"3 "9002 06447 0041

PROSPECTUS

HISTORY

NORTH BROOKFIELD,

MASSACHUSETTS.

TESTIMONIALS OE THE VALUE OE THE WORK, AND
SOME SPECIMENS FROM ITS PAGES.

THE PRICE OF THE HISTORY IS FOUR DOLLARS,
AND IT WILL BE SENT ON RECEIPT OF THIS
SUM BY THE TOWN CLERK OF NORTH BROOK
FIELD, MASS.

PUBLISHED BY
THE TOWN OF NORTH BROOKFIELD, MASS.
1888,

PROSPECTUS

HISTORY

NORTH BROOKFIELD,

MASSACHUSETTS.

lESTIMONfALS OF THE VALUE OF THE WORK, AND
SOME SPECIMENS FROM ITS PAGES.

THE PRICE OF THE HISTORY IS FOUR DOLLARS,
AND IT WILL BE SENT ON RECEIPT OF THIS
SUM BY THE TOWN CLERK OF NORTH BROOK
FIELD, MASS.

PUBLISHED BY
THE TOWN OF NORTH BROOKFIELD, MASS.
' 1888.

CONTENTS.

Page
Introductory Note by the Town History Committee . , . 3, 4
Preface by the Author . .... . , , 5-7
CHAPTER I,
Topographical Description of the Territory included in the Ori
ginal Brookfield Grant. — Objects of Special Interest. — Mill-
Seats. — Early Roads. — Training-Field. — Common, — The Mile-
Square , . . . , , , , 9-19
CHAPTER II,
The Wilderness, — River Indians, — Quabaugs, — Nipnets, — Nasha-
¦WAYS, — Indian Name. — The Several Native -Villages. — Weka-
BAUG. — QuoBAGUD. — ASQUOACH. — QuASSOCK, — POOKOOKAPPOG, —
Menameset, — Discovery of Two Indian Towns, — Tribal His
tory, — William Pynchon's Letter, — The Apostle Eliot's Visit,
— Eliot's Grant. — Annoachamor. — Uncas' Raid and its Re
sults, — Massasoit a Ruler here, — Sale of Quabaug Lands to
Ipswich Men, — Ten Years of Peaceful Co-occupation . . 20-50
CHAPTER III.
Grant of 1660. — First-Comers. — Indian Deed of 1665. — Re-grant'
of 1667. — Petition of 1670. — The Town Plot, — Allotment of
Lands. — Meeting-House, — Ministry Land, — Burial-Place, —
Corn-Mill, — Petition of 1673. — The Town incorporated. —
Notices OF the First Settlers. — Signs of a Storm. — Causes of
King Philip's War, — Destruction of the Town, — Place of
Capt, Wheeler's Surprise. — The Indians' Side of the Case. —
Quannapohit's Relation. — Garrison maintained. — Movements
of Troops and - Indians. — Fate of the Indian Chiefs. — The
Place abandoned  51-134
CHAPTER IV.
Second Settlement, 1686-17 18. — The Original PLANfERS did not
Return. — Names of all Settlers and Grantees down to 17 18,
with Annals, Personal and General, of Indian Raids, Civil
and Ecclesiastical Affairs, etc  13S-195

6 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V, Page
Second Incorporation of the Town, — Meeting-House. — Minister. —
School, — Burying Grounds, — Father Ralle's War, — Old
French and Indian War, — Last French and Indian War, —
The Revolution, — Shays's Rebellion. — The Spooner Murder, —
First Celebration of Independence  196-246
CHAPTER VI,
Movement for a New Precinct, — Names of Movers, — Act of In
corporation. — Meeting-Houses. — Ministers. — Schools. — The
Town incorporated. — Ecclesiastical Affairs. — Education. —
Industries. — Professional Men, — War of the Rebellion. —
Savings Bank, — Railroad, — Statistics, — Memorials of Rev.
Dr. Snell, Hon. Charles Adams, jun,, Hon, Freeman Walker,
Hon. Amasa Walker, Major Nathan Goodale, Gen. Rufus
Putnam, John Waite and his Sons  247-480
GENEALOGICAL REGISTER OF FAMILIES .... 481-799

TESTIMONIALS.
Letters received by the Chairman ot the To-wn History-
Committee, Hon. Theodore C. Bates.

From Hon. George F. Hoar, LL.D., of Worcester, Mass.,
United States Senator from Massachusetts, Oak Avenue, Nov, 22, 1887.
My dear Sir, — In acknowledging the receipt of "The History of North
Brookfield," I believe I expressed my sense of its value and excellence. I
had already had an opportunity to examine some of the advance sheets.
I have since made a more full examination in connection with some special
studies. I am confirmed in my belief that it is one of the very best works
in this most important field of local history. It should have a place in
every public library. Brookfield was the scene of the only battle ever
fought in Worcester County, and was the dwelling-place for many years of
Rufus Putnam, the founder of Ohio, the best engineer of the Revolutionary
army, and the man who, I think, had greater influence in his generation over
the destiny of Americans than any other, save Washington, Jefferson, and
Franklin. I am faithfully yours,

GEO. F. HOAR.

From the Hon. George Bancroft.

No, 1623 H. St., N, W,,
Washington, D.C, Jan 13, i888.
Dear Sir, — I have received a copy of " The History of North Brook
field," a town in my native State and native county. The work is thorough
and exhaustive, and is in a special degree a worthy tribute to the importance
of local self-government, which is the only foundation of republican institu
tions, and never in the history of the world has been displayed in so great
perfection as in our New-England townships. Moreover, Brookfield was
through a long part of its career the western outpost and defence of New-
England civilization.
I esteem it a special honor to receive this work as a gift from the town
of North Brookfield, with which I was so familiar in my early life ; and with
my warmest wishes for the continued and increasing prosperity of the town,
I remain Yours very sincerely,
GEORGE BANCROFT.

8 TESTIMONIALS.
From Hon. H. L. Dawes, United States Senate,
' Chairman of the Committee of Indian Affairs, Fiftieth Congress, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C, Jan, lo, 1888.
My dear Sir, — Please accept my thanks for a copy of the most valuable
^' History of North Brookfield." The histories of the towns of New England
are all full of gold. They chronicle for us and our children the wonderful
traits of character, the sterling virtues, the heroic endurance, and the great
sacrifices of our fathers in building the institutions whose blessings we
enjoy. We should fail rightly to value these institutions if we failed to know
their cost.
Of ^ all these local histories that I have seen, no one has so impressed me
with the richness and value of the historical lore it has brought within reach
of the reader, or with the exhaustive research, and patient, well-directed
labor, of all connected with the work, as this one of North Brookfield. It is
a model among all New-England town histories.
. What a mine of hidden wealth your town had laid away ! and what a debt
this and after generations, not only of your townsmen, but of all who love
the life and story of early New England, will ever owe your Committee and
Mr. Temple for thus putting it into their possession !
Thanking you again for my share in this valuable donation, I am
Truly yours,
H. L, DAWES.
From the Hon. Robert C. Winthrop. Boston, Mass,, Jan, 7, 1888,
Dear Sir, — I received, a few days ago, a copy of " The History of North
Brookfield," most kindly sent to me by the town.
I have examined the volume with interest, and find much valuable matter
in it. The Rev. Mr. Temple seems to have collected and used his materials
with great thoroughness and fidelity, and the volume adds another to those
town histories which throw so much light on the rise and progress of onr
State and nation. Yours respectfully and truly, ROB'T C, WINTHROP.
From Justin Winsor, Esq., of Cambridge, Mass.,
Librarian of Harvard University, Corresponding Secretary of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, and Editor of " Narrative and Critical History of America."
Cambridge, Mass., Dec, ^, 1887.
Dear Sir, — I have received a copy of " The History of North Brookfield,"
and I understand that it comes from the Town Committee, to whom I beg
to return my best thanks. I had looked it over when it was received at the
College library, and did not suppose, when I turned to it now, I should give
much time to it ; but it has taken a considerable portion of the hours which
I had intended for something else, because I have found that its complete
ness and carefulness were things to linger among.

TESTIMONIALS. 9
A good many years ago I gave some jejune endeavors to writing the his
tory of a town, and I know something of its delights and toils, which many
labors in other and sometimes remote fields have not caused me to forget ;
so that I look at a town history somewhat as a jockey looks at a horse, —
knowing the points.
I beg to congratulate you on having secured so creditable a record of your
town's history. There is a vast change for the better in the making of such
books over the time when I was a young hand at the work; ^nd of all the
improved ways, your co-workers have availed themselves skilfully of the
best. Very truly, JUSTIN WINSOR.
From the Hon, John W, Dickinson,
Secretary of the State Board of Education, Boston, Mass,
My dear Sir, — " The History of North Brookfield " tells the story of
the best type of a New-England community, from the thrilling details of the
early conflicts with the Indians and the mastery over the stern forces of
nature, through the perils and privations of the Revolution, to the develop
ment of a town noted for its intelligence, enterprise, and thrift.
The story is told with an industrious fidelity to fact which shows patient
research, and a spirit worthy of the energy, integrity, and patriotism of a
people the vitality of whose manly virtues made such a story possible.
I am most truly yours, J. W. DICKINSON,
From Hon. Mellen Chamberlain, LL.D.,
Librarian of Boston Public Library.
Boston Public Library, Nov, 28, 1887,
Dear Sir, — I have received from you a copy of " The History of North
Brookfield." This volume I have looked through, and portions of it I have
read, and with great interest and instruction. It seems to me to evince
industry, literary skill, and good judgment; and I shall be disappointed if it
does not immediately take its place among the most valuable and successful
histories of the class to which it belongs.
The subject is one of great capabilities, but its successful treatment must
have been attended with vast labor and difficulties. Fe^w towns have such
a history as that of North Brookfield, and one so worthy of careful study,
not only by those more iriimediately interested, but also by the general
reader of Massachusetts history, and especially that part which relates to
the Indians.
Few towns, also, have been the abodes of so many men of whose history
we desire to'learn, as North Brookfield.
I have had some experience in the study and writing of town history. I
know the wearisome labor which it involves, I know the disappointments
which attend research, and I can see in Mr. Temple's book what it must
have cost him to produce results so satisfactory.
Respectfully,
MELLEN CHAMBERLAIN.

10 TESTIMONIALS.
From Hon. Charles H. Bell, LL.D,, of Exeter, N.H,,
Formerly Governor of New Hampshire, and President of the Ne^w Hampshire Historical Society.
Exeter, N.H., Dec. -z, 1887.
Dear Sir, — I beg to express to your Committee my sincere thanks for
the copy of the history of your town which they kindly sent me.
I have given the work some examination, and it impresses me as peculiarly
well executed and valuable. Your town was wise in intrusting the business
to a competent committee, and in allowing them ample time to perform the
work with thoroughness. The selection of the writers of the genealogical
and the general history was also very fortunate ; and the entire work is highly
creditable to the town, and to all who were in any way concerned in it. The
chapters on the Indian history and the records of families deserve special
commendation, in my judgment. Very respectfully yours, CHARLES H. BELL.
From James Phinney Baxter, A.M., of Portland, Me.,
¦Vice-President of the Maine Historical Society, and Editor of " The Tulawny Papers."
Portland, Me., Nov, 30, 1887,
My dear Sir, — I have just been examining the very interesting work of
Rev, J, H, Temple, entitled " The History of North Brookfield, Mass,," and
have to congratulate Mr. Temple as author, and your Committee having
in charge this important work, upon having completed it in so acceptable a
manner. I know of no more important work which a town can accomplish
"than making its past history accessible to its members through a well-written
and attractive book ; and the town of North Brookfield by a wise liberal
ity has well achieved this benevolent work, having placed before its people
and the public at large one of the best, and in some respects the best, town
history which has come from the press during the year. I remain
Very truly yours, JAMES PHINNEY BAXTER.
From Hon. Samuel G. W. Benjamin of New York City,
Formerly United States Minister to Persia, and Author of " Persia and the Persians."
New York, Oct. 18, 1887.
Dear Sir, — The copy of "The History of North Brookfield" which you
kindly sent me has been duly received, and read with much interest. In
conveying my acknowledgments for this handsome volume, I cannot avoid
at the same time an expression of opinion as to the character of this impor
tant work.
As a former resident of Brookfield, familiar with that part of Worcester
County, and greatly attached to it, it is natural that this work should have
¦especially attractions for me. But, in addition to this, I find much besides
that is qualified to suggest a warm interest in this carefully prepared and
beautifully illustrated history of one of the most attractive townships in

TESTIMONIALS. II
Central Massachusetts. Local histories like the present one tend to remind
us, perhaps more than general histories, of the debt we owe to those who
wrested this continent from savages, and in the face of immense hardships
established the great republic we enjoy on firm foundations, or rescued it
from subsequent perils. The distinctly personal element which predomi
nates in a local record vividly appeals to the heart, and increases our regard
for the sturdy pioneers who preceded us ; and thus we may and should be
rendered less narrow, selfish, and self-sufficient, less anxious to claim for
ourselves more credit for the nation's prosperity than is justly our due. No
man is the worse for honoring the memory of h's parents ; no age which
frankly acknowledges what it owes to preceding ages is thereby less great.
Now is the time to gather in these records of our colonial history, before
they are entirely lost or forgotten ; and Mr. Temple's work forms a very im
portant addition to American history, both on this account, and because he
has accomplished his pleasant task with zeal and fidelity. Its general value
must increase, while its importance to all who take an interest in North
Brookfield and the adjacent towns cannot be otherwise than permanent.
I am sincerely yours, S. G W. BENJAMIN.
From Frederick D. Stone, Esq.,
Librarian of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and Editor of " The Pennsylvania Maga
zine of History and Biography."
, Philadelphia, Dec. 7, 1887.
Dear Sir, — In transmitting to you the thanks of this society for '' The
History of North Brookfield," I feel that I must express the satisfaction I
have experienced in looking it over.
To me it appears a superior work in all respects, and the valuable genea
logical information it contains can hardly fail to secure for it a wide and
general interest. Very truly yours, F. D. STONE.
From Hon. Samuel A. Green, M.D., of Boston,
Librarian of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and Author of " Groton during the Indian
' Wars," Boston, Oct. 26, 1887.
Dear Sir, — The copy of " The History of North Brookfield," which you
were so kind as to send this library, was duly received ; and, in behalf of
the society, I wish to return thanks for the gift.
Your town is certainly to be congratulated on having its annals written
so fully and faithfully, and its genealogies filled out so carefully and com
pletely. The early history of Brookfield is crowded with important events,
and richly deserves a chronicler such as you have found in Mr. Temple ;
and the later history is by no means destitute of public interest. The fron
tier towns of New England, during the first century of their existence, all
furnish examples of personal heroism which may well make the present

12 TESTIMONIALS.
inhabitants proud of their ancestry. The town of North Brookfield has
set an example for other towns to follow ; and I trust that your citizens
will appreciate at its true worth the lasting ben.efit that is sure to accrue
from a work so well done as Mr. Temple's history.
Very truly yours, SAMUEL A. GREEN.
From Stephen Salisbury, Esq., of Worcester, Mass,,
Vice-President of the American Antiquarian Society.
Worcester, Nov, 19, 1887.
My dear Str, — The plan upon which the details of " The History of
North Brookfield " has been brought together, giving an account of its In
dian and English occupation from 1647, and of its existence as a separate
town from 18 12, will impress the general reader with its completeness, and
create an interest from the graceful manner in which the facts are pre
sented. The biographical and statistical pages are of especial interest.
Very truly yours, STEPHEN SALISBURY.
From Edmund M. Barton, Esq., of -Worcester, Mass.,
Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society.
Worcester, Mass., Sept, 24, 1887.
My dear Sir, — Let me thank you for the personal copy of the
" North Brookfield " you so kindly sent with the library copy. If one-half
the kind things we have heard said by those who have tried the history
and genealogy therein be true, the Committee may indeed be proud of their
good work. Yours very truly, E, M, BARTON.
From Merrick Bemis, M.D., of the Worcester Natural History
Society. Worcester, Mass., Nov. 21, 1887.
My dear Sir, — I have been greatly interested in reading " The History
of the Town of North Brookfield " you kindly sent me. My general knowl
edge of the town and its inhabitants added much to the interest I felt in the
book. It may possibly seem to some an easy and delightful task to collect the
material, and to write upon a subject familiar in so many ways to the people
most intimately concerned. It would seem to me a lighter task to write the
history of a Commonwealth than that of a single town. To gather together
and verify all the important items of unwritten history, to sift story and
tradition, and to establish facts which are rapidly fading from memory, and
to recover that which has by time and by accident been lost, and complete
so faithfully and well the history of a single town, require more care and
labor than it would to go to the ample material stored in the archives of

TESTIMONIALS. 13
the State and nation, and write a history of the Commonwealth. The
minute detail necessary in the history of a town is not attempted in more
comprehensive works, dealing with larger bodies politic ; nor is it possible,
for they would include in their descriptions a greater variety of scenes and
actors, which would require them to be dealt with in general terras, which
renders minute, individual accuracy of detail quite impossible.
In looking through the work, the publication of the original records and
official documents gives to the history great value. Its Indian history, and
the location of Indian villages and Indian fights, leave nothing to be desired
in that respect. The mass of early land-grants is one of great value, not
only to the town of North Brookfield, but to all the surrounding towns, and
to the student of the history of Worcester County.
The biographical sketches, portraits, and illustrations add a charm to the
book which must strongly recommend it to the general reader. Its Genea
logical Register will become year by year a more important feature of the
book than it can appear to be at present.
The record of North Brookfield in the war of the Rebellion shows how
conspicuous a part the town took in the war, and it must be very gratifying
to all the soldiers from the town.
Among the many histories of towns, I know of none to be compared
with this for accuracy of detail, skill in arrangement, and nicety of execution.
It seems to me that " The History of North Brookfield " is a most thor
ough and complete work of its kind, and ought at once to take high rank
among local histories as a work of great value as a book of reference.
Very truly yours, MERRICK BEMIS.
From Rev. George M. Bodge of East Boston, Mass.,
Author of " Soldiers in King Philip's War."
East Boston, Dec, 8, 1887.
Dear Sir, — "The History of North Brookfield" more than fulfils the
expectations of those who, aware of the eminent abilities of the author, have
wa,ited with deep interest the issue of the work. The volume, complete in
every respect, takes its place at once in the forefront of our classics of local
New-England history, a monument of the wisdom of the town, and of the
faithful work of its author and those who have assisted him in various
ways,
G, M. BODGE, J
From W. H. Raymenton, M.D., of Worcester,,
President of the Worcester Natural History Society.
Worcester, Mass., Nov. 29, 1887,
Dear Sir, — Our society is indebted to you for a copy of " The History of
North Brookfield," and I take great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt
of so valuable an addition to our library.
Acting and enlarging on the suggestion made by President Grant in his

14 TESTIMONIALS.
proclamation, — " Calling upon cities and towns to hold centennial celebra
tions on the Fourth of July, 1876, and advising that historical addresses be
delivered on that day, and put into print for circulation," — you have accom
plished in the historical field a work similar to that suggested by Louis
Agassiz, when he advised cities and towns to make as complete a &cfl:/ collec
tion as possible of the material belonging to the field of natural history,
for the purpose of study on the part of the youth of the Commonwealth ;
teaching them how to find the "sermons in stones, tongues in trees, books
in the running brooks, and good in every thing.''
" The History of North Brookfield " bears full evidence of accurate and
exhaustive work in searching for and securing the historical treasures of
this local field. In it you give to the rising generations a richer heritage
than gold or silver. You have made your hills historical, and your valleys
vocal with the voices of the past. Just as Thoreau's " Journal " makes
Concord seem the best place in the world for studying natural history, and
just as Gilbert White's quiet enthusiasm causes his readers to feel that
Selborne must have been for the naturalist the very centre and metropolis of
England, so you would seem to make it appear in your history that North
Brookfield is the most fruitful field for the researches of the historian.
But there are other fields " white already to harvest ; " and I trust that
other towns, inspired and encouraged by your success, may follow your
example, and meet with as gratifying a reward for their labor as you must
feel in looking upon the completion of your work, the most complete town
history in the Commonwealth. Thanking you for this valuable addition to
our historical collection, I am Respectfully yours,
W. H. RAYMENTON.
From A. P. Marble, Ph.D., of Worcester, Mass.,
Superintendent of PubHc Schools.
Worcester, Mass., Nov. 21, 1887,
My dear Sir, — I have received and examined with much interest and care
" The History of North Brookfield," of which commentary notices have
appeared in the newspapers of the county. These notices I fully indorse.
To the patriot, the history of his country is both entertaining and instruc
tive. That history for us is epitomized in the history of New England, since
here were laid the first foundations of liberty, of free schools, and of the
religious freedom — a growth out of the old Church-and-State idea — which
we now enjoy. The history of New England is only a contribution of local
histories of the first settlements, of which " The History of North Brook
field " is one of the best, and, so far as I know, it is unsurpassed. In our
day, with all the modern conveniences of travel, of modes of living, and of
manufactures, we can scarcely realize the toil and labor through which our
ancestors struggled, in order to provide that which we so much enjoy. It is
of the greatest importance, therefore, for the young, brought up as they now
are in the midst of every luxury, to revert, in the course of their education,
to the lives and the privations of their ancestors, and to contrast the pres-

TESTIMONIALS. 15
ent ease with the former hardships. In this way they may be led the better
to appreciate their own opportunities, social, political, and educational. And
for people of maturer years, an abiding sense of the conditions out of which
they have sprung adds an inspiration and a security to their character and
to their active life. The New England of a century ago is fast passing
away. To bring it vividly before the mind, then, and to preserve its records
before those who remember something about it have all passed from the
stage of life, isa public benefaction, — a contribution of great value to the
wealth of knowledge, of the present. Such a service your Committee has
contributed, not only to the town, but to the State and the country. In the
early grants of land, in the confiicts with the Indians, in the home-life of
the early settlers of New England, so well depicted in your history, all men
and women of similar origin recognize the history of their fathers, — the
roots, so to speak, from which they have sprung ; and not less may the chil
dren of fathers who came to these shores a few generations later behold in
this history and such histories of similar communities the foundations of
the free institutions under which they prosper not less than we, and in which
they have an equal interest. On behalf of the rising generation, after
whose welfare it is my privilege, according to my humble ability, to look, I
thank you and your Committee for this most excellent contribution to our
early local history. Yours truly, A. P. MARBLE.
From Reuben Colton of Worcester, Mass.,
Assistant Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society.
Worcester, Mass., Sept, i6, 1887.
Dear Sir, — I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of " The History of
North Brookfield, Mass.," and to express the thanks of the society for the
donation. I desire at the same time to say that the completion of this long-expected
history gives great satisfaction to all who are interested in the history of the
settlement and progress of a representative New-England town. The ad
mirable manner in which Mr. Temple has arranged and set forth the volu
minous material at his disposal, and the many facts and historical incidents
which have occurred in the life of the town, will make the volume one of
great interest and value, not merely locally, but to the historical student in
general. I am quite sure that " The History of North Brookfield " will take a place
among the three or four town histories which by common consent are con
sidered models of their kind. Very truly yours, REUBEN COLTON.
From Hon. George W. Johnson of Brookfield, Mass.,
Brookfield, Oct. i, 1887.
Dear Sir, — I have read " The History of North Brookfield " with great
pleasure. ~ As a rule, town histories are dry and dull reading, except to those

1 6 TESTIMONIALS.
especially interested in the towns or localities of which they treat ; but the
author has so arranged the material furnished him by others, and that pro
cured by his own personal researches and examinations, and has given the
information in such a felicitous and attractive style, the general reader will
find pleasure and entertainment in its perusal. Any one giving it even a brief
examination must necessarily be impressed with the painstaking care mani
fested in the compilation and composition of this work. Both as to matter
and style it will undoubtedly take the highest rank among our local histories.
The Genealogical Register, which fills three hundred and fourteen closely
printed pages, — the result of seven years' loving and persistent work of the
Hon. Charles Adams, jun., — is very valuable to all connected with the old
town of Brookfield, either by residence, birth, or ancestry. The book is
entitled to, and will -without doubt receive, substantial recognition from the
public, and especially from the friends of all the Brookfields. Every resident,
past or present, should possess a copy.
Yours respectfully, GEO. W. JOHNSON.
From Professor E, H. Russell of \Worcester, Mass,,
Principal of the State Normal School,
Worcester, Mass., Nov. 19, 1887,
My dear Sir, — Without attempting to do justice to the merits of " The
History of North Brookfield," I should like to say that it impresses me as
a very thorough piece of work, both in design and execution. It is well
proportioned, dwelling rather upon the past than the present, as a history
should do ; it is picturesque and interesting, without being sensational ; it
takes a wide range, but is free from diffuseness ; and its typography and
pictorial illustrations are much superior to what is usually found in works of
this kind.
It would greatly improve the ordinary methods of teaching history in
general if the teachers in all our schools knew how to make judicious use of
local histories like this. With great respect,
Very sincerely yours, E. H. RUSSELL.
From Homer T. Fuller, Ph.D.,
Principal of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Worcester, Sept, 23, 1887,
Dear Sir, — Please accept the thanks of the officers of the Institute for
the handsome volume which you have so thoughtfully donated to our school.
It is a memorial of character and endurance and persistent endeavor which
will present a perpetual example worthy of all imitation to the young men of
these times, and which quite puts to shame the irresolution and time-serving
balancing of expedients with which not a few of us older ones are too much
infected. Such a volume is worth a score of Sunday-school libraries. For
the matter of patriotism, it should be a tonic for some generations.

NORTH BROOKFIELD VILLAGE, EAST OF MAIN STREET.

TESTIMONIALS. 17
" The History of North Brookfield " is a very interesting and a very
important contribution to historical science ; and this for three reasons :
first, because the history of all these early-settled towns in our Common
wealth and in the nation is valuable, as showing the character of the
foundations of the republic; second, because the history of a few pioneer
and border towns of New England is the history of New England. North
Brookfield for years stood on guard for the three States of Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, and Connecticut ; and the fortitude and courage and indomi
table energy and persistence of her citizens made the later settlement of
inland New Hampshire and Vermont possible. When only a boy of eight
years, and a hundred miles away in the Granite State, I knew the early his
tory of this outpost of civilization better than I knew the history of my native
town. The men of Lancaster and Deerfield and Brookfield and Hadley
were to me as Achilles and Agamemnon to the Greeks; and I doubt not that
many another Yankee lad has felt his fibres swell and grow sinewy under
the inspiration of such heroic lives. You have done well to perpetuate the
memory of those who have dared and done as these men.
The third reason is found in the great fidelity and care with which the
book has been prepared and printed. Most monographs of this sort need
to be rewritten for improvement of both matter and form; but this volume
will stand, for it is so good that you and your coadjutors will have to live
long enough to spin material for another history before you will care to
write another to put beside it. I am, with great respect,
Yours very truly, HOMER T. FULLER.
From J. P. Babbitt,
Librarian of the -Worcester County Mechanics' Association.
Worcester, Mass., Nov, 19, 18S7.
Dear Sir, — I have examined with care " The History of the Town of
North Brookfield," and believe it to be a valuable contribution to the his
torical literature of New England.
For interest, general arrangement of subjects, and capital index, it will be
all that the student or antiquary could desire.
Respectfully, J. P. BABBITT.
From John Ward Dean, A.M.,
Author of " Memoir of Rev. Nathaniel -Ward, A,M,/' and Librarian ofthe New-England
Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Aug. 13, 1887.
Dear Sir, — I consider " The History of North Brookfield " one of the
best town histories that have yet appeared. I do not know of its superior.
The fact that, before beginning to write the history or to compile the gene
alogies, the several State, county, and town records and archives, as well as
such printed books as bore upon the subject, were exhaustively examined,
and that a thorough canvass of the town for facts and documents was made,

1 8 TESTIMONIALS.
is an assurance that the historical and genealogical statements in the book
may be relied upon.
The Indian history, which the author, the Rev. Mr. Temple, may be said
to have made a life study, is certainly a positive contribution to the history
of New England. Yours respectfully,
JOHN WARD DEAN.
From Franklin P. Rice, Esq., of -Worcester, Mass.
Worcester, Nov. 23, 1887.
Dear Sir, — "The History of North Brookfield" is a work of great
value. Mr. Temple and the Committee have worked upon an intelligent
plan, and the details appear to have been carefully and faithfully carried out.
The comprehensive Indian history of that region, and the account of the
early land grants, have a particular interest, and the former gives the book
more than a local character. The typographical and general appearance of
the volume is very attractive. FRANKLIN P. RICE.
From Daniel S, Durrie, Esq., of Madison, -Wis.,
Librarian of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, and Author of "Index of Pedigrees."
State Historical Society of Wisconsin,
Madison, Dec, i, 1887,
Dear Sir, — The volume which you obligingly sent to this society is an
admirable one every way. Mr. Temple has prepared a history which is a
credit to himself and the town. It is not excelled by any town history that
I know of. Very respectfully, DAN'L S. DURRIE, Librarian.
From Nathaniel Paine, Esq., of Worcester, Mass.,
Treasurer of the American Antiquarian Society. 72 Elm Street,
Worcester, July 26, 1S87.
My dear Sir, — I have received a copy of "The History of North
Brookfield ; " it is a book I am glad to have in my library, I spent some
time in looking it over, and am much impressed with the labors of the
Committee and others in getting out such a valuable volume. I think
the town and the Committee are to be congratulated on the successful
completion of their undertaking.
The historical part of the volume will undoubtedly take high rank in the
list of local histories, and prove a valuable book of reference.
The editor of the genealogical portion of the volume has a good deal to
show for the immense amount of time and labor which its preparation must
have involved. Very truly yours,
NATH'L PAINE.

TESTIMONIA LS. 1 9
From Hon. Charles S. Lincoln,
Chairman of the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Somerville.
Somerville, Mass., Dec. 12, 1887,
Dear Sir, — I have examined with some care "The History of North
Brookfield" by J. H. Temple, and its appearance indicates that he has per
formed his work with great skill and fidelity. As a record of events cover
ing the early settlements of the town, it possesses more than a local interest.
The early trials of its first settlers are most graphically depicted. The
information which it contains is largely derived from original sources, and
cannot fail to be of great value to those who may take an interest in our
early annals. The biographical sketches it contains of such men as Gen.
Rufus Putnam, Rev. Thomas Snell, — for many years settled over one of
the principal churches of the town, — Amasa Walker, and others, form an
interesting feature of the work.
A Genealogical Register, prepared by the late Charles Adams, jun., is
appended, and is in itself a valuable acquisition. Such a work cannot be
too highly prized. Of the many town histories which I have examined, I
know of none written on a better plan, or possessing more merit in its
execution. Yours sincerely,
CHAS. S. LINCOLN.
From Hon. P. Emory Aldrich,
Justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts. Worcester, Dec. 13, 1887.
'Dear Sir, — Please accept my thanks for a copy of "The History of
North Brookfield " with which you have favored me. The arrangement is
clear and admirable, and the whole volume shows very thorough and consci
entious work on the part of the historian and of all those who aided him
in the collection and arrangement of his abundant material. A history, to
be of any value whatever, must be accurate in its statement of facts; and
this accuracy can only be attained in the composition of a town history,
made up, as it necessarily is, of numberless details, by untiring patience and
faithful research among original documents and other original sources of
information. It seems to me that your historian exhibits these essential
qualities of a historical writer, and has, with the efficient assistance he has
received from the members of your Committee and others, produced a work
which may be regarded as a model town history.
Yours very truly,
P. EMORY ALDRICH.
From WilUam B. Trask, Esq.,
Author of "The Seaver Family," and formerly Editor of " The New-England Historical and
Genealogical Register." 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.,
Dec. 7, 1S87.
Dear Sir, — I am much obliged for a copy of "The History of North
Brookfield " recently handed me. It is one of those books — very few like it

20 TESTIMONIALS.
seen in my day — that contain so much interesting and useful matter, one
hardly knows where to begin to touch upon a subject, or make a selection
for a few thoughts in regard to it. Prominent, however, in an historical
point of view, is its far-famed Indian history, the details of which are
unfolded with the precision and care of a masterly hand, from its incipiency
to the consummation, leaving apparently nothing unsaid that should be
related, and told also with a conciseness and truthfulness highly com
mendable. No one but a thorough-trained historical artist could have
accomplished what is to be seen, even at a cursory glance, in those well-filled
pages. The author was highly favored in having such faithful and unwearied
assistants in this laborious work.
Great praise is justly due to our esteemed friend, the late Hon. Charles
Adams, jun., for his valuable Genealogical Register, and for his manifest
interest and untold services rendered in this important undertaking.
The transfer, verbatim, of invaluable official documents and original
records bearing upon the history of the town, now for the first time in
print, with the earliest land grants and other local useful matter inserted,
should recommend the work strongly to the attention and favor of historical
students. Time does not allow the mentioning in a particular manner of the well-
executed and appropriate cuts and engravings throughout of the Rebellion
record of the town, of its biographies, occurrences, and details, so well
wrought into this pattern North Brookfield history. It is a noble and
indestructible monument to the town, a thousand times more valuable
and durable than the most expensive design or work of brass or marble.
Yours truly, WILLIAM B. TRASK.
From Gen James Grant Wilson of New York,
President of tlie New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and Editor " Appletons'
Cyclopaedia of American Biography." New York, Dec. 21, 1887.
My dear Sir, — I have had the pleasure of receiving a copy of "The
History of North Brookfield, Mass.," and from the brief ex^amination that, as
yet, I have been able to give the handsome and portly octavo volume, I think
it the best town history I have ever met, and one that may with advantage
be used as a model by other American towns. The Genealogical Register
is a particularly valuable and interesting portion of the volume.
Very truly yours, JAS. GRANT WILSON.
From Charles J. Hoadly,
Librarian of Connecticut State Library, and Editor of " The Colonial Records of Connecticut."
Hartford, Dec. 17, 1887.
Dear Sir, — " The History of North Brookfield," externally, is a hand
some book ; internally, it is evident that much labor has been given to the

TESTIMONIALS. 21
collection and preparation of the materials. The book is creditable to all
concerned in getting it up, and will take high rank among our standard local
histories. The town is to be congratulated upon having so good and well-
written a history. It has evidently been prepared with much care, and is a
valuable contribution to New-England local history, and worthy of the com
mendations which it has received. Very truly yours, CHARLES J. HOADLY.
From Charles F. Washburn, Esq.,
Secretary of the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Company.
' Worcester, Mass., Dec, 20, 1887.
Dear Sir, — I desire to thank you for the new book covering the history
of the Brookfields. It is exceedingly valuable to any one interested in the
history of the Brookfields, of Worcester County, of New England, and,
broadly, of this republic, because within its pages are clearly set forth the
causes of the strength of our own government.
A copy of that volume would be a sufficient text-book for the leader of a
new nation, and it would account to the rulers of the old governments for
our own prosperity.
Again thanking you for your kind consideration, I am
Truly yours,
CHAS. F. WASHBURN.
From C. B. Tillinghast, Esq.,
Librarian of the State Library of Massachusetts.
State House, Boston, Dec. 11, 1887.
My dear Sir, — I have examined with much interest "The History of
North Brookfield," prepared under the direction of your Committee. The
town is to be congratulated that the record of its beginnings and of its pros
perity and growth have been traced with such care, and set forth so fully in
such entertaining narrative. The record of its families and of the service of
its citizens to the town and the State is of great value. It is a grand memo
rial of the town and of the civic virtues and public spirit of its citizens.
Yours most cordially,
C. B. TILLINGHAST.
From Samuel S. Green, A.M.,
Librarian of the Worcester Free Public Library.
Worcester, Mass., Aug, 16, 1887.
My dear Sir, — " The History of North Brookfield " is a very elaborate
and interesting work.
All the sons of Brookfield, and persons interested in the history of Worces
ter County and of Massachusetts and New England, must feel glad to have
so important an undertaking carried to a successful conclusion.
Very truly yours,
SAMUEL S. GREEN.

22 TESTIMONIALS.
From William Gammell, LL.D., of Providence, R.I.,
President of the Rhode Island Historical Society, and Author of " Life of Roger Williams."
Providence, Dec. 19, 1887.
Dear Sir, — The secretary of the Rhode Island Historical Society has
already acknowledged the receipt of "The History of North Brookfield," for
which the society is indebted to the courtesy of the Committee of which you
are chairman.
Since the volume has been in possession of the society I have examined
it with care, and I beg leave to express my high appreciation of the manner
in which it has been prepared. Its comprehensive plan embraces a vast
variety of information relating to the origin, growth, and present condition
of a very interesting Massachusetts town. It fully sets forth, in a well-
wrought narrative, the exposed life of its early settlers in the midst of their
savage neighbors, and the labors and struggles of successive generations in
making it what it has now become ; its participation in the colonial wars, in
the war of independence, and in the civil war; the spirit and enterprise of
its people ; the eminent citizens it has produced ; its churches, its schools, its
business establishments; and the local changes of every kind through which
it has passed in the lapse of more than two hundred years.
The Genealogical Record I regard as a very valuable part of the volume.
It is evidently the work of a careful and practised hand. It enables the
descendants of Brookfield families, however widely they may be scattered,
to trace the line of their descent from the ancestral stock ; and it thus
encourageis and assists the awakening disposition of our New-England
people to engage in the study of family history and of family characteristics.
As a volume of local history I think it exceedingly well executed, and in
behalf of the Rhode Island Historical Society I desire especially to thank
you for placing it in our collection. Very respectfully yours,
WILLIAM GAMMELL.
From Albert H. Hqyt, A.M.,
Author of "Notes, Historical and Bibliographical, on the Laws of New Hampshire," and
formerly Editor of " The New-England Historical and Genealogical Register."
. 16 Marlborough Street, Boston,
Dec. 27, 1887.
My dear Sir, — Since I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity of
reading and consulting " The History of North Brookfield," by the Rev. J.
H. Temple, I have examined with considerable scrutiny the early historical
portion of the book ; and I am struck with the thoroughness and fulness of
the narrative, and the evident spirit of true historical research and careful
ness of statement, which characterize it. The biographical portions are
also of great interest and value. The genealogy of the North Brookfield
families is of great and permanent value. All other portions of the work
seem to be well and carefully prepared.
As you know full well, there has been a great advance during the last

TESTIMONIALS. 23
twenty years in the conception of what constitutes a good town history, as
well as in the high art of writing it. This town history illustrates in an
admirable manner this advance, and I do not see how it could be improved.
It reflects the highest degree of credit on the author and his able collabora
tors for their patient, long-continued, and exhaustive research. It is, more
over, a worthy monument of the public spirit of the citizens of your town,
and of laudable zeal and faithfulness of the Committee who have had the
work in charge.
This book deserves to be in every town and village library, and in every
family ; so that the youth can learn the history of one of the oldest and most
honorable communities, whose annals are inseparably interwoven with the
history of the colony of Massachusetts Bay and of the Commonwealth.
I congratulate the people, the author, and the Committee, on the fact that
this history has been brought to a successful finish and issue.
Faithfully yours,
ALBERT H. HOYT.
From Hubbard W. Bryant, Esq.,
Librarian of the Maine Historical Society.
Portland, Me,, Dec. 20, 1887.
Dear Sir, — I consider " The History of North Brookfield " a model of its
kind. It should find a place in every State, town, and historical library
throughout the United States and Canada.
Yours faithfully,
H. W. BRYANT.
From Daniel S. Durrie, Esq.,
Author of " History of Madison, Wis.," and Libr.irian of State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
Madison, Dec. 22, 1887.
Dear Sir, — The copy of "The History of North Brookfield, Mass.,"
which you were so obliging as to send for the library of this society, was
received a short time since. We regard it as one of the best town histories
we have in our library, if not the best.
The amount of work bestowed on its preparation is great, and the work
ought to receive a liberal patronage from your people, and all interested in
local history. Yours respectfully, DANIEL S. DURRIE, Librarian.
P.S. — I take the liberty of enclosing a little brochure I published a num
ber of years since, for circulation in our State. It is, however, not confined
to Wisconsin. I heartily appreciate- the value of local history, and desire to
interest others in the subject.
D. S. DURRIE.

24 TESTIMONIALS.
The Importance of Local History. By D. S. Durrie, Librarian
Wisconsin State Historical Society.
There are few branches of knowledge whose importance has been so
generally and justly extolled as that of history. From the days of Cicero,
who proclaimed it to be "the light of truth, the life of memory, and the pre
ceptress of life," the world has been accustomed to hear its praises, and
listen to the recital of its powers. History has been justly termed "phi
losophy teaching by example," and in a broad sense "the whole past course
of humanity, from the first moment of its existence to the present hour.
The love of history seems inseparable from human nature, It is natural
for man to preserve, as far as is in his power, the memory of those of his
own time, and of those that preceded it. Rude heaps of stone and earth
have been raised, and ruder hymns or rhymes have been composed by
nations who had not yet the use of arts and letters. An application of the
study of history that does not tend to make us better men and better citizens
is, at least, but an ingenious sort of idleness ; and the knowledge thus ac
quired is, at best, a creditable kind of ignorance. The study of history,
however, of all others, is the most proper to train us up to private and
public virtue.
Important, however, and instructive as is the narrative of past events, and
the influence they have exerted on the world in civilization and refinement,
history is seldom so interesting as when, descending from the loftier and
more splendid regions of general narration, it dwells for a while in an
humbler place, and delights in the details of events of every-day life and of
the history of the people.
" The struggles of empires and the convulsions of nations," says a writer,
" while they have much of sublimity, have also much of uncertainty and
indistinctness. They are too large for the grasp of ordinary minds, or too
indefinite to act on common sensibilities ; while the interests awakened by
the details of local history are such as, from the facility of comprehension,
and the identity of the objects presented, must necessarily come home at
once to the feelings of every reader. They place us by the firesides, or
walk with us among the graves of our fathers ; attaching a living story to the
thousand inanimate objects with which they are surrounded."
Under all forms of government in this country, whether colonial, provin
cial, or republican, many important measures have been submitted to the
primary assemblies of the people, to be examined and acted on by them.
Thus we find, in the Revolutionary War in particular, towns and parishes not
only expressed their opinion on many subjects connected with that event,
but they actually exercised much of the jurisdiction of a national govern
ment in prosecuting that war. How these small corporations organized
solely for municipal or parochial purposes, transacted that business in that
war, as well as the more subsequent ones in procuring soldiers, stores, and
the means for .carrying them forward, is well known.
" The great object of local history," says Mr. Shattuck, "is to furnish the
first elements of general history, — to record facts, rather than deductions
from facts. In these small settlements dotted over this country (as well as
others) are to be found many of the first moving causes which operate upon

TESI7M0NIALS. 2$
and revolutionize public opinion. Many facts, minute in themselves, and
regarded by many as trivial and unimportant, are really of great service.
The details, which it is the appropriate province of the local historian to
spread before the public, are not so much history itself as materials for
history. It is the work of the general historian, who has before him all the
particulars of the great natural and political landscape, to exhibit the con
nection of the several parts, and to show how they depend one upon another
in bringing about the great changes which have been taking place and
affecting the condition of society."
' No people in the world can have so great an interest in the history of their
country as that of the United States, for there are none who enjoy an
equally great share in their country's historical acts. The histories of Ban
croft, Hildreth, and others have a world-wide reputation. The histories of
the War of the Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the War
of the Rebellion have found able and impartial writers, and there is perhaps
no nation in the world whose history has been more fully written, and with
which the people are more familiar. The histories of the individual States
of the Union have Been written by competent parties, detailing their rise and
progress from early times to the present, and in a spirit of enlightened liber
ality many of the States have made generous appropriations for publishing
their colonial records. The States of New York, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have done nobly in rescuing
from oblivion their early documentary history, and furnishing an example
tor imitation by other States.
John Quincy Adams once made a remark which contains a world of truth,
— " that posterity delights in details," And it is highly creditable to the
intelligence of the American people that so much of the early history of
the towns and villages of the country has been written ; and nothing comes
closer to the sensibilities of the people than the details of events that
occurred when their fathers or ancestors were on the field of action, and took
their part in building up their several locations. This attachment to our
homes is a wise provision of divine economy. It is eminently proper that
every person should entertain a particular attachment to the place where he
was born and where he has made his home. Change of location does not
always wean the affection away from the old fireside. By the aid of memory
we are privileged to call back the early bygone scenes, and appreciate the
lessons we received that had so important a bearing on our subsequent life.
To trace the history of our ancestors, and transmit a record of their deeds
to posterity, is a duty we owe to the past and to the future. Such a record
must be preserved as invaluable by the immediate descendants and kindred
of those who once lived and acted where they now do, and whose ashes
repose in their soil ; and it cannot be without interest to those who have gone
out from their kindred to dwell in other parts of the country, nor to those
who have come to dwell in the habitations made vacant by the removal or
death of the original occupants. What the present place of our residence
once was, who originally occupied it, and by what means and by whom it has
become what it now is, are questions which can be answered only by
minute topographical history.

26 TESTIMONIALS.
From Hon. George Sheldon of Deerfield, Mass.,
President of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, and Author of " History of Deer
field." Deerfield, Dec. 23, 1887.
Dear Sir, — \\i2,vt. examined " The History of North Brookfield " enough
to see that it is a work that will rank with the best of its kind. The Rebel
lion record is uncommonly full. The Genealogical Register is a mine of in
formation to compilers of family history. Its accuracy, of course, can only
be tested by use and comparison.
The chief value of the book, however, lies in the work done by Mr.
Temple in showing the factors of New-England civilization in its formative
period. Philip's War was a crisis in this movement. No history of Philip's
War has yet been written ; but Mr. Temple, Rev. George M. Bodge, and others
of that class, are laying out the highways and byways wherein the coming
historian may travel with ease and assurance. This volume contains a large
contribution in that direction. A very valuable feature of it is the reprint of
rare narratives, and the production of original papers from the Massachu
setts manuscript archives. Some of the latter, crammed with suggestive
facts, are sealed books to all but the more experienced experts ; while their
value to a close historical student of the times can hardly be over-estimated.
The author is to be commended for expending, as he does, a large portion
of his labor on the foundation stones of our political fabric, laid when civil
ization and savagery were struggling for the mastery.
Mr. Temple writes con amore in this field ; but his enthusiasm is guided
by a ripe judgment, and controlled by the results of his persistent and tire
less industry. Very truly yours, GEO. SHELDON.
From Joseph Foster, Esq,, of London, Eng.,
Author of "The Peerage and Baronetage of the British Empire," and Editor of "Collectanea
Genealogica,"
21 Boundary Road, Finchley Road, London,
Dec, 21, 1887,
Dear Sir, — I am very much t.iken with " The History of North Brook
field," Mr. Temple has grouped his facts with a skilful hand, and written
the history in a very lucid and interesting style. The military record and
the Genealogical Register are each valuable in the extreme, and will, in the
nature of things, be even more so as time rolls on.
The author does well to enlarge on the feuds between the aborigines and
the settlers, corresponding, as they do, with the race conflicts in the mother-
country. What would we give to have similarly lucid accounts of the struggle
between, say, the Saxons and our aborigines ! After all is said, these border
towns, having to bear the first shock of attack, must be by far the most his
toric in your country's annals. What a grand example, too, has been set us
on this side of the water by the town of North Brookfield in publishing its
own history I This example will doubtless have many imitators among you,
but not so with us here. Even the great city of London has not had its

TESTIMONIALS. 27
history worthily written since Stow wrote his famous work, nearly three hun
dred years ago, although it has been re-edited several times.
Yours faithfully, J. FOSTER.
From Addison Van Name, A.M., of New Haven, Conn,,
Librarian of Yale University, New Haven, Dec, 27, 18S7,
Dear Sir, — I have waited for leisure to examine " The History of North
Brookfield " before acknowledging the receipt of the copy which you have
kindly sent us.
I find it one of the best and most complete of this valuable class of books.
Both the town which has so liberally sustained the undertaking, and the
writers who have performed their work so well, will receive the hearty thanks
of all interested in the literature of local and family history.
Very truly yours,
ADDISON VAN NAME.
From Abner C. Goodell, Jun., A.M.,
President New- England Historic Genealogical Society, and Editor for the Commissioners on
the Publication of the Province Laws.
Boston, Mass., Dec, 31, 1887,
Dear Sir, — I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of " The His
tory of North Brookfield," which came to hand last evening opportunely for
the beginning of the new year.
I shall, no doubt, take pleasure and receive profit in reading it. The
illustrations — particularly the engravings by Russell and Richardson, oppo
site pp. 34, 98, and 793 — are beautiful as works of art.
Your town is to be congratulated on being able to retrieve to such an
extent the irreparable loss of its municipal records.
I am very greatly obliged to the Town History Committee for this very
acceptable addition to my library, and I pray you to convey to them the
thanks of Yours truly,
ABNER C. GOODELL, JuN.,
President N. E. Hist. Gen. Society.
From R. A. Brock, Esq.,
Secretary of the Southern Historical Society and Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Va.
Fee. i, 188S.
My dear Sir, — By your kind courtesy I am in receipt of the valued and
most valuable " History of North Brookfield, Mass,," prepared, under tlie
supervision of your Committee, by Rev. J. H. Temple of Framingham, Mass.,
which I have peculiar satisfaction in adding to my library. The value of
such conscientiously exact publications cannot be over-estimated, not only in
essential presentation, but in stimulating duly patriotic investigation.

28 TESTIAfONIALS.
I would from my heart that a like spirit might possess our Southern
citizens locally.
Without having had the opportunity, through onerous and exacting duties,
as yet to give myself the pleasure of thorough perusal, I, with full assur-.
ance of the great merit of your work, would add my unqualified indorse
ment and cofnmendation of it to the admiring testimonials accorded it by
the many friends and correspondents who are so conversant with its merits.
I sincerely wish that the work may find place in every public library in
the country. I beg to remain, my dear sir.
Faithfully yours,
R, A. BROCK.
From Hon, A. A. Putnam of Uxbridge, Mass,
UxBRiDGE, Mass,, Jan. ii, 1888.
Dear Sir, — " The History of North Brookfield " I shall hold among the
most valuable of my books.
Town histories, at first blush, are of local interest only. They are the
tales which, all told, complete the story of the State. Who shall say that
ifjthe annals, full and true, of every municipality of Massachusetts were
written, the master of the volumes would not be better versed in the life of
the'Commonwealth than the perfect student of any general history, however
accurate and finished ? It is the parts that make the whole, and nothing
is whole without all the parts. The war record of every town of the State,
extended to the limit of essential facts, would be an exhibit of Massachu
setts in the great war far surpassing any publication yet extant or in proba-
ble'contemplation. In the sweep of narrative, the generalizations of history
are so emissive of some material matters, and so distortive of others, that
many a reader is painfully suspicious that he is reading little other than a
historical novel, Nothii;g general is accurate,
The^writer who essays the task of local history is, to a degree not known
to^the^general scribe, encompassed by a cloud of witnesses. He feels the
nearjpresence of neighborhood memories to question his facts if fictitious,
and disturb his conclusions if erroneous. He is accordingly constrained to
a spirit of caution not to overlook essential things, nor misrelate whatever
belongs to the narration. His theme, though of the dead, is eminently of
the living, because the dead of whom he writes are peculiarly alive to those
who will most read his pages. Town histories are therefore at once the
most veracious and valuable, and on such rock will the future painstaking
historian of the State and the nation build his work. And verily, the rock
will^be of the best if all of a piece with " The History of North Brookfield."
In this rare book, whether reference be had to the order of the topics, the
relative prominence given them, the exclusion of immaterial matter, or the
diction of the text, it is difficult to find aught to criticise. One might, and
it is conceivable that some will, object to the appropriation of such consid
erable space to the Indian, and the early achievements of the white man in
dispossessing him of the soil. On the contrary, this should be deemed a
principal excellence of the history. As not many generations ago, where

TESTIMONIALS. 29
now is all that exalts and embellishes civilized life, the Indian hunter pur
sued the panting deer, so not many generations hence the race that is wither
ing away will, save in mouldering tomes, be at best but a faint tradition.
It is due, indeed, to the expiring race that his exterminators note well what
ever they may regarding the Indian and his occupation of the territory, as
they write of their first encroachments on his rights. For this cause the
details of Chapter II., relating to the red man and his tribal life at and
about Quabaug, are none too minute.
Nor is the mass of information that crowds the following chapter too pro
fuse in marking the beginnings of settlement as prelude to the panorama
that unrolls before the reader in steady, methodic, graphic narration, in trace
of the growth and progress of a flourishing New-England town. Local the
history, yet how it reaches out, impelled by the natural force of individuality,
to take hold on, and mould, too, the State and the nation at large !
How the wars pass in review, from King Philip's down to and including
the greatest war in the world ! How all the epochs of our American life,
from ante-Revolutionary days down to time present, stand out with monu
mental distinctness on the pages of this single book, devoted to a single
town ! Easily is it seen, as one reads the story of North Brookfield in the
suppression of the Rebellion, how, if every town of the State should do
like by its volunteer soldiery, the completest memorial would be made of
Massachusetts in the sublime rdle of preserving the Union and completing
liberty. Not less thorough, however, has the historian performed his task in all
its main branches. The industrial enterprise of the town and its social
state ; labor, manufactures, education, religion ; the Church, the school, the
shop, the field, — are each bounded with a treatment due their elemental
importance. In appropriate supplement are the considerate biographical
sketches of departed citizens, some of whose names rank among the distin
guished of the Commonwealth.
To omit mention of the elaborate Genealogical Register, with which the
book closes, would slight a labor of love whose proportions only the gene
alogist himself can measure. The copious index matches the painstaking
of the authorship ; while the maps and the pictures, — the various bird's-eye
-views of the town, and the lithographs of divers noble men, who, though
dead, are still in the town's life, — as also the facsimile of the notable Peti
tion of 1673, for incorporation, lately rescued from a junk-store, together
with the typographical neatness of the page, singularly serve to embellish
the work, and make it a volume that should have a place in every good
American library.
A. A. PUTNAM.
From Hon. Oliver Ames,
Governor of Massachusetts.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Executive Department, Boston, Jan, 20, 1888.
My dear Sir, — I have examined with much care andl'great interest " The
History of North Brookfield," which your Committee did me the honor to
send me.

30 TESTIMONIALS.
It seems to be admirably arranged, carefully and spiritedly written, hand
somely printed and bound, and is altogether a model of its kind.
Yours very truly, OLIVER AMES.
From Hon. George S. Boutwell, Washington, D.C,
Ex-Governor of Massachusetts. Washington, Jan. 21, 1888.
Sir, — Some days since, by your kindness, I received a copy of "The
History of North Brookfield." I shall prize it as a most valuable contribu
tion to the general history of Massachusetts, and consequently to the
history of the country.
As far as I know, there has not been any better presentation of the Indian
wars of the seventeenth century.
The local history of places, of men, and of families seems to be accurate
and complete, and as such it is an invaluable record for the information and'
instruction of future generations. Very truly yours, GEO. S. BOUTWELL.
From Rev. A. P. Putnam, D.D., Concord, Mass.
Concord, Mass., Jan, 23, 1888.
My dear Sir, — I have read with deep interest the admirable " History of
North Brookfield" that has just been published, and I take great pleasure in
saying how fully I concur with the many who have expressed the opinion
that it is one of the very best books of the kind that have come to us from
the American press. The enterprise was begun, and has been prosecuted
to its consummation, in just the right spirit and way. However much credit
is due to those who have had special charge of the purely literary part of
the work, not less honor is to be awarded to the town itself, which, it seems,
took hold of the matter at the very-outset, and from beginning to end has
intelligently, steadfastly, and generously aided the undertaking, until now
the fair result is before, us in this large and handsome and crowded octavo
volume of eight hundred pages. It speaks well for your town and her
people that she has such a record as this, and that she could organize such
a strong committee, and enlist such a body of able and cultivated co-laborers
to insure it so permanent and perfect a form. Remarkably interesting
and very instructive is the story which they here unfold to us of the topo
graphical features of the region; the native tribes of Indians ; Old Quabaug
and its earliest white settlers, and the hardships and sufferings which befell
them ; the brave adventures, the daring exploits, the desolating wars, and
the terrible massacres and conflagrations, that marked the fortunes of the
ancient town during its first century ; the planting of its churches and
schools ; the independent corporate existence of North Brookfield, and the
development of her manufacturing and industrial interests ; and the heroic
and splendid service which her sons rendered to the cause of the Revolution,
and to that of the imperilled Uijion in later times, with all the narratives,

TESTI.MOxVIALS. 3 1
traditions, biographies, and family, personal, and local accounts and details
that are strewn through the volume, and are made to find their fitting place,
and to enrich and complete the whole. We do not wonder that so many
years were required to accomplish the task. In view of all the travel, study,
research, correspondence, and painstaking toil that were necessary in order
to compass the end in view, the marvel is, that the work has been done, and
so well done, in a single decade. The destruction of the town records at
the close of half a century after the incorporation of North Brookfield, in
1812, must have been a most discouraging circumstance to you all as you
entered upon your labors. But you courageously faced the calamity, re
paired to all possible sources of information to make good the loss, and
have signally triumphed ; so that one is almost left to ask what it was, after
all, that was really burnt.
Such books as this belong to a highly important and most useful kind of
historical literature. The story ot New England, to say nothing of other
sections of the country, will never be properly or adequately told until the
history of at least a very large proportion of the numberless little republics
of which she is composed has been written. Fortunately, more and more of
these miniature New Englands are thus making their contributions to that
grander and more inclusive work that is yet to be. North Brookfield has
nobly done her part, and we all congratulate her and congratulate ourselves
upon what you and your associates have so successfully achieved for the
common good ; and I remain, dear sir, with thankful acknowledgments to
the Committee, Sincerely yours, A. P. PUTNAM.
From Hon. Henry B. Peirce,
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Mass.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Secretary's Department,
Boston, Jan. 16, 1888.
Dear Sir, — My thanks are due to you for a copy of " The Town History
of North Brookfield." I have looked it through carefully. What a pity
that it could not have been the first town history published, that all the
other towns might have had a copy as a guide !
The town has rendered a lasting service to the present and to future
generations, by causing such a history to be prepared.
The public libraries of the country would do well to secure copies for
their shelves.
I have never seen its equal. Yours very respectfully, HENRY B. PEIRCE.
From Frederick Saunders,
Librarian of the Astor Library, New York City, N,Y., and Author of " Memories of the
Great Metropolis," "Salad for the Sohtary," etc, Jan, 18, 1888,
Dear Sir,  I have looked over the handsome volume of over eight hun
dred pages, devoted to the Brookfield history, and fully concur with others

32 TESTIMONIALS.
in the high estimate formed of it as a contribution to the local histories of
New England. A work of such elaborate research could scarcely fail of a
successful result, after the patient labors of eleven years ; and there can be
little doubt that, when sufficiently made known, the work will be in very
general demand.
The records of the towns of New England and elsewhere are part of our
national history, and possess more than a merely local value ; and this
work, which may be said to commemorate two centuries of the history of
the town of North Brookfield, seems so full of Indian and colonial history,
as well as general and personal detail, that one would think any lover of
history would desire to peruse it. The work has a charm for those who
like the romantic incidents of Indian warfare or the privations and struggles
of the early Colonists, as well as for others who prize the biographical
sketches of the men who have left their impress on their times, and have
contributed to the advancement of the agricultural and industrial, as well as
the social, civil, and religious, progress of the age in which we live.
Respectfully yours,
FREDERICK SAUNDERS,
Librarian of the Astor Library, New York City.
From the Hon. Henry S. Nourse of Lancaster, Mass.
Lancaster, Mass., Jan. 12, 1888.
Dear Sir, — Being well acquainted with the persevering and critical
researches of Mr. Waite among the colonial archives, and with the erudi
tion of Mr. Temple in all matters pertaining to the savage tribes formerly
inhabiting New England, I am not surprised to find " The History of North
Brookfield " conspicuously complete upon those subjects wherein many
town histories are unfortunately deficient. The large number of early
records and official documents given in full, and the literal accuracy with
which these have been copied from the often almost illegible manuscripts,
are a rare excellence in such publications, and one which can hardly be too
highly commended. Most writers of local annals have contented themselves
with the much less laborious plan of concealing documental authority under
their own rhetoric, or, when quoting, have disguised it in garbled extract
, and modernized spelling.
Other proof of the conscientious energy of those having in charge the
historic fame of Brookfield is found in the very full lists given of the patriots
who have served for the town during the various bloody contests, from the
so-called War of King Philip to that of the Rebellion.
While Mr. Temple's and his associates' treatment of subjects purely local
is ample, it seems to me that the book has pecuHar merit in the features
I have mentioned, giving it value and interest not circumscribed by town or
State lines. Yours very truly,
HENRY S. N0URSE.1

NORTH BROOKFIELD VILLAGE, WEST OF MAIN STREET.

TESTIMONIALS. 33
From Jeremiah Colburn, A.M.,
President Boston Numismatic Society, and Editor of " The American Numismatic Journal."
Boston, Jan. 12, 1888,
Dear Sir,— \ have examined "The History of North Brookfield " with
considerable care. In my opinion it is a work of great merit, and does
credit to the town, to the author, and to the Committee in charge of the
publication. I am particularly well pleased with the Indian history and
the genealogies. Yours respectfully, JEREMIAH COLBURN.'
From William E. Foster, A.M.,
Librarian Providence Public Library, Providence, R.I.
Providence Public Library, 73 Snow Street,
Providence, R.I,, Jan, 20, 1888,
Dear Sir, — I am glad of having had the opportunity of looking through
"¦ The History of North Brookfield," by J. H. Temple, recently issued. It
is well worthy of being ranked with Roads's "History and Traditions of
Marblehead," Miss Bailey's " Historical Sketches of Andover," and Chaf-
fin's " History of the Town of Easton," as among the best-executed town
histories of recent years.
The care taken in tracing the early topographical history of the town,
and the two " Plans " which help so materially to follow that history, are
especially welcome features in such a work.
Yours very truly, WILLIAM E. FOSTER.
From Reuben A. Guild, LL.D.,
Librarian for forty years and upwards Brown University, Providence, R,I,, and Author of
" History of Brown University."
Library of Brown University, Incorporated 1764.
Providence, R.I., Jan, 20, 1888.
Dear Sir, — I have spent two entire evenings reading and examining
Temple's "History of North Brookfield," which you so kindly sent me;
and I do not hesitate, either as a librarian or a writer, to pronounce it a
model work of its kind. Eleven years of labor and research, the many
thousand dollars appropriated by the town authorities and judiciously ex
pended, energy, talent, and zeal, have combined to produce a book of eight
hundred pages, carefully written and handsomely printed, in which general
and special history, biography, genealogy, local fact, and business details
are happily blended. The steel portraits and engravings which illustrate
the book add greatly to its beauty and value, and a good index crowns the
whole. Such a book ought to be in every public library. Town histories
afford the best materials for a reliable picture of men and the times, such
as the more formal and general histories fail to give.
I heartily commend this work to the public, and trust that the example of

34 TESTIMONIALS.
North Brookfield may stimulate other towns in the good old Commonwealth
of Massachusetts thus to gather up and preserve in the printed page the
scattered and fleeting memorials and records of the past.
Yours very truly, REUBEN A. GUILD, Librarian.
From the Rev. Edmund F. Slafter,
Twenty Years the Corresponding Secretary of the New-England Historic Genealogical Society,
President of the Prince Society, Boston, Mass., and Author of " Sir W. Alexander" and
" American Colonization."
Dear Sir, — I have read the new " History of the Town of North Brook
field" with great interest and satisfaction. It deals with facts which have
been established by most careful, patient, and accurate investigations. Its
early annals, its struggles with the Indians, its past in the American Revo
lution, the French and Indian War, and that of the late Rebellion, its parish
organizations, its ecclesiastical affairs, its schools, its libraries, its profes
sional men, its ministers, physicians, and lawyers, its business enterprises,
its sketches of the prominent and leading men, and the Genealogical Regis
ter of the families, embracing many of the early settlers of old Brookfield,
have all been treated in a manner at once clear, concise, and exhaustive.
It is entitled to be ranked among the best of our local histories.
EDMUND F. SLAFTER.
From Hamilton A. Hill,
Corresponding Secretary of the New-England Historic Genealogical Society,
Boston, Jan. 3, 1888.
Dear Sir, — I have received a copy of " The History of North Brook
field," for which I desire to make grateful acknowledgment, through you,
to the Committee on Publication and Distribution.
The book has much interest for those not directly concerned in the town,
as well as for those who were born there, or whose families came from
there. For myself, I have always felt a positive interest in the town from
the time when, as a boy, in 1844, and again in 1848, I visited at the hospita
ble home of Amasa Walker, until, at a later day, I became allied to a family
which dehghts to trace a long line of descent through Brookfield genera
tions. I am Yours very truly, HAMILTON A. HILL.
From Rev. Dr, George E. Ellis of Boston, Mass.
IIO Marlborough Street, Boston, Dec. 30, 1887.
My dear Sir, — I have received a copy of " The History of North
Brookfield," vvhich comes to me through your kindness. Please accept, for
the gift, my grateful thanks.
As I turn over the pages, and note the elaborateness of the matter of
the volume, the evident fulness and thoroughness of the research engaged

TESTIMONIALS. 35
in it, and the many subjects of local and general interest which it has for
one of my tastes, I promise myself great satisfaction in its deliberate
perusal, after which I shall make some public reference to it.
Sincerely yours, GEORGE E. ELLIS.
From Hon. Alexander H. Rice,
Ex-Governor of Massachusetts. Boston, Feb. 7, 1888,
My dear Sir, — I heartily thank you and the Committee of North Brook
field for sending me a copy of the history of that ancient and progressive
town, as prepared by the Rev, J. H. Temple.
I have looked through the volume with great interest, and am impressed
by the amount of careful and elaborate study which its author has evidently
given to its preparation.
It seems to me the most complete town history that I have ever seen ; and
it may be taken as a model by all municipalities which wish to embody in a
form systematic, comprehensive, and apprehensive, whatever relates to the
circumstances and personalities of their original settlement, and to every
incident of current history from that time forward.
As the early settlement of New England, and especially of Massachusetts,
present the best examples of pure democracy ever seen among men, the
history of these towns is invaluable as testimony to the wisdom and patriot
ism of their founders, and as a perpetual inspiration to all succeeding gen
erations to follow in the footsteps of their fathers.
In this view, the history of your town becomes not only a volume of great
interest to your own citizens, but a conspicuous and vital contribution to the
history of the Commonwealth.
This large and handsome volume illustrates the intelligence of your
citizens in its conception, and their liberality in its accomplishment. With
great respect and regard, I am Yours very sincerely, ALEXANDER H. RICE.
From George W. Marshall, LL.D., F.S.A., London, Eng.
Carlton Hall, Worksop, Notts, Jan. 28, 1888.
Dear Sir, — I have to thank you for a copy of " The History of North
Brookfield." I have read it with much interest, and am delighted with the
pains and care which have evidently been taken in collecting and arranging
so large a quantity of matter. Mr. Temple must have done his work very
thoroughly, for he contrives to tell us much more about North Brookfield,
which has a history of little over two centuries, than one of our English
antiquarians would have thought it necessary to write of an English town,
with a record antecedent to the Norman Conquest.
I only wish we could find historians who would learn from such workers
how to write the history of a town. With much respect, I am, dear sir,
Yours truly,
GEORGE W. MARSHALL.

36 TESTIMONIALS.
From the Honorable Morrison R. -Waite,
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Washington, D.C, Feb. 20, 1888.
Dear Sir, — " The History of North Brookfield," which has lately been
published by the town, is filled ¦with the most interesting matter. I have got
from it more of the early history of my own family than I ever knew before;
and there must be many thousands, scattered throughout the country who,
if they read it, will be able to say the same thing.
The Indian history of the locality is admirably presented. In fact, the
whole book appears to have been prepared with the greatest care.
I congratulate the town on the thoroughness with which its work has
been done. Very truly yours, M. R. WAITE.
From John C. C. Smith, Esq.,
Superintendent Probate Register, Somerset House, London, Eng.
Somerset House, London, Eng.,
Feb. 7, 1888.
My dear Sir, — I am sorry that I have not hitherto written to you on
the subject of " The History of North Brookfield ; " the chief reason for
my procrastination has been a distrust of my capability for a criticism of
any value. I will, however, state a few of the ideas that have passed through
my mind during my perusal of the volume. There is of necessity an ab
sence of several of what one may describe as the picturesque features of an
English topographical work, — such information as relates to place-names
of perhaps Celtic, Saxon, or Danish origin, linking the present with a com
paratively remote past ; to churches which, perchance, were erected at the
period when architectural skill was at its zenith, and when the strong influ
ence of ecclesiastics commanded large contributions from the wealthier
section of the laity ; monumental brasses or inscriptions ; or to court-rolls
of manors, and other documentary history of which such a rich proportion
exists at the public-record office and elsewhere. But in the perusal of
the narative portion of " The History of North Brookfield," I was surprised
to find how large an amount of historic matter of an exceedingly interesting
character the author had placed before his readers; whilst I could not fail
to observe that he had adopted the plan of the best modern historians,
taking the utmost pains in the elucidation of difficulties, and invariably
indicating the sources of his information, and the authorities for his
statements. The story of the "First Settlement" would read like a romance if one
could forget that it describes real episodes, in which the actors were called
upon to display almost superhuman fortitude. In reading this part of the
book, indeed, one could not fail to be much struck with the exhibition of
calm and unflinching courage sho^wn by the early settlers in times of most
terrible trial and anxiety.
The volume furnishes further a good example of the great attention given
to genealogical study in America, a line of inquiry in which we in England
have much to learn.

TESTIMONIALS. 37
The ¦value of the Genealogical Register is immense, and the great
labor and thought which its compilation must have involved can be under
stood by those alone who have been engaged upon similar work. One
cannot estimate the loss caused to archaeologists by the issue of books which
have either no index at all or an imperfect one. This applies more espe
cially to English publications ; and, as an example, even so admirable a
volume as Chester's " Registers of Westminster Abbey " is not above
reproach in this respect, inasmuch as it lacks an index of places. But here,
again, Mr. Temple anticipates the wants of his readers, and furnishes that
most appreciable boon, a comprehensive index.
Of course it is an absurdity to apply the term " exhaustive " in its literal
sense to any topographical work ; but it appears to me that the author has
produced a volume which approaches as near to meriting that description
as is possible with a work of its nature.
I remain Very truly yours, J. C. C. SMITH.
From John H. Jewett, Esq.,
Of "The Worcester Evening Gazette."
Worcester, Mass., March 16, 1888.
My dear Sir, — I have just read " The History of North Brookfield."
It is both a model and a revelation. Every man who has a drop of Puritan
blood in his veins ought to thank your Committee for gathering and preserv
ing, in such a thorough manner, these early annals of a typical New-England
town. The chances are, however, that comparatively few of the many who
proudly boast of their New-England ancestry will ever see this admirable
volume, unless it can be supplied to the public libraries as a reference-book.
. It is more than a history : it is a gospel of that sterling character and
patriotism which made a struggling colony a republic, and that republic a
mighty nation among the nations of the world.
Get it into the libraries if you can.
Yours truly, JOHN H. JEWETT.
From Hon. John D. Long, M.C.,
Ex-Governor of Massachusetts.
House of Represent.\tives, U,S,, Washington, D,C.,
Feb, 25, 1888,
Dear Sir, — I am much obliged to you for sending me the admirable
town history issued by North Brookfield, and am glad to add it to my
library. I have been a reader of that kind of literature, and am struck with
the excellence of this new work. It is, in its careful details, a capital photo
graph of the life of a Massachusetts town, representing not only the story
of North Brookfield, but the spirit, romance, policy, growth, men, and
manners of historic New England.
I congratulate the author and the Committee on the success of their
enterprise. ^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^ ^^^^

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

[From "The Evening Gazette," Worcester, Mass., July 9, 1887.]
" The Town History of North Brookfield," which has been eleven years
in progress of construction, and was conceived still earlier, has at last been
published from the press of the Rand Avery Company, Boston. The work
makes a large volume of some eight hundred pages, and proves one of the
most elaborate, complete, and perfect of the town histories. It will be
invaluable to the citizens, and of particular interest to antiquarians, because
the early history of Old Brookfield is entered into extensively, with original
researches both amongst books and papers, and over hill and valley, to find
the exact locations of the Indian villages, the ambush fights, and other
points famous in local annals, but with little left to mark their position.
In the centennial year President Grant, in a national proclamation, sug
gested historical addresses on the 4th of July, in the towns, in place of the
old-fashioned oration. North Brookfield was naturally among those to
respond ; and a feature of the celebration was an historical address by Rev.
Christopher Cushing, D.D., a clergyman formerly settled in the town. Over
five hundred dollars were raised at this time, which appears to have been
the initial movement for creating a fund for the history. Soon afterwards
Mr. Henry E. Waite, a native of the town, although no longer a resident,
began the publication, in " The North Brookfield Journal," of a series of
historical articles of various kinds. This kept public interest alive ; and on
May 5, 1879, the town appointed a Committee on Town History, consisting,
of Hon. Charles Adams, jun,, Hon, Freeman Walker, Hiram Knight, Theo
dore C. Bates, and Charles E. Jenks. The committee at once started out
on the work of collecting genealogies and other matter, and in 1862 en
gaged Rev. J. H. Temple of Framingham to take charge of the work. His
name therefore appears as the writer of the history, no doubt by right ; but,
of course, many others have contributed in one way and another. The Hon.
Charles Adams, jun., and the Hon. Freeman Walker, both now deceased,
are understood to have largely performed the work of collecting genealogies,
— a particular in which the work is very rich and very minute. Much of this
part of the book, indeed, has been reprinted since it was first put in type,
in order to correct all known mistakes, and insure the completeness of the
record. The Rev. Mr. Temple, with Messrs. Jenks, Adams, Waite, and Knight,
made personal explorations of the entire tract embraced in the original
township of eight miles square, and made many original discoveries of

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 39
Indian fort-sites, store-towns, and villages, besides establishing the points
laid down in the early letters and chronicles which have escaped destruction,
Mr. Waite has prepared full copies of the eariiest land grants covering the
original township, and Mr. Jenks has raade an elaborate " Plan of Early
Land Grants in North Brookfield," which will be valuable for historical
reference, and in searching real-estate titles.
[From "The Evening Traveller," Boston, Mass., Aug. 27, 1887.]
There are several essentials for a first-class town history. First of all,
if it is to have a permanent historical value, the town must have a history
worth the telling; the work of collecting the historical material must be
placed in competent hands, and neither time nor expense must be spared
in making researches until all essential facts are discovered, so that the
completed work may be relied upon for accuracy; the task of using the
material gathered must also be placed in skilful and competent hands ; a
town historian must have a rare sense of literary and historical values, raust
possess the genuine antiquarian spirit, and must be a thorough specialist
in such fields as constitute the specialties of the town which he takes in
hand ; and lastly, when his work is completed, and it is ready for the press,
it must not be spoiled by any cheese-paring notions of economy in the
matter of publication. It hardly need be said that the fulfilment of all these
essentials of the model town history is rarely met in any one volume, and
consequently the town of North Brookfield has all the more reason to con
gratulate herself upon the successful completion and publication of her
history. [From " The Daily Spy," Worcester, Mass., July 19, 1887.]
A town history requires a somewhat different treatment from an ordinary
history of a country or State. Where, in a history of the United States, or
even of Massachusetts, many details would be unnecessary or out of place,
in a town history such details are of the greatest importance. What the
reader looks for in a town history is accuracy in regard to details, combined
with skill in arranging these details, and making them interesting. In " The
History of North Brookfield " we have a most excellent and complete com
pilation, which ought to take at once a high rank among local histories for
its great accuracy and value as a book of reference. The book is not only
a history in the strict sense of the word, but also a genealogical register of
North Brookfield families.
The dealings of the early iijhabitants of Brookfield with the Indians are
fully entered into. In old Colonial times, and even as late as the French
and Indian wars, Brookfield was exceptionally exposed to Indian attacks,
for it was a frontier town, and many are the Indian raids which were made
upon it, and bloody the conflicts in this region. The town of Brookfield
was first settled in II568; but, owing to fear of the Indians, the settlement
was abandoned in 1676. None of the first settlers came back; but in 1686,
tenyears after, the second settlement was made, which proved enduring in
spite of Indian hostilities. North Brookfield was not made a separate town
from Brookfield till the year 1812.

4° OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
At this time Brookfield was larger and much more influential than any
other town in the county. It far exceeded Worcester in population and
valuation, and for a time seemed sure to become the county-seat. In 1864
the North Brookfield Historical Society was formed, and did much toward
the collection of suitable material for a town history. For various reasons, the
desire for a town history has steadily grown ; and as a result of this general
wish, the town appointed, in 1879, ^ Committee on Town History.
Altogether, it would be hard to find a better town history than this, which
certainly comes very near that great object in local history, — exhaustion of
the subject. [From "The Warren Herald," Warren, Mass., Sept. 2, 1887.]
It is especially strong in its early Indian history, and has been pronounced
by the most competent judges one of the best town histories ever published
in Massachusetts. The book comprises a history of what constituted the
original Brookfield, including what are now North Brookfield, Brookfield,
West Brookfield, and Warren. The soldiers in the late war who went
from North Brookfield are given an extremely full and complete history,
which must prove of especial interest to each individual soldier or his
friends. [From " The Daily Advertiser," Boston, Mass,, Aug. 31, 1887.J
The history of a New-England country town in reference to the history of
the nation is as the microcosm to the macrocosm. The story of the devel
opment of any one of the older townships, well studied, leads directly out
into that of the country, with a large fund of valuable lessons that bear
closely upon the more serious problems of the nation. Local history cannot
be overlooked. Of course, no reputable student of history to-day tries to
ignore it. But too often the duty of preparing town histories falls into the
hands of persons untrained by the scientific or historic methods of investi
gation, and either too indifferent or too lazy to make the necessary re
searches for the adequate treatment of their subject; or else, even if there
is a quite sufficient amount of perseverance to discover all the facts to be
set forth, there is often too little of the judicial habit of mind to make their
use of the materials of any value. The verdict of the intelligent reader
upon a book thus prepared is, misplaced energy.
When, therefore, a town history appears which has none of these defects,
but is quite adequately prepared by a thoroughly competent writer, the
occasion is one for " thanksgiving." Such a one is " The History of North
Brookfield," by Rev. J. H. Temple.
Brookfield was for many years one of the most attractive spots for the
development of agriculture in the Massachusetts Colony, and it is not
strange that the Indians should have questioned the right of the white set
tlers to take possession of the beautiful meadows of their own Quabaug and
Wicaboag. And the value of this fertile tract was made apparent by the
rapid settlement and development of it by the white settlers from Ipswich
and Eastern Massachusetts after King Philip's War, and the assurance of
no more Indian depredations. In 1673 the inhabitants petitioned the Gen-

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 4 1
eral Court to be made a town under the name of Brookfield, it having been
called Quabaug. For many years the town grew rapidly, and was much
larger than Worcester in population, far exceeding it in valuation, and for a
time seeming destined to be the county-seat. In 1812 North Brookfield
was set off as a separate township, and at that time Brookfield was larger
and much more influential than any other town in the county.
[From "The Southbridge Journal," Southbridge, Mass., Sept. 2, 1887,]
The work of preparing this volume has been going on for eleven years, or
since July 4, 1876, when the townspeople became deeply interested in a
town history, prompted by the proclamation of President Grant advising
that all citizens should assemble in their different towns and cities, and have
prepared an historical address of their locality, copies of which should be
filed with their county clerks for preservation or reference. .
Out of this celebration in the town of North Brookfield has come this
town history, which has been very carefully written, and much of it rewrit
ten several times, and half of it has been reprinted, that perfect accuracy
in the matter of genealogy might be obtained. The work has been pro
nounced, by those competent to judge, as one of the best town histories ever
¦written in Massachusetts ; and it is especially complete and strong in its
early Indian history.
[From " The Sunday Herald," Boston, Mass., Aug. 14, 1887.]
The town that expects to beat North Brookfield in the realm of local
history must first dig up or manufacture a good many first-class well-anti
quated events, and then manifest the wit and liberality to do them up in the
best sort of historical binding. North Brookfield has a town history. It is
a splendid monument to the heroism of several wars, and, in brief, it is one
of the best town histories, if not the very best, ever published. Its incidents
and facts are well edited and arranged ; it is well written, and its printing
admirable. The principal author is J. H. Temple, with Hon. Theodore C.
Bates chairman of the Committee of Publication. The illustrations of this
volume are superior in excellence of execution to those of any volume of
the kind which has come under the writer's eye. The Genealogical Table
of this work is a monument to painstaking, and no doubt to accuracy also.
The Rebellion record of the town, with the list of volunteers, their regi
mental apportionment, brief regimental histories, and personal biographies,
are features of this history which are as well done as they are valuable. It
was in 1876 that the town was spurred to this most worthy task by the Fourth
of July proclamation of President Grant. The most conspicuous feature of
the work is the fulness of its Indian history, quite unrivalled in such a
book. In 1812 North Brookfield was set off as a separate township, and at that
time Brookfield was larger and much more influential than any other town
in the county. The North Parish, or North Brookfield, grew rapidly ahead
of the old town ; and in 1825 the manufacture of shoes was begun by Tyler
Batcheller, and since that time this town has been noted for its product of
first-class men's heavy boots and shoes : and for thirty years past, the

42 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
Batcheller factory and business have been conceded to be the largest in the
country or the world.
The history of this town in the Colonial days was the history of the
patient, hard-earned growth of the American republic, and the perils by
Indians before 1700 form much of the romance which clings about the deeds
and experiences of the pioneer forefathers of New England. The Brook
fields, as well as the Deerfields, were the theatre of some of those wild and
horrible aboriginal tragedies and atrocities which schooled the early gen
erations in patient endurance, alertness, self-reliance, and a grand heroism.
Yet history and romance have got into an almost inextricable tangle in
chronicling those events. The author digs down to " frozen truth." He
tells us that the Quabaug region was not a majestic region of forestry, but
practically denuded of trees, as a result of the annual burnings. The
swamps and lowlands were heavily timbered, the uplands being practically
free of undergrowth. " Men on horseback," he says, " went where they
pleased, only shunning swamps and streams. From the top of Coy's Hill,
and other heights, cattle could be seen for a distance of three miles, and
deer and wild turkeys a mile away." The Indian " barns," or granaries, were
circular cellars, for the preservation of corn, nuts, and dried fish — some
fifteen feet in diameter and ten feet deep, the sides slightly converging..
Where the soil was sandy, the "barns" were lined with clay which was
hardened by heat. They were covered by poles, sod, and brush, and were
usually clustered together, so as to be easily guarded.
•Among the valuable curiosities of this volume is the map showing all the
early land grants, with explanatory notes showing subsequent alienations
and transfers. All the houses erected previous to 1750 are also shown. In
these eight hundred and twenty-four pages there does not appear to be a
superfluous paragraph.
[From "The Clinton Courant," Clinton, Mass., Sept. 17, 1887.]
On July 4, 1876, or eleven years ago, was initiated the enterprise which
has culminated in one of the fullest and handsomest town histories which
has been issued in many a year. Its author is the well-known and accurate
historian Rev, Josiah H, Temple of Framingham, and the work has been
supervised by the chairman of the Publishing Committee, Hon. T. C. Bates.
The volume now greets the public richly freighted with interesting details of
the history, institutions, and people of that thriving town. The work is a
volume of eight hundred and twenty pages, and includes a voluminous his
tory of the sanguinary Indian experiences of old " Quabaug," with a full
account of all the early wars, and the settlement's active participation in the
Revolutionary struggle, War of 181 2, and the late civil war; the work also
includes biographical sketches of Hon. Charles Adams, jun., Hon. Freeman
Walker, and Hon. Amasa Walker, all illustrated, with other sketches
without illustrations ; also the portraits of Rev. Dr. Snell, Ezra Batchgller,
and Tyler Bacheller, with ancient and modern views of the town. Appended
is a valuable Genealogical Register of three hundred arid fifty pages.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 43
[From "The Athol Transcript," Athol, Mass,, Aug. 30, 1887,]
It is one of the very best town histories that has been published in New
England; and as we glance through its broad, generous pages, teeming with
historical lore of inestimable value and interest, we sigh that Athol, a con
temporary with North Brookfield in old Indian times, has no similar
monument to the sturdy heroism, self-sacrifice, and tireless energy of her
forefathers. Athol should have a complete town history, by all means.
[From "The Boston Journal," Boston, Mass., Aug. 25, 1887.]
^ Antiquarian and patriotic zeal, cordial local support, effective co-opera
tion on the part of a more than ordinarily interested and intelligent com
mittee, and experience and literary skill in the compiler and narrator, have
combined to make " The History of North Brookfield " a notable addition to
Massachusetts town histories, and in many particulars a model of what a
town history should be. It sounds paradoxical to say that the destruction
of historical raaterial was a leading cause in the making of a history, but
this is true in this case. The destruction of the North Brookfield town
records by fire in 1862 quickened local interest in the town history, and at
the same time that it increased the difficulty, emphasized the necessity of
prompt and systematic work in compiling the requisite material.
The Brookfields were originally all one township, and their early history,
as well as that of Warren, is blended. Efforts were made to secure the co
operation of these towns : but although the obstacles to the preparation of a
joint history proved too serious to permit the official union of the three
towns in the work,- the present history covers the early annals of all these
towns ; a true account of the old town being, as Mr. Temple suggests, a
true account of all the parts that composed it, up to the date of a formal
division. The original township was laid out and incorporated in 1673. In
1741-42 the south-westerly part was set off to form the town of Western,
now Warren. In 181 2 about one-third of the township, comprising the
north-east corner, was set off and incorporated as the town of North Brook
field. In 1848 the westerly part was incorporated as West Brookfield.
This left the south-easterly part of the old township, including the village
of East Brookfield, to bear the name of Brookfield, From 1673 to 1812,
therefore, this work is virtually a history of all the Brookfields, This por
tion of the volume fills about two hundred and fifty pages, and includes a
topographical description of the territory, with an account of objects of
special interest, — mill-seats, early roads, training-field, etc.; a sketch of the
Indian occupation of what was then known as Quabaug, and of the old
Indian trails and villages; outlines of the history of the first settleraent, the
struggles of the settlers with the Indians, and their final abandonment of
their wrecked homesteads ; the story of the second settleraent, and of the
government of the town -by Prudential Committees, 1 686-1 7 18 ; and many
interesting excerpts from the Brookfield records, 1718-1786. Then is taken
up the story of the Second Precinct, or North Brookfield, of which a rapid
and graphic review is given, from 1748 to 1886. The educational history
of the town, its important industries, its ecclesiastical and political affairs,

44 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
its part in the war of the Rebellion, with a complete roster of the North
Brookfield men who served in the army, and histories of the regiments in
which they served, biographical sketches of some of the most eminent
citizens, accounts of land grants, and a very carefully prepared map, the
whole supplemented by the three hundred pages of genealogical sketches
to which we have alluded, make up the remainder of the volume. TherjB
are portraits of Tyler Batcheller, Thomas Snell, Ezra Batcheller, Charles
Adams, jun.. Freeman Walker, and Amasa Walker ; and there are also six
or eight well-engraved landscapes, besides facsimiles, etc. The work is
printed clearly and well by the Rand Avery Company.
[From "The Boston Sunday Globe," Boston, Sept. 25, 1887.]
¦ North Brookfield, situated in the heart of the State, is one of four as
picturesque towns as exist. Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield,
and North Brookfield form a quartet in which an antiquarian or artist niight
revel for months, and still not exhaust its treasures.
In 1876 a comraittee was appointed to draft and publish a history of the
town of North Brookfield; and now, after eleven years of hard and persist
ent work, a complete and valuable volume of nearly eight hundred and fifty
pages has been issued. Within its covers are accounts of Indian wars,
treaties, and repeated outbreaks ; tales of the war of the Revolution, of the
War of 1812, and the Rebellion ; and accounts of all events since the settle
ment of the town of Quabaug, in 1661, up to the present time. But more
particularly does it dwell upon the beautiful little town among the hills, and
its inhabitants, giving a complete and thorough Genealogical Register.
Among the stories of Indian fights is one told by Capt. Wheeler of the
attack upon Capt. Hutchinson, himself, and a party of about twenty men,
sent by the government to treat with the Indians. They were set upon and'
several of their number killed, when they took refuge in a house in Brook
field, or Quaboag. Upon their entering the building, a savage fight occurred,
which lasted several days, during which the savages several times attempted
to burn the house. In one of these attempts they pushed a wagon loaded
with burning hay against the wooden structure ; but by dint of hard work on
the part of the inmates, and a providential thunder-storm which suddenly
arose and drenched every thing out of doors, the flames were subdued with
no loss of life. The Indians were at length driven away. The scene of
this skirmish is between the Brookfields, and on the road leading to West
Brookfield ; the house is situated on the side of a hill, and admirably suited
for an Indian attack, for the large bowlders upon the crest of the hill were
easily rolled down upon the building. But, fortunately for the garrison,
they nearly all flew wide of the mark, and rolled crashing into the valley
below, where they still lie, monuments to the battle of which but one account,
Capt. Wheeler's, exists.
Up to l8ll there was but one town government over the whole territory:
that was the old town of Brookfield. But in that year the North Parish', or
North Brookfield, was set apart: by an Act of the Legislature. It was in
1810 that the great boot and shoe industry of these towns was established
by Oliver Ward.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 45
Deacon Tyler Batcheller began manufacturing shoes, in a small way, as
early as 1819, but gained no especial prominence until after the suspension of
Oliver Ward's business. The immense factory now known as " the big
shop " was started Jan. i, 1825, when Tyler and his brother, Ezra Batcheller,
built a small two-story building for the manufacture of cheap shoes for the
Southern trade. When the Rebellion broke out, the firm suffered greatly.
After the death of Deacon Tyler Batcheller, in 1862, the firm took the
name of E. & A. H. Batcheller & Co., which it now bears, and is the only
one surviving of the many boot-and-shoe firms started in the town.
The history contains a complete account of the organization and subse
quent doings of the various churches in the town, four in number, and gives
a list of the men who enlisted in the civil war, together with a short but
complete narrative of the regiments whose ranks contained men from this
town. The latter part of the book, comprising fully one-half the entire volume,
is the Genealogical Register of the inhabitants of the town, which is nearly-
perfect. The Preface was written by Hon. Charles Adams, jun., after
several years of hard work. Mr. Adams died shortly after completing it.
The work throughout is one of the most complete of the kind in existence.
[From "The Webster Times," Webster, Mass., Sept. 23, 1887.J
This " History of North Brookfield " is probably the best, fullest town
history ever compiled, embracing, as it does, a book of over eight hundred
closely printed pages, and many illustrations of persons, events, and localities
described, together with a full Genealogical Table, the whole evincing an
amount of care, research, and diligence unsurpassed in a work of this kind.
Especially is this the case in the chronological record made of all those who
took a part and lost their lives in the great Rebellion. This is a strong
feature, and one to be recommended to all towns to follow in the prepara
tion of town history.
[From " The Boston Evening Transcript," Boston, Aug. 24, 1887.]
, "The History of North Brookfield" is pronounced by Mr. John Ward
Dean of the Historic Genealogical Society one of the best town histories
that have yet appeared ; he does not know, he says, of its superior. The
fact that before beginning to write the history, or to compile the genealo
gies, the several State, county, and town records and archives, as well as
such printed books as bore on the subject, were exhaustively examined,
and that a thorough canvass of the town for facts and documents was made,
is an assurance that the historical and genealogical statements in the book
may be relied upon. Mr. Dean declares, with equal emphasis, that "the
Indian history, which the author. Rev. Mr. Teraple, raay be said to have
made a life-study, is certainly a positive contribution to the history of New
England." [From "The Springfield Union," Springfield, Mass., Sept. 9, 1887.]
The work of making a town history is a very difficult matter to-day from
what it was when town histories were first projected. The labor that is put

46 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
into it has been increased by experience and emulation, and the better
appreciation of the importance and value of such a history has raised the
standard of thoroughness and accuracy. With these come a better literary
quality, a more systematic and sequent handling of the subject, and a far
more intelligent use of the material, than were attained in the earlier efforts ;
so that, from a mere memorandum of leading events and genealogies, the
town history has come to be a pretentious volume of carefully arranged,
well-edited, and cleanly presented matter of real and permanent value, and
usually of exceeding interest, and an addition to be prized and sought for
by every home library, large or small.
These points are illustrated and emphasized in "The History of North
Brookfield," which has been prepared in eleven years of arduous and patient
labor by the committee having the work in charge. The magnitude of the
work, its thoroughness, and the patient and persistent zeal with which it has
been carried on, will become easily raanifest to any intelligent person who will
give it an examination. Anxious care and effort to be truthful and exhaus
tive are shown on every page. Concerning the manner in which this effort
has been made, a note from one of the Committee says, "Much of it has
been rewritten several times, and half of it has been reprinted, that perfect
accuracy in the matter of genealogy raight be obtained. A special Act of
the Legislature was passed, permitting all the Brookfields to unite and raise
money for the purpose of preparing and publishing a history of the three
towns of Brookfield, North Brookfield, and West Brookfield. But the
towns of Brookfield and West Brookfield hesitated about it, as they feared
it would delay the work so much for them to properly prepare their respec
tive genealogies, and it was finally decided by the people of North Brook
field to prepare and publish a history of their town, taking in all they could
of the early history of all the towns. And this has been done with great
care, and with the strong and patient support of the people of North Brook
field, and with a degree of public spirit and liberal raising of money not
often seen in any community. The people of North Brookfield have most
cheerfully raised from year to year all the raoney the Town History Com
mittee have asked for."
[From "The Times," Marlborough, Mass., Sept. 15, 1887.J
Every such history of the early times of our Massachusetts towns is of
very great value, not only to the particular town of which it is the perma
nent narrative, but to the student of the life and times of our ancestors
throughout the State ; and this book in particular should be in every public
library in the land settled by the Pilgrims. One of the reasons why it will
be particularly interesting to Marlborough readers is, that it contains a very
full and coraplete history of the expedition against the Niprauck Indians in
1675, commanded by -Capt. Thomas Wheeler of Concord and Capt. Edward
Hutchinson of Boston, written by Capt. Wheeler himself. It was on this
expedition that Capt. Hutchinson was mortally wounded ; and it was while
endeavoring to return to Boston that he died here, on the nineteenth day
of August, 1675, and was the first person buried in the old Spring Hill
Cemetery (pp. 80-89).

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 47
Another interesting item in this history is the fixing of the date of the loca
tion of the " Bay Path " in 1673, and its route from Wayland through North
Framingham, Mariborough, and Worcester, to Brookfield, where the trail
divided, one path leading through Belchertown to Hadley, and the other
going directly to Springfield (p. 25).
But this history of the earlier times of our ancestors is valuable also,
because it knocks out sorae of our old ideas of the appearance of the coun
try when the Indians had it all to themselves. It was not exactly a dense
and howling wilderness ; and the aborigines must have had some rather
practical ideas of farming, which the grangers of to-day might profitably'
study. A gentleman who has made a careful study of this work, and who is
thoroughly competent to judge of its merits, says, "The amount of time
expended by Mr. Temple in searching the State archives of both Massa
chusetts and Connecticut, it is very evident, has been a great deal ; and the
thoroughness with which he has done his work, and fortified it by searching
the records, is another feature which gives great value to the work as a
history: and I predict that it will stand unchallenged, and become the his
tory of Central Massachusetts."
And we very cordially indorse his verdict.
[From "The Gazette," Barre, Mass., Sept, 16, 1887,]
The matter relating to the early settleraent of the town, the incidents
during the period of Indian troubles, and the Revolutionary struggle, have
been collected, sifted, and arranged with an extent of research that must
have appalled the Comraittee, had they realized at the commencement the
amount of labor involved. The incidents and locations connected with
the Indian history are clearly pointed out, and will be a great addition to
the knowledge of events of that period. The book contains a genealogy
of the old families of the town, a feature of great local interest. Taken in
all its parts, the book is the best of its kind that we have ever seen.
[From " T^e Andover Townsman," Andover, Mass., Oct, 28, 1887,]
it is a good thing when town histories give us the names of first settlers
and complete genealogical records of old families ; it is well to have the
history of estates and the transfers of landed property. But if a town his
tory gives little more than these, its value is limited, " The History of
North Brookfield" is not thus restricted, because it aims specially at giving
a truthful and lifelike picture of the conditions under which the early settlers
labored and suffered while they were passing through 'that process which
made Yankees out of Englishmen. A history of New England necessarily
involves a history of Old England. The latter acquaints us vpith the in
fluences that conspired to make the pioneers of our country what they were
when they landed in the New World. But for the understanding of the
new type of Anglo-Saxon that so quickly made its appearance on this side
of the Atlantic, we must study with the greatest care the environment into
which the Englishmen of the seventeenth century came.
"The History of North Brookfield" addresses itself to this task with

48 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
more than ordinary painstaking. There is no attempt at fine writing, no
discursive reflections to weary the reader ; and, on the other hand, it is
equally far removed from the dry, statistical form which makes reading
impossible. The state of the country when the first settlers came is graph
ically outlined, and some current misconceptions are corrected.
[From "The Springfield Republican,'' Springfield, Mass., July 23, 1887.]
The North Brookfield authorities have generously spent eight thousand
dollars upon this volume of eight hundred pages, 'including a Genealogy.
The latter work was performed by Mr. Adams, who, with Mr. Walker, died
before the manuscript was completed. Henry W. King, Timothy M. Duncan,
and Nathaniel H. Foster were subsequently added to the Committee, of which
Theodore C. Bates was made chairman. Rev. Mr. Temple is thoroughly
equipped for this kind of work, as his " History of Framingham " fully demon
strated ; and, moreover, his Indian studies, in conjunction with George
Sheldon, of Deerfield and the Northfield settlement, gave Mr. Temple a van
tage-ground that is conspicuous in the early pages of the North Brookfield
history. He and others interested in the matter have gone over the Indian
trails, forts, and markings of the Quabaug region, and made numberless
identifications of historic value and interest not confined to Worcester
County. The burning of the North Brookfield town records in 1862 added
to the immense labor of the history, as did also the imperfect condition of
the Brookfield archives.
As the original Brookfield was included in Hampshire County until 1731,
the settlement twenty-five miles east of Springfield held intimate relations
with us, and Pynchon, Holyoke, and other names continually occur in the
early Brookfield records. John Pynchon built the first grist-mill in Brook
field on Mill Brook in 1667. It was burned by the Indians in King Philip's
War, but was rebuilt by Pynchon.
Every town history is to a certain extent a history of the Commonwealth,
and general readers will find in Mr. Temple's work the continual pagsing
of the sun and shadow of New England's wonderful history. Many de
scendants and relatives of the charter-members of the Brookfields will find
this history rich in names and genealogical lore. Patient research and a
judicious historical candor are here combined to make the North Brookfield
history one of the best of its kind.
[From " The New-England Home Journal," Worcester, Mass.,
Nov. 19, 1887.]
This noble town history has been long enough in the hands of readers
and students to have won some permanent and lasting impressions as to its
value, and these have steadily grown. The imraense labor of a work of
this kind few know, or, in our opinion, such enterprise would be more
liberally compensated, and this, too, with something more tangible than
mere appreciation. Of the importance of such volumes, all doubt and
question have long ago ceased. They are simply indispensable unless we
are willing that each, succeeding generation shall obliterate the past, tram
pling down its landmarks, and wasting what should be the treasures of history.

'',r r..--*^'

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

49

The town historian has a peculiar field, that can be shared by no other.
Manifestly some of his facts may or mu.st be national, since the nation is
but aggregated smaller communities ; but with these larger nuggets of his
tory he raay not forget or slight the lesser local events, the family records,
the petty facts of traffic and skill primarily oi narrow concern, but actually
a part of the soil and atraosphere out of which national facts grow. We
believe our towns and the general public are having a better insight into
their duties and obligations in fostering the work that procures these volumes
North Brookfield has certainly done nobly.
With our general interest in town histories, and frequent occasion to
consult and compare them, we beheve the North Brookfield history will rate
permanently among the very first and best of our town histories. It began
to be discussed as a citizen's project soon after the general centennial
movement of 1876.
An attempt to unite the other towns of the first Old Brookfield in the
work was not successful, though it was better, for illustration of the spirit
of North Brookfield, that the proposal was raade.
The volume is derived to a notable degree from original and official
sources, with the full flavor of their original form. It is something easier
to make such research among the splendid treasures of our various historical
associations than it could have been for the first writers of New-England
town history. All the more honor to these for what they wrought, and at
the same tirae all the raore signal value to this present richly treasured book.
But it has not been raerely a search araong the collections of others : those
responsible for this present collection have pushed original inquiry wherever
opening has offered, and have received rich returns in original facts or better
confirraation of past knowledge.
" The History of North Brookfield " deserves an exhausting sale at once, in
appreciation of its merits. It will be long before a better volume of town
history shall come to the illustration of the grand facts of the earlier New-
England days.
[From " The Milford Journal " of Wednesday Morning, Feb. i, 1888.]
It has been well said that the best histories are those that mirror most
carefully the individual life of the place or people depicted ; and the volume
before us is, if judged by no other standard, worthy to rank among the first.
" The History of North Brookfield " is a large octavo of eight hundred and
twenty-four pages, published at the expense of the town by Rand Avery
Company of Boston. The work is the result of the faithful labors of Rev.
J. H. Temple of Framingham, who was in 1882 unanimously selected by the
Committee for that purpose. It was an eminently fitting selection ; and the
work is replete with evidences of his patient, sagacious fidelity and learning,
especially in the meagre Colonial periods of settlement and development.
The book comprises two partp, — the history proper, and the Genealogical
Register ; and the reader not unnaturally peruses the former with more
avidity than the latter, and is well repaid. The old town of Brookfield, as
" Quabog " or " Quobuge " from 1647, from its settlement in 1661 by that

50 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
little band of five, and the deed from Shattockquis, the sachem, is before
us in the earnest narrative.
Then comes in rapid succession the stirring scenes of King Philip's War,
and the consequent prostration of this and other desolated settlements ; the
opening of new and adjoining townships ; the hard poverty of the little
comraunity, drained of its men by King William's and Queen Anne's wars ;
the building of roadways, or rather " trails," between the new Connecticut
and New- York settlements ; the town's efforts for new settlers, and the
appeals to the Council and to the General Court for aid. The lines burn
indelibly in one's memory that struggle of early Colonial days for mere sub
sistence, stripped of all but necessaries, yet patiently laying the foundation
of a nation's enduring greatness, despite of toil, privation, or suffering.
With great industry Mr. Temple has described the local topography of
those days, the actual means of travel, and relations between these frontier
settlements. These he corroborates by personal travel over the routes and
places mentioned, and his painstaking exactness makes the history an au
thority. The prevalent idea of that as a wooded country is dispelled, and
the sparsely treed, swampy, ridgy country is spread before us in other dress
than fancy had represented. To the average reader, unconnected with the
town, the work has a distinct and strong interest. It states clearly, pre-
cisly, yet fully, the conditions surrounding and inducing the growth of an
old Massachusetts town ; and what is true of North Brookfield, equally
applies to Mendon, Deerfield, Lancaster, Worcester, and other inland towns.
To a resident of the old Bay State, the story of his forefathers' struggles
nevers grows old nor loses its keen interest, even when contrasted with
the upbuilding of Rome, England, and Carthage, or any of the world's em
pires. Subsequently the history records in detail prominent town events
as they stand out in the brief chronicle of the time, down to and through
the Revolution, Shays's Rebellion, the War of 1812, and the civil war.
The honor-roll of North Brookfield, separated from Old Brookfield in 1812,
after a union of a hundred and thirty-nine years, well sustains its inherited
reputation for thrift, industry, business sagacity, courage, and heroism. The
largest shoe-shop in the world — the Bachellers' — here arose in 1823, at the
call of Tyler Bacheller, insuring him a place in history as enduring as that
of Col. Pynchon, Ayres, Coy, Willard, Gen. Putnam, Major Goodale, or
Joseph Waite. Step by step the reader sees the small community grow
into Worcester County's largest town, and separate into other thriving vil
lages ; sees it survive all municipal perils and trials, and become its present
modest, enterprising, self-reliant borough; sees it furnish in its last war,
as in its first, raen of as heroic mould and matchless bravery as any land
can boast. It is a record to be proud of. The simple tale, so eloquently
told in these pages, is invaluable to every descendant of the Puritans, and
to none more so than to those fortunate enough to reside in the limits of
the locality whose story is so excellently and thoroughly told. Scattered
through the Colonial description are glimpses of our own mother-town Men
don and its Nipnet or Nipmuck aboriginal tribes. These increase very
largely the interest of the narrative for a Milfordian.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 5 I
[From " The Fitchburg Sentinel " of Thursday, Sept. 15, 1887.]
It is a book of eight hundred and twenty-four pages, and there does not
seem to be a superfluous paragraph in the whole volume. It is not only a
history in the strict sense of the word, but also a genealogical register of
North Brookfield families. The genealogical part of the work was compiled
by Charles Adams, jun., who at first formed one of the Town History
Committee, but who tendered his resignation on the completion of his genea
logical work for the history. The book has been eleven years in process of
writing. Much of it has been rewritten several tiraes, and half of it has
been reprinted, that perfect accuracy in the matter of genealogy might be
secured. Rev. Mr. Temple, the author, is thoroughly equipped for this kind of
work, as his histories of Framingham and Northfield fully demonstrated ;
and his Indian studies, in conjunction with George Sheldon, of Deerfield
and the Northfield settlement, gave him a vantage-ground that is conspicu
ous in the early pages of the North Brookfield history. He and others
interested in the matter have gone over the Indian trails, forts, and mark
ings of the Quabaug region, and made numberless identifications of historic
value and interest not confined to the Brookfields. The burning of the
North Brookfield town records in 1862 added to the immense labor of
the history, as did also the imperfect condition of the Brookfield archives.
The North Brookfield authorities have generously expended six thousand
dollars in the preparation of the volume, and may well feel satisfied with
the work, for the statement of one high in authority on such matters in
Massachusetts, " that this is one of the most carefully prepared and valuable
town histories ever published in the State," seeras to be well merited.
The illustrations of this volume are superior, in excellence of execution,
to those of any volume of the kind which has come under the writer's eye.
The Genealogical Table of this work is a monument to painstaking, and no
doubt to accuracy also. The Rebellion record of the town, with the list of
volunteers, their regimental apportionment, brief regimental histories, and
personal biographies, are features of this history which are as well done as
they are valuable.
[From " The Boston Post " of Friday Morning, Oct, 21, 1887.]
Mr. Temple is already known as the author of two or three town his
tories of established reputation, and his labors in this department have well
fitted him for the more important and more difficult task accomplished in
the portly volume before us. North Brookfield, which was not incorporated
until 1812, was originally only a precinct or parish of Brookfield, and its
separate history is somewhat devoid of general interest ; but the parent
town was one of the earliest, and for a long time one of the most populous,
of the interior settlements, and it fills a large place in the annals of Indian
warfare. For all this early period Mr. Temple has gathered ample un
published materials; and he has printed at length many original documents,
throwing new light on not a few obscure points. Down to the separation of
North Brookfield from the other villages' which made up the original town.

52 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
there was, indeed, no lack of materials ; but the early records of the new
town were burned in 1862, and for the first fifty years of its corporate ex-'
istenee the trustworthy sources of information were scanty and widely
scattered. For the later period, and especially for the part taken by North'
Brookfield in the Rebellion, and for its ecclesiastical history, Mr. Temple
furnishes abundant details.
Brookfield was first settled in 1660, when a grant of the land was made
to several of the inhabitants of Ipswich. For a few years they enjoyed a
moderate degree of prosperity ; and then came Philip's War, the surprise of
Capt. Hutchinson's party which had been sent to treat with the Indians, and
the subsequent abandonment of the settlement. It remained a deserted
village for about ten years, when it began to be occupied by new settlers,
and in 1718 it was again incorporated. During the early part of this second
period it again suffered frora Indian hostilities; but, with this exception, it
had the coraparatively uneventful history of raost of our Massachusetts
towns. It has numbered araong its residents several raen of marked ability,
who have acquired more than a local reputation; and- it has from the first
had a thriving and industrious population.
Mr. Temple has thoroughly studied the topography of the town with the
help of local antiquaries, and his patient investigations have enabled him
to identify most, if not all, of the places mentioned in the early narratives
or annals.