, the second time from June 15 to July 5. the 
 third time from July 6 to 25 ; stalks were cut from Sept. 5 to 14, and corn 
 picked from Sept. 24 to Oct. 14. Homelots were mowed the first time from 
 June 14 to July 5, the second time from July 15 to Aug. 10. The 
 meadows were mowed from July 1 to 10. Rye and wheat were reaped from. 
 July 19 to Aug. 5. Barley was mowed the last week in July. Peas were 
 ''hooked'' from Aug. 23 to Sept. 5. Oats and rye were cradled from Aug. 1, 
 to 15. Flax was pulled from Aug. 1 to 10, spread and turned in September, 
 taken up the last of October. Fall plowing was done and winter rye and. 
 wheat sowed in September. Potatoes were dug, beans gathered, turnips 
 pulled and pumpkins carted in October. They had severe frosts that fre- 
 quently did great damage to crops. 
 
 CHAPTER XI, 
 
 Amherst in the Revolution. — Minute Men. — Tories. — The Cana- 
 dian Campaign. — Names of Amherst Soldiers. 
 Amherst bore an honorable part in the war of the Revolution. When 
 kingly oppression was no longer to be borne, the words of defiance that 
 were uttered on the shores of Massachusetts Bay found ready and resonant 
 echo from the valley of the Connecticut. From no town in the valley was 
 there a more prompt and patriotic response than Amherst gave to the com- 
 mittee of correspondence at Boston. The District, still a district although 
 it had assumed the name of town, was among the first to pledge its strong ' 
 support to a declaration of independence of Great Britain, before such a 
 declaration had been formulated. It was ready to pledge money and men. 
 and supplies, anything needful for carrying on the war for independence. 
 The martial spirit of its citizens, in many instances strengthened by 
 experience gained in the French and Indian wars, was ready for the conflict 
 which, it was recognized, was inevitable. Nor was this a mere spasm of. 
 patriotism, destined to die out when confronted with the grim realities of 
 
78 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 war. During the long years of bloody strife that were to follow, with a 
 large percentage of its citizens personally engaged in the conflict, oppressed 
 by heavy taxation, Amherst was prompt to honor every demand that was 
 made upon it for the support of the " common cause ". This, too, in 
 presence of enemies at home, who had no sympathy with the principles 
 and objects for which the colonists contended. There is no prouder page 
 in Amherst history than that which tells of what was done by its patriotic 
 citizens in the war for independence. The sons and grandsons of men 
 English-born, with reverence inbred in them for all that pertained to the 
 kingly estate, they had breathed deeply of the free air that wanders over 
 the mountain-peaks and through the valleys of New England and felt in 
 every fibre of their being that they too might be, must be, free. They were 
 not optimistic from ignorance ; they knew the power of England and 
 realized the fate that awaited them should the conflict go against them ; 
 they realized the heavy odds in opposition, but they believed the Lord was 
 on their side and they knew that one, with God, was a majority. 
 
 The old town records contain in outline the history of these eventful 
 years, an outline that can never be filled in as fully as it ought, but it gives 
 to us an insight into the character, the motives and the deeds of those who 
 dwelt in Amherst when the crystallization of the American nation was first 
 in process. The names of some who took part in the eventful contest are 
 here recorded, but the list is not complete, nor can it ever be. The 
 names that are missing from this roll of honor are recorded in a Book 
 unseen of human eyes. Without repeating in full the many votes passed 
 by Amherst during the revolutionary period, it may be well to summarize 
 them, giving such additional facts as are at the historian's command. 
 
 Ian. 26, 1774, a committee was appointed to draw up a letter to be 
 sent to the committee of correspondence at Boston. The members of that 
 committee, five in number, were among the most influential men in the 
 community, and included two men, Reuben and Nathaniel Dickinson, who 
 had taken part in the French and Indian war. The letter they prepared, 
 stirring and patriotic in tone, may be found on page 68 of the District 
 records ; it was accepted, entered upon the town book and forwarded to 
 the committee of correspondence at Boston. Sept. 20, 1774, a standing 
 committee of correspondence was chosen, and Oct. 3, of the same year. 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr. was elected a delegate to the first Provincial 
 Congress, which met at Concord, Oct. 1 1. Jan. 2, 1775, Mr. Dickinson was 
 •elected a delegate to the Provincial Congress which met at Cambridge. 
 Feb. 1, of that year. Hadley voted, Jan. 13, 1775, that its selectmen 
 .should confer with the districts of Amherst and South Hadley and the 
 town of Granb.y to know whether or not, they or any of them, would unite 
 with Hadlev to send a delegate to the Congress at Cambridge, but Amherst 
 
AMHERST MINUTE MEN. 
 
 79 
 
 seems to have forestalled this action by choosing a delegate of its own. 
 Feb. 23, 1775. Amherst voted to purchase a supply of powder, lead and 
 Hints, and at the same meeting voted to pay the province money then in the 
 District's possession or that remained to be collected to Henry Gardner of 
 Stowe, rather than to Harrison Gray; the latter held his appointment from 
 the king. A committee of inspection was chosen at this meeting, also one 
 to procure subscriptions for the needy persons in Boston and Chaflestown. 
 April 19, 1775. came the ''Lexington alarm." to which the ••minute 
 men " throughout the colony responded. It was the prompter's call to the 
 overture of the might}- war drama, that was to extend through long and 
 weary acts until the final curtain descended upon a nation new-born and 
 consecrated for all time to liberty under the law. A congress of committees 
 from every town and district in Hamphire county, except Charlemont and 
 Southwick, had been held in Northampton, Sept. 22 and 23, 1774. "to 
 consult upon measures to betaken in this time of general distress in the prov- 
 ince, occasioned by the late attacks of the British Parliament upon the consti- 
 tution of said province.'' Amherst was represented at this convention by 
 Moses Dickinson, Jacob Mel )aniel and John Dickinson. A series of resolu- 
 tions was adopted, calling, among other things, for a Provincial Con- less to 
 assemble at Concord in October, recommending that no province money 
 be paid to " H. Gray, treasurer", and exhorting all the inhabitants of the 
 county to acquaint themselves with the military art. under such persons as 
 they might choose, and to supply themselves with arms and ammunition. 
 In accordance with these resolutions, companies of " minute men " were 
 formed in nearly every town and district, prepared to march to the scene of 
 disturbance on the first alarm. It was natural that the command of the 
 Amherst company should be entrusted to Reuben Dickinson. A son of 
 Ebenezer Dickinson one of the original settlers, in the prime of life, a 
 prominent man in district affairs, his military experience gained in the 
 French and Indian wars especially fitted him for the position. His company 
 was one of the first from this vicinity to respond to the Lexington alarm, 
 and with him. under his command, went the following men: 
 
 Joseph Dickinson. 2d lieut., Ezra Rood, serg't, Adam Rice, corp '1. 
 
 Ebenezer Eastman. corp"l. Clement Marshall. Ebenezer Kellogg. 
 
 John Hodden, John Ingram, Reuben Dickinson. Jr.. 
 
 Thomas Morton. John Eastman. Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 
 Samuel Buckman. Luke Corfm. Stephen Smith. 
 
 Waitstill Dickinson. Eldad Moody. Timothy Green. 
 
 Azariah Dickinson. Ebenezer Dickinson. Elihu Dickinson. 
 
 Martin Smith. Reuben Smith. Simeon Smith, 
 
 William May. Ambrose Williams. 
 
 Other members of this company came from surrounding towns : 
 Daniel Shavs of Pelham. afterwards leader of the Shays rebellion, was a 
 
So HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 sergeant in it. The company marched to Cambridge and was in commis- 
 sion eleven days, although some of its members remained longer in service. 
 The men on the "alarm roll " of the company were paid ,£89, 1, 5. 
 
 Lieut. Noah Dickinson of Amherst also led a company to Cambridge 
 at the time of this alarm ; the following Amherst men were in his command : 
 
 Henry Franklin, serg't, Lemuel Moody, serg't, Joel Moody, corp'l, 
 
 David Blodgett, Oliver Clapp, Elisha Dickinson, 
 
 Amasa Allen, Stephen Cole, Chileab Smith, 
 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, Hezekiah Cole, Jacob Warner, 
 
 Elihu Hubbard, Zachariah Hawley. 
 
 In Capt. Noadiah Leonard's company that responded to this alarm, 
 and served seven days, were the following from Amherst : 
 
 Reuben Bishop, Samuel Field, Elias Smith, 
 
 Moses Hastings, Simeon Pomeroy, Gideon Henderson, 
 
 Samuel Gould, John Billings, Isaac Goodale. 
 
 In Lieut. Eli Parker's company, that also responded to this alarm, 
 were the following from Amherst : 
 
 Thomas Bascom, serg't, Joel Billings, Thomas Hastings, 
 
 Gideon Dickinson, John Ingram, Noah Smith, 
 
 Elijah Hastings, Reuben Cowls, Enos Coleman, 
 
 Elijah Elmore, John Lee. 
 
 These companies all served in the Hampshire county regiment com- 
 manded by Col. Ruggles Woodbridge of South Hadley. The latter part of 
 April, 1776, the "minute men" disbanded. Capt. Reuben Dickinson 
 organized, May 1, a new company that served for three months and eight 
 da vs. This contained many members of the old company, as is shown 
 by the following list of Amherst men : 
 
 Adam Rice, serg't, Ebenezer Kellogg,Jr.,corp'l, Elihu Dickinson, corp'l, 
 
 Levi Smith, fifer, Elijah Alden, Samuel Buckman, 
 
 Benjamin Buckman, Elijah Baker, Luke Coffin, 
 
 Giles Church, Azariah Dickinson, David Hawley, 
 
 John Hastings, Ebenezer Kellogg, Henry Lee, 
 
 Archelas Leonard, Clement Marshall, John Dickinson, 
 
 David l'ettis, Caesar Prutt, Daniel Rolf, 
 
 James Shay, Ambrose Williams, Richard Waite. 
 Shelah Dickinson. 
 
 Daniel Shays was 2d lieut. of this company. The pay of the com- 
 pany to Aug. 1, 1775, was .£280, 12, 10. 
 
 ("apt. James Hendrick of Amherst led a company to Cambridge at the 
 time of the Lexington alarm ; from a return of his command from Charles- 
 town Camp Xo. 3, dated Jan. 13, 1776, the following Amherst names are 
 taken : 
 
AMHERST SOLDIERS. 
 
 8l 
 
 Joel Moody, serg't, 
 Stephen Smith, 
 Samuel Ingram. 
 Elisha Dickinson, 
 Ethan Billings, 
 Jonathan Edwards. 
 
 Reuben Dickinson, Jr., 
 Joseph Nash, 
 Aaron Dickinson, 
 Ebenezer Pettis, 
 Henry Dyer, 
 Timothy Smith. 
 Elijah Elmer. 
 
 Joseph Pettis, 
 Amariah Dana. 
 Martin Smith, 
 Levi Clark. 
 John Lee, 
 Timothy Smith. 2d. 
 
 In a list of eight-months' men who served from the outbreak of the 
 war, many of them being ''minute men" who afterwards enlisted in the 
 Continental service, are found the names of the following Amherst men : 
 
 In Capt. Noadiah Leonard's company: 
 
 Moses Cook, serg*t, 
 Simeon Pomeroy, 
 Aimer Nash, 
 Gideon Henderson, 
 
 Samuel Church. 
 
 Samuel Gould, lieut, 
 Moses Hastings, 
 John Billings, 
 Isaac Goodale, 
 Amos Nash, 
 
 Samuel Field, corp'l. 
 Samuel Gould. 
 E lias Smith. 
 Ebenezer Field, 
 
 Joseph McClench. 
 
 Robert Brown. 
 
 Stephen Hills. 
 
 In Capt. John Wiley's company : 
 
 John Burns. Michael Kief, 
 
 In Capt. Moses Kellogg's company : 
 
 Thomas Dunton, Simeon Forbes. 
 
 John Nichols. 
 
 In Capt. John Popham's company: 
 
 Jeremiah Lampson, — Weston, 
 
 A return of men belonging to Ephraim Coney's company, dated Cam- 
 bridge, Oct. 7, 1775, contains the name of Daniel McGrath of Amherst, 
 who was taken captive June 17, the day of the battle of Bunker Hill. 
 Capt. Moses Kellogg's company was " on command to Quebec " and 
 Robert Brown and John Nichols are said to have enlisted in " the train," 
 i. e. the artillery. Capt. Popham's company was connected with Col. 
 Richard Gridley's regiment of artillery. The company commanded by 
 Capt. Reuben Dickinson, numbering 60 men, was stationed June 14, 1775, 
 "at the college." This company took part in the battle of Bunker Hill, 
 June 17, but was not in the intrenchments. Sept. 30, 1775, the company 
 was stationed on the west side of Prospect Hill, and in December at Lach- 
 mere's Point, where one of its members, Abel Woods of Shutesbury, was 
 wounded by a cannon-ball from a British man-of-war. 
 
 May 4, 1775, Amherst appointed a committee to provide stores for 
 the army assembled at Cambridge. At the same meeting the District 
 " entered into an examination of Mr. Josia.h Chauncey." While the spirit 
 of patriotism was strong within the District, an influential body of citizens 
 remained loyal to King George. John Dickinson estimated that nearly 
 6 
 
82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 half the inhabitants were tories or neutrals ; among the more prominent 
 tories were Dr. David Parsons, Simeon Strong, Solomon and William 
 Boltwood, Josiah and Isaac Chauncey. Mr. Dickinson stated to Mr. 
 Judd that the residents in Shutesbury and Pelham were ready to assist, 
 " in a mob way or otherwise," in disposing of the troublesome element. 
 But the patriots in Amherst were abundantly able to fight their own battles; 
 and were prompt to discipline such as were unfriendly to the " common 
 cause." Josiah Chauncey held a commission from the king as justice of 
 the peace, and this he was ordered to burn, also to deliver his firearms into 
 the hands of the selectmen. He also held a commission as captain in the 
 militia, received from Gov. Hutchinson in 1773. John Field held a com- 
 mission as lieutenant in the same company and John Nash one as ensign. 
 At a meeting of officers held in Northampton, Nov. 11, 1774, these officers, 
 and thirty others, renounced all authority they might have by commission 
 from Gov. Hutchinson, but this did not satisfy the patriots in Amherst ; 
 they made Mr. Chauncey give them his commission and burned it in public, 
 with some display. At a meeting held May 9, it was voted that John 
 Nash should destroy his commission and that the arms of Mr. Chauncey 
 should be returned to him. May 24, 1775, Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr., was 
 elected a delegate to the Congress to be held at Watertown the 31st of 
 that month ; and July 10, Moses Dickinson was chosen as representative 
 to the General Assembly to be held at Watertown the 19th. The Rev. Dr. 
 David Parsons was an ardent tory, and doubtless took little pains to conceal 
 his disapproval of the actions of the patriots ; at a meeting held Aug. 10. 
 1775, a committee was appointed to go to him and desire him to attend the 
 meeting, but there is no record as to the committee's success in their mission. 
 June 13, 1776, the District voted that if Congress should declare the 
 colonies independent of Great Britain, " the inhabitants of the town of 
 Amherst solemnly engage with our lives and fortunes to support them in 
 the measure." A noble pledge, as nobly to be fulfilled. 
 
 June 25, 1776, the General Court ordered that 5000 men should be 
 raised. Those going from six counties were designed for Canada, from 
 four counties for New York, where Gen. Washington had established his 
 headquarters. The troops to be raised in Hampshire county were to mart h 
 to Canada, and were offered a bounty of £7 each. The number to be 
 raised in the count)- was 754, of which Amherst was to furnish 27, Hadley 
 13, South Hadley 12, Sunderland 9, and other places in proportion to their 
 population. This order was followed on the 1 oth of July, immediately 
 after the declaration of independence, by an order for the enlistment 
 of every 25th man in the state, to reinforce the northern army. The form 
 of enlistment in Hampshire and Berkshire counties was as follows : 
 
AMHERST SOLDIERS. 83 
 
 •• We the subscribers do hereby severally inlist ourselves into the Service of 
 the United American Colonies, until the first Day of January next, if they Should 
 require it: — and each of us do engage to furnish and carry with us into the Ser- 
 vice aforesaid, a Good effective Fire Arm & Blanket; (also, a good Bayonet & 
 Cartridge Pouch, and a Hatchet, or Tomahawk or Cutting Sword, if possible. 
 And we severally consent to be Formed into a Regiment under the Command of 
 such Field Officers. Captains and Subalterns as are or may be appointed & com- 
 missioned by the American Congress & when so formed, we engage to March 
 under said Officers into Canada with the utmost Expidition, and we further agree 
 during the Time aforesaid to be subject to such Generals or superior Officers as 
 are or shall be appointed, and to be under such Regulations in every respect as 
 are provided for the American Army. 
 
 Dated the of A. I). 1776." 
 
 Among the first to respond to this call was Capt. Reuben Dickinson, 
 who enlisted a company of 86 men from Amherst and adjoining towns. 
 This company was attached to Col. Ruggles YYoodbridge's regiment and 
 marched. to Ticonderoga. They served from July i, 1776 to March 1, 
 1777 and received pay at the rate of one penny per mile and one clay's 
 pay for each 20 miles. Following are the names of the men from Amherst : 
 
 Timothy Henderson. corp*l. David Adams, drummer. Firmin Woods, 
 
 John Billings, Jr., Daniel Lane, David Hawley. 
 
 Hezekiah Cowls. John Hodden. Elihu Dickinson, 
 
 Amasa Allen. Gideon Lee. Noah Hawley. 
 
 Enos Rolf. Noah Gould. John Workman, 
 
 James Barnes. Abner Nash, Simeon Pomeroy. 
 
 Simeon Peck. Jr.. Samuel Gould. Jr., Benjamin Rolf, 
 
 Adam Dike, John Hastings. 
 
 In Zaccheus Crocker's company of Col. \\ right's regiment were the 
 following from Amherst: 
 
 Silas Billings. Joel Dickinson, Archelus Leonard. 
 
 April 23, 1777, two battalion of 750 men each were ordered from 
 Hampshire county for two months' service around Ticonderoga. The 
 following men from Amherst responded to this call, and were enrolled in 
 Capt. Oliver's company of Col. Grafton's regiment : 
 
 Reuben Dickinson, Jr., James Barnes, Elijah Baker. 
 
 David Pettis. Joseph Aldrich. Hezekiah Cowls, 
 
 Samuel Gould. Preserved Briggs. 
 
 John St. Clair served in Sumner's company and John Fox in Flower's 
 
 company of Grafton's regiment ; Xoah Gould. Samuel Harper and 
 
 Bigelow in Shays' company in Putnam's regiment, David Hawley in 
 Day's company of Alden's regiment, Nath'l Vale in Alvord's company of 
 Shephard's regiment and Samuel Buckman in Miller's company of Putnam's 
 regiment. 
 
8 4 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 A pay-roll of Capt. Eli Parker's company in Col. Leonard's regiment 
 of miiitia, who marched from Hampshire county to Ticonderoga, May 8, 
 1777, contains the names of the following men from Belchertown, Granby 
 and Amherst, the particular place of residence not being given. Their 
 enlistment was for two months : 
 
 Eleazer Warner, istlieut, Samuel Cook. 2d lieut., 
 Silas Matthews, serg't, David Town, serg"t, 
 Timothy Stockwell, serg't, E. Nash, drummer, 
 Amasa Smith, corp'l, Samuel Hastings, corp'l, 
 
 Nathaniel I!utterfield,corp'l, Moses Alvord, 
 
 John Burchit, 
 Enos Cook. 
 Silvanus Chapin. 
 Samuel Deane, 
 Enos Goodman. 
 Oliver Hastings, 
 John Kibbee, 
 Amos Lamb. 
 Lewis Morgan, 
 Daniel Plumley, 
 Caleb Smith, 
 Stephen Shumway, 
 Samuel Taylor, 
 Jonathan Warner. 
 Sewal Warner, 
 Jeremiah Pike, 
 
 John Bush, 
 Juda Clark, 
 Benjamin Clough, 
 Jonas Ellwell. 
 Eliph' Gaylord, 
 Timothy Hilyard. 
 Ebenezer Kentfield, 
 Elisha Moody, 
 Simeon Peck. 
 Daniel Reed, 
 Paul Smith, 
 Enoch Thayer, 
 William Towne, 
 Enos Woodbrady, 
 David Worthington, 
 Aaron Smith. 
 
 Enos Day, ensign, 
 Matthew Moody, serg't, 
 Reuben Smith, lifer. 
 John Cole, corp'l, 
 Joshua Burt. 
 Jonathan Burnett. 
 Israel Cole, 
 Adonijah Cole, 
 Daniel Gould. 
 Joseph Goodale, 
 Elijah Hannum, 
 Silas Lee, 
 William Montague, 
 James Persifield, 
 Daniel Smith, 
 Elisha Steele, 
 Amasa Shumway. 
 William Towne, 2d. 
 William Waite. 
 Joshua Whitney, 
 Nathan'l Abbott. 
 
 In Capt. Aaron Haynes' company in the Canadian campaign were 
 Selah Dickinson, who served from April 1 to December, 1776, and Ebene- 
 zer Kellogg, who enlisted May 1, and died Nov. 22, of the same year. 
 
 In a list of those who served at least six months previous to March, 
 1777, at Dorchester, in ("apt. Oliver Lyman's company, were the following 
 from Amherst : 
 
 1 [enry Lee, serg't. 
 Isaac Gould, 
 Nathaniel Edwards, 
 
 Jonathan Warner, 
 Azariah I Hckinson, 
 Simeon Dickinson. 
 
 John Fox, 
 Levi Dickinson, 
 
 In a list of those who served two months from May 7 to July 8, 1777, 
 under Capt. John Thompson, called out to reinforce the Northern army, 
 are found the following Amherst names : 
 
 Noah Dickinson, lieut., 
 Levi Smith, fifer, > 
 
 Simeon Dickinson, 
 Elijah Dickinson, 
 Thomas Morton, 
 
 Luke Coffin, serg't, 
 David Blodgett, 
 Levi Dickinson, 
 Timothy Dickinson. 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. 
 
 Ebenezer Eastman, corp'l, 
 Benjamin Buckman, 
 Zimri Dickinson, 
 John Ingram, 
 
 [n Capt. Jeremiah Ballard's company with the northern army from 
 
AMHERST SOLDIERS. 85 
 
 May 10 to July 20, 1777, were Lieut. Jonathan Dickinson, David Lord 
 and Aaron Smith. 
 
 In July. 1777. Capt. Reuben Dickinson marched with his company to 
 Mosses' creek to reinforce the army and was attached to Col. Elisha Porter's 
 regiment. The company served 3S days and included the following men 
 from Amherst : 
 
 Joel Moody, serg't, Daniel Benjamin. Azariah Dickinson, 
 
 Medad Dickinson. Medad Moody. Thomas Williams. 
 
 Giles Church. John Dickinson. Enos Cook, 
 
 Amos Ayres Nathaniel Dickinson. Timothy Green. 
 
 Samuel Ingram. Henry Chandler. Joseph Pettis. 
 
 Reuben Smith. 
 
 Amherst was represented in the expedition that marched for the 
 defense of Pennington. Aug. 17. 1777. by the following men, under com- 
 mand of Capt. Oliver Smith : 
 
 Jonathan Ingram. John Kibbee, Moses Kellogg. 
 
 Elihu Dickinson, Ebenezer Pomeroy. 
 
 They supplied their own provisions, carried their own baggage, and 
 were out seven days. 
 
 Aug. 9, 1 7 77. there was a call for further reinforcements for the Northern 
 army, and Capt. Moses Hawley and Capt. Samuel Cook went to the front 
 and were attached to Col. Woodbridge's regiment in the army of Gen. 
 Gates. In Capt.Hawley's company were Lieut. Jonathan Dickinson, Lieut. 
 Elisha Baker and Serg't Lemuel Clark of Amherst ; in Capt. Cook's com- 
 pany were the following Amherst men : 
 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, lieut., Luke Coffin. serg"t. Adam Rice,, serg't. 
 
 Levi Smith, lifer. David Blodgett. Zimri Dickinson. 
 
 Timothy Dickinson. Simeon Dickinson. Isaac Marshall. 
 
 Abner Nash, Jacob Warner. Philip Ingram. 
 
 Capt. Hawley's company was out from Aug. 14 to Nov. 29; Capt. 
 Cook's company from Aug. 17 to Dec. 7 : the latter was in the battle of 
 '• Bemis Heights", Oct. 7. These companies, as well as that under com- 
 mand of Capt. Reuben Dickinson, took part in the battles of Sept. 19 and 
 Oct. 7. and were present at the surrender of Burgoyne, Oct. 17. 
 
 Aug. x8, 1777, there was an alarm at New Providence, and of the 
 companv under Lieut. Noah Dickinson's command that responded, being 
 out four clays, were the following, mostly from Amherst : 
 Isaac Hubbard, serg't, Joseph Dickinson, serg't, Henry Franklin, serg't, 
 Josiah Warner, serg't, Ebenezer Mattoon. Aaron Alvord. 
 
 John Ingram. Abner Adams. . Amariah Dana. 
 
 William May. Martin Kellogg, Justus Williams, 
 
 Ebenezer Dickinson. Daniel Church. Jeremiah Cody. 
 
 Zachariah Hawlev. John Eastman. Elisha Dickinson, 
 
 Levi Dickinson. 
 
86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 There was an alarm at Stillwater, Sept. 23, and Capt. Reuben Dick- 
 inson responded with his company in which were the following Amherst 
 men : 
 
 Noah Dickinson, lieut., Henry Franklin, serg't, Josiah Warner, serg't, 
 
 Thomas Marshall, corp'l, Benjamin Buckman, corp'l, Stephen Smith, 
 
 John Ingram, Elihu Dickinson, David Blodgett, 
 
 David Cowls, Nathan Dickinson, Elihu Hubbard, 
 
 William May. Simeon Cowls, Hezekiah Belding, 
 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, Lemuel Moody, Timothy Green. 
 
 Ebenezer Eastman, Henry Chandler, Seth Dickinson, 
 Elijah Dickinson. 
 
 In January, 1777, a call was issued for men to serve three years; 
 among those who enlisted were the following from Amherst : 
 
 Willis Coy, Reuben Dickinson, Samuel Gould, 
 
 David Pettis, Joseph Young, Samuel Brown. 
 
 Noadiah Lewis enlisted to serve during the war. 
 
 In the foregoing list of names, some that are credited to Amherst 
 cannot be found on any list of inhabitants at that time. The muster- 
 rolls and pay-rolls from which they were copied are far from accurate and 
 complete in giving the towns to which the soldiers belonged, but it is thought 
 best to give all the names that appear on these rolls as coming from 
 Amherst, lest by omitting those that are unfamiliar an injustice should be 
 done. If there is repetition of names, it must be borne in mind that the 
 same men served in different commands, and that, especially as regards 
 the Dickinsons, there were many individuals of the same name. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The Committee of Safety. — Tories Imprisoned. — Simeon Strong's 
 Blanket. — The Battle of Saratoga. — Hiring and Drafting 
 Soldiers. 
 
 While the soldiers that Amherst sent out were engaged in active ser- 
 vice against the enemy, the patriots who remained at home were as busily 
 engaged in suppressing toryism which flourished in Amherst to a notable 
 degree. Jan. 21, 1777, the District appointed .1 committee to notify the 
 Rev. David Parsons that his conduct was " not friendly with regard to the 
 
DISCIPLINE FOR TORIES. 87 
 
 Common Cause.'* Mr. Parsons' reply is not on record. July 7 of the 
 same year the selectmen brought in a list of four persons who were 
 •• supposed to be Inimical to the Interest of the United States." It is 
 interesting to note that at a meeting held Aug. 12. each of these names was 
 ordered to be stricken from the list. The action of the town in striking 
 these names from the list was not in accordance with the sentiments of the 
 local committee of safety, which at the time was impowered with, or arro- 
 gated to itself, police powers of extraordinary latitude. Committees from 
 other towns were called in consultation, the accused were summoned before 
 them, with the following result as shown in a memorandum, not dated, 
 contained in the state archives : 
 
 •• At a meeting from the several Towns (viz.) Sunderland, Shutesbury and 
 Leverett, by request of the Committee of Safety together with the Militia Officers 
 of the Town of Amherst, to advise with and take into Consideration the Dangerous 
 Situation of that town together with the State of America from a number of per- 
 sons, in the aforesaid Town who are suspected to be Enemies to the American 
 States after examining and questioning the following Persons before this Body 
 namely Ebenezer Boltwood, John Field. John Nash, Simeon Strong, Esq., John 
 Field Jun. Samuel Boltwood. Moses Cooke, Ephraim Kellogg, John Boltwood. It 
 is our Opinion that all the above mentioned persons are all unfriendly to their 
 country & ought to be esteemed as such — It is therefore the Steadfast Resolve of 
 this Body that the above named persons together with Dea n Edwards, Daniel 
 Kellogg. Joseph Church and Esq r Chauncey be confined Namely Eben r Boltwood 
 John Field John Nash Simeon Strong Esq r John Field Jun Sam 1 Boltwood Moses 
 Cooke John Boltwood Esq Chauncey be confined all together at the house M r John 
 Field now Dwells in with a Sufficient Guard to attend them on their own cost may 
 have license if they please to attend publick worship under s' 1 Guard also Dea n 
 Edward Daniel Kellogg Joseph Church and Ephraim Kellogg be confined to their 
 farms with this penalty that if they break over said limits that they be closely con- 
 fined upon their own cost these have also liberty to attend publick worship & funerals 
 within the limits of their own town and retire immediately home — It is also resolved 
 that all and every of the above named Persons make an immediate Surrender of their 
 fire Arms powder Ball Sword. Bayonet Cutlass and every warlike implement that 
 may be of quick & Dangerous use into the hands of this body or their committee 
 chosen for that purpose to be kept & justly appraised with the owners name and an 
 exact account of every utensel Delivered to said Committee to be kept till further 
 orders: we are also of opinion that not any of the above named Persons or any 
 belonging to their families be allowed to keep a house of entertainment If they Do 
 they will incur the Despleasure of this Body." 
 
 The committee of safety having taken this action, application was 
 made by them to the General Court to learn what should be done with these 
 prisoners, for such, in a restricted sense, they were. The following minute 
 shows how this application was received at Boston : 
 
 •• The Committee to whom was referred the inimical of John Billing in behalf 
 of the Committee of Amherst, and also the Petition of sundry Inhabitants of said 
 Town, have considered the same and are of opinion that the Laws of the State 
 have made ample provsion for the punishing of offenders. 
 
SS HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 That the Persons apprehended & under Guard ought forthwith to be carried 
 before the next Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampshire. And the Charges 
 against them be exhibited in writing. That such Justice may, if the matter alledged 
 shall appear to him a Violation of the Law of the State order them to Recognize 
 in reasonable Sums with Surety, to appear before the next Superior Court of Judi- 
 cature &c for Said County to answer thereto, and in the mean Time to keep the 
 Peace and be of good behavior or Commit them to Goal if the Nature of the 
 crime shall appear to him to require it — and in case the charges exhibited against 
 them shall not appear sufficient to induce the Justice to commit them to Prison for 
 Trial, or to oblige them to find sureties to answer the cause before the Sup Court 
 The said Persons now under Guard be released from their confinement. 
 
 D. Sewell. 
 Sep 10 th 1777 Read & approved Jn° Avery Dep Sec'y." 
 
 The petition of the imprisoned men, alluded to above, was addressed 
 to the Council and read as follows : 
 
 "To the Hon ble Council of the State of Massachusetts Bay Humbly shows the 
 Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst, in the County of Hampshire 
 and now Prisoners in close confinement in Said Amherst by order of a Body of 
 People from several Towns lately assembled there, that on the twenty six Day of 
 June last past a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of said Town was holden there 
 persuant to the late act of the General Court of this State in order to examine and 
 determine whether any of the Inhabitants were inimical to the Cause of America 
 So as to be dangerous to the Safety of the States, which Meeting being thence 
 continued by several adjournments to the 12th day of August current it was voted 
 by a full and clear Majority of said Inhabitants that the Names of all such Persons 
 as had been Exhibited on the List by the Selectmen as Suspected Persons (being 
 only four in Number) should be struck off from the List, and there having been no 
 other Names voted by the Town to be added to said List, the Meeting was dis- 
 solved. Afterwards to wit on the 25 th Day of August Current we were required in 
 the Name of a body of People assembled at the Meeting House in said Town to 
 appear there, and having accordingly appeared we were soon ordered under Guard, 
 and after sometime of confinement brought separately before the same People and 
 demanded of in the Name of the Body by one who officiated as Chairman to make 
 direct answer to this Question (viz) Are you desirous to be independent of the ( rown 
 of Great Britain according to the Declaration of the Congress passed in the 
 War 1776? to which some of us answered expressly in the Negative, others 
 answered that having been Present at the Meeting that was called by order 
 of the General Court for collecting the sentiments of the People, they did 
 not vote for Independence because they were not of opinion it would be for 
 the Interest of the Country. Another question was then commonly put (viz.) 
 have you ever altered your opinion Since? Which was answered in the 
 negative — whereupon Each one was remanded into Confinement, untill the Number 
 of the Examined and confined amounted to thirteen, who being ordered back to 
 th ■ Same Body of People a certain Paper was ordered by the Chairman to be read 
 to US by the Clerks as the Resolves of the whole Body; a true copy of which (as 
 lieve) and of the Question put to us we shall herewith exhibit, in the Hand 
 writing of him who officiated as Clerk tho we are not able to procure an attestation 
 of it as by the Authority of which, and according to the Tenor of it we are now 
 imprisoned and although no mention is therein made what Shall be the Duration 
 
PETITION FOR RELEASE. 89 
 
 of our Confinement, yet we were told before the same Body of People that it was 
 their Intent that we should be thus confined untill Application Should be made to 
 the General Court to know how we should be disposed of: and we are informed 
 that it was by them left with the Com tee of Amherst to make such Application. 
 But whereas we think it probable that the Cognisance of such a matter will belong 
 to the Hon Ue Council rather than to the General Court, we beg y r Honors Candid 
 Attention to the Matters herein set forth, and that this our Representation may be 
 admitted and attended to by the Hon ble General Court or Council according as one 
 or the other Shall receive the Application from the Com"' 1 ' — and accordingly we 
 hereby inform your Honors that we know of no .Matter proved or alledged against 
 us as the Cause of our Confinement but what is above Expressed : that we were 
 not called upon by the People assembled to answer to any Matter of Charge nor 
 accused of having done or attempted anything against the Interest of the States ; 
 and whenever any of us alleged that whatever were our private Sentiments respect- 
 ing the War. we had done our full Proportion in the Expence of the War, no one 
 appeared to contradict or deny it. Having made this our humble Representation 
 to your Honors, we beg your kind Attention to our Situation and Circumstances, 
 and that your Honors in y r Wisdom & Justice would be pleased to grant us all that 
 Relief and Liberty which our past Conduct which we trust has been innocent & 
 inoffencive affords us Grounds to hope for & Expect and as in Duty bound shall 
 pray. 
 
 Amherst. Aug 1 29 th 1777 
 
 Josiah Chauncy, Simeon Strong. John Field. 
 
 Ebenezer Boltwood, Moses Cook. Samuel Boltwood, 
 
 John Field, Jun'r John Boltwood. John Xash. 
 
 The troops in the field were sadly in need of supplies and frequent 
 calls were made upon the towns for provisions and clothing. In January, 
 1776, Hampshire county was called upon to furnish 300 blankets, of which 
 Amherst was to supply eight. The selectmen, finding it difficult to secure 
 the blankets and fire-arms necessary to equip their soldiers. " impressed " 
 a blanket from Simeon Strong. Esq. a leading Tory. "Squire Strong brought 
 suit against David Blodgett, the town constable, and the case was carried 
 before the General Court, which, after protracted discussion, rendered the 
 following judgment : 
 
 "On th3 Petition of Moses Dickinson and others. Selectmenof the Town of 
 Amherst, respecting an Action brought against David Blodgett. Constable of that 
 Town, by Simion Strong, Esq., for forcibly taking from him the said Strong a 
 Blanket : 
 
 Resolved, that the Selectmen pay the said Strong for his Blanket at the 
 apprized Value thereof and that the Action commenced by the said Strong against 
 the said Blodget be stayed: and that the Parties suffer the Costs which have 
 arisen to them respectively. "" 
 
 In August of the same year the Commissary General was ordered to 
 deliver to Air. Simeon Smith 125 pounds weight of gunpowder for the town 
 of Amherst. In 1777, Amherst received £2 1. o. 9. in payment for mileage 
 and canteens. Feb. 5, 1776, a convention of the -> Committees of Safety*' 
 
QO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 in the several towns in Hampshire county was held at Northampton ; at 
 this gathering Amherst was represented. The convention considered the 
 suffering condition of the Northern army and advised the committee of 
 supplies to forward at once such supplies as were necessary for the comfort 
 of the army, "not doubting that the General Court will approve thereof." 
 The campaign against Burgoyne by the Northern army was ably con- 
 ceived and skilfully executed. The surrender of Eurgoyne's army was 
 the first great victory for the Continental cause, the better appreciated 
 because won against great odds and at a time when the fortunes of the 
 revolutionists were at a low ebb. The army under Gen. Gates was largely 
 composed of Massachusetts men, among whom none did better service 
 than the troops from Hampshire county and from Amherst. They were 
 represented at every important battle and skirmish in the campaign and were 
 present at the final surrender. Of the Amherst men who were engaged in 
 the conflict, none bore a more honorable part or in after life achieved 
 greater distinction than Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. He served first as lieu- 
 tenant in the company of Capt. Samuel Cook and afterwards was lieutenant 
 in Capt. Furrival's company of artillery. During the campaign, while at 
 his home in Amherst, he was ordered by Gen. Gates to proceed to Spring- 
 field and convey a number of cannon from that place to the field of oper- 
 ations in New York. He rode from Amherst to Springfield on Sunday and 
 with a small body of men accomplished the task; as he afterwards took 
 pleasure in saying, "those cannon told at Saratoga." Lieut. Mattoon took 
 an active part in the battle of Saratoga, and the Hartford (Conn.) Courant 
 under date of Jan. n, 1836, published a most interesting report of the 
 battle written by him, in a letter addressed to Philip Schuyler, Esq. From 
 this letter a few brief paragraphs are quoted : 
 
 •• ( ien. Gates, indeed, obtained the honor of capturing Burgoyne and his army : 
 but let me tell you, sir, that it was more through the wise and prudent counsels of 
 your brave and distinguished ancestor, and die energy and intrepidity of Generals 
 Lincoln and Arnold, than through the ability and foresight of Gates." 
 
 "The action of the 19th of September (Bemis Heights) commenced about ten 
 o'clock a. M. and continued during the day, each army alternately advancing and 
 retiring." 
 
 •' On the 7th of October the American army was posted, their right wing rest- 
 ing on the North River and their left extending on to Bemis' heights. Generals 
 Nixon and Glover commanding on the right, Lincoln the centre, and Morgan and 
 Lamed the left. The British army, with their left resting on the river, commanded 
 by Phillips: their center by Gen. Redheisel ; and the extreme right extending to 
 the heights, was commanded by Lord Balcarras, where he was strongly fortified. 
 Their light troops were under the command of Gen. Frazier and Ld. Auckland." 
 
 ■■In a few minutes, Capt. Furrival's company of artillery, in which I was 
 lieutenant, was ordered to march towards the fire, which had now opened upon our 
 piquet in front, the piquet consisting of about 300 men. While we were marching, 
 
BATTLE OF SARATOGA. 9 I 
 
 the whole line, from the river up to our piquet or front, was engaged. We advanced 
 to a height of ground which brought the enemy in view, when we opened our fire. 
 But the enemy's guns, eight in number, and much heavier than ours, rendered our 
 position untenable." 
 
 "We then advanced into the line of infantry. Here Lieut. M'Lane joined me. 
 In our front there was a field of corn, in which the Hessians were secreted. On 
 our advancing towards the corn field, a number of men rose up and fired upon us. 
 M'Lane was severely wounded. While I was removing him from the field, the 
 firing still continued without abatement." 
 
 ■• During this time a tremendous firing was heard on our left. We poured in 
 upon them our canister shot, as fast as possible, and the whole line, from left to 
 right, became warmly engaged. The smoke was very dense, and no movements 
 could be seen: but as it soon arose, our infantry appeared to be slowly retreating, 
 and the Hessians slowly advancing, their officers urging them on with their 
 hangers." 
 
 " The troops continuing warmly engaged. Col. Johnson's regiment coming up, 
 threw in a heavy fire, and compelled the Hessians to retreat. Upon this we 
 advanced with a shout of victory. At t'.ie same time Auckland's corps gave way.' 
 
 " The firing had now principally ceased on our left, but was brisk in front and 
 on the right. At this moment. Arnold says to Col. Brooks, (late Governor of 
 Massachusetts.) ' Let us attack Balcarras' works.' brooks replied -No. Lord 
 Auckland's detachment has retired there: we can't carry them.' ' Well. then, let us 
 attack the Hessian lines.' Brooks replies, ' With all my heart.' We all wheeled to 
 the right, and advanced. Xo fire was received, except from the cannon, until we 
 got within eight rods, when we received a tremendous fire from the whole line. 
 But few of our men. however, fell. Still advancing, we received a second fire, in 
 which a few men fell, and Gen. Arnold's horse fell under him. and he himself was 
 wounded. He cried out, ' Rush on. my brave boys.' After receiving the third fire, 
 Brooks mounted their works, swung his sword, and the men rushed into their works. 
 When we entered the works, we found Col. Bremen dead, surrounded with a num- 
 ber of his companions, dead or wounded. We still pursued slowly : the fire, in the 
 mean time, decreased. Xight-fall now put an end to this day's bloody contest. 
 During the day we had taken eight cannon and broken the center of the enemy's 
 lines." 
 
 Gen. Mattoon concludes his description of the battle with the follow- 
 ing account of the surrender of Burgoyne. as witnessed by himself : 
 
 -Just below the island we passed the river and came to Gen. Gates' markee, 
 situated on a level piece of ground, from 130 to 150 rods south of Schuyler's creek.. 
 A little south and west of this, there is a rising ground, on which our army was 
 posted, in order to appear to the best advantage. A part of it was also advanta- 
 geously drawn up on the east side of the river. About noon on the 17th, Gen. Bur- 
 goyne. with a number of his officers rode up near to the markee in front of which Gen. 
 Gates was sitting, attended with many of his officers. The sides of the markee were 
 rolled up. so that all that was transacted might be seen. Gen. Burgoyne dismounted 
 and approached Gen. Gates, who rose and stepped forward to meet him. General 
 Burgoyne then delivered up his sword to Gen. Gates, who received it in his left hand, 
 at the same time extending his right hand to take the right hand of Gen. Burgoyne.' 
 
 •• After a few minutes' conversation. Gen. Gates returned the sword to Gen. 
 Burgovne, who received it in the most graceful and gentlemanly manner. The rest 
 
"92 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of Burgoyne's officers then delivered up their swords, and had them restored to 
 them likewise. They then all repaired to the table and were seated ; and while 
 dining, the prisoners were passing by." 
 
 The surrender of Burgoyne was followed by the release from service 
 • of large bodies of Massachusetts troops, who had been called out to 
 reinforce the Northern army and whose term of enlistment lasted for only 
 a few months. But with the cessation of hostilities along the northern 
 frontier came attacks in other quarters, demanding new levies to fill the 
 Continental armies. In the closing months of the year 1777 Gen. Wash- 
 ington and his army were in camp near Philadelphia; the battles of Bran- 
 dywine and Germantown had been fought and the British had taken pos- 
 session of Philadelphia. But early in 1 7 78 the United States had concluded 
 a treaty with France, and a French fleet was making ready to take an active 
 part in the contest. The British troops evacuated Philadelphia in June, 
 retreating to New York. In July the French fleet came to anchor off New 
 York harbor. It was decided to make a combined attack by land and sea 
 upon Newport, R. I., then held by a British army of 6000 men under Gen. 
 Pigot. Gen. Sullivan, in command of the American army in the east, had 
 been directed by Gen. Washington to call upon Massachusetts, Connecticut 
 and Rhode Island for 5000 militia, a call which was promptly answered. 
 April 20, 1778, the Massachusetts General Court ordered that 2000 men 
 should be raised to fill up the fifteen battalions which the state was 
 required to furnish ; of these, 242 were to come from Hampshire 
 county. The fine for refusing to go was ^20. The term of service was 
 nine months, and each man was to have sixpence a mile for travel. On 
 the same day an order was passed for raising 1300 men for North River 
 and 200 for Rhode Island, of which Hampshire county was required to 
 furnish 182. During the same year another order was passed to raise 
 1800 men for Rhode Island, of whom 199 were to come from Hampshire. 
 June 23 an order was passed to raise 1000 men to guard the prisoners sur- 
 rendered by Burgoyne. Of the men who enlisted for one year and did 
 service in the state of Rhode Island, were Lieut. Ebenezer Mattoon, Elijah 
 ■ Dickinson and Philip Ingram of Amherst. 
 
 Jan. 22, 177S, a muster-roll of Capt. Reuben Dickinson's company, 
 belonging to Col. Porter's regiment, bore the names of the following 
 Amherst men : 
 
 David Peters, Hezekiah Cowls, Joseph Aldrich, 
 
 Elijah Baker, John Fox, David Hawley, 
 
 James Barnes, Samuel Buckman, Noah Gould, 
 
 Nathaniel Yale, Enos Rolfe, Samuel Harper, 
 
 John Sanglere, John Woodbury. Noah Bigelow. 
 
 These men were enlisted for three years, except Woodbury, who 
 
AMHERST SOLDIERS. 
 
 93' 
 
 enlisted for eight months. A list of men drafted for nine months service 
 from their arrival in Fishkill in 17 78, contains the following names of 
 Amherst men who were in Col. Porter's regiment : 
 
 David Leonard. Timothy Dickinson, Zimri Dickinson, 
 
 Benjamin Buckman, Simeon Peck, David Gould. 
 
 May 15, 177S. Amherst hired nine men for three years' service in the 
 Continental army; the only Amherst man among them was Ebenezer' 
 Boltwood. The following Amherst men served in Capt. Samuel Fairfield's 
 company of Col. Nathan Sparhawk's regiment at Dorchester, during the 
 latter part of 1778: Timothy Green, Henry Chandler, Joseph Kimball, 
 Elias Smith. March 11, 1778, Amherst voted that persons not own- 
 ing independence of the crown of Great Britain should not be allowed 
 to vote. Nov. 5 of the same year a vote was passed in favor of a 
 new constitution ; this vote was repeated at a meeting held May 17, 1779. 
 July 12, 1779, Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. was chosen a delegate to the state 
 convention at Concord. Oct. 21, 1779, the sum of ,£434. 10 was granted 1 
 to replace money taken out of the treasury to pay bounties and mileage to 
 soldiers. 
 
 June 8, 1779, the General Court passed an order to raise 800 men for 
 service in Rhode Island and 2000 men to fill up the Continental battalions. 
 Of the troops for Rhode Island, Hampshire county was to furnish 102. 
 A pay-roll of Capt. YVoodbridge's company, in Rhode Island service, that 
 continued to Jan. 1, 17S0, contains the names of the following, credited to 
 Amherst : 
 Simeon Dickinson. Elisha Dickinson. Oliver Briggs. 
 
 Thev were to have ^16 per month in addition to the continental pay 
 Of the 2000 men for general service Hampshire was to raise 228. The 
 time service was to be nine months, and the fine for refusing to go 
 when drafted .£45. Oct. 9 there was another order passed to raise 2000 
 men, of which number Hampshire was to furnish 450. The fine for refus- 
 ing to serve was £50. Each soldier was to receive £16 per month in addi- 
 tion to his Continental pay. a bonus of £30 from the town he repre- 
 sented, and to draw two shillings mileage. 
 
 The nine months' men who were drafted under the act of June 8 were 
 attached to Col. Porter's regiment; Amherst is credited with the following . 
 
 Jonathan Allen. Joseph Kimball, Joseph Young, 
 
 William Ewing, Daniel Darby. William Darby. 
 
 The following names are of men raised in Amherst for service in 
 Rhode Island, under the same act. who served in Capt. Joshua Woodbridge's, 
 company of Col. Nathan Tyler's regiment : 
 
94 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Timothy Ingram. David Blackman, Samuel Dickinson, 
 
 Elihu Dickinson, Jonathan Belding, Lewis Coleman. 
 
 Joseph Goodale, Oliver Briggs, Thaddeus Gilbert, 
 
 Asaph Lane, Zimri Dickinson. 
 
 Early in July, 1779, British troops numbering some 2600 engaged in 
 a marauding expedition up Long Island sound, burning the towns of Fair- 
 field and Norwalk and plundering New Haven. An attack was planned on 
 New London, but the British forces were recalled to New York. In the 
 American garrison at New London, in Capt. Elijah Dwight's company, 
 from July 20 to Aug. 25, were the following men from Amherst: 
 
 Luke Coffin, lieut., Enos Nash, Silas Lee, 
 
 John Boltwood, Joseph Church. Nathan Smith, 
 
 Reuben Ingram. Nathan Perkins. Enos Kellogg, 
 
 Zimri Dickinson, Elihu Warner, Silas Wright, 
 
 Carmi Wright Thomas Adams, Eldad Moody. 
 
 Daniel Gould. David Lord. 
 
 The name of Silas Johnson does not appear in this list, but from 
 other sources it is learned that he served at New London, and afterwards 
 at West Point and in Washington's army in its retreat " across the Jerseys." 
 
 The year 1780 brought with it new demands for troops and supplies 
 upon the residents of Hampshire county. As the war dragged on from 
 year to year, their resources were steadily diminished and it grew harder 
 and harder to furnish the quotas of men that the needs of the American 
 armies demanded. But there was no regret for action ahead}- taken. 
 no thought of purchasing peace at the price of liberty. Great induce- 
 ments were offered to men to enlist in the military service ; these fail- 
 ing, drafts were resorted to. There had been a steady and alarming 
 depreciation in the value of the Continental currency, and Oct. 16, 17S0, 
 Amherst voted £10,000 to pay for beef for the army. Dec. 18 of the 
 same year, a committee was appointed to enquire and report to the town 
 how soldiers might best be procured to serve in the Continental army, for 
 three years or during the war. This committee reported at an adjourned 
 meeting held Dec. 28, and Amherst voted to offer bounties in money and 
 clothing in addition to Continental pay to such as would enlist. At the 
 same meeting £460, " new currency " was appropriated for beef and grain 
 to supply the army. During the year there were in the Continental service 
 near West Point the following men from Amherst : 
 
 Simeon Morton. .Aaron Bartlett, Lemuel Root, 
 
 Edward Gould, Zimri Dickinson. Noah Hawley, 
 
 Hezekiah Moore, Gideon Moore, William Moore. 
 
 Nathan Perkins. Joseph Bobbins. Solomon Dickinson, 
 
 Joseph Kimball. 
 
AMHERST SOLDIERS. 95 
 
 During the summer of 17S0 a large force of men assembled as Spring- 
 field, who were enlisted for the term of six months and also marched from 
 that place to reinforce the Continental army. They were enrolled in divis- 
 ions ; in Capt. Dix's company of the seventh division were the following- 
 men, credited to Amherst: 
 
 Hezekiah Moore, Gideon Moore, William Moore. 
 
 Lemuel Conant, Noah Hawley, Lemuel Root, 
 
 Solomon Dickinson, Simeon Morton, Zimri Dickinson. 
 
 David Lord. 
 
 In Ebenezer Kent's company of the eighth division were : 
 Joseph Kimball, Joseph Robbins, Edmund Gould. 
 
 In the thirteenth division were : 
 
 Aaron Bartlett. Nathan Perkins, Jr. 
 
 In a list of men who were enlisted by Col. Porter for three months, 
 in accordance with an order of the General Court pissed June 22. 1780. 
 are the names of the following from Amherst : 
 
 Reuben Warner. Levi Smith, William Ri( . 
 
 Azariah Dickinson. Nathaniel Peck. Elisha Warner, 
 
 Jonathan Kellogg, Daniel Prince. 
 
 In a list of men drafted to march to Horse Neck under Col. Samuel 
 Howe in 1780, are the names of the following men who are credited to 
 Amherst.- 
 
 Robert Anions. Benjamin Leach. Levi Nash, 
 
 John Boltwood. Solomon Boltwood, Zachariah Field. 
 
 April 2, 1781, Amherst voted that persons who had paid any money 
 for hiring soldiers the preceding year should be allowed the same. July 
 30 of the same year, a committee was appointed to hire the men that were 
 required of the town for three months' service in the army. The men 
 hired by this committee served in Capt. Oliver Coney's company of Col. 
 Sears' regiment, from Aug. 12 to Nov. 15 ; their names were as follows : 
 
 Solomon Dickinson, cop'l, John Fox. drummer, Simeon Morton. 
 
 Levi Dickinson, Joseph Kimball. Noah Hawley, 
 
 Eli Parker. Edward Gould. John Belding. 
 
 Elijah Ingraham. 
 
 During the year the following were hired to serve in the army for three 
 years : 
 
 Hezekiah Moore. Daniel Squier, Silas Billings. 
 
 Josiah B. Gould. Samuel Prince. Daniel Abbott, 
 
 Jepthah Putnam, Roger Crary. Thomas Squier, 
 
 William Moore. 
 
96 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Obed Hunt and William Moore enlisted for six months. The men of 
 the town eligible for military service were divided into classes; each class 
 was required to furnish a man and see that he received his bounty. Under 
 the order of the General Court passed in December, 1780, Amherst enlisted 
 eight men, five at £60, two at £70 and one at £§0. Daniel Ellis enlisted 
 May 15, 1 78 1, for three years and received .£60 : Samuel Prince enlisted 
 Aug. 1, 1 78 1, for the same term and received the same bounty. The fol- 
 lowing memoranda are copied from the state archives : 
 
 •• Mustered and Received of Cap' Ebenezer Mattoon chairman of Class No. 1 
 for the Town of Amherst a certain Isaac Heart a Recruit Inlisted for the Term of 
 Three Years." 
 
 •• These May Certifie that the Class whereof I was one for Procuring a man in 
 the Continental Service for the term of three years hired Jepha Putnam and gave 
 him for a hire the sum of Sixty pounds paid in Silver money. 
 
 Sign' 1 Jos Williams, Head of the Class. 
 
 Amherst, June 15 th 1781. 
 
 To the Selectmen of Amherst."' 
 
 The state and town taxes levied to provide funds to carry on the war 
 were heavy and oppressive. In 1779 and 1780, Massachusetts assessed on 
 its inhabitants five taxes, payable in bills, amounting nominally to 17^- 
 millions of pounds. Of this sum ill millions of pounds, or $37,000,000, 
 were assessed in two taxes in 1780 to call in continental bills. When these 
 bills were paid in, they were worth about one cent on a dollar in silver. 
 In April, 178 1, one dollar in silver was equal to $200 in bills. In those 
 clays the soldiers frequently paid $50 for one meal or for a mug of flip. 
 In 1780, two state taxes were laid upon Amherst, ,£"16,283 an< ^ £ l ^i^ >1 2>-> the 
 two amounting to $109,653, payable in continental bills. The polls were 
 assessed ^20 in each of the two rates. In the same year a tax was laid 
 on Amherst of ^768, " hard money." A new state constitution was 
 adopted by Massachusetts in January, 17S0; under this constitution 
 Amherst elected, in October of the same year, Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr. as 
 its representative ; he was re-elected in 17S1 and 1783. In 1784 and 1785, 
 Capt. Eli Parker served as representative; in 17S7 and 178S, Daniel 
 Cooley. 
 
 All through the war, and even after its close, the residents of Amherst 
 who were loyal to the continental cause were troubled by the toryism of 
 their neighbors. The discipline inflicted in the early stages of the struggle 
 upon Josiah Chauncey, Simeon Strong, and John Nash, and the significant 
 votes concerning the attitude assumed by the Rev. David Parsons were 
 not without a salutary effect. Isaac Chauncey, son of Josiah. was among 
 those whose loyalty to the king and enmity to the revolution were not kept 
 within proper bounds ; in 1 776, the committee of safety ordered that he 
 should remain within the bounds of his father's farm "except on Sundays 
 
IMPRISONMENT OF ISAAC CHAUNCEY. 97 
 
 and to Funerals," and later on caused him to be confined in the jail at 
 Northampton, as "an enemy to America." He petitioned the General 
 Court for release, claiming that he was out of town and did not know that 
 the notification had been served, that he had not a fair trial and should be 
 released on bail pending a new trial ; but he was given " leave to withdraw " 
 the petition. Later on he was "confined to certain limits," but, on Aug. 26, 
 1776, was advertised by the committee as having "clandestinely departed 
 ('tis supposed) to some part of Connecticut on no good design ; this is there- 
 fore to desire the good people of that State or of other States, where he 
 may be found, to secure him in such manner that he may not have it in 
 his power to injure America." Lieut. Robert Boltwood was advertised 
 after the same fashion. The warrant committing Mr. Chauncey to jail 
 was found among the papers of Capt. Aaron Wright, at that time the 
 jailer of Hampshire county, after his death ; it reads as follows : 
 
 "To Capt. Aaron Wright, keeper of the jail in Northampton, in the County of 
 Hampshire and Colony of Massachusetts Bay: — 
 
 Sir: As Isaac Chauncey of Amherst in the county and colony aforesaid, hath 
 been convicted before the committee of correspondence of Amherst, aforesaid, 
 of being an enemy to, and acting in opposition to the just rights and privileges of 
 America, you are hereby desired to take into custody and closely imprison him 
 the said Isaac Chauncy, till he shall be dismissed by lawful authority. 
 
 John Billings, Chairman of Com. 
 Amherst. April 12. 1776. 
 
 According to the within direction, I have committed Isaac Chauncey to Capt. 
 Wright, Jail-keeper in Northampton. The cost is 16s. 
 
 Martin Smith, Constable. 
 April 13. 1776." 
 
 The "within direction " alluded to by the constable, was addressed to 
 Capt. Wright, and read as follows : 
 
 " To Capt. Aaron Wright : 
 
 Sir: You are hereby informed that it is expected that you hold Mr. Isaac 
 Chauncy in custody upon his own cost, until the judgment of cost be satisfied and 
 you own charges secured. The cost is £1. 17s., 6d. Likewise thefeeof the officers 
 entered on the mittimus. 
 Amherst, May 10. 1776. Johx Billings, Chairman." 
 
 In September of the same year, the Amherst committee sent another 
 person to Northampton jail, who had been convicted before them " of 
 being notoriously inimical to the cause of American liberty." 
 
 Rev. Abraham Hill, the pastor at Shutesbury, was a violent tory and, 
 at the same time, a great friend of Rev. David Parsons ; it is probable that 
 the two " exchanged pulpits " and that Mr. Hill mixed up politics with 
 theology, for in January, 1780, Amherst voted that he should not be allowed 
 to preach in the town again. The political controversies waged between 
 7 
 
q8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 neighbors on week-days were not allowed wholly to subside even on Sun- 
 day, for it is stated that in the intervals between the morning and afternoon 
 services the whigs and tories waged such a war of words that they quite 
 broke up the afternoon meeting. 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 Prominent Patriots. — Ebenezer Mattoon. — Leading Opponents of 
 the Revolution. — Josiah Chauncey. — John Field. — The 
 Bolt woods. 
 
 Among the men of Amherst who were ardent patriots and whom the 
 events of the Revolutionary war brought prominently to the front were 
 three, Reuben Dickinson, Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr. and Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 Jr., who deserve more than a word of mention. 
 
 Reuben Dickinson was son of Ebenezer Dickinson, one of the earliest 
 settlers in Amherst. In the expedition against Crown Point in 1755, 
 during the French and Indian war, he served as sergeant in the company 
 commanded by Capt. Porter. When the convention held at Northampton 
 in 1774 advised the people to perfect themselves in military discipline, he 
 organized a company of militia or "minute-men " and led them to Cam- 
 bridge at the time of the Lexington alarm. The company served eleven 
 days and was disbanded ; May 1, 1775, Capt. Dickinson organized a com- 
 pany which served for three months and eight days. A part of this 
 company was present at the battle of Bunker Hill, but not in the intrench- 
 ments. Zaccheus Crocker of Shutesbury was lieutenant of the company, 
 and Daniel Shays of Pelham ensign. John Dickinson, a member of the 
 company and then in his 18th year, told Judd the historian in 1847, that 
 one-half the company was ordered out in the morning but did not go. He 
 thought the men were not short of powder but were driven off by bayonets. 
 When the call was issued by the General ('(nut, June 25, 1776, for troops 
 to reinforce the Northern army, Capt. Dickinson enlisted a company of 68 
 men from Amherst and surrounding towns, which took part in the expedi- 
 tion against Ticonderoga, being out from July 16, 1776 to March 1, 1777. 
 In July, 1777, Capt. Dickinson with his company was stationed at Mosses 
 Creek, and on their return from that place were at once ordered out on an 
 alarm to Stillwater. The company took part in the battles of Bemis Heights 
 
NATHANIEL DICKINSON, JR. 99 
 
 and Saratoga, and was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. After the 
 close of the war Capt. Dickinson removed to Thetford, Vt, but died in 
 Amherst, Nov. 12. 1803, at the home of his sister, Mrs. Jerusha Blodgett, 
 while there on a visit. He was married and had nine children, five boys 
 and four girls. 
 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, Jr. was the son of Nathaniel who removed from 
 Shutesbury to Amherst after i 745. Nathaniel, Jr. was graduated from Har- 
 vard College in the class of 1 7 7 1 . having as a classmate David Parsons, son 
 of the Rev. David. They were the first natives of Amherst who went 
 to college. After his graduation he was indentured to Major Hawley of 
 Northampton for three years, to study law. and the term of his service had 
 just expired when the warning notes of the Revolution were sounded. 
 When only 24 years of age he was elected a delegate from Amherst to the 
 first Provincial Congress ; he was also elected to the second Congress which 
 met at Cambridge, and to the third which met at YVatertown. He served 
 as representative to the General Court in 1778, 1780 and 1783. He served 
 upon Amherst's committees of correspondence, was the author of a large 
 part of the Revolutionary papers of the District, was moderator at town 
 meetings, town clerk and treasurer, selectman and assessor, and devoted 
 his time largely to public business. In 1781 he was appointed justice of the 
 peace by Governor Hancock, after which he was commonly known as " Squire 
 Nat." fie was an ardent advocate of the cause of the revolutionists, and when 
 that cause was assailed was ever ready to defend it. It is related that once, 
 when the Rev. David Parsons was compelled to read from the pulpit a 
 proclamation issued by authority of the new government, he added to the 
 formal conclusion "God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," the 
 following expression of his own views, " But I say, God save the king. 5 ' 
 Whereupon Mr. Dickinson sprang to his feet in his pew and exclaimed in 
 tones that echoed through the church, " And / say. you are a damned 
 rascal !" Mr. Dickinson married. Dec. 9. 1779, Sarah, daughter of Ebenezer 
 Marsh of Hadley, by whom he had two children, Susanna and Walter. 
 He died, Nov. 10, 1802, aged 51 years. 
 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. attained to the greatest prominence in public 
 affairs of any of the earlier residents in Amherst. Probably no better, 
 certainly no more authentic record of his life is in existence than the fol- 
 lowing autobiographical sketch, found among his papers after his death 
 and copied from the Hampshire Gazstte in which it was printed in 1843. 
 It is addressed to William Cogswell, D. D. and reads as follows : 
 
 "To Wm. Cogswell, D. D. 
 
 Dear Sir: — Your printed Circular, addressed to the graduates of 
 Dartmouth College, requesting them to furnish you with brief biographical notices 
 of themselves, for publication. I duly received. The plan you propose I cordially 
 
IOO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 approve — when completed, it will, I think, embody facts that will be very gratify- 
 ing to the Alumni of that institution, and also the friends of literature. 
 
 If my own history can add anything to the completion of your plan, it is at 
 your service. In replying to your interrogatories I shall follow their numerical 
 order. 
 
 I was born. 1755. in Amherst, then a precinct of Hadley. My parents were 
 Ebenezer Mattoon and Dorothy Smith daughter of Doct. Nath'l Smith of 
 Amherst. The earliest knowledge I have of my ancestry extends hack to the year 
 1676. Then Philip Mattoon. an unmarried young man (who came 1 believe from 
 Glasgow, in Scotland) was among 47 men at Marlboro, who, with others from 
 Boston, were sent up under Capt. Wm. Turner to defend the inhabitants on Con- 
 necticut river from the invasions of the Indians. The next year, (1677,) he resided 
 at Springfield, and was married to Sarah Hawks. About 16S8, he removed to 
 Deerfield, where he died in 1696, leaving several sons, one of whom, Eleazer, 
 settled at Northfield. He was my Grand-Father. In 1734, he removed to Amherst, 
 with his family, my father, Ebenezer, being his only son, then 16 years of age. 
 My studies, preparatory for college, were pursued under the tuition of Rev. David 
 Parson, the first minister of Amherst. I entered college in 1772 and graduated in 
 1776. In the Spring of '76, after examination for degrees, with three others of my 
 class, I obtained permission of the faculty to go to Canada, and engage in the 
 revolutionary army, receiving a promise that our degrees should be regularly con- 
 ferred. Soon after my arrival at Canada, I received a Lieutenant's Commission, 
 and performed the duties of an Adjutant for that year. The next year I was 
 Lieut, in the Artillery in the northern campaign, and was in St. Clair's retreat from 
 Ticonderoga. and in the hard fought battles and capture of Burgoyne. Continuing 
 in the army, I was in the battle fought by Gen. Sullivan on Rhode Island. In 1779 
 I left the army, returned to Amherst, and was married to Mary Dickinson, of 
 Amherst, where I still reside. I studied no profession except that of arms. In 
 17S0 and '81, I represented the town in General Court. Was made justice of 
 peace in 1782, and held the office till 1796. Was elected Captain in the Militia in 
 17S2. Major in '85, Col. in '89, Brigadier in '92, and in '96 Maj. General of the 4th 
 division Militia in this Commonwealth. In 1S16 I resigned my Commission of 
 Maj. Gen. and was appointed Adjutant General, which office I held until two 
 years after, when I was compelled to resign on account of the entire loss of my 
 sight. I was a member of the Senate of this Commonwealth two years, 1795 and 
 '96. In 1766, I was appointed Sheriff of the (old) County of Hampshire, and con- 
 tinued in office nearly 20 years. I was in the 6th and 7th Congress. In 1S20. I 
 was a member of the Convention for amending the Constitution of our Common- 
 wealth. In 1792, '96, 1820, and '28 I was one of the Electoral College for the 
 choice of President and Vice President of the United States. 
 
 I have had six children. .two of whom died in infancy. The names of the four 
 are Mary Dickinson. Ebenezer, Noah Dickinson, and Dorothy Smith. Three are 
 still living. Mary I), [since deceased] resides in Philadelphia, Ebenezer in Amherst, 
 and Noah I), in Ohio. 
 
 In an historical sketch of Gen. Mattoon, written by Zebina C. Mon- 
 tague and published in the Hampshire and Franklin Express under date of 
 M.iv 21, [858, are many interesting anecdotes concerning his military and 
 civil services. When he returned to Amherst after his discharge from the 
 army he brought with him an old iron field-piece, a six-pounder, that had 
 
EJJENEZER MATTOON, fit. 
 
EBENEZER MATTOON, JR. IOI 
 
 seen service in the Northern army. After the capture of Burgoyne, the 
 Americans replaced their old-fashioned ordnance with the more modern and 
 effective cannon captured from the enemy, and the discarded field-pieces 
 were many of them given to officers in the »American army. This old 
 cannon was stored for many years in Gen. Mattoon's barn, and was used 
 in Fourth of July celebrations as well as in celebrating other events of less 
 patriotic interest. It was destined to play an important part in a neighbor- 
 hood quarrel of which more will be related in succeeding pages. As high 
 sheriff of Hampshire count}'. Gen. Mattoon officiated in 1S06 at the execu- 
 tion of Halligan and Daly at Northampton, for murder and highway 
 robbery. This was one of the first executions in Hampshire county. 
 While on a visit to boston in 1816, in connection with his duties as adjutant- 
 general, he caught a severe cold which settled in his eyes and soon resulted 
 in total blindness. He built the house at East Amherst now owned and 
 occupied by 0. P. Gaylord : it was. at that time, esteemed one of the finest 
 residences in the village. During the closing years of his life Gen. Mattoon 
 drew a pension as a revolutionary soldier. He died, Sept. 11, 1843, aged 
 SS years. 
 
 In the Hampshire Gazette of Aug. 29, 1832, appears the following 
 list of Revolutionary soldiers from Amherst who applied for pensions : 
 
 Gideon Stetson, John Dickinson, Judah Clark. 
 
 Timothy Henderson, Benjamin Kimball. Simeon Dickinson, 
 
 Nathan Sprout. Silas Johnson, Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson, John Hunt. Samuel Thompson, 
 
 Simeon Pomeroy. .Nathan Kellogg, Jonathan Thayer. 
 
 Prominent among the opponents of the Revolution were the Rev. 
 David Parsons, Simeon Strong. Esq., Josiah Chauncey, John Field, and 
 three members of the Boltwood family, Ebenezer, Solomon and William. 
 ( )f David Parsons and Simeon Strong brief biographical sketches have 
 already been given. Josiah Chauncey was for many years a leading man 
 in the community. The son of Rev. Isaac Chauncey, for many years 
 pastor of the church in Hadley, he was born Nov. 14, 1716. In 1758 he 
 was appointed justice of the peace, holding that office until the outbreak of 
 the war of the Revolution. In 1760 and 1762, he represented Hadley, 
 South Hadley. Granby and Amherst in the General Court. From the 
 " Memorials of the Chaunceys ", edited by William Chauncey Fowler and 
 published in 1S5S, the following is copied : 
 
 "Josiah Chauncy. youngest son of the Rev. Isaac, was born Nov. 4, 1716. 
 He resided in Hadley precinct (Amherst) before 1737. He. with his two brothers, 
 Richard and Charles, having, in their father's family, enjoyed more than common 
 advantages, and. taking a leading part in public affairs, must have had great influence 
 in giving a character to the infant town of Amherst. He, if any one, was the 
 Father of the Town. He was for a considerable time usually moderator of the 
 
102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 public meetings; was for a long time justice of the peace; town clerk; selectman; 
 assessor; Representative to the General Court. In 1755 he was sent to the General 
 Court to appear in behalf of the precinct in its petition to be set off a district: he 
 went to boston and secured the object of the petition. As a Justice of the Peace 
 many important cases were tried before him. An aged lady, who remembered him 
 well told me that there were frequently large collections of people assembled to 
 witness the trials before Judge Chauncey. In the time of the Revolutionary War, 
 he, like many of the leading men in the region, was suspected of being a Tory. 
 They felt that the time had not come to take up arms against Great Britain. Rev. 
 David Parsons, Judge Simeon Strong, Dr. Seth Coleman, and others, sided with 
 Esquire Chauncey. Mr. Chauncey held no office during the war. but immediately 
 on the declaration of peace he resumed his place at the head of affairs. He cul- 
 tivated a large and excellent farm about half a mile south of the college now owned 
 by Mr. Horace Kellogg. The remains of the fish-pond which he constructed are 
 still to be seen. He was a professor of religion from early life. About the year 
 1802 he removed with his family from Amherst to Albany Co., now Schenectady 
 Co.. X. V.. where he died and was buried the same year." 
 
 John Field was son of Zechariah Field and was born in Hatfield, Jan. 
 12, 1 7 iS. He was a prominent man in the community and among the 
 large property owners as is shown by Amherst's valuation list in 1770. In 
 1773 he was appointed by Gov. Hutchinson a lieutenant of militia, but 
 gave up his commission the following year owing to the disturbances 
 incident to the outbreak of the war. He married, July 10, 1739, Hannah, 
 daughter of Samuel Boltwood, by whom he had eleven children. 
 
 The Boltwoods were among the earliest settlers in the eastern part of 
 Hadley, Samuel Boltwood being numbered among the "east inhabitants " 
 in 1 73 1, while Solomon came to the new settlement as early as 1737. They 
 were men of note, prominent in public affairs and the name of Boltwood 
 appears frequently on town and district records. In 1770, Solomon Bolt- 
 wood was the largest property-owner in the district, his estate being rated 
 at .£228. William, son of Solomon, was commissioned a lieutenant and 
 served in the French and Indian war. Solomon, brother to William, and 
 his son Ebenezer, were among the earliest merchants, or " traders" as they 
 were then called, in the east settlement. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Proposed Division* of Amherst. — Petition Against a Division. 
 
 The first meeting-house, completed in 1753, afforded at that time and 
 for some years after ample accommodations for the worshipers who 
 assembled there on the Sabbath, and the voters who gathered on town- 
 
VOTES TO DIVIDE AMHERST. 103 
 
 meeting days. But owing to a considerable increase in population, the 
 need of a larger meeting-house became apparent as early as 1 77 i , when the 
 question of building one began to be agitated. This question, innocent in 
 itself, formed the basis of a controversy that was waged with bitterness 
 for many years, whose echoes even now are heard in our town-meetings as 
 the rights and privileges of the " center " of the town are placed in oppo- 
 sition to those of the outlying villages. It was a bitter struggle at the out- 
 set, and but for the sound common-sense displayed by the General Court, 
 would doubtless have resulted in a division of the lands in Amherst into 
 two parishes and later on two townships. A majority of the first perma- 
 nent settlers had located near what is now the center village, and the 
 meeting-house was set as near the center of population as could be conven- 
 iently. As new members were added to the settlement, the lands to the 
 north and south and east were occupied, the population becoming more 
 generally distributed over the territory comprised in the District. The 
 voters and church-goers at the extremities of the District soon grew into 
 a majority, a fact they were quick to appreciate and take advantage of. 
 They needed a pretext for action, and this was afforded when the question 
 of building a new meeting-house was broached. Their proposition was to 
 divide the District by an east and west line through the center, the latter 
 thus being placed at the extremity of the two new districts. At a meeting 
 held Jan. 13, 1772, the proposition was submitted to the voters and passed 
 in the affirmative. Legislative sanction was necessary in order to such a 
 division of territory, but that some immediate benefit might be obtained it 
 was voted. April 14, 1773, to build two new meeting-houses at the expense 
 of the whole District. Of the 120 owners of real estate in the District 
 when this controversy began, 70 were opposed to the division, but there 
 were in addition some 25 legal votes living at the ends of the District, 
 mostly farmers' sons, to whom their fathers conveyed small tracts of land 
 that they might, in accordance with legal provisions, vote upon the question. 
 This gave a majority to the divisionists, leaving the wealthy property- 
 owners at the center powerless as far as any action by the District was con- 
 cerned. The natural recourse was an appeal to the General Court for a 
 stay of proceedings and a hearing. The following petition was drawn up 
 and forwarded to the General Court in May, 1773 : 
 
 " To his Excellency Thomas Hutchinson Esq. Captain General and Governor 
 in Chief in and over his Majesty"s Province of the Massachusetts Eay in New 
 England and Vice Admiral of the same. 
 
 To the Hon 1 ' 1 his Majesty's Council and House of Representatives in General 
 Court assembled at Boston on the 26 th day of May A. D. 1773. 
 
 The subscribing Petitioners Inhabitants of the District of Amherst in the 
 County of Hampshire. 
 
 Most humblv shew. 
 
104 HIS TORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 That the District of Amherst contains a Tract of Land nearly equal to seven 
 miles in length and three miles in breadth taken together: That in the year 1735, 
 a Precinct or Parish was erected there by the name of The Third Precinct of 
 Hadley, in which town said lands then were. That in the year 1738 a Meeting 
 House was erected, and in the year 1739 a Minister was settled there. That in the 
 year 1759 the same Parish or Precinct was erected into a District by the name of 
 Amherst, with some Inhabitants of Hadley Parish with their Farms annexed 
 thereto. That your Petitioners are most of them inhabitants of the middle Part 
 of the said District, whose Lands and Estates are adjacent to the said Meeting 
 House on each side, and towards each end of the District, and that they and their 
 predecessors were the first original settlers of the Parish of East Hadley. from 
 which said Amherst was erected, who bore the principal part of the burden of 
 beginning and bringing forward the settlement at first, of building a Meeting 
 House, supporting the Ministry and all other charges; and have continued to bear 
 the greater part of Expenses of every kind from the original settlement of the 
 Parish to this day. That though they have long held a state of good agreement 
 and harmony among themselves, and conducted their affairs both ecclesiastical 
 and civil with great unanimity, yet are now in a most unhappy controversy with the 
 inhabitants of the remote parts of the District respecting the building a Meeting 
 House for Public Worship. That partly by reason of the Inhabitants who were 
 admitted from Hadley Parish to be incorporated with Amherst at their own request, 
 and because of their great distance from their own Meeting House, partly by 
 reason of the increase of settlers in the remoter parts and near the two ends of the 
 District, and partly by the methods used by the opposite party to multiply their 
 votes, by transferring property from the father's List to the son's who tho' qualified 
 according to the letter of the Province Law ought to every equitable purpose to 
 be considered as having no property at all : Your Petitioners, though owning the 
 greater part of the Property within the District, are yet in respect of their number 
 of voters become a minor party, and being as they conceive oppressed and likely 
 still to be oppressed by the strength of a prevailing majority, and being under 
 necessity thereof to seek redress & Protection in Legislative Power, humbly beg 
 leave to open and state their matters of complaint in the following manner (viz.) 
 
 That within two years last past the Increase of inhabitants made it needful to 
 provide a new Meeting House for Public Worship : That on a motion for this pur- 
 pose, the Inhabitants of the remoter settlements towards each end of the District 
 united together in a Design of procuring the district (however small in its extent) 
 to be divided into two Districts, so that the extremities of the two Districts should 
 be at the present Centre, and your Petitioners on each side of the present Meeting 
 I louse, to be at the remote or extreme parts of the two proposed Districts. This 
 Proposal was brought before a District Meeting holden on the 13" 1 Day of January 
 A. I). 1772. and though opposed by your Petitioners, a vote was then passed for 
 the proposed Division, That from a supposed insufficiency in the proceeding, the 
 same matter was again brought before a District Meeting holden the io' 1 ' Day of 
 March in the same year : and there being then an equal number of voters on each 
 side of the question no vote was passed, That afterwards the Party for the Division 
 entered into an agreement for effecting their purpose by procuring a .Majority for 
 erecting two Meeting Houses at the joint expense of the whole District before any 
 Division should be made, or any new District erected, and to place them so as to 
 subserve their design of a future Division towards the ends of the present, and in 
 the middle of each proposed District, whereby they apprehended that your Peti- 
 
PETITION AGAINST A DIVISION. 
 
 io 5 
 
 tioners overpowered by their majority, would be finally brought by compulsion to 
 join with them in procuring such a Division. That pursuant to this design a meeting 
 was holden on the 14 th day of April last past, at which (having previously multi- 
 plied their votes in the manner above described) they procured a majority for 
 erecting the two Meeting Houses: and a vote was accordingly passed, And tho" 
 nothing as yet hath been done in pursuance of said vote, yet your Petitioners are 
 threatened with the speedy execution of it. All which votes and proceedings, by 
 attested copies thereof herewith exhibited will appear. On which state of facts 
 your petitioners humbly beg leave to represent and observe: That the wdiole 
 District of Amherst being of no larger extent than nearly as above set forth, cannot 
 admit of having a new District erected therefrom in the manner contended for, 
 without effecting the ruin of the whole, as neither of the two could be able to 
 support public expenses: That the Division contended for is such for which no 
 precedent can be procured, nor any reason assigned : That the very remotest of 
 the Inhabitants have no further travel to the centre of Amherst than what is 
 common to many of the Inhabitants of most of the Towns within the Province. 
 .And if any reason could be given for so extraordinary a measure, the same must 
 hold and hold much stronger in almost every Town and District and produce 
 Divisions and subdivisions throughout the whole. That your Petitioners think it 
 most injurious to themselves to be dictated by an opposite Party in respect to their 
 tenderest rights, and especially in matters relating to the Worship of God. That 
 their opponents are unjustly endeavoring to compel them to join in societies wherein 
 they have no disposition to join, and many of them to abandon their Parish, Church 
 and Minister, to which they are most cordially united: and to be so incorporated 
 together in each respective new formed society with those of an adverse Party, of 
 opposite sentiments and exasperated minds: That each of the little, weak and 
 already ruined societies must have nothing in prospect but to be if possible further 
 ruined by increasing Confusion and Discord among themselves. That vour Peti- 
 tioners having acquired their Estates at a rate proportionate to the value of their 
 pres nt situation, may not, consistent with justice, have such privileges wrested 
 from them. That confiding in the Equity of their cause, they would cheerfully have 
 submitted it to the decision of the General Court : but that their opponents (either 
 thro' diffidence of the success of their cause, or for some other reason to your 
 Petitioners unknown) wholly declining to make any application to the General 
 Court for a new District to be erected, have adopted the violent measure of forcing 
 your Petitioners to contribute to the expense of the said two Meeting Houses, 
 which purpose if executed they consider as a manifest oppression under colour of 
 Law. and an high abuse of the Power vested in Towns and Districts by the Acts 
 of this Province. That the vote whereof your Petitioners complain was procured 
 by voters qualified by unfair means, as above expressed, and that your Petitioners 
 having the property of more than half the Estate within the District, and who 
 must therefore bear the greater part of the expense, the wdiole of which they 
 should esteem to be worse than lost. Your Petitioners further beg leave to repre- 
 sent that during the whole controversy they have adopted every pacific measure ; 
 have never used any undue method to multiply their voters, choosing rather to want 
 a majority than to procure it by unfair m-ans. And now find all attempts of 
 Accomodation to be in vain: and despairing of justice without the intervention of 
 Legislative Power, Your Petitioners most humbly pray the attention of your PZxcel- 
 lency and Honors to their unhappy situation. And though they are sensible that 
 no division of Amherst can be made without great prejudice to the whole, and if 
 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 left to their own election should be very far from desiring it in any manner what- 
 ever : Yet since the opposite Party seem resolved to please their own humor at the 
 expense of your Petitioners" ruin. Your Petitioners most humbly pray your Excel- 
 lency and Honors to interpose for their relief, by allowing them, whose interests 
 and sentiments are united, to be a corporation and Parish by themselves in the 
 middle of Amherst, enjoying all privileges, and being liable to all duties of a Paro- 
 chial nature that are incumbent on the District of Amherst, leaving our Opponents 
 their election to remain with us on reasonable terms: or be incorporated together 
 among themselves as their remote situations will best permit or join to be incor- 
 porated with some adjacent towns or Parishes, as they can obtain consent for 
 admittance there. And if the granting your Petitioners prayer herein, should seem 
 to throw their opponents into much calamity, which your petitioners by no means 
 desire, if it may be avoided : Yet since our opponents which are now the Major 
 Party will be content with nothing short of Division and Division to be effected 
 by such violent means, your Petitioners humbly pray your Excellency and Honors 
 to make such a Division as will save and protect an injured and innocent Party : 
 and suffer our opponents rather to be ruined alone, than leave them the Power of 
 involving your Petitioners with them : Otherwise that your Excellency and Honors 
 would provide for our safety by passing an Act or Order for depriving the District 
 o! Amherst of the power of raising or assessing any monies on the Inhabitants for 
 the building of such Meeting Houses, or for excusing y r petitioners from contri- 
 buting any proportion of any Taxes raised for such purpose ; or grant relief to 
 your Petitioners in any other way or manner as you in y r great wisdom shall think 
 tit. And for the preventing any contention or disturbances that might arise in the 
 District between the Parties in the mean time, y 1 Petitioners most humbly pray that 
 an Order may be passed for staying all proceedings. either in erecting said Meeting 
 Houses, or in Demolishing the present Meeting House until the final Determina- 
 tion of y r Excellency & Honors hereon. They also pray that a committee of the 
 General Court may be appointed to repair to Amherst, to examine into the Matters 
 all :ged in this Petition if y r Excellency & Honors think fit : And that all the costs 
 arising by this application may be ordered to be paid by the District of Amherst. 
 And as in duty bound shall pray 
 
 Josiah Chauncey 
 Simeon Strong 
 Jona Dickinson 
 Jonathan ('owls 
 John Field 
 Nathan Moody 
 Alex' Smith 
 Moses Warner 
 Daniel Kellogg 
 Elisha Ingram 
 Nathan Dickinson 
 1 1' zekiah Belding 
 W" Boltwood 
 Jona Edwards 
 Nathaniel Coleman 
 Jonathan Moody 
 < rideon I lenderson 
 Nath 1 Alex 1 Smith 
 
 John Morton 
 Moses Cook 
 Jona Dickinson Jr. 
 David Blodgett 
 Gid Dickinson Jr. 
 Reuben Cowls 
 John Billings 
 Thomas Hastings 
 Samuel ( rould 
 Moses Warner 
 I >avid Smith 
 Simeon Clark 
 Joseph Bolles 
 I lezekiah Howard 
 Timothy Clap 
 Simeon I'eck 
 
 Eben r Kellogg 
 
 Aaron Warner 
 
 Noah Dickinson 
 .Simeon Pomeroy 
 Joseph Dickinson 
 David Hawley 
 Thomas Bascom 
 Eph"' Kellogg Jr. 
 Jonathan Smith 
 Jona Nash Jr. 
 Martin Smith 
 Joel Billings 
 Thomas Hastings Jr. 
 Nathaniel Smith 
 ( rideon Dickinson 
 Barnabas Sabin 
 Edward Elmer 
 John Morton Jr. 
 I )avid Stockbridge 
 Josiah .Moody 
 
ACTION BY THE GENERAL COURT. lOf 
 
 Jonathan Nash John Field Jr. Eben r Dickinson 
 
 Isaac Goodale Xoah Smith Seth Coleman 
 
 Elijah Baker Joseph Church John Xash 
 
 Solo" 1 Boltwood Xoadiah Lewis Joseph Morton 
 
 Waitstill Hastings Silas Matthews 
 
 Nath 1 Peck Timothy Hubbard 
 
 I do hereby certify that the whole Rateable Estate of Amherst as footed by 
 the Assessors on their last List amounts to £.7^°° : o 
 
 And of that sum what belongs to one of the Anabaptist persuasion, and others 
 not Inhabitants of Amherst amounts to £ 2 ° 2 '■ '5 
 
 And that the Estate of the above named Petitioners on the List amounts 
 to .£4220: 13 
 
 Seth Coleman 
 1 ) istrict Clerk. 
 
 This petition seems to have had the desired effect so far as any imme- 
 diate division was concerned ; on June iS, the General Court passed an 
 order staying all proceedings relative to building any new meeting-house 
 in the District excepting on or near where the house then stood. Jan. 26, 
 1774, Amherst appointed Reuben and Moses Dickinson agents to present 
 a petition to the General Court for a division, and also to answer the 
 Court's citation, issued on account of the petition printed above. At a 
 meeting held June 3, it had been voted by a large majority to divide the 
 District by an east and west line from the center of the meeting-house ; 
 these agents were to secure, if possible, the authority of the General Court 
 for carrying out the provisions of this vote. After a hearing, the General 
 Court ordered that a committee consisting of Artemas Ward, Esq. of the 
 Council and Mr. Pickering and Col. Bacon of the House " repair to the 
 District of Amherst, view the same, hear the parties on the spot, and make 
 report what they think proper for the Court to do thereon : and that the 
 Inhabitants of s'd District in the mean time wholly surcease & forbear all 
 proceedings relative to the building any new Meeting House or Houses in 
 said District." March 14, Amherst appointed a committee to meet the 
 General Court's committee to consult with them concerning the division of 
 the District. There is no record of the committee's report to the General 
 Court, but there is reason to believe that it was adverse to those who 
 favored division; the following entry is found in the Province Laws, Vol. 
 V.: p. 411 : 
 
 " Upon the petition of Josiah Chauncsy and others, inhabitants of the district 
 of Amherst, it was, on the 10th of June, 1774, — 
 
 Ordered that the Inhabitants of the said District pay into the original Peti- 
 tioners for their costs and charges in and about prosecuting and supporting their 
 said Petition the sums of twenty eight pounds, fifteen shillings and eight pence, 
 and that the Treasurer of the said District be and hereby is impowered and directed 
 to pay the same out of the Treasury accordingly : and that the sum of thirty 
 
Io8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 pounds, nine shillings and two pence be paid out of the Province Treasury to the 
 Committee appointed at the last Session of the General Court to repair to Amherst, 
 for their time and expence in the affair, and that the same be laid on the said Dis- 
 trict in the next Province Tax." 
 
 This action of the General Court, and the outbreak of the Revolu- 
 tionary war, appear to have put an end to the plan for dividing the town. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Controversy Concerning a New Minister. — Dr. David Parsons. — 
 Action by Church and Parish. — Ecclesiastical Councils. 
 — Second Parish Organized. 
 
 The Rev. David Parsons died Jan. i, 1781. Hiswillwas not admitted 
 to probate until May, 1786. His son David and Simeon Strong, Esq. 
 were made executors. He gave to his son Gideon the " Tavern house " 
 and other property. This tavern-house stood on the site now occu- 
 pied by the Amherst house ; a man named Trowbridge had first kept 
 a tavern there. When Mr. Parsons died the District was considerably 
 indebted to him for salary due and unpaid. March 19, 17S1, the District 
 appointed a committee to settle with his heirs. This committee failed to 
 •effect a settlement, and July 6, 1781, the District voted to pay his executors 
 all the salaries due him, in gold or silver, and also to pay interest on the 
 amount. Before this settlement was effected, the question as to who should 
 succeed Mr. Parsons in the ministry became prominent in district affairs. 
 The parties who sought in 1772 to divide the District were dissatisfied with 
 the result of their efforts and cherished little love for those who had brought 
 their plans to naught. There was also a political question involved. Rev. 
 David Parsons was a tory, and while during his life there had been no 
 open rupture between himself and members of his congregation, he had 
 not from many the high esteem with which in the early times ministers of 
 the gospel were wont to be regarded by their parishioners. Now that a 
 new minister was to be engaged, the matter of his political preferences was 
 felt to be of importance. May 18, 1781, the selectmen were appointed a 
 committee to provide a preacher; June 25 of the same year, a committee 
 was appointed to join with the church committee "to procure a settlement 
 •of the Gospel Ordinances in the Town. " This committee was instructed 
 .to employ Mr. David Parsons to supply the pulpit for the present. 
 

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 DK. DAVID PARSONS. 
 
 REV. AARON M. I i 'I. I ON. 
 
 FIRST CHURCH— FOURTH MEETIXG-HOUSE. 
 
DR. DAVID PARSONS. 109* 
 
 David Parsons was the son of Rev. David Parsons, and was born in 
 1749. He was graduated from Harvard College in the class of 1 7 7 1 T 
 studied theology with his father, was licensed to preach in 1775, and 
 preached in Roxbury, Mass. and ■ in several towns in Connecticut so 
 acceptably that he received two or three calls to settle in the ministry. He 
 had about made up his mind, owing to the unsettled state of the country 
 and his infirm health, to engage in mercantile pursuits, but was persuaded. 
 to supply the Amherst pulpit for a time. The following description of 
 Dr. Parsons. 1 he received the degree of D. D. from Brown University in 
 1800) was furnished by Rev. Samuel Osgood of Springfield, and formed a 
 part of the address delivered by Rev. Charles H. Williams, at the exercises 
 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the church: 
 
 "Dr. Parsons had the advantage of an uncommonly fine person, of about 
 medium height and rather inclined to corpulency, his features regular, eyes raven 
 black, and his whole face beaming with intelligence and good nature. He possessed 
 social qualities of a high order. His great fluency of utterance, his fine flow of 
 social feeling, his extensive knowledge of men and things, and his inexhaustible 
 fund of anecdote, seemed to mark him as a leader in almost any conversation that 
 might be introduced. His preaching was sensible and instructive, and gave you 
 the impression that there was a great deal of reserve power. He read his sermons, 
 closely and had little or no action in the pulpit, though he was far from being tame 
 or dull in his delivery. He had not only the keenest sense of the ridiculous, but he- 
 indulged himself in this way without much restraint." 
 
 Such was the man whom many of the residents in Amherst were 
 anxious to secure as successor to his father in the gospel ministry. Doubt- 
 less he had faults ; it is said that some of those who seceded from the 
 parish on account of his settlement did so owing to a want of confidence 
 in his character. Judd says the rumor was that Dr. Parsons used to go to 
 ball-rooms to watch the dancers, a heinous offence at one time in the eyes 
 of the descendants of the Puritans. But his worst offence was found in 
 his political faith ; he was a tory, as his father had been before him. 
 This was a fault that many of his congregation, fresh from the battles and 
 privations of the Revolutionary struggle, could not condone. The dwellers 
 in the District, in their like and dislike of Dr. Parsons, were about evenly 
 divided. It is related that on one occasion the admirers and opponents 
 of Dr. Parsons passed out of the meetingdiouse and lined up in front of it, 
 the two lines being of about equal length. The opposition party had at 
 the time no candidate of their own for the ministry ; they were simply 
 opposed to the settlement of Dr. Parsons. 
 
 Their opposition was without avail. Sept. 13, 1781, the District 
 voted to hire Mr. Parsons as a preacher for three months ; Jan. 7, 1782, it. 
 voted to pay him $5 per Sabbath for 39 Sabbaths, and April 8 of the same 
 year, to invite him to preach two months on probation for settlement.. 
 
IIO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 June 17, the District voted to concur with the church in their invitation to 
 Mr. Parsons to settle in the ministry, at the same time stating the sums they 
 were prepared to offer for settlement and salary. At a meeting held Aug. 
 12, 1782, favorable response was received from Mr. Parsons; bearing in 
 mind, doubtless, the recent experience of his father's executors in settling 
 accounts with the District, and regarding as well the unstable condition of 
 the country's finances, he wrote down in explicit terms his understanding 
 of the District's offer, an act that must have endeared him to the methodi- 
 cal minds and business-like instincts of his parishioners. The District 
 endorsed this qualified acceptance, and appointed a committee to make the 
 " usual and decent preparations " for his ordination. 
 
 The steps already taken by the church in regard to Mr. Parsons' call 
 and settlement may be outlined as follows: June iS, 1781. it was voted 
 '• That as soon as convenient the church will be in a way for the resettle- 
 ment of Gospel Ordinances among them," and a committee was appointed 
 for the purpose of procuring a preacher to supply the pulpit. This com- 
 mittee was instructed to confer with the District committee and to make 
 an effort for union and harmony in all measures that should relate to the 
 resettlement of the gospel ordinances. At a meeting held June 10, 17S2, 
 the following votes were passed : 
 
 "To give Mr. David Parsons a call to settle with this church in the work of 
 the Gospel Ministry. 
 
 That the Committee be directed to wait on Mr. Parsons with the foregoing 
 vote. 
 
 That the committee be directed to lay the votes for calling Mr. Parsons to the 
 Ministry before the town for concurrence as soon as may be." 
 
 Aug. 19, 1782, the church appointed a committee to confer with Mr. 
 Parsons concerning his ordination, fixed as the date for that event the 
 second Wednesday in October, appointed the first Wednesday in October 
 a day of fasting and prayer preparatory to the ordination, and directed the 
 committee to invite the following churches and pastors to assist in the 
 ■exercises : 
 
 First Church in Springfield, Rev. Robert Breck. 
 'The Church in Sunderland. Rev. Joseph Ashley. 
 The Church in Hadley, Rev. Samuel Hopkins. 
 The Church in Northfield, Rev. John Hubbard. 
 I he Church in Greenfield, Rev. Roger .Newton. 
 The Church in Barre, Rev. Josiah Dana. 
 The Church in Granby, Rev. Simon Backus. 
 
 At a meeting held Sept. 15, 1 7 S 2 , the church voted to change the 
 day "f ordination from the second to the first Wednesday in October 
 [(),!. 2), and also appointed the day for fasting and prayer one week 
 
ACTION" TAKEN BY "THE AGGRIEVED." Ill 
 
 earlier. Oct. 2, 17S2. David Parsons was ordained and installed as pastor 
 of the church in Amherst, the ordination sermon being preached by Rev. 
 Robert Breck of Springfield. It was a solemn occasion, marking an era 
 in ecclesiastical affairs in the District. 
 
 When the opponents of Mr. Parsons found themselves unable to pre- 
 vent his settlement as pastor of the church, they withdrew from its com- 
 munion and took measures for organizing a new parish. They sought and 
 secured an advisory council in which were represented five churches located 
 in towns on the west side of the Connecticut river, the delegates meeting 
 in Amherst. Oct. 1. 2 and 3. Acting upon the advice of this council. 
 twenty-two of the ••aggrieved brethren, " as they termed themselves, 
 agreed, Oct. 15, to organize a new church. A second council was sum- 
 moned and met in Amherst. Oct. 28 and 29. at the house of Capt. Ebenezer 
 Mattoon, from which fact it was afterwards generally known as " Capt. 
 Mattoon's Council. " At this council, or immediately after its adjourn- 
 ment, a paper was drawn up. signed and submitted to the church, concern- 
 ing which the following reference is found in the First church records: 
 
 "They sent to the church a paper called the Testimony and Representation, 
 
 signed by 21 members of ye church, purporting their dissatisfaction at the conduct 
 of ye church and their determination to leave them, that they were so grieved at 
 their conduct that they could not walk with them. These aggrieved as they style 
 themselves presented the church with a report of an exparte council dated Oct. 
 2S. 'S2 they had called for advice, which was read and the following votes passed. 
 
 At a meeting of the church on the io"' day of Nov. immediately after divine 
 service, the following votes were passed, viz. 
 
 Upon the question proposed whether this church will appear before an Eccle- 
 siastical Council chosen by a number of the Brethren who style themselves the 
 aggrieved at their adjournment, and endeavour to place wherein the aggrieved have 
 given a representation of their wrongs and sufferings? 
 
 Voted in the negative. 
 
 Upon a second question whether this church will unite with the aggrieved 
 Brethren in the choice of a mutual council, and submit to their decision the matter 
 referred to in the Testimony and Representation ? 
 
 Voted in the affirmative." 
 
 A committee was appointed to await upon the council at their adjourn- 
 ment, at the house of Capt. Mattoon, and to present them a copy of the 
 church votes. It was voted to send the " aggrieved committee " a letter, 
 offering to unite with them in the choice of a mutual council, and a com- 
 mittee was appointed to treat with the aggrieved upon the question of sub- 
 mitting all matter of grievance to such a council. " Capt. Mattoon's 
 council " met on adjournment, Nov. 11 and 12, and, having considered the 
 propositions submitted by the church and its pastor, decided that they 
 were unequal and unjust. They advised the aggrieved that, unless the 
 church would unite with them in calling a mutual council within four weeks, 
 
112 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 they should proceed to organize as a church and settle a minister. This 
 advice was promptly accepted and acted upon, and on the 12th day of 
 November. 17S2. the Second church in Amherst was organized. Why the 
 mutual council, for which both parties to the controversy expressed their 
 desire, was not summoned, is not a matter of record. 
 
 The First church did not regard the organization of the Second 
 church as regular, and for many years claimed the members of the latter as 
 still belonging to the original organization. At a meeting of the First 
 church held Dec. 3, 1782, it was voted to summon an ecclesiastical council, 
 "to look into the affairs of the church and give their advice respecting the 
 Brethren who style themselves the aggrieved." This council was sum- 
 moned to meet Jan. 14, and invitations to send delegates were addressed 
 to the churches in Northfield, Greenfield, Hadley, Granby, West Spring- 
 field, Suffield, Fast Windsor, Hartford, Barre, Rutland, Spencer, Belcher- 
 town, Brookfield, Fast Parish, West Windsor, North Parish, and the First 
 church in Springfield. ( )f these, but seven churches were represented in 
 the council, viz.: Northfield, Greenfield, Springfield, West Windsor, Barre, 
 Brookfield and Belchertown. Having considered the testimony presented 
 before it, the council recommended the church " to exercise forbearance 
 and condescension towards their Brethren who had unwarrantably with- 
 drawn from their communion, and cordially to receive them upon their 
 return, deeming their return a sufficient retraction of their errors." 
 
 In the Faws and Resolves of Massachusetts, under date of Feb. 13, 
 17S3, the following is recorded : 
 
 ■■ Resolve on the petition of a number of the inhabitants of the town of 
 Amherst. 
 
 Resolved, that the petitioners notify the town of Amherst, by leaving with the 
 town clerk of said town an attested copy of their petition, and this order thereon, 
 to show cause, if any they have, on the second Wednesday of the next session of 
 the General Court, why the prayer of the said petitioners should not be granted, 
 and that the said town of Amherst be, and hereby are directed, not further to tax 
 the said petitioners for the support of the Rev. David Parsons in the ministry in 
 said town, or for defraying the charges which have arisen on account of his settle- 
 ment in said town, till the fourth Wednesday of the next setting of the General 
 Court. This notification is to be performed at least sixteen days before thesecond 
 Wednesday of the next session of this court.*' 
 
 In May, [783, the Second Parish was incorporated, the act passed by 
 the General Court reading as follows : 
 
 "An Act for incorporating a Number of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
 Amherst in the County of Hampshire, into a separate Parish, by the Name of the 
 Second Parish in the Town of Amherst 
 
 Whereas a number of the inhabitants of the town of Amherst, in the said 
 county, herein-after named, have petitioned this Court to be incorporated into a 
 separate parish, for reasons set forth in the petition 
 
INCORPORATORS OF THE SECOND PARISH. 
 
 IJ 3 
 
 Therefore be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- 
 eral Court assembled and by the authority of the same. That the said petitioners, 
 namely, 
 
 Muses Dickinson, 
 
 Joseph Eastman, 
 
 Peletiah Smith 
 
 Hezekiah Belding, 
 
 John Robins, 
 
 Joseph Robins, 
 
 John Ingraham, 
 
 Nathan Perkins, 
 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, 3d, 
 
 Lemuel Moody, 
 
 Nathan Dickinson. Jr., 
 
 Stephen Cole, 
 
 Amariah Dana, 
 
 David Cowls, 
 
 Benanuel Leach, 
 
 Joseph Eastman, Jr., 
 
 Reuben Dickinson, 
 
 Reuben Dickinson. Jr., 
 
 Amos Ay res. 
 
 Adam Rice, 
 
 Solomon Dickinson, 
 
 Ebenezer Ingraham. 
 
 Zimri Dickinson, 
 
 Phineas Allen, 
 
 and Gad Dickinson together with their estates which they now have, or may here- 
 after possess, in their own right, in the said town of Amherst, be, and hereby are 
 incorporated into a separate parish by the name of the second parish in the town 
 of Amherst." 
 
 Among the names here given in the act of incorporation are those of 
 four men who were prominent in the Revolutionary war, Capt. Ebenezer 
 Mattoon, Capt. Reuben Dickinson, Lieut. Noah Dickinson and Lieut. 
 Joseph Dickinson. They were leading opponents of Dr. David Parsons, 
 among the first to withdraw from church communion before his settlement, 
 and active in bringing about the organization of the new parish. The 
 early records of the Second church have been lost, and it is impossible to 
 give with certainty the names of the 22 original members. When the first 
 pastor was installed, in 1786, there were 57 members of the church, among 
 them the following who were probably of the original number : 
 
 Nathan Dickinson, 
 John Dickinson. 
 Timothy Green, 
 Noah Dickinson, 
 Henry Franklin, 
 Abijah Williams. 
 Azariah Dickinson, 
 .Samuel Henry, 
 Noah Hawley, 
 Oliver Clapp, 
 Ebenezer Eastman. 
 Gideon Moore, 
 Thomas Marshall. 
 Joseph Dickinson, 
 Simeon Cowls, 
 Abner Adams. 
 Samuel Ingraham, 
 Thomas Morton, 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., 
 Justus Williams, 
 Jacob Warner, Jr., 
 Asa Dickinson, 
 Eli Putnam. 
 David Blodget. Jr.. 
 
 John Billing, 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, 
 Ebenezer Williams, 
 Jacob Warner, 
 James Merrick, 2d, 
 Andrew Kimbal, 
 Noadiah Lewis, 
 Joseph Morton, 
 Giles Church, 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, 2d T 
 Waitstill Dickinson, 
 John Eastman. 
 David Rich. 
 Elihu Dickinson, 
 Reuben Ingraham. 
 Clement Marshall, 
 Ebenezer Dickinson. 2d. 
 Aaron Billing, 
 Gideon Lee, 
 Levi Dickinson, 
 Nathan Perkins. Jr.. 
 Joseph Williams, 
 Simeon Dickinson, 
 
 Noah Dickinson. 
 Hezekiah Belding, 
 Abner Adams, 
 John Eastman, 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, 2d, 
 Amariah Dana, 
 Timothy Green, 
 
 Simeon Dickinson, 
 Reuben Dickinson, 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 Ebenezer Dickinson, 
 Joseph Eastman. Jr., 
 David Cowles, 
 John Dickinson. 
 
 Nathan Dickinson, 
 Samuel Henry, 
 Joseph Eastman, 
 Joseph Dickinson, 
 Reuben Ingram, 
 John Billings, 
 
114 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Among the deacons who served the church in its earlier years were 
 John Billings, Hezekiah Belding, Nathan Franklin, Elijah Eastman, Medad 
 J Hckinson, Zechariah Hawley and Eliab Thomas. 
 
 The first meeting of the Second parish after its incorporation was 
 held June 24, 1783, at the house of John Billings, who was chosen moder- 
 ator of the meeting. Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. was chosen clerk and treas- 
 urer for the year. Moses Dickinson, Noah Dickinson and Ebenezer East- 
 man were elected " to perform the duty of selectmen with regard to the 
 parish;" Amariah Dana. John Billings and Moses Dickinson, assessors; 
 John Eastman and Thomas Marshall, collectors. July 7, 1783, the parish 
 voted to raise ^50 to provide preaching and to defray other necessary 
 charges. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Second Parish Meeting House. — Rev. Ichabod Draper, the First 
 Pastor. — A Tetter ok Discipline. — Decree by the Gen- 
 eral Court. 
 
 July 28, 1783, Oliver Clapp, Nathaniel Dickinson, 2d, and Giles Church 
 were appointed " to measure the road to find the center of the parish, for 
 the purpose of erecting a meeting-house in the centre, as should be thus 
 formed." At a meeting held a few days later, it was voted "to set the 
 meeting-house in the nearest convenient place to the centre of the parish," 
 and also " to measure from every man's door, to find the centre of travel." 
 A committee of twelve was appointed to build the meeting-house. There 
 was the usual difference of opinion as to where the building should stand. 
 The members of the parish were unable to settle the question satisfactorily 
 among themselves ; at a meeting held Nov. 12, 1783. Dea. Smith of Granby, 
 Capt. Cooke of Sunderland and Mr. Weston of Belchertown were appointed 
 a committee "to affix the place for erecting the meeting-house ", and Dea. 
 Gray of Pelham was to serve as a substitute should any of the others fail 
 to come. The committee selected a place near Lieut. Dickinson's house, 
 about in the center of the common, southeast of where the present house 
 of worship stands. The parish voted to accept the location, and also 
 voted at the same meeting "to provide one barrel of rum and hall a hundred 
 of sugar, for raising said house " and " bread and cheese for the raisers at 
 
REV. ICHABOD DRAPER. I I 5 
 
 noon, and a comfortable supper at night." The raising of the meeting- 
 house was begun on the 19th and completed on the 21st of Nov., 17S3, 
 and the first religious service was held in it Feb. 15, 1784. 
 
 Early in 1784, the church and parish concurred in an invitation to 
 Rev. Joseph Willard of Paxton to settle with them in the gospel ministry. 
 but Mr. Willard declined. In September, 1785, a call was extended to 
 Mr. Ichabod Draper to become the pastor of the church, and he accepted. 
 The parish offered him ^200 for his settlement, /"6o for his salary the 
 first year, £65 the second year, and ^70 for the third year and each year 
 thereafter. He was also to receive 30 cords of wood annually, ''as soon as 
 he wants it for his own firing." 
 
 Mr. Draper was a native of Dedham ; he was graduated from Har- 
 vard College and was about 31 years of age when, Jan. 25, 1786, he was 
 installed as the first pastor of the Second Church in Amherst. He con- 
 tinued in the duties of the pastorate until, on account of physical infirmi- 
 ties, he was dismissed, Oct. 3, 1809. May 29, 1809, it was voted as the 
 opinion of the parish that Rev. Mr. Draper's intimities were such as to 
 render him in a great measure incapable of performing his ministerial 
 duties. The parish offered to pay him his salary and wood as it became 
 due until the end of the year, if he would take a dismission. At a meeting 
 held June 12. 1809, Mr. Draper's reply to this proposition was considered 
 and voted unsatisfactory. A motion was made to see if the parish would 
 offer Mr. Draper any further pecuniary consideration to take a dismission, 
 and was negatived by a unanimous vote. June 26. 1809, the parish voted 
 to take such measures as seemed necessary to dissolve the pastoral relation 
 between Mr. Draper and the parish. Sept. 13 of the same vear, it voted 
 to concur with the church in an offer to pay to Mr. Draper his salarv and 
 wood for that year, and Si 00 additional, if he would take a friendly dis- 
 mission ; if he refused, to join with the church in calling a mutual ecclesi- 
 astical council. Nov. 16, 1809, the parish committee were instructed to 
 hire a candidate to supply the pulpit. Mr. Draper continued to reside in Am- 
 herst until his death in 1S27. The second pastor of the church was Nathan 
 Perkins. Jr., a native of Hartford, Conn, and a graduate of Yale College 
 in the class of 1795. The parish offered him S500 for his settlement and 
 $400 for his annual salary, with 30 loads of wood additional. At a meet- 
 ing held Aug. 28, 18 10, the vote in regard to the sum to be paid for his 
 settlement was rescinded and an annual salary of $500 was offered. He 
 was installed, Oct. 10, 18 10, and continued in the pastorate until his death 
 in 1842. 
 
 It was natural that the members of the First church and parish should 
 regard with jealous interest the proceedings of their seceding brethren. 
 They undertook, on different occasions and in various ways, to discipline 
 
Il6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the members of the Second church, whom they professed still to regard as 
 members of their own body. As an example of the feeling that existed 
 among the members of the elder organization, it is interesting to note the 
 contents of a letter which was adopted at a meeting of the First church, 
 May 9, 17S4. signed by the pastor and a copy sent to the "withdrawing 
 brethren." It reads as follows: 
 
 "The Pastor and church of X in Amherst to ye Brethren who have withdrawn 
 themselves from ye communion of the chh and who call themselves the 2' 1 Chh. 
 Beloved Brethren : 
 
 The sacred obligation incumbent on you and us. resulting" from 
 our profession of X"'- v and from the solemn engagements which you and we 
 expressly took upon ourselves when we entered into the communion of the chh. 
 and covenanted with each other to walk in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, 
 and to watch over one another for our mutual and spiritual good, require and con- 
 strain us at the present time to make our solemn and serious address to you on the 
 subject of your separation from our communion and the manner in which you 
 effected it. We claim no right to exercise spiritual dominion over your faith or 
 practice, but think it our duty as fellow Christians, as professed Disciples and Ser- 
 vants of one common Lord, whose undoubted right and duty it is on proper occa- 
 sions to exhort and admonish one another, to remind you of your duty, and of what 
 we judge to be your error and offence. Permit us then with Christian freedom, in 
 faithfulness to ourselves and to you, to lay before the several matters wherein you 
 are, in our judgement, clearly blameable and irregular, wherein you have manifestly 
 err'd from the path of duty, have not walked orderly according to the rules of our 
 common profession, and thereby given just cause of offence to us and to the chh. 
 of Christ. 
 
 In the first place you have withdrawn from our communion suddenly and pre- 
 cipitately and erected a separate communion among yourselves, without even 
 requesting our assent, or by giving in regular notice of your intended separation. 
 
 In the next place you separated from us. or from a church which had offended 
 you. yet you never dealt with us or with Christian brethren touching matters of 
 offence, never conformed your conduct to the plain precepts of the Gospel — you 
 neither endeavored to heal the breach, nor made any attempt nor used any means, 
 nor allowed any time for reconciliation. You took offence at our proceedings at 
 the ordination of our Pastor, on the very next Lord's Day you withdrew from us 
 and erected a separate worship. However just might have been your grounds for 
 offence, you ought to have sought reconciliation in the use of those excellent means 
 that are clearly prescribed by our Divine Lord. There was at least a possibility of 
 gaining your offending Brethren. 
 
 Moreover you have repeatedly rejected our offers of treating the supposed 
 offences in the ancient regular and Christian method of a Mutual Council of sister 
 churches. If your conduct in this sudden separation was good and regular, why 
 would you not come to the light that your deeds might be made manifest? 
 
 Lastly, your separation was not only irregular as to the manner, but groundless 
 in respect of the matter. We had given you no just ground of offense, and in our 
 judgment von have made a Schism in the body of Christ directly contrary to the 
 teaching of his ( rospel. 
 
 Hear us then, Brethren, while we would in the spirit- of love and meekness 
 solemnly put you in mind to consider the sacred obligations you have taken upon 
 
m :t passed by the general court. 117 
 
 yourselves, the Duties you owe to our common Lord, to the church of Christ in 
 general and to this church in particular, to compare your conduct with those duties 
 and obligations, to consider whether you are not in danger of falling within the 
 unhappy description of those that cause divisions and offences contrary to the 
 doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ and of incurring the condemnation of those that 
 are contentious and obey not the truth. 
 
 Hear us brethren, whilst we earnestly beseech you to retract your error, to do 
 honour to our Divine Lord and his Gospel, by doing all within your power towards 
 a reparation of the injury you have done his cause, and by making such satisfaction 
 to your offended brethren as the rules of Christianity, the precepts of the Gospel, 
 and the order of the church require." 
 
 To this communication the members of the Second church returned 
 a prompt and spirited answer, defending their action and placing upon the 
 First church the blame for the differences that existed. As may readily be 
 imagined, correspondence of this character did little towards healing the 
 breech between the churches and their members. The First church refused 
 to recognize the younger organization in any way ; conferences were held 
 and the advice of ministerial associations was sought from time to time 
 by the one church or the other. In the year 17S8, the General Court 
 having been appealed to for aid, the following act was passed, under date 
 of June 17 : 
 
 '• An act in addition to the act passed in May, 1783. 
 
 Whereas further provision is necessary for the support of public worship, in 
 the said town of Amherst, and to promote the peace and mutual good will of the 
 inhabitants thereof. 
 
 Be it therefore Enacted by the Senate & House of Representatives in General 
 Court assembled & by the authority of the same, that the inhabitants of the said 
 town of Amherst, shall be taken and considered as belonging to that Parish, in the 
 said town, where they have usually attended public worship for the term of one 
 year, next before the passing of this Act, and that in future the inhabitants of the 
 said town, with their heirs and successors, shall have liberty to attend public 
 worship at that Parish in the said town, which they shall prefer, and shall pay paro- 
 chial taxes where they shall so attend, they producing to the respective Assessors, 
 a Certificate from the minister of the Parish to which they shall remove, or from 
 the Parish Clerk, in case there be no minister, that they have generally attended 
 public worship there, for the space of one whole year together, next preceding the 
 date of such certificate ; and previous to such removal, entering their names, express- 
 ing their intention, with the Clerk of the Parish from which they shall remove. 
 
 And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all taxes or arrears 
 of taxes, which have been assessed in consequence of and agreeably to the incor- 
 poration Act of the said second Parish, shall be collected in the same manner, as if 
 this Act had not been made : Provided that the sons of the inhabitants of the 
 second Parish, that have been taxed by the first Parish, and those who have 
 removed into the said town, and have attended worship at the second Parish, and 
 have been taxed by the first Parish, shall not beheld to pay such assessments. 
 
 And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that any person remov- 
 ing into said to*wn. may attend public worship, and pay parochial taxes at either 
 Parish, he entering his name with the Clerk thereof, for that purpose. 
 
I iS HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the real estate 
 owned by non-resident proprietors, shall be taxed for the use of the parish where 
 the occupier belongs, according to the regulations aforesaid: and if there be no 
 occupier who is an inhabitant in said town, then the taxes of it shall be paid to the 
 Parish, which such proprietor shall direct.'' 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 Hard Times Following the Revolution. — Causes Leading to the 
 Shays Rebellion. — Heavy Taxation. — Legal Troubles. - 
 Mob Law at Northampton. — Neighborhood Contentions. 
 — Arraignment of Government by Hatfield Convention. 
 
 At the close of the war of the Revolution Massachusetts was practi- 
 cally bankrupt; the same was true of the towns in the state and of many of 
 their inhabitants. The war had been fought and won on promises to pay, 
 and now that the struggle was over and the time for redemption of these 
 promises drew near, there was nothing in the public treasury and but little 
 in private strong-boxes to satisfy the demands of creditors. The Conti- 
 nental currency had depreciated until it was worth little more than the 
 intrinsic value of the paper it was printed on. To redeem its promises to 
 the national government the state must have money; whence could it be 
 obtained? Commerce was practically extinct: the fisheries, which had 
 been a mine of wealth for many years, had been neglected ; the whale 
 fishery, which at the beginning of the war had employed 150 vessels and 
 yielded an annual revenue through the island of Nantucket alone of 
 /, 1 07,000, at the close of the struggle employed but 19 vessels; manu- 
 factures were as yet in their infancy ; agriculture, the leading pursuit of 
 the people, had declined in proportion as larger numbers of able-bodied 
 i itizens were required for military service. The state must raise the money 
 it needed by a tax upon the towns; the latter were but ill prepared to stand 
 a further drain on their scanty resources. When the inhabitants of 
 Amhersl engaged with their "lives and fortunes" to support the cause of 
 independence of Greal Britain, it may be doubted it they fully realized 
 how heavy was the financial burden they were about to incur. They were 
 poor at the beginning of the war ; they grew more impoverished each year 
 that it continued, and when it ended there was little save the liberty for 
 which they had fouerht and endured that thev could call their own. The 
 
STATE AND PRIVATE INDEBTEDNESS. I 19 
 
 war taxes were heavy, but when peace came, instead of a lightening of the 
 burden there was an increase that made it greater than the people could 
 bear. In addition to the public debt, there had been during the war an 
 alarming increase in private indebtedness. The confusion of the times 
 had excused or prevented many persons from fulfilling their private con- 
 tracts. This public and private indebtedness and the means taken for 
 satisfying the same were potent among the causes of a series of public 
 disturbances which culminated in what was known as the " Shays' 
 Rebellion." 
 
 It is not intended in these pages to give an extended narrative of 
 this insurrection, peculiar in many of its features and resulting most dis- 
 astrously to those who engaged in it, but Amherst was the scene of many 
 of its incidents and Amherst men took part in it, giving it a legitimate 
 place in the town's history. The operations of the insurgents extended 
 throughout Massachusetts and into other states, but the following narra- 
 tion relates principally to events that occured in this immediate vicinity.' 
 The facts as given are mainly derived from '-The History of the Insurrec- 
 tions in Massachusetts, in the year 1786, and the Rebellion Consequent 
 Thereon," written by George Richards Minot, A. M., and printed at Wor- 
 cester in the year 1788, soon after the close of the rebellion. The incidents 
 of local character are derived from reliable sources. 
 
 When the war of the Revolution began, the entire debt of Massachu- 
 setts was less than ,£100,000 ; at its conclusion the private state debt was 
 upwards of £"1,300,000. and the state's proportion of the federal debt not 
 less than £1,500,000; besides this there was owing to the officers and 
 soldiers who had served in the armies £250,000, making a total of over 
 £"3,000,000. The raising of the interest upon this sum, enormous as it 
 was then considered, to say nothing of any payment upon the principal, 
 was a problem that taxed to the utmost the wisdom of a people as yet but 
 little versed in matters of finance. 
 
 The people were prejudiced against laying taxes on foreign imports 
 and also against excise, or internal revenue taxation, believing such methods 
 opposed to the spirit of republican government ; but the exigencies of the 
 times caused compliance with the resolution of Congress for levying a 
 general import duty of five per cent. Soon after the close of the war there 
 was a great increase in the importation of articles of foreign manufacture ; 
 the exports, in comparison, were small, and the balance of trade being 
 largely against the states, the difference had to be paid in specie, causing 
 an alarming decrease in the circulating medium of the country. Private 
 contracts were first made to give way to the payment of public taxes, 
 owing to an idea that the scarcity of specie did not admit of the payment 
 of both. The former, therefore, were made payable in other property than 
 
T20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 money, by an act passed July 3, 1782, commonly known as the "Tender 
 Act." By this it was provided that executions issued for private demands 
 might be satisfied by neat cattle, or articles particularly enumerated, at an 
 appraisement of impartial men under oath. The operations of this act 
 proved most unsatisfactory and the following year it was repealed. The 
 scarcity of coin naturally suggested a further increase in the paper cur- 
 rency. Great quantities of this medium were still in circulation, having 
 been issued during the war. The delinquency in the payment of taxes 
 had obliged the state treasurer to anticipate them by issuing orders upon 
 the collectors ; these orders had accumulated to a large amount, and became 
 a kind of currency at a depreciated value. With the paper money already 
 in circulation constantly lessening in value, it would seem that common 
 sense as well as common honesty would have protested against any further 
 increase of this unsecured indebtedness. In these, as in later times, there 
 were speculators who availed themselves of the necessities of government 
 to add to their private gain. They purchased securities at a great discount, 
 risking the chance that the government would keep faith with its creditors. 
 These speculators were held in great public contempt, and it soon became a 
 common observation that the government ought not to be compelled to pay 
 full value for what had been purchased at a discount. The General Court 
 was urged to avail itself of this depreciation for the benefit of the com- 
 monwealth ; to the everlasting credit of Massachusetts let it be recorded 
 that the attempts of these " readjusters " of the public debt failed com- 
 pletely. Another proposition that was made, and favored with consider- 
 able enthusiasm, was that a considerable quantity of paper money should 
 be issued and, to avoid any difficulty in redeeming it, that it might be by 
 law depreciated, at fixed rates, in certain given periods, until at a suitable 
 time the whole should be extinguished. The fact that such a proposition 
 should be seriously considered, and brought before the General Court, 
 shows most clearly to what desperate straits the finances of the people 
 had come. 
 
 At the close of the war a vast number of suits were pending before 
 the civil courts ; these afforded employment for the lawyers whose numbers 
 rapidly increased. The debtor class, a majority in every community, was 
 compelled to expend large sums of money in fees for the lawyers and in 
 costs of court. At that time imprisonment for debt, a barbarous custom 
 imported from England, was sanctioned by law in Massachusetts. The 
 people, impoverished through their devotion to the cause of liberty, were 
 unable to pay their debts, and found their remaining property subject to 
 confiscation and themselves liable to imprisonment at the behest of their 
 creditors enforced by the court's decision. Small wonder that the}' began 
 to look with aversion upon lawyers as a class, and to regard the courts as 
 
MOB LAW AT NORTHAMPTON. 12 1 
 
 instruments of oppression. So strong became the antagonism against 
 members of the legal profession, they were in many instances excluded 
 from the House of Representatives. The action of the courts was freely 
 criticized and frequent complaints were urged against the entire judicial 
 system of the state. 
 
 From criticism to hostile action was but an easy step. In April, 1782, 
 a mob assembled at Northampton of sufficient force to disturb the holding 
 of the supreme judicial court and the court of common pleas. This mob 
 was raised and led by Samuel Ely, an " irregular " preacher, who had 
 acted as a minister of the Gospel several years at Somers, Conn. Holland, 
 in his History of Western Massachusetts, describes Ely as " a vehement, 
 brazen-faced declaimer, abounding in his hypocritical pretensions to pity, 
 and an industrious sower of discord." A council of ministers had com- 
 pelled him to leave his parish at Somers, and he removed to Northampton. 
 For his connection with the mob at Northampton he was arrested, and 
 pleading guilty to the indictment against him, was condemned to a term of 
 imprisonment in Springfield. While under sentence, a mob assembled and 
 released him. Three persons, who were considered ringleaders in the 
 rescue, were arrested and imprisoned at Northampton. Another mob 
 gathered to effect their release. The militia, 1200 strong, gathered under 
 die command of Gen. Elihu Porter, sheriff of the county, to defend the 
 jail. The insurgents. 300 strong, undenCapt. Reuben Dickinson, assembled 
 in Hatfield and sent a demand to Gen. Porter that the three men should 
 be delivered up forthwith. This demand was acceded to in so far that the 
 three men were released upon their parole of honor. The General Court, 
 at its session held the following November, pardoned every man concerned 
 in the riot except Ely. 
 
 As early as 1781, conventions began to be held in Western Massachu- 
 setts to consult upon the real and fancied grievances of the people. The 
 first mention of these conventions found in the Amherst records is under 
 date of Jan. 25, 1782, when Elijah Baker and Joseph Eastman were chosen 
 " to go to Shutesbury on the 30th of January to meet the Towns that meet 
 there." Aug. 6 of the same year, John Billings, Elijah Baker and Martin 
 Kellogg were appointed delegates to a county convention held at Hatfield. 
 Jan. 20, 1783, Amherst voted to pay the delegates to these two conven- 
 tions three shillings per clay for their services and an additional sum for 
 horse-hire. A convention was held at Deerfield, Sept. 29, 1783, and one 
 at Hatfield, Oct. 20 of the same year. At some, if not all, of these con- 
 ventions, petitions were drawn up and forwarded to the General Court, 
 relating the grievances of the people and praying their redress by legislation. 
 
 Between the years 1783 and 1786, there was little change for the 
 better in the financial condition of the people. Taxes continued to be 
 
122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 high and the means for paying them was no more abundant. During this 
 period, however, there are recorded no efforts to interfere with the sittings 
 of the courts. August 22, 1786, a convention of delegates from 50 towns 
 in Hampshire county assembled at Hatfield, and after voting that the 
 meeting was constitutional, drew up a paper containing a long list of 
 grievances, supplemented with recommendations to the towns in the county 
 and their inhabitants. '1 nese grievances included, among others, the 
 existence of the Senate, the mode of representation, the existence of the 
 courts of common pleas and general sessions, the supplementary aid 
 (granted to the national government), the mode adopted for the payment 
 and speedy collection of the last tax, the mode of taxation, as it operated 
 unequally between polls and estates, and between landed and mercantile 
 interests, the method of practice of the attorneys at law, the want of a 
 sufficient medium of trade, to remedy the mischief arising from the scarcity 
 of money, the embarrassments of the press, and the neglect of the settle- 
 ment of important matters depending between the Commonwealth and 
 Congress, relating to monies and averages. The leading recommendations 
 were an emission of paper money subject to a depreciation, a revision of 
 the constitution, and an immediate assembly of the General Court that the 
 grievances complained of might be redressed. It was also voted "That 
 this convention recommend it to the inhabitants of this county, that they 
 abstain from all mobs and unlawful assemblies, until a constitutional method 
 of redress can be obtained." Copies of the proceedings of this conven- 
 tion were to be transmitted to the conventions of the counties of Worces- 
 ter and Berkshire; a copy was also to be sent to the press in Springfield 
 for publication. 
 
 It is hardly possible to conceive of a more severe arraignment of the 
 existing government than was contained in this list of grievances. The 
 executive, legislative and judicial departments were in turn condemned, 
 and a condition of affairs predicated which, had it really existed, would 
 have justified a second revolution. It must be borne in mind that this 
 paper was not the product of a gathering of irresponsible malcontents, 
 bu1 oi delegates selected by the towns they came from and doubtless fully 
 competent to represent the views of a majority of the inhabitants of those 
 towns. Whatever its subject matter, therefore, it carried it with the weight 
 of opinion of Hampshire count}-. It held the government up to public 
 contempt; small wonder, then, that individuals should lose respect for 
 institutions that collectively they had condemned. Aug. 29, four days after 
 the convention had adjourned, was the day appointed for the sitting of 
 tic court of common pleas and general sessions of the peace at Northamp- 
 ton. On that date a large mob gathered from the various towns in the 
 county and took possession of the grounds surrounding tin' court-house 
 
INTERFERENCE WITH THE COURTS. I 23 
 
 where the court had already assembled. The numbers of this mob were 
 estimated by Minot at some 1500 ; the papers of the day and vicinity give 
 a considerably smaller estimate. Many of the mob were armed with 
 muskets and swords, and they took no pains to conceal their object, which 
 was to prevent a sitting of the courts. A messenger was despatched to the 
 justices, politely informing them that, as the people labored under divers 
 grievances, it was " inconvenient " that the court should sit for the trans- 
 action of business, until there was an opportunity for redress. The officers 
 of the court were not slow to understand the meaning contained in these 
 politic words and adjourned the court without day: the mob thereupon 
 retired and quietly dispersed. Among those who took part in the gather- 
 ing at Northampton which prevented the sitting of the courts was a party 
 of men from Amherst led by Lieut. Joel Billings. In the manuscript ar- 
 chives at the state-house in Boston is a paper which states, " Lieut. Billings 
 came in at the head of his party with his Sword Drawn <S; his men mostly 
 armed with guns, cutlasses, etc." 
 
 On being notified of this violation of the laws. Governor James Bow- 
 doin promptly issued a proclamation calling on the officers and citizens of 
 the Commonwealth to suppress such treasonable proceedings; but the 
 mischief had been accomplished. On the week succeeding the demonstra- 
 tion at Northampton, occurred the day for opening the courts of common 
 pleas and general sessions at Worcester. Here, as at Northampton, a 
 mob of armed men assembled and prevented the sitting of the courts. 
 Similar outrages were committed at Great Barrington and at Concord 
 during the month of September. At Great Barrington, three of the four 
 justices were compelled to sign an obligation that the}" would not act under 
 their commissions until the grievances complained of should be redressed ; 
 the jail also was broken open and the debtors confined there released. 
 A proclamation had been issued by Gov. Bowdoin for assembling the 
 General Court in October, but owing to the riots throughout the state the 
 date was changed to Sept. 27. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Conspiracy Against the Supreme Court. — Daniel Shays. — Action 
 by the General Court. — Militia Called Out. — Bloodshed 
 at Springfield. — Retreat of the Insurgents. 
 
 Thus far the demonstrations of the insurgents had been directed 
 against the inferior courts ; in attacking these, the rioters had made them- 
 selves liable to indictment for hisfh misdemeanor. In order to shield them- 
 
224 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 selves from this danger, they determined to prevent the sitting of the 
 supreme judicial court. This court was to open at Springfield on Tues- 
 day, Sept. 26. The government anticipated trouble and made arrange- 
 ments to protect the court in the exercise of its functions. Gov. Bowdoin 
 ordered that the court-house should be taken possession of by 600 men 
 •under command of Major Gen. William Shepard. On the Saturday even- 
 ing preceding the opening clay, 120 men assembled at the court-house and 
 quietly took possession ; by Tuesday their numbers had arisen to 300 or 
 more. Minot says, "This party was well officered and equipped, and 
 ■contained the most respectable characters for abilities and interest, in the 
 county of Hampshire." The insurgents also gathered, and by Tuesday 
 morning they were fully equal to the government party in numbers, but 
 •greatly inferior in officers and arms. 
 
 At this time the man whose misfortune as well as fault it was to lend 
 a name to the insurrection first assumed prominence in its affairs. Daniel 
 Shays was born in Hopkinton in the county of Middlesex in 1747. His 
 parents were very poor, so poor as to have depended in some instances 
 upon their neighbors for the necessities of life. He had but little educa- 
 tion, going to work at an early age for a farmer in Framingham. He after- 
 wards lived for a time at Great Barrington, removing from there to Pelham. 
 At the age of 28, on the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, he 
 -entered the service of his country, with the rank of ensign. At the battle 
 of bunker Hill he served in the regiment of Col. Ruggies Woodbridge of 
 South Hadley, within the intrenchments. In 1776, he was appointed a 
 lieutenant in Col. Varnum's regiment and was detached on recruiting 
 .service. He enlisted a company of men, whose engagement to serve was 
 based on the condition that he should be their captain. He was allowed 
 the pay of a captain, from January, 1777, but a commission was not issued 
 to him until 1779. He did gallant service at the storming of Stony Point 
 and in the compaign that resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne. He was 
 in Col. Putnam's regiment at Newark, N. J., when in October, 1780, he 
 was discharged from service. He was a brave man, ambitious, of good 
 appearance and pleasing address, but seemingly utterly devoid of principle, 
 lie found it easy to enlist men for carrying out his projects however vision- 
 ary, and was thoroughly unscrupulous as to the means employed in attain- 
 ing his purposes. Such a man was the natural leader of the discontented, 
 rebellious victims of a state of public and private affairs for which they 
 held Others to be blamed. Associated with Shays was Luke Day of Spring- 
 field, who had been commissioned as captain at the outbreak of the Rev- 
 olution and had served honorably throughout the war. He wasademagog 
 .and a braggart, a fitting associate for Shays. Neither had military abilities 
 .suitable to a high command. 
 
RIOTING AT SPRINGFIELD. 125 
 
 The insurgents were greatly incensed at the government for having 
 taken possession of the court-house before their arrival. They sent a 
 request to the judges that none who had engaged in the recent riots should 
 be indicted, but the judges replied they should execute the laws of the 
 country agreeable to their oaths. But the court was unable to transact 
 business ; on Wednesday the panel of jurors not being filled, those jury- 
 men who appeared were dismissed. On Thursday the court adjourned, 
 after resolving that it was not expedient to proceed to the county of Berk- 
 shire. Captain Shays who commanded the insurgents paraded his men 
 through the streets of Springfield and sent insolent demands to the court,, 
 and to Col. Burt, who commanded the government forces in Gen. Shepard's 
 absence; the latter, desirous of avoiding bloodshed, allowed the rioters to 
 parade, and. after the court's adjournment, when the government troops- 
 marched to the defence of the arsenal, the rioters were allowed to occupy 
 the ground on which the troops had been stationed. On Friday the rioters 
 disbanded, satisfied with what they had accomplished, it is probable that 
 there were Amherst men under the command of Shays at Springfield, but 
 there are no records in existence from which their names may be ascer- 
 tained. ( )f the government forces, there was an Amherst company com- 
 manded by Capt. Moses Cook, which "served in Defence of Government 
 at Springfield in September, 1786"; the following were members of this 
 company : Moses Cook, captain ; Elijah Hastings, Joseph Pettis. Samuel 
 Boltwood, Silas Billings, Stoughton Dickinson, Eleazer Boltwood, Solomon 
 Boltwood, Levy Cook, David Trowbridge, Zechariah Field, Martin Cook. 
 They served seven days and their pay-roll amounted to ^11, 15, 9. 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. also served with the government forces for nineteen 
 days and received £9, 3, 4. 
 
 September 27, the Legislature assembled, and Governor Bowdoin iru 
 an address from the chair made a statement regarding the disturbances 
 that had taken place and the measures he had taken to quell them. The 
 address was referred to a joint committee, which submitted a report express- 
 ing abhorrence of the proceedings against the judicial courts, approving 
 the governor's conduct in raising the militia for their defence, promising to 
 pay those who had been or should be called into service, recommending a 
 revival of the militia law, promising an examination into and redress of all 1 
 grievances, and providing that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus 
 should be suspended for a limited time. This report was adopted by the 
 Senate, and the House agreed to all but the habeas corpus clause, which 
 was recommitted. A riot act was also passed, providing that all offenders 
 who should continue for the space of an hour their combinations, after the 
 act had been read to them, should have their property subject to confisca- 
 tion and be liable to a penalty of thirty-nine stripes and imprisonment for 
 
T26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 not more than one year. These proceedings served to alarm and anger 
 Shays, and he sent a copy of the following letter to the selectmen of the 
 towns in Hampshire county: 
 
 "Pelham, Oct. 23, 1786. 
 GENTLEMEN :— By information from the General Court, they are determined 
 to call all those who appeared to stop the Court, to condign punishment. There- 
 fore, I request you to assemble your men together, to see that they are well armed 
 .and equipped, with sixty rounds each man, and to be ready to turn out at a minute's 
 warning: likewise to be properly organized with officers. 
 
 Daniel Shays." 
 
 In spite of the action by governor and Legislature, the disturbances 
 -continued and increased in violence. Inflammatory appeals to the people 
 by the insurgents were published in the press of Western Massachusetts. 
 The court of general sessions at Worcester was unable to transact any 
 business in November, owing to the interference of a large body of armed 
 insurgents; the court sessions at Springfield in December had to be given 
 up from similar cause. The rioters having met with the most pronounced 
 success in the western counties, determined to confine their operations to 
 that section. A committee of seventeen was appointed to raise and 
 organize a large force of men in Hampshire county ; among the members 
 of this committee were Capt. Shays of Pelham and ("apt. Billings of 
 Amherst. The form of enlistment used in recruiting these forces was as 
 follows : 
 
 ■■ We do Each one of us acknowledge our Selves to be Inlisted into a Company 
 
 Commanded by Capt. & Lieut billiard & in Colo Hazeltons Regiment of 
 
 Regulators in Order for the Suppressing o£ tyrannical government in the 
 Massachusetts State, And we do Ingage to obey Such orders as we Shal Res :eve 
 from time to — to time from our Superior officers, and to faithfully Serve for the 
 term of three months from the Date in Witness hereof we have hereunto Set our 
 
 names the Conditions of Will be for a Sarg' Sixty Shillings P r Month Cop 1 
 
 Fifty Shillings a Month Privet Forty Shillings a Month and if git the Day their 
 will be a Consedrable Bounty Ither Forty or Sixty Pounds."' 
 
 There is no record to show how the insurgents expected to raise the 
 money to satisfy these "conditions "; owing to circumstances over which 
 they had no control the bounty was never paid. The insurgents gathered 
 at Worcester in December, where the courts met and adjourned, agreeably 
 to til- governor's instructions, until January: the courts at Springfield were 
 also adjourned, as Shays and his men had taken possession of the court- 
 house, and sent a petition, equivalent to a command, that they should not 
 proceed with business. News of these proceedings reached the governor, 
 and, the General Court not being in session, the Council advised that 
 4,400 men should be raised at once for protecting the courts and punishing 
 violations of the law. Of this number, 700 were to be raised in Suffolk 
 
WARRANT FOR ARREST OF INSURGENT LEADERS. I 27 
 
 county, 500 in Essex, Soo in Middlesex, 1200 in Hampshire and 1200 in 
 Worcester. These troops were to be raised for 30 days and the command 
 of the whole was given to Major General Benjamin Lincoln ; those from 
 Hampshire county were ordered to assemble at Springfield on the 18th of 
 January. On the 12th of January the governor issued an address to the 
 people of the Commonwealth, relating the circumstances that had com- 
 pelled the calling out of the militia, and urging all good citizens to cooperate 
 with the government in restoring peace and harmony within the borders of 
 the state. Jan. 19, a warrant was issued by Governor Bowdoin, addressed 
 to the sheriff of Hampshire county, for the apprehension of Capt. Asa 
 Fish of South Brimfield, (apt. Alpheus Colton of Longmeadow, Luke 
 Day and Elijah Day of West Springfield, Capt. Gad Sacket of Westfield, 
 Capt. Aaron Jewell of Chesterfield, Capt. John Brown of Whately, Samuel 
 Moore of Worthington, Daniel Shays of Pelham, Joseph Hinds of Green- 
 wich, ('apt. Joel Billings of Amherst, Obed Foot of Greenfield, Capt. 
 Abel Dinsmore of Conway, Capt. Matthew Clark of Coleraine, Capt. 
 Samuel Hill of Charlemont, Capt. Thomas Grover of Montague, and John 
 Powers of Shutesburv. This warrant was not returned until April 4, when 
 Sheriff Eleazer Porter endorsed it to the effect that he had apprehended 
 and committed to jail Colton. Clark and Brown; the rest he had not been 
 able to take except Joel billings. " but he being under the sanction of a 
 Flagg was released by order of Genl Lincoln." At a meeting held Jan. 
 12, Amherst appointed a committee to draw up a petition to the General 
 Court, stating the grievances of the people and suggesting measures for 
 their alleviation. The petition was drawn up and adopted at a meeting- 
 held a week later. 
 
 The proclamation of the governor, the calling out of the militia, and 
 other evidence that the government which, up to that time, had partially 
 tolerated if it had not countenanced the insurrection, was about to call in 
 play all available forces for its suppression, served notice upon Shays and 
 his followers that decisive action must betaken sptedily or their cause was 
 lost. They decided to attack the arsenal at Springfield which, if captured, 
 would afford them abundant supplies of arms and ammunition for carrying 
 on the struggle in which they were enlisted. The troops raised in the 
 eastern part of the state assembled at Roxbury. Jan. 19, and marched to 
 Worcester, reaching there the 2 2d. The courts met at Worcester the fol- 
 lowing day, and in presence of the troops commanded by Gen. Lincoln 
 the insurgents considered it the part of wisdom not to interfere. Previous 
 to the marching of the troops from Roxbury, orders had been given to 
 Gen. Shepard to take possession of the post at Springfield. Here he col- 
 lected about 900 men being afterwards reinforced with 200 men, all from 
 the militia of Hampshire county. This army was furnished with field- 
 
128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 pieces from the arsenal. If the insurgents were to carry the post, the 
 attack must needs be made before the arrival of Gen. Lincoln and his 
 army. The forces of the insurgents numbered about 1900, stationed and 
 commanded as follows : At West Springfield were 400 men under command 
 of Capt. Luke 1 >ay, at Chicopee 400 from Berkshire county led by Eli 
 Parsons, and at the east on the Boston road 1100 men under command of 
 Capt. Shays. Jan. 24, Shays sent a message to Day, informing him that 
 he should attack the post the following day and should count on his assist- 
 ance. Day sent a message in reply that he could not assist on the day 
 proposed but would the day following. The message of Day was inter- 
 cepted and given to General Shepard. Jan 25, Day sent an insolent mes- 
 sage to General Shepard, demanding that the troops in Springfield should 
 lay down their arms, that their arms should be deposited in the public 
 stores, and that the troops should return to their homes upon parole. The 
 same day Shays, who was at Wilbraham, sent a message to General Lin- 
 coln, stating that he was unwilling to shed blood, and proposing that all 
 the insurgents should be indemnified until the next sitting of the General 
 Court and until an opportunity could be had for hearing their complaints, 
 that the persons who had been taken by the government should be released 
 without punishment, that these conditions should be made sure by procla- 
 mation of the governor, on which the insurgents should return to their 
 homes and wait for constitutional relief from the insupportable burdens 
 under which they labored. 
 
 This message was doubtless a blind, intended to delay Gen. Lincoln 
 in his march, for no sooner had it been dispatched than Shays started with 
 his forces for Springfield. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon they were 
 seen approaching the arsenal upon the Boston road. Gen. Shepard, 
 impressed with the importance of the occasion, sent repeated messages to 
 Shays, inquiring what were his intentions and warning him that if his men 
 approached nearer the arsenal they would be fired upon. Shays replied 
 that it was his intention to gain possession of the arsenal and barracks. 
 As the insurgents continued to advance, Gen. Shepard ordered a discharge 
 of cannon, but directed that the first two volleys should be fired in the air ; 
 still they advanced, and when within fifty rods of the battery the guns were 
 trained on the center of the insurgents' column and fired. The column 
 was thrown into dire confusion ; a cry of " murder " arose, and as the 
 smoke from the discharge cleared away the insurgents were seen in full 
 retreat, the efforts of Shays to rally them being unavailing. Three of the 
 party were killed by the cannon, Kzekicl Root and Ariel Webster of (nil 
 and Jabez Spicer of Leyden, and one was mortally wounded, John Hunter 
 of Shelburne. 
 
RETREAT OF THE INSURGENTS. 1 29 
 
 The retreat continued as far as Ludlow, where Shays and his men 
 spent the night. The following day they marched to Chicopee, over 200 
 men deserting along the route, and there effected a junction with the 
 Berkshire men under Eli Parsons. Gen. Lincoln with his troops arrived 
 at Springfield. Jan. 27. Although late in the day it was determined to act 
 at once and prevent all possibility of a union between the forces of Day 
 and Shays. Day was still stationed in West Springfield and had placed 
 guards at the ferry-house and at the bridge across Agawam river. Under 
 the command of Gen. Lincoln, four regiments and four pieces of artillery 
 crossed the river on the ice, while the Hampshire troops, under command 
 of Gen. Shepard, marched up the river on the east bank. The insurgents 
 under Day's command made no show of resistance, but retreated precipi- 
 tately through Southampton to Northampton, throwing away along the 
 route their muskets, knapsacks and ammunition ; a few of them were 
 captured by the government cavalry. The following clay, Shays, having 
 learned of Day's retreat, started with his forces and marched through 
 South Hadley to Amherst and thence to Pelham. During this retreat 
 many houses were plundered, and one man was killed, the men mistaking 
 their own rear guard for the advance of Gen. Lincoln's army. At the 
 house of Major Goodman in South Hadley the insurgents stole two barrels 
 of rum, his account-books and many articles of household furniture. 
 They also broke open the house of Col. Woodbridge and took such articles 
 as they desired. Shays endeavored in vain to prevent these outrages. 
 From Northampton, the party under Day had continued its retreat through 
 Amherst to Pelham, arriving there in advance of Shays. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Pursuit of the Insurgents. — Correspondence Between Lincoln 
 
 and Shays. — The March to Petersham. — Terms of Amnesty. 
 
 — Amherst Men who Took the Oath of Allegiance. — The 
 
 Conkey Tavern. — The Clapp Tavern. 
 
 Immediately on learning of Shays' retreat, Gen. Lincoln and his 
 
 army started out at 2 o'clock in the morning in pursuit. Shays had several 
 
 hours the start of his pursuers, and when the latter arrived in Amherst 
 
 Shays and his men were already .on their way to Pelham, whither Gen.. 
 
 Lincoln thought it inadvisable to follow them at the time ; he therefore. 
 
 9 
 
j^O HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 marched his troops to Hadley, to secure the rest of which they were sorely 
 in need. Minot says: "Upon an examination of the houses at Amherst, 
 it was discovered, that most of the male inhabitants had quitted them to 
 follow the insurgents ; and that ten sleigh loads of provisions had gone 
 forward from the county of Berkshire, for their use. Under such appear- 
 ances, a strict prohibition was laid upon the remaining inhabitants, against 
 affording any supplies to their deluded neighbors.'' 
 
 The forces of the insurgents were posted on the east and west hills in 
 Pelham, bleak and forbidding in the winter-time and difficult of access 
 from the deep snow surrounding them. A more inhospitable place to 
 maintain an army for any length of time it would be difficult to select. 
 Jan. 30, Gen. Lincoln sent a letter directed to Capt. Shays, and the officers 
 commanding the men in arms against the government of the Common- 
 wealth. In it he expressed the conviction that the insurgents must realize 
 that they were unable to execute their original purposes. He warned them 
 that if they did not disband he should approach and apprehend the most 
 influential characters among them. They were instructed to tell their 
 privates that if the latter would "instantly lay clown their arms, surrender 
 themselves to government, and take and subscribe the oath of allegiance 
 to this Commonwealth," they would be recommended for mercy to the 
 General Court. To this letter Shays returned a counter proposition, to the 
 effect that he and his men would lay down their arms on condition of a 
 general pardon ; he also requested that hostilities should cease until an 
 answer should be received to a petition that had been sent by the insurgents 
 to the General Court. The following day three of the insurgent leaders 
 came to Gen. Lincoln's quarters at Hadley, bringing a letter signed by Fran- 
 cis Stone, 1 )anie] Shays and Adam Wheeler, which read as follows : 
 
 " As the officers of the people, now convened in defence of their rights and 
 privileges, have sent a petition to the General Court, for the sole purpose of accom- 
 modating our present unhappy affairs, we justly expect that hostilities may cease 
 on both sides, until we have a return from our legislature." 
 
 To this Gen. Lincoln sent the following reply: 
 
 HADLEY, January 31 st . 17S7. 
 Gentlemen, Your request is totally inadmissible, as no powers are delegated 
 to me which would justify a delay of my operations. Hostilities I have not com- 
 menced. I have again to warn the people in arms against government, immediately 
 to disband, as they would avoid the ill consequences which may ensue, should they 
 be inattentive to this caution. 
 
 11. Lincoln." 
 
 The General Courl (omened Feb. 3, 1 7 S 7 . The governor in his 
 address gave a review of events connected with the insurrection and the 
 measures he had taken for its suppression. The next day a declaration of 
 
MARCH TO PETERSHAM. 131 
 
 rebellion was adopted by both houses, as well as an approval of Gen. 
 Lincoln's offer of clemency to privates and non-commissioned officers 
 among" the insurgents, on condition of their surrendering their arms and 
 subscribing to the oath of allegiance. They approved the measures the 
 governor had taken, desired him to continue them persistently and vigor- 
 ously, and promised him such support as was in their province to render. 
 The petition of the insurgents was presented, but it was voted "that the 
 said paper cannot be sustained." It was plain that the insurgents had 
 little hope of favorable action on their petition, for Feb. 3, the same day 
 that the General Court convened, they withdrew from Pelham and marched 
 to Petersham. Information of this movement was brought to Gen. Lincoln 
 at Hadley the same clay at noon, but it was at first supposed to be only a 
 removal from the west to the east hill in Pelham. When, about 6 P. m.. 
 intelligence was received that the insurgents had left their post and gone 
 eastward. Gen. Lincoln at once ordered his troops in pursuit; at 8 o'clock 
 the army was in motion and then ensued one of the hardest and most 
 fatiguing marches on record. Minot describes it as follows : 
 
 •■ Nothing more than the usual inclemency of the season opposed their march 
 until two o'clock in the morning, by which time they had advanced as far as Xew 
 Salem. Here a violent north wind arose, and sharpened the cold to an extreme 
 ; a snow storm accompanied, which tilled the paths ; the route of the army 
 lying over high land, exposed the soldiers to the full effects of these circumstances, 
 while on their way: and the county being thinly settled, did not afford a covering 
 for them within the distance of eight miles. Being thus deprived of shelter by the 
 want of buildings, and of refreshment— by the intenseness of the cold, which pre- 
 vented their taking any in the road, their only safety lay in closely pursuing a march, 
 which was to terminate at the epiarters of the enemy. They therefore advanced 
 the whole distance of thirty miles, subject to all these inclemencies, without halting 
 for any length of time. Their front reached Petersham by nine o'clock in the 
 morning, their rear being five miles distant." 
 
 Anyone who has tramped over Hampshire and Franklin hills at night 
 in the dead of winter, with a howling north wind blowing and piling the 
 snow as it descends into drifts all but impassable, can appreciate something 
 of the dangers and fatigue that were undergone by Gen. Lincoln's troops 
 on that forced march from Haclley to Petersham. The advance guard 
 entered the town in command of Col. Haskel ; a company of artillery with 
 two pieces of cannon immediately followed and the whole body of the 
 army was brought up as early as possible. The insurgents were taken 
 completely by surprise ; they instantly evacuated the houses in which they 
 were quartered and thronged into a back road leading toward Athol, 
 scarcely firing a gun. Gen. Lincoln's troops pursued them about two 
 miles, capturing about 150 ; of the remainder many returned to their 
 homes and others fled into the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and 
 
I3 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 New York. This was the last attempt made by any large body of men to 
 oppose the government forces in Massachusetts, although for several weeks 
 succeeding a kind of guerilla warfare was carried on by the insurgents of 
 Berkshire count)-, with damage to property and outrageous assaults on 
 individuals. Feb. 7, Gen. Lincoln received a message from Gen. Patterson, 
 requesting him to hasten to Pittsfield with his troops. They marched the 
 same day to Amherst, a distance of 25 miles, and thence through Hadley, 
 Northampton, Chesterfield, Worthington, Peru, Hinsdale and Dalton, to 
 Pittsfield. 
 
 Feb. 9, Gov. Bowdoin issued a proclamation for the apprehension of 
 Daniel Shays, Luke Day, Adam Wheeler and Eli Parsons; a reward of 
 ^150 was offered for the capture of Shays and Vj'ioo for each of the 
 others. The General Court having learned of the defeat of Shays and 
 the ending of organized rebellion, gave serious attention to the conditions 
 of indemnity that should be offered the insurgents. The following were 
 decided upon : 
 
 '•That the offenders, having laid down their arms and taken the oath of 
 allegiance to the Commonwealth, should keep the peace for three years, and, during 
 that term, should not serve as jurors, be eligible to any town office, or any other 
 office under the government, should not hold or exercise the employment of school- 
 masters, innkeepers, or retailers of spirituous liquors, or give their votes for the 
 same term of time for any office, civil or military, within the Commonwealth, 
 unless they should, after the 1st day of .May. 1788, exhibit plenary evidence of 
 their having returned to their allegiance and kept the peace, and of their possessing 
 such an unequivocal attachment to the Government, as should appear to the ( General 
 Court a sufficient ground to discharge them from all or any of these disqualifications." 
 
 The governor was empowered to extend the release of these conditions 
 to such of the privates among the insurgents as had taken up arms for 
 the government before Feb. 1st. The persons absolutely excepted from 
 the indemnity were : 
 
 ••Such as were not citizens of the state, such as had been members of any 
 General Court in the state, or of any state or county convention, or had been 
 employed in any commissioned office, civil or military : such as, after delivering up 
 their arms, and taking the oath of allegiance during the rebellion, had again taken 
 and borne arms against the government; such as had fired upon, or wounded any 
 of the loyal subjects of the Commonwealth; such as had acted as committees, 
 counsellors, or advisers to the rebels: and such as. in former years, had been in 
 arms against the government, in the capacity of commissioned officers, and were 
 afterwards pardoned, and had been concerned in the rebellion.*' 
 
 All insurgents wire required to take the oath of allegiance : the form 
 of this oath may be found on page 138 of the town-meeting records in this 
 volume. It is only by consulting the lists of those who subscribed to this 
 oath that a correct estimate may be obtained of the large percentage of 
 
LIST OF AMHERST INSURGENTS. 
 
 l 33 
 
 Amherst residents who were engaged more or less actively in this rebellion. 
 These lists are preserved in the manuscript archives at the state-house in 
 Boston, from which the following Amherst names are transcribed. These 
 persons appeared before Eleazer Porter, Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. or Nathaniel 
 Dickinson, each of whom was a justice of the peace, during the months 
 of February and March, 17S7, and subscribed to the oath : 
 
 Moses Dickinson, 
 Martin Kellogg, 
 Joel Moody. 
 Seth Wood. 
 Giles Church. 
 Thomas Goodale, 
 David Goodale. 
 Ezekiel Ingram. 
 Israel Dickinson. 
 Henry Franklin, 
 Eleazer Smith. 
 Moses Cook. 
 Isaac Goodale. 
 Jonathan Warner, 
 Josiah Smith. 
 ( lershom Ingram. 
 Asahel Clark. 
 Eleazer Dana. 
 Elisha Dickinson, 
 Gideon Dickinson. Jr., 
 Oliver Clapp, 
 Zechariah Hawley, 
 Joel Billings. Jr., 
 Samuel Prince, 
 Azariah Dickinson, 
 Amasa Allen. 
 Stephen Cole, 
 Edward Roth, 
 Levi Dickinson, 
 Ephraim Robbin. 
 John Kellogg. 
 Noadiah Lewis. 
 Reuben Cowls, 
 Simeon Pomeroy, 
 Eli Parker. Jr., 
 Henrv Lee. 
 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, 2d, 
 Silas Moody. 
 Nathaniel Moody. 
 Samuel Nash, 
 John Fox. 
 William Clapp. 
 Isaac Robins, 
 Aaron Merrick. 
 Timothy Green, 
 Alexander Smith. 
 Moses B. Mings, 
 Medad I Hckinson, 
 Samuel Ingram. 
 William Moody, 
 ( )liver Cowls, 
 Jonathan Field. 
 Joseph Dickinson. 
 Clark Law ton. 
 Robert Ingram. 
 Thomas Samuel, 
 Reuben Ingram. 
 Jonathan Maynard, 
 Samuel Thompson. 
 David Pomeroy, 
 Asa Dickinson. 
 Titus Matthews. 
 Simeon Cowls, 
 Elijah Smith. 
 John Ingram. 2d, 
 Isaac Hubbard, 
 Enos Dickinson, 
 James Hendrick, 
 Reuben Warner, 
 Moses Hastings, 
 Elias Smith. 
 
 Waitstill Dickinson, 
 Elisha Moody, 
 Timothy Smith, 
 David Billings. 
 John Lee, 
 Ebenezer Cooley. 
 Ephraim Kellogg. Jr., 
 Timothy Green, Jr.. 
 Reuben Nash, 
 James Merrick. 
 Simeon Clark, 
 Ephraim Kellogg, 
 Jonathan Moody. 
 Lemuel Moody. 
 David Blodgett, 
 Ebenezer Dickinson. 
 David Smith. 
 Noah Smith, 
 Gideon Ingram. 
 John Field. 
 Thomas Adams. 
 Ezekiel Dickinson, 
 Nathan Dickinson. Jr., 
 Ebenezer Ingram. 
 Jacob Warner. Jr., 
 Andrew Kimball. Jr., 
 Leonard Roth, 
 Daniel Kellogg. Jr.. 
 Amariah Dana, 
 Noadiah Smith. 
 Ethan Smith. 
 Samuel Hastings, 
 Alexander Guill, 
 Perez Dickinson. 
 Samuel Smith. 
 Medad Moody. 
 
 Simeon Smith, 
 
 Reuben Dickinson and John Nash did not take the oath until July, 
 and it was not until September that Joel Billing, Aaron Billing and Calvin 
 Rich placed their names upon the list. The offence of Medad Mooch- 
 was in lending his gun to a rioter, unwillingly. From the foregoing list it 
 will be seen that a large majority of the men in Amherst favored the 
 
13-1 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 rebellion ; how many of them bore arms under Shays cannot be stated 
 with accuracy, but when Gen. Lincoln passed through the town in pursuit 
 of the insurgents he found but few men at home. 
 
 The government next turned its attention to the trial of the more 
 notorious of the insurgents. At a special session of the supreme judicial 
 court for the county of Hampshire, held at Northampton April 9, Jason 
 Parmenter of Bernardston, Daniel Luddington of Southampton, James 
 \\ nite of Coleraine, Alpheus Colton of Longmeadow, Moses Dickinson, 
 Jr. of Northfield and Henry McCulloch of Pelham were tried for high 
 treason, and all but Dickinson were convicted and sentenced to death. 
 The court assigned as counsel for their defence Simeon and Caleb Strong. 
 Shortly after sentence was pronounced the governor was overwhelmed with 
 petitions for a pardon for the convicts. One of these, in favor of Henry 
 McCulloch, was dated at Pelham, but contained many Amherst signatures, 
 among others those of Ebenezer Boltwood, Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., Zebina 
 Montague and Noadiah Leonard. Gen. Mattoon also wrote two letters in 
 McCulloch' s favor, one addressed to Dr. Robert Cutler and one to Major 
 Thomas Gushing. After several postponements of the time for the execution 
 of his sentence, McCulloch was finally pardoned. Shays after his retreat from 
 Petersham fled to Winchester, New Hampshire, from whence he made his 
 way into New York state. He was subsequently pardoned by the governor 
 and returned to his home in Pelham, but afterwards removed to Sparta, N. 
 V., where he died in poverty in September, 1825, aged 78 years. 
 
 The Shays rebellion brought into prominence two taverns, one located 
 in Pelham, the other in Amherst. The old " Conkey tavern," situated in 
 the east part of Pelham which in 1822 was set off as a part of the town of 
 Prescott. was only a half mile from the residence of Daniel Shays. It was 
 built in 1758, fifteen years after the town was incorporated, by William 
 Conkey. It was two stories in height and fronted toward the south. There 
 were two rooms on the ground floor with a huge chimney between, a small hall 
 and a stairway in front of the chimney leading to the second story, which 
 also contained two rooms. A " lean-to " extended across the rear of the 
 main part, in which was the long low kitchen and the pantry on each end, 
 with doors on either side of the great stone lire-place opening into the 
 dining-room at the east end of the main building and the bar-room at the 
 west end. The apartment over the dining-room was used at times as a 
 dancing-hall and had a large tire-place to warm it. No lath or plaster was 
 in the tavern, the rooms being sheathed on the sides and overhead. In 
 1776, the house was repaired and the stone chimney taken down to the 
 tops of the fire-places and rebuilt of bricks. There was an ample cellar 
 and an attic. On the corner of the tavern outside hung the sign, a pine 
 board about two feet square, on one side of which was painted a horse and 
 
i in: kathan dickixson house. ( Built before 1745.) 
 
 THE OLD CONKEY TAVERN. 
 
THE CONKEY TAVERN. 135 
 
 rider, on the other a horse with 
 a groom holding it by the bridle. 
 The bar-room was. as doubtless 
 it was intended to be, the most 
 comfortable and home-like place 
 in the building. It contained a 
 great open fire-place, in which in 
 winter-time the blazing logs were 
 piled high and the crackling 
 flames bade defiance to the winds 
 that came howling down from the 
 bleak hills of Shutesbury and 
 Prescott. In the southwest cor- 
 ner was the bar, which Landlord 
 Conkey kept well supplied with 
 the favorite drinks of the time, 
 including New England and West 
 India rum. brandy, wine and cor- 
 dials. A receipted bill to Conkey 
 from a Boston liquor firm, dated 
 in 1772, shows the purchase of 
 liquors amounting to over £100. 
 A better place in which to 
 plan a rebellion against govern- 
 ment could hardly have been 
 found. Remote from the main 
 travel-ways, with no other habi- 
 tation in sight, it afforded a safe 
 retreat for the discontented and 
 debt-burdened yeomanry of Pel- 
 ham and surrounding towns, 
 where they could meet on winter 
 evenings and. their courage rein- 
 K \" >/ \ ' forced by the contents of demi- 
 
 A V^ \ iVt )\^ Johns and kegs, prepare for a 
 
 conflict which they had come to 
 look upon as inevitable. The 
 leading spirit at these gatherings 
 was Captain Shays ; he encour- 
 aged the talk of rebellion and 
 used the open space in front 
 
136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of the tavern as a training-field to perfect his men in the manual of 
 arms. A natural if not a necessary feature of this training consisted of 
 frequent visits to the bar-room, and it is recorded that the casing of the 
 huge beam that ran through the center of the apartment, on which rested 
 the joists that supported the second floor, bore for many years the imprints 
 of the muzzles of the muskets made by the excited rebels in the intervals 
 between the drills. It is supposed that Shays made this tavern his head- 
 quarters on his retreat from Springfield, and that the letters addressed by 
 him to Gen. Lincoln were written there. The tavern remained standing 
 until 1883 when it was burned down. The pen drawing on the preceding 
 page was made from an autograph manuscript of Daniel Shays, petitioning 
 for attending the convention at Hatfield. 
 
 The " Clapp tavern," located at East Amherst, was one of the best- 
 known hostelries in the early history of the town. Many facts of interest 
 concerning it were furnished for this history, by Charles Clapp, a direct 
 descendant of the original owner. From a letter written by him the follow- 
 ing is quoted : 
 
 " Preserved Clapp on first coming to Amherst built a house on what is now the 
 Sanford Boice place, a portion of which yet remains in the old house on the hill 
 back of Mr. Boice's present residence. That place he sold or exchanged for the 
 farm adjoining, that at present occupied by Olney Gaylord, extending north from 
 that to the road leading to Pelham, and east as far as Pelham line. The site of 
 the house was very nearly that now occupied by the barn of the late Noah Dick- 
 inson, and it was erected, as nearly as we can ascertain, about the year 1737. On 
 the day in which the family first occupied it three bears were brought in and skinned 
 on the kitchen floor, so plentiful were they then in that vicinity. Little need of a 
 tavern in Amherst in those days, it would seem. I do not know when it was first 
 used as a public house, but am under the impression that it gradually assumed that 
 character. Oliver, the younger son of Preserved Clap]), was only fourteen years 
 of age when Ids father died; he was the one familiarly known as " Landlord 
 Clapp," He married Gen. Ebenezer Mattoon's sister Elizabeth, and for many 
 years kept the tavern. He was quite famed for the excellence of the flip he served, 
 his good wile brewing the beer therefor. During the war of the Revolution, a 
 detachment of Burgoyne's army officers, who had gone out to attend a dance near 
 Saratoga, wen- captured and brought under a guard to the Clapp tavern, on their 
 way to Boston. They remained one night for rest, the floor being covered with 
 straw to provide them a bed, causing Landlord Clapp no little anxiety lest the 
 straw should be sit on fire and the house burned. 
 
 The oli 1 tavern was the scene of much plotting during Shays rebellion ; indeed 
 I think the first plans lor it were made there. Landlord Clapp was a great though 
 secret friend of Shays, and when he was stationed in Pelham. every night at [2 
 o'clock, a messenger was sent by him to grandfather's window. ' for the news of the 
 day." At one time. (Jan. 28, 1 7S7) a number of sled-loads of provisions which had 
 been sent for Shays' army with a small escort, stopped at the tavern for entertain- 
 ment lor themselves and teams: to their great astonishment they met with a stern 
 refusal, as they had been directed to stop there lor refreshments. At the first 
 
STATISTICS. 137 
 
 opportunity the commander of the party was taken one side and told to start for 
 Pelham as quickly as possible, as government troops were near at hand and in hot 
 pursuit. They lost no time in following directions. At the same time another 
 friend of Shays (Capt. Billings) mounted a horse and rode up the hill to the West 
 street to reconnoitre. Dashing" nearly up to the troops, he suddenly wheeled his 
 steed, and. waving his hat and shouting ' Coma on, boys." dashed away at a furious 
 rate, the soldiers spurring their horses to their utmost speed and following him 
 down the hill, past the tavern and on towards Pelham in a mad race. In the 
 meantime the teamsters had reached Thornton hill, from which they caught sight 
 of the coming soldiers. The commander of the -supply train " drew his teams up 
 across the road resolved to do his best to protect his charge. The steepness of the 
 hill proved of great advantage, as he was enabled so to dispose of his men that 
 bayonet showed above bayonet, with apparently a formidable barricade in front. 
 At the same time a number of men appeared on the Valley road : as the troops 
 drew near they caught sight of the formidable array in front and the men on the 
 V alley road ; they were sure they were being drawn into an ambuscade. Wheeling 
 their horses they rode back at a madder pace even than before. Stopping for rest 
 at the Clapp tavern, they reported that they had been led -into the very jaws of 
 hell. - - 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Statistics in 1777, 1779. and 17S1. — Counterfeiting. — Industrial 
 Movements. — Merchants and Traders. — Amherst in 1800. 
 — War of 1S12. 
 
 In 1777, a list of male inhabitants of Amherst over 16 years of age, 
 gave the number of whites as 238 ; of blacks, two. From a valuation list 
 of the town made in 1779. the following statistics are taken : Polls, 248 ; 
 houses and barns. 256, valued at ^"37 each; mowing and tillage, 1266 
 acres; pasture land, 31 1 acres: woodland, 3693 acres; 3 mills : money at 
 interest and on hand, .£582 ; debts due not on interest, ^"95 ; goods, wares 
 and merchandise, ^480 ; horses, 113 ; oxen, 101 ; cows, 1S4; steers, 303 ; 
 sheep, 951 ; swine, 206. Two years later, in 1781, the figures recorded 
 were as follows: Polls. 251 : houses, 134; barns, 106; stores, etc., 3 ; 
 distill houses, mills, etc.. 6; acres of English mowing, 310: acres of 
 tillage land, 1271 ; acres of fresh meadow, 1117 ; acres of pasturing, 641 ; 
 acres of woodland and land unimproved, 8716 ; barrels of "cyder," 636 ; 
 money on interest and on hand, ^"221 ; goods, wares and mdse., ^90; 
 horses, 167 ; oxen, 261 ; cows, 413 ; sheep and goats, 949 ; swine, 160. 
 
138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Coaches, chaises, etc., were owned to the value of ,£57. There were four 
 owners of gold, coined and uncoined, and 252 owners of silver. Statistics 
 taken in 17S4 record the following: Polls, ratable, 251 ; non-ratable polls, 
 26; dwelling-houses, 136; shops, 6; tan-houses, 3; pot and pearl ash 
 works, 1 ; barns, 112 ; grist, saw and other mills, 4; other buildings, 15 ; 
 acres of tillage, 11 04: acres of English mowing, 446^; acres of fresh 
 meadow, 850^; acres of pasture, 478 ; acres of woodland, 3 144 ; acres of 
 other land, unimproved, 5062 ; barrels of "cyder," 862 ; amount of stock 
 in trade, ^162 ; horses and colts, 231 ; oxen, 214 ; neat cattle, 397 ; cows, 
 385; sheep and goats, 594; swine, 298; debts due, ^740; money on 
 hand, ^"30 ; total valuation, ^1950, 19, 6. There were 44 owners of silver 
 plate. 
 
 While the early inhabitants of Western Massachusetts were, in the 
 main, orderly and law-abiding, the vicious and criminal element was not 
 lacking. The courts in olden times had to deal with all manner of offences 
 against person and property. The scarcity of money was a great tempta- 
 tion to counterfeiters, who were willing to brave the severe penalties 
 attached to the crime in the hope of acquiring great wealth with little 
 effort. In 1770, one Thomas Walton was accused of counterfeiting, was 
 tried before the court in Springfield and convicted. Nathan Dickinson of 
 Amherst, who entered the complaint against Walton, thereupon petitioned 
 for the reward offered by the commonwealth for the conviction of such 
 offenders, his petition reading as follows : 
 
 •' To the Hon" Thomas Hutchinson Esq Lt Gov. & Commander in chief over 
 his Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England and the Hon l,le his 
 Majesty's Council at Cambridge March 2o lh i770. Humbly shews Nathan Dick- 
 inson of Amherst in the County of Hampshire that on the 23 d Day of March last 
 Past he made Information to Josiah Chauncy & Simeon Strong Esq. two of his 
 Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Hampshire against one Thomas 
 Walton, charging the said Thomas with the offence of forging and counterfeiting 
 certain Pieces oi Pewti r & Other base Metals with the Resemblance of Spanish 
 Mille d Dollars the Current Coin of this Province, by means whereof the said 
 Thomas was Recognized by said Justices to appear before his Majesty's Superior 
 Courl ni Judicature court of Assize and General Goal Delivery then next to be 
 holden at Springfield within & for the County of Hampshire on the fourth Tuesday 
 of September then next at which term the said Thomas in Consequence of the 
 said Information was at the Same Term of Said Court Convicted of the same 
 by the Record of the Conviction in the same Court appears & your 
 mei then fore humbly prays that the Treasurer of the Province be impowered 
 and ordered to pay your Petitioner out of the Province Treasury the Reward and 
 Premium of ^25 according to the Laws of this Province in Such cases Provided 
 and as in Duly Bound Shall pray. 
 
 NATHAN Dickinson." 
 
INDUSTRIAL MOVEMENTS. 139' 
 
 Eleven years later, in 17S1, Ebenezer Mattoon petitioned the General 
 Court to reimburse him for the money he had paid out in journeying "from 
 Amherst to Providence, R. I. to prevent the liberating of one Firmine 
 Woods of s'd Amherst, then confined in Providence Goal for uttering & 
 passing counterfeit Eight Dollar Bills of the New Emission, which was 
 contemplated by a number of persons of suspected character of said Town, 
 one being actually sent for that purpose." The General Court allowed 
 him £'], 1 for his trouble and expense. 
 
 Soon after the ending of the Shays rebellion, a series of industrial 
 movements were inaugurated in Western Massachusetts in some of which 
 Amherst citizens were engaged and which were calculated to affect the 
 growth and prosperity of the town. The constant succession of armed 
 conflicts which, beginning with King Philip's war in 1675, had lasted with 
 little interruption for more than a century, had greatly retarded the devel- 
 opment of the resources of the Connecticut Valley. The means of 
 transportation had always been limited and unsatisfactory. Railways were 
 as yet unknown, highways were of the most primitive construction, and 
 the only water-way of importance, the Connecticut river, was robbed of 
 half its value by the existence of the falls at South Hadley and at Mon- 
 tague. In 1 792, prominent men of Berkshire and Hampshire counties, 
 among them Simeon Strong of Amherst, formed an association for the 
 purpose of constructing canals around these falls. The association was. 
 incorporated under the name of "The Proprietors of the Locks and Canals 
 on Connecticut River." A canal was built at South Hadley at great 
 expense, being two and a half miles long, much of it cut through solid 
 rock. It was the first canal of any importance built in the United States. 
 When completed, it was found that its bed was not low enough to take the 
 water from the river, but this difficulty was obviated by the construction of 
 a clam. This dam set back the water for several miles, overflowing the 
 Northampton meadows and causing an epidemic of fever, so that North- 
 ampton people had the company indicted for maintaining a nuisance ; the case 
 came to trial, the plaintiffs won their suit and the dam, save its oblique 
 section, was ordered to be torn down. Money was needed in order to 
 lower the bed of the canal, and in 1S02 the Legislature, on petition, granted 
 the proprietors a lottery for raising S2 0.000. The scheme was successful 
 and in 1S04 the lowering of the canal was completed; it was in success- 
 ful operation for many years. The canal at Turners Falls was completed 
 in 1797. 
 
 Turnpikes were built in New England at an early date in its history, 
 but did not become common in Western Massachusetts until after the close 
 of the Shays rebellion. In the latter part of the 18th century many turn- 
 pike corporations were formed in this section, among them the " Sixth 
 
n^O HISTORY OF THK TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Massachusetts Turnpike Corporation," for the purpose of building a road 
 commencing on the east line of Amherst and passing through Pelham, 
 Greenwich, Hardwick, New Braintree, ( )akham, Rutland, Holden and 
 Worcester, " to the great road in Shrewsbury leading from New York to 
 Boston." 
 
 In the statistics gi\ r en for the year 1784, it will be noted that Amherst 
 reported its stock in trade as valued at only ^,"162. This would indicate 
 a small development of mercantile or other business. Yet Amherst had 
 as many country stores as was customary for towns of its size, stores whose 
 stock of goods was as miscellaneous in character, if not as large in volume, 
 as those of the modern "department emporiums." Some of these stores 
 were developed from taverns, while the greater number of them had liquors 
 as a part of their regular stock in trade. Such a thing as a " cash business " 
 would have been impossible in the earlier years, and trade and barter 
 usurped the place of buying and selling to a large degree. From a review 
 of trade in Amherst in 18 15, written 72 years afterward by an old resident 
 of the town, the following facts of interest are gathered. In 181401- there- 
 about James Kellogg established himself as a merchant at East Amherst. 
 He built the brick house now standing near the school-house, and opened 
 a store in the south part while his family occupied the north part. He 
 continued in business there about ten years, when he closed it out and 
 bought a farm at South Amherst, where he opened a small dry-goods and 
 grocery store which he conducted in connection with his farming operations. 
 Later on, he established a hardware business, engaging in the manufacture 
 of joiners' tools in that part of the town now known as " Kelloggville." 
 At the center of the town in 1815, H. Wright Strong kept a store at the 
 upper corner of what is now known as Phoenix Row ; one of his clerks 
 was Luke Sweetser, who afterwards became one of the best known and 
 most successful of Amherst's merchants. Across the street, on the oppo- 
 site corner, was a building occupied by Jay White as a dry-goods and 
 grocery store. Further north, near Mt. Pleasant, was a store conducted by 
 Morton Dickinson. 
 
 There was a store at East Amherst near where stands the one now 
 conducted by George E. Thayer. This was owned by "('apt." Dyer, who 
 in 1818 sold out to Asahel Thayer, the latter continuing the business until 
 1834, when he engaged with Lyman Knowles in carriage manufacturing. 
 A little to the north was a small store occupied by John Hunt, while across 
 the street was one built about 1822 and occupied by Hubbard <!v Lamb. 
 The latter continued in business a few years and then sold out to L. M. 
 Hills. About the year 1824 a store was started at South Amhersl by 
 Philip L. ( ioss, and one at North Amherst by Emerson Marsh. 
 
OLD ELM NEAR JOHN M. HYDE S. 
 
AMHERST AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS CENTURY. 1 41 
 
 Prof. William S. Tyler's History of Amherst College contains in one 
 of its opening chapters an interesting sketch of the center village of 
 Amherst as it appeared in the year 1800. It gives a list of the houses, 
 the names of owners, and occupants, and locations also, all matters of 
 historic interest and value. The houses at the center were all built front- 
 ing on the highways, forty rods in width ; when the streets were narrowed, 
 the land in front of the houses was enclosed, thus forming spacious "front 
 yards," such as may now be seen in front of the Cowles house on Pleasant 
 street and the Strong house at the corner of Amity and Prospect streets. . 
 The same custom prevailed at East Amherst, and Judd in his unpublished 
 mss. says that formerly there were five or six houses from 20 to 40 rods 
 east of the present East Street ; the old cellars still remained in 1S50, one 
 in the rear of John Dickinson's house on a rise of ground, one further 
 north and one or two to the south of the Pelham road. 
 
 At the beginning of the present century, Judge Simson Strong 
 owned all the land at and near the northwest and northeast corners of 
 Main and Pleasant streets, as far north as the Cowles house, and the Cole- 
 man house which then stood near the cemetery. Gen. Zebina Montague 
 owned the southeast corner, and Dr. Parsons the southwest angle except 
 the corner which was occupied, then as now, by a hotel. In 18 15. when 
 the college began to be talked of, there were not more than 25 houses in 
 the entire village. The hotel and two of the dwelling-houses, those belong- 
 ing to Tudsre Strong and Dr. Parsons, had °-ambrel roofs, a favorite stvle of 
 architecture at that time. Between the hotel and the Parsons house, which 
 stood on the brow of College hill, the only building was a school-house, 
 situated about where Hunt's block now stands. The corner now occupied- 
 bv Adams' drugstore was then the site of the house and store of H. 
 Wright Strong, until about that time the only store in town. At the east 
 end of Phoenix Row. on the site of the present Kellogg block, was the 
 house which was owned and occupied by Noah Webster from 18 12 until. 
 1S22 ; this house was burned in 1838. Further to the east was the house 
 which had recently been erected by Samuel Fowler Dickinson, the first 
 house in town to be built of brick; the old Whiting house, afterwards known; 
 as the Avers house until it was torn down in 1879, fronted on what is now 
 known as Fast Pleasant street, standing a little to the north of the barn owned: 
 bv John M. Hyde. On the east side of the common stood the Warner house 
 and the Merrill house. On Amity street was the house built by SolomoiT 
 Boltwood and afterwards occupied by Dr. Cutler. Of these houses four 
 are still standing. The " Strong " house, now occupied by Mrs. Sarah E.. 
 Emerson, was built in 1744 by Nehemiah Strong, who came to this place 
 from Northampton. It was afterwards occupied by his son. Judge 
 Simeon Strong, and then by his grandson, Simeon Strong, Jr. Itx 
 
14- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 was never occupied by Noah Webster, as has been often stated. This 
 house has never been rebuilt and presents to-day much the same appearance 
 as when it was erected, 150 years ago. The same may be said of the 
 Boltwood house, now occupied by Dr. E. B. Dickinson. The Merrill house 
 has been largely rebuilt, and is now conducted as a students' boarding 
 house by Mrs. L. E. Redding. Considerable alterations have been made 
 on the Dickinson house, now occupied by Miss Lavinia Dickinson. Such 
 was the center village of Amherst, in the year 1800, and the succeeding 
 twenty years brought with them little change. In 1820, there were about 
 forty dwellings within the radius of a mile from where the Amherst house 
 now stands. 
 
 The war of 18 12 caused hardly a ripple on the surface of affairs in 
 Amherst. The town, in common with nearly all the neighboring commu- 
 nities, was strongly opposed to the war, and at a meeting held June 29, 
 1S12, passed resolutions condemning it. A convention representing 57 
 towns in Hampshire, Hampden and Frankin counties was held at North- 
 ampton, July 14, to consult upon the war. The delegates from Amherst 
 were Ebenezer Mattoon, Samuel F. 1 Hckinson and Simeon Strong. The 
 convention organized and appointed a committee to report in regard to the 
 proper action of the convention, concerning public affairs, and then 
 adjourned to the following clay; Mr. Dickinson was a member of this com- 
 mittee, which reported that it was expedient to present a respectful memo- 
 rial to the president of the United States, praying that commissioners 
 might be forthwith appointed to negotiate a peace with Great Britain upon 
 safe and honorable terms. Mr. Dickinson was also appointed one of a 
 delegation of four to represent Hampshire county at a state convention, 
 provided similar measures should be adopted in other parts of the Com- 
 monwealth. At the time of holding this convention, Caleb Strong of 
 Northampton was governor of Massachusetts. He was a believer in a 
 strict construction of the United States constitution, and, believing that the 
 mere act of declaring war on the part of the president did not invest the 
 latter with the power to call the militia of the several states into service, 
 lie declined accession to the requisition made for Massachusetts troops, to 
 be placed at the command of the president. In this position he was sup- 
 ported by the supreme court of the state. 
 
 In the fall of 1S14, Gov. Strong issued a call for troops to repel an 
 expected invasion of the British, who had taken possession of Castine, on 
 the Penobscot, then within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and declared 
 their intention to lay waste the coasl from Maine to Georgia. Two regi- 
 ments of infantry and one of artillery were raised in Hampshire county 
 and marched to Boston. So far as can be learned but few Amherst men 
 were enrolled in any of these regiments. Enos Dickinson of South 
 
GOVERNOR STRONGS WAR. 143 
 
 Amherst was commissioned as lieutenant in one of the companies raised 
 in this vicinity. Joseph Dana and Samuel Prince went with the troops to 
 Boston. Daniel Smith served about four months in Capt. YYoodworth's 
 company stationed at Charlestown. Rev. Joshua (rosin, a trustee of 
 Amherst .Academy and, for a short time after the death of President 
 Moore, acting president of Amherst < lollege, went with the troops to Boston 
 and served as chaplain. It is stated that men were drafted from the two 
 militia organizations in Amherst to serve in the war. Dr. Seth Pish, who 
 afterwards located in Amherst, went from Shutesbury as a substitute for 
 his father, and served as cook. It is impossible to obtain from the officials, 
 either at boston or Washington, a list of the Amherst men who enlisted or were 
 drafted into the service. The troops spent some forty days in camp, were 
 reviewed by Gov. Strong on Boston common, and were afterwards dismissed 
 and sent home. They saw no active military service, and the event was 
 alluded to by wits of the time as " Gov. Strong's war." As in the French 
 and Indian war and in the war of the Revolution, so in the war of 18 12 
 the Bay Road was a favorite military highway. It was a link in the 
 great chain connecting the East with the West, and over it were hauled 
 many of the supplies for Commodore Perry's fleet on Lake Erie. It is 
 related that a team of eighteen horses was required to draw one dis- 
 mounted cannon. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI, 
 
 Origin of Amherst Academy. — Petition to the Legislature. — Act 
 
 of incorporation. llfe at the academv. mary lyon. 
 
 Academy Teachers. 
 
 For more than a quarter of a century succeeding the year that marked 
 the ending of the Shays rebellion, no event of marked interest or impor- 
 tance can be recorded of the town of Amherst or its inhabitants. A peru- 
 sal of the old town records shows that special attention was paid during 
 these years to the determination of town boundaries, the laying out of new- 
 streets and the disposal of the land remaining after the three broad high- 
 ways had been narrowed down, to property-owners adjoining. It was not 
 until 18 1 2 that the first steps were taken in an enterprise whose success 
 and development were to exert a momentous influence on the future of the 
 
144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 town. The founding of Amherst Academy, which in time was to develop 
 into Amherst College, was an event the significance of which was little 
 appreciated at the time. It marked an era in Amherst history, determining 
 the lines along which the town was to find its broadest development. 
 Amherst, even in its earlier years, was the home of learned men, therefore 
 it was but natural that they should desire for their children better educa- 
 tional advantages than were furnished by the district schools, with their 
 school-dames and masters who themselves possessed but little learning and 
 less faculty for imparting it to others, with school terms of uncertain length, 
 dependent sometimes upon the supply of firewood and always limited by 
 small appropriations. Among the earlier inhabitants who had enjoyed the 
 advantages of a college education were Dr. David Parsons, Nathaniel 
 Dickinson, Jr., Ebenezer Boltwood, Ebenezer Mattoon, Simeon Strong, 
 Rufus Cowles, Samuel Fowler Dickinson, Solomon Strong, John Dickinson 
 and Moses Dickinson. The subscription for Amherst Academy was started 
 by Samuel Fowler Dickinson and Hezekiah Wright Strong, the latter a 
 son of Judge Simeon Strong. The land on which the building was erected 
 was donated by Dr. David Parsons, who was also active in raising funds 
 for the institution and was the first president of its board of trustees. 
 Among others who were prominent in the work were Calvin Merrill, and 
 Justus Williams of South Amherst. The subscription was started in 1S12, 
 and the building erected in 18 14. The charter was not obtained until 
 18 16. The petition to the General Court and the charter granted are 
 among the manuscript archives in the state-house at Boston, and are copied 
 here entire. 
 
 PETITION FOR AMHERST ACADEMY. 
 
 ''To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Common- 
 wealth of Massachusetts, in General Court assembled, at their winter Session, A. 
 D. 1S16. 
 
 Humbly shews, 
 
 The subscribers, that they have, at an expense of about Five thousand 
 dollars, purchased in a central & commanding situation in the town of Amherst in 
 the county of Hampshire, one half acre of land, and erected thereon & thoroughly 
 finished, for the purpose of an Academy, a brick building, fifty feet long, thirty 
 eight feet wide, ec three stories high, with a cellar under the whole, one part of 
 which is used for a family kitchen. The whole is designed to accommodate two 
 schools; one for males: & the other for females: and also a family to superintend 
 the building, and keep a house for boarding. The situation is inviting, and the air 
 pure, ec the town healthy. It is also in the midst of a rich country & a nourishing 
 population, naturally centering at this place, And no town in the Commonwealth, 
 perhaps, is better situated, or offers greater encouragements for an institution of 
 this kind. Your petitioners would further state, that more than one \ ear ago they 
 established a school in this building; under the Care of a Preceptor; assisted 
 during the two summer quarters, by a Preceptress; that the average number of 
 
1SRICK SCHOOL-HOUSE ON PLEASANT STREET. 
 (Stood on Site of E. D. Bangs' Residence.) 
 
 AMHERST ACADEMY. 
 
AMHERST ACADEMY INCORPORATED. 1 45 
 
 schollars in the winter has not been less than sixty: & during the two summer 
 quarters, more than ninety. And the prospects of usefulness therefrom are such, 
 as to excite pleasing anticipations in the patrons and friends of science & useful 
 literature. But in order to secure the blessings in prospect, which the youth of 
 both sexes so much need ; and the good of society so much requires, funds and 
 the public patronage of the Government are necessary. Your Petitioners, therefore, 
 respectfully ask the assistance of the Legislature, to aid them in their benevolent 
 designs of educating, and training to usefulness the rising generation. And they 
 humbly pray that their school may be established by Law. as an Academy : under 
 the care of such Trustees, as the Legislature shall see fit to appoint: with such 
 endowments as the Government have equally bestowed on institutions of this kind. 
 And as an inducement therefor, Your Petitioners offer to release, and do hereby 
 release, each for himself, all his right, title & interest, in & to the land & buildings 
 above mentioned; with all their appurtenances : to such Trustees as the Legislature 
 may appoint: to be used forever as an Academy. & for no other purpose. And as 
 in duty bound will ever pray. 
 
 David Parsons, Samuel F. Dickinson, 11. Wright Strong, 
 
 Elijah Clark, Rufus Cowls, Joseph Church, Jr., 
 
 Henry Weeks, Calvin Merrill, Thomas Hastings, Jr., 
 
 Enos Baker, Elijah Boltwood, Justus Williams, Jr., 
 
 Robert Cutler, William Neill, Sylvanus Church." 
 
 Amherst. January 17. 1S16. 
 
 BILL FOR ESTABLISHING AMHERST ACADEMY. 
 
 "Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
 
 In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. 
 
 An act to establish an Academy in the town of Amherst, in the County of 
 Hampshire. 
 
 Whereas sundry persons, inhabitantsof Amherstin the County of Hampshire, 
 
 have, at the expense of five thousand dollars, erected a suitable building for an 
 
 my in said town, ec have procured an able Instructor to teach the usual 
 
 Academical branches of learning: & it appears that said town is a suitable place 
 
 for such an institution — 
 
 Sect. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate & House of Representatives, in General 
 Court assembled, ec by the authority of the same. That there be and hereby is 
 establish' 1 in the town of Amherst, an Academy, by the name of Amherst A cadc7ny, 
 for the purpose of promoting morality, piety & religion. & for the instruction of 
 youth in the learned languages, & in such arts & sciences as are usually taught in 
 other Academies, or as shall be directed by the Trustees, and David Pai 
 Nathan Perkins, Samuel F. Dickinson, Hezekiah W. Strong, Rufus Cowls, Calvin 
 Merrill. Noah Webster, John Woodbridge. James Taylor, Nathaniel Smith, Josiah 
 Dwight, Rufus Graves, Winthrop Bailey, Experience Porter & Elijah Gridley, be 
 & hereby are incorporated into a body politic by the name of the Trustees of 
 Amherst Academy, &. that they and their successors shall be & continue a body 
 politic & corporate by the same name forever. 
 
 Sect. 2. Be it further enacted, that all moneys, lands, or other property 6c 
 
 things already given or which shall be hereafter given, granted, devised, bequeathed, 
 
 transferred or assigned to the said Trustees, for the purpose aforesaid, shall be and 
 
 are hereby confirmed to the said Trustees cc to theirsuccessors in that trust forever : 
 
 10 
 
T46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 And that the said trustees may have & hold in fee simple, by gift, grant, devise, 
 bequest, or otherwise any lands, tenements, hereditaments or other estate real or per- 
 sonal — -provided the annual income thereof shall not exceed the sum oi five- 
 thousand dollars; and may sell & dispose of the same & apply the interest, rents 
 & profits thereof in such manner as to promote the end & design of said institution. 
 
 Sect. 3. Be it further enacted, That the said Trustees shall have power, from 
 time to time, to elect such officers of the said Academy as they shall judge neces- 
 sary. & to fix the terms of their respective offices; to remove any Trustee from 
 the corporation, when, in their opinion, he shall be incapable by reason of age, or 
 otherwise, of discharging the duties of his office ; to fill all vacancies in said 
 corporation, by electing such persons for trustees as they shall think suitable ; to 
 determine the times & places of their meetings, the manner of notifying the 
 Trustees, & the method of removing & electing Trustees : to prescribe the powers 
 & duties of their several officers; to appoint preceptors of the said Academy, to 
 determine their powers & duties, & to fix the tenures of their offices & to make 
 and ordain rules and orders, with reasonable penalties, for the good government of 
 said Academy, not repugnant to the laws of the commonwealth. 
 
 Sect. 4. Be it further enacted, That the said Trustees may have a common 
 seal, which they may, at pleasure, break, alter & renew; and that all deeds signed 
 & sealed with this seal, delivered and acknowledged by the Treasurer or Secretary 
 of said corporation by order of the said Trustees, shall be good and valid in law; 
 and that the said Trustees may sue & be sued, in all actions, real, personal & mixed, 
 & prosecute or defend the same to final judgment & execution, by the name of the 
 Trustees of Amherst Academy. 
 
 Sect. 5. Be it further enacted, That the number of said Trustees shall not. at 
 one time, be more than fifteen or less than nine: & five of them shall constitute a 
 quorum for transacting business. 
 
 Sect. 6. [This is crossed out in the mss. copy.] Be it further enacted. That 
 there be & hereby is granted to the said Trustees & their successors forever, for 
 the sole use & benefit of the said Academy ; one half a township of six miles square, 
 of the unappropriated land belonging to this Commonwealth, in the District of 
 Maine, excepting the ten townships on Penobscot River, to he laid out & assigned 
 by the committee for the sale of Eastern lands, under the restrictions & regulations 
 made in similar grants. 
 
 Sect. 6. Be it further enacted, That the Rev d David Parsons be & herebv is 
 authorized to appoint the time & place for holding the first meeting of the said 
 Trustees, & to give them notice thereof, in such manner as he shall judge expedient." 
 
 Such was the humble beginning of an educational institution destined 
 to become famous throughout Massachusetts and New England. The 
 academy building, constructed of brick, three stories in height, with a small 
 towei- in the center of the roof and spacious chimneys at the east and west 
 ends, stood on the site now occupied by the Amity-street school building. 
 It was. at the time of its erection, considered an imposing structure. It 
 was built in [814, but was not dedicated until the following year. With 
 the exception of the Hopkins grammar school at 1 1 ad ley, Amherst Academy 
 would seem to have been the first institution devoted to classical education 
 established in the present limits of Hampshire county. Gov. Edward 
 
EARLY YEARS AT THE ACADEMY. 1 47 
 
 Hopkins of Connecticut died in 1657 : from his estate the town of Hadley 
 received ^"308, 01, n, to be devoted, according to the terms of his will, 
 "to give some encouragement in those foreign plantations for the breeding 
 of hopeful youths both at the grammar school, and college, for the public 
 service of the country in future times."' The Hopkins school received 
 pupils early as 1667. It was conducted for some time as an English 
 school ; just when the grammar school began its work cannot be exactly 
 determined. Hopkins Academy, in which the school was merged, was 
 not incorporated until 1816. the same year that Amherst Academy received 
 its charter. Sheldon Academy at Southampton was not chartered until 
 1828 ; Williston Seminary at Easthampton was opened for the admission 
 of students in 1841 ; Mount Holyoke Female Seminary at South Hadley 
 received pupils in 1837. 
 
 Amherst Academy was prosperous from its beginning. It opened 
 with more students than any other academy in Western Massachusetts, 
 and soon attracted pupils from every part of New England ; it had at one 
 time ninety pupils in the ladies' department and quite as many, usually 
 more, in the gentleman's department. The early records of the institution 
 were burned in 1838. In Prof. William S. Tyler's History of Amherst 
 College, published in 1873, are interesting sketches of the academy, which 
 are here reprinted. They give an outline of the work carried on and 
 suggest the moral and religious influences that surrounded the students. 
 The first is by Miss Sarah S. Strong, a daughter of H. Wright Strong, 
 who became a teacher in the academy at the age of 16 : 
 
 " Under the government and instruction of such superior teachers, the academy 
 obtained a reputation second to none in the state, and indeed the ladies' depart- 
 ment was in advance of the same department in other institutions, as might be 
 shown by a simple comparison of the studies pursued and text-books in use by the 
 young ladies. Among these may be specified chemistry, which was then just 
 beginning to be studied in schools outside of colleges, but was taught in Amherst 
 Academy with lectures and experiments by Prof. Graves, who had been lecturer on 
 chemistry in Dartmouth College, rhetoric, logic, history, Paley's moral philosophy. 
 Playfair's Euclid, Stewart's philosophy, Enfield's natural philosophy, Herschell's 
 astronomy with the calculation and projection of eclipses, Latin, French, etc. On 
 Wednesday afternoons all the scholars were assembled in the upper hall for 
 reviews, declamations, compositions and exercises in reading in which both gentle- 
 men and ladies participated. Spectators were admitted and were often present in 
 large numbers, among whom Dr. Parsons and Mr. Webster, president and vice- 
 president of the board of trustees, might usually be seen, and often the lawyers, 
 physicians, and other educated men of the place. Not unfrequently gentlemen 
 from out of town were present, as for instance Dr. Packard, who early became a 
 trustee, and was much interested in the prosperity of the institution. Once a year, 
 at the close of the fall term in October, the old meeting-house was fitted up with a 
 stage and strange to tell in the staid town of Amherst, where dancing was tabooed 
 
148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 and cards never dared show themselves, reverend divines went with lawyers and 
 doctors, and all classes of their people to the house of God to witness a theatrical 
 exhibition !" 
 
 The second is by Rev. Nahum Gould, a graduate of the Academy, 
 
 and of Amherst College in the class of 1825 : 
 
 " I came to Amherst in the spring of 1S19 and studied in preparation for college 
 under the direction of Joseph Estabrook and Gerard Hallock. The principal's 
 salary was $800 per annum, and Miss Sarah Strong's $20 a month. I found the piety 
 of the students far in advance of my own. Perhaps there never was a people that 
 took such deep interest in the welfare of students. None need leave on account 
 of pecuniarv embarrassments. Tuition was free to any pious student who was 
 preparing for the gospel ministry. Board was one dollar a week, and if this could 
 not be afforded, there were families ready to take students for little services which 
 they might render in their leisure hours. Their liberality was spoken of through 
 the land, and it was an inducement to persons of limited means, preparing for the 
 ministry, to come to Amherst. To such the church prayer-meeting in the village 
 was a school as well as a place for devotion. Daniel A. Clark, the pastor, was 
 greatly beloved by the students. Noah Webster resided here preparing his dic- 
 tionarv. He took an interest in the academy and opened his doors for an occasional 
 reception, which we prized very highly. Col. Graves was a successful agent for the 
 academy and a help to the students. Mr. Kstabrook was well qualified for his 
 station. Mr. Hallock was a scholar and a gentleman. It was a pleasant task to 
 manage a school where there were so many pious students seeking qualifications 
 for usefulness, who felt that they were in the right place and were establishing a 
 Christian character of high standing." 
 
 For the first ten or twelve years of its existence, the academy received 
 pupils of both sexes; this was long before the era of woman's colleges, 
 and the only avenue open to young women in search of a higher education 
 was found in the " select family schools " which were a feature of New 
 England's educational system from an early date. Among the students at 
 Amherst Academy in 182 1 was a young woman who, later on, was to solve 
 an educational problem for her sex in such successful fashion as to win for 
 h :rself fame and the' gratitude of generations yet unborn. That pupil was 
 Mary Lyon, who was thus described by the lady principal : "Uncultivated 
 in mind and manners, of large physique, twenty-three or twenty-four years 
 of age, and receiving her first impulse in education. Sin- commenced with 
 grammar and geography, and was soon advanced to rhetoric and logic. 
 1 laving a comprehensive mind and being very assiduous in her studies, she 
 improved rapidly." Mary Lyon was born in Buckland, Feb. 28, 1797. 
 Her parents were in humble circumstances, unable to afford her more than 
 
 rdinary schooling of the time, but she was ambitious and determined 
 by her own exertions to gain as liberal an education as the times would 
 permit. At Amherst Academy she found sympathy and aid ; itwas, doubt- 
 Tile engaged in her studies here that she conceived the idea of 
 founding an institution of learning which should be self-supporting, yet 
 
TEACHERS AND PUPILS. 1 49 
 
 " where expenses should be so moderate as not to debar those of limited 
 means, and advantages so great that the wealthy could find none superior 
 elsewhere." Mount Holyoke Seminary, the pioneer institution in Massa- 
 chusetts of higher education for females, owes its being to Mary Lyon and 
 to the education and training she received at the old Amherst Academy. 
 
 A list of the men who fitted for college and for business at Amherst 
 Academy, if such could be compiled, would contain the names of many 
 who became famous in after life. It was among the first of the great 
 college preparatory schools, attracting pupils from all over New England. 
 The reputation and success of its classical department became so great 
 that in time the female department was abolished, and the entire energies 
 of the institution were directed toward the preparation of young men for 
 entrance to college. For many years after the change was made there 
 were usually from seventy-five to one hundred students in the classical 
 department. The academy prospered greatly, and, during the days of 
 depression at Phillips Academy at Andover, and before the founding of 
 Williston Seminary, was, without doubt, the leading academical institution 
 in Massachusetts. 
 
 The period of its decline began soon after the founding of Williston 
 Seminary. The establishment of high schools in many towns, and the rise of 
 normal schools, drew largely from its attendance, and although it retained 
 the services of superior teachers and returned to the admission of both 
 sexes in order to increase the number of its students, it became gradually 
 more and more of a local institution being finally superseded by the Amherst 
 high school. The old academy building was torn down in 1S68, to make 
 way for the Amity-street school-building. 
 
 In Miss Strong's sketch of the academy, before referred to, allusion 
 is made to the " superior teachers " that the academy employed. Among 
 these teachers in the earlier years were Francis Bascom, Joseph Estabrook, 
 John L. Parkhurst, Gerard Hallock. Zenas Clapp, David Green andEben- 
 ezerS. Snell. At a later date, among the principals and assistant teachers 
 were Elijah Paine, Solomon Maxwell, Story Hebard, Robert E. Patterson, 
 William P. Paine. William Thompson, Simeon Colton, William S. Tyler, 
 Evangelinus Sophocles, Ebenezer Burgess, George C. Partridge, Nahum 
 Gale and Lyman Coleman. Among the lady teachers, while the academy 
 was co-educational, were Lucy Douglas. Orra White, Mary Ann Field, 
 Sarah S. Strong and Hannah Shepard. These names, and much of the 
 information in regard to the academy, are gathered from Professor Tyler's 
 History of Amherst College. Professor Tyler was a teacher in the academy 
 for one year after his graduation from Amherst College in 1830. He took 
 a deep interest in the academy, not alone from its work, but from its intimate 
 relationship to the college to which he has devoted his life-work. 
 
5° 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Old-Time Catalogs. — Amherst Students at the Academy. — Academy 
 Laws. — Officers of the Corporation. — Principals and 
 Instructors. — Courses of Study. 
 
 From the pages of the academy catalogs much interesting and valu- 
 able information concerning the institution is gained. The earliest catalog 
 known to be in existence bears elate of 1S1S. It is a single sheet of paper, 
 a copy of which, framed, is preserved in the town library. It gives a list 
 of trustees, the same as named in the act of incorporation, save that the 
 names of H. W. Strong, John Wbodbridge and Josiah Dwight are omitted, 
 and the names of Joshua Crosby, John Fish and Edward Whipple are 
 added. John L. Parkhurst, A. M., was the principal preceptor, Edward 
 Dickinson, A. P., assistant preceptor, and Miss Lucy L. Douglas, precep- 
 tress. The list of pupils numbered 152, of whom 76 were " masters '' and 
 76 "misses." The Amherst names included in this list were as follows : 
 
 Osmyn Baker, 
 Porter Cowls. 
 Appleton Dickinson, 
 William Dickinson, 
 George W. Graves, 
 Chauncy Merrill, 
 Warren Putnam, 
 William B. Stetson, 
 Simeon E. Strong, 
 George White, 
 Dorothy Baker, 
 Marchia A. Banister. 
 Achsah Clark, 
 Abigal Dexter. 
 Lucinda Dickinson. 
 .Mary Ann Dickinson. 
 
 I [epzibah Eastman, 
 .Martha .M.Graves. 
 Fanny Mattoon, 
 
 I I arriet Montague, 
 Sophia W. Parsons, 
 Abigail Robbins, 
 Sarah Smith. 2d. 
 Sarah S. Strong, 
 
 I l.mnah Whiting, 
 
 Aaron Church, 
 Robert Cutler, 
 Edward Dickinson, 
 Oliver H. Dunbar, 
 Frederic W. Graves, 
 George Montague, 
 
 I Iamilton Smith. 
 Charles L. Strong, 
 Wright Strong, 
 Frederick Williams, 
 Joanna Baker, 
 Dolly Bixbee, 
 Mercy Cooley, 
 Caroline Dickinson, 
 Lucretia Dickinson, 
 Nancy Dickinson, 
 Mary Franklin, 
 Mary Ann ( 1 raves, 
 Lucy Merrill, 
 Eliza Nelson. 
 
 I I arriet Perkins, 
 Achsah Smith, 
 Frances Strong, 
 Fliza S. Webster, 
 Mary Ann Williams, 
 
 Moses Church, 
 Julius A. Dewey. 
 Friend Dickinson, 
 John Eastman. Jr., 
 Frederic Joy, 
 Thomas G. Perkins, 
 Elijah D. Strong, 
 William G. Webster, 
 Stephen Weeks, 
 Azubah D. Bangs, 
 Harriet Boltwood, 
 Irene Cowls. 
 Fanny Dickinson, 
 Mary Dickinson. 
 Thankful F. Dickinson, 
 Martha Forbush, 
 Clarissa Kellogg, 
 Nancy Merrill, 
 Sophia Nelson, 
 I [arriet Phillips, 
 Sarah Smith, 
 Mary Strong. 
 Polly Weeks. 
 
ACADEMY LAWS. 
 
 151 
 
 From this list it will be seen that 73 pupils, or nearly one-half the 
 entire number, had their homes in Amherst. Of the remainder, a majority 
 were residents of Massachusetts towns; a few came from Vermont and 
 Connecticut, one each from Virginia and Canada. The "quarters'" began 
 on the fourth Wednesday of May, August, November and February ; there 
 was a vacation of one week at the end of each quarter except the one 
 beginning in November, at the end of which there was a two-weeks' 
 vacation. 
 
 The " Laws of Amherst Academy," published in 1827, contain a 
 number of interesting provisions. Every student on admission to the 
 academy received a printed copy of the laws, charged in his term bill, and 
 was obliged to sign the following agreement: " I hereby promise that I 
 will observe all the laws and regulations, made by the Government for the 
 Students of this Academy.'* If any student unnecessarily neglected 
 attendance on religious exercises, he was held liable to reproof, privately 
 or before his class, and in case he persisted in such neglect he might be 
 suspended or dismissed. The study hours, from April to October, were 
 from 8-30 a. m. to 12. and from 2 to 5 p. M.; from October to April, from 
 9 a. m. to 12, from 1-30 to 4-30 i". M. and 7 to 9 P. M. No scholar could 
 be absent from his room after 9 P. M. without permission of the instructors. 
 Every student was held accountable for injury done by him to the academy 
 building and its appurtenances, and if the offender could not be discovered 
 the sum was assessed equally on all the students and charged in the term 
 bills. If any student should leave the school, or go out of town without 
 obtaining permission of the instructors, he was subject to a fine of one 
 dollar and a like sum for every week he was absent. Students were not 
 permitted to drink wine, spirits or liquors of any kind at any tavern or inn 
 in town, or to keep such articles in their rooms, or to indulge in their use 
 at any time, on penalty of admonition for the first offence and suspension 
 or expulsion for the second. They were also prohibited, under like penal- 
 ties, from using any fire-arm in the town, "either in shooting at game or at 
 mark, or for amusement in any manner." 
 
 The catalog of 1827 shows a number of changes in the board of 
 trustees ; the officers of the corporation were : President, Rev. Joshua 
 Crosby : vice-president. Rev. Royal Washburn ; secretary, Rufus Graves, 
 Esq.; treasurer, Lucius Boltwood, Esq.; auditor, Martin Thayer. Solomon 
 Maxwell. A. M., and R. Everett Pattison. A. B. were asociate principals, 
 and William P. Paine, A. B., assistant. The members of the examining 
 committee were Rev. Royal Washburn. Rev. James Taylor, Rev. Lyman 
 Coleman. Rev. Lemuel P. Bates, Prof. Nathan W. Fiske, Prof. Solomon 
 Peck. The students' names were arranged in three divisions, under the 
 following headings: " In the Languages," " School Teachers," "English 
 
IS 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Studies." The number of students in the languages was 45, school teachers 
 22, in English studies 25, a total of 92 ; at this time there were no females 
 in the institution. The course of instruction in the English department 
 in< luded reading, grammar, declamation, rhetoric and composition, ancient 
 and modern geography, sacred geography, general history, history of the 
 United States, intellectual and written arithmetic, algebra, conversations on 
 natural philosophy, conversations on chemistry, moral philosophy, intellec- 
 tual philosophy, practical mathematics, including navigation, surveying, 
 mensuration and astronomical calculations. The class of school teachers, 
 in addition to their other studies, received a course of familiar lectures on 
 the subject of school teaching. Class reviews were held weekly by the 
 instructors, with general reviews at the close of each term by the examin- 
 ing committee. The vacations at the end of each quarter had been length- 
 ened to two weeks. The catalog of 1829 announced that " In the rear of 
 the building there has been erected a good Gymnastic Apparatus for 
 healthful exercise." 
 
 In 1832, Rev. Simeon -M. Colton, A. M. was principal, Ebenezer Bur- 
 gess, A. !>., assistant, and John H. Wright, Rufus Allen and Isaac F. 
 Holton "assistants and students." In the classical department there were 
 92 students, in the English 79, in the teachers' department 32. The 
 academical year consisted of four quarters of eleven weeks each, begin- 
 ning in September, three weeks from the fourth Wednesday in August. 
 The vacations were as follows: From the fourth Wednesday in August, 
 three weeks ; from the last Wednesday in November, two weeks ; from the 
 first Wednesday in April, three weeks. The aim of the teachers' depart- 
 ment was to fit young men to take charge of primary schools. The catalog 
 "recommended that, in addition to his classical books, each scholar be 
 furnished with a bible, and with Webster's or Walker's 8 vo, edition of 
 the pronouncing and defining dictionary." The tuition in the English 
 department was $4 per quarter, in the teachers' or classical department $5, 
 "together with a charge of 12^ cents per quarter for Contingencies." It 
 is evident that "contingencies " did not form as important or extravagant 
 an item in student expenses as at the present time. board could be 
 obtained near the academy at from 75 cents to Si. 75 per week. The prin- 
 cipal was willing to take any number of young lads to board with him, 
 and to defray all the ordinary expenses connected with board and tuition, 
 except wood, for Si 10 per year, exclusive of vacations. 
 
 In [83 |, the corporation had no president ; Prof. Samuel M. Worcester 
 was secretary, Lucius Boltwood, Esq. treasurer and Hon. John Leland 
 auditor. Amos Bullard, \r., A. 1!., was principal and Horatio Bryant and 
 Daniel II. Forbes assistants. The tea (hers' department had been changed 
 to a teachers' class, formed in the fall term ; in the classical department 
 
TEXT BOOKS IN USE. 1 53 
 
 there were 61 students, in the English department 91. The catalog states 
 that "' A new Apparatus has been procured for the benefit of the Academy," 
 but neglects to define its nature. 
 
 In 1S39. Rev. Nathan Perkins was president of the corporation. Rev. 
 Josiah Bent vice-president, Lucius Boltwood. Esq. secretary and Hon. Itha- 
 mar ( 'onkey treasurer. The academy had again adopted the co-educational 
 feature. NahumGale, A. 1!. was principal ; Edwin E. bliss. A. B., teacher of 
 languages; William (). Gotham, A. B., teacher of sacred music: John \Y. 
 Ray. teacher of penmanship ; Miss Emeline S. Gale, preceptress ; Miss Eliza 
 M. Judkins, teacher of drawing and painting ; Miss Hannah E. Maynard, 
 assistant teacher of mathematics. The students in the different depart- 
 ments were separated into two divisions; in the classical department were 
 40 male students, in the English department 74, in the female department 
 103. Five of the students in the first division of the classical department 
 are marked as " in college;" the text-books in use by the first division in 
 the English department included, among others, Olmsted's " Natural 
 Philosophy," Abercrombie on "The Intellectual bowers," Paley's "Natural 
 Theology," Goodrich's " Ecclesiastical History," Alexander's " Evidences 
 of Christianity." Hedges' "Logic," Karnes' '-Elements of Criticism," 
 Wayland's " Moral Science," and -'Analysis of Paradise Lost." Members 
 of the school were required to give particular attention to orthography and 
 reading; the text-books were Porter's " Rhetorical Reader" and Young's 
 " Night Thoughts." A " valuable library " belonged to the academy, from 
 which scholars were permitted to take books on payment of a small tax. 
 There was a weekly Bible lesson in which all took part. There was an 
 extra charge of $2 per term for instruction in surveying, and a like sum 
 for French. A course of 15 lessons in penmanship, including stationery, 
 cost 50 cents. Board in private families had advanced to S2 per week, 
 with a charge of 25 cents per dozen for washing. Young gentlemen 
 boarding at the Academy club could obtain board exclusive of room-rent 
 for $1.17 per week; rooms furnished for two occupants could be hired for 
 50 cents per week. 
 
 In 1S42, William W. Whipple was principal of the academy. Miss 
 Helen Humphrey preceptress, Daniel Temple, Jr. teacher of French, and 
 Miss Eliza M. Judkins teacher of drawing, painting and penmanship. 
 There were 67 pupils in the classical course and 123 in the English: of 
 these, 20, three young gentlemen and 17 young ladies, were studying 
 French. All pupils were expected regularly to attend morning and evening- 
 prayers in the hall and public worship at one. of the churches in the village 
 on the Sabbath. There was a literary society connected with the academy 
 which held weekly meetings. Pupils could attend, without charge, the 
 lectures of the professors in Amherst College. 
 
154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In 1845, Rev. Joseph Yaill was president of the corporation, Leonard 
 Humphrey, A. B.,was principal. James Humphrey assistant, Louis P.Ledoux 
 teacher of French, Miss Elizabeth ('. Adams preceptress for the fall and 
 winter terms and Miss Rebecca M. Woodbridge preceptress for the spring 
 and summer terms. In the classical department were 56 pupils, 37 males 
 and 19 females; in the English department 56 pupils, 23 males and ^^ 
 females. Of the whole number, 112, 79 had homes in Amherst and most 
 of the remainder came from towns near by. In 1848, the catalog contained 
 the following announcement : " A favorable opportunity, it is believed, is 
 offered to those who desire a thorough acquaintance with the French 
 language. Mons. Tribur, a native, and till within a few years, a resident of 
 France, has a high reputation as a Teacher of the French, German and 
 Italian languages." 
 
 In 1850, Samuel N, White was principal, Miss Anna B. White precep- 
 tress, Miss A. Juliette Chamberlain teacher of French, and George N. 
 Webber teacher of Latin and Greek. In the classical department were 47 
 pupils, 15 males and 32 females; in the English department 95 pupils, 62 
 males and 33 females. Of the whole number, 142, 91 had homes in 
 Amherst. The catalog was for the fall and winter terms, and previous to 
 the opening of the spring term the academy building was to be "thoroughly 
 repaired within and without, and made in all respects, not only convenient, 
 but pleasant and tasteful." The summer term had been shortened from 
 eleven weeks to nine, the summer vacation being correspondingly length- 
 ened to four weeks. The charge for tuition per term was, for the common 
 English branches, $3 ; for the higher English branches, $4 ; for Latin and 
 Greek, $4 ; for French in connection with other studies, $5. Penciling and 
 crayon-drawing were charged extra. A charge of from one to two shillings 
 per term was thereafter to be made "to defray in part the expense incurred 
 for fuel for the public rooms and other contingencies." 
 
 In [858, Rev. Joseph Yaill. I). 1)., was president of the corporation,. 
 John S. Adams. Esq., secretary, and Hon. Ithamar Conkey treasurer. 
 Other members of the board of trustees were Hon. Edward Dickinson, 
 Lucius Boltwood, Esq., Rev. William A. Stearns, 1 ). ])., Rev. Edward S. 
 Dwight, Rev. C. L. Wbodworth, Rev. David Eastman, Prof. William S. 
 Tyler, I). 1 >., Rev. James L.Merrick, Dea. Moses 1'.. Greene. Selah 
 Frisbee was principal, Miss Fliza ( '. Haskell preceptress. Miss Henrietta 
 F. Shumway assistant in the fall term and Miss Harriet K. Clark assistant 
 in the winter term. In the classical department were 72 pupils, 35 males 
 and 37 females; in the English department 70 pupils, 32 males and 38 
 females. The academic year was divided into three terms, one of thirteen 
 weeks, one of fourteen, one of fifteen. The spring term began April 21, 
 the tall term Aug. 25, the winter term December 8. The tuition was the 
 
PRESI DEINTS OF 
 
 P AM M & RST9 
 COLLEO E 
 
ORIGIN OF \MIIKK.M' COLLEGE. 
 
 same for any or all branches taught. For a term of 14 weeks, those who 
 came from a distance and hired board were charged S7: for others, the 
 tuition varied from $7 to $10, according to the number of scholars. 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 Origin of Amhersi College. — The Charity Fund. — Convention op 
 Churches. — Negi m \ m ins wi ih Williams ( a illege. — First 
 College Building Erected. — Noah Webster's Address. 
 
 From Amherst Academy, in fullness of time, came Amherst College. 
 In laying the foundations of the academy, the Rev. David Parsons and his 
 associates were wise beyond their own knowledge. It is not impossible 
 that some among their number may have seen, with prophetic vision, in the 
 one-half acre of ground and the three-story building of brick, dedicated to 
 the promotion of ''morality, piety and religion "' and to "the instruction of 
 youth in the learned languages," an opening chrysalis from which was to 
 emerge in time the college set upon a hill, with its broad lands and noble 
 buildings and its motto, bravely conceived and faithfully interpreted, ••Terras 
 Irradient." Certain it is that in 18 17. one year after the academy charter 
 was obtained, important measures were undertaken to add to its usefulness 
 and efficacy and to extend the field of its labors. The trustees, at a meet- 
 ing held Nov. iS, 18 17, adopted a project formed by Rufus Graves, Esq., 
 to add to the usefulness of the academy by raising a fund for the gratuitous 
 instruction of "indigent young men of promising talents and hopeful piety, 
 who shall manifest a desire to obtain a liberal education with a sole view 
 to the Christian ministry.'* This "charity fund," as it was afterwards 
 designated, was the corner-stone in the foundation of Amherst College. 
 
 The history of Amherst College has been written by one. himself so 
 thoroughly identified with the institution, so familiar with all its interests, 
 so conversant with all the facts relating to it. that another, working along 
 the same lines, must needs at every point lay himself open to the charge of 
 repetition if not of plagiarism. The History of Amherst College, written by 
 Prof. W. S. Tyler and published in 1873, is so accurate and complete as to 
 stand a barrier in the way of one who would attempt original writing in the 
 same field. Yet a history of Amherst town, with Amherst College omitted, 
 would be so unsatisfactory, so far from complete, as not to be contemplated 
 
156 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 -even for an instant. For the necessarily brief sketch of the beginnings of 
 the college and its earlier history, which follows, the writer gratefully 
 acknowledges his indebtedness to Professor Tyler. 
 
 Especial attention is given in these pages to the part, a large and 
 honorable one, taken by citizens of Amherst in the founding of the college. 
 It is a child of the town, for, although the people of all Western Massa- 
 chusetts were interested in it and subscribed liberally to its charity fund, 
 it was the eloquence and convincing logic of an Amherst man, Samuel 
 Fowler Dickinson, that finally secured to the town the location of the 
 college; it was an Amherst man, Elijah Dickinson, who donated the land 
 for the site of the college buildings ; it was a group of Amherst men, 
 headed by Rev. David Parsons, who became personally responsible for a 
 balance of $15,000 necessary to raise the charity fund to the sum of 
 $50,000 as guaranteed by its constitution. The town and the college have 
 been closely associated since the latter was first founded ; there has been 
 a recognized community of interest which has been of mutual benefit. 
 
 As early as 1762, thirty years before the incorporation of Williams 
 College, the need of a collegiate institution in the Connecticut valley had 
 become apparent to many, and measures had been taken for the founding 
 of such an institution in Hampshire county. The General Court, in 1762, 
 in answer to a petition signed by many inhabitants of the county, brought 
 in a bill for establishing " an Academy in the western parts of this 
 Province," which passed to be engrossed but was finally lost. Francis 
 Barnard, at that time governor of the Province, made out a charter incor- 
 porating Israel Williams and eleven others "" a body politic by the name of 
 the President and Fellows of Queen's College." The college was to be 
 located in Northampton, Hatfield or Hadley. This charter, owing to the 
 strenuous opposition of Harvard College, was never issued, but a building 
 was erected at Hatfield, known for many years as " Queen's College." 
 At a meeting of the Franklin county association of ministers, held in 
 Shelburnein 1:815, there was a discussion as to whether a college would be 
 likely to flourish in some central town of old Hampshire county, and as to 
 what town would be most eligible as a site for such an institution. The 
 body were agreed that a college thus located would be most desirable, 
 and that the town of Amherst was the most suitable place in which to 
 establish it. This is the first associated action on record looking toward 
 the establishment of a college at Amherst: it is especially notable as 
 coming from outside the town and county. 
 
 The original aim of the promoters of the charity fund was the estab- 
 lishment at Amherst Academy of a professorship of languages, with a 
 permanent salary equal to the importance and dignity of such an office. 
 The committee appointed to solicit subscriptions soon discovered that the 
 
CONSTITUTION OF THE CHARITY FUND. I 57 
 
 object was too limited to attract public sympathy or aid ; they therefore 
 determined to enlarge their plan, and accordingly framed and reported a 
 ''constitution and system of by-laws for raising and managing a permanent 
 Charity Fund as the basis of an Institution in Amherst, in the county of 
 Hampshire, for the classical education of indigent young men of piety and 
 talents, for the Christian ministry." This report was accepted by the board 
 of trustees of Amherst Academy at a meeting held Aug. 18, 1818. The 
 constitution thus adopted was drawn up by Rufus Craves. Esq., one of the 
 incorporators of the Academy ; it was submitted to Jeremiah Mason and 
 Daniel Webster, and both pronounced it a legal instrument, binding in law 
 on the subscribers to the fund. Among its provisions was one for the 
 incorporation of Williams College with the proposed institution, should it 
 be thought expedient to remove the college to Hampshire county. The 
 amount of the fund was to be not less than $50,000 ; rive-sixths of the 
 interest of the entire amount was to be appropriated to the classical 
 education in the institution of indigent pious young men for the ministry, 
 the remaining one-sixth to be added to the principal for its perpetual 
 increase. The management and appropriation of the fund was to be 
 vested in the trustees of Amherst Academy, until the classical institution 
 was established and incorporated, and then in the trustees of the latter 
 and their successors forever. There were to be seven overseers of the 
 fund, the four highest subscribers being permitted to appoint one overseer 
 each, the other three to be elected by a majority of the votes of the other 
 subscribers ; this board of overseers were to be self-perpetuating, having 
 power to fill their own vacancies. 
 
 Fully impressed with the importance and magnitude of their under- 
 taking, and desirous of interesting the public in it to as large an extent as 
 possible, the trustees of Amherst Academy resolved to call a convention 
 of the Congregational and Presbyterian clergy of the counties of Hamp- 
 shire. Franklin and Hampden and the western section of YVoixester county. 
 This convention met Sept. 29, 1S18. at the meeting-house of the First Congre- 
 gational parish of Amherst. Thirty-seven towns were represented, 16 in 
 Hampshire county. 13 in Franklin, four in Hampden and four in Worcester. 
 Amherst. Creenfield and Granville had each representatives from two 
 parishes. The convention was composed of 36 clergymen and 32 laymen ; 
 Rev. Joseph Lyman, D. D., of Hatfield, presided. The constitution and 
 by-laws of the proposed institution were read, and, after some discussion, 
 the whole matter was referred to a committee of twelve. The committee 
 presented their report the next morning; they expressed their approval of 
 the constitution, recommended Hampshire county as the most eligible site 
 for such an institution, but in regard to the particular town in the county, 
 while favorably disposed toward Amherst, it was thought expedient to leave 
 
158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 that question to the decision of a disinterested committee appointed by 
 the convention. Many members of the convention favored Northampton 
 as the site for the institution, there was a long and heated discussion, and 
 it was not until Hon. Samuel Fowler Dickinson had delivered a strong 
 and eloquent address in favor of Amherst that the convention was induced 
 to decide on the latter place. 
 
 As early as 1815, the trustees and many of the friends of Williams 
 College had begun to agitate the question of removing that institution to 
 some place in Hampshire county where it would be more favorably situated 
 and easier of access. At that time Williams College had two buildings, 
 58 students, two professors and two tutors ; its income fell far short of its 
 •expenditures. At a meeting of the board of trustees of the college, held 
 May 2, 1815, a committee was appointed "to take into consideration the 
 removal of the college to some other part of the Commonwealth ;" this 
 committee reported, at a meeting held in September, that such a removal 
 was inexpedient, " at the present time and under existing circumstances." 
 Zephaniah S. Moore, who had been elected president at the May meeting, 
 was from the first decidedly in favor of such a removal. At a meeting of 
 trustees of Amherst Academy, held Oct. 26, 1818, a committee of three 
 was appointed to confer with the trustees of Williams College at their 
 Session to be held in Williamstown on the second Tuesday of November, 
 to communicate to them the result of the convention held at Amherst in 
 September. The trustees of Williams College made no reply to the com- 
 mittee from Amherst, but at their meeting resolved that it was expedient 
 to remove the college on certain conditions, and appointed a committee to 
 visit the towns in Hampshire county and determine the place to which the 
 college should be removed. The trustees of Amherst Academy appointed 
 a committee to confer with the Williams College committee, and to represent 
 to the latter the claims of the town of Amherst to be the seat of the 
 college; the college committee, after a careful inspection of the towns in 
 the valley, were unanimous in naming Northampton as the proper site to 
 which the college should be removed. In February, 1820, the trustees of 
 Williams College petitioned the General Court for permission to remove 
 the college to Northampton; the petition was rejected. 
 
 At a meeting of the trustees of Amherst Academy, held in March, 
 1820, they took measures for collecting the subscriptions to the charity 
 fund, raising additional subscriptions, erecting a suitable building and 
 opening the institution for the reception of students. Subscriptions to 
 this fund began in May, 1818, and in one year's time they amounted to 
 $37,244. Of this sum, citizens of Amherst had contributed #9,210, those 
 of other towns in Hampshire county $6,538, those in Franklin county 
 towns $12,511, Worcester county l >4.575, Hampden county $745. The 
 
THE FIRST COLLEGE BUILDING. 159 
 
 constitution provided that the fund should amount to at least $50,000; to 
 insure the raising of the full amount a guarantee bond in the sum of Si 5.000 
 was made out to the trustees of the academy and signed by the following : 
 Rev. David Parsons. Samuel F. Dickinson. Jarib White, Elijah Boltwood, 
 Hezekiah W. Strong, Knos Baker, John Leland, Jr., Calvin Merrill, Joseph 
 Church, Jr. Not one of the Amherst subscribers to this fund was accounted 
 a rich man, even in those days of limited fortunes ; they gave not of their 
 abundance, but of their poverty ; not because they could spare the money, 
 but because the interests of education demanded it. Of the signers of 
 the guarantee bond, many were already subscribers to the fund; David 
 Parsons had given S600. Samuel 1'. Dickinson S600, Jarib White S150, 
 Elijah Boltwood S200, John Leland. Jr. S150. John Eastman was not one 
 of the signers of the bond, but subscribed $400 to the fund and then paid 
 $1000 more toward indemnifying the signers. Elijah Dickinson gave the 
 land for the site of the college buildings, valued at S600. Dr. Rufus 
 Cowles gave lands in Maine valued at S5000. 
 
 The trustees of the academy, at a meeting held May 10. 1820. appointed 
 a committee to procure a good and sufficient title to the ten acres of land 
 conditionally conveyed to them by Col. Elijah Dickinson, to digest a plan 
 of a suitable building for the institution, to procure subscriptions, donations 
 or contributions for defraying the expense thereof, and to prepare the 
 ground and erect the buildings as soon as the necessarv means were 
 provided. The committee secured a title to the land, marked out the 
 ground for the site of a building 100 feet long, 30 feet broad and four 
 stories high, and invited the citizens of Amherst friendly to the project to 
 contribute labor and materials and provisions for the workmen. Then and 
 not until then did it become fully apparent how deep and how widespread 
 was the interest that had been awakened by the project in the community. 
 There were many whose circumstances prohibited them from subscribing 
 to the fund, but they gave freely and gladly of material and labor. Nor 
 were the citizens of Amherst unaided in their labors ; side by side with 
 them were residents of Pelham and Leverett and Belchertown and Hadley, 
 working together for the advancement of the interests of education and 
 religion, as they had in earlier times fought side by side for the " common 
 cause." The stone for the foundation was brought chiefly from Pelham 
 by gratuitous labor, the first load being furnished as a free-will offering by 
 Wells Southworth, then a resident of Pelham. who afterwards removed to 
 New Haven, Conn, where he gained wealth and distinction, but ever 
 retained his interest in the college on the hill. Donations of stone, lumber, 
 lime, sand, materials of all kinds came in from every quarter, and teams for 
 hauling and men for handling were provided in abundance without price. 
 The work was carried on clay and night, and by the 9th of August the foun- 
 
l6o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 dations were nearly completed and ready for laying the corner-stone. 
 The exercises attendant on the laying of this corner-stone were 
 witnessed by hundreds of people from Amherst and surrounding towns ; 
 they were solemn and impressive, worthy of the occasion and of those 
 who bore a part in them. A procession was formed at the academy build- 
 ing, headed by the building committee and the workmen, who were followed 
 in turn by the academy trustees, the subscribers to the fund then present, 
 a number of the neighboring clergy and the preceptors and students of 
 the academy, and marched to College hill. The order of exercises was as 
 follows : Prayer by Rev. Mr. Crosby of Enfield, laying of the corner-stone 
 by Rev. 1 >r. Parsons, president of the board of trustees ; an address by 
 Noah Webster, Esq., vice-president of the board ; prayer by Rev. Mr. 
 Porter, of Belchertown ; sermon by Rev. Daniel A. Clark, of Amherst; 
 prayer by Rev. Mr. Grout, of Hawley. The sermon and address were 
 printed the same year by request of the trustees ; from the address the 
 following paragraphs are quoted : 
 
 " We are assembled this day to lay the corner-stone of an Edifice, designed for 
 the accommodation of the beneficiaries, who may be placed on the fund which 
 your benevolence has constituted for their education in classical literature and the 
 sciences. This act and the ceremonies of the day will witness to you the sincere 
 intentions, and ardent desire of the Board of Trustees of Amherst Academy, to 
 carry into effect the design of the liberal charity which you have consecrated to the 
 advancement of the Christian Church. That they have not sooner commenced the 
 execution of the trust reposed in them, by the constitution of the fund, is to be 
 ascribed wholly to considerations of prudence and experience, arising out of cir- 
 cumstances over which they had no control. If. however, this delay has contributed 
 to strengthen the cause, by removing obstacles and illuminating the path of duty, 
 we are confident that the patrons of the institution will justify the Board, in this 
 exercise of their discretion. 
 
 The object of this institution, that of educating for the gospel ministry young 
 men in indigent circumstances, but of hopeful piety and promising talents, is one 
 of the noblest which can occupy the attention and claim the contributions of the 
 Christian public. It is to second the efforts of the apostles themselves, in extending 
 and establishing the Redeemer's empire— the empire of truth. It is to aid in the 
 important works of raising the human race from ignorance and debasement ; to 
 enlighten their minds; to exalt their character; and to teach them the way to 
 happiness and to glory. Too long have men been engaged in the barbarous works 
 of multiplying the miseries of human life. Too long have their exertions and 
 resources been devoted to war and plunder: to the destruction of lives, and 
 property; to the ravage of i ities; to the unnatural, the monstrous employment of 
 enslaving and degrading their own species, blessed be our lot! We live to see a 
 new era in the history of man an era when reason and religion begin to resume 
 their sway, and to impress the heavenly truth, that the appropriate business of 
 men. is to imitate the Saviour, to serve their God : and bless their fellow-men. 
 
 Such an institution, with an appropriate destination, in which the views and 
 
 the liberality and prayers of an extensive Christian community, may be 
 
 Concentrated, seems to be a desideratum in our country: and it is believed, will 
 
noah Webster's address. 161 
 
 command the respect, and receive the patronage of the public. The place selected 
 for the seat of this seminary, is believed to be peculiarly well adapted to secure its 
 prosperity. It is to be situated in a populous country, abounding with provisions; 
 in a climate remarkable for its salubrity: in a village where no peculiar circum- 
 stances exist to invite dissipation and extravagant expenditures; surrounded by a 
 well cultivated territory, inhabited by people, whose moral, religious and literary 
 habits, dispose them to cherish the cultivation of the mind, and the propagation of 
 evangelical truth— while the extensive prospect and diversified scenery, presented 
 to the eye from this elevation, is adapted by nature and by art. to delight 
 the student, and to furnish, to piety, perpetual sources of contemplation and 
 improvement. 
 
 Let us then take courage ! The design is unquestionably good, and its success 
 must be certain. Small efforts combined and continued, cannot fail to produce the 
 desired effect, and realize the hopes of its founders. Prudence and integrity will 
 subdue opposition, and invite co-operation : perseverance will bring to our aid new 
 accessions of strength, and a thousand small streams of charity from unexpected 
 sources, will flow into the common current of benevolence which is to water and 
 refresh this nursery of gospel ministers. This institution will grow and flourish, 
 and become auxiliary to a thousand associations which Christian philanthropy has 
 formed, to reclaim and evangelize the miserable children of Adam. Charity will 
 nourish, protect and augment what charity has begun; and the prayers of piety 
 will invite blessings on this humble effort to diffuse the gospel of peace." 
 
 The foundations having been completed, work on the superstructure 
 was carried on with even greater zeal, so that on the nineteenth day from 
 the laying of the corner-stone the roof-timbers were erected on the building. 
 When work on the building began, the building committee were without 
 funds and dependent upon such contributions as should be made from 
 time to time to carry on the enterprise. Repeatedly during the progress, 
 of the work they were compelled to notify the president of the trustees 
 that they could proceed no further. On such occasions meetings of the 
 trustees would be called, and by subscriptions of their own and renewed 
 solicitation for voluntary contributions, funds were procured that enabled 
 the committee to prosecute the work. And so generous was the response 
 to these appeals, that when the roof and chimneys were completed, the bills 
 unpaid and unprovided for were less than $1300. Work was suspended 
 during the winter months, but was resumed in the spring, and the interior 
 of the building finished by similar means and with equal dispatch. By the 
 middle of June the building was so near completion that the trustees made 
 arrangements for its dedication, in connection with the inauguration of the 
 president and professors, and the opening of the college in September. 
 
[62 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Zephaniah Swift Moore, First President of Amherst College. — 
 Rufus Graves. — Samuel F. Dickinson. — Hezekiah W. Strong. 
 — Life at the College in its Early Days. — Heman Hum- 
 phrey Elected President. — How the Charier was Secured. 
 —Events of President Humphrey's Administration. 
 
 The trustees of Amherst Academy, at a meeting held May 8, 182 i, 
 " Voted unanimously that the Rev. Zephaniah Swift Moore be, and is hereby 
 elected President of the Charity Institution in this town." The salary of 
 the president, who was also to serve as professor of theology and moral 
 philosophy, was to be $1200 per arftium and "the usual perquisites." At 
 the same meeting it was voted to build a house for the president, if sufficient 
 donations in money, material and labor could be procured. Zephaniah 
 Swift Moore was, at the time he received the invitation to become the first 
 president of the new institution, president of Williams College. He had 
 taken great interest in the movement made to relocate the college in 
 Hampshire county, and when it failed he determined to resign from the 
 presidency. In his letter accepting the call to Amherst, he wrote : " I 
 should be wholly averse to becoming united with any institution which 
 proposes to give a classical education inferior to that given in any of the 
 Colleges in New England." That the trustees were in sympathy with this 
 declaration is shown by the fact that, at their meeting in June, they voted 
 that the qualifications of candidates for admission to the institution, and 
 the course of studies to be pursued during the four years of membership, 
 should be the same as those established in Yale College. The trustees also 
 elected Rev. Gamaliel S. Olds to lie professor of mathematics and natural 
 philosophy, and Joseph Estabrook to be professor of the Greek and Latin 
 languages. 
 
 September iS. 1821, the exercises of dedication and inauguration were 
 held in the church-building of the hirst parish. The exert ises included. 
 introductory remarks by Noah Webster, Esq.; prayer by Rev. Mr. Crosby, 
 of Enfield; a sermon by Rev. Dr. Leland, of Charleston, S. C.; the induc- 
 tion into office of the president and one of the professors, the other pro- 
 fessor being absent: brief addresses by President Moore and Professor 
 Estabrook, and a concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Snell of North Brookfield. 
 At the close of the exercises a collection was taken for the benefit of the 
 institution and the corner-stone of the president's house was laid. The 
 
FOUNDERS OF THE COLLEGE. 163 
 
 following clay the college was opened, and after examinations were held, 
 forty-seven students were admitted, some into each of the four classes ; of 
 this number, fifteen accompanied Dr. Moore from Williams College. 
 
 In an address delivered at the celebration of the one hundred and 
 fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the First Congregational church 
 of Amherst, Nov. 7, 18S9, Professor William S. Tyler made the statement 
 that the officers and members of the church and congregation were the 
 founders of Amherst Academy and Amherst College. This statement 
 might have been broadened to include the citizens of Amherst generally, 
 but it is true that the leaders in the First church at that time were leaders 
 as well in establishing the elder as well as the younger institution. There 
 was help from without the town, help that was both generous and necessary, 
 but the brunt of the burden fell upon Amherst men, and Amherst women. 
 The town, as a town, had no part in the enterprise. From the beginning, 
 the relations between the church and the academy and college were most 
 intimate and cordial. The first meetings for prayer and conference in the 
 village and the social religious meetings of the First parish was held for 
 many years in the academy building. When the college was first organized, 
 morning and evening prayers were held in the meeting-house on the hill; 
 the bell in the same structure summoned the students to their daily exercises, 
 and on the Sabbath the faculty and .students worshiped with the people of 
 the parish. The people of Amherst were proud of the college which they 
 had done so much to establish: they have never lost that pride, although 
 in later years the bonds of fellowship between town and college have been 
 less closely drawn. 
 
 Zephaniah Swift Moore, the first president of Amherst College, was 
 born in 1770, in the town of Palmer. He was graduated from Dartmouth 
 College in 1793 ; after graduation he taught in an academy at London- 
 derrv, X. H.; studied theology at Somers, Conn.; was licensed to preach 
 in 1796; was pastor of the church in Leicester. Mass., eleven years: pro- 
 fessor of languages at Dartmouth College, four years until 1815, when he 
 was elected to the presidency of Williams College. During his presidency 
 at Williams College that institution prospered greatly ; on his removal to 
 Amherst, he was followed by a little less than one-fifth of the whole number 
 in the three classes to which they belonged at the Berkshire College. 
 
 Before proceeding further with the history of the college, it is desirable 
 that a little space be devoted to brief sketches of those who may with 
 propriety be styled its k ' working founders." Among these, Professor 
 Tyler accords the place of honor to Rufus Graves, familiarly known as 
 " Colonel " Graves. Mr. Graves was born in Sunderland in 1758, and was 
 graduated from Dartmouth College in the class of 1791. The precise date 
 of his removal to Amherst is unknown, but in 181 7 he united with the First 
 
joj HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Congregational. church in this town. Ik' was a man of intellect and great 
 ambition, the originator of many schemes which for some reason persisted 
 in refusing to yield good financial returns. When the plan of raising a 
 charitable fund for the education of indigent young men for the gospel 
 ministry was adopted by the trustees of Amherst Academy, they determined 
 to employ Colonel Graves as their agent. No choice could have been 
 molt- fortunate ; in his character were embraced qualities that particularly 
 fitted him for the task in hand. He was earnest, enthusiastic, persistent ; 
 he knew how to appeal, exhort, command. When the project was simply 
 the enlargement of Amherst Academy by the addition of a professorship 
 of languages, he met with little encouragement, but when it was decided to 
 lay the foundations for a collegiate institution he gave himself to the enter- 
 prise with an enthusiasm that commanded success. He went to every 
 part of the state, interviewed thousands of people of all conditions in life, 
 argued with them, pleaded with them, and, if necessary, almost constrained 
 them to contribute sums ranging in amount from ten dollars to one thousand 
 dollars. To his earnestness and enthusiasm was due in large measure the 
 raising of the charity fund, the real corner-stone of Amherst College. 
 
 Associated with him, but in a different line of work, were Samuel 
 Fowler Dickinson and Hezekiah Wright Strong. Concerning these two 
 men more will be related in following chapters ; at present they will be 
 considered only in their relation to the establishment of the college. 
 
 Samuel Fowler Dickinson was graduated from Dartmouth College in 
 1795 ; being an educated man he naturally took an interest in educational 
 affairs. He was one of the incorporators of Amherst Academy, and when 
 the attempt was made to raise the charity fund it was at his suggestion 
 that the object was changed from the founding of a professorship to the 
 establishment of a collegiate institution. He was among the first sub- 
 scribers to the fund and one of the signers of the Si 5,000 guarantee bond. 
 It is doubtful if, without his aid, the first college building could have been 
 completed. Time and again when the funds were exhausted, he pledged 
 his private property at the bank that the work might go on. When there 
 was no money to pay for teams to draw the brick or men to handle them. 
 he sent his own horses and his own laborers to assist. He boarded some 
 of the laborers, paying their wages out of his own pocket. He actually 
 made himself poor that the work in which he was so deeply interested 
 might prosper. 
 
 Hezekiah Wright Strong was son of Judge Simeon Strong, and 
 although not a college graduate took a deep interest in all educational 
 matters. He, also, was among the incorporators of Amherst Academy. 
 When the proposition was first made to remove Williams College to Hamp- 
 shire county he. in common with many others, determined that il should 
 
THE FIRST COMMENCEMENT. 1 65 
 
 come to Amherst. He selected College hill as the proper site for the 
 institution, and, one moonlight evening, accompanied by Col. Graves, he 
 visited the grounds, measured the land and marked out the spot where 
 the first building was to stand. He was one of the men who signed the 
 $15,000 guarantee bond, and served for many years as one of the over- 
 seers of the charity fund. 
 
 The first year of President Moore's administration was a busy and 
 prosperous one at the college. Instructors and students entered upon 
 their work with an earnestness and enthusiasm that commanded success. 
 From the beginning. President Moore inspired all with whom he came in 
 contact with respect and admiration. A scholarly man, of deep religious 
 convictions, giving himself unreservedly to his work, he possessed attri- 
 butes of mind and heart which won the affection of his fellow laborers, his 
 pupils and the community in which he lived. Needless to say, the gaining 
 of an education at Amherst College in its earlier years was attended with 
 difficulties which, to a student of later years, would seem insurmountable, 
 (lass-rooms and recitation-rooms were lacking, there was scarcely anything 
 in the way of equipment. Recitations were held in the rooms occupied by 
 the students ; the college library, contained in a case scarcely six feet 
 wide, was placed in an entry of the first building. The first catalog of the 
 institution was issued in March, 1822 : it was a single sheet, 12x14 inches 
 in size, printed only on one side. The faculty comprised the president, 
 three professors, of whom one was never installed, and one tutor. The 
 number of students was 59, of whom three were seniors, six juniors, nine- 
 teen sophomores and thirty-one freshmen. The first commencement 
 exercises were held Aug. 28. 1S22. in the meeting-house of the First parish. 
 The graduates were two in number, Ebenezer S. Snell and Pindar Field ; 
 a third member of the senior class, Ezra Fairchild, left before the close of 
 the year and did not receive his degree until 1S52. As the institution had 
 no charter, and no authority to confer degrees, the graduates were given 
 certificates in Latin that they had honorably completed the usual college 
 course. 
 
 In the summer of 1822, work was begun on the second college 
 building, afterwards known as North College; a subscription of $30,000 
 was opened to pay for this building, to settle debts already contracted and 
 defray other necessary expenses. In the winter of 1S22-23, this building 
 was completed and occupied. Two rooms in the fourth story of the new 
 building were left without partitions between them or the entry adjoining, 
 and were converted into a hall which served as a chapel and lecture-room. 
 The second catalog, published in October, 1822, contains the names of the 
 overseers of the charity fund, as well as faculty and students. The 
 teaching; force had been enlarged bv the addition of two tutors ; the 
 
1 66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 students numbered 98, including five seniors, twenty-one juniors, thirty-two 
 sophomores and forty freshmen. The term bills including tuition, room- 
 rent, etc., were from 'ten to eleven dollars a term ; board was from one 
 dollar to one dollar and a-quarter a week, wood from one dollar and a-half 
 to two dollars a cord, washing from twelve to twenty cents a week. Two 
 literary societies, the Alexandrian and Athenian, and a society afterwards 
 called the " Society of Religious Inquiry" were organized soon after the 
 opening of the institution. The college felt the influence of its first 
 religious revival during the spring term of 1823 ; as a result of this revival 
 there were twenty-three conversions, only thirteen students remaining with- 
 out a personal faith and hope in Christ. 
 
 The labor and responsibility that devolved upon President Moore in 
 the government and management of affairs of the new institution were 
 more than any one man could undertake with safety to himself. In addi- 
 tion to his duties as president of the college and chairman of the board of 
 trustees, he heard all the recitations of the seniors and a part of those of 
 the sophomore class. He was also active in promoting the financial 
 interests of the institution, and was compelled to make several journeys to 
 Boston in its behalf. The revival, which was welcomed by him as by all 
 friends of the institution, added greatly to his labors and responsibilities. 
 The strain proved too great for his constitution, naturally strong, and on 
 June 25, 1S23, he was attacked by illness which, four days later, resulted 
 in his death. The college could not, at that time, have suffered a greater 
 misfortune. The students were so deeply impressed with their loss, and so 
 fearful of what the future had in store for the college, the members of the 
 senior class requested of the trustees that they be released from participat- 
 ing in any commencement exercises and from all further connection with 
 the college. At the earnest request of the trustees they consented to remain 
 and were graduated in due form. 
 
 In Jul\-, 1823, Rev. Heman Humphrey was chosen to the presidency 
 of the college. Dr. Humphrey was horn in West Simsbury, Conn., 
 March 26, 1779. He was graduated from Yale College in 1805: studied 
 theology with Rev. Mr. Hooker at Goshen, Conn.; was ordained and 
 installed as pastor of the church in Fairfield, Conn., March 16, 1807; 
 became, in 1S17. pastor of the church at Pittsfield, Mass.. and was still 
 engaged in the duties of this pastorate when summoned to the presidencj 
 ol Amherst College. The circumstances attendant upon the inauguration 
 of the new administration were far from auspicious. The college had yet to 
 gain a place among the recognized institutions of learning in the state; 
 its financial resources were inadequate to provide for its numerous and 
 pressing needs; its students, who had come to regard President Moore as 
 the embodiment of all good in the college, were at first inclined to look 
 
PRESIDENT HEMAN HUMPHREY. 167 
 
 with little favor upon his successor. He accepted the call to Amherst with 
 reluctance, and only after he was thoroughly convinced that it was in the 
 line of his duty. He was installed as president, Oct. 15. 1823. His 
 inaugural address was remarkable for its sound common sense, its practical 
 wisdom, its vigor of thought and felicity of expression; it convinced all 
 who listened to it that the trustees had made no mistake in their choice, 
 that the right man had been inducted into office. 
 
 The total number of students at the college when Dr. Humphrey 
 acceded to the presidency was 126. of whom 19 were seniors, 29 juniors, 
 41 sophomores and 3 7 freshmen. The faculty consisted of the same persons 
 who had been associated with President Moore, with the addition of Samuel 
 M. Worcester as tutor. In 1S24, Rev. Nathan W. Fiske succeeded Joseph 
 Estabrook as professor of the Latin and Greek languages. Dr. Humphrey's 
 duties were many and arduous ; he was the sole teacher of the senior class, 
 presided at the weekly declamations in the chapel, preached occasionally 
 at the First parish meeting-house so long as the students worshiped there, 
 and when a separate organization was formed became the pastor of the 
 College church. He drew up the first code of written and printed -> Laws 
 of the Collegiate Charity Institution.'" and did much to introduce order 
 and system into the still imperfectly organized seminary; at the same time 
 he was actively engaged in the endeavor to raise funds and to secure a 
 charter for the institution. 
 
 The first application to the Legislature for a charter was made during 
 the winter session of 1823 ; in January of that year, the petition of Presi- 
 dent Moore that the " Institution in Amherst for giving a classical education 
 to pious young men may be incorporated " was referred to a joint committee 
 of the two Houses. President Moore and other friends of the college 
 appeared before this committee, suggesting as was common in such matters, 
 that the question be referred to the next General Court. The committee 
 so reported, but. contrary to precedent and to the expectation of the friends 
 of the college, the report was not accepted and the petition was rejected by 
 both Houses, nearly all the members voting against it, including the repre- 
 sentative from Amherst. Aaron Merrick, who was elected representative 
 from Amherst in May, 1822. and who served at the General Court session 
 held in the winter of 1823, was son of James Merrick, who was one of 
 the original members of the Second parish. The hard feelings that had 
 been engendered by the organization of the Second church were still 
 cherished by the members of the two parishes, and, as Amherst College 
 was closely identified with the First parish, it is more than possible that 
 the Amherst representative was influenced in his action by personal 
 considerations. 
 
l68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 The friends of the college were not discouraged at the failure of their 
 first effort to gain recognition from the state. At the session of the Legis- 
 lature held in the spring and summer of 1823, a petition for a charter for 
 the college was presented by its president and members of its board of 
 trustees, accompanied by a memorial from the subscribers to the charity 
 fund, stating that the institution at Amherst had already accomplished 
 great good and praying that the petition of the trustees be granted. The 
 petition and memorial were referred to a joint committee, which reported 
 in favor of the petitioners having leave to bring in a bill. The House and 
 Senate concurred in referring consideration of the report to the next 
 General Court. This action was taken in June, and the next session of 
 the General Court was to be held in January, 1824. The friends and 
 opponents of the college spent the intervening time in preparing for the 
 struggle that was to come. The friends of Williams and Harvard Colleges 
 and of Brown University were active in their opposition to the granting of 
 a charter to Amherst College. The trustee of Williams College were 
 especialy prominent in their opposition foreseeing that the new institution 
 must come in serious competition with the Berkshire college. 
 
 Jan. 21, 1824, the report of the joint committee in favor of granting 
 a charter came up in the Senate ; it was debated during the greater part of 
 three days by some of the ablest men in that body. The opponents of 
 the charter argued that another college was not needed, that Williams 
 College would be injured, that it was inexpedient to multiply colleges, that 
 the petitioners would ask for money. There was also considerable oppo- 
 sition to the new institution on account of its orthodoxy. The weight of 
 argument was in favor of the college, and when the question was put to 
 vote twenty-two out of thirty-seven senators were recorded in favor of 
 granting the charter. The contest was renewed in the House of Represen- 
 tatives, and after a debate lasting four days the subject was postponed for 
 one week ; at the end of that time, after some further discussion, a vote 
 was taken on the question of concurring with the Senate, and was decided 
 in the negative by a majority of 19 votes out of 199. 
 
 The trustees and friends of the college was disappointed but not dis- 
 heartened; they determined to renew the struggle for state recognition 
 immediately. When the Genera] Court met in May, [824, a petition was 
 presented for a charter for the college, signed by the trustees ; this was 
 harked by another petition of the founders and proprietors, signed by 
 about four-fifths of the subscribers to the charity fund. These petitions 
 were referred to a joint committee of Senate and House, which, after 
 listening to the arguments submitted by friends and opponents of the 
 college, reported that the petitioners have leave to bring in a bill. This 
 report was accepted by the Senate with little opposition. There was a 
 
THE CHARTER GRANTED. 1 69 
 
 determined effort made in the House to secure an indefinite postponement, 
 or reference to the next General Court ; both these motions having been 
 voted down by a large majority, it was decided, after extended argument, 
 to refer the report of the joint committee and all the papers relating to the 
 case to a committee of five members, with power to send for persons and 
 papers, to sit at such time and place as they should deem expedient, and 
 to inquire in substance, i st, what reliable funds the institution had ; 2d. 
 what means had been resorted to by the petitioners, or by persons acting 
 in their behalf, to procure subscriptions ; and 3d. what methods had been 
 adopted to obtain students. The members appointed to serve on this 
 committee were intelligent and fair-minded men, but none of them were in 
 sympathy with the orthodox religious opinions held by the founders of the 
 college. 
 
 The committee met at lioltwood's hotel in Amherst. ( >ct. 4. The 
 trustees and friends of the college had made thorough preparation for the 
 rigid investigation which they knew was to come. Money was raised in 
 Amherst and in Boston to make good the Si 5.000 guarantee bond. The 
 investigation lasted for more than two weeks and was thorough and 
 exhaustive. All books and papers belonging to the institution were sub- 
 mitted to the committee ; every subscription note and obligation was care- 
 fully examined. As a result of these labors, the committee submitted to 
 the House, Jan. 8, 1S25, a report favorable to the institution in all essential 
 features, closing with the recommendation that a charter be granted. This 
 report was accepted by the House, Jan. 28: by the Senate, Jan. 29. Feb. 
 21. the bill, having been somewhat amended, passed to be enacted in both 
 branches of the Legislature, and having received the signature of the 
 acting governor, Marcus Morton, became a law. and Amherst College a 
 chartered institution. Information of the granting of the charter was 
 received with great rejoicing in the town of Amherst. 
 
 Xo one man was more active or influential in gaining a charter for 
 Amherst College than was President Humphrey. He realized fully that a 
 critical time had arrived in the history of the institution, that without formal 
 recognition by the state it could never hope to gain the power for useful 
 ness anticipated by its founders. He was a persistent worker, leaving no 
 stone unturned, no influence untried, that might aid in gaining the desired 
 end. In so doing, he gained greatly in the esteem of his fellow-workers 
 and in the respect and love of the students at the college. From unpopular- 
 ity, accidental as it was undeserved, he won an esteem and affection as 
 generous as the heart of man could desire. His sound common sense and 
 practical wisdom, united with high moral and Christian principle had a 
 most beneficent influence upon the lives and characters of the students at 
 the college. He taught them not aione the wisdom in books, but how to 
 
170 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 think and reason for themselves. He gave as much, if not more, thought 
 to the development of character than of intellect. Under his wise and 
 careful administration the college grew and prospered, ranking at one time 
 in the number of its students above Harvard and second only to Yale 
 among the collegiate institutions of New England. 
 
 The protracted struggle to secure its charter brought Amherst College 
 prominently before the public ; the result was at once apparent in a great 
 gain in its membership. The number of students enrolled in 1823 was 
 126, in 1824 it had increased to 136. in 1825 to 152. and in 1836 it attained 
 the aggregate of 259. A catalog of the faculty issued in October. 1825, 
 printed for the first time in Amherst, contains the following names : Rev. 
 Heman Humphrey, I), i)., president, professor of mental and moral philos- 
 ophy and professor of divinity : Rev. Edward Hitchcock, A. M., professor 
 of chemistry and natural history ; Rev. Jonas King, A. M., professor of 
 Oriental literature ; Rev. Nathan W. Fiske, A. M., professor of the Greek 
 language and literature and professor of belles-lettres ; Rev. Solomon Peck, 
 A. M., professor of the Hebrew and Latin languages and literature ; 
 Samuel M. Worcester, A. M ., professor of rhetoric and orator}- ; Jacob 
 Abbott, A.M., professor of mathematics and natural philosophy : Ebenezer 
 S. Snell, A. M., tutor of mathematics. The same catalog gives the name 
 of John Leland, Esq. as treasurer, and Rufus Graves as financier. 
 
 The professors were mostly young men and comparatively unknown 
 in the world of letters, but they were filled with ambition and with a pro- 
 gressive spirit which were naturally attractive to young men about to enter 
 college. The equipment was far inferior to that found at the older and 
 wealthier colleges. The college library existed in but little more than 
 name, and the apparatus for the illustration of the sciences was rudimentary 
 and imperfect. There was, however, a promise of better things to come ; 
 friends of the college, who had stood by it in its darker hours, were pre- 
 paring to aid it still further and add to its means of usefulness. 
 
 Leading events of the administration of President Humphrey were 
 the adoption, and subsequent withdrawal, of the " parallel course," the 
 erection of the chapel building and a new dormitory, the unsuccessful 
 appeal for aid from the state treasury, the raising of a fund of 850,000 
 anion- friends of the college, the organization of the College church, the 
 ds of 1831 and [835, the organization of the Antivenenean and Anti- 
 slaver) societies and the rebellion of one of the classes against the college 
 authorities. Of these events, important in themselves and especially "inter- 
 esting from the influence excited by them on the fortunes of the college, 
 
 e permits but passing mention. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the trustees held in 182G, the faculty sub- 
 
 d a detailed report of the state of the seminary and the course of 
 
COLLEGE CHAPEL BUILT. 17 I 
 
 instruction, together with remarks upon the inadequacy of the prevailing 
 systems of classical education in America to satisfy the public demands. 
 The trustees requested the faculty to draw up a plan providing for such 
 improvements as they deemed desirable. This plan was submitted to the 
 trustees at a meeting held Dec 6. 1.S26. received their hearty endorsement, 
 and it was determined to embody these suggestions in a parallel or equiva- 
 lent course to be offered to the students. This new course was to differ 
 from the old in a greater prominence given to English literature, the sub- 
 stitution of the modern for the ancient languages, an enlargement of the 
 courses in physical science, natural history and modern history, and the 
 study of the elements of civil and political law. The new course proved 
 popular the hist year, but the teaching force at the college was too small to 
 properly care for it. so at a meeting of the trustees held in 1S29. it was 
 voted to dispense with it. 
 
 With the increase in the number of students, the need of a suitable 
 place for public worship became apparent. At the annual meeting of the 
 trustees in 1S25. the prudential committee- were authorized to contract for 
 the erection of a chapel building and also for a third college edifice, should 
 they deem it expedient ; they were empowered to borrow such funds as 
 were needed to erect these buildings from the charity fund, from banks or 
 from individuals. Work on the chapel was begun in the spring of 1826, 
 and it was dedicated Feb. 28, [827 ; it was named "Johnson chapel." in 
 honer of Adam Johnson of Pelham, who had bequeathed some $4000 to 
 the college for the express purpose of erecting such a building. It con- 
 tained in addition to the chapel proper, four recitation rooms, a room for 
 philosophical apparatus and a cabinet for minerals on the lower floor, two 
 recitation rooms on the second floor, a library room on the third floor and 
 a laboratory in the basement. A third dormitory building was erected and 
 completed so as to be occupied by students during the college year of 
 1828-29. It stood on the site now- occupied by Williston hall; this dormi- 
 tory, which was known as " North College," was destroyed by fire in 1S59. 
 
 When the two new buildings were completed, the college was heavily 
 in debt. An application for pecuniary assistance was made to the Legis- 
 lature at its winter session in 1827. The petition was referred to a com- 
 mittee, whose members manifested a willingness to aid the college, but as 
 the state finances were at a low ebb they felt constrained to make an 
 unfavorable report, which was accepted by both Houses. The appeal was 
 renewed in 183 1 and 1S32. but to no avail: the state had funds, but was 
 unwilling to grant them to an institution of such orthodox religious character 
 as Amherst College. The necessities of the institution being urgent, it was 
 decided to appeal to the public for the aid which the Legislature had 
 refused. A committee composed of members of the board of trustees was 
 
17- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 appointed to solicit subscriptions. They met with greater success than they 
 had dared to hope; the committee was appointed in March ; at the com- 
 mencement held in August it was announced that $30,000 had been 
 subscribed, and December 31, 1832, the sum amounted to $50,000. Of 
 this amount, the people of Amherst contributed $3,000 ; they had given 
 but little short of $20,000 in money before this time. 
 
 In 1825, shortly after the grant of the charter, measures were taken 
 for the establishment of a college church. At a meeting of the trustees 
 held in April, Rev. Heman Humphrey, Rev. Joshua Crosby and Rev. 
 James Taylor were appointed a committee to consider the expediency of 
 establishing such an organization. The committee met in Amherst, March 
 7, 1826, resolved themselves into an ecclesiastical council, and acting in 
 such capacity they voted to proceed to form a church in Amherst College. 
 They prepared a covenant and articles of faith, to be subscribed to by 
 those desiring to enter into membership. Thirty-one students were 
 examined by the council, and having publicly assented to the articles and 
 covenant, were constituted the " Church of Christ in Amherst College." 
 In October, members of the faculty, together with the wives of President 
 Humphrey and Professor Hitchcock, were admitted to the church. The 
 church remained almost a year without a pastor, but in February, 1827. 
 I >r. Humphrey was formally installed as the first pastor of College 
 church. Eleven churches were represented in the council assembled on 
 this occasion, including three in Amherst. The pulpit of the new chapel 
 was occupied by the pastor every other Sabbath, and by the other clerical 
 members of the faculty, in rotation, on alternate Sabbaths. In the year 
 1827, the college experienced a great revival of religion, as one result of 
 which twenty persons united with the church. The first communion service 
 of the church was held in the College chapel, Aug. i<), 1S27. Other 
 revivals of religious interest occurred during President Humphrey's admin- 
 istration, in 1828, 1 S3 1 and 1835. 
 
 In August, 1830, the Antivenenean society was organized, on the basis 
 of a pledge of total abstinence from the use of alcoholic liquors, opium 
 and tobacco. In [833, an anti-slavery society was organized among the 
 students. The college at that time had on its rolls many students from 
 the Southern states, who were as ardent believers in the institution of 
 slavery as those from the Northern and Eastern states were its opponents. 
 Such a society, formed at such an institution, was bound to lead to trouble 
 among the students. The college was divided into hostile camps, and the 
 faculty, feeling that tin' institution was not founded as a school of moral 
 or political reform, and fearing that its reputation as well as its peace and 
 prosperity might be in danger, endeavored to persuade the members of the 
 society to dissolve their organization. The society comprised in its 
 
I HE GORHAM REBELLION. 173 
 
 membership about one-third of the students at the college; they were 
 sincere in their convictions and declined to give up their organization with- 
 out the express command of the faculty: the latter hesitated for a time to 
 adopt extreme measures, but when it became apparent that the prosperity 
 of the college was at stake, they decreed that the society must cease to 
 exist. This decision was very unpopular among the students, and some 
 of them determined to sever their connection with the college, but wiser 
 counsels prevailed. It is interesting to note that in less than three years 
 thereafter, in the autumn of 1S36. the society was revived with the express 
 consent and approbation of the faculty. 
 
 As early as 1834, dissatisfaction existed among the students at the 
 system of honorary appointments in college ; the junior class in that year 
 petitioned that the system be abolished, but the trustees denied the 
 petition. In 1836, the petition was renewed, signed at this time by nearly 
 if not quite all the members of the three upper classes; the trustees again 
 refused to make changes in the system. Meanwhile the faculty received 
 man}' applications from individual students to be excused from the parts 
 assigned them, on the ground of conscientious opposition to the system of 
 honorary distinctions. For a time the faculty granted these requests, until 
 it became evident that there was a purpose on the part of the students to 
 break down the system in this manner. In 1S37. W, O. Gorham, a member 
 of the junior class, refused to accept an appointment for the junior exhibi- 
 tion, accompanying his refusal with a note to the trustees, expressing his 
 contempt for the system. The matter was referred to President Humphrey, 
 who talked very plainly to the young man ; the result of the interview was 
 reported to the faculty, who determined that Gorham must sign an 
 acknowledgment that the language he had employed was highly improper,. 
 and that he deeply regretted his action. This paper Gorham refused to 
 sign, but submitted instead a paper prepared by himself that was far from 
 satisfactory to the faculty, and he was accordingly removed from college. 
 The members of the junior class rallied to Gorham's support, and with one 
 exception signed a resolution declaring that in their opinion be had made 
 every concession that duty and justice required. For this expression of 
 opinion, the members of the class were required to sign a written confes- 
 sion that they had acted in the wrong. For some time it was in doubt 
 whether the class would submit to this discipline, or would retire from the 
 college, but in the end they submitted to the decision of the faculty. 
 
 As a result of the anti-slavery excitement and the Gorham incident, a 
 feeling of discontent and disaffection was infused into the student body 
 which could but have a disastrous effect upon the college. The number of 
 students, which had steadily increased from the beginning, now began as 
 steadily to diminish. Many of the alumni, instead of remaining warm 
 
174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 friends, became critics of the institution as concerned its management, 
 which was never more efficient and admirable. The finances were in a 
 bad way, the expenses yearly exceeding the income by several thousand 
 dollars. The college had no endowment, and at the time of its greatest 
 prosperity was constantly adding to a debt for the payment of which there 
 was absolutely no provision. The Legislature was appealed to in vain ; 
 the trustees finally decided to make an effort to raise $100,000 by private 
 subscription. Rev. William Tyler, the first agent appointed by the trustees, 
 during the years 1839 and 1840 raised between $4000 and $5000, mostly 
 in Amherst. In 1841, Rev. Joseph Vaill, a trustee of the college from the 
 beginning, was appointed financial agent of the institution. For four years 
 he labored earnestly and persistently, to such effect that in August, 1845, 
 he reported subscriptions, conditional and unconditional, amounting to 
 $67,000, of which over $50,000 had been collected and paid into the 
 treasury. During these four years David Sears had given $10,000 to the 
 college, and two other persons had expressed their intention of giving 
 sums sufficient to increase the fund to $100,000. This sum was largely 
 diminished by the payment of debts already contracted, so that little 
 remained to meet the current expenses or provide for an endowment fund. 
 A determined effort was made to retrench in expenses, the number of tutors 
 being reduced from four to one. and the salaries of president, professors 
 and general agent being cut down. 
 
 All this time the clamor among the alumni and in the community was 
 growing stronger for a change in the administration. Seldom has a popular 
 movement had less foundation in reason or justice. President Humphrey, 
 by his wisdom and energy, had been largely instrumental in raising the 
 college from the slough of despond into which it had fallen at the time of 
 the death of President Moore, in making of it a chartered institution, in 
 providing for its constantly increasing necessities, in bringing it up to the 
 prosperity and popularity which blessed it so abundantly in 1837. That 
 same wisdom and energy and an untiring devotion to the interests of the 
 college marked the closing years of his administration, but were not 
 rewarded with a like success. President Humphrey was a victim of cir- 
 cumstances which he was powerless to control. He could not prevent the 
 irrepressible conflict between slavery and anti-slavery opinion which created 
 dissensions among the students, he could not reconcile the differences of 
 Opinion in regard to college appointments and awards, he could not make 
 tnancial success of an institution that had no funds and no endowments. 
 All that one Mian could do for an institution whose welfare was as dear to 
 him as his own life President Humphrey did for Amherst College, and 
 when, with heavy heart, he realized that his administration did not command 
 that full respect and hearty sympathy from the public which was absolutely 
 
PRESIDENT EDWARD HITCHCOCK. I 75 
 
 essential to the welfare of the college, he promptly handed in to the 
 trustees his resignation, which they, with reluctance, but recognizing the 
 exigences of the case, accepted. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Edward Hitchcock Elected President. — Generous Endowments 
 by Samuel Williston wo Others.— President Hitchcock's 
 Resignation. — Professors and Instructors. — Original Deed 
 of College Land. 
 
 The meeting of the trustees at which the resignation of President 
 Humphrey was tendered and accepted, was held in Worcester in January, 
 1844. At the same meeting, the trustees chose Prof. K. A. Park of 
 Andover to fill the vacancy, an honor which Prof. Park declined. At the 
 annual meeting of the trustees, held the following August, Prof. George 
 Shepard of Bangor was chosen president, but he. also, declined the office. 
 At a special meeting held in December. Rev. Edward Hitchcock. LL. D.. 
 was elected president, and professor of natural theology and geology. 
 Dr. Hitchcock accepted the appointment, and was duly inaugurated as 
 president, in April. 1845. 
 
 Edward Hitchcock was born in Deerfield, May 24. 1793. In 1826, 
 he was a special student of theology and science at Yale College, from 
 which institution he had already received the honorary degree of A. M. in 
 1818. From 1816 to 1819, he was principal of Deerfield Academy; from 
 182 1 to 1825, pastor of the Congregational church at Conway : from 1S25 
 to 1845. professor of chemistry and natural history at Amherst College. 
 In 1830. he was appointed'state geologist of Massachusetts; in 1840. he 
 receiyed the degree of LL. D. from Harvard University. His work in 
 geology early attracted the attention of the scientific world. During his 
 pastorate at Conway he made a scientific survey of the four western counties 
 of the state, leading in later years to the geological survey of the entire 
 state, undertaken by the government at his suggestion. He was a lover of 
 nature and nature's Supreme Ruler. 
 
 When he entered upon his duties as president, the affairs of Amherst 
 College were in a criti'cal condition. Before the resignation of President 
 Humphrey, the trustees and faculty had come to an agreement concerning 
 
176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the disposition of the college income so that any increase of the debt 
 might be avoided. According to this plan, the income of the college, 
 administered and appropriated by the permanent officers themselves, after 
 the deduction of all necessary expenses, was divided among them as their 
 salary and means of support. For several years the president received for 
 his salary at the rate of $550, and each professor at the rate of #440 a 
 year. The first collegiate year of the new presidency opened with the 
 same number of freshmen as the previous year, and in 1846-7 the number 
 was increased by one only. For a long time it was in doubt whether the 
 college was to continue its existence as a college, or revert into a seminary. 
 But better things were in store. On the day of President Hitchcock's 
 inauguration, Hon. Samuel \\ 'illiston of Easthampton by a donation of 
 $20,000 founded the Williston professorship of rhetoric and oratory. In 
 1846, Hon. Abbott Lawrence subscribed $1000 to a fund for the 
 erection of a building for scientific purposes, and the balance of the 
 funds needed for the building were easily raised. During the same 
 year, Mr. Williston and Samuel A. Hitchcock, Esq. of Brimfield contrib- 
 uted $20,000 for the founding of a professorship, afterwards known as 
 the Hitchcock professorship of natural theology and geology ; Mr. \\ illis- 
 ton gave still another $20,000 as the foundation of the Graves professor- 
 ship of Greek and Hebrew. The state, which had refused aid to the college 
 in its hour of greatest need, proved more kindly disposed when others had 
 come to its rescue, and in 1S47 the Legislature appropriated 825,000 for 
 the use of the college. These sums, in addition to $12,000 received from 
 David Sears, amounted to over $100,000, and for the first time placed 
 Amherst College on a secure financial foundation. As a result of these 
 generous benefactions, the debts of the college were paid, the term-bills were 
 reduced from $48 to $42 per year, and arrangements were made for 
 making up in full the deficient salaries of the president and professors. 
 
 The Woods Cabinet and Lawrence Observatory were completed in 
 ICS48. They were dedicated June 28 of that year, with public exercises to 
 which the friends and benefactors of the college were invited, and at which 
 an appropriate and eloquent address was delivered by Hon. William B. 
 Calhoun ; it was a day of general rejoicing. With the college out of debt 
 and generous additions being made to its equipment, there came a corre- 
 sponding increase in the number of its students. Doubt as to the perma- 
 nency of the institution no longer existed. President Hitchcock, who had 
 accepted the office in an emergency, was now desirous of retiring, but the 
 trustees would not listen to such a suggestion. They urged him, instead, 
 to make a tour of Europe for the benefit of his health, a suggestion which 
 he reluctantly accepted. In company with Mrs. Hrtchcock, he was absent 
 from Amherst live months, during which time he traveled over 10,000 
 
VIEW ox FORT RIVER. 
 
 
 
 *si 
 
 
 wi H I i;^ i i i ii i.i.i.i. 
 
 :i. [851 
 
president Hitchcock's resignation. 177 
 
 miles ; on his return he was welcomed by the students with enthusiasm, 
 the college buildings being illuminated in the evening in his honor. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the trustees in 1850. measures were adopted 
 for increasing the number of books in the college library, and for the 
 erection of a suitable library building. The sum of $15,000 was raised 
 by subscription, of which $10,000 was devoted to building purposes and 
 $5000 to the purchase of books. The building was completed in 1853, 
 the first granite structure upon the college grounds. In 1852, the trustees 
 established a scientific department which met with little favor at the hands 
 of the students and in a few years was withdrawn. In 1838, before his 
 election to the presidency, Dr. Hitchcock had donated to the college his 
 valuable mineralogical and geological collections. In 1S53. he made a 
 further donation to the institution of his collection of fossil foot-marks, 
 valued at several thousand dollars, the most complete and interesting in 
 America. At the same time Edward Hitchcock. Jr. presented to the college 
 a fine collection of Indian relics. 
 
 In 1854, President Hitchcock suffered so much from ill health that he 
 felt compelled to resign his office ; his resignation as president was accepted 
 by the trustees with much regret, but he was induced to retain his position 
 as professor of natural theology and geology. The closing clays of his 
 administration witnessed one more generous donation to the college, the 
 sum of $10,000 being given by the trustees of the estate of Samuel 
 Appleton for the erection of a cabinet of natural history. The administra- 
 of President Hitchcock marked something more than an era in the history 
 of Amherst College ; it witnessed a new birth of the institution. When 
 he assumed the presidency, the college was struggling amongst the quick- 
 sands of debt, apparently on the verge of dissolution; within the ten years 
 of his term of office it was, by the aid of generous friends, placed on the 
 high grounds of financial prosperity. For the first time since the founda- 
 tion stones of old South College were laid, the college was out of debt 
 and had ample funds with which to carry on its work. Nor was the success 
 of his administration to be measured by college finances alone. It was 
 the age of growth and expansion in cabinets, collections and materials for 
 the illustration of the physical sciences. It witnessed the erection of a 
 library building and a great increase in the number of books upon the 
 library shelves. It was marked by two great religious revivals, in 1846 
 and 1S50. With President Hitchcock's term of office what may be known 
 as the formative era at Amherst College ended ; of its subsequent growth 
 and development more will be recorded in another chapter. 
 
 Among the names of the instructors who were associated with the 
 college in its earlier years, are those of Charles B. Adams, Amos Eaton., 
 
178 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Joseph Estabrook, Thomas P. Field, William C. Fowler, Nathan W. Fiske, 
 Gamaliel S. Olds, Edwards A. Park, Ebenezer S. Snell, Charles U. Shepard, 
 and Samuel M. Worcester. Of these, Professors Eaton, Estabrook and 
 Olds were in office during President Moore's administration. Joseph Esta- 
 brook was born in Lebanon, N. H., in 1792. He was graduated at Dart- 
 mouth College in 1815 ; from 1817 to 1820 he was principal of Amherst 
 Academy, and from 1821 to 1824 professor of the Latin and Greek lan- 
 guages and librarian in Amherst College. After leaving Amherst, he con- 
 ducted schools for young ladies at Staunton, Va. and Knoxville, Term., 
 being afterwards appointed to the presidency of the University of East Ten- 
 nessee, an office which he held thirteen years, during which time the institu- 
 tion prospered greatly. Gamaliel S. Olds was born in Granville in 1777, 
 was graduated at Williams College in 1801, served as tutor at that institution 
 for several years and as professor of mathematics and natural philosophy 
 from 1S06 to 1808. From 1819 to 182 1, he was professor of mathematics 
 and natural philosophy at the University of Vermont; and from 182 1 to 
 1825, professor of the same branches in Amherst College. After leaving 
 Amherst, he taught for several years in the University of Georgia. He 
 was a man of strong mind, a good classical scholar and master of the 
 whole field of mathematics. Amos Eaton was born in 1776 and was 
 graduated from Williams College in 1799. At Amherst College, during 
 President Moore's administration, he lectured on chemistry and some 
 branches of natural history. 
 
 I Hiring President Humphrey's administration, many professors were 
 connected with the college who gained more than local reputation. Nathan 
 W. Fiske was born in Weston in 1798, and was graduated at Dartmouth 
 College in 18 17. He served as a tutor at Dartmouth College, studied 
 theology at Andover Seminar}-, was ordained as evangelist, labored at the 
 South in the cause of home missions, and in 1824 was elected professor of 
 languages and rhetoric at Amherst College. For over twenty years he was 
 a member of the college faculty, in charge of various departments. Among 
 the earlier instructors at the college few did more efficient work or 
 won more fully the respect and affection of their associates and 
 pupils. Kbenezer S. Snell was born in North lirookfield in 1801. He 
 fitted for college at Amherst Academy, entered the sophomore class at 
 Williams College in 1819, came with President Moore from Williams to 
 Amherst and was a member of the first class that was graduated from 
 Amherst College. From 1822 to 1825, he taught in Amherst Academy, 
 first as an assistant and then as principal. In 1825, when the college 
 faculty was organized under the charter, he was appointed tutor; in T827, 
 instructor in mathematics and natural philosophy ; in 1829, adjunct profes- 
 sor, and in 1834, professor of mathematics and natural philosophy. 
 
PROMINENT INSTRUCTORS. 179 
 
 Professor Snell is described by Professor W. S. Tyler, for many years an 
 associate on the college faculty and a lifelong friend, as " a man who, for 
 exactness, clearness, and method in teaching, has had no equal in Amherst 
 and no superior anywhere ; who, as an experimental lecturer, to say the 
 least, cannot be surpassed; and who, by his own mechanical ingenuity and 
 handicraft and his progressive mastery of the science, with a comparatively 
 trilling expenditure of money by the college has kept his cabinet abreast 
 of the most costly apparatus of the richest colleges in the land." 
 
 William C. Fowler was a graduate of Yale College, where he served 
 as tutor four years after completing the college course ; he was afterwards 
 professor of chemistry and natural history at Middlebury College, a position 
 that he held until called to Amherst in 1838, to become professor of rhetoric 
 and oratory, to which department the following year was added English 
 literature. He remained at Amherst five years, doing excellent work both 
 in the class-room and in the improvements made about the college grounds. 
 He was a good citizen as well as a good teacher, and in 185 1 served the 
 town as its representative in the General Court. Rev. Edwards A. Park 
 was for one year professor of intellectual and moral philosophy at Amherst 
 College, resigning that office to accept a professorship at Andover Theolog- 
 ical Seminary. Brief as was his stay in Amherst, his genius and eloquence 
 left a lasting impress upon the minds and hearts of those students who 
 came under his instruction. 
 
 Samuel M. Worcester was born in Fitchburg in 1801, was graduated 
 from Harvard College in 1S22, studied theology at Andover Seminary and 
 was engaged in teaching at Phillips Academy when, in 1823, he accepted 
 an appointment as tutor in Amherst College. In 1824. he was appointed 
 teacher of languages, and librarian, and in 1825, atthe organization under 
 the charter, professor of rhetoric and oratory. In 1S27, in company with 
 a fellow instructor Bela 11. Edwards, he undertook the editorial charge of 
 the New England Enquirer, the second newspaper to be published in 
 Amherst, its predecessor, The Chemist and Meteorological Journal, having 
 been conducted during its brief existence by Prof. John B. Cotting. The 
 Enquirer died a peaceful death in 1828 ; in 1829, the members of the 
 college assisted by the citizens elected Professor Worcester a member of the 
 General Court. In 1832, Professor Worcester was ordained as evangelist; 
 from April, 1830, to March, 1S33. he preached regularly at •• Hadley 
 Mills," now North Hadley, where his labors were blessed with an extensive 
 revival of religion. He severed his connection with the college in 1834, 
 and for more than a quarter of a century thereafter served as pastor of the 
 Tabernacle church in Salem. 
 
 Of some among the professors who served the college during President 
 Hitchcock's administration, special mention will be made in later chapters 
 
l8o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of this work. Charles I!. Adams was born in Dorchester in 1S14. He 
 entered Yale College in 1S30, but during the second year of his course 
 came to Amherst, where he was graduated with the highest honors in 1834. 
 For one year he was a tutor in Amherst College, then accepted an appoint- 
 ment as professor of chemistry and natural history at Middlebury College, 
 a position he held for nine years until, in 1847, he was appointed professor 
 of astronomy and geology and curator of the cabinet in Amherst College. 
 He held this position five years, his death occurring in 1852 while engaged 
 in scientific explorations on the island of St. Thomas. He was a diligent 
 scholar, and able teacher, and his deatli at an early age was a great loss 
 to the college and to the scientific world. 
 
 The grounds on which the first college buildings were erected were a 
 part of the farm owned by Col. Elijah Dickinson, who, when the $50,000 
 charity fund was being raised, agreed to give three acres of land, valued 
 at $600. Col. Dickinson died in 1820, but in November of that year his 
 widow, Mrs. Jerusha Dickinson, and his son, Moses Dickinson, gave a 
 deed to the trustees of nine acres of land. In 1827, two and one-half 
 acres more were purchased by the trustees of Col. Dickinson's heirs. In 
 1828, the trustees purchased of Dea. John Leland eleven acres on the 
 west side of the highway, which belonged originally to the estate of Rev. 
 Dr. Parsons and included the old " Parsons' house " and other buildings. 
 In 1S41, the town on petition of the trustees deeded to them the land in 
 front of the original college lot, to be used for college purposes only. In 
 1861, the College purchased of Judge John Dickinson five acres in the rear 
 of the original purchase. In 1866, the College purchased of Lucius Bolt- 
 wood, Esq. two and one-half acres of land on the north side of the 
 campus. Following is a copy of the original deed dated May 15. 1X1N, 
 by which Elijah Dickinson conveyed land to the trustees of Amherst 
 Academy, on certain conditions : 
 
 To all People to whom these presents shall come, GREETING. 
 
 Know ye that I Elijah Dickinson of Amherst in the County of Hampshire 
 & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, For and in consideration of tin- sum 
 of Two Thousand Dollars current money of the Commonwealth aforesaid, to me 
 in hand paid, before the ensealing hereof, by the Trustees of Amherst Academy 
 the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and am fully satisfied, contented, and 
 paid. HAVE given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, conveyed and ion- 
 firmed, and by these Presents, do freely, clearly and absolutely give, grant, bargain, 
 sell, alien, release, convey and confirm unto them the said Trusti es, their Sum ssors 
 in said office and assigns forever, A certain tract of land lying in .Amherst afore- 
 said on the North-West corner of my home Lot bounded West on the Common: 
 North on land of Elisha Warner & East & South on my own land containing about 
 res: begining at the NorthWest corner of said premises by said Common 
 thence runing easterly by the south line ol said Warner's Lot Forty rods, thence 
 Southerly on a parrallel line with the West line of said lot about forty rods to 
 
DEED OF COLLEGE LAND. 181 
 
 within about three feet of a fence, thence Westerly about forty rods to said 
 Common to a point about one rod South of an Apple tree by the fence, supposed 
 to be about thirtytwo rods South of said North West corner. If this Deed goes 
 into effect the said Trustees of said College are to make a good fence around the 
 whole of said premises & always keep the same in good repair: said Elijah is to 
 improve & remain in possession of said premises until the conditions of this Deed 
 are complied with.— To HAVE and to hold the before granted Premises, with 
 the appurtenances and privileges thereto belonging, to them the said Trustees, 
 their Successors in said office and assigns : To -their own proper use, benefit and 
 behoof, forevermore. And I the said Elijah Dickinson for myself my heirs, execu- 
 tors and administrators, do covenant, promise and grant unto and with the said 
 Trustees, their Successors in said office and assigns forever: Thatbefore and until 
 the ensealing hereof I am the true. sole, proper and lawful owner and possessor of 
 the before granted Premises with the appurtenances. And have in me good right. 
 full power and lawful authority, to give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, convey 
 and confirm, the same as aforesaid : and that free and clear, and freely and clearly 
 executed, acquitted and discharged of and from all former and other gifts, grants, 
 bargains, sales, leases, mortgages, wills, intails, jointures, doweries, thirds, execu- 
 tions, and incumbrances whatsoever. 
 
 And FURTHERMORE, 1 the said Elijah Dickinson for myself, my heirs, execu- 
 tors, and administrators, do hereby covenant, promise and engage the before granted 
 Premises, with the appurtenances, unto them the said Trustees, their Successors 
 in said office and assigns forever, to warrant, secure and defend against the lawful 
 claims and demands of any person or persons whatsoever. 
 
 In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day 
 of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 
 
 Whereas it is contemplated to procure the establishment, in the Town of 
 Amherst aforesaid, of a College University, or Classical Institution for the educa- 
 tion of young men for the gospel Ministry, — wherin shall be taught all the branches 
 of learning usually taught in Colleges in New England: ec whereas part of the 
 Consideration for this conveyance is the establishment of such College University, 
 or Classical Institution on the premises: Now the conditions of this deed is ec such 
 is the full and explicit understanding of the Parties thereto; that the same is to be 
 utterly void & of no effect in Law. unless such College, University or Institution 
 shall be established at Amherst & located on the premises, in three years from this 
 date unless also the said Trustees of Amherst Academy shall forthwith after such 
 establishment, or within one year thereafter, assign to such College, University, 
 or Classical Institution, the same premises for the uses & purposes above mentioned : 
 & unless also the Trustees of such College. University, or Classical Institution shall 
 within one year after the establishment thereof, pay to me or to my heirs the sum 
 of Two Hundred Dollarst an acre for all such quantity as shall exceed three acres 
 (said three to be given) as part of the consideration of this conveyance. Any of 
 the above conditions failing to be performed, this Deed to be of no effect in Law 
 but utterly void. — 
 
 Elijah Dickinson [Seal] 
 Signed sealed & delivered in presence of us 
 Moses Dickinson 
 H. Wright Strong 
 
 tThe words an acre for all such quantity as shall exceed three acres, (said three acres to be 
 given) interlined before signing— in the original Deed.— H. \Y. Strong. 
 
152 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Hampshire ss. May 23' 1 1S18 Personally appeared Elijah Dickinson Subscriber 
 to the above Instrument & acknowledged the same to be his Deed. — 
 
 Before me II. Wright Strong Justice of the Peace. 
 May 10"' 1S19 I agree to receive pay for such quantity of Land above described 
 as shall exceed six acres only, meaning that I give Six acres of the Land afore- 
 said if Williams College is located in said Amherst, provided Williams College is 
 erected on said premises. — 
 
 Elijah Dickinson. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Biographical Sketches of Prominent Citizens Who were Born in 
 the Years Dating from 1686 to 1720. 
 
 In preceding chapters of this History, the aim has been to present in 
 chronological order the principal events that have marked the history of 
 the precinct, district, and town, and its inhabitants. In chapters that are 
 to follow, particular subjects will be considered under appropriate chapter 
 headings. It may be well in this place to give in outline brief sketches of 
 the lives of men who were prominent in town affairs, up to the time that 
 Amherst College was organized. These sketches must, of necessity, be 
 brief and incomplete. Many of these earlier inhabitants have no desendants 
 living in Amherst at the present time, and little information concerning 
 them can be obtained from any source. It is known that they were men 
 of prominence in their day and generation, taking an active part in town 
 and church affairs, but as to their personality, the elements of character by 
 which they gained distinction, the records are silent. Sketches of some of 
 the more prominent men have been given in preceding chapters in connection 
 with special events. 
 
 Of the earliest inhabitants of the settlement, the date of whose birth 
 is prior to 1758, the following appear, from the town records and from 
 other available sources of information, to have attained special distinction : 
 Samuel Hawley, Moses Warner. Klisha Ingram. Alexander Smith. Moses 
 Dickinson, John Field, John Nash, John Hillings, Simeon Pomeroy, Moses 
 Cook, Hezekiah Belding, Preserved Clapp, Jonathan Moody, Eli Parker, 
 Seth Coleman. Joseph Eastman, Robert Cutler, Elisha Smith, Daniel 
 Kellogg, Zebina Montague, Daniel Cooley, Oliver Dickinson. Of all but 
 eight of these, brief sketches have ahead}- been given in connection with 
 
EARLY MEN OF NOTE. 1 83 
 
 the early settlement. But little can be added, a word here, a line there, 
 as information has been obtained. Samuel Hawley was the moderator of 
 the first meeting held in Hadley Third Precinct, a member of the first 
 committee chosen to call precinct meetings, and served at various times on 
 committees to hire a minister and build a meeting-house. Moses Warner 
 was among the earliest of the innkeepers, his tavern being a favorite place 
 of resort for the citizens in attendance at town-meetings. Moses Dickin- 
 son was equally prominent in town and church affairs, was a member of 
 the committee of correspondence at the outbreak of the Revolutionary 
 war, a delegate to various conventions, representative to the General Court, 
 and served on many of the important committees appointed by the parish. 
 Alexander Smith served as selectman and held other offices of importance. 
 John Field was commissioned as lieutenant in the militia by Gov. Hutchin- 
 son in 1773, but gave up his commission the following year. John Nash 
 was among the early tavern-keepers ; he was also one of the officers com- 
 missioned by Gov. Hutchinson. He was the first precinct clerk, an office 
 he held many years, serving also as precinct treasurer and moderator. 
 John Billings was a deacon in the Second church ; he served as represen- 
 tative to the General Court two years. Moses Cook represented the town 
 for two years in the General Court; he also held many town offices. 
 Hezekiah Belding was a deacon of the Second church. Jonathan Moody 
 held many important town offices, including that of selectman. There is 
 hardly a page in the old precinct and district records but bears the name 
 of Joseph Eastman. He served as selectman, assessor, treasurer, school 
 committee, and was a member of nearly all the important committees 
 appointed during the earlier years of the settlement. He was the first 
 district treasurer appointed after the district had been set off from the 
 town of Hadley. The New England Historical and Genealogical Register 
 says of him, " He was intelligent, frugal and Godly." Daniel Kellogg was 
 selectman, assessor, and served on many important committees. In 1770, 
 he was one of the largest property holders, his estate being valued at £1 19. 
 It is impossible to state with accuracy the precise date when Eli 
 Parker came to Amherst. He is first mentioned in the district records 
 under date of 1769, when he was elected a "vorden," or warden. He 
 married Elizabeth, daughter of John Hubbard, by whom he had children, 
 Eli, Levi, Samuel, Deborah, Hannah and Elizabeth. In the war of the 
 Revolution he was lieutenant of militia, leading a company of minute men 
 to Cambridge at the time of the Lexington alarm. He afterwards com- 
 manded a company in Col. Leonard's regiment that marched from Hampshire 
 county to Ticonderoga in 1777. He was active in both town and church 
 affairs. 
 
184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Elisha Smith was son of Peter, who came to the Third Precinct between 
 1739 and 1745, and grandson of Chiliab Smith of Hadley. He married 
 in 1782, Ursula, daughter of Dea. John Billings, by whom he had children. 
 Jerusha, Lucretia, Achsah, Peter, Polly and Elisha. 
 
 Zebina Montague, son of Major Richard Montague, was born in 
 Hadley, July 23, 1754. He married, Dec. 30, 1778, Jemina Gunn. He 
 removed from Hadley to Amherst, where he lived many years, devoting 
 much of his time to the public service, respected and honored by all. In 
 company with his brother Luke he conducted successfully a mercantile 
 business in a store on Main street, adjoining the " Montague house" still 
 standing. For ten years, nine successively, he represented the town in the 
 General Court. He was for many years a justice of the peace, and during 
 the latter part of his life held the office of brigadier-general of militia. He 
 was a prominent member of the First church, benevolent, kind-hearted, a 
 valued member of the community. He built and resided in the house 
 just south of Palmer's block which was destroyed by fire during the blizzard 
 in March, 1888. General Montague died in 1809. 
 
 Seth Coleman was son of Nathaniel, and was born in Hatfield, March 
 1 j, 1740. When two years of age his parents removed to Amherst. At 
 the age of twenty-one he entered Yale College, from which he was 
 graduated in the class of 1765. He studied medicine with Dr. Hubbard 
 of New Haven, and entered upon the practice of his profession in Amherst 
 in 1 767, where he remained until his death in iS 16. He was twice married, 
 in 1765 to Sarah Beecher, who died in 1783 ; in 1785 to Eunice Warner, 
 who died in 1822. By his first wife he had children, William, Thankful,. 
 Sarah, Fanny, Seth, Eliphalet. Dr. Coleman was a man eminent for his 
 zeal in religious matters. He served for several years as a deacon in the 
 First church ; from 1785 to 180G, he was clerk and treasurer of the parish. 
 Robert Cutler was son of Rev. Robert, and was born at Epping. N. 
 II.. Oct. 2, 1748. He studied medicine at Hardwick, Mass., and began 
 the practice of his profession in Pelham in 1770. He was married. Pec. 
 22, 1773, to Esther, widow of Isaac Guernsey of Northampton; by her he 
 had seven children, all born in Pelham. He removed to Amherst in 1787, 
 where he soon acquired a large practice, being for many years the leading 
 physician of the town. He has been described, by one who remembered 
 him well, as the most polite man in town. Mounted upon a bay horse, 
 wearing a three-cornered hat, knee breeches, white-top boots, his snow 
 white hair done up in a queue, and with saddle-bags across his horse's 
 back, he would ride through the village bowing and smiling at all he met, 
 whether young or old. An interesting incident is related concerning Mrs. 
 Cutler, which occurred before the family removed to Amherst, during the 
 Shays rebellion. Dr. Cutler was strong in his opposition to the rebellion 
 
PROMINENT CITIZENS. 1S5 
 
 and made himself so obnoxious to the Shays party that he was frequently 
 warned to change his views or be more guarded in their expression. "< )n 
 a given night the Shays men had arranged to make him a visit, and either 
 compel him to join them in their march to Springfield, as a surgeon, or get out 
 of the town. Learning of their movements, he made it convenient not to 
 be at home on the appointed night. Being enraged at his departure, they 
 demanded of Mrs. Cutler food and shelter, whereupon she spread her 
 tal/ies and gave them all the food she had in the house. They then 
 demanded cider and whatever liquor she chanced to have in her cellar. 
 but she defied them by placing herself before the cellar door, at the same 
 time informing them that she had given them all her food, but not a drop 
 of cider nor liquor could they have unless they obtained it by passing over 
 her dead body. After many threats and not a little show of violence, they 
 proceeded to break the dishes and table, when they took their departure 
 for Springfield.*' 
 
 Daniel Cooley, son of Abner, was born in Sunderland, Feb.21, 1752. 
 He was graduated at Yale College in 1753. He represented the town two 
 years, 1787 and 17S8, in the General Court, and in 17S8 was delegate to 
 the first convention that met in Boston to consider the United States con- 
 stitution. Mr. Cooley was three times married: he died May 27, 1S10. 
 
 Oliver Dickinson was son of Azariah who came to Amherst from 
 Shutesbury prior to 1763. and was born March 27. 1757. He conducted 
 for many years a tavern at North Amherst, gaining the name of "Landlord 
 Oliver," by which he was generally known. His labors in organizing the 
 North Congregational church and in erecting the church-building will be 
 referred to in a later chapter in this book. He was twice married, (1) to 
 Hannah Strickland; (2) to Dorothy Whiting: he had no children. He died 
 in Amherst. May 12, 1S43. 
 
 Of a little later generation, dating in birth from 1758 to 178S, were 
 Samuel Fowler Dickinson, Noah Webster, Rufus Cowles, Justus Williams, 
 Enos Dickinson, Hezekiah Wright Strong, Elijah Boltwood, John Dickin- 
 son, Aaron Merrick, Medad Dickinson, Daniel Mack, Noah D. Mattoon, 
 Ithamar Conkey and Timothy J. Gridley. 
 
 Medad Dickinson was son of Moses, who came from Hadley to 
 Amherst prior to 1745 ; he was born June 9, 1755 ; was three times married, 
 (1) to Sally Smith, (2) to Eleanor Morton, (3) to Esther Dickinson: he 
 had children, Sally, Hannah, Thankful, Olive, Moses, Pliny, Oliver, Esther, 
 Aaron, Eleanor, Medad and Julia. He served the town as representative 
 in the General Court in 18 10 and 181 1. 
 
 Noah Webster was not a native of Amherst, but resided here for several 
 years, during which time he was prominently identified with the town and 
 its institutions. Born in Hartford, Conn., Oct. 16, 1 7 5 S , he was graduated 
 
l86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 from Vale College in 1778, admitted to the bar in 1781, engaged in teach- 
 ing, compiling school-books, writing essays on political and literary subjects 
 and delivering lectures till 1789, a lawyer in Hartford till 1793, editor of 
 a daily and semi-weekly paper in New York till 179S, and soon after 
 devoted himself solely to literary and philological pursuits at New Haven, 
 Conn. He removed to Amherst in 18 12, and remained here about ten 
 years, devoting himself to labor upon the dictionary which was his great 
 life-work and which was destined to make his name known wherever the 
 English language is spoken. He lived in an old-style wooden house that 
 stood not far from the site now occupied by Kellogg's Block, surrounded 
 by a thriving orchard. During his stay in Amherst he took a leading part 
 in town affairs, often serving as moderator at town-meetings and representing 
 the town in the General Court three years. A prominent member of the 
 hirst church, he was, in 1819, one of the committee chosen to confer with 
 the Rev. Daniel A. Clark on settling in the ministry. He was one of the 
 incorporators of Amherst Academy and bore a prominent part in the 
 labors attendant on the organization of the college. 
 
 Justus Williams, son of Justus, one of the early settlers of Amherst, 
 was born in this town, April 7, 1766. He engaged in farming for mam' 
 years in the south part of the village. When the project of establishing a 
 college in the town first attracted public attention, he favored the proposi- 
 tion strongly and his name is honorably mentioned by Professor Tyler as 
 among the most active in aiding the enterprise. Mr. Williams was married, 
 Jan. 1. 1800, to Sarah, daughter of Jonathan Warner, by whom he had 
 five children, Zebadiah, Jonathan, Mary A., Oren and Onam. He died in 
 Amherst, in 1824. 
 
 Rufus Cowles was son of Oliver, who came to Amherst from Hadley 
 prior to 1763; he was born Dec. 16, 1767, was graduated from Dartmouth 
 College in 1792, studied medicine and practiced his profession in New 
 Salem and Amherst, and during the latter part of his life was engaged in 
 mercantile business in the latter town. He owned considerable property 
 in Amherst and a large tract of land in Maine. He was prominent among 
 the founders of Amherst College, serving as a member of the board of 
 trustees b :fore the charter was granted. He is described as ••bluff, hearty 
 and generous, lull of force and of the unrestrained individuality so preva- 
 lent in his time, at the front and with the best in everything affecting the 
 prosperity of Amherst." He lived in the house on North Pleasant street 
 now occupied 1>\ the Misses Cowles. His death occurred Nov. 22. t.837. 
 
 ( )f Hezekiah Wright Strong something has already been recorded in 
 connection with the founding of Amherst College. He was son of Judge 
 Simeon Strong, and was born in Amherst. Dec. 24, 1768. lie studied law 
 in his father's office, practiced his profession for a time in Deerfield, and 
 
PROMINENT CITIZENS. 187 
 
 afterwards in Amherst. He was one of the founders of Amherst Academy 
 and Amherst College. He was an energetic man. tireless in laboring for 
 any cause that enlisted his interest, progressive, by many deemed visionary. 
 The first ice-house and the first bathing-house in Amherst were built by 
 him. In 1S25, he was appointed postmaster at Amherst, continuing in 
 office until 1842. For several years he conducted a store on the present 
 site of Adams' drugstore. He died in Troy, N. Y., Oct. 7, 184S. 
 
 Aaron Merrick was son of James, who came from Monson to Amherst 
 prior to 1763 ; he was born in May, 1770; married, June 22, 1800, Mary 
 Howe: died in Amherst, Dec. 3, 1843. He represented the town in the 
 General Court in 1822. 
 
 Samuel Fowler Dickinson has already been mentioned in connection 
 with the founding of Amherst Academy and Amherst College. Distin- 
 guished as were his services in the cause of education, they were but the 
 reflex of a public spirit that was interested in all progress and bore a 
 prominent part in affairs of church and state. A descendant in direct line 
 from Nathaniel Dickinson, who was among the original settlers of Hadley, 
 lie was the embodiment of those qualities and virtues that gave to New 
 England strength and character from the earliest times. He was born in 
 Amherst, Oct. 9, 1775, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in the 
 class of 1795, with distinguished honors. After leaving college, he taught 
 for one vear in the academy at New Salem, and then studied law in the 
 office of Judge Simeon Strong. He opened an office for the practice of 
 his profession in Amherst, where he soon acquired an extensive business, 
 being accounted among the ablest lawyers in the county. He was married, 
 March 31, 1802, to Lucretia Gunn of Montague, by whom he had children, 
 Edward, William, Lucretia, Mary. Samuel Fowler, Catharine, Timothy, 
 Frederick and Elizabeth. He united with the First church in Amherst, 
 and when but twenty-one years of age was chosen deacon, an office which 
 he held for nearly forty years, taking an active part in church and parish 
 affairs. In the community he was highly honored; he served as town 
 clerk many years and for twelve years represented the town in the General 
 Court. He was a natural leader in every enterprise looking toward the 
 public welfare. He took a prominent part in the founding of Amherst 
 Academy, and Amherst College owes to his memory a debt which has been 
 acknowledged but can never be fully paid. For the college he sacrificed 
 his property, his time and his professional opportunities. In 1833, he 
 removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he held the office of steward of Lane 
 Seminary, afterwards serving the Western Reserve College at Hudson, 
 Ohio, in the same capacity. He died at Hudson, April 22, 1838. 
 
 David Mack was born in Middlefield in February, 1778. He fitted 
 for college at Windsor Hill, but his eyes failing he was compelled to give 
 
l88 HISTORY <)F THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 up his studies. For twenty years he was a merchant in Middletield, 
 removing to Amherst in 1S3J. He was several times representative from 
 Middletield in the General Court, and at one time was a member of the 
 state Senate from Hampshire county; he was also a member of the 
 governor's council. In 1812, he commanded for some months the militia 
 in Boston, thus acquiring the title of "General" by which he was usually 
 known. For many years he was deacon of the First church. He was for 
 eighteen years a member of the Amherst College board of trustees and for 
 several years a member of the prudential committee. He was a man of 
 great decision of character, a devoted Christian, and liberal in his 
 benefactions. 
 
 Elijah Boltwood, son of Samuel, was born Feb. 19, 17S0. He 
 married, Nov. 5, 1807, Fliza Almy, and died April 13, 1855. He was, for 
 many years, proprietor of the Boltwood tavern, which stood on the site 
 now occupied by the Amherst house. 
 
 Thomas Hastings was son of Thomas and grandson of Lieut. Thomas 
 Hastings, who removed from Hatfield to Amherst about 1753, and served 
 in the war of the Revolution. Thomas Hastings, the subject of this 
 sketch, was born in Amherst, Feb. 6, 1782. He was married Nov. 1, 1S03, 
 to Eunice Clark, by whom he had thirteen children. He served the town 
 as selectman and overseer of the poor. He lived on the place now 
 .occupied by Edmund Hastings. The original homestead was just south 
 of the Frederick Williams place. 
 
 John Dickinson, son of John, was born Feb. 25, 1782 ; was graduated 
 from Williams College in 1800, studied law and was judge of probate at 
 Machias, Me., returning to Amherst about 1S37. He was twice married, 
 (1 ) Oct. 12. 1S07, to Rebecca Ellis; (2) Jan. 5, 184S, to Olive S. Shepard 
 of Lenox. He was a prominent man in the community and the church. 
 
 Enos Dickinson was son of Jonathan, and was born in Amherst. Oct. 
 23, 1785, in the house in which he died, Jan. 14, 1870. His early educa- 
 tion was limited to the knowledge which could be gained at the public 
 schools, then of inferior quality, but was supplemented by reading and 
 stud}' in later years. brought up on his father's farm, he early acquired 
 habits of industry, economy and temperance, which remained with him 
 through life, and doubtless were responsible for much of the success which 
 he attained. He devoted his life to farming, by which he acquired a 
 handsome property, much of which was donated to benevolent objects, 
 lie united with the First church in [816 ; in 1S24, he was one of the 
 founders of the church in South Amherst, contributing liberally to its 
 support during his life, and at his death bequeathing it funds with which the 
 parsonage now in use was purchased. He was a regular attendant at 
 town-meetings, seldom taking part in the discussions, but when he did 
 
PROMIMEA1T LAWYERS. 
 
PROMINENT CITIZENS. 189 
 
 speak his words bore with them the weight of character and wisdom. He 
 served the town as selectman and. in 182S, as representative to the General 
 Court. In 18 1 2, he received a commission as lieutenant, and went with a 
 company raised in this part of the state to Boston, but was not called into 
 active service. From this time he was known as " Lieutenant " Dickinson. 
 He was married, April 27, 1S09, to Lois Dickinson of Amherst; having 
 no children, he devoted, in later years, the income of his large propertv to 
 charitable and benevolent objects. He gave generously to Amherst 
 Academy, Amherst College and Mount Holyoke Seminary. The expenses 
 of the •' Nineveh Gallery " at Amherst College were borne by him ; in his 
 will he provided for a perpetual scholarship at the college, which bears his- 
 name. 
 
 Ithamar Conkey was born in Pelham, May 7, 1788. He was son of 
 John Conkey, a strong-minded and intelligent farmer. His mother was 
 daughter of Rev. Robert Abercrombie, the first minister settled in Pelham. 
 He studied law with Noah D. Mattoon, Esq. in Amherst; in 1814, he opened 
 an office for the practice of his profession in Pelham, remaining there until 
 [817, when, on the removal of Mr. Mattoon to Ohio, he succeeded the 
 latter in his practice at Amherst. In 1S28, he accepted the office of 
 special commissioner, and in 1830, that of county commissioner. In 1834, 
 he was appointed by Gov. Armstrong judge of probate for Hampshire 
 county, an office he retained until 1858 when the court was abolished. 
 In 1853, he was a member of the convention for revising the state 
 constitution. For many years he was a trustee of Amherst Academy, and 
 at the time of his death he was treasurer of that institution. He was a. 
 member and firm supporter of the Second church. 
 
 Timothy J. Gridley was born in Connecticut in 178S; he was grad- 
 uated at Yale College in 1S18. and studied medicine with Dr. Nathan 
 Smith. He came to Amherst in 1S22, and here practiced his profession 
 until his death in 1852. During this time he sustained a reputation as 
 physician and surgeon second to none in the western part of the state. 
 His reputation was not confined to Hampshire county, but his advice was 
 sought in consultation by physicians throughout this section. He served 
 the town as representative in the General Court two years and was member 
 of the Governor's council for one year. Dr. Gridley was a man of great 
 native talent, excellent education and strong character. To a thorough 
 knowledge of his profession was added keen judgment and strong com- 
 mon sense. Few men of his time enjoyed so generally the confidence of 
 the community. 
 
 Noah Dickinson Mattoon, son of Gen. Ebenezer Mattoon, was born 
 in Amherst, Sept. 19, 1783. He was graduated from Dartmouth College 
 in 1S03, read law with Hon. Samuel Fowler Dickinson, and in 1806 began. 
 
•I 9° HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the practice of his profession in his native town. He was prominent in 
 town affairs until his removal, in 181S, to Painesville, Ohio. He married 
 Lucy, daughter of Aaron Billings of Amherst; he died in Unionville, Ohio, 
 March 15, 1870. 
 
 Among the prominent residents of Amherst whose birth dates from 
 1789 to 1807, were Lucius Boltwood, Daniel Dickinson, Frederick A. 
 Palmer, Silas Wright, Leavitt Hallock, Seth Nims, John Nash, Luke 
 Sweetser, Osmyn Baker, O. M. Clapp, Edward Dickinson, L. M. Hills, 
 J. R. Cushman, R. B. Hubbard. Albin P. Howe, Oliver Watson, Simeon 
 Clark, John Leland, Calvin Merrill, and W. S. Howland. 
 
 Lucius Boltwood was son of William, and was born in Amherst, March 
 16, 1792. His father, a farmer in moderate circumstances with eight 
 children dependent on him for support, could ill afford him the liberal 
 education on which his heart was set. He studied Latin at the district 
 school and attended the grammar-school at Hadley for a few weeks, 
 spending the greater part of his time in labor upon the farm. In the fall 
 of 1810, he entered the freshman class at Williams College, graduating 
 with high honors in the class of 18 14. During the winters of his fresh- 
 man, sophomore and senior years he taught the center school in Amherst. 
 After graduation, he read law with Hon. Samuel Fowler Dickinson, was 
 admitted to the bar in iS 1 7, and entered into partnership with his instructor. 
 In 1820, he opened an office of his own in Amherst, continuing in practice 
 until 1836 ; at about the latter date he made extensive purchases of land in 
 Michigan, the care of which gradually compelled him to abandon the law. 
 He served Amherst College for several years as secretary of the corpora- 
 tion : from 183310 1866, he was commissioner of the charity fund. From 
 November, 1835, t0 October, 1836, he was president of the Amherst 
 hank. In 1835, he built what was for many years known as the " boltwood 
 house" and now as " Hitchcock hall," where he resided until his death in 
 1872. At the time of his death he was senior member of the Hampshire 
 county bar. He was an able lawyer, a wise counsellor, a magistrate whose 
 decisions were respected. He was noted for public spirit and for benevo- 
 lence. He was a warm friend of Amherst College, and among those who 
 favored the establishment of the Agricultural College in Amherst. He- 
 was one of the organizers of the Liberty party, serving, in 1S41, as its 
 first candidate for governor of Massachusetts; with this exception, he was 
 never a candidate for elective office. For nearly sixty years he was a 
 member the First church in Amherst. He married, Aug. 30, 1824, Fanny 
 H. Shepard of Little Compton, R. I.: their children were, Lucius M., 
 George S., Fanny S., Charles S., Charles l\, Edward, Thomas K. and 
 Samuel. 
 
PROMINENT CITIZENS. 19 I 
 
 Daniel Dickinson was son of Azariah, and was born in Amherst, 
 June 18, 1793. His early education was obtained at the district schools 
 of his native town. His father died in 1813, leaving to his care, while he 
 was not yet of age, the management of a farm which he conducted success- 
 fully for many years. He represented the town in the General Court in 
 1829 and 1833. In 1833, he was appointed a justice of the peace, holding 
 the office for thirty-five years. He was, for many years, an elector under 
 the provisions of the Oliver Smith will. He took a prominent part in the 
 organization of the North Congregational church ; he served the church 
 as a member of its prudential committee, twelve years ; as clerk, fourteen 
 years, and also, for many years, as assessor. When, in 1828, a board of 
 trustees was appointed by the General Court to hold in trust a permanent 
 fund for the benefit of the parish, he was chosen a member of the board. 
 an office he held for more than forty years. Mr. Dickinson was twice 
 married, (1) in 18 19, to Miss Louisa Adams of New fane. Yt., by whom he 
 had two children ; (2) June 25, 1829, to Miss Tammy Eastman of Granby 
 by whom he had five children. 
 
 Silas Wright, although a native of Amherst, removed when less than 
 one year of age, with his father's family, to Weybridge, Vt. He cannot, 
 therefore, be rightly classed among the prominent men of Amherst, but in 
 view of the national reputation that he afterwards acquired, a history of the 
 town would be incomplete without some reference to one of its most 
 distinguished sons. He was son of Silas Wright, whose farm in Hadley, 
 with the farms of three other men. was annexed to Amherst in 1789. 
 Silas Wright, Sr. was married, Sept. 26, 1780, by Rev. David Parsons, to 
 Eleanor, daughter of Isaac Goodale, of Amherst. Silas, Jr. was born 
 May 24, 1795. He was graduated at Middlebury College in 1815. studied 
 law, and in 18 19 was admitted to the bar. He practiced law in Canton, 
 N. Y., but soon turned his attention to politics, and was elected successively 
 state senator, comptroller, representative and senator in the U. S. Congress, 
 and governor of New York state. He died Aug. 27, 1847. 
 
 Leavitt Hallock, son of Rev. Moses Hallock. was born in Plainfield 
 in 1796. ' He spent the greater portion of his life in his native town, 
 carrying on a farm and at the same time conducting a large tannery and a 
 country store. He came to Amherst for the purpose of educating his two 
 sons, both of whom were afterwards graduated at Amherst College. During 
 his stay in Amherst, he was prominently identified with the development 
 and beautifying of the town. He purchased the Cowles farm from Hon. 
 Osmyn Baker, and made building-lots of it, opening up Prospect, Hallock 
 and McClellan streets. He also purchased the Baker farm and grove, laid 
 out Snell street, circled the grove with a gravel road and presented it to 
 Amherst College to be held as a grove forever; the College christened the 
 
I g2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, -MASS. 
 
 property Hallock park, in his honor. He was for many years identified 
 with the First parish, contributing liberally to its support. 
 
 Seth Nims, son of Israel, was born in Conway, Sept. n, 1798. He 
 married, Nov. 26, 1823, Emily Dickinson, by whom he had five children. 
 He removed from Conway to South Deerfield, where he was in business 
 for a few years, a part of the time as proprietor of the Bloody Brook hotel. 
 While there he assisted in organizing an independent militia company, the 
 "Franklin Cadets," of which he was chosen first lieutenant. He resided 
 in Ware two years, removing to Amherst in 1830. He served the town as 
 constable and tax collector several years. In 1852, he was appointed 
 deputy-sheriff for Hampshire county. May 9, 1845, he was commissioned 
 as post-master at Amherst by President Polk, serving four years. June 3, 
 1853, he again received a commission as post-master, this time from 
 President Pierce, and was in charge of the office eight years, being suc- 
 ceeded by Lucius M. Boltwood. He took great interest in town and 
 church affairs, and was held in high esteem in the community. He died 
 Sept. 25, 1877. 
 
 John A. Nash, son of Elijah, was born in Conway in 1798. He was 
 graduated from Amherst College in the class of 1824, taught in New York 
 tit}- and at Hopkins Academy in Hadley, studied theology at Yale College, 
 conducted classical schools in Bloomfield, N. J., and New York city, was 
 pastor of a Presbyterian church in Binghamton, N. Y., several years, 
 conducted a boarding-school in Pittsfield eight years, and then came to 
 Amherst, where, from 1846 to 1854, he conducted a boarding-school at 
 Mt. Pleasant, continued since then by his son, Henry C. Nash. John A. 
 Nash was appointed professor of scientific agriculture at Amherst College, 
 was a member of the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture, traveled 
 and studied in Europe, and on his return published a book on agricultural 
 chemistry. He edited a paper entitled the Valley Farmer for a time, after- 
 wards removing to New York city, when he purchased and edited the 
 Plough, Loom and Anvil, and was for a time agricultural editor of the New 
 York Tribune and New York Evangelist. He was among the pioneers in 
 the field of scientific agriculture, being active as well in the causes of anti- 
 slavery and temperance reform. He died Oct. 7, 1 cS 7 7 , at the home of 
 his son, Henry ( '. Nash. 
 
 Luke Sweetser was horn in Athol, Oct 28, 1S00 ; he entered Amherst 
 Academy in the winter of 1820-21. In the spring of 1821, he entered 
 the employ of H. Wright Strong, who at that time conducted the leading 
 store in the village. In 1X24. he bought the store of Mr. Strong, and 
 engaged in business on his own account, associating with hiinsell his 
 younger brother, Joseph A. Sweetser, William Cutler and George Cutler. 
 He continued in business thirty years, until March. 1 S54, when he sold his 
 
PROMINENT CITIZENS. 193 
 
 interest to William and George Cutler. On retiring from active business 
 pursuits, he engaged in farming and collected the finest herd of Ayrshire 
 cattle in this part of the state. He took a deep interest in agricultural 
 matters, and his name is found among the incorporators of the Hampshire 
 Agricultural society. He was an active promoter of the Amherst & 
 Belchertown Railroad company, the first corporation to build a railway 
 line to Amherst ; he served as its first president and had charge of its 
 construction. He served the town as selectman and assessor, and in 
 1S47-8 was its representative to the General Court. It was largely through 
 his efforts that the first almshouse in Amherst was built. For over thirty 
 years he was a member of the prudential committee of Amherst College, 
 had charge of erecting some of the college buildings and the oversight of 
 the buildings and grounds for a time. For ten years he was a commissioner 
 of the charity fund. He united with the First church in 183 i ; from iS5r 
 to 1871. he served as one of its deacons. Few men have enjoyed the 
 respect and high esteem of a community to a greater degree than was 
 granted by Amherst to Mr. Sweetser. His name stood for honor, integ- 
 rity and high Christian character. He died in Amherst, July 27, 1882. 
 Osmyn Baker, son of Enos, was born in Amherst, May 18, 1800. 
 He fitted for college in his native town, entered Vale College at the age of 
 18 and was graduated in the class of 1S22. He studied law in Amherst 
 and at the law school in Northampton ; in 1S25, he opened an office in 
 Amherst for the practice of his profession. At about the same time he 
 became editor of the New England Enquirer, a newspaper published in 
 Amherst by J. S. & C. Adams. In 1830, he was commissioned as captain 
 of an independent rifle company, organized in Amherst, which for several 
 years was regarded as one of the finest companies in this part of the state. 
 In 1833, '34, '36 and '37, he represented Amherst in the General Court. 
 From 1834 to 1837, he served as county commissioner. From 1839 to 
 1845, ne serve d three terms in Congress, during one of the most interesting 
 periods of our national political history. During the presidential campaign 
 of 1S40, and the two succeeding congressional campaigns, he came into 
 prominence as a political speaker. In 1842, he formed a copartnership 
 with Charles Delano, Esq. for the practice of law. which continued, at 
 Amherst first and afterwards in Northampton, until Mr. Baker retired from 
 practice, in i860. In 1845, he removed his office to Northampton. Mr. 
 Baker was one of the counsel for the defence in the great legal struggle 
 which took place over the will of Oliver Smith of Hatfield, and it was largely 
 owing to his efforts that the will was sustained and the noble charity per- 
 mitted to accomplish an even greater and more beneficent work than its 
 founder had anticipated. Mr. Baker was chosen the first president of the. 
 J 3 
 
194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 board of trustees under the will, an office he retained until his resignation 
 in [870. Mr. Baker was twice married, (1) in August, 1832, to Elizabeth 
 Olmstead, by whom he had one child; (2) in 183S, to Cornelia Rockwell, 
 by whom he had a son, William Lawrence, who served in the war for the 
 preservation of the Union and was killed at the battle of Antietam, in 
 1863. Mr. Baker died Feb. 9, 1875. 
 
 Calvin Merrill, son of Calvin, was born in Amherst. Aug. 17, 1797. He 
 was twice married, (1) in 182 1, to Cordelia A. Leonard of Sunderland, by 
 whom he had five children ; (2) to Mrs. Fannie Dickinson of Amherst. 
 He was prominent in town affairs, holding for many years the offices of 
 selectman and assessor. He was a member of the First Congregational 
 church. After the death of his second wife, which occurred in the summer 
 of 1872, he removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he resided with his 
 daughter, Caroline H. Granger, until his death, Nov. 10, 1872. 
 
 Oliver M. Clapp, son of Oliver, was born in Amherst, Oct. 2, 1S02. 
 He married, May 10, 1826, Mary A. Reed of Claremont, N. H., by whom 
 he had three children. He spent his life on or near the old Clapp home- 
 stead in East Amherst. He assisted in organizing the Amherst rifle 
 company in 1830, and served as one of its officers. He was a pioneer in 
 the introduction of the silk-worm and the manufacture of silk in Amherst. 
 For some years he conducted a hardware business, but later on gave his 
 attention to marble and stone cutting, in which he excelled as a workman. 
 He took a prominent part in laying outthe walks in the old West cemetery, 
 and in adding to its beauty in various ways. For man}- years he was an 
 active and influential member of the Second church. He was deeply 
 interested in the early history of the town and possessed a fine collection 
 of Indian and other relics. He died in Amherst. June 13, 1887. 
 
 Edward Dickinson, son of Hon. Samuel Fowler Dickinson, was born 
 in Amherst, fan. 1, 1803; he was educated in the public schools of his 
 native town and at Amherst Academy, was a member of the first junior 
 class at Amherst College, although the other three years of Ins collegiate 
 course were spent at Yale College, where he was graduated in the class of 
 1X23. Me studied law two years in his father's office in Amherst, and one 
 year at the Northampton law school. In [826, he opened an office for 
 the practice of his profession in Amherst, continuing in practice until the 
 time of his death in 1874. During this time he was the leading lawyer in 
 Amherst, being held in high esteem by his associates of the Hampshire 
 county bar. lie was a man of great public spirit, a leader in all enterprises 
 looking to the welfare of the town. In 1838 and 1839. and again in [874, 
 he represented the town in the General Court ; in [842 and 1843, he was 
 ;i member of the Massachusetts Senate ; in [845 and 1846, a member of the 
 Council: from 1853 to 1855. a member of Congress. He held also many 
 
PIONEER PAPER MAKERS 
 
PROMINENT CITIZENS. 195 
 
 other offices of trust, by local election or executive appointment. In 1861, 
 he was nominated by the republican party for lieutenant-governor, on the 
 ticket with Andrew, but declined the honor. In 1835. ne was chosen 
 treasurer of Amherst College, an office which he held until 1873, when he 
 resigned and was succeeded by his son, William Austin Dickinson. He 
 bore an active part in the labors which resulted in the building of the 
 Amherst & Belchertown railway and. later on, was deeply interested in the 
 building of the Massachusetts Central road; to assist in this work he 
 consented, at the age of 70, to represent the town in the General Court. 
 It was while making a speech in the House of Representatives in relation 
 t<> this road that he was stricken with apoplexy, resulting in death. The 
 General Court and the Hampshire county bar passed resolutions of respect 
 to his memory, indicative of the high regard in which he was held by his 
 associates in public life. Mr. Dickinson was a man of great strength of 
 character, sound learning, keen intellect, spotless integrity and deep-seated 
 religious principle. He was held in high esteem by all with whom he came 
 in contact, and honored by the community as few other men have been. 
 
 Leonard M. Hills, son of Leonard, was born in Ellington, Conn., 
 Jan. 8, 1803. He came to Amherst in 1829 and entered the employ of 
 Knowles & Thayer, carriage-makers; he remained with them but a short 
 time, leaving them that he might engage in the manufacture of palm-leaf 
 hats, of which branch of industry he was the pioneer in Amherst. Con- 
 cerning this business, more will be related under the heading of manufac- 
 tures, later on. The business increased so rapidly as to demand the 
 greater part of his time and care. Soon after the Amherst & Belchertown 
 railway company was organized, he was elected president, holding that 
 office until the road passed out of the hands of the original corporation. 
 On the organization of the First National bank he was chosen president, 
 remaining in office until his death in 1872. In 1836, he lost all the 
 property he had accumulated and found himself heavily in debt through 
 the failure of a friend, for whom he had endorsed notes to a large amount. 
 With characteristic honesty, he paid every cent of his indebtedness. He 
 united with the Second church in 1864, but three vears later became a 
 member of the First church. He was a liberal contributor to the church 
 and to many objects of benevolence. Mr. Hills was twice married, (1) in 
 1829, to Amelia Gay of Stafford, Conn.: (21 in 1843, to Betsey Hunter of 
 Lee. He died in New York city, Feb. 8, 1872. 
 
 John R. Cushman, son of Ephraim, was born in Amherst, Sept. 6, 
 1803. His father, Ephraim Cushman, was a veteran o^ the war of the 
 Revolution. In 1835, m partnership with his brother Ephraim, he engaged 
 in the manufacture of paper, at North Amherst. He was a prominent 
 man in the community, ever ready to lend his aid to all matters that made 
 
196 HISTORY of the TOWN OF AMHERST, .MASS. 
 
 •for public improvement. He served the town as selectman, and in 1862 
 was its representative in the General Court. He united with the North 
 Congregational church in 1839. He was active in temperance matters, 
 serving as president of the first temperance society organized at the 
 "City." Me married, Sept. 14, 1826, Rhoda Crafts of Whately, by whom 
 he had ten children. He died at his home in Amherst, Aug. 30, 1883. 
 
 Rodolphus B. Hubbard, son of Giles, was born in Sunderland, Sept. 3, 
 1803. He fitted for college at Amherst Academy, entered Amherst Col- 
 lege in 182-,, remained a member of that institution two years, then went 
 to Union College, where he was graduated in 1829. Having studied 
 theologv with Rev. Nathan Perkins at East Amherst, he preached for a 
 few years in Northampton and surrounding towns. The greater part of 
 his life was spent in teaching. For three years he was principal of Mount 
 Pleasant institute, and from 1855 to 1868, conducted a boys' boarding- 
 school in Amherst. During his residence of twenty years in Amherst he 
 took an intelligent interest in town affairs and was well known and highly 
 esteemed. For ten years a deacon of the hirst church, he served as a 
 member of the building committee when the church edifice now in use was 
 erected. For a number of years he was a member of the school committee. 
 He died, Sept. 29, 1875, in California. 
 
 Albin P. Howe was born in 1806 ; he came to Amherst in 1825 and 
 resided here for more than forty years, during which time he was one of 
 the most prominent members of the community. He served the town 
 several years as selectman, assessor, clerk and treasurer, and for many 
 years as justice of the peace, before whom cases were tried, the town 
 having at that time no trial justice. For more than twenty years he was 
 proprietor of the Amherst house, a genial landlord, held in high esteem by 
 the traveling public. He was for a time secretary of the Hampshire Agri- 
 cultural society; he also served as chairman of the building committee 
 w hi( h had in charge the erection of the present high school building. He 
 gained the military title of captain by serving in the Amherst cavalry com- 
 pany. His public duties were discharged with intelligence and fidelity, 
 and his superior judgment was much sought by the town and by individuals. 
 He died at West Marlboro, Feb. 14, 1879. 
 
 Oliver Watson, son of David, was born March 17, 1806. His father 
 dying when < tlivcr was but nine years of age. he was apprenticed to the tan- 
 ner's business, serving his time until he was 21 in Hadley, under the care 
 ol \sa and Flihu Dickinson. When he became of age, he succeeded 
 his father in the tanner's business at East Amherst ; in 1832, he 
 erected a building for the manufacture of boots and slioes. He served 
 tin- town as selectman, and in 1852 was its representative in the General 
 
PROMINENT CITIZENS. 
 
 97 
 
 Court. He married, in May, 1839, Sarah White of Florida, Mass., by 
 whom he had five children. He died in Amherst. Jan. 9, 1S70. 
 
 Simeon (lark, son of Simeon, was born in Amherst, Oct. 15, 1807. 
 He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at Amherst 
 Academy. His principal occupation in life was farming, although he 
 studied field-surveying and practiced it more or less for forty years. He 
 served the town as selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor for many 
 years. For thirty years he was justice of the peace. He united with the 
 First church in 1831, and served as one of its deacons for sixteen years. 
 When but twenty years of age, he was chosen captain of a militia company, 
 holding the office for several years until the company was disbanded, 
 gaining the title of "Captain" Clark, by which he was generally known in 
 later years. He was a godly man, whose religion entered into all the acts 
 of his daily life, mingling kind words with charitable deeds, that to many 
 made life seem better worth the living. He married, May 21, 1828, Myra 
 Cowles, by whom he had nine children. He died, July 31, 1883, in the 
 house at Mill Valley, which his father had built in 1780, in which he was 
 born and where he had spent his happy and useful life. 
 
 John Leland, son of John, was born in Peru, Mass., in 1807. In 1820, 
 he removed to Amherst : the same year he was appointed by the trustees 
 of Amherst Academy their agent to receive donations for the charity insti- 
 tution other than those made to the permanent fund. From that time 
 until 1835, ne was treasurer of the institution. Soon after his removal to 
 Amherst he united with the First church, which he afterwards served as 
 deacon for thirty years. He represented Hampshire county in the Massa- 
 chusetts Senate in 1833 and 1834, and in 1847 was member of the House 
 of Representatives, from Amherst. He was active in promoting the 
 building of the Amherst & Belchertown railway, serving after the comple- 
 tion of the road as one of its directors. He died in Amherst, Feb. 
 18, 1864. 
 
 Frederick A. Palmer was born in West Springfield, Nov. 20, 1793. 
 He was a descendant, of the sixth generation in direct line, from Governor 
 William Bradford. He also numbered among his ancestors representatives 
 of the Edwards, Hoar, Dwight and Ripley families. He came to Amherst 
 in December, 18 13. He took a prominent part in town affairs, was 
 frequently elected to public office and held many places of trust. He was 
 well read, a man of good judgment whose counsel was frequently sought 
 in business matters. He early won and ever retained the confidence of 
 the public by his upright and honest business methods. He was commis- 
 sioned as deputy-sheriff in 1838, and held the office until his death in 1874. 
 Mr. Palmer was twice married, (1) in 1877, to Lucy, daughter of Simeon 
 
198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Clark of Amherst: (2) to Hannah, daughter of Samuel Smith. He had 
 five children, Albert R., Lucy C, DwightW., Frederick, and Sabra D. 
 
 Warren S. Howland was born in Conway, Aug. 31, 1798. He learned 
 the carpenter's and joiner's trade, and came to Amherst in 1821, to assist 
 in building the Amherst College chapel. The remainder of his life was 
 spent in Amherst. He was among the best-known contractors and 
 builders in this section, erecting, among other buildings, the Congrega- 
 tional church at the center, now known as College hall, the house built by 
 Amherst College for its president, the church at East Amherst, churches in 
 Pelham and Belchertown, the Russell church in Hadley, besides several 
 private residences in the village. He also assisted in finishing the build- 
 ings of the Mt. Pleasant Institute. He early became interested in tem- 
 perance reform, and furnished no liquors for his workmen or at raisings 
 after 1827. He was one of the first to assist in organizing an anti-slavery 
 society in Amherst. Mr. Howland served in the state militia, gaining the 
 title of " Col." Howland, by which he was generally known. When the 
 civil war broke out, he was anxious to engage in active military service, 
 but was debarred by age. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 The First Church. — Pastors and Terms of Service. — Meeting- 
 Houses. — Vestry and Agricultural Hall.— Church Music. 
 The Parsonage. — Parish Funds. — The Present Church 
 Edifice. 
 
 The pastorate of Dr. David Parsons over the First Congregational 
 church, although ushered in by a revolution among its members, was long 
 and successful. He was a man of marked ability, possessing in a high 
 degree those social qualities that make warm and lasting friendships. That 
 he was of more than local reputation is proved by the fact that on one 
 occasion he delivered, on imitation, the "election sermon " before the 
 governor and legislature at boston; he was. also, on recommendation of 
 President Dwight, appointed professor of theology at Yale College, an 
 honor which he did not accept. Under his care the church prospered 
 exceedingly and large additions were made to its membership. Numerous 
 
FORMER PASTORS OP AMHERST 
 
DR. PARSONS DISMISSED. 199 
 
 anecdotes are related of him, one to the effect that, when expostulated with 
 by a kinsman for regarding things too frequently from a humorous stand- 
 point, he replied, ""I know it all, Pro. Howard, and it has been my burden 
 through life, but I suppose after all grace does not cure squint eves." On 
 another occasion, it is said, he found his hired man resting in a held where 
 he had been sent to plow. Dr. Parsons told him to take a bush-scythe 
 and cut brush while he was resting. The man thereupon replied that the 
 Dr. ought, on Sunday, while the choir was singing, to take a little flax and 
 hetchel it out. 
 
 In 1795, trouble arose in the parish concerning Dr. Parsons' ministry, 
 and a vote was passed on the question of dissolving the ministerial relations 
 existing between them, being decided in the negative. Aug. 3, 1819, a 
 committee was appointed to confer with Dr. Parsons, to see if he was 
 willing to be dismissed from the pastorate, and if so, on what terms. Dr. 
 Parsons agreed to submit toa mutual council the question of his dismission, 
 and the further question as to what compensation he should receive. The 
 council met, Aug. 31, 1819, and adjourned to the next daw when it decided 
 that the civil contract existing between the parties should be dissolved, 
 and that the parish should pay Dr. Parsons St, 300. Sept. 20. 1S19, the 
 parish voted to raise Si. 450 for making a final settlement with Dr. 1'arsons, 
 so that he should have no further claim on the parish. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1819, at the meeting when it was voted to raise Si .450 to 
 settle all claims that Dr. Parsons might have against the first parish, the 
 parish made one more and, it is believed, a final effort, to bring about a 
 union with the Second parish. It was voted that a union of the First and 
 Second parishes, so as to constitute but one church and one congregation, 
 under charge of one minister, would be for the furtherance of the Gospel, 
 the peace, tranquility and respectability of the town, and a source of very 
 great economy. The parish offered to unite with the brethren of the 
 Second church, if the latter saw fit, in calling a council of churches from 
 adjacent counties to bring about such union. The calling of Dr. Parsons 
 to the pastorate of the First church had caused the breach that led to the 
 organization of the Second : with the dismission of Dr. Parsons, it was 
 hoped and believed that the differences might be adjusted and the churches 
 united. But the breach had become too wide ; the Second church, now 
 firmly established, had no thought of giving up its independence. 
 
 Nov. 22, 1819, the First parish voted to unite with the church, if tire 
 latter saw fit, in extending a call to Rev. Daniel A. Clark to settle in the 
 ministry, offering him a salary of $675 per annum. 'Pile church concurring, 
 Mr. Clark was installed as pastor. Jan. 26. 1820 ; he had previously been 
 settled at Weymouth and at Southbury, Conn.' Mr. Clark was a preacher 
 of great power. Three volumes of his sermons were published, and were 
 
■200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 regarded as among the ablest sermons of the times. In a biographical 
 sketch by Rev. 1 )r. George Shepard, of Bangor, Me., contained in one of 
 these volumes, he is described as follows : " Mr. Clark's person, voice and 
 entire manner were in perfect keeping with his style, a large masculine 
 frame ; a voice harsh, strong, capable of great volume though not very 
 flexible ; an action, for the most part, ungraceful, but significant and 
 natural; a countenance bearing bold, strongly marked features at every 
 opening of which the naked and working passions would look intensely 
 out; — altogether gave the idea of huge, gigantic power." He was an 
 aggressive reformer, taking a leading part in the warfare, then in its 
 infancy, against intemperance. During his pastorate Amherst College was 
 founded; he took great interest in the enterprise and preached an eloquent 
 sermon at the laying of the corner-stone of the first college building. 
 The closing year of Mr. Clark's ministry was marked by serious dissensions 
 between pastor and people. Nov. 24, 1823, the parish appointed a 
 committee to bring charges against Mr. Clark; April 12, 1824, he was 
 requested to take a dismission, but refused to comply with the request. 
 July 5, 1S24, the parish requested the church to unite in calling an ecclesi- 
 astical council, to consider the subject of Mr. Clark's dismission, and 
 should he refuse to join them in calling such a council, then an ex-parte 
 council was to be summoned. It was also voted to inform Mr. Clark that 
 it was not the wish of the parish that he should supply the pulpit prior to his 
 dismission. Mr. Clark consented to refer the matter to an ecclesiastical 
 council, and on the advice of this council was dismissed, Aug. 5, 1824. 
 The records contain no hint as to the nature of the charges against him. 
 
 Nov. 7, 1825, the parish voted to concur with the church in extending 
 a call to Rev. Royal Washburn to settle in the ministry. The salary 
 offered was $600, and a stipulation was made that either party to the civil 
 contract entered into might terminate the same on giving a six-months' 
 notice to the other party. Mr. Washburn was installed as pastor, Jan. 5, 
 1826, and continued in the pastorate until his death, Jan. 1, 1833. He 
 was married, in 1827, to Harriet, daughter of Dr. Parsons. Mr. Wash- 
 bum won the respect and love of his people to a marked degree. He was 
 not only an eloquent preacher, but a loving pastor, whose advice was freely 
 given and highly valued, whose sympathy in the hour of affliction was 
 very grateful, who possessed in full measure the graces that go to round 
 out a Christian character. In May, 1832, Mr. Washburn tendered his 
 resignation to the parish on account of ill health ; the parish was unwilling 
 to dismiss him, and voted, Aug. 13, not to sever the connection, but to 
 discharge him from his duties and supply the pulpit for a time. 
 
 Nov. 13, 1832, the parish appointed a committee to procure a perma- 
 nent supply for the pulpit, with reference to the settlement of a minister. 
 
PASTORS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 20 1 
 
 July 29, 1833, the parish voted to concur with the church in inviting Rev. 
 George E. Adams to settle in the ministry, offering him a salary of SGoo 
 per annum. Nov. 29, 1833, the parish voted to call Rev. M. T. Adam and 
 to offer him a salary of $650. The latter call was accepted and Mr. Adam 
 was installed Dec. 28, 1833. He was a native of Scotland, having been 
 educated at Glasgow and London. Oct. 31, 1834. the parish voted to 
 dissolve the connection with Mr. Adam ; he objected and asked for 
 reasons ; among those offered were that his practice of associating with 
 neighboring ministers, exchanging with them and conducting social 
 meetings, was not agreeable to the usages of parishes and churches in the 
 vicinity. He agreed to leave the questions at issue to the decision of a 
 mutual council. Dec. 10, 1834, he was dismissed, the council testifying 
 that he had been " unwearied in his labors, faithful and conscientious in 
 the discharge of his ministerial duties and above all suspicion as to high 
 moral and Christian character." 
 
 June 5, 1835, the parish extended an invitation to Rev. Edward P. 
 Humphrey to settle in the ministry, offering him a salary of S800 ; Oct. 1 
 of the same year, a similar invitation was extended to Rev. Daniel Crosby 
 of Charlestown, and Dec. 30, Selah R. Treat was invited to become the 
 pastor of the church. These " calls " were none of them successful, but 
 better luck attended the parish when, March 7, 1S36, Rev. Josiah Bent was 
 given an invitation to settle in the ministry ; the salary offered was $800 and 
 he was to be granted Si 00 for moving expenses. He had previously been 
 settled at Weymouth. He was installed April 19, 1837. anc ^ died in office, 
 Nov. 19, 1839. His ministry though short was fruitful, 22 persons being 
 admitted to the church in 1838 and 99 in 1839. He was consecrated to 
 his work and did not spare himself in his Master's service. 
 
 April 1, 1840, the parish voted to extend a call to Rev. Aaron M. 
 Colton to settle in the ministry; the salary offered was S800. Mr. Colton 
 accepted and was ordained June 9, 1840. Mr. Colton seems to have been 
 the first pastor of the church who was allowed a vacation, the parish voting, 
 April 6. 1847, that by the terms of his settlement he might be absent from 
 church not exceeding four Sabbaths a year, when the pulpit would be 
 supplied without expense to him. In August, 1852, Mr. Colton requested 
 the church and parish to unite in calling a council for his dismission ; the 
 parish voted against such action at the time, but in October complied with 
 his request. Mr. Colton was dismissed, Jan. 4, 1853, after a pastorate 
 during which the church and parish were greatly prospered. During his 
 ministry the church experienced three seasons of religious awakening, one 
 of marked power in 1850, as a result of which there were 95 additions to 
 the church the following year. Mr. Colton took an active part in temperance 
 work and was a leader in the movement that suppressed the sale of liquor 
 
202 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 in Amherst. After his departure from Amherst, he was settled for many 
 years over a church in Easthampton, in which town he died in the sprint; 
 of 1895. 
 
 May 24, 1853, the parish invited Rev. E. S. Dwight to settle in the 
 ministry, offering him a salary of $900, "he to have four Sabbaths during 
 the year for his own use and vacation." Mr. Dwight became acting pastor, 
 Aug. 21, 1853; was installed, July 19, 1854; dismissed. Aug. 28, i860. 
 He was greatly beloved by parish and congregation and the church prospered 
 greatly under his ministry. 
 
 11'. 5, [861, Rev. H. L. Hubbell was called by the parish to become 
 its minister, at a salary of $1,000. He was installed. April 24, 1861 ; 
 dismissed, April 4, 18G5. His pastorate, lasting through the period of the 
 civil war, was marked by one general revival of religious interest. In the 
 summer of 1864, Mr. Hubbell visited and ministered to the Amherst 
 soldiers who were fighting at the front. He was held in high esteem by 
 the church and community. He is now president of Lake Charles College, 
 Lake Charles. La. 
 
 Dec. 4, 1865, a call to settle in the ministry was extended to Rev. 
 David Tony, D. D., at a salary of $1,500 and the use of the parsonage. 
 (Jet. 1, 1866, a similar invitation was extended to Rev. J. P. Skeele. 
 Early in 1867. propositions looking to a settlement were made to Rev. J. 
 L. Jenkins, and Jan. 28 of that year, a letter was addressed to the parish 
 by Mr. Jenkins, agreeing to supply the pulpit at a salary of ^2.700 and the 
 use of the parsonage, the question of settlement to be postponed. Sept. 
 2, 1868, the parish invited Mr. Jenkins to settle in the ministry ; he accepted, 
 and was installed, Sept. 24. [868; he resigned, Jan. 23, 1877. Of the 
 pastors of the First church since its organization, few have been held in 
 such high esteem as was Mr. Jenkins. An eloquent preacher, he possessed 
 social qualities, as well, that especially endeared him to his congregation. 
 He was a natural leader of men, and the impress of his character was 
 manifest upon the history of church and parish during all his pastorate. 
 Each year there were large accessions to church membership, each year 
 marked progress in all lines of religious work. 
 
 Oct. S. 1S77, Rev. Howard Kingsbury was called to the pastorate. 
 The parish offered him a salary of $2,000, the use of the parsonage and an 
 annual vacation of four weeks. lie was installed. Dec. 6, [877, and died 
 in office, Sept. 28, 1S7S. During his brief pastorate he won the love of 
 his people as lew ministers have done, before or since, and his death caused 
 mourning in the parish and in the town as well. 
 
 May (1. 1X7.). Rev. honest F. Emerson was invited to settle in the 
 ministry. He was installed the same year and continued in office until his 
 resignation, which was accepted by the parish, Feb. 14, 1883. All who 
 
THE SECOND MEETING-HOUSE. 20J 
 
 knew Mr. Emerson during his pastorate in Amherst will bear witness to 
 his sterling qualities as a man and as a minister of the Gospel. Better 
 sermons were never delivered from an Amherst pulpit than were listened 
 to by his congregations. 
 
 June 13, 1883. Rev. George S. Dickerman was called to the pastorate. 
 He was installed the same year and continued in office until his resignation, 
 March 5. [891. Dining his pastorate the church prospered greatly, 
 enjoying many seasons of revival and gaining largely in membership. 
 
 Oct. 21, 1891, the parish extended a call to Rev. 1''. L. Gooclspeed. 
 lb' continued in office until Nov. 3. 1S94. when he resigned. Mr. Good- 
 speed was very popular both as a preacher and a pastor, and his departure 
 to another field of labor was a cause of deep regret. 
 
 Oct. 15, 1 S . , - . the parish called to the pastorate Rev. Oliver Huckel 
 of Philadelphia; he accepted, and was installed Dec. 4. 
 
 In 1787. the parish voted to build a new meeting-house on the hill 
 where the old one then stood : its foundations were to be of hewn stone, 
 it was to be 65 feet long and of proportionate width, and twelve months 
 was allowed for erecting and enclosing it. A committee of nine was 
 appointed to make preparations for the building, to prepare estimates of 
 all articles that should enter into its construction, and to " divide the 
 Inhabitants of the parish aforesaid as equally as may be into eight classes, 
 with a descriptive list of each and every one's proportion of all and every 
 article necessarv for carrying into effect the aforementioned votes." The 
 committee was to " assign to each class and individual of classes their 
 respective proportion of every article which may be necessary for erecting 
 and finishing the proposed house." and also to assign to every one "his 
 and their proportion of all labor supposed to be necessary in framing, that 
 each class may do their proportion thereof." The building committee was 
 selected later on, and consisted of Simeon Strong, Esq., Capt. Eli Parker, 
 Elijah Dickinson, Daniel Kellogg and Zebina Montague. 
 
 June 1S, a committee of five was appointed to superintend the taking 
 down of the old meeting-house ; this was to be done without cost to the 
 parish. The spectators were to be "served on raising days at the frame 
 with cake and cheese and liquor at the parish expense." Work on this 
 building was carried on with far greater expedition than on the building of 
 the first meeting-house, and in November it was so well advanced that a 
 parish meeting was held in it. The galleries were put in the following 
 summer, but the inside was not finished until 1 79 1 . Viewed from an 
 architectural standpoint, the new building was a great improvement over its 
 predecessor. It had a porch built on the west side and this was crowned 
 by a belfry. The parish voted, Sept. 5, 1788. that "any of the parish who 
 are inclined have liberty to build a belfry at west end of meeting-house, by 
 
204 HISTORY OF I'HK TOWN OF WIllKksr, MASS. 
 
 subscription." In 1789, S20 were appropriated to erecta lightning-rod on 
 the steeple. In 1792, /Too was appropriated for a bell; the " konk " had 
 outlived its usefulness. In 1797. it was voted to have the bell struck at 
 twelve of the clock in the day : in 1799, to have it struck at 12 of the day 
 and 9 of the night : the latter vote was repeated for many years thereafter. 
 The 9 o'clock bell was to warn orderly citizens that it was time they were 
 in bed. In 1815, it was voted to build a cupola. There were three doors, 
 one each on the east, the west and the south side. As regarded interior 
 arrangement, the pulpit was at the north end, about on a level with the 
 galleries, and over it hung the sounding-board. Directly under and in 
 front was the deacons'-seat where the deacons sat facing the audience. 
 The singers occupied the gallery opposite, the boys the gallery on the right 
 and the girls that on the left. Dec. 3, 1801, it was voted to seat young 
 people in the galleries. Tithing-men were appointed to regulate the 
 behavior of the young people. Samuel Abbv was engaged to finish the 
 meeting-house, but before the work was completed he became financially 
 embarrassed ; as a consequence, the parish was called on to defend several 
 lawsuits brought by Mr. Abby's creditors. The building when completed 
 was esteemed one of the finest meeting-houses in the region, and was a 
 source of pride to those who worshiped therein. 
 
 The second meeting-house, completed in 1791, satisfied the needs of 
 the parish for nearly forty years. It had some imperfections ; the roof 
 leaked, and the parish passed many votes in regard to repairing it. As 
 has been stated in a previous chapter, when Amherst College was first 
 established and for many years thereafter, the students worshiped in the 
 First parish church. The students rapidly increased in numbers, and as 
 there was also a steady, though less rapid growth, in the membership of 
 the parish, it became apparent, as early as 1827, that measures must be 
 taken to provide greater accommodations for the worshipers. Dec. 10, 
 1821, it was voted that the officers and students of the charitable institu- 
 tion might occupy the meeting-house as a chapel the ensuing year, on 
 condition that they would make good all damages caused by them. Dec. 
 28, 182(1. the parish committee was authorized to consult with the college 
 faculty and to rent pews to them. April <j, 1827. it was voted that the 
 scat-- in the meeting house heretofore occupied by the faculty and students 
 should henceforth " be by them enjoyed without interruption." 
 
 Jan. s, 1828, it was voted to build a new meeting-house or remove and 
 rebuild the presenl one if sufficient funds could be raised l>v a previous 
 sale ot pews. A committee was appointed to have charge of the matter: 
 this committee reported. Jan. 17. 1828. that it was expedient to build a new- 
 house. The trustees of the college had offered to convey to the parish a 
 piece oi hud ten rods square, on the northeast coiner of the farm lately 
 

 4 Jtfna*, f_ 
 
 J 
 
 FIRST PARISH THIRD MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
THE THIRD MEETING-HOUSE. 205 
 
 owned by heirs of Rev. David Parsons, for a meeting-house, provided the 
 parish would take clown the present house and allow the college to hold its 
 annual commencements in the new building ; the committee considered 
 this a most advantageous location. They had also procured plans of a 
 house, 80x65 f ee t, with 124 pews on the ground floor, which could be built 
 at an estimated expense of SO.500. They presented a series of regulations 
 to govern the management of the property, among them the following: 
 "No person shall sell or lease his or her pew to any black or mulatto, or 
 to any person of notoriously infamous character :"' " The parish have no 
 right to allow town-meetings to beheld in said house." The parish voted 
 to a< cepl the report, to dispose of the old house and appropriate the avails 
 toward the erection of a new house on land proposed in committee's report. 
 
 The location proposed was not. apparently, satisfactory to all. for 
 March 11. [828, a committee was appointed to procure subscriptions for 
 purchasing the " Strong corner " as a site for the new building. March 12, 
 [828, the latter vote was rescinded, and it was voted that if the college 
 would give the paiish $y 00, and sufficient money could be raised, to build on 
 the site- proposed by the college. The first sale of pews was held Jan. 22. 
 a{ Boltwood's hotel, with Col. Smith as auctioneer. Thesale was adjourned 
 from time to time until March 20, when it was begun anew, with Luke 
 Sweetser as auctioneer; the amount secured was $5,427 ; this sum was 
 increased by payments received for pews at private sale until it amounted to 
 $6,635. -^ s l '^ s sum exceeded the estimated cost, it was decided to begin 
 the building at once. Elijah Boltwood, Horace Kellogg and John Leland 
 were the building committee. W. S. Howland the designer and builder. It 
 was voted to build of brick, if funds could be obtained, and also to build a 
 basement. Contrary to precedent, the work was carried on with despatch 
 and the building was finished in season for the commencement exercises 
 of the college in 1829. 
 
 As '"College Hall" the building still stands, a substantial monument 
 to the good workmanship of its builder. Its appearance is slightly altered, 
 the portico in front, supported by huge pillars resting on a stone platform, 
 having been removed, by vote of the parish, in 186 1. The building, 
 without and within, was plain even to austerity ; without, the only deviation 
 from a straight line was found in the belfry and the rounded pillars ; within, 
 the square and rectangle governed all. The pulpit and pews and galleries 
 were as square and as orthodox as was the preaching of the Rev. Daniel 
 ( lark. The pews all had doors and their occupants were buttoned in 
 during the service. The pews for blacks and mulattos were located in the 
 further corners of the house, over the gallery stairs. In 1828, it was 
 voted that if the trustees of the academy would pay $150 toward the meet- 
 ing-house, the students at the academy should have seats in the gallery.- 
 
206 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In 1829. it was voted that the lightning-rod should be transferred from 
 the old to the new meeting-house ; in 1836, to procure blinds for the gallery 
 windows in the west end of the meeting-house; the same year, to "stain 
 the plaistering" inside the meeting house; in 1845, to paint the part of 
 the slips that border on the " isles." In 1832, the parish gave consent to 
 place stoves in the meeting-house if the same should be purchased and 
 put up by subscription. In 1835, the question of removing the stoves was 
 referred to the parish committee. In 1858, the parish committee was to 
 have charge of providing a place for the parish wood, and also to prevent 
 the stoves from smoking and the pipes from leaking. In 1859. the parish 
 committee reported in favor of partitioning off a space ten feet square in 
 the basement and putting in two furnaces. In 1857. a committee was 
 chosen to procure chandeliers and lamps for lighting the meeting-house : 
 in 1862, it was voted that the lamps in the church and " Agricultural hall" 
 (in the basement) should be changed so as to burn kerosene oil. 
 
 In 1830. several votes were passed in regard to "finishing" the base- 
 ment: Dec. 27 of that year, the first mention is made of a "vestry." 
 Town-meetings were held in the vestry, when completed; in 1842, the 
 parish voted to charge the town S30 per annum for the use of the vestry, 
 and, in case this was not paid, to prohibit its use. Feb. 2. [856, a committee 
 was chosen to negotiate with the town, concerning the fitting up of the 
 basement of the meeting-house for a hall, for town, agricultural, and other 
 purposes. The basement was finished and furnished, and was known for 
 a number of years as "Agricultural hall. " being the headquarters of the 
 Hampshire Agricultural society. In 1861, the parish voted to offer the 
 Agricultural society and other owners S250 for their right and interest in 
 the hall and the furniture contained therein. In [865, it was voted "to 
 purchase of Amherst College the right they have in the meeting-house." 
 In [854, a •■lecture-room" was built, a modest structure of wood in the 
 rear of the meeting-house. In 1838, individuals were given leave to erect 
 horse-sheds in the rear of the meeting-house; from this time on the 
 "horse-shed question" has a prominent place in the parish records. 
 
 From an early date, the parish was interested in the question of church 
 music. For many years the singing was by the congregation, and while this 
 assured a goodly volume of sound the quality wassubject to improvement. 
 Singing-schools were held under direction and pay of the parish, to which 
 all were invited. In 1790, the parish voted £ 16 " to pay the singing maister 
 and defray the expenses of cone; ting the music in this parish ;" at the 
 same meeting it was voted to "higher" Mr. John Stickney to keep a 
 singing-school in the parish three months. In 1821, $75 was appropriated 
 for •• reviving" the church music: in 1829, $20 to "recruit" the singing. 
 In 1830. there was a -'quire "of singers. In [837, the clerk was authorized 
 
PARISH VOTES. 207 
 
 " to make an explanation to Colo. Barr, and ascertain what damage has 
 accrued to him in consequence of his not having the singing-school." In 
 1839, the parish voted to substitute "Church Psalmody" for ••Watts' 
 Select Hymns;" at the same meeting, Si 25 was appropriated for the 
 "double bass viol lately procured for use of the singing choir," and for 
 room, lights and fuel. In 1850. the parish voted to pay $250 and what it 
 could get for the bass-viol for an organ, provided that not less than $250 
 be obtained from other sources for the same purpose. In 1855. it was 
 voted to raise $200 for the purchase of an organ, and give the bass-viol in 
 addition, if $800 could be raised in three months by subscription ; the 
 organ, a small second-hand one. was purchased the same year. In 1856, 
 $200 was appropriated for singing. 
 
 The attitude assumed by the parish on the anti-slavery question, at 
 the time the matter was receiving so much attention from the students at 
 Amherst College, is made apparent by a vote passed April 9. 1838, dis- 
 missing the article relating to granting the use of the meeting-house for 
 the purpose of holding lectures on the subject of slavery. In 1861, it 
 was voted to allow the use of the church for a lecture by John 1!. Cough. 
 
 The parish first showed recognition of the need of a parsonage in 
 [841, when a vote was passed to purchase the house and lot lately occupied 
 by Mrs. Deborah Shepard, for a parsonage; this vote was rescinded, Aug. 
 21, at an adjourned meeting. The next minute in regard to the matter is 
 found under date of Jan. [8, [854, when it was voted "desirable that this 
 parish have a parsonage." Feb. 15, the foregoing was qualified by a vote 
 that it was "not expedient for the parish as a parish to build or purchase a 
 parsonage by taxing its members." In [854, the General Court passed an 
 act incorporating the proprietors of the parsonage of the First Con; 
 tional parish in Amherst. Nov. 16, i860, a committee was appointed to 
 report in regard to the purchase of a parsonage. Jan. 3. 1861, it was 
 voted to purchase a parsonage for $2,500. 
 
 The parish, at its organization and for many years thereafter, raised 
 the funds needed for its expenses by a rate laid upon its members. It was 
 not until well along into the nineteenth century that the plan of renting 
 pews went into effect. In 1S13. Josiah Warner gave a note of Sioo, 
 which was to remain in the parish treasury as a permanent fund, the interest 
 to be paid each year to Rev. David Parsons and his successors in the 
 ministry, as a free gift and not as a part of their salary. Feb. 13, 18 16, 
 a special act was passed by the General Court, incorporating Noah Webster, 
 Rufus Cowles, Moses Hastings, Enos Baker and Calvin Merrill as trustees 
 of the ministerial fund of the First parish in Amherst. They were 
 authorized to hold property not exceeding $12,000 in value. The office of 
 collector was put up at auction annually and went to the lowest bidder. 
 
2O0 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. , 
 
 Jan. 6, 1825, the pews were rented for the first time, the sum realized being 
 $605. In i860, the parish voted to avail itself of the provisions of an 
 act passed by the General Court in 1845, permitting the assessment of all 
 religious charges upon the pews in the meeting-house. 
 
 In 1840, the parish voted that its minister should not accept gifts 
 from one not a member of the parish, without accounting to the parish 
 treasurer therefor; this vote was rescinded the following year. In 1859, 
 it was voted that when a person died the sexton should toll the bell five 
 minutes and then strike the person's age, at sunrise or sunset. 
 
 As early as 1864. the need of a new meeting-house became apparent 
 and forced its way into prominence at parish meetings. In 1866, a com- 
 mittee was appointed to consider building a new church. Jan. 30 of that 
 year, the parish voted to offer to sell to the trustees of Amherst College 
 the meeting-house and the land on which the lecture-room stood for 
 Si 0,000 ; if the trustees refused to purchase, then the property was to be 
 offered to the town; if both parties declined to buy, then it was voted to 
 build upon the same site. A committee was appointed to solicit subscrip- 
 tions for erecting a new church amounting to at least $15,000. The 
 committee met with little success, and April 9, 1867, a proposition was 
 made to erect the new church on '"the Montague lot." April 15, of the 
 same year, it was voted that in order to secure new strength to the parish 
 and prevent the forming of a new society, steps should be taken looking 
 to the erection of the new building on land belonging to George Montague. 
 April 29. a committee appointed for the purpose reported that they had 
 secured the land desired as a site for $3,900, and that the estimated cost 
 of the church, if built of stone, was $30,000. July 8. the parish accepted 
 the plans presented, and the bid of C. W. Lessey to construct the church 
 for$38,950. The corner-stone of the new building was laid Sept. 21, 1867, 
 and it was dedicated, Sept. 23, 1S68. Jan. 20, 1869, the building" committee 
 reported that the cost of the church, parsonage, land, grading and organ 
 had been $66, 182.86. The parish debt was a few dollars less than $34,000. 
 Feb. 1 1. 1889, a committee appointed to solicit subscriptions to cancel the 
 debt reported that sufficient money had been paid in and pledged to pay 
 the debt in full. At the same meeting it was voted to celebrate in fitting 
 manner the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the church and parish. 
 The anniversary was celebrated, Nov. 7, 1889, and in connection with this 
 event a historical review of the church and parish was printed. 
 
SECOND PARISH— FIRST MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 SECOND PARISH SECOND MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
REV. NATHAN PERKINS, JR. 209 
 
 CHAPTER XXVi: 
 
 The Second Church. — Pastors and Terms of Service. — First and 
 Second Meeting-Houses. — Janitor's Duties. — Church Music. 
 — Differences Between the First and Second Church. 
 
 The Second church and parish grew and prospered under the minis- 
 trations of Rev. Nathan Perkins, Jr., whose pastorate began in 1810 and 
 continued until his death in 1842. Shortly before his installation, the 
 First church had voted to remove all the censures it had placed upon those 
 who had gone out from it and organized the Second church, and the latter 
 henceforth was recognized and treated as a sister organization. Mr. 
 Perkins was a man greatly beloved by his parishioners. In an obituary 
 notice published in the New York Observer soon after his decease, which 
 it is supposed was written by his intimate friend President Humphrey of 
 Amherst College, he is described as " a man of highly respectable talents, 
 good common sense, and unusual prudence; as kind, affectionate and 
 cheerful in his domestic and social relations, always happy himself, and 
 always contributing to the happiness of those around him; as a solemn, 
 persuasive and affectionate preacher, as possessed of vigorous health, and 
 rarely absent from his pulpit on the Sabbath, and as holding more occasional 
 meetings than most of his brethren were able to hold ; as instant in season 
 and out of season, in times of revivals ; as deeply interested in the cause 
 of popular education ; as a pattern of punctuality in all his appointments ; 
 as for many years the oldest active member of the ministerial association 
 to which he belonged ; and of his loss as one which would be severely felt 
 for a long time." Oct. 4, 1831, a committee was appointed to confer with 
 Mr. Perkins on the subject of his dismission. Oct. 12, a committee was 
 appointed to consult with him and see if he would make any reduction in 
 his salary, if so, how much. Oct. 14. it was voted that the parish would 
 not take any measure at that time to dismiss Mr. Perkins. • He died after 
 an illness lasting but two days, his dying words being "I love my people.'" 
 
 During the 32 years of his pastorate the church experienced no less 
 than six extensive revivals of religion, as the fruit of which 300 members 
 were added to the church. On his settlement the church numbered 83 
 members ; before the North and South churches were organized, each of 
 which drew largely from its numbers, the membership had increased to 349. 
 The whole number of admissions up to 1840, by profession and letter, was 
 360, the whole number during his ministry 373. The whole number of 
 14 
 
2IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 deaths, as given by him in his 30th anniversary sermon, preached Oct. 1 1, 
 1840, was 410, including nine deacons and 138 heads of families. At that 
 time, of those who were legal voters at the rime of his ordination there 
 were only 12 or 13 remaining, while the number of families or parts of 
 families left was about 80. In August, 1822, the church accepted a full 
 set of furniture for the communion table presented by Oliver Dickinson. 
 In October, 1824, Samuel Hills and sixteen others were dismissed, to unite 
 with members of other churches, in forming the church in South Amherst. 
 Two years later, in October, 1826, Oliver Dickinson and 25 others were 
 dismissed to join with persons from other churches in forming the church 
 at North Amherst. 
 
 Rev. Nathan Perkins, the second pastor of the Second church, died 
 March 28, 1842. July 18 of the same year, the parish voted to unite with 
 the church in extending a call to Rev. Pomeroy Belden. The salary 
 offered was $550 per annum, and it was voted to allow him four Sabbaths 
 in each year "in case he wishes to journey for health or other purposes." 
 The parish also voted that it considered the settlement of a minister a 
 civil contract, which could be terminated by either party after a three 
 months' notice had been given. Mr. Belden was a native of East Whately, 
 where he was born March 15, 181 1. He was graduated at Amherst College 
 in 1833, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1836. From 1837 to 
 1842, he preached as stated supply at Deerfield ; he was installed as pastor 
 of the Second church in Amherst, Sept. 14, 1842, and continued in office 
 until his death, which occurred, after a brief illness, March 2, 1849. Mr. 
 Belden was an earnest, faithful and successful minister, winning, to an 
 uncommon extent, the confidence and love of his people. 
 
 Oct. 8, 1849, a ca41 was extended to Rev. C. L. Wood worth to 
 settle in the ministry. The salary offered was $550, and he was to be 
 allowed three Sabbaths in the year " for journeying and visiting his 
 friends if he sees fit so to be absent for that purpose." Mr. Woodworth 
 was installed Nov. 7, 1849. He was born at Somers, Conn., May 22, 1823, 
 was graduated at Amherst College in 1845, anc ' a t Hartford Theological 
 Seminary in 1S48. In January, 1854, he tendered his resignation as pastor, 
 but the parish requested him to withdraw his resignation, at the same time 
 voting him an increase of salary. He continued in office until dismissed, 
 at his own request, Sept. 2,1863. March 30, 1S62, he was chosen chaplain 
 of the 27th Mass. regiment, recruited in this neighborhood and containing 
 many men from .Amherst. He remained at the front with his regiment 
 until after the battles in and around Cold Harbor, in which the regiment 
 was all hut annihilated, and was mustered out of service in July, 1864. 
 The parish at first voted him a year's leave of absence; when this expired 
 he tendered his resignation, but the parish responded by extending his 
 
PASTORS OF THE CHURCH. 211 
 
 leave of absence six months. Before the latter term had ended he again 
 resigned and this time insisted that the resignation be accepted. During 
 his pastorate there were several notable revivals of religious interest, as a 
 result of which the church added largely to its membership. Resolutions 
 of regret were passed by the parish at the meeting when his resignation 
 was accepted. 
 
 Aug. 6, 1863, the parish instructed its committee to hire Prof. Vose to 
 preach, if possible ; if not, to hire some one else " as long as the money 
 lasts." Dec. cS, 1S64. the parish voted to unite with the church in giving 
 a call to Rev. Jay Clizbe ; the salary offered was $1,000 for the firstyear. 
 Mr. Clizbe was born at Amsterdam, X. Y., June 16, 1836; was graduated 
 at Union College and at Andover Theological Seminary. He was installed 
 as pastor of the Second church, April 5, 1865. In 1867, he offered his 
 resignation ; the parish voted, March 16, 1867, that he be requested to 
 withdraw his resignation, offering, at the same time, an increase of $400 
 in his salary and to give him three months vacation. Although the offer 
 w as esteemed by him a generous one, owing to poor health he felt compelled 
 to decline it. He was dismissed, March 25, 1867, much to the regret of 
 his parishioners. 
 
 Aug. 6, 1867, the parish invited Rev. Franklin P. Chapin to settle in 
 the ministry. The salary offered was $1,200, and four weeks vacation 
 was granted him. Mr. Chapin was born in Gill, Aug. [4, 1827; he was 
 graduated at Amherst College in 1852 and at Bangor Theological Seminary. 
 He was installed as pastor of the Second church, Jan. 21, 1868, and 
 dismissed, at his request, Nov. 27. 1871. After his dismission, he served 
 for some time as superintendent of schools in Amherst. 
 
 June 11, 1873, the parish voted to hire Rev. C. A. Conant to preach 
 one year at a salary of $1,000. He served as pastor of the church four 
 years, though not installed. Mr. Conant was a native of Temple, Me., a 
 graduate of Union College and Auburn Seminary. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1S76, a call was extended to Rev. Chester W. Hawley to 
 settle in the ministry. The salary offered was $1,000; in addition, Mr. 
 Hawley was to have the use of the parsonage and an annual vacation of 
 three Sabbaths. He accepted the call, and was installed, Nov. 15, 1876, 
 remaining in service until Sept. 15, 1879, when his resignation was accepted 
 by the parish, with much regret. Mr. Hawley was born in Hadley, Sept. 
 20, 1834; he was graduated at Amherst College in 1858, and at Auburn 
 Theological seminary in 1861. 
 
 Nov. 4, 1879, a ca 'l t0 tne pastorate was extended to Rev. G. E. 
 Fisher; the salary offered was $800, he to have the use of the parsonage 
 and an annual vacation of three Sabbaths. He was installed, Dec. 10, 
 1879, and his resignation was accepted by the parish, March 31, 1885. 
 
2 12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Mr. Fisher was born in Harvard, in 1823 ; was graduated from Amherst 
 College in 1846. and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1849. 
 
 Feb. 17, 1886, Rev. Francis J. Fairbanks was invited to settle in the 
 ministry, at a salary of $800 and the use of the parsonage. He continued 
 in office until 1893, when the parish, at a meeting held March 28, accepted 
 his resignation. Mr. Fairbanks was born in Ashburnham, Sept. 8, 1835 ; 
 he was graduated at Amherst College in 1862, and at Union Theological 
 Seminary in 1864. 
 
 July 20. 1893, the parish extended a call to Rev. C. L. Woodworth, to 
 become acting pastor; he entered upon his labors shortly after and is still 
 in office. 
 
 The original meeting-house erected by the parish was first occupied 
 for public worship in 1784. For over half a century it served the purposes 
 for which it was designed by its builders, not, however, without undergoing 
 various alterations and repairs. In 1793, a committee was appointed to 
 "seat" the meeting-house; in 1794, a committee to keep it swept and the 
 doors shut. In April, 18 15, the parish voted that the body pews might be 
 altered into slips, in case money enough could be raised by subscription. 
 In 1790, it was voted "to omit building the pew called the deaf pew, or 
 pew for deaf persons." The glazing of the meeting-house was the subject 
 of many parish votes ; the underpinning, also, needed frequent repairs. 
 In 1820, the sum of $1,200 was raised for repairs, and the committee 
 appointed to carry on the work was instructed to build a belfry, a cupola 
 and one porch, also to shingle and paint the house ; later on the committee 
 was directed to omit building the porch, to " open the house in the center," 
 and build an addition. These alterations and repairs were completed 
 in 1822. 
 
 As early as 1836, measures were undertaken for the erection of anew 
 meeting-house. At a meeting held April 11, it was voted to build a new 
 meeting-house if subscriptions could be procured amounting to $2,000, 
 and in that case, to sell the old house and appropriate the proceeds toward 
 building the new one. May 26, it was voted to accept a piece of land six 
 rods wide and nine rods deep presented by Ithamar Conkey. Ksq., asasite 
 for the new meeting-house. A building committee was appointed, and 
 authorized to determine the size of the house and the materials of which 
 it should be constructed. The committee were to begin the work as soon 
 as ^^oo should be added to the sum already subscribed. It is impossible 
 to ascertain just when work on the new house of worship was begun, but 
 it was finished sometime in 1839. when the building, still occupied as a 
 church edifice by the Second Congregational society, was dedicated. Its 
 architect and builder was Col. W. S. Howland, who had, some ten years 
 before, built the new meeting-house for the first parish. Its cost was 
 
SECOND MEETING-HOUSE. 2 13 
 
 some $3,000. Feb. 28, 1839, the parish voted to appropriate the old 
 meeting-house toward building a new one and appointed a committee to 
 dispose of the old building. 
 
 The new building was not the property of the parish, but of those 
 who had contributed to its construction. The latter met. Dec. 3, 1845, 
 and voted to organize as a corporation by the name of " Proprietors of the 
 East Meeting-house in Amherst." They adopted a code of by-laws, 
 which provided, among other things, that the Second parish have the use 
 of the meeting-house for religous purposes or meetings until the proprietors 
 should otherwise direct, on condition that it be kept in good repair and 
 suffered no damage. It should be used for no purpose but religious 
 meetings without the consent of the proprietors. It should only be used 
 and occupied by the orthodox or trinitarian denomination of Christians. 
 
 The parish records contain no minutes in regard to the introduction 
 of heating or lighting appliances in the building. In 1852, it was a part 
 of the janitor's duties to build the fires. In 1859, it was voted to relieve 
 the last parish committee of all personal responsibility in reference to the 
 furnace put in the building ; also, not to accept of the furnace as it failed 
 to heat the church properly. In October of the same year, it was voted 
 to remove the furnace and get a stove and pipes to put in the vestry to 
 heat the house. In 1S79. the old bell was broken and a new one purchased 
 which is still in use. In 1881, the parish had an extended controversy 
 with C. M. Smith & Co. in regard to the use of the meeting-house cellar. 
 In 1809. it was voted "'to build one horseblock." As late as 1S65, a vote 
 was passed to build a new fence in front of the church. 
 
 The social religious meeting of the church were held, at first, in private 
 houses and afterwards in the upper story of the old brick school-house 
 that stood not far from the present school-house. The chapel was built in 
 1859, and stood at first directly in the rear of the present church edifice. It 
 was moved to its present location when the parsonage was built. 
 
 As early as 1S60. the parish committee was instructed to take into 
 consideration the building of a parsonage. 
 
 Feb. 25. 1867. a resolution was passed in favor of increasing the 
 pastor's salary sufficient to pay the rent of a small house, or to provide a 
 house by purchase or renting. Sept. 7 of the same year, the parish com- 
 mittee was instructed to rent a suitable house for Rev. F. P. Chapin. Oct. 
 22, it was voted "to buy the Thornton place." A few months after the 
 latter vote was passed, a committee was appointed to build a parsonage, 
 provided $2,000 should be subscribed, in addition to $2,000 guaranteed by 
 Oliver Watson, Bela U. Dickinson, William W. Dickinson and Harrison 
 Hawley. The building was completed in 1868. 
 
214 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In 1804, the care of the meeting-house cost the parish at the rate of 
 $3 per year. In 1S41, it was voted that the meeting-house should be 
 "faithfully swept once a month," and the seats and backs of the pews 
 dusted down with a brush at each time of sweeping. In 1843, tne parish 
 voted that those who swept the meeting-house should furnish their own 
 brooms and brushes. In 1848, it was voted that the carpets should be 
 taken up, laid down and dusted once a year. In 1852, the duties of the 
 sexton or janitor had become more onerous ;■ they included ringing the bell, 
 sweeping and dusting the meeting-house twelve times a year, taking up 
 the carpets, dusting them and laying them down once a year, building fires 
 in the church and hall, lighting the lamps for all religious meetings, winding 
 up the clock in the meeting-house, furnishing their own brooms and brushes, 
 cleaning the snow from steps and paths, and putting the wood in the meeting- 
 house, all these things to be clone to the acceptance of the parish committee. 
 For these services the munificent sum of $22.50 was paid. 
 
 The first entry in the parish records concerning church music is found 
 under date of April 30, 1795, when it was voted that Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 Jr. be " allowed money to pay Master Stibbins the note he gave him for 
 teaching singing school the past winter." In 1801, $40 was appropriated 
 to procure a singing master. In 1815, the parish appropriated $15, 
 " toward paying Mr. Goodman for a bass viol;" in 1816, Mr. Goodman 
 was to be paid one dollar for keeping the bass viol in repair. In 1846, 
 it was voted to " sell the old bass viol." July 11, 1857, it was voted to 
 purchase a melodeon, and $125 was appropriated for the purpose, but 
 within a week this vote was rescinded. The following year, it was voted 
 to raise $200 for the purchase of a melodeon, or some other instrument 
 suitable for the church. The same year an " organ harmonion " was 
 purchased at an expense of $225. The parish records give a list of the 
 subscribers to the instrument, accompanied by this note : " This Record 
 is made for the Protection of those Persons that have put there hands in 
 there Pockets and bought a Organ Harmonion for the church with this 
 understanding that the Parish shall have the use of said Instrument as 
 long ;is they keep it in repair and Furnish a Person to Play on the same." 
 
 For many years alter the Second parish was set off, its interests came 
 in real or apparent conflict with those of the parent organization. There 
 are, in the Second parish records, occasional allusions to these troubles. 
 March 27, 1788, it was voted to raise ^10 for the charges in establishing 
 the incorporating act of the parish. November 25 of the same year, a 
 committee was appointed to receive any money that might be due the 
 parish from the sale of lands when the average between the parishes was 
 made, and this committee was to act with a committee appointed by the 
 hirst parish in making the averages. In 1815. a committee was appointed 
 
THE SOUTH CHURCH. 215 
 
 to give certificates to such person or persons as considered themselves 
 members of the parish or who might wish to become members. This was 
 in accordance with the act passed by the General Court in 1788, for the 
 protection of those who desired to connect themselves with the Second 
 parish. In 1822. the First parish attempted to assess certain persons who 
 claimed connection with the Second parish, and from this resulted a series of 
 lawsuits. In October. 1819. the parish made answer to the communication 
 received from the First parish, in regard to a union of the two churches 
 and societies. The authors of this response expressed their full sensibility 
 of the civil and religious benefits which would arise from such a union, 
 but previous to considering the question they desired to know whether. 
 in case it was brought about, Rev. Nathan Perkins was to have charge of 
 the two churches. When this question should be answered in the affirmative, 
 they expressed their willingness to consider the matter further. 
 
 The expenses of the church and society were for many years raised 
 by a parish tax. to which all those residing in the parish limits were subject. 
 In 1S03. the parish treasurer received Si for collecting this tax. Later on, 
 the office of parish treasurer was set up at auction and struck oft to the 
 lowest bidder. In 1836. it was voted to sell all the pews in the meeting- 
 house at public auction, to raise Mr. Perkins' salary. In 1863, it was voted, 
 informally, to tax the pews one year to defray the expenses of the parish. 
 In 1874. it was voted to give cards to all in the parish for them to mark 
 their subscriptions on, and the treasurer was instructed to open an account 
 with each man. 
 
 In 1845, a committee was appointed to keep the "alleys" clear at 
 the opening and closing of the meetings. In 187S, four ushers were 
 appointed. In 1845. the parish committee were instructed to get the 
 meeting-house insured. In 1876, it was voted to abandon the afternoon 
 service. In 1S92, trustees were appointed to take charge of the funds 
 bequeathed to the society by James Hastings. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 The South Church. — Pastors and Terms of Service. — Troubles in 
 the Church. — Organization of a New Parish. — The 
 Meeting-House. — Church Music. 
 
 The organization of the third or South Congregational church and 
 parish in Amherst does not appear to have been the outgrowth of any 
 relie;ious feud or controversv, but resulted from a natural desire on the 
 
2l6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 part of a respectable number of residents in an outlying district to enjoy 
 parochial privileges of their own. The persons who took part in the 
 organization were nearly all members of the First or Second parish, but 
 they withdrew in orderly fashion, and neither the civil courts or the General 
 Court were called upon to settle disputes consequent thereon. Among the 
 earliest settlers in Amherst were several who established their residence in 
 the southern part of the town ; as they increased in numbers, and their 
 property grew in valuation, they began to consider the question of a separate 
 parish organization. At a meeting held May 31, 1824. in the " South East 
 Middle School house," with Dea. Nathan Franklin serving as moderator 
 and Elisha Smith as clerk, it was voted as the sense of the meeting that a 
 society be formed and a meeting-house be built in the south part of Amherst. 
 A committee, consisting of Luther Nash, Elisha Smith, Luther Fox, Martin 
 Smith, Oliver Dickinson, David Dexter and Augustus Bridgman, was chosen 
 to prepare and circulate subscription papers to ascertain how many persons 
 would join such a society and how much money could be raised for building a 
 meeting-house. This committee must have met with encouragement in its 
 labors, for at a meeting held June 28, 1824, a society was organized and 
 the following officers elected : Moderator, Dea. Nathaniel C. Dickinson ; 
 clerk, Elisha Smith ; treasurer, Lieut. Enos Dickinson ; committee. Jonathan 
 Bridgman, Samuel Hills, David Moody, George Nutting, Joel Green. A 
 covenant and agreement was drawn up, and during the year 1824 was 
 signed by 93 persons. 
 
 At a meeting held in the school-house above-mentioned, in 1824, the 
 particular month and day not being recorded, thirty-one persons were 
 present who held letters purporting membership in the First church in 
 Amherst, fifteen with letters from the Second church in Amherst, one mem- 
 ber of the church in Belchertown and one of the church in Granby. The 
 meeting was organized by the choice of Dea. N. C. Dickinson as moderator, 
 and it was voted to call a council for the purpose of being organized into 
 a church state. Oct. 14, 1824, an ecclesiastical council met at the house 
 of Lieut. Enos Dickinson and agreed to proceed to the organization of a 
 church. A sermon was preached by Rev. John Woodbridge of Hadley, 
 after which the following officers were elected and installed: Deacons, N. 
 C. Dickinson. John Payne, David Moody ; moderator, Dea. N. C. Dickinson ; 
 scribe, John Payne. It is recorded that Rev. H. B. Chapin came into the 
 meeting, and supplied the church until he was ordained and installed. 
 
 At a meeting of the parish held March 28, 1825, a committee was 
 appointed to see that the society was organized according to law. It was 
 voted " that the society approve of the ministerial character and perform- 
 ances of the Rev. Horace 15. Chapin and are willing to set under his 
 ministry." A committee was appointed to consult and act on the matter 
 
PASTORS OF THE SOUTH CHURCH. 217 
 
 of Mi". Chapin's salary and settlement. May 23, 1825, the parish voted 
 to unite with the church in a call to Rev. Mr. Chapin to settle with 
 them in the ministry. The salary offered was S400, together with twenty 
 cords of hard wood annually, the wood to be " cut suitable for his use, 
 split and piled up in his wood-house or such other place as he might 
 direct." The contract between the parish and Mr. Chapin might be 
 annulled after six months' notice had been given by either party. Mr. 
 Chapin was ordained and installed, Nov. 3. 1825: April 24. 1826. the 
 parish voted that Elisha Smith be paid $21.13 tor providing for the council 
 at the settlement of Mr. Chapin, and that P. L. Goss be paid S2.81 for 
 liquor furnished the council. Mr. Chapin served until Feb. 26, 1829. when 
 his resignation was accepted. 
 
 In March, 1830. the parish voted to hire Rev. Aaron Gates to supply 
 the pulpit one year, at a salary of S300. Mr. Gates accepted, and 
 Nov. 29, 183 1. it was voted to unite with the church in a call to him 
 to settle in the ministry. The salary offered was S400. Mr. Gates 
 accepted the invitation in a letter dated Dec. 29, 183 1. His pastorate 
 continued for five years. July 23, 1S36, it was voted not expedient for 
 Mr. Gates to continue his ministerial labors another year, and church and 
 parish united in calling an ecclesiastical council for his dismission. In 
 July, 1S37, the church and parish united in a call to Rev. E. L. Clark, 
 which was not accepted. Nov. 1. [837, the parish voted to concur with 
 the church in calling Rev. Gideon Dana to the pastorate; the salary offered 
 was S500. Mr. Dana accepted and was duly installed, his pastorate con- 
 tinuing for a little less than three years. During this time a controversy 
 arose, which necessitated the calling of an ecclesiastical council for its 
 settlement. The question at issue was the right of the pastor to maintain 
 a supervision of the Sabbath-school, with especial regard to the '-question- 
 books" in use. Mr. Dana maintained that he had such authority, butthis 
 was disputed by Dea. X. ( '. Dickinson and others. The council decided 
 in the pastor's favor, but hard feelings had arisen which led to his resigna- 
 tion in August, 1S40. Jan. 28, 1841. the parish extended a call to Rev. 
 Dana Goodsell to settle, at a salary of S500. In April. 1842, it was voted 
 that Mr. Goodsell should have the privilege of being absent two br three 
 Sabbaths in each year, without charge to him. Mr. Goodsell continued in 
 office until 1846 ; May 12 of that year, it was voted not expedient, under 
 present circumstances, to retain Mr. Goodsell as minister ; he was accord- 
 inglv dismissed, the following November. Jan. 11, 1847. it was voted to 
 offer Rev. H. B. Smith $500 to serve as minister one year. 
 
 Jan. 8, 1849, the parish invited Rev. James L. Merrick to settle with 
 them in the work of the ministry, offering him a salary of $500 per annum. 
 He accepted and was duly installed. Mr. Merrick's pastorate covered the 
 
2l8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, .MASS. 
 
 most eventful period in the history of the South church and parish. Jt 
 witnessed a struggle of exceeding bitterness among the members of church 
 and congregation, whose echoes have hardly as yet died away, and which 
 at last resulted in the formation of a new parish. The trouble began, as 
 church quarrels frequently do, over dissensions in the choir. Early in the 
 present century the old style " congregational " singing had in many 
 churches been superseded by choir-singing, under direction of a leader or 
 chorister. To be a member of the church choir was esteemed an honor, 
 and rivalry among the singers was as aggressive as that existing among 
 " prima-donnas " of a later period. The first cause of contention in the 
 present instance was the choice of a leader for the choir. At first only 
 the singers were involved in the quarrel, but it rapidly spread among their 
 relatives and friends, until soon the whole church and parish were divided. 
 As the controversy continued and grew more bitter, new factors were 
 introduced, old jealousies and quarrels were revived, until neighbors and 
 old-time friends passed each other upon the street without recognition. 
 The time has not yet come, perhaps never will, to judge of the rights and 
 wrongs of such a quarrel. The church and parish records devote much 
 space to it, and from them are gathered the following facts. 
 
 In January, 1852, the parish invited William Dickinson totakecharge 
 of the choir and direct the singing, without compensation ; this Mr. Dick- 
 inson consented to do. December 30, 1853, the parish voted to choose a 
 committee of conference in relation to the singing. January 13. 1S54, it 
 was voted that the singers in the parish should choose a chorister. The 
 church records, under date of July 30, 1S54, state that " Difficulties having 
 arisen concerning the church singing, certain members desired the church 
 to unite with them in calling a mutual council." This the church refused 
 to do. The minority called an ex-parte council, which .met Aug. 30, and, 
 after listening to the evidence presented, advised that the matter at issue 
 be submitted to a mutual council, to which proposition both parties agreed. 
 September 4, the church appointed a committee of six, including three 
 each from the majority and minority parties, to devise a plan of settlement, 
 without calling a council. The committee held several meetings, but 
 reported to the church, Sept. 8, that the members were unable to agree. 
 October 3, 1854, a second council, summoned by the minority, assembled, 
 and after considering the matters brought before it, decided that the 
 minority had a just grievance, but advised them to exercise Christian 
 forbearance. 
 
 February 4, 1855, Rev. James L. .Merrick tendered his resignation. 
 Mr. Merrick had, so far as able, abstained from taking any part in the 
 controversy, and had, in every way possible, endeavored to bring about a 
 reconciliation. March 14, the parish chose a committee to confer with 
 
A CHURCH QUARREL. 219 
 
 Mr. Merrick in regard to his request to be dismissed, to see if he could be 
 persuaded to withdraw it. The committee was successful in its mission. 
 The members of the minority party had withdrawn their financial support 
 and at a parish meeting held April 1 2, 1855. it was voted to invite those 
 who formerly belonged to the society to unite with it again. It was also 
 voted to choose a committee to comply with the request of Mr. Merrick, 
 and unite with the church in calling a council for his dismission ; the latter 
 vote was rescinded at a meeting held May 22. April 30, the parish voted 
 to make this proposition to the minority part}-, that they pay their propor- 
 tion of the last year's expenses of the society, that all who wished to sing 
 in the church choir should have that privilege, and that the singers should 
 choose their own chorister. September 4. 1855, the church voted to call a 
 mutual council to remove, if possible, the differences existing among its 
 members, and further agreed to abide by the decision of such a council. 
 The council met, Sept. 25, 1855, when Mr. Merrick presented a formal 
 statement of the question at issue and the efforts that had been made to 
 effect a reconciliation. Testimony having been given by all the parties in 
 interest, the council decided that the minority should pay up all arrearages 
 in fair proportion and return and join the parish. The majority were 
 instructed that they should consent to a reorganization of the choir on the 
 basis of mutual concessions, both parties were admonished to cease from 
 strife and live together in Christian unit} - . The advice of the council 
 seems to have been followed in letter, if not in spirit, and for a little more 
 than two years there were no open measures of hostility. 
 
 But the breach was not healed, nor could it be. January 29, 1859, the 
 parish voted to sever its connection with Rev. James L. Merrick, 28 voting 
 in the affirmative and 25 in the negative. At a meeting held Feb. 1. the 
 church voted. 16 to 14, not to concur with the parish in its action. Mr. 
 Merrick resigned as pastor of the old parish and church, Feb. 7, and, 
 Feb. 26. a new parish organization was formed and Mr. Merrick was invited 
 to settle with it in the ministry. June 8, 185S, an ecclesiastical council 
 met and voted to dismiss Mr. Merrick as pastor of the church of Amherst, 
 South ; it also voted that it was expedient to organize a new church under 
 the name of the Congregational church of South Amherst. The first 
 meeting of the new church was held July 2, 1858. At a meeting held 
 Aug. 6, Nathaniel C. Dickinson, R. 15. Bridgman and Thomas Reed were 
 chosen deacons. Oct. 20 of the same year, a new creed and covenant 
 were adopted. 
 
 The old society continued in existence for more than a year after the 
 new parish was organized. The principal efforts of the former were 
 directed toward the protection of its property interests in the meeting-house. 
 March 10, 1858, the society committee was directed to begin legal proceed- 
 
.220 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 ings against the late clerk and treasurer of the parish, or against the 
 committee of the new society, or against any other member of that society, 
 to recover all books, papers, notes, subscriptions, etc., belonging to the 
 South Congregational society in Amherst. June 9, 1858, it was voted to 
 commence actions in the name of the parish against certain named persons 
 for trespass in "breaking and entering" the meeting-house on the 30th day 
 of May, or at any other time, the same to be prosecuted to final judgment. 
 June 28 of the same year, it was voted to submit to arbitration all tres- 
 passes and questions of ownership and proprietorship of the meeting-house, 
 and all rights and claims in dispute between the parish and individuals 
 then or formerly members of the same. March 22, 1859, the parish 
 committee was instructed to use legal means to obtain the personal property 
 in the meeting-house owned by the society. The last meeting of the old 
 society was held June 29, 1859. 
 
 The first meeting of the Congregational Society of South Amherst 
 was held Feb. 26, 1S58. It was voted to extend a call to Rev. James L. 
 Merrick, to offer him a salary of $600 a year and to give him a vacation 
 of three Sabbaths each year. Mr. Merrick accepted the call, Feb. 28, 
 and continued in the pastorate until May 14, 1863, when he resigned. 
 
 Sept. 25, 1863, the parish concurred with the church in extending a 
 call to Rev. H. S. Kelsey, offering him $800 for his salary, but Mr. Kelsey 
 declined. Jan. 5, 1864, a call was extended to Rev. Walter Barton, at a 
 salary of $700 ; Jan. 11, it was voted to make Mr. Barton's salary $750; 
 he accepted and was installed, remaining in the pastorate until Nov. 6, 
 1866, when his resignation was accepted. June 10, 1S67, Rev. M. L. 
 Richardson was offered a salary of $1,100 to settle in the ministry, but 
 declined. Dec. 9, 1868, a call was extended to Rev. I). H. Rogan, the 
 salary offered being $1,200, but Mr. Rogan declined. The parish was 
 more successful in its next offer, which was made to Rev. George Lyman, 
 in March, 1869; he accepted, and continued to serve as pastor until Jan. 
 7, 1873, when his resignation was accepted. 
 
 P'eb. 23, 1874, the parish committee was instructed to employ Rev. 
 Mr. Merrill for the remainder of the year, and to pay him at the rate of 
 $1,200 per annum. Jan. 6, 1875, the committee was instructed to hire 
 Mr. Marsten until July 1. and Rev. Mr. Bennett the remainder of the year; 
 this vote was rescinded, Feb. 1. In February, 1875, it was voted that Rev. 
 Mr. Pullan be hired at the rate of $800 per year for the remainder of the 
 year. Mr. Pullan supplied the pulpit until the close of the year 1876. 
 Jan. 5, 1S77, Rev. C. S. Walker was offered $800 to act as pastor the 
 ensuing year. Oct. 22, 1879, the committee was instructed to engage 
 Rev. H. ]!. Smith to act as pastor until Jan. 1, 1880, at a salary of $600 per 
 annum. April 1 1, 1881, a call was extended to Rev. C. S. Walker to settle 
 
THE SOUTH MEETING-HOUSE. 22 1 
 
 in the ministry, at a salary of S700 and the use of the parsonage. Mr. 
 Walker accepted and continued in office until 1886, when he resigned to- 
 accept a professorship at the Agricultural College. Jan. 15, 1877, the 
 parish voted to secure the services of Rev. C. C. Bruce for one year, at a 
 salary of S700 and the use of the parsonage. Sept. 3, 1888, a call was 
 extended to Rev. H. W. Boyd to become pastor of the church by the year 
 for an indefinite time, on the same terms offered to Mr. Bruce. Mr. 
 Boyd accepted and continued to supply the pulpit until Oct. 25, 1894, 
 when his resignation was accepted. March 9, 1895, Rev. J. F. Gleason 
 accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit. 
 
 At the first parish meeting, held June 28, 1824. a committee was 
 appointed to visit Greenwich and view the new church recently erected 
 there, and report whether in their opinion such a house would be suitable 
 for the needs of the society, and whether it could be built for $3,300, the 
 sum it was proposed to raise by subscription. The committee went to 
 Greenwich and was favorably impressed with the meeting-house in that 
 place. Aug. 19, 1824. a meeting was held of " persons who had subscribed 
 for the purpose of building a meeting-house in the south part of Amherst." 
 A committee was appointed to select a suitable site for the building. 
 This committee reported that a " spot " for the meeting-house, free of 
 expense to the subscribers, could be obtained a few rods north of Jonathan 
 C. Warner's shop, and that under all circumstances it would be advisable 
 to build in that place. A committee was appointed to receive proposals 
 for erecting a building similar to the one in Greenwich. At a meeting of 
 the subscribers held Aug. 30, 1824. it was voted to accept the proposals of 
 George Nutting and Philip L. Goss for erecting a meeting-house ; the cost 
 was to be S3. 300, and the subscribers were to draw the hewn stone for the 
 underpinning. The house was to be completed before Jan. 1. 1826. At a 
 later date, committees were appointed to "bank up " around the meeting- 
 house and build a fence around it. Sept. 5, 1825, a committee was 
 appointed to arrange for the dedication of the meeting-house " now building," 
 and for the ordination at the same time of Rev. Horace B. Chapin. The 
 dedication took place, Nov. 3. 1825. 
 
 That the house was provided with a bell soon after its completion is 
 shown by a parish vote passed April 14, 1828, that the parish committee 
 should "contract with some man to ring the bell on the Sabbath and at 
 other necessary times." In 1833, it was voted to purchase a lock for the 
 meeting-house. April 25, 1838. it was voted to make alterations in the 
 meeting-house to accommodate the singers. In 1844. it was voted that 
 liberty be granted to remodel the meeting-house, if it could be done without. 
 any tax being assessed on the parish. As a result of this vote the building 
 was completely remodeled, the expense being borne by subscription. The 
 
222 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 audience-room was raised to the level of the original galleries. Blinds 
 were put on the building in 1849. The same year, horse-sheds were erected 
 in the rear of the church. In 1851, a vestry and a conference-room were 
 partitioned off and fitted up on the lower floor. In 1852, it was voted to 
 shingle the house and repair the bell-deck. In i860, a partition and doors 
 were placed at the entrance to the audience-room, the building was pointed 
 and papered, and carpets were placed in the aisles and pulpit. In 1868, 
 a vote was passed to repair the meeting-house. In 1876, it was voted to 
 shingle the house, and to raise the money by holding a parish festival. In 
 1885, it was voted to repair the meeting-house at an expense of $1,000. 
 During the year 1895, expensive repairs and alterations have been made 
 on the building, including the putting in of memorial windows. 
 
 When, in 1858, a new parish was organized, the question arose as to 
 whether the old or the new organization should have the use of the meeting- 
 house. Subscribers to the fund were represented in both bodies, and, 
 pending a final settlement of their respective rights, for nearly eight months 
 the unusual spectacle was witnessed of two separate and antagonistic con- 
 gregations meeting for religious worship in the same house at the same 
 time. Meetings were held alternately by either organization in the 
 audience-room above and the vestry below, and members of the church 
 now living state that the notes of prayer and praise and exhortation, 
 descending from" above and ascending from below, were frequently blended 
 in manner far from edifying. The two parishes at length agreed to leave 
 the question of their rights in the building .to disinterested parties for 
 decision, and Feb. 12, 1859, the arbitrators decided as follows: That the 
 legal title to the meeting-house and land rested in Enos Dickinson, the 
 surviving grantee under the deed of Nathaniel C. Dickinson, in trust for 
 himself and the subscribers therein referred to. being the persons who 
 subscribed the funds for building the house, and also for such persons 
 as had obtained the rights of original subscribers, each man's light 
 being in proportion to the amount of his subscription. It being expected 
 that the house would be occupied by the South Congregational society as a 
 house of worship, and Enos Dickinson and his associates objecting to the 
 same, and as many persons for whom said Dickinson held the property in 
 trust were members of the society, it was therefore ordered : The house 
 being appraised at >2,2oo, two-thirds of its first cost, that the said Dick- 
 inson should pay to said society, for the benefit of such members as were 
 entitled to an interest in said property, two-thirds the amount of the 
 original subscription of each member, they to give him in return a release 
 and transfer of rights, he to pay for no rights not so released and trans- 
 ferred. His associates were to contribute equally with him to said payments, 
 and also to pay the society seventy-five per cent, of their subscriptions 
 for 1858. 
 
SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 
 
 NOKTII ( ONGKKGAITONAI, CHUKCH, 
 
PARISH VOTES. 223 
 
 The first minute in regard to church music is found on the parish 
 records under date of Dec. 4, 1829, when it was voted to raise $4° to pay 
 a singing master. April 29, 1830, the parish voted to allow Aaron Henry 
 67 cents for cash paid for violin strings. In 1840, the singers were given 
 permission to move to the west side of the meeting-house if they chose to 
 do so. The same year, it was voted that the double bass viol, "so called," 
 be repaired at the expense of the parish. As early as 1830, a committee 
 was appointed " to assist Mr. Gates in finding a house to hire." In 1849, 
 it was voted desirable that a house be procured for a parsonage. In 1S67. 
 it was voted to procure a parsonage by purchase or building. May 6, 1840, 
 the parish voted " that the standing committee be consulted by all lecturers 
 that wish to lecture upon any subject of public reform, and get their 
 approbation before entering the meeting-house for the purpose of lecturing 
 upon said subject." As the anti-slavery question was being extensively 
 agitated at this time, and the members of the South parish had shown a 
 deep interest in it, the lecturers at whom this regulation was aimed were 
 doubtless apostles of the anti-slavery crusade. March '8, 1 S 4 1 . the parish 
 voted to procure one cord and a half of good hard wood and prepare it 
 for the stoves and put it into the meeting-house before the hr>t of June : 
 also, to procure some person to make hies in the meeting-house. Dec. 29. 
 1842, the parish clerk was authorized to procure a " trunk " at the expense 
 of the society suitable for keeping its books and papers in. In early 
 times, the church observed many days of fasting and prayer. In 1877, the 
 church voted to use unfermented wine for sacramental purposes. 
 
 When the parish was first organized, it followed the custom of nearly 
 all religious societies in raising funds by a parish tax. Jan. 22, 1830, the 
 following vote was passed : " That the money may be raised hereafter in 
 .Said Society by free toleration — that is, that every person may pay the 
 Sum he Sees fitt." In 1836, it was voted to raise money by selling the 
 slips, and the following year, to raise money by assessment. May 12. 1846, 
 it was voted "That the meeting-house be open for all (members of the 
 society or not) who feel disposed to meet with us for public worship, with 
 the privilege of paying according as their conscience shall dictate." In 
 1859 and 18G0. a tax was laid upon the members of the parish, who 
 expressed their willingness to be taxed according to their estates. In 1862, 
 some expressed a willingness to pay by subscription, and were allowed to 
 do so, and the balance needed was made up by a tax on those who did 
 not subscribe. In 1867. it was voted to sell the pews at auction to pay 
 current expenses. In 1871, the society appointed trustees to have charge 
 of the bequest of Lieut. Enos Dickinson, and in 1894, it acknowledged a 
 gift of $5 00 from Mrs. E. J. Williams. ' 
 
224 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 The North Church and Parish. — Organization and Officers. — 
 Pastors and Terms of Service. — Oliver Dickinson's Meet- 
 ing-House. — The Pew Deeds. — The Pulpit and Communion 
 Service. — The Ministerial Fund. 
 
 In 1823, there were but two church organizations in Amherst ; in 
 1826, there were five. The South Congregational church was organized 
 Oct. 14, 1824; the College church, March 7, 1826 ; the North Congrega- 
 tional church. Nov. 15, 1826. It is probable that the same influences 
 which led to the establishment of a church at South Amherst had part, 
 also, in the organization of still another religious society and church in the 
 north part of the town. The churches, South and North, drew their 
 membership in the beginning from the First and Second churches, but 
 while the South church drew the larger number from the original organiza- 
 tion, the North church obtained its original membership largely from the 
 church at East Amherst. When the Second church was organized, a large 
 percentage of its members resided in the north part of the town, and 
 others resident in that section had withdrawn from the First church during 
 the pastorate of Rev. Daniel A. Clark, to unite with the Second church. 
 Mr. Clark was dismissed from the First church, Aug. 5, 1824. He was 
 then invited by residents at North Amherst to conduct religious services 
 on the Sabbath in their part part or the town. He complied with their 
 request, and preached for a time at the school-house in the " City." His 
 were the first regular preaching services to be held at North Amherst. 
 
 In the summer of 1826, the precise date not being a matter of record, 
 a parish organization was formed by 59 persons, who signed the following 
 agreement : 
 
 " We whose names are hereunto subscribed do associate and form ourselves 
 into a religious society for the public worship of God and public instruction in the 
 Christian religion. And we do hereby covenant and agree eacli for himself with 
 said society that we will use our best endeavor to promote the best interests of 
 said society and to obtain for them as soon as may be the powers and privileges of 
 a parish according to law. 1 ' 
 
 The "powers and privileges" referred to were the right to assess and 
 collect taxes for parochial purposes, and exemption from taxation by any 
 other parish. The name assumed by the new society was "The Congrega- 
 tional Union Society of Amherst ." By a special act of the General Court, 
 
REV. WILLIAM W. HUNT. 225. 
 
 passed March 17, 1831, this name was changed to "Amherst North 
 Parish." Of the 59 members of the society, eight were women, either 
 widows or those owning property in their own name, who had no vote in 
 parish meetings ; of the remainder, only 13 were church members. At the 
 first parish meeting, held June 8, 1S26, the following were elected as 
 officers of the society : Moderator, Oliver Dickinson ; clerk, Charles 
 Cooley ; treasurer, Chester Dickinson; parish committee, Joseph Cowles, 
 Noah Smith, Jr., Daniel Dickinson ; assessors, Daniel Russell. Jr., Jonathan 
 Cowls and Ashley Hubbard. The office of collector was put up at auction. 
 and struck off to John Ingram, Jr., at two cents on one dollar. 
 
 The church was organized by an ecclesiastical council which met at 
 the house of Joseph Cowles, Nov. 15. 1S26 ; Rev. Heman Humphrey, 
 D. D., president of Amherst College, served as moderator of the council. 
 Letters of dismission and recommendation were presented by 47 persons, 
 each of whom had previously signed a confession of faith and covenant. 
 which were submitted to the council and pronounced by the latter satisfac- 
 tory. The council then ackourned to the church building, where the church 
 was formally organized. The first regular meeting of the church was held 
 Dec. 20, 1826, when the following officers were elected: Clerk. Daniel 
 Dickinson; deacons, Daniel Russell, Jr., Ransom Dickinson; treasurer, 
 Ransom Dickinson. At the same meeting, it was voted that the expenses 
 of the Lord's table be met by an equal tax on the members of the church. 
 
 The first pastor of the church was Rev. Y\ 'illiam \V. Hunt. He was 
 born in Belchertown, Sept. 7, 1796, was graduated at Williams College in 
 1820, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1824. He first preached 
 for the South parish at Woodstock, Conn., for about a year, and then 
 supplied the church in Conway for a little less than three months. He was 
 ordained as pastor of the church at North Amherst, March 7, 1827, and 
 continued in" office until his death, which occurred Oct. 5, 1837. The 
 salary offered him by the parish was ?45o per annum. Mr. Hunt was 
 greatly beloved by his parishioners. Although, previous to his settlement, 
 his health had become greatly impaired, he entered into his ministerial 
 labors with an earnestness and enthusiasm that commanded success. 
 During his pastorate of less than eleven years, in persons were admitted 
 to the church. A great revival season was experienced in 1831, as a result 
 of which 35 persons were admitted to church membership on confession 
 of their faith. Mr. Hunt was an ardent advocate of the causes of tem- 
 perance and anti-slavery. 
 
 In 1838, the church and parish united in calling to the pastorate Rev. 
 Corbin Kidder, but he declined. The same year, a call was extended to 
 Rev. George Cooke; he accepted, and was ordained, Jan. 15, 1839. Mr.. 
 l 5 
 
226 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Cooke was a native of Keene, N. H. and was graduated at Dartmouth 
 College in 1832. He served as pastor for thirteen years, and was dismissed 
 on account of ill health, May 20, 1852. During his pastorate 105 persons 
 united with the church. The third pastor of the church was Rev. George 
 E. Fisher, who was installed, Sept. 16, 1852, and continued in office until 
 Jan. 6, 1858. A brief biographical sketch of Mr. Fisher has been given 
 in connection with his pastorate at the Second church. In 1853, the 
 church enjoyed the greatest revival season in its history, 89 persons uniting 
 with it on confession of their faith. The fourth pastor was Rev. John W. 
 Underhill, who was born in Ipswich. April 22, 1829, and was graduated at 
 Amherst College in 1854. He was ordained Oct. 5, 1859, and died in 
 office, Oct. 17, 1862. Mr. Underhill was succeeded by Rev. Daniel H. 
 Rogan, who was born at Kingsport, Tenn., June 4, 1S30; he was graduated 
 at Amherst College in 1857, studied theology at Auburn Seminary, and 
 was ordained in Bristol, Tenn., in 1859. On the breaking out of the civil 
 war, he came North, and served successively as pastor of the church at 
 Bernardston and the First church at Greenfield. He was installed as 
 pastor of the church at North Amherst, Oct. 5, 1865. and dismissed, Nov. 
 21, 1866. 
 
 In 1864, a call was extended to Rev. William L. Gage, but he declined. 
 In 1864-65, Rev. S. O. Dyer served thechurch as actingpastor. In 1867, 
 Rev. C. H. S. Williams was called to the pastorate, but declined. The 
 sixth settled pastor was Rev. William I). Herrick, who was born in 
 Methuen, March 26, 1831. He was graduated at Amherst College in 1857, 
 studied theology at Andover Seminary, and was ordained at Redding, Conn., 
 in i860. He served as pastor of the church in Redding and of the First 
 church in Gardner. He was installed as pastor of the church in North 
 Amherst, Sept. 19, 1867, continuing in the office until May 25, 1S74. 
 During his ministry the church enjoyed three revival seasons, one of marked 
 power in 1872, when 53 persons were added to the church on confession 
 of faith. Mr. Herrick was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. George F. 
 Humphreys, who was born in Athol, May 4, 1847. After a partial course 
 at Williams College, he entered Auburn Theological Seminary, where he 
 was graduated. He was installed as pastor of the North Congregational 
 church, Jan. 7, 1875, and was dismissed Nov. 4 of the same year. For 
 two years, 1876-78, Rev. D. W. Marsh, D. D. served the church as acting 
 pastor. The eighth settled pastor was Rev. George H. Johnson, born in 
 Worcester, Dec. 29, 1850, graduated at Harvard College in 1873, and at 
 the theological seminary in Bangor, Me. He was installed over the church 
 in North Amherst, July 3, 1879, and was dismissed, Dec. 31, 1888. 
 •During Mr. Johnson's pastorate there was a steady gain in church member- 
 ship, and in 1885 the church enjoyed a revival season resulting in the 
 
THE MEETING-HOUSE. 227 
 
 addition of 26 persons to membership on confession of faith. To Mr. 
 Johnson the church is also indebted for the preparation of a historical 
 manual of the church and society, published in 1889. Mr. Johnson was 
 succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Kber W. Gaylord, who was born in 
 Union, N. Y., Nov. 27, 1845. He was graduated at Amherst College in 
 1866, and at Lane Theological Seminary in 1872. He was ordained and 
 installed as pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian church at Georgetown, 
 Md., May 13, 1873. He afterwards served as pastor of Presbyterian 
 churches at Paradise and Wrightsville, Pa. He was installed as pastor of 
 the church at North Amherst, Dec. 4, 1890. 
 
 The original meeting-house occupied by the society is still in use, 
 though dignified in later years by the name of church. It was built and 
 owned by Oliver Dickinson, " Landlord Oliver," who was the guiding and 
 propelling force in the organization of church and society. This meeting- 
 house has a history that can hardly be paralleled bythatof any other house 
 of worship in New England. It is a monument to the generosity, energy, 
 business sagacity and Christian activity of its originator. Mr. Dickinson 
 was one of the first to suggest the possibility as well as desirability of 
 establishing a church at North Amherst. Having committed himself to the 
 idea, he permitted nothing to stand in the way of its realization. The first 
 step taken was the raising of a church fund, to which Mr. Dickinson and 
 others were liberal contributors. The income of this fund was to be used 
 in paying the salary of a minister: in raising it, the resources of the com- 
 munity had been so heavily taxed it was deemed impossible to secure by 
 further subscription the money needed for building a meeting-house. 
 Here, as in other matters, Oliver Dickinson proved equal to the emergency. 
 He advanced the necessary funds and became responsible for all liabilities. 
 
 The building was constructed by (apt. Winthrop Clapp of Montague. 
 The stone for the foundation came from Pelham, the residents of North 
 Amherst drawing it with their teams. The people generally contributed 
 freely of their time and labor. Here was repeated, on a smaller scale, the 
 scene enacted five years earlier on the brow of College hill, when the walls 
 of the old South dormitory of Amherst College arose as by magic. There 
 was this difference, however; the dormitory had no Oliver Dickinson to 
 stand behind it and guarantee the payment of all bills. The cost of the 
 building to Mr. Dickinson was $2,900. The corner stone was laid by Rev. 
 Nathan Perkins, at that time pastor of the Second church. There had 
 been the customary dispute as to the location of the building ; residents at 
 the "City" desired that it should be placed nearer their homes. The 
 question was settled by Mr. Dickinson, who declared that the house should 
 occupy its present site if he had to pay every cent of the expense. The 
 raising was made a gala occasion, liquor being generously provided and 
 
228 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 consumed, the expenses being met by contributions. Mr. Dickinson, being 
 a man of leisure, superintended the construction of the building and care- 
 fully inspected all the material used. He determined that nothing save 
 the very best should be employed in building the house of the Lord ; as 
 usual, he had his way. The house was dedicated, Nov. 15, 1826, Rev. 
 Nathan Perkins preaching the sermon and Rev. John Woodbridge, 1). D., 
 of Hadley, delivering the prayer of dedication. 
 
 Oliver Dickinson received partial compensation for his liberal expendi- 
 ture of time and money by selling the pews in his meeting-house. To 
 each purchaser he gave a deed, in which he described himself as "'sole 
 owner and proprietor of a meeting-house lately erected at the north part 
 of said Amherst." These deeds conferred the right of perpetual owner- 
 ship to the purchasers and their heirs, subject to two conditions. The 
 proprietors were not to allow their pews to be painted or otherwise altered 
 as to their external appearance without the permission of a majority of their 
 own number ; neither were they to sell or lease them to any negro or mulatto, 
 or allow any such person to occupy them, under penalty of forfeiting their 
 rights. These deeds were made out long before the anti-slavery question 
 had come into prominence, so that Mr. Dickinson's motive in inserting this 
 proviso was doubtless to prevent the pews from coming into the ownership 
 of persons of a questionable character. When the building was remodeled 
 in 1842, it became necessary for the proprietors to surrender their original 
 deeds, and through the influence of Daniel Dickinson, his nephew, Oliver 
 Dickinson consented that the provision in regard to negros and mulattos 
 should be omitted from the new deeds. The pews have since become the 
 property of the church. A pew in the gallery was set aside for the accom- 
 modation of colored persons, as was customary in the earlier times. 
 
 Some alterations have been made in the external appearance of the 
 building, but the general outline remains the same as when first constructed. 
 Within it conformed to the prevalent style of church, or rather meeting- 
 house, arrangement of the times. The pulpit, a high, round wooden 
 structure, stood at the west end of the building, faced by the high-back 
 wooden pews. There were galleries on all sides of the building, and seats 
 for singers behind the pulpit. The pews were destitute of cushions and 
 there were no carpets upon the floors. There were no means for providing 
 artificial light or heat. Stoves were put in the building in January, 1835 ; 
 the expense was #83.23 and the sum was raised by subscription. The 
 interior of the house was remodeled in 1842, and since that time extensive 
 alterations and repairs have been made. The matter of church music 
 received attention from the parish at an early date. In 1828, a parish tax 
 oi $12 was laid for the support of sacred music. In 1835, $75 was 
 appropriated for the support of a singing-school. The parish owned a 
 
THE PULPIT AND COMMUNION SERVICE. 229 
 
 bass viol as early as 1827, for in that year Augustine Parker was allowed 
 a bill of Si. 7 2 for bass viol strings and $1.35 for a case for the instrument. 
 In 1828, it cost the parish S5.00 for repairs on the bass viol. Within a 
 few years, a very handsome and expensive organ has been presented to the 
 church by Mrs. George E. Fisher, who has also contributed most generously 
 for repairing and beautifying the church building. 
 
 Oliver Dickinson not only gave deeds to the purchasers of the pews, 
 but also gave a deed of the pulpit to Rev. \Y. W, Hunt, the first settled 
 pastor, and to his successors in the gospel ministry. The provisions of 
 this deed were that the pulpit should be used only for the worship of God 
 and the preaching of the gospel, and that the grantee and his successors 
 should believe and inculcate in said pulpit the principles of the gospel as 
 contained in the Westminster Assembly's shorter catechism, forever. 
 Should he or they depart from the standard of faith as above set forth, 
 then their rights in the pulpit were to be forfeited, and to pass to the next 
 successor in the ministry who should fulfil the conditions. A communion 
 service was purchased at an expense of $94, which sum was raised by 
 subscription. This service was not given to the church, but loaned to it 
 forever, on conditions very similar to those outlined in the deed for the 
 pulpit. These conditions attached to the use of the pulpit and the com- 
 munion service were but an echo of the orthodox faith of the founders of 
 the church as embodied in their creed and confession. It may seem 
 strange that such stringent provisions should be adopted, but it must be 
 borne in mind that at the time the church was organized the Unitarian 
 faith was making alarming inroads upon the orthodoxy of New England 
 churches and congregations. Among the residents in the new parish were 
 many whose orthodoxy was not beyond question, as was proved in after 
 time by their uniting with a Unitarian society which they assisted in organ- 
 izing at Leverett. The conflict between the old faith and the new was 
 bitter in the extreme ; the founders of the church at North Amherst were 
 firm believers in the ancient doctrines and determined that their church 
 and their pulpit and their communion service should never pass into the 
 hands of those unfriendly to their faith. A change in the confession of 
 faith was made by the church in 1872, but it remains orthodox to-day as it 
 has been since the beginning. 
 
 Before the organization of church or parish, subscriptions were made 
 to what was at first known as the " ministerial fund" and afterwards as the 
 " church fund." The prime mover in the raising of this fund was Oliver 
 Dickinson. The purpose of the fund may be gathered from the following 
 extracts from the original subscription paper : 
 
 •• Whereas it is in contemplation to erect a meeting house by the inhabitants 
 of the northern section of the town of Amherst and others in adjacent towns, and 
 
230 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST,' MASS. 
 
 Whereas doubts have arisen whether the circumjacent population would be 
 able to support at all times the preaching of the gospel without the aid of a perma- 
 nent fund. We therefore the subscribers feeling through the blessings of Heaven 
 able and willing to assist in so laudable an undertaking and desirous to perpetuate 
 to posterity the uninterrupted dispensation of the gospel do hereby agree to pay 
 over to Oliver Dickinson the sums severally annexed to our names." 
 
 The list is headed by the name of Oliver Dickinson, with a subscrip- 
 tion of $800 ; Joseph Eastman and Jonathan Cowls gave $400 each, and 
 fifteen others smaller sums, from #150 to $2. The total amount subscribed 
 was ^2,387 ; of this sum $134 was never paid, but interest on some delayed 
 payments brought the amount up to $2,392.65. Four persons subscribed 
 land, which was afterwards sold for $962.70. The only subsequent addition 
 to this fund was one of $10 made in 1845. The original intention of the 
 subscribers was to raise a fund the interest on which would amount to a 
 sufficient sum to pay the entire salary of the minister. Trustees were 
 appointed, and were incorporated by an act of the General Court passed 
 in 1827. They were authorized to hold property, the annual income from 
 which should not amount to more than $1,200. Vacancies in the board 
 were to be filled by election by the parish, and the trustees were held 
 liable for any loss that might come to the fund through their mismanage- 
 ment. If at any time a minister was hired who did not preach the orthodox 
 faith, the income was to be added to the principal until an orthodox minister 
 was secured. The subscribers were to have votes in regard to the invest- 
 ment of the fund in accordance with the amount of their contributions. 
 When the question of locating the church came up, a provision was inserted 
 in the regulations governing the fund to the effect that it should be forfeited 
 to the subscribers or their heirs if the house should ever be moved more 
 than fifty rods from its present site, or should a new meeting-house be 
 erected more than fifty rods distant. In 1828, the income of the fund 
 amounted to $170 ; the greatest sum realized from it in any one year was 
 $270, in 1846. 
 
 The parsonage was built in 1839, a subscription amounting to £ I 4°9-99 
 being raised for that purpose. Two special subscriptions for repairing the 
 church were raised, one of $1,232.08 in i860, another of $1,471.88 in 1879. 
 In 1868, money was subscribed for the purchase of the pews, all but two 
 of which are now parish property. In 1869, the parish purchased for a 
 little over $1,000 the town's interest in the building known as "Parish 
 hall," formerly used, in part, as a school-room. Money for parish expenses 
 was first raised by voluntary subscription in 1834. 
 
THE COLLEGE CHURCH. 23 I 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 The College Church. — Its Pastors. — Church Building. — Zion 
 Chapel. —College Mission Work. 
 
 The organization of the "Church of Christ in Amherst College," in 
 1826/'" on the principles of the Congregational Platform," has been referred 
 to in the historical sketch of Amherst College. Rev. Heman Humphrey, 
 its first pastor, was installed Feb. 28, 1827, continuing in service until he 
 was dismissed, at his own request, April 4, 1845. During his pastorate 
 the church was greatly prospered, enjoying several revival seasons and 
 gaining largely in membership. July 13, 1828, occurred the first baptism 
 of a child of a member of the church, the son of Prof. Edward Hitchcock, 
 christened Edward. In a list of additions to the church in 183 1, appears 
 the name of Henry Ward Beecher, then in his freshman year. 
 
 April 4, 1845, the day that Rev. Heman Humphrey was dismissed 
 from the pastorate, Rev. Edward Hitchcock was installed as his successor. 
 President Hitchcock continued in service until 1S54, resigning in April of 
 that year and being dismissed the following November. Under his ministry, 
 the church experienced two great revivals of religious interest, one in 1846, 
 as a result of which 27 persons united with the church on confession of 
 their faith; a second in 1850, resulting in 33 conversions. President 
 Hitchcock believed that the highest aim of education is the winning of 
 souls to Christ. He taught- and lived the faith that was in him, so that 
 while under his administration the college prospered greatly in temporal 
 affairs there was even greater prosperity in its spiritual interests. Rev. 
 W. A. Stearns was installed as pastor of the College church, Nov. 21, 
 1854. He continued in office until his death, June 8, 1876. During his 
 ministry the college experienced several revivals of religious interest, some 
 of marked power and fruitfulness. 
 
 Rev. Julius H. Seelye, who succeeded Dr. Stearns as president of the 
 college, was installed as pastor of the College church, May 24, 1877. 
 Sept. 12, 1878, Rev. Thomas P. Field was invited to become associate 
 pastor of the church, and accepted. He was appointed to the " Samuel 
 Green professorship of Biblical history and interpretation and pastoral 
 care," established in 1864 by John Tappan, Esq. of Boston, and held by 
 Dr. Stearns, in connection with the presidency of the college, until his 
 death. Dr. Field served as professor in the college and associate pastor 
 of the College church until 1886. when he resigned, and was succeeded by 
 
232 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Rev. George S. Burroughs of New Britain, Conn. Dr. Seelye served as 
 pastor of the church until he resigned the presidency of the college, in 
 1890. Dr. Burroughs continued in office until 1892, when he resigned, to 
 accept a call to the presidency of Wabash College at Crawfordsville, Ind. 
 Rev. John E. Tuttle, D. D., was appointed to the Samuel Green professor- 
 ship in 1893, and installed as pastor of the College church, Nov. 17 of 
 that year. 
 
 The college chapel was dedicated in February, 1827. For more than 
 forty years this building served as the home of the College church. In 
 1864, William F. Stearns, son of President Stearns and a prosperous 
 merchant in Boston, gave $30,000 to the college to be used in erecting a 
 suitable church edifice. There was a difference of opinion among the 
 college authorities as to the most suitable location for the building. Its 
 present site was decided on by several distinguished architects, and the 
 corner-stone was laid, Sept. 22, 1870. The building, constructed of 
 granite, is, perhaps, the handsomest edifice on the college grounds. 
 Shortly after the close of the civil war, George Howe, Esq. of Boston, 
 whose son, a graduate of the college, was killed in service, presented to 
 the college a fine chime of bells, which were placed in the tower of the 
 College church. 
 
 From its beginning, the church has been a great power for good in 
 the college. Some of the best-known preachers in America have occupied 
 the pulpit of the College church. In the earlier history of the church 
 revivals of religious interest were of frequent occurrence and a very large 
 percentage of the students were admitted to church membership. There 
 were many cases of church discipline. Councils were frequently held to 
 ordain missionaries for the foreign service. Feb. 23, 1864, Joseph A. 
 Leach was ordained as chaplain of the 19th Regiment U. S. colored troops. 
 In 1859, n was voted to adopt the "Sabbath Hymn and Tune Book'' in 
 chapel worship and other religious meetings. Sept. 26, 1S69, E. S. Snell 
 and Edward Hitchcock were elected as the first permanent deacons. The 
 practice before that time had been to elect as deacons two members of the 
 senior class, to serve one year. In 1877, a leader of the choir and an 
 organist were chosen. In 18S9, a plan proposed by Dr. Burroughs was 
 adopted, for receiving students from other churches on certificate, who did 
 not transfer their relation to the church by letter. 
 
 In connection with the College church, and under its immediate super- 
 vision, an interesting and valuable mission work has been conducted among 
 the colored residents of Amherst. The years immediately succeeding the 
 close of the civil war brought with them to Amherst, as to many towns in 
 New England, a considerable increase in the colored population. A 
 majority of these people were useful and industrious citizens, abundantly 
 
WIlll'.KSI ( OLLEGE WELL 
 
 * : 0$*r 
 
 AMHERST COLLEGE CHURCH. 
 
ZION CHAPEL. 233 
 
 able to provide for their own bodily needs, but lacking for many years the 
 religious privileges enjoyed by their Caucasian brethren. The missionary 
 enterprise which resulted in the building of Zion chapel was inaugurated 
 by three women connected with the College church, two of them wives of 
 college professors, the other a resident of the town while her sons were 
 being educated at the college. As early as 1.SO1, a Sunday-school class 
 had been organized among the colored people. Its meetings were held, 
 at first in the Amherst Academy building, and after the latter was torn 
 down, in the brick school-house on Pleasant street, and later in the chapel 
 of the hirst Congregational church, in the rear of what is now known as 
 College hall. 
 
 In 1S6S, the trustees of Amherst College gave permission for erecting 
 a building for chapel purposes on land owned by the college at the corner 
 of Northampton and Parsons streets. The sum of $697.90 was raised by 
 subscription for a building, of which $117.30 was contributed by colored 
 persons ; the largest cash donation was Si 00. the smallest ten cents. The 
 building was erected, and was dedicated March 12. 1869. The exercises 
 of dedication were conducted by President Stearns. assisted by Professors 
 Hitchcock. Tyler and Seelye, and Rev. J. L. Jenkins. The cost of the 
 building was $601. Many articles of furniture were contributed, some by 
 persons living in Amherst, others by men and women living in distant 
 towns and cities who had been impressed with the nature and importance 
 of the work that was being carried on. At the time the chapel was dedi- 
 cated, there were 91 colored people resident in Amherst, and the average 
 attendance at the school was 30. J. 1!. Seabury, a student at the college, 
 had been in chnrge of the school for the two years preceding. 
 
 The first mention of Zion chapel found in the College church records 
 is under date of Feb. i, 1S77, when it was voted to appropriate $25 during 
 the year for the expense of fuel and lights at regular meetings in the 
 chapel, if the receipts from collections should be sufficient after defraying 
 the current expenses of the church. Dec. 13, 1877. the church voted to 
 expend the balance of receipts for 1878, from collections on communion 
 Sundays, after the regular church expenses had been paid, as follows : 1st, 
 $25 for lights and fuel at Zion chapel; 2d, S25 to Rev. S. L. Hobbs : 3d. 
 an additional §25 to Rev. S. L. Hobbs if the colored people should pay 
 an equal amount in addition to what they paid in 1S77. Feb. 29, 1880, 
 $25 was appropriated for expenses of the mission school, to be placed in 
 the hands of the lady teachers; also $25 per quarter to Rev. Mr. Hobbs 
 for services at the mission branch, provided those in attendance paid at the 
 rate of $8 per quarter. Oct. 5, 1882. it was voted to pay Si 00 to Rev. 
 D. W. Marsh for his services at Zion chapel during the coming year. 
 
 In addition to the mission work conducted under the auspices of the 
 
234 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OK AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 College church at Zion chapel, students at the college have for many years- 
 engaged in regular mission work at two stations, one at the school-house 
 in the southeast part of Amherst, the other at a school-house in what is 
 known as " Pratt's Corner " in Shutesbury. Regular services are held in 
 these places Sunday afternoons during the college terms. The missionary 
 spirit has ever been strong among the alumni of Amherst College, as is 
 testified by the considerable percentage of their number who have engaged 
 in home and foreign mission work. The words of wisdom and eloquence 
 uttered from the pulpit of the College church have echoed " from Green- 
 land's icy mountains to India's coral strand." 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 The Baptist Church. — Connection with Churches in New Salem 
 and Northampton. — Independent Organization. — Pastors and 
 Terms of Service. — The Meeting-House. — Methods of Raising 
 Funds. — Misc Ella n eous Votes. 
 
 It was nearly ninety-three years after the organization of the church 
 in Hadley, Third Precinct, ere another church, differing from it in faith 
 and doctrine, was regularly organized in the town of Amherst. In Novem- 
 ber, 1827, the following communication was addressed to the First Baptist 
 church in New Salem : 
 
 ■■ The Undersigned, being so situated that we can enjoy but little of gospel 
 privilege with you & finding many students in tin- .Academy & College ec others 
 members scattered through Amherst & vicinity belonging to different Chhsof our 
 faith & in der, all as sheep without a Shepherd — We feel it our indispensable duty 
 to unite & exert ourselves to remedy these existing evils & procure greater religious 
 enjoyments. 
 
 Therefore, to promote the honour ec glory of God, the good of his cause and 
 the wel fa 1 e of our own souls, & others in the establishment of the worship of < lod & 
 the privileges of the Gospel among us, we wish to be set off as a branch of this 
 Chh. vested with certain rights & privileges necessary to carry our objects into 
 effe< 1 .is shown in the following proposed resolution."" 
 
 This paper was signed by Stephen S. Nelson, an elder of the Baptist 
 church in New Salem but resident in Amherst, and the following members 
 of his family : Emilia Nelson, Emilia 1). Nelson, William F. Nelson and 
 Ephraim k. Nelson. The " resolutions " submitted were agreed to by the 
 
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. 235: 
 
 church in New Salem, as testified by the clerk of the church under date of 
 Nov. 18, 1827. They conferred the following rights and privileges upon 
 the members of the church resident in Amherst : To be setoff as a branch 
 of the church, by the name of the " Branch of the First Baptist Church in 
 New Salem :" to notify and hold meetings for worship and business, and 
 vote and do business among themselves independently ; to employ ministers 
 of their own choosing and support them in their own way: to admit 
 members among them, watch over and discipline them, and, if found 
 necessary, to remove them ; to enjoy the ordinances and privileges of the 
 gospel among themselves or with the parent church ; to pay ami support 
 individually with the parent church only in accordance with the privileges 
 enjoyed by them; to establish for themselves any constitution, creed or 
 covenant not inconsistent with the Bible or with churches in their fellow- 
 ship : to enjoy all other rights and privileges of an independent church and 
 be considered as such except that they be called a branch of the church 
 in New Salem ; but in case they should cease to keep up their worship 
 then they were to be considered as members of the parent church. 
 
 The first meeting of the Amherst branch of the First baptist Church 
 in New Salem was held at the house of Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, Dec. 7, 
 1827. Mr. Nelson was chosen moderator, and Rev. Solomon Peck, pro- 
 fessor of Latin and Hebrew at Amherst College, clerk. The moderator 
 and clerk were appointed a committee to prepare a creed and covenant. 
 This committee reported at a meeting held Dec. 12, and after discussion 
 and amendment, the articles submitted by them were adopted, at a 
 meeting held Dec. 18. At the latter meeting a committee was appointed 
 to prepare a code of articles whereby to express the sentiments of the 
 church on important principles of faith and practice, not specially noted in 
 creed and covenant. Feb. 29, 1S28, the church voted that the Lord's 
 Supper be celebrated on the evening of Sunday, March 9 ; on the latter 
 date the communicants met at the house of Rev. S. S. Nelson and held 
 their first conlmunion service, ten members of the church taking part, 
 eight males and two females. Sept. 19, 1830. it was voted expedient that 
 the church be dismissed from the church in New Salem, and become a 
 branch of the Baptist church in Northampton. Oct. 1 of the same year, 
 it was reported that a letter of dismission had been received from the 
 New Salem church ; this was afterwards presented to and accepted by the 
 church in Northampton. July 3. 1831, the church voted to approve the 
 maintenance of public religious worship every Tuesday evening " at the 
 home of Bro. Woods." The first baptism occurred Aug. 21, 1831, two 
 persons being baptized in the river at "Mill Hollow." Nov. 19, 1831,. 
 it was voted that a contribution for contingent expenses and for the poor 
 
236 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of the church be taken regularly after the administration of the Lord's 
 supper. 
 
 At a meeting held May 5, 1832. it was voted to request a dismission 
 from the church in Northampton, for the purpose of constituting a church 
 in this town, to be known as "The First Baptist Church of Christ in 
 Amherst." Julyc}, 1832, it was voted expedient to take immediate measures 
 to constitute a church of Christ in Amherst. A committee was appointed 
 to draw up articles of faith and a covenant. Invitations were sent to the 
 Baptist churches in Shutesbury, Northampton, Belchertown, Sunderland and 
 Montague to send pastors and delegates to a council to be held for the 
 purpose of forming a church organization. This council met, Aug. 3, 
 1832, at the house of Solomon Peck. Rev. L. Austin served as moderator 
 and Solomon Peck as clerk. A church was organized with 40 members, 
 19 male and 21 female. Public exercises were held at the brick school- 
 house that stood on Pleasant street. The church voted to adopt the 
 articles of faith and covenant of the Federal Street Baptist church of 
 Boston. Isaac Robbins and Fli Cowls were elected deacons. Sept. 16, 
 1S32, the church voted to join the Wendell association of Baptist churches, 
 and was received into its fellowship the 26th of the same month. 
 
 The first pastor of the church was Rev. Mason Ball. The precise 
 date when he began preaching in Amherst is not recorded; the minutes of 
 a meeting held Aug. 31, 1834, are signed by " Mason Ball, pastor." March 
 10, 1835, a committee appointed to supply the pulpit engaged the services 
 of Mr. Ball, "who had supplied the church for two years." Oct. 31, 1836, 
 it was voted to extend a call to Rev. N. G. Lovell of Princeton, to offer 
 him a salary of $500 per year, to give him three Sabbaths for a vacation 
 and to move his goods to Amherst. Mr. Lovell accepted the call and 
 began his labors Nov. 20. Dec. 26, 1S39, ^ r - Lovell requested a dismis- 
 sion which was granted ; he preached his farewell sermon, Jan. 19, 1840. 
 April 6 of the same year, Elder S. S. Nelson was requested to preach until 
 a minister should be settled; he agreed to supply the pulpit until the first 
 Sabbath in May. July 19, Elder Joseph Hodges was invited to supply the 
 pulpit at a salary of $300. Mr. Hodges accepted and began his labors 
 Aug. 2, continuing with the church for one year when he left and went to 
 Coleraine. At a meeting of the church and society, held Aug. 8, 1841, it 
 was voted unanimously to keep up the worship in the meeting-house every 
 Lord's day, "preaching or no preaching." Such was the temper of the 
 men and women who were the founders of the Baptist church in Amherst, 
 not easily discouraged, but determined under no circumstances to abandon 
 the undertaking in which they had engaged. At this meeting the deacons 
 invited Elder S. S. Nelson to preach to them. Soon afterwards. Rev. Mr. 
 
PASTORS OK THE CHURCH. 237 
 
 Chase was sent by the Baptist conference to supply the pulpit, and remained 
 until December. 
 
 Dec. 1, 1842, the church extended a call to Rev. George Waters of 
 Norwich, Conn., to become its pastor, at a salary of $500. Mr. Waters 
 accepted, and began his labors Dec. 25. He served very acceptably to 
 church and congregation for three years, but in the spring of 1846 dissen- 
 sions arose between pastor and people which led to a serious schism in the 
 church. The primary cause of trouble would seem to have been a disturb- 
 ance of church meetings by some of the younger members of the 
 congregation, together with the punishment indicted upon them. This led 
 to argument and ill-feeling, and soon the church-members were arrayed in 
 two opposing parties. The pastor's opponents called an ex-parte council 
 of delegates from baptist churches in towns near by, which met at the 
 meeting-house, Feb. 10, 1846. The pastor and his adherents also called 
 an ex-parte council, which met the following day. The members of the 
 two councils decided to join forces and hold a mutual council to considei 
 all matters at issue. To this action both parties to the controversy 
 consented: the council having considered all the testimony presented 
 decided that there was fault on both sides and advised a reconciliation. 
 Feb. 22, 1X46, the church, at Mr. Waters' request, voted to give him a 
 letter of dismission. As a result of this trouble, many members withdrew 
 from the communion and the usefulness of the church was seriously 
 impaired. 
 
 Feb. 28. 1846. the church extended a call to Rev. Mason Ball. Mr.. 
 Ball accepted and served the church for several months. April 21, 1851, 
 Rev. F. A. Cummings was called to the pastorate : he accepted, and was 
 ordained and installed, May 8. He continued in service until Oct. 17, 
 1852, when he was dismissed at his request, the church at the same 
 meeting which acted on his dismission voting to extend a call to Rev. E. 
 Anderson. Mr. Anderson accepted, and recognition and consecration 
 services were held Dec. 15. His pastorate was brief, terminating, at his 
 request, Sept. 3, 1853. Dec. 31, 1S53, the church invited Rev. E. A. 
 Cummings to become its pastor again, " as soon as consistent with his 
 previous engagements." He accepted the call and continued in service 
 until January, 1855, when he resigned. During the greater part of 1855, 
 the pulpit was supplied by George S. Stockwell. Oct. 5, 1856, a call was 
 extended to Rev. J. T. Smith of Bristol, Conn., which he accepted. He 
 continued in the service for more than eight years, resigning his office, 
 Jan. 27. 1865. The church voted not to accept the resigation, but Mr.. 
 Smith insisted and preached his farewell sermon, April 31. 
 
 Feb. 18, 1866, the church extended a call to Rev. A. J. Padelford ; he 
 accepted and began his labors Feb. 25. Recognition services were held. 
 
238 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 March 21, and on the same day the church was rededicated having under- 
 gone extensive repairs and alterations. Mr. Padelford continued in office 
 until March 1, 1868. when he tendered his resignation. The church 
 appointed a committee to request him to reconsider his action, but he refused. 
 The church voted, in May, to secure the services of Prank E. Tower of 
 Petersham as stated supply for the remainder of the year. In October of 
 the same year, it was voted expedient to ordain Mr. Tower and install 
 him as pastor of the church. He accepted the call in a letter dated Nov. 
 18, and was ordained and installed, Dec. 23. The first year of his ministry 
 was marked by a great revival, resulting in many conversions. Dec. 23, 
 1S71, Mr. Tower resigned, and March 24, 1872, Rev. A. P. Kuel of New 
 London, Conn, was called to the pastorate. He did not accept at the 
 time, but consented to supply the pulpit. The call was renewed, June 30, 
 and this time was accepted. The date when Mr. Buel's pastorate ended is 
 not recorded, but April 6, 1873, the church extended a call to Rev. J. V. 
 Osterhout of Webster, which he declined. May 18, 1873, a call was 
 ■extended to Rev. D. F. Lamson of Northboro ; this also was declined. 
 
 Rev. Sylvester Burnham supplied the pulpit for a time, and in July, 
 1873, was called to the pastorate. He accepted, and continued in service 
 until March of the following year, when he resigned. In May of the 
 same year, a call was extended to 1). W. Hoyt which he accepted, and was 
 ordained, July 29. In 1875, a branch of the church was organized in 
 Erving. Mr. Hoyt resigned in March, 1880; Dec. 12 of the same year, 
 a call was extended to Rev. G. F. Genung. He accepted, and recognition 
 services were held in January, 1881. He continued in office until January, 
 1884. when he resigned. The church at first refused to accept his resigna- 
 tion, but he insisted. Rev. J. B. Child was called to the pastorate the 
 same year, continuing in office until March, 1S92, when he resigned. In 
 October of the same year. Rev. G. W. Holman accepted an invitation to 
 settle as pastor of the church. 
 
 The first mention of a meeting-house is found in the church records 
 under date of May 11, 1834, when an agent was appointed to solicit aid 
 from abroad to build a meeting-house. Oct. 24, 1834, the church passed 
 the following vote: " Where'as several individuals have taken efficient 
 measures to erect a meeting-house by subscription to be the property of 
 the First Baptist Chh. in Amherst, and whereas they have connected with 
 the said house a basement story which the Chh. may own as their property 
 provided they will defray the expense of said basement story. And whereas 
 the building Committee have made the above proposal therefor. Voted to 
 take the Basement Story as our property." A committee of five was 
 appointed to finish the basement, and authorized to hire money to pay the 
 
THE MEETING-HOUSE. 239 
 
 expense. April 25, 1836, Seth Fish, Salvader Andrews and Austin East- 
 man were appointed deacons to hold the meeting-house in trust. 
 
 July 6, 1837, the church adopted a constitution and series of regula- 
 tions for the management and disposal of church property. The preamble 
 reads as follows : "The 1st Baptist Chh. in Amherst having erected a 
 house for divine worship for the accommodation of themselves and others 
 who choose to meet with them wish to be guided by the following regula- 
 tions in the management and disposal of their house of worship and other 
 property." This constitution contained, among others, the following 
 provisions : That the meeting-house and all other property belonging to 
 the church should be " considered as theirs, under their management and 
 at their disposal ;" the settled pastor or stated preacher should ever be a 
 " regular Orthodox Baptist minister ;" if the church should ever be 
 dissolved or become extinct, the meeting-house and all other property 
 belonging to the church, except such slips or other property as were owned 
 by private individuals, should revert to the treasury of the Massachusetts 
 Baptist Convention ; every pew in the meeting-house should be subject to 
 the provisions of the constitution ; should the church at anytime consider 
 it expedient to demolish, move, alter, repair or rebuild the meeting-house, 
 each pew-owner should give up his pew for that purpose and be allowed 
 full value of his pew when thus surrendered, provided he should take the 
 amount of said valuation in a pew or pews in the meeting-house when 
 rebuilt or so altered and repaired. 
 
 At a meeting held May 23, 1837. it was voted " To give back the bonds 
 to our trustees that the basement of our meeting-house may be sold for 
 $2500 and clear the Chh. of all debt for our meeting-house except about 
 $ioooor $tioo." June 22. 1837, the trustees were authorized to sell 
 enough of the " pew ground" or slips in the meeting-house to pay the debt 
 due the building committee of said house. No pews were to be sold at a 
 less price than appraised, and they were to be sold only on such conditions 
 as should secure the pulpit forever to a regular orthodox Baptist minister. 
 July 7, 1839, the church extended a vote of thanks to persons who by 
 generous assistance had enabled them to pay off the debt on the meeting- 
 house. April 21, 185 1, it was voted "to approve and encourage the 
 painting and repairing of the meeting-house. " For many years the base- 
 ment of the meeting-house was used for store purposes. Oct. 4, 1862, it 
 was voted to see whether the church could have a room in the basement 
 for prayer and conference purposes, if so, what must be done to put it in 
 order. March 23, 1864, a committee was appointed to fit and furnish the 
 southwest room in the basement as a vestry ; the first meeting in the new 
 vestry was held June 4, 1S65. Sept. 12. 1864, a committee was appointed 
 to procure plans and estimates for repairing the house of worship ; they 
 
240 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 reported a plan involving the expenditure of $1000, and a committee was 
 appointed to raise funds for carrying on the work. July 7, 1879, the 
 church voted to rent the vestry to Postmaster Jameson for $50 a month. 
 
 In the years immediately following the organization of the church, 
 various methods were resorted to for the purpose of raising funds, for the 
 payment of current expenses. Feb. 1, 1834, an agent was appointed to 
 attend the state convention, to secure aid to support the gospel ministry. 
 March 10, 1835, two agents were appointed to solicit aid to pay arrearages 
 for preaching. A committee was appointed to circulate subscription papers 
 to raise money to be paid monthly for the purpose of supporting preaching 
 the coming year. Dec. 12, 1836, it was voted that all the pecuniary 
 expenses of the church, with the pastor's salary, be averaged upon each 
 member of the church, according to their ability. Jan. 17, 1837, it was 
 voted to make all the pews in the meeting-house free. May 6, 1866, a 
 committee was chosen to have charge of the church finances. In 1869, it 
 was voted to make the seats free and to take collections for current 
 expenses. 
 
 Oct. 31, 1836, a committee was appointed "to procure an apparatus 
 to warm the meeting-house." June 22, 1837, it was voted that the sexton 
 be furnished with oil to light the house. In 1838, the trustees were 
 authorized to deed a pew to the pastor of the church and his successors 
 in office, to be held by them as a " minister's pew " forever. April 5, 1844, 
 it was voted " to authorize the committee heretofore appointed by the 
 church to put in the baptistery into the Baptist meeting-house to finish 
 said work by placing a carpet upon the platform of the desk and the platform 
 in front of the desk, and whatever is necessary to complete the work." 
 Oct. 2, 1870, it is recorded that the ordinance of baptism was omitted 
 owing to a lack of water to fill the baptistery. Mention is first made of 
 the appointment of ushers, in 1838. June 30, 1833, a set of communion 
 vessels was presented to the church by Elisha Bogue, Esq. In 1846, it 
 was voted to procure the juice of the grape for communion services. In 
 1852 it was voted to dispense with the use of the juice of the grape and 
 to use "sweet wine" at communion. In 1866, a silver communion service 
 and set of table linen was presented to the church. The subject of 
 temperance seems to have attracted the attention of the church at an early 
 date. It was voted, in 1835, to form a temperance society. In 1843, it 
 was voted that it was the duty of every member of the church to belong 
 to some temperance society, and the following resolution was passed : 
 " We as a church cannot hold fellowship with any member of the same 
 faith and order with ourselves, or receive to the ordinance of baptism and 
 subsequent fellowship any person who will not adopt the aforesaid 
 principles." 
 
MISCELLANEOUS VOTES. 241 
 
 In 183S, new articles of faith and a new covenant were adopted. In 
 1840, a committee was appointed to meet in Gummington with other 
 churches, to form a society " to promote gospel preaching and Christian 
 edification among churches in destitute places in this region." Feb. 24. 
 1843, standing rules and regulations for the church were adopted. May 
 19, 1848, it was voted " to form the church into a benevolent association, 
 with a constitution and by-laws." In 1857, it was voted to sustain a 
 weekly prayer-meeting. Another change in creed and covenant was made 
 in 1864. Rules for the regulation of the Sunday-school were adopted in 
 1878, and a Sunday-school constitution in 1881. In 187S, a committee 
 was appointed to take charge of a series of entertainments to be given 
 during the winter. Many cases of church discipline are recorded, quite a 
 number on account of members absenting themselves from religious 
 services. In 1835, a committee was appointed to visit a brother, "for the 
 purpose of stirring him up to his duty in attending meetings." 
 
 The first mention in regard to church music is found in the records 
 under date of 1838, when there was a little trouble in the choir. Dec. 5, 
 1840, it was voted, "To draw 6 dollars from our treasury to pay for a 
 flute for the use of the Chh in aiding their Chh music. It is ever to be 
 considered as the Chh's property exclusively & wholly and always at their 
 disposal." In 1878, an organ society was formed and purchased an organ 
 and put it in ; in the same year, a committee on singing was appointed. 
 The " old organ " was presented to the Baptist church in Wendell. June 
 18, 1879, a committee was appointed to investigate and report in regard to a 
 parsonage. This committee reported, June 30, that H. I). Fearing had 
 offered to give them his house if they would grade the cellar for his new 
 house. The committee advised the church to accept this offer and to 
 purchase the lot north of D. W. Palmer's house as a site for the building, 
 at an expense of $800. The offer was accepted, but the committee after- 
 wards purchased what was known as the " Hannah Wedge lot " as a site 
 for the parsonage. 
 
242 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Methodist Episcopal Churches. — Grace Church. — St. Bridget's 
 Church. — Second Advent Church. — Universalis'! - Church. 
 — Church Associations. — Hampshire East Association. — 
 Hampshire East Conference. 
 
 Within a little more than a half century three Methodist churches 
 have been organized in Amherst, one of which has gone out of existence, 
 another is continued in union with the church in West Pelham, while the 
 third, the Wesley M. E. church, is well supported and bears an honored 
 place among the church organizations of the town. Of the church at 
 North Amherst, the parent organization, complete and interesting records 
 have been preserved, to which the writer is largely indebted for the follow- 
 ing facts. In the month of August, 1842, Rev. E. S. Potter began to 
 preach in the school-house at North Amherst "City." He held his 
 appointment under the presiding elder of the Springfield District, New 
 England M. E. Conference. A part of the time he preached at Hadley. 
 As a result of his labors at North Amherst, a society was organized, with 
 45 members. In 1843, the New England Conference re-appointed Mr. 
 Potter to Hadley and North Amherst. He resided in the latter place and 
 preached with great acceptance. In June, 1843, he withdrew from the M. 
 E. church to unite with the " Wesleyan Connection." Through his influence 
 many of the members withdrew from the M. E. society to unite with the 
 same " Connection." He continued his labors at North Amherst until 
 the meeting of the Wesleyan M. E. Conference in 1844, when he 
 received another appointment. The Wesleyan Conference, in 1844, 
 appointed Rev. James Billings to North Amherst and Hadley ; he remained 
 until October, when he removed from town and was succeeded by Rev. 
 fohn Pike, who continued his labors until the close of the conference 
 year. In 1S45, Rev. William Bevins preached at North Amherst and 
 Hadley, under appointment of the Wesleyan ('(inference; the same Con- 
 ference appointed Rev. Mr. Palmer to the charge in 1S46, but on visiting 
 the station and becoming acquainted with its prospects he declined the 
 appointment, and left the pulpit unsupplied. From April to November, 
 the church was without a regular preacher; in November, Rev. J. W. 
 Dadmun of the M. E. church was engaged to supply the pulpit until the 
 next session of the New England M. E. Conference, held in April, 1847. 
 Prom April, 1847, to April, 1848, the station was without a preacher. 
 
WESLEY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURI II. 
 
 NORTH AMHERST CITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
METHODIST MINISTERS. 243 
 
 In April. 1848, Rev. J. M. Clark of the M. E. church was appointed to 
 the charge. On his arrival, he found a few friends of the M. E. church, 
 but no members. March 9, 1S49, an official Board was organized, accord- 
 ing to the usage of the M. E. Church. The Conference met at the house 
 of the minister, and Jonas M. Clark was elected secretary. The minister 
 reported but three church members in full communion, but the probationary 
 term of several others had nearly expired. The minister's " disciplinary 
 allowance " amounted to S370. In April, 1849, Rev. H. M. Nichols was 
 appointed as -Mr. Clark's successor, and was continued in the charge two 
 years. During his ministry, the church declined in spirituality and there 
 was a considerable deficiency in the finances. From April. 1851, to 
 December, 1854, there were no records of church doings. In October, 
 [854, Rev. W. M. Hubbard was pastor, continuing in charge until 
 the close of the conference year. From 1855 to 1858, there was no 
 regular pastor, but students from Amherst College preached occasionally. 
 From 1858 to i860, Rev. John Peterson served as pastor, the church 
 enjoying a good degree of prosperity. From i860 to 1861, Rev. J. O. 
 Peck, a student at Amherst College, served as pastor; he was succeeded 
 by Rev. Robert IF Wilder and Rev. Rufus Gerrish, each of whom served 
 for one year. 
 
 In 1863, Rev. John Jones, a local preacher resident in Pelham, supplied 
 the pulpit on the Sabbath and continued his services with the society until 
 
 1867, From 1867 to 1868, Rev. John W. Fee served as pastor of the 
 church, under appointment of the New England M. F. Conference. In 
 
 1868, Rev. John Jones was once more pastor in charge. From April, 
 
 1869, to August of the same year, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Lorenzo 
 Dibble, a local preacher; for the remainder of the year local preachers 
 from Wilbraham Academy preached occasionally. In 1870. William S. 
 Jagger, not then ordained, was the preacher in charge. Rev. John Jones 
 supplied the pulpit in 187 1 and in 1872. and in 1873, Rev. D. K. Banister 
 was appointed to the charge. In 1S74, Rev. S. L. Rodgers was appointed 
 to the "Amherst circuit" and remained in charge until 1876. For several 
 years the church was without a regular supply for its pulpit. Rev. Jason 
 Hatch serving as preacher for a time in 1S81, and in 1S82, the charges at 
 Amherst and North Amherst were combined, under the care of one pastor. 
 In 1887, the church at North Amherst and the church at West Pelham 
 were united as one charge. The pastor appointed in 1S94 was Rev. George 
 Hudson, and 1895, Rev. E. B. Marshall. 
 
 The chapel building, located at the "City." was built in 1844. and 
 was dedicated Jan. 1, 1845, rne dedication sermon being preached by Rev. 
 E. S. Potter. The chapel was built by a stock company and owned by 
 them, the principal stockholders at the time of its construction being Peter 
 
244 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Ring and L. J,. Draper. Repairs costing some $400 were made on the 
 building in 1S67 ; in 1874, a vestry was built and alterations made on the 
 chapel at the cost of 5600. 
 
 SOUTH AMHERST METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 Of the Methodist church at South Amherst, no records are in exist- 
 ence. The only accurate information in regard to it is found in the records 
 of the New England M. E. Conference, which contain a list of the preachers 
 in charge. The church was probably organized in 1847, as tne church 
 building was erected in that year and completed in the spring of 1848. 
 This building stood at the corner of the Bay Road and East street at South 
 Amherst, on land owned by Dwight E. Dickinson. It is still standing, 
 though moved from its former location since the church organization was 
 given up. It is now used for other purposes. 
 
 For several years the station was united with that at North Belchertown, 
 with one preacher in charge. The list of ministers, as found on the 
 conference records, is as follows : 1848, John Smith; 1849—51, Ephraim 
 Scott; 1851-53, Daniel Wait; 1853-54. David Todd; 1858-60, John 
 Jones; 1862-63, John Jones; 1864-65, J. M. Hascall : 1866-67, J. W. 
 Eee ; r866-68, E. F. Pilcher; 1869-70, Lorenzo Dibble and YV. S. [agger. 
 There is no record of preaching at the Methodist church in South Amherst 
 after 1875, anc ' 't is probable that church services were discontinued at 
 about that time. 
 
 WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 The Methodist church at Amherst center was organized in 186S as a 
 branch of the church at North Amherst. It was composed, in part, of 
 members of the latter organization, together with a few members from the 
 church in Pelham. It was organized as a separate society in August, 
 1875, when the first quarterly conference was held. The first meetings 
 were held in Parmenter's hall at East Amherst. At the first meeting of 
 the church. Cummings Fish, ( ). S. Latham and Hiram Ballon were appointed 
 trustees, and O. S. Latham Sunday-school superintendent. Committees 
 were appointed on missions, on Sunday-school, church extension, church 
 records, parsonage and furniture, church music, and estimating preacher's 
 salary. The first pastor was Rev. S. L. Rodgers who was appointed to the 
 "Amherst circuit " by the New England M. E. Conference. Attheendof 
 the first year of its existence, the church had a membership of about 30, 
 and the Sunday-school of over 50. In 1876, Rev. D. S. Coles was appointed 
 pastor of the Amherst circuit, comprising the church at North Amherst 
 and the new organization. After being pastor about a month, he was 
 advised by the presiding elder that the interests of the church and the 
 cause of Christ would be advanced if the relation between the societies 
 
METHODIST CHURCH BUILDING. 245 
 
 was severed. This suggestion was promptly acted upon, and Mr. Coles 
 continued as pastor of the new society at East Amherst. 
 
 In 1877, Rev. E. C. Ferguson was pastor of the church. He was 
 succeeded by Rev. E. P. King, who was appointed by the conference in 
 1878, and continued in the pastorate until 1881. For the first few years 
 after the church was organized, the pastor's salary was S500. Rev. W. G. 
 Richardson was appointed pastor in 1881, and served for three years. 
 He was succeeded, in 1884. by Rev. W. H. Daniels, who remained but one 
 year. In 1885, Rev. J. H. Emerson began his pastoral services continu- 
 ing in office three years. For three years, 1887-90. Rev. ('. R. Sherman 
 served as pastor, he being succeeded, in 1890, by Rev. S. A. Bragg, who 
 continued in office until 1894, when Rev. A. L. Squier was appointed. 
 
 At a meeting held June 15, 1876, the trustees were instructed to buy 
 a lot on which to build a church edifice. The pastor and two members 
 were appointed a committee to secure funds for building purposes. 
 The pastor. Rev. I). S. Coles, expressed the opinion that the 
 society should take steps at once to build a church costing not more than 
 $5,000. Aug. 13, 1876, the committee reported that they had received 
 subscriptions, amounting only to$i, 325. Aug. 15, 1S77. the society decided 
 to build a church that fall and to use all available resources. Sept. 3, the 
 society accepted plans submitted for a building, appointed a building com- 
 mittee and voted to secure the " Dickinson lot." The committee reported, 
 Feb. 13. 1877, that they had purchased the " Whitney lot." The corner- 
 stone of the church was laid. Oct. 17, 187S. and the work progressed so 
 rapidly that services were held in the vestry, Jan. 26. 1S79. In 1880, a 
 committee was appointed to superintend the building of sheds on the 
 church lot. In 1886, the grounds about the church were graded and 
 improved. A bell was procured in 1887. 
 
 In 1880, a committee was appointed to consider the matter of building 
 a parsonage. In November, 1890, Miss Betsey Locke died, bequeathing 
 to the church her house and lot, the house to be used as a parsonage, or 
 the property to be sold and the proceeds devoted to building a parsonage. 
 The new parsonage, a neat and ornamental structure, was built in 1894. 
 In 1876, it was reported that an organ had been purchased and partly paid 
 for. In 18S2, a vote was passed to purchase a pipe organ. The whole 
 number of church members in March, 1S77, was 25. In 188 1, a vote 
 was passed to publish a small weekly paper, if it could be made self sup- 
 porting, but the project was abandoned. The church has been blessed 
 with many revivals of religion, one of especial interest occurring in the 
 spring of 1886, another in 1890. A class-meeting was conducted from the 
 beginning, in charge of Cummings Fish, lovingly remembered as " Father" 
 Fish. It was given up for a time, but was revived in 1894. 
 
246 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1864, a number of men residing in Amherst met at the 
 residence of Mrs. Mary H. Jones, to consider the practicability of forming 
 in Amherst a parish of the Protestant Episcopal church. The meeting was 
 organized by choice of I. K. Conkey as chairman and O. G. Couch as 
 secretary. It was voted practical and expedient at that time to elect wardens, 
 vestrymen, and a parish clerk. In accordance with this vote, officers were 
 chosen as follows: Senior warden, George Burnham ; junior warden, John 
 M. Emerson; vestrymen, 1. F. Conkey, H. C. Nash, Horace Ward, Charles 
 Deuel, Luther 1). Sheppard, John C. White, M. M. Marsh, M. N. Spear, 
 R. W. Stratum ; clerk and treasurer, (). G. Couch. Rev. Frederick D. 
 Huntington, at that time rector of the Emanuel church in Boston, was 
 present at the meeting; it was largely owing to his efforts that the parish 
 was formed. being invited to give a name to the parish, he selected that 
 of " Grace church." A meeting of the vestry was held two days later, at 
 which time committees were appointed to secure a place for holding 
 religious services, to prepare by-laws for the government of the parish, to 
 form a choir, and to recommend a location for a building for the use of 
 the parish. Arrangements were made with the Baptist society for the 
 temporary use of their house of worship in which to hold services, but the 
 agreement was promptly canceled when Rev. Mr. Huntington announced 
 that on a certain Sabbath he would preach a doctrinal sermon ; in this 
 emergency, the First Congregational society offered the use of their meet- 
 ing-house for the service referred to. 
 
 Oct. 20, 1S64, the parish voted to extend a call to Rev. S. P. barker, 
 I). 1)., to become the rector of Grace church, offering him a salary of 
 $1,200, including S200 per annum to be paid by Rev. F. 1). Huntington. 
 Mr. Parker's acceptance of the call was read at a meeting held Jan. 15, 
 1865. The agreement to become members of an Episcopal parish, should' 
 one lie formed, was signed by 41 names. That the parish might have a 
 legal standing, and be enabled to hold property, it was necessary that it 
 should be organized under the provisions of statute law. April 10, 1865, 
 the following petition was addressed to Henry A. Marsh, a justice of the 
 peace, resident in Amherst : 
 
 ' l The undersigned members of an unincorporated religious Society in Amherst 
 in said County known as the Protestant Episcopal Society known as Grace Church 
 and containing more than ten qualified voters hereby make application to you to 
 issue your warrant to one of the subscribers requiring him to warn the qualified 
 voters of said unincorporated Society to meet at such time and place as you may 
 appoint to organize a religious Society under the Statutes of this Commonwealth 
 and to act on the following articles: 
 
 First. To choose a Clerk for said Society. 
 
GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
RECTORS OF (IRACE CHURCH. 247 
 
 Second, To choose a moderator to preside in said meeting. 
 
 Third. To adopt such Bye-Laws or rules to govern said Society as shall be 
 deemed best. 
 
 Fourth. To elect such other officers for said Society as may be determined 
 by its Bye-Laws or rules or as the Society may direct. 
 
 Fifth. To determine the manner of notifying and calling future meetings of 
 said Society.*' 
 
 justice Marsh issued his warrant to John C. White, requiring him to 
 notify and wain the members of the Protestant Episcopal Society known 
 as ('.race Church to meet at the hall in the Academy building, April 17. to 
 act on the articles set forth in the petition. The meeting was held on the 
 date specified, and was organized by the choice of < >. G. (ouch as clerk 
 and George Burnham as moderator. It was voted that the parish be know- 
 as Grace Church parish: the officers should consist of a rector, two 
 wardens, seven vestrymen, a clerk and a treasurer. The officers chosen 
 were: Wardens. George Burnham. Horace Ward: vestrymen. E. I . Cook, 
 I). W. Palmer. George M. Lovell. I. V. Conkey, H. ('. Nash, J. A. Faker, 
 K. W. Stratton ; treasurer. ( ). G. Couch. Rev. S. P. Parker served as 
 rector for four years, until Jan. 17, [869, when he tendered his resigna- 
 tion, which was accepted with deep regret ; resolutions were passed express- 
 ing the sense of loss experienced by church and parish in parting from one 
 whose labors among them had been so untiring and crowned with such 
 success. March 29. 1S69, a call was extended to Rev. Andrew Mackie, 
 who accepted in a letter dated April 7. Mr. Mackie remained in office 
 only two years, resigning April 12. 1871. The third rector was Rev. Henry 
 K. Allen of Stockbridge, who was called to the parish in February, 1872, 
 and served for five years, his resignation bearing date of Feb. 19, 1 S 7 7 . 
 During his ministry the church was greatly prospered. In the spring of 
 1S7S. the precise date not being recorded in the parish records. Rev. 
 Frederick Burgess became rector, continuing in office until 1882. when he 
 resigned. Feb. 12, 1883, a call was extended to Rev. Louis A. Arthur of 
 New York city, but Mr. Arthur declined. During a part of the year 1883 
 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Mr. Tisdal. June 6, 1883. a call was 
 extended to Rev. Samuel Snelling of Charlestown ; he accepted in a letter 
 dated June 12. Mr. Snelling's ministry was most successful and he gained 
 to a marked degree the esteem and affection of his parishioners. He 
 tendered his resignation, Nov. 20, 1886, but it was voted unanimously not 
 to accept the same, and he was prevailed upon to withdraw it. His resig- 
 nation was tendered a second time, Dec. 19, 1887, and again a unanimous 
 vote was passed against its acceptance, but although repeated and urgent 
 efforts were made to retain his services, they proved unavailing. March 
 26, 1888, a call was extended to Rev. W. ]. Tilley of Brandon. Vt. ; he 
 
248 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 accepted, and continued in office until Dec. 20, 1892, when he tendered 
 his resignation, which was accepted. Mr. Tilley was a faithful and efficient 
 minister, and was highly esteemed both by his parishioners and by the 
 general public. In 1893, a call was extended to Rev. Walter M. Breed, 
 but he declined. Aug. 28, 1893, a call was extended to Rev. David Sprague 
 of Amsterdam, N. V. He accepted and began his ministry in Amherst in 
 the fall of 1893. 
 
 At a meeting of the parish held in Academy hall, Jan. 9, 1865, a 
 committee was appointed to consider the matter of securing a site for the 
 erection of a building, and to examine such plans for a Sunday-school room 
 as might be presented to them. This committee reported, Jan. 25, in favor 
 of buying the "John Emerson lot" on Prospect street as a location for the 
 church, and also in favor of accepting the plans presented by R. Turner. 
 The committee was authorized to buy the Emerson property, or any other 
 property that they might deem more suitable. The parish voted, May 26, 
 to ratifv the purchase of a part of the Newman estate as a site for the 
 church building, and the wardens and vestrymen were instructed to 
 purchase for the parish what was known as the Palmer estate, at such a 
 time and for such a price as they should deem expedient. At the same 
 meeting, it was voted that the parish build a stone church, a committee of 
 five being appointed to have charge of the work. Work on the building 
 was begun that year, and was carried on so rapidly that the parish held a 
 meeting in the basement of the church. April 2, 1866. The building was 
 consecrated by the Bishop of the diocese, July 17. It was designed by 
 Henry Dudley of New York, the type of architecture being 13th century 
 English. It was built of a gray gneiss, quarried in Leverett. The 
 audience-room affords seating accommodations for 420 persons, and there 
 is a commodious and finely-arranged Sunday-school room in the basement. 
 At the time of its consecration the church contained six handsome memo- 
 rial windows. A beautiful set of communion plate and linen was presented 
 to the church by members of Grace church in Boston. Other articles of 
 church furniture were donated by friends in Boston, New York. Springfield 
 and Amherst. June 27, 1868, the parish voted, "That we accept the very 
 generous offer of Rev. George Champion Shepherd, 1). D., to erect the 
 tower and place therein a clock and bell." 
 
 The parish voted, June 1 1,1866, that the pews in the church lie appraised 
 yearly on or before the first Monday after Easter, and be rented at the 
 annual meeting at public auction, at not less than the appraisal, by bid 
 for the choice oi the same. In April, [867, the parish appropriated $2,025 
 for the year's expenses, including S150 for heating and lighting, $150 for 
 an organist and '-blower," and $125 for a sexton. In 1869, it was voted 
 " to doawav with the assessments." In March, 1871, a committee appointed 
 
ST. BRIDGETS CHURCH. 249 
 
 to consider the subject of liquidating the parish debt of some $5,000, 
 proposed a plan to divide the debt into 250 shares of S20 each, to be 
 assumed by subscription and paid for by promissory notes without interest, 
 payable in four equal amounts on the first day of June, 1871, 1872, 1873, 
 1874. A committee appointed to carry this project into execution reported, 
 two months later, that all the shares had been subscribed for. 
 
 The Kpiscopal church in Amherst, in common with its sister churches 
 in neighboring towns and cities, has ever been noted for the excellence of 
 the music at its religious services. At the first meeting of the vestry, a 
 committee was appointed to form a choir. The records contain frequent 
 allusions to the church music, and liberal sums were annually appropriated 
 for its maintenance. Soon after the church was erected it was furnished 
 with a fine organ. As early as 1875, ladies were engaged to sing in the 
 choir. Jan. 26, 1870, it was voted. " That the parish accept the propo- 
 sition of the proprietors of the rectory property, to give us a deed of the 
 same to be held by the parish for its use only, and when it ceases to be 
 used for parish purposes it shall revert to the above proprietors for the sum 
 specified in the legal writing.'* In 1879, a proposition was made to place 
 the church property in the hands of the diocese, but was decided in the 
 negative. The first vote in regard to the appointment of ushers is found 
 under date of 1879. In 1880. the parish accepted the offer of Professor 
 Tuckerman to surround the grounds with a neat fence, at his own expense. 
 The same year, it was voted to accept the bequest of a theological library 
 from Rev. Samuel P. Parker, the first rector of the church. July 17. 1891, 
 the church held exercises in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 
 the dedication of the church building. An interesting historical discourse 
 was delivered by Bishop F. I). Huntington. 
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 The first communicant of the Roman Catholic church to settle in 
 Amherst was John Slater. Other Catholics had lived in the town for a 
 short time, but he was the first to make Amherst his home. Mr. Slater 
 was born in Ireland in 1803 : in 1832. he came to Quebec, and having 
 resided there some two years, in government employ, he removed to 
 Vermont and afterwards, in 1840, to Amherst. He was a devoted 
 adherent of the church, and frequently journeyed as far as Springfield to 
 attend upon its ordinances. The first mass held in this town was celebrated 
 at his house more than forty years ago. and frequently thereafter religious 
 meetings were held there before a church was built. Mr. Slater was 
 highly esteemed in the community, and was known as one of the pioneers 
 of the Roman Catholic faith in the Connecticut Valley. He resided in 
 Amherst until his death, in 1886. The first priest to officiate at religious 
 
2^0 HISTORY OF THE I'OWX OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 services in Amherst was Rev. Father Blinkensop of Chicopee. Other 
 priests who visited the town occasionally and held services, before a church 
 was organized, were Fathers O'Callahan, Sullivan, Straine and Cavanaugh. 
 When Rev. P. V. Moyce came to Northampton, a mission was established 
 at Amherst. 
 
 As early as 1870, Father Moyce conceived the idea of building a 
 Roman Catholic church in Amherst. He at once began to take subscrip- 
 tions for this purpose, being assisted in the work by Professor and Mrs. 
 Charles A. Goessmann. In less than one year $3,000 had been subscribed. 
 In August, 1870, the contract for the building was let to McDonald Bros, of 
 Waterbury, Conn. Work on the structure was begun at once, and it was 
 completed in March, 187 1. It stands on Pleasant street, is a Gothic 
 structure, built of wood, 48x81 feet on the ground floor, with a gallery at 
 the west end for a choir-loft. It will seat about 480 persons, and its cost 
 was some $13,000. It was dedicated, June 25, 1871, Right Rev. Bishop 
 O'Rielly of Springfield officiating, and was given the name St. Bridget's 
 church. The sermon was preached by Rev. Father Hendricken of 
 Waterbury, Conn. Previous to the erection of this building, church 
 services had been held for a time in the school-house on Pleasant street, 
 and later in 1'almer's hall. 
 
 It is to be regretted that the only records of the church available are 
 baptismal records. The church has been a power for good in the commu- 
 nity ; doubtless there are many interesting events in its history that should 
 here be recorded, but the few facts presented were obtained with difficulty. 
 The older members of the church have died or removed from town, and 
 while those remaining have offered all assistance in their power the records 
 here given are of necessity brief and incomplete. The first settled pastor 
 of the church was Rev. Francis Brennan, who came to Amherst from 
 Holyoke in February, 1872, remaining until July, 1878. For several years 
 thereafter the church was conducted as a mission of the church in North- 
 ampton, with Rev. M. K. Barry in charge. In 1887, Rev. J. 1!. Drennan 
 became the pastor in charge, remaining until September, 1891. Rev. J. 
 H. Gavin took charge of the parish in 1891. The Sunday-school connected 
 with the church was organized in 1872. In 1870, the cemetery at Plain- 
 ville. Hadley, called St. Bridget's cemetery, was consecrated by Archbishop 
 Williams. 
 
 SECOND ADVENT CHURCH. 
 
 for more than seventeen years a church holding to the faith of the 
 Second Advent has been in existence at South Amherst. Although small 
 in numbers, and destitute of a building in which to hold religious services, 
 its members have held meetings with great regularity and a good degree 
 
ST. BRIDGETS KuMW i \llloI.K ( III RCH. 
 
 FIRST UNIVERSALIS!" CHURCH. 
 
UNIVERSALIS!' CHURCH. 251 
 
 of interest has been maintained. Several members of the church were 
 former members of the Congregational society at South Amherst, and 
 when the new organization was projected it met with little favor at the 
 hands of those who adhered to the orthodox faith. The hard feelings that 
 were first excited by the action of its founders have worn away, and their 
 neighbors have learned to respect their motives however little the}' may 
 sympathize in their faith. Following the custom of their sect, they observe 
 the seventh day of the week as their Sabbath. Their meetings are held 
 in the homes of the church members. Feb. 28, [878, a meeting was held 
 at the call of Elder I). A. Robinson, for the purpose of forming a church 
 organization. At this meeting a church was formed with eleven members, 
 six men and rive women. J. F. Sanderson was chosen treasurer. G. H. 
 Murphy clerk and F. (7. Bolter leader. July [3 of the same year, F. G. 
 Bolter was chosen superintendent of the Sunday-school. Sept. 29, the 
 ordinance of baptism was administered to six persons. At a meeting held 
 Jan. 5, 1879. nearly every one present agreed to give up one-tenth of their 
 earnings for the year to the cause of the church. Vpril 8, [893, F. G. 
 bolter resigned as leader of the church and Oct. 13. 1894, E. A. Dickinson 
 was chosen elder. The meetings of the church are frequently attended by 
 persons of the same faith living in neighboring communities. 
 
 UNIVERSALIS!' CHURCH. 
 
 The latest church organization to be formed in Amherst was that of 
 the Universalist faith. From time to time main persons holding to the 
 LTniversalist doctrine and belief have resided in Amherst, but no attempt 
 was made by them to form an organization or hold religious services until 
 1SS7. In the fall of that year, nineteen persons signed articles of agree- 
 ment to associate themselves together to constitute a corporation in accord- 
 ance with the provisions of the public statutes. The name of the corpor- 
 ation was to be "The First LTniversalist Parish of Amherst." Its purpose 
 was, to establish and sustain public worship, to cultivate the spirit of the 
 Christian religion and perform the work usually done by religious parishes, 
 and to do these things according to the principles and rules of the LTniver- 
 salist Convention of Massachusetts. The first meeting of the signers of 
 this agreement, duly warned, was held in Grand Army hall, Nov. 15. 1887. 
 A code of by-laws was read and adopted. ( )fficers were elected as 
 follows: President. T. W. Sloan; clerk, Henry F. Newton; treasurer, 
 Lewis W. Allen ; committee, G. M. Chamberlain, J. F. Gilbert, E. G. 
 Thayer, Mrs. Amelia M. Pierce. Mrs. Martha F. Cushman. The clerk 
 was instructed to notify the Massachusetts Fniversalist Convention of the 
 legal organization of the parish, and to request the fellowship of the con- 
 vention. A charter was granted to the parish. Nov. 17. 1S87. Oct. 25, 
 
,2$2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 1888, committees were appointed on church extension, on hospitality and 
 on music. 
 
 The religious services of the parish were first held in the hall in 
 Palmer's block, preachers being supplied by the state convention. When 
 Palmer's block was burned, in the spring of 1888, meetings were held for 
 a time in the hall in Hunt's block, and later in Pacific hall. In July, 1888, a 
 call to become the settled minister of the parish was extended to Rev. J. 
 Harry Holden; he accepted and began his labors, Sept. 9. Mr. Holden 
 was very successful in his ministry, the parish gaining in numbers and in 
 strength during his stay in Amherst, while many important lines of relig- 
 ious work were marked out and developed by him. He continued in office 
 until June 12, 1895, when his resignation was regretfully accepted. Jan. 
 3, 1889, the parish committee was instructed to secure a lot of land as a 
 .site for a church building ; the committee purchased a lot from George M. 
 Chamberlain, the same year. Nov. 20. 1890, a committee was appointed 
 on church building. Jan. 15, 1891, the parish voted to build a church. 
 The parish committee was instructed to negotiate for the purchase of a lot 
 north of the property owned by Daniel Long and to dispose of the land 
 already purchased. A committee was appointed to solicit funds for 
 building a church. The building committee reported, March 22, 1892, 
 that $1,500 had been pledged for the church, and that the state convention 
 would probably give as much more. July 19, it was voted to build a 
 church in accordance with the terms of the vote of the executive committee 
 of the state convention. The building was erected in 1893, and was 
 dedicated Oct. 12. The church was not organized until April 22, 1894. 
 The officers chosen were : Clerk and treasurer, Malcolm A. Carpenter ; 
 deacon. Timothy W. Sloan ; deaconess, Martha F. Cushman. 
 
 CHURCH ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 ( )f the many associations working within and together with the church 
 organizations, for religious, benevolent and charitable purposes, the scope 
 of this work will permit but passing mention. Their number is legion and 
 they have exerted great power for good, but many have passed from exist- 
 ence and of those remaining but few have manuscript records that furnish 
 authentic information. The Sunday-schools, the ladies' societies, the home 
 and foreign mission organizations, the societies of young people, all have 
 done faithful and efficient work and are deserving of all praise. If all are 
 not here mentioned, it is not because they are undeserving of the honor, 
 but space forbids. 
 
 The first Sunday-school of which there is any existing record was 
 established in England near the close of the eighteenth century. Sunday- 
 schools in New England were unknown prioi to 1813. In 1820, during 
 
THE FIRST SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 253 
 
 the pastorate of Rev. Daniel A. (lark, a plan and constitution for a 
 Sunday-school for the First church in Amherst was prepared and presented 
 by Noah Webster, Esq. It was adopted at a meeting held April 12, and a 
 board of managers was appointed; April 18, the managers elected Noah 
 Webster. H. Wright Strong and Samuel F. Dickinson directors; Joseph 
 Fstabrook. superintendent; John Leland, Jr., treasurer ; Lucius Boltwood, 
 secretary. For several years the school was indebted to Amherst College 
 for superintendents and teachers. The first report of the school in exist- 
 ence bears date of 1826. The school was kept only in the summer season, 
 some 22 weeks. The number of pupils in the school was 150, divided 
 into 19 classes, the average attendance 130 ; the library contained 165 
 volumes. As late as 1850. scholars were incited to commit large numbers 
 of verses from the Bible to memory ; it is related that one scholar com- 
 mitted to memory in twelve weeks 450 verses. In 1820. the managers 
 voted that "'the value of premium books be fixed at the retail price, and 
 the same be delivered to scholars in exchange for tickets, tickets to be 
 valued at one cent each." Among the earlier superintendents of the 
 school were Rev. Pindar Field, Prof. Samuel A. Worcester. Rev. Joseph 
 S. Clark. Rev. Justin Perkins, Rev. Simeon Colton and Prof. W. S. Tyler. 
 When the meeting-house now known as College hall was elected in 1829, 
 a vestry was built in the west end of the basement ; this was occupied 1>\ 
 the school about ten years, when, on account of dampness and bad venti- 
 lation the school was removed to the audience room above, although the 
 parish voted against such action. A ladies' society was organized in the 
 church in 1863, during the civil war, to aid the soldiers engaged in the 
 conflict. In 1867, the ladies of the parish organized themselves into a 
 •' Society for the Furtherance of Benevolent Purposes," and adopted a 
 constitution. Since then, $8,500 has been raised by the society for church 
 and parish purposes, and an average of over $100 per annum for home 
 missionary work. Considerable work has also been done for the needy in 
 the town. The Christian Endeavor society connected with the parish was 
 organized Dec. 17, 1887; its first president was James Fairley ; its present 
 membership is 135. 
 
 There is no existing record of the date of organization of the Sunday- 
 school connected with the Second Congregational church. The oldest resi- 
 dents living in the vicinity of the church state that the school was 
 established before their earliest recollection. It is probable that its 
 existence dates back more than seventy years. Among the earliest super- 
 intendents were Fliab Thomas, Asahel Thayer, Nelson Rust, Moses Cowles 
 and Horace Gray. A ladies' society was organized in the parish, June 17, 
 1868. under the name of '"'The Ladies' Benevolent Society of the Second 
 Congregational Church, Amherst." It expressed purpose was to form a 
 
254 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 more perfect union, establish social intercourse, mutual good will, and 
 hearty cheer, also to derive means for procuring funds for benevolent 
 purposes." It had a membership of 20 and its first president was Mrs. 
 H. H. Adams. A Christian Endeavor society was organized Nov. 8, 
 1886. It first president was A. L. brush ; its present membership is 56. 
 
 Of the earlier history of the Sunday-school connected with the South 
 Congregational church, no records are in existence. B. E. Smith, a resi- 
 dent of the parish when it was first formed, writes from East Granby, 
 Conn., as follows : " I can fix no definite date of the organization of the 
 Sunday-chool at South Amherst. I remember very distinctly attending 
 meeting while the meeting house was building, in Mr. Warner's carpenter's 
 shop, which stood nearly opposite Dea. Reed's house, and am confident 
 that no Sundav-school was held there. My memory of Sunday-school 
 commences in the meeting-house, I think very soon after it was first 
 occupied. My father led me up the north aisle to the superintendent, 
 who I think was Dea. N. ('. Dickinson." A ladies' society was organized 
 in the parish. May 20, 1868, under name of "The Ladies' Benevolent 
 Society." Its object was to raise funds for benevolent purposes and pro- 
 mote Christian sympathy in the community. It had a membership of about 
 50, while 20 men were associated with it as honorary members. Its first 
 officers were : President, Mrs. E. C. Miller ; vice-president, Mrs. E. Graves ; 
 secretary, Mrs. J. W. Dana; treasurer, Mrs. E. H. Allen. A Christian 
 Endeavor society was organized, Nov. 20, 1885, with Rev. C. S. Walker 
 president. The original membership was 20, present membership 53. 
 
 The Sunday-school of the North Congregational church was organized 
 in the spring of 1827. The first superintendent was Daniel Dickinson. 
 Until stoves were put in the church the school was suspended in the fall, 
 from Thanksgiving until May 1st. The "North Amherst Female Sewing 
 Society " was organized June 5, 1837. Mrs. William W. Hunt, the pastor's 
 wife, was the first president. It had an original membership of 36. In 
 1854, a branch of the society was organized at the "City," with Mis. 
 Dea. .Loomis as president. At the society's fiftieth anniversary it was 
 announced that it had raised for benevolent purposes $4,228.60, of which 
 $314.18 had been given to soldiers' hospitals during the civil war. The 
 society is known at present as the "Ladies' Social Circle." A Christian 
 Endeavor society was organized Jan. 14. 1885, with the pastor of the 
 church, Rev. G. H. Johnson, as president. At its organization it had 14 
 active and 14 associate members. Present membership 65. 
 
 Of the organization and early history of the Sunday-school connected 
 with the baptist church there are no records in existence. It is probable 
 that the school was organized about the year 1832. The "Amherst baptist 
 Ladies' benevolent Society " was organized March 4,1852. Its expressed 
 
RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS. 255 
 
 object was " To do good and to communicate, forget not, for with such 
 sacrifices God is well pleased. Believing we can best obey this injunction 
 by efficient and systematic action, in behalf of the benevolent and charitable 
 objects of the day. we form ourselves into a society for the promotion of 
 these objects.'' The directresses of the society were Mrs. E. ("ummings, 
 Mrs. C. A. McMaster, Mrs. A. Welhrian. The Christian Endeavor society 
 connected with the parish was organized March 1. 1891 ; its first president 
 was Frank B. Bigelow, its original membership 28. Present membership 35. 
 
 At the first conference meeting of the M. E. church at Amherst 
 center, O. S. Latham and Emma King were appointed a Sunday-school 
 committee. Feb. 20, 1876, six months after the church was organized, the 
 pastor reported that the Sunday-school had 50 members. (). S. Latham 
 was the first superintendent. From time to time various organizations 
 have been formed by the young people connected with the parish, includ- 
 ing an Oxford League, a Christian Endeavor association and a Y. M. ('. A. 
 In the fall of 1889, an Epworth League was organized with Walter Pember 
 as president. This league belongs to what is known as Group 5 in the 
 Springfield district. A Sunday-school was organized in connection with 
 the Methodist church at North Amherst prior to 1849. In that year it 
 had six teachers, 30 scholars, one Bible class and a library of 120 volumes. 
 The total expenses of the school for the year were $11, of which $5 was 
 donated to the M. F. Sunday-school association. 
 
 The Sunday-school of Grace church parish was organized at about 
 the same time as the church ; the first superintendent was Rev. S. P. 
 Parker, the rector. The "Ladies Sewing Society " was organized in 1865. 
 Its original object was to provide for the poor of the parish, but this was 
 afterwards changed to raising funds for parish purposes. Mrs. S. P. 
 Parker, wife of the rector, was the first president. The society purchased 
 the building used as a parsonage and deeded it to the parish on certain 
 conditions. A society of Daughters of the King was organized in 1891, 
 with a membership of about 18, Miss Flora E. Lessey being its first 
 president. Its object is parish work. 
 
 The Sunday-school connected with the Universalist church was 
 organized Sept. 10. 1888. Rev. J. Harry Holden was elected temporary 
 superintendent ; at the end of three months, W. M. Shepardson was chosen 
 superintendent. The school when organized had about 30 members. 
 The " Universalist Ladies" Social and Sewing Circle of Amherst " was 
 organized May 10. 1887, the first president being Mrs. George M. Cham- 
 berlain; its object was parish work. At the annual meeting in May, 1895, 
 the name of the organization was changed to the " Ladies' Aid Society of 
 the Cniversalist Church of Amherst." A Young People's Christian 
 
256 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Union was organized April 18, 1894, with 14 members: its first president 
 was Elma S. Newton. 
 
 A Christian Endeavor society was organized at Mill Valley in 1889, 
 as the outgrowth of a series of neighborhood prayer-meetings. Its first 
 president was Miss Grace Phillips. The society disbanded April 1, 1895. 
 
 HAMPSHIRE EAST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The reiigious history of Amherst would be incomplete without reference 
 to two institutions which, while not distinctively of Amherst origin, have 
 exerted a powerful influence upon the religious life of the place, and, from 
 their frequent meetings in this town, and the large number of Amherst 
 citizens connected with them, have come in time to be regarded as local 
 organizations. The Hampshire East Association of Congregational ministers 
 is of ancient and honorable origin. The body from which it was derived 
 was known originally as the " Northern Association of Hampshire in the 
 Commonwealth of Massachusetts." David Parsons of Hadley Third 
 Precinct was admitted to its membership in 1745. Eater on it was known 
 as the "Central Association in the County of Hampshire." To its fellow- 
 ship were admitted the following pastors of churches in Amherst : Rev. 
 Ichabod Draper, in 1786; Nathan Perkins, Jr., 1810; Daniel A. Clark,. 
 1820: Zephaniah S.Moore, 1822; Royal Washburn. 1826; Horace B. 
 Chapin, 1826; \V. W. Hunt, 1827; Heman Humphrey, 1826; Thomas 
 Shepherd, 1834; Josiah Pent, 1838; Gideon Dana, 1838; George Cooke, 
 1838; Aaron M. Colton, 1841. 
 
 The Hampshire East Association was organized Nov. 16, 1841. by a 
 division of the Hampshire Association. The Amherst members at the 
 time were Nathan Perkins, Heman Humphrey, William Tyler. John San- 
 ford, John Whiton, George Cooke, Aaron M. Colton and Dana Goodsell. 
 Of those who signed the constitution of the new organization but one. 
 Rev. Warren H. Beaman, at that time a resident of North Hadley but 
 later of Amherst, is now living. The constitution declared as the basis of 
 assocation "the system of doctrines contained in the 'Assembly's Shorter 
 Catechism.''" Its business was " to examine and license suitable candi- 
 dates for the Gospel ministry, to inquire after religious intelligence, to 
 give advice, when requested, respecting Gospel Order, to consider Cases 
 of Conscience, discuss questions and criticise sermons, exegeses. Skeletons 
 and Dissertations, presented for that purpose." The first meeting was 
 held Nov. 16, 1841, at the house of Rev. A. M. Colton, 17 persons being 
 present. Rev. Nathan Perkins served as moderator and Rev. George Cooke 
 as scribe. The vote of the Hampshire Association, passed in answer to a 
 petition, was read; it gave the petitioners dismission from the old asso- 
 ciation with leave to organize a new one. It was voted to adopt the name 
 
HAMPSHIRE EAST ASSOCIATION. 257 
 
 of the Hampshire East Association. At a meeting held Feb. 8, 1842, a 
 committee from the Hampshire Association was present and urged a 
 reconsideration of the action in forming the new body, but the request was 
 refused. A constitution and by-laws were adopted Feb. 9, 1842. 
 
 In addition to discussion of questions relating distinctively to theology 
 and religion, the association considered leading questions of the times. 
 Slavery, intemperance, the Mexican war, these were among the topics 
 discussed in the earlier years. Careful attention was devoted to the 
 position of the human body while its owner was engaged in prayer, and to 
 the question as to whether Saturday or Sunday evening should be observed 
 as "holy time." In 1847, tne association passed resolutions of approval 
 of the American Peace society. In 1 851, it endorsed the Maine liquor 
 law. Feb. 10, 1S58, it voted to pay $250 toward the support of the 
 ministry in Prescott, the sum to be assessed upon the churches. In 1859, 
 the question was discussed, " Are there any good and efficient reasons 
 why the annual Fast should be abolished?" it being decided in the negative, by 
 unanimous vote. The same year, it was voted, " That in the opinion of 
 this Association the raising of tobacco is an immorality." May 11, 1859, 
 it was voted to raise $300 for the support of the Gospel in Pelham the 
 ensuing year. It was voted, in February, i860, to adopt the report of a 
 committee in favor of establishing a conference of churches in the district ; 
 a constitution to govern such a conference was adopted May 6. In i86i t 
 the association became engaged in a controversy with the Eastern Hampden 
 Association, as to the " regularity " of the organization of the Congrega- 
 tional church at South Hadley Falls, but the question was finally settled in 
 an amicable way. June 6, 1865, the wives of the brethren present were 
 invited to participate in the exercises. 
 
 In i873,itwas voted to hold all meetings of the association in Amherst. 
 The practice had been, from the beginning, to hold the meetings in 
 succession at the homes of the members of the body. In 1876, an invi- 
 tation was extended and accepted to hold the meetings in the parlors of 
 the First Congregational church. In 1874, resolutions were passed in 
 favor of committing the churches to active temperance work. At a meet- 
 ing held June 1, 1880, it was voted to devote fifteen minutes to "prayer 
 for the country, with special reference to the political conventions of the 
 month for nominating candidates for the presidency." In September, 1881, 
 resolutions were passed in respect to the memory of James A. Garfield, 
 the martyr president. At the same meeting, it was voted to approve the 
 plan of securing an evangelist to labor within the boundaries of the 
 conference, and to recommend to the conference to take steps at their 
 next meeting t3 institute such an enterprise. Dec. 2, 18S4, on invitation 
 17 
 
258 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of President Seelye, the place for holding the regular quarterly meetings 
 was changed to Walker hall, where they have since been held. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1887, a committee was appointed to memorialize the national 
 government, on behalf of the association, with reference to Indian schools. 
 At a meeting held Feb. 5, 1889, the following resolution was adopted, a 
 copy being forwarded to President-elect Harrison : " Resolved, that in our 
 opinion, out of respect for the character of General Harrison, president- 
 elect, and for the highest general good, on so public an occasion as the 
 approaching inauguration ceremonies, intoxicating liquors should be 
 dispensed with ; and that in place of the usual ball, a reception, acceptable 
 to all classes of citizens, should be substituted." Dec. 5, 1893, it was 
 voted that the churches connected with the conference ought not to employ 
 unordained and unlicensed men to do the full work of the ministry. The 
 association voted to approve of their doing such evangelistic work as 
 might open before them, but expressed its special disapprobation of such 
 a departure from the established usage of Congregational churches, as the 
 administration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper and baptism by any 
 but ordained ministers. This resolution was directed toward practices that 
 had obtained in the churches at Packardville and Pelham, where services 
 were conducted by college students. 
 
 The "Conference of Churches in Hampshire East Association" was 
 organized at a meeting held in Granby, Nov. 13, i860. Its expressed 
 object was, "the promotion of Christian Fellowship and the spiritual 
 welfare of the churches." Ecclesiastial jurisdiction was expressly 
 disclaimed. The churches represented at the meeting were Amherst First, 
 Amherst Second, Amherst College, Amherst North. Belchertown, Enfield, 
 Granby, Greenwich, Hadley First, Hadley Second, Hadley Russell, Hatfield, 
 Leverett, Prescott, South Hadley First. A temporary organization was 
 effected, Rev. Warren H. Beaman being chosen moderator and Rev. 
 Franklin Tuxbury scribe. A constitution, prepared and submitted by a 
 committee of the Hampshire East Association, was discussed, amended 
 and adopted. Semi-annual meetings were to be held in the towns repre- 
 sented by the churches in the conference. Soon after organization, 
 the conference turned its attention to the collection of church statistics. 
 At a meeting held April 24, 1866, it was voted that the committee on 
 statistics be instructed to have blank tables for statistics printed and sent 
 to all the pastors before the next session of the conference, so that they 
 could be filled out and entered at that time, and that the committee combine 
 these tables in one and have enough copies printed to put one in each 
 family of the churches connected with the conference. Since this vote was 
 adopted, the conference has adhered to the plan of printing and issuing 
 annually the church statistics in tabulated form. 
 
HAMPSHIRE EAST CONFERENCE. 259 
 
 In October, 1867, a Sunday-school convention was organized in connec- 
 tion with the conference, and continued thereafter. In 1874, it was voted 
 that the conference recommend to the churches composing it that a collec- 
 tion be taken up by each of them during the year in aid of the sustenative 
 fund for aged and infirm ministers and their families. Oct. 26, 1875, a 
 memorial was adopted addressed to the managers of the Centennial Expo- 
 sition, against the opening of the exposition buildings on Sunday. Oct. 
 16, 1877, it was " Resolved, that we endorse the recommendation of the 
 General Association at its meeting in 1876, that the churches employ at the 
 sacrament of the supper the unfermented fruit of the vine." In October, 
 1880, the church in Whately was dropped from the roll of the conference. 
 In 1882, the conference heard the report of Rev. Jason Hatch, an evan- 
 gelist employed by the body to do mission work in outlying districts. In 
 1884, the committee on local evangelization were authorized to carry on 
 their work in the hill towns at the east in such a way as seemed to them 
 advisable, and to assess the necessary expense connected therewith upon 
 the churches. The same year, a memorial was adopted, addressed to the 
 Massachusetts Legislature, requesting that body to pass a law making it 
 the duty of teachers in the public schools to give instruction respecting the 
 evils of using intoxicants, and to make provision for text-books to be used 
 in such study. In 18S5, it was voted to send a special invitation to the 
 Sunday-school meeting at Zion chapel to be represented at future meetings 
 of Sunday-school conventions. A new constitution was adopted in 1886. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Education in Amherst. — School Buildings. — School District Rec- 
 ords. — Grading the Public Schools. — The High School. — 
 Superintendents and Teachers. — School Appropriations. 
 —Terms and Vacations. — Private Schools. — Mt. Pleasant 
 Classical Institute. — '-Amherst Female Academy." — Other 
 Institutions. 
 
 Amherst is known throughout the nation as an educational center. This 
 distinction is due primarily to the work of its collegiate institutions, but 
 that work has been ably supplemented by the instruction given in its public 
 
260 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 and private schools. The schools established in Hadley Third Precinct 
 soon after its first settlement were, probably, no better and no worse than 
 those sustained by neighboring communities. It was not until Amherst 
 Academy was founded, in 1S12, that residents of Amherst turned their 
 particular attention to educational development. It was nearly a half 
 century later ere the public schools were graded, and the foundations laid 
 for that system of free public education, in which the town has come to 
 take such just pride. Of privately conducted educational institutions, 
 Amherst has been the home of many during the century that is now draw- 
 ing to a close. Some of these have passed away, leaving no records save in 
 the deeds of those whose characters they helped to form ; others yet 
 enjoy a prosperous existence. For obvious reasons, it is impossible to 
 present here any complete or extended list of the "family schools," 
 " boarding-schools," seminaries and other institutions for educational 
 purposes that have flourished in Amherst from time to time. Careful 
 investigation has secured the names, and fragments of information con- 
 cerning some few of these private schools, and these are here presented. 
 Of the public schools the records are more complete. 
 
 Of educational work as conducted in Amherst in the earlier years, a 
 brief review has been given in a preceding chapter. The population being 
 scattered over a wide extent of territory, there was a natural division into 
 school districts, but no definite boundaries were assigned to these until 
 1792. In 1764, when the first school-houses were erected, there were but 
 four districts, a "north," a "south," an "east middle " and "west middle." 
 For many years these districts afforded adequate educational facilities for 
 the inhabitants of the various sections of the town. In 177 1, a new 
 school was established at the West street in North Amherst. In 1784, 
 the number of districts was increased to six. In 1S3S, there were eight 
 districts in the town. In 1864, the town voted to abolish the school 
 districts. Subsequent to the grading of the schools, in 1861, and largely 
 due to that cause, the number of schools was greatly increased, and for 
 many years the town supported not less than nineteen. 
 
 The early school-houses, like all buildings, public and private, of the 
 times, were erected at the least expense possible. Such a thing as an 
 attempt at ornamentation was unthought of. The buildings afforded 
 protection from the heat of the summer's sun, and in winter, aided by 
 wood-fires of generous proportion, from the season's cold. They had doors 
 and windows, but no blinds or curtains to keep the sun from shining in the 
 scholars' faces. A row of desks extended around three sides of the school- 
 room, with other rows built across the center. In front of these desks 
 were corresponding rows of wooden benches, generally without backs, 
 
SCHOOL BUILDINGS. 261 
 
 hard as the nether millstone and worn smooth by the generations of boys 
 and girls who found in them a support but not a rest. Both desks and 
 benches bore witness to the decorative skill of the American boy aided by 
 his jack knife. Scientific heating and ventilation were unknown, but the 
 box-stoves gave forth a generous heat and the wind found ready access 
 around the door and window-casings. The school-houses were frequently 
 built at private expense "and afterwards purchased by the town. In 1786, 
 the town voted to allow a reasonable sum to the persons who had built a 
 school-house in the north part of the town on the road leading to Sunder- 
 land ; also, to build a school-house in the north-east part of the town. In 
 1788, £30 was allowed for the school-house in the north-east part of the town. 
 In 1790, it was voted to sell the school-house near Landlord Parsons' tavern 
 at vendue, and to have but three schools in town the coming year. In 
 1 79 1, it was voted to build two school-houses, one near the Second parish 
 meeting-house, the other in the south part at East street. The appropri- 
 ation made to pay the expense of these two buildings was £8,0, or some- 
 thing like $200 for each. The following year, a vote was passed to erect a 
 school-house in the South-west district, /"40 being appropriated to meet 
 the expense. In 1796, it was voted to build a school-house in the South- 
 east district of the same dimensions as the one that had been burned ; also 
 to build a school-house in the North-west district. Appropriations were 
 made, for the former $300, for the latter $200. In 179S, it was voted to 
 raise $300 for building or purchasing a school-house in the West Middle 
 district. In the same year, later on. it was voted to build a school-house 
 one story high and with two chimneys. In 1799. it was voted that the 
 school-house in the East Middle district be moved to a more convenient 
 spot. In 1804, a vote was passed to build a new school-house in the East 
 Middle district, and in 1806, similar provision was made for the North-east 
 district. 
 
 It was but natural that school-buildings erected at an average expense 
 of from $200 to $300 should stand in need of frequent repairs, and serve 
 their purpose but a few years ; yet it is -not until a comparatively recent 
 date that the town has thought advisable to spend more money in con- 
 struction and less in repairs and rebuilding. The grading of the schools 
 in 1 86 1, and the establishment of a high school at the center village, 
 rendered imperative the erection of new school-buildings. The school 
 report for the year ending March 1, 1861, states that high school bonds 
 had been issued to the amount of 512,000, of which $9,500 had been sold 
 and the remainder were engaged. During the following year, the total 
 amount expended on high and grammar school buildings was $12,836.70. 
 In 1S64, when the district system was abolished, a committee of eight was 
 
262 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 appointed by the town to appraise the school-houses, lands and property 
 belonging to the various school districts. In 1865, the school-house in 
 District No. 4 (at the "City") was sold to the New London Northern rail- 
 way company ; the following year, a new school-house was built in the 
 district, at a cost, including land, of $1,221. In 1866, the school-house in 
 District No. 3, at South Amherst, was remodeled at an expense of $680.44; 
 during the same year, lightning-rods were placed on all the school buildings, 
 the cost being $213.75. 
 
 At the annual town-meeting in March, 1866, the selectmen and school 
 committee were authorized to confer with the trustees of Amherst Academy, 
 and directed to report at a future meeting the expense of repairing the 
 academy building, also to report the expense of other locations for school- 
 houses. The academy trustees agreed to sell the real estate belonging to 
 the academy to the town for $5,000, and to appropriate the income from 
 the sum received towards the support of a classical department in the 
 town high school. The town willingly accepted this proposition ; in 1868, 
 the old academy building was torn down, and the present Amity-street 
 school-building erected. The cost to the town, as recorded in the annual 
 reports, was, in 1868, $8,010 ; in 1869, $6,711.84. In 1870, a new school- 
 house was erected in the North-west district at a cost of $8,000 ; the old 
 school-house had been sold to the North parish. In 1S71, there were 
 eleven school-houses owned by the town. In 1880, an addition was made 
 to the high school building at a cost of $2,064.72, to accommodate a 
 grammar school. In 1889, the building occupied by the North grammar 
 and intermediate schools was burned. The schools were held for a time 
 in the lecture-rooms of the Congregational and Methodist churches ; after- 
 wards, the grammar school was installed in an unoccupied room in the 
 brick school-house, and a new building was erected at the " City " at a 
 cost of $1,924.82. The last, and one of the most notable additions to the 
 school-buildings owned by the town, was made in 1894. Dec. 5, 1893, 
 the school-house at East Amherst was burned ; at a town-meeting held 
 Dec. 14, a building committee was chosen and instructed to procure plans 
 and estimates for a new building. The committee reported at a meeting 
 held Jan. 24, 1894; their report was accepted and they were authorized to 
 erect a brick building, conforming to plans selected, at a cost not exceeding 
 $7,600. The building was completed in readiness for use at the opening 
 of the fall term in 1894, and its entire cost to the town amounted 
 to $9,498.46. 
 
 Under the old system, the district stood for much the same in educa- 
 tional and neighborhood matters as did the parish in ecclesiastical affairs. 
 There was this important difference ; the parish assessed and collected its 
 
SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 263 
 
 own taxes, while the school district expended the sums appropiated by the 
 town, as well as those raised within its own limits. 
 
 From the records of the "West Middle" School district, beginning 
 with the year 1S26, the following facts are obtained : At a meeting held 
 April 4, 1826, of the inhabitants of the West Middle School district, 
 Artemas Thompson was chosen moderator and Luke Sweetser clerk 
 and treasurer. A committee of five, consisting of William Boltwood, 
 Chester Kellogg, Aaron M. Chandler, W. S. Howland and Elijah Boltwood, 
 was chosen, to view land and ascertain where a suitable place could be 
 had for erecting a school-house, and also to determine whether it would be 
 expedient to erect a new house or repair the old one. At a meeting held 
 April 25, it was voted to build a school-house. A committee was appointed 
 to find the center of the district, having regard to scholars, assessment and 
 distance, also to ascertain where and for how much land to build on might 
 be secured. At a meeting held May 2, the district voted not to repair the 
 old school-house. Voted, "that the district will not tax themselves for the 
 purchase of land to build a school-house on." The district expressed 
 willingness to purchase either the plot of land owned by S. F. Dickinson 
 north of Col. Smith's, or the plot of land owned by David Parsons' heirs 
 near Jacob Edson's. It was afterwards decided to purchase the land owned 
 by Mr. Dickinson. Two committees were chosen to solicit subscriptions 
 for the purchase of land. 
 
 May 16, the district voted to spend $25 from money appropriated for 
 summer schools in repairing the old house sufficiently to use for school 
 purposes. At a meeting held June 20, it was voted to build a school- 
 house the present season, that the building should be of brick, two stories 
 in height, and not exceeding 40 by 28 feet. Some of the residents in the 
 district were dissatisfied with the proposed location of the school-building 
 and appealed to the selectmen ; the latter decided that the house should 
 stand on the land purchased. Dec. 25, the district voted to allow the bills 
 presented by individuals and passed by the building committee. Sept. 3, 
 1827, it was voted to finish the upper story of the school-house, to paint 
 the outside woodwork and whitewash the brick, to build a wood-house, 
 dig a well and put a pump in the well. The prudential committee were 
 authorized to dispose of the old building as they should think proper, but 
 the latter vote was rescinded at a subsequent meeting. The land on which 
 the old school-house stood was sold at auction to Nathan Dickinson 
 for $42.50. 
 
 Jan. 17, 1839. it was voted not to unite with other districts to form a 
 union school district. June 6, 1842, it was voted that $25 be assessed on 
 the district, to purchase alibrary for the use of the schools. April 10, 1848, 
 
264 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 a committee appointed at a previous meeting reported in favor of erect- 
 ing an additional building on the school-house land. April 17, it voted to 
 divide the schools in the district. July 7, 1854, it was voted to unite with 
 the Mill Valley district in providing a suitable place for holding the West 
 high school, under the provisions of the vote passed by the town at its last 
 annual meeting. The name of the district was changed from "West 
 Middle " to " West Center " in 1842 ; after 1847 it was known as " District 
 No. 1." The last entry in the record book bears date May 2, 1864. 
 
 The records of the North-East School district, from 1826 to 1863, 
 have been preserved and contain matter of interest. At the first recorded 
 meeting held April 27, 1826, Daniel Dickinson served as moderator and 
 clerk. May 5, 1826, Solomon K. Eastman was chosen treasurer and Peter 
 Ingram committee to superintend repairs upon the school-house. It was 
 voted to raise $40 for repairs and to pay for a stove to be placed in the 
 school-house. March 1, 1829, the district chose a prudential committee, 
 highway surveyors, field-drivers, hog-reeves and surveyors of wood. To 
 this list of officers there were added in subsequent years, surveyors of 
 lumber, tythingmen, and a sexton. A committee of six was appointed, 
 " whose duty it shall be to visit the winter school by at least two of their 
 number once every two weeks during its continuance." At the annual 
 meetings wood was purchased for the use of the schools, the amount 
 needed being set up at auction and sold to the lowest bidder. The average 
 price in the '3o's was about $1.50 per cord, but there was a gradual increase 
 yearly until in the '50's it reached $3.00 per cord. March 6, 1831, the 
 district was so greatly pleased with the services of Miss E. Warner as 
 teacher, instructions were given the district treasurer to pay her $6.50 in 
 addition to her stated wages. Feb. 26, 1S37, a committee was appointed 
 to prosecute all persons who should damage the school-house in any way. 
 
 As early as 1838, the district began to consider the question of erect- 
 ing a new school-house. There was the usual difficulty in deciding upon 
 plans, and the place for erecting the building, as is shown by the following- 
 extracts from the records. March 2, 1S38, a committee was appointed to 
 prepare a plan for a school-house suitable for the district. Nov. 5 of the 
 same year, a committee was appointed to examine the old house and see 
 if it was worth repairing; if not, to draw plans for a new house, select a 
 place to locate the same and make an estimate of the cost. At a meeting 
 held Nov. 14, it was voted to build a new house and a committee of three 
 was appointed to find a location. This vote was rescinded Nov. 23, and 
 a vote passed to repair the old house. Feb. 8, 1839, the matter of forming 
 a union district with the North-west district for maintaining a high school 
 was considered and the proposition voted down, 84 to 19. Feb. 24, 1840, 
 
THE NORTH SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 265 
 
 still another committee was appointed to decide on a site for a new school- 
 house. Feb. 28, the district voted to build a new school-house provided a 
 suitable location could be secured at reasonable expense. An offer was 
 made to L. L. Draper of $75 for a piece of land upon his farm, but he 
 declined to sell. March 4, it was voted to call on the selectmen to decide 
 where the school-house should be placed. March n, votes were passed to 
 buy a piece of land of W. Roberts for Si 20, and to erect a school-house 
 with two rooms. March 20, it was voted to build the house of brick, one 
 story in height. The building was erected during the summer of 1S40, 
 and March 5, 1841, the old house was put up at auction and sold to Alvan 
 Barnard for $34. 
 
 March 5, 1841, the district voted to raise and appropriate £25 for pur- 
 chasing and establishing a school district library. Nov. 21, 1842. rules 
 for the management and use of the library were adopted. Every family 
 in the district was given the privilege of drawing one book from the library 
 every second Monday, while every family having one or more members 
 between the ages of 11 and 21 could draw two books. The head of the 
 family was held responsible for the safe keeping, careful usage and return 
 of these volumes. March 1, 1844, the district voted to allow Ruf us Adams 
 his proportionate share of the school money for schooling his children in 
 the district in Leverett, near his home. April 9, 1851, a committee of 
 conference between districts numbers 4 and 5 agreed that the first session 
 of the North high school should be held in District No. 4. at the •'City ", 
 and the second in District No. -. at the \Yest street. Atthesame meeting 
 it was voted to set out ornamental and shade trees on the school-house lot 
 and to build a fence on the south and west sides. The last entry in the 
 record book bears date of 1S63. 
 
 The records of the North-west school district, from 1S41 to 1862, are 
 in existence and contain matters of general interest. In 1841, the district 
 held several meetings to consider the matter of building a new school- 
 house. It was voted first to build of wood, then of brick, then again of 
 wood. Several locations were viewed and priced, and each in turn rejected. 
 An attempt was made to procure money by subscription to build, in con- 
 nection with the school-house, a hall, to be used for singing-schools, lectures 
 and other public events. In 1S42, it was voted to raise S20 for the purpose 
 of purchasing and establishing a school district library. The district 
 reserved S5 to fit up a place for keeping the library, and voted a salary of 
 $6 per year to the librarian. The district succeeded in getting its new 
 school-house built in 1S45, and voted, July 14, to let Mr. S. V. White have 
 the use of it the coming fall, for a select school, for Si 2. The building 
 committee was authorized to put a bell upon the house, providing the 
 
266 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 expense should be defrayed by subscription. At a meeting held in 1846, 
 a committee was appointed to exchange the district library for that of some 
 other district. It was also voted to lay on the table an article to see 
 whether the district would let its hall for a dancing school. In 1847, a 
 committee was appointed to have charge of the hall, and instructed to let 
 the same " when they can get anything for it." In 185 1, committees from 
 the North-west and North-east districts concurred in recommending that 
 the fall session of the North high school be held in the school-house of the 
 North-east district, and the winter session of the school in the school- 
 house of the North-west district. In 1853, the district appointed a com- 
 mittee to take action to procure pay for the wood burned by the high 
 school that belonged to the common school, and also instructed the hall 
 committee " not to let the high school in the hall the coming winter." 
 the latter vote was rescinded at a meeting held later, and it was voted 
 " to let the high school in the hall this winter, and the high school to make 
 good all the damedge that is done to the same by the high school." In 
 186 1, it was voted unanimously not to favor the abolition of the school 
 districts in town. The records of other school districts of the town may 
 be in existence, but careful investigation has failed to discover them ; the 
 foregoing will serve to show as fully as desirable the nature of the district 
 organizations, and the character of the business transacted at their 
 meetings. 
 
 Soon after 1840, the question of grading the public schools in 
 Amherst began to be agitated. At the outset the proposal encountered 
 strenuous opposition, many believing that the peculiar outline of the town, 
 the extent of its territory, and its division into a number of distinct settle- 
 ments would render the proposed system inadvisable if not impracticable. 
 Yet the old system of "mixed" schools had little to recommend it. The 
 grouping of pupils from five to twenty years of age, and differing more in 
 educational attainments than in years, in one school and under the instruc- 
 tion of one teacher, was little calculated to afford desirable results. In 
 the smaller districts, nearly every pupil might with justice be placed in a 
 separate class, and the multiplication of classes and of studies rendered 
 it impossible for the teacher to do full justice by any. 
 
 From instruction in the primer to that in higher mathematics was a 
 step no teacher could take at a moment's notice, and do full justice to 
 himself or to his pupils. It was not until i860, that the town voted to 
 adopted the graded system in its public schools, and not until the follow- 
 ing year was the work of examining and classifying the pupils undertaken 
 and successfully carried out. The school committee in 1861 consisted of 
 Rev. Charles L. Woodworth, Rev. George Cooke and Dr. D. B. N. Fish. 
 
GRADING THE SCHOOLS. 267 
 
 The town contained at the time between 700 and 800 pupils of school age. 
 The task involved in the examination of each pupil and in assigning each 
 to the proper grade required time and patience as well as keen intelligence. 
 The problem was complicated by the fact that, as in all communities, many 
 of the older pupils were not qualified to join the advanced grades, causing 
 dissatisfaction among their parents. That the work was done, and well 
 done, is to the lasting credit of the town and its committee. 
 
 The committee, in their report to the town on the matter of grading 
 the schools, submitted at the annual meeting in 1862, say : " The classifi- 
 cation which has been adopted in the schools, as now organized, is similar 
 to what is practiced in most of the towns of the Commonwealth, in which 
 the schools are graded. * * Our standards of examination and class 
 
 rank will, if well maintained, give us a highly creditable position, and 
 secure to our schools a range of educational advantages as comprehensive 
 and complete as can be found in any of our towns." The committee 
 established one high school, four grammar schools, four intermediate 
 schools and eight primary schools, into which were admitted, at the first, 
 764 scholars, of whom eight were residents in other towns. The high 
 school, two grammar, one intermediate and one primary were located at the 
 center ; one grammar, one intermediate and three primary at SouthAmherst ; 
 one grammar, one intermediate and two primary at North Amherst, one 
 primary and one intermediate at East Amherst and one primary at Mill 
 Valley. To the high school grade, 3 1 pupils were admitted : to the grammar 
 school, 133 ; to the intermediate school, 195 ; to the primary school, 397. 
 From the center and East Amherst, there were 91 pupils in high and 
 grammar schools, from North Amherst 50, from South Amherst 23. In 
 the intermediate schools, at the center and East Amherst, there were 99 
 pupils ; at North Amherst. 53 ; at South Amherst. 43. In the primary 
 schools, at the center and East Amherst, there were 195 pupils ; at North 
 Amherst, 103; at South Amherst, 99. The average age of pupils admitted 
 to the grammar school grade was 14 years, to the high school grade 17.. 
 
 The course of study, marked out for the different grades, was, in 
 outline, as follows : Primary schools, reading, spelling, primary arithmetic, 
 arithmetical notation and numeration, introductory geography : intermediate 
 schools, reading, spelling, writing, intellectual and practical arithmetic, 
 modern geography, parts of speech and inflections; grammar schools, 
 arithmetic. United States history, English grammar, map drawing, algebra,, 
 physical geography, book-keeping, composition and declamation ; high 
 school, algebra, geometry, English analysis, general history, book-keeping, 
 surveying, United States constitution, natural philosophy, rhetoric, astron- 
 omy, chemistry, political economy, moral science, natural history, logic. 
 
268 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Pupils in Latin at the high school were required to pursue only those 
 studies which were necessary for admission to college. Pupils at the high 
 school were divided in three classes. Applicants for admission to advanced 
 grade were examined at the close of the winter session, or of the summer 
 session, of each school, and a certificate was required from the teacher of 
 the school that the pupil was properly prepared for advancement ; also, 
 that he or she sustained a good moral character. No children under five 
 years of age were allowed in the public schools. Each teacher was 
 required to keep a record of the scholarship and deportment of every 
 pupil, to be ready for the inspection of the committee at the close of each 
 week. 
 
 In the records of the North-west school district for the year 185 1, 
 mention is made of a high school. The report of the school committee 
 for 1853 shows that three high schools were maintained in town, one at 
 the center, one at North Amherst and one at South Amherst. The com- 
 mittee advised the building of three houses to accommodate these schools. 
 The course of studies pursued at these schools was in mariy features 
 similar to the high school course of the present day, with the omission of 
 Latin and Greek. At the annual town-meeting in i860, when the town 
 voted to grade the schools, it was also voted to establish one high school 
 at the center village. The high school building was erected in i860, and 
 dedicated Sept. 2, 1861. The school was opened in September, 1861, 
 with Samuel J. Storrs as principal and with 26 pupils in attendance ; in 
 December of that year, five more pupils were admitted. In July, 1862, 
 two young men were graduated from the school and entered Amherst 
 College. Mr. Storrs resigned his position as principal in 1862, to enter 
 the Union army ; in the winter term of that year, Charles D. Adams served 
 as principal. The first graduation exercises were held at the end of the 
 school year in 1864, the graduating class consisting of four young ladies 
 and one young gentleman. Charles H. Parkhurst, the noted divine, served 
 as principal of the school from the spring term in 1S67 to the end of the 
 school year in 1869. In the winter of 1871-72. a school lyceum was 
 instituted and supported for a time with much enthusiasm ; the library was 
 considerably enlarged at the same time. The income of the " Academy 
 fund," so called, rests in the hands of a board of trustees, and is applied 
 by them, at their discretion, toward the support of the classical depart- 
 ment of the high school. It is generally used to pay for the services of an 
 instructor in the Greek language. During the year 1893, the high school 
 building was altered, repaired and enlarged, at a cost of some $2,500. 
 
 In 1867. the town authorized the appointment of a superintendent of 
 schools, at a salary not to exceed $800. From time to time the town has 
 
SCHOOL APPROPRIATIONS. 269 
 
 employed a superintendent, outside the school committee, with satisfactory 
 results. It is safe to say that the public schools of Amherst were never 
 more prosperous and never accomplished better work than when in 
 charge of H. L. Read as superintendent. The present superintendent, 
 W. D. Parkinson, began his services in Amherst in 1893 ; since that time 
 the schools have been brought up to a higher standard than for many 
 years preceding. The town of Amherst has been fortunate in securing 
 the services, as members of its school committee from year to year, of 
 persons exceptionally well qualified for the position. Ministers of the 
 gospel, college professors, lawyers, doctors, men prominent in professional 
 and social life, have given of their time and talent for the benefit of the 
 public schools, for compensation which, to say the least, was entirely inad- 
 equate for the services rendered. The town owes a debt of gratitude to 
 the public-spirited citizens who have done so much in the interest of its 
 educational system. The town has been fortunate, also, in the character 
 and attainments of the teachers it has employed in its public schools. 
 Many of them were born in Amherst, and gained their education at the 
 schools which in time they came to serve as teachers. It has been cause 
 for regretful comment in the past that other towns and cities have been 
 so quick to recognize the merits of Amherst teachers, and to draw them 
 away by the temptations of larger salaries and broader fields of labor. 
 
 The items of school appropriations and expenditures will be considered 
 in another chapter, where they will be presented in tabulated form. The 
 town has ever been generous in providing funds for carrying on the work 
 of education. With the growth of the town, and the increase in school 
 population, there has been more than proportionate growth in the sums 
 expended upon the public schools. For the school year ending in 1862, 
 when the grading of the pupils was accomplished and 764 pupils were 
 admitted to the various schools, the amount of the school appropriations 
 was but $3,200. In 1S94. with a total enrollment of S15 pupils, the school 
 appropriation was $13,600, and this was increased by a special appropria- 
 tion for repairs and by receipts from various sources to over $14,500. It 
 is true that it costs more to conduct a public school to-day than it did 
 thirty-five years ago ; books and supplies must be furnished by the town 
 which were formerly purchased by the pupils, the schools must be better 
 equipped in every way, the buildings better cared for, and transportation 
 afforded for scholars living in the more remote parts of the town. But it is also 
 true that the public is willing to spend more money for educational purposes 
 than it was a generation ago, and the demand is for better rather than for 
 cheaper schools. In the committee's report for the school year ending in 
 1853, the statement is made that the best female teachers could be 
 
270 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 procured in winter for $21 per month, including board, while the best male 
 teachers commanded a salary of from $35 to $40 per month, including 
 board. The town from motives of economy, has made it a practice to 
 employ female teachers in nearly all its schools, and with generally satis- 
 factory results. 
 
 With the grading of the schools came greater uniformity in the length 
 of term and vacations. In 1861-62, the committee arranged, for the 
 primary schools, three terms of 1 1 weeks each ; for the intermediate 
 schools, three terms of 12 weeks each; for the grammar schools, two 
 terms, one of 12. the other of 14 weeks. By statute law the high school 
 must be in session 36 weeks. In 1878, the primary schools were in session 
 32 weeks, the intermediate schools ^t, weeks, the grammar schools 34 
 weeks. Other matters of interest are gathered from the school reports. 
 In 1861, there were eight school districts in town, designated as follows : 
 No. 1, at the Center ; No. 2, East Middle; No. 3, South Middle; No. 4, 
 "City;" No. 5, North Amherst; No. 6, South-west; No. 7, Mill Valley; 
 No. 8, South-east. The report for the school year ending in i860 gives 
 the following as the number of pupils in each district: No. 1, 149; 
 No. 2, 147 ; No. 3, 56 ; No. 4, 7 1 ; No. 5, 107 ; No. 6, 31 ; No. 7, 38 ; 
 No. 8, 50; total, 649. In 1S61, the town voted that the school appropri- 
 ation should be divided as heretofore, one-third equally to the eight districts, 
 the remaining two-thirds in proportion to the number of scholars in each dis- 
 trict. In 1869, an ungraded school was maintained during the winter months 
 for the benefit of those unable to attend the public schools at other seasons of 
 the year. In 1872, it was voted by the school board " That hereafter the 
 only corporal punishment to be inflicted upon pupils of the schools shall 
 be by a rattan or ruler upon the hand, and that no other corporal punish- 
 ment shall be allowed." In 1S78, a uniform length was adopted for the 
 daily sessions, of three hours in the forenoon and two and one-half hours 
 in the afternoon, all schools opening at 9 a. m. In 1880, the following- 
 terms were fixed upon for tuition in Amherst schools of pupils resident in 
 other towns : High school, $10 per term ; grammar schools, $5; interme- 
 diate, $4; primary, $3. In 1881, the provisions of the state law in regard 
 to the vaccination of scholars were enforced. In 18S4, music was first 
 taught in the schools, and books and supplies were purchased by the town 
 for use of the pupils. In 1885, systematic instruction was first given in 
 regard to the effects of the use of alcohol on the human system. In 1887, 
 the first appropriation, $300, was made for the transportation of pupils 
 from the "ends" of the town to the high school. In 1888, the plan was 
 adopted of holding but one session daily at the high school, from S-30 a. 
 m. to I 1'. M. 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT INSTITUTE — 1827. 
 
 AMHERST, BOOKING FROM PELHAM — 1850. 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT INSTITUTE. 27 I 
 
 Of the many private educational institutions which have been main- 
 tained in Amherst, the most noted, aside from Amherst Academy, was the 
 Mount Pleasant Classical Institution. Nowhere within the length and 
 breadth of the Connecticut Valley could be found such an ideal location 
 for an institute of learning as is furnished by Mount Pleasant. A com- 
 manding eminence, a little way out from the center village of Amherst, 
 surrounded by a noble grove of oaks and chestnuts, it affords a compre- 
 hensive view of the valleys to east and west, a range of scenery covering 
 historic ground, in itself a memory and inspiration. In January, 1827, 
 Chauncey Colton and Francis Fellowes, graduates of Amherst College in 
 the class of 1826, issued a prospectus for a classical school which they 
 proposed to establish in Amherst. Mr. Colton was a native of Long- 
 meadow, and was born Aug. 30, 1800 ; Mr. Fellowes was born at 
 Montville, Conn., Nov. 20, 1803. The buildings of the institution, 
 capacious in size and of greater architectural pretention than was custom- 
 ary at the time, were erected in 1826 and 1S27. The clasps were 
 organized June 1, 1S27. and the chapel dedicated the following Sabbath. 
 From a catalog issued in January, 1828, the following facts are derived. 
 
 In addition to the principals, seven instructors were employed, the 
 course of instruction embracing the following departments : Modern 
 languages, intellectual and moral philosophy, elementary English and 
 commercial study, belles lettres and oratory. Latin and Greek languages. 
 ancient and modern Greek, mathematics, natural philosophy and drawing. 
 The number of pupils was 68. a majority coming from New England, six 
 from the Southern states, two from Greece and one from France. Their 
 ages ranged from four to sixteen years. The second name upon the roll is 
 that of Henry Ward Beecher. The expressed aim of the institution was : 
 "to combine the highest advantages of public and private education by a 
 liberal and necessarily expensive provision of instruction in the various 
 departments of Ancient and Modern Learning, Commercial Theory, etc. — 
 by a regular and systematic course of physical culture in the Gymnasium, 
 and that moral and religious influence which contributes to fit man for the 
 high purposes of existence." The government of the institution was strictly 
 parental in character. From the whole body of students a " Class of 
 Honor " was chosen, consisting only of those who were distinguished by 
 unexceptionable deportment, a just sense of right and unimpeached moral 
 courage. From this body, an offender against the rules of the institution 
 was, at the discretion of the principals and according to the nature of the 
 offence, allowed to select a jury of twelve to sit in judgment upon his 
 case. In this " jury of twelve " it is easy to discern the germ of the 
 Amherst College Senate and " student self-government." 
 
272 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 The whole number of students was divided into five sections, over 
 each of which was placed a " Praefect," whose duty it was to notice any 
 departure from established laws of correct deportment and render weekly 
 reports to the instructors. The morning bell for rising rang, in summer, 
 at 4-30 a. m. and a half-hour was allowed for the toilet. At 5 the pupils* 
 assembled on the muster-grounds and spent an hour in gymnastic exercises 
 and games. From 6 to 7 o'clock the time was spent in the class-room; at 7 
 breakfast was served, after which came morning devotions in the chapel 
 and exercises upon the play-grounds until 8. From 8 to 12 the time was 
 spent in recitation and study. From 12 to 1 came gymnastic exercises in 
 the grove, and dinner was served at 1-30. The time from the dinner hour 
 until 2-30 was devoted to recreation, from 2-30 to 6-30 to study and recita- 
 tion, from 6-30 to 7-30 in gymnastic exercises and recreation. At 7-30 
 supper was served, after which evening worship was attended in the 
 chapel. At 8 the smaller boys retired, the older ones studying until 9, 
 when all retired. 
 
 The annual charges were fixed at $250, "one-half payable semi- 
 annually in advance." These charges included tuition, board, room, 
 furniture, fuel, lights, mending and washing. For apparel, books, station- 
 ery, etc., the parent or guardian was expected to place a reasonable sum 
 for expenditure in the hands of the principal. There were two vacations 
 each year, one of two weeks from April 1, the other of three weeks from 
 the first Thursday in August. Students might remain at the institution 
 during the vacations, or travel with some of the instructors. The annual 
 examinations, lasting from six to ten days, began on May 20. The pupils 
 were not allowed, save in special cases, to leave the institution unless 
 accompanied by one of the instructors. They wore a simple uniform. 
 At the end of the catalog are letters of commendation for the institution 
 signed by T. H. Gallaudet, principal of the American Asylum for the 
 education of the deaf and dumb, Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. I)., and Heman 
 Humphrey, D. D., president of Amherst College. Under a special law- 
 passed by the General Court, Feb. 16, 183 1, Francis Fellowes, Joel W. 
 Newton and Martin Thayer were incorporated as the proprietors of the 
 Mount Pleasant Classical Institution, "for the advancement of the pur- 
 poses of education and instruction in the liberal sciences and arts." They 
 were authorized to hold real estate not exceeding $50,000 in value, and 
 personal estate to the amount of $30,000. 
 
 For five years the institution prospered and then, for some unexplained 
 reason, was discontinued. The buildings were unoccupied for a time, and 
 then were disconnected, the central structure remaining in its present 
 location, while the buildings at the sides were removed to other parts of 
 
THE FEMALE SEMINARY. 273 
 
 the village. One of the " wings " was located on Pleasant street, where 
 Dickinson's block now stands, where it served as a tenement-house, and 
 from the multiplicity and motley character of its tenants won the name of 
 the " Bee Hive." It was torn down sometime during the '60s. Two 
 other sections of the buildings are yet standing, on Northampton street. 
 In 1846, the Mount Pleasant Institute was re-established, as a boarding 
 school for boys, by Rev. John A. Nash. It was successfully conducted 
 by him for eight years, when it passed under the control of his son, 
 Henry C. Nash, who, assisted by his son, William K., has conducted it 
 since. The school has enjoyed something more than a local reputation, 
 many of its pupils coming from foreign countries. 
 
 The first institution established at Amherst, expressly designed for the 
 higher education of females, was the " Amherst Female Seminary," which 
 began its work in 1S32. But little information can be obtained in regard 
 to this school, which seems to have been prosperous in its day. From a 
 catalog published in 1835, li 1S learned that the whole number of pupils 
 in attendance during the year was 191. Of these, many were resident in 
 Amherst; some came from other towns in Massachusetts, from Connecti- 
 cut. Xew Hampshire, Vermont, Georgia and Alabama, and one from 
 Michigan " Territory." The school was held in Mack's Hall, in the upper 
 part of the building occupying the site where Cook's block now stands. 
 The principal was Miss Hannah White, an intimate friend of Mary Lyon. 
 The teachers were the Misses Mary Proctor, Harriet Partridge. Mary A. 
 White, Elizabeth Stone, Sarah J. Kimberly and Anne C. Payson. The 
 executive committee of the institution consisted of Luke Sweetser, Charles 
 Adams and Lucius Boltwood, Esq. Miss White was succeeded as principal 
 by Mrs. Washburn. The seminary was incorporated by an act of the 
 General Court passed April 8, 1S36. The incorporators were Heman 
 Humphrey, Edward Hitchcock, Solomon Pitkin and others. They were 
 authorized to hold real estate to the amount of $10,000, and personal 
 estate to the same amount, " to be devoted exclusively to the purposes of 
 education." The seminary was a day school, having no accommodations 
 for boarding pupils. It continued in successful operation until February, 
 1838, when the building in which it was held was destroyed by fire. 
 
 In 1827, Miss J. Draper kept a boarding-school in Amherst for young 
 ladies. In 1S45, Samuel N. White conducted a "select school for young 
 ladies and gentlemen," at North Amherst. Mr. White was at a later date 
 principal of Amherst Academy. The General Court, by a special act 
 passed in 1854, incorporated Lemuel Porter, Amory Gale and E. A. Cum- 
 mings as the " Ladies Collegiate Institute " to be established in the town 
 of Amherst. They were authorized to hold real and personal estate to a 
 18 
 
274 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 value not exceeding $150,000. There is no further record concerning this 
 ambitious project, and Amherst College yet awaits its "annex." In 1855, 
 the Misses F. J. and A. E. Emerson conducted a school for young ladies 
 at their home in the old " Strong house." From 1855 to 1868, Hon. R. 
 E. Hubbard conducted a boys' boarding-school in the house on Lincoln 
 avenue now occupied by Rev. J. E. Tuttle. Mr. Hubbard had served for 
 three years as principal of the Mount Pleasant Institute and had devoted 
 much of his life to educational work. His school was ably conducted and 
 was held in high repute. Among his pupils who gained distinction in after 
 life was Eugene Field, poet and journalist, recently deceased. In 1856, 
 Miss Brewster kept a school in the second story of the academy building. 
 This school was fitted to accommodate from 20 to 25 pupils, and instruction 
 was given in the elementary and higher English studies and in Latin. In 
 i860, Rev. George Cooke conducted a young ladies' institute in the " Sellon 
 house," now occupied by the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. A three years' 
 course of instruction was offered, and the proprietor announced that no 
 expense would be spared to secure the most able instructors. 
 
 As early as 1S47, a project was formed for establishing an agricultural 
 school at Amherst. In 1848, the General Court passed a special act incor- 
 porating Edward Hitchcock, William B. Calhoun and Samuel L. Hinckley 
 by the name of the Massachusetts Agricultural Institute. They were 
 authorized to hold real and personal estate to the amount of $50,000. for 
 the purpose of establishing in some one of the towns lying on the banks 
 of the Connecticut river an agricultural school and experimental farm, the 
 object of which should be instruction in agricultural science and improve- 
 ment in all the arts connected with the practice of farming. Edward 
 Hitchcock, president of Amherst College, was deeply interested in the 
 subject of agricultural education. His scientific studies had given him a 
 thorough acquaintance with the geology of the Connecticut Valley, its 
 rocks and soils. Scientific agriculture was at the time almost unknown in 
 America, and presented problems which he considered worthy his careful 
 attention. The " Massachusetts Agricultural Institute " had nothing but 
 corporate existence, but it prepared the way for the Agricultural College. 
 In 1850, President Hitchcock was appointed a member of a board of five 
 commissioners, whose duty it was to consider the expediency of establishing 
 agricultural schools or colleges in the Commonwealth. The same year he 
 traveled extensively in Europe, visiting and inspecting many agricultural 
 institution in England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland and France. 
 The results of his investigations were embodied in a report submitted to 
 the General Court in 1851. In 1855, John A. Nash announced through 
 the columns of the Hampshire and Franklin Express, that arrangements 
 
OTHER PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 275 
 
 had been made in connection with Amherst College for instruction in 
 agriculture and kindred sciences of young men not permanently connected 
 with the college, but who might resort to it, for longer or shorter periods 
 at pleasure, for this specific purpose. This instruction was to be given 
 only during the fall and winter terms. It included lectures on geology and 
 physiology, by President Hitchcock; on mechanical philosophy, hydro- 
 statics, hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity and magnetism, by Prof. K. S. 
 Snell ; on organic and inorganic chemistry, by Prof. W. S. Clark, the latter, 
 in after years, president of the Agricultural College. In the summer of 
 [828, the New England Inquirer published for several weeks the announce- 
 ment of a law-school to be opened in Amherst by Samuel Fowler 
 Dickinson. 
 
 Of schools established at a later date, and still maintained, are those 
 conducted by Mrs. W. F. Stearns. Miss V. \Y. Buffum, Mrs. R. G. \\ 'illiams, 
 Rev. F. C. YVinslow and Mrs. W. D. Herrick. Mrs. Stearns' home school 
 for young ladies was established in September, 1877 ; Mrs. Stearns has 
 acted as principal since its beginning. There is no age limit required of 
 pupils for entrance. The pupils are given a liberal education but are not 
 fitted for college. The school is well and favorably known throughout a 
 wide section and draws its pupils from many states. In the fall of 1883, 
 Mrs. Emma Owen Buffum established a preparatory school for young 
 ladies in the house of Rev. George Lyman on North Prospect St. She met 
 with such success that in the summer of 1885 she leased the Sweetser 
 place on Lessey street and opened the Oak Grove school for young ladies. 
 Mrs. Buffum died Feb. 7, 1SS7, and was succeeded, in the conduct of the 
 school, by Miss Vryling W. Buffum. The school has an established 
 reputation, its graduates being received at Smith, YYellesley or Vassar 
 College, on certificate. Mrs. R. G. Williams' family school was established 
 in 1 8S5. Its first principal was Rev. R. G. Williams. Rev. E. C. Winslow 
 opened a boading school at " Amoena Hall " in the fall of 1S95. For 
 several years Mrs. W. D. Herrick has successfully conducted a school for 
 invalid children and those backward in their studies. The first kindergar- 
 ten in Amherst was established by Miss E. M. Munsell in 1S79, in the 
 house occupied by the Misses Cowles. Later on money was raised 
 by subscription and a building erected for the use of the school on ground 
 owned by Amherst College at the corner of Northampton and Parsons 
 streets. Miss E. M. Munsell later established another kindergarten at her 
 home on Amity Street. 
 
276 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Agriculture in Amherst. — Farm Products. — The First Agricul- 
 tural Society. — Cattle Shows from 1846 to 1850. — East 
 Hampshire Agricultural Society. — Dissensions among the 
 Members. — Hampshire Park and Hall. — Creamery Associ- 
 ations. 
 
 Amherst is, as it has ever been, essentially an agricultural community. 
 For more than a century after its first settlement no other interest came in 
 active competition with the culture of the soil. For the past fifty years 
 Amherst has become better known to the world as a college community, 
 an educational center, yet its prosperity rests with those who labor in the 
 fields. Agriculture in Amherst dates from the time when its lands were 
 the "common feeding place " for the cattle owned by Hadley farmers. 
 For many years these lands were accounted of little value save for pasturage. 
 From some motive, never fully explained, the early settlers of Hampshire 
 county, as of many other sections of New England, built their homes on 
 the rocky hillsides and cultivated the sterile soil of the uplands, while the 
 rich bottom-lands were frequently neglected. The soil of Amherst was 
 fertile, not so productive as the meadows of Old Hadley, but yielding far 
 better return to the labor of the husbandman than the fields of Pelham, 
 Prescott, or Shutesbury. Farming in olden times was conducted as a 
 means of livelihood, with little thought and little hope on the part of the 
 laborer of acquiring wealth. The farmer raised the grain and vegetables 
 and meat that provided himself and family with food, and any surplus was 
 sold or exchanged for other simple necessities of life. Engaged in such 
 occupations, the people of a community would be neither very rich or very 
 poor. There was little display of wealth, and, on the other hand, but little 
 real poverty. Scientific agriculture was but a possibility of the future. 
 The same acres were tilled and crops of similar kind were raised by father, 
 son, and grandson, down through succeeding generations. Farming con- 
 sisted largely of manual labor; the countless number of labor-saving 
 appliances now in use had existence then, if at all, only in the brains of 
 their inventors. 
 
 for many years alter the first settlement of the Connecticut Valley 
 by the English, the staple crops there produced were wheat and Indian 
 corn. The latter staple was easily cultivated, produced generous crops, 
 and from the Indians the settlers learned how to fashion it into many 
 
FARM CROPS. 277 
 
 toothsome articles of diet. To "rye and Indian " bread New England 
 theology and education and industry are deeply indebted. To these staple 
 crops additions were made from time to time. Rye and oats and barley 
 and flax, peas and beans and pumpkins, all were early introduced and 
 furnished profitable crops. Bat few potatoes were raised until near the 
 end of the eighteenth century. Spanish potatoes were in use by some ; it 
 is stated that Amherst people were compelled to call on Pelham residents 
 to learn from them how to raise potatoes and turnips. A little tobacco 
 was raised in the earlier years, but it did not gain prominence as a crop 
 until a comparatively recent time. Considerable broom-corn was raised 
 and the product manufactured into brooms and brushes by local industry. 
 Doubtless there were many interesting facts and incidents connected 
 with agricultural pursuits in Amherst in the olden time. They were 
 unchronicled, and from lack of accurate data must remain so. It was not 
 until societies for the promotion of agriculture were establised that records 
 were kept of the farmers' doings. The flrst agricultural society in Western 
 Massachusetts was organized at Pittsfield in 18 10. It was incorporated 
 the following year, under the name of ,v The Berkshire Agricultural Society, 
 for the promotion of Agriculture and Manufactures." Three years later, 
 the General Court passed the following special act, under date of June 11 : 
 
 " An act to incorporate the Hampshire Agricultural Society : — 
 Be it enacted, etc. — 
 
 Sect. 1. That Robert Cutler, Calvin Merrill. Rufus Cowls, Samuel F. Dick- 
 inson, Hezekiah W. Strong, Enos Baker, John Strong. Elijah Boltwood, Simeon 
 Strong, Giles C. Kellogg, Horace Merrill, Charles Phelps and Isaac Abercrombie, 
 their associates and successors, be, and they are hereby made a Corporation, by 
 the name of the Hampshire Agricultural Society, for the purpose of promoting 
 Agriculture; and for this purpose shall have the same powers and privileges, and 
 be subject to the like duties and restrictions, as the other incorporated Agricultural 
 Societies in this Commonwealth ; and the Corporation may hold and possess real 
 estate, not exceeding the value of five thousand dollars, and the annual income of 
 its personal estate shall not exceed the value of three thousand dollars. 
 
 Sect. 2. Be it further enacted, That any Justice of the Peace for the county of 
 Hampshire is hereby authorized to issue a warrant, directed to one of the members 
 above-named, requiring him to notify and warn the first meeting of said Society, 
 to be held in Amherst, in said County, at such convenient time and place in said 
 town as may be appointed in said warrant, to organize the said Society, by electing 
 the necessary officers, and forming rules and regulations for the government of the 
 society. 1 ' 
 
 Neither town or county records contain any mention of this society. 
 There is nothing to show that it was ever organized or existed in anything 
 else than name. The charter is of interest as showing that Amherst men 
 were fully abreast of the times in agricultural as well as educational matters. 
 It is interesting to note that among the names of the incorporators are those 
 
278 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of two men who were connected with the organization of Amherst Academy 
 in 18 12. In 18 18, the " Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Agricultural 
 Society " was organized and incorporated, representing with distinguished 
 success for many years the agricultural interests of the large territory 
 embraced in the limits of old Hampshire county. Amherst men took 
 part in its organization and Amherst farmers were among its strongest sup- 
 porters. The old "Three Counties " society has a long and honorable 
 history, in which its members living in Amherst take just pride. During 
 the decade beginning in 1840, great interest was awakened throughout the 
 state in matters pertaining to agricultural education and scientific agricul- 
 ture. President Edward Hitchcock was a leader in this movement, and 
 Amherst naturally became a center of intelligence and activity in connec- 
 tion with it. The interest in agricultural matters thus aroused took practical 
 shape, in 1846, in the holding of Amherst's first cattle-show. 
 
 In the autumn of 1S46, meetings were held in the town, at which 
 committees were appointed to make arrangements for a cattle-show. 
 These committees prosecuted their work with diligence ; the show was held 
 on the common, Nov. 12. and was pronounced by a spectator " one of the 
 greatest, if not the greatest, display of cattle ever exhibited in Hampshire 
 county." The exhibits included neat stock, horses, swine and sheep; 
 there were 144 yoke of cattle and 40 horses. Over one hundred persons 
 sat down at table at the dinner which was prepared and served at the 
 Amherst house. Hon. Edward Dickinson presided, with President Hitch- 
 cock on his right and Rev. Professor Warner on his left ; divinity, science 
 and law bestowed their blessings on the enterprise. A committee was 
 appointed, consisting of one member from each school district in the town, 
 to make necessary arrangements for the organization of a town agricultural 
 society. The second cattle-show was held in 1847. It was described by 
 the Express as a " mass meeting of the farmers.'' By the middle of the 
 forenoon of the day appointed the common was covered with men and 
 animals. There was a large display of cattle. An exhibition of fruits 
 and vegetables was made in Sweetser's hall ; there, also, the ladies presided 
 at tables where articles were sold for charitable purposes. North Amherst 
 provided a band, which "discoursed sweet music at different times through- 
 out the day." At the cattle-show held in 1848, premiums were first 
 awarded. The committee of arrangements had no money, but they 
 distributed patent right deeds on inventions of Major Joseph Colton, of 
 a nominal value of $10,000, but in actual value problematical. Thecattle- 
 show of 1849 was held Oct. 31. It surpassed in many features anything 
 of similar nature that had taken place in Hampshire county east of the 
 Connecticut river. The display of cattle was larger than ever before pre- 
 
EAST HAMPSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 279 
 
 sented at a similar show in Massachusetts. There were exhibited 260 
 pairs of working cattle, including 69 yoke from Leverett and 52 yoke from 
 South Amherst. Over 200 persons were present at the dinner, which was 
 served at the Amherst house. After the dinner, Hon. Myron Lawrence of 
 Belchertown delivered an address in favor of railroads. It was determined 
 to organize an agricultural society. On motion of Alfred Baker, it was 
 voted that the farmers of the eastern part of Hampshire County form 
 a society for the promotion of agriculture, and. as a preliminary step, a 
 subscription paper was passed to raise the necessary funds. Over S300 
 was subscribed at the time. The statement was made that the town of 
 Amherst was pledged to raise S500 of the Si, 000 necessary to secure a 
 charter from the state, if other towns in the neighborhood would make up 
 the remainder. 
 
 In April, 1850, the following act was passed by the General Court: 
 
 "An Act to incorporate the East Hampshire Agricultural Society: - 
 Alfred Baker. Edward Dickinson, Luke Sweetzer, their associates and suc- 
 cessors, are hereby made a corporation, by the name of the East Hampshire 
 Agricultural Society, for the encouragement of agriculture and the mechanic arts. 
 by premiums and other means, in the town of Amherst, in the county of Hamp- 
 shire, with all the powers and privileges, and subject to all the duties, liabilities 
 and restrictions, set forth in the forty-second and forty -fourth chapters of the 
 Revised Statutes, and all subsequent acts concerning agricultural societies: and 
 said corporation may hold and manage real estate, not exceeding in value the sum 
 of fifteen thousand dollars, and personal estate not exceeding the same sum, for 
 the purposes aforesaid." 
 
 This act was approved by the governor, May 1. The following act 
 was passed by the General Court in May. 1S51 : 
 
 "An Act concerning the East Hampshire Agricultural Society: 
 The East Hampshire Agricultural Society, in the county of Hampshire, shall 
 after the passing of this act, be called and known by the name of the Hampshire 
 Agricultural Society. 
 
 Sect. 2. The said society shall be entitled on the same terms as other incor- 
 porated agricultural societies, to receive annually, out of the treasury of the Com- 
 monwealth, such sums as any other agricultural society may receive, under the 
 provisions of chapter forty-two of the Revised Statutes, notwithstanding the 
 restriction of section seven of that chapter." 
 
 When the act of incorporation was passed in 1S50, the incorporators 
 did not possess, in that capacity, property to the amount of $3,000, which 
 was necessary in order to secure an annual bounty of S600 from the state. 
 Measures were at once instituted to raise a permanent fund sufficiently 
 large to secure this state bounty. These measures were successful, and 
 in 1S51 the treasurer reported a permanent fund, securely invested and 
 bearing interest, amounting to S^,t;o. The societv was organized under 
 
200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the charter, Aug. 20, 1850. Alfred Baker was elected president and James 
 W. Boyden secretary and treasurer. The Massachusetts Agricultural 
 society donated to the Hampshire society, in 1850, a pair of North Devon 
 cattle. The society voted at its first meeting, " that ladies be admitted to 
 seats on cattle-show day." The society held its first fair and cattle-show, 
 after organization, on the common, Oct. 30, 1850. It was a gala occasion 
 for the residents in Amherst and adjoining towns. The day was ushered 
 in by the firing of cannon. Soon after sunrise the common was dotted 
 with oyster-booths, auction-stands, gingerbread and cider-carts and all the 
 side-shows which in olden time were considered a necessary adjunct of the 
 cattle-show and which in some places still survive. Long before noon the 
 common was crowded with men, women, children, cattle and horses. A 
 procession was formed and, headed by the Amherst Artillery company, 
 marched to the First church building, where an address was delivered by 
 Professor Fowler. There were many ladies present on this occasion. 
 
 The society grew and prospered. At the cattle-show in 1851, 500 
 cattle were exhibited, 390 working oxen, 123 horses, 600 specimens of 
 poultry. Of the working oxen, 202 came from Belchertown, decorated 
 with flags and attached to a spacious car which was occupied by 181 
 persons, including the Belchertown brass band. During the year, the 
 society had gained 300 life members and its total membership was 640. 
 Its officers were : President, Alfred Baker ; vice-presidents, Luke Sweetser, 
 Joseph Smith of Hadley, Paoli Lathrop of South Hadley, J. B. Woods of 
 Enfield, Horace Henderson of Sunderland ; secretary and treasurer, 
 James W. Boyden; executive committee, Horace Kellogg, Samuel Powers 
 of Hadley, Charles Adams, William Thayer of Belchertown, Asa L. Field 
 of Leverett, Benjamin Witt of Granby, W. M. Kellogg. Marshall P. 
 Wilder represented the state board of agriculture at the fair, and delivered 
 an interesting address, in course of which he said: "It is particularly 
 cheering to all who have at heart the advancement of agriculture, to witness 
 the large number of professional gentlemen, for which Amherst is so 
 celebrated, coming forward, with a helping hand, and cooperating with the 
 intelligent farmers of Hampshire County, in behalf of an institution for 
 the promotion of that most important and useful pursuit, the culture of 
 mother earth." In this one sentence Mr. Wilder struck the keynote of the 
 society's prosperity in its earlier years ; it had the good wishes and hearty 
 support of all classes in the community. 
 
 In 1853, the executive committee met in April and prepared a list of 
 premiums, which was printed and copies were posted in more than 200 
 public places in the towns from which the society drew its support. 
 Thirty-four committees were appointed to award premiums in as many 
 
THE SOCIETY PROSPEROUS. 2QI 
 
 different classes. Many of these classes correspond with those in 
 which premiums are offered by the society at the present time ; 
 others, no longer in existence, were : Plowing with oxen, plowing with 
 horses, subsoil plowing, meadow lands and manures. In 1S54, for 
 the first time, the fair and cattle-show was held two days. Over 600 
 persons competed for premiums. On the second clay, a procession was 
 formed and marched through the streets to the First Congregational church 
 building where the annual address was delivered, after which the procession 
 again formed and marched to the Amherst house, where dinner was served. 
 The society voted that its prosperity and usefulness would be promoted by 
 a larger and more convenient hall. The indoor exhibits were displayed in 
 Sweetser's hall and Phoenix hall. The fair in 1855 was graced by the 
 presence of Governor Gardner and Lieutenant-Governor Brown. The 
 permanent fund amounted to $3,570.20. of which §2. 427. 77 was invested 
 in loans on mortgages of real estate. Premiums were awarded amounting 
 to $367.37. In the report of the transactions for the year, the following 
 prediction is found: "The public spirit of the inhabitants of Amherst 
 will doubtless soon furnish that enterprising town with a suitable town hall, 
 which will also accommodate an annual exhibition and secure its contin- 
 uance at Amherst." An interesting prophecy, but a generation was to 
 pass away ere it was fulfilled even in part. From 4,000 to 5,000 persons 
 attended the society's exhibition in 1S56. There were nearly 800 entries 
 for exhibit and premium. During the year a part of the basement story 
 of the First Congregational church building had been partitioned off, 
 suitably fitted and furnished, and christened Agricultural Hall. The room 
 was 75 feet in length by 62 in width. One-half the expense was borne by 
 the Agricultural society, on condition that it should have the use of the 
 room for exhibitions, on payment of a suitable rent, and also have one-half 
 the income from the rent of the hall. 
 
 Nothing occurred to mar the prosperity of the society until the year 
 1859, when there arose a controversy which threatened for a time its very 
 existence. The facts of the case appear to be embodied in a statement 
 made by Levi Stockbridge, at that time a resident of Hadley and a member 
 of the society's executive committee, which forms a part of the report of 
 the society's transactions, published in i860. This statement may be 
 summarized as follows : For several years after its organization, the society 
 was dependent on individuals and the towns for grounds and halls for exhibi- 
 tion uses. In course of time, the officers found it necessary to build a hall, 
 unauthorized by the society, which up to i860 had been the only public 
 hall in Amherst. At its annual meeting in 1859, the society was informed 
 that the grounds on which its shows were held had been granted to another 
 
252 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, .MASS. 
 
 association and would not again be opened to their use. There had been 
 for many years a growing conviction in the minds of many members of 
 the society that it should own grounds on which to hold its annual exhi- 
 bitions, in order to increase its income and add to the pleasure of the 
 occasions. Nearly all the agricultural societies in the state had grounds 
 of their own and were prospering, while the Hampshire society seemed to 
 be losing its hold on the interest and sympathies of the farming community. 
 The income of its permanent fund and a large portion of the state bounty 
 was used in payment of current expenses, and no additions were made to 
 the fund. Notice had been received from the secretary of the State Board 
 of Agriculture that the bounty would be withheld unless it was used in 
 payment of premiums or added to the fund. The society had arrived at a 
 point where something must be done to revive its waning prosperity. 
 
 With all these facts and reasons before them, and after a full and free 
 discussion of the subject in all its bearings, the society voted by a large 
 majority to instruct its executive committee to purchase or lease grounds 
 and fit them for exhibition purposes, if it could be done within the limits 
 of the fund. Some members expressed fears that the measure would be 
 demoralizing in its influence, from the undue preponderance it would give 
 to the exhibition of horses ; they feared, also, that the permanent fund 
 might be lost or impaired by taking it from mortgage investments and 
 spending it on grounds and fixtures, but all appeared willing to give the 
 plan a trial. As soon as possible the committee began their labors in 
 accordance with the vote. It was considered very desirable to procure 
 grounds near the center village, and much time and labor was expended 
 in efforts to that end. But the attempt was a failure. Owing to the nature 
 of the soil, inequalities of surface and the price of land in that vicinity, it 
 was found impracticable. A location was selected at East Amherst, one 
 and one-fourth miles from the common. A plot of land containing sixteen 
 and one-half acres, with soil well suited for the intended purpose, was 
 bought for .'sfj^o. When it became known that a site had been selected 
 and probably purchased, great dissatisfaction was expressed in certain 
 quarters, and an attempt was made to prevent the accomplishment of the 
 plans decided on by the officers. A meeting of the disaffected was held 
 and resolutions were- passed, couched in strong terms, impugning the 
 motives and condemning the course of the officers. The officers thereupon 
 called a meeting of the society, to see what action it would take in refer- 
 ence to show-grounds. The meeting was held in April and attracted a 
 large attendance. After a protracted hearing of the facts in the case, 
 resolutions were passed approving the course adopted by the committee in 
 d to location, and instructing them to proceed in their work of fitting 
 
HAMPSHIRE HALL AND PARK. 283' 
 
 up the grounds. A vote was also passed, by a large majority, authorizing 
 them to build a hall on the grounds, provided they could raise S 1,000 and 
 do it without involving the society in debt. 
 
 The committee continued their work with renewed activity. The 
 grounds were inclosed by a high board fence, a model half-mile track was 
 graded, all ground in the enclosure was plowed, leveled and smoothed, 
 seats for the people and a judges' stand were erected, and wells were dug 
 for the accommodation of stock. The time approached for holding the 
 exhibition, but no hall had been built ; the committee were unable to secure 
 the S 1,000 needed. In this emergency, several public-spirited citizens 
 came forward and gave their personal obligations to the amount of S500. 
 As this made up the sum needed, a contract was made with John II. 
 Haskins to erect a building 100 feet long by 50 wide, with a hall below 
 for exhibition purposes and one above for dinners and addresses. The 
 contract was made in September, and not a stick of timber had been cut 
 for the building, but by the energy and skill of the contractor the founda- 
 tions were laid and the superstructure completed ready for use by Oct. 10. 
 The hall was large enough to seat 1,000 persons comfortably. 
 
 An article in the Hampshire Express under date of March 16, i860, 
 affords some additional information. The executive committee were unan- 
 imous in their decision to purchase 16 acres of land at East Amherst, of 
 Charles Dickinson and Philip D. Spaulding. They had used every exer- 
 tion to secure land near the village, but were unable to do so without 
 incurring a debt, which was expressly forbidden by the society. The com- 
 mittee bargained for a piece of land belonging to Pomeroy Cutler, which 
 is now intersected by Lincoln avenue, but when this had been examined 
 by a civil engineer they learned that the cost of grading alone would 
 exceed the cost of both land and grading at Past Amherst. The soil of 
 the grounds at the center was also unsuitable for a race-track. The com- 
 mittee were influenced somewhat in their choice by a desire to awaken 
 interest and secure stronger support for the society from the farmers in 
 Belchertown. In the same issue of the Express was published a call for a 
 meeting of the disaffected members, signed by 172 names, embracing those 
 of many men who had been prominent in the organization of the society. 
 
 Hampshire Hall and Park were christened and dedicated on the 
 evening of Nov. 2, 1866. In the early part of the evening a concert was 
 held in the hall, attracting an audience which filled it to the doors. At 
 the conclusion of the concert, an historical sketch of the society was pre- 
 sented by Levi Stockbridge, who moved that the hall and grounds be 
 named in honor of the society's president, William S. Clark. Hon. Ithamar 
 F. Conkey moved that the name be Hampshire Hall and Park, and this 
 
^84 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 motion was carried by unanimous vote. The christening ceremony was 
 ■then performed by President (lark, who said: " By virtue of authority 
 conferred upon me by a special vote of the executive committee of the 
 Hampshire County agricultural society, and by the unanimous consent of 
 this assembly, composed as it is largely of members of this society, I .for- 
 mally set apart and solemnly devote these grounds and this hall to the 
 noble purposes of the society, to wit : ' The encouragement and promotion 
 of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts,' and I denounce as profanation 
 any use of them which conflicts with the principles of sound morality. 
 In performing the last act of this ceremony. I shall sprinkle the floor of 
 this building not with oil or wine which have been commonly employed 
 upon similar occasions, but with pure water of our own famous New England 
 river, the beautiful and ever bountiful Connecticut. Now, therefore, I 
 declare the name of this edifice to be Hampshire Hall ; and the name of 
 this enclosure to be Hampshire Park, and may these names be preserved 
 and untarnished to remotest generations." The assembly then joined in 
 singing a hymn of dedication, composed by Charles H. Sweetser, to the 
 tune of " Auld Lang Syne." 
 
 The purchase of the grounds and erection of the hall alienated from 
 the society's support many who had heretofore been active in the promo- 
 tion of its interests. The total membership of the society in i860 was 
 1056. Of these, 438 were residents of Amherst, 128 of Hadley, 126 of 
 Sunderland, 71 of Leverett, 48 of Belchertown, 36 of Granby, t,^ of 
 Pelham, 32 of South Hadley, 27 of Northampton, 20 of Enfield, 12 of 
 Ware. Others were resident in various parts of New England, the Southern 
 and Western states. As these were all life memberships, there was no 
 immediate decrease in the list, but many of the farmers and business men 
 ceased to take an active interest in the society's affairs and in the annual 
 exhibition. The distance of the fair-grounds from the center village 
 detracted largely from attendance at the cattle-shows, and this was still 
 further reduced by the charging of an admission fee. The building of a 
 race-track and the holding of horse-races was disapproved by many. 
 The excitement attendant on the civil war had an unfavorable effect on the 
 society's affairs, and it entered upon a period of decline from which it has 
 never fully recovered. Within the past few years an earnest effort has 
 been made to restore the society to the commanding position in public 
 favor which it once enjoyed, and with a measure of success. A new and 
 commodious grand-stand has been erected, new horse-sheds have been 
 built, the old fence has been partially rebuilt and extensive repairs have 
 been made upon the hall. The society is to-day in a more prosperous 
 condition than for many years in the past, with an encouraging outlook for 
 the future. 
 
CREAMERY ASSOCIATIONS. 285 
 
 The dairy industry in Amherst attained prominence at an early date.- 
 In the early '40s it was the fourth town in the state in the amount of butter 
 produced. It was not until 1SS2 that the owners of dairy herds decided to 
 avail themselves of the advantages of cooperation in carrying on their 
 business. The Amherst Cooperative Creamery association was organized 
 June 1, 1882, with a capital stock of $2,700, which in 1889 was increased 
 to $3,700. The first officers elected were : Directors, Edmund Hobart, 
 Flavel Gaylord, Charles Lawton, J. E. Merrick, Henry C. West ; president, 
 Edmund Hobart; treasurer, Charles S. Smith ; clerk, William A. Magill. 
 The above were the only charter members of the association, but the stock 
 was soon distributed among 59 farmers, and since the increase of capital 
 the membership has averaged close to 100. Membership has been 
 restricted to "persons directly engaged in agricultural pursuits." The 
 first creamery building was built in 1882, and the product was first placed 
 on the market in December of that year. The second building was erected 
 in the fall of 18S8. The receipts of cream in 1883 were 399.324 spaces ; 
 in 1892 this had risen to 1,907,206 spaces, equivalent to something like 
 300.000 pounds of butter. In the first ten years of its existence, the 
 association paid to its patrons over a half-million dollars for cream. The 
 stockholders have received an annual dividend of six per cent, per annum 
 on their investment. The principal market for the product is found in the 
 cities and towns of Hampden county. The Bay State Creamery associa- 
 tion was organized in January, 18S9. The capital stock was S2.500, the 
 number of charter members 15. The creamery building was erected in 
 1888. The original officers were : Directors, E. A. King. Salmon Wake- 
 field. F. L. Stone, Philip D. Spanieling, W. A. Dickinson ; president, E. A. 
 King; clerk and treasurer, E. O. Curtiss. The annual product is about 
 155.000 pounds of butter, valued at some $45,000. The principal market 
 is found in Holyoke. 
 
 Of interest and value in this connection are the following agricultural 
 statistics, those for 1837 taken from Bigelow's " Branches of Industry " for 
 the year ending April 1, those for 1845 from Palfrey's manual, and those 
 for 1855 from the Massachusetts census report. 
 
 In 1837, there were owned in Amherst 42 Saxony sheep, 698 merino, 
 and 1090 of other kinds. The Saxony wool produced amounted to 105 
 pounds, the merino to 1832 pounds, other kinds to 3068 pounds. The 
 average weight of fleece was two and three-fourths pounds, the value of 
 the wool product Si, 6 10, and the capital invested $3,264. 
 
 In 1S45, there were owned in Amherst 2.054 sheep, valued at $2,568 ; 
 336 horses, valued at $15,120; 1,668 neat cattle, valued at $30,083 ; 625 
 swine, valued at $9,375. The farm crops produced and their estimated 
 
286 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 valuation was as follows: Corn, 18,930 bushels, $12,683; wheat, 311 
 bushels, $389 ; rye. 6.586 bushels, $4,940- oats, 8,903 bushels, $3,116; 
 beans, 200 bushels, $250: buckwheat, 500 bushels. $250; potatoes, 1,691 
 bushels, $4,022; other esculent vegetables, 750 bushels. $137; hay, 3,900 
 .tons, $29,250; fruit, 4,805 bushels, $1,600; hops, 950 pounds, $100; 
 tobacco, 29,638 pounds, 81,630; butter, 82,447 pounds. $10,306; cheese, 
 37.425 pounds, $2,2 15 : honey. 422 pounds. $53 ; broom seed, 4,526 
 bushels. Si. 13 i : broom brush, 65,659 pounds, $3,939. 
 
 In 1855, there were owned in Amherst 429 horses, valued at $33,900 ; 
 741 sheep, > r.41 7 ; 541 oxen and steers, $23,448 : 1.1 27 cows and heifers, 
 $27,691 ; 525 swine, $4,500. Farm products and their valuations were as 
 follows : Butter, 62,875 pounds, $12,575 I cheese, 30.750 pounds, $3,075 ; 
 honey, 220 pounds, $44; Indian corn, 873 acres, $28,512 ; broom corn, 
 84 acres, $5,040; broom seed, 50 bushels per acre, $1,260; wheat. 19 
 acres, $648 ; rye, 593 acres, $6,685 : barley, 2 acres, $63 ; oats, 310 acres, 
 $4,090; potatoes, 238 acres, $11,348: onions, one acre, $315; turnips, 
 •one and one-acre, $19. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI, 
 
 M VNUFACTURING INTERESTS. PAPER MAKING.— TEXTILE INDUSTRIES. 
 
 Amherst Cotton Factory. — Woolen Mills. — Hat M \.\r- 
 
 FACTURING. L. M. HlLLS & SON. IRON AND STEEL MaNU- 
 
 1 \< tills. — Kellogg Plane Factory. — The Roper Repeating 
 Rifle. — Bowie Knife Pistols. — Hoop Skirts. — Wire Goods. 
 — Cooking Stoves. — Carriage Making. —Children's Car- 
 riages and Sleds. 
 
 While Amherst has never been a manufacturing center, it has been 
 •he home of extensive and diversified manufacturing industries. The two 
 Streams that flow through the town furnish a water-power which has been 
 utilized for fully an hundred years for manufacturing purposes. Some of 
 these industries were successful for a time, but the great majority proved 
 losing ventures for those who engaged in them. In olden times, before 
 the railroad era, the banks of New England streams and rivers were bor- 
 
LEADING MANUFACTURERS. 
 
PAPER FACTORIES. 2S7 
 
 dered by mills and factories, located where good water-power could be 
 secured at small expense, with little regard for centers of population or for 
 markets. As railways were built, and steam-power came into more general 
 use, there arose a tendency toward the centralization of manufacturing 
 industries in the cities and larger villages. Ready access to the sources 
 of raw materials and to the markets for the manufactured product became 
 a necessity, lacking which an industry, no matter how old-established or 
 prosperous heretofore, was crowded to the wall by competitors more favor- 
 ably situated. To one who has never made a study of manufacturing in 
 Amherst, the number and variety of industries which have flourished here 
 at various times must prove a source of surprise. Concerning some of 
 these but little reliable data can be secured ; the records of others are 
 more' full and interesting. 
 
 The first factory in Amherst of which there is any existing record was 
 situated on Mill river, just above the "City." It was owned in 1795 by a 
 man named Rowe, who was engaged in the manufacture of paper. About 
 1807, Reuben Roberts came from Hartford, Conn, to Amherst, and in 
 company with a man named Cox bought out Rowe. About 1809, Cox 
 disposed of his interest in the concern, and Reuben Roberts was joined by 
 his brother Ephraim, the business being conducted for many years under 
 the firm name of Roberts Bros. They engaged at first in the manufacture 
 of writing paper, most of the work being done by hand, the stock being 
 reduced to pulp by the rude machinery which was then in use. They 
 gathered rags through all the counties in the state to supply their mill, and 
 carried the finished product to Albany by teams. Their mill stood in the 
 ravine across the stream from the highway leading from the "City" to 
 " Factory Hollow." The business established one hundred years ago was 
 continued by the descendants of Ephraim and Reuben Roberts until 1894, 
 when the mill,- then owned by William L. and Manning Roberts, was 
 destroyed by incendiary fire, Aug. 3. For several years preceding the mill 
 had been employed in the manufacture of wrapping paper, straw and 
 leather-board, with an output of about one ton per clay. 
 
 Ephraim and John R. Cushman began the manufacture of paper in 
 what was subsequently known as the "old mill," far up on Mill river, in 
 1835. They were sons of Ephraim Cushman and were born in Amherst 
 early in the century. In 1S54. they obtained a patent for a process of 
 drying thick paper whereby it was prevented from warping out of shape. 
 In 1859, they purchased a water privilege further down the stream and 
 erected what is known as the " red mill." They manufactured straw-board 
 and leather-board, the latter under a patent granted to John R. Cushman. 
 The leather, in scraps and waste bits, is ground into pulp as in the manu- 
 
288 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 facture of paper and made into sheets of any required thickness. Before 
 the introduction of railroads, the products of the mills were carried to 
 Boston by teams. The business thus established by the Cushman broth- 
 ers has been conducted by their descendants up to the present time. In 
 recent years there has been added to the business the manufacture of 
 " button-board," a material from which small pieces are punched with a 
 die and manufactured into shoe-buttons. In 1863 A. R. Cushman bought 
 out the interest of Ephraim Cushman, and the firm name was then 
 J. R. Cushman & Son. Ephraim Cushman then bought a water 
 privilege in "Factory Hollow" and erected a mill where, in part- 
 nership with his sons, he engaged in the manufacture of printing and 
 manilla paper. In 1866, the Cushman Bros, paper mill furnished paper 
 for printing the New York Tribune. This mill was burned in 1873 and the 
 business was given up. J. R. Cushman & Son continued the business at 
 the "old" mill and the "red" mill until 1878, when it passed into the 
 hands of Avery R. Cushman. son of John R., who still conducts it. In 
 1S71, the business of the firm amounted to $75,000 annually; since then 
 it has increased considerably. The mills at present employ about 20 
 hands, turning out about three tons of straw, leather and button-board per 
 day. Feb. 5, 1891, the "old" mill was burned and a new one has-been 
 erected on the same site. 
 
 Some time in the '50s, William H. Smith and John Wiley built a paper 
 mill in what was known as " Westville," west of North Amherst, and con- 
 ducted business under the name of the Westville Paper company. This 
 mill was burned March 17. 1858. An item in the Express, referring to the 
 fire, states that the mill had not been running for some time and the lire 
 was doubtless of incendiary origin. 
 
 Bigelow's statistics for the year ending April 1. 1S37, show that at 
 that time there were two paper-mills in Amherst; 42 tons of paper were 
 manufactured, valued at $7,000. Eleven males and seven females were 
 employed and the capital invested was $8,000. In 1845, there were two 
 mills; the stock consumed amounted to 175 tons, from which 105 tons of 
 paper were made, valued at $7,700. The capital invested was $7,700, the 
 number of employes ten. In 1855, there were two mills in operation ; the 
 stock consumed was 600 tons, from which was made 300 tons of paper 
 valued at $24,000. The capital invested was $15,000, the number of 
 employes 25. In [865, four mills were in operation; these produced 150 
 tons of wrapping paper valued at Si 5,000, and 700 tons of paper and 
 leather-board valued at $70,000. The capital invested was $26,000, the 
 number of employes 38. 
 
 At " Factory Hollow," about 1809, Ebenezer Dickinson, a well-to-do 
 farmer, built a three-story wooden building in which to spin cotton yarn by 
 
( LARK PLA( E 
 
 OLD PAPER MILL AT NORTH AMHERST, 
 
AMHERST COTTON FACTORY. 289 
 
 machinery. He had no experience in the business and, as a natural con- 
 sequence, soon became hopelessly involved. He borrowed money from 
 neighbors and friends, but failed to put the business on a paying founda- 
 tion and it passed out of his hands. A company was formed in 1812 to 
 conduct the business, ten men investing $1,000 each in the enterprise. 
 The company was legally incorporated in 18 14, under the following charter, 
 the first to be granted to Amherst citizens for a manufacturing enterprise : 
 
 "An Act to establish the Amherst Cotton Factory : 
 
 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court 
 assembled, and by the authority of the same. That Levi Collins, Ebenezer Mat- 
 toon, Samuel F. Dickinson, Elijah Eastman, Robert Douglass, Nathan Gilson, 
 Asa Adams and Samuel Perrin, together with such other persons as may here- 
 after associate with them, their successors and assigns, be, and they hereby are 
 made a Corporation, by the name of the Amherst Cotton Factory, for the purpose 
 of manufacturing cotton yarn and cloth, in the town of Amherst, in the county of 
 Hampshire ; and for that purpose shall have all the powers and privileges, and be 
 subject to all the duties and requirements contained in an act entitled An Act 
 defining the general powers and duties of Manufacturing Corporations. 
 
 Be it further enacted, That the said Corporation may be lawfully seized and 
 possessed of such real estate, not exceeding the value of thirty thousand dollars, 
 and such personal estate, not exceeding fifty thousand dollars, as may be neces- 
 sary and convenient for carrying on the manufacture of cotton yarn and cloth in 
 said town of Amherst." 
 
 This company conducted the mill for several years, manufacturing 
 cotton yarn and giving it out to families to be woven on hand looms. As none 
 of the incorporators had any knowledge of the business, they engaged the 
 services of an Englishman named Odber to take charge of the machinery. 
 In 1814, L. Collins, agent for the Amherst Cotton Manufacturing company, 
 advertised chat machinery of all kinds for cotton and woolen manufacturing 
 could be bought of the company. In June, 1814, the name of the concern 
 was changed to the Amherst Cotton Factory. In the Hampshire Gazette, 
 under date of July 24, 1822, appears the following notice : 
 
 "All persons indebted to the Amherst Cotton Factory, either by Book or 
 Note, are hereby called upon to make payment by the First of August next. 
 Should anyone neglect this call, they may expect their accounts will be put into 
 other hands for collection. 
 
 For the Amherst Cotton Factory, 
 
 Israel Scott, Treasurer." 
 
 The investment proved a permanent one, the capital being exhausted 
 by poor management and business reverses. Most of the parties engaged 
 in the enterprise gave up the business in disgust, but Gen. Mattoon would 
 seem to have been connected with it as late as 1830. Ebenezer Dickinson, 
 the original owner of the mill, broke into the building after it had passed 
 
 *9 
 
290 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 from his possession and stole a quantity of cotton yarn. An officer armed 
 with a search warrant found the yarn stored in the garret of his dwelling. 
 Dickinson fled to Ohio, where he died in poverty, but before leaving 
 Amherst he recorded his curse upon the " Hollow,*' where he had lost his 
 property. The ill fortune that attended for many years the various enter- 
 prises there conducted was ascribed by many to the effects of this curse. 
 
 Elnathan Jones was in possession of the first mill as early as 1836, 
 and owned and conducted the business until the mill was burned in 1842 ; 
 in company with his son Thomas he rebuilt the mill and continued the 
 business. In the early '40s, Thomas Jones owned three mills in the 
 " Hollow," where he manufactured Kentucky jeans. He sold these mills 
 to the Amherst Manufacturing company. This company was chartered in 
 1846, the act of incorporation bearing dateof Feb. 7, and giving the names 
 of Thomas Jones, John S. Adams and J. M. Whitcomb as principals in 
 the venture. The business of the corporation was the manufacture of 
 cotton and woolen goods in Amherst, and it was authorized to issue capital 
 stock to an amount not exceeding $100,000. The company sunk all its 
 capital, and Jones bought the mills again in 1854. It would appear, from 
 such sources of information as are available, that Jones sold at least two 
 of his mills to Dana YYheelock in 1854. In the Hampshire Express, under 
 dateof Nov. 8, 1 854, is published an account of the burning of " Wheelock 
 Mill No. 2." The loss on the building and machinery was estimated at 
 $12,000, on which there was no insurance. About 40 persons were 
 employed in the mill. The Express also records, under date of April 30, 
 1857, the burning of the "Jones factory " at North Amherst. The flames 
 spread with great rapidity, and the operatives, many of them females, 
 saved themselves by jumping from the second-story windows. The building, 
 including a large stock of raw material and cloth ready for the market. 
 was destroyed. The factory was built in 1851 and was owned by Thomas 
 Jones & Bros.; it cost $10,000, and was insured for $7,000. The stock, 
 owned by Jones i\: Alexander, was valued at $3,000 and was not insured. 
 A statement of the affairs of the Amherst Manufacturing company, 
 printed in the Express under date of Jan. 18, 1848, is signed by Thomas 
 Jones as president and by (Jharles Adams and William Kellogg, Jr. as 
 directors The capital stock paid in amounted to SjO.ooo. the debts to 
 $23,783.98. Bigelow's " branches of Industry " published in [837 contains 
 no notice of cotton manufacturing in Amherst. Palfrey's statistics for 
 1845 show that there was one cotton mill in Amherst with 672 spindles. 
 The amount of cotton consumed was 120,000 pounds, from which was 
 manufactured cotton yams valued at $7,500 and cotton batting valued at 
 $150. The capital invested was $5,000, the number of employes 17,5 
 
WOOLEN MILLS. 29 I 
 
 males and 12 females. The state census for 1855 shows that there was 
 one cotton wickirig mill in Amherst. The amount of cotton consumed was 
 50,000 pounds, the value of wicking manufactured $7,000, the number of 
 employes 5. 
 
 In 1830, Peter Ingram built a small woolen mill on Mill river above 
 the " City." The business was successful for a time, but succumbed to the 
 panic of 1837. It was afterwards reorganized under the firm name of 
 Peter Ingram & Co., and the business continued until 1847 when the mill 
 was burned. The loss was about $6,000, partially covered by insurance. 
 In 1837, Peter Ingram, as agent for the factory, advertised that wool would 
 be carded for customers and woven into cloth at the factory. Wool would 
 be taken in the fleece and returned cloth, the work to be done upon shares 
 or for an agreed price per yard. In 1S45, Thomas Jones and a Mr. Brad- 
 ford built a woolen mill which was burned in 1857. In 1852, the West- 
 ville company, consisting of William H. Smith, George Cutler, Luke 
 Sweetser and Thomas Jones, built a woolen mill on the site now occupied 
 by S. E. Harrington & Son's wood-working factory. This mill was burned 
 March 26, 1855 ; the loss was $8,600, the insurance $5,150. 
 
 Statistics for 1837, show there were two woolen mills in Amherst with 
 four sets of machinery. Wool was consumed to the amount of 39,000 
 pounds, from which was manufactured 62,195 >" ai "ds of cloth valued at 
 $40,337. The capital invested was $30,000, the number of males employed 
 was 22, females 30. In 1S45, there were two woolen mills: the amount of 
 wool consumed was 102,200 pounds from which 252,000 yards of Kentucky 
 jeans were manufactured, valued at $52,600. The capital invested was 
 $18,000, the number of males employed 25, of females 30. In 1855, there 
 was one woolen and cotton mill ; amount of wool consumed 16,000 pounds, 
 cotton consumed 20,000 pounds, Kentucky jeans made 145,600 yards 
 valued at $28,000, number of employes 20. The series of disastrous fires 
 that destroyed so many mills proved a death-blow to the textile industry at 
 North Amherst. After the year i860, there is no further mention of any 
 attempt to manufacture either cottons or woolens in Amherst. 
 
 Early in the present century, palm-leaf was brought from Boston to 
 Amherst and manufactured into hats. It was brought to Boston by vessels 
 trading with the West Indies. \\ 'hen the Boston & Albany railway was 
 opened for business the palm-leaf was carried to Palmer by rail and thence 
 carted to Amherst in teams. Henry Jackson, the veteran teamster, brought 
 many loads of leaf to Amherst before the Amherst &: Belchertown railway 
 was built. The leaf was distributed among many families living in Amherst 
 and adjoining towns, where it was split by hand, braided, sewed, fashioned 
 into hats and the latter disposed of to the local merchants in exchange for 
 
292 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 goods. Many persons were engaged in the business, but it was not until 
 the fall of 1829 that an attempt was made to systematize and develop it as 
 a distinctive industry. In 1829, Leonard M. Hills came to Amherst from 
 Ellington, Conn, and engaged in the manufacture of palm-leaf hats in a 
 little shop at East Amherst. The business prospered and was soon enlarged 
 to include the making of " Shaker " hoods, at that time and for many 
 years thereafter a popular article of female wearing apparel. The old 
 " hood shop," yet standing on Main street and now owned by the New 
 London Northern railway company, was erected by Mr. Hills in 1859 ; it is 
 a large and commodious building and the business of hood-making there 
 conducted for many years gave employment to large numbers of people. 
 In 1856, L. M. Hills erected mills at "Factory Hollow," where in partner- 
 ship with his son Henry F. he carried on the business of hat manufactur- 
 ing. The mills were carried away by the great freshet in 1863, when Hills 
 & Son erected a large wooden factory building on the site now occupied 
 by the mill of Burnett & Son. The first building on this site was occupied 
 by a factory for splitting palm-leaf, which was burned in i860. L. M. 
 Hills continued in business until his death in 1872. In July, 1868, a 
 patent was issued to John C. Smith of Chicopee and L. D. Hills, son of 
 L. M. Hills, for a loom for weaving palm-leaf by power, work that formerly 
 been done by hand. 
 
 Some idea of the extent of the business conducted by L. M. Hills & 
 Sons may be gained from a long article published in the Boston Advertiser 
 in 1 87 1. At that time Massachusetts was the only state in the Union 
 where palm-leaf was manufactured into hats. The only factories for carrying 
 on this work were located at Amherst. Barre, Palmer and Fitchburg. Of 
 these, the factories at Amherst were the most important as regarded the 
 size of buildings, the amount of business and the completeness of the 
 work done. L. M. Hills <.\: Sons were the largest operators in the business 
 in America. All the leaf used in the work came from Cuba. The straw 
 was bleached, split and dyed at the factory, and then sent out to be braided 
 into hats and woven into webs for shaker hoods. This work was all done 
 by hand, generally by the wives and daughters of farmers. The firm had 
 agents in all the New England states to handle the braid. Country mer- 
 chants frequently took the leaf and distributed it among the families in 
 their neighborhood. The hats were gathered up and returned to the factory 
 to be bleached a second time, pressed, trimmed, and packed for the market. 
 Hydraulic presses were used. The business for the year 1S71 amounted 
 to about 100,000 dozen hats. In addition to the palm-leaf business, large 
 quantities of hats were imported from Malaga. Spain, and from Leghorn, 
 Italy, to be bleached, pressed and bound. Braid was also imported from 
 
ARING AM) CO'S II \ I I \< TORY, BURNED IN iSSo. 
 
 PLEASANT STREET IN [875 — LOOKING NORTH. 
 
HAT MANUFACTURING. 293 
 
 Canton, China. About ioo persons were employed in the building, but 
 this was a small proportion of those engaged in the palm-leaf business. 
 The hood-factory employed a large number of hands. The products of 
 the factories were sent to New York city, where they were sold by a resi- 
 dent member of the firm. The first year that L. M. Hills was engaged in 
 the business his receipts amounted to about $5,000. Before his death, 
 the business of the factories amounted annually to hundreds of thousands 
 of dollars. 
 
 On the death of L. M. Hills in 1872, the hat business was purchased 
 of his heirs by H. D. Fearing & Co., a firm organized at that time and 
 consisting of H. D. Fearing, C. M. Osgood and E. A. Thompson. They 
 carried on the business of finishing hats for other parties. Their business 
 prospered, and in 1880 their monthly pay-roll amounted to upwards of 
 $5,000 and 250,000 dozen hats were sent out from their works. April 23, 
 1880, their factory was destroyed by fire, and the same year a fine brick build- 
 ing was erected which cost, with machinery and other equipment, upwards 
 of $100,000. From the time that ground was broken for the new factory 
 until it was finished and ready for business only eighty days elapsed. The 
 contractor was John Beston, Jr. In October, 1891, C. M. Osgood withdrew 
 from the firm, and in 1892 the business was sold to George B. Burnett & Son. 
 The latter firm now employs upwards of 250 hands during the busy season 
 and their business is rapidly increasing. The Hills Co. was organized in 
 1877, with Henry F. Hills as president. A factory was erected on the east 
 side of the New London Northern railway tracks, but this was burned in 
 1880, at the same time time that Fearing & Co's factory was destroyed. 
 The fire started in the factory of The Hills Co.; the loss of the two concerns 
 was something like $150,000. The Hills Co. rebuilt on the same site, 
 where they now conduct a flourishing business, the number of hands 
 employed in the busy season averaging about 325. E. L. Dean & Co. still 
 continue to split and bleach palm-leaf and manufacture palm-leaf hats. 
 
 Statistics for 1837 show that there were two hat factories in Amherst; 
 the number of hats manufactured was 1,200 dozen, the value of the product 
 $3,600, the number of males employed 5, of females 2. In 1845, the 
 number of palm-leaf hats manufactured was 317,236, valued at $56,696; 
 the number of males employed was 5, of females, 65. In 1855, there were 
 two straw hat and bonnet factories ; the value of their product was $32,000, 
 the number of employes 173. In 1865, there was one establishment for 
 the manufacture of palm-leaf for hats, hoods and bonnets. The value of 
 stock used was $20,000, tons of leaf prepared 120, capital invested $8,000, 
 employes 20. There was one establishment for the manufacture of hats, 
 hoods and bonnets. The value of stock used was $30,000, number of hats 
 
2Q4 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 made 50,000 dozen, of hoods made 30,000 dozen, value $135,000, capital 
 invested $17,000, number of employes 55. 
 
 Many industries for the manufacture of articles constructed in whole 
 or in part of iron or steel have been conducted at Amherst. Perhaps the 
 most important, certainly the most successful in its day, was the manufac- 
 ture of planes at East Amherst. About 1835, James Kellogg bought from 
 Eli Dickinson a shop at South Amherst that stood on the site now occu- 
 pied by C. E. Hayward's factory. There he engaged in the making of 
 bench planes and molders' planes. The business prospered, and a part- 
 nership was formed under the name of Kellogg, Washburne & Vox for its 
 development. This firm was dissolved in April, 1839, and immediately 
 thereafter James Kellogg and Hiram Fox formed a partnership " for the 
 merchandising and manufacturing of joiners' tools in Amherst." The 
 capital stock was $8,000. The firm was dissolved in 1840, Mr. Kellogg 
 continuing the business. In 1839, the business was removed to that part 
 of Amherst which subsequently acquired the name of " Kelloggville." 
 Here two factories were erected, one of brick and one of wood, which were 
 stocked with machinery of the latest pattern. Success attended the new 
 venture, the business increasing so rapidly that the factories were frequently 
 unable to fill the orders which came from all parts of the country and even 
 from abroad. Experts declare that better planes were never made than 
 those sent out from Kellogg's factory in Amherst, and many years after the 
 business was suspended orders for the goods continued to come in. When 
 the works were in full operation some twenty men were employed and 
 planes of all kinds were manufactured. The operatives were well paid, 
 and residing near the factories they formed a flourishing little community 
 which, as stated above, was christened " Kelloggville.'' James Kellogg 
 retired from business in 1867, and was succeeded by his son William. A 
 sketch of the business, written in 1869, states that the woodwork of the 
 planes was made from beech, box and rosewood, and the irons were brought 
 from New Haven and fitted at the factory. The average daily output from 
 the factory was 150 to 200 planes. In 1886 the dam of the pond that 
 furnished power for the factories was carried away and for several years 
 the works have remained idle. 
 
 Previous to 1829, the firm of Hills. Wolcott & Co. was engaged in 
 the manufacture of joiners' tools at South Amherst. The firm was dis- 
 solved, March 16, 1829, and the business was continued by Samuel and 
 1 [ervey 1 1 ills, who manufactured joiners' tools of the latest and most approved 
 patterns; they advertised to make any kind of tools according to drafts 
 that might be furnished, also to supply wholesale purchasers on the most 
 liberal terms. 
 
ROPER RIFLE COMPANY. 295 
 
 For several years George Burnham conducted a factory at East 
 Amherst where planes were manufactured. In 1857, Ebenezer Nutting 
 and E. Porter Nutting manufactured planes and other tools at a factory in 
 South Amherst. The following statistics serve to show the rise and decline 
 of this industry: In 1837, the value of planes manufactured was $8,000, 
 the number of employes 10, the amount of capital invested $3,000. In 
 1845, the value of tools manufactured was $14,975, the number of employes 
 22. In 1855, the value of tools manufactured was $18,000, the number of 
 employes 20. In 1865, the value of the product had declined to $3,000, 
 the number of employes to 3. Porter Dickinson built a shop at East 
 Amherst about 1835, where for many years he manufactured hammers, 
 forks and edged tools. On his death in 1S79, n ' s son E. P. Dickinson, 
 succeeded him, but has given his attention mainly to general job work. 
 
 The " Roper Repeating Rifles" were first manufactured in 1866. A 
 company was formed to conduct their manufacture and sale, in which 
 Amherst capital was largely interested. 
 
 The Hampshire Express, under date of April 19, 1866, published the 
 following sketch of this enterprise : 
 
 ■• A new enterprise has recently been commenced in Amherst, and a corpora- 
 tion formed. The parties concerned are Mr. S. II. Roper of Roxbury, the inventor 
 of the rifle proposed to be manufactured and of numerous other valuable machines, 
 Mr. Spencer, the inventor of the Spencer repeating- rifle, which has proved so 
 effectual in the late war. and Messrs. H. D. Fearing and L. M. & H. F. Hills. 
 The capital stock is Si 00.000. The company will commence operations in the red 
 building connected with Messrs. Hills Palmleaf works, which building they are 
 now converting into a machine shop. The machinery introduced is of the very 
 best and latest patterns, and will be sufficient to manufacture every part of the rifle 
 but the barrel. These can be manufactured abroad easier than here. The rifle is 
 the invention of Mr. Roper and has just been patented. So unlike any other fire- 
 arm is it, that no difficulty attended the procuring of the patent. It is a novelty, 
 and at the same time one of the neatest sporting pieces we have ever seen. The 
 rifle which we were shown weighs but 4^ lbs., carries a common pistol cartridge 
 No. 30, and will do execution at 20 rods. It is hreach-loading and contains eight 
 cartridges. The action of cocking brings the cartridge into its right position and 
 discharges the empty shell. The eight cartridges can be discharged in less than a 
 minute. The inventor claims that he can attain a larger range with this gun than 
 with any now manufactured. They will also manufacture a shot-gun on the same 
 principle. This will be supplied with a quantity of steel shells for cartridges which 
 can be loaded with common ammunition and capped with common percussion caps. 
 Thus a sportsman can charge 50 or 100 cartridges at home, and with any ammuni- 
 tion he chooses, and all he has to do in the field will be to load the revolving breech, 
 and remove the empty shells. The company will employ at the outset about 30 
 first-class mechanics, and increase their force as the market for their guns shall 
 demand. They have purchased a lot of land on the east side of the railroad tracks, 
 and will soon erect houses for the accommodation of the workmen. We welcome 
 this new enterprise to Amherst, believing that it is but a pioneer of many others 
 that will embrace the advantages offered by this town." 
 
296 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 The company was organized under its charter with the choice of Henry 
 F. Hills as president, H. D. Fearing as treasurer, and these officers, 
 together with L. M. Hills and S. H. Roper as directors. 
 
 In 1868, the company occupied a building situated near the New 
 London Northern railway tracks. The guns first made and put on the 
 market were found to be defective, and an unavailing effort was made to 
 secure their return to the factory. The pattern was afterwards improved 
 and a large number of the guns were made and placed upon the market 
 where they met with a ready sale. A newspaper paragraph, under date of 
 May 21, 1868, states that the company were just completing a second lot 
 of guns, fifty in number, made after the new pattern, and had commenced 
 on a new lot of 100. In addition to orders from all parts of this country, 
 they had recently received an order from China. In July of the same year, 
 announcement was made that the Roper shot-guns were meeting with unpar- 
 alleled success. The demand for the product of the factory was so great 
 that it was necessary to increase the capital stock, employ more hands and 
 manufacture on a larger scale. The company had recently been granted a 
 patent for a " close-shooting attachment " to the muzzle of their shot- 
 gun, enabling one to shoot close or scattering as desired. The prosperity 
 was short-lived, for in November, 1868, announcement was made that the 
 company had sold patents, tools and fixtures to D. W. C. Perry, who with 
 C. M. Spencer, inventor of the Spencer rifle, would carry on the business. 
 The guns were loaded with four charges, which could be discharged in two 
 and one-half seconds. Some of these guns are still in existence in Amherst. 
 An article in the Springfield Republican, printed in December, 1868, states 
 that it was proposed to remove the works to Springfield and form a stock 
 company with a capital of $100,000 to continue the manufacture. The 
 works were in operation in Amherst as late as April, 1869. Later on, they 
 were removed to Hartford, Conn. 
 
 At East Amherst, just across Fort river on the road leading to Pelham, 
 there was, as early as 1837, a shop were cutlery and pistols were manu- 
 factured. April 1, 1836, Henry A. Morrill, Silas Mosman, Jr. and Charles 
 Illair formed a copartnership for the manufacture of cutlery and machinery. 
 From a Georgia man, who was the patentee, the firm secured a contract for 
 manufacturing "bowie-knife pistols." For a description of this unique 
 weapon the writer is indebted to the Boston Courier, which published the 
 following item under date of Aug. 30, 1837 : 
 
 " At Amherst about a mile east of the principal village is a small establish- 
 ment, now in its infancy, which we found was entirely unknown to its near neigh- 
 bors. The principal article which it produces is a weapon, which has yet hardly 
 made its appearance, and which will not, probably, for many years, if ever, be 
 much used in New England. His called the Bowie-Knife Pistol, a combination 
 
KIM I I A< "1 OR\ 
 
 t*>>ssa— if 
 
 AN OLD WOOD-CUT OF COMMON. 
 
MANUFACTURE OF WIRE. 297 
 
 of these two articles, the knife being fixed by means of a spring to the lower side 
 of the pistol barrel. These instruments are intended for the hunter, and the man- 
 ufacturer has a contract for one thousand for a Georgia man who is the patentee. 
 They are made in three sizes." 
 
 The business panic of 1837, and the failure of Knowles & Thayer, 
 who had endorsed the firm's paper, proved a death-blow to the enterprise. 
 An advertisement published in the Hampshire Gazette under date of March 
 8, 1837, is of interest in this connection. It reads as follows : 
 
 " Wanted — Six or eight filers, who can do first-rate work, and who feel smart 
 enough to do a day's work in ten hours, without raising higher pressure of steam 
 than cold water will make, and can leave their long yarns until their day's work is 
 done. Such will find good encouragement by applying immediately to 
 
 Morrill, Mosmax & Blair." 
 
 The partnership was dissolved in July, 1838, the business being car- 
 ried on by Silas Mosman and Charles Blair until February, 1839, when the 
 water-power, machinery and patents were disposed of at assignee's sale. 
 Statistics for 1837 show the value of bowie-knives and pistols manufactured 
 to have been $2,000, the number of employes four and the capital invested 
 $1,500. 
 
 The manufacture of wire hoop-skirts was at one time a flourishing 
 industry in Amherst. It was established in 1863, by Charles D. Clapp ? 
 who employed from three to four hands. The work was carried on in a 
 shop located west of the meeting-house, where L. M. Hills had developed 
 his palm-leaf business. In 1865, H. J. Bardwell and E. H. Haskell, the 
 latter coming from Gloucester, were taken into partnership in the business, 
 a patent on a " collapsing skirt " was secured, and the number of employes 
 was increased to about 30. The firm was known as the " Odessa Skirt 
 company;" they manufactured the "Odessa patent collapsing skirt," 
 described in an advertisement as "the greatest invention of the age." It 
 could be altered in an instant from the " Empress trail " or "tilting" skirt 
 to a " Paris trail " or " Parlor invisible " skirt. The shape was "the most 
 beautiful in the market;" it could "never move of its own accord," but 
 would "always stay in the position placed by the pleasure of the wearer." 
 In 1867, S. H. Emanuel of Gloucester bought an interest in the business, 
 and its rapid development calling for increased accommodations, it was 
 thought best to remove the works to Gloucester. 
 
 B. F. Allen & Co. began the manufacture of wire goods in Amherst in 
 1855, in the building now occupied by E. P. Dickinson. They sold out 
 the business in 1856 to Allen Bros., and in i860 it was bought by L. H. 
 Allen who has since conducted it. The goods manufactured consist of 
 wire cloth, screens, corn-poppers and wire goods of all kinds. The busi- 
 ness in its best days, before these goods were made by machinery, employed 
 
298 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 about ten hands. The product was formerly sold throughout New England 
 and the West, but in later years the market has been confined to New. 
 England. Statistics for 1855 show that 4,000 wire covers, riddles, etc. 
 were manufactured and the number of employes was 13. 
 
 About the year 1834, the firm of Clapp & Rust was formed for the 
 manufacture of cooking-stoves, which were then a great novelty, very few, 
 if any, being in use in Amherst at that time. The castings were made at 
 Trask's foundery in Springfield, and brought to Amherst where the work 
 was completed. The shop stood on the site now occupied by G. E. Thayer's 
 store. The firm employed two or three men beside themselves in the 
 factory and opened a store at the center village for the sale of their wares. 
 In November, 1S35, tne nrm 0I Clapp, Spencer & Co. was organized, con- 
 sisting of Oliver M. Clapp, John H. Spencer and Timothy Hubbard. In 
 an advertisement published in the Hampshire Gazette in 1835, they invited 
 the attention of the public to an examination of ''anew and highly 
 improved cooking-stove which they are now manufacturing at their shop in 
 Amherst." They continued in business until about 1837, when the "mulberry 
 craze," in which ( ). M. Clapp was early interested, and the failure of 
 Knowles & Thayer and Morrill, Mosman & Blair, whose paper Clapp & 
 Rust had endorsed, put an end to the manufacture of stoves in Amherst. 
 One of the stoves, bearing the name of Clapp & Rust, was in use in the 
 family of Joseph Dickinson until about 1885. Statistics for 1837 give the 
 value of stoves manufactured as $2,500, the capital invested $800. the 
 number of employes ten. Statistics for 1S37 also show that 70 plows and 
 300 axes were manufactured in Amherst. Berioni Rust was for some time 
 engaged in the manufacture of steel springs in a shop located near the 
 New London Northern railroad. Statistics for 1845 give the value of steel 
 springs manufactured as S 1,600. 
 
 Lyman Knowles began the manufacture of carriages in a shop front- 
 ing on "the Green " at South Amherst about 1827. In 1S30, he removed 
 to hast Amherst, where in partnership with Asahel Thayer he carried on a 
 large business in the manufacture of fine carriages under the firm name of 
 Knowles <N: Thayer. For several years this was one of the largest and best- 
 known concerns engaged in carriage manufacturing in Massachusetts. 
 Their product was of superior workmanship, commanding a ready sale at 
 good prices. Their factories were located on the road leading to 
 Pelham, including shops for wood-working, iron-working, upholstering 
 and painting. From 100 to 150 hands were employed in the various 
 departments. Asahel Thayer was a deacon in the Second Congrega- 
 tional church, endowed with all the shrewdness and sagacity in bargain- 
 ing proverbial in Yankee deacons. A story is told of him, in the time 
 
CARRIAGE MAKING. 299- 
 
 when the carriage-making industry was in its infancy and the members of 
 the firm were their own traveling salesmen. Dea. Thayer had a carriage built 
 which he intended to sell to the president of a bank in Greenfield. 
 Especial pains was taken in its manufacture, the best of materials being 
 employed. The night succeeding the day when the last coat of varnish 
 was applied was bitter cold and the varnish cracked badly. Another coat 
 was applied but this served only to bring out the markings in bolder relief. 
 The deacon started for Greenfield with three carriages, including the one 
 of special make. Having disposed of two carriages, he called on the bank 
 president and told him that he had a chaise of superior quality for sale, 
 adding, " It has a peculiar finish known as the turtle shell, and there is 
 only one man in the United States who can do that kind of work." The 
 president inquired the price, and was told that he could have chaise and 
 harness for $275. After a little bargaining a sale was effected at $250. 
 There is no record to show if other carriages were adorned with the 
 " turtle-shell " finish. The panic of 1837 caused the firm of Knowles & 
 Thayer to suspend. The business was sold to Loren Blanchard who con- 
 tinued it, on a smaller scale, some little time. 
 
 A petition dated at Amherst. Jan. 22, 1838, was addressed to the Gen- 
 eral Court. It stated that the subscribers, having associated themselves 
 together for carrying on the business of manufacturing carriages and 
 harness at Amherst, were satisfied that the business could be conducted 
 more advantageously to all concerned by a corporation, and therefore 
 prayed that they might be incorporated under the name of the Amherst 
 Carriage company, with the right to hold real estate to the amount of 
 $10,000 and personal estate to the amount of S20.000. The first name 
 signed to the petition was that of Robert C. Kid ; other names of well- 
 known men were those of Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., Leonard M. Hills and 
 Oliver Watson. The petition was accompanied by a memorial signed by 
 50 persons, nearly all resident in Amherst, requesting that it be granted. 
 No less than three remonstrances were filed against the petition. The first 
 was signed by 23 persons, who protested against incorporating any business 
 already safe and flourishing in the hands of individuals ; the second signed 
 by 47 names of persons resident in Cambridge and engaged in carriage- 
 making and allied trades ; the third signed by 47 journeymen, also engaged, 
 in the business of carriage manufacture. Despite these remonstrances, 
 the committee on manufactures reported a bill favorable to the petitioners, 
 but it failed to be enacted. Statistics for 1837 show that during the pre- 
 ceding year carriages were manufactured to the value of $100,000, capital 
 was invested amounting to $30,000 and the number of employes was 100. 
 When the carriage business was given up the factory buildings were dis- 
 
.30° HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 connected and parts are yet standing, in use as dwelling-houses. A. W. 
 Hall has carried on a small but prosperous business in the manufacture of 
 
 ■carriages, express and farm wagons, sleighs, etc., in a factory at North 
 Amherst} since 1879. He employs from three to six hands. 
 
 The manufacture of children's carriages and sleds has for many 
 years been a prominent feature of Amherst's industries. Thousands of 
 
 • dollars have been invested in it and hundreds of persons have found in it 
 the means of securing a livelihood. The fast Amherst man to engage in 
 this line of manufacture was Eli Dickinson, whose factory was located a 
 little north of the site of C. E. Hayward's present factory at South Amherst. 
 Mr. Dickinson had previously been engaged in the manufacture of faucets, 
 but had no water-power connected with his shop. Benjamin Allen and C. 
 E. Hayward began the business in 1845, and about a year afterward Mr. 
 Hayward's brother, C. F. Hayward, went in partnership with him. For 
 five years they manufactured children's carriages exclusively, and then 
 engaged in the making of sleds. The business was very successful until 
 "hard times" came in 1857-58. In 1864, C. F. Hayward conducted two 
 factories at South Amherst. During the year he disposed of his interest 
 in one- to his nephew, C. E. Hayward, who has conducted it since that 
 time. In its busiest clays from ten to fifteen men were employed the 
 product of the factory being about 10,000 wagons a year. Children's 
 
 •carts and wheelbarrows have also been made at this factory. The material 
 used in the business is bought in Amherst and vicinity, and the product 
 is sold to jobbing houses in New York. The present output of the factory 
 is about 5,000 sleds and 3,000 to 4,000 wagons each year. C. F. Hayward 
 
 -continued in business until his death in 1879, wnen the stock was bought 
 by C. E. Hayward and A. J. Robinson, who carried on the business in 
 partnership for almost a year. At the end of that time Mr. Robinson 
 bought out the business and continued it until 1888. The average annual 
 output of the factory was valued at $10,000, the average number of hands 
 employed was ten, the amount of lumber used per year was 30,000 feet, 
 the amount of capital invested $6,000. C. L. & S. H. Goodale engaged in 
 
 'the same line of business in 1865, and continued in it about ten years; 
 they occupied a shop a little south of Mr. Hayward's. In 1869, their 
 
 .annual output was about 5,000 children's sleighs, 1,000 tip-carts, 700 
 wagons and 500 wheelbarrows. They employed from three to five hands. 
 At Mill Valley, David Dexter, in 1869, was engaged in the manufacture of 
 children's sleighs and saw-horses. He employed from one to three hands 
 
 ;and the annual output was 500 sleighs and twenty dozen saw-horses. 
 
 Statistics for 1837 snow the value of children's wagons manufactured 
 
 ..to have been $1,500, the number of employes ten. In 1845, the number 
 
GEORGE BURNHAM. 301 
 
 of wagons made was 7,000, valued at $8,500, the value of velocipedes, 
 made, $1,200. In 1S55, the number of wagons and sleds manufactured 
 was 74,900, valued at $14,985, the amount of capital engaged, $2,800, the 
 number of employes, 18. In 1865, there were three establishments in 
 town devoted to the manufacture of this line of goods ; the number of 
 children's carriages and sleds made was 17,750, valued at $18,000, the 
 capital invested, $2,000; the number of employes, 12. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI 
 
 Miscellaneous Manufactures. — " Burnham's Mills." — Wood-work- 
 ing Establishments. — Faucets. — Tanneries. — Brick-making.. 
 — American Button Company. — Bonnet-making. — Lesser 
 Industries. 
 
 Many branches of wood-working industry have been conducted in 
 Amherst. Among the most important were the various enterprises carried on. 
 at "Burnham's Mills" at East Amherst. In view of Mr. Burnham's promi- 
 nence as a manufacturer in Amherst, a brief sketch of his career is here 
 presented. George Burnham, Jr. was born in East Hartford. Conn., Jan. 
 28, 1S17. He received a common school education and served an appren- 
 ticeship at bench plane making in New Hartford, Conn. Completing his 
 apprenticeship, he removed to Amherst, April 10, 1841, taking a position 
 as journeyman plane maker with Luther Fox then carrying on a bench 
 plane business near the river in the eastern part of the town. In the 
 course of a year, a company was formed of Hiram Fox, Benoni Thayer, 
 Aaron Ferry and George Burnham, they buying the business from Luther 
 Fox and carrying it on for about two years. The business was then bought 
 and continued by George Burnham for a number of years, being finally 
 sold to a company in Middletown, Conn, to which place it was removed. 
 Mr. Burnham then equipped his shop with presses for pressing straw hats, 
 and for sometime did a general pressing business, pressing hats for L. M. 
 Hills and others through the Connecticut Valley. Later a partnership 
 was formed with Stephen W. Gilbert for the manufacture of axe and other 
 handles, this partnership terminating with the new year, Mr. Burnham 
 continuing the business alone. In 1S55, axe -handles were manufactured 
 to the value of $30,000; the capital invested was $12,000, the number of 
 employes ten. July 22, 1858, one of the buildings being struck by light- 
 
302 HISTORY OS' THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 ning during a hard shower, the entire plant was destroyed by fire. Mr. 
 Burnham immediately rebuilt and continued the handle business. Later a 
 run of stone for grinding corn was added and he did a general milling 
 business. Still later a steam plant and saw-mill were added to the business. 
 In the fall of 1868, he formed a parthership with E. B. Fitts for manufac- 
 turing pumps, which business was carried on for some time, the whole works 
 being disposed of to Mr. Fitts. They manufactured an " anti-freezing 
 glass cylinder pump," owning a patent on a new process for boring logs. 
 In the spring of 187 1, Mr. Burnham removed to Worcester and was engaged 
 in various kinds of business in that city. He died in Worcester July 
 n, 1893. 
 
 In 1863, Asahel Dwight and William Dickinson conducted a factory 
 at South Amherst on the site now occupied by Merrick's saw mill and 
 cider-mill. They manufactured wooden pumps, shingles and broom- 
 handles. In 1870, the business was removed to Mill Valley, where it was 
 conducted by Asahel Dwight and his brother Nathaniel until 1878. Many 
 of the pumps they manufactured were sold in Hadley, and a few in Con- 
 necticut. Asahel Dwight has continued the manufacture of pumps up to 
 the present time, his shop being located at Mill Valley. 
 
 Sometime in the '60s, Charles H. Bangs and George E. Howes formed 
 a partnership for the manufacture of doors, sashes, blinds and tobacco- 
 boxes. The business was conducted in a building which stood on the site 
 now occupied by A. W. Hall's carriage-shop, which they bought of Elijah 
 Gibbs. In 1S69, Charles H. Bangs sold out his interest to Dwight Graves, 
 and the firm of Dwight Graves & Co. was organized, consisting of Dwight 
 Graves, B. F. Kellogg and George E. Howes. In 1876, Mr. Howes dis- 
 posed of his interest to ().( '. Bangs. When Cushman's paper mill was 
 burned at " factory Hollow," Dwight Graves & Co. bought the water priv- 
 ilege and built a new mill in 1880, which they now occupy, doing sawing, 
 planing and matching of lumber, and also manufacturing door and win- 
 dow-screens. 
 
 In 1866, S. E. Harrington came to Amherst and bought of Messrs. 
 Church and White a mill which had been built some two or three years 
 before by Edward Graves, who had used it for dressing lumber. Mr. Har- 
 rington bought from Greenfield machinery for the manufacture of seed- 
 sowers and cultivators, making this line of work a specialty for several 
 years, but at the same time carrying on a general business in wood-working. 
 In 1881, his son. F. W. Harrington, became associated with him under the 
 firm name of S. E. Harrington & Son. The business as carried on at 
 present embraces the dressing of lumber, and the manufacture of mould- 
 ings, brackets, window-frames, blinds, screens, etc. Most of the product 
 of the mill is used by Amherst builders. 
 
TANNERIES. 303 
 
 In 1872, Levi E. Dickinson bought from Jonathan Cowls a saw-mill 
 at North Amherst where he engaged in a general line of job work. The 
 following year he engaged in box-making. In 1879, ne removed to the 
 center village, and built the factory he has since occupied, below the tracks 
 of the New London Northern railway. In 1882, he began the manufac- 
 ture of boys' tool-chests, which has since become an important feature of 
 his business. The factory is equipped with machinery of the latest pattern, 
 but little work being done by hand. Mr. Dickinson works up about one 
 million feet of lumber annually, nearly all pine and of native growth. 
 About 40,000 boys' tool-chests are made each year, being sold to jobbers 
 in New York. Several hundred carpenters' and machinists' chests also 
 form a part of the annual product, and a good business is done in the 
 manufacture of creamery butter-boxes from whitewood. The average 
 number of hands employed is fifteen. 
 
 Early in the present century. Eli Dickinson began the manufacture of 
 wooden faucets in a little shop at South Amherst on the site of the house 
 now occupied by his grandson. Edwin K. Dickinson. His friend, ""Squire" 
 Rood, drove an old horse hitched to a lumber wagon about the town, 
 gathering up old boots and shoes to be used by Dickinson in the manu- 
 facture of his faucets. He made them by a process on which he had 
 secured a patent. His factory contained a turning lathe and a few other 
 rude tools. His lathe was turned by horse-power. He had several boys, 
 who assisted their father at his work when not in school. I lis principal 
 market was Baltimore, where he went once a year to dispose of his wares. 
 It took him from two to three weeks to make the trip. He moved his busi- 
 ness to Plainville but remained there only a short time. Later on, two 
 brothers, Luther and Dexter Fox, engaged in the same line of business, 
 making competition so sharp that Dickinson gave up work and sold his 
 shop in 1 S3 5 to James Kellogg. 
 
 In 1865, a man named Gardner manufactured Inciter matches in a 
 shop at East Amherst that had been built by Oliver Clapp. These matches 
 had not long been in use and were commonly known as " Loco Foco " 
 matches. The business was small, and was continued only for a short 
 time. 
 
 David Watson came from Spencer to Amherst in the early part of the 
 present century and started a tannery near the house now occupied by 
 Oscar F. Morse, where he continued in business until his death in 1815. 
 In 1 82 7, his son Oliver, having served an apprenticeship to the trade in 
 Hadley, started in the tanners' business on the same site where his father 
 had located. Meeting with good success he continued the business until 
 about 1832, when he sold out to William B. Caswell who carried it on for 
 
304 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 a number of years. For several years before and after 1827, Enoch Whit- 
 ing conducted a tannery near the premises now occupied by John M. 
 Hyde; it was from the location of this tannery that the name "Tan 
 Brook " was derived. Statistics for 1837 show there was one tannery in 
 operation in Amherst ; the number of hides tanned was 1,200, the value 
 of leather $2,500, the capital invested $1,000, the number of hands 
 employed two. In 1845, there was one tannery; the number of hides 
 tanned was 650, the value of leather tanned and curried $1,600, capital 
 invested $1,500, number of employes two. 
 
 When Oliver Watson sold out his tannery in 1832, he engaged in the 
 manufacture of boots and shoes at East Amherst. In this he was very 
 successful, soon acquiring a handsome competence. The boots and shoes 
 he manufactured were honest goods, commanding a ready sale wherever 
 introduced. Statistics for 1837 show that during the preceding year 1,150 
 pairs of boots and 3,000 pairs of shoes were manufactured, valued at 
 $8,550; the number of males employed was 11, of females three. In 
 1845, the factory turned out 918 pairs of boots and 2,833 pairs of shoes, 
 valued at $5,870 : the number of males employed was 18, of females 
 four. In 1855, there were manufactured 3,650 pairs of boots and 2,700 
 pairs of shoes, valued at $13,500 ; the number of employes was 29. In 
 1865, 1,400 pairs of boots and 250 pairs of shoes were manufactured, 
 valued at $11,000; the capital invested was $10,000, the number of 
 employes 12. 
 
 Roswell D. Howard began the manufacture of brick at Hadley in 
 1820. In 1S36, he removed to Amherst and started a brick-yard in the 
 east part of the town in what is known as Kelloggville. He continued in 
 business until his death in 1889. In 1869, the product of his yard was 
 upwards of 700,000 brick, that sold from seven to ten dollars a thousand. 
 In 1830, Hervey Gilbert advertised for sale a good brick yard about one 
 and one-half miles south of Amherst College. In 1887, C. L. Alexander 
 & Co. leased land of W. F. Williams at South Amherst and engaged in 
 the manufacture of brick, on a large scale. They became insolvent in 
 1892, and the property passed into the hands of Marcy & Gardner who 
 have since conducted the business. The average number of brick made 
 at the yard in the course of a year is from three to four million, the average 
 number of employes is from 35 to 40. Most of the product is sold in 
 Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Statistics for 1845 show 
 the number of brick manufactured in Amherst the preceding year to have 
 been 85,000, valued at $225 ; the number of employes was two. In 1855, 
 250,000 brick were made valued at $1,125 > tne number of employes was 
 ten. 
 
AMERICAN BUTTON COMPANY. 305 
 
 In the early '60s, the American Button company was organized, com- 
 posed mainly of Amherst men. for the manufacture of a patent 
 button. The following paragraph, quoted from the Hampshire Express 
 under date of May 3, 1866, gives a good idea of the beginning and 
 nature of the enterprise : 
 
 ■• A new enterprise has been developed by the business men in this vicinity 
 within the past few days. Mr. I. F. Palmer of Springfield has invented a patent 
 button which is attached to any kind of clothing without sewing. The shank and 
 cap of the button are made separate. The cloth is pierced with a bodkin and the 
 shank, which has a cap upon the under side, inserted. The button then fits on to 
 the shank and is fastened in its place with a spring, and can only be removed by 
 cutting the cloth. This patent was assigned by Mr. Palmer to Rev. George Cooke r 
 J. S. & C. Adams, and W. H. Keith, president of the Waltham Watch Co. They 
 have organized a joint stock company, with a capital stock of £100.000, to promote 
 the manufacture. All of the stock was taken in a week's time, and a large portion 
 of it in this vicinity. Parties are now offering 10 per cent premium for it. Although 
 the company is not yet organized, yet the proprietors of the patent have machinery 
 already manufacturing, and have made contracts for the manufacture of the button 
 until they shall have established a factory of their own. The location of the fac- 
 tory is not yet decided upon. The button has been patented in England, France 
 and Belgium." 
 
 The factory was situated a little south of the Xew London Northern 
 railway depot. A notice of the annual meeting held in Boston 
 in May, 1S68, gives the following list of officers : President, Henry F. 
 Hills ; clerk and treasurer, E. A. Kingsley ; directors, J. S. Adams and W. 
 M. Cutler of Amherst. Charles Roberts of Boston, Hon. Edward Southworth 
 of Springfield, L. N. Granger of North Hadley ; general agent, Edward 
 Kingsley. The company met with little success in its enterprise, and a 
 notice in the Amherst Record under date of Nov. 19, 1S68, announced that 
 the Button company had disposed of half its machinery, tools and fixtures 
 at private sale, but had not disposed of its patents. 
 
 David Mack engaged in the business of manufacturing ladies' hats 
 sometime between the years 1835 and 1S40. The business was carried on 
 in a block built by him on the site now occupied by Cook's block. His 
 son Samuel E. was associated in business with him. They employed about 
 100 hands, on an average, sometimes, in the busy season, as many as 140. 
 These employes were nearly all girls and women, only about ten men being 
 engaged in the business. They used foreign straw, bought in New York, 
 and carried on the complete business of hat manufacture. The goods were 
 sold in New York, Philadelphia and New Orleans. The business was sold 
 out in 1848 to Joseph Payson of Easthampton, who conducted it until 1852 
 or '53, when it was given up. David Mack died in Amherst in 1854. 
 Samuel E. Mack removed in 1848 to St. Louis, Mo., where he died in 1866. 
 
306 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 For many years O. M. Clapp was engaged in the manufacture of 
 bonnets and artificial flowers. Concerning this industry, his daughter, 
 Mrs. A. M. Bardwell, now a resident of California, writes as follows: 
 
 " It was about 1840, I think, that father began, in the front room of the house 
 in ,n occupied bv the family of Noah Dickinson, the manufacture of straw bonnets, 
 the material being largely furnished by the busy lingers of Pelham's industrious 
 daughters. Some six or eight girls were employed in the sewing-room at that 
 time, but as the goods found favor with New York parties, imported braids were 
 used and the number of employes in the shop was increased to about 25. The 
 business having been removed to the house north of the store, general millinery 
 was added, and the demand for artificial flowers caused father to engage in their 
 manufacture. In 1844, I was sent to New York to learn the business, and that 
 department was given into my charge. The greatest number employed at any one 
 time, 1 think, was ten. It was continued three or four years, many of the flowers 
 going to wholesale houses in Boston. The importation of French flowers increas- 
 ing rapidly, rendered the business less profitable and it was abandoned. The large 
 importation of foreign braids, and the introduction of machinery in their manufac- 
 ture, rendered the making of straw goods also unprofitable, and about 1S48 he 
 gave it up, but enlarged the millinery department so as to retain most of his old 
 employes. The millinery business was continued until about 1S56." 
 
 About 1850, O. M. Clapp bought out the marble works which had 
 been established by Chandler Sabin. He manufactured monuments, head- 
 stones and all kinds of marble work, employing three or four men most of 
 the time. He continued in the business until his death in 1887. On his 
 death the business was purchased by Samuel P. Clutia, who has since con- 
 ducted it, removing the works to the center village in 1890. 
 
 As early as 1854, Ira C. Haskins began the manufacture of gold pens 
 in Amherst. For several' years his brother, J. C. Haskins. was associated 
 with him in the business under the firm name of Haskins Bros. Gold 
 pens were manufactured in nearly fifty different patterns. In 1867, by 
 special act of the General Court, the Haskins Gold Pen manufacturing- 
 company was incorporated, for the manufacture of pencils and gold pens in 
 Shutesbury and Amherst. The capital stock was not to exceed $100,000. 
 The company was never organized under the charter. 
 
 In [839, the General Court passed an act to incorporate the Amherst 
 Silk association. The persons whose names were given in the charter were 
 Nelson Rust, Oliver M. Clapp and Matthew Porter. The business of the 
 association was to manufacture silk in the town of Amherst, and the capital 
 stock was not to exceed $20,000. So far as can be learned, there was 
 never any organization under the charter. 
 
 For several years William Cutler conducted a lampblack factory on 
 the site now occupied by The Hills Co's factory. At different times many 
 persons have engaged in the manufacture of brooms and brushes in 
 Amherst. Since 1880, A. H. Brown has conducted a broom and brush 
 
RAILWAYS IX MASSACHUSETTS. 307 
 
 factory at North Amherst, employing from three to five hands, the annual 
 product being about 4,000 brooms. Shoe-heels were manufactured for a 
 time by C. O. Parmenter and S. W. Gilbert. C. R. Stickney manufactured 
 in 1869 a patent pocket light, consisting of a small match-box and candle- 
 stick combined, the whole not larger than an ordinary match-box. Edward 
 P. Cushman was for a time engaged in the manufacture of cigars. ( >f 
 saw-mills and grist-mills and cider-mills the town has had its quota, but it 
 is a practical impossibility to trace their ownership from generation to 
 generation. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 The First Railway i\ Massachusetts. — Connecticut River Road. — 
 Hampshire and Franklin Railway Company. — Mount Hol- 
 yoke Railway Company. — Amherst Branch Railroad. — The 
 Amherst and Belchertown Railway Company. — New Lon- 
 don Northern Road. — Massachusetts Central Railway 
 Company. 
 
 The efforts made by Amherst's citizens to secure railway communica- 
 tion with the outer world furnish material for an interesting chapter in 
 local history. These efforts began at an early period in the history of 
 railway construction in New England, and were continued until crowned 
 with success, witnessed to-day by the two railway lines that pass through 
 the town, the one accommodating travel to the north and south, the other to 
 the east and west. The story of their construction is one of persistent 
 labor, liberal expenditure and patient waiting; labor that engaged the time 
 and talents of the most prominent citizens of the town, expenditure that 
 added largely to the town's indebtedness and burden of taxation, waiting 
 which taxed patience and public spirit to the utmost. The first railway 
 project designed to benefit the citizens of Western Massachusetts originated 
 in 1S27, when a board of commissioners was appointed to survey one or 
 more routes for a railway between Boston and Albany. The board 
 examined two routes, one crossing the Connecticut river at Northampton, 
 the other at Springfield. In making their estimates, they figured on the use 
 of horses for motive power, the development of steam power being as yet 
 in its infancy. As a result of these surveys, the Boston & Worcester rail- 
 
308 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 road company was incorporated; later on, in 1833, the " Western Railroad 
 Corporation " was chartered, for the purpose of constructing a road from 
 Worcester, the terminus of theBoston& Worcester railroad, to the New York 
 state line, with a capital stock limited to $2,000,000. The corporation 
 was organized in January, 1836, the work of construction began in 1837, 
 ami ( )ct. 1, 1S39. the road was opened to travel from Worcester to Spring- 
 field. The western extension of the road to Albany was not open for 
 travel until September, 1842. 
 
 The completion of the Western railroad was a signal for the inaugu- 
 ration of new enterprises in railway building in Western Massachusetts. 
 In March, 1842, John Clarke, Samuel L. Hinckley, Stephen Brewer, 
 Jonathan H. Butler, Winthrop Hillyer and their associaties were granted a 
 charter as the " Northampton and Springfield Railroad Corporation," for 
 the purpose of building a road "commencing within one mile of the Court 
 House (Northampton), crossing Connecticut river near Mt. Holyoke, and 
 passing down the valley of said river on East side thereof, through a 
 portion of Hadley, South Hadley and Springfield, to meet the track of the 
 Hartford and Springfield corporation at Cabotville, or diverging from 
 said line, at or near Stony Brook in South Hadley, and passing over the 
 plain, and crossing the Chicopee river near the Falls, uniting with the 
 Western Railroad, easterly of the depot in Springfield." The capital stock 
 was limited by the original act of incorporation to £400,000, but by special 
 act of the General Court, passed in 1S44, was increased to $500,000. In 
 January, 1845, Henry W. Clapp, Ralph Williams, Henry W. Cushman and 
 their associates were incorporated as the " Greenfield and Northampton 
 Railroad Company," and were authorized to build a railroad from North- 
 ampton to Greenfield. By the act of incorporation, the Greenfield and 
 Northampton and Northampton and Springfield companies were authorized 
 to unite under the name of the Connecticut River railroad company ; this 
 union was brought about in July, 1845. March 21, 1845, a special act was 
 passed authorizing the Northampton and Springfield company to change 
 its route to the present location on the west side of the Connecticut, cross- 
 ing the river at Willimansett. In April, 1846, an act was passed authoriz- 
 ing the Connecticut River railroad company to extend their tracks north- 
 ward to the Vermont state line. 
 
 The inhabitants of towns on the east side of the Connecticut, having 
 every reason to believe that the tracks of the Northampton and Springfield 
 road were to be laid on their side of the river from Springfield to Mt. 
 Holyoke, took prompt measures to secure an extension of tin- road to the 
 north through Hampshire and Franklin count}- towns. With that end in 
 view, a railroad convention was held at Sweetser's hall in Amherst, Dec. 
 17, 1844. Martin Grout of Montague was chosen president of the con- 
 
RAILROAD CONVENTION AT AMHERST. 309 
 
 vention and Horace Lyman of Sunderland and Newton Fitch of Amherst 
 secretaries. Resolutions were passed to the following effect : That the 
 prospect of the early completion of the Vermont and Massachusetts rail- 
 road as far west as Grout's in Montague, and the increasing business upon 
 the route through the valley of the Connecticut river, justified and required 
 that immediate efforts be made to secure a charter for a road to connect 
 the Northampton and Springfield road at Hockanum with the Vermont and 
 Massachusetts road at or near Grout's ; that the construction of a road 
 over the proposed route would complete a great circle of railway commu- 
 nication between New York and New England, and furnish a more direct 
 communication between this part of the Connecticut valley and Boston ; 
 that the survey made by an experienced engineer on the contemplated 
 route showed it as feasible as any that had been examined and that the 
 road could be constructed as cheaply as any in New England ; that a com- 
 mittee be appointed to take all necessary measures to obtain a charter 
 from the next Legislature. A committee of six was appointed. Amherst 
 being represented by Dr. Timothy J. Gridley. The Hampshire and Frank- 
 lin railroad company was incorporated by an act of the General Court 
 passed Feb. i, 1845. The names of the incorporators were Timothy J. 
 Gridley, Luke Sweetser, Parsons West, and others. They were empowered 
 to locate, construct and fullv complete a railroad with one or more tracks 
 from some convenient point in the village of Hockanum in the town of 
 Hadley, passing through the towns of Amherst, Hadley and Sunderland, to 
 some convenient point on the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad, in 
 either of the towns of Montague or Frving. The capital stock was not to 
 exceed $600,000. The location of the road was to be filed with the county 
 commissioners in two years and the road to be completed in four years. 
 The road might unite with the Vermont and Massachusetts road at either 
 Montague or Erving, and with the Northampton and Springfield road at 
 Hockanum, should the latter road be constructed to that village. The 
 Vermont and Massachusetts railroad company was incorporated in 1844, 
 and authorized to build a railroad from Fitchburg to Vernon, Vt. 
 
 When the incorporators of the Hampshire and Franklin railway com- 
 pany learned that it was proposed to alter the route of the Northampton 
 and Springfield road, and lay its tracks on the west side of the river, great 
 indignation was aroused. The action was considered a breach of faith on 
 the part of its projectors and of the General Court. It was realized that 
 the Hampshire and Franklin railroad, if constructed, must have a southern 
 connection, and if this could not be secured at Hockanum, with the North- 
 ampton and Springfield road, then an independent line must be built. 
 With this end in view the incorporators of the Hampshire and Franklin 
 road secured from the General Court in March, 1846, a charter for the 
 
310 HISTORY OF ["HE I'oWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Mount Holyoke railroad company. The names mentioned in the act of 
 incorporation are John S. Adams, Luke Sweetser and Samuel Nash. They 
 were authorized to locate, construct and complete a railroad from the 
 southern terminus of the Hampshire and Franklin railroad, in the village 
 of Hockanum in the town of Hadley, passing through a part of Hadley, 
 South Hadley and Springfield to some convenient point on the Connecticut 
 River railroad at or near Willimansett in Springfield. The capital stock 
 was to be not more than $200,000 in shares of $100 each. The location 
 of the road was to be filed in one year and the road completed in three 
 years. It might unite with and take the name of the Hampshire and 
 Franklin railroad. 
 
 A meeting of friends of the Hampshire and Franklin railroad was 
 held at Sweetser's hall in Amherst, May 5, 1846. It was called to order 
 by Hon. Edward Dickinson. Permanent officers were chosen as follows : 
 President, James White of Northfield ; vice-presidents, Hon. Zebina Field 
 of Leverett, Gen. Parsons West of Hadley; secretaries, E. G. Bowdoinof 
 South Hadley, Newton Fitch of Amherst. A committee was appointed to 
 report business to the meeting. The incorporating acts of the Hampshire 
 and Franklin and Mount Holyoke railway companies were read, also the 
 acts authorizing the extension of the Connecticut River railroad, and an 
 act in addition to an act incorporating the Vermont and Massachusetts 
 railroad. The committee reported a preamble and resolutions, in substance 
 as follows : 
 
 Whereas, the Legislature in 1842 granted a charter to the Northampton 
 and Springfield railroad company to build a railroad on the east side of 
 the Connecticut river from Cabotville to Hockanum, thence crossing the 
 river to Northampton, and 
 
 Whereas, the Legislature of 1S44 extended the charter two years, and 
 
 Whereas, the people living on the east side of the river in 1844 made 
 application to the Legislature, procured the necessary surveys and took all 
 preliminary measures required by law for obtaining a charter to extend 
 the road up the east side of the river, and obtained a charter for such 
 extension from Hockanum to Grout's at Millers River, and 
 
 Whereas, after a charter was granted for such extension, the Legisla- 
 ture gave leave to the Northampton and Springfield railroad to cross the 
 Connecticut river between Willimansett and West Springfield, and build 
 their road on the west side of the river for eight out of the twelve miles 
 between Cabotville and Northampton, and thus abandon two-thirds of the 
 originally chartered route on the ground of saving in expense of construc- 
 tion, and 
 
 Whereas, the friends of the originally chartered route have felt obliged 
 
SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS OPENED. 31 1 
 
 to apply to the Legislature for leave to build a railroad over the route above 
 named, and have obtained a charter for that purpose, 
 
 Resolved, that a railroad on the east side of the Connecticut river is 
 needed as imperatively now as when the charter of the Northampton and 
 Springfield railroad was granted in 1S42, and as when, in 1844, the time 
 for construction was extended, and that a road on the west side of the 
 river does not afford us reasonable accommodation ; 
 
 Resolved, that the route of the Mount Holyoke and Hampshire and 
 Franklin railroads is feasible, that they can be built at reasonable expense 
 and in our opinion would pay good dividends ; 
 
 Resolved, that the interests of the people on the line of the road, in 
 the valley of the Connecticut river, and the interests of the public gener- 
 ally, require that a railroad should be built from Grout's on Miller's river to 
 Willimansett at the earliest practicable period, and that we will exert our- 
 selves to the utmost of our ability to accomplish this object. 
 
 After brief discussion, these resolutions were adopted by unanimous 
 vote. Professor E. S. Snell addressed the meeting, giving the results of 
 his investigations as to the feasibility of constructing a railroad around the 
 west end of Mt. Holyoke, illustrating his remarks by drawings. He 
 expressed the belief that such a road could be built at reasonable expense. 
 Hon. James White, president of the convention, stated that in his opinion 
 the proposed road between Grout's and Willimansett would prove an 
 important part of the river road and that in many respects its interests 
 were identical with those of the Vermont and Massachusetts road. A com- 
 mittee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for stock in the towns through 
 which the road would pass ; those appointed from Amherst were John 
 Leland, Thomas Jones and Charles Adams. The Express, under date of 
 May 14, 1846, announced that stock subscription books had been opened 
 in Amherst, May 7, and in one week over $72,000 had been subscribed, 
 with the prospect of a considerable increase. Within three weeks, at least 
 one-fourth of the capital stock of $425,000 was subscribed for in the towns 
 of Amherst and South Hadley. June 25, 1846, announcement was made 
 that Amherst citizens had subscribed $90,000 of the amount needed. 
 These subscriptions were made by no less than 200 individuals ; the largest 
 amount subscribed by any one man was $6,000. Hadley citizens had 
 subscribed to the amount of $20,000. All this time a fierce controversy 
 was being waged between the residents of Northampton and those in 
 Amherst over the merits and demerits of the railway lines projected on the 
 east and west sides of the Connecticut. The weight of money, if not of 
 argument, rested with Northampton. The Connecticut River road was 
 opened for travel, from Springfield to Northampton, Dec. 13, 1845 ; the 
 extension to Greenfield was completed in November, 1846. 
 
312 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In October, 1846, the Express announced it was probable that the 
 Hampshire and Franklin and Mt. Holyoke railroads would be united and 
 the line definitely located that fall. Oct. 27, the stockholders of the Hamp- 
 shire and Franklin road met at Sweetser's hall in Amherst and proceeded 
 to organize under their charter. The following persons were chosen as 
 directors of the company : Charles Adams and John Leland of Amherst, 
 Horace Henderson of Sunderland, John S. Ward of Montague and Samuel 
 Powers of Hadley. The directors chose Hon. John Leland president and 
 John S. Adams, Esq. clerk and treasurer. On the same clay, the stock- 
 holders of the Mount Holyoke railroad company met at Smith's hotel in 
 South Hadley, for organization, and chose as directors, William Bowdoin, 
 Alonzo Bardwell, Erastus T. Smith, Moses Montague and Hiram Smith, 
 all of South Hadley. Hon. William Bowdoin was elected president and 
 E. G. Bowdoin, Esq. clerk. Nov. 4, 1846, the two corporations agreed to 
 unite under the name of the Hampshire and Franklin railroad company. 
 The united companies chose as directors Hon. John Leland, Luke 
 Sweetser, Esq. and Charles Adams of Amherst, Hon. William Bowdoin of 
 South Hadley, John A. Morton of Hadley, Horace Henderson of Sunder- 
 land, John S. Ward of Montague, Hon. Otis Everett of Boston, and George 
 W. Warren, Esq. of Charlestown. A party of eight or ten men was set at 
 work, under direction of A. F. Edwards of Fitchburg, civil engineer, to 
 make the preliminary survey and locate the road. 
 
 Early in December, 1846, the surveys of the road had been completed 
 from Grout's to Hockanum. At a meeting of the stockholders held at 
 Sweetser's hall, Jan. 28, 1847, a report was submitted of the location of 
 the road. The route at Sunderland passed from So to 100 rods east of 
 the church, thence crossed Dry Brook near the house of Zebina Hunt, 
 passed a little east of the house of John Wiley, some 80 rods west of the 
 " Plumb Trees," crossed the North Amherst and North Hadley road a 
 little east of the home of E. Spear, and continued to a point some six or 
 eight rods west of Elijah Boltwood's house, or about a half-mile west of 
 the Amherst house, thence turning to the west. The length of the route 
 as surveyed was 23.11 miles. The estimated expense of building, equip- 
 ping and putting it in running order was a little more than $437,000. In 
 February, 1847, the directors levied the first assessment, of $1.00 per 
 share on the capital stock, payable before March 24. 
 
 The enthusiasm shown by the projectors of the road was shared to 
 1 1 extent by the general public, but while the residents of Amherst and 
 South Hadley subscribed liberally to the stock the inhabitants of other 
 towns along the proposed route failed to supply the money needed for 
 carrying the enterprise to a successful conclusion. Earnest, almost heroic 
 efforts were made to raise the necessary funds, but they were unavailing. 
 
AMHERST BRANCH RAILROAD COMPANY. 313 
 
 In April, 1S4S, the General Court passed a special act extending the time 
 in which the road might be constructed to Feb. i, 1850. At a meeting of 
 the corporation, held in Amherst, July 3, 1848, to take action on this 
 measure. 585,000 of the capital stock of the road was represented. After 
 a full discussion of the matter, a vote was passed not to accept of the pro- 
 visions of this act. The directors were instructed to collect all assessments 
 and settle all claims as early as practicable. Thus came to an inglorious 
 ending the first railway enterprise in which Amherst men and Amherst 
 capital engaged. It is interesting to speculate on the possible results had 
 the road been constructed along the route proposed. Sunderland and 
 Montague Center would have been placed in railway connection with the 
 outside world a half-century ago; what this might have meant t.) these 
 towns in the way of progress and development can only be estimated by 
 the stimulating effect of railway facilities upon communities of like 
 character. Although the Hampshire and Franklin railway had nothing 
 but corporate existence, the labor expended in its behalf was not entirely 
 fruitless. A popular interest was aroused in railway matters, and the 
 public was educated in regard to the value of railway facilities so that 
 when, a few years later, another road was projected it encountered but 
 little of the opposition against which the original enterprise was forced to 
 contend. 
 
 The next railway enterprise to enlist the attention of Amherst citizens 
 was the "Amherst Branch Railroad Company." By an act of the General 
 Court passed April 10. 1S4S. Samuel L. Hinckley. John Dickinson. Jr. 
 and Jason Stockbridge, their associates and successors, were incorporated 
 by the name of the Amherst Branch Railroad company, with power to 
 loeate, construct and maintain a railroad, with one or more tracks, from 
 some convenient point in the town of Amherst, within half a mile of 
 Amherst College, through the town of Hadley, to some point on the Con- 
 necticut River railroad in Northampton, or in the southerly part of Hatfield ; 
 they might also construct and maintain a bridge across the Connecticut 
 river between the Northampton bridge and the site of the old Hatfield 
 bridge. The capital stock was not to exceed 5250,000, and unless the 
 road should be completed in 18 months the charter would become void. 
 The company was authorized to unite its road with the Connecticut River 
 railroad. The company was organized under its charter at a meeting held 
 in Amherst, Aug. 25. 184S. Samuel L. Hinckley served as chairman of 
 the meeting and J. W. Boyden, Esq. as secretary. It was voted that the 
 capital stock of the company should be Si 60,000. Subscription books 
 should be opened in Amherst. Hadley and Northampton. As soon as the 
 subscriptions to the capital stock should amount to $75,000, a meeting was 
 to be held for the choice of directors, who should hold office until the cor- 
 
314 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 pt nation became merged in the Connecticut River railroad company. 
 Some two weeks later, announcement was made that Amherst citizens had 
 subscribed to the capital stock to the amount of $31,300. From a map of 
 the survey of the " Northampton and Amherst Railroad," made in 1847 
 and now on hie in the State Library at Boston, the proposed route of the 
 road may lie ascertained. Two lines are marked out on the map, one 
 leading to Northampton, the other to Hatfield. The route through Hadley 
 passed near the southerly end of Mt. Warner, and entered Amherst con- 
 siderably north of the line of the Central Massachusetts road. The same 
 causes that led to the abandonment of the Hampshire and Franklin road 
 proved fatal to the " Amherst Branch." The necessary funds were not 
 forthcoming, and the project was abandoned. As the Hampshire and 
 Franklin road was the forerunner of the New London and Northern, so 
 the Amherst Branch may be regarded as a prophecy of the road which 
 forty years later was to join the town of Amherst and the city of North- 
 ampton in the bonds of commercial intercourse. 
 
 In 1847. the Connecticut Legislature chartered the New London, Wil- 
 limantic and Springfield railroad company, authorizing it to locate and 
 construct a railroad from New London to Willimantic, and thence to the 
 " North line of the State towards Springfield in the State of Massachu- 
 setts." It was subsequently deemed advisable to make Palmer, instead 
 of Springfield, the northern terminus of the route. In 1848, the company 
 was granted a charter by the Massachusetts General Court for continuing 
 the road from the state line, a distance of nine miles, to the Western rail- 
 road at Palmer. Sept. 20, 1850, the road was opened from New London 
 to Palmer, a distance of 66 miles. The road was successful from its 
 beginning, but its owners and operators early felt the need of an extension 
 of the line to the north. Herein lay Amherst's opportunity, an opportu- 
 nity promptly recognized and embraced. The Express, in its issue for 
 March 7, 185 1, called the attention of its readers to the railway route for 
 which a petition was then pending before the General Court. It was 
 esteemed a better route, in many respects, than others previously planned 
 to pass through Amherst, and would, when completed, form an important 
 link in a great railroad chain reaching across New England. 
 
 The Genera] Court, by an act passed in May, [851, incorporated 
 Edward Hitchcock, Ithamar Conkey, Edward Dickinson, Myron Lawrence, 
 Luke Sweetser and others, under the name of the Amherst and Belcher- 
 town railroad company. Hon. Myron Lawrence was a resident of Del- 
 town, the others named of Amherst. They were empowered to locate, 
 construct and maintain a railroad from the depot of the New London, 
 Willimantic and Palmer railroad in Palmer, crossing the Western railroad at 
 or near its depot in Palmer, by the most convenientroute northerly through 
 
AMHERST AND BELCHERTOWN RAILROAD COMPANY. 315 
 
 the towns of Palmer, Belchertown, Amherst, Leverett, Sunderland and Mon- 
 tague, to the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad at the point most con- 
 venient to intersect the same in the town of Montague. The capital stock 
 was not to exceed $600,000, in shares of $100 each. Within rive years 
 after the completion of the road the General Court might reduce its tolls 
 or profits, but the same should not be reduced, without the consent of the 
 corporation, to less than ten per cent, on the capital stock subscribed for 
 and paid in. Other roads might enter upon and use its tracks under 
 reasonable conditions. The road must be located in two years and com- 
 pleted in four years. Under certain conditions, the Xew London, Willi- 
 mantic and Palmer road could unite with the Amherst and Belchertown 
 railroad, and become one corporation under the name of the New London, 
 Palmer and Amherst railroad. The corporation, so far as its road was 
 situated in Massachusetts, should be subject to the general laws of the 
 state. No shares in its capital stock should be issued for a less sum or 
 amount, to be actually paid in on each, than the par value of the shares 
 first issued. For purposes of construction, the road should be divided into 
 two sections, one reaching from Palmer to Amherst, the other from Amherst 
 to Montague. A moiety of the capital stock authorized by the act should 
 be set apart for the construction of each section, and work was not to 
 begin on either section until a certificate had been filed in the office of the 
 secretary of the Commonwealth, signed by the president and a majority of 
 the directors, stating that all the stock appropriated and set apart for the 
 construction of such section had been subscribed for by responsible parties, 
 and that twenty per cent, of the par value of each and every share so set 
 ■ apart had actually been paid into the treasury of said company. 
 
 The citizens of Amhetst were not the only ones to appreciate the 
 advantages of a railroad extending north from Palmer. As early as May, 
 185 1, no less than three routes had been petitioned for and charters for 
 each had been granted. In addition to the road leading by way of Amherst 
 to Montague, the General Court authorized the construction of a road via 
 Enfield to Athol, also a road via Ware. Pa ire and Templeton to the New 
 Hampshire state line. The Amherst and Belchertown railroad company 
 was organized under its charter, June 30, 1851. Luke Sweetser, Edward 
 Dickinson, Ithamar Conkey, Myron Lawrence and Joseph Brown were 
 chosen directors. At a meeting held by the directors, Luke Sweetser was 
 elected president and John S. Adams clerk and treasurer. The directors- 
 voted that a survey should be made with reference to the construction of 
 the road between Palmer and Amherst. They engaged the services of 
 Gen. James N. Palmer as engineer; his report, with estimates for construc- 
 tion, was as favorable as had been anticipated. Books of subscription 
 were opened, and up to Aug. 22, 185 1, persons resident in Amherst had 
 
316 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, .MASS. 
 
 subscribed upwards of $50,000 for stock in the road. At the annual 
 meeting of the stockholders, held at Sweetser's hall in Amherst, Feb. 6, 
 1S52, about 400 persons were present. Announcement was made that, by 
 the energy of the agents employed, the whole amount needed for the 
 construction of the section between Amherst and Palmer had been sub- 
 scribed. A contract for building- the road had been made with Willis and 
 George W. Phelps of Springfield. Nearly all the stock subscribed for had 
 been taken by persons living on or near the line of the road. A contract 
 had been made with the New London, Willimantic and Palmer railroad 
 company, by which the latter was to equip the road and run it for a term 
 of years on conditions favorable to both parties. The officers originally 
 chosen were re-elected, T. W. Williams and J. C. Lippett of New London 
 being added to the board of directors. 
 
 Early in February, 1852, J, S. Adams, treasurer of the corporation, 
 gave notice that the first assessment of $20 per share had been made by 
 the directors, payable on or before March 10. Ground was first broken on 
 the line of the road in February, and the road was fully completed by May 
 1, 1853. There was some dissatisfaction with the management of the 
 road. Thomas Hastings, a stockholder, petitioned the Supreme Court for 
 an injunction against the company, for issuing stock below its par value. 
 and beginning to construct the road before the necessary amount of stock 
 had been subscribed. He also charged that the survey as filed located the 
 terminus of the road at a distance of one-half mile from the village. The 
 case was argued before the Supreme Court at its September term, and the 
 petition was dismissed. May 3. 1853, the first locomotive was run over the 
 road from Palmer to Amherst, making the trip in 55 minutes. The first 
 passenger train passed over the route Saturday, May 14; George Ford was 
 the conductor and William Bond the engineer. The first time-table went 
 into effect Monday, May 16. Trains left New London for Amherst at 10 
 A. M. and [-45. P. M.; returning, left Amherst at 5 A. m. and 1-15 P. M. 
 Connections were made, at Palmer, for Boston, Albany, Worcester and 
 Springfield; at Willimantic, for Hartford and Bristol; at Norwich, for 
 Worcester and boston ; at New London, for New Haven and New York, 
 and for New York by boat. Through tickets were sold at the following 
 rates: From Amherst to Springfield, Si. 00: to Worcester, Si. 75: to 
 Boston; $2.85 ; to Albany. S3. 75 : to New York, cabin passage, $3.50; 
 deck, $3.00. The road was operated by the New London. Willimantic and 
 Palmer company a little less than six months, but the arrangement between 
 the companies proved unsatisfactory, and early in November, 1853, the 
 Amherst and Belchertown company assumed control. The first passenger 
 train run under the new management passed over the road Nov. 7: George 
 L. West was the conductor and John Rich, now a resident of Palmer, the 
 
SOLD TO THE BONDHOLDERS. 3 1 7 
 
 engineer. The locomotive was the " Amherst," a fine machine, new from 
 the Taunton locomotive works. 
 
 For four years the Amherst and Belchertown company operated its 
 railroad, with varying success. Considerable business was transacted, but 
 expenses were heavy and the balance on the wrong side of the ledger grew 
 greater with every passing year. In December, 1857, friends of the road 
 sent copies of a circular to every voter in the towns of Belchertown and 
 Amherst. This circular stated that the Amherst and Belchertown company, 
 in order to complete its road, had issued bonds for £60,000, payable in live 
 years and had mortgaged the road as security for their payment. A second 
 mortgage of $40,000 had been given to secure bonds issued to raise funds 
 for the purchase of locomotives, passenger and freight cars and to dispose 
 of a floating indebtedness, amounting in all to $25,500. The first mortgage 
 bonds became due January 1. 185.X. if they were not paid, the trustees 
 would take possession of the road and rent it to the company's directors 
 until Oct. 1, 1S58, at which time, according to the provisions of the mort- 
 gage, the trustees would sell the road for the benefit of the bondholders. 
 The friends of the road proposed that the towns of Amherst and Belcher- 
 town should guarantee the bonds for twenty years, with interest payable 
 semi-annually, each town in proportion to its state valuation, which would 
 make Amherst's share $50,500 and Belchertown's $35,000. In return for 
 this guarantee, the company would give a mortgage on all its property to 
 secure the towns from loss. It was apprehended that if the bondholders 
 gained possession of the road they would probably sell the property and 
 discontinue the road. As the road had cost more than $350,000 it was 
 surely worth more than $85,000, without considering the damage that 
 would be done the towns by the loss of their railway facilities. A special 
 town-meeting was held in Amherst, Dec. 4, 1857, and a resolution was 
 offered that the town petition the General Court, in connection with the 
 town of Belchertown, to afford material aid to the Amherst and Belcher- 
 town railroad in order that the road might be kept in operation. This 
 resolution was voted down, yeas 86, nays 138. 
 
 In January, 1858, the road passed into the hands of trustees who 
 were chosen by the bondholders to represent their interests. By special 
 act of the General Court, passed in March, 1858, the company was 
 empowered to issue any of the remaining shares of its capital stock, 
 already authorized by law to be issued, not exceeding 1,000 in number, as 
 a preferred stock for the purpose of paying the bonds and the debts of the 
 company. Of this preferred stock, 600 shares should be entitled to such 
 dividends as the company might determine, not exceeding eight per cent., 
 and the remainder to dividends not exceeding six per cent., said dividends 
 to be paid out of the first net earnings of the company. If the company's 
 
318 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 railroad, fixtures and franchise, already mortgaged to the trustees for the 
 security of the bondholders, should be lawfully sold by the trustees for the 
 benefit of the bondholders, then the purchasers at such sale were authorized 
 to associate themselves under any name they might assume, and the said 
 purchasers, their successors and assigns, should remain a body corporate 
 with all the powers and privileges of the original corporation. This act 
 was to take effect when ratified by a majority of the stockholders. 
 
 In October, 1858, the road and all its belongings were purchased by 
 Samuel F. Cutler and Charles Adams acting in the interest of the bond- 
 holder, for $42,500, about half the amount for which the property was 
 under mortgage. Preparations were at once made for a reorganization 
 under a new name, as permitted by the special act of General Court. The 
 name selected was the Amherst, Belchertown and Palmer railroad company. 
 The stock of the new company was fixed at $85,000, of which the holders 
 of the first mortgage bonds proposed to take $60,000, and the holders of 
 the second mortgage bonds $25,000, exchanging the bonds for stock at par. 
 In March, 1S59, tlie Amherst, Belchertown and Palmer railroad company 
 began to operate the road, continuing in possession some five years. When 
 the road was opened to Amherst, the first agent at the Amherst station was 
 Samuel C. Carter. .Many amusing incidents occurred in the earlier history 
 of the road. The Express, under date of July 3, 1857, tells of a "scrub" 
 race between a train and a belated passenger. The passenger hailed from 
 North Amherst and his wife was on board the cars ; the train had one or 
 two minutes start when it left the station, but the passenger was a sprinter, 
 had run for office several times and never been defeated, and he caught 
 up with that train "in the deep cut in Judge Dickinson's pasture.'" The 
 Express naively remarks at the conclusion of the paragraph that the 
 locomotive drawing the train was not the best in the company's service; 
 had it been the " Vermont*' instead of the " Kates," the result might have 
 been different. In 1858, the managers of the road advertised that passen- 
 gers in the village, with their baggage, would be taken to and from each 
 train for a sum not exceeding twelve cents each way, within limits as 
 prescribed in the books at the hotels. In January, 1858, the trustees 
 secured the services of J. Iv. Parsons as superintendent, larder his 
 •efficient management, the road earned, over and above all expenses, from 
 $800 to $900 per month. 
 
 By special act of the General Court, passed in 1864, the Amherst. 
 Belchertown and Palmer railroad company was authorized to lease its road 
 and franchise to the New London Northern railroad company, and the 
 companies thus united were empowered to issue bonds to an amount not 
 exceeding $300,000, for the construction of the road from Amherst to 
 •'.lout's in Montague. At a meeting of the stockholders of the Amherst, 
 
THE NEW LONDON NORTHERN ROAD. 319 
 
 Belchertown and Palmer railroad company, held at Palmer, Feb. 22, 1864, 
 it was voted unanimously to unite with the New London Northern railroad 
 company. The basis of union was two shares of the N. L. N. stock for 
 three shares of the A. B. & P. The union, or sale, was ratified by the 
 stockholders of the New London Northern railroad company. The Gen- 
 eral Court had, from time to time, granted extensions of time during which 
 the section of the road from Amherst to Montague might be constructed. 
 Wlu-n the New London company assumed control, it was decided to begin 
 work immediately upon the extension. A survey of the route was made 
 by A. R. Field of Greenfield. In October, 1S64, the company advertised 
 for 35,000 railroad ties to be delivered along the line between Amherst and 
 Grout's Corner. The road was completed as far as Grout's Corner, 
 (Miller's Falls) in 1866, and the company having purchased of the Ver- 
 mont and Massachusetts railroad company an extension of its line from 
 Grout's to Brattleboro, Vt., began, Oct. 8, 1S66, to run through trains 
 between New London and Brattleboro. Three passenger trains were run 
 over the line daily in each direction. In November. 1871, the Vermont 
 Central railroad company leased the New London Northern road for a 
 period of 20 years, paying S240,ooo per annum; at the expiration of this 
 lease in 1891, a new lease was executed for a period of 99 years. 
 
 Having secured the construction and operation of a railway running 
 through Amherst to the north and south, the residents of the town next 
 turned their attention to gaining railway connection with the towns and 
 cities to the east and west. By a special act of the General Court, approved 
 April 13, 1S64, the act passed in 1848, incorporating the Amherst Branch 
 railroad company, was partially revived, and Leonard M. Hills of Amherst 
 and Thaddeus Smith of Hadley were added to the list of incorporators. 
 The capital stock was limited to §200.000. The company was authorized 
 to locate, construct and maintain a railroad, from some convenient point 
 connecting with the New London Northern road in Amherst, within one- 
 half mile of Amherst College, through the towns of Hadley and Hatfield, 
 crossing the Connecticut river and connecting with the Connecticut River 
 railroad at any point between the station of said road in Northampton and 
 " Cutter's Crossing," — so-called, in Hatfield. It might cross the Connec- 
 ticut River railroad and connect with the New Haven and Northampton 
 road on land owned by the latter in Northampton. The company must 
 file the location of its road on or before June 1, 1866, and complete it 
 within two years thereafter. Special acts were passed in 1866 and 1S69, 
 extending the time-limit for construction. In March, 1870, an act was 
 passed authorizing the company to increase its capital stock by an amount 
 not exceeding $100,000. The company might locate its road as authorized 
 in the act of 1864, or wholly within the towns of Amherst, Hadley and 
 
2,2 O HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Northampton. Any part of the road located in " Hadley meadows," 
 so-called, should be constructed under direction of the board of railroad 
 commissioners, and in strict compliance with such requirements as they 
 should deem essential to secure a free and uninterrupted flow of the waters 
 of the. Connecticut river at all seasons. The towns of Amherst, Hadley, 
 Northampton and Hatfield were authorized at town meetings called for the 
 purpose, to subscribe for and hold shares in the capital stock of the company 
 to an amount not exceeding five per cent, of the assessed valuation of 
 said towns, if a two-thirds vote was passed in favor of such subscription. 
 The towns might pay for such stock out of their town treasuries, and were 
 authorized to raise money by loan, upon bonds, or by tax or otherwise, 
 and might hold and dispose of the stock like other town property. The 
 selectmen, or any agent especially selected for the purpose, might repre- 
 sent the towns at meetings of the company, and might vote upon the 
 amount of stock held by said towns. The company might by vote adopt 
 as its corporate name the Northampton and Amherst railroad company. 
 This charter was accepted at a meeting held in Amherst, Nov. 2, 1870. 
 The incorporation of the Massachusetts Central railroad company at about 
 this time caused a suspension of effort towards building an independent 
 road, by the incorporators of the Amherst Branch railroad. 
 
 By a special act passed by the General Court in 1867, approved by the 
 governor, March 23, Thomas E. Hastings, Eleazer Porter, Levi Stockbridge 
 and others were incorporated as the Northampton and Amherst Street 
 Railway company, for the purpose of constructing and using a street railroad 
 from the town of Northampton to the town of Amherst. Its capital stock 
 was not to exceed $200,000. By a special act passed in 1868, the town of 
 Hadley was authorized to subscribe to stock in this company to an amount 
 not exceeding $6,000. In 1868, the original act was amended so that the 
 capital stock might not exceed $75,000. The town of Hadley might 
 subscribe to this stock an amount not exceeding one-half of one per cent, 
 of its assessed valuation. There are no existing records to show that any 
 further action was ever taken under this charter. 
 
 The Massachusetts Central Railroad company was incorporated by an 
 act of the General Court, approved May 10, 1869. The names of the 
 incorporators were as follows : Edward Denny, Joel Hayden, Erancis Brig- 
 ham, James S. Draper, Constance Southworth, Edward Atkinson, Francis 
 Edson, B. H. Tripp, Charles A. Stevens, C. C. Aldrich, Lafayette Maltby, 
 Henry F. Hills and Philo Chapin. They were authorized to locate, con- 
 struct, maintain and operate a railroad with one or more tracks, beginning 
 at some convenient point in the town of Williamsburg, thence running by 
 the most convenient route through the towns of Northampton, Easthampton, 
 Westhampton, Hatfield, Hadley, South Hadley, Amherst. Granby, Ludlow,, 
 
MASSACHUSETTS CENTRAL RAILROAD. 32 I 
 
 Belchertown, Enfield, Greenwich, Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, New 
 Braintree, Hardwick, Dana, Petersham, Barre, Phillipston, Oakham, Hub- 
 bardston, Rutland, Princeton, Holden, Sterling, Boylston, West Boylston, 
 Clinton, Lancaster, Northborough, Berlin, Bolton, Hudson, Stow and 
 Marlborough, or any of them, to Mill Village in Sudbury, thence over the 
 line of the Wayland and Sudbury Branch railroad company, incorporated 
 in 1 868, to its terminus near the Stony Brook station on the Fitchburgroad. 
 The Wayland and Sudbury Branch railroad might be consolidated with and 
 merged in the Massachusetts Central railroad company. The Williamsburg 
 and North Adams railroad company, incorporated in 1867, and the Massa- 
 chusetts Central railroad company were authorized to merge and consolidate 
 their capital stock, rights, powers and franchises, if the stockholders of 
 both companies should so vote. The Massachusetts Central railroad 
 company might enter upon, unite with and use the Ware River railroad 
 company, and the latter company might sell, assign, convey or lease its 
 road and franchise or any part thereof to the Massachusetts Central. 
 The Central railroad was also empowered to unite with the New Haven 
 and Northampton, the Connecticut River, the New London Northern, the 
 Worcester and Nashua, the Boston, Clinton and Fitchburg, the Lancaster 
 and Sterling Branch, and the Fitchburg railroads, or with either or any of 
 them, and either of them might enter upon and unite with the road of the 
 Massachusetts Central. The towns named in the act, and also the towns 
 of Wayland and Weston, or any of them, were authorized to subscribe for 
 and hold stock in the Massachusetts Central to an amount not exceeding 
 five per cent, of their assessed valuation. They might pay for the same out of 
 their town treasuries, and raise the money by a loan upon bonds, by tax or 
 otherwise, and might hold and dispose of the stock like other town property. 
 The capital stock should be not less than S3, 000, 000 and might be increased 
 to $6,000,000, divided into shares of $100 each. The road was to be 
 located within three years and constructed within six years. 
 
 From the comprehensive nature of this charter, the number of towns 
 through which the road might be constructed and the different railroads 
 with which it was granted power to unite, it was plain that the incorpora- 
 tors had in view the construction of a through line, and intended to con- 
 solidate under one management the routes of several smaller railroads that 
 had already secured charters. Connection with Boston was to be secured 
 over the tracks of the Fitchburg road, and the western terminus was to be 
 North Adams. The company was organized under its charter, Sept. 2, 
 1869, when the following officers were chosen: President, J. M. Stone; 
 treasurer, Francis J. Parker ; chief engineer, Edward Frost ; directors, J. 
 M. Stone of Charlestown, C. A. Cutting of Boston, J. S. Draper of Way- 
 
322 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 land, Francis Brigham and George Houghton of Hudson, E. B. Shattuck, 
 J. E. Smith and Hiram Wadsworth of Barre, B. H. Tripp of Rutland, H. 
 F. Hills of Amherst, L. J. Dudley of Northampton and Joel Hayden of 
 Haydenville. By a special act of the General Court, passed in June, 1S70, 
 the company was authorized to issue bonds in sums not less than $100 
 each, payable at periods not exceeding twenty years from date, bearing 
 interest not exceeding seven per cent, per annum, to an amount not 
 exceeding the capital stock actually paid in, and might mortgage the road 
 to secure the bonds. The capital stock might be reduced to $2,000,000. 
 For purposes of construction, the road might be divided into four sections. 
 Subscriptions might be received for the construction of the sections sepa- 
 rately, and work on constructing each section might begin when stock had 
 been sold to the full amount needed for the construction of that section 
 and twenty per cent, of the purchase money had been paid into the 
 treasury. 
 
 A public meeting was held at Amherst, May 16, 1S70, at which time 
 President Stone and Engineer Frost explained the plans of the company, 
 and gave statistics tending to show that the road as projected would be a 
 paying property. The location of the road would depend on the action 
 taken by the towns in regard to subscriptions. If Amherst subscribed, 
 then the route between Belchertown and Northampton would be definitely 
 fixed. A special town-meeting was held in Amherst, Sept. 6, 1870. Hon. 
 Edward Dickinson offered a motion that the town treasurer be authorized 
 to subscribe immediately in the name of the town for $100,000 of the 
 capital stock of the Massachusetts Central railroad company, agreeably to the 
 terms of the charter, and to borrow money on credit of the town to pay 
 assessments as they were made, on condition that not less than $3,000,000 
 in bona-fide subscriptions be made to such stock, that a contract be made 
 with responsible parties to construct the road through Hadley, the central 
 part of Amherst, stations for passengers and freight to be built within one-half 
 mile of the Amherst house, and through Belchertown, Enfield, Greenwich, 
 and so on to make a continuous line to the Stony Brook station on the 
 Fitchburg railroad. The motion was voted down, 153 votes being cast in 
 the affirmative and 228 in the negative. 
 
 The friends of the road regretted this action, but were not discouraged. 
 They entered at once upon a short but sharp campaign to influence public 
 sentiment in favor of the project. In this they were assisted by the mer- 
 ciless ridicule that was heaped upon the town and its citizens by individ- 
 uals and by newspapers in adjoining communities. A special town-meeting 
 was held Oct. 4, to take action on the matter. There was a larger attend- 
 ance than at any town-meeting ever before held in Amherst. Edward 
 Dickinson offered a motion substantially the same as that which had met 
 
AMHERST SUBSCRIBERS TO STOCK. 323 
 
 with defeat at a previous meeting. Discussion began at 2-30 o'clock and 
 was continued about two hours. The leading arguments in favor of the 
 road were made by Edward Dickinson and Levi Stockbridge ; the princi- 
 pal speakers in opposition were Cummings Fish, Aaron Ingram and 
 Simeon Clark. The voting, by ballot, began at 4-30 o'clock and was con- 
 tinued until 7 o'clock, soon after which the result was announced, 369 
 votes having been cast in favor of the road and 270 in opposition. There 
 was great excitement while the vote was being cast and intense anxiety as 
 to the result. Both friends and opponents of the road were confident of 
 success. When the vote was declared it was greeted with deafening cheers. 
 A salute was fired and a huge bonfire was built on the common. The 
 opponents of the road were accused of resorting to all manner of means 
 to defeat it. When they found themselves outnumbered, they claimed that 
 7 7 more votes were counted on the ballot than had been checked, and threat- 
 ened to call another meeting to rescind the vote. But the charge was 
 proven false, and as public sentiment grew in favor of the road the oppo- 
 sition was given up. 
 
 In October, 1870, President Stone issued a circular, in which it was 
 stated that the efforts made in behalf of the road had been successful 
 beyond the most sanguine expectation of its originators. The speedy 
 construction of the road was assured, a contract having been made with a 
 responsible builder of railroads to construct the entire line from Weston to 
 Northampton. As soon as a definite location of the road was made in the 
 several towns in the chartered limit the work of construction would begin, 
 and would be completed in about two years. The preliminary surveys 
 made by Engineer Frost, showed that it would be impracticable to locate 
 the road through the southern part of Pelham into Enfield. At a meeting 
 of stockholders, held in Boston, Oct. 26, a pledge was given, by what 
 authority is not stated, that residents of Amherst would raise $30,000 for 
 the road, in addition to the sum subscribed by the town. The Boston 
 Journal announced in April, 187 1, that a contract had been made for 
 building the road from Northampton to Stony Brook station, and work 
 would begin at once. In August, 187 1, President Stone was in Amherst 
 to confer with land-owners along the proposed line of the road in regard to 
 land damages and also to determine a location for the bridge across Fort 
 river. 
 
 In the summer of 1871, the directors of the road laid the first assess- 
 ment of 20 per cent, upon the stock subscribed. The treasurer of the 
 town of Northampton refused to pay the assessment on the $300,000 of 
 stock subscribed for by that town, on the ground that as certain conditions 
 had been attached to the subscription its legality was doubtful. In this 
 contention he was sustained by eminent legal authority. At a town-meeting 
 
324 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 held in Northampton in September, a new and unconditional subscription 
 of $300,000 was made to the company's stock, and the town treasurer paid 
 the first assessment. The town of Amherst paid its first assessment of 
 $20,000 early in October. The Amherst Record, under date of Sept. 27, 
 
 187 1, stated that it was the company's intention to begin the work of con- 
 struction on the west end of the line, and that as soon as the bridge across 
 the Connecticut river was completed cars would run to Amherst. The 
 first grading on the road was done at Hardwick in October, 187 1 : it was 
 expected at the time that grading would be begun in Amherst in a few 
 days. In 187 1, the General Court granted permission to the company to 
 extend its road to Brookline and there connect with the Boston and Albany 
 road. The same year, the Holyoke and Belchertown railroad company was 
 incorporated and authorized to unite with the Massachusetts Central 
 company. 
 
 In February, 1872, the second assessment of 20 per cent, was levied 
 by the directors upon the capital stock, payable on or before March 1. 
 Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed by Amherst parties over the fact 
 that the road had not yet been located through the town. The Record made 
 the following announcement, under date of March 13, 1872: " The Central 
 Railroad will enter the town parallel to the Northampton road, pass through 
 College grove (formerly Baker's grove), cross the Mill Valley road by a 15- 
 feet cut, meander through Prof. Snell's garden, and then strike across the 
 fields to the southeast. It will hit Freshman river near Dana's bridge and 
 cross the road by an 18-feet cut and continue on to the southeast." 
 Under date of March 27, announcement was made that the location of the 
 road through the town had been filed. It would cross the Dickinson farm 
 south of College hill, and the highway near W. B. Smith's place. In June, 
 
 1872, the company made a contract with J. H. Smith of Springfield, 
 to build the bridge across the Connecticut river ; work was to begin 
 at once and the bridge was to be completed by Sept. 1, 1873. The third 
 assessment of 20 per cent, was levied by the directors of the road in 
 August. 
 
 By a special act passed by the General Court in 1872, the company 
 was allowed an extension of time for two years in which to file its location. 
 The subscriptions by towns and individuals amounted to nearly $1,000,000, 
 and under authority of an act passed in 1870 the road was bonded to the 
 amount of $995,000, and a mortgage was placed upon the property for that 
 amount. The general work of construction began in 1872, Norman ('. 
 Munson of Boston having contracted to build the road from Stony Brook 
 to Northampton. Grading was done in several towns at the eastern end of 
 the route, land was purchased for terminal facilities at Northampton, and a 
 contract made for building the Connecticut river bridge. Considerable 
 
BUILDING THE ROAD. 325 
 
 work had been done upon the bridge piers, when ill success in raising 
 funds and the failure of Contractor Munson put an end to all work. Up 
 to the fall of 1878, the total cost of construction had been §2,782,932.78. 
 The company at that time had a funded debt of $995,000 and a floating 
 debt of S37.428.76. 
 
 It was not until the summer of 1878, that an effort was made to revive 
 the fortunes of the road. A meeting of the stockholders was held at 
 Boston, June 5, when it was unanimously recommended that the stock- 
 holders, both town and individual, should transfer their stock to a trustee 
 to be held by him two years ; if at the end of that time the entire road 
 was completed and in running order, then the trustees should convey three- 
 fourths of the stock to the order of the directors and one-fourth to the 
 original owners. If the road was not completed and ready for use, then 
 all stock should be reconveyed to the original owners. At a special meeting 
 held June 29, Amherst voted to act in accordance with this recommenda- 
 tion. At a meeting of the directors held in Boston, July 24, Thomas 
 Talbot was chosen a trustee to represent the interests of the towns. Anew 
 board of directors, including several New York capitalists was chosen, 
 new capital was subscribed, and the total indebtedness of the company 
 was provided for by an issue of six per cent, bonds, to run twenty years. 
 to the amount of $1,843,000. The General Court granted permission to 
 the company to extend its tracks through Waltham to Cambridge, there to 
 connect with the Arlington branch of the Boston and Lowell road, and also 
 from Amherst to West Deerfield, thence to connect with the Tunnel road. 
 In May, 1S79, a new survey was made by Engineer S. D. Kendall. Enfield 
 and Greenwich, where grading had been nearly completed, were omitted 
 from the route, the line running further south, while beyond Amherst the 
 survey was continued north to a junction with the Tunnel road at Old 
 Deerfield. The contract to build the road was again awarded to N. C. 
 Munson, he sub-letting the contract for the grading and mason-work between 
 Northampton and Belchertown to W. C. McClellan of Chicopee. The 
 selectmen of Amherst in May, 18S0, accepted the plans of the road and its 
 location through the town, as presented by the company's officials. Early 
 in 1880, work was resumed on the road-bed on all parts of the line. 
 Grading was begun in Amherst, Sept. 20, 1880, on land of Patrick Hurley, 
 west of Blake-field. Thus ten years lacking two weeks had elapsed from 
 the time when Amherst voted a subscription of Si 00,000 to the company's 
 capital stock ere its citizens were permitted to witness in their town any 
 sign of the road's construction. Oct. 4, the first rail was spiked down at 
 South Sudbury. In October, 1881, the road was opened from Boston to 
 Hudson, a distance of 28 miles ; in June, 1882, it was opened to Oakdale, 
 41 miles. Soon afterward the road was opened to Jeffersonville, seven 
 
326 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 miles west of Oakdale, but the latter became for a time the western termi- 
 nus of the road. 
 
 The misfortunes that had attended the road from the beginning 
 seemed destined to continue with it. In 1882, C. A. Sweet & Co., of 
 Boston, who had been made the selling agents of the company's bonds, 
 became insolvent, bringing about a crisis in the company's affairs and 
 putting an end to the work of construction. In 1883, the road was sold 
 under foreclosure to a committee of the bondholders, consisting of S. N. 
 Aldrich, T. H. Perkins and Henry Woods. This committee, in 1885, 
 made a contract with the Boston and Lowell railroad conipany to put the 
 line in working order and operate it so far as it had been completed. The 
 Boston and Lowell company advanced the sum of $200,000 to meet neces- 
 sary expenses, taking in return the entire receipts of the road. This 
 arrangement continued one year, the road being operated at a loss. In 
 December, 1886, the road was leased to the Boston and Lowell company for 
 99 years. Under the agreement then made, the Massachusetts Central 
 company issued bonds to the amount of $2,000,000, and gave them to the 
 Boston and Lowell company, the latter, in return, having made good the 
 loss of $200,000 already sustained, agreed to complete the road to North- 
 ampton. The Boston and Lowell company further agreed to pay the 
 Massachusetts Central company 20 per cent, of the gross receipts of the 
 road up to $1,000,000 annually, and 25 per cent, of all earnings in excess 
 of that amount. If the earnings should not amount to $1,000,000, the 
 Boston and Lowell company agreed to pay the interest on the bonds at five 
 per cent., thus guaranteeing interest and all fixed charges. Under this 
 agreement, the previous bonded indebtedness became preferred stock, and 
 the old, amounting to about three and one-half millions, remained common 
 stock. Of the preferred stock there was about $4,000,000, and the road 
 was obliged to earn at least $500,000 to pay the interest on its bonded 
 indebtedness. At the time of reorganization, the name of the road was 
 changed from the Massachusetts Central to the Central Massachusetts. 
 
 The work of construction was renewed in the spring of 1887, and the 
 road was completed to Northampton in the fall of that year. The first 
 through train from Boston to Northampton passed over the road Dec. 12, 
 1887. Leaving Boston at S-30 a. m., it arrived at Northampton at 12-30. 
 The train was drawn by the locomotive " Hudson " and consisted of a 
 smoking-car and a drawing-room car. The passengers included officers of 
 the Boston and Lowell, Boston and Maine and Central Massachusetts rail- 
 way companies. The arrival of the train at Northampton was greeted 
 with ringing of bells, blowing of steam-whistles, firing of cannon and 
 music by a brass band. Mayor Hill made an address of welcome, after 
 which the passengers took dinner at the Norwood. The road was opened 
 
FIRST TRAIN ON THE CENTRAL. 327 
 
 to public travel, Dec. 19. The first passenger train, consisting of a loco- 
 motive, two passenger coaches, and a combination smoking and baggage- 
 car, left Ware at 7-25 a. m. The locomotive was the " Fabyan's No. 97," 
 in charge of Frank Lane, engineer, and G. F. French, fireman. The con- 
 ductor was C. A. Phelps of Lowell, the brakeman John Q. Hawes, the 
 baggage-master W. N. Titus. The train left Ware with 13 passengers, and 
 received accessions to this number from all the stations along the route. 
 At Amherst about 75 persons were waiting to take the train. F. E. Alden 
 was the first station-master at Amherst and John E. Williams purchased 
 the first ticket sold at the station. The first through train for Boston left 
 Northampton, Dec. 19, at 9 a. m. It consisted of three passenger coaches 
 and a smoking-car, drawn by the engine "'Orleans." Daniel Spofford was 
 the engineer and Charles Gilpatrick the conductor. There was a serious 
 controversy among Amherst residents as to where the freight and passenger 
 depots of the new road should be located. Some favored the site that was 
 afterwards adopted, others a location considerably further to the east on 
 land owned by John C. White and Mrs. Edward Tuckerman. At a special 
 town meeting held Nov. 12, 18S7, after extended discussion, a vote was 
 taken on the question, and 320 ballots were cast in favor of the present 
 site, while the " union station " to the east receivedbut 175. The road since 
 it was opened has clone an extensive business in the transportation of both 
 passengers and freight, Amherst being one of the best paying stations on 
 the line. From time to time as the business increased, the train service 
 has been extended to the general satisfaction of the public. In 1888, the 
 Boston and Lowell system was leased to the Boston and Maine, and the 
 Central Massachusetts road is now known as the Southern Division of the 
 Boston and Maine. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 Banks, Post-Offices and Courts. — The First Amherst Bank. — 
 Hampshire and Franklin Bank. — First National Bank. — 
 Amherst Savings Bank. — Post-Offices, Post-Masters and 
 Mails. — Courts, Court Sessions and Court Officers. — 
 Justices of the Peace. 
 
 Soon after 1820, the residents of the smaller towns in Western Massa- 
 chusetts began to feel the need of better banking facilities than were fur- 
 nished by the cities near at hand. In February, 1S25, the " Farmers' 
 
328 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Bank " of Belchertown was incorporated, but its charter was repealed in 
 1829. The Sunderland bank was incorporated Feb. 26, 1825. The follow- 
 ing act, passed by the General Court, and approved by the governor June 
 13, 183 1, resulted in the removal of the Sunderland bank to Amherst : 
 
 " Be it enacted, etc., 
 
 That, from and after the first day of October next, the president, directors and 
 company of the Sunderland Bank, may establish their banking house and do their 
 banking" business in Amherst, in the county of Hampshire, and the name of the 
 said corporation shall thereafter be changed, and the same be known and called by 
 the name and style of The President, Directors and Company of the Amherst 
 bank; and from and after the said first day of October, the power of said corpor- 
 ation to transact their banking business in Sunderland shall cease. 
 
 Be it further enacted, 
 
 That the said president, directors and company of the Amherst Bank shall 
 be subject to all the duties, liabilities and obligations of the said president, direc- 
 tors and company of the Sunderland Bank, as they shall exist on the said first day 
 of October next, and the same shall be by them performed and assumed at their 
 banking house in said Amherst, anything in the tenor of their bills, or other con- 
 tracts and obligations to the contrary notwithstanding. Provided, that the present 
 board of directors may continue in office until the next regular election of directors, 
 although a majority of them may not be resident within the said county of 
 Hampshire." 
 
 The bank began operations in Amherst in October, 1831. Its capital 
 stock at the time of its removal to Amherst was $100,000 ; its first president 
 was Nathaniel Smith, its first cashier Luther Root. Like all banks estab- 
 lished by authority of the state, the Amherst bank was a bank of issue, and 
 its currency doubtless proved a great convenience to persons living in 
 Amherst and vicinity in the transaction of their business. In 1837, the 
 bank suspended specie payments, and during the same year counterfeit 
 five-dollar bills of its issue were put in circulation. In 1S41, a crisis came 
 in the bank's affairs. Its funds had been mismanaged, and separate inves- 
 tigations were undertaken by the bank commissioners and by a committee 
 appointed by the stockholders. Feb. 9, 1841, Solomon Pitkin, president, 
 Joseph A. Sweetser, cashier, and Edward Dickinson, attorney, of the 
 Amherst bank, addressed a letter to Bank Commissioner J. Rockwell, 
 requesting that two or more of the bank commissioners should visit Amherst 
 at once, on account of the progress made by a committee of investigation 
 in relation to an excess of the old circulation. In accordance with this 
 request two of the commissioners visited Amherst and remained there three 
 days. As a result of their examination, it appeared that from the organiz- 
 ation of the bank up to October, 1838, when Luther Root, the cashier, left 
 the bank, the bills in sheets engraved and furnished to the Amherst bank 
 amounted to $268,305. The bills issued during that time amounted to 
 $220,732. The bills on hand, in sheets, never issued, amounted Oct. 1, 
 
THE OLD AMHERST BANK. 329 
 
 1838, to $31,400. It would thus appear that $16,173, insheets. which had 
 been furnished to the bank were not accounted for. Up to Feb. 10. an 
 overplus of bills had been redeemed amounting to $24,212. It was cus- 
 tomary for each president to open an account with himself for the bills 
 issued during his administration, debiting himself with the amount issued 
 and crediting himself with the amount destroyed. When bills were retired 
 from circulation, they were burned in the presence of the president and 
 directors, who signed a statement to that effect. Upon the supposition 
 that bills were issued which were not entered on any accouut, it appeared 
 that bills so issued could only amount to $16,173, leaving $8,039 to be 
 accounted for in some other way. The commissioners were of the opinion 
 that there was an error somewhere in the account of the destruction of 
 bills, that is not so many bills had been destroyed as was made to appear 
 by the books and certificates. 
 
 The committee of investigation appointed by the stockholders sub- 
 mitted a long report under date of June 2, 1841 ; they were satisfied that 
 fraud had been committed, and committed since Luther Root gave up his 
 situation as cashier. Neither the bank commissioners or the stockholders' 
 committee were able to discover what had become of the missing funds. 
 Early in 1842, another investigation was undertaken by a disinterested 
 committee, with the following result, as recorded in the Hampshire Gazette : 
 "The deficiency heretofore unaccounted for, is traced to frauds committed 
 by Luther Root, the late cashier. Mr. Root commenced his depredations 
 upon the funds of the bank as long ago as the presidency of Nathaniel 
 Smith. We have not seen the report, but understand that this fact is 
 established to the satisfaction of all who know its contents. * * * 
 It is well that the truth has come to light, for cruel suspicions have rested 
 on the innocent." After leaving Amherst. Mr. Root was for about a year 
 agent of the Grand Haven, Mich. Lumber company, and later taught 
 school at Orangeburgh, S. C, where he died in February, 1842. He was 
 succeeded as cashier of the Amherst bank, in December, 1838, by Thomas 
 Green, and he in turn by Joseph A. Sweetser, brother to Luke Sweetser, 
 with whom he was associated in mercantile business at Amherst. The 
 president and directors of the bank brought suit against Luther Root and 
 others who were sureties on Root's bond. Mr. Root was appointed cashier 
 in 1 83 1, and re-appointed in 1832. but gave no new bond. The case was 
 carried to the supreme court, and Metcalf's Reports state that Root's 
 sureties were held liable, not being exonerated on account of the failure of 
 the directors of the bank to examine into its condition. Suit was also 
 entered to ascertain whether the signatures on the bond were genuine, it 
 being thought that some were forgeries; the. jury before whom the case 
 was tried were unable to agree. 
 
3$0 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In February, 1S41, the bank petitioned the General Court for power 
 to reduce its capital stock from $100,000 to $50,000. The bank surrendered 
 its charter in 1S42, and in 1S44 the General Court allowed it two years in 
 which to close up its affairs. In 1S45, Wells Lathrop brought suit against 
 the president and directors of the bank to recover $500 for services 
 rendered. As agent of the bank he had prosecuted claims in its behalf, 
 under the agreement that if successful he should receive five per cent, of 
 the amount recovered, if not he was to have only his actual expenses. 
 The case was decided against him in the lower court, but the supreme 
 court granted him a new trial. The presidents of the bank and 
 their terms of service were as follows: Nathaniel Smith, to October, 
 1S32 ; Alpheus Field, October, 1832 to November, 1835 ! Lucius Boltwood, 
 November, 1S35 to October, 1836 ; Solomon Pitkin, October, 1836 to Feb- 
 ruary, 1S41. The banking-house stood on the site now occupied by the 
 savings bank building. After the bank went out of business the building 
 was purchased by Chester Kellogg. 
 
 By an act of the General Court passed March 18, 1S45, the " Hamp- 
 shire and Franklin Bank " was incorporated, to transact a banking business 
 at Amherst. Its incorporators were David Mack, Jr., John Dickinson, Jr., 
 Luke Sweetser and others. The capital stock was $100,000. In the 
 latter part of January, 1846, a bill was introduced in the General Court, 
 authorizing the Hampshire and Franklin bank to go into operation if 
 $50,000 of its capital stock should be paid in by Oct. 1st. Opponents of 
 the measure argued that there was no necessity for it. The bank had 
 been incorporated the previous year with a capital of $100,000, but the 
 petitioners had only been able to secure stock subscriptions amounting to 
 $40,000. Mr. Gridley of Amherst spoke in favor of the measure, contend- 
 ing that the bank was needed and that $50,000 was capital enough for the 
 present. The bill was passed to be engrossed, but the originators of the 
 enterprise were unable to raise even the reduced amount of capital required, 
 so the project was finally abandoned. 
 
 The " First National Bank of Amherst " was incorporated in 1864, 
 under the law governing the establishment of national banks. Its charter 
 number was 393. Its incorporators were L. M. Hills, Charles Miles, A. 
 C. Marshall, J. T. Westcott, E. I). Williams, William P. Smith, James G. 
 Vose, Edward Hitchcock, Calvin Bridgman and nineteen others. Its 
 capital stock was $51,000, which was increased in September, 1864, to 
 $100,000, and in May, 1865, to $150,000. A preliminary meeting of the 
 stockholders was held Jan. 2^, 1S64 ; a permanent organization was formed 
 Jan. 30 ; the charter bears date of April 20, and thebankbegan to transact 
 business May 4, 1864. The original board of directors consisted of L. 
 M. Hills, A. C. Marshall, J. T. Westcott, E. D. Williams, J. G. Vose, W. 
 
AMHERST SAVINGS BANK. 33 I 
 
 P. Smith and 5. J. Bennett. L. M. Hills was elected the first president, 
 remaining in office until his death in 1S72, when Calvin Bridgman of 
 Belchertown was chosen to fill out his unexpired term. Mr. Bridgman 
 resigned and was succeeded, Jan. 13. 1S74, by L. D. Hills, who 
 remains in office. The first cashier was William P. Smith, who resigned, 
 Oct. 10, 1865, and was succeeded. Oct. 16, by R. J. D. Westcott, who held 
 the office until 1887, when his resignation was regretfully accepted. In 
 January, 1885, H. T. Cowles was elected assistant cashier, and on the 
 acceptance of Mr. Westcott's resignation, was promoted to the office of 
 cashier which he yet holds. In 1864, the bank was opened for business 
 in S. W. Whitney's house, near the New London Northern railway depot, 
 where it had secured quarters while the handsome brick block on Main 
 street, which it built and occupied for many years, was in course of con- 
 struction. In 1891, the business was removed to Hunt's block where 
 excellent accommodations were provided. The regular report of the bank, 
 under date of Dec. 13, 1895, showed resources amounting to $611,202.26, 
 a surplus fund of $50,000, undivided profits of $14, 107.77, anc ^ individual 
 deposits amounting to $212,509.52. 
 
 By an act of the General Court passed in February, 1854, Ithamar 
 Conkey, John S. Adams, William Kellogg, Jr. and others were incorporated 
 as the Amherst Savings Bank. So far as can be ascertained, there was no 
 attempt made to effect an organization under this act, and in April, 1864, 
 a new charter was granted, with Ithamar Conkey, George Cutler, Charles 
 Adams and others as incorporators. At a meeting held Dec. 20, 1864, the 
 corporation was organized and the following officers were elected : Trus- 
 tees, I. F. Conkey, Charles Adams, F. F. Cook, James Hastings. D. W. 
 Palmer, W. A. Dickinson. A. R. Cushman, Horace Ward, George Cutler, 
 all of Amherst, Calvin Bridgman of Belchertown, David Rice of Leverett, 
 N. Austin Smith of Sunderland, L. N. Granger of North Hadlev ; presi- 
 dent, Charles Adams : secretary, George Cutler : treasurer. S. C. Carter. 
 The bank was opened for business Monday, Jan. 2, 1865. The first deposit 
 received was one of $50. The deposits for the first year amounted to 
 $8,239.47. The business was first carried on in a small wooden building 
 that stood on the site now occupied by Dickinson's block. In 1875, it was 
 removed to a brick building, erected by Dwight H. Kellogg and purchased 
 by the bank, which stood on the site of the present bank block ; this 
 building was burned in the great fire of 1S79, after which the block now 
 occupied by the bank and post-office was erected. In 1870, Charles Adams 
 resigned as president and was succeeded by E. F. Cook, who remains in 
 office. S. C. Carter continued to serve as treasurer until Dec. 31, 1887, 
 when advancing years induced him to tender his resignation, which was 
 accepted by the trustees with deep regret. He was succeeded by E. D. 
 
332 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Bangs, who is now in office. The affairs of the corporation have ever been 
 managed with prudence and strict economy, insuring its prosperity. A 
 report of its condition Jan, i, 1896, shows deposits amounting to $2,057,138, 
 undivided earnings $61,329.37, guarantee funds $84,582. A dividend of 
 4 1-4 per cent, was paid in 1895. 
 
 THE POSTAL SERVICE IN AMHERST. 
 
 The first post-office established in Amherst by the United States gov- 
 ernment was located in the eastern part of the town, at that time the 
 business center, and the place where town-meetings were held. The first 
 post-master appointed was James Watson, whose commission bore date of 
 Jan. 1, 1806. The office occupied a room in his dwelling-house, where the 
 accommodations, though not extensive, were fully adequate for the business 
 transacted. There was at the time but one mail a week, brought in by 
 stage-coach, and its arrival was an event of general interest to the commu- 
 nity. James Watson served as postmaster only one year, being succeeded, 
 Jan. 1, 1807, by Joseph Watson. Rufus Kellogg was appointed postmaster 
 in 1809, his commission bearing date of Nov. 21; he remained in office 
 until 1824. Up to 1820, the office was kept in a room in the southwest 
 corner of his house, yet standing and now occupied by his son, Willard 
 M. Kellogg. About 1820, the establishment of Amherst college and 
 other causes operated to bring about a large increase in population at the 
 West street, and the post-office was removed to a building owned by Jarib 
 White, now know as the Amherst house " Annex." Mr. Kellogg continued 
 to serve as postmaster after the removal of the office to the West street, 
 the office business being attended to by a clerk. Jay White was appointed 
 postmaster in 1S24, serving until April, 1S25, when he was succeeded by 
 Hezekiah Wright Strong. The office was then removed to Mr. Strong's 
 dwelling-house, which stood to the east of Phoenix Row, a room being 
 built on the west side of the house for office use. 
 
 With the removal of the office to the West street and a consequent 
 increase in business, the town was enabled to secure three weekly mails from 
 Boston. The stage route passing through Amherst extended from Boston 
 to Albany and the trip occupied three days. The stage left Boston at 1 
 a. M. and arrived at Amherst at 9 p. m. It stopped for the night at North- 
 ampton, continuing on its way to Albany in the morning. The mails 
 arrived at Amherst Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There was also 
 a mail route north and south between Hartford, Conn, and Brattleboro, 
 \'t. .Mail matter fur surrounding towns was left at the Amherst office for 
 distribution. The postage on letters weighing one-half ounce was, to 
 Belchertown 6c., to Boston 12 1-2C, to New York 18 3-4C, to Washington 
 25c. H. W. Strong continued to serve as postmaster until 1S42. There 
 
p 
 
 OS! 
 
 Oil 
 
 ICE 
 
 *!' ■ " ■ ■ 
 
 SIGN OF FIRST POST OFFICE AT SOUTH AMHERST. 
 
 I'.OLTWOOD S TAVERN SIGN. 
 
AMHERST POSTMASTERS. $7,7, 
 
 was some complaint in regard to the manner in which he conducted the 
 office. It was claimed that he allowed persons to sit in the office and read 
 papers that came through the mails directed to other parties, and that the 
 papers were not always returned to the boxes where they belonged. 
 Samuel C. Carter was appointed postmaster, March 30, 1S42. He removed 
 the office to the old Amherst bank building, that occupied the site of the 
 present Savings bank block. Mr. Carter was succeeded by Seth Nims, 
 who was appointed to the office May 9, 1845. Mr. Nims removed the 
 office to Phoenix Row, in the block now occupied by E. D. Marsh. On 
 Mr. Carter's appointment in 1S49, tne office was again removed to the 
 Amherst bank building, where it remained until 1864. The building was 
 a two-story one, and the post-office occupied the north side of the lower 
 story, with S. C. Carter's shoe-store on the south side and I. F. Conkey's 
 law-office in the second story. In 1864, the Kelloggs who owned the 
 property desired to make a three-story building of it and the tenants 
 vacated it. The floors not being properly supported, the walls fell, June 
 29, 1865, and Dwight H. Kellogg erected on the site a three-story building 
 which was burned in 1879. Since 1845, the postmasters at the center 
 office in Amherst with the date of their commissions have been as follows : 
 Samuel C. Carter, May 29, 1849; Seth Nims, June 3, 1853; Lucius M. 
 Boltwood, June 17, 1861 ; Jairus L. Skinner, July 7, 1S65 ; John Jameson, 
 Dec. 20, 1876; Orson G.. Couch, March 30, 1885; Byron H. Williams, 
 Aug. 9, 1889 ; Orson G. Couch, March 20. 1894. 
 
 At Amherst, as in nearly all large towns and cities, the appointment 
 of postmasters and their retention in office has depended largely upon their 
 polifical faith. For a half-century, at least, the victors have been awarded 
 the spoils and changes in national administrations have been signalized by 
 changes in the management of the local office. From the results of this 
 pernicious system Amherst has, perhaps, suffered as little as any town in 
 the county. The postmasters, as a rule, have been efficient, faithful, and 
 attentive to the interests of their patrons. Since the establishment of 
 Amherst College, and, later on. of the Agricultural College, and the 
 stations for agricultural experiment, there has been a rapid increase 
 in the business of the office, until at the present time it is far in excess of 
 that conducted in most towns of equal size and population with Amherst. 
 A system of free mail delivery was inaugurated April 1, 1896. July 1, the 
 office was moved into new and commodious quarters in Williams' block. 
 With two railways running through the town, the mail facilities are 
 excellent. 
 
 A post-office was established at North Amherst in 1834. The list of 
 postmasters with dates of their appointment is as follows : Samuel Davis, 
 May 8, 1834; Horace Cutler, Aug. 9, 1837 i William H. Robinson, Feb. 
 
334 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 4, 1858 ; Horace Cutler, Sept. 5, 186 1 ; Charles H. Hobart, April 8, 1869 ; 
 Forester P. Ainsworth. Aug. 31, 1869. The post-office at South Amherst 
 was established in 1S41. The postmasters who have served there and the 
 dates of their appointment are as follows: Hiram H. Allen, July 30, 1841 ; 
 Waitstill Dickinson, June 7, 1844; Charles F. Hay ward, Dec. 20, 1849; 
 Daniel Paine, July 17, 1S56; Sylvanus M. Wright, Apri.13, 1S5 7 ; Thomas 
 Reed, Jan. 29, 1863 ; Waitstill Dickinson, April 7, 1S65 ; Charles A. Shaw, 
 March 7, 1881. 
 
 COURTS AND COURT OFFICERS. 
 
 The judicial system of the Province of the Massachusetts Pay, at the 
 time of the settlement of Hampshire county and thence down to the period 
 of the war of the Revolution, comprised a superior court of judicature 
 with original and appellate jurisdiction throughout the province, which held 
 sessions in the several counties and resembled in many of its features the 
 superior judicial court of to-day; a court for each county called the supe- 
 rior court of common pleas, consisting of four justices, which had cogniz- 
 ance of all actions triable at common law, and a court of sessions for each 
 county, comprising all its justices of the peace, which had a limited criminal 
 jurisdiction and managed the prudential affairs of the county. The 
 justices of the peace had a separate jurisdiction in minor matters, both 
 civil and criminal, and from their judgment appeal could be taken to the 
 court of common pleas and court of sessions. There was also a probate 
 court. At the close of the war of the Revolution, the courts of the Com- 
 monwealth of Massachusetts were established by act of the General Court, 
 passed July 3, 1782. There were a supreme judicial court, a court of 
 common pleas, and a court of general sessions of the peace. The supreme 
 court consisted of one chief and four associate justices. It had jurisdic- 
 tion in both civil and criminal cases and appellate jurisdiction in nearly all 
 probate matters. The court of common pleas, established for each county, 
 had powers ecpiivalent to those exercised by the provincial courts of the 
 same name. This was succeeded, in 181 1, by a circuit court of common 
 pleas, the act by which this was established dividing the state into six 
 circuits. The circuit court was abolished in 182 1, and a court of common 
 pleas throughout the state established. The court of general sessions of 
 the peace for each county was held by justices of the peace therein, and 
 determined matters relating to the conservation of the peace and the 
 punishment of offences cognizable by them at common law. 
 
 Probate courts were established by an act passed by the General Court 
 in 1784. From that time up to 1858, the officers of the probate court were 
 a judge and a register of probate. In 1858, the court of insolvency was 
 placed under the jurisdiction of these officers, who were henceforth known 
 
EDWARD DICKINSON. 
 
COURTS AND JUSTICES. 335 
 
 as judges and registers of probate and insolvency. In 1S58, an act was 
 passed giving certain powers in criminal cases to justices of the peace, who 
 were entitled trial justices. These were appointed by the governor and 
 held office three years. The following men have been appointed as trial 
 justices for the town of Amherst : James W. Boyden in 1858, Albion P. 
 Howe in 1859, Oliver Pease in 1865, Edward A. Thomas in 1874. The 
 jurisdiction of trial justices in Hampshire county was terminated by an 
 act of the General Court approved May 16, 1882, which formed the towns 
 of Hampshire county into a district court. William P. Strickland of 
 Northampton was appointed justice, with A. J. Fargo of Easthampton and 
 R. W. Lyman of Belchertown special justices. Sessions of this court are 
 held at Northampton, Amherst and Ware, the sessions at Amherst being- 
 held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Sessions of the 
 probate court for Hampshire county are held at Amherst on the second 
 Tuesday of January, March, June. August and November. 
 
 Probably the most distinguished jurist who has ever made his home 
 in Amherst was Simeon Strong. Appointed a justice of the peace in 1768, 
 he gave up his commission at the outbreak of the war of the Revolution. 
 In 1800, he was appointed one of the justices of the Massachusetts supreme 
 court, holding that office until his death in 1805. In an address delivered 
 by George Bliss in 1826, before the bar of the counties of Hampshire, 
 Franklin, and Hampden, Judge Strong is thus described : He was quite 
 a metaphysician and always fond of theology. From 17S0 to 1800 his 
 practice was extensive. He was very modest and unassuming in his whole 
 deportment, and always on all occasions treated the court before whom 
 he appeared with great deference and respect. He treated his antagonists 
 with perfect fairness. He was eminently skilled in the science of special 
 pleading. He was nearly a third of a century at the bar. Solomon Strong, 
 son of Judge Simeon, was appointed, in 1818, judge of the circuit court of 
 common pleas, and in July, 182 1, judge of the court of common 
 pleas, retaining the latter office until September, 1S42, when he 
 resigned. In 1834, Ithamar Conkey was appointed judge of probate for 
 Hampshire county, an office which he held until 185S. Other prominent 
 members of the bar who have made their home in Amherst were the Dick- 
 insons, Samuel Fowler, Edward and William Austin, Simeon Strong, 
 Jr., Noah Dickinson Mattoon, Lucius Boltwood, Osmyn Baker, Charles 
 Delano and Ithamar F. Conkey. In 1S09, probate courts were held in 
 Amherst three times a year at such times and places as the judge of probate 
 should appoint. In 1S17 and for several years thereafter these courts were 
 held at house of S. D. Ward, innkeeper, the third Tuesday in April, June 
 and October. In 1828, the sessions of probate court in Amherst was held 
 at the house of John Baggs in the east part of the town. Other court 
 
33& 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 sessions have been held at the town lock-up, in Hunt's block and in the 
 district court-room in the town hall building. 
 
 From the records at the state-house in Boston the following names of 
 Amherst men who have served as justices of the peace were transcribed. 
 The date of first appointment is given, many of them having been 
 reappointed for several terms. 
 
 Moses Dickinson, Aug. 20, 1775 
 Nathaniel Dickinson, Sept. 20, 17S1 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., March 28, 17S: 
 Ebenezer Boltwood, March 18, 1786 
 Daniel Cooley, Oct. 14, 1789 
 Simeon Strong, Dec. 2, 17S9 
 Zebina Montague, Feb. 13, 1797 
 Samuel F. Dickinson, Feb. 8, 1S03 
 Jarib White. March 2, 1S05 
 Medad Dickinson, June 16, 1S09 
 Ichabod Draper, Feb. 14, 1810 
 Hezekiah W. Strong, Feb. 5, 181 1 
 John Dickinson, June 4, 181 1 
 Gideon Stetson, May 15, 1S12 
 Noah Webster, Feb. 1, 1814 
 John Strong, July 2, 1814 
 Noah D. Mattoon, July 2, 1814 
 Levi Collins, Aug. 31, 1815 
 Rufus Graves, June 10, 1S17 
 Ithamar Conkey, May 11, 1S19 
 Timothy J. ( fridley, May 1 1. 1819 
 Jonathan Eastman, Aug. 26, 1823 
 Zebina Dickinson, Feb. 17, 1824 
 Lucius Boltwood. Feb. 22, 1825 
 Isaac Robbins, Feb. 22, 1825 
 Asahel Thayer, Feb. 22, 1825 
 Chester Dickinson, Oct. 16, 1S27 
 Enos Dickinson, Oct. 16, 1S27 
 Osmyn Baker, Jan. 6, 1830 
 Elijah Boltwood, Feb. 3, 1831 
 Edward Dickinson, Feb. 3, 1831 
 Daniel Dickinson, Feb. 26, 1833 
 John Leland, March 9, 1833 
 Luther Root, Feb. 18, 1835 
 Samuel Ware, Sept. 23, 1S35 
 David Mack, Jan. 22, 1836 
 James Kellogg, Feb. iS, 1839 
 Leonard M. Hills, Dec. 17. [842 
 Simeon Dickinson, Feb. 3, 1844 
 Charles Delano, March 8, 1844 
 Luke Sweetser, March 1, 1845 
 Baxter Eastman, Dec. 22. 1846 
 
 Joseph Dickinson, Jan. 8, 1853 
 Willard M. Kellogg. Jan. 8, 1853 
 Baxter Eastman. Dec. 6, 1S53 
 Henry A. Marsh, Feb. 16, 1854 
 Daniel Paine, July 7, 1854 
 Albin P. Howe, March 9, 1855 
 Newton Fitch, March 24, 1S55 
 Benjamin F. Smith, May 23, 1855 
 John M. Emerson, Sept. 3, 1855 
 Henry B. Prince, March 14, 1S56 
 Jared T. Westcott, March 14, 1856 
 Ezra Ingram, May 15, 1856 
 W. A. Dickinson, Jan. 23, 1857 
 M. N. Spear, May 29, 1S57 
 F. A. Palmer, March 21, 1S60 
 Abner G. Mossman, March 21, i860 
 J. O. Peck, Jan. 5, 1S61 
 Seth Fish, March 20, 1S61 
 Aaron E. Warner, Dec. 24. 1S61 
 John E. Cushman, Oct. 21, 1S62 
 Hiram C. Howard, Dec. 16, 1S64 
 Oliver Pease, May 5, 1S65 
 Geo. Cutler, Jan. 23, 1867 
 Marshall B. Cushman, Oct. 31, 1S67 
 William S. Clark. Nov. 2, 1867 
 Horace Cutler, May 6, 186S 
 Edward P. Cushman, May 13, 1S68 
 Levi Stockbridge, April 1, 1S69 
 
 D. B.N. Fish, Feb. 23, 1871 
 Forester P. Ainsworth, March 15, 1S71 
 Edward A. Thomas, Feb. 3, 1874 
 Edward E. Webster, Sept. 9, 1S75 
 John Jameson, Oct. 7, 1N75 
 
 Edward Conkey, May 6, 1876 
 John C. Dillon, April 10, 1877 
 James I. Cooper, Dec. S, 1877 
 Foster R. Clement, Nov. 28, 1879 
 Frank E. Paige, April 6, t88o 
 Wolcott Hamlin, April 20, 18S0 
 J. F. Morell. July 19, 1882 
 C. B. Marvin, Jr., March 22, 1SS3 
 
 E. I). Bangs, April 18. 1S83 
 
NEWSPAPERS AND PRINT.ING. 337 
 
 Ithamar F. Conkey, Feb. 3, 1S47 H. C. Nash, Jr., May 7, 1883 
 
 James W. Boyden, June 1, 1848 George W. Sanderson, April 2, 1S84 
 
 Simeon Clark, March 29, 1S49 Flavel Gaylord. April 9, 1SS4 
 
 Elbridge G. Bowdoin, June 20, 1S49 Dwight W. Palmer, June 19, 18S5 
 
 Horace Smith, Sept. 16, 185 1 H. M. McCloud. July 6. 1886 
 
 Hiram H. Allen, Sept. 16, 1851 James E. Merrick, April 10, 1889 
 
 Ferdinand Robinson, Sept. 16, 1S51 F. A. Hobbs, Dec. 3, 1S90 
 
 Jonas H. Winter, Sept. 30, 1S51 W. A. Hunt, April 1, 1S91 
 
 John R. Cushman, Dec. 2, 1851 Oramel S. Senter, Feb. 23, 1894 
 
 Levi Nutting, Dec. 2S, 1852 B. H. Williams, May 17, 1894 
 
 Bela U. Dickinson, Jan. S, 1S53 W. J. Reilley, Oct. 3, 1895 
 
 Amherst has furnished but one high sheriff for the county of Hamp- 
 shire, Ebenezer Mattoon, appointed in 1796, who continued in office for 
 nearly twenty years. There are no existing records from which can be 
 compiled a list of deputy sheriffs appointed for Amherst. A careful 
 investigation of papers on hie at the court-house in Northampton would 
 seem to show that one of the first, if not the first, Amherst deputy to be 
 appointed was Zebina Dickinson, who first took the oath of office June 2, 
 1806. He continued to serve until after the year 1S24, having as an 
 associate during the latter part of his term of office Chester Dickinson. 
 From 1824 to 1S38, there is no record of an Amherst appointment to this 
 office. Frederick A. Palmer was appointed deputy sheriff, Sept. 6, 1838, 
 continuing in office until his death in 1S74. Seth Niras was appointed a 
 deputy in 185 1. In 1S45, Henry Frink was appointed a deputy, to serve 
 five years. On the death of Mr. Palmer, George B. Gallond was appointed 
 deputy sheriff and served until his death in iSSS. Mr. Gallond was 
 succeeded by William W. Smith, who died in office, Nov. 26, 1893. The 
 present incumbent of the office is David H. Tillson. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 Newspapers and Printing. — The First Printing Press. — J. S. & C. 
 Adams. — New England Inquirer. — Hampshire and Frank- 
 lin Express. — Local News and Advertisements. — Hamp- 
 shire Express. — The Amherst Record. — Other Newspaper 
 Ventures. — Miscellaneous Publications. 
 
 The printing business was first established in Amherst in 1825. In 
 August of that year, the first printing-press was brought to town by Samuel 
 C. Carter and John S. Adams. It was known as a " Ramage " press, 
 
338 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 manufactured in Philadelphia and considered at that time one of the best 
 in use. Few of the townspeople had up to that time seen a printing-press; 
 it was to them so interesting and curious an object they crowded the office 
 from morning to night for several weeks after it was put in that they might 
 see it in operation. Associated with S. C. Carter and J. S. Adams in the 
 printing business was Charles Adams, brother to John S. Of Samuel 
 C. Carter, a brief biographical sketch will be given in a later chapter in this 
 volume. 
 
 John S. Adams was born in Middleton, May 24, 1S03. He entered, 
 at an early age, the printing office of Flagg & Gould at Andover, where he 
 worked six years, five as an apprentice and the sixth as foreman of the 
 office. While at this office he was engaged a large part of his time on 
 Greek, Hebrew and Arabic works. He came to Amherst in 1825, where 
 for more than a half century he was prominent in public affairs. Public 
 spirited in the best sense of the word, he was ever willing to devote time, 
 labor and money to any project that made for the public good. An early 
 advocate of railway construction, on the organization of the Amherst and 
 Belchertown railway company he was appointed clerk and treasurer, a 
 position which he held for ten years. For many years he was clerk and 
 treasurer of the First Congregational church, and served the town in a 
 similar capacity for one year. He died at his home in Amherst, Sept. 28, 
 1877. He built and resided in the house now occupied by Mrs. YV. D. 
 Herrick's home school. 
 
 Charles Adams was born in Middleton, May 3, 1805. Coming to 
 Amherst in 1S25, he engaged in business with his brother John S. Adams 
 and S. C. Carter, the firm of J. S. & C. Adams, organized in the '20s, 
 continuing in existence until 1S71. The business of printing and publish- 
 ing was first conducted in a building situated on the site now occupied by 
 the Amherst house "Annex." Mr. Adams was a man of affairs, highly 
 esteemed in the community. He served the public in many offices of trust 
 and honor. He served the town for one year as representative to the 
 General Court, and also as selectman and assessor; he held the office of 
 county commissioner for one term ; he was for several years a member of 
 the committee of the First Congregational parish and also parish assessor. 
 He was the first president of the Amherst Savings bank, being elected in 
 1864 and holding office until his resignation in 1870. He resided for 
 many years in the "Cooper house" adjoining Palmer's block, which was 
 destroyed by fire in March, 18S8. He afterwards built and resided in the 
 house on Lincoln avenue now owned by Charles M. Osgood. While in 
 partnership with his brother, the}' built a brick block on " Merchants' Row," 
 which they rented but never occupied. Mr. Adams died at his home in 
 Amherst, July 14, 1888. 
 
or PROMI NENT *> 
 BUSINESS MEN. 
 
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER. 339 
 
 The first business engaged in by the Adams brothers and S. C. Carter 
 was a general line of printing and book-binding, Mr. Carter paying partic- 
 ular attention to the bindery. The first book printed by them was a 
 volume of sermons by Rev. Daniel A. Clark, who had recently been 
 dismissed from the pastorate of the First Congregational church. At that 
 time the nearest place where printing paper could be procured was Boston. 
 It was shipped from there by water, carried by boat through Long Island 
 Sound and up the Connecticut river to the wharf in Hadley. the trip 
 occupying from 10 to 14 days. Sometimes it was brought overland from 
 Boston by six-horse teams, the trip occupying from six to seven days. 
 Paper was expensive in those earlier days ; good rag stock was the basis 
 of its composition and wood-pulp, grass and straw were unknown as 
 adulterants. The first periodical issued from the press of Carter & Adams 
 was the "Chemist and Meteorological Journal." The first number of the 
 first, and only, volume bears date of July S. 1826. Its price was S4 per 
 annum, "half ad.." the interpretation of the latter phrase being that one- 
 half of the price was payable in advance. Its editor was John R. Cotting, 
 a gentleman of considerable scientific lore, who was engaged as a lecturer 
 on chemistry at Amherst Academy. The "Chemist " was issued weekly, 
 contained 16 pages of printed matter, of octavo size, the matter, set in two 
 narrow columnson the page, being devoted exclusively to scientific subjects. 
 As concerned any reference to the town of Amherst or its people, it might 
 as well have been printed in Siberia. Its pages were illustrated with wood- 
 cuts of scientific apparatus, and each number contained a meteorological 
 table compiled at some well-known institution of learning. 
 
 UTEW-EWCJLAND INQUIRER. 
 
 ltlin>h\V, N'AI.MUKIt-2i. I8\!7 
 
 The above is a reproduction of the heading on the first page of the 
 fust newspaper printed in the town of Amherst. In October, 1826, Carter 
 & Adams issued in the form of a prospectus " Proposals for publishing a 
 Weekly Newspaper, at Amherst, Mass., to be called the New England 
 Inquirer." This document stated that in the new publication it was 
 proposed to devote considerable space to national politics, " trammeled by 
 no party prejudices and influenced by no sectional interests." There 
 would be inserted in its columns such correspondence and articles of intel- 
 ligence as should seem to be important to the moral interests of the 
 community. Its literary character would be " worthy of the intelligent 
 population on whose patronage it must subsist." Particular efforts would 
 
340 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 be made to collect matter which would illustrate our colonial and revolu- 
 tionary history. Attention would also be paid to improvements and inven- 
 tions in agriculture and the mechanic arts, "with which this age so much 
 abounds,'' as well as to all interesting news, foreign and domestic. From 
 this prospectus may readily be gained an idea of the character and the 
 accepted mission of the weekly newspaper published seventy years ago. 
 National politics, foreign intelligence, literature, history, these were the 
 essentials, to which were subordinated and relegated almost into nothing- 
 ness, the gathering and chronicling of purely local news. 
 
 Number one of volume one of the Inquirer hears date Dec. i, 1826. 
 Carter & Adams were the publishers and Hon. Osmyn Baker the editor, 
 but the latter's name does not appear in the paper at all. The Inquirer 
 was printed and published every Friday morning. Its subscription price 
 was $2 per year when paid within six months of the date of subscription, 
 or $1.75 if paid on receipt of the first issue. No subscription was received 
 for less than one year. Post-riders were supplied with the paper "on good 
 terms." It was a four-page paper with five columns on a page. The 
 publishers announced that "Advertisements will be conspicuously inserted 
 at the usual terms. 7 ' A summary of the contents of the first issue is of 
 interest at this time. On the first page was printed a story entitled " A 
 Border Tradition," copied, in condensed form, from the United States Review 
 ami literary Gazette, and a report of the cattle-show of the Merrimack 
 Agricultural society, at Concord, N. H. The last page was devoted to 
 religious news and Revolutionary war papers. The foreign news, on the 
 inside pages, consisted of reprints from the New York Mercury of Nov. 14 
 and the New York Enquirer. The one item of local intelligence related 
 to the sending up of a balloon, 12 or 15 feet in diameter, from College 
 hill. There were three columns of advertising in the issue and of this 
 space nearly one-half was occupied by the announcements of Luke Sweetser 
 and Graves & Field. Both these parties kept " general " stores, where 
 they sold dry-goods, groceries, hardware, liquor, etc. 
 
 The second issue of the paper contains the announcement that the 
 steamboat " Barnet," the first that had ever ascended the Connecticut 
 river above Hartford, had arrived at Northampton the Friday preceding. 
 The issue • of Jan. 26 contains the following interesting notice to 
 correspondents : 
 
 •■ We have been favored this week with no less than three articles of original 
 poetry. Our taste in these matters has been said to he somewhat fastidious, and 
 perhaps it is well that it is so, for if we were to publish indiscriminately whatever 
 we receive of that commodity, we might be as nearly overwhelmed by moon-struck 
 ballad-mongers as we have been by writers on education, which Heaven forbid, 
 but luckily for our readers, Hotspur himself did not more heartily detest mincing 
 
HAMPSHIRE AND FRANKLIN EXPRESS. 341 
 
 poetry than we do. We are the humble slaves of the true worshipers of the Muses 
 whom the Nine acknowledge, but for those whom both Rhyme and Reason have 
 repudiated, we have little affection." 
 
 May 22, 1827, the firm of Carter & Adams was dissolved, being 
 succeed by the firm of J. S. & C. Adams. Mr. Carter on retiring from 
 the printing business devoted his attention to the work of book-binding. 
 In the Inquirer 's issue for Nov. 16, 1827, announcement was made that 
 the property in the establishment had been " purchased of the present 
 proprietors by a number of gentlemen, who have determined on carrying 
 forward the publication on an improved and extended plan." The size of 
 the paper was to be increased about one-fifth and its appearance improved 
 in many respects. No name was signed to this announcement. Under 
 the new management, the Inquirer was edited by Prof. Samuel M. Wor- 
 cester of Amherst College. The paper was enlarged by the addition of 
 one column to each page, and the publication day was changed from Fri- 
 day to Thursday. The pages were numbered consecutively from week to 
 week, that an index for the volume might be made at the end of the year. 
 The publication was continued about a year under its new management 
 and then was given up. In 1839, the Amherst Gazette was published for 
 a few months by James B. Yerrington, but the enterprise proving unprofit- 
 able, was promptly abandoned. Its venerable namesake, the Hampshire 
 Gazette, alluded thus unfeelingly to its demise : " The Amherst Gazette, a 
 neutral bantling, after a short existence of thirteen weeks, has retired to 
 the peaceful shades of non-existence.'' 
 
 HAMPSHIRE AND FRANKLIN EXPRESS. 
 
 J S. t C. A 
 
 DAMS. Puninon 
 
 
 oftice No 
 
 3 P H E N I X 
 
 BOW 
 
 SAMUEL NASH. Eorroi 
 
 VOL. 1 
 
 
 nnii' 
 
 T, ■!».. Pill 
 
 [111 10l\l\ 
 
 c. in », ims. 
 
 .NO 37 
 
 Of more enduring qualities than its predecessors was the paper whose 
 title-page bore the heading faithfully portrayed above. Under different 
 titles and different owners the publication has been continued down to 
 the present time. The Hampshire and Franklin Express gained a more 
 extended circulation and exerted a wider influence than any other paper 
 ever printed in Amherst. Its field was broad ; from Greenfield on the 
 north to Springfield on the south, from Northampton on the west to Wor- 
 cester on the east, it had no competitor. The daily newspaper had not 
 yet begun its deadly inroads on the field of weekly journalism ; the few 
 magazines published in America were still in their infancy and had not 
 begun to dispute the field of literature with the weekly press. The first 
 issue of the Express bears date of Sept. 13, 1844. On the first page is 
 
34- HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 printed the publishers' prospectus. From this it is learned that the proprie- 
 tors had been repeatedly urged to publish a paper on the east side of the 
 Connecticut river, and had concluded to do so. Its object would be the 
 diffusion of such news as might be expected to find a place in a family 
 newspaper, and the advancement of such plans and measures as the 
 proprietors believed were calculated to promote the general welfare and pros- 
 perity and moral and intellectual improvement of the community. It would 
 advocate the principles of the Whig party in politics, including a protective 
 tariff and opposition to territorial expansion. The interests of religion 
 and agriculture would be properly cared for. The editorial department 
 would be in care of Samuel Nash, while J. S. & C. Adams were the pro- 
 prietors and publishers. The terms of subscription were : To those who 
 paid on receipt of the fourth number, $1.50; to those who paid before the 
 end of six months, $1.75, to all others, $2. No subscriptions were received 
 for less than six months. 
 
 The paper comprised four pages with six broad columns on a page. 
 At the head of the editorial column in the first issue were the names of 
 Henry Clay, candidate for president, and Theodore Frelinghuysen, candi- 
 date for vice-president, on the Whig ticket. In an editorial paragraph an 
 apology was made for the delay in issuing the first number, which was 
 caused by the time taken up in securing a larger press. The paper 
 contained an interesting selection of foreign and domestic news, including 
 election returns from Maine and Vermont and a letter from Henry Clay on 
 tariff matters. The only item which by any stretch of imagination could 
 be accounted Amherst news was a meteorological record for the month of 
 August, compiled by Prof. E. S. Snell. Liberal abstracts were published of 
 probate notices for Hampshire and Franklin counties, a feature to which 
 the publishers called particular attention. There was the customary long 
 list of marriages and deaths, covering a wide extent of territory. Especial 
 attention was paid to railroad matters from the first, the affairs of the 
 Vermont and Massachusetts road receiving extended consideration. At the 
 time of the first issue of the Express the residents of Amherst were 
 beginning to realize the desirability, if not the absolute necessity, of 
 securing railway communication with the outer world. It was generally 
 understood at the time that one principal reason for establishing the paper 
 was to aid the railway project. 
 
 The first issue contained but two and one-half columns of advertising 
 matter, but in subsequent issues this space was greatly increased. Sweetser 
 & < !utler were the principal advertisers in the Express, as Luke Sweetser 
 had been in the Inquirer seventeen years before. But in the years that 
 intervened between the two publications a new line of advertising had 
 been developed and had forced its way into prominence. The " patent 
 
READING MATTER AND ADVERTISEMENTS. 343 
 
 medicine adv.," the origin of which has ever been veiled in obscurity, first 
 assumed prominence in the weekly newspapers published in New England 
 in the decade beginning with 1830. The Express secured its full share of 
 this advertising, and its columns were illuminated with the praises of 
 "Sherman's Worm Lozenges," "Magical Pain Extractor,'' "Celestial 
 Balm of China " and "Resurrection Pills." Generous advertising patron- 
 age was also secured from many of the valley towns on the east side of 
 the Connecticut river, the merchants of Hadley, South Hadley Falls, 
 Montague, Palmer, Springfield and Hartford finding the Express a valuable 
 medium for communicating with their customers. Nearly all the Amherst 
 news of interest found place, if anywhere, in the advertising columns. 
 From these it is learned that the headquarters of Amherst Democracy were 
 located at Baggs' tavern in East Amherst, while the Whigs generally 
 gathered at Howe's tavern at the center. In common with its Whig con- 
 temporaries the Express mourned over the election of Polk and Dallas, 
 but its editor was optimistic, trusting that what seemed a national misfor- 
 tune would be overruled by Providence for good. The doings of the 
 national Congress and the state Legislature occupied a conspicuous place 
 in its columns, and from time to time state laws of importance were 
 published. Unlike the editor of the Inquirer, the first editor of the Express 
 welcomed and printed much original poetry, and an occasional original 
 story was printed on the first page. Most of the literary matter was quoted 
 from well-known publications. 
 
 In the issue for June 20, 1S45, announcement was made that on July 
 1 the new postal law would go into operation, by which editors and 
 publishers were allowed to send papers through the mails free of cost 
 within a circle of fifty miles. The circulation of the Express was prin- 
 cipally through the agency of carriers, and its publishers declared their 
 intention of continuing this service as it was more convenient for them and 
 for the subscribers as well. Should the papers be sent by mail to villages 
 near post-offices then forming parts of the routes of carriers, the best part 
 of their business would be taken away and, in consequence, the routes 
 would be abandoned. Those residing at a distance from the post-offices 
 would discontinue their paper. Besides the additional expense of mailing 
 papers to individual subscribers, the keeping of an account with each and 
 the additional risk and expense of collecting to the publishers would forbid 
 a reduction from the advertised rates to mail subscribers. The circulation 
 of the Express was limited mostly to towns on the east side of the Con- 
 necticut river. 
 
 Following is a list of the editors of the Express, together with the 
 dates when they began their service: September, 1S44, Samuel Nash ; 
 May, 1848, Homer A. Cook; July, 1849, J. R. Trumbull; March 1, 1856, 
 
344 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Homer Bliss ; June 13, 1856, John H. Brewster; Aug. 21, 1857, Pliny 
 H. White; April 30, 1858, John H. Brewster; March 25, 1859, J. H. 
 M. Leland ; Aug. 25, 1859, Henry A. Marsh; June 20, 1867, J. L. Skin- 
 ner. From time to time changes were made in the size and appearance of 
 the paper. These were generally in the direction of enlargement of the 
 sheet, as the amount of advertising matter increased. The news relating 
 to Amherst and surrounding towns was always set in the smallest type and 
 given the least conspicuous position in the columns. It was not until the 
 '60s, when H. A. Marsh was editor, that anything like prominence was 
 given to matter of purely local interest. With the issue of March 16, 
 i860, the paper attained its largest size, eight columns, 24 inches in length, 
 being printed on each page. In 1862, the introduction of the electric 
 telegraph in town and the public thirst for war news brought into being the 
 Daily Express. Its first issue bears date of April 20, and it was continued 
 through the greater part of the year. It was a small four-page paper, 
 printed at first with three columns on a page but this was afterwards 
 increased to four. It was devoted almost exclusively to the publication of 
 war news, which was printed with imposing headlines and was generally 
 optimistic for the Union cause to a marked degree. It is interesting to 
 learn from these despatches how for many months the rebellion was in 
 daily and hourly danger of being crushed and annihilated by one brilliant 
 move of the Union armies. This move, for reasons which history has 
 recorded, was delayed for more than two years. While the war was in 
 progress two reductions were made in the size of the weekly Express. 
 
 Vol. XXI. 
 
 AMHERST. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1865. 
 
 No.yi 
 
 With the issue of Jan. 27, 1865, the artistic heading printed above 
 made its first appearance. One column was added to each page of the 
 paper and the columns at the same time were lengthened. No reason was 
 assigned by editors or publishers for the change of name. In May, 1S66, 
 the paper was still further enlarged. The issue of May 3 contains the 
 following announcement : "We have long felt that our advertisements are 
 crowding too much upon our news and miscellaneous columns, but the 
 extreme high price of paper has deterred us from making any enlargement 
 until the present time." The editor would inflict no long-winded article 
 
THE AMHERST RECORD. 345 
 
 upon his readers, but would aim to make the paper a medium of commu- 
 nication of facts and valuable intelligence. From this time on more 
 attention was paid to the gathering and publication of news of purely 
 local interest. The introduction of the telegraph and the multiplication of 
 daily papers had detracted greatly from the value of the weeklies in the 
 publication of foreign and general news. 
 
 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 16 1895 
 
 The first issue of the Amherst Record bears date of May 7, 1868. 
 In changing its title, the proprietors intended to signify as well a change 
 in the character of the paper. Amherst was growing rapidly, and it was 
 believed that the town should support a larger and better paper than 
 before. To quote from the announcement made in the first issue printed 
 under the new heading: "The educational institutions established here, 
 the class of people that are being and will continue to be drawn here, the 
 reputation of the town as foremost in educational matters and for beauty 
 of natural scenery, all demand that a paper be published here that shall not 
 only give local news but shall to a certain extent represent the educational 
 interests of the town." Special attention would be paid to the interests 
 of the Agricultural College. For a long time after this announcement was 
 made a special department was sustained in the paper under the Agricultural 
 College heading. At this time, J. L. Skinner and H. M. McCloud were the 
 owners of the paper and J. L. Skinner its editor. In 1868, Mr. Skinner 
 disposed of his interest to C. L. Storrs. and the firm name was changed to 
 Storrs & McCloud, editors and proprietors. March 8, 1S71, Mr. Storrs 
 was compelled on account of continued ill health to give up his connection 
 with the paper, and H. M. McCloud became sole editor and proprietor. 
 In assuming editorial management, Mr. McCloud made the announcement 
 that he should aim especially to make a newspaper of local interest, 
 indispensable to every family in the vicinity. In this effort he was eminently 
 successful, the paper gaining largely in circulation and attracting a large 
 and lucrative line of advertising. It was found necessary, at frequent 
 intervals, to issue supplements on account of the large amount of advertis- 
 ing matter. About Aug. 1, 187 1. the paper was altered from the old-style 
 "blanket-sheet" of four large pages to an eight-page form of smaller size. 
 In June, 1S77, John E. Williams purchased an interest in the business, 
 which was conducted under the firm name of McCloud & Y\ 'illiams until 
 Aug. 27. 1879, when Mr. Williams became editor and proprietor. He 
 
346 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 continued in charge until his death in January, 1S90. In April, 1S90, the 
 Record property was purchased by E. W. Carpenter and C. F. Morehouse, 
 who have since conducted the paper along the lines marked out by their 
 immediate predecessors, seeking to make of it an interesting and valuable 
 record of local events. When the Express was first established in 1S44, 
 the publication office was at No. 3 Phoenix Row. In 1S70, it was removed 
 to Holland's block, and in 1S76 to Union block on Main street. Here it 
 remained until 18S2, when it was removed to a new building erected by 
 Mr. Williams in the rear of the American house block where it is now 
 located. 
 
 In 1850, Lebbeus B. Fifield, a student at Amherst College, published 
 for five months, semi-monthly, The Experiment, a four-page sheet measur- 
 ing 8 1-2 x 12 inches, at a subscription price of 75 cents per year. Need- 
 less to say, the experiment was not a success. In 1854, the Valley Farmer, 
 edited by John A. Nash, was started in Springfield, and removed in 
 December of that year to Amherst, where it passed a brief and not over- 
 profitable existence. In the Amherst Record under date of April 21, 1875, 
 a paragraph was published stating it was rumored that a new agricultural 
 paper was to be issued in Amherst, published by T. G. Huntington and E. 
 H. Libby, the former a practical farmer residing in Hadley, the latter a 
 graduate of the Agricultural College in the class of 1874. A further 
 announcement was issued under date of May 12, to the effect that many 
 subscriptions had been received and 3000 copies would be printed of the 
 first number. June 2, announcement was made that the first number had 
 been issued and had met with great favor. Every department was in 
 charge of an expert. Despite of its flattering prospects, the journal was 
 destined to a brief life. The Amherst Transcript was published by R. A. 
 and Charles Marsh, from Sept. iS, 187710 Aug. 12, 1S79. It was devoted 
 especially to local matters. Since the organization of Amherst College, 
 its students have conducted several periodical publications, beginning, in 
 1S31, with the Sprite. The college at the present time supports two 
 publications, the Amherst Student, a weekly newspaper of college affairs, 
 established in 1S67, and the Literary Monthly, established in 1886, devoted 
 to the literary interests of the college. In 1890 the students of the Agri- 
 cultural College began the publication of Aggie Life, a college paper, 
 issued bi-weekly, which still enjoys a prosperous existence. 
 
 While the firm of J. S. & C. Adams was engaged in the printing 
 business it published many works of interest and value. In 1833, they 
 printed an edition of 35,000 copies of the bible, the printing being done 
 on a hand-press while S. C. Carter did the binding. Probably the most 
 important work in which they engaged was the publication of Webster's 
 Dictionary, they having purchased the copyright of the work from Mr. 
 
THE FIRST LIBRARY. 347 
 
 Webster's executors. The dictionaries were first printed in Amherst, but 
 later on the copyright was sold to G. & C. Merriam, who removed the 
 work of publication to Springfield. Among the other works published by 
 J. S. & C. Adams were Wilbur's Reference Testament, a small pocket 
 Bible, Doddridge's Family Expositor, Mrs. Sigourney's Sketches, the Legal 
 Classics, Hitchcock's Geological Survey of Massachusetts, Humphrey's 
 Domestic Education, and other works by Presidents Humphrey and 
 Hitchcock. 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 Libraries and Lyceums. — Constitution and By-Laws of the First- 
 Library. — Agricultural Lierary. — The North Amherst 
 Library. — The Center Library. — The North Amhersi 
 Lyceum. — The South Amherst Lyceum. — Lyceums at the 
 Center and at East Amherst. 
 
 The residents of Amherst recognized even in the earlier times the 
 value of the public library as a source of educational improvement. Books 
 were few and high-priced, so that only the well-to-do could afford to purchase 
 or own them. The Bible, the hymn book. Young's " Night Thoughts," 
 Baxter's "Saints' Rest," and Dr. Cotton Mather's " Magnalia " could be 
 found in many households, but a library was a luxury few could afford. 
 But that which was denied to the individual could be gained by association. 
 As early as 1793, over a century ago, the first library association was 
 organized in Amherst. Its constitution and by-laws, interesting not alone 
 from age but from the knowledge they impart of library management at that 
 early date, are copied here entire, together with the names of the 
 subscribers: 
 
 We the Subscribers do hereby associate and form ourselves into a Company, 
 for the Purpose of procuring and maintaining a common Library in the Town of 
 Amherst under the Conditions and Regulations hereafter expressed. — 
 
 That is to say. 
 
 Art. 1. Each Individual of the Company shall pay two Dollars to be disposed 
 of, by the Company, or their Committee, for purchasing books, and procuring neces- 
 sary Accommodations for a Library, and shall be incapable of taking out any 
 book until he has paid as above expressed. 
 
 2. Each Individual of the Company shall pay eighteen Pence annually for 
 the Term of three years, from the Date hereof, for the Purpose above expressed 
 and to be disposed of accordingly. 
 
348 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 3. The Volumes are all to be neatly covered with Paper and kept so covered 
 at the Expence of the Company. 
 
 4. The Library shall be kept together, in a convenient Place to be under the 
 •■•Care of such Librarian, as shall be appointed by the Company. 
 
 5. Every Proprietor shall have Right to take out of the Library one or two 
 Volumes only at a Time and to keep the same untill the first Tuesday of the next 
 succeeding month save one, and no longer. 
 
 6. Every Proprietor shall have Right to return his books to the Librarian, 
 any Time before the time set for the return of books, in the preceeding article 
 .and take out other books and shall return the same, at the Time affixed for taking 
 out Books in the preceeding article. 
 
 7. Every Book taken out of the Library shall be used only by the Proprietor 
 himself, who shall take it out, or by some of his family, and never shall be lent to 
 any other Person, or conveyed to any other House than his own. 
 
 8. Every Person taking out a Book shall be responsible for the same, and pay 
 the full Damages to the Librarian, in case it shall be defaced, abused, lost or 
 distroyed. 
 
 9. Every one, who shall not return his Book on or before the first Tuesday 
 of every second Month after the taking the same out. shall pay to the Librarian 
 one shilling; or who shall lend any book or suffer any Book to be conveyed to 
 any other house than his own, shall not take from the Library any Book for the 
 Term of twelve months — or who shall deform any Book by folding down a Leaf, 
 shall pay one shilling, or who shall drop or leave thereon any Grease or Ink shall 
 pay for each Drop or Spot six Pence or who shall tear out any Leaf shall pay two 
 shillings — or who shall any other way or Means deface or abuse any Book shall 
 pay such other sum as the Damage may be in the Judgment of the Librarian or 
 the Committee. 
 
 10. Every Proprietor,who shall have lost hurt,destroyed, defaced abused or neg- 
 lected to return any Book as mentioned in the foregoing articles, shall be incapable 
 of taking out any book from the Library, untill he has paid the Forfiture or For- 
 fitures for the Breach of the same, to the Librarian or excused therefrom by the 
 Major Part of the Company or their Committee. 
 
 11. The Librarian shall account with the Committee or the Proprietors for all 
 Monies that may be paid to him in Pursuance of these articles. 
 
 12. Every new Member who shall be admitted into the Company, who is not 
 a purchaser of a former Right, shall pay as much Money, as the other Proprietors 
 individually have paid, and subscribe his Name to the above association and 
 articles, and every such Purchaser shall be admitted on signing as aforesaid. 
 
 13. The Proprietors shall meet in the South East School House in Amherst 
 untill some other Place be agreed on: on the first Tuesday of June annually at 
 ■four of the Clock in the afternoon, to choose a Librarian, Clerk and Committee for 
 directing the purchasing Book and other prudential Matters of the Company. 
 
 14. Every Proprietor, who shall neglect or refuse to pay as provided in the 
 second article agreeable to the true Intent and meaning thereof: shall after such 
 Negligence or Refusal be incapable of taking out any Book from the Library 
 untill he shall pay as therein expressed. 
 
A< i RICULTU KA L LI HRARY. 
 
 349 
 
 15. The Librarian shall attend the service of Delivering out and taking in the 
 Books the first Tuesday of every other Month between the Hours of five and seven 
 in the afternoon, and in Case of necessary absence he may substitute a proper 
 Person in his steed. 
 
 16. The Librarian for the Time being shall inspect the Books, when Returned 
 and be the Judge of the Forfkures, which may accrue by the Virtue of the fore- 
 going Articles. 
 
 17. The Company do hereby elect and appoint Daniel Cooley Clerk and 
 Librarian and Thomas Hastings, Med Dickinson, John Thayer, Jon a Dickinson, 
 Elijah Hastings, 
 
 Committee for purchasing Books and other prudential Matters of the 
 Company. 
 Amherst, June 4th. 1793. 
 
 Jonathan C. Warner 
 
 Elisha Smith Jun r 
 
 Tho s Hastings Jim 
 
 Moses Hastings 
 
 John Church 
 
 Wm. Cowls 
 
 David Moody 
 
 Aaron Russell 
 
 Jon, a Bridgman 
 
 Seth Coleman Jr 
 
 Daniel Cooley 
 
 Elijah Hastings 
 
 Medad Dickinson 
 
 John Thayer 
 
 Ebenezer Bliss 
 
 Judah Dickinson 
 
 Thomas Hastings 
 
 Judah Clark 
 Giles Church 
 Joel Moody 
 Jon a Dickinson 
 Enos Cowls 
 Justus Williams Ju 1 
 Timothy Allen 
 William Rice 
 Aaron Merick 
 Elijah Clark 
 Lemuel Moody J 11 
 Seth Smith 
 Benjamin Smith 
 John Lee 
 Elijah Yale 
 Josiah Ayres 
 
 One volume supposed to have belonged to this library is still in 
 existence, in possession of the Amherst College library. It is labeled 
 " Amherst Library, Xo. 25." This library was contained in a case some 
 six feet high and four or five feet wide, and was kept most of the time at 
 the house of Dea. David Moody in South Amherst. 
 
 About the year 1S40, small libraries were sustained by many of the 
 school districts in town. They numbered less than 100 volumes each, the 
 latter being duodecimo in size, uniform in binding, and published by Harper 
 & Bros, of New York. There was a system of exchange practiced, by 
 which these libraries made the rounds of the several districts. A library 
 was instituted about 1S40 by the Anti-slavery society at South Amherst. 
 
 At a meeting of persons interested in establishing an agricultural 
 library, held in Agricultural hall, Jan. 19, 1858, R. T. Wheelock was 
 chosen chairman and M. N. Spear secretary pro tern. An association was- 
 formed and a constitution adopted. The name selected was the Amherst 
 Agricultural Library association. Its object' was to procure and maintain 
 
.35° HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 a library of agricultural books, papers and such other works as might tend 
 to the improvement of agriculture. Its president, vice-president and 
 secretary were to form, ex-officiis, an executive committee with power to 
 purchase such books as the association might order. Any person might 
 become a member on payment of $3, and any member who failed to pay any 
 fines, dues or assessments ordered by the association within 30 days after 
 receipt of a written notice should be debarred from all rights and privileges 
 of the association. This constitution was signed by 80 names. Officers 
 were elected as follows : President, Luke Sweetser ; vice-president, M. F. 
 Dickinson; secretary, Simeon Clark ; treasurer, A. R. Henderson; libra- 
 rian, Henry Holland. The by-laws provided that any member might receive 
 from the library any book that should be therein at the time of his applica- 
 tion, and retain the same for three weeks. No person should remove from 
 the library any book or paper without the express permission of the 
 librarian. No member could draw any book until he had paid all sums 
 due from him to the association. Any member who should mutilate or in 
 any way injure a book, should pay to the librarian such sum as should be 
 assessed by the executive committee, and if the book so lost or injured 
 was one of a set, he should pay the full value of the set and receive the 
 remaining volumes as his property. The fine incurred by retaining a book 
 longer than three weeks was two cents per clay. At a meeting of the 
 association held Feb. 15, 1859, it was voted, that an assessment of twenty 
 cents be laid on each shareholder of the association, for the purpose of 
 paying any debts that might be clue ; voted, to pass over the election of 
 officers ; voted, that the president and secretary be authorized to make 
 arrangements with the librarian for the care of the library. The associa- 
 tion existed but a short time. The library was kept at the store of S. 
 Holland c\r Son. Two books that belonged to it are now in possession of 
 Mrs. Henry Holland; their catalog numbers are 148 and 149, and they 
 are the first and second volumes of " Dr. Ure's Dictionary of Arts, Man- 
 ufactures and Mines." 
 
 A library association was organized at North Amherst, March 17, 
 1869. Its first president was Dr. D. B. N. Fish. It was composed of 
 active and associate members ; the former, 45 in number, paid each $5 as 
 an initiation fee and had full control of the library, while the latter, paying 
 $1 as an initiation fee, had the same right as the active members in the 
 use of books. Fach member was to pay $1 per year to sustain the library. 
 The fund first raised for the purchase of books amounted to $236. 
 Additions to this fund were made from the proceeds of a lecture course 
 and other entertainments. In November, 1S73, a meeting of the associa- 
 tion was held to listen to arguments submitted by a committee of citizens 
 from the center village, who desired to found a free public library and 
 
LIBRARY AT NORTH AMHERST. 35 I 
 
 wished the North Amherst association to donate its books as the nucleus 
 for such a library. It was voted to defer definite action until the citizens 
 at the center had raised as much money for the library as the citizens at 
 North Amherst had already expended. Dec. i, 1S73, the association voted 
 to make the library free to all responsible citizens for one year. " as an 
 experiment." As a similar vote was passed the next year, it would seem 
 that the experiment was deemed a success. In 1875, the town appropriated 
 $i 00 for the support of the library, and in order that it might accept the 
 gift the association secured a charter and made of the library a free public 
 institution. The first report of its managers is incorporated in the town 
 reports for the year ending March 1. 1S77. During the year 100 books 
 had been added to the library by purchase and 10 by donation, making the 
 total number 595. The average number of persons drawing books during 
 the year was 180, the total number of books drawn 2S20. The officers of 
 the association were : President, Harrison Ingram ; vice-president, Almon 
 E. Cowles ; clerk, treasurer and librarian. F. P. Ainsworth. In 1883. the 
 association received a gift of S500 from Rufus B. Kellogg of Green Bay, 
 Wis., a former resident at North Amherst. The library was first located 
 in the post-office building. In October. 1883. it was removed to an unoc- 
 cupied room in the brick school-house. During the same year the books 
 were renumbered and a new catalog was issued. The library was open to 
 the public on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, and books were delivered 
 by the card system. The burning of the grammar school-house in 1891 
 rendered it necessary that a new home for the library should be provided. 
 In this emergency Mrs. Ellen E. Fisher proposed to subscribe $500 to a 
 building fund, if the town would appropriate a like amount. The town 
 was prompt to act on this suggestion, and at its annual meeting in 1S92 
 appropriated the sum requested. From the unexpended balance of the 
 Kellogg fund a building site was purchased at a cost of Si 50, a little to 
 the northwest of the Congregational church building. Mrs. Fisher 
 increased her original subscription to the building fund to S700 ; W. D. 
 Cowls contributed Si 50 and others smaller amounts. A furnace to heat 
 the building was donated by Mrs. Fisher and William W. Hunt. The 
 entire cost of the land, building and furniture was about S2.500. The new 
 building, a neat and ornamental structure, was dedicated Sept. 20. 1893. 
 At that time the association was in debt to the amount of about SSoo. 
 
 About the year 1S70, the young people at East Amherst gave a fair 
 and entertainment at Hampshire park, under the management of Charles 
 O. Parmenter. The proceeds, a considerable sum, were entrusted to 
 Herbert B. Adams, who visited New York and invested the money in a 
 number of second-hand but standard books, which he purchased at low 
 rates: they included works of history, biography and fiction. The number 
 
352 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of volumes was about 300, the average price paid about 25 cents. This 
 library, which filled a large case, was kept in the office of the grocery-store 
 at East Amherst. It was placed in charge of the store-keeper, and the 
 books were freely circulated in the neighborhood. When the free public 
 library was established at the center, the custodians of the library at East 
 Amherst were persuaded to allow its incorporation in the larger town 
 collection. A collection of several hundred volumes has recently been 
 established at East Amherst, which, under the name of the " East Amherst 
 Library," is kept in the ladies' parlor adjoining the vestry of the Second 
 Congregational church. 
 
 In the latter part of March, 1873, a movement for a free public library 
 at Amherst center was inaugurated by the Amherst Bookclub. Committees 
 were appointed representing the different parts of the town, to take such 
 measures as they deemed expedient to awaken public interest in the project. 
 A meeting of these committees was held Sept. 12, 1873. Rev. W. D. 
 Herrick served as chairman of the meeting and H. M. McCloud as secre- 
 tary. It was decided to hold a fair in the month of October to procure 
 funds, and also to appoint a committee to solicit subscriptions. The 
 proposition was made and adopted to hold public meetings in the different 
 parts of the town that greater interest might be aroused. The only argu- 
 ment offered in opposition to the establishment of a public library was the 
 fact that Amherst College supported an excellent library, and that citizens 
 of the town, by paying S3 a year and securing permission from the proper 
 authorities, could avail themselves of its privileges. To this the promoters 
 of a public library replied that only a limited number of persons either had 
 or would draw books from the college library, and that the books contained 
 therein, while well suited to their specific purpose, did not meet the demands 
 of the general reading public. The fair was held Oct. 29 and 30 ; it was 
 generously patronized, the net receipts being nearly $600. At a meeting 
 held Nov. 14, a committee of five was selected, to appoint sub-committees 
 in all parts of the town to circulate papers to be signed by persons who 
 should agree to become members of a library association. The following 
 were chosen members of this committee : Dr. H. J. Cate, Rev. H. F. 
 Allen, Rev. C. A. Conant, Asa Adams, Dea. Samuel Smith. The member- 
 ship fee was placed at $5. At a meeting held Nov. 24, a committee was 
 appointed to draw up a constitution and by-laws. A regular organization 
 was formed at a meeting held Dec. 15. The constitution and by-laws 
 reported by the committee were adopted. Officers were elected as follows : 
 President, 1'".. A. Thomas ; vice-president, Levi Stockbridge : secretary, O. 
 G. Couch : treasurer, J. A. Rawson ; auditors, S. C. Carter, J. L. Lovell ; 
 board of managers, Rev. H. F. Allen, Rev. J. L. Jenkins, Rev. W. D. 
 Herrick. Rev. T. S. Potwin, Prof. W. S. Tyler, Dr. H. J. Cate, Dr. P. E. 
 
THE CENTER LIBRARY. 353 
 
 Irish, O. G. Couch, H. D. Fearing, Dr. D. B. N. Fish. The name adopted 
 was the " Amherst Library Association." Any person might become a 
 member by paying $5, either in money or its equivalent in books. The 
 annual dues were placed at $1. It is the general testimony of those now 
 living who were active in promoting this organization that its success, its 
 very existence in fact, were due in large measure to the personal efforts of 
 Dr. H. J. Gate. 
 
 The library was first opened to the public Feb. 25, 1S74. It was 
 located in the second story of the Adams block, adjoining the post-office 
 block. The first report of the association was incorporated in the town 
 reports for the year ending March 1. 1875. The treasurer's report showed 
 the following receipts : Cash from fair, S59S.78 ; from membership dona- 
 tions, S419 ; from the town, S200: from catalogs, dues, fines, etc., S83.63. 
 The principal items of expenditure were: Books, S612.42 ; book-binding, 
 printing and stationery, Si 7 1.30; magazines and newspapers. S79.85 ; 
 furniture and fixtures, $218.24 j rent an d care of rooms, Si 56.46. During 
 the year 886 books had been purchased, 327 donated, and 204 received 
 from the library at East Amherst. The report covered a period of eleven 
 months ; during that time 780 persons had received cards and had taken 
 out 14,619 books. Connected with the library was a comfortable reading- 
 room. The librarian was Miss M. D. Beaman. During the following 
 year 190 books were added to the library, 129 by purchase and 61 by 
 donation. The number of new cards issued was 215, making 995 in all, 
 on which 12,219 books had been delivered. In addition to its regular 
 sources of income the library received during the year $250 as the proceeds 
 of a " May breakfast." In January. 1S79, the books in the library were 
 slightly damaged by a fire in the post-office block. During the same year 
 the reading-room which had been connected with the library was given up, 
 and the papers and periodicals were presented to the Reform club. In 
 July. 1S79, the library quarters were burned out, but nearly all the books 
 were saved. The library found a temporary home in W. W. Hunt's wooden 
 block, where it remained until Williams' block was erected, when it found 
 new and commodious quarters in the second story of that building. The 
 expenses caused by the fire, including re-binding and re-covering books, 
 new fixtures and appliances, were very heavy, but a part was provided for 
 by S3 00 secured as the proceeds of a performance of the comic opera 
 " Pinafore," by local talent. 
 
 During the year 1SS4, the library quarters were enlarged, and it was 
 
 found possible to utilize the book-cases and shelves that had been presented 
 
 to the association by the literary societies of Amherst College. During 
 
 the year 1889, the association received two legacies, one of S250 by the 
 
 2 3 
 
354 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 will of Miss Esther Cutler, and one of $1,000 bequeathed by Samuel C. 
 Carter. The provisions of the Carter bequest were that only the income of 
 the fund should be expended annually for the purchase of books of travel, 
 history or biography. The wearing out of books from constant use had 
 become a source of heavy expense, which had to be met by special efforts 
 to raise funds. During the year 1890, the library was moved into its new 
 and commodious quarters in the town hall building. In 1891, the library 
 received $275 as its share of the proceeds of the Union lecture course, and 
 Si 85 from the fees of new members secured through the personal exertions 
 of Prof. John M. Tyler. 
 
 In the fall of 1891, a number of public-spirited citizens organized, 
 with the purpose of providing for the citizens of the town a " Union Lecture 
 Course," a series of entertainments to be given in the town hall at popular 
 prices, the net proceeds, if any. to go towards the support of the public 
 libraries. The course was very generally patronized by citizens, and at 
 the end of the season the management was enabled to pay $345 into the 
 library fund, the sum being divided between the libraries at the center and 
 North Amherst in about the same proportion as the annual appropriation 
 bv the town. The Union course proved so popular it was decided to give 
 another series of entertainments the succeeding year, and the custom thus 
 established has been continued down to the present time, but the increas- 
 ing expense of entertainments and a falling off in public patronage has 
 considerably lessened the sums realized for library support. 
 
 During the year books were purchased at an expense of $819.18. In 
 1892, the card catalog system was introduced, and arrangements were 
 made for the delivery of books to the patrons of the library at South 
 Amherst. In 1894, the "two card" system was adopted, by which a 
 person could draw from the library two books at one time, provided one is 
 not a work of fiction. The report of the year ending Feb. 15, 1S95, shows 
 a total of 6,607 books in the library, while 18,476 were drawn out during 
 the year. Sketches of the libraries at Amherst College and the Agricultu- 
 ral College are given in chapters relating to these institutions. The work 
 of the public libraries has been ably supplemented by many book and mag- 
 azine clubs conducted by private enterprise. 
 
 AMHERST LYCEUMS. 
 
 During a period extending from 1835 to 1850, the lyceum or debating 
 school flourished in New England. Few towns were so small but they 
 could boast their lyceums, and many an orator and statesman destined in 
 after years to hold vast audiences spellbound by his eloquence gained his 
 first lessons in public speaking at the village debating society. Amherst 
 .supported, from time to time, many organizations of this character : the 
 
NORTH AMHERST LYCEUM. 355 
 
 records of some of these are yet in existence, and as they resembled each 
 other closely in plan and work it seems hardly necessary to give any 
 detailed statement of the doings of each one. From the following para- 
 graphs a good general idea may be gained of the character of the lyceums 
 that existed in Amherst and the work which they accomplished. 
 
 The " Lyceum of North Amherst "' was organized in December, 1837, 
 with 49 members. The preamble to the constitution reads as follows : 
 " Wishing to promote our own mutual improvement, and avail ourselves 
 the most efficiently of mutual aid in the acquisition of knowledge and 
 cultivation of our minds, we associate and subscribe to the following 
 constitution and rules." Any person might become a member by subscrib- 
 ing to the constitution and paying ten cents into the treasury. The meet- 
 ings were held weekly, from the first Monday in December to the first 
 Monday in April. The exercises included debates,' literary and scientific 
 lectures and other features. No "sectarian controversies in religion," or 
 " party controversies in politics," or offensive personalities were allowed. 
 Although the date of organization is given as 1837, the date of the first 
 meeting as inscribed in the book of records is Feb. 1, 1847. The officers 
 elected at that meeting were as follows : President, Charles Cooley ; 
 vice-president, Charles K. Smith ; secretary, Albert W. Ball ; treasurer, 
 Ansel W. Kellogg. The Lyceum was sustained through the season, but at 
 a meeting held Jan. 24. 1S48, it was voted inexpedient to continue the 
 Lyceum any longer that season, to sell the record book at auction, and to 
 adjourn without date. Jan. 31, 1S4S, a new Lyceum was formed on the 
 basis of the old constitution, with 14 members. Its officers were: Presi- 
 dent, A. C. Marshall ; vice-president, J. Cowles ; secretary, F. H. Ingram ; 
 treasurer, A. W. Ball. There are no records of meetings between Jan. 2, 
 1849 ar, d Dec. 12, 185 1. On the latter date a temporary organization was 
 effected, the following being chosen as officers : President, Charles Smith ; 
 vice-president, C. H. Kellogg; secretary, A. W. Ball; treasurer, Baxter 
 Eastman. During that winter ladies took part in the exercises at the 
 meetings, reading compositions and poetical selections. No meetings 
 were held between Feb. 14, 1853 and Dec. 6, 1858. On the latter date the 
 organization was revived, and the old constitution and by-laws, with some 
 minor amendments, adopted. The officers elected were : President, 
 Charles Smith; vice-president, Ransom Cowles; secretary, M. F. Dickin- 
 son, Jr.; treasurer, Horace Cutler. The roll of membership contained 32 
 names. The organization was continued througli tlie season and then, 
 like its predecessors, passed from existence. At a meeting held Feb. 5, 
 1875, a new organization was formed. The officers elected were : Presi- 
 dent, Rev. G. F. Humphreys ; vice-president, H. Ufford ; secretary, Jennie 
 E. Holmes; treasurer W. M. Dickinson. At a meeting held Feb. 12, a 
 
356 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 new constitution was adopted being signed by 57 names. The last 
 recorded meeting was held Feb. 14, 1876. 
 
 A meeting was held Sept. 20, 1839, at the " hall of the school-house " 
 in South Amherst, for the purpose of forming a society for mutual improve- 
 ment. A constitution was presented and adopted. Its preamble reads as 
 follows : " We the undersigned, in order to cultivate and improve our 
 intellectual and moral faculties and regarding an association of individuals 
 as a pleasant and well adapted means to secure this object, inasmuch as 
 it tends not only to strengthen and discipline the mind, but also to elicit 
 thought, diffuse information, and elevate the understanding, and thus to 
 increase the happiness and promote the well-being of the community, do 
 agree upon and associate under the following constitution." The name 
 selected was the " South Amherst Lyceum." The object was, to promote 
 by various literary and rhetorical exercises the mutual improvement of its 
 members. Meetings were to be held once each week. Any person might 
 become a member by signing the constitution. Any funds required to 
 meet expenses were to be raised by subscription. The by-laws provided 
 that the ordinary exercises should consist of debates and the reading of 
 compositions. No question of a purely religious nature should be debated. 
 Four male members should be appointed to take part in each debate, two 
 to speak on the affirmative and two on the negative side of the question. 
 These should begin the discusssion, speaking in order, and when they had 
 finished, the question was to be thrown open to debate by other members. 
 No speaker was to occupy more than ten minutes. No offensive person- 
 alities should be allowed. The president might decide the question in 
 debate according to the merits of the argument on either side, or refer the 
 same to the society to be decided by their vote. The constitution was 
 signed by 43 names. The officers elected were : President, N. S. Dickin- 
 inson ; vice-president, J. G. Bridgman ; secretary, Thomas Reed. The 
 minutes of succeeding meetings show that matters of weighty import were 
 debated and that during the first season a good degree of interest was 
 maintained. The following curious vote is recorded under date of Oct. 
 22, 1839 : " Voted, That the Ladies be allowed an opportunity to get home. 
 That the gentleman spectators be politely invited either to pass quietly out 
 and thus give them this privilege or to remain in their seats until the ladies 
 can do so." Feb. 28, 1S40, the meeting adjourned sinedie. A new organ- 
 ization was formed Nov. 13, 1S40. Its object was mutual discussion and 
 improvement. It adopted, with some amendments, the constitution and 
 by-laws of the old society, the principal change being a provision that the 
 necessary funds be raised by a tax upon the male members of the society. 
 The officers chosen were : President, E. S. Bridgman ; vice-president, J. F. 
 Merrick ; secretary, J. G. Adams. The last meeting of this society of 
 
LYCEUM AT AMHERST CENTER. 357 
 
 which there is record was held Feb. 26, 1S41. A new society was organ- 
 ized Oct. 15, 1S41. The constitution and by-laws of the former societies 
 were adopted with minor alterations. The following officers were elected : 
 President, E. S. Bridgman : vice-president, E. Bridgman ; secretary, B. E. 
 Smith. The last recorded meeting was held Jan. 7, 1842. 
 
 A lyceum was conducted at the center village for a number of years. 
 Careful search has failed to discover any manuscript record of its doings. 
 The Express of Nov. 26, 1844, contains a notice signed by I. F. Conkey, 
 secretary, requesting the citizens to meet at Sweetser's hall that evening 
 to organize the lyceum for the coming year. At the annual meeting of 
 the Amherst lyceum, held Dec. 8, 1S46, the following officers were elected : 
 President, J. S. Adams ; vice-president, Simeon Clark ; secretary, G. W. 
 Sargent ; treasurer, Joseph Colton ; directors, Samuel E. Mack, Charles 
 Delano, I. F. Conkey. At a meeting held Dec. iS, 1846, a debating club 
 was organized in connection with the lyceum. Oct. 5, 1S47, a meeting of 
 the friends of the lyceum was held in Howe's hall. It was voted that the 
 debating society should continue its connection with the lyceum. The 
 following officers were elected : President, Samuel E. Mack ; vice-president, 
 I. F. Conkey ; secretary and treasurer, Stephen A. Hubbard. A lyceum 
 was organized at East Amherst, Dec. 15, 1844. Hon. I. Conkey, Rev. 
 Pomeroy Belden and Rev. Paul Allen were appointed a committee to call 
 the attention of the people to it. The Express announced under date of 
 Nov. 5, 1846, that a lyceum was in successful operation in the East parish. 
 Several college students and residents at the center village had interested 
 themselves in it. Meetings were held Tuesday evenings at the school- 
 house. The Express of Nov. 4. 1847, contains a notice of a lyceum meet- 
 ing in the "school hall," signed by L. R. Blanchard, secretary. In 1858, 
 the students at Amherst Academy organized a "Young Men's Lyceum," 
 which held regular meetings during the winter months. 
 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 Fire Department and Fires. — The Old Volunteer Companies. — - 
 The First Fire Engines. — Cataract Engine Co. — Deluge 
 Engine Co. — Lafayette Hook and Ladder Co. — Reservoirs. 
 — Fire Apparatus. — Pelham Water Introduced. — Alert 
 Hose Co. No. i. — Hose Co. No. 2. — Great Fires in Amherst. 
 
 Few towns in New England of equal size and property valuation with 
 Amherst have suffered so severely as has this town from the ravages of 
 fire. Within a period of fifty years, between 1S38 and 18S8, there 
 occurred within the town limits no less than twelve extensive conflagrations 
 causing a property loss of more than $620,000, or over 20 per cent, of the 
 present assessed valuation of the town. The precise date when Amherst 
 citizens first engaged in organized effort to protect the town from damage 
 by fire is not a matter of record. The earlier fire companies were inde- 
 pendent organizations, and while, doubtless, records were kept of their 
 doings, in few instances have these records been preserved so as to be 
 available at the present time. That the town possessed as early as 18 14 
 some kind of apparatus used as a protection against fires is suggested by 
 the following notice, copied from the original manuscript : 
 
 •"To M r Chester Williams, Captain of the South Company of Militia in the 
 Town of Amherst — We the Subscribers Selectmen of the Town of Amherst do 
 hereby Certify that we have appointed Elijah Boltwood, David Parsons Jun r Moses 
 Dickinson Henery Merrill & Elisha Tilden of said Town as Engine Men for said 
 Town agreeable to the Rules prescribed by Law." 
 
 This notice is dated April 13, 1814. and is signed by Elijah Dickinson, 
 John Eastman, Martin Baker, Justus Williams, Jr. and Enos Dickinson. 
 The first allusion to protection against fire is found in the town records 
 under date of March 3, 1828, when the following were appointed to serve as 
 " firewards ": John Leland, Elijah Boltwood, Osmyn Baker, Chester Kel- 
 logg, Zebina Dickinson, W. S. Howland, George Guild, F. A. Palmer, 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., Horace Kellogg. The office was evidently not 
 held in high repute, as only five of the number qualified for duty. The 
 Inquirer^ under date of Dec. 6, 1S27, states that a fire had broken out the 
 Tuesday evening preceding at the Mt. Pleasant institution but was fortu- 
 nately discovered before it had made much progress. The paragraph 
 ends as follows : " We do hope the citizens of the village will take some 
 
EARLY FIRE COMPANIES. 359 
 
 efficient measure to provide engines and buckets. The present engine, if 
 we should judge from its operations, is fit for nothing else than to sprinkle 
 the boys, and to be gazed at by those who consider an engine a rare curi- 
 osity." Under date of Dec. 27, the Inquirer published a notice signed by 
 " E. Dickinson, secretary pro tern," of an adjourned meeting of the 
 " proprietors of the new fire engine," to be held that evening at Boltwood's 
 hotel. Whether this was the engine alluded to so contemptuously three 
 weeks before, or whether the paragraph in question had been of influence 
 in causing the purchase of a new one, cannot be stated with certainty. 
 The issue of the Inquirer for Feb. 21, 182S, contains the following notice, 
 signed by Edward Dickinson, secretary : " The members of the Fire Society 
 lately organized in this place are hereby notified that their first annual 
 meeting for the choice of officers will be holden at Boltwood's hotel on 
 Monday evening, the 25th inst. at half-past 6 o'clock." Still another 
 notice, headed " Fire Society " and signed by Edward Dickinson, appears 
 in the issue of the Inquirer for July 3, 1S2S ; it requests the members of 
 the society to meet at Boltwood's hotel, July 7, " to act on business of 
 importance in concurrence with the Engine Company, which meets at the 
 same time and place." 
 
 In February, 1S3S, the town suffered from its first great fire, when 
 property was destroyed amounting in value to more than $20,000. At 
 the annual town meeting held March 5, the town authorized the selectmen 
 to repair the '"two old engines," if the proprietors would give them to the 
 town. It was also voted to raise Si. 200 for the purchase of a new engine 
 and for repairing the old engine. Previous to 1838, how early it is impos- 
 sible to state with certainty, there was a regularly organized volunteer fire 
 company in town. This was probably known as Cataract Engine company, 
 although this name does not appear in available records until 1844. The 
 Express in its issue for Oct. 4, 1S44, contains the announcement of a 
 meeting of Cataract Engine Co. No. 1, signed by I. F. Conkey, clerk. At 
 a special meeting held Dec. 31, 1S44, the town authorized the selectmen 
 to purchase 200 feet of hose for Cataract engine. Extended inquiry has 
 failed to discover any existing records of this company, which was for 
 many years a notable organization, numbering in its membership some of 
 the most prominent citizens of the town. Announcements of meetings of 
 the company held in the early months of 1845 are signed successively, as 
 clerk, by S. D. Learned, W. H. Dudley and Hiram Fox. The first Cataract 
 engine found on record was purchased in the early part of 1839. A 
 memorandum in the journal of the town treasurer under date of Jan. 7, 
 1S39, shows that the town paid William Piatt & Co. on that date, ''for 
 engine and interest," SS23.50. In the Express under date of Dec. 10, 
 1846, F. A. Pierce, clerk, advertised a reward of $5 for the detection of 
 
360 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the parties who had filled the engine with water and allowed it to freeze, 
 thus rendering the machine useless. 
 
 A second fire company was formed at a meeting held at Mill Valley, 
 in August, 1838. The following agreement was signed by seventeen men, 
 the first name on the list being that of Cotton Smith : " The subscribers 
 do hereby associate and form themselves into a company for the purpose 
 of managing the Deluge Engine No. 2, and do agree to observe and conform 
 to the following regulations and such others as the company may from 
 time to time adopt." These regulations provided that the officers of the 
 company should consist of a foreman, an assistant-foreman and a clerk. 
 There should also be an executive committee to look after the engine and 
 keep it in good repair Any member absent at the first roll-call should be 
 fined five cents, and a like sum if absent at the second roll-call. Any 
 member behaving in a noisy or disorderly manner might be expelled by a 
 two-thirds vote of the members present. Any person might become a 
 member of the company by signing the constitution and paying 25 cents 
 into the treasury. Each member should be liable to pay an annual tax of 
 25 cents, if the same was voted by the company. At a meeting held Aug. 
 7, 1838, officers were elected as follows : Foreman, Cotton Smith ; assistant 
 foreman, Philo Joy ; clerk, David Dexter ; executive committee, Simeon 
 Clark, Bradford Bentley, Horace Kellogg. The Deluge engine had been 
 owned by the fire company at the center, but was turned over to the Mill 
 Valley company when the Cataract engine was purchased. The Deluge 
 was what was known as a Hunneman " tub." and while small was capable 
 of doing good work. At a meeting held in May, 1842, the matter of 
 preparing some suitable place for keeping the engine was discussed. In 
 November, 1844, a committee was appointed to petition the town for aid 
 in building an engine-house. In 1S45, a committee was appointed to build 
 an engine-house. The first volume of company records ends with the year 
 1849, but the organization was continued until well along into the '50s. 
 At a special town meeting held March n, 1861, it was voted to sell the 
 engine at Mill Valley. 
 
 At the annual town-meeting in March, 1839, it was voted to allow 
 the fire department their poll-taxes. At a special meeting held Dec. 13, 
 1847, a committee was appointed to ascertain the amount needed to purchase 
 a suitable engine and fire apparatus, to be located at the north part of the 
 town. At a special meeting held June 23, 1849, it was voted to purchase 
 an engine and apparatus to be stationed at North Amherst, at a cost not 
 to exceed $850. 
 
 A number of young men met at Howe's hotel, May 15, 1S46, for the 
 purpose of organizing a hook and ladder company. Jonathan S. Slate 
 served as chairman and I. F. Conkey as secretary pro tern. It was voted 
 
LAFAYETTE HOOK AXD LADDER COMPANY. 36 1 
 
 expedient to organize a company, and the following officers were elected : 
 Foreman, Rodolphus Turner ; assistant foreman, Samuel Harrington ; 
 clerk, treasurer and steward, I. F. Conkey : commissary general, E. J. 
 Houghton. A committee was appointed to draft suitable by-laws. The 
 foreman and assistant foreman were appointed a committee to select a 
 name for the organization, and they decided upon " Lafayette Hook and 
 Ladder Co. No. i." At a meeting held May 19, the committee on by-laws 
 reported a series of regulations which were adopted. The committee on 
 uniforms reported in faYor of patent leather caps, belts, and linsey-woolsey 
 cloth frocks ; the report was accepted save the item in regard to caps. 
 The foreman reported that the selectmen had agreed to appropriate S20 to 
 repair the hooks and ladders. The committee on finances reported that 
 an assessment of 50 cents should be leYied on each member, to be paid 
 forthwith. Of the rules adopted, the most interesting related to the duties 
 of the commissary general, which seems well worth quoting entire : 
 
 •• It shall be the duty of the Commissary General, when directed by the com- 
 manding officer, to provide all necessary refreshments, upon the alarm of fire to 
 repair immediately to the scene of conflagration, pay his respects to the command- 
 ing officer, and learn from said officer what specific refreshments will be needed by 
 the company, and see that they are furnished at the proper time and in a proper 
 and palatable manner; in the selection of refreshments it shall be the duty of the 
 commanding officer and commissary general to see that they are such as will give 
 firmness and stability to the nerves, power and activity to the muscles, and energy 
 to the whole body, in short that they are such as will arouse within the "inner 
 man " that bold and fearless spirit, which so peculiarly marked the distinguished 
 individual whose name we proudly bear. The Commissary General should under 
 all circumstances be impressed with a sense of the honor of his station (a station 
 of the utmost responsibility) and when called upon to administer to his toiling 
 comrades he should pour forth the indomitable and invincible spirit which will 
 gladden their hearts while combatting the raging elements; and should he be 
 inclined to falter or become disheartened in the discharge of his arduous duties he 
 should be nerved on by a remembrance of the valor and heroism of those who 
 fought their country's battles on the banks of the Brandywine." 
 
 The words italicised are underlined in the original manuscript, and at 
 the end of the clause is the following memorandum, '"(not Shakespeare) 
 improved." It would appear that the commissary general was expected 
 to attend to the spirituous rather than the spiritual needs of the company, 
 and from the records of subsequent meetings it is evident that the first 
 commissary and his successors in office fulfilled their duties nobly. Rare 
 old times were those and rare old spirits they who gathered round the table 
 at regular and special meetings. The regulations provided that any 
 member absent from a fire or from a regular meeting should be fined 25 
 cents. Any person might become an honorary member on receiving a 
 majority vote of members of the company and paying Si into the treasury. 
 
362 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 These rules were signed by 18 persons. At a meeting held June 25, 1846, 
 a committee reported that Landlord Howe would furnish a room and lights 
 for the company's meetings at 37 1-2 cents per evening. At the same 
 meeting it was voted that any man who should spit on the floor should be 
 fined 12 1-2 cents. In November, 1S46, the company occupied quarters 
 in Phoenix Row. The following entry in the records, under date of Dec. 
 4, 1846, makes interesting reading in these later times: "The question as 
 to procuring a sufficient quantity of the needful for the winter campaign 
 
 was discussed. Mr. W presented to the company a three-gallon 
 
 Demijohn and it was voted to accept of the same, also voted that the 
 Commissary General be directed to see ' that said Demijohn be filled for 
 future use.' " The records show that the company attended several fires 
 and did efficient service. It was reorganized on several different occasions, 
 the last entry in the original record-book bearing date of Dec. 25, 1852. 
 
 At a town-meeting held March 1, 1S52, the town authorized the 
 selectmen to sell the Cataract engine, and with the proceeds, an additional 
 appropriation of $250 by the town, and such sums as could be raised by 
 subscription, to buy a new and powerful fire engine. The selectmen 
 advertised the engine for sale, stating in description that it had been built 
 by the Messrs Button at Waterford, N. Y., at an expense of $Soo, had 
 recently been furnished with 24 feet of new suction hose, and was 
 warranted in best order for service. A memorandum in the journal of the 
 town treasurer, bearing date Feb. 23, 1S53, shows that the town had paid 
 to L. Button & Co. $450. This would seem to show that the town had 
 disposed of the engine purchased in 1S39 and bought a new one. The 
 engine bought in 1853 is still owned by the town. A review of the fire 
 department in 1855, states that it comprised two fire engines, a hook and 
 ladder apparatus and eight firewards, the latter being grouped in with the 
 material for extinguishing fires. The Cataract company numbered 45 men, 
 with G. W. Sargent foreman, R. C. Russell assistant-foreman and Francis 
 A. 1'ierce clerk and treasurer. The engine was nearly new, threw two 
 streams of water and was provided with 700 feet of hose. The Deluge 
 engine company at Mill Valley numbered 28 men, with Charles McMaster 
 foreman, William W. Smith assistant-foreman and Eli Hubbard clerk. The 
 engine though small was efficient. Lafayette hook and ladder company 
 had 22 members, with Jonathan S. Slate as foreman, Henry Holland 
 assistant-foreman and Rufus Putnam clerk and treasurer. The hook and 
 ladder apparatus was in fine order. The firewards were A. P. Howe, 
 Charles Adams, Oliver Watson, Austin Eastman, Marquis F. Dickinson, 
 John R. Cushman, John W. Smith and Alfred Baker. 
 
 That the members of the old fire companies enjoyed a joke as well 
 as their successors of the present day is proved by the following anecdotes. 
 
THE ENGINE HOUSE. 363 
 
 The members of Deluge engine company having repaired their machine, 
 challenged the Cataract company to throw water in their engine and drown 
 them out if they could. The trial occurred on a Saturday evening, and 
 for a long time the Cataract was unable to flood the Deluge, but at length 
 a member of the Cataract company discovered that the "tail-screw " had 
 been removed and the water was flowing out in good quantity. Shortly 
 after the two companies held a supper at the Amherst house, when Chauncey 
 Pierce gave this toast : " The Deluge ; challenge the Cataract as 
 often as you please, but keep your eye on the tail-screw." Sometime in 
 the '40s the Cataract company gave a supper at Whitney's hotel at East 
 Amherst. Rufus Putnam, a compositor on the Express, was seated north 
 of Walter Mason Dickinson, and gave this toast : " Let us Express our- 
 selves ; we are north of Mason Dickinson's line." 
 
 In the town reports for 1857 the following item appears : "Paid 
 Engine Company, grass money, $36.75. This money was received from 
 the sale of grass grown on the common. The same report gives the sum 
 °f ^SQo as P°ll taxes refunded to the enginemen. The report for 1S59 
 contains the following item : Paid fire department. Si 36. In 1S60, the 
 engine-house was built on Pleasant street ; the cost of the land was $350, 
 of the building $645.73. This house was erected in accordance with the 
 provisions of a vote passed at a special meeting held June 15, authorizing 
 the selectmen to purchase or rent and fit up a building for the engine and 
 hook and ladder companies at a cost not exceeding S600. In the town 
 report for 1861, the selectmen state that "The Machine and all its appar- 
 atus is now in complete order and under the charge of a new and vigorous 
 company, who are now ready for any emergency." 
 
 This " new and vigorous " company had been organized in answer to 
 a petition addressed to the selectmen in May. by certain persons desirous 
 of forming an engine company. Its officers were : Foreman, Horace 
 Ward ; assistant, Charles E. Hutchinson ; clerk and treasurer, W. W. 
 Hunt. March 22, 1S61, an organization was formed at North Amherst 
 which adopted the title of " Scott Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2," and 
 elected A. R. Cushman foreman. This action was taken in the expecta- 
 tion that the selectmen would provide a hook and ladder truck and other 
 suitable equipment for such a company. This expectation not being 
 fulfilled, the company was disbanded. Instead of providing such equip- 
 ments, the selectmen had voted to purchase one fire-hook and three ladders 
 for North Amherst and the "City," the same to be kept near the center of 
 each village. The fire department was reorganized in August, 1864. At 
 a meeting held Nov. 17, 1S65, the selectmen were authorized to purchase 
 500 feet of hose for the engine at a cost of $1,000. 
 
 The lack of a suitable water-supply was a great hindrance to the old- 
 
.364 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 time companies in their struggles with the flames. The main source of 
 supply was found in the wells near at hand, and the contents of these were 
 soon exhausted. It was not until 1S70 that the town began to build 
 reservoirs in central locations. In the town reports for the year ending 
 March 1, 1S7 1, the treasurer's report shows the year's expense for " fire 
 department and reservoirs " to have been $183.53. During the year ending 
 March 1, 1873, $638.85 was expended for reservoirs, of which the town 
 owned ten, six having been built by individual subscription. In 1874, the 
 town owned eleven reservoirs, three located on the common, two on Amity 
 street, three on Pleasant street, one south of College hill, one near Dr. I. 
 H. Taylor's on High street and one at East Amherst. There were also 
 reservoirs owned by private parties near the residences of O. G. Couch and 
 Rev. J. L. Jenkins and the barn of R. S. Lincoln. Their average capacity 
 was about 5,000 gallons. The selectmen, in their report for the year 
 ending March 1, 1872, stated that in accordance with the vote of the town 
 they had organized a fire company of 45 men, who would be entitled to 
 $10 each on May 1. 
 
 At a special meeting held March 30, 1S74, the town voted that the 
 fire department should be organized as directed by the public statutes. 
 The selectmen appointed the following to serve as fire engineers : E. A. 
 Thomas, Henry Holland, J. L. Skinner, John A. Pierce, Watson W. Cowles, 
 Moses E. Cushman, O. S. Longley, Henry Johnson, Merritt Crossett. The 
 engineers held their first meeting April 28, 1874, and organized with E. A. 
 Thomas as chief and J. L. Skinner as secretary. At a meeting held April 
 29, the needs of the department were considered and arrangements made 
 for supplying them. The engineer's report for the year ending March 1. 
 1875, states that the town had appropriated at its annual 
 meeting $500 for the use of the department, and at a sub- 
 sequent meeting had added $250 to this amount. The 
 engine company numbered 30 men, in charge of Capt. T. 
 W. Sloan. The hook and ladder company was in charge 
 of M. N. Spear. Several extension ladders, procured for 
 the use of the department, were stored in different parts 
 of the town. One hundred buckets had been purchased 
 and stored in the engine-room ; these were for the use of 
 citizens, not the enginemen. The bell on the engine- 
 house was to be rung only in case of fire; permission 
 had been secured to use the Paptist church-bell for fire 
 alarm purposes. During the year 1S76, there were ten 
 fires in Amherst, six of them supposedly of incendiary origin. The 
 board of engineers recommended the purchase of a steam fire-engine, 
 also that larger reservoirs be built. Three new reservoirs were built 
 
 ^i&tx? 
 
HOSE COMPANIES. 365 
 
 in 1877, one at the center, one at North Amherst and one at South 
 Amherst. The one at the center was located on the common, cost S431.S1 
 and had a capacity of 13,000, gallons. 
 
 The introduction of Pelham water into Amherst in 1SS0 caused a 
 radical change in the composition of the fire department and the agencies- 
 employed in extinguishing fires. During the year 18S0, 34 fire hydrants 
 were put in, the town paying the entire expense of four, so located as to 
 aid in the protection of town property, while the remainder were paid for 
 jointly by the town and by individuals, the latter subscribing the sum of 
 S900 while the town appropriated S750. Very soon after the completion 
 of the water-works, an independent hose company was organized in town, 
 composed mainly of boys and young men, which adopted the name of 
 Alert Hose company. The records of this company, if still in existence, 
 are not available for reference. From newspaper comment current at the 
 time it is judged that the company did not enjoy the public confidence to 
 any marked degree. At a meeting of the board of fire engineers held 
 April 28, 1882, it was voted that 22 men be appointed for the hose carriages 
 at the center and at East Amherst, their pay to be $10 each per annum ; 
 also that 10 men be appointed for the hook and ladder carriage and 15 
 men for the engine company, who should be paid 50 cents per hour for 
 service actually rendered. At a meeting held May 12, that portion of the 
 above vote relating to the appointment of men for the engine and hook and 
 ladder companies was rescinded, and it was voted to appoint four additional 
 hosemen to serve on the engine and hooks and ladders when necessary. 
 Alert Hose Co. Xo. 1 was organized at a meeting held May 23, 1S82. 
 Officer were elected as follows : Foreman, George J. Gallond ; first assist- 
 ant, F. W. Sloan ; second assistant, J. W. T. Davis : clerk, W. G. Towne ; 
 steward, C. R. Kenfield ; trustees, E. F. Strickland, A. F. Bardwell, John 
 Willis. A committee was appointed to draft a code of by-laws. It was 
 voted to hold meetings on the first Wednesday evening of each month. 
 Members were to be fined, for absence at roll-call at a fire, 50 cents; 
 for absence at the first roll-call at a regular meeting, 10 cents; at the 
 second roll-call, 15 cents. The by-laws proposed by the committee were 
 adopted at a meeting held June 7. Members were elected by ballot. 
 April 4, 1S83, the company voted to divide the amount of fines at the end 
 of the year among its members. May 2, 1S83, it was voted that any 
 member absent at roll-call at a fire should be fined $1. In 1893, 
 the company repaired and fitted up the old court-room, in the second 
 story of the lock-up building and still hold their meetings there. 
 
 At the annual town meeting held March 7, 1S81, $100 was appropriated 
 to purchase a hose-cart and S400 for hose, to be used at East Amherst. 
 Hose Co. Xo. 2 was organized at a meeting; held in the school-house 
 
366 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 at East Amherst, July 1, 1881. H. B. Lovett was elected foreman and G. 
 E. Thayer clerk. The foreman was authorized to appoint subordinate 
 officers. At a meeting held April 13, 1883, a committee was appointed to 
 draw up by-laws, which were adopted May 4. Meetings were to be held 
 the first Tuesday evening of each month. Fines for absence were to be 
 as follows : At the first roll-call at a regular meeting, 15 cents; at second 
 roll-call, 10 cents ; at a fire, 50 cents. At the end of the year the fines 
 were to be divided among the members of the company. At a meeting 
 held May 6, 1885, it was voted to increase the fine for absence at a regular 
 meeting to 50 cents, for absence at a fire to $1. New by-laws were adopted 
 •Oct. 7, 1890. The company has quarters in a building on Main street at 
 East Amherst owned by C. O. Parmenter. 
 
 In April, 1879, the Lafayette Hook and Ladder company was revived 
 as an independent organization. The old company donated all its furni- 
 ture and other property to its successor. Officers were elected as follows : 
 Foreman, O. F. Morse ; assistant-foreman, Harvey White ; clerk, G. M. 
 Chamberlain ; commissary. C. F. Bennett. The town at a special meeting 
 held Dec. 20, 1883, voted to sustain a hook and ladder company, and the 
 board of fire engineers organized, Jan. 1, 1884,3 new company of 12 men, 
 bearing the old name of Lafayette. This company elected the following 
 officers at a meeting held Jan. 7 : Foreman, George Graves ; assistants, 
 W. H. H. Morgan and G. M. Chamberlain ; clerk and treasurer, G. M. 
 Chamberlain ; commissary, YY. H. H. Morgan. The company occupies 
 quarters in the engine-house. Members absent from fires are fined $1, 
 from regular meetings 50 cents. 
 
 At a meeting of the board of engineers held May 5, 1SS4, it was voted 
 that the pay of hoseman and hook and ladder men be $12 per annum. 
 In 1887, two Babcock fire extinguishers were purchased for the use of 
 the department and placed, one at North iYmherst, the other at the 
 "City." In 1888, a new bell was purchased and placed in the tower of 
 the engine-house ; a fire chute, jumping canvas and line gun were pur- 
 chased the same year in accordance with the provisions of state law. In 
 1890, 700 feet of new hose was added to the equipment of the department: 
 in 1S92, a supply wagon was purchased. In 1S93, the hook and ladder 
 truck and hose-cart at the center were fitted up so that they can be drawn 
 by horses, and arrangements were made with T. L. Paige to furnish horses 
 when an alarm of fire is given. In 1S94, a new alarm-bell with electric 
 •striking apparatus was placed in the tower of the town hall at a cost of 
 $291. In 1895, an electric fire alarm system was put in. In the spring 
 of 1896, the engine-house was remodeled and enlarged, accommodations 
 being provided for such of the members of the department as were willing 
 to sleep in the building. In 1878, E. A. Thomas was succeeded as chief 
 
DISASTROUS FIRES. 367 
 
 engineer by Henry Holland ; the latter held office until 1883, when he 
 was succeeded by Lewis J. Spear. W. H. H. Morgan was elected chief in 
 1887, serving until 1892, when he was succeeded by G. M. Chamberlain. 
 John Mullen was elected chief in 1893 and served until 1895, when he was 
 succeeded by H. D. Holland. The department was never so well equipped 
 or capable of doing such efficient service as at the present time. 
 
 The history of the Amherst fire department would be incomplete 
 without some record of the many disastrous fires that have visited the town. 
 As a complete record would occupy too much space, mention is made of 
 those only which caused large property losses. 
 
 The first great fire in Amherst occurred in February. 1838. The 
 following brief report concerning it is quoted from the Northampton 
 Courier : 
 
 " It started in an unoccupied room in the basement story of the large brick 
 building opposite the Amherst house, under the druggist shop, and it is presumed 
 from an uncovered flue of the chimney : and when discovered the east end of the 
 building was in flames. It spread rapidly until it consumed the large brick block. 
 the store occupied by Mr. S. Holland (Merchant) and owned by Mr. A. Dickinson. 
 — and also the Hotel owned and occupied by Mr. A. Dickinson. This house was 
 formerly the Mansion House of Xoah Webster. The house and store and barn 
 north of the brick block were also burnt, the house being occupied by Mr. S 
 Simonds.*' 
 
 The total loss was from S20.000 to $25,000, the insurance about 
 $10,000. Among the parties who suffered loss were the First parish, the 
 female seminary and J. S. & C. Adams, the latter losing, besides type and 
 presses, a part of the edition of three published works. 
 
 In 1S42, the first cotton mill built at " Factory Hollow 7 ," owned at the 
 time by Elnathan Jones, was burned. 
 
 In 1847, T e t er Ingram's woolen mill was burned at the "City,"' 
 involving a loss of $6,000, partially insured. 
 
 In 1854, the YVheelock mill at North Amherst was burned: loss 
 $12,000, no insurance. 
 
 March 26, 1855, the Westville woolen mill was burned; loss $8,600, 
 insurance $5,150. 
 
 In the winter of 1857 the North dormitory at Amherst College was 
 burned to the ground, causing a loss of $10,000. 
 
 Jones' factory at North Amherst was burned in 1857 : loss $13,000, 
 insurance $7,000. 
 
 In 1858, W. H. Smith's paper-mill at Westville was burned. 
 
 Aug. 10, 1869, what was known as " Burnham's mills," owned by E. 
 B. Fitts and located at East Amherst, were burned. The fire caught from 
 a smokestack. The loss was $15,000, the insurance $7,500. 
 
36S HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 May 7, 1872, a disastrous fire occurred among the buildings in the 
 rear of Phoenix Row. It started in the barn owned by E. F. Cook, and 
 was probably set by an incendiary. The buildings destroyed included 
 Cook's barn, W. E. Stebbins' barn, G. A. Thomas' paint-shop, Emerson 
 Russell's carriage-shop, Dr. H. J. Cate's house and barn, and Mrs. Kellogg's 
 house. The loss was estimated at $25,000. Amherst college students 
 rendered valuable assistance in saving property. The firemen had not hose 
 enough to reach the reservoirs on the common, and having pumped dry all 
 the wells in the vicinity were compelled to let the dames have their way. 
 
 July 4, 1879, the buildings on Merchants' Row were burned to the 
 ground. The fire started in a shed in the rear of George Cutler's store. 
 It communicated quickly to the barns of Stebbins' livery stable, and thence 
 to the Amherst house. These buildings were all burned, together with the 
 Savings bank block, Charles Adams' block and the stores of O. G. Couch, 
 J. H. Starbuck, Edwin Nelson, George Cutler and B. F. Kendrick. The 
 origin of the fire was unknown. The loss was between $80,000 and 
 $90,000, largely covered by insurance. 
 
 July 10, 1873, Cushman Bros.' paper-mill at North Amherst was 
 burned. The fire started in a pile of paper stock. The loss on the build- 
 ing was estimated at $32,000. insurance $20,000. A large quantity of 
 stock, on which there was no insurance, was burned. 
 
 April 23, 1S80, a fire started in The Hill's Co's. hat factory, which 
 quickly communicated with the factory of H. D. Fearing & Co. The 
 buildings were totally destroyed. The fire started in a pile of waste, from 
 some cause unknown. The loss was estimated at over $100,000, partially 
 covered by insurance. 
 
 March 29, 1882, the Walker hall building owned by Amherst College 
 was burned. The loss was estimated at more than $175,000, and included 
 the Shepard mineralogical cabinet. The cause was unknown. 
 
 Nov. 27, 1 S83, the buildings on Cash Row were burned. The fire 
 caught in the block occupied by J. J. Young and was probably the work of 
 an incendiary. Young's block, S. W. Dickinson's block and R. T. Dick- 
 inson's building were burned, and Cook's block considerably damaged. 
 The loss was estimated at $40,000. 
 
 April 4, 18S1. fire started in the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity's 
 rooms in the upper part of Cook's block. The loss was estimated at 
 $2 0,000, a considerable part being caused by water. 
 
 lib. 4, 1.SS5, the South dormitory of the Agricultural College was 
 burned. The lire was caused by the explosion of a lamp. The loss was 
 $35,000. 
 
 March 13, r888, Palmer's block, and the " Cooper house " were 
 burned and Union block badly damaged. This tire occurred at an early 
 
MKK( II \N I S Kou . B] FORI I 61 ;. 
 
 MERCHANTS' Row. BURNED in 1879. 
 
THE MILITIA LAW. 369 
 
 hour Tuesday morning of the memorable " blizzard " week. Its cause 
 has never been discovered. The loss was estimated at over $60,000, and 
 included the law library and many documents of great historic value 
 belonging to W. A. Dickinson. 
 
 Sept. 11, 1891, the buildings on Mount Pleasant erected by Col. W. 
 S. Clark and owned and occupied at the time by Dr. W. F. Bullman were 
 burned. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it was generally believed 
 to have been the work of an incendiary. The loss was estimated at 
 $22,000. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 Amherst Militia. — The North and South Companies. — Militia in 
 the War of 18 12. — The Hampshire Rangers. — The Cav- 
 alry Company. — Amherst Artillery Company. — Company 
 C. — Company K. 
 
 The founders of our national government realized that, if the country 
 would enjoy the blessings of freedom, it must be prepared at all times to 
 defend itself against foreign aggression. The war of the Revolution had 
 proved that the American people are willing to fight for the privileges of 
 independent government: it also impressed upon their minds the necessity 
 of military discipline. The country was in no condition to maintain a 
 large standing army, nor was it considered necessary or desirable so to do. 
 The United States militia law was approved May 8, 1792 : its first section 
 reads as follows : 
 
 "Be it enacted, etc. — That each and every free, able bodied white male Citizen, 
 of the age of eighteen years and under the age of forty-five years (except those 
 who are exempted by law) shall be enrolled in the Militia, by the Captain or Com- 
 manding Officer of the Company, within whose bounds such citizen shall reside, n 
 — •■ and it shall be at all times the duty of the Commanding Officer of every such 
 Company, to enrol every such citizen, and also, those who from time to time arrive 
 at the age of eighteen years, or being of the age of eighteen years, and under the 
 age of forty-five years, (and not exempted) shall come to reside within his bounds." 
 
 The Massachusetts militia law supplemented the national law by 
 providing that every commanding officer of a company should parade his 
 company on the first Tuesday of May annually, at one o'clock in the 
 24 
 
370 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 afternoon, for the purpose of inspecting, examining and taking an exact 
 account of all the equipments of his men and for noting all delinquencies 
 of appearance and deficiencies of equipment and for correcting his 
 company roll. 
 
 In accordance with the provisions of the national law, the able bodied 
 white male citizens of Amherst, between the ages of eighteen and forty- 
 five years, were duly enrolled in the militia. The town was divided into 
 two military departments, Main street and Amity street forming the arbitrary 
 division-line. Citizens living to the north of this line, liable to military 
 duty, were enrolled in the North company, those living to the south, in the 
 South company. The precise date of organization of these companies is 
 not a matter of record ; it was probably very soon after the passage of the 
 national law. In 1796, Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. was commissioned as major- 
 general of the Fourth division of Massachusetts state militia, comprising 
 the companies in the Western counties. The names of the commanding 
 officers of the companies, first appointed, cannot be stated with certainty. 
 The following letter of Gen. Mattoon, addressed to Capt. Aaron Billings, 
 under date of Oct. 10, 1801, would indicate that the latter person was at 
 that time captain of the South company : 
 
 "Amherst October 10th 1S01 
 To Capt. Aaron Billings — Sir : 
 
 In answer to the question you asked me yesterday — whether it is your duty to 
 command the South Company in this Town on Monday next? — I have given the 
 question due consideration — and am clearly of Opinion that you are a Constitu- 
 tional Officer, that you are obliged to obey the Orders of your Superior Officers — 
 and upon neglect, would be liable to an arrest, and that the Company, and all 
 Acw-Commission, and Commission Officers, as well as soldiers are in duty bound 
 to obey your orders — I presume the good Sense of the Company, their attachment 
 to Discipline, will prompt them to conduct with that propriety they usually do. 
 You will therefore proceed in your duty — and the Company is to consider themselves 
 under your Command, and obey you accordingly. I am S r your, and the Company's 
 friend — and shall always continue so, while they continue to merit it — 
 
 E. Mattoon Major Gen'l 4 11 ' Division." 
 
 The North and South companies were attached to the 3d regiment of 
 the 1 st brigade, 4th division. The records of the North company, if in 
 existence, are unobtainable, but valuable papers relating to the South 
 company are in possession of William F. Williams of Amherst, grandson 
 of Chester Williams, who commanded the company several years. From 
 these papers much of the information here given was obtained. Sept. 10, 
 1798, Chester Williams was appointed 3d sergeant of the South company, 
 the appointment being signed by Elijah Dickinson, lieutenant-colonel com- 
 manding the- 3d regiment. June 24, 1S02, he received the following 
 commission as lieutenant, signed by Caleb Strong as governor : 
 
THE SOUTH COMPANY. 37 I 
 
 "By His Excellency Calei; Strong, Esq.. 
 Governor and Commander, hi Chief of the Commonwealth of Masssachusetts 
 To Chester Williams, Gentleman, Greeting : 
 
 You being appointed Lieutenant of a Company in the third Regiment of 
 Infantry in the first Brigade, fourth Division of the Militia of this Commonwealth. 
 Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Ability. Courage and good Conduct, 
 I Do, by these Presents, Commission you accordingly. You are. therefore, Care- 
 fully and Diligently to Discharge the Duties of said Office, according to the Laws 
 of this Commonwealth, and to Military Rule and Discipline. And all inferior 
 Officers and Soldiers are hereby commanded to obey you in your said Capacity; 
 and you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you 
 shall, from time to time, receive from me or others, your superior Officers. 
 
 Oiven under my Hand and Seal of the said Commonwealth, the twenty-fourth 
 Day of June, in the Year of our Lord, 1S02 — and in the twenty-fifth Year of the 
 Independence of the United States of America. 
 
 Johx Avery, Sec'y. Caleb Strong.*' 
 
 In 1810, Aaron Billings was captain of the company and Elijah 
 Hastings clerk. In 1S11, Moses Hastings, son of Thomas, was major and 
 commanding officer of the 3d regiment, with headquarters at Amherst. 
 Aug. 20, 181 1, a meeting of the officers of the regiment was held at Land- 
 lord Ward's tavern in Amherst, to choose a lieutenant-colonel commandant, 
 in place of Lieut.-Col. Powers, resigned. Roswell Dickinson was com- 
 missioned captain of the North company June 2. 1809 ; he was promoted 
 to be major of the Third regiment, Aug. 31, 1812, and was honorably 
 discharged, Jan. 5, 1S15. May 7, 181 1. Chester Williams was commissioned 
 captain of the South company, the commission being signed by Elbridge 
 Gerry as governor; he served as captain until 1S15, when at his request 
 he was honorably discharged. When meetings of the company were held 
 for parade or inspection, the commanding officer issued a warrant to some 
 one of his subordinates, requiring him to notify the company members to 
 be in attendance at the time and place appointed. The following company 
 warrant is copied from the original issued by Capt. Williams, addressed to 
 Corp'l Lucius Hastings : 
 
 '• You are hereby directed to notify and warn all the non-commissioned officers 
 and soldiers belonging to the company under my command to appear at the parade 
 near Cap. Jonathan Dickinson's on Tuesday the third day of May next at one 
 o'clock in the afternoon, with arms and equipments, as the law directs, for military 
 duty." 
 
 Regimental orders dated at Sunderland, Sept. 17, 1S11, signed by 
 Melzar Hunt, lieut.-col. commandant, announced that the companies com- 
 prising the 3d regiment of the 1st brigade would meet Oct. 1 1, at the usual 
 place of parade, south of the West parish meeting-house in Amherst, for 
 review, inspection and discipline. The companies were to be on the 
 
372 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 ground as early as 9 a. m., armed and equipped agreeably to law, each 
 non-commissioned officer and private to be furnished with at least one-fourth 
 pound of powder made up into sporting cartridges. 
 
 The year 1S12 witnessed stirring times in military circles in Massa- 
 chusetts. While Gov. Strong refused the president's requisition for Mass- 
 achusetts troops to serve outside the state in the war with Great Britain, 
 he took prompt measures to prepare for the public defence. Division 
 orders were issued by Gen. Mattoon, bearing date May 4, 1812. He had 
 received orders from the commander-in-chief of the military forces of the 
 Commonwealth, dated at Cambridge, April 25, directing him to detach 
 from the 4th division 541 men, officers included, to hold themselves in 
 readiness to march at a moment's warning. Brigade orders directed Lieut.- 
 Col. Hunt to detach one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, one surgeon 
 and 53 rank and file, including four sergeants, four corporals, three drum- 
 mers and fifers. Regimental orders directed Capt. Roswell Dickinson, 
 commanding the North company, to consider himself detached and to 
 detach four privates from his command. Capt. Williams was ordered to 
 detach one corporal, one fifer and four privates ; these detachments were 
 to be made before June 1. General Orders dated at headquarters, Boston, 
 July 3, 18 1 2, signed by ^ llliam Donnison, adjutant-general, by order of 
 the commander-in-chief, announced that war had been declared by the 
 United States against Great Britain. The officers and privates of the 
 various military organizations were enjoined to perfect themselves as 
 thoroughly as possible in the military art, that they might be prepared to 
 render prompt and efficient service if called upon. General orders dated 
 June 22 called for the detachment of 445 men, including officers, from the 
 4th division. Regimental orders instructed Capt. Dickinson to detach 
 three privates and Capt. Williams four. 
 
 A meeting of the captains and subalterns of the companies in the 3d 
 regiment was held at Elijah Boltwood's inn at Amherst, Aug. 31, 1S12. to 
 fill a vacancy in the office of major. At this meeting, Capt. Roswell Dick- 
 inson was promoted to be major. Aug. 14, a notice signed by Roswell 
 Dickinson, captain, detached, was addressed to Capt. Williams, notifying 
 him, in accordance with general orders, to cause the men detached from 
 his command to appear on the parade near the East parish meeting-house, 
 Aug. 21, at 10 a. m., for the purpose of being inspected. The men must 
 be equipped in every particular in accordance with the requirements of 
 military law ; the least deficiency would not be excused. Sept. 5, orders 
 were issued for regimental inspection, on Oct. 15, "'at the usual place of 
 parade below the West parish meeting-house in Amherst." The captains 
 were directed to have their companies on the grounds " between said 
 Meeting House and the brook at the South end of the parade " by 9 a. m., 
 
ORDERS TO MARCH TO BOSTON. 373 
 
 that line might be formed by 10. During the year 1S13. the military 
 situation in Massachusetts was unchanged ; there was no demand for the 
 services of the militia to repel a foreign invasion. The annual regimental 
 inspection was held in Amherst, Oct. 1. Aug. 22, 1S14, regimental orders 
 were issued signed by Col. Hunt. All the commissioned and non-com- 
 missioned officers and the musicians of the 3d regiment were instructed to 
 assemble Sept. 8, at 9 a. m., at the house of Isaac Goodale, inn-holder, in 
 Amherst. The officers were to appear with their arms and the musicians 
 with their respective instruments. The meeting was preparatory to the 
 approaching review. A paragraph at the end of the orders reads as follows : 
 " Lt. Col. Hunt presents his compliments to Rev. Doct. Parsons and Rev. 
 Mr. Perkins — to Maj-Gen. Mattoon and suite — to Lt. Col. Porter and his 
 staff — to Majors Mattoon and Leonard and to Captains Stebbins of the 
 Artillery and Field and Dickinson of the Cavalry, with their respective 
 Subalterns, and requests them severally to honor the meeting by their 
 personal attendance." 
 
 But graver matters than parades and inspections were soon to engage 
 the attention of the citizen soldiery. A British naval expedition had 
 landed on the coast of Maine near the Penobscot, occupying territory then 
 within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and threatened to lay waste the 
 coast from Maine to Georgia. Governor Strong realized that the time for 
 action had arrived. General orders dated at headquarters, Boston, were 
 issued Sept. 6, 18 14. They stated that the war between the United States 
 and Great Britain having become more destructive, in consequence of 
 violations of Massachusetts territory by the forces of the enemy, the whole 
 of the militia were to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's 
 notice. The four companies detached from the 4th division were to march 
 to Boston immediately. In addition to these, a detachment of sixteen 
 companies was to be made at once from the 4th division, properly officered 
 and arranged into two regiments, to march to Boston without delay. Maj. 
 Gen. Mattoon was charged with the arrangement of these regiments. 
 Division orders were issued Sept. 9 by Gen. Mattoon. Brigadier-General 
 Bliss was to detach one regiment of infantry, to rendezvous at Palmer, 
 and from there march to Boston. Regimental orders issued the same day 
 instructed Capt. Williams to detach from his company one lieutenant, one 
 drummer and 14 rank and file ; Capt. Dickinson was to detach one ensign, 
 one sergeant and 1 1 rank and file. These men were to rendezvous at 
 Palmer the following Tuesday. The lieutenant detached from the South 
 company was Enos Dickinson, who was commissioned May 22, 1S11. and 
 served until Jan. ^o. 1S17. The detachments were promptly made, as 
 witness the following copy of notification : • 
 
374 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 "Amherst, Sept. 10, 1S14. 
 ToAdolphus Dickinson, 
 
 A soldier in the South Company in Amherst under command of the subscriber : 
 Who hereby notifies you, that in pursuance of General Orders of the 6"' inst., 
 Division orders of the 9"' inst.. Brigade orders of the 9 th inst. and Regimental 
 orders of the 9'' 1 inst. that you are detached from his Company to serve in the 
 Service of this Commonwealth for the term of three months from the time of 
 rendezvous, unless sooner discharged. You will forthwith be equipped, as the 
 Militia law of this Commonwealth provides & repair to Palmer on Tuesday the 13 th 
 inst. of the present month, where you will be under the command of L' Colo. Foote, 
 who is detached as Commandant of the detachment from the first Brigade & fourth 
 Division of Massachusetts Militia. • Unless you report yourself to me within 
 Twenty-four hours, or send me an able bodied Man completely equipped, the 
 Militia Law must be put in force upon you. 
 
 Chester Williams, Cap'." 
 
 There is no record of the names of the men detached at this time, or 
 previously, who marched to Boston, and, having enjoyed a taste of city life, 
 marched back again without having gained so much as a glimpse of a 
 British red-coat. A muster roll of the South company, undated but bearing 
 the name of Chester Williams as captain, contains the names of 66 privates 
 and the following officers : Lieutenant, Enos Dickinson ; ensign, Samuel 
 Smith ; sergeants and musicians, Elisha Hastings, Seth Smith, Ebenezer 
 Williams, George Nutting, Elijah Clark, William Rice. From this roll it 
 would appear that the general equipment required for each man included 
 a musket, bayonet, cartridge-box, iron rod, scabbard and belt, two flints, 
 wires and brushes, knapsack, 24 cartridges with balls. Some of the 
 members of the company had "'rifle-guns." Most of the guns in use were 
 the old-fashioned flint-locks ; some of the flints used were imported and 
 sold at the stores, others were of home manufacture. Oliver Clapp had 
 for many years a large flint-rock in the yard in front of his tavern at East 
 Amherst, and it is said that from this rock the men in Daniel Shays' 
 command secured their flints. Each member of a company furnished his 
 own arms and equipment, paying for them himself. They received no 
 pay for their services. To them the modern luxuries of armories and drill- 
 halls were unknown. They were obliged to do military duty three days 
 each year, one day in May and two days in the fall. During the period of 
 the war with Great Britain, the authorities insisted on three full days' 
 service, instead of half-days as was frequently the custom. 
 
 The North company usually paraded in front of Elijah Boltwood's 
 tavern, but sometimes selected the open space in front of Morton Dickin- 
 son's corner grocery, which stood at the forks of the road near the site 
 now occupied by the house of Rev. Milton Waldo. When the members 
 had grown tired of military exercise, they would regale themselves with hot 
 
HAMPSHIRE RANGERS. 375 
 
 toddy from Dickinson's store. During the excitement attendant on the 
 opening of Triangle street, an account of which is given in a later chapter 
 in this volume, some of the members of the company refused to march 
 through this street. At a regimental parade in 1822, while the men were 
 off duty and their arms were stacked on the village common, one of 
 the guards allowed a man to pick up a musket, which he, supposing that 
 it was not loaded, pointed at a party of men passing by, and discharged. 
 The gun chanced to be loaded, and the bullet struck and killed Dr. Rice, 
 a young physician who had recently located at Enfield. Blank cartridges 
 were in use on muster days, but the gun in question had been borrowed for 
 the occasion and the fact that it was loaded with a ball cartridge was 
 unknown to the borrower. 
 
 Kufus Dickinson was commissioned captain of the North company,May 
 23, 1S18, and continued in service until April 23, 1S24. Oliver Dickinson, 
 2d, was commissioned captain of the South company, Aug. 5, 1823, con- 
 tinuing in service until Feb. 18, 1826. Warren S. Howland was commis- 
 sioned captain of the North company, April 24, 1S29 ; major of the 3d 
 regiment, Aug. 17, 1S29 ; colonel of the 3d regiment, Jan. 19, 1831. 
 Early in the '30s, the organization of a rifle company and a cavalry 
 company in Amherst caused a falling off in interest in the old companies. 
 They became careless of their appearance and drill, and won the derisive 
 title of the "Floodwood" militia, which clung to them until their organiz- 
 ation was disbanded. 
 
 May 24, 1S30, Osmyn Baker was commissioned captain of an inde- 
 pendent rifle company, afterwards known as the " Hampshire Rangers." 
 In the organization of this company O. M. Clapp took an active part. 
 Like the North and South companies, it was attached to the 3d regiment 
 of the 1 st brigade and 4th division of militia. Other officers of the company 
 on its organization were, 1st lieutenant, Robert Cutler; 2d lieutenant, 
 Hervey Hills. For a long time this was accounted the finest militia 
 company in Western Massachusetts. It is thus described by an old-time 
 admirer: "Taking all things into consideration, the appearance of the 
 men, their beautiful and showy uniforms, the character of the men, the 
 perfection of their drill, marching, etc., there was no company in all New 
 England that could beat them, and I doubt if any out of Boston that did 
 or could equal the Rangers." Capt. Baker was discharged, at his own 
 request, June 20, 1833. There is no record of the company's doings or of 
 the date when it disbanded. 
 
 July 4, 1S29, Luther Fox was commissioned captain of a cavalry 
 company which had been organized first in Sunderland, removing afterwards 
 to Leverett and thence to Amherst. This. company was attached to the 
 4th regiment of cavalry of the 1st brigade. Most of its members were 
 
S76 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 resident in Amherst, but a few came from Hadley, Belchertown and 
 Pelham. The militia law permitted those liable to military duty to serve 
 in the " horse companies " if they preferred them to the infantry. The 
 company was accounted a fine one in its day. disputing with the rifle 
 company the palm of popularity. The uniforms of the company were blue 
 with red trimmings, a black chapeau ornamented with black plume. Its 
 members were armed with swords and with pistols carried in holsters. 
 Capt. Fox was discharged, at his request, Oct. 21, 1830, and was succeeded 
 in office by Alfred Baker, brother to Osmyn. No trace can be found of 
 the records of either the rifle or the cavalry companies, a fact much to be 
 regretted. 
 
 MAT WORN BY HAMPSHIRE RIFLE RANGERS. 
 
 In answer to a call signed by 23 men, a meeting was held at the 
 Amherst house, June 29. 1849, to take measures for organizing a military 
 company. J. W. Boyden served as chairman of the meeting. It was voted 
 to form a military company, and, after some discussion, that it be an 
 artillery company. A petition addressed to Gov. George N. Briggs was 
 drawn up and given into the hands of a committee, to circulate and secure 
 signatures to it. The committee, having secured 72 names, forwarded the 
 petition to the governor. At a meeting held July 12, a letter written by 
 Adjutant-General G. H. Devereux, addressed to I. F. Conkey, Esq. was 
 
AMHERST ARTILLERY COMPANY. 377 
 
 read. General Devereux called attention to the fact that it was customary 
 for towns to provide armories for companies organized within their limits. 
 If the petitioners would arrange to provide in any way a suitable gun- 
 house and armory for the safe-keeping of their equipments, he would at 
 once issue an order to carry the petition into execution. Arrangements were 
 made for complying with the requirements stated in the letter. The matter 
 of a suitable uniform was then discussed, when Joseph Colton agreed to 
 provide for each member of the company a uniform as good in every way 
 as that worn by the members of the Northampton artillery company, at an 
 expense of $15 each. Notice having been given to the adjutant-general 
 that arrangements had been completed for caring for the public property, 
 he issued the following order, dated at Boston, July 24, 1849 : 
 
 •• Whereas the Commander in Chief has been notified, that forty-eight men 
 have enlisted for the formation of a Company of Artillery in the Town of Amherst 
 and Vicinity, leave having been granted for the organization of said Company, to 
 be attached as Artillery Company A to the First Battalion of Artillery. 6th Brigade 
 3d Division M. V. M.; His Excellency directs that a meeting be held immediately 
 for the choice of Officers." 
 
 At a meeting held at the Amherst house, Aug. 1 1, officers were elected 
 as follows: Captain, I. F. Conkey ; 1st lieutenant, Joseph Colton; 2d 
 lieutenant, William Dickinson, 1st; 3d lieutenant, M. F. Dickinson: 4th 
 lieutenant, Joseph R. Payson ; 1st sergeant and clerk, J. W. Boyden ; 2d 
 sergeant, J. S. Slate ; 3d sergeant. W. H. Lawton : 4th sergeant, Alonzo 
 Nutting; 5th sergeant, C. B. Cutter ; 1st corporal, D. A. Dickinson: 2d 
 corporal. W. M. Dickinson; 3d corporal. A. D. Cushman : 4th corporal, 
 D. S. Warner. The company's first drill after organization was held at 
 South Amherst, Aug. 15 ; the second at North Amherst, Aug. 18: the third 
 at the center, Aug. 21. Aug. 2^, Capt. Conkey acknowledged to the adju- 
 tant-general the receipt of public property as follows : 60 muskets. 60 
 cartridge boxes, belts and plates, 60 bayonet scabbards and plates, 60 gun 
 slings, five sergeants' swords and belts, five sergeants' bayonet scabbards. 
 60 priming wires and brushes. 
 
 At a meeting held Sept. 4, a constitution and by-laws were adopted, 
 being signed by 48 men. All persons belonging to the company were to 
 provide themselves with the uniform established by law for artillery 
 companies, with the following variation. " a black felt-bodied cap with a 
 wreath and letter A in front and pompous of red and white.'' The right to 
 use this distinctive badge was granted by special permission of the adjutant- 
 general. The company was to be called out for drill or parade at least 
 twice a year in addition to the trainings required by law. Provisions were 
 made for fining members for absence or neglect of duty ; others related to 
 the discipline of offenders against the rules. Joseph Colton was elected 
 
378 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 treasurer of the company. Sept. 6, Capt. Conkey acknowledged the 
 receipt from the adjutant-general of one snare drum and one fife. The 
 company held its first parade in uniform Sept. 12, on the parade ground in 
 front of the residence of Dr. Gridley, on Amity street. Sept. 19 and 20, 
 the company attended the battalion encampment. Line was formed in 
 Northampton, " near the burying ground," and the company marched to 
 " Camp Springdale." The other artillery companies in the battalion were 
 from Northampton, Belchertown and Plainfield. Two infantry regiments 
 also took part in the encampment, one composed of companies from 
 Franklin county towns, the other of Hampden county companies. A com- 
 petitive drill of the artillery companies gave the place of honor to North- 
 ampton, with the Amherst company second. Oct. 26, Capt. Conkey 
 acknowledged the receipt of nine tents and fixtures. The company 
 paraded Oct. 31, " cattle-show clay," and was greatly admired. In January, 
 1S50, Joseph Colton was promoted to be major in the artillery regiment. 
 The members of the company received from the state $5 each per annum 
 for their services. 
 
 May 29, 1850, Capt. Conkey acknowledged the receipt of the following 
 public property: Two brass cannon (six-pounders), two carriages for same, 
 one caisson, three setts of harness for two horses each, one spare wheel 
 and pole, four rammers and sponges, two worms, two linstocks, two port- 
 hie stocks, four haversacks, two portfire cases, two gun-covers, two port- 
 fire clippers, two vent covers, five trail handpikes, three tar buckets, four 
 thumstalls, two sponge buckets, two pouches and belts, three tin hooks, two 
 priming horns, two vent punchers, two priming wires, two prolonges, ten bri- 
 coles, two tangent scales, one pick-axe, one shovel, two tompions, 20 artillery 
 swords, 20 sword-belts. On the same day, the company formed for the 
 first time in the armory just completed for its reception. This armory 
 was a two-story wooden building ; it stood a little to the west of 
 the old Amherst house; the cannon were stored in the lower story 
 and the other equipments in the room above. Members of the company 
 were assessed 37 1-2 cents each for fitting up the armory. July 4, 1850, 
 the company celebrated Independence-day by firing a salute, and afterwards 
 marched to Mount Pleasant, where the members were entertained in 
 hospitable manner. News was received, July 13, of the death of President 
 Taylor, and the company tired half-hours guns from 1 2 o'clock until sunset, 
 displaying the flag upon their armory-building at half-mast in honor to his 
 memory. badges of mourning were worn by the company, when in 
 uniform, for the ensuing six months. The company attended the annual 
 encampment, Aug. 28 and 29, at "Camp Nonotuck " on the meadows 
 below Northampton. 
 
EDMUND BOLTWOOD S COMPANY. 379 
 
 Feb. 15, 1S51, William Dickinson was elected captain of the company, 
 in place of I. F. Conkey, discharged at his own request ; William Dickin- 
 son served as captain until May. 1851, when he was discharged that he 
 might accept an appointment as quartermaster on the staff of Col. Hawks 
 of the 3d regiment of artillery ; Marquis F. Dickinson was elected captain 
 of the company, May 21. April 24, 1852, the company, on invitation of 
 the Northampton artillery company, assisted the latter in escorting Louis 
 Kossuth, " the illustrious Hungarian chief," from the depot in Northampton 
 to the house of Erastus Hopkins, and thence to the old church, where he 
 delivered an address. Owing to a freshet which covered the Hadley 
 meadows for 100 yards east of the bridge, the members of the Amherst 
 company were compelled to cross the Connecticut river in boats. 
 The company organization was continued until some time in 1S54, but 
 the last entry in the record-book concerning meetings is given under 
 date of Aug. 21, 1S52. The regimental encampment in 1S52 was held at 
 "Camp Mattoon," on land of Thomas Jones near the place now occupied 
 by Dr. C. A. Goessmann. The encampment in 1854 was held at "Camp 
 Amherst " near Mount Doma, Sept. 5, 6, and 7. Of those who served as 
 the first officers of the company, James W. Boyden was afterwards 
 promoted to be colonel, and I. F. Conkey lieutenant-colonel of the 3d 
 regiment. 
 
 A meeting was held Aug. 7, 1869, at the hall occupied by E. M. 
 Stanton Grand Army post, in the interest of raising a militia company in 
 Amherst ; 40 persons present signified their desire to join such an organ- 
 ization. The company was duly organized, was known as Company 
 C, and was attached to the 2d regiment of the 3d brigade. The 
 following officers, duly elected, received commissions dated Aug. 14, 1S69 : 
 Edmund Boltwood, captain; James A. Baker, 1st lieutenant; Wyett M. 
 Bassett, 2d lieutenant. The non-commissioned officers were as follows : 
 1st sergeant, Lorenzo Draper; 2d sergeant, W. S. Cook; 3d sergeant, B. 
 R. Franklin ; 4th sergeant, George H. Bell ; 5th sergeant, W. F. Johnson ; 
 corporals, George H. Walker, George W. Hunt, F. Kentfield, H. Snow, 
 Charles Clapp, J. D. Parsons, Charles Dadmun, E. B. Sears. The Record 
 announced under date of Aug. 19, 1S69, that the selectmen had secured 
 the " Velocipede Rink " as temporary quarters for the militia company, 
 but that Agricultural hall was being fitted up as an armory and would be 
 ready for use in a few weeks. Dec. 13, 1S71, James A. Baker was com- 
 missioned captain of the company, Lorenzo Draper 1st lieutenant, Charles 
 L. Goodale 2d lieutenant. Feb. 7, 1S73, Lorenzo Draper was commis- 
 sioned captain and Frank E. Dickinson 1st lieutenant. The company was 
 disbanded about Sept. 1, 1S74. 
 
380 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In June, 1SS7. a petition headed by the name of H. E. Messinger, 
 and signed by prominent citizens of Amherst, including the selectmen, 
 was forwarded to the governor, requesting the appointment of a company 
 in Amherst to be attached to the state militia. The petition was granted 
 in November, the adjutant-general's order specifying that it should be known 
 as Co. K, and be attached to the 2d regiment, 1st brigade of state militia. 
 The company was organized Nov. 19, with 49 members, H. E. Messinger 
 was elected captain. E. G. Thayer 1st lieutenant, and W. G. Towne 2d 
 lieutenant. Capt. Messinger soon resigned his office, being succeeded by 
 Willis G. Towne, whose commission as captain bears date April 10, 18S8. 
 On the resignation of Captain Towne, E. G. Thayer was elected captain, 
 his commission bearing date May 22, 1889. In accordance with state law, 
 towns in which military companies are established are obliged to furnish 
 suitable armories for their accommodation, the rental of which is paid by 
 the state. Co. K's first armory was established in Kellogg's block, and 
 was removed in 1S88 to Hunt's block. At the annual town-meeting in 
 1890, the town voted to instruct the selectmen to build a drill-hall on the 
 rear of the town hall lot, appropriating $2,000 to defray the expense. The 
 hall was built during the ensuing summer and fall, and was dedicated with 
 appropriate ceremonies, Dec. 16. In 1S94, the policy of the state to con- 
 centrate its militia forces in the cities and larger towns caused the company 
 to be disbanded. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 
 Taverns and Stage Routes. — Boltwood's Tavern. — The Mansion 
 House. — Hygeian Hotel. — Baggs' Tavern. — Inns at North. 
 East and South Amherst. — Early Stage Routes. — Stage 
 Drivers. 
 
 The taverns or inns of old New England have furnished to the 
 romance-writer abundant material for fancy to work upon ; to the historian 
 they furnish facts more valuable, if. perchance, less interesting. The 
 centers of social life and activity at home, they were, as well, the gateways 
 to the outer world. They welcomed to their cosy bar-rooms, their bountiful 
 tables and their spacious chambers travelers from all parts of their own 
 and foreign lands. Patterned after their prototypes in England, they 
 became as democratic as the people among whom they flourished. The 
 
BOLTWOOD'S I'AVERN. 381 
 
 clergy did not disdain their hospitality ; the politicians gathered within 
 their walls for caucuses and conventions ; society assembled at them for 
 balls and receptions. The complete history of the taverns and hotels of 
 Amherst, could it be written, would contain matter of greater interest than 
 anything which finds a place in these pages, but it remains, and ever must, 
 unwritten history. But a few plain facts are here presented. Some of 
 the Amherst taverns were but small houses, of little more than local 
 repute ; others were known to most of the inhabitants in towns up and clown 
 the valley, and to all who traveled over the old stage routes from Boston to 
 Albany. To the latter class belonged the Boltwood tavern at the center 
 village, Baggs tavern at East Amherst and the Cook tavern on the old Bay 
 road. The Clapp tavern, of earlier date, has already been mentioned in 
 connection with the Shays rebellion. Mention has also been made of 
 Warner's and Nash's tavern, and others of the well-known hostelries that 
 flourished in the ante-revolutionary period. 
 
 The Warner tavern stood on or near the site now occupied by the 
 Amherst house. It was erected about the year 1757, since which time a 
 tavern or hotel has ever been located there. The property was owned by Rev. 
 David Parsons, being a part of the land given him by the Third Precinct 
 for his settlement. When he died, in 17S1, he willed to his son Gideon 
 " the tavern-house." Gideon Parsons was a licensed innkeeper in 1777, 
 and for many years thereafter. He was succeeded by Joel Dickinson, 
 who conducted the tavern a few years ; he was, in turn, succeeded, in 1S04, 
 by Solomon Boltwood, and the latter, in 1S06, by Elijah Boltwood. For 
 more than thirty years the Boltwood tavern ranked among the best-known 
 inns in Western Massachusetts. Its genial landlord, its excellent attend- 
 ance, its weil-stocked bar, commended it strongly to the traveling public. 
 Many a wayfarer whose route lay through Amherst timed his arrival so 
 that he might enjoy for the night the hospitality of this country inn. Its 
 old registers bore the names of many men of national and some of inter- 
 national fame, while in front of the bar-room fire at night sat doctors of 
 divinity, learned lawyers, members of the General Court and of Congress. 
 And yet, in hospitality it was thoroughly democratic ; within its walls the 
 professional man and statesman met on equal terms the man who labored 
 with his hands for a scant subsistence. 
 
 There is no picture in existence of the original tavern ; it is doubtful 
 if one was ever made. In the days of Gideon Parsons, it was a small, 
 one-story, wooden building with gambrel roof, painted white in accordance 
 with the fashion of the times. When Elijah Boltwood first took possession 
 it was a two-story structure, but whether a new building, or the old one 
 remodeled, it is impossible to state with certainty. The ground on which 
 it stood was some twelve to fifteen feet higher than the present street line 
 
382 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 and the building stood some distance back from the highway. The tavern 
 was painted yellow, and from a stout post in front was suspended the old 
 sign of which an excellent likeness is presented on the opposite page. 
 The bar-room was at the front, as became the most important room in an 
 old-time tavern. On the second floor was a ball-room, arched overhead 
 and extending to the roof. Here were held the old-time assemblies and 
 dances, with dinners served on state occasions. About 1S21, when Amherst 
 College was established, the wooden building was torn down and a large, 
 substantial three-story building of brick erected in its stead. In the rear 
 was a kitchen, built of wood, one story in height. 
 
 Klijah Boltwood, son of Samuel, was born Feb. 19, 1780. He was a 
 kind-hearted man and universal favorite. A married man, but having no 
 children, he was known to nearly everyone as " Uncle Elijah.'' He dearly 
 loved a joke, possessing also the rare quality of appreciation when the joke 
 was at his expense. Generous almost to a fault, he sought abundance, 
 ease and comfort rather than profit. As one, still living, who knew him, 
 has happily expressed it, he in some way bridged the gap between the 
 different classes. Honored and esteemed by his fellow townsmen, he 
 served them as representative to the General Court in 1829, i834andi835. 
 He devoted much of his spare time to gardening and floriculture ; much 
 of the shrubbery in the old West cemetery was planted by him. When, 
 in 1S38, he sold the Boltwood tavern to Harvey Rockwood, he retired to 
 his farm at the foot of the hill on Amity street, afterwards owned by the 
 late Charles S. Smith, where he occupied himself in the culture of fruits 
 and early vegetables until his death, which occurred Feb. 13, 1S55. 
 
 When Harvey Rockwood bought the tavern he enlarged it by erecting 
 a two-story addition in the rear, along the street line, and by lengthening 
 the kitchen and building a hall over it. The ground surrounding the 
 building was cut away and the cellar made over into a basement which was 
 occupied by the billiard-room, bar-room and saloons. He also changed 
 the name to the Amherst house. Mr. Rockwood sold out in 1845 to 
 Albin P. Howe, and subsequently kept the United States hotel in Hartford, 
 Conn. He was a quiet, gentlemanly man, highly esteemed by all who 
 knew him. Albin P. Howe was born in Marlboro in 1806 ; previous to 
 engaging in the hotel business he had owned a market in Amherst. He 
 conducted the Amherst house successfully for many years, selling out, in 
 1867, to Francis Kingman, at that time proprietor of the Mansion house 
 at Northampton. Mr. Kingman retained possession about five years, when 
 he sold the property to I. F. Conkey and F. F. Cook, who owned it in 
 partnership until about 1878, when it passed into Mr. Conkey's posses- 
 sion. Mr. Kingman was succeeded as landlord by George L. Parker, who 
 remained in charge about five years, being succeeded by N. S. Beebe, who 
 

 A MHERST HOUSE -BURN I IX 1879. 
 
 AMHERST HOUSE AND MERCHANTS - ROW — 1896. 
 
HYGEIAN HOTEL. 383 
 
 conducted the hotel until it was burned in the disastrous fire of July 
 4, 1879. 
 
 Edward Conkey had bargained for the property and was to have 
 taken possession July 6, 1S79. As soon as the rubbish remaining from 
 the fire could be cleared away the work of rebuilding began, and the 
 present Amherst house was completed and ready for occupancy in July, 
 1880. It is a handsome and substantial structure of brick, four stories in 
 height, occupying two sides of a quadrangle, its east wall 90 feet in length 
 and its north wall 103 feet. Landlord Conkey conducted the house for 
 seven years until Oct. 1,1887, when it was leased to James E. Ryan for a 
 term of five years. Nov. 7, 1888, Mr. Ryan sold his lease to C. G. Putney, 
 who carried on the business until March 4. 1S89. when a new lease was 
 made out to Lorenzo Chase. Mr. Chase continued in possession until 
 April 1, 1S94, when D. H. Kendrick became manager of the hotel. 
 
 Noah Webster removed with his family from Amherst in 1822. The 
 large house he built and resided in, near the east end of Phoenix Row. 
 was soon afterwards converted into a hotel. In 1828, it was conducted by 
 Russell Cooley, who was succeeded, in 1S32, by Thomas Gilbert, better 
 known as "General" Gilbert. In 1S37, the house was conducted by 
 Aurelius Dickinson, who owned it at the time it was destroyed by fire, in 
 February, 1838. It was known as the Mansion house and was in its day 
 a popular hostelry. 
 
 The Hygeian hotel, to the east of Phoenix Row, was opened to the 
 public Aug. 15, 185 1. It was first conducted by Henry Frink. He was 
 succeeded, in 1S53, by A. P. Spaulding, and the latter, in 1855, by R. S. 
 Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln changed the name to the American house, and 
 conducted the business successfully until 1S64, when he was succeeded by 
 J. B. Wood. The hotel business was given up in November, i86S, since 
 which time the building has been used for residence and business purposes. 
 A glance at the hotel registers shows that the house was a popular one, 
 entertaining many distinguished guests. 
 
 In 1853, the Amherst and Belchertown railway company built a house 
 on Main street just east of the railway tracks, for the use of one of its 
 conductors. This house was purchased in 1S57 by Simon W. Whitney, 
 who christened it the Union house and conducted it as a hotel. In 1865, 
 Mr. Whitney sold the property to Tabor T. Sisson, who has owned and 
 managed it since that time. 
 
 The property at the northwest corner of Pleasant and Amity streets 
 was purchased in 1868 by William L. Gunn. It was opened as a hotel, 
 May 4, 1S77. Nov. 20, 1SS2, Mr. Gunn sold the property to Frank P. 
 Wood. Mr. Wood conducted a hotel on the premises for nearly ten years, 
 meeting with excellent success. He sold the property in April, 1S92, to 
 
384 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Lorenzo Chase, since which time it has been known as the " Amherst 
 House Annex." 
 
 John Baggs was a licensed innholder at East Amherst as earl)' as 
 18 18. His tavern was one of the best-known in this section. In 1820, 
 it was the established place for holding probate court. In 1828, it was 
 the headquarters of the democratic party in town, where caucuses were held 
 and the politicians gathered in the bar-room of an evening to discuss the 
 state of the country. It was famous for the excellence of the liquors 
 served over its bar and the royal good times that were enjoyed by those 
 who loved the liquors, not wisely but too well. It was a favorite gathering 
 place for the old stage-drivers, who found in its toddy and its flip a power- 
 ful antidote against winter's cold and summer's heat. In 1S25, and for 
 several years thereafter, the tavern was conducted by Luther Waite. In 
 1830, the proprietor was Josiah Sprout. In 1834, Mr. Sprout was succeeded 
 by Amasa Davis, better known as " Dr." Davis. In 1835. Sumner Gates 
 was in possession, but his license did not permit the sale of liquors. Mr. 
 Gates was succeeded in 1836 by Alpheus H. Hyde. In 1842, and for 
 several years afterward, the house was again owned by John Baggs. In 
 1 85 6, it was owned by P. T. Donovan, who changed its name to the 
 " Exchange hotel." Mr. Donovan carried on the business until his death 
 in 1865 ; the house is now occupied by his widow. 
 
 In 1831, Leonard M. Hills was a licensed innholder and kept a tavern 
 at East Amherst in the house now owned and occupied by John Pitman. 
 Mr. Hills was succeeded by Charles Rust, in 1833. In 1S46, Simon W. 
 Whitney kept a tavern at East Amherst, which he called the " Hampshire 
 House." His license as innholder did not permit the sale of liquor on 
 the premises. Mr. Whitney sold the house in 1S56 to Henry Davis ; the 
 latter was succeeded by James Goodspeed. Later on the property passed 
 into the hands of the Second parish and the house was used as a parsonage. 
 When the building now used as a parsonage was erected, the old building 
 was removed a few rods and sold to Loren Ball, who now occupies it. 
 Eor several years in the early part of the century Andrew Kimball, com- 
 monly known as " Master " Kimball, kept a tavern in what is now known 
 as the •• Warner house," yet standing, in " Hawley Swamp." 
 
 As early as 1818, Rufus Kellogg was a licensed innkeeper and kept a 
 tavern at the " City." He sold the place to Leprelate Draper who 
 occupied it as a residence. Solomon Bond, a licensed innkeeper in 1803, 
 kept a tavern on what is known as the " Howard place " at North Amherst. 
 He sold out to Stephen Weeks. Mr. Weeks was licensed as an innkeeper 
 in 1828 ; in 1832, he kept a tavern at his house in the northwest part of 
 the town on what is known as the Lyman Smith place. He continued in 
 business until along in the '40s. Oliver Dickinson kept a tavern at North 
 
WRHKKnSmttm9. 
 
 HYG EI AN HOTEL 
 
 irilBTTYll 
 
 HYGEIAN HOTEL, AFTERWARDS AMERICAN HOUSE. 
 
 FIELD BUILDING — 1S59, NOW CHASE'S BLOCK. 
 
TAVERNS AT NORTH AND SOUTH AMHERST. 385 
 
 Amherst in the closing years of the iSth century. John Dickinson, son of 
 Nehemiah, built a house at North Amherst which he intended to conduct 
 as a tavern, but his cousin Oliver having opened a public house in the 
 near neighborhood he gave up the project for the time. His son Chester 
 opened the house as a tavern in 1S10 and conducted it for many years. 
 " Squire Chester," as he was known, was a typical New England landlord, 
 bluff, hearty, mindful of the comfort of his guests. The tavern, a large 
 three-story building with a gambrel roof, was the best-known of any in the 
 north part of the town. The property was sold in the '30s to Joshua 
 Hobart, who used the house as a residence. It stood on the site of the 
 dwelling house now occupied by William A. Smith, and was torn clown in 
 May, 1 88 4. 
 
 Roswell Paine was a licensed innholder in 1803, and Mary Paine was 
 licensed in 1806. There was a " Paine tavern " conducted for many years 
 on Shays street at South Amherst, in what was known as the '•Mossman 
 house," which was burned in 1SS8. Jonathan Rridgman was a licensed 
 innkeeper in 1815, as, at a later time, was Theodore Pridgman. The Bridg- 
 man tavern was located on the Bay road at South Amherst, in the house 
 now occupied by Mrs. C. M. Porter. In 1825, and for several years there- 
 after, Ansel Percival kept a tavern on the green at South Amherst, the 
 house standing on the site now occupied by William H. Smith's barn. In 
 182 1, Joab Bartlett kept a tavern on the Bay road at South Amherst ; he 
 was succeeded in 1S26, by Dwight Bartlett, and the latter, in 1828, by 
 James Cook. Mr. Cook called his tavern the American hotel. It was a 
 wooden building two stories in height, with an ell extending to the north. 
 It stood on the site of the house now occupied by John J. Moriarty, and 
 was burned Sept. 29, 1876. It was a famous tavern in its day. 
 
 The above list contains the names of the principal taverns and hotels 
 that have been conducted in Amherst during the present century. It is 
 known that others existed, but little reliable information can be obtained 
 concerning them. The licensed innkeepers in Amherst in 1800 were George 
 Williamson, Abigail Rood, Stephen Smith, Medad Dickinson and Joshua 
 McMaster. George Williamson was, in 1S04, a resident of the West 
 Middle District. The house now occupied by Rev. Nelson Scott was 
 known at one time as the Williamson tavern. The Rood family lived in 
 the northeast part of the town, the McMaster family at the south. The 
 house recently occupied by James Cowles, at North Amherst, was 
 known in early times as Smith's tavern. In 1801, Nathan Tuttle. John 
 Pynchon and John McMaster were licensed innholders. In 1802, Joel 
 Billings kept a tavern at East Amherst. In 1803, Charles Williamson, 
 Ithamar Smith and Ebenezer Ingram were innkeepers. In 1807, Earl 
 2 5 
 
386 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Albee kept a tavern, probably in the north part of the town. In 1809, 
 and for several years thereafter, Samuel I). Ward kept a tavern, probably 
 at East Amherst. Sessions of the probate court were held at Ward's 
 tavern in 1809 and 1817. In 1814, Isaac Goodale kept a tavern, probably 
 at the south part of the town. H. Wright Strong was a licensed innholder 
 in 1824. 
 
 As the hotels of the present day depend largely upon the railway 
 lines to furnish them with patrons, so did the old-time taverns depend 
 upon the stage routes to provide them with guests. Amherst, being on the 
 direct route between Boston and Albany, enjoyed early in the century the 
 advantages of connection by stage line with the outer world. Amherst 
 had regular communication with Boston and that part of the world, as well 
 as with Lake Champlain, as early as 1759, when Christopher Page made 
 regular trips between Boston, Amherst and Deerfield. Beyond Deerfield, 
 the service was by military couriers. Page carried letters, newspapers, 
 small packages, and did all sorts of errands. In 1761, Silent Wilde took 
 the route and served until 1775, or later. He owned a farm in Shutesbury, 
 and was so well liked that, when Massachusetts seized the crown post- 
 office in 1775, and established a service of its own, it did not disturb the 
 very important line from Boston, via Amherst and Deerfield, to Lake Cham- 
 plain. No passengers were carried by this line. One of the first stage 
 routes through Amherst followed the line of the Bay road. "Fast mail " 
 coaches leaving Boston at 5 a. m. passed Bartlett's tavern at 3 p. m. The 
 coaches always stopped at this tavern to allow the passengers to take a 
 " warmer " or a " cooler " as the season demanded. While the passengers 
 were entertained at Bartlett's, the coach-horses were allowed a drink a 
 little further along the road, where three little mountain streams come 
 together at the road line uniting to form Plum brook. For more than a 
 century this has been a favorite watering-place for men and teams. After 
 the surrender of Burgoyne, a large body of the captured troops marched 
 over the Bay road to Boston and stopped at this place to fill their canteens. 
 This watering-place, and the one at Bridgman's tavern, further east, have 
 changed but little in the past century. In later days this line of stages 
 was owned by the Clapp brothers of Belchertown and Pittsrield. The 
 regular fare from Northampton to Boston was $4. but this was sometimes 
 reduced by competition to $1 and even less. 
 
 In 1830. Amherst was situated on what was known as the " north 
 route " between Boston and Albany. Stages were run from Boston to 
 Ware, where the routes separated, one passing through Palmer. Framing- 
 ham, Springfield and Westlield. while the other continued on through Bel- 
 chertown, Amherst. 1 Pulley. Northampton. Worthington and the hill towns 
 of Hampshire and Berkshire to Pittstield. where the two routes united and 
 
STAGE LINES. 387 
 
 were continued as one line to Albany. In 1830, the stage for Amherst 
 left Earle's hotel, 36 Hanover street, Boston, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 
 Saturdays at 2 a. m.; returning-, it arrived in Boston Mondays, Wednesdays 
 and Fridays at 7 p. m. In September. 1S27, Cotton Smith started a stage 
 route, from Amherst to Boston. Stages left Boltwood's tavern on Mondays, 
 Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 P. m., returning Tuesday. Thursday and 
 Saturday afternoons. Col. Moses Leonard was the agent of the line at 
 Amherst. A stage route from Hartford, Conn, to Brattleboro, Vt. passed 
 through Amherst. It was owned at one time by Chapin & Frink and after- 
 wards by Chapin & Damon. 
 
 In 1S44, Henry S. Bacon of Northampton ran an "accommodation 
 line" of stages between Northampton and the railroad at West Brookfield, 
 via Amherst. Enfield and Ware, " making the cheapest and pleasantest 
 route to Worcester and Boston.'' Stages left Northampton every clay, 
 Sundays excepted, at 7-30 a. m., and " intersected " at Belchertown with the 
 Belchertown and Palmer route. In 1S46, John F. Albee owned a stage 
 route from Amherst through Leverett, Shutesbury. North Prescott and New 
 Salem to North New Salem. Stages left Amherst Tuesdays. Thursdays and 
 Saturdays at S a. m., returning the same day, and carried the mails. The 
 route was afterwards extended to Orange. The business has changed 
 hands many times in the past half-century, but the line is still in operation. 
 In 1849, a stage left Amherst for South Deerfield at 7 a. m., " intersecting " 
 at South Deerfield with the first train from Springfield ; returning, the 
 stage left South Deerfield at 12-30 p. m. 
 
 In 1850, stages left Amherst for South Deerfield, Montague and Brat- 
 tleboro at 6-30 a. M.; for Northampton, at 7-45 a. m. and 3-45 p. m.; for 
 Palmer, at 8-45 a. m. In 185 1, Smith &: Crosby ran a stage line from 
 Amherst to Palmer Depot, the stage leaving Amherst daily at 9 a. m. and 
 arriving here on its return at 3 p. m. The fare to Boston via Palmer was 
 $3. In 1S62, C. P. Aldrich owned a stage route between Amherst and 
 Northampton, and sold tickets from Amherst to Springfield for $1. Pas- 
 sengers living within one mile of the Amherst house were called for 
 free of charge. Mr. Aldrich sold the route to J. J. Young ; the latter sold 
 to Wm. P. Smith, and he, in turn, was bought out in 1S65 by E. F. Cook, 
 who conducted the business until the Central Massachusetts railroad was 
 opened in 1SS7, when it was given up. 
 
 The stage-driver of olden times was a personage of no small impor- 
 tance. On the road, his powers were autocratic ; he could make life a 
 pleasure or a burden for his passengers at will. The innkeepers along the 
 route deferred to his wishes and treated him to the best their bars held in 
 store. His was the sole responsibility for coach and horses and passengers 
 and mail and merchandise committed to his charge. The duties of 
 
388 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 engineer, conductor, mail and express agent of the modern train, rested on 
 him alone. He knew each mile of his route as the modern pilot knows 
 each lock and shoal and current of the harbor. The qualifications neces- 
 essary to make a good driver were many and exacting. He must be an 
 expert reinsman, capable of making any repairs necessitated by accident 
 to coach or harness, impervious to heat or cold, rain-proof and wind-proof, 
 a cyclopedia of information regarding his own and connecting routes. 
 The men who combined these qualities in high degree were rare, and gained 
 more than local reputation. Such men were Abijah Shumway of Belcher- 
 town and his sons Loren and " Dan," Robert Brown, also known as 
 "Steady" Brown of Montague, for many years Chapin & Damon's agent 
 at Amherst ; Jonathan Slate, the well-known "Judge" Slate of Amherst, 
 " Parson " Simmons, George Stocking, Noah Wright, Charles King of 
 Hubbardston and Benjamin Allen of Amherst. Many anecdotes of their 
 sayings and doings might be related, but the following must suffice. A 
 man once inquired of "Judge" Slate the condition of the roads between 
 Amherst and Northampton ; "Capital," replied the "Judge"; "there are 
 only two wet spots on the road." The man drove on, and soon found his 
 wagon surrounded by a sea of mud which continued all the way into North- 
 ampton ; meeting Slate soon after, he angrily enquired what he meant by 
 saying there were but two bad places on the road. " Why," said Slate, 
 "that's all there are; one this side of the bridge, and one the other." 
 
 CHAPTER XLV. 
 
 Liquor Selling and Intemperance. — Drinking Habits in Early 
 Times. — First Efforts to Check the Evil. — Temperance 
 Association at South Amherst. — Washington Total Absti- 
 nence Society at East Amherst. — Washington Society at 
 North Amherst. — West Center Society. — Reform Club. 
 -W. C T. U. — Good Templars Organizations. — Liquor 
 Licenses. 
 
 Mention has been made in a preceding chapter of this History of 
 the drinking habits of the earlier residents in Amherst. In these habits 
 they were not peculiar, simply following the fashion of their times. It is 
 almost impossible, in later times and under changed conditions, to write of 
 
THE USE OF LIQUOR. 389 
 
 the liquor problem as it existed in the closing years of the iSth and the 
 opening years of the 19th centuries, without doing something of injustice 
 to those who upheld a system which has since come to be looked upon as 
 pernicious and degrading. The part that liquor then bore in social, 
 business and community life was honored if not honorable. Total 
 abstinence from liquor, while not unknown, was looked upon as an eccen- 
 tricity rather than a virtue. The minister drank liquor with his deacons, 
 the lawyer with his clients, the doctor with his patients. A " raising " 
 without the presence of liquor was unknown : ministers drank flip at 
 ecclesiastical councils and ordinations ; hardly a trade was made at the village 
 store without "something to wash it down. - ' The "merchants generally 
 kept a larger stock of " wet goods '* than dry goods, finding for the former 
 a more ready market returning a greater profit on the investment. Xo 
 stigma attached to liquor-selling ; the leaders in the business were generally 
 the leaders in town and church matters as well. Drunkenness, while not 
 encouraged, was tolerated, carrying with it no special disgrace. 
 
 Just how early in the present century systematic efforts were first 
 made to abate the evils of intemperance in Amherst, cannot be stated 
 with absolute certainty. It is known that Rev. Daniel A. Clark, during 
 his pastorate at the First church, which lasted from 1S20 to 1S24, was an 
 ardent advocate of temperance doctrines, so ardent that many of his parish- 
 ioners took frequent occasion to expostulate with him for being too radical. 
 Rev. W. W. Hunt, pastor of the North church from 1827 to 1837, was 
 also a strong opponent of the liquor evil. The first temperance society in 
 Amherst of which there is record was organized among the students of 
 Amherst College in the spring term of 1827; it numbered 97 members. 
 During that term there had been a powerful revival of religious interest at 
 the college. That the subject of intemperance had begun to attract public 
 attention as early as 1827, is shown by an advertisement of " Dr. Chamber's 
 Remedy for Intemperance,*' published in the New England Inquirer under 
 date of Sept. 7. This advertisement stated that, " The astonishing success 
 which this remedy has obtained in restoring habitual inebriates to sobriety, 
 has established its virtues beyond all contradiction, and supersedes the 
 necessity of any further comment.'' The "Remedy" was put up in 
 packages " sufficient for one individual cure." and was sold at $5 per 
 package. Who shall say that this " Remedy " did not contain the germs 
 of some of the many later-day " liquor cures?" 
 
 The Inquirer, under date of May 15, 1828, stated: "We have recently 
 noticed that many merchants in different sections of the country have 
 resolved to discontinue the practice of selling ardent spirits. We under- 
 stand that a merchant has opened a store in this village in which no intox- 
 icating liquors will be kept for sale. A public house also has just been 
 
3QO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 opened in which it is designed to try the experiment of accommodating the 
 public without the usual arrangements of a bar." Here, indeed, were 
 startling innovations; a store without liquors, a tavern without a bar! 
 How the old inhabitants must have shaken their heads in disapproval and 
 predicted the speedy failure of the daring spirit that had thus violated all 
 precedent! In June, 1828, Rev. Dr. Woodbridge of Hadley visited 
 Amherst for the purpose of establishing societies auxiliary to the county 
 society for the promotion of temperance. It is stated that he met with 
 encouraging success, but if societies were organized in Amherst at that 
 time their records have passed from existence. Under date of July 31, 
 1S2S, the Inquirer announced : 
 
 •• We are doing something here in opposition to the cause of the lovers of 
 Strong Drink, although we find it difficult to induce all the temperate men among 
 us to array themselves against intemperance and drunkenness. It is so pleasant 
 to 'wet the trade' and 'take a little stimulus ' that many men — We will say no 
 more except that an interesting and appropriate address was delivered at the 
 Academy on the 28th by one of the students and upwards of fifty subscribed the 
 constitution of a Society designed to aid in freeing our land from the pestilence 
 that walketh in darkness & the destruction that wasteth at noon-day.'' 
 
 In August, 1S2S, the selectmen of Amherst issued a notice cautioning 
 all persons, except such as were duly licensed therefor, against selling any 
 spirituous liquors, either upon the common or in any held in the town of 
 Amherst, on the day of the Amherst College commencement. The 
 Inquirer, in editorial comment, expressed its gratitude to the selectmen 
 " for their willingness to make a stand against the scandalous practice of 
 erecting tents, etc., on the common, on the highway, and even on the side- 
 walks, for the accommodation of revellers." This notice and comment 
 would serve to show that commencement-day at Amherst College in the 
 '20s was of more importance as a public occasion and was observed in 
 different fashion than in later years. 
 
 From memoranda found among the papers belong to the late Samuel 
 C. Carter, something has been learned of the quantity of spirits consumed 
 in Amherst in the early part of the century. In 1828, one hundred and 
 fifty hogsheads of rum, gin and brandy were sold in the town at an average 
 price of $100 per hogshead, making some $15,000 that the inhabitants 
 paid for liquor, an amount fully equal to that expended for flour and grain 
 during the same year. Much of this liquor was imported by the merchants 
 and tavern-keepers, but Amherst had a distillery of its own, where over 
 three thousand barrels of cider were distilled every year into cider brandy. 
 This distillery stood in the rear of the Merrill lot, on the east side of the 
 common, and refuse matter from it ran down through the ravine in the rear 
 of the High school building. Early in the '70s, when excavations were 
 
THE WASHINGTON SOCIETIES. 39 1 
 
 being made for a fish-pond on land owned by the late Julius H. Seelye, 
 the aqueduct of logs which brought water into the distillery was discovered, 
 in a perfect state of preservation. The distillery was owned in the early 
 part of the century by Sylvester Cowls, and was sold by him in 1S27 to 
 Harvey Gilbert. 
 
 A temperance society was in existence at South Amherst as early as 
 1835. At a meeting of the " Temperance Association " held at the center 
 school house in that part of the town, Dec. 2, 1S35, a committee was 
 appointed to draft a new constitution " based upon the principles of total 
 abstinence from all intoxicating liquors.'' Under the constitution prepared 
 and adopted, the organization assumed the name of the "Amherst South 
 Parish Total Abstinence Society." Feb. 2, thirty persons who had sub- 
 scribed to the society's pledge, met and organized by choice of the follow- 
 ing officers : President, Timothy Smith ; secretary, Jacob Stetson ; executive 
 committee, Dea. Adams, Jonathan C. Warner, Joseph Dana. March 13, 
 1S36, the society voted to hold meetings as often as once a month ; and to 
 secure, if possible, the services of some person, once in two months, to give 
 a temperance address. Feb. 12, 1S40, it was voted to resolve the society 
 into a temperance lyceum for the term of eight weeks. 
 
 In the early '40s, the Washingtonian temperance movement assumed 
 great power and influence throughout New England. County societies 
 were formed, with auxiliaries in the several towns, and a vigorous and 
 systematic campaign was inaugurated against the liquor evil. March 16, 
 1S42, the temperance society at South Amherst was reorganized, assuming 
 the name of the " South Amherst Washington Total Abstinence Society," 
 auxiliary to the Washington Total Abstinence society of Hampshire 
 county. The following were elected officers : President, Zebadiah W. 
 Robins ; vice-presidents, Salmon Dickinson, Benjamin Andrews ; secretary 
 and treasurer, Erastus S. Bridgman ; executive committee, Lieut. Enos 
 Dickinson, S. M. Wright, Louis McLoud, Hosea Goodale, Alva Robins. 
 The last entry in the society's record book bears date Nov. 15, 1S43. 
 
 At a meeting held March 9, 1S42, a temperance society was organized 
 at East Amherst. Officers were elected as follows : President, Capt. 
 Benoni Rust; vice-president, Jonathan Dickinson ; secretary, Hiram E. 
 Fox. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution, which was 
 adopted at a meeting held March t6. The preamble to this constitution 
 reads as follows : 
 
 " Whereas having long experienced and witnessed the evil effects of the use of 
 intoxicating liquors, and fully believing that a longer continuance of the practice 
 would be detrimental to our religious, society and moral happiness, we have asso- 
 ciated together for the purpose of suppressing entirely the use of it as a drink, and 
 to use our endeavors to reclaim the unfortunate anions us and correct the habits of 
 
39 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 those who are indulging in practices which we believe are leadingthem to ruin and 
 endangering the comfort and happiness of themselves, their families and those 
 around them.*' 
 
 The name adopted was the " Washington Total Abstinence Society of 
 Amherst East Street." Anyone might become a member by signing and 
 keeping the Washington pledge. Meetings were to be held at such times 
 and places as the executive committee should direct. The society should 
 not be political or sectarian in aims or practices. The pledge, identical 
 with that adopted by other Wasingtonian societies, reads as follows : 
 
 "The members of this society agree that they will never again drink any 
 intoxicating liquors, except when prescribed by a medical attendant, or in case of 
 wine at communion, and that they will not provide them for their friends or for 
 persons in their employ, and that they will in all suitable ways discountenance the 
 use of them in the community, and above all that they will use their utmost 
 endeavor to reclaim and restore to temperance those who are unfortunately addicted 
 to intemperance." 
 
 This pledge was signed by 236 persons. The society entered at once 
 upon the work of abating the liquor evil in the community. At a meeting 
 held July 9, a committee was appointed to wait upon Mr. B , a prom- 
 inent innholder, and " see if he would do anything that would be satisfactory 
 to the society." This committee reported at a meeting held Aug. 3. that 
 
 Mr. B was in the house and would answer for himself. Mr. B — ; — 
 
 arose and stated that he was willing to pledge his w r ord and honor 
 that he would not sell or give away any liquor for the year to come. A 
 motion was made to see if the society would accept the proposals of Mr. 
 
 B and it was voted that they would not. It was then moved that the 
 
 bond be presented to Mr. B , but he declined signing it. A motion 
 
 was then passed that the president take Mr. B by the arm and walk up 
 
 to the table and present him the pledge of the society, but he replied that 
 he wished to take another glass before he signed it. It was then voted 
 that the society wait until he could go home and get a glass. After several 
 other attempts had been made to bring the obdurate brother into the 
 temperance fold, it was voted that the president should take the bond and 
 
 pledge and wait upon Mr. B during the week and report " what progress 
 
 he had made." At a meeting held some weeks later, the society voted to 
 
 accept the promise of Mr. B— that he would not sell or give away 
 
 liquor to the townspeople or travelers ; " the society not thinking they had 
 any right to prevent his giving liquor to his hands, did not push the 
 matter." 
 
 At a meeting held Dec. 8, 1842, "Mr. Thomas Goodell being present, 
 stated that he found it absolutely necessary to use spirits inwardly on 
 account of his rheumatic complaints and that he should continue the use of 
 
SOCIETIES AT NORTH AMHERST AND THE CENTER. 393 
 
 it. and requested that his name might be stricken off from the list of 
 members." The society was reorganized. May 18, 1849, when a new con- 
 stitution was adopted. Soon after this date the organization was given up. 
 
 March 14. 1S42. a meeting was held at the Congregational church at 
 North Amherst of persons interested in forming a total abstinence society. 
 An organization was formed and the following officers elected : President, 
 Chester Dickinson: vice-presidents, Dr. Silas Ball, Edward C. Weeks. 
 Charles Kellogg, Esq.; secretary. Albert W. Ball ; treasurer, Baxter Eastman. 
 There was also an executive committee consisting of eight members. A 
 committee was appointed to draft a constitution ; this committee reported 
 at a meeting held March 21, when the constitution was adopted, the soci- 
 ety assuming the name of the " Washington Total Abstinence Society of 
 North Amherst," auxiliary to the Washington society of Hampshire county. 
 Feb. 20, 1S43, the society voted that regular meetings should be held on 
 the third Monday of March, Maw July, September, November and January. 
 April 3, 1S4S, a committee appointed to "search out defected spots in the 
 society," reported five names, which were dropped from the roll, but were 
 afterwards restored on request of their owners. Now 12, 1S4S, the follow- 
 ing vote was passed : " Whereas the Hampshire County Total Abstinence 
 Society has been merged in the Hampshire County Temperance Union. 
 we transfer our relations to that society." Meetings were held by the 
 society until the spring of 1852. 
 
 Jan. 5. 1S46. a meeting was held at Concert hall at Amherst Center, 
 for the purpose of making arrangements for advancing the cause of temper- 
 ance in the town. Cen. David Mack served as chairman of the meeting 
 and Lucius Boltwood, Esq. as secretary. The meeting was addressed 
 by President Edward Hitchcock, Prof. William S. Tyler, Rev. Aaron M. 
 Colton, and Rev. Mr. Coleman. In the course of his remarks, President 
 Hitchcock stated that in 1830 he had written an essay on the use of wine 
 and fermented drinks, in which he advocated total abstinence from them 
 as the only true temperance principle. This essay, printed in pamphlet 
 form, was reviewed and severely criticised by a member of the executive 
 committee of the American Temperance union, its author being denounced 
 for his radicalism. At this meeting a constitution and pledge were read 
 and adopted, a society being formed under the name of the "Amherst 
 West Center Total Abstinence Society," auxiliary to the Hampshire county 
 society. A committee of seven was appointed to circulate the pledge in 
 every family in the limits of the parish for the purpose of securing signa- 
 tures. At an adjourned meeting held June 19, this committee reported 
 that they had obtained the signatures of 414 persons residing in the parish. 
 The society then elected the following officers : President. Hon. David 
 Mack; vice-president, David Dexter, Esq. ; secretary, George W.Sargent; 
 
394 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 treasurer, Newton Fitch ; executive committee, Simeon Clark, Charles 
 Delano, Joseph R. Payson, Elihu S. Church, Isaac Hawley. The executive 
 committee was authorized to secure lecturers to address the society on 
 temperance subjects, and also to make investigation as to whether liquor 
 was sold in town and if so the names of the persons selling it, that legal 
 measures might be taken to put a stop to the traffic. 
 
 The quarterly meetings of the Hampshire county society were from 
 time to time held with the different societies in Amherst, the occasions being 
 of great public interest. Apostles of temperance visited the town occasion- 
 ally, as witness the following advertisement quoted from the Express, 
 under the date of March 20, 1846 : " S. M. Hewlett, ' the little Jersey Gun,' 
 will talk and sing to the friends and foes of temperance at North Amherst, 
 on Monday evening, March 23d." But despite the efforts of the friends of 
 temperance, organized or unorganized, the liquor dealers continued to ply 
 their traffic, under the shelter of a public opinion more or less favorable. 
 It was not until the spring of 1850 that a determined effort was made to 
 rid the town of its saloons. As the time approached for the annual town 
 meeting, Rev Aaron M. Colton, at that time pastor of the First Congrega- 
 tional church, drew up two articles for insertion in the town warrant, which 
 were signed by several prominent citizens. The object of the first was, 
 to see if it be the wish of the town of Amherst that places be here kept 
 open for the sale of intoxicating drinks, in violation of the law ; of the 
 second, to see if the town would authorize and instruct its selectmen to 
 close such places. The meeting was held in SweetseiAs hall, which was 
 crowded to the doors. Lieut. Enos Dickinson, Judge I. Conkey, Daniel 
 Dickinson and Pres't Fdward Hitchcock spoke in favor of abolishing the 
 saloons, the latter making a most impressive appeal. The vote in favor of 
 putting a stop to the traffic was almost unanimous. The morning follow- 
 ing this meeting the selectmen went to the saloons and closed them. 
 
 Of the organizations formed in later years for the suppression of 
 intemperance, the most noteworthy has been the Amherst Reform club. 
 
 This was organized July 17, 1S76, as an outgrowth of a series of tem- 
 perance meetings held in College hall by Dr. H. A. Reynolds, a reformed 
 drunkard. The club numbered at its organization 35 members. Its first 
 president was George Graves. The members who formed this organiza- 
 tion, having seen and felt the evils of intemperance, and realizing the need 
 of an honest and constant service in the welfare of the unfortunate victims 
 to the drink habit, "Resolved, that for their own good and the good of the 
 world in which they live, they do hereby promise and engage, with the 
 help of Almighty God, to abstain from buying, selling or using alcoholic or 
 malt beverages, wine and cider included. And they further resolve to 
 organize this Club, that they may accomplish the greatest possible amount 
 
GOOD TEMPLAR ORGANIZATIONS. 395 
 
 of good and work most effectually for their fallen brothers." Beginning 
 in July, 1876, the club held mid-week business and social meetings, and 
 every Sunday evening a Gospel temperance meeting, for a period of over' 
 16 years, or until Nov. 28, 1892, when the organization was disbanded, its 
 work being carried on by the lodge of Good Templars, organized in 1890. 
 During its existence the Reform club was a power for good in the com- 
 munity, many victims of the drink habit being rescued through its agency. 
 The Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized as an auxil- 
 iary to the Reform club, by Mrs. Merrill of Holyoke, at a meeting held 
 July 25, 1S76. It numbered at the first 28 members. Its first officers 
 were: President. Mrs. P. H. White: vice-president, Mrs. I). S. Coles; 
 secretary. Miss Hattie Kellogg; treasurer. Miss Mina Beaman. This 
 organization, still in existence, has for twenty years labored faithfully and 
 efficiently in the temperance cause in Amherst, accomplishing much good. 
 A Young Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized July 24, 
 [895. A Loyal Temperance Legion was organized in 1892. A Father 
 Matthew Temperance society was organized by the young men of St. 
 Bridget's parish in 1888. 
 
 The town of Amherst has, at different times, numbered among its society 
 organizations rive lodges of the order of Good Templars. The names of 
 these lodges, the dates when their charters were granted and surrendered,, 
 and their first officers are as follows : 
 
 Evening Star, chartered June 1. 1866 ; officers, W. C. T.. John W. Lee ; 
 W. V. T., Julia A. Franklin: \Y. S., George H. Bell; charter surrendered 
 in 1S6S. 
 
 Hampshire (East Amherst), instituted March S, 1882; officers, W. C.T., 
 Rev. G. E. Fisher: W. Y. T., Mrs. W. F. Purple: W. S., Alice Y. Purple, 
 charter surrendered in 1S83. 
 
 Enterprise (North Amherst), instituted June 16, 1866; officers, W. C. 
 T, Charles H. Kellogg: W. A". T., Adeline Garland; W. S., Edmund P. 
 Cutter; charter surrendered in 1866. 
 
 Bowen, instituted Nov. 18, 1890 ; officers, W. C. T., George T. Slauter ; 
 W. V. T.. Mary M. Hamilton ; W. S., Clarence Hamilton. 
 
 Zion (Colored), instituted Sept. 12, 1S92 : officers, W. C. T., William 
 Hawkins; W. Y. T, Julia Newport: W. S., Minnie Smith. 
 
 Bowen and Zion lodges remain in active and prosperous existence do- 
 ing a good work in the community. 
 
 A political prohibition party organization has been maintained in Am- 
 herst for several years, and in 1S92 furnished to the prohibitionists of 
 Massachusetts their candidate for governor, Wolcott Hamlin. Several 
 residents of Amherst are also members of the " Hampshire County 
 Prohibition League." 
 
396 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 From the earliest period in the town's history up to 1874, licenses for 
 the sale of intoxicating liquors were granted by the county commissioners, 
 on approval of petitions by the selectmen of the town. For many years 
 no liquor licenses were granted in Amherst for any purpose whatever. In 
 1856, the town received for liquor licenses $497.40 ; in 1868, $195.24: in 
 1S75, $402.79; in 1876, $513.75; in 1878, $445.25; in 1879, $650. In 
 1874, the state law went ' into effect, by the provisions of which liquor 
 licenses are granted by the selectmen of towns, when a majority of the 
 citizens of the town vote in favor of license at their annual meetings. The 
 town of Amherst has voted in favor of license but once since 1879, the 
 vote in 1SS4 standing 150 for license and 142 opposed, but the selectmen, 
 believing that the general sentiment of the town is strongly opposed to 
 liquor selling within its limits, refused to grant any applications for license. 
 For several years the town has granted licenses to druggists to sell liquor 
 for medicinal purposes. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI. 
 
 The Care of the Town's Poor. — Early Methods. — The Poor Farm 
 and Almshouse. — Expenses at the Almshouse. — The Night 
 Police. — The Lock-up. — The Smith Charities. 
 
 Amherst has patterned after the methods employed by neighboring 
 communities, and by New England country towns in general, in caring for 
 its worthy poor. The early residents in New England regarded pauper- 
 ism as closely akin to crime. They had little sympathy with the unfortu- 
 nates whose fault or misfortune it was to fall from the ranks of busy work- 
 ers and become a charge upon their more fortunate or energetic fellows. 
 They knew that pauperism is the legitimate child of vice and crime, and 
 with faces sternly set against its progenitors had scarcely toleration for 
 their offspring. They did not realize the truth disclosed by the civiliza- 
 tion of later years, that in the struggle for existence some must be forced 
 to the wall and, in spite of honest endeavors, be compelled to rely upon 
 the aid of others. Not that our forefathers failed to provide for the 
 necessities of the poor ; they did their duty as they understood it. hut it 
 was clone as a duty and sympathy and kindness entered but little in their 
 
THE POOR FARM. 397 
 
 ministrations. They fed and clothed and housed their poor, but the food 
 was coarse, the clothing scanty and few preferred the almshouse to the 
 tomb. 
 
 In early days when but a very few persons looked to the town for 
 their support, it was the custom to place them in private families where 
 they were expected to perform such services as lay in their power as a 
 partial return for the expense involved in their support. As early as 
 November, 1778, the town voted that the selectmen should build a house 
 for the town poor, at such place and of such size as they saw fit. The 
 following March it was voted to build an almshouse near Clark's Mill ; 
 this was located in Mill Valley. In April, 1807, two of the town's poor,, 
 one of them an aged negro who had served in the war of the Revolution, 
 were struck off at auction for their board and keeping for the ensuing year. 
 In December, 18 17, a committee appointed at the May meeting to make 
 provision for the poor either by building or hiring a house, reported that 
 they had hired the house and garden of Elijah Mathers for one year: this 
 house was located at North Amherst. In April. 1828, the overseers of the 
 poor advertised that there were two girls between the ages of eight and 
 ten years whom it was proposed to bind out until they reached the 
 age of eighteen years. The overseers were also ready to receive proposals 
 for supporting the paupers that were not already contracted for, for the 
 term of one year. 
 
 In November, 1S37, the town voted to commit the subject of a poor 
 farm to a committee, which was instructed to report at a future meeting 
 on the cost of a suitable farm, whether such could be obtained, and 
 whether it would be expedient for Amherst to unite with some other town 
 in the purchase and management of such a farm. This committee reported 
 at a meeting held Feb. 29, 1S3S. The town voted not to accept the re- 
 port, but to refer the matter to the selectmen, who were authorized to con- 
 sider it with reference to the Vinton farm, and to take counsel as to whether 
 the contract made by the committee was binding upon the town. March 
 5, the town voted to accept the farm and pay for it according to the vote 
 of the committee. April 19, the selectmen were authorized to pay for the 
 farm from the surplus revenue, and to support the poor on the farm sys- 
 tem after that year. June 1, the town paid Medad Vinton $3,636 for his 
 farm, with interest added. This farm is situated in South Amherst, and is 
 still in use by the town for the purpose for which it was purchased. The 
 "surplus revenue." from which the payment was made, was a part of the 
 sum received by Amherst, in common with other towns, from the state 
 government. The United States government, finding in the '30s that it 
 had a surplus in the treasury, instead of employing it for national purposes 
 decided to divide it among the several states, the terms of division making 
 
398 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 it in the form of a demand loan. This sum was used by the state govern- 
 ments in various ways, Massachusetts dividing it among the towns and 
 cities. March 4, 1839, tne selectmen were authorized to spend a sum not 
 exceeding $1,200 to place the buildings on the town farm in good repair 
 and for the purchase of stock and farm utensils. This sum was also paid 
 from the surplus revenue. 
 
 For many years after the farm was purchased the wardens were en- 
 gaged from year to year, much after the fashion by which the collection of 
 taxes was made over to the lowest bidder. Thus, in March, 1S45, trie 
 overseers of the poor advertised that they would receive proposals for a 
 warden to take charge of the poor farm and the poor thereon for the en- 
 suing year. Any person wishing the contract must send in his terms im- 
 mediately. During the year 1847, the number of persons supported or 
 relieved was 25 ; the total expense was $1,174.59 ; the treasurer received 
 $502.73 as the proceeds of crops sold from the farm ; the inventory of 
 property at the farm was $720.19, the expense of the paupers above re- 
 ceipts of the farm $747.84. The following statistics are for the year 
 ending in March, 1854: Actual cost of supporting the poor for one year, 
 $627.11 ; number of persons relieved or supported during the year, 52 ; 
 acres of land attached to the town farm, 154; estimated value of alms- 
 house establishment, $5,600 ; number relieved at almshouse during the 
 year. 1 5 ; average number supported at the almshouse, eight ; average 
 Aveekly cost of supporting each pauper at the almshouse, 75 cents: num- 
 ber supported outside of almshouse, 35; average weekly cost of supporting 
 each pauper outside the almshouse, $1.07 ; warden's salary, S230. 
 
 The overseers' report for the year ending in March, 1855, gi ves the 
 number of persons supported as 38. The average weekly cost of persons 
 supported in the almshouse was $1.54, of those supported outside, $1.63. 
 The net expense of supporting paupers, including interest on the almshouse 
 establishment, was $1,231.48. During the year $20 was paid for "pastoral 
 instruction" and $6.50 for the burial expenses of ''Sambo Coon.'' During 
 the year 1864, the expense for paupers was greater than for any preceding 
 year, on account of the support of 25 persons afflicted with small-pox, 
 which cost the town $692.48. At a town meeting held in 1865, the select- 
 men were authorized to sell the town farm and exchange or buy a smaller 
 farm. The selectmen examined several pieces of property, but failing to 
 receive a fair offer for the town's farm the project fell through. During the 
 year 1869. live persons sick with small-pox at Springfield and Worcester 
 were supported by Amherst. The same year a new house was built on the 
 farm at an expense of Si, 734. 93. In the town report for 187 1, the farm 
 and buildings are inventoried at ^6,500, two wood-lots at $300, the property 
 on the farm at $2,329.50. The so-called " military law." passed by the 
 
THE ALMSHOUSE. 399 
 
 General Court in 1S70, provides that any person having served on a town's 
 quota during the civil war thereby acquired a residence in that town, and 
 on becoming pauperized the town is liable for his support and that of his 
 family. In the report for the year ending March. 1873, there occurs the 
 item of $2.25, expended for the relief of 15 persons at the police station ; 
 the following year, $5 1.60 was paid for "transient paupers at the police 
 station." 
 
 During the year 1880, a wing was built on the north side of the alms- 
 house, 40 x 24 feet, containing seven rooms with basement and attic, at a 
 cost of $648.45. Jan. 1, 1SS2, the almshouse, barn and other buildings 
 were destroyed by fire. The inmates, and much valuable property con- 
 tained in the building, were saved. The hre was started by Ruth Hall, 
 one of the inmates, who was arrested and lodged in jail. She at first 
 confessed the crime, but afterwards retracted the confession. Being 
 brought to trial, she was convicted and sentenced to seven years imprison- 
 ment. The house was rebuilt in 1882. at an expense of S4.700, the barn 
 costing $1,765. The house has two wings, of which the north is occupied 
 by the women, the east by the men. Two rooms are fitted up in the build- 
 ing for the confinement of insane paupers. During the six months inter- 
 vening between the fire and the completion of the new building, the pau- 
 pers were housed for three months at North Amherst and for three months 
 at South Amherst. In their new home they are surrounded by many com- 
 forts and conveniences, and under the watchful care of a kind and sym- 
 pathetic warden and matron are provided with a good home and made to 
 realize as little as possible their state of dependence. 
 
 The following statistics are taken from the report of the overseers for 
 the year ending in March. 1S96 : The total expenses for the year were 
 $4,556.18. Of this amount the town appropriated $1,800; $926.66 was 
 received from the sale of farm produce, and considerable sums from the 
 guardians of persons supported in whole or in part. To the lunatic 
 hospital in Northampton Si, 01 6. 7 6 was paid for the support of insane 
 paupers, to the hospital at Westboro S255.3S, to the school for feeble- 
 minded $169.42. The warden's salary was 5400. During the year four 
 persons died at the almshouse, two of them inmates of long standing: the 
 present number of inmates is six. Fifty-three persons were given tempo- 
 rary aid outside the almshouse. Seven persons are now cared for at the 
 lunatic hospital at Northampton. The property at the almshouse is inven- 
 toried at $2,518.70. 
 
 In the overseers' report for 1873 and for several years thereafter items 
 of expense appear for the relief of transient paupers housed at the lock- 
 up. The lock-up and the night police became established as town institu- 
 tions in 1S72 and 1S73. In 1872, the selectmen, at the request of many 
 
400 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 citizens, appointed a night policeman who patroled the streets from 9 p. m. 
 to 6 a. M. for 351 nights of the year, receiving in payment $2 per night. 
 The total expense of the service was $752.78, of which the town paid 
 $545.78 and the balance was subscribed by citizens. The first officer 
 appointed was Fiske A. Thayer; Mr. Thayer's pay in 1873 amounted to 
 $7 60. In 1S74, he received $100 as keeper of the lock-up in addition to 
 his regular salary. For several years, a part of the expenses of the night 
 police were paid by subscriptions from citizens. The policeman was also 
 required to light the street lamps, care for them and put them out. The 
 inhabitants of the outlying districts opposed for many years a town appro- 
 priation for the night police service, but as the benefits conferred by it 
 upon the whole town became more apparent the opposition gradually died 
 away. The service has proved of value to the town far in excess of its 
 cost. Many fires have been discovered in season to prevent great loss, 
 disorderly characters have been arrested and the tramp evil has been kept 
 in check. 
 
 By an act of the General Court, passed in 1873, towns containing 
 over a certain number of inhabitants are required to provide a lock-up and 
 appoint a keeper at such a salary as the selectmen deem proper. As 
 Amherst comes under the provisions of this act, the selectmen caused a 
 lock-up to be built in the rear of the engine-house, in 1S73. The structure 
 is of brick, 22x30 feet in size, two stories in height, with a room in the 
 second story of the full size of the building. On the first floor is a room 
 for the use of the keeper and four compartments or cells, each containing 
 two iron bedsteads. The entire cost of the building was $2,546.16. 
 During the first year after its erection, fourteen prisoners were confined 
 in the lock-up and 296 tramps lodged and fed at an expense of Si 28.40. 
 The second year 215 tramps were lodged and fed, the third year 233. 
 The expense of feeding tramps was charged to the pauper account, but 
 proving burdensome, and of doubtful expediency, the practice was given 
 up. The upper story of the building was used for school purposes several 
 years; it was also used for holding courts, caucuses and various public 
 meetings. When the new town hall was erected, a cell was built in the 
 basement story, but this has never been used. 
 
 Amherst has benefited largely from the wisdom and liberality of the 
 founder of the Smith Charities. Designed, not as an aid to pauperism, 
 but as a stimulus to those traits of human character which make for the 
 best success in life, it has been a potent influence for good in the commu- 
 nity. As one of the towns that has profited greatly from the provisions of 
 the will of Oliver Smith, Amherst has an honorable place in its History for 
 a brief sketch of this famous document. Oliver Smith was a native oi 
 Hatfield who by business industry and native shrewdness acquired a fortune, 
 
THE OLIVER SMITH WILL. 4OI 
 
 which, at his death in 1S45, was estimated at from 5300,000 to $400,000. 
 His will was made July 15, 1844 and a codicil added Aug. 13, 1845. By 
 this will, $200,000 was bequeathed to public charities, under conditions 
 substantially as follows : A board of trustees was to be chosen to have 
 charge of the funds left in trust. For this purpose, the towns of North- 
 ampton, Hadley, Hatfield, Amherst, Williamsburg, Deerfield, Greenfield 
 and Whately were each to choose annually, at a legal town-meeting held 
 in March or April, an elector under the terms of the will. These electors 
 were to meet at Northampton on the first Wednesday in May and choose 
 three persons to act as trustees of the fund. The money was at first left 
 in trust to his nephew, Austin Smith, who was to manage it until the 
 trustees were appointed and then turn it over to them. They in turn were 
 to hold it as an accumulating fund until it amounted to $400,000. When 
 the latter time had arrived. $30,000 of the fund was to be set apart for the 
 establishment of an agricultural school at Northampton, but this fund was 
 to be allowed to accumulate for sixty years after his death before it should 
 become available. Ten thousand dollars was to be granted to the American 
 Colonization society, under certain conditions, which were never fulfilled. 
 The remaining $360,000 was to be used as a miscellaneous fund for the 
 benefit of indigent boys, indigent female children, indigent young women 
 and indigent widows. 
 
 One-half the income of the fund was to be used for the benefit of 
 indigent boys.. The trustees were to select from families of fair character, 
 but in indigent or moderate circumstances, residing in the eight towns 
 named, a suitable number of boys to receive the benefits of this fund. 
 Preference was first to be given to indigent children and second to orphans. 
 The boys so selected were to be at least 12 years of age, of sound health 
 and intellect, industrious habits and good moral character. These boys 
 were to be bound out in good and respectable families, where they should 
 receive a good common-school education, and be well instructed and 
 brought up in the business of husbandry or such mechanical trade or 
 employment as the trustees might consider most beneficial or useful. 
 Each boy so bound out, who should conduct himself faithfully and well 
 during his apprenticeship, and should within six years after arriving at the 
 age of 2 1 make application to the trustees, should receive from the fund a 
 loan of not more than $500, for a term of not over five years, on giving 
 good security for the repayment of the same and interest thereon annually. 
 If at the end of the term, the interest should have been promptly paid, 
 and the conduct of the borrower such as to satisfy the trustees that he 
 would in the future make good use of the money, then the obligation to 
 pay the same should be canceled. 
 26 
 
402 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 One-fourth the income of the fund was to be used for the benefit of 
 indigent young girls. The girls were to be selected in the same manner, 
 and required to possess much the same qualifications, as were demanded 
 of the boys. Girls were to be bound out in the families of good and 
 respectable farmers or mechanics until they arrived at the age of 18 years. 
 Each girl who should conduct herself well during her term of service, and 
 continue to sustain a good moral character until her marriage, should be 
 entitled to $300 as a marriage portion. Any girl so indentured, after reaching 
 the age of 18, if unmarried, should, in case of sickness or mental or bodily 
 infirmity, be entitled to relief from the fund up to the amount of $300 ; 
 should she afterwards marry, the sum should be deducted from her marriage 
 portion. Any girl marrying while under 18 years of age should forfeit all 
 right to any payment from the fund. Should a girl so indentured marry 
 a man whom the trustees esteemed of bad character, then she should 
 receive no marriage portion, but in such instance, in case of sickness, 
 bodily infirmity or mental derangement, she should be entitled to receive 
 payments from the fund up to the sum of $300. 
 
 One-eighth part of the income of the fund was to be used for the 
 benefit of indigent young women. The trustees might pay out to young 
 women in indigent or moderate circumstances a marriage portion not 
 exceeding $50, to be expended for the purchase of household furniture. 
 The beneficiary must be of good moral character, not less than 18 years of 
 age, and the man she married must also be of good character, sober and 
 industrious. Applications for this portion should be made either before or 
 within three months after the marriage. The remaining one-eighth of the 
 interest from the fund was to be used for the benefit of indigent widows. 
 The trustees, at their discretion, should pay to widows in indigent or 
 moderate circumstances, having a child or children dependent upon them 
 for support, who should make application, not more than $50 in any one 
 year. The applicant should be of good moral character. 
 
 In distributing these funds, no distinction should be made or preference 
 given to any religious sect or political or other party whatever. The will 
 was admitted to probate after a long and expensive contest before the 
 courts. The leader of the legal forces in behalf of the will was Hon. 
 Osmyn Baker, who had recently removed his residence from Amherst to 
 Northampton. In 1849, tne following persons were incorporated as the 
 trustees of the Smith Charities: Osmyn liaker of Northampton, John 
 Dickinson, Jr. of Amherst, Austin Smith of Hatfield. The first president 
 of the board of trustees was Osmyn Baker. Amherst has furnished the 
 following members of the board of trustees since 1S49 : John Dickinson, 
 Jr., A. P. Howe, Simeon Clark, Ithamar Conkey, Ezra Ingram, Horace 
 Ward, D. W. Palmer, H. M. McCloud. Mr. Palmer served as president of 
 
THE OLD CEMETERY. 403 
 
 the board for six years. During the year ending April i, 1896, the follow- 
 ing payments were made to beneficiaries under the will, residing in Amherst : 
 To indigent boys. $1,500; indigent girls. S400 ; indigent widows, $1,200; 
 indigent young women, $700 ; total $3,800. During the same year, five 
 boys and two girls residing in Amherst were apprenticed under the terms 
 of the will. 
 
 The will of Whiting Street of Northampton gave to the town of 
 Amherst $6,000 as a permanent fund, the income of which is used " for 
 the relief and comfort of the worthy poor, who shall not be in the alms- 
 house, or be town or city paupers." 
 
 CHAPTER XLVI 
 
 Town Cemeteries. — The Old West Cemetery. — Cemeteries at 
 North and South Amherst. — YYildwood Cemetery. — Vil- 
 lage Improvement. — The Commons. — The Ornamental Tree 
 Association. — Village Improvement Societies at the Cen- 
 ter, at East Amherst, South Amherst, North Amherst 
 and the •' City." 
 
 The ''burying place," laid out in 1730 by Hadley's town committee 
 for the "east inhabitants," is still in use as a burial-ground, additions 
 having been made to it from time to time. There is interred all that was 
 mortal of many of the earliest settlers and their descendants through five 
 generations. For nearly ninety years it was the only cemetery in the town, 
 and for 160 years the only one located near the town center. If the 
 progress of civilization is marked by veneration paid to the departed and 
 the care taken of their last resting-places, the earlier inhabitants of New 
 England were but little removed from primitive barbarism. They buried 
 their dead with all solemnity, but the place of burial was regarded with 
 aversion rather than with reverence. Little pains was taken in the selection 
 of the burial-places ; some bleak and barren hillside, waste-land that could 
 not be used to advantage for other purposes, these were the plots selected 
 for " God's acre." Who that in later years has traveled through the rural 
 districts of New England has not chanced upon some old-time burying- 
 ground, neglected and forlorn, with the weeds growing rank and hiding 
 from sight the dilapidated tombstones ? It was not until well along into 
 
404 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the Nineteenth century that any systematic effort was made to beautify the 
 resting-places of the dead. 
 
 In the care of its burial-places Amherst was no better and no worse 
 than its neighboring communities. They were town property, and any 
 money expended upon them was raised by the town and expended under its 
 supervision. At a town-meeting held in March, 1770, the selectmen were 
 appointed a committee to lay out and fix boundaries to the burying-ground ; 
 these bounds were fixed, and accepted by the town at a meeting held May 
 24. Dec. 8, 18 17, a committee was appointed to consider and report on 
 the expediency of establishing one or more new burying-grounds in the 
 town, and enlarging and fencing the old burying-ground. The report of 
 this committee was presented and accepted at a meeting held May 13, 
 18 18. The committee had purchased one acre of land of David Moody 
 and one acre of Martin Baker, paying $80 for each, and reserving to each 
 original owner and his heirs the right of pasturing sheep on the premises. 
 These lands furnished the sites for the North and South burying-grounds. 
 March 4, 1833, the town appropriated $770 to purchase land to add to the 
 center burying-ground and fence the same. 
 
 March 2, 1846, the town voted to raise $200 to pay the expense of 
 setting out shade and ornamental trees in the burying-grounds at the center, 
 at North and South Amherst. This work was left in the hands of a 
 committee ; in the Express issued May 6, 1846, the following notice appears : 
 "The committee appointed to put out trees in the center burying-ground invite 
 their neighbors and all who feel interested. to turn out with them to procure 
 and transplant evergeen trees on Friday morning. Suitable pines are found 
 in abundance near Dickinson's mills in Hadley, and Mr. Cook the owner 
 has kindly offered us gratuitously as many as we desire." In 1850, the 
 town paid Elijah Boltwood Si 8.23 for setting out trees in the West cemetery. 
 March 4, 1850, the town instructed its selectmen to erect a receiving tomb of 
 suitable size at the center burying-ground for the free use of the town ; 
 this tomb was erected in 1850, and the North burying-ground was fenced 
 the same year. 
 
 In 1852, the old-time hearse was sold for $5, being put up at auction 
 at the same time the grass upon the common was sold. In December, 
 1854, the selectmen were authorized to lay out a road in the center burying- 
 ground, which they did the following year. In 1857, $175 was paid for 
 land for the South burying-ground, $60 for land for the North burying 
 ground and $30 for stone used on the grounds. In 1858, the cost to the 
 town of burying-grounds, fences, stone, etc. was $228.70, in 1859, $237.05. 
 In 1865, the town paid $4.38 for cemetery gates. For many years ahearse 
 was rented at an annual expense of $28, but in 1868 a new hearse was 
 purchased costing $320. At the annual town meeting in March, 1869, H. 
 
rOHlM 
 SCOT" 
 
 ?* 
 
 THE OLDEST STONE IN WEST CEMETERY. 
 
CARE OF CEMETERIES. 405 
 
 Cobb, J. R. Cushman and W. S. Clark were appointed a committee to 
 consider the matter of securing land for a new cemetery. The committee 
 reported at a special meeting, held May 29. that the farm of Joseph Dick- 
 inson could be bought for S9,ooo, and that they had taken a bond for the 
 same. The farm contained about 80 acres. The report was accepted, 
 and the selectmen were authorized to buy the farm on the terms mentioned, 
 provided individuals would furnish the money, or give a bond to take the 
 land without expense to the town, the town to have any portion of it that 
 it might need for a cemetery at a fair valuation. The selectmen were 
 unable to complete the bargain, as Mrs. Joseph Dickinson refused to 
 release her right of dower. 
 
 In 1870, the old or, as it was commonly called, the West cemetery 
 was enlarged by the purchase of land adjoining ; 57 rods of roadway were 
 built and graveled and 36 rods of drain-tile laid six feet below the surface. 
 By these measures many new lots were made available. A new fence was 
 built about the cemetery and the tool-house removed to the rear of the lot. 
 The total expense was $1,098.66. In 1873. the North cemetery was 
 enlarged on the south and east sides and a well dug. The South cemetery 
 was supplied with 30 hitching-posts. The selectmen in their report for 
 1S74 recommended that steps should be taken at once to provide more 
 land for burial purposes at the center. In 1876, over $200 was subscribed 
 by citizens for keeping the West cemetery in repair ; the sum was expended 
 under direction of a committee of ladies, with satisfactory results. The 
 selectmen in their annual report for the year ending in March, 1877, urged 
 all persons occupying lots in the cemeteries to pay for them and take deeds 
 of the same. If this was done, there would be no need of a town appro- 
 priation for cemeteries for years to come. As town property, the cemeteries 
 were used for burial purposes by citizens for many years at no expense to 
 themselves. It was not until sometime in the '70s that the practice of 
 buying and taking deeds of particular lots came into general use. For 
 many years the sums received from sales of lots have furnished an ample fund 
 for defraying the expense of caring for the cemeteries. In 188 1, a new tomb 
 was built at the South Amherst cemetery at an expense of nearly $350. 
 For several years, two superintendents were chosen for each of the town 
 cemeteries. At the annual March meeting in 1880, the town appointed 
 a committee to select a site for a new cemetery. This committee reported 
 at the annual meeting in 1881 ; their report was not accepted, and the 
 selectmen were joined with them as a committee, to select such grounds 
 as they should think best and purchase the same. No money was appro- 
 priated for the purchase, and the committee, having examined several 
 locations, decided it inadvisable to purchase. 
 
406 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 April 20, 1887, a meeting was held of persons desirous of establishing 
 a cemetery on the estate known as the Joseph Dickinson farm. At an 
 adjourned meeting, held April 27, Prof. B. K. Emerson reported that he 
 had examined the land, and found about 20 acres suitable for burial 
 purposes, while the remainder could be utilized for landscape gardening. 
 April 29, a committee appointed to draw up a plan of organization and by- 
 laws submitted its report, and the following officers were elected : President, 
 H. F. Hills;' clerk and treasurer, O. D. Hunt; directors, \V. A. Dickinson, 
 B. K. Emerson, J. H. Seelye, H. H. Neill, E. D. Marsh, George Cutler. 
 The clerk and treasurer was authorized to take a deed of the farm for and 
 in the name of the association. The name adopted was the " Wildwood 
 Cemetery Association." 
 
 At the annual town meeting in March, 1887, a committee of three had 
 been chosen to consider the matter of purchasing land for a new cemetery. 
 This committee submitted its report at the annual March meeting in 1888. 
 The lands selected by the committee appointed in 1880, to secure lands for 
 cemetery purposes, had been sold in 1887 to persons who intended to cut 
 off the wood and timber. Desiring to secure these lands and preserve 
 them for the town's use, an association was formed and the property pur- 
 chased, the price paid being $5,400. The committee accordingly recom- 
 mended that the town purchase the property from the association. The 
 town voted to raise and appropriate not over $6,000 to secure the Dickin- 
 son farm. Two of the selectmen, not members of the cemetery association, 
 were appointed agents of the town to negotiate the purchase and take a 
 deed of the property. A committee of five was appointed to lay out the 
 grounds and $2,000 was appropriated for their use. The farm contained 
 about 74 acres. The selectmen took a deed of the property April 4. 
 
 The residents of the town were far from unanimous in favor of making 
 this purchase. The actions of the association, the cemetery committee and 
 the selectmen were subjected to severe criticism, and public sentiment was 
 aroused to such a pitch that a special town-meeting was held April 17, at 
 which it was voted to sell the Dickinson farm at auction. At a meeting 
 held May 19, a committee was appointed to examine lands for a new 
 cemetery near the center of the town, to ascertain prices and report to the 
 town. This committee reported at a meeting held June 2. Their report 
 favored the purchase of the homestead formerly owned by the late Col. W. 
 S. Clark, at a cost of $15,000. The town voted down this proposition. 
 Henry F. Hills announced that he had purchased the Dickinson farm and 
 it was not for sale. The town then voted to give the sum of $1,000 to the 
 cemetery association. Mr. Hills afterwards reconveyed the property to 
 the cemetery association. At the annual meeting in March, 1889, the 
 town voted to raise and appropriate $1,000 to be used by the selectmen in 
 
THE C< MMON BEFORE 1670. 
 
 I II I COMMON IN [895. 
 
THE VII. LACK COMMONS. 407 
 
 the purchase of ground of the cemetery association, or to arrange other- 
 wise with the association for such burial lots on its ground as the town is 
 by law obliged to provide. For the past eight years the association has 
 expended liberal sums of money in the care and beautifying of Wildwood 
 cemetery. Finely located, on the rise of land which was christened by 
 President Fdward Hitchcock "Mount Pleasanter," affording a magnificent 
 view of the most picturesque section of the Connecticut Valley, its crest 
 surmounted by a heavy growth of grand old forest trees, Nature has made 
 of Wildwood cemetery a garden-spot for the living, a noble sepulcher for 
 the dead. The best that man can do is to preserve therein the beauties of 
 Nature's handiwork. 
 
 VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 When, in 1788, the town of Amherst narrowed its highways and sold 
 the lands thus acquired to abutters, the committee who laid out the new 
 ways reserved, in some places, the whole breadth of the old highways for 
 '' particular or public use." These reservations included the lands now 
 known as commons at the center village, at Fast and South Amherst. In 
 the early years of the Nineteenth century, the village common south of 
 College hill was used as a military parade ground. In 1840, that portion 
 lying west of the college lot was granted by the town to Amherst College, 
 to be used for college purposes only ; the Lawrence observatory stands 
 upon this land. North of College hill the common was used as pasture- 
 land and there was a frog-pond near the center. April 1, 1833, the town 
 authorized the selectmen to enclose the common north of College hill, and 
 make such improvements thereon as they deemed expedient. 
 
 For many years the grass grown on the common was sold at auction 
 and the proceeds paid into the treasury of the fire companies. The 
 amount realized was from S20 to $30 per annum. The common was 
 utilized on nearly all public occasions. After the founding of Amherst 
 College, commencement-day became the great day of the year in town, its 
 glories overshadowing those even of July 4th and "general muster " day. 
 On commencement-day the common was the general place of assembly for 
 visitors who came in crowds from neighboring towns. Booths, tents and 
 stands were erected on the common, and pedlars, auctioneers and "fakirs " 
 of all descriptions made it their headquarters. For several years liquor 
 was sold without license or interference, but the rising tide of temperance 
 sentiment put an end to the practice, the selectmen giving warning that 
 those who sold liquor on the common on commencement-day would be 
 prosecuted. In 1856, the town received §30.75 for rent of the common 
 on commencement-day. The first cattle-show in Amherst was held on the 
 common in 1846, and from that time on the shows were held there annually 
 
408 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 until 1S59, when the common having passed out of the control of the 
 selectmen, the agricultural society was forced to seek new grounds. The 
 highway on the west side of the common was much higher than the common 
 itself, but as the highway was cut down and the common filled in the grades 
 were equalized. 
 
 Village improvement was a matter which engaged but little the attention 
 of the earlier inhabitants of the town. They were too much engrossed in 
 solving the sterner problems of existence to devote much time or thought 
 to questions of gentler import. To them the beauty of utility appealed 
 more forcibly than the utility of beauty. Some of them recognized the 
 fact that the town and its surroundings possessed great natural beauties, 
 yet they took little pains to preserve these beauties intact or to add to them 
 in any way. The General Court passed, in 1853, an act providing that 
 any ten or more persons in any county, town or city within the state who 
 shall, by agreement in writing, associate for the purpose of encouraging 
 agriculture, horticulture, or improving and ornamenting the streets and 
 public squares of any town or city by planting and cultivating ornamental 
 trees therein, may become a corporation by such name as they shall assume 
 therefor, by calling their first meeting and being organized in the manner 
 provided in the 41st Chapter of the Revised Statutes. Under the provisions 
 of this act, in September, 1S57, the following petition was addressed to 
 Edward Dickinson, Esq., a justice of the peace in and for the county of 
 Hampshire : 
 
 " We the undersigned citizens of Amherst in said county being desirous of 
 forming an association for the purpose of ornamenting and beautifying the public 
 grounds of this town, under the Statutes of this Commonwealth, Chapter 312, 
 Acts of 1S53, respectfully request you to call in accordance with the provisions of 
 that Statute a meeting of the undersigned for the purpose of organization agreeable 
 to law." 
 
 This petition bore twenty-two signatures, headed by those of I. F. 
 Conkey, James W. Boyden and E. F. Cook. Justice Dickinson issued his 
 warrant, dated Sept. 8, addressed to Mirick N. Spear, directing him to 
 summon the subscribers to meet at his book-store, Sept. 15. The meeting 
 was held as warned and H. C. Nash was elected president pro tern, and W. 
 A. Dickinson secretary pro tern. At an adjourned meeting held Sept. 16, 
 a committee of six was appointed to solicit additional names for member- 
 ship. At a meeting held Sept. S, a committee of three was appointed to 
 prepare a constitution and by-laws. They reported at a meeting held Oct. 
 5, their report being accepted and adopted. The first article in the consti- 
 tution reads as follows : 
 
 •' This association shall be called The Amherst Ornamental Tree Association, 
 the object of which shall be the laying out and ornamenting the public common. 
 
ORNAMENTAL TREE ASSOCIATION. 409 
 
 the general impiovement and adornment of the various public walks throughout 
 the village by grading, graveling and lining with trees where there are any deficien- 
 cies, and to do anything which may render the public grounds and ways of our 
 village more attractive and beautiful." 
 
 Any person might become a member of the association on payment 
 of 53. Officers were elected as follows: President. R. B. Hubbard ; vice- 
 presidents, I. F. Conkey, W. C. Fowler, H. C. Nash ; secretary, O. D. 
 Hunt; treasurer, A. R. Henderson: executive committee, E. F. Cook, L. 
 D. Cowles. M. X. Spear, Henry Holland. W. W. Hunt. W. W. Smith, 
 W. A. Dickinson. At a meeting held Oct. 12, it was voted to obtain per- 
 mission of the selectmen to enclose and control the common. The town, 
 at a special meeting held Nov. 3, 1857, voted " That the town grant to the 
 Amherst Ornamental Tree Association the use and control of the public 
 common in the center of the town subject to the approval of the selectmen 
 of the town."' March 12, 1858, a committee was appointed to see if 
 arrangements could be made for a fair and a concert by local talent, for 
 the benefit of the association. The executive committee was authorized 
 to have any filling done about the pond on the common that should be 
 deemed necessary. \\ 'hen the question was raised as to how the necessary 
 funds should be secured, H. C. Xash proposed that the members of the 
 association pay the bills from their own pockets: a collection was taken 
 from which $40 was realized. At a meeting held March 29. plans were 
 adopted for laying out the common. Considerable work in the line of 
 grading and filling was done upon the common in the summer of 1858, 
 under the supervision of William W. Smith. At a meeting held Oct. 18, 
 1858, the executive committee was authorized to plant such a number of 
 trees and on such places in the common as they should deem best. 
 
 The record book of the association contains no minute of meetings 
 between the dates October, 1858 and October, 1863, and, after the latter 
 date, there is no further entry until 1867. The Express makes the following 
 announcement under date of Jan. 15, 1S64 : " B. \V. Allen has purchased 
 fifty nice shade trees of different varieties, and engaged a man to set them 
 out on the common this spring." There was a fountain on the common 
 in 1861. Feb. 18, 1867, it was voted that all work on the common should 
 be left in the hands of the executive committee. April 26, 187 1, a com- 
 mittee was chosen to attend to all repairs and sell the grass upon the 
 common. The work of grading and filling was continued in the summer 
 of 1874, and at a meeting held Oct. 23, the committee in charge of the 
 work reported that the improvements so far made had cost the association 
 $189.72. The most comprehensive and successful work of the association 
 was carried on in the summer and fall of 1S75. At a meeting held March 
 6, a plan for improving the common, prepared by the distinguished land- 
 
4IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 scape gardener, Frederick Law Olmsted, at the request of William A. 
 Dickinson, was submitted to the association, which decided to proceed with 
 the work in accordance with this plan. A letter was read, written by Mr. 
 Olmsted, and giving instructions and directions concerning the setting of 
 trees and other improvements. It was voted that the selectmen be requested 
 to place the money raised for sidewalks in the hands of the association ; 
 voted, also, that the matter of grading and otherwise improving the common 
 remain as heretofore under the supervision of R. W. Stratton and H. D. 
 Fearing. 
 
 The association was reorganized, April 13, 1877, under the name of 
 the "Village Improvement Association." April 23, 1S79, it was voted that 
 the by-laws be amended or altered so as to admit ladies to membership, 
 and Nov. 5 of the same year five lady members were added to the executive 
 committee. The association, in addition to its regular work, secured the 
 removal of telegraph poles and hay-scales from the common. May 3, 
 1879, a committee was appointed to solicit funds for keeping the common 
 in order and for grading at the south end. Oct. 6 of the same year, the 
 executive committee was authorized to complete the grading on the west 
 side of the common. The selectmen, in their report to the town for the 
 year ending Feb. 15, 1883, stated that the association had expended more 
 than $3,000 on the common, over $1,000 having been spent in the past two 
 years. This money was nearly all the voluntary contribution of members. 
 The town valuation of real estate fronting on the common in 1857, when 
 the association was organized, was $69,925 ; in twenty-five years it had 
 risen in value to $238,785. The town had been greatly improved by the 
 work clone without expense to the public. At the annual meeting in March, 
 1883, the town appropriated $150 for a drinking fountain, with the under- 
 standing that it was to be located at the center, but there was such an 
 urgent demand for a fountain at Fast Amherst the selectmen deemed it 
 advisable to erect two, the one at the East village for watering horses, and 
 a more ornamental one upon the common at the center ; the Village 
 Improvement association contributed $55 toward the expense of the latter. 
 This fountain, while tasteful in design, proved inconvenient as a watering- 
 place for horses, so it was taken clown and an iron tank erected in its 
 place. 
 
 At a meeting of the association held April 9, 1883, a committee was 
 appointed to look after the improvement of certain streets. This action 
 was repeated in following years and has become an established feature of 
 the association's work. April 23, 1891, it was voted that no bulletin 
 boards be allowed upon the common and that no bills shall be posted 
 upon the trees. April 19, 1892, the executive committee was instructed to 
 confer with the directors of the Board of Trade, to secure cooperation on 
 
THE COMMON AT EAST AMHERST. 4 1 I 
 
 matters relating to the improvement of the village. In 1S93, settees were 
 placed upon the common and since then have been allowed to remain 
 there during the summer months. The beautiful village common as it 
 appears to-day is a monument to the wisdom, good taste and generosity 
 of the founders of the Amherst Ornamental Tree association, and their 
 worthy successors down to the present time. 
 
 May 24, 1S64, the town voted to authorize the citizens of East 
 Amherst to fence and ornament their common. In the early '70's, the 
 town voted to grant to the East parish the privilege of cutting and selling 
 the grass on the common at East Amherst. This common was at the 
 time, and for many years thereafter, a strip of vacant land grown up to 
 grass and weeds, adding nothing to the beauty of the village. April 10, 
 1882, a meeting was held at the chapel of the Second Congregational 
 church for the purpose of organizing an association for village improve- 
 ment. Committees were appointed to prepare a constitution, to solicit 
 names for membership and to confer with residents on the street running 
 north and south as to whether one or two roads should be laid out along 
 the common. At a meeting held April 18, a constitution was reported 
 and adopted. The name selected was "The Village Improvement Society 
 of East Amherst." Its object was " to improve and ornament the streets 
 and public grounds of the place, by planting and cultivating trees, clearing 
 and repairing sidewalks and doing such other things as shall tend to 
 beautify and adorn said streets and grounds." Any person over 16 years 
 of age who should annually plant and protect a tree under the direction of 
 the executive committee, or should pay 50 cents annually in money or 
 labor, might become a member of the association. Any person under 16 
 years of age who should pay 25 cents annually in money or labor might 
 become a junior member. The annual meeting was to be held in April, 
 special meetings on call of the executive committee. Officers were elected 
 as follows: President, CO. Parmenter; vice-presidents, L. H. Allen. Mrs. 
 G. E. Fisher ; secretary, G. E. Fisher ; treasurer, O. P. Gaylord. 
 
 At a meeting held May 8, after considering various plans and consulting 
 with abuttors on the highway running north and south, it was voted to 
 lay out two highways, one on either side of the common. The selectmen 
 were requested to make the necessary changes, but found they had no 
 money they could use in doing the work proposed. The driveway along 
 the west side of the common was discontinued from the south side of the 
 school-house lot to the junction with the road leading to Belchertown, and 
 a new road was built across the south end of the common. The drive- 
 way discontinued was laid in 1849 f° r tne benefit of Oliver Watson, who 
 conducted a shoe-factory at East Amherst, and was laid out in the limits 
 of the old county road. After it was discontinued, the abuttors began to 
 
412 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 cut the grass on the common in front of their premises, claiming that the 
 land had reverted to them. At the annual town meeting held in March, 
 1883, the town voted to instruct its selectmen to petition the county com- 
 missioners to establish the boundaries of the East Amherst common. An 
 appropriation of $100 was passed to be used in constructing a road at 
 East Amherst. The county commissioners established the boundaries of 
 the common, but as the land was shown to be a part of the county road 
 there was no means to prevent any person who desired from driving over 
 it in any direction, thus rendering futile any attempt to beautify it and 
 maintain it as a common in the general acceptance of the term. To 
 obviate this difficulty, special legislation was necessary. A bill was drawn 
 up, presented to the General Court and passed, giving to towns the right 
 to grant vacant lands in highways, not needed for travel purposes, to 
 associations organized for village improvement. In 1S83, the selectmen 
 laid out two travel-ways, one on either side of the common. 
 
 At a meeting of the association held Aug. 17, 1883, Prof. H. B. 
 Adams offered a prize of $10 to the person who made the greatest improve- 
 ment about his or her premises previous to April, 1884. At a meeting 
 held Nov. 12, the association gratefully acknowledged a gift of $25 received 
 from Charles D. Adams of New York city. A committee was appointed to 
 superintend the work of grading at the lower end of the common. At a 
 meeting held Dec. 5, a report was submitted of the work accomplished. 
 The officers were instructed to petition the selectmen to put an article in 
 the warrant for the annual meeting to see if the town would authorize the 
 society to make proposed improvements on the common. The town, at its 
 annual meeting in March, 1884, voted to "grant the use and control of the 
 area contained within the newly constructed travel tracks at East Amherst 
 to the Village Improvement association of that place, the same to be used 
 and set apart as a public common, subject to the approval and supervision 
 of the selectmen.'' The town also voted an appropriation of $100 to 
 complete the highways at East Amherst, a measure strongly opposed by 
 some residing in that section, who claimed rights in the highways. The 
 student of history will readily discern in this controversy an echo of the 
 Morton-Dickinson contest which began 138 years earlier. The work of 
 improvement on the common carried on during the year 1883 cost the 
 society more than $100. 
 
 In April, 1S85, the society was reorganized in accordance with the 
 provisions of Chapter 114 of the Public Statutes. Its name was changed 
 to the " East Amherst Improvement Society "; its purpose, " improvement 
 of the public grounds in that part of Amherst known as East Amherst." 
 The constitution was signed by 16 persons. At a meeting held April 28. 
 officers were elected as follows : President. C. O. Parmenter : vice-presi- 
 
THE COMMON AT SOUTH AMHERST. 413 
 
 dents, L. H. Allen, Herbert Sabin ; clerk, G. E. Thayer ; treasurer, L. L. 
 Ball. A number of trees were set out on the common in May, 1885. A 
 resident at East Amherst cut down three of these trees, for which offense 
 he was summoned before the superior court. After many postponements 
 the case was brought to trial, the judge directing the jury to bring in a 
 verdict for the society. Since that time the rights of the society in the 
 common have been respected. The common was plowed up and seeded 
 to grass and presents a greatly improved appearance, although there is 
 much work yet to be done. Sept. 25, 1894, the society's constitution was 
 amended, so as to make its expressed purpose " first, to improve the intel- 
 lectual and social life of the community." Since that time the society has 
 assumed more of a literary character. 
 
 April 2, 1883, the "Village Improvement Society of South Amherst, 
 Mass." was organized at a meeting held at the South Congregational 
 church. A constitution was adopted ; the object of the society was 
 declared to be, " to promote by all practical measures the improvement and 
 beauty of public and private property in South Amherst." Any person 
 might become a member by signing the constitution and paying 25 cents 
 into the treasury. The annual meeting was to be held the first Monday in 
 April. The following officers were elected : President, Parnell Munson ; 
 vice-president, J. F. Morell ; secretary and treasurer, C. S. Walker; exec- 
 utive committee, J. F. Morell, James Hunt, H. P. Bridgman. The secretary 
 was instructed to inform the selectmen of the organization of the society 
 and obtain from them the use and control of the common. At its annual 
 meeting in March, 1883, the town had voted that the use and control of 
 the South Amherst common be granted to a village improvement association, 
 subject to the approval of the selectmen, as soon as an association should 
 be formed consisting of ten members. At a meeting held April 16, the 
 executive committee submitted a plan for ploughing the common, planting it 
 with potatoes, laying out roads and walks and improving the grounds in 
 front of the church. At the annual meeting in April, 1884, the executive 
 committee reported that but little work had been done during the year on 
 account of the drouth and a lack of funds. Sept. 1, the committee reported 
 that a fair crop of potatoes had been raised on the common and was ready 
 to harvest. The committee was instructed to see to digging and marketing 
 the crop. The society held a field-day, Sept. 11, grading the common, 
 straightening its borders and laying out a new road in place of the old one 
 in front of the church. 
 
 The society was reorganized under the provisions of statute law, June 
 10, 1885, assuming the name of the " South Amherst Improvement 
 Society." The following officers were elected: President, Erastus Coy; 
 vice-president, J. W. Dana; secretary and treasurer, C. S. Walker; exec- 
 
414 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 utive committee, Parnell Munson, H. P. Bridgman, Mrs. J. F. Morell. The 
 constitution was signed by 35 persons. At a special town meeting held in 
 June, 1885, the town defined the boundaries of the common at South 
 Amherst and gave the use and control of the land within the prescribed 
 limits to the South Amherst Improvement society. In September, 1886, 
 members of the society and others graded the north part of the common 
 and seeded it down to grass. At a meeting held Sept. 26, 1887, the society 
 voted to purchase and erect three street lights. In April, 18S9, a number 
 of trees were set out upon the common. As early as 1890, the society 
 began to agitate the question of cemetery improvement, and committees 
 were appointed from year to year to have charge of the work. At a meeting 
 held April 3, 1893, the society voted to spend $10 in building a new road 
 in the cemetery. It was voted to take measures to keep waste paper and 
 rubbish off the streets and to request the selectmen to erect guide-boards 
 at the street corners. At a meeting held April 1, 1895, it was voted that 
 ball-playing upon the common should be prohibited except on July 4 and 
 Labor-day. 
 
 The village of North Amherst has no common, but the spirit of 
 village improvement was early developed there, manifesting itself in the 
 excellent care of highways, walks, and the general neat appearance of 
 public and private property. The " North Amherst Village Improvement 
 Association " was organized Nov. 9, 188S. Its expressed object was "to 
 secure the improvement in appearance of our public grounds including the 
 highways, the grounds about the school-house and those about the church, 
 to increase so far as possible their convenience to the public, and in gen- 
 eral to foster and promote such public spirit in all matters pertaining to 
 neatness about our homes and consideration for one another's welfare as 
 will make our village more desirable as a place of residence." Any male 
 resident of North Amherst might become a member on signing the consti- 
 tution and paying into the treasury the sum of 50 cents. Any woman 
 might become a member by signing the constitution. The officers first 
 elected were : President, Henry \Y. Haskins ; secretary, P. W. Smith ; 
 treasurer, O. W. Smith ; executive committee, G. P. Spear, J. P. Brown, F. 
 N. Dickinson, F. A. Hobart. A. W. Hall, G. E. Atkins. At a meeting 
 held Nov. 21, 188S, the executive committee was instructed to purchase 
 lamps, locate them and see to setting them up. The grounds about the 
 new library building were graded by the association in April, 1895. In 
 1890, an "Old Man's Tree association" was organized. Any man over 80 
 years of age may set out a tree, which will be cared for and protected by 
 the society. On Arbor-day, 1890, trees were set out as follows: By 
 Clinton J. Cowles, aged 82, near the reservoir; by Forester Ainsworth, 
 aged 83, the west tree, south of the church ; by Dea. Lyman Smith, aged 
 
THE COMMON AT THE "CITY." 415 
 
 89, the east tree, south of the church. The society has, since its organi- 
 zation, set out more than ioo shade and ornamental trees, and has caused 
 to be built more than one and one-half miles of sidewalk and kept the 
 same in good repair. The town's appropriation for street-lights at North 
 Amherst has been expended under the society's direction. 
 
 A meeting was held at North Amherst "City,' 7 Nov. 12, 1889, for the 
 purpose of establishing a society for village improvement. Officers were 
 elected as follows : President, Manning Roberts ; vice-president, Mrs. 
 Robert Lawton ; secretary, Charles S. Cushman; treasurer, Mrs. Manning 
 Roberts ; executive committee, Robert Lawton. W. L. Roberts, John 
 Chandler, Mrs. C. S. Wilbur, Miss Ella Roberts. Committees were 
 appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws, to solicit funds, and to 
 arrange for entertainments for the benefit of the association. At a meet- 
 ing held Nov. 20, a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The name 
 assumed was the " North Amherst City Village Improvement Association." 
 The object, as expressed in the constitution, was, " to secure the improve* 
 ment in appearance of our public grounds, including highways and com- 
 mon, the grounds about the school-house and those about the church, to 
 foster and promote such public spirit as will make our village more 
 desirable as a place of residence." Any resident of North Amherst 
 •'City " might become a member by signing the constitution and paying 
 25 cents into the treasury. The annual meeting was to be held in Novem- 
 ber, special meetings on call of the president or secretary and a majority 
 of the executive committee. The soliciting committee reported receipts of 
 S49.25. The executive committee was instructed to purchase ten street 
 lamps and set them where they thought best, also to see the selectmen about 
 the school-house land. The society was organized with 40 members. 
 
 The town, at its annual meeting in March, 1890, voted to give the use 
 of a part of the school-lot purchased at the " City " to the society. During 
 the year 1S90, the town paid $50 for street-lamps at the " City." At a 
 meeting held Feb. 18, 1890, it was voted to buy five lamps. A committee 
 was appointed to solicit money for concrete walks. April 9, 1890, the 
 executive committee was instructed to build a sidewalk "from the railroad 
 crossing north to the north line of Mr. Chandler's land." Nov. 11, 1S90, 
 it was voted to use the money received from sale of grass on the school- 
 house grounds to fit up the grounds. Voted, also, to continue the side- 
 walk south from the railroad crossing. During the year the society spent 
 $82.94 for street lamps and $116.86 for sidewalks. The town, at its 
 annual meeting in March, 1895, voted to give the use of the common at 
 the " City " to the society ; the society voted to accept the trust under the 
 conditions imposed. The society has continued, from year to year, the 
 building of sidewalks as its funds permitted. 
 
41 6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVIII. 
 
 Public Improvements. — Street Lighting. — The Introduction of 
 Gas. — The Amherst Gas Co. — Electric Lighting. — Con- 
 crete Walks. — Water Supply. — The First Survey. — The 
 Amherst Water Co. — Spring Water Co. — Sewers. 
 
 In glancing backward, it is interesting to note how short is the period 
 of time covering the introduction into Amherst of a series of public improve- 
 ments and conveniences which, unknown till recent date, are now accounted 
 indispensable to the welfare of the town and its inhabitants. Street-lights, 
 concrete walks, running water, sewers, a town hall, street-sprinkling, all 
 these are, in Amherst, the products of the last quarter century. 
 
 Up to the year 1873, Amherst had no system of public street-lighting. 
 A few public-spirited individuals maintained at their own expense oil-lamps 
 in front of their residences, which served but to accentuate the surround- 
 ing gloom. As the Amherst Gas company has been a prominent factor in 
 solving the problem of street-lighting, it seems advisable to give a brief 
 sketch of that organization in connection with this subject. The Amherst 
 Record, under date of Aug. 6, 1868, announced that some months since a 
 number of citizens had met and talked over the subject of introducing gas 
 in the village. A committee was appointed to see if the trustees of the 
 two colleges would introduce gas in the college buildings. At a meeting 
 held Sept. 4, 1868, a committee was appointed to canvass the village and 
 ascertain how many lights would be taken. The business was placed in 
 charge of C. L. Storrs. March 3, 1870, the Record announced that move- 
 ments were in process to secure from the Legislature authority for forming 
 a gas company in the village. March 23, of the same year, the General 
 Court passed an act incorporating Edward Dickinson, W. S. Clark, H. F. 
 Hills and others as the Amherst Gas Light company. So far as can be 
 ascertained there was no organization effected under the charter. 
 
 At a special town-meeting, held Sept. 13, 1873, the town instructed its 
 selectmen to purchase lamps and lamp-posts, to be erected at their discre- 
 tion in the center village, at a cost not exceeding $200. The selectmen 
 announced, in their report for the year ending March 1, 1874, that they 
 had put in ten lamp-posts and lamps. The latter were kept lighted every 
 night except when the moon was bright. To quote from the report: "We 
 
AMHERST GAS COMPANY. 417 
 
 find they are a great comfort to our policemen in their perambulations, and 
 a convenience to the citizens outside, as well as to those living in the imme- 
 diate center." The expense of the ten lights was $2 06.46 ; the selectmen 
 recommended that six more be put in. Oil and gasoline were burned in 
 these lamps. The next year, and for several years thereafter, the appro- 
 priation for street lights was joined with that for night police, and a part 
 of the policeman's duties was to light, care for and put out the lamps. 
 
 Aug. 19, 1875, a meeting was held at theofficeof W. A. Dickinson to 
 consider the matter of introducing gas in town. Several thousand dollars 
 were subscribed and a committee was chosen to circulate subscription 
 papers. It was proposed to organize a company with a capital stock of 
 $15,000. The necessary capital could not be secured and the project was 
 given up for the time. Aug. 20, 1S77, a memorandum of agreement was 
 drawn up and signed by 14 persons, who proposed to form a corporation 
 under the name of the Amherst Gas company, for the manufacture and 
 sale of gas. The capital stock was placed at 55.000, divided into 50 shares 
 of Si 00 each; the number of subscribers to this stock was 17. An organ- 
 ization was effected Sept. 24, when the following officers were elected : 
 Directors, H. F. Hills, L. D. Hills, J. H. Seelye, D. W. Palmer, W. A. 
 Dickinson; clerk and treasurer, C. H. Mann. The directors met the same 
 clay and elected H. F. Hills president of the company. By-laws were 
 adopted, and it was voted to buy of H. F. Hills land on College street for 
 a station. At a meeting held Oct. 1, it was voted to employ N. H. Lee as 
 superintendent. Work on the mains was begun immediately. The direc- 
 tors having carefully considered the matter, decided to use oil instead of 
 coal as gas-producing material. The main pipe first laid was a little more 
 than one mile in length. The gas was let into the main for the first time 
 Nov. 1, 1877, and that evening there was a grand illumination of the straw 
 hat factories. The works cost about $2,500, the mains about as much, 
 more. The oil-tank held 30 barrels of naphtha, the gasometer had a 
 capacity of 32,000 gallons. In August, 1879, the company voted to 
 extend its mains to College hall. July 12, 1880, it was voted to increase 
 the capital stock $5,000, subscriptions to the increase being open only to 
 those who were then stockholders. In September, 1881, it was voted to 
 extend the mains north on Pleasant street. 
 
 Feb. 27, 1882, the company voted to authorize its president and treas- 
 urer to make a contract with the town to furnish gas for street-lamps on 
 such terms as they deemed advisable. The town, at its annual meeting in 
 March, 1SS3, voted to authorize the selectmen to contract with the Amherst 
 Gas company for gas for street lamps at a cost not exceeding $8 per post 
 per year, the town to pay the expense of making connection with the gas- 
 27 
 
4 l 8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 mains. During the year next succeeding, thirteen oil-lights were changed 
 to gas and five new lights put in at an expense to the town of $106.36 for 
 making connections. The selectmen adopted the policy of making con- 
 nections wherever petitioned for when the lamp-post was furnished at 
 expense of the petitioner, if the public convenience would be promoted 
 thereby. The town paid to the Amherst Gas company, for street lights, 
 in 1S.84, $216.15; in 1885, $241.71; in 1886, $254.34; in 1S87, $302.38; 
 in 1888, $419.70. At a special meeting held April 17, 1888, the town 
 voted to put in ten additional street lights, appropriating $100 to defray 
 the expense. The selectmen, in their report for the year ending Feb. 15, 
 1889, stated that there were at that time 42 gas street-lamps, and that by 
 agreement among themselves $16, the price of two gas-lights, had been 
 allowed to North Amherst, and the Village Improvement society had main- 
 tained 20 street-lamps at that place. 
 
 At a meeting held Nov. 10, 18S4, the Amherst Gas company voted to 
 increase its capital stock 60 per cent.; this vote was rescinded at a meet- 
 ing held Nov. 9, 1885, and again passed, Nov. 14, 18S7. A meeting of 
 the directors was held Nov. 19, 1S88, to discuss the matter of engaging 
 in the electric light business. This was followed, Dec. 10, by a stock- 
 holders' meeting, when it was voted that the company would engage in the 
 business of generating electricity for light and power if authority for so 
 doing be granted, and the clerk was directed to petition the gas commis- 
 sioners for that authority. In December, 1888, the selectmen granted 
 permission to the Thomson-Houston company to erect poles and string 
 wires in the town streets and ways, on condition that they should maintain, 
 free of expense to the town, one arc-light of 1200-candle-power, to be 
 located by the selectmen. The plant was put in in the spring of 18S9, 
 and the electric current was turned on for the first time April 13. The 
 company furnished for several months four arc-lights without expense to 
 the town. In January, 1889, the Amherst Gas company petitioned the gas 
 commissioners for permission to engage in the business of electric lighting. 
 The petition being granted, the company applied to the selectmen for a 
 street franchise to erect poles and string wires. A similar petition was 
 presented by the Weston Electric Light company. After exhaustive hear- 
 ings the selectmen decided in May to grant both franchises. 
 
 The Amherst Gas company voted, Feb. 9, 1889, to reduce its capital 
 stock to $10,000. May 17, 18S9, the treasurer was directed to arrange for 
 an agent of the Westinghouse Electric company to come to Amherst and 
 give estimates on the cost of putting in a lighting plant under that system. 
 May 25, the company voted to buy the property of the Thomson-Houston 
 Electric company if a price could be agreed upon, or to sell its own prop- 
 erty to the latter company at an agreed price. June 11, 1889, the Gas 
 
ELECTRIC LIGHTING. 419 
 
 company appointed D. W. Palmer, H. F. Hills and E. D. Bangs a com- 
 mittee, with power to buy the property of the Thomson-Houston company, 
 or to contract with the Westinghouse Electric company and the Otto Engine 
 company for an electric plant and power, also to contract for buildings for 
 the same. At a stockholders' meeting held Aug. 5, the president was 
 authorized in the name of the company to make a contract for an electric 
 lighting plant of a capacity of not less than 300 lights of 16-candle-power 
 each, at a cost not exceeding $8, 000, and to lease land for a building near 
 the gas-works. 
 
 Sept. 2, 1SS9, at a stockholders' meeting, the Gas company voted to 
 buy the plant of the Thomson-Houston company for $17,000. The plant 
 as bargained for did not include the boiler, engine or arc-light dynamo. 
 Sept. 4, it was voted to issue Si 5,000 in bonds, secured by mortgage on all 
 the company's property. Sept. 16, at a stockholders' meeting, it was 
 voted to increase the capital stock to $25,000, the 150 shares of new stock 
 to be sold at auction and the proceeds used in paying for the electric light 
 plant. The directors were authorized to issue bonds of the company to 
 an amount not exceeding the capital stock, the proceeds to be used in the 
 extension and improvement of the company's works and in paying the 
 funded debt. Oct. 7, the new stock was sold at auction, at $100 per share, 
 the par value. Oct. S, the Gas company voted to offer the town a system 
 of incandescent lights of 25-candle-power, to burn, except on moonlight 
 evenings, until n p. m., for $12 per light per year. Oct. 22, this proposi- 
 tion was again voted, with the added specification that 50 lights be taken, 
 that if used until morning the price should be $16 per year, and that the 
 company should give the town free of expense ten per cent, of the lights 
 contracted for. 
 
 Oct. 26, the company authorized its president to build and fully equip 
 a central station for electric lighting, having a capacity for a 1500-light 
 apparatus. It was also voted to offer the town five 25-candle-power incan- 
 descent lights in place of the one arc-light, which the Thomson- Houston 
 company guaranteed to maintain in return for its street franchise. The 
 selectmen made the counter-proposition that the company should furnish 
 seven 32-candle-power lights in place of the one arc-light; this was accepted 
 by the company, Dec. 13. Sept. 29, 1893, the company authorized its 
 president to make a contract for the rental of an arc-light apparatus. This 
 apparatus was secured and put in, and shortly afterward the company 
 made a proposition to the town to furnish nine arc-lights, to be located at 
 different points in the center village, to burn from sunset until midnight, 
 for six months, dating from Dec. 1, for $475. The selectmen accepted 
 the proposition, the new lights enabling them to dispense with 14 gas-lights. 
 During the year 1893, the town expended the following sums for street- 
 
420 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 lighting: At the center, including arc-lights for six months. Si, 012 ; at 
 North Amherst, $200 ; at North Amherst " City," $100 ; at South Amherst, 
 $30 ; at East Amherst, $60 ; at Mill Valley $60. At a special town-meet- 
 ing held April 21, 1S94, the town authorized its selectmen to make a five- 
 years' contract on behalf of the town, with the Amherst Gas company, for 
 lighting the principal streets. The selectmen signed a written contract 
 providing for 21 arc-lights at $90 each per year; they also made a verbal 
 contract for 22 incandescent lights, for $450 per year, the latter to take the 
 place of the gas-lights. The new incandescent lights were put in in June, 
 1894. During the year 1S95, the town expended $2,807.96 for street 
 lighting, of which sum $2,530.30 was paid to the Amherst Gas company. 
 At the annual meeting in March, 1896, the town appropriated $2,900 for 
 street lights, and a special appropriation of $400, or so much as might be 
 needed, for putting in arc-lights on High, Gray and Pleasant streets. The 
 Gas company's office, which was located for many year in the Savings bank 
 building, was removed in March, 1896, to convenient and commodious 
 quarters in Hunt's block. 
 
 CONCRETE WALKS. 
 
 While the matter of highways was one of the first to engage the 
 attention of the settlers in Hadley Third Precinct, neither they nor their 
 descendants for several generations gave time or labor to the construction 
 or repair of sidewalks. Highways were a necessity, sidewalks a conven- 
 ience. Doubtless there were individuals who, even in the earlier years of 
 the settlement, built and maintained good sidewalks in front of their 
 residences, but the town, as a town, gave them no assistance. There is 
 no mention of public sidewalks in the town records until 1869 ; the town, 
 at its annual meeting in March of that year, appropriated $500 for side- 
 walks, of which sum only about $70 was expended during the year. The 
 following year $500 was appropriated and $511.28 expended. In 1S71, 
 the appropriation for sidewalks was $300, the money being spent in con- 
 nection with the work upon the highways. During the year 187 1, over 
 $1,100 was spent by the town upon its sidewalks; the amount expended 
 during the year ending March 1, 1S74, was about $300. 
 
 The first public concrete walks in Amherst were laid in 1876. The 
 selectmen, in their report to the town for the year ending March 1, state 
 that some enterprising, public-spirited person had offered to donate $500 
 for concrete walks if the town would raise and appropriate a like amount. 
 The sum of $1,000 thus secured was to be used in paying one-half the 
 expense of concrete walks, the other half to be paid by owners of property 
 abutting on the walks where laid. The citizen to whom Amherst is indebted 
 
CONCRETE WALKS. 42 I 
 
 for the foundation of its present very excellent system of concrete walks 
 was Julius H. Seelye. The selectmen were overwhelmed with petitions 
 from persons who readily agreed to pay one-half the expense of construct- 
 ing sidewalks in front of their property. As these petitions called for 
 more walks than money had been raised to build, the selectmen used 
 their discretion in granting them, laying the walks in different parts of the 
 town where it was thought the public convenience would best be served. 
 During the year over 3,000 yards of walks were laid, besides a walk across 
 the common from the post-office to Spring street, which was paid for by 
 private subscription. The work was clone by C. W. Lyman & Co. of 
 Brookline. During the year ending March 1, 1878, 2,400 yards of con- 
 crete walk were laid. The town laid a walk on Main street from the First 
 National Bank building to the residence of Mrs. Stevens, which was con- 
 tinued by private enterprise to the Second Congregational church. A 
 walk was laid by individuals from W. W. Hunt's store to College hall. 
 During the year next following, over 3,000 yards of walks were laid, on 
 Pleasant, Amity, Main and Northampton streets. Several street cross- 
 walks were laid, including one at North Amherst. The work for the year 
 was done by J. M. Harris, a local contractor. In 1879, walks were con- 
 structed on Pleasant, Amity and College streets. 
 
 The town, in 1880, appropriated $1,000 for concrete walks. During 
 the year over 4,000 yards of new walks were laid at the center village, 
 600 yards at North Amherst and 700 yards at East Amherst. The share 
 of the appropriation intended for use at South Amherst was not expended 
 as no petitions were received for walks in that section. Of the walks laid 
 at the center, individuals paid three-fourths of the expense. The town 
 accepted the sidewalk law passed by the General Court in 1874, confer- 
 ring upon the town the privilege to assess upon abuttors a percentage of 
 the cost of w r alks. Under this act the adjoining real estate may be held 
 for the payment of a sidewalk assessment if the latter does not exceed one 
 per cent, of the property's valuation. In 1881, the sidewalk appropriation 
 was but $500, so less work was accomplished than during the preceding 
 year. In 1882, the appropriation was $500, of which sum Sioo was spent 
 at North Amherst and $67 at East Amherst, the remainder at the center. 
 A walk was built in front of the Amity-street school-house lot. In 1887, 
 the town appropriated Si 00 for concrete walks at South Amherst. In 
 1888, the greater part of the appropriation was spent in repairs, many of 
 the walks having been badly injured by frost. In 1S89, extensive repairs 
 were made on old walks, and new ones were laid on Amity, McClellan, 
 Orchard, Triangle and South Pleasant streets at the center, and at North 
 Amherst. In 1S92, several new walks were laid. At the annual meeting 
 in March, 1896, the town appropriated $1,000 for concrete walks. A town 
 
422 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 by-law was passed in 1SS1, compelling abutters to remove ice and snow 
 from the concrete walks in front of their property. 
 
 WATER SUPPLY. 
 
 The matter of procuring for the town a supply of running water, to 
 be used for domestic purposes and for extinguishing fires, was first brought 
 before the town in 1870. At a special meeting held Sept. 6, a committee 
 of six was appointed to consider the matter of providing suitable apparatus for 
 extinguishing fires for all parts of the town ; also to consider the feasibility 
 of bringing water into the town by aqueduct, for the use of a fire depart- 
 ment and other purposes. The members of this committee were Ransom 
 Cowles, E. F. Cook, O. S. Longley, William Conkey, Prof. J. H. Seelye, 
 Prof. S. F. Miller. The Amherst Record, under date of Jan. 25, 187 1, 
 contains an abstract of this committee's report, prepared by Prof. Miller. 
 Four plans were submitted for introducing running water in town. The 
 first was that water should be obtained from a spring in Pelham; the 
 second, to force water from the river at Mill Valley by means of a hydraulic 
 ram ; the third, to force water from the river near Burnham's mill at East 
 Amherst ; the fourth, to put in an artesian well. The expense of either one of 
 the first three plans was estimated at from $20,000 to $25,000. The committee 
 presented their report to the town at its annual meeting in March, 1S71. 
 Of the four plans suggested they favored that of procuring water from 
 certain springs in Pelham. These were three and one-third miles from 
 the Amherst house, afforded a supply of 80 gallons per minute, and were 
 situated at a sufficient height to carry water 15 feet above the top of the 
 Amherst College chapel tower. A reservoir could be built for $5,000, and 
 the expense of bringing the water into town would be from $20,000 to 
 $30,000. After this report had been considered and discussed, a motion 
 was made that the General Court be petitioned for authority to purchase 
 the water privilege in Pelham and introduce the water in Amherst, but it 
 was voted down. 
 
 It was not until the great fire of 1879 had demonstrated how power- 
 less the village was to protect itself against conflagrations that the project 
 of introducing running water into town was revived. The fire occurred 
 the morning of July 4; on the evening of July 15 a mass-meeting of citi- 
 zens was held in Palmer's hall to consider the water question. The 
 principal address at the meeting was delivered by Julius H. Seelye. He 
 presented a statement of the results of the investigation undertaken by the 
 committee appointed by the town in 1870. He was satisfied that an 
 abundant water supply could be obtained in Pelham. Since the fire he had 
 written to Messrs. Goodhue & Birnie of Springfield, who made a business 
 of constructing water-works. They had visited Amherst and made a survey 
 
( II AM s I'.l.l il K. 
 
 ( VSH ROW 
 
AMHERST WATER CONPANY. 423 
 
 along the route suggested by the committee in 1870. As a result of this 
 survey they had made a proposition to build a reservoir, put in a 12-inch 
 main from the latter to Palmer's block, lay other mains as per schedule, 
 complete the plant and keep it in repair for three years at their expense, 
 at a total cost of $40,000. Four plans were suggested to bring the water 
 into town, first, that the town should do the work ; second, to form a fire 
 district; third, to form a stock company; fourth, to let outside parties put 
 in the work on their own responsibility. President Seelye considered the 
 plan of forming a stock company the most desirable. After considerable 
 discussion subscriptions were called for and over $10,000 was subscribed. 
 A committee of ten was appointed to investigate the whole matter of 
 water supply. 
 
 As a result of this meeting a water company was organized in July, 
 1879, with a capital of $40,000. Goodhue <$; Birnie agreed to take any 
 amount of the capital stock from $100 to $30,000, or would assume the 
 whole expense conditionally and own the entire plant when completed. 
 A little over $16,000 was subscribed to the stock by Amherst parties, 
 leaving the controlling interest in the hands of the contractors. It was 
 decided to build the dam for the reservoir on land owned by W. A. Magill, 
 about one-half mile from the Orient house. The pipe to be used was a 
 combination of iron and cement, which had been tried in other places with 
 results that were considered highly satisfactory. It consisted of a thick 
 sheet-iron plate, with cement upon" both sides. Preparations were made in 
 August for. manufacturing this pipe in Amherst. A building 60 x 25 feet 
 was erected south of the Amherst Gas company's plant and machinery 
 put in for shaping the iron plates. The inner coating of cement was 
 applied near the mill of Albert Clark at East Amherst. The work on dig- 
 ging the trenches for the mains began Sept. 2 ; the work on laying the 
 pipe began Sept. 10. During the month of September over 100 persons 
 were engaged in the various departments of the work. 
 
 At a special town-meeting held Nov. 13, 1879, the water company 
 submitted a proposition that the town should put in hydrants at its 
 own expense, the estimated cost being $50 each, and that it should pay 
 the company $1,500 per year for use of water. A committee of 25 was 
 appointed to examine into the matter and report at an adjourned meeting. 
 This committee reported at a meeting held Nov. 20; it recommended that 
 the town should pay $1,000 for hydrants if $700 was raised from other 
 sources, and should also pay the company $1,000 per year for ten years for 
 the use of water for fire and other public purposes. The report was not 
 adopted ; in its stead a vote was passed authorizing the selectmen to nego- 
 tiate with the Water company for the use of 34 hydrants, paying $600 a 
 year for ten years for water for fire purposes. May 1, 1880, the 12-inch 
 
424 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 main from the reservoir to the corner by the Amherst house was completed. 
 At a special meeting held May i, 1880, the town authorized its selectmen 
 to contract with the Amherst Water company, when organized, to furnish the 
 town with water for ten years, the price to be $1,000 per year. It was 
 also voted to appropriate $750 for hydrants when a like sum had been 
 secured from other sources. 
 
 The Amherst Water company secured its charter in April, 1880. The 
 officers elected at its first meeting were : President, W. S. Clark ; secretary 
 and treasurer, E. D. Bangs; directors, W. S. Clark, William Birnie, W. A. 
 Dickinson, E. F. Cook, J. H. Seelye, L. D. Hills, D. W. Palmer. During 
 the year 1880, the town purchased and put in four hydrants for the protec- 
 tion of town property, one located near the high school-house, one near 
 the Amity-street school-house, one near the lock-up and one at East 
 Amherst. Nearly $900 was raised by individuals to pay for hydrants, and 
 30 were purchased and located in different parts of the town. Since that 
 year, new hydrants have been purchased and set in many places along the 
 line of the water mains. The cement pipe used in the construction of 
 these mains proved too weak to stand the tremendous pressure at East 
 Amherst, and as a consequence many breaks in the pipes have occurred. 
 It is probable that in a few years the company will substitute iron for the 
 combination pipe in sections where the pressure is most severe. On the night 
 of Aug. 23,1883, during a severe thunderstorm, lightning struck the main at 
 West Pelham and badly damaged the pipes for the distance of nearly a mile. 
 The town was deprived of its water supply for nearly two months, while 
 repairs were being made. The severe and protracted drouth during the 
 summers of 1S92 and 1S93 caused the managers of the company to take 
 measures for increasing the water supply. It was determined to build a 
 storage reservoir further up on the south branch of the stream which 
 supplies the main reservoir. Work on the dam for the new reservoir was 
 completed in May, 1894 and the pond was allowed to fill. During the 
 drouth that prevailed in August, water from the new reservoir was let into 
 the mains, but being drawn from the bottom of the pond and containing 
 vegetable organic matter it smelled and tasted badly and could not be used 
 for drinking purposes. Subsequently the water was drawn out of both the 
 reservoirs and their beds were thoroughly cleaned. In the fall of 1893, 
 when the drouth was very severe, a pumping station was established on 
 Fort river at East Amherst, but the completion of the new reservoir caused 
 it to be discontinued. 
 
 The Amherst Spring Water company was organized Nov. 3, 1S83. 
 Its owners and stockholders were William W. Hunt, Flavel Gaylord and 
 George Cutler. They laid over three miles of iron pipe from a reservoir 
 which they built a little to the east of the house formerly owned by Rev. 
 
THE SEWER SYSTEMS. 425 
 
 John Jones, in Pelham, and supplied through their pipes over one hundred 
 families in Amherst with water. The property was sold to the Amherst 
 Water company in 188S, and is now a part of the latter company's system. 
 Pelham water is exceptionally pure and pleasing to the taste and is in 
 general use throughout the village. For several years past the town has 
 paid the Amherst Water company Si. 250 per year for water for fire 
 purposes. 
 
 SEWER SYSTEMS. 
 
 With the introduction of running water in 1SS0, came the necessity 
 of providing for a system of public sewers. At a special meeting held 
 May 1, 18S0, the town voted to appoint a committee of three to investigate 
 the matter of sewers, to survey the district where drainage was required 
 and devise a system to be followed in the future, the expense to be borne 
 by abuttors ; S200 was appropriated to defray the expenses of the survey. 
 The survey was made by F.ngineer E. A. Davis, and covered a mile from 
 the center in either direction. The district contained three little brooks or 
 ditches that marked the natural drainage or the lowest levels. At a special 
 meeting held Aug. 20, the town voted not to accept the provisions of the 
 public statutes relating to sewers, but to leave the matter in the hands of 
 the selectmen. At a special meeting held Sept. 7, the following vote was 
 passed: " That the town hereby accepts the plan for the laying out of 
 sewers presented by the selectmen, and authorizes their construction ; but 
 the entire expense of building, including land damages, and keeping the 
 same in repair, and preventing them from becoming a public nuisance, 
 shall be paid by the persons who enter them with private drains or are 
 benefited thereby, as provided in Section 4, Chapter 48 of the General 
 Statutes and in Chapter 232 of the Acts of 1878." The layout was as 
 follows : The main sewer extended from a point near the Baptist church 
 across the common and Maple avenue between the house of Rev. J. H. 
 M. Leland and the Merrill place, thence east on the north side of the 
 ravine which it crossed near H. D. Fearing & Go's factory, continuing 
 under the railroad bridge across land owned by H. F. Hills and Mrs. 
 Lucius Boltwood to land of John C. White. There were two branches, 
 one extending down College street to join the main sewer nearthe railroad 
 bridge, the other from the American house block through Main street and 
 down Church street to join the main sewer near the horse-sheds of the 
 First Congregational church. 
 
 The selectmen, in their report to the town for the year ending Feb. 
 15, 1 88 1, state that the sewers had been built as laid out and the expense 
 assessed on owners of land who would be. benefited thereby, the total 
 expense being a little over $2,800. Nearly 7.000 feet of sewers had been 
 
426 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 laid. But one person objected to paying his assessment. In their report 
 for the year ending Feb. 15, 1883, the selectmen state that all sewer assess- 
 ments had been paid and a surplus of $134.44 remained in the hands of 
 the treasurer. Residents on Amity street had procured a survey for a 
 sewer, the layout of which was reported by the selectmen and accepted by 
 the town at its annual meeting in March, 1883 ; the Amity-street sewer 
 was put in in 1883, and also a system of surface drainage on North Pleas- 
 ant street. 
 
 The Tan Brook sewer was laid out in June, 1884, being accepted by 
 the town at a special meeting held June t6. It began on Pleasant street 
 near the house of Frank P. Wood, extending north to Hallock street ; 
 beginning also on North Prospect street near the house of B. H. Williams, 
 it extended north to Hallock street, east on Hallock to Pleasant street, 
 thence on Pleasant to McClellan street and on the latter street to Tan 
 Brook, thence across private lands to an outlet on land of E. J. Baker. 
 The entire expense, $2,418.78, was paid by abuttors. A branch to the 
 first, or Fearing Brook system, was built in 1SS5, from near the residence 
 of Edwin Nelson on Gray street and of J. Howard Sweetser on Lessey 
 street to a point near H. D. Fearing & Go's factory ; the expense of con- 
 struction was $1,103.05. A sewer was built in 1S86 from near the school- 
 house on Amity street to Lincoln avenue, south on Lincoln avenue to North- 
 ampton street, thence across private lands to an outlet on the farm of 
 Israel Billings. Branches to this sewer were constructed through Wood- 
 side avenue and Parsons street, in the rear of dwellings on South Pros- 
 pect street and in rear of dwellings on South Pleasant street from the 
 grounds owned by Amherst College to the residence of Rev. Matthew 
 Kingman. The entire cost of the system, $3,356.87, was paid by abuttors ; 
 it is known as the Snell Brook system. 
 
 With the increase in the number of sewers, and a corresponding 
 increase in the number of houses and other buildings connected with them, 
 there arose frequent complaints from persons living or owning property 
 near their outlets. The sewers were declared by some to be a nuisance 
 and threats were made to bring suit against the town. Thus was forced into 
 prominence the question as to who owned the sewers. The town had 
 invested no money in them and claimed no proprietary rights, but the 
 selectmen had made the layouts and the town had accepted them ; they 
 had been constructed under the town's supervision, and the money for the 
 assessments had been paid into the town treasury from which also the bills 
 for construction were paid. At a special meeting held Nov. 8, 1890, the 
 town appointed a committee of three to examine into the sewer problem. 
 This committee, having made a careful study of the sewer systems with 
 regard to the present and prospective needs of the town, submitted its 
 
EXTENDING SEWER SYSTEMS. 427 
 
 report at the annual meeting in March, 1S91. This report recommended 
 the extension of the Fearing Brook sewer from its original outlet on land 
 of John C. White, southerly on private lands, to land of Patrick Donahue 
 near Fort river; also, the extension of Snell Brook sewer easterly, to land 
 of Salmon Wakefield near Fort river. It was further recommended that 
 settling-tanks be built along the route for the reception and retention of 
 the solid matter in the sewage, while the liquid matter should be allowed 
 to spread over the soil and become purified before entering the river. The 
 town voted to accept the report and authorized the selectmen to expend 
 any funds in the treasury belonging to the sewer account for earning out 
 the proposed extensions. The selectmen, having carefully considered the 
 matter and examined the proposed route, were satisfied that a better solu- 
 tion of the problem would be found in uniting the two systems and con- 
 ducting them to a common outlet on land remote from any dwelling-house. 
 A survey was made by E. A. Davis on lines suggested by the selectmen ; it 
 provided for the union of the Fearing Brook and Snell Brook systems and 
 their discharge on land of Edmund Hastings near Fort river, a large set- 
 tling-tank to be built near the river. At a special town meeting held Aug. 
 8, an article to see whether the town would accept of this new layout was 
 dismissed. At a special meeting held Aug. 29, the town voted to accept 
 the layout and appropriated $1,000 toward payingthe expense of construc- 
 tion. The work was completed in 1S91, at a cost of $2,903.34, the balance 
 above the appropriation being paid from the accumulated sewer fund in the 
 treasury. 
 
 At the annual meeting in March, 1S94, the selectmen reported favor- 
 ably a sewer system for Pleasant street. At a special meeting held June 
 23, it was voted to authorize the selectmen to extend the Tan Brook 
 sewer from its present outlet across the Hadley road to land of E. J. 
 Baker. The layout of a sewer on Sunset avenue was accepted. The 
 town also voted to accept the layout of a sewer system on Taylor, High 
 and Whitney streets, on Main street from the house of James Harrington 
 to South East street, and along the latter street to the house of P. D. 
 Spaulding, where a junction should be effected with the Fearing Brook 
 sewer. The estimated cost of the East street sewer was $3,000 ; the select- 
 men were authorized to borrow money for its construction, the town to pay 
 twenty per cent, of the expense and the remaining eighty per cent, to be 
 assessed on abuttors. The selectmen, in their annual report for the year 
 ending Feb. 15, 1S95, state that 18,000 feet of sewers had been constructed 
 during the year at a cost of $3,500 ; 6,500 feet were built by individuals 
 and 11,500 feet by the town. The cost of the East street sewer was 
 $2,104.51, of the sewer on Pleasant street $225.74. During the year 
 ending Feb. 15, 1896, over 4,700 feet of new sewers were laid ; one from 
 
428 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the Tan Brook sewer at the corner of West Pleasant and McClellan 
 streets, east to Triangle street and easterly on that street to land of J. P. 
 Smith ; one north from Triangle street on Cottage to High street ; one 
 from Tan Brook north on East Pleasant street to land of Rev. Milton 
 Waldo. The expense of these nerw sewers, $900.70, was paid by abutters. 
 The Tan Brook sewer at its outlet was extended 600 feet at a cost of 
 $194.96, which was paid by the town. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX. 
 
 Highways and Bridges. The Northampton Bridge. Street Sprink- 
 ling. Triangle Street Fight. The Town Hall. 
 
 The history of Amherst highways is largely contained in the reports 
 of town meetings recorded in Part II. of this volume. Other items of 
 interest concerning them are gathered from the town reports. From its 
 early settlement Amherst has made very liberal appropriations for the 
 construction and maintenance of its highways and bridges, the results not 
 always being in fair proportion to the outlay. Many controversies and 
 suits at law have had their origin in questions connected with the highways. 
 The matter of highway repair has been from the earliest times entrusted 
 to the selectmen, they in turn selecting suitable persons to superintend the 
 work. At times the town has been divided into districts, and a certain 
 proportion of the annual appropriation been set aside to be expended in 
 each district. In 184S, M. F. Dickinson and Eleazer Kellogg were paid 
 $50 "by contract for repairs on the highway near Ingram's factory." In 
 1859, there were 205 bridges and culverts in the town, 25 of them from 
 10 to 60 feet in length; of these 72 were built of stone and 133 of wood. 
 In i860, the highways were repaired under the "old system," with survey- 
 ors in each district, the town appropriation, $1,200 payable in labor, was 
 divided among the districts. During the year $42.48 was expended for 
 stone and labor to protect the highway in Mill Valley from encroachments 
 by the river. In 1863, four large bridges owned by the town were carried 
 away by a freshet. In 1866, the town adopted a new system for repairing 
 the highways. The selectmen appointed a highway superintendent and 
 two assistants, the latter to care for the roads in the north and south parts 
 of the town. At that time there were about 60 miles of highways in town. 
 
REPAIRS ON HIGHWAYS. 429 
 
 In 1869, four persons were employed "in the extreme parts of the town," to 
 look after the roads in their respective districts. A freshet in October of 
 that year caused extensive damages to the highways. The selectmen for 
 many years made it a practice to buy a yoke of oxen in the spring, use 
 them in highway work in summer and sell them in the fall. 
 
 The county commissioners in 1S70 ordered that the grade of the 
 highway over College hill be lowered. The town voted at a meeting held 
 Sept. 6 to comply with this order. The work was done under supervision 
 of the selectmen, the cost, including the lowering of the sidewalk on the 
 west side of the way, being $4,751.63. The selectmen, in their report for 
 the year ending March 1, 1S73, recommended that the town should there- 
 after erect iron bridges, as they were the best for cheapness, strength and 
 durability. In 1S78, there were about 75 miles of highway in the town. 
 After the disastrous fire in July, 1879, the town undertook the work of 
 grading" down what was known as the •' Amherst house hill," which was 
 accomplished at an expense of $500, money well invested. In 1881, the 
 selectmen purchased one-half an acre of gravel for use on the roads in the 
 south part of the town. The same year an iron bridge was erected across 
 Fort river near the house of Salmon Wakefield, the bridge costing $950 
 and the stonework $45°- At the annual meeting in March, 1882, the 
 town instructed its selectmen to lay one good piece of road. In com- 
 pliance with this vote, a section of Main street was worked twenty inches 
 deep, the road-bed partly removed and filled with stones and gravel. A 
 road-machine was bought at an expense of S150. In answer to apetition 
 by the town, the county commissioners, in the years 1883 and 1884, 
 established the bounds of a large percentage of the highways in town. It 
 was found that in many instances abuttors had fenced in land belonging 
 to the highways. In 18S3, extensive repairs were made on Pleasant 
 street, including the putting in of a concrete gutter, the expense amount- 
 ing to about $1,000. 
 
 For a number of years the town was put to considerable expense by 
 damage to the highways caused by the breaking of the mains of the 
 Amherst Water company. In 1SS4, the underpaving of Main street was 
 completed as far as the railway tracks, the entire expense being about 
 $1,200. In 1885, the care of the highways was entrusted to four persons 
 appointed by the selectmen'. A new and improved road machine was pur- 
 chased. In 1887, severe storms in July and August caused extensive 
 damages to the highways. In 1888, the town was obliged to spend nearly 
 Si, 000 in clearing the roads after the blizzard in March. In 1889, the 
 General Court passed an act compelling the selectmen of towns to appoint 
 a superintendent of highways. The selectmen of Amherst appointed F. 
 L. Stone to this office. During the year the south slope of College hill 
 
430 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 was underpaved at an expense of $300. The town accepted Lessey street 
 as a highway in 1890 ; suits for damages were entered against the town by 
 J. Howard Sweetser and the Delta Kappa 'Epsilon fraternity. Mr. 
 Sweetser's suit was settled by the payment of $1,125, that of the fraternity 
 was brought to trial and a verdict returned in favor of the town. 
 
 For more than twenty years Amherst has borne a part of the expense 
 of maintaining the travel-bridge across the Connecticut river between 
 Hadley and Northampton. A bridge has been maintained at this point on 
 the river for nearly a century. In 1803, the Northampton Bridge company 
 was granted a charter to maintain a bridge for 70 years; this was a private 
 corporation. The bridge, a covered wooden structure, was built in 1807 
 at cost of $14,294. The funds were probably raised by subscription; 
 other methods were sometimes resorted to, as in the case of building the 
 bridge across the river at Hatfield. Among the special laws passed by the 
 General Court in 1806, was one giving permission to raise $10,000 by 
 lottery for the completion of the bridge across the Connecticut river at 
 Hatfield. Samuel Porter, Elijah Dickinson, Isaac Abercrombie and Sam- 
 uel F. Dickinson, Esquires, and Dr. John Hastings were appointed managers 
 of the enterprise, to make and publish a scheme of the lottery, draw it 
 and attend to all other business. The Northampton bridge was rebuilt in 
 1 S 1 7, at an expense of $15,000, and again in 1826, at an expense of 
 $32,439. In 1S40, repairs upon the structure cost $6,600; in 1848, it 
 was again repaired at an expense of $3,400. In 1S59, the Hadley end of 
 the bridge was carried away by a disastrous flood and it was rebuilt at a 
 cost of $20,000. In iS7i,the company petitioned for an extension of 
 their charter for twenty years ; the petition was opposed by citizens of 
 Hadley, who desired that it be made a free bridge. At that time the 
 average annual receipts for tolls were $4,500, the average expense of main- 
 tenance $900, and the estimated value of the property was $28,400. The 
 property was bought by Hampshire county in April, 1S75, for $37,000 ; of 
 this sum Amherst paid ^, Hadley ^* 5 -, Northampton ^'-~ and the other 
 towns in the county the remainder. The bridge was torn from the piers 
 June 14, 1S79, by a cyclone; of the expense incurred by rebuilding 
 Amherst paid $4,021.75. When the Sunderland bridge was made free in 
 1875, an unsuccessful effort was made to have Amherst bear a part of the 
 expense. 
 
 Of interest in connection with Amherst highways is the work of 
 street-sprinkling. Soon after the introduction of Pelham water, the mer- 
 chants doing business at the center of the town subscribed small sums 
 annually for sprinkling the streets during the summer months. The first 
 attempt at forming an organization for carrying on this work was made at 
 a meeting held April 30, 189 1, when it was voted to form the Amherst 
 
THE TRIANGLE STREET FIGHT. 43 1 
 
 Street Sprinkling association. Officers were elected as follows : President, 
 
 E. D. Marsh ; secretary, H. B. Edwards ;' treasurer, B. H. Williams. An 
 executive committee of six was appointed and authorized to solicit names 
 for membership ; the membership fee was placed at Si. At a meeting 
 held May 7, the committee reported that 3S members had been secured. 
 
 F. A. Cadwell had proposed to furnish a cart and sprinkle the streets for 
 $4 per clay of ten hours. The executive committee was authorized to 
 raise money to buy a cart. At a meeting held April 15, 1S92. a motion 
 was adopted that property-owners and others who had the streets sprinkled 
 in front of their residences should be solicited for such sums as they were 
 willing to pay weekly. At a meeting held April 24, 1893, a committee 
 was appointed to confer with the officers of the Village Improvement 
 society and see if the latter organization would take charge of the street- 
 sprinkling, but the society refused. At a special town meeting held April 
 27, 1S95, it was voted to accept the provisions of the act passed by the 
 General Court in 1895, concerning street sprinkling, whereby the expense 
 incurred in the work may be assessed upon persons owning property along 
 the line of the streets sprinkled. 
 
 Any historical sketch of Amherst highways would be sadly incomplete 
 without reference to the " Triangle-street fight,'* one of the most notable 
 neighborhood feuds in the town's annals. In the early part of the century 
 the struggle for supremacy between the East and West villages was strong 
 to bitterness. The ecclesiastical quarrel which resulted in the organization 
 of the Second parish was supplemented by business rivalry. Prior to the 
 organization of Amherst College the inhabitants of East Amherst would 
 seem to have controlled the situation. While the controversy was at its 
 height the village at the East street was christened "Sodom " and that at 
 the West street " Mt. Zion." There were, in 1820, two principal taverns 
 in the town, the Boltwood tavern at the West street and Baggs' tavern at 
 the East street. Most of the travel from the towns in the western part of 
 Franklin county crossed the Connecticut river at Sunderland, passing 
 thence through Amherst to Belchertown. Passing over this route, the 
 Boltwood tavern was first reached and this house secured the best of the 
 transient custom. In order that a part of this trade might come to East 
 Amherst without passing through the West street, and also that persons 
 living in North Amherst and worshiping at the Second church might pass 
 over a more direct route, the town was petitioned to lay out a highway 
 from the street near the south end of Mount Pleasant to Main street near 
 where the building owned by the First National bank now stands. The 
 road was laid out, and accepted by the town at a meeting held Dec. 4, 
 1820. At a meeting held Dec. 14, it was voted to discontinue the road. 
 
432 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 But the highway having been laid out, the residents at East Amherst 
 were determined it should be built. If the town would not do the work 
 they would do it themselves. On an appointed day they assembled at the 
 east end of the proposed route and with men and teams worked hard all 
 through the day. When they returned the following clay to resume their 
 labors, what was their wrath and chagrin to see that the residents of the 
 West street had undone in a night all that they had accomplished through 
 the day. Again they labored hard through the day, and again at night the 
 West street men destroyed the work they had done. The road-makers, 
 losing patience, stationed guards the whole length of the road during the 
 night. Then there came a series of nightly struggles, the story of which 
 was noised abroad and visitors came from neighboring towns to watch the 
 sport. While both parties were very much in earnest there was no serious 
 breach of the peace, and no broken heads. One party would strive to 
 remove the timbers of a bridge while another party sought to keep them in 
 place ; one squad filled ditches while another cleared them oiit ; two men 
 would have hold of a plank pulling in one direction, while at the opposite 
 end two other men would be hauling another way. One memorable nightthe 
 East street forces under the command of Dr. John Hubbard struggled from 
 9 o'clock until sunrise with the West street men led by Charles Kellogg. 
 The West street men had during the day built a fence across the new road 
 and as fast as the East-street men could tear it down it was rebuilt. The 
 building of the fence was held to be illegal, and Mr. Kellogg was summoned 
 before the court in Northampton and fined. 
 
 The East street men determined that the road should be opened to 
 travel and that the fact it was so open must be demonstrated. Rallying 
 all their forces they in one day put the road in running order, stationing 
 men all along the route to guard it. Near the close of the day they sent 
 a man out on the road leading to Sunderland to secure travel. He inter- 
 cepted a loaded team and persuaded the teamster to cross the new road, 
 with the assurance that the road was in good order and that a guard would 
 accompany him. The West street men were on hand and ready to take 
 part in the proceedings. The procession started, the West street men going 
 ahead to build fences and take up bridges and the East street men follow- 
 ing close behind and making the necessary repairs. Every rod of ground 
 was contested, but Main street was reached in safety. While the East 
 street men were shouting aloud in their triumph, the teamster arose, 
 removed a mask from his face and disclosed himself to the crowd, a genuine 
 •■ West-streeter." At a meeting held May 17, 182 1. the town directed the 
 selectmen to clear the encumbrances from the road and keep it clear. 
 The excitement attendant on the building of the road soon died away, but 
 for many years the residents on the West street would go a long distance 
 
M. A. C. FARM HOUSE AND OLD P.AK.V 
 
 TOWN HALL. 
 
THE TOWN HALL. 433 
 
 out of their way to avoid passing over Triangle street. As a measure of 
 retaliation on some of the residents at North Amherst who had been fore- 
 most in promoting the building of Triangle street, a new highway was 
 soon afterwards opened from North Amherst to the " Plumtrees." 
 
 TOWN BUILDINGS. 
 
 With the exception of its school-houses and almshouse the town of 
 Amherst owned no public building until the engine-house was erected in 
 i860. Town meetings were held at first in the meeting-houses of the 
 First and Second parishes, and afterwards in Sweetser's hall, Agricultural 
 hall, Palmer's hall and Village hall. The need of a public building, if 
 recognized by the inhabitants, found no expression at town meeting until 
 1851. At the annual meeting in March. 1851, a committee appointed to 
 consider the matter of building a new town hall submitted its report ; this 
 report the town voted to place on file. At a meeting held Dec. 4, 1854, 
 the town expressed itself in favor of building a town hall, and appointed 
 a committee of five to secure plans and estimates. This committee reported 
 at a meeting held Jan. 1, 1S55, when the town voted, 130 to 120, to dis- 
 miss the whole matter. At a meeting held Feb. 23, 1855, it was voted to 
 postpone indefinitely the subject of building a town hall. 
 
 The burning of Palmer's hall in 1888 impressed upon the town the 
 necessity of providing a place for holding its public meetings. At a 
 special meeting held April 17, 1888, E. F. Cook, A. R. Cushman and 
 Flavel Gaylord were appointed a committee to look for a site for a town- 
 house, with instructions to report to the town at a future meeting. 
 The committee inspected several pieces of land and after a careful consid- 
 eration of the matter purchased the " Cooper lot," adjoining the rectory 
 of Grace church, for $3,500. At a special meeting held Aug. 25, the 
 town instructed its committee to take a deed of the property in the name 
 of the town, the necessary funds being appropriated from money in the 
 treasury received from the sale of a portion of the town's stock in the 
 Massachusetts Central railroad company. The committee was continued, 
 authority being given to procure plans for a building, the same to be sub- 
 mitted at a future meeting. At a special meeting held Feb. 9, 1889, plans 
 were submitted but no action was taken concerning them. 
 
 At an adjourned meeting held March 5, 1889, Levi Stockbridge, E. 
 F. Cook, A. R. Cushman. Flavel Gaylord, L. D. Hills, E. T. Sabin, J. W. 
 Howland, D. W. Palmer and W. W. Hunt were appointed a committee, 
 with power to contract for building a town hall, to adopt such plans as in 
 their judgment should seem best for the needs of the town, the building, 
 including heating, lighting and furniture all complete and ready for occu- 
 28 
 
434 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 pancy to cost not exceeding $40,000. At a special meeting held March 
 30, the town voted to purchase the " Palmer lot," adjoining the " Cooper 
 lot," at a cost of $5,000. Thus for the very reasonable sum of $8,500 the 
 town secured one of the best and most suitable building sites in the center 
 of the village. Plans for a building, drawn by Architect H. S. McKay of 
 Boston, were accepted by the committee. They provided for a building 
 123 feet long with an extreme depth of 76 feet. On the northwest corner 
 was to be a large tower, on the northeast corner a tower somewhat smaller. 
 The main entrance on Maple avenue would open into a vestibule 16 feet 
 square, leading to a corridor to traverse the building north and south. 
 The rooms on the west side of the building were designed for the use of 
 the town officials and for rental, those on the east side for the public 
 library and a police court-room. The main body of the hall was to be 
 68 x 56 feet, the stage 36 x 20 feet. Seats were to be placed for the 
 accommodation of 675 persons on the floor and 196 in the gallery. The 
 building was to be of brick, with pink granite trimmings, the interior to be 
 finished throughout in hard wood. Such, in brief, were the plans accepted 
 for Amherst's first town hall. 
 
 At a special meeting held June 17, 18S9, it was voted as the sense of 
 the meeting that the town endorse the action of the building committee in 
 making a contract with Mead, Mason & Co. of Boston to complete the 
 town hall for $44,500, according to plans and specifications. At a meeting 
 held Nov. 11, it was voted that for the purpose of erecting a town hall the 
 selectmen be authorized to contract a loan not exceeding $50,000. The 
 work of construction began in July, 1889. The first payments were made 
 from money in the treasury. In order to meet current expenses, the select- 
 men obtained $15,000 from the First National bank on their personal 
 notes ; they afterwards borrowed $20,000 from the state treasury at 3^ per 
 cent, interest to take up these obligations. Later on, four per cent, bonds 
 were issued to the amount of $50,000 and placed on the market. They 
 were sold at a sufficient premium to reduce the interest rate to 3^ per 
 cent. They bear date of Jan. 1, 1890, and are payable in ten years. 
 
 The building was completed in accordance with the contract and 
 accepted by the committee Oct. 24, 1890. At a special meeting held Nov. 
 8, 1890, the building committee submitted their report to the town. Their 
 expenditures were as follows : Mead, Mason & Co., on contract, $46,500 ; 
 W. W. Hunt, heating apparatus, $2,562.59 ; Harwood Manufacturing- 
 company and Andrews Manufacturing company, seats, $1,644.12 ; George 
 Graves, stage curtains, fixtures, scenery, etc., $655 ; architect, $1,505 ; paint- 
 ing walls and ceiling, $500; apparatus for lighting hall by electricity, 
 $304.87; superintendence, $1,166.10; total direct expense, $54,837.67; 
 additional expenses, $1,368.34 ; total, including land. $64,323.39. The 
 
CRIMES AND ACCIDENTS. 435 
 
 town voted to accept the report of its building committee and also to 
 accept the building. It was voted, also, to pay to the committee $4,600 
 from unappropriated money in the treasury to reimburse them for money 
 raised on their personal notes to complete the payments on the building 
 and to extend to the committee the thanks of the town for the care and 
 fidelity they had shown in carrying the enterprise to a successful conclu- 
 sion. The care of the building was left in the hands of the selectmen. 
 The hall was formally opened to the public Nov. 19, at a ball given by 
 Company K, 2d Reg t M. V. M. 
 
 CHAPTER L. 
 
 Crimes, Accidents, Epidemics. — Fatal Accidents. — Murders. — Birdie 
 Danahey. — Small-Pox in Amherst. 
 
 Amherst has been exceptionally free from the commission of serious 
 crimes against either property or person. Three murders have been 
 committed in the township limits, all of comparatively recent date. One 
 was the deed of a tramp, the motive robbery; one by a half-witted young 
 man, the motive jealousy ; one by an Italian laborer, the motive, probably, 
 self-defence. Not one of the murderers was a native of Amherst or had 
 residence here when the crime was committed. The court records of 
 Amherst are free from cases of criminal assault. Buildings have been 
 destroyed by incendiary fires, but the perpetrators of these crimes have 
 escaped detection. Robberies and burglaries have been committed, but 
 seldom has the crime been accompanied by violence or the property stolen 
 been of any considerable value. Of suicides and accidents attended by 
 fatal results the town has had its share. A complete list of these from the 
 settlement of the town would be difficult to compile, but a fairly accurate 
 record of events of this character has been made for the last fifty years. 
 One of the most peculiar suicides of earlier years was that of Dr. Samuel 
 Gamwell, an esteemed resident of the town, who killed himself May 22. 
 1814, by fixing a sword against the wall of a room in his residence at East 
 Amherst, and pressing his body against it until the blade had penetrated 
 his vitals. Aug. 22, 1842, Wells YVoodbridge, son of Ezra Ingram, aged 
 10, was killed by the kick of a horse. A marble tablet by the side of the 
 highway leading from East Amherst to the " City" marks the spot where 
 the accident occurred. 
 
43^ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Of deaths by accident, the larger number have been caused by drown- 
 ing. May 21, 1S48, Orry Dodge, a young man whose parents lived in 
 Pelham, was drowned in a small pond situated on land belonging to Lucius 
 Dickinson at South Amherst. The accident occurred on Sunday morning; 
 while bathing in the pond with a number of companions he was seized with 
 a cramp and sank for the last time before aid could reach him. Nov. 
 25, 1S61, Elisha Crossman, a boy, while crossing a stream at North 
 Amherst fell from the bridge and was drowned. April 26, 1862, Dexter 
 Kellogg, a resident of Amherst, was drowned in Miller's river. Aug. 11, 
 1863, three women were drowned at " Factory Hollow " in North Amherst; 
 a fuller account of this tragedy is given in a later chapter of this work. 
 Dec. 26, 1873, W. H. and S. T. Read, sons of H. L. Read, were drowned 
 in Adams' pond. They were skating on the pond, and had gone to the 
 assistance of another boy who had broken through the ice. Sept. 2, 1880, 
 Charles B. Parsons, a boy, was drowned while bathing in L. E. Dickinson's 
 mill-pond at North Amherst. Aug. 17, 1886, Charles G. Bowers and Miss 
 Ida May Walker were drowned in Spofford lake at Chesterfield, N. H. 
 A party of eleven persons had left Amherst the day before for a week's 
 outing at the lake. The party were sailing on a catamaran when the 
 accident occurred and all were thrown into the water, but only two were 
 drowned. Mr. Bowers was struck by the boom of the boat and rendered 
 insensible, while Miss Walker was caught in the rigging. July 3, 1887, 
 Antonio Perletto, an Italian laborer employed in grading on the Mass. 
 Central railway route, was drowned while bathing in Fort river. Aug. 
 25, 1896, Harold, son of Prof. Anson D. Morse, was drowned in Fort 
 river at South Amherst. With three companions he was bathing in the 
 river, when a raft on which they were playing was overturned and he, being 
 unable to swim, was drowned. 
 
 Many fatalities have resulted from the accidental discharge of fire- 
 arms. Oct. 5, 1S50, Frederick Goodale, aged 17, shot and killed himself 
 in the store of George Burnham at East Amherst. He had been hunting 
 and was handling his gun in a careless fashion when it was discharged. 
 Aug. 25, 1882, Merlon J. Redding, a young man, was instantly killed by 
 the discharge of a gun which he was holding while riding in a carriage. 
 Sept. 17, 1892, John S. Davis, aged 13, son of James W. T. Davis, was 
 killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle, while hunting with two of his 
 boy companions in a lot to the north of Wildwood cemetery. He was 
 alone at the time the accident occurred. Aug. 5, 1896, Henry D. Holt, 
 aged 19, was killed by the discharge of a gun which he was placing in a 
 boat, on the pond at North Hadley. The hammer caught and the charge 
 of shot entered his breast. 
 
DEATHS BY ACCIDENT. 437 
 
 Several persons have been fatally injured in railway accidents. July 
 8, 1862, Thomas Darrigan, a fireman on the Amherst, Belchertown and 
 Palmer railway, was killed at the Amherst depot while coupling cars. 
 June 4, 1870, James Hardaker, while walking on the railway track near 
 North Amherst "City," was struck by a freight train and had both feet 
 cut off above the ankles. He died from his injuries, his body being found 
 the following morning. Aug. 10, 1882, Rev. Henry B. Smith died as the 
 result of injuries received some weeks previous while attempting to board 
 a moving train. April 20, 1887, William Haley was struck by a train on 
 the Connecticut River railroad, near Holyoke, and killed. Sept. 17, 1887, 
 Nathan Olney was run over by a freight train near the New London 
 Northern depot and killed. The freight train was standing still as Olney 
 crawled beneath it, to escape from a passenger train approaching on the 
 track on which he had stood, but started on the moment and he was crushed 
 beneath the wheels. Dec. 24, 18S9, John Diggan was run over by a freight 
 train on the Central Massachusetts railway, receivng injuries which resulted 
 in his death the following day. Jan. 3, 1S91, a party of young people 
 residing in Florence visited Amherst on a sleighride excursion. On their 
 return trip, while crossing the tracks of the Central Massachusetts railway 
 near " Sand-hill," the sleigh was struck by a locomotive and two of the 
 excursionists were killed, Henry B. Learned, a freshman at the Agricultu- 
 ral College and Miss Mabel R. Hinckley. 
 
 Many persons have died of injuries received from falls. Feb. 2, 1848, 
 Catherine W. Baker died as Ithe result of a fall. July 2, 1856, Oliver 
 Nash of South Amherst, aged 70, fell from a load of hay, striking on his 
 temple, dying almost instantly. Jan. 5, 1861, Hannah Dickinson died as 
 the result of a fall. Dec. 30, 1861, Benjamin W. Allen, while threshing 
 grain in his barn at East Amherst, fell from a scaffolding, striking on his 
 head, causing instant death. Mr. Allen was 75 years of age. Feb. 21, 
 1862, John Williamson died from injuries received a few days previous, by 
 falling on a stairway. March 4, 1S65, James Dexter was killed by an 
 accidental fall. June 19, 1890, Parnell Munson fell from the tracks of 
 the New London Northern railway, at the bridge crossing College street, 
 and died from the effects of the shock sustained. He was a passenger on 
 the night freight train from New London, having with him a span of 
 horses which he had bought in New York. The night was very dark, 
 and it was supposed that Mr. Munson when he stepped from the train 
 believed that it had reached the station. Mr. Munson had served the 
 town as selectman and was a prominent man in the South parish. Nov. 
 4) X S93, John Primrose, a carpenter, died from the effects of a fall while 
 engaged at work upon the large barn on the Agricultural College grounds. 
 
438 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Jan. 9, 1866, Mrs. Lyman Moody died from injuries received by being 
 thrown from a wagon. June 23, 1867, Henry Flanders died at North 
 Amherst from injuries received in being kicked by a horse, six days 
 previous. Aug. 28, 1867, Patrick Stack was thrown from a wagon near 
 the house of Horace Henderson ; the wheels passed over his neck, break- 
 ing it and causing instant death. June 14, 1878, George E. Lamb, a 
 resident of North Amherst, was kicked in the head and body by his horse, 
 which he was holding at a railway crossing near Windsor Locks, Conn., 
 receiving fatal injuries. Sept. 19, 1883, Francis F. Munson was thrown 
 from a carriage and killed. June 20, 1892, Timothy Deady was thrown 
 from a wagon while driving from Northampton to Amherst ; striking on his 
 head, his neck was broken, causing instant death. 
 
 Feb. 7, 1846, Aaron Howard was killed by a falling tree while chopping 
 wood on Kellogg's hill in Sunderland. He was alone at the time the 
 accident occurred and the body was discovered by his son. It is supposed 
 that the branch of a falling tree struck him on the head, causing instant 
 death. Nov. 2, 1872, Charles E. Thayer was killed by a falling tree at 
 South Amherst. He was hunting squirrels, with a party of friends. 
 They cut clown a tree which contained a squirrel's nest, and this in falling 
 struck a dead tree which also fell, and striking Mr. Thayer caused fatal 
 injuries. Dec. 14, 1S68, Charles F. Hayward died from the results of an 
 accident sustained two clays before. He was working at a circular saw, 
 when a board sprang back, striking him in the abdomen and inflicting 
 fatal injuries. April 28, 1873, John D. Parsons, while at work in the 
 paper mill of J. R. Cushman & Son at North Amherst, was caught in the 
 shafting and killed. He was alone in the mill at the time the accident 
 occurred. Mr. Parsons was a veteran of the civil war, having served in the 
 27th Mass. regiment. 
 
 March 20, 1876, Solon H. Bridgman died at his home in South 
 Amherst from hydrophobia. He was one of three persons who had been 
 bitten several weeks before by a rabid dog ; the others escaped serious 
 illness. March 20, 1891, Addison Carpenter died at the Mass. General 
 Hospital in Boston from hydrophobia, contracted six weeks previous by 
 the bite of a pet dog. Jan. 27, 1870, Mrs. Lucius Yale died at her home 
 in South Amherst from injuries received by burns, her apron catching fire 
 as she was lifting a kettle from the stove. Aug. 6, 1881, Patrick Danahey 
 died from sunstroke. March 20, 1891, John Begley died from exposure to 
 the cold, his body being found in a piece of woodland owned by W. A. 
 Magill. 
 
 Nine persons have committed suicide in Amherst in the past fifty 
 years. Of these five chose hanging as a means of self-destruction. July 
 1, 1844, Martha Strong committed suicide by drowning. Sept. 17, i860, 
 
SUICIDES AND MURDERS. 439 
 
 Addison Lovett of South Amherst hanged himself on account of domestic 
 troubles. Dec. 31, 1873, Albert McElwain shot himself with a pistol 
 inflicting a mortal wound. March 21, 1882, Timothy Cribbin, an employee 
 in one of the hat factories, who had resided in this country about seven 
 years, committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver. June 3, 
 1883, Mrs. Josephine E. Pickering committed suicide by cutting her throat 
 with a knife. In the year 1S84, there were three suicides by hanging. 
 May 17, Edward P. Pomeroy, a well-known resident of South Amherst and 
 selectman at the time, hanged himself in his bedroom while suffering from 
 temporary insanity. July 30. Edwin P. Church committed suicide by 
 hanging. He had been blind from infancy and had but recently been 
 taken to the almshouse. Oct. 13, Alanson Chapin hanged himself at East 
 Amherst. He was 86 years old, and his mind had been affected by the 
 death of his sister, which occurred the weekbefore. Aug. 15, 1893, Mary 
 E. Danahey committed suicide by hanging. She had been despondent for 
 some time and was probably insane. 
 
 The first murder committed in the town of Amherst was that of 
 Moses B. Dickinson, a prosperous farmer who resided on Northampton 
 street in a house situated near the site of the residence now occupied by 
 Horace D. Dana. Mr. Dickinson's dead body was discovered in his house 
 on the evening of Nov. 27, 1S75, with his head frightfully mangled. Some 
 three weeks previous to the commission of the crime Mr. Dickinson's wife 
 had left him, owing to domestic troubles, and had gone to live with their 
 oldest son, Lucius M. Dickinson, her husband being left alone in the 
 house. Soon after her departure the neighbors noticed, at work about the 
 place, a stranger whom Mr. Dickinson called "John." Nov. 17, W. W. 
 Smith and a Mr. Rogers, the latter a tobacco-buyer, called upon Mr. Dick- 
 inson and bought some tobacco which the latter delivered at the depot the 
 following clay. " John " was present at the time, and while at the depot 
 persuaded Mr. Dickinson, as it appeared against his will, to sell to the 
 buyer another crop of tobacco. The money for the two crops, about 
 Si 25, was paid to Mr. Dickinson in "John's " presence. On the night of 
 Nov. 25, L. M. Dickinson and a younger brother went to their father's 
 home to invite him to come and take supper with them. They were unable 
 to gain admission to the house, but supposing that he had gone out they 
 made no effort to force an entrance. Two days afterwards the neighbors 
 began to suspect that something was wrong at the Dickinson house. They 
 notified L. M. Dickinson, and the latter accompanied by James Graves 
 visited the premises and broke open the door of the house. They found 
 Mr. Dickinson's body lying on a lounge, with the head badly mutila- 
 ted. His pocket-book was missing and nothing was to be found of 
 " John." The selectmen at once offered a reward of $500 for the appre- 
 
44° HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 hension of the murderer, the amount being afterwards increased to $1,000. 
 
 In January, 1SS5, parties in Tennessee wrote to the postmaster at 
 Amherst, inquiring if a crime similar to one described had been com- 
 mitted in Amherst ; if so, whether a reward was offered for the arrest of 
 the murderer. Correspondence elicited the fact that a tramp under arrest 
 at Tazewell, Tenn. had confessed the commission of such a crime ; he 
 gave the name of Allen J. Adams. The evidence was submitted to District 
 Attorney Bond, and Sheriff Clark and Detective Munyan went to Tazewell 
 where they secured Adams and brought him back with them. To these 
 officers Adams made a full confession. He stated that he killed Mr. Dick- 
 inson with an axe, stole his pocket-book and walked to Northampton. 
 Adams was arraigned before the district court, March n, 1885, and on 
 advice of his counsel pleaded not guilty. The counsel assigned him by 
 the court were W. G. Bassett and J. B. O'Donnell. He was held for the 
 grand jury, who brought in an indictment against him at the June term. 
 The case was tried before the supreme court at Northampton, beginning 
 Dec. 7. The defence offered was insanity. The jury brought in their 
 verdict, Dec. 9, as guilty of murder in the first degree. Adams was sen- 
 tenced to be hung in March, but on March 9 attempted to commit suicide 
 by cutting himself with a pocket-knife. A reprieve was granted until April 
 16, when he was hanged at the jail in Northampton. The last previous 
 execution in Hampshire county occurred in 18 13, when a negro was hung 
 for rape. 
 
 On Sunday, July 3, 1887, a party of Italians, engaged in grading on 
 the line of the Massachusetts Central railway and living in a shanty stand- 
 ing on land owned by Salmon Wakefield, engaged in a fight, in course of 
 which Guiseppe Falbe shot and killed Leonard Turzo and wounded the 
 latter's brother Pasquale. From the testimony elicited from witnesses of 
 the deed it seemed probable that it was committed in self-defence and 
 Falbe made his escape. 
 
 The third murder committed in Amherst was the deed of a half-witted 
 young man whose motive was jealousy. Sept. 19, 1890, a social dance 
 was held at the house of Eugene Joslyn at North Amherst " City." Among 
 those in attendance were John B. Davis of Ware, Eva May Holden, 16 
 years of age, and her escort James Hardaker. Miss Holden had formerly 
 lived in Ware, and Davis had paid her many attentions which she had dis- 
 couraged. During the evening he several times requested her to dance 
 with him, but she refused. Davis left the house where the dance was held 
 about 3-30 o'clock a. m., Hardaker and Miss Holden remaining about a 
 half hour longer. As the two latter were riding homeward in a top-buggy, 
 when on Pine street near the house of Edward Atkins they were accosted 
 by Davis, who stepped from the bushes by the roadside and fired four shots 
 
SMALL-POX IN AMHERST. 441 
 
 from a revolver. The first shot struck Miss Holden in the left breast just 
 below the heart, inflicting a wound from which she died almost instantly. 
 One of the shots struck Mr. Hardaker in the abdomen. The following 
 morning Deputy Sheriff William W. Smith and his son William H. arrested 
 Davis at his work, he being employed at the time as a wood-chopper by a 
 firm of local lumbermen. At the supreme court held in Northampton in 
 April, 189 1, he plead guilty to murder in the second degree and was sen- 
 tenced to imprisonment for life. 
 
 Friday morning, April 6, 1887. Birdie Danahey, a bright little girl, 
 six years old, living with her grandfather Patrick Danahey in the eastern 
 part of the town, started for the school which she attended at East Amherst. 
 She was seen at 1 1 a. m. in company with another young girl, Eva Train, 
 near the house of Edmund Hastings, and again at 11-30 near the house of 
 George C. Fitch. She did not return to her home in the afternoon, and 
 her relatives becoming alarmed started a course of inquiries. The Train 
 girl told many contradictory stories, among others one to the effect that a 
 man and a woman had threatened to carry Birdie away. All day Saturday 
 and Sunday a general search for her was carried on, the students from the 
 two colleges joining with the townspeople in their efforts to unravel the 
 mystery of her disappearance. There was a general belief that she had 
 fallen or been pushed into Fort river, which was swollen by recent heavy 
 rains, but although the river-banks were carefully searched for many miles 
 no trace of the missing girl was found. Other persons have disappeared 
 from Amherst in ways which at the time appeared mysterious, but investi- 
 gation has generally shown that there was good and sufficient reason for 
 their departure. The mystery of Birdie Danahey remains unsolved. 
 
 Amherst has suffered but little from epidemics of disease. The 
 favored location of the town, its healthful climate and the lack of a tene- 
 ment-house population have proved unfavorable to the spread of contagious 
 disease. The town has twice been visited by small-pox, but in both 
 instances it was confined to narrow limits and the resulting fatalities were 
 few. In November, 1831, three cases of small-pox and from 16 to 20 
 cases of varioloid occurred among the students at the Mount Pleasant 
 .Institute. A daughter of Mrs. Holbrook, the nurse in attendance, visited 
 her mother in the sick room and contracted the disease in a mild form. 
 Two colored women who were accidentally exposed to the disease at 
 Mount Pleasant, had it in confluent form with fatal results. In the latter 
 part of March and the first part of April, 1864, small-pox made its appear- 
 ance among the colored residents in the " Bee Hive " which stood on the site 
 now occupied by S.A.Phillips' store. The selectmen promptly took the matter 
 in hand, fitted up a barn on land owned by A. P. Howe, near the Hadley 
 line, for a pest-house, and removed the whole " swarm of bees " to these 
 
442 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 new quarters. There were many cases of the disease among the colored 
 people, but only two proved fatal, two young girls dying in April. May 6, 
 a resident of North Amherst was taken ill with the disease and removed 
 to the pest-house. May 13, there was but one patient under treatment. 
 In January, 1882, a student at Amherst College was attacked by varioloid ; 
 there was considerable excitement among the students and townspeople, 
 and local physicians were overwhelmed by persons desirous of being vacci-. 
 nated, but no cases of small-pox resulted and the excitement gradually 
 died away. In the spring of 1890, the residents of Amherst suffered 
 severely from the "grippe" epidemic, which caused the death of many 
 aged persons. 
 
 CHAPTER LI, 
 
 Schemes for Acquiring Wealth. — The Mulberry Craze. — Mining 
 Stock Investments. — Assessment Insurance. — Old Business 
 Firms. 
 
 The residents of Amherst, while possessed of their fair share of New 
 England shrewdness and business tact, have from time to time been victim- 
 ized by schemes for gaining great wealth in ways apart from the ordinary. 
 The amount of good money that has been permanently invested in enter- 
 prises the sole return from which has been experience would make a 
 welcome addition to the town's valuation list to-day. Among the crazes 
 that have from time to time prevailed in the town, the greatest prominence 
 must be given to the culture of mulberry trees and the raising of silk- 
 worms in the '30s, and the investments in mining stocks, and certificates 
 in assessment insurance companies, in the '80s. 
 
 About the year 1830, Timothy Smith, a farmer residing in South 
 Amherst, began the business of raising white mulberry trees, hatching and 
 feeding silk-worms, and selling the silk reeled from cocoons to silk manu- 
 facturers. For a few years he followed the business in a small way with 
 satisfactory results. Other persons in the town became interested in the 
 business, and in a short time the "mulberry craze " took possession of the 
 town and forced its way into neighboring communities. The farmers were 
 the first to engage in the new enterprise, but business and professional 
 men were soon attracted by the opportunities which it seemed to afford for 
 
SILK CULTURE. 443 
 
 the rapid acquirement of wealth. All classes in the community become 
 interested, and for many months mulberry trees and silk culture were the 
 absorbing topics of conversation. In 1S35, Nathan Adams of Leverett 
 began to raise at West Hartford, Conn., a new variety of mulberry tree, 
 very rapid in growth, called the morns multicaulis. Oliver M. Clapp of East 
 Amherst became interested in the business, and on the death of Mr. 
 Adams he purchased for $450 some 1300 trees and brought them from 
 West Hartford to Amherst. 
 
 In 1836, the Second parish being badly in need of a new church 
 building, it was decided by some of the more influential of the church- 
 members that the necessary funds could be most readily secured if the 
 parish should go into the business of raising mulberry trees. Mr. Clapp 
 sold his trees to the parish, land was hired and a committee of three, con- 
 sisting of O. M. Clapp, Judge Ithamar Conkey and Major Ebenezer 
 Mattoon, was appointed to manage the business for the parish. From 
 these trees cuttings were sold, consisting of twigs three inches long, on 
 each of which were two buds, the price being two cents a twig or one cent 
 a bud. The prospect of securing funds for the new church seemed so 
 bright that one good old deacon remarked at a weekly prayer-meeting that 
 the Lord had seen their great need of a church and had kindly prepared 
 a way for them to get it. In 1837, the firm of Clapp & Rust was formed, 
 for the raising of mulberry trees, the propagation of silk-worms and the 
 production of raw silk. Silk-worm eggs were in great demand, the price 
 being from ten to twelve cents per hundred, while mulberry seed sold for 
 515 per ounce. Much worthless seed was sold to the farmers, who neg- 
 lected their regular farm crops that they might devote their time to silk 
 culture. There was profit in the business for some who engaged in it. It 
 is recorded that a quarter of an acre of land, near the house where Noah 
 Dickinson now lives, was set with cuttings in the spring, and in the fall 
 the owner sold about one-half the trees raised for $1070, while the pur- 
 chaser, a Northampton man, resold the trees at once and doubled his 
 money. In those days a man could start out in the morning with a little 
 bundle of cuttings under his arm and return to his home in time for dinner 
 with $100 to S200 in cash in his pocket as the result of his sales. Clapp 
 & Rust produced a considerable quantity of raw silk, which was pro- 
 nounced as good as the imported article and was sold to manufacturers in 
 Northampton. Two kinds of worms were reared, the " four weeks " and 
 the " six weeks," these names being given to signify the time required 
 for the worms to come to maturity and spin their cocoons after hatching. 
 From the files of the Hampshire Gazette are gathered the following 
 statistics concerning the silk culture in Amherst. The Hampshire, Frank- 
 lin and Hampden Agricultural society in 1834 awarded to Theodore 
 
444 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Lyman of Amherst a premium of $4 for the greatest length of white 
 mulberry hedge set for a division fence. Timothy Smith presented the 
 following application for premiums on exhibits at the agricultural fair held 
 in Northampton in the fall of 1S3S : 
 
 " The undersigned offers for premium and examination the following, viz. 
 
 1 — 156 lbs. of cocoons reeled the past season. 
 
 2 — 16,000 mulberry trees raised on i£ acres of land, from foliage of which was 
 fed about 60,000 worms. 
 
 3 — S,ooo Canton and Manilla Multicaulis trees from roots, cuttings and layers, 
 which afforded 550 pounds of foliage sufficient for 15,000 worms and from which 
 was raised 38 pounds of cocoons. 
 
 4 — 30,000 mulberry trees from seed, had of Dr. Stebbins, which is supposed to 
 have grown on the highlands of China. These trees, I think, will exceed the 
 Morus or Manilla Multicaulis in resisting the cold, and equal it in weight of foliage. 
 
 Timothy Smith."' 
 
 The Gazette, having printed this application, adds the following com- 
 ment : " Mr. Smith has ascertained that raw silk can be produced at from 
 $1.50 to $2.50 per pound, while manufacturers have paid from $5 to $6 
 per pound for raw silk. Mr. Smith has received a bounty from the state 
 of $45.60 for 156 pounds of cocoons, 23 pounds of reeled and 37 pounds 
 of thrown silk." The Amherst Silk association was incorporated in 1S39. 
 Concerning this organization the Gazette says : " The friends of the silk 
 culture in Amherst have formed themselves into a society, with a view of 
 collecting and diffusing information upon the whole subject of the silk 
 culture. Timothy Smith, one of the best practical silk culturists in the 
 state, is president, Nelson Rust vice-president, William P. Thornton sec- 
 retary, William Barnard treasurer, Matthew Porter, Levi Lincoln, Merrick 
 Houghton, Oliver M. Clapp and Jacob Stetson executive committee." At 
 the cattle show of the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden agricultural 
 society held in 1840, Timothy Smith received premiums as follows : $5 on 
 the largest number of mulberry trees of any kind, 401,150; $5 for the 
 greatest number of Canton trees, 394,000; $2, fourth prize, on greatest 
 number of Asiatic trees; $3 on case of silk. At the annual meeting of 
 the society in March, 1841, Mr. Smith claimed and received premiums as 
 follows: On 14 pounds raw silk grown and reeled in 1840, on. 6 pounds 
 silk manufactured into sewings, and 53^ yards of broad gros de nap and 
 vestings, light color. 
 
 In the latter part of the '30s the tide of speculation reached its turn- 
 ing point and began to recede. The difficulties and risks attendant upon 
 silk culture in New England became more thoroughly understood, and 
 those who had been most eager to engage in the enterprise lost no time in 
 abandoning it. There was a heavy fall in the prices of mulberry seed, cut- 
 tings and silk-worm eggs, and although some who had faith in the future of the 
 
MINING INVESTMENTS. 445 
 
 business retained their stock in hope of better times it was soon apparent 
 that the silk industry, so far as Amherst was concerned, was a thing of the 
 past. The Second parish raised some trees and sold them, but the funds 
 for their new church had to be raised by old time methods. When the 
 crash came Clapp & Rust had over $13,000 worth of trees on hand, at the 
 ruling prices, but these assets proved of little value. To-day all that 
 remains to remind one of the silk craze in Amherst is an occasional mul- 
 berry tree, here and there about the town, its berries furnishing food to the 
 robins and its foliage a prey to other worms than those which commanded, 
 so high a price sixty years ago. 
 
 Some forty years after the " mulberry era,*' Amherst people began to 
 invest money liberally in the stocks of gold and silver mines located in the 
 far West. In the fall of 1S80, the stock of the Starr-Grove silver mining 
 company was placed on sale in Amherst, the price being fixed at $2 per 
 share. The mine was situated in Nevada and was said to be very rich in 
 mineral. Soon after the first shares were disposed of the company began 
 paying monthly dividends of ten cents per share, the same being con- 
 tinued for a period of eight months. The prospects of a dividend of 
 Si. 20 per annum on shares of stock purchased for $2 naturally caused the 
 latter to be in great demand. The price was soon advanced and there 
 was a great rush of investors who were determined to have the stock at 
 any price. The affairs of the Starr-Grove company were managed by a 
 firm of New York brokers, one of the partners being Col. W. S. Clark, a 
 former president of the Agricultural College and highly esteemed in this 
 town where he had resided for many years. This firm also controlled the 
 stocks in many other gold and silver mines, and shares of the latter were 
 offered for sale in Amherst and found ready purchasers. Among the 
 favorite stocks for investment were those of the Stormont and the Hite 
 mining companies. The mining craze, like the mulberry craze, affected 
 all classes in the community. Business men, professional men, farmers, 
 mechanics, laborers, all found money to invest in mining stocks, some of 
 them borrowing the funds and mortgaging lands and buildings that they 
 might buy tickets in the lottery for wealth. It has been estimated that as 
 much as a quarter of a million dollars was, in less than one year, invested 
 in mining stocks by residents of Amherst. In June, 1 88 1, the Starr-Grove 
 company ceased to pay dividends, the reason offered being that a new 
 stamp mill was to be erected and a railway built to carry ore from the 
 mines to the mill. This stoppage of dividends caused a sharp decline in 
 the selling price of mining stocks in Amherst, and investors hastened to- 
 dispose of their certificates at the best price they could secure, many of 
 them finding their shares unsalable at any price. 
 
446 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 It was not until the spring of 1887 that the craze for endowment or 
 assessment insurance made itself felt in Amherst. It had existed in neigh- 
 boring communities, notably in Florence, for some years previous, but it 
 was some time before the promoters of the schemes to manifold wealth by 
 extraordinary methods discovered how gullible the public is, and how ready 
 it is to welcome the most extravagant schemes for gaining riches at the 
 expense of others. The time has not yet come for writing the history of 
 assessment insurance in Massachusetts. Its victims are too many, and 
 they hold as yet too lively a recollection of their own folly and the duplic- 
 ity of the promoters of these enterprises to consider them in an impartial 
 manner. Amherst suffered less from this craze than did many of the 
 neighboring communities, but large sums, how large it is difficult to estimate, 
 were invested in the " certificates " of the all but numberless associations 
 that sprang up like mushrooms in all parts of the state. A branch of the 
 " Iron Hall " was instituted in Amherst, May 3, 1887. This order or 
 association issued certificates to its members, agreeing to pay them at the 
 end of seven years $600, $800 or $1000, as the certificate might read. In 
 the event of sickness during this term they were entitled to a weekly pay- 
 ment of " sick benefits " up to a certain amount, and in case of death a 
 proportionate sum would be paid to the heirs, or the latter could continue 
 the payments on certificates up to the time of their maturity and receive 
 the full amount. An initiation fee was charged and quarterly dues. In 
 addition to these fixed expenses, certificate-holders were liable to assess- 
 ments of certain sums, graduated in amount by the amount of their cer- 
 tificates, and payable at such times as might be decided on by the 
 " supreme" officials of the order. On certificates for $1,000 each assess- 
 ment was for $2.50, and they were called once or twice in each month. 
 The promoters of the order estimated that each certificate-holder would 
 pay in during the term of seven years not more than one-third the amount 
 of his certificate. The order had been in operation in Massachusetts for 
 a number of years and its business had been conducted in such a satisfac- 
 tory manner that men of all classes became interested in it. The Amherst 
 branch of the order gained rapidly in membership, both in this and sur- 
 rounding towns. Considerable sums were paid to members from time to 
 time in the way of "sick benefits." Persons belonging to the order 
 possessed the utmost faith in the financial theories it embodied, and when 
 in 1891 other organizations founded on the system of assessment insurance 
 became insolvent there was but a slight falling off in membership. The 
 order continued to do business until the summer of 1892, when legal 
 proceedings were instituted against the supreme officers and it was forced to 
 suspend. In course of time a receiver was appointed, and the certificate- 
 holders who continued their payments up to the time that an injunction 
 
PHOENIX ROW — 1840. 
 
 PHCENIX ROW BEFORE 18S0. 
 
OLD BUSINESS FIRMS. 447 
 
 against the order was issued by the courts, received about 35 per cent, of 
 the amount they had paid in. 
 
 A branch of the " Mutual One Year Benefit " order was organized in 
 Amherst, Oct. 24, 1890. It had a large membership at the first but in 
 company with many other of the mushroom " orders '" it was forced to 
 retire from business in 189 1 and few of the certificate-holders received any 
 return for the money they had paid in. Nov. 12, 1890, a conclave of the 
 "Commercial Endowment " association was organized in Amherst. The 
 headquarters of this order were at Northampton, and as prominent business 
 men were connected with it, it readily gained the confidence of the more 
 conservative people who had refused to have anything to do with the 
 earlier organizations. That this confidence was not misplaced is proven 
 by the fact that the association, although forced to give up business in the 
 fall of 1892, returned to its certificate-holders nearly dollar for dollar of 
 the amounts they had paid in. These were the only assessment insurance 
 companies to organize branches in Amherst, but many residents of the 
 town took out certificates in from one to a dozen of the almost numberless 
 " fraternal " and " benevolent" and " protective " swindles which flourished 
 for a time and then went into bankruptcy, with no available assets. 
 Other forms of permanent investment have appealed to Amherst residents 
 from time to time, the most recent being the lottery of mortgage loans on 
 Western real estate, which has resulted in the acquirement by Amherst 
 parties of several more or less valuable tracts of land in the Middle- 
 Western states. 
 
 OLD BUSINESS FIRMS. 
 
 On page 140 of this volume reference is made to some of the firms 
 and individuals who were engaged in business in Amherst in 1S15. It 
 would be interesting, did space permit, to trace from the beginning the 
 development of different lines of mercantile business in the town, but a 
 brief review must suffice. The first business directory of Amherst was 
 published in 1S69 : f° r an }' record of business enterprises established 
 before that date dependence must be placed upon the memory of the older 
 residents of the town and advertisements printed in the publications of 
 the time. Cotton Smith & Co. were in business as early as 1810, near the 
 meeting-house at East Amherst. They kept a general store, dealing in 
 crockery, glassware, groceries, liquors, dye-stuffs, etc. The firm was dis- 
 solved in June, 181 1, and was succeeded by Smith & Porter ; in May, 
 181 2, the latter firm was dissolved, Cotton Smith continuing the business 
 at the old stand. C. & J. U. Hamilton were in business in 18 10. In the 
 Hampshire Gazette, under date of July 25, 1S10, appears the following 
 notice : " Solomon Dewey, one of the firm of Hamilton, Dewey & Co., 
 
448 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 having absconded — the firm therefore is this day dissolved — this is to forbid 
 all persons paying anything to anyone except — Calvin U. Hamilton.''" 
 Rufus Cowls was also in business in 1810. His store, a small wooden 
 building, fronted on Pleasant street at the corner of Cowles lane. He 
 dealt in hardware, groceries, liquors, drugs and medicines. 
 
 Leonard Dwight and H. Wright Strong conducted a general store in 
 Amherst prior to 1S12; in April of that year, the partnership was dissolved 
 and a new one formed by Strong and Elijah Dwight. H. Wright Strong 
 was in business in iS 1 5 ; his store stood on the site now occupied by 
 Adams' drug-store. In 1824, Luke Sweetser, who had been for three 
 years in Mr. Strong's employ, bought out the business, continuing it under 
 his own name until March, 1830, when his brother, J. A. Sweetser, became 
 associated with him under the firm name of L. & J. A. Sweetser. A few 
 years later, J. A. Sweetser severed his connection with the firm and William 
 Cutler and Luke Sweetser formed a partnership under the firm name of 
 Sweetser & Cutler. In 1848, George Cutler became, a member of the 
 concern, the name being changed to Sweetser, Cutler & Co. Mr. Sweetser 
 retired from the business in 1857, and the Cutler brothers continued it 
 under the firm name of W. & G. Cutler. The firm of Geo. Cutler & Co. 
 was formed in 1870 and continued in business until 1S84, when it was 
 succeeded by the present firm of Jackson & Cutler. 
 
 Nathaniel Jacobs and Samuel Perrin were in business in Amherst in 
 18 1 4, the firm being dissolved in November of that year and Samuel 
 Perrin continuing the business at the old stand. In March, 1S15, Thomas 
 Dyer, better known as " Capt." Dyer, formed a partnership with Timothy 
 S. Goodman, the firm doing business at East Amherst. Joseph and Asahel 
 Thayer were in business in 18 iC, the partnership being dissolved in Feb- 
 ruary of that year, the business being continued by Joseph Thayer. In 
 1820, Azell Dunbar was a manufacturer of and dealer in looking-glasses 
 at East Amherst. 
 
 In 1826, the leading store-keepers in Amherst were Luke Sweetser 
 and Graves & Field. They dealt in cloths, dry goods of all kinds, crockery 
 and glass, groceries, wines, spirits, etc. Asahel Thayer conducted a 
 general store, probably at the center, while Philip L. Goss <Sc Co. kept a 
 general store at South Amherst. The Amherst book-store was conducted 
 by Mark H. Newman. Jacob Edson was a dealer in cabinet furniture at 
 the center and Caleb W. Newell & Co. manufactured and sold furniture at 
 East Amherst. Lucius Boltwood was agent for the Springfield fire insu- 
 rance company, and Edward Dickinson agent of the /Etna insurance 
 company. Harvey Worthington and Ebenezer Fisk conducted a hat-store 
 at the Center. Lewis Hills kept a meat-market in the basement of Bolt- 
 wood's tavern. Lyman Knowles manufactured coaches and wagons at 
 
OLD BUSINESS FIRMS. 449 
 
 South Amherst near the meeting-house. Ebenezer Eames, Jr., conducted a 
 blacksmith shop. 
 
 In 1828, the firm of Graves & Field was succeeded by that of Field 
 & Dickinson, the latter continuing in business only about a year when it 
 was dissolved. Leander Merrick was a draper and tailor, continuing in 
 business until after 1850. E. W. Storrs conducted a general store for 
 many years, starting business in 1828. C. Stratton was a "surgeon 
 dentist" in Amherst for a great many years. In 1835, M. G. Forgate and 
 Jonas Houghton conducted the Amherst furniture warerooms, the firm 
 being dissolved in October of that year and a new partnership formed 
 under the name of Jones & Houghton. Solomon Pitkin conducted the 
 "brick store," selling a general assortment of goods; he was succeeded 
 by Pitkin & Kellogg. 
 
 The Amherst cabinet warerooms were conducted in May, 1835, by 
 YYilliam F. Bangs. During the year the firm name became McKinney &: 
 Bangs. This business was purchased by Hiram Fox in 1843, and two 
 years later was sold to Merrick M. Marsh. In i860, the firm name was 
 changed to Marsh & Young, in 1S67 to Marsh & Son, in 1875 to E. D. 
 Marsh & Young, and in 1883 the business was purchased by E. D. Marsh 
 who now conducts it. When J. S. & C. Adams engaged in the business 
 of printing and publishing in 1824, they established a book-store in con- 
 nection with their business, which has been carried on up to the present 
 time ; it is at present conducted by Edwin Nelson, who bought it from 
 Charles Adams in 187 1. 
 
 In 1S44, D. Mack, Jr. & Son conducted a general store at Amherst 
 center. L. M. Hills owned a dry-goods and grocery store at East 
 Amherst and William Dickinson & Co. a general store at South Amherst. 
 Abel A. Butler and C. Kellogg were dealers in boots and shoes. S. Har- 
 rington dealt in watches, clocks and jewelry. Willam Kellogg, Jr. con- 
 ducted the Amherst furnishing store. J. & S. Colton were tailors, S. D. 
 Learned a book-binder and Newton Fitch a druggist. John Slattery 
 cleaned and colored clothes. Seneca Holland sold dry-goods, paints and 
 oils as early as 1832 ; about 1859 he tookhis son Henry in partnership with 
 him under the firm name of S. Holland & Son. Henry Holland carried on 
 the business from 1883 until his death in 1888, when he was succeeded 
 by the present firm of Holland & Gallond. In 1840, Joseph Blynn con- 
 ducted a stove-store and tin-shop at Amherst center ; he was succeeded by 
 a Mr. Montague and he by Charles E. Morse, the latter selling out in 
 1S55 to W. W. Hnnt, who still carries on the business. 
 
 Mirick N. Spear has conducted a news and stationery store at Amherst 
 center since 1850. E. G. Shumway opened a photographer's establish- 
 29 
 
450 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 ment in Amherst in 1850, and in 1856 sold out to J. L. Lovell who has since 
 carried on the business. . C. E. Hutchinson opened a harness and trunk 
 store in Amherst in 1853, and has continued the business up to the present 
 time, occupying his present business quarters in the American house block 
 since 1856. In 1850, E. S. & F. A. Pierce were extensive dealers in 
 groceries and general merchandise, and Strickland &: Dickinson were 
 manufacturers of and dealers in furniture. In 1S55, R. Chauncey Russell 
 conducted a merchants' tailoring business. Field & Strickland had 
 succeeded Strickland & Dickinson in the furniture business. Henry C. 
 Kellogg was a dealer in boots and shoes. George Graves was engaged in 
 the business of sign and ornamental painting. D. J. Bartlett was a dealer 
 in millinery goods. In i860, Parks Bros., W. Barrows &: Co. and M. A. 
 & B. W. Allen were leading merchants at the center. The above is, of 
 course, a very incomplete list of the persons doing business in Amherst 
 during the present century. It will serve, however, to pleasantly recall to 
 many of the readers of this volume the names and personalities of many 
 who have been prominently connected with the business interests of the 
 town. 
 
 CHAPTER LII. 
 
 Old Houses. — Town Politics. — Amusements and Celebrations. — 
 Amherst's Centennial. — Weather Phenomena. — Storm and 
 Flood. — The " Blizzard." 
 
 Much of interest might be recorded concerning the old houses in the 
 town, but the subject is too broad to admit of comprehensive treatment in 
 such a work as this. Reference has been made to some of the older 
 dwellings at the center, the Strong, the Boltwood, the Dickinson and the 
 Merrill houses. There is a very old house on the Bay road at South 
 Amherst, now occupied by F. S. Jewett. It was an old house, known as 
 the " Smith place," when bought in 1803 by Jonathan Thayer, grandfather 
 of Dwight Thayer. The house on the West street at South Amherst now 
 occupied by Walter Hayward is one of the oldest in that neighborhood, 
 and with its projecting second story belongs to one of the oldest types of 
 architecture in New England. The houses at Mill Valley occupied by Flavel 
 Gaylordand E. W. Clark,builtin 1782, are in excellent preservation, affording 
 
1 1 I > c , 1 . |oll\ DICKINSONS HOUSE. 
 
 THE DELANO HOUSE. BURNED IN 1876. 
 
TOWN POLITICS. 451 
 
 good types of the capacious gambrel-roofed dwellings that were in such 
 high favor with an earlier generation. There are many ancient dwellings 
 at East Amherst and North Amherst, some of them " houses with a 
 history" which there is not space here to record. The house at the center 
 now occupied by the Misses Cowles was standing in 1S21, when it was 
 occupied by Dr. Rufus Cowles. The house now occupied by the PsiUpsi- 
 lon fraternity was the " president's house " of Amherst College. The 
 Amherst house " Annex," known for many years as ''Gunn's hotel," is one 
 of the older buildings at the center. The house now occupied by Rev. 
 Nelson Scott was for many years used as a tavern. The old Henderson 
 house, which stood on the site now occupied by the botanic Museum of 
 the Agricultural College, was torn down in October, 1865. The " Bee 
 Hive." formerly a part of the Mt. Pleasant Institute buildings, was torn 
 down in July. 1S65. Other old houses standing at the center are those 
 now occupied by John C. White, by Prof. G. F. Mills, by the Alpha Delta Phi 
 fraternity and built by Dr. Sellon.and the old Montague house on Main street. 
 Sweetser's hall, also known as " Concert " hall, was in the upper part of the 
 block occupied by Sweetser's store on Merchants' Row. Phoenix hall was in 
 the upper part of the Phoenix block, which occupied the site where Cook's 
 block now stands. These, with the exception of (i Agricultural hall," were 
 the only public halls at the center until Palmer's block waserectedin 1868. 
 
 TOWN POLITICS. 
 
 Since the earlier days the residents of Amherst have taken an active 
 and intelligent interest in politics and elections. Up to the year 1872, the 
 claims of party fealty were held in high esteem by Amherst voters, but 
 since that day there has frequently been shown an independence in politi- 
 cal action that is well worthy of record. When the Federalists controlled 
 the state, Amherst gave that party loyal support. When the struggle 
 came between the Whigs and Democracy, Amherst was found ranged with 
 the Whigs. .Since the birth of the Republican party. Amherst has given 
 strong support to its candidates, with one or two exceptions. Amherst 
 recorded its desire for a state constitution in 1778 and again in 1779. 
 The first election was held under this constitution Sept. 4. 1780, when 
 Amherst gave John Hancock 43 votes for governor and eight to James 
 Bowdoin. In 178S, Amherst sent Daniel Cooley as its representative to 
 the state convention which passed upon the question of adopting the con- 
 stitution of the United States. Mr. Cooley represented the wishes of his 
 constituents, and general public sentiment in this part of the state, by 
 voting against the constitution. There is no record of Amherst's vote for 
 presidential electors in 17S9, but in 1792 votes were cast for sixteen persons 
 for electors, the number of ballots for each varying from one to 24. In 
 
452 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 1796, Amherst voted for but one presidential elector, Ebenezer Mattoon 
 receiving 51 votes. In 1804, the electoral ticket bearing the names of 
 nineteen persons, including that of Ebenezer Mattoon, received 123 votes, 
 while the opposition ticket had but 20. This was the year when Massa- 
 chusetts gave her electoral vote to Jefferson for president. In 1820, the 
 residents of Amherst had the privilege of voting for two electors at large 
 and one for the Northern Hampshire district ; no votes were cast for 
 electors at large. 
 
 When the republican party was first organized it received a strong 
 support in Amherst. At the presidential election in 1856, Amherst cast 
 41 S votes for Fremont, 4S for Buchanan and 28 for Fillmore, the 
 " American " party candidate. The same year the town gave the following 
 votes for representative : Enos D. Williams, republican, 24S ; Noah Dick- 
 inson, "American," 222; M. A. Allen, democrat. 37. At the presidential 
 election in i860, Amherst cast 407 votes for Lincoln, 26 for Bell, 40 for 
 Douglass and 40 for Breckenridge. At that time Amherst had no 
 telegraph connection with the outside world, and the telegraphic and news- 
 gathering systems of the country were not sufficiently complete to afford 
 an accurate estimate of the result of a presidential election until at least 
 24 hours after the polls had closed. On Wednesday, the day following 
 election-day, a party of Amherst citizens drove to Northampton to get the 
 election returns as early as possible. It was notuntil an early hour Thurs- 
 day morning that they learned the news of Lincoln's election ; returning 
 to Amherst, they awakened people living along the route to tell them the good 
 news. When Amherst was reached the town was quickly aroused, bells 
 were rung, cannon fired, and the day was ushered in with general jubilation. 
 When Lincoln was re-elected in 1864, Amherst gave him 512 votes and 
 but 47 to McClellan. 
 
 At the presidential election in 1868, Amherst gave Grant 554 votes 
 and Seymour 86 ; four years later, when Horace Greeley, the "farmers' 
 friend," was the Democratic and Liberal candidate, Amherst gave Greeley 
 179 votes to 389 for Grant. In 1S74, Charles A. Stevens of Ware was 
 nominated for Congress by the republicans of the Tenth Massachusetts 
 district. There was little personal opposition to Mr. Stevens within the 
 party, but the charge was made that his nomination was the act of apolit- 
 cal " ring," that had long exercised its power in district politics. It was 
 also charged that money had been used by his friends in securing his 
 nomination. Under these circumstances, the friends of Julius H. Seelye, 
 at that time a professor in Amherst College, requested that he permit them to 
 place him in nomination as an independent candidate for Congress. Pro- 
 fessor Seelye gave his consent, and it is recorded that the only money 
 expended by him during the campaign was for the postage-stamp that he 
 
SUITS AT LAW. 453 
 
 placed on his letter of acceptance. The campaign was sharply fought on 
 either side, and Prof. Seelye was elected, his majority in the district being 
 294 in a total vote of over 15,000. Amherst gave Seelye 452 votes, 
 Stevens 62. 
 
 In 1S84, Amherst gave Blaine 374 votes and Cleveland 224. In 
 1888, Amherst gave Harrison 452 and Cleveland 224. In 1S92, Harri- 
 son's vote was 507 and Cleveland's 263. The voters of Amherst have 
 taken part in many interesting struggles over the nomination and election 
 of congressmen, state senators, representatives and county officials, which, 
 although exciting and interesting at the time, were of little historic impor- 
 tance. Members of the U. S. Congress residing in Amherst at the time of 
 their election, were as follows : Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., 1 So 1-03 ; Osmyn 
 Baker, 1839-45 ; Edward Dickinson, 1S53-55 ; Julius H. Seelye, 1S74-76. 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. served as presidential elector in 1792, 1796, 1S20 
 and 1828. Edward Dickinson was a member of the Governor's Council 
 in 1846-47, as was Timothy J. Gridley in 1849-50. The following members 
 of the state Senate were residents of Amherst when elected : Simeon 
 Strong, 1792-93 ; Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., 1795-96 ; John Leland, 1833-34; 
 Edward Dickinson, 1S42-43 ; James W. Boyden, 1858 ; Lucius M. Bolt- 
 wood, i860. Prior to 1857, each town in the state was entitled to send a 
 representative to the General Court; in 1857, representative districts were 
 formed. From 1S57 to 1866, inclusive, Amherst was in the Fifth Hamp- 
 shire district, with Granby and Pelham ; from 1S67 to 1876, inclusive, in 
 the Fourth Hampshire district, with South Hadley; from 1S77 to 1885, 
 inclusive, in the Fourth Hampshire district, with Pelham, Prescott and 
 South Hadley; since 1886, in the Fourth Hampshire district, with Belcher- 
 town and Granby. These districts have, with rare exceptions, sent republi- 
 cans as representatives to the General Court. 
 
 TOWN LAWSUITS. 
 
 The Hadley Third Precinct received as a part of its inheritance from 
 the parent town the suit against John Morton and Xathan Dickinson for 
 encroachments on the highways. The prosecution of this suit may have 
 been responsible in part for the taste for litigation developed among the 
 descendants of the " East Inhabitants.' - Certain it is that the town of 
 Amherst has been involved in many lawsuits, sometimes as plaintiff, oftener 
 as defendant, and that considerable sums of money have been paid from 
 the town treasury for legal expenses. A majority of these suits have had 
 to do with matters relating to the highways and pauper settlements. 
 Without attempting a complete record of these cases, brief reference may 
 be made to some few which have attracted, special interest within the past 
 fifty years. 
 
454 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 In 1858, the town of Amherst brought suit against the town of Shel- 
 burne, to decide the rightful place of settlement of Norman Smith, an 
 insane pauper. The case was partially tried in February, 185S, and was 
 taken to the Supreme Court on law exceptions which were decided in 
 Amherst's favor. It was again tried before the superior court at North- 
 ampton, in February, 1859, and the decision was given against Amherst. 
 The legal expenses of the suit to the town were $1,859.78 ; it was also 
 compelled to pay $1,332.38 to hospitals for Smith's support in previous 
 years. In 1859, George W. Lawton sued the town for $10,000 damages, 
 for injuries sustained by his wife in being thrown from a wagon over an 
 embankment, 25 feet in height, Jan. 21, 1858. The suit was brought 
 before a referee, who returned a verdict against the town in the sum of 
 $2,000 and costs, amounting in all to $2,978.85. Sept. 15, 1S69, as Francis 
 A. Lyman, a pedlar of tinware, was driving along the mountain road from 
 Amherst to Granby his horse fell down the bank by the roadside. He 
 brought suit against the town and a jury rendered a verdict in his favor in 
 the sum of $4,000. The case was carried to the supreme court on excep- 
 tions, which were over-ruled, and the amount of the verdict and $366.90 
 for expenses was paid by the town in 1872. 
 
 In 1872, Mrs. D. S. Cowles sued the town for damages for injuries 
 sustained upon the highway. The case was not settled until 1874, when 
 the town paid Mrs. Cowles, $1,250, and expenses of the suit amounting to 
 $306.74. In 1885, Giles G. Pratt brought suit against the town for dam- 
 ages sustained by driving against a railing by the side of the highway at 
 East Amherst. The suit was decided in his favor, the total expense to 
 the town being $426.48. During the same year, Olney P. Gaylord brought 
 suit against E. A. King who, while engaged in the discharge of his duties 
 as selectman, cut down trees in the highway limits at East Amherst, the land 
 on which they stood fronting on Gaylord' s premises and being claimed by 
 him as his own. The town defended the suit, which was decided in its 
 favor, the expense being a little more than $400. Suits brought against 
 the town in 1886, by Giles G. Pratt and Emory Squires, for damages sus- 
 tained upon the highways, were decided in the town's favor. In 189 1, J. 
 H. Sweetser and the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity brought suit against 
 the town for damages to property caused by the extension of Lessey street. 
 The town settled with Mr. Sweetser, paying him $1,125; tne smt brought 
 by the fraternity was decided in favor of the town. 
 
 AMUSEMENTS AND CELEBRATIONS. 
 
 The earlier inhabitants of Amherst found little time Jto devote to recre- 
 ation and amusement. Life to them was a serious matter and time too 
 precious to be wasted. They celebrated the two great holidays of the 
 
AMUSEMENTS. 455 
 
 year, Thanksgiving-day and July 4th, and made a half-way holiday of 
 " general muster " day in May. Neighborhood and society picnics were 
 indulged in on rare occasions. In winter the singing-school and lyceum 
 afforded recreation of a certain sort, and quilting-bees, husking-bees and 
 apple-parings broke the monotony of every-day existence. The traveling 
 circus and menagerie, though frowned upon by the older element in the 
 community, found a generous patronage among the young. Theatricals 
 were regarded as devices of the evil one, not to be tolerated in any law- 
 abiding community. As evidence of this sentiment, note the following 
 extract from the New England Inquirer, under date of Sept. n, 182S : 
 
 •■ We learn from the Ifampshire Gazette that a strolling company of players 
 has been performing at Northampton. We are really surprised that the select- 
 men of the shire town should have given license to what every moral man is bound 
 to regard as an outrageous nuisance." 
 
 In 1845, the selectmen licensed a circus to give a performance in 
 Amherst Saturday afternoon ; the proprietors were very anxious to give 
 an evening performance as well, but public sentiment upon the subject 
 was highly wrought up and the selectmen refused permission, on account 
 of the following day being the Sabbath. Van Amburgh exhibited his 
 trained animals in Amherst in 1846. Amherst people were also permitted, 
 for a consideration, to gaze upon that petrified humbug, the " Cardiff 
 giant." Mrs. Scott Siddons gave readings here while at the height of her 
 popularity. There was a great demand for tickets and the hall was 
 crowded. For many years after the organization of Amherst College the 
 annual commencement-day was recognized as a general holiday by the 
 town. Cattle-show day was honored in similar fashion for many years. 
 July 4, 1S47, tne operatives of the Amherst Manufacturing company held 
 a grand celebration at " Factory Village." About 160 persons sat down 
 to dinner which was provided by the ladies living in the vicinity. The 
 votes passed by the town during the period of the Revolutionary war were 
 read and patriotic addresses were delivered by Samuel C. Carter, Rev. 
 George Cooke and I. F. Conkey, Esq. Many toasts were proposed and 
 responded to. Oct. 12, 1847, members of the Cataract and Deluge Engine 
 companies and their invited guests held a grand banquet at the Amherst 
 house. July 4, i860, a large party went from Amherst to Westfield to 
 witness a game of base-ball played by Amherst and Williams College stu- 
 dents. Thirteen men played on each side for 31 innings, the final score 
 being 70-41 in Amherst's favor. At the same time and place, Williams 
 won from Amherst at chess. 
 
 Amherst, as a town, has held but one public celebration. At a 
 meeting of citizens held at the police court-room June 12, 1S76, it was 
 voted to celebrate in a fitting manner, on July 4th, the one hundredth 
 
456 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 anniversary of the town's organization. At a meeting held June 14, it was 
 voted that Levi Stockbridge serve as chairman of the day, with J. L. 
 Skinner as chief-marshal and Henry M. McCloud secretary and treasurer. 
 Nine committees were appointed to have charge of special features of the 
 occasion. It was also voted to invite M. F. Dickinson, Jr., of Boston, to 
 deliver the historical address. At a special town-meeting held June 22, it 
 was voted to appropriate $250 to defray the expenses of the celebration, 
 also $100 for the publication of the town history. The appointed day was 
 ushered in by the firing of a salute of 38 guns at sunrise and the ringing 
 of church-bells. An enjoyable feature of the occasion, although not on the 
 regular program, was a procession of " antiques and horribles," at 6 a. m. 
 The regular procession for the day formed on the village common at 9-30 
 a. m. It was headed by the Amherst Cornet band, which was followed by 
 scholars of all the Sunday-schools in town, citizens on foot and a long line 
 of carriages. The procession marched to the College grove, formerly 
 known as Baker's grove, where the exercises of the day were held. The 
 program included music by the Amherst Cornet band, prayer by Rev. D. 
 W. Marsh, an address by Levi Stockbridge, an historical address by M. F. 
 Dickinson, Jr., and reading of the Declaration of Independence by Rev. 
 Henry F. Allen. In the evening there was a fine display of fireworks. 
 
 WEATHER PHENOMENA. 
 
 As early as 1835, Prof. E. S. Snell began the collection of meteoro- 
 logical statistics in connection with his duties at Amherst College. This 
 work has been continued since the death of Professor Snell by his daugh- 
 ters, the Misses Mary L. and Sabra C. Snell. The results of these obser- 
 vations are recorded in the "Meteorological Journal of Amherst College." 
 Since the establishment of the Hatch Experiment Station on the grounds 
 of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, very complete and accurate 
 records have been compiled by the meteorological department of the sta- 
 tion. These records are of interest and value, and it is to be regretted 
 that they do not extend back to an earlier period in the town's history. 
 Residents of Amherst have witnessed many interesting weather phenom- 
 ena. Few if any now living can remember the famous " dark days " of 
 18 16 and 18 19, but many bear in recollection stories told concerning them 
 by parents and grandparents. 
 
 Situated upon a broad plateau, Amherst has been remarkably free 
 from those periodical inundations that visit the lowlands of the Connecti- 
 cut Valley, yet the town has suffered not a little from storm and flood. In 
 the early part of September, 1828, there was a very heavy freshet in the 
 Valley, the Connecticut river rising higher than before in twenty years. 
 Rain began falling Mondav evening and continued without cessation until 
 
STORM AND FLOOD. 457 
 
 Friday noon. The damage to roads and bridges in Amherst was estimated 
 at over $2,000. Aug. 11, 1863. the hardest thunder-shower known for 
 many years passed over the town. The rain fell in torrents filling the 
 streams to overflowing. The greatest destruction caused in Amherst was 
 at "Factory Hollow." There were, at that point, two dams upon the 
 Mill river. Crossing the stream directly above the lower clam was a foot- 
 bridge. After the storm had subsided, three women and a man stood upon 
 this bridge, watching the angry waters. Three of them resided at North 
 Amherst. Mrs. Mar}' YVheelock. her daughter Miss Wealthy, and Charles 
 Turner ; the fourth was Mrs. Rachel Barrett, who resided in Connecticut, 
 but was visiting friends in Amherst at the time. Suddenly and without 
 warning the upper dam gave way, and the descending flood carried away 
 the bridge. The three women were drowned but Mr. Turner was rescued. 
 The waters wrecked the bleach-house of L. M. Hills, containing a large 
 amount of valuable property, and other buildings in the near vicinity were 
 badly damaged. 
 
 Oct. 3 and 4, 1869, Amherst was visited by another disastrous freshet. 
 The rain fell continuously for 36 hours, the total precipitation amounting 
 to six inches, as recorded by Professor Snell, the heaviest he had ever 
 known. Fort river rose rapidly and covered much of the lowlands at East 
 Amherst. Porter Dickinson's machine-shop was flooded and a new 
 channel cut through the bank above the entrance to the canal. The dams 
 at the head of canals leading to the mills of E. B. Fitts were carried away, 
 while the canal leading to Kellogg's tool-shop was washed away in many 
 places. The brick-yard of Roswell Howard was flooded to a depth of 
 several feet. Considerable damage was done at North Amherst. John 
 R. Cushman's loss was nearly $10,000. The rightwingof the dam leading 
 to his leather-mill was torn away and the mill badly damaged. The dams 
 at Cushman's upper paper-mill and the Roberts mill were carried away. 
 Considerable damage was clone along the line of the railroad. No trains 
 passed over the tracks at Amherst from Monday morning until Thursday 
 noon. The damage to roads and bridges in the town was estimated at 
 over $3,100. 
 
 June 14, 1877, two storm-clouds came together above the town of 
 Northampton, the result being a tornado which caused great damage within 
 a limited area. The old covered bridge crossing the Connecticut river 
 between Northampton and Hadley was torn from its piers and completely 
 wrecked. Eleven people and six teams went down with the bridge, one 
 woman being fatally crushed by the falling timbers. Three residents of 
 Amherst were upon the bridge at the time, W. W. Smith, L. A. Williams 
 and J. C. Haskins. Mr. Haskins felt the bridge giving way and ran his 
 horse at full speed ; this probably saved his life as the falling timbers struck 
 
458 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the rear wheels of his wagon. Mr. Smith went down with his team, but 
 escaped serious injury. July 16, 1879, a disastrous tornado swept across 
 the state from west to east. The towns in the Connecticut Valley suffered 
 severely. The weather for many days had been intensely hot and atmos- 
 pheric conditions were similar to those which cause cyclones in the West. 
 The storm was at its worst in Northampton, where many of the largest of 
 its famous elm-trees were uprooted. In Amherst, also, the storm was 
 severe. A heavy fall of hail destroyed crops and broke many hundred 
 panes of glass. The Durfee Plant-house on the Agricultural College 
 grounds was wrecked. Lightning struck many buildings, including 
 the almshouse at South Amherst. As witnessed from Amherst, the storm 
 presented a most imposing and awesome appearance. 
 
 Sept. 6, 1881, is known in New England annals as the "yellow day." 
 During the early hours of the morning an intense darkness prevailed, 
 lightening at sunrise. About 9 a. m. darkness began to settle down over 
 the earth, the sun being completely veiled from sight. The air was thick, 
 a sickly yellow vapor seeming to rise from the ground, and giving out a 
 very pungent odor. Gas was lighted in the stores at an early hour in the fore- 
 noon, the scholars in the public schools were dismissed and fowls sought 
 their roost as in the " dark days " earlier in the century. The darkness 
 continued to increase until noon, but about 2 p. m. the sun began to show 
 a little through the clouds and by sunset the air was fairly clear. Acurious 
 coincidence in connection with this phenomenon was the fact that the 
 following day, Sept. 7, had been fixed upon by a certain sect as the date 
 when the world should end, and some, even of the skeptical, were not a 
 little alarmed at the "yellow day," which might well have ushered in some 
 extraordinary event. The cause of this phenomenon has never been fully 
 ascertained, but is generally supposed to have resulted from great forest 
 fires in Canada. 
 
 New England's great and only blizzard began on March n, 1888 and 
 continued through two nights and one day. In Amherst, snow began to 
 fall lightly on Sunday evening, continuing through the night and Monday 
 morning with increasing vigor. By Monday noon the wind was blowing a 
 gale and the air was filled with sharp ice-crystals that cut into the flesh of 
 those who were exposed to the fury of the storm. As night drew on the 
 storm increased in violence and nearly every road in town was rendered 
 impassible for teams. The mingled snow and ice was piled by the wind 
 in drifts reaching in many cases to the second-story windows of dwelling- 
 houses. During the night, while the storm yet raged, an alarm of fire was 
 given and in less than an hour Palmer's block and the " Cooper house " 
 were in ashes. Snow was banked about the engine-house so that it was 
 impossible to open the doors, but the hose was dragged out through the 
 
AMHERST IKil si:. 
 
 WAKM'.K HOUSF 
 
 I m 
 
 ALMER S I'.I.i ii K. 
 
 MAPLE AVEXUE, BEFORE [868. 
 
THE " ELIZZARD." 459 
 
 windows and an attempt made to stay the flames, but this was impossible. 
 The storm continued through the night and, the following morning, resi- 
 dents of Amherst " looked upon a world unknown." The whole outline 
 of the landscape had been changed in a day and night. Teams were at 
 once set at work breaking out the highways but full communication was not 
 established between the center village and the outlying districts until late 
 on Wednesday afternoon. Some drifts at East Amherst measured over 
 twenty feet in depth. Travel on both railway lines passing through 
 Amherst was suspended from Monday noon until Wednesday night. A 
 passenger train on the New London Northern road was stalled near the 
 Amherst depot, while on the Massachusetts Central road an engine was 
 wrecked while trying to force its way through the snowdrifts in the " cut " 
 to the west of the station. No mails and no daily papers were received in 
 Amherst for two days. Telegraph wires were down, and news of the fire 
 in Palmer's block reached the New York papers by way of long-distance 
 telephone from Northampton to Boston, and then by cable via London, 
 England, to New York. Milkmen were unable to cover their routes, and 
 the supply of fresh meat in town was nearly exhausted ere the blockade 
 was broken. The expense of opening the highways for travel was more 
 than $1,000. Many persons attempting to reach their homes from their 
 places of business Monday evening, had narrow escapes from death by 
 exposure or exhaustion. There were no fatal accidents caused in the town 
 by the blizzard, but many persons were rendered ill by exposure. 
 
 Sept. n, 1895, a tornado passed over the town. Lasting but half an 
 hour, it did great damage to property in a limited area. At the height of 
 the storm the wind-gauge at the Hatch Experiment station indicated a 
 velocity of 92 miles an hour. Rain fell in torrents, and was succeeded by 
 a fall of hail the like of which had never before been noted in this lati- 
 tude. Trees were blown down, chimneys demolished, houses unroofed 
 and thousands of panes of glass broken. Telegraph and telephone wires 
 were broken and tangled. The fruit crop was badly damaged. In less 
 than a half-hour after the storm began the sun was shining brightly. 
 
460 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER L1II. 
 
 The Old Cannon. — Slavery and the Abolition Movement. — Authors. 
 — Scientists. — Natural Features. — Locality Names. — Pub- 
 lic Conveniences. — Societies. 
 
 The struggle in regard to the opening of Triangle street was but an 
 incident in the contest, long continued, for supremacy between the settle- 
 ments at the East and West streets. Another feature of this contest, and 
 a most interesting one, is found in the efforts made by the younger element 
 in either community to secure and retain possession of the "old cannon." 
 After the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne, the American army was well sup- 
 plied with new and improved brass and bronze field-pieces captured from 
 the enemy. Some of the old iron cannon, which had previously been 
 in use by the American troops, were presented by the government to officers 
 who had served with distinction in the campaign. Among the officers thus 
 honored was Lieut. Ebenezer Mattoon, who was given charge of two iron 
 field-pieces, six-pounders, with carriages and all appurtenances. The guns 
 were forwarded to Hatfield, whence they were brought to Amherst by 
 Oliver Clapp and Joseph Blair. One of these guns was loaned to go to 
 New Salem, where it stood for some years on the common, being used in 
 firing salutes on July 4th and other public occasions. It was stolen by 
 boys and hidden for several years, but was found in the early '60s and 
 restored to its place on the common. Soon afterwards a foot or two of 
 the muzzle was blown away owing to overloading. After this accident 
 the gun disappeared in a mysterious manner for the second time and has 
 never been recovered. 
 
 Not less eventful, and even more exciting, was the history of the gun 
 that remained in Amherst. Lieutenant, afterwards General Mattoon, 
 willingly loaned it for use in patriotic celebrations, and it was in general 
 demand on July 4th and similar occasions. Gen. Mattoon lived at East 
 Amherst, but this did not prevent the West street " boys " from frequently 
 gaining possession of the gun. Time and again it was hidden away, in 
 anticipation of future use, by one faction, only to be discovered and stolen 
 by the other. It is related that one Fourth of July, when the gun chanced 
 to be in possession of the West-street faction, the young men at East street 
 organized themselves into a regular artillery company, and having procured 
 a cannon from Belchertown marched with it to the West street at midnight 
 on July 3d and fired a salute, hoping that the West-street faction would 
 bring out their gun, when it was proposed to have a pitched battle for 
 
THE OLD CANNON. 46 1 
 
 supremacy. Fortunately, in the interests of peace, the challenge was not 
 accepted. 
 
 The old gun was brought forth to do duty on the night when the news 
 was received in Amherst that the General Court had granted a charter to 
 Amherst College. After firing several rounds, the friends of the college 
 adjourned to the Amherst house, where they indulged in a general celebra- 
 tion. The next day it was noticed that one of the celebrators had an eye 
 in mourning, and on being questioned as to how he had received the 
 injury replied that he had '-run agin the charter." With the establish- 
 ment of the college, a new factor entered into the struggle for the posses- 
 sion of the gun ; the students espoused the cause of the faction at West 
 street and also found the gun of great assistance in college celebrations. 
 General Mattoon, then well advanced in years, became heartily sick of the 
 controversy. After a particularly sharp contest between the East street 
 and West street factions, the gun mysteriously disappeared, in the summer 
 of 1 83 1. An extended search was made for it at the time, and was 
 renewed at intervals for many years thereafter, but without avail. Many 
 stories were told in regard to its disappearance and its probable hiding- 
 place. Some said that the young men at East street had carried it away 
 and placed it beyond the reach of their West street antagonists ; others, 
 that the latter had hidden it away and would produce it at some fitting 
 time; others still, that the students were responsible for its disappearance. 
 It was said it had been placed in an old well, that it had been sunk in Fort 
 river, that it had been buried in any one of a score of places. As time 
 passed on, and the antagonism between the East and the West villages 
 died away, the old gun and its stirring history passed into the realms of 
 tradition. In 1893, Dr. D. B. X. Fish, who had made a study of thehistory 
 of the gun, made a determined effort to discover its hiding-place. He 
 communicated with most of the living members of the classes who were in 
 Amherst College at the time of the gun's disappearance, and with many 
 former residents of the town who might be supposed to know something 
 in regard to it. He succeeded in collecting considerable information in 
 regard to the gun, but was unable to discover where it was buried. In the 
 spring of 1S96, parties in Amherst were notified that a letter was in exist- 
 ence which would reveal the resting-place of the old gun. Negotiations 
 were entered into with the parties having this letter in their possession, 
 with the result that it is here presented, with a few unimportant omissions, 
 giving for the first time in print a complete and probably accurate account 
 of the burial of the gun. The letter was written in 185S by Robert Wilson, 
 a member of the class of '32 at Amherst College, to his fellow classmate,. 
 Zebina C. Montague of Amherst. 
 
462 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Keene, May 30TH, 1858. 
 
 Dear Bixa : 
 
 Your short and sweet epistle came yesterday and brought to 
 mind your request conveyed in the former letter. I confess to a neglect in replying 
 sooner, but time passed and I kept on delaying and so on, just as lazy, or busy 
 men will do the world over. Well to begin at the beginning— Kaigar rode the gun 
 on the evening of July 4th, 1830, and you "■fellers"'' were full of your exploits con- 
 cerning your prowess in Oct. of that year when one Bob Wilson first came to 
 Amherst to dabble his confounded fingers in the mess also, and cause the faculty 
 sleepless nights not a few. I " arriv " in season to take part in the scrimmage, we 
 the Juniors had with the Sophs, who presumed to leave the chapel before our high 
 mightiness etc. etc. When Old Prex called upon Hitchings to " desist " while 
 handling John Burnham at the head of the stairs. During the last of June A. D. 
 1831, One Caleb Lyman proposed to renew the previous year's celebration and as 
 it was considered rather unsafe for the Students to meddle that year, Cale and 
 Bill Cutler obtained the Gun of Genl. Mattoon, and the students subscribed the 
 money for powder etc. Several of us assisted in the firing before daylight, in dis- 
 guise, and we made preparations to give the faculty " especial Hell " on the evening 
 of the fourth but desisted at the earnest entreaty of some of the citizens on 
 account of a young lady who was sick. But Cale and Cutler had especial cJiarge 
 to keep the gun hot as long as the powder lasted, and if Kaigar saw fit to ride it 
 again, to put in an extra charge, in order to make his seat as easy as possible. Well 
 July 1831 passed pretty quietly upon the whole. In the early part of June 1S32 
 the East Street boys, who had been somewhat disappointed the year previous in 
 not obtaining the gun of the old Genl. began to plot about stealing it, and as some- 
 thing of a feud had grown out of the matter, I waited on the Genl. and stated what 
 had been whispered abroad. He was willing we should have it, but did not quite 
 wish to disoblige his neighbors. I finally enquired if he would feel very angry at 
 us, if we u stole the gun " before the east street boys got hands on it? The idea 
 seemed to please him much, as the gun would then go where he desired it, and 
 save him scatheless. It was then in the east end of his barn floor, and over it 
 about two or three tons of straw and litter. On or near the 15th of June, — Cale 
 Lyman, — Cutler — myself and some of the boys, went to the barn, opened the East 
 Doors from the inside, and drew the gun from under the straw, closed the doors 
 and left everything apparently as it was before. We took it to a barn near the 
 Mount Pleasant Institute, disjointed, and hid the several parts in a Hay Mow. 
 About the 1st of July the East Streeters visited the General's Barn one night and 
 pitched off carefully all the straw to the last forkfull, and behold the Gun had 
 vamosed! Genl. M. was well aware of all the proceedings, and was in perfect 
 extasces at the fun of the thing. 
 
 There was quite a row among the horses while this was being done, and the 
 servant girl came to the Genl. and complained about the noise, but he quieted her 
 by saying there was nothing the matter etc. The secret of all that, is this. The 
 Genl's Son (who lived at home then) sided with the East Streeters, and the Genl. 
 with us; We got the Gun when the Son was away from home. And the Son left 
 home purposely on the night that the East Streeters went for it, so as not to be 
 privy to the stealing, or hinder them from it. The Genl. notified Cale when his 
 ■son was to be absent, and was privy to our whole movements. He also knew that 
 it was arranged between his son and the East Streeters for them to get possession 
 of the gun. The next morning there was a general row in East Street, and no one 
 
BURYING THE CANNON. 463 
 
 so mad as Mattoon's Son. The Genl. was perfectly calm and reconciled to the 
 fate of the poor Gun, as nobody could eat. or pocket it! Thayer's carriage hands 
 sent to Belchertown, got a Gun and came up to the corner near Pitkin's Store on 
 morning of the 4th with their Gun and about sixty men armed with bludgeons lest they 
 might be attacked, fired twice and retreated as fast as they could run to East Street 
 again. This was about 15 minutes before 12 on the morning of the4th whilea detach- 
 ment of our men had gone for our Gun. It soon came upon the ground, and played 
 merrily until daylight. An attempt was made by an East Streeter to spike it during the 
 day, but it was soon got in good condition again and did good service in the even- 
 ing. During the day of the 4th, 1832, threats were made by the East Streeters 
 that they would take the Gun that night and u put it in where the College Boys 
 should never see it again.'" Between 10 and 12 of that night the hole in Gilbert's 
 cellar where he used to keep the Ale Barrel under the floor, was dug deeper and 
 the Gun consigned to mother earth, with about five feet of good clean gravel a-top 
 of it: We then supposed it had found a quiet resting place until the next 4th 
 should require celebrating etc. but— alas— the instability of all sublunary things ! In 
 less than two weeks from that time, one of the Academy Students heard Cutler 
 say to some crony of his, " that he knew where the " thing " was pointing signifi- 
 cantly with his finger downwards. This conversation was reported to a certain 
 person whose name came near the last on the catalogue of the Seniors for 1S32 and 
 the conclusion arrived at, was, that there ought to be a resurrection of the " 76-er " 
 before morning. Accordingly another member whose name began with A of that 
 same class of Scape Goats, was called from his warm bed. and 76 was resurrected 
 in about two hours. The fore wheels of one of Bissell's wagons were borrowed 
 and the funeral procession consisting of the aforementioned two scape Goats and 
 76, started for East Street on the northern-most of those two roads, proceeded as 
 far as Esq. Dickinson's then turned west on what is now the .Main Street from 
 Bina's to Dickinson's. Do you remember two large, old Willow Trees standing 
 one on the south and the other on the north side of what is now the street between 
 you and Dickinson's? The south one stood in the field, the north one then stood 
 nearly in a line with the fence on the north side of the road. — The Gun finally was 
 deposited about forty or fifty feet to the west of the northernmost Willow Tree, 
 and about 10 feet south. I think a north and south line drawn about 45 feet west of 
 where that Tree was, and an east and west one ten feet south of it (the tree) will 
 at the intersection of the two lines nearly cover the Gun. It was not buried more 
 than two and one-half feet deep as the ground was hard clay and daylight was fast 
 approaching. When at Amherst, 5 years since I pointed out to Kellogg the Mer- 
 chant, as near as possible the location. It might be easily found if desired either 
 by trenching, or by probing the ground at regular distances with a sharp steel rod. 
 I am surprised that it has not been uncovered already as the ground had been 
 lowered somewhat from its former heighth when I saw it last. Genl. M. was privy 
 to. and not averse to its being buried as it had been a source of annoyance to him 
 for some years previously. I do not think he had an idea it would remain buried 
 for a long period, but seemed pleased to have the annoyance removed for a time, 
 and when talking the matter over, "chuckled" most heartily at the chagrin of his 
 son and the " East Streeters " in losing it. 
 
 Truly your friend, 
 
 B. Wilson. 
 P. S. Bill Adams and I did that job. and worked well too. I cut a pair of 
 new Boots clean through the Soles in digging the holes. 
 
464 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 THE ABOLITION MOVEMENT. 
 
 Slaves were owned in Amherst as late as 1770. There was little 
 active opposition to the institution of slavery in this section until after 
 1830, although few persons were held in bondage in Western Massachu- 
 setts after the beginning of the Nineteenth Century. As early as 1833, 
 an anti-slavery society was organized among the students of Amherst 
 College ; it met with strong opposition from many of the students and 
 from members of the faculty, who believed that it interfered with the use- 
 fulness of the institution ; it was given up by command of the faculty, but 
 was revived in 1836, with the faculty's consent and approbation. In 
 1838, the First parish dismissed an article contained in the warrant for a 
 parish meeting, in relation to granting the use of the meeting-house for 
 lectures on the subject of slavery. The "Amherst Anti-Slavery Society" 
 was organized sometime in the later '30s. Its constitution is still in 
 existence, the preamble reading as follows : 
 
 " The Census of the United States presents us with the fact that one-sixth 
 part of this nation are held in bondage by their fellow citizens. We believe that 
 Slavery in its laws and usages is a violation of the law of God and of the funda- 
 mental principles of our national government. We beiieve that a public senti- 
 ment may be created throughout the country which shall be so averse to Slavery 
 as to effect its speedy Abolition, and thus restore the Slave to his rights, appease 
 the anger of the Righteous and Supreme Judge of all men and prevent a general 
 convulsion. And we believe that it is our duty to do all that we can lawfully in 
 such an enterprise. We do therefore agree to form ourselves into a Society 
 under the following Constitution.'' 
 
 The expressed object of the society was: 
 
 •'To collect and diffuse information on the subject of Slavery, to convince 
 our fellow citizens of its impolicy, injustice and criminality, and consequently the 
 expediency, safety and duty of abolishing it ; to use all lawful, moral, and religious 
 measures to effect its total and immediate abolition throughout the United States;. 
 to improve the condition of people of color, remove the prejudice of public opinion 
 against them and advance their intellectual, moral and religious improvement." 
 
 Any person might become a member of the society by signing the 
 constitution. The signatures of 245 persons were attached to this docu- 
 ment, the first in the list being that of Rev. W. W. Hunt. Among these 
 names was that of Frederic D. Huntington, at that time a student in 
 Amherst College, and those of many other students in the classes of '37, 
 '38 and '39. 
 
 July 19, 1837, a meeting was held in the hall of the school-house at 
 South Amherst for the purpose of forming an anti-slavery society. A 
 constitution was adopted, the preamble reading as follows : 
 
 " Whereas the Most High God hath made of one blood all nations of men to 
 dwell on the face of the Earth, and hath commanded them to love their neighbors 
 
ABOLITION SOCIETIES. 465 
 
 as themselves, and whereas our national existence is based upon the principle that 
 all mankind are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain 
 inalienable rights among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and 
 whereas Slavery is contrary to the principles of natural justice and of the Chris- 
 tian Religion, and we believe it the duty and interest of the Masters immediately 
 to emancipate the Slaves, and whereas we believe we owe it to the oppressed, to 
 our fellow citizens who hold slaves, to our country, to posterity and to God to do 
 all that is lawfully in our power to bring about the extinction of Slavery, we do 
 hereby agree with a prayerful reliance on Divine aid to form ourselves into a 
 society to be governed by the following Constitution.'' 
 
 The name adopted was the "Anti-Slavery Society of the South Parish 
 in Amherst." Its object was "the entire abolition of slavery in the 
 United States," which it was proposed to promote by circulating informa- 
 tion in regard to slavery and by other suitable means. Any person might 
 become a member by signing the constitution. There were 57 signatures 
 to the document. Officers were elected as follows: President, Timothy 
 Smith ; secretary and treasurer, Thomas Read ; executive committee, 
 Erastus S. Bridgman, Joseph Dana and Jacob Stetson, Jr. At a meeting 
 of the society held Oct. 29, 1839, tne following resolutions were adopted : 
 
 •• That we believe the most efficient measures which we can use for bringing 
 the public mind in this place to a correct view of Slavery will be the circulation of 
 anti-slavery publications. That it is our duty as Abolitionists to exert our influ- 
 ence to secure the election of representatives to Congress who will on all occa- 
 sions raise their voices in the defence of the right of petition, and use their 
 utmost endeavors for the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia and also 
 in the territories of the United States." 
 
 Feb. 17, 1840, the society voted to become auxiliary to the Hamp- 
 shire County Abolition society. Feb. 19, 1840, the executive committee 
 was instructed to select and purchase books for an anti-slavery library. 
 The last entry in the society records bears date Jan. 11, 1S42. 
 
 The "North Amherst Abolition Society," auxiliary to the Hampshire 
 County Anti-Slavery society, was organized at North Amherst, Sept. 30, 
 1839, with 1 10 members. Its officers were : President, Ferdinand Robinson ; 
 vice-president, Ephraim Roberts, Jr. ; corresponding secretary, Charles Rob- 
 erts; recording secretary, Ransom Cowles ; treasurer, Samuel Robbins. How 
 long these society organizations were continued, and whether they exerted 
 any great influence upon public sentiment cannot be stated with certainty, but 
 the anti-slavery agitation was carried on in Amherst as in other New England 
 communities up to the time when the arguments of writing and oratory 
 gave place to the more convincing, if not more logical arguments of 
 musket and sabre. June 10, 1S48, Rev. Joshua Leavitt delivered a lec- 
 ture in Sweetser's hall on " Slavery, and the position that the people of 
 the North sustain to that institution." During the presidential campaign 
 3° 
 
466 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of 1848, the " Free Soil " movement, though opposed by the Express on 
 the ground that it weakened the Whig party, had many and warm friends 
 in Amherst. Sept. 1, 1848, a meeting of the "Free Soil" advocates was 
 held at the Amherst house to choose delegates to the state convention at 
 Boston. At the same time and place a meeting of the " Liberty Men " 
 was held. Many members of the college faculty, as well as pastors of 
 the local churches, were ardent advocates of the abolition movement. 
 
 AUTHORS AND SCIENTISTS. 
 
 Amherst has given birth to no great artist, musician, inventor or scien- 
 tist. The few great names in her history are those of lawyers, physicians, 
 ministers of the Gospel, educators, men of affairs. The literature of Amer- 
 ica and of the world has been enriched by many contributions from 
 Amherst writers, but few of these authors have attained great eminence in 
 the literary world. The presidents of Amherst College have devoted 
 much of their time and effort to literary work, from which the public has 
 benefited greatly. President Humphrey had several volumes printed, of 
 which the one having the largest circulation was that which described his 
 "Tour in France, Great Britain and Belgium." President Hitchcock was 
 a voluminous writer, his printed works comprising 24 bound volumes, 35 
 pamphlets, 94 papers in periodicals and 80 newspaper articles. His best 
 known works were " Reminiscences of Amherst College," "Religion of 
 Geology," "Elementary Geology" and "Phenomena of the Seasons." 
 President Seelye revised and edited Hickok's " Mental Science " and 
 "Moral Science," was author of "The Way, the Truth and the Life," 
 "Citizenship" and other volumes. Many valuable text-books in science 
 and literature have been written by professors at the college and have 
 been adopted for use in educational institutions throughout the country. 
 Professor W. S. Tyler wrote and published his very interesting and valu- 
 able " History of Amherst College," while engaged in his duties as a 
 member of the college faculty. Noah Webster was a resident of Amherst 
 while engaged in the compilation of his famous dictionary, which has well 
 been ranked with the Bible and with Shakespeare's works as one of the 
 three most valuable publications in the English language. 
 
 The most noted writer of fiction that Amherst can claim by right of 
 birth was undoubtedly Helen M. Fiske, better known to the world of 
 literature as "H. H." The daughter of Prof. Nathan W. Fiske of 
 Amherst College, she was born at Amherst, Oct. iS, 183 1. She was edu- 
 cated at Ipswich female seminary and at the private school of Rev. J. S. 
 C. Abbott in New York City. At the age of 2 1 she was married to 
 Edward B. Hunt, a captain in the United States army, by whom she had 
 two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other while but a child. 
 
HELEN HUNT. 467 
 
 Eleven years after their marriage her husband was killed by the explosion 
 of a sub-marine battery at Fortress Monroe. Helen Hunt began her 
 literary career in 1S66, as a contributor of short poems to the columns of 
 the Nation and the Independent. In 1870, she printed at her own expense 
 a volume of poems entitled "Verses by H. H." This won at once a gen- 
 erous recognition in the literary world, and thereafter her writings were in 
 great demand by publishers. She was the author of two volumes pub- 
 lished by Roberts Bros, in their "No Name'' series, in 1876 and 1877, 
 "Mercy Philbrick's Choice" and "Hetty's Strange History;" these 
 added greatly to her reputation. It is generally believed, although she 
 would never admit it, that she was the author of the " Saxe Holm " stories, 
 printed in Seribner s Monthly in 1873 and 1878. In 1S75, she removed to 
 Colorado, where she was married the same year to William S. Jackson. 
 In her Western home she first became impressed with the injustice which 
 had been shown by the United States government in dealing with the 
 Indian tribes. The result of these impressions is shown in "A Century 
 of Dishonor," published in 18S1, and in " Ramona," her latest and by 
 many esteemed her greatest work which was published in 1SS4. She 
 died in Colorado. Aug. 12, 1885. By common consent she is accorded a 
 very high rank among the female authors of America. 
 
 Eugene Field, the well-known author, was born in St. Louis, Mo., 
 but came to Amherst at an early age and remained here several years, 
 attending at one time the Misses Howland's and Rev. R. B. Hubbard's 
 schools. He ever retained an interest in the town in which he spent his 
 boyhood days. Emily Dickinson, daughter of Hon. Edward Dickinson, 
 was born in Amherst and was educated at Mt. Holyoke seminary. She 
 did not write for publication, but after her death three volumes, two of 
 letters and the other of poems from her pen, were edited by Mrs. Mabel 
 Loomis Todd and published, commanding a large sale. ' They gave 
 evidence of uncommon literary talent and were warmly welcomed by the 
 public. Emeline Walker, grand-daughter of Peter Ingram, gained literary 
 distinction under the name of "Lisle Lester." 
 
 Of the scientists who have made their home in Amherst perhaps the 
 most noted was Edward Hitchcock. He was appointed state geologist of 
 Massachusetts in 1830, and geologist of the First District of New York in 
 1836. He made the first geological survey of this section of the Connec- 
 ticut Valley, beginning the work while pastor of a church in Conway. • It 
 was largely through his influence that the geological survey of the state 
 was undertaken. In 1857, he was called on to complete the geological 
 survey of Vermont. He was the discoverer of the famous " bird tracks " in 
 the Connecticut Valley, and his collection of these fossil footprints, the 
 finest in the world, is now on exhibition in the museum of Amherst Col- 
 
468 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 lege. Charles U. Shepard, the noted mineralogist, was at one time a 
 member of the Amherst College faculty, and the college was fortunate 
 enough to secure his very extensive and valuable collection of minerals 
 for its cabinets. Edward Tuckerman became connected with the college 
 in 1854, and in 185S was appointed professor of botany, a position which 
 he held until his death in 1886. Having made a special study of lichens 
 he became known as the best American authority upon this subject and 
 was elected a member of several of the most noted American and foreign 
 scientific societies. A pioneer in the study of the flora of the White 
 Mountains, his name is borne by one of the most famous ravines in that 
 region. 
 
 TOPOGRAPHY AND LOCALITY NAMES. 
 
 The scope of this work does not admit of any extended consideration 
 of the topography of the town. President Hitchcock, in his " Reminis- 
 cences," has given in broad outline a map of the physical features of the 
 landscape in and about Amherst. The town is situated on a broad plateau, 
 sloping gradually on the west down to the Hadley meadows and with a 
 sharper declination on the east to the lowlands at the foot of the Pelham 
 hills. The division line with Granby and South Hadley to the south 
 extends along the summit of the picturesque Holyoke mountain range. 
 To the northwest the land slopes down to Sunderland meadows, and to the 
 northeast rises to the " Flat hills " and the Leverett and Shutesbury divis- 
 ion lines. Twin hills, christened by President Hitchcock " Castor " and 
 " Pollux," are located in the south part of the town, while to the north are 
 Mt. Pleasant and the companion eminence from which arises the marble 
 shafts of Wildwood cemetery. A little to the south and west of the center 
 is the sightly highland of Mt. Doma. Near to the northwest boundary 
 line is the " Great swamp " often referred to in old Hadley records, and 
 near the railway at South Amherst the "Lawrence swamp." Nearly all 
 the territory comprised in the township was formerly covered by a heavy 
 forest growth, but little of which is now standing. Two rivers pass through 
 the town, each having its source in Shutesbury. One, known as Mill river, 
 takes a westerly course through the north part of the town and passing 
 through North Hadley empties into the Connecticut river. The other, 
 known as " Fort " or " Freshman " river, takes a southerly course through 
 the town and empties into the Connecticut at Hockanum. 
 
 The most noted landmark in the early period of the town's history 
 was the " Hartling stake," which stood near the junction of Main and 
 West streets, or near the northeast corner of the Amherst house. 
 The origin of the name is unknown. Many locality names have been 
 applied to certain sections in the town, some of which have fallen 
 into disuse while others are yet retained. The northeast section is still known 
 
LOCAL NAMES. 469 
 
 as the ''Flat Hills," as it was in 173S. "Broad Gutter." as a local name 
 in the northern part of the town, has been forgotten. The common at 
 South Amherst was known for many years as " Fiddler's Green," but 
 neither memory nor tradition gives significance to the term. When in the 
 early years of this century the East and West villages were contending for 
 supremacy the local name for the East street was " Sodom " while the West 
 street rejoiced in the name of " Mt. Zion." The section now known as 
 "Mill Valley " was formerly called " Clark's Mills "' and at a later date 
 " Mill Hollow." The name of •' Factory Hollow " at North Amherst is 
 self explanatory and is of early origin. The Nutting family living in the 
 southeast part of the town gave to that section the name of " Nuttingville." 
 " Hawley Swamp " in the eastern part of the town derives its name from 
 the Hawley family. Kellogg's tool-factory gave the name of '• Kellogg- 
 ville " to the thriving settlement about it. The woodland near the Hadley 
 line has long been known as the •' West woods." "Pine Hill" is on the 
 Bay road near Hadley line. "'Yale Hollow" and •' Bartlett's Hollow" are 
 well known to those who have hunted squirrels on the south mountain. The 
 " 1 Jevil's Garden " on the mountain road to South Hadley must be seen if 
 the significance of the term would be fully appreciated. " Irish Hill." the 
 "Patch," the '•Curry" and "Blackbird's Island" are terms that have a 
 local significance. 
 
 PUBLIC SERVICE. 
 
 In matters pertaining to the public convenience Amherst has fared 
 full as well as other communities of relative size and importance. Tele- 
 graph communication with the outside world was established in 1861. the 
 first message from Amherst being sent Dec. 9 of that year. The town has 
 now the service of two companies, the Western Union and the Postal. In 
 the fall of 1S95, a local telephone exchange was established in Amherst, 
 with some forty subscribers. As early as the days of stage-coaching the 
 town was supplied with an express service ; the character of this service 
 was changed when the first railway line was completed through the town, 
 but has been continued, by different companies, up to the present time. 
 A passenger transfer service between the depots and the Amherst house 
 has been in operation for many years. The first public laundry was 
 established in Amherst in the '70s by G. W. Arms. 
 
 SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 Amherst has had an abundant quota of society organizations, many 
 of which have already been considered in this volume under special chapter 
 headings. Two physicians, resident in Amherst, Drs. Isaac G. Cutler and 
 Rufus Cowles, took a prominent part in the organization of the Hampshire 
 
470 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 District Medical society in 1833. Other Amherst physicians have been 
 admitted to this organization as follows: In 1840, Gardner Dorrance ; 
 1841, S. E. Strong; 1843, Seth Fish, then of North Hadley, and Israel 
 H. Taylor, then of Pelham; 1852, Benjamin F. Smith; 1861, Lorin H. 
 Pease; 1866, D. B. N. Fish and O. F. Bigelow; 1867, John Dole and 
 Edward R. Lewis; 1874, William Dwight : 1S78, Charles W. Cooper; 
 1884, H. H. Seelye; 1891, H. B. Perry; 1895, J. Stowell, Jr.; 1896, G. 
 W. Rawson and C. F. Branch. The following Amherst physicians have 
 been fellows of the Massachusetts Medical society : Robert Cutler, Isaac 
 G. Cutler, Rufus Cowles, Seth Fish, Benjamin F. Smith, Edward Hitch- 
 cock, Edward Hitchcock, Jr., D. B. N. Fish. 
 
 The Knox Branch of the Washington Benevolent society was in 
 existence in Amherst in 18 1 5 and 1816. Ithamar Conkey, Lucius Bolt- 
 wood and Austin Dickinson served as secretaries of the society in these 
 years. Meetings were held at Boltwood's tavern. This society, while 
 professedly instituted for benevolent objects, was in reality a secret political 
 organization, designed to further the interests of the Federal party. 
 There were county organizations to which the branches in the towns were 
 auxiliary. The organization was a popular one in the New England 
 states. 
 
 Pacific Lodge F. and A. M. was chartered June 8, 1801, by the grand 
 lodge of Massachusetts. The petition for a charter was signed by Phineas 
 Hubbard, Roswell Field, Edward Ruggles, Samuel Church, Joseph Willard, 
 Caleb Hubbard, Friend Smith, Rufus Field, David Stockbridge, Cornelius 
 Wells, John Prentiss, William Mather and Elijah Allis. Some of these 
 parties resided in Amherst, others in Leverett, Hadley and Sunderland. The 
 charter gave the lodge permission to hold its meetings in Sunderland, and 
 the first place of meeting was at the hotel of Major Caleb Hubbard at the 
 " Plum Trees." The first officers installed were : W. M., Phineas Hub- 
 bard ; S. W., Roswell Field ; J. W., Samuel Church, Jr.; treasurer, Caleb 
 Hubbard; secretary, David D. Gray; S. D., Rufus Field; J. D., Beal 
 Crocker ; S. S., Joseph Watson; J. S., Friend Smith ; tyler, Ezra Winslow. 
 Dec. 13, 1802, leave was granted for the lodge to remove from Sunderland 
 to Amherst ; the first meeting-place in Amherst was at the house of Calvin 
 Merrill. Although chartered in 1801, and working regularly from that 
 time, the lodge was not regularly constituted until 1804; Sept. 5 of that 
 year, its officers were installed in public by Solomon Vose, D. D. G. M. 
 Upon the return made to the grand lodge in 1S05 is this endorsement : 
 
 • ; The Lodge meets at Bro. Calvin Merrill's hall. Fifty members : 3 Physicians, 
 2 Gentlemen of Public Education, 2 Merchants, 4 Inn Keepers. 3 Majors, 4 Cap- 
 tains, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Selectmen, 2 Joiners, 2 Hatters. 2 Saddlers, 1 Goldsmith, 2 
 Shoemakers, 1 Clothier, 1 Cooper, 1 Papermaker, 20 Farmers, 1 Coroner." 
 
PACIFIC LODGE. 47 I 
 
 June S, 1S07, leave was granted for the lodge to remove from Amherst 
 to Leverett, where meetings were held at Lucius Field's hotel ; the lodge 
 remained in Leverett but three months, returning to Amherst in the fall of 
 1S07. On its return, meetings were first held at Baggs' tavern at East 
 Amherst, then at Rufus Kellogg's tavern at the "City," and, later, at 
 Boltwood's tavern at the center village. The lodge prospered until 1827, 
 when, like nearly all lodges in Massachusetts, it succumbed to the Morgan 
 excitement and suspended work, its charter being returned to the grand 
 lodge. 
 
 In 1S60, a few Masons desirous of reopening the lodge applied to the 
 grand lodge for a dispensation, two of their number, Dr. Seth Fish and 
 Riley Jilson, had been members of the original lodge. The dispensation 
 being granted, the lodge was opened. Some of the furniture of the old 
 lodge, that had been carefully stored away by Elijah Boltwood, was found 
 by Calvin Merrill, secretary of the organization when the charter was sur- 
 rendered in 1S27, and by him presented to the new lodge. These relics 
 were repaired and placed in the new hall, where they were used in the 
 work for which they were originally designed. The lodge having worked 
 for one year under a dispensation, the grand lodge was pleased to grant 
 them the old charter, and Sept. 24, 1S61, Pacific Lodge was again consti- 
 tuted, its hall dedicated and officers installed. Since that date the lodge 
 has occupied quarters in the upper story of Phoenix Row, the lodge-rooms 
 having been seriously damaged by fire on two occasions. 
 
 Among the earlier members of the lodge the following names are 
 found : Major Melzar Hunt, Capt. Roswell Field, Dr. Samuel Gamwell, 
 John Dickinson, William Delano, David Stockbridge, Zebina Dickinson, 
 Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr., Calvin Merrill, Chester Dickinson, Dr. William F. 
 Sellon, Dr. Silas Ball, Noah D. Mattoon, Rufus Dickinson. Capt. Roswell 
 Dickinson, Capt. Eli Parker, Ithamar Conkey, Justus Williams, Rufus 
 Kellogg, Cummings Fish, Elijah Boltwood. 
 
 Wells Lodge No. 140, I. O. O. F. was instituted at Amherst, March 
 27, 1S51, continuing in existence until 1S5S, when its charter was surren- 
 dered. The officers elected and installed for the term beginning July 1, 
 iS5i,were: Noble Grand, Joseph Colton ; Vice Grand. Josiah Ayres ; 
 secretary, Newton Fitch; treasurer, Samuel Harrington. At the meeting 
 of the grand lodge held in Boston, Aug. 7, 1S51, Ithamar F. Conkey was 
 present as the representative of Wells Lodge. 
 
 Amherst Grange No. 16, Patrons of Husbandry, was organized Nov. 
 26, 1873, at Grand Army hall in Amherst. It was chartered by both the 
 State Grange and the National Grange. The number of charter members 
 was 20. The following officers were elected Jan. 1, 1874: Master, J. A. 
 Baker; secretary, C. S. Smith: treasurer, G. S. Hawley; overseer, E. N. 
 
472 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Dickinson ; lecturer, Levi Stockbridge ; steward, E. B. Fitts, Jr. ; chaplain, 
 P. D. Spaulding ; gate-keeper, W. S. Hawley ; Ceres, Mrs. A. J. Spear ; 
 Pomona, Mrs. H. D. Dana; Flora, Mrs. C. S. Smith; stewardess, Miss 
 Anna Stockbridge. After the burning of Grand Army hall in 1879, tne 
 Grange met at Harvey White's hall for two years, then at homes of the 
 members until 1886, since which time the meetings have been held in 
 Grange hall. The local Grange became connected with the Connecticut 
 Valley District Grange about 1886, with the Hampshire County Pomona 
 Grange in 1894. The present number of members is 126. For the first 
 year after organization meetings were held weekly ; they are how held on 
 the first and third Friday evenings of each month. 
 
 The Amherst Club was organized at a meeting held in the district 
 court-room, Jan. 13, 189 1, when a constitution and by-laws were adopted. 
 The club is a social organization, a majority of its membership being made 
 up of young men engaged in business in the village. The club had 51 
 members on organization. The following officers were the first to serve : 
 President, H. T. Cowles ; vice-presidents, E. M. Spear and L. W. Cornish ; 
 secretary, C. F. Morehouse; treasurer, E. D. Marsh; executive committee, 
 E. W. Smith, P. H. Williams, E. B. Dickinson, F. E. Paige, George Cutler, 
 Jr.; finance committee, G. S. Kendrick, W. A. Hunt, W. G. Towne ; mem- 
 bership committee, J. B. Paige, Edward Dickinson, E. W. Carpenter. 
 Rooms were engaged in Williams' block and fitted up at an expense of 
 some $2,000. The club now occupies five rooms, handsomely furnished. 
 It is a regularly chartered institution and its present membership is 74. 
 
 At a meeting of some 200 women held in the district court-room, Oct. 
 4, 1893, it was decided to organize a woman's club and a form of associ- 
 ation was agreed upon. The organization was completed at a meeting 
 held Oct. ti, when it was voted to call the new club the " Ramona." The 
 officers elected were : President, Mrs. J. E. Tuttle ; vice-presidents, Mrs. 
 M. L. Todd, Mrs. S. T. Maynard ; secretary, Mrs. E. C. Field ; treasurer, 
 Mrs. W. W. Hunt ; auditor, Mrs. Levi Stockbridge. Each member joined 
 one or more of the several committees into which the club is divided, each 
 meeting of the club being in charge of some one committee. A short time 
 after organization, it was voted to change the name from the " Ramona " to 
 the " Amherst Woman's Club." Meetings were held for a time in the 
 Baptist church vestry, but now in the district court-room the first and 
 third Monday afternoons in each month. The present membership of the 
 club is about 165. 
 
 At a meeting held Feb. 19, 1S90, Eagle Lodge of the New England 
 Order of Protection was organized in Amherst. The officers chosen were: 
 Warden, Charles E. Wilson ; past-warden, F. D. Cook ; vice-warden, H. 
 L. Ufford ; secretary, Howard Merritt ; treasurer, Quartus Leach ; chap- 
 
BOARD OF TRADE. 473 
 
 lain, H. L. Macomber; guide, J. E Bement : financial secretary. M. A. 
 Dickinson ; trustees, F. D. Cook. J. F. Gilbert, Charles Parents. The 
 organization has prospered from the beginning ; its meetings are held in 
 Grange hall the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month. 
 
 The Amherst Board of Trade was organized at a meeting held at the 
 district court-room, Jan. 29, 1891. Fifty-nine persons signed the articles 
 of association and a constitution and by-laws were adopted. The officers 
 elected were : President, F. E. Whitman ; vice-president. George Cutler. 
 Jr.; secretary, C. F. Morehouse; treasurer, Henry Adams: auditor. H. T. 
 Cowles : directors, C. S. Smith, John Mullen, E. D. Marsh. E. M. Spear, 
 H. M. McCloud. In the spring of 1S92, the Board had printed and dis- 
 tributed a large edition of a finely-illustrated pamphlet, calling attention to 
 the many attractions of Amherst as a place either for summer resort or for 
 permanent residence. An unsuccessful attempt was made to secure the 
 establishment in the town of some new manufacturing enterprises. Since 
 1892, money has been spent by the organization in advertising the town's 
 attractions in the newspapers, and, during the past year, in determining 
 the numbers of houses in the free postal delivery district and in carrying on 
 the work preliminary to the organization of the Amherst & Sunderland 
 street railway company. The Board of Trade has, however, ceased to be 
 an active factor in the town's affairs. 
 
 The Rod and Gun club was organized March 13, 18SS, with 42 mem- 
 bers. The officers first elected were : President, H. E. Wheeler ; secre- 
 tary and treasurer, Henry Adams; executive committee, John C. White, 
 J. W Howl and. C. M. Osgood. 
 
 The Nonotuck Cycle club was organized May 16, 1895. Its officers 
 first elected were: President, M. E. Hurley; vice-president. A. F. Mitten: 
 secretary and treasurer, G. O. Pierce ; executive committee, H. D. Hol- 
 land, A. F. Mitten. G. O. Pierce. M. E. Hurley: captain. Edward Fisher. 
 The club occupies neatly furnished rooms in Kellogg's block. 
 
 The Amherst Indian Association was organized Dec. 1, 1890. 
 
474 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER LIV. 
 
 Amherst in the Civil War. — Action Taken by the State Govern- 
 ment. — The Raising of Troops.- — Regiments in which 
 Amherst Men Served. — Mass Meetings and Flag-Raisings 
 in Amherst. — Raising Men and Money. — Death of Adju- 
 tant Stearns. — Amherst Men Killed and Wounded in 
 the Early Battles of the War. 
 
 Every citizen of Amherst may take just pride in the part borne by the 
 town in the war for the preservation of the Union. From that day of 
 national sorrow when the first rebel gun was fired upon Fort Sumter 
 until that greater day of national rejoicing which gave to the name Apo- 
 mattox a proud place in histoiy, the town of Amherst responded loyally, 
 willingly, gladfully to every demand upon its resources of men and money 
 and supplies, to aid in crushing out the great rebellion. The descendants 
 of men who had fought in the old French and Indian wars, and of others 
 who had served under Putnam and Greene and Gates and Schuyler, 
 shouldered their muskets and did valiant service in preserving the nation 
 which their ancestors had founded. As between the war of the Revolution 
 and the civil war there was this important point of difference: In the 
 earlier contest, the patriots were assailed by enemies at home as well as in 
 hostile armies ; in the later, the loyalty and devotion of those who marched 
 and bivouacked and fought in the Union armies was but the fruitage of a 
 patriotism that pervaded the community; Amherst had no " Tories " in 
 1 86 1 and the years that followed. In the succeeding pages an attempt is 
 made to record the doings of those men who served for Amherst in the 
 Union armies, and of the town they represented. To make this record 
 complete and intelligible, it is necessary to refer in a general way to action 
 taken by the state at various times during the war. 
 
 April 15, 1S61, Gov. John A. Andrew received a telegram from Wash- 
 ington, calling upon Massachusetts to furnish 20 companies of men to 
 serve for three months in the Union army. He at once ordered the com- 
 manders of the 3d, 4th, 6th and 8th regiments of state militia to muster 
 their troops and report at Boston. These regiments were made up of 
 companies located in towns and cities in the eastern part of the state ; 
 Western Massachusetts was not called upon to play a part in the opening 
 act of the great war drama. The first troops to reach Boston in answer to 
 this summons were three companies of the 8th regiment from Marblehead, 
 
MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENTS. 475 
 
 which arrived on the morning of the 1 6th. The same day came an order 
 from the war department at Washington for Massachusetts to furnish four 
 regiments of infantry, to serve three months. The first to leave the state 
 was the 3d regiment, which embarked from Central Wharf in Boston on 
 the 17th and sailed to Fortress Monroe. The same day the 4th regiment 
 sailed from Boston, and was the first loyal regiment in the war to land on 
 the soil of Virginia. The 6th and 8th regiments left Boston by rail, the 
 first on the 17th, the second on the following day. The 6th was attacked 
 by a mob in Baltimore and had to fight its way through the city, three of 
 its men being killed, the first lives sacrificed in defence of the national 
 capital. The 5th regiment, three-months troops, left Boston by rail April 
 2 1, arriving at Annapolis on the 24th and taking part in the first battle of 
 Bull Run, July 21. 
 
 Early in May the authorities at Washington reached the conclusion 
 that the rebellion could not be suppressed in three months, and decided to 
 enlist no more men for short terms of service. The next call for troops 
 specified that they should serve for three years or during the war. Under 
 date of May 15, Simon Cameron, secretary of war, addressed a letter to 
 Gov. Andrew, notifying him that Massachusetts' quota of three-years' 
 troops would be six regiments of infantry. Acting under these instructions, 
 the 1st, 2d, 7th, 9th 10th and 1 ith regiments were promptly recruited, 
 mustered in and forwarded to the front. Four of these regiments 
 contained men who served on Amherst's quota, the 2d, 9th. iothand nth. 
 The 2d regiment, recruited at West Roxbury, left Boston July S. The 9th 
 regiment, composed of men of Irish birth and their immediate descendants, 
 was recruited on Long Island in Boston Harbor and left Boston June 24. 
 The 10th regiment was recruited at Springfield, the only regiment raised 
 in Western Massachusetts under this call, and left Boston by boat, July 
 25. The 1 ith regiment was recruited at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor 
 and left for Washington June 24. 
 
 June 1 7, a letter was addressed to Gov. Andrew, under direction of the 
 war department, giving him authority to forward ten more regiments of 
 three-years' men. In accordance with these instructions, eighteen regiments 
 of infantry, numbered consecutively from 12 to 29 inclusive, together with 
 one regiment of cavalry, were organized and forwarded to Washington in 
 1S61 and the opening months of 1S62. Of these regiments the following 
 contained men who served on Amherst's quota: 14th, 15th, iSth, 19th, 
 20th, 21st, 22d, 27th, 28th and the 1st cavalry. The 14th regiment was 
 recruited at Fort Warren and left Boston for Washington Aug. 7. It was 
 afterwards changed to an artillery regiment, being known during the war 
 as the 1st regiment Massachusetts heavy artillery. The 15th regiment was 
 recruited in Worcester county and left for Washington Aug. S. It bore a 
 
476 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 prominent part in the battle of Ball's Bluff. The 18 th regiment was recruited 
 at Camp Readville, near Boston, and leftfor Washington Aug. 24. The 19th 
 regiment was recruited in Essex county, leavingfor Washington Aug. 28. The 
 20th regiment, recruited at Camp Readville, left for Washington Sept. 4 and 
 took part in the battle of Ball's Bluff. The 21st regiment was recruited at 
 Camp Lincoln in Worcester, being one of five regiments recruited for 
 special service ; it left the state Aug. 22. The 2 2d regiment, recruited at 
 Lynnfield, left the state Oct. 8. The 27th regiment, composed of troops 
 from the four western counties, was recruited at Springfield and left the 
 state Nov. 2d. The 28th regiment was recruited at Cambridge and did 
 not leave the state until January, 1862. Its officers and men were chiefly 
 of Irish birth and descent. The 1st cavalry was recruited at Readville 
 and left for Annapolis, in December, 186 1. Of the upwards of 30.000 
 troops which Massachusetts gave to the Union armies in 1861, 85 were 
 residents of Amherst or credited on her quota. Of these, one was enlisted 
 in the 2d regiment, 11 in the 10th, 2 in the 15th, 1 in the 18th, 2 in the 
 20th, 14 in the 21st. 49 in the 27th, 1 in the 28th, 3 in the 31st and 1 in 
 the 1 st cavalary. 
 
 When, on April 17, 1861, news was received in Amherst that the 
 rebels had fired upon Fort Sumter, the students of Amherst College were 
 the leaders in a patriotic demonstration. A meeting was held at the 
 college chapel in the afternoon, which was opened with prayer by President 
 Stearns. The Declaration of Independence was read by Prof. William S. 
 Clark and the congregation united in singing the hymn "America." At 
 the close of the exercises the stars and stripes were raised above the 
 chapel tower. April 22, a citizens' mass meeting was held at Agricultural 
 hall, at which I. F. Conkey, Esq. presided. A committee of five, consist- 
 ing of George Cutler, Austin Eastman, Henry F. Hills, Capt. Simeon Clark 
 and Harlan Pomeroy was appointed to report business for the meeting. 
 They prepared and presented the following resolutions : 
 
 "Resolved, As the sense of this meeting, That it is the duty and privilege of 
 the citizens of this Town in the present dangerous condition of our National 
 affairs to make immediate suitable provisions for the organization and outfit of a 
 Military Company for the protection of our Government. 
 
 Resolved, That it is the sense that a legal meeting of the town be immediately 
 called to take action on this subject. 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be chosen to make immediate arrangements for 
 the enlistment of a Company of Volunteers."' 
 
 Having passed these resolutions by unanimous vote, the following 
 were appointed members of a committee to arrange for securing volunteers : 
 Dr. H. A. Howe, A. R. Cushman, John H. Haskins, E. B. Lovett, J. E. 
 Merrick. The meeting was addressed by Rev. George Cooke and Hon. 
 
TOWN MEETINGS. 47 7 
 
 Edward Dickinson. April 20, Porter Dickinson raised a flag above his 
 machine-shop at East Amherst, in presence of some 75 people, and also 
 fired a salute of 34 guns. April 22, a beautiful American flag was raised 
 over L. M. Hills & Son's hood-shop, in presence of fully 1,000 spectators. 
 The Declaration of Independence was read by Hon. I. F. Conkey and 
 prayer was offered by President Stearns and Prof. W. S. Tyler. The 
 exercises were followed by a parade of the young women employed in the 
 shop, carrying small flags, through the village streets. April 22, Prof. W. 
 S. Clark went to Boston, to see what arrangements could be made to equip 
 a company of volunteers if one should be raised at the college. April 23, 
 there was a flag-raising at Cooke's female school, the flag having been made 
 by the pupils. College students were present and took part in the exercises, 
 which included singing and the firing of a salute. The committee appointed 
 to raise a volunteer company met April 23 and chose H. A. Howe chair- 
 man. Posters calling for volunteers were printed and freely distributed. 
 The committee made its headquarters at the Amherst house. Fourteen 
 persons enlisted the first day. 
 
 A special town-meeting was held May 1, at which the selectmen were 
 authorized to borrow $5,000 for military purposes, as recorded on page 
 247 of the Town Meeting Records printed in this volume. April 27, 
 there was a flag-raising at North Amherst, a handsome banner being 
 raised on a new staff 100 feet in height, in presence of a large and enthu- 
 siastic gathering. The buildings in the village were handsomely decorated 
 in honor of the occasion, and patriotic addresses were delivered by Hon. 
 Charles Delano, Rev. D. H. Rogan, Rev. George Cooke, Rev. J. O. 
 Peck and others. The assessors in 186 1 returned on the militia roll of 
 the town 363 able-bodied men, between 18 and 45 years of age, and before 
 the close of the year nearly 25 per cent, of this number had enlisted in the 
 service. No bounties were paid by the town in 1S61, but in July of that 
 year Rev. J. L. Merrick of the South parish offered S5 to every single man 
 and Sio to every married man who enlisted from his parish. Mr. Merrick 
 paid out in the course of the year Si 45, others in the South parish S75, 
 and subscriptions in other parts of the town brought the amount up to 
 5566.50. out of which 55 was paid to every Amherst member of Co. D, 
 27th regiment. The earlier volunteers were unwilling to wait until a 
 regiment should be formed in this section. The first Amherst man 
 to be mustered into service was Charles F. Kellogg, who joined the 2d 
 regiment, and was mustered in May 25. In June, eleven Amherst men 
 were mustered into the 10th regiment, the first recruited in Western Mas- 
 sachusetts ; most of these were attached to Co. C, the Northampton 
 company. In July, two Amherst men were mustered into the 1 5th regiment. 
 In August, 15 Amherst men were mustered, one in the 18th and 14 in the 
 
478 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 21st. In September, 37 men were mustered, and in October 16, 49 of 
 whom became members of the 27th regiment, two of the 20th, one of the 
 28th and one of the 1st cavalry. In December, three Amherst men were 
 mustered into the 31st regiment. In October, occurred the battle of Ball's 
 Bluff, in which Francis H. Dickinson of the 15th regiment was killed, the 
 first man on Amherst's quota to give up his life for his country. Sept. 
 20, the members of Co. D, 27th regiment, recruited in Amherst and neigh- 
 boring towns, assembled at noon in Agricultural hall. Forming in line 
 they marched to the Amherst house, where dinner was served. From the 
 Amherst house they were escorted to the New London Northern depot by 
 the Amherst College class of '63. An immense crowd was in waiting to 
 see them depart. Addresses were delivered by Hon. Edward Dickinson 
 and Rev. C. L. Woodworth and prayer was offered by President Stearns. 
 During the month of September, the ladies of the South and West parishes 
 sent a large quantity of clothing and supplies to the Sanitary Commission 
 at Washington, D. C, the first of many generous contributions which were 
 continued all through the period of the war. 
 
 The 31st regiment, which contained four Amherst men. was recruited 
 at Pittsfield and started for the front Feb. 21, 1S62. It was one of two 
 regiments recruited for special service by Gen. B. F. Butler, under orders 
 of the war department, and was known at first as the Western Bay State 
 regiment. In the spring of 1S62, the Massachusetts regiments containing 
 Amherst men were stationed as follows : The 2d regiment with the Army 
 of Virginia, at the headwaters of the Potomac; the 9th, 10th, nth, 15th, 
 18th, 19th, 20th, 22d regiments, with the Army of the Potomac; the 21st 
 and 27th regiments, with General Burnside's army in North Carolina; the 
 31st regiment, in the Department of the Gulf in Louisiana ; the 28th reg- 
 iment and the 1st cavalry, in the Army of the South in South Carolina; 
 the 1st artillery, in forts near Washington. July 4, 1862, President Lincoln 
 issued a call for 300,000 men to serve for three years or during the war. 
 The quota allotted to Massachusetts was 15,000 men, to form new regi- 
 ments and fill the ranks of those already in the field. In accordance 
 with this demand, ten new regiments were promptly raised and forwarded 
 to the front, numbered consecutively from 32 to 41, inclusive. Amherst 
 men were enlisted in the 32d, 34th, 36th and 37th regiments. The 32c! 
 regiment was recruited at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor and was known 
 at first as the Fort Warren battalion ; it left the state May 26. The 34th 
 regiment, recruited at Worcester, left for Washington Aug. 15. The 36th 
 regiment left the state Aug. 31. The 37th regiment was recruited at 
 "'Camp Briggs " in Pittsfield, and started for the front Sept. 7. Aug. 4, a 
 call was issued by President Lincoln for 300,000 men to serve nine months, 
 Massachusetts' quota being fixed at 19,090. These men were to be raised 
 
DEATH OF FRAZER A. STEARNS. 479 
 
 by draft. Massachusetts furnished her contingent by voluntary enlistment 
 within a reasonable time and the draft was avoided. The new regiments 
 recruited and sent into the field under the call for nine-months' men were 
 numbered from 42 to 53 inclusive, while the 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th and Sth 
 regiments of three-months men were recruited to the full number and 
 enlisted for nine months service. Amherst had men enlisted in the 43d, 
 46th, 5 2d and 53d regiments. The 42 d regiment was recruited at Read- 
 ville and left the state Nov. 19, being assigned to the Department of the 
 Gulf. The 46th regiment was recruited at " Camp Banks " near Spring- 
 field and sailed from Boston Oct. 24 for Xew Berne, N. C. The 52d 
 regiment was recruited at " Camp Miller," Greenfield, leaving that town 
 Nov. 20 for New York, where it embarked Nov. 25 and went to join the 
 Department of the Gulf. The 53d regiment was recruited at Groton, and 
 left Boston Nov. iS by boat, under orders to report to Gen. Banks at New 
 Orleans. A part of the 43d regiment reached Galveston, being the first 
 detachment of the loyal army to land in Texas during the war. 
 
 During the year 1S62, the battles of Roanoke Island. New Berne, 
 Fair Oaks. Malvern Hill, Chantilly, 2d Manassas. South Mountain. Antie- 
 tam and Fredericksburg were fought, as well as many lesser engagements, 
 in all of which Amherst troops took part. When in February, news was 
 received of the capture of Fort Donelson, the first great Union victory of 
 the war, the church bells were rung and there was general celebration of 
 the event. The battle of Roanoke Island was fought Feb. 8. and that of 
 New Berne March 14, the Amherst troops in the 21st and 27th regiments 
 doing gallant service in both actions. At the battle of Roanoke Island, 
 one Amherst man was wounded ; at the battle of New Berne, one Amherst 
 man was killed, and seven wounded, two mortally. It was at the battle of 
 New Berne that Lieut. Frazar A. Stearns, serving as adjutant, was killed 
 while rallying his men to charge. Lieut. Stearns was son of President 
 Stearns of Amherst College, and was a student at the college in the class 
 of '63, when the war broke out. He enlisted in the 21st Mass. regiment, 
 was wounded at the battle of Roanoke Island, and his death at the battle 
 of New Berne was deeply lamented by his comrades in the service and by 
 all who knew him. The historian of the 21st speaks of Adjutant Stearns 
 as "the ideal soldier of the regiment, handsome in face and person, true in 
 his friendship, and enthusiastic in his devoted courage." Gen. Jesse L. 
 Reno, in whose division he served, refers to him as "one of the most 
 accomplished and gallant officers in the army." His remains were sent 
 to Amherst in care of Lieut. Fred. Sanderson. Funeral services for Adju- 
 tant Stearns were held at the Village Congregational church March 22, the 
 church being filled to overflowing. The students of Amherst College 
 formed in procession and marched to the church, the members of the 
 
480 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 junior class wearing badges of mourning. The pall-bearers were members 
 of the class of '61. An eloquent funeral discourse was delivered by Prof. 
 W. S. Tyler. March 25, occurred the public presentation of a sword and 
 belt to Lieut. Sanderson. Gen. Burnside, commanding the Department of 
 North Carolina, issued under date of March 16 a special order, directing 
 " that the six-pounder brass gun, taken in the battery where Adjutant 
 Stearns, of the 21st Massachusetts Volunteers, met his death while gal- 
 lantly fighting at the battle of New Berne, be presented to his regiment as 
 a monument to the memory of a brave man." The regiment voted to 
 present the gun to Amherst College, for safe keeping and having been 
 appropriately inscribed the gun was forwarded to the college, the presenta- 
 tion ceremonies taking place April 14, in front of the college chapel, in 
 presence of a large audience. Hon. Edward Dickinson presided at the 
 meeting. Capt. J. D. Frazier of Co. H made the speech of presentation 
 in behalf of the regiment, and the gun was accepted by Rev. Joseph Vaill, 
 D. D., on behalf of the college trustees. Prof. Julius H. Seelye spoke a 
 few words on behalf of the college faculty. This gun is now in Williston 
 Hall. 
 
 In the battle of New Berne, Austin Barton of the 21st regiment and 
 Charles K. Baker of the 27th were mortally wounded. Others wounded, 
 but not mortally, were George W. Newell of the 2 1st and Charles H. 
 Barton, James Bowman, John E. Cushman and Solomon H. Williams of 
 the 27th. In April, at a skirmish at Wise Forks, N. C. Edmund Boltwood 
 and Charles B. Spaulding of the 27th were wounded. In the battle of 
 Kinston, John Shoals of the 27th regiment was wounded. In the battle 
 of Fair Oaks, in May, George L. Putnam of the 10th regiment was killed 
 and Ebenezer M. Johnson of the same regiment wounded. At the battle 
 of Chantilly in September, George W. Scott was killed and Henry F. 
 Douglass wounded, both members of the 2 1st. At the battle of Fredericks- 
 burg in December, Josiah Thayer of the 10th regiment was mortally 
 wounded, while Nelson O. Ball of the 10th, AlonzoW. Latham of the iSth 
 and Lewis R. Haskell of the 21st were wounded, but not mortally. 
 
 April 16, the parishioners and friends of Rev. C. L. Woodworth, who 
 had accepted an appointment as chaplain of the 27th regiment, paid him 
 a surprise visit and presented him a revolver and a sum of money to pay 
 for his outfit. June 27, a strawberry festival was held for the benefit of 
 wounded soldiers. July 12, a mass meeting of citizens was held at Agri- 
 cultural hall to consider what could he done to promote enlistments. On 
 motion of W. A. Dickinson, it was voted the sense of the meeting that the 
 town should pay each volunteer $100 bounty, in addition to the United 
 States and state bounties, and that the selectmen be requested to call a 
 town-meeting at an early clay to take action on the matter. Several prom- 
 
AMHERST AND THE DRAFT. 45 1 
 
 inent citizens guaranteed that the $100 bounty should be paid, in case the 
 town did not make the appropriation. William F. Stearns, son of President 
 Stearns, offered to give $25 to each soldier who should enlist from 
 Amherst, the number not to exceed 36. At a special meeting held July 
 21, the town voted to give the Si 00 bounty. 
 
 When in August came the call for 300,000 men to serve for nine 
 months, with instructions that the same be raised by draft, there was great 
 excitement in Massachusetts. A new enrollment of persons liable for mil- 
 itary duty was ordered throughout the state. The roll in Amherst showed 
 403 men subject to the call. A mass-meeting was held in Agricultural 
 hall, Aug. 20, to see if citizens would anticipate action by the town, and 
 guarantee specific sums as bounties for men enlisting to serve for nine 
 months. The attendance was very large. Hon. Edward Dickinson served 
 as chairman of the meeting and H. A. Marsh as secretary. On motion, it 
 was voted as the sense of the meeting that the town should offer a bounty 
 of Si 00 to each man who should volunteer, to avoid a draft upon the citi- 
 zens under the call. A guarantee fund was raised for use until the town 
 should assume the payment of bounties. At a special meeting held Aug. 
 25, the town voted to pay a bounty of Si 00 to each man who should enlist 
 until the town's quota was filled. The quota of Amherst was 48 men ; as 
 over 50 men enlisted in two days the draft was avoided. Sept. 5, the 
 Express printed an interesting obituary notice of Col. William S. Clark, 
 who was, wrongfully, reported killed at the battle of 2d Manassas. Sept. 
 30, the men enlisted for service in the 5 2d regiment left Amherst for 
 Greenfield. Oct. 7 and 8, an " old folks concert," given for the benefit 
 of wounded soldiers, met with great success. Dec. 3, a meeting was held 
 in Amherst of delegates from several towns in the vicinity, to devise plans 
 for the relief of soldiers in the Union armies. Dec. 12, Rev. George 
 Cooke left Amherst for Washington, with several boxes of clothing for the 
 37 th regiment. During the year some of the Amherst soldiers returned 
 home on furloughs and were warmly welcomed. Letters from men who 
 were serving in the armies were given a prominent place in the columns of 
 the Express. In the fall of 1S62 and spring of 1863, Amherst narrowly 
 escaped a draft, owing to the fact that men serving for the town had not 
 all been credited on its quota, at state headquarters. In February, 1863, 
 Col. Conkey went to Boston and saw that the town was given its proper 
 credits. 
 
 During the year 1862, 102 Amherst men were enlisted in the Union 
 
 armies. In February, eight men were enlisted, six to serve in the 1st 
 
 regiment of heavy artillery, one in the 15th regiment and one in the 31st. 
 
 In March, two men were enlisted, one to serve in the 1st heavy artillery, and 
 
 3 1 
 
482 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 one in the 27th regiment. In June, there were three enlistments, two in 
 the 27th regiment and one in the 34th. In July, six men enlisted, all to 
 serve in the 27th. In August, there were 63 enlistments, three in the 27 th 
 regiment, 23 in the 37th, 34 in the 52d and three in the 1st cavalry. There 
 were 13 enlistments in September, one in the 27th, two in the 37th, nine 
 in the 52d and one in the 46th. In October there were seven enlistments, 
 one each in the 42d and 52d regiments, three in the 46th and two in 
 the 53d. During the year William F. Stearns, Esq. paid bounties of 
 $25 each to 35 men who enlisted from Amherst, amounting to $875. 
 
 CHAPTER LV. 
 
 Hard Times in 1863. — The Conscription Act. — Amherst's Enroll- 
 ment. — The Draft at Greenfield. — Substitutes and Com- 
 mutation. — Battles in 1863.— Measures to Avoid the 
 Draft. — Return of the 27TH. — Amherst Men Killed and 
 Wounded in 1864. — The Roll of Honor. — Losses in Bat- 
 tle, — Service by Regiments. — Muster by Months. — War 
 Expenses of the Town. 
 
 The year 1863 was a hard and trying one to the patriotic citizens of 
 Amherst, as to those in all loyal communities throughout the Union. The 
 excitement and enthusiasm incident to the outbreak of the war and the 
 first call to arms had abated. A large percentage of the young and able- 
 bodied men had enlisted and were fighting in the Union armies. The Army 
 of the Potomac, containing the greater number of Amherst volunteers, 
 had met with repeated reverses, each battle bringing with it a long list of 
 killed and wounded and missing. There were no signs of an ending to 
 the terrible struggle, little but faith to warrant a belief that the Union 
 arms would gain ultimate success. But the year brought with it increasing 
 demands upon the blood and treasure of the people. The depleted ranks 
 of the armies in the field called for constant reinforcements, and a threat- 
 ened invasion of the North by rebel armies necessitated the raising of 
 new armies of defence. The limit of volunteering had been reached, and 
 even the payment of generous bounties failed to secure the men needed 
 for the service. Under these circumstances there was need of heroic 
 
amherst's enrollment. 483 
 
 measures, and early in the year Congress passed the so-called " conscrip- 
 tion bill." 
 
 This measure provided for the enrollment of all able-bodied citizens of 
 the United States, between the ages of 22 and 45, including persons of 
 foreign birth who had declared their intention of becoming citizens. 
 Certain classes were declared exempt, including those physically disabled 
 and those having others solely dependent on them for support. Persons 
 subject to the draft were divided in two classes ; the first class embraced all 
 unmarried men between the ages of 20 and 45 and married men between the 
 ages of 20 and 3 5, the second class all married men between the ages of 35 and 
 45. Each congressional district was constituted an enrollment district. All 
 enrolled persons were to remain for two years subject to a call into military 
 service and when so called to continue in the service for three years or 
 during the war. The president of the United States was authorized to 
 assign the number of men to be drafted from each district. In fixing the 
 quota, the number of volunteers already furnished by each district was to 
 be considered. Drafted men might furnish substitutes, or, in lieu of per- 
 forming military service, might pay S300. Persons failing to report to the 
 military authorities after due notice were to be treated as deserters. The 
 president was given full power under the act to call out the national forces 
 at any time until the rebellion had been suppressed. 
 
 Under the provisions of this act Henry A. Marsh, editor of the Express, 
 was appointed in June, 1863, enrolling officer for Amherst. He completed 
 his enrollment lists June 26. He found the whole number of males in 
 Amherst between the ages of 20 and 45 to be 567 ; of these, 392 were in 
 the first class and 175 in the second. Of those in the first class, 48 were 
 of foreign birth and eight were colored. Of the second class, iS were of 
 foreign birth and five colored. Of the first class, 143 were already in the 
 United States service, of the second class 13. But 191 of the first class 
 were subject to draft. Early in July, President Lincoln issued a call for 
 600,000 men, to be raised by draft. Amherst's quota under the call was 
 88 men, including 50 per cent, extra for probable exemptions. July 14, 
 the draft for the Ninth congressional district, of which Amherst formed a 
 part, began at Greenfield. The drawing was held at the provost marshal's 
 office in Armory hall, in presence of three commissioners who were seated 
 on the platform. The names of the men of the first class were placed in 
 a wheel, from which they were drawn by a man blindfolded. Amherst 
 was the first town drawn, and the first Amherst man drafted was Amariah 
 L. Brown, keeper of a billiard-saloon. Many prominent men of the town 
 were drawn, including four professors at Amherst College and leading 
 business men. While the draft was going on there was considerable dis- 
 turbance in Greenfield by rebel sympathizers. 
 
484 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Aug. i, the men drafted from Amherst appeared at Greenfield and 
 took the prescribed physical examination. Several did not take the exam- 
 ination but furnished substitutes. Of the 68 examined, 30 were accepted. 
 Greenfield correspondence of the Express stated under date of Aug. 11 
 that of the number accepted from Amherst not one had entered the service 
 in person ; all had furnished substitutes or paid S300 each to obtain them. 
 The same correspondent wrote to the Express under date of Aug. 14, that 
 it was surprising to learn the amount of sickness and debility existing 
 among men between the ages of 20 and 45. The draft was based on the 
 supposition that 50 per cent, would cover the exemption, but the result 
 showed a great mistake in calculation. Only about 20 per cent, of the per- 
 sons examined were accepted. From Amherst, a little more than half the 
 required number was accepted out of the first quota. From some towns 
 fully 95 per cent, of the men drafted had been exempted. At first, substi- 
 tutes had commanded from S3 2 5 to $350, but the price had fallen to $300 
 and there was no difficulty in obtaining them at that figure. Up to Aug. 
 11, 197 substitutes had been accepted, clothed and sent to the rendezvous 
 on Long Island. Many of the substitutes were deserters, if not from the 
 service from other stations. Another large class consisted of thieves, 
 pickpockets and rioters from New York city. They were brought to 
 Greenfield by agents and intended to desert as soon as they had secured 
 their pay. Several made the attempt but few succeeded, as they were 
 kept at the station but one clay and during that time were strictly guarded. 
 The previous week an attempt had been made by substitutes to fire the 
 barracks and thus effect an escape. 
 
 Under date of Aug. 26. the Greenfield correspondent wrote that the 
 drafted men were beginning to come in. The first to appear from Amherst 
 was Spencer Church, Jr., " who has concluded that he can afford to do his 
 own fighting, without the aid of a substitute." About 2>2> P er cent, of the 
 men drafted had been accepted. Another draft would probably be neces- 
 sary to fill the quota. Under date of Sept. 2, the correspondent wrote 
 that the board of examiners had begun their labors July 23, continuing 
 them to date. The whole number examined was 3,035. Of these, 7S8 
 men had been accepted and 331 substitutes had been furnished. Only 41 
 drafted men had responded in person. Many persons drafted were not to 
 be found ; some had been drafted from two places while others were non- 
 residents. The whole number obtained by the draft would not exceed 85 o, 
 leaving a deficiency to be supplied by supplementary draft. Of the num- 
 ber drafted from Amherst, 20 had furnished substitutes, seven paid com- 
 mutation, one had two members of his family already engaged in military 
 service, two enlisted before the draft, nine were aliens, two non-residents, 
 
CASUALTIES IX 1863. 485 
 
 two over 35 and married, one under 20. one supposed to be dead, one 
 non-resident, 38 excused for physical disability ; total exemptions, S4. 
 
 Aug. 3, the Amherst members of the 53d regiment of nine-months 
 men having completed their term of service returned to their homes in 
 Amherst. They were warmly welcomed but there was no public reception. 
 The Union victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg in July caused Presi- 
 dent Lincoln to appoint Aug. 6 as a day of public thanksgiving. The day 
 was recognized in Amherst by a general suspension of business. A union 
 service of the churches was held at the First Congregational church, a 
 sermon being delivered by Rev. H. L. Hubbell. In October, a call was 
 issued for 300,000 volunteers. Amherst's quota under the call was 44 
 men. Henry A. Marsh was appointed recruiting agent to see that the 
 quota was secured. Dec. 28, a meeting was held by citizens interested in 
 filling the town's quota. Addresses were made by Samuel C. Carter and 
 Hon. Edward Dickinson. A committee was appointed, consisting of one 
 member from each school district, to canvass and assist in securing volun- 
 teers. By strenuous exertions on the part of the citizens the town's quota 
 was filled Jan. 4, 1S64. The event was celebrated Jan. 6, by a supper at 
 the Amherst house, at which the volunteers from the town were invited 
 guests. 
 
 During the year 1863 occurred the battles of Chancellorsville, Marye's 
 Heights, Salem Church, Rappahannock Station, Gettysburg and Port Hud- 
 son, and many minor engagements in which Amherst troops took part. At 
 the battle of Gettysburg, Henry C. Ball of the 15th regiment was killed, 
 Edward W. Prouty of the 15th mortally wounded and Marcus T. C. Miles 
 of the 20th wounded, but not mortally. At the assault on Port Hudson, 
 Martin S. Johnson of the 53d regiment was killed and George P. Spear of 
 the 53d wounded. In the fight at Irish Bend. La., John White of the 53d 
 was wounded. In the fighting in the Shenandoah Valley, Charles V. 
 Smith of the 2Sth regiment was wounded. In the battle of Chickamaugua, 
 George B. Cooley, a native of Amherst, of the 44th 111. was wounded. 
 During the year there were 24 enlistments from Amherst, not including 
 re-enlistments or the men who went as substitutes for others who had been 
 drafted. In January, one man enlisted in the 27th regiment. In March 
 there were four enlistments, all in the 54th regiment, the first regiment of 
 colored men raised in Massachusetts. There were six enlistments in July, 
 one in the 9th regiment, two in the 20th, one in the 32d, two in the 54th. 
 In August there were four enlistments, one each in the 9th. 15th. 19th 
 and 22d regiments. Four men enlisted in November, two in the ist heavy 
 artillery, one each in the 37th and 54th regiments. In December there 
 were five enlistments, one in the 21st and four in the 27th regiment. The 
 
486 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 military record of the town, compiled by the town clerk, Samuel C. Carter, 
 shows in but few instances the regiments in which the substitutes served. 
 
 At the beginning of the year 1S94, the Massachusetts regiments in 
 which Amherst men were serving were distributed as follows : The 9th, 
 10th, nth, 15th, iSth, 19th, 20th, 23d, 28th, 32d and 37th regiments of 
 infantry and the 1st cavalry in the Army of the Potomac; the 2d, 21st, 
 and 36th regiments in the Department of the Ohio ; the 27th infantry and 
 the 2d heavy artillery in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina; 
 the 54th regiment in the Department of the South, the 31st regiment in 
 the Department of the Gulf; the 34th infantry, 2d cavalry and 1st heavy 
 artillery in the Department of Washington. Early in the year, the third 
 battalion of the 1st cavalry was permanently detached from that regiment, 
 and a new battalion was recruited in the state, attached to it and made 
 the 4th regiment of cavalry. The 5th (colored) cavalry regiment was 
 organized in the spring of 1S64 and left for Washington in May. The 3d 
 heavy artillery regiment was organized in the spring and went to the front 
 in May. In March, 1S64, President Lincoln issued a call for 200,000 
 men ; Amherst's quota was 23. The draft began at Greenfield, May 13. 
 A club was formed at North Amherst for mutual protection against the 
 draft. When one of its members was drafted, the members subscribed a 
 sufficient amount each to make up the sum of $300. Under date of April 
 15, the Express printed the following paragraph : 
 
 " Rev. George Cooke, agent of the America Life Insurance, presents to our 
 people a novel way of avoiding the draft. He insures their lives for $1000, and 
 guarantees $300 in case of their being drafted, upon payment of $100, in addition 
 to the usual fee for insurance." 
 
 During the summer the enrolled militia of the town raised money 
 among the members by subscription, and appointed an agent to act for 
 them in connection with the selectmen in procuring volunteers to be cred- 
 ited to the town in anticipation of another call for troops. July 4, the 
 women of the town held a very successful fair in Agricultural hall, in aid 
 of the Christian Commission. Early in July came another call for 500,000 
 men. Amherst's quota was 50. C. E. Hutchinson was appointed recruit- 
 ing agent and the list was made up without a draft. The personal exer- 
 tions of the selectmen were largely instrumental in effecting this result. 
 Without a dollar in the treasury, they became individually responsible for 
 over $3,000, and also obtained $12,000, by loans on short time, from 
 between 50 and 60 individuals. Between June 1 and Sept. 16, the town 
 enlisted 51 men, paying $10,300 for the services of 34 men for three 
 years, $963 for the services of four men for two years, $1,341 for the 
 services of 1 t. men for one vear. 
 
RETURN OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH. 487 
 
 Sept. 27 ; the members of the 27th regiment belonging in Amherst 
 reached their homes. They were met at the depot by a large concourse 
 of people. On the arrival of the train a salute was fired, then a procession 
 was formed, headed by the Belchertown band ; following the band came 
 the college students and then a long line of citizens bearing banners and 
 mottoes. The procession marched from the depot to the West village, 
 thence to the East Congregational church where services were held. 
 Prayer was offered by President Stearns, followed by an address of wel- 
 come by Col. W. S. Clark, and brief addresses by Prof. Vose, Capt. T. W. 
 Sloan and others. The band played a dirge in honor of the dead, after 
 which the soldiers and their friends repaired to the chapel, where a colla- 
 tion was served. Many dwellings along the route were handsomely illum- 
 inated. Twenty-one members of the regiment were present. 
 
 Announcement was made Sept. 30 that there could be no draft in the 
 district, the quota of every town being filled. In October, a society was 
 formed, numbering 130 members, for the relief of the soldiers suffering 
 in the hospitals. Nov. 1, the "Unconditional Union'' men held a public 
 demonstration. Most of the dwellings, stores and public halls were illum- 
 inated. The students formed a procession on the college grounds, and 
 marshaled by Col. W. S. Clark marched to the square in front of the post- 
 office, where they were joined by a procession from East Amherst, mar- 
 shaled by S. W. Whitney and headed by a military band. The line of 
 march was through the principal streets to the First Congregational 
 church, where exercises were held. The meeting was called to order by 
 Henry F. Hills, chairman of the town committee. Addresses were deliv- 
 ered by Rev. C. L. Woodworth, Rev. Dr. Seelye of Easthampton and 
 Prof. J. H. Seelye. At the election held Nov. 8, Amherst gave Abraham 
 Lincoln 512 votes for president and George B. McClellan 47. At a 
 meeting of enrolled men, held Dec. 12, H. C. Howard and W. YV. Smith 
 were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions of Sio each from men 
 liable to draft and from other persons who might be disposed to contribute. 
 Dec. 23, a call was issued for 300,000 troops to be furnished within 60 
 clays ; Amherst's quota was filled without a draft. In the winter of 1864, 
 the state was divided into military company districts, Amherst and Hadley 
 forming one district. At a meeting held at Agricultural hall, Jan. 9, 
 Sylvester L. Stockbridge of Hadley was chosen captain of the military 
 company raised in the two towns. 
 
 During the year 1864 occurred the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
 vania. Cold Harbor, Olustee, Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluff, Charles- 
 town, \\ 'inchester. the assault on Petersburg, and many other bloody engage- 
 ments in which Amherst troops did valiant service. The battle of the 
 Wilderness, May 6. was the most disastrous to Amherst troops of any 
 
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 during the war. Five men were mortally wounded, Charles V. Smith and 
 Michael Doyle of the 28th regiment, Henry E. Boynton and David L. 
 Dickinson of the 1st heavy artillery and James K. Sanderson of the 37th 
 regiment. Others wounded were, Charles F. Kellogg of the 2d regiment, 
 Henry Coy of the 9th, Charles H. Barton of the 27th, Rufus P. Lincoln, 
 Frederick R. Bell, Charles F. Turner and William J. Smith, all of the 37th. 
 Before the Army of the Potomac had recovered from the effects of the 
 battle of the Wilderness it was called upon to engage in another bloody 
 contest with armed rebellion at Spottsylvania. In this battle the 37th 
 regiment was conspicuous for its gallantry and suffered severely. Of the 
 Amherst members of the regiment, George E. Cooke was mortally wounded ; 
 others wounded were Rufus P. Lincoln. William Fahay and John A. 
 Glazier. Nelson O. Ball of the 10th regiment was wounded, and Samuel 
 White, an Amherst man but serving in the 5th Wisconsin, was killed. 
 Less than three weeks after the battle of Spottsylvania came the assault 
 on Cold Harbor, one of the bravest attacks and bloodiest repulses known 
 in the history of modern warfare. Of the Amherst troops engaged in this 
 action, those connected with the 27th regiment suffered most severely. 
 Of their number, Levi Edson and Charles D. Mullett were killed, Ptolemy 
 P. Cutter mortally wounded, and E. Baxter Dickinson, Simeon E. Preston, 
 Chester Dickinson, Jr., Medad Vinton, Henry E. Hawley, Cornelius O'Con- 
 nor, Jacob L. Rust and Henry B. Sears wounded. From Cold Harbor, 
 the Army of the Potomac followed the rebel army to the intrenchments 
 before Petersburg, where for ten months the hostile forces faced each other, 
 engaging in countless skirmishes and more than one severe engagement. 
 In the operations about Petersburg, the 27th regiment suffered severely; 
 of the Amherst men in this regiment, Levi M. Bolio and William W. 
 Latham were killed, George A. Draper mortally wounded and James A. 
 Preston wounded. Richard B. LDomis of the 21st regiment and Frederick 
 R. Bell of the 37th were wounded. At the battle of Olustee, Jason Champ- 
 lin was killed and Charles A. Finnemore wounded ; both were members of 
 the 54th regiment. In the engagement at Arrowfield Church, Eugene P. 
 Hervey of the 27th regiment was mortally wounded, and John Shoals and 
 William J. Hopkins of the same regiment wounded. At the battle of 
 Drury's Bluff, James W. Spear of the 27th regiment was mortally wounded 
 and Charles B. Spaulding of the same regiment wounded. In the skirmish 
 at Charlestown, Joseph K. Taylor of the 37th regiment was mortally 
 wounded and Patrick Beston of the same regiment wounded. At the 
 battle of Winchester, Mason W. Tyler, John A. Leggett and Timothy 
 Spellman, all of the 37th regiment, were wounded. In the fight at City 
 Point, Henry Bowman of the 20th regiment was mortally wounded. In 
 the battle of Boynton Plank Road, James A. Pierce of the 1st heavy 
 
ENLISTMENTS IN 1864. 489 
 
 artillery was wounded. In the assault on Fort Stevens, John Sandling of 
 the 37 th regiment was wounded. 
 
 During the year 1S64, there were 61 enlistments from Amherst, not 
 counting re-enlistments. In January. 15 men enlisted, four in the 27 th 
 regiment, and 11 in the 5th cavalry. In February, one man enlisted in 
 the 28th regiment. In May, there were three enlistments, two in the 19th 
 regiment and one in the 3d heavy artillery. In June, one man enlisted in 
 the 22d regiment. In July, there were 13 enlistments, two in the 37th 
 regiment, one in the 13th battery of light artillery, two in the 2d heavy 
 artillery, three in the 4th cavalry, five in the 36th regiment and one in the 
 Veteran Reserve Corps. In August, there were three enlistments, two in 
 the 2d heavy artillery and one in the 60th regiment. In September. 15 
 men enlisted, two in the 2d heavy artillery, one in the 29th unattached 
 company of heavy artillery, one in the 2d cavalry, one in the 4th cavalry, 
 three in the 5th cavalry, one in the nth regiment, one in the 1st heavy 
 artillery, five in the Veteran Reserve Corps. In December, there were 10 
 enlistments, one in the 13th battery of light artillery, four in the first 
 cavalry, one in the 4th cavalry, two in the 19th regiment, one in the 20th 
 regiment, one in the Veteran Reserve Corps. There was but one enlist- 
 ment from Amherst in 1865, and that in the 1st battalion of frontier 
 cavalry. 
 
 In the spring of 1865, Amherst troops were engaged in the assault on 
 Petersburg, the battle of Fort Fisher and the battle of Sailors' Creek, the 
 last great battle of the rebellion. In the battle of Sailors' Creek William 
 F. Leggett of the 37th regiment was killed. In the assault on Fort Fisher. 
 Mason W. Tyler of the 37th regiment was wounded. 
 
 When news was received in Amherst. April 3d, of the fall of Rich- 
 mond, there was great public rejoicing: when, less than two weeks later, 
 came the tidings of Lee's surrender, preparations were made for a celebra- 
 tion worthy the event. The church bells were rung and a four-horse team 
 was sent to Northampton to procure a cannon. Early in the evening the 
 team returned, drawing a piece of cast-iron, " as large around as a stove- 
 pipe and as long as a string " all that could be procured. This was loaded 
 up and fired until it burst, about midnight. All the dry-goods boxes that 
 could be found were captured and furnished food for mammoth bon-fires. 
 The celebration was continued through the night and was taken part in by 
 citizens both young and old. 
 
 The following lists will serve to show the names of troops who served 
 on Amherst's quota who were killed in battle, died from wounds, died of 
 disease contracted in the service, suffered from wounds or. imprisonment. 
 It is, in the highest meaning of the words, a roll of honor : 
 
49 o 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Henry C. Ball, 
 Levi M. Bolio, 
 Jason Champlin, 
 Francis H. Dickinson, 
 
 Charles K. Baker, 
 Austin Barton, 
 Henry Bowman, 
 Henry E. Boynton, 
 George E. Cooke, 
 Ptolemy P. Cutter, 
 
 Charles B. Adams, 
 Sylester H. Adams, 
 Milo A. Bartlett, 
 Morrison Barton, 
 Cephas B. Bolio, 
 John W. Dickinson, 
 Joseph Grover, 
 Jarvis Jackson, 
 Sanford Jackson, 
 
 Ezra Baker, 
 Nelson O. Ball, 
 Charles H. Barton, 
 Frederick R. Bell, 
 John Beston, Jr., 
 Patrick Beston, 
 Edmund Boltwood, 
 James Bowman, 
 Albert Cates, 
 Spencer Church, Jr., 
 George B. Cooley, 
 Henry Coy, 
 John E. Cushman, 
 Chester Dickinson, Jr., 
 E. Baxter Dickinson, 
 Henry F. Douglass, 
 
 Ashley W. Barrows, 
 Eli H. Johnson, 
 Ezra Kelsey, 
 
 KILLED IN BATTLE. 
 
 Levi Edson, 
 Martin S. Johnson, 
 William W. Latham, 
 William F. Leggett, 
 
 DIED FROM WOUNDS. 
 
 David L. Dickinson, 
 Michael Doyle, 
 George A. Draper, 
 Eugene P. Hervey, 
 Edward W. Prouty, 
 James K. Sanderson. 
 
 DIED FROM DISEASE. 
 
 Ezra Kelsey, 
 Alonzo W. Latham, 
 Murray B. Lovett, 
 Edward Lyons, 
 Edward W. Manley, 
 Marcus T. C. Miles, 
 Reuben Miles, 
 Lyman D. Phelps, 
 Henry C. Plumb, 
 Norman Roberts. 
 
 WOUNDED. 
 
 William Faliay, 
 Charles A. Finnemore, 
 John A. Glazier, 
 Lewis R. Haskell, 
 Henry E. Hawley, 
 William J. Hopkins, 
 Ebenezer M. Johnson, 
 Charles F. Kellogg, 
 John A. Leggett, 
 Rufus P. Lincoln, 
 Richard B. Loomis, 
 George W. Newell, 
 Freeman E. Nutting, 
 Cornelius O'Connor, 
 James A. Pierce, 
 Edwin H. Potwin, 
 James A. Preston. 
 
 Charles D. Mullett. 
 George L. Putnam. 
 George W. Scott. 
 Frazar A. Stearns. 
 
 Charles V. Smith. 
 James W. Spear, 
 Joseph K. Taylor, 
 Josiah Thayer, 
 Samuel White. 
 
 Arthur Sears, 
 Lyman W. Skinner, 
 George W. Sloan. 
 Edward H. Stanley, 
 Ethan A. Taft, 
 Henry Thompson, 
 John Thompson, 
 John P. W. Wheelock, 
 Robert Wilson, 
 
 Simeon E. Preston. 
 Dwight Russell, 
 Jacob L. Rust, 
 John Sandling, 
 Henry B. Sears, 
 John Shoals, 
 William J. Smith, 
 Charles B. Spaulding, 
 George P. Spear, 
 Timothy Spellman, 
 Charles F. Turner, 
 Mason W. Tyler, 
 Medad Vinton, 
 John White, 
 William H. W T hite, 
 Solomon H. Williams. 
 
 CAPTURED AND IMPRISONED. 
 
 Warren F. King, 
 Cornelius O'Connor, 
 John Shoals, 
 
 J. Leander Skinner, 
 Linneus C. Skinner, 
 Medad Vinton. 
 
LOSSES IX BATTLE. 
 
 49 J 
 
 The losses in the various engagements with the enemy may be sum 
 marized as follows : Wilderness, 12 wounded, five mortally ; Cold Harbor, 
 two killed, eight wounded, one mortally ; New Berne, one killed, eight 
 wounded, two mortally ; Petersburg, two killed, four wounded, one mor- 
 tally ; Spottsylvania, six wounded, two mortally ; Gettysburg, one killed, 
 four wounded, one mortally ; Fredericksburg, three wounded, one mortally ; 
 Winchester.three wounded ; Arrowfield Church, three wounded. one mortally ; 
 Fair< >aks, one killed, one wounded ; Ball's Bluff, one killed, one wounded; 
 Chantilly, one killed, one wounded; Olustee, one killed, one wounded; 
 Port Hudson, one killed, one wounded ; Drury's Bluff, two wounded, one 
 mortally ; Charlestown, two wounded, one mortally ; Wise Forks, two 
 wounded ; Sailor's Creek, one killed; City Point, one mortally wounded; 
 Roanoke Island, one wounded ; Shenandoah Valley, one wounded ; 
 Boynton Plank Road, one wounded ; Chickamaugua. one wounded ; Fort 
 Fisher, one wounded; Fort Stevens, one wounded; Irish Bend, one 
 wounded; Kinston, one wounded. Benjamin P. Allen of the 1st heavy 
 artillery, Charles Smith of the 4th cavalry, Spencer Church, Jr. of the 9th 
 regiment and George Dickinson of the 53d regiment died from disease 
 contracted in the service, after their discharge. 
 
 In addition to the above list, Amherst soldiers took part in the fol- 
 lowing engagements, in which no casualties were reported among their 
 number : Battles of Gum Swamp, Swift Creek, Marye's Heights, Salem 
 Church, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run, 
 North Anna, Brashear City, Franklin, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp. 
 Malvern Hill, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Second Manassas, South Moun- 
 tain. In addition to these were many skirmishes and minor engagements. 
 
 Of those who enlisted on Amherst's quota in 1 861, 29 were of Amherst 
 birth; in 1862, 34; in 1863, 12; in 1S64, 2. The following tables will 
 show the number of men on Amherst's quota serving in different organiza- 
 tions, and the date of their muster by months : 
 
 SERVICE BY REGIMEXTS. 
 
 2d Reg't, 1 31st Reg't, 4 1st Heavy Artillery. 10 
 
 9th Reg't, 2 32d Reg't, 1 2d Heavy Artillery, 6 
 
 10th Reg't. 11 34th Reg't. 1 3d Heavy Artillery. 1 
 
 nth Reg't, 1 36th Reg't. 4 29th Unat. Artillery, 1 
 
 15th Reg't. 4 37th Reg't, 28 13th Light Battery, 2 
 
 19th Reg't, 5 42d Reg't. 1 1st Cavalry, 8 
 
 18th Reg't, 1 46th Reg't. 4 2d Cavalry, 1 
 
 20th Reg't, 5 52d Reg't. 44 4th Cavalry, 5 
 
 21st Reg't, 15 53d Reg't, 2 5th Cavalry, 14 
 
 22d Reg't, 2 54th Reg't, 7 1st Frontier Cavalry, 1 
 
 27th Reg't, 71 60th Reg't 1 Veteran Reserve Corps, 7 
 28th Reg't, 2 
 
492 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 MUSTER BY MONTHS. 
 
 
 
 1 86 
 
 i 
 
 1S62 
 
 
 1S63 
 
 1S64 
 
 1S65 
 
 May, 
 
 i 
 
 Feb., 
 
 S 
 
 Jan.. 1 
 
 Jan.. 15 
 
 Jan.. 
 
 June, 
 
 ii 
 
 March, 
 
 2 
 
 March.4 
 
 Feb., 1 
 
 
 July, 
 
 2 
 
 June, 
 
 3 
 
 July. 6 
 
 May. 3 
 
 
 Aug., 
 
 i5 
 
 July, 
 
 6 
 
 Aug., 4 
 
 June, 1 
 
 
 Sept., 
 
 37 
 
 Aug., 
 
 63 
 
 Nov.. 4 
 
 July, 13 
 
 
 Oct., 
 
 16 
 
 Sept., 
 
 13 
 
 Dec, 5 
 
 Aug., 3 
 
 
 Dec, 
 
 3 
 
 Oct.. 
 
 7 
 
 
 Sept.. 15 
 Dec, 10 
 
 
 The Town Meeting Records in Part Second of this volume contain 
 the votes passed by the town in regard to military matters during the war. 
 The following statistics are taken from the Military Record of the town. 
 compiled by Samuel C. Carter, town clerk. The men who enlisted in 1861 
 received no bounties from the town, but after two years of service twenty 
 of them re-enlisted and received $100 bounty extra, as veterans, from the 
 United States government. In 1862, the town paid a bounty of $100 to 
 each volunteer, which was legalized by an act of the Legislature passed 
 Feb. 27, 1863. The act of March 17, 1863, prohibited towns paying any 
 more bounties, as all bounties had been equalized. The act of March 18, 
 1864, authorized towns to raise money for paying or refunding money 
 paid by towns or individuals, for filling the quota under the call of Oct. 17, 
 1863, and Feb. 1, 1864. Under this act, $2000 was assessed and refunded 
 to individuals in 1864. The act of March 28, 1864, authorized towns to 
 raise money for the purpose of procuring their proportion of the quota of 
 volunteers, for one year from March 1, 1S64. but not to exceed $125 per 
 man. The act of March 27, 1865, authorized raising money to apply 
 under any call to March, 1866. The act of April 25, 1865, allowed towns 
 to raise money and repay towns or individuals, under any call in 1864. if 
 assessed in three years. 
 
 MILITARY EXPENSES. 
 
 Expenses of the town in 1861, $535- 1 7 
 
 Expenses of individuals in 1861, 566.50 
 
 Expenses of the town in 1862, 8,356.00 
 
 Expenses of William F. Stearns. Esq.. S75.00 
 
 Expenses of the town in 1863. 61.25 
 Expenses of drafted men for substitutes in 1S63-4, 14,275.00 
 
 Expenses of the town in 1S64, 11,738.85 
 
 Expenses of individuals in 1864. 8,063.00 
 
 Expenses of the town in 1S65, 406.00 
 
 Interest on state aid, 1.350.50 
 
 $46,237.27 
 
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 493 
 
 Deducting $1,641.27 received from the state on equalization of boun- 
 ties, the total military expenses of the town and individuals would appear 
 to be $44,596, in reality but a fraction of the actual money cost to the 
 town of the war for the preservation of the Union. During the contin- 
 uance of the war state aid was furnished to 114 families. 
 
 CHAPTER LVI. 
 
 Regimental History. — Twenty-Seventh. — Thirty-Seventh. — Fifty- 
 Second. — Tenth. — Twenty-First. — Fifty- Fourth. 
 
 Of the less than 300 men who served on Amherst's quota, whose 
 names appear on the marble tablets in the town hall, 176 did service in 
 the 10th. 21st, 27th, 37th, 52d and 54th regiments. A brief sketch of the 
 service of these regiments is here given, compiled from the regimental 
 histories. As the 27th, 37th and 5 2d regiments contained companies 
 raised in Amherst and adjoining towns, precedence is here given them. 
 
 twenty-seventh regiment. 
 
 Sept. 3, 1861, Horace C. Lee, city clerk of Springfield, a man of expe- 
 rience in affairs connected with the state militia, received written authority 
 from Gov. Andrew to recruit a regiment in the four western counties of the 
 state. Sept. 10, recruiting offices were opened in Northampton, Amherst, 
 Greenfield, Athol, Ludlow, Chicopee, Springfield, Westfield, North Adams 
 and Pittsfield. The companies raised at Northampton and Westfield had 
 their ranks filled by the 15th. Sept. 17, the companies from Amherst, 
 Adams, Chicopee and Ludlow were ordered into camp about one mile east 
 of the armory at Springfield. The Amherst and Pittsfield companies 
 arrived at Springfield Sept. 19, and owing to a lack of camp equipage 
 made use of the armory of the City Guards for the first night. Tents 
 arrived the following day, and Sept. 20 the Amherst. Westfield and Pitts- 
 field companies took up their quarters at " Camp Reed." 
 
 Sept. 27, the men were mustered into the United States service, to 
 serve for the term of three years. Sept. 29, Rev. C. L. Woodworth of 
 Amherst conducted divine services at the camp, assisted by a choir organ- 
 ized by J. L. Skinner of Amherst. Rifles and uniforms were issued to the 
 troops Oct. 10. To the Amherst company was assigned the company 
 letter D. The line officers were : Captain, Timothy W. Sloan of Amherst ; 
 
494 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 i st lieutenant, Ami R. Dennison of Amherst; 2d lieutenant, John S. 
 Aitcheson of Chicopee. The regiment broke camp Nov. 2, and went by 
 Boston & Albany railroad to Hudson, N. Y., thence by boat to Jersey 
 City, and from the latter place by rail to Annapolis, Md. Here the regi- 
 ment was attached to the 1st brigade, Gen. John G. Foster commanding, 
 of the troops assembled for the Burnside expedition. The regiment sailed 
 from Annapolis. Jan. 11. and took part in the capture of Roanoke Island. 
 Although Amherst troops were engaged in the battle they suffered no cas- 
 ualties. At the battle of New Berne, March 14, the 27th regiment suffered 
 severely, having seven men killed and 78 wounded. Ten men were 
 wounded in company D, including six from Amherst. It was in this battle 
 that J. E. Cushman lost his arm. Rev. C. L. Woodworth joined the regi- 
 ment as chaplain, May 1. Dec. 14. the regiment assisted in the capture 
 of Kinston, and a little later took part in the battle of Goldsboro. In the 
 latter part of March and the first part of April, 1863, the regiment was 
 besieged for 18 days at Washington, N. C, by an overwhelming rebel 
 force, but held the place until the siege was abandoned. April 28. com- 
 panies D and E assaulted and carried an intrenchment at Dover X Roads. 
 The Amherst company was first in the works. During the charge Sergeant 
 Edmund Boltwood was severely wounded in the leg. May 22, the regi- 
 ment aided in the capture of the rebel fortifications at Gum Swamp, N. 
 C. Two men, one of them YVheaton Lovett of Co. D, captured a lieuten- 
 ant and 26 men. The remainder of the year the regiment did provost 
 duty at New Berne, Norfolk and Portsmouth. 
 
 In January, 1864, 220 men who had re-enlisted were granted a thirty- 
 days furlough. On their return the regiment was placed on provost duty 
 at Norfolk. Here L. C. Skinner of Amherst organized a drum corps 
 which attained great efficiency. Rev. C. L. Woodworth assumed charge 
 of the First Presbyterian church, by appointment of Gen. Benjamin F. 
 Butler. In March, the regiment moved to Julian's Creek. Here they 
 were attached to Heckman's Red Star brigade, forming a part of the Army 
 of the James. April 26, the regiment moved to Yorktown. From York- 
 town they were sent up the peninsula to a point near Williamsburg, return- 
 ing May 4 to Fortress Monroe. May 5, they sailed up the James river to 
 Bermuda Hundreds. Disembarking, the regiment took possession of 
 Cobb's Hill. At that time Petersburg might have been captured almost 
 without a struggle, as it was weakly garrisoned and Butler's army of 35,000 
 veterans was in sight of its church-spires. Delay in action enabled the 
 rebels to strengthen the garrison and the opportunity w r as lost. The regi- 
 ment took part in the battle at Arrowfield Church, in which engagement 
 five members of Co. D were wounded, two of them, Eugene P. Hervey and 
 W. J. Hopkins, from Amherst. Hopkins was wounded by a bullet in the 
 
TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 495 
 
 right eye. In the engagement at Walthall Junction, George A. Draper of 
 Co. D was mortally wounded. 
 
 The battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16, proved most disastrous to the 
 27th, and that through no fault of the men or their regimental commander. 
 Ordered to an exposed position at the extreme right of the army, the 
 regiment was not properly supported and was assaulted in front and flank 
 by an overwhelming force of rebels. The regiment defended its position 
 with great gallantry, but was completely surrounded by the enemy and 249 
 officers and enlisted men were captured. Co. D was fortunate in losing 
 but five men as prisoners. The Amherst men captured were Lieut. J. 
 Leander Skinner and Ezra Kelsey ; the latter died of starvation in Ander- 
 sonville prison. In the battle Co. D had one man killed and six wounded. 
 James W. Spear and Charles B. Spaulding of Amherst were wounded, the 
 former mortally. 
 
 The regiment, sadly depleted in numbers, was transferred to the Army 
 of the Potomac, May 29, and attached to the iSth army corps under 
 command of W. F. (better known as " Baldy ") Smith. It accompanied 
 the army to Cold Harbor, where it took part in the opening battle June 2, 
 and in the general assault June 3. In the first day's battle the regiment 
 lost four men killed and 14 wounded. Charles D. Mullett of Amherst 
 was killed, Serg't Ptolemy P. Cutter mortally wounded, Sergeants E. Baxter 
 Dickinson and Simeon E. Preston and Privates Henry E. Hawley and 
 Henry B. Sears wounded. In the general assault on the rebel works June 
 3, the Star Brigade led the advance and the 27th regiment was in the first 
 line of battle. The brigade lost more than one-half its effective strength, 
 while the 27th lost 15 killed, 65 wounded and four prisoners. The Amherst 
 men wounded were Sergeant E. Baxter Dickinson, Corporal Chester Dick- 
 inson, Jr., Corp'l Medad Vinton, Cornelius O'Connor and Jacob L. Rust. 
 June 12, the regiment marched to White House landing and thence to a 
 position near Petersburg. June 18, the 27th made a desperate assault on 
 the enemy's lines. All the officers were killed or wounded and the men 
 sought shelter in a grain field. Three men were killed and five wounded 
 in Co. D. Of the Amherst men in the regiment, Levi M. Bolio was killed 
 and James A. Preston wounded. At the close of the engagement the 
 regiment could muster but one officer and 80 men. The surviving members 
 of the regiment spent the summer in the trenches in front of Petersburg. 
 During the months of June and July, William W. Latham of Amherst was 
 killed and Cornelius O'Connor, Albert Cates and Edwin H. Potwin 
 wounded. In "Bearing Arms," the regimental history, the author, William 
 P. Derby of Springfield, says : 
 
 " The demands of the campaign were so exacting and incessant that none but 
 men of iron constitution could meet them without sooner or later requiring hospital 
 
496 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 care. Asa fact, the only officers who did meet this strain were Surgeon D. B. N. 
 Fish and Lieut. Edwin L. Peck, both of whom were always present for duty." 
 
 Aug. 25, the regiment was transferred to Point of Rocks. The terms 
 of enlistment of many of the men expired in September, and 259 were 
 reported for discharge, but only 179 were able to attend the column on its 
 homeward journey. The officers and men remaining, whose terms had 
 not expired, numbered 304. The veterans reached Springfield Sept. 2S, 
 and were accorded a grand public welcome. An address was made by the 
 mayor of the city and there was an imposing street parade. The members 
 of the 27th regiment captured at Dairy's Bluff remained in Richmond 
 until May 23, when they left for Andersonville, Ga., arriving there the 30th. 
 Of the 235 members of the regiment committed to this prison, 128 died 
 within one year, including three members of Co. D. 
 
 Sept. 19, 1864, the members of the regiment whose terms had not 
 expired started for North Carolina. They took part in the movement 
 against Fort Fisher. March S, 1865, occured the battle at Southwest 
 Creek, in which the regiment as a fighting force was practically annihilated. 
 Cut off from all support, fighting desperately for hours against overwhelm- 
 ing odds, the regiment was surrounded and captured, but seven men 
 escaping, including Surgeon Fish. During the engagement seven men of 
 Co. D were wounded, none from Amherst. The Amherst men among the 
 captured were Corp'l Warren F. King, Corp'l Medad Vinton, Eli H. John- 
 son and Cornelius O'Connor. The prisoners were taken to Richmond, 
 but were released on parole March 26 and arrived in Springfield April 3. 
 The regiment was mustered out of service June 26, at New Berne. 
 
 Of Chaplain Woodworth and Surgeon Fish, brief historical sketches 
 are given in other chapters of this volume. Capt. Timothy W. Sloan had 
 been an officer in the state militia, and when the town decided to raise a 
 company for the 27th regiment he was selected as its leader. He took 
 part in the battles of Roanoke Island and New Berne, and resigned, 
 owing to disability, Nov. 15, 1862. Capt. J. L. Skinner was clerk in M. A. 
 & B. W. Allen's store when the war broke out. In company with three 
 associates he raised a company in Amherst and surrounding towns. 
 Enlisting as 1st sergeant, he was promoted successively to be 2d lieuten- 
 ant, 1st lieutenant and captain. He was taken prisoner at the battle of 
 Drury's Bluff, and confined at Macon, Ga. and Charleston and Columbia, 
 S. C. He escaped from Columbia Nov. 4, was recaptured, and again made 
 his escape Nov. 29. 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 When, in July, 1862, President Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 
 volunteers, the 34th regiment, with ranks partially filled, was in camp at 
 
THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 497 
 
 Worcester. When its organization was completed, fragments of companies 
 remaining, from the four western counties, rendezvoused in Pittsfield where 
 " Camp Briggs " was established in August. There the 37th regiment was 
 recruited, its ranks being filled Sept. 4, the three years' term of service 
 counting from that date. The officers received their commissions Aug. 27. 
 Oliver Edwards of Springfield was commissioned colonel. The Amherst 
 officers were : Rufus P. Lincoln, 2d lieutenant Co. C; Mason W. Tyler, 
 1 st lieut. Co. F. The regiment broke camp Sept. 7, marching to the 
 Boston & Albany depot at Pittsfield. The journey was made by rail to 
 Hudson, N. Y., by boat to Jersey City, thence by rail to Washington. On 
 arriving at the latter city the regiment was first stationed at Camp Chase 
 in Arlington, among the reserves intended for the defence of Washington. 
 A few clays later the battle of Antietam was fought, when the reserves 
 were ordered to the front, the 37th leaving Washington Oct. 1. 
 
 The regiment was attached to Devens' brigade of Couch's division 
 of the 4th army corps. Its first engagement was at the battle of Freder- 
 icksburg in December. Devens' brigade was the first to cross the Rappa- 
 hannock and, after the bloody repulse, covered the army on its withdrawal 
 across the river, being the last command to cross. The regiment was not 
 in active service during the battle, but was under fire, one member being 
 • killed. The regiment went into winter camp near Falmouth, Va.; it took 
 part in the famous " mud march " in January, when Burnside's army 
 attempted to cross the Rappahannock but was prevented by rain. April 
 28, the first movement was made in the campaign which culminated in the 
 battle of Chancellorsville. The regiment was attached to the 6th corps, 
 under General Sedgwick. It took part in the gallant and successful assault 
 on Marye's Heights at Fredericksburg, May 3, and later in the day in the 
 battle of Salem Church. In both these engagements it did valiant service, 
 having many members killed and wounded. When the corps was forced 
 by overwhelming numbers to retreat, Co's D and F of the 37th, acting as 
 skirmishers, held the enemy in check. After the battle of Salem Church 
 the regiment remained in camp until early in June, when the rebel army 
 under Lee invaded Pennsylvania. June 14, the regiment began one of the 
 most severe and exhausting marches that occurred during the war, ending 
 on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Out of 600 men in the regiment only 
 seven men were absent on roll-call at the end of the march. At Gettys- 
 burg the 6th corps had no sooner arrived on the field than it was sent to 
 reinforce General Sickles. The regiment was on reserve duty during the 
 battle, but was exposed at one time to a terrible artillery fire, causing a 
 loss of six killed and 25 wounded. July 5, the 6th corps was started in 
 pursuit of the enemy. 
 
 3 2 
 
498 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 When in the latter part of July the disgraceful draft riots occurred in 
 New York city, the 37th was one of four regiments sent to the city to main- 
 tain order while the draft was taking place. The regiment arrived in New 
 York Aug. 2, and went into camp at Fort Hamilton. Aug. 19, it was sta- 
 tioned in the city to guard the rooms where the draft was held. It left 
 New York Oct. 14, rejoining the Army of the Potomac near Chantilly. It 
 took part in the fruitless expedition to Mine Run, and spent the winter of 
 1863-4 at " Camp Sedgwick." May 4, 1864, Gen. Grant inaugurated the 
 famous campaign which, opening with the battle of the Wilderness, closed 
 in the trenches before Petersburg. In the battle of the Wilderness the 
 37th was called upon to make an heroic charge against the entire corps of 
 Hill and Longstreet ; it checked their advance, giving time for the other 
 troops to form. In that one charge 34 enlisted men belonging to the reg- 
 iment were killed and over 100 officers and men were wounded. Capt. 
 Rufus P. Lincoln, Corp'l Frederick R. Bell, Corp'l Charles F. Turner, 
 James K. Sanderson and William J. Smith were wounded. The series of 
 battles at Spottsylvania was opened by Sedgwick's corps, May 8. On 
 the 9th, a skirmish line from the 37th was hotly engaged. In the battle 
 of the 12th, the 37th supported Hancock's corps at the "Bloody Angle," 
 where occurred the most desperate and deadly engagement of the cam- 
 paign, if not of the entire conflict. The regiment was on duty all clay and 
 night, firing over 400 rounds of ammunition per man. Lieut. George 
 E. Cooke was wounded mortally and Capt. Lincoln seriously. Other 
 Amherst troops wounded were William Fahay and John A. Glazier. May 
 18, the 37th took part in another assault upon the rebel lines at Spottsyl- 
 vania losing two men killed and 19 wounded. In the assault on Cold 
 Harbor, the 37th did not take part in the charge being in supporting line ; 
 one man was killed and several wounded in the regiment. For several 
 clays after the battle the regiment was employed in skirmish and picket 
 duty. 
 
 July 9, the 6th corps was summoned to Washington, then threatened 
 by the rebel troops under General Early. It took part in the battle of 
 Fort Stevens, among the wounded in that engagement being John Sandling 
 of Amherst. July 14, the regiment started with General Sherman's com- 
 mand in pursuit of Early, serving as wagon-guard. It was engaged in the 
 battle of Charlestown, having five men killed and 12 wounded. Of the 
 Amherst men in the regiment, Joseph K. Taylor and John Beston, Jr. were 
 wounded, the former mortally. The regiment took a prominent part in 
 the battle of Winchester, Sept. 19. During the battle it distinguished 
 itself in many ways, capturing the greater part of " Stonewall " Jackson's 
 old brigade. Entering on the battle with 296 men, it lost 15 men killed 
 and seven officers and 72 men wounded. Capt. Mason W. Tyler was 
 
FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 499 
 
 wounded in the neck. Other Amherst soldiers wounded were John A. 
 Leggett and Timothy Spellman. 
 
 Dec. 12, the regiment was ordered to proceed to the trenches in front 
 of Petersburg. It was engaged in the battle of Five Forks, and on the 
 surrender of Petersburg was stationed in the city to preserve order. 
 While leading a charge at the battle of Sailor's Creek, it penetrated the 
 enemy's lines so far that it became isolated and was compelled to defend 
 itself against greatly superior numbers. In this engagement the 37th cap- 
 tured over 300 prisoners, a greater number of men than it took into the 
 battle. Its losses were nine killed and 31 wounded. The regiment was 
 mustered out of service June 21, 1865. Returning home, Springfield was 
 reached June 24, where the veterans were greeted with a public ovation. 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 Under the call issued in August, 1862, for 300,000 volunteers to serve 
 nine months, Massachusetts was required to furnish 19,090 men. To 
 Hampshire and Franklin counties was allotted the task of raising one regi- 
 ment. War meetings were held in every town and village in the two 
 counties to arouse enthusiasm and promote enlistments. Sept. 13," Camp 
 Miller " was established at Greenfield. The ranks of the companies in 
 the regiment were rapidly filled. To the Amherst company was assigned 
 the company letter G. H. S. Greenleaf of Shelburne Falls was commis- 
 sioned colonel and Samuel J. Storrs of Amherst lieutenant-colonel. The 
 officers of company G were : Captain, George L. Bliss of Northampton ; 
 1st lieutenant, Justin P. Kellogg of Amherst ; 2d lieutenant, Asa A. Spear 
 of Amherst, Co. G mustered 86 men, of whom 42 were credited to 
 Amherst, 24 to Sunderland, 1 1 to Pelham, two to Leverett, two to Monta- 
 gue, one each to Shutesbury, Wendell, Conway, Bernardston and North- 
 ampton. The regiment left Greenfield Nov. 20, traveling by rail and boat 
 to New York city, from which place they embarked, Nov. 25, on the 
 steamer " Illinois," bound for Louisiana where they were to take part in 
 the expedition commanded by Gen. N. P. Banks. Sailing from New York 
 Dec. 2, they arrived at Ship Island Dec. 11, reaching Baton Rouge Dec. 
 17, where they went into camp. Many members of the regiment were on 
 the sick list owing to their confinement on shipboard. The regiment was 
 assigned to the 2d brigade, Grover's division of the 19th army corps. 
 
 Jan. 3, 1863, four companies of the regiment, including Co. G, were 
 sent to Plaquemine, twenty miles down the river, where a rebel attack had 
 been made ; they remained there until Feb. 8. March 13, the regiment 
 marched to a position near Port Hudson, remaining there until the 16th 
 and then returning. March 27, the brigade sailed down the river to 
 Donaldsville, marched from there to Terre Bonne, were carried by rail to 
 
500 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Bayou Boeuf and marched from thence to Brashear City. The brigade 
 remained at Brashear City till April n, then sailed to Irish Bend to take 
 part in the attack on Fort Bisland. At the battle of Irish Bend the brigade 
 was held in reserve, but the troops came under fire, among the wounded 
 being John White of Amherst. The rebels escaping from Fort Bisland 
 made their way up the Bayou Teche, closely pursued by the Union forces. 
 Four companies of the 53d, including Co. G, were stationed at New Iberia, 
 remaining there until May 13 and rejoining the regiment May 19. In the 
 assault on Port Hudson, June 14, the 52d served in the skirmish line of a 
 flanking column. In this engagement Martin S. Johnson was killed and 
 George P. Spear wounded. The regiment assisted in the siege of Port 
 Hudson until its surrender, July 9. The homeward journey was made by 
 boat to Cairo, 111. and thence by rail to Massachusetts. The Amherst 
 men reached their homes Aug. 3. The regiment was mustered out Aug. 14. 
 
 TENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Of the six regiments of three years' volunteers, allotted to Massachu- 
 setts by instructions to Governor Andrew from the war department at 
 Washington, dated May 16, i86i,but one, the 10th, was raised in the four 
 western counties. The nucleus for the 1 oth regiment of Massachusetts 
 volunteers was found in the old 10th regiment of state militia. Some of 
 the old companies were disbanded, new ones taking their place. The 
 companies assembled at Springfield June 14, the men being mustered into 
 the United States service June 21. The regiment left Springfield July 16 
 for Medford, where it went into camp. July 25, the regiment embarked 
 at Boston for Washington. The winter was spent in camp at Brightwood, 
 near Washington. The regiment took part in the battle of Fair Oaks, 
 May 31, 1S62, and sustained heavy losses, 27 being killed and 95 wounded, 
 six mortally. Of the Amherst members of the regiment, Serg't George L. 
 Putnam was killed and Ebenezer M. Johnson wounded. At the battle of 
 Malvern Hill, July 1, the regiment sustained a loss of eight killed and 73 
 wounded. The regiment was present at the battle of Antietam, but not in 
 active service. It took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, but 
 sustained no losses. In the battle of Salem Church, May 3, 1S63, the 
 regiment took a prominent part, sustaining a loss of 10 killed and 56 
 wounded. Among those mortally wounded was Josiah Thayer of Amherst. 
 At the battle of Gettysburg, July 2 and 3. the regiment was held in reserve. 
 It took part in the battle at Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7. 
 
 In the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1S04, the 10th was hotly 
 engaged and sustained a loss of iS killed and 93 wounded. The regiment 
 was in the hardest of the fighting at Spottsylvania, May 12, being engaged 
 in active service for 23 hours and firing an average of 300 rounds of 
 
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 5OI 
 
 ammunition for each man. The losses of the regiment in this engagement 
 were n killed and 41 wounded; among the wounded was Corp'l Nelson 
 O. Ball of Amherst. The regiment took part in the battle of Spottsyl- 
 vania Court House, May 18, and in the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3. 
 Its losses in the latter engagements were one killed and four wounded. 
 The regiment left the front on its homeward trip June 21, arriving in 
 Springfield June 25, where it was granted a public reception. 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 
 
 The 2 1 st regiment was recruited at Camp Lincoln, Worcester, in July 
 and August, 1S61; it was mustered in Aug. 16. Leaving Worcester by 
 rail Aug. 23, it took boat at New London and proceeded to Jersey City, 
 traveling thence by rail to Washington. It was stationed for some months 
 at Annapolis Junction. Md., and Jan. 6, 1862, embarked as a part of the 
 expedition under General Burnside. In the battle of Roanoke Island, 
 Feb. 7, 1862, the regiment lost 13 men killed and mortally wounded and 
 44 wounded. In the battle of New Berne, March 14, 23 were killed 
 or mortally wounded and 44 wounded. 1st Lieut. Frazar A. Stearns of 
 Co. I was killed while leading his company in a charge. Austin Barton 
 of Amherst was mortally wounded. At the battle of Camden, N. C, April 
 19, the regiment lost four killed and eleven wounded. At the battle of 
 Second Manassas, Aug. 29, 1862, seven members of the regiment were 
 wounded. The regiment was hotly engaged at the battle of Chantilly, 
 Sept. 1 and 2, losing 38 men killed or mortally wounded and 76 wounded. 
 Of the Amherst men in the regiment, George W. Scott was killed, Henry 
 F. Douglass wounded and William H. White captured. At the battle of 
 South Mountain, Sept. 14, five members of the regiment were wounded. 
 At the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 10 were killed and 35 wounded. At 
 the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 13 were killed and 52 wounded. 
 The regiment took part in the assault on Marye's Heights. Among the 
 wounded was Lewis R. Haskell of Amherst. In October, November and 
 December of 1861, the regiment took part in the campaign in East Ten- 
 nessee, being present at the battles of Blue Springs and Campbell's Sta- 
 tion and at the siege of Knoxville; the losses in this campaign were four 
 killed and 1 r wounded. 
 
 Returning to the Army of the Potomac in the spring of 1864, the 
 regiment was engaged in all the battles of that army during the spring 
 and summer months. In the battle of the Wilderness, May 6. it lost three 
 men killed and seven wounded. In the engagements at Spottsylvania, 
 May 10, 12 and 18, its losses were five killed and 32 wounded. At Cold 
 Harbor, June 2, 13 were killed and 21 wounded. In the assault on 
 Petersburg, June 16 and 17, six were killed and 27 wounded. In the 
 
502 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 battle of the mine or "crater," July 30, seven were killed and 14 wounded. 
 During the siege of Petersburg, from June 18 to Aug. 18, three were killed 
 and 14 wounded. Corp'l Richard B. Loomis of Amherst was severely 
 wounded Aug. 8. In the battle of Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19, three were 
 killed and four wounded. In the engagement at Poplar Spring Church, 
 Sept. 30, four were killed and 10 wounded. In October, 1864, the regi- 
 ment, greatly depleted in numbers, was consolidated with the 36th Mass. 
 regiment, as Go's H, I and K. In June, 1865, another transfer of the 
 survivors of the 21st was made, this time to the 56th Mass. regiment, with 
 which organization they were mustered out, July 12, 1865. 
 
 FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 
 
 The 54th was the first regiment of colored troops to be raised in 
 Massachusetts, the war department having granted permission to raise 
 such a regiment, Jan. 26, 1S63. The regiment was recruited at Readville, 
 and the men were enlisted for three years' service. The regiment 
 embarked at Boston, May 28, for South Carolina. Its first engagement 
 was at James Island. July 18, the regiment led the assault on Fort 
 Wagner, behaving with conspicuous gallantry. The losses were three 
 officers and nine men killed, n officers and 147 men wounded. This was 
 one of the most important engagements of the war, demonstrating, as it 
 did beyond question, that the colored men would fight bravely for their 
 country if given opportunity. The regiment assisted in the siege of Fort 
 Wagner and took part in the bombardment of Charleston. Other engage- 
 ments in which the regiment took part were the battles of Olustee and 
 Morris Island, the attack on James Island, the siege of Charleston, the 
 battle of Honey Hill, the operations about Pocotaligo, Charlestown and 
 Savannah, and Potter's raid. Of the Amherst members of the regiment, 
 Jason Champlin was killed at the battle of Olustee and Charles A. 
 Finnemore was wounded in the same engagement. 
 
SERVICE RECORD. 503 
 
 CHAPTER LVII. 
 
 Service Record, by Regiments, of Each Man who Served on 
 Amherst's Quota, and Others Whose Names Appear on 
 the Marble Tablets in the Town Hall. 
 
 In succeeding pages, a brief sketch is given of the service of each 
 man who served on Amherst's quota during the war. These sketches are 
 compiled from the "Rebellion Record " of the town of Amherst, from reg- 
 imental histories and from the records of the adjutant-general of the Com- 
 monwealth. They are as complete as space will permit and as accurate 
 as care and effort can make them. Where there has appeared a conflict 
 of authorities, preference has been given to that which has appeared most 
 uniformly correct. 
 
 [In the following record of individual service, the date at the left of each man's name is that of 
 muster. Following the name is the place of birth, the company in which service was performed and 
 the date when service terminated. In the smaller type below each name is given a list of promotions, 
 if above the rank of private, lists of battles engaged in, records of wounds and imprisonment, and 
 cause for termination of service.] 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Jan. 5, 1863. Dyer B. N. Fish, Amherst, June 26, 1865. 
 
 Assistant surgeon ; com. surgeon Sept. 20, '64. Siege of Little Washing- 
 ton, N. C; battles of Gum Swamp, N. C, Cold Harbor, Va., Swift 
 Creek, N. C; siege of Petersburg, Va. Term exp. 
 April 21, 1S62. Charles L. Woodworth, Somers, Conn., June 20, 1864. 
 
 Chaplain. Resigned. 
 Oct. 3, 1861. Ami R. Dennison, Wilton, Me., Co. D. Nov., 1864. 
 
 Com. 1st lieut., Oct. 16, '61 ; capt., Nov. 16, "62 ; maj., 2d U. S. colored cav. 
 Participated in all the battles of the 27th reg't while with that command. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. J. Leander Skinner, Jamaica, Vt., Co. D. Dec. 31, 1S64. 
 Com. 1st serg't, Sept. 20, iS6i : 2d lieut., July 1, '62 ; 1st lieut., May 29, '63 ; 
 capt., Sept. 29, '64. Captured at Drury's Bluff, May 16, '64 : imprisoned 
 at Macon, Ga. and Charleston and Columbia, S. C. Escaped from 
 Columbia, Nov. 4, '64, was recaptured and again escaped. Mustered 
 out by special order war dep't. 
 
 Oct. 16, 1861. Timothy W. Sloan, Prescott, Co. D. Nov. 15, 1862- 
 
 Com. capt.. Oct. 16, '61. Battles of Roanoke Island and New Berne, N. 
 C. Resigned on account of sickness. 
 Sept. 20, 1861. Ptolemy P. Cutter, Amherst, Co. D. June 5, 1864. 
 
 Corp'l, Sept. 11, '62; serg't, '64. Was in all thebattlesof the reg't. includ- 
 ing that of Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, '64, when he was mortally wounded, 
 dying June 5. 
 
504 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Sept. 20, 186 1. E. Baxter Dickinson, Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 Serg't, July, '62. Wounded slightly at Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, '64 ; 
 wounded twice in head, severely, June 3, '64, at Cold Harbor. Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1862, Simeon E. Preston, Granby, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Corp'l, Feb. 25, '63; serg't. Wounded June 2, '64, Cold Harbor, Va. 
 Term exp. 
 
 Oct. 14, 1861. Henry B. Prince, Amherst, Co. D. March 23, 1863. 
 
 Corp'l, serg't. Resigned owing to disability from sickness. 
 Oct. 16, 1861. J. Franklin Simonds, Co. I. Oct. 16, 1864. 
 
 Serg't. Term exp. 
 Sept. 20, 186 1. Charles L. Storrs, Holliston, Co. D. Aug. 22, 1865. 
 
 Serg't, Sept. 20, '61 ; 1st serg't, July 1, '62. Re-enlisted, Nov. 25, "63. Com. 
 capt. 32d U. S. colored troops, March r, '64. Took part in all battles of 
 27th reg't while with that command. Mustered out Aug. 22. '65. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. Chester Dickinson, Jr., Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Corp'l. Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64, Term exp. 
 Sept. 18, 1861. Edmund Boltwood, Amherst, Co. D. Feb. 6, 1866. 
 
 Corp'l; serg't, July 11, '62. Wounded in battle of Wise Forks, N. C, 
 April 2S, '63. Re-enlisted, Dec. 7, '63. Com. 2d lieut. istU. S. colored 
 cav., Feb., '64. Discharged. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. George M. Hobart, Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 10, 1862. 
 
 Corp'l. Discharged for disability from sickness. 
 Dec. 30, 1S63. Warren F. King, Shutesbury, Co. D. June 19, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Captured March S, '65, at South-west Creek, N. C, and impris- 
 oned. Term exp. 
 
 Oct. 19, 1861. Freeman E. Nutting, Co. G. ' June 26, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Wounded. Re-enlisted, Dec. 24, '63. Term exp. 
 Sept. 20, 186 1. John D. Parsons, Willington, Conn., Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Corp'l, Nov., '61. Term exp. 
 
 Oct. 1, 1861. John Shoals, Boston, Co. C. Sept. 4, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Re-enlisted Dec. 24, '63. Captured and imprisoned. Wounded 
 May 9, '64, at Arrowfield Church, Va., and again, March 8, '65, at battle 
 of Kinston, N. C. Discharged for disability. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. Linneus C. Skinner, Jamaica, Vt., Co. D. June 16, 1865. 
 Corp'l. Principal musician, Nov. 21, '64. Captured at South-west Creek, 
 N. C, March S, '65. Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. George W. Sloan, Prescott, Co. D. July 2, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Discharged for disability, Sept. 30, "62. Re-enlisted, '64. Died 
 at New Berne, N. C. 
 
 Sept. 23, 1861. Medad Vinton, Co. D. June 26, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Re-enlisted, Nov.. '63. Wounded June 3, '64, at Cold Harbor, 
 
 Va. Captured at South-west Creek, N. C, March S, '65. Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 20, 186 1. Asahel Baker, Canada, Co. D. Feb. 19, 1863. 
 
 Discharged for disability. 
 
SERVICE RECORD. 505 
 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. Charles K. Baker, Amherst. Co. D. April 7, 1862. 
 
 Mortally wounded at battle of New Berne, N. C, March 14. '62. Died in 
 Amherst, April 7. 
 
 Oct. 16, 1S61. Ezra Baker, Canada, Co. D. Nov. 1, 1864. 
 
 Wounded. Term exp. 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. Henry J. Bardwell. Troy, X. Y., Co. D. Oct. 6, 1864. 
 
 Served with signal corps. In "63 was transferred to army of the Ohio. 
 Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 5, 1862. Ashley W. Barrows, Mansfield, Conn.. Co. G. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 Captured April 20, '64, and imprisoned at Andersonville, Ga., from whence 
 he escaped and made his way to the Union lines at Pensecola, Fla. 
 Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. Charles H. Barton, Leverett, Co. D. July 30. 1865. 
 
 Wounded in battle of New Berne, N. C, March 14, '62: discharged July 
 29. '62, from disability. Re-enlisted, April 6, '64, in Co. G, 57th reg*t. 
 Wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, Va. Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. Charles C. Bolio, Canada, Co. D. 
 
 Discharged for disability caused by sickness. 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. Levi M. Bolio, Kirby, Vt., Co. D. 
 
 Re-enlisted, Dec, '63. Killed in battle near Petersburg. Ya. 
 Sept. 20, 1 86 1. Frank E. Bolster, Shutesbury, Co. D. 
 
 Term exp. 
 Oct. 28, 1 86 1. James Bowman, Montague, Co. D. 
 
 Wounded at battle of New Berne, N. C, March 14. '62. 
 Sept. 20, 1 86 1. Albert Cates, Salem, Co. D. 
 
 Was in twelve battles besides skirmishes. Wounded. 
 Oct. 21. 1 86 1. Barton E. Crossman, Shutesbury, Co. D. June 17, 1863. 
 
 Discharged for disability caused by sickness. 
 Sept. 20, 1861. John E. Cushman, Amherst, Co. D. July 29. 1862. 
 
 Wounded and lost one arm at battle of New Berne, N. C, March 14, '62. 
 Discharged for disability. 
 
 Oct. 20, 1861. Thomas Devine, Co. E. July 14, 1865. 
 
 Re-enlisted. Order War Department. 
 
 July 28, 1862. Eli O. Dickinson, Co. C. Sept 27, 1864. 
 
 Term exp. 
 
 July 17, 1862. Willard R. Dickinson, Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 Term exp. 
 
 Aug. 6, 1862. George A. Draper, Belchertown, Co. D. July 23, 1S64. 
 
 Mortally wounded, May 6, '64, near Petersburg, Ya., and died July 23. 
 Aug. 11, 1862. Levi Edson, Ashfield, Co. D. June 3, 1S64. 
 
 Killed in battle of Cold Harbor, Ya., June 3. '64. 
 Sept. 20. 186 1. Joseph Grover, Boston, Co. D. Nov. 3. 1862. 
 
 Died from congestive chills, at Newport. N. C, Nov. 3. '62. 
 
 Feb. 5, 
 
 1862, 
 
 June 18, 
 
 1S64, 
 
 Ya. 
 
 
 Sept. 27, 
 
 1864. 
 
 Nov. 1, 
 
 1864 
 
 Term exp. 
 
 
 Sept. 27, 
 
 1864, 
 
 Term exp. 
 
 
506 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 July 28, 1862. Henry B. Hastings, Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. Willard D. Hastings, Amherst, Co. F. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 Was engaged in twelve battles and many skirmishes from Roanoke Island 
 to Petersburg, Va. Term exp. 
 
 July 30, 1862. James F. Hawes, Co. D. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 Sept. 20. 1861. Henry E. Hawley, Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, '64. Term exp. 
 Jan. 9, 1864. Eugene P. Hervey, Shutesbury, Co. D. July 12, 1864. 
 
 Wounded May 9, '64, at Arrowfield Church, Va. Died at Point Lookout. 
 Md., July 12, '64. 
 
 June 17, 1862. Dwight N. Hill, Amherst, Co. F. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 Sept. 17, 1861. William J. Hopkins, Baltimore, Md., Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Wounded at Arrowfield Church, Va., May 9, '64, right eye being destroyed. 
 Term exp. 
 
 Oct. 13, 1861. Eli H. Johnson, Amherst, Co. D. June 15, 1865. 
 
 Re-enlisted March 29, '64. Captured at South-west Creek, N. C, March 
 8, '65. Discharged by order of War Department. 
 
 Oct. 21, 1861. James B. Kellogg, Co. D. June 24, 1863. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability from sickness. 
 Jan. 2, 1864. Ezra Kelsey, Brattleboro, Vt., Co. D. Aug. 20, 1864. 
 
 Taken prisoner at Drury's Bluff, Va., May 16, '64, and died from starva- 
 tion at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 20, '64. 
 
 Aug. 21, 1862. William W. Latham, Ludlow, Co. D. July 24, 1864. 
 
 Re-enlisted, March 30, '64. Killed in battle near Petersburg, Va., July 24/64. 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. Wheaton Lovett, Cumberland, R. I., Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Was engaged in all the battles of the regiment from Roanoke Island to 
 Petersburg. Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. Edward W. Manley, Pelham, Co. D. Jan. 30, 1863. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability from sickness and died in hospital at Wash- 
 ington, N. C, Feb. 21, '63. 
 
 Dec. 30, 1S63. Charles D. Mullett, Barre, Co. D. June 2. 1S64. 
 
 Killed in battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 2, '64. 
 Jan. 4, 1864. Cornelius O'Connor, Ireland, Co. D. June 15, 1865. 
 
 Wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, '64. Captured at South-west Creek, 
 N. C, March 8, '65. Discharged by order of War Dep't. 
 
 Oct. 11, 1 86 1. Henry C. Packard, Amherst, Co. D. Aug. 8, 1862. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability from sickness. 
 
 Sept. 20, 186 1. Edwin H. Potwin, Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Wounded. In all but three battles of reg't until Sept., '64. Term exp. 
 
Oct. 2 1, 
 
 1S64. 
 
 Oct. s, 
 
 1S64. 
 
 June 23, 
 
 1S64 
 
 sickness. 
 
 
 Feb. 17, 
 
 1S65 
 
 SERVICE RECORD. 507 
 
 Sept. 20, 1861. James A. Preston, Shutesbury, Co. D. Jan. 20, 1865. 
 Re-enlisted, Nov. 23, '63. Wounded in battle before Petersburg, Va., June 
 iS, '64. Discharged owing to disability from wounds. 
 
 Dec. 19, 1863. Dwight Russell, Sunderland, Co. C. June 26, 1S65. 
 
 Wounded, July, "64. Re-enlisted in 23d N. Y. Independent Battery. 
 Term exp. 
 
 Oct. 21, 186 1. Jacob L. Rust, Amherst, Co. D. 
 
 Wounded at Cold Harbor, Ya., June 3, "64. Term exp. 
 Oct. 1, 1 86 1. Michael Salois, Canada, Co. C. 
 
 Term exp. 
 
 Dec. 29, 1S63. Arthur Sears, Amherst, Co. D. 
 
 Died in Amherst while on a furlough granted on account of sickness. 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. Henry B. Sears, Prescott, Co. D. 
 
 Re-enlisted, Dec. 23, "63. Severely wounded at battle of Cold Harbor, Ya., 
 June 3, '64. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1 86 1. Lyman W. Skinner, Brookfield, Co. D. June 1, 1S62. 
 
 Died of fever at New Berne, N. C. 
 June 12, 1 86 2. George E. Slate, Co. C. Aug. 1, 1863. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability- 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. Charles B. Spaulding, Rutland, Vt., Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Wounded at Wise Forks, April 28, '63, and at battle of Drury's Bluff, 
 May 15, '64. Term exp. 
 
 Jan. 14, 1S64. James W. Spear, Shutesbury, Co. D. July 6, 1864. 
 
 Wounded in battle near Drury's Bluff, May 14, '64, had left leg amputated. 
 Died at Point Lookout, Md., July 6, "64. 
 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. John Stearns, Ashby, Co. D. March 31, 1S64. 
 
 Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 July 28, 1862. Lyman R. Thayer, Hadley, Co. G. Feb. S, 1S63. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 July 2S, 1862. George H. Tufts, YYesthampton, Co. A. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Term exp. 
 Sept. 20, 1S61. Solomon H. Williams, Amherst, Co. D. Sept. 27, 1864. 
 
 Wounded at battle of New Berne, N. C, March 14, "62. Term exp. 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Aug. 27, 1S62. Rufus P. Lincoln, Belchertown, Co. C. July 29, 1865. 
 Capt, Oct. 15, '62 ; maj., July 27, "64 ; Lieut, col., March 4, '66 ; col., May 
 19, '65. Took part in battles of Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, 
 Salem Church, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilder- 
 ness, Spottsylvania, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run, assault on Petersburg 
 and Sailor's Creek, besides many skirmishes. Wounded in battle of 
 Wilderness, May 6, '64, and severely at Spottsylvania, May 12, "64. 
 June 19, '65, transferred to and assumed command of the 20th Mass reg't. 
 Mustered out. 
 
508 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Aug. 13, 1862, Mason W. Tyler, Amherst, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Capt., Jan. 17, '63; maj., March 4, "65; lieut. col., May 19. '65; col., 
 June 26, '65. Took part in battles of Fredericksburg, Salem Church, 
 Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
 vania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Stevens, Winchester, 
 and many skirmishes. Wounded at battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, '64, 
 and wounded twice in skirmish at Fort Fisher, March 25, '65. June 21. 
 '65, transferred to 20th Mass. reg't and mustered out as supernumerary. 
 Com. col. 37th reg't, June 26, '64. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. George E. Cooke, Amherst, Co. F. May 16, 1864. 
 
 Lieut., Dec. 25, '63. Wounded in battle of Spottsylvania, May 12, '64. 
 Died in hospital at Fredericksburg, May 16. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. John Beston, Jr., Ireland, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Serg't, May 6, '64. In all but One battle of the reg't. Wounded three 
 times in battle at Charlestown, Va.. Aug. 21, '64. Term exp. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Joseph K. Taylor, Granby, Co. F. Aug. 30, 1864. 
 
 Serg't. Mortally wounded in battle at Charlestown, Va., Aug. 21, '64. 
 Died Aug. 30. 
 
 Sept. 2, 1862. Frederick R. Bell, New York city, Co. A. June 21, 1865. 
 Corp'l, '64. Wounded in battle of Wilderness, May 6, '64, and again in 
 assault on Petersburg, April 2, '65. Term exp. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Willard S. Cooke, Granby, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Term exp. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Francis W. Fish, Pelham, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Term exp. 
 Aug. 30, 1S62. Charles F. Turner, Worcester, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l. Took part in sixteen battles. Wounded in battle of the Wilder- 
 ness. Term exp. 
 
 July 2, 1864. Dennis Beston, Ireland, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Term exp. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Patrick Beston, Ireland, Co. F. May 16, 1865. 
 
 Wounded in battle at Charlestown, Va., Aug. 21, '64. Discharged on 
 account of disability. 
 
 July 26, 1864. John Connors, Ireland, Co. D. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Term exp. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Levi P. Dickinson, Hadley, Co. F. June 17, 1864. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability caused by sickness. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. William Fahay, Ireland, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Took part in 17 battles besides many skirmishes. Wounded in battle of 
 Spottsylvania, May 12, '64. Term exp. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Benj. R. Franklin, Phoenix, N. Y., Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Took part in 15 battles. Term exp. 
 Aug. 30, 1S62. John A. Glazier, Leverett, Co. F. May 17, 1865. 
 
 Wounded in skirmish near Spottsylvania, May 21, '64. Discharged owing 
 to disability. 
 
SERVICE RECORD. 509 
 
 Aug. 30, 1S6?. William O. Graves, Hatfield, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Term exp. 
 
 Sept. 2, 1S62. Charles S. Gunn, Leverett, Co. F. June 21, 1865- 
 
 Term exp. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1S62. Albert Ff. Kellogg, Montague, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Musician. Took part in all battles of the reg't. Term exp. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. John A. Leggett, West Haven, Conn., Co. F. June 18, 1865. 
 In all the battles of the reg't up to and including battle of Winchester, 
 Sept. 19, "64. Wounded in battle of Winchester. Transferred to Vet- 
 eran Reserve Corps. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1S62. William F. Leggett, W. Haven, Ct., Co. F. April 6, 1865. 
 
 Killed in battle at Sailor's Creek. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Charles E. Munsell, Co. F. Feb. 22, 1863. 
 
 Discharged. 
 Aug. 30, 1S62. James K. Sanderson, Amherst, Co. F. May 12, 1864. 
 
 Wounded in battle of the Wilderness, May 5, '64, had one leg amputated 
 and died in hospital May 12. 
 
 Nov. 10, 1863. John Sandling, Boston, Co. H. May 16, 1865. 
 
 Wounded in battle at Fort Stevens, July 12, '64. Discharged owing to 
 disability. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. William J. Smith, Montague, Co. F. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Wounded in battle of the Wilderness, May 5, '64, and again May 6. 
 Term exp. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1S62. Timothy Spellman, Ireland, Co. F. Jan. 17, 1865. 
 
 Wounded at battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, '64. Discharged on account 
 of disability. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Ethan A. Taft, Montague, Co. F. Feb. 3, 1863. 
 
 Died in Virginia, from disease. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Samuel M. Thayer, North Hadley, Co. F. March 30, 1863. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability caused by sickness. 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 Sept. 17, 1S62. Samuel J. Storrs, Holliston, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Capt., lieut. col., Oct. 13. '62. Term exp. 
 Sept. 1, 1S62. Justin P. Kellogg, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 2d lieut., Sept. 12, '62 ; 1st lieut., Oct. 28. '62. Term exp. ' 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Asa A. Spear, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 2d lieut. After assault on Port Hudson, when Capt. Bliss was killed and 
 Lieut. Kellogg sick in hospital, he commanded company until mustered 
 out of service. 
 
 Aug. 26, 1862. James A. Baker, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Corp'l ; serg't, June 11, '63. In battles of Brashear City, Franklin, Irish 
 Bend and sieae of Port Hudson. 
 
510 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Aug. 26, 1862. Cephas W. Gunn, Montague. Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Serg't. Took part in siege of Port Hudson. 
 Oct. 11, 1862. George E. Howes, Austerlitz, N. Y., Co. G. Aug. 14, 1S63. 
 
 Serg't. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. William L. Bliss, Maysville, Va., Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Corp'l. Took part in all the battles of the reg't. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Watson W. Cowles, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Corp*l. 
 Aug. 25, 1862. Silas O. Johnson, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Corp'l. At siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 27, 1862. Lewis A. Bartlett, Shutesbury, Co. G. May 25, 1863. 
 
 Discharged on account of disability from sickness at Baton Rouge, La. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Milo A. Bartlett, Granby, Co. G. July 15, 1863. 
 
 Died of diphtheria at Port Hudson. La. 
 Oct. 11, 1862. George H. Barton, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14. 1863. 
 
 Sept. 8, 1862. George H. Bell, New York City, Co. G. Aug. 14. 1863. 
 
 In all the battles of the reg't. 
 Aug. 13, 1892. Truman Bowman, Montague, Co. F. Sept. 9, 1S63. 
 
 In all the battles of the reg't. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Charles Clapp, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Aug. 25, 1862. Amariah Dickinson, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1S63. 
 
 In all the battles of the reg't. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. George Dickinson, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14. 1S63. 
 
 In all the battles of the reg't. Died March 22. 1S64, of disease contracted 
 while in the army. 
 
 Aug. 27, 1862. John W. Dickinson, Amherst, Co. G. June 18, 1863. 
 
 Died from typhoid fever, in hospital at New Orleans, La. 
 Aug. 27, 1862. William B. Fales, Pelham, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 In battles of Oak Ridge and Irish Bend and siege of Port Hudson. 
 Sept. 15, 1862. Horace Haling, Portland, Conn., Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863- 
 
 Aug. 30, 1862. James Hardaker, England, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 At siege of Port Hudspn, La. 
 
 Aug. — , 1862. Joseph C. Hastings. Amherst. Co. G. Aug. 14, 1S63. 
 
 Cook. In battle of Irish Bend and siege of Port Hudson. 
 
 Aug. 25, 1S62. Charles E. Hayward, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Sept. 1, 1S62. Freeman L. Holden, Hawley, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Aug. 25, 1862. Charles O. Howes, Austerlitz, N. Y., Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 In battle of Irish Bend and at siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Henry Hubbard, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14. 1S63. 
 
 Nov. 12, 1862. Dwight H. Johnson, Amherst, Co. C. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 In battle of Franklin and sie°;e of Port Hudson. 
 
SERVICE RECORD. 
 
 511 
 
 Aug. 25, 1862. William F. Johnson, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 At siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 20, 1S62. Benjamin F. Kellogg, Amherst. Co. G. Aug. 14. 1S63. 
 
 At siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 25, 1S62. Michael Maloney, Ireland, Co. C. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 In all battles of reg't and at siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Edward O'Callahan, Ireland, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 In battle of Irish Bend and at siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Jeremiah O'Callahan, Ireland, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 In all battles of reg't and at siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 25, 1862. Patrick F. O'Toole, Ireland, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Sept. 1, 1862. Albert Roberts, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Aug. 25, 1862. George H. Roberts, Amherst. Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 At siege of Port Hudson. 
 Aug. 27, 1S62. Norman Roberts, Amherst, Co. G. Jan. 12, 1863. 
 
 Died of typhoid fever in hospital at Baton Rouge, La. 
 Aug. 25, 1862. Edward M. Rolph, Westminster, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Aug. 27, 1862. Charles C. Smith, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14. 1863. 
 
 Died in Amherst, Sept. 6, "63, of disease contracted in army. 
 Aug. 24, 1862. George P. Spear, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1S63. 
 
 In all the battles of the reg't. Wounded, June 14, '63, in assault on Port 
 Hudson. 
 
 Aug. 27, 1S62. James H. Wheelock, Burrillville, R. I., Co. G. Aug. 14, 1863. 
 
 Sept. 1, 1862. John P. W. Wheelock, Amherst, Co. G. Aug. 4, 1863. 
 
 Died in hospital at Mound City, 111. 
 Aug. 27, 1S62. John White, Xew York City, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1S63. 
 
 Wounded in battle of Irish Bend, April 14, "63. 
 Sept. 1, 1S62. Robert Wilson, Scotland. Co. G. June 14. 1863. 
 
 Died in hospital at New Orleans, La. 
 Aug. 30, 1862. Perez R. Brown, Co. G. Aug. 14, 1S63. 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 May 25, 1861. Charles F. Kellogg, Amherst, Co. H. July 20, 1865. 
 
 Discharged Feb. 14. '63. for disability. .Mustered into Co. C, 57th Mass. 
 reg't, Jan. 10, 1S64. with rank as serg't. Wounded at battle of the Wil- 
 derness in May, '64. Disability. 
 
 NINTH REGIMENT. 
 
 July 14, 1863. Spencer Church, Jr., Amherst. Co. I. June 29, 1S65. 
 
 Wounded in '64. Trans. June 10, '64. to 33d Mass. reg't. Co. H. Died 
 in Amherst, Oct. 27. '65. from disease contracted in service. 
 
512 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Aug. iS, 1863. Henry Coy, Amherst, Co. I. May 22, 1865. 
 
 Wounded in battle of Wilderness, May 5, '64. Trans. June 10, '64, to 32d 
 Mass. reg't, Co. H. Discharged by order of War Dep't. 
 
 TENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 June 21, 1 86 1. Joseph F. Bartlett, Ware, Co. H. July 16, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l, Nov. 1, '62; serg't, May 1, '63; 2d lieut., May 24, '65 ; 1st lieut., 
 June 1, '65. Re-enlisted, Dec. 20, "63. Wounded in battle of the Wilder- 
 ness, May 5, '64. Trans. June 20, '64, to 37th Mass. reg't, Co. I. Trans. 
 June 20, '65, to 20th Mass. reg't. 
 
 June 21, 1 86 1. Nelson O. Ball, Amherst, Co. C. July 16, 1865. 
 
 Promoted on the field as corp'l for bravery at battle of Fredericksburg, 
 Dec. 14, '62; was wounded in the battle. Re-enlisted, Dec. 21, '63. 
 Wounded at battle of Spottsylvania, May 12, '64. Trans. June 21, '64. 
 to 37th Mass. reg't, Co. F. Trans. Feb. 2, '65. to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
 Afterwards attached to 20th Mass. reg't, Co. K. 
 
 June 21, 1S61. John D. Ball, Montague, Co. E. July 16, 1865. 
 
 Appointed hospital steward. Re-enlisted, Dec. 20, '63. Trans, to 37th 
 Mass. reg't, Co. K, June 19, '64. Trans. June 21, '65, to 20th Mass. reg't, 
 Co. K. 
 
 June 21, 1 86 1. Austin S. Cook, Amherst, Co. I. 1865. 
 
 Discharged Nov. 11, '62, to enlist in Battery G, U. S. artillery. 
 June 21, 1S61. Benjamin O. Cook, Pelham, Co. G. Feb. 18, 1862. 
 
 Discharged on account of disability. 
 June 21, 1861. Charles Dunakin, South Hadley, Co. C. Dec. 26, 1865. 
 
 Was in nearly every battle of the reg't for three years. Re-enlisted, Dec. 
 26, '64, in Hancock's special corps, 2d company. 
 
 June 21, 1861. Ebenezer M. Johnson, Amherst, Co. C. July 16, 1865. 
 Wounded in battle of Fair Oaks, Va., June 1, '62. Re-enlisted, Jan. 20, 
 '64, in 37th Mass. reg't, Co. F. Transferred June 21, '65, to 20th Mass. 
 reg't, Co. K. 
 June 21, 1S61. Murray B. Lovett, Amherst, Co. K. June 4, 1862. 
 
 Died in hospital at Fair Oaks, Va. 
 June 21, 1S61. George L. Putnam, Palmer, Co. C. May 31, 1862. 
 
 Killed in battle of Fair Oaks, Va. 
 June 21, 1861. Edward H. Stanley, Amherst, Co. C. July 27, 1862. 
 
 Took part in battles of Fair Oaks and Malvern Hill, Va. in '62. Died of 
 typhoid fever in a field hospital near Harrison's Landing. Va. 
 
 June 21, 1 86 1. Josiah Thayer, Belchertown, Co. C. May 25, 1863. 
 
 Wounded at battle of Salem Heights, May 4, '63, and died in hospital at 
 Washington. 
 
 ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. Stephen R. Westcott. Oct. 27, 1864. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 
TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 513 
 
 FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 July 12, 1S61. Henry C. Ball, Sunderland, Co. F. July 3, 1863. 
 
 Serg't, Aug. 1, '61 ; 1st reg't, Jan. 8, '63. Took part in the battles of Ball's 
 Bluff, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, 
 Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. Was wounded at the battle 
 of Antietam, Sept. 17, '62, and killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 
 '63, while gallantly leading his men. 
 
 Aug. 3, 1863. Edward Bartlett, Co. A. July 16, 1865. 
 
 Transferred July 27, '64 to 20th Mass. reg't, Co. E. 
 July 12, 1861. Francis Ff. Dickinson, Belchertown, Co. F. Oct. 21, 1861. 
 
 Killed at battle of Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, both legs being shot away. 
 Feb. 7, 1862. Edward W. Prouty, Shutesbury, Co. F. July 15, 1863. 
 
 Mortally wounded at battle of Gettysburg, July 3, '63. 
 
 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Aug. 24, 186 1. Alonzo W. Latham, Greenwich, Co. H. May 17, 1863. 
 Took part in all the battles of the reg't until Nov. 17, '62, when he was 
 severely wounded at battle of Fredericksburg. Afterwards took part in 
 battle of Chancellorsville. Died in hospital at Potomac Creek. 
 
 NINETEENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 May 13, 1864. William Anderson, Co. D. June 30, 1865. 
 
 Dec. 29, 1S64. Owen Cannon, Co. B. June 30, 1865. 
 Aug. 3, 1863. George Jones. 
 
 Dec. 30, 1864. Frederick Schatz. Co. B. June 30, 1865. 
 
 May 13, 1864. George Wheeler, Co. I. June 30, 1865. 
 
 TWENTIETH REGIMENT. 
 
 Sept. 4, 186 1. Henry Bowman, Montague, Co. K. June 26, 1864. 
 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 18, '64. Died at Washington, D. C, of wounds received at 
 battle of City Point, Va. 
 
 Sept. 4, 1861. Marcus T. C. Miles, Co. K. June 3, 1864. 
 
 Corp'l, '62. Wounded at battle of Gettysburg, July 2, '63. Re-enlisted 
 Feb. 18, '64. Died in hospital at Alexandria, Ya., June 2, .'64. 
 1863. Thomas Moran. 
 
 July 18, 1863. Robert Slocumb, Co. F. July 16, 1865. 
 
 Dec. 30, 1S64. John Taumann. 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 
 
 Aug. 19, 1861. William S. Clark, Ashfield. April 22, 1863. 
 
 Maj., Aug. 19, '61. Lieut.-col., Feb. 28, "62. Col., May 16. "62. Took 
 part in battles of Roanoke Island, New Berne, Camden, 2d Manassas, 
 Chantilly, South Mountain and Antietam. 
 
 33 
 
^ 14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Aug. 21, 1861. Frazar A. Stearns. Cambridge, Co. I. March 14, 1862. 
 istlieut., Aug. 12, '61. Wounded Feb. 8, '62, at battle of Roanoke Island. 
 Killed March 14, '62, in battle of New Berne, N. C. 
 
 Aug. 5, 1861. Henry C. Plumb, Halifax, Vt., Co. H. April 20, 1862. 
 
 Serg't, Aug. 5, '61. Died April 20, '62, in hospital at New Berne, N. C. 
 Aug. 5, 1861. Richard B. Loomis, Amherst, Co. H. July 21, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l, Aug. 5, '61. Re-enlisted Jan. 2, '64. Wounded at siege of Peters- 
 burg, Aug. 8, '64. Trans, to 56th Mass. reg't, Co. H. Trans. June S, '65, 
 to 56th Mass. reg't, Co. A. 
 
 Aug. 5, 1861. William H. White, Amherst, Co. H. 1S65. 
 
 Corp'l, July 14, '63. Wounded at battle of Spottsylvania, May 12, '64. 
 Captured at battle of Chantilly, Sept. 1, '62. Re-enlisted Dec. 19, '64, in 
 Hancock's Special Corps. 
 
 Aug. 5, 1861. Sylvester H.Adams, New Bedford, Co. H. Dec. 31, 1861. 
 
 Died at Annapolis, Md., of typhoid fever. 
 Aug. 5, 1861. Austin Barton, Belchertown, Co. H. March 18, 1862. 
 
 Mortally wounded March 14, '62, in battle of New Berne. Died March 
 18, '62, at New Berne. 
 
 Aug. 5, 186 1. Francis E. Dickinson, Amherst, Co. H. July 12, 1865. 
 Corp'l, April, '64. Serg't, Oct., "65. Re-enlisted Jan. 1, '64. Trans. Jan. 
 2, '64, to 36th Mass. reg't. Co. H. Trans. June 8, '65, to 56th Mass. reg't, 
 Co. F. 
 Aug. 5, 1861. Charles L. Goodale, Amherst, Co. H. June 8, 1865. 
 
 Corp'l, July 1, '63. Serg't, Feb. 11, '64. 2d lieut.,Nov. 1, '64. Re-enlisted Jan. 
 2, '64. Trans, to 36th Mass. reg't. Took part in battles of Roanoke 
 Island, New Berne, Blue Springs, Tenn., siege of Knoxville. and in 
 battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania,Cold Harbor and before Petersburg. 
 
 Oct. 16, 186 1. Henry F. Douglass, Hanover, N. H., Co. H. Sept. 24, 1864. 
 
 Drum-major. Wounded at battle of Chantilly, Sept. 1, "62. 
 Aug. 5, 1861. Lewis R. Haskell, Shutesbury, Co. H. Sept. 8, 1865. 
 
 Wounded at battle of Fredericksburg, Oct. 13, '62. Discharged Oct. 16, 
 '63, for disability from wounds. Re-enlisted Dec. 19, '64, in Hancock's 
 Veteran Corps. 
 
 Aug. 5, 1861. George W. Newell, Amherst, Co. H. Oct. 21, 1862. 
 
 Injured by a cannon-ball at battle of New Berne. Discharged on account 
 of disability caused by sickness and wounds. 
 
 Dec. 31, 1863. Lyman D. Phelps, Belchertown, Co. H. Aug. 22, 1864. 
 Trans. Dec. 31, '63, to 36th Mass. reg't, Co. K. Died Aug. 22. '64, in hos- 
 pital at Fort Schuyler, N. Y. 
 
 Aug. 5, 1S61. George W. Scott, South Hadley, Co. H. Sept. 1, 1862. 
 
 Killed at battle of Chantilly, Va. 
 Aug. 5, 1 86 1. Farrell Welch, Co. I. 
 
 Trans. Oct. 23, '62, to U. S. cavalry. 
 
FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 515 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 Aug. 28, 1863. Edward Lyons. Co. E. July 14, 1864. 
 
 Died at a hospital in New York harbor. 
 June 14, 1864. John McDonald. 
 
 TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 
 
 1861. Charles V. Smith, Amherst, Co. I. May 21, 1864. 
 
 Corp"l. "61. Lieut.. Dec. 4. '62. Capt. June 4, '62- Wounded at Shenan- 
 doah Valley, Sept. 19, '62. Lost an arm in battle of the Wilderness, in 
 May. '64. Died in hospital at Fredericksburg, Md. 
 
 Feb. 29, iS'j4. Michael Doyle, Co. D. May 6, 1864. 
 
 Mortally wounded in battle of the Wilderness. 
 
 THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 
 
 Dec. 10, 1 86 1. G. L. Fisher, Hoosick Falls, N. \\, Co. D. Dec. 9, 1864. 
 
 Dec. 3, 1 86 1. Homer L. Fisher, Cummington, Co. D. Dec. 3, 1864. 
 
 Took part in 13 battles and skirmishes. 
 Feb. 10, 1862. Charles Matthews, Amherst, Co. B. April 9, 1862. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 Dec. 19, 1S61. Patrick Shea, Ireland, Co. H. April 11, 1862. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 July 14, 1863. Charles A. Heald, Amherst, Co. F. June 29, 1865. 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Aug., 1S62. Francis J. Matthews, Amherst, Co. D. June 16, 1865. 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 
 
 July 13, 1864. Moses L. Flanders, Co. H. Dec. 10, 1864. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 July 20, 1864. Henry C. Kendall, Co. H. July 12, 1865. 
 
 Trans. June S, '65, to 56th Mass. reg't, Co. F. 
 
 July 7, 1864. Charles Riley, Co. H. May 25, 1865. 
 
 Discharged by order of War Dep "t. 
 
 July 12, 1864. Joseph Richards, Co. K. 
 Trans, to 56th Mass. Reg't. 
 
 FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 
 
 July 13, 1863. Jason Champlin, Co. K. Feb. 20, 1864. 
 
 Killed in battle of Olustee, Fla. 
 March 10, 1863. Charles A. Finnemore, Amherst, Co. C. Aug. 20, 1865. 
 
 Took part in battles of James Island, Morris Island and Olustee. Wounded 
 Feb. 24, '64, in battle of Olustee. 
 
516 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 March 30, 1S63. Sanford Jackson, Amherst, Co. A. Sept. 13, 1863. 
 
 Died at Beaufort, S. C. 
 Nov. 23, 1863. Francis N. Jennings, Amherst, Co. H. Aug. 20, 1865. 
 
 Took part in battle of Honey Hill, S. C. 
 March 14, 1863. William Jennings, Ludlow, Co. C. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Discharged April 10. '63, owing to disability. Re-enlisted Jan. 29, '64, in 
 5th Mass. cavalry. 
 
 March 10, 1863, William H. H. Jennings, Amherst, Co. C.Aug. 20, 1865. 
 
 Took part in battle of James Island. 
 July 18, 1S63. Alexander Taylor, Co. C. Aug. 20, 1865. 
 
 March 10, 1863. James Thompson, Whately, Co. C. Aug. 20, 1865. 
 
 Took part in battle of James Island, Fort Wagner and all the engagements 
 of the reg't. 
 
 FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 
 
 Oct. 14, 1862. George L. Johnson, Co. K. Aug. 20, 1863. 
 
 istserg't. 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Sept. 25, 1862. James W. Roberts, Co. C. July 29, 1863. 
 
 Corp'l. 
 
 Oct. 15, 1S62. Charles I. Albee, Co. H. July 29, 1863. 
 
 Oct. 15, 1S62. Benjamin F. Conkey, Co. H. July 29, 1863. 
 
 Oct. 15, 1862. Peter King, Jr., Co. H. July 29, 1863. 
 
 FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 
 
 Oct. 17, 1862. Martin S. Johnson, Amherst, Co. F. June 14, 1863. 
 
 Killed at battle of Port Hudson, La. 
 Oct. 17, 1S62. George H. Parmenter, Co. F. Sept. 2, 1863. 
 
 FIRST HEAVY ARTILLERY. 
 
 Feb. 20, 1862. Erasmus W. Percival, Amherst, Co. L. Aug. 16, 1S65. 
 
 Corp'l, Jan 1, '65. Serg't, March 20, '65. Re-enlisted, Feb., '64. 
 Feb. 20, 1S62. James A. Pierce, Amherst, Co. L. Aug. 16, 1865. 
 
 Serg't Feb. 23, '64. Took part in nine battles. Wounded Oct. 27, '64, at 
 battle of Boynton Plank Road. Re-enlisted in '64. 
 
 March iS, 1S62. Benj. P. Allen, East Windsor, Conn., Co. L. June 17, 1862. 
 
 Discharged for disability. 
 Feb. 20, 1S62. Edwin W. Ball, Co. L. Feb. 22, 1864. 
 
 Re-enlisted. 
 Feb. 28, 1862. Morrison Barton, Amherst, Co. L. Nov. 2, 1862. 
 
 Died at Fort Albany, Va. of disease contracted in service. 
 Feb. 28, 1862. Henry E. Boynton, Shutesbury, Co. L. June 23, 1864. 
 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 22, '64. Wounded May 19, "64, in battle of the Wilderness. 
 Died of wounds in hospital at Washington, D. C. 
 
FIRST CAVALRY. 517 
 
 Feb. 20, 1862. David L. Dickinson, Amherst, Co. L. May 20, 1864. 
 
 Re-enlisted Feb. 21, "64. Mortally wounded May 19. '64. in battle of the 
 Wilderness. 
 
 Sept. 7, 1864. Frederick Grover, Co. C. June 4, 1865. 
 
 Nov. 2, 1863. Wesley W. Horton, New Salem, Co. E. Aug. 16, 1865. 
 
 Took part in seven battles. 
 Nov. 16, 1863. Francis B. Smith, Lanesboro, Co. I. March 2, 1864. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 
 SECOND HEAVY ARTILLERY. 
 
 Sept. 10, 1864. John Hills, Co. A. Sept. 3, 1S65. 
 
 Corp'l. 
 Aug. 25. 1864. Edward P. Dickinson, Amherst. Co. A. June 2. 1865. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. Robert Hock, Co. A. July n, 1865. 
 
 Trans. Dec. 16, '64, to 17th Mass. reg*t, Co. H. 
 
 Aug. 25. 1864. Henry C. Lovett. Co. A. June 2, 1S65. 
 
 July 19, 1S64. Thomas F. Murphy, Ireland, Co. K. Sept. 3, 1S65. 
 
 July 15, 1864. Redmond Welch, Co. B. June 16, 1865. 
 
 THIRD HEAVY ARTILLERY. 
 
 May 31, 1864. James Kelly. Nov. 14, 1865. 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH UNATTACHED COMPANY, HEAVY ARTILLERY. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. Henry C. Dickinson, Amherst. June 16, 1865. 
 
 THIRTEENTH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY. 
 
 July 30, 1864. John Kennedy. July 28, 1S65. 
 
 Dec. 30, 1864. Nicholas Stankoff. July 28, 1865. 
 
 FIRST CAVALRY. 
 
 Sept. 17, 1861. John W. Howland, Amherst, Co. C. June 26, 1865. 
 
 Serg't, Sept. 17, '61. 2d lieut., Jan. 16, '64. 1st lieut., Nov. 13. "64. Brevet, 
 capt't. Re-enlisted Jan. 1. "64. 
 
 Aug. 13, 1862. Edwin H. Pierce, Amherst, Co. B. June 26, 1865. 
 
 Corp*l. Re-enlisted Dec. 29, "63. 
 Aug. 18, 1862. Edward P. Gray. New York City. Co. A. Nov. iS, 1864. 
 
 Serg't Dec. 23, '63. Trans, to Veteran Reserve Corps, Aug. 
 18, '63. 
 
 Dec. 27, 1864. Cephas B. Bolio, Holyoke, Co. E. Jan. 27, 1865. 
 
 Died at Gallop's Island, Boston Harbor. 
 Dec. 27, 1S64. William E. Hobart, Amherst, Co. H. June 26, 1865. 
 
 Bugler. 
 Dec. 27, 1864. G W. Shattuck, Winchester. N. H., Co. H. June 26, 1S65. 
 
518 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Dec. 27, 1864. Andrew J. Ufford, Moodus, Conn., Co. H. June 26, 1865. 
 Bugler. 
 
 Aug. 18, 1862. Byron H. Williams, Norwich, Co. C. Sept. 21, 1S63. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 
 SECOND CAVALRY. 
 
 Sept. 15, 1864. Charles Dow. 
 
 FOURTH CAVALRY. 
 
 July 13, 1864. Henry Casson, Prussia, Co. H. Nov. 14, 1865. 
 
 July 14, 1864. James Kelly, Ireland, Co. I. Nov. 14, 1865. 
 
 July 14, 1864. Dennis McSweeney, Ireland, Co. I. Nov. 14, 1865. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. Samuel W. Richards, Jr., Co. I. Nov. 14, 1865. 
 
 Dec. 28, 1S64. Charles Smith, Co. B. Nov. 14, 1865. 
 
 FIFTH CAVALRY. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. Charles Turner, Co. B. Oct. 31, 1865. 
 
 Corp"]. 
 
 Jan. 9, 1864. Samuel Freeman, Conn., Co. A. June 21, 1865. 
 
 Bugler. 
 Jan. 29, 1S64. Jarvis W. Jackson, Amherst, Co. B. Oct. 1, 1865. 
 
 Died in hospital at Brazos, Tex. 
 Jan. 29, 1864. Windsor Jackson, Amherst, Co. B. Oct. 31, 1865. 
 
 Jan. 29, 1864. Howard E. Paxon, Hertford Co., Md., Co. A. Oct. 31, 1865. 
 
 Jan. 29, 1864. Joseph J. Solomon, Westhampton, Co. D. Oct. 31,1865. 
 
 Took part in assault on Petersburg, June, '64. 
 Jan. 29, 1S64. Lorenzo Sugland, Westhampton, Co. D. June 17, 1865. 
 Jan. 29, 1864. Charles H. Thompson, Northampton ,Co. E. Oct. 31, 1865. 
 Jan. 29, 1864. Christopher Thompson, Hatfield, Co. D. Oct. 31, 1865. 
 
 Jan. 29, 1864. Henry Thompson, Worthington, Co. D. Oct. 20, 1865. 
 
 Died in hospital at Brazos, Tex. 
 
 Jan. 29, 1864. John Thompson, Hatfield, Co. B. March 13, 1864. 
 
 Died in camp at Readville, Mass. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. Charles Waters, Co. A. Oct. 31, 1865. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. William Williamson, Co. B. Oct. 31, 1865. 
 
 FIRST BATTALION FRONTIER CAVALRY. 
 
 Jan. 2, 1865. Samuel H. Burke, Co. D. June 30, 1865. 
 
 SIXTIETH REGIMENT. 
 
 Aug. 1, 1864. Myron D. Clark, Co. G. Nov. 30, 1864. 
 
NAVAL SERVICE. 519 
 
 VETERAN RESERVE CORPS. 
 
 Dec. 23, 1864. James W. Bryant, nth reg't. June 28, 1865. 
 
 Discharged owing to disability. 
 
 Sept. 10, 1864. John Manning, 1st Heavy Art. Nov. 17, 1865. 
 
 Sept. 12, 1864. Bernard McGuirk, 13th reg't. Nov. 14, 1865. 
 
 Sept. 13, 1864. John Mo/an, 10th reg't. May 5, 1865. 
 
 July 7, 1864. John Rush. Nov. 17, 1865. 
 
 Sept. 10, 1864. David Witherell, 13th reg't. Nov. 17, 1865. 
 Sept. 12, 1S64. Frank Wood, 13th reg't. 
 
 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 Sept. 13, 1S61. George B. Cooley, Palmer, 44th 111. 1864. 
 
 2d lieut., June 7, '62. 1st lieut., Dec. 18, '62. In battle of Pea Ridge, 
 Ark., Perryville, Ky., Stone River, Tenn. and Chickamauga. Wounded 
 in battle of Chickamauga. 
 
 Dec. 7, 1 86 1. Henry M. McCloud, Amherst, 12th Conn. Oct. 1, 1864. 
 Corp'l, June 1, '62. Serg't, March 10, '62. Lieut., Aug., '63. Trans, to 
 U. S. engineers' corps, Feb. 10, '64. Took part in many battles and 
 skirmishes. 
 
 Aug. 23, 1S62. Henry M. Cooley, Amherst, 14th Conn. 
 
 Serg't. 
 — Erastus Coy, 15th 111. 
 
 Sept. 3, 1861. Lyman E. Moody, South Hadley, Michigan Sharpshooters. 
 May, 1861. Charles F. Russell, Amherst, 3d 111. Cavalry. 1865. 
 
 June 20, 1861. Chas. B. Adams, Middlebury, Vt., 67thN. Y. Sept. 17, 1S61. 
 Died at Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 Dec. 4, 1861. Reuben Miles, Manchester, Conn., 12th Conn. July 15, 1863. 
 
 Died of disease contracted in service. 
 186 1. Samuel White, East Machias, Me., 5th Wis. « May, 1864. 
 
 Corp'l, serg't, 2d lieut., capt. Mortally wounded in battle of Spottsylvania. 
 Feb. 2, 1863. Thomas Henderson, Sunderland. 
 
 Surgeon at Laurens Hospital, Mo. 
 
 NAVAL SERVICE. 
 
 Feb. 13, 1S65. Edward H. Adams, Middlebury, Vt. 
 
 Surgeon's steward. Served on steamer " Wachusett." 
 June, 1S61. William B. Miles, Amherst. 1864. 
 
 Master's mate. Served on steamers " Bricknell," " Roanoke " and 
 " Granite." 
 
 Sept. 16, 1S64. Frank S. Beaman. 
 
 July 1, 1864. Charles P. Boynton. 
 
520 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 1863. William Burns. 
 June 29, 1864. William Challiner. 
 July 27, 1864. James A. Colter. 
 June 30, 1864. John Fitzsimmons. 
 June 29, 1864. Thomas Gleason. 
 
 Sept. 10, 1864. Samuel Hay, Staten Island, N. Y. July 20, 1866. 
 
 Served on gunboat " Colorado" and steamship " Susquehanna.*' 
 July 27, 1864. John Hudson. 
 1863. Peter Johnson. 
 
 July 16, 1864. Thomas Keefe, Ireland. July 22, 1865. 
 
 Served on sloop of war " John Adams." 
 July 29, 1864. Uranus Lawry, Newport, Me. April 21, 1866. 
 
 Served on steamers " Monadnock " and " Constellation.*" 
 July 7, 1864. John Lear. 
 1863. Frank Martin. 
 July 16, 1864. Patrick McCallum. 
 July 2, 1864. Charles McGinley. 
 
 July 8, 1864. John Nelson, Germany. July 6, 1867. 
 
 Served on ship " Sabine.' 1 
 Aug. 9, 1862. Henry L. Newell, Amherst, Sept. 8, 1863. 
 
 Served on steam sloop " Ossipee." 
 June 30, 1864. James Pierce. 
 
 July 28, 1864. Stephen C. Scott, Machias, Me. July 2, 1867. 
 
 Served on steamer " Circassian." 
 Aug. 17, 1864. Cornelius White. 
 
 July 4, 1862. William V. Cutter, Amherst. 
 
 Served on steamers " Merrimack" and " Mississippi,"' 1st mate. 
 
 ALPHABETICAL LIST. 
 
 Adams, Sylvester H. 
 Albee, Charles I. 
 Allen, Benjamin P. 
 Anderson, William 
 
 Baker, Asahel 
 Baker, Charles C. 
 Baker, Ezra 
 Baker, James A. 
 Ball, Edwin W. 
 Ball, Henry C. 
 Ball, John D. 
 
 Ball, Nelson O. 
 Bardwell, Henry J. 
 Barrows, Ashley W. 
 Bartlett, Edward 
 Bartlett, Joseph F. 
 Bartlett, Lewis A. 
 Bartlett, Milo A. 
 Barton, Austin 
 Barton, Charles H. 
 Barton. George H. 
 Barton, Morrison 
 Bell, Frederick R. 
 
 Bell, George H. 
 Beston, Dennis 
 Beston, John 
 Beston, Patrick 
 Bliss, William L. 
 Bolio, Cephas B. 
 Bolio, Charles C. 
 Bolio, Levi M. 
 Bolster, Frank E. 
 Boltwood, Edmund 
 Bowman, James 
 Bowman, Henry 
 
ALPHABETICAL LIST. 
 
 5 2 i 
 
 Bowman, Truman 
 Boynton, Henry E. 
 Brown, Perez R. 
 Bryant. James W. 
 Burke, Samuel H. 
 
 Cannon, Owen 
 Casson, Henry 
 Cates. Albert 
 Champlin. Jason 
 Church, Spencer, Jr. 
 Clapp, Charles 
 Clark, Myron D. 
 Clark, William S. 
 Cook, Benjamin O. 
 Cook, Austin S. 
 Cooke, George E. 
 Cooke, Willard S. 
 Conkey, Benjamin F. 
 Connors, John 
 Cowles, Watson W. 
 Coy, Henry 
 Crossman, Barton E. 
 Cushman, John E. 
 Cutter, Ptolemy P. 
 
 Dennison, Ami R. 
 Devine. Thomas 
 Dickinson. Amariah 
 Dickinson, Chester, Jr. 
 Dickinson. David L. 
 Dickinson, Edward B. 
 Dickinson, Edward P. 
 Dickinson, Eli O. 
 Dickinson, Francis E. 
 Dickinson, Francis H. 
 Dickinson, George 
 Dickinson, Henry C. 
 Dickinson. John W. 
 Dickinson, Levi P. 
 Dickinson. Willard R. 
 Douglass, Henry F. 
 Dow. Charles 
 Doyle, Michael 
 Draper, George A. 
 Dunakin. Charles 
 
 Edson, Levi 
 
 Fahay, William 
 Fales. William B. 
 Finnemore, Charles A. 
 Fish. Dyer B. N. 
 Fish, Francis W. 
 Fisher, George L. 
 Fisher, Homer L. 
 Flanders, Moses L. 
 Freeman. Samuel 
 Franklin. Benjamin R. 
 
 Glazier, John A. 
 Goodale, Charles L. 
 Graves. William O. 
 Gray, Edward P. 
 Grover, Frederick 
 Grover, Joseph 
 Gunn. Cephas W. 
 Gunn, Charles S. 
 
 Haling, Horace 
 Hardaker, James 
 Haskell. Lewis R. 
 Hastings, Henry B. 
 Hastings, Joseph C. 
 Hastings, Willard D. 
 Hawes, James F. 
 Hawley, Henry E. 
 Hayward, Charles E. 
 Heald, Charles A. 
 Hervey. Edward P. 
 Hill. Dwight X. 
 Hills, John 
 Hobart, George M. 
 Hobart. William E. 
 Hock, Robert 
 Holden, Freeman L. 
 Hopkins. William J. 
 Horton, Wesley W. 
 Howes, Charles O. 
 Howes, George E. 
 Howland. John W. 
 Hubbard, Henry 
 
 Jackson, Jarvis W. 
 Jackson, Sanford 
 Jackson, Windsor 
 Jennings, Francis X. 
 
 Jennings, William 
 Jennings. William H. H. 
 Johnson, Ebenezer M. 
 Johnson, Eli H. 
 Johnson. George L. 
 Johnson, Martin S. 
 Johnson, Silas O. 
 Johnson. William F. 
 Jones. George 
 
 Kelley, James, ist 
 Kelley, James. 2d 
 Kellogg, Albert H. 
 Kellogg, Benjamin F. 
 Kellogg, Charles F. 
 Kellogg, James B. 
 Kellogg, Justin P. 
 Kelsey. Ezra 
 Kendall, Henry C. 
 Kennedy, John 
 King, Peter, Jr. 
 King, Warren F. 
 Latham, Alonzo W. 
 Latham, William W. 
 Leggett, John A. 
 Leggett, William F. 
 Lincoln. Rufus P. 
 Loomis. Richard B. 
 Lovett, Henry L. 
 Lovett. Murray B. 
 Lovett, Wheaton 
 Lyons, Edward 
 
 Maloney. Michael 
 Manley. Edward W. 
 Manning, John 
 Matthews. Charles 
 Matthews, Francis J. 
 McDonald, John 
 McGuirk, Bernard 
 McSweeney. Dennis 
 Miles. Marcus T. C. 
 Moran, John 
 Moran. Thomas 
 Mullett, Charles D. 
 Munsell. Charles C. 
 Murphy, Thomas F. 
 
522 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Newell, George W. 
 Nutting, Freeman E. 
 
 O'Callahan, Edward 
 O'Callahan, Jeremiah 
 O'Connor, Cornelius 
 O'Toole, Patrick F. 
 
 Packard, Henry C. 
 Parmenter, George H. 
 Parsons, John D. 
 Paxon, Howard E. 
 Percival, Erasmns W. 
 Phelps, Lyman D. 
 Pierce, Edwin H. 
 Pierce, James A. 
 Plumb, Henry C. 
 Potwin, Edwin H. 
 Preston, James A. 
 Preston, Simeon E. 
 Prince, Henry B. 
 Prouty, Edward W. 
 Putnam, George L. 
 
 Richards, Joseph 
 Richards, Samuel W., Jr. 
 Riley, Charles 
 Roberts, Albert 
 Roberts, George H. 
 Roberts, James W. 
 Roberts, Norman 
 Rolph, Edward M. 
 Rush, John 
 Russell, D wight 
 Rust, Jacob L. 
 
 SaLois, Michael 
 
 Sanderson, James K. 
 Sandling, John 
 Schartz, Frederick 
 Scott, George W. 
 Sears, Arthur 
 Sears, Henry B. 
 Shattuck, George W. 
 Shea, Patrick 
 Shoals, John 
 Simonds, J. Franklin 
 Skinner, J. Leander 
 Skinner, Linneus C. 
 Skinner, Lyman W. 
 Slate, George E, 
 Sloan, George W. 
 Sloan, Timothy 
 Slocumb, Robert 
 Smith, Charles 
 Smith, Charles C. 
 Smith, Charles V. 
 Smith, Francis B. 
 Smith, William J. 
 Solomon, Joseph 
 Spaulding, Charles B. 
 Spear, Asa A. 
 Spear, George P. 
 Spear, James W. 
 Spellman, Timothy 
 Stankoff, Nicholas 
 Stanley, Edward H. 
 Stearns, Frazar A. 
 Stearns, John 
 Storrs, Charles L. 
 Storrs, Samuel J. 
 Stowell, Warren M. 
 Sugland, Lorenzo 
 
 Taft, Ethan A. 
 Taumann, John 
 Taylor, Alexander 
 Taylor, Joseph K. 
 Thayer, Josiah 
 Thayer, Lyman R. 
 Thayer, Samuel M. 
 Thompson, Charles H. 
 Thompson, Christopher 
 Thompson, Henry 
 Thompson, James 
 Thompson, John 
 Tufts, George H. 
 Turner, Charles 
 Turner, Charles F. 
 Tyler, Mason W. 
 
 Ufford, Andrew J. 
 
 Vinton, Medad 
 
 Waters, Charles 
 Welch, Farrell 
 Welch, Redmund 
 Westcott, Stephen R. 
 Wheeler, George 
 Wheelock, James 
 Wheelock, John P. W. 
 White, John 
 White, William H. 
 Williams, Byron H. 
 Williams, Solomon H. 
 Williamson, William 
 Wilson, Robert 
 Witherell, David 
 Wood, Frank 
 Woodworth, Charles L. 
 
 When, on April 15, 1S65, news was received in Amherst of the assas- 
 sination of President Lincoln, the general feeling of sorrow was manifested 
 in many ways. The church bells were tolled, flags were displayed at 
 half-mast, houses were draped in mourning and business was almost entirely 
 suspended. Special services were held in Grace Episcopal church in the 
 afternoon, Rev. Dr. Parker delivering a solemn and impressive address. 
 On the following Sabbath, the ministers in all the churches made the 
 president's death the theme of their discourse. On Wednesday, May 19, 
 the day of Lincoln's funeral, all the places of business were closed, and 
 stores and private residences were draped in mourning. At 1 1 a. m. the 
 
THE GRAND ARMY POST. 523 
 
 church bells began tolling, and at noon a union service was held in the 
 First Congregational church. An immense audience gathered. Addresses 
 were made by Rev. Dr. S. P. Parker and Rev. H. L. Hubbell and prayer 
 was offered by Prof. J. H. Seelye. 
 
 Under date of Feb. 7, 1867, the Express announced that a meeting of 
 the " returned soldiers " of the town and vicinity had been held in the 
 Academy building the evening of the 5th, to consider the expediency of 
 establishing in the town a " Union of Army and Navy Veterans." About 
 25 were present, and the project having been carefully discussed it was the 
 general sentiment that such a union should be formed. The meeting was 
 adjourned one week ; the Express contains no minute in regard to any 
 action taken at the adjourned meeting. Sometime during the year 1S67, 
 E. M. Stanton Post No. 36, of the Grand Army of the Republic was organ- 
 ized in Amherst. The records of the organization have been destroyed, 
 so it is impossible to state with certainty the precise date of organization 
 or to give a list of the first officers. Among the early commanders of the 
 post were Charles L. Storrs, Jairus L. Skinner and Edmund Boltwood. 
 Meetings were held in the Amherst house until 1S69, when more conven- 
 ient quarters were secured in Phoenix Row. In 1875. the place of meeting 
 was in Union block, which was destroyed by fire March 13, 1876. The 
 post next occupied quarters in the second story of a building owned by 
 Harvey White, situated on Pleasant street. This building was burned Jan. 
 3, 1S79, tne P ost losing all its furniture, its charter and its records. These 
 successive .disasters caused discouragement to the members and loss of 
 interest in the organization. The post was reorganized in 18S2 as E. M. 
 Stanton Post 147, G. A. R. Its regular meetings are held in the district 
 court-room the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. It has 
 done excellent work in the care of the sick, disabled and needy comrades, 
 and for many years has had charge of the public exercises of Memorial- 
 day. In 1S89, Henry H Goodell, Henry M. McCloud and Dr. D. B. N. Fish 
 were appointed a committee to prepare a list of soldiers who served on 
 Amherst's quota during the war. After a considerable expenditure of time 
 and money the list was completed, and the names were engraved on marble 
 slabs to which has been accorded a post of honor in the tower of the town 
 hall building. 
 
 In January, 1889, the E. M. Stanton Woman's Relief Corps was organ- 
 ized and a charter secured. The first officers were elected Jan. iS, Mrs. 
 Henry Adams being chosen president. Meetings are held in Pacific hall 
 the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. An organization 
 of the Son of Veterans was formed in Amherst during the 'Sos, but its 
 existence was brief. 
 
524 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER LVII 
 
 Amherst College. — Administration of President Stearns. — Gifts 
 and Bequests. — College Buildings. — New Departments. — 
 The College in the War. — The 50TH Anniversary. — Tulius 
 H. Seelye Elected President. — Gifts to the College. — 
 Members of the Faculty. — The Library. — Physical Culture. 
 — The "Amherst System." — Greek Letter Fraternities. 
 
 Edward Hitchcock resigned the presidency of Amherst College July 
 11, 1854. At the annual meeting of the board of trustees held Aug. 7, 
 Rev. William A. Stearns was chosen president of the college and professor 
 of moral philosophy and Christian theology. William Augustus Stearns 
 was born in Bedford, March 17, 1805. His father and both his grand- 
 fathers were ministers of the gospel. He was prepared for college at 
 Phillips Academy, Andover, was graduated with honor at Harvard College, 
 in the class of 1827, and at Andover Seminary in the class of 1831. 
 After teaching for a short time at Duxbury, he was ordained, Dec. 14, 1831, 
 pastor of the church at Cambridgeport, of which he remained in charge 
 until summoned to the presidency of Amherst College. The inauguration 
 ceremonies took place Nov. 22, 1S54. Far different were the auspices 
 attendant on his inauguration from those which had greeted his predeces- 
 sors in office. When Dr. Moore assumed the presidency, Amherst College 
 was an experiment, the exponent of an educational theory with little beside 
 faith to sustain it. President Humphrey was installed in office in shadow 
 of the death of his predecessor, a loss which was thought by many at the 
 time to mean the death of the college as well. President Hitchcock came 
 to the rescue of the institution when it was deeply burdened by debt and 
 its chances for existence were problematical. President Stearns assumed 
 the presidency of a college firmly established and possessing a substantial 
 endowment, no longer dependent for its support on the contributions it 
 could secure from the public from time to time. 
 
 The history of the college during the administration of President 
 Stearns was one of growth and development. Possessed of fine executive 
 abilities, he also had, to a marked degree, the faculty of interesting others 
 in the work of the institution over which he was called to preside. This 
 resulted in a series of donations and bequests to the college amounting in 
 the aggregate to nearly $800,000. Among the most notable of these gifts 
 were the following : By Dr. W. J. Walker, $100,000, to which was added 
 
COLLEGE BUILDINGS. 525 
 
 $40,000 raised from other sources as a condition of Dr. Walker's gift, by 
 legacy from Dr. Walker in 1866, $144,976 ; by S. A. Hitchcock, for schol- 
 arships and kindred purposes in 1872, $100,000; by Samuel L. Williston 
 in 1871, $50,000; by \V. F. Stearns, donation for College church, $46,000 ; 
 by scholarships, $35,000; by grants of the Legislature, 1861-63, $27,500 ; 
 by John Tappan, in 1864, $25,000 to endow the Samuel Green professor- 
 ship ; by Dr. W. J. Walker, $25,000 to endow the Walker professorship of 
 mathematics and astronomy. At the beginning of President Stearns' 
 administration there was not a single scholarship in existence at the 
 college ; before its close there were more than fifty, varying in annual 
 income from $40 to $300 each and distributing each year over $4,000 
 among the students. In addition to these scholarships many prizes were 
 established in various departments. 
 
 During the administration of President Stearns six new buildings 
 were added to the college property. The first to be erected was the Apple- 
 ton cabinet, built in 1S55, at a cost of $10,000. The same year a lecture- 
 room was built as an appendage to the Woods cabinet, at a cost of $1,000, 
 the gift of Luke Sweetser. In 1857, the Nineveh gallery, another " annex " 
 to the Woods cabinet, was built at an expense of some $600, the gift of 
 Lieut. Enos Dickinson of South Amherst. Here were placed on exhibi- 
 tion the sculptured slabs taken from the palace of Sardanapalus, and seals, 
 cylinders, bricks and coins, collected at Nineveh and Babylon by Dr. 
 Henry Lobdell, a graduate of the college in the class of 1849 and a mis- 
 sionary to Assyria. Williston hall was erected in 1857 at a cost of $15,000, 
 and the same year the East dormitory was built, at like expense, to take 
 the place of the North dormitory which had been burned to the ground 
 the winter preceding. The Barrett gymnasium building was erected in 
 i860 at a cost of $10,000, the fixtures costing some $5,000 more. It was 
 named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Barrett of Northampton, a liberal con- 
 tributor toward its erection. Walker hall, the most expensive and preten- 
 tious building on the college grounds, was completed in October, 1870, its 
 cost being about $130,000. The larger part of this sum had been donated 
 by Dr. W. J. Walker, in whose honor the building was named. Its corner- 
 stone was laid June 10, 1868, and it was formally opened Oct. 20, 1870. 
 The corner-stone of the College church was laid Sept. 22, 1870, and the 
 building was completed at a cost of $70,000. In 1867, the college trus- 
 tees purchased the old meeting-house of the First Congregational church, 
 and christened it College hall ; its cost to the college was $12,000. 
 
 It was not alone in additions to its resources, its buildings and appa- 
 ratus, that Amherst College showed marked development under the admin- 
 istration of President Stearns. Existing departments were strengthened 
 and new ones developed, the curriculum enlarged and valuable additions 
 
526 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 made to the teaching force of the institution. Dr. Stearns was an earnest 
 believer in physical education ; it was largely through his influence that 
 the trustees voted at their annual meeting in August, i860, to establish a 
 department of physical culture in the college. John W. Hooker, M. D., 
 •of New Haven, Conn, was the first professor to have charge of the depart- 
 ment but was connected with the college only a few months. He was 
 succeeded in 186 1 by Dr. Edward Hitchcock, Jr., under whose direction 
 the department of physical education and hygiene his become famous 
 throughout the country. The exhibitions in gymnastics are greatly enjoyed 
 by the public, being witnessed by thousands of visitors every year. The 
 compulsory use of a wise system of physical development has exercised a 
 most beneficial influence upon the health of the student body. To Dr. 
 W. j. Walker must be accorded the honor of founding at the college the 
 department of mathematics and astronomy, endowing a professorship, 
 instructorships and prize scholarships. To the charge of this department, 
 which he still retains, William C. Esty was appointed in 1863. The 
 appointment of E. P. Crowell as professor of Latin, in 1858, secured to 
 the college the services of one who has ever maintained his department in 
 the front rank, and who, in recent years, in the face of physical disability 
 that might well have daunted any man, has continued those services which 
 have gained constantly in value. The department of chemistry grew and 
 prospered, at first under the care of Prof. William S. Clark, who gave up 
 his position to accept the presidency of the Agricultural College, and later 
 in charge of Prof. Elijah P. Harris, who, appointed to the professorship 
 in 1 868, has since maintained for the department a high standard of excel- 
 lence. Benjamin K. Emerson, a graduate of the college in 1865, was 
 elected by the trustees in 1872 to the professorship of geology and zoology. 
 a position he still retains with honor to the institution. During the admin- 
 istration of President Stearns the department of rhetoric was in charge of 
 Rev. Thomas P. Field, Prof. James G. Vose and Prof. L. Clark Seelye, 
 the latter at present president of Smith College. In 1858, Edward 
 Tuckerman was appointed professor of botany, but devoted little time to 
 the work of the class-room, occupying himself more particularly in the study 
 of lichens, in which branch of botanical science he was recognized as high 
 authority. Prior to the administration of President Stearns the college 
 offered no optional studies. In 1S59-60, elective studies in the several 
 departments were offered to the senior class. 
 
 It was during President Stearns' term of office that the war for the 
 preservation of the Union was fought. No truer patriot ever lived than 
 William A. Stearns, and few were called upon to offer a more costly sacrifice 
 upon the altar of patriotism. From the outbreak of the struggle until 
 its glorious ending he took an active interest in the enlistment of recruits, 
 
AMHERST COLLEGE IN THE WAR. 527 
 
 presided at patriotic meetings, and, early in the conflict, gave to the Union 
 cause a brave young life to be sacrificed at the battle of New Berne. When 
 the first rebel gun was fired against Fort Sumter, Professor Clark gave 
 up all thought of college duties to devote his attention to sterner problems 
 on the field of battle. Three sons of Prof. Charles B. Adams were among 
 those who enlisted in the Union armies. With such a president and such 
 professors it is small wonder that Amherst College students were prompt 
 to offer their services to their country. In i860, the college catalog con- 
 tained the names of 220 students ; during the war no less than 78 under- 
 graduates of the college were enrolled in the Union armies. On the Sun- 
 day following the fall of Fort Sumter, a form of enlistment was drawn up 
 and signed by some 50 or 60 of the students, the list being headed by the 
 name of Frazar A. Stearns, son of the president. Their services were 
 not accepted at the time, but a system of military drill was adopted by the 
 students under the direction of Luke Lyman of Northampton, afterwards 
 colonel nf the 27th Mass. regiment. 
 
 From the class of '62, 30 men enlisted for the war ; the classes of '61 
 and '63 each furnished 23 men; 15 enlisted from the class of '64 and 21 
 from the class of '65. Of those enlisted from the class of '65, six died 
 in the service, four from mortal wounds received on the field of battle. 
 The classes of '63 and '64 lost each four men in the service. Of grad- 
 uates of the college, 195 entered the service, of whom six had been tutors 
 at the college. Of the 247 graduates and undergraduates. 95 enlisted 
 as privates. Amherst College furnished to the service 35 chaplains and 
 30 surgeons. At the close of the war the list of college men included three 
 brigadier-generals, nine colonels, twelve lieutenant-colonels, nine majors. 
 25 captains, 17 first lieutenants, 17 second lieutenants and many minor 
 officers. Many of the undergraduates returned to college at the close of 
 the war and completed their course. By vote of the trustees, the names 
 of all undergraduates who died in the service were enrolled among the 
 graduates in their respective classes. A fitting memorial to the fallen 
 heroes of the war is found in the chime of bells in College church, pre- 
 sented to the college by the late George Howe, Fsq. of Boston, in special 
 memory of his son, Sidney Walker Howe of the class of '59, who was 
 killed at the battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the college alumni held July 8, 1868, reso- 
 lutions were adopted requesting the trustees to make arrangements for the 
 celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the college, in 
 187 1, and also requesting Prof. William S. Tyler to prepare a history of 
 the college to be ready at commencement-time that year. The alumni chose 
 as a committee of arrangements Prof. R. 1). Hitchcock, W. A. Dickinson, 
 Esq. and Prof. R. H. Mather, to whom were added at the annual meeting 
 
528 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of the alumni in June, 1S70, Profs. Edward Hitchcock and Julius H. 
 Seelye. At the annual meeting of the trustees, July 13, 1870, a special 
 committee was appointed, consisting of the president and Drs. Paine, 
 Sabin and Storrs, to act with the committee of the alumni in making 
 arrangements for the celebration. Professor Tyler's history was written, 
 and from it has been gathered much of interest concerning the college 
 which appears in the pages of this volume. The celebration was held 
 during commencement week in 187 t, the special exercises occurring on 
 Wednesday. Nearly 700, or almost one-half the number of living grad- 
 uates, were present on this interesting occasion. Every class was repre- 
 sented. The exercises were held beneath a spacious tent spread under 
 the trees in the college grove. At the morning exercises Hon. Samuel 
 Williston presided ; an address of welcome was delivered by President 
 Stearns and an historical discourse by Prof. W. S. Tyler. In the after- 
 noon, Hon. A. H. Bullock of the class of '36 presided, and addresses 
 were made by Prof. E. S. Snell, '22, Dr. Edward P. Humphrey, '28, Rev. 
 H. N. Barnum, '52, Rev. H. \V. Beecher, 34, Prof. E. A. Park, Prof. R. 
 D. Hitchcock, '36, and Waldo Hutchins, Esq., '42. As one result of this 
 celebration, many scholarships were endowed by the several classes. 
 
 June 8, 1876, President Stearns died while in office. He had officiated 
 that morning at prayers in chapel, suffered no illness but passed peacefully 
 into the higher life. He had written his resignation of the presidency of 
 the college, intending to present it to the trustees at the college commence- 
 ment, near at hand. He had also prepared his baccalaureate sermon, 
 which was read on Sunday of commencement week by President Seelye 
 of Smith College. On June 13, funeral services, simple but impressive, 
 were held in College church. The college and community were saddened 
 by his death. His was a lofty type of Christian manhood, and while his 
 loss fell heaviest upon the college he had loved so well and served so faith- 
 fully, the town could ill afford to spare one who had been so faithful to the 
 duties of citizenship. 
 
 At the annual meeting of the college trustees, June 27, 1876, a com- 
 mittee was appointed to consider the vacancy in the presidential office, 
 with instructions to report at a meeting to be held in Boston not later than 
 the first week in August. This committee opened a correspondence with 
 Julius H. Seelye, then a representative in Congress, and offered him a 
 nomination to the college presidency, under certain conditions. He 
 refused to consider the proposition in the form presented, and at a meeting 
 of the board held in Boston, July 28, he was by unanimous vote elected 
 president, and professor of mental and moral philosophy in Amherst 
 College. Julius Hawley Seelye was born in Bethel, Conn., Sept. 14, 1824. 
 He was graduated from Amherst College in the class of '49 and from 
 
GROUP f)F Willi. Ks! COLLEGE FRATERNITY HOUSES. 
 
GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE. 529 
 
 Auburn Theological Seminary in 1852. Ordained by the classis of 
 Schenectady, N. Y., in 1853, he served as pastor of the First Reformed 
 Dutch church of Schenectady until 1858, when he accepted a call to the 
 professorship of mental and moral philosophy at Amherst College. In 
 1874, he was elected a member of the United States Congress, on an inde- 
 pendent nomination. President Seelye entered upon the duties of his 
 office in September, 1876, but in accordance with an understanding with the 
 trustees, he completed his service in Congress, Prof. W. S. Tyler serving as 
 acting president. The formal inauguration ceremonies took place June 
 27, 1S77. 
 
 The events of President Seelye's administration are of such recent 
 occurrence that nothing but an outline sketch will be attempted in this 
 work. The first graduate of the college to be elected to the high office 
 of the presidency, its growth and development during his term of office 
 were along the lines that had been marked out by the founders of the 
 institution. The highest ideal of education as viewed by him consisted 
 in the inculcation of those principles that lead to the broadest development 
 of Christian manhood. Mind culture and soul culture were inseparably 
 linked in the system of instruction which reached its highest development 
 under his administration. 
 
 During President Seelye's term of office the college received donations 
 and bequests amounting in the aggregate to over $826,000. The most 
 notable of these were the D. Willis James fund of $100,000, the Seelye 
 fund of $100,000. also donated by D. Willis James, the legacy of $80,000 
 by Henry T. Morgan, used in enlarging the college library, the bequest of 
 $50,000 by Joel Giles of Boston, as a permanent fund for the increase of 
 the library, the three professorship endowments of $50,000 each by Mrs. 
 V. G. Stone, Henry Winkley and Frederick Billings, the $50,000 bequest 
 by Mrs. Chester W. Chapin, the $35,000 donated by C. M. Pratt toward 
 building the gymnasium, the Winkley legacy of $30,000, the Williston 
 legacy of over $28,000, the Asa Otis legacy of $25,000, the donation by 
 F. B. Pratt of over $25,000 for the Pratt athletic field, and over $65,000 
 for the establishment of scholarships. The principal building erected 
 during his administration was the Pratt gymnasium, costing $70,000, while 
 Walker hall was rebuilt, at a cost of $90,000. 
 
 Of the members added to the college faculty during President Seelye's 
 administration the following are now T in office : Anson D. Morse, professor 
 of history ; Henry B. Richardson, professor of German ; John M. Tyler, 
 professor of biology ; Charles F. Garman, professor of mental and moral 
 philosophy ; David P. Todd, professor of astronomy ; John F. Genung, 
 professor of rhetoric; Henry A. Frink, professor of oratory; William L. 
 34 
 
530 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Cowles, professor of Latin. During his term of office the college lost, by 
 death, the services of one of its most distinguished scholars and teachers, 
 Professor Richard H. Mather. Although a member of the faculty during 
 the administration of President Stearns, his best work was accomplished 
 during the term of office of President Seelye, with whom he was intimately 
 associated in social as well as college life. Richard Henry Mather was 
 born in Binghamton, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1835. He was graduated with honor 
 at Amherst College in 1857 and afterwards studied philology at Berlin 
 University, Germany. He was instructor in Greek at Amherst College 
 from 1859 to 1861, assistant professor of Greek from 1S61 to 1864, 
 professor of Greek from 1864 until his death in 1890. He raised the money 
 and made all the purchases for the Mather art collection, which is at once 
 his gift and his monument. During President Seelye's administration the 
 college was deprived by death of the services of two other distinguished 
 professors, Ebenezer S. Snell and Elihu Root. A brief biographical sketch 
 of Professor Snell appears in another chapter of this volume. Elihu Root 
 was a native of Belchertown and was born Sept. 14, 1845. He was grad- 
 uated from Amherst College in the class of 1867, and received the degree 
 of Ph. D. from the University of Berlin in 1876. From 1877 until his 
 death in 1880 he was Walker professor of mathematics and natural philos- 
 ophy at Amherst College. 
 
 It was during President Seelye's administration that the college library 
 received an impetus for growth and development which has brought it to 
 the front rank among institutions of its kind in America. When the first 
 college building was erected, the library, contained in a single case, was 
 placed in the north entry. Additions were made to the library from time 
 to time, but it was not until 1850 that an urgent effort was made to so 
 enlarge and strengthen it that it might correspond in dignity with the insti- 
 tution. At the annual meeting of the trustees in 1850, it was voted to take 
 measures to procure funds for erecting a library building and for increasing 
 the number of volumes owned by the college. Upwards of $15,000 was 
 raised by subscription, of which Si 0,000 was devoted to a building which 
 was begun in 1852 and finished in 1853. In 1888, the building was remod- 
 eled and greatly enlarged, and is to-day one of the handsomest structures 
 on the college grounds. The appointment of W. I. Fletcher as college 
 librarian secured to the college the services of a master of the art of library 
 economy, who has in countless ways made the library of greatest value in 
 supplementing the work of other departments of the college. 
 
 Reference has been made to the department of physical education 
 and hygiene. The work in the department is a requirement of the college 
 course, but interest in it has been greatly stimulated by the non-required 
 
GROUP (M AMHERST COLLEGE FRATERNITY HOUSES. 
 
"THE AMHERST SYSTEM." 53 I 
 
 work and training of the athletic held. Amherst, in common with nearly 
 all colleges throughout the land, has been and is a candidate for compet- 
 itive athletic honors. Its base-ball and foot-ball and track athletics teams 
 have won and lost championships, and, incidentally, have advertised the 
 college and its system of physical culture. Any extended sketch of 
 Amherst College athletics would be out of place in this volume, but mention 
 should be made of Pratt-field, the fine athletic grounds devoted to college 
 sports, the gift of Frederick K. Pratt, a graduate of the college in the class 
 of 1887. The Amherst Musical association has also borne an honorable part 
 in adding to the knowledge and fame of Amherst College throughout the 
 land. 
 
 To President Seelye the college is indebted for the system of "student 
 self-government " which, originating at Amherst, has been adopted in 
 modified form by many institutions for higher education. The "Amherst 
 College Senate," established in 188a, consisted of four seniors, three juniors, 
 two sophomores and one freshman, with the president of the college serving 
 as presiding officer and possessing also the veto power over the doings of 
 the body. To the senate questions of college order and decorum were 
 referred, its decisions, if confirmed by the president, being binding upon 
 the college. The granting of this measure of self-government to the 
 student body met with excellent results, and friends of the college learned 
 with regret that it had practically terminated by the resignation of the 
 members of the senate in 1894. 
 
 The Greek letter fraternities have for many years exercised a potent 
 influence upon student life at Amherst. Between the years 1837 and 1894, 
 no less than eleven of these fraternities have been established at Amherst, 
 all of them yet remaining in prosperous existence. A large percentage of 
 the student body is enrolled in their membership and social life at the 
 college is largely under their direction. In the earlier years the fraternities 
 were quartered in private residences, but to-day nearly every one has its 
 chapter house, comprising some of the most desirable pieces of property 
 in the village. Many members of the college faculty are members of the 
 fraternities as well. 
 
 Julius H. Seelye resigned the presidency of Amherst College in 1890. 
 The trustees accepted his resignation with deep regret, but physical infirm- 
 ities compelled him to relinquish an office he had filled with honor to him- 
 self and to the lasting gain of the college. Pres't Seelye died in Amherst. 
 May 12, 1895. At the college commencement in 1S91. Merrill Edwards 
 Gates was inaugurated as the sixth president of Amherst College, a worthy 
 successor to great men gone before. 
 
53 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 CHAPTER LIX. 
 
 The Agricultural College. — Causes Leading to its Establishment. 
 Hon. Marshall P. Wilder's Address. — The Agricultural 
 College Commission. — President Hitchcock's Report. — 
 Plans for a College. — The " School of Agriculture." — 
 The Morrill Land Grant Act. — Its Provisions. — Massa- 
 chusetts Accepts the Grant. — The Agricultural College 
 Trustees Incorporated. — Their First Report. — Securing 
 a Location. — Amherst's Subscription to the Fund. — The 
 Lands Purchased. — Amherst's Petition. 
 
 The history of the Massachusetts Agricultural College is unwritten, 
 save in the annual reports of its trustees, the Acts and Resolves of the 
 Massachusetts Legislature, and a mass of documents which, interesting 
 in themselves, have yet to be arranged in suitable form for reference. 
 From this material the college historian of the future will be enabled to 
 prepare a history full of interest and value. The scope of this work will 
 permit little more than an outline sketch of the leading events connected 
 with the establishment and maintenance of an institution in which the 
 town has taken an active interest from the beginning, in whose behalf it 
 added largely to its indebtedness, and from which it has received generous 
 returns in many ways. 
 
 Agriculture in New England, from the earliest days of its settlement 
 by Europeans, was regarded as manual labor pure and simple, a hand-to- 
 hand struggle 'to wring the means of a subsistence from a not-too-fertile 
 soil. Strength and endurance were regarded as the main requisites for 
 success in wielding the rude instruments of soil-culture. Brawn, not brain, 
 cultivated the most acres and raised the largest crops. The germs of agri- 
 cultural education were first developed by the agricultural societies 
 established in Massachusetts early in the Nineteenth century. The farmers 
 of Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden, when gathered together 
 at the annual cattle-shows, exchanged valuable information on the breeding 
 of cattle and the raising of farm crops. It was not until 1S48 that Massa- 
 chusetts as a state recognized a movement looking toward scientific instruc- 
 tion in agriculture. The incorporation that year by the General Court of 
 the "Massachusetts Agricultural Institute," a private institution, was a pre- 
 liminary step looking toward the establishment by the state of an agricul- 
 
PRESIDENTS OF THE 
 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
 
PRESIDENT HITCHCOCK S REPORT. 533 
 
 tural college. The " institute " was never founded, but seed had been sown 
 that was in time to yield a generous harvest. 
 
 In September, 1849, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder delivered an address 
 on agricultural education before the Norfolk Agricultural society. The 
 suggestions contained in this address were received with such favor that 
 in 1850 a bill was introduced in the General Court providing for the estab- 
 lishment of an agricultural college and experiment farm. This bill 
 passed the Senate without a dissenting vote but was rejected by the House. 
 The next step taken was the appointment by the governor of a board of 
 commissioners whose duty it was to report to the General Court at its next 
 session upon the expediency of establishing agricultural schools or colleges. 
 The act providing for this commission was approved by Gov. George N. 
 Briggs, May 3. 1850, and June 6 the following were appointed members of 
 the commission: Marshall P. Wilder of Dorchester, Edward Hitchcock of 
 Amherst, Thomas E. Payson of Rowley, Samuel A. Eliot of Boston, Ely 
 Warren of Upton. Edward Hitchcock was at that time president of 
 Amherst College and was traveling in Europe for the benefit of his health. 
 While in London he received notice of his appointment as a member of 
 the commission, coupled with the request that he visit as many of the 
 agricultural institutions in Europe as would enable him to gain an idea of 
 the system of instruction and operation of the schools. With character- 
 istic energy he entered heartily upon the work, visiting institutions in 
 England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland and France. As the 
 result of his investigation, he submitted a report to the committee, which 
 in turn presented it to the General Court. 
 
 This report presented the following general facts : Of the agricul- 
 tural institutions visited, a few were founded and sustained by individuals 
 or associations of gentlemen interested in agriculture, but by far the 
 greater number were wholly sustained or assisted by the government of 
 the country in which they were located. Some consisted of professorships 
 at colleges or universities, some depended on colleges or universities for a 
 part of their instructors, the greater number were independent institutions. 
 Three or four grades of instruction were offered. In nearly all cases 
 these institutions had large or small farms connected with them. From 
 his observations he had arrived at the following conclusions : That those 
 agricultural institutions succeed best which are started and sustained by 
 the mutual efforts and contributions of individuals or societies and of the 
 government. That independent agricultural institutions are essential to 
 accomplish the object aimed at. That essentially the same reasons, and 
 of greater force, exist for the establishment of agricultural schools in this 
 country as in Europe. That Massachusetts should lose no time in taking 
 hold of the business of agricultural education efficiently and liberally. 
 
534 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 He outlined three plans for agricultural education in Massachusetts. 
 The first provided for the establishment of an agricultural school or college 
 in the state, possessed of all the means necessary to give a finished educa- 
 tion in the principles and practice of agriculture. Such a school should 
 give instruction in practical agriculture, chemistry, elementary and applied, 
 natural history, especially zoology and botany, elementary and applied 
 mineralogy and geology, anatomy and physiology, human and comparative, 
 veterinary medicine and surgery. It should have collections of models of 
 agricultural instruments, dried seeds, grains, etc., planed specimens of 
 useful kinds of wood, models of varieties of fruit, small collections of 
 simple minerals and rocks, a museum of economic geology, insects injur- 
 ious to vegetation, stuffed specimens and drawings of species and varieties 
 of animals used in agriculture, a museum of human and comparative 
 anatomy, chemical and philosophical apparatus and a scientific and agricultu- 
 ral library. It should also have a model and experiment farm of moderate 
 size and should give instruction in practical farming. Provision should 
 be made for instruction in ancient and modern languages, and for board on 
 the farm of students willing to devote their time daily to labor beyond that 
 required of all. For this extra labor compensation should be given suffic- 
 ient at least to meet the charge for board. The smallest number of pro- 
 fessors needed at such an institution would be six. The course of study 
 should embrace two years, and when creditably completed the pupils should 
 be entitled to an agricultural diploma or decree. Tuition should be made 
 as low as possible, certainly not over $40 per annum. Several scholarships 
 should be founded by the state, to be given to the most diligent and suc- 
 cessful pupils. In addition to this principal institution, agricultural depart- 
 ments should be established in academies in the different counties. Agri- 
 cultural manuals might be introduced into primary schools if any children 
 desired the study. The cost of establishing such a system of agricultural 
 education was estimated by President Hitchcock at $70,000, the annual 
 cost of its maintenance at $9,200. 
 
 The second plan suggested was for the location of an agricultural 
 institute so near some existing literary institution that the pupils could 
 attend its scientific lectures and study its collections in natural history. 
 The first cost of such an institution was estimated at $66,300. the annual 
 expenditure after the first year at $3,800. The third plan was to establish 
 a central school or college, one-half the expense to be defrayed by the 
 government, the remainder by individuals, and also to establish agricultu- 
 ral departments in the academies in different counties. The college should 
 have a president, a professor of agriculture and a farm superintendent, at 
 small salaries, and one tutor for each 30 students. The original cost of 
 
THE LAND GRANT ACT. 535 
 
 such a system was estimated at $28,300, the annual expense for maintenance 
 at $2,100. It is interesting to compare these plans as outlined by Presi- 
 dent Hitchcock with those afterwards adopted and put in practice at the 
 Massachusetts Agricultural College. Time has proven in many things the 
 wisdom of his suggestions, and to the memory of no man, save perhaps to 
 that of President W. S. Clark, does the college owe so great a debt of 
 gratitude. 
 
 President Hitchcock's report was accepted by the General Court, but 
 other matters of grave import demanding attention no action was taken 
 looking toward the adoption of its recommendations. In 1856, several 
 men who had been prominent in the project for establishing an agricultural 
 college, associated together to establish a school and were incorporated 
 under the name of the " Massachusetts School of Agriculture." No 
 further action was taken at the time, and in i860 the charter was trans- 
 ferred to citizens of Springfield, who determined to raise $75,000 by sub- 
 scription and open the school in that city, looking to the General Court 
 for a further endowment. Dec. 14. 1857, Hon. Justin S. Morrill, a represen- 
 tative in the national Congress from the state of Vermont, introduced in 
 that body a bill providing for the donation of a portion of the government 
 lands for the endowment of a college in each state, where should be taught 
 such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic 
 arts. This bill passed both branches of Congress only to be vetoed by 
 President Buchanan. It was finally enacted July 2, 1862, receiving the 
 signature of President Lincoln. 
 
 This act granted to each state 30,000 acres of public land for each 
 senator and representative in Congress under the apportionment of i860. 
 States in which there were no public lands subject to sale at private entry 
 should receive land scrip, to be sold by said states and the proceeds 
 applied to the designated objects. All expenses of management of lands 
 and the sale thereof were to be borne by the states. All moneys received 
 from the sales of land or land scrip were to be invested in safe stocks, 
 yielding not less than five per cent, on their par value, and the money so 
 invested should constitute a perpetual fund, the capital to remain forever 
 undiminished and the interest to be appropriated "to the endowment, 
 support and maintenance of at least one college where the leading 
 object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies 
 and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning 
 as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts." If any portion 
 of this fund should be diminished or lost it should be replaced by 
 the state to which it belonged. A sum not exceeding ten per cent, of the 
 amount received by any state might be expended for lands for the site of 
 
536 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 buildings or for an experiment farm. No portion of the fund or interest 
 should be applied directly or indirectly, under any pretence whatever, to 
 the purchase, erection, preservation or repair of any building or buildings. 
 Any state accepting the provisions of the act should provide within five 
 years at least one college as defined above. The act must be accepted by 
 the state within two years from the time of its passage. 
 
 In his address to the General Court, Jan. 9, 1S63, Gov. John A. 
 Andrew discussed at length the provisions of this grant. He spoke of 
 the bequest by Benjamin Bussey to Harvard College of a large property 
 for the establishment of an institute for agricultural education, and also of 
 the founding of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He argued 
 strongly in favor of uniting the institution provided for by the Morrill act 
 with others already established. The joint special committee of the 
 General Court to which was referred that part of the governor's address 
 relating to agricultural colleges submitted its report March 26. A strong 
 effort had been made to secure a part of the fund for the Institute of 
 Technology. The suggestions made by Gov. Andrew had also met with 
 hearty support. A committee of the State Board of Agriculture had 
 urgently opposed locating the college near Boston or connecting it with 
 any other institution. The trustees of Amherst and Williams colleges had 
 expressed a desire to receive a part of the fund on condition of giving 
 instruction in agriculture and the mechanic acts. A sub-committee having 
 examined the Agricultural College in Pennsylvania, reported as their united 
 opinion that an agricultural college should be established in Massachusetts 
 similar to that in Pennsylvania; that it should be wholly disconnected from 
 all existing institutions, and separate from all large cities and towns ; that 
 it should recognize the principle of daily manual labor by its students as 
 essential to success ; that the necessary funds for founding the institution 
 should be contributed equally by the state and by individuals. The full 
 committee reported : That the grant of Congress should be accepted and 
 its conditions faithfully complied with ; that one-tenth of the whole amount 
 received from sale of the land scrip be set aside for the purchase of lands 
 to be used in connection with the agricultural college proper ; that of the 
 remaining nine-tenths one-third be devoted to the use of the Institute of 
 Technology, under direction of its trustees, and the remaining two-thirds 
 to the use of an agricultural college under the control of a board of 
 trustees. 
 
 By an act of the General Court passed April 18, Massachusetts 
 accepted the grant from the national government. The governor was 
 authorized to receive the land scrip to which the state was entitled and to 
 appoint a commissioner to locate and sell the same, the proceeds to be 
 
THE TRUSTEES INCORPORATED. 537 
 
 deposited with the state treasurer who should receive and hold the same. 
 April 27, an act was passed dividing the income from sale of the scrip. 
 giving one-third to the Institute of Technology. April 29, an act was 
 passed to incorporate the trustees of the Massachusetts Agricultural 
 College. The names of the incorporators were : Marshall?. Wilder, George 
 B. Loring, Charles L. Flint, Paoli Lathrop, Hollis Tidd, Henry Colt and 
 Charles G. Davis. The leading object of the institution was to be that 
 expressed in the congressional grant. The board of trustees should never 
 number more than 14 and the governor of the commonwealth, the secre- 
 tary of the board of education and the president of the college faculty 
 should be members ex-officiis The trustees were empowered to elect a 
 president and members of the faculty of the college, to determine their 
 duties, salaries, etc., to purchase or erect buildings, to make rules for the 
 government of the college, to determine the course of instruction and to 
 confer degrees. The General Court might appoint overseers or visitors of 
 the college. The trustees should determine the location of the college 
 and should purchase or obtain by gift a tract of land containing 
 at least 100 acres for an experiment farm in connection therewith, and 
 should make such provision for manual labor on the farm by students as 
 they deemed just and reasonable. One-tenth of the money received from 
 the sale of land scrip should go toward the purchase of a farm, provided 
 the college should procure by valid subscription or otherwise the sum of 
 5 7 5.000 for erecting buildings thereon. 
 
 Jan. 6, 1S64, George Marston, William S. Southworth and Charles L. 
 Flint, a committee of the trustees, submitted to the General Court a report 
 of the doings of the board. The corporation had been organized in con- 
 formity with the statutes of the commonwealth, Nov. 18, T863, with His 
 Excellency John A. Andrew as president, Hon. Allen W. Dodge vice-presi- 
 dent and Charles L. Flint secretary. By-laws had been adopted for the 
 government of the corporation. A committee had been appointed to have 
 in charge the raising of subscriptions to the funds required by law to put 
 the Agricultural College in operation, to consider the subject of a location 
 for the college and to receive proposals concerning the same. Several 
 propositions had been made to the committee with reference to the location 
 of the college. Early in 1864, the trustees petitioned the General Court 
 to enact a law enabling them to accept subscriptions and locate and organ- 
 ize the college with the least possible delay. A memorial to the same 
 effect was presented by the State Board of Agriculture. May 1 1, the General 
 Court passed an act changing the name of the corporation to the Massa- 
 chusetts Agricultural College. Authority concerning the location, plan of 
 organization, trovernment and course of study at the college was taken 
 
538 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 from the General Court and given to the governor and council. The 
 governor was authorized to transfer to the college one-tenth of the land 
 scrip received from the United States, the proceeds from the sale to be 
 devoted to the purchase of land. The sum of $10,000 per annum was 
 appropriated to defray the necessary expenses of establishing and main- 
 taining the college. All moneys received by the state treasurer as the 
 annual interest or income of the fund established by sale of the land scrip 
 should be applied to the payment of this annual appropriation, the balance 
 to be made up out of the state treasury. 
 
 The matter of selecting and securing a suitable location for the college 
 was one of the most difficult problems with which the trustees had to 
 contend. Many towns in the state were anxious to secure the benefits 
 that would arise from the location of the college within their limits, but 
 few were ready to comply with the requirement of the General Court that 
 $75,000 be raised and presented to the trustees ere a location was granted. 
 In January, 1863, the trustees of Amherst College petitioned the General 
 Court that the Agricultural College be located in connection with their 
 institution. This petition was refused as was one of similar purport from 
 the trustees of Williams College. The early labors of President Hitch- 
 cock in behalf of agricultural education had awakened a deep interest in 
 the subject in the minds of Amherst residents, and once it had been deter- 
 mined that the Agricultural College was not to be connected with Harvard 
 College or the Institute of Technology, but would be a separate institution, 
 there was a general and earnest desire on their part that the college should 
 come to Amherst. A special town-meeting was held Jan. 25, 1864, to see 
 if the town would vote money for an agricultural college. Only about 
 100 voters were present but a strong sentiment in favor of the college was 
 expressed. Short speeches were made by Col. YV. S. Clark, Luke Sweetser, 
 I. F. Conkey, Edward Dickinson and A. P. Howe. It was voted to give 
 the trustees of the proposed college S5o,ooo if the college should be 
 located in Amherst, and the General Court would give the town permission 
 to make the gift. The vote on the question was 79 in favor and 7 opposed. 
 The money was to be raised by giving bonds or by direct taxation. Col. 
 W. S. Clark addressed the meeting and said that the people of Springfield 
 had given up all hope of securing the college for that place. Northamp- 
 ton and Amherst were the only real competitors for the college. Thefund 
 bequeathed by Oliver Smith could not be used in establishing the college, 
 and it would be folly to encumber the institution by the provisions Of the 
 Smith will. Two tracts of land in Amherst had been suggested as suitable 
 for the location of the college, one owned by Henry Cobb, one- 
 half mile north of the village, the other owned by Alfred Baker and R. 
 
THE COLLEGE FARM. 539 
 
 S. Lincoln, just south of the village, where it had at first been proposed 
 to locate Amherst College. 
 
 Amherst's petition to be allowed to raise $50,000 by taxation to secure 
 the location of the college came before the General Court for action in 
 February: it was signed by nearly every tax-payer in the town. The 
 petition was opposed by interested parties and was rejected. April 28, 
 1864, the college trustees visited Amherst. They viewed several farms 
 offered for their inspection, including that of L. D. Cowles, which with two 
 others adjacent contained 414 acres, valued at $40,000. The trustees 
 were addressed by Levi Stockbridge, Prof. W. S. Clark and President 
 Stearns. May 25, the trustees decided by unanimous vote to locate the 
 college at Amherst, provided that town should raise the $75,000 required 
 by the act of incorporation. In June, Governor Andrew and council, 
 together with the executive committee of the board of trustees, visited 
 Amherst. The General Court having refused to the town the right to raise 
 the requisite sum by taxation, it was determined to secure it by subscrip- 
 tion. Public meetings were held in various parts of the town, and subscription 
 papers were circulated, the response being so generous that the Express 
 announced under date of Aug. 2 that the sum of $50,000 had been pledged. 
 In the early part of September field surveyors were employed in surveying 
 the lands which it was proposed to secure for the college farm. Sept. 13, 
 a hearing was given by the governor's council on the question of confirm- 
 ing or rejecting the action of the trustees in locating the college at Amherst. 
 At this hearing the statement was made that many farmers in Western 
 Massachusetts and officers of agricultural societies were opposed to the 
 location. The council sustained the trustees in their action, and the exec- 
 utive committee of the trustees was authorized, Oct. 3, to take conveyances 
 of the lands under contract for the college site and farm. Following is a 
 list of those persons selling land to the trustees, the amount sold and the 
 price received : 
 
 Henry Cobb, 4 2 -73 acres, $6,409.50 
 
 Chester Cowles, 60.93 " 6,710.00 
 
 John Donahue. 9.63 " 2,170.00 
 
 D. K. Bangs, 29.69 '' 2,000.00 
 
 L. D. Cowles, 1 44.13 •• 14.950.00 
 
 J. S. Crouch, 23.44 '• 2,760.00 
 
 3 IO -55 $34,999-5° 
 
 On the land purchased there were five sets of farm buildings of no 
 great permanent value. Adjoining the estate, and heretofore occupied as 
 parts of two of the farms comprised by it, was a tract of about 73 acres, 
 
54° HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 which the trustees considered it advisable to control for the future use of 
 the college. Dr. Nathan Durfee of Fall River, treasurer of the corpora- 
 tion, advanced from his private funds $8,000, taking in his own name deeds 
 of this addition with the proviso that the college might purchase it when 
 able. Although the sum of $50,000 had been raised by subscription, it 
 was the general desire of the citizens that a tax should be laid covering 
 the full amount, and as a means to this end at the election in November 
 Prof. W. S. Clark was elected a representative to the General Court. At 
 a town-meeting held Nov. 19, it was voted that the selectmen be a commit- 
 tee of the town and instructed to petition the General Court for leave to 
 raise, either by the issue of bonds or direct taxation, the sum of $50,000 
 and donate the same to the Agricultural College. It was also voted that 
 the district's representative be requested to see that every effort was made 
 to carry through the General Court an act for the above petition, and that 
 the selectmen might employ help to further the object. The Express, 
 in its report of this meeting under date of Nov. 25, says that the sum 
 donated to the college was subscribed and guaranteed by responsible 
 parties. By almost unanimous consent the citizens of the town and sub- 
 scribers to the fund deemed it best to fund the amount to be raised (and 
 as almost all the tax-payers had subscribed the amount of their tax it would 
 make but very little difference) in the corporate capacity of the town, that 
 payments might be extended through a series of years instead of the full 
 amount being paid at once. 
 
 In accordance with the town's vote, the selectmen prepared a petition 
 which was presented to the General Court soon after its assembling in 
 January, 1865. At the risk of some slight repetition, a general summary 
 of the contents of this petition is here presented. The college was incor- 
 porated in 1863, the trustees being required to secure, by subscription or 
 otherwise, $75,000 for buildings as a condition of location. With this 
 condition only four towns ever offered to comply, Northampton, Springfield, 
 Lexington and Amherst. Northampton raised $75,000 by subscription; 
 Springfield expected to receive $75,000 from one individual ; Lexington 
 relied on one party for $50,000 and expected to raise the balance by sub- 
 scription. Residents of Amherst, in town-meeting held Jan. 25, 1864, 
 voted to raise $50,000 by taxation and $25,000 by subscription. Applica- 
 tion for authority to tax was made to the General Court of 1864, the peti- 
 tion being signed by the selectmen and 447 legal voters, there being no 
 remonstrants. The judiciary committee of the House of Representatives 
 reported a bill granting the desired power. In the absence of the member 
 from Amherst, the bill was loaded down with amendments, and. opposed 
 by the members from Northampton, Springfield and Lexington, was 
 
AMHERST S PETITION. 541 
 
 defeated by the House. The trustees of the college having examined all 
 the farms shown them in the towns named, voted unanimously, May 25, 
 to locate in Amherst, provided $75,000 was secured to them. Accordingly 
 a tax of $50,000 was assessed upon the tax-payers and everyone was 
 asked to subscribe the amount of his or her tax. In this manner $25,000 
 was subscribed by about 300 tax-payers of the town. While there was 
 no unwillingness to bear the assessment, many felt unable to pay the whole 
 at once. At a town-meeting held July 22, it was voted to hold meetings in 
 different parts of the town for the purpose of raising contributions. At 
 a town-meeting held July 28, it was voted to circulate a pledge among 
 the citizens to see whether they were still in favor of adhering to the vote 
 of [an. 25, donating $50,000 to the college. There was no opposition, 
 and in two days 442 tax-payers pledged themselves to adhere to the action 
 of the town and to use all their influence to secure the passage of a law 
 authorizing the town to issue bonds. At a town-meeting held Aug. 1, it 
 was voted to continue the effort to raise the sum of $50,000, on condition 
 that the subscriptions should be paid unless the town gained authority 
 from the General Court to assume payment. The sum of $53,000 was 
 pledged, and Aug. 4 the subscription-book was placed in the hands of 
 President French. The latter prepared two legal and unconditional bonds, 
 one for the payment of $50,000, the other for the payment of $25,000, to 
 the Massachusetts Agricultural College, in consideration of its location in 
 the town of Amherst. The first was signed by 15 gentlemen, the second 
 by ten, and these bonds were approved by the governor and council. 
 
 In 1S64, there were held eight public meetings, including five legal 
 town-meetings, for special consideration of the question of giving $50,000 
 to the college, and not one word was spoken against the proposition at 
 any meeting. Several articles were published in the Express in favor of 
 the proposition and not one against it. There were no remonstrants to the 
 petition of the town to the General Court of 1S64. Nov. 8, 1864, W. S. 
 Clark was elected representative to the General Court, with the express 
 understanding that he was to assist in the passage of the desired legislation. 
 Out of 761 votes cast in the district he received 754. The petitioners 
 then called attention to the benefits that would accrue to the town from the 
 location of the college there, and to the undoubted financial ability of the 
 town to meet the expenditure. The valuation of the town was $2,000,000 ; 
 it had increased $500,000 since i860. Its debt amounted to $18,000 and it 
 owned $32,000 in real estate. The rate of taxation in 1S64 was $1.10 on 
 $100, while the average rate in the state was $1.45. Since the purchase 
 of the college farm in December, a few selfish and designing men had 
 striven to awaken opposition to the plan which the town had unanimously 
 
54 2 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 voted to adopt, Nov. 8. Having elected a representative to the General 
 Court with the express object of gaining authority to tax the town, they 
 now remonstrated against such taxation, without assigning any reason. 
 Their reason was obvious ; they desired to secure the benefit of the college 
 without paying for it, and to compel the public-spirited citizens who, rely- 
 ing upon their honor, had guaranteed the $50,000. to pay it. Of the 159 
 remonstrants, 9 never paid a tax in Amherst, 29 signed a solemn pledge in 
 July to use all their influence to obtain authority from the General Court to 
 bond the town, 48 signed either the petitions of 1S64 or 1865, and all 
 legal voters either failed to vote for representative or voted for one whom 
 they knew would endeavor to secure the passage of the bill nowbeforethe 
 General Court ; 12 had signed a paper averring that their names were pro- 
 cured by false statements. The remonstrants paid less than it per cent, 
 of the taxes and their leaders were farmers for whose special benefit the 
 college was designed, None of them were distinguished for public spirit. 
 The 484 petitioners comprised all the lawyers, physicians, settled ministers 
 and teachers, including the entire faculty of Amherst College, all mer- 
 chants, mechanics and business men, as well as a large majority of the 
 most enterprising and successful farmers. 
 
 In accordance with this petition, the committee on judiciary brought 
 in a bill authorizing the town to raise $50,000 for the benefit of the college, 
 on condition that at a legal town-meeting, called for that purpose, two-thirds 
 of those present and voting should be recorded in its favor. This bill was 
 passed by the General Court and approved May 5. At a special town- 
 meeting held May 15, the town voted, 359 to 104, to accept the authority 
 granted by this act. Hon. Edward Dickinson, Leonard M. Hills and A. 
 R. Cushman were appointed a committee to advise with the selectmen and 
 treasurer in relation to the disposal of the bonds. The thanks of the 
 town were voted to Col. W. S. Clark for his successful work in securing 
 the passage of the act. 
 
PRESIDENT FRENCH. 543 
 
 CHAPTER LX. 
 
 Hon. Henry F. French Elected President. — Plan for Organiza- 
 tion. — Locating the Buildings. — Prof. Paul A. Chad- 
 bourne Succeeds President French. — Injunction Against 
 . the Town. — Courses of Instruction. — Buildings Contracted 
 for. — College Bonds and Loans. — William S. Clark 
 Elected President. — Requisites for Admission. — The 
 College Opens. — President Clark's Report. — Grants by 
 the General Court. — New Buildings. — Gifts to the Col- 
 lege. — Unsuccessful Effort to Remove the College from 
 State Control. 
 Nov. 29, 1S64, Hon. Henry Flagg French was elected by the trustees 
 the first president of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Judge 
 French was born Aug. 14, 18 13, at Chester, N. H. He was graduated at 
 Dartmouth College, studied law at Harvard College and was admitted to 
 the New Hampshire bar Aug. 14, 1834. He practiced his profession at 
 Chester, Portsmouth and Exeter, N. H. and at Cambridge and Boston, 
 Mass. He was postmaster of Chester, N. H. in 1840; county solicitor 
 and bank commissioner of Rockingham for several years; judge of the 
 court of common pleas of N. H, 1S55-59 ; assistant district attorney of 
 Suffolk county, Mass., 1S62-64. He took a deep interest in agriculture 
 and agricultural education. In 1857, he traveled in Europe for the purpose 
 of studying drainage, and his work on that subject had much to do with 
 the introduction of tile drainage in America. He was associate editor of 
 the New England Farmer and wrote much for the Massachusetts Ploughman, 
 Country Gentleman and other agricultural journals. When elected to the 
 presidency of the Agricultural College, the affairs of that institution were 
 hardly in condition to attract the services of such a successful and distin- 
 guished man of affairs as Judge French. The commissioner appointed by 
 the governor to sell the land scrip had disposed of about 100,000 acres at 
 an average price of 80 cents an acre ; the proceeds had been deposited 
 with the state treasurer and placed at interest. There was no immediate 
 prospect for the sale of the balance of the scrip. • 
 
 The college trustees, at a meeting held Feb. 3, 1865, adopted by 
 unanimous vote a plan of organization and course of study, which were 
 
544 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 submitted to the governor and council for approval. After a hearing 
 before the latter authorities, the papers were returned, accompanied by the 
 suggestion that approval at that time would be premature. The plan, in 
 outline, was as follows: The estate was to be furnished with model farm 
 buildings, to be erected from time to time as the increasing productiveness 
 of the farm should require ; to be supplied with farm implements of the 
 most approved kinds, and stocked with a variety of the best thoroughbred 
 and other animals that might be procured ; the farm to be conducted, 
 primarily, for the education of the pupils, by way of illustration in agri- 
 culture, horticulture, botany, stock-growing and other affairs. A college 
 building should be erected immediately, for lecture and recitation rooms, 
 library, museums of natural history and of farm implements and products, 
 chemical laboratories, halls for exhibition and military drill, armory and 
 chapel, and rooms for president, librarian and other officers. The college 
 should have a president, to reside at the farm and have general charge of 
 its affairs under the trustees, and a faculty composed of the president, 
 the resident professors and the farm superintendent. There should be 
 established departments of agriculture and horticulture, physics, mathe- 
 matics, engineering, natural history, chemistry, political economy, philos- 
 ophy and Christian morals, comparative anatomy and animal physiology 
 including veterinary surgery and medicine, modern language and literature, 
 physical education including military tactics. The general course of study 
 should embrace four years, with permission for shorter elective courses. 
 Applicants for admission as students should be at least 16 years of age 
 and should pass such an examination as is required for admission to the 
 state normal schools and such further examination as might be required. 
 Manual labor should be required daily of every student, under conditions 
 arranged by the faculty, who might allow compensation for extra work. 
 The charge for tuition should be fixed by the trustees, with such free 
 scholarships as might be established by public and private bounty. A 
 comparison of the list of studies recommended by the trustees with that 
 suggested by President Hitchcock in his report in 185 1, and with the sugges- 
 tions made by Gov. Andrew in his address to the General Court in 1863, 
 shows great similarity. The sciences were to be taught with special refer- 
 ence to their application to agriculture. 
 
 April 1, 1S65, the executive committee of the college trustees leased 
 the college lands for one year at the rate of five per cent, on their cost 
 price. It was proposed to enclose the entire farm with a hedge of pines. 
 May 11, the General Court passed an act granting $10,000 to the trustees 
 to aid in establishing the college. The trustees held a meeting Aug. 2 at 
 the Amherst house. A plan for the college was adopted, and a building 
 
PAUL A. CHADBOURNE ELECTED PRESIDENT. 545 
 
 committee appointed, with full power to locate the necessary buildings and 
 instructions to place them at once under contract. The building committee 
 consisted of President French, Henry F. Hills, Hon. William B. Wash- 
 burn, Hon. Joseph White, treasurer of Williams College, and Prof. Henry L. 
 Whiting of Martha's Vineyard. They purchased of Dwight Presho, for 
 $500, a granite quarry in Pelham and proposed to construct the buildings 
 of stone. In September, President French established an office in the 
 Amherst Academy building. The first load of stone for the buildings was 
 drawn through the streets of Amherst Oct. 7, by M. F. Dickinson. 
 Trouble arose among the trustees concerning the site for the college 
 buildings. It was at first determined to locate the main building on the 
 site of the Henderson house by the side of the county road. Some of 
 the trustees objected, and the services of prominent architects and land- 
 scape gardeners were secured to settle the controversy. It was at length 
 decided to locate the buildings on the ridge running north and south near 
 the center of the college grounds. President French took an active part 
 in this controversy, and his resignation, which was tendered and accepted 
 Sept. 29, 1866, was largely due to the feeling that his wishes had not been 
 as fully consulted in the matter as they should have been. After leaving 
 the college Judge French engaged in the practice of law, and from 1876 
 to 1885 served as assistant secretary of the treasury, at Washington, D. 
 C. He was a contributor to the reports of the agricultural department at 
 Washington and vice-president of the United States Agricultural society. 
 He died from an affection of the heart, at Concord, Mass., Nov. 29, 1885. 
 In January, 1866, a petition signed by ten legal voters of Amherst 
 was presented to the supreme judicial court, for an injunction to restrain 
 the town and its officers from issuing bonds or raising money to the amount 
 of $50,000, on credit of the town, for the Agricultural College, under 
 votes of the town passed in pursuance of an act of the General Court. 
 A temporary injunction was granted, and this was not removed until Jan- 
 uary, 1867. Nov. 7, 1866, Prof. Paul A. Chadbourne of Williams College 
 received the unanimous vote of the trustees for president of the Agricul- 
 tural College. He accepted the position and entered upon the duties of 
 his office Dec. 1. President Chadbourne was a native of North Berwick, 
 Me., where he was born Oct. 21, 1823. He was fitted for college at Phillips 
 (Exeter) Academy, entered the sophomore class at Williams College in 1845 
 and was graduated in 1848, being the valedictorian of his class. After 
 graduation he taught school in Freehold, N. J., one year, was principal of 
 the high school at Great Falls, N. H. in 1850, and was subsequently for 
 two years principal of East Windsor (Conn.) Academy. From 1853 until 
 his summons to Amherst he was professor of chemistry, botany and natural 
 35 
 
546 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 history at Williams College. He conducted a scientific expedition to New- 
 foundland and Labrador in 1855 ; one to Florida in 1857 and one to 
 Greenland in 1861. In 1859, he visited Sweden, Norway, Denmark, 
 Greenland and Iceland for the purpose of studying geysers and volcanoes. 
 At about the same time that he received his call to Amherst he was offered 
 the presidency of two other institutions, the State University of Wisconsin 
 and the Worcester College, just organized. 
 
 The trustees, at their meetings held during the year 1866, decided 
 that the first term at the college should begin Oct. 2, 1867. It was pro- 
 posed that two courses of instruction should be offered, a regular four- 
 years' course and a special course of lectures, exclusively agricultural, to 
 be given every winter. A list of studies for the four-years' course was 
 adopted. Provision was to be made the first year for a freshman class 
 only. Students completing the full course should be entitled to the degree 
 of B. Sc. Students not intending to graduate might enter the institution 
 at any time and select any two studies which they were fitted to pursue 
 and attend any lectures of the course. The following buildings were con- 
 tracted for, at the prices named, to becompleted by Aug. 1 : A dormitory 
 100 x 50 feet, four stories high, the upper stories to afford accommo- 
 dations for 48 students, leaving the lower story for recitation-rooms, cabi- 
 nets and a library-room ; the cost to be $30,000 ; a laboratory, 46 x 57 
 feet, two stories high, costing $9,350 ; a boarding house, where board 
 could be furnished for 50 students, costing $5,050. The sum of $20,000 
 was pledged to the trustees for the express purpose of establishing and 
 maintaining a botanic garden, one-half by L. M. & H. F. Hills, one-half 
 by Dr. Nathan Durfee of Fall River. During the year Levi Stockbridge 
 was elected farm superintendent and instructor in agriculture. The bids 
 for constructing the college buildings of stone were largely in excess of 
 the architects' estimates and it was decided to use brick and wood. The 
 dormitory was to be built of brick, the laboratory, a temporary structure, 
 of wood. Provision was also made for building a house for the president, 
 and a model barn; the estimated cost of all the buildings was $65,000. 
 During the year the General Court passed an act locating at the college 
 the state agricultural library and cabinets. 
 
 When the decision of the supreme court was rendered, dissolving the 
 injunction against the town, Agricultural College bonds were at once pre- 
 pared, in denominations of $250, $500 and $1,000, bearing interest at the 
 rate of six per cent. The interest only was payable up to 1870 ; after 
 that date $2,000 was to be paid on the principal each year. Owing to a 
 change in the rate of interest by legal enactment, the town was able to 
 dispose during the first year of only $15,750 of these bonds, but $10,000 
 of them was used as collateral security in raising funds to make necessary 
 
PRESIDENT CHADBOURNE SUCCEEDED BY WILLIAM S. CLARK. 547 
 
 payments. In 1868, the town voted to destroy the remaining bonds, 
 amounting in face value to $34,000, and secured a loan of $32,000 from 
 the state treasurer, payable on the same conditions as were the bonds. 
 The town was also compelled to pay $1,461.39 during the year for legal 
 expenses incurred in fighting the injunction. 
 
 Early in January, 1867, W. S. Clark accepted the professorship of 
 horticulture and botany at the college. June 1, President Chadbourne, 
 owing to continued ill health, tendered his resignation, which the trustees 
 accepted with regret. Aug. 7, the trustees elected W. S. Clark as his suc- 
 cessor. William S. Clark, son of Dr. Atherton and Harriet (Smith) Clark, 
 was born July 31, 1826, at Ashfield. He was fitted for college atWilliston 
 Seminary, entering Amherst College in 1844 and graduating in 1848. For 
 two years after graduation he taught the sciences at Williston seminary, 
 then went abroad and studied chemistry and botany at Gottingen Univer- 
 sity, Germany, receiving the degree of Ph. D. from that institution in 1852. 
 From 1852 to 1S58, he was professor of chemistry, botany and zoology at 
 Amherst College, and professor of chemistry at that institution from 1858 
 to 1867. When the civil war broke out in 1S61, he was commissioned 
 major of the 21st Mass. regiment, being promoted successively to the rank 
 of lieutenant-colonel and colonel in 1862. He took part in all the battles of 
 the regiment up to Antietam, behaving with conspicuous gallantry. On 
 resigning his commission in 1863, he returned to his duties at Amherst 
 College. 
 
 Early in January, 1867, the trustees of the Agricultural College 
 arranged for a course of lectures by distinguished scientists to be delivered 
 at the college the next winter, the lectures numbering go and to be delivered 
 within a period of six weeks. These were not designed especially for the 
 students, but for a large class of farmers who could not become students at 
 the college and could not devote their time to study at any other season of the 
 year. It was proposed to give such a course of lectures each year. The 
 regular course at the college was to comprise four years, but arrange- 
 ments would be made for " term scholars," whereby persons who could not 
 take the full course might attend for one or more terms and take all or any 
 part of the regular studies as desired. Each student was to have a plot of 
 ground which he should be obliged to cultivate and on which he might try 
 such experiments as he saw fit. Any student willing to do so might pay a 
 part of his tuition by labor on the farm. A large boarding-house was to be 
 erected, where all the studends would board, paying only enough to defray 
 expenses. 
 
 Work on the foundation for the main college building was begun in 
 March and completed early in April. At a meeting of the trustees held in 
 Amherst, May 8, it was voted to erect two buildings for botanical purposes, 
 
548 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 on or near the site of the old Henderson place, at a cost of $13,000. Work 
 was begun on one of these buildings, afterwards known as the Durfee plant- 
 house, about July 1. The Hampshire Agricultural society voted to establish 
 a scholarship at the college ; a similar offer was made by Austin Eastman. 
 In August, President Clark made the following announcement : Applicants 
 for admission to the college must be at least 14 years of age, must bring 
 from a pastor or teacher a certificate of good moral character, and must 
 furnish bonds for the prompt payment of tuition and board. They must 
 provide their own bedding and furniture, except stoves. Tuition would be 
 $12 per term, room-rent $5 per term, board from $3 to $3.50 per week, the 
 former being the established rate at the college boarding-house. The 
 further announcement was made in September, that " Every student will 
 labor six hours per week as directed, without pay, for the purpose of learn- 
 ing the operations of the farm and garden.'' Any student would be per- 
 mitted to labor 1 2 hours per week for wages under the direction of the 
 farm superintendent in term-time, and would be furnished work at fair prices 
 in vacation if desired. Entrance examinations were held Oct. 1. Eight 
 young men residing in Amherst were admitted to the entering class, by 
 name as follows : M. F. Casey, William Barrows, Jr., George G. Graves, 
 A. L. Bassett, F. A. Hall, G. H. Eastman, W. H. Cary, G. H. Bell. 
 Dinner was first served at the boarding-house Oct. 2. 
 
 At the meeting of the trustees when \Y. S. Clark was elected president, 
 Ebenezer S. Snell was elected professor of mathematics and Henry H. 
 Goodell professor of modern languages. These men, together with the 
 president, and the farm superintendent, who was also instructor in agricul- 
 ture, composed the faculty of the college the first year it was in active 
 operation. The dormitory, the laboratory and the boarding-house were 
 completed during the summer months, and the college was opened Oct. 2, 
 with an entering class which numbered 47 before the end of the term. 
 During the year the botanic museum was completed at a cost of $5,180, 
 and the Durfee plant-house at a cost of $12,000. Plans and specifications 
 were procured for a model barn and $7,000 was appropriated for its con- 
 struction. The sum of $6,000 was taken from the building fund and applied 
 to the purchase of additional land, the size of the college farm being 
 increased to 383 1-2 acres. In his annual report of the college dated Jan. 
 1, 1 868, President Clark stated that unless other buildings were provided 
 the present class must be retained four years, and when graduated another 
 class of 50 could be admitted. If, however, another dormitory, another 
 boarding-house and two dwelling-houses for professors should be erected 
 the following summer, another class of 60 could be accommodated. This 
 would require an expenditure of about $50,000. It was the intention of 
 the board of trustees to enter upon a course of experiments on the farm 
 
COLLEGE FINANCES. 549 
 
 such as miglit be suggested by the Board of Agriculture. During the fall 
 term all students had been required to labor, without pay, two hours every 
 other day, and those who wished were paid for additional labor at the rate 
 of 12 1-2 cents per hour. Thirty-six members of the class had voluntarily 
 worked for wages. The members of the college averaged over 17 
 years in age. A young man of good talents, healthy and willing to 
 work, could gain at the college a superior education for $100 per annum, 
 in addition to what he could earn on the premises. The college trustees 
 requested that the governor be authorized to issue to the president of the 
 college such military arms and equipments as might in his judgment be so 
 issued without detriment to the military service. During the year the college 
 had received the following donations : From J. T. Ames of Chicopee, some 
 50 specimens of rare plants for the botanic garden ; from Hon. Marshall 
 P. Wilder, a carload of valuable plants comprising 1,300 specimens; from 
 Dr. Nathan Durfee, one Cotswold and one Southdown buck ; from Thomas 
 H. Buffum, one Southdown buck; from friends of the college, over 100 vol- 
 umes of valuable agricultural works, to serve as a nucleus for a college library. 
 The college catalog for the year contained the names of 56 freshmen, of 
 whom 13 were residents of Amherst, the remainder, with the exception of 
 two, coming from other towns in Massachusetts. The financial statement 
 showed that the total amount received from the sale of 360,000 acres of 
 land was $236,307.40, or an average of a little more than 65 cents an acre. 
 Of this amount $29,778.40 had been expended for a farm. The 
 fund amounted to $207,424.65, the annual income at six per cent, to 
 $12,445.48. Two-thirds of this income, to which the college was entitled, 
 would amount to $8,296.99. The liabilities of the college, Jan. 1, 1868, 
 were $29,727.61 ; the available funds, $25,446.87. 
 
 President Clark was well qualified by ability, by temperament and by 
 experience to guide and control the first effort made by the state of Mas- 
 sachusetts toward providing a means for education in scientific agriculture 
 for its inhabitants. He realized fully the needs and advantages of such 
 education and had an abiding faith in the success of the college. He 
 knew that this success could not be attained in full measure except the 
 state took a genuine interest in the institution and provided generously 
 for its financial needs. It was the child of the state and as such had the 
 best of claims for full recognition and support. In appealing to the state 
 for aid for the college. President Clark did not esteem himself as one 
 asking an alms, but rather as an agent whose duty it was to make of 
 greatest value and usefulness the state property entrusted to his charge. 
 It is well to bear these facts in mind in reviewing the events of President 
 Clark's administration. Others before him had labored long and faithfully 
 to make an agricultural college a possibilty, but his it was to assist at its 
 
550 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 inauguration, to direct its earliest efforts, to gain for it the favor of gov- 
 ernors and legislators and the general public. An experiment when he 
 assumed control, he made it a valuable factor in the educational system of 
 the Commonwealth. An enthusiasm less dominant, a courage less devoted, 
 might well have yielded to the discouragements attendant on its opening 
 struggles for existence. His name must be inscribed with those of Edward 
 Hitchcock and Marshall P. Wilder, men who were the real founders of the 
 college. 
 
 In December, 1867, the Botanic Museum was completed and President 
 Clark established his office there. The trustees of the college realized 
 that if a new class was to be admitted in the fall new buildings were a 
 necessity. The building fund provided by the town of Amherst had been 
 practically exhausted and aid must come, if at all, from the state. During 
 the month of February a petition was circulated among the members of 
 the Hampshire Agricultural society, and signed generally by them, urging 
 the General Court to appropriate $50,000 for additional buildings for the 
 college. Feb. 26, some 200 members of the General Court paid a visit to 
 Amherst and the college. Leaving Boston by special train, they were met 
 at the Amherst station by a procession of teams headed by the Cataract 
 Engine company. This procession made its way up Main street, thence to 
 and around the Amherst College buildings, stopping at Agricultural hall, 
 where a dinner provided by the citizens was served. After the dinner, the 
 Agricultural College students gave an exhibition in gymnastics under the 
 direction of Professor Goodell. The visitors then took teams and visited 
 and inspected the Agricultural College grounds and buildings. 
 
 Under the terms of the United States grant, the college was required 
 to furnish training in military tactics. To comply with this requirement 
 was, at the first, no easy matter. There was no drill-hall, no military 
 equipment, no member of the faculty who had made a special study of 
 military training. Fortunately, however, the college had secured the 
 services of one, Professor Goodell, whose knowledge of military affairs was 
 gained by service in the Union armies. Under his direction the students 
 received such training as the resources of the institution would permit. 
 In March, 1868, the General Court passed a resolve authorizing the gov- 
 ernor to issue arms and equipments to the college. During the month 
 President Clark acknowledged the receipt from the state of 60 Springfield 
 rifles and equipments, for use of the students. It was not until the follow- 
 ing year that the first detail was made of an officer of the United States 
 army to serve as a military instructor at the college. The members of the 
 General Court who visited the college in February were favorably impressed 
 with what they saw at the institution ; May 1, a resolve was passed granting 
 $qo.ooo to the college for the erection of new buildings. The trustees met at 
 
GRANTS BY THE GENERAL COURT. 55 1 
 
 Boston, May n, when they adopted a plan for a new dormitory calculated 
 to accommodate 60 students, to cost $35,000 and to be completed by Sept. 
 1. Ground was broken for the new building May 15 and it was completed 
 during the summer months. A new boarding-house was also erected at a 
 cost of $8,000. 
 
 President Clark realized that if the college was to succeed it must 
 attract and hold the attention and interest of the agricultural community. 
 As one means of accomplishing this end, he induced the New England 
 Agricultural society to hold a field trial of plows on the college farm in 
 May. There was a large attendance of farmers and persons interested in 
 agriculture on this occasion, which served to attract the attention of the 
 public to the college. The country meeting of the State Board of Agricul- 
 ture was held at the college in December. The report of President Clark 
 for the year ending Jan. 1, 1869, stated that 23 scholarships were maintained 
 by agricultural societies throughout the state. The suggestion was made 
 that friends of the college should establish a labor fund for the payment of 
 students who desired to work upon the farm. Prof. S. F. Miller of Chicago, 
 111. had succeeded Prof. Snell in charge of the department of mathematics; 
 Prof. C. A. Goessmann of Syracuse, N. Y. had been elected professor of 
 chemistry. The department of gymnastics and military tactics was under 
 direction of Prof. H. H. Goodell. The entering class in the fall numbered 
 41. The needs of the college for the ensuing year were summed up by 
 President Clark as follows: For a barn. 100x50 feet, $8,000; for a 
 farmhouse, $5,000; for a supply of running water, $5,000; for tools, a 
 tool-house, fencing, grading, roads, tile and purchase of stock, $10,000; 
 for a gymnasium, drill-hall and armory, $8,000 ; for a building for an agri- 
 cultural museum, lecture-rooms, offices, library, reading-room and chapel, 
 $40,000; for furnishings, fittings, and apparatus, $10,000 ; for a president's 
 house, $14,000. In addition to this sum of $100,000, an additional 
 $50,000 would be needed the next year for another dormitory and houses 
 for the faculty. 
 
 April 25, 1869, the General Court passed a resolve allowing $50,000 
 to the college for the erection of buildings and other purposes. During the 
 year these buildings were erected : A dwelling-house for the farm super- 
 intendent, at a cost of $4,000 ; a barn, costing $9,000 ; " College hall," at 
 a cost of $20,000. " College hall " was a wooden structure, 60 x 97 
 feet, three stories in height. In the first story was a chapel 60 x 40 feet, 
 and four rooms occupied by students in practical chemistry. In the second 
 story was a hall for drawing, also used as a recitation and lecture-room by 
 the professor of mathematics and engineering, a chemistry lecture-room and 
 office, and the private laboratory and apparatus-room of the professor of 
 chemistry. In the third story was a military hall, and an armory. The 
 
552 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 old chemical laboratory was incorporated in the new edifice. A reservoir 
 was constructed on the hill, southeast of the plant-house, and the new barn 
 and farm-house were supplied with running water. The Durfee plant-house 
 was filled with specimens of about i ,000 species of such plants as are most 
 important in a scientific and economic point of view. Hundreds of fruit- 
 trees and thousands of grape-vines were set out. Hon. William Knowlton 
 presented to the college $2,000, for the purchase of the herbarium collected 
 by William W. Denslow, which was known thereafter as the Knowlton her- 
 barium. Henry E. Alvord, U. S. A., was detailed for duty at the college, 
 as professor of military science and tactics. This detail was made by the 
 government at Washington, in furtherance of the purpose outlined in the 
 original land-grant, to promote a knowledge of military affairs in connec- 
 tion with an education in agriculture and the mechanic arts. The second 
 national exhibition of agricultural machines, instituted by the New England 
 Agricultural society, was held on the college grounds in June, lasting four 
 days. The roll of students in attendance during the year contained the 
 names of 35 juniors, 41 sophomores, 24 freshmen and a " select class " of 19. 
 The endowment fund of the college produced a revenue inadequate for 
 the payment of its expenses. A new institution, engaged in a practically 
 new field of educational enterprise, its wants were many and pressing. In 
 supplying these wants a considerable debt was incurred, growing larger 
 every year. June 18, 1870, the General Court passed a resolve allowing 
 the college $25,000 for the payment of debts. The constant demands upon 
 the state treasury by an institution yet in its infancy were viewed with alarm 
 by conservative citizens of the Commonwealth. This feeling culminated 
 in an effort to relieve the state of all further responsibilty for the college 
 toward which it held the relation of a foster mother. The General Court, 
 at its session in 1870, appointed the secretary of the Board of Education 
 and the secretary of the Board of Agriculture a committee, with directions 
 to devise a plan, if practicable, by which the college might, without expense 
 to the Commonwealth, be organized as an independent institution, in 
 analogy with other colleges of the Commonwealth, and also to inquire 
 whether the term of study at the college might not be reduced. The obvious 
 intent of this inquiry was to limit, if possible, the growth of the college, 
 and to prevent the full development of the plan which had been unani- 
 mously adopted by the trustees, wiht the approval of the governor and 
 Council. Hon. Joseph White, secretary of the Board of Education, made 
 a careful and exhaustive investigation of the subject, ably assisted by Sec- 
 retary Flint of the Board of Agriculture. A report based on the results of 
 this investigation was submitted to the General Court in 187 1. This 
 report was to the effect that it was not practicable to sever the connection 
 between the college and the Commonwealth and withhold from it further 
 
EXPERIMENTS IN AGRICULTURE. 553 
 
 aid ; also, that any considerable reduction of the prescribed course of study 
 would violate the terms of the congressional grant. It recommended : 
 That the sum af $50,000 be granted to the college trustees to be expended 
 in the erection of a new building and otherwise completing its establish- 
 ment ; that the sum of $150,000 be added to the fund derived from the 
 congressional grant ; that the board of trustees be authorized to fill vacan- 
 cies in their own number. In accordance with these recommendations, 
 the General Court passed, May 26, an act authorizing the trustees to elect 
 their own successors ; also, on the same date, a resolve allowing the college 
 $50,000 for the payment of debts and of current expenses, and adding 
 $141,535.35 to the perpetual fund of the college; also, a resolve ordering 
 10,000 extra copies of the annual report of the college to be printed. 
 Thus the movement instituted to separate the college from the state and 
 close the door to future state appropriations, resulted in binding the two 
 more closely together and securing to the college a most generous sum 
 from the state treasury. 
 
 CHAPTER LXI. 
 
 Graduation of the First Class. — Endowment of Prizes. — Alumni 
 Association Organized. — Changes in the Faculty. — Labor 
 Fund Established. — Experimental Work. — Free Scholar- 
 ships. — Hard Times at the College. — President Clark's 
 Resignation. — Reorganization. — Charles L. Flint Elected 
 President. — Levi Stockbridge Succeeds President Flint. — 
 Final Attempt to Remove the College from State Con- 
 trol. — Proposal to Raise a College Fund. — Paul A. 
 Chadbourne Elected President. 
 
 During the year 1870, the number of students at the college increased 
 largely, so that the dormitories were unable to properly accommodate them. 
 Instruction in the regular course was given by the president and six regular 
 professors, with assistance in special departments by non-resident lecturers. 
 A series of special experiments were undertaken by the agricultural 
 department in connection with the cultivation of the sugar-beet. It was 
 
554 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 proposed to erect a small sugar factory on the farm to work up the 
 product. In his annual report for the year President Clark made the 
 statement : "The Agricultural College ought to be made an experimental 
 station, similar to those so common in Germany." John C. Dillon was 
 appointed farm superintendent in April. Prof. Samuel F. Miller died Oct. 
 28. Rev. Henry W. Parker was elected professor of mental, moral and 
 social science, and college preacher. 
 
 Governor Claflin, in his message to the General Court in 187 1, spoke 
 of the college in the highest terms and favored the extension of further 
 aid from the state. During the year, Selim H. Peabody was elected pro- 
 fessor of mathematics, physics and civil engineering. Miss Mary 
 Robinson donated $2,000 for the endowment of a scholarship. The year 
 187 1 was made memorable by the graduation from the college of its first 
 class. Forty-nine years before, in August, 1822, Amherst College gradu- 
 ated its first class numbering three members. The entering class at the 
 Agricultural College in 1867 numbered on its admission 47 ; on its gradu- 
 ation in July, 187 1, its membership had decreased to 27, a little more than 
 one-half the original number. Of the thirteen young men residing in 
 Amherst who had entered the class but one was graduated, Andrew L. 
 Bassett. Commencement exercises were held July 17, 18 and 19. Among 
 those in attendance were Governor Claflin, several members of his staff 
 and of the Council, Hon. Justin S. Morrill of Vermont, author of the bill 
 under whose provisions the college was established, Prof. Louis Agassiz 
 and many other distinguished men, including a majority of the board of 
 trustees and overseers. There was also a very large attendance of persons 
 residing in Amherst and vicinity, who showed great interest in the occasion, 
 many of the houses in the village and on the street leading north to the 
 college grounds being handsomely illuminated. The first public exercise 
 was held Monday evening, July 17, consisting of prize declamations by 
 members of the lower classes. On Tuesday afternoon the class-day 
 exercises were held. On Tuesday evening Dr. George B. Loring delivered 
 an address before the literary societies of the college ; this was followed 
 by a reception given to Gov. Claflin, which was attended by several hundred 
 persons. Senator Morrill delivered an address, the students gave a torch- 
 light parade, music was provided by the Springfield Armory band, there 
 was a fine display of fireworks and an artillery salute was fired at midnight. 
 On Wednesday morning the cadets were reviewed upon the campus by the 
 governor. The graduation exercises were held in College hall, which was 
 crowded to the doors. The exercises included orations by members of the 
 graduating class, brief congratulatory remarks by Prof. Louis Agassiz, an 
 address by Governor Claflin and an historical address by Hon. Marshall 
 
PRIZES ESTABLISHED. 555 
 
 P. Y\ r ilder. The degrees of B. Sc. were conferred upon the members of the 
 graduating class by President Clark. 
 
 The class on graduation established the first class scholarship. July 21, 
 the Agricultural College crew won the first regatta of the Rowing Associa- 
 tion of American Colleges, held on the Connecticut river at Springfield. 
 Nearly all the prominent colleges in the Eastern states were represented at 
 this regatta, colleges where rowing had been an established feature of 
 athletics for many years. The victory of the Agricultural College crew, 
 over such distinguished competitors, was a matter of surprise to all and of 
 great gratification to the friends of the college. They rowed over the three- 
 miles course in 16 min. 46 1-2 sec, then the fastest time on record. This 
 victory proved a valuable advertisement for the college. During the year 
 1872, Levi Stockbridge was elected full professor of agriculture ; Abner H. 
 Merrill, U. S. A., succeeded Henry E. Alvord as professor of military 
 science and tactics. It was in 1872 that the college secured the services 
 of one of the best-known American scientists of his day, Henry James 
 Clark, B. A., B. Sc, in its department of comparative anatomy and veteri- 
 nary science. Prof. Clark was a native of Easton, a graduate of the Uni- 
 versity of the city of New York in 1848 and of the Lawrence Scientific 
 school at Cambridge in 1854. He studied under Prof. Louis Agassiz r 
 served for several years as his private assistant, and was spoken of by him 
 as "the most accurate observer in the country." He served Harvard 
 College as adjunct professor of zoology five years, and was connected with 
 other prominent literary institutions. He died July 1, 1873, while still a 
 member of the faculty of the Agricultural College. 
 
 The year 1873 was made notable by the establishment of the Farns- 
 worth rhetorical, the Grinnell agricultural, the Hills botanical and the 
 Peabody entomological prizes. Hon. William Clatiin donated to the college 
 $1,000, for the endowment of prizes to be awarded each year to those two 
 members of the graduating class who should pass the best oral and written 
 examinations in the theory and practice of agriculture ; he called them the 
 Grinnell prizes in honor of George B. Grinnell, Esq. of New York. The 
 Farnsworth rhetorical prizes were endowed in the sum of $1,500 by Isaac 
 D. Farnsworth, Esq. The Hills botanical prizes were founded by L. M. 
 and H. F. Hills. The Peabody entomological prize was given by Prof. 
 Selim H. Peabody. 
 
 The year 1874 was marked by increased activity and growth at the 
 college. Several important changes were made in the faculty. Professor 
 Peabody resigned ; Samuel T. Maynard, a graduate of the college in the 
 class of '72, was elected gardener and assistant professor of horticulture; 
 William B. Graves was elected professor of mathematics, physics and civil 
 engineering. During the commencement week in July, an organization was 
 
556 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 formed under the name of the " Associate Alumni of the Agricultural Col- 
 lege." June 5, the General Court passed a resolve allowing $18,000 in aid 
 of the college. An experiment was undertaken with a squash-vine to test 
 the power of plant-growth. The squash was placed in harness and lifted a 
 weight of two and one-half tons. Professor Stockbridge engaged in a series 
 of interesting experiments with special fertilizers. In his annual report for the 
 year, President Clark again called attention to the importance of establishing 
 an agricultural experiment station in connection with the college. During 
 the year the college trustees entered into an important agreement with the 
 corporation of Boston University, upon the following terms : The trustees 
 agreed, on behalf of the college, that matriculants in the university desiring 
 to pursue any regular or special course of instruction presented at the col- 
 lege should be at liberty to do so on the same terms and conditions as other 
 persons, and on completing the course to the satisfaction of the authorities 
 of both institutions should be entitled to the appropriate degree, either from 
 the college or the university, or from both as they might prefer. The uni- 
 versity agreed that so long as this course was found satisfactory it would 
 refrain from organizing an independent college of agriculture and would 
 give its cordial support and influence to building up the Agricultural Col- 
 lege. Under this agreement, students at the college might become members 
 of the university and receive its diploma in addition to that of the college. 
 
 In 1875, C. A. L. Totten, U. S. A., succeeded A. H. Merrill as pro- 
 fessor of military science and tactics. Prof. C. A. Goessmann made an 
 extensive investigation concerning the composition and manurial value of 
 commercial fertilizers. Prof. Charles S. Sargent of Boston donated to the 
 college several thousands of specimens of trees, shrubs and herbaceous 
 plants. The Hampshire Agricultural society offered two prizes, one of $30 
 and one of $20, to those two students coming from towns within the limits 
 of the society who should make the greatest improvement in scholarship 
 during their freshman year. April 26, 1876, Dr. Nathan Durfee of Fall 
 River, treasurer of the college from its establishment, its staunch friend and 
 one of the most liberal of its benefactors, was removed by death. April 28, 
 the General Court passed a resolve allowing the college $5,000 for current 
 expenses. May 20, President Clark left Amherst for Japan, where he had 
 been summoned by the imperial government to assist in the organization of 
 an agricultural college. In his absence, the government of the college was 
 committed to the hands of Professor Stockbridge. Noah Cressy, elected 
 professor of veterinary science in 1873, resigned his office in 1876. By 
 vote of the trustees, the date for holding the commencement exercises was 
 changed from July to June. Of the 24 members of the graduating class 21 
 received the degree of B. Sc. from Boston University. Lieutenant Totten 
 instituted the practice, which has been continued since 1876, of presenting 
 
FREE SCHOLARSHIPS ESTABLISHED. 557 
 
 military diplomas to the members of the graduating class ; he also gave the 
 first military prize. 
 
 May 1 6, 1877, the General Court passed a resolve allowing $5,000 for 
 the payment of current expenses at the college, one-half to be used in pay- 
 ment for manual labor by the students. When President Hitchcock first 
 outlined a plan for an agricultural college, he recommended that such of 
 the students as desired to labor upon the college farm in excess of the 
 amount required of every student should receive suitable compensation. 
 President Clark was an early and earnest advocate of the establishment of 
 a labor fund, and it was doubtless owing to his influence that the General 
 Court made this appropriation. In 1S77, Professor Stockbridge donated 
 $1,000 to the college, to be used for experimental purposes. A new green- 
 house, 100 x 17 feet, was erected with funds provided by Hon. William 
 Knowlton. During the year President Clark returned from Japan, and in 
 his annual report for 1877 gave a description of the agricultural college 
 which he had established at Sapporo, Japan. The first professors at that 
 institution were William Wheeler, David P. Penhallow and William P. 
 Brooks, all graduates of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Thus the 
 institution while yet in its infancy exerted a powerful educational influence 
 upon the " Yankees of the East." 
 
 In order to make the college popular among the agricultural classes in 
 the state, and to lessen the burden of expense to those in moderate circum- 
 stances who were desirous of gaining an education in scientific agriculture, 
 the trustees established in 1878 150 free scholarships for students entering 
 the college that year. The college received by bequest of Whiting Street, 
 Esq. $1,000 for the establishment of a scholarship. Charles Morris suc- 
 ceeded C. A. L. Totten in charge of the military department. In the annual 
 report for the year 1878, a record is made of the work conducted during 
 the year by the " Massachusetts Experimental Station," established by Pro- 
 fessor Stockbridge. Extensive experiments were made with " Minnesota 
 early amber cane " for the production of sugar. A sorghum mill was set 
 up on the college estate, but the results obtained were not favorable, indi- 
 cating that the cane would not prove profitable as a crop in this section. 
 Professor Stockbridge also conducted experiments in the deportment of 
 soils towards water and various manures. 
 
 With the year 1879, hard times came to the college. For several 
 years its current expenses had considerably exceeded its income and it 
 incurred a debt which grew larger every year. April 24, the General 
 Court passed an act granting $32,000 to the college to pay existing indebt- 
 edness, at the same time making the trustees personally liable for any debt 
 thereafter incurred, in excess of the income of the college. June 12, the 
 trustees, owing to the diminished income, sold at auction all the blooded 
 
558 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 stock belonging to the college, except the Ayrshire herd. May 1, Presi- 
 dent Clark resigned his office. Elected in 1867, he had served the college 
 faithfully and well for twelve years, giving it at all times the best fruits of 
 his ripened intellect. It was with genuine regret that the trustees accepted 
 his resignation, regret that was shared by members of the faculty, alumni 
 and undergraduates of the college. In 1879, on leaving Amherst, he was 
 made president of a " floating college," which enterprise, owing to the 
 death of its originator, Mr. Woodruff, was abandoned. He subsequently 
 turned his attention to mining operations, becoming the Eastern agent of 
 several gold and silver mining companies in the West, having his office in 
 New York city. He held many public offices of trust and responsibility. 
 From 1859 to 1861, he was a member at large of the State Board of 
 Agriculture, and member ex-ojficio from 1867 to 1879. In 1864, he was 
 presidential elector and secretary of the electoral college. He was repre- 
 sentative to the General Court in 1864 (receiving every vote in the district 
 but seven), 1865 and 1867 ; president of the Hampshire Agricultural 
 .society, i860, 1861 and 1870 ; trustee of Williston Seminary, Easthampton, 
 1863-76, and president of the board, 1874-76 ; was also a trustee and vice- 
 president of the trustees of Amherst Academy several years. He was one 
 of a commission of three appointed by Gov. Andrew in 1863 to consider 
 the expediency of establishing a state military academy. Amherst College 
 bestowed upon him the degree of LL. D. in 1874. He was a fellow of 
 the American Academy of Arts and Sciences ; member of the Massachu- 
 setts Horticultural and New England Agricultural societies ; honorary 
 member of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and 
 resident member of the New England Historic Genealogical society. He 
 was faithful in the performance of all the duties of citizenship and during 
 his long residence in Amherst took a prominent part in public affairs. He 
 died from an affection of the heart, at Amherst, March 9, 1886. 
 
 The hard times of 1879 led to the reorganization of the college on a 
 sound business basis. Current expenses were reduced $10,000 a year, 
 sufficient to bring them within the college income. One professorship was 
 abolished and the president's salary was withheld. The salaries of the 
 professors and the treasurer were cut down. A considerable saving was made 
 in the janitor's work and in the office of farm superintendent. During the 
 year Charles L. Flint was elected president, remaining in office until March 
 24, 1880, when he resigned. Charles L. Flint was the first secretary of 
 the State Board of Agriculture, holding the office nearly 30 years. In 
 1863, he was elected secretary of the board of trustees of the Agricultural 
 College and was continued in office 22 years. The year that he served as 
 president of the college was the most stormy in its existence. He served 
 without pay, and so great was his interest in the college he subscribed, in 
 
LEVI STOCKBRIDGE ELECTED PRESIDENT. 559 
 
 the closing year of his life, $1,000 to its permanent library fund. Prof. 
 H. W. Parker resigned in 1879 ; during the same year Samuel T. Maynard 
 was elected full professor of botany and horticulture. A statement of the 
 financial condition of the college for the year ending Jan. 1, 1880, gives 
 the following figures : 
 
 Real estate, $200,000 ; farm stock, appraised at $2,747 ; implements, 
 vehicles, etc., $1,005.50 ; farm produce on hand, $2,019.25. 
 
 Resources: Income of fund in state treasury, $12,000; from other 
 funds, $700 ; from tuition, room-rent, etc., $3,500 ; total, $16,200. 
 
 Expenditures: Salary account, $10,100; current expense account, 
 $4,000; extra instruction, $Soo ; total, $14,900. In the expense account 
 no allowance was made for the salary of the president. During the year 
 1879 the price of tuition was reduced to $12 per term. 
 
 In April, 1880, Levi Stockbridge was elected president of the college. 
 Mr. Stockbridge had been connected with the college since 1866, previous 
 to the admission of its first class, and was thoroughly acquainted with all 
 the needs and all the workings of the institution. He had been the right- 
 hand man of President Clark in the successful launching of the new enter- 
 prise and during the president's absence in Japan had full charge at the 
 college. He had made the first donation to the college for the purpose of 
 founding an experiment department and had personally conducted the 
 first experiments made. He was the man for the time and place, and his 
 thorough knowledge of the needs of the institution coupled with his sound 
 common-sense made his services of the greatest value. 
 
 It was in 1880 that Massachusetts, through some of its officials, made 
 a second and final effort to sever the connection existing between the college 
 and the state. An act passed by the General Court in 1S79, constituted 
 the governor and Council a commission to examine into the status of the 
 institution, with the intention of severing its connection with and releas- 
 ing the state from its obligations and guarantees to the general government 
 respecting the college. This committee submitted its report to the General 
 Court in 1880, practically recommending that the college, with its real and 
 personal estate, and the trust funds received from the United States for 
 its specific support, should be given to Amherst College and any further 
 effort toward its maintenance by the state should be abandoned. The 
 resolve creating the commission and defining its duties was so peculiarly 
 worded that its members had little or no discretionary powers and were 
 practically compelled to submit the report they did. But the proposition 
 was so radical and so subversive of the integrity of the state, it gained no 
 favor at the hands of the public and no effort was made by the General 
 Court to accept the proposal or give it legal force. It served to attract to 
 the college the sympathy and support of the agricultural community and 
 
560 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the friends of higher education for those engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
 
 There was no serious diminution in the number of students at the 
 college in 1880. More than the usual interest was manifested by the 
 students in their work. The class of '82 erected a handsome fountain on 
 the grass plot in front of the college buildings at an expense of $250. 
 The college battalion attended and took part as a military organization in 
 the celebration'of the anniversary of the settlement of Boston, Sept. 17 ; 
 the cadets won high praise from press and public on their appearance and 
 behavior. The exercises of commencement week were held at the college 
 chapel instead of in the village as heretofore. The college grounds were 
 connected with the mains of the Amherst Water company, a contract being 
 made with the company for water supply at the rate of $150 a year. Work 
 was suspended at the experiment station owing to a lack of funds. Wil- 
 liam Wheeler was elected the first alumni trustee. 
 
 The attempts to bring the college to a high state of efficiency with the 
 small income at its command having proved unavailing, a joint convention 
 was held at the college June 22, 1881, to consider what might be done to 
 remedy this defect. The members of this convention consisted of the 
 governor, the members of the Council, of the college board of trustees 
 and of the Board of Agriculture. Gov. John D. Long presided, and at his 
 request Hon. Daniel Needham of the board of trustees gave a statement 
 of the condition and needs of the college. At the close of his address he 
 presented a series of resolutions, the final paragraph reading as follows : 
 " Resolved, That a committee be appointed to consider the perfect means 
 for the establishment of a large permanent fund for the college, in addition 
 to its present endowment, that its usefulness shall be made commensurate 
 with the designs of its originators, and its scholarships brought within the 
 reach of all the youth of the Commonwealth." After a full discussion, 
 these resolutions were unanimously adopted and a committee was appointed 
 to consider the subject and submit to the college trustees a plan for action. 
 At the annual meeting of the trustees this committee reported in favor of 
 raising a fund of $100, 000 by subscription, in sumsof $1,000 each, payable 
 in ten installments of $100 each, the fund, when raised, to be handed over 
 by the committee to the treasurer of the college as a permanent fund. 
 This committee was to be perpetuated, vacancies being filled by the board 
 of trustees, for ten years, during which time the subscription should be 
 open. During the year 188 1, Prof. W. B. Graves resigned and Charles L. 
 Harrington was appointed professor of mathematics, physics and civil 
 engineering. Lieut. Victor H. Bridgman, U. S. A., was detailed as pro- 
 fessor of military science and tactics. 
 
 Levi Stockbridge resigned as president of the college Jan. 12, 1882, 
 and the same month Hon. Paul A. Chadbourne was elected to fill the 
 
STATE EXPERIMENT STATION. 56 1 
 
 vacancy. During the brief period that Dr. Chadbourne had been connected 
 with the institution, in 1866 and 1867. he had shown such an intelligent 
 interest and zeal in the management of its affairs that the friends of the 
 college felt great satisfaction when he accepted the office for a second time. 
 He entered at once upon the duties of the office and the year that followed 
 was one of activity and prosperity at the college. It was a genuine shock 
 to all who had the interests of the institution at heart when President Chad- 
 bourne died, Feb. 23, 1883. He held many public offices of honor and 
 distinction. In 1876, he was presidential elector-at-large, and in 1880 
 chairman of the republican state convention. In 1881-S2 he was engaged 
 in the editorial supervision of " The Wealth of the United States " and 
 " Public Service of New York." He was a director in several mills at Wil- 
 liamstown, in the Berkshire Life Insurance company and the North Adams 
 Savings bank. For several years he was a member of the State Board of 
 Agriculture. He received honorary degrees from the Berkshire Medical 
 College, from Amherst College and Williams College. 
 
 CHAPTER LXII. 
 
 The State Experiment Station Organized. — James C. Greenough 
 Elected President. — New Buildings Erected. — Henry H. 
 Goodell Elected President. — Hatch Experiment Station 
 Formed. — Grant by the National Government. — Additions 
 to College Equipment. — State Appropriations. — Student 
 Organizations. — Value of the Work Accomplished by the 
 College. 
 
 In 1882, Prof. Charles L. Harrington resigned, being succeeded by 
 Austin B. Bassett. The General Court, May 12. 18S2. passed a resolve 
 allowing $9,000 for the erection of a drill-hall and for repairs. On the same 
 date an act was passed providing for the establishment of the Massachu- 
 setts State Agricultural Experiment Station. The provisions of this act 
 were as follows : An agricultural experiment station should be established 
 and maintained at the Agricultural College. The management should be 
 vested in a board of control of seven persons, of which the governor of the 
 state should be president ex-officio, and of which two members should be 
 elected from the State Board of Agriculture, by said board ; two from the trustees 
 of the Agricultural College, by said trustees ; one from the Massachusetts Soci- 
 36 
 
562 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 ety for Promoting Agriculture, by said society ; the remaining member to be the 
 president of the Agricultural College. The board of control should hold 
 an annual meeting in January, at which time it should make to the General 
 Court a detailed report of all moneys expended by its order, and of the 
 results of the experiments and investigations conducted at the station, which 
 detailed report should be published in the annual report of the secretary of 
 the State Board of Agriculture. Two members of the board of control 
 should be retired each year, and their successors should be elected by the 
 bodies respectively which such retiring members represented, save in the 
 case of the president of the Agricultural College, who should not be retired. 
 The board of control should appoint a director, a chemist and all necessary 
 assistants and should provide suitable and necessary apparatus and appli- 
 ances for the purpose of conducting experiments and investigations in the 
 following subjects : 1st, the causes, prevention and remedies of the 
 diseases of domestic animals, plants and trees ; 2d, the history and habits 
 of insects destructive to vegetation and the means of abating them ; 3d, the 
 manufacture and composition of both foreign and domestic fertilizers, their 
 several values and their adaptability to different crops and soils ; 4th, the 
 values, under all conditions, as food for all farm animals, for various pur- 
 poses, of the several forage, grain and root crops ; 5th, the comparative 
 value of green and dry forage, and the cost of producing and preserving it 
 in the best condition ; 6th, the adulteration of any article of food intended 
 for the use of men or animals ; and in any other subjects which might be 
 deemed advantageous to the agriculture and horticulture of the Common- 
 wealth. There should be paid from the state treasury to the treasurer of 
 the board of control before July 1, 1882, the sum of $3,000, to establish, 
 prepare and equip the station, and for the maintenance of the station there 
 should thereafter be paid the sum of $5,000 annually in regular quarterly 
 installments. 
 
 On the death of President Chadbourne, in January, 1883, Prof. H. 
 H. Goodell was chosen acting president of the college, remaining in charge 
 until September. July 5, James C. Greenough, principal of the State 
 Normal school at Providence, R. I., was elected to the presidency. During 
 the year the drill-hall was completed. Manly Miles was elected professor 
 of agriculture. Leander Wetherell, Esq. of Boston donated 1,410 bound 
 volumes and several hundred pamphlets to the college library. June 2, the 
 General Court passed a resolve, allowing to the college $10,000 annually 
 for four years and establishing 80 free scholarships. Jan. 5, the Durfee 
 plant-house was destroyed by fire. Prof. A. B. Bassett resigned in 1884 
 and Clarence D. Warner was elected to fill the vacancy. The same year 
 Horace E. Stockbridge was elected associate professor of chemistry. May 
 8, 1884, the General Court passed a resolve allowing $36,000 for the erection 
 
HENRY H. GOODELL ELECTED PRESIDENT. 563 
 
 of a chapel and library building, for completing the president's house and 
 for repairs on the North dormitory. During the year the North dormitory 
 was partially rebuilt and the work of construction was begun on the new 
 chapel building. The corner-stone of the latter was laid Nov. 6; the build- 
 ing was constructed of granite from the quarry in Pelham owned by the 
 college. It is generally considered the most ornamental structure on the 
 college grounds. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1885, the South dormitory was burned, the fire catching from 
 a lamp which exploded in a room occupied by one of the students. June 
 11, the General Court passed a resolve allowing $45,000 for rebuilding the 
 South dormitory, erecting a tower on the chapel building and the purchase 
 of scientific apparatus. By another resolve passed on the same date, 
 $6,000 was appropriated for the erection of a laboratory for the Massa- 
 chusetts Agricultural Experiment station. June 19, an act was passed 
 making the annual report of the college and the annual report of the exper- 
 iment station public documents. During the summer months the president's 
 house was completed, the laboratory building was remodeled and repaired, 
 and considerable additions were made to the library and to the scientific 
 apparatus of the college. H. E. Stockbridge was succeeded by Charles 
 Wellington as associate professor of chemistry. Lieut. George E. Sage 
 was detailed as professor of military science and tactics. 
 
 In 18S6, President Greenough resigned, the vacancy being filled by 
 the election of Prof. H. H. Goodell. Henry H. Goodell was born in Con- 
 stantinople, Turkey, May 20, 1839, was fitted Ior college at Williston Sem- 
 inary and was graduated from Amherst College in the class of 1862. 
 During the war for the preservation of the Union he served as 2d and 
 then as 1st lieutenant of the 25th Conn. Vols, and afterwards as aid-de- 
 camp on the staff of Col. Bissell of the 3d brigade, 4th division, 19th army 
 corps. From 1864 to 1867, he taught at Williston Seminary, being called 
 to the professorship of modern languages at the Agricultural College in 
 1867. His connection with the college since its organization, coupled with 
 executive abilities of a high order, well fitted him for the presidency, and 
 the friends of the college have had frequent occasion to congratulate them- 
 selves on his acceptance of the office. Other important changes were made 
 in the faculty in i886« Henry E. Alvord was elected professor of agricul- 
 ture, Charles S. Walker college pastor and professor of mental science and 
 political economy, Charles H. Fernald professor of natural history. April 
 16, the General Court passed a resolve making perpetual the allowance 
 from the state treasury of $10,000 annually, first granted July 5, 1883. 
 Later in the year a further grant of $7,500 was made for repair of build- 
 ings and other needs of the college. The South dormitory, the chapel and 
 library building and the laboratory of the experiment station were com- 
 
564 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 pleted in 1886. New apparatus was bought for the chemical, physics and 
 natural history departments. The college grounds were connected with the 
 Amherst water-works by a four-inch iron main. A fire brigade was organ- 
 ized among the students under direction of the military commandant; 750 
 feet of hose and a hose-cart were purchased for its equipment. Hon. Mar- 
 shall P. Wilder donated several hundred volumes to the college library. In 
 1887, the college executed a formal lease of certain lands to the experiment 
 station. During the year well-known scientists lectured before the students 
 on special topics. In 18S8, extensive repairs were made on the college 
 buildings. William P. Brooks, a graduate of the college, was appointed to 
 the chair of agriculture. 
 
 Feb. 25, 1887, the national Congress passed an act to establish agri- 
 cultural experiment stations in connection with the agricultural colleges 
 which had been organized in the several states under the provisions of the 
 Morrill land grant. Their object and duty should be to conduct original 
 researches or verify experiments on the physiology of plants and animals, 
 diseases to which they are subject and remedies for the same, the chemical 
 composition of useful plants at different stages of growth, the comparative 
 advantages of rotative cropping, the capacity of new plants or trees for 
 acclimation, analysis of soils and water, the chemical composition of 
 manures, natural or artificial, with experiments designed to test their com- 
 parative effects on crops of different kinds, the adaptation and value of 
 grasses and forage plants, the composition and digestibility of different 
 kinds of food for domestic animals, scientific and economic questions 
 involved in the production of butter and cheese, and such other researches 
 or experiments bearing directly on the agricultural industry of the United 
 States as should in each case be deemed advisable, having due regard to 
 varying conditions and needs of the respective states or territories. The 
 United States commissioner of agriculture should furnish forms for the 
 tabulation of the results of investigations or experiments, should indicate 
 such lines of inquiry as seemed to him most important, and should furnish 
 such advice and assistance as would best promote the purposes of the act. 
 Each station should make annually on or before Feb. 1 a detailed report 
 to the government of its operations, including a statement of receipts and 
 expenditures. Bulletins or reports of progress should be published by 
 each station at least once in three months, copies of such bulletins to 
 be sent to each newspaper in the state where published, and to such indi- 
 viduals actively engaged in farming as might request the same. The bul- 
 letins and annual reports should pass through the mails free of charge. 
 The sum of $15,000 per annum should be appropriated to each state from 
 the United States treasury, for expenses of the station. By an act approved 
 April 20, 1887, Massachusetts accepted the provisions of this grant. At 
 
THE HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. 
 
 5 u b 
 
 a meeting of the Agricultural College trustees held March 2, 1888, it was 
 voted to establish a department to be called " The Experiment Department 
 of the Massachusetts Agricultural College," which name was subsequently 
 changed to the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Agricultural College." 
 A committee was appointed with full executive powers ; at a meeting of 
 this committee held March 10, the organization was completed, the follow- 
 ing being chosen as officers : Director, H. H. Goodell ; agriculturist, YY. 
 P. Brooks ; horticulturist, S. T. Maynard ; entomologist, C. H. Fernald ; 
 meteorologist, C. D. Warner ; treasurer, F. E. Paige ; auditor, J. H. 
 Demond. The committee entered into an agreement with the board of 
 control of the State Experiment Station, the latter agreeing, in consideration 
 of a payment of $5,000 annually, that such chemical work as was de- 
 manded should be performed at the station. Work was begun at the 
 Hatch Experiment Station in April, 1888. 
 
 In 1889, the English department was reorganized, and under the super- 
 vision of Prof. George F. Mills gained in usefulness and importance. The 
 farm buildings were enlarged and remodeled. Two large silos were built. 
 About 28,000 feet of tile were laid for underdrainage. A small barn was 
 built for special work in connection with dairy matters, for the general 
 work involved in the handling of crops under experiment and the mixing, 
 weighing and measuring of fertilizers. An insectary was built for the 
 breeding of insects discovered on all useful plants, and for experiments 
 with insecticides. The General Court appropriated $10,000 annually for 
 four years, for the endowment of additional professorships and for general 
 expenses. One-half this sum was to be used as a labor fund. 
 
 In 1890, under the provisions of the free scholarship act of 1883, 62 
 students were admitted to the college. All counties in the state were 
 represented except Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket. Eighty-nine students 
 availed themselves of the benefits of the labor fund. Two working biolog- 
 ical laboratories were opened during the year, in charge of Professors Fer- 
 nald and Maynard. James B. Paige, a graduate of the college in 1882, 
 was elected to the chair of veterinary science. Extensive improvements 
 were made upon the farm, the labor being performed by students who 
 were compensated for their services from the labor fund. 
 
 The college, since its establishment, had been seriously hampered in 
 its work by the inadequacy of the funds received as interest upon its endow- 
 ment. Had the land scrip been sold at $1.25 an acre, which was about 
 the current price when the Morrill bill was passed in 1862, the interest on 
 the fund thus established would have amply supplied the needs of the 
 institution for many years. The placing of so large an amount of scrip upon 
 the market in 1862 and the years immediately following lowered the price 
 nearly one-half. The Massachusetts college was not the only one that 
 
c;66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 found its income insufficient to meet its expenses. In nearly every state 
 which had established an independent institution under the provisions of 
 the Morrill act such institutions had been largely dependent upon state 
 bounty for payment of their running expenses. Such conditions were not 
 anticipated by those who had been instrumental in passing the Morrill act 
 and, in 1890, an attempt was made to remedy them by supplementary 
 legislation. 
 
 April 30, 1890, Senator Justin S. Morrill of Vermont introduced in the 
 United States Senate " A Bill to establish an educational fund, and apply 
 the proceeds of the public lands and the receipts from certain land-grant 
 railroad companies to the more complete endowment and support of col- 
 leges for the advancement of scientific and industrial education." The 
 second section of this act provided : 
 
 " That there shall be, and hereby is, annually appropriated out of any money 
 in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to be paid as hereinafter provided, to 
 each State and Territory for the more complete endowment and maintenance of 
 colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts now established, or 
 which may be hereafter established, in accordance with an act of Congress 
 approved July second, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, the sum of fifteen thous- 
 and dollars for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and ninety, and 
 an annual increase of the amount of such appropriation thereafter for ten years by 
 an additional sum of one thousand dollars over the preceding year, and the annual 
 amount to be paid thereafter to each State and Territory shall be twenty-five 
 thousand dollars." 
 
 These sums were to be paid from funds received by the treasury for 
 the sale of public lands and the receipts from land-grant railroad companies. 
 They should be paid by the secretary of the treasury to the state or terri- 
 torial treasurer, and the latter should pay them over to the treasurers of the 
 colleges entitled to receive the same. The provisions governing the receipt 
 and expenditure of these funds by the colleges were in many respects simi- 
 lar to those attached to the original grant. No portion should be applied 
 directly or indirectly to the purchase, erection, preservation or repair of any 
 building or buildings. This bill was endorsed by the officers of agricul- 
 tural colleges and experiment stations, by agricultural societies, granges and 
 the friends of agricultural education throughout the country. It was passed 
 by Congress, signed by the president and became a law Aug. 30, 1890. 
 The question then arose as to the disposition of the funds awarded to 
 Massachusetts under the provisions of this act. Of the income arising from 
 the fund established by the original grant the state had allowed one-third to 
 the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and two-thirds to the Agricul- 
 tural College. With this division the officers of the institute had never been 
 fully satisfied, and they made a determined effort to secure at least one-half 
 of the new appropriation. In this they were unsuccessful, the funds being 
 
OCCUPATIONS OF GRADUATES. 567 
 
 divided between the college and the institute in the same proportion as the 
 income from the original grant. 
 
 The year 1891 was a prosperous one at the college. A portion of the 
 funds arising from the new national grant were received and were expended 
 in adding to the equipment of various departments. The General Court 
 passed a resolve continuing the labor fund for a term of years and also 
 granted an appropriation for rebuilding the plant-house and erecting a rose- 
 house. The standard for admission was raised and a higher grade of 
 scholarship required. The military department adopted a new system of 
 tactics. During the fall term President Goodell traveled in Europe for the 
 benefit of his health, the college, in his absence, being in charge of Prof. C. 
 H. .Fernald, as acting president. April 5, the barn of the Hatch Experi- 
 ment Station was burned. 
 
 In 1892, the college rolls bore the names of 190 students; of these, 16 
 came from other states than Massachusetts, while the remaining 174 repre- 
 sented 1 10 towns in the state. A gratifying gain had been made in the 
 percentage of graduates. Of the 643 who had entered and left the institu- 
 tion prior to 1886, only about 37 per cent, had graduated; since that time 
 236 had entered and 52 per cent, had graduated. One young woman 
 entered the freshman class in 1892, and did excellent work, but was com- 
 pelled to leave owing to a lack of funds. Since the college opened its doors 
 to students in the fall of 1867 it had received, not including the students 
 pursuing the course in 1892, 879 men. Of that number 361 had completed 
 the course, receiving the degree of B. Sc. Of the 348 living graduates, 
 considerably more than one-half were engaged in farming or closely allied 
 pursuits. Of farmers there were 92, agricultural editors, 4; engaged in the 
 fertilizer business, 7 ; teachers in agricultural institutions, 2 1 ; experiment 
 station directors, 3 ; veterinary doctors, 8 ; professors of veterinary science, 
 2 ; assistants in experiment stations, 22 ; assistants in Board of Agricul- 
 ture, 2 ; assistants in Gypsy Moth Commission, 2. One-seventh of all the 
 graduates were employed in agricultural colleges and experiment stations, 
 including 3 college presidents, 8 professors of agriculture, 5 professors of 
 horticulture and botany, 3 directors of experiment stations and several vice- 
 directors. Of graduates not engaged in agricultural pursuits, 9 were law- 
 yers, 18 engineers, 11 teachers, 18 doctors, 2 dentists and 5 clergymen. 
 Two had been masters of the State Grange, two lecturers, and everywhere 
 they were found at the head of local granges, and farmers' clubs and agri- 
 cultural organizations. 
 
 Extensive additions were made to the equipment of the various depart- 
 ments in 1892. The veterinary department was thoroughly equipped with 
 working models of the horse and the principal parts of the body. A small 
 laboratory was fitted up with microscopes, culture ovens and sterilizers for 
 
5 68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 the study of germ diseases. The zoological department was supplied with 
 a collection of mounted animals, clastic models, diagrams and charts show- 
 ing the operations of life throughout the entire animal kingdom. The 
 chemical department was given a complete new outfit and to the physics 
 department the apparatus necessary for the study of electricity. Extensive 
 additions to the library were made in the departments of political economy, 
 agriculture, zoology and chemistry. In the agricultural department a 
 beginning was made for an economic museum and implements and appar- 
 atus of all kinds were collected in an effort to represent the history of 
 agricultural machinery. A collection of soils was made and samples 
 gathered of all artificial and commercial fertilizers used in the state. For 
 making these additions some $20,000 was made available under the* pro- 
 visions of the new Morrill act. The General Court passed in 1892 a 
 resolve allowing $8,000 for the use of the horticultural department. The 
 Durfee plant-house was remodeled, extensive additions being made. A 
 tool-house was erected and a cold grapery completed. The little stream 
 flowing across the college grounds was dammed, making a pretty artificial 
 pond, which not only adds to the beauty of the landscape but affords a 
 plentiful supply of ice for use at the college. A new barn was built for 
 the Hatch Experiment Station. In the report for the year announcement 
 was made that since the establishment of the labor fund over 150 young 
 men had been aided and $20,000 had been paid out for work in the direct 
 line of their studies which had also contributed materially to the improve- 
 ment of the college grounds. 
 
 The General Court in 1893 passed a resolve appropriating $40,000 for 
 the use of the college, of which $19,000 should be available that year. 
 This sum was to be used for the erection of two model barns. The old 
 college barn, beside being inconvenient of location and inadequate in 
 accommodations, had become infected with the germs of tuberculosis. 
 Work on the new structures began in the summer of 1893. They were 
 intended to accommodate 100 head of cattle, 14 horses, 75 sheep and 80 
 hogs. They would also afford storage room for 300 tons of hay, 325 tons 
 of silage, several carloads of grain and 144 tons of roots. Accommoda- 
 tions would also be afforded for a dairy school. Alterations were made on 
 other college buildings. A hard-wood floor was laid in the drill-hall and a 
 gallery constructed at one end. The room formerly used as a chapel was 
 completely remodeled and fitted up as a laboratory for advanced students 
 in chemistry. The meteorological observatory was connected by wire with 
 the telegraph office at the center village. Daily weather forecasts were 
 received from Washington and weather signal flags were displayed from 
 the tower. Arrangements were also made to receive frost warnings. The 
 college made an interesting exhibit at the World's Columbian Exhibition 
 
ADDITIONS TO EQUIPMENT. 569 
 
 at Chicago. From April i, 1892, to Oct. 1, 1893, the college received 
 under the provisions of the Morrill act of 1890, $56,668.66 ; the expen- 
 ditures for instruction and equipment were, during the same period, 
 $43,921.74. At the beginning of the college year in September, 1893, 
 the studies of senior year were made elective. A two-years' course was 
 established, 23 students entering its first class. Five assistant professors 
 were appointed in the departments of agriculture, chemistry, English, 
 botany and mathematics ; two of the men receiving appointments were 
 graduates of the college. In November, Sir Henry Gilbert delivered the 
 Rothamsted American lectures at the college. 
 
 In 1894, the General Court passed a resolve appropriating $7,500 for 
 an electric lighting apparatus at the college. June 9, the old college barn 
 was burned ; the origin of the fire was supposed to be incendiary. The 
 new barns were completed in the fall. A new system of sewerage was 
 introduced. During the spring term a course of lectures on forestry was 
 delivered by Dr. B. E. Fernow, chief of the division of forestry at Washing- 
 ton. Prof. C. D. Warner resigned as professor of mathematics and was 
 succeeded by Prof. Leonard Metcalf. In 1895, the General Court passed 
 a resolve appropriating $4,800 for building an addition to the insectary and 
 erecting a gun-shed. The military department was equipped with two new 
 breech-loading rifled cannon which took the place of the old 1 2-pounders. 
 The State and the Hatch experiment stations were consolidated under the name 
 of the Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. 
 Latin, as a requirement for entrance and as a required study was dropped, but 
 was given a place in the elective course. The two-years' course was dropped 
 from the curriculum. A series of short winter courses was adopted, free to 
 all citizens of the state without limitations as to entrance examinations. In 
 the spring of 1896, a course in dairying was arranged. The General Court 
 passed a resolve appropriating $11,000 for extending the laboratories of the 
 experiment department and for purchasing the Clark property adjoining the 
 college grounds. 
 
 The college and its faculty have for many years sustained intimate 
 relations with the State Board of Agriculture, the State Grange and the 
 various agricultural societies throughout the state. The Board of Agricul- 
 ture has acted as the board of overseers of the college. Prof. C. A. Goess- 
 mann has served for many years as chemist of the Board of Agriculture, 
 and at the present time Profs. J. B. Paige, C. H. Fernald and S. T. Maynard 
 are also officially connected with the board. Professor Goessmann has also 
 the appointment of state examiner of fertilizers, and all fertilizers sold in 
 Massachusetts at a price exceeding $10 per ton must be analyzed at the 
 station and secure from the inspector a guaranty of composition and value. 
 The members of the faculty are in great demand as speakers at agricultural 
 
570 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 institutes and other gatherings of farmers. Prof. C. S. Walker has been 
 for several years chaplain of the State Grange. That Massachusetts excels 
 in the agricultural education imparted at its college is proven by the con- 
 stant and increasing demand for the services of the graduates of that col- 
 lege at the colleges and experiment stations of other states. 
 
 The students at the Agricultural College have organized and sustained 
 many institutions, some of them enduring but a brief period, others gaining 
 strength with the years and with the increased number of students at the 
 college. Four secret fraternities are now in existence, the D. G. K., Q. T. 
 V., Phi Sigma Kappa and College Shakespearean Club. Of these the D. 
 G. K. is the only one to own a fraternity building where undergraduate 
 members reside. The students have taken much interest in athletics, and 
 sustain base-ball, foot-ball, athletic and tennis associations. A college glee 
 and banjo club has been well sustained for several years. The college Y. 
 M. C. A. is a prosperous organization that has exerted a strong influence 
 for good on the lives of the undergraduates. The college has its paper, the 
 Aggie Life, published bi-weekly and serving as an excellent exponent of life 
 at the college. The Index is published annually by the junior class, the 
 Cycle at commencement-time by the D. G. K. fraternity. Other organiza- 
 tions, not alluded to above, are the Natural History society, the Reading 
 Room association, the Washington Irving literary society, the Polo club, the 
 Boarding club, the Press club, the Clark Cadet band. 
 
 Such, in brief, is the history of the Agricultural College, the second 
 great educational institution to be established in the town of Amherst. 
 Much might be written of its earlier struggles, when it was yet in the exper- 
 imental stage, ere the people of Massachusetts had become acquainted 
 with it or learned how valuable was the education it had to offer, when it 
 was necessary to make annual appeals to the state for funds, appeals too 
 frequently unheeded or answered in grudging fashion. It had its times of 
 trial, of discouragement, of seeming failure. Much might be written, also, 
 of the good it has accomplished, of what it has done for the education of 
 youth and for the cause of scientific agriculture in Massaschusetts and in 
 New England. An extended history of the college will some day be 
 written, a history containing much of value but for which space cannot be 
 found in the town history. Enough to realize and to say that the college 
 has fulfilled in ample measure the highest hopes of its founders, that it 
 has turned the attention of the agricultural classes towards the problems 
 of scientific agriculture, and has aided in their solution, that it has gained 
 the respect and confidence of all classes in the state, conquering the prej- 
 udices of that class of economists who believe in limiting outlay without 
 regard to the promise of returns. 
 
 The Agricultural College has furnished a practical, useful education 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. , 57 I 
 
 to hundreds of young men, many of whom could not afford the expense 
 of a course at a purely literary college even would such a course prove of 
 equal benefit to them in their chosen occupation. It has stimulated a 
 waning interest in agricultural matters and furnished convincing argu- 
 ments to the young men of the state as to why they should remain upon 
 the farm rather than seek employment in the cities. It has impressed 
 upon the public mind the dignity of agricultural pursuits, proving that 
 head-work is as necessary as hand-work in the successful conduct of a New 
 England farm. The work of the college has been ably supplemented by 
 that of the experiment stations. The series of experiments conducted by 
 the latter have been of great practical benefit to all persons living in the 
 state, engaged in agriculture and kindred pursuits. The department of 
 chemistry has kept them fully apprised of the value of the different kinds of fer- 
 tilizers, home-made and commercial, of the kinds of fertilizers demanded by 
 certain soils and for the production of special crops. The department of 
 entomology has taught the best methods of warfare against insect pests. 
 The department of horticulture has informed them concerning the nature 
 of and remedy for plant disease, as well as of the best varieties of fruits. 
 The department of agriculture has given them the results of experiments 
 with crops, of feeding experiments with cattle for the production of meat 
 and milk, and much other information of value. 
 
 CHAPTER LXIII. 
 
 Biographical Sketches of Prominent Citizens. 
 
 In Chapter XXVI brief sketches are given of the lives of some of the 
 more prominent among the first settlers and early inhabitants of the pre- 
 cinct, district and town. This History would be far from complete did it 
 not contain something more than passing mention of others who have 
 served the town in a variety of ways, strong men in the community, leaders- 
 in thought and action, town fathers in something more than the sentimental 
 meaning of the term. It is a difficult and delicate task to select from a 
 long list of honored names, representative of those sterling qualities that 
 go to make the highest type of New England manhood, a comparative few 
 for particular mention. In making this selection especial reference is had 
 to public service as well as to high standing in the community. It would 
 be easy to extend the list almost indefinitely, but lack of space forbids. 
 
572 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Among the earlier settlers few were held in higher esteem than was 
 Jonathan Dickinson, son of Samuel, born in Shutesbury in 17 15. He 
 served in the French and Indian wars and in the war of the Revolution. 
 Chosen selectman in 1759, the year Amherst was set off as a district, he 
 held the office five years. He married, Sept. 26, 1745, Dorothy Stoughton 
 of Windsor, Conn. 
 
 Joseph Church, son of Samuel, was born in Hadley in 1728. He 
 served in the war of the Revolution, was a man of means and held the 
 office of selectman six years. He married, Jan. 2, 1755, Abigail Smith, 
 and died in Amherst Sept. 7, 1S19. 
 
 Noah Smith, son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1742. He, 
 also, served on Amherst's quota in the war of the Revolution. For six 
 years he served as selectman. He married, in 1766, Mary Elmer and died 
 Feb. 22, 1830. 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson, Jr., son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1 749. 
 He held the office of selectman nine years. He married, March 27, 1783, 
 Azubah Coleman, and died June 2, 1836. 
 
 Ebenezer Boltwood, son of Solomon, was born in Amherst in 1752. 
 He was graduated from Harvard College and was one of the first men in 
 the new settlement to engage in mercantile pursuits. From 1782 to 1788, 
 he kept an inn. In 1786, he was appointed justice of the peace. For 
 eleven years he served as selectman. He died July 23, 1804. 
 
 Moses Hastings, son of Thomas, was born in Amherst in 1755. He 
 served in the war of the Revolution. A leading member of the First 
 church, he was one of the first trustees of its ministerial fund. He held 
 many public offices, serving as selectman eight years. He married, Aug. 
 29, 1776, Elizabeth Parker of Amherst. His death occurred June 6, 1844. 
 
 Elijah Dickinson, son of Moses, was born in Amherst in 1760. He 
 served in the war of the Revolution, gaining the title of colonel, by which 
 he was generally known. He donated the land on which the first Amherst 
 College building was erected. He was a leading member of the First 
 church, and held many town offices, including that of selectman. He 
 married, June 13, 1780, Jerusha Smith, whose portrait appears on the 
 opposite page. He died Feb. 1, 1820. 
 
 Gideon Stetson was born in 1762, married Nancy Thayer of Belcher- 
 town and died in 1835. He held the office of selectman five years. 
 
 John Kellogg, son of Ephraim, was born in Amherst in 1765. He was 
 deacon in the First church and served the town as selectman six years. 
 He married (1), Roxana Mattoon ; (2), Mrs. Martha Ingram. He died 
 Dec. 6, 1844. 
 
 Nathan Franklin, son of Henry, was born in Amherst in 1767. He 
 represented the town in the General Court. He served as selectman seven 
 
ADJUTANT FRAZAK STEARN! 
 
 I.T. GEORGE COOKE. 
 
 MRS. JERUSHA DI( K.1XSOX. 
 
 SAR \ft STROXG MCCONIHE 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 573 
 
 years and was deacon of the South church. He married, Nov. 29, 1798, 
 Jerusha Dickinson, and died March 11, 1S32. 
 
 Ephraim Roberts, son of Joseph, was born in East Hartford, Conn, in 
 1769. He was one of the first in Amherst to engage in the manufacture of 
 paper. He was a leading citizen in the North parish. He married (1), 
 Susan Eastman of East Hartford ; (2), Jerusha Mann. He died in Amherst, 
 April 19, 1S53. 
 
 Martin Baker, son of Elijah, was born in Amherst in 1770. He served 
 the town as selectman seven years and held other town offices. He mar- 
 ried, July 16, 1797, Mary Smith, and died Dec. 11, 1842. 
 
 Reuben Roberts, son of Joseph, was born in East Hartford, Conn, in 
 1775. In company with his brother Ephraim he engaged in the manufac- 
 ture of paper. He served the town as representative in the General Court. 
 He married, in 1796, Esther Rissley of East Hartford, and died Oct. 25, 
 1864. 
 
 Zebina Dickinson, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1778. He 
 was one of the first deputy sheriffs for the town of Amherst, holding office 
 many years. He represented the town in the General Court one year, 
 served as selectman and assessor and held other town offices. He married, 
 in 1808, Mary Watson. His death occurred June 2, 1837. 
 
 Chester Dickinson, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1780. He 
 served the town as selectman eight years. An innkeeper many years, his 
 tavern was noted for the hospitality with which its guests were treated. 
 He was the first treasurer of the North parish. From his appointment as 
 justice of the peace he gained the title of " 'Squire 7 ' by which he was famil- 
 iarly known. He married, May 29. 1803, Susanna Dickinson, and died 
 May 10, 1850. 
 
 Horace Smith, son of Silas, was born in South Hadley in 1781. He 
 was deacon in the First church, justice of the peace and a colonel in the 
 
 militia. He married (1), March 5, 1805, Rebecca Moody; (2), King 
 
 of Suffield, Conn. He died Nov. n, 1862. 
 
 Isaac G. Cutler, son of Robert, was born in Pelham in 1782. He 
 was graduated at Williams College in 1801. He practiced medicine in 
 Amherst until his death, which occurred Nov. 29. 1834. He was a very 
 popular physician, a fact witnessed by his record of professional attend- 
 ance upon 1336 cases of childbirth, now on file in the office of the town 
 clerk. He represented the town in the General Court in 1830. He mar- 
 ried, Dec. 24. 1S07, Nancy Hastings. 
 
 Ebenezer Williams, son of Justus, was born in Amherst in 1783. He 
 served the town as representative to the General Court, also holding 
 the office of selectman five years. He married, Jan. 21, 1808, Philomela 
 Dickinson of Amherst. 
 
574 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Timothy Henderson, son of Timothy, was born in Amherst in 1784. 
 He was a prosperous farmer, greatly beloved in the community, a leader 
 in town and church affairs. He held the office of selectman seven years. 
 He married (1), Aug. 26, 1811, Mary Parker; (2), Tryphena Kellogg. 
 He died in Hadley, Oct. 28, 1861. 
 
 Nathaniel C. Dickinson, son of Jonathan, was born in Shutesbury in 
 1784. He was active in church affairs, gave the land on which the South 
 church was built and served as deacon and superintendent of the Sunday- 
 school. He held office as selectman and assessor many years. He mar- 
 ried (1). Jan. 27, 1807, Submit Smith of Brattleboro ; (2), June 2, 1841, 
 Sibyl Strickland of Greenfield. He died March 19, 1868. 
 
 Eleazer Gaylord, son of Eleazer, was born in Windsor, Conn, in 1785. 
 He served the town as selectmen, and was for many years deacon in the 
 First church. He was a leader among the farmers of the town. He mar- 
 ried (1), in 1819, Hannah Haskell of Holden ; (2), in 1832, Sally Church 
 of Amherst. He died in New Haven, Conn., Aug. 10, 1865. 
 
 Benoni Rust, son of Oliver, was born in Amherst in 1786. He was 
 engaged in the manufacture of stoves and steel springs. He served the 
 town as selectman. He married Susan Dickinson of Amherst and died 
 Dec. 29, 1848. 
 
 George Nutting, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1786. He rep- 
 resented the town in the General Court and also as selectman and assessor. 
 He was a member of the first parish committee of the South church and 
 one of the contractors who erected the church building. He married 
 Judith Hastings of Amherst and died Aug. 1, 1838. 
 
 Cotton Smith, son of Chileab, was born in Hadley in 1787. In 1S10, 
 he conducted a store at East Amherst, but spent the greater part of his 
 life as a farmer at " Mill Valley." He was a prominent member of the 
 First church. He served the town as selectman. He married Sibyl 
 Smith of Amherst and died Aug. 17, 1855. 
 
 Thomas Jones, son of Elnathan, was born in Concord in 1787. He 
 was engaged for many years in the manufacture of cotton and woolen 
 goods at North Amherst, owning at one time three mills. He took an 
 active part in the organization of the Hampshire and Franklin railroad 
 company and was a man of great enterprise and public spirit. He repre- 
 sented the town in the General Court. He married (1), June 3, 1829, 
 Elizabeth M. Lyman of Northampton ; (2), Dec. 24, 1835, Mary H. French 
 of Newfane, Vt. He died Oct. 21, 1853. 
 
 Chester Kellogg, son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1788. 
 He was for many years a prosperous merchant and a leading member of 
 the First church. He married (1), in June, 1808, Lois Dickinson; (2), 
 Aug. 1, 1816, Maria Bixby. He died Jan. 7, 1849. 
 
A GROUP OF SELECTMEN 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 575 
 
 Solomon K. Eastman, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1788. 
 He was a prominent farmer and a leading member of the First church. 
 He served the town as selectman and also held other town offices. He 
 married, Nov. 10, 1S19, Almira Richardson, and died April 15, 1872. 
 
 Seneca Holland, son of Jonas, was born in Petersham in 1790. He 
 lived in Belchertown for a time, removing to Amherst in 1832. For many 
 years he was one of the leading business men of the town, held in high esteem 
 in the community. He married, Nov. 30, 1823,- Fanny Dickinson of 
 Amherst and died Dec. 5, 187 1. 
 
 Joseph Dana, son of Amariah, was born in Amherst in 1795. He 
 was a successful farmer. He was a member of the Second church until 
 the South church was formed, when he joined the latter and served it as 
 deacon. He was one of the members of the South militia company who 
 marched to Boston during the war of 1812. He married, Oct. 28, 1824, 
 Clara Benton of Tolland, Conn. He died April 27, 1S74. 
 
 Alfred Baker, son of Enos, was born in Amherst in 1798. A success- 
 ful farmer, he was also prominent in town affairs. He served the town as 
 selectman 12 years and also represented it in the General Court. He was 
 active in securing the organization of the Hampshire Agricultural society 
 and was elected its first president. He was captain of a militia company 
 in 1830. He married (i), Sept. 17, 1835, Catherine D. Wiley of Sunder- 
 land; (2), Elizabeth Olmsted. He died March 14, 1S77. 
 
 Ezra Ingram, son of Ebenezer, was born in Amherst in 1799. In 
 early life he worked in the mills owned by his father, but the death of his 
 father when Ezra was but twenty years of age placed him in possession of 
 the homestead, and he spent his life in farming, disposing of his interest 
 in the mills to his brother Peter. He represented the town in the General 
 Court. He served the town as selectman and overseer of the poor 18 
 years and held other town offices. He was a member of the board of 
 selectmen at the time of the war for the preservation of the Union, and 
 with two others became personally responsible for a large sum of money 
 needed to prevent a draft of Amherst men. He was a justice of the peace. 
 He married, Nov. 24, 1824, Susan E. Roberts of East Hartford, Conn. 
 He died June 15, 1881. 
 
 David Dexter, son of David, was born in Windsor, Conn, in 1799. 
 He was engaged in manufacturing at " Mill Valley." He served as select- 
 man. He married, Sept. 21, 1830, Cynthia Rankin of Pelham, and died 
 Feb. 14, 1876. 
 
 Ephraim Cushman, son of Ephraim, was born in Amherst in 1799. 
 He engaged in paper making in company with his brother John R. For 
 over 50 years he was a leading member of the North church. He married 
 Wealthy Cutter. He died Dec. 1, 1887. 
 
576 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Eleazer Kellogg, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1800. He 
 served the town as selectman eleven years and was its representative in 
 the General Court in 1838. For upwards of 25 years he was a trustee of 
 the ministerial fund of the North church. He married, Dec. 30, 1824, 
 Sally M. Roberts. He died June 7, 1885. 
 
 Salem Hammond, son of Moses, was born in Charlton in 1803. He 
 removed to South Amherst in 1837 and engaged in farming. He united 
 with the South church in 1838. and was an active and influential member 
 until his removal to Hadley in 1859. He served the town as selectman 
 and assessor. He married, Sept. 22. 1841, Mrs. Julia A. Eldredge of 
 Hadley. He died in Hadley July 1S. 1871. 
 
 Samuel C. Carter, son of Nathaniel, was born in Newburyport in 
 1803. He learned the book-binders' trade in the employ of Jonathan 
 Leavitt of Andover. He came to Amherst in 1825, and entered in part- 
 nership with John S. Adams, under the firm name of Carter &: Adams. 
 Their business included a book-store, a printing office and a book-bindery. 
 They published for two years the New England Inquirer, the first local 
 paper printed in the town. ^ The partnership was dissolved in 1827. For 
 more than 60 years Mr. Carter was a leading citizen in the community, 
 respected and beloved by all. For over ^i years, from 1837 to 1846, and 
 again from 1857 to 1880, Mr. Carter served the town as clerk and treasurer. 
 During that time $1,339,386 of the public moneys passed through his hands, 
 every cent of which was carefully and faithfully accounted for. In 1837, 
 he was the town agent to receive and dispose of the surplus revenue. In 
 1865, he prepared a full and accurate military record of those who had 
 served on Amherst's quota during the war for the preservation of the Union; 
 In 1841 and 1842, he represented the town in the General Court, and was 
 a member of the committee which drafted the excellent law yet in force 
 for the registration of vital statistics. He served as post-master for two 
 terms. From 1837 to 1839, he was a member of the school committee. 
 For many years he was clerk and treasurer of the First parish, member of 
 the parish committee and treasurer of the sinking fund. In 1829, he was 
 appointed librarian of the First church Sunday-school, and was for fifty 
 years connected with the school as scholar, librarian, teacher and superin- 
 tendent. He was treasurer of the Amherst Savings bank from its organi- 
 zation in 1865 until his resignation of the office in 1887, In 1827, he 
 assisted in organizing an engine company, retaining his connection with it 
 for many years. For twelve years he was secretary and treasurer of the 
 West Amherst Temperance union, and also served as librarian and treas- 
 urer of the Amherst Lyceum. He married (1), in April, 1S26, Matilda 
 Ayres; (2), Elizabeth D. Jackson of Boston. He died June 9, 1889. 
 
 George Montague, son of Luke, was born in Amherst in 1S04. He 
 
FORMER TOWN CLERKS 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 577 
 
 studied at Amherst Academy. From 1828 to 183 1, he was accountant and 
 instructor at Mt. Pleasant Academy. From 1834 to 1836, he was engaged 
 in mercantile pursuits in the South. He served as treasurer of the Agri- 
 cultural College and for 14 years as auditor of accounts of the treasurer of 
 Amherst College. He served as deacon of the First church and was 
 for seven years clerk of Hampshire East Conference. He married (1), 
 March 7, 1834, Mary A. Parsons of Columbus, Ga.; (2), Nov. 20, 1856, 
 Sarah M. Seelye of New York city. He died Jan. 22, 1893. 
 
 , Moses B. Greene, son of Clark, was born in Amherst in 1805, and 
 was fitted for college at Amherst Academy. After his graduation from 
 Amherst College in 1829, he taught in Massachusetts, Louisiana and Miss- 
 issippi. Returning to Amherst in 1847, he resided there until his death, 
 which occurred Aug. 7, 1865. He was a leading member of the First church 
 and served for many years as chairman of the school committee, with dis- 
 tinguished success. He married, Dec. 22, 1830, Betsey A. Seabury of 
 New Orleans, La. 
 
 Allen P. Merrick, son of Aaron, was born in Amherst in 1807. He 
 was a successful farmer, a prominent man in the South parish and served 
 the town as selectman. In early life, before the railway era, he traveled 
 extensively in New England and Canada, selling wagons and farm produce. 
 He was one of the early advocates of the " abolition " and " free-soil " 
 movements, but in his later years was in politics an independent democrat; 
 in 1878 it was the wish of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler thatMr. Merrick would 
 consent to run as candidate for state treasurer on the democratic ticket, 
 but he refused. He married, May 7, 1834, Minerva Blodgett of Amherst 
 and died June 16, 1886. 
 
 Rufus Belden, son of Aaron, was born in Whately in 1809. He 
 entered Amherst College in the class of 1833, remaining two years. He 
 was graduated from the Pittsfield Medical Institute and practiced medicine 
 in New York city, Brooklyn and Amherst. He was a leading physician of 
 his day, meeting with distinguished success in the cities, and when he 
 removed to Amherst his services were in constant demand in this and in 
 neighboring towns. He was a leader in town and church affairs, greatly 
 beloved in the community. He married, Feb. 18, 1835, Henrietta Howland 
 of West Barnstable, and died in Amherst April 29, 1870. 
 
 Porter Dickinson, son of Eli, was born in Amherst in 1809. He was 
 engaged for many years in the manufacture of tools at East Amherst. He 
 served the town as selectman five years. He married, in November, 1832, 
 Elizabeth R. Billings of Amherst and died Nov. 13, 1880. 
 
 Newton Fitch, son of Joseph, was born in Windham, Conn, in 18 10. 
 He came to Amherst about the year 1835, and engaged in the druggist's 
 37 
 
578 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 business, buying of a man named Underwood a store, which stood on the 
 site now occupied by W. H. H. Morgan's drug-store. He was assistant- 
 postmaster during S. C. Carter's term of office. He served as town clerk 
 and treasurer from 1845 to 1848. He removed to Uxbridge in 1859, 
 but returning to Amherst in 1875 resided here until his death, which 
 occurred July 23, 1877. He was justice of the peace. He was one of 
 the prominent advocates of the Hampshire & Franklin railway. He mar- 
 ried, April 2, 1834, Eunice H. Jillson of Willimantic, Conn. 
 
 Samuel Nash, son of Elijah, was born in Hadley in 18 10. He was 
 deacon of the church in North Hadley, a trustee of Hopkins Academy and 
 a representative to the General Court in 1844. He was the first editor of 
 the Hampshire and Franklin Express, a man of keen intellect, held in high 
 esteem in the community. He was one of the incorporators of the Mt. 
 Holyoke railway company. He married, May 1, 1834, Lurintha Ball of 
 Leverett, and died Feb. 13, 1861. 
 
 Josiah Ayres, son of Josiah, was born in Amherst in 18 19. He rep- 
 resented the town in the General Court. He served as selectman and 
 held many other town offices. He was for many years superintendent of 
 the Sunday-school of the First church. He married, April 1, 1835, Cath- 
 arine Strickland of Greenfield, and died Aug. 4, i860. 
 
 James E. Merrick, son of Aaron, was born in Amherst in 181 1. He 
 taught school in early life, afterwards devoting his attention to farming in 
 which he was very successful. He served the town as selectman and 
 assessor for several years. He was a leading member of the South church. 
 He married, Dec. 24, 1845, Harriet Bridgman, and died March 24, 1885. 
 
 Israel H. Taylor was born in Pelham in 1S11. He removed to 
 Amherst in 1850, residing here until his death, which occurred Oct. 15, 
 1890. He was one of the town's best-known physicians, highly esteemed 
 in the community. 
 
 Austin Eastman, son of Elijah, was born in Amherst in 18 12. He 
 was a successful farmer and a prominent man in the North parish. He 
 served the town as selectman. A member of the Baptist church at its 
 organization, he continued in its communion until his death, which 
 occurred Aug. 8, 1892. He married, Oct. 6, 1833, Mary Spear. 
 
 Waitstill Dickinson, son of Oliver, was born in Amherst in 18 14. 
 For several years he followed the business of teaming. In 1842, he 
 opened a store at South Amherst. For many years he was engaged in 
 business in the brick store near the common at South Amherst. He 
 served the town as selectman, assessor and member of school committee. 
 In 1850, he represented the town in the General Court. He was post- 
 master at South Amherst for many years. He married, April 20, 1837, 
 Mercy Dickinson of Amherst, and died March 10, 1884. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 579 
 
 Ansel C. Marshall, son of Chester, was born in Amherst in 1816. 
 He spent his life in farming and was a leading citizen of the North parish. 
 He served the town as selectman for five years. He was a director of the 
 First National bank from its organization until his death. For more than 
 40 years he was connected with the North church and served as trustee of 
 its parish fund. He married, Dec. 12, 186 1, Lucy C. Palmer, and died 
 Dec. 18, 1894. 
 
 Richard B. Bridgman, son of Jonathan, was born in Amherst in 1817, 
 on the old bridgman homestead at South Amherst. He was a successful 
 farmer, one of the strong men of the South parish. A leading member of 
 the South church, he served it as deacon for several years. He mar- 
 ried, March 22, 1843, Mary Nutting of Amherst, and died July 27, 1882. 
 
 benjamin F. Smith, son of Simeon, was born in East Lyme, Conn, in 
 18 18. He was graduated at Yale College early in the '40s and studied 
 medicine. He practiced his profession at Amherst many years, being 
 held in high repute. He was a prominent member of Pacific Lodge F. & 
 A. M. He was married three times, (1) to Elizabeth Caulkings, (2) to 
 Julia Bucklin, (3) to Amy M. Thayer. He died in Amherst, Aug. 10,1865. 
 
 Charles Delano, son of Gideon, was born in New Braintree in 1820. 
 He removed to Amherst in 1833, attended Amherst Academy and was 
 graduated from Amherst College in 1S40. He studied law in the office of 
 Osmyn Baker, and was admitted to the bar in 1842. In 1847, he entered 
 in partnership with Mr. Baker, with offices in Northampton. In 1849, ne 
 was chosen treasurer of Hampshire county, holding the office nine years. 
 He was elected to the United States Congress in 1858 and again in i860. 
 He was a lawyer of fine abilities, greatly respected and admired. He 
 married, Sept. 12, 1848, Sarah B. Gridley, and died Jan. 23, 1883. 
 
 Harrison Ingram, son of John, was born in Amherst in 1S20. He 
 was prominent in town affairs, serving six years as selectman. He married, 
 Nov. 5, 1845, Rhoda D. Hubbard of Sunderland and died May 12, 1879. 
 
 James W. Boyden, son of YVvatt C, was born in Beverly Farms in 
 1822. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1S43, from Harvard 
 Law School in 1846. He removed to Amherst in 1846 and practiced law 
 here until 1859, when he removed to Chicago. In 1S58, he was elected 
 to the Massachusetts Senate. He was town clerk and treasurer many 
 years, and while engaged in the duties of these offices compiled a genealog- 
 ical record of Amherst families, of great interest and value. At the 
 organization of the Hampshire Agricultural society he was elected sec- 
 retary and treasurer. He assisted in organizing the Amherst Branch rail- 
 road company. In 1S58, he was appointed trial justice. He married, 
 May 18, 1847, Eliza O. Turner. He died Feb. 14, 1892, in Chicago, 111. 
 
 Pliny H. White, son of John, was born in Springfield, Vt., in 1822. 
 
580 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 He removed to Amherst from St. Johnsbury, Vt. in 1857, and while here 
 was licensed to preach by the Hampshire East Association. He was for a 
 time editor of the Hampshire and Franklin Express. He married, May 11, 
 1847,. Electa B. Gates and died in Coventry, Vt., April 24, 1869. 
 
 Enos T). Williams, son of Ebenezer, was born in Amherst in 1822. 
 He was an active and enterprising man, employing his large means in 
 building up the town. He served as selectman three years. He married, 
 Nov. 28, 1845, Caroline R. Hawley of Hadley. He died Oct. 9, 1866, at 
 Gaba, 111. 
 
 Ithamar F. Conkey, son of Ithamar, was born in Amherst in 1823. 
 He entered Amherst College in the class of '43, but left before graduation. 
 He studied law and practiced his profession in Amherst from 1844 until 
 his death, which occurred Aug. 8, 1875. ^ n ^S^, ne was elected district 
 attorney of the Northwest judicial district. In 1874 and '75, he was U. S. 
 register in bankruptcy, In 1852, he represented the town in the General 
 Court. For 26 years he served as moderator at town meetings. For 
 several years he was member of the school committee. He assisted in the 
 organization of the Amherst Savings bank and was a member of its board 
 of trustees. He was appointed justice of the peace in 1847. He was a 
 prominent member of the Hampshire Agricultural society, secretary of the 
 Amherst lyceum, clerk of Cataract Engine company and a general leader 
 in town affairs. He was an influential member of Grace church, serving 
 as vestryman. He married, June 15, 1847, Luthera Cutler of Amherst. 
 
 Charles S. Smith, son of Samuel, was born in Amherst in 1828. He 
 attended Amherst College for two years but left before graduation. For 
 several years he was engaged in the lumber business in Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 Returning to Amherst in 1866, he engaged in farming, meeting with great 
 success. He represented the town in the General Court and also served 
 as selectman. He was a leader in the organization of the Amherst Coop- 
 erative society which for many years conducted the Grange store. He was 
 a charter member of Amherst Grange and of the Amherst Creamery asso- 
 ciation. He married, Feb. 4, 1863, Jennie Hyde, and died March 23, 1895. 
 
 William A. Dickinson, son of Edward, was born in Amherst in 1829. 
 He fitted for college at Amherst Academy and Williston Seminary, was 
 graduated from Amherst College in 1850 and from Harvard Law School in 
 1854. Entering his father's law-office in Amherst, he practiced his pro- 
 fession here until his death. On the death of his father, in 1S74. he was 
 chosen treasurer of Amherst College, an office he held during life. He 
 served as moderator of town-meetings for nearly twenty years. He was a 
 prominent member of the First church, for many years a member of its parish 
 committee. A leading member of the Village Improvement society from 
 its organization, he took an active interest in every movement for beauti- 
 
I< >N. \ 1 H AN S. SLATE. 
 
 TIMOTHY HENDERSON 
 
 D WARNER 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5»I 
 
 fying the appearance of the town. He was one of the incorporators of the 
 Wildwood Cemetery association. For many years he was a director of the 
 First National bank, a trustee of the Amherst Savings bank and trustee of 
 the " Academy Fund." He was president of the Amherst Water company 
 and one of the first stockholders in the Amherst Gas company. He mar- 
 ried, July i, 1856, Susan H. Gilbert of Greenfield. He died Aug. 16, 1895. 
 
 Henry F. Hills, son of Leonard M., was born in Amherst in 1833. 
 In 1852, he became associated with his father in the manufacture of hats 
 and hoods, under the firm name of Hills & Son. He continued in the 
 manufacturing business all his life, as president of The Hills Co. after 
 1877. An influential member of the First church, he served as a member 
 of its parish committee, as Sunday-school superintendent and as a member 
 of the committee which had in charge the building of the present church 
 edifice. He was a director of the Massachusetts Central railway company, 
 president of the Amherst Gas company and one of the original stock- 
 holders of the Amherst Water company. He contributed, with his father, 
 $10,000 to the Agricultural College. He was one of the incorporators of 
 the Wildwood Cemetery association. He was connected with the Roper 
 Rifle company and the American Button company. He married, Sept. 17, 
 1863, Adelaide Spencer of South Manchester, Conn. He died April 25, 1896. 
 
 Chauncey W. Lessey, son of Alanson, was born in New Fairfield, Conn, 
 in 1837. He came to Amherst in 1865, and engaged in business as a 
 building contractor. He built the First church, Grace church. Walker 
 hall, Palmer's block and many dwelling-houses. He was for five years 
 chairman of the board of selectmen and for many years one of the assess- 
 ors. He represented the town in the General Court in 1876. He was a 
 leading member of Grace church. For several years he was a trustee of 
 the Amherst Savings bank. He married, Melvina Swanger. He died 
 Aug. 26, 1877. 
 
 Dyer B. N. Fish, son of Seth, was born in Amherst in 1838. He 
 fitted for college at Shelburne Falls Academy, entered Amherst College 
 but left at the end of the first year on account of sickness. He was grad- 
 uated at the Berkshire Medical Institute in 1862. Soon after graduation 
 he was appointed assistant-surgeon of the 27th Mass. regiment. He was 
 promoted to be surgeon and served with the regiment through the war. 
 On his return he settled in Amherst and practiced his profession until a 
 short time before his death, which occurred Oct. 28, 1895. He was very 
 successful in his practice and won the esteem and affection of the com- 
 munity. He was a member of the Grand Army and the Loyal Legion. 
 Together with H. H. Goodell and H. M. McCloud he compiled the list of 
 Amherst soldiers whose names appear upon the marble tablets in the town 
 hall. He was for many years a prominent member of the Baptist church 
 
582 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 and of the Amherst Library association. He married, Feb. 2, 1865, Miss 
 Georgianna Ward of Lynn. 
 
 Charles D. Adams, son of Nathaniel D., was born in Shutesbury in 1 839. 
 He was graduated at Amherst College in 1863. During his senior year 
 he served as principal of the Amherst high school. He was graduated at 
 the Columbia law school, and practiced law in New York city many years, 
 meeting with distinguished success. He married, Aug. 14, 1873, Mary 
 C. Wood of Clinton, N. Y., and died March 20, 1889. 
 
 William A. Hunt, son of Oliver D., was born in West Brookfield in 
 i860. He fitted for college at Andover Academy and was graduated at 
 Amherst College in 1885. He served as town clerk and treasurer from 
 1888 until his death, which occurred Sept. 29, 1893. 
 
APPENDICES 
 
 PART I. 
 
Appendix A. 
 
 LISTS OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GENERAL COURT, 
 SELECTMEN, TOWN CLERKS, TOWN TREAS- 
 URERS, AND MODERATORS OF 
 TOWN-MEETINGS. 
 
 i735" l8 9 6 - 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 Adams, Charles, 1S40. 
 Ayres, Josiah, i860. 
 
 Baker, Alfred, 1S48. 
 
 Baker, Martin, 1836. 
 
 Baker, Osmyn, 1S33, '34, '36, 37. 
 
 Billings, John, 1776, '77. 
 
 Boltwood, Elijah, 1829, '34. '33. 
 
 Burt, Henry, 1873. 
 
 Carter, Samuel C, 1841-42. 
 Clark, William S., 1864-65, '67. 
 Conkey, Ithamar F., 1S54. 
 Cook, Moses, 1792-93. 
 Cooley, Daniel, 1787-88. 
 Crowell, Edward P., 1879. 
 Cushman, Avery R., 1871. 
 Cushman, John R., 1862. 
 Cutler, Isaac G., 1830. 
 
 Dickinson, Oliver, 1S32, '39. 
 Dickinson, Samuel F., 1805-09, '13, '16-1$ 
 
 '27-29. 
 Dickinson, Waitstill, 1850. 
 Dickinson, Zebina, 1830, '31, "34. 
 
 Eastman, Baxter, 1856. 
 Eastman, Joseph, 177S. 
 
 Fowler. William C. 1S51. 
 Franklin, Nathan, 1S21. 
 
 Goodell, H. H., 1SS5. 
 
 Greene, Moses B., 1853. 
 
 Gridley, Timothy J., 1820, '26, '44, '46. 
 
 Harrington, Moody, 1887. 
 
 Ingram, Ezra, 1843. 
 
 Jones, Thomas, 1845. 
 Kellogg, Eleazar, 18, 
 
 Dickinson, Chester, 1S27. 
 
 Dickinson, Daniel, 1829, ^t,. 
 
 Dickinson, Edward, 1S38, '39, '74. 
 
 Dickinson, Enos. 1828, '37. 
 
 Dickinson, Medad, 1810-11. Leland, John, 1S31, '32, "47. 
 
 Dickinson, Moses, 1775, '77. Lessey, Chauncey W., 1877. 
 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel, Jr., 1774, '75, '78, 
 
 '80, '83. Mattoon, Ebenezer, 1776, '79, '81, '94, 181: 
 
SELECTMEN. 
 
 58s 
 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer (2), 1837, '40. 
 Merrick, Aaron, 1822. 
 Montague, Zebina, 1 796-1 804, '08. 
 
 Nutting, George, 1S33, '36. 
 
 Paige, Frank E., 1889. 
 Parmenter, Charles O., 18S0, '81. 
 Parker, Eli, 1784-85. 
 
 Robbins, Isaac, 1823-24. 
 Roberts, Reuben, 1835. 
 
 Smith, Benjamin F., 1S55. 
 
 Smith, Charles S., 1S91. 
 Smith, Elisha, 1810-11. 
 Stockbridge, Levi, 1870, 'S3. 
 Strong, Simeon, 1790-91, 1S09, '12-14. 
 Sweetser, Luke, 1S49. 
 
 Wakefield, Charles E., 1893, "95. 
 Ward, Horace, 1868. 
 Warner, George, 1858. 
 Watson, Oliver, 1852. 
 Webster, Noah, 1S14, '15, '19. 
 Williams, Ebenezer, 1835. 
 Williams, Enos D., 1857. 
 
 SELECTMEN. 
 
 Adams, Charles. 1839. 
 Allen, M. A.. 1S56. 
 Andrews, Salvador, 1S36, '37. 
 Ayres, Josiah, 1853, '55. 
 
 Baker, Alfred, 1836-3S, 42, '50, '51, '58. 
 
 Baker, Elijah, 1777, '78, 81, '82. 
 
 Baker, Enos, 1819. 
 
 Baker, Martin, 1812-16. '23. "24. 
 
 Billings, Joel, 17S3. 
 
 Billings, John, 1763, '65, '72, '77, '7S, 'Si, 'S8 
 
 Boltwood, Ebenezer, 1784, '86, '87, S9-93 
 
 '95- *97> '9$- 
 Boltwood, Elijah, 1819, '20, '25-32. 
 Boltwood, Solomon, 1770. 
 Bridgman, Jonathan, 1822, '32. 
 
 Chandler, Aaron M., 1S34. 
 Chauncey, Josiah, 1760, '62, 70. 
 Church, Joseph, 1785-87, '89-91. 
 Clark, Simeon, 1763, '6$, '67. 
 Clark. Simeon (2), 1839, '41, '42, '50, '51. 
 Coleman, Nathaniel, 1760, '67, '69. 
 Converse, Daniel, 1856, '59, '60, '62-64. 
 Cook, Moses, 1786, '92, '93. 
 Cowls, Jonathan, 1825-29, '^2- 
 Cowls, Jonathan (2), 1S77. 
 Cowls, Rufus, 1822. 
 Cowls, Walter D., 1S84-86. 
 Cushman, Avery R., 1864. 
 
 Cushman, John R.. 1856. 
 Cutler, Robert, 1855. 
 
 Dexter, David, 1S30, '31. 
 Dickinson, Azariah, 1765. 
 Dickinson, Bela U., 1856, '60. 
 Dickinson, Chester, 1817, '19-24, '34. 
 Dickinson, Daniel, 1835. 
 Dickinson, Daniel W., 1S93-96. 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer, 1759. 
 Dickinson, Elijah, 1792, '94, '97, '98, 1S02- 
 
 oS, '10, '11, '14-16. 
 Dickinson, Enos, 1784. 
 Dickinson, Enos (2), 1S14-1S, '30, '31, '36, 
 
 '37, '39, '42. 
 Dickinson, Gideon, 1770, '82. 
 Dickinson, John, 1759, '61, '64. '66, '68, '70, 
 
 72-75- 
 Dickinson, John (2), 1799, 1S00. 
 Dickinson, John (3), 1847. 
 Dickinson, Jonathan, 1759, '61, '64. '67. '69. 
 Dickinson, Jonathan (2), 1780. '82, 'S4, '85, 
 
 * s 7, "93» '95- *96. ? 99- 
 Dickinson, Joseph, 1779, "88, '94. 
 Dickinson, Lucius. 1S34. '^5- 
 Dickinson, Marquis F., 1S79-83, '87. 
 Dickinson, Medad, 1794, '96-1801, 1S05-07. 
 Dickinson, Moses, 1759, '62, '63, '65, '67 
 
 69, '71-78, '81. 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel, 1764, '72-75. 
 
5 86 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel (2), 1779. 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel C, 1821, '28, '29, 
 Dickinson, Oliver, 1824-27, '38. 
 Dickinson, Porter, 1865-69. 
 Dickinson, Reuben, 1772-75, '77, '78. 
 Dickinson, Simeon. 1776. 
 Dickinson, Waitstill, 1845-49, '73. 
 Dickinson, William, 1855. 
 Dickinson, Zebina. 1S26-29, '32. 
 
 Eastman, Austin, 1854, '55, '58. 
 
 Eastman, Baxter, 1857. 
 
 Eastman, John, 1814-16. 
 
 Eastman, Joseph, 1761, '63, '65, '67, '69, 
 
 Eastman, Joseph (2), 1786, '89-91. 
 
 Eastman, Solomon K., 1832, "33. 
 
 Edwards, Jonathan, 1760, '64, '66, '6S, 
 
 Field, John, 1761, '66, '68, '71, '87. 
 Franklin, Nathan, 1802-07, I 7- 
 
 Gaylord, Eleazer. 1835. 
 Gaylord, Flavel, 1870-72. 
 Goodale, Hosea, 1821. 
 Goodman, Timothy S., 1S19. 
 Greenfield, Timothy, 1788. 
 Gunn, Lyman, 1S45, '46. 
 
 Hammond, Salem, 1S44. 
 Haskins, Henry W., 1888-94. 
 Hastings, James, 1855. 
 Hastings, Moses, 1797, '98,1801,1808-1 1, 
 Hastings, Samuel, 1799-1S01. 
 Hastings, Thomas, 1780, '83, '8S. 
 Hastings, Thomas (2), 1834, '39. 
 Hawley, Zebina, 1823, '35. 
 Henderson, Gideon, 1781. 
 Henderson, Timothy, 1793, 1S02-07. 
 Hills, Leonard M., 1836, '37, '50, "51. 
 Hobart, Edmund, 1873, '74. 
 Howe, Albin P., 1S52. 
 Howland, Warren S., 1835. 
 Hubbard, Isaac, 17S1. 
 Hunt, Oliver D., 1880-82. '88. 
 Hunt, William W., 1891-93. 
 Hyde, Andrew, 1822, '23. 
 
 Ingram, Ebenezer, 1808. 
 Ingram, Elisha, 1763. 
 
 Ingram, Ezra, 1836-38, '44, '52, '53, "56, 
 
 33- '59-69- 
 
 Ingram, Harrison, 1870-72, '75, '76, '78. 
 Ingram, Samuel, 1766. 
 
 Jones, Levi, 1824, "25. 
 
 Kellogg, Daniel, 1760, '62. 
 
 Kellogg, Daniel (2), 1792, '93. 
 
 Kellogg, Eleazer, 1S40, '41, '43, '61-63, 
 '65-69. 
 
 Kellogg, John. 1S02-07. 
 
 Kellogg, Martin, 1780, '83. 
 '76. Kellogg, Rufus, 1S24. 
 
 Kellogg, Willard M., 1840, '49, '59. 
 
 Kellogg, William, 1830, '31. 
 70.King, Ebenezer A., 1881-83. 
 
 Lessey, Chauncey \V., 1873-77. 
 
 Marshall, Ansel C, 1847-51. 
 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer, 1773-75, 79) 89-91, 
 
 1817, '18, '30, '31. 
 Merrick, Aaron, 1808-13, '19. 
 Merrick, Allen P., 1875, '76. 
 Merrick, James, 1779. 
 Merrick, James E., 1878-80. 
 Merrick, William, 1S41. 
 Merrill, Calvin, 1808, '09, '13, '17, '18. 
 Montague, Zebina, 1794-98. 
 Moody, Joel, 1784. 
 '13. Moody, Jonathan, 1760. 
 Munson, Parnell, 1887, '88 
 
 Nash, John, 17S5. 
 Nash, Luther, 1840. 
 Nelson. Seth, 1821. 
 Nims, Seth, 1840, '41. 
 Nutting, George, 1820, '26, '27. 
 Nutting, Truman, 1850, '51. 
 
 Palmer, Dwight W., 1878, '79. 
 Palmer, Frederick A., 1838, '43, '44. 
 Parker, Eli. 17S0, '83. 
 Pomeroy, David, 1857. 
 Pomeroy, Edward P., 1884. 
 Pomeroy, Harlan L., 1861. 
 Prince, George H., 1872. 
 
TOWN CLERKS, 
 
 587 
 
 Rice, Jonathan, 1834. 
 Roberts, Charles, 1839. 
 Robinson, A. J., 1877. 
 Rust, Benoni, 1S20. 
 Rust, Nelson, 1838. 
 
 Smith, Alexander, 1762, '66, 
 Smith, Charles S., 1S71. 
 Smith, Chester, 1812. 
 Smith, Cotton, 1840. 
 Smith. David, 1812. 
 Smith, Eleazer, 1783. 
 Smith, Elijah, 1809-11. 
 Smith, Elisha, 17S2, '85-87, 
 Smith, Jonathan, 1782. 
 Smith, Nathaniel, 1754. 
 Smith, Noah, 1785, '92, '95, 
 Smith, Peter, 1761, '64. '71. 
 Smith, Simeon, 1776. 
 Smith, Stephen, 17S4. 
 Smith, William E., 1894-96. 
 
 '68, '71, '80. 
 
 Stanley, Edward A., 1S54. 
 
 Stetson, Gideon, 1799, 1S00, 1802-04. 
 
 Stockbridge, Levi, 1870, '83-87, '89, "90. 
 
 Stone, Fred L., 1884-86, '89, '90. 
 
 Sweetser, Luke, 1833. 
 
 Strong, Simeon. 1762, '69, '71. 
 
 Thayer, Asahel, 1S22. '25, '33. 
 
 Ufford, Henry L., 1895, '96. 
 
 Wakefield, Salmon, 1S91, '92. 
 
 Warner, Josiah, 1779. '88. 
 '89-91, '94-96. Warner, Josiah (2), 1821. 
 
 Watson, Oliver, 1S41. 
 
 Wheelock, Russell T., 1S45, '46. '48, '57/58. 
 '96, 1800, '01. Williams, Chester, 1809-12. 
 
 Williams, Ebenezer, 1823, "28, '29, '32, '43. 
 
 Williams, Enos D., 1852-54. 
 
 Williams, Joseph, 1776-78. 
 
 Williams, Justus, 1S13-16, '20. 
 
 Adams, John S., 1835. 
 
 Bangs, Edward D., 1880-S7. 
 Boltwood, Lucius, 1830-34. 
 Boyden, James W., 1848-52, '54. 
 
 TOWN CLERKS. 
 
 Emerson, John M., 1856. 
 Fitch, Newton, 1846, '47. 
 
 Carter, Samuel C, 1837-45, '57-79. 
 Chauncey, Josiah, 1758-62, '67. 
 Coleman, Seth, 1768-74, '8S-1S03. 
 Conkey, Ithamar, 1828, '29. 
 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel, Jr., 1775-87. 
 Dickinson, Samuel F., 1804-18. 
 Dwight, Elijah, 1819. 
 
 Howe, Albin P., 1853-55. 
 Hunt, Oliver D„ 1894, '95. 
 Hunt, William A., 18S8-93. 
 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer, 1S23-27. 
 
 Nash, John, 1735-57. 
 
 Smith, Elisha, 1820-22. 
 Strong, Simeon, 1763-66. 
 
 Edwards, Charles H., 1896. 
 
 Wheelock, Russell T., 1836. 
 
5 88 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 TOWN TREASURERS. 
 
 Adams, John S., 1835. 
 
 Bangs, Edward D., 1880-87. 
 Boltwood, Lucius, 1830-34. 
 Boyden, James W., 1848-52, '54. 
 
 Carter, Samuel C, 1837-45, '57-79. 
 Coleman, Seth, 17S5-1802. 
 Conkey, Ithamar, 182S, '29. 
 Cowls, John, 1740, '41. 
 Cutler, Isaac G., 1826, '27. 
 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer, 1742-56. 
 Dickinson, Jonathan, 1757. 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel, Jr., 1775-84. 
 Dickinson, Ransom, 1820-23. 
 Dickinson, Samuel F., 1803-18. 
 Dwight, Elijah, 1819. 
 
 Eastman, Joseph, 1758-63. 
 Edwards, Charles H.. 1896. 
 Emerson, John M., 1S56. 
 
 Fitch, Newton, 1846, '47. 
 
 Howe, Albin P., 1853-55. 
 Hunt, Oliver D., 1894, '95. 
 Hunt, William A., 18S8-93. 
 
 Kellogg, Ebenezer, 1735. 
 
 Nash, John, 1737-39. 
 
 Smith, Nathaniel, 1736. 
 Strong, Simeon, 1764-74. 
 
 Wheelock, Russell T., 1836. 
 White, Jay, 1824, '25. 
 
 MODERATORS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS. . 
 
 Baker, Elijah, 1782. Dickinson, Medad, 1S00, 1804, '10, '11. 
 
 Baker, Osmyn, 1827, '29-32, '38, '39. Dickinson, Moses. 1764, '74-76. 
 
 Billings, John, 1773, '78. Dickinson, Nathaniel, Jr., 1784, '85. 
 
 Boltwood, Ebenezer, 1789, '92, '93, '98, Dickinson, William A., 1881-95. 
 
 1S02, 1805. 
 Boyden, James W., 1854. Eastman, Joseph, 1777. 
 
 Chauncey, Josiah, 1761, '62. '66-69, 7 1 - Field, John, 1786. 
 
 Church, Joseph, 17S8. 
 
 Conkey, Ithamar, 1828. Gridley, Timothy J.. 1820-24, '26, '34, '36, 
 
 Conkey, Ithamar F., 1847, '48, '50-53, '55- '37, '40, '41. 
 
 74- 
 Cooley, Daniel, 1S07. Hawley, Samuel, 1735, '36. 
 
 Cowls, John, 1 74 1. 
 
 Cowls, Jonathan, 1748. Kellogg, Ebenezer, 1742, '44. '49. 
 
 Cowls, Rufus, 1818, '19. 
 
 Mack, Samuel E.. 1S45. 
 Delano, Charles, 1844, '46. Mattoon, Ebenezer, 1790, '91, '97, '99, 1801, 
 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer, 1737, '38, '40, 45, '03, '06, '08, '09, '12, 13. 
 
 '47, '50-53. '56, '58-60. Merrill, Calvin, 1815. 
 
 Dickinson, Edward, 1833, '35, '42, '43, '49.Montague, Zebina, 1787, '94. '95. 
 Dickinson, Jonathan, 1765. 
 
TOWN FINANCES. 
 
 589 
 
 Nash, John, 1754, '55, '57. 
 
 Parmenter, Charles O., 1S96. 
 Peck, Nathaniel, 17S1. 
 
 Smith, Aaron, 1743. 
 Smith, Alexander, 1772, '80. 
 Smith, Elisha, 17S3. '96. 
 Smith, Elisha (2), 1S25. 
 
 Smith, Peletiah, 1739, '46. 
 Stockbridge, Levi, 1875-7S. 
 Strong', Simeon, 1763, 70. 
 
 Thomas, Edward A., 1S79. 
 
 Webster, Edward E., 1880. 
 Webster, Noah, 1814, '17. 
 Williams, Joseph, 1779. 
 
 Appendix B. 
 
 TOWN FINANCES. 
 
 Previous to the year i860, the town of Amherst had no bonded debt. When 
 expenditures exceeded appropriations, or expenses were incurred for which no 
 appropriation had been made, the town borrowed money of individuals, giving in 
 return town notes or orders, sometimes with and sometimes without interest. 
 These obligations were seldom allowed to stand for more than one or two years ; 
 they were small in amount and the interest paid on them was not burdensome. 
 The taxpayers of Amherst, who for the past thirty years have found their burden 
 of taxation rendered heavier by payments on the town debt and interest charges, 
 will naturally be interested in learning when and for what purposes this debt was 
 contracted, what payments have been made upon it and what it has cost the town 
 for interest. In compiling the following facts and figures, reference has been 
 made to the records of town-meetings, the town treasurer's journal and the annual 
 town reports. 
 
 When, in i860, the town voted to adopt the graded system in its public schools, 
 it was found necessary to erect new buildings for school purposes. In order to 
 secure the necessary funds, the town voted, April 10, i860, to issue town bonds or 
 orders for a sum not exceeding $10,000, in amounts of $500 each, one to be payable 
 in each year for the twenty years following. June 15, it was voted to increase the 
 sum to $12,000. The bonds were issued during the year i860 and were purchased 
 by residents of the town; they bore interest at the rate of 6 per cent. The town 
 treasurer, in his report for the year ending March 1. 1S61. gives the following 
 statement of the town's indebtedness: Outstanding orders on interest, $3,360; 
 interest due, $131.10; bills due, $777.47; resources, $186.83 ; net debt, $4,081.74; 
 school bonds, $12,000. At the annual meeting held March 11, 1 861, it was voted 
 to raise $1,145 f° r tne payment of interest on school bonds and the redemption of 
 one bond. The treasurer's journal shows that during the year 1861 one school 
 
59° HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 bond of $500 was paid and interest amounting to $647.50. May 1, the selectmen 
 were authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding $5,000 for military expenses. 
 
 1862. March 1, treasurer's statement: Orders on interest, $6,333; interest 
 due, 215; bills due, 1,049.75; resources, 1,406.80; net debt, 6,190.95; school bonds, 
 11,500. Appropriations, March 3, 1,190 for school bonds and interest, 2,000 for 
 town debts. Paid: School bond, 500; interest. 700. At a special meeting held 
 July 21, the selectmen were authorized to borrow money to pay bounties to volun- 
 teers; this same vote was repeated Aug. 25. and again Oct. 11. At a meeting held 
 Dec. 30, the selectmen were instructed to fund the town debt at as low a rate as 
 possible, not exceeding five per cent. 
 
 1863. March 1, treasurer's statement: Orders on interest, $15,571.84; interest 
 due, 600 ; bills due, 1,256.19; resources, 4,089.49 ; net debt, 13,347.54 ; school bonds, 
 11,000. Appropriations, March 2, 1,170 for school bonds and interest, 2,000 for 
 town debts. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 670; loans, 17,918.98. At the 
 annual meeting held March 2, the selectmen were instructed to issue town bonds 
 for military purposes, to the amount of 11,000. in sums of 500 each, payable one 
 each year, at a rate of interest not exceeding five per cent. These bonds were 
 issued April 1 and were purchased by residents of the town. 
 
 1S64. March 1, treasurer's statement: Orders on interest, $5,612: interest 
 due. 1,101 : bills due, 1,140.18; resources, 5,504.64; net debt, 2.348.54; school bonds, 
 10,500; militarv bonds, u. 000. Appropriations. March 7 : 1,140, for school bonds 
 and interest; 1.050. for military bonds and interest ; 2.000, for town debts. Paid: 
 School bond, 500; interest, 640; military bond, 500; interest, 562.50; military 
 expenses, 1 1,738.85 ; interest, 33463. Jan. 25, 1864, it was voted to grant 50,000 to 
 the Agricultural College. 
 
 1865. March 1, treasurer's statement : Orders on interest, $17,601.87 ; interest 
 due, 5S5 ; bills due, 907.74 ; resources, 6,813.80; net debt, 12,280.81 ; school bonds, 
 10,000; military bonds, 10,500. Appropriations, March 6 : School bonds and inter- 
 est. 1, 100; military bonds andinterest, 1.040; town debts, 2,000; military expenses, 
 bounties and refunding, 10,750. Paid: School bond. 500; interest, 600; military 
 bond. 500; interest, 535.40; loans, 22,519.55. 
 
 1866. March 1, treasurer's statement: Orders on interest. $6,671; interest 
 due, 270; bills due. 8S4.44 : resources, 3,537.57: net debt, 4,287.87 ; school bonds, 
 9.500; military bonds. 10.000. Appropriations, March 5 : School bonds and inter- 
 est, 1.070; military bonds and interest, 1,010: town debts, 2,000. Paid: School 
 bond, 500; interest, 570; military bond, 500; interest, 510.40; loans, 8.723 ; inter- 
 est, 562.27. 
 
 1S67. March 1, treasurer's statement : Orders on interest, $6,532.13; interest 
 due, 210.01; bills due, 1,327.52; resources, 3,39920; net debt, 4,670.46; school 
 bonds, 9,000 ; military bonds, 9,500. Appropriations, March 4 : School bonds and 
 interest, 1,040; military bonds and interest, 985; town debts, 2,000. Paid: School 
 bond, 500: interest, 540; military bond, 500; interest, 487.50: loans, 20,757.64; 
 interest, 2,186.94: Agricultural College, 50,000. At a special meeting, held Aug. 
 10, the selectmen were instructed to borrow for the use of the town $10,000, for 
 paying the note of the general school committee for balance of the purchase of 
 the academy property, and for building a new school-house on the same. Early in 
 January, town bonds to the amount of $50,000 were prepared, for the purpose of 
 raising funds to pay to the trustees of the Agricultural College. Owing to various 
 causes, only $15,750 were sold at the time. 
 
TOWN FINANCES. 59 1 
 
 1868. March 1, treasurer's statement : Orders on interest, $38,926.49: inter- 
 est due, 1,089.60: bills due, S76. 10; resources, 2.S5S.48 : net debt, 38.033.71: school 
 bonds, 8,500: military bonds, 9.000: college bonds. 15,750. Appropriations, March 
 2: School bonds and interest, 1.010: military bonds and interest, 963 ; town debts. 
 2,000; interest. 3.500. Paid: School bond, 500: interest. 510 : military bond, 500 ; 
 interest, 460.40: loans, 41.673.85 : interest, 4.546.22. At a special meeting held June 
 25, the selectmen and treasurer were authorized to borrow of the state treasurer a 
 sum not exceeding $34,000, at six per cent, interest, payments to be made at the 
 rate of $2,000 per year, and to cancel the remaining $34,000 of college bonds. In 
 accordance with this vote, the selectmen borrowed of the state treasurer$32,ooo for 
 the Agricultural College and $10,000 to pay the balance due on the academy lot 
 and to build a new school-house. 
 
 1869. March 1, treasurer's statement : School bonds, $S,ooo : military bonds. 
 8.500: college bonds, 16,000; loans of state treasurer, 42,000 : loans of Amherst 
 Savings bank, 2,000: outstanding orders on interest, 1,468.04: interest due, 1.227; 
 bills due. 244.17; resources, 2,791.03 ; net debt, 76,648.1s. Appropriations, March 
 1 : School bonds and interest, 9S0 ; military bonds and interest, 935 ; college bonds 
 and interest, 2,960; interest, 2. Soo. Paid: School bond, 500 : interest, 4S0: mili- 
 tary bond, 500 ; interest, 435.40 ; loans, 8.06S.67 : interest. 4,202.60. 
 
 1S70. .March 1, treasurer's statement : School bonds, 7.500: military bonds, 
 S,ooo : college bonds, 14.000: loans state treasurer, 42,000; loans savings bank, 
 11.000: outstanding orders on interest, 1.300: interest due. 1,421; bills due, 490.25 : 
 resources, 3,149.03; net debt, 82,562.22. Appropriations, March 7: School bonds 
 and interest, 950 ; military bonds and interest, 910; interest on college bonds, 840; 
 town debts, 4,000; interest, 3,300. Paid: School bond. 500: interest, 450; mil- 
 tary bond, 500; interest, 410.40 : loans, 10,450 ; interest, 4,683.73. Oct. 4. the town 
 instructed its treasurer to subscribe $100,000 to stock of the Central Massachusetts 
 railroad. 
 
 1871. March 1, treasurer's statement : School bonds, $7,000 : military bonds, 
 7.500; college bonds, 14,000: loans state treasurer, 42,000: loans Amherst Savings 
 bank, 13,500: orders on interest, 2,650; interest due, 1. 103.91; bills due, 385.13; 
 resources, 2,303.06: net debt, 85,835.98. Appropriations. March 6 : School bonds 
 and interest, 920; military bonds and interest, 885; college bonds and interest, 
 1,340: town debts, 5,000; interest, 3,820. Paid : School bond, 500: interest, 420; 
 military bond, 500: interest, 385.42; Mass. Central R. R., 20,000: loans, 15,979.66; 
 interest, 4,836.62. At a special meeting held Nov. 7, the treasurer and chairman of 
 the selectmen were instructed to make a loan in behalf of the town, from the state 
 treasurer, of 20.000, at 6 1-2 per cent, interest, for 20 years, to pay the first assess- 
 ment on the stock of the Mass. Central R. R. They were authorized to make 
 loans of the state treasurer for the remaining assessments as they came due. 
 
 1572. March 1, treasurer's statement : School bonds. $6.500 : military bonds. 
 7.000; college bonds, 14.000; loans state treasurer, 62,000: loans Amherst Savings 
 bank, 14.500; orders on interest, 1.450; interest due. 1.7 14.92; bills due, 552.66: 
 resources, 6.729.77 : net debt, 100.9S7.81. Appropriations. March 4 : School bonds 
 and interest, 890; military bonds and interest, 860: interest on college bonds. 825 : 
 town debts, 5.000: interest. 5,000. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 390: mili- 
 tary bond, 500; interest, 360.42: college bond, 500; interest, 825; loans, 6,918: 
 Mass. Central R. R., 20,000. 
 
 1573. March 1, treasurer's statement : School bonds, $6,000 : military bonds, 
 6.500: college bonds,' 13,500 : loans state treasurer, 62.000: loans Amherst Savings 
 
592 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 bank, 32,500; orders on interest, 4,482; bills due, 600; resources, 5,415.17: net 
 debt, 120,166.83. Appropriations, March 3 : School bonds and interest, 860; mil- 
 itary bonds and interest, 835 ; college bonds and interest, 2,810; interest, 11,600. 
 Paid : School bond, 500; interest, 360 ; military bond, 500 ; interest, 335.42 ; college 
 bond, 500 ; interest, 803.75 ; loans, 58,332 ; interest, 10,896.46 ; Mass. Central R. R., 
 60,000. At a special meeting held May 30, the town voted to borrow of the Frank- 
 lin Institution for Savings, at Greenfield, $50,000 for the use of the town for a 
 period not exceeding 20 years, with interest at the rate of seven percent., the town 
 to give notes for the same payable in ten equal sums of $5,000 per annum, from 
 1884 to 1894. It was also voted to borrow of the Amherst Savings bank $30,000, 
 at seven per cent, interest, payable in ten equal payments of $3,000 per year, from 
 1874 to 1884. 
 
 1874. March 1, treasurer's statement : School bonds, $5,500 : military bonds, 
 6,000; college bonds, 13,000; loans state treasurer. 62,000; loans Franklin Institu- 
 tion, 50,000; loans Amherst Savings bank, 43,500; orders and notes, 8,735; bills, 
 397.63; resources, 8,010.52: net debt, 181,122.11. This included, railroad notes, 
 100,000; college notes and bonds, 43,500: school-house note, 10,000; school bonds, 
 5,500; military bonds, 6.000. Appropriations, March 2: School bonds and inter- 
 est, 830; military bonds and interest, Sio; college bonds and interest, 2,780; 
 interest. 11,100. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 330; military bond, 500; 
 interest, 297.92; college bonds, 2,000; interest, 736.25; loans, 10,050; inter- 
 est, 11,109.20. 
 
 1875. March 1, treasurer's statement: Notes and bonds, $182,185 j bills, 353 ; 
 resources, 2,865.22 : net debt, 179.672.78. Appropriations March 1 : School bonds 
 and interest, 800 : military bonds and interest, 775; college bonds, interest, 570; 
 interest, ri,ooo. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 300: military bond, 500; 
 interest, 272.92; college bonds, interest, 570; loans, 11,050; interest, 11.129.70. 
 
 1876. March 1, treasurer's statement : Notes and bonds, $182,875 j bills, 740; 
 resources. 2,088.15: net debt, 180.786.85. Appropriations March 6: Bonds and 
 debts and interest on bonds, 6,040; interest, 11,100. Paid: School bond, 500; 
 interest, 270 ; military bond, 500 ; interest, 248 ; college bond and interest, 1,066.50; 
 loans, 10,735; interest, 11,079.97. 
 
 1877. March 1, treasurer's statement: Notes and bonds, $178,200 ; bills, 263 ; 
 resources, 2,433.42; net debt, 176,029.58. Appropriations March 5 : School bonds 
 and interest, 740; military bonds and interest, 725 ; agricultural bonds and inter- 
 est, 2,492 ; town debts, 3,000; interest, 10,900. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 
 240; military bond, 500; interest, 225 ; college bonds and interest, 2,021.25; town 
 debts, 27,700; loans, 7,000; interest, 10,845.85. 
 
 1878. March 1, treasurer's statement: Notes and bonds, $175,700: bills, 
 1,500; resources, 2,056.50 : net debt, 175,143.50. Appropriations, March 4 : School 
 bonds and interest, 700; college bonds and interest, 2,390: town debts, 3,000; 
 interest, 10,500. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 210; military bond, 500; 
 interest, 200: college bonds and interest, 2,390; loans, 9,500 ; town debt, 4,500; 
 interest, 10,745.80. 
 
 1879. March 1, treasurer's statement: Notes and bonds, $169,700 ; resources, 
 2,296.93; net debt, 167,403.07. Appropriations, March 3: School bonds and inter- 
 est, 680; military bonds and interest, 675; college bond and interest, 815 ; town 
 debts, 3,000; interest, 10,300. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 180; military 
 bond, 500; interest, 172.92; agricultural bond and interest, 815 ; loans, 6,000; debts, 
 5,000; interest, 10,217.17. 
 
TOWN FINANCES. 593 
 
 1880. March 1, treasurer's statement: Notes and bonds, $163,200; resources, 
 1,846.65; net debt, 161,353.35. Appropriations, March 1 : Town debts, 6.000; 
 interest, 10,510. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 150; military bond, 500 ; inter- 
 est, 147.92 ; agricultural bonds and interest, 2,030 ; debts, 3,000 ; loans, S,ooo ; 
 interest, 10,171.72. 
 
 1881. March 1, treasurer's statement : Notes and bonds, $157,200 ; resources, 
 1,594.11 ; net debt, 155,650.89. Appropriations, March 7 : School bond, 500; mili- 
 tary bond, 500: college note, 2,000; savings bank note, 3,000; interest, 10,125. 
 Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 120; military bond, 500 ; interest, 122.92: col- 
 lege note and interest, 2,030 ; debts, 3,000 ; loans, 5,000 ; interest, 9,904.78. 
 
 1882. Bonded debt, $151,200. Appropriations, March 6: School bond, 500; 
 military bond, 500 ; college note, 2,000; savings bank note, 3,000; interest, 9,700. 
 Paid: School bond, 500 ; interest, 90; military bond, 500; interest, 97.92; college 
 note and interest, 2,030; debt, 3.000: loans, 7,000; interest, 9,496.67. 
 
 1S83. Bonded debt, $145,200. Appropriations, March 5 : Debts. 7,200 : inter- 
 est, 9,000. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 60 ; military bond, 500; interest, 
 72.92; college note and interest, 2,030; debt, 3,000 ; loans, 10,500; interest, 8,903. 
 
 1884. Bonded debt, $139,200. Appropriations, March 3 : Debts, 8,700; inter- 
 est, 8,500. Paid: School bond, 500; interest, 30 ; military bond, 500; interest, 
 47.92; college note and interest, 2.030; debts, 5,000; loans, 11.000; interest, 
 8,455.47. At the annual meeting held March 3, the town instructed the selectmen 
 and treasurer to refund 4.000 of the town debt falling due that year, at a lower rate 
 of interest. 
 
 1885. Bonded debt, $131,200. Appropriations, March 2 : Debts, 9,900; inter- 
 est, 8.000. Paid: Military bond, 500; interest, 22.92: college note and interest, 
 2.030; debt, 7,000; loans, 11,500; interest, 7,906.93. 
 
 1886. Bonded debt, $[21,700. Appropriation, March 1 : Interest, 7,400. 
 Paid: College note and interest, 2,030; debts, 8,000; loans, 1,500; interest, 
 7,233.89. At the annual meeting held March 1, the town instructed the selectmen 
 and treasurer to refund 9.000 of the town debt falling due that year for 12 years at 
 a rate of interest not to exceed 3 1-2 per cent. 
 
 1887. Bonded debt, $120,700. Appropriations, March 14 : Debts, 7,000; inter- 
 est, 7,000. Paid : College note and interest, 2,030; debts, 5,000; interest, 6,960.22. 
 
 1888. Bonded debt, $113,700. Appropriations, March 5 : Debts, 7,000 : inter- 
 est, 6,000. Paid: College note and interest, 2,030; debts, 15,000; interest, 
 6,33s. 81. At the annual meeting held March 5, the treasurer was authorized to 
 borrow 10.000 in the name of the town to refund an equal amount of the town debt 
 falling due that year. 
 
 1889. Bonded debt, $106,700. Appropriations. March 4 : Debts, 7,000 : inter- 
 est. 6,000. Paid: College note and interest, 2,030 ; debts, 5,000; interest, 5,878.74. 
 At an adjourned session of the annual meeting held March 5, it was voted to raise 
 and appropriate 40,000 for a town hall. The money remaining in the treasury, 
 amounting to 6,000 or 7,000, should be used as a part of the appropriation, and the 
 selectmen were authorized to contract a 20-years loan not exceeding 33,000, and 
 give a note or notes of the town therefor. At a special meeting held Nov. 11, the 
 selectmen were authorized to contract a loan of 50,000 for ten years, and give notes 
 or issue bonds for the same at 4 1-2 per cent interest. 
 
 1890. Bonded debt, $149,700. Appropriations, March 3 : Debt, 7,000; inter- 
 est, 7,600. Paid: College note and interest, 2,030; debt, 5,000; interest, 7,196.74. 
 
 38 
 
594 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 1891. Bonded debt, $142,700. Appropriations, March 2: Debts, 14,000; 
 interest, 7,200. Paid: Franklin Institution for Savings, 5,000; state treasurer, 
 22,000; interest, 7,017.89. At the annual meeting held March 2, the selectmen 
 were instructed to refund 13,000 of the town debt falling due that year, by borrowing 
 the money and giving notes of the town therefor. At a special meeting held Aug. 
 8, the treasurer was authorized to pay 5,000 from unappropriated money and 2.000 
 appropriated for interest, on the debt falling due Nov. 7. 
 
 1S92. Bonded debt, $134,650. Appropriations, March 7 : Debt, 7,000; inter- 
 est, 6,500. Paid: Franklin Institution for Savings, 5,000; state treasury, 2,000; 
 interest, 5,847.66. 
 
 1893. Bonded debt, $123,650. Appropriations. March 6 : Debt, 7,000 ; inter- 
 est, 4,800. Paid: Franklin Institution for Savings, 5,000; state treasury, 2,000: 
 interest, 5,354-25. 
 
 1894. Bonded debt, $116,650. Appropriations, March 5 : Debt, 4,000 : inter- 
 Paid: State treasury, 2,000; Amherst Savings bank, 1,950 ; interest, 
 
 est, 4,500. 
 5,066.58. 
 1895. 
 est, 4,300. 
 
 Bonded debt, $112,700. Appropriations, March 4: Debt, 4,000 ; inter- 
 Paid: State treasury, 2,000 ; interest, 4,918.40. 
 
 1896. Bonded debt, $110,700. Appropriations, March 2: Debts, 2,000; 
 interest, 4.750. 
 
 The above statement shows the total amount of notes and bonds issued by the 
 town from 1861 to 1896 inclusive, not including the sums charged to the refunding 
 account, to be $233,000, divided as follows : School bonds, $1 2,000 ; military bonds. 
 $11,000; Agricultural College bonds and notes, $50,000; academy and school- 
 house note, $10,000; railroad notes, $100,000; town hall bonds, $50,000. It is 
 interesting and instructive to note the sums that the town has paid for interest on 
 this indebtedness during the same term of years, amounting in the aggregate to 
 $241,686.12, or some $8,000 more than the original debt. The payments of interest 
 for each year, as copied from the treasurer's book, are as follows : 
 1861—$ 812.20 1873— $ 11,895.63 1885— $7,959.85 
 
 1874, 12,473.37 1886, 7,263.89 
 
 1875, 12,272.42 18S7, 6,990.22 
 
 1876, 12.249.95 1888, 6,368.81 
 1S77, 11,832.10 18S9, 5,908.74 
 
 1878, 11,275.80 1890, 7,226.74 
 
 1879, 10,885.09 1891, 7,017.89 
 1S80, 10,499.64 1892, 5,847.66 
 
 1881, 10,077.70 1893, 5,354-25 
 
 1882, 9,714.59 1894, 5,066.58 
 
 1883, 9,065.92 '895, 4,918.40 
 
 1884, 8,563.39 
 
 1862, 
 
 850.64 
 
 1863, 
 
 1,545.76 
 
 1864, 
 
 1-537-13 
 
 1865, 
 
 2,349-88 
 
 1866, 
 
 1,642.67 
 
 1867, 
 
 3,214-44 
 
 1868, 
 
 5,516.60 
 
 1869, 
 
 5,1 18.00 
 
 1870, 
 
 5,544-i3 
 
 1871, 
 
 5,642.04 
 
 1872, 
 
 7,184.00 
 
TOWN FINANCES. 
 
 595 
 
 Valuations. Appropriations, Expenditures, Tax Rates. 
 The tax-rate of a town or city is a matter of special interest to all the tax- 
 payers living therein. This rate is governed by valuations and appropriations. 
 The following table gives the total amount of town appropriations, at annual or 
 special meetings, save the sums comprised in the funded debt, for the past half 
 century. It also gives the amount of each year's expenditures, including money 
 borrowed, as copied from the treasurer's journal. A list of valuations and tax- 
 rates for the past thirty years is also given. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Valuation. 
 
 Appropriations 
 
 Expenditures. 
 
 Tax- Rate. 
 
 [846 
 
 
 3 3-97° 
 
 $ 4,778.52 
 
 
 1S47 
 
 
 4.220 
 
 4-952-33 
 
 
 1848 
 
 
 5,215 
 
 6,190.02 
 
 
 1849 
 
 
 4,S20 
 
 6.527.49 
 
 
 1850 
 
 
 4,620 
 
 5.824.18 
 
 
 1S51 
 
 
 5.020 
 
 7,146.70 
 
 
 1852 
 
 
 5, '35 
 
 8,956.64 
 
 
 1S53 
 
 
 4,920 
 
 9.341.21 
 
 
 i' s 54 
 
 
 6,020 
 
 IO. 807. 91 
 
 
 1855 
 
 
 7,025 
 
 13-743-49 
 
 
 1856 
 
 
 7-325 
 
 12.388.54 
 
 
 1857 
 
 
 6,725 
 
 11,997.38 
 
 
 1858 
 
 
 7,425 
 
 11,210.45 
 
 
 1859 
 
 
 6,425 
 
 l5,830-70 
 
 
 i860 
 
 
 8,000 
 
 1 1,909.24 
 
 
 1861 
 
 
 7,445 
 
 27,256.84 
 
 
 1S62 
 
 
 10,290 
 
 27,554.68 
 
 
 1863 
 
 
 10,770 
 
 45,148.82 
 
 
 1864 
 
 
 21.915 
 
 47,335-88 
 
 
 1865 
 
 
 24,190 
 
 55.274-63 
 
 
 1866 
 
 $2,339,341.00 
 
 16.580 
 
 39,521,99 
 
 $11.00 
 
 1867 
 
 2,508,677.00 
 
 19.925 
 
 10S.622.31 
 
 15.00 
 
 1 868 
 
 2,487,971.00 
 
 22.573 
 
 81,693.28 
 
 12.00 
 
 1869 
 
 2,652.370.00 
 
 25-675 
 
 53,392.04 
 
 13.00 
 
 1870 
 
 2,721.544.00 
 
 29.200 
 
 57-954-19 
 
 15.00 
 
 187. 
 
 2.813.464.00 
 
 31,065 
 
 73,67742 
 
 15.00 
 
 .872 
 
 2,859,023.00 
 
 34-475 
 
 76,308.00 
 
 16.00 
 
 1873 
 
 2,S 77 . I37.OO 
 
 35-905 
 
 172.977.41 
 
 17.00 
 
 1874 
 
 2,567,124.00 
 
 37,i70 
 
 60,796.86 
 
 1 S.00 
 
 1875 
 
 2,637.450.00 
 
 32-945 
 
 56,956.65 
 
 16.00 
 
 1876 
 
 2.542,653.00 
 
 32,840 
 
 52,145.10 
 
 16.00 
 
 1877 
 
 2,422,342.00 
 
 35,032 
 
 79,826.43 
 
 17.20 
 
 1878 
 
 2.410.305.00 
 
 38.371 
 
 54.014,54 
 
 18.50 
 
 1879 
 
 2,448,412.41 
 
 30,220 
 
 47,088.1 1 
 
 15.00 
 
 1880 
 
 2.515.423. 15 
 
 3S,6io 
 
 57,492.69 
 
 19.00 
 
 1881 
 
 2.835. 151.00 
 
 34-375 
 
 53,260.39 
 
 15-25 
 
 1882 
 
 2,542,105 00 
 
 39.910 
 
 61.657.45 
 
 19.00 
 
 1883 
 
 2,727.025.00 
 
 35,750 
 
 56.326.16 
 
 16.25 
 
 1884 
 
 2,773,882.00 
 
 37,750 
 
 62.673.20 
 
 I7-50 
 
 1885 
 
 2.789-433- 00 
 
 42,479 
 
 64.845.05 
 
 '8-75 
 
 1886 
 
 2,835-340-00 
 
 29,675 
 
 54.292.36 
 
 .3.80 
 
 1887 
 
 2,892,141.00 
 
 36,950 
 
 61,288.80 
 
 16.60 
 
 1 888 
 
 3,027.072.00 
 
 36,95 
 
 71,637.01 
 
 15.25 
 
 1889 
 
 3,238,000.00 
 
 38,418 
 
 84,1 10.10 
 
 '5-25 
 
 1890 
 
 3,290,128.00 
 
 42,000 
 
 1 10,947.28 
 
 15-75 
 
 1891 
 
 3,312,889.00 
 
 42,125 
 
 S0.S26.59 
 
 15-75 
 
 1892 
 
 3, I 74-3°3-oo 
 
 39-650 
 
 64,571.72 
 
 •5-75 
 
 1893 
 
 3,188,531.00 
 
 41,150 
 
 66,481.58 
 
 16.25 
 
 1S94 
 
 3,122,531.00 
 
 48,359 
 
 76,254.06 
 
 19.25 
 
 1895 
 
 3,133,213.00 
 
 37,78o 
 
 58,508.38 
 
 1 i3-°o 
 
59 6 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 APPROPRIATIONS. 
 
 Aside from the sums annually set apart for the support of the gospel ministry- 
 the earlier inhabitants of Amherst were called upon to make appropriations for 
 the support of public schools, the care of highways and the support of the poor. 
 From 1753 up to and including 1795, the following appropriations were voted for 
 schools: 1753,^4; 1754,^4: i759-^ 2 °: 1760.^24; 1761,^19; 1762,^13,6,8; 1763, 
 £46; 1764, £20; 1766, ,£27; 1767, ^27; 1768, ^24; 1769, ^27, 10; 1770, ^29,6: 1 77 1, 
 ^3°; '773-/35: 1776,^26: 1777, ,£30; 1778,^310; 1780,^1700; 1781,^24; 17S2, 
 £24; 1783,^66; 1784,^75; 1785. £jo\ 1786,^8, 10; 1787, ^50; 1788, £ 54 - I7 8 9 , 
 £S4', i79°-/ 6 °: 1791-/60: 1792,^70: 1793^72; 1794-/72; I795-/' 00 - 
 
 The first appropriation for highways was made in 1765, the sum being /30. 
 Other highway appropriations were: 1776,^60; 1777,^40; 1781,^15; 1782, £$0 ; 
 '783, £60; 1784, £ 7 o; 1785, £ 7 o; 1787, ,£70; 178S, ^70; 1789, ^70: 1790,^70; 
 1791,^100; 1792, .£100: 1793, /100; 1794,^100; 1795, /roo. 
 
 The first appropriation for support of the poor, £2, was made in 1760. Other 
 appropriations for this object were: 1779, ^300; 17S0, _£6oo; 1789,^6; 1790,^17,1; 
 1791,^12: 1792, / 3 6, 1793,^20. 
 
 The following tables, beginning with the year 1796, when the sums were first 
 reckoned in dollars and cents, show the amounts that have been appropriated each 
 year for a century past for schools, highways and the support of the poor. Of the 
 school appropriations amounting to $371,808.34, over 75 per cent., or $280,275. have 
 been granted in the past thirty years. Of the highway appropriations, amounting 
 to $146,083.32, over 62 per cent., or $91,900, have been granted since 1865. Of the 
 pauper appropriations, amounting to $92, 735, over 64 per cent., or $59,800, have 
 been granted in the last thirty years. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Schools. 
 
 H ighways. 
 
 Poor. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Schools. 
 
 Highways. 
 
 Poor. 
 
 1796 
 
 $333-34 
 
 $400. 
 
 
 1822 
 
 $ 600 
 
 $ 600 
 
 $400 
 
 '797 
 
 333-34 
 
 333-33 
 
 $ 80 
 
 1823 
 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 1798 
 
 266.67 
 
 333-34 
 
 
 1824 
 
 600 
 
 700 
 
 700 
 
 1799 
 
 333-33 
 
 333-33 
 
 
 1825 
 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 700 
 
 iSoo 
 
 333-33 
 
 333-33 
 
 
 1826 
 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 1801 
 
 333-33 
 
 400. 
 
 75 
 
 [827 
 
 600 
 
 800 
 
 600 
 
 1S02 
 
 400. 
 
 333-33 
 
 50 
 
 1828 
 
 750 
 
 Soo 
 
 600 
 
 1803 
 
 400. 
 
 333-33 
 
 
 ,829 
 
 75° 
 
 
 600 
 
 1804 
 
 400. 
 
 333-33 
 
 
 1830 
 
 800 
 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 1805 
 
 400. 
 
 400. 
 
 
 1831 
 
 800 
 
 800 
 
 600 
 
 1806 
 
 400. 
 
 400. 
 
 '3° 
 
 .832 
 
 1,200 
 
 800 
 
 700 
 
 1S07 
 
 400. 
 
 300. 
 
 
 ■833 
 
 900 
 
 Soo 
 
 659 
 
 1808 
 
 55°- 
 
 300. 
 
 i5° 
 
 1S34 
 
 900 
 
 800 
 
 650 
 
 1S09 
 
 55°- 
 
 400. 
 
 >5° 
 
 1835 
 
 1,000 
 
 800 
 
 800 
 
 1810 
 
 55°- 
 
 400. 
 
 100 
 
 1836 
 
 1,000 
 
 800 
 
 800 
 
 1811 
 
 550. 
 
 400. 
 
 
 1837 
 
 1.200 
 
 1,000 
 
 I. OOO 
 
 1812 
 
 55°- 
 
 400. 
 
 150 
 
 1838 
 
 1,200 
 
 1,000 
 
 
 18.3 
 
 600. 
 
 45°- 
 
 :oo 
 
 1839 
 
 1,200 
 
 1. 00c 
 
 700 
 
 1814 
 
 600. 
 
 500. 
 
 200 
 
 1840 
 
 1.200 
 
 1,000 
 
 600 
 
 1815 
 
 600. 
 
 500. 
 
 200 
 
 1841 
 
 1,200 
 
 1,000 
 
 300 
 
 1816 
 
 800. 
 
 600. 
 
 300 
 
 1S42 
 
 1.200 
 
 I,OCO 
 
 550 
 
 1817 
 
 600. 
 
 600. 
 
 600 
 
 1843 
 
 1.200 
 
 1,000 
 
 500 
 
 1818 
 
 600. 
 
 600. 
 
 500 
 
 1S44 
 
 1,200 
 
 1,000 
 
 400 
 
 1819 
 
 600. 
 
 600. 
 
 500 
 
 1845 
 
 1-350 
 
 1,000 
 
 400 
 
 1S20 
 
 600. 
 
 600. 
 
 500 
 
 1846 
 
 1.400 
 
 1,000 
 
 350 
 
 i8 2 r 
 
 600. 
 
 600. 
 
 400 
 
 1847 
 
 I.500 
 
 1. 000 
 
 45° 
 
TOWN FINANCES. 
 
 597 
 
 Year. 
 
 Schools. 
 
 Highways. 
 
 Poor. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Schools. 
 
 Highways. 
 
 Poor. 
 
 1848 
 
 $ 1,500 
 
 $1,000 
 
 $400 
 
 1873 
 
 $10,400 
 
 $2,000 
 
 $1,200 
 
 1849 
 
 1,500 
 
 1,000 
 
 500 
 
 1874 
 
 9,650 
 
 2,300 
 
 i,5°° 
 
 1850 
 
 1,600 
 
 I.OOO 
 
 500 
 
 1875 
 
 7,500 
 
 2,500 
 
 2.000 
 
 185 1 
 
 2,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 600 
 
 1876 
 
 8,000 
 
 2,000 
 
 1.500 
 
 1852 
 
 2,100 
 
 1,000 
 
 600 
 
 1877 
 
 8,000 
 
 1,600 
 
 2,000 
 
 1S53 
 
 2,500 
 
 1,000 
 
 700 
 
 1878 
 
 S,ooo 
 
 2,000 
 
 2.200 
 
 1854 
 
 2,500 
 
 1,400 
 
 700 
 
 1879 
 
 6,500 
 
 2,000 
 
 1,800 
 
 1S55 
 
 2.500 
 
 1,400 
 
 700 
 
 1880 
 
 8.000 
 
 3,000 
 
 2,200 
 
 1856 
 
 3,IO0 
 
 1,200 
 
 700 
 
 1881 
 
 7,500 
 
 3,000 
 
 2,200 
 
 1857 
 
 2,000 
 
 1,200 
 
 500 
 
 1882 
 
 7,500 
 
 4,000 
 
 2,500 
 
 1858 
 
 2,000 
 
 1,800 
 
 600 
 
 1883 
 
 8.000 
 
 3.000 
 
 2,300 
 
 1859 
 
 2,000 
 
 800 
 
 600 
 
 1884 
 
 S.200 
 
 3,5°° 
 
 2,500 
 
 i860 
 
 1.500 
 
 1,200 
 
 700 
 
 I SS 5 
 
 8,800 
 
 3-5°° 
 
 3,000 
 
 1861 
 
 3,200 
 
 Soo 
 
 Soo 
 
 18S6 
 
 8,500 
 
 3,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 1S62 
 
 3,800 
 
 1,000 
 
 800 
 
 1887 
 
 9,000 
 
 3-5°° 
 
 2,500 
 
 1863 
 
 4.000 
 
 1,200 
 
 1,000 
 
 1888 
 
 9,975 
 
 4,000 
 
 2.000 
 
 1864 
 
 4,500 
 
 1,200 
 
 1,000 
 
 1889 
 
 10.100 
 
 4,000 
 
 1, Soo 
 
 1S65 
 
 5,000 
 
 1,200 
 
 1,000 
 
 1S90 
 
 10,000 
 
 4,500 
 
 1 .Soo 
 
 1866 
 
 6,000 
 
 1,500 
 
 1,500 
 
 1S91 
 
 10,000 
 
 4.000 
 
 2.000 
 
 1867 
 
 7.500 
 
 2.000 
 
 1,600 
 
 1892 
 
 10.000 
 
 4,000 
 
 2.000 
 
 1868 
 
 7,500 
 
 2,000 
 
 1,600 
 
 1893 
 
 14,150 
 
 4,000 
 
 2,200 
 
 1869 
 
 7>5°° 
 
 3,000 
 
 1,600 
 
 1894 
 
 13,000 
 
 4,000 
 
 2,200 
 
 1870 
 
 9,500 
 
 3,000 
 
 1.600 
 
 1895 
 
 13.600 
 
 3,000 
 
 1, Soo 
 
 1871 
 
 10,000 
 
 3.000 
 
 1,600 
 
 1896 
 
 13,000 
 
 3,5°° 
 
 2,400 
 
 1872 
 
 10,900 
 
 3,000 
 
 1,200 
 
 
 
 
 
 Appendix C. 
 
 VALUATION LISTS. 
 
 Many of the old " district rates " and town valuation lists are preserved in the 
 town clerk's office. The older ones are in somewhat dilapidated condition, torn, 
 disfigured, the writing scarcely legible. Among them are "ministers' rates." min- 
 isters' " wood rates " and " highway rates." Two of these lists are here presented, 
 the first taken in 1759. when the District of Amherst was set off from Hadley, the 
 second in 1776, when the district became a town. The list of 1759 is obviously 
 imperfect, as several names are omitted of persons known to have resided4iere at 
 the time. It has. accordingly, been supplemented by names taken from a list com- 
 piled in 1760, which do not appear in the list of the preceding year. The list of 
 1776 is believed to be complete and accurate. 
 
598 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 VALUATION LIST, 1759. 
 
 Allis, John 
 Baker, Elijah 
 Belding, Hezekiah 
 Blodgett, David 
 Boltwood, Solomon 
 Boltwood, William 
 Brooks, John 
 Chauncey, Josiah 
 Chauncey, Richard 
 Church, Joseph 
 Clapp, Widow Sarah 
 Clark, Simeon 
 Cleary, Joseph 
 Colton, Eli 
 Cooke, Moses 
 Cowls, Jonathan 
 Cowls, Oliver 
 Dickinson, Ehenezer 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer (2) 
 Dickinson, Gideon 
 Dickinson, Jonathan 
 Dickinson, Nathan 
 Dickinson, Nathan (2) 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel 
 Dickinson, Noah 
 
 I Hckinson, Reuben 
 
 Dickinson, Simeon 
 Eastman, Joseph 
 
 Edwards, Jonathan 
 
 Elmer, Edward 
 
 Field, John 
 
 ( ioodale, Isaac 
 
 Guilford, Paul 
 
 Harwood, Benjamin 
 
 Harwood, Eleazer 
 
 Harwood, Peter 
 
 Hastings, Thomas 
 
 Hawley, Moses 
 
 Hawley, Samuel 
 
 Howe, Abner 
 
 Hubbard, Isaac 
 
 Ingram, Elisha 
 
 Ingram, John 
 
 Ingram, Philip 
 
 Ingram, Reuben 
 
 Ingram, Samuel 
 
 Keet, John 
 
 Kellogg, Daniel 
 
 Kellogg, Ebenezer 
 
 Kellogg'; Ephraim 
 
 Leonard, Aaron 
 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer 
 
 Moody, Nathan 
 
 13: 
 
 9 
 
 21 , 
 
 15 
 
 33 
 
 10 
 
 So 
 
 18 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 iS 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 ss 
 
 8 
 
 90 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 18 
 
 !7 
 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 
 iq 
 
 10 
 
 28 
 
 10 
 
 73 
 
 10 
 
 9 1 
 
 18 
 
 25 
 
 10 
 
 33 
 
 
 
 54 
 
 5 
 
 9' 
 
 15 
 
 30 
 
 12 
 
 43 
 
 5 
 
 70 
 
 
 
 92 
 
 18 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 8 
 
 57 
 
 
 
 7i 
 
 
 
 28 
 
 10 
 
 39 
 
 15 
 
VALUATION LIST. 
 
 599 
 
 VALUATION LIST, 1759. {Continued) 
 
 Morton. John 
 Murray. William 
 Murray, William (2) 
 Nash. John 
 Nash, John (2) 
 Nash, Jonathan 
 Sanders, Benjamin 
 Smith, Alexander 
 Smith, David 
 Smith, Jonathan 
 Smith, Jonathan (2) 
 Smith, Nathaniel 
 Strong, Nehemiah 
 Ward, Isaac 
 Warner, Aaron 
 Warner. Moses 
 Wright. Charles 
 
 A dditionalnam.es List 1 ; 
 Abbott, Jacob 
 Adams, Abner 
 Adams, Isaiah 
 Billings. John 
 Chauncey, Israel 
 Church, Samuel 
 Clary, Elisha 
 Coleman, Nathaniel 
 Dickinson. Daniel 
 Dickinson. David 
 Dickinson. John 
 Dickinson, Moses 
 Ellis, John 
 Emmons, Robert 
 Gager, Samuel 
 Gould, Solomon 
 Hobert, Edmond 
 Lee, Abner 
 Lewis, Noadiah 
 Merrick, James 
 Moody, Jonathan 
 Moody, Jonathan (2) 
 Moody. Josiah 
 Pettis, John 
 Pomeroy, Simeon 
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 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 TOWN VALUATION LIST, 1776. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 16 
 
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 44: 12 
 
 Adams. Isaiah 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 26:5 
 
 26:5 
 
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 4:0 
 
 4:0 
 
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 2 
 
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 10 
 
 12 : 18 
 
 52 
 
 83:0 
 
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 8 
 
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 18 
 
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 2 
 
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 16 
 
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 55 
 
 89:5 
 
 107:3 
 
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 I 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 2 
 
 14 : 6 
 
 4 
 
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 2 
 
 
 
 3:0 
 
 
 
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 59:5 
 
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 15 
 
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VALUATION LIST. 
 
 601 
 
 TOWN VALUATION LIST, 1776. {Continued.) 
 
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 28 
 
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 4 
 
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 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 12 
 
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 6 
 
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 17 
 
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 2 
 
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 4 
 
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 10 
 
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 30 
 
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 16 
 
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 1 
 
 
 
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 2 
 
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 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 :i3 
 
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 1 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 2 
 
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 8 
 
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 3 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 9 
 
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 30 
 
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 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 7 
 
 13: 11 
 
 35 
 
 70 : 
 
 83:11 
 
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 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
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 6 
 
 8:8 
 
 8 
 
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 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
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 5 
 
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 16 
 
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 1 
 
 
 
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 5 
 
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 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 8: 10 
 
 26 
 
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 1 
 
 
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 3 
 
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 18 
 
 23: 10 
 
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 2 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 13 
 
 10 : 19 
 
 30 
 
 53:o 
 
 i 63:9 
 
6o2 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 TOWN VALUATION LIST, 1776. {Continued.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o5 
 
 — "3 
 
 -a 
 c 
 
 6 
 
 
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 i/i 
 
 03 
 
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 2 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 8 
 
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 334 
 
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 Kellogg, Ebenezer (2) 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
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 13 
 
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 10 
 
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 15 
 
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 4 
 
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 12 
 
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 2 
 
 
 
 
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 15 
 
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 10 
 
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 2 
 
 
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 5:9 
 
 8 
 
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 2 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 
 7:8 
 
 9 
 
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 2 
 
 
 6 
 
 5:18 
 
 18 
 
 30: 10 
 
 36:8 
 
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 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 : 16 
 
 4 
 
 8:0 
 
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 Morton, Elijah 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Morton, John 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 4 
 
 7 : 2 
 
 13 
 
 19:5 
 
 26 : 7 
 
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 I 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 9:3 
 
 24 
 
 37: 12 
 
 46: 15 
 
 Morton, Thomas 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3 : IO 
 
 6 
 
 9: 18 
 
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 Nash, Abner 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nash, Amos 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Nash. John 
 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 
 18 
 
 17 : 10 
 
 41 
 
 75: '3 
 
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 I 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 9 : 16 
 
 13 
 
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 2 
 
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 15 
 
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 4 
 
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 14 
 
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 1 
 
 
 
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 I 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 
 i5 
 
 16: 15 
 
 35 
 
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 I 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 6 
 
 5:18 
 
 34 
 
 49: 10 
 
 54:8 
 
 Rice, Adam 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 : 10 
 
 
 
 1 : 10 
 
VALUATION LIST, 
 
 6o" 
 
 TOWN VALUATION LIST. 1776. {Continued.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 aj 
 
 -d 
 
 a> 
 
 
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 a 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 d 
 
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 10 
 
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 '9 
 
 10 
 
 Smith, Simeon 
 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 16 : 10 
 
 15 
 
 24 : 5 
 
 40 
 
 15 
 
 Smith, Stephen 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 10 
 
 12:0 
 
 14 
 
 23 : 
 
 35 
 
 
 
 Smith, Timothy 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Stockbridge, David 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 13 :o 
 
 6 
 
 9 : 18 
 
 22 
 
 18 
 
 Strong, Simeon 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 10:6 
 
 20A 
 
 5« : 18 
 
 69 
 
 4 
 
 Sturtevant, James 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 : 10 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 Taylor, Ebenezer 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 5 :° 
 
 18 
 
 33 : ' 
 
 38 
 
 1 
 
 Trumbull, James 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Waite, Richard 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Warner, Aaron 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 i9 : i3 
 
 40 
 
 72 : 
 
 9' 
 
 •3 
 
 Warner, Hannah 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 7 : - 
 
 7 
 
 
 Warner, Jacob 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 7 : 10 
 
 10 
 
 16 : io 
 
 ?4 
 
 
 
 Warner, Jacob (2) 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 5 : 10 
 
 8 
 
 10 : 
 
 '5 
 
 10 
 
 Warner. Josiah 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 9:0 
 
 26 
 
 36 : 10 
 
 45 
 
 10 
 
 Warner, Mary 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 5:0 
 
 40 
 
 76 : 
 
 Si 
 
 
 
 Warner, Moses 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 : 10 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 Warner. Noadiah 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 4 
 
 8:2 
 
 14 
 
 19 : 4 
 
 27 
 
 16 
 
 Williams. Ebenezer 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 15:0 
 
 24 
 
 44 : 
 
 59 
 
 
 
 Williams, John 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 7 
 
 2:11 
 
 iS 
 
 29 : 
 
 3i 
 
 11 
 
 Williams, Joseph 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3: 10 
 
 8 
 
 41 : 8 
 
 44 
 
 18 
 
 Williams, Justus 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 1 
 
 9 : 3 
 
 36 
 
 61 : 
 
 7° 
 
 3 
 
 Yale, Nathaniel 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
604 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Appendix D. 
 
 POPULATION. FAMILIES. VOTERS' LIST, 180: 
 
 CENSUS STATISTICS— 1765-1895. 
 
 The Massachusetts state census report for the year 1895 gives the following 
 ■statistics concerning the population of Amherst : 
 
 Families, 1064 : males, 2427 ; females, 235S ; population, 47S5. The division 
 by villages is as follows : 
 
 Families. Males. Females. Population. 
 
 Center, Amherst. 770 1S73 1782 3655 
 
 North Amherst, 186 327 361 688 
 
 South Amherst, 108 227 215 442 
 
 The following table gives the number of inhabitants in Amherst and adjoining 
 
 towns as shown by provincial, state and United States censuses from 1765 to 1795 : 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 13 
 
 rt 
 
 E 
 
 5 
 
 XI 
 
 
 4) 
 
 s 
 
 > 
 
 0) 
 
 
 nitesbu 
 
 underla 
 
 >< 
 
 < 
 
 PQ 
 
 O 
 
 a 
 
 J 
 
 Oh 
 
 c/j 
 
 tn 
 
 1765 
 
 645 
 
 418 
 
 
 573 
 
 
 37' 
 
 330 
 
 409 
 
 1776 
 
 915 
 
 972 
 
 49 r 
 
 681 
 
 293 
 
 729 
 
 598 
 
 409 
 
 1790 
 
 1233 
 
 1485 
 
 596 
 
 8S2 
 
 524 
 
 IO4O 
 
 674 
 
 462 
 
 1800 
 
 ■35S 
 
 1878 
 
 786 
 
 f°73 
 
 711 
 
 I 144 
 
 930 
 
 537 
 
 1810 
 
 1469 
 
 2270 
 
 850 
 
 1247 
 
 769 
 
 I 185 
 
 939 
 
 55' 
 
 1820 
 
 1917 
 
 2426 
 
 1066 
 
 1 46 1 
 
 857 
 
 .2 7 8 
 
 1029 
 
 597 
 
 1830 
 
 2631 
 
 2491 
 
 1064 
 
 1686 
 
 939 
 
 904 
 
 986 
 
 666 
 
 1840 
 
 2550 
 
 2554 
 
 97i 
 
 1814 
 
 875 
 
 956 
 
 987 
 
 719 
 
 1850 
 
 3057 
 
 2680 
 
 1 104 
 
 19S6 
 
 948 
 
 983 
 
 912 
 
 792 
 
 1855 
 
 2937 
 
 2698 
 
 1 00 1 
 
 1928 
 
 9S2 
 
 789 
 
 939 
 
 839 
 
 i860 
 
 3206 
 
 2709 
 
 907 
 
 2105 
 
 964 
 
 748 
 
 798 
 
 S39 
 
 1865 
 
 3415 
 
 2636 
 
 908 
 
 2246 
 
 914 
 
 737 
 
 788 
 
 861 
 
 1870 
 
 4035 
 
 2428 
 
 863 
 
 2301 
 
 877 
 
 673 
 
 614 
 
 832 
 
 1875 
 
 3937 
 
 2315 
 
 812 
 
 2125 
 
 831 
 
 633 
 
 55* 
 
 860 
 
 1880 
 
 4298 
 
 2 346 
 
 753 
 
 1938 
 
 742 
 
 614 
 
 529 
 
 755 
 
 1885 
 
 4199 
 
 2307 
 
 729 
 
 1747 
 
 779 
 
 549 
 
 4*5 
 
 700 
 
 1890 
 
 451- 
 
 2I20 
 
 765 
 
 1669 
 
 702 
 
 486 
 
 453 
 
 663 
 
 '895 
 
 4785 
 
 2161 
 
 748 
 
 1704 
 
 744 
 
 486 
 
 444 
 
 696 
 
PROMINENT FAMILIES. 605. 
 
 PROMINENT FAMILIES. 
 
 A list of fifty families that have been most prominent in Amherst town affairs- 
 since the first settlement would include the following names : Adams, Allen, Baker, 
 Belding, Billings, Blodgett, Boltwood. Bridgman, Chauncey, Church, Clapp, Clark T 
 Coleman. Conkey, Cook, Cooley, Cowls, Cushman, Cutler, Dana, Dickinson, 
 Eastman, Edwards, Field, Gaylord, Goodale, Green, Hastings, H^awley, Ingram, 
 Kellogg, Lee, Marsh, Mattoon, Merrick, Montague, Moody, Morton, Nash, Nut- 
 ting, Parker, Parsons, Peck, Pomeroy, Roberts, Smith, Strong, Thayer, Warner, 
 Williams. Of these, the families of Boltwood, Chauncey, Church, Cowls, Dickin- 
 son, Hawley, Ingram, Nash and Smith had representatives among the "east inhab- 
 itants" in 1 73 1. In the following paragraphs reference is made to the person of a 
 given name who appears to have been the first to settle in Amherst, and to others 
 who have given distinction to the family name. 
 
 Thomas Adams was taxed in Hadley Third Precinct in 1740. Abner Adams- 
 was married May 9, 1754, by Rev. David Parsons. John Adams owned acorn-mill 
 in 1770. John S. and Charles Adams were well-known printers and publishers. 
 
 Samuel Allen was among the minor district officers in 1768 ; Amasa was one of 
 the " minute men" in 1775 and Phineas was, in 1783, one of the incorporators of 
 the Second parish. 
 
 Noah Baker, son of Capt. John, of Northampton, was taxed in Hadley Third 
 Precinct in 1742. Elijah, brother to Noah, was a precinct officer in 1760. Osmyn 
 was a noted lawyer ; Alfred served the town as selectman and representative, Mar- 
 tin as selectman. 
 
 Samuel Belding had a part in the division of lands in Hadley Third Precinct. 
 Hezekiah, son of Samuel, was a soldier in the French war in 1747, became a 
 member of the First church in 1755 and held various town offices. Jonathan served 
 in the war of the Revolution; John was an innkeeper in 1787. 
 
 John Bihings was a member of the First church in 1759, fought in the war of 
 the Revolution, was one of the founders of the Second parish in 1783. Joel took 
 part in the war of the Revolution and in the Shays rebellion, and was in 1802 a 
 tavern-keeper. Aaron was one of the founders of the Second parish, a captain of 
 militia in 1801. 
 
 David Blodgett came to the settlement between 1745 and 1763, tookpart in the 
 French war and the war of the Revolution ; held many town offices. 
 
 Samuel Boltwood was one of the original proprietors of Amherst lands, lived 
 in the settlement in 1731, in 1735 was chosen one of the committee to call precinct 
 meetings. Solomon came to the precinct before 1738, took part in the French war, 
 was an innkeeper in 1773. William came to the precinct before 1763, took part in 
 the French war. Ebenezer was an innkeeper in 1782, as was Elijah in iSo6and for 
 many years thereafter. Lucius was a noted lawyer, prominent in town affairs. 
 
 Jonathan Bridgman resided in Amherst in 1793; in 1S24, was one of the organ- 
 izers of the South parish. 
 
 Richard Chauncey resided in the settlement in 1731, was one of the original 
 members of the First church at its organization in 1739. Charles came to the 
 settlement previous to 1738, took part in the French war in 1758. Josiah took part 
 in the French wars in 174S and 1760, was a justice of the peace in 1758, an innkeeper 
 and trader in 1759. 
 
 Nathaniel Church was a resident in the settlement in 1731, one of the original 
 members of the First church. Benjamin was taxed in the Third Precinct in 1735. 
 
<6o6 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Joseph was a resident of the precinct in 1754, was very prominent in town affairs. 
 
 Preserved Clapp was a resident in the Third Precinct in 1746. Oliver was one 
 of the " minute-men " in 1775, an innkeeper in 1778, one of the incorporators of the 
 Second parish. Oliver M. was a well-known manufacturer. 
 
 Simeon Clark was a resident of the Third Precinct in 1749. was a deacon of 
 the First church, held many town offices. Judah fought in the war of the Revolu- 
 tion. Elijah was among the incorporators of Amherst Academy in 1S16. William 
 S. was president of the Agricultural College. 
 
 Nathaniel Coleman was a resident in the Third Precinct previous to 1745, an 
 innkeeper in 1761. Seth. son of Nathaniel, was one of the best-known of Amherst 
 physicians. 
 
 Ithamar Conkey came from Pelham to Amherst about 1S17 ; he was judge of 
 probate: his son. Ithamar P., served as district-attorney many years. 
 
 Moses Cook was one of the original proprietors of Amherst lands, a resident 
 of the precinct in 1750, an innkeeper in 1779. Westwood, Jr., came to the precinct 
 before 1745. 
 
 Daniel Cooley was an innkeeper in 1780, a representative to the General Court 
 in 17S7. 
 
 John and Jonathan Cowls resided in the settlement in 1731 : they were among 
 the original members of the First church. Oliver served in the French war in 
 1755 and 1758. David and Simeon served in the war of the Revolution and were 
 among the incorporators of the Second parish. Rufus was a famous physician. 
 
 Ephraim Cushmanwasa resident of Amherstin 1789. He and his brother John 
 R. were prominent among the earlier manufacturers of the town. 
 
 Robert Cutler removed from Pelham to Amherst in 1787 ; he and his son Isaac 
 G. were prominent physicians. 
 
 Amariah Dana resided in Amherst in 1773. Me served in the war of the Rev- 
 olution, was among the incorporators of the Second parish. 
 
 Ebenezer Dickinson resided in the settlement in 1731, was one of the original 
 members of the First church, serving as deacon, served in the French war. was 
 moderator of the first district meeting. Nathaniel was one of the original propri- 
 etors of Amherst lands, served in the French war and the war of the Revolution. 
 Nathaniel, Jr. was the town's first delegate to the Provincial Congress. Moses 
 was one of the town's committee of correspondence during the war of the Revo- 
 lution. John took part in the battle of Bunker Hill; his son, John, was judge of 
 probate. Joseph. Noah and Simeon served in the war of the Revolution and were 
 among the incorporators of the Second parish. Reuben Dickinson led a company 
 to Cambridge at the time of the Lexington alarm. Nathan and Jonathan served 
 in the French war and the war of the Revolution. Elijah served in the war of 
 the Revolution and gave the land for the site of the first buildings of Amherst 
 College. Samuel F. was one of the working founders of Amherst College. 
 Edward and William Austin were lawyers and served each as treasurer of Amherst 
 College. Oliver built and owned the North church meeting-house. Azariah was 
 among the incorporators of the Second parish. Chester was a noted innkeeper. 
 Daniel, Medad and Waitstill served the town as representatives to the General 
 Court. Zebina was for a long time deputy-sheriff. Nathaniel C. was deacon of 
 the South church. Porter served as selectman. Enos was a leading man in the 
 South parish. 
 
 Joseph Eastman was a resident of the precinct before 1745; he was prominent 
 in town affairs. Ebenezer served in the war of the Revolution and was one of the 
 
PROMINENT FAMILIES. 607 
 
 founders of the Second parish. John was among the liberal contributors to the 
 "charity fund '* that served as the foundation of Amherst College. Solomon K. 
 served as selectman. 
 
 Jonathan Edwards resided in the precinct in 1735 ; he served the First church 
 as deacon. 
 
 Zechariah Field came to the precinct before 173S. John resided in the pre- 
 cinct in 1741, was an innkeeper in 1768. 
 
 Samuel Gaylord resided in the precinct in 1754; William was a resident of 
 the town in 1831, Eleazer in 1835. 
 
 Isaac Goodale was a resident of the precinct in 1754. served in the French war 
 and war of the Revolution. 
 
 Timothy Green was a resident of the precinct in 176S, served in the war of the 
 Revolution and was one of the incorporators of the Second parish. 
 
 Thomas Hastings resided in the precinct in 1753, served in the war of the 
 Revolution. Elijah was an innkeeper in 1768. Moses served in the war of the 
 Revolution, was a prominent member of the First church, served as selectman. 
 
 Samuel Hawley resided in the settlement in 173 1, was moderator of the first 
 precinct meeting in 1735. Joseph served in the French war. Zechariah served in 
 the war of the Revolution and was a deacon of the Second church. 
 
 John Ingram resided in the settlement in 1731, was one of the original mem- 
 bers of the First church, served in the French war and war of the Revolution. 
 Elisha was a trader in 1760, an innkeeper in 1789. Samuel served in the French 
 war and in the war of the Revolution. Peter was a well-known manufacturer. 
 Ezra served the town as selectman and representative. 
 
 Ebenezer Kellogg was a resident in the settlement in 173 1 , an innkeeper in 
 1734, one of the original members of the First church, serving as deacon, a trader 
 in 1764, served in the French war and war of the Revolution. Ephraim was an 
 innkeeper in 1744, a trader in 1764. Nathaniel owned a corn-mill in 1744, was one 
 of the original members of the First church. Martin was an innkeeper in 1771. 
 John was a deacon of the First church and served as selectman. Eleazer served 
 as selectman and representative. Chester was a well-known merchant. Daniel 
 held many town offices. James was a leading manufacturer. 
 
 Abner Lee resided in the district in 1769; John and Gideon served in the war 
 of the Revolution, the latter being one of the incorporators of the Second parish. 
 
 Abner Marsh was a resident of the town in 17S8. Jonathan owned a mill in 
 1794. 
 
 Ebenezer Mattoon was a resident of the precinct in 1739. His son, Ebenezer, 
 was distinguished for his many public services. Noah D. was a distinguished 
 lawyer. 
 
 James Merrick was a resident of the district in 1760, one of the incorporators 
 of the Second parish. Aaron served as representative to the General Court. 
 
 Zebina Montague resided in the town in 1786, was a leading merchant, repre- 
 sented the town in the General Court. George served the first church as deacon. 
 
 Jonathan Moody resided in the precinct in 1743, served in the French war. 
 held many town offices. Asahel served in the French war. Lemuel served in the 
 war of the Revolution, was one of the incorporators of the Second parish. Joel. 
 Eldad and Medad served in the war of the Revolution. David was a deacon of 
 the South church. 
 
 John Morton resided in the precinct before 1738. He was prominent in town 
 affairs, one of the incorporators of the Second parish. Thomas served in the 
 
608 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 French war and the war of the Revolution. Joseph was one of the incorporators 
 of the Second parish. 
 
 John Nash was one of the original proprietors of Amherst lands, resided in 
 the settlement in 1731, was the first precinct clerk, was among the early tavern- 
 keepers. Samuel was a well-known editor of the Express. 
 
 George Nutting resided in Amherst in 1820, was prominent among the organ- 
 izers of the South parish, served the town as selectman and representative. 
 
 Eli Parker resided in the district in 1769, commanded a company in the war of 
 the Revolution. 
 
 David Parsons came to the precinct in 1737, was the first minister of the First 
 church. His son, David, succeeded him in the pastorate. Gideon was an inn- 
 keeper in 1777. 
 
 Nathaniel Peck resided in the district in 1761, served in the war of the Revo- 
 lution, was an innkeeper in 1785. Simeon served in the war of the Revolution, 
 was an innkeeper in 1782. 
 
 Simeon Pomeroy resided in the precinct in 1747, served in the war of the 
 Revolution. 
 
 Reuben Roberts came to Amherst about 1807, served the town as representa- 
 tive to the General Court. He and his brother Ephraim were the pioneer paper- 
 makers in Amherst. 
 
 Aaron Smith resided in the settlement in 1731. was one of the original mem- 
 bers of the First church, served in the French war and war of the Revolution. 
 Nathaniel resided in the settlement in 1731. was the first to practice medicine in 
 the precinct. Stephen was one of the "east inhabitants," in 1731, served in the 
 war of the Revolution, was an innkeeper in 17S5. Moses was an innkeeper in 
 1758, as was Peter in 1759. Chiliab was one of the original proprietors of Amherst 
 lands, fought in the war of the Revolution, was an innkeeper in 1788. Peletiah 
 served in the French war, was one of the original members of the First church. 
 Simeon served in the French war and war of the Revolution. Alexander served 
 in the French war, was an innkeeper in 1768, served as selectman. David served 
 in the French war, was a member of the First church in 1740. Jonathan was 
 among the original members of the First church, served in the French war. Elisha 
 was an innkeeper in 1780. Noah and Martin served in the war of the Revolution; 
 the latter was one of the founders of the South parish. Eleazer was a deacon of 
 the First church. Timothy introduced the culture of the silk-worm in Amherst. 
 Horace was a deacon of the First church, a colonel of militia. 
 
 Nehemiah Strong resided in the precinct in 1741. His son, Simeon, was 
 judge of the supreme court. Hezekiah Wright was a well-known business man, 
 served as postmaster. 
 
 Josiah Thayer resided in Amherst in 1788. Asahel was a well-known 
 manufacturer. 
 
 Aaron Warner resided in the precinct in 1741, was the first to set up a black- 
 smith shop in its limits. Moses was an innkeeper in 1757, served in the French 
 war. Jacob served in the war of the Revolution, was one of the incorporators of 
 the Second parish. Josiah was an officer in the war of the Revolution. 
 
 Justus Williams came to the district before 1763, served inthewarof the 
 Revolution, was one of the incorporators of the Second parish. Joseph was one 
 the incorporators of the Second parish. 
 
VOTERS LIST. 
 
 609 
 
 The following list of 
 manuscript : 
 
 Abbe, Mason 
 Ayers, Amos 
 
 Baker, Elijah 
 Baker, Enos 
 Baker, Isaac 
 Baker, Martin 
 Ballou, Amariah 
 Bangs, Enoch 
 Belding, Elihu 
 Belding, Hezekiah 
 Billings, Aaron 
 Billings, John 
 Bissell, Asahel 
 Bixbee, Rufus 
 Blair, Joseph 
 Blodgett, Asahel 
 Blodgett, Uavid 
 Boltwood, Ebenezer 
 Boltwood, Elijah 
 Boltwood, Elisha 
 Boltwood, Solomon 
 Boltwood, William 
 Bond, Solomon 
 Bowman, William 
 
 Carpenter, Richard 
 Church, Elijah 
 Church, Giles 
 Church, Joseph 
 Church, Joseph (2) 
 Clapp, Oliver 
 Clapp, Oliver (2) 
 Clark, Judah 
 Clark, Justus 
 Clark, Simeon 
 Coleman, Seth 
 Coleman, Seth (2) 
 Cooley, Daniel 
 Cowls, David 
 Cowls, David (2) 
 Cowls, Enos 
 Cowls, Joseph 
 Cowls, Levi 
 Cowls, Oliver 
 Cowls, Reuben 
 
 39 
 
 VOTERS' LIST, 1802. 
 voters in Amherst in 1S02 
 
 Cowls, Simeon 
 Coy, Willis 
 Cushman, Ephraim 
 Cutler, Robert 
 
 Draper, Ichabod 
 Dickinson, Asa 
 Dickinson, Azariah 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer (2) 
 Dickinson, Elihu 
 Dickinson, Elijah 
 Dickinson, Elisha 
 Dickinson, Enos 
 Dickinson, Ezekiel 
 Dickinson, Gad 
 Dickinson. John 
 Dickinson, Jonathan 
 Dickinson, Joseph 
 Dickinson, Joseph (2) 
 Dickinson, Martin 
 Dickinson, Medad 
 Dickinson, Moses 
 Dickinson, Nathan 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel 
 Dickinson, Noah 
 Dickinson, Perez 
 Dickinson, Roswell 
 Dickinson, Samuel F. 
 Dickinson, Seth 
 Dickinson, Silas 
 Dickinson, Simeon 
 Dickinson, Simeon (2) 
 Dickinson, Solomon 
 Dickinson, Stephen 
 Dickinson, William 
 Dickinson, William (2) 
 Dickinson, Zimri 
 
 Eastman, Ebenezer 
 Eastman, John 
 Eastman, Joseph 
 Eaton, Morton 
 Edwards, Nathaniel 
 Edwards, Philip 
 Elmore, Simeon 
 
 is copied from the original 
 
 Fisk, Stephen 
 Franklin, Nathan 
 French, Samuel 
 
 Gamwell, Samuel 
 Gilbert, Thaddeus 
 Goodale. Andrew 
 Goodale, David 
 Goodale, Elijah 
 Goodale, Isaac 
 Goodale, Thomas 
 Gray, David D. 
 Green, Clark 
 Green, Timothy 
 Green, Timothy (2) 
 Green, Zera 
 
 Hastings, Elijah 
 Hastings, Moses 
 Hastings, Samuel 
 Hastings, Thomas 
 Hawley, Zecheriah 
 Heath, Daniel 
 Henderson. Timothy 
 Hendrick, James 
 Holmes, Samuel 
 
 Ingram, David 
 Ingram, Ebenezer 
 Ingram, John 
 Ingram, Nathan 
 Ingram, Samuel 
 
 Kellogg, 
 Kellogg, 
 Kellogg, 
 Kellogg, 
 Kellogg, 
 Kellogg, 
 Kellogg, 
 Kellogg, 
 Kimball, 
 
 Daniel 
 
 Elijah 
 
 Ephraim 
 
 John 
 
 Jonathan 
 
 Joseph 
 
 Martin 
 
 Martin (2) 
 
 Benjamin 
 
 Lee, John 
 Lewis, Elisha 
 
6io 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Marsh, Jonathan 
 Marshall, Isaac 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer (2) 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer (3) 
 McMaster, Joshua 
 Merrick, Aaron 
 Merrick, James 
 Merrill, Abraham 
 Merrill, Calvin 
 Montague, Luke 
 Montague, Zebina 
 Moody Aaron 
 Moody, Asahel 
 Moody, Daniel 
 Moody, Eldad 
 Moody, Joel 
 Moody, Jonathan 
 Moody, Lemuel 
 Moody, Lemuel (2) 
 Moody, Medad 
 Moody, Rufus 
 Moody, Silas 
 Moody, William 
 Morton, John 
 
 Nash, Reuben 
 
 Parker, Eli 
 Parker, Eli (2) 
 Parsons, David 
 Parsons, Gideon 
 
 Peck, Joseph K. 
 
 Smith, Reuben 
 
 Peck, Nathaniel 
 
 Smith, Samuel 
 
 Perkins, Nathan 
 
 Smith, Seth 
 
 Pomeroy, David 
 
 Smith. Stephen 
 
 Pomeroy, Simeon 
 
 Smith, Thomas 
 
 Pomeroy. Simeon (2) 
 
 Smith, Timothy 
 
 
 Snow, Ralph 
 
 Rice, William 
 
 Stanley, Edward A. 
 
 Robbins, Isaac 
 
 Stetson, Gideon 
 
 Robbins, Joseph 
 
 Strong, Simeon 
 
 Scott, Israel 
 
 Thayer, Josiah 
 
 Smith, Asa 
 
 Thomas, Eliab 
 
 Smith, Benjamin 
 
 Tuttle, Nathan 
 
 Smith, Chester 
 
 
 Smith. Chiliab (2) 
 
 Warner, David 
 
 Smith. David 
 
 Warner, Elisha 
 
 Smith, David (2) 
 
 Warner, Jonathan 
 
 Smith, Eleazer 
 
 Warner, Josiah 
 
 Smith, Elijah 
 
 Warner, Samuel 
 
 Smith, Elisha 
 
 Watson, David 
 
 Smith, Ethan 
 
 Watson, Joseph 
 
 Smith, P>iend 
 
 White, Jarib 
 
 Smith, Hoyt 
 
 Williams, Chester 
 
 Smith, Ithamar 
 
 Williams, Elijah 
 
 Smith, John 
 
 Williams, John 
 
 Smith, Jonathan 
 
 Williams, Justus 
 
 Smith, Jonathan (2) 
 
 Williams, Justus (2) 
 
 Smith, Moses 
 
 Williamson, George 
 
 Smith, Nathaniel Alex. 
 
 Winslow, Ezra 
 
 Smith, Noah 
 
 
 Smith, Noah (2) 
 
 Yale. Elijah 
 
 Appendix E. 
 
 SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 
 
 In chapters XI and XII of this History lists are given of men who served on 
 Amherst's quota during the war of the Revolution. These lists are copied from 
 the original muster-rolls now on file among the state archives at Boston. These 
 rolls are, in many instances, incomplete as regards giving the particular place of 
 residence of members of companies and regiments. In making up the lists of 
 Amherst soldiers all names were included which are by the rolls accredited to 
 
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION'. 
 
 6n 
 
 Amherst, and others borne by Amherst men known to have been engaged in the 
 service, whose names appear on the rolls unaccompanied by place of residence. 
 As in the war for the preservation of the Union so in the war of the Revolution, men 
 served on Amherst's quota who were not natives or residents of the town. While 
 it seems proper to give in this volume the names of all credited to Amherst, it also 
 seems desirable that a distinction be made between those of known residence in 
 Amherst at the time of service and others concerning whom nothing is to be found 
 in the public records of the time. With this end in view two lists are here pre- 
 sented, the first containing the names of Amherst residents who served in the war, 
 the second those of persons credited to Amherst but whose residence here the 
 publishers have not been able to establish. The first list is made up of names 
 familiar to all who have read the pages of this History : the second contains many 
 previously unknown to the town's records. 
 
 Abbott. Daniel 
 Adams, Thomas 
 Allen. Amasa 
 Alvord, Aaron 
 Avers, Amos 
 
 Baker, Elijah 
 Bascom, Thomas 
 Belding, Hezekiah 
 Belding, John 
 Billings, Joel 
 Billings, John 
 Billings, John Jr. 
 Billings, Silas 
 Blodgett, David 
 Boltwood, Ebenezer 
 Boltvvood, John 
 Boltwood, Solomon 
 Buckman, Benjamin 
 Buckman, Samuel 
 
 Church. Daniel 
 Church, Giles 
 Church, Joseph 
 Church, Samuel 
 Clapp, Oliver 
 Clark, Levi 
 Coffin, Luke 
 Cole, Stephen 
 Coleman, Enos 
 Cook, Moses 
 Cowls, David 
 Cowls, Reuben 
 Cowls, Simeon 
 
 Dana. Amariah 
 Dickinson, Aaron 
 
 Dickinson, Azariah 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer 
 Dickinson, Elihu 
 Dickinson, Elijah 
 Dickinson, Elisha 
 Dickinson, Gideon 
 Dickinson, Joel 
 Dickinson, John 
 Dickinson, Jonathan 
 Dickinson, Joseph 
 Dickinson, Levi 
 Dickinson, Aledad 
 Dickinson, Nathan 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel 
 Dickinson, Noah 
 Dickinson, Reuben 
 Dickinson, Reuben Jr. 
 Dickinson, Samuel 
 Dickinson, Seth 
 Dickinson, Shelah 
 Dickinson, Simeon 
 Dickinson, Solomon 
 Dickinson, Timothy 
 Dickinson, Waitstill 
 Dickinson, Zimri 
 
 Eastman, Ebenezer 
 Eastman, John 
 Edwards, Jonathan 
 Edwards, Nathaniel 
 Elmore. Elijah 
 
 Field, Ebenezer 
 Field, Samuel 
 Forbes, Simeon 
 Fox, John 
 Franklin, Henry 
 
 Goodale, Isaac 
 Gould, Noah 
 Gould, Samuel 
 Green, Timothy 
 
 Hastings, Elijah 
 Hastings, John 
 Hastings, Moses 
 Hastings, Samuel 
 Hastings, Thomas 
 Hawley, David 
 Hawley, Noah 
 Hawley, Zecheriah 
 Henderson, Gideon 
 Henderson, Timothy 
 Hendrick, James 
 Hodden, John 
 Hubbard, Elihu 
 Hubbard, Isaac 
 
 Ingram, John 
 Ingram, Philip 
 Ingram, Reuben 
 Ingram, Samuel 
 
 Johnson. Silas 
 
 Kellogg. Ebenezer 
 Kellogg, Ebenezer (2) 
 Kellogg, Jonathan 
 Kellogg, Martin 
 
 Lee, Gideon 
 Lee, Henry 
 Lee, John 
 Lewis. Noadiah 
 
6l2 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Marshall, Clement 
 Marshall, Isaac 
 Marshall, Thomas 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer 
 May- William 
 Moody, Eldad 
 Moody, Elisha 
 Moody, Joel 
 Moody, Lemuel 
 Moody, Medad 
 Moore, Gideon 
 Morton. Thomas 
 
 Nash, Abner 
 Nash, Amos 
 Nash, Joseph 
 Nash, Levi 
 
 Parker, Eli 
 Peck, Nathaniel 
 
 Peck, Simeon 
 Peck, Simeon (2) 
 Perkins, Nathan 
 Perkins, Nathan (2) 
 Pettis, Joseph 
 Pomeroy, Simeon 
 Prutt, Caesar 
 
 Rice, Adam 
 Rice, William 
 Robbins, Joseph 
 Rolf, Benjamin 
 Rolf, En os 
 Rood, Ezra 
 Root, Lemuel 
 
 Smith, Chiliab 
 Smith, Elias 
 Smith, Levi 
 
 Smith, Martin 
 Smith, Noah 
 Smith, Reuben 
 Smith, Simeon 
 Smith, Stephen 
 Smith, Timothy 
 
 Waite, Richard 
 Warner. Elisha 
 Warner, Jacob 
 Warner, Jonathan 
 Warner, Josiah 
 Warner, Reuben 
 Williams, Ambrose 
 Williams, Justus 
 Woods, Firmin 
 Wright, Silas 
 
 Yale. Nathaniel 
 
 Adams. David 
 Alden, Elijah 
 Aldrich, Joseph 
 Allen. Jonathan 
 Anions, Robert 
 
 Barnes, James 
 Bartlett, Aaron 
 Belding, Jonathan 
 Benjamin, Daniel 
 Bigelow, Noah 
 Billing's, Ethan 
 Bishop, Reuben 
 Blackmail, David 
 Briggs, Oliver 
 Briggs, Preserved 
 Brown, Robert 
 Brown, Samuel 
 Burns, John 
 
 Chandler, Henry 
 Clark. Lemuel 
 Cody, Jeremiah 
 Cole. Adonijah 
 Cole, Hezekiah 
 Cole, Israel 
 Cole, John 
 
 Coleman, Lewis 
 Conant, Lemuel 
 Cook, Enos 
 Cook, Samuel 
 
 Coy. Willis 
 Crary, Roger 
 
 Darby, Daniel 
 Darby, William 
 Dike, Adam 
 Dunton, Thomas 
 Dyer, Henry 
 
 Ewing, William 
 
 Field, Zechariah 
 
 Gaylord, Eliphalet 
 Gilbert, Thaddeus 
 Goodale, Joseph 
 Gould, Daniel 
 Gould, David 
 Gould, Edmund 
 Gould, Edward 
 Gould, Isaac 
 Gould, Josiah B. 
 Gould, Samuel (2) 
 
 Harper, Samuel 
 Hastings, Oliver 
 Heart, Isaac 
 Hills, Stephen 
 
 Ingraham, Elijah 
 Ingraham, Jonathan 
 Ingram, Timothy 
 
 Kellogg, Enos 
 Kellogg, Moses 
 Kibbee, John 
 Kief, Michael 
 Kimball, Joseph 
 
 Lane, Asaph 
 Lane, Daniel 
 Lampson, Jeremiah 
 Leach, Benjamin 
 Lee, Silas 
 Leonard, Archelas 
 Leonard, David 
 Lord, David 
 
 McClench. Joseph 
 McGrath, Daniel 
 Moody, Matthew 
 
OLD DOCUMENTS. 
 
 6l 3 
 
 Moore, Hezekiah 
 Moore, William 
 Morton, Simeon 
 
 Nash, Enos 
 Nichols, John 
 
 Pettis, David 
 Pettis, Ebenezer 
 Pomeroy, Ebenezer 
 Prince, Daniel 
 Putnam, Jepthah 
 
 Rolf, Daniel 
 
 Sanglere, John 
 Shay, James 
 Smith, Aaron 
 Smith, Amasa 
 Smith, Caleb 
 Smith, Nathan 
 Smith, Timothy (2) 
 Squier, Daniel 
 Squier. Thomas 
 St. Clair, John 
 
 Thayer, Enoch 
 
 Warner, Eleazer 
 Warner, Elihu 
 Warner, Sewal 
 
 Weston, 
 
 Williams, Thomas 
 Woodbury, John 
 Workman, John 
 Wright, Carmi 
 
 Young, Joseph 
 
 Appendix F. 
 
 OLD MANUSCRIPTS. 
 
 From the large number of ancient documents that have been submitted to the 
 publishers two are here printed as of special interest and value. The first contains 
 a vote passed at town-meeting in 1S09, showing the temper of the inhabitants of 
 Amherst in the days immediately preceding the war of 18 12, the second gives a 
 graphic account of the burning of a small-pox hospital, one of the first established 
 in this section. 
 
 TOWN VOTE IN 1S09. 
 
 At a legal Town meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town 
 of Amherst, holden on the 30 day of January 1809, for the purpose of considering 
 the alarming state of the country, the following resolves were passed: viz. 
 
 Whereas it is the right as well as the duty of citizens peaceably to assemble, and 
 express their opinion of public men and public measures; as well as petition the 
 government for redress of grievances, while they suffer : 
 
 And whereas the exercise of this right and this duty become all important. 
 At this awful crisis of our public concerns, when grievous and embarrassing 
 restraints are laid upon our commerce; when we are forbidden the use of the 
 ocean, that great highway of nations, which we have inherited from our Fathers, 
 and which the God of Nature hath given us, in common with others of mankind. 
 
 When the natural and lawful traffic among ourselves is, under the sanction of 
 law, shackled in almost every possible manner: when in consequence thereof, dis- 
 tress and embarrassment are felt by every class in the community, and many 
 
614 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 thousands of our valuable citizens thrown out of employment, and themselves, 
 their wives, and children, thereby reduced to want and beggary : When we are 
 threatened as a nation, with hostility from abroad, and with a military despotism 
 from within; In fine, when one universal ruin threatens to swallow up the rights 
 liberties and independence of our country, the dearest birthright inherited from 
 our ancestors, and the choicest blessings which the God of Nature hath been 
 pleased to bestow upon us. 
 
 We the people of this town, feeling a deep and solemn sense of the calamities 
 and disastrous situation, into which these United States are plunged; and the 
 duty lying upon us and all good citizens, to rally round the Constitution of our 
 country, and bear public testimony to our rights; and our abhorrence of all such 
 whether in or out of power, who dare to invade them, do hereby resolve : 
 
 i. That we are firmly and inviolably attached to the constitution of the 
 United States, and to that charter of our liberties, under God, and a faithful 
 adherence to its principles, under the administrations of Washington and 
 Adams, do we ascribe our unexampled prosperity, as a nation, during the first 
 twelve years of its existence. 
 
 2. That in all countries, a distinction ought to be made between the govern- 
 ment and the administration of the government. The constitution of govern- 
 ment may be pure, and the administration corrupt. And in our own country, 
 while we admire our national constitution, and the republican principles contained 
 therein, as explained and illustrated by the administration of a WASHINGTON; 
 we are constrained to believe, and with sorrow to express this belief, that the 
 measures pursued by our present administration, for these eight years, have an 
 anti-republican tendency, and are contrary to the spirit and genius of our excellent 
 constitution. Eight years ago, we were respected abroad, we were happy at 
 home, at peace with ourselves, and with all the world ; we were engaged in a: lucra- 
 tive commerce, our treasury and our storehouses were full, and we were strangers 
 to the cries of want. But through the unskilfulness of our present administra- 
 tion, as a nation, we are despised abroad, among foreign nations ; we are in distress 
 at home : we are in a state of warfare among ourselves, and with all the world. 
 Our commerce is destroyed, our treasury and our pockets are empty; and our 
 poverty continually increasing upon us. 
 
 3. That the reason assigned by the government for passing the catalogue of 
 Embargo Laws, are in our estimation totally insufficient for a measure, so doubt- 
 ful in principle, and so ruinous in its consequences to the people of these United 
 States. 
 
 4. That whatever reasons might have existed, at the commencement of the 
 Embargo system, they must now be done away, as the prohibitions thereby laid on 
 our commerce are known to be pleasing to France and harmless towards Great 
 Britain, and to generate evils for the people of these United States, incalculably 
 greater than for any nation on earth, and that therefore, a continuance of the 
 Embargo, by the administration, is a wanton sacrifice of the interests of the 
 people, and an abandonment of the principles of the Constitution. 
 
 5. That the rights and privileges guaranteed to us by our national and state 
 constitutions and bill of rights, are essential to the security of freedom, and that 
 any laws annulling or infringing those important immunities, is contrary to the 
 Constitution; and not obligatory upon the citizen. And that therefore, the late 
 act of Congress making further provision for enforcing the embargo, strikes at the 
 
OLD DOCUMENTS. 615 
 
 root of civil liberty, and is a gross and violent outrage of the most essential pro- 
 vision of the Constitution, and the rights of the people. 
 
 6. That we view with alarm, the increase of the standing army of the United 
 States and the numerous detachments from the militia, as we can see no reason 
 therefor, unless it be, to enforce obedience to a wicked and obnoxious law. at the 
 point of the bayonet. 
 
 7. That we view with deepest concern, the obstinate determination of the 
 administration, to persist in a measure once adopted against the prayers and 
 remonstrances of a large portion of their constituents, and we believe against the 
 true interests of our country. Most of all do we deplore that cool and deliberate 
 tyranny, which at present pervades our public councils, and which, unless arrested, 
 by the genius of New England, will inevitably lead to a more confirmed despotism, 
 or to a division of these United States. 
 
 8. And that we will use all constitutional measures to procure redress of the 
 evils and calamities which we in common with our fellow citizens of the United 
 States suffer, and inasmuch as our former petitions to the President of the United 
 States have been unattended to, we will confide in the wisdom and patriotism of 
 the Legislature of our own state, to devise such methods, as they may deem con- 
 sistent with the Constitution, to restore the sinking interests and honor of our 
 common country. 
 
 Samuel Gamwell, Moderator. 
 Attest Sam. F. Dickinson, Town Clerk. 
 
 THE PROCEEDINGS OF BURNING THE HOSPITAL. 
 
 Hadley November the 7 1776 on thursday the 7 day of November Sun about 
 one hour high at night there came to us as we were In the hospital of Doct Col- 
 mans erecting three men who were said by those who knew them that they were 
 
 Paterson and Cofrin of Pelham and toon of Amherst and orderd 
 
 us to leave the hospital and go of or we must take the fate of staying we told them 
 that we should Not leave the house for we came In by order and we meant to 
 Stay they told us that the house should not stand one hour and half and went away 
 and In the fore part of the evening of the above mentiond day there came the 
 above mentined Paterson and asked If we did not Intend to go of and leave the 
 house we told him we did not there Immediately apeard a larg body of men I 
 Judge Not less than forty and cried out fire It Some Says not yet but within two 
 or three minutes there was a general voice fire Immediately upon that Reuben 
 Dickinson Junr Benjamin Buckman and Samuel Buckman run Into the house and 
 took fire from the herth and put It Into a slawbunk and knoct the slawbunk to 
 peices and put on the fire In the slaw bunk and gatherd other fuel and put to the 
 fire and knoct the windows to peices and soon got the house all In aflame besides 
 the above mentioned Names I saw In the Body Noah Dickinson Noadiah Luis 
 James hendrick all of Amherst a true account of the Proceedings of this Burning 
 fiveteen of us out of our house who were under Enoculation according to my 
 observation. 
 
 Nathaniel White. 
 
Index of Part I 
 
 Abbe, Mason 79. 609 
 Abby, Samuel 204 
 Abbott, Daniel 95, 611 
 Abbott, J S C 466 
 Abbott, Jacob 170, 599 
 Abbott, Nathaniel 84 
 Abbott, Widow, 600 
 Abercrombie, Isaac 277,430 
 Abercrombie. Robert 189 
 Adam, M T 201 
 Adams, Abner 20, 63, 85, 
 
 113, 599. 600, 605 
 Adams, Allen J 440 
 Adams, Asa 22, 289, 352 
 Adams, Charles 273, 280, 
 
 290, 311, 312, 318, 331, 
 
 338,362,368,449,584,585, 
 
 605 
 Adams, Charles B 177. 1S0, 
 
 490,519.527 
 Adams. Charles D 26S, 412. 
 
 582 
 Adams, David 83. 612 
 Adams, Edward H 519 
 Adams, Elizabeth C 154 
 Adams, Geo E 201 
 Adams, Mrs H H 254 
 Adams, Henry 473 
 Adams, Mrs Henry 523 
 Adams, Herbert B68, 351, 
 
 412 
 Adams, Isaiah 599, 600 
 Adams. J G 356 
 Adams, John 59, 74, 605 
 Adams, John S 154. 290, 
 
 305. 310. 312, 315. 316. 
 
 33i»337,338» 3S7.S76, 587. 
 588, 605 
 
 Adams, J S & C 193. 305. 
 
 339- 34i, 342, 346, 347, 
 
 3 6 7, 449 
 Adams, Louisa 191 
 Adams, Nathan 443 
 Adams. Nathaniel D 582 
 Adams, Rufus 265 
 Adams, Sylvester H 490, 
 
 5i4, 520" 
 Adams, Thomas, 94. 133. 
 
 605, 611 
 
 Adams, William 463 
 Agassiz, Louis 554, 555 
 Agawam 3 
 
 Ainsworth, Forester 414 
 Ainsworth, Forester P 334, 
 
 336,351 
 Aitcheson, John S 494 
 Albee, Charles I 516, 520 
 Albee, Earl 3S6 
 Albee. John E 387 
 Aid en, Elijah So, 612 
 Alden, F E 327 
 Aldrich, C C 320 
 Aldrich, C P 387 
 Aldrich, Joseph S^, 92, 612 
 Aldrich, S N 326 
 Alexander 6 
 Alexander, C L 304 
 Alexander, Hannah 25 
 Alexander. Nathaniel 25 
 Allen, Amasa 80, 83, 133, 
 
 605, 61 1 
 Allen. 1) W 40>j. 437, 450, 
 
 496 
 Allen. Benjamin 300. 3S8 
 Allen, Benjamin P491. 516 
 
 520 
 Allen, B F 297 
 Allen, Mrs E H 254 
 Allen, Edward 600 
 Allen, Hiram H 334. 337 
 Allen. Henry F 247, 352 
 
 456 
 Allen, Jonathan 93, 612 
 Allen. L H 297. 411. 413 
 Allen, Lewis W 251 
 Allen, M A 450, 452, 496, 
 
 585 
 Allen, Paul 357 
 Allen, Phineas 113, 605 
 Allen, Rufus 152 
 Allen, Samuel 605 
 Allen, Timothy 349 
 Allis. Elijah 470 
 Allis, John 20. 598 
 Almy, Eliza 188 
 Alvord, Aaron 85, 61 1 
 Alvord. Henry E 552, 555, 
 
 563 
 
 Alvord. Moses 84 
 
 Ames, J T 549 
 
 Amherst Academy 143-160, 
 
 162-164, 1S0, 181. 186, 187. 
 
 1S9, 192, 194, 196, 197, 
 
 260, 262, 271, 273, 278, 
 
 357-558 
 Amherst & Belchertown 
 
 R R 193, 195, 197, 314- 
 
 3i8, 383 
 Amherst College 58, 141, 
 
 144, I47-H9. J 53. 155-182, 
 186-196, 198, 200, 204, 206- 
 212, 225-227,231-235,271, 
 272, 274, 275, 304, 333, 
 341, 346, 352-354, 524- 
 531, 533. 538. 539- 542, 
 547,558,559, 56r 
 Amherst, Jeffery 6S-73 
 Anions, Robert. 95. 612 
 Anderson, E 237 
 Anderson, William 5 13.520 
 Andrews, Benjamin 391 
 Andrew, John A 474, 475, 
 
 536o37-539,544,558 
 Andrews, Salvader 239.585 
 Appleton, Samuel 177 
 Arms, G W 469 
 Arthur, Louis A 247 
 Ashley, Joseph 1 10 
 Atherton, Jonathan 18, 59 
 Atkins, G E 414 
 Atkins, Edward 440 
 Atkinson, Edward 320 
 Austin, L 236 
 Ayres, Amos 85, 113. 600. 
 
 609. 6 r 1 
 Ayres, Josiah 349,471,578. 
 
 584, 585 
 Ayres, Matilda 576 
 
 Backus, Simon 1 10 
 Bacon, Andrew 4 
 Bacon, Henry S 387 
 Baggs, John 335,384 
 Bailey. Winthrop 145 
 Baker, Alfred 279, 280, 362, 
 
 376. 53S. 576. 5°4- 585 
 Baker, Asahel 504, 520 
 
6i8 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Baker, Catherine W 437 
 Baker, Charles K 4S0. 490, 
 
 505, 520 
 Baker, Dorothy 150 
 Baker. E J 426, 427 
 Baker, Elijah 20,28,55,63, 
 
 80, 83. 92, 107, i2i, 573, 
 
 5S5, 588, 598, 600, 605, 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Baker, Elisha 85 
 Baker, Enos 28. 145, 159, 
 
 193,207.277,575.585,609 
 Baker, Mrs Enos 76 
 Baker, Ezra 490, 505, 520 
 Baker, Hannah 28 
 Baker, Isaac 609 
 Baker, J A 247 379, 471, 
 
 509, 520 
 Baker, Joanna 150 
 Baker. John 28, 605 
 Baker, Martha 28 
 Baker, Martin 28, 35 S, 404. 
 
 573. 5 8 4, 5 8 5. 605, 609 
 Baker, Noah 18, 605 
 Baker, Osmyn 55, 150, 190, 
 
 191, 193. 194, 335- 336, 
 
 340, 35 8 - 375- 376, 402, 
 
 453- 579. 5 8 4, 5 8 S, 605 
 Baker, Sarah 28. 29 
 Baker, Simeon 600 
 Baker. William L 194 
 Ball, Albert W 355, 393 
 Ball, Edwin W 516. 520 
 Ball. Henry C4S5, 490,513, 
 
 520 
 Ball. John I) 512. 520 
 Ball, Loren 384, 413 
 Ball, Eurintha 578 
 Ball, Mason. 236, 237 
 Ball. Nelson O 480. 488, 
 
 490, 501, 512. 520 
 Ball, Silas 393, 471 
 Ballard. Jeremiah 84 
 Ballentine, William G 43 
 Ballou. Amariah 609 
 Ballon, Hiram 244 
 Bangs, Azubah D 150 
 Bangs, Charles H 302 
 Bangs, D K 539 
 Bangs, E U 332, 336, 419, 
 
 424, 587, 588 
 Banes, Enoch 609 
 Bangs, O C 302 
 Bangs, Win F 449 
 Banister, D K 243 
 Banister, Marchia 150 
 Bardwell, Alonzo 312 
 Bardwell, A F 365 
 Bardwell, Mrs A M 306 
 Bardwell, H J 297,505,520 
 Barnard, Alvan 265 
 Barnard, Francis 156 
 
 Barnard, Samuel 13, 15 
 
 Barnard, Selah 63 
 
 Barnard, Wm 444 
 
 Barnes, James 83, 92. 612 
 
 Barnum, H N 52S 
 
 Barrett. Benjamin 525 
 
 Barrett, Catherine 27 
 
 Barrett, Rachel 457 
 
 Barrows. Ash lev W 490, 
 505,520 
 
 Barrows, W 450 
 
 Barrows, William Jr 548 
 
 Barry, M E 250 
 
 Bartlett, Aaron 94, 95, 612 
 
 Bartlett, D J 450 
 
 Bartlett. Dwight 385 
 
 Bartlett, Edward 513, 520 
 
 Bartlett, Joab 3S5 
 
 Bartlett, Joseph F 512, 520 
 
 Bartlett, Lewis A 510, 520 
 
 Bartlett, Milo A 490, 510, 
 520 
 
 Barton, Austin 4S0, 490, 
 501, 514, 520 
 
 Barton, Charles H 480, 4S8, 
 490, 505, 520 
 
 Barton, George H 510, 520 
 
 Barton, Morrison 490, 516, 
 520 
 
 Barton. \\ alter 220 
 
 Bascom, Francis 149 
 
 Bascom, Moses 19 
 
 Bascom. Thomas 20, 58, 
 80, 106, 600, 61 1 
 
 Bassett, Andrew L 548, 554 
 
 Bassett, Austin B 561, 562 
 
 Bassett. W G 440 
 
 Bassett, Wyett M 379 
 
 Bates, Samuel P 151 
 
 Beaman, Mina D ^S3- 595 
 
 Beaman, Warren H 256, 
 258 
 
 Beebe, N S 382 
 
 Beecher, Henrv Ward 271, 
 528 
 
 Beecher, Lyman 272 
 
 Beecher. Sarah 184 
 
 Beers, Capt 6, 7 
 
 Begley, John 43S 
 
 Belchertown, 10. 14. 15, 17, 
 47,62.77,84, 112, 114, 159, 
 160, 198, 216, 225, 236, 
 244, 258, 279, 280, 284, 
 315-317, 321, 322, 325, 
 328, 331, 332, 335, 376, 
 378, 386, 387, 388. 411. 
 431,453,460,530,572.575 
 
 Belden, John 57 
 
 Belden, Joseph 28 
 
 Belden. Mary 28 
 
 Belden, Aaron 577 
 
 Belden, Pomeroy 210. 357 
 
 Belden, Rufus 577 
 Belding. Abigail 29 
 Belding, Elihu 29, 609 
 Belding, Elizabeth 29 
 Belding, Hepzibah 29 
 Belding, Hezekiah 20. 21. 
 
 28. 61, 86, 106, 1 13. 1 14, 
 182, 183. 598, 600, 605, 
 609, 61 1 
 
 Belding, John 29, 95, 605. 
 
 611 
 Belding, Jonathan 94, 605, 
 
 612 
 Belding, Martha 29 
 Belding, Mary 29 
 Belding. Mehitable 25 
 Belding. Samuel 26, 28. 
 
 605 
 Belding. Samuel Jr 13 
 Belding, Stephen 13, 28 
 Belding. Submit 29 
 Bell, Frederick R 48S, 490 r 
 
 498. 508, 520 
 Bell, George H 379, 395, 
 
 510, 548 
 Bement, J E 473 
 Bemis Heights 85, 90, 98 
 Benjamin, Daniel 85, 612 
 Bennett, C F 366 
 Bennett, S J 331 
 Bennington, 85 
 Bent, Josiah 153, 201, 256 
 Bentley. Bradford 360 
 Benton, Clara 575 
 Beston, Dennis 508, 520 
 Beston, John Jr 293. 490, 
 
 49S, 508, 520 
 Beston, Patrick 48S. 490. 
 
 508, 520 
 Bevins, William 242 
 Bigelow, Frank B 255 
 Bigelow, Noah 92, 612 
 Bigelow, O F 470 
 Billings, Aaron 29, 1 13, 133, 
 
 190. 370, 371, 605, 609 
 Billings, Ame 29 
 Billings, David 29, 133 
 Billing, Ebenezer 13 
 Billings, Elizabeth R 577 
 Billings, Ethan 81, 612 
 Billings, Frederick 529 
 Billings, Hannah 29 
 Billings, Israel 426 
 Billings, James 242 
 Billings, Jerusha 29 
 Billings, Joel 21, 29, 8o, 
 
 106, 123, 127, 133, 385. 
 
 585, 600, 605, 61 1 
 Billings, Joel Jr 133 
 Billings, John 20, 21, 28, 
 
 29. 31, 46. 63. 74, So, 81, 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 619. 
 
 87, 97, 106, 113, I 14, 121, 
 
 126. I37, 182-184, 5S4, 
 
 585, 588. 599. 600, 605, 
 609, 6l I 
 
 Billings, John Jr 83, 61 1 
 Billings, Joseph 63 
 Billings, Lois 29 
 Billings. Lucy 190 
 Billings. Martha 29 
 Billings, Moses 29 
 Billings, Prudence 28 
 Billings, Richard 29 
 Billings, Sarah 29 
 Billings, Silas 83, 95, 125, 
 
 611 
 Billings, Ursula 29. 184 
 Birnie, William 424 
 Bishop, Reuben 80, 612 
 Bissell, Asahel 609 
 Bissell, Amy 24 
 Bixbee. Dolly 150 
 Bixbee. Rufus 609 
 Bixby, Maria 574 
 Blackmail. David 94. 612 
 Blair. Charles 296, 297 
 Blair, Joseph 460, 609 
 Blanchard, L R 357 
 Blanchard. Loren 299 
 Bliss, Ebenezer 47, 349 
 Bliss, Edwin E 153 
 Bliss, George 335 
 Bliss. George L 499 
 Bliss, Homer 344 
 Bliss. Wm L 510, 520 
 Blodgett. Asahel 609 
 Blodgett. David 20-22, 60, 
 
 63, 80. 84-86, 89, 106. 133. 
 
 598, 600, 605, 609. 61 1 
 Blodgett, David Jr 113 
 Blodgett, Jerusha 99 
 Blodgett, Minerva 577 
 Bloody Brook 7 
 Blynn, Joseph 449 
 Bogue, Elisha 240 
 Boice. Sanford 136 
 Boles, Joseph 600 
 Bolio. Cephas B 490, 517, 
 
 520 
 Bolio. Charles C 505, 520 
 Bolio, Levi M 488, 490, 
 
 495, 505- 520 
 Bolles, Joseph 106 
 Bolster. Frank E 505,520 
 Bolter. E G 251 
 Boltwood, Abigail 25 
 Boltwood. Charles S 190 
 Boltwood, Charles U 190 
 Boltwood. Ebenezer 25. 58, 
 
 87, S9, 93, 101. 102, 134, 
 
 '44- 336- 572, 585, 588, 
 
 600, 605, 609, 61 1 
 Boltwood, Edmund379.4.So, 
 
 490. 494, 504, 520, 523 
 Boltwood, Edward 190 
 Boltwood. Eleazer 125 
 Boltwood, Elijah 145, 159, 
 
 185, 18S, 205, 263, 277. 
 
 312, 336. 358. 372. 374. 
 
 3S1, 382. 404, 471. 584, 
 
 585, 605, 609 
 Boltwood. Elisha 609 
 Boltwood. Fanny S 190 
 Boltwood, George S 190 
 Boltwood, Harriet 150 
 Boltwood. Hannah 25, 36, 
 
 102 
 Boltwood, Jemima 25 
 Boltwood. John 87. 89, 94, 
 
 95,611 
 Boltwood. Lucius 1 51-154, 
 
 1S0, 190, 253, 273, 330. 
 
 335, 33 6 , 393- 448. 47°. 
 
 588, 605 
 Boltwood, Mrs Lucius 425 
 Boltwood, Lucius M 190. 
 
 '92. 333: 453 
 Boltwood. Lydia 25 
 Boltwood, Martha 25,36 
 Boltwood. Mary. 25. 36 
 Boltwood, Robert 25. 97 
 Boltwood. Ruth 25, 36 
 Boltwood, Samuel 13, 17. 
 25, 29, 34, 40, 87, 89, 102, 
 125, 188, 190. 3S2. 600, 
 605 
 Boltwood. Sarah 25 
 Boltwood, Solomon 15, 18, 
 25. 40, 46, 49. 50. 55'. 58, 
 61. 62. 75. 82. 95. 1 01, 102. 
 107, 125, 141, 3 S '< 572. 
 585, 598. 600. 605, 609, 
 611 
 Boltwood, Solomon Jr 10 
 Boltwood, Thomas K 190 
 Boltwood, William 9, 20. 
 21. 25, 55. 61, 62. 82. 101. 
 102, 106. 190, 263, 598. 
 600, 605, 609 
 Bond, Solomon 3S4. 609 
 Bond, W r illiam 316 
 Boston, 4. 25, 31. 33.48. 56, 
 64, 75^ 77, 79- 87.100,101, 
 102. 123. 133. 135, 136, 
 140. 142-144. 169, 185, 188. 
 189, 231. 232. 236, 246, 
 248.288.305-307,309.312, 
 314, 316, 321, 323-327, 
 
 332, 336, 339.373-375. 377. 
 
 386, 387, 434, 438. 456. 
 
 459, 466, 474-477, 479, 
 
 528,551,560 
 Bowdoin, E G 310, 312, 337 
 Bowdoin, William 312 
 Bowers, Charles G 436 
 
 J Bowman, Henry 488. 490. 
 
 5i3-52o 
 Bowman, James 480. 490, 
 
 505.520 
 Bowman. Truman 510, 521 
 Bowman, William 609 
 Boyd, H W221 
 Boyden. James W 280, 313,. 
 
 335- 337- 376. 377- 379, 
 408,453,579, 587, 5S8 
 Boyden. Wyatt C 579 
 Boynton, Charles P 519 
 Boynton, H enry E 488. 490. 
 
 516,521 
 Bradford, \\ illiam 197 
 Bragg. S A 245 
 Brattle, William 66 
 Branch. C F 470 
 Breck. Robert no, 11 1 
 Breed, Walter M 248 
 Brennan. Francis 250 
 Brewer, Stephen 308 
 Brewster, John H 344 
 Bridgman, Augustus 216 
 Bridgman, Calvin 330, 331 
 Bridgman, E 357 
 Bridgman. E S 356, 357 
 Bridgman. Erastus S 391, 
 
 465 
 Bridgman. H P 413, 414 
 Bridgman, Harriet 578 
 Bridgman, J G 356 
 Bridgman, Jonathan 216, 
 
 349- 385- 579- 585, 605 
 Bridgman. R B 219, 579 
 Bridgman, Solon H 438 
 Bridgman. Theodore 385 
 Bridgman. Victor H 560 
 Brigham, Francis 320, 322 
 Briggs, Oliver 93, 94. 612 
 Briggs, Preserved 83. 612 
 Brooks, John 598 
 Brookfield, 6, n. 12. 46, 
 
 75- 112 
 Brooks. \\ illiam P ^57. 
 
 564, 565 
 Brown, A H 306 
 Brown. Amariah L 483 
 Brown. J B 414 
 Brown. Joseph 315 
 Brown. Perez R 511, 521 
 Brown, Robert 81. 388. 612 
 Brown, Samuel 86. 612 
 Drown. William 73 
 Bruce, C C 22 1 
 Brush, A L 254 
 Bryant. Horatio 152 
 Bryant, James W 519, 521 
 Bucklin, Julia 579 
 Bucknam, Benjamin 63.80. 
 
 84, 86, 93. 611. 615 
 Bucknam, 1'eletiah. 63 
 
620 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Buckman, Samuel 79, So, 
 
 "83. 92, 61 1, 615 
 Buel, A P 238 
 Buffum, Emma 275 
 Buffum, Miss V W 275 
 Buffum, Thomas H 549 
 Bullard, Amos Jr 152 
 Bullman, W F 369 
 Bunker Hill 81, 98 
 Burchit, John 84 
 Burgess, Ebenezer 149,152 
 Burke, Samuel H 518. 521 
 Burnett, G B 293 
 Burnett, Jonathan 84 
 Burnham, George 246,247, 
 
 295, 301, 302, 436 
 Burnham, John 462 
 Burnham, Sylvester 23S 
 Burns, John 81, 712 
 Burns, William 520 
 Burroughs, George S 232 
 Burt, Henry 584 
 Burt, Huldah 28 
 Burt, Joshua 84 
 Burt, Thomas 28 
 Bush, John 84 
 Bussev, Benjamin 536 
 Butterfield, Nathaniel 84 
 Butler, Abel A 449 
 Butler, Jonathan H 308 
 
 Cadwell, F A 431 
 Calhoun, William B 176, 
 
 274 
 Cannon, Owen 513, 521 
 Carley, Peter 600 
 Carpenter, Addison 438 
 Carpenter, E W 346, 472 
 Carpenter. Malcolm A 252 
 Carpenter, Richard 609 
 Carter, Nathaniel 576 
 Carter, Samuel C 318, 331, 
 333. 337-341, 346 ; 352, 
 354, 39°, 455, 485, 486, 
 49 2 , 576, 578, 584, 587, 
 5 88 
 Cary, W H 548 
 Casey, M F 54S 
 Casson, Henry 518,521 
 Caswell, William B 303 
 Cate, H J 352, 353, 368 
 Cates, Albert 490, 495.505. 
 
 521 
 Caulkings. Elizabeth 579 
 Chadbourne, Paul A 545, 
 
 547, 5 6 °, 56i, 562 
 Challiner, William 520 
 Chamberlain, A Juliette 
 
 154 
 
 Chamberlain. G M 251, 
 
 252, 366, 367 
 Chamberlain, Mrs G M 255 
 
 Champlin, Jason 488, 490, 
 
 502.515,521 
 Chandler, Aaron M 263, 
 
 585 
 Chandler, Henry 93, 612 
 Chandler, Henry 85, 86 
 Chandler, John 51,415 
 Chapin, Alanson 439 
 Chapin,Mrs Chester W529 
 Chapin, Franklin P 211, 
 
 213 
 Chapin, Horace B 216, 217, 
 
 221,256 
 Chapin, Philo 320 
 Chapin, Samuel 1, 5 
 Chapin, Silvanus 84 
 Chase, Lorenzo 383, 384 
 Chauncey, Abigail 26 
 Chauncey, Catharine 26 
 Chauncey, Charles 18, 26, 
 
 63, 101, 605 
 Chauncey, David 26 
 Chauncey, Dorothy 26 
 Chauncev, Elizabeth 26. 
 
 36 
 Chauncey, Elizabeth B 26 
 Chauncey, Eunice 26 
 Chauncey, Isaac 26,82, 96, 
 
 97, 101 
 Chauncey, Israel 599 
 Chauncey, Jerusha 26 
 Chauncey, Josiah 20, 26, 
 
 53, 55,5 s ,59,6o, 62. 63, 
 
 81, 82, 87, 89,96, 101, 102, 
 
 106, 107, 138, 585, 587, 
 
 588,598, 600,605 
 Chauncey, Medad 26 
 Chauncey, Mary 26 
 Chauncey, .Moses 26 
 Chauncey, Oliver 26 
 Chauncey, Rev Mr 31, 32 
 Chauncey, Richard 17, 26, 
 
 36. 46,59, 1 01, 59S, 605 
 Chauncey, Samuel 26 
 Chauncey, Sarah 26 
 Chays, James 600 
 Chickwallop 1, 2, 3 
 Child. J B 238 
 Childs. Hannah 23 
 Childs, Samuel 23 
 Church, Aaron 150 
 Church, Abigail 26 
 Church, Benjamin 26, 605 
 Church, Daniel 26,85,600, 
 
 611 
 Church, David 26 
 Church, Eber 26 
 Church, Edward 13, 15 
 Church, Edwin P 439 
 Church, Elihu S 394 
 Church, Elijah 609 
 Church, Eunice 26 
 
 Church, Experience 26 
 Church, Giles 26, 80, 85, 
 
 113, 114- 133, 349, 600. 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Church, Jesse 26 
 Church. John 349 
 Church, Jonathan 26 
 Church, Joseph 13, 19, 26, 
 
 43. 87, 94, 107. 572, 585, 
 
 588, 598, 600, 606, 609, 
 
 611 
 Church, Joseph Jr 145, 159, 
 
 609 
 Church, Josiah 13 
 Church, Malachi 26 
 Church. Margaret 26 
 Church, Mary 26 
 Church, Moses 150 
 Church, Nathaniel 17, 26, 
 
 3°, 33, 3 6 , 5 [ - 58, 605 
 Church, Nathaniel Jr 9,61, 
 
 62 
 Church, Rachel 26 
 Church, Richard 9 
 Church, Ruth 26 
 Church, Sally 574 
 Church, Samuel 13, iS, 19, 
 
 26, 54, 63, 81. 470, 572, 
 
 599, 600, 61 1 
 Church, Sarah 26 
 Church, Spencer Jr 484, 
 
 490, 491,511, 521 
 Church, Sylvanus 26, 145 
 Church, Thankful 26 
 Church, Timothy 26 
 Church, William H 26 
 Clapp, Charles 136 
 Clanin, William 555 
 Clapp, Charles 379. 510, 
 
 521 
 Clapp, Charles D 297 
 Clapp, Henry W 308 
 Clapp, Irene 27 
 Clapp. Lucy 24, 27 
 Clapp, Mary 27 
 Clapp, Miriam 27 
 Clapp, Oliver 19, 27, 57, 
 
 80, 113, 114, 133- !3 6 , '94- 
 
 303, 374, 460, 600, 606, 
 
 609, 611 
 Clapp. Oliver Jr 609 
 Clapp, Oliver M 190, 194, 
 
 298, 306, 375, 443, 444, 
 
 606 
 Clapp, Preserved iS. 19, 
 
 20, 24, 27, 62, 136. 182, 
 
 606 
 Clapp & Rust 298, 443,445 
 Clapp, Sarah 27, 59S 
 Clapp, Timothy 27, 106. 
 
 600 
 Clapp, William 27, 133,600 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 621 
 
 Clapp. Winthrop 227 
 Clapp, Zenas 149 
 Clark, Achsah 150 
 Clark, Albert 423 
 Clark, Asahel 28, 133 
 Clark, Atherton 547 
 Clark, Daniel A 148, 160, 
 
 186, 199. 200. 205, 224, 
 
 253, 256, 339, 389 
 Clark, E L 217 
 Clark, E W 450 
 Clark. Elijah 145. 349, 374, 
 
 606 
 Clark, Eunice 28, 1S8 
 Clark, Harriet E 154 
 Clark. Harriet S 547 
 Clark, Henry James 555 
 Clark, Increase 28 
 Clark. J M 243 
 Clark, Jerusha 28 
 Clark. John 26 
 Clark, Joseph S 253 
 Clark. Judah 28, 84. 101, 
 
 349, 606, 609 
 Clark, Justus 28. 609 
 Clark. Samuel 85, 612 
 Clark, Levi 28, Si, 600, 611 
 Clark, Lois 28 
 
 Clark, Lucy 197 
 
 Clark, Lucy C 198 
 
 Clark, Mary 28 
 
 Clark, Matthew 127 
 
 Clark, Myron D 518, 521 
 
 Clark, Sarah 26 
 
 Clark, Simeon 20, 21, 28, 
 31, 40. 55, 74, 106. 133, 
 190, 197, 198, 323, 337, 
 
 350, 357^ 360, 394< 402, 
 476, 585, 598, 600. 606, 
 609 
 
 Clark, Simeon Jr 585, 600 
 
 Clark, W S 275, 283, 284, 
 
 33 6 i 369- 405- 406, 416, 
 
 424, 445, 476. 477- 481, 
 
 487, 513, 521. 526, 527, 
 
 535, 539- 54o, 541. 542. 
 
 547, 548, 549, 550, 551. 
 
 553-559^ 584, 606 
 Clarke, John 308 
 Clary, Joseph 18, 36. 46, 
 
 56, 61, 62 
 Clary, Elisha 599 
 Clary. Sarah 36 
 Cleary, Joseph 598 
 Clement. Foster R 336 
 Clizbe, Jay 211 
 Clough, Benjamin 84 
 Clutia, Samuel P 306 
 Cobb. Henry 538, 539, 405 
 Cody, Jeremiah 85, 612 
 Coffin. Luke 79, 80, 84, 85, 
 
 94. 600, 61 1 
 
 Cogswell. William 99 
 Cole, Adonijah 84, 612 
 Cole, Hezekiah So, 600, 612 
 Cole, Israel 84, 612 
 Cole, John 84. 612 
 Cole, Stephen 21, 80. 113, 
 
 133, 600, 61 1 
 Coleman, Azubah 27, 572 
 Coleman, Enos 27, 80, 611 
 Coleman, Fanny 184 
 Coleman, Eliphalet 184 
 Coleman, John 27 
 Coleman, Lewis 94, 612 
 Coleman, Lyman 149, 151 
 Coleman, Nathaniel 18, 19, 
 
 -7, 43- 5°' 55' 58. 106,184, 
 
 585, 599, 600, 606 
 Coleman, Sarah 1S4 
 Coleman. Seth 19, 27, 60, 
 
 102, 107, 182, 1S4, 587, 
 
 5S8, 600, 606, 609, 615 
 Coleman, Seth Jr 349, 609 
 Coleman. Thankful 27, 184 
 Coleman, Thomas 27 
 Coleman, William 184 
 Coles, D S 244, 245 
 Coles. Mrs D S 395 
 Collins, Levi 289, 336 
 Colt, Henry 537 
 Colton. Aaron M 201, 256, 
 
 393' 394 
 'Colton, Alpheus 127, 134 
 Colton, Chauncey 271 
 Colton, Eli 20. 63, 598 
 Colton, Esther 28 
 Colton, James A 520 
 Colton, Joseph 278, 357, 
 
 377' 378,471 
 Colton, Simeon 149, 152, 
 
 253 
 Committee of Safety. 87. 
 
 8S, 89 
 Conant, C A 21 1. 352 
 Conant, Lemuel 95, 612 
 Coney, Ephraim 81 
 Coney, Oliver 95 
 Conkey, Benjamin F 516. 
 
 521 
 Conkey, Edward 336, 3S3 
 Conkey, Ithamar 153, 154, 
 
 185, 189, 212, 314. 315, 
 
 33^- 335' 336, 357. 394, 
 
 402, 443, 470, 471, 5S0, 
 587, 588, 606 
 
 Conkey. I F 246, 247, 283, 
 
 33^ 333- 335' 337- 357' 
 
 359> 360, 361, 376, 377. 
 
 378. 379' 382, 408, 409, 
 
 455- 47i, 476, 477- 481, 
 538, 580, 584, 5SS. 606 
 
 Conkey, John 64, 189 
 
 Conkey. Joshua 64 
 
 Conkey Tavern, 134, 135 
 Conkey. William 134. 135. 
 
 422 
 Continental Service, 81, 92, 
 
 93, 94, 95 
 Connors, John 50S, 521 
 Converse, Daniel 585 
 Cook, Aaron 13, 14, 27 
 Cook, Austin S 512, 521 
 Cook, Benjamin 0512,521 
 Cook, Capt 49 
 Cook, E F 247, 331, 368, 
 
 382, 387, 408, 409, 422. 
 
 424, 433 
 Cook, Enos 84, S5, 612 
 Cook, F D 472, 473 
 Cook, Homer A 343 
 Cook, Jane 27 
 Cook, James 3S5 
 Cook. Joanna 27 
 Cook, Joannah 2/ 
 Cook, Levy 125 
 Cook, Martin 125 
 Cook, Mary 27 
 Cook, Moses 13. 19. 27. 32, 
 
 55, 58, 81. 87.89, 106, 125, 
 
 i33' 182, 183. 584, 585, 
 
 598, 600, 606, 61 1 
 Cook, Moses Jr 600 
 Cook, Samuel 13, 84, 85, 
 
 90, 612 
 Cook, Westwood 13. 27 
 Cook, Westwood Jr 18, 19, 
 
 27, 606 
 Cook, Willard S 379, 508, 
 
 52! 
 
 Cooke, George 225, 226, 
 256, 266, 274, 305. 455. 
 476, 477, 481, 486 
 Cooke. George E 488. 490, 
 
 498, 508, 521 
 Cooke, Widow 13 
 Cooley, Charles 225, 355 
 Cooley, Daniel 57, 96, 1S2, 
 
 l8 5, 336, 349, 45 1' 584, 
 
 5S8, 606, 609 
 Cooley, Ebenezer 133 
 Cooley, George B485, 490, 
 
 5i9 
 Cooley, Henry M519 
 Cooley, Mercy 150 
 Cooley, Russell 383 
 Cooper, Charles W 470 
 Cooper, James I 336 
 Cornish, L W 472 
 Cotting, John B 179 
 Cotting, John R 339 
 Couch, O G 246. 247, 333. 
 
 352, 353, 364, 368 
 Cowls, Abia 24 
 Cowles, Almon E 351 
 Cowles, Chester 539 
 
<622 
 
 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Cowles, Clinton J 414 
 Cowles, Mrs D S 454 
 Cowls, David 24, 86, ri3, 
 
 600, 606, 609, 61 1 
 Cowles, Uavid Jr 609 
 Cowls, Eleazer 24, 600 
 Cowls, Eli 236 
 Cowls, Enos 24, 349, 609 
 Cowls, Hezekiah 83, 92 
 Cowles, H T 331, 472, 473 
 Cowls. Irene 150 
 Cowls, Israel 24 
 Cowles, J 355 
 Cowles, James 385 
 Cowls, Jerusha 24 
 Cowls, John 13 
 Cowles, John 17. 24, 35. 36, 
 
 40, 588, 606 
 Cowles, John Jr 19 
 Cowls, Jonathan 17, 21, 
 
 24, 25, *35, 36, 43, 54, 106, 
 
 225, 230, 303, 585, 588, 
 
 598, 600, 606 
 Cowls, Jonathan Jr 585 
 Cowles, Joseph 225, 609 
 Cowles, L D 409, 539 
 Cowls, Levi 609 
 Cowls, Martha 24 
 Cowls, Mary 24, 36 
 Cowles, Moses 253 
 Cowles, Myra 197 
 Cowls, Oliver 19, 21, 24, 
 
 62, 63, 133, 1S6, 598, 600, 
 
 606, 609 
 Cowls, Porter 150 
 Cowles, Ransom 355, 422, 
 
 465 
 Cowles, Reuben 21, 24, 80, 
 
 106, 133, 600, 609, 61 1 
 Cowls, Rufus 144, 145, 
 
 159, 185, 186, 207, 277, 
 
 448, 451, 469, 470, 585, 
 
 588, 606 
 Cowls, Sarah 24, 25, 36 
 Cowls, Simeon 24, 86, 113, 
 
 133, 606, 609, 61 1 
 Cowls, Sylvester 391 
 Cowls, William 349 
 Cowls, W U 351, 585 
 Cowles, William L 530 
 Cowles, Watson W 364, 
 
 510,521 
 Coy, Erastus 413, 519 
 Coy, Henry 488, 490, 512, 
 
 521 
 Coy, Willis 86, 609, 612 
 Crafts, Rhoda 196 
 Craft, Widow 13 
 Crary, Roger 95, 612 
 Cressy, Noah 556 
 Cribbin, Timothy 439 
 Crocker, Beal 470 
 
 Crocker, Zaccheus 83, 98 
 Crosby, Daniel 201 
 Crosby, Joshua 143, 150, 
 
 151, 160, 162, 172 
 Crossett, Merritt 364 
 Crossman, Barton E 505, 
 
 521 
 Crossman, Elisha 436 
 Crouch, Dr 60 
 Crow. Samuel 13, 15 
 Crowell, E P 526, 584 
 Crouch, J S 539 
 Cummings, Mrs E 255 
 Cummings, E A 237, 273 
 Cullick, John 4 
 Curtiss, E O 285 
 dishing, Thomas 134 
 Cushman, A D 377 
 Cushman, Avery R 288, 
 
 33'. 363- 433, 476, 542, 
 
 584, 585 , , 
 Cushman, Charles S 415 
 Cushman. Edward P 307, 
 
 336 
 Cushman. Ephraim 195, 
 
 287, 28S. 575, 606, 609 
 Cushman. Henry W 308 
 Cushman. John £336,480, 
 
 490,494,505, 521 
 Cushman, Jonn R 190, 195, 
 
 196, 287, 288, 337, 362, 
 
 405, 43 8 , 457' 575- 5 8 4, 
 
 585, 606 
 
 Cushman, Marshall B 336 
 Cushman, Martha F 251 
 
 252 
 Cushman, Moses E 364 
 Cutler, Esther 354 
 Cutler, George 192. 193, 
 
 291, 33 1 . 336, 3 68 » 406, 
 
 424, 448, 476 
 Cutler, George Jr 472, 473 
 Cutler, Horace 333, 334. 
 
 336, 355 
 Cutler, Isaac G 469, 470, 
 
 573, 584, 588, 606 
 Cutler, Luthera 580 
 Cutler, Pomeroy 283 
 Cutler, Robert 60, 134, 141, 
 
 145, 150, 1S2, 184, 277, 
 
 375, 47°, 573, 5 S 5, 606, 
 
 609 
 Cutler, Samuel 62 
 Cutler Samuel F 31S 
 Cutler, William 192. 193, 
 
 306, 448, 462, 463 
 Cutler, W M 305 
 Cutter, C B 377 
 Cutter, Edmund P 395 
 Cutter, Ptolemy P 488, 490, 
 
 495.503,52 1 
 Cutter, Wealthy 575 
 
 Cutter, William Y 520 
 Cutting, C A 321 
 
 Dadmun. Charles 379 
 
 Dadmun, J W 242 
 
 Dana, AmariahSi, 85, 113. 
 
 114, 133- 575- 6 °o. 606. 
 
 611 
 Dana, Eleazer 133 
 Dana Gideon 217, 256 
 Dana, Horace D 439 
 Dana. Mrs H I) 472 
 Dana, Joseph 143,391,413. 
 
 465,575. 
 Dana, Josiah 1 10 
 Dana, Mrs J W 254 
 Danahey, Birdie 441 
 Danahey, Mary E 439 
 Danahev, Patrick 43S. 441. 
 Daniels," W H 245 
 Darby, Daniel 93, 612 
 Darby, William 93, 612 
 Darrigan, Thomas 437 
 Davis, Amasa 384 
 Davis. Charles G 537 
 Davis, E A 425, 427 
 Davis, Henrv 384 
 Davis, J W t 365, 436 
 Davis, John B 440, 441 
 Davis, John S 436 
 Davis, M A 425, 427 
 Davis, Nathan 63 
 Davis, Samuel 333 
 Day, Benjamin 52 
 Day, Elijah 127 
 Day, Enos 84 
 Day, Luke 124. 127-129,132 
 Deady, Timothy 438 
 Dean, E L 293 
 Deane, Samuel 84 
 Deerfield, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 16, 
 
 23, 100, 121, 175, 186,210, 
 
 325, 386, 401 
 Delano, Charles 193, 335. 
 
 336, 357- 394, 477. 579- 
 
 588 
 Delano, Gideon 579 
 Delano, William 471 
 Demond, J H 565 
 Dennison, Ami R 494.503, 
 
 521 
 Dening, Edward 320 
 Denslow, William W 552 
 Derby, William P 495 
 Deuel, Charles 246 
 Devereaux, G H 376, 377 
 Devi ne, Thomas 505, 521 
 Dewey, Julius A 150 
 Dewey, Solomon 447 
 Dexter, Abigal 150 
 Dexter, David 216, 300, 
 
 3 6 °. 393. 575. 585 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 Dexter, James 437 
 Dibble, Lorenzo 243, 244 
 Dickerman, George S 203 
 Dickinson, Aaron 22, 81, 
 
 185, 600, 61 1 
 Dickinson, Abigail 22 
 Dickinson, Adolphus 374 
 Dickinson, Appleton 150 
 Dickinson, Amariah 510, 
 
 521 
 Dickinson. Asa 113, 133, 
 
 196, 609 
 Dickinson, Aurelius ^6-?, 
 
 383 
 Dickinson, Austin 470 
 Dickinson, Azariah 20, 23, 
 
 79, 80,84,85,95,113, 133, 
 
 185, 191, 585, 600, 606, 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Dickinson, Azariah Jr 600 
 Dickinson, Bela U 213, 
 
 337, 585 
 Dickinson, Benjamin 51 
 Dickinson, Caroline 150 
 Dickinson. Catharine 1S7 
 Dickinson, Charlotte 22 
 Dickinson, Charles 283 
 Dickinson, Chester 225, 336 
 
 337. 3 8 5- 393, 47i, 573, 
 
 584. 585, 606 
 Dickinson, Chester J r 488, 
 
 490, 495, 504, 521 
 Dickinson, Chloe 22 
 Dickinson, D A 377 
 Dickinson, Daniel 18, 19, 
 
 22. 23, 50, 54, 190, 191, 
 
 225, 22S, 254, 264, 336, 
 
 394, 584, 585, 599, 600, 
 
 606 
 Dickinson, Daniel W 585 
 Dickinson. David 20. 23, 
 
 62. 6 3>599, 600 
 Dickinson, David L 488, 
 
 490, 517,521 
 Dickinson, Dorothy 23 
 Dickinson, Dwight E 244 
 Dickinson, E A 251 
 Dickinson, E B 142, 472 
 Dickinson, E Baxter 488, 
 
 490. 495-504, 521 
 
 Dickinson, E N 472 
 
 Dickinson. PIbenezer 9. 17, 
 22, 23, 36, 37, 40, 49, 50- 
 53, 55, 61, 62, 68, 79, 85, 
 86, 98, 107, 113, 133, 288, 
 289, 585, 588, 598, 600, 
 606, 609, 61 1 
 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer Jr 20, 
 598, 600, 609 
 
 Dickinson, Ebenezer 3d 20, 
 
 113 
 Dickinson, Edward 22.150, 
 
 154, 187. 190, 194, 195. 
 278, 279, 310, 314, 315. 
 322, 323, 328, 335, 336, 
 359, 408, 416, 448, 453, 
 463, 467, 472, 477, 478, 
 480, 481, 485. 538, 572, 
 5S0, 584, 588, 606 
 Dickinson, Edward P 517, 
 
 521 
 Dickinson, Edwin E 303 
 Dickinson, Eleanor 1S5 
 Dickinson, £1122,294,300, 
 
 3°3, 577 
 Dickinson, Eli O 505 521 
 Dickinson, Elihu 22, 23,79, 
 
 80, S3, 85, 86,94, 113, 196, 
 600, 609, 611 
 
 Dickinson, Elijah 22, 23, 
 84, 86, 92, 156, 180, 181, 
 182,203,358,370,430,572. 
 585, 606, 609, 61 1 
 
 Dickinson, Elisha 22, 80, 
 
 81, 85, 93, 133, 609, 611 
 Dickinson, Elizabeth 187 
 Dickinson. Emily 192, 467 
 Dickinson, Enos 21, 23, 
 
 133, 142, 185, 188, 216. 
 222, 223. 336, 358, 373. 
 
 374, 39 1 , 394, 5 2 5, 5 8 4, 
 
 585, 600, 606, 609 
 Dickinson, Enos J r 5S5 
 Dickinson, E P 297 
 Dickinson, Esther 22, 185 
 Dickinson, Experience 22 
 Dickinson, Ezekiel 133, 609 
 Dickinson, Fanny 150, 575 
 Dickinson, Fannie 194 
 Dickinson, Prancis E 514, 
 
 521 
 Dickinson, Francis H 478, 
 
 490,513, 521 
 Dickinson, Frank E 379 
 Dickinson, F N 414 
 Dickinson, Frederick 187 
 Dickinson, Friend 150 
 Dickinson, ( .ad 113,609 
 Dickinson, George 491,5 10, 
 
 521 
 Dickinson, Gideon 19, 21, 
 
 22, So, 106, 585, 59S, 600, 
 
 611 
 Dickinson, Gideon Jr 21, 
 
 106, 133. 601 
 Dickinson, Hannah 23,185, 
 
 437. 
 Dickinson, Henry 22 
 Dickinson, Henrv C 517, 
 
 521 
 Dickinson, Ira 22 
 Dickinson, Irene 23 
 Dickinson, Israel 21, 22, 
 
 133. 601 
 
 Dickinson, Jerusha22, 180, 
 
 573. 
 Dickinson, Joanna 23 
 Dickinson, Joel 23, 83, 381, 
 
 611 
 Dickinson, John 18, 19, 21, 
 22, 25,41,55, 73, 79. 80, 
 Si, 85, 9S, 101, 1 13, 141 , 
 144, 180, 185, 188, 336, 
 
 385, 47i- 573- 585, 599- 
 
 601, 606, 609, 61 1 
 Dickinson, John Jr 313, 
 
 31S, 330,402, 585,606' 
 Dickinson, John 3d 585 
 Dickinson, John W 490, 
 
 510,521 
 Dickinson, Jonathan 18,20, 
 22, 23, 28, 50, 52, 55, 62, 
 63- 73, 85, 101, 106, 188. 
 
 349, 37i, 39 1 , 572, 574. 
 
 585, 58S, 598, 601, 606, 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Dickinson, Jonathan Jr 20, 
 
 106, 572, 585, 601 
 Dickinson, Joseph 20, 22. 
 
 63, 79, 85, 106, 1 13, 133. 
 
 336. 405, 406. 5S5. 601. 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Dickinson, Airs Joseph 405 
 Dickinson, Joseph Jr 609 
 Dickinson, Josiah 22, 23 
 Dickinson. Judah 22, 349 
 Dickinson, Judith 23 
 Dickinson, Julia 185 
 Dickinson, S E 303, 436 
 Dickinson, Lavinia 142 
 Dickinson, Levi 23,84, 85. 
 
 95, "3- '33, 611 
 Dickinson, Levi P 508,521 
 Dickinson. Lieut 21 
 Dickinson, Lois 22, 23, 189. 
 
 574 
 Dickinson, Lucretia 150, 
 
 1S7 
 Dickinson, Lucy 22, 23 
 Dickinson, Luther 22 
 Dickinson, Lydia 22 
 Dickinson, Lucinda 150 
 Dickinson, Lucius 585, 436 
 Dickinson, Lucius M 439 
 Dickinson. M A 473 
 Dickinson, M F 350, 362, 
 
 377, 379,428,545,585 
 Dickinson, M I* Jr 355,-456 
 Dickinson, Martha 22, 23 
 Dickinson, Martin 609 
 Dickinson, Mary 22. 23, 
 
 28, 100, 150, 187 
 Dickinson, Mary Ann 150 
 Dickinson, Medad 22. 85, 
 
 114, 133, 185, 336, 349. 
 
 385. 584, 5S5. 5SS, 606, 
 
624 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Dickinson. Mehitable 25 
 Dickinson, Mercy 22, 578 
 Dickinson, Morton 140, 
 
 374, 375 
 
 Dickinson, Moses 18, 19, 
 
 22, 41, 60, 79, 82, 89, 107, 
 113, 114, 133, 144, 180- 
 183, 185, 336, 358, 572, 
 5S4, 585, 588, 599. 601. 
 606, 609 
 
 Dickinson, Moses Jr 134, 
 
 601 
 Dickinson, Moses B 439 
 Dickinson, N S 356 
 Dickinson, Nancy 150 
 Dickinson, Naomi 22 
 Dickinson, Nathan iS. 19, 
 
 21, 22, 23.51, 52, 53, 54, 
 
 62, 86, 106, 113, 138, 453, 
 598, 601, 606, 609, 61 1 
 
 Dickinson, Nathan Jr 20 
 
 63, 113. ! 33- 59 8 i 6o > 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel 13, 
 
 15, 22,23,57, 62, 63. 75, 
 
 78, 80, 85, 99, 133, 187, 
 
 336, 5 S 5, 598, 601, 606, 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel Jr 
 
 57, 60, 78, S2, 96, 98, 99, 
 
 .44. 584, 586, 587, 588, 
 
 601, 606 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel C 
 
 216, 217, 219, 222, 254, 
 
 574, 586, 606 
 Dickinson, Nathaniel 2d 
 
 113, 114, 133, 601 
 Dickinson, Nehemiah 9, 
 
 13, 14, 20, 22, 23, 46, 61, 
 
 63, 3S5, 601 
 Dickinson, Noah 20, 22. 
 
 23, 80, 84, 85, 86, 106, 
 113, 114, 136, 306, 443, 
 452. 598, 601, 606,609,61 1, 
 615 ' 
 
 Dickinson, Olive 185 
 Dickinson, Oliver 23, 182, 
 185, 210, 2j6, 225, 227- 
 
 230, 375, 385, 578, 584, 
 
 586, 606 
 Dickinson, Perez 133, 609 
 Dickinson, Philomela 573 
 Dickinson, Pliny 185 
 Dickinson, Porter 295,457, 
 
 477, 577- 586, 606 
 Dickinson, R T 368 
 Dickinson, Rachel 22, 23 
 Dickinson, Ransom 225,588 
 Dickinson, Rebecca 23 
 Dickinson, Reuben 19, 21, 
 
 22, 54, 62, 78-81,83,85, 
 
 86, 92, 98, 107, 1 13, 121, 
 
 133, 586, 598, 601, 606, 
 
 611 
 Dickinson, Reuben Jr 79, 
 
 81, 83, 113, 611, 615 
 Dickinson, Roswell 22,371, 
 
 372,373,471,609 
 Dickinson, Rufus 375, 471 
 Dickinson, Ruth 22 
 Dickinson, S W 368 
 Dickinson, Sally 185 
 Dickinson, Salmon 391 
 Dickinson, Salome 23 
 Dickinson, Samuel 13, 22, 
 
 23,94,572,6n 
 Dickinson, Samuel I owler 
 
 141, 142, 144, 145, 156, 
 
 158, 159, 164, 185, 187, 
 
 189, 190, 194, 253, 263, 
 
 275. 277, 289, 335, 336, 
 
 43°, 584, 587, 588, 606, 
 
 609, 615 
 Dickinson, Sarah 22, 36 
 Dickinson, Selah 84 
 Dickinson, Seth 86, 609, 
 
 6r r 
 Dickinson, Shelah 23, 80, 
 
 611 
 Dickinson, Silas 609 
 Dickinson, Simeon 20, 23, 
 
 46, 84, 85, 93, 101, 113, 
 
 336, 586, 698, 601, 606, 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Dickinson, Simeon Jr 609 
 Dickinson, Solomon 22, 
 
 94, 95, 113, 609, 611 
 Dickinson, Sophia 221 
 Dickinson, Stephen 23, 609 
 Dickinson, Stoughton 23, 
 
 125 
 Dickinson, Susan 574 
 Dickinson, Susanna 99, 573 
 Dickinson, Sybil 22 
 Dickinson, Sylvanus 22 
 Dickinson, Thankful 185 
 Dickinson, Thankful F 150 
 Dickinson, Thomas 13, 15 
 Dickinson, Timothy 84, 
 
 85, 93, l8 7. 611 
 Dickinson, W M 355, 377 
 Dickinson, Waitstill 22, 79, 
 
 113, 133, 334- 578, 584, 
 
 5S6, 601, 606, 61 1 
 Dickinson, Walter 99 
 Dickinson, Walter Mason 
 
 3 6 3. 
 Dickinson, William 150, 
 
 1S7, 218, 302, 377, 379, 
 
 449, 586, 609 
 Dickinson, William Jr 609 
 Dickinson, W Addison 285 
 
 Dickinson, William Austin 
 
 '95, 33i, 335, 336, 369, 
 
 406, 408, 409, 410, 417. 
 
 424, 480, 527, 580, 588, 
 
 606 
 Dickinson, Willard R 505, 
 
 521 
 Dickinson, William W 213 
 Dickinson, Zebina336, 337, 
 
 358,47i,573,584,5S6,6o6 
 Dickinson, Zimri 22, 84, 85, 
 
 93, 94, 95, "3, 609, 611 
 Diggan, John 437 
 Dike, Adam 83, 612 
 Dillon, John C 336, 554 
 Dinsmore, Abel 127 
 Dodge, Allen W 537 
 Dodge, Orry 436 
 Dole, John 470 
 Donahue, John 539 
 Donahue, Patrick 427 
 Douglass, Henry F 480, 
 
 490, 501, 514, 521 
 Douglas, Lucy L 149, 150 
 Douglass, Robert 289 
 Donovan, P T 384 
 Dorrance, Gardner 470 
 Dow, Charles 518, 521 
 Doyle, Michael 488, 490, 
 
 5i5,52i 
 Draper, George A 488, 
 
 490,495,5 5, 521 
 Draper, Ichabod 115, 256, 
 
 336, 609 
 Draper, James S 320, 321 
 Draper, Lorenzo 379 
 Draper, Miss J 273 
 Draper, Leprelate 384 
 Draper, L L 244. 265 
 Drennan, J B 250 
 Dudley, Henry 248 
 Dudley, L J 322 
 Dudley, W H 359 
 Dunbar, Azell 448 
 Dunbar, Oliver H 150 
 Dunakin, Charles 512, 52 [ 
 Dunton, Thomas 81, 612 
 Durfee, Nathan 540, 546, 
 
 549, 556 
 Dwight, Asahel 302 
 Dwight, Edward S 154, 202 
 Dwight, Elijah 94, 448, 587, 
 
 588 
 Dwight, Joseph 62 
 Dwight, Josiah 145, 150 
 Dwight, Leonard 448 
 Dwight, Nathaniel 302 
 Dwight. Timothy 67 
 Dwight, Seth 61 
 Dwight, William 470 
 Dyer, Henry 81, 612 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 625 
 
 Dyer, S O 226 
 
 Dyer, Thomas 140, 448 
 
 Eames, Ebenezer Jr 449 
 Eastman, Austin 239, 362, 
 
 476, 548, 578, 586 
 Eastman, Baxter 336, 355, 
 
 393,584,586 
 Eastman, David 154 
 Eastman, Dea 32 
 Eastman, Ebenezer 27, 79, 
 
 84, 86, 113, 114, 601, 606, 
 
 609,611 
 Eastman, Elijah 114, 2S9, 
 
 578 
 Eastman, G H 548 
 Eastman, Hannah 27 
 Eastman, Hepzibah 150 
 Eastman, John 27, 79, 85, 
 
 113, 114, 159, 358, 575, 
 
 586, 601, 607, 609, 611 
 Eastman, John Jr 150 
 Eastman, Jonathan 336 
 Eastman, Joseph 27, 45,51, 
 
 73, 113, 121, 182, 183, 230, 
 
 584, 586, 588, 598, 601, 
 
 606, 609 
 Eastman, Joseph Jr 18, 19, 
 
 27, 113, 586, 601 
 Eastman, Lydia 27 
 Eastman, Mary 27 
 Eastman, Mercy 27 
 Eastman, Ruth 27 
 Eastman, Sarah 27 
 Eastman, Solomon K 264. 
 
 575, 586, 607 
 Eastman, Susan 573 
 Eastman, Tilton 27 
 Eastman, Tammy 191 
 Eastman, Timothy 13, 15 
 Eaton, Amos 177, 178 
 Eaton, Morton 609 
 Eddy, Barnabas 601 
 Edson, Francis 320 
 Edson, Jacob 263, 448 
 Edson, Levi 488, 490, 505, 
 
 521 
 Edwards, A F 312 
 Edwards, Bela B 179 
 Edwards, Charles H 587, 
 
 588 
 Edwards, H B 431 
 Edwards, Hannah 22, 27, 
 
 28 
 Edwards, Jonathan 20, 28, 
 
 40, 81, 87, 106, 586, 598, 
 
 601, 607, 611 
 Edwards, Lydia 28 
 Edwards, Martha 28 
 Edwards, Mary 28 
 Edwards, Nathaniel 22, 
 
 84, 609, 61 1 
 
 40 
 
 Edwards, Oliver 497 
 Edwards, Philip 28, 609 
 Edwards, Rebecca 28 
 Edwards, Sarah 28 
 Edwards, Thomas 62 
 Eldredge, Julia A 576 
 Eliot, Samuel A 533 
 Ellis, Daniel 96 
 Ellis, John 599 
 Ellis, Rebecca 188 
 Ellsworth, Benjamin 24 
 Ellsworth, Hamutal24 
 Elmer, Edward 24, 46, 67, 
 
 106, 598, 601 
 Elmer, Elijah 81 
 Elmer, Mary 24, 572 
 Elmer, Samuel 19 
 Elmore, Edward 2 
 Elmore, Elijah 80, 61 
 Elmore, Simeon 609 
 Ellwell, Jonas 84 
 Ely, Samuel 121 
 Emanuel, S H 297 
 Emerson, Miss A E 274 
 Emerson, B K 406, 526 
 Emerson, Miss F J 274 
 Emerson, Forrest F 202, 
 
 205 
 Emerson, J H 246 
 Emerson, John M 246, 336, 
 
 587, 588 
 Emerson, Sarah E 141 
 Emmons, Robart 599, 601 
 Estabrook, Joseph 148, 
 
 149, 162, 167, 178. 253 
 Esty, William C 526 
 Everett, Otis 312 
 Ewing, William 93, 612 
 
 Fahay, William 488. 490, 
 
 498, 508, 521 
 Fairbanks, Francis J 212 
 Fairchild, Ezra 165 
 Fairfield, Samuel 93 
 Fairley, James 253 
 Falbe, Guisseppe 440 
 Fales, William B 510, 521 
 Fargo, A J 335 
 Farnsworth, Isaac D 555 
 Fearing, H D 241, 293, 295, 
 
 2 9 6 , 353. 4io 
 Ferguson, E C 245 
 Fernald, Charles H 563, 
 
 565, 567, 569 
 Field & Dickinson, 449 
 Field, Abigail 36 
 Field, Alpheus 330 
 Field, Asa L 280 
 Field, A R 319 
 Field, Mrs E C 472 
 Field, Ebenezer 26, 81,611 
 Field, Eugene 274, 467 
 
 Field, John 18, 26, 58, 73, 
 
 82, 87, 89, 101, 102, 106. 
 
 133, 182, 183, 586, 588; 
 
 598, 601, 607 
 Field, John Jr 20, 21, 87, 
 
 89, 107, 601 
 Field, Jonathan, 21, 133 
 Field, Lucius 471 
 Field, Martha 28 
 Field, Mary 26, 27 
 Field, Mary Ann 149 
 Field, Pindar 165, 253 
 Field, Rebecca 26 
 Field, Roswell 470, 471 
 Field, Rufus 470 
 Field, Samuel 80, 81, 611 
 Field, Sarah 26, 36 
 Field, Thomas P 178, 231, 
 
 526 
 Field, Zebina 310 
 Field, Zechariah 18, 26, 33, 
 
 59,95, 102, 125, 607, 612 
 Filield, Lebbeus B 346 
 Fellows, Francis 271, 272 
 Ferry, Aaron 301 
 Finnemore, Charles A 488, 
 
 490,502,515,521 
 Fish, Asa 127 
 Fish, Cummings 244, 245, 
 
 323>47i 
 Fish, D B N 266, 336. 350, 
 
 353. 461, 470. 496, 5°3. 
 
 521,523,581 
 Fish, P rancis W 508, 521 
 Fish, John 150 
 Fish, Seth 143, 239, 336, 
 
 470, 47i. 581 
 Fisher, Ellen E 229, 351 
 Fisher, Edward 473 
 Fisher, George E 211,212, 
 
 226,395,411 
 Fisher, G L 515, 521 
 Fisher, Homer L 515, 521 
 Fisk, Ebenezer 448 
 Fisk, Stephen 609 
 Fiske, Helen M 466 
 Fiske, Nathan W 151, 167, 
 
 170, 178, 466 
 Fitch, George C 441 
 Fitch, Newton 309, 310, 
 
 33 6 . 394, 449. 47 '. 577. 
 
 587, 588 
 Fitch, Joseph 2, 577 
 Fitts, E B 302, 367, 457 
 Fitts, E B Jr 472 
 Fitzsimmons, John 520 
 Flanders, Henry 438 
 Flanders, Moses L 515, 521 
 Fletcher, William I 530 
 Flint, Charles L 537, 552, 
 ,558 
 Pobes, Simeon 601 
 
626 
 
 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Foote, Mr 16 
 Foot, Obed 127 
 Forbes, Daniel 152 
 Forbes, Simeon Si, 611 
 Forbush, Martha 150 
 Ford, George 316 
 Forgate, M G 449 
 Frost, Edward 321. 322, 
 
 323 
 Fowler, William C 101, 178, 
 
 179, 280, 409, 584 
 Fox, Dexter 303 
 Fox, Hiram 294,301,359, 
 
 449 
 Fox, Hiram E 391 
 Fox, John 83, 84, 92, 95, 
 
 133, 6n 
 Fox, Luther 216, 301, 303, 
 
 375. 376 
 Franklin, B 1-1379,508,521 
 Franklin, Henry 80, 85, 
 
 86, 113, 133, 572,601,611 
 Franklin, Julia A 395 
 Franklin, Mary 150 
 Franklin, Nathan 114,216, 
 
 572, 584, 586, 609 
 Frazier, J D 480 
 Freeman, Samuel 518. 521 
 French, G F 327 
 French, Henry F 541, 545 
 French, Mary H 574 
 French, Neutrals 59 
 French, Samuel 609 
 Frink, Henry 337, 383 
 Frink, Henry A 529 
 Frisbee, Selah 154 
 Gage, William L 226 
 Gager, Samuel 599 
 Gale, Amory 273 
 Gale, Emeline S 153 
 Gale, Nahum 149, 153 
 Gallaudet, T H 272 
 Gallond, George B 337 
 Gallond, George J 365 
 Gamwell, Samuel 60, 435, 
 
 471, 609, 615 
 Garland, Adeline 395 
 Garman, Charles E 529 
 Gates, Aaron 217, 223 
 Gates, Electa B 580 
 Gates, Merrill Edwards 531 
 Gates, Sumner 384 
 Gavin, J H 250 
 Gay, Amelia 195 
 Gaylord, Eber W 227 
 Gaylord, Eleazer 574, 586, 
 
 607 
 Gaylord, Eliphalet 84, 612 
 Gaylord, Flavel 2S5, 337, 
 
 I ! 424, 433. 45°> 586 
 Gaylord, O P 101, 136, 411, 
 
 454 
 
 Gaylord, Samuel 13,52,54, 
 
 607 
 Gaylord, Sarah 24 
 Gaylord, Mary 26 
 Gaylord, William 13, 607 
 Gardner, Henry 79 
 General Assembly 82 
 General Court, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 
 10, 11,32, 33,44, 46, 47, 
 51, 53, 60, 63, 64, 67, 68, 
 71, 73,82, 87-90, 92, 93, 
 96-103, 105-108, 1 12,* 1 13, 
 1 17, 120-123, I2 5" I2 8, 130, 
 132, 139, 144, 145, 156, 
 158, 167-169, 171, 174, 
 176, 179, 183-189, 191, 
 193-197, 207, 208, 215,216, 
 224, 230,259,272-274,277, 
 . 279,289,299,306, 308-310, 
 313-315,317-320,322,324, 
 325, 328, 330, 331, 334, 
 
 335, 338, 381, 382, 399, 
 400, 408, 412, 416, 421, 
 422, 429, 430, 453, 461, 
 525,532,533,535-542,544- 
 546, 55o-554,556-559,56i- 
 563, 565, 567-569 
 Genung, G t 238 
 Genung, John F 529 
 Gerrish, Rufus 243 
 Gilbert, Harvey 391 
 Gilbert, J F 251, 473 
 Gilbert, Susan H 581 
 Gilbert, Thaddeus 94, 609, 
 
 612 
 Gilbert, Thomas 383, 463 
 Giles, Joel 529 
 Gilpatrick, Charles 327 
 Gibson, Nathan 289 
 Glazier, John A 488, 490, 
 
 498,508,521 
 Gleason, J F 221 
 Gleason, Thomas 520 
 Goessmann, Charles A 250, 
 
 379,551,556,569 
 Goffe, William 7 
 Goodale, Andrew 609 
 Goodale, C L 300, 379 
 Goodale, Charles L 514, 
 
 521 
 Goodale, David 28, 133, 
 
 609 
 Goodale, Eleanor 2S, 191 
 Goodale, Elijah 609 
 Goodale, Frederick 436 
 Goodale, Hosea 391, 586 
 Goodale, Isaac 20, 28, 62, 
 
 80, Si, 107, 133, 191, 373, 
 
 386, 598, 601, 607, 609, 
 
 611 
 Goodale, Joseph 84, 94, 
 
 612 
 
 Goodale, Mercy 28 
 Goodale, Nathaniel 47 
 Goodale, S H 300 
 Goodale, Thomas 28, 133 
 Goodell, Henry H 523, 550, 
 
 551, 562. 563, 565, 567. 
 
 581,584 
 Goodell, Thomas 392, 609 
 Goodman, Enos 84 
 Goodman, John 13, 15 
 Goodman, Thomas 13, 15, 
 
 45 
 Goodman, Timothv S 448, 
 
 586 
 Goodsell, Dana 217, 256 
 Goodspeed, F L 203 
 Goodspeed, James 384 
 Goodwin, William 4 
 Gorham, William O 153, 
 
 173 
 Goss, Philip L 140,217, 
 
 221,448 
 Gough, John B 207 
 Gould, Daniel 84, 94, 612 
 Gould, David 93, 612 
 Gould, Edmund 95, 612 
 Gould, Edward 94, 95, 612 
 Gould, Isaac 84, 612 
 Gould, John 63 
 Gould, Josiah B 95, 612 
 Gould, Nahum 148 
 Gould, Noah 83, 92, 601, 
 
 611 
 Gould, Samuel 80, 81, 83, 
 
 86, 106, 601, 61 1 
 Gould, Samuel Jr S3, 612 
 Gould, Solomon 21, 599 
 Gibbs, Elijah 302 
 Gilbert, Hervey 304 
 Gilbert, Stephen W 301, 
 
 307 
 Graham, Samuel 63 
 Granby, 10, 18, 47, 74, 78, 
 
 84, 101, 1 10, 1 12, 1 14, 216, 
 
 258, 280, 284, 320, 453, 
 
 454, 468 
 Granger, Caroline H 194 
 Granger, L N 305, 331 
 Graves, Dwight 302 
 Graves, Edward 302 
 Graves, Mrs E 254 
 Graves & Field, 448, 449 
 Graves, Frederick W 150 
 Graves, George 366, 394, 
 
 434, 45° 
 Graves, George G 548 
 Graves, George W 150 
 Graves, James 439 
 Graves, John 13 
 Graves, Martha M 150 
 Graves, Mary Ann 150 
 
INDEX OK PART I. 
 
 627 
 
 Graves, Rufus 145, 148, 
 
 i5i> 155- '57- 163- 164. 
 
 165, 170, 336 
 Graves, William 13555,560 
 Graves, William O 509, 
 
 521 
 Gray, David D 470, 609 
 Gray, Edward P 517. 521 
 Gray, Harrison 79 
 Gray, Horace 253 
 Green, David 149 
 Green, Joel 216 
 Green, Thomas 329 
 Green, Timothy 21, 79, 85, 
 
 86, 93, 113, 133, 586, 601, 
 
 607, 609, 61 1 
 Green, Timothy. Jr 133, 
 
 601, 609 
 Green. Zera 609 
 Greene, Clark 577, 609 
 Greene, Moses 13 154, 577. 
 
 584 
 Greenfield, no, 112, 127, 
 
 157, 226, 299, 302, 308, 
 
 311, 319, 401, 479, 481, 
 
 483, 484, 486. 493, 499 
 Greenleaf, H S 499 
 Greenough, James C 562 
 Greenwich, 54,56, 127, 140, 
 
 221, 258, 321, 322,325 
 Gridley, Elijah 145 
 Gridley, Timothy J 1S5, 
 
 1 89, 309, 330, 336, 378, 
 
 453, 584, 588 
 Gridley, Richard 81 
 Gridley, Sarah B 579 
 Grinned, George B 555 
 Grout, Martin 308 
 Grover, Frederick 517, 521 
 Grover, Joseph 490, 505, 
 
 521 
 Grover, Ihomas 127 
 Guernsey, Esther 184, 185 
 Guernsey, Isaac 184 
 Guild, George 358 
 Guill, Alexander 133 
 Guilford, Micah 63 
 Guilford, Paul 63, 598 
 Gunn, Cephas W 510, 521 
 Gunn, Charles S 509, 521 
 Gunn, Jemima 184 
 Gunn, Lucretia 187 
 Gunn, Lyman 586 
 Gunn, William L 383 
 
 Hadley, 1, 3-12, 14-18, 21-27, 
 
 29-35.37, 41-47, 49"55, 58- 
 62, 66, 67, 78, 82, 99-102, 
 104, 1 10, 1 12, 130-132, 146, 
 
 147, 159, i79, l8 3- l8 7, i9°- 
 192, 196, 198,211, 216, 228, 
 242,250, 256,258,276,280, 
 
 281, 284,302-305,308-314, 
 319,320,322,331,339,343, 
 346,376,379,3^6,390,401, 
 403, 404, 430, 436, 441, 
 
 457-47°, 487, 572, 574, 
 
 576,578, 580,615 
 Hale, Abigail 24 
 Hale, Thomas 24 
 Hall, A W 300, 302, 414 
 Hall, F A 548 
 Hall, Ruth 399 
 Haley. William 437 
 Haling, Horace 510, 521 
 Halligan and Daly 101 
 Haliock, Gerard 148, 149 
 Hallock, Leavitt. 190, 191 
 Haliock, Moses 191 
 Hamilton, C 447,448 
 Hamilton, Clarence 395 
 Hamilton, J U 447 
 Hamilton, Mary M 395 
 Hamlin, Wolcott 336 
 Hammond, Moses 576 
 Hammond, Salem 576, 586 
 Hannum, Elijah 84 
 Hardaker, James 437, 440, 
 
 441, 510, 521 
 Harper, Samuel 83, 92,612 
 Harrington, Charles L 560, 
 
 56i 
 Harrington, F W 302 
 Harrington, James 427 
 Harrington, Moody 584 
 Harrington, Samuel 361, 
 
 47i 
 Harrington, S 449 
 Harrington, S E 291, 302 
 Harris, Elijah P 526 
 Harris, J M 421 
 Hartling, Stake 38, 54, 55, 
 
 468 
 Harwood, Benjamin 19, 63, 
 
 598 
 Harwood, Ebenezer 63 
 Harwood. Eleazer 62, 63, 
 
 598 
 Harwood, Peter 598 
 Harwood, Zechariah 63 
 Hascall, J M 244 
 Haskell, Eliza C 154 
 Haskell, E H 297 
 Haskell, Hannah 574 
 Haskell, Louis R 489, 490, 
 
 501, 514, 521 
 Haskins, Henry W 414, 
 
 586 
 Haskins, Ira C 306 
 Haskins, J C 306 457 
 Haskins, John H 283, 476 
 Hastings, Aaron 28 
 Hastings, Edmund 188,427 
 Hastings, Elijah 58, 80, 
 
 I2 5, 349, 37', 601, 607, 
 
 609, 611 
 Hastings, Elisha 28, 374 
 Hastings, Esther 28 
 Hastings, Henry B 506, 521 
 Hastings, James 215, 331, 
 
 586 
 Hastings. John 80, 83, 430, 
 
 611 
 Hastings. Joseph C 510, 
 
 521 
 Hastings, Judith 574 
 Hastings, Lucius 371 
 Hastings, Lucy 28 
 Hastings, Mary 28 
 Hastings, Moses 28, So, 81, 
 
 133, 207, 349, 371, 572, 
 
 586, 607, 609, 61 1 
 Hastings, Nancy 573 
 Hastings, Oliver 84, 612 
 Hastings, Samuel 28, 84, 
 
 133, 586, 601, 609, 61 1 
 Hastings, Sarah 28 
 Hastings, Sybil 28 
 Hastings, Tabitha 28 
 Hastings, Thomas 20, 28. 
 
 80, 106, 188,316,349,371, 
 
 572, 586, 598, 601, 607, 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Hastings, Thomas Jr 21, 
 
 28, 106, 145, 188,349,586, 
 
 601 
 Hastings, Thomas E 320 
 Hastings, Waitstill 28, 107 
 Hastings, Willard D 506, 
 
 521 
 Hatch, jason 243, 259 
 Hatfield, 3, 4, 6,8-11, 16-18, 
 
 22-29, 5 1 , I02 , I2 i, 122, 
 
 136, 157, 184, 188, 193, 
 
 25S, 3 J 4, 3!9, 320, 400. 
 
 401, 402, 430, 460 
 Hawes, James F 506, 521 
 Hawes, John L 327 
 Hawkins, William 395 
 Hawks, Sarah 100 
 Hawley, Caroline R 580 
 Hawley, Chester W 211 
 Hawley, David 80, 83, 106, 
 
 601, 611 
 Hawley, Dorothy 25, 26 
 Hawley, Elijah 63 
 Hawley, G S 471 
 Hawley, Harrison 213 
 Hawley, Henry £488,490, 
 
 495, 506,521 
 Hawley, Isaac 394 
 Hawley, John 26 
 Hawley, Joseph 18, 25, 26, 
 
 62, 607 
 Hawley, Lydia 26, 27 
 Hawley Mary 26 
 
628 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Hawley, Mehitable 36 
 Hawley, Moses 18, 26, 59, 
 
 85, 601 
 Hawley, Noah 83, 94, 95, 
 
 1 13, 611 
 Hawley, Rebecca 36 
 Hawley, Samuel 17, 25-27, 
 
 33, 36, 182, 183, 588, 598, 
 
 607 
 Hawley, Samuel Jr 18, 62 
 Hawley, Sarah 36 
 Hawley, Thankful 25 
 Hawley, Thomas 25 
 Hawley, W S 472 
 Hawley, Zechariah 80, 85, 
 
 114, 133,601.607.609,611 
 Hawley, Zebina 586 
 Hay, Samuel 520 
 Hayden, Joel 320, 322 
 Haynes, Aaron 84 
 
 Hay ward, C E 294, 300, 
 
 510,52' 
 Hay ward, Charles F 300, 
 
 334, 438 
 Hayward, Walter 450 
 Heald, Charles A 515, 521 
 Heath, Daniel 609 
 Hebard, Story 149 
 Heart, Isaac 96, 612 
 Henderson, A R 350. 409 
 Henderson, Elizabeth 29 
 Henderson, Gideon 20, 21, 
 
 28, 29, 80, Si, 106, 586, 
 
 601, 611 
 Henderson, Gideon Jr 601 
 Henderson, Horace 280, 
 
 312, 43^ 
 Henderson, Mary 29 
 Henderson, Mehitable 29 
 Henderson, Sarah 29 
 Henderson, Susanna 29 
 Henderson, Timothy 29, 
 
 83, 101, 574, 609, 61 1 
 Henderson, Thomas 519 
 Hendrick, James 80, 133, 
 
 601, 609, 611, 615 
 Henry, Aaron 223 
 Henry, Samuel 113,601 
 Hervey, Eugene P 488, 
 
 490, 494, 506, 521 
 Herrick, William D 226, 
 
 352 
 
 Herrick, Mrs W D 275,338 
 
 Hewlett, S M 394 
 
 Hill, Abraham 97 
 
 Hill, Dwight N 506. 521 
 
 Hill, Samuel 127 
 
 Hills, Henry F 292, 293, 
 295, 296, 305, 320, 322, 
 406, 416, 417, 419, 425, 
 476,487,545,546,555,581 
 
 Hills, Hervey 294, 375 
 
 Hills, John 517, 521 
 
 Hills, L D 292, 331, 417, 
 
 424, 433 
 Hills, L M 140, 190, 195, 
 292,293,295-297,299,301, 
 3 '9, 330, 33i, 336, 384, 
 449, 457, 477, 542, 546, 
 555,581,586 
 Hills, Leonard 195 
 Hills, Lewis 448 
 Hills, Samuel 210, 216, 294 
 Hills, Stephen 81, 612 
 Hilyard, John 13 
 Hilyard, Timothy 84 
 Hillyer, Winthrop 30S 
 Hinckley, Samuel L 274, 
 
 308,313 
 
 Hinckley, Mabel R 437 
 
 Hinds, Joseph 127 
 
 Hitchcock, Edward 170, 
 172,175-177, 179,231,273- 
 275. 278, 314, 330, 347, 
 393> 394, 407, 466-468, 47°, 
 524,533-535,538,544,550, 
 557 
 
 Hitchcock, Edward Jr 177, 
 232, 233, 470, 526, 528 
 
 Hitchcock, R D 527, 528 
 
 Hitchcock, Samuel A 176, 
 
 525 
 Hobart, Charles H 334 
 Hobart, Edmond 599 
 Hobart, Edmund 285, 586 
 Hobart, F A 414 
 Hobart, George M 504. 
 
 521 
 Hobart. Joshua 385 
 Hobart, William E 517, 
 
 521 
 Hobbs, F A 337 
 Hobbs, S L 233 
 Hock, Robert 517, 521 
 Hodden, John 79,, S3, 601, 
 
 611 
 Hodges, Joseph 236 
 Holden, Eva May 440, 441 
 H olden, Freeman L 510, 
 
 521 
 Holden, J Harry 252, 255 
 Holland, Henry 350, 362, 
 
 364, 367, 409, 449 
 Holland, Mrs Henry 350 
 Holland, H D 367 
 Holland, J G 16, 121 
 Holland, Jonas 575 
 Holland, Seneca 350. 367, 
 
 449, 575 
 Holmes, Jennie E 355 
 Holmes, Samuel 609 
 Holman, G W 238 
 Holt, Henry D 436 
 Holton, Chloe 22 
 
 Hoi ton, Isaac F 152 
 Holton, William 5 
 Hooker, John W 526 
 Hooker, Thomas 4 
 Holyoke, Elizur 1, 5 
 Hopkins Academy 146, 147 
 
 192 
 Hopkins, Edward 5, 6, 147 
 Hopkins, Erastus 379 
 Hopkins, Samuel no 
 Hopkins, William J 488, 
 
 490, 494, 506, 521 - 
 Horton, Wesley W 5 17, 521 
 Hosmer, Judith 23 
 Houghton, E J 361 
 Houghton, George 322 
 Houghton, Jonas 449 
 Houghton, Merrick 444 
 Hovey, Thomas 13 
 How, Abner 62, 63 
 How, Nehemiah 63 
 Howard, Aaron 438 
 Howard, Hezekiah 106,601 
 Howard, Hiram C 336, 487 
 Howard, Roswell D 304, 
 
 457 
 Howe, Abner 598 
 Howe, Albin P 190, 196, 
 
 335, 336, 302, 382, 402. 
 
 441,538,586,587,588 • 
 Howe, H A 476, 477 
 Howe, George 232, 527 
 Howe, Mary 187 
 Howe, Samuel 95 
 Howe, Sidney Walker 527 
 Howes, Charles O 510,521 
 Howes, George E 302, 5 10, 
 
 521 
 Howland, Henrietta 577 
 Howland, J W 433, 473, 
 
 5'7, 521 
 Howland, W S 190, 198, 
 
 205,212,263,358,375,586 
 Hoyt, U W 238 
 Hubbard, Ashley 225 
 H ubbard, Caleb 470 
 Hubbard, Daniel 13 
 Hubbard, Edmund 15, 52 
 Hubbard, Eli 362 
 Hubbard, Elihu 80,86,611 
 Hubbard, Elizabeth 183 
 Hubbard, Giles 196 
 Hubbard, Henry 510, 521 
 Hubbard, Isaac 19, 31, 46, 
 
 61, 67, 85, 133,586,598, 
 
 601, 611 
 Hubbard, John 1 10. 183,432 
 Hubbard, Phineas 470 
 Hubbard, R B 190, 196, 274 
 
 467 
 Hubbard, Rhoda D 579 
 Hubbard, Stephen A 357 
 
INDEX OF FART I. 
 
 629 
 
 Hubbard, Timothy 21, 107, 
 
 298 
 Hubbard, W M 243 
 Hubbell, H L 202,485,523 
 Huckel, Oliver 203 
 Hudson, George 243 
 Hudson, John 520 
 Humphrey, Edward P 201. 
 
 528 
 Humphrey, Heman 166, 
 
 167, 169, 170, 172-175, 178, 
 
 209, 225, 231, 256, 272, 
 
 273, 347, 466, 524 
 Humphrey, Helen 153 
 Humphrey, James 154 
 Humphrey, Leonard 154 
 Humphreys, George F 226, 
 
 355 
 Hunt, Edward B 466 
 Hunt, George W 379 
 Hunt, Helen 467 
 Hunt, James 413 
 Hunt, John 101, 140 
 Hunt, Melzar 371-373. 47' 
 Hunt, Obed 96 
 Hunt, O D 406, 409, 582, 
 
 586-588 
 Hunt, Peter 601 
 Hunt, W A 337, 472, 582, 
 
 587, 588 
 Hunt, WW 43, 225, 229, 
 
 256, 35 h 353, 363, 389, 
 
 409, 424, 433, 434, 449, 
 
 464, 586 
 Hunt, Mrs William W 254, 
 
 472 
 Hunt, Zebina 312 
 Huntington, Frederick D 
 
 246, 249, 464 
 Huntington, T G 346 
 Hunter, Betsey 195 
 Hunter, John 128 
 Hurley, M E 473 
 Hurley, Patrick 325 
 Hutchins, Waldo 528 
 Hutchinson. Charles E 363, 
 
 450, 486 
 Hyde, Alpheus H 384 
 Hyde. Andrew 586 
 Hyde, Jennie 580 
 Hyde, John M 141, 304 
 
 Ingraham, Ebenezer 113 
 Ingraham, Elijah 95, 612 
 Ingraham, Ebenezer 113 
 Ingraham, John 17, 113 
 Ingraham, Philip 46, 67 
 Ingraham, Reuben 46, 67, 
 
 113 
 Ingraham, Samuel 113 
 Ingram, Aaron 323 
 Ingram, David 609 
 
 Ingram, Ebenezer 17, 25, 
 
 i33» 385, 575- 586, 609 
 Ingram, Elisha iS, 19, 25, 
 
 57. 5 s , 59- 74, 106, 182, 
 
 586, 59S, 601, 607 
 Ingram, Elizabeth 25 
 Ingram, Experience 25 
 Ingram, Ezekiel 133 
 Ingram, Ezra 336,402,435, 
 
 575, 584, 586, 607 
 Ingram. F H 355 
 Ingram, Gershom 133 
 Ingram, Gideon 133 
 Ingram, Hannah 25 
 Ingram, Harrison 351,579, 
 
 586 
 Ingram, John 23, 29, 32, 34, 
 
 36, 62, 79, 80, 84-86, 579, 
 
 598, 601, 607, 609. 611 
 Ingram, John Sr 13, 17, 25, 
 
 59 
 Ingram, John Jr 13, 17, 21, 
 
 25, 40, 225 
 Ingram, John 2d 133 
 Ingram, John 3d 20 
 Ingram, Jonathan 13, 25, 85 
 Ingram, Lydia 36 
 Ingram, Mary 601 
 Ingram, Martha 572 
 Ingram, Mehitable 23. 25, 
 
 36 
 Ingram, Nathan 609 
 Ingram, Nathaniel 13 
 Ingram, Peter 264,291,367, 
 
 467, 575, 607 
 Ingram, Phillip 17, 20, 25, 
 
 62, 63, 85, 92, 598, 602,61 1 
 Ingram. Rebecca 25 
 Ingram, Reuben 17, 20,25, 
 
 94, 133, 598, 602, 611 
 Ingram, Robert 133 
 Ingram, Samuel 13, 17, 18, 
 
 22,25,61,81,85,133,586, 
 
 598, 607, 609, 61 1 
 Ingram. Sarah 25, 26, 27 
 Ingram, Timothy 94, 612 
 Ingram, Wells W 435 
 Ingram, Widow 21 
 Irish, P E 353 
 
 Jackson, Elizabeth D 576 
 Jackson, Henry 291 
 Jackson, Jarvis 490 
 Jackson, Jarvis W 490. 518. 
 
 521 
 Jackson, Sanford 490, 516, 
 
 521 
 Jackson, Windsor 518, 521 
 Jackson. William S 467 
 Jacobs, Nathaniel 448 
 J agger, N S 243, 244 
 James, D Willis 529 
 
 Jameson, John 240. 333, 336 
 Jenkins, J L 202, 233, 352, 
 
 3 6 4 
 Jennings, Francis N 516, 
 
 52J 
 Jennings, William 516.521 
 Jennings, William H H 
 
 516, 521 
 Jewell, Aaron 127 
 Jewett, F S 450 
 Jilson, Riley 471 
 Jillson. Eunice H 578 
 Jones, Elnathan 290, 367, 
 
 574 
 Jones, George 513, 521 
 Jones, John 243, 244, 425 
 Jones, Levi 586 
 Jones, Mary H 246 
 Jones, Thomas 290, 291, 
 
 311,379, 574, 584 
 Johnson, Adam 171 
 Johnson, Dwight H 510 
 Johnson, Ebenezer M 480, 
 
 490, 500, 512, 521 
 Johnson, Eli H 490, 496, 
 
 506, 521 
 Johnson, George H 226, 
 
 227,254 
 Johnson, George L 516,521 
 Johnson, Henry 364 
 Johnson, Martin S 485, 
 
 490, 500, 516. 521 
 Johnson, Peter 520 
 Johnson, Silas 94, 101, 61 r 
 Johnson, Silas O 570, 521 
 Johnson, W F 379, 511,521 
 Joslyn, Eugene 440 
 Joy, Frederic 150 
 Joy, Philo 360 
 Judd, Sylvester 15, 16, 24, 
 
 34- 37,4i- 43, 44, 46, 48, 
 
 54, 55, 57, 63, 67. 71, 74, 
 
 75, 82, 98, log. 141 
 Judkins, Eliza M 153 
 
 Keefe. Thomas 520 
 Keet, John 20. 55, 59S 
 Keet, John Jr 63 
 Keith, W H 305 
 Kellogg, Aaron 25, 59 
 Kellogg, Abraham 19, 25 
 Kellogg, Abigail 25 
 Kellogg, Albert H 509, 521 
 Kellogg, Ansel W 355 
 Kellogg, B F 302, 511, 521 
 Kellogg, C 449 
 Kellogg, C H 355 
 Kellogg, Charles 393, 432 
 Kellogg, Charles F 477,488, 
 
 490. 511, 521 
 Kellogg. Charles H 395 
 
630 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Kellogg, Chester 263, 330, 
 
 358, 574, 607 
 Kellogg, Clarissa 150 
 Kellogg, Daniel 19, 25, 54, 
 
 59) 75' 87, 106, 182, 183, 
 
 203, 586, 598, 602, 607, 609 
 Kellogg, Daniel Jr 133,586, 
 
 602 
 Kellogg, David 25 
 Kellogg, Dexter 436 
 Kellogg, Dorothy 25 
 Kellogg, Dwight H 331, 
 
 333 
 Kellogg, Ebenezer 17. 25, 
 
 30, 33, 36, 38, 40, 49. 5°, 
 
 56, 59, 62, 64, 79, 80, 84, 
 
 106, 588, 598, 602, 607, 
 
 611 
 Kellogg, Ebenezer Jr 19 
 
 80, 602,61 1 
 Kellogg, Edward 13 
 Kellogg, Eleazer 428, 576, 
 
 584, 586, 607 
 Kellogg, Elijah 609 
 Kellogg, Elizabeth 36 
 Kellogg, Enos 94, 612 
 Kellogg, Ephraim 18. 19, 
 
 25. 54. 56. 58, 59, 61, 62, 
 
 87, 133,572,59^602,607, 
 
 609 
 Kellogg, Ephraim Jr 106, 
 
 133, 602 
 Kellogg, Experience 25 
 Kellogg, Ezekiel 25 
 Kellogg, Giles C 277 
 Kellogg, Hattie 395 
 Kellogg, Henry C 450 
 Kellogg, Horace 102, 205. 
 
 280, 358, 360 
 Kellogg, James 140. 294. 
 
 303, 33 6 , 6o 7 
 Kellogg. James 1! 506, 521, 
 Kellogg, John 13, 25, 133, 
 
 572, 576, 586, 607, 609 
 Kellogg, Jonathan 25, 95, 
 
 574, 609, 611 
 Kellogg, Joseph 13,25,609 
 Kellogg, Justin P 499, 509, 
 
 521 
 Kellogg, Martin 25,57, 74, 
 
 85, 121, 133,586,602,607, 
 
 609, 61 1 
 Kellogg, Martin Jr 609 
 Kellogg, Mary 25 
 Kellogg, Moses 81, 85, 612 
 Kellogg, Nathan 101 
 Kellogg, Nathaniel 13, 18, 
 
 19, 25, 36,49, 51, 52, 54, 
 
 59,607 
 Kellogg, Nathaniel Jr 45, 
 
 5° 
 Kellogg, Rufus 332, 384, 
 
 471,586 
 Kellogg, Rufus B 351 
 Kellogg, Samuel 25 
 Kellogg, Sarah 25, 36 
 Kellogg, Sybil 25 
 Kellogg, Tryphena 574 
 Kellogg, W M 280, 332, 
 
 336, 5«6 
 Kellogg, William 294, 586 
 Kellogg, William Jr 290, 
 
 331,449 
 Kelly, James 517, 518, 521 
 Kelsey, Ezra 490, 495, 506, 
 
 521 
 Kelsey, H S 220 
 Kendall, Henry C 515, 521 
 Kendall, S D 325 
 Kendrick, B F 368 
 Kendrick, D H 383 
 Kendrick, G S 472 
 Kenfield, C R 365 
 Kennedy, John 517,521 
 Kent, Ebenezer 95 
 Kentfield, Ebenezer 84 
 Kentfield, F 379 
 Kibbee, John 84, 85, 612 
 Kibbe, Seth 18, 19 
 Kid, Robert C 299 
 Kidder, Corbin 225 
 Kief, Michael 81, 612 
 Kimball, Andrew 44, 58, 
 
 113, 384,602 
 Kimball, Andrew Jr 133 
 Kimball, Benjamin 101,609 
 Kimball, Joseph 93-95, 612 
 Kimberly, Sarah J 273 
 King, Charles 388 
 King, E A 285, 454, 586 
 King. E P 245 
 King, Emma 255 
 King, Jonas 170 
 King, Peter 244 
 King, Peter Jr 516, 521 
 King, Warren K 496, 504, 
 
 521 
 Kingman, P rancis 382 
 Kingman, Matthew 426 
 Kingsbury, Howard 202 
 Kingsley, E A 305 
 Kittredge, William 60 
 Knowles, -Lyman 140, 298, 
 
 448 
 Knowles & Thayer 195,297 
 
 298, 299 
 ! Knowlton, William K 552, 
 
 557 
 Kunckquachu, 1, 2 
 Kunckkiunk-qualhick, 2 
 
 Lamb, Amos 84 
 Lamb, George E 438 
 Lam son, D F 238 
 
 Lampson, Jeremiah Si, 612 
 Lane, Asaph 94, 612 
 Lane, Daniel 83, 612 
 Lane, Frank 327 
 Latham, O S 244, 255 
 Latham, William W 4S8, 
 
 49°, 495, 5°6, 521 
 Latham, Alonzo W 480, 
 
 490, 5 '3, 521 
 Lathrop, Capt 6, 7 
 Lathrop, Paoli 280, 537 
 Lathrop, Wells 330 
 Lawrence, Abbott 176 
 Lawrence, Myron 279, 314, 
 
 3i5 
 Lawry, Uranus 520 
 Lawton, Charles 285 
 Lawton, Clark 133 
 Lawton, George W 454 
 Lawton, Robert 415 
 Lawton, Mrs Robert 415 
 Lawton, W H 377 
 Leach, Benanuel 113, 602 
 Leach, Benjamin 95, 612 
 Leach, Joseph A 232 
 Leach, Levi 602 
 Leach, Timothy 602 
 Leach, Ouartus 472 
 Lear, John 520 
 Learned, Henry B 437 
 Learned, S D 359, 449 
 Leavitt, Jonathan 576 
 Leavitt, Joshua 465 
 Ledoux, Louis P 154 
 Lee, Abner2i,599, 602,607 
 Lee, Gideon 83, 113, 602, 
 
 607, 61 1 
 Lee, Henry 80, 84, 133. 602. 
 
 611 
 Lee, Horace C 493 
 Lee, John 80, 81, 133, 349, 
 
 602, 607, 609, 611 
 Lee, John W 243, 244, 395 
 Lee, N H 417 
 Lee, Silas 84, 94, 612 
 Leggett, John A 488, 490, 
 
 499,5°9. 521 
 Leggett,William !• 489,490, 
 
 509, 521 
 Leland, John 152, 170, 1S0, 
 190, 197, 205. 311, 312, 
 
 336, 35S. 453. 584 
 Leland, John Jr 159, 197. 
 
 205. 253 
 Leland, J H M 344, 425 
 Leonard, Aaron 598 
 Leonard. Archelas 80. 83. 
 
 612 
 Leonard, Cordelia A 194 
 Leonard, David 93, 612 
 Leonard, Joanna 23 
 Leonard, Moses 387 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 631 
 
 Leonard, Noadiah 80, 81, 
 
 84, i34 
 Lessey, Alanson 581 
 Lessey, C W 20S, 581, 584, 
 
 586 
 Lessey, Flora E 255 
 Leverett, 87, 159, 229, 248, 
 
 258,265,279,280.284,310, 
 
 3*5, 33i. 375, 387, 468, 
 
 470, 471,499, 578 
 Lewis, Edward R 470 
 Lewis, Elisha 609 
 Lewis, Noadiah 20, 21, 63, 
 
 86, 107, 113, 133,599,602, 
 
 611, 615 
 Lewis, William 4 
 Lexington, 540 
 Lexington Alarm, 79, 80, 
 
 98, 183 
 Libby, E H 346 
 Lincoln, Benjamin 127-132, 
 
 .'34, 136 
 Lincoln, Levi 444 
 Lincoln, R S 364, 3S3, 539 
 Lincoln, Rufus P 4S8, 490, 
 
 497, 49 s , 5°7, 5 21 
 Lippett, J C 316 
 Lobdell, Henry 525 
 Locke, Betsey 245 
 Loomis, Richard B 488, 
 
 490, 502, 514, 521 
 Long, Daniel 252 
 Long, John D 560 
 Longley, O S 364, 422 
 Lord, David 85, 94, 95, 612 
 Loring, George B 537, 554 
 Louisburg, 9, 62, 63, 69-71 
 Lovell, George M 247 
 Lovell, J L 352, 450 
 Lovell, N G 236 
 Lovett, Addison 439 
 Lovett, E B 476 
 Lovett, H B 366 
 Lovett, Henry C 517, 521 
 Lovett, Murray B 490, 512, 
 
 Lovett, Wheaton 494, 506, 
 
 521 
 Lyons, Edward 490, 515, 
 
 Luddington, Daniel 134 
 Lyman. Caleb 462 
 Lyman, Elizabeth M 574 
 Lyman, Francis A 454 
 Lyman, George 220, 275 
 Lyman, Horace 309 
 Lyman, Joseph 157 
 Lyman, Luke, 527 
 Lyman, Oliver 84 
 Lyman, Richard 5 
 Lyman. R W 335 
 Lyman, Theodore 444 
 
 Lyman, William 62 
 Lynde, Benjamin 66 
 Lyon. Mary 148, 273 
 
 Mack, David 185, 187, 305, 
 
 33°, 336, 393, 449 
 Mack, Samuel 305, 449 
 Mack, Samuel E 357, 588 
 Mackie, Andrew 247 
 Macomber, H L 473 
 Magill, William A 285. 423. 
 
 438 
 Maloney, Michael 511, 521 
 Maltby, Lafayette 320 
 Manley, Edward W 490, 
 
 506,521 
 Mann, C H 417 
 Mann, Jerusha 573 
 Manning, John 519, 521 
 Marston, George 537 
 Marsh, Abner 607 
 Marsh, Charles 346 
 Marsh, Daniel 1 1, 15 
 Marsh, D W 226, 233, 456 
 Marsh, E D 333, 406. 431, 
 
 449, 472, 473 
 Marsh, Ebenezer 99 
 Marsh, Emerson 140 
 Marsh, Henry A 246, 247, 
 
 33 6 , 344, 481, 483, 485 
 Marsh, Job 32, 50 
 Marsh, Jonathan 13. 607. 
 
 610 
 Marsh, M M 246, 449 
 Marsh, R A 346 
 Marsh, Samuel 13 
 Marsh, Sarah 99 
 Marshall, A C 330. 355. 
 
 579, 5S6 
 Marshall, Chester 579 
 Marshall, Clement 79, So, 
 
 1 13, 602, 612 
 Marshall, E B 243 
 Marshall, Isaac 85, 410,612 
 Marshall, Thomas 86, 113, 
 
 612 
 Martin Frank 520 
 Mass Agricultural College, 
 
 190,221,275,333,345,346, 
 
 354,53?-57i,59°, 59 1 - 594 
 Massasoit, 6 
 Marvin. C B Jr 336 
 Mason, Jeremiah 157 
 Mather, Cotton 23 
 Mather. R H 527, 530 
 Mather. William 470 
 Mathers, Elijah 397 
 Mattabaget, 2 
 Matthews, Charles 515,521 
 Matthews, Francis J 515, 
 
 521 
 Matthews, Sarah 29 
 
 Matthew, Silas, 21.84, 107, 
 
 602 
 Matthews, Titus 133 
 Matthews. William 29 
 Mattoon, Dorothy S 100 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer 19, 20, 
 27, 100, 113. 584,598,607, 
 610 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer Jr 
 55, 58, 60, 79, 84, 85, t P 90- 
 93, 9 6 , 98-101, in, 113, 
 "4, 125, 133, 134, 136, 
 i39,H2, 144, 189,214,289, 
 299, 336, 337, 358, 370, 
 372, 373, 443, 452, 453, 
 460-463, 471, 5S4, 586,588, 
 602, 607, 610, 612 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer 2d 100, 
 
 585, 587,610 
 Mattoon, Eleazer 18, 19, 
 27, 3 6 > 39, 45, 58, 62, 100 
 Mattoon, Elizabeth 27, 36, 
 
 136 
 Mattoon, Fanny 150 
 Mattoon, Mary D 100 
 Mattoon, Noah D 100,185. 
 
 l8 9, 335, 33 6 , 471,607 
 Mattoon, Philip 27. 100 
 Mattoon, Roxana 572 
 Mattoon, Sarah 27 
 Maxwell, Solomon 149,151, 
 May, William 79, 85, 86, 
 
 602, 612 
 Maynard, Hannah F 153 
 Maynard, Jonathan 133 
 Maynard, Samuel T 555, 
 
 559, 565, 569 
 Maynard, Mrs S T 472 
 McCallum, Patrick 520 
 McClellan. W C 325 
 McClench, Joseph 81, 612 
 McCloud, H M 337,345, 
 
 352, 402, 456, 473, 519, 
 
 5?3- 5 s i 
 McCranney, Rachel 26 
 McCullock, Henry 134 
 McDaniel, Jacob 58, 79, 
 
 602 
 McDonald. John 515, 521 
 McElwain, Albert 437 
 McGinley, Charles 520 
 McGuirk, Bernard5i9,52i 
 McGrath, Daniel 81, 612 
 McKay, H S 434 
 McLoud, Lewis 391 
 McMaster, Charles 362 
 McMaster, Mrs C A 255 
 McMaster. John 385 
 McMaster, Joshua 385, 610 
 McSweeney, Dennis 518, 
 
 521 
 
632 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OK AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Merrick, Aaron 28, 133, 
 167, 185, 187, 349, 577, 
 578, 585, 586, 607, 610 
 
 Merrick, Allen P 577, 586 
 
 Merrick, J E 285, 337, 356, 
 476, 578, 586 
 
 Merrick, James 20, 21, 28, 
 
 133. l6 7, 187, 5 86 , 599) 
 
 602, 607, 610 
 Merrick, James 2d 113 
 Merrick, James L 154,217- 
 
 220, 477 
 Merrick, Esther 28 
 Merrick, Leander 449 
 Merrick, Lucy 28 
 Merrick, Mary 28 
 Merrick, Samuel 28 
 Merrick, Sarah 28 
 Merrick, William 586 
 Merrill, Abner H 555, 556 
 Merrill, Abraham 610 
 Merrill, Calvin 144, 145, 
 
 159, 190, 194, 207, 277, 
 
 470, 471, 586, 588, 610 
 Merrill, Chauncey 150 
 Merrill, Henry 35S 
 Merrill, Horace 277 
 Merrill, Lucy 150 
 Merrill, Nancy 150 
 Merritt, Howard, 472 
 Messinger, H E 380 
 Metcalf, Leonard 569 
 Mighill, Samuel 41 
 Miles, Charles 330 
 Miles, Marcus T C 485, 
 
 490,513,521 
 Miles, Manley 562 
 Miles, Reuben 490, 519 
 Miles, William B 519 
 Miller, Mrs E C 254 
 Miller, S F 422. 551, 554 
 Mills, George F 451, 565 
 Minute Men, 79-81, 98 
 Mings, Moses B 133 
 Minot, George R 119-. 123, 
 
 124, 130, 131 
 Minot, James 51 
 Mitten, A F 473 
 Montague, 31, 127, 139, 187, 
 
 227, 236, 308, 309, 312, 
 
 3i3, 3i5: 3i8, 3'9, 343. 
 
 387, 388, 499 
 Montague, Abigail 26 
 Montague, George 150,208, 
 
 576, 607 
 Montague, Harriet 150 
 Montague, John 13, 15 
 Montague, Luke 184, 576, 
 
 610 
 Montague, Moses 312 
 Montague, Peter 13, 15 
 Montague. Richard 184 
 
 Montague, William 84 
 Montague, Zebina 58, 134, 
 
 141,182,184,203,336,585, 
 
 586, 588, 607, 610 
 Montague, Zebina C 100, 
 
 461 
 Moody, Aaron 610 
 Moody, Abigail 27, 36 
 Moody, Asahel 20, 27, 63, 
 
 602, 607, 610 
 Moody. Daniel 610 
 Moody, David 216, 349, 
 
 404, 607 
 Moody, Ebenezer 13 
 Moody, Eldad 27, 79, 94, 
 
 602, 607, 610, 612 
 Moody, Elisha 84, 133, 612 
 Moody, Huldah 27 
 Moody, Joel 80, 81,85, I 33» 
 
 349, 586, 602, 607, 610, 
 
 612 
 Moody, John 27 
 Moody, Jonathan 18, 19, 21, 
 
 27, 63, 106, 133, 182, 183, 
 586, 599, 602, 607, 610 
 Moody, Jonathan Jr 20,62, 
 
 599, 602 
 Moody, Josiah 27, 106, 599 
 Moody, Lemuel 21, 27, 63, 
 
 80, 86, 113, 133,602, 607, 
 
 610, 612 
 Moody, Lemuel Jr 340,610 
 Moody, Mrs Lyman 438 
 Moody, Lyman E 519 
 Moody, M'atthew 84, 612 
 Moody, Medad27, 85, 133, 
 
 602, 607, 610, 612 
 Moody, Nathan 18, 26, 27, 
 
 106, 598, 602 
 Moody, Nathaniel 133 
 Moody, Perez 27 
 Moody, I'eris 602 
 Moody, Rebecca 573 
 Moody, Kufus6io 
 Moody, Samuel 13, 26 
 Moody, Silas 133,610 
 Moody, William 133, 610 
 Moore. Gideon 94, 95, 113, 
 
 612 
 Moore, Hezekiah 94, 95, 
 
 613 
 Moore, Samuel 127 
 Moore, William 94-96, 613 
 Moore, Zephaniah S 143, 
 
 158, 162, 163, 165-167, 
 
 174, 178' 256, 524 
 Moran, John 519, 521 
 Moran, Thomas 513, 521 
 Morehouse, C F 346, 472, 
 
 473 
 Morgan, Henry T 529 
 Morgan, Lewis 84 
 
 Morgan, Rhoda 24 
 Morgan, W H H 366, 367 
 Moriartv, John J 385 
 Morell, j F 336, 413 
 Morell, Mrs J F 414 
 Morrill, Henry A 296 
 Morrill, Justin S 515. 535, 
 
 554, 566 
 Morris, Charles 557 
 Morton, Eleanor 185 
 Morton, Elijah 602 
 Morton, John 18, 26, 27, 50- 
 
 54, 106,453,599,602,607, 
 
 610 
 Morton, John Jr 106 
 Morton, John A 312 
 Morton, Joseph 18, 19, 27, 
 
 107, 1 13, 602, 608 
 Morton, Lydia 27 
 Morton, Marcus 169 
 Morton, Rhoda 27 
 Morton, Richard 27 
 Morton, Ruth 27 
 Morton, Simeon 94,95,613 
 Morton, Thomas 20, 27, 63, 
 
 79, 84, 113, 602, 607, 612 
 Morse, Anson D 436, 529 
 Morse, Charles E 449 
 Morse, Oscar F 303, 366 
 Morely, Capt 7 
 Mosman, Silas Jr 296, 297 
 Mossman, Abner G 336 
 Mt Pleasant Institute 271, 
 
 272, 273 
 Moyce, P J 250 
 Mullen, John 367, 473 
 Mullett, Charles D 488,490, 
 
 495,506, 521 
 Munsell, Charles E 509,1521 
 Munsell, Miss E M 275 
 Munson, Parnell 413, 414, 
 
 437, 5 86 
 Murphy, G H 251 
 Munson, Norman C 324, 
 
 325 
 Murphy, Thomas F 517, 
 
 521 
 Murray, Hannah 36 
 Murray, William 18,55,62, 
 
 599 
 Murray, William Jr20. 599 
 
 Nash, Abigail 28 
 
 Nash, AbnerSi, 83, 85,602, 
 
 612 
 Nash, Amos, 81, 602, 612 
 Nash, David 18, 26 
 Nash, E 84 
 
 Nash, Ebenezer 13, 15 
 Nash, Elijah 192, 578 
 Nash, Ephraim 13 
 Nash, Enos52, 94,613 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 (>33 
 
 Nash, Hannah 26, 36 
 
 Nash, Henry C 192, 246, 
 2477 -73. 4o8, 409 
 
 Nash, H C Jr 337 
 
 Nash, John 13, 26, 28,36, 
 38-40,50-53, 58,63,66,82, 
 87, 89,96, 107, 133, 182, 
 183, 190, 5S6-589, 599, 602, 
 608 
 
 Nash, John Jr 17, 20, 26. 29, 
 
 599 
 Nash, John A 192, 273. 274, 
 
 346 
 Nash, Jonathan 18, 19, 26, 
 
 107, 599, 602 
 Nash, Jonathan Jr 106 
 Nash, Joseph 13, 21, 81, 
 
 602, 612 
 Nash, Levi 95, 612 
 Nash, Luther 216, 586 
 Nash, Oliver 437 
 Nash, Reuben 133, 610 
 Nash, Samuel 13, 15, 133, 
 
 310,342,343,578,608 
 Nash, Timothy 26 
 Nash, Thomas 13 
 Nash, William K 273 
 Needham, Daniel 560 
 Neill, H H 406, Addenda 
 Neill, William 145 
 Nelson, Edwin 368, 426.449 
 Nelson, Eliza 150 
 Nelson, Emilia 234 
 Nelson, Emilia D 234 
 Nelson, Ephraim R 234 
 Nelson, John 520 
 Nelson, Seth 586 
 Nelson, Stephen S 234-236 
 Nelson, Sophia 150 
 Nelson, William F 234 
 Newell, Caleb W 448 
 Newell, George W 4S0, 
 
 490, 514,522 
 Newell, Henry S 520 
 Newman, Mark H 44S 
 Newport. Julia 395 
 New Salem, 25, 131, 1S6, 
 
 187, 234, 235, 387,460 
 Newton, Elma S 256 
 Newton, Henry E 251 
 Newton. Joel W 272 
 Newton, Roger no 
 Nichols, H M 243 
 Nichols, John 81, 613 
 Nims, Israel 192 
 Nims, Seth 190. 192. 333, 
 
 337, 586 
 Nipmucks 3, 6, 7 
 Nolwotogg 1 
 Nonotuck, 1, 3, 4 
 Northampton, 3, 4, 5, 8-1 1, 
 
 24-29. 34. 60, 73, 79, 82. 
 
 90, 97-99, 101, 121-123, 
 
 129, 134, '39, 141, 142, 
 158, 184, 193, 194, 196, 
 235,236,250,284,307-311, 
 313, 3 '4, 319,320,322-327, 
 
 332,335,337,340,377-379, 
 382, 386-388, 399,401-403, 
 
 43°, 438, 440, 44i, 443, 
 444,454,455,457-459-477, 
 489, 493, 499, 525, 527, 
 538, 540, 574, 579, 605 
 Northampton & Amherst 
 
 Street Railway Co 320 
 Northfield, 7, 9, 11, 27, 40, 
 61, 100, no, 112, 134,310 
 Northern Army, 84, 85, 90, 
 
 92, 98, 101 
 Norton, John 25 
 Norwottuck, 1, 3, 68 
 Noycoy 2 
 
 Nutting, Alonzo 377 
 Nutting, Ebenezer 295 
 Nutting, E Porter 295 
 Nutting, Freeman E 490, 
 
 504, 522 
 Nutting, George 216, 221, 
 
 374, 574, 585, 586, 608 
 Nutting, John 574 
 Nutting, Levi 337 
 Nutting, Mary 579 
 Nutting, Truman 586 
 
 O'Donnell, J B 440 
 O'Callahan, Edward 511, 
 
 522 
 O'Callahan, Jeremiah 511, 
 
 522 
 O'Connor, Cornelius 48S, 
 
 49°, 495, 49 6 > 5° 6 , 522 
 Olds, Gamaliel S 162, 178 
 Olmstead, Elizabeth 194, 
 
 575 
 Olmsted, Frederick L 410 
 Olney, Nathan 437 
 Oliver, Andrew 64 
 Osgood, C M 293, 338, 473 
 Osgood, Samuel 109 
 Osterhout, J V 23S 
 O'Toole, Patrick F51 1,522 
 Otis, Asa 529 
 
 Packard, Dr 147 
 Packard, Henry C 506,522 
 Packardville, 258 
 Padelford, A J 237, 238 
 Paige, Frank E 336, 472. 
 
 565,585 
 Paige, J B 472, 565, 569 
 Paige, T L 366 
 Paine, Daniel 334, 336 
 Paine, Elijah 149 
 Paine, Mary 385 
 
 Paine, Roswell 385 
 Paine, William P [49, 151 
 Page, Christopher 386 
 Palmer. Albert R 198 
 Palmer, Dwight W 198, 
 
 24', 247, 331, 337, 402, 
 
 417,419, 424, 433, 586 
 Palmer, Frederick A 190, 
 
 197,198,336,337,358,586 
 Palmer, I b 305 
 Palmer, James N 315 
 Palmer, Lucy C 198, 579 
 Palmer, Sabra D 198 
 Panthorn, Elizabeth 25 
 Panthorn, Philip 25 
 Pantry, Mary 25 
 Pantry, John Jr 25 
 Parents. Charles 473 
 Park, E A 175, 178, 179, 
 
 528 
 Parker, Augustine 229 
 Parker, Deborah 183 
 Parker, Eli 21, 58, 80, 84, 
 
 95, 96, 182, 183, 203, 471, 
 
 585, 586, 602, 608, 610, 
 
 612 
 Parker, Eli Jr 133. 183,610 
 Parker. Elizabeth 183, 572 
 Parker, Francis J 321 
 Parker, George L 382 
 Parker. Hannah 183 
 Parker, Henry W 554, 559 
 Parker. Levi 183 
 Parker, Mary 574 
 Parker, Samuel 183 
 Parker, S P 246, 247, 249, 
 
 255,522.523 
 Parkhurst. Charles H 26S 
 Parkhurst, John L 149, 150 
 Parkinson, W D 269 
 Parmenter, C O 307, 351, 
 
 366,411,412, 585, 589 
 Parmenter. George H 516, 
 
 522 
 Parmenter. Jason 134 
 Parsons, Charles B 436 
 Parsons, David 34 
 Parsons. Rev David, 18, 
 
 '9, 27. 28, 34-38, 40,43, 
 
 58, 82, 86, 87. 96, 79, 99, 
 
 100-102, 108. 109, 191, 
 
 256, 381, 605, 608 
 Parsons, Dr David, 99, 10S- 
 
 113, 141,144-147, 155, 156, 
 
 159, 160, 180, 198-200, 205. 
 
 207. 373- 608, 610 
 Parsons, David 3d 358 
 Parsons, Eli 12S, 129, 132 
 Parsons, Eunice 28 
 Parsons, Harriet 200 
 Parsons. Gideon 28, 57, 
 
 108, 381, 608, 610 
 
634 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Parsons, John D 379, 438, 
 
 504, 522 
 Parsons, J K 318 
 Parsons, Joseph 2, 34 
 Parsons, Leonard 28 
 Parsons, Mary 28 
 Parsons, Mary A 577 
 Parsons, Salome 28 
 Parsons, Simeon 46 
 Parsons, Sophia W 150 
 Pascommuck 9 
 Partridge, George C 149 
 Partridge, Harriet 273 
 Partridge, Oliver 4 
 Partrigg, Samuel 13, 15 
 Partrigg, Samuel Jr 13 
 Patterson, Robert E 149, 
 
 151 
 Paxon, Howard E 518. 522 
 Payne, John 216 
 Payson, Anne C 273 
 Payson, Joseph 305 
 Payson, Joseph R 377, 394 
 Payson, Thomas E 533 
 Peabody, Selim H 554,555 
 Pease, Lorin H 470 
 Pease, Oliver 335, 336 
 Peck, Edwin L 496 
 Peck. J O 243. 336. 477 
 Peck, Joseph 602 
 Peck, Joseph K 610 
 Peck, Nathaniel 57, 58. 95, 
 
 107,589,602,608, 610,612 
 Peck, Samuel 58 
 Peck, Simeon 58, 84, 93, 
 
 106, 602, 608, 612 
 Peck, Simeon Jr S^ : 612 
 Peck, Solomon 151, 170, 
 
 235> 236 
 Pel ham, 10, 14. 15. 19-21, 
 
 47, 49, 5°' 54, 5 6 , 6 °. 6 3, 
 64, 79, 82, 98, 114, 124, 
 126, 127, 129-131. 134-137, 
 140, 141, 159. 171. 184, 189, 
 198. 227, 242-244, 257. 
 258,276,277.284, 296,298, 
 306, 323, 376, 422, 424, 
 425, 430, 453, 468, 47°- 
 499, 545, 573- 575, 578. 
 606, 615 
 
 Penhallow, David P 557 
 
 Percival, Ansel 385 
 
 Percival, Erasmus W 516, 
 
 Perkins, Harriet 150 
 Perkins, Justus 253 
 Perkins, Nathan 94, 95, 
 
 1 13, 145, 602, 610, 612 
 Perkins, Nathan Jr 113, 
 
 115, 153, 196, 209, 210, 
 
 215, 227, 228, 256. 373, 
 
 612 
 
 Perkins, Thomas G 150 
 Perkins, T H 326 
 Perletto, Antonio 436 
 Perrin, Samuel 289, 448 
 Perry, U W C 296 
 Perry, H B 470 
 Perry, John 18 
 Persifield, James 84 
 Petersham, 131, 134, 238, 
 
 321,575 
 Peterson, John 243 
 Petowamachu, 1, 2 
 Pettis, David 80, 83, 86, 92, 
 
 613 
 Pettis, Ebenezer 81, 602, 
 
 613 
 
 Pettis, John 19, 21. 599,602 
 Pettis, Joseph 57, 58, 81, 
 
 85, 125,612 
 Phelps, Charles 46, 277 
 Phelps, C A 327 
 Phelps, George W 316 
 Phelps, Lyman D 490, 514, 
 
 522 
 Philip 6 
 
 Phillips, Grace 256 
 Phillips, Harriet 150 
 Phillip, S A 441 
 Pickering, Josephine E 439 
 Pierce, Amelia M 251 
 Pierce, Chauncey 363 
 Pierce, Edwin H 517, 522 
 Pierce, F A 359, 362, 450 
 Pierce, E S 450 
 Pierce, G O 473 
 Pierce, J A 364, 4S8 
 Pierce, James 520 
 Pierce, James A 490, 516, 
 
 522 
 Pierce. Josiah 41, 42.46,51 
 Pike, Jeremiah 84 
 Pike, John 242 
 Pilcher, E F 244 
 Pitkin, Solomon 273, 328, 
 
 33°- 449 
 Pitman. John 3S4 
 Plumb, Henry C 490, 514, 
 
 522 
 Plumley, Daniel 84 
 Pocasset, 6 
 Pocomtucks, 3 
 Pomeroy, Abigail 28 
 Pomeroy, David 28, 133, 
 
 586, 610 
 Pomeroy, Dorcas 28 
 Pomeroy, Ebenezer 48, S5. 
 
 613 
 Pomeroy. Edward P 439. 
 
 586 
 Pomeroy, Elisha 63 
 Pomeroy, Eunice 28 
 Pomeroy, Harlan 476. 586 
 
 Pomeroy, Jerusha 28 
 Pomeroy, Lucy 28 
 Pomeroy, Mary 28 
 Pomeroy, Moses 28 
 Pomeroy, Samuel 28 
 Pomeroy, Simeon 20, 28, 
 
 80, 81, 83, 101, 106, 133, 
 
 182, 599, 602, 608. 6 ro, 
 
 612 
 Pomeroy, Simeon Jr 610 
 Pomptucksett, 2 
 Popham, John 81 
 Porter, Alexander 18, 19 
 Porter, Mrs C M 385 
 Porter, Eleazer 32, 33, 50 
 
 52, 127, 133, 320 
 Porter, Elihu 121 OC} 
 
 Porter, Elisha 85, 92, 93 T 
 
 95 
 Porter, Experience 13, 145 
 Porter, Hannah 13 
 Porter, Hezekiah 13, 15 
 Porter, Ichabod 13 
 Porter, John 13, 15 
 Porter. Samuel 273 
 Porter, Matthew 306, 444 
 Porter, Moses 52, 62 
 Porter, Samuel 11, 13-15, 
 
 43° 
 Potter, E S 242, 243 
 Potwin, Edwin H 490,495, 
 
 506, 522 
 Potwin, T S 352 
 Powers, John 127 
 Powers, Josiah 25 
 Powers, Samuel 2S0, 312 
 Powers, Sarah 25 
 Pownal, Thomas 68 
 Pratt, C M 529 
 Pratt, F B 529, 531 
 Pratt, Giles G 454 
 Prentiss, John 470 
 Prescott, 134, 135, 257, 258, 
 
 276, 453 
 Presho, Dwight 545 
 Preston, James A 588, 490, 
 
 495. 507, 522 
 Preston, John 13, 15 
 Preston, Simeon E 488, 
 
 490, 495, 504, 522 
 Prince, Daniel 95, 613 
 Prince, George H 586 
 Prince, Henry B 336, 504, 
 
 522 
 Prince, Samuel 95, 96, 133, 
 
 144 
 Proctor, Mary 273 
 Prouty, Edward W 485, 
 
 490,513,522 
 Provincial Congress 67, 78, 
 
 79,99 
 Prutt, Caesar 59,63,80,612 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 635 
 
 Purple, Alice A 395 
 Purple, Mrs W E 395 
 Putnam, Eli 58, 113 
 Putnam, George L 480,490, 
 
 500, 512, 522 
 Putnam, Jepthah 95,96,613 
 Putnam, Rufus 362, 363 
 Putnam, Warren 150 
 Putney, C G 383 
 Pynchon, John 1-3,5,385 
 
 Ouabbin, 54 
 Ouaquachu, 2 
 Quiggle, Thomas, 64 
 Ouonquont, 1-3 
 Quunkwattchu, 5 
 
 Rankin, Cynthia 575 
 Rawson, G W 470 
 Rawson, J A 352 
 Ray, John W 153 
 Redding, L E 142 
 Redding, Merton J 436 
 Read, H L 269, 436 
 Read, S T 436 
 Read, W H 436 
 Reed, Daniel 84 
 Reed, Mary A 194 
 Reed. Thomas 219, 254, 
 
 334, 356, 465 
 Reilley, W J 337 
 Reynolds, H A 394 
 Rhodes, Benjamin 20, 21, 
 
 64 
 Rice. Adam 79, 80,85, 113, 
 
 602, 612 
 Rice, David 331 
 Rice, Jonathan 587 
 Rice, William 95, 349, 374. 
 
 610, 612 
 Rich, Calvin 133 
 Rich, David 113 
 Rich, John 316 
 Richards, Joseph 515, 522 
 Richards, Samuel W Jr 
 
 518,522 
 Richardson, Almira 575 
 Richardson, Henry B 529 
 Richardson, M L 220 
 Richardson, W G 245 
 Riley, Charles 515, 522 
 Risslev, Esther 573 
 River Indians, 3 
 Rockwood, Harvey 382 
 Robins, Alva 391 
 Robins. Zebadiah W 391 
 Robbins, Abigail 150 
 Robbins, Ephraim 133 
 Robins, Isaac 133,236,336. 
 
 610 
 Robins, John 1 13 
 Robbins, Joseph 94, 95. 
 
 113, 610, 612 
 Robbins, Samuel 465 
 Roberts, Albert 511, 522 
 Roberts, Charles 305, 465, 
 
 587 
 Roberts, Ella 415 
 Roberts, Ephraim 2S7. 573, 
 
 608 
 Roberts, Ephraim Jr 465 
 Roberts, George H 511,522 
 Roberts, James W 516,522 
 Roberts, Joseph 573 
 Roberts. Manning 287,415 
 Roberts, Mrs Manning 415 
 Roberts, Norman 490, 511, 
 
 522 
 Roberts. Reuben 2S7, 573. 
 
 585, 608 
 Roberts, Sally M 576 
 Roberts, Susan E 575 
 Roberts, W 265 
 Roberts. William L 287, 
 
 4i5 
 Robinson, A J 300, 587 
 Robinson, D A 251 
 Robinson, Ferdinand 337, 
 
 465 
 Robinson. Mary 554 
 Robinson, William H 333 
 Rockwell, Cornelia 194 
 Rockwell, J 328 
 Rodgers, S L 243, 244 
 Rogan, D H 220, 226, 477 
 Rogers Rangers, 63 
 Rolf, Benjamin 83, 612 
 Rolf, Daniel 80, 603, 613 
 Rolf. Enos 83. 92, 612 
 Rolph, Edward M 511.522 
 Rood, Abigail 385 
 Rood, Benjamin 599 
 Rood, Ezra 44, 57. 79, 603. 
 
 612 
 Rood, William 21 
 Rooker, William 13, 15 
 Root, Elihu 539 
 Root, Ezekiel 128 
 Root, Lemuel 94, 95, 612 
 Root, Luther 328, 329, 336 
 Roper, S H 295, 296 
 Roth. Benjamin 603 
 I Roth, Edward 133 
 Roth, Leonard 133 
 Rowe, Moses 58 
 Rude, Simeon 63 
 Ruggles, Edward 470 
 Rush. John 519. 522 
 Russell. Aaron 349 
 Russell. Charles F 519 
 Russell, Daniel Jr 225 
 Russell. Dwight 490, 507, 
 
 522 
 Russell. Emerson 36S 
 
 Russell, John Jr 5-7 
 Russell, Jonathan 13 
 Russell. R C 362 
 Russell, R Chauncey 450 
 Russell, Samuel 13, 15 
 Rust, Benoni 298. 391,574, 
 
 587 
 Rust, Charles 3S4 
 Rust, Jacob L 4S8, 490. 
 
 495, 5°7- 522 
 Rust. Nelson 253. 306, 444. 
 
 587 
 
 Rust. Oliver 574 
 Ryan, James B 383 
 
 Sabin, Barnabas 106. 603 
 Sabin, Chandler 306 
 Sabin. E T 433 
 Sabin. Herbert 413 
 Salois, Michael 507. 522 
 Sage. George E 563 
 Sambo, Coon 398 
 Sanders, Benjamin 599 
 Sanderson, Fred 479. 480 
 Sanderson, James K 488, 
 
 490. 498. 509, 522 
 Sandling, John 489, 490, 
 
 498, 509, 5^2 
 Sacket, Gad 127 
 Samuel, Thomas 133 
 Sanderson, George W 337 
 Sanderson. J E 251 
 Sanford. John 256 
 Sanglere. John 92, 613 
 Saratoga, 90, 99. 136 
 Sargent, Charles S 556 
 Sargent. G W 357. 362, 393 
 Sawtell, Solomon 63 
 Sewell, D SS 
 
 Schatz. Frederick 513. 522 
 Scott. Ephraim 244 
 Scott, John 58 
 Scovil. Ebenezer 17 
 Schuyler. Philip 90 
 Scott, George W 480. 490, 
 
 501, 514, 522 
 Scott, Israel 289. 610 
 Scott, Nelson 385. 451 
 Scott, Stephen C 520 
 Seabury, Betsey A 577 
 Seabury, J B 23^ 
 Sears, Arthur 490. 507, 522 
 Sears, David 174. 176 
 Sears, E B 379 
 Sears, Henry B 488. 490, 
 
 495, 507- 522 
 Seelye, Julius H 231-233, 
 
 258,390,407.417.421-424. 
 
 452, 453, 466. 480. 487, 
 
 523, 52S-531 
 Seelye, H H 470 
 Seelye, L Clark 526. 528 
 
6 3 6 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Seelye, Sarah M 577 
 Selding, John 13, 15 
 Selding, Thomas 13 
 Selden, Ebenezer 15 
 Sellon, William F 451, 471 
 Senter, Oramel S 337 
 Shattuck, E B 322 
 Shattuck, G W 517, 522 
 Shays, Daniel 79, 8a, 98, 
 
 124-139, 132, 135-137, 374 
 Shays Rebellion, 79, ri8- 
 
 137, 139,143, 184, 185,381 
 Shaw, Charles A 334 
 Shay, James 80, 613 
 Shea, Patrick 515, 522 
 Shepard. Charles U 178, 
 
 468 
 Shepard, Deborah 207 
 Shepard, Fanny H 190 
 Shepard, George 175, 200 
 Shepard, Hannah 149 
 Shepard, Olive 3, 188 
 Shepard, William 124, 125, 
 
 127-129 
 Shepardson, W M 255 
 Sheperd, Thomas 256 
 Shepherd, George C 248 
 Sheppard, Luther D 246 
 Sherman, C R 245 
 Shoals. John 480, 488, 490, 
 
 504, 522 
 Shumway, Abijah 388 
 Shumway, Amasa 84 
 Shumway, Dan 388 
 Shumway, E G 449 
 Shumway, Henrietta F 154 
 Shumway, Loren 388 
 Shumway, Stephen 84 
 Shutesbury, 17, 23, 81, 82, 
 
 87,97-99, 127, 135, 143, 
 
 185, 234, 236, 276, 306, 
 
 386, 387, 468, 499, 572, 
 
 574, 582 
 Simmons, " Parson " 388 
 Simonds, J Franklin 504, 
 
 522 
 Simonds. S 367 
 Sisson, Tabor T 383 
 Skeele, J P 202 
 Skinner, J L 333. 344, 345, 
 
 364, 456, 490, 493, 495, 
 
 496, 503, 522, 523 
 Skinner, Linneus C 490, 
 
 494, 5°4- 5 22 
 Skinner, Lyman W 490, 
 
 507, 522 
 Slate, George E 507, 522 
 Slate, Jonathan S 360,362, 
 
 377, 388 
 Slater, John 249 
 Slauter, George T 395 
 Slattery, John 449 
 
 Sloan, F W 365 
 
 Sloan, George W 490, 504, 
 
 522 
 Sloan, T W 251, 252, 364, 
 
 487, 493, 496, 503, 5 22 
 Slocumb, Robert 513, 522 
 Smith, Aaron 17, 23, 24,39, 
 
 61, 62, 64. 84, 85,589,608, 
 
 613 
 Smith, Aaron Jr 63 
 Smith, Abigail 23, 24, 26, 
 
 28, 36, 572 
 Smith, Achsah 24, 150, 184 
 Smith, Alexander 20, 24,57, 
 
 63, 106, 133,182, 1S3. 587, 
 
 589, 599, 603, 608 
 Smith, Amasa 23, 84,613 
 Smith, Andrew 24 
 Smith, Asa 24, 610 
 Smith, Austin 401, 402 
 Smith, Azubah 23 
 Smith, B E 254, 357 
 Smith, Benjamin 24, 50, 
 
 349, 610 
 Smith, Benjamin F 336, 
 
 470, 579, 585 
 Smith, Bridget 27 
 Smith, Caleb 84, 613 
 Smith, Catharine 23 
 Smith, Charles K 355 
 Smith, Charles49i, 518.522 
 Smith, Charles C 511, 522 
 Smith, Charles S 285, 382, 
 
 471, 473,580, 5S5, 587 
 Smith, Charles V 485, 488, 
 
 490, 515,522 
 Smith, .Mrs C S 472 
 Smith, Chester 587, 610 
 Smith, Chileab 13, 22-24, 
 
 45, 49, 58, 80, 184, 574, 
 
 603,608, 612 
 Smith, Chileab Jr 610 
 Smith. Cotton 360, 387, 447, 
 
 574, 587 
 Smith, Daniel 18, 23, 24, 
 
 59, 66, 84, 143 
 Smith, David 18, 19, 23, 
 
 24. 36, 47, 52, 62, 63, 106, 
 
 133' 587,599, 6o 3, 608, 610 
 Smith, David Jr 610 
 Smith, Dorothy 23, 100 
 Smith, E W472 
 Smith, Ebenezer 13 
 Smith, Edward 20, 24, 43, 
 
 599, 603 
 Smith, Eleazer 9, 19, 24. 40, 
 
 61, 133, 587, 608, 610 
 Smith, Electa 24 
 Smith, Elias 24, 47, 80, 81, 
 
 93, 133. 612 
 Smith, Elijah 58, 62, 64, 
 
 133- 587-610 
 
 Smith, Elisha 24, 58, 182, 
 
 184, 216, 217, 585, 587, 
 
 589, 603, 608, 610 
 Smith, Elisha Jr 349, 589 
 Smith. Elizabeth 23,26, 36 
 Smith, Ephraim 75 
 Smith, Erastus T 312 
 Smith, Esther 25 
 Smith, Ethan 24, 133, 610 
 Smith, Francis B 517. 522 
 Smith, Friend 470, 610 
 Smith, H B 217, 220, 437 
 Smith, Hamilton 150 
 Smith, Hannah 23, 24, 36, 
 
 198 
 Smith. Hewitt 24 
 Smith, Hiram 312 
 Smith, Horace 337, 573, 
 
 608 
 Smith, Hoyt 610 
 Smith, Ichabod 13, 15, 23 
 Smith, lthamar 24.385,610 
 Smith, J E 322 
 Smith, J P 428 
 Smith, J T 237 
 Smith, J H 324 
 Smith, James 13 
 Smith, Jemima 23 
 Smith, Jerusha 24, 184,572 
 Smith, Joel 23 
 Smith, John 24, 25, 45, 244, 
 
 610 
 Smith, John, orphan 13 
 Smithjohn, son of Chileab 
 
 13 
 Smith, John, tailor 13 
 Smith, John C 292 
 Smith, John W 362 
 Smith, Jonathan 18, 19,23, 
 
 24, 26, 28, 36, 40, 50, 53, 
 
 61, 62, 64, 73, 106, 572, 
 
 587, 599, 603, 60S, 610 
 Smith, Jonathan Jr 20, 24, 
 
 599, 610 
 Smith, Joseph 13, 24, 50, 
 
 77, 280 
 Smith, Josiah 24, 133 
 Smith, Justin 24 
 Smith, Levi 24. 80, 84. 85, 
 
 95,612 
 Smith, Lucina 24 
 Smith, Lucretia 1S4 
 Smith, Lucy 23, 24 
 Smith, Lydia 24 
 Smith, Luke 13, 24, 32 
 Smith, Lyman 384, 414 
 Smith, Margaret 26 
 Smith, Martha 29 
 Smith, Martin 19, 21, 23, 
 
 24, 79, 81. 97, 106, 216. 
 
 599, 603, 608, 612 
 Smith, Mary 23. 24. 573 
 
INDEX OF PART I. 
 
 637 
 
 Smith, Mehitable 36, 59 
 Smith, Mercy 27 
 Smith, Minnie 395 
 Smith, Moses 18, 23, 54, 
 
 57. 75, 599, 603, 608, 610 
 Smith, Nathan 94, 189,613 
 Smith, Nathaniel 17, 24,30, 
 
 33. 36, 58, 60, 75, 76, 100, 
 106, 145,328-330,587,588. 
 599, 608 
 
 Smith, Nathaniel Alexan- 
 der 24, 106, 610 
 
 Smith, N Austin 331 
 
 Smith. Noah 19, 24, 38, 47, 
 80, 107, 133, 572,587,603, 
 608, 610, 612 
 
 Smith, Noah Jr 225. 610 
 
 Smith, Noadiah 23, 133, 
 603 
 
 Smith, Norman 454 
 
 Smith, Oliver 23, 85, 400, 
 
 538 
 Smith, O W 414 
 Smith, P W 414 
 Smith, Paul 84 
 Smith, Peletiah 18, 23, 24, 
 
 33. 3 6 ,40, 50,61, 113,589, 
 
 599, 603, 608 
 Smith, Peletiah Jr 20, 24 
 Smith, Peter 18, 19, 23, 24, 
 
 58, 73, 184, 587, 599, 603, 
 608 
 
 Smith, Philip 23, 24 
 Smith, Phinehas 18, 23. 24 
 Smith, Polly 24, 184 
 Smith, Preserved 13 
 Smith, Rachel 24 
 Smith, Rebecca 23, 24, 28 
 Smith, Reuben 24, 79, 84, 
 
 85, 610, 612 
 Smith, Rhoda 24 
 Smith, Roxana 24 
 Smith, Sally 185 
 Smith, Samuel 15, 26, 28, 
 
 133- 198, 35 2 , 374, 580, 
 
 610 
 Smith, Samuel Sr 13 
 Smith, Samuel Jr 52 
 Smith, Samuel, Dea 13 
 Smith, Samuel, son of Chil- 
 
 eab 13. 23. 24 
 Smith, Sarah 24, 150 
 Smith, Sarah 2d 150 
 Smith, Seth 24, 349. 374, 
 
 610 
 Smith, Silas 573 
 Smith, Simeon 20, 23, 24, 
 
 63, 75, 79, 89, 133, 579, 
 
 587, 603, 608, 612 
 Smith, Solomon 24 
 Smith, Stephen 17,21, 23, 
 
 24. 36, 58. 79, 81, 86, 385, 
 
 587, 603, 608, 610, 612 
 Smith, Sibyl 574 
 Smith, Sylvanus 24 
 Smith, Submit 574 
 Smith, Thaddeus 319 
 Smith, Thankful 22 
 Smith. Thomas 610 
 Smith, Timothy 24,81, 133, 
 
 391, 442, 444, 465, 603, 
 
 608, 610, 612 
 Smith, Timothy 2d 81,613 
 Smith, Titus 23 
 Smith, Trvphena 24 
 Smith, William A 385 
 Smith, W B 324 
 Smith, William E 587 
 Smith, William H 288,291, 
 
 385 
 Smith, William J 488, 490, 
 
 498, 509, 522 
 Smith, William P 330,331, 
 
 387 
 Smith, W H 367, 441 
 Smith. William W 337, 
 
 362, 409, 439, 441, 457, 
 
 458, 487 
 Smith, Wright 24 
 Snell, Ebenezer S 149, 165, 
 
 170, 178, 179, 232, 275, 
 
 311, 324, 342, 456, 457, 
 
 528,530,551 
 Snell, Mary L 456 
 Snell, Sabra C 456 
 Snelling, Samuel 247 
 Snow, H 379 
 Snow, Jabez 63 
 Snow, Ralph 610 
 Solomon, Joseph J 518,522 
 Sophocles.Evangelinus 149 
 South Hadley, 10, 18, 25, 
 33,4i, 45, 47, 54, 60, -6i, 
 65, 74. 7S, 82, 101, 124, 
 129, 139, 147, 257, 280, 
 284. 308,310-312,320,343, 
 
 453, 468, 469, 573 
 Southworth, Constance 320 
 Southworth, Edward 305 
 Southworth, Wells 159 
 Southworth, William S 537 
 Sparhawk, Nathan 93 
 Spaulding, A P 383 
 Spaulding, Charles B 480, 
 
 488, 490, 495, 507, 522 
 Spaulding, Philip D 283, 
 
 285,427, 472 
 Spear, Mrs A J 472 
 Spear, Asa A 499, 509, 522 
 Spear, E 312 
 Spear, E M 472, 473 
 Spear, G P 414, 485, 490, 
 
 500, 511, 522 
 Spear. James W 488, 490, 
 
 495, 507, 522 
 
 Spear, Lewis J 367 
 
 Spear, M N 246, 336, 349, 
 364, 408, 409, 449 
 
 Spear, Mary 578 
 
 Spellman, Timothy 488. 
 490, 499, 509, 522 
 
 Spencer, Adelaide 581 
 
 Spencer, C M 295, 296 
 
 Spencer, John H 298 
 
 Spicer, Jabez 128 
 
 Spofford, Daniel 327 
 
 Sprague, David 248 
 
 Sprout, Josiah 384 
 
 Sprout. Nathan 101 
 
 Springfield, 1-3,5, 8, 10, n, 
 26, 27, 52, 60, 90, 95, 100, 
 109-112, 121, 124-129, 136, 
 138, 185, 248, 250, 296, 
 
 298, 305, 3°7-3 ll ^3H,3 l6 
 
 324, 343, 346, 347, 386, 
 
 387, 398, 422, 476, 479, 
 
 493, 495-497, 5°o, 5°«- 
 
 538, 540, 555 
 Squier, A L 245 
 Squier, Daniel 95, 613 
 Squier, Thomas 95, 613 
 Squires, Emorv 454 
 St Clair, John 83,613 
 Stack, Patrick 438 
 Stankoff, Nicholas 517,522 
 Stanley, Edward A 587,610 
 Stanley, Edward H 490. 
 
 512, 522 
 Starbuck, J H 368 
 Stearns, Frazar A 479,490. 
 
 501,514, 522,527 
 Stearns, John 507, 522 
 Stearns, William A 154, 
 
 231, 233, 476, 477, 479, 
 
 481, 487, 524, 525, 526, 
 
 528, 530, 539 
 Stearns, William F 232, 
 
 481, 482, 525 
 Stearns, Mrs W F 275 
 Stebbins, W E 368 
 Steele, Elisha 84 
 Stetson, Gideon 101, 336, 
 
 572, 586,610 
 Stetson, Jacob 391, 444 
 Stetson, Jacob Jr 465 
 Stetson, William B 150 
 Stevens, Charles A 320, 452 
 Stickney, C R 307 
 Stickney, John 206 
 Stiles, President 7 
 Stillman, George 13, 15 
 Stockbridge, Anna 472 
 Stockbridge, David 106, 
 
 470, 471. 603 
 Stockbridge, Horace E 
 
 562, 563 
 
6 3 8 
 
 HISTORY OK THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Stockbridge, Jason 313 
 Stockbridge, Levi 281,283, 
 320,323,336,352,433,456, 
 
 472,539,546,555-557.559, 
 
 560, 585, 587, 589 
 Stockbridge, Mrs Levi 472 
 Stockbridge, Sylvester L 
 
 487 
 Stocking, George 388 
 Stockwell, George S 237 
 Stockwell, Timothy 84 
 Stone, Elizabeth 273 
 Stone, F L 285, 429, 587 
 Stone, Francis 130 
 Stone, J M 321-323 
 Stone, Samuel 4 
 Stone, Mrs V G 529 
 Storrs, C L 345, 416, 504, 
 
 522,523 
 Storrs, E W 449 
 Storrs, Samuel J 268, 499, 
 
 509, 522 
 Stoughton, Amy 23 
 Stoughton. Dorothy 23,572 
 Stoughton, Eunice 23 
 Stoughton, John 23 
 Stowell, J Jr 470 
 Stowell, Warren M 522 
 Stratton, C 449 
 Stratton, RW 246, 247,410 
 Street, Whiting 403 
 Strickland, Catharine 578 
 Strickland. E F 365 
 Strickland, Hannah 185 
 Strickland, Sibyl 574 
 Strickland, William P 335 
 Strong, Caleb 134, 142, 143, 
 
 370-373 
 Strong, Charles L 150 
 Strong, Elijah U 150 
 Strong, Frances 150 
 Strong, Hezekiah 60 
 Strong, H Wright 140, 141, 
 144, 145, 147, 150, 159, 
 164, 181, 1S2, 185, 186, 
 192, 253, 277, 332, 336, 
 386, 448, 608 
 Strong, John 60, 277, 336 
 Strong, Martha 438 
 Strong, Mary 27, 158 
 Strong, Nathaniel 24, 28 
 Strong, Nehemiah 18, 19, 
 
 27, 60, 75, 599, 608 
 Strong, Rachel 24 
 Strong, Rebecca 2S 
 Strong, Samuel 27 
 Strong, S E 470 
 Strong, Sarah S 147-150 
 Strong, Simeon 19, 20, 27, 
 31,60, 75, 76, 82, 87, 89, 
 96, 101, 102, 106, 108, 134, 
 i3 8 , '39, Hi, 142, 144, 
 
 164, 186, 187, 203, 277, 
 
 335, 336, 453, 5S5, 587- 
 
 589, 608, 610 
 Strong, Simeon Jr 141, 335 
 Strong, Simeon E 150 
 Strong, Solomon 60, 144, 
 
 335 
 Strong, Wright 150 
 Sturtevant, James 603 
 Suchaw 2 
 
 Sugland, Lorenzo 518, 522 
 Sunderland, 17, 18, 22, 23, 
 
 27-29, 32, 33, 44, 46, 47, 
 55, 61, 67, 82,87,110, 114, 
 185, 194, 196, 236, 280, 
 284, 309, 312, 313, 315, 
 
 328,33i,375,43 -432,43 8 , 
 468, 470, 499, 575, 579 
 Sunmukquomuck 2 
 Swan, Josiah 9 
 Swanger, Melvina 581 
 Sweetser Charles H 284 
 Sweetser, J Howard 426, 
 
 43°, 454 
 
 Sweetser, Joseph A 192, 
 328, 329, 448 
 
 Sweetser, Luke 140, 190, 
 
 192, 205, 263, 273, 279, 
 
 280, 291, 309, 310, 312, 
 
 314, 315, 329, 330, 336, 
 
 340, 342, 350, 448, 5 2 5> 
 538, 5«5, 587 
 
 Taft, Ethan A 490, 509,522 
 Tappan, John 231, 525 
 Taylor, Alexander 516,522 
 Taylor, Ebenezer 603 
 Taylor, Israel H 364, 470, 
 
 578 
 l aylor, James 145, 151, 172 
 Taylor, Joseph K 488, 490, 
 
 498, 508, 522 
 Taylor, Samuel S4 
 Taumann, John 513, 522 
 Taylor, John Sr 13, 15, 46 
 Taylor, John Jr 13, 15 
 Temple. Daniel Jr 153 
 Thayer, Amy M 579 
 Thayer, Asahel 140. 253, 
 
 298, 299, 336,448,587,608 
 Thayer, Benoni 301 
 Thayer, Charles 438 
 Thayer, Dwight 450 
 Thayer, E G 251, 380 
 Thayer, Enoch 84, 613 
 Thayer, Fiske A 400 
 Thayer, George E 140, 298, 
 
 366, 4i3 
 Thayer, John 47, 349 
 Thayer, Jonathan 101, 450 
 Thayer, Joseph 448 
 Thayer, Josiah 480, 490, 
 
 512, 522, 608, 610 
 Thayer, Lyman R 507,522 
 Thayer, Martin 151, 272 
 Thayer, Nancy 572 
 Thayer, Reuben 47 
 Thayer, Samuel M 509,522 
 Thayer, William 280 
 Thompson, E A 293 
 Thompson, John 84 
 Temple, Isaac 63 
 Thomas, Edward A 335, 
 
 336, 352, 364, 366, 589 
 Thomas, Eliab 1 14, 253,610 
 Thomas, G A 368 
 Thomas, Lydia 24 
 Thomas, Rowland 2 
 Thompson, Artemas 263 
 Thompson, Charles H 518 
 
 522 
 1 hompson, Christopher 
 
 518,522 
 Thompson, Henry 490,518, 
 
 Thompson, James 516, 522 
 Thompson, John 490, 518, 
 
 C22 
 Thompson, Samuel 101, 
 
 133 
 Thompson, William 149 
 Thornton, William P 444 
 Ticonderoga, 63, 64, 83,84, 
 
 98, 100, 183 
 Tidd, Hollis 237 
 Tilden, Elisha 358 
 Tilley, W J 247, 248 
 Tillson, David H 337 
 Tilton, Peter 13 
 Titus, W N 327 
 Todd, David 244 
 Todd, David P 529 
 Todd, Mabel Loomis 467, 
 
 472 
 Torry, David 202 
 Totten, C A L 556, 557 
 Tower, Frank E 238 
 Town, David 84 
 Towne, W G 365, 380, 472 
 Towne, William 84 
 Towne, William 2d 84 
 Towenucksett Brook, 1, 2 
 Train, Eva 441 
 Treat, Major 7 
 Treat, Selah R 201 
 Tripp, B H 320, 322 
 Trowbridge, David 57, 125 
 Trumbull, J R 343 
 Trumbull, James 603 
 Tuckerman, Edward 249, 
 
 468, 526 
 Tuckerman, Mrs Edward 
 
 58, 327 
 Tufts, George H 507, 522 
 
INDEX OF PARI' I. 
 
 6 39 
 
 Turner, Charles 457. 518, 
 
 522 
 Turner, Charles F 488,490, 
 
 498, 508, 522 
 Turner, Elizabeth O 579 
 Turner, R 248 
 Turner, Rodolphus 361 
 Turner, William 100 
 Turzo, Leonard 440 
 Turzo, Pasquale 440 
 Tuttle, John E 232, 274 
 Tuttle, Mrs J E 472 
 Tuttle, Nathan 385, 610 
 Tuxbury, Franklin 258 
 Tyler, John M 354, 529 
 Tyler, Mason W 488, 489, 
 
 49°, 497, 498, 5° 8 , 5— 
 Tyler, Nathan 93 
 Tyler, William S 141, 147, 
 
 149, '54-156, 163, 174,179, 
 186, 233, 253, 256, 352, 
 393, 466, 477, 480, 527-529 
 
 Ufford, H 355 
 Ufford, Andrew J 518, 522 
 Ufford, H L 472, 587 
 Umpanchella, 1, 2, 3 
 Underhill, John W 226 
 
 Vaill, Joseph 154. 174, 480 
 Vinton, Medad 397, 488 
 
 490, 49 2 , 496, 5°4, 5 22 
 Vose, J G 330, 487, 526 
 Vose, Solomon 470 
 
 Wadsworth, Hiram 322 
 Wait, Abigail 23 
 Wait, Daniel 244 
 Wait, Seth 58 
 Wait, William 23 
 Waite, Jerusha 29 
 Waite, John 29 
 Waite, Luther 384 
 Waite, Richard 80, 603,612 
 Waite, William 84 
 Wakefield, Charles E 585 
 Wakefield, Salmon 285, 
 
 427, 429, 440, 587 
 Waldo, Milton 374,428 
 Wales, Jemima 23 . 
 Wales, Seth 57 
 Walker, C S 220, 221, 254, 
 
 413, 563, 570 
 Walker, F,meline 467 
 Walker, George H 379 
 Walker, Ida May 436 
 Walker, Simeon 63 
 Walker, W J 524, 525, 526 
 Walton, Thomas 138 
 Wampanoags, 6, 7 
 Waranokes, 3 
 Ward, Artemas 107 
 
 Ward, Georgianna 582 
 Ward, Horace 246, 247, 331, 
 
 363, 402, 585 
 Ward, Isaac 46, 63, 64, 66. 
 
 67, 599 
 Ward, John S 312 
 Ward, N ah urn 51 
 Ward, Samuel D 335, 386 
 Ware, Samuel 336 
 Warner, Aaron 18, 19, 21, 
 
 27, 3°, 38, 59, Io6 , 278, 
 
 599, 603, 608 
 Warner, Aaron Jr 21 
 Warner, Aaron E 336 
 Warner, Abigail 27 
 Warner, Andrew 5, 27 
 Warner, Anna 27 
 Warner, Clarence D 562, 
 
 565, 569 
 Warner, Daniel 13, 15 
 Warner, David 27, 610 
 Warner, D S 377 
 Warner, Miss E 264 
 Warner, Eleazar 13,15,84, 
 
 613 
 Warner, Elihu 94, 613 
 Warner, Elisha 27, 95, 180, 
 
 610, 612 
 Warner, Esther 27 
 Warner, Eunice 184 
 Warner, George 585 
 Warner, Hannah 27, 603 
 Warner, Isaac 13, 15 
 Warner, Jacob 13, 15, 19, 
 
 27, 59, 80, 85, 113, 599. 
 
 603, 60S, 612 
 Warner, Jacob Jr 113, 133, 
 
 603 
 Warner, Jonathan 27, 84, 
 
 133, 186, 610, 612 
 Warner, Jonathan C 221, 
 
 349, 39 J 
 Warner, Josiah 85, 86, 207, 
 
 587, 603, 608, 610, 612 
 Warner, Josiah Jr 587 
 Warner, Lucy 27 
 Warner, Maribee 27 
 Warner, Mary 27, 603 
 Warner, Moses 18, 19, 27, 
 
 42, 43, 55, 5 6 , 6 3> 74, 106, 
 
 182, 183, 599, 603, 608 
 Warner, Nathaniel 13, 15 
 Warner, Noadiah 27,603 
 Warner, Rebecca 24 
 Warner, Reuben 27,95,133, 
 
 612 
 Warner, Ruth 27 
 Warner, Samuel 610 
 Warner, Sarah 27, 186 
 Warner, Sewal 84, 613 
 Warner, Stephen 52 
 Warner, Thankful 23 
 
 Warner, Wareham 27 
 Warner, Widow 13 
 Warren, Ely 533 
 Warren, George W 312 
 Washburn, Royal 151,200, 
 
 256 
 Washburn, William B 545 
 Waters, Charles 518, 522 
 Waters, George 237 
 Watson, Caleb 6 
 Watson, David 196, 303. 
 
 610 
 Watson, James 332 
 Watson, Joseph 332, 470, 
 
 610 
 Watson, Mary 573 
 Watson, Oliver 190, 196, 
 
 213, 299, 303, 304, 362, 
 
 411,585,587 
 Webber, George N 154 
 Webster, Ariel 128 
 Webster, Daniel 157 
 Webster, Gov 4 
 Webster, Edward E 336, 
 
 589 
 Webster, Eliza S 150 
 Webster, Noah 141, 142, 
 145, 147, 148, 160, 162, 
 185, 207, 253, 336, 347, 
 367, 383, 466, 585, 589 
 Webster, William G 150 
 Weeks, Edward C 393 
 Weeks, Henry 145 
 Weeks, Polly 150 
 Weeks, Stephen 150, 384 
 Welch, F^arrell 514, 522 
 Welch, Redmond 517, 522 
 Wellington, Charles 563 
 Well man, Mrs A 255 
 Wells, Ebenezer 13 
 Wells, Cornelius 470 
 Wells, Eunice 28, 34 
 Wells, Gideon 28, 34 
 Wells, John 17, 33 
 Wells, Joseph 17 
 West, Christopher 27 
 Westcott, J T 330, 336 
 Westcott, R J D 331 
 Westcott, Stephen R 512, 
 
 522 
 West, George L 316 
 West, Henry C 285 
 West, Parsons 309, 310 
 West, Sarah 27 
 Wetherell, Leander 562 
 Wethersfield, Conn 4, 5, 
 
 10, 22, 28, 34 
 Whalley, Edward 7 
 Whately, 17, 196, 401, 577 
 Wheeler, Adam 130, 132 
 Wheeler, Capt6 
 Wheeler, H E 473 
 
640 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OP" AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Wheeler, George 513, 522 
 Wheeler, William 557, 560 
 Wheelock, Dana 290 
 Wheelock, James HJ511, 
 
 522 
 Wheelock, John P W 490, 
 
 511,522 
 Wheelock, Mary 457 
 Wheelock, R T 349, 587, 
 
 588 
 Wheelock, Wealthy 457 
 Whipple, Edward 150 
 Whipple, William W 153 
 Whitcomb, J M 290 
 White, Anna B 154 
 White, Cornelius 520 
 White, George 150 
 White, Hannah 273 
 White, Harvey 366, 472, 523 
 White, James 134, 310, 311 
 White, Jarib 159, 336, 610 
 White, Jay 140, 332, 588 
 White, John 485, 490, 500 
 
 511, 522, 579 
 White, John C 246, 247, 
 
 327,425,427, 451, 473 
 White, Joseph 545, 552 
 White, Mary A 273 
 White, Nathaniel 13,15,615 
 White, Orra 149 
 White, Pliny H 344, 579 
 White, Mrs P H 395 
 White, Samuel 488,490,519 
 White, Samuel N 154, 273 
 White, Sarah 197 
 White, S V 265 
 White William H 490,501, 
 
 514,522 
 Whitefield, George 40 
 Whiting, Dorothy 185 
 Whiting, Enoch 304 
 Whiting, Hannah 150 
 Whiting, Henry L 545 
 Whitman, F E 473 
 Whitney, Joshua 84 
 Whitney, SW 331, 383,384, 
 
 487 
 Whiton, John 256 
 Wilbur, Mrs C S 415 
 Wilde, Silent 386 
 Wilder, Marshall P 280, 
 
 533,537,549,550,555,564 
 Wilder, Robert H 243 
 Wiley, Catherine D 575 
 Wiley. John 81, 288, 312 
 Willard, Joseph 115, 470 
 Williams, Abijah 113 
 Williams, Ambrose 79, 80, 
 
 612 
 Williams, Arthur 2 
 Williams, Byron H 333, 
 
 337,426,431,472,518, 522 
 
 Williams, Charles H 109 
 Williams, C H S 226 
 Williams, Chester 358,370- 
 
 374, 587, 610 
 Williams College, 60, 156- 
 158, 162-164, 168, 178, 182, 
 188, 190, 225, 226, 536, 
 
 538, 545, 546, 561 
 Williams, Ebenezer 18, 55, 
 
 113, 374, 573, 580, 585, 
 
 587, 599, 603 
 Williams, E D 330, 452, 
 
 580, 585, 587 
 Williams, Mrs E J 223 
 Williams, Elijah 610 
 Williams, Frederick 150 
 
 188 
 Williams, Israel 62,63, l 5^ 
 Williams, John 9, 21, 603, 
 
 610 
 Williams, John E 327, 345, 
 
 346 
 Williams, Jonathan 186 
 Williams. Joseph 96, 113, 
 
 587, 589, 603, 608 
 Williams, Justus 20, 21, 63, 
 
 85, 1 13, 144, 185, 186,471, 
 
 573, 587, 599, 603, 608, 
 
 610,612 
 Williams, Justus Jr 145. 
 
 349,358,6io 
 Williams, L A 457 
 Williams, Mary A 186 
 Williams, Mary Ann 150 
 Williams, Onam 186 
 Williams, Oren 186 
 Williams, Ralph 308 
 Williams, Mrs R G 275 
 Williams, T W316 
 Williams, Thomas 85, 613 
 Williams, William 13, 62 
 Williams, W F 304, 370 
 Williams, Zebadiah63, 186 
 Williams, Solomon H 480, 
 
 490, 507, 5 22 
 Williamson, Charles 385 
 Williamson, George 385, 
 
 610 
 Williamson, John 437 
 Williamson, William 518, 
 
 522 
 Willis, John 365 
 Williston, Samuel 176 
 Williston, Samuel L 525, 
 
 528 
 Wilson, Charles E 472 
 Wilson, Robert 461, 463, 
 
 490,511, 522 
 Windsor, Conn 1.4, 5, 23, 
 
 24, 572, 574, 575 
 Winkley, Henry 529 
 
 Winslow, E C 275 
 Winslow, Ezra 470, 610 
 Winter, Jonas H 337 
 Witherell, David 519, 522 
 W T itt, Benjamin 280 
 Wolf pit Brook, 31 
 Wood, Frank 519.522 
 Wood, Frank P 383, 426 
 Wood, J B 383 
 Wood, Seth 133 
 Wood, Mary C 582 
 Woodbrady, Enos 84 
 Woodbridge, Joshua 93 
 Woodbridge, John 145,150, 
 
 216, 228 
 Woodbridge, Rebecca M 
 
 i54 
 Woodbury, John 92, 613 
 Woodbridge, Ruggles 80, 
 
 83, 85, 93, 124, 129 
 Woods, Abel "8 1 
 Woods, Firmin 83, 612 
 Woods. Henry 326 
 Woods, J B 280 
 Woodworth, C L 154, 210, 
 
 212, 266, 478, 480, 487, 
 
 493, 494, 49 6 , 5°3> 5 2 2 
 Worcester, 56, 1 19, 123. 126, 
 
 127, 140, 175, 226, 302, 
 
 3°7, 3 l6 , 387, 476, 478, 
 
 497, 5 QI 
 Worcester, Samuel M 152, 
 
 167. 170, 178, 179, 253, 
 
 34i 
 
 Workman, John 83, 613 
 Worthington, Col 60 
 Worthington, David 84 
 Worthington, Harvey 448 
 Wright, Aaron 97 
 Wright, Benoni 23 
 Wright, Carmi 94, 613 
 Wright Charles 18, 19, 61, 
 
 63, 599 
 Wright, Hannah 23 
 Wright, John H 152 
 Wright, Noah 388 
 Wright, Samuel 2 
 Wright, Silas Sr 191 
 Wright, Silas 46, 94, 190, 
 
 191, 612 
 Wright, Sylvanus M 334, 
 
 39i 
 Wunnaquicksett, 2 
 
 Yale, Elijah 349,610 
 Yale, Mrs Lucius 438 
 Yale, Nathaniel 83, 92,603, 
 
 612 
 Yerrington, James B 341 
 Young, J J 368, 387 
 Young, Joseph 86, 93, 613 
 
ADDENDA. 
 
 While the attempt has been made to include in this volume all mat- 
 ters of interest pertaining to the town's history there have doubtless been 
 omissions. The publishers regret that the following matter did not find a 
 place in the general text. 
 
 To the history of the Universalist church on page 252, should be 
 added that Rev. J. C. Dickerson was installed as pastor of the church Oct. 
 7, 1896. 
 
 On page 275, mention should have been made of the long-established 
 and very successful school for children conducted by the Misses Howland 
 at their home on North Prospect street. 
 
 Among the members of the Amherst College faculty during the 
 administration of President Stearns and his successors mention should 
 have been made of Prof. H. H. Neill, whose work has added greatly to 
 the efficiency of the department of rhetoric, oratory and English literature. 
 
 In February, 1877, the Amherst Cooperative association received a 
 charter from the state, and in March of that year opened what has since 
 been known as the Grange store. The business, which was a success 
 from the beginning, was bought out in 1889 by W. G. Towne and Mason 
 A. Dickinson. 
 
 To the chapter on railroads should be added a few words concerning 
 the Amherst & Sunderland street railway company. In the fall of 1895 
 the project of building an electric street railway between Amherst and 
 Sunderland, was agitated; subscription papers were circulated and nearly 
 $30,000 was subscribed in Amherst and Sunderland to stock of the road. 
 A charter was obtained in the spring of 1896. The company was organized 
 under its charter but owing to a defect in the original subscription paper 
 it was found impossible to collect the amounts subscribed. A new organ- 
 ization has since been formed under the charter. 
 
 In 1836, Knowles & Thayer, the carriage-makers, built at their fac- 
 tory in East Amherst a handsome landeau, using in its woodwork discarded 
 timbers from the famous frigate " Constitution." This landeau was pre- 
 sented to President Andrew Jackson, and he rode in it to Nashville with 
 James K. Polk when the latter was a candidate for the presidency. 
 
 The Mary Mattoon chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolu- 
 tion was instituted in 1894. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Several minor errors have been discovered since these pages were 
 printed. Attention is called to the following : 
 
 Page 19, line 10 — For " Elihu '' read Elisha. 
 
 Page 100, line 36 — For " 1776 " read 1796. 
 
 Page 118, 3d line in chapter heading — For "Contentions" read 
 Conventions. 
 
 Page 143 — For further matter concerning the War of 1S12 see chap- 
 ter on Militia. 
 
 Page 171, line 31 — For " 1859" reac ^ 185 7. 
 
 Page 184, line 10 — For "Jemina" read Jemima. 
 
 Page 185, line 33 — For " Daniel " read David. 
 
 Page 250 — For Rev. P. "V." Moyce read P. J. 
 
 Page 377, line 37 — For "pompous" read pompons. 
 
 Page 490 — For " Sylester " H Adams read Sylvester. 
 
 Page 520 — For Charles " C." Baker read Charles K. 
 
 Page 521 — For " Edward " P. Hervey read Eugene. 
 
 Page 521 — For Henry " L." Lovett read Henry C. 
 
 Page 521 — For Charles "C." Munsell read Charles E. 
 
 Page 586 — For Timothy " (Greenfield " read Creen. 
 
PART II. 
 
RECORDS OF 
 
 Hadley Third and Second Precinct, 
 
 I 73 c r _I 75'9- 
 
 A Warrant for the first Meeting in Hadley third Presint Anno Dom 1735. 
 
 Hampshere ss. In perseuance to the Request of several freholdersof the third 
 or East Precinct of Hadley for the Calling of a precinct Meeting — To Ebenezer 
 Kellogg of s d precinct these are In his Majesties name to will and Require you 
 forth with to notefy the free Holders and other Inhabetance of s d Precinct quallefyd 
 for Voating in Town Meeting, that they Convean & meet to gethere at the House 
 of Mr. Zach r Feild In s d Precinct on the Eaight day of October next at Eaight of 
 ye Clock in the fore noone in order to Make Choyce of all nesessary Precinct 
 offecers: a Committie for the Calling of Precinct Meatings for the future and to do 
 act or agree on what may be thought proper Respecting hireing a Menester 
 Building a Meeting house and agreeing on a place to Set it in and in finding out 
 what Lands may be Taxed for the Defraying Charges About the same Given under 
 my hand and Seale this 22"' 1 Day of September 1735 
 
 Elezer Porter Justis Peace 
 
 Hadley Sep tr 23 rd 1735 In Persuanceof the above written worrant thease are to 
 notefy all parsons of ye third precint of Hadley afore s d qualified as above s d to 
 Conveane and meate to gether at the Time and place and on ye Ocation above said 
 Given under my hand the Date above said September 23 : 1735 
 
 Ebenezer Kellogg 
 
 At a Meeting Persuant to above written warrant October the Eaight 1735 
 
 Voted Samuel Hauley sen Moderator Voated John Nash Clark Voated John 
 Ingram sen Sam 11 Boultwood Sam" Hauley Comm 7 for Calling Precinct Meatings 
 Voted Ebenezer Dickenson Aaron Smeth Jno Nash Assessors Voted Ebenezer 
 Kellogg Collector Voted to Hiere a Menestor half a yeare 
 
 Voted that Jno Ingram Jr Jno Coles Nath 11 Smith Com te to hire a Minester 
 Voted to Build a Meating. House voted s d house forty five foot in Length: and 
 thirty five in Bredth 
 
 Voted s d meating house to be Covered with quarter boards of Spruse Voted 
 also to Cover ye Roofe Spruce Shingles with out sap and twenty one Inches in 
 Lenth. Voated to Set s d house upon the Hill East of Jno Nashs House in ye most 
 Convenient place 
 
 Voted that Sam" Boultwood Eben r Dickinson John Cole Peletiah Smith Jno 
 Ingram Jr a Commete to order ye Building ye Meating House 
 1 
 
2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 At a Meating Novemb 1 ' the 25 : 1735 — Voted John Ingram sen r Moderator — 
 Voted that the former Vote Respecting seting of the Meating House upon the I (ill 
 East of John Nash House to be Revoaked also Voted that the Meating House be 
 set in the most Convenient place neare the Hartling Stake so Called — Voted that 
 John Ingram Sen r Sam 11 Boultwood John Nash Ebeaezer Dickinson Aaron Smith 
 to be a Commety to Order ye Building ye meating House 
 
 Att a Meating December 25: 1735 — Voted Ebenezer Dickinson Moderator: 
 Voted to make Void a former Vote of seting ye Meating House att ye Hartling 
 Stacke also Voted to Set it upon ye East End of Noah Smiths Lot — 
 
 At a Meating in March the 10: 1735 — Voted John Nash Clark: Voted John 
 Ingram sen Sam" boultwood Sam" Hauley Commete to Call meatings Voted 
 Ebenezer Dickinson John Nash Aaron Smith Assessors Voted Nath" Smith 
 Collector Voted to Rais fifteen pounds of money to be paid towards ye menisters 
 Rate Voted y' the Remainder of s' 1 Rate be paid out of ye Nonresedent Money and 
 ye Remainder of s d Money to be Improved for ye Building of ye Meating House 
 Voted that ye High way work be done by heads and Teams and y* a Team shall 
 be Equal to a hand per day 
 
 Sam'll Hauley Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Septem 1 ' y e 16 th 1736 Voted 1 to Hire a Minister six- 
 months — Voted 2 Sam" Hauley Ebenezer Kellogg to hire a Minister 
 
 Sam'll Hauley, Modera 1 ' 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Jane r ye 30 1736 Voated to give Ebenezer Kellogg five 
 pounds to [go] to Salem to Collect Non Resident money also to pay said money 
 out of the same. 
 
 Sam'll Boultwood Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting March ye 17 th 1737 Voated 1 John Nash Clark Voated 2 
 John Ingram Sam" Boultwood Sam" Hauley Committy to Call Meeting Voated 3 
 John Ingram Jr John Coles Solomon Boultwood Assessors Voated 4 John Nash 
 Precinct Tresurer Voated 5 Jonathan Authorton Collector Voated 6 to Cover ye 
 Meeting House. 
 
 Ebenezer Dickconson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting March ye 22 1737 Voated 1 to fram Raise & Cover ye 
 Meeting House this year Ensuing Voated 2 Sam" Hauley Ebenezer Kellogg 
 Ebenezer Dickconson Jonathan Atharton Aaron Smith a Committy to se to ye 
 Building ye Meeting House Voated 3 to do Highway work by heads 
 
 Aaron Smith (modera r 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting April ye 13 1737 Voated 1 to give Mr David Parsons Jr 
 a Call to settle in ye Ministry Voated for his settehnent to give him tow Lots of 
 Land that was Granted heartofore by the town of Hadley for the Settlement of the 
 Gospel in this Preceinct Voated 2 to give him Eaighty pounds ye first year & five 
 pounds to be yearly added until it amounts to one Hundred Voated 3 also towards 
 Building a Dwelling House to set him up a frame forty foots in Length in Breth 
 twenty one foots & two Storys high and Cover s' 1 House and Build ye Chimney & 
 Cellor John Ingram Jr (Modera r 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting on July ye 4 : 1737 Voated 1 y 1 in order to Enable us to 
 mak sum further offer to Mr Parsons for to Settle among us we will try to get more 
 Lands for his Settlement 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 3 
 
 Yoated 2 that John Nash & Ebenezer Dickconson should seek after s d Lands 
 & Voated 3 that thay shall be paid for there pains 
 
 Sam'll Hauley (Moderater 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Septem r ye 20 : 1737 Voated 1 to Give Mr David Parsons 
 Jn r one Hundred and twenty Pounds sallery & for Settlement as was Voated heare 
 to fore Voated 2 John Nash Aaron Smith Assessors for this yeare 
 
 Ebene'r Dickconson (Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Novem br ye 22 1737 Voated 1 to hire a Minister for five 
 Months Voated 2 to Give a Minister forty shillings a sabbath 
 
 Voated 3 John Nash Richard Chauncey a Committy to seek after a Minister 
 
 John Nash (Moderator 
 
 Att a preceinct Meeting held March ye 16 1738 Voted 1 John Nash Clark for 
 s d Preceinct Voated 2 Ebenezer Dickinson John Cowls John Nash aCommitte to 
 Issu out worrants for Meetings 
 
 Voated 3 John Nash Preceinct Tresurer Voated 4 Ebenezer Dickconson John 
 Cowls Stephen Smith Assessors Voated 5 pelitiah Smith Collector 
 
 Voated 6 sam" Hauley Ebenezer Kellogg Ebenezer Dickconson Aaron Smith 
 Jonathan Arthonton Committy to Build ye Meeting House 
 
 Voated 7 to do high way work by pools [i. e. polls] Voated 8 to give Josiah 
 Chauncey teen shillings for going to Mr Barbar Yoated to John Nash for servis 
 done for ye preceinct & money paid out two pound five shillings Voated to 
 Ebene r Dickson for services one pound teen shillings 
 
 Voated to Aaron Smith fifteene shillings Voated to John Cowls for Keepin°- 
 Mr Parsons hors five shillings 
 
 Yoated to Jonathan Cowls for Keeping Mr Parsons upon the Sabbath Eai°iit 
 Shillings 
 
 Voated to Moses Smith five shillings paid for ye precinct 
 
 Yoated to pay theas Bills out of ye 11011 resident money 
 
 , Ebene'r Dickinson (Moderator 
 
 Att a Preceinct Meeting held November ye 14 1738 Voated 1 to Mak Void a 
 former Voate of seting the Meeting house upon Noah Smiths Lot Voated 2 to set 
 ye Meeting House upon ye Hill East of John Nashs house 
 
 John Nash (Moderator 
 
 Att a Preceinct Meeting held Decern 1 ' ye 15 : 1738 Voated 1 to Raise Nine- 
 teene pounds for Thomas Temple for frameing ye Meeting house 
 
 Yoated 2 to Ebenez r Kellogg for Rum & Suger three pounds seventeen 
 shillings Voated 3 to Raise one Hundred pounds for Mr David parsons for 
 preaching the yeare past 
 
 Yoated 4 y' Each head & teame be Improved to get fire wood for Mr Parsons 
 
 Eben'r Dickinson (Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting held on ye 25 of Jenew r 1738-9 Voated 1 that 
 we will sell ye Lot granted to this preceinct in ye yeare 1738 Voated 2 Ebenezer 
 Dickinson Jonathan Smith John Nash Doc r Natha" Smith & Solomon Boultwood 
 a Committyto sell and Dispose of ye afore s' 1 Lot in ye Behalf of ye afore s' ! Lot in 
 behalf of ye afore s' 1 preceinct and to Dispose ye affects of s a Lands as ye preceinct 
 heare after se Best 
 
 And the Committy before Named are hearby Impourd to Convey a title to ye 
 afore s' 1 Lot 
 
 John Cowls (Moderator 
 
4 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting held in Hadley third preceinct March ye 14 th 
 
 1738-9 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Clark for ye yeare Ensuing Voated 2 John Nash 
 
 preceinct Tresurer 
 
 Voated 3 Jonathan Smith Solom" Boultwood Jona" Cowls for a Committy to 
 Issu out worrants for ye preceinct Meetings Voated 4 John Nash Ebenez 1 Dick- 
 inson Aaron Smith for Assessors for ye yeare Ensuing: and to make ye Non 
 resident tax that is still be hind Voated 5 Solomon Boultwood : Collector Voated 
 y l John Nash Ebenezer Dickinson to get ye Ministers Lots Laide out Voated 
 Solomon Boultwood John Nash Eben'' Dickinson David Smith John Cowls a 
 Committy to order ye Building ye Meeting House 
 
 Peletiah Smith (Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting held in Hadley third preceint ye 29 of June 1739 Voated 
 
 y l the present Commity for the Carrying on ye Building ye Meeting House Shall 
 
 Dispose of ye first hundred and fifty pounds y* is and shall be paid by De" Eleazor 
 
 Matton as they think best 
 
 Ebene'r Dickinson (Moderator 
 
 A Warrant for a preceinct Meeting I [adley Third preceinct June ye 7 th 1739 
 
 This is to Notifi all the freeholders and other Inhabitants Ouallified According 
 
 to Law to Voat in preceinct Meetings that they Convean together at ye Dwelling 
 
 House of ye Wid" Hannah Boultwoods in this preceinct on ye twenty sixth of this 
 
 present June at one of the Clock of said day : then & thare to se what ye preceinct 
 
 will do to settle Mr David Parsons Jn r in ye Gospel Ministry in this preceinct & 
 
 what may be thought Best towards Building a house for ye Minister: also how 
 
 De" Mattoons first Hundred & fifty pounds shall be dispos' 1 with all 
 
 Given under oure hands 
 
 Solomon Boultwood | ,■ 
 Jonathan Smith ( Committee 
 
 The meeting was opened & Ajoyrnd to ye fifth of July 
 againe Adjoyrnd to ye 12 th of July 
 A Worrant for the preceinct Meeting Hadley third preceinct September ye 
 
 22 nd 1739 
 
 This is to Notifi all ye Freeholders and other Inhabitants of this preceinct 
 Ouallified according to Law to Voat in towne or preceinct Meetings that they Meet 
 together at ye Dwelling House of Doc'' Natha" Smiths in s d preceinct upon ye 
 twenty eaith day of this Instant Septem 1 at two of the Clock in ye after noone then 
 & there to do what may be thought necisary for to Encorage Mr David Parsons in 
 ye Work of ye Ministry in this place : and also to do what may be thought necisary 
 in order to ordaine Mr Parsons. 
 
 ( riven under oure hands 
 
 Jona'n Smith | r . 
 Jona'n Cowls \ Commi "y 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting in Hadley third preceinct apointed by them as ye Law 
 Directs in shuch Cases on ye fifteenth day of June 1739: <Si after two Adjor'nments 
 first to the fifth day of July : & then to the twelvth of July instant : they came to 
 the following Voats : 
 
 Voated 1 to give Mr David Parsons Jim' an Invitation to settle with us as oure 
 Gospell Minister 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 5 
 
 For his Settlement : 
 
 Voated i to give him two Lots of Lands granted by the Town of Hadley for a 
 Minister in this preceinct one lying in the Second Division the other in ye third 
 Voated 2 for to give him one Hundred and Seventy five pounds of money towards 
 Building his House. Attested 
 
 Ebene'r Dickinson }* Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting held by ye Inhabitants of Hadley third Preceinct Sep- 
 tem br ye 28 : 1739 as an Addition to oure former voats : for Mr David Parsons to 
 Settle among us: to Enable him to Support in ye Work of the Ministry among us 
 they came into ye following Voats 
 
 For his Salary 
 
 Voated 1 To pay him one hundred pounds ye first yeare and to make yearly 
 Aditions as ye poles and Rateable Estates shall Encreass till ye salary Amounts to 
 one hundred and sixty pounds (that is to say) those poles & Estates that are found 
 in this precienct when ye last List was taken which was in January 1738-9 shall pay 
 ye hundred pounds — & ye Adition sixty pounds salary shall be livyed & raised upon 
 ye Encrease of the polls and Estates in ye preceinct this Sixty pounds to be Grad- 
 ually Augmented as ye poles & Estates shall gradually Encrese : this Salary we 
 propose to pay in Province Hills of ye old Tenour or one third so much of ye New: 
 which is to be ye onely fixed standard until the yeare 1741 
 
 Voated 2 ly that after ye yeare 1741 ye Salary shall be paide in Money if any be 
 passing or Some Comodity which shall be Equivalent to money upon the footing 
 money now stands (that is to say) if the Country makes Good the Credit of Province 
 Bills agreeable to promiss at the Rate of six shilling & Eaight pence new tennor 
 for one ounce of silver or twenty shillings old tennor the ounce : then the aboves d 
 sums mentioned to be setteled by that standard: but if the Country fails of theire 
 promiss of the Vallue of Money above s' 1 then the salary to be setteled at ye Rate 
 of twenty six shilling ye old tenor the ounce or a third part so much ye New: the 
 tru Intente of this Voate is to set forth the Value of money as it now stands : & 
 how it shall stand in all future payments Voated 3 lv to Provide him all his firwood 
 Voated 4 th1 * to pay him his Salary Annually in ye Month of March 
 
 Attest Elezer Mattun ^Moderator 
 
 Hadley 3 d Preceinct Septem br ye 28 th 1739 Compiled with the Request of the 
 Inhabitants of ye third preceinct in Hadley. 
 
 P r me David Parsons Jn'r 
 
 At a Legal Meating held in Hadley third preceinct March ye 18 th 1740 Voated 
 1 John Nash preceinct Clark for ye yeare Ensuing Voated 2 John Nash Ebene r 
 Dickinson Aaron Smith Assessors for ye preceinct ec non resident taxes 
 
 Voated 3 13 ' John Cowls preceinct treasurer Voated 4 Joseph Clary Collector 
 
 Voated 5 Richard Chauncey & Do ct Natha" Smith & David Smith a Commity 
 to Issu out Warrants for preceinct meetings 
 
 Voated 6 y' ye former Commity to Build ye Meeting House to go on w' ye work 
 
 Voated 7 to do high way work by Poles 
 
 After Ajoyrnment to ye 19"' of this Instant 
 
 Voated 1 to pass ye Bills of Charge of Building ye Met ting House with other 
 preceinct Charges 
 
 Voated 2 lv granted Ebene r Dickinsons and John Cowls Bill for Making Kates 
 Voated 3 to John Nash Eleven pounds for provideing for ye ordenation of Mr 
 Parsons 
 
 Attest Ebene'r Dickinson ^Moderator 
 
6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 An acount of ye Standard of Raising ye Rev d Mr Parsons rate 
 
 Wharas in the agreement between the Rev d Mr David Parsons and this Pre- 
 ceinct att ye time of his Settelment it was propos d that an adetion of sixty pounds 
 shoold be made to his salery of one Hundred pounds which adetional sixty pounds 
 was to be Levied & Raised yearly att proportion to ye Encreas of pools and Rata- 
 bles as they ware then found in this Preceinct which was in ye yeare 1738 which 
 was to be ye rule or Standard of Encreas. 
 
 Therfor ye following is an account of ye Number Quantity and Valuation of 
 ye Pools & Ratabl Estats as they ware found & taken in ye yeare [738 
 
 Which is to be ye onely Rule for ye Regulateing ye Avance of this Hundred 
 pounds Salery till it aMounts to one Hundred and Sixty pounds 
 
 Number of Pools 35 Each Valued at i£ 5s 6d 
 
 Ratable Estats Vallud att 1 ioi^ ios6d and one Shilling was Laid upon ye pound 
 Attest Eben'r DICKINSON ) Assessors 
 
 John Cowls \ 
 
 At a Legal Meeting held in Hadley third Preceinct March ye 16 th 1741 Voated 
 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark Voated 2 Jonath" Smith Eben r Dickinson John 
 Cowls Assessors for this Preceinct Voated 3 John Cowls Preceinct Tresurar 
 Voated 4 Ephraim Kellogg Collector: Voated 5 Natha 11 Smith Richard Chauncey 
 David Smith a Commity to give out Worrants for Preceinct Meetings Voated 6 
 Solomon Boultwood John Nash & Ebenezer Dickinson a Committy to proceed in 
 finishing ye Meeting House so farr as tliay think best Voated 7 that ye s' 1 Com- 
 mitty Build a Pue for ye Ministers Wife and s d Pue whare ye Rev d Mr David 
 Parsons shall chuse : Voated (8) y' ye Standard for ye Raising the Rev d Mr Parsons 
 Rate for this Present yeare shall be att ye Rate of twenty six shillings the ounce of 
 silver ye old Tenner or one third so much ye New Voated 9 John Nash twenty 
 shillings for Recording voats for time past Voated (10) to pay ye Rev' 1 Mr 
 Parsons Rate upon or before ye teenth of March Annually 
 
 Attest John Cowls Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Held in Hadley third Preceinct June ye 16 th 1741 : 
 
 Voated 1 to sell to Aaron Warner fifteen Rods in Breeth of ye High way Lying 
 in ye second Division of Lands in this Preceinct Bounded upon Moses Warner 
 south by Libarty from ye Town of Hadley 
 
 Voated 2 to Cive thirty seven pound teen shillings of s d Money Due for above 
 s d Lands to Jonathan Arthonton 
 
 Voated 3 to Dispose of ye Remainder of s d Money toward finishing ye Meeting 
 House 
 
 Voated 4 y l John Nash & Ebenez r Dickinson take security for ye abve s d Money 
 Attest Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held in Hadley third Preceinct March ye n tb 
 1742 : by ajurnment to ye House of Nath 11 Smith in s d preceinct 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash preceinct Clark 
 
 Voated 2 De Eberi r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurer 
 
 Voated 3 John Nash: Ebenezer Dickinson Richard Chauncey Assessors 
 
 Voated 4 Joseph Hauley Collector 
 
 Voated 5 Aaron Smith Nath" Smith Richard Chauncey to Ishue out Worrants 
 for Preceinct Meetings 
 
 Voated 6 y' ye Rev d Mr. Parsons Wood for this yeare shall be proportion 15 upon 
 pools & Estates : and that one Load of wood shall be Valued at Eaight shillings 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 7 
 
 Voated 7 to do high way work by pools and Estates for this yeare 
 
 After Ajornment to ye 25 th of this Instant to the Meeting house 
 
 Voated 1 An aquittance to John Nash as to ye Disposal of I)e" Eleazor 
 
 Mattons Bond of 300 pounds 
 
 Voated 2 to Make a tax or Rate to Answar all the preceinct Debts now Due : 
 
 Voated (3) y' ye Assessors take a List and Make this Above granted tax — 
 
 Attested Ekene'r Kellogg Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In Hadley 3' 1 preceinct November ye 
 16 th 1742— 
 
 Voated 1 to provid for ye Rev d Mr Parsons sixty Loads of fire wood for this 
 yeare 
 
 Voated 2 y' ye Rev' 1 Mr Parsons Rate to be Made by ye same List y l is to be 
 taken to keep his wood 
 
 Voated 3 John Nash Ebene 1 ' Dickinson to observe ye Loads of Wood 
 
 Attested Solomon Boultwood Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held in Hadley third Preceinct March ye 21 : 
 1743: open d & Ajornd to ye 25"' of this Instant to ye Meeting Hous att teen of ye 
 Clock of s' 1 day 
 
 After Ajornement said Meeting held upon ye 25 th of s d March and Voated as 
 follows — 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark for ye yeare Ensuing 
 
 Voated 2 De Eben r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar 
 
 Voated 3 De Elezer Mattoon : Ebene r Kellogg : John Cowls Assessors 
 
 Voated 4 Aaron Smith Nath 11 Smith Richard Chancey a Committy to Issue 
 out warrants for preceinct Meetings 
 
 Voated 5 that ye Assessors shall go and Viue ye Ratable Lands in this Pre- 
 ceinct to Enable them to make Just Valuation 
 
 Voated 6 y' High way work shall be Brought into a Rate 
 
 Voated 7 to Provid 70 Loads of wood for ye Rev d Mr Parsons also to rais s d 
 wood by a Rate. 
 
 Voated 8 to Build a pound and to set s d pound upon or near the midle High 
 way in ye First Division in ye most Convenient place 
 
 Voated 9 that Solomon Boultwood & De Eben r Dickinson order the Building 
 s d pound 
 
 Voated 10 to provide fastening for ye Meeting Hous Dors and to secure ye 
 windows: Voated n that Solomon Boultwood & Westwood Cook see y 4 s d work 
 be done 
 
 Voated 12 to give Aaron Wornar thirty shillings to sweep the Meeting Hous 
 and to give a Signe when to go to Meeting for one yeare 
 
 Voated 13 Jonath" Moodey Collector 
 
 Attest Aaron Smith Modera r 
 
 Hadley Third Preceinct Decem r ye 21 1743 In a Legal Meeting being open' 1 & 
 Ajornd to De John Nashes House Voated to add teen Loads of wood to the 
 Seventy Voated in the Spring past for the Rev d Mr Parsons Each Load to be set 
 at Eaight Shillings 
 
 Voated 2 that all the Bills then Broughting [brought in] to be alowed 
 
 Attest Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting held upon the second Fryday in March 1743-4 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
 
 Voated 2 Peletiah Smith De Nath" Smith Richard Chauncey Committy to 
 Issu out warrants for Preceinct Meetings 
 
 Voated 3 Lt Jonathan Smith De John Nash Peletiah Smith Assessors 
 
 Voated 4 De Eben r Dickinson Precinct Tresurar — 
 
 Voated 5 High way work to be brought into a Rate — 
 
 Voated 6 to Bring ye Geting of ye R d Mr Parsons wood into a rate 
 
 Voated 7 to provide Mr Parsons Eaighty Loads of wood for this year and 
 that Each Load to be Vallued at 8 Shillings 
 
 Voated 8 to Lt Jona" Smith De Elezo Mattoon John Nash to Vew ye Loads 
 
 Voated 9 to give De Nath 11 Smith teen shillings ould tennor to sweep ye 
 Meeting House this yeare 
 
 Voated 10 to give Jonath" Nash twenty Eaight Shillings old tenor to sound 
 
 ye Signal 
 
 Attest Ebene'r Kellogg Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held Nove 1 the 3 d 1744 
 
 Voated 1 to Leave it whith ye present Assessors to state the Money for ye 
 Raising ye Rev d Mr Parsons Sallary for this present yeare (Voated) 2' 1 to Build 
 two pues in ye Meeting House: one upon the womans side upon ye North West 
 Corner and one upon ye North End upon ye Mens side: also to finish ye outside* 
 of s' 1 House 
 
 Voated 3 De John Nash De Ebene r Dickinson to se s' 1 work is done 
 
 Voated 4 Libarty to some particular parsons to Build pues upon th'are one 
 Charg in those places as the preceinct [? may approve] s' 1 parsons giving up s' 1 pues 
 to ye Disposal of ye preceinct upon thare demand s d preceinct paying ye cost of 
 s rt pues 
 
 Voated 5 to Build a pound : and that s 1 pound shall be thirty feet square 
 (Voated) 6 De Ebenez r Dickinson & Westwood Cook to Build sd pound 
 
 Voated 7 that Lt Jona" Smith De Ebene r Dickinson John Cowls John Nash : 
 a Commity to agree or Let out to men places for pues 
 
 Attest John Nash Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held Decern]/ the 11"' 1744 
 
 Voated 1 to Revoak all ye form ar [voats] respecting ye Building two pues : 
 or Letting particular parsons Build pues 
 
 Voated 2 to Build all ye pues Round ye Sids of ye meeting House 
 
 Voated 3 Lt Jona" Smith Solom" Boultwood De Ebene* Dickinson John Nash 
 En s Ebene r Kellogg John Cowls a Committee to see said work affected 
 
 Voated 4 and past ye Bills of preceinct Debts then Brought 
 
 Att John Nash Moderator 
 
 att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held March ye 19"' 1745 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
 
 Voated 2 De Ebene r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar 
 
 Voated 3 Ens" Ebene 1 ' Kellogg: John Cowls De Ebene'r Dickinson Assessors 
 
 Voated 4 Joseph Hauley Westwood Cook Aaron Warner a Committy to Give 
 out Worrants for Preceinct Meetings 
 
 Voated 5 to Answar High way work by a Rate this yeare — 
 
 Voated 6 to Provide Eighty Loads of wood for ye R vd Mr Parsons 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. g 
 
 Yoated 7 to Kais forty Pounds of Money old tennor to Provide sd wood 
 Voated S to Give thirty shillings to Give ye signel when to meet upon ye 
 
 sabbaths and Lecturs for this yeare 
 
 Yoated 9 that John Nash se y* ye Meeting House be swept this yeare 
 Yoated io'- v That John Nash En s Eben'r Kellogg John Cowls make up 
 
 acompts w l ye Tresurar Ebene'r Dickinson of the preceinct Rat[e]s that are not 
 
 Cleard up: and Mak a Returne to ye Preceinct 
 
 Attes't Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held in ye third Preceinct of Hadley Held 
 
 March ye 18 1746 
 
 Yoated 1 Peletiah Smith Moderator 
 
 Yoated 2 John Nash Preceinct Clark for this year 
 
 Yoated 3 De Ebene'r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar for this year 
 
 Yoated 4 YVestwood Cook Joseph Hauley Aaron Warner a Committy to Issue 
 
 out Worrants for Preceinct Meetings. 
 
 Yoated 5 Lt Jona n Smith John Nash De Nath" Smith Assessors 
 
 Yoated 6 to Give John Nash forty shillings to sound ye Kunk for this yeare 
 
 Yoated 7 to Give ye Rv'd Mr Parsons but thirty three shillings upon the 
 
 Ounce for his sallary tin's yeare — 
 
 Yoated S to Petition ye General Cort for a tax upon the Nonresedent Pro- 
 
 priators Lands Lying in this third Preceinct 
 
 Yoated 9 Lt Jona" Smith De Ebene'r Dickinson John Nash Lt Ebene'r 
 
 Kellogg a Committy to advise and Promote ye so Petitioning 
 
 Attest Peletiah Smith Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct April ye 21 : 1746 
 Yoated 1 to Revoak a [voat] taken att Meeting Held March ye 18 th 1746 to 
 Give ye Rv'd Mr Parsons but thirty shillings ye ounce for his Sallary 
 
 Yoated 2 lv to Give ye Rv'd Mr Parsons thirty five shillings ye ounce 
 
 Attest Nath'll Smith Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held att ye Meeting House Novem'brye3d 1746 
 Yoated 1 to aLow ye Debts of ye Preceinct as they stand in ye Bills 
 Yoated 2 that ye Present Assessors and Lt Ebene'r Kellogg and Peletiah 
 
 Smith a Committy to agree w' ye Rv'd Mr Parsons how money shall beV alued In 
 
 order to Raise his sallary this yeare 
 
 Voated 4 to Build a pound Voated 5 11 y' De Ebene'r Dickinson and Moses 
 
 Worner build sd pound 
 
 Voated 6 to Raise ye Rv'd Mr Parsons wood this yeare as it was ye Last yeare 
 Voated 7 that Lt Jona" Smith John Nash De Eben'r Dickinson : In ye Behalf 
 
 of this Preceinct do Give Aaron Worner for this Preceinct security of High way 
 
 Granted to this Preceinct to sell to sd Aaron Worner 
 
 Att't Eben'r Kellogg Moderator 
 
 At a Precenct Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct March ye i6 ,h 1747 
 after chois of a Moderator Voated as follows 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
 
 Voated 2 D n Ebenez'r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar 
 
 Voated 3 Nehamiah Strong De Ebenez'r Dickinson Nath" Coleman assessors 
 for this present yeare 
 
IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voated 4 lj David Nash John Field Alexand'r Porter a Committy to Ishue out 
 Warrants for Preceinct Meetings 
 
 Attested by Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator. 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held Decem br ye 2 d 1747 After Choise of a 
 Moderator they Voated as follows 
 
 Voated 1 grant Eaight shillings a day for a hand : and for a Team a Day 
 
 Voated 2 to grant seven shillings Pr Day for a hand and also seven shillings 
 Pr Day for a team 
 
 Voated 3 the Assessors Eaight shilling Pr Day 
 
 Voated 4 Lt Jona" Smith John Nash Richard Chancey: Solomon Boultwood 
 Nehamiah Strong De n Eben Dickinson Nath 11 Coleman: a Commity to Agree 
 with the Rev d Mr Parsons how his sallery shall be this yeare 
 
 Voated 5 to Give De Ebenez'r Dickinson 36^ to provide the Rev' 1 Mr Parsons 
 fire wood for this present yeare Beginning the sixteenth of this present Month 
 
 Attested by Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held in Hadley third Preceinct March ye 15 th : 
 
 1748 : After ye Choise of a Moderator they Came into the Following Voats — 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark for this yeare 
 Voated 2 De Ebene'r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar for this yeare 
 Voated 3 Lt Jona" Smith John Nash De Ebene'r Dickinson Assesors 
 Voated 4 Ephraim Kellogg Eben'r Mattoon Sam 11 Ingram a Committy to 
 
 Islui out warrants for Preceinct Meetings 
 
 Voated 5 to Give De Nath 1 ' Smith five shillings adition for sweeping the 
 
 Meeting House for this yeare past 
 
 Voated 6 to alow pay for ye work Done att ye East End of Jona" Dickinsons 
 
 Lot the yeare past 
 
 Attested by Jona'n Cowls Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct Novem'r ye 16"' 1748: 
 after ye Choise of a Moderator they Came Into the folowing Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to Give Nehamiah Strong 51^ to Provid firewood for the Rev d Mr 
 Parsons for the yeare Ensuing 
 
 \ dated 2 to Raise one Hundred pounds of Money to be Improv' 1 toward 
 Building Pues in ye Meeting House 
 
 Voated 3 Lt Jona" Smith Solomon Boultwood Eben'r Kellogg De Eben'r 
 Dickinson John Nash a Commity to see ye s d work Done 
 
 Solomon Boultwood Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held Janaw'r ye 27" 1 1748 After Choise of a 
 Moderator they Came Into ye following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to Build a pound : also to Build s' 1 pound thirty one feet and one 
 half square : and to Make three Lengths Each side 
 
 Voated 2 to set s d Pound In the street Joining upon John Nashs North Fence 
 
 Voated 3 lv Solomon Boultwood Eben r Dickinson John Nash to Build s d 
 Pound 
 
 Voated 4 Lt Jona" Smith De Eben r Dickinson John Nash a Commety to 
 agree with ye Rev d Mr Parsons what his sallary shall be for this Present yeare 
 Voated 6 to Make this tax by the Last List 
 
 Attested by me John Nash Moderator 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. I I 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held March ye 13 th 1749 
 
 After the Choies of a Moderator they Came Into ye following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark for this yeare 
 
 Yoated 2 De Eben r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar for this yeare 
 
 Voated 3 John Nash Moses Smith Joseph Eastman Assessors for this yeer 
 
 Yoated 4 Jona" Nash Semeon Clark Daniell Kellogg a Committy to Issu out 
 Worrants for Preceinct Meetings 
 
 Voated 5 that the Present Assessors agree w* the Rev rt Mr Parsons : what his 
 sallary shall be this yeare 
 
 Voated 6 that John Nash Eben' Dickinson Nathaniel Smith a Committy to 
 Hire three scool Dames for three or four Months In the Summer Seson to Larne 
 Children to Read : s d Scools to be In the Most Convenient Places In the Preceinct 
 
 Yoated 7 NehanV Strong: Lt Eben r Kellogg a Committy to Hire sutable 
 Parsons to Blow ye Kunk & sweep ye Meeting Hous for this yeare 
 
 Attested By Eben'r Kello(;g Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meating Held In Hadley third Preceinct Agust ye 3' 1 
 1749 After ye Choise of De Eben'r Dickinson Moderator they Came Into the 
 following Voats 
 
 Yoated 1 to seate ye Meeting House : and to seate ye Males together and 
 Femals to Gether Except ye two pues next ye East End the Pulpit 
 
 Voated 2 that the seators are Guided by the following Ruels— that is to say : 
 by Age: Estate and Oallifications : and for Estates to be Guided by the Last 
 years List 
 
 Yoated 3 to Make Choise of five meat Parsons to seat ye Meeting House 
 Attested by Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a legal Preceinct Meeting Held Agust ye 25 th 1749 — After they Mad Choise 
 of De Eben'r Dickinson Moderator they Came into ye following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to Make Choise of five meat parsons to seat ye Meating House 
 
 Voated 2 to Leave the Deaming the seats with the seators 
 
 Yoated 3 
 
 Lt Jona u Smith "| 
 
 Solomon Boultwood 
 
 John Nash ^Committy to seat the Meeting House 
 
 De Ebene'r Dickinson | 
 
 Lt Ebene'r Kellogg J 
 
 Attested by Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att A Legal Preceinct [Meeting] Held In Hadley third Preceinct October 
 1749: After they Mad Choise of a Moderator they Came into the following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to Provide ye Rev' Mr Parsons Ninty Loads of fire wood for this 
 Present yeare — 
 
 Voated 2 to Raise one Hundred twenty two pounds teen shillings to procure 
 ye Rev' 3 Mr Parsons fire wood for this yeare 
 
 Yoated 3 Mr Sam 11 Hauley Lt Jona" Smith Richard Chancey a Committy to 
 Vieu ye Loads of wood 
 
 Attested by 
 
 Att A Legal Preceinct Meeting Held JanaV ye 18 th 1749-50 
 
 After ye Choise of De Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator they Came into the 
 following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash : Moses Smith Joseph Eastman a Committy to agree 
 with the Rev d Mr Parsons what his sallery shall be the yeare past 
 
12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voated 2 to Build a Pound 
 
 Voated 3 to Give Ebene'r Mattoon Nine teen pound teen shillings to Build s' 1 
 Pound : as follows : to Build it thirty one feet and one half square three Length 
 on Each Side and six Rails In Each Length & a cap peace upon ye top : temented 
 upon Each post & ye Posts Set Neare three feet in the Ground & to find Iron 
 Hangings & to finish s' 1 pound workman Like 
 
 Voated 4 to seat the Meeting House A Nue 
 
 Voated 5 that Lt Jona" Smith Solomon Boultwood John Nash Lt Ebene'r 
 Kellogg De Eben'r Dickinson Nehamiah Strong Moses Smith John Dickinson 
 Joseph Eastman a Committy to seat ye Meeting House 
 
 Voated 6 that the seaters Make it thare Rule In seating: by Estates Age & 
 Qualifications 
 
 Attest Ebene'r Dickinson ^Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct March ye 12"' 
 1750 they Came into the following Voats after the Choise of De Eben'r Dickinson 
 Moderator 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark for this 1 'resent yeare 
 
 Voated 2 De Eben'r Dickinson Preceinct Tresuror for this yeare 
 
 Voated 3 Capt Jona n Smith De Eben'r Dickinson John Dickinson Assessors 
 for this Preceinct for this present yeare 
 
 Voated 4 Alexan'r Smith Jona" Edwards Moses Cook a Committy to Issu 
 out warrants for preceinct Meetings this yeare 
 
 Voated 5 to add to ye Re' 1 Mr Parsons sallery which was made att fifty seven 
 shillings & Eaight pence the ounce to three pound ye ounce this yeare 
 
 Voated 6 to Give Neha™ Strong two pounds fifteen shillings to Blow the 
 Kunk for this yeare 
 
 Voated 7 John Nash Richard Chancey a Committy to agree with some 
 parson to sweep ye Meeting House 
 
 Attes't Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct [Meeting] Held in Hadley third preceinct Novem'r ye 
 15 th 1750 after ye Choise of De Eben 1 ' Dickinson Moderator they Came into ye 
 Following Voats — 
 
 Voated 1 to Raise thirteen pounds teen shillings Lawfull Money to procure 
 ye Re d Mr Parsons fire wood for the yeare Ensuing 
 
 Voated 2 that any Parson shall have Libarty to pay his parportion of above 
 said thirteen pounds teen shillings in wood att three shillings pr Load att ye 
 Judgment of a Committy for that purpus 
 
 Voated 3 to provide Glass to Mend ye Meeting house windows 
 
 Voated 4 that John Nash Lt Eben r Kellogg Moses Smith a Comm'ty to 
 J udg the Loads of wood — 
 
 Voated 5 that John Nash De Eben r Dickinson provide ye Glass for ye 
 Meeting house & put it up 
 
 Atte't Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In Hadley third prec'nt March ye 28 th 
 1751: After ye Choise of De Eben r Dickinson Moderator they Came into the 
 following Voats — 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark for this present yeare 
 Voated 2 Alexan ,ir Smith & David Nash William Boultwood a Commi'ty to 
 Issu out warrants : for preceinct Meetings 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 3 
 
 Voated 3 De Eben r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar for this yeare 
 
 Voated 4 John Nash Ebene r Dickinson Nath 11 Coleman Assessors for this 
 Present yeare 
 
 Voated 5 to Raise fifteene pounds Lawful Money to procure the Rev 1 Mr 
 Parsons fire wood for the yeare Ensuing & that Each Good Load shall be Vallued 
 att three shillings 
 
 Voated 6 John Nash Solomon Boultwood De Ebene r Dickinson a Comm" 
 to prise ye Loads of s d wood 
 
 Voated 7 to Give Richard Chancey one pound fifteen shillings to sweep ye 
 Meeting House ye yeare Ensuing— 
 
 Voated 8 to Give John Nash Jn foure pounds old tennor to Blow the Kunk 
 ye yeare Ensuing 
 
 Attest Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting held In Haclley third Preceinct Decem ber ye 2 
 
 1751 : After the Choise of John Nash Moderatore they Came into ye following 
 Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to Mak the Rev 1 Mr Larsons Rate: & ye wood Rate by the same 
 List to be Taken this Instant Decem ,,r also that s a Rate to be Made twnty five pounds 
 biger than to Answare ye Rev' 1 Mr Parsons sallary : that s' 1 twnty five pounds 
 to [be] Loged In the Tresurers offis to Answar the Debts of this preceinct for this 
 yeare 
 
 Voated 2 to finish ye Meeting House this yeare Ensuing 
 
 Voated 3 that Capt Jona" Smith & De Eben r Dickinson John Nash Lt 
 Eben'' Kellogg: Joseph Eastman a Committy to provide ye Matter and to se s' 1 
 House finished 
 
 Voated 4 that De Eben r Dickinson preceinct Tresurar see and git a Bond for 
 the Money Du to this preceinct for ye Equiveland sold by ye townd of Hadley 
 
 Attes't John Nash Moderator 
 
 At A Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct March ye <)"' 
 
 1752 they Came into the following Voats — 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark for this presant yeare 
 
 Voated 2 Dea Eben 1 " Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar for this yeare 
 
 Voated 3 Capt Jona" Smith De" Eben 1 ' Dickinson Lt Eben r Kellogg Assesors 
 for this preceinct for this yeare 
 
 Voated 4 Nath" Dickinson Eben 1 ' Kellogg Jacob Worner to serve a[s] Com- 
 mitty to Issu out Worrants for Preceinct Meetings 
 
 Voated [$] to alow John Nash Jn teen shillings & Eaight pence to Give ye 
 signal upon ye sabbath for this yeare 
 
 Voated 6 to Raise fifteene pounds to provide ye Rev d Mr Parsons fire wood 
 for ye Ensuing yeare : that a Load shall be valued att three shillings 
 
 Voated 7 lv that John Nash Dea Eben r Dickinson Lt Eben r Kellogg a Com- 
 mitty to Vallu ye Loads of wood & also to appoint one Day or More to Bring s d 
 wood — 
 
 Voated 8 that De" Eben r Dickinson to treat with ye Owers and se if he Can 
 Get ye Money Due to this preceinct upon Bond 
 
 Attest Ebex"r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct [Meeting] Held In Hadley third Preceinct April ye 9 th 
 1752 they Came into the following Voats 
 
14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voated i that ye first thirty pounds that was Granted to this preceinct for 
 scooling be Improved to hire a scoole Master att ye fall of ye yeare 
 
 Voated 2 that the other therty pounds Granted ye Last Jana r by the Town to 
 be Improv' 1 to hire Scool Dames In the Summer 
 
 Voated 3 lv that John Nash Mr Solomon Boultwood Richard Chancey En 8 
 Josiah Chancey Joseph Eastman John Field Moses Smith Nath" Coleman & John 
 Dickinson to Hire Scooling and order whare s' 1 scoole shall be keept 
 
 Voated 4 that De Eben r Dickinson to Receive ye first thirty pounds above 
 Mentioned & to Let it out to Interest & take Bond for s d Money upon Demand 
 
 Attest Eben'r Kellogg Moderator 
 
 At A Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct March the 21 
 
 1753 — 
 
 After they made Chois of De Ebenez r Dickinson Moderator they Came into 
 the following Voats 
 
 Voted 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
 
 Voted 2 De Eben r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar 
 
 Voted 3 John Nash Alexand r Smith Elisha Ingram Assessors for the yeare 
 Ensuing 
 
 Voted 4 Selneon Dickinson Solomon Boultwood Jn & John Nash Jn: a 
 Committy to Issu out warrants: & warn preceinct Meetings: for the yeare 
 Ensuing 
 
 Voted 5 to Raise fifteene pounds Lawfull Money to provide the Rev d Mr 
 Parsons fire wood for ye present year 
 
 Voted 6 to alow three shillings a Load Lawfull Money 
 
 Voted 7 John Nash Jona" Dickinson Moses Smith a Commity to Vallu ye 
 Loads of wood 
 
 Voted 8'y Capt Jonath" Smith John Nash Jonath" Dickinson a Commity to 
 take advice of sum Gentelman Concerning the Lands sequestred for High ways In 
 this preceinct 
 
 Voted 9 to Hire foure Bulls In this preceinct & that the present Assessors 
 to Hire s' 1 Bulls for ye use of this preceinct for ye space of one yeare 
 
 Voted 10 Semeon Clark & Aaron Worner a Committy to Hire sum parson or 
 parsons to Give the Signal upon the sabbath : & to sweep the Meeting House for 
 this present yeare 
 
 Attest Ebene'r Dickinson Modera r 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct Jenew r ye 23: 
 
 1753 after they Made Choise of John Nash Moderator they Came Into. ye following 
 
 Votes- 
 Voted 1 to Raise teen pounds Lawfull Money to Answer the matter that is 
 
 provided for finishing the Meeting House & for midlin Bords 8 pound thousan 
 
 Voted 2 that ye Bills of charge that was then Brought In at this Meating 
 
 was alowed & past 
 
 Voted 3 that John Nash & De Eben r Dickinson: a Committy to Examin ye 
 
 state & take advice Concerning the High ways in this preceinct 
 
 Voted 4 to Raise foure pounds Lawfull Money to promote scooling in this 
 
 place 
 
 Voted 5 to Ajorn this Meeting to fifth of Febrewary next 
 S d Ajornment not attended 
 
 Attes't John Nash Moderator 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 5 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In Hadley third Preceinct July ye 5 th 1753 
 they Came into ye following Votes after ye Choise of De Eben r Dickinson 
 Moderator 
 
 Voted 1 that the Committy Made Choise of the Last March Meeting that 
 they proceed & take advice of sum Gentelmen Concerning ye Lands that was 
 sequestered for Highways in this preceinct by ye town of Hadley & act In 
 that affaire according to thare best Judgment for the Interest of this preceinct 
 
 Voted 2 y' the foure pounds y* was Granted by this preceinct for scooling & 
 ye twenty pounds Granted by ye town d of Hadley for ye same purpos be Disposed 
 to provid three scools In this preceinct Equaly Devided according to ye number 
 of scollors 
 
 Voted 3 En 8 Josiah Chancey John Field Joseph Eastman a Committy to 
 provide a scool in ye North part of this preceinct In ye Most Convenient place 
 
 Voted 4 that Semeon Clark David Nash & Aaron Worner provid scooling in 
 ye Most Convenient place In ye Midele of this preceinct 
 
 Voted 5 that Moses Smith John Dickinson & Alexander Smith a Committy 
 to provid scooling att ye South part of this preceinct 
 
 Voted 6 to seat the Meeting House In this preceinct 
 
 After Ajornment to ye 9 th of Agust they Came to the following Voats — 
 
 Voted 1 to Make foure pues In ye Meeting House whare the Hind seats are 
 and to Move ye other seats forward to make more rome for s d pues 
 
 Voted 2 that En 8 Josiah Chancey John Field & David Nash a Committy to 
 provid matter & to Build s d pues 
 
 Voted 3 that Capt Jonath" Smith John Nash De Ebenez 1 " Dickinson Richard 
 Chancey Jonath" Moodey Nath 11 Coleman John Dickinson a Committy to seat the 
 Meeting House 
 
 Voted 4 that these Ruels in seating be by mens age Estats & Ouallifications 
 Attested by Ebenez Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At A Legal Preceinct Meeting Held Jenewary 30 th 1754 After they Made 
 Choise of De Ebene r Dickinson Moderator they Came into the following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to Devide the Money Belonging to this preceinct for the Equevelant 
 Lands sold by Hadley Town to be Divided by a List — which the town d mad for a 
 Rule to Divide it to Each preceinct 
 
 Voated 2 to add to the Rev d Mr David Parsons salery for this yeare Ninty 
 two pounds teen shillings old tennor 
 
 Voated 3 Moses Smith a Committy man with John Nash and Lt Ebene r 
 Kellogg to Examin the Tresurar of this preceinct Concerning preceinct Debts that 
 are yet behind 
 
 Voated 4 that Jona" Cowls Joseph Eastman John Field Jona" Dickinson 
 seators with those that was Chosen Before 
 
 Attest Ekene'r Dickinson Modera r 
 
 Att A Legal Preceinct Meeting Held in Hadley second preceinct March ye 
 22' 1 1754 After they Had Made Choise of John Nash Moderator they Came Into 
 the following Voats — 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash preceinct Clark 
 
 Voated 2 De Eben r Dickinson preceinct Tresurar for this yeare 
 
 Voated 3 De Ebene r Dickinson De Nath" Smith Nath" Coleman Assesors 
 for this preceinct 
 
 Voated 4 to Rais fourteen pounds Lawfull money to procure the Rev d Mr 
 
1 6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 parsons firewood for this yeare 
 
 Voated 5 that peletiah Smith Jr & Noah Dickinson EbeiV Dickinson a Com- 
 mitty to Issu out warrants for preceinct Meetings that any parson that shall bring 
 a good Load of wood to Mr parsons shall be aLowed three shillings towards his 
 proportion In the above fifteen pounds 
 
 Voated 6 that Mr Solomon Boultwood Nehamiah Strong Jonathan Dickinson 
 a Committy to vew the Loads of wood 
 
 Voated 7 to Raise foure pounds Lawfull money to provide Scooling 
 
 Voated 8 that Joseph Eastman John Field Moses Warner Jonathan Nash 
 John Dickinson Peter Smith a Committy to Provide Scooling Equally in all parts 
 of this preceinct as they Can : so far as the foure pounds above Granted and what 
 may be Granted this yeare by the town' 1 for Scooling in this preceinct 
 
 Voated 9 to Raise thirty two pounds old tennor to Hire Pulls for the servis 
 of this preceinct for this yeare and that the Assessors Hire Bulls as they think 
 most Convenient for all parts of the place so fai as the above thirty two pounds 
 shall Hire 
 
 Voated 10 that Eben r Dickinson John Nash Jr Noah Dickinson & Joseph 
 Church have Liberty to Build a pue whare the two hind seats are in the front 
 Galery on the mens side upon thare own Charge 
 
 Voated 1 1 that the Late Seators of the Meeting House to Consider if they 
 Can Resonably make any alteration in seating the Meeting House 
 
 Voated 12 that the Late Committy Chosen to se about the High ways that 
 they proceed according as they think Best upon the preceinct Charge 
 
 Voated 13 that the[y] Grant Caleb Bartlet seven pounds old tennor to Give 
 the Signal and sweep the Meeting House for this year past 
 
 Attest John Nash Moderator 
 
 thus far the Recording voats answard 
 
 At A Legal Preceinct Meeting held in Hadley Second Preceinct Decem r ye 
 
 '3'" '754 
 
 After they Had made Choise of De Ebenezor Dickinson Moderator they 
 Came into the following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to add to the Rev' Mr David I 'arsons Sollary for this yeare ninty 
 two pound teen shillings old tennor 
 
 Voated 2 that De Nath" Smith & Joseph Church provide Glass and put it up 
 whare any is wanting in the Meeting House upon the preceinct Charg 
 
 Voated 3 that the Assessors Mak a Rate to Raise Money to Defry the 
 Charges as the Bills ware now passed 
 
 Attest Eben'k Dickinson Moder r 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held in Hadley Second Preceinct March the 
 24 th 1754 [1755] 
 
 After they Mad Choise of John Nash Moderator they Came into the following 
 Voats 
 
 Voated r John Nash Preceinct Clark 
 
 Voated 2 De Ebene r Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar 
 
 Voated 3 John Nash Jona" Dickinson Peter Smith assessors for this yeare 
 
 Voated 4 that the present Assessors be a Committy to take Care of the 
 prudentials of this preceinct 
 
 Voated 5 to Raise fourteen pounds Lawfull Money to procure the Rev' 1 Mi- 
 David Parsons fire wood : and that Each good Load of wood shall be Vallued att 
 three shillings Lawfull Money 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 7 
 
 Yoated 6 that Solomon Boultwood Jona u Dickinson : John Nash a Committy 
 to vallu the Loads of wood 
 
 Voated 7 that the Committy Last Chosen to seat the Meeting House that 
 they Make sum alterations : as to provide seats for sum new Cummors — 
 
 Voated 8 that oure anuel March Meating be held upon the second Munday 
 anually upon said month 
 
 Attest John Nash Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Preceinct Meating held in Hadley second preceinct Janaw r y e 12 th 
 1756 after they made Choise of John Nash Moderator they Came into the following 
 Voats 
 
 Voated 1 to Grant the Rev d Mr David Parsons thirteen pounds six shillings 
 & eaight pence addetion to his sollery for this present yeare 
 
 Voated 2 lv that the Seaters Last made Choise of that they Make sum alterra- 
 tion whare s d seators think proper 
 
 Attest John Nash Mode r 
 
 Att A Legal Preceinct Meating held in Hadley second preceinct March y e 
 Eaight 1756 — 
 
 After they made Choise of De Ebenez r Dickinson Moderator they Came into 
 the following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 John Nash preceinct Clark for this yeare 
 
 Voated 2 lv De Ebenez 1 " Dickinson preceinct Tresurar 
 
 Voated 3^ De Ebenez r Dickinson Jonathan Moodey Jonathan Edwards 
 Assessors for this yeare 
 
 Voated 4 lv that the Assessors now mad Choise of be a committy to take Care 
 of the prudenshall of this preceinct 
 
 Voated 5 Iv to Raise fifteen pounds Lawfull Money to procure the fire wood 
 for the Rev d Mr Parsons for the next yeare 
 
 Voated 6 that a good Load of wood Shall be Vallued att three shillings 
 
 Voated 7 1 ' that the Assessors now Chosen be a commity to Vallue the Loads 
 of wood 
 
 Attest Ebene'r Dickin'n Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meating Held In Hadley Second Preceinct Janew r the 
 io ,h 1757 After they made Choise of John Nash Modera r they came into the 
 following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 that the Debts as they have been considered and have been past 
 and the assessors are Directed to make a Rate to answer said Debts 
 
 Voated 2 to add to the Rev d Mr David Parsons Sollery for this year that is 
 to his original Sollery fifteen pounds Lawfull money 
 
 Attest John Nash Modera' 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting held in this preceinct March y e 14 th 1757 
 
 Aftere they had made Choise of John Nash Moderator they Came into the 
 following Voats 
 
 Voat 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
 
 Att a Legal Preceinct meating held in Hadley second Preceinct March y e 
 14 th 1757 
 
 After they made choice of John Nash Modera r they came into the following 
 Voats 
 
 Voted 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
 3 
 
1 8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted 2 John Nash De Nath 11 Smith Nath 11 Dickinson Assessors 
 
 Voated 3 Jona" Dickinson Preceinct Tresurar 
 
 Voated 4 to raise fifteen pounds lawfull money to procure the Rev' 1 Mr David 
 Parsons fire wood and that the s' 1 fifteen pounds to be Levied in the Same Rate 
 with y e Rev d Mr Parsons Rate 
 
 Voated 5 that the assessors now made choise of to be a Committy to provide 
 y e Rev a Mr Parsons wood as they think best 
 
 Voated 6 that the present Assessors a Committy to take Care of the pruden- 
 tials of the preceinct for this one year 
 
 Attest John Nash Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting Held in this Preceinct Decern y e 8 th 1757 After they 
 Made Choise of John Nash Moderator they Came into the following Voats 
 
 Voated 1 granted y 1 ' preceinct Debts as they was Brought in and Considered 
 
 Voated 2 1 ' to add to the Rev' 1 Mr David Parsons Sollery so much as to make 
 it to amount to sixty pounds 
 
 Voated 3 1 '' that y e Assessors make a tax to Defry s d Debts 
 
 Attest John Nash Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Precint Meeting held in Hadley Second Precint March y e 13 175S 
 after they made choise of Dec Ebez'' Dickinson Moderator they Came into the — 
 
 Voat 1 Josiah Chauncy Precint Clark 
 
 Voted 2 Joseph Easman Precint tresurer 
 
 Voted 3 Dea Ebez r Dickinson Mosses Dickinson Dan 11 Kellogg Assessors 
 
 Voted 4 fifteen Pounds to Procure the Rev Mr Parsons fire wood the year 
 Ensuing 
 
 Voted 5 that the fors d fiveteen Pounds be Levied in the same tax with the 
 Rev d Mr Parsons Sallary & the Presant assessors [be] a Com 1 to Procure fors d 
 wood As they think Proper 
 
 Voted 6 the Presant assesors a Com* to take Care of the Prudentials of the 
 Precint 
 
 Attest Ebz'r Dickinson* Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Precint Meeting held in Hadley Second Precint April 3 1758 after 
 they Made Choise of Josiah Chauncy Moderator they Came in into the following 
 Vote 
 
 Voted 1 Alex dr Smith Richard Chauncy Dan 1 ' 1 Kellogg Peter Smith Joseph 
 Easman Com* to settle Acounts with all former treasurers & Committes that have 
 been In this Presint 
 
 Voted 2 to Chuse a Committe to take advice & Proceed & take such Measure 
 as they think Propper to be set of[f] to be a destrict 
 
 Voted 3 John Nash Ebez r Dickinson Josiah Chauncy A Committe for the 
 fores d Purpose 
 
 Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 at A Legall Meetting held in hadley 2 d Precint June 29 1758 after Dea Ebez r 
 Dickinson was Chossen Moderator they Came into the following Vots 
 
 Voted 1 to send some Meet Person to the Generall Court to appear in behalf 
 of the Precint Respecting A petition s d Precint have Entered s d Court to be set of 
 to be a Destrict 
 
 Vot 2' 1 Josiah Chauncy to be the Person to appear in Behalfe of the Parrish 
 at the Generall Court for the fores' 1 Purpose 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 *9 
 
 Vot 3 d that the Com" Chossen at a Legal Meeting in April 3 d 1758 by the 2 d 
 Parrish to take such Measures as they thought Proper to be set of to be A Destriet 
 should be the Com" to Draw out of the treasurers office What Money their is 
 belonging to the Precint to Defray the Charges the fors d Com" have Expended in 
 the fors d Servise of the Parish 
 
 Atest Ebez'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 [By an act passed February 13, 1759, the second precinct in the town of Hadley 
 was erected into a district by the name of Amherst. 4 Acts and Resolves, 1759, 
 ch. 12.] 
 
 At a Legal Meeting held In Amherst at the Meeting House on March 19 1759 
 after Dea Ebez r Dickinson was Chosen moderator they Came Into the followino- 
 Vots 
 
 Vote 1 Josiah Chauncy Destriet Clerck 
 
 Vo' 2 Joseph Easman treasurer 
 
 Vo' 3 Dec Ebez r Dickinson sessor 
 
 Jona th Dickinson sesor 
 
 Dec Nath 11 Smith , , 
 
 T - t 1 t->- 1 • selectmen 
 
 Ens John Dickinson 
 
 Mosses Dickinson sesor 
 Vo' 4 Pelitiah Smith sworn Constables 
 
 Isaac Goociale sworn 
 Vo' 5 Joseph Easman sworn , „ 
 
 Jona"' Edwards sworn ' 
 Vo' 6 Gideon Dickinson sworn 
 Dan 11 Dickinson sworn 
 Ebez r Mattoon sworn Surveyors 
 Nath" Dickinson sworn 
 Jacob Warner 
 Vo 1 7 Simeon Clark sworn fence 
 
 Nath 11 Coleman Vi ewers 
 
 Vo 1 8 Joseph Church sworn 
 
 John Petty sworn Hog Rifts [i. e. Reeves] 
 
 Reuben Ingram sworn 
 Vo 1 9 Alex dr Smith Clerk market 
 
 Vo 10 that Hogs Rung & Yoakt Acording to Law may Run at Large 
 Vo 11 That the High way work Be Done this Year By a tax Vo 1 to adjourn 
 the meeting to the 20 of March Instant then met and Came Into the following Vots 
 Vo' 12 to Hire Six Bulls for the District Service this Year 
 Vo' 13 the Select men to Hire said Bulls 
 
 Vo' 14 to Give the Rev' Mr David Parsons Sixty Six Pounds thirteen 
 shillings and four Pence Lawful! Money Including the Bond for the year Past 
 Service — 
 
 Vo' 15 that anually the first Day of May the time To Pay Mr Parsons 
 Sallary 
 
 Vo' 16 that from the twenty first Day of March To the first Day of May that 
 Mr Parsons Sallary Shall Be Levied In the Presant Tax & Paid him and the. 
 Interest for the foresaid time 
 
 Vo' 17 to Raise twenty Pounds for this Years' Scooling In the Next Years tax 
 
 Vo' 18 to Discontinue one Rod in Width twenty Rods In Length In the East 
 
 Street of the High Way Upon the East Side of that Land the town of Late Dis- 
 
20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 continued Begining at the South Side of Dan" Kelloggs Lot & Extending North 
 the forsaid twenty Rods 
 
 Vo l 19 To Raise fiveteen Pounds to Procure the Rev" Mr Parsons fire wood 
 for the year Ensuing 
 
 Vo l 20 to Allow for Work Done at the Highways from the twenty ninth Day 
 of March To October the tenth Sixteen Shillings P r Day for a hand & fores' 1 sum 
 for teme & the Remainder Part of the Year twelve Shillings F r Day for hand & 
 said sum for teme 
 
 Vo' 21 that Ephraim Kellogg Ebez r Dickinson 3d thomas Mortton John Field 
 Jun r Noah Smith have Liberty to Build a pew over the Stairs In the Gallery the 
 Mens Side if it Don't Hinder Passing In the Attics & Up- and Down Stairs 
 
 Attest Ebez'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 April 8 1759 John Ellis & Ruth Keet Both of Amherst have Had their Inten- 
 tion of Mariadge Made Publick 
 
 februwary 20 1759 then Solomon Rood & Sarah Could Was Ioyned in 
 Miriadge By Me test Josiah Chauncv Jus Peace 
 
 feb 22 1759 then John Young & Margeret Conkey Was Ioyned in Mariadge 
 By Me test Josiah Chauncy Jus Pa 
 
 feb 22 1759 then Aaron Gray & Isabel Lucore was Ioyned In Mariadge By Me 
 
 test Josiah Chauncv Jus Pea 
 
 April 24 1759 then Benj" Harwood & Cathirine Chauncy Was Ioyned In 
 Mariadge By Me test Josiah Chauncv J Pa 
 
 At a Legal meeting Held in Amherst at the meeting House on Wednesday the 
 twenty first day of November 1759 After Dec Ebez r Dickinson was Chosen Mod- 
 erator they Came Into the following Vots 
 
 Vot 1 to Chuse a Com" to take such Measures as they think Proper in 
 Makeing answer to the Generall Court why the Petition that John Mortton & 
 Nathan Dickinson Hath Preferd to said Court should Not Be Granted 
 
 Vot 2 Josiah Chauncy Dea Ebez r Dickinson Joseph Easman a Com" for the 
 fores' 1 Purpose 
 
 test Ebez'r Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting Held in amherst at the Meeting House on Wednesday ye 
 twenty third Day of Janawary 1760 after Josiah Chauncy was Chosen moderator 
 they Came Into the following Vots > 
 
 Vo l 1 two Pounds Lawful! money To Be Raised & the Select men have 
 Liberty To Pay Part or all Said two Pounds To Reuben Ingram for Keeping 
 Dan 11 Smith if Determined By them this Due from the Destrict 
 
 Vo 1 2' 1 that the Bills as they have Been Read & Considerd are Passed & the 
 Presant assessors to Raise s' 1 sums In the Presant years tax & order the same to 
 be Paid where it is Due 
 
 Vo 1 3' 1 To Give the Rev Mr David Parsons this Year for his Sallary Sixty 
 Six Pounds thirteen Shillings & four Pence To Be Levied in the Presant years 
 tax — 
 
 Vo l 4 to Raise ten Pounds thirteen Shillings & four Pence L M for the Use 
 & Benifit of Scooling to Be Levied in the Preasant years tax 
 
 test Josiah Chauncv Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting held in amherst februwary 11 1760 after Doctor Nath" 
 Smith was Chosen Moderator they Came Into the following Vots 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 2 1 
 
 Vo i Mr Jonathan Dickinson Ens John Dickinson Josiah Chauncy agents 
 for the Destrict of Amherst to Comence an action in Law with the town of Hadley 
 respecting the maintenence of Dan" Smith 
 
 atest Nathaniel Smith Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting in amherst Held at the Meeting House on Wednesday the 
 18 th Day of March 1760 after Dec Ebez r Dickinson was Chosen Moderator they 
 Came into the following 
 
 Vots 1 Josiah Chauncy Clerk sworn 
 
 V r o 2 Joseph Easman treasurer Alexander Smith Simeon Dickinson Constable 
 sworn Ebez r Mattoon sworn Mosses Cook tythingmen Jon th Modey Joseph Church 
 thomas Hastings Surveyers Sworn John Petty Joseph Clary fence Viewers 
 
 Jonathan Smith Nathan Dickinson Sworn Edward Smith Simeon Smith 
 Reuben Ingram Hogrifts Sworn Noah Dickinson Elijah Baker Moses Dickinson 
 Dearifs [/. e. deer-reeves\ Alex dr Smith Cleark 8f the Markit Packer Gager 
 
 Vot 2 Hogs Rung & Voakt acording to Law may Run at Large the Year 
 Ensuing 
 
 Vo Jon" 1 Edwards Nath 11 Colman Jona ,h Modey Josiah Chauncy Dan 11 Kellogg 
 Selectmen taken the Previous oath Josiah Chauncy Jon" 1 Edwards Jona" 1 Modev 
 assessors 
 
 Yo' to Raise thirteen Pound Six Shillings & Eight Pence for Scoolling in the 
 Next tax 
 
 Vo 1 to Raise fifteen Pound to find the Rev d Mr David Parsons fire wood for 
 this year 
 
 Vo' Decon Ebez r Dickinson Josiah Chauncy John Dickinson A Com" to 
 View the High way in the East Street & fortriver & make tryal to Exchange Land 
 with Some Parsons & make Return to this Meeting — 
 
 Yo Josiah Chauncy John Dickinson Joseph Easman A Com" to View & Judge 
 what Damiges Mr Jon"' Dickinson Has Received By the County Road Bein°- Laid 
 across his Land & make Return to this Meeting 
 
 Vo 1 to adjourn this Meeting to monday the twenty fourth Day of March 
 
 Currunt at three of the o Cloack in the afternoon then met & the meetin°- 
 
 opened & Came Into the following Vots 
 
 Vo to Build a Bridge over fort River in the East Street or Near thereabouts 
 Upon the Destrict Charge 
 
 Yo' Solomon Boultwood Peter Smith John Billings a Com" to Build the Said 
 Bridge 
 
 Yo' to Seat the Meeting House 
 
 Vo' Jona" 1 Dickinson Capt Jonathan Smith Josiah Chauncy Dec Ebez r Dick- 
 inson Mosses Dickinson a Com" to Seat the Meeting House Yo' that Age & 
 Qualifications & Estate upon the two Last Lists the Rule or Standard wherbv 
 the fores d Com" are to Seet Said meeting house 
 
 Yo' to Raise Eight Pounds to hire Bulls for the Destrict Service this Year 
 
 Yo' that the high way work this year Be Done By a tax 
 
 Vo' to allow for work Done at the High ways from the 29" 1 of March Currunt 
 to October io' h sixteen shillings P r Day for hand & said sum for teme & the 
 Remainder Part of the Year 12 Shillings P r Day & Said Sum for teme 
 
 At a Legal meeting Held in amherst at the meeting House on tuesday the 29"' 
 Day of april 1760 after Josiah Chauncy was Chosen Moderator they Came into the 
 following Vots 
 
2 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Vo l i that the two fore Seats in the weomans Gallary in the front Shall Be 
 Seated with men & to Build a Pew for the weomen upon the Back Part of the 
 front Vo 1 to Build a Pew over the Stairs for the weoman upon the Destrict 
 Charge 
 
 Voted to take Some advice in the County Respecting the Land formerly 
 Sequestered for Highways in this Destrict 
 
 Vo' that Mr Jon" 1 Dickickinson & Mr Dan" Kellogg a Com" for S' 1 Purpose 
 
 test JOSIAH CHAUNCEY .Moderator 
 
 at a Legal Meeting Held in amherst on Monday the fifth Day of Janawary 
 1761 after Josiah Chauncy was Chosen Moderator they Came Into the following. 
 Vots 
 
 Vo' 1 1 the Deats as they Have Been Read & Considered are Voted Vo' 2 
 the Assessors To Raise s' 1 Deats in this years Tax & order the Payment where Due 
 
 Voted To Build two Scool houses in this Destrict at the Charge of Destrict 
 
 Vot' 1 that Simeon Cleark Ens John field Peter Smith Lev' John Dickinson 
 Nath 11 Dickinson Mr Jonathan Dickinson a Com" To View & Consider Whether 
 it Be Best To have two or three Scool Houses & Where they Judg it most Con- 
 venient To Place them & make Report to the Next March Meeting 
 
 Vot 1 ' Sixty Six Pound thirteen Shillings & four Pence To Be Raised in this 
 years tax & Paid To the Rev d Mr David Parsons for this Years Sallary 
 
 attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 at a Legal meeting held in Amherst at the meeting house on Monday the 
 Second Day of March 1761 after Josiah Chauncy was Chosen Moderator the[y] 
 Came Into the following Vots 
 
 Voted Josiah Chauncy Cleark Sworn Joseph Easman Treasurer sworn 
 
 Voted Mr Jonathan Dickinson Lev' John Dickinson Peter Smith Joseph 
 Easman Ens John field Selectmen 
 
 Voted Mr Jonathan Dickinson Peter Smith Ens John Field asesors 
 
 Voted Serg' Thomas Hastings & Serg 1 ( '.ideon Dickinson Constables ^Sworn 
 
 Voted Jonathan Modey Mosses Cook Noah Dickinson Surveyers ^Sworn 
 
 Voted Joseph Church John Pettee Tythingmen J^Sworn 
 
 Voted Sam 11 Ingram Sam" Church Fence Viewers |>S\vorn 
 
 Voted Hezikiah Beldin David Smith Simeon Pomroy Phillip Ingram Asael 
 Modey Hogrifs ^-Sworn 
 
 Voted Sollomon Boltwood Jun r Nath" Coleman Ebez r Mattoon ^-Dearifs J> 
 Sworn 
 
 Voted Alexander Smith Cleark of the Markit }>Sworn 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Dan" Kellogg Lev* William Boltwood [> Wardens )> 
 Sworn 
 
 Voted to Raise fourteen Pounds to he Levied in the Next years Tax for 
 S cooling 
 
 Voted to acept of the Report of the Com" Respecting the Places where the 
 Scool houses Shall Be Built 
 
 Voted the highways Shall Be Done this Preasant Year by a Tax- 
 Voted that the Select men hire Bulls for this Year 
 
 Voted that the Select men be Impowered to Draw out of the Treasurer so 
 much Money as is Due to the Province for Last years Tax & Pay it out 
 
 Voted that Mr Jonathan Dickinson have Four Acres & three Quarters of the 
 Town Land Lying Between Mosses Warner & the high way that Leads to Pelham 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN -MEETINGS. 23 
 
 Begining at the East End of the said town Land taking the whole Breadth & 
 Extending so Far West as to make up the fores' 1 Quantity wich is For Sattisfaction 
 to the aboves' 1 Dickinson for Damiage Done to him By a County Road Being Laid 
 across Part of his Land 
 
 Atest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 at a Legal Meeting held at Amherst at the meeting" house on the twelth Day 
 of October 1761 at two of the Clock in the afternoon after m r Jonathan Dickinson 
 was Chosen Moderator they Came into the following Vots 
 
 Voted the Destrict will be at the Cost of mending the Road from the Sawmill 
 through Edmunt Hubbards Land 
 
 Voted the Select men Be a Com" to Make Trial to See how they Can 
 Exchange Land for a high Way with Jon" 1 Coles & Make Report to the Next 
 Meeting Test Jon'th Dickixsox Moderator 
 
 at a Legal meeting Held in Amherst at the meeting house the 22' 1 Day of 
 December 1761 after Peter Smith was Chosen Moderator they Came into the 
 following Vots 
 
 Voted 1 to Build a Scool House in the highway that Leads to Pelham Near 
 the Place where Moses Warners house formerly stood and John Billing" Dan 11 
 Kellogg Lev 1 Will m Boltwood a Com" to Build said House 
 
 Voted 2' 1 to build another Scoolhouse in the highway that Runs East and 
 West between Joseph Church and Jon"' Coles Near the midle of the Length of 
 said way and Ens John Field and Joseph Easman and Sam 11 Ingram a Com" to 
 build said house 
 
 Voved 3 d to Build another Scool house in the high way South of Nath 11 
 Colmans Lot East of Plum Brook upon the hill & Mosses Dickinson Peter Smith 
 Lev' John Dickinson a Com" to build said house 
 
 Voted 4 d that a midling Load Caried to m r Parsons Shall Be allowed in the 
 Parsons Rate that Caries it 0-2-4-3 & tne Selectmen are to Prise said Loads 
 
 Voted 5" 1 to Give the Rev d m r David Parsons for his Sallary this year Sixty 
 Six Pounds thirteen Shillings & four Pence 
 
 Voted 6 th to Raise ten Pound to find m r Parsons with fire wood the Ensuing- 
 year 
 
 Voted to adjourn this meeting to the first monday in februwary Next at Nine 
 of the Clock in the morning februwary 1 1762 then Mett& Came Into the following 
 Vots 
 
 Voted S to allow for Sumer Work Done at the high way Be two shillings P r 
 day & Eighteen Pence for fall work & the Bills as they have Been Considered & 
 Now Stand are Voted 
 
 Voted 9 that the assessors make a Tax to answer the above said Bills 
 
 Voted 10"' to Raise five Pound more for Scooling 
 
 Voted 11 to Give to the Rev 1 m r David Parsons thirteen Pound Six Shilling 
 & Eight Penc as a further aditition to his Sallary 
 
 Voted 12 John Field Agent to Northampton Court to make Answer to said 
 Court why the Petition that Ephraim Kellogg hath Exhibited to said Court for 
 altering the high way ought Not to be Granted 
 
 Voted 13 to Seet the meeting house 
 
 Voted 14" 1 Lev* John Dickinson Doc' Nath" Smith Dec Jon"' Edwards Peter 
 Smith John Field a Com" to Seet the meeting house 
 
24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted y 1 the Last List age & Ouallifications be the Rules the Seet the 
 meeting house by 
 
 Voted 15" 1 to Revoak the former Vote that was taken Respecting the Place 
 to Set the midle Scool house in this Destrict 
 
 test Peter Smith Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting held in Amherst at the Meeting house October 18 1762 
 after Josiah Chauncy was Chosen Moderator they Came Into the following Vots 
 
 Vote 1 to Chose a Com" to Inspect the bridge Near James Merricks house 
 and order Such Repairs to said Bridge as is Nessasary Dec John Nash Doc' 
 Nath 11 Smith Dan 11 Kellogg Ens John Field Simeon Clark a Com" for the afores' 1 
 Purpose 
 
 Vo' 2 to Build three Scool houses in Amherst 
 
 Vo' 3 to Refer the Matter to a Com" Where said Scool houses Shall Be Set 
 
 Vot 4 Capt Savage Capt Root Dec John Gun a Com" to Determin Where 
 the afores' 1 Scooll houses Shall Stand 
 
 Vot Dan" Kellogg Dec Azariah Dickinson Mosses Dickinson Simeon Cleark 
 a Com" to wait on the afors' 1 Com" 
 
 Vot to Chuse a Com" to Build the afors' 1 Scool housses Where the Com" 
 Apointed Shall order and Joseph Easman Nath" Dickinson Ens John Field Dan" 
 Kellogg John Billings Simeon Cleark Mosses Dickinson Peter Smith John Dick- 
 inson a Com" for said Purpose 
 
 attest Josiah Chauncy moderator 
 
 Att a Legal meeting held in Amherst at the Meetting house in March 1762 
 after Josiah Chauncy was Chosen moderator they Came Into the following Vots 
 
 Vtd Josiah Chauncy m r Simeon Strong Alex' 1 Smith Dan" Kellogg Mosses 
 Dickinson — Select men Josiah Chauncy m r Simeon Strong Mosses Dickinson 
 Assessors 
 
 Vot Josiah Chauncy Cleark Joseph Easman treasuerer 
 
 Vo* Peter Smith Sollomon Boltwood Elijah Baker Surveyors 
 
 Vot Isaac Goodale Jon"' Modey Jun r Simeon Cleark tythin men 
 
 Vo 1 Jon" 1 Coles Benjamin Roads Fence Viewers 
 
 Vo' Reuben Ingram Simeon Smith Simeon Pomroy Ebez Mattoon Aaron 
 Warner Reuben Dickinson Hogrifs 
 
 Vo' Lev 1 Will"' Boltwood Ebez r Dickinson Jun r Dearifs 
 
 Vo* Alex dr Cleark of the Markit 
 
 Vo' Mosses Warner Nath" Dickinson Dan" Dickinson Wardens 
 
 Vo' Joseph Church Surveyor of timber 
 
 Vo' Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
 
 Vo' to do the High way work a Tax 
 
 Vo' that Hogs may Run on the Commons Yoak' & Rung from the First of 
 May to the first of Semtember Next 
 
 Vo' to Allow Josiah Chauncy Bill 
 
 Vo' to Stop all Proceedings Respecting the Scool houses another Year 
 
 Vo' to Accept the Doings of the Sellect men in Exchanging Land with Jon" 1 
 Coles for a high way 
 
 Vo' that Joseph Easman & Peter Smith a Com" to Setle with the town of 
 hadley Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting held in Amherst at the Meeting house in April 28 1762 
 after Mr Simeon Strong was Chosen Moderator they Came Into the following Vots 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 25 
 
 Vot i thirteen Pound Six Shillings & Eight Pence for the Use of Scooling 
 Vot 2 d to Chuse a Com" to Setle with the Former Com" that was Chosen by 
 the Town of Hadley to apear in behalfe of S' 1 town Respecting the high ways 
 
 Yo' Peter Smith Alex dr Smith Dan 11 Kellogg Mosses Dickinson Lev' John 
 Dickinson a Com" to Setle with the Town Com" 
 
 Yo to Impow r s' 1 Com" to Pay the Destricts proportion of Charge to the hadley 
 
 Com" and to borrow money on the Destricts Cre dt to Pay the same or to P^ind 
 
 any way to Setle the Same acording to their Discresion 
 
 test Simeon Strong 
 
 at a Legal Meeting held in amherst at the meeting house on tuesday the fourth 
 day of Janawary 1763 after m r Simeon Strong was Chosen moderator they Came 
 Into the following 
 
 Yots 1 Sumer work from the First day of May to the First Day of October 
 two Shillings P r day the Remaining Part of the Year Eleven Shillings & three 
 Pence P r day 
 
 Vo* to Raise fourteen Pound for m r Parsons Fire wood 
 
 Yo' twenty two Pound for Scooling Vo' to Pass the Bills as they have Been 
 Read Yo' to Give m r David Parsons thirteen Shillings & four Pence 
 
 test Simeon Strong Moderator 
 
 At a legal meeting holden in Amherst on the 23 d Day of March A D 1763 
 After Simeon Strong chosen moderator voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong District Clerk Joseph Eastman Treasurer 
 Yot' 1 Elisha Ingram John Billings Joseph Eastman Moses Dickinson and 
 Simeon Clark Select men for the Ensuing year — 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Joseph Eastman & John Billings Assessors — 
 Voted Ebenezer Mattoon and Aaron Warner constables 
 
 Voted Ebenezer Dickinson Jun r Reuben Dickinson John Nash Jun r Pelatiah 
 Smith Jun r David Smith & Jacob Warner Surveyers of Highways 
 voted David Blodgett Moses Cook and Elijah Baker Tithingmen 
 voted Alexander Smith Clerk of the Market 
 Voted Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Jonathan Coles and Nathaniel Coleman Fenceviewers 
 voted Noah Dickinson Jonathan Moody Jun r Nehemiah Dickinson Nathan 
 Dickinson Jun r Oliver Cowls Hog Reeves 
 
 voted Joseph Williams Asahel Moody Reuben Dickinson Deer-Reeves 
 voted Joseph Church Surveyer of Timber 
 
 voted Simeon Dickinson Azariah Dickinson and Alexander Smith Wardens 
 voted that Hogs yoked and ringed according to Law may run at large from 
 the first of May to the first of September next and after the Middle of October 
 next till winter 
 
 Voted To grant the Rev' 1 David Parsons thirteen pounds Six Shillings and 
 Eight pence in Addition to what has been before Granted for his years Salary 
 
 Attest Simeon Strong Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting holden in Amherst on the twenty first Day of April A D 
 1763 after Moses Dickinson Chosen moderator voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Vot d to approve of the Jurors offer d by the Select men to Supply the Box for 
 the insuing year 
 
 Vot' 1 To adjourn this meeting to monday the 24" 1 Day of April Cur' at 4 of the 
 Clock afternoon 
 
 4 
 
26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 April 24 th then the District met by adjournment and voted as follows (viz) 
 
 vot' 1 To Choose a Com" 1 with power to make what Repairs they shall think 
 proper in the fort River Bridge below the Gristmill or to build another if they 
 Shall think proper 
 
 vot' 1 That Deacon John Nash Lieu' John Dickinson John Billings be the 
 Com'" 
 
 vot rt to choose a Com ,ee to build a Bridge over the Mill River where they Shall 
 think most proper 
 
 Vot' 1 Joseph Eastman Ins" John Field Lieut W" Boltwood Josiah Chauncy 
 Esq r & Daniel Kellogg be the Com"' 
 
 Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting holden at amherst on the 27 1 " Day of August A D 1763 
 Voted Simeon Clark moderator 
 
 Voted that John Dickinson John Field Daniel Kellogg William Boltwood be 
 Surveyors of wheat for the District of Amherst for the Ensuing year 
 
 attest Simeon Clark Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at 
 the meeting house there on the 19 th Day of December A D 1763 
 Voted Joseph Eastman moderator 
 
 Voted To raise Sixteen Pounds for Supplying the Rev' 1 David Parsons with 
 Firewood 
 
 Voted That the price of ordinary Load of wood carried to the Rev' 1 David 
 Parsons be Eighteen Shillings old Tenor 
 
 Voted To adjourn the said meeting for one hour & then to meet & hold the 
 same at the House of Moses Warner 
 
 Afterwards being met at Said warner's House 
 
 Voted To allow those that have laboured at Building the Bridge near Ephraim 
 Kellogg's mill one Shilling & Eight pence p r Day 
 
 Voted To allow Gideon Dickinson John Field & Ebenezer Dickinson Jun r 
 two Shillings p r Day for their labour in falling Timber for the above Said Bridge 
 Voted To allow the Common Labourers at building the Lower Bridge near 
 the mill one Shilling & Eight pence p r Day 
 
 Voted To allow Deacon John Nash Eighteen Shillings old Tenor p r Day for 
 Eight Days work at the Last said Bridge 
 
 voted To allow the Bills brought into this meeting as they have been read & 
 Corrected 
 
 voted That the Assessors of this District be impowered to raise money by a 
 Tax for payment of Said Bills & to order payment of the Same to the persons 
 respectively 
 
 voted To grant to the Rev 11 David Parsons such addition to his Stated Salary 
 for this year as to make in the whole Eighty pounds 
 
 voted To Clear & Fence the Burying yard in Said District 
 voted That Daniel Kellogg William Boltwood Josiah Chauncy Esq' Jn" Field 
 John Dickinson Moses Dickinson Sam" Ingram be a Committee to Clear said 
 Burying yard & to Fence the Same with Stone or Timber or partly with Each at 
 their Discretion 
 
 voted To raise twenty four pounds for Schooling this year 
 voted To grant Liberty to Joseph Nash Gideon Dickinson Jim' John Morton 
 Jun 1 ' Joseph Eastman Jun r Israel Dickinson Alexander Smith Jun 1 ' Thomas 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 27 
 
 Hastings Jun r Josiah Cowls Eneas Dickinson Joel Billing Oliver Clap Jonathan 
 Nash Jim 1 ' to build a pew in the Place of the two hind Seats in the upper Teer in 
 the Gallary in the Meeting House on their own Cost on Condition that they resign 
 the Same Pew when the District require it on the Districts paying back the Charge 
 of Building 
 
 Attest Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at 
 the Meeting House there March i2 tl1 1764 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson moderator 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Clerk for the said District the ensuing year 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Treasurer for said District the ensuing year 
 
 Voted Peter Smith Nathanael Dickinson Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Dickin- 
 son John Dickinson Select men 
 
 Voted Jonathan Edwards Nathanael Dickinson & Peter Smith Assessors 
 
 Voted Joseph Church & Noah Dickinson Constables 
 
 Voted Simeon Clark Samuel Church Ebenezer Dickinson Jun 1 ' John Billing- 
 Samuel Ingram Jonathan Moody Jun r Surveyors of Highways 
 
 Voted To amend & Repair the Highways by a Tax the following year 
 
 voted Lemuel Moody Jonathan Cowls Jun r Ebenezer Dickinson the third 
 Hogreeves 
 
 voted Azariah Dickinson John Dickinson Isaac Goodale Fenceviewers 
 
 voted Nehemiah Dickinson Reuben Dickinson & Peter Smith Tythingmen 
 
 voted Gideon Henderson Sealer of Leather 
 
 voted Hezekiah Belding and John Nash Jun r Deer-reeves 
 
 voted Alexander Smith Surveyor of Timber 
 
 voted Daniel Kellogg William Boltwood John Dickinson & Samuel Ingram 
 Surveyors of Wheat 
 
 voted Nathanael Coleman Solomon Boltwood Samuel Ingram wardens 
 
 voted to adjourn this meeting to Wednesday the fourteenth Day of March 
 Current to be holden at said Meeting House 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at 
 the meeting house there by adjournment on the fourteenth Day of March A D 1764 
 
 Voted To provide a Book for Records & a grave Cloth for the use of the 
 District 
 
 voted that the Price of a Daywork at Highways in Summer be two Shillings 
 & five pence 
 
 voted that a Day work in the Fall be one Shilling & Eight pence 
 
 voted to Release to Cap* Ebenezer Kellogg his Rates that are unpaid 
 
 voted That Simeon Strong prefer a Petition to the Court of general Sessions 
 of the Peace in Behalf of the District for discontinuing the Kings Highway at the 
 burying yard 
 
 voted that the present Select men Settle & agree with Noadiah Lewis 
 respecting the Road that lyes through his Lot 
 
 voted To Establish the Highway laid out by the Select men at the Mills at the 
 north part of the District which said way is laid out & Return thereof made to this 
 meeting as follows (viz) "The following Highway was laid out by us the Sub- 
 •• scribers in the District of Amherst Nov r the 8 th 1763 (viz) Beginning at a Rack 
 " at the End of Mr FarnswortrTs House & Runs South 30 East Across the Bridge 
 "above the Grist-mill nine Rods to the End of s' 1 Bridge then South 28 west 13 
 
28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 " Rods then South 6° East 36 Rods to a black oak Staddle with a heap of Stones 
 
 " about it on the County Road — 
 
 Surveyed p r Ebenezer Guilds 
 Elisha Ingram "] 
 Joseph Eastman ^ Select Men 
 Moses Dickinson [ 
 Simeon Clark J 
 
 voted To choose a Committee to Treat with the Rev 1 David Parsons 
 respecting the Settlement of his Sallary 
 
 voted That Peter Smith Deacon John Nash Deacon Ebenezer Dickinson 
 Jonathan Dickinson Joseph Eastman Josiah Chauncy Esq'' Moses Smith Samuel 
 Ingram John Dickinson Moses Dickinson Jonathan Edwards William Boltwood 
 Cap* Jonathan Smith Pelatiah Smith Doct 1 ' Nathanael Smith & Jonathan Cowls 
 be the Committee for the purpose abovesaid & make their Report to this meeting 
 
 voted to adjourn this meeting to Wednesday the twenty Eighth Day of March 
 Current 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden by 
 adjournment at the meeting house there on the twenty Eighth Day of march A D 
 1764 
 
 voted That Hogs being yoked & Ringed according to Law may run at Large 
 in Said District from the first of May next untill the first Day of September next 
 
 voted to abate & Release to Tom Negro all Rates that have been assessed to 
 him in this District that are now unpaid 
 
 The Committee chosen on the fourteenth Day of March Current by the afore- 
 said Inhabitants to treat with the Rev' 1 David Parsons respecting the Settlement 
 of his Sallary now make Report & cause to be read to this meeting the Proposals 
 of Settlement made & directed to the said Inhabitants by the said David Parsons 
 in writing under his hand in the following words (viz) 
 
 To the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst at their District Meeting holden 
 by adjournment on Wednesday the twenty Eighth Day of March A D 1764 
 Brethren & Friends 
 
 Whereas at your meeting holden on the 14" 1 Day of march Curr' you chose 
 your Com 10 ' 1 to treat with me respecting the Stating & Settlement of my Sallary for 
 the future & to know on what Terms I am Content to Settle the same I do there- 
 fore hereby offer & propose to you the following Terms of settlement (viz) that 
 vote & Grant me a Sallary of Eighty pound lawful money to be my annual Stated 
 Sallary for the future during my ministry with you; & in Case money Should 
 become so Scarce as not to be a common Sufficient medium of Trade then I agree 
 to accept the value of that Sum in Grain & other necessaries of Life and that you 
 provide my Firewood annually as you have done heretofore — Also in Case the 
 above proposal of providing my Fire-wood is not agreeable to you I make you the 
 following proposal instead thereof (viz) That you grant & vote my Sallary to be 
 annually for the future during my ministry with you the sum of ninety three 
 pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence lawful money & in Case money Should 
 become So Scarce as not to be a common Sufficient medium of Trade then I agree 
 to accept the value of that sum in Grain & other necessaries of Life & in Case you 
 Grant the Last mentioned Sum then my proposal is that you are forever freed from 
 an\ obligations to provide my Fire-wood 
 
 Y r affectionate Pastor David Parsons 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 29 
 
 N. B. My Proposal is that in Case the above said Scarcity of money should 
 happen then said Sallary should be paid at the following Rate (viz) wheat at the 
 Rate of three Shillings & Seven pence one Farthing p r Bushel & Rye at the Rate 
 of two Shillings & five pence p r Bushell — 
 
 After the Reading of which Proposals the Said Inhabitants proceed to vote in 
 maner following the same vote being reduced to writing & read to said Inhabitants 
 & taken in the following words (viz) 
 
 voted To grant & comply with the Rev' 1 David Parsons's second Proposal 
 (viz) that the District vote & Grant said David Parsons's sallary for the future 
 during his ministry with Said District the Sum of ninety three pounds Six Shillings 
 & Eight pence; & in Case money Should be So Scarce as not to be a Common 
 sufficient medium of Trade then said Sum Should be paid in Grain & other neces- 
 saries of Life and the District be freed from any obligations to provide said 
 Parson's Firewood & in Case Said Scarcity of money should happen then said 
 Sallary to be paid at the Rate of wheat at three Shillings & Seven pence one 
 Farthing p r Bushel and Rye at the Rate of two Shillings & five pence p r Bushel 
 
 Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at the 
 Meeting House in Said District on the Seventeenth Day of December A D 1764 
 at 9 o'Clock in the forenoon 
 
 Vot d Peter Smith Moderator 
 
 Vot' 1 to adjourn this Meeting for the Space of one Hour then to meet at y e 
 Same Place -Met at said Meeting House after s' 1 Space and 
 
 Vot' 1 to Release to Deacon Ebenezer Dickinson his Note of about six pounds 
 old Tenor payable to the District Treasurer for his Service in y e office of Treasurer 
 ten years 
 
 Vot' 1 to Allow two Shillings p r Day for Labour done for the District in Summer 
 
 Vot' 1 to allow one Shilling & Six pence p r Day for fall Work 
 
 Vot' 1 to allow all the Bills as they have been read & Corrected 
 
 Vot' 1 to impower the Assessors to levy a Tax on y ' Inhabitants of this District 
 for Defraying the Debts arising on said Bills 
 
 Vot' 1 to allow the Rev' 1 Rob' Abercrombie twenty Shillings for preaching here 
 one Sabbath 
 
 Vot' 1 to adjourn this meeting to the House of Moses Warner to meet there as 
 soon as may be — met accordingly there and 
 
 vot' 1 to raise twenty Pounds for the use of Schooling 
 
 Vot' 1 to impower the Assessors to lay a Tax on the Inhabitants] of Said 
 District for Said twenty pounds 
 
 Vot' 1 to build four School Houses in this District 
 
 Vot' 1 to Choose Several Com ll "' s to determine the Places where said Houses 
 Shall be built 
 
 Vot 1 Moses Dickinson Peter Smith & Lieu' John Dickinson be a Com"' 1 ' to fix 
 the Place for the North School Hous.e 
 
 Vot' 1 Josiah Chauncy Esq r Joseph Eastman Ens" John Field be a Com'"' for 
 fixing the Place of the South School House 
 
 Vot' 1 Daniel Kellogg Gideon Dickinson John Billing be a Com"' 1 ' to fix the 
 Place of the west Middle School House 
 
 Vot' 1 Lieut W m Boltwood Isaac Goodale Simeon Strong be a Com"' 1 ' to fix the 
 place of the East Middle School House 
 
30 HISTORY OF /THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Vot' 1 that the District will abide the Determination of the aforesaid Com"'" s 
 
 Vot' 1 to choose four other Com"' 3 to build said Houses where the afores 1 ' 
 Com teea Shall determine 
 
 Vot' 1 Elijah 1 laker Samuel Ingram Nathanael Dickinson be a Com" 1 ' to build 
 the north School House 
 
 Vot' 1 Simeon Clark Deacon Nash Ins" John Held be a Com'"' for building the 
 west middle School House 
 
 Vot' 1 Daniel Kellogg Jonathan Dickinson & Thomas Hastings be a Com 10 ' for 
 Building the East middle School-House 
 
 vot' 1 Nathanael Coleman Lieut John Dickinson Peter Smith be a Com 1 ' 1 ' to 
 build the South School House 
 
 Vot' 1 that the four last mentioned Com 1 '" be one Joint Com tee for Determining 
 the Size & Dimentions of each of the said School Houses 
 
 Attest Peter Smith Moderator 
 
 At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at the 
 Meeting House in Said District on the Eighteenth Day of .March A I) 1765 at 
 9 o'Clock in the forenoon 
 
 Voted Jonathan Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Clerk of said District for the Ensuing year — 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Treasurer of said District 
 
 Voted John Billing Moses Dickinson Simeon Clark Joseph Eastman Azariah 
 Dickinson Select Men 
 
 Voted Elijah Baker ec Jonathan Moody Jun'' Constables 
 
 Voted Gideon Henderson Thomas Hastings & Lieut John Dickinson Wardens 
 
 Voted Ins" John Field Lieut William Boltwood Daniel Dickinson & Daniel 
 Kellogg Surveyors of Highways 
 
 Voted Daniel Kellogg Isaac Goodale Joseph Dickinson Tithingmen 
 
 Voted Jonathan Cowls & Peter Smith Fenceviewers 
 
 Voted Lieut John Dickinson Samuel Ingram Daniel Kellogg & Lieut William 
 Boltwood Surveyors of Wheat 
 
 Voted Jonathan Dickinson Jun 1 ' Asahel Moody & .Moses Cook Deer Reeves 
 
 Voted Josiah Moody Edward Smith Ephraim Kellogg Jun 1 ' & David Cowls 
 Hogreeves 
 
 Voted Gideon Henderson Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Surveyor of Timber & Lumber 
 
 Voted that Hogs yoked & ringed according to Law may run at Large from 
 this Time to the first Day of September next 
 
 Voted to raise the Sum of thirty Pounds for repairing Highways 
 
 Voted That the Assessors Assess said Sum on the Inhabitants of said District 
 
 District Meeting March 18 th 1765 
 
 Voted That from this Time to the first Day of September next the price of a 
 Days work at Highways Shall be two Shillings & five pence 
 
 Voted That the Price of Fall Work be one Shilling & nine pence p' Day 
 
 Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to the next Monday at one o'clock 
 afternoon to meet at this Place Monday March 25 th at one o'Clock 
 
 met by Adjournment 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District 'of Amherst at the 
 Meeting House in Said District on the 6"' Day of January A D 1766 at 9 oHTlock 
 forenoon 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 3 1 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Moderator * 
 
 Voted to remove the meeting to the School House which is near Landlord 
 Warners dwelling House 
 
 Voted to raise the Sum of twenty seven Pounds for the use of Schooling 
 
 Voted That the Price of Summer Work at the School Houses be two Shillings 
 by the Day 
 
 Voted That the price of Fall Work at the School Houses be one Shilling and 
 Six Pence by the Day 
 
 Voted That Carpenter's Fall Work be two Shillings & four Pence 
 
 Voted That Carpenter's Summer Work be two Shillings & Fight Fence 
 
 Voted To allow the Bills as read and Corrected 
 
 Voted To grant the Rev' 1 David Parsons the Present year's Sallary ninety 
 three pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence 
 
 Voted That the Assessors make an Assessment on the Inhabitants of the 
 District for Discharging the Debts before allowed 
 
 Attest Simeon Strong Moderator 
 
 At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at the 
 Meeting House there on the 10"' Day of March A D 1766 
 
 Voted Josiah Chauncy Esq'' Moderator 
 
 Voted To remove the Meeting to the School House near Moses Warner's 
 dwelling House 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Treasurer 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Clerk 
 
 Voted Lieut John Dickinson Deacon Jonathan Edwards Ins" John Field 
 Samuel Ingram and Alexander Smith Select Men 
 
 Voted Lieut John Dickinson Ins" John Field and Deacon Jon" 1 Edwards 
 Assessors 
 
 Voted Reuben Dickinson and Justus Williams Constables 
 
 Voted John Field Gideon Dickinson Moses Dickinson and John Nash Jun 1 ' 
 Surveyers of Highways 
 
 Voted Gideon Dickinson Aaron Warner and Jonathan Dickinson Jun r 
 Tithingmen 
 
 Voted Jonathan Cowls and Nathanael Coleman Fence Viewers 
 
 Voted Gideon Henderson Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Warham Warner Robert Emmons James Merick and Eli Colton 
 Hogreeves 
 
 Voted Peter Smith Moses Cook Elijah Baker Thomas Hastings Surveyors of 
 Wheat 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Surveyor of Timber 
 
 Voted Pelatiah Smith Jun r and Joseph Dickinson Deer-Reeves 
 
 Voted Peter Smith Dr Nathanael Smith & Moses Cook Wardens 
 
 Voted To repair Highways by a Tax in the Same Method as was done the 
 last year 
 
 Voted That Swine yoked & Ringed may run at large from the first Day of 
 May next till the first Day of September next 
 
 Voted To allow Mr Benj" Dickinson's Bill of Eight Shillings for the Interest 
 of his money due from the District 
 
 Voted That y e former Com ,tL ' for fencing the Burying Yard proceed to get the 
 Highway against the Burying Yard Discontinued and likewise fence the Burying 
 
32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 yard assoon as may be by collecting the Inhabitants to labour at said Business 
 
 Voted To allow of and accept a Road laid out by the Select-Men returned and 
 certified by them to be laid out as follows (viz) " These may certify to the Meeting 
 that We the Subscribers have laid out a Highway three Rods Wide across the 
 Sequestered Land beginning at Asahel Moody's South Line extending one Rod 
 and a Half E^ach Way from said Line running from the County Road West To 
 the Town Highway running West ten Degrees North attest John Billing Moses 
 Dickinson Joseph Eastman Select Men 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at the 
 Meeting House there on the fifth Day of January AD. 1767 
 
 Voted Jonathan Edwards Moderator 
 
 Voted to remove this Meeting to the School House near Moses Warners 
 
 Voted to grant and allow (the Bills brought in as read & Corrected 
 
 Voted to impower the Assessors to make an Assessment on the Inhabitants 
 for Payment of the Bills allowed & of the Rev' 1 David Parsons's Sallary for the 
 Current year 
 
 Voted That Dea" Ebenezer Dickinson In" John Field Joseph Eastman Moses 
 Dickinson and Jonathan Dickinson be a Com tee to Consider how much Land Shall 
 be granted to Mr Simeon Strong for his purchasing for the District the Land 
 where the Path goes from hartling Stake to y e Boundary near Wolfpitt Brook and 
 to make Report to this Meeting on Adjournment 
 
 Voted To Seat the Meeting House 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson John Field Joseph Eastman Jonathan Edwards 
 Solomon Boltwood be a Com'"' for that Purpose 
 
 Voted That for the Future the Annual Meetings of January and March be 
 Warned by Notifications posted on the South Door of the Meeting House fourteen 
 Days before the respective Meetings 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting to Monday this Day Fort night to Meet at this 
 Place at one o'clock afternoon 
 
 Voted To grant and raise twenty Seven pounds for Schooling 
 
 Voted That those who have brought in Bills to this adjourned meeting for 
 Work at raising the West Bridge on Fort-River be allowed two Shillings p r Day 
 
 Voted To allow those that wrought at the East Bridge one Shilling and four 
 Pence p r Day 
 
 Voted That those that laboured at the West Bridge at other Labour than 
 raising be allowed one Shilling and Sixpence by the Day 
 
 Voted To allow the Bills brought into this adjourned Meeting as read & 
 Corrected 
 
 Voted That the Assessors make Assessment for Payment thereof 
 
 Voted That Lieu' John Dickinson & Peter Smith be Agents for the District 
 to appear in their Behalf at the next Court of general Sessions of the Peace to 
 make Defence against the Petition of John Billing & others for a Road 
 
 Voted To take of the Sequestration from and Discontinue the Town Highway 
 between Pelham Road & the Burying Yard for the whole Breadth thereof 
 
 Voted To give and grant to Simeon Strong his Heirs and Assigns forever a 
 Certain Parcel of Said Highway between Said Pelham Road and the Burying 
 Yard bounded East on the Line bounding the East Side of Said Highway north 
 on the Burying Yard, South on Pelham Road and Extending so far West as to 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. $$ 
 
 make the Quantity of Six Acres, upon Condition of — his procuring all the Land 
 between Harding Stake and a Boundary near to and South of Wolfpitt Brook and 
 between his own & Solomon Boltwoods Fence on one Side and the Kings High- 
 way on the other Side: so that a Kings Highway may be laid out from said 
 Hartling Stake to said Boundary near Wolf-Pitt Brook as the travelling Path now 
 goes without any Charge to the District of purchasing the Land or rendring 
 Damages to the owner thereof and in Case the District cannot obtain a Discon- 
 tinuance of the Kings Highway where it now lies and a Kings Highway laid where 
 the Travelling Path now goes within one year then this Grant to be Void 
 
 Voted To choose Mr Simeon Strong Agent for the District in their Behalf to 
 make Application to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for a Discon- 
 tinuance of the Kings Highway from Hartling Stake to a Boundary near Wolfpitt 
 Brook: and for another Highway to be laid out between said Limits as the Path 
 now goes 
 
 Attest Jon'th Edwards Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst holden at 
 the Meeting House there on Tuesday the twenty Seventh Day of January AD. 1767 
 
 Voted Ins" John Field Moderator 
 
 Voted To make Such Amendments and Alterations in the Meeting House as 
 the Com' 1 '- Chosen for that Purpose have Reported to this Meeting in Writing 
 under their Hand 
 
 Voted That Ins" Field Gideon Henderson John Billing Lieu 1 John Dickinson 
 and Peter Smith be a Com"' 1 to make Said Alterations and Amendments 
 
 Attest 
 
 Record of the Warrant for A Meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst Jan rv 5 th 
 1767 & the Return thereof which is omitted in Proper Place & should have been 
 recorded before the Record of said Meeting 3 Pages Each 
 
 [Seal] To the Constables in Amherst or either of them Greeting You 
 
 are required in his Majesty's Name forthwith to warn all Freeholders & other 
 Inhabitants of said District who are Qualified by Law to Vote in Town-Meetings 
 that they Assemble at the Meeting House in said District on Monday the fifth 
 Day of January next at nine o'th Clock in the Morning then &: there after the 
 Choice of a Moderator to do as follows : 
 
 i st to Consider & pass the Debts which have arisen in the District this year 
 past & to raise money as they shall find occasion 
 
 2 m - v To determine what they will do in opposition to the suit of a Highway 
 through Deacon Nashes Lot & onward 
 
 3 cU - v To determine whether the District will take off the Sequestration from 
 and discontinue the Town Highway or any Part thereof lying between the High- 
 way called Pelham Road & the Land sequestred for a Burying Yard & between 
 the first & Second Divisions of Land in Amherst 
 
 4 thlv To determine what Lands within said Limits the District will grant to 
 Mr Simeon Strong on Condition of his procuring the Land East of his own & 
 Solomon Boltwood's Fence & between said Fence & the west Line of the High- 
 Way as it now lyes of sufficient Width for a King's Highway from the South-East 
 Corner of said Strong's Fence as the Travelling Path now goes to a boundary 
 about six Rods South of Wolf-Pitt Brook so that the District shall need be at no 
 Charge of purchasing said Land 
 
 5 
 
34 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 5 ,l,,v To choose an Agent to prefer a Petition to the Hon ble Court of General 
 Sessions of the Peace next to be holden at Northampton that the King's Highway 
 between the Harding Stake & Said Wolf-Pitt Brook may be discontinued and laid 
 out where the Path now goes 
 
 6iiii.v Whether they will discontinue the Town Highway on a Spot of Land 
 lying between Simeon Dickinson's South Line and the County Road against where 
 Moses Warner's House formerly Stood Suposed to be about two Acres giving 
 Liberty to Preserved Clap to take Possession thereof 
 
 71111.V Whether they will give Liberty to a Number who desire it to build a Pew 
 or Pews in the Gallery at their own Cost 
 
 gthiy Whether they will seat the Meeting House anew; or make any Altera- 
 tion in the Sitting 
 
 Qtiny whether they will allow that annual Meetings which are in January & 
 
 March be warned by Notifications and you are to make Return of this Warrant 
 
 & of your Doings thereon to some one of us at or before said Time Given 
 
 under our Hand & Seal this 29 th Day of December 1766 
 
 John Dickinson^ 
 
 John Field ! , . , . .. 
 
 Qaht'it k„,>«>. > Select Men 
 hAM ll Ingram [ 
 
 Alex'r Smith J 
 
 Return of the Constable indorsed thus (viz) 
 
 The Directions of this Warrant hath been attended by Me 
 
 Justus Williams a Constable 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst on Monday 
 the Sixteenth Day of March 1767 at the Scool house at Nine of the Clock in the 
 Morning after Josiah Chauncy was Chosen Moderator they Came Into the 
 following Vots 
 
 Vot d Josiah Chauncy Clark Yot m r Simeon Strong Treasurer 
 
 Vo 1 Jon* h Dickinson Nath 11 Collman Joseph Easman Select Men and Assessors 
 
 Vo' Mosses Dickinson Simeon Clark Select men 
 
 Vo' Hezekiah Beldin Asael Moody Constables 
 
 Vo' Simeon Pomroy Joseph Dickinson Jon" 1 Smith Surveyors 
 
 Vo' Nath 11 Colman Jon th Coles fence Viewers 
 
 Vo 1 Ebenezer Dickinson Jun r William Boltwood Martin Smith Tithing Men 
 
 Vo' Mosses Warner Jun r Jon' h Moodey Jun r Jacob Warner Jun r Noah Smith 
 Jon" 1 Dickinson Jun r Hogrifs 
 
 Vo' Ebez r Dickinson Jun r Simeon Smith Dearifs 
 
 Vo' Peter Smith Elijah Baker Mosses Cook Thomas Hastings Surveyers of 
 Wheat and Flow r 
 
 Vo' Gideon Henderson Sealer of Leather 
 
 Vo' Joseph Church Surveyer of Lumber 
 
 Vo' Aaron Warner Isaac Goodale Pelitiah Smith Wardens 
 
 Vote to keep the Scooll one Month in the west Street North End 
 
 Vo' Daniel Kellogg Surveyor 
 
 Vo' to Do the high ways this Year by a Tax 
 
 Vo 1 to adjourn this Meeting to the twenty third Day of March Currant at 
 4 o Clock in the afternoon 
 
 Then Meet by adjournment & Voted to Except of the Return of the Select 
 Men of a high way Laid out as Follows Amherst March y e 18" 1 1767 we the 
 Subscribers have Laid out a Town highway two Rods in Width from the Mills to 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 35 
 
 Hadley Line we Began North of the bridge below the Mills and Run South twenty 
 Nine Degrees west thirty Rods thence South forty Degrees west fifty two Rods 
 thence west thirty Seven Degrees South twenty Eight Rods thence North thirty 
 two Degrees west Eight Rods thence west thirty one Degrees South ten Rods 
 thence west about Nine Degrees North Seventy four Rods thence west about 
 Eight Degrees South twelve Rods thence west Nine Degrees North Sixty Rods 
 thence west thirty Nine Degrees west forty Rods to hadley Line 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson ^ 
 Nath'll Colemam ■ c , , ,, 
 Joseph Easman f Select Men 
 
 Mosses Dickinson J 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting held in Amherst on April 14 1767 after Josiah Chauncy 
 was Chosen Moderator they Came Into the following Vots 
 
 Vot that y e Select Men order out of the Treasury y e Sum of fifty two Shillings 
 for the Conveying the French Neutrels to Canada 
 
 Vo' to Chuse a Com"" to Take advice Respecting any Measures to Prevent 
 the Establishment of the Road through John Nashs Lot Vo* Peter Smith John 
 Dickinson be the Com ,eL ' 
 
 Vot the Said Com tee Shall Proceed in Law Upon advice that they Shall Recive 
 from Such as are Skil d in Law acording to their Direction 
 
 Vo' that Money be Taken out of the Treasury to Defray the Cost of the affair 
 
 Vo* Josiah Chauncey Esq 1 ' & Jon" 1 Dickinson be Comitty Men To Joyn a 
 former Com"' 1 ' to Seet the Meeting house 
 
 Vo' that the Com toe Chossen to Seet the Meeting house Shall Seet said house 
 by Age & Estate and Ouallifications 
 
 Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting held in Amherst on the Eleventh Day of June 1767 after 
 Jon"' Dickinson was Chosen Moderator Came Into the following Vote 
 
 Vo' to Discontinue Road or highway Lately Laid out by the Courts Committy 
 through Decon John Nashes Lot he Now Lives on and through David N ashes Lot 
 Jonathan Nash Lives on Near the South Line of said Lot 
 
 attest Jon'th Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting held in Amherst on Monday the fourth Day of Janawary 
 at the Scool house at Nine of the Clock in the Morning after Josiah Chauncy Esq r 
 was Chosen Moderator they Came Into the following Vots 
 
 Vo' Mosses Dickinson Dan 11 Kellogg Martin Smith a Com" to Examine the 
 Acountsof those that formerly builded Pews in the Meeting house & Make Report 
 of the Sum to the Assessors 
 
 [pass] [been] 
 
 Vo' that the bills as they have Read and Considered And also Six Pounds 
 Granted by the District to John Hubbard for Damiges Done him by Laying a 
 Town Road Crost his Land and Likewise Mr David Parsons Sallary be Raised in 
 a Tax on the District by the assessors & Paid out where Due 
 
 Vo' twenty four Pounds further to be Raised for the Use of Scooling & Paid 
 out by the assessors 
 
 Vo 1 the North Scool be kept one halfe the Time- in the West Street 
 
 Vo' that the Select Men Build a New Pound Near Hartling Stake or Repair 
 the old Pound as they think Best 
 
 attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 [Seal] Hamshere St. to the Constables, or Constabe of the Destrict of 
 Amherst or Either of them Greeting — In his majesties Name you are requir,d 
 forthwith to warn all the freeholders and other inhabitants Qualified for voting in 
 Destrict metings that they Assemble & meet at the Schoolhous near the hartling 
 Stake in the west Street in s' 1 Destrict on the first monday in March Next which is 
 the 7 th day of s. d March at nine of the Clock in the Morning viz to act upon the 
 following articles 
 
 I st to Chuse a Moderator 
 
 2 d 'y to Chuse Destrict officers 
 
 3' ilv to see if the Destrict will get sum body to undertake to keep the buriing 
 yard fence,' 1 and Clear,' 1 for Liberty to feed it and for land next to it 
 
 to see if the Destrict will take of the Sequestoration from any highway Land 
 by the buriing yard 
 
 to Chuse a Committy to agree with some Person About Keeping the buriing 
 yard well fensed and Clear d for Land joining to it and for liberty to feed the yard 
 and to give deed and take obligations of them that they Agree with 
 
 4 ,hlv to see if the Destrict will Except of a highway Laid out by the Select 
 men beginning north of Elijah Bakers Running into the Sawmill in Joseph 
 Churches Land and Continuing Said Rhode through Mr Sharps Land 
 
 t-thiy jo see if t h e Destrict will Lay a highway through the first Division from 
 the west Street to the Sawmil in Joseph Churches Land Where they shall see fit 
 
 gthij To see what mesures we Shall Come into to keep the highways in Repair 
 for the year insuing 
 
 7 ,hlv To se if the Destrict will Except the Rhode Laid through the middle 
 Division on the South Side of Pelletiah Smiths Lot from the Est End to mill River 
 
 8 thlv To hear Mr Strongs request to Answer him the money which he paid 
 the Committy for altering the highway against the Inning yard 
 
 And make returne of this worrant and your Doings to one of us before S' 1 Day- 
 Given under our hands and seal this fifteenth Day of February 1768 
 
 Jon'th Dickinson "] 
 Nath'll Coleman | 
 Moses Dickinson ( r Selectmen 
 Simeon Clark | 
 Joseph Easman J 
 
 Return of the Constable Indos' 1 thus viz Hams 1 ' ss. This may Certify that the 
 Directions of this Worrant hath ben attended by Posting a Notification fourteen 
 
 days before a meting according to the Vote of the Destrict Hezekiah Belding 
 
 Constable for Amherst 
 
 Att a Legal meting of the Inheabitants of the Destrict of Amherst on monday 
 the seventh clay of March 176S at the school hous near the hartling Stake at Nine 
 of y e Clock in y' morning After Josiah Chauncy Esq was Chosen Moderator they 
 Came into y 1 ' following Vots 
 
 Vot d Seth Coleman Clerk for the S' 1 District the Ensuing year 
 
 Vot a Mr Simeon Strong Treasurer 
 
 Vot d Lev' John Dickinson, Alexander Smith Dea" Jonathan Edwards Ins n 
 John Field Moses Dickinson Select Men 
 
 Vot' 1 Dea n Jonathan Edwards Moses Dickinson Alexander Smith assesors 
 
 Vot d to adjurn for the space of one hour and Meet at this Place 
 
 Met at said School hous after s,' 1 Space and 
 
 Vot d Nehemiah Dickinson John Nash jun 1 Constables 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 37 
 
 Yot d Jonathan Cowls Peter Smith Jonathan Xasli fens vewers 
 
 Vot' 1 Joseph Esman Roburb Emmons Jonathan Smith John Field jun r 
 Teithing Men 
 
 Vot' Pheilup Ingram Samuel Ailing Joel Moody Oliver Clap Chileab Smith 
 Hog-reeves 
 
 Vot' 1 Moses Cook Elijah Baker Deer reeves 
 
 Yot d Thomas Hastings Gideon Handerson Timothey Green |ohn Billings 
 Surveyers of highways 
 
 Vot 1 Joseph Church surveyer of lumber 
 
 Vot' 1 Gideon Honderson Sealer of Leather 
 
 Yot d Elishar Ingram Dea n Simeon Clark Ins" John Field wardens 
 
 the following Votes were Committed to riting and red in the audience of the 
 destrict of Amherst which are as follows viz 
 
 Amherst District meting March 7"' 1768 
 
 Vot' 1 To take of the Sequestration from the Land in the town Highway 
 adjoining to the Burying Yard Northward as far as Thomas Bascoms Fence 
 
 Vot' 1 to Dispose of and Grant Said Land the Highway adjoining to the 
 Burying Yard & as far North as Thomas Bascombs Fence to U" Seth Coleman in 
 Fee he giving Good Security for Erecting and Maintaining a Good & sufficient 
 Fence about said Yard forever & keeping the same well Clear,' 1 
 
 Vot' 1 that Ins" John Field Dea" Simeon Clark Joseph Eastman Daniel 
 Kellogg & Mr Simeon Strong be a Com"" in behalf of District to Dispose of el- 
 Grant Said Land to Said Seth Colem". & to Grant him Right of Feeding and 
 Pasturing the Burying Yard in such manner & for so long time as S d Com'" shall 
 think Proper and that said Com 1 ™ be impowered to make and Execute in Behalf 
 of the District a Good Deed or Deeds for the Effecting the Purpose aforesaid to 
 S d Colman, & to take & receive of him in like manner such securities & join in 
 making such obligations. Covenants Indenters or to receive the same of him as 
 Shall be affectual to secure the Performance of the Engagements on his part 
 Respecting the making Maintaining said fence and for Keeping said Yard always 
 
 well Clear' 1 and the said Com'"' are to use their Discretion as to what Quantity 
 
 or part of said Land they will Dispose of ; and at what Price they will Sell the 
 Same for over and above the Consideration of fencing & Clearing as aforesaid in 
 Case on Yiew of the land they shall find it of more Value than is now apprehended 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 Yot d To Repare the High-ways this year by a Tax 
 
 Vot 1 that hogs should run from the tenth of may next to the first of September 
 Ensuing being ring, d and yoked according to law 
 
 Vot' 1 To Allow Mr Simeon Strongs his bill for altering the highway againsl 
 the buriing yard : which is as follows 
 May 1767 
 
 To p d for Record of Altering the highway North of Harding stake £- 3 10 
 
 To p' 1 for Entry of Caution at Crb s 
 
 To p' 1 Capt Dwight for laying out v 1 ' way 17 n 
 
 £' 2 3 
 
 Vot' 1 To adjurn this meting to raunday the 28 th of march Currant at the School 
 hous near the Harding stake 
 
 At a Legal meting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst hold at the 
 meting hous on Wednesday the 16"' day of march AD [768 at 1 of the Clock in y 
 afternoon &c 
 
38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Vo 1 Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Vo' to remove to the School hous near Landlord M Warners 
 
 Vo' that all Persons that have Either Children or Prentices or any under their 
 Care that have seats aseined them in the meting hous see to it that they take and 
 keep their respective seats unless at any particular time they were for some 
 speatial reason invited into an nother seat by the oner or oners of the same 
 
 On Monday y 1 ' 28"' of March 1768 the Inheabitants of the Destrict of Amherst 
 met by adjurnment at the School hous Near the hartling Stake at fore of the Clock 
 in y afternoon but paist no Votes 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meting of the Destrict of Amherst Holden at y 1 ' Meting hous on 
 
 Monday y e 16 th of May AD 1768 at two of y 1 ' Clock in y e afternoon after the 
 
 choice of Moses Dickinson Moderator Came into y e following Vots 
 
 Vot d To adjurn this meting for y c ' Space of a quater of an hour 
 
 Vot' 1 To Come into some Measures to Clear off the incumbrences from the 
 high way runing East and west between Moses Warners and Simeon Dickinsons 
 on that Side next to S d Dickinsons Land 
 
 Vot' 1 To Chuse a Committe to agree with Jonathan Dickinson & Simeon 
 Dickinson about the Incumberrence on y highway adjoining to Simeon 
 Dickinsons Land 
 
 Vot' 1 That Esq Chauncy Peter Smith and Solomon Boltwood be the 
 Committe 
 
 Vot,' 1 To Adjurn this meting to Munday y 1 ' 23' 1 of May Currant at y'' Meting 
 hous at fore of y r Clock in y e afternoon 
 
 On Monday the 23' 1 of May 1768 the Inheabitants of y e Destrict of Amherst 
 met by adjurnment at >" Meting hous at Fore of y'' Clock in y e afternoon 
 
 Amherst meting May 23' 1 1768 
 Voted To Take of the Sequestration from a Sartain peas of town high-way 
 Cut & bownded as follows viz Beginning at a black oake Staddle markt at about 
 thirty seven rods East (as the line of y'' lots run) of Simeon Dickinsons South East 
 Corner thence running East upon the line of Simeon Dickinsons lot twenty three 
 rods, thence South seven rods to a Stake thence westwardley twenty three rods to 
 a stake Thence North Eleven rods to the former markt Black oake Steadle 
 
 Vot,' 1 That the above bounded lot of land be granted to Preserved Clapp in 
 fee he Paying or giving good security for the Sum of Six Pound 
 
 Test Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meting of y e Destrict of Amherst at the school hous on Monday 
 y 2' 1 Day of January AD 1769 at nine of y" Clock in y" Morning after Josiah 
 Chauncy was Chosen Moderator Come Into the following Votes viz 
 
 Voted To Allow John Nash jun' his Bill for Money Expended for advice in 
 y e affare of y 1 ' Highway on his lot viz fifteen Shillings 
 
 Vot,' 1 To adjurn this Meting for the Space of one hour and to meet at this 
 pl ace the Inheabitants being met after s' 1 space 
 
 Vot,' 1 To Chuse a Committe to agre with M rss Nashes about the Damage dun 
 them by a highway laid out through their land 
 
 Vot,' 1 To Chuse five men for a Committe for ye Purpus above 
 
 Vot,' 1 To that Josiah Chauncy Esq Peter Smith Alex 1 " 1 Smith Ins. John Field 
 and Moses Dickinson be the Committe 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 39 
 
 Yot,' 1 that if the Committe Cannot agree with M rss Nashes they Shall Nomi- 
 nate three men out of town to agree with the s,' 1 Nashes & their judgment to 
 
 be Disciscive 
 
 Yot,' 1 That Josiah Chauncy Esq Ins John Field Daniel Kellogg be a Committe 
 to settle the line between our Destrict and the Equevolent land 
 
 Yot,' 1 To Chuse a Committe to Exzeamin the bridge Near Mearicks and if 
 wanted to build a new one 
 
 Yot,' 1 That Solomon Boltwood John Nash jun' and John billings be a Com- 
 mitte for the Purpus above 
 
 Yot,' 1 To Rebulde or repear that bridge Near Nathan Dickinson jun r as a 
 Committe shall think best 
 
 Yot;' That Peter Smith Daniel Kellogg Noah Dickinson be a Committe for 
 the Purpus above 
 
 Yot,' 1 That Simeon Strong Esq Josiah Chaun[cy] Esq Moses Dickinson be a 
 Committe to assertain the Bounds of the Town Ways in this District and to Erect 
 Sufficient Boundaries Whereby Such Ways may be Clearly Known for the future 
 and to Prosecute Such Persons as have Made Incroachments Thereon Eccept in 
 Such Cases Wherein they Shall think Expedient to Delay Prosecution in order for 
 the Person to Appley to the Town for Discontinuance 
 
 Vot,' 1 To Pay the Bills as they have bin Red & Consider' 1 
 
 Yot,' 1 That the Assesors Shall be impowered to rais the money that the Com- 
 mitte shall allow to the Nashes and for y e Highway acros their Land 
 
 Yot,' 1 To rais twenty seaven pound ten Shillings for Schooling 
 
 Yot,' 1 To allow Mr Parsons ninty three pound six and eaigh Pence for his 
 sallery and assesors impower d to rais the same 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meting of the Inheabitants of the Destrict of Amherst on Monday 
 y e 13"' Day of March 1769 at the Meting Hous at Nine of the Clock in y' Morning 
 After Josiah Chauncy Esq Was Chosen Moderator Came Into the following Votes 
 
 Vot, d Seth Coleman Clerk 
 
 Vot,' 1 Simeon Strong Esq Treasurer 
 
 Yot,' 1 Simeon Strong, Joseph Eastman, Aloses Dickinson, Nath 11 Coleman, 
 Jonathan Dickinson, Selectmen 
 
 Vot,' 1 to Adjurn this meeting for the space of one Hour and then to Meat at 
 the School House Near Hartling Stake 
 
 the Inheabitants being met at time & place Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Vot,' 1 Joseph Eastman, Moses Dickinson Simeon Strong Assesors 
 
 Vot,' 1 Simeon Pomeroy Ebenezah Dickinson Jun r Constables 
 
 Vot, d Jonathan Coles, Natha 11 Coleman Fens Vewers 
 
 Yot,* 1 Joel Moody, John Nash jun r Isaac Goodale Teithingmen 
 
 Yot,' 1 Henery Jonson Frankling, Thomas Hastings jun r Jonathan Coles jun r 
 Joseph Eastman jun r Gideon Dickinson jun r Thomas Baskcum Hogreeves 
 
 Vot, d that Hogs Shall run sum Part of the year hampered according to law 
 
 Vot,' 1 that Hogs shall run well rung and Yok' 1 from y e first of May to the Midle 
 of August Next 
 
 Vot, d Nathaniel Dickinson 2 d Moses Coock Dear. Reeves 
 
 Vot,' 1 Lev 1 John Dickinson, Alex 1 " 1 Smith Elijah Baker Samuel Ingram, Daniel 
 Kellogg, Peter Smith Surveyers of Highways 
 
 Vot' 1 to do the Highway worke this year by the Pole 
 
40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Vot' 1 Joseph Church Surveyer of Lumber 
 Vot d Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
 Vot d Ebezer Mattoon Eli Parker Jonathan Coles Vordens 
 Vot' 1 To Cheuse a Committe to Inspect the ways from the west Street to the 
 East from the Highway by Jonathan Coles Lot to the Sawmil that was formerly 
 Joseph Clareys & see Where is the best place for a Heighway to be laid 
 
 Vot' 1 Peter Smith Dec" Jonathan Edwards, John Billings, be a Committe for 
 the Purpus above, and to Make reporte to the Select Men 
 
 Test Josioh Chauncy Moderator 
 
 Seal Hampehire ss. To the Constables of the District of Amherst or Either 
 of [them] Greeting 
 
 You are hereby requir' 1 in his majestys Name forthwith to warn the Inhabi- 
 tants of the s' 1 District that are Legally Quallified to Vote in town Metings that 
 they assemble at the Meeting Hous in S d District on Monday the twenty third 
 Day of October Currant at one of the Clock afternoon then and there after Mod- 
 erator Chosen to Consider of and Act on the following things (viz i st To Hear the 
 Report of the Com"' 1 Chosen in March Last [to] Ascertain the bounds of the town 
 ways in said Distrect 2' 1 To Give said Com"' what farther Instructions they may 
 think Proper respecting Clearing said Ways and prosecuting such as have made 
 Incrochments thereon 
 
 3' 1 To Hear the application of such as may apply to the Distrect to have any 
 part of said Ways Discontinued and act and Determin thereon 
 
 4 th To Give Such Instructions as they shall think proper to the Select Men 
 for Laying out or altering town Ways 
 
 5"' To Determin What Methods shall be us d for obtaining or securing any 
 1 )ebts due to the Distrect 
 
 6"' To Determin Whether the Distrect will allow fore month Schooling in 
 the North Part 
 
 Hereof fail not and Make due Return hereof with your Doing herein to us or 
 Some one of us at or before the time herein before Appointed for opening & 
 holding said Meting Dated at amherst the Sixth Day of October in y'' Ninth year 
 of his Majestys Reign A. D. 1769 
 
 Simeon Strong 
 
 Jon'th Dickinson \ Select men 
 
 ^ [ Sel 
 Moses Dickinson ) 
 
 Return of the Constables Inclors' 1 thus viz the Directions of this Worrant has 
 bin attended by us 
 
 Simeon Pomeroy } ,-■ . , , 
 Ebenezer Dickinson [ Constables 
 
 Att a Legal Meting of the Distrect of Amherst at y c Meeting Hous on Monday 
 y e 23' 1 of October A D 1769 at one of the Clock afternoon After Choice of Josiah 
 Chauncy Esq Moderator Came into y r following Votes Viz Voted To adjurn to 
 the School hous by ye Hartling Stake 
 
 Voted To Allow the North and South Schools their Proportionable Part of 
 Money for Schooling with the Middle Schools 
 
 Voted That Simeon Strong Esq Treasurer of y e District be Impower d & 
 Directed to Serve the Debts Due from John Keetto the District Either by Taking 
 Land Security or otherwise at his Discretion 
 
 Voted That the Committe Chosen to Clear of Incumberences from the town 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 4 1 
 
 highway shall postpone the Prosecution of those Persons that have made incroch- 
 ment till y e i st Day of October A. D. 1770 
 
 Voted To Adjourn this Meting to the first of November Next at this Place 
 at Nine of the Clock in the morning 
 
 Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst holden by Adjurnment on the 
 first Day of November being Monday at nine o'Clock in the Forenoon 
 
 The Comtee Chosen in March last for Assertaining and Clearing of Incum- 
 brances from the town Ways, And afterwards at this Meeting begin and Holden 
 on the twenty third Day of October Laist, Instructed to hear the Applications of 
 Such as desir d or should Desire any Part of Said Ways Discontinued for their own 
 Perticular Accomodation and to make their Report to this Meeting Now Holden 
 by Adjournment ; heaving according to their said Instructions heard and Carefully 
 Consider 11 the Several Applications to them made and the Reasons Pleas & Alli- 
 gations of the Several Parties thereon do Now accordingly Make their Reporte as. 
 follows viz 
 
 The Following Petitions and Reports were Each Seperately Voted according 
 as follows viz 
 
 Voted Upon the Petitions of Daniel Kellogg according to the Comtees 
 Reports that the after described Piece of Land adjoining to the front of his Lot be 
 discontinued from being of the town Way (viz) Beginning at the South East 
 Corner of His Lot and thence running Easterly in the Line of his Lot Continued 
 Six Rods from the said Corner thence Northerly to a Station one rod Easterly of 
 and Directly against the Southerly Side of his Hous Then Still Northerly leaving 
 the Breadth of one Rod against Said House to the North East Corner of S d House 
 thence Northerly to the Stone Wall Which begins at the North Easf Corner of his 
 Corn house thence Northerly by the Said Wall to the End of the same, and thence 
 Northerly to fall in with the Line of the way at the Distance of Six Rods from the 
 North End of Said Wall 
 
 The above Piece is to be understood to Include within it all Former Discon- 
 tinuances at the Front of the same lot Said Peace Containing Sixty Rods and that 
 he pay therefor the Sum of Thirty Shilling 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Nathan Dickinson, according to the Comtees 
 reporte that the after Decsrib' 1 Part of town way at the Front of his Lot be Discon- 
 tinued (viz) Beginning at a station one rod north of the North West Corner of his 
 Barn and three rods West of the Line of the townway thence a Line North to fall 
 in with the Line of the way at the Distance of Ten Rods and Running from Said 
 Station South one rod Westerly of his Dwelling Hous till the Line Comes Against 
 the South West Corner thereof then turning Easterly to fall in with the Line of 
 the way at the Distance of twelve Rods the Same Containing Ninety two Rods of 
 Land ; and that he Pay therefor the sum of forty six shillings 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Gideon Dickinson for Discontinuing a part of 
 the Way at the Front of his Lot in the third Division Where Moses Hawley 
 Now Dwells: according to the Comtees Report that the following Piece be 
 Discontinued (viz) 
 
 Beginning at a Birch Stake a Rod Westerly of the South Side of the Lot 
 thence to the west Side of a Small apple Tree Marked and Standing between the 
 House & the Travelled Road thence to a Station half a rod West of the Northwest 
 Corner of the Barn thence Northerly twenty three rods to fall in with the Line of 
 the way, the Same Piece Containing one Hundred & fore Rods and that he pay 
 therefor the Sum of forty four Shillings 
 6 
 
42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS* 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Ebenezar Mattoon. according to the Comtees 
 report that all that part of the Way which Lies within his fence at his front from 
 the South Side of his Lot that he Lives on to his barn and within on Easterly of 
 the Line of Said fence Continued to the North Side of the Lot be Discontinued 
 and the Comtee being fully Satisfied that Said Land has been once Purchased & 
 paid for to the town of Hadley while the Land belong' 1 there, Report that no 
 Farther Recompence be made therefor 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Solomon Boltwood, according to the Comtees 
 Report, that All that Part of the way lying between his Dwelling Pious & his hous 
 on the hill lately owned by his brother William Boltwood that is to say all that lies 
 within the grant made to His Father by Hadley Committe between Said houses be 
 Discontinued — and that he make no Recompence therefor having Proved to y e 
 Comtee that the Same has been paid for to y" town of Hadley — 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of .Moses Warner, according to the Comtee Report 
 to Discontinue the following Part of the way at the Front of his Lot (viz) Beginning 
 one Rod north of his House and Door Yard two Rods wide from the Line & Con- 
 tinuing the same Breadth Southerly to the South Side of his garden thence to a 
 Point at the South Side of his Lot the same Containing fifty four Rods, and that 
 he pay therefor the Sum of forty Shillings — 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of John Nash According to the Comtee Report for 
 Discontinuing the after Discribed Part of the way at the front of his Lot (viz) 
 Begining at a Stake Erected by the Comtee at y e North West Corner of Said Lot 
 as it is Now Inclosed, thence Runing a Strait Line [to] a White Oake Tree about 
 three Rods South of his Barn; the same Peice Containing twenty four Rods of 
 Ground and that he paid therefor the Sum of Fifteen Shillings — 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Elisha Ingram, and John Billings, and for 
 Straitning as much as may be the Line of the Way on that Side according to the 
 Comtee Report, that the Line of the Way from the South East Corner of the Rev d 
 Mr David Parsonss Garden run Southward as his Fence now Stands to a Stake 
 Erected by the Comtee thence Running to a Station west of Said Fence and one 
 rod East of High black Oak Stump or Tree Mark.' 1 H. W. thence to a Stake about 
 three Rods Southward in the same line thence to a Stake Standing ten feet East 
 of Ingrams Ditch thence to the West End of Said Ingrams Shop thence running 
 to a Station four Feet East of an apple Tree Marked in John Billings Lot and 
 thence falling in with the Line of the Way at the North East Corner of Said 
 Billings Shop and that all that Part of the townway which now lies on the west 
 side of said Line be Discontinued, and Also the Land on Which Said Ingrams 
 Shop stands and that said Ingram pay for his part of Said Lands being Sixteen 
 Rods the Sum of ten Shillings and that Said Billings pay for his part of Said 
 Lands being twenty five Rods the sum of fourteen Shillings — 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Josiah Moody According to the Comtees 
 Opinion that whereas the Accomodating of Eli Parker with Lands about his 
 Dwelling hous according to the Instructions of the town will much Deform & 
 Damnify the Front of Said Moodeys Lot Lying on the North Side of Said Parkers 
 and also make the Line of the way in Said place veary Crooked and Inconvenient 
 unless they provide therefor in bringing forward the Line against Said Moodeys 
 Lot they therefore Reporte that the Line of the Way in that place be as follows viz 
 
 Beginning at a stake standing in the midle of a grate Hollow Oak Stub thence 
 Runing Southerly to a Stake and Stones Erected by the Comtee at the North End 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 43 
 
 of a Little Knoll thence a Line Directly to the North West Corner of Eli Parkers 
 Hous and that all the Land within the Said Lines Adjoining to Said Moodeys Lot 
 be Discontinued untill it Comes to the Distance of one rod of Said Parkers House 
 and no Farther the same being Ninety Rods of Ground and that he pay therefor 
 the Sum of thirty Shillings — 
 
 Voted Upon the petition of Eli Parker according to the Comtees Report for 
 the Discontinuing of the after Discribed Part of the way at y Front of his Lot 
 (viz) Whereon his Dwelling Hous stands and one Rod at the North End thereof 
 the whole Breadth of y' House & Extending ten feet Eastward: Also Ten Feet 
 before Said Hous Eastward the whole Length thereof also the whole Tract Con- 
 tained in the Following Description (viz) Beginning about Seven Rods Easterly 
 from the South East Corner of His Lot at a bunch of Staddels (viz) four Maples 
 and one Elm Standing Close together all Marked by the Comtee thence a Straight 
 Line to the South East Corner of his Dwelling Hous and Extending one Rod 
 North of the Lane — the Same Piece Containing the Quantity of two Acres & ten 
 Rods and that he pay therefor — the sum of Six Pounds 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of James Merrick and Timothy Green According 
 to the Comtee report that the Line of the way Against the front of their Lots be as 
 follows (viz) From the Line of the way at or against the North side of said Mericks 
 Lot to Run Southerly by said Mericks Dwelling Hous So as to leave one rod 
 before or Eastward of Said House then Continuing Southward to a Stake Against 
 the South Line of his Lot one Rod & half Est from the Line of the way and thence 
 Running a Strait Line So as to leave one Rod before and Eastward of the said 
 Greens Dwelling Hous thence running So as to fall in with the Line of the wav at 
 a White Oak Staddle Marked about fourteen Rods southward of Said Hous: and 
 that all the present way lying between Said Line & the Lots be Discontinued and 
 that Said Merrick pay for his part there of being ninety Eaight Rod the Sum of 
 thirty Shillings and that Said green pay for his Part thereof being Sixty fourRods 
 the sum of twenty two Shillings — 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Aaron Warner for Discontinuance of Part of the 
 way against the front of his Lot in the south part of the Distrect, & the Comtee 
 Reporte that the after Described part thereof be Discontinued (viz) One Rod 
 before or Westward of his Hous the hole Length thereof thence Running North- 
 erly to a point at the north Side of his Lot and Sutherly to a point at the South 
 Side of his Lot. the Same Containing seventy live Rods, and that he pay therefor 
 the Sum of twenty Eight Shillings — 
 
 Voted VJpon the Petition of Lemeul Moody according to the Comtee Report 
 that there be Discontinued one Rod before & East of his Dwelling Hous the hole 
 Length thereof & to be a Line Running thence Northerly to the North Side of his 
 Lot & Southerly to a point at the South Side of his Lot the Same Containing fifty 
 two rods, an 1 that he pay therefor Nineteen Shillings — 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Simeon Strong Esq 1 and the Comtee Report that 
 that part of the way within his garden Fence be Discontinued, and also one Rod 
 in Breadth at the west Side of his Barn Vard; thence Running East so as to Come 
 to the Breadth of two Rods at the Kings Highway Containing twenty Rods & that 
 he pay therefor the Sum of thirteen shillings 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of W'" Boltwood according to the Comtee report 
 that there be Discontinued from the way Adjoining to the Front of his Lot two 
 Rods in Hreadth from the South Side of his Lot Extending Northward to the 
 
44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 North End of his Barn thence to run to a point at the North Side of his Lot the 
 Same Containing sixty fore rods and that he pay therefor the Sum of thirty Nine 
 Shillings — 
 
 Voted Upon the Petition of Joseph Eastman according to the Comtee report 
 that all the way be Discontinued within his Wall at the west End of his Lot 
 Containing ten rods and that he pay therefor five Shillings 
 
 The Comtee further Reporte that they have heard and Consider' 1 the Petition 
 of Divers other Persons for Discontinuing part of the Ways for their Accommo- 
 dation (viz) of Dec" Simeon Clark Dr Nathel Smith. Thomas Bascomb John 
 Morton Abner Lee, Benjamin Rhodes and are of opinion that they Cannot Report 
 in favor of their Petitions Consistent with their Instructions from the town 
 
 Voted that upon the application of Jonathan Dickinson the way be Discon- 
 tinued adjoining tp his lot South of Daniel Kelloggs Lot. as follows (viz) begining 
 at the South East Corner of the Land now Discontinued from Daniel Kellogg and 
 thence running to a point southerly the Distance of ten Rods — and that he pay 
 therefor Seven shillings & Six Pence— (See Page 65 the Book for D. Kellogg.) 
 
 Test Josiah Chauxcy Moderator 
 
 N. B. see Page 9 th Ledg r 2'' for Confination &c 
 
 The Following is a Record of the surveying of the Town Highways in Amherst 
 April 27' 11 A D 1769 Which is as follows (viz) 
 
 Amherst April 27"' : 1769 
 
 Then Began to survey the town Roads in S' 1 Amherst in order to assertain the 
 Lines & boundaries thereof and find them as follows (viz) 3 d Road — We began at 
 a Large Red Oake Tree which Stands at the South East Corner of Moses Smiths 
 Lot. from thence we run North 11 degrees East 363 rods to y e North East Corner 
 of Capt Moses Cook.s Ditch then North : 9 degrees East 100 rods to [Marshes?] 
 South East Corner Ditch then North 9 degrees East 134 rods to Mashes North 
 East Corner Ditch on the bank of which stands a Large white Oake Tree then 
 North 7 deg 30 min East 189 rods, to a white oak Tree stands on the South Bank 
 of Fort River Near to the Bridg Mark.' 1 H W then North 13 deg 30 min East to a 
 stake and Stones the North East Corner of Lev 1 William Boltwood's Lot from 
 thence North 16 deg 30 min East 460 rods to a white oake Tree Ue" Dickinsons 
 South East Corner, then North 14 deg 30 min East to y- End of the Division 
 N. B. we frequently Measur,' 1 across to the East Side of the Road setting up stakes 
 and setting thereon the Letters H : W: 
 
 2' 1 Road We began at a Red oak Tree the South Side of Mill river by the 
 side of the Dugway on the North Side of the Hill from thence we run South 19 
 deg 30 min west 123 rods to pine tree Mark H. W. then we turned at right angles 
 and run westerly 10 rods to the middle of the road to a Chestnut Tree Markt H.W. 
 Standing in the Middle of S' 1 road against Mr Eastmans Stone wall. Setting up 
 Stakes on Each Side of the road, then South 13 deg 30 min west 115 rods to a 
 Chestnut Stump, then South 42 Rods to a Large white Oake Stump, then South 
 10 deg west 92 rods to a Swamp white Oak Stump by a pond hole Standing by y e 
 Fence on y" front of the Lot Lately own' 1 by Josiah Chauncy Esq, then South 16 
 deg 30 min west 34 rods to a Stake and Stones in Simeon Strong Esq Lot, then 
 South 36 deg 30 min west 3S rods to a Stake in the Middle of the road, Measuring 
 off 10 rods Each way and Setting up a Stake, from y" Last mentioned Station in 
 the middle of y e road, we run to the front of Isaac Goodales Lot to a Stake & 
 Stones, near to the north Plast Corner of S l1 Lot from thence to Hartling Stake y e 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 45 
 
 North East Corner of Mr Persons's Land, and from thence to a Stake and Stones 
 the North-East Corner of Mr Persons"s original Lot. then south 30 min East 33 
 Rods to Mr Persons's Horseblock y e Same Course Continued 2 rods further to a 
 S[t]ake & Stones, from thence South iS deg West 49 Rods to a Black Oake tree 
 or Stump Mark.' 1 H. W. from thence to Elisha Ingrahams Xort-East Corner Ditch 
 from thence to the South-East Corner of Nathan Moody's original Lot. From 
 thence South 4 deg 30 min west 160 rods to Large white Oak Stump standing on 
 the Descending ground North of Mr Parkers Hous then 10 deg 30 min west 20 
 Rods to a Stake and Stones from thence South 10 deg West 86 Rods to a White 
 Oak Tree Mark.' 1 H. W. Standing on the South Side of a Narrow. Valley, and 
 from s.' 1 White Oak. South 9 deg West to apine refer.' 1 to in the Reckord of S' 1 
 Road a Small White Oak Staddle Standing by it Mark 1 H. W. about 20 or 25 rods 
 South of Mr Greens Hous. then South 15 deg 30. west 76 rods to a Pine Stump 
 supposed to be refer, 13 to (by a pine tree) in the record where we Set a White Oak 
 Stake Mark.' 1 H. W. Then South 27 deg 30 min west 63 rods where it Strikes the 
 front of Lev 1 John Dickinsons Original Farm Where we set a pine Stake Mark. 1 
 H. W. Standing in the Ditch y ' East Side of the path. & from thence South 15 deg 
 30 min West to the South East Corner of Samuel Churches Lot where we came to 
 a Ditch in which we set a pine Stake Mark.' 1 H. W. 
 
 8 th Road Leying Between Lev 1 Dickinson.s and Ebenezar Williams Land 
 We began at the South East Corner of s 1 Williams. s Lot from thence we Run 
 W T est 7 deg North to the End of the Division Marking Several Trees In the Corse 
 with the Letters H. W. & Measuring across S.' 1 road frequently and setting up 
 Stakes 
 
 7"' Road Leying Between Capt Moses Cook and Nath." Coleman we Began 
 at S.' 1 Colemans South-East Corner and Run Southerly on the west line of the 
 Streat 20 Rods to a Black Oak Stump, from thence we run Westerly to the west 
 End of the Division to the Stump of the pine Tree mentioned in the Original 
 Record — N. B. the 20 rods first mentioned takes in about one third part of Edward 
 Smiths House 
 
 6 th Road Leying between De" Clark. & Solomon Boltwood. we began at a 
 Stake about Six rods North of said Clarks North-West Corner, from thence we 
 Run 9 deg 30 min North 100 : rods to a Stake Standing in De" Clarks Inclosure on 
 the side Hill West of his Hous. then East 29 deg 30 min North 72 Rods within 
 about one rod South of the South Door of Solomon Boltwoods Eastermost Hous, 
 from thence East 9 deg 30 min North to the Kings Heighway which runs Northerly 
 to Sunderland the width of S.' 1 road being often Measured and Stakes Set upon 
 both sides Mark.' 1 H. W. 
 
 5" 1 Road Leys Between Jonathan Dickinson & Moses Warner, beginning 3 
 Rods West of S.' 1 Warners North-west Corner & 2 1-2 North of S.' 1 Corner 
 Measured North 10 deg 30 min East 20: rods to a Stake the width of the road, & 
 from thence it runs East 10 deg 30 min South 139 rods to a White Oak Staddle by 
 s, d Dickinsons Fence Mark' 1 H. W. then East 16 deg 30 min South to y" East 
 Street to a Stake Mark' 1 H : W: N : B: this Road is 16 roads wide at the East End, 
 and the South Side of it as follows (viz) Begining at the End of the three rods 
 mentioned first in this return 6c run East 8 deg South 45 rods to a Stake Mark ' 1 1 : 
 W then North 10 deg 30 min East 3 rods to a Stake Mark.' 1 H : W : then North 10 
 deg 30 min East 4 rods to a Stake Mark,' 1 H : W: then East 16 deg 30 min South 
 untill it intersects the North Line of his Land & then to the North-East Corner of 
 his Land 
 
46 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 4 th Road Lays Between De" Dickinson, s Land [and] Mr Townsends. We 
 began at a heap of Stones the North-West Corner of S,' 1 Townsends Lot which is 
 a Little South of his North fence, & run East 15 deg 30 min South 12 rods to a 
 heap of Stones then East 32 deg 30 min North 16 rods to a Stake & Stones then 
 15 deg 30 min South 44 1-2 rods, to a Stake & Stones then East 22 deg 30 min 
 South 50 rods to a Stake and Stones then East 13 deg 30 min South to a Large 
 White Oak Stump with a Stake Set in it Mark; 1 H : W: then East 16 deg 30 min 
 South to a Stake & Stones where it straikes the West Side of the East Street 
 Number Three 
 
 The Above Roads Survey , d 
 Pr Ebenezar Chiles 
 
 The Road South of Mr Natha" Colemans Lot & ajoining thereto we run the 
 South Line the[re]of Takeing the Cours agreeable to the Record thereof only 
 allowing 30 min which we found was the veariation between y 1 ' Compasses we found 
 none of the trees or boundaries mentioned in y" record of S' 1 road Mr Coleman 
 Being Desirous y c Comtee would go again upon the road being Determined he 
 Could Shew them the Boundaries thereof the Comtee Consented and went upon y e 
 Spot and setting y' Compass at y e South East Corner of y e road Mr Coleman Shew 
 us a Mark; 1 Tree, which was from said Corner west 3 deg North, then we went to 
 said Tree which Mr Coleman Shew us and he went forward to a nother to which 
 we took y u Cours which was west 5 deg North agreable to y' reckord then we 
 Continued ye Same Corse Sum way further where we found a Large red Oak Tree 
 Mark' H : W: abot one rod and one third part of a rod South of us, then we run 
 the Same Corse to ye End of the road and Were Six paces North of a pine 
 Mark 1 H: W: 
 
 Ebenezar Chiles Surveyer 
 
 The above is a True Coppey of the original 
 
 Test Seth Coleman Clerk 
 
 Seel Hampshire ss Amherst To the Constables of the District of Amherst 
 or Either of them Greeting — 
 
 In his Majesties Name you are required forthwith to Notify and warn all the 
 Inheabitants of S d District that are Legally Oualliried to Vote in town Metings that 
 they assemble together at the School hous near the Dwelling Hous of Moses 
 Warner in said Amherst on Monday the first Day of January next at nine of the 
 Clock in the Forenoon then and theire after Moderator Chosen to Consider of and 
 act upon the follywing Matters (viz) 
 
 i st To Make Grant of Monies to Such Persons to Whom the District is 
 Indebted 
 
 2' 1 To graint Money to Defray the Charges of Schooling 
 
 3 d To Impower the Assessors to Make an Assessment on the Inheabitan[ts] 
 to rais the Monies Granted 
 
 4"' To Make Grants of Such Lands to persons requesting the Same as Shall 
 be thought proper 
 
 5 lv To Consider whether the District will Dispose of the way south of Nath' 1 
 Colemans Lot & purchase a way further south where it may better accommodate 
 the Inheabitants 
 
 6 lv To Consider whether the District will be at any Expence for repairing the 
 new Road Leying South of John Nashes Lot 
 
 7 lv To Choose an Agent to appear for the District at the Court of General 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN .MEETINGS. 47 
 
 Sessions of the Peace to answer to any Presentment that may be lying against them 
 Hereof fail not and Make due Retur[n] hereof with your Doings herein at or 
 before the time herein before Appointed for the Opening and holding Said Meeting 
 to us or Sum one of us — Dated at Amherst aforesaid the thirteenth Day of Decem- 
 ber in the tenth year of his Majestys Reign A. D. 1769 — 
 
 Simeon Strong j 
 
 Joseph Eastman > Select Men 
 
 Moses Dickinson ) 
 
 Return of the Constable Indors, d thus The Directions of this Worrant has bin 
 attended by me Simeon Pomeroy Constable 
 
 Att a Legal Meting of the District of Amherst on Monday the first Day of 
 January 1770 at Nine of the Clock in the Morning at the School hous by the Hart- 
 ling Stake after the Choice of Josiah Chauncy Esq Moderator Came into the 
 following Votes (viz) 
 
 Voted To adjurne for the space of one hour and to meet at this place the 
 Inheabitants being met at s, rt time & place — 
 
 Voted That the Bills as they have bin red and Considered Should be allow, 11 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong Esq be an agent at the Court of general sessions 
 of the Peace to answer to any Presentment that may [be] Leying against the 
 Distrect 
 
 Voted That the Several tracts of Land discontinued from ye town ways at the 
 Request of Sundry Petitioners at the Last Meeting be granted to Each Petitioner 
 respectively on Conditions of his paying or giving good Security to the Treasurer 
 for the sum at which Said Tracts were respectively appraised as Appears by the 
 Report of the Comtee in the Record of S, a Meting by the first Day of may Next 
 
 Voted that Assessors raise twenty nine pound Six Shilling for Schooling the 
 Present year 
 
 Voted that the Assesors rais ninety three pound Six and Eaight pence for the 
 Rev' 1 Mr Persons, s Sallery 
 
 Voted that the Assesors be Impower,' 1 to rais the Several Sums of money as 
 they have bin Voted and that they be impower,' 1 to pay the Same where they are 
 due &C 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Inspect the Heighway adjoining south of Nath" 
 Colemans Lot and See for what it may be sold and also where they Can find the 
 most advantagous place to accomodate the publick with a rode Still farther South 
 and how it Can be obtained and Lay out the Heighway or omit it as they shall 
 think best and make return to March Meting 
 
 Hampshire ss Amherst To the Constable of the Said District of Amherst or 
 Either of them Greeting 
 
 In his Majesties Name You are Commanded To Notify and Warn the Inhabi- 
 tants of Amherst that are Legally quallifyed to Vote in Town Meetings that 
 assemble together at the Meeting hous there on Monday the fifth Day of March 
 next at Nine o Clock in the Forenoon then and there (after Moderator Chosen) to 
 Consider Determin and act upon the Several Matters following 
 
 (viz) 
 
 i st To Choose officers for the Ensuing Year 
 
 2'"- v To accept and Establish Several Alterations made by the Select Men in 
 the Town Ways (viz) one against the East End of Deacon Jon"' Edwards,s Lot; 
 another against the Side of Gideon Dickinsons Lot & Joseph Dickinsons Lot; 
 another against the North Side of Joseph Churches Lot — 
 
48 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 3 llv To accept of and Establish a Town Way Laid by the Select men Leading 
 from the townway North of Elijah Bakers Lot to C[r]oss the Mill River near 
 Clareys Mill ; and another way from said Clarys Mill to Meet with the same — and 
 Also a Private way for the use of Pelatiah Smith Jun 1 Laid from his Lot on the 
 East Side of Fort River Southerly to the Town Way and Bounding Westerly on 
 .Said River 
 
 4 ,lllv To Determin Whether the ways shall be repaired by Poll or by Rate the 
 ensewing Year — 
 
 t-thiy t Discontinue the town Way South of & adjoining to the Lot of 
 Nathaniel Colemans 
 
 6 ly To grant all the Lands Contained in Said Way to Said Nathaniel Cole- 
 man ; and Impower a Comtee in behalf of the District to Execute to Said Coleman 
 and his Heirs a Dead thereof With Covenant for quiet Enjoyment 
 
 7 lhlv To accept of a Deed from Said Nathaniel Coleman of a Piece of Land 
 in Amherst which Said Coleman Lately bought of Elisha Cook which was Lately 
 the South Side of Said Cooks Lot in the Middle Division being Ten Rods In 
 Breadth & Running through Said Division — 
 
 8" llv To M ake a ( '.rant or Leas [of] the Same or of the wood & Timber thereon 
 Standing or being to Such Person, or Persons, and for Such Term of time, and on 
 Such Conditions as Shall be thought proper 
 
 gthiy t a g ree U pyn what Method may be thought proper To preserve the 
 Boundaries of the town Ways 
 
 io ,hlv To Hear the Report of the Comtee heretofore appointed To Estimate 
 the Damage done to Leut. William Boltwood by Laying a Way on the North Side 
 of his Lot and act theron and Give him So Much Land as shall be thought proper — 
 
 ii"' lv To appoint a Comtee to Layout and ascertain the Bonds of the Burying 
 Yard 
 
 I2 tt)ij -p Discontinue So Much of the Town Way north of Landlord Moses 
 Warners Lot as shall be agreed on. and Grant the Same to Mr Jonathan Dickinson 
 for a Recompence for Land Taken out of his Lot by the Kings Heighway 
 
 j^thh- -p Q Release Nehemiah Dickinson Constable from being accountable for 
 the Rates of Joseph Gould & Noah Gould 
 
 14 1 ' To See if the District will be at any Expence to repair the town Way 
 South of John Nashes Lot. 
 
 Hereof fail not and make true return of this Worrant with your Doings herein 
 at or before the Time herein appointed for opening and holding said Meeting to us 
 or sum one of us — Dated at Amherst the Ninth Day of January in the tenth year 
 of his Majesty, s Reign A. D. 1770 
 
 Simeon Strong 1 
 Jon'th Dickinson I Select Men 
 Nath'll Coleman f belect Men 
 Moses Dickinson J 
 
 Return of the Constable Indoes, d thus (viz) The Directions of this Worrant has 
 bin attended by Me Simeon Pomeroy a Constable Att a Legal Meting of the 
 Inheabitants of the District of Amherst holden at the Meting hous there on 
 Monday the fifth Day of March A : D : 1770— 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq Moderator 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq Treasurer 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 49 
 
 Voted Lev' John Dickinson Solomon Boltwood De" Jonathan Edwards Josiah 
 Chauncy Esq and Gideon Dickinson Selectmen 
 
 Voted Lev' John Dickinson De" Jonathan Edwards Josiah Chauncy Esq 
 Assesors 
 
 Voted To Adjurn this Meeting for the Spaice of one hour and then to meet 
 at the School Hous by the Harding Stake 
 
 After said Inheabitants were met on Adjurnment at said time and place 
 
 Voted Nathan Dickinson Jun 1 and David Smith Constables 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Hezekiah Belding Jonathan Moody Jun r Timothy 
 Green Moses Cook Surveyers of Heighways — 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Oliver Cowles Noah Smith Joel Billings Tithingmen 
 
 Voted Gideon Dickinson Moses Dickinson De" Simeon Clark fence Vewers 
 
 Voted Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Jonathan Nash Jun r John Field Jun r Barnabas Edee Enos Dickinson 
 Hog Reeves 
 
 Voted Joel Moody Joseph Dickinson Dear Reeves 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Surveyer of Lumber 
 Voted E[b]enezar Dickinson Jun 1 ' Edward Smith Martain Smith Joseph Williams 
 Wardens 
 
 Voted To accept of the Report of the Select Men for the alteration of Several 
 Town Ways (viz) at the west End of De" Jonathan Edwards,s Lot— one other 
 Leying south of Gideon Dickinsons Lot — An nother in the way Leying South of 
 Jonathan Cowls Lot— and also of a Privite way Laid South of Peletian Smiths Lot 
 adjoining to forte river 
 
 The Reporte of the Select Men for the Alteration of said ways is as follows (vis) 
 
 Att the Annual Meeting of the Inheabitants of Amherst holden there on the 
 fifth Day of March A D 1770 The Select Men of said Amherst make Reporte to 
 this Meeting of the following Alterations made in Town Ways which they Desire 
 to be accepted and Established by the District one alteration at the west End of 
 De" Jonathan Edwards the Select men finding it necessary in that place to make 
 the Town Way Wider, to avoid the Soft and Miry Ground through which it was 
 originally Laid; have accordingly made the following addition thereto on the East 
 Side thereof (viz) Beginning at a Stake Mark.' 1 Standing in a Hollow Stump at the 
 South, End of a Little Pond which is on the East Side of the Travelled Road against 
 the Said Edwards' Lot thence Running South Seven Degrees West twenty two 
 Rods to a Small White Oak Staddle East of the Path & against the Same Lot, 
 thence South twenty three Degrees West, running till it falls in with the Line of the 
 town Way — One other Alteration in the way lying South of Gideon Dickinsons Lot 
 the Said Select Men finding it Necessary to make an Addition to the bredth of the 
 Said Way to avoid the Miry Gutter between Said Dickinsons & M 1 Towensends 
 Lot, have accordingly made the following addition thereto (viz) — 
 
 Beginning at a Small White Oak Staddle Markt with Stones about it on the 
 Side Hill on the North Side of the Path and about twenty rods Westward of the 
 West Side of said Gideon Dickinsons Lot, thence Running East ten Degrees 
 North twenty three Rods to a Stump Standing North of & Close to the Path in the 
 Middle of the gutter thence East Seventeen Degrees' Smith twenty Seven rods to 
 a Stake marked with Stones about it on the Top of the Hill, thence East twenty 
 five Degrees South to the Line of the way — the Lands South of the above men- 
 tioned Lines, being now added to the Way & Said Lines for the future to be the 
 North Side of the Way— 
 
50 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST 
 
 Another Alteration, in the Way lying on the South Side of Jonathan Cowls 
 Lot; the Said Select men have made an Addition to the Breadth of the Road at 
 the Bridg, in the following Manner (viz) Begining at a Heep of Stones one Rod & 
 half South of a Great white Oak Tree Mark/' Standing three or four rods East of 
 the Bridge thence running west ten Degrees South to the Line of the way, & from 
 Said Heep of Stones East thirty Seven Degrees North to fall in with the Line of 
 the Way — the before described Line for the future to be the South Side of the 
 Way at Said Place — 
 
 And the Said Select .Men further reporte of a private Way Laid out by them 
 on the 29 111 Day of January Laist at the Request of Peletiah Smith Jun r on the East 
 Side of Fort River near said Smiths Dwelling Hous in order to accommodate him 
 for traveling from his Lot thence to the town way ; Which Private way is described 
 and bounded as follows (viz) It Begins at the south side of Said Peletiah Smiths 
 Lot and on the East Side of Fort River and thence running Southerly to the town 
 way, The River being the bounds on Said Private way on the Westerly Side, and 
 being bounded & Limited on the Lastly Side by a black Oak Staddle near the 
 South Side of Said Smiths Lot & three Stakes Southerly of Said Tree Erected by 
 us, the Line described by Said Tree and Stakes being the Easterly Line of said 
 way which is about Eaight Rods in Breadth, and Laid so Wide on account of the 
 uneven Ground next to the River: and Becaus the said private Way is only for the 
 use & Benefit of Said Smith, and not of Publick use to the District we further 
 Report that Said Peletiah Smith ought to pay to Aaron Matthews for his Damage 
 occasioned thereby the sum of twenty four shillings — 
 
 Simeon Strong "] 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson l Select Men 
 Nath'll Coleman ^eiect men 
 Moses Dickinson J 
 
 Voted To Accept of a Townway Laid from the town way North of Elijah 
 Bakers Lot to Cross the Mill river near Clarys Mill and another way from Said 
 Clarys Alill to Meet with the same — 
 
 The Report of the Select men for Laying of said way is as follows (viz) At 
 the Annual Meeting of the Inheabitants of Amherst March y r fifth A. D. 1770 
 
 The Select Men of Amherst pursuant to the reporte of the Com tee Lately 
 appointed by the District have Laid out the Ways hereafter described for the use 
 of the "Inheabitants of Amherst (viz) Beginning at the town Way North of Elijah 
 Bakers Lot, and at a pine Tree Mark,' 1 (which is in the Middle of y e same way Laid 
 out by us) thence running North thirty Eaight Degrees and thirty Minutes west, 
 forty two rods ; thence North thirty degrees west ten rods, thence North thirty 
 Seven Degrees West Sixteen rods ; thence west Seven Degrees North twenty rods; 
 thence South thirty Eaight Degrees West Seven Rods; thence North forty three 
 Degrees West Six rods: thence West Eaightteen Degrees North thirteen Rods; 
 thence North twenty Eaight Degrees & thirty Minutes East to Cross the Mill 
 River — the Same Way being two rods in Breadth — the said Select men have also 
 Laid a rode of the Same Breadth from the Mill Called Clarys Mill, to Meet with 
 the aforesaid Way (viz) 
 
 Beginning at a Place twenty Feet South of the Easterly End of said Mill; 
 thence running South thirty Eaight Degres West to the way herein before 
 described — 
 
 Which way So Laid out the Said Select men now Return and Reporte to this 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. ^1 
 
 Meeting that they may be accepted, and allowed by the District and Committed to- 
 Record according" to Law 
 
 Sim fox Strong 1 
 Jon'th Dickinson I , , -.. 
 Nath'll Coleman f- belect Men 
 Moses Dickinson J 
 
 Voted To Repare the Heigh Ways this year by a Tax 
 
 Voted to Discontinue all that Town way South of Nath" Colemans 
 
 Voted To Grant all the Lands Contained in said Way to said Nathaniel 
 Colemans. and Impower a Com"* in behalf of the District to Execute to said Cole- 
 man and Heirs a Deed thereof, with Covenant for quiet Enjoyment 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq Ins John Field Jonathan Dickinson be a Com ,ce 
 for the purpus aforesaid — 
 
 On Nathaniel Colemans affering to this meeting a deed of Conveyance of a 
 Piece of Land in this District which Said Coleman lately Bought of Elisha Cook,. 
 Which was Lately the South Side of Said Cooks. Lot in the Midle Division being 
 ten Rods in Breadth and running through said Division 
 
 Voted To accept the Same and Receive the Estate thereby Granted 
 accordingly 
 
 Voted To Lease the Same Land So purched To Abner Lee for the Term of 
 Eight Years and Grant him the wood and Timber thereon 
 
 Voted To Chose a Com 11 * to Visit the boundaries of the town and renew such 
 as Destroyed and make them Notorious 
 
 Voted That Moses Dickinson Elijah Baker John Nash Ju nr be a Com te for 
 the Purpus aforesaid 
 
 Voted To Chose a Com tec to Inspect the Town Way North of Moses Warners 
 & say howmuch Land and in what form shall be assoined to Jonathan Dickinson 
 as a Recumppence for the County rods going acros his Lot & make return to the 
 next meting 
 
 Voted Ins Jonn Field Solomon PoltWood Thomas Hastings a Com"' for the 
 Purpus above 
 
 Voted to Chose a Com t,r To say and Determine how much Land and in 
 What Form shall be allow,'' to William Boltwood at the west End of his Lot as a 
 Recompence for Laying a town Way on the North Side of his Lot and make 
 return Id the Next Meeting 
 
 Voted That Josiah Chauncy Esq Moses Dickinson Elijah baker be a Com'"' 
 for the Purpus afore said 
 
 Voted That the Select Men be a Com"* to Lay out and prefix sufficient 
 boundaries to the Buring Yard and Make Reporte to the Next Meeting- 
 Voted That Nehemiah Dickinson be releas,' 1 from being accomtable for the 
 Rates of Joseph Gould and Noah Gould 
 
 Voted to Do sumthing to the town Heigh way between John Nash Jun" and 
 William Boltwoods Lot 
 
 Voted To Do Ten Days Worke to the way above mentioned 
 
 Voted To begin a Cramer School at the first of May next and the- same to 
 continue through the year 
 
 Voted To Discontinue asertam Piece of townway North of Joseph Churchs 
 Hous being as follows (viz) one rod north of his Hous four Rods wide riming 
 Northerly twenty five rods and then fall in with the Line of the Lots and grant the 
 same to said Church 
 
■§ 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. 
 
 Voted That Hogs Shall Run from the midle of May to the First of August — 
 
 Attest Simeon Strong Moderator 
 
 [On the last leaves of this first book occur the following miscellaneous entries] 
 
 Nov 7 1762 Taken up & Strayed by Ephrain Kellogg of Amherst a Sorrel 
 
 mare about twelve Years old without any Mark or Brand & I apointed Ebez r 
 
 Dickinson Jun' & Joseph Dickinson to aprise s d Mair & they aprised her at two 
 
 Pound Lawfull money 
 
 In the Yeare 1758 Thare was a tax made by us John Nash Nath 11 Smith Nath 11 
 Dickinson Ass rs for this precinct to procure tire wood for the Rev' 1 M' Parsons and 
 his Sallary: and other Charges as follows 
 
 Commited to M r Sam" Ingram a tax to Collect 333 13 11 
 
 Also to M r Jonathan Edwards a tax of 264 17 09 
 
 598 n 8 
 
 the Debts Commited to the Tresurar to pay out 576 02 
 
 August 21 1759 taken Up In Damiadge feasant And Straid By Ephraim 
 Kellogg & Mosses Warner a Roan Mair about three years old With a Blase in her 
 face & a Nattural Pacer Without mark or Brand 
 
 A Record of the proceeding In y" tax of two pence p r acor Granted by the 
 General Coart 
 
 Pursuent to the Order of this Precinct the Assesors proceeded to Expose to 
 Sale so Much of the Lands of the Nonresident propriators (who had been Delin- 
 quent in paying the tax Assesed upon thare Lands by vertu of the Grant of the 
 Grate and General Court to this Precinct to enable them tosettel a Gospel Minister 
 and) as was Judged would be Sufficient to Defray and pay up the Remaining part 
 of the Assesment yet Du 
 
 Accordingly y" Rate of Shuch Delinquent Propriators Land was posted Pub- 
 lickly at Springfeild at the House of M 1 Worthontons & In Hadley 3 d Preceinct 
 att the House of M r Kellogg & att Each publick House the 29 th Day of August 1739 
 
 After which on the first Day of March 1739 4° Notifications of the Sale of y c 
 Delinquent Propriators Lands was Publickly posted att y' Afores'' Places In 
 Springfeild first Parish att y" House of M 1 ' Worthonton & In Hadley 3' 1 Precinct 
 att y e House of M 1 ' Kellogg Seting forth ye Quantetyof Lands or Number of Acors 
 Exposed to sale of Each Delinquent Proprietors Lots: Allso seting forth y e time 
 or Day appointed for the Sale of Shuch Lands by Publick Vandue which is to be 
 on the first Monday of June 1740 
 
 On the third Day of J anew 1 1739 40 Notifications of the Intended Sale of y 
 Delinquent propriators Lands ware Inserted or Advertised Iny e Publick prints for 
 three several weeks Sucsesively 
 
 On the first Munday in June 1740 a Lot of Land belonging to the Heirs of 
 Colonal Sam" Brown Decest Containing about foure Hundred& twelve Acors 
 Lying about ye Middel of the third Devesion of Lands so Called In Hadley third 
 Preceinct— and was formerly Laid out to the Porters; was Publickly Sold at a 
 Publick Vandue: to the Highest Bidder: for one Hundred & forty seven pounds^ 
 Bills of the old Tennor: the Remainder of which Money : after his Rate of Asses- 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 53; 
 
 ment : as also the Incident Charges ware paidewas Log' 1 In the Precinct Tresury : 
 (that is thirty pounds nineteen shillings and two pence) with order to y 1 ' Tresurar 
 John Cowls to pay the same to the Heirs of Colenal Sam 11 Brown when & as soon 
 as Demanded 
 
 [Second Book.] 
 
 Hampshire ss. May y e 7 th 1770 — 
 To the Constables of the Destrict of Amherst or Either of them Greeting. 
 In his majesstys Name you are Requir,' 1 forthwith To warn all the Freeholders 
 & other Inheabitants of the Distrect of Amherst Qualified to Vote in town and 
 District Meetings that theary Conveen & meet to Gether at the Meeting Hous in 
 s d Distrect on thirsday the twenty fourth Day of May Currant at four of Clock in 
 the after noon, then and there after a Moderator Chosen, 
 
 I st To know the minds of the Distrect whether they will accept of the List 
 of Jurors the Select men have Drawn up 
 
 2' 1 Whether the District Will accept of the Reporte of the Select Men 
 Respecting the bounds of the Burying Yard 
 
 3 l1 Wheather the Distrect think it necessary for the Select men To Lay a 
 highway from Hoddens in the East Street Northerly to John Adams Corn Mill — 
 and Make Return of this Warrant with your Doings therein to one of us before 
 s,' 1 Meeting 
 
 Josiah Chancy ) 
 
 John Dickinson [ Select Men 
 
 Solomon Boltwood ) 
 
 Return of the Constable indors. thus (viz) 
 
 The Directions of this Worrant has bin attended by me 
 
 David Smith Constable 
 
 the Directions of Worrant have bin answer. 11 by me 
 
 Nathen Dickinson Jn'r Constable for Amherst 
 May : 24 : 1770 
 Att a Legal Meeting of Distrect of Amherst holden at the Meeting hous on 
 Thirsday the twenty forth day of May 1770 fore of the Clock in y" afternoon, Come 
 into the following Votes (Viz) 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq Moderator 
 
 Voted To Accept of the List of Jurers as they have bin Red 
 Voted To Accept of the Report of the Selectmen Respecting the bounds of 
 the burying yard who is as follows (Viz) 
 
 W T e the Select Men of the Distrect of Amherst according to the Vote of the 
 town have set up the bounds of the Burying Yard According to our best Judgment 
 & is as follows (Viz) 
 
 Beginning at a Stake and Stones two Rods Easterly of Docter Coleman, s 
 North East Corner of his Retching thence Easterly Nineteen Roods to a Stake and 
 Stones thence Northerly twenty two Rods to a Stake and Stones thence Westerly 
 four Roods to a Stake and Stons thence South-westerly Eaighteen Rods &one half 
 to Stake and Stones thence Southerly Eleven Rods & one half to the first 
 Mentioned Corner 
 
 Josiah Chauncv "] 
 
 John Dickinson 
 
 Gideon Dickinson ^Selectmen 
 
 Jon'th Edwards 
 
 Sol'n Boltwood J 
 
54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. 
 
 Voted that the Select Men Lav a Heighway in the East Street from Hoddings 
 or Eastmans Lot to Shutesbury Rode and make Reporte to March Meeting 
 
 Test 
 
 August 21 1770 
 
 Att A Legall Meeting of the Distrect of Amherst on tuesday y" 21' 1 of August 
 1770 at 5 of the Clock in y" afternoon, alter the Choice of Simeon Strong Esq 
 Moderator Voted as Follows (Viz) 
 
 Voted to Come Into sum Measures for Regulating or Eaising of the burden 
 of a Roade requested and About to be Laid through the third Division of Lots in 
 Amherst 
 
 Voted To Chews a Com'" To Inspect and See if their Cant be a way found 
 fo[r] a rode through the third Division of Lots as Good for the Publick with Les 
 Damage to the Privite than the Way Now Popos.' 1 through John billings Lot in 
 Its triangular Point 
 
 Voted that Ins John Field Moses Dickinson and Gideon Dickinson be a 
 Com tce for the I 'minis aforesaid, and that in Case they Can find such a place for a 
 Rode as is Mention: 1 above that they reporte to some one who Shall [be] Chosen 
 to act at. Court in behalf of the Distrect 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong Esq. be an Agent at Court for the Distrect Incase 
 a Com tr '' be Chosen to Lay out S' 1 way that if Posiable the S' 1 Com'" may have i 
 their orders Left in Sum measure at Large and Not Confined to one Pellicular Place 
 
 Test 
 
 January 14"' 1771 
 
 Att A Legal Meeting of the Distrect of .Amherst on Monday y 14" 1 of Janary 
 A D 1771 at the Midle School-House in the first Division at Nine of the Clock in 
 the morning Voted as follows (Viz) 
 
 Voted Josiah Chauncy Esq Moderator 
 
 Voted to Adjurn this Meeting lor the Space of one Hour & then meet at this 
 Place 
 
 Voted to Allow two shillings Per Day for summer worke 
 
 Voted to Allow one Shilling and Six pence for Fall Worke 
 
 Voted To Allow the bills as they bin Red and Consider,'' and that the 
 Assesors Leavey a tax for raising the Same 
 
 Voted To allow the Re" 1 M' Parsons ninety three pound Six shillings and 
 Eaight Pence ec that the Assesers Leavey a tax for raysing the Same 
 
 Voted to rais thirtey Pound for school and that the Assesers Leavey a tax 
 for Raising the Same 
 
 Voted to Build a Bridge over the mill River near Clareys mill So Call.' 1 
 
 Voted to Chews a Com'" to Settle with De" Ebenezer Dickinson a former 
 Tresurer Respecting a Sum of Money Lodg.' 1 in his hands which is the Equivolent 
 or Reward of a sartin Tract of Land formerly Call.' 1 the Equivolent Land 
 
 Voted that Josiah Chauncy Esq Simeon Strong Esq and John billings be a 
 Com tee for the Purpus above 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 (Seal) Hampshire ss. To the Constablesof the Distrect of Amherst or Either 
 of them Greeting In his Majesstys Name you are Requir' 1 to Worn all the free- 
 holders and other Inheabitants that are Qualified Acording to Law to Vote in 
 Town & Distrect Meetings that they Convene and meet Together at the Middle 
 School hous in the first Street in Amherst on Monday the twenty first Day of 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 55 
 
 January Currant at two of the Clock in the after Noon to Consider and Act upon 
 the following Articles 
 
 i st Wheather the Distrect will set up another School 
 
 2' 1 Whether the Distrect Discontinue and Sell any Part of the Heighway in 
 this Distrect 
 
 3' 1 Wheather the Distrect will Seat the Meeting hous or Make any alteration 
 — and Make Due Return of this Worrant with your Doing therein to some one or 
 more of us the subscribers before S d Meeting Given under our hand and Seals 
 this Seventeenth Day of January 1771 
 
 Josiah Chauncy "] 
 Jonathan Edwards ! c , . , r 
 Sol'n Boltwood ^electMen 
 Gideon Dickinson J 
 Return of the Constables Indors thus (viz) — the Directions of this warrant hath 
 bin attended by us 
 
 Nathan Dickinson Tn'r i ,-. , , , 
 David Smith \ Constables 
 
 January 21 st 1771 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Distrect of Amherst holden at the School hous 
 near Hartling Stake on Monday y e twenty first of January A D 1771 Voted as 
 follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Josiah Chauncy Esq Moderator 
 
 Voted that the Select Men Set up a new school at the north End of the 
 Distrect the Space of Six weeks in addition to the present school 
 
 Voted to make sum alterations in seeting of the Meeting hous — 
 
 Voted that Leut. John Dickinson De" Jonathan Edwards. Ins. John Field 
 Josiah Chauncy Esq and Moses Dickinson be a Com' "' for the Purpus above 
 
 Voted that the Above Com"' be regulated by the List to be taken for the 
 Present year to Gether with Eage Estate and Qualifications 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 Amherst Distrect Meeting Jan ,v 21 st 177 1 
 
 Voted that there be Granted, to Lieut. William Boltwood and John Nashjur. 
 all the Land between the after Mentioned Line and the Lots in which they Dwell 
 that is to say Each of them to have that which lies against his own Lot that is to 
 say. Beginning at a Stake and Stones at the Northwest Corner of the Said John 
 Nashes Lot on Which he Dwells as the Same as now Inclos,' 1 thence Running 
 Southerly to White Oake Tree about three Rods South Said Xashes Barn thence 
 running to a Stake and Stons Near the Southwest Corner Said Xash.s Lot thence 
 Still Southerly to a Stake and Stones at the Northwest Corner of Said William 
 Boltwoods Lot Crossing the townway two rods wide hence to a Stake and Stones 
 about two rods & half westerly of said Boltwoods Barn : the said Grant to Said 
 Boltwood being in Recompese of the Damage done by Laying the town Way on y e 
 north side of his Lot : and the Grant to Said Nash being on Condition of his paying 
 or securing to the District Treasurer the sum 01 thirty two shillings within this 
 Month of January 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 X. B. See Page 9 for J. Nashs land 
 
 (Seal) Hampshire ss. To the Constables of the Destrict of Amherst or 
 Either of them Greeting in his Majestys Name you are required forthwith to Wain 
 
56 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. 
 
 all the Freeholders and other Inheabitants of the Destrict of Amherst Qualified to 
 Vote in town or District meeting that they Convene and meet together at the 
 School Hous in the first Street in Amherst Near Pelham Road Tuesday the fifth 
 Day of March Next at Nine of the Clock in the morning then and there after a 
 Moderator Chosen to See if the Destrict will Vote the following articles 
 
 i st To Chuse Destrict officers Ensuing Year 
 
 2 d Wheather the Destrect will Consider & Determine Respecting such Condi- 
 tional Grants as Have here to fore bin Made by the Destrict whether the Conditions 
 are fullfilled or not and to Conform the Grants to the Grantees respectively and to 
 make them Absolute Where the Grants appear to have been fulfilled 
 
 3 d Whether the Destrict will Discontinue any Part of the highway in said 
 Destrict and sell the Same in any Yeary special Case or Cases — & further more to 
 see if the Destrict will accept of the return of the Select men of a town road Laid 
 out from the North End of the Second Street up Near to Goulds mill So Called 
 
 4 th To Determin whot what method to repare the Heighways the Ensuing 
 Year 
 
 5 th Wheather the Distrect will Let Hodgs run at Large any Part of the Year 
 Ensuing if they are rung & Yoked according to Law 
 
 6 th To see whether the Destrict will accept of the report of the Com'"-' Chosen 
 to Seet the Meeting Hous 
 
 7 lh Wheather the Destrict will Vote that Every Person Seated Shall Take 
 their Seats where they are Seated & to be Esteemed Disorderly if not & be Liable 
 to such a fine as the Court Judge Proper — & make Due Return of this Warrant 
 with your Doings therein to sum one of us before s,' 1 meeting — Given under our 
 hands & Seal this 18 th Day of February 1771 & in the Eleventh yearof his Majes- 
 tys Reign 
 
 Josiah Chauxcy ~] 
 
 Johx Dickixsox 
 
 Sol'n BoLTWOOd ^Select Men 
 
 Gideon Dickixsox 
 
 Joxathax Edwards J 
 
 Return of the Constables Indors this (viz) the Directons of this Warrant hath 
 bin attended by me Nathan Dickinson Jnr Constable 
 
 March 5 th 1771 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the District of Amherst holden at 
 the School Hous. Near the hartling Stake on Tusday ye 5" 1 Day of March A D 
 1771 at Nine of the Clock in y- Morning and Voted as Follows, (viz) 
 
 Voted Josiah Chauncy. Esq. Moderator 
 
 Voted. Seth Coleman Clerk 
 
 Voted. Simeon Strong Esq. Treasurer. 
 
 Voted. Simeon Strong Esq. Ins. John Field. Moses Dickinson Alexan rt Smith 
 and Peter Smith Select men 
 
 Voted, to adjurn this Meeting for the Space of one hour and then to meet at 
 the School hous at or Near the Hartling Stake 
 
 Voted. Peter Smith I s John Field. Alexan' 1 Smith Assesers. 
 
 Voted. Jonathan Dickinson Jn r Philup Ingram Constables. 
 
 Voted. Simeon Dickinson De" Simeon Clark. Asael Moody Nath" Dickinson 
 Elijah Baker Surveyers of Heighways. 
 
 Voted John Nash Jn r Gideon Handerson Jonathan Moody Jn r Tithing Men 
 
 Voted Nath" Coleman Jonathan Cowls fens Vewers 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 57 
 
 Voted John Hoddens. Oliver Cowles Gideon Lee Joel. Billings. Lemuel Moody 
 Hogreeves. 
 
 Voted Moses Cook John Nash Jn 1 ' Joel .Moody Joseph Eastman Jn r Deer 
 Reeves 
 
 Voted Jonathan Smith David Blodgit Robert Emmon Wardens. 
 
 Voted Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted that the former Com"' Chosen to Survey the Heighway heretofore go 
 again onto the Line between De u S. Clarks Lot and the Heighway adjoining to 
 more Critically assertain if Posiable the Line between s, d Simeon Clarks Lot and 
 Heighway adjoining 
 
 Voted that the Com"' e Chosen heretofore to Survey the town Heighway go 
 onto the Line at the front of Hezekiah Beldings Lot and Say how much Land if 
 any Shall be Sold to S, d Belding to accommodate him around his barn, shop & 
 well, and in what form & for how much he shall have the Same & make return to 
 the Next Meeting 
 
 Voted to Cheus a Com"' e to Vew the Heighway at the East End of In s John 
 Fields & Moses Cooks Lot and Say how much Land if any Shall be Sold To Sam- 
 uel Gould in what form and for what Sum and make return to the Next meting 
 
 Voted Solomon Boltwood John Nash Jn r Daniel Kellogg be a Com'"' for the 
 Purpus above 
 
 Voted to repare the Heighway this year by a tax 
 
 Voted that hogs Shall run from ye 20 th of May To 20 th of August ring,' 1 and 
 yok,' 1 according to Law 
 
 Voted to adjourn to the meeting hous 
 
 Voted to accept of the Com"-' 1 -' report in the regulation of the Seats in the 
 Meeting hous 
 
 Test Josiah Chaunx'Y Moderator 
 
 A Highway Laid out by us the Subscribers in Amherst May y e 30 th 1770 as 
 follows (viz) We began at a Large Red Oak Stump Supposed to be the North East 
 Corner of Joseph Eastmans Lot y- body of the Tree being on the ground being 
 Mark,' 1 H. W.from thence we Ran on the west Side of S,' 1 highway north 14 deg3o min 
 East 60 rods to which Place the Heighway is Laid 12 rods wide opposite to which 
 Stands a Stake & Stones on ye East Side y 1 ' Steak Mark.' 1 H. W. then the Heigh- 
 way Runs on the East Side North 36 deg East 9^ rods to a heap of Stones and a 
 Stake Markt H. W. then North 1 1 cleg East 17 rods to a heap of Stones and a Stake 
 Markt H. W. about 14 or 15 rods to the South of Hoddens Hous where the road is 
 13. rods & 6. Links wide then we Went to the West Side of S, d Heighway to where we 
 Ended the 60 rods first Mentioned & Continued the Cours North 14 deg 30 min East 
 12 rods to a pine Stake Mark/ 1 H. W. then we went to the Laist mention.' 1 Station 
 on ye East Side & ran North 9 deg 30 min West 46 rods to a heap of Stones & Stake 
 Mark.' 1 H. W. than we went to the Laist mention.' 1 Station on y West Side (viz) a 
 Pine Stake & ran North 12 deg West 42 rods to a Large White Oak Stump Mark' 1 
 H. W. from whence forward the highway is Laid 2 rods wide from said White Oak 
 Stump it run West 31 deg North 1 1 rods to a heap of Stones & a Stake mark' 1 II. W. 
 then west 34 deg North 28 rods to a Pine Stadle mark d H. W. then North 38 deg West 
 _I5 rods to a pine Stadle mark' 1 H. W. then North 27 deg West 5 rods to a Pine Stadle 
 Mark 1 II. W. then North 43 deg west 7.^ rods to a Pine Stadel mark,' 1 H. W. then 
 North 32 deg West 3 rods to a pine Stadle Mark: 1 H. W. then North 45 deg West 31 
 rods to a Small Pine Stadle Mark.' 1 H. W. then North 36 deg West 9 rods to a Pine 
 
 7 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST 
 
 Stadel Mark, d H. W. then North 25 deg West 26 rods to a Small White Oak Stadel 
 Mark, 11 H.W.then North 14 deg West 12 rods to a Small White Burch Stadel Mark; 1 
 H. W. then North 1 deg West 54 rods to a Walnut Stadel in a run of water Mark, 3 
 H. W. then North 16 deg west 39 rods to a White Oak Stadel Mark, d H. W. then 
 Continued the Same cours 46 rods further to the County Road 
 
 Survey, d By Eben'r Childs. 
 Damages as Estimted by the suscribers 
 
 To Ebenezer Williams £0 5 o 
 
 To Joseph Eastman 066 
 
 To Elijah Baker 1 o o 
 
 To Noah Smith o 10 o 
 
 JOSIAH CHAUNCY i 
 
 Gideon Dickinson- '. Select Men 
 Jon'th Edwards ) 
 
 The Above Reporte of the Select Men is Voted 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 \ r oted that Daniel Kellogg Nathan Dickinson Gideon Dickinson Moses War- 
 ner John Billings Josiah Moody Eli Parker James Merick Timothey Green Aaron 
 Warner Lemuel Moody Simeon Strong Joseph Eastman & Jonathan Dickinson 
 have fullnll, 3 the Conditions of their Respective Grants made to them at the Dis- 
 trict Meeting Janu v i st 1770 of Land that were before Part of the townway and that 
 the Said Grants be & hereby are made absolute to them respectively and their 
 Heirs forever — 
 
 Voted that John Nash Jn 1 has fulfilled the Condition of the Grant of Land 
 made to him at the last Jaunary Meeting and that he hold the Same Land in Fee 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong has fulfilled the Condition of the Grant made to 
 him of that Piece of Land which Lies Between Pelham Road & the Burying yard 
 & that the Same Land be & hereby is Confirmed to him & his Heirs 
 
 Voted that Preseved Clap has fulfilled the Condition of the Grant Made to 
 him of Land on the South Side of Simeon Dickinsons Lot & that the Same be & 
 hereby is Confermed to him and his Heirs 
 
 Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 April 22, 177 1. 
 Att A Legal Meeting of the Distrect of Amherst at the Meeting House on 
 Monday y c twenty Second Day of April A D 1771 at two of the Clock in y" after- 
 noon, and Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to accept of the List of Jurers as they have been red 
 Voted to Chuse a Com'"' to agree with Ebenezar Williams respecting a Bit 
 of his Lot North of his hous wanted for a rode and make a reporte to sum filter 
 meeting 
 
 Voted Peter Smith Moses Dickinson and Nath" Coleman a Com 1 "' for the 
 purpus above 
 
 Voted To accept of the Report of the Com'"' Chosen to Settle with De" Eben- 
 ezer Dickinson &c 
 
 Test Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Seal Hampshire ss. Amherst To the Constab[l]es of the Destrict of Amherst 
 or Either of them Greeting — 
 
 You are hereby required in his Majestys Name to Notify the Inheabitants of 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 59 
 
 Said District Qualified by Law to Vote in Town affairs that they Meet together at 
 the Meeting Hous in Said District on Wednesday the fifth Day of June Next at 
 two of the Clock afternoon, then and there after Moderator Chosen to Do & trans- 
 act the following things (viz) 
 
 I st To Hear the Petition of Landlord Moses Warner for discontinuing that 
 Part of the town way lying on the North Side of his Lot which he has inclos,' 1 
 within his Fence or Such part thereof as Shall be Necessary to make up the 
 Breadth of his Lot; or otherwise to make him a grant of Land in some other Part 
 of the Said way sufficient to Make up the Land that is wanting in his said Lot 
 
 2 d To Hear the Reporte of the Com'" heretofore Chosen to Consider what 
 Land should be granted To Jonathan Dickinson in said way as a Recompence for 
 his Land taken up in the Kings Heighway and grant so much Land to said Dick- 
 inson as shall bi thought proper & to Discontinue such part of said way as shall be 
 granted to him 
 
 3' 1 To hear the Request of John Morton for Discontinuing a part of the 
 town way which he has Inclos.' 1 & sel to him so much of said Land as shall be 
 thought proper 
 
 4 lv To Determine Wheather the District will allow Abner Lee to keep up his 
 Fence about his Field in the town way and on What Condition and for what time 
 
 5 lv To Determine wheather the District will allow De u Simeon Clark to Keep 
 up his fence round his Crop Sowed in the town way East of his hous & for what 
 time & for what Consideration 
 
 Hereof fail not and make due Return of this Worrant & your Doings herein at 
 or before the time of holding said Meeting. Dated at amherst the 31" Day of 
 May Ano domini 1771 
 
 Simeon Strong ^ 
 Peter Smith ! e , . , r 
 
 Moses Dickinson f helect Men 
 Alex*d Smith 
 
 Return of the Constables Indors. thus (viz) 
 
 The Directions of this Worrant hath bin attended by us 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson Jn r 
 Philup Ingram: Constables 
 June 5"' A D 1771 
 
 Att a Legal meeting of the Distrect of Amherst holden at the Meeting Hous 
 on Wednesday y e 5" 1 June 1771 at two of y e Clock in y" afternoon Voted as 
 follows (viz) » 
 
 Voted Josiah Chauncy Esq. Modrator 
 
 Voted to Chuse a Com"' 1 to survey Lan' 1 Moses Warners Lot and see how 
 much land the town has taken of his Lot for a highway on the North side and 
 Determin how much Land shall be ascined to Moses Warner where and in what 
 form 
 
 Also to affix boundarys to a bit of Land formerly ascined to Jonathan Dickinson 
 as a Recompence for the Land taken from him for a Heighway and the survey of 
 the same &c 
 
 Voted That Simeon Strong Esq Moses Dickinson Josiah Chauncy Esq be a 
 Com tee for the Purpus above 
 
 Voted that the same Com uc be directed on the Petition of John Morton to Vew 
 the town way near John Mortons House & se what Land is nicessary for the town 
 to allow him to hold there & make Reporte to the Meeting 
 
60 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. 
 
 Voted that the said Com" 1 ' do not Proceed to prosecute Aaron Lee for 
 Incumbring the way till the further order of the town 
 
 Voted that a Com 1 '' 1 ' be Chose to Determin what rent De u Clark give to the 
 Town for his Land in y L ' town way East of his Hous 
 
 Voted that Isaac Goodale Moses Cook and John Nash Jr be a Com""' for 
 that Purpose 
 
 Voted that this Meeting be adjurned to the Monday after next at four of the 
 Clock afternoon 
 
 Attest JOSIAH CHAUNCY Moderator 
 
 Amherst District Meeting by Ajurnment on Monday the 17 th Day of January 
 4 a Clock afternoon 
 
 Voted that there be granted to Jonathan Dickinson in Recompence for Land 
 formerly taken for y e Kings Heighway from the Lot whereon his Son Simeon 
 Dickinson now dwells, four Acres and three Quarters of an Acre of Land in the 
 town way north of & adjoining the Lot of Moses Warner in Form following (viz) 
 Beginning at the Rear of the Second Division Lots the whole Breadth of the way 
 being sixteen Rods thence running Westerly Carrying the Whole Breadth of said 
 Way forty six rods two feet and half to Bounds marked & made by the Com'"' and 
 that the whole of the Town Way Lying within the before mentioned Limits be & 
 hereby is discontinued 
 
 Voted that the southerly Line of the said town way from said Jonathan 
 Dickinsons Grant westerly hereafter shall beas follows (viz) Beginning at a Stake 
 & Stones in the Westerly Line of Said Dickinson, s Grant and nine Rods Northerly 
 from the Southwest Corner thereof thence running West seven Degrees thirty 
 Minutes north about fifty four rods to a burch Stake & Stones not far South of 
 the Parth thence West forty two Degrees North ten rods to a Stakes & Stones 
 thence West fifteen Degrees & thirteen Minutes North to a Stake Six rods: thence 
 the same Point Eighty two rods to a Stake and Stones in Moses Warners Fence 
 south from Preserved Claps Shop, thence West fourteen Degrees South twelve 
 rods to a Stake & Stones thence west n deg South 6 rods to a Stake Mark' 1 LEW. 
 & Stones, thence West 30 deg 30 min north 10 rods to a Stake & Stones thence 
 about thirty Rods west 3 deg North to a Stake & Stones in the front Line of the 
 original Lots and that all that Part of said Way which Lies south of Said Line be 
 & hereby is discontinued 
 
 Voted that all the Land in Said Way south of the Line aforesaid being four 
 Acres & half and sixteen Rods more than Mosjes Warner has Inclosed be and 
 hereby is Granted to Moses Warner as a compensation for his original Lot taken 
 formerly in Said Way and which now makes a Part of said Jonathan Dickinsons 
 Grant and for what was wanting in Quantity of Land formerly Granted to him & 
 which he bought of the Town of Hadley 
 
 The Above Votes Paist in District Meeting- 
 Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 Meeting" October 30 th 1771 
 Att a Legal meeting of the District of Amherst Holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Wednesday the thirtieth clay of October at three oClock afternoon A 1771 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 Voted Peter Smith Moderator 
 
 Voted that the Select men be impower' 1 to Draw money out of the Treasury 
 to pay the Necessary repairs of the Meeting hous & School houses 
 
 Tes 1 Peter Smith Moderator 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 6 1 
 
 Meeting Novem 1 ' S. 1771 
 
 Att a Legal meeting of the District of Amherst Holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Friday the Eaight Day of November 1771 at two of the Clock after noon, and 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq Moderator 
 
 Voted to take sum further Measurs to obtain an alteration of the Heighway 
 Lately Laid through the third Division to Belchers town through John Billings Lot 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson be an Agent to forward a Petition to Court for the 
 purpus aforesaid 
 
 Test. Simeon Strong Moderator 
 
 Meeting December 2' 1 1771 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst Holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Monday y" 2' 1 Day of December 177 1 at one of the clock in y- afternoon Voted 
 as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Peter Smith Moderator 
 
 Voted to Adjurn to the school hous near the Heartling Stake 
 
 Voted that the Courts Com ,r Lately Chosen to vew the County rode Lately 
 Laid in the third Division in order to make sum alteration or removal of said rode 
 shall come 
 
 Voted to Chuse a Com t,L to wait on the Courts Com"- 1 ' 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong Esq & Peter Smith be a Com tee for y e purpus above 
 
 Voted that the Com 1 "'' be shewed acros the East End of the third Division of 
 Lots Leading from Log town to Pelham Rode and also a rode Leading from Xoah 
 Dickinsons by De n Jonathan Edwards and thomas Hasting,s to Come in with the 
 New County Rode Near Nath 11 Pecks 
 
 Test Peter Smith Moderator 
 
 Meeting January 13 A. D. 1772 
 
 Att A Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst holden at the School hous 
 Near Landlord Warners on Monday the thirteenth Day of January A. D. 1772 at 
 Nine of the Clock in morning Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Alexander Smith Moderator 
 
 Voted to adjurn this Meeting for the space of one hour and then return to 
 this Place 
 
 Voted to Allow two Shillings per Day in Summer for worke & one Shilling & 
 Sixpence per day in fall 
 
 Voted to Allow the Bills as they have bin red & Considerd 
 
 Voted to Allow the Re vd David Persons his Sollery as in years Paist 
 
 Voted that the Assesers be impower' 1 to Asses the money Voted above 
 
 Voted to Allow Simeon Stong Esq forty fore Shillings it being money he paid 
 to the Corts Com'" for their Services in December 1771 
 
 Voted to Take sum Measures to divide the District into two Pearishes 
 
 Voted To adjurn this Meeting to the 14"' Day of January Current at one of 
 the Clock afternoon 
 
 Amherst District Meeting by Adjurnment on Tuesday the 14" 1 Day of January 
 A. D. 1772 one Clock afternoon 
 
 Voted that the Select Men be Directed to Preambulate the Line between 
 Hadley and Amherst 
 
 Voted to Chuse a Com'" 1 ' to Lay out a Recumpence in Land to Joseph Church 
 for his Land taken for a town way & make a report to sum futer meeting 
 
62 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted that Elijah Baker & Ebenezer Dickinson Jn r be a Com 1 ™ for the Pur- 
 pose above 
 
 Voted that the School house that is near Edward Smiths hous be removed to 
 the East Side of the Street upon Private Expence and that there be a Com tee 
 Chosen to say wheare it shall stand 
 
 Voted that Isaac Goodale Solomon Boltwood & John Billings be a Com 1 ''' for 
 the Purpus above 
 
 Voted to Make De n Ebenezar Dickinson som allowance for his former trouble 
 in Collecting Alvords Debt 
 
 Voted to allow De" Ebenezar Dickinson five pounds for his former Service as 
 above mentioned & Voted 
 
 Voted to take sum further measurs for the removal of the County road to 
 Beltchers town 
 
 Voted that Moses Dickinson the former Agent Should go the Next Court at 
 Northampton & hear the report of the Courts Com" 
 
 Test. Alexaxd'r Smith Moderator 
 
 Meeting March 10 th 1772 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst holden at the Meeting Hous 
 on Tuesday the tenth Day of March at Nine of the Clock Forenoon A. D. 1772 
 Come Into the following Votes (viz) 
 
 Voted Alexander Smith Moderator 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman District Clerk 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq Treasurer 
 
 Voted John Dickinson Nath 11 Dickinson Moses Dickinson Ruben Dickinson 
 & John Billings Selectmen 
 
 Voted John Billings John Dickinson Ruben Dickinson Assesers 
 
 Voted to adjurn for the Space of one hour and then to Meat at this place 
 
 Voted Joseph Dickinson Joel Moody Constables 
 
 Voted Eli Parker William Boltwood David Blotchet Joseph Church Surveyors 
 of Highways 
 
 Voted Jonathan Cowles Nath' 1 Coleman Fens Vewers 
 
 Voted Jonathan Moody Jn r John Nash Jn r Dear Rives 
 
 Voted Elijah Baker Daniel Dickinson David Cowles Tything men 
 
 Voted Jacob Warner Jn r Timothey Green Jn r Oliver Clap Robert Emmons 
 Ezerah Roode Hog Rives 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Surveay of Lumber 
 
 Voted Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted to Repare the Heigh ways this year by the Pole 
 
 Voted Elishar Ingram Isaac Goodale Asahel Moody Wardens 
 
 Voted to Let Hogs run well ring, d and yoked sum part of the year 
 
 Voted that Hogs shall run from the fifteenth of May to the tenth of August 
 next Hamperd as above 
 
 Voted to adjurn to the 11" 1 Day of March Currant at Nine of the Clock in the 
 morning then meet at this Place 
 
 Amherst District Meeting by adjurnment on Wednesday the 11 th of March 
 1772 at Nine of the Clock in the morning 
 
 Voted to adjurn to the School hous by Landlord Warners 
 
 Voted to adjurn to the School hous by Landlord Warners 
 
 Voted to adjurn for the space of one hour then to meet at this Place 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 63 
 
 Voted that the Select Men Draw Money out of the Treasurey to Pay for 
 Schooling this year 
 
 Voted to accept of the report of a Com tec Chosen to Lay out a bit of Land to 
 Joseph Church which is as follows 
 
 Amherst March 9 th 1772 
 Att a Legal Meeting on January the 13 th we the Subscribers being Chosen a 
 Com tw to Lay out sum Land to Joseph Church accordingly we have gon and laid 
 it out as follows 
 
 Beginning at the Mill River on the west Side of the way N. then Runing Mt. 
 seven rods & half to a Chesnot Stadel which we Markt H. W then runing south 
 forty rods to a pine Stadel that we marked H W thence Mt. seven rods and half 
 this gives him one acre & seven score rods of Land which we find by the surveyers 
 Plan to be the same in quantity that the town had of him for a highway by us 
 
 Elijah Baker 
 Ebexzar Dickinson Jn r 
 the Vote taken respecting the Dividing of the Distrect into two Districts or 
 parishes was paist in the Negative by a tie of Votes 
 
 Test Alexander Smith Moderator 
 
 Meeting April 21 A D 1772 
 Att a Lagal meeting of the District of Amherst H olden at the Meeting Hous 
 on Tuesday y e twenty first day of april at fore of the Clock afternoon Voted as 
 follows (viz) 
 
 Voted John Billings Moderator 
 
 Voted to accept of the Jurers as they have bin agreed on by the Select Men 
 
 Test. 
 
 Meeting August 17 th . 1772 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Distrect of Amherst holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Monday the 17 th Day of August 1772 at three of the Clock afternoon Voted as 
 follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Josiah Chauncy Esq. Moderator 
 
 Voted To approve the Doings of the Select Men in employing M r Gay Bal- 
 lantine to Keep the Grammar School 
 
 Voted to Improve M r William Guy Ballentine for Six months from his first 
 Entering in the School 
 
 Voted to Chuse a Com ,LC ' to transact the affaire of schooling for the six month 
 mention," 1 above 
 
 Voted that Moses Dickins Lev 1 John Dickinson & John Billings be the Com' 00 
 above 
 
 Voted that the Com Re above Should weight on Mr. William Gay Ballantine & 
 inform him of the Votes of the town as they Stand above &c 
 
 Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
 
 Meeting Aug st 17"' [24?] A d 1772 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Distrect of Amherst holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Monday y e twente of August 1772. 
 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted John Billings Moderator. 
 
 Voted to Take sum further measures for the removal of the Countey Rode 
 through John Billings Lot 
 
64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted to Shew the Courts Com 1 "' that is Coming to vew the County rode 
 through John Billings Lot the Rode Call/ 1 the North rode 
 
 Attest 
 Meeting January y e 18 AD 1773 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst Holden at the Meeting Hous 
 •on Monday y e 1S" 1 Day of January A. D. 1773 at Nine of the Clock in the Morning 
 Voted as follows (viz) * 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to Adjurn to the School hous Near Landlord Fieles 
 
 Voted to accept of the Bills as they have bin Red and Consider/ 1 
 
 Voted to adjurn for the Space of one hour and then Meet at this Place 
 
 Voted that the Assesers be Impowered to Leavey a tax sufficient to Defreay 
 the Debts of the District as they have been paist & also to pay the Rev d David 
 Parsons his Salery as in years paist 
 
 Voted upon the Petition of Peletiah Smith Jn r and Nathan Dickinson for 
 Damages that they Sustain by the Countey rode being Laid across their Land in 
 the third Division to Chews a Com tee to go on the Land and See wheather they 
 Shall have any Damages or Either of them and if any how much and make Report 
 to the NexJ Meeting 
 
 Voted that Moses Dickinson Esq Chauncy and Solomon Boltwood be a Com tec 
 for the Purpus above 
 
 Voted upon the Petition of Simeon Strong Esq. to Cheuse a Com tee to see 
 Wheather M 1 Strong shall have the Liberty of Purchasing a gore of Land before 
 his house as mention in the Warrant (viz) twelve feet wide from Near the Place 
 whear his old Barn formerly stood runing to a point at the west side of his Lot & 
 for what sum and that the}' make report to the Nex Meeting 
 
 Voted Daniel Kellogg, Esq Chauncy. Ins. John Field, be a Com tce for the Pur- 
 pus above &c 
 
 Voted to Raise thirtey five Pounds for the use of schooling in the year 
 Insewing 
 
 Voted that the Assesers be Impower' 1 to rais the money mentioned above for 
 the use of Schooling and give auder for the Same 
 
 Voted that article of providing for more schooling for Small Children in 
 Inglish Schools Shall Be Postponed to March Meeting 
 
 Voted that the Select men Shall waight on Abner Lee for the Performance of 
 his agreement of repairing the Heighway across the Second Division of Lots 
 Near the South End of Amherst till the Laist Day of May Next and if it is not 
 then Repar,' 1 the Select Men Shall auder the Treasurer to Prosecute Abner Lee. 
 
 Attest. Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Meeting March y 8 th AD 1773 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Monday y° 8 th Day of March A D 1773 at Nine of the Clock in the morning 
 
 Voted as follows (viz) Voted John Billings Moderator 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Destrict Clerk 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq. Treasurer 
 
 Voted John Dickinson Moses Dickinson Nath" Dickinson Ebenezer Mattoon 
 Ruben Dickinson Select men 
 
 Voted Ebenezar Mattoon Moses Dickinson Ruben Dickinson Assesers 
 
 Voted Ruben Ingram Simeon Smith Constables 
 

 RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 65 
 
 Voted to Adjurn this Meeting for the Space of one hour and then meet at this 
 place 
 
 Voted Nathan Dickinson, Jonathan Smith, Isaac Hubbard Daniel Dickinson, 
 Martain Kellogg Thomas Hastings Surveyers of highways 
 
 Voted Martain Smith Hezekiah Belding Joseph Church tything Men 
 
 Voted Jonathan Cowles Nath. Coleman fens Vewers 
 
 Voted Elishar Dickinson Elisher Goodale, Aaron Warner Jn r Simeon Elmer 
 Joseph Smith Hogreeves 
 
 Voted Jonathan Dickinson Jn r Jonathan Moody Jn r Deer reeves 
 
 Voted Thomas Hastings Seler of Leather 
 
 Voted that Hogs shall run ring, 3 and yoke, 1 ' according to Law from the Midle 
 of May Next to the first of September Next 
 
 Voted Martain Smith oliver Cowles Philup Ingram Wardens 
 
 Voted to allow five month schooling to Each Quarter of the town in the Insu- 
 ing year in that Part of the year when the Select men Shall Judg most profatable 
 for the Inheabitants 
 
 Voted to adjurn to the School hous Near Landlord Fields hous 
 
 Voted that the Preambulatry of the Line between Hadley & Amherst Lately 
 run by the Selectmen of Hadley and Amherst be accepted as follows (viz) from the 
 bay rode to the W. M. tree Standing at the Soutwest Corner of John Billings Lot 
 and no further: this being the report of the Selectmen as by them returned 
 
 Voted. to Allow Peletiah Smith the Sum of three pounds as reward for the 
 County rode Lately Laid a Cross his Lot in the third Division 
 
 Voted to Allow Nathan Dickinson Jn r , three pounds a[s] a reward for the 
 County Road Laid a Cross his Lot in the third Division. 
 
 Voted to accept of the Report of a Com'"' Chosen to Set of a bit of Land to 
 Simeon Strong Esq. before his dore (viz) beginning twenty feet wide against 
 where his old barn stood riming to a point against his barn as it now Stands Con- 
 taining about Six Rods apprais,' 1 at three shillings 
 
 Voted to Allow Nathen Dickinson Jn r Preserved Clap Provence Rate for the 
 year 177 1 
 
 Attest Johx Billings Moderator 
 
 The Report of the Select Men for a Heighway which is as follows (viz) 
 
 Amherst february y e S ,h 1773 this May inform that we the Subscribers have 
 Laid a town Rode through Peter Smiths Lot whear on his hous Stands (viz) on the 
 South Side Beginning at the East End of Said Lot, Beginning at a Stake and 
 Stones Riming Westerly two hundred & twenty eaight rods west on Said Smiths 
 South Line Said way to be two Rods in width 
 
 Musics Dickinson ") 
 
 L v RirTTMP( , N ! Select Men of 
 
 John Billings i m u r , t 
 
 Nath'll Dickinson Amnerst - 
 
 Ruben Dickinson J 
 the above report of the select men for a Rode Voted 
 
 Attest John Billings Moderator 
 
 The Report of the Select men for a Heighway which is as follows (viz) 
 
 Minutes of a highway Laid out by the Select men of Amherst on the flat hills. 
 
 beginning at a Stake & Stones near the foot of the hill and riming N. 7 cleg 30 miri 
 
 Est 19 rods th[en] N. 22 deg Est 14 rods to a black oak stadle then N 10 deg K'. 
 
 25 rods the N. 33 deg 30 min E'. 24 rods to a black oak tree then X. 26 deg East 12 
 
66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. 
 
 rods & [half] to a Stake, then North 23 rods then N. 13 deg 30 min E*. 2S rods to 
 a heap of Stones, then N : 10 deg wst. 19 rods & 12 Links then N : 3 cleg 30 min 
 W. 22 rods, then N 5 deg 40 min E'. 15 rods to a heap of Stones then North 44 
 rods to Shutesbury road said rode to be four rods in wedth 
 
 P r Simeon Parsons Surveyer 
 
 the Above reporte of the Select men for a Rode Voted 
 
 Attest John - Billings Moderator 
 
 Meeting April y 14" 1 . A D 1773 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Distrect of Amhearst holden at the Meeting Hous 
 on Wednesday the fortsenth Day of April A D 1773 at one of the Clock after 
 Noon Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to be at the Expence of twelve month schooling for gramer schooling 
 in the Winter Ceason 
 
 Voted to Build two Meetinghouses in the Distrect of Amherst 
 
 Voted that Timothey Green Shall have Liberty to fence and Improve all the 
 town way between the front of his lot and the County Rode for the space of two 
 year and then fling it up to Commonage weell seeded to grass 
 
 Voted to Exchange Sum of the Heighway with Noah Dickinson for sum of 
 his Land 
 
 Voted to Chuse a Com"' for the purpus above and that they make Reporte to 
 Sum futer Meeting 
 
 Voted De". Jonathan Edwards Daniel Kellogg and Joseph Church be a Com ,ee 
 for the Purpus above 
 
 The Petition of Sundry of the Inheabitants to be free,' 1 from the Charge of 
 Building two Meeting houses (as has bin Voted above) was Consider,' 1 and Paist in 
 the Negative &c 
 
 Meeting January 3 d : AD 1774 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst Holden at the Meeting Hous 
 on Monday the 3' 1 Day of January 1774 at Nine of the Clock in the Morning and 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to accept of the Bills as they have bin Red and Corrected and that the 
 assesers be impowered to Leavey a tax for raising the Same 
 
 Voted to allow the Re vd David Parsons his Salery as in years paist and that 
 the Assesers Leavey a Tax for Raising the Same 
 
 Voted to Adjurn this Meeting for the Space of one Hour and then to meet at 
 this place 
 
 Voted to Make answer to the Petition of Sundry of the Inheabitats of 
 Amherst and the Citation thereby Sent from the general Court 
 
 * Voted to Choose a Com 1 "' to Draw up said answer and forward the Same to 
 the general Court 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Lev* John Dickinson. Moses Smith Ruben Dickin- 
 son Joseph Williams Eli Parker Ebenezar Dickinson be the Com' 11 ' for the Purpus 
 above 
 
 Voted to Leave the Conduct of the affears for which the Com ,et ' [were] Chosen 
 to be Conducted by them as they Shall think best for the Town 
 
 Voted to Divide the District of Amherst by an East and west line from the 
 Centre of the Meeting House as it now Stands by a Large Majority 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 67 
 
 Voted to Chews a Com ae for the Purpus above 
 
 Voted To refer it to the former Com"' Chosen to make Answer to the Courts 
 Citation 
 
 Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Meeting January 26 th AD 1774 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst H olden at the Meeting Hous 
 on Wetnesday y e 26 th Day of January at Nine of the Clock in y c morning Voted 
 as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to Choose two Agents to Refer a Petition to the General Court to 
 obtain the Division of the Distrect of Amherst as it was voted in the Laist Meeting 
 
 Voted that Moses Dickinson be one of the Agents above 
 
 Voted that Rubin Dickinson be the other 
 
 Voted that these Agents be impower' 1 to Draw Money out of the Treasurey 
 to Defray the Necessary Chardges of S, d Petition 
 
 Voted that the Select Men be Impower 4 to give auder upon the Treasurer to 
 Draw out twelve pound of money for the above S,' 1 Agents to Defray their 
 Necessary Chardges of S, d Petition 
 
 Voted to Authourise two Men to Make answer to the general Courts Citation 
 in Consequence of a Petition of a Number of the Inheabitans of Amherst 
 
 Voted Ruben Dickinson be one of the Agents 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Be the other 
 
 Voted to Chews*-a Com' 1 '' of Corrispondence to Refer with the Com ac of 
 Corrispondance in the Town of Boston 
 
 Voted Ruben Dickinson Joseph Williams Moses Dickinson Jacob McDaniel 
 Nath 11 Dickinson be the Com"* affore S, d 
 
 Voted that the Com"''-' Draw up a Letter for the Com tee of Corrispondance in 
 Boston to Be Red in the Next Meeting 
 
 Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 Meeting March 14"' 1774 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst Holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Monday the 14"' Day of March A D 1774 at Nine of the Clock in the morning 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman District Clerk 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq District Treasurer 
 
 Voted Ruben Dickinson John Dickinson Moses Dickinson Nath" Dickinson 
 Ebenezar Mattoon Selectmen 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson John Dickinson Ruben Dickinson Assesors 
 
 Voted Oliver Cowles John Williams Constables 
 
 Voted Henerey Jonson Frankling Enos Coleman Gideon Dickinson Jn r 
 Edward Smith Tything Men 
 
 Voted To adjurn this Meeting for the Space of one hour and then Meet at 
 this Place 
 
 Voted Abner Adorns Nath" Dickinson 3' 1 Alexan d Smith Nathan Dickinson 
 Jn r Noah Smith Timothey Green Gideon Dickinson Surveyers of Highways 
 
 Voted to Do Heighway Worke this year by the Pole 
 
 Voted that Town Heighways Shall be Put in Repar Equally With the 
 County Rods 
 
 
'68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. 
 
 Voted Asael Moody Martain Kellogg Dearrifs 
 
 Voted Jonathan Cowles Nath" Coleman fens Vewers 
 
 Voted Thomas Hastings Seler of Leather 
 
 Voted Moses Cook Jonathan Moody Jn r John Billings Daniel Church Bar- 
 mabas Sabins Samuel Henery Hogrifs 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Surveyer of Lumber 
 
 Voted Noah Dickinson, Lieut. William Boltwood Isaac Hubbard Wardens 
 
 Voted to allow Samuel goulds Bill for Sweeping the Meeting hous and 
 fastening the Dors (viz) ,£1-0-4 
 
 Voted to Chews a Com' 1 '' to wait upon the Courts Com ,ec that is to Repare to 
 Amherst to Discide the Dispute respecting the Division of Amherst &c 
 
 Voted Ruben Dickinson Moses Dickinson Moses Smith be the Com ,,T above 
 
 Voted to Allow the Com'" above a Reasonable reward for their Cervices 
 
 Voted to Accept of the Letter of Correspondance Drawn up by the Com'" 
 Chosen y" Laist Meeting to Refer with the Com 1 "' of Correspond in Boston as it 
 hath bin Now red 
 
 Voted that the same should be Recorded on y" town book &c 
 
 Att Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Letter of Correspondence 
 
 At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inheabitants of the District of 
 Amherst in the County of Hampshire on Wednesday the 26"' of January Laist. it 
 was Voted that the Letter Receiv' 1 from the Com 1 '" of Correspondance in the town 
 of Boston should be red and Consider,' 1 — whereupon the folrowing gentlemen, vizt. 
 Moses Dickinson Ruben Dickinson, Jacob McDaniel, Nathain 1 Dickinson, & 
 Joseph Williams were Chosen and appointed a Com 1 "' to prepar an answer at their 
 Next Annual Meeting in March when the following was submitted to the Consider- 
 ration of Said District 
 
 To the Respectable Committee of Correspondence in the town of Boston 
 Gent" 
 
 We think it needless to Recapitulate all these grievancses Which we suffer in 
 Common with our opprest Brethren and Neighbors. Sufficient to Say that thowe 
 have been Long silent we are not insensible of the oppressions we suffer and the 
 ruin which threatens us or regardlis of the Diabolical Designs of our Mercenary 
 and Manevolent Enemies Foreign and Domestic and are ready not onley to risque 
 but even to Sacrifice our Lives and Properties in Defence of our just rights & 
 liberties at Present we are only Galled not subdued and think ourselves heapy in 
 having such vigilant and faithfull gardians of our rights in the Metropolis on hoom 
 we Can Depend to Call on us in Season to unite with our suffering Countrymen in 
 the Common Cause of America we hope and beg that you will Still Persevere in 
 that most Honorrble & importent Imployment of watching over us with the Same 
 Care and Fidelity which has hitherto Distinguish,' 1 ec grately Dignified your Char- 
 acters in the Estimation of all who have a just sence of that best of Blessings 
 Liberty & an Equal abhorence of that tame submition which tends to Entail on 
 our Posterrity that worst of Curses Slavery 
 
 Every Avenue to the Royal Ear seems to be blocked up by the gross falsities 
 & Design' 1 Misrepresentations of those from sum of whom at Least we might have 
 Expected better things but there is a King who Cannot be Deceived ec who will 
 not be mocked who has pointed out a never failing resource when Petitions & 
 Remonstances, Truth & justice are unsuccessfully opposed to Tironey and Oppres- 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 69' 
 
 sion falshood & Corruption & when you feel that impulse which will not brook 
 longer Delay, the wisdum of the People will naturally write in the mode of the best 
 Appeal, to which you most Distant Brethren Expect to be summoned unless pre- 
 vent,' 1 by a sudding unexpected & very favourable Chandge of affears. their are 
 whom Justice forbids to live but whom we would spare to Convince the world we 
 Despise their utmost hate & malicious Cunning, the Colonies united are invinciably 
 free & we dout not you are Convinc. d that the Preservation of that union outweighs- 
 every other Consideration and is at Present our most Important Concern, while 
 that is secure we have nothing to fear but may Laugh at all attempts to Enslave us 
 we know of no punishment which Can be Inflicted on those vilens in Exalted 
 Stations adequate to their own reflections & remorse accompany' 1 with our Neglect, 
 Contempt & Detestation but at the same time should think ourselves happier if 
 Everey banefull Noxious weed Could by aney means be Eradicated from this our 
 fair garden of Liberty, we Entirely approve & Concurr with you in every measure 
 hitherto adopted & Conducted & return our gratefull thanks to the People of 
 Boston & the Neighboring towns in a Perticuler manner for the seasonable 
 Indeavours & mandley opposition to prevent the Landing of the East India Com- 
 panys teas which Plan we are Convinc' 1 was artefully Projected to open the gate 
 for the admition of Tyrany & oppression with all their Rapacious followers to Stalk 
 at Large & uncontrol, d to Ravage our fare & Dear bought Possessions. Everey 
 measure which shall appear Conducive to the Publick good we are warranted to 
 asure you will always be approved & support,' 1 by a Large Majorrity in this District 
 and [y?]our Continual Correspondence as Long as you shall think occation requires 
 meet with Due respect & attention we are in behalf of the District very Respect- 
 fully Gent" 1 your oblig' 1 & most h ble , serv ts 
 
 Moses Dickinson "] 
 
 Reuben Dickinson j 
 
 Jacob McDaniel [> Committee 
 
 Xath'll Dickinson j 
 
 Joseph Williams J 
 
 Voted that the above be Recorded and an attes d Copy be Transfer" 1 to the 
 Honourable Com" 1 ' of Correspondance in the town of Boston 
 
 Meeting May 23' 1 1774 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst Holden at the Meeting hous 
 on Monday the 23' 1 Day of May A D 1774 at two of the Clock in the afternoon 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Ruben Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to send Ruben Dickinson as an agent to the general Court to hear the 
 Repourt of the Courts Committee 
 
 Voted that the above said agent shall Conduct the affear as he shall think 
 best for the town 
 
 Voted to furnish the agent with money 
 
 Voted to Impower the Selectmen to Draw out Sevenpound of money for the 
 agent above to Defray his Necessary Chardges 
 
 Voted to Accept of the Jurys as they have bin red &c 
 
 Ruben Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Meeting Sept 20" 1 1774 
 Att a Meeting of District of Amherst on Tuesday y" 20"' of Sept 1774 Voted 
 as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Nath" Dickinson Moderator 
 
70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted to Chose a Com tee of Correspondence as a Standing Com"' 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Joseph Eastman Jacob McDaniel John Dickinson & 
 Nath 11 Dickinson Jn 1 ' be the Com toe affore Said 
 
 Voted to Chose three Deligates to Meet in behalf of the District at North- 
 ampton on y e 22' 1 of Inst Sept. 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Jacob McDaniel &: John Dickinson be the Deligates 
 affore Said &c 
 
 Nath'll Dickinson Moderator 
 Meeting October 3 d 1774 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inheabitants of the District 
 Amherst Qualified by Law to Vote in Town affairs on Monday the third day of 
 October A. D. 1774 Pursuant to the Worrant 
 
 Voted that M r Moses Dickinson be a Moderator to Govern said meeting- 
 Voted Unanimously to Send one Delegate and but one to attend at the Pro- 
 vential Congress at Concord affore Said 
 
 Voted that M 1 ' Nath" Dickinson Jn r be the Person to attend to the Provincial 
 Congress at Concord above Mentioned 
 
 Attest Moses" Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Meeting January 2 a 1775 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of, the District 
 of Amherst Qualified to Vote for a Representative on Monday the second Day of 
 January 1775 at Nine of the Clock in the forenoon Pursuant to a Legal Worrant 
 for that purpose 
 
 Voted that Nath 1 ' Dickinson Jn' he a Moderator to Govern said Meeting 
 
 Voted to Send one Delagate & but one to attend y Provential Congress to 
 be holden at Cambridge on y" first Day of february Next or sooner if Call.' 1 for 
 
 Voted that Nath" Dickinson jun r be the Delegate to attend to the Provential 
 Congress to be holden at Cambridge as affore S, d 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson for moderator. 
 Meeting February 23 d 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the District of Amherst holden at the Meeting hous 
 on thirsday y° twenty third Day of February 1775 at Nine of the Clock in the 
 morning Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to allow M 1 ' Nath 11 Dickinson Jr 3 Bill for going to the two Provential 
 Congresses Paist 
 
 Voted to allow all the Bills as they have bin red & Corrected for the year 
 Paist 
 
 Voted to allow M r Josiah Peirs our Proportional part of his Chardges for 
 going to attend the general Court Laist may Cession 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assesers to Leavey a tax Sufficient to Defray the Bills 
 that have bin red & Corrected & also to Pay the Rev d David Parsons, 5 Salery as in 
 years paist 
 
 Voted to Rais a sum of Money sufficient to pay for the Schooling the Town 
 is indebted for in the year Paist to be Assest in the Next tax 
 
 Voted to Adjurn for the space of one hour and then to Meet at this Place 
 
 Voted to Purchase one Hundred ec fifty weight of Powder & Led & flints 
 answerable 
 
 Voted that the Money for the Payment of the Same be immediately assest 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 7 I 
 
 Voted that all the Provence Money Still Remaining in the hanes of the Con- 
 stables & not Paid to Hearison gray be Paid in to Henry Gardner Esq of Stow 
 
 Voted to Chose a Com tee to Receive the Money of the Constables & Pay it to 
 Henry Gardner Esq of Stow & take his Recp' for the Same 
 
 Voted to Chose five Men as a Com tee for the Purpus above 
 
 Voted that Joseph Eastman Nath" Dickinson Jn r Ebenezar Boltwood Sim- 
 eon Clark & Moses Dickinson be the Com" e above 
 
 Voted that the Constables Shall Pay in all the Provence Monev yet remain- 
 ing in their Hands & not Paid to Hearison Gray, to the Com'"' above Chosen for 
 that Purpus 
 
 Voted that if the Com'"' or Either of them Produce a Recp 1 from Henry 
 Gardner Esq of the Payment of any Part of the Provence tax to him this District 
 will Indemnifi Said Com 1 '-' for such money so paid 
 
 Voted to Chose a Com te who shall Borrow or other wise Procure such Sum or 
 Sumes of money as yet Remain to be Collected by the Constables Chosen by this 
 District for the year 1774 and pay the Money to Henry gardner Esq of Stow 
 
 Voted that Joseph Eastman Nath 11 Dickinson Jn r Ebenezar Boltwood Simeon 
 Clark & Moses Dickinson be the Com"' 1 ' for y'' purpus above 
 
 Voted thatwhen the Constables for the year 1774 have Collected the Provence 
 Tax for said year that they Shall Pay the Same to the above Com tee Chosen for 
 that Purpus 
 
 Voted that if the Constables for y year 1774 Produce a recp' from y Com 1 ' 1 ' or 
 Either of them for the Payment of any part of the Provence Tax to them or 
 Either of them this District will indemnifi ye Sd. Constables for such Money so 
 paid 
 
 Voted that this District will use their Utmost Indeavour to ascist the Constables 
 in Collecting their taxes 
 
 Voted to Chose a Com"' 1 ' of Inspection who shall Exert themselves in Causing 
 the association of the Continental Congress as also a Resolve of the Provincial 
 Congress Pais/ 1 on y" first Day of December laist for Carying into Execution the 
 association to be truly adhear,' 1 to & Executed as also to suppress all Pedlers & 
 Petty Chapmen 
 
 Voted Noah Dickinson Nathan Dickinson Hezekiah Belding Joseph Williams, 
 Isaac Hubbard Ebenez 1 ' Dickinson, Gideon Dickinson John Billings Nath" Dick- 
 inson Jn r be the Com tec above 
 
 Voted to Chose a Com' ei who shall Cary a subscription Paper to the several 
 Pheamileys within this District to give them an opertunity to subscribe such things 
 as they shall Pleas for the Relief of the Poor of Boston &' Charletown and Make 
 Return thereof to March Meeting 
 
 Voted Ebenezor Mattoon Ebenezar Eastman Jonathan Dickinson Jn r Joel 
 Moody Nathan Dickinson jn r be the Com'"' above 
 
 Attest: Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the District 
 of Amherst Qualified to vote in Town affairs on Teusday the twenty eighth Day 
 of March A D 1775 at Nine of the Clock in the forenoon Pursuant to a Legal War- 
 rant for that purpose 
 
 Voted. That Moses Dickinson be a Moderator to govern said meeting 
 
 Voted. That Nath" Dickinson Jn r be the Clerk for this District the ensuing- 
 year 
 
J 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted. That Nath 11 Dickinson Jn r be the Treasurer for this District the ensu- 
 ing year 
 
 Voted. That Moses Dickinson, John Dickinson, Reuben Dickinson, Nath 11 
 Dickinson and Ebenezer Mattoon be the Select men for this District the ensuing 
 year 
 
 Voted. That Joseph Eastman, Nath" Dickinson Jun r and Moses Dickinson 
 be the Assessors for this District the ensuing year 
 
 Voted. That Robert Emmons and James Merrick be the Constables for this 
 District the ensuing year 
 
 Voted. That Timothy Green, Isaac Hubbard, Reuben Dickinson. Henry 
 Franklin, Thomas Bascom, and Jonathan Dickinson Jn 1 ' be surveyors of Heigh- 
 ways the ensuing year 
 
 Voted. Thomas Bascom, Nath" Dickinson 2' 1 , Edward Smith, Joel Billings 
 Elezer Cowls, and Elisha Smith be the Tythingmen for this District the ensuing 
 year 
 
 Voted. That Joseph Dickinson & Eli Parker be Fence viewers for this Dis- 
 trict the ensuing year 
 
 Voted. That Barnabas Edy, Abner Adams, Israel Dickinson, Elezer Cowls, 
 Samuel Boltwood, Gideon Dickinson Jim 1 ' and John Billing Jun r be Hogreaves for 
 this District the ensuing year 
 
 Voted That Thomas Hastings be a sealer of Leather for this District the 
 ensuing year 
 
 Voted. That Elisha Ingraham be added to the Committee appointed to 
 receive and pay the Province monies to Henry Gardner Esq 1 ' 
 
 Voted. That Philip Ingraham be paid the sum of one Pound four Shillings 
 by order of the Select men out of the District Treasury 
 
 Voted. That this District Doth approve of Elisha Ingraham as a Tavern 
 keeper and recommend it to the selectmen that they grant him their approbation 
 
 for the same 
 
 Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst assembled 
 at the meeting hous in S' 1 District on the fourth Day of May 1775— 
 
 Voted. John Billings Moderator 
 
 Voted. To choose a Committee to provide Stores for the support of the Army 
 collected at Cambridge & Towns around 
 
 Voted. M r McDaniell, Simeon Smith, John Billings, Daniel Kellogg, Alexan- 
 der Smith be a Com' 01 ' for that Purpose 
 
 Voted. That the Committee chosen act Discretionary in providing stores 
 
 Attest John Billings Moderator 
 
 Voted. Upon the general clause in the Warrant Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
 The Town enters into the examination of M r Josiah Chauncey 
 
 Voted. Not satisfied with his answer to the charge laid against him 
 
 Voted. That s' 1 Chauncey should Burn all his Commissions he had ever 
 received from the King, and also commit his Fire arms into the hands of the 
 Select men of the District 
 
 Voted. To Adjourn the meeting to the s d meeting house untill Teusday the 
 ninth Day of May Current at one of the Clock in the Afternoon 
 
 Voted. Not satisfied with the answer given by John Nash to the charge made 
 against him 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 73 
 
 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst Pursuant to 
 Adjournment on Teusday the Ninth Day of May at one of the Clock in the after- 
 noon 
 
 Voted, that John Nash should Destroy his Commission received from Author- 
 ity that then they would be satisfied 
 
 Voted. That the Arms of Josiah Chauncey should be returned to him 
 
 Attest Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
 Att a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the District of 
 Amherst Qualified to vote for a Representative on Wednesday the twenty fourth 
 of May 1775 at four of the Clock in the Afternoon Pursuant to a Legal Warrant 
 for that purpose 
 
 Voted. To choose one Delegate to attend the Provincial Congress to be 
 holden at Watertown on the thirty first instant 
 
 Voted. That said Delegate be chosen by hand vote 
 
 Voted. That Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r be the Delegate to attend the Congress 
 to be holden at Watertown on the thirty first of this Instant May , 
 
 Voted. That the selectmen Borrow the sum of Six Pounds to Defray the 
 expence of said Delegate unless paid him by the Constables before he attends the 
 Congress 
 
 Voted. That the Committee of Correspondence & Inspection heretofore 
 chosen continue in their offices 
 
 Voted. That said Committees act accordingly to the Directions of Congress. 
 
 Moses Dickinson } Select men 
 Attest John Dickinson of the District 
 
 Nath'll Dickinson ) of Amherst 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inheabitants of the District of Amherst Qualified 
 to Vote for a Representative on the tenth Day of July 1775 Pursuant to a Legal 
 warrant for that purpose 
 
 Voted. To choose one Representative and but one to attend at the General 
 Assembly to be holden at Watertown on the Nineteenth Current 
 
 Voted. That M 1 ' Moses Dickinson be the Representative to attend the Assem- 
 bly abovesaid 
 
 John Dickinson ) Select men 
 
 Attest ; of the District 
 
 Nath'll Dickinson ) of Amherst 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst Qualified 
 to vote in Town affairs on thursday August the tenth 1775 
 
 Voted Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
 Voted — To choose a Committee to go to M r Parsons & Desire him to attend 
 the meeting 
 
 Voted — That John Dickinson, Nath" Dickinson & John Billings be the 
 Committee 
 
 Voted. To suspend any further proceeding respecting the Rev' 1 David Par- 
 sons for the present 
 
 Voted — That Simeon Smith. Thomas Hastings. & D u Simeon Clarke be added 
 to the Commitee of Correspondence 
 
 Attest Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
RECORDS OF 
 
 Town of Amherst, Mass. 
 
 1776-186^. 
 
 [Henceforward in the records of Amherst is always spoken of as a town. 
 Legally, however, it did not become a town until the Act of March 23, 1786.] 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst (Qualified to 
 vote in town affairs) on Wednesday the twenty fourth Day of January AD 1776 at 
 Nine O'Clock in the forenoon Pursuant to a Legal warrant for that purpose 
 
 Voted. Moses Dickinson Esq r Moderator 
 
 Voted — To allow the Bills that have been read 
 
 Voted. To empower the Assessors to Assess a sum on the Inhabitants of 
 this town sufficient to pay the Bills that have been read as also twenty six Bounds 
 to support schooling and the Rev d David Barsons's salary 
 
 Voted — To Grant a sum of money for the support of schooling 
 
 Voted — That twenty six Bounds be granted for the support of schooling 
 
 Voted. To choose a Committee of Correspondence 
 
 Voted— that the said Committee consist of seven 
 
 Voted. That Capt n Reuben Dickinson, Leiv* Simeon Smith, Moses Dickin- 
 son Esq Leiv' Elijah Baker, Simon Fobes. Ebenezer Mattoon and Martin Kellogg 
 be the said Committee 
 
 Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst on Monday 
 the twenty fifth Day of March, 1776 
 
 Vot cl Moses Dickinson Esq r Moderator 
 
 Vot d Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r Town Clerk 
 
 Vot d Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r Town Treasurer 
 
 Vot' 1 Joseph Eastman, Joseph Williams, Moses Dickinson Esq r L l Simeon 
 Smith, Simeon Dickinson selectmen 
 
 Voted. Moses Dickinson Esq 1 ' Joseph Eastman Nath 11 Dickinson Jun v 
 Assessors 
 
 Voted — Martin Smith, & Lemuel Moody Constables 
 
 *February 13, 17J9 the second precinct of Hadley became the district of Amherst and on March 
 22, 1786, the district became legally the Town of Amherst. 
 

 RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 75 
 
 Voted Daniel Kellogg. Jonathan Smith, Josiah Warner, David Smith, L' John 
 Dickinson, Joel Billings. Surveyors of Highways — Voted Thomas Hastings Sealer 
 of Leather — Voted. Joseph Dickinson, Nath 11 Coleman Fence Viewers — Voted — 
 Elisha Ingram, Jonathan Dickinson Jun r James Merrick John Nash, Elisha Smith, 
 Tythingmen — Vot d Henry Franklin, Ebenezer Boltwood, Zacheriah Hawley, 
 Elezer Cowls, John Lee, Joseph Peck, Hogreeves. 
 
 Vot' 1 Jacob McDaniell, Noah Dickinson. Noah Smith. Wardens. 
 
 Voted. To Choose Nine men for a Committee of Correspondence 
 
 Voted. That Moses Dickinson Esq r Elijah Baker. Cap' Reuben Dickinson 
 Nath" Dickinson Jun r James Merrick, L' Simeon Smith, Joseph Eastman John 
 Billing, Ebenezer Dickinson be the Committe of Correspondence 
 
 Voted — That Hogs Yoked & rung according to Law be allowed to run in the 
 Commons from the middle of May to the middle of August — Voted — To raise a 
 sum of money to repair the highways — Vot d — To raise Sixty Pounds to repair the 
 Heighways — Voted — To allow two shillings and eight Pence per Day for work in 
 summer and two shillings P r Day for work in fall 
 
 Voted — That the Assessors proceed by the Laist List to make the Assessment 
 
 Voted — That the Assessors be empowered to assess the Sum of Sixty Pounds 
 to repair the Heighways — Vot' 1 — That Samuel Henry have Leave to take earth 
 from under the meeting-house to make Salt Petre 
 
 Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst 
 Qualified to vote for a Representative May the 22''. 1776 
 
 Voted — M r John Billing a Representative the ensuing year 
 
 Moses Dickinson i Select men 
 Attest Joseph Williams [ of 
 
 Simeon Dickinson ) Amherst 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst June 13" 1 1776 
 
 Voted Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
 Voted Nath 11 Dickinson Jun 1 ' to take Recognizances of Debts 
 
 Voted — That should the Honourable Congress, for the safety of the united 
 Colonies in America: Declare them Independant of the Kingdom of Great- 
 Britain; We the Inhabitants of the town of Amherst solemnly engage with our 
 lives and fortunes to support them in the measure — And that this Resolve be trans- 
 mited to our Representative in General Assemby as instructons to him 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst (qualified to 
 vote in town affairs) the 20" 1 Day of January 1777 
 Vot' 1 Joseph Williams Moderator 
 
 Vot' 1 two Shillings per day for work Done at Bridges in the fall & Spring 
 Vot 1 two Shilling & eight pence p r Day for work Done at Bridges in Summer 
 Vot' 1 Seven Shillings & Six Pence per Hundred for two inch Oak Plank 
 Vot' 1 To allow the Bills as read and corrected 
 
 Voted. To Grant twenty five pounds to procure a town Stock of Ammunition 
 Voted. To Grant thirty pounds to pay for Schooling 
 Vot' 1 to adjourn till tomorrow at twelve O'Clock 
 At a meeting pursuant to the above adjournment 
 
76 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Vot' 1 To empower the Assessors to Assess a Sum on the Inhabitants of this 
 town which shall be sufficient to pay the Bills that have been read & accepted 
 
 Vot' 1 To empower the Assessors to Assess a sum on the Inhabitants of this 
 town which shall be sufficient to pay the Rev' 1 David Parsons his salary untill the 
 annual meeting of the Inhabitants of this town in March next 
 
 Vot' 1 to improve English Schoolmasters only — Vot' 1 — That the conduct of the 
 Rev' 1 David Parsons is not friendly with regard to the Common Cause 
 
 Vot' 1 To Choose a Committee to inform M r I 'arsons of the preceeding vote 
 
 Vot' 1 That D" Clarke, D u Edwards, Joseph Williams, Moses Dickinson Esq r 
 and Elijah baker be the Committee 
 
 Vot' 1 That the Treasurer be Directed to Collect the money Due to the town 
 to procure a town stock of Ammunition 
 
 Attest Joseph Williams Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst March 24 lh 1777 
 
 Voted. Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
 Voted Nath 1 Dickinson JuiT Town Clerk and Town Treasurer 
 
 Voted, Moses Dickinson Esq 1 ", John Billing, Capt Reuben Dickinson Elijah 
 Baker. Joseph Williams Select-men 
 
 Vot' 1 Moses Dickinson Esq 1 ' John Billing, Nath 1 Dickinson Jun r Assesors. 
 
 Voted. John Billing, Cap 1 Reuben Dickinson, Elijah Baker, Nat 1 Dickinson 
 Jun James Merrick, Joseph Williams, Joseph Dickinson be the Committee of Cor- 
 respondence Inspection & Safety 
 
 Voted, Martin Kellogg and Moses Dickinson Jun 1 ' Constables 
 
 Voted, Henry J. Franklin, Eben' Eastman, Ezra Rood, Timothy Green Jun r 
 David Blodgett, D" Simeon Clarke Surveyors of Highways 
 
 Voted, Oliver Cowls, Chiliab Smith. Enos Coleman, Elijah Hastings Tything- 
 men 
 
 Voted, Eben'' Mattoon, Elisha Ingram. Simeon Dickinson, Edward Smith 
 Reuben Ingram Wardens. — Voted Simeon Peck Jun' Elihu Hubbard Nath 1 Dick- 
 inson 2' 1 Ezra Rood, Isaac Goodale Jun r Hogreeves 
 
 Vot' 1 Joseph Dickinson, Enos Coleman Fence Viewers— Vot' 1 L< Thomas 
 Hastings Sealer of Leather— Vot d Joseph Church Surveyor of Lumber 
 
 Voted, to adjourn to Wednesday next one O'clock Afternoon— At a meeting 
 pursuant to the above adjournment. Voted, to repair the Highways by a rate — 
 
 Voted, To Grant forty Pounds in addition to what was not expended of the 
 last highway rate for the repair of ways the present year — Voted— To allow two 
 shillings & eight pence for work in summer and two shillings for work in the fall 
 
 Voted— That if any Person refuse to work his proportion of the Assessment for 
 
 the repair of Heighways, the Assessors be empowered to issue their Warrant to 
 the Surveyor to Collect the money of such Delinquent. Vot' 1 to empower the 
 Assessors to Assess the sum of forty pound on the inhabitants of this town to 
 repair the publick roads— Voted That the surveyors first call upon those to work 
 who Did not Pay the whole of the last Assessment for the repair of Highways 
 
 Attest Joseph Eastman Moderator 
 
 At a Town Meeting Holden at Amherst the 21" 1 Day of April 1777 Capt Eli 
 Parker Chosen Moderator — 
 
 Voted— To accept the Nomination made by the Select men of Amherst for 
 filling the Juror Poxes for the Superior & Inferior Courts 
 
 Attest Eli Parker Moderator 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 77 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst holden there on the 26 th 
 Day of June 1777 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Esq 1 ' Moderator — Voted Eben r Mattoon, Joseph 
 Williams, Henry J. Franklin. Jonathan Dickinson Jun', & Hezekiah Belding be a 
 Committee to prosecute Breaches of the regulating Act 
 
 Voted. To Adjourn this meeting to Monday ye 7"' Day of July next at 4 
 o'Clock P. M. 
 
 July 7 th Being met according to Adjournment the Selectmen exhibited to the 
 Town a List of the Names of Such Persons as they supposed to be Inimical to the 
 Interest of the United States (viz) L* John Field, Eben 1 ' Boltwood, Isaac Goodale, 
 William Boltwood 
 
 Voted To Adjourn this meeting to tuesday y' 15" 1 Day of July next at 1 
 'oClock afternoon July 15 th . Being met according to Adjournment. Voted that 
 L 1 John Field's name be erased from the list laid before the town by the Selectmen 
 — Voted. To reconsider the last preceeding vote— Voted. Elijah Baker procure 
 and lay before the Court the Evidence that may be had against the Persons thought 
 Inimical by the town — Voted. To Adjourn this meeting to Teusday the 12"' Day 
 of August next at FoClock afternoon 
 
 August 12" 1 being met according to Adjournment 
 Voted — that L' John Field's Name be struck out of the List 
 Voted that Eben r Boltwood's Name be struck out of the list 
 Voted — that Isaac Goodale's Name be struck out of the list 
 Voted — that William Boltwood's Name struck out of the list 
 
 Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst January y' ; 12" 1 177S 
 
 Voted — Cap' Reuben Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted to accept the Bills as read and corrected 
 
 Voted — That the Assessors be empowered to Assess a sum of money on the 
 Inhabitants of this town sufficient to pay the Bills that are accepted as also to Pay 
 M r Parsons his Salary for the year past and to pay what was not paid him for his 
 Salary ending with April 1777 
 
 Voted. To allow twelve shillings P r Hundred feet of two inch oak plank 
 
 Voted. To Grant fifty pounds to support the schools 
 
 Voted — that the Assessors make the town rate by the last list taken 
 
 Attest Reuben Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst March y n" 1 1778 
 
 Voted M r John Billings Moderator — Voted. To consider the second Article 
 in the Warrant — Voted — That Persons not owning Independance on the Crown of 
 Great Britain agreeable to the Declaration of Congress shall not vote — Voted. 
 Nath 1 Dickinson Jun r Town Clerk and town Treasurer — Voted. Moses Dickinson 
 Esq r Joseph Williams, Cap' Ruben Dickinson Elijah Baker, John Billing Select 
 men — Voted. John Billing, Elijah Baker Moses Dickinson Esq r Assessors — Voted 
 — Joseph Williams, Cap' Reuben Dickinson, Elijah Baker, Joseph Dickinson, 
 Josiah Warner. L' Eben'' Matoon, John Billing Committee of Correspondence &c. 
 
 Voted. David Blodget & Henry J. Franklin Constables 
 
 Voted. Stephen Smith, Waitstill Dickinson. Simeon Peck, Daniel Kellogg 
 Jun r Noah Smith, Ezra Rood Surveyors of Highways 
 
78 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted — Oliver Clapp, Joseph Dickinson, Joel Moody, Simeon Peck Tything- 
 men — Voted L' Thomas Hastings Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted John Ingram, James Hendrick, Deer reeves 
 
 Voted — Noadiah Smith, Enos Cowls, Elijah Baker Jun r Azariah Dickinson 2 d 
 Simeon Peck Jun r Paul Newton, Aaron Dickinson Hogreeves 
 
 Voted — Timothy Green, Eben r Mattoon Fence viewers 
 
 Voted, that the Select men proportion the money Due on the Highway rate 
 to the surveyors for the present year 
 
 Attest John Billing Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Amherst November 
 14'" 1777 
 
 Voted Mr. John Billing Moderator. 
 
 Voted to Grant fifty Pounds for the purpose of maintaining schools the cur- 
 rent year 
 
 Attest John Billing Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 26" 1 
 1778 ^ 
 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Esq r Moderator 
 
 Voted Enos Dickinson Constable 
 
 Voted. To release Lemuel Moodey from collecting the whole of the rates 
 assessed on Oliver Smith for the year 1776— Voted — To reimburse to Lemuel 
 Moodey the sum of four Dollars for a Counterfeit Bill received by him in part for 
 a rate collected by him — Voted — To allow six shillings P r Day for work Done at 
 Heighways the preceeding year— Voted to adjourn to thursday the 16"' Day of 
 April next at Nine o'clock forenoon 
 
 April 16" 1 177S. Then being met according to adjournment — Voted — To 
 Choose a Committee to seat the meeting house ; That said Committee Consist of 
 seven: That Elijah Baker L' Tho s Hastings Cap 1 Reuben Dickinson Cap'. Eli 
 Parker John Billing, Jonath" Dickinson Jun r and Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r be the 
 Committee aforesaid— Voted— That the Committee proceed according to Age, 
 Estate & Qualifications. 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Amherst April 30" 1 1778 
 Voted Moses Dickinson Esq r Moderator — Voted To except of the Nomination 
 made by the Select men for Jurymen — Voted— That swine Yoked & ring 1 accord- 
 ing to Law be allowed to run at large -Voted, to Leave it to the Select men of 
 Amherst to agree with the Select men of Leverett for the settlement of the Line 
 Between Amherst & Leverett by leaving it to indifferent men from the Neigh- 
 bouring Towns 
 
 Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst September 4"' 177S 
 
 Voted Elijah Baker Moderator — 
 
 Voted Isaac Hubbard and Nath 1 ' Dickinson 2' 1 Collectors of Taxes — 
 
 Voted. That the Select men Prosecute an Appeal from a Judgment of the 
 Inferior Court in favour of Simeon Strong against David Blodget — and prefer a 
 Petition to the General Assembly respecting the same 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 79 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Nov r 5th 
 1778 
 
 Voted John Billing .Moderator. — Voted. To Grant one hundred pounds for 
 the use and maintenance of schools — Voted — That the Persons who send scholars 
 shall provide wood for the schools — Voted — That the Selectmen be empowered to 
 Draw money out of the town treasury to Defray the expence they have been at or 
 may be at in Defending a suit brought against David Blodget by M r Simeon 
 Strong — 
 
 Voted — That the Town is Desirous to have a new Constitution formed — Voted 
 — That the Committee of Correspondence &c of this Town confer with the Com- 
 mittees of the Neighbouring Towns respecting calling a County Convention to 
 consider some method to procure a Constitution 
 
 Attest John Billing Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Nov 1 " 1778 
 Voted Elijah Baker Moderator — Voted that the Select men build a House 
 for the LTse of the Poor of this Town of such bigness and in such place as they 
 shall Judge fit — Voted — That a school be kept three months at the North School 
 house also three months in the west Street in the Northern part of the Town the 
 ensuing winter — 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Dec r 28 ,h 1778 
 Voted M r John Billing Moderator — Voted — To give fifteen shillings P r Day 
 for work Done in the summer season — Voted — To give twelve shillings P r Day for 
 work Done in the fall season — Voted — To give Seven Dollars P 1 ' Hundred feet of 
 Oak Plank — Voted — To allow the Assessors three Dollars P 1 ' Day for making 
 rates — Voted — An addition of five shillings P r Day to the Assessors for taking the 
 valuation List — Voted — to Allow the Bills as read & corrected — Voted — To 
 empower the Assessors to assess a sum on the Inhabitants of this town sufficient 
 to pay the Debts allowed, and the Rev' 1 David Parsons his yearly Salary — Voted — ■ 
 To Grant the" sum of One hundred & sixty six pounds for the maintenance of 
 schools and to empower the Assessors to Assess the same on the Inhabitants of 
 this town — Voted — To choose a Committee to take some measures for Annexing 
 the first Division of Inner Commons in the Town of Hadley to the town of 
 Amherst — Voted — That Nath 11 Dickinson Jun d Joseph Eastman and Capt Parker 
 be the Committee — and report their Doings at the next meeting — Voted — To 
 empower the Selectmen to Draw eighteen pounds out of the Town Treasury to 
 Defrays charges in the Town — Voted — That the Select men Draw fifteen pounds 
 out of the Treasury for charges arisen in said town 
 
 Attest John Billing Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 7 th 
 
 1779 
 
 Voted — Elijah Baker Moderator-^-Voted — That the money raised for the use 
 of Schooling in the North part of this Town be expended in the North School 
 house — Voted — To hear the Petition of Joseph Boles and choose a Committee to 
 view the Land petitioned for by him and report at the next town meeting — Voted — 
 Cap 1 Dickinson, Joseph Eastman, Hezekiah Belding a' Committee for the purpose 
 above mentioned — Voted — That Capt Dickinson go to Hadley and examine the 
 
So HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 records concerning the Grant of the Priviledges of the stream near Clarkes mill 
 to certain Persons and make report at next March meeting — Voted — To adjourn 
 the present meeting to Thursday next at one O'Clock afternoon to meet at the 
 meeting house — Being met according to Adjournment — Voted — To ratify all votes 
 passed at a meeting on the twenty eighth Day of December 1778 — Voted — That 
 Eben 1 ' Mattoon be added to a Committee on Joseph Boles's petition 
 
 On the report of Capt Dickinson — Voted — That the Town of Amherst hath a 
 right to the Stream and Privileges on Fort River where Clarke's and other Mills 
 now stand 
 
 Attest Elijah Baker Moderator 
 
 Joseph Eastman's Mark for Cattle and Sheep is — a Crop on the Near ear and 
 a Slit on the top of the off ear — 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Amherst March 8"' 1779 
 Voted — Joseph Williams Moderator- -Voted Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r Clerk & 
 Treasurer — Voted — To Adjourn for the space of one hour — Met according to 
 adjournment — Voted — James Merrick, Nath" Dickinson jun r , Joseph Dickinson, 
 Josiah Warner L' Eben'' Mattoon jun r Select men — Voted — Nath 11 Dickinson jun 1 ' 
 James Merrick D" Simeon Clarke Assessors — Voted — Isaac Hubbard & John Pet- 
 tis Constables — Voted — Maj r Nath 11 Peck, Timothy Green, Henry J. Franklin 
 Gideon Handerson L* Eben 1 Mattoon Committee of Correspondence &c — Voted — 
 Stephen Cole, Ezra Rood, Oliver Cowls, Thomas Bascom, Thomas Hastings Jun r 
 Surveyors of Highways — Voted — Elisha Smith, Alex r Smith Jonathan Dickinson 
 Jun 1 " Simeon Clarke Jun 1 ' Tythingmen — Voted — Nath" Dickinson Jun r Ebenezer 
 Mattoon Jun r Waitstill Dickinson, JoA Billing, Thomas Bascom, Simeon Elmore, 
 Isaac Marshall, Hogreeves — Voted — Joel Moody & Martin Kellogg Deer reeves — 
 Voted — L" Thomas Hastings Sealer of Leather — Voted — Oliver Cowls and Timo- 
 thy Green fence viewers — Voted— Oliver Clapp Collector of Taxes — Voted — That 
 the Surveyors of highways call on people to work at highways and lay their 
 accounts before the Town at their meeting in January next for allowance — Voted — 
 To adjourn to Monday next at one O'Clock afternoon — Met according to adjourn- 
 ment — Voted — To Choose a Committee to write to the Town of Hadley respect- 
 ing annexing a certain Tract of Land (Lying in Hadley and adjoining to the town 
 of Amherst) to the Town of Amherst — Voted — Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r L 1 Eben 1 ' 
 Mattoon Jun 1 Maj 1 ' Nath 11 Peck be the Committee — Voted — That said Committee 
 be Directed to inform the Town of Hadley that in case the whole of one Division 
 of Lots lying in Hadley and adjoining to the town of Amherst and being North of 
 D" Clarkes South Line is annexed to the Town of Amherst the town of Amherst 
 will maintain all roads and Bridges within the bounds of S d Land — Voted — That 
 the Committee heretofore chosen to view the Land petitioned for by Joseph Boles 
 be Directed to consider the matter further and report at the next meeting — Voted 
 — D" Simeon Clarke, Elijah Baker & Gideon Handerson be a Committee to view 
 the Land Petitioned for by Capt Eli Parker and make report at the next meeting 
 — Voted — That Joseph Eastman, Maj r Nath 11 Peck, L 1 John Dickinson be appointed 
 to prosecute all Breaches of the Act to prevent Monopoly and Forestalling — Voted 
 — To Build a house for the Poor of the Town of the same Bigness as the founda- 
 tion already laid for that purpose near Clarkes mill — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 8 1 
 
 Voted— To set said House in Cowls Lane so called— Voted— Hezekiah Beld- 
 Ing. Eben 1 ' Dickinson, Jonathan Dickinson Jun r Cap 1 Eli Parker and Elijah Baker 
 be a Committee to build said house— Voted— That the Select men be Directed to 
 procure a sum of money on Interest or otherwise to pay Maj r Nath" Peck for 
 Boarding" Moses Hawley & wife according to the Agreement of former Select men 
 — Voted— That the Select men be Directed to procure money on Interest and agree 
 with and Pay Simeon Peck for Boarding Eunice Hawley 
 
 Joseph Williams Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 29"' 
 
 1779 
 
 Voted— Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 ' Moderator— Voted — Waitstill Dickinson & 
 Oliver Clapp Constables— Voted— Simeon Dickinson and John Ingram Surveyors 
 of Highways— Voted— To Grant the sum of three Hundred Pounds for the support 
 of the Poor of the town and replace money taken out of the Treasury and that 
 the assessors be empowered to assess the same on the Inhabitants of this Town — 
 
 Voted — To Discontinue the Highway two rods in width in front of Cap' Par- 
 kers Barn and from thence running Northerly & Southerly on an Angle to the east 
 side of the Heighway so far as to contain twenty rods of ground; and grant the 
 same to Cap 1 Eli Parker— Voted— To Discontinue the Highway where Joseph 
 Boles's tan yard now is three yards in width and six rods in length and grant the 
 same to Joseph Boles he paying the value of the same — Voted — To Discontinue a . 
 part of the Highway at the east end of Eben 1 ' Mattoons Lot four rods in width and 
 sixteen rods in length and grant the same to Joseph Boles he paying the value 
 thereof 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May 17"' 1779 
 Voted. That they chuse at this time to have a new Constitution or Form of 
 Government made — Voted — That they will impower their Representative for the 
 next year to vote for the calling a State Convention for the sole purpose of form- 
 ing a new Constitution 
 
 Voted — To accept the List of Persons to serve as Petit Jurors laid before the 
 town by the Select men 
 
 Attest Ebcn'r Mattoon Jun'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst July 12" 1 1779 
 
 Voted Nath 11 Dickinson Jun 1 ' Moderator After the Due Consideration of the 
 
 Proceedings of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston — M 1 ' Eben r Mattoon Jun 1 ' 
 
 was chosen to represent this Town in a State Convention to be holden at Concord 
 
 the 14" 1 instant 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson* Jun'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst August 9" 1 
 
 1779 
 
 Voted. L 1 Eben 1 ' Mattoon Jun 1 Moderator — Voted — To chuse a Committee to 
 consider the Doings of a State Convention Begun and held a Concord on the 14'' 1 
 Day of July last. Said Committee to report to this meeting at the time to which 
 it shall Adjourn — Voted — Cap' Reuben Dickinson, Elijah Baker, John Billing, 
 
82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Moses Dickinson Esq r Gideon Handerson, Hezekiah Belding & Nath 1 ' Dickinson 
 Jun r be the Committee aforesaid — Voted — That John Billing, D" Simeon Clarke 
 Cap' Eli Parker, Joseph Eastman. Eben r Alattcon be a Committee to Converse 
 with the Rev' 1 David Parsons respecting a settlement with him for all monies Due 
 to him from this town on or before the first Day of May 1779 said Committee to 
 report to this meeting at the time to which it shall adjourn— Voted. To Grant 
 L' Eben r Mattoon Jun r forty Pounds for his expence and service in attending a 
 State Convention at Concord on the 14" 1 Day of July last — Voted. To Adjourn to 
 Teusday the 17"' Instant at 3 O'Clock afternoon • 
 
 August 17" 1 1779 Being met according to Adjournment — Voted — That Elijah 
 Baker be appointed to carry on the Suit commenced against David Blodget by 
 Simeon Strong — Voted, That the Treasurer be Directed to Tender to AP Par- 
 sons the Nominal Sum Due to him for Salary 
 
 Attest Eben'r Mattoon Jx'r Moderator 
 
 At A Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst October 21 st 
 1779 
 
 Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r being appointed Moderator — Voted — To Grant the sum 
 of four hundred and thirty four pounds ten shillings to replace money taken out of 
 the Treasury to Pay Bounties & Mileage to soldiers and that the Assessors be 
 Directed to assess the same and order it Paid into the Treasury immediately — 
 Voted — To Chuse a Committee of Nine to Determine how many Schools shall be 
 kept in Town the present year and at what places— voted. That Nath 11 Dickinson 
 Jun' James Merrick Josiah Warner D" Clarke Moses Dickinson Esq r Cap' Reuben 
 Dickinson L' Hastings be the Committee afores' 1 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 3 d 
 1780 
 
 Voted. L< Eben r Mattoon Moderator- 
 Voted to Adjourn to the house of Elisha Ingram — Voted — To Adjourn the 
 meeting to thursday the 6 th instant at 12 O'clock in the morning then to meet at 
 the meeting-house: Being met according to Adjournment — Voted — To adjourn to 
 the house of Elisha Ingram — Voted To allow two shillings and six pence p 1 ' Day 
 for work Done at Highways in summer and two shillings p 1 Day for work Done at 
 Highways in the fall and spring the said sums to be Doubled twenty four for one, 
 Also to allow twenty four for one for all Debts examined and accepted by the Town 
 — Voted — That the Selectmen settle with Aaron Warner for sounding the Conque 
 and sweeping the meeting house — Voted — To Allow the Debts as read and cor- 
 rected — Voted — To adjourn to thursday next at Nine O'clock in the morning to 
 meet at the meeting house 
 
 Being met according to Adjournment voted to adjourn to the house of Maj r 
 Wales — Voted — To Grant the sum of fourteen hundred Pounds for supporting 
 schools — The Committee heretofore appointed to Determine how many schools 
 shall be kept in the Town of Amherst and at what places. Report as follows (viz) 
 That there be six schools kept in said Town, that is to say, one in the west street 
 in the Northern part of the town: one in the street leading from Ezra Roods to 
 Andrew Kimbals : one at each school house in or near the Middle of the town; 
 one in the west street at the southern part of the town : one in the school house at 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 83 
 
 the southern part of the Town. — Whereupon voted — To accept the report of said 
 Committee with this alteration that the school ordered to be kept in the street lead- 
 ing from Ezra Rood's to Andrew Kimbal's be kept at Samuel Henry's the present 
 year — Voted — That the Assessors be empowered to Assess a sum on the Inhabitants- 
 of this Town sufficient to pay the Debts allowed and M r Parsons his usual salary 
 and fourteen hundred pounds for the support of schools — Voted — That there be 
 eighteen months schooling in town the present year — Voted — That U John Dick- 
 inson. Moses Dickinson Esq. and Timothy Green be a Committee to view the Land 
 petitioned for by Daniel Church and report at March meeting — Voted to allow the 
 Constables for Counterfeit money — Voted — That Gideon Dickinson, John Billing, 
 Cap 1 Eli Parker James Merrick and Eben r Mattoon be a Committee to Confer with 
 the Rev' 1 David Parsons respecting a settlement with him for the monies Due to 
 him from the town. 
 
 Attest Ebex'r Mattoon Jun'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 13 th 
 1780 
 
 Voted — M r John Billing Moderator — Voted — That the Select men Prefer a 
 Petition to the General Court praying that the time appointed for the payment of 
 the Tax last granted by said Court may be postponed two months — Voted — That 
 M r Abraham Hill be prohibited from Preaching in this Town in future and that 
 Cap" Dickinson. Nath" Dickinson Jn r & James Merrick be a Committee to write to 
 him concerning the matter 
 
 Attest 
 
 Nathan Dickinson Jun r his Mark for Cattle and Sheep 
 
 A Crop of from the off Ear two half Penny's on the same ear one on the upper 
 the other on the under side 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 30" 1 1780 
 Alexander Smith chosen Moderator, the following votes passed 
 Voted. Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 ' Town Clerk and Town Treasurer — voted — 
 Cap' Eli Parker. L' Tho 3 Hastings. Alexander Smith, Jonathan Dickinson and 
 Martin Kellogg. Select-men— voted — Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 ' Hezekiah Belding and 
 Elisha Smith Assessors — voted- -Timothy Green Jun 1 ' Thomas Bascom and Eben- 
 ezer Dickinson 2' 1 Constables — voted — Gideon Dickinson, Ezra Rood Nathan 
 Dickinson Jun r John Field Jun r Enos Coleman and Joel Moody, Surveyors — voted 
 — Samuel Hastings, Hezekiah Belding. John Morton Jn 1 — Elijah Hastings, Isaac 
 Goodale and Jonathan Smith, Tithingmen — voted — Oliver Cowls and Enos Cole- 
 man, Fence viewers — voted — John Morton Jn r and Elisha Smith Sealers of Leather 
 — voted — Joseph Church Surveyor of Lumber — voted — Tho s Hastings Jn r & Noah 
 Smith Deer reeves — voted — Israel Dickinson Zacheriah Hawley. Simeon Cowls. 
 Moses Warner, Benjamin Smith Hogreeves — Voted — That the Surveyors lay an 
 account before the Town at their meeting in January next for allowance of all 
 work Done in their respective Districts, and that there be allowed to those Persons 
 who shall work at Highways the Common price of labor at the time they shall work 
 — voteel — To Pay M r David Parsons three salaries (which will be Due to him the 
 first Day of May next) in Silver together with the interest and that the Assessors 
 assess the same seperate from all other Taxes — voted — Cap 1 Eli Parker, Gideon 
 
84 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 Dickinson & Hezekiah Belding be a Committee to view the Land petitioned for by 
 Zacheriah Hawley and report to the next meeting — voted — Moses Dickinson Esq 
 Nath" Coleman and Asahel Moody be a Committee to view the land petitionedfor 
 by Aaron Warner and report to the next meeting' — voted — That the Committee 
 appointed to view the Land petitioned for by Daniel Church report to the next 
 meeting — Voted — To Grant Maj r Nath" Peck his part of the schoolmoney — 
 voted — To Grant Waitstill Dickinson one Hundred Dollars for Counterfeit money 
 received by him for Taxes — voted — To Grant six hundred pounds for the use of 
 the poor of the Town and the Assessors are empowered toassess the same 
 
 Alex'r Smith Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April 2o !h 17S0 
 Cap' Eli Parker chosen Moderator — the following votes passed — 
 Voted — To Discontinue that part of the Highway hereafter mentioned and 
 Grant the same to Daniel Church on Condition that said Church give security for 
 the Payment of fourteen Bushels of Rie for the use of the Town — (viz) Beginning 
 at the south east corner of Samuel Church's lot, thence North 32 deg east 36 rods, 
 thence north 22 cleg east 20 rods, thence North 10 deg east 21 rods and half, thence 
 west 10 deg north 10 rods, to said Church's east Line, thence South 15 deg west to 
 the first mentioned corner, containing three acres and seventy nine rods of ground 
 — voted — To Discontinue the Highway staked out by the Committee for Zacheriah 
 Hawley and Grant the same to said Hawley on Condition that said Hawley give 
 security for the payment of ten Bushels of Indian Corn for the use of the town — 
 voted — To Discontinue the Highway (viz) twenty three rods of ( Ground at the rear 
 Aaron Warner's Lot and Grant the same to said Hawley on Conditon that he give 
 security for the payment of seven Bushels and an half of Indian Corn for the use 
 of the town — voted — To repair the Doors, windows, seats, underpinning and Plas- 
 tering of the meeting house 
 
 The Question being put whether the town will be at any further charge 
 respecting the suit between Strong & Blodget, passed in the Negative — voted — To 
 accept the List of Jurors laid before the town by the Select men 
 
 Attest Eli Parker Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst June 15 th 1780 
 
 Voted Nath" Dickinson Jun r Moderator 
 
 Voted To < rrant the sum of five Hundred Pounds for the support of the Poor 
 of the Town and for Repairing the Meeting House and that the Assessors Assess 
 the same and order paid immediately into the Town Treasury — Voted. To 
 Grant Waitstill Dickinson Ninety Dollars received by him in Counterfeit money 
 received by him for Taxes — Voted — That Simeon Dickinson, Cap' Reuben Dick- 
 inson, Nath" Dickinson Jr Cap' Eli Parker, Moses Dickinson Esq John Billing and 
 Gideon Handerson be a Committee to seat the meeting house 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jk Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst on Monday 
 the fourth Day of September Anno Domini 17S0 
 
 Votes were brought in for a Governor as follows — viz — 
 
 The Hon ble John Hancock Esq r Forty three 
 
 The Hon 1,11 ' James Bowdoin Esq 1 ' eight 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 85 
 
 Votes for a Lieutenant Governor as follows — viz. 
 
 The Hon'' 1 James Warren Esq forty Nine 
 
 The Hon l,k ' Artemas Ward Esq r three 
 Votes for Senators as follows — viz — 
 
 Joseph Hawley Esq r forty seven 
 
 John Bliss Esq. forty four 
 
 David Smead Esq. forty four 
 
 Samuel Mather Esq r thirteen 
 
 Noah Goodman Esq r Nine 
 
 John Billing — twenty four 
 
 John Hastings Esq four 
 
 Elisha Ingram one 
 
 John Chester Williams Esq two 
 
 Nathan Dickinson Jr two 
 
 David Sexton Esq two 
 
 Caleb Strong Esq r two 
 
 Eleazer Porter Esq r two 
 
 Eli Parker 1 c , 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson | select men 
 
 Thomas Hastings ! ^. an rM , 
 
 Att ,^.- l-,,t^,. Mown Clerk 
 
 Alex r Smith r 
 
 Martin Kellogg a , 
 
 Nath'll Dickinson Jr J Amnerst 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Oct 1 ' 16. 17S0 
 Nath' 1 Dickinson Jun r was chosen Representative 
 
 Voted. To Grant the sum of Ten thousand Pounds to pay for Beef agreeable 
 to a Resolve of the General Court of Sep 1 ' 25 th 17S0 and that the assessors be 
 Directed to assess the same on the Inhabitants of this Town immediately and 
 Order the same Paid according to said Resolve — Voted— M r John Billing Maj r 
 Nath 11 Peck & Cap' 1 David Rich be a Committee to procure the Beef ordered by 
 the Resolve aforesaid 
 
 Eli Parker "1 
 
 Alex'r Smith j Select men 
 
 Attest Tho's Hastings J> of 
 
 Jon'th Dickinson Jn'r I Amherst 
 Martin Kellogg J 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the District of Amherst Dec 1 ' 4 1 ' 1 1780 
 
 M' John Billing Chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted. To raise three Hundred Pounds to maintain Schools — Voted — that 
 there be six schools set up in the same places where they were kept the last year — 
 Voted — That each school be kept three months — Voted — To accept the report of 
 the Committee appointed to purchase Beef and Discharge said Committee 
 
 Attest John Billing Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Dec'' 18 th 1780 
 
 Nath" Dickinson Jun r was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To appoint a Committee to inquire and report to the town how and in 
 what manner soldiers may be best procured to serve in the Continental Army for 
 three years or During the war — Voted, That Cap' Parker, Cap 1 Dickinson 1. 
 
86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Hastings, L 1 Smith. L' Aaron Dickinson, John Billing, Elijah Baker Moses Dick- 
 inson Esq r be a Committee for the purpose abovesaid— Voted — That it is the 
 opinion of this Town that the Tender Act shall not be repealed — Voted — That 
 Cap' Parker, John Billing Elijah Baker L' Mattoon L' Hastings, Nath 1 ' Dickinson 
 Jun 1 ' and Joseph Dickinson be a Committee to seat the meeting house that said 
 Committee proceed according to age Estate and qualifications and report at next 
 January meeting 
 
 Voted, To adjourn to thursday the 28 th Instant at one O'Clock afternoon 
 Being met according to adjournment —The following Report of the Committee 
 was read and accepted (viz) That the Town will give to each soldier that shall 
 inlist for this town for three years or During the war the sum of three pounds hard 
 money P r month the Town to receive their wages or in Liew thereof the town will 
 give to each soldier that shall inlist as afores 3 forty shillings p r month in hard 
 money in addition to their Continental Pay ; also that the Town will give each 
 soldier that shall inlist as afores' 1 two shirts, two Pairs cf stcckirgs rnd two pairs 
 of shoes yearly in case he fails of the same from the Continent or State and the 
 Town Direct the Militia Officers to make the above proposals to their respective 
 Companies in the name of the town — Voted. To Grant Maj r Nath" Peck and 
 Simeon Peck their proportion of the money granted for schooling 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jn'k Moderator 
 
 Isaac Marshal's Mark for Cattle and Sheep A Crop on the left Ear and a 
 Swallows Tail on the right Ear 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitantsof the Town of Amherst— Dec 1 ' 28 11 ' 1780 
 Nath" Dickinson Jn 1 ' was chosjn Moderator— Voted To allow those Persons 
 who hired men to go into the Army for six or three months the summer past the 
 several sums by the[m] advanced as a Bounty or Hire to said men — Voted — That 
 the said Bounties or Hires be allowed at the rate of fifty Dollars p 1 bushel for rie 
 — Voted— To allow each Person the whole sum by him advanced or engaged to the 
 soldiers aforesaid and such of them as are to receive the soldiers wages shall Pay 
 the same to the Treasurer of this Town— Voted. To Grant the sum of four Hun- 
 dred & sixty Pounds New Currency to procure Beef and Grain according to a 
 resolve of the General Court of the 4"' of December instant — That the assessors 
 assess the afores' 1 sum of ^460 on the Inhabitants of this Town — Voted — That 
 John Billing Moses Dickinson Esq 1 ' and Cap' Parker be a Committee to procure 
 the Beef and Grain aforesaid — Voted — That Eben 1 ' Mattoon, Eben 1 ' Dickinson and 
 Moses Cooke be a Committee to view the Land Petitioned for by Joel Billing and 
 report at the next March meeting- 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Ju'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst January 8 th 1781 — Cap' Eli 
 Parker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted, To allow the Debts as read and corrected, and that the Assessors be 
 empowered to assess a sum on the Inhabitants of this Town sufficient to Pay the 
 same —Voted. To allow three Shillings P' Day for work done in summer and two 
 Shillings P' Day for work done in the fall— Voted, To allow three shillings P 1 ' Day 
 to the assessors — Voted, To allow nine shillings P 1 ' hundred for two inch oak Plank 
 — voted— To accept the report of the Committee for seating the meeting house— 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. S7 
 
 voted — To adjourn the meeting" to thursday next at one O'Clock afternoon -Being- 
 met according to adjournment — voted — That the Selectmen should take part of 
 the money raised for schooling to Pay Debts contracted for the support of the 
 Poor — Voted — To appropriate the remainder of the money raised to procure Beef, 
 to Pay for the Horses purchased for the Continent 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 19 th 17S1 
 
 Major Nath 11 Peck was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— John Billing, Elijah Baker, Isaac Hubbard, Gideon Handerson and 
 Moses Dickinson Esq r . Select men — Voted — Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 Town Clerk 
 and Town Treasurer — Voted — John Billing, Moses Dickinson Esq 1 ' and Nath 11 
 Dickinson Jun 1 ' Assessors — Voted -John Ingram, L' Aaron Dickinson and Nath 11 
 Alex 1 Smith Constables — Voted — Timothy Green Jun 1 ' Simeon Clark Jn r Medad 
 Dickinson. Josiah Warner and Asahel Moody Tythingmen— voted— John Billing. 
 Martin Kellogg and Oliver Clapp Church Wardens— voted— Nathan Dickinson 
 Jun 1 ', Stephen Cole, Nath 11 Dickinson 2' 1 . Ezra Rood Jonathan Dickinson fn r and 
 Ruben Ingram Surveyors of Highways — voted — John Billing and Joseph Dickinson 
 Deer Reeves 
 
 voted L' Tho 3 Hastings Sealer of Leather 
 
 voted — Joseph Church Surveyor of Lumber 
 
 Voted - Nath 11 Coleman and Abner Adams Fence viewers 
 
 Voted — Ambrose Williams. Zacheriah Hawley. Abner Adams, Timothy Smith 
 Giles Church, John Field Jun 1 ' Samuel Smith, Noadiah Warner and Jacob Warner 
 Jr Hog reeves — Voted -That Daniel Kellogg, Dea n Edwards and L' Hastings be 
 a Committee to view the Land petitioned for by Noah Dickinson and report what 
 is proper to be done — Voted— To Discontinue a part of the Highway at the front 
 of Joel Billing's Lot, beginning at the northwest corner of said Lot and extending 
 Six rods in width and thirty rods in length and grant the same to Joel Billing on 
 Condition that he Pay the treasurer of Amherst for said Land at the rate of forty 
 shillings pr. Acre 
 
 Voted— To Appropriate so much of the money raised for schooling as to Pay 
 what remains due for Horses bought for the Continent 
 
 Voted -To Choose an Agent to carry on the Suit Pending between M 1 ' Strong 
 and M 1 Blodget and that Elijah Baker be the Agent 
 
 Voted — To Choose a Committee to settle with the Heirs of the Rev' 1 David 
 Parsons for the Salaries Due to them, and Elijah Baker. John Billing and Gideon 
 Handerson were chosen for said purpose 
 
 At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April 2' 1 17S1 
 
 Votes for a Governor being called for were brought in as follows (viz) for his 
 Excellency John Hancock Esq r fifty seven for the Hon'*' James Bowdoin Esq r 
 Nine Votes for a Lieutenant Governor being called for were brought in as follows 
 (viz) for his Honor Thomas Gushing Esq r forty three for the Hon 1 ' 1 Artemas Ward 
 Esq r Nineteen 
 
 Votes for four Senators being called for were brought in as follows (viz) 
 For John Bliss Esq 1 ' fifty seven 
 David Smead Esq r thirty Nine 
 John Hastings Esq 1 ' forty 
 Timothy Danielson Esq 1 ' eighteen 
 
5$ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Samuel Mather Esq 1 ' eighteen 
 Caleb Strong Esq r eighteen 
 Elisha Ingram three 
 
 Moses Dickinson 1 ~] 
 
 John Billing Select men 
 
 An t Gideon H Anderson I and 
 
 rt " ei> Elijah Baker f town clerk 
 
 Isaac Hubbard | of Amherst 
 
 Xath'll Dickinson Jr J 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April 2' 1 1781 
 
 Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — That each Person who advanced any money as a Hire to the Soldiers 
 who served six or three months in the Army last summer be allowed the same at 
 the rate of fifty Dollars pr. Bushel for rie : and in case any Person shall Draw the 
 soldiers wages, such Person be allowed one fourth part in addition to said wages 
 and the Assessors are empowered to assess the Inhabitants of this Town for pay- 
 ment of the same 
 
 Voted — To repair the Highways by a Tax — Voted — That Moses Dickinson 
 Esq' John Billing, and Cap' Eli Parker be a Committee to settle with L l Mattoon 
 respecting a quantity of Gun Powder in his possession — Voted — To Grant the sum 
 of fifteen Pounds for the support of the Poor — the Assessors are empowered to 
 Assess the same 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May 18 th 17S1 
 
 Moses Dickinson Chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted. That the Selectmen be a Committe to provide the town with a 
 Preacher 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst June 25 th 1781 
 
 Cap' Parker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted. That as soon as convenient the Town will be in a way for the Reset- 
 tlement of the Gospel Ordinances among them 
 
 Voted. That the Town are willing to Concur with the Church in all proper 
 measures for the Resettlement of the Gospel Ministry and Ordinances 
 
 Voted — To choose Seven Persons as a Committee to join with the Committee 
 of the Church to procure a resettlement of the Gospel Ordinances in this Town — 
 That Martin Kellogg, Elijah Baker, Isaac Hubbard, D r Seth Coleman, Nath 11 
 Dickinson Jr Elisha Smith and James Merrick be the Committee aforesaid. 
 Voted. To give said Committee the following instructions (viz) that when occasion 
 requires they shall Confer with the Committee of the Church and endeavor a 
 union and harmony in all measures which relate to the Resettlement of Gospel 
 Ordinances in this town — Voted — That the Committee be Directed to employ M r 
 David Parsons to supply the Pulpit for the present — Voted — That the Assessors 
 take the Continental money now in the Town Treasury to Pay the State Tax — 
 Voted — That Nath" Coleman, Simeon Pomroy and M 1 Daniel Cooley be a Com- 
 mittee to view the Land Petitioned for by Stephen Smith apprise the same and 
 report to the Town what is proper to be Done theron 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst July 6"' 17S1 
 Cap' Eli Parker was chosen Moderator 
 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. S9 
 
 Voted — To Choose a Committee to Procure the Beef assessed on the Town 
 by the General Court and that John Billing, Joseph Eastman and Cap 1 Eli Parker 
 be the Committee — Voted — That the Committee be Directed to Borrow the hard 
 money to Purchase the Beef and give Obligations in behalf of the town for the 
 same — Voted to Pay the Executor of the Rev d David Parsons D d the whole of the 
 salaries Due to him on the first Day of May 17S1 in Gold or Silver with the 
 interest Due on the same and the Assessors are Directed and empowered to assess 
 the same on the Inhabitants of this Town 
 
 Voted — To Discontinue that part of the Highway hereafter mentioned and 
 Grant the same to Stephen Smith on Condition that Said Smith Pay the Treasurer 
 of this Town at the rate of three Pounds fifteen shillings p r acre for said Land — 
 viz) Beginning at the south west Corner of said Smith's Lot extending two rods 
 and three quarters west, then Parrellel with the Street fence ten rods and an half, 
 then angurlalry fourteen rods and an half, so as to join the west end of Said 
 Smith's Lot containing fifty one rods of ground 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst July 30 th 1781 
 
 Elijah Baker was chosen moderator 
 
 Voted — To choose a Committee to Hire the Men required of this Town to 
 serve in the Army for three months and that Maj' Nath 11 Peck. L' Jonathan Dick- 
 inson. L< Joel Billing, L 1 Aaron Dickinson and L' Ezra Rood be the Committee — 
 Voted — that the town will Pay such sums as the Committee shall engage to the 
 Men they may hire — that the Committee give obligations to the Men they may 
 hire in behalf of this Town forsuch sums as they shall engage to Pay them — 
 
 Voted — to Pay the money engaged by the Committee afores' 1 to the soldiers 
 they may engage on or before the first Day of January next — voted that the said 
 Committee be empowered to hire such sums of money as may be necessarv to 
 March the men they may hire Voted. To Pay the money that may be engaged 
 by the Committee appointed to Purchase Beef on or before the first Day of Janu- 
 ary next 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitanis of the Town of Amherst Sep 1 ' 13" 1 1781 
 
 Isaac Hubbard was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — That the Committee appointed" to procure a Preacher be dircted to 
 employ M r David Parsons as a Preacher in this Town for the space of three months 
 after the Term for which he is now engaged is expired 
 
 Attest Isaac Hubbard Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst — November 
 7 th 17S1 
 
 Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To grant the sum of twenty four Pounds for the mantenance of Schools 
 — Voted — To choose a Committee to Determine how many and at what places 
 Schools shall be kept in the Town the present year — Voted — That L' John Eield, 
 Daniel Kellogg. Elisha Smith, Josiah Warner L' David Smith, L l John Dickinson 
 and Elisha Ingram be the Committee afores' 1 — 
 
 Voted — That the Select men and town Treasurer be a Committee to settle 
 with those Persons to whom the town is indebted as they Judge fit 
 
 Voted — That Levi Smith and Jonathan Kellogg be Discharged from paying 
 any proportion of the money engaged to the men hired in this Town to serve three 
 months in the Army the present year 
 
 9 
 
go HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst December 
 i7 ,h 1781 
 
 Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 ' was chosen Moderator. 
 
 Voted — That the Committee appointed to procure a Preacher have a Discre- 
 tionary power in procuring a Preacher for the present.— And that the aforesaid 
 Committee be Directed as Soon as may be to procure a Candidate for the Ministry 
 to Preach in this Town 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 7 th 1782 
 
 Josiah Chauncy Esq 1 " was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To allow two Shillings and five pence P r Day for work Done at the 
 Highways in Summer and one Shilling and eight pence P r Day for work Done at 
 the Highways in the fall — 
 
 Voted -To allow five Shillings P r hundred for inch and half oak Plank — Voted 
 — To allow two Shillings P r hundred for Brick — Voted — To allow two shillings and 
 eight Pence P r Day to the Assessors for their Service — voted— to allow twenty 
 shillings pr. thousand feet of Boards — 
 
 Voted — To allow the Bills as read and corrected and the assessors are Directed 
 to make a Tax on the Inhabitants of this town for the payment of the same — Voted 
 — To Grant the sum of twenty four Pounds for the maintenance of Schools and 
 the Assessors are Directed to Assess the same- 
 voted — to Discharge the Constable for collecting the Taxes Assessed on 
 Simeon Peck Jun r in the year 17S0 — Voted — That Daniel Kellogg, L l Tho s 
 Hastings and Cap' David Rich be a Committee to view the Land petitioned for by 
 Philip Edwards and report to the town at their next March meeting what is proper 
 to be Done concerning the same — Voted — To release to Maj r Nath" Peck and 
 Simeon Peck their proportion of the School money — Voted — That John Billing, 
 D n Eleazer Smith and Josiah Chauncy Esq r be a Committee to view the Land 
 Petitioned for by Reuben Smith and report to the Town at their next March 
 meeting what is proper to be done respecting the same — 
 
 Voted — To Grant M r David Parsons five Dollars p r Sabbath for thirty nine 
 Sabbaths and the assessors are Directed to Assess the same for his payment 
 
 Attest Josiah Chancy Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 
 25"' 17S2 
 
 John Hilling was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — Elijah Baker and Joseph Eastman to go to Shutesbury on the 30"' of 
 January to meet the Towns that meet there 
 
 Voted —That the Treasurer Sell the New money for Notes and Grain at the 
 best lay he can — Voted -That the Treasurer exchange the Notes in hand for the 
 Notes the Town owes 
 
 Attest John Billing Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March v" 4 th 
 1782 
 
 Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted, Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 Town Clerk and Town Treasurer the Current 
 year 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 9 1 
 
 Voted. Elijah Baker, Gideon Dickinson. Elisha Smith, Jonathan Smith and 
 L l Jonathan Dickinson Jun r Selectmen — Voted— Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r Elisha 
 Smith and Jonathan Dickinson Jun r Assessors — Voted— David Cowls, Ebenezer 
 Boltwood and Nath 11 Dickinson 2' 1 Constables, 
 
 Voted, to excuse David Cowls from serving as Constable and Moses Cooke 
 Jim 1 " who was hired by Said Cowls was chosen in his Stead — Voted— Martin Kel- 
 logg, Joseph Eastman Jr David Blodget, Enos Coleman, Stephen Cole and Moses 
 Cooke Surveyors of Highways. Voted. E' 1 John Nash, Simeon Dickinson. Sim- 
 eon Clark Jun r Elijah Hastings Reuben Ingram and Martin Kellogg, Tythingmen 
 —Voted— Stephen Smith, David Blodget, L' David Smith, and D" Eleazer Smith. 
 Wardens 
 
 Voted — Oliver Cowls and Enos Coleman fence viewers -Voted— Gideon Dick- 
 inson Jun r Enos Cowls, Perez Moody, Ephraim Kellogg and Enos Dickinson Hog 
 Reeves— Voted L 1 Tho s Hastings Sealer of Leather and Joseph Church Surveyor 
 of Lumber 
 
 Voted — To Grant the Sum of fifty Pounds to repair the Highways and the 
 Assessors are Directed to Assess said sum on the Inhabitants of this Town — 
 Voted — To allow three Shillings P r Day for work Done at Highways in the Sum- 
 mer and two Shillings P r Day for work Done at the Highways in the fall — Voted 
 — That Martin Kellogg, Joseph Eastman Jun'r David Blodget, Enos Coleman 
 Stephen Cole and Moses Cooke be Collectors of the Highway rate- 
 Voted— That D u Eleazer Smith, Josiah Chauncey Esq r and Enos Dickinson 
 be a Committee to view the Land petitioned for by M r Wm Woods and report to 
 the Town what is proper to be Done concerning the same 
 
 Voted — To accept the Report of the Select men and establish that part of a 
 Highway as Described in their Report (which is as follows:) to wit — 
 Amherst March 2' 1 17S2 —A Return of the Survey of Part of the Town Road lead- 
 ing from the County Road leading to Shutesbury, to Williams's Mill Standing on 
 the Mill River in the west Division of Amherst as follows (viz) Beginning at the 
 Bridge Standing on M r Dana's South line, running North Seven Degrees west 
 Seven rods to a Stake and Stones; thence North thirty five Degrees west forty 
 Nine rods to a Black oak tree marked H W. thence to Reuben Ingram's South 
 line twenty two rods thence west on the North Side of Dana's farm seventy rods 
 to the County road leading to Sunderland the above Described road is two rods 
 in width 
 
 John Billing i Select men 
 
 Gideon Haxdersox [ of 
 
 Isaac Hubbard ) Amherst 
 
 Voted— To Discontinue that part of the Highway hereafter Described and 
 Grant the Same to Reuben Smith on Condition that Said Smith give Sufficient 
 Security to the Town Treasurer within one month to Pay for the Same at the rate 
 of three Pounds ten Shillings p r Acre. Said Lands Described as follows (viz) 
 Beginning at the front of Alex r Smith's farm, near the top of the Hill by the Mill 
 and running west twelve rods and an half to a Stake and thence north twenty eight 
 rods to a Stake Standing ten rods west from Said Alex r Smith's front, thence north- 
 easterly eighteen rods to said Smith's front, containing two Acres and three quar- 
 ters. — Voted— To Discontinue a Piece of the Town way lying east of L' Noah 
 Dickinson's home lot and joining to it, from the South east corner of Said Lot, 
 one rod wide, running northwardly thirty rods and from thence northwardly to a 
 
92 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 point at the west line of Said Town way, containing thirty two rods and an half of 
 ground and Grant the Same to L' Noah Dickinson on Condition that the said 
 Dickinson give a Legal Title within one month to the Inhabitants of Amherst of a 
 Piece of Land lying at the north east Corner of Said Dickinson's home lot, Six 
 rods and an half wide at the east side, running westwardly ten rods to a point, 
 bounded east on the Town way and Northwardly on the County Road, containing 
 thirty two rods and an half 
 
 Voted. To Discontinue a part of the Highway at the east end of Aaron War- 
 ner's House Lot. Lying from the Northeast corner of Said Warner's lot eight rods 
 South, and from the west line of said Highway four rods and an half east, contain- 
 ing thirty six rods of ground, and Grant the same to Philip Edwards, on Condition 
 that said Edwards Shall within one month give Sufficient Security to the Town 
 Treasurer to Pay for the same at the rate of three pounds p r acre 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April i" 17S2 
 Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To accept of the List of Jurors presented by the Select men. the 
 remaining Articles in the Warrant were Negatived by the town 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst (Qualified to 
 Vote for a Governor &c on Monday the first Day of April AD. 1782 
 The Votes for a Governor were as follows (viz) 
 
 For his Excellency John Hancock Esq 1 ' Fifty seven 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 '' James Bowdoin Esq r Twenty three 
 
 The Votes for a Lieutenant Governor were as follows (viz) 
 
 For his Honor Thomas Cushing Esq r thirty three 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 ' Azor Orne Esq r Twenty six 
 
 Votes for four Senators were as follows — viz — 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 John Bliss Esq' Fifty six 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 ' Noah Goodman Esq 1 Twenty four 
 
 For Capt Ebenezer Mattoon -Twelve 
 
 For Maj 1 ' Gen 1 Timothy Danielson Twenty seven 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 '' Caleb Strong Esq 1 ' Twenty seven 
 
 For Nathaniel Dickinson Esq'' Twenty five 
 
 For < iliver Phelps Esq' Six 
 
 For David Smead Esq r Nineteen 
 
 For the Hon 1 '' 1 ' John Hastings Esq 1 ' Fifteen 
 
 For Warham Parks Esq r Eleven 
 
 For the Hon 1,1 ' Samuel Mather Esq 1 ' three 
 
 For M r Elisha Ingram - Four 
 
 For M 1 ' John Billing — Two 
 
 For M 1 ' Elijah Baker— one 
 
 Jonathan Smith "1 
 
 Gideon Dickinson select men 
 
 Attest Jonathan Dickinson Jn"r J> of 
 
 Elijah Baker | Amherst 
 
 Elisha Smith J 
 
 Nath 11 Dickinson Jn'r Town Cler'k 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Amherst April 8"' 
 1782. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 93 
 
 Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator — 
 
 Voted— To Invite M 1 ' David Parsons to Preach here on Probation for Settle- 
 ment in the Gospel Ministry, for the Space of two months.— Voted— That the 
 Committee for Supplying the Pulpit, be empowered to Draw money out of the 
 Treasury to Pay M 1 ' Ely for his Services. 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May 17" 1 17S2 
 
 Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted; to Discontinue that part of the Highway hereafter mentioned (viz) 
 Beginning at a Stake and Stones near the South Side of Aaron Warners Lot and 
 running North to the South west corner post of said Warners Lane leading from 
 his house to the street, the said Land containing twenty rods, and Grant the same 
 to Aaron Warner on Condition that said Warner Pay the Treasurer of this Town 
 for the use of the Inhabitants of said Town at the rate of fourteen Pounds p 1 " 
 Acre for said Land 
 
 Voted, That L' John Field, Isaac Goodale and Maj r Nath 11 Peck be a Com- 
 mittee to view the Land Petitioned for by Moses Cooke Jn'r and report to the 
 Town what is proper to be Done respecting the same and to sell said Land at 
 Publick Vendue 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst June 17" 1 1782 
 
 Gideon Dickinson was chosen Moderator 
 
 — Voted, To Concur with the Church in their vote to give M r David Parsons an 
 invitation to settle in the Ministry of the Gospel in this town— Voted — That in Case 
 M 1 ' Parsons will settle in the Ministry in this town, To Grant him three hundred 
 pounds for a settlement to be paid in the following manner, to wit, one hundred 
 pounds within one year after his settlement, and one hundred pounds within two 
 years after his settlement and one hundred pounds within three years after his 
 Settlement ; Also to grant him Ninety pounds as a Salary for the first year after 
 his Settlement and Ninety five pounds for the Second year after his Settlement, 
 and one hundred pounds for each year afterward during his Ministry here — 
 
 Voted, that the Committee for Supplying the Pulp't be Directed to employ 
 M r Parsons to Supply the Pulpit untill he gives his Answer to the foregoing pro- 
 posals—and that Said Committee inform M 1 ' Parsons of the above -mentioned 
 Votes — Voted, to adjourn for the Space of four weeks to meet at the meetinghouse 
 at three of the Clock in the afternoon 
 
 July 15" 1 17S2. Being met accordin to Adjournment — 
 
 Voted — To Provide twentyfive Cords of fire wood for M r Parsons the first 
 year after his Settlement in the Ministry here, and to add five Cords annually untill 
 it shall amount to forty Cords, which shall be annually provided for him afterwards 
 During his said Ministry 
 
 Attest Gideox Dickinson" Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst August 12 th 
 1782 
 
 Gideon Dickinson was chosen Moderator 
 
 [The Rev' 1 Dav]id Parsons's Answer to Proposals heretofore made to him for 
 Settling in the Ministry [was received and read in the. words following (viz) 
 
 [To the] Inhabitants of Amherst in Town meeting Assembled on the 12 th 
 Ins 1 August 17S2 
 
94 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Gentlemen — 
 
 Inasmuch as you have passed Sundry Votes respecting my encouragement 
 and support in case 1 should settle with you in the work of the Gospel Ministry; 
 and as it is always expedient that the meaning of Parties in Transactions of this 
 Nature should be well explained and clearly understood, to prevent any Dispute or 
 misunderstanding between them afterwards, I beg Leave to express to you my 
 sense, of the meaning of your Proposals as I understand them, which is as follows 
 (viz) The several sums which you offer me in Settlement and Salary, I understand 
 to be in Silver money, Spanish Milled Dollars at six shillings, or other Silver or 
 Gold equivalent. And as to the Payment of my Settlement, I understand that you 
 will procure me Real Estate to the value, in case, any such can be procured to my 
 acceptance ; otherwise that you will pay me the money according to your first 
 vote.— And as to the Article of Wood I understand, that the most that I am ever 
 to expect is forty Cords of fire wood of good quality in a year: unless the town 
 shall voluntarily make addition on being satisfied that forty Cords is not sufficient 
 for my reasonable use— Give me Leave further to add that I must understand it to 
 be your intent, that no advantage shall ever be taken of any Paper Currency Depre- 
 ciated, or of any act of Government that may be passed, to avoid the fair honest 
 and equitable intent of the Contract. If this be yourmeaning as I have expressed 
 my sense of it, and if nothing more than I know of shall appear to prevent you 
 may expect an Answer in the Affirmative to the Churches Call 
 
 your affectionate friend and servant 
 
 David Paksoxs 
 
 Voted, To accept the foregoing answer as the true intent and meaning of the 
 Town expressed in their Votes referred to by M r Parsons in his answer aforesaid 
 
 Voted — That the town Treasurer be empowered, on behalf of the town to 
 give Security to M r Parsons or to any other Person of whom an Estate may be 
 purchased for his Settlement, for the sum heretofore granted as a settlement. 
 — Voted — To Pay the usual expence that may attend M r Parsons's Ordination ; 
 and that L< John Eield, Elijah Parker. Josiah Chauncey Esq r , Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r 
 M r Daniel Cooley, Cap" Eli Parker. Stephen Smith, L' Aaron Dickinson & M r 
 Eben r Boltwood be a Committee with a Discretionary Power to make the usual 
 and Decent Preparation for the ordination and to give invitations to whom they 
 think fit for their Attendance — Voted— That the Treasurer be empowered to 
 advance monies to the aforesaid Committee to Pay the expence they may be at 
 in making said Preparations for the ordination 
 
 Attest Gideon Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst August 6 th 
 17S2 
 
 M r Gideon Dickinson was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — John Billing, Elijah Baker and Martin Kellogg Delegates to attend a 
 County Convention to be holden at Hatfield 
 
 Attest— Gideon Dickinsox— Moderator 
 
 Atta Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst December 
 9 ,h 17S2 
 
 Gideon Dickinson was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— To Concur with the Church in their Vote to invite an Ecclesiastical 
 Council to look into the Affairs of the Church, and give their advice respecting the 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 95 
 
 Brethren who stile themselves the aggrieved, and have withdrawn themselves from 
 the Communion of the Church — Voted— that the Town will Pay the expence of 
 said Council — Voted — To choose a Committee to make the necessary Provision for 
 thesupportof the Council — Voted — That L' John Field. Stephen Smith. Martin 
 Kellogg, M r Daniel Cooley, L' Aaron Dickinson, Tho s Hastings Jn r M r Eben r Bolt- 
 wood. L' Ezra Rood and Nath 11 Dickinson Jn r be the Committee aforesaid — 
 
 Voted — that the Committee afores' 1 be empowered to Draw money out of the 
 Treasury to Defray the expence they may incur 
 
 Attest — Gideon Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 20 th 
 
 17S3 
 
 Gideon Dickinson was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To choose four Wardens, viz. Stephen Smith, David Blodget, John 
 Billing and Isaac Goodale. 
 
 Voted — To allow three shillings p r Day to the Assessors for their Service — 
 Voted — To allow three Shillings p r Day to the Committee who have been appointed 
 by the town to attend Conventions — Voted— To allow one Shilling for Horse hire 
 to the men who attended the Convention at Hatfield and one shilling and four 
 pence to those who attended the Convention at Shute.sbury — Voted — To accept the 
 Bills as read and corrected — and to empower the Assesssors to assess a Sum on 
 the Inhabitants of this Town sufficient to Pay the same — Voted — To Grant thirty 
 six pounds for the maintenance of Schools in this Town and that there be six 
 Schools kept in said Town — Voted — That the Assessors be empowed to Assess 
 such sum as shall be Due to the Rev' 1 David Parsons for his Salary on the first 
 Day of May next, also to Assess one hundred pounds granted to M r Parsons in 
 part for his Settlement 
 
 Attest Gideon Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 3' 1 17S3 
 
 M r Jacob McDaniell was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — That the Town will make answer to the Petition of Nathan Dickinson 
 and others lately prefered to the General Court — Voted — That Simeon Strong 
 Esq 1 ' Nath" Dickinson Jnr Moses Cooke, D n Eleazer Smith, Cap' Eli Parker E n 
 John Nash, M r Daniel Cooley, Tho s Hastings Jun r and Josiah Chauncy Esq r be a 
 Committee to prepare the said Answer — Voted — That the Assessors be Directed 
 to Postpone making the Town Rate untill the General Court shall finally Deter- 
 mine respecting the above mentioned Petition — Voted — To Adjourn for the space 
 of four weeks 
 
 March 31 st 17S3 Being Assembled according to Adjournment — Voted — That 
 
 the Committee appointed to make answer to the Petition of Nathan Dickinson 
 
 and others, be empowered to appoint an Agent to Appear in Behalf of the town to 
 
 mak e answer to said Petition before the General Court — Voted — that the Answer 
 
 be Signed by the Town Clerk by order and in behalf of the Town — Voted — That 
 
 the Committee be empowered to Draw money out of the Treasury to Pay the 
 
 expence of the Agency 
 
 Attest Jacob McDaniel Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 10"' 
 
 17S3 
 
 M r Elisha Smith was chosen Moderator — Voted— Nath 1 ' Dickinson Jn r Town 
 
 Clerk and Treasurer — 
 
.96 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted — Cap' Eli Parker D n Eleazer Smith, Martin Kellogg, L'Joel Billing and 
 Tho s Hastings Jun r Select-men — Voted — Nath 1 ' Dickinson Jun r Jonathan Dickin- 
 son Jn r and Elisha Smith Assessors — Voted — Stephen Cole. John Field Jun r and 
 Ephraim Kellogg Constables — Voted — Timothy Clapp. Josiah Warner, Simeon 
 Clark Jim 1 ' Enos Coleman, Timothy Giles Green Jun 1 ' Church, and Reuben Cowles 
 Tithingmen Voted — Enos Dickinson, Noah Smith, L* Noah Dickinson and L* Ezra 
 Rood Wardens — Voted — Josiah Warner, Moses Cooke, Simeon Peck, Samuel Hast- 
 ings, Timothy Green Jun 1 ', Daniel Kellogg Jun'' surveyors of Highways — Voted — 
 Gideon Dickinson, Nath 11 Coleman and John Billing Fence viewers — 
 Voted — L 1 Tho s Hastings Sealer of Leather- 
 Voted — John Billing Surveyor of Lumber— Voted — John Field Jn r Aaron Bil- 
 ling, John Kellogg, Samuel Boltwood and Benj a Smith, Hog reeves — Voted — To 
 repair the Highways by a Rate and to Grant sixty pounds for that Purpose — Voted 
 — To give three Shillings p r Day for work Done at the Highways in Summer and 
 two shillings p' Day for work Done in the fall. — Voted — That the Highway Rate 
 Committed to the Surveyors the last year be committed to the Surveyors the pres- 
 ent year— Voted — Josiah Warner, Moses Cooke, Sim" Peck Samuel Hastings, 
 Timothy Green Jn r and Daniel Kellogg Jn r Collectors 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April 7 th 1783 
 M 1 ' Jacob McDaniell was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To accept the List of Jurors laid before the Town by the Select men 
 Voted — That Elisha Smith, John Lee and Stephen Cole be a Committee to 
 
 view the Land Petitioned for by Jonathan Warner and report to the Town what 
 
 is proper to be Done respecting the same 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst on Monday 
 the Seventh Day of April AD. 17S3— The Votes for a Governor were as follows 
 {viz) 
 
 For his Excellency John Hancock Esq 1 — twenty eight 
 
 For the Hon ble James Bowdoin Esq 1 "— Nineteen 
 
 For the Hon ble Joseph Hawley Esq'' — two 
 
 The Votes for a Lieut. Governor were as follows (viz) 
 
 For his Honor Thomas dishing Esq r Three — 
 
 For the Hon ble Azor Orne Esq' —thirty eight 
 
 The Votes for Senators were as follows (viz) 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 '' Joseph Hawley Esq r — Nineteen 
 
 For the Hon ble John Bliss Esq'' — twenty nine 
 
 For the Hon bL ' John Hastings Esq 1 " — Nineteen 
 
 For David Smead Esq r — Seventeen 
 
 For the Hon ble Timothy Danielson Esq r Eleven 
 
 For the Hon ble Caleb Strong Esq 1 ' — Thirteen 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 11 -' Samuel Mather Esq r — Eleven 
 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 ' Noah Goodman Esq r — Two 
 
 For Gideon Burt Esq r Three 
 
 Eleazer Smith ) select men 
 
 Attest Tho's Hastings Jun'r > of 
 
 Martin Kellogg ) Amherst 
 
 Nath 11 Dickinson Jn r Town Clerk 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 97 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May 13 th 17S3 
 
 was chosen Moderator— Voted -That En s John Nash, Moses 
 
 Dickinson Esq 1 ' and Capt Eli Parker be a Committee to settle the Line between 
 Amherst and Hadley— Voted— That Capt Eli Parker Moses Cooke and L" John 
 Field be a Committee to Preambulate the Line Between Amherst and Leverett — 
 Voted— To Grant the west street their Proportion of School money to be by them 
 used to employ school Dames — 
 
 Voted— To Grant Maj' Nath" Peck leave to Build his fence on the Bank of 
 the River to secure the west end of his Lot— Voted — That Dea" Edwards L< Tho s 
 Hastings and L' Joel Billing be a Committee to view the Land Petitioned for by 
 Simeon Pomeroy and report what is proper to be Done respecting the same 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst October 16 th 
 
 17S3 
 
 D u Eleazer Smith was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted. To accept the Report of the Committee appointed to Perambulate the 
 Line between Hadley and Amherst ; and that the same be recorded as follows 
 (viz) 
 
 Beginning at the Bay -road at a Stake and Stones, thence North 12 deg East 
 670 rods to a heap of Stones, thence North 8 deg 15 min East 144 rods, to a Black 
 Oak tree marked W M— thence North 8 deg East 10 rods, to a Stake on the South 
 side of M 1 ' Parsons's lot — thence North 1 1 deg 30 min east 197 rods, to a Pine Stubb, 
 thence North 13 deg east 93 rods, to Spruce Staddles; thence North 8 deg east 
 336 rods, to Porters Ditch, thence North 13 deg east 370 rods to a Stubb by the 
 river, thence North 11 deg east 3S0 rods to Sunderland Line 
 
 Voted— To accept the Report of the Committee appointed to Perambulate 
 the Line Between Leverett and Amherst, which is as follows (viz) That the 
 Line between Leverett and Amherst runs East three Degrees and forty five minutes 
 North, which in general is agreeable to the old marked trees; said Line examined 
 from Mohawk-Brook to Shutesbury. at a Stake and Stones — 
 
 Voted, M r Elijah Baker be a Member of the County Convention to be con- 
 vened at Hatfield October 20" 1 1783 — Voted— that the Select men take such care of 
 Moses Hawley and family as they think necessary — Voted — To grant thirty Pounds 
 for the Support of Schools 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 19 th 
 17S4 
 
 M r Ebenezer Boltwood was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted, To allow three Shillings P r Day for work Done at the Bridges in sum- 
 mer and two shillings per Day for work Done in the fall 
 
 Voted — That Zacheriah Hawley may take up a Note that lies against him in 
 the Treasury with an Order he has upon the Treasurer and a Bill he has against 
 the Town: if said sums are sufficient to Pay said Note 
 
 Voted— To Grant the sum of forty five Pounds to make up three months 
 Schooling in each School house and other past expences 
 
 Voted— To Grant a sum sufficient to Pay a Note given to L' John Field by 
 the town Treasurer in behalf of the Town and Payable in October next 
 
 Voted, to Allow the Bills as read and Corrected 
 
 Voted. That the Assessors Assess the Several Sums Granted on the Inhabi- 
 tants of the Town 
 
98 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted, That Simeon Strong Esq r Natli" Dickinson Jun 1 ' and L" John Field 
 be a Committee to Petition the General Court for Abatement of the fine laid on 
 the Town for not sending a Representative 
 
 Voted — That the Treasurer call on the Constables to Pay the Debt Due to 
 the Heirs of the Late Rev 1 David Parsons for Salaries; as soon as may be 
 
 Attest Ebex"r Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 22 d 
 17S4 
 
 Xath" Dickinson Jun r was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — Nath" Dickinson Jun r Town Clerk and Treasurer 
 
 Voted — Joel Moody, Jonathan Dickinson Jun r , Enos Dickinson, Stephen 
 Smith and M r Ebenezer Boltwood, Selectmen 
 
 Voted — Nath'- 1 Dickinson Jun 1 Enos Coleman and Elijah Baker Assessors 
 
 Voted, Thomas Hastings Jun'' and Noah Smith Constables 
 
 Voted — Moses Cooke Jun r Timothy Handerson, Joel Dickinson. Joseph Pettis, 
 Ebenezer Eastman, John Eastman. Oliver Clapp, and Joseph Williams Tything- 
 men 
 
 Voted — Gideon Dickinson Jun r Martin Kellogg, Samuel Boltwood. David 
 Cowls, Enos Coleman Nathan Dickinson Jn r and John Lee Surveyors of Heigh- 
 ways 
 
 Voted — L 1 John Field. M r Daniel Coolev, David Trowbridge, M r Eben r Bolt- 
 wood Calvin Rich and L' Noah Dickinson Hog reeves 
 
 Voted. Gideon Dickinson Jun 1 ' Martin Kellogg, Samuel Boltwood, David 
 Cowls, Enos Coleman Nathan Dickinson Jun. and John Lee Collectors of Taxes 
 
 Voted — Simeon Clark Jun.,, L' Noah Dickinson, Oliver Cowls and Elijah 
 Baker Wardens 
 
 Voted — Oliver Cowls and Enos Coleman, Fence viewers 
 
 Voted — Joseph Church Surveyor of Lumber 
 
 Voted L l Thomas Hastings Sealer of Leather— Voted, that the Assessors 
 issue their Warrants to the Collectors to enable them to Collect the Highway rate 
 Committed to them the last year — Voted— To allow three shillings per Day for 
 work Done in the Summer and two shillings per Day for work Done in the month 
 of September and one shilling and six pence for work Done in the fall after Sep- 
 tember — 
 
 Voted— To Grant the sum of seventy Pounds to repair the Heighways the 
 present year 
 
 Voted — To Discharge Enos Ralf from Paying the Town Taxes in the Con- 
 stables hands against him 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April 5 th 17S4 
 The Votes for a Governor were as follows — viz — 
 
 For his Excellency John Hancock Esq r thirteen 
 
 For the Hon'*' James Bowdoin Esq 1 " twenty one 
 The Votes for a Lieutenant Governor were as follows viz — 
 
 For the Hon ble Azor Orne Esq 1 ' sixteen 
 
 His Honor Thomas Cushing Esq r eighteen 
 Votes for Senators for the County of Hampshire were as follows (viz) 
 
 Timothy Danielson Esq r twenty 
 
 Caleb Strong Esq r — twenty six 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 99. 
 
 Samuel .Mather Esq 1 ' — nineteen 
 
 John Bliss Esq 1 forty 
 
 Xoah Goodman Esq r two 
 
 M r Eben r Boltwood three 
 
 John Hastings Esq 1 ' twenty three 
 
 Eben 1 ' Mattoon"Esq r eleven 
 
 Joseph Hawley Esq 1 ' twelve 
 
 Ezra Rood one 
 
 John Billing three 
 
 Simeon Dickinson one 
 
 John Ingram one 
 
 Ruggles Woodbridge Esq r four 
 
 David Smead Esq r three 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq r five 
 
 Martin Kellogg one 
 
 Josiah Warner one 
 
 Gideon Handerson one 
 
 Xoah Smith two 
 
 Oliver Cowls two 
 
 Luke Coffeen one 
 
 Jonth'n Dickinson J'r"] 
 Ebex'r Boltwood | Select Men 
 Attest Joel Moody <j of 
 
 Exos Dickixsox Amherst 
 
 Stephex Smith J 
 
 Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r Town Clerk 
 
 Att a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April 5 Ih 1784 
 Math" Dickinson was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To Accept the list of Jurors laid before the Town by the Select men 
 Voted— that John Billing, Cap* Eli Parker, Jonathan Dickinson [un r Joseph 
 Dickinson and Moses Cooke be a Committee to Build a Town Pound 
 
 Attest Nath'li. Dickixsox Jlx'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May io ,h 1784 
 
 L' John Field was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— That Moses Dickinson, John Billing and Moses Cooke be a Commit- 
 tee to Confer with the Select men or Committee of the Tow r n of Belchertown in 
 order to settle the Line Between said Towns — and report at some future meeting 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst August iS ,h 17S4 
 
 Nath" Dickinson Jun r was chosen Moderator '• 
 
 Voted, That the Town will Indemnify Jonathan Dickinson Jun r and Elisha 
 Smith respeiting the Action Commenced against them by Hezekiah Belding — 
 Voted — To Choose a Committee to make Defence against the before mentioned 
 Action— Voted— That Simeon Strong Esq r L John Field and Cap' Eli Parker be 
 the Committee aforesaid— Voted— That the Treasurer be Directed to receive into 
 the Town Treasury so much Paper money of the New Emission as L< Aaron 
 Dickinson hath collected for Town Taxes: and that the Town will make recom- 
 pence to Said Dickinson for all Losses he hath necesarily Sustained, by means of 
 Losses in collecting Taxes, Provided Said Dickinson return into the Treasurers 
 Office Such Notes as he hath against for the same Sum or Sums as he gave for them 
 Attest Nath'li. Dickixsox Jux'r Moderator 
 
IOO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Nov 15 th 1784 
 
 Eben 1 ' Mattoon Esq r was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — That the Select-men Set up Six Schools within the town four of which 
 to be in the places they usually have been kept in, and the other two in Such places 
 as the Select men think fit % 
 
 Voted— To Grant thirty Pounds to maintain the Schools and the Assessors 
 are empowered to Assess the same 
 
 At a Legal meting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Janua y 3' 1 1785 
 
 Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 ' was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To accept the Bills as read and corrected and the Assessors are 
 empowered to Assess a Sum on the Inhabitants of this Town Sufficient to Pay the 
 Same — 
 
 Voted — To allow Six Shillings p r Hundred feet of two inch Oak Plank and 
 five Shillings p 1 ' Hundred for inch and half Oak Plank — Voted— To Grant the sum 
 of thirty Pounds for the support of Schools — Voted— That the Schools be kept 
 three months in each part of the town where Schools are kept 
 
 Voted— That Capt. Eli Parker, Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 and Moses Cooke be a 
 Committee to examine the Petition of John Billings and others and report what is 
 proper to be Done 
 
 Voted — That the Assessors be empowered and Directed to Assess the sum of 
 one hundred pounds on the Inhabitants of this Town for the Payment of a Note 
 given to L' John Field in behalf of the Town 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 28 th 
 
 1785 
 
 M r Eben'' Boltwood was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— Elisha Smith an Assessor— Voted— that the Assessors Assess a Sum 
 
 Sufficient to Pay the Bills exhibited by D r Cutler— Voted— To Grant the Sum of 
 
 Six Pounds in Addition to the Bounty of the Commonwealth to any Inhabitant of 
 
 this Town, who shall Kill a Wolf within Ten miles of Amherst meeting House, or 
 
 taking the track of a Wolf within said limits, shall pursue and kill the same in any 
 
 place whatever 
 
 Attest , Eben'r Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 14"' 1785 
 
 Nath" Dickinson Jun 1 " was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— Nath" Dickinson Jun r Town Clerk and D" Seth Coleman Treasurer 
 
 Voted— Joseph Church. Noah Smith, Elisha Smith. Jonathan Dickinson Jn r 
 and En. John Nash Select men— Voted— Joseph Church, Elisha Smith and Nath" 
 Dickinson Jn r Assessors — Voted — S tough ton Dickinson Surveyor of Shingles- 
 Voted— Barnabas Sabin and Simeon Clark Jn r Constables— Voted— Oliver Clapp, 
 Eben 1 " Eastman, Josiah Warner, Stephen Smith Timothy Green Jn r and L' Aaron 
 Dickinson Surveyors of Highways— Voted— Elijah Dickinson, D" Simeon Clark, 
 Timothy Handerson, Joel Moody, Stephen Cole and David Blodgett Jun 1 ' 
 Tythingmen 
 
 Voted— Jonathan Moody Jn r — John Ingram 2" and Simeon Dickinson Wardens 
 —Voted— Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather— Voted— Samuel Boltwood and L* Joel 
 Billing Pence Viewers— Voted — William Clapp, Jonathan Barnes Zacheriah 
 Hawley, Eleazer Cowls, Moses Cooke and John Morton Jn r Hogreeves 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. IOI 
 
 Voted — That Hogs yoked and Rung according to Law may run on the Com- 
 mons from the middle of May to the middle of August 
 
 Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jn'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Qualified 
 according to the Constitution to Vote for a Governor &c April 4 th 17S5 
 The Votes for a Governor were as follows—viz — 
 
 For the Hon ,,le John Worthington Esq 1 ' — Sixteen 
 For the Hon We James Bowdoin Esq 1 ' Nine 
 His Honor Thomas dishing Esq 1 ' — Two 
 For the Hon 1,1 " Azor Orne Esq 1 ' — Ten 
 For the Hon ble Benjamin Lincoln Esq 1 ' Two 
 The Votes for a Leiutenant Governor were as follows (viz) 
 For his Honor Thomas Cushing Esq r — thirty two 
 For the Hon bl - James Bowdoin Esq r — one 
 For the Hon ,,Ie Benjaman Lincoln Esq 1 ' — two 
 For the Hon l,le Azor Orne Esq r — one 
 For the Hon 1 ' 1 " John Worthington Esq r — six 
 The Votes for Senators were as follows (viz) 
 For David Smead Esq r Eleven 
 For John Hastings Esq 1 ' Ten 
 For Noah Goodman Esq r — eight 
 For John Bliss Esq 1 ' — twenty three 
 For Timothy Danielson Esq 1 " — Ten 
 For Caleb Strong Esq r — twenty eight 
 For Warham Parks Esq r — thirteen 
 For Moses Bliss Esq' — twenty 
 For Doct r Eben 1 ' Hunt — seven 
 For M 1 ' John Williams — three 
 For Simeon Strong Esq r — five 
 For Nath 11 Dickinson Esq r — three 
 For M 1 ' John Nash — five 
 For M 1 ' Jonathan Arms— three 
 For M r John Billing — three 
 For M 1 ' Phinehas Stebbins — two 
 For M 1 ' Caleb West — two 
 For Samuel Mather Esq' — four 
 
 Joseph Church J 
 
 Noah Smith | Select men 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith )~ of 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson Jun'r | Amherst 
 John Nash J 
 
 Nath 11 Dickinson Jn r Town Clerk 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst April 4 th 17S5 
 
 Ensign John Nash was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted--To Grant the Sum of Seventy Pounds to repair the Highways and the 
 Assessors are empowered to Assess the same on the Inhabitants of the Town — 
 Voted— To allow three shillings p r Day for work Done at the Highways from the 
 first Day of May to the first Day of October and one Shilling and Six pence for 
 work in the fall — 
 
 Voted— Cap 1 Eli Parker, John Billing and Moses Dickinson a Committee to 
 endeavour a Settlement of the Lines between Belchertown, Pelham and Amherst 
 and that they report to the Town— Voted— To accept the list of Jurors— Voted— 
 
102 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Asahel Moody. D" Eleazer Smith Moses Dickinson be a Committee to view the 
 Lands Petitioned for by Elijah Hastings and Daniel Cooley and report what is 
 proper to be Done 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May 2' 1 17S5 
 
 Noah Smith was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To allow to John Field Jun r the Rates committed to him to Collect of 
 Josiah Channcy, Isaac Chauncy, Moses Chauncy and Lemuel Root unless he shall 
 have opportunity to Collect them of said Persons abovenamed — 
 
 Voted — To Discontinue that part of the Highway Petitioned for by Elijah 
 Hastings and Grant the same to him on Condition that said Hastings give his 
 security to the Treasurer of the Town within one month for the Payment for the 
 same at the rate of eight Pounds for an acre 
 
 Voted — To Discontinue that part of the Heighway Petitioned for by Daniel 
 Cooley and Grant the same to him on Condition that said Cooley give his security 
 to the Treasurer of the Town, within one month for the Payment for the same at 
 the rate of eight Pounds for an acre 
 
 Voted— That the Select men and Treasurer have a Discretionary Power to call 
 into the Treasury the monies Due to the Town on Notes of hand 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May 16" 1 17S5 
 
 Elisha Smith was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— unanimously not to consent to a Division of the County of Hampshire 
 
 Voted— That Eben 1 ' Mattoon Esq r John Billing and M' Eben r Boltwood be a 
 Committee to make answer to the Petition presented to the General Court for the 
 Division of the County aforesaid 
 
 Voted — That in Case a Division of said County should be obtained the Inhab- 
 itants of this Town request to belong to the south part of the County 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitantsof the Town of Amherst October 13 th 1785 
 
 D n John Billing was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To Grant forty Pounds for rnaintanance of schools 
 
 Attest John Billing Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 9 th 17S6 
 
 Joseph Church was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — to allow the Bills as read and corrected, and to empower the Assessors 
 to assess a sum sufficient to Pay the same — Voted — to Grant eight Pounds ten 
 Shillings to support the schools— Voted— That the Town of Hadley and annexed 
 to the Town of Amherst will Refer the matters contained in a Petition signed by 
 John Field and others lately Prefered to the General Court (Praying that their 
 Lands Lying in the first Division of Hadley inner Commons may be Disannexed 
 from the Town of Amherst) to Arbitrators mutually to be chosen by Committees 
 appointed by each of said Towns, which said Committee shall have a Discretionary 
 Power to appoint the time and Place for said Arbitrators to meet, and Conduct the 
 Business relating to Said Petition in Behalf of said Towns in the same manner as 
 Individuals might Do in References Depending between Party and Party 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 03 
 
 Voted— Nath 11 Dickinson Jn r Cap' Eli Parker and En sn John Nash be a Com- 
 mittee for the abovementioned purpose — Voted — To Allow Nathan Dickinson Jun r 
 the sum of one Pound one shilling and eight pence money paid by him for a Con- 
 tinental Soldier — Voted — To Discharge the Rev' 1 M r Parsons's Heirs from Paying 
 a Tax assessed on them Dated September iS' h 1781 for the sum of five Pounds four 
 shillings — Voted — To Allow a Reasonable reward to those Persons who built the 
 schoolhouse in the Northerly part of the Town on the road leading to Sunderland 
 — Voted — To Direct the Select men to lay a Town Road from the road leading 
 from Eben n Eastman's to Kelloggs Mill, to the road leading from Maj r Peck"s to 
 Leverett — Voted To allo[w] Six Shillings p r hundred feet of two inch Oak Plank 
 and four shillings and six pence p 1 ' hundred feet of inch and half Oak Plank. 
 Voted That Timothy Green Jun r be paid his Bill for work at Highways by monies 
 Due on the Highway Rate and that the Assessors issue their Warrant to Collect 
 the same — Voted — To allow two shillings and eight pence p 1 ' Day for work Done 
 at Bridges 
 
 Attest Joseph Church Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 6 th 1786 
 
 Leiut John Field was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — Nath 11 Dickinson Jun 1 ' Town Clerk 
 
 Voted — Doer" Seth Coleman Town Treasurer 
 
 Voted — D n Elisha Smith, Cap" Moses Cooke, Joseph Church. Joseph Eastman 
 Jun r and M r Ebenezer Boltwood, Select men 
 
 Voted— Cap' Moses Cooke, D 11 Elisha Smith, and Eben 1 ' Mattoon Esq 1 ' 
 Assessors 
 
 Voted — Stephen Smith, John Eastman and Daniel Kellogg Jn 1 ' Constables 
 
 A'oted — Stephen Cole. Cap' Eli Parker, Elijah Dickinson. Joel Moody Andrew 
 Kimbal Jn r Elijah Elmer and Moses Hastings Surveyors of Highways and 
 Collectors of Taxes 
 
 Voted — Samuel Hastings, Timothy Handerson, Simeon Cowls, Edward Smith 
 Simeon Dickinson Jn r and John Eastman Tythingmen 
 
 Voted — E n Elijah Hastings, Moses Cooke and L' Noah Dickinson — Wardens 
 
 Voted — William Clapp, Israel Dickinson, Timothy Green Jn 1 . David Warner 
 Andrew Kimbal Jnr and David Ingram — Haywards 
 
 Voted — Jacob McDaniell, Oliver Cowls and Timothy Green Jn r Fence viewers 
 
 Voted — Joseph Church Surveyor of Shingles and Clapboards 
 
 Voted — L 1 Thomas Hastings, Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted — To Grant the sum of seventy Pounds to repair the Highway 
 
 Voted — To Allow three shillings p r Day for work Done at Heighwaysfrom the 
 first Day of May to the first Day of September and two shillings p 1 Day in the 
 month of September and one shilling and sixpence afterwards 
 
 Voted — That Hogs yoked and ringed according to Law may run on the Com- 
 mons from the Middle of May to the Middle of August 
 
 Voted — To Build a Schoolhouse in the Northeast part of the Town 
 
 Voted — That Elijah Baker, Josiah Warner and Enos Dickinson be a Commit- 
 tee to build the same 
 
 Voted — -John Billing, Eleazer Smith and Jacob McDaniell be a Committee to 
 examine the State of the Treasury 
 
 Voted — to accept the following report of the Select men for laying out a road 
 from the road which leads from Ebenezer Eastman's to Kellogg's Mill, into the 
 
ioq HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Road by Jonathan Howard's House, said Road is laid out three rods in width till it 
 comes to the top of Pine hill, then two rods wide to the road leading by Howards 
 house — Described as follows — 
 
 East 87 rods on Amariah Dana's North line to a Town road -then East cross- 
 ing the abovesaid town way 4 rods to a Stake and stones it being a Corner of 
 David and Eleazer Cowls Land— then East 1 cleg 30 min North on the abovesaid, 
 Cowls Land 24 rods to a stake — then East 24 deg south on Eben r Eastman's land 
 17 rods and 12 links to a stake and stones, then East 13 deg North on said East- 
 man's land 8 rods to a stake and stones ; then East 28 deg North on said Eastman's 
 land 16 rods to a stake and stones, them easterly to a white Oak. then East 11 deg 
 North 16 rods to a white Oak, then East 5 deg 30 min North 10 rods to a stake; 
 then East 28 rods to the road North of Howard's — the line between Eleazer Cowls, 
 David Cowls and Ebenezer Eastman to be the Centre of the road 
 
 Attest Johx Field Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst April 3' 1 1786 
 Votes, for a Governor were as follows (viz) 
 
 For his Excellency James Bowdoin Esq 1 ' twenty three 
 
 Hon 1 ' 1 ' Benjamin Lincoln Esq 1 ' eleven 
 
 lion"' John Hancock Esq'' one 
 Votes for a Lieutenant Governor were as follows (viz) 
 
 For the Hon' 1 ' Nathaniel Gorham Esq r twenty three 
 
 His Honor Thomas Cushing Esq' seven 
 Votes for the Senators were as follows (viz) 
 
 For Timothy Danielson Esq 1 ' thirty two 
 
 Caleb Strong Esq r forty three 
 
 John 1 [astings Esq 1 ' thirty three 
 
 ( diver Phelps Esq 1 forty one 
 
 William Shephard Esq 1 seventeen 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq 1 ' three 
 
 Samuel Mather Esq 1 " three 
 
 Joseph Church i selectmen 
 
 Attest Eben'r Boltwood of 
 
 Joseph Eastman Jn'r j Amherst 
 Xath 11 Dickinson Jn r Town Clerk 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst April 3' 1 1786 
 
 Joseph Eastman Jnr was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted -To Accept the List of Jurors laid before the Town by the Select men 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst May i st 17S6 
 
 L 1 John Field was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — That Simeon Strong Esq 1 ' be requested to Continue the Action brought 
 
 by the Executors of the Rev' 1 David Parsons Dec' 1 against the Town untill August 
 
 Term- 
 Voted — To Direct the Treasurer to Collect the Debts Due to the Town from 
 
 individuals as soon as he can by Law — 
 
 Voted — L' Moses Rowe. John Billing and L 1 John Field a Committee to view 
 
 the Land Petitioned for by Martin Kellogg and report to the Town what is proper 
 
 to be Done respecting the same 
 
 Voted -That Martin Kellogg and Moses Dickinson Esq 1 ' be Joined to the 
 
 Committee appointed to examine into the State of the Treasury 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 io 5 
 
 At a Legal meeting" of the Inhabitants of Amherst May i !t 17S6 
 . Nath 11 Dickinson Jun r was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — Eben 1 ' JMattoon Esq 1 " and Cap 1 Eli Parker Delegates to meet in County 
 Convention to take into Consideration the expediency of a Division of the County 
 or any alterations as to the places of holding the Courts and Register's Office in 
 said County 
 
 Voted — That the Treasurer be Directed to Pay Elisha Porter Esq'" his 
 Demands on an Execution he hath against the Town 
 
 Attest Xath'll Dickinson Jn'r Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst June 12 th 1786 
 
 D u Elisha Smith was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To Discharge Nath 11 Dickinson Jn r late Treasurer of this Town from all 
 Demands against him as Treasurer and said Dickinson hereby Discharges the Town 
 from all Demands against them as Treasurer — -Voted — That each Surveyor expend 
 the money Committed to him within the District he is ordered to repair — Voted — 
 That upon either of the Surveyors of Highways for the year 17S6 presenting his Rate 
 Bill to the Town Treasurer and Certifying on the same that the whole sum com- 
 mitted to him has been by him collected and expended in repairing that part of the 
 Heighway committed to his care, or a part thereof being collected. in Labour with 
 a Sum of money amounting in the whole to the sum Committed to him To Direct 
 the said Treasurer to receive such rate bill so executed as above or a part in money 
 as above Described and give the Surveyor presenting the same a Discharge there- 
 from — Voted — The Select men a Committee to find how much is Due from the 
 Town to the Heirs of the Rev' 1 David Parsons Deceas' 1 — Voted — That L' Moses 
 Rowe Cap 1 Moses Cooke and Eben 1 ' Mattoon Esq' be a Committee to view the Land 
 Petitioned for by L' Zebina Montague and report to this meeting— Voted to adjourn 
 to friday 16 th inst at three of the Clock in the afternoon, being met according" to 
 Adjournment — Voted — Cap' Jonathan Dickinson, Major Mattoon and M r Isaac 
 Goodale a Committee to view and Appraise the Land Petitioned for by Martin 
 Kellogg — Voted — to Discontinue that part of the Highway hereafter Described 
 and Grant the same to L' Zebina Montague he giving security to the Town Treas- 
 urer for Pavment for the Same at the rate of fifteen Pounds P 1 ' acre on or before 
 the first Day of May next; said Lands are Described as follows — viz — Beginning 
 at the North west corner of said Montagues shop and runs east 19 deg 30 min 
 North ten rods, thence east 5 deg north 14 rods and 12 feet thence East 26 deg 
 South 14 rods and 11 feet — thence south four feet — thence west 37 rods and 3 feet 
 adjoining Moses Warner's north Line — containing one Acre and fourteen rods 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst August 7" 1 17S6 
 Major Eben r Mattoon was chosen moderator — Voted To reconsider the vote 
 passed the last meeting Directing the Treasurer to Postpone Collecting the town 
 Debts, and that he be Directed to Collect them immediately agreeable to a former 
 vote of the Town respecting the Treasurers collecting the town Debts without 
 Delay 
 
 Attest Eben'r Mattoon Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst July 13' 11 17S6 
 10 
 
I06 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, .MASS. 
 
 M r Eben' Boltwood was chosen Moderator— Voted— That Cap' Eli Parker, 
 Moses Cooke and Isaac Goodale be a Committee to Appraise the Land Petitioned 
 for by Titus Stevens 
 
 Voted — To Grant the Sum of two Hundred and fifty Pounds to Pay the Debts 
 Due to the Heirs of the Rev d David Parsons Deceas' 1 and the Assessors are 
 empowered to Assess the Same 
 
 Attest Eben'r Boltwood Mod' 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Jan v r st 17S7 
 
 Cap* Moses Cooke Jun' was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— To allow Six Shillings for two inch Oak Plank and five Shillings for 
 inch and half Oak Plank 
 
 Voted— To allow the Bills as read and corrected, and that the Assessors be 
 empowered to Assess a sum on the Inhabitants of the Town sufficient to Pay the 
 same 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst January 12 th 1787 
 
 M r Daniel Cooley was chosen Moderator 
 
 The following Petition was read and passed: and thereupon ordered that the 
 Moderator send an attested Copy of the same as the General Court for their con- 
 sideration at their next Sessions 
 
 The Petition is as follows, to wit — 
 
 Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
 
 To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in their present 
 Sessions — A Petition 
 
 Wherein your Petitioners the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Humbly 
 Sheweth — That your Petitioners being Deeply affected with the Calamities and 
 Distresses that attend and embarrass the Good People of this Commonwealth ; 
 your Petitioners being sensible that there are many things in the transactions of 
 our Publick Affairs that have a Direct tendency to involve the Common People in 
 a State of Slavery and Poverty without some speedy relief. 
 
 Your Petitioners therefore think it their Duty and Do encourage themselves in 
 presenting this their Petition to your Honors for relief in the following Articles all 
 which we apprehend are within your Honors power to redress — The Existance of 
 the Court of Common Pleas; a grievance as all matters cognizable before may be 
 brought to a final Issue by a Jury of 12 men Drawn out of the Box by order of a 
 Justice -The General Court Sitting in Boston— a Grievance — as there is an undue 
 influence upon the Members by the Merchants and other Inhabitants of said 
 Town, together with many other Diversions by attendance to Trade, and much noise 
 and Claims stretched, likewise as eatables are much Dearer at the second or third 
 hand — The Grants made to the Officers of Government — far beyond their Deserv- 
 ings or the Principles of the Constitution and the Peoples abilities to Pay — The 
 Present mode of Paying State Securities without any Description between the 
 original Owners and those who purchase them — The present appropriation of the 
 Excise and Impost money; as it ought to be improved to answer the Demands of 
 the foreign Debt — The late great Tax imposed on the People for far beyond their 
 abilities to Pay under their Distressing circumstances together with the speedy 
 collection of the same — The present mode of Taxation, as it operates unequally 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 07 
 
 between Poles and Estates, and the Mercantile and Landed Interest a grievance— 
 The want of a sufficient Medium of Trade to prevent the mischiefs arising from a 
 scarcity of money, a Grievance. To which your Petitioners add their most fervent 
 Desires that your Honors would Repeal the Suspension of the Writ of Habeas 
 Corpus likewise the Riot Act; the continuance of those Acts your Petitioners 
 apprehend will be greatly subversive of the Constitutional Protection of the good 
 People of this Commonwealth— Your Petitioners request your Honors to empower 
 the Select-men of the Several Towns in this Commonwealth to effect the whole 
 matters of Licencing Innholders and Retailers, likewise the registering of Deeds 
 in every Town— That the Treasurer of each Town be empowered to collect the 
 Excise money— The often Sitting of the Court of Sessions, a Grievance, as we 
 think one session of said Court in a year would Serve to all intents and purposes— 
 We likewise Pray your Honors to send to all the Towns in the Commonwealth to 
 Know their minds with regard to the Revisal of the Constitution as your Petition- 
 ers apprehend great improvements may be made upon the same — That the Settle- 
 ment of Estates or all Probate matters be accommodated and settled in each Town, 
 as it will be a vast saving to the Eatherless and Widows— To all which your 
 Petitioners beg leave to suggest, that the gratifying the above requests will lie a 
 happy means to prevent a strenuous movement of the westarn Counties to be 
 formed into a separate State— all which is humbly submitted to your Honors Can- 
 dor and Wisdo n as in Duty bound shall ever Pray 
 
 by order 
 The forementioned meeting being assembled January 12 th 1787 made choice of 
 John Pilling. Cap' Eli Parker. Moses Dickinson Esq Martin Kellogg and E" John 
 Nash to Draught the foregoing Petition and adjourned to the Wednesday follow- 
 ing when being met according to adjournment the same was read and accepted and 
 ordered to be Recorded in the Town Book of Records 
 
 Attest Daniel Cooley. Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst March 26"' 
 1787 
 
 M r Zebina Montague was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted, Nath" Dickinson Jun r Town Clerk — Voted — D r Seth Coleman Town 
 Treasurer— Voted — L r John Field, D" Elisha Smith. M r Eben 1 ' Boltwood, Joseph 
 Church and Jonathan Dickinson Jun 1 ' Select men — Voted — D" Elisha Smith. D" 
 Seth Coleman and D" Hezekiah Belding Assessors; — Voted — Zebina Montague, 
 Daniel Cooley. Elijah Baker David Blodgett and Solomon Boltwood Wardens- 
 Voted — Capt" Moses Cooke Major Eben r Mattoon, Simeon Clarke Jun 1 E" Joseph 
 Pettes, and D" Hezekiah Belding. Tythingmen — Voted— Gideon Dickinson, 
 Stoughton Dickinson, Gideon Parsons. David Blodgett, Eleazer Cowls. Simeon 
 Clarke Jun' Surveyors of Heighways — Voted — Joseph Eastman Jn r and Enos 
 Cowls Constables — Voted L' John Field and L c Noah Dickinson Fence Viewers — 
 Voted — Gideon Dickinson, Stoughton Dickinson, Gideon Parsons. David Blodgett. 
 Eleazer Cowls, and Simeon Clark Jun'' Collectors of the Heighway rate— Voted — 
 Joseph Church, surveyor of Shingles— Voted — D" Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather 
 — Voted— E" Elijah Hastings. Levi Cooke. David Cowls, Nath" Edwards and 
 Eldad Moody and L' John Field Haywards — Voted— Jonathan Dickinson Jun 1 ' 
 Packer of Beef — Voted — To grant the sum of Seventy Pounds to repair the 
 Heighway and the Assessors are empowered to Assess the same — Voted — To 
 
IoS HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 allow three Shillings p r Day for work Done at Highways from the first Day of 
 May to the first Day of September and two Shillings p 1 ' Day in September and 
 October and one Shilling and six pence the remainder of the year — Voted — To 
 Grant to Isaac Hubbard Six Pounds for killing a grown Wolf and the Assessors 
 are empowered to Assess the same — Voted, that Hogs yoked and rung according to 
 Law may run on the Common from the first Day of May to the first Day of 
 September 
 
 Attest 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst on the first 
 Monday of April A D. 17S7 
 
 Voted for Governor as follows — viz. 
 
 His Excellency James Bowdoin Esq 1 thirteen 
 The Hon 1 ' 1 '' John Hancock Esq 1 ' eight 
 Voted for Lieutenant Governor as follows, viz. the Hon' 1, Benjamin Lincoln 
 Esq r twenty two — 
 
 Voted — for Senators as follows — viz 
 
 For David Smead Esq r Seventeen 
 William Shephard Esq 1 ' Nineteen 
 Caleb Strong Esq r twenty one 
 John Bliss Esq r twenty one 
 Oliver Phelps Esq 1 ' four 
 John Hastings Esq'' one 
 
 John Field "] 
 
 Eben'r Boltwood J Select men 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith y of 
 
 Jonathan Dickinson J'r | Amherst 
 Joseph Church J 
 
 Xath" Dickinson Jun r Town Clerk 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst May 14 th 1787 
 
 Mr Daniel Cooley was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted— To relinquish to Isaac Hubbard a Town Tax against him and com- 
 mitted to Stephen Cole to collect, he having paid the same or Similar Tax in 
 another Town — Voted — To empower the Select men to give an order to Isaac 
 Hubbard to Draw Six Pounds out of the Town Treasury for his killing one grown 
 Wolf — Voted — to accept the List of Jurors laid before the Town by the Selectmen 
 —Voted — That the Select men be empowered to give an order to Stephen Smith to 
 Draw Seven Shillings and Six pence out of the Town Treasury for removing a 
 Poor Family to Sunderland — Voted — That the Town Tax which should have been 
 committed to Daniel Kellogg Jun r be committed to the Constables for the present 
 year and the Assessors are Directed to Issue their warrants accordingly 
 
 Attest Daniel Cooley Moderator 
 
 At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst August 13" 1 1787 
 The votes for a Register of Deeds for the middle District in the County of 
 Hampshire were as follows 
 
 For Solomon Stoddard Esq r thirty eight 
 For Eben 1 ' Hunt Esq 1 ' two 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 09 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Oct r i5' h 1787 
 
 L l John Field was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — To Grant fifty Pounds to Support Schools 
 
 Voted — to keep the Schools the ensuing year 
 
 Voted — that the east School in the middle, shall have one month more than 
 the others to make up what they wanted of their proportion the last year 
 
 Voted — that each District or School shall have a sixth part of the [sum] that 
 is granted for the Support of the Schools 
 
 Voted — To choose a Commiitee to Instruct our Representative 
 
 Voted — That D n John Billing. Martin Kellogg. L' Moses Rowe Elijah Baker, 
 Moses Cooke Cap" Eli Parker and Joseph Dickinson be the Committee aforesaid 
 
 Voted — to Adjourn to friday the 19" 1 instant at three O'Clock P. M. then to 
 meet in this place 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Amherst Oct 1 ' 29 th 1787 
 
 Cap' Eli Parker was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted to adjourn this meeting unto the 12 th Day of November next 
 
 Nov r 12 th 17S7. Being met according to adjournment — 
 
 Voted — to Sell some part of the Town Heighway — Voted — That the Heigh- 
 ways North and South shall be in no place less than Six rods wide where they are 
 now so wide — Voted — That the Committee act Discretionary as to the width of the 
 Cross Highways — Voted — To Choose a Committee to Dispose of said Highways 
 or any part thereof as they think proper— Voted — Cap 1 Eli Parker. Moses Dickin- 
 son Esq'' Simeon Strong Esq r L' John Field M 1 ' Daniel Cooley, Joseph Church, 
 Josiah Warner, Enos Dickinson, and Noah Smith be the Committee aforesaid — 
 Voted — To allow the People in the Northeast part of Amherst, eighteen pounds, 
 in Case they shall build for the Town such a School house as is built in the North 
 west part of the Town — 
 
 Voted— To Abate to L l Ezra Rood the Rates that were made against him 
 when in Northampton Goal — Voted —To Discharge L l Ezra Rood from all other 
 Rates in the Constables hands against him provided he give a Note to the Town 
 Treasurer for the same sum on interest, for the use of the Inhabitants of this Town 
 
 Attest Eli Parker Moderator 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst January 14"' 
 178S 
 
 Joseph Church was chosen Moderator 
 
 Voted — to adjourn to Monday next at one of the Clock afternoon then to meet 
 at the first Parish meeting house— being met according to Adjournment- 
 Voted — to accept the Bills as read and corrected and to empower the Asses- 
 sors to Assess a Sum of money on the Inhabitants of this Town sufficient to Pay 
 the same — Voted -six shillings P r hundred feet for two inch Oak plank and hve 
 shillings for inch and half Oak Plank — Voted — three shillings P r Day to the 
 Assessors — 
 
 Voted — three shillings P 1 ' Day for work Done at Bridges and three shillings 
 and four pence P 1 ' Day for Hewers of Timber — 
 
 Voted — two shillings I" Day to each of the Committee appointed to Ascertain 
 the Town and County Heighways — Voted — To Adjourn to the Seventh Day -of 
 
IIO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 February next at one of the Clock afternoon then to meet at the first Parish meet- 
 ing house — Being met according to Adjournment — 
 
 Voted — To allow thirty Pounds for Building the schoolhouse in the north east 
 part of the Town — 
 
 Voted — To Abate to Nath 11 Dickinson 2' 1 the rates he had to collect against 
 Daniel Cheney, Enos Rolph and William Moores — Voted — To abate to Thomas 
 Marshall the whole of the rates Due from him to the Constables of this Town 
 not by them collected — 
 
 voted — To choose a Committee to proportion the money that may arise from 
 the sale of Highways to each Parish in this Town — Voted — That D 1 ' Seth Cole- 
 man Col. Eben 1 ' Mattoon. D" John Billing. L 1 Zebina Montague be the Committee 
 aforesaid 
 
 Attest Joseph Church Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst holden at 
 the Meeting-hous in the First Parish in S d Amherst on Monday the 3 d day of March 
 A. D. 1788 Come to the following Votes. (Viz) 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Moderator. Voted Seth Coleman. Town Clerk 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman town treasurer- 
 Voted Josiah Warner, Joseph Dickinson, W" John billings, Thomas Hastings 
 & Timothy Green Selectmen 
 
 Voted Jnr. John Nash, Josiah Warner & Medad Dickinson Assessors - 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting for the Space of one Hour and half and then 
 meet at this place — The Meeting being Met According to Adjournment Come to 
 the Following Votes (viz) 
 
 Voted to Chuse two men for Constables the Present year — 
 
 Voted Medad Moody & Eleazer Cowles Constables. 
 
 Voted to Chuse six Teythingmen this year — 
 
 Voted Simeon Clark, Timothy Henderson, John Eastman. Perez Dickinson, 
 Enos Dickinson & David Cowles teything men — 
 
 Voted to Chuse Seven Survayors of Highways this year — 
 
 Voted Zeachariah Hawley, Ebenezer Dickinson, Joseph Dickinson, Noadiah 
 Smith. Moses Hastings, Elijah Hastings and Xath" Alexander Smith Surveyors of 
 Highways— Vot. the Surveyors of Highways be Collectors of Taxes — Voted W m 
 Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather. 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Surveyor of Shingle & Clabboards — Voted Last John 
 Hay ward. 
 
 Voted to have two Fence Viewers this year — Voted Elijah Dickinson & Alli- 
 son Cowles be the Fence Viewers above. 
 
 Voted to Rais Seventy Pounds to Reprove the Highways this year — 
 
 Voted to empower the Assessors to levy a tax to rais the same. 
 
 Voted to allow three Shillings P 1 " Day for works at the Highways from the 
 first of May to the twentieth of September — and to allow one Shilling and Eight 
 Pence P r Day from the twentieth of September to the first of December — 
 
 Test. Joseph Church. Moderator. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst holden at the 
 Meeting-hous of the First Parish in Said Amherst on Monday the S' h day of March 
 A. D. 17SS. Come to the Following Vote viz— V— Thomas Hastings Moderator— 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. Ill 
 
 Voted to Chuse three men as a Com' " to examine the Treasury to Ascertain 
 what sum is necessary to be Assessed on the town to discharge the Debt due to the 
 Hears of the Rev David Parsons, Late of Amherst Deceas' — and make reports to 
 April Meeting. 
 
 Voted Col. Ebenezer Mattoon, John Xash & Capt. Eli Parker be the Com- 
 mittee above. 
 
 Voted to abate W'" Jearild Rate on Thomas Hastings — List (Viz) 
 
 Voted that the rates of Gayes Rowe. Silas Robbins. Edward Allen. David 
 Fuller. W. M. Rolf. Nath" Peck 2' 1 and Roswell Clay in Thomas Hastings List 
 upon Town Rate Lay for one year before the Treasurer Call upon him for them — 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting to thirsday. the thirteenth day of March atone 
 of the Clock in the Afternoone — 
 
 Thirsday, the thirteenth clay of March ijSSthe town being Met according to 
 Adjournment Come to the following Votes (viz) 
 
 Voted to Sel the Hole of the town ways as they have bin Survey,' 1 by the 
 Com* 1 ' appointed by the town for that Purpos in Nov 12 : 17S7 & at the Price they 
 have affixed to each bit of ground — 
 
 Voted to accept of the Reports of the Com tee Appointed to make the Aver- 
 adge at the Value of the Highway Property to be Sold in Amherst betwixt the 
 two Parishes that Each Parish might have their Proportion of Said money arising 
 from the Said Lands — • 
 
 Voted that the Com Iee appointed to Survey the Highways in Amherst take their 
 Report and make such alterations as they think Propre and make a Report to the 
 future Meeting — 
 
 Voted that no One Shall have his Land without Either Paying for it or Procur- 
 ing a bondsman for the Payment. 
 
 Test. Thomas Hastings. Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the town of Amherst on Monday the 7 111 of April A. 
 D. 17SS Voted for Governor as follows (viz) 
 
 For the Honorable Elbridge Gerry — Fifty Nine 
 
 For His Excelency, John Hancock Twenty Seven — 
 
 For the Hon. James Bowdoin one — 
 Voted For Lieutenant Governor as Follows — 
 
 For the Hon James Warren Sixty Six — 
 
 For the Hon Benjamin Lincoln, twenty three — 
 Voted for Senators as follows (viz) 
 
 For the Hon Olliver Phelps Esq. Fifty two. 
 
 For Mr Phineas Stebbins Fifty seven. 
 
 For Mr William Bodman Fifty five. 
 
 For Mr David Cooley Fifty Four. 
 
 For Hon. Caleb Strong Esq. Thirty Five. 
 
 For Hon David Santon Esq. Thirty five. 
 
 For Hon John Bliss, Esq. Thirty Four. 
 
 For Hon John Hastings Esq. Thirty Four. 
 
 For Col Benjamin Eli Esq Four 
 
 For Mr Solomon Stodent Esq three. 
 
112 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 For Gen. Wareham Parks, one. 
 For Mr Samuel Mather Esq one. 
 
 Thomas Hastings 1 Selectmen 
 
 Attest Timothy Greex ' Selectmen 
 
 Attest Josiah Warner f Amherst 
 
 John Billings J Amners * 
 Seth Coleman Town Clerk — 
 
 Hampshire, ss. to Mr Medad Moody Constable, of Amherst — Greeting — In 
 the Name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required forth- 
 with to Notify and Warn all the Free Holders and other Inheabitants of Amherst 
 Qualified to Vote in Town Meetings that they assemble and Meet at the First 
 Parish Meeting holden in Amherst on the Seventh Day of April Next at two of 
 the Clock in the afternoon, then and there to act on the following articles. r sl To 
 Chuse a Moderator. 2' 1 To hear the reports of the Com tee appointed to Examine 
 the State of the town Debts, and to make fresh order thereon as Shall be thought 
 Propre. 
 
 3 d . To hear the Report of the Com tee directed to make alterations in the 
 Report of the Committee that surveyed the Highway in order for Sale — and make 
 such order thereon as they see fit. 
 
 4 th . To make some order for the Conveyence of the Town Lands to Those 
 Persons that Purchase them — 
 
 5 th . To make some order whereby Each Parish may be furnished of their Pro- 
 portion of the Money Arising from the Sale of the Town Lands. 
 
 6 th . To see if the Town will release Elihu Hubbard of his rates paid to 
 Stephen Cole. 
 
 7 th . To see if the town will abate Stephen Cole of a number of rates. 
 
 8 th . To see if the town will abate Ephraim Kellogg of Some Persons rates. 
 
 9" 1 . To Chuse such town officers as Shall be found needfull for the Present 
 year. 
 
 10 th . To see if the town will accept the list of Jurors that may be presented 
 by the Selectmen — 
 
 Hereon fail not to make some return of this warrant and your doings thereon 
 to some one of us before the time of Said Meeting. 
 
 Given and 'in our Hands and Sed this Thirteenth day of March Seventeen 
 hundred and eighty eight. 
 
 Voted at Amherst March 13. 17SS 
 
 John Billings "] 
 
 Thomas Hastings. [ Selectmen of 
 Timothy Green Jnr. f Amherst. 
 Joseph Dickinson J 
 
 The Directions of this Warrant have been attested by me. Medad Moody. 
 Constable. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst Holden at 
 the Meeting House in the First Parish in S' 1 Amherst on Monday the 7"' of April 
 17S8 Voted as follows (Viz) — 
 
 Voted Daniel Cooley. Moderator. 
 
 Voted to Release Ebeazor Cowls from being Constable the Current year. 
 
 Voted Solomen Boltwood Constable. 
 
 Voted to rais forty five Pounds for the Purpos of Settling with the Hears of 
 the Rev. David Parsons, Late of Amherst — Deceas' — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 113 
 
 Voted to Empower the Assessors to lev) - a tax on the Inheabitants to rais 
 the Same. 
 
 Voted to accept of the Reports of the Com"-' 1 ' appointed to survey the High- 
 ways in Amherst and apprise the Same for Sale according as it Now Stands with 
 the Amendments. 
 
 Voted That all the money arising from the Sale of the Town ways shall be 
 averaged by the Last list when the averadgeis made : after thene forty five Pounds 
 reduction out for to Pay the hears of the Rev David Parsons late of Amherst — 
 Deceas' 
 
 Voted That the Reports of the Com tee appointed for assessing the Land in 
 the town ways be filed in the Clerks office and Recorded in the Town Records. 
 Voted that the tracts of Land laid out and Described to the Persons respectively 
 named in Said Reports be and hereby are granted in Fee to the Said Persons and 
 their Hears Respectively on the Conditions following (viz) that they Pay the Sums 
 whereat the Several tracts were respectively apprised to the Town Treasurer, or 
 give Security with one good Surity to the town Treasurer for Payment of the same 
 with Interest within one year from the time of giving the Same Security and that 
 when even Said Payment Shall be Made on Security given, the Town the town 
 way in Each Tract Respectively Shall be Discontinued — Provided However, that 
 the Lands in Said Report Described to Nehemiah Strong. Robert Cutler, Thomas 
 Bascum, & Isaac Goodale be excepted out of the grant and referred to the future 
 order at the town — Voted — to accept of the list of Jurors as they have bin red & 
 so forth. 
 
 Attest. Daniel Coqlev. Moderator. 
 
 To the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst at their Meeting there on Mon- 
 day the Fourteen Day of January Anno Domini 17SS — 
 
 The Com'" for Disposing of Lands in the Town Ways report that they have 
 according to the Instructions of the Town. Laid out and Surveyed a Town Way 
 Six Rods Wide, between the first and Second Division and another between the 
 Second and third Division of the Same Breadth, Except that in the Way between 
 Second and third Division they have Laid out the way but four rods wide from the 
 Pay Road, to the North side of Stoughton Dickinsons House Lot: Excepting also 
 that in Several Places the Com ,ec ' have left and reserved the whole breadth of the 
 former Way for Particular or Public use. the Said New Lain Ways are within the 
 old Town way and for the most part Contain the County Roads. The Committee 
 have also laid out Ways, in the Same Manner, there as the Divisions from West to 
 East, four Rods wide, they have measured out and bounded the Several Pieces of 
 Land at the Front, Rear on Sides of Each Mans Lot bounded on the Said Sur- 
 veyed Ways : which Pieces of Land the Town will sell to the Respective Owners 
 of the lots if they think Propre. The Committee have also appraised Each of 
 Said pieces of Land according to their best skill and judgement and now Exhibit to 
 the Town a Particular list of their Locations and Appraisements — The Following 
 Exhibition shows the names of the men Against whose Lands the Said Pieces of 
 Land are Laid out for Sale, then the Quantity of Land in Acres and Rods: The 
 Several Pieces by the Acre and the Amount of the Lands Laid out for each man 
 to Purchase — 
 
H4 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 FROM THE BAY ROAD NORTH BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD DIVISION. 
 
 Owners of Lots and Descriptions- 
 Jacob Warner. S Rods wide 19 Rods Long. 
 Moses Dickinson, Esq. S Rods wide 17 Rods long, thence run- I 
 
 ning 15 Rods to 2 Rods wide. ) 
 
 No 1 U:\li Smith from a Point 18 Rods to S Rods wide thence 20 I 
 
 Rods to 8 Rods wide ) 
 
 S Rods wide 47 Rods to 4 Rods & half— Medad Moody 
 Henry Franklin from a Point running 50 Rods to 35 Rods wide 
 Jonathan Warner. 46 Rods long 45 Rods wide 
 Moses Dickinson. Esq. 35 Rods Wide 43 Rods long, thence 35 ( 
 
 Rods to a point. I 
 
 Capt. James Hendrick 4.I Rods wide, then 35 Rods to S Rods I 
 
 Wide, thence S Rods Wide 41 Rods long. i 
 
 Stoughton Dickinson 44 Rods long. & 8 Rods Wide 
 Lieut Jonathan Dickinson. S Rods Wide 40.5 Rods long 
 Perez Moody 8 Rods Wide thence 13 Rods to a Point 
 D'n Elisha Smith. 4 Rods Wide 15 Rods Long to 55 Rods Wide 
 Asahel Moody 4 Rods Wide running 14 Rods to a Point 
 Ebeneazer Jones S Rods Wide 12 Rods long 
 Stoughton Dickinson. 8 Rods Wide 4S Rods long 
 Jonathan Moody. Jnr. S Rods wide 20 long 
 Enos Cowles from a point 20 Rods to 3 Rods wide 
 Jnr Elijah Hastings: 3 Rods wide running to 10 Rods and 4 I 
 
 Rods wide, thence 5.1 Rods 14 Rods wide I 
 
 Mr Daniel Cooley 4 Rods Wide 30 Rods to 3 Rods Wide- 
 Stephen Smith 3 Rods wide 4S Rods 
 
 Mr Daniel Coole-y 1 Rod Wide 26 Rods Long to 3 Rods wide 
 Stephen Smith 2 Rods wide 16 rods to 3rods wide thence 21 Rds. ) 
 
 Long ) 
 
 Jnr. Joseph Pettes 3 r. Wide 22 r. long 
 Amus Nash 3 Rods wide 13 Rods long. 
 Reuben Nash 3 Rods wide 24 Rods long. 
 Mr Daniel Cooiey. 3 r. wide 26 Rods long 
 John Williams. 3 Rods wide 26 Rods long. 
 Justus Williams. 3 Rods wide 52 Rods thence 12 Rods to Point 
 Samuel Hastings. 3 Rods wide 26 Rods long 
 Thomas Hastings. 13 r. wide 23 r. long. 
 Justus Williams. 13 r. wide running 12 r. to 6 rods wide, thence ( 
 
 6 Rods wide 27 Rods ) 
 
 Simeon Pomeroy, Jnr. 6 Rods wide 20 Rods long 
 Simeon Pomeroy Jnr. — 6 Rods wide 25 Rods long 
 Justus Williams 6 Rods wide 32 Rods long 
 
 N. li. Nathan 1 tiekinson Jnr. gave Security for 24 rods of land. 
 Josiah Thayer 6 r. wide 25 Rods long 
 Nathan Dickinson Jnr. 6 Rods wide 40 Rods long. 
 Joel Billings 6 r. wide 30 r. long 
 Den. John Billings 6 Rods wide 79 Rods Long 
 Moses Hastings & Thomas Hastings Heirs — 6 Rods wide 21 \ 
 
 Rods thence 21 Rods to 3 r. wide I 
 
 Capt. David Rick, from a Point 47 Rods to 4 Rods wide 
 Jonathan Smith 4 Rods wide 66 Rods long. 
 Rev. I chabod Draper 3 Rods wide thence 26 Rods to 2 r. wide) 
 
 thence 2 r wide 16 rods — I 
 
 Den. Jonathan Edwards. 2 r. wide 47 Rods long 
 Philips Edwards 2 Rods wide thence 6 Rods to a point 
 Aaron Warner Heirs 4 Rods wide 39 Rods long 
 Simeon Dickinson from a point 42 Rods to 6 r. wide 
 Daniel Kellogg from a Point 22 Rods to 4 Rods wide thence 53 1 
 
 Rods to a point I 
 
 Nathan Dickinson 2 r. wide 65 Rods to 6 Rods wide 
 
 Quantity 
 
 Price 
 
 per 
 
 Sum to 
 
 :>f Land 
 
 
 Acre 
 
 be Paid. 
 
 A. .R. 
 
 £ 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 
 152 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 I 51 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 4 
 
 I 72 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 16 3 
 
 I 122 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 84 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 Ij 2 
 
 1 47 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 1 96 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 16 3 
 
 2 66 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 16 6 
 
 2 32 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 12 1 
 
 1 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 S 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 2S 
 
 I 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 96 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 16 
 
 5 
 
 44 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 30 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 119 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 105 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 6 
 
 144 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 66 
 
 2 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 
 
 19 9 
 
 39 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 4 
 
 72 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 15 4 
 
 5i 
 
 
 It 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 7S 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 9 
 
 1 14 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 17 2 
 
 78 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 17 2 
 
 69 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 15 3 
 
 1 56 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 7 2 
 
 120 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 rjo 
 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 1 32 
 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 3 2 
 
 150 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 S 1 
 
 1 80 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 12 6 
 
 1 30 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 13 9 
 
 2 154 
 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 6 9 
 
 1 59 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 17 9 
 
 94 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 3 
 
 1 104 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 14 6 
 
 97 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 3 
 
 94 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 6 
 
 16 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 156 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 3 10 
 
 126 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 i5 5 
 
 150 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 8 1 
 
 1 100 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 7 3 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 "5 
 
 Owners of Lots and Descriptions- 
 Jonathan Dickinson. 25 Rods from a Point to 2 Rods wide 
 Capt Eli Parker. 6 Rods wide 4S r. Long, thence 19 R. to 5 ( 
 
 Rods wide. ) 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq. from a Point 30 Rods to 3 Rods wide 
 Den. Hezekiah Belding. 5 Rods Wide 16 r. to 3 Rods wide ( 
 
 thence 27 r. to 4 Rods wide I 
 
 Gideon Dickinson 3 Rods wide 24 Rods long, to 2 rods wide 
 
 Thence 20 r. to 1 r. wide: Thence 30 r. to 2 r. wide 
 
 thence 32 r. to 4 r. wide : 
 Capt. Reuben Dickinson— 4 Rods wide 20 r. to 5 wide, thence ( 
 
 30 r. to 4 Rods wide I 
 
 Joseph Morton 4 r. wide 42 r. to 2 r. wide 
 Jonathan Smith 4 R. wide 50 R. long 
 Gideon Dickinson. 22. wide 32 Rods long 
 John Ingram. 2 r. wide 70 r. to 6 r. wide 
 Joseph Eastman 4 Rods wide running 6S Rods to a Point 
 Zachaeriah Hawley 6 Rods wide 32 r. long 
 
 Dn Jonathan Edwards. 6 r. wide 17 Rods long thence 20 Rods \ 
 to a Point ) 
 
 Quantity 
 of Land. 
 
 A. K. 
 
 21 
 
 2 70 
 
 45 
 
 159 
 
 Price pei' 
 Acre 
 £ ■ 
 200 
 
 2 S o 
 2 S 
 1 15 
 
 1 16 o 
 
 Sum to 
 be Paid. 
 £ 
 
 13 6 
 
 1 14 9 
 
 120 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 11 6 
 
 40 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 17 6 
 
 64 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 120 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 136 
 
 I 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 5 6 
 
 3 3 
 
 FROM BAY ROAD NORTH BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND DIVISIONS. 
 
 Simeon Smith 17 Rods wide at Bay Road running 44 Rods to a 1 
 
 Point I 
 
 Giles Church 8 r. wide 14 Rods long to 6 Rods wide 
 Jonathan Moody. 1 r. wide running 40 Rods to 12 Rods wide 
 Joel Moody. 6 r. wide running 36 Rods to 2 r. wide, thence 20 ) 
 
 R. to 4 1 wide 1 
 
 Aaron Warner. Jnr. Heirs. 12 Rods wide running 34 rods to 5 ( 
 
 Rods wide : thence 10 Rods to 6 Rods wide I 
 
 Lemuel Moody. 45 Rods wide 17 r to 9 Rods wide thence iS r. | 
 
 to 2 rods wide I 
 
 Waitstill Dickinson 6 Rods wide running S Rods to 10 Rods) 
 
 wide: thence 10 Rods to 14 Rods wide: thence 45 r. 14 > 
 
 r. wide ) 
 
 Widow Sarah Lee. 14 r. wide 11 Rods N. and South. 
 Solomon Boltwood 14 Rods wide 44 R. long. 
 John Lee. 14 r. wide 90 r. long 
 Nathaniel Coleman. 14 r. wide running 20 r. to 12 Rods wide.) 
 
 thence 12 r. to that Point. I 
 
 Nathaniel Coleman. North side of his lot from a Point. 10 Rods ) 
 
 long to 5 r. wide I 
 
 Justus Williams, from a Point 64 r. to 14 Rd;. wide 
 Timothy Green. Jnr. 14 Rods wide 30 Rods long 
 Timothy Green. 14 Rods wide 30 Rods long 
 James Mearrick 14 Rods wide thence 54 to 7 Rods wide 
 Eldad Moody 5 r. Wide 45 r. to 7 r. wide thence 19 r. 17 r. I 
 
 wide I 
 
 Jnr Joseph Pettes 7 Rods wide 21 Rods long thence 27 r. to 4 I 
 
 r. wide j 
 
 Captain Moses Cook. 7 Rods wide running 30 r. to 8 Rods wide 
 
 Ethan Smith 8 Rods wide 29 Rods long to 10 Rods wide 
 
 Den. Eleazer Smith 75 Rods of land more than his former grant 
 
 Enos Dickinson 4 Rods wide 40 Rods long. 
 
 Capt Aaron Dickinson. 9 Rods wide 28 Rods to a Point. From ( 
 
 a Point to 3 Rods wide at ye Rever 42 Rods J 
 
 Justus Williams 3 r. wide 32 r. long to 14 r. wide 
 Enos Dickinson 14 r. Wide 19 r. long. 
 Martin Kellogg. 14 r. Wide 52 r. long to ii Rod wide 
 Leut Moses Rowe. from a Point 34 Rods long to 2 r. wide I 
 
 thence 2 Rods Wide 34 Rods long | 
 
 William Boltwood 2 r. Wide 30 Rod long 
 Samuel Smith 48 Rods long 12 Rods Wide 
 
 64 
 
 98 
 1 100 
 
 1 49 
 
 2 24 
 
 5 14 
 
 i54 
 
 3 ij^ 
 7 140 
 
 4? 
 
 128 
 
 ioo 
 
 100 
 64 
 
 64 
 101 
 
 120 
 
 I06 
 
 102 
 60 
 
 I 9 I 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 II 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 8 iS o 
 
 I 
 
 13 
 
 s 
 
 7 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 16 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 iS 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 2 19 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 17 
 
 
 
 
 
 iS 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 10 
 
 S 
 1 
 
 2 
 12 
 
 6 
 1 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
'i 1 6 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Owners of Lots and Descriptions — 
 
 ■Capt Aaron Dickinson. 2 Rods wide running 54 r. to a Point. 
 John Boltwood 50 Rods long. 12 rods wide 
 Elijah Dickinson. 14 Rods wide. 39 rods long, to S Rods wide 
 Mr Nehemiah Strong— S Rods running 20 r. long to 45 wide 
 Dn. Robert Cutler gR of Land 
 Thomas Bascum gR of Land. 
 Jrs. John Nash 4 r. about 25 R. to a Point 
 Daniel Kellogg. 14 Rds. wide 46 r. long : and 33 r. to 2 r. wide 
 Isaac Goodale. 13I Rods by 14 Rods 
 Moses Cook from a Point 30 Rods to 12 r. Wide, thence 30 
 
 Rods 12 R. wide thence 20 R. to i2j wide thence iS r to 
 
 1 2.5 wide 
 Seth Coleman. 2 r. wide 29 r. long 
 Simeon Strong, Esq. 2 r. W 20 r. long to ii r. wide 
 Jonathan Field ik Rods wide 34 r long to a Point 
 Rvd David Parsons 123 r wide 35 Rods long to 14 r wide 
 Lent John Field 14 r wide 32 r. long. 
 Joseph Church— 14 r. wide 150 r. long 
 Joseph Eastman from a Point 34 r. to 7 r. wide thence 55 r. to 
 
 2 r. long 
 John Eastman 13 r. wide running iS r. to 7 r. wide : thence 44 
 
 r. to 12 Rods wide 
 Nath'll Dickinson Esq 12 r. wide 55 r. long 
 Ebenezar Mattoon. 2 r. wide— running 103 r. to 3 r. wide. 
 Elijah Baker. Junr. 3 Rods wide running 50 r. to 6 rods wide 
 Elijah Baker Senior. 12 r. wide 76 r. long to 11 r. wide 
 John Ingram 11 r. wide running 51 r. to 6 r. wide. 
 Simeon Cowles 6 r. wide running iS rods 
 David Smith Jnr 6 r. wide running 17 rods to a Point 
 Andrew Kimball. 13 r. wide 50 r. long 
 
 The Cross Road South of John Lees. From Lt Jonathan Dick- 
 inson 6 r. wide 74 r. Long 
 Solomon Boltwood. From a point iS rods to 5 r. wide : then 32 
 
 rods to a point 
 John Lee. 6 rods wide 19 rods long thence iS r. to 1 r. wide. 
 
 thence 32 r to 6 r. wide : thence 120 r 6 rods wide 
 
 Quantity 
 
 Price 
 
 per 
 
 Sum to 
 
 of Land. 
 
 
 Acre 
 
 be Paid. 
 
 A. R. 
 
 £ 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 54 
 
 2 
 
 i5 
 
 
 
 iS 6 
 
 3 120 
 
 3 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 14 12 6 
 
 2 109 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 14 6 
 
 152 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 2 6 
 
 ' 9 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 046 
 
 9 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 046 
 
 5° 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 5 
 
 5 112 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 2S 10 
 
 1 132 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 600 
 
 104 
 
 46 
 
 I 16 
 
 12 12 6 
 
 063 
 
 5 18 8 
 
 5 6 3 
 27 6 
 
 4 iS 3 
 
 6 10 8 
 
 20 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 17 
 
 2 
 
 ! 97 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 1 
 
 65 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 74 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 15 
 
 9 
 
 '■ "3 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 10S 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hi 
 
 2 
 
 5i 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 \ 10 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 17 
 
 6 
 
 ! 124 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 123 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 3 
 
 6 49 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 THE ROAD FROM HADLEV TO PELHAM. 
 
 Simeon Strong, Esq. 15™ rods wide running 24 r. to 7 r. wide. 
 
 Gideon Parsons from 1 r. wide running 10 r to 15 r wide. 
 
 Rev David Parsons. i| r wide 14 r to 9 r wide thence 16 r to 12I 
 
 r wide thence 12 r to 14 r. wide thence iS r to 16 r wide then 
 
 11 r to 15 r wide 
 Mr Ebenezer Boltwood 7 r wide Running 16 r to 3! r wide 
 Den. Robert Cutler 3 A rods wide runnin 12 r. to a Point East 
 
 of his house thence from a Point a little East of his hous 
 
 48 rods west to 9 Rods wide 
 Den. Simeon Clark 15 r Wide 42 r to 7 r wide : thence 38 r to a 
 
 Point from a Point 4S r to 16 r wide at Hadley line 
 Solomon Boltword 9 r wide running 38 rods to 16 r. wide: 
 
 thence 16 r. wide 34 r : thence 48 r. to a Point at Hadley 
 
 Line. 
 Mr. Simeon Strong, near Mr. Boltwoods shop 1 r wide 13 r ) 
 
 long I 
 
 Simeon Dickinson. 2 r wide running 30 r to 3 r wide 
 Zebina Montague from a point 8 r to 2 r wide thence East 22 ( 
 
 r to a Point I 
 
 Jacob Mc Doniels a Piece of Land South of the Pound as ) 
 
 staked out by ye Com'tee. I 
 
 Jacob Mc Doniels East of the Town 5 r wide 75 r long 
 Jacob Mc Doniels another Piece ii r wide running 17 r to 1 Rod ) 
 
 wide : thence 7 Rods to i Rod wide thence 6 r wide to [ 
 
 2 Rods wide ) 
 
 86 
 12 
 
 104 
 
 S 4 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 17 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 IS 
 
 7 
 
 34 3 11 
 
 066 
 300 
 
 iS 2 
 
 076 
 
 1 06 
 
 1 10 6 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 117' 
 
 Quantity Price per 
 
 Sum to 
 
 of Land Acre 
 
 be Paid 
 
 A. R. £ 
 
 £ 
 
 Owners of Lots and Descriptions — 
 
 Moses Warner from a Point East 20 r. to 6 r wide : thence) ^ ' „ „ 
 
 East 12 r. to a Point 1 gb J I0 ° J 4 - 
 
 Moses Warner from a Point 5 r to 2 r wide ; thence 99 rods to) ___ , „ 
 
 3 r wide. I 1 ijj o io 3 is 1 
 
 Moses Warner 3 r wide 4S r long to S r wide 1 104 3 10 5 15 5 
 
 Simeon Dickinson. 2 r wide running 99 r to 5 r wide; thence 20 ( „/■ .. 
 
 r. to a Point j 2 /D 2 Ij ° b " J 
 
 THE CROSS ROAD SOUTH OF JOSEPH DICKINSON'S FARM. 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq 6 r wide 166 r long 6 36 200 1290 
 
 Jonathan Field 6 r wide running 50 r to a Point : from another j ■ 
 
 Point 20 r to 3 r wide : thence 20 r to a Point i 1 5 o 2 o o 2 12 00 
 
 Joseph Dickinson from a Point running 150 r to 6 rods wide. 2 142 1 iS o 599 
 
 THE CROSS ROAD SOUTH OF SIMEON COWLES FARM. 
 
 John Eastman 6 r wide 48 r long 1 12S 230 3176 
 
 Simeon Cowles 6 r wide 6 r long : thence 14 r to a point 108 230 190 
 
 Joseph Church from a Point 24 r to 6 r wide : thence 6 rods wide j T oS ■> 116 
 
 Oliver Cowles 6 r. wide 70 r long 2 100 2 10 6 n 3 
 
 The Several Sums affixed to the Respective Farms contained in the foregoing 
 List amounts according to the Computation made by the Committee to the sum of 
 five thousand thirty-three Pounds Five Shillings and Eleven Pence — But there are 
 Several former grants that are not included in the foregoing Assignment which the 
 Com could not without Difficulty ascertain, and are therefore left, to be Deducted 
 from the Assignments Respectively — the Lands left for a way. from the Leverett 
 Bounds to Mill River, and the Lands left between L 1 John Dickinsons and Justus 
 Williams Farm in First division are not reported by the Committee but left to be 
 hereafter disposed of by the town as they shall think Propre all which is humbly 
 submitted by 
 
 Simeon Strong. ~] 
 John Field. 
 True copy of the Joseph Church. 
 
 Original List, ! Eli Parker I Com' 
 
 Seth Coleman. Xoah Smith 
 
 Town Clerk J Josiah Warner 
 
 Moses Dickinson | 
 Enos Dickinson J 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst. May 15. 17SS. 
 Voted as follows — (viz) 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq. Moderator 
 
 Voted that Hogs shall run ringed and yoked according to law from the 
 Fifteenth Instant of May to the Fifteenth of August next. 
 
 Voted to next Choose a Com'"' of five to vew the ground through the third 
 division near Jim. Elijah Hastings, farm and Pais their judgment whether it be 
 Expedient for the town to lay a road acrost Said Division and make their reports 
 from future Meeting. 
 
 Voted Den. Elisha Smith. Capt. Eli Parker, Joseph Church. Capt. Moses 
 Cook, & Jonathan Dickinson, be the Com ue above. 
 
 Voted that the town Reconsider a Former Vote Relative to the High way 
 that was set to John Boltwood by the Com 110 appointed to Sel Some part of the 
 town ways in November 17S7 and grant the Same to the widow Mary Boltwood & 
 William Boltwood upon their fulfilling the Conditions as Voted for the Sale of the 
 Highways. 
 
I iS HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted, to Choose a Com 1 '" to transcribe the ancient records of the limits of 
 the town of Amherst & print the Same in Amherst Town Book. 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman. Noah Smith, and Jun. John Nash, be the Corn 1 '' above. 
 
 Voted, that the Assessors make the highway rate by the Last list 
 
 Voted that the town take into their care & support the widow Mehetibel 
 Smith and all her effects. 
 
 Voted to Draw as much .Money out of the Treasury as shall be sufficient 
 to furnish Securities to overrun the fine laid on the town for not finding a 
 Representative. 
 
 Voted To Send a Com tee to vew the land on the front of Den. John Pilings 
 lot and make report to a future Meeting wheather on what Part of the highway 
 before Said Johns front will be Expedient for the town to Sel. 
 
 Simeon Strong Moderator. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst on thirsday 
 the Eighteenth day of September 178S — 
 
 Voted Daniel Cooley Moderator — 
 
 Voted to raise fifty four Pounds for the Purpos of Maintaining the Skools in 
 Amherst. 
 
 Voted that the Assessors be Impowered to levy a tax to rais the Same and 
 that it be put into the First Town Tax after Next January. 
 
 Voted to make an Averidge of the Avails of the Town Lands lately asined 
 for Sale betwixt the two Parishes in Amherst. 
 
 Voted Dn. John Billings. Col. Ebenezer Mattoon, Seth Coleman, Lieut. 
 Zebina Montague & John McDoniel be the Com*' fur the Purpos above. 
 
 Voted that the town Examin the Surveyors of the Highway for the year 1787 
 & See what Moneys there is Still in their hands that hath not been Expended on 
 the highways — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen take up the Matter and all the Moneys they find 
 in the hands of the Surveyors be Expended on the Highways in the best manner 
 for the benefit of the town. 
 
 Voted that the Town Come into Some Measure to Establish the town Ways 
 laid out by the Com'"' for Disposing of the town Street Lands So Called. 
 
 Voted To Chuse a Com tee for the above Purpose — 
 
 Voted Capt. Eli Parker. Dn. John billings. & Leut. Zebina Montague be the 
 Com tec ' above — and that they make Report to Next January Meeting. 
 
 Voted that the Com 110 Set up Sufficient bounds at Every Point 
 
 Voted that the Treasurer be Directed to Postpone for the Present Calling 
 upon Stephen Smith for so much of his Town rate as is Assessed on town Akount. 
 
 Voted that the Com tee Chosen to Establish the highway in Amherst Vew the 
 Highway betwixt Leut John Dickinson & Ebenezer Williams land & see Whether 
 any or all of Said highway can be Sold without Injuring of the town — & that the 
 Said Com tee Appraise the Land. 
 
 Voted that the forty five Pounds Voted to be raised on the ■£}' of April laist 
 be Assessed Immediately and that the Said rate be made by the Laist Town List — 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting to thirsday. the twenty fifth instant of Sep- 
 tember, at three of the Clock, in the afternoon, and meet at this Place — 
 
 Sept 25 th 17SS, being met according to adjournment Voted as follows (Viz) 
 Voted to Adjourn this meeting to the Schoole hous near land about 
 Parsonses hous — 
 
 # 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. I 19 
 
 Voted to rais thirty live Pounds to Settle the Execution against the Town in 
 favor of the Hears of the Rev David Parsons. Late of Amherst Deceast. 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Levy a tax to rais the Same & that Said 
 rate be made by the Laist List. 
 
 Test. Daniel Coolev. Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the town of Amherst Holden at the Meeting-hous in 
 the First Parish in S.' 1 Amherst on Thirsday, the Sixteenth day of October 17SS 
 Voted as follows, (viz) 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq. Moderator. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Cora 1 " 1 ' to Devise a Plan for the Equatable Division of the 
 avails of the streat land betwixt the two Parishes and make report to an adjourned 
 Meeting. 
 
 Voted Coll. Ebenezer Mattoon. Simeon Strong, Esq. Den. Hezekiah Belding, 
 Joseph Church. & Seth Coleman, be y" Com"'' above. 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting the 27" 1 Instant of October, at one of the 
 Clock and meet at this Place 
 
 Monday, Oct. 27 tL 17SS. the town being Met according to adjournment. Come 
 to the following vote — (viz) 
 
 Voted to accept of the Report of the Committee Chosen the Last Meeting 
 for a Projecting a Plan for the Division of the Streat land, which is as follows, (viz) 
 
 Voted that the monies Arising from the sale of town ways be granted to the 
 two Parishes within the Town to be divided between them so that the Proportion 
 of the First Parish to that of the Second shall be as three hundred sixty two 
 Pounds, thirteen Shillings to one hundred Sixty four Pounds, thirteen Shillings. 
 
 Voted that it is Recommended to Each of the Said Parishes to .Appoint a 
 Committee for Settling Account Respecting the Monies arising from Sale of the 
 Town Ways, to See that Each Parish have Justice done in the Settlement 
 
 Voted Debts Collected in money Shall be Paid out by the Town Treasurer 
 to the Treasurer on Committee of that Parish where the Debtor is an Inheabitant. 
 so far as it may be done Consistant with an Appointment between the Parishes 
 Expressed in the former Vote : and the Resept of such Parish Treasurer on Com- 
 mittee Shall be the Town Treasurers Complete Discharge for the Same 
 
 Voted that on Account of the Difficulty of Collecting Debts in Money and 
 for the Ease of Purchasers in that respect the Treasurer shall pay out to Each of 
 Said Parishes the Securities given for Said Lands, Observing as near as may be 
 the Proportion fore mentioned, and Shall Indors his name and Name of office on 
 Each Security so Paid out to Either Parish Treasurer on Committee which 
 Indorsement shall be a Sufficient Power to the Parish or Parish Treasurer 
 Receiving the Same at their own Expense to Sue the Same Security in the Name 
 of the Town Treasurer and to Convert the Contents to the use of the Same Parish 
 without being Accountable to the Town or Town Treasurer therefor. 
 
 Voted — that Payment Shall be made in Securities in the Same Maner as hath 
 bin before Ordered Respecting Payments in Money, that is to Say, the securities 
 Respectively Shall be Paid to that Parish whereof the Debtor is an Inheabitant, 
 according to the Proportion before dictated 
 
 Voted that the Town Treasurer be Dictated to make five Entries of all Pay- 
 ments by him made Pursuant to the foregoing Votes, and take Receipts of the 
 
120 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Parish Treasurers on Committees and the Receipt of Securities from Such Parish 
 Treasurer on Committee Shall be his Complete Discharge for the Contents of the 
 Same — 
 
 Voted — that when the Averadge on Division hath Proceeded So far as to take 
 the whole of the Debts that belong to one of the Parishes and yet a Surplusage 
 Shall remain undivided the town will Endeavor to make Such Equitable Settle- 
 ment thereof as Shall be to the Satisfaction of the Parishes and Debtors- 
 Voted that a Committee be appointed to Enquire into the State of the 
 Judgments and Executions in favor of the town and Cause the Contents thereof to 
 be paid on security as soon as Possible that they may be used in the Adjustment 
 of the Averadge between the Parishes if the town Shall think Propre. 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong. Esq., Ebenezer Mattoon, Esq., and Leut Zebina 
 Montague be a Com"' for the Purpos. 
 
 Voted that the Inheabitants of the town who Shall not give their Security 
 according to the Vote the Appraisement of the town on or before the twenty 
 Seventh day of November next, shall have no wright afterwards to Purchase under 
 the Said Vote and Appraisement. 
 
 Voted that to Inclose Lands Proposed for sale whose owners Shall not give 
 Security on or before the twenty Seventh Day of November next Shall be Deemed 
 
 Nuisances on the town Way 
 
 Voted that Lbenezer Boltwood, Ebenezer .Mattoon Esq. and Capt Eli Parker 
 be a Committee to take Legal measure for Removing Such. Incumberances as 
 soon as may be alter the Expiration of Said Limited time. 
 
 Simeon Strong. Moderator. 
 
 Record of the < )bligations given for Streat Land Agreeable to the Vote at the 
 town April 7. 1788. 
 
 April i|. Daniel Kellogg with Daniel Kellogg Jun. gave Security 
 for his Streat Land at the West end of his lot. and Mr. Goodales : viz: 28 11 o 
 
 May 12. Jonathan Smith and Elijah Dickinson gave security for 
 the Lands assoined to them viz to Elijah Dickinson at the South west 
 Corner of the lot lately owned by John Nash and near Den. John Billings 
 hous Also a bit of land at the East End of Jonathan Smiths lot on 
 which he dwells also a bit of land at the east end of said Jonathans lot 
 betwixt Josiah Eastmans & Ebenezer Dickinson &c. 8106 
 
 May 16" 1 William Boltwood gave Security with Moses Cook Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of Streat Land at the North west corner of the lot owned 
 by the Hears of William Boltwood late of Amherst, Deceast, near Den. 
 John Billings hous (the vote of the town May 25 111 17SS) 3 3 4 
 
 May 21" Widow Mary Boltwood, gave Security with Wm. Bolt- 
 wood Bondsman for a bit of land betwixt the hous in which She dwells, 
 and the lane opposit to Den. John Billings 3 15 o 
 
 Sept ii lh Nathaniel Dickinson, Esq. gave Security with Nathaniel 
 Dickinson. Bondsman, for a bit of Streat land at the East End of the 
 lot on which the Said Nathaniel lives. 8 17 2 
 
 October 14"' Stephen Smith gave Security with Jun. Elisha Hast- 
 ings, Bondsman for a bit of Streat Land at the west End of his farm 
 opposit his hous. 2 15 10 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 12 1 
 
 14 th Jun Elijah Hastings gave Security with Stephen Smith, 
 Bondsman, for a bit of Streat Land at the west end of his hous lot 200 
 
 14" 1 Stoughton Dickinson gave Security with Jonathan Dickinson 
 Jun. for a Bit of Streat Land at the East end of that lot which Stoughton 
 Dickinson bought of Nathaniel Dickinson, as also a bit on the west side 
 of the lot on which Stoughton now dwells S 19 1 
 
 14 — Joseph Church gave Security with Joseph Church Jun. Bonds- 
 man for a Bit of Streat land at the East end of the lot on which Said 
 Joseph now dwells 26 13 6 
 
 15 th Jacob McDoniel gave Security with Jonathan Dickinson Jun. 
 Bondsman, for three bits of Streat land near his dwelling hous : 2 iS 6 
 
 16 — Lent John Field gave Security with John Field Jun. Bondsman. 
 for a bit of Land at the East end of his farm &c. 563 
 
 16 Esq. Strong gave Security with Jacob McDoniel Bondsman, for 
 a bit of Streat Land on Town way South of Dwelling hous 6 10 6 
 
 16. Ebenezer Boltwood gave Security with Jacob .McDoniel Bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way a little west of Esq Strongs Barn. 220 
 
 16. Capt James Hendrick gave Security with Stoughton Dickinson 
 Bondsman, for a bit of town way at the East end of that lot which Said 
 James bought of Shileab Smith 4 16 6 
 
 16 th Capt Eli Parker gave Security with Eli Parker Jun. Bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of Streat Land at the East Part of the lot on which he 
 lives 4 19 O' 
 
 Martin Kellogg gave Security with Ebenezer Boltwood, Bondsman, 
 for a bit of town Way lying on the West End of the farm on which the 
 S d Martin now Dwells 8 2 6 
 
 16 Simeon Pomeroy gave Security with David Pomeroy. Bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of town way at the West end of the lot on which Simeon 
 Pomeroy now dwells 1 1 1 o 
 
 25. Simeon Strong Esq. gave Security with E. Boltwood Bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way near Mr E Boltwoods shop o 6 6 
 
 25 Simeon Strong Esq. in like manner gave Security for a Bit of 
 town way at the west End of Esq Strongs lot near Jonathan Fields 
 dwelling hous 013 1 
 
 25 Simeon Strong Esq. in like manner gave Security for a bit of 
 town way at the East End of Esq. Strongs lot Near to Capt Parkers 
 dwelling hous o 13 6 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq. in like manner gave Security for a bit of Town 
 Way adjoining to the highway South of Joseph Dickinsons Farm 12 90 
 
 Nov™ 29. Simeon Dickinson gave Security with Simeon Dickinson 
 Jun. Bondsman, for a Bit of town way at the East End of Simeon Dick- 
 insons Farm : also a bit of Town way betwixt Said Simeon's and Jacob 
 Mc Doniels Dwelling hous & one other bit west of McDoniels Dwelling 
 hous 10 18 3 
 
 11. Jonathan Dickinson gave Security with Will Coleman bonds- 
 man, for a bit of town way. at the West end of Said Dickinsons hous lot o 5 3, 
 1 1 
 
122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 24. Sarah Warner gave Security with Zeachariah Hawley bonds- 
 man for a bit of Streat land Consigned to heirs late Haybert lying on 
 the South side of the highway, opposit to Jacob McDoniels hous lot 145 
 
 24 Leut Jonathan Dickinson gave Security with Stoughton Dick- 
 inson, Bondsman, for a bit of town way at the East end of that lot on 
 which John Lee now lives, as also one other bit on the South Side near 
 the Southeast Corner of the Same Lot 712 o 
 
 24 Moses Hastings gave Security with Simeon Pomeroy Bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way (viz) Moses Hastings Part of the Highway 
 that was Consigned to Moses Hastings and Thomas Hastings Hears— 1 4 8 
 
 24. Samuel Hastings gave Security with Reuben North, bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of town way at the West End of that lot on which 
 Samuel Hastings now lives, and also a bit of town way at the West end 
 of that lot Samuel Hastings bought of Moses Warner — : 1 6 2 
 
 24. Reuben Nash gave Security with Samuel Hastings Bondsman, 
 for a bit of town way at the West end of Reuben N ashes hous lot. 015 4 
 
 Novm. 24. Simeon Pomeroy Jun. gave Security with Moses Hast- 
 ings Bondsman, for a bit of the town Way at the West End of the lot on 
 which Simeon Pomeroys hous now stands. 0150 
 
 14. Seth Coleman gave Security with Jonathan Dickinson Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of town Way at the West End of Seth Colemans lot 
 South of Esq. Strongs lot 1 1 9 
 
 24. John Lee gave Security to Jonathan Dickinson Jun Bondsman 
 for a bit of town land, aCross the West end of the lot which John Lee 
 now lives on. also, a Sluis on the South Side of Said Johns hous lot. 18 18 2 
 
 24. Nathaniel Coleman gave Security with Esq. Strong Bondsman 
 for two Bits of town Way. one at the South west & another at the north 
 west Corner of the farm on which Nath" Coleman now dwells. 2 o 1 1 
 
 Nathan Dickinson gave Security with Azariah Dickinson bonds- 
 man for a bit of Streat land at the West End of the town on which 
 Nathan Dickinson now Dwells 3 7 3 
 
 24. Daniel Kellogg gave Security with Daniel Kellogg" Jun. Bonds- 
 man for a bit of Streat land at the West end of the lot on which Dan- 
 iel Kellogg dwells which was consined to Isac Goodale 600 
 
 24 Daniel Kellogg gave Security with Daniel Kellogg Jun. Bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way at the East End of Daniel Kelloggs lot on 
 
 which he dwells 1 8 1 
 
 25 Nathan Dickinson Jun. gave Security with Perez Dickinson 
 Bondsman, for a Bit of town way 011 the West End of the lot on which 
 Nathan Dickinson now dwells — : 212 6 
 
 25. Justus Williams gave Security with Samuel Hastings, Bonds- 
 man For 5 bits of town way. (viz) one at the East End of that lot on 
 which Ebenezer Williams now lives: one other at the West End of that 
 lot on which Justus Williams lately lived : Also at the West End of 
 Justus Williams lot, North of Simeon Pomeroys, Also at the East End 
 of S.' 1 Justus lot North of John Dickinsons lot, also at the West End 
 
 of the lot on which Ebenezer Williams now Dwells. 14 12 o 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 23 
 
 25. Den. Robert Cutler gave Security with Simeon Strong Esq. 
 Bondsman, for a bit of town way at the West End of the lot that belongs 
 to Jun. John Nash. 040 
 
 25. Ebenezer Jones gave Security with John Pettes Bondsman, 
 for a bit of Town Way adjoining to Ebenezer Tones hous lot 0165 
 
 25 Jonathan Moody Jun. gave security with David Smith Bonds- 
 man, For a bit of Town Way on the West Side of Jonathan Moody 
 
 Jun. Streat land So Called 1 10 o 
 
 25. Moses Cook gave Security with Moses Cook Jun. Bondsman 
 for a Bit of Town Way at the East End of that Farm on which Moses 
 Cook now dwells 1 2 1 2 6 
 
 Novem 25. John Eastman gave Security with Samuel Ingram 
 Bondsman, for a bit of Town Way at the East End of that lot John 
 Eastman Bought of Enos Cowles, as also one other Bit on the South 
 Side of the Same Lot. 10 8 2 
 
 25. Zeachariah Hawley Gave Security with David Warner bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way at the West end of Zeachariah Hawley,s 
 houslot. . o 5 9 
 
 26. Dn. John Billings gave Security with David Billings Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of Town Way. at the West End of that lot on which 
 
 David Billings Barn now Stands 569 
 
 26. Zebina Montague gave Security with Olliver Cowls, Bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of town way, adjoining to Zebina Montagues hous lot, 0189 
 
 26. Moses Dickinson Gave Security with Henry J. Franklin, 
 Bondsman, for a bit of town way lying betwixt the land of Henry J. 
 Franklin, and Jacob Warner Jun. 1 6 4 
 
 26. HeneryJ. Franklingave Security with Moses Dickinson. Bonds- 
 for a bit of town way at the West End of the Farm, on which Henry J 
 Frankling now dwells o 13 2 
 
 26— Aaron Warners Heirs (viz) David Warner & Elisha Warner 
 gave Security for a Bit of Town Way at the East End of that Lot on 
 Which the Widow Aaron Warner now dwells 2 310 
 
 26 Den Jonathan Edwards gave Security with Nathaniel Edwards 
 Bondsman, for a Bit of Town way at the West End of that Farm on 
 
 which Gideon Dickinson 2' 1 now Dwells 1 3 6 
 
 26 Rev. David Parsons gave Security with Zebina Montague Bonds- 
 man for a bit of Town way on the South Side of the Highway, opposit to 
 Esq. Strongs dwelling hous 11 17 2 
 
 26 Rev David Parsons gave Security with Daniel Kellogg Jun. 
 Bondsman for a bit of Town way at the East End of the lot owned by 
 the Rev D: Parsons, opposit Jonathan Fields dwelling hous 5 iS 8 
 
 26 Elijah Baker Jun. gave Security with Moses Cook Jun. Bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of Town way at the West End of the lot North of Ebe- 
 nezer Mattoons. 2 1 2 
 
 26 Olliver Cowls gave Security with Zebina Montague Bondsman 
 for a bit of town way on the North Side of the Farm on which Olliver 
 Cowls now Dwells 611 6 
 
124 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 26 Moses Cook Jun gave Security with Elijah Baker Jun Bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of Town way Consigned to Thomas Bascum at the west 
 End of the Farm on which John Nash now Dwells: Now this obliga- 
 tion was given by order of the Administration. Test. Moses Cook Junr. 046 
 
 26 Samuel Smith gave Security with Will™ Boltwood Bondsman 
 for a bit of town way at the West End of the Farm on which Samuel 
 Smith now dwells 962 
 
 26 Den. Simeon Clark gave Security with Judah Clark Bondsman 
 for a bit of Town way on the North Side of Farm on which Den. S. 
 Clark now dwells 22 18 2 
 
 26 Solomon Boltwood gave Security with Judah Clark, Bondsman 
 for a bit of town way, on the South Side of that lot on whieh Solomon 
 Boltwood now dwells 35 311 
 
 26 Solomon Boltwood gave Security with Judah Clark, Bondsman, 
 for a bit of town way, at the West End of that Lot, Solomon Bolt- 
 wood lateley bought of Nath" Dickinson 2d 7 14 o 
 
 26 Den. Hezekiah Belding gave security with Joseph Dickinson, 
 Bondsman For a bit of Town way at the West End of Den. Hezekiah 
 Beldings hous lot 1 14 9 
 
 26 William Boltwood gave Security with Samuel Smith Bondsman 
 For a bit of town way at the West End of that lot on Which the Widow 
 Marah Boltwood now lives; also a Bit at the East End of that lot owned 
 by William Boltwood betwixt Moses Rowe and Aaron Dickinson 6148 
 
 26 Joseph Dickinson gave Security with Den. Hezekiah Belding, 
 Bondsman, For a bit of Town way on the South Side of Joseph Dickin- 
 sons hous lot 5 9 9 
 
 26 Simeon Cowls gave security with Solomon Boltwood, Bonds- 
 man For a bit of Town way on the South Side of Simeon Cowls lot 
 east of his hous lot, and another bit on the West end of Simeon Cowls 
 
 lot north of Ebenezer Mattoons 252 
 
 27 Ethan Smith gave Security with Enos Dickinson. Bondsman, 
 for a bit of town way at the East End of that lot on which Ethan Smith 
 
 now dwells 217 o 
 
 27 Den. Eleazar Smith gave security with Aaron Dickinson, 
 Bondsman, For a bit of Town way at the East End of the Farm on 
 which Den Eleazar Smith now dwells o iS 9 
 
 27 Enos Dickinson gave Security with Ethan Smith Bondsman 
 for 3 bits of town way. one at the East End of the lot adjoining to the 
 North Side of James Merricks hous lot which was let to Capt Moses 
 Cook ; also a bit at the West end of the lot on which Enos Dickinson 
 now Dwells; also a bit at the west End of Enos Dickinsons lot that 
 lay betwixt the lots of Justus Williams and Martin Kellogg. 617 o 
 
 27 Capt Aaron Dickinson gave Security with Den Eleazar Smith 
 Bondsman for 2 bits of town way, one at the East End of Capt Aaron 
 Dickinsons Lot Adjoining to the North Side of Den Eleazar Smiths 
 hous lot & the other at the East End of Capt Aaron Dickinsons house 
 lot 3 5° 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 25 
 
 27 Capt David Rich gave Security with James Mearick. Bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of Town way at the East End of that Lot on which Capt 
 David Rich now Dwells 143 
 
 27 Moses Hastings gave Security with Eli Parker Jun. Bondsman, 
 for a Bit of Town way ascoined to Moses Hastings and Thomas Hast- 
 ings Heirs 1 13 1 
 
 27 Joel Moody gave Security, with Stoughton Dickinson. Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of Town way at the East End of Joel Moodys lot adjoin- 
 ing to the South Side of Lemuel Moodys house lot. 1 11 4 
 
 27 Eldad Moody gave Security with Timothy Green. Jun Bonds- 
 man For a bit of town way, at the West End of that lot on which Eldad 
 Moody now Dwells 2 19 3 
 
 27 John Ingram 2 d gave Security with Israel Dickinson Bondsman. 
 For a Bit of Town way at the East End of that lot on which John Ingram 
 2 d now dwells 344 
 
 27 Ins John Nash gave Security with Furmin Woods, Bondsman. 
 for a bit of Town way at the West End of that lot on which Jun. John 
 Nash now dwells • 150 
 
 27 Jacob Warner Jun. gave Security with Capt Aaron Dickinson 
 Bondsman For a bit of town way at the west End of that lot on which 
 Jacob Warner Jr now dwells o 19 o 
 
 27 Joseph Morton gave Security with Paul Newton, Bondsman, for 
 a bit of town way at the West end of that Lot on which Joseph Morton 
 now Dwells. in 6 
 
 27 Ins. Joseph Pettes gave Security with Calvin Merrill. Bondsman 
 for 2 bits of town way. one at the East End & the other at the west End 
 of that lot on which Ins. Joseph Pettes now dwells 511 n 
 
 December 11. Mr. Nathaniel Strong gave Security with Simeon 
 Strong Esq. Bondsman, for a Bit of town way at the Front of Ensign 
 John X ash's Lot. • 326 
 
 Nov 27 Timothy Green gave Security with James Mearick. Bonds- 
 man, for a Bit of town way at the East End of that lot on which Tim- 
 othy Green now dwells 430 
 
 27 James Mearick gave Security with Timothy Green Bondsman 
 for a Bit of town way at the East End of James Mearicks hous lot 363 
 
 27 Timothy Green Jun. gave Security with Eldad Moody Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of town way at the East End of the lot on which Timothy 
 Green Jun. Dwells 2 13 10 
 
 27 Medad Dickinson gave security with Moses Dickinson Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of Town way at the West End of that lot on which 
 Medad Dickinson now Dwells 17 6 
 
 27 John Eastman gave security witli W."' Coleman. Bondsman For 
 two Bits of town way. one at the West End and the other at the East 
 End of that farm on Which John Eastman now dwells 4102 
 
 27 Moses Dickinson Esq. gave security with Medad Dickinson 
 bondsman for a bit of town way at the west end of that lot on which S. 1 
 Moses now Dwells o 13 10 
 
126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 27 Z, Den John Billings gave security with David Billings, Bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way at the West End of that Lot on which Leut 
 Joel Billings now dwells 1 13 9 
 
 27 Elisha Dickinson gave security with Joseph Dickinson Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of town way at the East End of that lot on which Elisha 
 Dickinson now dwells 212 o 
 
 27 Israel Dickinson gave Security with John Lee, Bondsman, for 
 a Bit of town way at the West End of Israel Dickinsons lot in the second 
 division opposite to S,' 1 Israels dwelling hous 7 9 3 
 
 27 Justus Williams gave Security with Ebene/ Boltwood, Bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way lying between Leut John Dickinsons & Justus 
 Williams, s lots in the Eirst Division 26 5 o 
 
 27 Den. Elisha Smith gave security with Daniel Cooley Bondsman 
 for a bit of town way at the west end of a bit own,' 1 by Elisha Smith 
 opposit to Jonathan Moody Jnr. hous o 12 o 
 
 27 Andrew Kimbalgave security with Andrew Kimbaljun. Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of town way. at the west end of Andrew Kimbals hous lot 417 6 
 
 June i st , 17S9. John Dickinson gave security with Nehemiah Dick- 
 inson Bondsman, for a bit of town way at the East End of the lot on 
 which John Dickinson 2'', now Dwells 1 2 6 
 
 i st . Nehemiah Dickinson gave security with John Dickinson 2 1 , 
 Bondsman, for a bit of town way at the East End of that lot on which 
 Nehemiah Dickinson now Dwells o 14 10 
 
 r st Olliver Dickinson gave security with Den. Azariah Dickinson 
 Bondsman, for a bit of town way at the East End of that lot on which 
 Olliver Dickinson now Dwells 1 5 6 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst 
 Qualified to Vote for Representatives on thirsday. the 1S" 1 of Decemb 1 
 17.SS Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Hon. Samuel Lyman Esq thirty Eight. 1 
 Hon. Theodore Sedwick, Esq. five. [ Representatives. 
 
 William Williams, Esq. five. ) 
 
 Votes for Electors as follows. 
 
 Hon. John Hastings, Esq. twenty four. 
 Hon. Thomas J. Skinner, twenty-seven. 
 William Williams, Esq. three. 
 A true list 
 
 Test. Seth Coleman, Town Clerk. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden on thirsday the 1S" 1 of 
 December, 17SS Come to the following Votes, (viz) 
 
 Voted Mr Daniel Cooley Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this meeting for the Space of one hour and then meet at 
 Landlord Parson. s — 
 
 Voted that the Treasurer be Directed to take Security for the Streat land so 
 Called of any Persons who may be disposed to give it for the land affixed to their 
 land any time on or before the I st day of January next Provided they will date 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. I 27 
 
 their Notes back to the former time that was limited in town Meeting October 27 th : 
 17SS (viz) November 27 17SS — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee to rectifi sum misstakes in the setting off of 
 sundrey Pieses of Streat land so Call' 1 where the land was set to many Persons 
 that the rightfull owners may have the land — 
 
 Voted that the Committee Consist of three — 
 
 Voted that Den. John Billings, Moses Dickinson, Esq. & Noah Smith be the 
 Committee above — 
 
 Voted that the Town will take into their Care, and supporte the Bridge over 
 Hadley Mill River in the West Streat in Amherst Provided that Hadley will grant 
 the Petition of sending of their Inheabitants to be Set to the town of Amherst, 
 (viz) John Dickinson, Simeon Dickinson, Nemiah Dickinson & Silas Wright — 
 
 Voted that the Streat land that was Set to Isaac Goodale at the west End of 
 Daniel Kelloggs Lot in the late Distribution of the Streat land so Call' 1 is discon- 
 tinued and granted to Daniel Kellogg upon his fulfilling of the Conditions as set 
 forth in the town Meeting April 7 17SS — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee to Vew and appraise all the Highway lands in 
 Amherst that were not Comprehended in the Reporte of the Com tee made January 
 14" 1 17SS for disposing of some part of the Town ways : that is to Say all the town 
 ways that Can be Sold without Discommoding Either the orniment or Conveniency 
 of the Town — 
 
 Voted that the Committee above consist of three 
 
 Voted that Col Ebenezar Mattoon, Ebenezar Boltwood and Elijah Baker be 
 the Committee above — 
 
 Voted to abate William Jearills note (viz) 6—2 — 
 
 Voted that the Treasurer wait one year before he call for the rates against 
 gayus Rowe, Silas Robbins, Edmund Allen, David fuller. Widow marah Rolf, 
 Nath 1 ' Peck 2 d and Rosvvell Clapp in Thomas Hastings Rate — 
 
 Test. Daniel Coolev, Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the town of Amherst Holden on Monday the 12 th of 
 Janu v . 17S9, Voted as Follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Den John Billings Moderator. 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting for one hour and then meet at this Place — 
 the town being met by adjournment at time & Place. Voted as follows — 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting to Landlord Parson, s — 
 
 Voted to accept of the Bills as they have bin red & Corrected. 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to levy a tax sufficient to raise the moneys 
 that have bin granted — 
 
 Voted to rais Six Pounds twelve Shillings to Pay John Ingram for Providing 
 for the Widow Mehetibel Smith & that the Assessors levy a tax sufficient to rais 
 the Same — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee to Put a Mr. Daniel Kellogg in Possession of 
 a Bit of town way he hath Purchased of the Town at the west End of his lot 
 which is now in Possession of Capt moses Cook, he giving bonds to the town to 
 Endemnify them from all Canst that may arise in Consequence of the Com'" giv- 
 ing him the Possession of said land — 
 
 Voted that the Committee Consist of three. 
 
 Voted that Den. Hezekiah Belding. Jonathan Dickinson & D" Elisha Smith be 
 the Com"'- above — 
 
128 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 Voted, to Accept the reporte of the Committee Appointed to make sundry 
 
 alterations in the town Ways that have been Stacked out for Sale and now leys in 
 
 file 
 
 Voted that the above alterations as now accept' 1 be recorded in the Town 
 
 Book- 
 Voted that the Persons respecting whome the alterations are made have 
 
 liberty to give their obligations for said lands within the Expiration of one month 
 
 Provided they will date their Notes back to the twenty Seventh day of November 
 
 laist 
 
 Voted that the town treasurer be directed to Discount so much on Den. 
 
 Jonathan Edward Note that was given for Streat land as to reduce it to the Price 
 
 Prefixed by the laist revising Committee — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be a Com'™ to Examin the Rates of Capt Aaron 
 
 Dickinson and give him such orders on the Town Treasurer as they shall judge 
 
 Request Agreeable to a former Vote of the town and that this Settlement with 
 
 Said Aaron Shall be Conclusive without Even bringing of it to the town- 
 Voted to Sel the Highway between Leut John Dickinsons and Justus Williams 
 
 Land in the third Division which Contains fifteen Acres — 
 
 Voted that Justus Williams Shall have Said town way Provided he will give 
 
 his obligation to the Town Treasurer for Said land at thirty five Shillings Per time 
 
 and date his note back to the twenty Seventh day of November Laist 
 
 Voted that upon Justus Williams fulfilling the Conditions above that the 
 
 above discribed town way Shall be discontinued and granted to Said Justus. 
 
 Voted to abate the rates against Benjamin Rolf in Thomas Hastings list from 
 
 State rate (viz.) 7s. 6d. — 
 
 Voted to abate James Merick Jun. rate in thomas Hastings list for State 
 
 tax. (viz) lis. Sd. & also Said James town rate in Said Thomas.s town tax (viz) 
 
 6s. ad- 
 Test. John Billings Moderator 
 
 Amherst January i sl 1789— the Reporte of the Com 10 "' appointed to regulate sum 
 mistakes in Laying out of the Streat Land Proposed to be Sold, as follows — (Viz) 
 
 Owners of Lots and Descriptions— 
 
 The land laid to Moses Warner on the North East side_ of ) 
 
 Moses Warner, Deceas't farm viz. 3 Rods wide Running ! 
 
 48 r to 8 r wide : be set to Lieut. David Smith ) 
 
 Capt Reuben Dickinson a grant 1144 Rods Mistake in the Re- \ 
 
 ports 614 Rods (?) "" i 
 
 Diela Joseph Eastman Insert John Eastman 7 r. wide Running 1 
 
 53 Rods to a Point at the east end. \ 
 
 West End from a Point 22 r. to 7 r wide then 44J r to 2 r. wide 
 Moses Dickinson. Esq. 33 Rods wide Running 8 Rods thence / 
 
 35 r. to a Point. \ 
 
 Medad Dickinson 35 r wide running 35 Rods. 
 Israel Dickinson 6 Rods wide thence S r to 10 Rods wide thence I 
 
 10 Rods to 14 r wide \ 
 
 Waitstill Dickinson 14 r. wide running 8 r. 
 Den. Jonathan Edwards 6 r. wide running 17 thence 16 r to a ( 
 
 point i 
 
 Diela Gideon Dickinson Insert Elisha Dickinson 3 R wide run-) 
 
 ing 24 r to 2 r wide, thence 20 r to 1 r thence 30 r to 2 r 
 
 thence 32 r to 4 Rods. ) 
 
 James Merrick 41 r wide runing Rods to 8 r. thence 36 r. to 7 / 
 
 Rods wide S 
 
 Quantity 
 of Land. 
 
 1 10 j 
 106 
 
 Price per 
 Acre 
 
 89 
 
 Sum to 
 be Paid. 
 £ 
 
 17 
 
 6 
 
 19 
 
 11 
 
 15 
 
 3 
 
 13 
 
 IOr 
 
 17 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 63 
 
Quantity 
 
 Price per 
 
 Sum to 
 
 of Land. 
 
 Acre 
 
 be Paid 
 
 A. R. 
 
 £ 
 
 £ 
 
 5 1 58 
 
 i 7 o 
 
 o 13 10 
 
 3 §2 
 
 I 10 
 
 5 5 o 
 
 5 24 
 
 I 10 
 
 i 13 9 
 
 RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 29 
 
 Owners of Lots and Descriptions- 
 Timothy Green, jnr 14 r. wide riming 12 r. 
 Timothy Green. 14 r. Wide runing 3S Rods 
 Lemuel Moody. 42 r. wide runing 17 r to 6 r thence iS r to 1 r. 
 Aaron Warner junr. Deceast. Heirs 12 r wide runing 34 r S r I ,_ r 4. o -> 16 1 
 
 wide thence 10 Rods to 7 r. wide ( 3J 4 
 
 Diela Joel Billings. Insert John Billings. 6 r wide runing 30 r. 1 20 1 10 1 13 9 
 
 John Billings j Committee 
 Noah .Smith \ 
 True Coppy of the original 
 
 Test. Seth Coleman, Town Clerk. 
 
 1 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden on Monday, ye 2' 1 day 
 of March. 1789 — Voted as follows (viz.) 
 
 Voted Ebenezer Boltwood Moderator — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk and Town Treasurur 
 
 Voted Joseph Eastman, jun. Ebenezer Boltwood. Den. Elisha Smith. Eben- 
 ezer Mattoon, Esq & Joseph Church, Selectmen of Amherst. 
 
 Voted Joseph Eastman jun, Ebenezer Boltwood. and Daniel Cooley, Assessors 
 
 Voted Isaac Marshall, Stephen Smith, Daniel Kellogg jun. Elias Smith 
 Medad Moody & Medad Dickinson, surveyors of Highways. 
 
 Voted that the Surveyors of Highways be Collectors of taxes — 
 
 Voted that Timothy Henderson and Enos Dickinson be ye fence Vewers — 
 
 Voted to adjourn this meeting for the Space of one hour and then meet at 
 this I J lace — the Meeting being met according to adjournment Come to the follow- 
 ing Votes— (viz) — 
 
 Voted Noadiah Smith & Elisha Dickinson — Constables — 
 
 Voted Philips Edwards, Perez Dickinson. Moses Hastings. Medad Dickin- 
 son, Elisha Beckwith & John Eastman, Tythingmen, 
 
 Voted Noah Smith, Elijah Dickinson. Ins. Elijah Hastings & Leut. Noah 
 Dickinson, Wardens — 
 
 Voted. Ins. John Nash. Thomas Lorribee. Judah Dickinson. Silas Mathers. 
 David Blotchet jnr and barnabas Sabin Hog-Reeves 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather. 
 
 Voted Stoughton Dickinson. Surveyor of Lumber — 
 
 Voted to adjourn for the Space of half an hour & then meet at this Place, 
 the town being met according to adjournment voted as follows (viz) — 
 
 Voted to that the Committee appointed to vew the town land north of the 
 Mil river make their reporte to April Meeting 
 
 Voted to Raise Seventy Pounds to Repair the Highways the Current year 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Leavy a Tax to Rais the Same 
 
 Voted to allow three Shillings P r day for worke at the highway from the first 
 of May to the twentieth of September and to allow one Shilling & Eight Pence 
 from the twentieth of September to the first of December — 
 
 Voted that Hogs Shall run at large, ringed & yoked according to Law from 
 the middle of may to the Middle of August next — 
 
 Voted to Pay the Bounty of one Shilling on Every old Crow that Shall be 
 Killed betwixt the first of May and the Fifteenth of June, next Provided they 
 bring the bird to one or more of the Selectmen and take a Certificate of one of 
 the Selectmen that he was killed within the Limited time above .Mentioned — 
 
130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Widden or Straighten the Highway 
 from Landlord Parsons,s to Hadley line and make reporte to April Meeting. 
 
 Voted Leut John Field, Capt Eli Parker, & Joseph Church be the Committee 
 above 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Examin the rates in the hands of 
 the Collectors & Deterimine whose rates ought to be abated and whose not 
 and make reporte to April Meeting 
 
 Voted that the new Selectmen be the Com tee above — 
 
 Voted that the Treasurer be directed to Receive no orders from the Select- 
 men in Payment of Any town rate after the first of April Next, onley on the 
 year's tax in which the servis was clue on debt contracted. 
 
 Voted that Den. Elisha Smith have the land ascined to him by the Commit- 
 tee appointed to Sel from Part of the town way Provided he give Security to the 
 town as others have done. 
 
 Attest. Ebexezer Boltwood, Moderator. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the town of Amherst holden on Monday, the Sixth day 
 of April, 17S9, the Selectmen Presided. 
 Voted for governor as follows (viz) 
 
 Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq twenty three — 
 Hon John Hancock, Esq twenty two. 
 For Lieutenant governor — 
 
 Hon Benjamin Lincoln Esq Forty three. 
 Hon Samuel Adams, one. 
 Votes for Senators were as follows (viz) — 
 
 Gen 1 . William Shepherd Esq twenty four. 
 
 Mr. Samuel Henshaw, twenty three. 
 
 John Hastings Esq thirty five. 
 
 David Sexton Esq thirty five. 
 
 John Bliss, Esq two 
 
 Samuel Marther Esq one. 
 
 Moses Bliss Esq one. 
 
 Samuel Fowler, twelve. 
 
 David Smead, Esq Eleven. 
 
 Joseph Church. "] 
 
 Ebexezer Matton Esq I Selectmen 
 Elisha Smith y of 
 
 Joseph Eastman Amherst. 
 
 Ebexezer Boltwood j 
 
 Seth Coleman Town Clerk — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town on Monday, the Sixth 
 day of April 17S9, at three of the Clock in the afternoon voted as follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted Mr. Daniel Cooley, Moderator. 
 
 Voted that the Execution the town hath against Mr Moses Cook be Dis- 
 charg,' 1 upon Capt Moses Cook,s giving Security to the Town for Ten Pounds — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen & Treasurer take Into their hands all the Execu- 
 tions that the Sherifs have in favor of the town, unsettled, and all the Property 
 they have Collected with the Ex ns they have had in favor of the Town not 
 Recept,' 1 for by the Town Treasurer, and that the S,' 1 Selectmen and Treasurer use 
 their Discretion in Securing the Property of the town in the best manner 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 131 
 
 Voted to accept of the Report of the Committee Chosen in December Laist 
 for surveying and Disposing of all the town ways that was not Comprehended in 
 the Reporte of the Former Corn 1 " made in January. 17SS, as it now lies in tile 
 
 Voted that the above Described bits of land as Set forth in the Committees 
 Reporte be discontinued and granted to the Several Persons to which it is respec- 
 tively Set, Provided they give the Security within two month agreeable to the 
 Price annexed to Each Piece respectively in manner and form as others have done 
 for Streat lands — 
 
 Voted to accept from the Vote above the land Set to Isaac Marshal and to 
 be Considered at some future Meeting — 
 
 Voted to accept of the list of Jurors as they have bin red — 
 
 Voted that the Annual Meetings of April and May be Notified by Posting 
 fourteen days before the time of Said Meeting on boath Meeting Houses in 
 Amherst — 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting to Next Friday, at 2 of the Clock P. M. at 
 this Place — 
 
 Friday, April io"' 1789 the town being met by Adjournment Come to the 
 Following Votes (viz) — 
 
 Voted that the Reporte of the Selectmen who were appointed a Committee to 
 hear the Petitions of the Constables for the abatement of sundry rates be Commit- 
 ted to a Com' 6 '-' to be Consolidated and brought to may meeting — 
 
 Voted that the Committee above Consist of three 
 
 Voted that Mr. Zebina Montague, Seth Coleman & Eben, 1 ' Boltwood be the 
 Com 111 ' above — 
 
 Voted that Mr Daniel Cooley give his obligation for the land Set to him by 
 the Com tte appointed to dispose of town ways, and that the Treasurer rectifi a 
 mistake in the reporte and take Mr Cooley. s obligation in manner and form as 
 others have done. 
 
 Voted to accept of the reporte of the Com"- 1 ' appointed to make alterations 
 in the town way from Landlord Parsons,s to Hadley line as it now lies. 
 
 Test. Daniel Cooley, Moderator 
 
 Amherst Mass., April 6 ,h , 17S9. The Committee appointed by the Town to 
 Appraise and Set off the Highway leading from Marshes Mill pond to Leveritt 
 Line to those Persons to which it adjoins, have attended the Same and appraised 
 and set off S' 1 land in the following manner (to wit,) beginning at Leverit Line and 
 Extending South SS rods & half, 2 rods wide Set to 
 Mr. Isaac Marshal or the heirs of Mr. Abbot being in whole 
 one hundred & Seventy Seven rods of ground at Thirty Six 
 Shillings P r Acre £2 
 
 John Dickinson 100 Rods at 36 p p 1 ' acre 1 
 
 Nehemiah Dickinson 66 rods at 36 p p r acre o 
 
 Olliver Dickinson 170 rods at 24 p r acre 1 
 
 Joseph Eastman Jun. 124 rods at 24 p r acre o 
 
 Reuben Ingram 31 Rods at Do. o 
 
 Azariah Dickinson, 136 rods at 24 p r acre 1 
 
 David Cowles 160 rods at 24 p r acre 1 
 
 Eleazer Cowles 
 Amariah Dana 
 
 E. Mattoon, J UN. 
 Per order. 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 14 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 iS 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 7-1: 
 
 
 
 43 
 
 4 
 
 : 
 
I3 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Amherst April 6. 17S9. Then the Committee appointed by the town for Wid- 
 ening or Straighting the Road from Mr. Parsons,s Farm to Hadley line attended 
 the Business and laid the Roads as follows Beginning at the Hadley Roade at 
 Hadley Line & running thence Straight Close to Solomon Boltwoods garden 80 
 rods, the Road being four rods wide at Hadley line. & gradually increasing so as 
 to be Six Rods wide at the End of the Said So rods thence running so as to take a 
 part of Said Boltwoods garden & door yard thirty rods widening to the Breadth of 
 Seven Rods on the Side of the hill ; thence running by Den. Cutlers Fence about 
 30 rods and Narrowing to the Breadth of Six Rods at the End of Said thirty rods 
 thence Continuing nearly as the Path goes Six rods wide to the north & South 
 rode at Mr Parson.s Farm the Particular Curves & Distances are Contained in a 
 Plan herewith Exhibited taken by Mr Justus Dwight Surveyor. 
 
 John Fish 1 
 
 Joseph Church Committee 
 
 Eli Parker i 
 
 The road above reported is 
 the North road in Said Plan. 
 
 N. B. The Plan Lies in File &c. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst on Monday 
 the 11 th of May 17S9 Voted as follows (Viz) 
 
 Voted Mr Daniel Cooley Moderator 
 
 Voted to accept of the Reporte of the Committee appointed to Consolidate a 
 number of Rates in the hands of sundry Collectors which have bin Severally Peti- 
 tioned for the abatement off at the Laist Meeting and which are now abated as they 
 Stand in the Consolidated list now in file 
 
 Voted that Ebenezer Dickinson have liberty to Purchase of the town a bit of 
 Streat land (So Call.'') which was ascined to Andrew Kimball by the Com 11 ' 1 ' 
 appointed to Sel sum part of the town way Provided he give his Security within 
 ten days, with surety ading on the Interest from the twenty fourth of November 
 laist — 
 
 Voted that Lemuel Moody give his Security for the land given to him in 
 manner & form as others have been in similar Cases — 
 
 Voted that the Land asined to Isaac Marshal or Jacob Abbot, 8 Heirs be 
 granted to Mr Abbots Heirs they giving security as others have done in similar 
 Cases — 
 
 Test 
 
 The Com' 1 ' appointed to Consolidate the Taxes which are abated by Leave to 
 Reporte as Follows, that all Town Taxes ought to Stand good as is Mentioned — 
 the State Taxes to ascined as Follows (Viz.) 
 
 Benjamin Routh to Nath" Dickinson 2' 1 
 John Hawley to Ephraim Kellogg 
 Noah Hawley to Do Do 
 
 Widow Rolf to Thomas Hastings x o : 7 : 1 
 
 Gayus Rowe to Do Do x - 11 : 8 
 
 Joseph Williams to Do Do x - 11 : 8 
 
 Levi Nash to Do Do x - 12 : 8 
 
 £2 : 3 : 1. 6-8 on ye pound 
 
 £ m 0= 14 : 44 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. £ 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 Of 2 : 
 
 8 : 
 
 to be 1 : 
 
 4 
 
 : 
 
 x - : 
 
 10 : 
 
 3$ 
 
 5 
 
 2 : 
 
 x - : 
 
 10 : 
 
 ,3 . 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 : 
 
 14 
 
 4 : 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 l 33 
 
 Jotham Maynard to John Eastman 
 Aaron Alvord to Stephen Smith 
 Benjamin Roth to Do Do 
 
 Jonathan Bartlett to Daniel Kellogg 
 Isaac Chauncy to Eben r Boltwood 
 Samuel Bacon to Do 
 Simeon Peck to Do 
 Moses Chauncy to Do 
 
 7-0 silver 
 
 x 1 : 
 
 10 : 
 
 4 
 
 
 x : 
 
 IS = 
 
 2 
 
 
 £*•- 
 
 5 = 
 
 6 : 
 
 1-0 on ye Pound 
 £■ m 1 : 7 : 3* 
 
 1 : 
 
 7 : 
 
 2 
 
 x 12-0 on ye Pound 
 
 ij : 
 
 16 : 
 
 17 : 
 10 : 
 
 4 
 8 
 
 io4 
 
 f: m 
 
 16 
 
 1 0-0 on ye Pound 
 
 £8: iS : 4 £ £ m 4 : 9 ; z\ : 
 
 MayS, 17S9. E. Boltwood I rnmt „„ 
 
 Zebina Montague J <- omtee 
 
 Sum total of the above abatement when consolidated is ^9 : S : 8 : 
 
 The Abatement of Town Taxes as Voted by the Town. May 11 : 17S9 & is as. 
 Follows viz 
 
 17S3. Stephen Cole Town Tax: William Crawford x Rates £0 : 7: u£ 
 Ephraim Kellogg Town Tax. 
 
 John Hawley in two Rates x o : 14 : 3^ 
 
 Noah Hawley in two Rates x o : 11 : iol 
 
 f Widow Rolf 
 17S4. Thomas Hastings! Gayus Rowe 
 
 Town Tax 
 
 Joseph Williams 
 
 17S6. Stephen Smith ) 
 
 i_Levi Nash 
 Aaron Alvord 
 
 Benjamin Roth 
 
 Town Tax ) tC."" J ."*,""' v' 
 ( Daniel r isk 
 
 Daniel Kelloe;2:. 
 
 -■&&■ 
 Town Tax 
 
 Jonathan Bartlet 
 
 17S7 Enos Cowles Benjamin Roth 
 
 Town Tax 
 Joseph Eastman. Jonathan 
 Town Tax. Bartlet 
 
 x o : 
 
 x o : 
 
 x o : 
 
 x o : 
 
 o : 
 o : 
 
 Joseph Church. 
 E Mattoon, Jx. 
 Joseph Eastman Jn 
 
 ^5 
 
 10$ 
 
 Committee 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting hous on Monday the 26 th of October 17S9 — Voted as Follows, (viz) 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith, Moderator. 
 Voted to adjourn this to monday, the 2'' day of November next at one of the - 
 Clock, and then meet at this Place 
 
 November 2, 1789, the town being met according to adjournment Come to the: 
 following Votes — (viz) 
 
134 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee to ascertain the quantity of land there is ascined 
 to Nath 11 Dickinson Esq at the East End of his lot out of the Streat land so 
 Called 
 
 Voted that the Committee Consist of three 
 
 Voted that Joseph Church Elijah Baker, & Joseph Dickinson be the Com- 
 mittee above — 
 
 Voted that the Treasurer be directed to Indors so much on Nathaniel Dick- 
 inson, Esq, 5 Note as the Com tee above shall find wanting in the quantity of land 
 ascined to the S d Nathaniel agreeable to the Price the Said Nath" gave for Said 
 land — 
 
 Voted to rais a sum of money for the Purpos of Schooling the Children the 
 Insueing winter — 
 
 Voted to rais fifty four Pounds for the Purpus above — 
 
 Voted to keep six schools in Amherst this winter in or near the Places where 
 they were kept the laist winter. 
 
 Voted that the money raised for schooling be divided Six Equal Parts by the 
 Selectmen 
 
 Voted to rais Six Pounds for the support of the Poor of the town 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to leavy a tax to rais the money grainted 
 above — 
 
 Voted to relinquish to Medad Moody the rates he hath against Benjamin 
 Routh (viz) Seven Shillings 
 
 Voted that the Treasurer be directed to Pay Leut. John Field out of the 
 Avails of the Streat land so Called all the Notes that the signers are disposed to 
 Pay to ye said John Field 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Moderator. 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden on Monday the fourth 
 day of January 1790 at nine of the Clock in the morning — Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Den. Elisha Smith Moderator 
 
 Voted to Raise five pounds one Shilling for the support of the Poor — 
 
 Voted to accept of the Bills as they have bin Red and Corrected 
 
 Voted to allow Capt Aaron Dickinson four Pounds four Shillings and four 
 Pence which he Paid & Indorst on Den Simeon Clark, s Note given him for beef 
 he Sold to the town, and that the Selectmen give order for the Same — 
 
 Voted to Allow Ephraim Kellogg for money he Paid Seven Pounds thirteen 
 Shillings and that the Selectmen give order for the Same 
 
 Voted that Nathan Dickinson Jim have a bit of town way at the west End 
 of Josiah Thayers lot on the north Side of fort river — (viz) twenty four rods Pro- 
 vided he give his security as others have done. 
 
 Voted that all Persons who have had land set to them out of the town way 
 may have it Confirmed to them in like manner as others have had; Provided they 
 date their Notes Back, and gave them to the Town Treasury before the 20" 1 of 
 this month. 
 
 Voted to abate to Stephen Cole the following rates (viz) 
 Silas Robins. x 10 8 Widow Marey Rolf, 13 6h 
 
 Simeon Baker 7 4II State Tax 
 
 Wid. Marey Rolf 12 \h In Silver money 3 — 6 — q\ 
 
 Aaron Alvord, 3 \h Town Tax. x 1 — 13—95 
 
 2— o—64 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 35 
 
 Voted to abate to Thomas Hastings the following rates — 
 
 State T 
 
 ax 
 
 
 
 Town 
 
 Tax. 
 
 
 
 
 Nath Peck 2' 1 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 8 
 
 Nath. Peck 2' 1 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 David Fuller 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 10 
 
 Silas Robins 
 
 M 
 
 2 4 
 
 
 
 Silas Robins 
 
 
 29 
 
 2 
 
 Edward Allen 
 
 
 
 ni 
 
 
 
 Edward Allen 
 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 Benjamin Routh 
 David Fuller 
 
 12 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 1 
 
 2 : 3 : 
 1 : 2 : 
 
 ii 
 9h 
 
 Roswell Clapp 6 2 £3 '■ 5 '■ a 
 
 Voted that the Treasurer be directed to Receive the Selectmen's orders of 
 Thomas Hastings which he Received Previous to the Regulating Vote Paist at 
 Laist March Meeting — 
 
 Voted to Rais fiftey Pounds to Replace the abatements as made in sundry 
 years back, together with the Interest money Paid to Lent John Field — 
 
 Voted that the Note in the Town Treasurry sinedby Capt Reuben Dickinson 
 and others be averadged to the 2 d Parish with the Avails of the Streat lands — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen give Den Ball an order for his Bill against the 
 town — 
 
 Voted to rais money sufficient to Pay up a Note Den Simeon Clark hath 
 against the town — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen give Mr Ebenezer Boltwood an order on the 
 Treasurer sufficient to Replace the overplus money he Paid for a bit of Streat 
 land set to him in the Jeneral distribution of the Streat land — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Leavy a tax on the I nheabitants sufficient 
 to Pay the Bills that have bin Paist and all the other monies that have bin Raised 
 this Meeting — 
 
 Test Elisha Smith Moderator — 
 
 17SS. 
 
 Nov r 27 D,aniel Abbott gave Security with Isaac Marshal Bonds- £ 
 man for a bit of town way at the West End of Isaac Marshals hous lot 202 
 
 27 Elijah Baker gave Security with Noah Smith Bonds for a bit 
 of town way at the East End of Elijah Bakers hous lot — n 15 9 
 
 27 Nathan Dickinson jnr gave security with Perez Dickinson 
 Bondsman for a bit of town way at the west End of that lot on which 
 Josiah Thayer now dwells — 044 
 
 27 Rev' 1 Ichabot Draper gave security with Ebenezer Mattoon 
 Esq Bondsman for a bit of town way at the East End of that lot which 
 the Rev' 1 Ichabod Draper owns in the third Division of lots — 1 4 3 
 
 1790. 
 
 Octob r 8. Simeon Strong Esq gave Security with Doc' Robert 
 Cutler Bondsman for three bits of town way adjoining to Simeon Strongs 
 lot which was lateley Jonathan Fields (viz) one on the west end and two 
 on the North Side. See town vote Ocf. 4"': 1790 — 218 3 
 
 1791 May 9 Medad Moody gave security with Noadiah Smith 
 bondsman for a bit of town way at the west end of that lot on which 
 Medad Moody now dwells etc — 250 
 
7 7 
 
 136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 May 14 Joseph Eastman, gave security with Jonathan Dickinson 
 Jun Bondsman for a bit of town way at the East End of that lot on 
 which Joseph Eastman now dwells. 
 
 16 David Cowls gave security with Ebenezer Boltwood Bonds- 
 man, for a bit of town way at the west End of a lot of Land lateley owned 
 by Levi Leach in the 2' 1 division of land in Amherst — 
 
 20. Asahel Mood gave security with Isaac Goodale bondsman for 
 a bit of town way at the north west corner of the lot on which Asahel 
 Moody now dwells. 054 
 
 20 Thomas Hastings gave security with Gideon Ingram Bonds- 
 man for a bit of town way at the west End of Thomas Hastings, 5 home 
 lot. o 17 6 
 
 Lemuel Moody gave security with Medad Moody for a bit of town 
 way at the East End of that lot on which Lemuel Moody now dwells 1 o 4 
 
 Gideon Ingram gave security with Elihu Dickinson bondsman for 
 a bit of town way at the west End of that lot on which John Ingram 
 now lives 2 S 4 
 
 23 Timothy Smith gave security with Simeon Smith bondsman 
 for a bit of Town way at the South East corner of said Timothys hous 
 lot o 14 II 
 
 23 Simeon Smith gave security with Timothy Smith Bondsman 
 for a bit of town way at the west End of the lot on which the Said 
 Simeon Lives 1 14 5 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst 
 Holden on Monday, the first day of March 1790 at nine of the Clock 
 A. M. at the First Parish Meeting house Voted as Follows— (viz) — 
 
 Voted Col Ebenezer Mattoon, Moderator — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman, Town Clerk — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman, Town Treasurer — 
 
 Voted Col. Ebenezer Mattoon, Ebenezer Boltwood, Joseph Church, Den 
 Elisha Smith, and Joseph Eastman. Jnr. Selectmen. 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith, Ebenezer Boltwood. & Col Ebenezer Mattoon, 
 Assessors 
 
 Voted Josiah Warner, & Nathaniel Edwards, Constables — 
 
 Voted, Solomon Boltwood, Jonathan Dickinson 2 d Leut Jonathan Dickinson, 
 jnr. Joel Moody, Andrew Kimbal jnr & Eleazer Cowls, Surveyors of Highways — 
 
 Voted Philip Edwards Capt Moses Cook Samuel Smith, Daniel Kellogg, 
 jnr Perez Dickinson, Ebenezer Dickinson, jnr and Judah Dickinson, Tything 
 men — 
 
 Voted David Blotchet, jnr Joseph Church jnr Paul Newton, Elijah Elmer, 
 Ephraim Kellogg & Asa Smith Hogreeves — 
 
 Voted Elisha Dickinson & Enos Dickinson, fens vewers — 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Surveyor of Lumber 
 
 Voted Leut Noah Dickinson & Noah Smith Wardens — 
 
 Voted to Repair the Highways this year by a rate — 
 
 Voted to rais Seventy Pounds to repair highways this year. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 137 
 
 Voted that the Assessors make the highway rate by the laist list. 
 
 Voted to allow 3-0 P r day from the first of may to the laist of August & 2-0 
 in the month of September & 1-6 the rest of the year for Highway worke — 
 
 Voted that the surveyors of Highways Inspect the workemen while they 
 are at their Labours in Stead of Leabouring them Selves. 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon, Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst at the first 
 Parish Meeting hous on Monday the 5 th day of April 1790 Voted as follows (viz). 
 Voted Col Ebenezer Mattoon Moderator ■ 
 
 Voted to discontinue a Piece of the town highway near Mr David Blodget 
 Corner and grant the Same to Benjamin Buckman — 
 
 Voted that the above granted Piece of ground Extend Six Rods North from 
 the highway leading to Pelham and to Extend one rod East & west — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Com tw of three to Stipulate with Mr Benjamin Buckman 
 for the above granted Piece of ground and that the Said Committee Shall make a 
 Return to the town Clerk of their Doings in the Premiss without Carrying of it to 
 the town and the Clerk is to Record the Same on the town Records — 
 
 Voted that Capt. Eli Parker, David Blodget & Daniel Kellogg jun be the 
 Committee above — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst Qualified 
 according to the Constitution to Vote for governor &c April 5, 1790 — 
 the Votes for Governor were as follows — (viz) 
 the Hon. James Bowdoin Esq six 
 the Hon John Hancock Esq thirty 
 the votes for Leutenant governor were as follows — 
 the Hon. Nathaniel Gorham Esq fiftey 
 the Hon Samuel Adams Esq two 
 the votes for Senators were as follows (viz) 
 For Moses Bliss Esq. — twelve — 
 For Samuel Henshaw Esq — six — 
 For John Hastings Esq — forty-nine — 
 For David Saxton Esq — twenty-three — 
 For Col William Lyman — Esq. — fiftey-two 
 For Samuel Lyman Esq — fortey-six — 
 For Simeon Strong Esq — five — 
 For Samuel Fowler Esq — thirtey — 
 For Solomon Stodard — four — 
 For William Bodman two — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon "] 
 
 Ebenezer Boltwood | Selectme _ _ f 
 Joseph Church y Selectmen oi 
 
 Elisha Smith | Amherst 
 
 Joseph Eastman J 
 
 Seth Coleman Town Clerke 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst at the first 
 Parish Meeting hous on monday the fifth day of April at 3 o'clock P. M. 179a 
 Voted as follows — (viz) 
 
138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 Voted Ebenezer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Voted that the Assessors make the County tax by ye laist list 
 
 Voted that Elisha Dickinson serve as a Constable in the Stead of Josiah War- 
 ner who was Chosen to that office in March laist 
 
 Voted that when it is necessary for the town to Transact any business, on 
 those days in which it is the duty of the Selectmen to Preside in Town Meeting, 
 that such Meeting Shall be warned by Notifications Set up fourteen days before 
 the time of the Said Meeting — 
 
 Voted that Capt James Hendrick be allowed to Retain in his Possession a 
 Piece of the town way between the Second and third Division which he now has 
 in his enclosure untill October seventeen hundred & ninety-one 
 
 Voted that Mr Jonathan Dickinson 2 A have a Piece of town way Ieying 
 opposite to Daniel Kellogg, 5 hous (viz) running from a Point at the North west 
 Corner of Said Jonathan's lot to eleven feet wide in the senter, and then Falling to 
 a Point at the Southwest Corner of Said lot — Said Peice Containing twelve and a 
 half rods of ground — and that the Said Jonathan give the same Price for the above 
 granted Peice of ground, as he gave for the land which was set to him in the gen- 
 eral Distributions of the streat lands — 
 
 Attest — Ebexezer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 N. B. April 26 1790 the above Named Jonathan Dickinson 2' 1 Paid for the 
 above grant Peice of town way agreable to the vote of the town 
 
 Test Seth Coleman Treasurer 
 
 I A. B. do truly and sincerely acknoledg profess, testify & declare, that the 
 Common wealth of Massachusets is, and of right ought to be a free and Independ 
 ant State and I do swear, that I will bear the Faith and Allegiance, to the said 
 Commonwealth — and that I will defend the Same, against Traitors Conspiracies, 
 and all hostile attempts whatsoever and that I do renounce and abjure, allegiance, 
 subjection, and obedience to the King of great Britain: and every other foreign 
 Power whatsoever — and that no foreign Prince. Parson, Prelate, State or Potentate, 
 hath or ought to have any Jurisdiction, Superiority, or Preeminence, Authority. 
 Dispersing or other Power, in any Matter, Civil, Ecclesiastical or Spiritual within 
 this Common wealth; Except the Authority and Power, which is. or may be vested 
 by their Constituents, in the Congress of the united States : and I do Further testify, 
 and declare, that no man, or body of men, hath or Can have, any right to absolve 
 or discharge me from the obligation of this Oath, Declaration, or Affirmation. — 
 and that I do make this Acknoledgment, Profession. Testimony, Declaration, 
 Denial, Renunciation and abjuration, heartily and truly, according to the Common 
 Meaning & Acceptation, of the foregoing words, without any Equivocation, mental 
 Eveasion or secret Reservation whatsoever — » 
 
 E. Mattoox Jrx ") Selectmen 
 
 Ebenezer Boltwood | of 
 
 April 5 : 1750 Elisha Smith J> Amherst 
 
 Joseph Eastman Jun | for the 
 Joseph Church J year 1790 
 
 Record of Notes Continued — 
 
 1791 May 23. Nathan Ingram gave security with Zebina Mon- 
 tague bondsman for a bit of town way at the East of a lot of land own. 1 ' 
 by Reuben Ingram in the first Division of lots in Amherst being East 
 of said Reuben's hous o 5 3 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 139 
 
 Daniel Cooley Esq gave security with Jonathan Dickinson, jnr 
 bondsman for two bits of town way one at the East side of Esq Coo- 
 leys home lot and the other at the West End of Said Cooleys farm in the 
 third division 297 
 
 Amus Xash gave Security with Samuel Hastings Bondsman for a 
 bit of town way adjoining to the side of Amus Nashes house lot o 8 5 
 
 Novemb'' S. Joseph Church gave security with Joseph Church 
 Jun Bondsman for a bit of town way at the north Side of the lot of 
 land on which Joseph Church now lives 3 16 2 
 
 26. Gideon Parsons gave security with Enos Cowls bondsman for 
 a bit of town way north of and adjoining to Gideon Parsons." dwelling 
 house °59 
 
 Enos Cowls gave security with Gideon Parsons bondsman for a bit 
 of town way at the East End of Enos Cowls house lot 0810 
 
 Marriages Solemnized by Ebenezer Mattoon Esq (viz) 
 John Doty and Ruth Porter, April — 1790 — 
 
 Marriages Solemnized by Rev.' 1 Ichabod Draper, (viz) 17S6. Decemb r 
 26 John Fox and Orpha Cadwell. 
 1787. Jan. 4. John Belding & Lydia Hunt. 
 
 Nathaniel Dickinson & Jemima Wales. 
 Robert Robinson & Hannah Rich. 
 John Blodget, Jnr. & Lois Dickinson. 
 Gideon Parsons, & Huldah Rowe. 
 Perez Dickinson & Ruth Dickinson. 
 Josiah Robins & Lydia Robins. 
 Reuben Warner & Olive Payne. 
 . Abner Marsh & Dorothy Dana. 
 David Billings & Hannah Hide. 
 Smith Eddy & Patience Hulit. 
 John Hirsch & Porris Blair. 
 Josiah Sartell & Hannah Smith. 
 Simeon Dickinson & Sarah Dickinson 
 Luke Blodget & Martha Dickinson. 
 Calvin Rich & Martha Billings. 
 Isaac Robbins & Rachel Williams. 
 Judah Clark & Esther Merrick. 
 1790 Feb. 23. Robert Ingram & Sarah Bolles— 
 
 Attest. Ichabod Draper — 
 
 April 27 : 1790 — 
 
 Marriages Solemnized by Rev,' 1 David Parsons (viz) 
 1787. Jan. 18. Olliver Harroon & Molly Mc Culluck. 
 Feb 1 David Eason & Mary Peck. 
 June 14. Samuel Prime & Irene Moody. 
 Aug-. 27. Samuel Thompson & Lois Fisk. 
 Novr. 29. Thomas Munsel & Sarah Smith. 
 Decern 1 ". 6. Henry McCullock & Martha Hamilton of Pelham. 
 Do 10. Eli Hamilton. Grenfield & Ariz Southwood of Pelham. 
 
 Jan. ] 
 
 :8. 
 
 Jan. : 
 
 April 
 April 
 June 
 
 : 5- 
 
 5- 
 
 16. 
 28. 
 
 Octo 
 
 ■ 4- 
 
 Nov. 
 
 18. 
 
 178S March 7 
 
 Aug. 
 Octo 
 
 2 5- 
 r . 16. 
 
 1789 Jan. 
 Feb. 
 
 5 th 
 
 -lh 
 
 i 
 
 Apri' 
 
 IS. 
 
 Sept 
 Nov. 
 
 9 
 • 3- 
 26. 
 
14° HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 1788. January 1. Elias Smith & Philothea Debell of Pelham. 
 Feb. 11. Ezra Roode & Parthena Warner. 
 
 Do. 28. Leutious Wait of Hatfield & .Alary Smith. 
 April 10. Joseph Dickinson & Dorothy Dickinson 
 May 5. Elihu Moody & Rachel Moody. 
 July 3. Asa Smith & Sarah Moody. 
 Do. 24. Thomas Larrabee & Salome Dickinson. 
 
 1789. Jan v 7. Nathaniel Bangs & Electa Kellogg. 
 
 Do. 22. William Phelps & Mary Warner of Belchertown. 
 May 12. Calvin Merril & Orinda Row. 
 May 25. Edward Foster, jnr. & Vire Shirtliff of Pelham. 
 June 11. Silas Moody & Eunice Dickinson. 
 Aug'. 2. William Boltwood & Eunice Noble. 
 Sept. 28. William Dickinson & Thirza Warner 
 Oct. 19. Ebenezer Ingram & Esther Roode. 
 Oct. 22. Silas Dickinson & Eunice Moody. 
 
 1790. Jan- V . 26. Isaac Abecrombie & Martha McCulluch 
 
 David Parsons. Minister of the First Parish Amherst— 
 April 29 1790— 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst on Tuesday the twenty fourth 
 of August 1790 at the First Parish Meeting hous, at five of the Clock in the after- 
 noon. Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Mr Ebenezer Boltwood Moderator. 
 
 Voted to Sel the School-hous near landlord Parsones Tavern at Public Ven- 
 due and take good security for whatever sum it should be sold at Payable in Six 
 months with Interest from this date 
 
 Voted Joseph Pettis Vendue Master to Sel Said School-hous. 
 
 Attest Ebexer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitantsof the Town of Amherst holden at the 
 First Parish Meeting-house on Monday the Fourth day of October 1790 at two 
 of the Clock P. M. Voted as Follows — (viz.) 
 
 Voted Maj r Zebina Montague Moderator. 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting for half an hour and then to Meet at the Pre- 
 paratory school-house near landlord Parsons," tavern — 
 
 Voted to Rais Twelve Pounds for the Support of the Poor of the town of 
 Amherst — 
 
 Voted to Provide Places for Schools in the Several Districts whare there is 
 not Places Provided — 
 
 Voted to have three Schools onley in this town the Insuing year — (Voted.) 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five to Determin where those Schools 
 Shall be kept — 
 
 Voted Capt Eli Parker, Joseph Eastman Jnr. Daniel Cooley Esq Josiah 
 Warner & Coll Ebenezer Mattoon be the Committee above 
 
 Voted to abate Eliphalet Robbensons rate 3-1 \ Benjamin Rouths rate, 5-3 
 Wm Claps rate 3-1 14 & Roswell Claps rate 3-0 in Enos Cowls List — 
 
 Voted that the Committee appointed to Point out the Places for the Several 
 Schools in Amherst make their Report to the next adjourned Meeting — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 141 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong, Esq. have the Street land that was Ascined to 
 Jonathan Field in the general Distribution of the Street Land Provided he give 
 his security in Manner and form as was voted for the Sale of the Streat land on 
 the 7 ,h of April 17SS— 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting to Monday the Eighteenth day of Instant 
 October at two of the Clock, P. M. and then to meet at this Place 
 
 Attest Zehixa Moxtague Moderator 
 
 Oct. i8 lh 1790 the town being met at time and place according to the above 
 adjournment. Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Joseph Church Moderator the former Moderator being absent — 
 
 Voted to accept of the Reporte of the Committee appointed to Prefix Places 
 for the School houses in Amherst which is as follows, (viz) For the North End of 
 the town, at the Croch of the roads near David Hawleys — For the Middle District 
 about way of the rode leading from the west to the East Streat. For the South 
 End of the town near Jonathan Moody, sjnr. 
 
 Voted that the west Streat of the Southern District have their Proportion of 
 the School money annually assigned them to dispose off for Schooling at their own 
 Election with regard to time and Place — and that they Shall be Exemptdfrom any 
 Expence of building School Houses in Amherst. Provided they Erect and keep a 
 Convenient School house for them Selves at their own Expence. 
 
 Voted torais Sixtey Pounds for the Purpos of Schooling the Insuing year. 
 
 Voted, that the Selectmen Proportion the school money to Each District 
 according to the List of Each District. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of nine to Erect the three School House 
 Voted above — 
 
 Voted John Dickinson. 2 d ,Lt Ebenezer Eastman. Zachariah Hawley. Ebenezer 
 Boltwood. Daniel Kellogg Jnr. Ebenezer Mattoon, Esq. Daniel Cooley Esq 
 Thomas Hastings & Medad Dickinson be the Com"' 1 ' above 
 
 Voted that the Committee use their Discretion as to the Dimentionsof Each 
 School House — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Levy a tax to rais the above granted 
 moneys — 
 
 Attest — Joseph Church Moderator. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the town of Amherst holden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the tenth day of January 1791. Voted as Follows (viz) 
 Voted Ebenezer Mattoon Esq Moderator 
 Voted to allow the Bills as they have bin red and Corrected 
 Voted to allow 3-4 by the day for hewing of timber, and for raising of bridges, 
 three shillings — 
 
 Voted to allow 2-8 by the day for all other labor. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of Six, three out of Each Parish to adopt sum* 
 method for the averidging of the avails of the Streat land (So Called) between 
 the two Parishes and that the Committee make reporte to next meeting. 
 
 Voted Ebenezer Mattoon Esq Simeon Strong Esq Den John Billings 
 Seth Coleman. Medad Dickinson & Maj r Zebina Montague be the Committee 
 above — 
 
 Voted torais twelve Pounds for the support of the Poor of the town 
 Voted to Reconsider all former votes that have bin Paist respecting the 
 
142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 method of warning of Town Meetings — 
 
 Voted that all future meetings be warned by Posting fourteen days on the 
 Meeting houses of Each Parish, untill Proper Posts be Erected, and after that on 
 such Post as one set near Each Meeting house for that Purpose 
 
 Voted to appoint an Agent to Make Answer to the citation given the town on 
 account of Neglect in Assessing a tax mentioned in Said citation. 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq. be the Agent above — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Levy a tax to rais all the above granted 
 moneys — 
 
 Attest E Mattoon J ux Moderator. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holdan at the First Parish 
 Meeting House on Monday the fourth day of April 1791. Voted as follows, (viz) 
 Voted Col. Ebenezer Mattoon Moderator 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clark. Voted Set'.i Coleman Treasurer 
 Voted Col. Ebenezer Mattoon, Ebenezer Boltwood, Joseph q , ,. 
 Church, Den Elisha Smith and Joseph Eastman, jnr. selectmen 
 
 Voted Col. Ebenezer Mattoon, Ebenezer Boltwood, and , 
 Den Elisha Smith. Assessors 
 
 Voted Azeriah Dickinson jnr. & Eldad Moody Constables. 
 
 Voted to releas Azeriah Dickinson from serving as a Constable and to 
 accept Steven Smith in his roome — 
 
 Voted Joseph Dickinson, Solomon Boltwood, Isaac Marshal, surveyors 
 Ins Moses Hastings, Timothy Green jnr. Lt Jonathan Dickinson of 
 
 jnr. Noah Smith. & John Ingram. * Highways. 
 
 Voted Lt. Elijah Dickinson, Silas Wright, Timothy Clapp, Tything 
 
 John Eastman, & Gad Dickinson men. 
 
 Voted Josiah Warner, Capt Moses Cook, Nathan Dickinson. fensVewers 
 
 Voted Stephen Smith, David Billings. William Dickinson, Hog 
 
 Solomon Boltwood. Elijah Moody thomas Larrabee Reeves 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather. 
 
 Voted Stoughton Dickinson. Surveyor of Lumber. 
 
 Voted Jonathan Marsh. Packer of Beef & Porke 
 
 Voted Nathaniel Dickinson. Esq. Warden. 
 
 Voted Mr Ebenezer Boltwood, Dn. Elisha Smith. Nathan Dickinson, jnr. be 
 a Committee to Vew the ground before Simeon Dickinsons jnr. house and Deter- 
 min wheather any or how much land Shall be sold to Said Simeon for a building- 
 Place and at what Price, and make reporte to next meeting- 
 Voted for register of Deeds as follows (viz) for Ebenezer Hunt. Esq. fifty- 
 one. & for Col. Ebenezer Mattoon two 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting for the Space of one hour and half and then 
 Meet at this Place- 
 Voted that the town Treasurer be directed to Collect all the debts that are 
 due to the town for Streat lands — 
 
 Voted to allow Major Nathaniel Peck six shillings omited in January. 
 
 Voted to allow sundrey Bills as they have red and Corrected (viz) to Daniel 
 Cooley Esq 31-6 Noah Dickinson 5-0. Andrew Kjmbal Jnr. S-S. Thomas Goodale 
 2-4— 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be Impowered to give their orders for the Pay- 
 ment of the above granted bills — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 43 
 
 Voted that the Committee appointed to averidge the avails of the Street lands 
 proceed to averidge the rates now in town Treasury, & see what is the Proportion 
 belonging to Each Parish agreeable to a Former Vote etc. 
 
 Voted that those Persons that have obligations now in the town. Treasury, 
 for Streat land, may stipulate with the Standing Committee of Either Parish for 
 the Payment of their notes; and that a receipt from the Committee of Either Parish 
 shall be the Town Treasurers discharge for the Same, until] the full sum be 
 Exhausted to which that Parish is Intitled to which the Com' 1 '-' thus negotiating 
 Shall belong — 
 
 Voted that the time of paying the above notes be limited to the sixth day of 
 June next. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Examine the State and Situation 
 of the Streat land bought by Mr Moses Cook and make reporte to the next 
 meeting. 
 
 Voted that Joseph Church, Col. Ebenezer Mattoon, and Ebenezer Boltwood 
 be the Committee above — 
 
 Voted to repare the Highways this year by a rate. 
 
 Voted to rais one Hundred Pounds to repare the Highways this year. 
 
 Voted to allow the .Same Price for high-way worke this year, that we did the 
 laist (viz) 3s. Per day from the first of may to the laist of august & 2s. Per day in 
 the month of September and 1-6 the rest of the year — ' 
 
 Voted to erect two school houses in Amherst one by the 2' 1 Parish Meeting- 
 house & the other in the South part of the East street. 
 
 Voted that Daniel Cooly Esq. Capt Eli Parker, Stoughton Dickinson, Col. 
 Ebenezar Mattoon. Daniel Kellogg" jnr be the Com" 1 ' to erect the above School 
 Houses 
 
 Voted that Joseph Church, L' Jonathan Dickinson jnr. Ins Moses Hastings, 
 Den John Billings, Noah Smith, Elisha Dickinson. Nathan Dickinson jr L l Elijah 
 Hastings, & Medad Dickinson, be the Com""' to determin whare those School- 
 Houses Shall Stand and of what Dimensions they Shall be 
 
 Voted to raise Eightey Pound to Erect the above School-Houses. 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to rais the above granted monies — 
 
 Voted to make the rates by the Laist List — 
 
 Voted to rais Sixtey Pounds for the support of schooling the Current year — 
 
 Attest E. Mattoon jr. Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting-house in said Town on Monday the ninth clay of May A.D. 1791 at three 
 of the Clock in the afternoon — Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Mr Ebenezer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Voted that the Persons who have Inclosed Streat land and have not given their 
 security to the Treasurer, may have libertey to do it. Provided they Include the 
 Interest for the same form the 27 th day of november 17SS and give their obligation 
 within fourteen days from the ninth of May 1791. with a bondsman. 
 
 Voted that the Persons who have lands set to them in the general distribu" 
 tion of streat land, and have not Inclosed the same, nor given security for it, may 
 also have liberty to give their obligations under the Same restrictions and limitations 
 as mentioned, in the foregoing vote; and that those Persons that now give security 
 for the Streat land shall be Considered as Comeing within the limits of the Votes 
 
144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 past April 7 17S8 respecting their title to Streat Lands as tho they had then given 
 their security : 
 
 Voted that the Com tet ' appointed to Clear off Incumberances on the town ways, 
 at an adjourned Meeting Octob r 27 17SS give notice Immediately to all those per- 
 sons that have taken in Streat land without giveing their security for Said land, that 
 unless they Either remove their fences or give their security within the time Lim- 
 ited above, must Expect to have their fences remooved according as the law directs ; 
 and that the Committee Procede to follow the steps of the law without loss of 
 time — 
 
 Voted that those Persons who do give their security for land Inclosed shall 
 produce a Certificat thereof from the town Treasurer that the Committee may be 
 advertised thereof 
 
 Voted that the Committee appointed to Clear the Highway take into Consid- 
 eration the Petition of Joseph Dickinson respecting a bit of streat land near his 
 house, and give such orders relative thereto as they shall think proper. 
 
 Voted to grant liberty to John Billings and others that have Petitioned the 
 town ; that they may worke out their highway rate, which they are in the arrears 
 for the last year, under the surveyors who hath their names for the Present years 
 highway tax — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen give orders on the Treasurer for the payment of 
 the worke voted above when Each Individual hath dun his worke — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Perambulation of Line Between Amherst and Pelham. 
 Amherst May 10: 1791 — 
 To Doct 1 Seth Coleman Town Clerk. S, n after due notis from the Authority 
 of the town of Pelham to Preambulate the line betwixt S,' 1 town and the town of 
 Amherst this is to Certify that we have attended said service and herewith send 
 you Mr Justus Dwight. Survey — 
 
 Ebexezer Boltwood, ) Selectmen 
 Elisha Smith of 
 
 E Mattoon jnr ) Amherst. 
 
 May 10"' 1 791 
 
 The Perambulation of the line between Pelham & Amherst Began at a heap of 
 Stones the South East Corner of Pelham and run North 20 : 15m west and found 
 Divers old Marks and Boundares Several of which we Markt With the Letters 
 P A — (viz) a large Pine tree against Harkniss Improvement, also another Pine tree 
 at the north End of a Pond hole against Col. Mattoons Land, also another Pine 
 tree Eight Rods North of Pelham Road, another Pine Tree against Capt Parkers 
 lot, another oak tree about Ten rods South of the River, also a large white oak 
 tree against Hodgden land all which Trees are Markt P. A & renewed the north 
 west corner of Pelham, which is a Large heap of Stones by Puting a Stake — 
 
 Said Line Run by 
 
 Justus Dwight Surveyor 
 True Coppy Test Seth Coleman, Town Clerk- 
 
 Marriages Solemnized by Rev. David Parsons in the year, 1790 & 1791 viz. 
 from April 28" 1 1790 to may 2' 1 1791 
 
 John Hubbard & Ruth Dickinson of Hatfield 
 Elijah Moody and Electa Smith 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 45 
 
 Joseph Robbins & Leucretia Pettes 
 Josiah Smith & Sally Field — 
 Ephraim Kellogg jnr and Martha Smith 
 Gideon Ingram & Alary Edwards 
 May 2' 1 1791 Attest David Parsons 
 
 Minister of the first Parish in Amherst— 
 
 Marriages Solemnized by the Rev Icabod Draper — June— April 29. 1790— (viz) 
 Gorsham Ingram & Martha Belding — 
 William Forbush Peebles & Elizabeth Religh. 
 
 Attest Ichabod Draper— 
 
 Amherst May 27 : 1791 — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst, holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Friday the Twenty Eight of Octob' 1791 at one of the Clock in the 
 afternoon — 
 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq Moderator — 
 
 Voted to appoint a Committee of five to make Answer to the Treasurers 
 Citation — 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq. Daniel Cooley Esq. Ebenezer Boltwood. Capt Eli 
 Parker, and Jonathan Dickinson 2 d be the Com 1 " 1 ' above. 
 
 Voted that the Committee be Impowered to Send an agent to the Com'" of 
 the Jeneral Court to make Answer to the Citation from the Treasurer; if they shall 
 think it Expedient — 
 
 Voted that the money for schooling be Proportioned to Each District accord- 
 ing to what the Individuals in Each District pay on the laist Town list- 
 Voted that the District at the South-East Corner of the Town have liberty to 
 remove the old School-house to the new one for the better accomodation of the 
 Same. — 
 
 Attest Simeox Stroxg Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing house on thirsday the 24"' day of Nov r 1791 at one of the Clock afternoon, 
 Voted as Follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Col Ebenezer Mattoon Moderator — 
 
 Voted to rais fortey Pounds to Satisfey a deficiency in the Province tax in 
 A. D. 1797 : — 
 
 Voted that the Assessors be Impowered to Assess the Same by the Last list, 
 as quick as may be : — 
 
 Voted that the above granted moneys be payed to the Town Treasurer, and 
 that the Treasurer Settle with the States Treasurer in the most Saving way for the 
 Town : — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three, to vew the ground before Asahel 
 Clarke House and say how much land (if any) may be Sold to said Clark, and at 
 what price, and make reporte to the next meeting. 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith. Martin Kellogg, and Den John Billings be the 
 Com' 1 ' above. — 
 
 Voted that Jonathan Warner and others be allowed to give Security for the 
 Streat land Assigned to them in the general distribution of Streat land Provided 
 
146 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 they Compley with the restriction an 1 regulations mentioned at last may meet- 
 ing and do it before the first day of January next - 
 
 Voted to Choose a Com M of Seven to divide the town into Six Districts for 
 Schooling. — 
 
 Voted that John Dickinson, Daniel Cooly Esq Daniel Kellogg jnr, Martain 
 Kellogg, Elijah Baker, Joel Moody, and Stephen Smith be the Committee above 
 and that they make reporte of their doings to the next Meeting 
 
 Attest E. Mattoon Jxr Moderator 
 
 Record of Notes Continued 
 
 1791 Decern 26 Jonathan Warner gave security with David Warner 
 Bondsman for a bit of town way at the East End of that lot on which 
 Jonathan Warner now lives 1 14 6 
 
 31 Den Jonathan Edwards gave security with Nathaniel Edwards 
 Bondsmen for a bit of town way at the West End of Den Jonathan 
 Edwards house lot 179 
 
 31 Philip Edwards gave security with Xath" Edwards Bondsman 
 for a bit of town way at the West End of Philip Edwards house lot o 4 8k. 
 
 1792 April 9 Ebenezer Boltwoodgave security with Jonathan Dickinson 
 bondsman for two bits of Town way adjoining to the north side of the 
 farm belonging to the Hears of Moses Warner Late of Amherst 
 Deceast, which joins the rode leading from Hadley to Pelham, one is set 
 
 to Moses Warner & the other to David Smith 13 6 1 
 
 14 Capt William Ashley gave security with Capt Moses Cook 
 Bondsman, for three bits of Town land (viz) one at the West End of 
 that Lot on which Mr Ebenezer Mattoon now lives, and one other bit at 
 the East End of that lot on which Leut Moses Rowe now Lives as also 
 one other bit Set to John Williams In the general Distribution of Streat 
 land leying at the East end of the lot of land leying South of, & adjoining 
 to Justus Williams, 3 house lot 6 12 n 
 
 16 Lt Jonathan Dickinson gave security with Stoughton Dickinson 
 Bondsman for Four Bits of town way, one at the East End of that lot 
 on which Noadiah Smith now lives, and one Peice at East End of that 
 lot on which Medad Moody now lives and one other Peice Set to Waight- 
 still Dickinson in the general Distribution of Streat land and the other 
 Piece is Set to the widow Sarah Lee in the general distribution of Streat 
 Land 8 6 3 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst liolden at the First Parish 
 Meeting-house on Monday the Second clay of January. 1792 at nine of the Clock in 
 the fore noon, Voted as Follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Ebenezar Mattoon Esq. Moderator. 
 
 Voted to allow Six Shillings Per hundred for two Inch Plank and five Shil- 
 lings Per hundred for \k Inch Plank 
 
 Voted to allow 18-0 Per thousand for brick 
 
 Voted to allow three Shillings P r clay for Placing School house 
 
 Voted to allow five Shillings P 1 ' week for bording workmen at the School 
 house 
 
 Voted to allow the bills as they have been red and Corrected 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. I 47 
 
 Voted to accept of the report of the Com'" appointed to divide the Town 
 into Six Districts for the Purpose of schooling which is as follows (viz) The 
 Committee appointed to divide the Town of Amherst into Six Districts for the 
 Purpose of Schooling— Beg leave to reporte as follows (viz) 
 
 i that the North-East District Consist of all the Inhabitants within Said 
 Town north of Joseph .Mortons in the East Street so calhd, and Ebenezar Dickin- 
 sons in the Middle Street Including Jonathan Marsh 
 
 2 That the North-west District consist of all the Inhabitants with their Estates 
 North of Moses Cooks in the west Street — 
 
 3 That the Easterly Middle District consist of all the Inheabitants with their 
 Estates, south of John Ingrams in the East Street to Fort river including Josiah 
 Thayer Simeon Dickinson & Simeon Pomeroy jnr 
 
 4 That the Westerly Middle District consist of all the Inheabitants with their 
 Estates south of John Eastmans and John Fields, to Simeon Clark jnr 
 
 5 That the South East District consist of all the Inheabitants with their 
 Estates in the East Streat, South of Fort River to the Hay Road Including Jona- 
 than Warner Wareham Warner and Aaron Dickinson — 
 
 6 And that the south-west District to consist of all the Inheabitants in 
 the west Street with their Estates South of Asahel Clarks 
 
 . Which is Submitted 
 
 John Dickinson 
 Per Order 
 
 This reporte is accepted by the Town 
 
 E Mattoon Jnr Moderator 
 
 Voted to rais Sixteen Pounds for the support of the Poor of the Town the 
 Current year 
 
 Voted to allow the South East District for a School house the Same sum to- 
 Erect their School-House, as the School house in the East Middle District Cost the 
 town 
 
 Voted to Empower the Assessors to Leavy a Tax to rais the above granted 
 Monies 
 
 Voted to abate to Medad Moody fourteen Shillings and Seven pence due on 
 his town note against th; Estate of John Nash Late of Amherst Deceast— 
 
 Voted to abate to Xoadiah Smith Seven Shillings and two pence on his town 
 rate against the Estate of John Nash late of Amherst Deceased 
 
 Voted to Accept of the Reporte of the Committee appointed to Vew and 
 appraise a bit of town way Petitioned for by Asahel Clark (viz) that he have the 
 Following described bit of Town Land, which is to begin at a point at the south-west 
 Corner of Said Asahels fence, and to Extend to the East End of Ids house at which 
 Place said land is twelve feet wide and the above said Asahel shall Pay th : Town 
 three Shillings for Said bit of ground. 
 
 Attest E. Mattoon jnk Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the 2 1 day of April 1702 at nine of the ( loi k in the forenoon.. 
 Voted as Follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk and Treasurer 
 
148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted Capt Moses Cook, Ebenezer Boltwood, Noah Smith, Daniel Kellogg 
 jnr, & L* Elijah Dickinson Selectmen 
 
 Voted Capt Moses Cook, Ebenezar Boltwood and Noah Smith Assessors 
 Voted David Goodale and Asahel Clark Constables 
 
 Voted Jonathan Dickinson 2' 1 John Dickinson, Joel Dickinson. Joel Moody, 
 Enos Dickinson, Perez Dickinson, Timothy Henderson & Samuel Hastings Survey- 
 ors of Highways 
 
 Voted Levi Cowls Ephraim Kellogg jnr L' Elijah Dickinson. Judah Dickinson 
 & William Dickinson Tything men 
 
 Voted Olliver Cowls & Den Eleazar Smith Fens Vewers 
 Voted Olliver Cowls jnr David Billings Zachariah Hawley Enoch Bangs 
 William Boltwood Simeon Smith and David Warner Hog-reives — 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather 
 Voted Stoughton Dickinson Surveyor of Lumber 
 Voted Jonathan Marsh & Stephen Fish Packer of Beef and Porke 
 Voted to raise Seventy Pounds for Schooling this year 
 Voted to raise twenty Pounds for the supporte of the Poor of ye Town — 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting for one hour and then to Meet at this place 
 Voted to rais one Hundred Pounds to repare the highways this year 
 Voted to allow 3-0 Per day for worke at highway from the first of may to the 
 laist of August & 2-0 Per day irt the month of September and 1-6 the rest of the 
 year — 
 
 Voted to Erect a School House in the South West District 
 Voted to raise Fortey Pounds to Erect the above School house — 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Prefix the Place of Said house and 
 Determin how big Said House Shall be — 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith Lt Jonathan Dickinson jnr & John Billings be the 
 Committee above — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Com'™ of five to Erect the above School house 
 Voted John Lee Noadiah Smith Joel Moody Medad Moody & Martain Kel- 
 logg be the Com' 01 ' above- 
 Voted to discontinue a bit of town way at the East End of Simeon Strongs 
 lot near Capt Eli Parkers house and grant the Same to Simeon Strong Esq & his 
 heirs he paying the price for Said land at which it Shall be appraised by a Com' 00 
 Chosen for that purpose the above discontinued bit of town way is as Follows (viz) 
 begining at the North east Corner of Capt Eli Parker House lot and thens 
 Extending East Twelve feet to the North East Corner of a Rock thence running 
 to a point at a stake which stands in the North-East corner of the Said Simeons 
 lot 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Appraise the above described bit 
 of land — 
 
 Voted that Jonathan Dickinson 2' 1 Elisha Dickinson and Joseph Dickinson 
 be the Com lre to vew and appraise the above bit of land and reporte to the next 
 meeting — 
 
 Voted to abate to John Williams his Proportion of the School money for two 
 years laist paist — 
 
 Voted to Impowerthe town Treasurer to Sel all or any part of the Streat 
 land which was Set to Individuals in the general distribution of the streat land 
 .(where those Individuals Either refuse or neglect to give their Security for the 
 Same) to any body that Shall appear to buy the Said Land; they Complying with 
 
» RECORDS OF TOWN .MEETINGS. 149- 
 
 the Conditions Voted in may g ,h 1791 (viz) to Include the Interest from the 27" 1 of 
 November 17SS and give their Security with a Bondsman 
 
 Voted that Capt John Thompson have liberty to keep Inclosed the land which 
 was allowed to Capt James Hendrick to keep untill Last October — untill next 
 October, he sowing the same with hay seed — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen vew the highway that runs through Jonathan Marsh- 
 es land and lay the Same on the Side of Said Jonathans lot if they think proper 
 & make reporte to sum futer Meeting 
 
 Voted that the Assessors be Impowered to raise the above granted monies. — 
 
 Voted that the Assessors make the highway rate by the laist Town list 
 Attest Ebexezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Records of Notes Continued 
 
 1792 April 19 Capt Moses Cook gave security with Capt William 
 Ashley Bondsman for two bits of town land (viz) one at the East End of 
 a lot In the First Division own by Jiles Church & also one other bit at 
 the West End of that lot which is owned by the Hears of Aaron Warner 
 jnr late of Amherst Deceast In the 2' 1 Division of land 35 8; 
 
 23 Solomon Boltwood gave security with Ebenezar Boltwood 
 Bondsman for a bit of town way laying on the North Side of that lot on 
 which Stephen Fish now lives wich was set to Solo Boltwood 1 17 2- 
 
 June 22 Nathan Dickinson jnr gave Security with Ezekiel Dickin- 
 son Bondsman for a bit of Town way at the west End of that lot on 
 which Josiah Thayer now lives which was set to Said Josiah in the gen- 
 eral Distribution of Streat land 1 8 7 
 
 Marriages Solemnized by the Rev Ichabod Draper from May 27 1791 to April 
 
 27 I79-— ( viz )— 
 
 Jeremiah Haze and Lavina White 
 
 Alexander Conkey & Eloner McConnel 
 
 Elias Wilder & Sarah Marshal 
 
 Elihu Dickinson & Susanna Lewis 
 
 David Chauncey Hamilton & Polley B. Hubbard 
 
 Judah Dickinson & Thankfull Dickinson 
 
 Eleazar Dana & Sally Cutler — 
 
 L 1 Noah Dickinson & Susanna Ward 
 
 Ichabod Draper — 
 
 Marriages Solemnized by the Rev David Parsons from May 2 d 1791 to May 
 14 1792 (viz)— 
 
 John Dodge & Violet Warriner — 
 
 George Eddy & Cloe Rowe — 
 
 Capt Benjamin Davenport & Jerusha Ballard 
 
 Stephen Tainter & Elizabeth Gorham — 
 
 Noah Wright Childs of Deerfield & Mary Graves of Sunderland 
 
 Olliver Cowls jnr & Lois Clark 
 
 Isaac Molinux of Bernardston & Sally Gaylord 
 
 Thomas Harlow of Pelham <x Sarah King New Salem 
 
 Test David Parsons 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting House in S 1 Amherst on Monday the fourteenth day of May A D 1792 at 
 2 o Clock in the afternoon Voted a follows (viz — 
 
150 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted Mr Ebenezar Boltwodo Moderator 
 
 Voted to graint to Simeon Strong Esq a bit of town way at the East End of 
 S.' 1 Simeons land leying north of and adjoining to Capt Eli Parkers house Said 
 land being twelve feet wide at S. d Parkers dore yard runing thirtey three rods to a 
 point at the N E Corner of Said Land; which land Contains Eleven rods & 13A 
 feet at 80-0 Per Acre — 
 
 Voted to graint to Capt Eli Parker a Small bit of town way in front of his 
 dore yard so as to correspond with Simeon Strongs land granted above : being 
 twelve feet wide on the north side runing to a point at the distance of nine rods 
 Containing three rods and nine feet, and that Said Eli Pay for Said land at the 
 rate of 80-0 Per Acre - 60-0 Paid &c — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to appley to the court of Common 
 Pleas for a Court Com"' 1 ' to Assertain the County Rode for Amherst 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five to Vew the ground before Asahel Clarks 
 house and say how much if any of theTown Way Can be Sold to Said Asahel with- 
 out Incommoding the Publick and apprais Said land and make reporte to Next 
 Meeting 
 
 Voted Den Elisha Smith Major Zebina Montague Mr Ebenezar Boltwood 
 Den John billings and Leut Elijah Dickinson be the Com tee above 
 
 Voted to direct the Treasurer to Exchange Capt James Hendricks note in the 
 Town Treasury for Stoughton Dickinsons with a bondsman 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of two to Trans Scribe from Hadley records 
 the Limits and bounds of the Town of Amherst and have it Inserted in Amherst 
 Records — 
 
 Voted Daniel Cooly Esq & Seth Coleman be the Committee above 
 
 Attest Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting house in Said Amherst on Monday the Eighth day of October 1792 at 
 one of the Clock In the afternoon Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Daniel Cooley Esq Moderator — 
 
 Voted that the Committee appointed to averidge the avails of the Street land 
 Proceed to averidge the Notes now in the Town Treasury and see what is the Pro- 
 portion belonging to Each Parish agreeable to a former vote — 
 
 Voted that those Persons that have obligations now in the Town Treasury for 
 Streat Land may Stipulate with the Standing Committee of Either Parish for the 
 payment of their Notes and that a Receipt from the Court of Either Parish Shall 
 be the Town Treasurers discharge for the Same untill the full sum be Exhaust <1 
 to which that Parish is Intitled to which the Corn 1 ™ thus receipting Shall belong 
 
 Voted that the time of bringing the receipts mention above be limited to the 
 first day of May 1793 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five to vew the ground on the west side of 
 the Highway opposit to Perez Dickinsons and say how much land (if any) they 
 Judge it Expedient to grant to Said Perez to set a blacksmiths shop upon and 
 appraise the same and make reporte to next Meeting 
 
 Voted Daniel Kellogg jnr Joseph Eastman Capt Eli Parker Den John Beld- 
 ing and Capt Ebenezar Boltwood be the Com"' above — 
 
 Attest Daniel Coolev Moderator 
 
 A List of Electors for the President and Vice President of the united States 
 Nov 1 " 2' 1 1792 as given in by the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst, is as follows 
 (viz)— 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 J 5 
 
 Honora, e Elijah D wight Esq 19 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq 16 
 
 William Shepherd Esq 24 
 
 Moses Gill Esq 20 
 
 Dwight Foster Esq 20 
 
 Levi Lincoln Esq 1 1 
 
 Thompson J Skinner Esq 10 
 
 Daniel Bigelow Esq 11 
 
 Samuel Hinshaw Esq 8 
 
 Wareham Parker Esq 1 
 
 Ebenezar Hunt Esq 1 
 
 Nath 11 Bishop Esq 1 
 
 Ebene 1 ' Mattoon Esq 4 
 
 Samuel Lyman Esq 4 
 
 Theodore Sedgwick Esq 1 
 
 William Lyman Esq 1 
 
 Amherst Nov 1 2' 1 1792 
 
 Ebenezar Boltwood P' ord of the Selectmen 
 A list of Federal Representatives as Voted for Nov:' 1 1792 by the Inheabitants 
 of Amherst is as follows (viz) 
 
 No of votes 
 Hon r Theodore Sedgwick for County of Berkshire 39 ' 
 
 Thompson J Skinner for Do 13 
 
 William Lyman for County of Hampshire 38 
 
 Samel Henshaw for Do Ditto 7 
 
 Samuel Lyman for Do Do 3 
 
 Artimus Ward for County of Worcester 45 
 
 Jonathan Grout for Do of Ditto 2 
 
 Samuel Lyman for the Districk 3S 
 
 Theodore Sedgwick for the District 10 
 
 William Lyman for Ditto 1 
 
 Gen" Cobb for 3 Districts 47 
 
 Ebenezar Boltwood P r order of the Selectmen 
 Amherst NoV 2' 1 1792 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst h olden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Tuesday the Sixth day of November 1792 at two of the Clock in 
 the afternoon Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Capt Moses Cook Moderator- 
 Voted to make sum reporte to the general Court relative to the division of 
 the County of Hampshire 
 
 Voted that it is the sence of this town that it is not Expedient that any divis- 
 ion of the County of hampshire should take place at Present 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to make reporte to the general Court 
 setting fourth their objections against the division of the County of Hampshire 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong Esq Daniel Cooley Esq and Seth Coleman be the 
 Committee above 
 
 Voted to have the School Money Equally divided between the Six Districts 
 the Current year 
 
 Attest Moses C c jnr Moderator 
 
!52 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 [Transcribed from Hadley Town Records .] 
 January 5 t,, 1729 — 30 whereas it is supposed that there is a mistake in the land 
 of the width of Air Timothy Eastmans Lot in the Second Division that the twenty 
 nine rods five foot Should have been Sixty nine rods and five foot Voted by the 
 town that the Said Lot Should be Sixty nine rods and five foot in width 
 
 Attest Eleazar Porter Moderator 
 
 There followeth an Account of the Wood Lots in the most Easterly Division 
 which begins Forty Rods from the rear of the Second Division so runs to the East 
 End of the bounds of the town which lots are two miles In length and in breadth 
 as is hereafter Expressed in which everyone hath a lot lying as follows (viz) 
 
 I 
 
 tods 
 
 Ft. 
 
 
 Rods 
 
 Ft. 
 
 I s " Lot Samuel, Josiah& Joseph 
 
 
 
 Widdo Craft 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 Church their three Lots one 
 
 5 
 
 
 John Smith 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 in breadth at the front: and 
 
 85 
 
 
 Peter Tilton 
 
 23 
 
 10 
 
 at the rear bounded on Brook- 
 
 
 
 Samuel Dickinson 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 field rode South and John 
 
 
 
 Mr Isaac Chauncy 
 
 3 2 
 
 6 
 
 Ingram North 
 
 
 
 Samuel Gaylord 
 
 15 
 
 1 
 
 2' 1 Lot John Ingram 
 
 2 5 
 
 5 
 
 William Gaylord 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 John Ingram jn r 
 
 13 
 
 3 
 
 John Smith orph 
 
 2S 
 
 14 
 
 Samuel Ingram 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 John Hilyard 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 Nathaniel Ingram 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 William Brown 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 Jonathan Ingram 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 Nehemiah Dickinson 
 
 68 
 
 1 
 
 Jonathan Marsh 
 
 33 
 
 5 
 
 Mrs Hannah Porter 
 
 15 
 
 4 
 
 Ens Chileal) Smith 
 
 2 3 
 
 10 
 
 Mr Samuel Porter 
 
 90 
 
 10 
 
 Samuel Smith C.h 
 
 20 
 
 6 
 
 Hezekiah Porter 
 
 18 
 
 12 
 
 Luke Smith 
 
 3 2 
 
 2 
 
 John Porter 
 
 8 
 
 4 
 
 Ebenezar Smith 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 Exsperian Porter 
 
 '9 
 
 4 
 
 John Smith 
 
 15 
 
 8 
 
 Ichabod Porter 
 
 13 
 
 14 
 
 Ephraim Nash 
 
 7 
 
 13 
 
 Samuel Nash 
 
 1 1 
 
 14 
 
 Samuel Smith Sen 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 Ebenezar Nash 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 James Smith 
 
 2 7 
 
 13 
 
 Daniel Hubbard 
 
 36 
 
 4 
 
 Preserved Smith 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 Peter Montague 
 
 53 
 
 5 
 
 Widdo Cook 
 
 1 
 
 10 
 
 Nathaniel Dickinson 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 John Nash 
 
 18 
 
 1 1 
 
 John Montague 
 
 3 2 
 
 12 
 
 Joseph Nash 
 
 18 
 
 11 
 
 Nathaniel White 
 
 47 
 
 7 
 
 Thomas Nash 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 Samuel Smith 
 
 2 7 
 
 4 
 
 Mr William Williams 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 Ichabod Smith 
 
 22 
 
 7 
 
 John Cook 
 
 3 
 
 '3 
 
 Daniel Marsh and Sons 
 
 So 
 
 11 
 
 John Graves 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 Thomas Selding 
 
 4 2 
 
 
 
 Stephen Belding 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 John Selding 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 Ebenezar Billings 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 Jacob Warner 
 
 26 
 
 5 
 
 Samuel Billings jn r 
 
 1 
 
 9 
 
 John Preston 
 
 '7 
 
 10 
 
 David Warner 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Nathaniel Warner 
 
 26 
 
 '5 
 
 Widdo Warner 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Thomas Dickinson 
 
 26 
 
 14 
 
 Joseph Smith Hatfield 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 Samuel Bolt wood 
 
 2 7 
 
 2 
 
 Ebenezar Wells 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 E,d Church 
 
 20 
 
 15 
 
 Samuel & Ebenezar Moody 
 
 41 
 
 8 
 
 Mr William Rooker 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 Samuel Marsh 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 Mr George Stilman 
 
 3 2 
 
 6 
 
 John Kellogg 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 John Taylor Senior 
 
 45 
 
 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 l S3 
 
 E,d Kellogg 10 6 John Taylor Junior 10 6 
 
 Joseph Kellogg 34 2 Eleazar Warner 10 6 
 
 Nathaniel Kellogg 10 6 Isaac Warner 10 6 
 
 Aaron Cook 23 10 Daniel Warner 5 2 
 
 Thomas Hovey 29 o Samuel Crow 20 5 
 
 Westward Cook 43 12 Samuel Partridge 44 14 
 
 Samuel Cook 24 2 Thomas Goodman 31 6 
 
 Moses Cook 24 2 Town Lot 24 o 
 
 Colemans Land 23 10 Timothy Eastman 41 8 
 
 Joseph Smith 15 11 Col Samuel Partridge 24 4 
 
 John Goodman 40 1 Samuel Barnard 26 1 
 
 The above Said Lots were equally Proportioned and Laid out according to the 
 order of the Town in the year of our Lord 1703 
 
 Per or Capt Aaron Cook Esq ) T 
 
 Capt Nehemiah Dickinson : , r lown 
 Mr Samuel Porter ) Measurers 
 
 Hadley Nov 20 th 1738 at a Legal Meeting of the Propriators of the land in 
 Hadley leying between the Bay Road and the Mill river the outermost Commons 
 and the East End of the Town bounds 
 
 Voted Coll Porter Moderator of Said Meeting 
 
 Voted and granted by Said Propriators one hundred acres of land adjoining 
 to the Northernmost lot in the 2 rt Division or Tear of Lots to be for the use and 
 benefit and at the Disposal of the Third Precinct 
 
 Voted and granted to Mr Samuel and Jonathan Russell," want of Land in the 
 third Division be made up to them out of the aforesaid undivided Land and that 
 the Lots cut short in the Said third division be mad up out of the Remainder of the 
 undivided Land if there be Enough if not Enough to be divided in Proportion to 
 their want if even to remain for the further use on Disposal of Said Propriators — 
 Attest Eleazar Porter Moderator of Said Meeting 
 
 March 17 th 1740 At a Legal Meeting of the Proprietors of the Common and 
 on undivided Land in Hadley third Precinct above Said 
 
 Voted Capt Smith Moderator- 
 Voted that the Line of Division between man and man in the third Division 
 of the Land above Said Shall be according to the original or first survey thereof 
 in 1703 Voted that we now proceed to lay out the land at the North End of the 
 Second and third Division unto those Persons that have not their Proportion of 
 Land in the third Division agreeable to the graint above Said in 173S 
 
 Voted a Committee to lay out the Same with Nathaniel Kellog jun whom they 
 have Chosen Surveyor L' William Dickinson and Ebenezar Kellog and Solomon 
 Boltwood 
 
 Voted that the Committee above Said are to Vew and Determin whare the 
 Highway Should be through third Division to accomodate those that desire the 
 Same 
 
 The order of the Lots as they were chosen by the Propriators at the North 
 End of the Second and third Division is as follows — first lot 
 
 Ebenezar Selden 1 John Preston 16 
 
 Edward Church 2 Solomon Boltwood 17 
 
 Samuel Barnard 3 Peter Montague 18 
 
 13 
 
154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN' OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 William Rooker 4 John Taylor Jun & Sen 19 
 
 John Goodman 5 Thomas Dickinson 20 
 
 Nathaniel Dickinson 6 Mr Stilman 21 
 
 Eleazar Warner 7 Job Marsh 22 
 
 Dea" Nathaniel White S Timothy Eastman 23 
 
 Ichabod Smith 9 Coll Patridge 24 
 
 Samuel Crow 10 Porters 25 
 
 John Montague 11 John Selding- 26 
 
 Samuel Patridge 12 Daniel Warner 27 
 
 Nathaniel Warner 13 Isaac Warner 28 
 
 Jacob Warner 14 Town Lot 29 
 
 Edmund Hubbard 15 Thomas Goodman 30 
 
 Then followeth a return of the Survey and Laying out of Sundry Lots of 
 Land to the Persons hereafter named which Land lies at the North-Easterly part 
 of Hadley Townships Pursuant to a grant to them by the Propriators of Said Land 
 at their Meeting the 20 th of November 1738— as an Equivalent for their lots of land 
 by the riming the Town Line which is Proportioned and laid agreeable to the Rule 
 given by the Propriators of Said Meeting.— 
 
 The Lots following were Laid in the order as they were drawn as Per the 
 Propriators Book of Records will appear Note the Land is Laid in two tear of 
 Sorts and Divided by a rode of four Rods in breadth which begins at a heap of 
 Stones at the North west Corner of Samuel Patridges third division Lot, it being 
 the Northerly lot in said third division from which heaps of Stones it runs north to 
 the Mill river this heap of Stones being on the East side of the road the order of 
 the Lots as followeth — Mr Jonathan and Samuel Russell." Lot. altho it was not 
 drawn with the rest of the Lots, was ordered to be laid out first and in quantity 
 Seven Acres and fifty three rods and in breadth Fourteen Rods and Eleven 
 foot arfd Six Inches at East End. and to a Point at the West End, Beginning at a 
 Heap of Stones, the aforementioned North west Corner of Samuel Patridges third 
 Division Lot, From which it Runs East ten Degrees 30'". South one hundred and 
 Sixtey Rods, to the East Line of the town, thence North in Said Town Line Four- 
 teen rods and Eleven Foot and Six Inches, thence west five degrees North to the 
 aforesaid heap of Stones and closed Bounded South by Samuel Partridge, North 
 by Ebenezar Selding. East, on the Town Line West in the above Described High- 
 way — 
 
 Ebenezar Seldings in quantity 
 
 2' 1 Edward Church, in quantity 
 
 3' 1 Samuel Barnard, in quantity 
 
 4 th William Rooker. in quantity 
 
 5 th John Goodman, in quantity 
 
 6 th Nathaniel Dickinson, in quantity 
 
 7 th Eleazar Warner, in Quantity 
 
 S th Dea" Nathaniel White, in Quantity 
 
 9 th Ichabod Smith, in Quantity 
 
 Quantity 
 
 in 
 
 breadth 
 
 A. 
 
 Rods. 
 
 R. 
 
 ft in 
 
 16 
 
 So 
 
 10 
 
 8 6 
 
 
 
 At west end 
 
 
 
 22 
 
 9 3 
 
 
 
 AtE 
 
 ast End 
 
 <5 
 
 80 
 
 16 
 
 ' 6 3 
 
 36 
 
 1 
 
 38 
 
 2 3 
 
 1 2 
 
 — 
 
 12 
 
 11 6 
 
 45 
 
 — 
 
 52 
 
 4 6 
 
 — 
 
 83 
 
 — 
 
 '3 7 
 
 10 
 
 M 
 
 10 
 
 '5 5 
 
 13 
 
 152 
 
 14 
 
 11 6 
 
 S 
 
 14 
 
 9 
 
 8 6 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. I 55 
 
 10 th Samuel Crow, in quantity 21 So 23 2 6 
 
 n ,h John Montague, in Quantity 8 123 956 
 
 12 th Samuel Patridge 59 20 64 2 5 
 
 13" 1 Nathaniel Warner, in quantity iS 13 20 1 — 
 
 14 th Jacob Warner, in quantity 16 — ■ 17 14 — 
 
 15 th Edmund Hubbard, in quantity 5 140 9 S 3 
 
 16 th John Preston, in quantity 16 — 26 — — 
 
 17 th Solomon Boltwood. in quantity 28 34 4^ 3 — 
 
 i8 Ih Peter Montague, in quantity 11 40 13 9 
 
 [13 rods, 9 feet west end. n rods east end.] 
 
 19" 1 John Taylor Senior & Junior in quantity 35 — 15 west end 
 
 55 east end 
 
 20 th Thomas Dickinson, in quantity 19 24 — — — 
 21 st George Stilman in quantity 25 in the hole 
 
 but in this place 15 136 64 S — 
 
 the remaining Part of Said Right lies at the 
 
 South End of the West tear of lots, (viz) 9 24 10 2 — 
 
 22 11 Daniel Marshes Right laid out to his hears in quantity 37 40 22 14 — 
 
 [22 rods. 14 west end. 97 rods east end.] 
 
 23 d Timothey Eastman, in quantity 51 10 51 11 — 
 
 24 th Coll Samuel Partridge, in quantity 30 146 30 14 — 
 
 25 th Samuel Porter, in quantity 7 20 72 — 
 
 26 th John Belding, in quantity 15 80 15 S 6 
 
 27 th Daniel Warner, in quantity 5 — 5 — — 
 
 28"' Isaac Warner, in quantity 10 14 10 2 — 
 
 29 th Town Lot. in quantity 2S 12 2S 2 — 
 30"' Thomas Goodman, in quantity 35 — 35 — — 
 
 31 s1 Samuel & Ebenezar Nash in quantity 2 — 2 — — 
 These Lots all Ley in the order as their Names are Entered all of Equal Length, 
 the division Lines are all East and West, they all bound East on an highway and 
 west on Land quoted to South Hadley. Timothy Eastman bounds South on Dan- 
 iel Marsh. 3 heirs Land. Samuel & Ebenezar Nash bound North on undivided 
 land — Surveyed 1740 P r me. 
 
 Nathaniel Kellogg 
 December io ,!l 1792 — 
 
 At a Meeting of the Propriators of a Tract of Land in common and undivided 
 lying in Amherst in the County of Hampshire, bounded southernly upon the second 
 and third Division of Land, so Called, Easterly of Said Amherst. East Line, 
 Northerly and westerly Partly on the Mill river and Partly on the North Line of 
 Amherst affore Said — which Land is Commonly known by the name of flat hill 
 land, duly warned and legally assembled at the dwelling house of Jonathan Cook 
 Inn holder in Hadley in Said County on thirsday. the tenth day of December 
 1772 at ten of the Clock in the forenon of Said Day — 
 
 Voted Capt Moses Marsh Moderator of this Meeting 
 
 Voted Josiah Peirce Proprietors Clark to record all votes and orders sworn — 
 
 Voted that we now Proceed to a Division of the Said tract of Land to and 
 among the interested So that Each Propriator may hold and Improve his or heirs 
 Share on Proportion in Severalty — 
 
156 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted that the Said tract Shall be Divided into two tears of lots and Divided 
 by a rode of four Rods in breadth which Begins at an heap of Stones at the North 
 west Corner of the third Division lot, which is known by the name of Barnards 
 North West Corner from which heaps of Stones it runs North to the Mill river, 
 this heap of Stones being on the East Side of Said Road, and that Each Propria-' 
 tor Shall hold and Improve his or heir Share in Said Tract in Severalty, in the 
 following order and quantity — and by the following bounds — (viz) — 
 
 Amherst Oct d 25 1792 
 
 We, the Subscribers have with the Selectmen of Shutesbury (viz) John Powers 
 and Andrew Hamilton, Preambulated the line between this town and Shutesbury 
 Beginning at the South west Corner of Shutesbury being a Stake and Stones thence 
 Running North 4 Degrees West 590 Rods to a Stake and Stones in Leverett line 
 Near Isaac Adams,* House Said line is marked with the Letters A & S the Minutes 
 taken by W"' Bowman surveyer - 
 
 Ebenezer Boltwood ( Selectmen of 
 Elijah Dickinson \ Amherst 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 house on Monday the fourteenth day of January 1793 at Nine of the Clock in the 
 forenoon Voted as follows — (viz) 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Voted to Choose a Com Ue of three to Inspect and Consider the bills Exhibited 
 to this Meeting for the Erecting of the School house in the South west District of 
 Amherst 
 
 Voted that De" Elisha Smith Stoughton Dickinson and John Dickinson be 
 the Committee above — 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting for the Space of one hour and then to Meet 
 at the Propriatory School house in Amherst — the Meeting being met at time and 
 Place according to the adjournment above proceeded to Vote as follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted to allow the Bills as they have been red and Corrected — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Levy a Tax to rais the above granted 
 monies 
 
 Voted that the Assessors Consider Joseph Bowlls laist Town and County 
 Rate and make fresh abatement thereon as they Judge to be Equitable 
 
 Voted that the Town Treasurer be directed to Deliver out to the Committee 
 of the Second Parish all the Notes that are now remaining in the Town Treasury, 
 which are Left in Consequence of the division of the Streat land Notes made by 
 the averidging Com"' 1 ' (persuant to a vote of the town) on the fourth day of April 
 1791 — 
 
 Voted to Accept of the Reporte of the Committee Chosen in may laist to 
 Vew the ground before Asahel Clarks house and Say how much land if any should 
 be sold to Said Asahel which reporte is as follows (viz) — To Begin at Said Asahel 
 Clarks South west Corner and running a line Parrellel with his west fence forty Eight 
 feet — thence Southeast one rod — thence a Straight line to Strike twelve feet South 
 from the South west corner of his hous — thence to run by his house to his fence 
 twelve foot from the frunt of his house containing by Estimation twenty rods 
 and they have adjudged the Said land to be worth twenty five Shillings — he put- 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 157 
 
 ting the Roade in as good Repare as it now is by plowing the hill south of his house 
 
 and doing other things necessary at his own Expence. 
 
 Amherst Decemb r iS 1792 
 
 Elisha Smith "] 
 
 Ebene.r Boltwood ! rnm „.,, OQ 
 -r, t^ > Committee 
 
 Elijah Dickinson f 
 
 Zebina Montague J 
 
 \"oted that the above described bit of ground be granted to Asahel Clark in 
 fee Provided to Comply with the Conditions above on his parte — 
 
 Voted to abate to Stephen Smith the following rates (viz) John Johnston State 
 tax 5' 1 Ditto Highway rate 2-7 Thomas Mortons State Tax 4-0^ Ditto Highway 
 rate 7-4^ Joab Ingram town tax 7-0 — x 
 
 Voted to abate to Nath" Edwards the following rates (viz) Paul Newtons 
 rates 2S-S Amisa Allins rate 4-7 wareham warners rate 6-1 1 
 
 Attest Ebene,r Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden atthe First Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the first day of April in the year of our lord one thousand 
 Seven hundred and ninety three at nine of the Clock in the Morning Voted as 
 Follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk & Treasurer — 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood, Cap Moses Cook, Daniel Kellogg jr. L,' 
 Jonathan Dickinson, L,' Timothey Handerson, Selectmen — 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood. Noah Smith, and Capt Moses Cook 
 Assesors — 
 
 Voted Isaac Robbens and John Ingram 2' 1 Constables — 
 
 Voted Elijah Baker, Jonathan Dickinson, Noah Smith, Joel Moody, Judah 
 Dickinson, Solomon Boltwood. Nathan Dickinson jr. Silas Wright Surveyers of 
 Highways — 
 
 A'oted Timothey Clap, L' Timothey Handerson Ephraim Kellogg jr, Jamin 
 Kimbal & Judah Dickinson Teything Men 
 
 Voted Joseph Dickinson and Martin Kellogg fens Vewers 
 
 Voted Den. Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Stephen Fish Packer of beef and Porke — 
 
 Voted Stoughton Dickinson Surveyer of Lumber- 
 Voted Daniel Cooley Esq. Jamin Kimbal Silas Wright, Asa Smith Nathan 
 Franklin. Capt Ebene r Boltwood, Hog reives 
 
 Voted to rais Seventy two Pounds for Schooling the Currant year — 
 
 Voted to Rais one Hundred Pounds for the repare; of the High ways this 
 year 
 
 Voted to allow three Shillings P r day for worke at the High ways, till the 
 first of September, and one and sixpence the rest of the year 
 
 Voted to rais Twenty Pounds for the supporte of the Poor of the Town this 
 year — 
 
 Voted to Impowerthe Assessors to Asses the above granted monies — 
 
 Voted to allow three Shillings Per day for a teem with Proper utencils. 
 
 Voted to abate to Ephraim Kellogg his rate against Nath" Peck 2' 1 — 
 
 Voted to adjurn this Meeting for one hour and then to Meet at this Place 
 
158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Conr"'' of five to make such Enquirey and Examination 
 Into the Matter of Serten lost orders as they Shall Judge Necessary and .Make 
 reporte to this Meeting at sum futer day — 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq. Daniel Cooley Esq Capt Eli Parker Martin Kel- 
 logg & Capt John Tomson be the Committee above 
 
 Voted to grant a Com"* of three to vew the ground before the West fruntof 
 David Billings lot, and Say how much land, if any, maybe Expedient for the Town 
 to grant to Said Billing, and to appraise the Same, and make repore to sum futer 
 meeting — 
 
 Voted Mr Jonathan Dickinson, Ins Moses Hastings & Nathan Dickinson jr. 
 be the Com"'' above 
 
 Voted to adjurn this Meeting to Monday the fifteenth day of Instant April, 
 at four of the Clock in the afternoon, then 10 Meet at this Place, April 15' 11 1793 the 
 Town being Met at time and Place voted above Come to the following votes (viz) 
 
 Voted that the Com'"' (appointed to Inquire Into the Mattersof Sertainlaust 
 orders) Proceed to make such further Investigation of the matter as they Shall 
 think Expedient and make reporte to sum futer Meeting — 
 
 Voted to make an addition of two more to the Com"' 1 ' above 
 
 Voted that De u John Billings and David Cowls be added to the Committee — 
 
 Voted to accept the Reporte of the Com 1 " appointed to Vew and appraise a 
 bit of land before David Billings house and grant the land as Discribed in their 
 Reporte to Said David, he giving security for the Same to the Town Treasurey — 
 which Reporte is as follows as P r the files will appear — (viz) — the Committeee have 
 been to Vew the land that David Billings Petitions the town for and we think it 
 wornt hurt the Publick rode to begin one rod in weadth the north Side of his lot 
 runing south fortey Seven rods to a point which Contain twenty three rods and 
 half of ground which we Prise at the rate of Six Pound ten Shillings Per Acre 
 which is nineteen Shillings and one peney if we Caist write, signed by the Com"* 
 sent to vew — 
 
 Nathan Dickinson 1 
 Voted April 15 th 1793 Jonathan Dickinson Com'"' 
 
 .Musks Hastings ) 
 
 Attest Ebexer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst holden at 
 the First Parish Meeting House In Said town on Monday the Twelfth day of 
 August in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety three at 
 two of the Clock in the afternoon — Voted as follows — (Viz) — 
 
 Voted Daniel Cooley Esq Moderator — 
 
 Voted to hear the report of the Committee appointed to make Inquiry respect- 
 ing the Credit allowed to the town by the government — 
 
 Voted to Commence and Prosecute an action against any Person or Persons 
 who may be Supposed to have received and Converted to his own use, such Credit 
 or monies, or any part thereof, as hath been allowed— to the Town by government 
 
 Voted that the Sute mentioned above be Commenced against General Ebene- 
 zar Mattoon — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three, to direct the Commencement and 
 Prosecution of the Sute Voted above — 
 
 Voted that Capt Eli Parker Daniel Cooley Esq and Martin Kellogg be the 
 Com"'' above — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 *59 
 
 Voted to appoint an agent to appear at Court in behalf of the Town to Pros- 
 icute the above sute 
 
 Voted to Draw money out of the Treasury to Defray the Expences of Said 
 Sute— 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be Impowered to Draw such Sum or sums of 
 Money, out of the Treasury as they Shall think Necessary — 
 
 Attest Daniel Cooley Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing House on Friday the Twenty fifth day of October 1793 at three of the Clock 
 in the afternoon— Voted as Follows (Viz) — 
 
 Voted L r Jonathan Dickinson Moderator — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Divide the money raised this year for Schooling 
 into Six Equal Parts as was Voted Nov r 1792 for that year — 
 
 Attest Joxathax DiCKixsox Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst Holden at 
 the First Parish Meeting-Houste in Said Amherst on thirsday the twenty Sixth 
 day of Decemb 1 . in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety 
 three, at nine of the Clock in the forenoon. Voted as Follows — (Viz) 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Exzeamin and Correct the Bills 
 that are braught to the town 
 
 Voted Daniel Cooley Esq. Capt Moses Cook & Barnabas Sabins be the Com- 
 mittee above — 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting to Landlord Parsons/ and meet there at one 
 of the Clock in the afternoon.— The Town being Met at time and Place according 
 to the adjurnment above — Voted to adjourn to the Propriatary School house in 
 Said Amherst first Parish and there to Meet Immediately — 
 
 Voted to allow the lulls as they have been red and Corrected by ye Committee 
 
 Voted to Prosecute an Action against Elijah Baker to recover monies sup- 
 posed to be in his hands belonging to the Town — 
 
 Voted to Appoint three agents to Carry on the Prosecution, against the 
 Said Baker — 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong Esq. Martin Kellogg & Coll Zebina Montague be 
 agents in behalf of the Town to Submit to Referrence on Arbitration a demaind 
 of the Town against Elijah Baker of one Hundred and Twenty Pounds, for their 
 money on Securities, which it is Alledged that he has receiv,' 1 and for which he 
 aught to account, together with all other demainds between Said Baker and the 
 town ;& that the Agents be Jointley and Severally impowered. in behalf of the 
 town to Enter Into Recognisance for Submitting the Same according to the 
 Statute to the Award of Miss" Elisha Root Ebenezar Gray and Giles Hubbard ; 
 or otherwise if it Shall be thought Proper to make and Execute legal bonds of 
 Submission to Said Persons or Arbitrators of the Demaind before Expressed to the 
 Said Baker, and to receive such bond of Said Baker to the town: and in behalf of 
 the Town to Appear before Such Referrees or Arbitrators to Prove and supporte 
 Said deminds and to do all Necessary <\: reasonable acts for Effecting the Purpose 
 of Submission. 
 
 Voted that Simeon Strong Esq.be an agent for the Town to Appear at 
 
l6o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Court to Prosecute the sute against Elijah Baker on supposition he refuse to Sub- 
 mit to Referrence or Arbitration — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be Impowered to draw money out of the Treasury 
 to defray the Expence of the Sute on Arbitration or Referrence with Elijah Baker 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Asses the above granted monies — 
 
 Voted that those bills that have been allowed for work dun at the Highway 
 by order of the Selectmen the Current year, be Credited to those Persons that did 
 the worke in the next Highway rate — 
 
 Voted that it is the Sense of this Town that the County Rode that hath been 
 lately Laid acrost the Corner of L,' Jonathan Dickinson, s lot, be Continued to lay 
 in the former place by Esq Cooleys house — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to draw up the objections of the 
 Town against the removeing of the Rode out of the old Place, and lay them before 
 the Court 
 
 Voted that Capt Ebenezar Boltwood, Coll Zebina Montague and Daniel Kel- 
 logg jr. be the Com"'' above — 
 
 Voted to abate to Stephen Smith his rates against Ezekiel Ingram (viz) Town 
 rate 7-0 State Rate 2-1 4 Highway rate 2-io£ x — 
 
 Voted to abate to Eldad Moody his Rate against Paul Newton 1-8 also 
 his rates against Wareham YVorner (viz) i-2£ State Tax N 9, 2-3 x — 
 
 Voted to abate to Solomon Boltwood his rate against Stephen Backamore 
 
 of 7-3— 
 
 Attest Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst qualified 
 according to the Constitution to vote for goviner &c April 1794 Voted as follows 
 —(viz) 
 
 Votes for governor were as follows — 
 
 Hon William Cushing Eightyfive — 
 Samuel Adams Eighteen — 
 Samuel Philips one 
 Mr Dana two 
 Mr Sullivan thirteen 
 Elbridge Gerry one — 
 Votes for Leutenant governor were as follows 
 Hon. Samuel Adams thirty 
 
 Nathaniel Gorham Thirtyfour 
 Elbridge Gerrey five — 
 Samuel Philips — three 
 Leut. John Dickinson — three — 
 Votes for Senitors were as follows, — 
 
 Mr Samuel Lyman Esq one Hundred & Eighteen 
 , Samuel Fowler Esq Sixtey one 
 
 John Hastings Esq one Hundred & Sixteen 
 
 Samuel Henshaw Esq twenty one 
 
 Win Billings Esq Fortey one 
 
 Wm Shephard Esq Seventy Seven — 
 
 Ebenezar Mattoon, Esq Fiftey one 
 
 David Saxton Esq Ninty Seven 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. l6l 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq Five- 
 John Williams Esq one 
 David Smeed Esq two — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting house on Monday the Seventh Day of April one Thousand Seven Hun- 
 dred and Ninety four at Nine of the Clock in the morning Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted CollZebina Montague Moderator — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman, Clerk & Treasurey — 
 
 Voted CollZebina Montague. De" Elisha Smith. Joseph Dickinson. Aj. 1 
 Medad Dickinson and Capt Elijah Dickinson. Selectmen 
 
 Voted De" Elisha Smith, Coll Zebina Montague & John Eastman Assessors — 
 
 Voted Noadiah Smith for Josiah Thayer, and John Dickinson for Silas 
 Wright Constables — 
 
 Voted Ins. Simeon Dickinson Judah Dickinson, Coll Zebina Montague, Asa 
 Newil. Isaac Marshal John Lee Surveyers of Highways — 
 
 Voted Martin Baker, Elijah Baker jn. r Moses Smith, Asa Dickinson. Simeon 
 Dickinson jr Teything men 
 
 Voted L 1 Timothy Handerson and Justus Williams, fens vewers 
 
 Voted De n Elisha Smith Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Jonathan Marsh. Stephen Fish and David Blotchet jnr Packer of beef 
 & Porke— 
 
 Voted Stoughton Dickinson Surveyer of Lumber — 
 
 Voted Henry J Franklin. Ephraim Kellogg. Ezekiel Dickinson. L.' Ebenezar 
 Eastman, Jearub White. Capt Moses Cook Hog reives — 
 
 Voted to adjourn this meeting for one hour and then to meet at this Place 
 The town being met at time and place according to the adjournment — Voted as 
 follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted to Come into sum methord to Procure wood for the Schools in Town — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of Seven to adopt some Equitable Method to 
 Procure wood for the Town Schools in futer. and that they reporte at some filter 
 Meeting — 
 
 Voted Samuel Hastings, Noah Smith, Joel Dickinson. Josiah Warner John 
 Dickinson. Timothy Green, jnr. Daniel Kellogg jnr be the Committee above 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting for one quarter of an hour and then Meet at 
 this Place — 
 
 the town being met according to adjournment Voted as follows — 
 
 Voted to allow To John Williams his Proportion of School money for two 
 years laist paist — 
 
 Voted to abate to Nathaniel Edwards his rate against the Estate of John 
 Nash Late of Amherst Deceast (viz) 13-74 
 
 Voted to abate to Eldad Moody Part of his rate against L.' Joel Billings 
 (viz) 5-6— x 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Vew the ground between David Cowls and L.' 
 Ebenezar Eastmans land, and if they think it best for the town to Lay a rode 
 between S.' 1 Cowls and L.' Eastmans land and across part of Jonathan Marshes 
 Land, in the Lew of the rode that now runs East from L.' Ebenezar Eastmans 
 House and make reporte to sum futer meeting — 
 
 Voted to Raise Seventy two Pounds for Schooling this year — 
 
 Voted to Raise one Hundred Pounds to repaire the Highways this year — 
 
162 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Asses the above granted monies - 
 Voted to allow three Shillings P er day for worke at the Highway till the first 
 
 of September and one Shilling and Six Pence the rest of the year- 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Vew the ground through the third 
 
 Division by John Williams, 5 to Belicher line, and Reporte to the next meeting 
 
 wheather it be Expedient to lay a rode through Said Division and whare 
 
 Voted Capt Jonathan Dickinson. Aj,' Medad Dickinson and Capt Ebenezar 
 
 Boltwood, be the Com tee above — 
 
 Voted to Suspend the Prosecution against Ebenezar Mattoon Esq till further 
 
 orders from the town — 
 
 Voted to abate to David Goodale his rate against Adam Johnston (viz) 5-10 
 Attest Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the town of Amherst holden at the 
 first Parish Meeting house on Thirsday the twenty fourth day of April one Thou- 
 sand Seven Hundred and Ninety four at two of the Clock afternoon. Voted as 
 follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Coll Zebina Montague Moderator — 
 Voted to accept of the list of Jurors as they have been red 
 Voted to accept the reporte of the Selectmen for the alteration of a rode near 
 L, 1 Ebenezar Eastmans which is as follows — (viz) — The Selectmen having Vewed 
 the rode Proposed to be laid between Ebenezar Eastmans, and David Cowls land 
 — Eastward toward Jonathan Marshes Mills on further Eastward to Ephraird 
 Cushmans — So Reporte as their opinion that it is for the Interest of the publick 
 that the Same be Established through Said lands untill it Strikes Jonathan Marshes, 
 thence a Northerly cours across a pine hill, owned by Said Marsh untill it Strikes 
 the old road, to Said Cushmans. in the most advantagious place— they the Said 
 Eastman and Marsh, Excepting the old road in Exchange for the ground for the 
 new proposed road 
 
 Voted that the Assessors make the Highway rate by the laist Town List — 
 Voted not to prosecute the action against Ebenezar M attoon Esq any further — 
 Voted that the Towns Agent be directed not to Enter the action against 
 Ebenezar Matton Esq — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Advertise the Towns Agent of the above Votes. 
 Attest Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing house on monday the twelvth day of May 1794 — Voted as follows — (viz)— 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator — 
 
 Voted that it is the sence of this Town that the sute Commenced by the 
 Town of Amherst Against Elijah Baker In January laist be suspended from any 
 further Prosecution by Said Town. 
 
 Attest Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the sixthteenth day of June 1794 Come to the following Votes 
 — (viz) Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee to Settle all Matters depending between Capt 
 Moses Cook and the Town, and that their Settlement be decisive, and this Com- 
 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 163 
 
 mittee is Impowered to do all things they Shall find necessary to compleat the 
 above purpose, in which article is ment to be Included on Exe, u in Capt Moses 
 Cooks hands from the County Treasury, against Thomas Hastings — 
 
 Voted that the above Com 11 '" Consist of three 
 
 Voted that Seth Coleman De n Elisha Smith & Coll Zebina Montague be the 
 Com""' above. — 
 
 Voted that the Town Treasury be directed to pay the Execution that Gin. 1 
 Ebenezar Mattoon hath against the Town out of Monies in his hands. 
 
 Voted to Rais Twenty Pounds to Replace the monies ordered out of the 
 Treasury to pay Gen, 1 Ebezar Mattoon/ Execution and that the monies be Assest 
 in the Next Town Rate — 
 
 Attest Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of Amherst October 6" 1 1794. Voted 
 Coll Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen for the time being, be a Committey to Preambulate 
 the lines between this and the Neighbouring Towns and Cause a Map of the Town 
 of Amherst to be made and returned into the Secretareyes Office — Persuant to a 
 Resolve of the General Court Passed June 26 — 1794 — 
 
 Zebina Montague Moderator — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst Nov. 1 3 1794 
 their Votes for Representatives were as follows (viz) for Samuel Lyman Esq 29 
 Ebenezar Mattoon Esq 27 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the 3'' day of Novem r in the year of our Lord one thousand 
 Seven Hundred & ninety four, at one of the Clock in ye afternoon : Voted as .fol- 
 lows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted Coll Zebina Montague Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Procure Seventy Two C 01 'ds of wood for the Schools in Amherst 
 the Currant year and that the South East District have fourteen Cords of wood, 
 the Southwest District have Ten and the other four Districts have Twelve Cords 
 Each, and that the wood be of a good Quality and of a Sentiable seise for the 
 School houses- 
 Voted to allow four Shillings P r Cord for School wood — 
 Voted to Rais fourteen Pounds Eight Shillings to Pay for School Wood the 
 Currant year — 
 
 Voted that the Assessors be Impowered to Asses the above granted monies 
 and Put it in the next Town rate — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Procure wood for the Schools the Currant year — 
 
 Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the first Parish .Meet- 
 ing house in Said Amherst on Thirsday the Twenty fifth day of Decemb/ in the 
 year of our lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and ninety four 
 
 Voted De" Elisha Smith Moderator — 
 
 Voted Coll Zebina Montague Clerk Pro Tempore 
 
 Voted to Receive no bills for School wood —but that the Selectmen be directed 
 
164 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 ;to give orders to the Individuals that furnish the wood at the Price Voted Nov'' 3 d 
 ,1794— 
 
 Voted to Pais the Bills as they have been red and Corrected — 
 
 Voted to adjourn this Meeting for the Space of one hour and then meet at 
 this Place 
 
 The Town being met at time and place according to the adjournment: Voted 
 as follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted to Rais Thirtey Pounds to Procure the Town a Stock of Powder and 
 other things required by Law — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Procure the Town a Stock of powder and other 
 things that the law directs as soon as may be 
 
 Voted that Gene, 1 Ebenezar Mattoon Reporte to the grand Jury at their 
 next meeting the Votes of the Town relative to Procuring a Stock of powder &c — 
 
 Voted to allow for Plank provided for bridges as follows (viz) for zh Inch 
 Plank 8-0 for 2 Inch Plank 7-0 & for ih Inch Plank 5-0 I" Hundred 
 
 Voted to divide the Seventy two Pounds raised for Schooling laist Spring 
 Into Six Equal Parts — 
 
 Voted to allow the South-East District School one month Schooling more 
 than the averidge Term of Schooling in Town — 
 
 Voted to rais three Pounds Eighteen Shillings to furnish the South-East 
 District with the month Schooling Voted above 
 
 Voted to rais money to Pay the Pills that have been allowed this Meeting — 
 
 Voted to rais Eighteen Pounds to defray the Towns Expence in two Law 
 -sutes (viz) one against Ebenezar Mattoon jr Esq and the other against Elijah 
 Baker — 
 
 Voted that the surveyers bring in their bills to the Assessors of all the worke 
 that Individuals have dun more than their rates — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Assess the above granted monies — 
 
 Elisha Smith Moderator — 
 
 The Minutes of a Town road Laid in Amherst Beginning at the County road 
 Near Ebenezar Eastmans, Thence E 2% N 70 rods E 13 , N 42 rods E 39° N 20 
 rods E 4° N 62 rods E 13 1 - N 40 rods E 1 26 rods into the County road N on Mr 
 Cushmans — Then Beginning on the above Said Road and Running S 38 E 54 rods 
 S 15 W 17 rods E 20 S 14 rods to Marshes Mill, then S 35 E 16 rods S 39 1 E 15 
 rods E 42" S iS rods E. — 16 rods E 23" S 12 rods E. 44- S 12 rods S 8 E 8 rods to 
 the County road leading from Hadley to Shutesbury 
 
 Minutes 'taken Nov r 24" 1 — 1794 — P' r order of the Selectmen 
 
 Zebixa Montague) Selectmen 
 Medad Dickinson > of 
 
 Elijah Dickinson] Amherst 
 Amherst March 12 1795 — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the Prepriatary 
 School-house in Amherst on Friday the Second day of January in the year of our 
 Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety five at two of the Clock in the 
 afternoon— Voted as follows — (viz) 
 
 Voted Coll. Zebina Montague Moderator of Said Meeting 
 Voted that it is the opinion of this Town, that the annexing of any Part of 
 Beltcherstown to Amherst would be detrimental to the Interest of the Town of 
 Amherst — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 165 
 
 Voted that it Shall be the duty of the Representative of this Town in the 
 General Court, to use all his influence, in opposing any Petition which may be 
 Presented to the Same Court in behalf of any Inheabitants of Said Belchers Town 
 Praying to have any of the Lands or Inheabitants of Said Belcherstown annexed 
 to Amherst and that he be & hereby is Instructed to use his Influence accordingly — 
 
 Voted that the Town Clerk be directed Immediately to deliver to Ebenezar 
 Mattoon Esq Representative of the Town an Attested Copy of this and the two 
 Preceeding Votes — 
 
 Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Qualified according to the Con- 
 stitution to Vote for Goviner Leut Goviner and Senators on the Sixth day of April. 
 1795— (viz)— Votes for Governors as follows — 
 Hon, 1 Samuel Adams Seventy one 
 Hon Samuel Philips one 
 Hon Nath" Gorham three 
 Hon Moses Gill one 
 For Leut, governor 
 
 Hon, 1 Moses Gill Seventy two 
 Hon Nathaniel Gorham one 
 John Eastman two 
 Thomas Dwight one 
 For Senitors as follows — 
 
 Mr Thomas Dwight fiftey Six 
 
 Ebenezer Mattoon Esq fiftey one 
 Samuel Fowler Esq fiftey Eight 
 William Shepherd Seventy Six 
 Hon, 1 David Sexton Seventy four 
 
 William Billings Esq forty five 
 Hon, 1 John Heastings Sixtey nine 
 Samuel Henshaw Esq fifteen 
 Simeon Strong Esq Eight 
 John Bliss one 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the Propriators 
 School-House in Amherst on Monday the Sixth day of April 1795 at nine of the 
 Clock in the morning — Voted as follows— (viz) 
 
 Voted Coll Zebina Montague Moderator of S,' 1 Meeting 
 
 Voted to adjourn to the First Parish Meetinghouse 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Town Clerk — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Treasurer — 
 
 Voted Coll Zebina Montague, Xoah Smith, De" Elisha Smith, Capt Ebenezar 
 Boltwood, Capt Jonathan Dickinson Selectmen 
 
 Voted De" Elisha Smith, Sworn Capt Ebenezar Boltwood, & Noah Smith 
 Swim Assessors, — 
 
 Voted Levi Cowles, qualified and Ezekiel Dickinson Constables 
 
 Voted L.' John Ingram. Asa Newil, Elisha Dickinson, Jerub White, Judah 
 Dickinson Joseph Kellogg, and William boltwood, Surveyers of Highways — 
 
 Voted Justus Clark qualified Stephen Dickinson. L.' John Ingram. Elijah 
 Baker jnr and Asa Dickinson Teything men 
 
I 66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted L." Timothy Handerson, & Martin Kellogg fens vewers 
 Voted De" Elisha Smith and Georg Williamson Sealer of leather 
 Voted Stephen Fish & David Blotchet jnr Packer of beefe and Porke 
 Voted Joseph Church and Stoughton Dickinson Surveyer of Lumber 
 Voted Silas Wright. David Goodale, Stephen Smith. Eli Parker jr. Ebenezar 
 Ingram & William Moody Hog reives — 
 Voted Calvin Merrill Pound Keeper — 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting for one hour & then Meet at this Place — 
 Voted to Rais one Hundred Pounds to repare the Highways this year 
 Voted to allow three Shillings P r day for Highway worke till the first of Sep- 
 tember and one Shilling & Six pence the rest of y" year 
 
 Voted to adjourn this meeting for one half hour and then meet at this Place — 
 Voted that the Assessors make the Highway rate by the Laist list 
 Voted to rais one Hundred Pounds to Pay School Masters and Procure fine 
 wood for the Schools — 
 
 Voted that the Assessors be Impowered to Assess the above granted 
 monies — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Procure the wood for Schooling as Cheap as maybe. 
 
 Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden on Monday the Sixth 
 day of May A. I). 1795 at the First Parish Meeting-house at three of the Clock 
 P. M. Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Bolt wood Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three, to make answer to the Citation from 
 the general Court, respecting the Petition of Sundrey Persons in Belchers-Town, 
 praying to be annexed to this Town. 
 
 Voted Simeon Strong Esq, Coll Zebina Montague & De" Elisha Smith, be 
 the Committee above — 
 
 Voted that the Towns Representative, be Instructed to Present the Com- 
 mitteys answer, to the Petition of Sundrey Inhabitants of Belcherstown praying to 
 be annexed to this Town. 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Provide a Standard of Weights and measures 
 according as the Law Directs, upon the Towns Expence — _ 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three, to Vew the ground Petitioned for by 
 Capt Jonathan Dickinson, and Stoughton Dickinson, and if they judge it Expe- 
 dient for the Town to Sel the Same, to the Said Jonathan ec Stoughton, then to 
 appraise Said land and make reporte to sum futer Meeting — 
 
 Voted that Capt Eli Parker De" Elisha Smith & Seth Breyant be the Com- 
 mittey above. 
 
 Attest Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 We the Subscribers being appointed by the Honeriable the Court of General 
 Sessions of the peace. Holden at Northampton in and for the County of Hamp- 
 shire, on the Third Tuesday of May A. D. 1792 for surveying the County Roads 
 heretofore Laid out in the Town of Amherst, and making Such alterations and 
 Amendments therein as Shall be judged Advantageous to the Inheabitants and 
 the Publick — after being Duly Sworn to the faithfull Performance of Said Service 
 have Surveyed and laid Said Road as follows (viz) — 
 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 67 
 
 The Cours of the Road through Amherst Leading from Hadley to Pelham — 
 Begining at a Stake and Stones the north Side of the Highway in the west Line 
 of Amherst, and riming from thence East 6 north 90 Rods, to a white Oak tree 
 marked H W, then East S : North 26 Rods to a Stake and Stons, then East 27 . 30" 
 north 26 Rods to a Poste in Dav J Cutlers door yard, then East 1 1 north 29 Rods 
 to a poste in Dav' 1 Cutlers fence, then East 2-30" north 46 Rods to a Stake and 
 Stons the west Side of the County road riming North and South. — 
 
 Then Beginning one rod & 22 links South of the South-East Corner of Capt 
 Ebenezar Boltwoods Shop and riming from thence. East 12- 30" north i6£ rods to 
 a Stake & Stons then East 16- — north 30 rods to a Stake and Stons, then East 24- 
 South 15^ rods to a Stake and Stons, then East 24- 20". South 9-5^0 a Stake and 
 Stons then East 3 c -3o" South iS rods to a Stake and Stons at the South East Cor- 
 ner of Capt Ashleys Door yard — then East 12 North 18 rods to a Stake and 
 Stons. then East 24° 30" South 99 rods to a Stake and Stons. then East 3 ; — 
 north 20 rods to a Stake and Stons, then East2 c South 40 rods to Stake and Stons. 
 then East 29- 30" north 20 rods to a Stake and Stons. then East 11- — north 19 rods 
 to the Southwest Corner of Perez Dickinsons Shop the road to be Six rods 
 wide to the End of this Cours then East g : north 12^ rods, this Cours Crosses the 
 County road runing north & South — then East 35 30" north to a Stake and Stons, 
 then East S'- — South 122 rods the three Last Courses the Road to be but two 
 rods wide — then East 9- —South 9Z rods to a black oak Staddle — 
 
 then East 4 30" South 126 rods to a Small Pine Staddle — then East 25° north 
 iS rods to Pelham Line the three last Courses the Road to be 4 rods wide -The 
 Courses of the Highway from the Bay road north weard in the west Street 
 Beginning at a Stake and Stons, the north Side of the bay Road Standing South 
 31- west 4^ Rods from the South East Corner of Daniel Churches House and rim- 
 ing from thence 
 
 North 33- 30" East 46 Rods to a Stake and Stons the west Side of the road 
 
 then north io : 30", East 109 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 8 ; East 35 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 11 East 146 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north i5 c — 30" East 34 rods to the Corner of the School house 
 
 then north 37 '- 30" East 48 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 24 : — 30" East 53 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 10—30" East 42 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 7- — west 42 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 3 : — East 14 rods to a white oak tree before James Merricks door 
 
 then north 6~ — East 49.^ rods to a Stake and Stons 
 
 then north 16 30". East 38 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 5 30" East 50 rods to a Stake and Stons ten feet East of the north 
 East Corner of De u Eleazar Smith," House — 
 
 then north 13 30" west 27 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 21 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 6 — 30" East 60 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 40^ — west 12 rods to a Stake and Stons this Cours Crosses Fort 
 river 
 
 then north 5 — East 133 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 5-— 30" East 36 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 10- — East 180 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 3 — west 37 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
l68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 then north 5 C — East 48 rods to where the Stake known by the name of the 
 Hartlin Stake Stood, about one rod East of the North-East Corner, of Leu/ Gideon 
 Parson, s House — then north 1 — 30" East 51 rods to the South East Corner post of 
 Capt Ebenezar Boltwoods Door yard — 
 
 then north 10- — East 23^ rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 25- — East 20 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 10 — 20" East 82 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 41" — East 22 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 17—30" East So rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 15" — East 21 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 40 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 13° — East 25 rods to a Stake and Stons 
 
 then north 22 — East 46 rods to a Stake and Stons Six rods west of the Cor- 
 ner of Ebenezar Dickinson," barn then north 13° — East 58 Rods to a Stake and 
 Stons. 
 
 then north 2- — 30" West 68 rods to a Stake and Stons the middle of the road 
 at, the End of this Cours is at a large Chesnut Stub, then north i2 : — 30" East 212 
 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then north 16 —30" East 83^ rods to the County Road as formally Laid Lead- 
 ing to Pecks Mill: the affore mentioned Stakes and monuments all Set the west 
 Side of the Highway and marked H W the road to be Six rods wide 
 
 The Courses of the Highway in the East Street in Amherst, beginning at a 
 Stake and Stons in the County Road as formerly laid in the north Line of the 
 East Division and riming from thence South 10- — East 38 rods to a Stake & Stons 
 the East Side of the Road 
 
 then South 15 west 12 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 36- -west 8 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 40 - — west 14 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South n c — west 120^ rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 8- — 3c" west 29^ rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 13 —30" west 96 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 9 — 30" West 29 rods to a Stake and Stons 
 
 then South 13- — West 21 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South i8 c — 30" West 36 rods. 
 
 then South 16 —west 33 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 15 30" West 27 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 7 — 30" West 78 rods to a Stake and Stons 
 
 then South 14 — 30" west 6o£ rods, the middle of the Road at the End of this 
 Cours is at Air Fosters Sign Post- 
 then South 14- — west 275 rods to the middle of the road leading to Logtown — 
 
 then South 10 — west 138 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 4- — west 61 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 2- — west 7S rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 5- — west 96 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 9^ — west 47^ rods to a Stake and Stons three rods north west of 
 the Corner of L,' Elijah Hastings House — this Road to be Six rods wide Except 
 against Esq Strongs lot north of Capt Parkers, and against, Jonathan Dickinsons 
 & then to be but five rods wide — 
 
 the Cours of the Road from De u Eleazar Smiths acros the middle Division in 
 Amherst, beginning at a Stake and Stons near De" Smith, 8 and runing from 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 69 
 
 thence — East 43° — South 2S£ rods to the north East Corner of martin Kelloggs 
 barn — 
 
 Then East 45^ — South 2S rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then East 26° — 30" South 57 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then East 21 South 28 rods to a Stake and Stons 
 
 then East 35° — South 41 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 22 c 30" East 88 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South ii° — East 21 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then South 31° 30" East 19 rods to a Stake and Stons 
 
 then East 43 — South 49 rods to a Stake and Stons the north Side of the 
 County road Leading to Belcher one rod and Eleven links from the north East 
 Corner of Mr Timothy Aliens House, this Roade to be three rods wide. — 
 
 The Alteration of the County road at the north End of Amherst Leading to 
 Shutesbury, begining at a Stake and Stones westward of Adams, s barn and riming 
 from thence South 45 — East 40 rods to a Stake and Stons, then East 37- — South 
 14 rods in to the County Road Leading Pelham to Leveret. — 
 
 The Committee Estemate the Damages by altering S,' 1 road to Capt Jonathan 
 Dickinsons at £5 — o — o the Damages to Lemuel Moody^o — 15 — o Sept 5 th 1793 — 
 A true Coppy of the Return by theCom ,M of the aforementioned Roads Erors 
 Excepted — 
 
 Atte Justus Dwight — 
 
 The Cours of the West Street in Amherst Begining at a heap of Stons Sh rods 
 East 43 c South from the North East corner of Daniel Churches House and from 
 thence as follows — 
 
 North 3S C — 30" East 44 rods then North 9- — East 16 rods to a Stake then 
 North 14° — 30" East 24 rods: then North 1- — 30" East 40 rods to a Stake then 
 North 20 c — East 34 rods; then North 2 — 30" East iS rods, then. North i° — 30" 
 East 10 rods; then North i3 : East 160 rods, then North 40 : — East 30 rods: then 
 North 38 — 45" East 24 rods; then North 34—30" East 21 rods North 18° — 30" 
 East 20 rods, North 14° — 30 East 42 rods. North 4- — west 26 rods North i2 c — West 
 10 rods to a Stake two feet north of a brook corner of Colemans Lot — North — 41 
 rods to a Stake markt H W North 15" East 19 rods to the North west Corner of 
 Moodys Lot North 9° 30" East 21 rods to a Stake North 20 — East 27 rods to the 
 South west Corner of Enos Dickinson 
 
 North 7 — East 40 rods to the County road then begining at a Stake and Stons 
 the South west Corner of Justus Williams and from thence 
 
 North 14- — 45" west 32 rods to the Northwest Corners of Williams Lot, then 
 North 4-— 45" East 19 rods to a Stake and Stons. Kelloggs Corner from Martin 
 Kelloggs South West Corner to the Steple of the Meeting House is north 6 30" 
 East. — 
 
 then North 7° — 20" East 52 rods to the Cross road then begining at a Stake 
 and Stons the South west Corner of Smith, 5 Lot, — from thence north 5 East 48 
 rods to the North west Corner of Smiths Lot — 
 
 then North 5 : East 30^ rods to a Stake 
 
 then North 6 30" East 194 rods to the north west Corner of Boltwoods Lot 
 then begining at the South west Corner of Jonathan Smiths Lot by Nashes 
 Lane & riming from thence ' 
 
 North [3 Last 39 rods to the North west Corner of Smiths Lot then North 
 19 East 54A rods to Ens. Nashes North west Corner— 
 
 14 
 
170 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 Then begining at a Stake the Southwest Corner of Daniel Kelloggs Lot and 
 runing from thence 
 
 North 9 C — 30 East 52 rods to a Stake and Stons markt H W 
 
 then North 14° East 17 rods to a Stake and Stons in Kelloggs Pasture 
 
 then North 44° 15" East 15 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then North 32'- East S3 to a Stake & Stons Day' 1 Colemans Corner 
 
 then North 19 East 20 rods to a Stake & Stons Colemans Northwest Corner. 
 
 then North iS' ; 30" East 2 rods to a Stake & Stons Mr Strongs North west 
 Corner 
 
 then North 15° East 34 rods to the North west Corner of Jonathan Fields at 
 the Cross road, the Courses from the Bay road to this Place was taken the East 
 Side of the Street; and from the South East Corner of Mr. Parson. s Lot to the 
 North End, was taken the west Side: from the South East Corner of Mr Parson. s 
 Lot 
 
 North u c — East 35 rods to a Stake and Stons the North East corner of Mr 
 Parson, s Lot 
 
 then North 3 East 32 rods to Stake and Stones the North East Corner of L' 
 Fields Lot 
 
 then North 9 , 45" East 47 rods to a Stake and Stons then North 35°— 40" 
 East 23 rods to a Stake and Stons then north 13- East 50 rods to a Stake & Stons 
 then north 3—20" 18 rods to a Stake and Stons then 3 west 32 rods to a Stake 
 and Stons the North East Corner of Mr Joseph Churches at the Cross road — 
 then from a Stake and Stones the South East Corner of John Eastmans Lot 
 north 4 : — 30" west iS rod to a Stake & Stons then North 13° East 46 rods to a 
 Stake and Stons south East Corner of Eastmans— then north 14° — East 55 rods 
 to a Stake and Stons north East Corner of Esq Dickinsons — 
 
 then north 13° 30" East 76 rods to a Stake and Stons north Corner of Bakers — 
 
 then North 14 — 30" East 51 rods to a Stake and Stons the north East Corner 
 of John Ingram 2 d 
 
 The Cours of the East Street from the Bay Road north. Begining at a Stake 
 and Stons at the bay road and runing north n° — East 19 rods to a black oak with 
 Stons by it — then north 25 <: East 17 rods then North 20°— East 15 rods to a 
 Stake by the bridge then North 14° — 30" East 22 rods — 
 
 then North 6° — East 50 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 then North 9- — 30" East 43 rods to a black oake by Warners 
 
 then North 14- East 35 rods to a Stake 
 
 then North 7" -30" East 129 rods to a Stake 
 
 then North io v - — 40'' East 29 rods to a Stake. 
 
 then North 6 C —30" East 90 rods to a Stake and Stons the north west Corner of 
 Stoughton Dickinsons lot. — 
 
 Then begining where the west Line of the East Division Cross the County 
 road below Ens Elijah Hastings house, and runing from thence — 
 
 North n c west 30 rods to a Stake against the Corner of Hastings House then 
 North io° -30'' East 52 rods to the South west Corner of Stephen Smiths 
 
 then North 7° East 52 rods to the Southwest Corner of Reuben Nashes 
 
 then North 6 East 99 rods -then north 6°— 40" west 11 rods- 
 Then begining at a Stake and Stons in Capt Riches East Line & runs from 
 thence north \f : — 40" East 47 rods to a Stake the North East Corner of Cap' 
 Riches north 15—40" East 65 rods to a Stake the North East Corner of J01V 1 
 Smiths north 15^ 40" East 35 rods to Philip Edwards tan house 
 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. I 7 I 
 
 Then begining at the North East Corner of Perez Dickinsons Shop and rim- 
 ing from thence north zo —30'' East 42 rods to a post the Corner of Daniel Kellogg,s 
 
 north 13-— 40" East n rods to Kelloggs gate post. 
 
 north 7" — 30" East 78 rods to the Corner of Kelloggs 
 
 north 15—30" East 27 rods to a Stake andStonsthe Corner of Jonathan Dick- 
 insons Lot 
 
 north. 16 East ^3 rods to Capt Parker South East Dore yard post 
 
 north iS c 30" East 36 rods to a Stake and Stons the North East Corner of Esq 
 Strongs Lot. 
 
 Then begining at a Stake and Stons the South East Corner of Elisha Dick- 
 inson^ Lot and riming from thence north 13" East 24 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 north S- 30" East 20 rods to Stake and Stons. 
 
 north. 14° 30" East 30 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 North 15 — 30'' East 30 rods to a Stake and Stons. the North East Corner of 
 Elisha Dickinson. s 
 
 north 7^ 30" East 5S rods to a white pine the North East Corner of Jonathan 
 Smith, s 
 
 north 7 C 30" East to a Stake and Stons north East of Eastmans 
 
 the Courses from Capt Riches to this Place were taken the West Side of 
 the Street - 
 
 Then begining at a Stake and Stons the South west Corner of-Zachariah 
 Hawleys and runing from thence, north i3 : 15" East 32 rods to a Stake and Stons 
 the north west Corner of Hawleys lot. 
 
 north i3 c — 15" Er.st 17 rods to a Stake and Stons — 
 
 North 37 c 30" East 16 rods to a black oak Staddle the north west Corner of 
 De n Edward. s Lot. 
 
 The Cours of the Cross road north of Capt Parkers Begining at a Stake and 
 Stons, the north East Corner of Esq Strongs Lot and runing from thence 
 
 West 23 — north 58 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 
 West 9- north 169 rods to a Stake and Stons the north west corner of Mr 
 Strongs 
 
 then West 17 north 21A rods to a white oak — 
 
 West F4 C north 32 rods to a Chestnut. 
 
 West i8 c north iS rods to a Chestnut. 
 
 West y north 18 rods to a Poplar. 
 
 West 30'- South 10 rods to a White oake 
 
 West 10 north 39 rods to a white oake. the north west Corner of Jonathan 
 Fields — 
 
 The Cours of the road from Mr Boltwoods Shop to the East Meeting House 
 begining at a Stake and Ston at the Corner of the board fence by Mr Boltwoods 
 Shop and runing from thence. 
 
 East 12 -20" north 17 rods to a Stake and Stons South East Corner of Mr 
 Strongs East i6 c North 30 rods to a Stake and Stons East 24 South 1 5-i rods to 
 a Stake and Stons by the lane that leads to the Pound 
 
 Then from a Stake and Stons the South Wist Corner of Mr Daniels — 
 
 East 24 1 — 20" South 9 rods 5 feet To a Stake and Stons 
 
 East 3 C — 30" South 18 rods to a Stake & Stons the South East Corner of Mr 
 Mc Daniels Dooryard. 
 
 East 12- — north 20 rods to a Stake & Stons South Last Comer of Mr Mc 
 Daniels 
 
I7 2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 East i4 c — 30" South 103 rods to a Stake and Stons 
 East 3 C north 18 rods to a Stake and Stons. 
 East 2°--South 40 rods — East 29 c — 30" north 20 rods 
 
 East 11"- — north 19 rods to the South West Corner of Perez Dickinsons Shop. 
 The Cours of the Road from Hadley line to Mr Gideon Parson. s 
 Begining at a Stake in Hadley line and runingfrom thence 
 East 6 C — 20" north 105 rods — East 13 — 30" north 30 rods 
 East iS L — north 29 rods — East 14- — north 18 rods 
 East o c — 30" north 51 rods to the Street, — 
 
 The Cours of the Cross Road through the Middle Division by John Lees. 
 Begining at a Stake at the East End of the road and runing from thence 
 West 4- 30" north 93 rods to a Stake in Lees field 
 West 23-— north 18 rods to a Stake. 
 West i L — 20" South 32 rods to a Stake. 
 West 6 C — 30" north 154 rods to the west Street. 
 
 N. B. the Stake and other bounds mentioned in these return are marked H W — 
 The Within Mentioned Courses and Distances were taken in 1787: 178S & 
 1789 by Justus Dwight Surveyor 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting house on Wednesday the ninth day of September 1795 
 
 Voted Zebina Montague Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Desire the Selectmen to Stop any Further Provision for the Sup- 
 porte of Edward Allin — as it is the Opinion of the Meeting he is not an Inhabitant 
 of Amherst Extract from the Proceedings 
 
 Z. Montague Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing House, on Monday the Fourteenth clay of December, Seventeen Hundred and 
 Ninety five, at Nine of the Clock in the Morning. — 
 Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Coll Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 Voted to accept and grant the Pills as they have been red and Corrected 
 Voted to Raise Ten Dollars to Defray the Expence of Sundrey guy Posts — 
 and also Ten Dollars to replace the money Drawn out of the Treasury for the 
 support of Edward Allin. — 
 
 Voted to allow 8 s for 2.^ Inch Plank and 7 s for 2 Inch Plank and 5 s for ih 
 Inch Plank, Provided for Bridges the Insuing year- 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Vew and Appraise a Bit of Land 
 Petitioned for by Joseph Church against the Front of his lot, and make Reporte to 
 sum futer Meeting 
 
 Voted that Capt Moses Hastings, Majr Elijah Dickinson, and L< Timothey 
 Handerson, be the Com'"' above 
 
 We the Subscribers being appointed by the Town of Amherst to Vew and 
 Appraise a piece of Land at the East End of the Farm on which Capt Jonathan 
 Dickinson now Lives; Met on the business of our appointments on the Eleventh 
 of May Seventeen Hundred and ninety five— and after Vewing the Situation of 
 the Highway agreed, that the Said Capt Dickinson might have a pice of land of 
 the following Disscription — (viz) begining at the South Side of Capt Dickinsons 
 Barn yard; Extending two Rods in wedth and runing to the North Side of Said 
 farm, being about Sixty Rods, to one rod in wedth Containing ninety rods of ground, 
 and apprised the Same at three Pound Seven Shillings and Six Pence — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 73 
 
 Also a Piece of Land at the North End of the lot on which Stoughton Dick- 
 inson now lives, and begining at the North West Corner of Said Lot, thence runing 
 North two Rods and half, thence east Six Rods, thence South two rods and half, 
 to the Said Dickinsons lot. Containing fifteen rods of ground, and Appraised the 
 Same at fifteen Shillings — 
 
 Eli Parker ) 
 Seth Bryant [ Committee 
 Elisha Smith ) 
 Amherst May n, 1795 — 
 
 Decemb r 14" 1 — 1795 Voted to Accept the above Report ; and grant the above 
 Described bits of Land to Jonathan Dickinson and Stoughton Dickinson, on Con- 
 dition, that they Either Pay or Give Security with a bondsman for the Sums at 
 which the Several Bits of land are appraised by the above Com'"" 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Asses the above grainted monies 
 Voted to Accept of the Lists of Jurors as they have been Exhibited by the 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Attest Zebixa Montague Moderator 
 
 Marriges Solemnized by the Rev' 1 David Parsons from May 1793 to May 1795. 
 Moses Nash & Salome Lewis ( these Persons were Married in the year 
 
 Luke Rich & Jerusha Hastings i 1792 but omitted in the Records — 
 
 1793 
 
 Feb r 10 Phinehas Stevens and Mary Wells. — 
 March 5 Samuel Marsh and Martha Edwards. 
 
 29 Andrew Hide and Mary Morton. 
 July 3 Moses Billings and Sally Field. — (Mary Field) 
 Nov 1 " 25 Enos Baker and Dorothey Smith. 
 
 1795 
 
 Jan r . 16 Nathaniel Edwards and Polley Pomeroy. 
 
 30 Noah Gould and Marey Williams. 
 Sept 10 Seth Montague So Hadley and Rachel Smith. 
 
 Oct r 26 Justus Clark and Dorcas Pomeroy. 
 
 27 Elijah Smith and Pattey Burt 
 
 Nov'' 6 Jonathan Smith and Hannah Dickinson 
 
 20 Moses Smith and Tamer Pettes. 
 
 20 Abia Southworth and Kezia Boltwood. 
 1796 
 
 Janr v . 22 ' Enoch Bangs and Azubah Dickinson 
 
 Feb r 14 Elijah Hubbard and Abi Lewis. 
 
 April 6 Eleazar Nash and Abigail Brown. 
 
 23 Simeon Clark Jr. and Irena Lewis. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst Qualified 
 according to the Constitution to Vote for Goviner Leutenant Goviner & Cenitors 
 Voted as follows— (viz) For Govennor— April 4 11 ' 1798 
 Hon. Increas Sumner. Eighty one 
 Hon John Adams — one — 
 Hon Samuel Adams — Twenty two — 
 Hon. Moses Gill -one 
 For Leu' Govennor — 
 
 Hon Moses Gill Ninety one 
 Jamb White— four 
 
174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 For Senator as follows — 
 
 John Hastings Esq — Eightey five 
 
 Wm Shephard Esq — Sixtey nine 
 
 Thomas Dwight —Seventy three 
 
 Hugh AlcClellen Esq one 
 
 David Smeed Esq — one 
 
 Ebenezar Alattoon Esq — Sixtey Nine 
 
 John Williams Esq. Fiftey four 
 
 Samuel Fowler Esq — Seventeen 
 
 Justin Ely Esq — four 
 
 David Sexton Esq — Thirtey two 
 
 Solomon Stoddard Esq — Thirteen 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq — three 
 
 Jonathan Dwight — three 
 
 Samuel Hanshaw Esq —one — 
 
 Attest Seth Coleman Town Clerk- 
 
 April S" 1 1796 Stoughton Dickinson gave Security for a -bit of Land North of 
 his house with a bondsman agreable to a Vote of the Town in December i4 ;h 1795 
 
 Test Seth Coleman Town Clerk 
 
 August 21; 1794 Capt Jonathan Dickinson Paid Eleven Dollars and twenty 
 five Cents agreable to a Vote of the Town in December 14"' 1795 
 
 Test Seth Coleman Town Clark — 
 
 Att a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst on Monday the fourth day of 
 April 1796. Holden at the First Parish Meeting House — Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted De" Elisha Smith Moderator. 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk & Treasurer — 
 
 Voted Col Zebina Montague, Den Medad Dickinson, Noah Smith, De B 
 Elisha Smith, & Cap' Jonathan Dickinson, Selectmen 
 
 Voted De" Elisha Smith qualified De" Medad Dickinson & Noah Smith 
 qualified Assessors — 
 
 Voted Benjamin Smith, & David Smith Jnr Constables — 
 
 Voted William Boltwood, Constable in the room of Benjamin Smith 
 
 Voted John Dickinson, Steven Smith. Aaron Merrick, Seth Bryant, David 
 Watson, Azeriah Dickinson Surveyers of Highways 
 
 Voted Giles Church, & William Philemore, Surveyers and Measurers of bords, 
 Plank, Timber, Slitworke, Shingles, Clapbords, and Cullers of Staves and Hoops — 
 
 Voted William Holtwood, & Timothey Handerson fens Vewers. — 
 
 Voted Ezekiel Dickinson, Reuben Smith, Asa Dickinson, & David Blotchet 
 Jnr Teythingmen, 
 
 Voted Capt Jorge Williamson & Joseph Blayer Sealers of Leather 
 
 Voted David Cowls juns Sworn William Boltwood, Zery Green, L 1 Joseph 
 Robbens, Asa Newel, & John Kellogg Sworn Hogreeves. 
 
 Voted Calvin Merrill Pound Keeper — 
 
 Voted to allow Sixty Seven, Cents P LT Day, for Highway worke till ye first of 
 September: and thirtey four Cents the rest of the year. 
 
 Voted to rais four Hundred Dollars to repair the Highways this year — 
 
 Voted to rais three hundred and thirtey three Dollers,and thirtey four Cents 
 for Schooling this year. — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Asses the above granted Monies 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 175 
 
 Voted that the Highway rate be made by the Laist list. — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Investigate the East Middle 
 School District, and the South East District, & determin as to the Expediency of 
 Making any alterations in the Dimentions of Said Districts, & Prefix the Limits of 
 Each, and also the Expediency of bidding one or more School Houses, and to 
 Prefix the Place of Said House, or Houses add their Dimentions, and the above 
 Committee is to Inspect the North-west Schoo — House and Determin wheather it 
 be best to Reprove Said House or Buld a New one ; and to make reporte to Next 
 May Meeting of their whole Doings — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen take Edward Allin into their Care and that they 
 support him in the Cheapest manner that they Can for the Town 
 
 Voted to abate to Winslovv Gaffit his rate in the hand of John Dickinson 
 (viz) State Rate i-S. Town Rate 3-8 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen give Isaac Robbens an order for 3-3 it being a 
 Rate Put Into his hands against Nath" Dickinson 2' 1 
 
 Voted to accept a Reporte of a Committee which is as follows (viz) 
 
 We the Subscriber being appointed as a Committee to Vew and appraise a Pice 
 of Land at the frunt of Joseph Churches lot, begining at a Stake and Stones at 
 the west Side of the County Roade Near the House of Joseph Church Jnr, then 
 riming forty four Rods north to a Stake and Stones near Dav d Dickinsons Barn 
 and in Weadth two Rods and a half, which Contains one Hundred and Ten Rods 
 of ground, which we apprise at the Rate of Sixteen Dollars Sixtey Seven Cents 
 Per Acre — 
 
 Moses Hastings 1 
 
 Elijah Dickinson I Com 1 ' 1 ' 
 
 TlMOTHEY HANDERSOX ] 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Moderator 
 
 April 21, 1796. Then Joseph Church Paid Into the Treasury Ten Dollars & 
 Ninety Six Cents the Sum at which the land above was appraised by the Committee 
 and accepted of by the Town — 
 
 Test Seth Coleman Town Clerk — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst appointed 
 on Tuesday the 3 day of May 1796 
 
 Voted Ebenezar Mattoon Esq Moderator — 
 
 Voted Unanimously to Prefer the Petition Inclosed with a Letter From the 
 foreman of the Grand Jury Directed to the Selectmen of this Town -Which Peti- 
 tion Humbly Requests Congress to Make the Necessary Appropriations for Carv- 
 ing the Treaty with Grate Brittan Into Effect — 
 
 E. Mattoon jr Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden on Monday the Ninth 
 day of May 1796 at three of the Clock in the afternoon: Voted as follows — (viz)— 
 
 Voted Coll Zebina Montague Moderator — 
 
 Voted to abate to the Hears of Baley Allin a rate of 3-S in the hands of 
 Noadiah Smith, also to the Hears of Amus .Wish a Kate of 5-10 x & to Isaac 
 Goodale 2' 1 a rate of 4-0^ x in Said Smith's Hands also 14-0 to Stephen Smith 
 against Amus Nash — 
 
 Voted to Build a School-house in the South East District of the Same Dimen- 
 
176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 tions on the ground, of the one that was burnt, and of one Story high with two 
 
 Chimneys 
 
 Voted to Build a School House in the North west District 18 by 25 feet on 
 
 the Ground, one Story high, with one Chimney, Said house to be Set on the South 
 
 East Corner of Elijah Elmers home lot. — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five to Build the above Disscribed School 
 
 houses 
 
 Voted that John Dickinson, Stephen Smith, Capt Ebenezar Boltwood, De u 
 
 Elisha Smith, & Major Elijah Dickinson be the Committee above — and that Said 
 
 Com"' 1 ' get the Houses dun in the Cheapest manner they Can — 
 
 Voted to raise three Hundred Dollers to Build the South East School-house — 
 Voted to rise two Hundred Dollers to Build the North West School-house 
 Voted to Impower the above Committee to Set the North west District 
 
 School house to the best advantage for the Town — 
 
 Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst Nov' 7"' 
 1796, their Votes for Elector for President and Vice President, and also For a Rep- 
 resentative to Congress were as follows — (viz) — 
 
 For an Elector the Hono 1 Ebenezor Mattoon jr had 51, For Representative 
 to Congress the Hono 1 Samuel Lyman had 55 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst appointed on 
 Monday the Seventh day of Novem at two of the Clock afternoon A D 1796 
 Voted De" Elisha Smith Moderator- 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of Five to Vew the River on Each Side of 
 Clarks mill and Reporte to Next December meeting, whare is the most advanta- 
 gious Place, for Building a bridge over Said River 
 
 Voted De" John Billings, Capt Eli Parker, De u Eleazar Smith, Martin Kel- 
 logg, & Capt Jonathan Dickinson, be the Committee above — 
 
 Voted that the Distribution of the School Money in the SeveralDistricts.be 
 Left to the Discretion of the Selectmen. — 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting House on Monday the Fifth day of December in the year of our Lord 
 Seventeen Hundred and Ninety Six, at nine of the Clock in the Morning. 
 
 Voted as follows— (viz) — 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Inspect and Correct the bills. 
 
 Voted Stephen Smith, Maj 1 ' Elijah Dickinson, & Capt Eli Parker, be the 
 Committee above. 
 
 Voted to allow and grant the bills as they have been red and Corrected. 
 
 Voted to accept the Report of the Committee appointed on a Late Meeting. 
 to vew the River on Each Side of Clarks mills & determin whare is the most 
 advantagious Place, to Buld a bridge over Said River 
 
 Voted to buld a bridge over the River near Clarks mill, in or near the Place 
 whare the old bridge now Stands — 
 
 Voted to Build Said Bridge with a Stone Butment at Each End, & a Fallow 
 in the Center of the bridge — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 77 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five to Buld Said Bridge. 
 
 Voted Stephen Smith. Maj r Elijah Dickinson, Samuel Hastings, Encine Eli 
 Parker, & Noah Smith be the Committee above. 
 
 Voted to Raise two Hundred Dollers for the building of Said Bridge 
 
 Voted to Rais Thirtey three Dollars and thirtey four Cents for the Support 
 of the Poor of the Town. 
 
 Voted to Raise twelve Dollers to Defray the Expenceof Sundry guy Posts — 
 
 Voted to I mpower the Assessors to Asses the above granted monies; and 
 Also Five Hundred Dollers Voted Laist may for the bidding of School Houses. — 
 
 Voted that the Assessors date their List from this day. — 
 
 Attest Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst. Qualified 
 according to the Constitution to Vote for Goviner L' Goviner & Cenitors. Voted 
 as follows — (viz) For Govennor 
 
 Hon, Increase Sumner — Ninety two. 
 
 Hon. Thomas Sullivan — Twenty. 
 Leutenant Govennor 
 
 Hon, Samuel Philips — Five. 
 
 Hon, Moses Gill— Seventy Eight. 
 
 Hon, Increase Sumner — two 
 For Senitorsas Follows. 
 
 Charles Phelps Esq — Fiftey one 
 
 Ebenezar Hunt Esq — Eightey one 
 
 Thomas Dwight — Eightey four 
 
 John Hastings Esq. Eightey three 
 
 David Sexton Esq— Seventy — 
 
 William Billings Esq. Eigteen — 
 
 John Williams Esq — Twelve 
 
 Samuel Fowler — Sixteen 
 April 3' 1 i 79 S- 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 
 Meeting house on Monday the Third day of April 1797 at nine of the Clock in the 
 
 Morning — 
 
 Voted as follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted Ebenezar Mattoon Esq Moderator — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman, Clerk. Voted Seth Coleman Treasurer. 
 
 Voted Zebina Montague Esq. Maj'" Medad Dickinson, Maj r Elijah Dickinson 
 
 Capt Ebenezar Boltwood & Capt Moses Hastings, Selectmen — 
 
 Voted Major Medad Dickinson. Noah Smith, and Capt Ebenezar Boltwood 
 
 Assessors — 
 
 Voted Olliver Cowls jr & Capt Joseph Pettes Constables — 
 Voted to adjourn for one hour and then meet at this Place- 
 Voted Samuel Smith, Chester Smith. Stephen Fish, Simeon Dickinson jr, 
 
 Josiah Warner, & John Dickinson. Surveyers of Highways 
 
 Voted Giles Church, & Joseph Church, Surveyers and Measurers of bords, 
 
 Plank, timber. Slitwork, Shingle. Clapbords, & Cullers of Staves & hoops — 
 
 Voted Cap' Timothey Handerson, and Capt Jonathan Dickinson Fens 
 
 Vewers — 
 
178 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted Chester Smith, Stephen Smith, Aaron Mearick, Samuel Hastings, & 
 Israel Scot Teything men, 
 
 Voted Joseph Blayer, Capt George Williamson Sealer of Leather 
 
 Voted Calvin Merrill Pound Keeper — 
 
 Voted Samuel Holmes, Eliphalet Adams, Zebina Hawley, David Ingram, 
 Stephen Smith, Stephen Fish Hog-reives 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three Dollers and thirtey three 
 Cents, for Reparing the Highway the year Ensuing. 
 
 Voted to allow Sixtey Seven Cents P r day for worke at the Highway till the 
 I st of September, and thirtey Four Cents the rest of the year. 
 
 Voted Capt Eii Parker, Joseph Dickinson. & Elijah Dickinson, a Committee 
 to Vew and apprise Som Small Peices of Land to Ebenezar Mattoon Esq; or 
 Joseph Balls and make report at next .May Meeting.— 
 
 Voted that the Committee appointed to Build the Bridge near Clarks Mill be 
 directed to Build Said Bridge, upon any different Construction, than was proposed 
 by the Town, that may appear to them to be most For the Interest of the Town. — 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three dollers and thirtey four 
 Cents for the Support of Schools the year Encuing 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be Instructed to see that the Town does not take 
 any Paupers only what may be real Inheabitants of the Town ; and to see that 
 the Town be Put to unnecessary Expence — 
 
 Voted to allow John Williams his Proportion of School money for three 
 years laist paist — 
 
 Voted to raise the sum of Eightey Dollers for the support of the Poor of the 
 Town — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Asses the above granted monies 
 
 Voted that the Assessors make the Highway rate by the laist List — 
 
 Voted that the Assessors (to Expedite the Taking of the list) Shall Set Ye 
 advertisement in four publick Place, in Boath Parishes Specifiing the time & place 
 where they will attend Said Business 
 
 Ebenezar Mattoon jr Moderator — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing House on Thirsday the Eleventh day of May 1797 — 
 
 Voted as follows — (viz) 
 
 Voted Maj'r Elijah Dickinson Moderator — 
 
 Voted to abate to Raley Allins Estate his rate in the hands of Levi Cowls 
 (viz) 37 Cents x— 
 
 Voted to accept the report of a Committee Chosen, to Stake out and apprise 
 a Bit of Land, Petitioned For by Ebenezar Mattoon jr Esq. and graintthe Same to 
 Said Ebenezar, he paying thirteen Dollers for Said Land — wich report is as follows 
 — (viz) — the Committee appointed upon the Petition of Ebenezar Mattoon jr Esq 
 to apprise & Set of a pice of Land at the East End of the Lot upon which his 
 Father now Lives, have attended the Service; and report that we have Staked out 
 a pice of Land Petitioned for, in the following form — 
 
 Begining at the North End at a point in the fence then runing Southerly Six- 
 teen rods to a Stake and Stones then Continuing Southerly nine rods two rods 
 wide — 
 
 then the Same point thirteen rods and half. Seven rods and half wide to the 
 South End of Bolles, house — Continuing Southerley Six Rods — Eight rods and 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN' MEETINGS. I 79 
 
 half wide — Continuing Southerly Twelve rods Eight rods wide — then Southwester- 
 ley Twelve rods to the fence at a point — Containing one Acre & one Hundred & 
 twenty Eight rods of ground — 
 
 Which we have Apprised at the sum of Thirteen Dollers upon his Paying 
 that sum the Committee recommend to the Town to graint him the Land. — all 
 which is submitted 
 
 Elijah Dickinson Moderator — 
 
 the above Report hath been Comply 1 with by Ebenezar Mattoon Esq — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing House on Monday the Eleventh day of Decemb r 1797 at Nine of the Clock in 
 the morning Voted as follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted Zebina Montague Esq Moderator 
 Voted to allow the Pills as they have been red and Corrected. 
 Voted to Raise money Sufficient to Pay the above grainted Bills — 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Assess the above grainted monies 
 Voted to accept the List of Jurors as the they have been Exhibited by the 
 Selectmen — 
 
 Attest, Zebina Montague Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst, Qualified 
 according to Constitution to Vote for Goviner Lt goviner & Cenitors, Voted as- 
 Follows (viz) — 
 For Govenner 
 
 his Excellency Increase Sumner S7. 
 For L.t Govenner — 
 
 Hon, Moses Gill — 7S 
 For Senitors as Follows — 
 
 Hon, John Hastings — 75 
 Ebenezar Hunt — 75 
 David Sexton — 75 
 Thomas Dwight — 75 
 Warham Parks — 75 
 April 2' 1 179S — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting-House on Monday the 2' 1 Day of April Seventeen Hund & Ninety Eight- 
 at nine of the Clock in ye morning Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk. 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Treasurer. 
 
 Voted Jen 11 Zebina Montague, Maj r Medad Dickinson, Capt Ebenezar Bolt- 
 wood, Capt Moses Hastings, and Coll Elijah Dickinson, Selectmen. — 
 
 Voted Maj r Medad Dickinson, Capt Ebenezar Boltwood, and De n Elisha 
 Smith Assessors. — 
 
 Voted to adjourn this meeting for one Hour and then Meet at this Place — 
 
 Voted Daniel Cooley Esq, and David Cowls jnr Constables. — 
 
 Voted Moses Hillings. Jonathan Dickinson, Ins. Asa Smith, Samuel Hastings, 
 L\ John Ingram, John Eastman. Surveyers of Highways — 
 
l8o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted Jiles Church, and William Fillmore, Surveyers and Measurers of 
 Bords, Plank, Timber, Slitworke, Shingle, Clapbords and Cullers of Staves and 
 Hoops. 
 
 Voted William Boltwood and Levi Cowls Fens Vewers. 
 
 Voted Levi Cowls, Seth Coleman jnr Jearub White Sworn Joseph Blayer and 
 Chester Williams Teything men 
 
 Voted William Bowman & Joseph Blayer Sealer of Leather. 
 
 Voted Calvin Merrill Pound Keeper 
 
 Voted William Boltwood, Ralf Snow, L L Joseph Robbens, Zachariah Haw- 
 ley jr, Elijah Kellogg. Richard Carpender. and Silas Dickinson. Hogreives. — 
 
 Voted Jen 11 Zebina Montague, Sealer of waights and Measures, 
 
 Voted to Raise Two Hundred and Sixtey Six Dollars, and Sixtey Seven 
 Cents For Schooling the Currant year. — 
 
 Voted to do the Highway worke this year by a Rate 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three Dollars and thirtey four 
 Cents to Repare the Highway the Currant year. — 
 
 Voted to make the Highway rate by the Laist List — 
 
 Voted to allow Sixtey Seven Cents per Day, for Highway worke till ye i 5! of 
 September, ec thirtey four Cents the rest of the year — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of Seven, to Inspect the River on Pelham 
 Rode, and make reporte to May Meeting, what mattril to a Dopt for the Erecting 
 ■of a Bridge over Said River — 
 
 Voted Maj 1 Medad Dickinson. Capt Eli Parker. Thomas Hastings. L' John 
 Ingram, Solomon Boltwood, Capt Moses Hastings and De u Elisha Smith, be the 
 Committee above — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Comttee to Confer with the Propriator of the Propriatory 
 School-House (or their Committee) and See how they Can Purchase Said House for 
 a Town School House, and Make Reporte to an adjurned Meeting — 
 
 Voted John Dickinson, De n Elisha Smith, L' Elijah Hastings. Samuel Hast- 
 ings, and Capt Timothey Handerson, be the Committee above, — 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen Procure a Pall Clauth for the use of the Town — 
 
 Voted to Raise Eighteen Dollers to Purchase Said Pall Clauth. 
 
 Voted to abate to Amariah Done his Rate in the hands of William Boltwood 
 \ I 'aid x 
 
 Voted to abate to Timothey Allin his Rate in the hands of Ezekiel Dickin- 
 son (viz) thirtey Seven Cents. Paid x 
 
 Voted to abate to Simeon Elmur his tax'in the Hands of William Bokwood. 
 Paid x 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Asses the above grainted monii s 
 
 Voted to allow 0-9 on thirteen Cents P' r Head for all the Crows that Shall 
 be killed in the Town of Amherst from ye first of may to the tvventyeth of June 
 next. 
 
 Voted that the Crows so Killed Shall be Brought to one of the Selectmen or 
 Assessors to have their heads Cut off, and Account taken of their Number — 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting to the first monday in May next and then 
 meet at this Place. 
 
 may 7"' 1 79S the meeting being met according to Adjurnment 
 
 Voted as Follows — (viz) 
 
 Voted to accept the Reporte of the Committee Chosen to Vew the Bridge 
 over Fort River on Pelham Rode which is as follows (viz) — First that there is 
 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 10 r 
 
 Neade of Reparing that Bridge — 2' 1 that it is Best to widen the Cours for the water- 
 to run in by removeing the East Butment, 3' 1 that in their opinion the Butment 
 Should be removed So as to make the bridge Fortey five feet in Length and to 
 Build one Pare of wooden Trussels in the Middle 
 
 Voted to Raise one Hundred Dollers to Build Said Bridg— 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five to Build Said Bridge — 
 
 Voted Majer Medad Dickinson. Thomas Hastings. L' William Fillmore, - 
 Elisha Dickinson, and William Boltwood, be the Committee above — 
 
 Voted to accept the Reporte of the Committee Chosen to Vew the Propria- 
 tary School-House and Confer with the Propriators (or their Committee) for the 
 Purchas of their School-House for the West middle District, which is as follows 
 (viz) that the Town give the Propriators three Hundred Dollars for their House — 
 
 Voted to Raise Three Hundred Dollers for the Purpus of Purchasing or 
 Building a School House in the West middle District. 
 
 Voted that Steven Smith, L* William Fillmore, and L' Ebenezar Eastman, be- 
 a Committee to agree with the Propriators for their School-House: — and take a 
 Deed in behalf of the Town, to be Lodg 11 in the Clerks office. Should Such Con- 
 veyance be made ; and Also to give orders on the Treasurer for Said sum of three 
 Hundred Dollers: or other wise to Build a House for Said District. — 
 
 Voted that the Assessors be Impowered to Asses the above grainted monies- 
 in the Next Town Rate — 
 
 Attest Ebex.r Boltwood Moderator — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish. 
 Meeting-House on Monday the thirteyeth clay of April 1798, at three of the Clock, 
 in the afternoon; Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 Voted Capt Moses Hastings Moderator — 
 
 Voted Silas Dickinson Constable for the South Part of the Town 
 
 Attest— 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst, Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting-house on Friday the Eighth day of June, in the year of our Lord Seven- 
 teen Hundred and Ninety Eight, at three of the Clock in the Afternoon 
 
 Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted De" Medad Dickinson Moderator 
 
 Voted To Reconsider the Vote Passed on the Second day of April 1798, So 
 Far as it relates to the mode of Building of a Bridge over the river on Pelham 
 Rode. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of Seven to Direct the Com"' Chosen at April 
 Meeting 179S for Building a Bridge over the River on Pelham Rode, whare & in 
 what form they Shall Build Said Bridge. 
 
 Voted Capt Jonathan Dickinson, Capt Timothey Handerson, John Dickinson,. 
 Ebenezar Mattoon. Esq., Capt Joseph Pettes, Coll Elijah Dickinson. L' Elijah 
 Hastings, be the Com' 01 ' above 
 
 Voted to Build a School House, in the West middle District of the Follow- 
 ing Dimentions— (viz) Said House to be one Storey high, with two Stacks of 
 Chimneys, and of the Same Length on the ground of the Propriatory School- 
 House that was Lateley burnt, and to be two feet wider 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five, to Direct the Committee Chosen at 
 
I§2 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 April Meeting 179S For Building or Purchasing a Schoo-house for the West mid- 
 dle District whare Said House Shall be Sett 
 
 ' Voted Ebinezar Mattoon jr Daniel Kellogg jun Capt Eli Parker, L 1 Ebenezar 
 Eastman, and De" Elisha Smith to be the Committee above. 
 
 Voted to make the addition of two. to the Committee Chosen at April Meet- 
 ing 179S for Purchasing or Bulding a School-House for the West midle District. 
 
 Voted that Coll. Elijah Dickinson. & Capt Jonathan Dickinson be the Com- 
 mittee aded to the School-house Committee refered to above. 
 
 Voted that the Surveyers of Highways be Directed to Put. and Keep the 
 Rodes in Repare and that they bring in their Pills to the Anual Meeting in Decem- 
 ber Next — 
 
 Voted to allow tiftey Cents P r Day for Highway worke. For two month from 
 this time — 
 
 Attest Medad Dickixsox Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inheabitants of Amherst on 
 Monday the 5 th of November 179S at 2 the Clock in the afternoon for the Purpose 
 of Chosing a Federal Representative for the Second Westen District — when the 
 Hon k " Samuel Lyman had 43 Votes — Nov'' 5"' 179S — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 House on Monday ye third day of December Seventeen Hundred & Ninety Eight 
 at nine of the Clock in the morning. Voted as follows — 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Poltwood Moderator 
 
 Voted to Allow for Highway worke in the Spring and Summer rjftey Cents 
 P r day - 
 
 Voted to allow for i£ Inch Plank one Dollar P r Hundred — 
 
 Voted to allow for 2 Inch Plank One Dollar and Thirtev three Cents P' 
 Hundred — 
 
 Voted to adjurn for one Floure & then to meet at this Place 
 
 The meeting being met at Time and Place according toadjurnment Voted as 
 follows. — (viz) — 
 
 Voted to Allow the Bills as they have been red & Corrected — 
 
 Voted to Pais money to Pay the above Bills — 
 
 Voted to Raise Eightey Dollers to Replace the money Drawn out of the 
 Treasurey for Sundrey Purpuses 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to Asses the above granted Monies 
 
 Voted to Purchase the Spot of ground on which the Propriatory School- 
 house Lateley Stood of the Propriatorsfor the Purpose of Erecting a School-House 
 for the West middle District— 
 
 Voted to give thirtev five Dollers for Said Spot of ground 
 
 Voted to Impower the Treasurer to Take Security of the Propriators for the 
 above Described Spot of ground — 
 
 Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitanis of the Town of Amherst Qualified 
 according to the Constitution to Vote for Goviner. L' Goviner & Senitors Voted as 
 Follows — (viz) - 
 
 P"or Goviner. For his Excellency Increase Sumner 107 
 
 For L' Goviner. Hon Moses Gill 104 
 
For Senitors. 
 
 F TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 
 David Sexton 
 
 78 
 
 John Hastings 
 
 So 
 
 Ebener Hunt 
 
 79 
 
 Samuel Fowler 
 
 60 
 
 Thomas Dwight 
 
 79 
 
 Charles Phelps 
 
 l 9 
 
 John Williams 
 
 2 
 
 183 
 
 April 1 : 1799. — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst. Holclen at the First Parish 
 
 Meeting-House. on Monday ye First day of April. Seventeen Hundred and Ninety 
 
 nine, at nine of the Clock in the morning. Voted as follows 
 Voted Ebenezar Mattoon jr Esq moderator — 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk. Voted Seth Coleman Treasurer 
 Voted John Dickinson, Gideon Statsun. Maj' Medad Dickinson, Samuel 
 
 Hastings, Capt Jonathan Dickinson Selectmen — 
 
 Voted John Dickinson. Perez Dickinson. & Gideon Statson, Assessors 
 Voted to Adjurn this Meeting for the Space of one hour and then to Meet 
 
 at this Place — 
 
 The Town being meet at time and Place according to the adjurnment above. 
 
 Voted as Follows (viz) 
 
 Voted to Higher a Constable for the Currant year, to Collect all the Town 
 
 Taxes. & do all the other Business Necessary for a Constable to do in Town — 
 Voted Jearub White Constable qualified and Said Jearub I ngadg^d in the 
 
 Town Meeting, to do all the Business above Specified for the Consideration of 
 
 Eighteen Dollars; and Said Jearub is To Procure two good Bondsmen to the 
 
 acceptation of the Town Treasurer, to the Inheabitants of Said Town in the Sum 
 
 of Two Thousand Dollers for his Faithfull Performance of Said Trust. — 
 
 Voted Solomon Boltwood, John Dickinson, Aaron Mearick, Capt Jonathan 
 
 Dickinson, Josiah Theyer, & Elisha Dickinson. Surveyers of Highways — 
 
 Voted Jiles Church. Moses Smith. Surveyersand Measurers of Bords, Plank, 
 
 Timber, Slitworke. Shingles, Clapbords and Cullers of Staves and Hoops.— 
 Voted Capt Timothey Handerson & John Lee Fens Vewers. — 
 Voted David Dickinson. Jonathan Smith 2'' Aaron Merrick Philips Edwards, 
 
 Benjamin Kimbal. & Luke Montague. Teything men. 
 Voted William Bowman Sealer of Leather. — 
 Voted Calvin Merrill, Pound Keeper — 
 
 Voted Chester Marshal. Stephen Smith, Zera Green. Ellihu Belding, & Ben- 
 jamin Kimbal, Hog Reves. — 
 
 Voted Jene 1 Zebina Montague Sealer of waits and Measures — 
 
 Voted that L' Elijah Hastings, Capt Timothey Handerson. Moses Smith & 
 
 Martin Cook, be Taken from the North west District for Schooling, and annexed 
 
 to the west Midle. — 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and Thirtey three Dollers and Thirtey three 
 
 Cents for the Repare of the Highway the Currant year 
 
 Voted to Allow Fiftey Cents 1"' day. for Highway worke till the first of Sep 
 
 tember: and thirtey three Cents y" rest of the year- 
 Voted to Direct the Assessors to Make the highway Tax by the Laist List — 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three Dollars and thirtey three 
 
 Cents for Schooling- the Currant year. — 
 
184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted that the School-House in the East Middle District be removed to Sum 
 more Convenient Place than whare it now Stands; Provided it be dun free from 
 Expence to the Town, and Put in as good repare as it now Stands, all Except the 
 Chimney, and by the Direction of a Committee appointed for that Purpose. 
 
 Voted that Col. Elijah Dickinson, Noah Smith, & Gen 1 Zebina Montague, be 
 the Committee to give Directions respecting the removel of- the School-House above 
 
 Ebexezar Mattoon Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing House on Thursday the g' h of May 1799 at Four of the Clock in ye afternoon — 
 
 Voted Gen Ebenezar Mattoon jun Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Remit to David Smith jr his Tax against Azariah Dickinson — (viz) 
 one Dollar & Eleven Cents x Paid — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Friday y e 24" 1 of May 1799 at 4 of ye Clock in ye afternoon &c — 
 
 Voted Capt Jonathan Dickinson Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Instruct the Representative to use his Influence not to have a Turn 
 Pike Rode Established from Hadley to Sheusbury — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Draw up a Remonstrance for the 
 Representative to Lay before the Generel Court- 
 Voted De n John Billings, John Dickinson, & Dean Elisha Smith be the Com- 
 mittee above — 
 
 Voted to Adjourn this Meeting for half an hour & then to Meet at this Place, 
 to hear the Report of the Com"' 1 ' abve 
 
 the Meeting being opened — Voted to adjurn for one quarter of an hour and 
 then Meet at Landlord Smiths. 
 
 the Meeting being opened at Landlord Smiths — 
 
 Voted to Accept of the Remonstrance as drafted by the Committee above — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting Hous on Monday y ' 9" 1 day of Decsmly 1799 at Nine of ye Clock A M, 
 Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted Ebenezar Mattoon jr Esq Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three, to Take Into Consideration the Peti- 
 tion of Aaron Billings Praying for Sum Compensation for the Loss he Custained 
 in Building a School House in the west middle District — 
 
 Voted gen Zebina Montague, Coll. Elijah Dickinson, & Capt Ebenezar Bolt- 
 wood be the Comittee above and that they Reporte to this meeting 
 
 Voted to adjurn this Meeting to one of the Clock P. M and then Meet at the 
 School-House near Landlord Smiths — 
 
 the Town being met at time and Place according to y e adjurnment above 
 Voted as follows (viz) — 
 
 Voted to allow one Doller & thirty three Cents P 1 ' Hundred for 2 Inch 
 Plank- 
 Voted to allow the bills as they have been red and Corrected. 
 
 Voted to allow Thirty Dollers to Repare the loss of Aaron Billings in Buld- 
 ing a School-House — 
 
 Voted to Impower the Assessors to asses the above granted monies — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 1 85 
 
 [Note. From 1800 to 1865 only the important votes are printed.] 
 
 At a Legal .Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the first Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday y e Seventh Day of April A D. 1S00 at Nine of the Clock in 
 Y e morning Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted Maj 1 Medad Dickinson Moderator — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Treasurer — 
 
 Voted Maj r Medad Dickinson, Noar Smith, Samuel Hastings. Gideon 
 Stutson, & John Dickinson. Selectmen- 
 Voted Gideon Stutson, Perez Dickinson, & Major Medad Dickinson, Assess- 
 ors ; all Qualified — 
 
 Voted to Higher a Constable for the Currant year to Collect all the Taxes, 
 & do all the other Business Necessary for a Constable to do in Town. 
 
 Voted Martin Kellogg jnr Constable, and Said Martin Ingadged to do all the 
 Business above Specified for the Consideration of Eighteen Dollers & Fiftey Cents r 
 Paid and Said Martin is to Procure two good Bondsmen to the acceptation of the 
 Town Treasurer for the ap of the Inheabitants in the Penal Sum of Two Thou- 
 sand Dollars for his faithfull Performance of Said Trust — 
 
 Voted to graint to Capt Ebenezer Boltwood, Sixteen Dollers & Eightey 
 Eight Cents to Replace the Money he Disbursted for a Tax Committed to him 
 against y e Widow Eunice Parsons which he cold not Collect of Said Eunice (this. 
 Paid &c) 
 
 Attest Medad Dickinson Moderator — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of y° Town of Amherst Qualified 
 according to the Constitution to Vote for Goviner, Voted as follows (viz) 
 
 For y" Hon, Calub Strong 134 
 
 Elbridg Gerry 4 
 
 Moses Gill 23 
 
 Reuben Cowls 1 
 April 7 th A D : 1S00 — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the 7" 1 day of May A. D. 1S00 at two of the Clock. P. M. 
 Voted as Follows (viz) 
 
 Voted De° Medad Dickinson Moderator. 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three Dollars & thirtey three 
 Cents for Schooling the Currant year 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three, to Inspect the rode from the East 
 Meeting, house, to Pelham Line, & judge what method is best for the Town to 
 take, to Put Said Rode in Repare, and make Reporte to Sum futer Meeting 
 
 Voted De n John Billings, Samuel Hastings & Capt Eli Parker be the Com' 
 above - 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three Dollers & thirtey three 
 Cents, to Repare the Highways the Currant year 
 
 Voted to allow Fiftey Cents P r Day for highway worke till y c first of Sep- 
 tember ; and thirtey three Cents ye rest of the year — 
 
 Attest Medad Dickixsox Moderator 
 
 15 
 
l86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the 25" 1 day of August A. D 1S00 at 4 of the Clock P. M. 
 Voted as follows, (viz) — 
 
 Voted De n Elisha Smith Moderator — 
 
 Voted to Remonstrate against the Establishment of a County Roade from 
 Shutesbury near Asa Adams,s to this town through David Cowls Land and others 
 on the Flat hills So Called — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Com' 1 '' of three to Draw up a Remonstrance against the 
 Establishment of Said Rode, to be Forwarded to the Court of Common Pleas to 
 be holden at Northampton this week in and For this County — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing house on Monday the 3''day of Novemb 1 ' A. D. 1S00 Voted as Follows — (viz) — ■ 
 Voted De" Medad Dickinson Moderator — 
 
 Voted to accept of the Reporte of the Com tee Chosen to Vew the Rode from 
 the East Streat to Pelham Line in may Laist, and is as Follows — (viz) 
 
 Amherst August 25 th 1S00 — the Subscribers have vewed the County Roade, 
 leading from the East Meetinghouse in Said Town to Pelham Line ; and Reporte, that 
 the Following alterations appear to be Xessary (viz) Beginingat a Stake and Stones 
 in De 00 " Medad Dickinson Land, three rods South of Asiel Blotchet Shop, then 
 Riming East 6 C South to Olliver Claps Land two rods and half South of the North 
 Line of Said Roade then East 9 \ South 60 rods to a Stake and Stones three Roads 
 South of the North Side of Said Rode then East S°, South 45 Rods £ to a Stake 
 and Stones, the Laist Cours the roade to be three rods wide. 
 
 John Billings i 
 Eli Parker [ Commt' 
 
 Samuel Hastings 1 
 Damage Assest to De" Medad Dickinson £7 — 00s 
 
 W a Catherine Williams 1 — 40 
 
 Olliver Clap 15 — 25 
 
 Moses Nash 7 — 35 
 
 £ji—oo 
 Voted to Raise $200 Dollers to Repare Said Rode 
 
 Attest Medad Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 
 Meeting-House on Monday the 8"' day of Decembe 1 ' A. D. 1S00 at Nine of ye 
 
 Clock in ye morning — Voted as Follows— (viz) 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood Moderator — 
 
 Voted to allow one Dollar and thirtey three Cents P r Hundred for 2 Inch 
 
 oake Plank also Pine Ditto- 
 Voted to Choose a Com' 01 ' of three to buld a bridge over Forte river (So Call) 
 
 near to John Morton. — 
 
 Voted Samuel Hastings, Coll Elijah Dickinson, and Aaron Billings be the 
 
 Com"' 1 ' above. — 
 
 Attest Ebeneza.r BoLTWOOD Moderator 
 
 Hampshire Ss April 6 th 1S01. Then D r Seth Coleman being Chosen to the 
 Several Offices of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer for the year ensuing took the 
 Oaths by Law required to be taken to qualify him to Serve in the Same Offices 
 respectively before Simeon Strong Justice of the Peace. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN .MEETINGS. 187 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing-House on Monday y" 6"' day of Aprill A. D. 1S01 at Nine of the Clock A. M. 
 Voted as Follows, (viz) 
 
 Voted Ebenezar Mattoon jr Esqr Moderator — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Town Clerk — 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Town Treasurer — 
 
 Voted Maj r Medad Dickinson. Noah Smith. Gideon Stutson, Samuel Hast- 
 ings, & Capt Mosas Hastings, Selectmen, 
 
 Voted maj 1 ' Medad Dickinson, Capt Ebenezar Boltwood & Perez Dickinson 
 Assessors Qualified 
 
 Voted L 1 Calvin Merrill Constable. 
 
 Voted to Rais Four Hundred Dollers to Repare the Highways the Currant 
 year — 
 
 Voted to allow 50 Cents P r day for Highway worke till the First of Septem- 
 ber & thirtey three Cents y e rest of y e year 
 
 Voted that Ceaser Prut a Town Pauper, be Set up at vendue, to the Lowest 
 bidder For Victualling and Beding and was Struck of to Ins Asa Smith for one 
 year for one Doller Per week 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three Dollers and thirtey three 
 Cents for Schooling the Currant year — 
 
 Voted to Raise Seventy five Dollers for the Support of the Poor the Currant 
 year 
 
 Ebenezar Mattoon jr 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of the Town of Amherst Qualified 
 according to the Constitution to Vote for govener. Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 For y" Hon, Calub Strong 177 
 
 Elbrige Geery 6 
 
 April 6: 1S01 — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting-House on thirsday the 7 th day of May A: D. 1S01 at three of the Clock 
 in the afternoon — Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Vew a Bit of ground Lying west 
 of Clarks mills, and Determin how much Land if any Can be Sold, without dis- 
 cummodeing the Town & take a Measurment of. and apprise the Same, and 
 Reporte to a Futer meeting — 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Vew a gore of Land whare David 
 Hawley Lately Lived and Say how much Land if any Can be Sold and apprise 
 Said Land and Reporte to Next Meeting — 
 
 Attest Samuel Hastings — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish 
 Meeting-house in Said Amherst on Friday the 22' 1 day of May A. D 1S01. at four 
 of the Clock in the afternoon Voted as Follows — 
 
 Voted that the Town are opposed to the Petition of Eleazar Clark and others 
 For a Turnpike roade from western to Amherst and think it notonley Inexpedient 
 but Prejudicial to the Community. — 
 
 Voted that gen 1 Zebina Montague the Representative for the Town of 
 Amherst be Requested to use his utmost Endeavour in the General Court to Pre- 
 vent Said Petition being grainted 
 
 Attest Moses Hastings — 
 
1 88 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst Holden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing-House on Wetnesday the Sixteenth Day of December Eighteen Hundred and 
 one at Nine of the Clock in the Forenoon Voted as Follows — (viz) 
 
 Voted to allow one Dollar and Thirtey three Cents P r Hundred for 2 Inch 
 oake Plank.-- 
 
 Voted to accept a Reporte of a Committee Chosen at April Meeting Laist, 
 to Vew, take a measurment, and apprise a bit of Land Laying westerly of Clarks 
 mill (So Called) which is as follows — (viz) — 
 Amherst August 17 th ; 1S01 
 
 Report of a Committee Consisting of E. Mattoon jr Esq. Coll Elijah Dickin- 
 son Stephen Smith Appointed at a Late meeting of the Town to vew, Assertain 
 the Quantity, apprise the Value, and Set out by Meets and Bounds, a Peice of Land 
 on the hill westerly and near Clarks mill (so Called) ; and also a Peice of Land nor- 
 therly of Enos Bakers — have attended that Service, found in the Peice near Clarks 
 mill one Hundred and Twenty Seven Rods of ground which the Committee are of 
 opinion may be Disposed of without Inconvenience to the town; and also in the 
 Peice North of Enos Bakers, Eight Acres and Ninety two Rods of ground which 
 the Committee are of opinion may also be Sold or Disposed of adventagiously for 
 the Town — the minits and Plan of Said Peice of Land are herewith Exhibited — 
 the Committee have Apprised the peice of land near and Westerly of Clarks Mill 
 within the bounds which are Erected, at the Sum of Thirtey five Dollers and Fiftey 
 Cents and no More— also the land north of Enos Bakers at the Sum of Eight 
 Dollers pr acre and no more — all which is Submitted pr order 
 
 E Mattoon 
 Stephen Smith 
 Elijah Dickinson 
 
 Voted to graint the above Disscribed bit of land, near to, and westerly of 
 Clarks mill (So Called) to Jiles Church he paying the money on giveing good Secur- 
 ity to the Town Treasury for the Sum at which it was apprised by the Committee 
 Chosen to measure and apprise Said Land — 
 
 Voted that the above Disscribed bits of land Laying northerly of Enos Bakers, 
 be granted to the Several Persons against whose Land they Happen to Fall, they 
 Eithey Paying the money or giveing good Security to the Town Treasuty, at the 
 Proportion of the apprisement made by the Committee Chosen to measure & 
 apprise said Land — 
 
 Voted to Raise Sixtey Dollars to Procure a Standard of weights and meas- 
 ures for the town. — 
 
 Voted to Chose a Committee of three, to vew and apprise a bit of Town way 
 Laid out South of Simeon Cowls, toward Hadley and make reporte to a Futer 
 meetin. 
 
 N. B. Joseph Church P d for the Land adjoining him April 7, 1S02 $12: 22& 
 Cents 
 
 Timothey Green jr gave obligation for Land adjoining him April 7 : 1802 — 
 $24: 97.— 
 
 Town meeting, Feb. 8, 1802. 
 Voted to remonstrate against the Proposed Turnpike Rode, Leading from 
 Hardwick Belcherstown being granted. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of five to draw a Remonstrance, to be Laid 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 189 
 
 before the General Court, by the Representative of Amherst Praying that the 
 above proposed Turnpike rode may not be Established — 
 
 Medad Dickinson Moderator 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants of Town of Amherst Qualified accord- 
 ing to the Constitution to Vote for govener. Voted as Follows — (viz) — 
 For ye Hon Calub Strong 164 
 
 Elbridge Geery 19 
 
 Town meeting, April 5. 1802. 
 Voted Seth Coleman Clerk 
 Voted Seth Coleman Treasur. 
 Voted Capt Timothey Handerson. Den John Kellogg. Nathan Franklin, 
 
 Gideon Stetson, Coll Elijah Dickinson, Selectmen 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood, De" John Kellogg, Nathan Franklin 
 
 Assessors 
 
 Voted L* Calvin Merrill Constable, 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred and thirtey three Dollars and thirtey three 
 
 Cents, to Repare the Highways y Currant year 
 
 Voted to allow Fiftey Cents P r day. for Highway worke, till y e First of 
 
 September, and thirtey three Cents y e rest of y e year 
 
 Voted to Raise Four Hundred Dollers for Schooling the Currant year 
 Voted to allow Samuel Hastings. Fortey four Dollers For Victualing and 
 
 Clothing Ceser Prut, for one year, and Said Samuel is to Leave Cesar Prut as well 
 
 Clothed at the End of the year as he now finds him — 
 
 Voted to Raise Eleven Dollers to Pay ye Collector this year- 
 Voted to raise Fiftey Dollers for the support of the Poore of the Town this 
 
 year 
 
 Ebenezer Boltwood Moderator 
 
 Town meeting. May 5. 1S02. 
 Voted to Discontinue a Town rode of Ten rods wide Laying between the 
 Hears of Olliver Cowls Late of Amherst Deceased, and Simeon Cowls Land, and 
 grant the Same to the Hears of Jonathan Cowls Late of Amherst Deceased, upon 
 their Either Paying of Twenty Dollars to the Town Treasurer, or giveing good 
 Security for the Same Sum for the use of the Inheabitors. N. B. Simeon 
 Cowls gave Security for the above Land agreeable to ye vote above &c — 
 
 Town meeting, September 13, 1S02. 
 
 Voted to Choose two Agents, to waite on the Committee, appointed by the 
 General Court, to go on the ground of the Proposed turnpike rode, Leading from 
 Northampton to Hardwick — 
 
 Voted Jene 1 Zebina Montague. Coll Elijah Dickinson be the Committee 
 above; and that Said Agents use their Influence with the Honerable Corts Com- 
 mittee that they reporte gainst the Establishment of Said Turn Pike. — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of Amherst Holden at the First Parish Meeting-House on 
 Monday the first day of Nov 1 A. D 1802 For the Purpus of bringing in their 
 Vote for a Person to Represent the Hampshire North district in the Congress of 
 the united States— Voted as Follows — (viz)— 
 
190 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS, 
 
 Zebina Montague Esqr — 36 
 Edward Upham Esqr — 4 
 Solomon Smead — Esqr — 3 
 Selah Voce — Esqr— 33 
 John Williams - Esqr — 6 
 
 Town meeting, December 6, 1802. 
 Voted to allow Forty two Cents p r day for Worke at Highways this Fall. 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to Buld a Pound in Amherst. 
 Voted that Said Committee provide materials to Buld Said Pound this Win- 
 ter, and that Said Pound be bilt of Timber 
 
 Voted to allow Rebekah Hawley Six Dollers and Sixty Seven Cents for 
 Tending his Father in his laist Sickness- 
 Voted to Buld a Hears to Convey dead Corpses to the Place of Enterment. 
 Voted that the Selectmen be the Committee to buld Said Hears 
 Voted to raise Fifty Dollers for the Purpose of Bidding Said Hears 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst H olden at the First Parish Meet- 
 ing House on Mondy y 24" 1 day of January A. D. 1803 for the Purpose of bring- 
 ing their Votes For a Person to Represent the Hampshire North District in the 
 the Congress of the united States — Voted as Follows. 
 
 John Williams Esq — 67 
 
 Col. Hugh McClellen 10 
 
 Solomon Smeed Esq — 9 
 
 Jonathan Levett Esq — 9 
 
 Rv d Samuel Taggart— 1 
 
 Town meeting, January 24. 1803. 
 
 Voted to Buld a Bridge over the River in the North part of the Town near 
 Ingrams Mill — 
 
 Voted that it be Left Discresionary with this Committee to buld the bridge 
 in such ways as Shall be thought best for the Interest of the Town. — 
 
 At a Legal Meeting of Inheabitants of Amherst Qualified according to the 
 Constitution to Vote for goviner on the 4 th day of April 1803. Voted as Follows — 
 (viz)— 
 
 For y" Hon, Calub Strong — 174 
 
 Elbridge Geery 15 
 
 Town meeting, April 4, 1S03. 
 
 Voted Seth Coleman Town Clerk 
 
 Voted De" Samuel F Dickinson Treasurer 
 
 Voted Coll Elijah Dickinson, Gideon Stetson, Den Nathan Franklin, Timo- 
 they Handerson, and Den John Kellogg Selectmen 
 
 Voted Capt Ebenezar Boltwood De" Nathan Franklin, and De" John Kellogg 
 Assessors — 
 
 Voted Jearub White Constable, 
 
 Voted to Raise Four Hundred Dollars, For Schooling y Currant year 
 
 Voted to Raise three Hundred & Thirtey three Dollers, & thirtey three Cents 
 to Repare the Highway the Currant year— 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. in I 
 
 Voted to allow Fiftey Cents P r day for Highway worke till y e first of Septem- 
 ber & thirtey three Cents y e rest of the year- 
 Voted that L* John Ingram take Ceser Prut a Towns Pauper for one year, 
 and Said John is to Vitual & lodge Said Ceser, and Leave him as well Clothed at 
 the End of the year as he now finds him, for the Consideration of Twenty nine 
 Dollers & Twenty five Cents 
 
 Voted to Chose a Committee of three, in Each School District Whose duty 
 it Shall be, to hire School Masters, and Superintend the expendatures of the School 
 money.— 
 
 Town meeting, December 5, 1S03. 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three to take advice and See if there be any 
 way to get rid of the maintenance of Aaron Kellogg, an Insane Person. — 
 
 Voted to Instruct our Representative not to Vote to allow the Judges of the 
 Supreme Judicial Court, more than Sixteen Hundred and Sixty Six Dollars and 
 Sixty Seven Cents P r year for their Sallery — 
 
 April-meeting AD 1S04. For the choice of town Officers &c. 
 
 At a legal meeting of the free holders and other inhabitants of the town of 
 Amherst qualified to vote in town-meeting, holden at the first Parish-meeting 
 house in said town, on monday the second day of April in the year of our Lord 
 eighteen hundred & four, at nine of the clock in the forenoon, and continued, by 
 adjournment, to the afternoon of the same day, in pursuance the Selectmen's 
 warrant for that purpose, remaining on file. 
 
 .Major Medad Dickinson was chosen Moderator: the meeting was then opened 
 with prayer by the Rev. Doctor Parsons; and the following persons duly chosen 
 to fill the several offices in town for the year insueing, hereafter annexed to their 
 names respectively, that is to say : Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk. Samuel F. 
 Dickinson Town Treasurer. Deacons Nathan Franklin & John Kellogg and Perez 
 Dickinson Assessors who were, on the same day, qualified for said office, by taking 
 the necessary oath before the Town Clerk. 
 
 Jarib White, Constable, who took the oath necessary to qualify him for said 
 office, before me, on the same day. 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson, Capt. Timothy Henderson, Mr. Gideon Stetson D" 
 Nathan Franklin & D" John Kellogg Selectmen 
 
 Voted to hire a Collector of taxes for the year insuing, by setting up the collect- 
 orship at vendue, to the lowest bidder, he procuring bonds with two sufficie nt sureties, 
 to the satisfaction of the town-treasurer, in the penal sum of two thousand Dollars, 
 for the faithful performance of the said trust. And the same, being sett-up at vendue. 
 as aforesaid, was struck off to Jarib White, under the conditions above expressed, 
 for the sum of Eleven Dollars & Eighty nine cents: who was accordingly chosen 
 Collector of Taxes for the year insuing, and took the necessary oath to qualify him 
 for said office, on the same day, before me. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of the third article in the warrant above mentioned, to 
 raise, for the repairing of highways for the year insuing, three hundred & thirty 
 three Dollars & thirty three cents; to be expended in the same manner, in which 
 money was last year expended upon the road: to allow fifty cents, by the day for 
 labor upon the highways, till the first day of September; ec thirty three cents, by 
 the day for the remaining part of the year and that the said sum voted for the 
 repair of highways be assessed by the last List. 
 
192 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of the fourth Article in said Warrant, to raise for the 
 purpose of schooling, the insuing year, the sum of four hundred Dollars, to be 
 expended, in each district, its proportion, under the direction of a school-Commit- 
 tee, consisting of three persons; and accordingly the following persons were chosen 
 for said Committee, in each district, that is to say : 
 
 In the South West district. Stephen Fish, Asa Smith & Martin Kellogg. 
 
 In the South East district, Dea. Nathan Franklin, Elisha Smith & Justus 
 Williams Jr. 
 
 In the East Middle district, Ins Dickinson, Joseph Watson & Maj. Medad 
 Dickinson. 
 
 In the North East district, Enos Baker, Zechariah Hawley & Ebenezar 
 Ingram. 
 
 In the North West district, Elijah Smith, Elijah Eastman & Richard Carpenter. 
 
 In the West Middle district. Sam. F. Dickinson, L' Calvin Merrill & Capt. 
 Geo. Williamson. 
 
 Voted, that Cesar Prutt, a negro and Town's Pauper, be set-up, at vendue, to 
 the lowest bidder, to be kept, the year insuing with suitable vituals and clothing, 
 and to be returned at the end of the year, as well clothed as he now is. He was 
 accordingly set-up, as aforesaid, and struck-off to Aaron Merrick, he being the 
 lowest bidder, at the Sum of forty one Dollars & fifty Cents, on the conditions 
 above expressed. 
 
 Also, that Aaron Kellogg, a deranged person, and a Town's Pauper, be left in 
 the hands of the Selectmen, the Insuing year, that they may make such experi- 
 ments with him. and provide for him in such a manner, as they may think condu- 
 sive to his happiness, and the interests of the town. 
 
 Voted. To accept the report of the Committee, chosen at laist December 
 meeting, to examine, take advice and see if there be any legal method to get rid of 
 the maintainance of Aaron Kellogg, who is mentioned above ; which report is in 
 the words & figures following, that is to say : 
 
 '■Amherst. April 2' 1 1S04. 
 
 "A Report of the Committee appointed at the last December meeting, to 
 inquire, whether the town, by any legal means, could avoid the expence of sup- 
 porting" Aaron Kellogg. 
 
 "Your Committee were duly impressed with the importance of their Commis- 
 sion, as it respected the Interest of the Town, as well as their own reputation; 
 knowing the Town indignant at the attempt, made by Daniel Kellogg, while rolling 
 in wealth and prosperity, to impose his deranged brother upon it. Your Committee 
 have consulted the most eminent .Attorneys in the government, upon the question: 
 viz, Mr Parsons of Boston, Mr Williams of Deerfield: Mr Ashmun of Blanford: 
 and Mr Hinckley of Northampton. The Committee have not settled with all of 
 them : therefore, they can not report the precise sum of the expence ; but it will 
 not exceed fifteen Dollars. 
 
 •• A question of so much consequence to the town, in which their feelings are 
 so deeply interested, has not failed to excite very uneasy sensations in the minds 
 of their Committee; that they cannot make a Report more consonant to their 
 own. and the Town's wishes. But it is their duty, however disagreeable the task, 
 to lay before the Town the Report of their inquiries. 
 
 " We are told, that Justice and Equity are upon the side of the town but that 
 past transactions have precluded them from the benefit of Law. We are advised 
 to submit to the injustice, rather than risque a doubtful decision. 
 
 " Our lawyers, upon an accurate statement of the case, could hardly persuade 
 themselves, that such an instance of the want of brotherly affection could exist in 
 the Community : and endeavored to convince your Committee, that upon mature 
 deliberation. Daniel Kellogg could not risque his reputation in persisting in such a 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN .MEETINGS. 193 
 
 mode of conduct: as he must well know, could not only render him and his family 
 very obnoxious to every inhabitant of the Town, but contemptible in the eyes of all. 
 who should come to the knowledge of the case. From the suggestions of those 
 gentlemen, and from the wish of mankind in general, to stand well with their fellow- 
 men, your Committee entertained a faint hope, that Daniel Kellogg, reflecting upon 
 the palpable injustice of his conduct, and considering the abundance, with which lit- 
 is surrounded, and knowing that a considerable sums of money must be wrung from 
 the hard earnings and scanty pittance of the poor and indigent, every Cent of 
 which is necessary for the support of their helpless offspring, to support a Brother 
 of his — that it would have reduced his obdurate heart, and have excited some sen- 
 sations of brotherly love & affection. But in this, they have been disappointed. 
 Callous to the hard fate of a wretched and distressed brother, and devoid of all 
 the natural and social feelings of humanity : wrapt-up in the barbarous garb of 
 self-interest : abandoning all the tender ties of brotherly love and affection : deaf to 
 loud calls of Justice, and the earnest intreaties. and humble supplications of a 
 miserable deranged Brother, he stands a deplorable monument of human depravity ' 
 " Your Committee recommend this Report to be entered on the Records of the 
 town, as a rare instance of the want of brotherly affection : and that it remain 
 there, until Daniel Kellogg, or some of his Posterity, shall indemnify the town for 
 the expence of supporting his brother, Aaron Kellogg. — 
 
 E. Mattoox Jr. ) 
 
 Elijah Dickixsox [ Committee. " 
 Zebina Montague ) 
 Attest, Samuel F. Dickixsox, Town-Clerk. 
 
 April Meeting A D 1S04. For the choice of Govenor &c. 
 At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Amherst qualified to 
 Vote for Govenor of the Commonwealth holden at the first Parish meeting in 
 said Amherst, on the second day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred 
 & four, at three of the Clock in the afternoon, in pursuance of a legal warrant for 
 that purpose 
 
 His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq'' had 140 votes. 
 Hon. James Sullivan Esq 1 ' 15 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickixsox Town Clerk. 
 
 May-Meeting A D 1804. For Chusing Representative. 
 At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Amherst, qualified by 
 Law to vote for Representative in the General Court, holden at the first parish 
 meeting in said Amherst, on the Seventh day of May in the year of our Lord, 
 eighteen hundred & four pursuant to the warrant of the selectmen for that pur- 
 pose : which meeting was holden for the purpose of chusing one person to repre- 
 sent this Town in the General Court, for the year insuing, of this Commonwealth : 
 on counting the votes, it appeared, that. 
 
 Zebina Montague Esq 1 ' had Thirty one votes. 
 Major Medad Dickinson Twelve 
 Capt. Timothy Henderson one 
 Col" Elijah Dickinson one and 
 Samuel F. Dickinson fifteen votes. 
 Zebina Montague Esq'' was. therefore, declared duly elected, he having a 
 majority of votes. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickixsox, Town Clerk. 
 
194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 3, 1804. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of the third article in the warrant, to build a school- 
 house in the East middle school-district, on the spot where the present school-house 
 now stands, after the construction of the school houses in the West middle, or 
 South East districts, and not to exceed either of them in size or expence: and to 
 dispose of the present school house in s' 1 first mentioned district, 
 
 Voted to Choose a Committee of three persons to build said school-house, and 
 that they be authorized to dispose of the old school-house there, to the greatest 
 advantage, toward building the new-one ; Major Medad Dickinson, John Dickin- 
 son, and Joseph Watson were accordingly chosen said Committee. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson", Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. April r, 1805. 
 
 The Hon. Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Esq. was chosen Moderator; The meeting 
 was then opened, with Prayer, by the Rev. Doctor Parsons; and the following 
 persons chosen to the several offices hereafter respectively annexed to their names, 
 and the following Votes also passed : that is to say ; 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Treasurer. 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson, Major Medad Dickinson, Capt Timothy Henderson, 
 Deacons Nathan Franklin & John Kellogg, Selectmen. 
 
 Deacon Nathan Franklin, Capt. Calvin Merrill and Deacon John Kellogg 
 Assessors, Sworn 
 
 Mr William D Williamson Constable & Collector of Taxes. In the choice of 
 a Constable & collector of Taxes it was 
 
 Voted, that the same be set-up at vendue, to the lowest bidder, as it was the 
 last year: the person bidding off the same, procuring bonds,* * * in the penal 
 sum of Two thousand Dollars. The same was accordingly set up, to the 
 
 lowest bidder, and struck off the said William D. Williamson, * * * for the sum of 
 Eleven Dollars & fifty cents, being the lowest sum offered. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of the third article in the warrant, to raise for the repair- 
 ing of the highways, the insuing year, four hundred Dollars; & that sixty seven 
 cents for a days labor on the highways, until the first day of September, be 
 allowed. & forty two cents, for the rest of the year. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of the fourth article in the warrant, to raise for the sup- 
 port of the schools, the current year, four hundred Dollars: and the same be 
 expended, under the direction of a school Committee of three persons, in each 
 district. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of the fifth article in the warrant, that Aaron Kellogg & 
 Caesar Prutt, two of the Town's poor, be set up, to the lowest bidder, to be kept 
 through the year, with suitable ec sufficient victuals & clothing, to be kept as well 
 clothed as they now are, & to be so returned at the end of the year ; they were 
 accordingly set-up & struck-off as follows, viz, on the conditions above written ; 
 Aaron Kellogg to Capt. Eli Parker jr, for the sum of one Dollar and twenty five 
 cents, by the week : and 
 
 Caesar Prutt, to Daniel Moody, to be kept through the year, on the above con- 
 ditions, for the sum of forty eight Dollars and twenty five cents. 
 
 Voted. Also under the same article that Salina Dickinson, one other of the 
 town's poor, be left in the hands and care of Deacon Nathan Franklin for the pres- 
 ent year: and that he bring in his bill to the town for the same. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson, Town-Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 195 
 
 Town Meeting. April 1. 1S05. for the choice of Governor. 
 His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq'' had 190 votes *» 
 Hon James Sullivan Esq'' 34 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town .Meeting May 9. 1805, for chusing Representative. 
 The first time balloting, 
 
 General -Zebina Montague had 49 votes 
 Major Medad Dickinson 24 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson 1 
 
 Capt. Timothy Henderson 5 
 
 Capt. Calvin Merrill 1 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson 50 & no choice 
 
 The Second balloting. General Montague having declined being considered 
 a candidate for the office, the votes were as follows, to wit : 
 For General Zebina Montague 10 votes 
 for Major Medad Dickinson 28 
 for Samuel F. Dickinson 97 who was accordingly chosen. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson, Town-Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. December 16. 1S05. 
 Voted. Under the third article in the warrant, to Chuse a Committee of three 
 persons to examin the Northeast school-house, and report to the next April 
 meeting, wheather, in their opinion, it is necessary to rebuild the same, the season 
 insuing. Accordingly Elijah Eastman. Deacon Elisha Smith. ec Zebina Montague 
 Esq r were chosen for said Committee. 
 
 Voted. Under the sixth article in the warrant, to raise for the support of the 
 poor, one hundred Dollars. 
 
 Attest. Sa.mull F. Dickixsox Town Clerk 
 
 At a Legal meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of 
 Amherst, qualified to vote in town affairs, holden at the first Parish Meetinghouse 
 in said town, on monday. the sixteenth day of December in the year of our Lord 
 eighteen hundred ec five, in pursuance of a legal warrant of the Selectmen. " To 
 take into consideration the proposed division of the county. & pass any votes there- 
 on the town may think proper " 
 
 Major Samuel Gamwell being chosen Moderator, , 
 
 Voted unanimously, that this town are opposed to the proposed division. 
 Voted also to chuse a Committee of five persons to draw a remonstrance against 
 the said proposed division, addressed to the Hon. General Court, & to send the 
 same by our Representative: and that General Zebina Montague. Daniel Cooley, 
 Esq. Major Medad Dickinson. Mr Simeon Strong, & Capt Calvin Merrill be that 
 Committee. * 
 
 Attest, Samuel F. Dickixsox Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. April 7. 1806. 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Major Medad Dickinson, Col. Elijah Dickinson. Capt. Timothy Henderson 
 D n Nathan Franklin & D" John Kellogg. Selectmen. 
 
.196 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Capt. Calvin Merrill, D" Nathan Franklin : & Ensign Enos Baker, Assessors 
 
 Voted, that the Collectorship of taxes be set-up, at vendue, by the Moderator, 
 in open town-meeting, to the lowest bidder, it being understood that the person 
 bidding off the same procure bonds to the satisfaction of the treasurer of the town 
 in the sum of two thousand Dollars for the faithful performance of the duty : & 
 that the same person be chosen Constable — The Collectorship was accordingly 
 set-up, & struck off to Capt. Calvin Merrill, he being the lowest bidder, on the con- 
 ditions above expressed, for the sum of Sixteen Dollars— and he was accordingly 
 chosen Constable. 
 
 Voted, In pursuance of Article 3' 1 to set up to the lowest bidder, Caesar Prutt 
 and Aaron Kellogg, two of the town's poor, to be kept through the year insuing, 
 with sufficient & suitable provision & necessaries, excepting for Physician or med- 
 icine. & to be returned at the end of the year as well clothed as they are now ; 
 accordingly, they were set-up. & struck off, on the conditions above expressed, for 
 the sum severally following, that is to say : Caesar Prutt to Joel Kellogg for fifty 
 one Dollars: and Aaron Kellogg to Lt. John Ingram for Sixty one Dollars X fifty 
 cents: And that Salina Dickinson, one other of the town's poor be left in the 
 disposal of the Selectmen. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of Art. 4 th in the warrant, to repair the highways in the 
 usual way, which has been practiced in town, & to raise four hundred Dollars 
 therefor: allowing sixty seven cents, for one day's labor on the road till the first of 
 September. & thirty three cents afterward. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of Art. 7" 1 in the warrant, to raise for the support of the 
 schools the insuing year, four hundred dollars: & that the same be expended, 
 under the direction and care of a Committee of three persons in each school- 
 district, * * * 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of Art. 8 th in the warrant, to give a bounty of twenty 
 Dollars in addition to the states bounty, to any person killing a wolf in the bounds 
 this town, during the current year. 
 
 Voted. In pursuance of Art io" 1 in the warrant, to give a bounty of twelve 
 cents & an half to any person who shall kill any grown Crow, within the limits of 
 this town, between this time ec the fifth of July next. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, April 7, 1806. for choice of Governor. 
 
 His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq had two hundred & one votes. 
 
 The Hon James Sullivan had thirty one votes 
 
 Jul ward M Robbins Esq. had one vote. 
 
 Medad Dickinson "i 
 Elijah Dickinson | Selectmen 
 John Kellogg y of the town of 
 Timo Handerson I Amherst. 
 Nathan Franklin J 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 12, 1S06, for Representative. 
 For General Zebina Montague two 
 for Colonel Elijah Dickinson one 
 
 for Major Medad Dickinson fifty seven, & for Samuel F. Dickinson Sixty 
 three, which being a majority, he is accordingly declared to be chosen. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. L97 
 
 Town Meeting, May 12. 1S06. 
 
 Voted, in pursuance of Article 2' 1 to accept the report of the Committee 
 therein mentioned, which report was that a new school-house ought to be built in 
 the North East school district, this present season. Accordingly voted to build 
 the same of the dimensions of thirty six by twenty feet : that the Selectmen be a 
 Committee for the purpose of building said school-house : that they dispose of the 
 old house to the best advantage for the town : and be authorized to fix upon the 
 place of setting the new one, only the inhabitants of the district shall themseh 
 agree upon the same. 
 
 Voted In pursuance of Art. 5 th That a new bridge over Fort river, west of 
 Gad Dickinsons, be built, and that the same be built under the direction of a 
 Committee of three persons: accordingly Col. Elijah Dickinson, Major Moses 
 Hastings, and Gad Dickinson were chosen for said Committee. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 22, 1S06. 
 Voted. In pursuance of the third article, in the warrant, to raise for the sup- 
 port of the poor of the town, one hundred and thirty dollars. 
 
 Voted. In addition to the bills allowed, to allow to Ebenezar Dickinson, the 
 Second, & Josiah Warner, Jr. the sum of three hundred dollars for building a 
 school house in the North East school district. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 6, 1S07. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk & Treasurer. Sworn. Major Medad Dick- 
 inson, Col. Elijah Dickinson. Capt. Timothy Henderson, D" Nathan Franklin & 
 D n John Kellogg Selectmen sworn. 
 
 D n Nathan Franklin, Capt Calvin Merrill and Elijah Smith Assessors sworn. 
 
 Jarib White Constable & Collector of Taxes. Sworn. 
 
 In the choice of whom Voted: that the collector-ship of taxes be set-up at 
 vendue, * * * to the lowest bidder ; * * * The Collectorship was accordingly 
 set-up as aforesaid, & struck off to said Jarib White, he being the lowest bidder, 
 for the sum of twenty two dollars & seventy five cents: and he was therefore 
 chosen Constable. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 6, 1S07. for Governor. 
 His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq r had two hundred & twelve votes. 
 Hon. James Sullivan Esq 1 ' had thirty five votes. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 May meeting, 1807. (Representatives) 
 At a legal meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabitants of the town oi 
 Amherst, qualified by Law, to vote for Representative to the General Court of this 
 Commonwealth, holden at the first Parish meeting house in said Amherst, on the 
 seventh day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seven. 
 at 2 of the Clock in the afternoon in pursuance of a legal warrant of 'he Selei ' 
 men for that purpose. 
 
198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 >For Zebina Montague Esquire, four votes 
 
 Major Medad Dickinson twenty seven Do 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson seventy-nine Do who was accordingly 
 declared to be chosen 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 April meeting, 1S0S. Town affairs. 
 
 At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of 
 Amherst, qualified by the Constitution, to vote in town-affairs, holden at the first 
 parish meeting house in said town, on monday, the fourth day of April in the year 
 ■ of our Lord eighteen hundred & eight, at nine of the clock in the forenoon, & by 
 adjournment, in the afternoon of the same day. Ebenezar Mattoon Esquire, 
 being chosen Moderator, and a prayer being made by the Rev. Ichabod Draper, 
 the following persons were chosen into the offices, to their names hereafter respec- 
 tively affixed, and the following votes passed; Viz : 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk & treasure]". Sworn. 
 
 Col Elijah Dickinson, Major Moses Hastings, Capt. Calvin Merrill, Eben 1 ' 
 Ingram & Aaron Merrick, Selectmen — all sworn before me. 
 
 Capt Calvin Merrill. Elijah Smith and Justus Williams Jr Assessors. 
 
 Joseph Watson, Constable & Collector of Taxes. To whom was voted, on the 
 same condition as last year, the sum of twenty dollars for his services therein. 
 
 Voted to choose a Committee of three to audit accounts against the 
 town ; * * * 
 
 Voted, to raise for the support of schools, this current year, four hundred 
 dollars: Also Voted, to raise in addition to the above, one hundred and fifty dollars. 
 to be expended in Summer Schools. Voted, however, that each District be author- 
 ized to expend its proportion thereof, either for winter or summer schools, as they 
 may think best — the whole to be expanded under the care of a Committee in each 
 District: * * * 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickixsox Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 4, 180S for Governor 
 Hon. Christopher Gore, Two hundred & thirty votes — 
 His Excellency James Sullivan Esquire, thirty votes — 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickixsox Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, May 9. 1S0S. 
 Voted, to Chuse two persons to Represent the town in the General Court, the 
 Current year : 
 
 Voted, to Chuse each by separate ballots: accordingly, the votes being given 
 in, sorted & counted, were as follows, viz. 
 For Mr. Simeon Strong one 
 
 Zebina Montague Esquire twenty one. 
 Major Medad Dickinson forty nine. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Eighty seven: who having a majority of votes 
 was declared to be elected. And, the votes being given in, sorted & counted, for 
 one other Representative, were as follows, viz : 
 For D r Samuel Gamwell one vote 
 Mr. Simeon Strong one vote. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 199 
 
 Major Medad Dickinson seventy one. 
 
 Zebina Montague, Esquire Eighty, and he having a majority of votes, 
 was accordingly declared elected. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, August 29, 1S0S. 
 Voted, in pursuance of the second article in the warrant, to petition the Pres- 
 ident of the United States to take off the Embargo in part, or in all: And. tochuse 
 a Committee of live persons to draw a petition for that purpose: and that said 
 Committee consist of the following persons, viz, Messrs Simeon Strong. Moses 
 Hastings. Medad Dickinson, Calvin Merrill & Elijah Dickinson. 
 
 Attest. Medad Dickinson Clerk pro tempori 
 
 Town Meeting, August 30. 1S0S. 
 The Town met according to adjournment, and the Committee appointed yes- 
 terday, having reported a Petition for the objects above specified, the same was 
 accepted, seven only dissenting. And the Selectmen directed to sign& forward the 
 same to the President of the United States. Also, that a copy of said Petition be 
 taken and left in the office of the town Clerk. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 12. 1S0S. 
 Voted. In pursuance of the fourth article in the warrant, to chuse a Com- 
 mittee of three persons, with discretion, impower to defend the suit brought against 
 the Town by the town of Granby, and that the same Committee consist of Samuel 
 F Dickinson, Col. Elijah Dickinson & Simeon Strong: the same suit being com- 
 menced to recover damages for supporting Eli Emmons, a Pauper. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 At a legal meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the Town of 
 Amherst, qualified to vote in town affairs, holden at the first Parish meeting house 
 in said Town, by adjournment at Elijah Poltwood's hall in said Amherst, on mon- 
 day, the thirtieth day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & nine, 
 at one of the clock P. M. for the purpose of taking into consideration the alarming- 
 state of our public concerns, Major Samuel Gamwell was chosen Moderator: and 
 certain Resolutions expressing the sense of the good people of this town, of the 
 present state of the Country, and of the measure of the General Government of the 
 United States, in relation thereto. Voted: which resolutions are on file and 
 attested by the Town Clerk. 
 
 Also voted, that a Committee of three persons be chosen to forward a Copy of 
 said Resolutions to the General Court of this Commonwealth & to the Prii 
 the Hampshire Gazette, at Northampton for publication. Accordingly. Samuel F. 
 Dickinson Simeon Strong, & Col Elijah Dickinson were chosen to be said 
 Committee. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 3, [809. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson. Town Clerk & Treasurer, and sworn by the .Moderator. 
 no Justice of the Peace being present. 
 
200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Major Moses Hastings, Capt Calvin Merrill, Aaron Merrick, Elijah Smith, & 
 Chester Williams. Selectmen, and sworn by me. 
 
 Capt. Timothy Henderson, Capt. Calvin Merrill and Justus Williams Jr. 
 Assessors. Sworn by T. Clerk. 
 
 Zacheus Crocker Ingram, Constable and Collector of Taxes. To whom was 
 voted the sum of Twenty Dollars and twenty five cents for his services as collector 
 on the same conditions as last year. 
 
 Elijah Eastman, Capt. Timothy Henderson and D" Nathan Franklin, Com- 
 mittee of Accounts. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 3, 1S09, for Governor. 
 Hon. Christopher Gore Esq r had Two hundred & forty Votes. 
 His Honor Levi Lincoln Esquire had Twenty one Votes. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 8, 1S09. 
 The Selectmen presiding at said meeting : 
 
 Voted To send two Representatives to the General Court, the present year; 
 and that they be chosen by separate ballots ; accordingly the votes being given in, 
 sorted & counted, on the first balloting, were as follows : viz : 
 For Major Medad Dickinson five 
 Noah D. Mattoon forty five, 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Ninty seven. 
 On the second balloting, as follows ; viz 
 For Major Medad Dickinson Seven 
 Noah D. Mattoon fifty eight 
 Simeon Strong Ninety two. 
 Accordingly. Samuel F. Dickinson and Simeon Strong, having, each, a 
 majority of all the votes given in, are both declared to be elected to Represent this 
 town in the General Court, for the present year. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting June 8, 1809. 
 Voted, to accept of Elijah Kellogg as a Collector of Taxes in the room of 
 Joseph Watson, about removing out of the Commonwealth, * * * 
 
 Attest Calvin Merrill Clerk, Pro tern 
 
 Town Meeting December 7, 1809. 
 
 Voted, In pursuance of the third article, on the Petition of Eben r Mattoon 
 Esq 1 & others, praying for an alteration in the highway near his dwelling-house, 
 to chuse a Committee of three persons to view the ground where the alteration is 
 prayed for. and report their opinion thereof, at a future meeting; and that John 
 Dickinson, Major Moses Hastings, and Colonel Elijah Dickinson be the Same 
 Committee. 
 
 Voted * * * that a Committee be chosen to rebuild the Bridge near Aaron 
 Merrick's dwelling house, which Committee was filled with Aaron Merrick, Jarib 
 White & Maj. Moses Hastings. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 201 
 
 Town Meeting, April 2, 1S10. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson. Town Clerk & Treasurer & sworn. 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson Maj. Moses Hastings Aaron Merrick L". Chester Wil- 
 liams and Elijah Smith. Selectmen & sworn. 
 
 Capt. Timothy Henderson, Capt. Calvin Merrill, and Justus Williams Jr. 
 Assessors— who were sworn. Zacheus Crocker Ingram. Constable & Collector of 
 taxes, he bidding off the Collectorship for the sum of twelve Dollars and twenty 
 five cents, and thereupon being chosen Constable. 
 
 Voted In pursuance of Article eighth, to accept the Report of the Commit- 
 tee appointed at the last December meeting, on the Petition of Ebenezer Mattoon 
 Esq r and others, praying that the town would allow them the privelege of straight- 
 ening their front fences, and of inclosing a strip of town land in front of their 
 lands; which report is favorable to the Petitioners, and allows them, together with 
 certain other persons therein named, for the sum therein severally expressed, to 
 inclose each, a strip of town's land, in front of their possessions, particularly 
 described and laid down in the same report ; which report is on file, & is to be con- 
 sidered part of this record : and the lands therein described granted to the several 
 persons therein named. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 2, 1S10, for Governor. 
 His Excellency, Christopher Gore, Esquire, Two hundred & forty eight votes. 
 Hon. Elbridge Gerry, Esquire, twenty one. 
 His Honor, David Cobb, Esq 1 " -one 
 Hon. W"' Gray, Esq 1 ' one vote. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, May 7, 1810. 
 Voted to chuse two Representatives to the General Court the present year. 
 And on balloting for the first, it appeared that Medad Dickinson, Esquire, had 
 eighty four votes, which being a majority of all the votes given in he was declared 
 to be chosen. And balloting for the second, it appeared that Deacon Elisha Smith 
 had eighty five votes : which being a majority of all the votes given in, he was also 
 declared to be elected. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 7, 1810. 
 The article in the warrant to see if the town are willing that Flias Smith with 
 his estate should be taken from Hadley and annexed to Amherst, according to his 
 petition to the General Court, being under consideration, it was Voted in the 
 affirmative. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, December 3, 1810. 
 Voted in pursuance of the third article in said warrant, to chuse a Committee 
 of three, to consider the propriety & expediency of suffering Hosea Goodell & 
 others, belonging to the South East school district, ly: living South of I>" Nathan 
 Franklins, to have their proportion of school money, the present year, to expend 
 for schooling, in such manner as will best accommodate them : and also of suffer 
 16 
 
202 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST. MASS. 
 
 ing the same inhabitants to join with certain individuals of Hadley in forming a 
 new school-district, and report at next April meeting — A committee was according- 
 ly chosen, consisting of De u Elisha Smith. Col Elijah Dickinson, and Capt Timo- 
 thy Henderson. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April i, 1S11, for Governor. 
 His Excellency Elbridge Gerry Esq. twenty three votes 
 Hon. Christopher Gore Esq. Two hundred & fifteen votes 
 Hon. Caleb Strong Esquire, one vote 
 Chester Dickinson one vote. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk — 
 
 Town Meeting, April i, 1S11, Town affairs. 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Clerk & Treasurer & Sworn. 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson, Major Moses Hastings. Lt. Chester Williams, Aaron 
 Merrick & Elijah Smith, Selectmen & Sworn. 
 
 Capt. Timothy Handerson, Capt. Calvin Merrill and Justus Williams Jr. 
 Assessors & Sworn. 
 
 Chauncey Hamilton, Constable & Collector of taxes * * * with bonds * * * 
 at the sum of thirteen dollars. * * * 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk- 
 
 Town Meeting. May 6. [811. 
 Voted In pursuance of the 2' 1 article in the warrant, that the town are opposed 
 to the annexing of the 1 Jay road, so called, to Amherst, on any terms whatever ; and 
 that our Representatives, be accordingly instructed to oppose the same in the 
 General Court. 
 
 Voted In pursuance of the third article in the warrant. That the people of 
 this town are opposed to a division of the county of Hampshire ; & that our Rep- 
 resentative in the General Court, the present year, be instructed to use their 
 influence against any division thereof. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. May 6, 1811. 
 Voted to chuse two Representatives in the General Court the current year — 
 & by separate ballotings. Whereupon, after sorting and counting the votes of the 
 first balloting; it appeared, that D" Elisha Smith had a majority of all the votes 
 given in : and that, after sorting & counting the votes of the second balloting, that 
 Medad Dickinson Esq 1 ' had a majority of all the votes given — Those gentlemen were 
 accordingly declared elected. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 9, 1811. 
 Voted. In pursuance of the fifth article: To chuse a Committee of three per- 
 sons to Confer with the Committee of the town of Hadley chosen for that purpose, 
 on the subject of setting Mount Hollick; so called, from Hadley to Amherst; & 
 to report at an adjourned meeting ; and Major Moses Hastings, Ensign Chester 
 Smith, & D" Nathan Franklin were chosen to be said Committee. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 203 
 
 Town Meeting, December 30, t8n. 
 
 Voted, in the negative, by the casting vote of the Moderator. The meaning 
 of which is, that the town are willing that Mount Hollick, so called, should be 
 annexed to Amherst, as prayed for by the Petition of Jn" Nutting & others to the 
 General Court. » 
 
 Voted Also to chuse two agents to mset at Belcherstown, on the first day of 
 January next, with the Agents from other towns on the East side of Conn- 
 River in the county of Hampshire, to take into consideration what measure.-, are 
 necessary to be taken to prevent a further division of the county of Hampshire. 
 Accordingly Hezekiah W. Strong & Samuel F. Dickinson were chosen. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, April 6, 1S12. For Governor. 
 Hon. Caleb Strong Esquire had Two hundred ec sixty seven votes 
 His Excellency, Elbridge Gerry. Esquire, had thirty votes. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. April 6. 18 12. 
 Samuel F. Dickinson. Town Clerk & Treasurer. & Sworn. 
 Capt. Chest t Williams, Aaron Merrick. Martin Baker. Chester Smith. & 
 David Smith. Selectmen ec Sworn. 
 
 D" Elisha Smith, Ebe r Mattoon Jr. & Enoch Whiting Assessors. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. May 4. 1812. 
 For Representative Eben 1 ' Mattoon Esq' — 101 votes 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq — SS votes 
 Voted. In pursuance of the fourth article, which was to hear the request of 
 Perez Dickinson ec others: and their request was that a new school district may be 
 established near Clark's mills, so called : to chuse a Committee of three persons 
 to consider the same, ec report at some future meeting. * 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk— 
 
 Town Meeting, June 29, 1812. 
 
 Voted, unanimously, excepting three dissenting votes, that the people of this 
 town are opposed to a war with Great Britain, under present circumstances, as 
 declared on the 19" 1 inst. by the Congress of the United States. And thereupon 
 
 Resolved, as thesenseof this town. That Whereas it is the right of the Citi/ens 
 of the United States, to assemble peacefully to consult on the public affairs of the 
 country, and in a respectful manner to express their sentiments of public men & 
 public measures; ec whereas at times of great public calamity & distress, this right 
 becomes a high & commanding duty. 
 
 We, the people of this town, being firmly attached !o our Constitution ,\- to the 
 institutions of our fathers, do consider the late declaration of war by the Govern 
 ment of the United States against Great Britain, unnecessary, impolite & unjust: 
 and we deem it our bounden duty to ourselves, to our Government and to the 
 American people, as well as to posterity by all constitutional measures in our 
 power, to avert those calamities & judgments, which a war undertaken under 
 present circumstances and for such reasons as are before the public, cannol tail to 
 bring upon us as.a people, upon posterity. & upon our common Country. 
 
2 04 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen return a respectful answer to the letter rec d from 
 the Selectmen of Boston. 
 
 Voted * * * delegates to convention at Northampton fourteenth day of July 
 next to devise such further constitutional measures as may tend, at this momentus 
 crisis of our affair to preserve blessings of peace to our beloved country." Accord- 
 ingly the Hon Eben r Mattoon, Samuel Fowler Dickinson & Simeon Strong 
 Esquire, were chosen for that purpose 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, September 14, 181 2. To choose a Representative. 
 For Capt. Timothy Henderson one vote 
 Gideon Stetson Esquire two votes. 
 Major Moses Hastings — one vote 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson forty nine votes, who was therefore declared elected. 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, September 14, 1812. 
 The question being under consideration whether the town are willing that 
 Andrew Hyde & others, inhabitants of Pelham, should be annexed to this town 
 for parochial purposes ; agreeably to their petition to the Gen. Court, it was Voted 
 in the affirmative. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. January 28, 1 S 13. 
 Voted. In pursuance of the third article: that the Representatives of this 
 town in the General Court be instructed, to oppose in the General Court, the appro- 
 priations for building a Court house in this county ; Unless the county should be 
 obliged to build the county offices agreeably to the existing Laws. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, April 5, 1813. 
 For Governor, His Excellency, Caleb Strong, Esquire, had Two hundred & 
 eighty eight votes— 
 
 Hon William Philips Esquire, had one vote — 
 Hon Joseph B. Varnum Esquire, had Seventy two votes. 
 Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk & Treasurer, Sworn 
 
 Maj r Moses Hastings, Justus Williams Jr. Martin Baker, Capt. Calvin Merrill 
 >X: Aaron Merrick, Selectmen, Sworn. 
 
 D n Elisha Smith, Perez Dickinson & Eben r Mattoon Jr Assessors. 
 Jarib White, Constable & Collector of Taxes. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk- 
 
 Town Meeting, May 3, 1813. For the choice of Representatives. 
 On the first balloting it appeared, on sorting & counting the votes, that 
 Aaron Merrick had three votes 
 Simeon Strong, Esquire, seven votes— 
 Ebenezer Mattoon Jr forty nine votes & 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson, one hundred & eight votes, which being a majority 
 of all the votes given in, he was declared duly elected. On sorting & counting the 
 votes, at the second balloting, they were, for 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 205 
 
 Capt. Calvin Merrill, one vote 
 Eben 1 " Mattoon Jr sixty rive votes. & 
 
 Simeon Strong Esquire ninety nine votes, which being a majority of all 
 the votes given in. he was declared duly elected. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson' Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 7. 1S13. 
 Voted In pursuance of the third article, to chuse an assessor in the room of 
 Perez Dickinson Deceased: and accordingly chose Capt. Calvin Merrill. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the town of Amherst, holden at 
 the school house in the West Middle district, on the third day of January in the 
 year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen, at six o'clock p. M. 
 Noah Webster, Esquire, was chosen Moderator, & under the several articles in the 
 warrant, which was. "To see whether the town, in the present alarming state of 
 our public concerns, will take any measures to obtain redress of the wrongs which 
 we suffer, to ward off the greater evils, which impend over us, under the pi 
 system of embargo, taxation, & oppression of the General Government;" certain 
 resolutions expressive of the abhorrence of the people of the town against the war. 
 and their want of confidence in the Government of the United States, was unani- 
 mously voted, ordered to be signed by the moderator, attested by the Town-Clerk. 
 & published in the Hampshire Gazette, which resolutions are on file, & to be con- 
 sidered part of this record. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. April 4. 1S14. 
 
 For Governor, His Excellency, Caleb Strong Esquire, had Two hundred & 
 eighty seven votes 
 
 Hon Samuel Dexter Esq 1 " had twenty two votes 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town-Clerk & Treasurer & Sworn. 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson, John Eastman, Justus Williams Jr. Martin Baker, & 
 Leiut Enos Dickinson 2'' Selectmen. Sworn. 
 
 Capt. Calvin Merrill. Capt. Timothy Handersoa & Justus Williams Jr. Assess- 
 ors, Sworn. 
 
 Elijah Clark. Constable & Collector of taxes. * * * for the sum of twelve- 
 Dollars; * * * 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 2, 1S14. For Representatives. 
 On the first balloting, 
 
 Noah Webster Esq'' had ninety nine votes, & 
 
 Simeon Strong Fsq r one vote. 
 On the Second balloting. 
 
 Simeon Strong Esq r had ninety votes: 
 
 Noah Webster Esq r two votes 
 
 E. Mattoon Jr Esq' two votes 
 
 John Dickinson Esq r two votes, & 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson five votes. 
 
206 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Accordingly Noah Webster & Simeon Strong Esquires, were declared to be 
 elected Representatives, to the General Court for the current year ; the meeting 
 having voted to send two Representatives. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. April 3. 1815. 
 
 For Governor, His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq 1 ' had Two hundred & forty 
 nine votes 
 
 Hon. Samuel Baxter Esq 1 ' had twenty votes 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk & Town Treasurer. 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson, John Eastman, Justus Williams Jr, Martin Baker, and 
 Lt. Enos Dickinson 2' 1 Selectmen. 
 
 Capt. Timothy Handerson, Capt. Calvin Merrill, & "Justus Williams Jr 
 Assessors — 
 
 Zacheus Crocker Ingram, Constable & Collectorof taxes. * * for the sum 
 of ten dollars & seventy five. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. May S, 1S15. For Representatives. 
 For Aaron Merrick eighty two votes. 
 
 Noah Webster Esquire forty-five votes 
 Doctor Rufus Cowls twelve votes 
 Capt Chester Williams one vote & 
 Samuel F. Dickinson thirty five votes. 
 No person having a majority of all the votes, a second ballot was called for, & 
 the votes were as follows : viz : 
 
 For Aaron Merrick eighty three votes. 
 
 Noah Webster Esquire, twenty nine votes 
 Doctor Rufus Cowls four votes & 
 Samuel F. Dickinson ten votes — And no choice. 
 Thereupon a third ballot was given in, & the votes were : 
 For Noah Webster Esquire Eighty nine votes 
 Aaron Merrick eighty four votes, & 
 Doctor Rufus Cowls one vote — 
 It therefore appearing, that Noah Webster Esquire had a majority of all the 
 votes given in, he was accordingly declared to be elected. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 2, 1816. 
 
 For Governor The Honorable John Brooks had two hundred and forty one 
 votes 
 
 Hon Samuel Dexter Esq. twenty two votes 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town-Clerk & Treasurer. 
 
 Col. Elijah Dickinson, John Eastman, Justus Williams Jr. Martin Baker, & 
 Enos Dickinson 2' 1 Selectmen, Sworn. 
 
 Capt. Timo. Handerson, Capt. Calvin Merrill. & Justus Williams Jr. Assessors. 
 Sworn. 
 
 Zacheus C. Ingram, Constable & Collector of Taxes. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 207 
 
 Town Meeting. May 13, 1S16. For Representative. 
 Noah Webster Esq r twenty nine; 
 D r Rufus Cowls, three. 
 Eben r Mattoon Jr seventeen. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson, Ninety one. which being a majority of all the votes 
 given in, he was declared to be elected. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. April 7, 1817. For Governor. 
 His Excellency John Brooks: two hundred & forty three 
 Hon Henry Dearbourn eighteen 
 Hon. James Lloyd Esq 1 ' one 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town-Clerk & town treasurer & sworn by Noah 
 Webster Esq 1 ' 
 
 Calvin Merrill, Nathan Franklin, Eben 1 ' Mattoon Jr. Enos Dickinson 2 '• & 
 Chester Dickinson. Selectmen & sworn. 
 
 D r Rufus Cowls, Nathaniel C. Dickinson & Eben r Ingram. Assessors, sworn. 
 Zacheus C. Ingram, Constable & Collector of taxes. 
 
 Attest Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 5, 1S17. For Representative. 
 For Doctor Rufus Cowls one 
 Capt. Calvin Merrill one 
 Eben 1 ' Mattoon Jr. two 
 Noah Webster Esq r one 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Sixty one, who was accordingly declared elected. 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, Decembers. 1817. 
 
 Voted in pursuance of the third article to accept the Report of the Committee 
 appointed at last May Meeting, to make provision for the poor, either by building 
 or hiring a house for that purpose: which report was. that they had hired a house 
 and garden of Elijah Mathers for one year from the first tuesday of .April next, 
 for the accommodation of the Poor, on the condition in their indenture expressed, 
 which indenture is on file, & to be considered a part of the record. 
 
 Voted in pursuance of Art. 4 th to chuse a Committee of five, to consider & 
 report to the next annual meeting, their opinion of the expediency of establishing 
 one or more new burying grounds in town; and also of enlarging and fencing the 
 old burying ground. 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 6, 1818. For < rovernor. 
 ForTdis Excellency John Brooks. Esquire, Two hundred & eleven votes 
 Benjamin Crowninshield Esq r twenty one votes 
 Samuel F. Dickinson. Town-Clerk & Treasurer Sworn 
 
 Capt. Calvin Merrill. EbeiV Mattoon Jr. & Enos Dickinson 2 d Selectmen & 
 Overseers of the Poor — Sworn 
 
 Capt. Calvin Merrill, Gideon Stetson & Nathaniel C. Dickinson Assessors- 
 sworn. 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson, Town-Clerk. 
 
2o8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 13, 181S. For Representative. 
 Major Moses Hastings three votes 
 D 1 ' Timothy J. Gridley fifty two votes 
 
 Samuel F. Dickinson fifty seven votes, which being a majority of the 
 whole number, he was declared elected accordingly- 
 Voted To accept the Report of the Committee on establishing two new bury- 
 ing grounds; * * * one acre purchased of David Moody for eighty dollars reserv- 
 ing to him and his heirs the use of the same, for the purpose of pasturing sheep, 
 etc. and also one acre of Martin Barker near his dwelling house at the same price, 
 reserving the same privilege; is on file: * * * and the two places above discribed 
 are accordingly established for that purpose. * * * 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 2, 1818. For Representative. 
 For the Hon. Samuel C. Allen Esquire, fifty eight, 
 Elihu Lyman Esquire, eight votes — 
 Thomas Longley Esq 1 ' one vote 
 
 Attest. Samuel F. Dickinson, Town Clerk, 
 
 Town Meeting, March 1, 1S19. 
 Elijah Dwight, Town Clerk & Treasurer. Sworn 
 
 Enos Baker, Elijah Boltwood, Chester Dickinson, Aaron Merrick, & Timothy 
 S Goodman, Selectmen, Sworn 
 
 Capt Calvin Merrill, Gideon Stetson, & Nath n C. Dickinson Assessors, sworn 
 Attest Elijah Dwight, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. April 5, 1S19. For Governor. 
 His Excellency John Brooks had one hundred & ninety one Votes 
 Hon Benjamin Crowninshield had Twenty Six Votes 
 
 Attest Elijah Dwight, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 6. 1S19. For Representative. 
 Gen Ebenezer Mattoon two votes 
 Doct Timothy J Gridley Sixty votes 
 
 Noah Webster Esq one hundred & nine votes such being a majority of the 
 whole number he was declared elected accordingly. 
 
 Attest Elijah Dwight, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 6, 1S19. 
 Voted In pursuance of the second article of the warrant, to proceed to fill 
 the vacancies in the offices of Town Clerk and Treasurer — Elisha Smith jr was 
 chosen Clerk, and Lt Ransom Dickinson Treasurer in the room of Elijah Dwight 
 deceased ; and both sworn in open meeting by the justices of the Peace then 
 present — 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 3, 1S20. For Governor. 
 His Ex; John Brooks one hundred & Ninety nine votes 
 Hon William Eustis thirty three votes 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 
 
 209 
 
 Town Meeting. April 3. 1820. 
 Elisha Smith Jr Clerk and sworn 
 Ransom Dickinson Treasurer and sworn 
 
 Chester Dickinson, Elijah Boltwood, Benoni Rust. George Nutting, Justus Wil- 
 liams Selectmen, sworn 
 
 Gideon Stetson, William Boltwood. Isaac Robins. Assessors, sworn 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk 
 
 [The following meetings were held in the Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting. May 15. 1S20. Eor Representative. 
 For Samuel F. Dickinson Esq. one hundred and six votes 
 Noah Webster Esq. one vote — 
 Martin Baker one vote — 
 
 Dr Timothy J. Gridley one hundred and thirty one votes which being a major- 
 ity of all the votes given in, he was accordingly declared elected — 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, August 1, 1S20. For Convention. 
 " Is it expedient that Delegates should be chosen to meet in Convention for 
 the purpose of revising or altering the Constitution of Government of this Com- 
 monwealth : the votes being given in sorted, counted recorded and declaration 
 thereof made, as by law is directed were found to be as follows Viz. For said 
 measure there were thirteen votes, Against said measure there were eighty one 
 votes 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, October 16, 1S20. For choice of Delegates to Convention. 
 
 Voted. To choose two Delegates by Separate Ballots. On balloting for the 
 first it appeared that the whole number of votes was one hundred and seventy two : 
 of which Gen. Ebenezer Mattoon had one hundred and eighteen and was declared 
 elected - 
 
 On balloting for the second it appeared that the whole number of votes was 
 one hundred and eighty two: of which Mr Israel Scott had one hundred and seven 
 and was also declared elected — 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, December 4, 1820. 
 In pursuance of the third article the Selectmen made the following report- 
 That in pursuance of the direction of the town, they have examined tin- ground 
 and have laid out a Road two Rods wide on the north side of the following line. 
 Viz,— Beginning two rods south of the southwest corner of Justus Williams farm 
 Thence East 8 C 30' South 154 Rods 
 
 Thence East 14 Rods 
 
 Thence East 8° 30' South 2S4 Rods 
 Thence East 50' — South 96 Rods 
 
 Thence East 29° 45' South 36 Rods to Belchertown line The Selectmen 
 further report that Moses Williams has engaged with the assistance of the Labour 
 subscribed on the East side of Lawrence's Swamp to make 279 rods of said Road 
 beg-innina; at the east end or Belchertown line- That' their estimate of the ex] 
 
2IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 of making the remainder of said Road, exclusive of the subscriptions is 175 
 Dollars — 
 
 That they have also allowed the following Damages Viz To Enos Cowls 60 
 Dollars — 
 
 To Justus Williams 30 Dollars 
 
 Making a total of expence of 265 Dollars to be defrayed by the town — 
 All which is submitted 
 
 Elijah Boltwood "| 
 
 George Nutting ! Selectmen 
 
 Benoni Rust j of Amherst 
 
 Chester Dickinson J 
 
 Voted to accept the above report- 
 In pursuance of the fourth article the Selectmen made the following report — 
 Viz— Minutes and return of a Town or private way this day laid out for the use of 
 the town of Amherst by us the Subscribers. Selectmen of Said town, as follows; 
 that is to say. Beginning at a Stake and Stones in Daniel Kelloggs land near 
 Solomon M. Dickinsons Store and directly opposite to where the Sunderland Road 
 intersects the present highway leading from Elijah Boltwoods to Leverett, running 
 thence South forty one degrees East thirty six rods and twelve links to the Widow 
 Colemans land, thence continuing the same course five rods and twelve links to 
 William Dickinsons land thence continuing the same course seventy nine Rods to 
 a walnut tree, thence South twelve degrees and thirty minutes East thirty two rods 
 to the present highway near the lower end of Samuel F Dickinson Esq" Garden 
 — said way to be two rods wide and to lie on the South side of said courses — 
 Dated at Amherst this second day of December A D, 1S20 
 
 Benoni Rust 1 
 
 Chester Dickinson [ Selectmen 
 George Nutting f of Amherst 
 Justus Williams J 
 Attest Elisiia Smith Jr Town Clerk — 
 
 Town Meeting, December. 14, 1820. 
 Voted. To hear the agreement made by the Selectmen with the owners of 
 the land occupied by the Road beginning near the dwelling house of Ebenezar 
 Eames and ending near the dwelling house of Samuel F. Dickinson Esq.— 
 Voted to discontinue said Road — 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk — 
 
 Town Meeting. April 2. 1S21. 
 For Governor His Excy John Brooks two hundred and seven votes 
 
 Hon William Eustis forty five votes 
 Elisha Smith Jr. Clerk. Ransom Dickinson Treasurer both sworn by I. Con- 
 key Esq 
 
 Chester Dickinson Josiah Warner Jr. Seth Nelson Nathaniel C. Dickinson & 
 Hosea Goodale Selectmen Sworn 
 
 Gideon Stetson Isaac Robbins & Henry Weeks — Assessors sworn 
 Alden Cooley was chosen Constable of the town for the year, he agreeing to 
 take the same with the Collectorship for the sum of two Dollars and fifty cents * * * 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 2ir 
 
 Town .Meeting. May 17, [821. For Representative. 
 
 For Samuel F. Dickinson Esqr ninety four vol is 
 
 For Noah Webster Esq. one vote 
 
 For Aaron Merrick one vote 
 
 For Dea. Nathan Franklin one hundred and twenty six votes who was accord- 
 ingly declared elected — 
 
 Voted also — That the Selectmen be, and they hereby are, directed to clear the 
 incumbrances out of the Road which was laid out by the Selectmen and ao 
 by the town on the fourth day of December A. I). 1S20 leading from Solomon M. 
 Dickinson's store across Daniel Kelloggs, Widow Colemans and William Dickin- 
 sons land to the highway near Samuel F. Dickinson Esqrs Garden and to keep 
 the way clear of the same 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jk Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. March 4. 1S22. 
 
 Elisha Smith Jr Clerk — Sworn by I. Conkey Esq 
 
 Ransom Dickinson Treasurer — Sworn by Town Clerk 
 
 Chester Dickinson Asahel Thayer Jonathan Bridgman Andrew Hyde and 
 Rufus Cowls, Selectmen — Sworn — 
 
 Isaac Robbins Henry Weeks Elihu Belding Assessors — 
 
 Voted To set up at vendue to the lowest bidder the office of Constable and 
 Collector. They were bid off to Alden Cooley who was thereupon chosen Con- 
 stable and Collector, * * * for two Dollars — 
 
 [Held at First Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, April 1. 1N22. 
 For Governor His Excy John Brooks had one hundred and eighty vol s 
 Hon William Eustis had thirty seven votes 
 Hon George Bliss one vote 
 Voted To excuse Alden Cooley from collecting the Taxes for the year 1S21 
 and appoint Jay White in his place — 
 
 Voted To put up at vendue the office of Constable and Collector— They 
 were bid off by Frederick A. Palmer * * * for sevente -n dollars * 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr. Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. May 6. [822. 
 Voted To choose one Representative for the year ensuing -The vol s being 
 given in. sorted, and counted were found to be as follows Viz For Dr Rufus 
 Cowls one vote— For Dea Nathan Franklin two votes For Samuel F. Dickinson 
 Esq one hundred and thirty one votes -For Aaron Merrick one hundred ami fifty 
 five votes who was declared elected — 
 
 Attest Elisha Smith Jr Town Clerk — 
 
 [Held at Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting. March 3. 1S23. 
 Ebenezer Mattoon Jr was Chosen Town L lerk & sworn by I. Conkej Esq 1 
 Ransom Dickinson Treasurer sworn by 1. Corikey Esq' Chester Dickil 
 
2 12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 .Andrew Hyde Martin Baker Ebenezer Williams Zebina Hawley Selectmen sworn 
 Elihue Belding Isaac Robbins Aaron M Chandler Assessors — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, April 7. 1S23. For Governor. 
 William Curtis one hundred and twenty seven votes 
 William Reed five votes 
 George Bliss one vote 
 
 Harrison Gray Otis one hundred and fourteen votes 
 Enos Baker one vote 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, May 5, 1S23. For Representative. 
 Daniel Kellogg had eight votes Timothy J. Gridley had ninety eight votes 
 Isaac Robbins had one hundred and ninety one votes which being a majority of 
 .the whole number he was declared elected accordingly. — 
 
 Attest ■ Ebenezer Mattoon Jk Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. March 1. [824. 
 Ebenezer Mattoon J 1 Town Clerk Sworn — 
 Jay White Town Treasurer sworn — 
 
 Chester Dickinson Martin Baker Levi Jones Capt. Oliver Dickinson Rufus 
 Kellogg, Selectmen sworn 
 
 Elihue Belding David Moody Ransom Dickinson — Assessors sworn 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, April 5, 1S24. For Governor. 
 His excellency William Eustis had ninety eight votes — 
 The Honourable Samuel Lathrop had one hundred and seventy votes — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. May 10. 1824. For Representative. 
 Chester Dickinson had two votes 
 Andrew Hyde had four votes 
 Benoni Rust had three votes 
 Daniel Kellogg had one vote 
 Reubin Roberts had one vote 
 Timothy J. Gridley had one vote 
 Ebenezer Mattoon J r had ninety six votes 
 
 Isaac Robins had one hundred and fifty five votes which being a majority of 
 the whole number he was declared elected accordingly — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, December 6, 1S24. 
 Voted that for the future warrants for calling town meetings be posted at the 
 .south Congregational Society in said Amherst 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. ZI3 
 
 Town Meeting, March 1, 1S25. 
 
 Ebenezer Mattoon J' T. Clerk Sworn 
 
 Jay White Town Treasurer Sworn 
 
 Asahel Thayer Elijah Boltwood Jonathan Cowls 2' 1 Oliver Dickinson Levi 
 Jones Sworn Selectmen 
 
 Gideon Stetson Isaac Robbins William Boltwood Assessors 
 
 Voted to Chuse an agent to oppose the contemplated Road acrost Mount 
 Holyoke to Granby line D ecn Nathan Franklin be the above agent in that he 
 imploy Counsil if he thinks proper — 
 
 Elisha Tilden was Chosen Constable for the ensuing year 
 
 Attest Ebexezer Mattoox Jr Town Clerk — 
 
 Town Meeting. April 3, 1S25. For Governor. 
 Hon Levi Lincoln one hundred & eighty seven votes 
 Jonathan Eastman one vote 
 
 Attest Ebexezer Mattoox Jr Town Clerk- 
 
 Town Meeting, May 4. 1S25. For Representative. 
 Voted to chuse one Representative to the General Court the present year the 
 Votes being given in sorted and counted were as follows Viz John Leland Jn r had 
 forty six votes— Ithamar Conkey Esq r had eleven votes— Chester Dickinson had 
 twenty seven votes Timothy J. Gridley had twenty seven votes — Isaac Robins had' 
 six votes Benoni Rust had two votes Simeon Strong Esq r had one vote -D" Nathan. 
 Franklin had one vote— H. W. Strong Esq r had one vote no person having a 
 majority of the whole votes there was no choice made 
 
 Voted to reconsider the above vote and not send any Representative — the 
 Vote was accordingly reconsidered — 
 
 In pursuance of the second article of the warrant Isaac G. Cutler was chosen. 
 Treasurer to fill the vacancy of Jay White deceased sworn by Samuel F. Dickinson. 
 Attest Ebexezer Mattoox Jr Town Clerk — 
 
 [Held at First Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, March 6, 1S26. 
 
 Made choice of Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk — Sworn 
 
 The Clerk being unable to perform the duties of the office made choice of 
 Ithamar Conkey Town Clerk for this Meeting who is sworn by H. W. Strong Esq r 
 
 Made choice of Docf Isaac G. Cutler Treasurer (Sworn) Made choice of the 
 following other persons to the Several offices hereafter respectively annexed to 
 their names and the following votes were passed, that is to say — 
 
 Elijah Boltwood, Jonathan Cowls, Oliver Dickinson 2 d George Nutting and 
 Zebina Dickinson, Selectmen who are all Sworn in open Town Meeting — 
 
 Gideon Stetson, Isaac Robins, and William Boltwood Assessors — who are all 
 Sworn in open Town Meeting — 
 
 Ithamar Conkey T. Clerk Pro. Tem. 
 
 [Held at Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, April 3, 1S26. For Governor.. 
 Samuel Hubbard had one hundred and four votes 
 
2 14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, -MASS. 
 
 His Excellency Levi Lincoln had fifty one Votes — Asahel Thayer had one 
 Vote Martin Thayer had one vote. 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk — 
 
 Town Meeting, May 15, 1S26. For Representative. 
 (Two ballots were cast and at the last) 
 
 Timothy J Gridley had fifty six votes which being a Majority of all the votes 
 he was accordingly declared elected — 
 
 Attest Ep.exezer Mattoox Jr Town Clerk 
 
 [Held at First Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, September 14. 1S26. 
 
 3' 1 Article Voted that Samuel F. Dickinson Esq r be appointed an agent to 
 superintend the suit Commenced against the Town of Amherst for not repairing 
 the road between the North Meeting houst in Amherst and Sunderland and Settle 
 the same — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoox Jr Town Clerk- 
 
 Town Meeting. December 4. 1S26. 
 
 Article 3 d Voted to accept the report of the Selectmen which is in words 
 and form as follows — Viz We the subscribers Selectmen of the town of Amherst 
 have laid out for the use of said town, a townway as follows : 
 
 Beginning at a Stake on the South side of the road beginning at Iladley line 
 running east thirty nine degrees ami forty i\\-c minutes South one hundred and two 
 rods through Lands of Joseph Cowls to intersect the County road leading from the 
 north Meeting house in said Amherst to Iladley or school meadows. The above 
 road is laid three rods wide, the above road to lay on the Northerly side of said 
 Road we have agreed with Mr Joseph Cowls to allow him forty Dollars damages — 
 with the priveledge of keeping one or more gates and at his own expence Elijah 
 Boltwood Zebina Dickinson Jonathan Cowls Selectmen of Amherst. 
 
 Article 4 Voted to direct the Constable to post up warrants at the North 
 Meeting house in future — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk — 
 
 [Held at South Parish Meeting House.J 
 
 Town Meeting, March 7, 1S27. 
 2' 1 Made choice of Ebenezer Mattoon Jr. town Clerk Isaac G. Cutler Town 
 Treasurer Jonathan Cowls Zebina Dickinson — Selectmen — Sworn in open town 
 meeting 
 
 Ransom Dickinson Aaron M. Chandler, David Moody — Assessors 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoox Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Adjourned Town Meeting, March, 1S27. 
 Voted in pursuance of the i sl Article of the warrant in obedience to a Law 
 of this Commonwealth past at the last Session of the General Court of this Com- 
 monwealth aforesaid to chuse three persons as a general School Committee — to 
 carry into effect the Law aforesaid — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 215 
 
 Voted that Eljsha Smith Ebenezer Mattoon J r and Reuben Roberts be the 
 above Committee — 
 
 Voted That the committee to be chosen to superintend the Schools shall not 
 have any compensation for their services. 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, April 2. 1827. For Governor. 
 His Excel Levi Lincoln had one hundred twenty Seven votes 
 His Hon' Thomas L Winthrop had an hundred and twenty seven votes 
 His Honor Marcus Morton had three votes. 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
 [Held at the Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting. May. 1S27. 
 Voted to send two Representatives to the General Court this year. [After 
 nine ballots the meeting adjourned to May 14 when the following were elected] Lt 
 Chester Dickinson and Samuel F. Dickinson Esq. 
 
 Town Meeting. May 7. 1S2S. 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to examin into the expediency of 
 straightening the line of the highway on the East side of the Common beginning at 
 the South East corner of the Colledge yard to Graves ec Fields Store and report at 
 the next meeting — 
 
 Voted in pursuance of third article of the warrant to Chuse a Committee of 
 three persons to examine into the claims of the petitioners as mentioned in the 
 foregoing article and report at the next meeting Mr Gideon Stetson Lieutenant 
 Enos Dickinson and Isaac Robins were accordingly Chosen — 
 
 Article 4 Voted to accept of the report of the Committee which is in words 
 and form as follows (viz) 
 
 We the Subscribers Selectmen of the town of Amherst appointed to view the 
 line on the East side of the Common from the south West corner of the college 
 lot, to Graves & Fields store. & report on the expediency of straightening the 
 same, having examined the same — Report, that said line in our opinion ought to 
 be straightened as follows, viz : beginning at the South West corner of the College 
 lot, thence running North 12° East to stake at the top of the hill : thence North 4- 
 East, in a straight line to the North west Corner of Miss .Merrill door yard fence: 
 thence North 4- 15" East to a popple tree in aline with the north side of Miss 
 Jemima Montague dwelling house which alteration would in our opinion improve 
 the appearance of the common, & be attended with no inconvenience to the public 
 Elijah Boltwood Zebina Dickinson Jonathan Cowls Selectmen of Amherst — 
 Amherst May 14"' 1827 
 
 Voted also in pursuance of the same Article that the Selectmen be a Com- 
 mittee to appraise and sel the land in front of the several persons land mentioned 
 in the report and that they 1)2 allowed to purchase the same at their appraisal 
 excepting that in front of the College buildings — 
 
 Attest Ebenezer Mattoon Jr Town Clerk 
 
2l6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting. March 3, 1S28. 
 
 i st Made choice of Ithamar Conkey Moderator 
 
 2' 1 Made choice of Ithamar Conkey Town Clerk, Sworn and certificate on file 
 
 3 d Made choice of Ithamar Conkey Town Treasurer Sworn 
 
 Elijah Boltwood. Jonathan Cowls, Zebina Dickinson Nathaniel C. Dickinson 
 and Ebenezer Williams Selectmen who are all Sworn in open town meeting by 
 myself— Gideon Stetson, Jonathan Cowls and George Nutting Assessors who are 
 all Sworn in open Town Meeting by myself 
 
 Voted to choose ten fire wards for the year ensuing. 
 
 "The Selectmen were appointed a Committee to Straighten the line on the 
 East side of the Common & dispose of the Land gained by the owners of lots 
 fronting upon the road in consequence of the alteration in the line have performed 
 the duties assigned them and now report,— 
 
 That they have established the line as follows; Beginning at a point two rods 
 & four links West of the North west corner of Wid. Jemima Montagues house, 
 thence S. 5 W. on land of Mrs Montague twelve rods to J. S. & C. Adam's land; 
 thence East 14 links to the corner of Said Adam's shop ; thence N. 5 East to a 
 point 23 links E. of the first mentioned bound — thence W. to the first mentioned 
 corner 23 links — the Said Boundaries include Sgh rods of Land which we have 
 Sold to Edward Dickinson by consent of Mrs Montague for one Dollar and fifty 
 cents per rod — Then begining at the North west corner of said Adam's land, and 
 running S. 5- W. 5 rods on their Land, to Mrs Merrills land, which include 28 1-5 
 rods of Land and that we have Sold to Said J. S. & C. Adams for two Dollars and 
 Seventy five cents — Thence S. 5 W. on Mrs Merrills Land 11 rods & 12 links to 
 the S. W. corner of her dooryard fence- thence S 4 30' West on Mrs Merrills 
 land 11 rods & 12 links to David Warner's land - on Mrs Merrills front the line is 
 carried back about half the length of it into her garden and the quantity of Land 
 gained in the other part is so small & the expense of removing an almost new 
 fence so great, that the Committee have thought proper to off set the land gained 
 against the expense of removing the fence — Thence running S 4° 30' W. on David 
 Warner land 21 rods to Lucius Boltwood land, including -joh, rods of land which we 
 have Sold to David Warner for one Dollar per rod, — Thence running S 4° 30' W. 
 on Lucius Boltwood, land 21 rods to the S. W. corner of the College yard, includ- 
 ing 21 rods of land, which we have Sold to Lucius Boltwood for one Dollar & 
 twenty five cents per rod, — Thence S 4° 30' W. on the College land to the top of the 
 hill 12 rods — thence S n c 30' W. twenty rods 10 links to the S. W. corner of the 
 College land — 
 
 The Selectmen were also appointed a Committee upon this Petition of Edward 
 Dickinson praying that the Town would Sell him the Land appropriated for the 
 Pound: and after hearing his proposals, and viewing a piece of Land Shown to 
 wit on the " New road," so called, now offer the following report; — That they rec d 
 this proposition from him : "on condition that the Town will Sell him the land on 
 which the Pound now Stands & the land attached to it, he offers to procure & 
 convey to the Town a piece of Land on the " New road" aforesaid of Sufficient 
 Size for the Pound, make a good bottom to it, remove the Pound & put it in as 
 good repair as it is now in, & pay the Town the Sum of forty Dollars And we are 
 of opinion that the place proposed is a Suitable one for the Pound & deeming it 
 expedient to Sell the Land to Said Dickinson upon the terms proposed recommend 
 to the Town to accept his offer & receive of him the Sum of forty Dollars for 
 exchange of Lands — 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 217 
 
 Your Committee also were instructed to view the road leading from "Clarks 
 Mills" so called to Hadley & see if any. & if any. what alterations were necessary 
 to be made in the road as now travelled. They have attended to the business & 
 report That the road was narrow, & at Some Seasons of the year dangerous to 
 pass — And they have proceeded to widen it, and establish the line as follows (viz) : 
 Beginning at the S. E. corner of Simeon Clark's door yard: thence running S. 32° 
 W. Six rods 12 links on said Clark's land to land lately owned by the heirs of 
 Reuben Cowls deceased, thence S. 32- West Sixteen rods to a Stake and Stones — 
 thence S. 41- 30' W. 17 rods to a Stake and Stones— thence S. ^^ : W ^^ rods and 
 11 links to a Stake and Stones thence S. 43 W. 13 rods & 4 links to a Stake & 
 Stones — taking from Simeon Clark, land about 3 rods, for which we agree to 
 give him five dollars, and from Lucius Boltwoods land. 90 rods which we appraised 
 at the rate of one hundred Dollars per acre, — 
 All which is respectfully submitted 
 
 Elijah Boltwood "] 
 Zebina Dickinson ! ^ 
 George Nutting \ Committee 
 Jonathan Cowls J 
 .March 3, 1828 
 
 Ithamar Conkey Moderator 
 
 Town Meeting. April 7, 1828. For Governor. 
 His Excellence Levi Lincoln, had one hundred and twenty three votes — Charles 
 Jackson had one vote Ithamar Conkey had one vote 
 
 Attest Ith'r Conkey Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, May 12, 182S. For Representatives. 
 Samuel F. Dickinson had one hundred and three votes which being a majority 
 of the whole, he was declared elected — 
 
 Enos Dickinson had Ninety nine votes which being a majority he was also 
 declared elected — * * * 
 
 Attest Ithamar Conkey Town Clerk 
 
 [Held at the First Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting. September 22, 1S2S. 
 4 th Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to draw orders on the Treasurer 
 to the amount of Six hundred and fifty Dollars, upon Interest after the first day of 
 March next: to meet their contracts for building and repairing the bridges in 
 Town — 
 
 Attest Ith'r Conkey Town Clerk 
 
 DIVISION LINE, SHUTESBURY AND AMHERST 
 We the Subscribers Selectmen of the Town of Shutesbury and Amherst pur- 
 suant to a notice given to the Selectmen of Amherst by the Selectmen of Shutes- 
 bury, met and perambulated the line between Said Towns as follows (viz) Begin- 
 ning at the S. W. corner of Shutesbury at a Stone marked on the N ; S. and on the 
 South, P. thence North to a Stake and Stones near the Isiah Adams house so 
 called on a nole N. W. of said town, between said corners on Luther Henrys land 
 17 
 
2l8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Marked tree with the initial letters of S d Towns opposite the Town, signify between 
 
 S d tree and the North corner marked trees — 
 
 Shutesbury Nov. 22, 1828. 
 
 Wm Reed ( Selectmen of 
 
 Gideon Stetson Jr ( Shutesbury 
 Jonathan Cowls Selectman of Amherst 
 Joseph L. Smalledge Surveyor 
 
 DIVISION LINE, AMHERST AND GRANBY. 
 
 We the subscribers Selectmen of Amherst and Granby have this twenty fourth 
 day of Nov. 182S met agreable to notice given by the Selectmen of Amherst, that 
 being the most ancient Town for the purpose of perambulating and running the 
 line and renewing the marks between Said Towns, and having attended that Service 
 make return as follows (viz) — Beginning at a mountain oak in the notch of the 
 mountain so called, thence east 23 , North 22 rods to a black oak tree marked and 
 stones, thence E. 32°, N. 46 rods to a heap of Stones on the top of round hill so 
 called, thence E. 29°, S. 62 rods to a white pine tree marked and Stones, thence E. 
 16 , No. 204 rods to a heap of Stones on the top of Williards nob so called, thence 
 westardly about 40 rods to a white oak staddle marked and Stones at the foot of 
 the ledge, thence E. 12 N. 36 rods to a pine tree marked and Stones thence E. 35 
 S. 40 rods to a Stake and Stones, thence E. 12 , S. 64 rods to a black oak Staddle 
 marked and Stones, thence E. 34° N. 36 rods to a walnut Staddle marked 
 and Stones, thence South eastward by about 40 rods to John Smith N. W. corner 
 about 40 rods to a chestnut tree marked and Stones, thence E. 45°, S. 96 rods to a 
 Staddle marked and Stones thence E. 22 N. 58 rods to a yellow tree marked and 
 Stones, thence E. 30° N. 46 rods to a yellow oak tree and Stones, thence E. 4° S. 
 82 rods to a white oak tree marked and Stones, thence E. 19°, N. 6r> rods to a 
 walnut Staddle and Stones, thence E. 5 , N. 18 rods to a walnut Staddle and 
 Stones thence E. 7°, S. 36 rods to a Stake and Stones, thence E. 116 rods to the 
 County road near Mr Towers thence East to Belchertown line to a Stone 
 monument. 
 
 Nathaniel C. Dickinson ( Selectmen 
 Eisenezer Williams j of Amherst 
 
 Chester Smith \ Selectmen 
 
 Samuel Tower \ of Granby 
 
 Town Meeting, January 7, 1S29. 
 Voted to choose an agent to oppose the laying a road mentioned in the 
 Second Article in the warrant, from Hadley to Amherst, and made choice of 
 Ithamar Conkey. Said Agent. 
 
 Attest, Ith'r Conkey. Town Clerk. 
 
 [Held at First Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, March 2, 1S29. 
 
 Made choice of Ithamar Conkey Town Clerk, who is sworn before Isaac 
 Robins Esq r and a certificate is filed. 
 
 Made choice of Ithamar Conkey Treasurer. 
 
 Voted to choose five Selectmen, and made choice of Elijah Boltwood Zebina 
 Dickinson, Jonathan Cowls, Nathaniel C. Dickinson and Ebenezar Williams. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 219 
 
 Voted to choose three Assessors, and made choice of Elijah Boltwood, 
 Nathaniel C. Dickinson and Chester Dickinson. 
 
 Attest Ith'r Conkey Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, April 6, 1S29, for Governor. 
 His Excellency Levi Lincoln forty one votes 
 Hon. Marcus Morton Seventeen votes 
 Hon. Samuel C. Allen thirty four votes 
 Hon. Thomas L. Winthrop one vote 
 
 Attest Ithamar Conkey Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, May n, 1829, for Representative. 
 Samuel M. Worcester one hundred and fifteen votes 
 Zebina Dickinson sixty votes 
 Ithamar Conkey twenty three votes 
 Osmyn Baker thirteen votes 
 
 Attest Ithamar Conkey, Town Clerk 
 
 [Held at Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, June 1, 1829. 
 Voted to release all the right title and Interest which the Town have in the 
 land upon which the old road is laid between the Second Parish Meeting house, 
 and the house of Elijah Boltwood in case a new road shall be laid out and estab- 
 lished between those points, and on condition that the Town shall not in the event 
 be compelled to pay expence of the new road, and on condition that good bonds 
 be left with the Town Treasurer before the land is taken, to indemnify the Town 
 against all the expences of making the new road ; — And that the Selectmen be 
 authorized to release Said Lands to those persons who own land in the rear for a 
 fair consideration, if they will purchase it, if not, then to dispose of it to any one 
 else, for the benefit of the new road — and provided also that the new road be 
 made to the acceptance of the County Commissioners. 
 
 Attest Ithamar Conkey Town Clerk 
 
 HADLEY AND AMHERST DIVISION LINE AND MONUMENTS — 
 
 Hadley Nov. 11, 1S29. This certifies that the Selectmen of the Towns of 
 Hadley and Amherst agreable to previous appointment met and erected a Stone 
 Monument in Sunderland South line and for Hadley North east and Amherst 
 North west corners; thence Southerly perambulating an old line ranging between 
 io° & 12° West of South to David Smith South west corner (as we supposed) where 
 they erected a Stone Monument near a pine Stump, then easterly on David Smith 
 South line to an angle in the Same near a Swamp, and about fifty rods from the 
 road leading from Sunderland to Amherst where we erected a Stone Monument — 
 thence Southerly about n° West of South ranging with an old ditch to the North 
 East corner of land of the late Elias Smith — where we erected a Stone monument, 
 thence Westerly on Said Smith North line Sixteen rods and three links, where we 
 erected a Stone Monument, thence Southerly passing 10 rods west of Smith build- 
 ings to the South line of the Lot where we erected a stone Monument thence east- 
 erly, on his South, line 16 rods> & 3 links to the Ancient Town line, where we erected 
 
220 HISTORY OF THE ["OWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 a Stone Monument, thence Southerly on the old line to the Middle road to a large 
 oak upon the South Side thereof, thence continuing Same course across .Mill river 
 and the new road to a Stake and Stones, on the north side of the hay road where 
 we erected a Stone .Monument, thence upon the Same Side of the road to a Stone 
 Monument which we erected in front of the Abbe house, thence Southerly i 30' 
 East oi South to the top of the .Mountain to a Tree Marked — 
 
 Attest Nathan P. Fletcher Surveyor — 
 
 [Held at Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, March 1. 1S30. 
 
 Made choice of Lucius Boltwood Clerk — who was sworn before Ithamar 
 Conkey Esqr& a certificate filed — Voted & chose Lucius Boltwood Treasurer, * * * 
 Voted & chose Elijah Boltwood, Ebenezer Mattoon Jr. William Kellogg, l-'.nos 
 Dickinson & David Dexter Selectmen 
 
 Voted & chose Elijah Boltwood, Chester Dickinson & James Kellogg Assessors. 
 
 Voted To set up the Collectorship to the lowest bidder witli the understand- 
 ing that the person bidding it off be chosen Constable * * It was accordingly 
 set up & struck off to Horace Smith for twenty eight I >ollars 
 
 Attest Lucius BOLTWOOD Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. April 5. 1830. For Governor. 
 His Excellency Levi Lincoln had one hundred & five votes 
 Hon. Marcus Morton twenty eight votes 
 Hon Francis C. Bates three votes 
 Hon. Samuel C. Allen one vote 
 Asahel Thayer Esq one vote 
 
 Attest Lucius Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. May 3, 1830. For Representee. 
 Zebina Dickinson had one hundred & sixty six votes 
 Isaac G. Cutler had one hundred ec sixty four votes 
 Ithamar Conkey had one hundred ec fifty four votes 
 Osmyn Baker had one hundred ec thirty six votes 
 
 Zebina Dickinson ec Isaac G. Cutler having a majority of all the voles were 
 declared to be elected — 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. November 23, 1830. 
 Voted To instruct the Representatives of this town in the General Court to 
 use their endeavors to obtain an explanation of the Laws imposing taxes 
 Students in the Colleges in this Commonwealth, in towns where Colleges 
 situated; & also of the Laws relating to their right of voting in such towns — 
 
 Attest L. BoLTWOod, Town Clerk. 
 
 [Held at First Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting. March 7. 1831. 
 Voted ec chose Lucius Boltwood Clerk. 
 
 on 
 are 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS: 22 1 
 
 Voted & chose Elijah Boltwood, David Dexter Enos Dickinson Ebenezer 
 Mattoon Jr. & William Kellogg Selectmen. 
 
 Voted & chose Elijah Boltwood, Chester Dickinson, & James Kellogg 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted Collector & Constable * * * to Horace Smith for thirty seven Dollars. 
 
 Attest L Boltwood, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. April 4. 1831, for Governor. 
 His Excellency Levi Lincoln had seventy five votes 
 
 Lincoln had thirty one votes 
 
 Marcus Morton had Sixteen votes 
 Henry Shaw had four votes 
 Charles D. Gale had three votes 
 Samuel Lathrop had seven votes 
 John S. Adams had one vote 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 [Held at Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, May 11. 1S31, for Representative. 
 John Leland Esq r had sixty four votes 
 Zebina Dickinson had sixty four votes 
 Ithamar Conkey Esq 1 " had thirty two votes 
 Abiatha Winter had eight votes 
 Enos Dickinson had eighteen votes 
 Eben r Mattoon J r had one vote 
 Asahel Thayer had one vote 
 
 Attest Lucius Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting. November 14. 1831, for Governor. 
 His Excellency Levi Lincoln had one hundred and twenty six votes 
 Hon. Samuel Lathrop had forty seven votes 
 Hon. Marcus Morton had nine votes 
 
 For Representative. 
 Zebina Dickinson had ninety two votes 
 
 Oliver Dickinson the second had one hundred and fifty eight votes 
 John Leland had ninety seven votes 
 Timothy J. Gridley had three votes 
 Ithamar Conkey had six votes 
 Osmyn Baker had two votes 
 Solomon K Eastman had one vote 
 James Kellogg had two votes 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, December 5. 1S31. 
 Voted To choose a Committee of three to examine & report at a future 
 meeting whether the Town ought to allow the owners of the Mill Hollow-Mills. >S; 
 if so on what terms to cut a canal across the highway so that they may erect their 
 mill below the bridge. 
 
 Attest L BOLTWOOD Town Clerk 
 
222 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 [Held at the Vestry of the Brick Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, March 5, 1832. 
 
 1st made choice of Osmyn Baker Esq, Moderator. The meeting was then 
 opened with prayer by the Rev Ur Humphrey — And the statutes against profane 
 cursing & swearing were read by the Clerk 
 
 Voted & chose Lucius Boltwood Treasurer 
 
 Voted & chose Elijah Boltwood, Chester Dickinson, Solomon K. Eastman, 
 Ebenezer Williams & Jonathan Bridgman Selectmen. 
 
 Voted & elected Elijah Boltwood, Zebina Dickinson & James Kellogg 
 Assessors 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen draw on the Treasury for fifty Dollars, due Cutler 
 & Gridley by contract, for vaccinating the Inhabitants of Amherst, when in their 
 opinion said contract is fulfilled 
 
 Voted That Cutler & Gridleys Bill for attending persons sick with small pox 
 be referred to the Committee on accounts — 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, November 12, 1832. For Governor. 
 His Excellency Levi Lincoln had one hundred & forty six votes 
 Hon. Samuel Lathrop had Seventy nine votes 
 Hon. Marcus Morton had forty three votes 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, November 12, 1832. For Representatives. 
 On the third ballot Daniel Dickinson had one hundred and twelve votes and 
 was declared chosen — 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk — 
 
 Town Meeting, December 10, 1S32. 
 Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to consider the expediency of 
 permitting the common North of the College Hill, to be enclosed, the best method 
 of doing it, & report thereon at the next meeting — 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, March 4, 1S33. 
 
 Voted & chose Lucius Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Voted & chose Lucius Boltwood Town Treasurer 
 
 Voted & chose Solomon K. Eastman, Nathaniel C. Dickinson, Jonathan Cowls, 
 Luke Sweetzer & Asahel Thayer, Selectmen. 
 
 Voted & chose Daniel Dickinson, Rufus Kellogg & Oliver Dickinson 2 a 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted Collector & Constable Horace Smith for thirty seven Dollars. 
 
 Voted to raise seven hundred and seventy Dollars, to purchase land to be 
 added to the Center Burying Ground and fencing the same. 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 [Held at the Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, April 1, 1S33. 
 Voted To refer to the Gen. School Committee the power of retaining or 
 excluding Webster spelling Book, as they shall deem expedient 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 223 
 
 Voted Therefore that the Selectmen be authorized to contract with such 
 individuals to inclose said Common as will do it in the most favorable Terms, and 
 in such manner as they, the Selectmen, shall deem expedient, such improvements 
 to be made thereon as the Selectmen shall approve. 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 Town Meeting, August 29, 1S33. 
 Voted To authorize the Selectmen to put up to the lowest bidder the making 
 of the road, over Mount Holyoke to Granby line, recently established. 
 
 Attest L Boltwood Town Clerk 
 
 [Held at the Vestry of the Brick Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, November n, 1S33. For Governor. 
 
 Hon. John Davis had one hundred and twenty three votes. 
 
 Hon. Samuel C. Allen had one hundred & seven votes. 
 
 Hon. Marcus Morton had thirty eight votes. 
 
 Hon. John Ouincy Adams had thirty seven votes. 
 
 Hon. Samuel Lathrop had two votes. 
 
 Voted To elect three Representatives. The whole number of votes were 
 two hundred & twenty three of which Elijah Boltwood had one hundred & seventy 
 votes, and Osmyn Baker Esqr. had one hundred & eighty nine votes, which being 
 a majority of the whole number, said Gentlemen were declared to be elected. 
 
 Attest. L. Boltwood, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 3. 1S34. 
 Voted & elected Lucius Boltwood Town Clerk. 
 Voted & elected Lucius Boltwood Treasurer. 
 
 Voted & chose Thomas Hastings, Chester Dickinson, Lucius Dickinson, Jon- 
 athan Rice and Aaron M. Chandler, Selectmen. 
 
 Voted & chose Ebenezer Williams. Alfred Baker & Martin Baker assessors 
 Voted Collector & Constable to Seth Nims for forty eight Dollars. 
 
 Attest. L. Boltwood, Town Clerk. 
 
 [Held at the Second Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, May 19, 1S34. 
 Voted to appoint two agents to appear before the County Commissioners & 
 oppose the location of a new road, commencing near the late dwelling house of 
 Theodore Lyman deceast & running to Hadley line. 
 
 Attest. L. Boltwood, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. November 10, 1S34. For Governor. 
 His Excellency John Davis had two hundred & eight votes. 
 Hon. Marcus Morton had fifteen votes. 
 Hon. Samuel C. Allen had thirty eight votes. 
 Hon. John Bailey had thirty votes. 
 
 Voted to elect three Representatives, Ebenezer Williams & Reuben Roberts 
 having the requisite number of votes were declared elected. A second ballot being 
 
224 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 called for Elijah Boltwood had a majority of all the votes & was declared elected. 
 
 Attest. L. Boltwood, Town Clerk. 
 
 [Held at East Parish Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting. December i, 1S34. 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to lay out a Town road from the 
 North West corner of David Parsons, garden south by the dwelling house of 
 Aaron Belding to Mrs. Shephards & thence East to the County road, agreeably to 
 the wish of the petitioners. 
 
 Attest. John S. Adams, Clerk Pro. Tern. 
 
 [Held at the Vestry of the Brick Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, March 2, 1835. 
 
 Voted & chose John S. Adams Town Clerk 
 
 Voted & chose John S. Adams Treasurer. 
 
 Voted. That it be a standing rule for the Treasurer to give bonds to the 
 acceptance of the Town for the faithful discharge of their duties. 
 
 Voted & chose Zebina Hawley, W. S. Howland, Lucius Dickinson, Daniel 
 Dickinson, Eleazer Gaylord, as Selectmen. 
 
 Voted & chose, Elijah Boltwood, Oliver Dickinson 2' 1 and Jonathan Cowls, 
 assessors. 
 
 Voted Collector & Constable Seth Nims, for Forty five Dollars seventy-five 
 cents. 
 
 Voted To recommit the Report of the Selectmen in reference to the road 
 running from David Parsons to Mrs. Shephards to the Selectmen, with instructions 
 to lay the same straight through, to the road leading from Amherst to Hadley viz. 
 through Prof. Peck's land. 
 
 Attest. John S. Adams, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. September 2. 1835. 
 Voted That the report of the Selectmen in reference to laying the road from 
 David Parson's to the road leading from the brick meeting house in Amherst to 
 Hadley. through the land of Prof. Peck, be accepted, (which see on file). 
 
 Attest. John S. Adams, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 9. 1S35. For Governor. 
 For Hon. Edward Everett Two hundred and nine. 
 Marcus Morton Sixty nine. 
 Samuel T. Armstrong Five 
 John T. Armstrong one. 
 Voted to Elect three Representatives for the present year — George Nutting 
 had one hundred and forty four and was declared elected. A second ballott was 
 called for Osmyn Baker & Martin Baker having a majority of all the votes were 
 declared elected. 
 
 Attest. John S. Adams, Town Clerk. 
 
 [Held at the Vestry of the Brick Meeting House.] 
 
 Town Meeting, March 5, 1S36. 
 Voted & Chose Russell T. Wheelock Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 225 
 
 Voted & Chose Russell T. Wheelock Town Treasurer. 
 
 Voted & Chose Alfred Baker. Enos Dickinson 2''. Salvador Andrews. Leonard 
 M. Hills. & Ezra Ingram, Selectmen. 
 
 Voted & Chose Elijah Boltwood, James Kellogg, and Solomon K. Eastman. 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted & Chose Seth Nims Collector & Constable for forty nine dollars. 
 
 R. T. Wheelock, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 14, 1S36. For Governor. 
 
 His Excellency Edward Everett had two hundred and eighty three. 
 
 Hon. Marcus Morton had seventy five votes. 
 
 F01 Representatives, Ebenezer Mattoon Jr. had two hundred & ninety two votes 
 Enos Dickinson 2'* had two hundred and twenty rive votes, Osmyn Baker Esq. had 
 two hundred & twenty three votes. 
 
 To see what order the town will take on this petition for a road leading from 
 Sunderland line to Dr. Rufus Cowls Store 
 
 Voted To appoint an Agent to appear before the County Commissioners and 
 oppose the location of the above petitioned for road. 
 
 Voted & Chose Ithamar Conkey Esq. Agent. * 
 
 Attest. R. T. Wheelock. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 6. 1S37. 
 
 Voted & Chose Samuel C. Carter Town. Clerk 
 
 Voted & Chose, Samuel C. Carter Town, Treasurer. 
 
 Voted & Chose, Alfred Baker, Leonard M. Hills. Ezra Ingram, Enos Dickin- 
 son 2 d , Salvador Andrews, Selectmen. 
 
 Voted & Chose. James Kellogg. Chester Dickinson and Robert Cutler, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted & Chose Frederick A. Palmer Constable. 
 
 Voted To set up Collectorship, struck off to Albin P. Howe at fifty seven 
 dollars. 
 
 Voted to accept the report of the Selectman on the road laid by Doct. Sellon. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. May 8, 1837. 
 Voted that this town agrees to recover from the Treasurer and Receiver Gen- 
 eral of the Commonwealth, it proportions the Surplus and Revenue of the United 
 States, on deposite and will comply with the terms and provisions of the several 
 Acts, passed by the Legislature of said Commonwealth, concerning the deposite 
 of the Surplus Revenue. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 13. 1S37. For Governor. 
 
 His Excellency Edward Everett had Three hundred and fifty nine votes. 
 
 Hon. Marcus Morton had fifty one votes 
 
 Samuel Hubbard had one vote. 
 
 Voted. To elect two Representatives for the present year, Eleazer Kellogg 
 and Edward Dickinson having the requisite number of votes, were declared elected. 
 
 Voted That the subject of a Poor House be recommitted to the committee 
 on that subject & report at a future meeting, the probable expence of a farm &c 
 
226 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 that will answer for the poor of this town, and whether one can be obtained, & also 
 the expence of this town if united with the other towns, and also to report whether 
 it will be expedient to unite with other towns. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, February 29, 1838. 
 
 On hearing the report of the Committee, appointed at the last meeting, for to 
 purchase a farm, for the Town it was Voted Not to accept the Report of the 
 Committee. 
 
 Voted That the whole subject on the Poor Farm be recommitted to the 
 Selectmen, with all the Authority contained in the vote at the last meeting, and 
 they are further authorized to consider the subject in reference to the Vinton Farm, 
 and take counsel, as to the contract made by the Committee, and if they are satis- 
 fied that the town is hoiden by the contract, so to report to the town at the next 
 annual meeting. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 5, 1S3S. 
 fl Voted and Chose Samuel C. Carter Town Clerk. 
 
 Voted and Chose S. C. Carter Town Treasurer. 
 
 Voted to choose five Selectmen and made choice of Alfred Baker, Ezra 
 Ingram, Oliver Dickinson 2 d , Nelson Rust and Frederick A. Palmer. 
 
 Voted and >made choice of James Kellogg, Chester Dickinson and Charles 
 Adams as Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Frederick A. Palmer Constable. 
 
 Voted and chose Albin P. Howe, Collector, for Fifty Dollars. 
 
 The Selectmen submitted their report upon the Vinton farm (so called) after 
 the reading of which it was 
 
 Voted To accept the farm and pay for it, according to the report of the 
 Committee. 
 
 Voted That the whole subject for the support of the poor for the year 
 ensuing, and the farm, be referred to the Selectmen, and to report at the meeting on 
 the first Monday of April next. 
 
 Voted To purchase an Engine, 87 in favor 41 against. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to repair the two old Engines, pro- 
 vided the proprietors of them will give them to the town. 
 
 Voted To raise Twelve Hundred Dollars for the purchase of an Engine and 
 apparatus and for the repairs of the old engine, 53 in favor 24 Nays. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 2, 1838. 
 Voted To rescind the vote passed at the March Meeting, in reference to the 
 purchasing of an Engine, so far as that Eight hundred dollars, instead of twelve 
 hundred dollars, be raised and appropriated for that purpose. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 19, 1838. 
 Voted not to accept the report of the Selectmen respecting the farm and the 
 support of the Poor the year ensuing. 
 
 Voted That Simeon Clark, I. Robbins, A. iMerrick, I. Conkey, George Nut- 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 227' 
 
 ting, Daniel Dickinson, Enoch Cowles and S. C. Carter act as a committee to 
 define the several school Districts in this town. 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to pay for the farm from the fund of 
 the Surplus Revenue. 
 
 Voted to support the Poor on the farm system after present year. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. 
 
 No. 1. West Centre District. Commencing at the stone bridge, South of 
 Prof. Snell's house, thence northerly to the stone bridge, south of S. K. Eastmans 
 on the Leverett road, and the Sunderland road to Oliver Coles South line. Also 
 from Hadley line on the west, running East to the east corner of the cross road 
 near the town pound and including said road and also to the east line of Mr. 
 Joseph Dickinson's farm. 
 
 No. 2. East Centre District. Commencing at Morton's bridge so called on 
 the east street, thence northerly on said street, to the north line of Deacon Hawley 
 farm, including the Pelham road, to Pelham line, and the log town road, to the 
 Belchertown line, — also from the East street, west to the east corner of the 
 cross road near the town pound and also Joseph Dickinsons lane so called to the 
 east line of said Dickinson's farm. 
 
 No. 3. SoittJi Centre District. Commencing at Oliver Nash's south line on 
 the east road and the bridge south of Lucius Dickinson's house on the middle 
 road, thence northerly to Morton's bridge on the east road to the bridge and to the 
 bridge at the foot of Coy's hill on the middle road, thence from the middle road,. 
 on the two roads running to Plum brook. Also the new road from the South Parish 
 Meeting House to Belchertown line, thence on the Mill lane to a bridge nearly 
 equidistant from East to West Street. 
 
 No. \. North East District. Commencing at the North line of Deacon 
 Hawley farm on the east street thence northerly to Leverett line by Daniel Dick- 
 inson's including all of the territory east of said road to Shutesbury line, also com- 
 mencing south on the middle road at the Stone bridge south of S. K. Eastman's 
 thence northerly to the Guide Board north of Martin Bakers thence Westerly to 
 the hill east of Alexander's. Also from the said Guide Board by Jones' Factory to 
 an oak tree, where it intersects the road leading from Ephraim Cushman"s to the 
 west Street. Also from said oak tree east to said Cushman"s. Also from the 
 aforesaid Guide Board northerly to Lewis L. Draper's. 
 
 No. 5. North West District. Commencing at Sunderland line North and 
 running south to Oliver Coles South line including the new and old road. Thence 
 commencing on the Hadley line on the West and running east on the Shutesbury 
 road to the hill east of Alexander's house, and from the oak tree north of the 
 factory to the West Street. 
 
 No. 6. South West District. Commencing at the middle road on the bay 
 road and running on the bay road to Hadley line. Thence on the west street 
 north to the north line of the Gilbert farm and including all the road from Plum 
 Brook to Hadley line. 
 
 No. 7. Mill I'alley District. Commencing at the North line of the Gilbert 
 farm, and at the bridge at the foot of Coy's hill and running north to the Stone 
 bridge south of Prof. Snell's, including the road from the bridge equidistant from 
 the east and west street on Mill lane to Hadlev line. 
 
2 28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 No. 8. South East District. Commencing at the Belchertown line and 
 running to the road which passes by Lucius Dickinson's, thence on the County 
 road by Isaac Robbins to Oliver Nash's south line, including Mr. Hammond and 
 Mr. Hunt. 
 
 Dec. 12, 1842. Voted. That A. P. Merrick be sett off Dist. Xo. 6 to District 
 No. 7. 
 
 At a Town Meeting June 5. 1843, It was voted that District No. 7 should run 
 north to Prof. Hitchcock's north line and also to the north line of Widow Jerusha 
 Dickinsons. 
 
 Dec. 2'\ 1844. Voted that Joshua Roberts be sett off from District No. 2 to 
 District No. 4. 
 
 May 7. 1845. Voted to establish the line between No. 4 and No. 5. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 12, 1S3S. For Governor. 
 Edward Everett had three hundred and thirty seven votes. 
 Marcus .Morton had one hundred and five votes. 
 
 For Representatives. Edward Dickinson and Oliver Dickinson 2 11 , having the 
 requisite number of votes were declared elected. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 4, 1839. 
 
 Voted and Chose S. C. Carter Town Clerk. 
 
 Voted and Chose S. C. Carter Treasurer. 
 
 Voted to Choose five Selectmen. Enos Dickinson Simeon Clark, Charles 
 Adams, Charles Roberts and Thomas Hastings. 
 
 Voted and made choice of James Kellogg, Chester Dickinson and Charles 
 Adams as Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Wright D. Kellogg Constable. 
 
 Voted and chose A. P. Howe Collector — for Forty Dollars. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to expend a sum not exceeding 
 Twelve Hundred Dollars from Surplus Revenue Fund, for the purpose of placing 
 the Buildings on the town farm in repair and for the purpose of Stock and farm 
 utensils, and the Poor be placed on the farm under the direction of the Overseers 
 of the Poor. 
 
 Voted that the balance of the Surplus Revenue Fund be appropriated and 
 applied to the payment of the debts of the town. 
 
 Voted to allow the fire department their Poll taxes. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 11, 1S39. For Governor 
 Edward Everett had three hundred and seven votes. 
 Marcus Morton had one hundred and seventeen votes. 
 Lucius Boltwood had one vote. 
 
 For Representatives, Ebenezer Mattoon Jr. had two hundred and four votes, 
 Charles Adams had one hundred and ninety eight votes, were declared elected. 
 
 S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 2, 1S40. 
 Voted and Chose S. C. Carter Town Clerk. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter Treasurer. 
 
RECORDS OP' TOWN MEETINGS. 2 2C/ 
 
 Voted to choose five Selectmen and made choice of Luther Nash, Eleazer 
 Kellogg. Cotton Smith. Seth Xims and Willard M. Kellogg. 
 
 Voted, and made choice of James Kellogg, Chester Dickinson and Ebenezer 
 Williams as Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Z. Crocker Ingram collector, for fifty seven Dollars. 
 
 Voted That all future town meetings be warned by posting an attested copy 
 of the warrant on the four Congregational and Baptist Meeting houses in this town 
 seven days before the time of holding said meetings, and that all former votes on 
 this subject be rescinded. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 June 15. 1S40. The whole number of inhabitants, taken by Census May 1. 
 1840 was Twenty Five Hundred and Fifteen. 
 
 The whole number of inhabitants of the town of Amherst as taken for the 
 U. S. Marshall was 2551. 
 
 True value of real and personal estate in 1840 was $885,033. 
 No. Polls, ratable, 16 years and upwards 577 
 
 not taxed nor supported by town 35 
 " " supported by the town 3 
 
 Length of the roads in the town of Amherst as surveyed by Capt. Simeon 
 Clark Sept., 1840. 
 
 
 miles 
 
 rods 
 
 
 West Street 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 from top of Mountain. 
 
 East Street 
 
 7 
 
 160 
 
 " Bay road 
 
 Bay road 
 
 4. 
 
 
 
 
 Road by Tower's 
 
 
 160 
 
 
 by Lucius Dickinson 
 
 2 
 
 160 
 
 
 Potwines Lane 
 
 1 
 
 20 
 
 
 from South Parish to Hadley 
 
 1 
 
 200 
 
 
 Do. to Logtown 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 by T. Hastings to Do. 
 
 1 
 
 240 
 
 
 East Street to Hills 
 
 1 
 
 40 
 
 
 " " to Pelham 
 
 1 
 
 60 
 
 
 " '• to Shutesbury 
 
 
 240 
 
 
 Mill Valley to Hadley 
 
 
 260 
 
 
 West Meeting House to Hadley 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 Old road to Hadley 
 
 
 240 
 
 
 North Parish to Hadley 
 
 1 
 
 20 
 
 
 '• to Leverett 
 
 1 
 
 120 
 
 
 P. Ingrams to Do. 
 
 
 2S0 
 
 
 to City 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 " to Shutesbury 
 
 1 
 
 So 
 
 
 N. Parish to City 
 
 1 
 
 So 
 
 
 to Factory road 
 
 
 280 
 
 
 City to West Street N. R. 
 
 1 
 
 80 
 
 
 from Wheelocks to the City 
 
 2 
 
 40 
 
 
 0. Cowls lane 
 
 
 200 
 
 
 J. Strongs lane 
 
 
 2 So 
 
 
 West to East Street 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 Fames road — triangle 
 
 
 160 
 
 
 Billings lane 
 
 
 2S0 
 
 
 Mill lane 
 
 
 2 So 
 
 Total 51A miles of road' 
 
 39 3960 covering 340 acres of land 
 
230 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 9, 1S40. For Representative. 
 Samuel C. Carter having received the required number of votes was declared 
 to be elected. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 7, 1S40. 
 Voted. That the Selectmen be authorized to convey to the Trustees of 
 Amherst College, by quit claim deed so much of the common in front of the 
 College lot, as is not wanted for the purposes of a highway, upon the terms and con- 
 ditions specified in this petition of the prudential Committee of said trustees. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, T. Clerk. 
 
 Copy of the petition of the prudential committee of Amherst College, pre- 
 sented and acted upon at a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of 
 Amherst held on the seventh of Dec. 1S40. 
 
 The undersigned in behalf of the College would respectfully present to the 
 town of Amherst a petition for license to use the Hill in front of the College for 
 College purposes. 
 
 The Hill in its present condition is well known to be deformed and inconven- 
 ient. Being a conspicuous object it has been supposed by strangers to furnish 
 evidence of a want of taste and enterprise on the part of the college and of the 
 town and is thus a standing reproach to both. The students who pass over it. to 
 and from their meals six times a day, the Faculty, the Trustees in their annual 
 visits, the benefactors and friends of the Institution and the inhabitants of the 
 place, all unite in viewing it with a common feeling of dissatisfation. The parents 
 of the young men who join the Institution and the young men themselves in their 
 first impressions are disgusted with its deformed appearance and thus in some 
 degree at the outset are disgusted with the College and the town. They regard it 
 as the index of the character of each. 
 
 What is thus now useless and worse than useless and a deformity and a reproach 
 to the College and the Town, may be made usefull and ornamental and creditable 
 to both. It is needed by the College as the best place for an observatory to be 
 erected for Astronomical and philosophical purposes. In the want of such a build- 
 ing some of the apparatus now in possession can not be used. Instead of being 
 inconvenient and awkward, it will if put into shape be easy of access, convenient 
 and gracefull. By being smothed in all part of it, and planted with trees and 
 protected by a fence and covered with green-sward and fitted up with walks it may 
 be made a pleasant spot attractive to transient travellers, to visitors and to students 
 about to enter College. It cannot reasonably be expected by anyone that the Col- 
 lege, in its poverty, will employ the expense and the labor necessary for accomplish- 
 ing these desirable improvements, unless it can be secured in the peaceable posses- 
 sion of the Hill when thus improved. This security the town we think will cheer- 
 fully grant on condition that only so much of the eastern side of the common as 
 is not needed for a highway shall be occupied by the college and that the part thus 
 relinquished by the town, shall be used only for College purposes. Your petitioners 
 would therefore respectfully request that the Inhabitants of the town of Amherst 
 at their present meeting would authorize the Selectmen to relinquish to the Trus- 
 tees of Amherst College, their rights in the common in front of the College lot, 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 23 I 
 
 excepting so much as is needed for a highway, with permission to improve, enclose 
 ornament and use the same for College purposes and no other. 
 
 H. Humphrey 1 p , . , 
 Amherst, Dec. 7 th 1S40 Luke Sweetzer } ^ruaentiai 
 
 David Mack Jr S Committee 
 A true copy, S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Selectmen of the town of Amherst held on Monday the 
 twenty first day of December A. D. 1840 Newton Pitch was appointed by said 
 selectmen Town Clerk and Treasurer during the absence of S. C. Carter in pur- 
 suance of the statue in such cases made and provided. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk, Pro Tern. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 1, 1S41. 
 
 Voted and Chose S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Voted and Chose S. C. Carter, Treasurer. 
 
 Voted Simeon Clark, Oliver Watson, Seth Nims, Eleazer Kellogg and Wil- 
 liam Merrick, Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and made choice of R. T. Wheelock, Rufus Kellogg and Lucius Dick- 
 inson as Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose F. A. Palmer, Constable. 
 
 Voted That the Treasurer act as Collector of taxes. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 SUNDERLAND AND AMHERST DIVISION LINES 1S41. 
 
 The line between the towns of Sunderland and Amherst was run June 14" 1 
 1S41. A majority of the Selectmen of each town was present and is as follows 
 viz. commencing at a stone at the South East corner of the town of Sunderland, 
 run West i c 45" South 219 rods to a stone which is the North West corner of the 
 town of Amherst. 
 
 Charles Coolev, Surveyor. 
 
 Town Meeting, Novembers, 1S41. For Representative. 
 Samuel C. Carter having received the required number of votes was declared 
 to be elected. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Selectmen of the town of Amherst held on Monday the 
 twenty seventh day of December A. D. 1S41 Newton Fitch was appointed by said 
 selectmen Town Clerk and Treasurer during the absence of S. C. Carter in pursu- 
 ance of the statue in such cases made and provided. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. Pro Tern. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 7, 1S42. 
 Voted and Chose S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter, Treasurer. 
 
 Voted. Simeon Clark, Alfred Raker and Enos Dickinson i st selectmen. 
 Voted and made choice of Ezra Ingram, Ebenezer Williams and James Kellogg 
 as Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Owen Johnson, Constable. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
232 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 14, 1S42. For Representative. 
 Ezra Ingram had two hundred and forty seven votes. 
 
 Ezra Ingram having received the required number of votes was declared to 
 be elected. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. December 19, 1842. 
 Voted. That Daniel Dickinson, Lucius Dickinson, and Oliver Watson be a 
 committee, for to procure a place, in which future town meetings, can be held and 
 are authorized to confer with the Committee of the r 8t Parish in regard to their 
 vestry, and also with other committees or individuals and report at the future 
 meeting. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. March 6, 1843. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter Town Clerk. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter Treasurer. 
 
 Voted Ebenezer Williams. Eleazer Kellogg and F. A. Palmer, Selectmen. 
 Voted and chose James Kellogg, Ebenezer Williams and Ezra Ingram as 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Frederick A. Palmer, Constable. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. April 3, 1843. 
 The committee appointed at the last meeting to procure a place for to hold 
 town meetings, made a report and it was 
 
 Voted, That Mr. Sweetser's Hall be procured for to hold town meetings on 
 the terms offered by him. 
 
 Voted, To allow the first Parish fifteen dollars for the use of the vestry up to 
 this time. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 [Held in Mr. Sweetzer's Hall.] 
 
 Town Meeting, June 5, 1843. 
 Voted That the town will renew their vote passed in 1S33 in relation to the 
 enclosing of the common north of the College Hill with the following amendment 
 viz. Provided that the town may at any time, take the control and receive the 
 income of the enclosure, by paying the expense which has been incurred and which 
 remains unpaid. And also Provided, that the excess of the avails, if any, shall be 
 appropriated to the support of the Engines. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 13, 1843. For Representative. 
 Timothy J. Gridley had two hundred and sixty seven votes, and was declared 
 elected. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 4, 1S44. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter, Treasurer, 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 233 
 
 Voted. F. A. Palmer, Salem Hammond and Ezra Ingram, Selectmen. 
 Voted and chose James Kellogg', Ezra Ingram and Enos Dickinson i st as 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose F. A. Palmer as Constable. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Report of the Selectmen on the new road from Jones Factory to North Parish 
 meeting House, presented and accepted by the town Jan. 1, 1844. 
 
 We the undersigned Selectmen of the town of Amherst, having on the peti- 
 tion of Thomas Jones and others proceeded to locate a highway. The following 
 are the minutes of said location. Beginning on the highway leading from the 
 factory bridge, Northerly to Albert Balls, near a dwelling house, standing on the 
 West side of- said road and owned by Thomas Jones, thence running South 595 
 West — 62 rods and 20 links, 37 rods on land of Thomas Jones and 25 rods on 
 land of Lyscum Spear, — thence West 3 North, 78 rods; 49 rods on land Wm. H„ 
 Smith and Eleazer Cowls, — 15 rods on land of Horace Cutler and Eleazer Cowls, 
 14 rods of land of Jonathan Cowls and Eleazer Cowls. The above line is to be 
 the North side of said highway and is to be three rods wide. We have appraised 
 Eleazer Cowls sixty five dollars damages and Lyscum Spear agreed to accept of 
 twelve dollars and the others agreed to give their land and make the fences. 
 
 Frederick A. Palmer j ^ , 
 Amherst, Dec. 25, 1S4-? Ebenezer Williams I selectmen 
 
 5. 1S43 Ebenezer Williams * a i7 * 
 
 t7,^.-,t,t, t-^, , ^^^ { of Amherst 
 
 A true copy of the Report. 
 
 Eleazer Kellogg } 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 We the undersigned hereby certify that we were Selectmen of the town of 
 Amherst for the year commencing March. 1843, that in the month of October of 
 that year a petition signed by Thomas Jones and others was presented to us, pray- 
 ing us as Selectmen to lay out a town way, between the Factory village and the 
 West Street near Jonathan Cowls; that on the 13 th day of said November, we 
 gave written notice of our intention, to lay out a town way, between the termini 
 stated in said petition, to Thomas Jones, Lyscum Spear, William A. Smith, Eleazer 
 Cowls, Horace Cutler and Jonathan Cowls, who were all and the only owners of 
 land, across which, said way was proposed to be located, and on the 20 th day of the 
 same November, we proceeded to locate the way, according to the report of the 
 same, signed by us and dated Dec. 25, 1S43, and accepted by the town on the first 
 day of January, 1S44 and recorded in the records of the town in April, 1844. 
 
 Frederick A. Palmer j Selectmen for the year ending on 
 Eleazer Kellogg j the first of March, 1S44. 
 
 A true copy of Certificate on file. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 11. 1S44. For Representative. 
 Thomas Jones had two hundred and eighty seven votes and was declared 
 elected. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 31. 1844. 
 Voted That the Selectmen in behalf of the inhabitants of the town of 
 18 
 
234 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Amherst, be instructed to petition the General Court to grant the petition of T. J. 
 Gridley and others for a charter for a railroad from Hockanum in Hadley to 
 Grout's in Montague. 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to purchase 200 ft. of hose for the 
 Cataract Engine. * 
 
 Voted To appropriate thirty dollars to furnish a Engine house in Mill Valley. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 3, 1S45. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter Town Clerk. 
 Voted and chose S. C. Carter Town Treasurer. 
 
 Voted. Russell T. Wheelock. Lyman Gunn and Waitstill Dickinson, Select- 
 men. 
 
 Voted and chose James Kellogg, Daniel Dickinson and Simeon Clarke for 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Seth Nims as Constable. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 SOUTH HADLEY AND AMHERST. 
 
 Agreeable to the laws of the Commonwealth the Selectmen of So. Hadley 
 sent a notice (said town being the most ancient) to the Selectmen of Amherst 
 appointing Monday 31 st clay of March, 1S45, for the purpose, to perambulate, run 
 and renew the lines between said towns. 
 
 We, the subscribers, the Selectmen of So. Hadley and Amherst respectively 
 met at the oak tree in the notch of the mountain close to the road; said tree being 
 the corner between South Hadley and Granby and the line betwixt Amherst and 
 the said towns, Daniel Paine Surveyer present. 
 
 Beginning at said tree and running north 42 West seventy eight rods to two 
 walnut trees, which we marked and piled stones around: thence North 34 : West 
 twenty eight rods to a white pine tree, which we marked; thence N. S4 West 
 forty two rods to a black oak tree the corner between Hadley and Amherst, and 
 the line betwixt said towns and South Hadley. 
 
 South Hadley and Amherst line March 31, 1845. 
 
 Lorenzo Gaylord \ Selectmen of South 
 Ira Hyde j Hadley. 
 
 R. T. Wheelock } Selectmen of 
 L v.man Gunn { Amherst. 
 
 A true copy. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 7, 1845. 
 Voted. To accept the report of the Committee appointed to establish the line 
 between the School Districts No. 4, and No. 5, which is as follows. 
 
 Commencing at an oak tree, standing in the corner of the road leading from 
 Ephraim Cushman's to the West Street, thence running South 16 E. from said 
 tree to the hill east of Mr. Alexander's house, passing North of Mr. Jones West 
 factory and on the west side of said factory. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 10, 1S45. For Representative. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 235 
 
 Timothy J. Gridley had two hundred and fifty one votes and was declared 
 Elected. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk, pro tern. 
 
 Town Meeting, Decembers, 1S45. 
 Voted and Chose Newton Fitch Town Clerk to fill the vacancy occasioned by 
 the resignation of of S. C. Carter, Esq. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 2, 1S46. 
 
 Voted and Chose Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Voted and Chose Newton Fitch, Town Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and Chose Russell T. Wheelock, Lyman Gunn and Waitstill Dickinson, 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and Chose Simeon Clark, Daniel Dickinson and Frederick A. Palmer, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and Chose Isaac Gridley Constable. 
 
 Voted To raise the sum of Two Hundred dollars, to pay the expenses of 
 setting out Shade and ornamental trees in the Center and North and South Bury- 
 ing grounds, that an equal sum be expended upon the south and north burying 
 grounds and an amount equal to both, upon the Center one. * * * 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 9, 1846. For Representative. 
 
 John Leland had one Hundred and ninety one votes and was declared elected. 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 30, 1S46. 
 Voted That the Selectmen be required to publish the warrants for all the 
 future Town Meetings in the Hampsliire and Franklin- Express. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 1, 1S47. 
 Voted and Chose Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 Voted and Chose Newton Fitch, Town Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and Chose John Dickinson Jr., Ansel C. Marshall. Waitstill Dickinson, 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and Chose Frederick A. Palmer, Horace Kellogg, Ezra Ingram, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and Chose Isaac Gridley Constable. 
 
 Attest. NEWTON Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, August 30, 1S47. 
 Voted to accept of the provisions made for this town in the will of the late 
 Oliver Smith, Esq. 
 
 Voted to choose an Elector of Trustee under said will. 
 Voted and chose Dr. Timothy J. Gridley, said Elector. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch. Town Clerk. 
 
236 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 8, 1847. For Representative. 
 Balloted twice, Alfred Baker had one hundred and fifty eight votes and was 
 declared elected. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 13. 1847. 
 Voted That a Committee of three be appointed to ascertain what amount of 
 money would be necessary to purchase a suitable Engine and fire apparatus to be 
 located at the north part of the town, and report at the next town meeting together 
 with condition on which such engine etc. should be purchased and located. 
 
 Voted To appropriate a sum not exceeding fifty dollars for the repairs of 
 Ladders and Carriage, etc. and that the same be expended under the direction of 
 the Selectmen. 
 
 Attest. Newton Fitch, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 13, 1848. 
 James W. Boyden was chosen Town Clerk by Ballot, and upon counting 
 votes cast for Town Treasurer, the same person was found to be chosen Treasurer 
 for the ensuing year. 
 
 Voted and chose R. T. Wheelock, Ansel C. Marshall, Waitstill Dickinson, 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Ansel C. Marshall, Waitstill Dickinson and Frederick A. Palmer, Assessors. 
 Voted and Chose Isaac Gridley Constable. 
 
 Attest. J.W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
 Leverett and Amherst Town Lines. April 22, 1848. 
 This certifies that we the subscribers Selectmen of the Town of Amherst and 
 Selectmen of the Town of Leverett, pursuant to a notice given by the Selectmen 
 of s' 1 Amherst, that being the most ancient town, met at the stone monument at 
 the N. E. corner of said town for the purpose of perambulating and running the 
 "lines between said Towns, have attended that service, as follows. 
 
 Beginning at the stone monument, north of W m . Henry Smith's House at the 
 north east corner of said Amherst, thence running west i° 30' South 679 rods and 
 15 links to a stone monument at the South west corner of the Burying Ground, 
 with stakes set in at intermediate distances of sixty rods each, and marked with 
 the initials of the aforesaid towns, and, also, two chestnut trees, marked on opposite 
 sides with initials of the aforesaid Towns about 220 west from the first mentioned 
 monument. 
 
 R. T. Wheelock ( Selectmen 
 
 Ansel C. Marshall ( of Amherst. 
 Asa L. Field) Selectmen 
 Silas Ball j of Leverett. 
 
 A true copy of certificate. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 13, 1848. For Representative. 
 Luke Sweetser had Two Hundred Fifteen votes, was declared elected. 
 
 Attest, James W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 237 
 
 Town Meeting, March 5, 1849. 
 
 Voted and Chose by ballot James W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
 Voted and Chose by ballot James W. Boyden Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and Chose by ballot, Ansel C. Marshall, Waitstill Dickinson, Willard 
 M. Kellogg, Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and Chose by ballot, Frederic A. Palmer. Waitstill Dickinson, Marquis 
 F. Dickinson. Assessors. 
 
 Voted and Chose Isaac Gridley, Constable. 
 
 Voted that in the opinion of the Town, the Smith Charity Funds should be 
 taxed in and by the several beneficiary Towns, according to their respective popu- 
 lation, forever. 
 
 Voted that Luke Sweetser, Esquire, be requested to present these votes to 
 the General Court, now sitting at Boston, or to any Committee thereof, having the 
 Subject of the Smith Charity under consideration. 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen petition the Legislature to authorize the line 
 between Amherst and Hadley, or any part thereof, to be straightened. 
 
 Attest. James W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. June 23. 1S49. 
 
 Voted That the Town purchase an Engine and Apparatus, to be stationed at 
 North Amherst, at a cost not exceeding Eight Hundred and Fifty Dollars. 
 
 Voted That the Report of the Selectmen in reference to a new Town Way. 
 be accepted, placed on file and recorded, and that the Selectmen construct the 
 road, on terms most favorable to the Town, if in their judgment, the public con- 
 venience requires its construction. 
 
 The following is a true copy of the Report, referred to in the above vote, and 
 ordered to be recorded. 
 
 "We the subscribers, Selectmen of Amherst, have laid out for the use of the 
 said Town, a Town Way, as follows : 
 
 " Beginning at a point on the Highway leading to East Street, near W m . Kel- 
 logg's store, and thence South about Fifty One rods, to a stake near the land of 
 Phinehas Warner, and thence Westwardly about sixteen rods, intersecting the 
 Highway, near the Brick Meeting House, leading to Hadley, said Town Way to 
 be three rods wide. 
 
 " Which said road is hereby reported to the Town for their acceptance, and 
 when accepted and recorded, is forever after to be known, as a public Town Way. 
 
 Dated at Amherst, June 13 th , 1849. 
 
 Willard M. Kellogg ) Selectmen 
 Waitstill Dickixsox f of 
 
 A. C. Marshall ) Amherst. 
 
 "The above Report was received at the Clerk's Office June 13"' 1S49. and 
 placed on tile. 
 
 Attest. James W. Bovdex. Town Clerk." 
 
 Town Meeting. November 12. 1S49. For Representative. 
 Waitstill Dickinson had Two Hundred and Forty Four Votes, was declared 
 elected. 
 
 Attest. James W. Bovdex. Town Clerk. 
 
238 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 3, 1849. 
 Voted that the Report of the Selectmen in relation to a new Town Way, 
 commencing at a stake near the dwelling house of James and Henry Hastings 
 and thence South fifty two rods to a stake near Oliver Watson's dwelling house, 
 thence East about Five Rods intersecting with the road leading to Belchertovvn, 
 be accepted and Recorded. 
 
 The following is a true copy of the Report, referred to, in the foregoing vote, 
 and now on file. 
 
 "We the subscribers. Selectmen of Amherst, have laid out for the use of said 
 Town, a Town Way, as follows: 
 
 " Beginning, at a stake near the dwelling house of James and Henry Hastings 
 and thence South Fifty Two Rods to a stake near Oliver Watson's dwelling house, 
 thence East about five rods intersecting with the road leading to Belchertovvn — 
 said Town Way to be two rods wide. 
 
 " Which said road is hereby reported to the town for their acceptance and 
 when accepted and recorded, is forever after to be known as a public Town Way. 
 Dated at Amherst, November 22' 1 1S49. 
 
 Willard M. Kellogg ) Selectmen 
 Waitstill Dickinson ; of 
 
 Ansel C. Marshall ) Amherst. 
 •■ Rec d at the Clerk's office in Amherst, Nov. 22 rt 1849 and placed on file. 
 Attest. James W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
 Voted to reconsider so much of the Vote passed at the last June Meeting, as 
 relates to the acceptance of a new road as laid out by the Selectmen, from a stake 
 near Phineas Warner's House, thence West to the Highway, near the Brick Meet- 
 ing House. 
 
 Voted that the Report of the Selectmen, laying out a new Town Way, as 
 follows, be accepted and recorded. 
 
 '•We, the subscribers, Selectmen of Amherst, have laid out for the use of the 
 Town a Town Way as follows : Beginning at a stake in the Town Way, leading 
 from William Kellogg Jr'a store, South thence from said stake South to a stake in 
 front of Lucius Boltwood's House, thence West to the Highway, opposite A. M. 
 Colton's house,' or near there, — said Town Way to be three rods wide, which said 
 road is hereby reported to the town for their acceptance, and when accepted and 
 recorded, is forever after to be known as a public town way. Dated at Amherst, 
 Nov. 22 d , 1849." 
 
 Willard M. Kellogg ) Selectmen 
 Waitstill Dickinson > of 
 
 Ansel C. Marshall ) Amherst. 
 The above was received at the Clerk's Office in Amherst Nov. 22 d , 1849 and 
 filed. 
 
 Attest. James W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 4, 1S50. 
 Balloted and Chose James W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 Balloted and Chose James W. Boyden, Town Treasurer. 
 
 Balloted and Chose Alfred Baker, L. M. Hills, Simeon Clark, Truman Nutting, 
 A. C. Marshall, Selectmen. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 239 
 
 Balloted and Chose, Simeon Clark, F. A. Palmer, Marquis F. Dickinson, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and Chose, by nomination, Isaac Gridley Constable. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Bovdex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Voted that it is the sense of this meeting that this town establish a High 
 School. Yes 117, Nay 95. 
 
 Voted that it is the desire of the town that there should not be places kept 
 open in the town where intoxicating liquors can be procured. 
 
 Voted that the town instruct the Selectmen to erect a Receiving Tomb of 
 suitable size in the Centre Burying Ground for the free use of the town, and author- 
 ize them to appropriate such sum of money as may be necessary to erect it. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 1, 1850. 
 
 Voted that the Report of the Committee on High Schools be recommitted to 
 the Committee, with instructions to lay the same, together with the votes of the 
 Town on the subject, before the several Districts for their acceptance ; and when 
 the Districts shall have assented thereto and notified the said Committee of such 
 assent, and made provision for a place of keeping the School, within the several 
 parts of the town, the said Committee in connection with the General School Com- 
 mittee, shall establish a School, as contemplated. And that the sum of Six 
 Hundred Dollars be and hereby is appropriated to defray the expenses of such 
 High School, or Schools, the present year. 
 
 Voted that the Fifth Article — " To see if the Town will take any measures to 
 widen the road against Mrs. Sellons premises," — be referred to the consideration 
 of the Selectmen, to view the road and make such alterations, as they may think 
 necessary. 
 
 Voted that the town accept the road, laid out by the Selectmen and described 
 in their Report, and that the Selectmen be authorized to construct the same. 
 
 Report of the Selectmen laying out a Town Way. near Truman Nuttings, 
 accepted by vote of the Town. 
 
 " We the subscribers, Selectmen of Amherst, have laid out for the use of the 
 said town, a town way, as follows, Beginning at a stake and stones on the Bay 
 road near Truman Nutting's House and running thence North twenty eight 
 degrees east, on land of Z. W. Robbins, eighty six rods, to land of Wheaton 
 Lovett, then continuing the same course through land of said Lovett three and 
 half rods to a stake and stones on the Highway near said Lovett's House, the 
 said road is two and half rods wide, and to lie on the easterly side of said course. 
 And we have assessed the damages over which said way passes, as follows: to the 
 said Z. W. Robbins, One Hundred and Forty Dollars and to the said Lovett the 
 sum of eight dollars, to be paid by the said town of Amherst, before said road is 
 opened. 
 Amherst, March 22 1 , 1S50. 
 
 Alfred Baker ^ 
 Simeon Clark ! Selectmen of 
 A. C. Marshall j Amherst. 
 
 L. M. Hills J 
 
 Clerk's Office, Amherst, March 22' 1 . 1S50. The above was this day received 
 and filed.. 
 
 Attest. JAMES W. BOYDEN, Town Clerk. 
 
 September 1, 1S50. Whole number of votes. 645. Number of polls not taxed 
 or supported by the town. 15. Polls supported by the town 3, total Polls 663. 
 
24° HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, November u, 1S50. For Representative. 
 William C. Fowler had two hundred thirty five votes. Necessary for a choice 
 Two hundred fifteen. William C. Fowler has the requisite number and is chosen. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 2 d , 1850. 
 Voted to accept the Report of the Committee on High Schools: and that 
 this Committee be requested to make further examination of the subject and 
 report a plan for a High School, at the March Meeting. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 ANNEXATION OF PART OF PELHAM. 
 
 At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Amherst qualified to 
 vote in Town Affairs, at Sweetser's Hall, on Monday, the twentieth day of Janu- 
 ary, A. D. 1851, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 
 
 Alfred Baker was chosen Moderator. 
 
 Voted, that the Town of Amherst, as at present advised, will make no 
 objections to the annexation of that portion of Pelham described in the Petition 
 to the Legislature, now in session, of certain inhabitants of Pelham. 
 
 Attest. J. W. BoYDEN, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 3. 185 1. 
 
 Balloted and Chose James W. Boyden Town Treasurer. 
 
 Balloted and Chose Alfred Baker, Leonard M. Hills, Simeon Clark, A. C. 
 Marshall, Truman Nutting, Selectman. 
 
 Voted and Chose by nomination, Isaac Gridley, Constable. 
 
 Voted . That the Town establish a High School to be kept in three locations, 
 according to the Report of the Committee, for a time, amounting in the whole to 
 twelve months, in a year. 
 
 That in case the several Union Districts fail to provide a suitable place for 
 the keeping of each school, as aforesaid, the General School Committee shall 
 report the same to the Selectmen, in order that such place, or places, may be pro- 
 vided under their order, and the expense of providing such place be taken out of 
 the money appropriated to said District. 
 
 That the sum of Eight hundred dollars be and hereby is raised and appropri- 
 ated for the purpose of carrying into effect the foregoing plan, under the direction 
 of the General School Committee, in the proportion recommended in the Report 
 of the Committee. 
 
 Voted that the foregoing votes be carried into effect forthwith. 
 
 Voted That the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the subject 
 of a new Town Hall, be received and tiled. 
 
 Voted to accept the report of the committee on the discontinuance of the 
 Billings lane so called. 
 
 Voted That it is the desire of the Town, that there should not be places kept 
 open in the town, where intoxicating liquors can be procured. Nays 1 only. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized and instructed to take all reasonable 
 and lawful measures to suppress the sale of intoxicating drinks and to prosecute 
 all persons, whom they may know or suspect of selling intoxicating drinks, without 
 license. Nays 1 only. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 24.I 
 
 Town Meeting, May 5, 1851. 
 Voted not to rescind so much of the vote of the town, passed March 3' 1 , 1S51. 
 whereby a High School in three'branches was established, as relates to the establish- 
 ment of a High School in the South Union District ; and not to instruct the Select- 
 men to divide their appropriation to the same, among the three South School 
 Districts, in the same proportion and manner, as the money raised for District 
 Schools is now divided. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 10. 1S51. For Representative. 
 Oliver Watson had Three Hundred and Twenty Seven. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 9, 1S51. 
 Voted To allow the Amherst and Belchertown Railroad Corporation to con- 
 struct their road across the Town Pauper Farm, without compensation for the land 
 damage; also, to relieve said Corporation from any expense of fencing said road, 
 within the limits of said farm, at the outset; and, that, if the South Parish wish 
 for a Depot on said Farm, the Town will permit said Corporation, to occupy half 
 an acre of said Farm, for such Depot. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boydex. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. March 1. 1S52. 
 
 J. W. Boyden was chosen Town Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and Chose Ezra Ingram, Enos D. Williams and Albin P. Howe. 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and Chose F. A. Palmer, Salem Hammond, Baxter Eastman, Assessors. 
 
 Voted and Chose Isaac Gridley, Constable. 
 
 Voted That the Town authorise the Selectmen to sell the Cataract Engine, 
 on the best terms they can : and that they appropriate the avails thereof, and the 
 additional sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars for the purchase of a new and 
 powerful engine, provided that the balance of the purchase money be raised by 
 subscription, within two years. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 22, 1S52. For Representative. 
 [There were three meetings held, Nov. S, 9 and 22 before a choice was made.] 
 Moses B. Green had a majority and was chosen. 
 
 J. W. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. January 3. 1S53. 
 Voted That the Selectmen be a Committee to favor the location of a High- 
 way, from a point near Joseph Adams and Sons' Saw Mill in North Hadley to a 
 point in Amherst, in the road leading from the Center of Amherst to Sunderland, 
 agreeably to the Petition of said Adamses and others, now pending before the 
 County Commissioners. 
 
 Voted That the time for holding the Annual Meeting, shall hereafter be the 
 First Monday in April. 
 
 J.'W. Boyden, Town Clerk. 
 
242 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, April 4. 1S53. 
 A. P. Howe was Chosen Town Clerk. 
 A. P. Howe was Chosen Town Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and Chose Josiah Ayres, Ezra Ingram and E. D. Williams, Selectmen. 
 Voted and Chose Daniel Paine, Charles Adams and Baxter Eastman, 
 Assessors. 
 
 A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 2, 1853. 
 Voted and Chose Edward Dickinson. Henry A. Bridgman, Enos Dickinson, 
 Daniel Dickinson, Lyman Gunn, L. M. Hills, Daniel Converse and Oliver Dick- 
 inson, a Committee to procure suitable places for the high schools for the present 
 year, and also further consider the subject of building one, or three Houses, also 
 procure plans of buildings, with estimates of their cost and not to exceed when 
 completed, including the land, three thousand dollars, and report to a future 
 meeting. Dec. 5, 1S53, Voted on motion of Daniel Dickinson to lay the above 
 report on the table. 
 
 A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 14, 1853. For Representative. 
 I. F. Conkey had a Majority and was Chosen. 
 
 Attest. A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, February 27, 1854. 
 Hon. Edward Dickinson submitted the following resolutions : 
 Resolved, as the sense of the Town of Amherst, that, as at present advised, 
 and in the present state of the proceedings before the Legislature on the petition of 
 the town of Pelham for leave to surrender its Charter, and to be annexed to the 
 adjoining towns, we are opposed to the surrender of its Charter, and to the annex- 
 ation of any portion of its territory to the town of Amherst. 
 
 On Motion of Horace Kellogg the yeas and nays were ordered on the above 
 resolution. Each voters name was then called and two hundred and fifty two 
 votes answered to their names, — as follows : One hundred sixty eight yeas, Eighty 
 four Nays. 
 
 Attest. A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
 . Town Meeting. April 3, 1S54. 
 
 J. \V. Boyden was chosen Town Clerk. 
 
 J. W. Boyden was chosen Town Treasurer. 
 
 Balloted and chose Edward A. Stanley, Austin Eastman and Enos D. Williams, 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Balloted and chose Russell T. Wheelock, Daniel Dickinson and A. P. Howe, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Balloted and Chose M. N. Spear and S. W. Whitney, Constables. 
 
 Voted To establish High Schools in four locations, to be called North, East, 
 West and South High Schools in manner following viz. : 
 
 The North to embrace the present school districts Nos. 4 and 5. 
 
 The East to embrace the present school district No. 2. 
 
 The West to embrace the present school districts No. 1 and 7. 
 
 The South to embrace school districts No. 3, 6 and 8. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN .MEETINGS. 243 
 
 Voted That money raised for the support of High Schools be divided 
 between the several High Schools, by the same rule that money raised for the 
 support of Primary Schools is divided, and be applied to the support of a school 
 in the respective High School Districts, provided the districts composing the High 
 School district shall provide a suitable place, where the School can be kept and notify 
 the General School Committee thereof by the first of August next. And if any High 
 School District shall fail to provide a place where the school can be kept, as 
 aforesaid, then the money assigned to the District or Districts, neglecting to pro- 
 vide a place as afore said, shall be applied to the support and maintenance of a 
 school in those districts, where provision has been made for keeping the school, in 
 the same proportion as at first divided. 
 
 Attest. J. W. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 13, 1S54. For Representative. 
 Benjamin F. Smith had a majority and is chosen. 
 
 Attest. J. W. BOYDEN, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. December 4. 1854. 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to lay out a rode in the Centre Bury- 
 ing Ground according to the plan presented by them, in conformity with Baxter 
 Eastman's survey, and to remove bodies so far as may be necessary. 
 
 Voted that this town is in favor of building a Town Hall and that a committee 
 of five be appointed to prepare and report plans and estimates of the expense and 
 a suitable locality at an adjourned meeting. 
 
 [The above committee made an elaborate report at a meeting held Jan. 1. 1S55, 
 when the whole subject was dismissed by 130 yes, 120 nays. On Feb. 23, 1S55 it 
 was voted to postpone indefinitely the subject of a town hall.] 
 
 Town Meeting, February 23, 1S55. 
 Voted That after the present year the time of holding the annual meeting be 
 changed from the first Monday in April to the first Monday in March. 
 
 J. \V. Boydex, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. April 2, 1S55. 
 
 Balloted and Chose A. P. Howe, Town Treasurer. 
 
 Balloted and Chose Josiah Ayres. Austin Eastman. William Dickinson. James 
 Hastings and Robert Cutler, Selectmen. 
 
 Balloted and Chose George W. Hobart, M. F. Dickinson and Flavel Gaylord, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Balloted and Chose M. N. Spear, Sam 1 Warner and Henry Clark. Constables. 
 
 Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to rent the common on commence- 
 ment days. 
 
 Attest. A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. June 28, 1855. 
 Voted that the town accept the act of the Legislature in relation to " Sidewalks 
 and the control of the same." 
 
 A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
.244 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 6. 1855. For Representative. 
 Baxter Eastman had two hundred thirty Eight votes. 
 
 Attest. A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
 Amherst, July 27, 1855. 
 On petition of Horace Smith and others in relation to a side walk from the 
 Post office North to the house of F. A. Pierce, we establish said walk, to be three 
 feet outside of the trees in front of D. S. Field's, Cook, H. Smith, Cutler's, and 
 Hallock's to the Needham place so called, thence to the north line of F. A. Pierce 
 to be Seven feet wide. 
 
 On Petition of J. W. Boyden and others in relation to a sidewalk from the 
 Post office South, we Establish Said Walk to extend three feet outside of the trees 
 in front of Post office, Sweetser's store, Fowler's, Smith's extending south to the 
 College Library — and 
 
 On Petition of I. F. Conkey and others in relation to a side walk commencing 
 at Mack's store, so called, running East to Sweetser'sline said walk to extend three 
 feet outside of the trees in front of Phenix Row and the American House, so 
 called, thence East to Sweetser's land, thence to the Cross Road near the Depot to 
 be twelve feet wide, thence East to Hill's Store to be Eight feet wide. 
 
 We the undersigned Selectmen of Amherst do Establish the above Sidewalks. 
 
 Josiah Ayres "I 
 
 James Hastings I Selectmen 
 Wm. Dickinson f of Amherst. 
 Austin Eastman J 
 A true Copy. 
 
 Attest. A. P. Howe, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 3, 1856. 
 Balloted and chose J. M. Emerson, Esq., Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 Balloted and chose John R. Cushman, M. Adams Allen, Bela U. Dickinson, 
 Daniel Converse, Ezra Ingram, Selectmen. 
 
 Balloted and chose, Frederick A. Palmer, George W. Hobart, James E. Mer- 
 rick, Assessors. 
 
 Balloted and chose, M. N. Spear, Sam 1 N. Warren, Henry Clark, Constable. 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to rent the Common on Commence- 
 •day. 
 
 Attest. J. M. Emerson, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Representative, November 4, 1856. 
 Enos D. Williams having a plurality was elected. 
 
 Attest. A. P. Howe, Town Clerk Pro Tern. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 8, 1856. 
 Voted That the town assent to such change in the south line of the land 
 occupied by the pound as will make it a continuation of the line as the fence now 
 runs, from the North East corner of Edward Dickinson's Barn Shed, to the South 
 East corner of the pound land, on the road leading by J. P. Gray's house; and that 
 ■the Selectmen be and are hereby authorized to make conveyence to said Dickin- 
 son of the triangular piece of land lying South of said line containing half a square 
 rod, more or less — (120 ft.) upon such terms as may be agreed on by them and the 
 said Dickinson. 
 
 Attest. A. P. Howe, Town Clerk Pro. Tern. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 245 
 
 Annual Meeting, March 2, 1857. 
 
 Balloted and chose S. C. Carter, Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Balloted and chose Baxter Eastman, R. T. Wheelock and David Pomroy,. 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Balloted and chose F. A. Palmer, Willard M. Kellogg and Salem Hammond, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Balloted and chose M. N. Spear, S. M. Warren and Henry Clark, Constables. 
 
 Voted That the Town will allow the Hampshire Agricultural Society to use 
 the Common for the purpose of Cattle Show on the days of their Annual Fair,, 
 and also the use of the highway so far as will not interfere with public travel. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Representative, November 3. 1857. 
 George Warner had two hundred and thirty eight votes. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. November 3, 1S57. Held at Agricultural Hall. 
 Voted That the town grant to the " Amherst Ornamental Tree Association " 
 the use and control of the public common in the center of the town, subject to the 
 approval of the Selectmen of the town. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 24. 1857, held at Agricultural Hall. 
 
 On the Amherst and Belchertown Railroad. James W. Boyden was chosen 1 
 Moderator. 
 
 A motion "that the town petition the Legislature, at its coming session, in con- 
 nection with the town of Belchertown, for leave to afford material aid to the 
 Amherst and Belchertown Rail Road Company, for any sum for the town of 
 Amherst; not exceeding sixteen thousand dollars, to enable said company to keep 
 their road in operation ; the Company paying the expenses attending the petition.*''' 
 was discussed and rejected by a Vote of 138 nays and S6 yeas. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting. March 1, 1S58- Agricultural Hall. 
 
 S. C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and chose R. T. Wheelock, Alfred Baker and Austin Eastman,. 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and chose F. A. Palmer, Ebenezer P. Spear. James E. Merrick, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose M. N. Spear. Marquis F. Dickinson, Henry A. Howe, 
 Constables. 
 
 Voted that Treasurer be appointed Collector of taxes and that he allow a 
 discount of ten per cent on all taxes voluntarily paid to him on or before the first 
 of September next and of five per cent on all taxes voluntarily paid him between 
 the first day of September and the first day of January next, and he make no 
 farther discount, and that the Collector receive seventy five dollars for his services- 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk.. 
 
 Representative, November 2. 1S58. 
 Lorenzo S. Nash had two hundred and twenty-three votes. 
 
 Attest, S.. C Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
246 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 4 
 
 Town Meeting, December 6, 1S5S. Agricultural Hall. 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authoiized to contract for a place, for holding- 
 town Meetings, for the term of five years. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be instructed to procure a place for confining dis- 
 orderly persons, at a reasonable expense. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 7. 1859. Agricultural Hall. 
 Samuel C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. 
 Voted and chose Ezra Ingram, Willard M. Kellogg and Daniel Converse as 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and chose Asa Adams. A. P. Howe and Daniel Paine as Assessors. 
 Voted and chose M. N. Spear, Henry A. Howe and Marquis F. Dickinson, for 
 Constables. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Representative to the General Court, November 8, 1859. 
 Josiah Ayres had two hundred and sixty seven votes. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 5, i860. Agricultural Hall. 
 S. C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and chose Ezra Ingram, Daniel Converse and Bela U. Dickinson as 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and chose Albin P. Howe, Ebenezer P. Spear and James E. Merrick as 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Henry A. Howe, M. X. Spear and A. R. Cushman as 
 Constables. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Adjourned Town Meeting, March 26, i860. 
 
 The Committee on High and Grammar Schools made their Report and it was 
 Voted to accept the same. 
 
 Voted To adopt the Committees Report by Sections. 
 
 Voted To adopt Section first as follows, " That one High School be established 
 in some central location where it will accommodate the greatest number of persons 
 and also one Grammar School, each to be kept 10 months in each year, and that 
 two Grammar schools be established, one at North Amherst and the other at 
 South Amherst to be kept six months in each year. Fall and Winter terms. 
 
 Voted. To adopt Section second as follows, "That three union districts be 
 formed for the above contemplated schools, one in the centre of the town composed 
 of districts No. 1, 2 and 7, one at North Amherst composed of districts No. 4 and 
 5 and one at South Amherst composed of districts No. 3, 6 and S ; the scholars of 
 the North and South union districts having the privilege of going to the High 
 School at any time if properly qualified, and to the Centre grammar school when- 
 ever their schools are not in session. 
 
 Voted, That the same committee make a report at an adjourned meeting, on 
 locations, plans of buildings, an estimates, of land and School houses. 
 
 Voted To adjourn to Tuesday April 10 th at two o'clock p. m. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 247 
 
 Town Meeting, Continued, April 10, i860. 
 
 Met according to adjournment April 10, 1S60. at two o'clock p. m. I. F. Con- 
 key as Moderator, called the meeting to order, when the Committee appointed at 
 the last meeting made a report and the following votes were passed, viz. 
 
 Voted That a committee of five be appointed by the chair, to purchase lands, 
 select locations, secure proposals and erect buildings, for the schools, voted by the 
 town : in the most economical manner, at an expense not exceeding ten thousand 
 dollars, and that the Selectmen of the town are hereby directed to issue from time 
 to time (as the said committee may need for the same), orders of the town, for 
 such sums, not exceeding five hundred dollars on each, as shall not exceed in the 
 whole $10,000, said orders payable, one in each year for the twenty years following, 
 with interest annually. 
 
 Voted That M. B. Green. J. R. Cushman, L. M. Hills, H. B. Prince and A. 
 P. Howe constitute that Committee. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 High School Building Meeting, held at Agricultural Hall, June 15, 1S60. 
 
 Voted That the sum of Two Thousand Dollars in addition to the sum already 
 appropriated be now appropriated, to enable the Committee to fulfil the contract, 
 already made, by them, and that the committee erect a building, after such plan as 
 they shall approve, for the High and Grammar schools in the centre of the town, 
 provided, that the whole expense of finishing, and furnishing the house and grounds 
 and lands shall not exceed twelve thousand dollars, and that the Selectmen are 
 hereby directed to issue new bonds for the additional two thousand dollars payable 
 five hundred a year in 21, 22, 23 and 24 years with interest annually from the first 
 day of September next. 
 
 Voted. That the Selectmen be authorized to purchase or rent and fit up a 
 building for the Engine and Hook and Ladder companies at a sum not exceeding 
 six hundred dollars. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Representative, Hampshire District No. 5, November 7, 1S60. 
 Marcus C. Grout of Pelham had three hundred and thirty votes in Amherst. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 4. 1S61. at Agricultural Hall. 
 Samuel C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and chose Ezra Ingram, Eleazer Kellogg and Harlan L. Pomeroy as 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and chose Frederick A. Palmer, James E. Merrick and George W. 
 Hobart as Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Henry A. Howe, A. R. Cushman and Enos Baker as 
 Constables. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 1, 1S61, for the Military. Agricultural Hall. 
 
 Voted 1 That the Selectmen be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding 
 five thousand dollars for the following purposes, to wit. 
 
 In case any of our citizens shall enlist into the military service, and shall 
 actually be called out and mustered into the service of the United States Govern- 
 
248 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 merit, the Selectmen may apply any portion of such money, which they may think 
 necessary for to provide an outfit and for the support or the comfort of such 
 soldiers while actually engaged in such service and such sums as may be thought 
 proper and necessary for the support of their families in their absence, so long as 
 they continue in the Public Service. 
 
 Voted. That the Selectmen be authorized at their discretion, to expend a por- 
 tion of the above sum in paying expenses of the Soldiers, for drilling, etc. before 
 called in to actual service. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 23, 1861. Agricultural Hall. 
 Voted To instruct the Selectmen to reimburse the town of Belchertown for 
 what they have expended for soldiers belonging to this town. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to pay the families of the volunteers 
 in the Army the amount contemplated by the law now before the Legislature. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to borrow money to pay town debts, 
 and the Assessors be instructed not to assess the $4,500 voted in March 11 for 
 Town Debts. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Soldiers Meeting, Sept. 23. 1S61. Agricultural Hall. 
 Voted and chose Ezra Ingram, John Cushman, Henry F. Hills, R. B. Bridg- 
 man and Jairus Skinner to act as a Committee to ascertain the wants of the Vol- 
 unteers from this town in the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia and supply them by 
 voluntary subscriptions. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be instructed to pay to the families of Volunteers 
 the amount not exceeding twelve dollars per month, according to the tenor of the 
 law. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Statistics of the Town of Amherst in 1S61 by Assessors. 
 Polls 757. No. of Houses 534, Horses 510, Cows 832, Sheep 1,122 Acres of 
 Land 16,090, Valuation Personal Property $585,348.00, Real Estate $1,079,750.00, 
 Total $1,665,098.00. 
 
 Representative to the General Court. 
 John R. Cushman had two hundred and forty six votes. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 3, 1862. Agricultural Hall. 
 
 Samuel C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and chose Ezra Ingram, Eleazer Kellogg and Daniel Converse as 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and chose Frederick A. Palmer, A. P. Howe and George W. Hobart, 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Henry A. Howe, Enos Baker, and Ephraim Cushman Jr. as 
 Constables. „ 
 
 Voted That the Treasurer act as Collector of Taxes, * * * and that he be 
 allowed one percent on all tax collections for his services. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN .MEETINGS. 249 
 
 Town Meeting, July 21, 1862. For Soldiers. 
 
 George Cutler was chosen Clerk pro tempore. 
 
 Voted. That the town offer and pay to each volunteer from this town, called 
 for under the General order of the Governor, No. 26, One Hundred Dollars to be 
 paid to him or his order upon being mustered into the service of the U. States 
 provided such enlistment shall be made within twenty days from this date. 
 
 Voted. That the Selectmen be instructed to pay to any person who is a 
 foreigner and enlists to fill up the quota from Amherst, and is mustered into the 
 U. States service the bounty offered to citizens who volunteer. 
 
 Voted. That the Selectmen be requested to borrow upon town orders the 
 money necessary to pay the bounty this day voted. 
 
 Voted. That it is the wish of this town, that the volunteers of this town, 
 associate with the volunteers from Hadley, Hatfield, Leverett, Pelham, Sunder- 
 land and Granby in forming a company. 
 
 Voted. That the town express their thanks to Mr. William Stearns for the 
 generous assistance which he has offered to all volunteers from Amherst. 
 
 George Cutler, Town Clerk Pro Tern. 
 
 Town Meeting on Soldiers' Bounty, August 25, 1862. Agricultural Hall. 
 
 Voted That the Town offer and pay to each volunteer from this " town, under 
 the last call of the Government for 300,000 men for the Military service of the 
 United States," One hundred dollars to be paid to him or his order upon his being 
 mustered into the service aforesaid. Provided however that the whole number 
 required from this town shall be enlisted on or before the first day of September 
 next. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to borrow upon Town orders the 
 money necessary to pay the bounty this day voted. 
 
 The enlisting Committee reported that 43 persons had been examined and 
 enlisted and seventeen more were ready for examination. 
 
 Voted That the thanks of the town be presented to the enlisting committee 
 for their energy and promptness. 
 
 Voted That the first names on the enlisting rolls shall have the first prefer- 
 ence to go into the army. 
 
 S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting on Soldiers' Bounty, October n, 1S62. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen of Amherst be authorized to borrow the money 
 and pay one hundred dollars bounty, to each of those who have enlisted and have 
 been or may be mustered into the U. S. Service, from this town, under the last call 
 for 300,000 nine months men. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to make an arrangement, with any 
 other town or city, for our surplus of enlisted men which they may think for the 
 interest of the town, reserving to the town, the benefit of such surplus men in a 
 future call of the Government. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Representative to the General Court, November 4, 1S62. 
 Samuel Smith Jr. of Granby, had thee hundred and eleven votes. 
 
 Attest. S.'C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 19 
 
250 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, December 30, 1862. 
 Voted To refer the subject of the Draft and the quota of 29 men to the 
 Selectmen, to investigate the subject act according to their discretion and if neces- 
 sary call another town meeting. 
 
 Voted To authorize the Selectmen to act upon the supplies to our Soldiers, 
 as they think it will require and if necessary act in concert with other towns in 
 appointing an agent. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 2, .1S63. 
 
 Samuel C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and chose Ezra Ingram, Eleazer Kellogg and Daniel Converse as 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and chose Albin P. Howe, Ebenezer P. Spear and Enos D.Williams as 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose Henry A. Howe, A. R. Cushman and Noah Dickinson as 
 Constables. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized and directed to issue town bonds to 
 the amount of eleven hundred dollars, payable five hundred dollars a year and at 
 a rate of interest not exceeding five per cent per annum payable semi-annually if 
 required. 
 
 Voted. Not to abolish the School Districts. 
 
 Voted. To raise and allow the Clerk and Treasurer one hundred dollars for 
 the past year's services and one hundred dollars for the present year. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 On Bounties and Town Way by High School, June 29, 1863. 
 
 Voted That the Treasurer of the town, notify the State Treasurer, that the 
 town desires to be credited with the amount paid for bounties to Soldiers and to lie 
 charged with the amount of her proportion, and in case the charges exceeds the 
 credits the Selectmen are authorized to borrow and liquidate the same. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to build the road by the High 
 School House South to G. Cutler's road if it will not exceed five hundred dollars, 
 and also to borrow the money to pay the same and if it cannot be substantial done 
 for that sum, to report at a future meeting what will be the actual expense and cost. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Representative to the General Court, November 3, 1S63. 
 William S. Clark had two hundred and eighteen votes. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Meeting on School House Road, November 18, 1863. 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to build the road forthwith. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Meeting, December 9, 1863. On Enlistment of Soldiers. 
 Voted That the town appoint an Agent to represent them, before the Legis- 
 lative Committee on the Petition of the Trustees of Amherst Academy. 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 25 1 
 
 Voted by ballot and chose I. F. Conkey as their Agent. 
 
 Voted and chose 1. F. Conkey, Enos F. Cook and Edward Dickinson to act 
 with the Selectmen as a committee to make a bargain with Mr. Marsh or any 
 other person to aid in filling our quota. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Meeting, January 25, 1S64, on the Agricultural College. 
 
 Voted That the town appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand dollars as a 
 donation to the State Agricultural College, provided the same shall be located in 
 this town. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be instructed to offer the Trustees of the State 
 Agricultural College the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars, provided they will locate 
 the College within this town. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be a committee of the town instructed to forth- 
 with petition the present Legislature for leave to raise said sum of Fifty thousand 
 dollars and donate the same to the State Agricultural College, said sum to be 
 raised either by an issue of bonds or by direct taxation, as the Town shall here- 
 after determine. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 7, 1864. Agricultural Hall. 
 Samuel C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. 
 Voted and Chose Ezra Ingram, Daniel Converse and Avery R. Cushman as 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and Chose F. A. Palmer, Guy C. Munsell and Asa Adams as Assessors. 
 Voted and Chose Noah Dickinson, George A. Whipple and Enos Baker as 
 Constables. 
 
 Voted To abolish the School Districts of this town. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, May 24, 1S64. Soldiers and School Houses. 
 
 Voted That the town raise by tax in the next annual assessment and appro- 
 priate two thousand Dollars to refund the sums paid by individuals of the town to 
 the volunteer fund, raised under the call of Oct. 17, 1S63 and that any excess there 
 may be, shall be paid into the Town Treasury. Yeas 60, Nays 43. 
 
 Voted To raise and appropriate one hundred and twenty five dollars to be 
 paid to Edwin H. Pierce who has re-enlisted for this town. 
 
 Voted That the sum of twelve hundred and fifty dollars be assessed at the 
 next annual assessment and appropriated for the purpose of procuring ten men to 
 fill the deficiency in the quota of the town. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to expend the Twelve Hundred and 
 fifty dollars with the State Bounty, to fill our present quota. 
 
 Voted That sixty two hundred and fifty dollars be raised for the purpose of 
 raising fifty men to apply on the quota of this town under future calls during the 
 year ending March 1. 1S65. 
 
 Voted and chose by nomination one from each School District,* * * to appraise 
 the School House Lands and property belonging to the various School Districts. 
 
252 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted That the town appoint Oliver Watson and twenty other petitioners as 
 a committee to carry out their views in regard to the fencing and ornamenting the 
 Common in East Street. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, July 22, 1864. Agricultural College. 
 
 The Selectmen made a verbal report on the subscription for the Agricultural 
 College, which report was accepted by vote. 
 
 Prof. W. S. Clark offered some resolutions which after discussion, was voted 
 to be laid upon the table. 
 
 Voted That the Moderator appoint a Committee of three persons to report 
 the time and places of holding District Meetings for the purpose of raising contri- 
 butions for the Agricultural College. 
 
 L. M. Hills, L. Sweetser and A. Dutton were appointed the Committee who 
 subsequently reported to hold the meetings as follows viz. 
 
 North Amherst Hall on Monday evening at yh o'clock. 
 
 South Amherst Vestry on Tuesday evening at -jh. o'clock. 
 
 East Amherst Vestry on Wednesday evening at yh o'clock. 
 
 Voted to accept the Report. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen give public notice of these meetings by having 
 printed handbills circulated, and that the resolutions offered by Prof. Clark be 
 read at each meeting, and public Speakers be provided. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Adjourned Town Meeting. July 28, 1S64. 
 
 Col. Wm. S. Clark made a verbal report on the progress made by the com- 
 mittee since last meeting, and submitted the following lvsolves viz. 
 
 Whereas at a town meeting held January 25, 1864, it was voted to appropriate 
 as a donation to the Massachusetts Agricultural College the sum of Fifty Thousand 
 Dollars, and the Selectmen were instructed to offer the same, to the Trustees of 
 said College, on condition it be located in Amherst, and 
 
 Whereas by a unanimous vote the said Trustees have decided to locate in 
 Amherst, provided the sum of seventy five thousand dollars be secured to them, 
 for the erection of buildings, and the sum of $25,000 has been offered the town pro- 
 vided the additional Fifty thousand dollars be raised by subscription or otherwise. 
 and 
 
 Whereas it is believed the valuation of the town will be greatly increased by 
 the establishment of said College, within its limits and that a large majority of the 
 tax payers prefer, that the entire amount of Fifty Thousand be assessed upon their 
 property in annual instalments, for a series of years, rather than to pay the same at 
 once by subscription, therefore. 
 
 Voted That a Committee of two be appointed, for each school district to 
 circulate the following pledge, among the tax payers of the town for their signatures. 
 
 " We the Undersigned tax payers of Amherst desiring that the sum of Fifty 
 Thousand Dollars be paid by the town to the Massachusetts Agricultural College, 
 to secure its location in Amherst, and being willing to pay our proportion of said 
 sum, provided the town issue bonds for the amount extending through a series of 
 years, hereby solemnly promise that our influence and votes shall be given in 
 favor of all efforts, to obtain from the Legislature of the Commonwealth authority 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 253 
 
 to raise said sum by taxation in the town of Amherst; and we do further promise 
 that if the money required to secure the location of the College in town be sub- 
 scribed so that the Trustees actually locate here, we will in good faith use all our 
 influence to have the Town assume the entire sum of Fifty Thousand dollars, 
 and refund to all subscribers the amount which they may have paid for the above 
 named object, as well, as to pay the sums, which they may have subscribed but 
 not paid. 
 
 Voted That the above named Committee solicit subscriptions from every tax 
 payer in their respective districts, for the full amount of his or her assessment and 
 return the books to the Chairman of the Selectmen on Saturday the 30 instant." 
 
 Voted To accept the first resolve above. 
 
 Voted To accept the second resolve. 
 
 Voted That the Moderator appoint a Committee of three to nominate Dis- 
 trict Committees. 
 
 The Moderator appointed Wm. A. Dickinson, Simeon Clark and E. D. Wil- 
 liams as a nominating Committee. 
 
 The committee reported the following as District Committees, viz. No. r, L. 
 Sweetser and G. A. Whipple. No. 2, Henry Hills and J. T. Westcott. No. 3, E. 
 P. Pomroy and R. B. Bridgman. No. 4, G. W. Hobart and Asa Adams. No. 5, 
 Harrison Ingram and A. C. Marshall. No. 6, E. D. Williams and Orin Johnson. 
 No. 7, F. Gaylord and S. Clark. No. S, H. Pomroy and Chas. F. Hayward. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Adjourned Meeting, August 1, 1S64. 
 
 The committee reported that 428 names had been obtained to the Pledge and 
 that the subscription amounted to $25,802.90. 
 
 On motion of Mr. Hills it was 
 
 Voted That a new subscription in addition to what has already been sub- 
 scribed be now opened and subscriptions received. 
 
 Between nine and ten thousand dollars was immediately subscribed when it was 
 
 Voted That the District Committees should circulate the books and receive 
 additional subscriptions to-morrow. 
 
 Voted That Mr. G. Burnham, E. Lovett and Edmund Hobart take the place 
 of Mr. Hills, Mr. Westcott and Mr. Marshall on the committee and that Mr. Charles 
 Adams be added to Dist. No. one. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
 Representative for Hampshire District No. 5, Novembers, 1S64. 
 Wm. S. Clark had five hundred and fifteen votes. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 19, 1S64. 
 
 Voted That the town assume the payment of the $1,250, as now in the State 
 Treasury, deposited thereby the Military Committee, and advise the said Commit- 
 tee not to withdraw it at present. 
 
 Voted To accept and adopt the Report of the Committee on the valuation of 
 the District School Houses. 
 
254 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be a committee of the town and instructed to 
 petition the Legislature for leave to raise the sum of fifty thousand dollars and 
 donate the same to the State Agricultural College, said sum to be raised either 
 by an issue of bonds or by direct taxation as the town shall hereafter determine. 
 
 Voted That our Representative be requested to see that every effort is made 
 to carry through the Legislature an Act for the above petition and that the Select- 
 men may employ help to further the object. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Soldiers Meeting, December 13, 1864. 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to pay One hundred and twenty 
 five dollars for each volunteer, that shall enlist on the quota of this town, under 
 any call of the President of the United States before March 1, 1S65. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Town Meeting, March 6, 1S65. 
 
 Samuel C. Carter was chosen Town Clerk and Treasurer. 
 
 Voted and chose Ezra Ingrain, Eleazer Kellogg and Porter Dickinson as 
 Selectmen. 
 
 Voted and chose F. A. Palmer, E. D. Williams and Hiram C. Howard as 
 Assessors. 
 
 Voted and chose George A. Whipple, Noah Dickinson and John C. White as 
 Constables. 
 
 Voted To authorize the School Committee to employ a Superintendent at a 
 salary not exceeding six Hundred Dollars. 
 
 Voted To raise and appropriate Ten Hundred and forty dollars for Military 
 Bonds. 
 
 Voted To raise and appropriate Ten Thousand and seven hundred and fifty 
 dollars for military expenses for Bounties and for refunding for 1865. 
 
 Voted To authorize the Assessors to assess Nine thousand six hundred and 
 fifty four dollars the valuation of the school houses, and all monies raised this day, 
 by a tax on the Polls and estates and property of each individual liable to taxation 
 and likewise add the towns proportion of state and county Taxes, and that they 
 add ten per cent to the whole amount except the School Houses tax of $9,654, 
 which they are to remit to each tax payer his proportion. 
 
 Voted To authorize the Selectmen to sell the Pound and land to L. Sweetzer 
 for $100 for the land. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Agricultural College Meeting, May 15, 1S65. 
 
 Voted That when the vote is taken, it be taken by Yeas or Nays and that 
 each man's answer be checked on the check list. 
 
 Voted That the Town avail itself of the authority granted, by an Act of the 
 Legislature Approved May 5,1865, entitled "An Act to authorize the Town of 
 Amherst to raise Fifty Thousand dollars for the Massachusetts Agricultural 
 College " and the same is hereby raised and appropriated for that purpose. Yeas 
 359, Nays 104 ; two-third vote 30S. 
 
 Voted That the Town authorize and direct its Selectmen and Treasurer to 
 borrow on the Credit of the Town by the issue of its bonds, Fifty Thousand 
 
RECORDS OF TOWN MEETINGS. 255 
 
 dollars and that the same be appropriated and paid to the Massachusetts Agricul- 
 tural College out of the Treasury of the town, and applied in the erection of 
 suitable buildings, upon the farm of such College in said town. 
 
 Voted That said Bonds date on the fifteenth day of May, 1S65, and be on 
 interest thereafter at a rate, not exceeding six per cent per annum, which interest 
 shall be payable semi-annually. 
 
 Voted That the interest only shall be paid on said Bonds, for five years from 
 this date ; and that at the end of each year after said five years, Two thousand 
 dollars of the Principal of said Bonds, shall be paid, and the time of payment of 
 each bond so issued, shall be expressed thereon. Said principal and interest to be 
 paid out of the Town Treasury. 
 
 Voted That the Assessors, for the time being, be directed, to assess upon the 
 polls and estates of the inhabitants of the town, all sums necessary to pay the 
 interest and principal of said bonds as the same become due, agreeable to the 
 foregoing vote, and that the town cause to be collected and paid out to the holders 
 of such bonds the amount of principal and interest thereon, according to the 
 tenor thereof. 
 
 Voted That three men be appointed by the Moderator to advise with the 
 Selectmen as to the issue and sale of said Bonds. 
 
 Voted To accept the Committee nominated by the Moderator, viz. Edward 
 Dickinson, L. M. Hills and Avery R. Cushman. 
 
 Voted That the thanks of the town be presented to Col. Wm. S. Clark for 
 his efforts in procuring the passage of this Act. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Census of 
 
 Amherst, t 
 
 aken 
 
 May 1, 1865. 
 
 
 No of inhabitants, 
 
 
 
 3413 
 
 Houses, 
 
 
 
 
 645 
 
 Families, 
 
 
 
 
 749 
 
 Churches, 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 School Houses, 
 
 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 Males, 
 
 
 
 
 *5 S 5 
 
 Females, 
 
 
 
 
 182S 
 
 Nq. of children, 
 
 
 
 
 635 
 
 Polls, 
 
 
 
 
 9M 
 
 Legal Voters, 
 
 
 
 
 728 
 
 Naturalized Voters. 
 
 
 
 2 3 
 
 Colored Persons 
 
 
 
 
 91 
 
 Persons over 20 
 Widowers, 
 
 not able to 
 
 read 
 
 or write, 
 
 64 
 37 
 
 Widows, 
 
 
 
 
 i|i 
 
 Males over 30 unmarried, 
 
 
 
 3S 
 
 Females over 30 
 
 unmarried, 
 
 
 
 1 10 
 
 Persons over 80 
 
 years, 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 Persons between 
 
 70 and So, 
 
 
 
 90 
 
 Representative for Hampshire District No. 5, November 7, 1865. 
 John Jones of Pelham had two hundred and twenty four votes. 
 
 Attest. S.'C. Carter. Town Clerk. 
 
256 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Town Meeting, November 7, 1865. 
 Voted That the Treasurer pay John U. and Nelson Ball one hundred and 
 twenty five each a military bounty due them for re-enlisting on this towns quota. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to procure five hundred feet of 
 Hose for the Engine, and that one thousand dollars be appropriated therefor. 
 
 Voted That the Selectmen be authorized to sell and convey the Town Farm 
 and exchange or buy a small farm. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
 Adjourned Meeting, April 22, 1867. Amherst Academy. 
 
 The Committee (previously appointed) reported that the Trustees of Academy 
 had voted " That we are ready to sell the real estate belonging to the academy and 
 to appropriate the income of the avails of the same towards the support of a 
 Classical Department in the Town High School under the direction of the said 
 Trustees, and hereby offer the said real estate to the town ( reserving six feet 
 across the south side of it) for the sum of Five thousand dollars. 
 
 Voted That the town accept the proposition of the Trustees of Amherst 
 Academy on the terms they have proposed. 
 
 Voted. That the General School committee be authorized to sell the old 
 School House and Lot and convey the same and to purchase the Academy property 
 for the town ; and to erect at the earliest possible time a new School House sufficient 
 to accommodate all the schools of the old centre district upon said Academy lot. 
 
 Attest. S. C. Carter, Town Clerk. 
 
NDEX OF TOWN RECORDS. 
 
 Abbott, Daniel 135 
 
 Jacob 132 
 Abercrombie, Isaac 140 
 
 Robert 29 
 Adams, Abner 67, 72, 87 
 
 Asa 1S6, 246. 251. 253 
 
 Charles 226, 22S, 244, 253 
 
 Eliphalet 178 
 
 Isaac 156 
 
 Isaiah 217 
 
 John 53, 173 
 
 John S 221, 224 
 
 John Quincy 223 
 
 Joseph 241 
 
 J S & C 216 
 
 Samuel 130, 137, 160, 165,173 
 Agricultural College 251-255 
 Agricultural Hall 245 
 Allen. Amasa 157 
 
 Edmund 127, 175 
 
 Edward in. 135. 172 
 
 M Adams 244 
 
 Samuel 37 
 
 Samuel C 20S, 219, 220, 223 
 
 Timothy 169, 180 
 Allin, Baley 175. 178 
 Alvord, Aaron 133, 134 
 American House 244 
 Amherst Academy 250, 256 
 
 and Belchertown RR 241.245 
 
 College 215, 216, 230 
 
 Ornamental Tree Associa- 
 tion 245 
 Ammunition 70, 75, 76, SS, 164 
 Andrews, Salvador 225 
 Arms, Jonathan 101 
 Armstrong. John T 224 
 
 Samuel T 224 
 Ashley, William 146, 149 
 Authorton, Jonathan 2-3, 6 
 Ayres, Josiah 242-244, 246 
 
 Bailey, John 223 
 
 Baker. Alfred 223, 225, 226, 211, 
 
 236, 238-24O, 243 
 
 Elijah 21, 24. 25, 30, 31, 34.36 
 37,39- 48. 50. 51, 56, 57, 62, 
 63, 74-S2, 86-94, 07, 98. 103. 
 104, 107, 109, 116, 127, 134. 
 135, 146, 157, 159, 160, 162, 
 164 
 Elijah Jr 78, 123. 124, 161, 165 
 Enos 173, 18S, 192, 196, 208, 
 
 2)2, 247, 248, 251 
 
 Martin 101, 203-206, 208, 209, 
 212, 223, 224, 227 
 
 1 Ismyn 219-225 
 
 Samuel 133 
 
 Simeon 134 
 Hall, Albert 233 
 
 John D 256 
 
 Joseph 17S 
 
 Nelson 256 
 
 Silas 236 
 Ballantine, Wm Gay 63 
 Ballard, Jerusha 149 
 
 20 
 
 Bangs, Enoch 14S, 173 
 
 Nathaniel 140 
 Barnard, Samuel 153, 154 
 Barnes. Jonathan 100 
 Bartlett, Caleb 16 
 Jonathan 133 
 Bascomb, Thomas 37, 39, 44, 72. 
 
 83. 113. 116. 124 
 Bates, Erancis C 220 
 Baxter, Samuel 206 
 Beckwith, Elisha 129 
 Beef for Continental Army 85,89 
 Belchertown 62, 99. 101, 140, 162, 
 164-166, 169, 1 88, 203, 209 
 218, 227. 22S, 23S, 245, 248, 
 Beldin, Aaron 224 
 Elihu 1S3, 211, 212 
 Hezekiah 22. 27. 34, 36, 49, 57, 
 65. 7i, 7". 79, 81-S4, 99, 107, 
 115, 119, 124, 127 
 John 139. 150, 155 
 Martha 145 
 Stephen 152 
 Bernardston 149 
 Bigelow, Daniel 151 
 Billings, Aaron 96, 1S4, 1S6 
 
 David 123, 126, 139-142, 148, 
 
 15S 
 Joel 27, 49, 57. 72. 75. 86, 87, 
 96. 97, 100, 114. 126. 129, 161 
 John 21. 23-27, 29, 30, 32, 33, 
 37, 39, 40, 42, 54, 58, 61-66, 
 68, 71-73, 75-79, 81-92. 94-96, 
 99-103, 107, 109,110, 112, 114, 
 118, 120, 123, 126-129, 141, 
 143-145, 148, 150, 158, 176, 
 1S4-186 
 John Jr 72 
 Martha 139 
 Moses 173, 179 
 William 160, 165, 177 
 William John no 
 Bishop. Nathaniel 151 
 Blackmore, Stephen 160 
 Blair, Joseph 174, 17S, 1S0 
 
 Bonis 139 
 Bliss, George 212 
 
 John 85. 92, 96, 99, 101, 10S, 
 
 in, 130, 165. 21 1 
 Moses 101, 130, 137 
 Ulodgett. Asahel 186 
 
 David 25, 57. 62. 76-79. 82, 84, 
 
 S7. 9'. 95- I0 7. i37 
 David J r 100, 129, 13d, i'n, 
 
 165. 174 
 John Jr 139 
 Luke 139 
 Bodman, \\ illiam 11 1. 137 
 Boles, Joseph 79, 80, 81. 1 56 
 Bolles, Sai ah 139 
 Boltwood, Ebenezei 71. 75, 77. 
 ■ 91. 94, 95, 97-100, 102-104, 
 
 I06-I08. I [6, [20, 121. 120, 
 
 127. 129-131, 133. 135-138, 
 
 [40 151,1 56-160, to2, i'>: 165 
 168, 176, 177, 179, 1S1, 182, 
 
 1S4-190 
 
 Elijah 199, 20S-210, 213, 225 
 
 Hannah 4 
 
 [ohn 116. 117 
 
 Kezia 173 
 
 Lucius 216, 217, 220-224, 228, 
 238 
 
 Mar ah 124 
 
 Mary 117, 120 
 
 Samuel 1, 2,72,96,98, 100, 152 
 
 Solomon 2. 3. 4, 7, 8, 10-14, 
 16, 17, 21, 22, 24, 27, 32, 33, 
 38, 39, 42. 45. 49. 5i. 53, 54, 
 56, 57, 62, 64, 107, 112, 115, 
 116, 124, 132, 136, 142. 149, 
 153, 155, 157, 160, 180, 1S3 
 
 Solomon Jr 14 
 
 William 12, 22-24, 26, 27, 29, 
 30, 34. 42-44, 48. 51. 55, 62, 
 68, 77, 115, 117, 120, 124, 140, 
 148, 165, 174, 180, 181, 209, 
 
 213 
 Book of Records 27 
 Boston 66, 68, 69, 71, Si, 106, 204, 
 
 237 
 Bounties and Mileage S2 
 Bounty for Volunteers 248-251, 
 
 254 
 Bowdoin, James S4. 92, 96,98, 101, 
 
 104, 108. in, 130, 137 
 Bowman, William 156,180, 1S3 
 Boyden, James W 236-245 
 Bridgman, Henry A 242 
 Jonathan 211, 222 
 * R B 24S, 253 
 Brooks, John 206-20S, 210, 211 
 Brown, Abigail 173 
 Samuel 52, 53 
 William 152 
 Bryant, Seth 166, 173, 174 
 Buckman, Benjamin 137 
 Burnham, G 253 
 Burt, Gideon 96 
 
 1'attey 173 
 Burying Grounds 27, 51, 53, 58, 
 
 207, 20S, 222, 235, 239, 243 
 
 Cadwell, Orpha 139 
 
 Cambridge 70, 72 
 Carpenter, Richard 1S0, 192 
 Carter. Samuel C 225-235, 244-256 
 Census 229, 2^). 248, 255 
 Chandler, Varon M 212,214,223 
 t li.n lestow n 71 
 Chauncey, Catherine 20 
 
 Isaac 102, 133, 152 
 
 Josiah 3, 14. 15. 18-24, 26, 29, 
 31,34.-40,44, 49. 51. 53-60,63, 
 64. 72. 73, 90. 9', 94, 95, 102 
 
 Mo, [02,133 
 
 Richard 3. 5-8. 10-15. 18 
 ( Ihenej . I >aniel no 
 1 hilds, El '''ii,'. ei 46, 58 
 
 Noah \\ 1 ighl 149 
 Church, Daniel 84, i 
 
 Edward ii.' 1 54 
 
2 5 8 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Church, Giles 87, 96, 115, 149, 174, 
 177, 180, 1S3, 188 
 
 Joseph 16, 19,21-25, 27,30,31, 
 34, 36, 37, 40, 49, 51, 01, 62, 
 65, 66, 68, 76, 83, 87, 91, 98, 
 100-104, 107-110, 116, 117, 
 119, 121, 129, 130, 132-134, 
 136-139, 141-143, 152, 165, 
 170, 172, 175, 177, 188 
 
 Joseph Jr 121, 136, 139, 175 
 
 Josiah 152 
 
 Samuel 22, 27, 84, 152 
 Clapp, Oliver 27,37, 78,81, 86,9s, 
 100, 186 
 
 Preserved 34, 38, 58, 60, 65 
 
 Roswell 127, 135, 140 
 
 Timothy 96, 142, 157 
 
 William 100, 103, 140 
 Clark, Alexander 24 
 
 Asahel 145, 147, 148, 150, 156, 
 157 
 
 Eleazer 187 
 
 Elijah 205 
 
 Henry 243-245 
 
 Judah 124, 139 
 
 Justus 165, 173 
 
 .Lois 149 
 
 Simeon 11, 14, 15, 19, 22, 24- 
 27, 3o, 34, 36, 37, 44- 49, 5o- 
 57, ?9, 7i, 73^ 76, So, 82, 100, 
 116, 124, 134, 135, 217, 226, 
 228, 229, 231, 234, 235, 238, 
 239, 240, 253 
 
 Simeon Jr 87, 91, 96, 98, 100, 
 
 >°7> I47,.i73 
 WilhamS 250, 251, 253, 255 
 Clary, Joseph 5, 21, 41 
 Clay, Roswell 111 
 Cobb, David 201 
 Coffen, Luke 99 
 Cole, Enos 133 
 
 Stephen So, 87, 91, 96. 
 103, 108, 112, 133, 134 
 Coleman, Oavid 170 
 
 Enos 67, 76, 83, 91, 96, 9 
 Nathaniel 9, 10, 13-15, 1 
 23, 25. 27, 30, 31, 34-3' . 
 45-48, 50, 51, 56, 58, 62, 65 
 68, 75, 84, 57, 88, 96, 115, 122 
 Seth 36, 37, 39, 46, 48, 56, 62, 
 64, 67, 88, 100, 103, 107, no, 
 112, 116-119, 122, 129-131, 
 136-138, 141, 142, 144, 147, 
 150, 151, 157, 161, 163, 165, 
 174, 175, 177, 179, 183, 185- 
 187, 189, 190 
 Seth Jr 180 
 Widow 210, 211 
 William 121, 125 
 Coleman's Land 153 
 College Library 244 
 Colton, A M 238 
 
 Eh 31 
 Committee of Correspondence 
 
 67-70, 73-77, 79, 80 
 Commons 222, 223, 243-245 
 Common at East Street 252 
 Concord 70, 81, 82 
 Conkey, Alexander 149 
 
 lthamar 210, 211, 213, 216-221, 
 
 225, 226, 247 
 I F 242, 244, 250 
 Margaret 20 
 Constitutional Convention 209 
 Continental Army 85 
 Congress 71 
 Money 88 
 Converse, Danie 
 248, 250, 251 
 Cook, Aaron is^ 
 E F 250 
 Elisha 48, 50, 51 
 John 152 
 
 100, 
 
 39, 
 
 242, 244, 246, 
 
 Cook, Jonathan 155 
 Martin 183 
 Moses 12, 21, 22, 25. 30, 31. 
 
 34- 37^ 39, 44- 45, 49, 57, 6°, 
 68, 86,91,95,97,99, 100,103, 
 105, 106, 109, 115-117, 123, 
 124, 127, 130, 136, 142, 143, 
 1411-149, 151, 153, 157, 159, 
 161-163 
 
 Moses Jr 91, 93, 96, 98, 106, 
 123, 124, 151 
 
 Samuel 153 
 
 West wood 7-9, 153 
 
 Widow 152 
 Cooke, Levi 107 
 Cooley, Alden 210, 211 
 
 Charles 231 
 
 Daniel 88, 94, 95, 98, 102, 106- 
 
 109, 111-114, 118, 119, 126, 
 
 127,129-132,139-143, 145,146, 
 
 150, 151, 157-160, 179, 195 
 
 Counterfeit Money 78, S3, 84 
 
 Court of Common Pleas 150, 186 
 
 of General Sessions of the 
 Peace 166 
 Cowles, Allison no 
 
 David 30, 62, 91, 98, 104, 107, 
 no, 131, 136, 158, 161, 162, 
 179, 186 
 
 David Jr 174 
 
 Eleazer 72, 75, 100, 104, 107, 
 no. 1 12. 131. 136, 233 
 
 Enoch 227 
 
 Enos 78, 91, 107,114, 123, 139, 
 140, 210 
 
 John 3-9, 53 
 
 Jonathan 1, 3, 4, 10, 15, 23, 24, 
 25. 3i- 34- 37, 39, 40, 49~- 5o. 
 56, 65, 68, 189, 213-118, 222, 
 224. 233 
 
 Jonathan Jr 27, 39 
 
 Jonathan 2d 213 
 
 Josiah 2;, 214 
 
 Levi 14S. 165. 17S, 180 
 
 Oliver 25. 49, 57, 62. 65, 67, 76, 
 80, 83. 91, 9S. 99. 103, 117, 
 123, 148, 189, 227, 229 
 
 Oliver Jr 149,^ 177 
 
 Reuben 96, 185, 217 
 
 Rufus 206, 207, 211. 225 
 
 Simeon S3, 103, 116, 117, 124, 
 188. 189 
 Craft, Widow 152 
 Crawford, \\ illiam 133 
 Crow Bouutv 129, 1S0, 196 
 
 Samuel 153-155 
 Crowninshield. Benj 207, 208 
 Cushing, Thomas 92, 96, 101, 104 
 
 William 160 
 Cushman, A R 246, 247, 250, 251, 
 
 Ephrann 162, 227, 234 
 
 Ephraim Jr 248 
 
 John 1< 224, 247, 248 
 Curtis, William 212 
 Cutler, David 167 
 
 George 249, 250 
 
 Horace 733 
 
 Isaac G 213, 214, 220 
 
 Robert 100, 113. 116, 123, 132. 
 135, 225, 243 
 
 Sally 149 
 
 Dana, Amariah 104, 131 
 
 Dorothy 139 
 
 Eleazar 149 
 Danielson, Timothy 87. 92, 96, 
 
 98, 101, 104 
 Davenport, Benjamin 149 
 Davis, John 223 
 Dearbourn, Henry 207 
 Debell, Philothea 140 
 Deerrield 149 
 
 Dexter, David 220, 221 
 
 Samuel 205, 206 
 Dickinson, Aaron 78, 86, 87. 94. 
 95, 99, 100, 115, 116, 124, 128, 
 134, 147 
 Asa 161, 165, 174 
 Azariah 24, 25, 27, 30, 122, 126, 
 
 131, 174, 1S4 
 Azariah Jr 142 
 Azariah 2d 78 
 Azubah 173 
 Bela U 244, 246 
 Benjamin 31 
 Chester 202, 207-213, 215, 219- 
 
 223, 225. 226. 228, 229 
 Daniel 19, 24, 30, 62, 65, 222, 
 
 224, 226, 227, 232, 234, 235, 
 242 
 
 David 175, 1S3 
 
 Dorothy 140 
 
 Ebenezer 1-21, 29, 32, 34, 40, 
 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 75, 81, 86, 
 no, 120, 132, 147. 168 
 
 Ebenezer Jr 24-27, 34, 39, 49, 
 
 52, 63, 136 
 Ebenezer 2d S3, 197 
 Ebenezer 3d 20, 27 
 Edward 216. 225, 228, 242, 244, 
 
 3Si, 255 
 
 Elihu 136 
 
 Elijah 100, 103, no, 116, 120, 
 129, 142, 148, 150, 156, 157, 
 161, 164, 172, 175, 176, 178, 
 i/9- 1S1, 1S2, 184, 1S6, 18S-191 
 193. 195-202, 205, 206 
 
 Elisha 65, 126, 128, 129, 136, 
 
 138, 143, 14S, 165, 171, 1S1, 
 183 
 
 Enos 27, 49, 78, 91, 96, 98, 99, 
 103, 109, 110, 115, 117, 124, 
 129, 136, 14S, 169, 215, 217, 
 220, 221, 228, 231, 233, 244 
 
 Enos 2d 205-207, 225 
 
 Eunice 140 
 
 Ezekiel 149, 161, 165, 174, 1S0 
 
 < rad, 142. 197 
 
 (iideon 19, 22, 26, 29, 31, 39, 
 4i, 47, 49- 53-56, 58, 67, 71, 
 
 53, 84, 90-96, 107, 115, 128 
 (iideon Jr 26, 67, 72, 91, 98 
 Hannah 173 
 
 Israel 26, 72, S3, 103, 125, 126, 
 12S 
 
 Jerusha 228 
 
 John 12, 14-16,19,21-27, 29-36, 
 39, 45, 49, 53, 56, 62-67, 70, 
 72. 73-75- 80,83, 89, 105-117. 
 11S, 122, 126-12S. 131. 146-14S 
 i=;6, 160, 161, 174-177, 180, 
 181, 183, 184, 185, 194, 200, 
 205 
 
 John Jr 235 
 
 John 2d 126, 141 
 
 Jonathan 10, 14-19, 21-23, 2 7, 
 30,32,3;- ,0. 38-40, 44. 45,48, 
 50, 51, 56, 58-60. 62, 83, 85, 
 114-u;. 121. 122. 127, 146, 
 157-160, 162, 165, 166, 168, 
 169, 171-174, 176, 177, 179, 
 181-184 
 
 Jonathan Jr 31, 65, 71, 72. 75, 
 77. 7$- 81, 85, 87, 91. 92,96, 
 98-101, 107,108, 121, 122, 136 
 
 139, 142. 143, 14S 
 Jonathan 2d 136, 138, 145, 14S 
 Joel 98. 148, 161 
 
 Joseph 31,34. 47,49,52,62, 72, 
 75 78, 80, 86, 87,99, 103, 110, 
 112. 117. 121. [24, 120. 1 54, 
 
 140, 142. 144, 148, 157, 161, 
 178, 227 
 
 Judah 129, 136, 14S, 149, 157, 
 161, 165 
 
INDEX OF TOWN RECORDS. 
 
 259 
 
 Dickinson, Lois 139 
 Lucius 223, 224, : 
 
 29, 231, 
 232 
 
 Marquis F 237, 239, 243, 245, 
 246 
 
 Martha 139 
 
 Medad 87, no, 128, 129, 141, 
 143. 161, 102, 164. 174, 177, 
 179-183, [85, [87, 189, 191-202 
 
 Moses 18, 19, 20-27, 29-32. [4- 
 36, 3S-40, 47-51, 54, 56, jS, 59 
 61-7S. 82-S4. S6-SS, 97, 99, 
 101, 102, 104, 107, 109, 114, 
 117, 123. 125. 127 
 
 Moses Jr 76 
 
 Nathan 20. 21. 41. 58, 64, 65, 
 ;i. 95, 114. 122. 142. 158 
 
 Nathan Jr 25. 39, 40. 53, 55, 
 
 56, 65, 67, 71. 78, 83, 85, 87, 
 98, 103, 122, 134. 135. 142. 
 143. 149, 157, 158 
 
 Nathaniel 13. 18, 19. 22. 24. 
 27, 30, 52, 56, 62, 64, 65, 67- 
 °9, 72, 73, 92, 101, 116, 120, 
 121, 132,' 134, 139, 142. 152, 
 ■54 
 
 Nathaniel Jr 70-77, 79-SS, 90- 
 92, 94-96, 98-101, 103-105, 
 107, 108, IT4 
 
 Nathaniel 2d 39, 72, 76, 78, 
 
 57, 91, no, 124, 175 
 Nathaniel 3d, 67 
 Nathaniel C 207, 20S, 210, 216, 
 
 21S, 219. 222 
 Nehemiah 25, 27, 36, 4S, 51, 
 
 126, 127. i;i, 152 
 Noah 16. 21, 22, 25, 27, 39, 61, 
 
 66, 68, 71, 75, 87, 91. e. 96, 
 ' 98, 103, 107, 129, [36, 142. 
 
 149, 250. 251, 254 
 Oliver 126, 131, 212, 213, 221, 
 
 222 
 ( I liver 2d 213, 222. 224, 226, 22S 
 Perez no, 122, 129, 135, 136, 
 
 139, 14S. 150, 167, 171, 172, 
 
 183, 185, 187, 191, 203-205 
 Porter 254 
 Ransom 208-212, 214 
 Reuben 24. 25, 27, 31, 62, 64- 
 
 69, 72. 74-78, 81, 82, 84, n ;. 
 
 128, 135 
 Ruth 139. 144 
 Salome 140 
 Samuel 152 
 
 Samuel F 190-211,213-215, 217 
 Sarah 139 
 Selina 194, 196 
 Selcore 14 
 Silas 140, 180, 1S1 
 Simeon 21. 2;, 34. 38, 56, 58, 
 
 60, 74-76, 81, S4. 91, 99, 100, 
 
 114. 116, 117. 127, 139. 147. 
 
 16] 
 Simeon Jr 103, 121, 142, 161, 
 
 177 
 Solomon M 210. 211 
 Stephen 165 
 Stoughton 100. 107, 113, nt', 
 
 121. 122, 125, I2Q, 142. I43. 
 
 146, 14S, 150, 150, 157, 101, 
 i<>;. 106, i;o. [73, 174 
 Thankful 14'/ 
 Thomas 152, 154, 155 
 Waitstill 77, Si, S 4 ."ii5, 128, 
 
 146. 234-23S 
 William 140. [42,148, 153,210 
 
 211, 243. 244 
 
 \\ ilham A 253 
 
 Zebina 213-222 
 
 I >Kti i'ct of Amherst 19 
 
 Division of Parish 63,66, 68, 119, 
 
 120. 135. 141. 143. 150 
 Diaper, Ichabod 114, 135, 139, 145 
 
 149, 198 
 Dodge, John 149 
 Done, Amariah 1S0 
 Doty, John 139 
 Draft 250 
 
 Draper, Lewis, L 227 
 Dutton A 2,2 
 Dwight, Capt 2,7 
 
 Elijah 150, 208 
 
 Jonathan 174 
 
 Justus 132. 144, 169, 172 
 
 Thomas 165. 174. 177. 179,183 
 
 Eames, Ebenezer 210 
 Eastman. Austin 242-245 
 Baxter 241-245 
 
 Ebenezer 71. 76, 98, 100, 103, 
 104. 141, 161, 162, 164, 181, 
 182 
 Elijah 192, 195, 200 
 John 9S, 103, no. 116, 117, 123, 
 125, 12S. 129. 133. 142, 147. 
 161, 165, 170, 179. 205, 206 
 Jonathan 213 
 
 Joseph n-16, 18-27, 30, 32, 34- 
 37. 39, 44, 4,7. 57- 5S, 70-70, 
 79. 80, 82, 89, 90. IK. no. 
 128, 130, 133, 136, 137,' 150 
 Joseph Jr 26, 29, 39, 57, 91, 
 103, 104, 107, 129, 131, 133, 
 136. 138, 140, 142 
 losiah 120 
 
 Solomon K 221, 222, 225, 227 
 Timothy 152-155 
 Eason, David 139 
 Ecclesiastical Council 94 
 Eddy, Barnabas 49, 72 
 George 149 
 Smith 139 
 Edwards, Jonathan 12, 17, 19, 21, 
 23, 27, 31-33, 36, 40, 47, 49, 
 32, 53, 55. 56, 5S, 61, 66, 76, 
 114, 115. 123. 127. 12S, 146 
 Martha 173 
 Mary 145 
 Nathaniel 107, 123, 136, 146, 
 
 157, 161. 173 
 Phillip 90. 92. 1:4, 129. 136. 
 146, 170, 183 
 Eli, Benjamin in 
 Ellis, John 20 
 Elmer, Elijah 103. 136, 176 
 
 Simeon 65, 100 
 Ely, Justin 174 
 
 Mr 93 
 Embargo 199. 205 
 Emerson, J M 244 
 Emmons, Eli 199 
 
 Robert 31. 37, 57, 62, 72 
 Equivalent Lands 13, 15, 54 
 Eustis, William 20S, 210-212 
 Everett, Edward 224, 225, 227 
 
 Farnsworth, Mr 27 
 Eield. Asa L 236 
 I ) S 244 
 
 John 10, 14-16, 22-24. 26, 211-^4. 
 36-39, 51, 54, 56, 1. 
 93-95, 97-100, 102-104. 107- 
 109, 116, 117, 121, 130, 134, 
 
 135, 147 
 John Jr 20, 37, 49, 87, 96, 102, 
 
 121 
 Jonathan 26. 116, 117. 121, 12-,. 
 
 135, 141, 170, 171 
 
 Mary 173 
 
 Sally 145, ^73 
 
 Zacheriah 1 
 
 Fillmore, William 18 
 
 hire I Vpartment 228 
 
 Engine 22(1. 232. 234, 236, 237, 
 
 241, 256 
 Engine I louse -'17 
 
 Fire Wardens 216 
 Fish, John 132 
 
 Stephen 148, 149, 157, 161, 165, 
 >77,:'7§. 192 
 Fisk, Daniel 133 
 
 Lois 139 
 Fitch, Newton 231. 234, 235 
 Fletcher. Nathan P 220 
 Fobes, Simeon 74 
 Foster. Dwight 151 
 
 Edward Jr 140 
 Fowler, Samuel 130,137, 160, 165, 
 174- 177, 1S3 
 
 \\ ilham C 240 
 Fox, lohn 139 
 Franklin, Henry 72, 75, 114 
 
 Henry J 39.67. 76,77,80. 123, 
 161 
 
 Nathan 157, 1S9-192, 194-197, 
 200-202, 207, 211, 213 
 French Neutrals 35 
 Fuller, David 111, 127, 135 
 
 Gale, Charles D 221 
 Gam well, Samuel 195, 198, 199 
 Gardner, Henry 71, 72 
 Gay lord, Eleazer 224 
 Flavel 243, 253 
 Lorenzo 234 
 Samuel 152 
 William 152 
 General Assembly 7S 
 
 Court 9, 18. 20, 34, 47,' 52, 66, 
 67, 69, 75, 83. 85, 86, 89, 95, 
 98, 102, 106, 145, 163, 165, 166 
 lS 4, I" 195> 197, 
 
 198, 200-204, 20'J, 213-215, 
 220, 225. 237. 240, 242". 243, 
 245 247 249-252, 254 
 
 Gerry, Elbndge in, 160, 1S5, 187, 
 
 189, 190, 200, 202, 203 
 * Sill, Moses 151, 165, 173, 177, 179, 
 
 182, 185 
 Goodale, David 14S, 162 
 
 Llisha 65 
 
 Hosea 201, 210 
 
 Isaac 19, 24, 25, 27, 29, 34, 39, 
 40, 44- 49, 57, 60, 62. 77. S3, 
 93, 95, !05, 106, 113, 110, 122. 
 127 
 
 Isaac Jr 76 
 
 Isaac 2d 175 
 
 Thomas 142 
 Goodman, John 153, 154 
 
 Noah 85, 92, 96, 99, 101 
 
 Timothy S 208 
 
 Thomas 153-155 
 Gore, Christopner 198, 200-202 
 Gorham, Elizabeth 149 
 
 Nathaniel 104, 137, 160, 165 
 Gospel Ordinances ^8 
 Gould, Joseph 48, 51 
 
 Noah 48, 51. 173 
 
 Sarah 20. t>;S 
 Graft, \\ inslow 175 
 Granby 199. 213, 21S, 223, 234, 249 
 Crave Cloth 27 
 < ii.iws. John 152 
 
 Mary 149 
 1 Iraj . Aaron 20 
 
 Ebenezer 159 
 
 Harrison 71 
 
 J P 244 
 
 \\ ilham 201 
 Green. Moses 1! 241, 247 
 
 Timothy .',7. 4',. 4 ,. 58, 
 72, 7 s , 80, 83, no, 115, 125, 
 129 
 
 Timothy Jr 62, 7 ,. 83, 87, 96, 
 100, 103. 112. 115, 125, 129, 
 
 1)2. I< 
 
 Zery 174, .83 
 Gndley, Isaac 235-237, 239-241 
 
260 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 Gridley, Timothy J 208, 209, 
 
 212-214, 221, 232, 234, 235 
 Grout, Jonathan 151 
 
 Marcus C 247 
 Gunn, John 24 
 
 Lyman 234, 235, 242 
 
 Hadley 1, 2, 5, 6, 13, 15, ig, 21, 25, 
 35, 41, 42, 61, 65, 79, So, 97, 
 
 102, 116, 127, 130, 131, 132, 
 146, 150, 152-155, 164, 106, 
 172, 184, 188, 201, 202, 214, 
 217-219, 223, 224, 227, 229, 
 234, 237, 249 
 
 Second Precinct 15-1S 
 Third or East Precinct 1-5, 
 7-9- 24, 25 
 Hamilton, Andrew 156 
 Chauncey 202 
 David Chauncey 149 
 Eli 139 
 Martha 139 
 Hammond, Salem 233, 241, 245 
 Hampshire Agricultural Society 
 
 County 102, 105, 108, 151, 155, 
 
 202, 203 
 and Franklin Express 235 
 1 iazette 199, 205 
 Hancock. John 84, 87, 92, 96, 98, 
 
 104, 108, 111, 130, 137 
 Hardwick [88 
 
 Harkness, Improvement 144 
 Harroon, Oliver 139 
 Harwood, Benjamin 20 
 Hartling Stake 2, 32-37, 39, 40, 
 
 44, 46, 49, 55, 56, 81, 168 
 Hastings, Elijah 76, S3, 91, 102, 
 
 103, 107, 1 10. 114, 1 17, [21, 
 129, 143, 16S, 170, 180, 1S1, 
 183 
 
 Elisha 120 
 
 Henry 238 
 
 James 238, 243, 244 
 
 jerusha 173 
 
 John 85, 87, 92,96, 99, ioi, 104 
 
 108, in, 126, 130, 1 37, 160, 
 
 165, 174, 177- 179- 183 
 Thomas 21, 22, 30, 31, 34, 37, 
 
 51, 61, 65, 68, 72, 72. 75. 76. 
 
 78, 82, 83, 85, 87, 90, 91, 96- 
 
 98, 103. 110-112, 114. 122. i;s. 
 
 127, 128, 132, 133- '35- '3'"'' 
 
 141. 163, 180, 1S1, 223, 228, 
 
 229 
 Thomas Jr 27, 39, S3, 95, 96, 
 
 98 
 Moses 103,110, 114, 122,125, 
 
 129, 142, 143, 158, 172, 175, 
 
 i77> 179-181,187, 197-202,204 
 
 208 
 Samuel 83, 96, 103, 114, 122, 
 
 139, 148, 161, 177-180. 183, 
 
 185-1S7, 1S9 
 Hatfield 94, 95, 97, 140, 144, 152, 
 
 249 
 Hawiey, David 141, 1S7 
 Eunice 81 
 John 132, 133 
 Joseph 6, 8, 9, 85, 96, 99 
 Moses 41, 81, 97 
 Noah 132, 133 
 Rebekah 190 
 Samuel 1-3, 11 
 Zachariah 75, 83, 84, 87, 97, 
 
 100, no, 115, 122, 123, 141, 
 
 148, 171, 192 
 Zachenah Jr 1S0 
 Zebina 178, 212, 224 
 Hayward, Charles F 253 
 
 John 110 
 Haze, Jeremiah 149 
 Hearse 190 
 
 Henderson, Gideon 27, 30, 31, 33, 
 34, 37, 56, 80, Si, 87, 88, 91, 
 99 
 Timothy 98, 100, 103, no, 129 
 148, 157, 161, 166, 172, 174, 
 175, 177, 180, 181, 183, 1S9- 
 191, i93-!97, 200-202, 204-206 
 
 Hendrick, James 78, 114,121,138, 
 150 
 
 Henry, Tames 149 
 Luther 217 
 Samuel 68, 75, 83 
 
 Henshaw, Samuel 130, 137, 151, 
 160, 165, 174 
 
 Highways 6, 21, 24, 27, 31-41, 44- 
 51, 53, 54, 56-63, 81, 84,87, 
 89, 91-93, 102-105, 109-1 1 1, 
 113, 117-132, 134-138, 141, 
 143-148, 150, 153, 156, 158, 
 160, 162, 164, 167-170, 172-1*75 
 
 178, 186-189, 200, 20', 2'.0, 
 213-219, 223-225,233,237-241, 
 250 
 
 Hill, Abraham S3 
 Hills, Henry F 248, 253 
 
 Leonard M 225, 238-240, 242, 
 247, 254, 255 
 Hilyard, John 152 
 Hirsch, John 139 
 Hitchcock, E 228 
 Ilobart. Edmund 253 
 
 George W 243, 244, 247, 248, 
 
 253 
 Hoddens, 53, 54, 57 
 
 John 57 
 Holmes, .Samuel 178 
 Horses for Continental Army 87 
 Howard. Hiram C 254 
 
 Jonathan 104 
 Howe, Albin P 225, 226, 240, 242- 
 244, 246-248, 250 
 
 Henry A 245-248, 250 
 Howland, W S 224 
 Hovey, I homas 153 
 Hubbard, Daniel 152 
 
 Edmund 23, 154, 155 
 
 Elihu 76, 112 
 
 Elijah 173 
 
 (iiles '59 
 
 Isaac 65, 6S, 71, 72, 7S, 80. 87- 
 89, 9', 107 
 
 John 35. 144 
 
 Polly i; 149 
 
 Samuel 2ij;, 225 
 Hulit, Patience 1 9 
 Humphrey, 1 1 231 
 
 Rev Dr 222 
 Hunt, Ebenezer 10:, 108, 142, 151 
 177, '79, 183 
 
 Lydia 139 
 Hyde, Andrew 173, 204, 211, 212 
 
 Hannah ij9 
 
 Ira 234 
 
 Inferior Court 78 
 Ingram, David 103, 17S 
 
 Ebenezer 140, i6j, 192, 198, 
 
 207 
 Elisha 14, 25, 37, 42, 45, 62, 
 
 72. 75, 76, 82, 85, 89, 92, 150 
 Ezekiel 163 
 Ezra 225, 226, 231-233, 235, 
 
 241, 242, 244, 246-248, 250, 
 
 251,254 
 Gideon 136, 145 
 Gorsham 145 
 Harrison 253 
 Joab 157 
 John 1, 2, 78, 81, ^7, 99, 11;, 
 
 1 16, 127, 130, 142, 152, 165, 
 
 179, 180, 191, 190 
 John Jr 1, 152 
 
 John 2d 103, 125, 157, 170 
 
 Ingram, Jonathan 152 
 Nathan 138 
 Nathaniel 152 
 Phillip 22, 37, 56, 59, 65, 72 
 P 229 
 Reuben 19-21, 24, 64, 76, S7, 
 
 91, 131, 138 
 Robert 139 
 Samuel io, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30, 
 
 3i,34,39, 52, 123, 152 
 Z C 200, 2oi, 206, 207, 229 
 
 Jackson, Charles 217 
 Jearild, William 1 11 
 Jearills, William 127 
 Johnson, Orin 253 
 
 Owen 231 
 Johnston, John 157 
 Jones, Ebenezer 114*123 
 
 [ohn 255 
 
 Levi 212, 213 
 
 Thomas 233 
 
 Keet, Ruth 20 
 
 John 40 
 
 Kellogg, Aaron 190, 192-194, 196 
 
 Daniel 11, iS, 20-27, 29,30, 34, 
 
 35. 37- 39. 4i, 44- 57, 58,6i, 
 
 on, 72, 74, 87,89, <)0. 1 1 j, 111., 
 
 120, 122, 127, 133, 138, i;o, 
 
 171. 192, 193, 210-212 
 Daniel (r 77, 9(1, 1033 108, 120 
 
 122, 123, 129, 13d, 137, 141, 
 
 143, 14(1, 148, 150, 157, 160, 
 
 Idl, |N2 
 Ebenezer 1-3, 7-14, 27, 153 
 Ed 153 
 Eleazer 225, 229, 231, 232, 247 
 
 248, 250, 254 
 Electa 140 
 Elijah 200 
 Elijah Jr 180 
 Ephraim 6, 10, 20, 23, 26, 52, 
 
 91, 96, 112, 132-134, 136, 157, 
 
 161 
 Ephraim Jr 30, 145, 14S, 157 
 Horace 235, 242 
 James 220-222, 225, 226, 22N, 
 
 229, 231-234 
 Joel 190 
 John 96, 152, 174, 1S9, 190, 191 
 
 194-197 
 Jonathan 89 
 Joseph 153, 165 
 Martin 65, 68, 74, 76, S3, 85, 
 
 87, 88, 91, 94-96, 98, 99, 104, 
 
 10', 107, 10;), 115, 121, 124, 
 
 145, 146, 148, 157-159, 166, 
 
 ID", 1/b, 192 
 
 Martin Jr 185 
 
 Nathaniel 153, 155 
 
 Rufns 222, 231 
 
 William 220, 221, 237, 238 
 
 Wiliard M 228, 237, 238, 245, 
 246 
 
 Wright D 228 
 Kimball, Andrew 82, 83, 116, 126 
 132 
 
 Andrew Jr 103, 126, 136, 142 
 
 Benjamin 183 
 
 Jamin 157 
 King, Sarah 149 
 Kunk, ye 9, 11 or Conque 82 
 
 Larrabee, Thomas 129, 140, 142 
 Lathrop, Samuel 212, 221-223 
 Leach, Levi 136 
 Lee, Aaron 60 
 
 Abner 44, 45, 59, 64 
 
 Gideon 57 
 
 John 75, 96, 98, 115, i'6, 122, 
 12C1, 148, 161, 172, 1 S3 
 
 Sarah 115, 140 
 
INDEX OF TOWN RECORDS. 
 
 261 
 
 Leland, John 213, 221, 235 
 
 Levett, Jonathan 190 
 
 Leverett 78, 97, 103, 117, 131, 156, 
 
 169, 210, 227, 229, 236 
 Lewis, AM 173 
 
 Irena 173 
 
 Noadiah 27 
 
 Salome 173 
 
 Susanna 149 
 Lincoln, Benjamin 101, 104, 108, 
 in, 130 
 
 Levi 151, 200, 213-215, 217, 
 219-222 
 Lloyd, James 207 
 Lock-up 246 
 Longley, Thomas 20S 
 Lovett, E 253 
 
 Wheaton 239 
 Lucore, Isabel 20 
 Lyman, Elihu 208 
 
 Samuel 126, 137, 151, 160, 173 
 176, 182 
 
 Theodore 223 
 
 William 137, 151 
 
 Mack, David Jr 231 
 Marshall, Ansel C 235-240, 253 
 McClellen, Hugh 173, 190 
 McConnel, Elmer 149 
 McCullock, Henry 139 ' 
 McCulluck, Martha 140 
 
 Molly 139 
 McDaniel, Jacob 67-70, 72, 75, 95 
 96, 103, 116, 121, 122 
 John 1 [8 
 Marriages 20, 139, '140. 144, 145, 
 
 i49. 173 
 Marsh, Abner 139 
 Daniel 152, 155 
 Job 154 
 Jonathan 142, 147-149, 152, 
 
 161, 162 
 Moses 155 
 Samuel 152, 173 
 Marshall, Chester 1S3 
 
 Isaac 86, 129, 131, 132, 135, 
 
 142, 161 
 Thomas 110 
 Mather. Elijah 207 
 Mather, Samuel 85,88,192, 96,99, 
 
 101. 104, '112, 130 
 Matthews, Aaron 50 
 
 Silas 129 
 Mattoon, Ebenezer Jr 10, 12, 19, 
 2t, 22, 24, 25, 40, 42, 64, 67, 
 71.72, 74,76-78, 80-S3, 86, 88 
 92, 99, 100, 102, 103, 105, 107 
 no, 111, 116, 11N-120, 123, 
 124, 127,129-131,133, 135-146 
 158, 160, 102-165, 174-179, 
 181-184, 187, 188, 193, 194, 
 198,200,201,203-205, 207-209 
 211-215, 22 °> 22I > 22 5> 22 & 
 E Jr 147 
 Eleazer 4, 5, 7, 8 
 Noah D 200 
 Maynard, Jonathan 133 
 Meeting House 1-13, 15.17. 19.20 
 Merrick. Aaron 174, 178,183,192, 
 198, 200-204, 206, 208, 211, 
 226 
 
 a r 228 
 
 Esther 139 
 
 James 24, 31, 43, 58, 72, 75, 76 
 
 So, 82, 83, 88, 115, 124, 12;, 
 
 128/H.: 
 James E 244-247 
 William 231 
 Merrill, Calvin 125, 140, 166, 174, 
 
 178, 180, 183, 187, 189, 192, 
 
 194-202, 204-206, 208 
 Military Quota 249-251, 254,255 
 Service 247, 248 
 
 21 
 
 Minister 1-5 
 Molinux. Isaac 149 
 Monopoly and Forestalling, 80 
 Montague 234 
 
 Jemima 215, 216 
 John 152, 154, 155 
 Luke 183 
 Peter 152, 153, 155 
 Seth 173 
 
 Zebina 105, 107, no, 116, 118, 
 120, 123, 131, 133, 138, 140, 
 141, 150, 151, 157, 159-166, 
 172-177, 179, 180, 183, 184, 
 1S7, 189, 190, 193, 195, 196, 
 198, 199 
 Moody, Asahel 22, 25, 30, 32, 34, 
 56, 62, 68, 84, 87, 102, 114, 
 136 
 Daniel 194 
 David 208, 212, 214 
 Ebenezer 152 
 Eldad 107, 115, 125, 142, 160, 
 
 (61 
 Elihu 140 
 Elijah 142, 144 
 Eunice 140 
 Irene 137 
 
 Joel 37, 39. 49, 57, 62, 71, 78, 
 83,98-100, 103, 115, 125, 136, 
 146. 14S. 157 
 Jonathan 7, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 
 
 3o, 115 
 Jonathan Jr 25, 27, 34, 49, 56, 
 62,65, 68, 100, 114, 123, 126, 
 141 
 Josiah 30, 42, 58 
 Lemuel 27, 43, 57, 58, 74, 78, 
 
 115, 125, 129, 132, 136, 169 
 Meaad 112, 125, 129, 134, 135, 
 
 146-148 
 Nathan 45 
 Perez 91, 114 
 Rachel 140 
 Samuel 152 
 Sarah 140 
 Silas 140 
 William 166 
 Moores, William no 
 Morton, John 20, 44, 59, 186 
 John Jr 26, 83, 100 
 Joseph 115, 125, 147 
 Marcus 215, 219-225, 228 
 Mary 173 
 Thomas 20, 157 
 Mount Hollick 202, 203 
 
 Holyoke 213, 223 
 Munsell, Guy C 251 
 Thomas 139 
 
 Nash, Amos 114, 139, 175 
 
 David 10, 12, 15, 35 
 
 Ebenezer 152, 155 
 
 Eleazer 173 
 
 Ephraim 152 
 
 John 1-1S, 24, 26, 35, 42, 46, 
 48, 12, 57, 7 2 > 73. 75. 9i. 95. 
 97, 100, 101, 103, 107, no, 
 111. 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 
 12;. 12</. 147, 152, 161 
 
 John Jr 13. 14, ib, 25, 27, 31, 
 36,38. 39. 5i. 55-58,6o,62 
 
 Jonathan 8, II, 1'', 35, 37 
 
 Jonathan Jr 27, 49 
 
 Joseph 26, 152 
 
 Levi 132, 133 
 
 Lorenzo S 2j; 
 
 Luther 229 
 
 Moses 17A [86 
 
 ( lliver 227, 228 
 
 Reuben 114, 122 
 
 Samuel 152, 155 
 
 Thomas 152 
 Negro, Tom 28 
 
 Nelson, Seth 210 
 
 New Constitution 79, 81 
 
 Money 90 
 
 Salem 149 
 Newell, Asahel 161, 165, 174 
 Newton. Paul 78, 125, 136, 157, 160 
 Nims, Seth 223-225, 229, 231, 234 
 Noble, Eunice 140 
 No License 239, 240 
 North Hadley 241 
 North, Reuben 122 
 Northampton 23, 62, 70, 186, 189, 
 204 
 
 Jail 109 
 Nutting, George 209, 210, 213, 
 216, 217, 224 
 
 Jonathan 203 
 
 Truman 238-240 
 
 Oath of Allegiance 138 
 Orne Azor 92, 96, 98, 101 
 Otis, Harrison Gray 212 
 
 Paine, Daniel 234, 242, 246 
 Pall Cloth 1S0 
 
 Palmer, Frederick A 211,225, 226 
 231-233, 235-237, 239, 240, 242 
 244, 245, 247, 248, 251, 254 
 Paper Money 99 
 Parker, Eh 40, 42, 43, 58, 62, 66, 
 72, 76, 78-86, 88, 89, 94-97, 
 99, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, in 
 115, 117, 118, 120, 121, 130, 
 132, 137, ijo, 143, 145, 148, 
 150, 158, 166, 173, 176, 177, 
 178, 180, 182, 185, 186 
 Eli Jr 121, 125, 166, 194 
 Elijah 94 
 Wareham 151 
 Parks, Warham 92, 101, 112, 179 
 Parsons, David 224 
 
 Dr David 88-90, 93-95. 123. 
 i3 2 > i39> MO, 144. 145. 149. 
 170, 173- 191. 194 , 
 Rev David 2-23, 25, 26, 29, 31, 
 3 2 . 35. 39. 4 2 . 45. 47. 5 2 . 54. 
 61, 64. 66, 70, 73-75. 77,79. 
 82, 83, 87, 89, 97. 103-106, 
 m-113, 116, 119 
 Gideon 107, 116, 126, 127, 130, 
 
 131. 139, 140, 159, 168, 172 
 Simeon 66 
 Partridge, Samuel 153-155 
 Payne, Olive 139 
 Peck, Joseph 75 
 Mary 139 
 Nathaniel 61, So, 81, S4-87, 
 
 89, 90. 93. 97. i4 2 
 Nathaniel2d 111,127, 135.157 
 Simeon 77, 78, 81, 86, 90, 96, 
 
 133 
 Simeon Jr 76, 78, 90 
 Peebles, William Forbush 145 
 Peirce, Josiah 70 
 Pelham 22, 23, 32, 33, 56, 58, mi, 
 137, 139, 140, 144, 146, 166, 
 ifa9, ibo, 181, 185, 186, 204, 
 227, 229, 240, 247, 249, 255 
 Petitions 106 
 Pettis, John 80, 107, 123 
 
 Joseph 9 s - 114, 115, 125, 140, 
 177, 181 
 Pettes, Leucretia 145 
 
 Tamer 173 
 Petty, John 19, 21, 22 
 Phelps, Charles 177. 1S3 
 ( (liver 92, 104, 108, 1 1 1 
 William 140 
 Philemore, William 174 
 Phillips, Samuel 160, 165, 177 
 
 \\ illiam 204 
 Fierce. Kdwin H 251 
 V. A. 244 
 
262 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS. 
 
 245 
 
 Pierce, Josiah 155 
 Pomeroy, David 1 
 
 Dorcas 173 
 
 EP 233 
 
 Harlan L 247, 253 
 
 Polley 173 
 
 Simeon 22, 24, 34, 39, 4°> 47* 
 48, 88, Q7, 121, 122 
 
 Simeon Jr 114, 122, 147 
 Poorhouse 79, 80, 207, 225-228, 256 
 Porter, Alexander 10 
 
 Eleazer 1, 85, 152, 153 
 
 Elisha 105 
 
 Experian 152 
 
 Mrs Hannah 152 
 
 Hezekiah 152 
 
 John 152 
 
 Ruth 139 
 
 Samuel 152, 153, 155 
 Posting Warrants 142 
 Pound 7-io, 12, 35, 99, 116, 190, 
 
 216, 244, 254 
 Powers, John 156 
 Preston, John 152, 153, 155 
 Prince, H B 247 
 
 Samuel, 139 
 Province Tax 145 
 Provincial Congress 70, 71, 73, 75 
 Prutt, Caesar 187, 189, 193, 192, 
 194, igS 
 
 Ralf, Enos 98 
 Reed, William 212, 218 
 Religh, Elizabeth 145 
 Revolutionary Bounty SS 88, 89 
 
 Quota 89 
 Rhodes, Benjamin 24, 44 
 Rice, Jonathan 223 
 Rich, Calvin 98, 139 
 
 David 85, 90, 114, 125 
 
 Hannah 139 
 
 Luke 173 
 Roads, length of 229 
 Robberson, Eliphalet 140 
 Robbins, Edward M 196 
 
 Isaac 139, 157, 175, 209-213, 
 218, 226, 228 
 
 Joseph 14;, 174, 180 
 
 Silas in, 127, 134, 135 
 
 Z W 239 
 Robbinson, Robert 139 
 Robins, Josiah 139 
 
 Lydia 139 
 Roberts, Charles 228 
 
 Joshua 228 
 
 Reuben 212, 215, 223 
 Rolf, Benj 128 
 Rolf, Marah 127, 132-134 
 
 W M in 
 Rolph, Enos no 
 Rood. Ezra 62, 76. 77, So, 82, 83, 
 87, 95. 96. 99, 109 
 
 Solomon 20 
 Roode, Esther 140 
 
 Ezra 140 
 Rooker, William 152, 154 
 Root, Capt 24 
 
 Elisha 159 
 
 Lemuel 102 
 Routh, Benjamin 132-135, 140 
 Row, Orinda 140 
 Rowe, Cloe 149 
 
 Gay us in, 127, 132, 133 
 
 Huldah 139 
 
 Moses 104, 105, 109, 115, 124, 
 146 
 Russell, Jonathan 153, 154 
 
 Samuel 153, 154 
 Rust, Benoni 209, 210, 212, 213 
 
 Nelson 226 
 
 Sabins, Barnabas 68, 100, 129, 159 
 Santon, David m 
 
 Sartell, Josiah 139 
 Savage, Capt 24 
 Schools n, 14-16, 20, 22-24,30, 55. 
 63, 79, 85, 97, 100, 109, no, 
 140, 143 
 Dames 11, 14, 97 
 Districts 109, 141, 145-147, 175 
 203, 227, 234, 239, 240-243, 
 246, 250-253 
 Grammar 51, 63, 66, 246, 247 
 High 239-243, 246, 247, 250, 256 
 Master 14, 76, 190 
 Scott, Israel 178, 209 
 Sedgwick, Theodore 126, 151 
 Selding, Ebenezer 153, 154 
 John 154 
 Thomas 152 
 Sellon, Doct 225 
 Sexton, David 85, 130, 137, 160, 
 
 165, 174, 177, 179, 183 
 Sidewalks 243, 244 
 Sharp, Mr 36 
 Shaw, Henry 221 
 Shephard, William 104, 108, 130, 
 
 151, 160, 165, 174 
 Shirtliff, Vire 140 
 Shutesbury 54, 90, 91, 95, 97, 155, 
 164, 169, 184, 186, 217, 218, 
 227, 229 
 Skinner, Jairus 24S 
 
 Thomas J 126, 151 
 Springfield 52 
 Smalledge, Joseph L 21S 
 Smead, David 85, 87, 92, 96, 99, 
 101, 18S, 130, 161, 174 
 Solomon 190 
 Smith, Aaron 1-7 
 
 Alexander 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 
 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 31, 34, 36, 
 38, 39, 56, 59, 61-63, 67, 72, 
 83-85, 91 
 Alexander, Jr 26 
 Asa 136, 140, 157, 179, 187, 192 
 Benjamin 83, 96, 179 
 Benjamin F 243 
 Charity Fund and Will 235, 
 
 237 
 Chester 177, 17S, 202, 203, 218 
 Chileab 37, 76, 121, 152 
 Cotton 229 
 Daniel 20 
 
 David 4-6, 22, 25, 49, 53, 55, 
 75, 89, 91, 123, 128, 146, 203, 
 219 
 David Jr 116, 174, 184 
 Dorothy 173 
 Ebenezer 152 
 Edward 21,330, 45, 49, 62, 67, 
 
 72, 76, 103 
 Eleazer 90, 91,95-97. 102. 103, 
 
 115, 124. 148, 167, 16S. 176 
 Electa 144 
 
 Elias 129, 140, 201, 219 
 Elijah 173, 192, 197, 198, 200- 
 
 202 
 Elisha 72, 75, 83, 88, 89, 9', 
 92, 95, 96, 99-103, 105, 107, 
 108, 114. 117, 126, 127, 129, 
 130, 133 138, 142, 144. 145, 
 148, 156, 157, 161, 163-166, 
 173-176. 179, 180, 1S2, 184, 
 186, 192, 195, 201-204, 215 
 Elisha Jr 208-211 
 Ethan 115, 124 
 Hannah 139 
 Horace 220-222, 244 
 Ichabod 152, 154 
 James, 152 
 John 152, 218 
 
 Jonathan 3. 4. 6, 8-15, 21, 34, 
 37< 57- 65, 75, 83, 91, 92, 114, 
 115, 120, 169-171, 173 
 Jonathan 2d 183 
 
 Smith, Joseph 65, 152, 153 
 Josiah 145 
 Levi 89 
 Luke 152 
 Martha 145 
 
 Martin 34, 35, 49, 65, 74 
 Mary 140 
 Mehitable 118, 127 
 Moses 3, n, 12, 14, 15, 44, 66, 
 
 68, 161, 173, 183 
 Nathaniel 1-11, 15, 16, 18-21, 
 
 23, 24. 31, 44, 52 
 
 Nathaniel Alexander 87, no 
 
 Noah 2. 3, 20, 24, 49, 58, 67, 
 
 75, 77, 83, 96, 98 102, 109, 
 
 117, 11S, 127, 129, 135, 136, 
 
 142, 143, 148, 157, 161, 165, 
 
 174. 177, 184, 185. 187 
 
 Noadiah 78, no, 114, 129, 135 
 
 146-148, 161, 175 
 Oliver 78, 235 
 
 Peletiah 1, 3,4, 8, 9, 34, 36,65 
 Peletiah Jr 16, 19, 25, 31, 48, 
 
 50, 64 
 Peter 16, 18, 21-25, 27, 29-35, 
 
 37-40, 56, 58-61, 65 
 Preserved 152 
 Rachel 173 
 Reuben 90. 91, 174 
 Samuel 87, 115, 124, 136, 152, 
 
 1/7, 249 
 Sarah 139 
 Simeon 21, 24, 34, 64, 72-75, 
 
 115. 136, 148 
 Stephen 3, 77, 88, 89, 91, 94, 
 95, 98-100, 103, 108, 114, 118, 
 120, 121, 129, 133, 142. 146, 
 157, 160, 166, 174-178, 1S1, 
 1 S3, 18S 
 I imothy 87, 136 
 William Elisha no 
 William H 233, 236 
 Snell, E S 227 
 Snow, Ralf 180 
 South Hadley 155, 173, 234 
 Southworth, Abia 173 
 Southvvood, Ariz 139 
 Spear, E P 245, 246, 250 
 Lyscum 23^ 
 M N 242-246 
 Standard of Weights and Meas- 
 ures 188 
 Stanley, Edward A 242 
 Stearns, William 249 
 Stebbins, Phineas 101, in 
 Stetson, Gideon 1S3, 185, 187, 189 
 190, 191, 204, 207-210, 213, 
 215, 216 
 Gideon Jr 218 
 Stevens, Phinehas 173 
 
 Titus 106 
 Stilman. George 152, 154, 155 
 Stoddard, Solomon 108, in, 137, 
 
 174 
 Stow, 71 
 
 Strong, Caleb 85, 88, 92, 96, 98, 
 
 101, 104, 108, in, 185, 187, 
 
 189. 190, 193. 195-197, 202-206 
 
 Hezekiah W 203, 213 
 
 J 229 
 
 Nathaniel 125 
 
 Nehemiah 9-12, 16, 113, 116 
 
 Simeon 24. 25. 27, 29-34, 36, 
 37, 39, 4C 43, 44- 47,48. 50-54 
 56, 58, i9. 61, 62, 64, 65, 67, 
 7S, 79. 82, 84, 87, 95- 96, 99, 
 101, JE104, 100, 115-123, 125, 
 135. 137, 141, 142, 145, 148, 
 151. 158, 159, 161, 165, 166, 
 [68, 171. 174, 186, 195, 19S- 
 200, 203-206, 213 
 Sumner. Increase 173, 177, 179, 
 182 
 
INDEX OF TOWN RECORDS. 
 
 263 
 
 Sullivan, James 193, 195-19S 
 
 Thomas 177 
 Sunderland 45. 91, 103, 10S, 149, 
 
 210, 214, 219, 225, 227, 231, 
 
 241, 249 
 Superintendent of Schools 254 
 Supreme Judicial Court 191 
 Surplus Revenue 225, 227, 228 
 Sweetser's Hall 232, 240 
 
 Luke 222, 231, 236, 237, 252, 
 
 2 53* 254 
 
 Taggart, Samuel 190 
 Tainter, Stephen 149 
 Taylor. John Jr 153-155 
 
 John Sr 152, 154. 155 
 Tax Discount 245 
 Temple, Thomas 3 
 Tender Act 86 
 
 Thayer, Asahel 211, 213, 214, 220- 
 222 
 
 Josiah 114. 134, 135- M7, 149, 
 161. 1S3 
 
 Martin 214 
 Thompson, John 149, 15S 
 
 Samuel 139 
 Tilden, Elisha 213 
 Tilton. Peter 152 
 Tomb 239 
 
 Tory Element 72, 77 
 Tower. Samuel 218 
 Town Bonds 250-252, 254, 255 
 
 Hall 240, 243 
 
 Lines 61, 65, 97, 99, 101, 144, 
 156, 163. 231. 234. 236 
 
 Lot 153. 155 
 Townsend, Mr 46 
 Trowbridge, David 98 
 
 Upham, Edward 190 
 
 Vaccination 222 
 
 Varnum. Joseph B 204 
 Voce, Selah 190 
 
 Wait, Leutious 140 
 Wales. Jemima 139 
 
 Major 82 
 War of 1ST2 203 
 
 Ward, Artemas 85, 151 
 
 Susanna 149 
 Warner. Aaron 6-9, 14. 15. 24. 2;. 
 
 31, 34. 43. 58. 82, 84. 91, :. 
 
 114. 123 
 Aaron Jr 65, 115. 149 
 Daniel 154, 155 
 David 103, 123, 146, 14S. 152, 
 
 153. 216 
 Eleazar 153. 154 
 Elisha 123 
 George 245 
 Isaac 154, 155 
 Jacob 13, 19. 25, 34. 114. 154, 
 
 155 
 Jacob Jr 62. 87, 123. 125. 152 
 Jonathan 96, 114. 145-147 
 Josiah 75, 77, 80, 82, 87, 89, 
 
 96, 99, 100, 103, 109, no, 112, 
 
 117, 136, 138, 140, 142. 1O1, 
 
 Josiah Jr 197, 210 
 
 Mary 140 
 
 Moses 6, 9, 16, 23, 24, 26, 29, 
 31, 32, 34. 38, 42. 45- 4». 48, 
 51, 52, 5S-60, 83, 105, 117, 
 122, 128, 146 
 
 Nathaniel 152, 154, 155 
 
 Noadiah 87 
 
 Parthena 140 
 
 Phinehas 237, 238 
 
 Reuben 139 
 
 Samuel 243 
 
 Sarah 122 
 
 Thirza 140 
 
 Warham 31, 147, 157, 160 
 
 Widow 152 
 Warren, James 85, 11 1 
 
 Samuel X 244. 245 
 Warriner, Violet 149 
 Watertown 73 
 Watson, Joseph 192, 194, 19S, 200 
 
 Oliver 231, 232. 23S, 240, 251 
 Webster. Noah 205-209, 211 
 
 Spelling Book 222 
 Weeks, Henry 211, 212 
 W r ells, Ebenezer 152 
 
 Mary 173 
 \\ est. Caleb 101 
 
 Westcott, J. T. 253 
 
 Wheelock, Russell T 224. 225, 
 
 231, 234-236, 242, 245 
 Whipple, George A 251. 253. 254 
 White, Jarib 161, 165, 173, 180, 
 183, 190, 191, 197, 200, 204 
 Jay 211-213 
 John C 254 
 Lavina IJ9 
 Nathaniel 152, 154 
 Whiting. Enoch 203 
 Whitney. S W 242 
 Wilder. Elias 149 
 Williams, Ambrose 87 
 Catherine 186 
 Chester 180, 200-203 
 Ebenezer 45, 58, 118, 122, 212 
 
 216, 218. 222. 223, 229 
 Enos D 241, 242, 244, 250, 253 
 
 254 
 John 67, 101. 114. 146, 14S, 161 
 
 162, 174, 177, 17S, 183, 190 
 John C 85 
 Joseph 25, 49. 66-69, 7i, 74-77, 
 
 80, 81, 98, 132. 133 
 Justus 31, 34. 114. ii5- "7, 
 122, 124, 126, 12S, 146, 161, 
 169, 209, 210 
 Justus Jr 192, 19S, 200-202, 
 
 204-206 
 Mary 173 
 Moses 209 
 Rachel 139 
 William 126, 152 
 Williamson, George 166, 174, 17S 
 192 
 William D 194 
 Winter, Abiatha 221 
 Winthrop, Thomas L 215, 219 
 Wolf Bounty 100, 108, 196 
 Woods, Furmin 125 
 
 Wm 91 
 Woodbridge, Ruggles 99 
 Worcester. Samuel M 219 
 Worthington. John 101 
 Wright, Silas 127. 142, 157, 161 
 
 Young, John 20 
 
 Ek rata.— On page 74 the word of after records in first line should be omitted. 
 
 On page 144, fifteenth line from bottom, Southeast should be Southwest. 
 


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