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PLAINFIELD,

IN HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS,

MAY, 1834.

BY JACOB PORTER.

" Land of brown heath and shaggy wood,
Land ofthe mountain and the flood." — Scott.

GREENFIELD.
PRINTED BY PRINCE AND ROGERS.
1834.

HISTORY OF PLAINFIELD.

SITUATION AND EXTENT.

Plainfield is a post township inthe north-west corner of Hamp
shire county, Massachusetts, 20 miles north-west of Northampton,
and 1 12 west of Boston. It is about 6 miles long from east to
west, and about 4 wide from north to south.
BOUNDARIES.
It is bounded on the north by Hawley, east by Ashfield, both in
Franklin county, south' by Cummington, west by Windsor and
Savoy, both in Berkshire county.
According to a survey taken by Eliphalet Darling, in 1831, by
order of the General Court, the particular boundaries are as fol
lows : — Beginning at the north-west corner, by a line running east,
19 degrees south, 1,594 rods=4 miles, 314 rods, which is the
boundary between Hawley and Plainfield; thence south, 7 degrees
west, 217 rods, thence south, 30 minutes east, 122 rods, thence
east, 19 degress, 20 minutes south, 85 rods, thence south, 19 de
grees, 20 minutes west, 401 rods,=l mile, 81 rods, thence south,
30 minutes east, 517 rods,=l mile, 197 rods, the boundaries be
tween Ashfield and Plainfield; thence west, 17 degrees south, 195
rods, thence west, 20 degress north, 1,604 rods,=5 miles, 4 rods,
the boundaries between Cummington and Plainfield; thence north,
18 degrees east, 927 rods, =2 miles, 287 rods, thence west, 18
degrees north, 166 rods, the boundaries between Windsor and
Plainfield; thence north, 18 degrees east, to the corner first men
tioned, 320 rods,=l mile, the boundary between Savoy and Plain-
field. In conformity to a law of the commonwealth, passed March

8, 1827, astone monument, marked with the proper initials, has been
erected at every corner.
GEOLOGY.
Two distinct and well characterized strata of rocks traverse this
town in a north and south direction. Mica slate extends from
Ashfield about two thirds of the distance to Savoy; talcose slate
then commences and occupies the remainder of the township.
These rocks are beautifully stratified; but the strata, instead of
lying in their natural position, are turned up, so that their inclina
tion is perpendicular. Large blocks of granite, more particularly
in the western part ofthe town, are seen in many places, resting
on these strata, often near the summits of the hUls. To the geol
ogist these are interesting, as they lead back his mind at once to
that mighty rush of waters, probably the general deluge, when
they were driven to their present station, and enable him to
account for the diluvial scratches observed on the ledges in this
and the neighboring towns.
" Talcose slate," says professor Hitchcock in his excellent Re
port on the Geology of Massachusetts, " is, in general, a mere
variety of mica slate, talc taking the place of mica, or being super
added to it. Where the talcose slate, however, is most pure, so
as in fact to be little else but slaty talc, with more or less quartz,
the soil, which its decomposition produces, is decidedly inferior to
that resulting from mica slate ; and probably this is owing to the
large quantity of magnesia, which talc contains.
" Mica slate produces a soil of a medium quality. Some varie
ties of it underlie tracts of superior quality. But the most
extensive tract of mica slate in Massachusetts consists ofthe high
and mountainous region west of Connecticut river; so that it is
difficult to compare the soil lying over it with that of formations at a
lower level. The deep ravines, so common in the mica slate,
furnish many fertile, though limited patches of ground; while the
mountain sides are very superior for grazing." In the east part
of Plainfield, as the same writer elsewhere observes, " the geest
is so abundant as to occupy most ofthe surface, the subjacent rock
scarcely appearing."
The principal use of these rocks, besides that of fences, for

which they are extensively employed, is for door stones, hearth
stones and foundation stones for our buildings. For these purposes
they answer well, except that hearth stones commonly crack in the
middle, after being exposed to heat. This rock was formerly made
into gravestones; but this use of it is now superseded by the intro
duction of the Berkshire marble. With us it has not yet been
wrought into whetstones, though the finer varieties answer well
for this purpose, and manufactories ofthe kind have been estab
lished in some ofthe neighboring towns, particularly Cummington
and Norwich. The talcose slate bears the fire much better than
mica slate, and is, on this account, sometimes used for jambs.
" In Plainfield and Hawley," says professor Hitcheock, " a
variety of talcose slate occurs, in which are disseminated numer
ous crystals of black fiornblehde. The talc is green, and the
quartz white, and the rock admits of a polish. Sometimes the talc
almost disappears; and then we have a white base with black
crystals imbedded. In short, I feel satisfied that this rock would
form a beautiful ornamental stone, if wrought into tables, urns,
chimney pieces, and the like. Large blocksof it might be obtained,
which would be very firm throughout."
Some varieties of our rocks are remarkably beautiful, and are
often noticed by geologists as such. " In truth," says professor
Eaton, " there is more beauty in the structure of the rocks of
Hawley and Plainfield than of any other place, that I ever visited."
MINERALOGY.
Few towns afford so rich and diversified a mineralogy as this;
and it is frequently visited by naturalists from motives of curiosity
and science, particularly for the purpose of enriching their cabinets.
The following is a list of the principal minerals, so far as they
have been hitherto discovered. ^
Limestone, darkcolored, scintilating and very fetid.
Limpid quartz, sometimes crystalized. Fragments of this variety
are frequently picked up in the streets and fields.
Smoky quartz, both crystalized and amorphous. The largest
crystal, that has been discovered, is about 3 inche.s long and 2 broad.
Irised quartz. Its colors, which are generally red, yellow or
orange, and very delicate, seem to arise from a thin coat of metallic
oxyd on the surface, or in its fissures.

Blue quartz, well characterized.
Laminated quartz. It occurs both ofthe milky and smoky vari
eties. Kyanite, in small quantities in mica slate. The color is not
deep but delicate.
Black tourmaline, common. The crystals are generally small,
finely striated, with shining surfaces, and confusedly intermixed.
Beautiful specimens of the radiated variety have been found a little
east of the meeting house.
Garnets, very abundant in mica slate, also in talcose slate.
Several years since, a large mass of limpid quartz was discovered
in a wall near the mine of manganese on John Bisbee's land, in
which was imbedded a great number of garnets of uncommon
beauty, much resembling the precious garnet. Specimens of this
singular aggregate were sent to various mineralogists, and it is
described by professor Silliman in the fourth volume of the. Amer
ican Journal of Science, and by professor Hitchcock in the sixth
volurae ofthe same work. The latter describes the garnets as
" trapezohedrons, or having at least as many as twenty-four
sides;" and the former says, "They are trapezoidal andrhomboidal;
often translucent and rich in color, and truncated deeply on the
solid edges."
Epidote, amorphous and crystalized.
Amianthus, in quartz, found in the pasture of James Loud. Its
color is white.
Common hornblende. This occurs well crystalized and com
monly darkcolored.
Fasciculite of Hitchcock; This variety of hornblende is very
common here. Its crystals have a very singular and beautiful
appearance, resembling bundles' of rods tied together near the
middle, and thence diverging. An excellent figure of this variety
is given by professor Hitchcoo^in the sixth volume ofthe Amer
ican Journal of Science,
Common serpentine, in loose masses. This stone, which is ofa
dark green color and extremely hard, takes a fine polish, and might
be manufactured to great advantage into mortars for apothecaries,
also into table furniture, such as bowls, plates and (he like. For
these purposes it would possess unrivalled beauty.
Common chlorite, well characterized.

Common clay, from which bricks are manufactured in sufficient
quantities for the use ofthe inhabitants.
Porcelain clay. A quantity, mixed with imperfect crystals of
quartz, was thrown up in digging Orrin Tirrill's well.
Sulphur, pulverulent, in the same rock with the cummingtonite.
Sulphuret of iron» very common, particularly in granular quartz,
also in serpentine. According to professor Hitchcock, it is found
also in limpid quartz.
Magnetic oxyd pf iron. Masses have been found near the new
leather manufactory, on the west side of the brook, exactly re
sembling the ore from Hawley. It also occurs in well defined
octahedral crystals in mica slate and gneiss; also in small cubic
crystals in granular quartz.
Specular oxyd of iron, in small quantities.
Carbonate of iron, beautifully crystalized in rhombs, which are
nearly white, have a shining surface, and are frequently curved or
undulated. Black oxyd bf manganese. There are two mines of this ore in
the south-west part ofthe town; one on William Robinson's land,
the other on John Bisbee's.
Bisilicate of manganese. This is found at the mine on John
Bisbee's land. It is of a light, but very lively rose red color,
associated with the gray oxyd; and ajround both the black oxyd
commonly forms an envelope. A specimen of this mineral from
Cummington, (where it occurs, perhaps in greater abundance
than with us,) was sent by Doctor Torrey of New York to the
celebrated chymist, professor Thomson of Glasgow, by whom it
was analyzed and described under this name in tbe third volume of
the Annals ofthe Lyceum of Natural History of New York.
Professor Hitchcock, who visited one of our mines of manganese
in 1831, thus describes thera in his Report on the Geology of Mas
sachusetts. " Beds ofthe oxyd of manganese occur in two places
in this town,' — one a mile west of the center, and the other near
the south-west corner ofthe town; and both in talcose slate. Two
ores are asso6iated at both these places, the common gray or
black oxyd and the silicious oxyd, the gray or black oxyd. invest
ing the latter as a black erust, and most probably arising from
its decomposition; while the latter, when newly broken, is of a
delicate rose red, I suspect the silicious oxyd predominates at

8
these places ; and from these beds probably came, by diluvial
action, those numerous rounded masses of silicious oxyd in the
vicinity of Cummington meeting. house, although a deep ¦ valley
intervenes, and the distance is three or four miles. An attempt
was made, some years ago, to explore one of these beds, under
the impression that the ore was iron. But how extensive either of
them is, it is difficult to determine, as each seems to^consist of a
number of small beds,^-or rather the ore is interlaminated with the
slate. The occurrence of so much silicious 05yd at these locali
ties is very interesting to the mineralogist, because this ore is so
rare in Europe."
The same writer observes that " in a metallic state this mineral
is of no use; and, indeed, it is reduced to. that state with great
difiiculty. But, in the state of oxyd, itis extensively employed,
both to remove color from glass, and fo impart colors; also in paint
ing porcelain and glazing pottery, and .still more extensively,
within a few years, in the manufacture ofthe chloride of lime, now
so generally used in bleaching andfor dishifection." '
Red oxyd of titanium, in small quantities.
Sulphuret of molybdena, in small quantities, in gneiss.
Cummingtonite. Several years since a very curious mineral was
discovered at Cummington and at Plainfield, at both which places
it occurs in large quantities. Specimens were sent to themost emi
nent mineralogists in the country. .A.fter a considerable time had
elapsed, it was described by professor Dewey, in the eighth volume
of the American Journal of Science, under the name of cumming
tonite, from the place where it was first discovered. "I have given,"
said he, " this name to a mineral found by Doctor J. Porter in
Cummington. It appears to be a variety of epidote. Its. color is
gray, sometimes with a faint reddish tinge, unless when acted on by
the weather, when its color is yellowish. It is in indistinct prisms
with oblique seams like zoisite, and in radiated or fascicled masses,
which are composed of slender prisms; Luster faomewhat shining
or pearly. It is nearly as hard as quartz, and sometimes makes a
slight impression upon rock crystal. Before tbe blowpipe it
blackens, and a small portion melts,- when the heat is very great,
into a black slag, which is attracted by the magnet. Its point of
fusion seems to be about the same as that of zoisite. After alio v»'-
ing for some absorption, the specific gravity may be taken at

about 3. 42. It is so peculiar a mineral, that it deserves, even as
a variety, a distinct name.
"With quartz and garnets it forms a large mass in Cummington.
The cavities in the rock contain pulverulent sulphur of a dirty
greenish color, and minute crystals of magnetic oxyd of iron are
also found in it."
A delicate variety has since been discovered, in which the crys
tals are much smaller, and the garnets minute, and of a light reddish
color. Specimens of this mineral were likewise sent to Doctor
Thomson of Glasgow, by whom it was analyzed, and, in Septem
ber, 1828, a communication from him was read before the Lyceum
of Natural History of New York, inwhich it is stated that " cum
mingtonite is undoubtedly a new mineral species, allied to karpho-
lite." In this connection I may obser-ve that a deposit of gold has
been discovered at Somerset, Vermont, in the range of talcose
slate, that passes through this town; and it may be well for us to
search for it here. Professor Hitchcock says expressly, " I know
of no place where the formation is so perfectly developed in its
character as in Hawley and Plainfield. There is then, surely, as
much ground for presuming that gold will be found in Massachu
setts, as there was for predicting its discovery in Vermont." And
he mentions the vicinity ofthe Plainfield beds of manganese as one
ofthe localities where it might be looked for with great probability
of success. To those disposed to search for this precious metal I
would observe that they will be. most likely to find it by looking a
little to the south or south-east ot the range of talcose slate, as
the rush of waters, that tore up our strata, was evidently from the
north, or rather the north-west, and of course drove the rocks and
earth in an opposite direction. SURFACE.
This township lies on the eastern side of the Green Mountains.
As might be expected, the surface is undulating and, in many
parts, rough and broken; less so, however, than that ofthe adjoin
ing towns. Indeed, the summit of East Hill, on which is the prin
cipal village, may be considered as level through nearly the whole
breadth ofthe town. 2

to
The lover of natural scenery is often gratified with fine views;
indeed, from many eminences the pastures and fields. may be
viewed as a map. Walking in the woods is also extremely delight
ful, especially in the spring; and the writer has enjoyed many a
ramble through the grove and over
"The ciagfry hill, where rocks with wild flowers crowned,
Burst from the shady copse and verdant ground ;
Where sportive nature every form assumes,
And sweetly lavish spreads a thousand blooms."
PONDS AND STREAMS.
There are two ponds, both in the north-west part of the town,
tlie North Pond, which is about a mile long, and about half a mile
wide, and the Crooked Pond, so called from its figure. The sce
nery around these ponds is wild, and may, perhaps, be said to
partake ofthe gloomy, for here, for the most part, the forests have
never been touched, and nature, in all her wildness,
"Still ou her bosom wears the enameled vest,
That bloomed and budded on her infant breast." — Piehpont.
The waters of the North Pond empty into Deerfield river at
Charlemont, and thence into the Connecticut at Deerfield, while
those of the Crooked Pond empty into the South Pond in Wind
sor, which is the head of one ofthe branches of Westfield river,
and fall into the Connecticut at West Springfield. The North
Pond is dotted with islands, and is a favorite place of resort for
anglers and parties of pleasure; and both have peculiar attractions
to the botanist, -as some very rare and interesting aquatic plants
are found on the shores, and in the water.
As these ponds are but scantily supplied with fish, I would
respectfully suggest to our enterprising young men, particularly
such as are fond of angling, the expediency and importance of
introducing into them not only the best kinds offish found elsewhere
in our waters, but those, which are generally considei'ed as belong
ing to the sea, such as the herring, salmon, mackerel, cod, haddock
and others. That the experiment would not succeed we have no
sufficient rehson for saying; indeed, it is said that it has succeeded
in England and, so far as experiments have been tried, in this
country. Whoever should accomplish so benevolent an undertaking,

11
¦would be considered a public benefactor, and might probably live
to see every one's mouth full ofthe consequences.
There are no large streams in this town. Mill Brook, running
from north-w^st to south-east through the center ofthe town, is the
largest. On this stream there are three sawmills, a corn mill,
two cloth manufactories and a tannery. In one ofthe sawmills
there is an apparatus for turning broom handles, and in the corn
mill one for turning shoe lasts. An improved machine for turning
broom handles, for which a patent is obtained, has been invented
by John Bisbee of this place.
There is a smaller stream in the west part ofthe town, on which
is a sawmill; and another in the east, on which is a sawmill and
a cloth manufactory. There is another sawmill on a small stream
in the north-east corner of the town.
The township is exceedingly well supplied with springs of excel
lent water. To many of the houses it is brought in. pipes at a
trifling expense. The village a little east ofthe meeting house is
supplied from a spring more than half a mile distant, at an expense
of 22 dollars a year. Wooden pipes are the only ones hitherto
used. SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.
The native timber of our forests consists principally of maple,
(ofwhich we have four species,) beech, birch, hemloc, spruce, fir
and cherry. From the sugar maple large quantities of sugar are
manufactured. A variety, called the bird's eye maple, is highly
esteemed for cabinet work. Cherry is also much used for the same
purpose. Our boards and shingles are generally made of hemloc
and spruce. Large quantities of hemloc bark are used for tanning
leather. It sells at about 2 dollars, 50 cents a cord.
The price of wood for fuel, standing, is about 20 cents a cord;
delivered at one's door, from one dollar to one dollaY, 25 tfents.
As there is very little underbrush in our woods, our farmers are
not troubled with bushes. Fields once cleared remain free from
these intruders, so troublesome in the eastern part of the state.
For a list of our native plants the botanist is referred to profes
sor Hitchcock's Catalogue of Plants growing in the Vicinity of
Amherst College. A more full and complete account is given by

12
the same gentleman in his Report on the Geology, Mineralogy,
Botany and Zoology of Massachusetts.
A collection ofthe plants, as well as ofthe minerals found here
and in the vicinity, has been made by the writer.
Several years since the practice of setting out that very beau
tiful and useful tree, the sugar maple, by our road sides, was
introduced by the writer of this article. Several of our streets are
now ornamented in this way; and it is highly desirable that the
practice should become general. The mountain ash and locust
have also, of late, been transplanted into our dooryards.
To those desirous of enriching their inclosures with ornamental
shrubbery, I would observe that plants might be selected from
our woods and swamps, such, for instance, as the different species
of kalmia, the common prinos or winter berry, the downyleaved
spirea or hardback, the rosemaryleaved andromeda and the sweet
briar or eglantine, which would rival the finest productions of our
botanic gardens. To these might be added some of our finest
herbaceous plants, such as the swamp lily, the climbing corydalis,
the ladies' slipper, the purple sarracenia or foi-efathers' pitcher
and the like. Were such plants as these tastefully arranged and
carefully cultivated among us, they would diffuse a charm around
our dwellings, and be a source ofthe purest pleasure.
This township has a good, strong soil, very well adapted for grass.
Indian corn, wheat and rye are raised without difficulty, but pot
in sufficient quantities for the use of the inhabitants. Potatoes
and oats of excellent quality are very easily raised. Might not
molasses be profitably manufactured here from potatoes.?
The apple thrives well; and it is believed that the peach, plum,
cherry and grape might be cultivated with proper. care. Our wild
fruits, such as the strawberry and thimbleberry, might, doubtless^
be greatly improved by transplanting them into our gardens. Hor
ticulture, however, has not hitherto received that attention among
us, which it so justly merits.
Labor is from 60 cents to a dollar a day.
ROADS.
A county road leading from Ashfield to Savoy passes through
the center of the town; and two other county roads pass through

13
parts ofthe town. Almost the whole town is intersected by roads ^
as the convenience ofthe inhabitants requires. These are kept in
good repair by an annual tax of about 700 dollars, paid in labor at
one dollar a day. BURIAL GROUNDS.
Several burial grounds have been successively opened in this
place. These, it must be confessed, have been too much neglected,
and are now in a state, that indicates but little respect to the
memory ofthe dead. In 1808 a new burying ground was opened
a little north ofthe meeting house. This has since been inclosed
with a stone fence, and has the appearance of neatness and order.
The first person buried here was lieutenant Solomon Shaw, though
two ofhis grandchildren were afterwards taken up and laid by his
. side. White marble from Lanesborough is generally used for
gravestones. SCHOOLS.
The town is divided into seven school districts. One of them,
however, containing but a fe^w scholars, is considered as a half
district, and draws its money accordingly. In each of the districts
there is a convenient house for the use ofthe school, that in the
east district being of brick, the others of wood.
The length of time, that the schools are taught, varies. As
a general estimate, it may be said that each school is taught
in the winter about three months by a male instructor, and about as
long in the summer by a female. The whole number of scholars,
on an average, may be estimated at 350. According to the return
of the'school committee for 1832, the aggregate time of keeping
schools was 18 months by male, and 24 by female teachers; and
the whole number of pupils, 360.
These scoools are supported by an annual tax of about 350
dollars. This sum, by a vote passed March 12, 1827, is distributed
to the different districts in the following proportions; to the center
district, 16 dollars; to the others, 10 dollars each, except the west
or half district, which has 5 dollars. A select school is frequently
taught, generally consisting of both sexes, sometimes of females
only.

14
A school for instruction in sacred music is also occasionally
taught here at the expense ofthe town.
The most important school, however, that has ever been taught
in this place, was that kept by the first clergyman of the parish.
This school was *ommenced early in the year 1793, and continued
without interruption till September, 1824. More than 300 scholars
have attended it. Among those, who here received the early part
of their education, and have since risen to distinction, are William
Cullen Bryant, the poet; James Richards, Jonas King, Pliny
Fisk, Levi Parsons and William Richards, foreign missionaries;
William Hale Maynard, Jeremiah Humphrey Hallock; James
Hayward, late professor of mathematics and natural philosophy in
Harvard University, and Sylvester Hovey, late professor of the
same branches in Amherst College.
LIBRARIES.
A social library was established in the south-east part of the
town in April, 1832. It contains 97 volumes. The number of
private libraries is not great. The largest is that belonging to the
writer, which consists of about 400 volumes, some of them of great
rarity and value; besides a collection of about 1^200 pamphlets.
LYCEUM.
In December, 1832, a Lyceum was formed for mutual improve
ment. The number of members is respectable; and the meetings
hitherto have been interesting and well attended.
GRADUATES. .
The following is a list of those, who have received a public
education, Though the number is not great, it is believed they
will not suffer by a comparison with those of any other place in our
country. 1. James Richards, son of deacon James Richards, and^born at
Abington, February 23, 1784, was graduated at Williams College
in 1809. He studied divinity at Andover, where he completed his
education in 1812.
It is supposed by his friends that he became a decided Christian,
when about fourteen years old. He was enabled ever after to

16
support a Christian character and deportment, always manifesting
a regard for religion; — was a strict observer ofthe sabbath, and a
constant attendant on the public worship of God, and other religious
meetings. In August, 1805, he publicly professed his faith in
Christ, and united with ihe Congregational church in Plainfield.
For many years it was his habitual practice to devote one day in
every month to secret fasting and prayer.
While at college, he with some others, of whom Samuel John
Mills was the leader, concerted a plan for the conversion of the
world, and prayed into existence the American Board of Commis
sioners for Foreign Missions. This plan was afterwards still further
matured at Andover; and in September, 1811, not long after the
formation ofthe American Board, Mr. Richards offered himself as
a missionary to the heathen, and was taken under their patronage.
After completing his theological education, he devoted consider
able time, under the direction ofthe Board, to the study of medicine
and surgery, with a view to increased usefulness among the
heathen. He attended a course .of lectures at Hanover, and two
courses at Philadelphia, where he was engaged for some time in
the Pennsylvania Hospital. In view ofhis multiplied engagements
while here, for he sometimes had more on hand than he could
possibly perform, he remarked in a letter to his friends; "It is
much more pleasant to be hurried in business than to be idle."
June 12, 1815, he was ordained with five others at Newburyport,
and sailed October 23, for Columbo, where he arrived after a
prosperous voyage of five months. When asked, afterwards, how
he could refrain from weeping at the time of leaving his native coun
try, and all, that was dear to him there, he replied, " Why should
I have wept.? I had b sen waiting with anxiety almost eight years
for an opportunity to go and preach Christ among the heathen. I
had often wept at the long delay. But the day, on which I bade
farewell to my native land, was the happiest day of my life." It
was not long, however, before he was so debilitated by the influ
ence ofa tropical climate and undue exposure as to be incapable of
much active service. This was to him a very severe trial, for he
ever retained a strong partiality for the missionary work, as may be
seen by (he following extract ofa letter to his brother.
" Could the friends of missions in America see the things, which
I see, and hear the things, which I hear, they would not withhold

16
their contributions from the treasury of the Lord. Could they see,
as I do, the hearts of my brethren and sisters united " as the heart
of one man;" could they behold these wretched heathen from day
to day, carrying on their breasts and on their foreheads the badges
of heathenism, and know the cruel bondage, in which they are held,
there would, I think, be no more need of missionary sermons and
missionary agents to unlock the coffers ofthe rich. The country
would be all in motion. Some would give their thousands, and
multitudes their dollars and cents, till the treasury of the Lord
should be filled. If the object could not be effected in any other
way, some would live on bread and water, and others would sell
their houses and lands, to furnish the means of enlightening the
heathen, — of making known to them the only Redeemer of sin
ners." The following extracts from letters addressed also to his brother
breathe the same intense feeling on the subject of missions to the
heathen. From Batticotta, April 17, 1820, he writes: "How
long, O! how long will Christians continue to sleep over the mis
eries of a fallen world! I would give the Christian world all the
credit for all they feel, and for all they do, for the salvation of
sinners. But I do think that the majority of the Christian world
are still asleep, or, at most, but half awake. Even New England
Christians are only beginning to awake. O! for another Mills —
for another Buchanan — for another Harriet!" From the same
place, February 23, 1821, he says, "The principal trial, that I
now experience on account of my sickness, is inability to do the
proper work of a missionary.. And this is a great trial, both by
day and by night. No other subject ever engrossed my feelings
like that of preaching Christ to the heathen. To the accomplish
ment of this object I have endeavored to direct all my plans, and
all my actions. For this I left almost all, that was dear to jne in
life, and came to this land of pagan darkness to publish the Sa
vior's love to stupid idolaters. And now, when the miseries of
the heathen are full in my view, it is my great trial not to be able
to preach to them."
After several years of protracted suffering, he expired at
Tillipally in Ceylon, August 3, 1822. " He died rejoicing, in the
hope of a glorious immortality." He was buried in the afternoon
ofthe next day, (which was the Lord's day,) and converted heathen
carried him to his grave.

17
' ' His sound judgment, meekness, disinterestedness, faithfulness,
love to his Savior, to his fellow missionaries, to the heathen, —
his piety towards God, and universal benevolence to men;- — ren*^
dered him a truly valuable laborer inthe vineyard ofthe Lord."
He may justly be considered as one of the first martyrs from this
country in the high and holy cause of missions to the heathen.
A monument, bearing the following inscription in English and
in Tamul, was placed over his grave by his bereaved widow.
In memory of
The Rev. James Richards, A. Mi
American Missionary,
who died August 3, 1822^
Aged 38 years.
One ofthe first projectors of American Missions,
He gave himself first to Christ, and then to the heathen,
A physician both to soul and body,
He was
In health, laborious,
In sickness, patient,
In death, triumphant.
He is not, for God took him.

Tamul Inscription translated.
In memory of
"The Rev. James Richards, A. M.
American Missionary,
who died August 3, 1822,
Aged 38 years.
Reader,
He came to this country to tell you that, excepting
through Christ Jesus, there is no way to
escape Hell, and obtain Heaven.
Believing in this Savior,
He died, rejoicing in hope of eternal happiness.
Let all, -who read this, prepare for death also.
The English inscription was written by the Reverend M. Winslow,
that in Tamul, by the Reverend H. Woodward.
2. Cyrus Joy, son fo Jacob Joy, was graduated at Williams
College in 1811. He studied law and practiced at Northampton,

18
and afterwards in this place. He relinquished the practice several
years since, and now resides in Philadelphia.
3. William Allen Hallock, son ofthe Reverend Moses Hallock,
¦wasborn June 2, 1794, and grad-uated at Williams College in 1819.
He studied divinity at Andover, and while there, was chosen agent,
and afterwards assistant secretary to the American Tract Society,
at that time located at Andover. He assisted in the formation
of the American Tract Society at New York in 1825, and was
chosen the first corresponding secretary and general agent, in
which offices he still continues, much to the satisfaction of the soci
ety and the public.
This society has stereotyped nearly 700 publications, including
about 20 standard evangelical volumes, has printed 35,000,000
copies, and' has remitted upwards of 30,000 dollars to aid in the
circulation of tracts in heathen lands.
4. Gerard Hallock, son of the Reverend Moses Hallock, was
born March 18, 1800, and graduated at Williams College in 1.819.
He was engaged for a while in instructing youth, particularly as
preceptor of Amherst Academy. He afterwards commenced a
religious and miscellaneous paper in Boston, entitled the Boston
Telegraph. After being published for one year, a union was
formed between this paper and the Boston Recorder, and Mr.
Hallock continued in the editorship of the united paper till the
middle of 1826, when he transferred his interest in the establish
ment to the Reverend Asa Rand. He then removed to New York,
where he became one of the editors and proprietors of the New
York Observer, which paper he continued till Januury, 1829,
He is now joint editor and proprietor ofthe New York Journal of
Commerce, one of the largest newspaper establishments in the
United States.
5, James Hayward, son of captain James Hayward, was gradu
ated at Harvard University in 1819, In 1820 he was appointed
tutor in the department of mathematics and natural philosophy; and
in 1826, was made college professor iu the same department.
This office he resigned in 1827, being appointed a member of the
Board of Internal Improvement for the state of Massachusetts, and
engineer to that Board. In 1829 he published at Cambridge
Elements of Geometry upon the Inductive Method.
6. William Richards, son to deacon James Richards, born

19
August 22, 1793, was graduated at Williams College in 1819. He
studied divinity at Andover Theological Seminary, and was ordained
as a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for
Foreign Missions at New Haven, September 12, 1822. He
sailed with his wife from New Haven for the Sandwich Islands,
November 19, the same year, where he arrived in April, 1823.
His labors here appear to have been very acceptable and useful.
" He resides in the village of Lahaina, (in the island of Maui,)
one of the most delightful spots in the Sandwich Islands He has
a benutiful house built of coral by the natives, two stories highj
plastered and whitewashed within and without, with a piazza and
handsome yard in front. He has a fertile garden spot, in which
every thing wished for may be raised with suitable care," " He
preaches in a new coral meeting house to an audience of about
2,500. This house, which was built by the natives with very little
expense to the mission, has a gallery, bellfry and bell, is plastered
and whitewashed within and without, with a floor of hewn coral
covered with mats." " It is the most substantial and noble structure
in Polynesia." "There are," says a writer inthe Nantucket Inquir
er, "about sixty church members, (exclusive ofthe missionary fami
lies,)" later accounts say 195-in all, " many of them n^itive chiefs. A
Temperance Society has been formed, which consists of about
forty members. There is not a shop for the sale of ardent spirits
on the island, and, indeed, the traffic is rigidly prohibited.
" Of the necessaries and conveniences of life there is a very
bountiful supply, together with many of the luxuries used in this
country, including an ample stock of dry goods and other mer-
chandize, — and, in short, all the indications of civilized life. The
people are kind and hospitable, the climate mild, and the soil
fertile, — all presenting numerous inducements to a residence there.
This island is considered the most productive ofthe whole group."
It must be extremely gratifying to the friends of the Redeemer
to learn that the missionaries have translated and published the
New Testament in the language of these islands.
7. Tilly Brown Hayward, son of captain James Hayward, was
born April 2, 1797, and graduated at Harvard University in 1820.
Since this time he has been employed in the instruction of youth.
8. Austin Richards son of deacon James Richards, and born
February 9, 1800, was educated at Amherst College. He be-

so
longed to the class of 1824, and, after the institution was incorpo
rated, received the degree of bachelor of arts. He studied divinity
at Andover, and was ordained as minister of Francestown, New
Hampshire, November 7, 1827.
9. Erastus Dickinson, son of Ebenezer Dickinson, was born
April 1, 1807, and graduated at Amherst College in 1832. He is
now a member of Auburn Theological Seminary.
POPULATION.
The number of inhabitants from the settlement of the town to the
census of 1790 can not be accurately ascertained. In that year
there were 458 ; in 1800,797; in 1810, 977; in 1820, 936; in
1830, 983. This slow increase is owing to no unusual cause,
except the great number of emigrations.
The number of ratable polls is 220, The number of voters, ac
cording to a list made out by the selectmen in March, 1834, is 207.
BILL OF MORTALITY.
The church records furnish by far the most complete list of
deaths; those ofthe district and town being considered too imper
fect in this respect to be of much value. Unfortunately, in the
church records, the ages are not given till 1802. The following
table exhibits the most complete list, that I have been able to obtain,
of the deaths from 1785, inclusive, to the present time, with fhe
name and age of the oldest person, who died in each year from
1 802. Such of our inhabitants as died abroad are not reckoned in
this list.

1785,

2

1794,

18

1786,

2

1795,
2
1787,
8
1796,
11
1788,
6
1797,
8
1789,
2
1798,
0
1790,
3
1799,
10
1791,
6
1800,
13
1792,
7
1801,
18
1793,
3
1802,
9
Widow
Macintire,
83.
1803,
30
John Cl
arr.
94.
21
Jacob Gloyd, 71.
Deacon John Packard's wife, 60.
Widow Whiton, 86.
Deacon John Packard, 71.
JVIoses Curtis, 86.
Jacob Hawes, 68.
Widow Snow, 81.
Seth Ford's wife, 86.
Jacob Joy, 77.
Deacon Joseph Beals, 61.
Ebenezer Beals, 83.
Jepthah Pool's wife, 60.
Widow Hannah Colson, 96.
Caleb Beals, 60.
Widow Hannah Smith, 75.
Widow Shaw, 81.
John Joy's wife, 39.
Benjamin Pool, 56.
Widow Daniels, 76.
Joseph Pool, 84.
Samuel Whitman, 93.
Deacon Gideon Shaw, 80,
Levi Stetson, 80.
Caleb Joy, 76.
Ammon White, 82.
Noah Packard's wife, 75,
Benjamin Carr's wife, 82.
Widow Abigail Vining, 71.
Jacob Clarke, 77.
Gideon Hammond, 90,
In the years 1794 and 1803 the scarlet fever prevailed; in 1806,
the typhus fever. It is remarkable that, in the year 1798, there
was no death; also, from Augu^5, 1827, to March 17, If 28.,
more than seven months, no persCn died. No instance of suicide
or murder ever occurred in this town.
The following deaths seem worthy of particular notice. Jan-
nary 9, 1804, Lucinda Packard of this town, but resident in
Cummington, was found dead in her bed. May 19, 1804, James
Thayer was drowned at Cummington, aged 21. " June 22, 1812,

1804,

15

1805,

11

1806,

15

11807,

14

1808,

18

1809,

8

1810,

15

1811,

11

1812,

12

1813,

17

1814,

16

1815,

13

1816,

11

1817,

12

18J8,

14

1819,

14

1820,

7

1821,

12

1822,

10

1823,

13

1824,

15

1825,

13

1826,

16

1827,

8

1828,

9

1829,

13

1830,

17

1831,

13

1832,

7

1833,

9

22
Levi Stetson, junior, was killed almost instantly by the fall of a
tree ao-ed 35." August 11, the same year, "the wife of Gideon
Hammond died in her chair at work, instantly, as is supposed;
probably of the dropsy. Her husband awoke from a short nap
after dinner, and found her sitting at her quillwheel, dead. Her
age was 51." October 22, 1817, a son of Judson Stetson died
from a bean in the windpipe, aged 5, May 4, 1820, Daniel Brown
was killed instantly by a milllog rolling over him. May 10, 1828,
the wife of Benjamin Towne, aged 39, was found, after much
search, dead in the woods at Hawley, having wandered from home
several days before, in a state of derangement, October 28,
1831, Clarissa Stetson, aged 8, died in consequence of her clothes'
taking fire, July 11, 1833, Samuel Swift, residing in this place,
was killed instantly, at Cummington, by the fall of a tree, aged
about 60. March 8, 1834, Charles Bela Dyer, 2 years old, died
in consequence of a piece of apple in the windpipe.
" Man is like a vapor ;
His life is like a shadow, that passeth away." — Davip.
CIVIL HISTORY.
It does not appear that the Indians ever resided on these moun
tains, though, doubtless, their hunting parties occasionally traversed
them in pursuit of game. The only antiquity belonging to the
natives ofthe forest, that has been found here within my knowledge,
is an arrowhead; and this is unfortunately lost.
Cummington, including Plainfield, was sold by the General
Court to colonel John Cummings of Concord, June 2, 1762, The
first meeting ofthe proprietors was held at Concord, December
21, the same year. The first meeting held at Cummington was on
the third Wednesday of June, 1771,
The first person, who resided within the present limits ef the
town, was a Scotchman by the rftme of Macintire, who, wifh his
iamily, began a settlement here in March, 1770, In the true spirit
of Scotch hospitality, they used to prepare a haggess at each of
their daughters' wed(}ing feasts.
Many ofthe early settlers came from Bridgewater and Abington,
Captain Joseph Joy is the first male inhabitant now living. Widow
Ruth Cook, now in her jiinety-fifth year, is the earliest settler

23
living, and the oldest person in tbwn. Her son, John Cook, who
was born October 27, 1778, is, so far as is known, the first person
born in the town. ^
One ofthe first settlers, lately deceased, informe^^^that deer
were very common here about 50 years since, and that he had seen
tracks made by them in the snow similar to the paths made by our
cattle in going to drink., and that a large number of them made
their head quarters on Deer Hill in Cummington, but were entirely
extirpated by the hunters of those days. He also said that one
Wfis caught by some hunters at a time when the snow in the woods
would not bear him up, and, one ofthe party taking a fancy to ride
him, he was tied on by the feet, and a bridle being put into the'
animal's mouth, he galloped off with his rider in full speed On
coming, however, to a cleared spot, the crust was so hard as to
bear up both the deer and his rider, so that, owing to the intracta
ble disposition ofhis beast, and the rapidity and eccentricity ofhis
movements, his airing was not the most agreeable. Wolves and
bears were also not uncommon in these early times.
It is believed that in the revolutionary struggle this town iurnished
its full proportion of men ahd means, as the present number of
pensioners seems to show.
Cummington including Plainfield was incorporated as a town
June 23, 1779. The first town meeting was held December 20,
the same year. Plainfield was incorporated ss a district of Cum
mington, March 16, 1785. The first district meeting was notified
and warned by Isaac Joy, pursuant to a warrant from Nahum
Eager, esquire, of Worthington. This meeting was holden in the
house of Simon Burroughs on Monday, July 25, 17S8^ Ebenezer
Colson acted as moderator, and the following were the principal '
officers chosen; Joshua Shaw, district ' clerk ; Ebenezer Colson,
John Packard and John Cunningham, selectmen; Joshua Shaw,
district treasurer; Isaac Joy and John Packard, tythingmen; John
Streeter, deerreve. A deerreve was also chosen the next year.
In the insurrection under Shays in 1786, several of the inhabi
tants took a part. They were, however, soon convinced that they
were in the wrong, and took the oath of allegiance.
March 22, 1790. " Voted to raise twenty pounds for schooling
the ens.uing year." April 5, 1790. " Voted to build school houses
in each district for schooling."

24
February 4, 1794, Joseph Clarke and Jonathan Beals with their
families, together with all the lands lying north of a strait line from
the south-east corner of Plainfield to the south-west corner of
Ashfield w»p, set off from the town of Ashfield, and annexed to the
district of Plainfield. June 21, 1803, one mile ofthe southerly
part of Hawley was set off to the district of Plainfield.
May, 15, 1806, it was " voted unanimously to petition the Gen
eral Court to set off the district of Plainfield from Cummington,
and incorporate it into a town." This was accordingly done, June
15, 1807.
It appears that this town has always been opposed to a division
ofthe county. In 1805, this opposition was expressed by a unan
imous and very full vote; and in 1811, a similar vote passed
unanimously. The division, however, could not be prevented;
and, soon after this, to borrow the forcible language of president
Dwight, a native'of Northampton, "This noble county, after exist
ing as a fin« Doric column of industry, good order, morals, learn
ing and religion in Massachusetts for more than a century, was by
an unwise legislature broken into three parts. Of its ruins
were formed the three counties, of Franklin on the north,
Hampshire in the middle, and Hampden on the south; each of
them extending through the original breadth of the county of
Hampshire. One political purpose, intended to be answered by
this disruption, was to destroy the firm order and sound principles
ofthe inhabitants. How far the plan will succeed, time alone can
discover. From analogy it may be concluded, or, at least, ration
ally feared, that the inhabitants will lose some part of their elevation
of characfer.^Little counties almost of course have little officers,
and little concerns; and the existence of these is but too common
ly followed by a contraction of vie\vs, a diminution of measures, a
destruction of influence and a deterioration of character. "
A postoffice was established here in 1816.
Representatives.
Previous to the incorporation of Plainfield as a town in 1807,
the representatives were chosen by the inhabitants of Cumming
ton and Plainfield in join) meeting. When no date is given, the
town was not represented.

25
1786, William Ward of Cumnalngtoii,
1787, William Ward.
1788, William Ward,
1790, William Ward,
1791, William Ward,
1793, James Richardsj
1796, William Ward,
1797, William Ward,
J 798, James Richards,
1800, Ebenezer SneU of Cummington ,
1801, James Richards,
1802, Ebenezer SneU,
1803, James Richards,
1804, Ebenezer SneU,
1805, James Richards,
1806, Peter Bryant of Cummington,
Adam Packard of Cummington,
1808, John Cunningham,
1809, John Cunningham,
1810, John Cunningham,
1811, James Richards,
1812, James Richards,
1813, John Hamlin,
1814, John Hamlin,
1815, John Hamlin,
1816, James Richardd,
1819, Cyrus Joy,
1821, Elijah AVarner,
1823, John Hamlin,
1826, John Hamlin,
1827, Elijah Warner,
1828, John Mack,
1829, John Mack,
1830, John Mack,
1831, Erastus Bates,
1832, Erastus Bates,
1833, Erastus Bates,
1334, Erastui Bates. 4

26
Delegate to a Convention from the Counties of Hampshire, Frank
lin and Hampden at Northampton, Jul'y 14 and 15, 1812,
Nehemiah Joy,
Delegate to the Convention for ' revising the Constitution, Novem
ber, 1820.
James Richards. Justices ofthe Peace.
Appointed,
June 8, 1802, James Richards, commission expired January 28,
1830;
May 23, 1812, Ebenezer Colson, removed to Hamilton, New
York, May, 1816;
June 18, 1819, Cyrus Joy, removed toNew York, 1824;
February 19, 1827, Iram Packard, removed to Ohio, September,
1832;
February 26, 1828, Elijah Warner;
March 11, 1830, John Mack, died February 15, 1833, aged 54;
March 23, lb'33, Erastus Bates, removed to Ohio, May, 1S34;
February 7, 1&34, Leavitt Hallock.
.Attornies.
Several attornies have practiced here, each for a short time;
but no one has met with sufficient encouragement to make it his
permanent residence. Ph^ysicians.
Solomon Bond, Barney Torrey, Jacob Porter and Samuel Shaw
have successively practiced physic in this place. The last named
is a felbw ofthe Massachusetts Medical Society.
JUiUtia.
There are two companies of militia; an artillery company with
two br.iss field pieces, andaconipaiiy of infantry. Their discipline
is thought to be fully equal to that of the neighboring towns.

$96,00

27
Revolutionary Pensioners.
Lemuel Aliis,
Joseph Barnard, 96 qq
Ebenezer Bisbee, 20,00
John Campbell, died April 26, 1833, aged 80, 23,33
Vinson Curtis, 80,C0
Ebenezer Dickinson, 30,00
James Dyer, 100,00
Joseph Gloyd, 20,00
Reverend Moses Hallock, 23,33
Jacob Nash, 100,00
PhUip Packard, 96,00
Whitcomb Pratt, 80,00,
James Richards, 25, 6&
Josiah Shaw, 80,00
Samuel Streeter, 96, CO
Josiah Torrey, 106,66
Caleb White, , 32,33
The Poor.
The poor have, in some instances, been struck off at auction to
the lowest bidder. At other times, perhaps more generally, they
have been committed to the care of the overseers of the poor, to
be provided for according to their best discretion. The cost of
supporting them has never been great. At present, only one
person is assisted by the town, at an expense of 72 cents a week,==:.
37 dollars, 44 cents a year. Taxes for 1834.
Minister's salary, $400,00
For the support of schools, ' 350,00
For the support of the poor and other neces
sary charges, 300,00
For the repair of highways, 600,00

28
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
Congregational Societ'y.
Previous to the incorporation of Plainfield as a district, the
inhabitants attended divine service at Cummington, and formed
part ofthe ministerial charge ofthe Reverend James Briggs, who
was ordained there July 7, 1779, It appears that, on leaving his
ministry, measures were almost immediately taken to set up pub
lic -svorship among themselves; for, on the eleventh of August,
1785, the following vote was passed: " Voted to raise fourteen
pounds to hire preaching the present year," Similar votes occur
frequently in the early records,
A church of fourteen members was organized here August 31,
1788, The following confession of faith and church covenant
were adopted, and have ever since continued in force,
''Confession of Faith,
"Article 1, W^e believe there is one only living and true God,
in three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; and
that in the beginning God created the heavens and fhe earth.
"2. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testa
ment are the word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.
"3. We believe that man was created in the image of God,
holy and upright; and that God entered into a covenant of life
with him upon condition of perfect obedience, particularly forbid
ding him to eat ofthe tree of knowledge of good and evil upon pain
of death.
" 4. We believe that our first parents sinned by eating of the
forbidden fruit, and, as Adam was a public head and representa
tive, he, by his disobedience, exposed himself and all his posterity
to the wrath of God and everlasting death.
" 5. We believe that God of his. mere grace and good pleasure,
has determined to save some ofthe lost children of men; and that
those, whom he has thus chosen, he wiU, in his own time, effectu
ally call and finally save.
" 6. We believe that the holy scriptures reveal the only method
God has proposed for their salvation, end that, in order to execute

29
the purposes of hit grace therein, he has appointed his Son Jesus
Christ to be the only mediator and Savior of sinners, whom ho
sent into the world in our nature, "that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have eternal life;" and that, through his
perfect righteousness and atonement, all, who believe, and no
others, are justified and saved.
"7, We believe that no man in a natural state has a disposition
to come to Christ, or power to do any thing, by which he can merit
salvation; and that they, who do come, are made willing by the
saving influence of God'sv spirit, working in them to will and do of
his own good pleasure,
"8, We believe that, at the last day, Christ will raise the dead
and judge the world in righteousness, and will receive the righteous
to everlasting life, and condemn the wicked to everlasting punish
ment." " Church Covenant.
"We publicly declare our serious belief ofthe Christian relig
ion contained in the sacred scriptures ofthe Old and New Testa
ment, and as is, in general, exhibited in the Assembly's Shorter
Catechism; and, in humble reliance on the aid of divine grace,
we heartily resolve to conform ourselves to the rules of Christ's
holy religion as long as we live.
" We therefore give. ourselves to God, to walk with him in a
a Fife of holy obedience, acknowledging our obligations to glorify
him in all the duties ofthe Christian life, in sobriety and godliness,
relying on Christ, our Savior, for eternal salvation. Particularly,
we desire and engage, in reliance on divine grace, to walk together
as a church of Christ in the faith and order ofthe gospel, accord
ing to all the ordinances of it; conscienciously attending the public
worship of God, the saci;ainents ofthe New Testament, gospel dis
cipline, and all Christ's holy institutions; communing with and
watching over one anothe.r according to the rules ofthe gospel;
" studying the things, that make for peace, and things whereby
one may edify another."
" We further engage religiously to instruct our offspring in the
doctrines ofthe Christian religion, and carefuUy to " bring them
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;" in all relying' on

30
divine grace, and praying that God would " make us perfect in
every good work, to do his wUl, working in us that, which is well
pleasing in his sight."
On the fourteenth of May, 1787, the district -voted unanimously
to give Mr. James Thomson a call to settle with them in the go.'pel
ministry, (the church having previously passed a similar vote,) and
to give him a yearly salary of sixty pounds in specific articles.
This invitation was declined.
August 16, 1787, a committee was appointed "to measure and
find the center of Plainfield, and likewise to agree upon a place,
which they shaU think most proper for erecting a meeting house."
May 23, 1791, a spot of ground was agreed on for building a
meeting house; and October 27, it was voted to build the meeting
house, and that it should be 55 feet and a half by 42 feet and a
half. November 23, a committee consisting of Caleb White,
captain John Cunningham, captain James Richards, Andrew Cook
and John Hamlin was appointed " to procure materials and carry
on the building of said meeting house in such a manner as shall be
most advantageous to the district, according to their best discre
tion." April 23, 1792, " Voted that the owners of pews in the meeting
house procure rum to raise said building." The meeting house
was raised soon after; but, owing to the limited resources of'the
district at that time, it was not completed till 1797. It was then
dedicated on the fifteenth of June; two sermons being preached on
the occasion; one by the Reverend Aaron Bascom of Chester, the
other by the Reverend John Leland of Partridgefield, now Peru.
The meeting house contained 44 pews below and 19 in the gallery.
To this number two were afterwards added above, and two below.
One pew was reserved for the use ofthe minister.
March 8, 1791, the church " voted tq^vj! Mr, Moses HaUock
a call to settle with them in the work o^S^el ministry," March
14, the district passed the same vote unanimously, also " voted
that the following offers should be made to Mr, Hallock for his
settlement and maintenance; to wit, ninety pounds for his settle
ment; and forty-five pounds a year for the two first years, then to
increase five pounds a year untd it amounts to sixty pounds, there
to remain," To this invitation the candidate gave his answer in
the negative, on account of infirm health.

31
March 8, 1792, the church "voted to renew the call to the said
Hallock." In this vote the district concurred, March 12, and
made him the same offers for his settlement and salary as before;
" his settlement and salary to be paid, one quarter in cash, and
the other three quarters in farm produce at cash price."
His answer being in the affirmative, he was ordained July 11.
The sermon was preached by the Reverend Samuel Whitman of
Goshen, from this text in Ezekiel: "And they shall teach my
people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause
them to discern between the unclean and the clean." This dis
course, probably in an enlarged form, was published at Northampton,
under the title of " Two Sermons, the Substance of which was
preached at the Ordination of the Rev. Moses Hallock, to the
Pastoral Care ofthe Church in Plainfield, July 11, 1792." Of
this pamphlet, which is now very scarce, there is a copy in the
Antiquarian Hall at Worcester, and another in the library of the
writer. It is believed that this is the only sermon or address of
any kind delivered in Plainfield, that has ever been committed to
the press.
The Reverend Moses Hallock was born on Long Island, Feb
ruary 16, 1760. Before devoting himself to study, he spent some
time in the revolutionary army. He received his education at
Yale College, where he was graduated in 1788. His studies jn
divinity were pursued under the instruction ofthe Reverend Sam
uel Whitman of Goshen, where his parents resided. His labors,
during the long period of his ministry, have been acceptable and
useful in a remarkable degree. In the discharge ofhis duty,
"He tried each art, reproved each dull delay.
Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way." — Goldsmith.
A mutual interchange of good offices between him and the mem
bers of his society has long since closely knit the ties of affection.
There have been several \ery interesting revivals of religion
during his ministry. " It pleased God graciously to pour out his
holy spirit upon the people of this place in the year 1790. Its
first appearance was on the fifteenth of August ; and, in consequence
of this glorious work, 17 joined the church in one day." "Tow
ards the close ofthe year 1797, it pleased God once more to visit
this place with a remarkable effusion of his holy spirit. The
awakening was, more or less, in almost every part ofthe town, and.

S2
in some parts, very powerful. And, in consequence of this mar
velous work of divine grace, 31 persons joined the church thc
following year, the most of whom trust they were born of God in
this awakening," " July 1, 1798, 24 persons adorned the alley at
one time, and appeared to rejoice at an opportunity to Confess the
Lord Jesus,"
In 1800 an excellent beU was procured, partly at the expense of
the district, and partly by subscription. It was cast at New Haven
by Fenton and Cochran, and weighs about 650 pounds. A belifry
with a steeple, to which is attached a lightning rod, was erected at
the same time.
Inthe early part ofthe year 1808, there was a great revival
of religion, and 34 were admitted to the church on the first of May,
and 26 on the third of July.
In 1813, and for some time afterwards, the Unitarian controversy
produced considerable excitement; and, in 1816, one brother was
suspended from the church, and afterwards excommunicated for
publicly dissenting from the creed, and expressing his disbelief of
the doctrine of the trinity and the supreme deity of Jesus Christ.
A Sunday school, consisting of 109 scholars, was established
here in May, 1819. This has ever since been continued with
great and increasing usefulness.
In 1822, two stoves for warming the meeting house were pro
cured, and placed near the pulpit.
In 1823 an elegant London copy of Gurney's Family Bible,
published in lS16,*and embellished with a series of engravings from
paintings by the first artists, was presented for the pulpit by James
Hayward, tutor in Harvard CoUege. The practice of pubUciy
reading the scriptures on the Lord's day had been introduced some
years before.
January 5, 1823, 10 persons were admitted into the church; No
vember 4, 1827, 29 persons were admitted.
June 3, 1829, the Reverend John H, Russ was ordained here
as an evangelist by the Mountain Association; sermon by the
Reverend 'William A, Hawley of Hinsdale.
August 23, 1830, the church chose a committee to superintend
the monthly distribution of tracts. This distribution has been
attended to since, though not with all the regularity, that could b«
wished.

S3
In the spring of 1829, the venerable minister of the society, after
having discharged the duties of his office with uncommon fidelity
for nearly 37 years, made the following communication to his be
loved people, " To the Inhabitants ofthe Town of Plainfield.
" ]\Iy brethren and friends, the time approaches when I shall
no longer be your minister. This awfully responsible, though
pleasant work must soon be committed to the hands of some other
man, I have entered my seventieth year, " and know not the day
of my death," When a parent is about to die, he endeavors to set
his house in order, that it may be well with his family after his
decease. With equal ardor I desire that you, as a religious com
munity, may have a good minister of Jesus Christ when my lips
shall be unable to keep knowledge. Before I die, I wish to see
my pulpit occupied by such a minister: And may he be far more
useful to old and young than his predecessor, and as much
respected, "As soon as you are ready to settle another minister, which will
probably be in a year or two, I will consent, the church and con
gregation requesting it, that the ordaining council should dismiss
me on the day of ordination.
"It is not uncommon, in cases like this, that the town make
some provision for the support ofthe worn out pastor. If you should
please, by legal vote, to commit to my disposal as my own property
the pew, which my family occupy, or some other as valuable, and
also to exempt me and the little property I may possess from all
kinds of taxation during my life, it will be thankfully accepted.
Moses Halloce.
March 2, 1829."
To this communication a committee, appointed for the p.ur-
pose, made the following report:
" To the Inhabitants ofthe Town of Plainfield.
" FeUow citizens, your committee can not but regard the subject
committed to them for consideration as of immense moment, as a
subject specially involving both the temporal and eternal interests
ofthe present and succeeding generations ofthe inhabitants of this

34
town. Perhaps there is no subject, upon which a town is called
to act, that is more calculated to test the stability, or the peace
and union ofthe society, or which is attended with more important
results than the dismissing and settling of a minister. Our
reverend pastor, in his communication, apprises the people of this
town that such an important and trying season among us is not far
distant. " " The time approaches," says he, " when I shall no longer
be your minister. This awfully responsible, though pleasant work
must soon be committed to the hands of some other man."
" As we are called upon to reply to our minister's proposals,
and to act as the first moving committee on the part of the town
in advising with reference to future proceedings towards accom
plishing the great object we have in view, we cannot but be sensi
ble that an important trust is reposed in us, which requires on our
part much caution and deliberation. We hope we shall all be able
to treat the subject with that candor, which it demands, and also
advise to such measures as will issue in happy results,
" In the first place, we would express our most cordial approba«-
tion ofthe course, which our aged pastor has taken to make known
his desires to his people, and effect the object he has in view, .
" We do regard this communication as a timely and well advised
effort on the part of JMr. Hallock to promote the future well-
beino- ofhis people, and to perpetuate that union and harmony,
for which we, as a religious community, have been so long distin
guished, IMore conciliatory and liberal propositions he could not
have made. He hereby evinces that he seeks not ours but ua;
that he still retains an affectionate regard for the dear people, over
which the holy spirit hath so long made him overseer. And his
solicitude for us extends beyond the time when he shaU have
ceased to be our minister, or shaU have closed his eyes in death.
To use his own similitude: "When a parent is about to die, he en
deavors to set his house in order, that it may be weU with his
faraily after his decease. With equal ardor I desire that you, as a
religious community, may have a good minister of Jesus Christ
whe°n my lips shaU be unable to keep knowledge," When we
reflect that more than half his days have been spent in our service,
and take into consideration the mutual confidence and affection,
that have so long subsisted between him and his people, the appa-

85
rent success, which has attended his ministry, the harmony and
good feeling, which have prevailed in church and society, the
several revivals of religion and frequent instances of conversion,
which have been witnessed, together with the gradual advance of
the church in numbers, and we hope also in piety ; we say, when
these and other considerations as fruits of his faithfulness urge
themselves upon us, the thought of dissolving our connection with
him as our pastor is a painful reflection. But, as it is certain,
according to the common course of nature, that he must soon be
come unable, either by the infirmities of age or the arrest of death,
to officiate in ministerial duties, we, therefore, concur with his
proposals, and think it expedient to have another minister settled
before his decease, as we shall probably succeed better, and more
tb the satisfaction of all parties, now than when deprived ofthe
counsel and cooperation of our present minister,
" Concerning the time when we shall settle another minister,
Mr, Hallock himself has given intimations in his communication.
Should we become united in a candidate, perhaps some period
within the limits ofthe time, which he proposed, which was a year
or two, would suit the wishes and convenience of the people as
well as any other,
" In order to avail ourselves of the best and most favorable
opportunity of securing a candidate, who will be most likely to
answer oiir desires and comply with our terms, we think it proper
for us to put ourselves in readiness so to do. We therefore advise
that, according to common custom, there be a committee chosen,
of equal numbers from the church and society, to act in concert,
whose duty it shall be to look out and engage a Fuitable person,
against the season of trial, as a candidate for our future minister,
" W^hether Mr. Hallock shall be dismissed on the day of ordi
nation, as he intimated, or continue as our senior pastor, we do not
advise, but submit for future consideration, particularly wishing,
however, that the feelings and desires of the two ministers, the
present pastor and his successor, may be consulted and complied
with. "As to the pecuniary proposals, which he has made, we consider
them as liberal in the extreme, " In cases like this," as he says,
" it is not uncommon that the town make some provision for the
support ofthe worn out pastor," This they generally do, either by

36
continuing a part ofhis salary during his life, or by making him a
generous donation at the time ofhis dismission. But Mr. Hallock
asks so such provision of us: Indeed, he claims nothing, but barely
says, "If you should please, by legal vote, to commit to my disposal
as my own property the pew, which my family occupy, or some
other as valuable, and also to exempt me and the little property I
may possess from all kinds of taxation during my life, it wiU be
thankfully accepted,"
" To the granting of these favors and more than these, should it
be necessary to his or his family's comfort, we are confident
there cannot be a dissenting voice in town,
James Richards,
Robert Beals,
Erastus Bates,
Joshua Reed, ^ Committee.
John Packard,
John Mack,
Josiah Shaw, junior,
Plainfield, AprU 6, 1829,"
This year the meeting house was painted anew; the outside
white, and the inside, except the pews, of abeautiful cream color.
The pulpit was rebuilt by subscription in the modern style; cur
tains of bombazet were furnished for the window, and the pulpit
dressed with damask fringed with rich and elegant drapery, all of
red, by John JMack, esquire. The house now makes a handsome
appearance; indeed, it is believed that few churches, erected forty
years since, discover so good a taste, or are, in all respects, so
convenient. July 2, 1830, the foUowing resolution was adopted by the church,
"that the practice of dressing in mourning for the loss of friends
is needless."
March 1, 1830, the town voted to raise one hundred dollars to
hire a candidate. After hearing one candidate, who, on account
of infirm health, was not invited to settle, the Reverend David
Kimball preached here on probation; and, on the twenty-fifth of
October, the town voted, by a majority of 79 to 9, to invite him to
settle with thera in the work ofthe ministry, with a salary of 400
dollars ayear. The church passed a similar vote, November 1,
and " a call was forwarded to Mr. Kimball, and an answer received,
signifying his acceptance,"

87
March 1, 1831, a councU, ofwhich the Reverend Jonathan L,
Pomeroy of Worthington acted as moderator, was convened, and
voted to proceed to installation the next day. The installation
took place accordingly: The hundred and thirty-second psalm was
read, and the introductory prayer offered by the Reverend Henry
B, Holmes of Goshen; sermon, by the Reverend Thomas Shep-
hard of Ashfield, from this text in Exodus, " Behold, the children
of Israel have not hearkened to me; how then shall Pharaoh hear
me,'" installation prayer, by the Reverend Jonathan Grout of
Hawley; charge to the pastor, by the senior pastor; right hand of
fellowship, by the Reverend Roswell Hawks of Cummington; charge
to the people, by the Reverend Jonathan L, Pomeroy; concluding
prayer, by the Reverend Benjamin F, Clarke of Buckland.
The Reverend David Kimball was born at Hopkinton, New
Hampshire, March 18, 1791, and educated at Yale CoUege, the
usual honors of which he received in 1818 and 1821. He studied
divinity at Andover, and was ordained over the societies in Mar-
tinsburg and Lowville, New York, June 29, 1822, and dismissed
at his own request, October 17, 1830.
November 6, 1831, 21 persons were admitted (o the church, a
protracted meeting having been held some time before.
The pre.sent number of communicants it is difficult to ascertain,
as the members are not always careful to remove their relations
with their residence. It is supposed to be nearly 200,
Deacons.
Chosen,
November 15, 1792, John Packard, died September 28, 1807,
aged 71;
November 15, 1792, James Richards;
AprU 29, 1803, Joseph Beals, died July 20, 1813, aged 61;
Septeraber 23, 1813, Robert Beals;
June 27, 1828, Erastus Bates, removed to Ohio, May, 1834,
Baptist Societ^y.
A Baptist society was formed in the eastern part of the town,
February 25, 1833, the first meeting being called by Asa Thayer
under a warrant from Nehemiah Richards, esquire, of Cummington,

38

The church was organized June 18, 1833, by an ecclesiastical
councU, Elder David Wright of Cummington acting as moderator,
" Articles of Faith and Practice.
" Article 1, We beHeve tbat the scrijjtures ofthe Old and New
Testaments were written by inspiration of God, ¦ and are the only
rule of faith and practice,
" 2, We believe that there is but one only living and true God,
revealed in the scriptures as the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit, who are the same in essence, power and glory; and that he
exercises a particular providence over all beings and things,
" 3, We believe that the first Adam was created perfect, but, by
his disobedience to the law ofhis Creator, himself and all his pos
terity became sinners, and possess a depraved nature, disinclined
to doing good, and prone to choose and delight in evil; whence the
absolute necessity of regeneration, which can be effected only by
almighty power.
"4, We believe that God from eternity purposed the salvation
of sinners by the incarnation, obedience, sufferings, death, resur
rection, ascension and intercession ofhis beloved Son, who, in the
fulness of tirae, really assuraed human nature; and so being truly
God and truly man, yet one. Christ, the only Mediator between
God and man, by the sacrifice of himself made suitable atonement
for sin, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have eternal life,"
" 5, We believe that the Holy Spirit applies the benefits of
Christ's atoneraent, by convincing us of our sin and misery, re
newing our wiUs, revealing the glory and abUity of Christ to save,
and persuading and enabling us to erabrace Christ as he is freely
offered in the gospel, who of God is made unto us wisdom and
righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
" 6. We believe that aU, who are chosen by the Father, and
redeemed by the Son, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, will cer
tainly and finally persevere in faith, obedience and holiness by
grace unto eternal life.
"7 We beUeve that there wiU be a resurrection of the dead,
both the just and unjust, and that ChriH wiU come a second time
to judge the world in righteousness, whenhe wiU punish the wicked

39
with everlasting destruction, and introduce the saints into his king
dom of glory to be forever with him,
" 8. We believe that the first day ofthe week is the Lord's day
or Christian sabbath, and that it is our duty to assemble on that day
for the worship of God in the various exercises of Christian devotion,
" 9, We believe that a visible church of Christ is a number of
believers, who have covenanted to maintain together the worship,
doctrine, institutions and duties ofthe gospel of Christ.
" 10. We believe that baptism and the Lord's supper are the
special ordinances of Christ's church, to be continued until his
second coming; and that those only are to be admitted to the
communion of the church, and to participate in all its privileges,
who, upon the profession of their faith, have been baptized in the
name ofthe Father, and ofthe Son, and ofthe Holy Spirit.
''11, We believe that a church of Christ is an independent
body, having full power to receive, discipline, dismiss and expel its
own members, to elect and dismiss its own officers, and to manage
its own concerns according to the scriptures, and that councils and
associations have only advisory powers,
" 12, We believe that the only permanent officers ofthe church
are elders or pastors and deacons; that the pastor is to preach the
word, to administer baptism and the Lord's supper, to oversee the
church, and to preside in discipline; and that he is to Tie highly
esteemed in love for his work's sake, and liberally and voluntarily
supplied with carnal things according to fhe respective ability of
the members; — and that the deacons are to oversee and manage
the temporals of the church, " Church Covenant.
" Having been baptized, upon the profession of our faith, in the
name ofthe Father, and ofthe Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we
do now, in the presence ofthe heart searching God, and in the
presence of these witnesses, voluntarily devote ourselves to God
according to the gospel of his Son, and to this church as members
of it, receiving its articles of faith and practice as agreeable to the
word of God, and promising to adhere to them in sentiment and
practice, and to submit to the discipline ofthe church, so long as
we continue satisfied that they are scriptural.

40

" We likewise engage to attend public worship statedly with this
church, so far as may be consistent with duty, and endeavor to
bring up our families in the nurture and adraonition of fhe Lord-
and also to attend church meetings and conferences, and aU other
appointments of the church, whenever it is practicable.
" Moreover, we esteem it our duty to walk in wisdom towards
them, that are without, and to cultivate brotherly love among our
selves;— to watch over, exbdrt, sympathize with and pray for each
other;— to bear with one another's faUings and infirmities, and,
when the case requires, to warn, rebuke and admonish one another^
according to the goSpel.
"Andmay fhe God of iiU grace enable us always to keep in
mind our present engagements, so long as we are continued in this
church; and may he still add unto it of such as shaU be saved.
" " Now unto him, that is able to keep us fiom falling, and to
present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding
joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, do
minion and power, both now and ever. Amen." "
The number of church members is 22, The meetings of the
society are commonly held in the brick schoolhouse.
Deacons.
Chosen,
August, 1833, Asa Thayer;
August, 1833, Jeremiah Stockwell, junior,
NOTICE OF THE MOUNTAIN MILLER, AN AUTHENTIC
NARRATIVE, BY WILLIAM A, HALLOCK.
Deacon Joseph Beals, who will be known, through the future
ages of the church, as the Mountain MiUer, was a native of
Bridgewater in this state, and removed with his faraily to this
place in 1779. Here, in 1789, a year of great scarcity, he met
with a severe affiiction, the loss of his house and nearly all his
provisions by fire. Previous to this, he had been depending on his
external morality for salvation, considering a change of heart as
unnecessary. He now found, however, that he could not truly sub
mit to the will of God, and betook himself to the seeking of his
salvation in earnest. After a season of distressing anxiety, the

41
Savior was pleased to reveal himself to his soul as the chief among
ten thousand, and altogether lovely, and " he suddenly broke forth
in new strains of devotion, penitence and praise for redeeming
love." From this time he consecrated himself to the service of
his Savior, and became distinguished for his meekness and humility,
his life of prayer, his exemplary deportment at all tiraes, and in all
places, particularly in the house of God, his abiding sense of the
uncertainty of life and the retributions of eternity, his preciousness
to the awakened sinner, his care for the spiritual welfare of his
family, and of all, with whom the providence of God brought him
in contact, his perseverance in doing good, and his uniform and
consistent piety. "His conversation would never tire, and it
seemed that he was never tired of religious conversation."
He died after a short sickness, July 20, 1813. "His body,"
says the writer ofthe tract, " was interred in the graveyard, near
his accustomed place of v/orship, where a plain and neat marble
slab, bearing his name, age and the date of his death, is erected as
the only memorial of the JMountain Miller. A notice of his death
was inserted in the county newspaper, with this expressive and
appropriate remaik; " His presence animated the Christian, and
awed the sinner;" which would have been his whole recorded story,
had not some special indications of providence convinced the writer
of this narrative of his duty to communicate it for the benefit, he
trusts, of thousands,"
The pious traveler v/ill hereafter delight to visit the place con
secrated by the residence ofthe Mountain Miller, to drink at the
spring by the road side, bursting from the rocks, and shaded by
the two beautiful sugar maples, where he so often drank in passing
between his house and mill, and, above all, to linger at the grave of
this devoted servant of the Most High, From this spot flowers
have already been culled, and sent to different parts of this country
and of Europe,
This tract, which now takes its place by the side of the Dairy
man's Daughter and the Shepherd of Salisbury Plain, was first
published by the American Tract Society in 1831, Within one
year 140,000 copies were printed, and the whole impression
amounted to 168,000, In 1833 the tract was carefully revised, and
stereotyped anew, and another edition of 168,000 copies was struck
off. 6

42
In the Seventh and Eighth Reports ofthe society the following
instances are given of its usefulness.
" It was presented to a family in humble circumstances in Con
necticut. The wife read it, and, while perusing the last page,
became deeply affected with her lost andTuined state as a sinner.
Her convictions were pungent and distressing; and, in two or three
days., she was rejoicing in hope. This so affected her husband, that
he too became alarmed, and soon found peace in Christ. They
sent for the minister of the place, and communicated to him the
grateful news of what God had done for their souls. They had
rarely attended public worship; — the husband had kept a tippling
shop, which is now closed, and the business relinquished entirely."
" A distributer in New Jersey called on an aged man, who had
never read a tract, and said he did not need nor wish to read one.
He was induced, however, to accept the Mountain Miller, He
was not only interested in reading it, but his mind became seriously
alarmed. He saw that his morality, in which he trusted, could not
save him, and that he needed a better righteousness than his own,
and he now trusts that he has found mercy with God through
him, who was crucified,"
In the American Tract Magazine for February, 1834, is the fol
lowing testimony from Mr, Morley of Union CoUege, " In one
family," says he, " I left the Mountain Miller, Four weeks after,
I called again, and it had been read by twenty famUies, and was
stiU circulating. As soon as one family had read it, another was
anxious to receive it. It was recently read at a prayer meeting,
and the whole audience were affected to tears. In a number of
families where it was read, it had a similar effect. It has been the
instrument of arousing many professors, and awakening a number
ofthe careless from their long slumbers in sin."
The same society has also published the tract in the German
language. It has also been reprinted by the ReUgious Tract Soci
ety of London; and in France it has been translated and published
in the language ofthe country by the ReUgious Tract Society of
Paris, The author received 50 doUars for writing this tract ; (presented
to the American Tract Society, to be given as a prize for the best
narrative tract,) This sum he generously devoted for the purpose of
perpetuating the tract.

43
BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
Plainfield Tract Society. This society, which was formed sev
eral years since, lately became auxiliary to the American Tract
Society at New York.
Foreign Missionary Association of Plainfield, subsidiary to the
Foreign Missionary Society of Northampton and the Neighboring
Towns, formed in 1824.
Bible Association of Plainfield, auxiliary to the Hampshire Bible
Society, formed in 1826. In the grand effort for supplying the
United States with Bibles, a few years since,this society paid more
than a hundred dollars^
Temperance Association of Plainfield, auxiliary to the Hamp
shire County Temperance Society. This flourishing society was
formed June 27, 1828, and now consists of about 600 members,
none being admitted under 12 years of age. The inhabitants have
great reason to felicitate theraselves on the progress of the temper-
perance cause among them. Though this was never considered an
intemperate place, when compared with its sister towns, yet, a few
years since, there were six licensed houses, and, at the principal
store, there were sold 12 hogsheads of ardent spirits in a year.
Now there are but two licensed houses; and, at the same store,
there is sold about a barrel in the sarae period of time. The num
ber of intemperate persons is greatly diminished; and there is an
improvement in the manners and morals of the people, which is
truly gratifying.
Home Missionary Association of Plainfield, auxUiary to the
Hampshire Missionary Society, formed in 1831.
Female Benevolent Society, formed May 14, 1833.
Maternal Association of Plainfield, formed May 2, 1834.
There are resident in this place two directors for Ufe, and one
life member ofthe American Bible Society, two Ufe members of
the Araerican Horae Missionary Society, a member for life of the
the American Society for Meliorating the Condition of the Jews,
and a life director and eight life members of the American Tract
Society at New York. FIRES.
Joseph Beals's house was burnt, February, 1789.
Aboutthe beginning ofthe year 1819, the houae of Benjamin

44
Gardner, junior, and Warren Gardner was consumed by fire,
AprU 22, 1824, Ira Hamlin's house, including a hat manufactory,
was burnt,
February, 1825, the cloth manufactory, belonging to Arnold and
Nahum Streeter, was consumed by fire,
December 13, 1833, the house of StaUham Rice was burnt with
all its contents, the family being absent.
Four schoolhouses have been destroyed by fire, fhe lust on the
third of December, 1833, Two of these were in the north-east dis
trict. There have also been burnt four mechanics' shops and a
- small distillery.
The necessities of those, who have suffered by fire, have been
liberally supplied, and their losses, in a good degree, compensated
by the kindness ofthe people. Very few ofthe inhabitants have
availed theraselves of the benefits of the insurance oflice, five
buildings only being insured.
The houses are generally of wood; in a kw instances of brick,
with underpinning and window caps and siUs of West Stockbridge
marble, INCIDENTS.
Not long after the erecting ofthe bellfry, as some fellows were
playing around the meeting house, one of them, having a plentiful
scarcity of wit, threw up a stone, which struck the cock, which is
placed as a vane on the summit ofthe spire, and bent his tailfeath-
ers. His comrades told him that he would be put to death, unless
he went up and straitened them. In this dilemma, he climbed up
by the lightning rod as far as the bell, where he rested a while, and
then ascended to the vane, and, after effecting his purpose, re
turned without meeting with any accident.
In June, 1829, as captain Levi Cook was engaged in shoeing a
yoke ofo.xen, one ofthe animals being fastened by a chain to a
staple, in attempting to extricate himself, pulled out the staple, and,
in doing this, threw the chain around the legs ofthe unfortunate
man, the hook hitching into one ofthe linhs; and, in this situation,
he was drawn with great velocity about half a mile. The ox was
then stopped by a boy, and the unhappy man extricated himself from.
his truly perUous situation. His body was severely mangled; but,
after a tedious confinement, he recovered.

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

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