AN HISTOI^IGAIi I^EVIBW.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST
AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS.
NOVBMBBr^ Z, 1889.
AMHERST, MASS.:
PRESS OF THE AMHERST RECORD.
1890.
GONH^ENIPS.
Page.
Preface, 5
Historical Address l)y Kev. G. S. Dickermau, 9
Presentation of Portraits by Jolm II. WaslilnuMi
and tlieir Acceptance by Uev. I). W. Marsh, D. D.. 34
Address. The First and Second Pastors, by Eev. Chas. H. Williams. 36
Address. The Relation of the Chnrch to the Educational Institutions
of Amherst, by Prof. Wm. S. Tyler, D. D., LL.D-, 43
Address. Representative Men of the Parish, Church Buildings and
Finances, by W. A. Dickinson. 50
Address. The Material Progress of Amherst, by Henry F. Hills, (37
Reminiscences of Former Pastors :
Paper by Rev. Aaron M. Colton, 71
Paper by Rev. E. S. Dwight, D. D., 78
Letter by Rev. Henry L. Hubbell, D. D., 83
Address by Rev. Jonathan L. Jenkins, D. P., 86
Letter by Rev. F. F. Emerson, 88
Address by Rev. E. P. Blodgett, 91
Correspondence, 94
Hymn, by Dr. V. W. Leach, 99
Old Documents, 100
Appendix to Historical Address :
A. Ancestry and Families of the Founders, 103
B. Petition against Building Two Meeting Houses, 112
C. Origin of the Second Chnrch and Parish. 117
Statistical Tables, 122
ILLUSTI^AiriONS.
Page.
'' Church and Manse, Frontispiece
^ Portrait of Dr. Parsons. 34
Portrait of Mrs. Parsons, 36
Second Meetinu' House and Old Parsons House, 53
Third Meeting House, 57
PI^EPAGE.
At a meeting of the Parish connected with the First Church of
Amherst, February 11, 18., Rev. Chas. /I. Williams.
7. Hymn 820. " Let Saints below in concert sing."
8. Historical Address, - - Rev. G. «S'. Dickerman.
9. Hymn 329. " Coronation."
10. The First and Second Pastors, Rev. Chas. H. Williams.
11. Hymn 10()0. " O God, beueatli thy guiding hand."
Benediction.
Collation.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, 1-30 O'CLOCK.
1. Organ Prelude.
2. Te Deum.
3. Prayer. Rev. J. L. Jeiildns, D. D.
4. Response.
5. The Relations of the Church to the Educational Institu-
tions OF Amherst, Prof. Wm. S. Tyler, D. i)., LL. D.
(I. Hymn. Composed by Dr. \'. W. Leacli.
7
7. Representative Men of the Parish, Church Buildings and
Finance, ... Wm. A. Dickinson, Esq.
8. Reminiscences,
Rev. Aaron M. Cohon, Rev. E. S. Dioight, D. D.
9. The Mateuial Progress of Amherst, Mr. Henry F. Hills.
10. Hymn TAT. "Oh, where ure kuigs and empires now."
Benediction.
THURSDAY EVENING;, 7 O'CLOCK.
1. Organ Prelude.
2. Anthem.
3. Address, Rev. J. L. Jenkins, D. D.
4. Reading of Lkitkus from Rev. F. F. Emerson and Others.
5. Address, Rev. E. P. Blodgett.
6. Prayer, Rev. Chas. S. Nash.
7. Hymn 1014. " Clirist is coming ! Let creation "
Benediction.
The following- is from an account of the Anniversaiy in the Hamp-
shire Gazette of November 12, 1881) :
" The day was bright and sunn}', an ideal Indian summer day, and
the occasion brought together a large number from the four villages
of Amherst, and from Hadley and other towns around. In the
audience were seen many aged people, some of Avhom could cover with
their memory half the space of time under review.
At the close of the historical address a pleasant surprise occurred,
Mr. John H. Washburn of New York, a son of Rev. Royal Washburn
a former pastor, and a descendant, through his mother, of the first
and second pastors, was introduced, and in graceful words presented
to the church the framed portraits of his grandfather and grand-
mother Rev. Dr. David Parsons and wife. Rev. Dr. Marsh of
Amherst accepted the portraits on behalf of the church.
At noon by the blowing of the self-same conch-shell that used to
summon the people to church, the assembly was called to dinner,
prepared by the ladies in the hall below. The Divine Blessing was
invoked by Rev. Dr. J. ]VI. Greene of Low^ell. After which more
than three hundred people were sumptuously feasted with good things.
At the evening exercises a crowded audience assembled, the cahn,
moonlight evening being favorable for both driving and walking.
After the opening anthem, finely sung by the choir, Rev. Dr. Jenkins,
pastor of the church from '(36 to '76, spoke in his usual bright and
interesting manner, giving recollections of his pastorate, closing with
a panegyric on the church, the church of New P'.ngland, as being the
conservator of all that is best and noblest in the state — a field of
action for the best talent and executive abilit}" of all.
Letters of regret were read from many who were invited to be
present, among them J. H. Sweetser of New York, Mrs. Electa S.
Boltwood of Kansas, Rev. Dr. G. L. Walker of Hartford, Rev. O.
R. Kingsbur}^, Dr. J. C. Oreenough and Mrs. Greeuough of Westtield,
Dr. E. S. Dwight was unable to be present, but sent an excellent
letter, which was read by Rev. Charles 8. Nash. Rev. Eorrest F.
P^merson of Newport, pastor from '80 to '83, expected until the last
moment to be present, but pastoral duties that he did not feel at
liberty to put aside, prevented his coming. His paper was read by
Rev. Dr. Marsh.
Quite a collection of old and modern portraits and photographs of
pastors and prominent men and women of the church and town, were
displayed in the lecture room of the church. Some interesting relics
were also shown, such as ancient books, manuscript sermons of the
older pastors, musical instruments used in the choir fifty years ago,
the manacles used to confine the famous Stephen Ijurroughs, etc.
Among the portraits were those of Rev. Daniel Clark, Dea. P^leazer
Gaylord and wife, Pres. Hitchcock, Edward Dickinson, Leonard
Hills, Dea. Ayres, 8. C. Carter, Aaron Belden. There were excellent
photographs of Rev. H. Kingsbury, Rev. Dr. IIubl)ell, Dea. Sweet-
ser and wife, Dr. (iridle}'. Dr. Smith, Miss P^sther Cutler and others.
A word of ju-aise ought to be spoken in regard to the music interspers-
ed throughout the exercises. Much time and thought had been spent
upon the preparation of suitable pieces, and the clioir and their leader
Mrs. Sanderson, won well-deserved laurels in their execution, espec-
ially in theT'e Deum^ the Dona Nobis, and the time-honored " Strike
the Cymbal." A quartette from the Agricultural College rendered the
chant " Remember now tliy Creator" in a most accui'ate and very
impi'essive manner. The oni' hundi'cd and lifticth anniversary is over
and now the church takes its strong and steadfast march along
towards its two hundredth vear."
HISriTOI^IGALi ADDI^ESS.
By G. S. DTCKERMAN, Pastor.
Occasions similar to this on which we meet are growing familiar.
A trait of our times is love of the retrospect with endeavor to repro-
duce the life of a former period.
The past interests us as showing the fotmtam head of streams that
are flowing in the present ; and often we are led to wonder at the
depth and majesty of these streams as we trace them back to a quiet,
secluded spring.
We are interested, too, in the life of the past. It is so unlike that
of the present, not only in outward circumstances, but in many essen-
tial features, in modes of thinking, in ideas of dut}^ in the sentiment
and practice which prevailed. This gives a peculiar zest to studies
which might otht^rwise seem dull and covers them with an air almost
of romance.
But such a review is more than entertaining : it can teach us much.
There are lessons here to make us wise and strong, to raise our cour-
age and kindle our ardor. For how can we call to mind the deeds of
those who have gone before us and be uumoved? How can we reflect
on their high purpose, their fidelity to conviction, their steadfast
endurance in the way they believed to be right, with the far-reaching
results that have ensued, and not be made truer and better for the
work we have to perform?
In our old record book the first entry is, " Nov'"" 1735, 1 Began my
Ministry' at Hadiey." Then immediately below we read " Nov'"^ 7.
1731), David Parsons Jun. was ordained Pastor of the Chh of Christ
in Iladley 3*^ Precinct, which was gathered on that Day & consisted
of the Persons hereafter mentioned : "
2
10
David Parsous, Pastoi- John Cowls
Nath^' Kellogg Aaron Smith
John Ingram Ebeuezer Kellogg
Sam"' Hawle}' Jonathan Smith
Eleazer Mattuu Nath"^ Smith
John Nash Joseph Clar}'
Pelatiah Smith Jonathan Cowls &
P^benezer Dickinson Kichard Chauncey."'
Here are the names of sixteen men. The youngest of these was
the pastor whose age was twenty-seven and who was as yet unmarried.
The other fifteen were all householders and fathers of children, their
ages ranging from thirty-fonr to seventy-eight.
The method of founding a church through a band of chosen men
had prevailed from the beginning of the New England settlements.
In earlier times the number had been fixed at seven and tliese Avere
named pillars in allusion to the text of Provei'bs, " Wisdom hath
builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars." So the
churches at New Haven, Northampton and Westfield were organized
and probably most of those belonging to that period, though in many
cases no record is left of the event. But the usage with respect to
number was gradually modified to suit the exigency, and in the orga-
nization of this church the founders seem to have included all the men,
with a single exception, who intended to become members.
Having started in this manner, the next step was to receive into
tlie body such other Christians as might be ready to join them. This
was done on the first of January following, when twentj'-eight persons
" were added by recommendation from other churches."
One of these was David Smith, a man somewhat younger than any
of the founders but the pastor, and perhaps unmarried though, he
seems to have taken his wife not far from this tinu". These reasons
may account for his not being among the founders.
Besides him were twenty-seven women, the mothers, wives and
sisters of the men I have named. Among tliem were three recently
bereaved widows whose names remind us of Zechariali Field, Samuel
Boltwood anil John Ingram Jr., who had come with their f:imilies to
the settlement and had raUen tluis early bi'fori' the exposures incident
to life in a new country.
Zechariah Field had V)e('n a h'adiug man and among tlu> foremost
in the movement for a new precinct and tlie I'stablislanent of a church.
His nanu^ headed tile second petition to the (Jeneral Court lor this
11
object, and wiu'ii thv petition was granted, the first meeting of the
precinct was held at his house. Samuel BoltAvood had also been prom-
inent iu the movement and was one of the earliest officers of the
precinct, while j^ouug John Ingram was so related to a mrmber of
the families that his death, like that of the other two, must have
caused universal mourning.
The elder John Ingram was the patriarch of the settlement, his age
being seventy-eight, and, besides his son, he had four daughters who
were wives of founders and themselves members of the church. His
own wife was the sister of Ebenezer Dickinson, and the widow of
his son was a daughter of Samuel Boltwood.
Another who was advanced iu life was Nathaniel Kellogg, tlien in
his seventieth year. His wife was the sister of Samuel and Solomon
Boltwood. One of his sons had married Elizabeth Ingram and a
daughter was the wife of Ebenezer Dickinson.
Of the children of Zechariah Field two were married to Samuel and
Joseph Hawley, another to Moses AVarner, and his son John to a
daughter of Samuel Boltwood.
In this way all the families of the settlement were closely interre-
lated.*
In the list of Christian women there are six whose husbands were
not in the church. Part of these afterwards had the joy of seeing
their husbands take the covenant and enter into '■'full conununion."
The whole number of families represented in the church by either
husband or wife was twenty-four. There were several others in the
settlement besides these — in all about thirty families.
A remarkably full record of these old families is to be found in
Judd's Histor}^ of Hadle}'^ to which I am greatly indebted for the
statements I here present.
I have intimated that the church was composed of adult members.
There were only three or four besides the pastor who were unmarried,
and only two of these who could be called, according to our way
of speaking, young people. These two were Elizabeth Smith and
Ruth Boltwood, maidens of seventeen. But let no one suppose that
there was a lack of the youthful element in this community or in the
congregations that gathered here for worship. I find the number of
sons and daughters in this group of families to have been over
one hundred and ninety, or an average of six to each household. I do
not mean by this that there were so many at the time the church was
organized, or at any t)ne time. Some died early, some were born at
*Appendix A.
12
a later date, while a uuinbei- were grown to maturity. But U'aviug
out these, a tine company remains of children and youth, not less
than eighty or ninety as I count them, of all sizes from the babe in
his cradle to youth and maidens whose lives were opening into man-
hood and womanhood. And these, we ma}^ be sure, played no small
part in this neAV enterprise. Then as now parents were intent on the
welfare of their children, and their first thought was of their religious
training.
It is contained in the records that four days after the church was
started, the pastor l)aptized .Jonathan, the son of Jonathan and Sarah
Cowls, and that in less than a month later, he baptized three more
children presented by their parents. There is not a little meaning in
this, and as you read on down the long list of five hundred and eighty-
three baptisms, nearly all of children, in that one pastorate, and then
continue with the still longer list of the second pastorate, the meaning
becomes more impressive with every added name. During this
eighty years ministry of father and son there were baptized upwards
of fourteen hundred persons (1447), of whom not less than thirteen
hundred were children upon whom their parents sought the blessings
of the Abrahamic covenant.
This speaks volumes for the family life of the place. The family
filled the people's minds. And the life of each home was the stronger
and deeper for the whole community's being so much like a single
family, so bound together in ties of kinship.
There were no foreigners here then, and there were few Avho hail
not been all their life in this particular society. We can hardly
comprehend this at the present day, when our conununities are full
of strangers from various parts of the world : especially is it hard to
understand of a frontier settlement gathered in the woods.
But let us go back a step. Ask whence these thirty families
came. We find they were from old Hadley village and from Ilattield,
and there they belonged to a society Avliose kinships and common
interests were the same as we have seen here, only on a larger scale.
Hadley and Hatfield were almost like one conmumity, and they had
kept on their way together from the time of their connnon origin
eighty years before.
They had been planted as follows. The colony of Hartford, which
Thomas Hooker had founded with the company he led through the
wilderness from Dorchester, was in discord. Their great leader
had died, and tlie church to whicii he had ministered was rent
13
into two factions lieatU'd on tlie ont^ side by tlie " tv:iciiiuut give your attention to this circle a little further. 1 have
named six families as belonging to it. These are only the beginning.
It included others like Dea. Simeon Clark — who himself and his Avife
were relatives of the vStrongs and of Mr. Parsons, — ;ipp:irciillv nlso
24
the Boltwoods and the greater part of the old siib.stnntial families of
the early settlers who lived near the center. These would naturally
have come into close association as near neighbors. Thus we can see
that there were the materials here for society" of a high order.
But there was a })eiil also. People become jealous of social
distinctions. And somehow the people remote from the center of this
precinct seem to have become jealous of those in the village. In the
winter of 1772, a little more than thirty years after the church was
organized, we find " the ends of the town" combined in a struggle
against the center, and this struggle was continued with great bitter-
ness for years.
The meeting-house was now too small to accommodate the growing
eonnnunity, and it seemed necessary to provide more room. To meet
this exigency it was proposed to build two new meeting-houses, both
remote from the center ; and a vote to this effect was carried by a
large majority. Wrongful measures, however, had been taken to
secure this result, and the injustice was so palpable that tlie Legis-
lature interfered and put a stop to the proceedings.*
Immediately after this came the War of the Revolution. And here
the town was divided again. We find, too, that the division, in great
measure, kept along the ohl lin(>. Tliis is not altogether surprising.
It was natural, perhaps, that cultivated, thoughtful men, who had
always made much of the sacredness of law and the duty of loyal
citizenship, should hesitate to join such an uprising, — the more because
Amherst was so far from any seaport and not likely to have suffered
from the oppressions of the times as many other places had done.
And perha[)s it was natui^l, too, for those who had tried to make a
revolution in town aft'airs to enter with keen zest into this larger
revolution. We can understand, also, that the annnosities and
antagonisms of the local strife might easily have gone into this new
Held and Ix'come deeper and fiercer for the vaster interests at stake.
As it was, the men who had been foremost in the scheme to divide
the village, ))ecame foremost in zeal for the colonial cause, and as
they had carriecl a majority of the people in the fornu'r couti'st, they
now swept everything before them.
The old leaders were thus brought into disrepute, were retired from
public otiices and treated with no little obhupiy. Doubtless they gave
provocation enough for this treatment: and we cannot but rejoice
that the spii'it of loyally to i\merica trinniplied so completely liere in
Amherst ovei- tliat of loyalty to the king.
*AppenfUx B.
25
Bui there is a pathos in the incidents of these times which we may
■well heed. Remembering how these were aged men with silvered hair :
that they were the fathers of the place, to w'hich they had come in its
earlj'^ days and given it their best thought and warmest interest ; that
they were high-minded men too, scrupulous of the right, steadfast to
their convictions and living in the fear of (4od, — remembering them
thus, can we repress a feeling of regret that clouds so heavy should
have gathered over them at the end ?
The first pastor, Rev. David Parsons, died .Inn. 1, 1781, at the age
of sixty-eight. We cannot but question whether the turmoil and
troubles of these later years may not possibly have hastened this
event. He had been with the people in this place more than forty-five
years and had seen the church and community grow from small
beginnings to strength and influence. These, as they have continued
for more than a centur}', are the best witnesses to his Avorth and power.
We have, however, another testimony in the '• Memoirs " of one of
his people. Dr. Coleman. In the journal iniblished with these " Me-
moirs " the tenderest references are continually made to Mr. Parsons.
In one place Mr. Coleman expresses regret that in going to college
he must lose his preaching ; in another he gives a sketch of a sermon
and tells of the spiritual exaltation he felt in listening to it ; in another
of a singing school at the pastor's house " which was turned into the
most solemn religious meeting he had ever seen " ; in still another of
the wise and sympathetic counsels he received in a visit to his pastor
when under a cloud of despondency ; and finally he speaks of his
death in these w-ords. " Jan. 2, 1781. Our respected, godly minister,
Mr. Parsons, was removed into the world of spirits, to receive the
rewards of his indefatigable labors. This providence filled my mind
with anxious solicitude for my family, the church, and the people of
his charge." " Jan. 4. Paid our last respects to the remains
of our never to be forgotten pastor. The pi'ovidence gave me lasting-
impressions of solemnity and engagedness in i)rayer." Here are
intimations of the quality of the man and of his personal power over
the people to whom he ministered for so long a period.
During the year following ^Ir. Parsons' death the war ended and
peace was restored. The soldiers came back from their canqjaigns
and the interests of the home and connminity rose again into promi-
nence.
Foremost of all questions was that of a new minister. Attention
turned to the son of the old minister, David Parsons the third, now
4
26
kuowu as I)i'. David Parsons. He had been graduated at Harvard
ten years Ijefore and had jjreaehed in Roxlmry and other places.
Calls had come to him to settle, but he had declined them and was
disposed to follow a business life. vSoon after liis father's death he
was asked to preach here, and fiually tlie people invited him to the
pastorate.
This action met with a strong and determined opposition. And
now again, the division kept near to the old line. Especially con-
spicuous in the opposition were certain of the returned soldiers and
many of those who had been foremost in the war j)arty. The number
engaged in it was large, too, not falling very much below that of the
party in favor of INIr. Parsons. Failing to prevent the call, this
body withdrew from the church and as "aggrieved" members called
an ex parte council for advice.*
Meanwhile the church had called a council to ordain Mr. Parsons.
Tliis had been assigned first to Oct. '.)th, but Avas afterward changed
to Oct. '2nd and came thus on the next day after the council of the
" aggrieved " met. So that council adjourned for its members to
attend the ordination and met again on Frichiy to prepare a result and
dissolve.
This I'esult seems not to have l)een satisfactory, for anotlier counn, while in this they were Southampton, Montague, Whately,
Hatlield and Westliampton. This council took action looking toward
a reconciliation of the two parties and ailjourned to meet Nov. 1 1th :
and finally, at the adjourned meeting, advised the aggrieved party,
'•' if their proposal of uniting in the choice of a mutual council was not
complied witli in foui' weeks to proceed to organize and settle a min-
ister."
Our records ^liow that the cliin'ch sought a mutual council and took
the necessary steps for calling one — even pressing it on the aggrieved
party with great persistence. But the council was not called, and
still the aggrieved did *•' proct'ed to organize."
This was the origin of the Second Church. The schism may well
remind us of that in the Hartford Church which issued in tlu' found-
ing of lladley. A similar strife had also arisen in connection with
the separation of the Ilatliehl church from that of lladley. and othei's
*Appenrtix (.'.
27
nut altogetlier unlike these have oeeiUTed in tliis region in Uiter times.
Perhaps this unyielding-, — is it too strong to say contentious? — dis-
position may have been more closely related than we think to that
great love of personal liberty and that indomitable persistence in fol-
lowing their religious convictions which characterized the founders of
New England from the time they left the mother countrj^ and long
before that. But in our retrospect we cannot but question whether
these fathers might not have done their work even better than they
did, if they had pondered more deeply these words of .lesus, ''• Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
The pastorate of Dr. Parsons continued till Sept. 1st, l.sil), a period
of nearly thirty-seven j^nu's. He was then dismissed at his own
request. He died May 18th, bS-io.
Proofs are abundant that he was a man of remarkable abilities and
highly gifted with those social qualities that make warm and con-
stant friendships. The church greatly prospered under his care and
increased in membership, notwithstanding the embarrassuients with
which he began his work. Anew meeting-house was built in 1788
on the ground where the old one had stood and the people seem to
have been harmonious among themselves and united in their esteem
for the pastor.
We are to have a sketch of Dr. Parsons and of his father from a
grandson who worthily represents the family to-day in the Christian
ministry, and 1 leave to him the fuller account of their lives.
An event of no little importance during the latter part of this period
was the coming of Noah Wel)Ster and his family in 1812 to make
their home here. This is a proof of the attractiveness of Amherst at
that time to people of culture ; and this family in their coming
brought reinforcements to all the better life of the community. I
have no need to dwell upon the intellectual gifts of one whose name
is a household word wherever the English language is spoken. But
it would be a faulty sketch of the church's history if I should say
nothing of his home as a center of religious life. Dr. Webster, his wife
and three daughters, at their coming united with the cluiich by letter
from New Haven. Afterward two other daughters and a son united by
confession of faith. The family thus gave their intiuence to the cause
of Christ. And this intiuence was positive. These young ladies were
active, as I have been told, especially in the revivals of their time,
taking pains to seek their young friends and guide them into the new
life. By reason of their intellectual and S(»cial gifts thev wei'e h'ad-
28
ers of society and this letulersliip was beuutifully given to tlie service
of Christ. Individuals now living speak in terras of grateful affec-
tion concerning the interest thus manifested in their personal welfare
and testify to the salutary |)ower they exerted in the village. Prob-
ably this household was a considerable factor in giving to Amherst
the religious earnestness for which it was conspicuous at the time of
the estal)lishment of the college. The AVebsters remained here ten
years, until 1822, when they returned to New Haven. A part of the
work of these years is in the great Dictionary, but there is another
part whose record is above.
The third pastor was Rev. Daniel A. Clark, who had been previ-
ously settled at Weymouth, Mass. and at Southbury, Conn. He was
installed Jan. 26th, ls20, and was dismissed Aug. 5, 1824.
During his time the movement which had long been preparing for
the establishment of a college came to its culmination and the college
was founded. In this enterprise our church bore a conspicuous and
honorable part. Indeed it hardly seems an overstatement to say that
the First Church was the mother of Amherst College. Dr. Parsons
in his day had been reputed one of the most judicious instructors in
New England and his home had been a favorite place for the faculty
of Harvard College to send such students as needed to spend a time
in the country. Also under his supervision and generous patronage
the old Academy had been established. Thus a beginning had been
made for the greater institution now proposed. To that work pastor
and people alike gave their hearty zeal and united exertion, sparing
no pains to start the College on its prosperous way. Of this we shall
hear more fully from Prof. Tyler.
Mr. Clark was a preacher of great power. Three volumes of his
sermons were iniblished, had a wide circulation and were regarded as
among the ablest sermons of the times. In one of these volumes is
a biograi^hical sketch l>y Rev. Dr. C4eorge Shepard of Bangor, from
which I derive most of the information that I have concerning him.
His style was "bold, original, pungent, direct." " His sermons were
filled with thought, often original, always concisely and strikingly
expressed." " He eminently excelled in Riblical instruction." " While
in Amherst, he was in the maturity and full strength of his faculties ;
and it was here that he prepared and preached some of his abh'st
sermons." " Mr. Clark's person, voice, and entire mannei- were iu
perfect keeping with his style ; a large masculine fiame : a voice
harsh, strong, capable of great volume, though not very Hexibie : an
29
actiuu, for the most part, uugmceful, but siguilieiint and uatural ; a
couutenanoe bearing bold, strongly marked features at every opening
of wliieh the waked and working passions would look intensely out :
— altogether gave the idea of huge, gigantic power."
Again, Mr. Clark was an aggressive reformer. Oiu' of our old cit-
izens tells nie that he was especially earnest in the temi)erance reform
and made lumself unpopular by his constant agitation of the subject.
Those were the early dajj^s of the warfare against strong drink, and
it cost a man something to do what the poi)ular sentiment of a com-
munity now requires.
Mr. Clark remained iu Amherst a number of months after his dismis-
sion, then became pastor of the church in Bennington, Xt. ; whence
he went to the First Presbyterian Church in Troy, N. Y., and after
that to Adams, N. Y. He died, March 3, 1840, in Ncav York Cit}',
and his dust was laid to rest in the cenieterj' at New Haven, Conn.
His entries on our record book close with these words, " Here I drop
my pen. May God bless the people to whom I have ministered and
build them up for heaven and give them all, my friends and m^^ foes,
an inheritance among them that are sanctified."
Early iu Mr. Clark's ministry the church in South Amherst was
organized, Oct. 14, 1824, and four years later, at the beginning of
the next pastorate, the church in North Amherst, Nov. 15, 1826.
The occasion for these new churches seems to have been the growth
of the sections in which they were plante.d. Their members Avent
from the First Church and the Second alike, and both were weakened,
though i think not seriously, by the losses thus involved.
On the 5th of January, 184G, Rev. Royal Washburn was installed
as the fourth pastor, and continued in the office till his death, Jan. 1,
3" 1803. He was married iu 1847 to Harriet Parsons the daughter of
Rev. Dr. Parsons, who survived her husband manj'^ years and
became the wife of Hon. David Mack.
The name of Mr. Washburn is held in precious remembrance. All
the allusions ever made to him in my hearing have been full of affec-
tion and praise. He combined the gifts of a good preacher with those
of a good shepherd of the flock in a completeness that is unusual, and
his ministry, though laborious and hampered with disease, was happy
and fruitful. Prof Fiske in his ()l)ituary Address names as conspic-
uous traits of his character "unaffected -sunplicity and modesty,"
" foi'getfulness of self," " cautious and sound judgment," "affability
and cheerfulness," '• warm and generous benevolence," and to com-
30
plete the whole *•' harmony and consisteac}' of character." Very touch-
ing are the words Mr. Washburn uses in a farewell address to his
people, a little before his death. "Have you all felt, since you
have thought of obtaining another Pastor, that such gifts are from
the Lord Jesus? ' ^e gives some Pastors.' Christian friends, have
you prayed to Christ M'ith great earnestness, that he would send
you a Pastor? Listen to the last, and what you should regard as the
dying ivords of your Pastor. Lay aside all division and coldness, and
as a united church, loving one another, and loving the Redeemer, bow^
before him in humble confession and penitence, and pray with earnest
importunity that he would look graciously upon you and provide you
an under-Shepherd. My beloved flock, I feel unable to say much
more to you, but I cannot close without entreating you to live at
peace among 3'ourselves. Let no root of bitterness spring up — it
wounds the blessed Saviour, and destroys the peace and usefulness of
the church. And now brethren, farewell. The God of all comfort
be with you, through Jesus Christ. Amen."
In less than a year after Mr. Washburn's death the church extended
a call to the Rev. Matthew T. Adam, a native of Kilmarnock, Scot-
land, who had been educated at Glasgow and London. He was
installed Dec. 28, 1838, and was dismissed Dec. 10, 1.S34. His pre-
vious ministry had been under conditions very unlike those he found
in Amherst and he seems to have wanted the tact to adapt himself to
this New England people. For this reason chiefly his pastorate was
short. At his dismission the Council testified to his personal worth
as follows. " He has been unwearied in his labor's, faithful and con-
scientious in the discharge of his mhiisterial duties and above all sus-
picion as to high moral and Christian character."
After this the chuicli was without a pastor for over two years,
and then called the Rev. Josiah Lent, who had beiMi i)reviously
settled at Weymouth. He was installed April 1!), 1S37, and died in
otlice Nov. 1!), 183i). His ministry was short bul fruitful and he is
remembered as a faithful, consecrated man who did not spare liimsi'lf
for the Master or for tho i)eoi)le whom he served in the gospel. His
wife continued iier nicmbership here and her undiminished interest in
the welfare of this church, till recently she passed from a lifi' of pro-
tracted suffering to join him who had entered into rest before lier.
It is fifty years ago thi^ month that Mr. Bent died. With liim
closed the first century of tliis cluirch's history. A half century has
passed since. And in review of this, we find occasion for great joy
31
in tliat all the pastors during this period, with one exception, are still
livinii'. Some of them we welcome with glad hearts to-day, to this
their old field of seed-sowing and harvesting, and from others whom
we had hoped to see we receive greetings warm with the interest and
love of other years, which dull not with the lapse of time, noi- become
weakened with the creeping on of infirmities. Fathers and brethren,
Colton, Dwight, Hubbell, .Jenkins and Emerson, God bless them each
and every one. In this place a grateful people "esteem them very
highly in love for their works sake." And may it be long before
we shall have to say of any of them, "They rest from their labors
and their works do follow them."
lUit there is one recent pastor of whom even now we have to s[)eak
these words, Howard Kingsbur}'. How well I remember his form as
1 used to see him in the college choir at New Haven ! And how well
you, who loved him as your pastor, remember him I The man of
gentle mold, with fine, poetic spirit attuned like a harp to vibrate at
the lightest touch and make music as under the sweep of angel's
hands, — too soon as it w^ould seem to us, he went from earth "to join
the choir invisil)le," but not too soon for you to have found out his
worth and thanked God for so rare a treasure.
Concerning the story of the church during these last fifty years it
seems unnecessary and superfluous for me to speak. The period has
been full of life, of activities, of enterprise. But there are many here
that have had a share in these and can speak of them out of their own
experience. And when there are eye witnesses to testify, the man
who derives his knowledge from books and hearsay may well keep
silence. - This is especially true with reference to personal sketches.
Within the memory of those before me, many faithful men and women
of remarkable gifts and eminent distinction have been connected with
this church and borne a noble part in its life and work. Happily we
shall be permitted to leax'u of them from others whose personal
acquaintance will give the sketches an added excellence and vividness.
There is one conspicuous fact that I have passed over and to which
I Avould call youi' attention, that is, the great revivals. I have spoken
of the two at the beginning of the church's history. Follow on from that
time for seventy-five years and we come upon no other awakening to
compare with those. There were, indeed, seasons of religious interest,
and sometimes the accession of ten or fifteen persons to the church on a
single occasion. l>ut there was no movement to stir the community
as a whole. lUit during the last seventv-five years there have been
32
many of these great revivals. There was one, the first, under Dr.
Parsons' ministi'y in IHl,") ; others under Mr. Clark in 1.S20 and again
in 1828 ; others under Mr. Washburn in 1 time I would gladly pursue this topic further. J have
confined these liints and sketches to the first decade in the history of
*A printed copy of this Constitution, together with the record of its adoption and the
first meeting of the Board of Managers, may l)e seen in the package of /ieport.i ami /-(i/Krn
which Mr. S. C. Carter left "to the Treasurer for posterity," and which is now in tlie
Jiands of the present Superintendent, Mr. W. W. Hunt.
48
the College, and these might have been made fuller. 1 would have liked
especially to sketch the lives and characters of some of the prominent
men — such men as Dr. Parsons, Noah Webster, Samuel Fowler Dick-
inson, Hezekiah Wright Strong and Rufus (Graves, wHo, while the}'
were leaders in the church and parish, were preeniiuentl}^ the founders
of the College. But I have not time to write, nor 3'ou to hear, the
record of then- self-den3nng, self-sacrificing, patriotic, philanthropic
and Christian services. Besides, their biographies have alread}' been
written as part and parcel of the history of Amherst College and will
doubtless occup}' a prominent place in the discourses and addresses
of this centennial celebration.
As tlie college and the town have grown in numbers and resources
since the first decade, they have of necessity ceased to hold just the
same intimate and familiar relations. But they have never ceased to
be mutually friendly, helpful and useful. Not only have the good peo-
ple of Amherst furnished a site, a home and a hearty welcome to the
faculty and the students of all our educational institutions but they
have always been the foremost to contribute in one way and another
to the buildings, the funds and the pecuniary necessities of the Acad-
emy, of Amherst College and of the Massachusetts Agricultural Col-
lege. Witness the generous subscription to the building and the
books of the Library of Amherst College which, beginning as such
subscriptions usually have, in the First C'hurch and l^irish of Amherst,
extended to the other parishes of this and several neighboring towns,
gave the College not only a new lil)rarv building but a new epoch in
its general prosijerity, and at the sanu^ time secured to the ministers
of all these parishes the right to draw books from the Library free
and forever on the same conditions as the faculty and the students.
Witness also the liberal contribution to the founding of the Agricul-
tural College which the t(jwn raised by tax, and thus served itself
while at the same time it subserved the interests of the Commonwealth
and the cause of agricultural education. Nor can 1 refrain in this
connection from a more particular reference to Amherst Academy,
the eldest daughter of the church, of which Amherst College was an
offshoot, which received its dowei' partly indeed from the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts but chiefly from the cluuch and the good
people of Amherst — a fa\'orite daugiitei', of which tlie mother was
justly proud, for in her prime Amherst Academy occupied the fore-
most place among the Academies of the state, and in tiie year when I
was conue(^ted with it as a teacher, sent thirty students to College,
49
most of them to Amherst. Nor must I forget to speak of the High
School, the successor of the Academy, of which also Amherst may
well be proud ; uor of the Grammar and Commou Schools alt of which
she cherishes with a mother's self-denying, self-sacrificing love and
care, and therein most wisely and truly loves and cares for herself,
thus proving that "Self-love and social are the same." May the
relations of the Church and the Educational Institutions of Amherst
always be mutually pleasant and profitable, and may they never cease
to illustrate the saying that benevolence is twice blessed, richly bless-
ing the grateful receiver and blessing still more abundantly the cheer-
ful giver. Let the church and the town ever be the atmosphere — an
atmosphere of life and health and purity and peace, in which our
schools and C oUeges all live and move and have their being, and let
the schools and Colleges ever be the vital element in that atmosphere,
like the oxygen in the air we breathe, or like the sunshine which
imparts light and life to every person, place and thing that comes
within the sphere of its influence.
f^EPI^ESENTAiITIYE MEN OP IPHE PAI^ISH,
GHUr^GH buiijDings and PINANGES.
By W. a. niCKINSON.
I have been asked to say what I can in twenty minutes of Represen-
tative Men of the Parish, Church Buildings and Finances.
In the very limited time at my command since the request came to
me, and with the scanty and scattered sources of information within
reach, 1 have been able to put together what amounts to hardly more
than notes for a proper paper, and these not full, perhaps not always
accurate, but such as it is.
The First Church in Amherst was built in the years l ;
and at a parish meeting held Tuesday, .Iniiuary ()() for it ; and all was proceeding
quietly and peaceably, despite occasional talk of the need of thorough
repairs and additions to the meeting-house, or building entirely anew,
and ineffectual efforts in parish meetings to bring something in this
direction to pass, till about 1864 when the question became more
pressing and would not down. The story of the numberless meetings
from that time on for the next two or three years, the different plans
and sites proposed, varying views, till the adoption at last of the
plan we followed — is full of interest but too long and the facts too
recent to be recited here. Under the Lord's guidance, the stimulus
of Mr. Jenkins' preaching and personality was the largest factor in the
result, and yet the greater proportion of the people did their full part
and did it cheerfully. It was accomplished not without effort, not
without op[)osition, not without sacrifice ; but the effort did us ail good,
and most thoso who did the most; for it is not what W(' hold l):u*k but
what we give (jut that eni'iches us. Tlie entire i)ro|)erlv cost in ronnd
58
numbers $80,000. We eutered upon it with parish notes out to the
amount of $38,000. To make sure of the extinction of these a few-
persons contributed together the sum of $10,000 for a sinking fund
to be used whenever it should have increased sufficiently for this
purpose. This fullness of time was reached during the last year, and
this church, built by our fatliers and their children, is now without debt.
It stands here for the faith that is in many of us, for the hope and
earnest aspiration that is in all ; it is our continuing confession, and
unceasing prayer. Would that the fathers who sleep were with us
to-day — that row Avho sat one behind the other on the north aisle.
At the head, Luke Sweetser, for a generation exercising the largest
influence in the affairs of both church and parish ; a successful busi-
ness man, of bright and active mind, genial manner, a generous host,
conscientious, believing religion a chief concern, hesitating before no
duty as he saw it, conservative to a degree that commanded the
confidence of those who saw safety only in the old ways, yet too
intelligent not to be open to suggestions for improvement, and when
convinced, ready and helpful in carrying them into execution ; not
the first or among the first to feel the importance of a more fitting
house of worship, but second to none when he came to it, in the time,
energy and devotion he gave to making the undertaking a success.
Edward Dickinson, proud of being of Ainherst soil, of the sixth
generation born within sound n count in our modern census. Tlu-y have appeared
above the surface in tlie hist generation, and bcconu' :i power, nowhere
more than in parish afl'airs. where they have found a congenial field
for their activities and displayed them to good advantage. We no
longer go home and tell tliem what we have done at |):irisii meeting;
they tell us what they iiavi' done at the sewing society. They are
hardly longer the power l)eliind tlie tln'oui' ; they are a good part of
tlie thi'oue itself.
It is not quite easy foi- :i masculine nvAU to admit all this; but if he
will live in the country, lu' might as well — and thank (iod for salva-
tion even so.
MATTEI^IAL PI^OGf^ESS OP ONE HIINDI^BD
AND PIPT^Y YEAI^S IN AMHEI^S^F.
By HENHY F. hills.
On*.' luiiulrc'd and tifty years ago (17;U>) theiv were only "J'.l liou.si'-
liolders or settlers here, as follows :
.loseph Clary,
.lohn Ingram, 8r.,
Kbenezer Kellogg,
.lohn Ingram, Jr.,
John C'owles,
Zachariah Field,
Samuel Boltwood,
Samuel Hawley, Sr.
Joseph Hawley,
( harles C'hauncey.
Stephen Smith,
Nathaniel Smith.
William Murray,
Nathan Moody,
.Samuel Hawley, Jr..
F^benezer Dickinson.
Joseph Wells,
Jonathan Atherton.
Samuel Boltwood,
John Nash,
Aaron Smith,
Nathaniel Smith,
Richard Chauncey.
John Perry,
Nathaniel Church,
Ebenezer Williams,
John Morton,
Moses Smith.
Pelatiah Smith.
Tliese "21> householders had 35 ratable polls and were in possession
of 49 horses, 3!t oxen, 52 cows and a few swine.
They altogether had 3o0 acres of improved land, or land that had
been cleared of the original forest, and there were six non-resident
land owners whose lands under cultivation aggregated 48 acres.
All of the improved land in town, in the year 1739, amounted to no
more than 400 acres, or a tract just about the size of the Agricultural
College fai-m. Kbenezer Kellogg was the largest landholder ;it that
time, holding 48 acres.
J am indebted to Mi-. C. O. Pjirmcnter for valuahlo assistance in the ineparaiion of this
paper. -H. F. h.
08
Xttw, iuHtt'ud of o.')0, thi'iv are iiioiv than 1 (),()()() acres of improved
land, and 1,82!) person.s are assessed, upon a real and personal valu-
ation of $8,-28s,0()().
Our fanners boast of more than 1,400 of the finest dairy eows, and
every week several tons of the choicest butter are made by two suc-
cessful creameries.
In 1 7So there were live taverns and eight other places for tin' sale
of intoxicating- drink in Amherst — with not more than 700 inhaliitants.
Besides these, there was a distillery in the ravine (back of President
Seelye's residence) where 3,000 barrels of cider were made into brandy
yearly. Surely we have made progress in the matter of temperance.
The first recorded vote to build school-houses was in 17(;i , but none
were l)uilt until 1764, owing to quarrels as to location.
The yvAV 1 7()"» marks the establishment of the first public school in
town, and the appropriation was about $100. In that year Josiah
Pierce, a Harvard graduate, opened a school on the 27th of October,
and taught six months in the 3'ear '•'•hetwee)) the middle sch'/ol-houffes,"
the expression probably meaning that he divided his time between
school-houses in P2ast and West Streets. It must be remembered that
he taught boys only, girls not being allowed to attend school at that
time, nor for years after.
The city of Boston did not admit girls to the public schools until
about 1700, and Northampton, now proud of its college for young-
women, with nearly 500 students, did not think it proper for girls lo
attend the jjublic schools until about 1th, 17()1).''
Such is the record of the first attempts at public school education
in town ; and we need only to point to our present public school sys-
tem, with an annual appropriation of $8,000 to $10,000, — and to our
public school-houses scattered at convenient points about town, — with
our school superintendent and corps of well-equipped and well-paid
teachers, and 700 pupils in attendance, — to convince the most scepti-
cal of the progressive strides which we have made since Josiah Piei-ce
gave up his work in disgust 120 years ago.
In 1814, Amherst Academy began its educational work, and "oh-
69
taiued a reputation second to none in the State."* " It attracted
pupils from every part of New England," but became more local in
its work, and finally gave way to the high scliool.
In ^lay of the yeai' IS^O, work Avas begun upon the Amherst Col-
lege buildings. The contest for locati(jn had been severe and persist-
ent, but the people of Amherst won then, as, in l.S(;7. tliey did in the
struggle for the location of the Agricultural College.
Labor and nu\terial were freely given by the most public-s[)irited
citizens; and one still among us, then about ten years old, Capt. M.
F. Dickinson, remembers helping his father draw sand used in the
construction of the first building. Mr. Zachariah Hawley of Hadley,
now living, remembers drawing stone at the same time.
One building after another has been added to Amherst College,
and the funds have accumulated until the whole propert}' amounts to
more than 81,000,000. It has educated more than 2,400 men.
The Agricultural C'ollege was founded in 18(i7. The town contrib-
uted Sr)0,000 after the State had located it here. Its present proi)erty
and funds are valued at $500,000.
With M(\ students in Amherst College, 115 in the Agricultural Col-
lege, and over 500 |)upils in onr public schools, Amherst shows mate-
rial progress in educational advantages since Josiah Pierce gave up his
work in 1769.
In 1767, Simeon Smith (son of Moses Smith, tavern-keeper on the
Bay-road) began teaming to IJoston, being the first to drive through
with a wagon, and more than a week was consumed in the trip — while
now the railroad delivers to us in the morning freight that was loaded
inl3oston the night before, and frequent passenger trains take us to
Boston or New York in a few hours with a comfort greatly in contrast
with the saddle of 178'.), and the teams of 1767 — while the vast net-
work of railroads, reaching throughout the land and into Canada on
the north and Mexi(u) in the far south, put us in quick and easy com-
munication with all this vast domain, the greater portion of which, in
1739, was the home only of the Aborigines.
About the year 1815, only once a week, a man on horseba(;k brought
the mail for the entire town to Postmaster Rufus Kellogg at East
Amherst, and the blowing of a horn or conch shell summoned the
farmer-postmaster from the field to open the mail.
To-day eight incoming mails, and as many outgoing, are necessary
to accommodate our people, while the telegraph and telephone put us
in instant communication with nearly the entire civilized world.
*W. S. Tyler's History of Amherst College.
70
The letters we have read this morning were Avritten in Boston last
evening, — in Chicago yesterday, oi in San Francisco only a few days
ago, while any that Simeon Smith might have brought from far-away
Boston, were a week old before his lumbering wagon could make the
journey home.
The beautiful Village Common is one of the most notable of the
signs of progress. Many here will contrast its j)resent beauty with
its unsightly appearance .30 or 40 years ago, made up as it then was
of swampy ground, ^frog pond, and general unevenness and signs of
neglect.
Amherst lins grown. Its well funiislu'd stores and fine markets
abundantly supply the ever increasing wants of its people ; its two
large straw-hat manufacturies disburse $100,000 or more annually :
and, together with its paper, lumber, carriage and other works, fur-
nish emploj'uient to several hundred people.
Our Savings Bank, with its nearly $1,300,000 of deposits, and our
National Bank, with its more than $200,000 of capital and surplus,
nearly all the savings of our own people, are evidence of our progress
in material things : while the nearly !K)0 substantial, well-kept, and
tasteful homes give evidence of increased comfort and prosperity.
We should not forget, in the abundant progress of wealth and coni-
fort, which God has thus given us, that the same sun just as brightly
as now the Pelham horizon in the morning shone down f romupon those
Pioneers of loO years ago, and its departing rays lighted up the rug.
ged hills to the East just as gorgeously — but otherwise how changed I
Instead of a little clearing of a few acres, a most beautiful town, and
growing each year more attractive I
The Past is full of TNIaterial Progress, and are we not riglit in
anticipating for every future anniversary occasion still greater evidence
of advancement in everything that tends to make our town sought
out and noted, not only for its beautiful location, surroundings and
educational advantages, but also for its advancement in good morals
and everything that tends to the welfare of its j)eople I
I^EMINISGENGES.
PAPBI^
By rev. AARON M. COLTON.
Ordained June 10, 1840, Dismissed Jan. 4, 1853.
The authorities here bid me use the utmost freedom in personal
reminiscence. The egotism involved must be borne with.
Well remember my first joiirnev hither ; specially the ri for him to attend the exercises,
which he knows will be so full of interest. lie is often touched and
gratified by word which comes to him from time to time, showing him
that his son's pastorate, though so short, is still held in affectionate
remembrance, and his work while in Amherst not forgotten.
With best wishes for the (continued success of the church, in which
IVIiss Kingsltury joins, ;ind adds her regrets to those of her father that
she is unable to be present on Nov. 7,
Sinceri'ly yours,
(J. R. KiNGSiJUuv, (per II. J>. K).
Se),>^ra Falls. N. V.. Oct. 22. ISS9.
CoMMirrKK OK Invitation Fikj^t Cihk* h of CinasT, Amiikksi, Mass.
Dear Brethren : —
I o'reatly regret that I eaniiot liave the pleasure and [iriviU-sie of
Iieing- present at the coming anniversary of your ehnrch's oiganization.
1 have reason for special interest in this event. My grandfather,
Rev. Josiah Bent, having died lifty years ago, while pastor of your
church, and this sunmu'r his widow, after a half century of suffering.
and triumphant witnessing to the sustaining power of the faith, passed
to her reward and rest. All these years she retained her membership
with you, and all thtse years, may 1 say. she was an active member
in the truest sense.
During a pjirt of my (college coarse I had the |)rivilege of worship-
I)ing in this, the church of my parents and grandparents, and now
join with the many wIk^ pray for an especial blessing upon church
and people.
W'l'v sincerely yours,
KdWIN 11. I)l( KINSON.
Otfaini, h'nisKs. Od . 21. IS'S9.
Mk Wm. W . Hint:
With deep emotion 1 acknowli'dgt' the cordial invitation to be
present at the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First church
to be celebrated November seventh. Most gladly would I be with
vou to meet the dear friends of the Church of Christ and many others
whose familiar faces and friendly greetings are fresh in my mind as I
am now writing. The dearest friend, aside from my own family, was
Mrs. Lucius Boltwood. A true and loving sister has been called to
the mansion on higij. She has written me once in two weeks since
her son was taken from her. But 1 only intended to reply to the kind
invitation to myself and childi-en. Circumstances, I fear, will not
admit of any of us being [)resent. In imagination 1 see the familiar
faces and hear the pleasant voices of beloved pastors and people. I
have fresh in mind the pastors Rev. David Parsons, D.D., Rev. Daniel
A.Clark, Rev. Royal Washburn, Rev. Matthew T. Adams, Rev. Josiah
Bent, Rev. Aaron M. Colton, Rev. Mr. liubbell. Rev. .1. L. .Jenkins
and Rev. .Mr. Kingsl)ury. I remember Rev. David Rarsons in the
pulpit with powdered wig, the sounding-b(xird over head and the deaf
man standing uj) at his side, leaning on the pulpit, looking anxiously
i;3
^8
to hear all he said. But to Mr. Colton and Mr. Jenkins I seem to
feel bound more closely, for through sorrow and great affliction they
were more with us. Rev. Mr. Dwight I have in fond remembrance.
I loved pastors and people. Many I liave been with in joy and in
sorrow.
■' Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love."
If Mrs. Boltwood were living how gladl}' would she open her beau-
tiful h(nne and welcome ministers and people I How much Mr. Carter,
Deacon Clark, Mr. Zebina Montague, Deacon Sweetser, and too many
to mention, would have enjoyed the meeting I You know not how
much I have longed to take by the hand my old friends in Amherst.
Many thanks to the Committee for remembering me and my family in
our Kansas home.
Yours with kind remembrance.
Electa S. Boltwcjod.
VacaviUe, CaL, Oct. 13, IS89.
Dear Friend :
Y''ours of the seventh inst., covering the invitation card to the
Church's one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, came to hand to-day.
I had noticed with interest the allnsions in the Jxfcord to this event,
so full of interest to all who love the old First church, and while it
will be impossible for us to be with you in person we shall certainly
be with you in spirit, and in thoughts on that day. I recall in child-
hood the earnest preaching of Mr. Colton, in boyhood the scholarly,
cogent sermons of Mr. Dwight under whose ministry I was led to
see and confess my need of Christ as my Saviour ; — in young manhood
I was welcomed to membership in the church by iNIr. Hubbell, who
gave his earliest and most faithful labors to the church as its pastor.
During his ministry my children (now living) were baptised, thus
securing a place in that household of faith. And of what Mr. .leiikins
did for us as individual Christians, and for the cluin-h in its material
prosperity, you and 1 know too well here to recount. Let the recol-
lection of those memorable days aijd months when the new church
was being built, — of the noble men who labored and gave for it, as
such men only could, yes, let the magnificent edilice itself testify, as
it shall in the ages to come. And then followed tlie brief but beautiful
work of the Sainted Kingsbury, whom (Jod sent here to gutiier our
99
children into the fold, before God took him ; and then how were we
held and swayed by the masterful sermons of Emerson, and while we
were but just coming under the pastorate of ^Ir. Dickermau our
connection with the church was severed but our interest in the church
has not and never can be severed. * * * * Please give kindest
regards to all friends.
Yours as of old,
Geo. ^V. Allen.
Hymn. Tune " Pleyel's Hymn." Composed by Dr. V. W. Leach.
Hail Jehovah ! God our King !
Loud hosaunas let us i-aise
And to Thee glad tributes bring
On thi!< (lay of joy and praise.
Tender meni'ries strike the chord,
Present blessings swell the song.
Coming ages praise the Lord
And the chorus thus prolong.
Generations gone to rest
Toiled and prayed and passed away,
We in them so richly blessed
Magnify their lives to-day.
Guide us Lord, and lead us still
In the way Thy feet have trod.
May we live to do Thy will,
Pressing on to Heaven and God.
LOFa
OLD DOGUMBNO^S
S/iowii at the Annivcrnari/.
ONE OF TFIE EIHST DEEDS.
[The houiesteacl of Dr. Nathaniel Smith passed to his daughter Rebecca who
married Jonathan Smith, and thence to their daughter Jerusha who married
Col. Elijah Dickinson. The land given by Col. Dickinson for the college
was a part of this estate.]
To all People to whom these Presents shall Come Greeting, Know ye that
I Ichabod Smith of Hadley In the County of Hampshire In the Province of
the masechuset Bay In New England have of my own free will and In con-
sideration of the Paternal Love and aft'ection which I liave and Doe bare unto
my Dutiful! and Loving Son nathaniell Smith of Hadley aftbre said and as
Seventy Pounds Portion out of my Estate : Have Given Granted Bargened
& Bequethed fully and abselutely given and Pased over unto him my said son
nathaniell Smith his Heirs Exed; adminds & assigns as a Good Estate of
Inheretence In fee simple: a sartain Parsell of Land Lying in the Second
Devesion of out Land within the Bemuds of the township of Hadley attbre-
said : viz. one half of that Lot Laid out & Recorded to me the said Ichabod
Smith: the south side of said Lot and In bredth nineteen Rods containing
twenty Eight acres and one half of an acre : and is Bounded north on part of
the same Lot given to my son aron antl south on the Lot that was m'' Gorge
Stillmons : East and west on a high way or street : and also two peesis ont
of that Lot which was Laid out to m'' Gorge Stillmon viz. twelve acres on
the north side of said Lot In bredth Eight Rods and Bounded south on part
of the same Lot given to my son aron and north on Land given to him my
said son nath" as above said : East and west on a high way or street: and
twenty nine acres and a half on the south side of Said Lot In l)redth nineteen
Rods and a half : Bounded north on post of the same Lot (given to my son
aron) : and south on a high way : and East and west on a high way or street
be the said Land more or less : To have to hold Posses and Injoy to himself
his Heirs Exed; adminds & assigns for Ever: with all the Rights Profits
Benefits appurtenances and Preveledis thereto belonging : and I the said
Icabod Smith for my self & Heirs &c. Doe Covenant and agree with my Son
natlr^^' attbre said his Heirs: &c. that I have full & Lawful! power to Give &
Grant the same as att'ore said : and that the same is free & Clere from all for-
mer Gifts. Grants Sales Judgments Executions and Incumbrancis, and that
for Ever here after I will stand to defend him my said son nath"^' and his
101
Heirs &c. In the quiet & peasable Possession of the above ffraned premises
against the LawfuU Demands of all Persons whatsoever: In witness of all
wliich I set to my hand & seal this 12 Day of Dec"" T780, In the tliird year of
gorge ye Second King &c.
Signed Sealed and Delivered )
In Presents and witness of )'
Ichabode Smith
Hamp»"", Ss Dec'' 12'" 17;}().
Then m'" Ichabod Smith
Eleaz Porter before me the Subscriber
Sarah Porter aclinowledges this
Johanah r> Barnard Instrument to be his act
her mark and Deed
Elea' Porterllustc peace
Rec** &, Recorded DeC^ the: 14''': 17:50: In the records of the County of
Hampshire : book N : E : Page : 501 : — :
.lohn Pvnchon Reg"^
A CALL
TO MR. DAVID PARSONS JUN.
HADLEY THIRD* PRECINCT
To Mr. David Parsons Junr at present Improved in the work of the Minis-
try in North Hampton Village.
The Inhabitants of this Preceinct att a Meeting held by them Janeway ye
10 : 1738 agreed to give you a Call to Settle among us as oure Gospel Minis-
ter and for youre Encouragement to accept oure Request we have passed ye
following Votes
For Settelment
Voted 1 : two L(jts of Land Lying in the Second and third Devesion of
Lands granted by the Town of Hadley for the Settling of a Gospel
Minister in this preceinct.
2. To Build a Dweeling House so far as follows : to set up a frame
forty foots in lenth : twenty one foots in breth two Story in heith also
to Cover said House ye Roof with Sprice Shingles : ye body w quai'ter
boards : and Build ye Chimney and Celler and also to set up a Cithing :
and Cover it as ye grate House and also to build ye Chimney to s"*
Cithing.
*In 1753 .South Hadley was incorporated as a District, aiul Amherst became the second
Precinct of Hadley till 1759 when it also was made a District.
102
For Sallery
Voted 1 to give one hundred pounds the first yeare in Province Bills as it
is now vallied by the^ounce in Silver — also to add yearly as heads and
Estates shall Increas in this preceinct the same upon the pound as it
amounts in Raising ye first hundred : yearly untill it amounts to one
Hundred and sixty
2 to provide his fire wood yearly
They further Required us the Subscribers to Present this theire Request to
you with the Encouragement annexed : withal to Signify the unanimity
of the people in their Choice and Request
We therefore as a committee in the behalf of the Preceinct Intreat you to
take the matter in Consideration and as soone as youre Circumstances
will allow Return us youre Answer.
(Added in different ink.)
Voted that they will allow nir Dickinson-
forty shillings for his preaching with us
one day and half some time sinse
John Nash Jn '\ Commity in
Ebnz Dickinson I the behalf of
Richard Cnauncey J the Preceinct
Hadley third preceinct Janew^ 10. 173^
at a preceinct Meeting
Voted 1 y' Each head and team shall go one day in a yeare to get his fire-
wood during ye tinie of his Ministry in s'^ preceinct
Voted 2 to give Mr. Benjamin Dickinson forty shillings for preaching in
this preceinct in time past
attested Ebnz Dickinson | moderator
To the Inhabitants of the 2"^ Precinct in Hadly at their Precinct meeting
on Decem^^' IS"" : 1754.
Beloved :
As I am Informed you are convened upon the Annual Buisness : of
Passing Precinct Debts I take the freedom again to ask for an addition
to my Salary the Present year : — your kindness to my Request : the former
year," I cant but Remember with" Grattitude to Providence & you : without
which I dont see how I could have carried it thro the year without Distress-
ing myself & Damaging others : The great unanimity Avith which yo\ir kind-
ness was done rendered it to me more especially agreeable & encourages me
to ask you again for help :— To enter into a Detail of my necessities; would
be as uncom fortable I Believe to you to hear as me to tell :— Let it suffice
only to put you in mind, that my salary is very small; my Debts are large;
mychargcs are very Considerable and Encveasiug.
I Hope what may be done will l)e done with the like unanimity & good
affection as heretofore which I am sure will he very much to the Satisfaction
of your obliged and
Atlectionate Pastor
David Parsons.
The Precinct Records for December 13, 1754 contain the following
clause.
" Voted 1 to add to the Rev'd Mr. David Parsons SoUary for this yeai'e
ninty two pountl teen shillings old tennor."
Appendix to Historical Address.
A.
ANCESTRY AND FAMILIES OF THE FOUNDERS.
The following tables have been prepared to show with greater clear-
ness whence the founders of Araherst came and how their families
were interrelated. The names of the sixteen who became members of
the Church at its organization and of the twenty-eight who united with
them on the following January are printed in small capitals. The
columns are so arranged that the names in each column, except the
last, are of children whose parents' names are immediately to the right
— the father's above and the mother's beneath, united by a brace.
The last column to the right is, for the most part, of the early colonists
who came from England and the place of settlement is indicated bv
the abbreviation. Often, however, these persons had been in different
colonies. Most of them had been at first in some one of the settle-
ments in Eastern Massachusetts, and had gone thence to other places,
in a few instances to a number of places, one after the other. In
such cases only one colony is named and prefereuce is given to towns
of the Hartford grou]).
The Amherst names on pages 10;j-10!) are of those who came first
to this Precinct. These are from Hadley and Hatfield, aud their
ancestors, except the C'haunceys, were mostly from Hartford and
vicinity. On pages 110-111 are the names of several, including the
Rev. David Parsons, who came after the settlement had become
established, but was yet in its beginnings. Part of these were from
other towns than Hadley- and Hatfield. Mr. Parsons was from
Leicester, Simeon Strong, Esq., Dea. Pklwards and Dea. Clarke from
Northampton, Dea. Smith from Longmeadow ; and Dea. Coleman,
though of Hatfield himself, had a wife from New Haven of that sterlino-
family whence came Dr. Lyman Beecher. It will be seen that these
104
last had more widely extended family comiections, and this, no doubt,
brought the community into broader associations and a more expansive
life.
Names in the first colunu) on the left are of children of the founders,
the figures attached showing years of births. Dates used in the tables
are only of years and in a few cases the date is only probable. The
space does not allow more particulars. When the line of a famil}'
has been once given it is not repeated but referred to with " See
above " or " !See p."
A few names of the earliest settlers in Amherst will not be found
in the tables. These are of persons concerning whom the records are
scanty, and none of them had families in Amherst, so far as we know.
Philip JMattoon, p. 105 was a soldier who came with tapt. Wm.
Turner from Eastern Massacliusetts, having been received by him
with others from Capt's Wadsworth and Reynolds at Marlboro. He
settled in Deerfield and died there. His previous history is not known.
The name " Philippe Maton" is given however among the immigrants,
" Walloons and French," from England to Virginia in 1621 ; and
Virginia w^as then understood to include New England. This Philippe
Maton had a wife and five children, one of whom may have been the
Philip of Deerfield.
Joseph Clary removed to Leverett about 1 770 and with his two sons,
Joseph and Elisha, was conspicuous in the early history of that place.
The town records of Leverett contain nuich concerning this family.
Richard Chauncey removed to Whately and was a founder of the
Church which was organized there Aug. 21, 1771.
Josiah Chauncey removed about 1781 to the western part of Albany
Co., now Schenectady Co., N. Y., where both himself and his wife
are believed to have died within a year from the time of their removal.
Full and well tabulated records of descendants of the early families
of Amhei'st are to be found in the Town Clerk's office at Amherst.
These tables have been carefully compiled fi'om the History and
viavnscripts of kiylvesler Jncld, Olcutt's History of Stratford, The
Strong Fa /nil I/. The Tattle Family. Savage's Gm. Dictiouary, N. E.
Hist, and (.
in. ITHi.
Eliz. Ingram.
I b. 1691.
r John Inorram.
n. '20.
m|;,l: \ '^- 16«3. .1. 1737.
in, '3o.
uben.'3'2.
en. '87.
m. 1719.
Ltd. Boltwood.
I )). 1(596, (1. 1779.
f ELE.A.Z. MATTOOX.
zab. '18. I ^- 1690, fl. 1767.
en. '20. { ™- 1"1^-
•ah '2.3. I ^ „
El. P.OLTwoon.
I b. 1681.
f John Nash,
inth. '17. I I). i(i!i4, il. 177S.
vid, '19. ) m. 1716.
mi'h,'23. I
in- I Han. Ingram.
I b. 1697.
r Aaron Smith,
1, '2.5. b. 1700, (1. I7.i;t.
iiim.'i '26. j m. 1724.
ilip, '29.
ron, '32.
JlEH. Ingram,
b. 1698.
Third
(ienrratioii.
f Ntl Kellogg.
I b. 1669, d. 17.')0.
I m. 1692.
Sar. Holtwood
b. 1672.
f John Ingram.
I b. 1(;6).
I ni. 1689.
I
I Meh. Dickinson-
John Ingram.
Phil. Mattoon.
m. 1677.
Sarnb Hawkes.
b. 1657, d. 1751.
r John Nash.
b. 1667, d. 1743.
ni. 1691.
Eliz. Kelloarsc.
I h. 1673, d. 1750.
./OHN Ingram.
r lohahod Smith.
I b. 1675, d. 1746.
< m. 1698.
I Eliz. Cook.
.JoHx Ingram.
Second
Generation.
\ Jos. Kcllos,!?, F.
I b. 1628, d. 1708.
{ m. 2nd 1667.
I Abi^. Terrv.
I bap. 1646.
f Sam. Boltwood.
J slain 1704.
1 Sarah Lewis.
I b. 1652, d. 1722.
John Ingram.
b. 1642, d. 1722.
m. 1664.
I Eliz. Gardner.
I d. 1684.
f Jno Dickinson.
I d. 1676.
Frances Foote.
See above.
Sam. Boltwood.
.Ino. Hawkes, Wi
d. 1662.
Sam. Boltwood.
Timothy Nash,
b. 1626, d. 1699.
m. 16,57.
I Rebecca Stonci
I d. 1709
•los. Kellog-g.
See above.
Philip Smith,
b. 1633, d. 1685.
I Rebecca Foote.
S Aaron Cook.
' Sar. "Westwood.
See above.
m.r8t
Settlers ,
Steph. Torry, Wi.
d. 16GS
Rob. Boltwood, We.
d. 16S4.
Wm. Lewis, Hr.
Mary Hopkins.
Sam. Gardner, We.
b. 1615, d. 1696.
Ntl Dickinson, We.
d. 1676.
Ntl Foote, We.
m. 1646.
Eliz. Smith, We.
b. 1627.
dau. Sam. Smith.
See above.
Thos, Nash, X. H.
Sam. Stone, Hr.
Sam. Smith, We.
b. 1602, d. 1680.
Ntl Foote, We.
Aaron Cook, Wi.
Wm. Westwood. Hr.
■u ,.,- [ Xtl Smith,
rt'07 ' J b. 1702, d. 1789
■■'thy. =29. ■> "1- 1"2"-
jec'a,'31.
Reb. Insrram.
b. 1704.
Ichabod Sniitli. See above.
.John Ingram. See above.
Icon, '20.
dJen*^'^' f Rl^Z- DICKINSON,
eph ■•30. ''• ■•■.!1". ']. 1780.
iijaii. < m.\,ii\.
•ah. I
ry, '37. I Sar. Kellocjcj.
■usha. b. 1701, d. 1743.
per. '41.
N'Tt, Kellog
r Neh. Dickinson. Ntl Dickinson, Wo.
! b. 1644, d. 1723. d. 1676.
t Mary Cowls.
See above.
.Jolm Cowls, F.
106
Sons and
Daughters.
Antherst
Founders.
A)Mgail,'23.
Jonath. 'm.
Martin.
David.
Noah. '42.
Hannah.
Rebecca.
Jerusha.
f JONA. Smith.
! b. Ifi89, d. 177c«
m. 1722.
I Han'h
Wright.
Elizab., '22
Pehiti., '24. .
Abigail, '26. '
Lucy, '28.
Pelet. Smith.
b. 1694.
m. 1721.
Abigail Wait.
Oliver, '30.
Elizab., '32.
Eunice, '3.i.
Jerii9h.,'41.
Medad, '44.
Abigail, '48.
Elizab., '41.
Hannah.
Theoda.
Mary, '.54.
Eunice, '.56.
Naomi.
Will'rd, '61.
r R. Chauncey.
b. 1703, d. 1790.
m. 1729.
Eliz. Smith.
b. 1708, d. 1790.
r David Smith.
b. 1707, d. 1771.
liucy, '46.
Dorothy, '48
Jona., '49. i
Joel, '.il. ■)
SamueU'.'jS. i
Stough. ,'.')').
Daniel, '.56. |
Third
Generation.
( Jona. Smith.
J d. 1737.
1 m. 1688.
I A BIG. Kellogg.
b. 1671.
{Benoni Wright,
b. 1675, d. 1702.
Rebecca Barrett.
Sam'l Smith,
b. 166.5, d. 1724.
m. 1687.
Sarah Bliss.
I b. 1697.
r Wm. Wait.
' d. 17.32.
Sarah Kingslev-
b. 1665, d. i69L
Is. Chauncey.
b. 1670, d. 1745.
I Sarah Blackleach.
[ b. 1681, d. 1720.
Jona. Smith.
f Luke Smith,
b. 1666.
m. 1690.
Han'h Willard.
b. 1722, d. 1809.
Jona. Dickinson,
b. 171.5.
m. 1745.
Dorothy Stoughton
b. 1715.
Mary Crow.
1^ b. 1672, d. 1761.
Josiah Willard.
m. 16.57.
Han'h Hosmer.
f Sam'l Dickinson.
I b. 1682, d. 1747.
m. 1711.
Han'h Marsh.
b. 1690.
f John Stoughton.
b. 1683, d 1746.
m. 1706.
Eunice Bissell.
b. 1686, d. 1773.
Second
Generation.
Phil. Smith,
b. 1633, d. 1685.
Rebec. Foote.
Jos. Kellogg.
Sam'l Wright.
slain 1675.
m. 16.)3.
Elizabeth Burt.
Benj. Barrett.
f Chileab Smith,
b. 1635, d. 1731.
m. 1661.
Han. Hitchcock,
b. 1645, d. 1733.
Lawr. Bliss.
m. 1654.
Lvdia Wright.
First
Settlers.
Sam'l Smith, We.
Xatli'I Foote, We.
See p. 105.
Sam'l Wright, Sp.
Henry Burt, Sp.
Sam'l Smith, We.
b. 1602, d. 1680.
L. Hitchcock, We.
Thos. Bliss, Hr.
Sam'l Wright, Sp.
Enos Kingslev. J- Kingsley, Reh.
m. 1662.
Sarah Haynes. Edm. Haynes, Sp.
Isr.Chauneev,St. ( Ch. Chauncey, C.
b. 1644, d. 1TO2-3. ) d. 1671.
m. 1667. ( Catharine Eyre.
Mary Nichols. Isaac Nichols, St.
R. Blackleach, St
d. 1731, ae. 78.
m. 1680.
Abig. Hudson.
I d. 1712, ae. 60.
See above.
Chileab Smith.
r Sam'l Crow.
I slain 1676.
m. 1671.
Han'h Lewis.
John Hudson, V. H.
See above.
f John Crow, Hr.
J d. 1686.
) Eliz. Goodwin. Hr.
[ dau. Wm. Goodwin
\ Wm. Lewis, Hr.
ji Mary Hopkins.
Simon Willard. Rich. Willard, C.
b. 1605.
Marv Sliari)e. Henrv Sharpe.
I b. 1614.
Th. Hosmer, Hr.
Neh. Dickinson.
Jonathan Marsh,
b. 16.50, d. 1730.
m. 1676.
t Dorcas.
f .lohn Stoughton.
I b. 16.57, d. 1712.
m. 1682.
Eliz. Bissell.
b. 1666, d. 1688.
(■ Thos. Bissell 2nd
1). 1656, d. 1738.
•{ m. 1078.
I Esther Strong.
L b. 1661, d. 1726-7.
Ntl Dickinson, We.
r John Marsh, Hr.
I d. 1688.
1 Ann Webster.
L dau. of John, Hr
f Thos. Stoughton.
J son of Thiini;is, Wi
I Mary Wadsworth.
dau. of William, ilr
Thos. Bissoll.
son of John, Wi.
Abigail Moore.
dau. of John, Wi.
John Strong, Wi.
Abigail Ford, Wi.
107
Sonn find
Dauifliti'rs.
Ainheritt
Foil iidfrs.
Anne.
Elijali.
Sarah.
Zeclia., '43.
.Idlni, '46.
Miiiain, '49
Mohitabel.
Zeclia., '5:5.
r Sam'l Hawlev.
I d. 17.-)0,
ra. 17.!(i.
Sarah Field.
b. 1714.
Third
Oenefittioii.
f Sam'l Hawlev.
b. ICSfi.
m. 170S.
INIEH. BELDING.
b. 1087.
r Zech. FieM.
b. I(i7(;, <1. 1738.
■( m. 170.).
I Sarah Clark.
Second
Geni'i'iition,
( Jos. Hawley.
' Lyit. Marshall.
f Sam. Belding.
■ 1). 16.i7, (1. 1737.
ni. H)78.
Sar. Fellowes.
L d. 1713.
f John Field,
d. 1717.
m. 1070.
Mary Edwards.
John Clark.
Rebec. C.)oper.
Ft »•.■*«
Si'ttlerx.
Th. Hawley, Rox.
S. Mar.'shall, Wi.
Mary Wilton, Wi.
S. Beldinfi, We.
d. 1713.
R. Fellowes, Hr.
d. 1G33.
Zech. Field, Ilr.
d. '06.
A. Edwards, Sp.
Wm. Clark, Dor.
Th. Cooper, Wi.
Asena., '39. f jos. Hawley.
Josepli, '44. I d. 17.i().
Joseijh, '48. { m. 17:57.
Abii^ail. I Rebi'X. Field.
Rebecca. \ b. 1711.
Sam. Hawley.
Zech. Field.
See above.
See above.
John, '40.
Abi,;,'-ail,'4-2.
Martha, '43. , . , ^i, 1 1
.M,M-v, '40. f «^o''» '"'P'i'-
Abigail, '48. I "• l''^"
S;irall, '50. {
Eben'r, '52. j
Samuel, '.i4. (^ AuiG. Boltwood.
Jemiin..'55.
.Jonath.,'5y.
Zechariah.
Zech. Field.
r Sam. Boltwood.
b. 1079, d. 17:58.
m. 1703.
Han. Alexander.
Mar. Boltwood. Sam. Boltwood.
See above.
Sam. Boltwood.
Ntl Alexander.
Ilan'h Allen.
See above.
See p. 105.
(i. Alexander, Wi.
S Sam. Allen, Wi.
) H. Woodford, Hr.
Mary, '38.
Moses.
f Moses Warner,
b. 1715, d. 1772.
{ m. 17:58.
I Marv Field.
[ b. 1716.
Jacob Warner,
b. 1687, d. 1747.
Zech. Field.
Jacob Warner.
d. 1711.
Eliz. Goodman.
See above.
And. Warner. Hr.
<1. 1684.
R. Goodman, Hr.
Mary Terry, Wi.
Ruth, ':«.
Rhoda, '35.
Thorn's, '39.
Lydia, '4-2.
John, '45.
Joseph, '.50.
f John Morton.
I m. 17:50.
I Lydia Hnwley.
1. b. 1710, d. 1793.
.Jos. Morton,
b. 1672, d. 17:50.
Marv Marsh,
b. 1078.
Sam. Hawley.
Rich. Morton, Hr.
d. 1710.
I Sam'l Marsh.
J b. 1045, il. 1728.
) m. 1007.
(■ Mary Allison.
See above.
John Marsh, Hr.
See p. 106.
Ephr'm,'42. f
Martin, '44. |
Dorotli.,'46. I
Abigail, '48. {
John, '51. I
Sarah, '53. |
Joseph, '58. I,
Eph. Kellosrs.
b. 17a9, d. 1777.
m. 1741.
Dor. Hawlev.
b. 1723. "
f Ntl. Kellogg.
I b. 1609, d. 1750.
i in. 1092.
Sar. Boltwood.
I- b. 1672.
Sam. Hawlev.
Jos. Kellogg.
Abig. Terry.
See p. 105.
Step. Terry, Wi.
Sam. Boltwood. See above.
See above.
108
Sont and
Daughters.
Amhprst
Founders.
Sarah, '32.
Elisha, '33.
Joseph, '36.
Joseph, '37.
Sarali, '40.
Gersh., '42.
Gei'sh., '55.
f Joseph Clary.
b. 1705.
m. 1729.
Sarah Gunn.
b. 1710.
Third
Generation.
I Joseph Clary.
I b. 1677, (1. 1748.
■[ m. 1702.
! Hau'h neldiiig.
I b. KiSl.
f Sam'l Gunn.
b. 1002, (I. 17.i5.
m. 1685.
Eliz. Wyatt.
d. 1737.
Second
Generation.
( Jolin Clary.
I d. 1688.
j m. 1670.
[ Ann Dickinson.
Sam'l Belding.
f Ntl. Gunn, Hr.
I m. 1658.
) Sarah Dav.
I
slain 1677.
Jno. Wvatt, Wi.
d. 1(56-'.
M. Brownson.
First
Settiers.
John Clary, Wat.
N. Dickinson, We.
See p. 107.
Robt. Day, Hr.
E. Stebbins.
J. Brownson, Hr.
Israel, '26. f f^".£"^''^''-
Abia, '29. I "• ''00.
John, '31. < ,,
Martha, '34. I T'^lLl?,.- , ,.„^
Mary, '42. I b- 1'06, d. 1,95.
r Jona. Cowls.
I 1). 1671, d. 17.56.
I m. 1697.
I Prud. Frarv.
I b. 1677, d. 17.56.
r John Cowls.
J b.lC41,d. 1711.
I m. 1668.
I Debo. Bartlett.
r Elizar. Frary.
I d. 1709.
■! m. 1666.
I Mary Graves.
I b. 1647.
John Cowls, F.
d. 1675.
Rob't Bartlett, Hr.
Jno. Frary, Ded.
Isaac Graves, Hr.
slain 1677.
M. Church, Hr.
Sarah, '32.
Oliver, '35.
Jerush.,'37.
Jonatii.,'3!'.
David, '41.
Josiah, '44.
Eleaz'r, '46.
Reuben, '49.
Enos, '52.
Simeon, '56.
Jona. Cowt.s.
b. 1703, (1. 1776.
ni. 1732.
Sar. Gaylord.
I b. 1709, d. 1790.
Jona. Cowls.
f Sam'l Gavlord.
I b. 1676, d.' 1734.
I m. 1702.
I
I Mary Dickinson.
See above.
Wm. Gaylord.
b. 1651, d. 16-:0.
m. 1671.
Ruth Crow.
Nell. Dickinson.
b. 1644.
Mary Cowls.
Wm. Gaylord. Wi.
Ann Porter.
John Crow, Hr.
d. 1686.
Eliz. Goodwin,
dau. W.Goodwin, Hi
Neh. Dickinson, Wc
Jno. Cowls, F.
John. '.36.
Josiah, '40
Abigail, '.50. <
Abigail, '52
Nathan Moody.
h. 1706, d. 1791.
m. 1735.
An. Montague.
b. 1713.
Elijah, '2.^
Will'm,
Dorotli.,'-.9.
David, '.3.5.
Seth, '36.
Hann'h,'44.
Sam'l Moody.
b. 1670, d. 1744.
m. 1700.
Sarah Lane.
f Jno. ^lontague.
I b. bisi, ,1. 172i.
111. 1712.
Mind. Lyman.
6. r Wm. Murray.
■^ m l"-''? ^ '^""' I^ickinson.
[ Han'A Di'ckiNSON. J "'• "ni'','(!j;y"'"-
1 Sarah'.
I d. 1707.
Sam'l Moody.
d. 1689.
Sarah Doming
d. 1717.
Sam'l Lane,
m. 1677.
S. Dickinson.
f Jno. Montaj,nie.
) d. 1732.
i 111. if;si.
L Han'h Smith.
Thos. Lyiran.
111. li"78.
Ruth Hjlten.
f Ntl. Dickinson.
J 1). 1643, d. 1710.
) Mann ill.
I d. 1679.
Jno. .Moody, Hr. ;
John Deniing, We.
William Lane, B.
John Dickinson, We
d. 1676.
R. I\Iontaa;ue, We.
b. 1614, d."l6Sl.
Abiif. Downing.
d. 1694.
Chileab Smith.
Rich. Lyman, Hr.
Hep. Ford, Wi.
Wm. Holten, Hr.
b. 1611, d. 1691.
N. Dickinson, We.
109
Sous and
Amherst
Founders.
oloni.,
anui'l,
)orc;is,
osiah,
arali, '
:stlicr,
olom..
'43.
'45.
'50.
r Clias. Wright,
b. 1719, (1. 1793.
ni. 1742.
RlTH BOLTWOOD.
I b. 17-2-2, d. 180G.
Third
Geiiertition.
( .Sam. Wright,
b. 1693.
m. 1717.
I Jc'inima Kiiia
f Sol. Boltwood.
J 1). 1694, (1. 1762.
) Mar.y Xorton.
I b. 1686, d. 1763.
Second
Generatim.
ight.
1697.
f Jo.sepli Wr
b. 1657, d.
I
[ Rutli Sheldon.
f Sam. King.
b. 1664, d. 1701.
J m. 1690.
Johan. Taylor.
{ b. 1665!
First
Settlers.
\ Sam. Wright, Sp.
I Eliz. Burt, Sp.
f Isaac Sheldon, Wi.
I d. 1708.
1 m. 1653.
L M. Woodford, Hr.
S John King. Hr.
( Sarah Holton.
f John Taylor.
; slain 1704.
j m. 1662.
[ Th. Woodward, Dor.
Sam. Boltwood. See p. 105.
John Xorton, F.
Ruth Moore.
r Ch. Chauncev.
;athar.,'41. | ij. ni-i.
)oroth.,'44. I m. 1740.
saac, '45. ' sarah Ingram.
Uinice, '48.
)avid,'.50.
I m. 2nd, 1746.
I Mary Gavlord
iliz.B., '47. f
lary, '49.
a rah, '51.
osiah, '.53.
saac, '55.
loses, '57.
lose.-, '61. I Mary.
anui 1, 63.
amiiel,'64. !
osiah, '67. I,
Josi. Channcej".
b. 1716, d. 1782.
Is. Chauncey.
r Xtl Ingram.
J b. 1674.
1 m. 1696.
I Esther Smith.
■Sam. Gaylord.
Is. Chauncey.
See p. 106.
John Ingram.
Chil. Smith.
See p. 108.
See p. .106
See p. 105.
See p. 106.
;ath'cl, 'liS. f
rm.H.,'30. i
:aclH'l, '.SI.
Ialachi'32. I
esse, '33. |
;ber, '34.
'imot., '36. j
amuel,'37. ]
lutb, '39.
Ixpcr.. '.'59. I
lary, '41.
>avid, '44.
onath.,'47. |
!enjm.,'51. t
te|(hen, f
oel, j
itus, 1
lary, '27. L
Xtl. Church,
b. 1704.
111. 1727.
H. M'Crannery.
Stephen Smith,
b. 1797, d. 1750.
r Sam. Church.
I b. 1667, d. 1773.
.> m. 1692.
] .Vbig. Harrison
(^ 1). 1673.
I W. M'Crannery.
.; m. 1685.
I Marg. Riley.
*- b. 1662.'
Jonathan .Smith.
Sam. Church.
d. 1684.
M. Churchill.
\ Is. Harrison.
/ .M. Montague.
.lolm Riley.
b. 1646.
k'e p. 106.
Rich. Church. Mr.
d. 1667.
J. Churchill.
R. Montague, We.
JohnRilev, We.
loses, '33.
ime'n, ".35.
lMnii"h,'37.
atliar..'39.
./.ub"h,'41.
;iizab.,'43.
iinasa, '46.
amncl,'48.
:nad'h. '51.
>liver. ".55.
Moses
b. 1708
itli.
1781.
Hannah Childs.
I(rliabod Smith.
f Sanuiel Childs.
.1. 17.-)6.
m. 1709.
Han'h Barnari
b. 16.88, d. 1727.
See p. 105.
r Rirliard CliilcU
I Eliz. Croc-ker.
C Jos. Barnard.
I slain 1695.
•{ m. 1675.
i Sarah Strong.
I b. 16.-.ii, d. 1733.
( Rich. Chihls. Barkh.
m. 1649.
( M.iry Linnell Barkh.
( John Crocker,Barus.
J m. 16.">9.
( Mary Bodlish, Barns.
1 Francis Barnard, Hr.
m. 1644.
( llaunah Maryin, Hr.
John Strong, Wi.
110
Sons and
Daughters.
Amherst
Foiindrrs.
Eunice, '47.
David, '49.
Eunice, '.ol.
Salome, '53. )
Mary, '5T.
Gideon, '.5!i.
Gideon,' (51.
Leon'd, '64.
Third
feneration.
David Parsons.
b. IfiSO, d. 174:5.
m. 1707.
f Daviii Paiisoxs. i
h. 1.1-2, d. 1781. I
m. 1711.
I Sarah Stebbins.
I b 1686, d. 17.y.).
f Gideon Welles.
b. l(i!)>, d, 1740.
m. 171(i.
Eunice Welles. \
b. 172:5, d. 1740. I
I Han'h Chester.
I 1). 1690, d. 1749.
Second
Generation.
f Jos. Parsons.
b. 1647, d. 17-2!).
! ni. 1(1(59.
Eliz. Strong.
1). 1(547, 58, d. 1698.
f John Chester,
b. 1656, d. 1711.
m. 1686.
1 Han'h Talcotl.
L b. 1665, d. 1741.
First
Settlers.
{ Jos. Parsons, Hr.
I d. 1684.
■{ m. 1646.
I Marv Bliss, Hr.
I b. 1(520, d. 1712.
\ John Strong, Wi.
} Abig. Ford, Wi.
r Til. stebbins, Sp.
J 1). 1620, d. 1(18:5.
1 m. 1(545.
I Han'h Wright, Sp.
( Benj. iNiun, Hr.
ill. 1619.
( Abig. Burt, Sp.
r John Welles, St.
J b. 1621, d. 16.59.
1 m. 1647.
t Eliz. Bourne, St.
f Wm. Goodrich, Hr.
1 d. 1676.
] m. 1648.
I Sarali Marvin, Hr.
r John Chester, Hr.
I b. 16:5.5, d. 1698.
^ m. 1(5.54.
L Sarah VV^elles, Hr.
f Sam. Talcott, Hr.
d. 1601.
-{ m. 16.54.
Han'h Holvoke, .Sp.
lb. 1644, d. 1679.
Simeon Strong.
b. 17:56, d. 1805.
in. 176:5.
Simeon, '64.
Sallvi '66.
Hezek., '69.
Polly, '75. I
John, '78.
Solom.. ".80.
Sarah Wright.
I b. 17:59, d. 1783.
Nell. Strong,
b. 1694, d. 1772.
ni. 1728.
Han'h French,
b. 1697, d. 1761.
Stcpli. Wright.
b. 1(190, d. 17(53.
in. 1707.
Esther cook,
b. 1695.
( Sam. Strong.
{ b. 1(5.52, d. 1732.
( Esther Clapp.
Jona. French.
I Sarah Warner.
I b. 16(58.
f Sam. Wright.
b. 16.54, d. 17.34.
J m. 1678.
I Sarah Lviiiaii.
I b. 16.58.
f Noah Cook.
j b. 16.57, d. 1699.
I Sarah Nash.
John Strong, Wi.
Edw. Clap)), Dor.
John French, Dor.
( Isaac Warner, Hr.
J d. 1691.
1 m. 1666.
I Sar. Bolt-wood, We.
\ Sam. Wright, Sp.
) m. 16.5:5.
( Eliz. Burt, Sp.
I John Lyman, Hr.
) b. 1623,' d. 1690.
( Dorcas Plum, We.
f Aaron Cook, Wi.
J b. 1610, d. 1690.
I loan Denslow, Wi.
I d. 1(576.
Jos. Nash, N. H.
Jona., '49.
Jona., '51.
Rebecca '54
Nath'l, '56.
Lydia, '.58.
Philip, '(50.
Sarah,
Mary, '66.
Hannah
Martha, '68.
Jona. Ed ward e
b. 1712.
m. 1748.
( Rebe(;ca Smith.
r N't'l Ed-wards.
Slain 1724.
J in. 1719.
I Hannah French
[ b. 1697, d. 1761.
r Sam'l Smitli.
I b. 1691. d. 17.55-6.
.> ni. 2nd, 1724.
I Sarah Billings.
I b. 1697.
f Sain'l Edwards.
.' slain by Indians-
I Sarah Poineroy.
See above.
Sam'l Smith.
Sani'l Billings,
b. 1665.
Alex. Edwards. Sp.
Wi.
Chileab Smith, We.
Sam'l Billings, Hr.
Sarah Fellows, Hr.
Ill
Sous and
fiimif/iters.
Amherst
Foil tillers.
Sathan, '35
FJiL'iiL'z.,'41 f Nathan Dickinson.
1). May 30, 171-.'.
il. Alia-. 7, 17;)(i.
Tlianklul Warner.
m. ind.
Joanna Leonard.
m . 3rd .
Stoplien,'70 (. Judith Hosnier.
Tuditli.
l:S;'krpeazer smith.
Elcazar,-o4 ^>-^'-^- '^'- '^l^'
IthanKir,'.")t;
KIcazav, '.58 I
Sarah, '(iO. ]
Ktlian, 't)3.
Aclisah,'(l.i.
Eleazar, '67
Justin, '70.
Lvdia Thomas.
1). J7-2.5.
Seth. '7.5.
Eunice.
b. 1750.
Simeon, '52.
Levi, '53.
Jiidah, '.56.
Lois, '58.
Judah, '.59.
Asahel, '02.
Lois, '64.
.Justus, '65.
Mary, '67.
.Jerusha,'70
.Terusha,'72
Abigail Hale.
l- b. 1735, d. 1812.
f Simeon Clark.
1). 1720, d. ISOl.
Reliecca Strong
■^ b. 1724, d. ISll.
William, '06
Tliank'l, '68
S;irill, '70.
Kannv, '72.
Seth, ■■74. ■
Sarah. '77.
Klii>li.B.'79
Fanny, '81.
Seth Coleman.
b. 1740, d. 1816.
m. 17(i5.
j Sarah Beecher.
I- b. 1741, d. 1783.
Third
iieiheraiion.
pjben. Dickinson,
b. Fel). 2, 16sl.
d. March, 16, 17.30.
m. June 27, 1706.
Han'h Frarv.
1). March 23^ 1683.
Dan'l Warner,
b. 1003.
.John Smith.
b. 1684, d. 1761.
111. cn
I Esther Colton.
[ b. 1687.
Lebanon, Ct.
r Thomas Hale.
I b. 1705, d. 1787
< m. 1734.
I Abigail Burt.
Increase Clark.
b. 1684, d. 1775.
m. 1710.
Mary Sheldon,
b. 1690, d. 1767.
f N't'l Strong.
I b. 1698, d 1781.
1 ni. 1721.
[ Miriam Sheldon.
1). 1704, d. 1796.
f N't'l Coleman.
1 1). 1709, d. 1792.
I m. 1739.
i Mercv Smith.
[ 1). 1715, d. 1798.
f Eliph. Beecher.
I b. 1711, d. 1777.
I m. 1732.
1^ Sarah Bradley.
Second
Generation.
i Sam'l Dickinson.
I 1) Julv 1638.
{ d. Nov. ,30, 1711.
I m. Jan. 4, 1668.
(, Martli' Bridgman
Eliezer Frary.
f Dan'l Warner.
I b. 1666, d. 1754.
■>, ni. 1688.
I Mary Hubbard.
t b. 1669.
.John Smith,
b. 1661, d. 1727.
m. 1683.
I .Joanna Kellogg.
I b. 1604.
f Ephraim Colton.
1 1). 1648, d. 1713,
■'. m 2n(l, 1685.
I Est. Marshfield.
I b 1667, d. 1714.
Thomas Hale.
David Burt.
f John Clark.
J b. 1651, d. 1704.
) Mary Strong.
[ b. 16.54, d 1738.
f Isaac Sheldon,
b. 16)6, d.l7r2.
\ m. 1685.
I Sarah Warner.
1^ b. 1667.
M't'l Strong,
b. 1673, d. 17.50.
m. 1697.
I Kebec. Stebbin^
[ b. 1076, d, 1712.
f Eben. Sheldon.
I b. 1678, d. 1755.
■{ m. 1701.
] Mary Hunt.
^ b. 1680.
First
Settlers.
NT Dickinson, We.
.Jas. Bridgman, Sp.
See p. 108.
Dan'l Warner,
son of Andrew, Hr.
John Hubbard,
son of George, We.
Fhil. Smith, We.
Jos. Kellogg, F.
Geo. Colton, Sp.
Deb. Gardner, Hr.
S. Marshfield, Sp.
Catli. Chapin, Sp.
Thos. Hate, Sp.
I'risc. Markham,
dau. of Williaio, Hr
Nat'l Burt, Sp.
Rebecca Sikes, Sp.
Wm. Clark, Dor.
Jno. Strong, Wl.
Is. Sheldon Wi.
M. Woodford,
dau. of Thomas, Hr.
Dan'l Warner, Hr.
f Eben. Strong, Wi.
I b. 1643, d. 1729,
■{ m. 1668.
I Han'h Clapp, Dor.
t b. 1646.
f .J. Stebbins, Sp.
I b. 1626, <1 1679.
<; m. 16.57.
I Ab. Bartlett, Hr.
L d. 1681.
Is. Sheldon, Wi.
f Jona. Hunt, Hr.
J b. 1637, d. 1691.
I m. 1662.
t CI. Hosnier, Hr.
r N't'l Coleman.
) b. 1684, d. 17.55.
I ni. 1705.
I Mary Ely.
f Chilcal) Smith.
I b. 1685, d. 1746.
1 m. 1710.
L Mercy Golding.
f Joseph Beecher.
I b- 1683.
^ m. 1710.
^ Sarah Morris.
f .J. Coleman, We.
j b. 163.5, d. 1711.
1 m. 1679.
L Mehit. Root, Hr.
Chil. Smith, We.
Pet. Golding, B.
Jos. Beecher, N. H.
b 1645, d. 1712.
Jos. Morris, N. H.
B. Winston, N. H.
112
B.
PETITION AGAINST BUILDING TWO MEETING HOUSES.
[Manuscript copied by Her. ./. H. Temple, and deposited in the Library of Amherst College
by i\[. F. Dickinson, Jr.]
14 : G84. Mass. Archives.
To his Excellency Thomas Hutchinson Esq. Captain General and Governor
in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England and Vice Admiral of the same.
To the Hon"' his Majesty's Council and House of Representatives in General
Court assembled at Boston on the 2G"' day of May A. D. 1773.
The subscribine Petitioners Iiduibitants of the District of Amherst in the
County of Hampshire
Most humbly shew.
That the District of Amherst contains a Tract of Land nearly equal to
seven miles in length and three miles in breadth taken together : That in the
year 1735, a Precinct or Parish was erected there by the name of the Third
Precinct of lladley, in which town said lands then were. That in the year 1738
a Meeting House was erected, and in the year 1739 a Minister was settled
there. That in the year 1759 the same Parish or Precinct was erected into a
District by the name of Amherst, with some Inhabitants of Hadley Parish
with their Farms annexed thereto. That your Petitioners ai-e most of them
Inhabitants of the middle Part of the said District, whose Lands and Estates
are adjacent to the said Meeting House on each side, and towards each end of
the District, and that they and their predecessors were the first original set-
tlers of the Parish of East Hadiey. from which said Amherst Avas erected,
who bore the principal part of the burden of beginning and bringing forward
the settlement at first, of building a Meeting House, supporting the Ministry
and all other charges ; and have continued to bear the greater part of Expenses
of every kind from the original settlement of the Parish to this day. That
though they have long held a state of good agreement and harmony among
themselves, and conducted their affairs both ecclesiastical and civil with
great unanimity, yet ar{> now in a most unhappy controversy witli the inhab-
itants of the remote parts of the District respecting theM^nilding a Meeting
House for Public Worship. That partly by reason of the Inhabitants who
were admitted from Hadley Parish to be incorporated with Amiierst at their
own request, and because of their great distance from their own Meeting
House, partly by reason of tlie increase of settlers in the remoter parts and
near the two ends of tlie District, and partly by the methods used by the
opposite party to inultiply liieir votes, by .transferring property from the
father's List to tlie son's, who tiio' qualified according to the letter of the
Province Law ought to every e(|uitable purpose to be considered as having
113
no property at all : Your retitioners, though owning the greater part of the
Property within the District, are yet in respect of their number of voters
become a minor party, and being as they conceive oppressed and likely still
to be oppressed by the strength of a prevailing majority, and being under
necessity therefore to seek redress iSc Protection in Legislative Power, hum-
bly beg leave to open and state their matters of complaint in the following
manner (viz.)
That within two years last past the Increase of inhabitants made it needful
to provide a new Meeting House for Public Worship : That on a motion for
this purpose, the Inhabitants of the remoter settlements towards each end
of the District united together in a Design of procuring the District (how-
ever small in its extent) to be divided into two Districts, so that the extrem-
ities of the tAvo Districts should be at the present Centre, and your Petition-
ers on each side of the present Meeting House, to be at the remote or extreme
parts of the two pi'oposed' Districts. This Proposal was brought before a
District Meeting holden on the l^"" Day of January A. D. 1772, and though
opposed by your Petitioners, a vote was then passed for the proposed Divis-
ion, That from a supposed insufficiency in the proceeding, the same matter
was again brought before a District Meeting holden the 10"' Day of March
in the same year : and there being then an equal number of voters on each
side of the question no vote was passed, That afterwards the Party for the
Division entered into an agreement for effecting their purpose by procuring
a Majority for erecting two Meeting Houses at the joint expense of the whole
District before any Division should be made, or any new District erected,
and to place them so as to subserve their design of a future Division towards
the ends of the present, and in the middle of each proposed District, whei*eby
they apprehended that your Petitioners overpowered by their majority, would
be finally brought by compulsion to join with them in procuring such a Divis-
ion, That pursuant to this design a meeting was holden on the li"" day of
April last past, at which (having previously multiplied their voters in the
manner above described) they procured a majority for erecting the two
Meeting Houses : and a vote was accordingly passed. And tho' nothing as
yet hath been done in pui'suance of said vote, yet your Petitioners ai'e threat-
ened with the speedy execution of it. All which votes and proceedings, by
attested copies thereof hei'ewith exhibited will appear. On which state of
facts your petitioners luunbly beg leave to represent and observe : That the
whole District of Amherst being of no larger extent than nearly as above set
forth, cannot admit of. having a new District erected therefrom in the man-
ner contended for, Avithout effecting the ruin of the whole, as neither of the
two could be able to support public expenses : That the Division contended
for is such for which no precedent can be pi'oduced, nor any reason assigned :
That the very remotest of the Inhabitants have no f urtlier travel to the cen-
ti-e of Andierst than what is common to many of the Inhabitants of most of
the ToAvns within the Province. And if any reason could be given for so
extraordinary a measure, the same must hold and hold much stronger in almost
every Town and District and produce Divisions and subdivisions throughont
the whole. That your Petitioner"^ lliiiik it nio'^t injni'ions to themselves to
k;
114
be dictated by an opposite Party in respect to their tenderest rights, and
especially in matters relating to the "Worship of God. That their opponents
are unjustly endeavoring to compel them to join in societies wherein they
have no disposition to join, and many of them to abandon their Parish, Church
and Minister, to which they are most cordially united; and to be so incorpo-
rated together in each respective new formed society with those of an adverse
Party, of opposite sentiments and exasperated mhids : That each of the little,
weak and already ruined societies must have nothing in prospect but to be if
possible further ruined by increasing Confusion and Discord among them-
selves. That your Petitioners having acquired their Estates at a rate propor-
tionate to the value of their present situation, may not, consistent with jus-
tice, have such privileges wrested from them. That confiding in the Equity
of their cause, they would cheerfully have submitted it to the decision of the
General Court : but that their opponents (either thro' diffidence of the success
of their cause, or for some other reason to your Petitioners unknown) wlioUy
declining to make any application to the General Court for a new District to
l)e erected, have adopted the violent measure of forcing your Petitioners to
contribute to the expense of the said two Meeting Houses, which purpose if
executed they consider as a manifest oppression under colour of LaAv, and
an high abuse of the Power vested in Towns and Districts by the Acts of
this Province. That the vote whereof your Petitioners complain was pro-
cured by votei's qualified by unfair means, as above expressed, and that your
Petitioners having the property of more than half the Estate within the Dis-
trict, and who must therefore bear the greater part of the expense, the whole
of which they should esteem to be worse than lost. Your Petitioners fur-
ther beg leave to represent that during the whole controversy they have
adopted every pacific measure ; have never used any undue method to multi-
ply their voters, choosing rather to want a majority tlian to procure it by
unfair means, And now finding all attempts of Accommodation to be in vain :
and despairing of justice without the intervention of Legislative Power,
Your Petitioners most humbly pray the attention of your Excellency and
Honors to their unhappy situation. And though they are sensible that no
division of Amherst can be made'without great prejudice to the whole, and
if left to their own election should be very far from desiring it in any man-
ner whatever : Yet since the opposite Party seem resolved to please their
own humor at the expense of your Petitioners' ruin. Your Petitioners most
hum))ly pray your Excellenc_y and Honors to interpose for their relief, by
allowing them, whose interests and sentiments are united, to be a corporation
and Parish by themselves in the middle of Amherst, enjoying all privileges,
and being liable to all duties of a Parochial nature that are incunihent on the
District of Amherst, leaving our Opponents their election to remain with us
on reasonable term.s : or l)e incorporated together among themselves as their
remote situation will best permit or join to be incorporated with some adjac-
ent towns or Parishes, as they can obtain consent for admittance there. And
if the granting your Petitioners prayer herein, should seem to throw their
opponents into much calamity, which your petitioners by no means desire, if
it may be avoided : Yet since our opponents which avc now tlie Major Party
115
will be content with nothing short of Divisioti and Division to be effected by
such violent nisans. your Pv'titioners humbly pray your Excellency and Hon-
ors to make such a Division as will save and protect an injured and innocent
Party: and snflFer our opponents rather to be ruined alone, than leave them
the Power of involving your Petitioners Avith them : Oiherwise that your
Excellency and Honors would provide for our safety by passing an Act or
Order for depriving the District of Amherst of the power of raising or
assessing any monies on the Inhabitants for the building of such Meeting
Houses, or for excusing y'r petitioners from contributing any proportion of
any Taxes raised for such purpose ; or grant relief to your Petitioners in any
other Avay or manner as you in y'r great wisdom shall think fit. And for the
preventing any contention or disturbances that might ai'ise in the District
between the Parties in the mean time, y'r Petitioners most humlily pray Lhat
an Order may be passed for staying all proceedings, either in erecting said
Meeting Houses, or in Demolishing the present Meeting House until the final
Determination of y'r Excellency & Honors hereon. They also pray that a
committee of the General Court may be appointed to repair to Amherst, to
examine into the Matters alledged in this Petition if y'r Excellency & Honors
think fit : And that all the costs arising by this application may be ordered
to be paid by the District of Amhei'st.
And as iu dutj' bound shall pray
Jr
John Morton
Moses Cook
Jona Dickinson Jr.
David Blodgett
Gid Dickinson Jr.
Reuben CoavIs
John Billings
Thomas Hastings
Samuel Gould
Moses Warner
David Smith
Simeon Clark
Joseph Bolles
Hezekiah Howard
Timothy Clap
Simeon Peck
Eben"- Kellogg
Aaron Warner
John Field Jr.
Noah Smith
Joseph Church
Noadiah LcAvis
Silas MatthcAvs
Timothy Hubbard
I do hereby certify that the whole Rateable Estate of Anilierst as footed
by the Assessors on their last List amounts to £7800 :
And of that sum Avhat belongs to one of the Anabai)list persuasion, and
others not Inhabitants of Amherst amounts to £202 : 15
And that the Estate of the aboA^e named Petitioners on the List amounts
to £4220: 13
Seth Colenuin
District Clerk.
Josiah Channcey
Simeon Strong
Jona Dickinson
Jonathan CoavIs
John Field
Nathan Moody
Alex'r Smith
Moses Warner
Daniel Kellogg
Elisha Ingram
Nathan Dickinson
Hezekiah Belding
W"' Bolt\\(jO(l
Jona Edwards
Natiianiel Coleman
Jonathan Moody
Gideon Henderson
Natiri Alex'- Smith
Jonathan Nasli
Isaac Goodale
Elijah Baker
Solo'" BoltAvood
Waitstill Hastings
Nath'l Peck
Noah Dickinson
Simeon Pomeroy
Joseph Dickinson
David HaAvley
Thomas Bascom
Eph'" Kellogg Jr.
Jonathan Smith
Jona Nash Jr.
Martin Smith
Joel Billings
Thomas Hastings ■
Nathaniel Smith
Gideon Dickinson
Barnabas Sal)in
Edward Elmer
John Morton Jr.
David Stockbridge
Josiah Moody
Eben'' Dickinson
Seth Coleman
John Nash
Joseph Morton
11 (5
At a meeting of the Districl .Ian. 2(i, 1 774 it was " Voted to Choose
two Agents to Refer a Petition to the General Court to obtain the
Division of the District," also " to Authorise two Men to Make answer
to the general Court's Citation in Consequence of a Petition of a
Number of Inhabitants of Amherst." Choice Avas made of Reuben
Dickinson and Moses Dickinson to fdl both positions.
After the hearing the Genei'al Court ordered that a committee con-
sisting of Artemas Ward Esq. of the Council and Mr. Pickering and
Col. Bacon of the House " repair to the District of Amherst, view the
same, hear the parties on the spot, and make report what they think
proper for the Court to do thereon : and that the Inhabitants of s^
District in the -mean time wholly surcease & forbear all proceedings
relative to the building any new Meeting House or Houses in said
District."
Pending further action, there came the agitation over the oppress-
ions of the Crown, and then the Revolution. It is interesting to
observe that the very meeting in Amherst which sent tlie "two
Agents " to Boston to appear before the General Court in behalf of
dividing the District also chose "a Com'tee of Corrispondence to
Refer with the Com'tee of Correspondence in the town of Boston,"
and that the same Reuben Dickinson and Moses Dickinson were put on
this committee with three others none of whom were of the petitioners.
Plainly the way was open for them to unite with the revolutionary
party and all the circumstances conspired to promote the union. So,
too, it became natural for the ]jetitioners to fall into the opposing
conservative party.
Until this time Josiah Channcey and Simeon Strong had been more
prominent in official positions than an}' others in the place. They
had been Justices of the Peace, — the former since 1758 and the
latter since 1768; they had l)een Moderators of the District Meet-
ings, too, and had served often on important committees. But now
there is a complete change. IMoses Dickinson is made Justice of the
Peace, and he and Reuben Dickinson appear continually in the most
important stations, while Channcey and Strong are passed by.
An exi)lanation of this may be found in the petition. The first
subscriber to it was Josiah Channcey and the second Simeon Strong.
There can be no doubt that thi-y were the principal authors of it and
that their masterly leadership thwarted the scheme of the carefully
consolidated majority and prevented the division of the town.
117
6.
THE ORIGIN OF THE SECOND CHURCH AND PARISH.
The following otlicial docuineiit funiished by .Air. J. \V. Alk'U, Clerk
of the Second Parish, gives the names of those who were identified
with that Parish at its origin.
IN THE YEAK OF OUR LORD 1783.
AMHERST INCORPORATED.
CHAP. III.
An Act for incorporating a Number of the Inliabitants of the Town of
Amlierst in the County of Hamps/iire, into a separate Parish, by the Name of
the Second Parisli in the Town of Amherst
Wliereas a number of the inhabitants of the town of Amherst, in the said
county, herein-after named, have petitioned this Court to be incorporated
into a separate pai'ish, for reasons set fortli in the petition
Tliereforc be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court asseuibled and by the autliority of tlie same. That the said
petitioners, namely,
Moses Dicldnson,
Josepli Eastman,
Pelatiah Smith
llezekiah Belding
John Robins
Joseph Robins,
Jolm Ingraliam
Nathan Perkins.
Nathan Dickinso)i
John Diclviuson,
Timothy Green,
Noah Dickinson,
Heni'y Franklin,
.\bijah Williams,
Azariah Dickinson,
Samuel Henry,
Noah Hawley,
Oliver Clapp,
Ebenezer Eastman
Gideou Moore,
Thomas Marshall,
Joseph Dickinson,
Simeon Cowls,
Abner Adams,
Samuel Ingraham,
Thomas Morton,
John Billing,
Ebenezer Mattoon,
Ebenezer Dickinson,
Ebenezer Williams,
Jacob Warner,
James Merrick second,
.\ndrew Kimljal
Noadiah Lewis,
Ebenezer Dickinson third Joseph Morton.
Lemuel Moody Giles Churcli,
Nathan Dickinson junior, Nathaniel Dickinson 2d,
Stephen Cole, Waitstill Dickinson,
Amariah Dana, John Eastman,
David Cowls, David Rich,
Benannel Leach, Elihu Dickinson,
Joseph Eastman junior, Reu})en Ingraham,
Reuben Dickinson, Clement Marsliall,
Reuben Dickinson junior, Ebenezer Dickinson 2d,
Ebenezer Mattoon junior, Amos Ayres,
Justus Williams,
Jacob Warner, junior.
Asa Dickinson,
Eli Putnam,
David Blodget junior.
Adam Rice,
Solomon Dickinson,
Ebenezer Ingraham.
Zimri Dickinson,
Phineas .Vllen.
Aaron Billing,
Gideon Lee,
Levi Dickinson.
Nathan Perkins junior,
Joseph Williams,
Simeon Dickinson.
118
and Gad Dickinson together with tlieir estates which tliey now have, or may
hereafter possess, in tlieir own right, in tlie said town of A7nherst, be, and
liereby are incorporated into a separate parish by the name of the second
parish in tlie town of Atnherst.
Comparing these names with those ou page 115 it will be found
that eight appear in both lists. These are Italicised above. One
other name of the former list, that of Gideon Henderson . is found on
the earliest roll of members of the Second Church. Of these nine
men, seven had served on the Committees of Correspondence and
four had been in the arn^y.
During the Revolution there had been eight Committees of Corres-
pondence with twenty-nine different members. Nineteen of these are
named in the above list. There are twenty-four names of this list
which are to be found in the rolls of soldiers published by Rev. P.
W. Lyman. In these rolls about one hundred and fifty soldiers in
all are accredited to Amherst.
Several prominent ofBcers were in this movement to form the Sec-
ond Parish. Capt. Reuben Diel\inson, Capt. Ebenezer INIattoon,
Lieut. Noah Dickinson and Lieut. Joseph Dickinson. Capt. Mattoon
was especially conspicuous ; the meetings of the Councils were at his
house, and the final Council was popularly spoken of as Capt. Mat-
toon's Council.*
On the side of the Old Church Josiah Chauncey and Suneon Strong
are conspicuous leaders again. The Committee for the Ordination
of Mr. Parsons consisted of these two with Setli Coleman : the Com-
mittee " to treat with the aggrieved Brethren," a little later, of them
with Dea. Eleazar Smith : and the Committee to make a statement of
the case of the Church before the subsequent Council, of them with
Dea. Jonathan Iiidwards.
The Council called for the Ordination of Mr. Parsons was as
follows :
The First Church in Springtield Rev. Robert Breck
The Church in Sunderland Rev. Joseph Ashley
" " " Northtteld Rev. John IIubl)ard
" " " Hadley Rev. Sam'l Hopkins
" ■• " Greenfield Rev. Roger Newton
•• Barre Rev. Josiah Dana
Granbv Rev. Simon Backus
*An examination of state ))ai)ers by Mr. .Jolin Jameson of Boston coiirtrms Uie view that
this witlKlravval from tlie old Chnrcli was mainly for political reasons.
119
Below are extracts from the Diary of Rev. Enoch Hale of West-
hampton, copied by Kev. (ieorge Lyman from the original manuscripts
now in the possession of Rev. Dr. E. E. Hale of Boston.
"Sep. 30. 1782 Ride to Amherst to Ebenezer Mattoon's to join in rouiieil
to advise the aggrieved party.
Eev. Elders Delegates
Jona. Judd, Moderator Dea. King, S. Hamp.
Joseph Strong, Scribe. Williaiusburg
Rufus Wells, Dea. Salmon White, Whateley
Jos. Lyman, Dea. Elijah Morton. Hattield
Sol. Williams. Ephm Wright Esq., N. Ilamp.
Euocli Hale, Dea. Reuben Wright, W. Hamp.
Oct P' Hear and consult.
•• 2 Attend ordination of Mr, Parsons. Kev. Breclv preached: Hopkins
gave charge : Dana prayed first : Hubbard of Northfield prayed to ordain :
Morton pra.ved last : Backus gave right hand.
Return to Council, hear and consult till 12 or 1 o'clock.
Oct. 3. Result and dissolve.
Oct. 28. To Amherst again in Council. Mr. Sylvester Judd, delegate
Nov. 11. To Amherst on Council, to Capt. Mattoon's, by adjournment —
hear parties.
Nov. 12, Aggrieved party make proposal to ofter Mr. Parsons and his church
in answer to theirs made them last even, which I drew for the Counnittee
and which the Council approves, but judge the otter made by the other party
unequal and insufhcient. Advise the party if their proposal of uniting in the
choice of a Mutual Council is not complied with in four weeks to proceed to
organize and settle a uiinister."
The account in the Records of the First Church is as follows :
" Many of the members of the chh, left the worship and communion of the
clnu'ch and formed theuisehes in a distinct society by agreeing among them-
selves.
They sent to the church a paper called the Testimony and Representation
signed by twenty one members of ye church purporting their dissatisfaction.
. . . These aggrieved, as they styled themselves, presented the church
with a report of an ex parte council dated Oct. 28, '82 . . which was read at
a meeting Nov. 10"' and the following votes passed.
Whether this church will appear before an Ecclesiastical Council, chosen
by a number of the Brethren who style themselves the aggrieved, at their
adjournment? Voted in tiie negative. Upon a second question Whether this
church will unite with the aggrieved Brethren in the (dioice of a mutual coun-
cil and submit to their decision the matter referred to in llie 'I'estinicny and
Representation? Voted in the aftirmative.
Voted, To send tlie aggrieved committee a letter offering to unite witli
them in ye choice of a mutual council — signed by ye pastor."
At a meeting Nov. 24'". " Voted, That Simeon Strong Esq. Josiali Cliaiu)-
]2()
cey Esq., and Dea, Eleazar Smith be a Com'tee to treat with the aggrieved
upon the subject of submitting all matter of grievance to a Mutual Council.
Voted That they present the aggrieved with a letter of Proposals of Sub-
mission."
At a meeting Dec. o'"\ " The Com'tee appointed to treat witli the aggrieved
Brethren presented the church with a letter purporting the aggrieved would
not agree to the church's proposals of Submission to a Mutual Council.
Voted That this church will invite an Ecclesiastical Council to look into the
affairs of the church and give their advice respecting the Brethren who style
themselves aggrieved. "
Fifteen churches were iuvited to this council, but only seven were
represented. Those printed in Italics constituted the council.
The Cliitrdi in Northfield, Rev John Hubbard. Seth Field Esq.
'• " " Greenfield. Rev. Roger Neicton. Dea. E. Grave.s
" " Iladley, Ilev. Sam'l Hopkins
(iranby, Hev. Simon Backus
" First Church in Spriiigjield, Rev. Ilobt Brec/c. Mr. Robt Church
The Church in W. Springfield, liev. Jos. Lathrop
" " " Suffleld, Eev. Ebenezer Gay.
" " " East Windsor, Rev. Thos. Potwine
" " " W. Windsor, N. Parish, Rev Theo. Hinsdale, Cajit. Nathan Ihnjden.
" Hartfoixl, Rev. Nathan Sti'ong.
" Barrc, Rev. Josiah Dana, Mr. Nathan ./ennison.
" " " Rutland, Rev. Jos. Buckmiuster
" " " Silencer, Rev. Joseph Pope,
" " " Brookjield, E. Parish, Rev. Nathan Fiskc, Capt. Seth Bannister
" " " Belchertown, Rev. Justus Forirard, Dea Edtvard Smith
According to present usage a council composed of a minority of
the churches invited would not be competent to transact business.
In this case, however, the council prepared a result, and at a
meeting of the church Jan. 19, 1783 it was voted to accept the same.
It recommended the church to " exercise forbearance and condescen-
sion towards their Brethren who had unwarrantably withdrawn from
their communion and cordially to receive them upon their return,
deeming their return a sufficient retraction of their errors."
It is not clear wherein la}' the particular diflicult}' tliat prevented
the calling of a nuitual council when both parties seem to have strongly
desired it. Kemenibeiing, however, that on one side were several
old army officers and that they had foi- counsellors a number of min-
isters who had been ardent advocates of the Revolution (among them
a brother of Nathan Hale the martyr) and that on the other side were
men who had disbelieved in the devolution from the stait, it may not
121
seem strange that they found causes of disagreement on the subject
at issue.
Had a mutual council been called it might, perhaps, have healed
the bitter and painful division.
From our point of view it would seem that both of the councils,
that of "the aggrieved" and that of the old Church, made a great
mistake in not refusing to give other advice than that a competent
mutual council be called. Nothing can be plainer now than the ina-
bility of either of these councils, as the}' were constituted, to deal
effectively with the case in hand and to accomplish what needed to
be done. In the perspective of a century, however, the aspect of
things is wholly changed.
Note. On page 100, tenth line from the bottom, read, " on pcn-t of the same Lot."
On page 104 adil to Aboi-eviations, linrklt. for Barkhamsteail ; Burns, for Barns-
table; ^o,r. for Rox bury; IFai. for Watertown.
STATISTICS OF TtlE CHURCH.
TABULATED CHIEFLY FROM ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION.
Members.
Admitted.
Removed.
Bapt.
CO
It
w ■
O
'A
O
«
H
►J
C
De.
Dis.
Ex.
TOT.
p
E-
•A
<
29
K
■n
M
H
47
113
160
<
Ph
>A
H
13
0
1856
114
222
336
64
1.3
6
19
8
4
12
3
2
150
1857
110
212
322
57
1
J 2
13
8
16
24
7
236
1858
105
227
332
60
7
17
24
S
11
19
6
200
1859
112
234
346
45
25
7
1
14
15
8
4
200
1860
89
212
301
27
9
10
19
6
23
27
56
4
3
310
1861
86
220
306
39
2
12
14
5
3
8
1
3
208
1862
83
211
294
32
2
1
3
4
11
15
6
246
1863
77
212
289
33
I
3
4
5
4
9
4
273
1864
90
214
304
42
1
11
12
6
3
9
5
281
1865
88
239
327
42
31
12
43
<;
12
18
7
6
175
1866
84
233
317
42
2
4
6
4
11
1
16
6
170
1867
84
225
309
4
4
2
9
11
6
3
226
1868
91
244
335
17
14
19
33
4
3
7
7
2
2.55
1869
80
242
322
36
4
16
20
4
10
14
2
3
250
1870
103
271
374
43
29
39
68
10
12
22
9
7
302
1871
108
278
386
5i
6
21
27
10
5
15
8
279
1S72
112
277
389
55
2
7
"9
8
6
14
6
225
1873
104
282
386
55
7
21
28
9
8
17
3
3
240
1874
123
292
415
44
28
14
42
4
J7
21
11
4
280
1875
124
278
402
35
13
1
14
10
11
21
1
6
336
1876
125
281
406
30
1
25
26
7
15
22
1
375
1877
123
278
401
(i9
1
12
13
9
7
1
17
275
1878
113
260
373
70
3
^3
4
16
20
1
235
1879
123
295
418
43
51
24
75
9
24
33
310
1880
128
294
422
47
7
25
32
10
12
6
28
300
1881
134
306
440
65
7
25
32
5
5
2-
12
2
6
.342
1882
130
314
444
67
7
26
33
6
24
30
2
1
325
1883
140
332
472
77
38
19
57
8
21
29
16
1
294
1884
121
306
427
.53
13
13
15
33
48
2
276
1885
120
315
435
.54
19
24
43
7
28
35
2
3
333
1886
120
320
440
.53
15
9
24
2
16
1
19
4
2
350
1887
125
322
447
66
13
17
30
7
16
23
6
3
316
1888
128
325
453
65
16
16
32
10
16
26
7
1
330
1889
ISO
337
467
74
36
•10
46
13
19
32
21
2
309
1890
127
318
445
58
4
9
13
'/
24
4
35
3
4
306
BENEVOLENT CONTRIBIJTIONS-
The method of preparing these reports has varied from year to
year. In some years they are fuller than in others, but necessarily
they are incomplete always.
POR YEAR
ENDING
JAN'Y 1.
FOREIGN
MISSIONS.
EDUCA-
TION.
CHURCH
BUILDING.
HOME
MISSIONS.
AM. mTs.
ASSOC.
^T^rl— •
TOTAL.
1866
. 1.020
1867.
186S
. 864
. 1,490
1869.
1870 .
1871
'. '595!
. 78 '.
'. 238!
'. m'.
'. ' 97 !
'. ' 66 ]
. 829
. 1,176
. 1,025
1872
. 284
103 .
. 51 .
. 110.
1,476 .
. 156.
. 1,914
1873.
1874
. 41.5.
. 40 .
. .59 .
. 780
. 1,137
1S7.5 .
1876 .
1877
. 278.
. ■.•6.5 .
. 484.
. .514.
. 7.55 .
. .597.
. 305 .
. 407.
563.
464.
. 633 .
. 10.
. 10.
18 .
. 30 .
. 75 .
'. 37 '.
. 20 .
. 31 .
. 33 .
. 25 .
. 8 .
. 165.
. 117 .
170
'. ' 36 '.
32 .
. 31 .
. 3.57 .
. 165 .
. 180 .
. 8.59
. 623
. 941
1878
11
4
3!
6.
. 82.
. 613 .
. 335.
. 603.
. 413.
. 301 .
. 297 .
. 418 .
20 .
. 616
1879.
.880.
1881
188-2 .
1883 .
1884.
188.5 .
. 140.
. 86.
. 100.
. 199.
1.50.
. 90.
. 130.
. 130.
. 233 .
. 164.
. 195.
. 261
. 76.
. .54.
77 .
. 20 .
. 59.
. 43.
. 1.55.
. 60.
. 43.
12 .
. 10.
. 45.
. 700.
. 290.
. 312 .
. 110.
. 610.
. 200 .
. 5.55 .
. 188.
. 143.
. 59 .
. 362.
. 117.
. 2,321
. 1,382
. 1,428
. 1,182
. 1,821
1,148
. 1,891
1886.
1887.
1888.
1889.
1890.
. 545.
. 705 .
. 843 .
1.008 .
. 701.
6
5
11
19
69
0.
7 .
8.
0.
•2 .
. 12 .
. 16 .
. 25 .
. 12 .
. 18 .
. 6.58 .
1,033 .
. 775 .
. 594 .
. 792 .
. 1,6.53
. 2,230
. 1,996
. 2,371
. 2,626
^^ 8O.1S03