■if liili^ SKETCHES OLD INHABITANTS AND OTHER CITIZENS OLD SPRINGFIELD OF THE PRESENT CENTURY HISTORIC MANSIONS OF "YE OLDEN T^ME. Willi OXK nrXDRKl) AXD TWKXTV-FOUR I I.I.IS'IR A TIOXS AXl) SIXTY ALTlXlRArilS. By CHAREES VVELES CHAPIN. J 'lit if lice Passe Science.'' %^-I ^8 1893 J ■ OF WI3 Jonathan, 3d, Marvin, . . 117 Thomas, . . . Moses, . . 120 William, . . . Orange. . . 121 Edwards, Elisha, . . Samuel, . . . 121 John S., . . . Sidney, . . 122 Elliot, Francis, . . . Whitfield, . 123 Elwell. William S., . Chapman, Otis, . . '37 Ely, Nathaniel, . . Reuben A.. 137 Emery, Robert, . . Chase, John, 139 Ferry, Thaddeus, . . Child, William, 140 Flint, Joseph H., . . Childe, John, . . 140 P'oot, Adonijah, . . Church, Jefferson, 141 Homer, . . . Moses, . . 143 Foster, Lewis, . . . Clary, Albert G., . 145 William H., . Erasmus D., '45 Freeman, Edmund, . Ethan A., . 143 Frost, George, . . . Henry D., . '45 Joshua. . . . Robert E., . 146 Fuller, Benjamin, . . Colton, Charles, '47 Henry, Jr., . . George, . 148 Goodman, Eldad, . - Cook, Dennis, . . '49 Ithamar, . . . Coolidge, Jonas, '49 Goodrich, Elijah, . . Covell, Chauncey L., 150 John, .... Crooks, James W., '5' Gorham, Lewis, Crossett, George A.. '55 Graves, Martin D., Cutler, Nathaniel, . '55 Gunn, Elisha, . . . Dale, John Blake. . .56 Hale, James W., . . Samuel, . . . 158 Harding, Chester, . . Thomas, Sr., • 159 Hatch, Solomon. . . Day, Benjamin, '59 Hitchcock, Daniel. Samuel S., . 160 William, . Dickinson, Ocran. . . 161 Holt, Rodney, . . . Dwight, Edmund. . . 1O2 Hooker, John. . • . Francis. . . .63 Josiah, . . . Frederick, . . 164 Howard, Rev. Dr. Bezal eel, Vll INDEX. Howard. Charles, John, . . Hubbard, Boardman Hyde, Elijah, Ingersoil. P^dward. John, . Ingrahain, Joseph, Kendall. Joel. Madison. Kilbon. John, Kiniberly, Ezra. Kingsbury, Samuel Kingsley, Daniel P Lathrop, Wells, Lawton, Sanford. Leavitt, Benning. Lee, Horace, Roswell, . Lloyd, VVilliam, . Lombard, Daniel, Joseph, Justin. Roswell, . Lyman, Cornelius, Samuel, . Marsh, Apollos, McClallan, Charles McNary, Samuel. Merriam, Charles, George, . Homer, . Mills, John, . . Morgan, Albert, Morris, Edward A Henry, Oliver B., Richard D., Moseley, Edward F. Nathaniel, . Nathaniel li., Mosman, Silas, Sr., Munn, Apollos. . . Nettleton, Alpheus, TAGE 226 228 230 230 23' 233 235 235 237 239 241 241 241 242 245 245 247 249 251 251 2 r 2 25s 255 255 257 262 263 265 265 267 272 272 275 276 277 280 282 282 283 284 285 2S5 286 Orne, Samuel, . William W., Osgood, Rev. Samuel Packard, Fred A., . Palmer, Edmund. . Parsons, Zenas, Peabody, Re V.William Pease. Joseph, . Pendleton, Jesse, . Phelps, Ansel, Jr.. Phelps, Willis, . . Pynchon. Charles, Edward, William, . . Raynolds, Samuel. Reynolds, Daniel. . Rice, Caleb, . William, . Ring, Jesse, . . . . Ripley, James W , Robb, John, . . . Rogers, Sable, . . Rowland, Edmund, Jr Rumrill, James B., Russell, Ebenezer, Stephen O., Sanborn, Joseph AL, Simon. . . Sanderson, Harvey. Sargeant, Henry. . Horatio, . Thomas, . Seamans, Otis A., . Seeger, Edwin, . Shackford, Samuel A Shattuck, Calvin, . Sheldon, Charles, . William, . Shepard, Chauncey, Thomas J., . Shurtleff, Roswell. Simons, Cicero, Skeele, Amos, . . B. INDEX. IX I'AGE PAGE Smith, David, 341 Tobey, Elisha, 377 Henry. . . 343 Trask, Eliphalet, . 379 Horace, . . 343 Israel Eliot. 382 James M., . 345 Tully, William, . . 386 Simon, . . 348 Tyler, Philos B.. . 387 William, . . 348 Upham, Charles J., 388 Southworth, Wells, 349 Van Horn, Azariah. 388 Spencer, Luther, . 350 Gad, . . . 388 Stearns, Charles, . 350 Vinton, Joshua B., . 389 Stebbins, Festus, . 353 Warner, '1 homas, . 390 John Charter, 353 Warriner, Jeremy. . 393 Joseph, Jr., . 353 Solomon, 397 (^uartus, . - 354 Walter, . . 399 Theodore, . 354 Weatherhead, Joseph. 401 Walter, . . 354 Wells, James, . . 402 Zebina, . . 355 Jerome. . . 403 Sterns, Henry, . . 365 John, . . 403 Stockbridge, Elam, 367 Wilcox. Philip, . . 405 Stone, John. . . . 3^-7 Philo F.. . 407 Sturtevant, W. C . 36S Willard, Daniel W., 409 Swan, James. . . 3 ^'9 Justice, . . 409 Tannatt, Abraham G 371 Williams, Eleazer, 4U Taylor, Franklin, . 372 Ephraim. 413 Sylvester, 373 Wolcott, William F.. 4'3 Thompson. James M. • 375 Worthington. John, 414 PORTRAITS. Adams, Sylvanus, . . Ashmun, Hon. George, . Bancroft. Hon. George, . Beach. Hon. Moses Yale, Bemis, Stephen Chapin, Blanchard, Thomas, . . Bliss. Alexander, . Mrs. Alexander, . Hon. George. Jr.. Bowles, Samuel, Buckland, Cyrus, . Bush. David A Calhoun, Hon. Wm. Barron Call. Amos 126 PAGE PAGE ID Carew, Capt. Joseph, . . 130 2 Mrs. Joseph, . . '31 29 Joseph, Jr., . . . 133 38 Chapin, Hon. Chester W.. 99 44 Col. Harvey, . . 112 51 Mrs. Harvey, . . 116 54 Church, Dr. Jefferson, . 142 55 Clary, Capt. Ethan A., . 144 61 Crooks, James W., Esq., •53 74 Dwight, Hon. George, . 166 86 Mrs. George. . . 167 90 James Scutt, . . 174 124 Mrs. James Scutt. '75 126 Jonathan. Sr., . . 178 INDEX. Edwards, Dr. Elisha, Mrs. Elisha, Foot, Adonijali, Col. Homer, Foster, Capt. Lewis, Freeman. Edmund, Frost, Dr. Joshua. . Fuller, Ijenjamin. . Harding, Chester, . Hooker, Mrs. John, Josiah, . . Howard, Rev. Bezaleel Ingraham, Joseph, . Kilbon, John, Lee, Horace, . . Col. Roswell, Lind. Jenny, Lombard, Daniel, . Lyman, Capt. Cornelius, Hon. Samuel, Merriam, Charles, Dea. George. Homer, . . Mills, Hon. John, . Morris, Judge Oliver B., Orne, Hon. Samuel, William W., D.D ]'A(;e 184 185 '94 195 198 200 202 204 212 221 222 • 224 234 238 246 248 394 250 254 256 264 269 271 273 279 288 290 Osgood, Rev. Samuel, D.D., Peabody, Rev. W.B. O., D D Reynolds, Dea. Daniel, Rice, Hon. Caleb, . . Sanborn, Simon, Mrs. Simon, . Sanderson, Harvey. . Sargeant, Horatio, Shepard, Chauncey, . Shurtleff, Col. Roswell, Simons. Cicero. . . Smith, David, . . . Smith, Dr. James Morve Stebbins. Zebina. . . James, ... John B. M., Stockbridge, Eldm. . Tannatt, Abraham G.. Tobey, Elisha, . . . Trask, Hon. Eliphalet, Col. Israel Eliot Warriner, Solomon. . Weatherhead, Joseph, Wilcox, Philip, . . . Willard, Hon. Justice, Wolcott, William F., . Ames, David, Sr., . David, Jr., . John, . . . Ashmun. George, . Bancroft, George, . Bates Tavern, . . Blake, Elijah. . . Blanchard, Thomas, Bliss, Hon. George, Sr., Hon. George, Jr., Gen. Jacob, Bliss's Mill. . . . MANSIONS AND PAGE I 14 HOUSES. 18 21 I 28 39' 46 50 58 60 64 65 Brewer, Henry, . Brown. Capt. John, Byers, Hon. James, Carew, Capt. Joseph, Chapin, Col. Abel, Hon. Chester W., Col. Harvey. . . Crooks, James W., Esq (Buckwheat Hall), . Dwight, James Scutt, 17 Jonathan, Sr.. Col. Josiah, . PAGE 292 .,298 30S 310 321 322 324 326 334 336 338 342 346 357 359 361 366 370 378 380 383 398 400 406 408 412 PAGE 78 80 92 128 95 98 1 1 1 152 . 173 177 180 INDEX. XI Ely (Nathaniel) Tavern, Hooker, Judge John, . . Lombard, Dea. Justin, Merriam, Dea. George, . Morris, Judge Oliver B., "Old Gaol," . . . . . Old Poor House, . . . Orne, Hon. Samuel, . . Parsons (Zenas) Tavern, Pynchon Fort, . . . . PAGE 190 219 268 278 236 287 296 306 Sheldon, Charles, . William, . . . Springfield Academy, Stebbins, Major Joseph, Zebina, . . . Sterns. Henry. . . . Thompson, Col. James M Trask, Col. Israel Eliot, Warriner, Jeremy, . . fr. AUTOGRAPHS. Ashmun, Hon. George, Bancroft, Hon. George, Bemis, Hon. Stephen Ch Bliss. Hon. George, Jr.. Moses, Jr., . . Buckland, Cyrus, . . Byers, Hon. James, . Call, Amos Chapin, Col. Abel. Benjamin, Hon. Chester W. David. . . . Capt. Ephraim. George, . . . Gorden, . . . Col. Harvey, . Japhet, . . . John, .... Quartus, . . . Shem. . . . Chapman, Hon. Reuben Church, Moses, Dwight, Hon. Edmund, Henry, . . . James Sanford, Jonathan, 3d, , Josiah, . . . William, Foot, Col. Homer, Freeman, Edmund. ap A. 29 n. 44 6r 68 418 94 126 97 418 99 418 418 418 418 1 12 418 418 418 418 139 143 163 170 171 181 180 182 195 200 Hatch, Solomon, . . . Howard, Rev. Bezaleel, D Hon. John, . . Ingraham, Joseph, Lind, Jenny Lombard, Daniel, . Dea. Justin, .Merriam, Charles, . Dea. George, . Homer. . . . Morris, Judge Oliver B., Pease, Joseph, . . . Pendleton, Jesse. . . Phelps. Willis, . . . Pynchon. Edward, Rice, Hon. Caleb, . . Wniliam, . . . Russell, Col. Ebenezer, Stephen O , Sargeant. Horatio, Seeger, Dr. Edwin, . Smith, Dr. James Morven Stearns. Hon. Charles, Stebbins. Zebina, . Trask, Hon. Eliphalet. Col. Israel Eliot, Tyler. Hon. Philos B., Van Horn, Gad, Wilco.x, Philip, . . . Worthington, John, . I'AGE 330 332 417 352 356 364 374 3'^4 392 PAGE . 216 D., 224 230 234 394 250 255 264 269 271 279 300 302 304 305 310 313 3f8 319 326 329 346 35' 357 380 383 387 389 406 416 297 Union street, the residence of Mrs. Hall, 1S28; George Aslimun, 1S3S; Charles Howard, 1S41 ; for manyvears the Misses Howard's private school. Mrs. Hall bought the house of Simon Sanborn, who built it about the vear 1S26. "T* ^^%'^^*-<''^C-t--u,,.v.-A^ Portrait taken 1862. Autograph written September 2, 1S3';. ^ SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. Hon. George Ashmun. A personal sketch of this distinguished citizen is here given by himself, at the request of the late Samuel Bowles. (Mr. Ashmun was the son of Hon. Eli P. Ashmun ) Sprin(;field, December 25. 1854. Mv DEAR Sir — Coming home from New York on Saturday night, I found your note of the 19th, accompanying the letter of Mr. Jones, which last is herewith returned, according to your request. If it be important to the world, hereby know all men that I was born in Blandford (then in Hampshire county), Mass.. just one-half century ago this blessed day of Christ, i. c , December 25, 1S04; that I passed four years at Yale College in the supposed pursuit of what is usually called an education, and graduated in 1823; that having a hereditary tendency to the law profession I made ready and established myself in its practice in Springfield in 1828; that I was elected a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives four times, 7'/5'. ; in 1833, 1835, 1S36, and 1841, and was speaker of the House in the last named year; twice to the Massachusetts Senate, z/Zr. .• 1838 and 1839, and three times to the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, including the six years from 1845 to 185 1, since which I have been in private life, where, if Providence prospers me, I intend to remain. Such is my public history during the fifty years which are completed to-day I I have had too much of public life for my own good, and more than is good for any man who wisely seeks the happiness of himself or his family, and not enough to be of any service to anyone else or worth being put upon record. But you have wished for these memoranda and they are at your service. Very sincerely your friend, Mr. Bowles. GEORGE ASHMUN. 4 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Mr. Ashmiin studied law with his brother, Prof. John Hooker Ashmun, at Northampton, Mass., and was admitted to the bar in Hampden county in 1828, and to the bar in Hampshire county in 1830. He located in Enfield, Mass., where he practiced his profession for a short time, and then removed to Spring- field, where he opened an ofifice by the following notice : — " Attorney at Law George Ashmun has taken an office over S. VVarriner & Son's store, Main street, where he will attend carefully to all business that may be intrusted to him, connected with the practice of the law. May 7, 1828." He afterwards moved his of^ce to Byers" block. Elm street (over Winter's auction rooms), where he had as partners, from the year 1834 to i86[, the late N. A. Leon- ard, P3sq., Lorenzo Norton, Esq., Judge R. A. Chapman, of S. J. Court, and Ex-Judge Gideon Wells, of the Police Court. Mr. Ashmun was a director in the John Hancock Bank for several years previous to 1864. Li 1828 he married Mariha E. Hall. Children, four daughters : Elizabeth H. Morton, relict of Judge James H. Morton, of Springfield; Lucy Hooker, who married Josiah Hedden, of New York, and died March 24, 1877, aged 46 years, and two daughters who died in infancy. Mr. Ash- mun died July 10, 1870, in his 66th year. '• Great intimacy existed between Mr. Ashmun and Daniel Webster, and Mr. Ashmun held Daniel Webster in high esteem and admiration. During his congressional career and over the contest of the Wilmot Proviso he could not follow the lead of Mr. Webster in that controversy. After his [Mr. Webster's] famous 7th of March Compromise Speech [when that speech was delivered], Mr. Ashmun was as much surprised as anyone, and wrote to his correspondents in Massachusetts : ' While I cannot join in any attacks upon Mr. Webster, or in any way abate my personal interest and pride in the great statesman, neither can I give up the then test of fidelity to the North, the Wilmot Proviso. I had not intended to speak at this session, but now I shall seek the floor at the earliest opportunity, and while I shall try to assuage the bitterness of feeling which some of our friends feel toward Mr. Webster, I can- not go so far as he has done in yielding the principles of our party.' " AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 5 Mr. Ashmun wa.s chairman of the Republican conven- tion at Chicago in i860 which nominated Abraham Lincoln for President. •■ In the chair as in tlie private councils attending the progress of the convention, he shone out with all the old power; his voice rang clear through the great wigwam, and stilled the passions of its excited thousands. His manner and his presence commanded order through- out all the proceedings, and his political sagacity and quick-witted instincts early prophesied and contributed to the final result. Growing out of this relation to the nomination he had a pleasant intimacy with President Lincoln, his counsel was sought and accepted by the admin- istration, and he occupied for years an influential and useful position at Washington. " His great power in court, in politics, and in social life was his per- sonal influence over men. He was a student of human nature, he had all the elements of great personal attraction.; it was by being master of himself and superior to the reasons which influenced his own mind that he became capable of giving the reasons which should influence other minds. His career in public life is full of illustrations of his power and influence. Probably the most notable was the result of his interview with Stephen A. Douglas directly after the rebels fired on Fort Sumter. Such were his appeals and the strong force of the argu- ments he addressed to Douglas that the senator rose up superior to partisanship and to rivalry, and took his stand with the country. "'Now,' said Mr. Ashmun, although it was very late in the night, 'let us go up to the White House and talk with Mr. Lincoln. I want you to say to him what you have said to me, and then I want the result of this night's deliberations to be telegraphed to the country.' Then and there Mr. Douglas took down the map and planned the campaign, and gave in, most eloquently and vehemently, his strong support to the administration and the country. That interview at the White House between these three men, Lincoln, Douglas, and Ashmun, should be historical. " Mr. Ashmun himself briefly abridged the story, and it went by telegraph that night all over the country.'' The late Chief Justice R. A. Chapman, of the Massa- chusetts Supreme Judicial Court, gives his just observations of Mr. Ashmun's qualities as a lawyer, and his influence with juries : — •' No man could sit down to the trial of a cause of which he knew nothing beforehand, and try it more acutely and ably than he. He comprehended the points with wonderful quickness and was always 6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS ready to meet any sudden emergency, and to take advantage of any slip or mistake of his adversary. In the cross-examination of witnesses he had great power, and had in a wonderful degree the power which it was said his father (Hon. Eli P. Ashmun) had of making out his case from the testimony of the witnesses called by his adversary. He was sometimes rough in cross-examination, and delighted in making an opposing witness appear ridiculous; at times he treated the opposite party with great severity. These methods of proceeding pleased clients and spectators, but such a course was not unpopular. If the opposing party was about to have another lawsuit, he was apt to retain the advocate who had abused him severely. Two very respect- able gentlemen from Chester, Mass., had a lawsuit in which h^ was engaged on one side. It was very bitterly contested, and he had treated the opposing party with unusual severity. The next day the abused party came to retain him in another suit, which he was about to commence, and remarked that all he wanted was that he would do as well for him as he had done the day before for his adversary. He often studied the cause he was to try with great thoroughness, and made full preparation for the argument of questions of law. On such occa- sions he sometimes worked while others slept. •' He had great influence with juries, which was partly derived from the strength and power with which he presented his case. He was a very able advocate, and sometimes quite eloquent. But he relied much more on a strong and sensible presentation of the reasons of his case than upon any rhetorical display. His sarcasms were often very effective. "But a part of his influence at the bar. as well as elsewhere, was derived from his knowledge of men. He studied men more thoroughly than anything else. He knew the motives that would govern and influ- ence a man or a body of men, as hardly any other man knew them. He knew how to approach men, and how to lead them ; and while he was not a flatterer, he knew how to conciliate them. And while he was a relent- less partisan in politics, and spared no opportunity to make a thrust at his opponent, there was at the bottom of it all a spirit of liberality and good-will toward them personally that kept them on good terms with him ; and they were often influenced and led by him. '• There are some reasons for believing that if he had been in the United States Senate when the Missouri Compromise was repealed, his influence with some of the members would have secured the defeat of the measure. He went into our Legislature [of Massachusetts] in 1833, and soon became an influential member, though he did not trouble himself with the business of committee rooms to any great extent. He preferred to watch, and judge, as far as he might, the business that was passing through the House, and expressed his belief that he AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 7 could be most useful in that way. He certainly acquired great influence there, and prevented some mistakes. His views of political affairs were generally large and statesmanlike, but as a politician he was always true to his party. He could not have been persuaded to sacri- fice it to his private interests or private griefs. He was also true to his political associates. When some supposed he was sacrificing his own political interests to Mr. Winthrop, he could not be persuaded to abandon him or to allow his influence to be used to his injury. Other instances might be mentioned of his fidelity to political friends when his private interests might be supposed to lead him the other way. This was especially true in respect to Mr. Webster." From Recollections of Society in Washington, in Applet ous^ Journal : — •' When a man like George Ashmun rose to speak, everybody listened. He was a natural born leader. A man of singularly hand- some appearance, whose dark eyes, hair, and olive complexion might have indicated a native of Southern France or Spain ; he had that concentrated nervous power, that ready nerve, which should accompany the parliamentary debater. He had great talent, both as a lawyer and a politician, yet he never enjoyed the proper reward of either. Look- ing at his portrait a lady said to him, 'It is not in a good light.' ■ Madam,' said he. ' the original never has been.' Yet few men had more devoted friends ; he was most brilliant at the dinner table and was fond of good living. A devoted friend of Mr. Ashmun declared that he ought to have been a duke ; there was something suggestive of aristocracy in his appearance and manner. ^Ir. Ashmun belonged to that class of -Webster Whigs ' who believed with Mr. Webster and followed him into political exile. It was a thousand pities that he should ever have been removed from that sphere which he filled with such ability. Yet the tide which bore away Mr. Webster and his policy swept Mr. Ashmun with it. " Mr. Ashmun lived through the Civil War. a most patriotic and useful citizen, spending much time at Washington, — a great, tender hearted, and attractive man, leaving many a heartache behind him, not only for his personal worth and fascination, but that like so many great men, he had not been appreciated and rewarded according to his deserts. He struggled in early life against the family tendency to con- sumption. It was this that drove him so much out of doors, and to his free, generous way of living." February 2, 183 1, Mr. Ashmun delivered a lecture on the "Constitutional History of the Union," in the old Masonic hall, on State street. 5 SKPZTCHES OF THE OLD INHAJ5ITANTS Mr. Da\ii) a. Adams, son of Dr. David Adams, of Mansfield, Conn., was born F'ebruary6, 1S07. When fifteen years old, in 1822, he went to Thompsonville, Conn., and was clerk for several years in the store of his brother-in-law, James Brewer, who was a partner of James S. Dwight, of Springfield. Afterwards Mr. Adams went to New York, where he worked in a dry goods store for about one year, when he came to Springfield, and for two years was clerk for his brother-in-law, James Brewer, who was a hardware merchant, having a store on the southeast corner of Main and State streets, where the new Masonic building stands. He then spent several }'ears learning the trade of silversmith of his brother, Henry Adams, who had a shop on Market street. In 1824, while living in Thompsonville, he was called upon to join the military company to go to Hartford to attend the reception of General La Fayette, who was then on a visit to the United States. When La Fayette entered Hartford, a large body of infantry and artillery was ready to salute him, and in the yard of the old State House were 800 children wearing badges with the motto, "iVo/zs voiis aivi- oiis, La Fayette^ Mr. Adams had the honor of shaking hands with the General. He remembers him as a person of medium size, pleasing manners, and of much dignity. While in Hartford. La Fayette was presented with the epaulettes which he wore as major-general in the Conti- nental army, and with the sash which he wore at the battle of Brandy wine (September i i, 1777), spotted with the blood from a wound received in the leg. At one time Mr. Adams had a stock yard near the corner of Main and William streets and was in competition with Commodore Rogers on the " Hill," who was the only butcher in town. Mr. Adams was highway surveyor of Springfield between 1836 and 1852, overseer of the poor for many years, an assessor for eleven years, city marshal in 1852-3, deputy sheriff in 1855-1860, and 1869. At the first " horse show," AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 9 which was held in 1856, on Federal Square, Mr. Adams was sworn in as a United States deputy sheriff. He was a United States assistant assessor during the War of the Re- bellion. He was greatly interested in real estate, owning land on which, with other parties, he opened West Union and William streets, and laid out Morris, Winthrop, and Elmwood streets. December 3, 1S34, he married Harriet Swift, daughter of Dr. Earle Swift, of Mansfield, Conn. December 3, 1884, they celebrated their golden wedding at their home on Boston road. Children now living (1893) : James S. and William F. Adams, of Springfield, and Mrs. Elizabeth L. Conant, of Newark, N. J. Mr. Henry Adams was born in Mansfield, Conn., March 30, 1796. He was a representative to the Massachusetts Legislature in 185 i, a member of the Common Council in the city of Springfield in 1852-53, from Ward six, and an alderman from the same ward in 1855. In 1825, he married Frances Bliss, daughter of Alexan- der Bliss. She was born February 10, [803, and died January 11, 1892, aged 8S years, 11 months. Mr. Adams died April 29, 1858, aged 62 years. Dr. Nathan Adams, son of Judge Rufus Adams, of Canterbury, Conn., and Miss Byers, a sister of the late James Byers, was born May 6, 18 13. He entered Yale College and graduated at the medical department in 1834. He came to Springfield in 1838 and for a short time practiced his profession. He was a memberof the Common Council in 1856 from Ward three. In 1868 he removed to New Haven, Conn., where he remained for several years, but in 1886 he returned to Springfield, having purchased a residence at "the High- lands," which was ever afterwards his home. lO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS ^ A f O 0^m •w i ^ ^' .m^ ^^^^mmm r J m^ ' • SVLVANUS AUAMS. Portrait taken 1866. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I I Dr. Adams was a communicant in the Christ (Episco- pal) Church, towards which he was a generous giver. He married a Miss Watkinson, of Hartford, Conn. His death occurred while on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. Egbert, at Marblehead, Mass., October 2, 1888, in the 76th year of his age. Dr. Adams was of a kindly and genial nature and highly esteemed in the communities in which he has resided. Their children : one son, one daughter. Mr. Sylvanus Adams, born at Holliston, Mass., July 10, 1 8 10. He early in life became interested in manufact- uring. Previous to his removal to Chicopee, Mass., in December, 1840, from Lowell, where he was for five or six years superintendent of the Merrimac Corporation, he was called upon to take charge of the Dwight mills. In the course of a few years the three corporations, Dwight, Perkins, and Cabot, were consolidated under the name of Dwight Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Adams was retained in charge of the whole, which he managed success- fully for twenty-seven years, until his retirement from active life. He was one of the seven directors of the Cabot Bank, now the First National Bank of Chicopee, Mass. In 1848-9, he was elected one of the selectmen of the town. He was foremost in organizing the Unitarian Society. He was one of the directors of the Holyoke Water Power Com- pany, and was one of the originators in the enterprise of building the dam across the river at Holyoke. He was a director in the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany, Springfield, Mass., from i860 to 1869. He removed to Newton, Mass., in August, 1867. September 10, 1S35, he married Caroline Wesson. She was born in Grafton, Mass., July 16, 18 13. Mr. Adams died in Jamaica Plain, Mass., November 16, 1869, aged 59 years. He was public spirited, highly respected, and loved by all who knew him, and was ever regarded as a man of strict integrity. 12 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Mk. Edmund Allen was born in Belchertown, Mass., February 25, 1786. He learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker in his native town, of Elihu Sanford. Being a superior mechanic he applied for a position at the United States Armory in Springfield. He was given a place in April, 1809. When he received notice that he could have the position, he started and by running and walking reached the Armory grounds, a distance of nearly fourteen miles, in about t'iK.'o hours. l^enjamin Prescott was the super- intendent of the Armory at this time. Mr. Allen entered the department for stocking guns ; he continued this work until 1845. Ii"* 1815 he bought the Luther White place on State street, where he resided until 1861, when he sold to the Catholics the property which is now covered in part by St. Michael's Cathedral. While residing in his native town he was noted as a fine singer and for a long time was a leading member of the choir in the Congregational church there. On his removal to Springfield, he joined the choir and was chosen chorister in the Unitarian church, Rev. Dr. Peabod}^ which position he held nearly three years. He was one of the first two members initiated into the Hampden Lodge of Masons in 18 17. He was agent and had an interest in the Springfield Brewery, which was located on the west side of Myrtle street. He married, December 22, 18 14, Lucy Gardner, daughter of Jonathan Gardner, a merchant in Springfield, for many years opposite Court Square. Mr. Allen died at South Hadley Falls, Mass., April 8, 1879, aged 93 years. Children : four sons, five daughters. His father, Capt. Edmund Allen, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He died December 23, 1833, aged 80 years. Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin was born at En- field, Conn., P^ebruary 3, 1809. Coming to Springfield he became an apprentice and watchman, in 1829, under his father, Diah Allin, at the U. S. Water Shops. A record at AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 3 the Armory credits him with 88 cents per day for letting in locks. In 1842 he was appointed foreman and assistant in- spector at the (then) middle Water shops. In 1S47 ^""6 was clerk in the paymaster's office, under Major Edward Ingersoll. He was Acting Master Armorer from October i, 1S47, to May I, 1848, but, through General James W. Ripley's influence, Secretary of War William L. Marcy appointed him permanent Master Armorer. He was also command- ing ofificer from August 17, 1854, to October 18, 1854, and again from March i, i860, to June 27, i860. During his long service of nearly fifty years at the Armory — thirty-one years as Master Armorer — he perfected much gun machin- ery and devised a model of a muzzle loader turned into a breech loader, which improvement he gave to the govern- ment. Mr. Allin was a member of Hampden Lodge of Masons. He was married December i, 1S31, to Fidelia Van Horn of Chicopee, Mass. She died January i, 1865. Children: one son, one daughter. The son, Albert D., died in 1857, aged 21 years. His second wife was Fannie T. Saftbrd, daughter of Reuben T. Saftord, to whom he was married September i i, 1867. He died September 11, 1879, in the 71st year of his age. Mr. Titus Amadon was born at South Wilbraham, Mass. (now Hampden), July 7, 1803. He came to Spring- field and in May, 1820, at the age of seventeen years, he began work at the U. S. Armory, and with an occasional absence continued there for nearly sixty years. Mr. Amadon was a skillful workman and so accurate that it was a common remark with the inspector that "Am- adou's work did not require inspection.'" When Col. James W. Ripley was appointed military superintendent of the Armory, Mr. Amadon, Joseph R. Hopkins, and J. C. Foster 14 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 'l'iii> iii)u>c >Ioih1 nh .Mill .street, .ukI was No. jji, ilic liuiiic ol i)a\id Ames, Sr., after his retirement fiom the superintendency of the United States Armory in October, 1802, until his death in August, 1S47. It was the home of Mr. Ames's daughter, Mary, until her death in May, 1873, at the age of 88 years, and also of his son, fohn Ames, until his death in January, 1S90. In April, 1S90, Horace Smith bought the ])roperty of Frederick L. Ames of Boston, and during that year the house was torn down, and nothing remains to mark the spot. The house was over 100 years old. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 5 were chosen a committee by the armorers to devise some means for its restoration to civil superintendence. They all three went to Washington, D. C, and on the 12th of April, 1842, had an interview with the Hon. John C. Spen- cer, then Secretary of War, and Hon. Isaac C. Bates, U. S. Senator from Massachusetts, but were unsuccessful. Mr. Amadon was discharged on his return and was out of em- ploy for nearly a year when one day Colonel Ripley sent for him to come back to work. Mr. Amadon was selectman of Springfield from 1844 to 1848, an assessor and overseer of the poor for several years, an alderman from Ward fivein 1853, and a representative of the town to the Legislature in 1848, and of the city in 1852, 1864, and 1867. Mr. Amadon was a great reader, of a quiet and modest nature, and an esteemed citizen. He was a great lover of fruits and flowers, which he cultivated with much enjoyment, in his garden at his residence on Armory street. He married Eliza Chaffee, of South Wilbraham, Mass., May 22, 1828. She was born January 21, 1807, and died in Springfield, April 3, 1879, aged 72 years. Mr. Amadon died at West Springfield, at the home of his son, William W. Amadon, on the 9th of May, 1889, in the 86th year of his age. Children : two sons, one daughter. Col. David Ames, Sr., son of John and Susanna Ames, was born at West Bridgewater, Mass., February 2, 1760. His father was one of the first iron manufacturers in New England, and was the proprietor of one of those nail and slitting mills which the parliament of Great Britain was importuned to abolish as nuisances on account of their competition with the manufactures of the mother country. Mr. Ames in early Fife engaged in the manufacture of shovels and guns, and supplied the American army with these articles. During the Revolutionary War, he held a commission in the militia and was occasionally called into service. In 1794, on account of his services and knowledge l6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS of the manufacture of arms, he was appointed by President Washington to establish and superintend a national armory at Springfield, and under his supervision and direction the armory was first commenced and was managed by him from 1 794 to October 31,1 S02. After leaving the service of the government, he gave his attention to the manufacture of paper. In this business he was successful and became in 1838 the proprietor of the most extensive paper manu- factory in the United States. Mr. Ames subscribed six hundred dollars to the fund for the purchase of the land now Court Square. He was known as a man of " sound judgment and great business activity and was generously disposed to give both publicly and privately for the benefit and improvement of the town." Mr. Ames was the owner (1810) of the first piano brought into Springfield. It attracted much attention and people passing by the house would stop and listen to its sounds. His wife, Rebecca Ames, was born December 26, 1759, died June 29, 1834, aged 74 years, 6 months. Mr. Ames died August 6, 1847, aged 87 years, 6 months. Children : three sons, David, Galen, and John ; one daughter, Mary, born September 29, 1784, died May 7, 1873, aged 88 years, 7 months. "DEED OF THE OLD AMES HOMESTEAD DRAWN UP IN 1 669. " Mr. William B. Ames, who owns the old Ames home- stead at West Bridgewater, recently unearthed some inter- esting old jiapers at the ancient house. " Mr. Ames is a lineal descendant of John Ames, from whom the Massachusetts Ameses spring. "Among the papers is the first deed of the homestead ever given, and the fact that it was made in 1669 probably makes it one of the oldest documents of the kind preserved from early New England times. The instrument is well preserved, and nearly every word of the quaint handwriting is distinctly legible. The letters are roundly, firmly and evenly formed, even if the orthography and punctuation are erratic. The text is as follows : — AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 7 This deede beareing date Juli the two and twentieth and theyeareof the Incarnation one thousand six hundred sixty nine, witnesseth that 1 John Aimes of Bridgewater, planter, in the colony of New Plimoth in New England upon consideration doe freely give grant and confirm unto John Aimes junior my cousin of the same Towne and Colony above sayd to him and his heires for ever, as also to any that he may or shall marry and leave his Widdow during her life, if it shall soe fall out, certaine tracts of land both Uplands and Meaddows : containing so many acres given granted and layd out to mee in the Township of Bridgewater, in forme and order as followeth as also the quantity and number of acres. Ten acres of Upland Lying upon the Towne River joyning to the Lands of William Snow on the side Northerly, and to the Lands of John Fobes Southerly and twenty acres of Upland more Lying upon a brooke Usually called Huless Brooke runing fourty rods in breadth and four score in wydth and a certaine parcell of Meadow Layd out upon the same brook, and part of it joyning to the same Uplands, the quantity of acres not certainely Knowne, the bounds of the sayd Meadows being on the Towne Book of Bridgewater. Which parcells of Lands with every part there of and all the imu- nities and priviledges belonging there unto I the sayd John Aimes have given and conferred upon the aforesayd John Aimes my cousin to have and to hold to him and to his heires forever and the same quietly and peaceably to possess with out the lawfull lett interruption or molesta- tion of me the sayd John Aimes above sayd my heirs executors or assigns or any other person or persons whatsoever lawfully claiming from mee or under mee them or any of them. Also I the sayd John Aimes doe bind my selft to doe or performe any or all such further act or acts thing or things, nicessary for me to performe by the Law or custom established and practiced in the colony of New England to and for ensureing the sayd deed of gift upon the demand of the sayd John Aimes in convenient time. In whitness where of I have sett to my hand and seale one the yeare and day above sayd. Read sealed and delivered ^^_^^ in the presence of John Aimes \ ^ William Brett His X mark ,' ' ( John Oary ^^. — John Howard Filed John Ames to his cousen John Ames Jr July 22 1669 ID acres on River &c i8 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS This spacious mansi(./n, 241 Maple slrcct, was the liome lm I'chjm /Uin.-^, Jr., until his death in 1SS3. In 1867, Solomon J. Gordon, Esq., of New York city, purchased the property, and resided there till his death in 1S91. The house was built in 1S26-7. AND .MANSIONS OK SP^Rl NGFIELD. 19 "The mark which the first of the Ameses made for a signature is very intricate, and the seal was apparently made with his thumb. On the homestead thus deeded were born Oakes Ames and the grandfather of Ex-Governor Ames and Frederick Ames. The John Howard whose name appears as a witness was the first of that name in this country. Among the other papers found with the deed are the following : — "Assessors' plan of the Oliver Ames farm in West Eridge- water; will of Thomas Ames, 1731 ; will of Nathan Ames, 1756 ; bill of sale of a pew in the new meeting house at West Bridgewater, from Jonathan Howard, yeoman, to Thomas Ames, blacksmith, 1733 ; Deacon Nathaniel Brett's deed to his two daughters, Hannah Howard and Deborah Ames, 1774; division of land of Thomas Ames and Nathaniel Ames, 1753 ; John Ames and Thomas Ames division of land, 1712 (in explanation it is recorded on the filing 'John Ames is John 3, son of John 2, who was nephew of John I & Thomas is his bro. & John Ames sen. dec'd is first John')." Mr. David Ames, Jr., manufacturer, son of David Ames, Sr.,and Rebecca Ames, was born in Bridgewater, Mass., Au- gust 24, 1 79 1. Early in life he engaged in the manufacture of paper, and was the active manager in the firm of D. & J. Ames (David and John), which was formed after the death of their father in 1847. The firm carried on a prosperous and extensive business, and became the most famous man- ufacturers of paper in the United States, having mills in Chicopee Falls, South Hadley Falls, Northampton, Mass., Sufifield, Conn., and Springfield. After a period of nearly thirty years of remarkable prosperity, during which they were induced to make investments in Canadian lumber and saw mills, and coal lands in Pennsylvania, the crisis of 1853 came, and they were obliged to suspend payment. It is related that when the firm were at the height of their prosperity, their father remonstrated with them because of 20 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS the lavish way in which they were spending money. They replied, " Why, father, the money comes in faster than we can spend it ; a thousand dollars a day ! a thousand dollars a day ! why, father!" The warning was not heeded, and suspension followed. Mr. Ames was commissioned paymaster October lo, 1815, First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division Mass. Vol. Militia. Discharged April 23, 1824. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- ance Company from May 14, 1827, to October i, 1827, and from October 5, 1840, to October 6, 1845. In 1826 he married Mary O. Mitchell, daughter of Judge Mitchell, of Bridgewater, Mass., born September 3, 1801, died Novem- ber 15, 1 861, aged 60 years. Mr. Ames died March 12, 1883, in the 92d year of his age. Children : one son, five daughters. Now living (1893), Mrs. Rebecca Gordon, relict of Solomon J. Gordon, Fsq., Misses Mary Ames and Elizabeth M. Ames. Col. Galen Ames, son of David Ames, Sr., and Re- becca Ames, was born on the grounds of the U. S. Armory, Springfield, Mass., July 21, 1796. Reentered Yale College in 1 8 14. where he remained two years, and afterwards as a sailor made a voyage to the eastern quarter of the world. On his returning home he began business as a dry goods merchant, in 1822. On the 20th of March, 1830, he formed a copartnership with Spencer Judd, under the firm name of Ames & Judd, having their store on the first floor of the building next north of the Corner Book Store, Main street. Mr. Ames bought the lot of Jonathan D wight, Sr., for $1,700, and built the block. He had as partners, at dif- ferent times, E. M. Dwight (who died November 2, 1837), firm of Ames & Dwight ; Samuel Raynolds (died June 8, 1850), firm of Ames & Raynolds: Garry Munson, firm of Ames & Munson. In 1826 Mr. Ames was chosen lieutenant colonel of artillery. First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division of AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 21 This mansion, 398 Maple street, was built by David Ames, Sr., in 1S28, for his son John, who was expected to reside there upon his marriage, but, as the event did not take place, t^ie house remained vacant for a number of years. In July, 1S56, the Hon. Samuel Knox, of St. Louis, Mo., bought the property, and resided there during the summer months. In March, 1S69, he sold it to the late Geo. R. Dickinson, who remodeled the house, adding a large e.xtension on the west side. 22 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, receiving his commission from Gov. Levi Lincoln. He was one of the early members of the Hampden Lodge of Freemasons, and was one of the first Knights Templars in Springfield, having received his degree before there was an encampment here. He was admitted a member of the First Church May 2, 1824, and was one of those who separated from that society to form the South Church. He was postmaster of Springfield for a few months from July i, 1844. In 1847 he entered the service of the Western Railroad, now the Boston & Albany, where he remained until 1882, when, his health failing, he retired from work. For nearly forty years Mr. Ames resided in the house which stood where the South Church now is. The house was moved afterwards on to Winthrop street. He married first Little. He married for a second wife, Eliza Kent of West Springfield, daughter of James Kent. She died April 3, 1834. Colonel Ames died October 30, 1882, aged 86 years, 3 months. Mr. John Ames, " a natural inventor," son of David Ames, Sr., and Rebecca Ames, was born Sept. 2, 1800, on the U. S. Armory grounds (his father at that time being Superintendent of the Armory). While in New York in 1822 Mr. Ames heard that a machine for making paper had been invented at Brandywine, Del., but it not proving a success he became interested in it, and went to work, and on the 14th of May, 1822, he got his patent for the cylinder paper machine. In 1830 he invented and patented a trim- ming machine, and in 1831 a cylinder machine. In 1832 he invented a pulp dresser, in 1834 a cutting machine, in 1835 a drying machine, and in 1840 a trimming ma- chine ; the last two were not patented. During his inventive years Mr. Ames did his utmost to prevent his inventions and his methods from being stolen. The mill was guarded with great secrecy, the workmen AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 23 were sworn not to divulge his ideas and plans for the man- ufacture of paper. The manufacturers throughout the coun- try were watching the marvelous inventions made at the Ames Paper Mill. Workmen sought employment in order that they might steal the inventions. At one time in a suit it came out that one night two men broke into the mill to examine the machinery, though, while single patents were taken, and used in paper mills throughout the country, no one mill had all of his inventions. The firm of D. & J. Ames, with their machinery continually im|)roving, were able to make better and cheaper paper than their competi- tors, and in consequence their business assumed great pro- portions for those early da3's of paper making. Mr. Ames died January 24, 1890, in the 90th year of his age. Un- married. Mr. James T. Ames was born in Lowell, Mass., in 1810 ; he spent his boyhood days with his father, learning the cut- lery business. In 1829, he went to Chicopee Falls with his father and brother, where they engaged in the manufacture of edge tools, and where he remained until 1833. In 1834, he removed to Chicopee Center, where the Ames Manufacturing Company was established, with Edmund D wight, of Boston, president, James T. Ames, superintendent, and Nathan P. Ames, agent. The company made contracts with the United States government for a lot of swords. Mr. Ames had a rare genius for inventions ; in company with General James of Rhode Island, he invented a ball that was afterward patented, and out of which grew the necessity of rified cannon. During the War of the Rebellion he had large contracts with the government for the making of swords, cannon, and for military accouterments, and also secured a contract for government mail bags. He was one of the original members of the Chester Emery Mine, and chairman of the building committee for 24 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS the Town Hall, and contributed largely to the fund for the building of the Third Congregational Church, of which he was a member and ardent supporter. Mr. Ames was the first to introduce bronze statuary work in the United States. His first work was the con- struction of the Washington statue, in Union Square, New York. The bronze doors of the Senate extension of the National Capitol at Washington were made under his supervision, and "were masterly specimens of his genius, and famous as triumphs of art." He took active interest in the afiairs of the town, in the erection of the Town Hall and Third Congregational Church. The gas works were built by him. In 1856, he went to England, where he obtained several important contracts, one of which was to furnish the Enfield Arms Works (controlled by the English government) with machinery for the manufacture of guns of the same pattern as that used at the Springfield Armory. He also obtained a contract for similar machinery for the Birmingham Small Arms Works. He visited France and interested Napoleon in the machinery used in the manufacture of arms. He met and became acquainted with the designer of the Crystal Palace ; through his friendship he was enabled to meet nearly all the prominent mechanical engineers of Europe. He furnished Spain with machinery for the making of arms. He was one of the first to engage in silver plating in this country. He was much interested in mineralogy and had an unusual and rare collection of minerals. He was a " skillful carver in wood, unique figures of which he often presented to his friends as keepsakes." He married, in 1838, Miss Ellen Huse of Newburyport, Mass. Their children, one son, two daughters. Now living, Sarah, who married Hon. A. C. Woodworth, president of the Ames Manufacturing Company. Mr. Ames died February 16, 18S3, aged 72 years, 9 months. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 25 Mr. Nathan P. Ames was born in 1803. In 1823 he came to Chicopee Falls, and in 1829 established the cutlery business, beginning with nine workmen. In 1830 he made contracts with the United States government for furnishing swords for the army and navy, when the number of work- men were increased as needed, until, in 1833, there were about thirty men employed. The Ames Manufacturing Company having been incorporated in 1834, the business was removed to Cabotville, and located in their new shop, erected the previous year. The company had a foundry for the casting of bells and cannon in connection with the manufacture of swords. In 1838 they made a bell for the City Hall, New York, which weighed seven thousand pounds. Mr. Ames was appointed agent of the company, "In 1840 he went to Europe with a board of officers of the Ordnance Department of the United States, for the purpose of obtaining more information in relation to the manufacture of different branches of cutlery and tools, and, by visiting the various armories there, to gain the means of improving the manufacture of arms for our government." Having performed the service with which he was commis- sioned, he returned home in May, 1841, with health much impaired, and in consequence he retired from the active duties of the agency in the autumn of 1845. Mr. Ames was a prominent and active member of the Congregational church, Chicopee, to which he gave $5,000 for its erection. He died April 23, 1847, at the age of 44 years. Mr. William Ames was born in Dedham, Mass.,in 1801. His mother was a daughter of Col. John Worthington, who bore the sobriquet of one of the " river gods." When a lad of eleven years of age William Ames came to Springfield, to live with his aunt, the wife of Col. Thomas Dwight, where he remained a number of years, and was at one time a clerk in the store of J. & E. Dwight. When he came of age he returned to Dedham, and soon after engaged in a business 26 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS enterprise with James K. Mills, of Boston, which not prov- ing successful, he retired from mercantile affairs, and de- voted himself to literary culture, and historical research and study. F"or more than forty years he made his home in Dedham, though coming to Springfield every year for visits to his relatives. His personal appearance when upon our streets attracted attention " by his measured tread, moving along in the sum- mer days bearing his hat in hand, with a kind expression of satisfaction with all mankind." Mr. Ames was "a devout Episcopalian, a cultivated Christian gentleman, and was of a patriotic nature." When asked one day his opinion of the Yankee soldiers, he replied : " The Yankee soldier is active and rough, wiry and tough," and on another occasion during the rebellion he remarked very gravely, " I wish I had com- mand of an earthquake for five minutes, I would place it under Charleston, South Carolina." He died May 19, 1880, aged 79 years. Mr. Roderick Ashley was born in West Springfield, Mass., April 17, 1792. When a young man he went West, as per the following agreement, from the original : — " Roderick Ashley and Heman Ely of West Springfield, Massachu- setts, agree as follows: The said Ashley agrees to go to Township No. 6, in the 17th Range, in the Connecticut Western Reserve, State of Ohio, and to work under the direction of the said Ely, at chopping and other work, to commence the journey as soon as convenient within two weeks, and to work one year from the first day of April next, for two hundred dollars the year, and at the rate of twelve dollars per month for the time he shall work previous to the said first day of April next. And the said Ely agrees to pay the said Ashley as above, and twenty dollars more for his expenses in going out, and to furnish the said Ashley necessary board and lodging during the time he shall work as above mentioned. " West Springfield, January 15th, 181 7. (Signed duplicates.) Roderick Ashlkv, Heman Ely. " Witness, Justin Ely, Jr. ''January 20, 1817. Received twenty dollars for expenses as within." AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 2/ On his return to Springfield he engaged in the boating business between Springfield and Hartford, being a mem- ber of the firm of John Cooley & Co. Transportation Com- pany. In 1849, l""^ formed a partnership with Edmund Palmer, under the firm name of Palmer & Ashley, and for several years they were dealers in coal. Mr. Ashley was a member of the Common Council in 1854, from Ward two ; an assessor of Springfield from 1853 to 1859 ! ^ director in the Agawam Bank, from 1857 to 1868; and a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 2, 1865, to October 7, 1872. January 5, 1873, he was admitted a mem.ber of the First Congregational Church, Rev. H. M. Parsons. Mr. Ashley was a man of strict integrity, and a much respected citizen. He married Mary Bannister. Mr. Ashley died July 4, 1878, aged 86 years. Children : two sons. Hon. George Bancroft, the eminent historian and dip- lomate, son of Rev. Aaron Bancroft, was born in Worcester, Mass., October 3, 1800. He was prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Exeter, N. H. He entered Harvard Col- lege in 1813 and graduated in 1817. The next year he went to Germany and entered the University of Gottingen, where he remained for two years studying German, French, and Italian literature, and the ancient and natural history of Greece and Rome. In 1820 he was given the degree of Ph.D. by the Uni- versity of Gottingen, and in 1870, LL.D. In 1822 he re- turned to the United States and accepted for one year the office of tutor of Greek in Harvard College. He published a. small volume of poems in 1823 ; the same year, in connec- tion with Dr. Joseph G. Cogswell, who had been a fellow student at GiJttingen, opened the famous "Round Hill School" at Northampton, Mass., "an institution which was the pioneer in a better system and of more modern classical training in America." He was elected to the Legislature in 1830 without his 28 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 49 Chestnut street (built in 1S36), the home of Hon. George Bancroft dur- ing his three years' residence in Springfield, afterwards occupied by Jonathan Dwight, 2d, Judge Cummings, and later by Hon. George Walker, who died in Washington, D. C., January, 18S8. Is now the home of Lieut. Governor William H. Haile. A French roof and additicns to the house have been made since it was first erected. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. Portrait £rom a painting by Gustav Richter. Autograph written January 7, 1839, when Collector of the Port of Boston. 30 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS knowledge, and refused to take his seat. In 1834 he pub- lished the first volume of his history of the United States (Boston). In 1835 at the request of the Young Men's Democratic Convention he drafted an address to the people of Massachusetts, and in the same year he removed to Springfield, and lived in the house, 49Chestnut street, which was a gift from Jonathan Dvvight, Jr., to his daughter Sarah H., whom Mr. Bancroft married. Mrs. Bancroft died June 26, 1837, at the age of 34 years. On the 4th of July, 1836, he delivered an oration before the democracy of Springfield. During his three years' stay in Springfield he completed the second volume of his his- tory (1838). At this time he had hisofifice on Elm street in the block built by James Byers, second floor of which is used for lawyers' offices, to which place he moved his library from Northampton, Mass. In January, 183S, he was appointed by President Martin Van Buren collector of the port of Boston, and lived (from 1838 to 1844) at the corner of Otis street and Winthrop place, Boston. He was the Democratic candidate for gov- ernor of Massachusetts in 1844. He was ajDpointed Secre- tary of the Navy by President James K. Polk, during whose term of office (1845 to 1849) the war with Mexico was carried on, resulting in the conquest of California. He devised and founded the Naval Academy at Annap- olis, Md., which was formally opened October 10, 1845, having completely set at work this institution alone. For one month in 1846 he was Secretary of War pro ti'i/i., and gave the order to Gen. Zachary Taylor to march to the Rio Grande and into Texas, which was the first oc- cupation of that soil by the United States. In the latter part of the year of 1846 Mr. Bancroft was transferred to the post of minister to Great Britain. In May, 1867, he was appointed by President Andrew Johnson minister to Prussia, and filled the post of envoy at Berlin. In 1868 he was accredited to the North German Confeder- AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 3 I ation, and in 1871 to the German Empire. "While at Berlin he rendered important service to his country in the settlement of the northwestern boundary between the United States and the British Dominions. He suggested the King of Prussia as arbitrator." In 1868 he received the honorary degree of doctor of laws from the University of Bonn. He was correspondent of the Royal Academy of Berlin, and of the French Institute. He delivered a memorial address on the Life and Char- acter of Abraham Lincoln, at the request of both houses of Congress, before them in the House of Representatives on the 1 2th of February, 1866. Congress elected him a regent of the Smithsonian Institution, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of General Sherman. The third volume of his history was published in 1840, Boston. While residing in New York in 1849 ^^ continued the work. Volumes four and five appeared in 1852, volume six in 1854, volume seven in 1858, volume eight in i860, volume nine in 1863 ; four to ten appeared from 1852 to 1874, volumes eleven and twelve in 1882. The last revised edition of the whole work appeared in six volumes (New York) 1884 and 1885. He had been engaged for more than fifty years in writ- ing his history, which he began when a young man. The immense amount of labor bestowed upon it was so colossal in its purpose, that for years he carried it on at great ex- pense and with a large number of assistants ; at one time he had twenty clerks employed. In 1876, when the Centennial edition of his history was published, an intimate friend asked him what he had been doing with it, he answered gayly, " Slaughtering adjectives." To a personal friend and eminent citizen he wrote, " I was trained to look upon life here as a season for labor. Being more than fourscore years old, I know the time for my release will soon come. Conscious of my being near 32 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS the shore of eternity, I await without impatience, and with- out dread, the beckoning of the hand which will summon me to rest." He married for his second wife Mrs. Alexander Bliss, formerly Betsey Davis of Plymouth, Mass. She died March 15,1886. Children: two sons, one daughter. He celebrated his 90th birthday at his home (during the summer) at New- port, R. I. Mr. Spofford, the Librarian of Congress, thus char- acterized him as " enjoying the most beautiful old age ; calm, peaceful, cultured, surrounded by friends, admired and revered by a whole nation. The drawing to a close of his life is as grand and beautiful, and peaceful, as the gradual fall of night on a mountain peak." Mr. Bancroft died Jan- uary 17, 1 89 1, at the age of 90 years and 3 months. Dr. Matthew Bridge Baker was born in Charlestown, Mass., in 1806. He graduated at the medical department of Harvard College in 1830. He came to Springfield in 183 1, and lived in the house which now stands on the corner of State and Maple streets, which formerly stood on the lot now occupied by the block on State street in which Dr. S. F. Pomeroy recently lived. Dr. Baker made a journey to Canada on foot for the purpose of benefiting his health, but the disease, consumption, had made such inroads upon him, that on his return he was obliged to retire from his practice. Dr. Baker was a skillful physician, and greatly esteemed in the community in which he had a large practice. He married Catharine Catlin. Dr. Bakerdied in Spring- field, September 18, 1839, at the age of ^,2, years. C. Alice Baker, the historical writer, is their daughter. Captain Allen Bangs, son of Zenas and Ruth Bangs, was born in Hawley, Mass., June 27, 17S9. When a young man he came to Sju-ingfield, and engaged in the flour and grain business, having a mill at the south end, on Mill river. AND MANSIONS OF SPRIN(;F lELI). 33 He was one of the selectmen of the town in 1824, 1825, 1826, and 1831. April 16, 1816, he was commissioned ensign First Reg- iment of Infantry, First Brigade, Fourth Division of Mas- sachusetts Volunteer Militia; July 8, 18 19, captain. March 18. 1825, he was honorably discharged at his own request. October 15, 181 5, he married Mary Bangs, daughter of Joseph and Desire Bangs, of Hawley, Mass. She was born February 28, 1790. Died in Springfield, August 12, 1878, aged 88 years. Mr. Bangs died January 24, 1846, in his 57th year. Children : two sons, four daughters. Capt. David Barber was a native of Agawam, or, more properly. West Springfield; was born September 24, 1789, on what is known as the Kirtland place on the river readjust below the south end bridge. Among the incidents of his early life was the great freshet of 1801, known as "Jeffer- son's Flood." The water rose higher than ever before known ; and one night the river swept off the western bank near the Barber place, tearing away the entire front part of the house, and leaving a roaring flood where the cellar had been. The floating front was finally towed ashore far down the river, while the back part of the house, which the flood left standing, was torn down, and another dwelling was erected farther back from the river. This was a famous shad fishing place at that time, but this excellent fish now so much prized was then lightly regarded, and the old inhabitants say that people were ashamed to have it known that they made shad a regular article of food ; more highly esteemed then were the noble salmon which commenced running up early in April and were taken in a seine net like shad and often along with them ; twenty-nine salmon weighing from twenty to thirty pounds apiece were taken in one day at the old fishing place near Barber's home. When Mr. Barber was five years old, his father, who was one of the famous river boatmen of the past, was 34 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS engaged in boating stone for the old toll bridge across the Connecticut from the quarry at Enfield falls. The boats were hauled up the river by horse power, the horses walking on the beach on the western shore, often going far out in the water toward the center of the river to avoid shallows, and sometimes swimming the deep holes or the mouth of the tributary streams. Two boat loads of stone were hauled by a single horse, and on one of these horses young Barber, then twelve years old, was perched day after day, till the bridge was com- pleted. To go down to the falls and back was a regular day's work. When the bridge was completed Mr. Barber's father resumed his former business, taking the boy along with him, till ere long young David began to be known as Captain Barber, a title which he retained as long as he lived. When navigation was opened, he was constantly em- ployed in transporting freight from Hartford to Springfield and the towns above, in the old boats so common on the Connecticut river. These boats were flat bottomed, about twenty-five or tliirty feet long, eight or ten wdde, and usually carried one mast, which could be taken down while going under bridges. Two men composed the ordinary crew, and fourteen tons was considered a full load. In the early part of the cen- tury the boats were unprovided with cabins, and the captain was accustomed to cast an anchor for the night opposite one of the old river taverns that abounded all along the Connecticut in those days, and go ashore for the night with his cvQw oi (>/u\ Sometimes, if the wind was fair, the trip from Spring- field to Hartford and return would be made in two days, and Mr. Barber related that on one occasion when the south wind blew strong, he made the run from Hartford to the foot of Elm street in this city, inside of f//n-r //o//rs, corn- in"; straight over the falls, it being high water at the time. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 35 This business of running the falls, especially going down stream, was by no means a safe operation, and not a few boats were swamped by the raging waters. Three boats were wrecked on the falls during one spring, and when one of them, which was laden with grain in bulk, went down, Mr. Barber's boat was so close upon the wreck, that the crew of the sinking craft sprang on board at a single bound. Of course everybody that worked on a boat held him- self ready for a ducking at any minute, but on one occasion young Barber came near taking his final plunge. He, with two other boys, had come down the river with a horse to haul up an empt}' boat from the head of Enfield falls. The horse was hitched to the boat by a long rope in the usual manner, and one boy remained on shore while the other two went on board to make her ready. Suddenly the old boat swung out into the current, and in an instant was making down stream dragging the poor horse backward through the water in a decidedly lively manner. The boys saw there was no chance of stopping the boat, hastily released the horse by cutting the rope, and then hurried to lower the mast before they should reach Enheld bridge. Barely succeeding in this, they shot under the bridge like an arrow, and passed the upper falls in safety, but the boat lunged on toward the lower falls, was caught by an eddy and sank in an instant, young Barber and his comrade barely escaping with their lives. However, the boys would not give it up, but when the flood subsided they succeeded in raising their boat and bringing it to Springfield. When Mr. Barber was twenty-two years of age, he gave up his boating life and took up his abode in Springfield, w^here he found work in the filing shop in the Armory. This was in iSii, when the coming war with Great Britain loomed up in the near future. 2,6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAI51TAXTS Benjamin Prescott was then superintendent, and Andrew Wilson, an Irishman, filled the position of master armorer. Wages, at that time, though better at the Armory than outside, were in strange contrast with the pay of the pres- ent eight hour hands, and Mr. Barber considered himself fortunate in being able to earn thirty dollars a month, while the man who could earn a dollar and a half or two dollars per day was smart indeed. About one hundred and fifty hands were employed at that time, and nearly all the work was done by the piece. Two years after coming to Springfield Mr. Barber was married to a daughter of Colonel Caleb Aspinwall, who died in the old and somewhat famous McOuivy house, on Maple street on the north corner of Cross street, where Taylor's brick block stands. Miss Aspinwall was a resident of Portland, Me., and came to Springfield via packet from Portland to Boston to visit her brother, then living at the Water Shops. Soon after she arrived at Boston, the British blockaded the port and the entire coast so that she was unable to re- turn, but before the blockade was raised she had become much interested in a certain armorer. Mr. Barber and Miss Aspinwall were married April 3, 1814, and began life in a house that stood on the present site of the estate of the late Aaron Nason, on St. James ave- nue, then called Factory road, from the fact of its leading to " Skipmuck," where the first cotton factories were built on the Chicopee river. This house was moved by Mr. Nason, to o[)posite Bowdoin street, and, rather curiously, two armorers who were destined to outlive all the rest, David Barber and Thomas Warner, commenced housekeeping together, the house being divided into two tenements ; soon after Mr. Barber bought a lot on State street, where the Milton Bradley house now stands, and built the house long occupied by the late Benjamin A. Bullard. In 1819 Mr. Barber bought a lot on Walnut street and built the house which now stands on the corner of Union ; the AND MANSIONS OF SPKlNtiFIELI). 37 house was finished and was the third house on the street; he moved into it July 3, 1820. Walnut street at that time was bordered by thick pine woods and was only a sandy road leading to the Water Shops, Union street, from Walnut to Oak, having been opened in 1830. In opening this latter street, the town took one rod from Mr. l^arber's lot, which reached nearly through to Oak street, and jjaid him the small sum of one hundred dollars. Mr. Barber worked in the Armory tifty-hve years. He was always a stanch Democrat of the Andrew Jackson stamp. Mrs. Barber often told of picking huckleberries on both sides of the street close to the house, and spoke of the time when only two houses were in sight, as the woods shut out all view of the little clump of buildings on the Hill, and, curiously enough, the front windows of their house com- manded a full view of the Connecticut river from the bend below the south end bridge to a point near Thompsonville. Mr. Barber has often sat by his front window and counted as many as six sail boats from Hartford laden with freight for Springfield and towns above. Mr. I^arber was the fiither of ten children, five boys and five girls, four of whom died in infancy : Susan G., the eldest, died in 1862 ; the others are J. D. Barber, the well known tailor on the Hill, William H., now living at the old homestead, Elizabeth H.. who was the wife of J. K. Russell, and died in 1878, Atlanta M. A., who is the wife of Captain B. W. Jones, of Portland, Me., Mary G., who resides at the old homestead, and Samuel A., who lives in Boston. Mrs. Barber died in 1875, aged 83 years. Mr. Barber was the last survivor of the original signers of the Unitarian Society in 1819. He died July 30, 1878, in the 90th year of his age. 38 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS MOSES YALE BEACH. From a daguerreotype taken in 183S. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 39 Hon. jMoses Yale Beach was born in VVallingford, Conn., January 15, 1800. When a boy he was a fifer in the War of 1S12, with the garrison at Fort Hale, New Haven harbor. At the age of fourteen years he was an apprentice to a Mr. Dewey, a cabinetmaker at Hartford, Conn. About the time of his marriage he bought his freedom, having saved the money by investing his savings in candles, and doing work on his own account in the evenings. In 1820 he moved to Northampton, Mass., where he went into business with Eli Loveland under the firm of Beach & Loveland. In 1822 the firm established a branch in Springfield, on Main street, in the block now occupied by W. H. Wright, cigar manufacturer. Mr. Beach's work was celebrated, and evidences, in the shape of certificates from the various county fairs, of superior excellence in workmanship over other competitors (among whom were Horace Lee and John Holbrook), are in the possession of his descendants. In 1S25 he was in partnership with Theodore Ashley, under the firm of Beach & Ashley. Mr. Beach had the secret of veneering with mahogan}' (a veiy expensive wood in those davs) common pine wood balls. His competitors couldn't do it, and they couldn't find out how he did it. These balls were used to ornament sideboards, looking- glass frames, etc., and to this day considerable of Mr. Beach's fine cabinetwork is to be found in the old residences of Springfield. He was among the first to spend money in establishing stern wheel steamboating on the Connecticut river, between Springfield and Hartford, and devised a plan for taking a steamboat over the falls at Enfield, but was not able financially to carry it out himself. He believed that he virtually ran the first steamboat on the Connecticut river between Springfield and Hadley. Mr. Beach built the brick house, 5 i Court street, in the rear of the " old Court House." At that time it was two stories. Four of Mr. Beach's sons were born in this house. In 1829 Mr. Beach sold the house to Rev. George Nichols, who afterwards sold it to E. D. Bangs, who opened a private 40 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS school, and for many years C. C. Burnett carried on a school there. Mr. Beach was one of the original incorporators (in 1827) of the St. Paul's Universalist Church in Springfield. He invented a rag cutting machine, to be used in paper mills, which he patented. This machine improved is now used in all paper mills. D. & J. Ames, and X. P. Ames, of Chicopee, were always calling upon him for improved device. In 1829 he removed to Saugertics, Ulster county, N. Y , where he had purchased an interest in a paper mill, in which he introduced many improvements. He was chosen one ot the trustees of the village, and organized the fire depart- ment, purchasing the first engine. In 1835 he removed to the city of New York, where he purchased for $40,000 of his brother-in-law Benjamin H. Day, the New York Daily S/tn, then two years old, the first penny paper. Mr. Beach made this newspaper the great business of his life, and to him it owes its early reputation. By his energy and enterprise he made a success for his newspaper, and a fortune for himself. In those days "pony express " was employed, and his advice to his sons was, "Get the news always, and always get it first if you can." He with Mr. Hallock established the "Associated Press."' He also established a book agency, buying of Harper Broth- ers, and other publishers, whole editions of their publications, and sending paper covered novels with his own papers to more than two hundred agents in all parts of the country. This business he finally sold to Dexter & Brother. Upon Mr. Beach's lines the Great American News Company came into existence. In 1846 he was sent by President James K. Polk as a special agent to Mexico to arrange a treaty of peace. He was eminently successful in negotiating a basis upon which the war with Mexico was finally ended. Sam Houston always declared that Texas owes much to the advocacy of Moses Y. Beach. In May, 1847, he took passage on the steamer Jlfassac/n/setts, from \"era Cruz for New Orleans. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 4[ Mr. Beach was prominent in banking and other financial operations. He established a number of banks in the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida. Some of these banks are still in existence, and now doing business under the national banking laws. Mr. Beach retired from the management of the .SV/// in 1849. During the "gold fever" he equipped, and sent a vessel to California, which was a profitable venture. In 1850 he built a costly residence in his native town of Wallingford, Conn., where he spent the remainder of his life, leaving home only once, in 1856, for the purpose of spending a year in Europe for the benefit of his health. He was a promoter of free public education, and gave some $10,000 and a valuable piece of land for the high school of his native town. The following notice of his business appeared in the Rcpublicixn in 1828 : — '■'■U'aicJi, and wlien it codu's around ca/ch it. •'A genteel assortment of cabinet furniture made in modern style, with a general assortment of stock commonly found in a cabinet estab- lishment, for sale at moderate prices if called for soon. " fSs^All persons having demands against this establishment, in cabinet furniture, will find it for their advantage to call immediately. •wanted: '• Maple bedstead timber. '^M. Y. BEACH, " Opposite the Stage House. "Springfield, Feb. 18, 1828." Hediedat Wallingford, Conn., July 17, 1868, of paralysis, aged 6'^ years. 6 months. His wife, Nancy (Day) Beach, died in New York city, August 12, 18S0, aged 78 years. Children : fiv-e sons, three daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are now living (1893). Mr. Beach's only sister, Sally Beach, married Horatio Green of West Spring- field. She died in 1881, aged 83 years. Mr. Benj.amin Belcher was born in Taunton, Mass., in 1765. He came to Chicopee Falls about the year 1802, and 42 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Started an iron foundry, the ore being dug from near the banks of Chicopee river. In a few years his son, Bildad B., was admitted as a partner. He married Sarah, daughter of John and Jemima Barney, of Taunton, Mass. She died in Chicopee Falls, October 14, 1869, aged 98 years, 3 months, 18 days. In 18 15 he built the house in which he lived. He died December 17, 1833, aged 68 years. Mr. Bildad B. Belcher was the son of Benjamin Belcher and Sarah (Barney) I^elcher, of Taunton, Mass., where he was born June 17, 18 12. He received a good education at the public school, and was for several years a teacher in the public schools at Chicopee Falls, and other places. He afterwards became a partner with his father in the foundry business, under the firm of Benjamin Belcher & Co. He began the manufacture of agricultural tools in 1852. Their factory was on the south side of Chicopee river, but was burned down in i860. He then built and located on the north side of the river, and in 1862 associated with George S. Taylor, and they formed the Belcher & Taylor Agricultural Tool Company. Mr. Belcher was the first agent of the company, and afterwards was its president. When Chicopee was organized as a town, he was one of the board of selectmen, and for many years was a member of that board, and of the school committee, also one of the assessors. He was clerk of the Congregational society, which position he held for several years, and was prominent in church affairs. He died in Chicopee Falls, January 27, 1888, aged 75 years, 7 months, lo days. His wife, Adel- phia J., died September 10, 1849. Mr. Rorert E. Beimis, born in Watertown, Mass., in 1798, was the son of Luke and Hannah Bemis. When a young man he went to Harvard College, where he remained about three years, but did not graduate. He afterwards entered into a countingroom in Boston, where he received some training in the business of cotton mills. In 1833 he AND .MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. _ 43 came to Cabotville and was the first agent of the Cabot Manufacturing Company, beginning April i, 1834, and remained manager for twenty years. He was a director of the Cabot Bank, now the First National Bank of Chicopee. About the year 1858 he engaged in the coal business, which he carried on for several years. In 1853 he was one of the assessors of the town. He married Martha Wheatland, daughter of Richard and Martha Wheatland, of Salem, Mass., where she was born. She died in Chicopee, December 16, 1872, aged 65 years, 6 months, 26 days. Mr. Bemis was one of the special commissioners of Hampden county in 1853-54-55 and 56. He died March 15, 1873, aged 74 years, 9 months, 1 1 days. Children : one son, four daughters. Hon. Stephen Chapin Bemis, born at Harvard, Mass., November 28, 1802, was the son of Rev. Stephen Bemis of that town. When fourteen years of age he went to Chicopee (street), and entered the store of Deacon Joseph Pease as clerk. In 1820, at the age of eighteen, he was admitted a partner with Deacon Pease, and later bought him out. In 1824 he formed a partnership with Chester W. Chapin, under the firm name of Chapin & Bemis, and engaged in business at the old stand of Deacon Pease, which was con- tinued for a short time, when the partnership was dissolved. He was afterward in [)artnership with Sylvester Chapin. He was appointed postmaster at Chicopee, February 10, 1824, and fire warden in 1829-30. About 1830, Mr. Bemis built a factory and boarding houses at Willimansett. In 1 83 I, he removed there from Chicopee street, and engaged in the manufacture of machine cards and a variety of mechanical tools, having at one time a Mr. Sheffield as partner, under the firm name of Bemis & Sheffield, agents for the Willimansett Manufacturing Company, and carried on a general merchandise store. In 1831, the factory was destroyed by fire, but was soon afterwards rebuilt. In 1834 he was tax collector for the town of Springfield. In 1835 44 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAUITANTS 1 M ""^ .^^K^i^ '"tw**^^ i '^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H ^ 'v^.^ /■ ■■■ ^ "^ ^^ ^. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 45 he was chosen a selectman. Mr. Bemis was among the first to engage in the manufacture of hardware in the Con- necticut valley. About the year 1840, he founded the Bemis & Call Hardware and Tool Company of Springfield (Stephen C. Bemis and Amos Call). The company has been a prosperous one, and still maintains its high reputa- tion for the excellent quality of its manufactured goods. He removed to Springfield in 1843, and engaged in the hardware business in Byers block on Elm street ; after- ward removed to Main street near the old Exchange Hotel, recently torn down. About 1845, '""^ engaged in the coal business ; at that time the late lidmund Palmer was the only person in the trade. In 1850, he removed his store to the Pynchon House block, and in 1853 he sold out his hard- ware business to his son, S. Augustus Bemis, and H. C. Miner ; and, in connection with Chester W. Chapin, erected the building" on Taylor street, now occupied by Bemis & Collins, to which he removed, and continued the coal busi- ness, and in addition the iron and steel trade. In 1837, ^""c was a representative in the Legislature. He was assistant engineer of the fire department of the city of Springfield. He was president of Hampden Savings Bank in 1856-57- 58 and 59, and alderman in 1856-57-58, from Ward four, and mayor in 1861-62. In 1855 he resigned the active management of the Bemis & Call Company to his son, W. Chaplin Bemis, and Amos Call. On account of his health, which had been much impaired by his active and close attention to his large business interests, he retired from business in 1868. In politics Mr. Bemis was a Whig until 1838, when he imbibed the principles of Jefferson and Jackson Democracy, and forever after was a sterling and aggressive Democrat. In November, 1828, he married Julia E. Skeel, daugh- ter of Otis Skeel of Chicopee. Mr. Bemis died I'^ebruary 12, 1875, aged 73 years. Children: six sons, two daugh- ters. 46 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS This gambrel roof house, i6 and iS Dvvight street, was built about the year 1760, and formerly stood on State street on the lot next east of the city library building, and was owned and occupied by Elijah Illake until its removal to the present location. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD 47 Mr. Elijah Blake was born in Torrington, Conn., June 26, 1784. He began to learn the trade of a shoemaker at Winchester, Conn., where, in 1798. his father had moved with the family. He came to Springfield in 1805, antl worked at his trade in a small shop near what is now the corner of Main and Fremont streets. About the year 1808 he engaged in the shoe and leather business on his own account, and afterwards Joel Kendall became a partner, under the firm name of Blake & Kendall. In 1810 he had as a partner in business Eli Moore. From the age of eighteen to twenty-four he did military duty, chiefly in Connecticut. About 1809, he joined the Springfield Fire Department, and in 18 19, was chosen foreman, and about the year 1830, he vvas elected chief engineer, and held the position until 1844. Mr. l^lake held many town and cily offices. He was a member of the board of selectmen in 1829-30-31; one of the overseers of the poor in 1853, 1854, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859; overseer House of Correction, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857. 1858, 1859; member of the school committee and served on the board of health. In 1855, Mr. Blake sold his shoe business to the late John R. Hi.xon. During his service in the fire department, there were only two hand-engines in the town. One of these was owned by the United States government, and was located at the Armor}', on the " Hill." In those days, every householder was required to keep at hand, two fire buckets for use against fire, and members of the fire department were exempted by law from military duty. He represented the town in the Legislature in 1838, and was one of the subscribers to the fund for building the First Church, and in 18 19 paid $250 to the fund for the purchase of Court Square, in which he took much interest, improving the same by setting out trees on the west side, several of which, however, have recently been removed. Blake was the first president of the Hami)dcn Mechanics' Association, organized in January, 1824. He held the office until 1830. In 1844 the association retired from its 48 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS usefulness. He was treasurer (first to hold the office) of the Springfield Cemetery Association, from 1841 to 1842. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- ance Company from October 22, 1849, to May 8, 1880, and its president from October 11, 1850, until October 4, 1869, when he resigned. He married Amelia Bronson of Winchester, Conn., born in 1787, died February 20, 1852, aged 65 years. Children : four sons, two daughters. His second wife was Miss Chloe Bliss, whom he married in 1854. She died January 19, 1887, aged 84 years. Mr. Blake died May 8, 1880, at the age of nearly 96 years, at his residence on State street, which he built in 1839. For his long and faithful services in the fire department, the citizens of the town presented him with a silver pitcher, on which is the following inscription : — •• Presented by the citizens of Springfield, to Elijah Blake, in token of their regard for his long devotion to the duties of Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. July 4, 1844." The gift was accompanied by a letter signed in behalf of the citizens generally, by John Howard and James Brewer. On receipt of the gift, Mr. Blake replied as follows : — "Though nominally retired from the service, and although the frosts of sixty winters have passed over my head, yet I assure my fellow citizens that so long as health and strength will permit, I shall ever hold myself in readiness to render all the assistance in my power to protect their homes and property from the ravages of fire." Mr. EzEKiEL Blake, son of Enos and Elizabeth Blake, was born at Chester, N. H., January 9, 18 11. When a boy he worked in the cooper shop of his father. At the age of seventeen years he went to Methuen, Mass., where he found work in a cotton mill, agreeing to stay three years, for $50 for the first year, $100 for the second, and $120 for the third, inclusive of board. By his diligence he soon became an overseer in the mills. In 1835 he was overseer of the weaving in the Boott AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 49 Corporation at Lowell, Mass., Kirk Boott, first agent and treasurer, where he remained five years, when in 1840 he was offered a position by the Anioskeag Corporation, at Manchester, N. H., which he accepted. He held this position until the year 1846, when he resigned to accept the agency of the Chicopee Manufacturing Company, at Chico- pee Falls, holding the position until his death in 1872, a continuous service of twenty-seven years. He was presi- dent of the Belcher & Taylor Agricultural Tool Company, also president of the Bay State Faucet and Valve Company. In his twenty-first year he joined the Baptist church in Methuen, Mass. Mr. Blake was of a kindly nature, an honest man, and a sincere Christian. In 1833 he married Miss Mercie Perkins, of Jafl"rey, N. H. Mr, Blake died November 27, 1872, aged 61 years, 10 months, 18 days. Mr. Thomas Blanciiard, the inventor, son of Samuel Blanchard, of Huguenot descent, was born at Sutton, Mass., June 24, 1788. When eighteen years old he showed much mechanical genius. He was associated with his brother Stephen in the manufacture of tacks by hand. In 1806 he invented a machine by which tacks could be made more ])erfect than those made by hand. He sold this patent for $5,000 to a company which went into their manufacture. He afterwards invented a machine for turning and fin- ishing gun barrels, by a single operation. This invention he extended to the turning of all kinds of irregular forms, which was one of the most remarkable inventions made in this century. During this time he was employed at the U. S. Armory. He received nine cents from the govern- ment for each musket made by his machines, and this was his only pay during the first term of his patent originally granted in 1820. In 1831 he received a patent for an im- proved form of steamboat stern wheel, which was used on the Connecticut river between Springfield and Hartford, Conn., and on some of the western rivers. so SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS The home of Thomas Bhinchard (horn 1825 to about 1840) while building his steamboats to run on the Connecticut river. The i)roperty is now owned and occupied by Leonard Clark, and is on the corner of Main and Wilcox streets. AND MANSIONS OF SPI/. Artillery. 64 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS (i/'i 1 I insfiliSpP Home of General ]acol) lili.ss, South Main street, built by him about the vear iSoo, and in which he lived until his death in 1S29. Afterwards his son Theodore Bliss resided there. He died in 1S44. The property was purchased by the late Charles G. Rice, and has since passed into the ]30Ssession of other parties. AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFIELn. 65 Bliss's Mill on Mill River. From a painting made about the year iSio. 66 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Mr. Moses Burt, Junr, First Lieut of a Company of Artillery IN the First Brigade, Fourth Division of Militia: Sir, — You are requested to assemble the Company of Artillery now under your command to meet in Springfield in the " Meeting house Lane," on thursday, the fourteenth day of April next, at one of the clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of choosing a captain to said company & to fill all other vacancies that may then exist. Given under my hand this the 31st of March, 1803. JACOB BLISS, Major Coiiid of Artillery. The above orders were seasonably attended to. ATTEST. FESTUS STEBBINS, Adjt of the Artillery. " Meeting House Lane" mentioned in the above order is now Elm street. Mr. Jonathan Bliss was born October i, 1742. He graduated at Harvard College in 1763. He was a member of the General Court of Massachusetts in 1768, and one of the seventeen rescinders, and was proscribed under the act of 1778. He went to New Brunswick, where he became a person of distinguished note, and rose to the rank of chief justice and to the presidency of the council. His wife and the wife of Fisher Ames were sisters. Mr. Bliss died at Fredericton, N. B.,in 1822, at the age of 80 years. Mr. Luther Bliss, son of Ebenezer Bliss and Sarah (Ferre) Bliss, was born in Springfield, June 19, 1792. He learned the tanners' trade, also carried on a boot and shoe business for many years, on State street, near the corner of Main street, where the new Masonic building stands. Mr. Bliss occupied to the time of his death and his heirs still retain a considerable portion of the original grant of land to the Bliss family, lying on and near William street and extendins: to the river. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 6/ Mr. Bliss was a strenuous opposer of African slavery, and an early supporter of the Abolition cause. He was admitted a member of the First Church in 1826, but left with many other members to form the South Church. September 30, 1819, he married Rebecca, daugh- ter of Moses Ferre and Jerusha Easton. She was born in Hartford, Conn., April 17, 1792, and died July i, 1866, aged 74 years, 2 months. Mr. Bliss died May 23, 1886, aged 93 years, 11 months. Children : five sons, two daughters. Deacon Moses Bliss was born January 16, 1736. He entered Yale College, and graduated in 1755. Studied for the ministry and preached for a time, and afterward retired from the profession, read law, and became an eminent lawyer. He was judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Hampshire. He was deacon in the First Church (Congregational), and was " greatly respected for his learning and devotion to the church of which he was an earnest member." He was among the last of those that wore a cocked hat, powdered wig, knee breeches, low shoes, and shining buckles. In 1763, he was married to Abigail, daughter of William Metcalf, of Lebanon, Conn. She died August 29, 1800, aged 61 years. He lived in the house that formerly stood on Main street, and was moved back on to Bliss street many years ago. Deacon Bliss died July 4, 18 14, aged /8 years. Moses Bliss, Jr., a merchant, was born July 10, 1774. His store was on State street, where the Savings Bank block stands. He was one of the incorporators of the Springfield Bank (now the Second National) and one of the first five directors, and its cashier from 18 15 to 18 19. September 30, 1804, he married Mary Wolcott of Say- brook, Conn. She was born September i, 1778, and died August 26, i860, aged 82 years less four days. Mr. Bliss 68 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS died September ii, 1849, aged 75 years. Children : three sons, seven daughters. 0^<^^ '^i^S^ Autograph written April 19, 1810. Richard Bliss, Esq., was born May 12, 181 1. He pre- pared for college at Monson Academy, and was one year at Yale College. He graduated at Amherst College in 183 1, and studied law in his brother's (George) office, who was of the firm of Bliss & Dwight, and then at Harvard Law School. He was admitted to the bar in 1834, and practiced law first for a short time at Monson, Mass., and afterward went into partnership with William Dwight, under the firm name of Dwight & Bliss. Their office was in the second story of the building which stood where the Springfield Institution for Savings block now stands. Mr. Bliss soon retired from his profession. He was elected town clerk in 1838, and held the office until 1841, and was clerk of the Judicial Courts from 1841 to 1852. Owing to impaired health he resigned the latter office and engaged in farming and other outdoor pursuits. He went to Exeter, N. H., and tried the cultivation of the soil, and had a short residence at Allston, and Cambridge, Mass. Finally he returned to Springfield and tilled a tract of land on North Chestnut street. He was elected a member of the Legislature in 1859. H^ ^^''^•'' admitted a member of the First Congrega- tional Church, September 7, 1835, Rev. Samuel Osgood, having always been active in the parish and church affairs. In May, 1837, he married Sarah Pynchon Eastman. Mr. Bliss died July 29, 1883, aged 72 years, 2 months. Children : one son, one daughter. Mr. Theodore Bliss, merchant, son of Gen. Jacob Bliss and Mary (Collins) Bliss, was born March 4, 1789. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 69 He carried on a flour grist mill, located on Mill river, known as " Bliss's Mill." In 1838 he was in partnership with Will- iam Bryant in the grocery trade, under the firm of Bryant & Bliss. In 1S42 he formed a copartnership, which con- tinued until his death, with Edmund D. Chapin and Benj. K. Bliss and engaged in the grocery and drug business, under the firm name of Bliss, Chapin & Co., having a store on Main street in a building owned by the heirs of Dr. Elisha Edwards. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from May 14, 1827, to November 3, 1828, and was elected a director in 1838 in the " Chicopee Bank," now the Chicopee National Bank, Springfield. He was married at Leominster, Mass., July 3, 18 14, to Juliet H. Mann, of Northampton, Mass., where she was born January 30, 1797; she died in Springfield, April 9, 1879, in her 83d year. Mr. Bliss died December 13, 1844, in his 56th year. Children : three sons, four daughters; now living (1893) John Bliss, San Francisco, Cal. William Bliss, Esq., was born March 26, 1797. He entered Harvard College and graduated in 181 8. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1S22, and practiced for several years and was one of the prominent lawyers in the county. Retiring from the profession he was chosen secre- tary of the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company, and held the position from May 14, 1827, until his decease in 1838. July I, 1828, he married Elizabeth A. Benjamin, daugh- ter of Asher I)enjamin, Esq., of Boston, who was an eminent architect, and the author of a work on architecture (with thirty copperplates) which was published by Thomas Dickman, Greenfield, Mass., in 1797- Mr. Bliss was the law partner of Justice Willard, the firm being Willard & Bliss. He was town clerk in 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833, and 1834; a selectman, one of the countv commissioners, and chairman of the board in 1831. JO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS In 1827 he was judge advocate of the Fourth Division, Massachusetts Militia, appointed by Gov. Levi Lincoln. Mr. Mason A. Green, in his history of Springfield, re- lates this in which Mr. Bliss was an actor : — " Samuel Bowles, the founder of the Republican, was fond of pictures, and a good portrait, and was much interested in Mr. Elwell's paintings, an artist who had a studio in the Byers building on Elm street, and to please Mr. Bowles it was arranged one day that an empty frame should be placed in a remote and somewhat shaded corner of the studio. Behind this Mr. Bliss was placed in tableau, and Mr. Bowles invited in to view the new portrait. The visitor was wonderfully impressed, and finally, when Mr. Bliss stepped aside and left the frame empty, Mr. Bowles threw his hands across his breast and sighed deeply." Mr. Bliss died March 8, 1838, aged4i years. Children : William l^liss, president Boston & Albany R. R., Boston, and Mrs. Henry A. Gould, Springfield. Thomas Bond, Esq., merchant and farmer, son of Lieut. Thomas Bond (son of Jonathan Bondof Westborough, Mass., born in 1739, died 1830, aged 91 years), was born September 17, 1777, in North Brookfield, Mass. He began business in his native town as a merchant, and soon afterwards removed to West Brookfield, where he carried it on more extensively and with success, until April, 1826, when he removed to Springfield to engage in farming. He purchased of Colonel Ouartus Stebbins about seventy-five acres of land, on which are now Sargeant, Bradford, and John streets, and extending west to the Connecticut river, on what is now Hampden park. Mr. Bond was engaged in agricultural pursuits about fifteen years, in which he was quite successful. He was a representative from Spring- field in the Legislature in 1833, a director in the Spring- field Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 14, 1830, to October 21, 1836. He was with his wife admitted a member of the First Congregational Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, May, 1827, from West l^rookfield. He married Jemima H. Bush, born September 15, 1784, AND MANSIONS OF SI'RIN(;FIELI). ' 7 1 died July 20, 1866, aged 81 years, 10 months. He died January 6, 1852, aged 74 years. The following tribute appeared in the local paper : — ■• It is with profound regret that we record tlie death of one of our oldest and most respectable citizens, Thomas Bond. Esq., after a brief illness. Twenty-seven years ago he removed from West Erookfield to this town, and from that day to this he has maintained a character spotless in its honor, and radiant in its discriminating and unostenta- tious benevolence." Their children : five sons and three daughters ; now living (1S93), Thomas and Edward Bond, in New York city, William B. Bond, Rogers Park, near Chicago, 111., Mrs. Clara B. Raynolds. Springfield, and Mrs. Mary B. Hall, wife of Rev. J. G. Hall, of Cleveland, Ohio. Dea. Daniel Bontecou was born in New Haven, Conn., April 20, 1779. His father dying before his birth, and his mother marrying within a few years, the family moved to Enfield, Conn., where he engaged in business. He was active in the Connecticut Militia and was chosen sergeant in the 31st Regiment. About the year 1806 he removed to Springfield and formed a copartnership with Colonel Solomon Warriner, and engaged in the dry goods business. In 18 1 7 the partnership was dissolved, and in a few years Jonathan \V. Hunt became his partner, the firm being Bontecou & Hunt. They continued the business until 1835, when Mr. Bontecou sold out his interest. In 1830 they were agents for the steamboat W'rniont, running to Hart- ford. In 18 1 5 he purchased of Colonel Warriner the house which stood on Main street where Fallon's block now is, and afterwards was moved to Hillman street, when in May, 1890, it was torn down to make way for the building of a new block. In 1 8 19 he subscribed $800 to the fund for the purchase of the property now Court Square. In 1820 he was a representative from the town to the General Court. Feb- ruary 17, 181 1, he was admitted a member of the First 72 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, of which he was deacon from March 5, 1833, to May 2, 1845, and from the last date to November, 1857, was deacon of the South Church, then located on Bliss street. His first wife was Sybil Pease Potter, of Enfield, Conn. She died May 5, 18 10, aged 29 years. His second wife was Harriet Bliss, daughter of Hon. Moses Bliss. She died November 10, 1853, in the 72d year of her age. In 1846 Mr. Bontecou removed to the south corner of Howard and Main streets. Children : two sons, five daughters. Mr. Bontecou died November 24, 1857, in the 79th year of his age. Mr. Edwin Booth was born in Berlin, Conn., May, 1796. He first commenced business as a hatter in Long- meadow, Mass., about the year 1820. He removed to Springfield about 1826, and established himself as a manu- facturer and dealer in hats, caps, and furs on State street. In 1827 he built the house (which has since been remod- eled) next west of the Olivet Church, where he carried on his business for some twenty years in connection with the wool business, in which he was engaged for about fifteen years at his warehouse which he built on Armory street. In 1830 he was one of the assistant fire wardens under Chief Engineer EHjah Blake, and was one of the selectmen of the town in 1831, and in 1853-54 O"^ o^ the overseers of the poor. Mr. Booth was a strong temperance advocate, an opponent of the use of tobacco, and an early Anti-slavery Liberty-party man. He took a great interest in horti- culture, pomology, and everything pertaining to fruits and flowers, the growing of grapes and strawberries, in which he was quite successful. He also engaged in bee raising. In January, 1828, he was admitted a member of the P'irst Congregational Church from the church in Long- meadow, Mass., and was one .of the founders and supporters of Olivet Church. He married Sarah Maria Porter. She was born in 1798, died August 13. 1857, aged 59 years. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 73 Mr. Booth died of apoplexy very suddenly March 4, 1865, in his 69th year. Children : Dr. Alfred Booth, Springfield, and two daughters. Deacon Walter H. Bowdoin, merchant, was born in 1795. When a young man he went into business on the " Hill" and in 1820 formed a copartnership with Lyman T. Ball, under the firm name of Ball & Bowdoin, and after- wards, in 1824, with Francis M. Carew, in the firm of l^ow- doin & Carew, in the dry goods and grocery trade. After a few years Mr. Carew retired and the late George T. Bond became a partner, under the firm name of l^owdoin & Bond. October i, 1844. In 1825 he was a member of the firm of Bowdoin, Phillips & Co., Springfield Card Manufactory, and the agent of the company for many years. He was one of the selectmen of the town, and a representative of the town in the Legislature in 1834-35, and was one of the first nine directors of the John Hancock Bank, organized in 1850, and then located on the " Hill." He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from Octo- ber 4, 1841, to October 3, 1842. He was one of the found- ers of the Olivet Church, which was founded in 1833, and a valued member of the society. His wife was Caroline Whitaker of Monson. She was admitted a member of the First Church in February, 1825 ; he was admitted a member in July, 1826. Miss Catharine E. Bowdoin, their only child, resides in Springfield. Deacon Bowdoin died October i, 1869, aged 74 years. Mr. Samuel Bowles, the advanced journalist, was born in Hartford, Conn., June 8, 1797. He came from a Rox- bury family, of which John Eliot, the Indian missionary, was a descendant. At the age of fifteen he began as a clerk in his father's store. On the death of his father in 18 13, he commenced an apprenticeship in the art of printing, in his native town. At the end of his api)renticeship he acted as 74 SKETCHES OF T}1K OLD INHABITANTS SAMUEL IJOWLES. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 75 foreman and journeyman for six years in several offices in Hartford and New Haven. Coming to Springfield in 1824 he brought with him a hand press and type enough to start a newspaper. They were " brought up on a flat boat poled up the Connecticut river from Hartford," and were un- loaded at the foot of " Meeting House lane," now Elm street. He issued the first number of the " Republican" Weekly September 8, 1824, beginning with a circulation of 350 copies. Its growth was steady and permanent during the weekly periods. It was a folio sheet of six columns to a page, the size of which was 13 by 17 inches. It had one and a half columns of advertising. From this venture grew the Springfield Republican, known throughout the length and breadth of the North American states and many countries in the Eastern Hemisphere. Mr. Bowles's " early education was limited, his parents were not rich in worldly goods," and it is said "all that he received of any importance from his father's estate was his gold watch and the family Bible." The late Hon. William B. Calhoun paid this beau- tiful tribute to his memory : " Few have been the men who have fallen in our way who have kept truer time, and been more loyal to the Bible, than Samuel Bowles." He married Huldah Deming, of Hartford, Conn. She was born November 25, 1796; died June 6, 1871, aged 74 years, 6 months. Mr. Bowles died September 8, 1851, aged 54 years, 3 months. Children : two sons, two daughters ; now living (1893) Mrs. Amelia P. Alexander, relict of Hon. Henry Alexander. Ur. William Oilman Breck was born November 14, 1816, in Franklin County, Vt. When a boy he went to Ohio with his father's family, attending school at the Oberlin University, then in its infancy. Having a natural taste for the study of medicine, he attended medical lectures. He was in New Orleans in 1844-45, but the South not being 76 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS agreeable to him, he came to Springfield in 1846. Desiring to add to his knowledge of medicine, he entered Harvard Medical School in 1854, where he remained about two years. During the War of the Rebellion, he was sent to the front by Governor Andrew, as a consulting surgeon, and was present at several battles. He was surgeon for the Boston & Albany railroad, and the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, for thirty years. Dr. Breck was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and of the Hampden District Medical Society, having been president of the latter. He was much interested in the Children's Home, and in 1888 took a place on the advisory board. He was at one time a partner with Dr. J. H. Gray, who was killed in the railroad disaster at Norw^alk, Conn., May 6, 1853, aged 34 years. About 1868 he bought a lot of land on Round Hill, and built the first house there, from plans drawn by George Hathorne, an eminent architect of New York city. Dr. Breck stood high in his profession. " He was emi- nently a surgeon, and a physician of great tact. His judg- ment was deliberate, and his decisions when reached were carried out with firmness and completeness." In 1843, he ^v^s married to Mary Vandeventer, of Penn Yan, N. Y. For many years she has been an efficient member of the board of managers of the Children's Home. Dr. Theodore F. Breck is their only child. Dr. William G. Breck died January 22, 1889, from an attack of pulmonary apoplexy (at the house of a patient of Dr. Mellen, in Chicopee, whither he had been called for consultation), in the seventy-third year of his age. Dk. Ciiauncey Brewer, was born April 21, 1743. He graduated at Yale College in 1762, studied medicine with Dr. Charles Pynchon, and commenced practice in West Springfield, but he removed to Springfield after Dr. Pynchon's death and settled on " Ferry lane," now Cypress street, and was for many years the leading physician of the AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. n town. He married Ami White. She died in 182 1, aged ']6 years. He was one of the original incorporators of the Massa- chusetts Medical Society in 1 78 1, and was admitted a fellow in 1785. His certificate of admission to the fellowship and one of his medical books, in which he wrote his name in 1762, are still preserved, being in the possession of the family of the late Henry Brewer. In January, 1781, he was, with his wife, admitted to the First Church in Springfield, Rev. Robert Breck, from the First Church in West Springfield. They had eleven chil- dren. Dr. Brewer died March 15, 1830, aged ^j years. Dr. Daniel Chauncev Brewer was born December ij, IJJ2. He was educated for a physician, but practiced only a short time. He afterwards engaged in the drug and med- icine business with Dr. Joshua Frost, having a store in the wooden building which stood where H. & J. Brewers store is. In 1785 he was admitted a member of the Massachu- setts Medical Society. He subscribed $150 to the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square. Dr. Brewer died September 30, 1848, aged 75 years, 9 months. Mr. Henrv Brewer, Jr., son of Henry Brewer, Sr., was born September 20, 1804, in the old gambrel roof house which stood on Maple street (now No. 41), and about the year 1830 was moved on to High street. In April, 1892, the house was torn down. A part of Mr. Brewer's boyhood was passed with his grandfather. Dr. Chauncey Brewer, who was a leading physician, and lived on Ferry lane, now Cypress street. In 1825 he became a partner with his uncle as apothecary, and was engaged in the business until his death, a period of quite fifty-five years. During this time his brother James became a partner under the firm name of H. & J. 78 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHARITANTS This house, 48 High street, formerly stood on Maple street, between the residence of the late Dr. H. A. Collins and the South church, and was built by Dr. Chauncey Brewer about the year 1750. After his death it was occupied by his son, Henry Brewer, and in it his sons, Henry and James Brewer (druggists), were born. On the opening of High street in 1829, Stephen Jones bought the house, and in 1830 moved it on to High street. After his death and on the death. of his wife, it came into the possession of their daughter, Mrs. Henrietta Davis, who resided there until her death, January 14, 1892, when, soon after, the property was sold to William H. Sanborn, who ordered the house to be demolished, which was done April 5, 1892. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 79 Brewer, and later on Mr. William H. Gray was admitted a member of the firm. Mr. Brewer was admitted a member of the First Congregational Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, in July, 1826. Being somewhat of a musician, he played the bass viol when the choir was led by Colonel Solomon Warriner. When the South Church was formed in 1842, he assisted in its organization, and gave much aid to its support. He married Cynthia Ann Child, daughter of Captain William Child, of Springfield. Mr. Brewer died February 9, 1880, aged 75 years. He was greatly esteemed for his many sterling qualities and was courteous, faithful, and of unbounded rectitude. Mr. James Brewer, ist, merchant (son of Dr. Chauncey Brewer, a descendant of Rev. Daniel Brewer, who came from England and settled in Roxbury, Mass., in 1634, and Springfield in 1694, as pastor of the First Congregational Church), was born December 8, 1789. When a young man he was clerk in charge of the branch store of J. & E. Dwight at Enfield, Conn., previous to 1825, when he formed a partnership with Benjamin Day and James Scutt Dwight, under the firm name of Day, Brewer & Dwight, for the transaction of a general merchan- dise business at the brick store which stood on the corner of Main and State streets, v^here the Savings Bank block now stands. In a few years the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Brewer engaged in the hardware business on his own account in the corner store in the building which stood where the Masonic block stands. He was one of the nine directors of the Chicopee Bank, Springfield, organized in 1836, now the Chicopee National Bank. He married Harriet Adams, daughter of Dr. Jabez Adams, of Mansfield, Conn. She died December 18, 1844, aged 50 years. Mr. Brewer died July 20, 1856, aged 67 years, 7 months. Children : four sons and four daughters ; now living 8o SKF.TCllF.S OF THE OLD INHABITANTS This house, 31 F"ranklin street, was the residence of Captain John Brown, who settled in Springfield in 1S46. It was built by a Mr. Pendleton of Chicopee and is now owned by the heirs of the late Joseph t'arew of South Iladley, Mass. AND MANSIONS OF SFKIN( .FIELD. 8 I (1893), Mrs. Eunice B. Smith, the relict of Dr. David P. Smith. Mr. James Brewer, 2d, son of Henry l^rewer, Sr., was born June 1 1, 1813. When a lad he went to learn the drug business with Henry Sterns, his store being on Main street, opposite Court Square. Later he went to Philadel- phia for further study and training. In 1834 he returned to Springfield and entered into partnership with his brother Henry, under the firm of H. & J. Brewer. In i860 Mr. W. H. Gray was admitted as a partner. The house was started in 18 19 by D. Chauncey Brewer in the wooden building which stood on the site of the present one of brick, which was built in 1844, the former one having been burned down. Mr. Brewer was a devoted member of tlie South Church, and took an active part in establishing the society (1842), having withdrawn from the First Congregational Church, Rev. Dr. Osgood, of which he had been a member since 1827. He married Miss Dodd, of Vermont. Children : Dr. Charles Brewer and a daughter, Mary. Mr. Brewer died January 29, 1880, in the 67th year of his age. Capt. John Brown was born in Torrington, Conn.. May 9, 1800. He was the son of Owen Brown, a descendant on his father's side of one of the company that came over in the Mayfloivcr and landed at Plymouth in 1620. When five years old his father moved to Hudson, Ohio, the jour- ney having been performed the most of the way with an ox team, the country then being a wilderness. When eight years old his mother died, which caused him much grief for many years. In the War of 18 12 his father furnished the troops with beef cattle. As a boy he was present at Hull's surrender at Detroit, and overheard conversations between the subordinate officers of that general. To their " disorderlv conduct he ascribed the surrender" and said if 82 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS he could have reported those officers to the authorities at Washington it would have " branded them as mutineers " and he thought great injustice had been done to General Hull, who was a brave and honest man. He was taught from earliest childhood to " fear God and keep his commandments." At the age of sixteen he joined the Congregational church in Hudson, Ohio. June 21, 1820, at Hudson, Ohio, he married Miss Dianthe Lusk, a woman of "excellent character, earnest piety, and good practical common sense." Six sons and one daughter were born to them. Mrs. Brown died August 10, 1832. While he was living at Richmond, Penn., he married his second wife, Miss Mary A. Day, at Meadville. They had thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters. He was until his twenty-sixth year engaged in the tanning business, and as a farmer in Ohio. It was in 1826 that he went to Richmond, Penn., where he carried on his business until 1835. That year he removed to Franklin Mills, Ohio, and carried on the tanning trade and operated in real estate. He was an earnest advocate for the abolition of the slave trade. I-n 1839 he conceived the idea of becoming a liber- ator of the slaves in the Southern states. He went to Hudson, Ohio, in 1840, and engaged in the wool business with Captain Oviatt of Richfield, Ohio, and in 1842 formed a partnership with Colonel Perkins, under the name of Perkins & Brown. In 1844 he removed to Akron, Ohio. In 1846 he went to Springfield, Mass., and the next year his family joined him and resided at No. 31 Franklin street. He had an ofifice and loft near the depot, where the firm carried on the wool business until about 185 1. He removed with his family to North Elba, Essex county, N. Y., in 1849. During the Kansas trouble between the free soil and pro-slavery parties in 1857, he published the following ap- peal for the purpose of raising funds to be used in freeing the state from slavery : — AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 8l " To tJie Friends nf Freedom : — '' The undersigned, whose individual means were exceedingly limited wlien he first engaged in the struggle for liberty in Kansas, being now still more destitute, and no less anxious than in times past to continue his efforts to sustain that cause, is induced to make this earnest appeal to the friends of freedom throughout the United States in the firm belief that his call will not go unheeded. I ask all honest lovers of liberty and human rights, both male and female, to hold up my hands by contributions of pecuniary aid, either as counties, cities, towns, villages, societies, churches, or individuals. I will endeavor to make a judicious and faithful application of all such means as I may be sup- plied with. Contributions may be sent in drafts to W. H. D. Callen- der.* cashier State Bank, Hartford, Conn. It is my intention to visit as many places as I can during my stay in the States, provided I am informed of the disposition of the inhabitants to aid me in my efforts, as well as to receive my visit. Information may be communicated to me (care of Massasoit House), at Springfield, Mass. Will editors of newspapers friendly to the cause kindly second the measure, and also give this some half dozen insertions ? Will either gentlemen or ladies, or both, volunteer to take up the business ? It is with no little sacrifice of personal feeling I appear in this manner before the public. "JOHN BROWN." In January, 1859, he wrote the following letter in rela- tion to his invasion of Missouri, which became a celebrated document and was known as "John I^rown's Parallels" : — "Tkadi.xg Post, Kansas, January, 1859. " Gentlemen : — You will greatly oblige a humble friend by allowing the use of your columns while I briefly state two parallels in my poor way. " Note, one year ago, eleven quietcitizens of this neighborhood, viz., William Robertson, William Colpetzer, Amos Hall, Austin Hall, John Campbell, Asa Snyder, Thomas Stilwell, William Hairgrove, Asa Hairgrove, Patrick Ross, and B. L. Reed, were gathered up from their work and their homes by an armed force under one Hamilton, and, without trial, or opportunity to speak in their own defense, were formed into line, and all but one shot — five killed and five wounded; one fell unharmed, pretending to be dead : all were left for dead. The only crime charged against them was that of being free state men. Now, I inf|uire what action has ever, since the occurrence in May last, been taken by either the president of the United States, the governor of * He was tlie fatlier of William K. Calleuder, cashier of the Cliapin National Hank, Spring- liekl, Mass. 84 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Missouri, the governor of Kansas, or any of their tools, or by any pro- slavery or administration man, to ferret out and punish the perpetrators of this crime. Now for the other parallel : — " On Sunday, December 19, a negro man called Jim came over to the Osage settlement from Missouri, and stated that he, together with his wife, two children, and another negro man, was to be sold within a day or two, and begged for help to get away. On Monday (the following) night, two small companies were made up to go to Missouri and forcibly liberate the five slaves, together with other slaves ; one of these companies I assumed to direct. We proceeded to the place, surrounded the buildings, liberated the slaves, and also took certain property sup- posed to belong to the estate. We, however, learned before leaving, that a portion of the articles we had taken belonged to a man living on the plantation as a tenant, and who was supposed to have no interest in the estate. We promptly returned to him all we had taken. We then went to another plantation, where we found five more slaves, took some property and two white men. We moved all slowly away into the territory for some distance, and then sent the white men back, telling them to follow us as soon as they chose to do so. The other company freed one female slave, took some property, and as I am informed killed one white man (the master) who fought against the liberation. Now for a comparison. Eleven persons are forcibly restored to their natural and inalienable rights, with but one man killed, and all ' hell is stirred from beneath.' It is currently reported that the governor of Missouri has made a requisition upon the governor of Kansas for the delivery of all such as were concerned in the last named 'dreadful outrage.' The marshal of Kansas is said to be collecting a posse of Missouri (not Kansas) men, at West Point, Missouri, a little town about ten miles distant, to 'enforce the laws.' All pro-slavery, conservative, free-state, and dough-face men, and administration tools are filled with holy horror. Consider the two cases, and the action of the administration party. " Respectfully yours, '■JOHN BROWN." His several contests with the pro-slavery party in Kan- sas, and his efforts to incite the slaves to gain their free- dom, and the attack upon Harper's Ferry on the 17th of October, 1859, and his e.xecution at Charlestovvn, Va., De- cember 2, 1859, are well known facts of history. While residing in Springfield, Captain Brown was known as a quiet, modest man, of strict integrity and honorable purposes. He greatly esteemed Rev. Dr. Osgood, on whose ministry he attended for several years. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 85 Col. David Mason Bryant was born January 27, 1792. He received his education in Springfield, his native town, Boston, and Hanover, N. H. Early in life he went to sea, making three voyages to China, and one to Lisbon, Portu- gal, as captain's clerk and purser. Afterwards he came to Springfield and engaged in the dry goods business on State street. In a year or two he removed to " Chickopee Factory," now Chicopee Falls, where he became the leading merchant of the place. January 12, 183 i, during the administration of President Andrew Jackson, he was appointed postmaster of the village. He was justice of the peace from P^ebruary 22, 1826, to 1853. He served in the state militia, was elected colonel of the P"irst Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, rising from the ranks. He resigned the colonelcy, November 28, 182S. In 1843 ^^^ retired from business and settled in South Deerfield, Mass. He was in business, between the years 1830 to 1840, with the following persons, Sylvester Taylor, under the firm of Sylvester Taylor & Co., George Bird, under the name of Bryant & Bird, and Timothy W. Carter, under the firm of Bryant & Carter. In 1820, he married Mary Bliss, eldest daughter of General Jacob and Mary Bliss of Springfield. She was born September 4, 1792. and died April 12, 1839, aged 46 years, 7 months. 8 days. Their children : three sons, three daughters. June 30, 1841, he married, for his second wife, Mrs. Isabella (Hoyt) Williams, daughter of Gen. Epaphras Hoyt, of Deerfield, Mass. Colonel Bryant died April 20. 1874, aged 82 years, 2 months, 24 days. Colonel Bryant's father was master of ordnance in the Revolutionary War, and lost an arm in the service. Captain William Bryant was born in Sj^ringfield, December 25, 1798. In August, 1821, he sailed from Boston for a voyage to the East Indies, and afterwards made several voyages as master. Ikyant, Sturges & Co., Boston, were prominent merchants engaged in the East 86 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS CYRUS BUCKLANi). AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 87 India trade. In 1833 he retired from the sea and settled in Springfield, where in 1834 he formed a copartnership with Theodore Bliss, under the firm name of Bryant & l^liss, and engaged in the grocery business, first on the northeast corner of Main and Sanford streets, afterwards in the block built by James Byers, corner of Main and Elm streets, where now stands the Chicopee National Bank block. When the Chicopee Bank (now national) was organized, in 1836, he was chosen one of the first nine directors. In December, 1830, he married Emily Bliss, daughter of General Jacob Bliss. She was born March 3, 1801, died February 6, 1881, aged 79 years, 11 months. Captain Bryant died August 22, 1857, aged 58 years, 8 months. Children : two sons, one daughter ; now living, Andrew S. Bryant, cashier Boston & Albany Railroad Company, Springfield. He was sergeant of Company A, 27lh Massa- chusetts Regiment, during the War of the Rebellion. In May, 1863, he, with seventeen men, held a position until the arrival of reinforcements, when the rebels with a large force had attacked the outposts along Bachelor's creek. North Carolina. For this act of Spartan bravery he was awarded a medal by the Government "for conspicuous gallantry on this occasion." Mr. Cyrus Buckland, inventor, was born at East Hartford. Conn, (now Manchester), August 10, 1799. When old enough he worked on a farm, but having a taste for mechanics, he left the farm, and in 1822 went to Monson, Mass., where he engaged in work with his brother, who was a practical machinist, on the first cotton mill erected there by the Monson & Brim field Manufacturing Company. In 1823 he went to Chicopee Falls, as a pattern maker and machinist in the first cotton factory built there. During a suspension of work in 1828 he secured a position at the United States Armory. At that time the machinery at the Armory was of an obsolete kind, the work being done 88 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS mostly by hand. The only machine used in the manufac- ture of arms was the invention of Thomas Blanchard, for cutting out the stock roughly without finishing it. The next ten years there was a marked change in the art of gun-making, which was in a great measure due to Mr. Buckland. It was in 1839 that the greatest and real work of improvement began, when he commenced a series of improvements in gun machinery. The late Thomas War- ner's grand idea of making every part in the gun inter- changeable demanded an entire revolution in the mechan- ical methods then in use. Mr. Buckland was a valuable counselor and assistant to Mr. Warner in bringing this innovation to a complete success. In 1842 Mr. Warner withdrew from the Armory to accept a position elsewhere, when the duties of chief mechanic were placed upon Mr. Buckland. In 185 1 he designed a model for a new cadet musket, which being approved by the ordnance board, several thousands of them were ordered to be made at the Armory for Govern- ment service. In 1854 he designed an improved machine for rifling musket barrels, " which far exceeded any other machine of the kind, in the amount and quality of the work it produced, and in its principles, which were entirely new." From 1840 to 1852 he designed and built a series of intricate machines, of which the lock-plate bedding machine is a fair sample. His machinery was copied in the national and private armories in the United States. After the London Exhibition in 1852, the Ames Manufacturing- Company, Chicopee, Mass., duplicated many of the ma- chines, and sold them to nearly all of the European gov- ernments. He married Mary A. Locke, of Monson, Mass. She died at Somerville, Mass., July 23, 1892, aged 8^ years. Mr. Buckland died February 26, 1891, in the 92d year of his age. Children : a son and a daughter. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIKLD. . 89 Mk. Amaziah Bullens, son of Elisha and l^etsey l^ul- lens, was born in Dedham, Mass., in 1819. He came to Chic- opee (then Cabotville) about the year 1838, and was engaged in the grocery and crockery business for forty years. He was much interested in SpirituaHsm and was prominent in the meetings at Lake Pleasant. He died in Chicopee, May 9, 1884, aged 65 years, 5 months, 20 days ; his widow and two sons are living in Chicopee. Mr. Ira M. Bullens. son of Elisha and l^etsey Bullens, was born in Needham, Mass., in 1810. He was one of the four brothers who started the grocery business in Chicopee in 1838, which was continued for many years. Afterwards he was station agent at the Center for the Connecticut River Railroad Company. At onetime he was engaged in the book business. He was elected one of the assessors of the town of Springfield in 1847. He was an active and prominent member of the Baptist Church. He died in Chicopee, September 23, 1876, aged 66 years. Mr. Isaac Bullens, son of Elisha and Betsey Bullens, was born in Needham, Mass. He came to Chicopee (then Cabotville) about the year 1833. He was the first one to start the machinery in the shop of the Springfield Canal Company. In 1838 he went into the grocery business, in which he accumulated considerable property. He married Margaret Clapp, daughter of James and Margaret Clapp, of Roxbury, Mass. She died in Chicopee, January 2, 1882, aged 74 years, 3 months. He died in Chicopee, September i, 1875, aged 67 years, 6 months. Capt. Hexrv L. Bunker was born in Nantucket, Mass., November 17, 1797. In early life he followed the sea; went on whaling voyages, and in time became master of vessels at different periods in the whaling fieet. Afterwards he moved to Springfield and engaged in the grocery business, having a store under the old Town Hall on State street. 90 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS DAVID A. ISL'SII. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 9I He married Hannah Nickerson, of Harwich, Mass. She was born August 4, 1799, and died at Oakland, Cah, Decem- ber 22, 1883, aged 84 years. In July, 1826, he and his wife were admitted members of the First Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood. Captain Ikmker died in Springfield, January 6, 1865, aged 67 years. Children : three sons, one daughter. Mr. David Austin Bush was born at Enfield, Conn., in 1803. When fifteen years old he went to learn the plow mak- ing business, of Potter & King, Enfield, Conn., who were manufacturers of plows for the Southern market. About the year 1820, he went as agent of the firm to Virginia, with three thousand plows shipped on board a sloop at Hart- ford, Conn. He remained in the South several months. On his return north he worked on the first water wheels and flumes at Chicopee Falls, Mass., afterwards going to Providence, R. I., where he was employed by a company for a year or two, when they failed, and he lost about $500 of his wages. Then he returned home and for a short time was in the employ of the late Stephen C. Bemis, agent, who kept a store at Willimansett, but being unwilling to take his pay for work done, in goods out of the store, Mr. Bush came to Springfield in 1830, and bought out the wagon shop of Ebenezer Crane, on Main street, he having the sale of a cast iron wheel hub as a specialty. Mr. Bush carried on the wagon and plow business for forty years, and at the same time built and rented several houses. He was a member of the Hampden Lodge of Masons for forty-six years. In 1827 he married Betsey Williams, ofWestfield, Mass. She died February 22, 1879, aged ":-, years. Mr. Bush died July 7, 1870, aged 67 years. Austin Ballou Ikish, their son, now living in Springfield, was born in Williman- sett, Mass., December 21, 1829. Hon. James Bvers was born at New York, in 1771. Early in life he engaged in mercantile business, having a store on the "Hill," near the Armory grounds. In January, SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHAIJITANTS Number 20 Byers streel was built by jaiacs Byers about the year 1831, for a residence, and he lived in it for many years. The following parties have occupied the house : Henry Seymour, who was the first cashier of the Chicopee Bank, now the Chicopee National Bank of Springfield, General James Barnes, Colonel Roswell Shurtleflf, R. G. Shurtleff, Elisha Gunn, John B. Stebbins, Hon. John Mills, and Rodolphus Kinsley, who sold it to David E. Taylor, merchant. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 93 1800, he was appointed postmaster of Springfield under the administration of Thomas Jetferson, and held the office during his term of eight years. From 1790 to 18 12 he was engaged in a general merchandise business. He was pay- master and military storekeeper at the U. S. Armory, from October i, 1803, to November 2, 1811, and a commissary of the U. S. Army during the War of 1812-15. About the close of the war he built the fine mansion on State street, the residence of the late Hon. Henry Alexander, Jr., from designs made by Asher Benjamin, Esq., of Boston, an eminent architect. The contractor for the building was Simon Sanborn. Mr. Byers was one of the original incor- porators and was a member of the first Board of Directors of the Old Springfield Bank (chartered in 18 14), now the Second National Bank. He was president of the bank from 1833 to 1836, succeeding Judge John Hooker. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1831 and a member of the Senate in 1833-34, and presi- dential elector in 1S32. Having sold his house on State street to Col. Israel E. Trask, of New Orleans, he built (about the year 1832) the cottage now numbered 20 Byers street, in which he lived many years, but which then, before the street was opened to Pearl, stood further east on the hillside. In 1836, Mr. Byers erected at his own expense a marble fountain in the center of Court Square. One morn- ing it was found badly broken, the work of some mischievous boys. On his hearing of this vandalism he caused its re- moval from the square. In 1834 he bought of Daniel Lombard property on the corner of Main and Elm streets for $6,0GO, on which he built three brick blocks, all of which have been recently torn down (with the exception of half a block on Elm street) to erect the "Walker block," "Chicopee National Bank building," and " Gilmore's Court Square Theater," upon their sites. Mr. Byers was a large stockholder in the Farmers' Bank of Belchertown, Mass., which stopped payment in 1829. 94 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Its bills were received at the rate of twenty cents on the dollar at one time ; at Northampton they were passed for goods at fifty cents on the dollar. In 1840 Daniel Webster appeared in town, the guest of Mr. Byers, who gave out a general invitation to the citizens to come and spend the evening with the distinguished statesman, "chat and drink wine," at his " Hillside Cottage," now on Byers street. During the entertainment Mr. Byers noticed that the wines were rapidly disappearing, and fearing that the company would " drink him dry," sent for one of his employees and asked him if he could get into Dr. Edwards' store (it being late at night). He went and brought back an additional supply of the "needful," though it is said that none of it was used, and that Mr. Byers remarked that he would not have been "caught short," for one thousand dollars. In February, 1800, he married Sophia Dwight. She was born September 4, 1776, and died February 23, 1803, aged 27 years. He married for a second wife Widow Sarah Duncan, nre Brown (daughter of William Brown and Ann Boucher), previously wife of Robert Duncan, of Boston. An adopted daughter, Angelina Thayer, married Jotham W. Post, of New York. Mr. Byers died February 22, 1854, aged 83 years. His father, Captain James Byers, died November 2, 181 1, aged 70 years. Autograph written April 19, iSio. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 95 Residence of the late Colonel Abel Chapin, Chicopee (street), Mass., erected 1785. Previous to the repairs being made within, by the order of the late Mrs. Dorcas Chapin, the north room on the first floor bore upon its walls the following record of Colonel Abel Chapin 's family : — Abel Chapin, born April 5, 1756 ; Dorcas Chapin, born December 3, 1754 — married May 27, 1779. Electa Chapin, born December 29, 1779; Gordon Chapin, born December 6, 1781; Jemima Chapin, born October 7, 1783; Oral Chapin, born October 11, 1785 ; Harvey Chapin, born October 2, 1787: Alden Chapin, born November 13, 17S9: Abel Chapin, born September 25, 1791: Dexter Chapin, born September 19, 1793. The hall on the third tioor, known as "Chapin's hall," where many of the sons and daughters of Springfield — the Chapins, Dwights, Blisses, Stebbinses, Howards, Pynchons, and other old-time families — have tripped the " light fantastic toe " from dewy eve till early morn, was decorated with various emblems of nature, as flowers, birds, etc., and a ship upon the " billowy deep." Old Sol was represented as emerging from the deep blue sea with beaming countenance, and underneath this were the words, " the rising generation." All of this was the work of an English artist. At each end of the hall are two rooms which were used by those attending the balls as toilet and waiting-rooms. 96 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Col. Abel Chapin, son of Ephraim and Jemima Chapin, was born April 5, 1756. In the summer of 1776, when twenty years old. he enlisted under Col. Charles Colton for six months, marched to Lake Champlain, and was stationed at Ticonderoga, N. Y. In 1787, during the Shays* rebellion, he commanded a company of government troops when the attack was made for the possession of the arsenal. His several commissions as an officer of the First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division of the Massachusetts forces bear the signatures of those sterling patriots, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. The following is a copy of a commission in possession of Col. Abel Chapin's grandson : — ' • Cofumoj! we a ItJi of Mas sack ii setts. •' By his Excellency, John Hancock, Esq., Governor of the Common- wealth of Massachusetts. " To Abel Chapin, Esquire, Greeting : — " You being appointed Major of the first Regiment in the FIRST Brigade and fourth division of the militia of this com- monwealth, comprehending the County of Hampshire. By virtue of the power vested in me I do by these presents (reposing special trust in your loyalty, courage, and good conduct) commission you accord- ingly, you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duties as a major in leading, ordering and exercising said Regiment in arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good order and discipline ; and they are hereby commanded to obey you as their major. and you are yourself to observe and follow such orders and Instruc- tions as you shall from time to time receive from me or your Superior Officers. Given under my Hand and the Seal of the Said Common- wealth the fourteentli day of May in the year of our Lord 1792 and in the Sixteenth year of the Independence of the United States of Amer- ica. By his Excellency's command •• John Avery, Sec'y. " John Hancock." John Hancock's signature to the commission above is somewhat irregular, as if written with a trembling hand, he being a martyr to gout, said to be brought on by his luxuri- ous manner of living:. ♦Daniel Shays, the leader of the rebelhon, died in Sparta, N. V., October, 1825, aged 84 years. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 97 In 1803 Colonel Chapin was one of the assessors of the town and for a few years surveyor of highways. He engaged largely in farming and in the raising and fattening of cattle, in which he was quite successful. His stock were descended from the shorthorns first imported into New England in 1792 by Gov. Christopher Gore. Colonel Chapin's fat cattle found a ready market in Boston and New York. In Octo- ber, 18 17, he sold a pair for $1050. In February, 1820, a four year old was slaughtered which when dressed weighed 1 3 16 pounds. " The great ox, six years old. bred and owned by Colonel Chapin, ex- cited the wonder and admiration of all who saw him. His length from the nose to the root of the tail was stated to be 10 feet, 7 inches, cir- cumference of the body 8 feet, 9 inches, and he weighed on the hoof 3100 pounds — in June. 1817.'' Also the following certificate : — ■■ This is to certify that Abel Chapin of the town of Springfield has this day exhibited to the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Society for promoting Agriculture and Domestic Manufactures, the best PAIR OF GRASS FED CATTLE fitted for the Stall, for which he has received the Society's premium of Twenty-five dollars. "May this evidence of merit stimulate him and his neighbours to excel at the ensuing anniversary. Joseph Ly.man, Prest. " Oct. 25th, 1S20. " J. H. LyiiiiDi. Secrefy. ■■ \'enerate the Plough." Colonel Chapin received from the society three certifi- cates similar to the above for fat cattle and stock. Colonel Chapin married May 27, 1779, Dorcas, daughter of Stephen and Zebia Chapin. She was born December 3, 1754, died July 13, 1841, aged S6 years, 7 months, 10 days. Colonel Chapin died October 10, 1831, aged 75 years, 6 months. Children : seven sons, four daughters. ^^/ ^/b/'^-^/i-i/v' -Autograph written March 7, 1.S14. S 98 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS ^^S^^tSiiS*^,,,,.^ The residence of the late Hon. Chester W. Cliapin, 149 Chestnut street. Erected in 1844. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 99 -^<> -^7:^' ^^?- lOO SKETCHES OF Till-: OLD INHABITANTS Hon. Chester Williams Chapin, son of Captain P^phraim Chapin and Mary (Smith) Chapin, was born in Ludlow, Mass., December i6, 1798. When a boy, his father having removed with his family to Chicopee (street), Mass., and soon afterwards dying, Chester with his brothers carried on the farm. He attended school at the Westfield Academy for some time. When the foundations for the cotton mills were being prepared, he was employed by Mr. Henshaw, the superintendent, at $1.50 per day, and then as Mr. Henshaw saw that he was faithful in his work his pay was raised to $2.00 per day. In 1816 he was clerk for his brother, Erastus Chapin, who kept the " Williams House," which stood at the southeast corner of Court Square. Desiring a change of business, he returned to Chicopee (street) and opened a store about opposite one kept by the late Stephen C. l^emis, but soon after, February 3, 1825, formed a copartnership with him, which continued for a time, when Mr. Bemis bought out Mr. Chapin's interest in the store. In 1822 he was collector of taxes for the town, for which service he was paid $80. About the year 1826 Mr. Chapin bought an interest in the stage line from Brattleboro, Vt., to Hartford, Conn., of the late Horatio Sargeant, and the firm of Sargeant & Chapin was formed, which became widely known as extensive stage proprietors and large mail contractors. In 1831, when the first steamboats began to run between Springfield and Hartford, Mr. Chapin engaged in the steamboating business, having bought out Thomas Blanchard, the owner and pioneer of the line. He soon became sole proprietor of the steamboats, and for about fifteen years controlled the passenger traffic between Hartford and Springfield. He was the principal owner of the steamboat line between New York and New Haven, and had a large interest in the line from New York to Hartford, Conn. In 1843 he was one of the selectmen of the town, and AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. TO I was often chosen moderator at the town meetings when held in the old Town Hall on State street. Mr. Chapin was early interested in the Hartford & New Haven Railroad, and was the principal mover in having the line extended to Springfield. When this extension was opened in 1844, he sold out his steamboats then running on the river to Hartford. In 1850 he was chosen president of the Connecticut River Railroad Company, and held the office three years. He was the originator and first presi- dent of the Agawam (now National) l^ank, organized in 1846. He was president until 1850, when he was succeeded by Albert Morgan. Mr. Chapin was a stockholder and director in the fol- lowing named railroads, banks, and companies : Boston & Albany Railroad, New York Central Railroad, New York, New Haven, Hartford & Springfield Railroad, Connecticut River Railroad, Ware River Railroad ; Chapin (National) Bank, Agawam (National) I^ank, Hadley Falls (National) J^ank, of Holyoke, Mass. ; Springfield Fire and Marine In- surance Company, from 1849 to 1883 ; Springfield Gas Light Company, from 1848 to 1883; Parsons Paper Company, Holyoke, from 1853 ; Collins Paper Company, North Wil- braham, Mass. ; Agawam Canal Company, Mittineague, Mass. Mr. Chapin became a director of the Western Rail- road (now the Boston & Albany) in 1850. In January, 1854. he was elected president of the corporation, and soon after commenced the reconstruction of the road, which needed repairing. The rails had become much worn, new bridges were required, and new rolling stock was necessary for the increasing business of the road. In May, 1S55, the Legislature authorized the corpora- tion to raise money by an issue of bonds, and soon after Mr. Chapin went to London, England, and negotiated a loan for half a million of dollars, which funds were used for the purchase of iron for renewing the track. He was one of the earliest advocates for a bridge across the Hudson river at Albany. Though a charter was obtained for one 102 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS in 1856, its erection was delayed for several years through "law's delay," but by his accustomed energy and persever- ance, with the aid of the late Commodore Vanderbilt, the bridge was built. Through his agency the consolidation of the Western Railroad with the Boston & Worcester road was brought about, — "a work which had engaged his best energies for years, not so much for the interest of the stockholders as for that of the general public." It was during his presi- dency that the road was double tracked from Worcester to Albany, and large expenditures of money were made for terminal facilities at l^oston, — the erection of an immense elevator at East Boston, and the purchase of land in Boston to increase track room. New passenger stations at Boston and Worcester, and the new iron bridge at the latter place, all engaged his careful attention. Mr. Chapin at one time was the largest stockholder in the corporation, from which investment he was deservingly entitled to reap the benefit. He was a representative in Congress from the loth Massachusetts district, from 1875 to 1877, and served on the important Committee of Ways and Means. In 1827 he was adjutant First Regiment of Infantry, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, under the command of Colonel David M. Bryant. Mr. Chapin gave $50,000 to Amherst College during the presidency of Rev. Dr. Seelye, and $26,000 to the building fund for the erection of the Church of the Unity. He built the house on Chestnut street in 1844 and removed there in March, 1845, from his former residence on West State street. June I, 1825, he married Dorcas Chapin, daughter of Colonel Abel and Dorcas Chapin. She was born April 1 1, 1801, and died November 14, 1886, in the 86th year of her age. Mr. Chapin died June 10, 1883, in the 85th year of his age. Children now living : Mrs. William Bliss, Boston, Mrs. James A. Rumrill, Springfield, and Chester W. Cha- pin, New York city. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IQ^ Capt. Ashbel Chapin, son of Moses and Bethia Chapin. was born in Chicopee, August 21, 1765. A farmer. He was one of the assessors of Springfield in 1801. He was commissioned ensign ot a company October 29, i8or, First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Mass. Volunteer Militia; lieutenant, April 19, 1803 ; captain, June 26, 1804. Februarys, 1794, he married ElanorVan Horn, daughter of Abraham Van Horn. She died November 22, 1833, aged 68 years. Captain Chapin died July 21, 1840, aged 75 years less one month. Children : four sons, two daughters. Dea. Chauncey Chapin, a farmer, son of Judah Chapin and Lois (Stebbins) Chapin, was born September 26. 1789. He was for several years secretary of the Hampden County Abolition Society, became a member of the First Congre- gational Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood, in 1844, and was elected a deacon in 1848. December 2, 18 19, he married Nancy J. Lombard, daugh- ter of Roswell Lombard, of Springfield. Deacon Chapin died May 6, 1851, aged 61 years, 7 months. Children: five sons, three daughters. Dormer Chapin, son of Captain Phineas Chapin and Sabrina (Wright) Chapin, was born February 25, 1781. A farmer. He held many town offices, was surveyor of high- ways and a selectman for several years. He married October 2, 1S03, Lucretia Smith, daughter of Phillip Smith. She died October 13, 1828, aged 45 years. Dormer Chapin died May 11, 1870, aged 89 years. Children : six sons, six daughters. Lieut. Elisha Chapin, son of Elisha and Eunice Cha- pin, was born at West Springfield. Mass., in 1774. He was enlisted for three years in the service of the United States as a marine, on the 6th of October, 1798, at Springfield, by Lieutenant Dimon Colton, U. S. Navv. His age at the 104 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS time of his enlistment was 24 years. He was six feet one inch in height, had dark eyes, dark hair, and dark complex- ion, and by occupation was a painter. He sailed to the East Indies, under Lieutenant Colton, where they remained the most of the time in the vicinity of Sumatra, Java, and the adjacent islands, for the protection of American commerce in that region. During his service of about three years, he was promoted corporal December 8, 1798, and sergeant March 20, 1799, and was honorably dis- charged July 31, 1 80 1, upon expiration of term of service as a sergeant. On his return home from the East Indies he married, July 23, 1803, Betsey Morgan, daughter of Aaron Morgan and Roxany (Colton) Morgan, of Chicopee parish. She was born June 28, 1780. Their children : one son, six daughters. In the War of 1812 he enlisted and was on recruiting service, and reported to Colonel Learnard at Pittsfield, Mass. He was commissioned ensign Ninth Regiment U. S. Infantry, June 30, 18 14; second lieutenant, September i, 18 14, and joined the army at Sackett's Har- bor, where he remained the most of the time while in the service. At the close of the war he was ordered to report at Washington, when he received an honorable discharge June 15, 181 5. After the war, owing to ill health, he did not engage in active business, but spent his time in his garden and with his books, and became well informed in astronomy and botany. In 1835 he united with the Baptist church in Ireland parish. He died from asthma, July 17, 1837, aged 6^) years. The following is a pay-roll of Capt. Ephraim Chapin's company in Col. Ruggies Woodbridge's regiment of Massa- chusetts Bay militia ( Capt. Ephraim Chapin was the father of the late Chester W. Chapin) : — "Captain Ephraim Chapin, Lieutenant David Burt, Sergeants Aaron Morgan, John Gardner, Daniel Colton, George Wright, Corporals Alexander Beebe, Thomas Bliss, John McMarster, Salvanias Sander- AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IO5 son, Drummer Ezra Stebbins, Privates Benoni Banister, Eli Banister, Seba Bement, Calvin Bliss. Moses Barber, Zadock Bliss, Daniel Boner, Joel Bishop, Zoreas Bordock, Suone Clark, Simeon Colton. Japhet Chapin. Seth Chapin, Samuel Combs, Levi Crandel. David Chapin. Jacob Chapin. Justin Cooley, Jayns Cooley, David Daniels. Oliver Duton, Stephen Demands. Isaac Ferrell. Arial Hancock. John Lumes, Samuel Morgan, Isaac Mc.Marster. Gad Pamer. Edward Pain, William Sloan, Rubin Sherer, Joel Stebbins, Abner Sikes, David Torry, David Wright, Joseph Frost. Mash Bisel, James Eddey, Daniel Beebe, Stuard Beebe, David Dain, Ebenezer Jones. '■Amount of pay roll, _/'444-o-3. ••(Signed) EFHRAIM CHAPIN. Cai-t. •'Hampshire SS : June 20th, 1778, Capt. Ephraim Chapin within named personally appeared and made Solemn Oath to the truth of the within pay roll. " Coram : William Pvnchon, Junr.. Just : Pacis. •' Be pleased to pay the contents of the within roll to Abel Chapin. " EPHRAIM CHAPIN, Cai'T. ■' Hon. Henry Gakdxek, Esqr." Captain Erastus Chapin, son of Captain Ephraim Chapin and Mary (Smith) Cha})in, was born in Chicopee, July 21, 1783. While living in Willimansett, and about the year 1820, he moved to Springfield (center) and in 1821 built the Hampden House, which was opened to the public in June, 1822, as per the following notice : — '•HAMPDEN COFFEE HOUSE. " North side of Court .Square. Springfield. Mass. The subscriber has furnished the new and elegant brick house erected last season on the corner of Court square for the reception of company. It is deemed by competent judges to be the most commodious building of the kind in the state west of Boston, and its situation is peculiarly pleasant and attractive. Travelers and parties of business or pleasure will find every accommodation usual in such establishments, and can at all times have access to a room regularly provided with the leading news- papers and journals in the United States. The choicest liquors will at all times be kept, and during the summer months a soda fountain will be attached to the establishment. Horses and carriages will be furnished at the shortest notice. " The subscriber will be assiduous and devoted in his attention to all who may honor him with their company. Erastus Ciiai'ix. '• Springfield, June, 1822. " Ta7inatt &^ Co., Friniers, Springfield.''^ I06 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS February lo, 1824, he was succeeded by Samuel Phelps, who died at^^Ware, Mass., November i, 1843, aged 54 years. Erastus Chapin was commissioned lieutenant August 26, 18 18, in regiment of cavalry, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia ; promoted cap- tain October 12, 1820; honorably discharged April 23, 1824. About the year 1830 he removed to Albany, N. Y., where he engaged in the hotel business, being proprietor of the City Hotel for several years. He afterwards removed to St, Louis, Mo., where he was a dealer in flour and grain. May 18, 18 10, he married Ulrica Chapin, daughter of Captain Phineas Chapin and Sabrina (Wright) Chapin. She was born December 16, 1786, and died at Galena, 111., October 2, 1844, in the 58th year of her age. Erastus Chapin died in St. Louis, Mo., August 11, 1852, aged 69 years. Children: six sons, three daughters. Mr. Ethan Samuel Chapin, a partner with his brother, Marvin Chapin, under the firm name of M. & E. S. Chapin, and the son of Samuel Chapin, and Mary (Pease) Chapin, was born at Somers, Conn., July, 1814. His father with his family moved to Chicopee Falls, Mass. When a boy, Ethan S. Chapin found employment in the cotton mill, and by merit he was soon promoted to the position of second overseer. In a few years he went to Stafford, Conn., and was employed in Ruggles's pistol shop, and from thence he moved to Cabotville, now Chicopee, Mass., and commenced work in N. P. Ames's sword manufactory. In 1836 his brother Marvin took charge of the Cabot House at Chic- opee, and soon after Ethan resigned his position at the Ames Works and joined his brother in the management of the hotel. In 1842 his brother Marvin bought at auction the Judge John Hooker property on which the Massasoit House now stands. At this time the late Israel M. Parsons was asso- ciated with him, but Mr. Parsons soon retired, and Ethan S. came from the Cabot House in Chicopee and became a AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IQ/ partner with his brother in the Massasoit House, which was opened to the public on the 27th of June, 1843. The hotel became famous for its excellences, and its popularity was well known throughout the land. Mr. Chapin was one of the original stockholders of the Fire and Marine Insurance Company, of Springfield, Mass. In connection with his brother Marvin he subscribed $15,000 to the stock, they being the first on the list of subscribers. For many years he was a director in the Chapin National Bank, also a stockholder in the Springfield Gas Light Company. At the age of 20 years he invented a gun lock. In a work written by Lieutenant J. A. Dahlgren of the United States Army and published in 1853, allusion is made to "a lock which came into the possession of the ordnance department, but not bearing the name of the inventor. He [Mr. Chapin] was quite positive that it was the one which he sent to Washington and from which the tag bear- ing his name had probably been lost. Lieutenant Dahlgren gave a description of the lock, and added that no illustra- tion could do justice to the ingenuity of the contrivance or to the e.xcellence of the finish by which it was developed." In 1864 he published a pamphlet of thirty pages entitled " Gravity and Heat." Its reception by scientific men encouraged him to make further investigations and experi- ments, which led him in 1S67 to put forth a volume of 120 pages on "Gravitation and Nature," which he dedicated to his daughter, Mrs. William H. Haile. In 1867 he had issued from the Riverside Press a volume of 200 pages upon "Gravitation," the revision of which, together with the results of his later studies, he had committed to the late Rev. M. C. Stebbins, formerly of this city. While one of the proprietors of the Massasoit House, he had many opportunities to become acquainted with and to consult college professors and men of scientific attainments who were patrons of that famous hostelry. Great interest was manifested among scientific men in the I08 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS information given in the works above mentioned. A last- ing friendship grew up from their intimacy in the exxhange of views upon scientific topics, between the late Prof. Benjamin Pierce of Cambridge, Mass., and Mr. Chapin. In 1864 Williams College conferred upon him the honorary degree of master of arts, in recognition of his pamphlet published at that time. Mr. Chapin was abreast if not in advance of the professional scientists of the day, as indicated by this quotation from the Annual Cyclopedia for 1880: "Among the papers read at a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society on May 14, 1880, was one of great value by Dr. Henry Draper, of New York. The facts now obtained by spectroscopic investigations seem clearly to indicate that Jupiter is still hot enough to give out light, though perhaps only in a periodic or eruptive manner. The extraordinary commotions along the Atlantic coast in the summer of 1886, culminating in the Charleston, S. C, earthquake, were in direct confirmation of Mr. Chapin's conclusions, the results of which have now become part and parcel of accepted scientific knowledge." Mr. Chapin established the Chapin Home at Ahmed- nuggur, India, in memory of his daughter, Alice Sophia, who died at Philadelphia, January 9, 1880, aged 27 years. The home is intended for the care and instruction of Hindu women, is doing noble work, and is highly spoken of by those who have visited it. The following tribute to it is taken from a Bombay paper : — " The Chapin home, so called from a donor in the United States, is a modest institution which will escape the notice of the visitor unless spe- cially inquired for, but which will repay a visit under the guidance of Miss Hume, through whose energy it exists. It has long been a problem to know what to do with the Hindu women, who, desirous of becoming Christians, are sent adrift by their friends, and those who for other reasons find themselves friendless and helpless, and apply for aid. Miss Hume has solved this problem by establishing this home. All women who are admitted are taught to read and write, but special instruction is given in sewing, and in the cutting out and making of AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. IO9 native garments. They form a staff of nurses, ar.d are sent to help in the care of the sick, or go out for domestic service. For these services they receive money, and they will scon be able to entirely support themselves. All are required to study and work, so that the home is in no sense a poorhouse. At present there are ten inmates. One is a Brahmin widow. This home will give hearty welcome to any widows who wish to learn to support themselves, and at the same time are willing to learn Christian truth." In 1 88 1 Mr. Chapin went to Europe, enjoying himself in traveling and sight-seeing in England and on the conti- nent, this being his second trip abroad. During the early part of his residence here, Mr. Chapin attended the First Church, but, upon the organization of the Memorial Church, he became a valued member and helper in that society. In 1839 Mr. Chapin married Louisa Burns of West Springfield, Mass., born in 18 14. About the year 1869 he bought the James S. Dwight mansion on Chestnut street, where he resided until his death. Of their children now living, Amelia Louisa married Hon. William H. Haile of Springfield, Mass., Ex- Lieutenant Governor of Massachu- setts ; Emma Frances married Henry S. Ward of New York city, and resides at Englewood, N. J. Ethan S. Chapin died March i, 1889, in the 75th year of his age. Mr. Frederick Chapin, son of Ephraim and Jemima Chapin, was born in Chicopee, April 21, 177 1. A farmer and raised many fine cattle. In 1834 he was the owner of a powder mill at " Teger,"' and engaged in the manufacture of powder. He also carried on a brickyard. In connec- tion with his son, Daniel Munro Chapin, he was engaged in the manufacture of friction matches, which were the first made in this country. He married October i, 1795, Roxalany Lamb, daughter of Daniel Lamb of South Hadley Falls, Mass. She was born February i, 1775, and died October 18, 1838, aged 6} IIO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS years, 8 months, 17 days. For a second wife he married Widow Lois Rice of Northboro, Mass. She died Septem- ber 16, 1848, aged 69 years, and was buried in Northboro. He died March 9, 1848, aged ^6 years, 10 months, 16 days. Children : three sons, one daughter. The house in which Mr. Chapin lived and died is still standing on Chicopee street, and is occupied by a grand- daughter. The house was built in 1787. The following is a copy of a bill of sale of a negro boy, found among the papers of the late Frederick Chapin, Chicopee street. Ephraim Chapin was the grandfather of the late Chester W. Chapin. " I, Charles Colton of Springfield, for and per consideration of fifty five Pounds Lawful money Paid me by Ephraim Chapin of Spring- field, have sold and hereby sell and pass over to the Said Ephraim Chapin one Negro boy named Barton, aged about twelve years, & 1 do covenant with said Chapin that I have good right to sell said Negro, and now warrant him to said Chapin as sound & well and that he shall and may enjoy the services of said boy without any past Claims of any person to him. Witness my hand and seal •'May 15th 1760. .-^^v_^. "CHARLES COLTON. \ \ ■'Joseph Williston, ") X "jAcor. White." ^^^,-^ Dea. Giles Smith Chapin, son of Captain Ephraim Chapin and Mary (Smith) Chapin, was born April 19, 1787. A farmer, he raised and fatted many cattle for the market. He was a member of the board of selectmen of Springfield and Chicopee for several years, and a member of the Legis- lature in 1 85 1 from Chicopee. He was deacon of the Con- gregational church (Chicopee street) from 1834 to Septem- ber 6, 1863, when he resigned the office. He served as a delegate to an ecclesiastical council in 1863. He married May 29, 1816, Betsey Chapman of Ellington, Conn. She was born May 10, 1787, and died October 13, 1873, aged 86 years. He died March 15, 1865, aged 78 years. Chil- dren : three sons, four dausjhter.s. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELI 1 I 1 No. 73 Liberty street, residence of tlie l;ite t'ol. Harvey Cliapin from October, 1S50, to Septenilier, 1S77. 112 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 113 Hon. and Col. Hakvey Chapin, son of Col. Abel and Dorcas Chapin, was born October 2, 1787, in the old man- sion now standing- on Chicopee street, which was built by his father in 1785. Colonel Harvey was a farmer, and gave some attention to raising of stock (fat cattle), which were often sent to New York and Boston markets. The head- quarters of the former place was "Bull's Head," and of the latter "Brighton." In 1822 he was chosen one of the selectmen of Springfield, and was again elected in 1826-27 and in 1833-34. In February, 1825, he was appointed by High Sheriff John Phelps, Esq., deputy sheriff and gaoler for Hampden county, and remained in office until June, 1836. One summer night in 1829 an attempt was made to release those noted criminals, Marcus R. Stephenson and George Ball. They were committed for burglary of houses and stores in 1828. Colonel Chapin was awakened by the barking of the dog, and at once got up from his bed, and went to the gaol-yard door and listened for the purpose of detecting anyone inside of the gaol yard, but hearing no sound he returned to the house, believing the prisoners were all safe. The next morning on entering the gaol and in trying to unlock the great padlock at the door it was found to have been tampered with, so that it was necessary to send for the late Moses Dagget,the blacksmith, to break the lock before the door could be opened. Upon entering the cell Colonel Chapin asked Stephenson what all this meant. He said that his brother came last night to get them out of gaol, and they heard Colonel Chapin outside of the gaol yard, and that if he had unlocked the gaol-yard door and come into the yard, he would have been a dead man, as his brother and his companion had come prepared to release them, even to taking life if it had been necessary. In 1833 Colonel Chapin was sent to capture Simeon Mal- lory for burglary with intent to kill. After three weeks' search through New York state, he was traced to Kingston, Canada, where Colonel Chapin took him into custody, hav- ing previously obtained extradition papers. Upon reach- 114 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS ing Albany, while on his way East with his prisoner, Mal- lory refused to go any farther. Looking him squarely in the face, Colonel Chapin said that he would go to Spring- field with him alive or dead. After that he had no more trouble and he brought him back to Springfield and lodged him in gaol. Calvin Barrett, a long time resident of the " Hill," committed forgery and fled in 1834, but none knew where. Colonel Chapin was sent in pursuit of him. After a long search he at last found him in New York state, on his way to Canada, and brought him back to Springfield, much to the surprise of the citizens of the town. Colonel Chapin was one of the overseers of the poor from 1827 to 1832. He took much interest in military affairs. He began service in 1810; on the 20th of July, 1812, he was chosen ensign of a company in the First Regiment of Infantry, First Brigade, Fourth Division of the Militia of Massachusetts, receiving his commission from Gov. Caleb Strong, dated July 29, 181 2 ; on the 3d day of June, 18 13, was chosen lieutenant, his commission dated July 15, 1813 : was chosen captain June 15, 181 5, his commission dated August 12, 1815 ; on the 18th day of May, 18 18, he was chosen major, and the 28th of May, 18 18, received his com- mission from Gov. John Brooks ; he was chosen lieutenant colonel on the 28th of April, 18 19. his commission being dated May 21, 18 19. On the 4th of July, 1822. he was elected colonel, and received his commission from Gov. John Brooks, July 18, 1822. The following is a copy of his discharge from the service : — "COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. " Head Quarters, Boston, July 31, 1826. "The Governor and Commander in Chief has accepted the Resig- nation of Harvey Chapin as Colonel of the First Regiment of Infantry in the first Brigade, and fourth Division of the Militia of this Common- wealth : and is hereby honorably discharged, at his own request, from the office of Colonel in the Regiment aforesaid. " By his Excellency's Command, "C. O. H. SUMNER, Adjutant General." AND MANSIONS OF SI'RIN( IFI I:LD. II5 In August, 1829, he received the commission of coro- ner from Gov. Levi Lincoln, and held the office for thirty- five years ; June 2, 1831, he was reappointed deputy sheriff and gaoler by High Sheriff Caleb Rice, Esq. In 1835 he was elected senator — Massachusetts Senate — from Hampden county, and was re-elected the next year, 1836. In the construction of the Western Railroad (now Boston & Albany) during the years of 1838-39-40, Colonel Chapin was employed as agent and contractor by those eminent engineers, Captain William H. Swift and Major George W. Whistler. He was, at the urgent request of Col. George Bliss, solicited to secure subscriptions to the stock of the road, a work which in those days required great perseverance, as the people along the line of the road had fears that their farms would all be mortgaged to the state, and in consequence they would be ruined if the road was built. As it seemed impossible to raise the amount required to build the road from individuals, aid was asked for from the state, and by legislative acts assistance was granted to the corporation, and then the work on the road was pushed forward with great energy, and in 1839 was opened to Worcester from Springfield. Colonel Chapin and some officers of the road were among the first to pass over it. He was chief marshal at the celebration on the opening of the road October 3, 1839, and at the age of seventy-five years, nearly, was marshal of the day at the Chapin gathering held at the First Congregational Church, Springfield, Mass., September 17, 1862. Colonel Chapin was appointed postmaster of Springfield by President John Tyler, holding the office about one year. His commission bears date August 29, 1843. He was again appointed by President James K. Polk, his commission being dated March 18, 1846, and was also postmaster in 1849, dur- ing the term of Gen. Zachary Taylor, one year and four months. Colonel Chapin was appointed by Gov. George N. Briggs, justice of the peace, for seven years from January 7, 1851, ii6 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS MRS. HARVEY CHAPIN, nee Hannah Chapin. AND MANSIONS OF SI'KI NGFI ELD. ny and was appointed by Guv. George S. Boutwell special justice of the police court Ma}', 1852. November 29, 1 8 10, he married Hannah Chapin, daughter of Captain Phineas Chapin and Sabrina (Wright) Chapin. She was born December 21, 1790. and died April 6, 1868, aged yj years. Colonel Chapin died September 28, 1877, aged 90 years, less 4 days. Children : seven sons, two daughters. Now living, Mrs. Ann Jeannette Crooks ; Edmund D. Chapin, president of the John Hancock National l^ank ; Charles W. Chapin ; George A. Chapin, of Boston & Albany Railroad : all of Springfield; and Mrs. Charlotte B. l^rinsmade of Washing- ton, Conn. Mr. Marvin Chapin, the landlord of the famous hostelry, Massasoit House, was the son of Samuel and Mary (Pease) Chapin and was born in Somers, Conn., July 5, 1806. He worked on his father's farm until he was seventeen years old and then he left his home with a quarter of a dollar as his capital to begin business life. He went to Westfield, Mass., where he spent three years apprenticed to his uncle, Samuel Smith, to learn the tanning business and shoemaking. For his services as an apprentice during this time he received twenty-five dollars a year, his boots and shoes, and four days to himself each summer to work to earn whatever he could at haying. On the expiration of his three years' service, he had a cash capital of fifty dollars. He afterwards went to Roxbury, Mass., and for six months worked at tanning, and later in Randolph, Mass., and soon after returned to Westfield, and worked for his uncle about three years for $150 per year. He then had his first experience in a hotel for a few months at the same wages he received at his trade. He was for about a year clerk in the store of Charles Jessup, and for a time was engaged in the manufacture of shoes on his own account. In 1835 he went to Worcester, Mass., and in December Il8 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS of tliat year he joined a party of surveyors who were going to Florida to survey a route for a railroad from Jacksonville to St. Mark's. The project was started by Boston capital- ists. Mr. Chapin was a rod man in this survey, his pay being $20 per month and found. When he sailed out of Boston he was in very poor health, and members of the party predicted that he would never live to return. But the sea voyage, outdoor life, and living on the "luxurious products of our southern clime" — venison, wild turkey, sweet potatoes, hominy, and syrup from the sugar cane — built him up physically so that on his return north his health was quite restored. In the spring of 1836 he returned home by boat, landing in Boston, and then coming to Worcester by railroad, and by stage to Springfield. In the mean time his father had removed from Somers, Conn., to Chicopee Falls. In Cabotville, now Chicopee, he secured a position as clerk for Mr. Kimball, proprietor of the Cabot House. In a few weeks he bought out the proprietor. After conduct- ing the hotel for a year or more, he placed it in the keeping of his brothers, Ethan S. and Albert P. Chapin, and went to Westfield and engaged in the manufacture of paper. This enterprise not being successful, at the end of the first year he closed it up and returned to the Cabot House, where he remained five years, and then removed to Spring- field. On the Western Railroad being opened for business from Worcester in October, 1839, "^^^^ ^o Albany in 1841, Mr. Chapin saw the importance and the value of the prop- erty of the late Judge John Hooker as a site for a hotel and decided to purchase it, which he did from the late Josiah Hooker for $8,000. The lot is 180 feet front on Main street, with a depth of about 310 feet. He soon began to build. The late Chauncey Shepard was the carpenter, and the mason work was done by the late Captain Charles McClallan of Cabotville, now Chicopee. This building is the one on the corner of Main and Railroad streets. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I IQ The house, on its completion, was christened the " Massasoit " from the celebrated Indian chief, the friend of the white man, and the firm of M. & E. S. Chapin was formed, which has never been dissolved and has won an enviable reputation far and wide. In 1873 Marvin Chapin withdrew from the active management of the house, and in 1886 his brother Ethan S. also retired, and since that time William H. Chapin, their nephew, has leased the hotel, and is now its proprietor, maintaining; the high reputation established by his kinsmen. Mr. Chapin is a stockholder and director in the Spring- field Fire and Marine Insurance Company. He first sug- gested to the late Chester W. Chapin that an insurance company ought to be started for insuring property here, and that the money paid for insurance be kept here instead of going out of town. His suggestion was acted upon and a subscription list for 8150,000 to establish a fire insurance company in Springfield was started, and the firm of M. & E. S. Chapin subscribed 515,000, their names being the first upon the list. The company was organized with a paid-up capital of 3150,000 April 9, 185 i. The first meet- ing of the stockholders was held at the Massasoit House, and Marvin Chapin was elected one of the directors and has continued in that service from that time to the present. The company has been managed with great tact and ability and ranks as one of the foremost in soundness and capacity. Its capital now is $[,500,000. Mr. Chapin is a stockholder and a director (from 1856 to the present date) in the Springfield Gas Light Company. He was president of the company trom 1861 to 1870 and again from 1884 to 1889. He was a director in the Agawam National Bank and was its president from 1862 until 1870. Mr. Chapin has been a liberal contributor to many relig- ious and educational institutions. The First Church (of which he is a member) and other churches have received timely aid from his liberal hand. When the School for Chris- 120 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS tian Workers was greatly in need of assistance he came for- ward and furnished the greater part of the money which was expended upon its structure. The Home for Aged Women in this city, Mr. Moo(:ly's schools, Northfield, Mass., General Armstrong's school, all have received his generous sup- port. In 1858 he was a representative from Springfield in the Legislature. He was admitted a member of the First Con- gregational Church, Rev. H. M. Parsons, June, 1855, from a church at Westfield, Mass. October 12, 1836, he married Rebecca Stowe of West- field, Mass. She died November 22, 1874, aged 65 years. Their children : Mrs. Harriet S. Birnie, Mrs. Mary D. Chap- man, Mrs. David A. Reed, and Rev. John M. Chapin, who was pastor of the First Church, West Springfield, and died in 1872. Maj. Moses Chapin, a farmer and practical land sur- veyor, son of Moses and Bethia Chapin, was born in Chic- opee, July 11, 1762. He was one of the assessors of the town in 1800 ; a justice of the peace for many years ; a rep- resentative of the old town of Springfield in the Legislature ini8io,and 1813 ; a member of the Constitutional Conven- tion in 1820; one of the selectmen in 1803, 1804, 1806, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1 8 14, and 18 16. He was commissioned lieutenant August 20, 1792, First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia; captain, September 27, 1796; major, October 8, 1801 ; honorably discharged, and was succeeded by Alexander Field, June 30, 1803. He was a member of the Second parish (Congre- gational), Chicopee street, and was clerk of the society from April 4, 1792, to 1822, and treasurer from May 26, 1794, to 1825. November 17, 1785, he married Kezia Chapin, daughter of Capt. Ephraim and Jemima Chapin. She was born July 23, 1776, and died November 28, 1822, aged 56 years. Major Chapin died December 30,1824, aged 62 years. "Major AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 12 1 Moses" was greatly esteemed. Good judgment and great perseverance were marked traits of his character. Children : five sons, three daughters. Capt. Orange Chapin, a farmer and land surveyor, son of Moses and Kezia Chapin, was born at Chicopee street January 9, 1790. He taught school during five winter seasons. After the death of his father in December, 1824, he moved to Willimansett. He was a member of the board of selectmen of Springfield during the years 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830. An assessor for fifteen years in succession, and a justice of the peace for more than thirty years. He was commissioned ensign, May 6, 1817, First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia; lieutenant, July 20, 1818 ; captain, July 7, 1819: discharged, December 17, 1822. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 14, 1830, to October 6, 1834. In 1835, 1836, and 1839 he was in the Legislature, a member of the House of Repre- sentatives. After the division of the town of Springfield in 1848, he served one year as selectman of the town of Chicopee. He was much interested in church affairs, was clerk of the First Congregational Society (Chicopee street) from 1 82 1 to 1863 ; its treasurer from April, 1825, resigning the office in 1867 ; and was deacon of the church from April 24, 1840, to September 6, 1863. " Capt. Orange " was often intrusted with and settled many estates of deceased persons, and was guardian to many minor children. May 6, 18 19, he married Julia Rumrill, daughter of Asa and Rhoda Rumrill of South Hadley. Mass. She was born October 9. 1799 ; died April 6, 1866, aged 66 years. Cap- tain Chapin died September 9, 1 867, aged 'j'j years, 8 months. Children (adopted) : Orange Chapin Towne and Julia Chapin Rumrill. Mr. Samuel Chapin, son of Abner and Abigail (Warner) Chapin, was born at Wilbraham, Mass., January 30, 1762. 122 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS III July, 1778, he enlisted for six months under Capt. Nathan Rowley and Col. John Jacobs, marched to Rhode Island, where he joined his regiment on the island of Rhode Island, under General Sullivan. His company was not in the battle (August 29, 1778), but he was in the retreat to the mainland and was stationed at Tiverton, R. I. From July, 1779, he served one month under Capt. Samuel Burt and Ensign Simeon Chapin in Colonel Porter's command at New London, Conn. His first wife was Hulda Wright of Ludlow, Mass. She died June 11, 1806. Four children — two sons and two daughters — were born to them. He married for his second wife Susannah Butts of Springfield, October 11, 1806. She died November 4, 1859, aged 78 years. They had four sons and two daughters. In August, 1832, at the age of 70 years, Samuel Chapin applied for a pension, which he received under the act of Congress passed in 183 i. He died April 14, 1837, aged 75 years. Dea. Sidney Chapix, a farmer and hotel keeper, son of Japhet and Lovina Chapin, was born in Chicopee, April 18, 1802. In 1824 he went to Albany, N. Y., and carried on the hotel business for several years. In 1840 he returned to Chicopee and became a manufacturer of and dealer in brooms. He was one of the selectmen of the town, and was a director from 1849 to 1877 in the Cabot Bank, now the First National Bank of Chicopee. October 4, 1863, he was elected deacon in the Second parish (Congregational), Chicopee, and resigned November 28, 1875. He married Pamelia Pendleton, daughter of Jesse Pendleton. She was born April 26, 1805, died July 19, 1879, aged 74 years. Deacon Chapin died January 8, 1 88 1, in his 79th year. Children: three sons, one daughter. AND MANSIONS OF SPKIN( iFIF.LI). I 23 Mr. Whitfield Ciiapin, son of Japhet and Lovina Chapin, was born May 4, 1787. He engaged in thelumber business, having a yard near the corner of Water and Bridge streets. He was an inspector of lumber in 1828, and was one of the selectmen of the town. Mr. Chapin was one of the captors of those noted crim- inals, George Ball and Marcus R. Stephenson. One Sun- day morning in the winter, Mr. Chapin and Elijah Blake captured them in the woods between the Morgan road and Chicopee Falls road. They had committed several burglaries in the town during the winter of 1828-29. They were tried for their crimes, convicted, and sentenced to the state prison for life. After serving twelve years they were pardoned out. Mr. Chapin married November 30, 1809, Luna Chapin, daughter of Col. Silas Chapin. She was born October 29, 1789, and died March 6, 1819, aged 29 years. Children: two sons, one daughter. He married, second, Melia Chapin, sister of his first wife. She was born February 21, 1795, died May 5, 1849, aged 54 years. Mr. Chapin died May 11, 1833, aged 46 years. Children : two sons, three daughters. Mr. Pliny Cadwell, son of Pliny and Sarah Cadwell, was born in Wilbraham, Mass., in 1797, and was a mer- chant in that town for thirty years. About the year 1842 he moved to Chicopee Falls and was engaged in business for many years. He was a stockholder and one of the first seven directors of the John Hancock Bank, which was chartered in 1850. He was one of the assessors of the town of Springfield in 1847. He died in Chicopee Falls, July 13, 187S, aged 81 years, 3 months, 21 days. Hon. William Barron Calhoun was born in Boston, Mass., December 29, 1796; graduated at Yale College in 1814 ; came to Springfield and studied law in the office of Hon. George Bliss, Sr. ; was admitted to the bar in 18 18, 124 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS WILLIAM B. CALHOUN. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 25 and practiced his profession for many years. In 1830 he was chosen a member of the school committee. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 1825 to 1835, and for two years speaker of the House, a state sen- ator in 1846-47 and president of the Senate during his term of office ; a representative in Congress from Decem- ber 7, 1835, to March 3, 1S43 ; a presidential elector in 1844, on the ticket of Henry Clay for president. From 1848 to 185 I he was secretary of state for Massachusetts. In 1853 he was appointed state bank commissioner and held the office until 1855, when upon the election of Henry J. Gardner, governor, he was relieved of the office. In 1859 he was mayor of Springfield; in 1861 a representative to the Legislature. On his retirement from Congress he purchased in 1843 the Goodale property of twenty-one acres on Chestnut street for ^2,000, which included Montmorenci street, and Lexington avenue in Ward one. He built a commodious dwelling, where, after the close of his public life, he spent the remainder of his days in the enjoyment of his taste for reading, from his well selected library, and contributed many articles on education and good government, which generally appeared in the Republican. His addresses made in the various positions of his public life were oi sound judgment and of marked ability. Mr. Calhoun was of a "dignified appearance, tall and erect in form, self-respecting, of spotless purity of mind. His religious character was a marked trait, a guiding influ- ence " in all transactions with his fellow beings in every position of his life. May 2, 1858, he became a member of the First Church, Springfield, by profession, having prior to this date been an attendant at the Unitarian Church, Rev. Dr. Peabody, and in 1837 was one of the officers (moderator) of the so- ciety. He married Margaret Kingsbury, daughter of Dr. Sam- uel Kingsbury, a prominent physician of Springfield. She 126 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 12/ died May 7, 1877, aged 66 years. Children : two sons, one daughter. Mr. Calhoun died November 8, 1865, in the 69th year of his age. Mr. Amos Call, manufacturer, was born in Springfield, January 4, 18 14. In his boyhood he went to live in Troy, N. Y., and at Stafford Springs, Conn. At the age of nine years he came to Springfield with his father. When four- teen years old he went to learn the machinist's trade in the shop of S. C. Bemis of Willimansett. In 1830, after two years' work, he left and went to Hartford, and from thence to Meriden, Conn. In 1834 he returned to Spring- field, and took charge of the store of Mr. Bemis at Willi- mansett. In 1838 he went into the employ of Mr. Bemis under a contract for the manufacture of hardware. Moving to Springfield in 1844, they started a factory at the south end, on Mill river, and entered into copartnership under the firm name of Bemis & Call Company. Mr. Call was made president. During the War of the Rebellion they did a large business in making harness irons for the U. S. Government. In 1856-57-58-59-60 he was assistant en- gineer in the fire department, an alderman from Ward six in 1 861, 1867, J 868, and 1875. Mr. Call was a prominent Mason. In 1852 he took the Red Cross degree, and the Templar degree a short time after. When twenty years old he joined the Baptist Church in Meriden, Conn., and on coming to Springfield he became a member of the First Baptist Church, and was a deacon therein for several years. May 16, 1838, he married Ruhema Chapin Skeele, daughter of Otis Skeele and Kezia (Chapin) Skeele. She was born in Hartford, Conn., June 23, 181 5, and died May 14, 1892, aged ']() years, 1 1 months, 21 days. Mr. Call died August 30, 1888, in the 75th year of his age. They celebrated their golden wedding May 16, 1888. Deacon Call was a much respected and worthy citizen. Children: Charles A. Call and Mrs. Addison H. Watson, both residents of Springfield. 128 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS The home of the late Captain Joseph Carew, Sr., corner of Main and Carew streets. He bought the land of Zenas Parsons in 1798, and built the house, which was finished in 1800. It is now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Caroline Spencer. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 129 Mr. Francis Morgan Cakew, son of Joscpli Carew and Laura (Bugbee) Carew, was born in 1804. A merchant on the ".Hill"; in 1824 was a partner of Walter H. Bovvdoin under the firm name of Bowdoin & Carew. In a few years they dissolved partnership, when Mr. Carew carried on the business in his own name, having as a clerk John L. King, who was afterwards associated with him under the firm of F. M. Carew & Co. Mr. Carew was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from May 14, 1827,10 October i, 1827. He was a member of the House of Representatives in 1 84 1. In 1847 he was elected a director in the Chicopee Bank, now the Chicopee National Bank of Springfield. He served four years (1846 to 1849) ^s treasurer of the Uni- tarian society. Being unsuccessful in business, about 1850 he mo\ed to West Brookfield, where he was appointed station agent for the Boston & Albany Railroad, which position he held for about twenty years. He married Mabel Otis 1^'oot, daughter of Adonijah and Clarissa (Woodworth) Foot. She was born July 16, 18 12, and died July 20, 1888, aged '/6 years. Mr. Carew died at West Brookfield, Mass., March 17, 1870, aged 66 years. Capt. Joseph Carew was born in West Springfield (Ashleyville), Mass., April 11, 1773; was baptized in the First Congregational Church of that town June 13, 1773. In 1798 he came to Springfield and bought the land now corner of Main and Carew streets, on which he built the house yet standing and started a tannery (located a short distance east of the house ) which he carried on for many years. During the War of 181 2 he was " Captain of a compan\- in Lieut. Col. Enos Foot's Regiment of Gen'l Jacob Bliss's Brigade of detached corps under Major Gen'l VVhiton, pur- suant to General Orders of September 6, 1814." ISO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS CAPT. JOSEPH CAREW. Fro:n a paintiiv^ by R. Earl, i8o(. AND MANSIONS OF STRINGFIELD. I";! MRS. JOSEPH CARKW, nee Laura Bugi'-ek. From a painting by R. Karl, 1S03. 132 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS He was one of the selectmen of the town in 1822-23, and a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from May 14, 1827, to October 5, 1829, and its president from July 25, 1827, to October 5, 1829. He married May i, 1802, Laura Bugbee of Wales, Hampden county, Mass., where she was born July 19, 1784; she died in Springfield, February 8, 1874, in the ninetieth year of her age. Children : three sons, three daughters. Captain Carew died June 30, 1843, ^^ ^^^ seventy-first year of his age. Joseph Carew, Jr., son of Joseph and Laura (Bugbee) Carew, was born in Springfield, Mass., September 5, 1807. Li the early part of his life he worked in his father's tan- nery, which was near his residence, corner of Main and Carew streets, and on the farm now covered by the Wason Car Works, Brightvvood. For two years he attended the Monson Academy. In 1824, when seventeen years of age. he entered the employ of Howard & Lathrop, on Main street, where he displayed such energy, and thoroughness in the business, that the next year he was promoted to the position of bookkeeper. In the spring of 1825 he went to South Hadley Falls. His employers supplied the United States Government at Washington with paper, and as the firm deemed it neces- sary to be represented by some one at the capital, Mr. Carew was offered the position but declined, though finally he was induced to serve as a representative of the firm, and the winter of 1829-30 he spent in Washington. During this time he had the good fortune of being able to hear the debate in the Senate of the United States, on the 26th of January, 1830, between Daniel Webster and Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina. While in Washington Mr. Carew secured orders for paper from that veteran printer and publisher of the (ilobc, " Duff" Green. Through him he was introduced to many of the celebrated men of those times. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 133 rOSEPII CAKEW, |R. 134 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS In July, 1830, he went into the paper mill as clerk, and eventually he was put in charge of the manufacturing. On the 24th of September, 1833, Mr. Carew married Eliza, daughter of Josiah Bardwell of South Hadley Falls. She died May 7, 1874. About the year 1845 he retired from the paper mill for a time, and with David S. Damon engaged in a general milling business, the grinding of grain and rock salt, the latter of which came from Nantucket, Mass. His former employers, Howard & Lathrop, having met with heavy losses, were obliged to go into bankruptcy. The mill passed into the possession of Messrs. White & Sheffield of New York, who put Mr. Carew in charge of the establishment. In 1847 he, with Josiah Bardwell, and with twenty-five stockholders, organized the Carew Manufactur- ing Company, which has since been carried on with great success. The trade-mark of this company was a universal guarantee of standard quality of paper. While he was the manager of the company from its start, he was, during several years previous to his death, agent and treasurer, and the last year its president. At this time there were only six stockholders, Mr. Carew and his family holding a controlling interest. In 1852 the Carew Manufacturing Company were awarded the first premium by the commissioners of the World's Fair in New York. It was a great surprise to the English manufacturers, and caused a commission of Eng- lishmen to visit the mills for the purpose of seeing the proc- ess of making paper by machine that had triumphed over theirs made by hand. Mr. Carew was a member of the Massachusetts Senate in 1847. In 1864 Mr. Carew jointly with his wife built the Cor- gregational church, of which he was deacon, at South Had- ley Falls, at a cost of about $25,000, and presented it en- tirely furnished to the society. In 1870 he gave Amherst college the money for a scholarship, to which was added the AND MANSIONS OF SPRIN(;FIELD. 1 35 condition that no one who used tobacco should receive its benefit, he being decidedly opposed to its use in any form, as well as to the drinking of intoxicating liquors. He was for many years a trustee in the Theological Seminary at Hartford, Conn., and in 1873 gave that insti- tution $5,000 to establish the Carew lectureship. He was one of the original stockholders and a director in the Third National Bank of Springfield, which was organ- ized in 1864 ; a director in the City National Bank of Hol- yoke, Mass., and a trustee and vice-president of the Holyoke Savings Bank. Mr. Carew was an exemplary citizen, of a kindly and generous nature, giving assistance to those who were in need and deemed worthy of his support. He died May 16, 188 1, in the 74th year of his age. His son Frank, who was treasurer of the Hadley Falls Paper Company, died August i, 1877, at the age of thirty- nine years, from the effects of injuries received from a frightened horse. Hon. Timothy Walker Carter, son of Elias and Eudo- cia L. Carter, was born in Brimfield, Mass., July 2, 1809. When sixteen years old he went to Chicopee Falls and entered the store of Col. David M. Bryant as a clerk. At the age of twenty-one years he was admitted as a partner under the firm name of Bryant & Carter, which continued until 1834, when in December of that year he became agent of the Chicopee Manufacturing Company, which position he held until July i, 1846. During this time he had the agency of the Springfield Institution for Savings. He was the first petitioner for the Chicopee Falls Sav- ings Bank, and the first to introduce spring water into the village. He was a director and the president of the Lamb Knitting Machine Company, agent of the Massachusetts Arms Company, a director of the Cabot Bank, organized in 1845, now the First National Bank, Chicopee ; was mod- erator of the first town meeting of Chicopee, held May 17, 136 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 1848, and was a director in the Ames Manufacturing Com- pany. He was a representative from Springfield in the Legislature in 1847-48, a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1853, and a member of the Massachusetts Senate from the Eastern Hampden District in 1860-61, also a member of the State Valuation Committee. Mr. Carter was a consistent and valued member of the Congregational church (at the Falls) for more than thirty years. September 26, 1843, he married Eliza A. Bayley of New- buryport, Mass. Children : two sons, two daughters. Mr. Carter died January 22, 1890, aged 80 years, 6 months, 20 days. Hon. Horatio N. Case, son of Abner Case, a country merchant, was born in Granby, Conn., July 24, 1806. When a young man he was associated with his father in business. He was a member of the Connecticut Legisla- ture, and from 1840 to 1842 was on Governor Cleveland's staft, where he received his title of colonel. In 1843-44- 45-46 he was a director in the Exchange Bank, Hartford, Conn. He came to Springfield in 1850 and was one of the first nine directors of the Western Bank, Springfield, which was organized in 1849, but withdrew his interest previous to its failure in 1857. He was a director in the Pynchon Bank upon its organization in 1853, and was elected its first president, but resigned the presidency in 1858, when James Kirkham was chosen president. On Mr. Kirkham's retirement in 1862, Mr. Case was again elected to theofifice, which he held until his death, having been its president for thirty years. He was for several years a director in the National Bank of Redemption, Boston, and a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 5, 1863, to October 3, 1864. In 1856, when a representative in the Legislature, he, with the late Willis Phelps, acted in opposition to the Hoosac tunnel scheme. He was a member of the board of aldermen from Ward AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 37 three in 1861-62 and did much towards the raising of soldiers for the front during the War of the Rebellion. In i860 he bought the house, 92 Maple street (built by the late Edmund Freeman), in which he resided until his death in 1889. On the 9th of October, 1850, he married Amoret ?. Root, daughter of Joel Root of East Granville, Mass. Colonel Case inherited much property from his father, which, with his known financial ability and judiciously made investments, was largely increased. He was fond of valuable historical paintings and had among his collection Wordsworth Thompson's famous painting, "The Grand Review at Philadelphia in 1777." He was a lover of flowers and cultivated them in profusion, and freely distributed them among his neighbors and the poor. He was a parishioner and a liberal supporter of the Church of the Unity, and gave $4,600 to the building fund for its erection. Mr. Case died May 24, 1889, aged 82 years, 10 months. Mr. Otis Chapman, son of Jacob and I'hebe Chapman, was born in Ashford, Conn., in 1806. He moved to Chicopee Falls about the year 1829, and was for more than twenty years paymaster of the Chicopee Manufacturing Company. He was auditor and one of the selectmen of the town, and chairman of the board for eight years. A member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Chapman died in Chicopee Falls, May 20, 1866, aged 60 years, 4 months. Hon. and Judgk Reuben Atwater Chapman was born in Russell, Mass.. September 20, 1801. He attended the common schools of the town, which were kept only for a few months in each year. At the age of seventeen he was engaged as a school teacher in the town of Montgomery, Mass. He afterwards went to Bland ford, where he was a 138 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS clerk in a store. The young men of that town established a debating society, in which he became a member, and was prominent as the foremost debater. He was a student at law in the ofifice of Gen. Alanson Knox of Blandford, and was admitted to the bar in 1825, and during that year opened an office in Westfield. After two years' practice there he removed, in 1827, to Monson, Mass.. and in 1829 to Ware, Mass. While practicing in Ware he was invited by the Hon. George Ashmun to come to Springfield. He accepted the invitation and removed there in 1830, when the law firm of Ashmun & Chapman was formed. Mr. Lorenzo Norton, who was a student at law in their ofifice, and was admitted to the bar in 1843, became a partner in the firm. In 1850 the firm was dissolved, and for some time Mr. Chapman conducted his business alone. In 1854 Franklin Chamberlain became a partner, the firm being Chapman & Chamberlain, which was continued until i860. Mr. Chapman was a United States commissioner. In accordance with a legislative resolution passed in 1849, Hon. George N. Briggs, who was governor from 1844 to 185 1, appointed Mr. Chapman one of the members, with B. ¥. Curtis, Esq., of Boston, and N. J. Lord, Esq., of Salem, to draw up a practice act for the courts of justice of the commonwealth except for criminal cases. In i860 he was appointed by Gov. N. P. Banks justice of the supreme judicial court, and in February, 1868, on the retirement of Chief Justice George T. Bigelow from the bench, Gov. Alexander H. Bullock appointed Justice Chapman his suc- cessor, which ofifice he held until his death, June 28, 1873, in the 73d year of his age. Judge Chapman received the honorary degree of master of arts, conferred by Amherst College in 1841, and doctor of laws in 1861 ; also Williams College, master of arts, in 1836, and Harvard College, master of arts, in 1864. He was a supporter of the Emigrant Aid Society, and, when a United States commissioner, great pressure was AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I39 brought upon him to resign the office that he might avoid the offensive duty of returning fugitive slaves to their mas- ters. " I refuse to resign," was his firm reply. When an explanation of his position was asked, he said, " In the event of the pursuit of a slave to Springfield, as an officer of the Emigrant Aid Society, I would forward the fugitive to other parts; as United States commissioner I would then issue a warrant for his arrest." He was married at Monson, Mass., June, 1829, to Elizabeth Knox, daughter of Gen. Alanson Knox, of Bland- ford, Mass. In 1835 he and his wife became members of the First Church of Springfield, from the church in Monson. Children : one son, deceased ; two daughters, Mrs. Tim- othy M. Brown, and Miss Mary Chapman, of Springfield. c^ ^^^y^/Lo-^t*^*^^ Autograph written December 30, 1S37. Mr. John Chase was born in Litchfield, N. H., August 19, 1788. He was descended from Aquilla Chase, who emigrated from Cornwall, England, about the year 1640. When ten years of age his parents removed to Dunbarton, N. H. In 18 12 he moved to Pembroke, N. H., where he worked as a mechanic for one dollar a day. At the age of twenty-five years, in 18 13, he went to Meredith Bridge, N. H., where he remained until 1820, when on the 20th of September the same year he removed to Dover Upper Factories. N. H., and in December, 1821, commenced work at Dover Landing, where he remained until June, 1829, in the superintendency of the machine shops. In 1830 he came to Chicopee Falls, remaining there until December 4, 1832, when he removed to Cabotville, now Chicopee. He was a prominent builder and contractor, and held the agency of the Springfield Canal Company, and was a director in the Cabot Bank, Chicopee, now the First National Bank. 140 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS March 20, 18 15, he married Nancy Stark, daughter of Gen. John Stark, the Revokitionary patriot. Mr. Chase died May 11, 1866, in the 78th year of his age. Mr. William Child, a distiller, carried on the busi- ness at Sixteen Acres, having as partners at one time, in 1829, Rodney Holt, Epaphras L. Phelps, and George Gibbons. He was one of the selectmen of the town in 1821-22-23 ! ^ representative to the Legislature in 1828. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- ance Company from October 21, 1836, to October 4, 1841, and from October 6, 1845, to October 4, 1847, '^1"'^ its presi- dent from March 9, 1838, to October 4, 1841. He was one of the trustees of the Springfield Institution for Savings when organized in 1827. His wife, Ann, died April 20, 1846, aged 53 years. Chil- dren : two sons, two daughters. Capt. John Childe, son of Zechariah Childe (a Revo- lutionary soldier) and Lydia Bigelow, daughter of David Bigelow, of Worcester, Mass., was born at West Boylston, Mass., August 30, 1802. He graduated at the West Point Military Academy as brevet second lieutenant artillery, July I, 1827. He resigned his commission December i, 1835, and afterwards devoted himself to the construction of rail- roads, in which he became eminent. His first important service was upon the Western Railroad (now the Boston & Albany) between Worcester and Springfield. Upon its com- pletion he became the engineer also in the construction of the Connecticut River Railroad, and the Cleveland & Colum- bus Railroad. About the year 1848 he commenced, surveyed, and located, under his personal direction, the Mobile & Ohio Rail- road, 300 miles long, through Kentucky, Tennessee, Missis- sippi, and Alabama. He was the financial agent of the company and worked in procuring subscriptions to the stock, going abroad twice to interest European capitalists in the AND MANSIONS OF SPRINC; FIELD. I4I enterprise. He was at the head of a commission of engineers appointed to examine Montreal harbor, and report upon a plan for its enlargement and deepening, with a view to making that port a rival to New York as the point of ship- ping the products of the Northwest in exchange for the manufactures of Europe. In 1832 he married Laura Dwight (born December 23, 1809), daughter of James Scutt Dwight, who with her daugh- ter Lelia was lost at sea, while returning home after a sojourn in Europe, on the Steamer Arctic, which came in collision with the Steamer ]\-sfa off the coast of Newfoundland, September 27, 1854. At the time of this disaster Mrs. Childe was 44 years of age, and her daughter 19. Captain Childe's second wife was the daughter of the Hon. Mark Healey, of Boston. Capt. Childe died February 2, 1858, at the age of 57 years. Dr. Jefferson Church was born at Middlefield, Mass., October 21, 1802. He studied for the medical profession at the l^erkshire Medical Institution, Pittsfield, Mass. In 1825 he com- menced practice in Peru, Mass., where he remained about one year, when he came to Springfield and for nearly fifty years was a practicing physician. In connection with Dr. Edwin Seeger he edited and published " Tully's Materia Medica." In 1823 he married Betsey, daughter of Joseph Little, of Middlefield. She died November 8, 1846, in the 42d year of her age. Children : one son, one daughter. His sec- ond wife was Eliza Houpt, daughter of Samuel Houpt of Herkimer county, N. Y., whom he married in 1850. Dr. Church was a strong Anti-slavery man, upholding the cause for the abolition of slavery when there were but few to follow and sustain him. He died April 11, 1885, in the 83d year of his age. 143 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS DR. lEFFERSON CHURCH. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 143 Moses Church was the first postmaster of Springfield after the Revolution. He also kept a tavern where Wilson's block is, opposite the granite building formerly occupied by the Republican. Below is a list of all the postmasters of Springfield and the administrations under which they served. Postmasters. Mr. Moses Church, Mr. Daniel Lomi-.ard, Mr. Albert Morgan, Col. Solomon Warrinek Col. Harvev Chapin, Col. Galen Ames, Col. Harvey Chapin, Mr. William Stowe, Mr. Abijah W. Chapix, Mr. William Stowe, Col. Horace C. Lee, Mr. Edward P. Chapin. Col. John L. Rice, Col. H. M. Phillips, Pi;esidents. Washington. Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Adams. Jackson and Van Buren. Harrison. Tyler. Tyler. Polk. Taylor. Pierce, Buchanan. Lincoln, Grant. Grant. Garfield. Cleveland, Harrison. Mr. Church also served as collector, as evidenced by the following receipt : — "Received, Springfield, Aug. the 27th, 1787, of Capt. E])hraim Chapin, Eleven Pounds 6-i in full for Excise and Impost until this time, and have given two Receipts of this Tenor and Date. D. CoUeclor. Autograph written Nov. 29, i793' Capt. Ethan Allen Clary was a descendant of John and Sarah Clary, who came to this country and settled in Watertown in 1640. He was born in Sunderland, Mass., August 20, 1777. He came to Springfield in 1809, having been appointed to a position in the U. S. Armory, which he held until 18 12. 144 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS ETHAN A. CLARY AND MANSIONS OF SPRIN(iFII-:LD. I45 when he went to Boston and was recruiting officer of the U. S. Army stationed in that vicinity. On March ii, 1814, he was commissioned first lieutenant in the Fortieth Infantry, in which capacity he served until the reduction of the army took place, at which time he returned to Spring- field, where he occupied a clerical position in the U. S. Armory from April, 1816, until November 30, 1833 ; from which date until 1842 he filled different offices of trust and responsibility in the custom house at Boston, among them that of deputy naval officer. He was for several years an auctioneer. In 1802 he married Electa Smith, daughter of Lemuel Smith of Buckland, Mass. She died at Cambridge, Mass., September 27, 1871, aged 90 years. Captain Clary died July 16, 1849, i" the 72d year of his age. Children : five sons, seven daughters. Commodore Alhert Gallatin Clary, son of Ethan A. Clary, was born in Springfield, Mass., August 7, 18 14. He entered the naval service of the United States May 8, 1832, as midshipman; passed midshipman July 8, 1839; lieutenant, April 11, 1845; commander, July 16, 1862; on retired list, August 7, 1866 ; captain, November 21, 1866; commodore, April 5, 1874. He is now living at Lisbon, Portugal. Mr. Erasmus Darwin Clary, son of Ethan A. Clary, was born in Ashfield, Mass., December 19, 1803. He entered West Point Military Academy in 18 18, but re- signed before the completion of his course there. F'or many years prior to his death he was clerk in the Quarter- master's department, U. S. Army, at Washington, D. C. He died in Stockbridge, Mass., July 16, 1854, in his 51st year. Henry Dearborn Clary, son of Ethan A. Clary, was born in Springfield, Mass., December 4. 18 16. In 1835 he 146 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS was appointed assistant import clerk in the custom house at Boston by David Henshavv, collector. In 1840 he took the position of foreign import clerk, and in 1853 rose to that of foreign entry clerk, which office he held until his retirement from the custom house in 1865, having served under fifteen different collectors. Mr. Clary died in Cambridge, Mass., May 24. 1878, in the 62d year of his age. Gen. Robert Emmet Clary, son of Ethan A. Clary, was born at Ashfield, Mass., March 21, 1805. Cadet at West Point Military Academy from July i, 1823. to July i, 1828; graduated and entered the army, served on frontier duty at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., 1829 ; Fort Brady, Mich., 1829-31 ; exploration of Indian Territory in Wisconsin, 1831 ; Fort Brady, Mich., 1831-32 ; Black Hawk expedi- tion, 1832, but not at seat of war ; Fort Howard, Wis., 1833-38 ; Detroit, Mich., 1838 ; New York city, 1838-39 ; Charleston, S. C, 1839-40: Florida War, 1840-41 ; Platts burg, N. Y., constructing barracks, 1841-42 ; Detroit, Mich., 1842-44; Fort Wilkins, Mich., constructing barracks, 1844 -45; Buffalo, N. Y., 1845-46; Fort Leavenworth, Kan., 1846-47; New Orleans, La., 1847, 1849-50-51; Benicia depot, Cal., 1851-56; Texas, 1857 ; St. Louis, Mo., 1857- 60 ; and as chief quartermaster of the Department of Utah. He was assigned to the Fifth Infantry while serving on the frontier, and assisted in negotiating a treaty with Black Hawk, the Indian chief; brevet second lieutenant U. S. Infantry, July i, 1828; second lieutenant. Fifth Infantry, July I, 1828 ; first lieutenant, April i, 1836 ; assistant quar- termaster, July 7, 1838 ; captain Fifth Infantry, April 3, 1839; vacated line commission, June 18, 1846; major quartermaster, May 17, 1861 ; colonel, additional aid-de- camp, July 5, 1862 ; major of staff', quartermaster, May 17, 1 86 1 — September 18, i860, to August 4, 1861 ; served during the War of the Rebellion, 1861-66; as chief quartermaster of the Department of West Virginia, November, 1861, to ANn MANSION'S OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 47 July, 1862 ; of the army of Virginia, July to October, i 862 : and of the Department of the Northwest, October, 1S62, to March 20, 1863; as assistant in the Quartermaster Gen- eral's office at Washington, D. C, March 20, 1863, to August 24, 1864; in charge of the Memphis depot, Tenn., September. 1864, to July 14, 1866 ; as chief quartermaster Department of Tennessee, March 27 to July 14, 1866;* lieutenant colonel deputy quartermaster general, April 15, 1864; brevet colonel and brevet brigadier general, March 13, 1865; for faithful and meritorious service during the war ; mustered out as colonel, additional aid-de-camp. May 31, 1866 : colonel, assistant quartermaster general, July 29, 1866; retired February 22, 1869, when he returned to Springfield, and bought the house now occupied by Miss Porter's school and resided there five years. He afterwards moved to Washington, D. C, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Albert Ray, where he died January 19, 1890, in the 85th year of his age. General Clary's first wife was Miss Esther Phillipson of St. Louis, Mo. They were married March 31, 1829. Five children were born to them. A daughter married General Stone, known as '" Stone Pasha "' for his service in P^gypt. A son, Robert, was a captain in the army, and died during the War of the Rebellion. General Clary's second wife was a Miss Eaton of Boston. Cai't. Charles Colton, a soldier of the Revolution, was born March 9. 1725. Previous to the war he kept a tavern in the house (built about the year 1765) which stood a short distance east of the Second Baptist Church on State street, and afterwards was owned and occupied by Jonathan D wight, Jr. Tradi- tion says : " It was a place of resort for certain of the fast young men of those days who gathered there to indulge in * While in charge of the Memphis military depot he was presented with an expensive silver service by the Unionists for his valuable services in protecting their property. 148 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS card parties and gander suppers; one evening their wives came, and were seated at the supper table before they mis- trusted their presence, and the consternation of the men at the disclosure was fully equaled by the triumphant mani- festations of the women." October 31, 1748, he married Alercy Sikes. She was born October 31, 1728 ; died September 7, 1823, aged 95 years nearly. Captain Colton died March 10, 1809, aged 84 years. Children : four sons, four daughters. Col. George Colton, merchant, land surveyor, etc., was born in 1793. He made a survey and published a map of Springfield in 1827. He was a collector of taxes in 1825, for which service he was paid $88 ; a selectman in 1824-25 -26-27-28-29-30; county treasurer three years, 1835 to 1838 ; pension agent, and for many years the only auction- eer in the town. He was commissioned ensign May 14, 1814, First Regi- ment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Vol- unteer Militia ; lieutenant, June 12, 1815 ; captain, April 16, 1816; major, April 28, 1819; lieutenant colonel, August 15, 1822; discharged March 28, 1825. Colonel Colton was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October i, 1827, to Octo- ber I, 1838, and its president from October 5, 1829, to March 9, 1838 ; and one of the first fifteen trustees of the Springfield Institution for Savings upon its organization in 1827. He was a prominent member of the Unitarian society, and on the committee of its affairs in 1825-26-27, and deacon for several years. Colonel Colton died September 5, 1839, aged 46 years. Lucretia, his wife, died January 10, 1879, aged 82 years. Children : John Colton, who died several years ago, George Colton, a druggist in Boston, and Mrs. Joseph C. Parsons of Holyoke, Mass. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I49 Mr. Dennis Cook was born in Haddam, Conn., August 29, 1794. He came to Springfield about the year 1823. from Berlin, Conn., and in connection with his brother-in-law, Philip Wilcox, started a tinware and stove store on the " Hill," under the firm name of Cook & Wilcox, and after- wards went down on State street, and opened a shop in a small building which stood near the east line of land of the Church of the Unity, and in front of the Springfield brewery, which stood where the church now is. March 6, 1826, they dissolved partnership, when Mr. Cook moved back on the " Hill " and about the year 1838, he again moved to State street in the block recently torn down (January, 1893,) where he remained until he retired from active business. Mr. Cook was a zealous member of the Methodist society, and a strong Anti-slavery man with marked and decided opinions. January 28, 1819, he married Sophronia Wilcox of Berlin, Conn. She was born October 23, 1796 ; died January i, 1864, aged 68 years. Mr. Cook died December 15, 1853, aged 59 years. Children : five sons, two daughters. Mr. Jonas Coolidge was born in Watertown, Mass., July 18, 1772, from whence in January, 1796, he came to Springfield and purchased the business of Justin Bliss, who was a manufacturer of hats. He had as an apprentice the late Harvey Sanderson, who was in a few years admitted as a partner under the firm name of Coolidge & Sanderson. As appeared in the I\cpublica)i : — "The subscribers inform their friends and the public in general that they have entered into copartnership at the old stand of Jonas Coolidge. opposite the Hampden Coffee House, under the firm of Cool- idge & Sanderson, where will be kept on hand all kinds of waterproof hats of the linest quality, and newest fashion. " Jonas Coolidge, " Harvey Sanderson. " N. B. All persons indebted to the subscriber are requested to call and settle the same immediately. ! '-Jonas Coolidge. "Springfield, Dec. 22, 1824." 150 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Their Shop was on Main street where the old Republican granite block stands. Mr. Coolidge was one of the selectmen of the town from 1 814 to i(S20, and a representative to the Legislature in I.S32-33. In 1 8 19 he subscribed one hundred dollars to the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square. In May, 1 81 7, he and his wit'e were admitted members of the First Church, Rev. Dr. Osgood. June 3, 181 1, he married Lois Harris, daughter of Daniel Harris. She was born December 11, 1777, and died in Hartford, Conn., July 3, 1850, aged 72 years. Mr. Coolidge died in Hartford, Conn., October 17, 1854, aged 82 years. Children: Nancy Harris, married Ellery Hills of Hartford, Conn.; she died April 13, 1888, aged nearly jG years, Elizabeth died March i, 1878, in her 65th year, and Martha Dean died in infancy. A relative writes of Mr. Coolidge : — " He was a man of great intellectual and strong argumentative ability, a great reader. He could not have been popular as he was a violent abolitionist, and his home one of the stations on the under- ground railway. He faced opposition and difficulties with great endur- ance. As a mercliant he amassed enough to live in comfort in his declining days." Mr. Chauncev L. Covell, son of Philip Covell, a farmer, was born in Walden, Vt., December 22, 18 10. In 1823, when twelve years old, he went to Hartford, Conn,, and entered a drug store. Having learned the business, in time he bought out his employer, and soon after formed a partnership with A. L. McNary. About the year 1847 he came to Springfield and engaged in the same business, buy- ing out the store of the late Joseph C. Parsons, opposite Court Square. In a few years he sold out his business, and in 1857 engaged in the lumber business on Liberty street, which he continued until 1S64. He then sold out to the late J. G. Chase, who carried on a planing mill at the same place. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I5I Mr. Covell was president and manager of the old Spring- field Aqueduct Company before it was sold to the city ; a director and the president of the Chester Paper Company at Huntington, Mass., from its organization in 1877; a director in the Massasoit Paper Company, Holyoke, Mass., and at one time its president ; a stockholder in the Carew Manufacturing Company, South Hadley P^alls, Mass. ; he was a director in the Springfield P^ire and Marine Insur- ance Company from April, 1870, until his death in 1887; also was a director in the Third National Bank of Spring- field from 1877 to 1887. He was a member of the Common Council from Ward one, 1856-57, and an alderman from the same ward in 1859. He was one of the overseers of the poor from 1877 ^o 1883, and was much interested in the City Hospital and was liberal towards its erection and support. Mr. Covell was a citizen of sterling worth and of un- blemished character. He first married Hannah T. Carew, daughter of Capt. Joseph and Laura (Bugbee) Carew. She was born in 1819, and died August 15, 1862, aged 42 years. Of their six children two daughters only are now living. He married for a second wife Susan E. Downing. They were admitted members of First Congregational Church from the Memorial Church in January, 1879. In 1870 Mr. Covell built the house on Liberty street in which he lived until his death, November 22, 1887, at the age of jG years and 11 months. James Wakham Crooks, Es()., was born in Blandford, Mass., August 23, 1793 ; graduated at Yale College in 18 18. P"or some years was a teacher in Westfield Academy, also taught school in the old academy on Elm street, Spring- field, which was started in 1S12. The following notice appears in the local newspaper: — "SPRINGFIELD ACADEMY. " The first Summer Quarter at tliis institution will commence on Tuesday, the i6th inst. W. CROOKS. "May z, 1820." 152 SKKTCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS " Buckwheat Hall," 224 Walnut street, residence of James W. Crooks, Esc[. from 183S to 1854. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 153 JAMES W. CROOKS. 154 SKETCHES OF THE OLD TNHAlilTANTS Later he added James to his name, and was known as James W. Crooks. 1 le was afterwards a student at law in the office of Hon. George Bliss, Sr., who lived in the house yet standing on Main street opposite the "Old Union House." He was admitted to the bar in 1824. He was a justice of the peace and a notary public, was a member of the school committee in 1830, selectman of the town in 1836, and county commissioner from 1835 ^'^ i^S^- I lis office was on the " Hill," and his residence on Walnut street bore the sobriquet of " Buckwheat Hall," probably from the fact that a large tract of land (from Walnut street opposite his house to Hancock street, and Eastern avenue, which now includes Union, Tyler, Ouincy, and Monroe streets, and Pendleton avenue), which he owned, became a buckwheat field, its snow-white blossoms in the summer season having an attractive and pleasing efifect. On the 4th of July, 1829, the political supporters of President Jackson had a dinner at the P^ranklin Hotel, corner of Walnut and State streets, which was provided by Stephen O. Russell. John Chaffee, paymaster at the Ar- mory, presided. Mr. Crooks delivered a patriotic oration, and gave as a toast, " John the second, or John with a O, and he walked in the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin." Esquire Crooks was secretary of the meeting which was held in April, 1842, in respect to the change in the admin- istration at the Armory from its management by a civilian to that by a military officer. It was at his suggestion that the John Hancock Bank (organized in 1850) received its name, he being a great admirer of that fearless patriot. 1 le was a prominent Mason and had reached to a high degree in the order. He was a lawyer of prominence and had a large practice, and was an influential and recognized leader of the local Democracy. August 12, 1849, he married Ann Jeannette Chapin, eldest daughter of Col. Harvey and Hannah Chapin. She AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. I 55 was born April 27, 18 12. He died August 5, 1867, at nearly the age of 74 years. Mr. George Abbott Ckossett was born in l^oston, August 16, 1S05, where he learned the trade of a cabinet- maker. He came to Springfield in 1834, and engaged in the business of cabinetmaking on his own account until 1845, when he entered the service of the Boston & Albany Railroad in the ticket department, — a position which he faithfully filled for a period of forty-two years. August 16. 1829, he married Elizabeth L.Perkins. She died March 21, 1884, aged 71 years. July 3, 1836, he was admitted to the First Church, Rev. Dr. Osgood, from the First Church of Northampton, Mass., and his wife was admitted at the same time, from the First Church of Charlestown, Mass. A marked event of their lives was the celebration of their golden wedding, August 16, 1879. Mr. Crossett died May 24, 1887, in the 82d year of his age. Children : three sons, four daughters. Mr. Nathaniel Cutler, son of Nathaniel and Phebe (Carter) Cutler, was born in Burlington, Mass., November 27, 1803. He moved to Chicopee, Mass., about the year 1840, and carried on a shoe store there for a few years. He was deputy sheriff for many years, and high sherilt for three years — 1855-56-57. He first married Arathusa l^ollard of Billcrica, Mass. His second wife was Almira Mead, daughter ot Levi and Lemina Mead. She was born in Chesterfield, N. 11., and died in Chicopee, March 30, 1880, aged 65 years, 2 months, 18 days. Mr. Cutler was the eldest of a family of eleven children. He died in Chicopee, May 10, 1887, aged 83 years. 5 months. 156 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Lieut. John Blake Dale, son of Samuel Dale, was born in Springfield, May 5, 181 3. He entered the naval service of the United States, was midshipman February 2, 1829; passed midshipman, July 3, 1835; lieutenant, Feb- ruary 25, 1845. He served on the U. S. Brig Porpoise, which sailed from Norfolk, Va., August 18, 1838, in the exploring expedition under the command of Charles Wilkes, U. S. N., Sloop of War ]^iiicenucs. This expedition was ordered by an act of Congress, passed May 18, 1836 — "for the purpose of exploring and surveying the sea of the great Southern Ocean as well as to determine the existence of all doubtful islands and shoals, and accurately fix the position of those which lie in or near the track of our ves- sels interested in the whale fisheries and other commercial adventures in that sea." This expedition was performed during the years 1838-39-40-41-42. Lieutenant Dale served in the U. S. expedition to the river Jordan and the Dead Sea under Lieutenant Commanding W. F. Lynch, sailing in the U. S. storeship Supply from New York on Friday, November 26, 1847. He married, June 10, 1840, Jane Ann Hutchins Hale, daughter of William Hale of Boston. She died February 16, 1849, aged 28 years. Lieutenant Dale died at Bhamdun, a village near Beirut, Syria, July 24, 1848, aged 35 years, 2 months, 19 days. Children : two sons, now deceased. Lieutenant Lynch, in his narrative of the expedition, gives this account of his sickness and death : — "On the 29th of June, [1848] when on their return home he was attacked with the disease of that country. On the 30th he was much worse. On Monday, July loth, in the hope of being more speedily invigorated by the mountain air, he rode to Bhamdun, a village about twelve miles distant up the mountain. He arrived thoroughly ex- hausted, but was the next day much recruited. On the second day, however, a sirocco set in which lasted three days and completely pros- trated him. On the 17th I received intelligence that he was very ill and immediately hastened up and found him partially delirious. He labored under a low, nervous fever. He lingered until the evening of AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 57 the 24th when he expired so gently that it was difficult to tell the moment of dissolution." He was buried in the Frank cemetery at Bhamdun in the neighborhood of Beirut. His body was laid beneath a Pride of India tree. Lieutenant Commanding Lynch pays this tribute to his worth : — " He was an able and accomplished otificer, and by his death the profession has been shorn of one of its proudest ornaments. His wife has since followed him to the grave but in his name he has left a rich inheritance to his children." Rev. Dr. Young of Boston, in whose church Lieutenant Dale and his family were worshipers, made the following merited remarks in a sermon upon the occasion of his death : — '■ He sleeps on the slopes of Mount Lebanon, on the borders of that beautiful Mediterranean which he had long wished to visit, on the confines of that Holy Land which he had traversed and surveyed with the eye of an artist and with the reverence of a Christian. He had gone thither, in his ofticial capacity, to survey the shores, and take the measurements and sound the depths of that mysterious sea, which covers the doomed cities of the plain and in whose salt and bitter waters no living thing is found. The experience and practical skill which he had acquired in the exploring expedition, the splendid history of which is illustrated by drawings and sketches from his pencil, and his long career of active service in the coast survey, admirably qualified him for this novel and difficult enterprise, and pointed him out at once to the projector and commander of the expedi- tion as the person of all others in the naval service most competent to accomplish the work in a manner creditable to the scientific character of our country. On the part of Lieutenant Dale the work was a labor of love, in which not only his mind was enthusiastically interested but his heart was deeply engaged. In fact the undertaking from its scrip- tural associations wore something of the appearance of a sacred, a religious enterprise. " For this work, though often before attempted and commenced, had never been successfully completed. It was reserved for Lieuten- ant Dale and his enterprising associates to accomplish this work, and to do it thoroughly, accurately, scientifically. On the 8th of April [1848] they launched their two metallic boats, one of copper and one of 158 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS iron, upon the Sea of Galilee — the scene of so many of our Saviour's instructions and miracles — descended the winding and impetuous current of the Jordan, and at the end of eleven days entered the dense and ponderous waters of the Dead Sea. They circumnavigated it, measured its length and its breadth in various places, took the altitude of the mountains which encompass it, and fathomed its recesses to the depth of thirteen hundred feet. His skillful pencil delineated the remarkable scenery of its shores and sketched the various objects of a scientific character or sacred interest which it was the design of the expedition to investigate and explore. He had finished the task assigned him; and, whatever maybe the merits and claims of others, there can be no doubt that the successful accomplishment of the work is to be attributed in no small degree to the science and talent and practical skill of our lamented friend and fellow-worshiper. " Having finished his work he had started on his return to his native land, to the city of his adoption, to his happy home, to the church where he loved to worship. In the last letter that he wrote home, he mentioned that he should bring with him a sealed flask of the waters of the Jordan for his friend and minister. Alas ! It was other- wise ordered by infinite wisdom. Instead of baptizing this day the infants of the church in the waters of that sacred stream in which Jesus was baptized I am called to the sad ottice of rendering my feeble but heartfelt tribute of respect and affection to his memory. " He is gone — that brave, generous, noble-minded, true-hearted man is gone — that man of lofty principle, of unsullied honor, of unblemished character — that man of the gentlest disposition, the sweetest temper, the most affectionate heart. We bless God that he died as he lived in the service of his country, which he loved with the ardor of a patriot, and whose character he wished to elevate in the world's esteem, not by the vulgar glare of bloody victories by land or sea. but by the higher and nobler concjuests of science." Mr. Samuel Dale, son of Thomas Dale, Sr., was born in Springfield, July 16, i/^S/. He was a skillful mechanic and was employed at the U. S. Armory for over forty years. He made all of the inspectors' stamps, eagles, and other fine work. In 181 1 hemarried Elizabeth Lincoln of Marlboro, Vt. She was born May 29, 1789, and died in Stafford, Conn., January, 1865, aged 76 years. Mr. Dale died March 29, 1843, aged 55 years, 8 months, 13 days. Children: three sons, five daughters ; now living (1893), one son, two daughters. AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFIELI). 159 'Mr. Thomas Dale, Sr., born in Sheffiekl, I':nglancl, was a cutler by trade. He was drafted into the British army and was with General Burgoyne when he surrendered to General Gates at Saratoga, October 17, 1777. On his way to Boston as a prisoner of war with the troops he was given his choice, to return to England or remain in this country. He chose the latter, and stopped in Springfield, and upon the establishment of the U. S. Armory in 1794 he was one of the first men to be employed there. By his first wife, Abigail, he had two sons, Thomas Dale, Jr., who was killed while returning from a Masonic meeting in West Springfield, by falling from a stringer of the bridge across the Connecticut river December 27, i fames Scutt Dwight's residence as it now appears, 1893. 174 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS JAMES SCUTT DWIGHT. From a painting by Chester Harding. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. •75 MRS. JAMES SCUIT DWIGHT, nee Marv Sanfokd. From a painting by Chester Harding, 1S42 J 76 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Hon. Jonathan Dwight, Sr., son of Capt. Edmund Dvvight and Elizabeth (Scutt) Dwight, was born in Boston, June i6, 1743. At the age often years he came to Spring- field, and early entered into business with his cousin. Col. Josiah Dwight, first as clerk and then a partner, having a store on the corner of Main and State streets, where the Institution for Savings block stands. In a few years his son James S. was admitted a partner in the business. They carried on an extensive trade, having branch stores at Northampton, Greenfield, Westfield, South Hadley Ealls, Chester, Belchertown, and Enfield, Conn. . He took great interest in the formation of the Unitarian society and built the church edifice at the cost of $20.coo, which stood where Kirkham & Olmsted's block now stands, and was burned down on the night of October 12, 1873. The following is the inscription on a plate placed under- neath the corner stone at the time it was built : — "May 20, MDCCCXIX, " This corner stone was laid, it being the foundation of a house to be erected the same year (Mr. Simon Sanborn being the architect), at the expense of Jonathan Dwight, Esq., of this town, and by him given to the Second Congregational Society in the first parish of Springfield in humble hope and expectation that it may long continue a place con- secrated to the public worship of the true God : and that the Society will, from time to time, make choice of such pious and prudent men for their ministers, as will not perplex their people with unprofitable spec- ulations of men, but preach and exemplify the plain, practical doctrines and precepts contained in the Gospel of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." He was " almost the last representative of the silk stock- ings, short breeches, and silver shoe-buckle gentry, of small stature, active habits, and a great smoker, lighting his pipe in summer with a burning glass, and often crossing the street (from his house to the store) in such a cloud of smoke as hardly to be discerned." He was a man of correct judgment and firm resolution. He married October 29, 1766, Margaret Ashley, of Westfield, daughter of Dr. Israel and Margaret (Moseley) Ashley. She was born September AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 177 No. 53 State street was the home of Jonathan Dwiyht, Sr. It foinieiiy stood where W. F. Adams Company's store now is, and fronted on Main street, and was moved to its present location about 1S40. For several years previous to 1845 it was occu]3ied by Chester W. Chapin. F78 SKETCH KS OF THE OLD INHABITANTS lOXATIIAN DWIGHT, Sk. AND MANSIONS OF Sl'KINGFIELD. 17c) 3, 1745, and died February 8, 1789, aged 43 years, 5 months. On the 29th of March, 1790, he married, for a second wife, Margaret Van Veghten Vanderspiegel of New Haven, Conn., who died July 25, 1795, aged 42 years. October 13, 1796, he married, for a third wife, Hannah Buckminstcr, of Brookfield, Mass. She died May 26, 1824, aged 79 years. Their children : five sons, three daughters. He died September 5, 1831, aged 88 years, 2 months, 19 days. Hon. Jo.xATiiAN Dwight, 2d, son of Jonathan and Mar- garet (Ashley) Dwight, was born at Springfield, Mass., December 28, 1772. He entered Harvard College, and graduated in 1793, read law with Hon. George Hliss (known as Master George, the ablest lawyer in the town). Mr. Dwight, though admitted to the bar, did not follow the pro- fession of law, but engaged in mercantile affairs, in which he was successful, an able financial manager. In 1793 he was chosen tax collector. He was one of the original incor- porators of the Old Springfield l^ank, which was organized March 24, 1814, and was its president from 1814-1817. March 22, 1829, he was chosen president to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge John Hooker. Mr. Dwight was elected a member of the House of Repre- sentatives in 1805-6, 1808-9, 1816 and 1826; a member of the Senate in 181 8-19-20-2 1, and 1827; a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1820, and a member of the governor's council in 1831. He was married January 8, 1798, to Sarah Shepard. daughter of Levi Shepard of Northampton, Mass. She was born June 23, 1774, and died December 24, 1848, aged 74 years and 6 months. Mr. Dwight died March 29, 1840, in the 68th year of his age. Children : four sons, four daughters. i8o SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Mansion of Col. Josiali I)\viglit. After liis death in 176S, it was the home of his son, Col. Thomas Dwight, who died in 1S19. At that time it stood fronting Main street where Parsons' block now is. Several years ago it was moved back to Howard street, now Nos. 8 and 10, and made into a double tenement. The h( use was built about the year 1764. {u,'ct/i.Jy}ri>/iii--.^ Autdj^rapli wrilleii Nov. .|, 1S33. AND MANSIONS OF SPKIXGFIELD. l8l Mk. Jonathan Dwight, 30, son of Jonathan Dwight, 2d. and Sarah (Shepard) Dwight, was born August 30, 1799. He engaged in mercantile business in l^oston about the year 1820, which was continued until 1830. when he moved to Springfield and resided in the house, 55 Chestnut street, now belonging to the estate of the late George Merriam, until 1850, when he removed to Newport, R. I., where he died September 28, 1856, at the age of 57 years. He married, September 5, 1825, Ann Eartlett, daughter of Thomas Bartlett, Esq., of Boston. She was born June 26, 179S. Children : one son, one daughter. ^^^^^^-^M^^^yr^/^-^ <^ ^ Autograph written September 26, 18 15. Hon. and Col. Thomas Dwight, son of Col. Josiah and Sarah (Pynchon) Dwight, was born October 29, 1758. He graduated at Harvard College in 1778, studied for the profession of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1781. He was elected a representative from Springfield in the Legislature in 1794-95, and was a member of the Senate from 1796 to 1803 and again in 18 13. He was a member of Congress from 1803-5, during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. He was a member of Governor Christopher Gore's executive council in 180S-9. In 1806-9 and iXii he was one of the selectmen of the town. April 14, 1 79 1, he married Hannah Worthington, daughter of Col. John Worthington and Hannah Hopkins, who was daughter of Rev. Samuel Hopkins of West Si)ring- field. Mrs. Dwight was born June 17, 1761, died July 10, 1833, aged 72 years. Col. Dwight was a man of "culture, dignified bearing, great elegance of manners, and of gener- ous hospitality ; his ample means enabled him to gratity his desires." In August, 1792, he and his wife were admitted members of the First Church, Rev. Robert Hreck. 1 82 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Colonel Dwight died January 2, 18 19, in his 6ist year. Children : one son, two daughters. Hon. William Dwight, son of Jonathan Dwight, 2d, and Sarah (Shepard) Dwight, was born in Springfield, April 5, 1805. He entered Harvard College, and graduated in 1825. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1829. From that time until 1848 he took an active part in town and public affairs. His voice was often heard at the political meetings held in the old Town Hall on State street, in the "good old days" of Whigs and Democrats. He was often chosen to preside at the town meetings, which he did with much dignity and fairness. He was a repre- sentative from the town to the Legislature in 1838, 1841, and 1848. When the Chicopee Bank (now National) was organized, in 1836, he was chosen one of the directors. It is related that " he rendered conspicuous service to the bank when its affairs were somewhat impaired by the acts of its first cashier, who was chosen in 1836 and held the office until 1841." About the year 1849 he moved to Boston, where he devoted himself with great energy to commercial and manufacturing enterprises. He was treasurer from 1S48 to 1867 of the Pepperell and Laconia Manufacturing Companies located at Biddeford.Me., having his office in Boston, and his residence in Brookline, Mass. September 16, 1830, he married Eliza Amelia White, of Salem, Mass., daughter of the Hon. Daniel Appleton White. Of their seven sons, four were soldiers (officers) in the War of the Rebellion, none of whom are now living. They were noble, fitting representatives of an illustrious ancestry of English descent. William Dwight died in Brookline, Mass., September 20, 1880, aged 75 years, 5 months, 15 days. Autograph written May 7, 1S62. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 1 83 Dr. Elisha Edwards, a prominent merchant of Spring- field, son of Capt. Oliver and Rachael (Parsons) Edwards, of Northampton, was born in Chesterfield, Mass., January 26, 1795- When a young man he went to Northampton, Mass., as clerk for E. Hunt, to learn the apothecary busi- ness. Me came to Springfield about the year 1X15, and soon engaged in business, on his own account, and at one time was in partnership financially with Henry Sterns from about the year 1820 to 1825, and afterwards in 1828, with Charles J. Upham, under the firm of C. J. Upham & Co., apothecaries, located on the " Hill." He was one of the subscribers to the fund for the purchase of the land now Court Square. In 1822-23-24 and 1826 he was a member of the parish committee of the Unitarian society. Upon the organization (in 1836) of the Chicopee Bank, Spring- field, now the Chicopee National I^ank, he was chosen one of the first nine directors. In 1 82 1 he married Eunice Lombard, daughter of Daniel and Sylvia (Burt) Lombard. She was born Octo- ber 13. 1797, died December 15, 1875, aged y8 years. Dr. Edwards died February 7. 1840, aged 45 years. Chil- dren : four sons, five daughters. Now living (1893) : Mrs. Caroline L. Smith, Springfield ; Mrs. Sophia Orne John- son, Bath, N. H. ; Mrs. Charlotte E. Warner, Springfield ; William Edwards, a prominent merchant, Cleveland, O, ; Mrs. Julia E. Hurd, Dorchester, Mass. ; General Oliver Edwards, Warsaw, 111. ; Mrs. Mary E. Child, Cleveland, O. Gen. Oliver Edwards was a brave soldier in the War of the Rebellion. He entered the service as first lieutenant and adjutant loth Massachusetts Regiment, June 21, 1861 : mustered in as colonel 37th Massachusetts Regiment, Sep- tember 4, 1S62; appointed brigadier general of volunteers May 19, 1865. He received the brevet rank of brigadier general of volunteers October 19, 1864, for gallant and dis- tinguished services in the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Va., and for meritorious conduct in the battle of Winchester. Va. ; and major general of volunteers April 5, 1 84 SKKTCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS DR. ELISHA EDWARDS. From a painting by Cliester Harding in 1S40. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 185 MRS. ELISHA EDWARDS, «• MRS. JOHN HOOKKK, Sk., ni-e Sarah Dwight. From a painting by Spencer Harding, about 1840. 222 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS JOSIAH HOOKER. From a crayon, 1871. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. ■^5 1806, graduated at Yale College in 1825, died November 6, 1867 : Rev. Richard Hooker, born April 10, 1808, grad- uated at Yale College in 1827, died December 19, 1857. JosiAH Hooker, Eso., son of Judge John and Sarah (Dwight) Hooker, was born in Springfield, Mass., April 17, 1796. He entered Yale College, and graduated in 181 5. Studied for the profession of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1820. He was appointed one of the special justices of peace in May, 1852, by Gov. George S. Boutwell, who also appointed at the same time Col. Harvey Chapin, they being the iirst special justices established in Springfield. He was often appointed by the court as referee in cases for final adjustment. In 1838 he was a representative from his native town in the Legislature. He was the first president of the Springfield Institution for Savings (which was incorporated in 1827), a trustee from 1847 to 1870, and its president for twenty-four years, from 1846 until his death in 1870. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 2, 1848, to October 6, 185 i ; president of the Hampden Park Associa- tion, and for forty years treasurer of the old Springfield (toll) Bridge Company. Justice Hooker took great interest in our public schools, and for nearly twenty years was a member at large of the school committee. He was a man greatly esteemed for his " sterling qualities, having a mind which strove conscientiously to give just treatment to those duties which came to him for a final settlement." In 1849 he married Jane W. Judd of VVesthampton, Mass., daughter of John A. Judd. Justice Hooker died July 14, 1870, aged 74 years. Rev. Dr. Bezaleel Howard, son of Nathan Howard of Bridgewater, Mass., was born November 22, 1753. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1781, and a tutor there in 1783-85. He came from Cambridge, Mass., to 224 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS i>%^a.^cc^ >^W^ j^jg^v" Autograph wiitten March 7, 1S14. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 225 Springfield on horseback in November, 1784. This account is given of his entrance into the town : — " Riding up to the Five-mile House, then kept as a tav- ern, he learned the distance into town, and was further informed that there was a good bridle path by marked trees through the woods. Having heard something about a robbery in the vicinity he came rapidly to the Hill." It was a chilly Saturday night, and although peace had been declared the year previous (1783), the few buildings in the town had such a worn and dilapidated appearance and the loosened clapboards were flapping in such a dismal manner that he began to feel terribly homesick. Reining up at the only white house, which proved to be that of Jonathan D wight, Sr., he rapped at the door and on the appearing of that gentleman he stated that he had been engaged to preach for six weeks, meanwhile feeling conscious that he wished the time was over that he might get back to the civilization he had left behind. Mr. Dwight encouraged him by saying he had come to the right place, and should stop with him over Sunday. When the six weeks had expired he received a unanimous call to settle, and, a mutual interest having sprung up between himself and Mr. Dwight's daughter Lucinda, he chose to remain and was ordained pastor of the First Church April 27, 1785, with a yearly salary of ^150, and remained until 1803, when he resigned on account of failing health. On the 25th of Jan- uary, 1S09, he was dismissed, and was given $2,000 in recognition of his labor here. Mr. Howard, Moses Bliss, and Chauncey Brewer were directors in a select school for young ladies in 1793. Mr. Howard was president of the Hampden Bible Society and Foreign Mission Society, and the originator and one of the incorporators of the Springfield Institution for Savings, which was organized in 1827. He was one of the faithful men who left the First Church " in obedience to his convic- tions," and became a supporter of the Third Congrega- tional Society (Unitarian). 226 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS It is related that about the year 1795, Mr. Howard said in the presence of several gentlemen, " The child is now born who will see a bridge built across Connecticut river." Mr. Reuben Bliss, who was present, said to Mr. Dwight, "Your son-in-law talks like a fool." A son of this Mr. Bliss built the first bridge across the Connecticut river at Springfield in 1804. On the loth of December, 1785, Mr. Howard married Lucinda Dwight. She was born September, 1767, and died March 18, 1788, aged 20 years. One daughter by this marriage. He married for a second wife Prudence Williams. Children : three sons, one daughter. Dr. Howard died January 20, 1837, aged 84 years. Hon. and Maj. Charles Howard, son of Rev. Bezaleel and Prudence (Williams) Howard, was born March 21, 1794, in the house which stood on Main street, where P'allon's block stands. About thirty years ago the house was moved to Hillman street, and in 1891 was torn down to make way for a brick block. He was a pupil at Ezra Witter's private school at Wilbraham, Mass. It was the intention of his father to give him a collegiate education, but by close application to his studies he seriously impaired his eyesight, and in consequence was obliged to give up his intended college course. In 18 16 he entered into partnership with Wells Lathrop, under the firm name of Howard & Lathrop, for the transaction of a general dry goods and grocery business, having a store on Main street a few doors below Dr. Chauncey Brewer's drug store (now H. & J. Brewer's). In 1824, the firm engaged in the manufacture of paper at South Hadley Falls. Mr. Lathrop was the active partner in the management of the affairs of the firm, and resided in South Hadley Falls, while Mr. Howard gave but little at- tention to the business and resided in Springfield. They continued the manufacture of paper until 1846, when the mill was burned, and on account of the losses which they sustained they were obliged to suspend business, and the AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 227 property was bought by the late Joseph Carew, who rebuilt the mill. On the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency in 1828, Mr. Howard having been one of his supporters, the president appointed him military storekeeper of the ord- nance department at the U. S. Armory, November 17, 1829. Mr. Howard remained in office during Jackson's term of eight years, and was reappointed by President Martin Van Buren, and held the ofifice until July 5, 1841, when he was superseded by Edward Ingersoll. At the celebration of the 4th of July, 1829, on the " Hill" the Jackson men had a dinner provided by Stephen O. Russell at the Franklin House, corner of State and Walnut streets. The following officers of the Armory were pres- ent: John Chaffee, Joseph VVeatherhead, Charles Howard, Diah Allin, Thomas Warner, and William F. Wolcott. During the repast toasts were called for. Major Howard proposed " Internal improvements — railroads and all other roads, except a Clay road to ruin." In 1829 Major Howard was a member of the Legislature in the House of Representatives, and the same year, with his brother John, opened Howard street. He was a direc- tor in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company, from October 6, 1834, to October 21, 1836, and from Octo- ber 4, 1841, to October 6, 1845. He served three years, 1843-5, as treasurer of the Unitarian society, and was one of the selectmen of the town, being chairman of the board, in 1844. In 1843-4 he was one of Gov. Marcus Morton's executive councilors. After the election of James K. Polk to the presidency, in 1845, Major Howard received an ap- pointment in the custom house at Boston, which office he held from 1846 to 1849, when on the election of Gen. Zachary Taylor he was retired from office. Major Howard furnished most of the capital^for establish- ing the Havipdcn Post, a. Democratic paper which was under the editorial management of the late John B. Eldridge of Hartford, Conn. 228 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHA15ITANTS In June, 1824, he married Elizabeth Buckminster Dvvight, daughter of Col. Thomas and Hannah (Worthington) Dwight. She was born February 18, 1801, and died Octo- ber 7, 1855, in the 55th year of her age. Major Howard died September 18, 1875, in the 82d year of his age. Children : eight daughters, two sons. Those now living (1893) are : Lucinda Orne Howard of Spring- field, Rev. Thomas Dwight Howard, who graduated at Harvard College in 1848, and was settled at Perry as a Unitarian minister for ten years. In March, 1862, he went to Hilton Head, S. C, as a teacher of contrabands, and was afterwards made general superintendent of contraband schools, and in 1864-5 was a chaplain of colored troops (78th U. S. C. T.). In 1874 he was settled at Petersham, Me., and is now (1893) pastor of the Unitarian church at Charlestown, N. H. Sophia Worthington Howard was for several years a teacher at Fort Kearney, Nebraska, and of the Misses Howard's widely known private school. Cath- arine Lathrop Howard was for several years a teacher in Professor Agassiz's scientific school at Cambridge, Mass., and of the Misses Howard's private school. Mary Dwight Howard, who married Alexander Edward Andrews, of Binghamton, N. Y., a lawyer. Elizabeth Bridge Howard, who married William S. Tiffany, an artist. Sarah Bancroft Howard, who married Mr. Hayward of Cambridge, Mass., and Emily Williams Howard of Boston, Mass. Hon. John Howard, son of Rev. Bezaleel and Prudence (Williams) Howard, was born in 1791, and graduated at Yale College in 18 10. He studied for the profession of law, and was admitted to the bar in 18 13. He was elected cashier of the old Springfield Bank in 1823, and continued in office until 1836, being paid a salary of $1,000 a year. On the retirement of James Byers from the presidency of the bank Mr. Howard was chosen his successor, holding the office from 1836 to 1849, and having been cashier and president of the bank thirty-eight years. Mr. Floward was AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 229 the first treasurer of the Springfield Institution for Sav- ings, which was organized in 1827, one of the fire wardens of the town in 1829, and a selectman in 1830-31. He was a member of Gov. Edward Everett's council in 1837-38, at the time when the normal schools were founded, and the state subscription to the stock of the Western Railroad (now the Boston & Albany) was made, and of "the division of the surplus revenue of the United States, which presented a rare question of state policy." Following is the first official notice from the Springfield Institution for Savings, of its readiness for business : — •'NOTICE " Is hereby given that the Institution for Savings for the town of Spring- field will commence their business on Wednesday, 2d of April. Deposits will be received by the treasurer at Banking room of the Springfield Bank. Hours of business from 3 to 6 o'clock p. m., on every Wednesday. SAMUEL RAYNOLDS, Secretary. " March 26, 1828." On the 23d of April, 1828, the following editorial notice appeared in the Republican : — •' Deposits will be received every Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 6 o'clock, by John Howard, Esq., treasurer; 5 percent, will be allowed on all sums over 3 dollars, but sums as small as otic dollar will be received on deposit." On the increase of the capital stock of the Springfield Bank from $150,000 to $250,000, in 1828, the following notice appeared in the Republican : — •'BANK STOCK AT AUCTION. " 190 shares of the new stock of the increased capital of the Spring- field Bank will be sold at auction on Wednesday, the 17th inst.. at 2 o'clock p. m., on the floor of the bank, in lots to suit purchasers. '• Springfield Fire Insurance Comp. •' By GEORGE BLISS, Jr., Secr'y. " H. Brewer, Auctioneer. Sept. 2, 1S2S.'" Mr. Howard was a member of Rev. Dr. W. B. O. Peabody's society and leader of the Unitarian choir, of which some of the members — Fanny B. Peabody, Hannah 230 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS W. Howard, Mary C. Moore, Homer Foot, Solyman Merrick, and Asa W. Sanderson — were accustomed to meet at Mr. Howard's house on Maple street to practice during the years 1835-38. In 18 18 he married Mary Stoddard D wight, daughter of Col. Thomas and Hannah (Worthington) Dwight. She was born January 26, 1792, and died July 20, 1836, aged 44 years, 6 months. He died October 23, 1849, aged 58 years. Children : four daughters. Now living : Margaret Howard, now Mrs. Charles W. Swift, London, Eng., Frances A. Howard, Paris, France, Eliza W. Howard, relict of Baron de Stoeckl, Paris, France. Mr. Howard was of dignified personal appearance, and a very influential citizen. Autograph written January 31, 1833. Dea. Boardman Hubbard was born in 1792. He and Olive, his wife, were admitted members of the First Church (Rev. Dr. Samuel Osgood) March 7, 1824, from the church at Middletown, Conn. He was elected deacon April 6, 1826. He died at West Springfield, Mass., May 9, 1847, aged 57 years. His wife died July 10, 1829, aged 39 years. Children : one son, two daughters. Mr. Elijah Hyde, a soldier of the Revolution, was born June 19, 1758, at Lebanon, Conn. In 1804 he removed to the town of Franklin, Conn., where he remained one year, and then to Coventry, Conn. In 18 15 he went to Elling- ton, Conn., where he lived until 1821, when he removed to Springfield, Mass. He served in the Revolutionary War and was a pensioner. He volunteered January, 1776, under Capt. James Mason and Col. James Wadsworth for the siege of Boston, and was stationed at Cambridge and Dorchester point until the city was evacuated, March AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 23 1 17, 1776. He was discharged in April, 1776. He served six months, from July, 1776, with Capt. James Clark and Col. Comfort Sage for the defense of New York city, and was stationed on Governor's Island until soon after the battle on Long Island, August 27, 1776. When driven off the island, and the city was evacuated, September 15, 1776, he retreated with the army to White Plains with more or less skirmishing on the way, until at Croton river. He was discharged in December, 1776. From May, 1781, he was employed as conductor of fifteen teams for five months under Major Bulkley, and in charge of the baggage for the army when it started on its march for Yorktown, Va., as far as Annapolis, Md., then he returned to Lebanon, Conn. In 1779 he served as light-horseman on the Hudson river, and was attached to the dragoons of Col. Elisha Sheldon's command, and appointed sergeant, being employed in guarding and patrolling the lines about two and one-half months to December 15, 1779. From June, 1782, he served three months under Capt. Samuel Thompson and Col. John Mead at Greenwich, Conn., as sergeant to patrol and guard the lines. He died August 29, 1835, aged 'j'j years. Major Edward Ingersoll, son of John and Elizabeth Ingersoll, was born in Westfield, Mass., December 18, 181 2. His father having moved to Springfield, Edward, when a boy, entered the store of Raynolds & Morris, merchants on Main street, as a clerk. In 1830, when eighteen years old, he went to Michigan with Edward A. Morris, where they established a trade with pioneer settlers. He afterwards returned east, and was for a time employed in the dry goods store of Ralph Snow at Northampton, Mass. In 1834 he was in business with his father-in-law, William Child, under the firm name of Child & Ingersoll. In 1837 he went to Savannah, Ga., and formed a partnership with his brother John in the dry goods trade, where he remained about two years, and then returned to Springfield. When in the 232 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS nineteenth year of his age he was admitted (November, 1 831) a member of the First Congregational Church, Rev. Samuel Osgood. In 1842 he was one of the charter mem- bers of the South Church. He afterwards transferred his membership to the Olivet Church, where he was superin- tendent of the Sunday-school for many years. He was a member of the Young Men's Christian Association. About the year 1839, Congress having decided to restore the gov- ernment of the Armory to military rule, he made applica- tion for a position there, and in April, 1841, he went to Washington with his credentials, and the following month received a commission as an ordnance storekeeper. When the John Hancock Bank was organized in 1850 and located on the " Hill," he was chosen one of the nine directors. In 1864, when the Soldiers' Fair was held in the city hall, Springfield, and realized nearly $25,000 for the "Soldiers' Rest," he was the leading spirit, and gave his time, without stint, to its formation, and the success of the fair was largely attributed to his unwearied attention and counsel, and his executive ability. " He took great interest in the Moody and Sankey meetings which were held in the city hall during the year 1878, and did much to promote their usefulness." He was a zealous prohibitionist and a man of strong tem- perance principles, and should be credited with the success he made in breaking up the custom of the armorers in pledging their wages to saloon keepers. An effort was made to transfer him to another post, but without success. He went to Washington and had an interview with the Sec- retary of War, William L. Marcy, who asked if the charges against him were true. Major Ingersoll replied that they were. "Then," said the secretary, sternly, "Go back to your work. You are just the man I want in that place.'" He was appointed a military storekeeper, ordnance de- partment U. S. Army, May 24, 1841, captain and ordnance storekeeper July 28, 1866, and paymaster Springfield Ar- mory with rank of major same date, and was retired from active service June 30, 1882, with three-fourths pay. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. ■^56 Major Ingersoll "possessed sterling qualities, and great sincerity of purpose in the performance of the duties which devolved upon him during his course of life. Courteous and conscientious, he was the Christian gentleman, believ- ing in example as a test of profession." He was married by Rev. Dr. Osgood, October 29, 1834, to Harriet J. Child, daughter of Capt. William Child of Springfield. On the 29th of October, 1884, he celebrated his golden wedding. Of their children, two sons and three daughters were present on that occasion. He died January 28, 1891, in the 79th year of his age. Childreq : three sons, three daughters. John Ixgersoll, Esq., son of John and Margaret (Moseley) Ingersoll, was born August 12, 1769, at West- field, Mass. He entered Yale College and graduated in 1790 ; studied law, and was admitted to the Supreme Court at Northampton, Mass., in 1797, residing in Westfield. On the formation of the county of Hampden, in 1812, he was appointed clerk of the court, and removed to Springfield, which ofifice he held until his death. He subscribed $100 to the fund for the purchase of the land now Court Square. He was a valued member of the First Congregational church. Rev. Samuel Osgood, and he and his wife were admitted members July, 18 15, from the church in West- field. He was one of the incorporators of the Springfield Institution for Savings, which was incorporated June, 1827. Hon. William G. Bates relates this incident : " Dur- ing his (Mr. Ingersoll's) residence in Westfield, he and my father, Elijah Bates, were for many years the only lawyers in Westfield, and lived opposite to each other on the same street, in the closest terms of intimacy. It is narrated that an aged lady of Westfield was much dissatisfied with the ' woe ' that was pronounced upon lawyers, for she said that both Esquire Ingersoll and Esquire Bates were really too good men to be sent to hc/l!" John Ingersoll married Elizabeth . He died December 26, 1840, aged 71 years. Children : two sons, five daughters. ?34 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS ":^Si'f3i^ o^ '^^^^'l:^^ AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 235 Mr. Joseph Ingraham was born at Enfield, Conn., July 14, 1808. He came to Springfield in 1822, and lived with his uncle, Daniel Bontecou, whose wife was a sister of his mother. In his early business career he had a bookstore and a printing office on the "Hill," in the building which stood on the southwest corner of State and Walnut streets. He afterwards engaged in the drug and medicine business with Charles J. Upham, under the firm name of Upham & Ingraham, having a store in the block on the southeast cor- ner of State and Walnut streets. In 1850 he was treasurer of the Unitarian society. He was town clerk from 1842 to 1852, and upon the organization of the city in 1852, he was elected city clerk and treasurer, and re-elected for eight years in succession. The following entry was recorded by him at the close of the affairs of the town, and its entrance upon a city government : — "Springfield, May 25, 1852. '■ This day ends the town and commences the city government, having been a town just 216 years to a day, and now we go from an old town to an infant city. JOSEPH INGRAHAM, " Last town clerk of the old town, and first city clerk and treasurer of the new city of Sprittgfield.''' During his long and faithful service he was a popular and efficient clerk. He was, with Chester W. Chapin and Caleb Rice, a commissioner of the sinking fund in 1857- 58-59. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 2, 1865, to October 7, 1872. In December, 1831, he married Jane Clary, daughter of Ethan A. Clary. She was born January 22, 181 2, and died August 4, 1888, aged 76 years. Mr. Ingraham died Feb- ruary I, 1883, aged 74 years. Mr. Joel Kendall, son of Jonathan Kendall, a farmer, was born in Sullivan, N. H., January 10, 1796. He worked on the farm of his father until he was eighteen years of age, and then went to Keene, N. H., where he learned the shoe- 236 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS This building on State street, now used in connection with the Union Armory, is the only one remaining that was erected when the jail buildings were first built in 1815-16, and was formerly the residence of the jailer. Col. Ebenezer Russell was the first jailer, serving from 1S16 to 1S25. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 23/ maker's trade of Kingsbury & Farnsworth. He afterwards went to Claremont, N. H., and entered the employ of Nicholas Farwell as a journeyman, where he remained eight years. From thence he went to Montreal, Canada, where he remained one year. In the autumn of 1820, he removed to Springfield, Mass., and in March, 182 1, com- menced business on his own account. In 1824 he entered into partnership with Elijah Blake, who was then the only other shoe dealer in the town. After three years of business the firm was dissolved, and he then went into business in Brewer's building on Main street, opposite the Walker block. About 1858, he removed his business to his own building, which stood where Metcalf & Luther's block now is. Mr. Kendall was actively engaged in business from 182 1 until 1878, a period of fifty-seven years. He was one of the original members that formed the Unitarian society when the Rev. Dr. Peabody became the pastor. " He never held any public office but preferred ever to serve the public in his happy way, and gaining the esteem and regard of all who ever knew him as a Christian gentleman, consistent in his daily walk, and distributing his kindly alms to those who he knew were needy." In 1825 he married Miss Rosetta Alden, of Claremont, N. H. She was of the seventh generation from John Alden, who came over from England in the Pilgrim barque. She died September 27, 1870, aged 72 years. Mr. Kendall died February 2, 1878, at the age of 82 years. Children: five sons, four daughters ; now living (1893), one son, one daugh- ter. Mr. Madison Kendall, son of Temple and Prudence (Swallow) Kendall, was born in Dunstable, Mass., in 18 10. He went to Chicopee Falls and in 1829 entered into the employ of Nathan P. Ames. He afterwards moved to Chicopee center, and became proprietor of the Cabot House, which he managed for fourteen years, from 1849 to April, 1864. (The Cabot House was built in 1834-35 by 238 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS JOHN KIL130N. AND MANSIONS OF .SPRINGFIELD. 239 Chester W. Chapin.) On his retirement from the hotel business Mr. Kendall was in the service of the Ames Man- ufacturing Company. He married first Mary — She died His second wife was Miss Harriet P. Carson, whom he married in Chicopee, January 3, 1866 Mr. Kendall died in Chicopee, May 19, 1891, aged 80 years, 9 months, 20 days. John Kilbon, son of Luther and Mary (Warriner) Kilbon, was born at Wilbraham, Mass., March 15, 1799. His father owned and carried on a farm about one mile east of the present North Wilbraham station of the Boston & Albany Railroad. He was also a shoemaker, which call- ing he followed in the winter. His son John learned the trade, and on reaching the age of nineteen years found employment as a journeyman with Gad Bliss at Long- meadow, Mass., for whom he worked for six months. After a year spent in Durham, Conn., he removed to Springfield, where he continued his trade in a room on Walnut street opposite the Water Shops, where he remained one year, and from thence he moved to a room on State street near Woodworth avenue. April 3, 1822, he married Ruth Stebbins of Springfield, Mass., and commenced housekeeping at 495 State street, where he remained three years. He then built the house 418 Union street, it being the first house built on that street on the " Hill." His increasing business induced him to form a copartnership with Daniel Shepard, a tanner by trade, and a former schoolmate of his. Mr. Shepard's part of the joint business was to conduct a tannery at Wil- braham, Mass. The partnership was of short duration, as in about one year (May 10, 1825) they dissolved partner- ship. Mr. Kilbon found that he was greatly in debt, owing to the mismanagement of his partner. He therefore sold his house and collected what sums were due him in his business and soon paid his indebtedness in full. 240 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Mr. Kilbon was admitted to the First Church in November, 1823, in which he became an active and honored member. He was one of the movers in building the "Conference House" on High street, on the "Hill" in which prayer meetings were held for that, at that time, sparsely settled community. He was one of a company of eleven who signed a compact withdrawing from the First Church in December, 1832, from which an organization was formed on the 8ih of January, 1833, with nineteen members and is now known as the Olivet Church. The conference meetings were held under the ministry of Revs. Waters Warren and Abraham C. Baldwin. Mr. Kilbon sold out his shoe business to Austen Stew- art, who had been his partner for a few years, and was for a short time interested with Henry Stebbins and Horace Ladd in a shoe store on Main street. Through his devo- tion to religious work and business, his health became seriously impaired, and by the advice of his physician and family he removed to Wilbraham, Mass., having purchased the old homestead after the death of his father. His sympathy was always upon the side of the oppressed, and this trait of his character led him early to espouse the cause of the slave, and he became an abolitionist in the days when it cost to be numbered among the despised band, but such was his devotion to principle that no amount of opposition would turn him from it. His life was not prolonged to witness the accomplishment of his desire in the abolition of slavery. He died March 24, 1852, aged 53 years. His wife was born June 11, 1802, and died at Springfield, July 30, 1888, aged 86 years. Of their nine children only three are now living (1893) : John L. Kilbon, cashier of the Lee National l^ank, Lee, Mass. ; George B. Kilbon, principal of the Springfield Manual Training School ; and Charles W. Kil- bon, a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to the Zulus at Natal, South Africa. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 24! Mr. Ezra Kimberlv was born in Hamden, Conn., in 1794. Me came to Springfield about the year 1820 and engaged in the grocery and hotel business near the upper water shops then so called, in which enterprise he was suc- cessful. In i860 he was a member of the House in the Legislature. He married . He died June 1 7, 1 867, aged 73 years. Children : three sons, one daughter. Dr. Sa;muel Kingsbury was born in Tolland, Conn., September, 17S2. He studied for the medical profession and came lo Springfield and engaged in practice until his death. He married Jemina Chapin (widow of Dr. Charles Pyn- chon Lyman), daughter of Col. Abel Chapin of Chicopee. She was born October 7, 1783, and died January 20, 1846, in the 63d year of her age. He died June 18, 1828, in the 46th year of his age. Children : four sons, three daugh- ters. Now living (1893), Mrs. Elizabeth Lee, relict of William Whitney Lee of Springfield, Mass. Mr. Daniel P. Kingsley was born in Guilford, Vt., June 14, 1808. Early in life he engaged in staging be- tween Northampton and Worcester, Mass. In 1835 he came to Springfield, Mass., and engaged in the business between the latter place and Albany, N. Y., and between Pittsfield and Lebanon Springs, in 1840. His office was at the old " Hampden Coffee House," corner Main and Court streets. Owing to the advent of the Western Railroad, now the Boston & Albany, in 1841, he went to Brattleboro, Vt., and started a line of stages between that place, Green- field, and Walpole. N. H. He afterwards spent a year as the agent for the Lake Shore Railroad in New England. In 1859 h^ became the proprietor of the American House, Springfield, where he remained until 1867, when on the property being sold to the Boston & Albany Railroad corpo- ration, he went to Northampton and took charge of the Man- 242 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS sion House, and at different times had charge of the United States Hotel, Boston, Plympton House, Watch Hill, R. I., and Holyoke House, Holyoke, Mass. He finally retired from business and lived at the Haynes House, where he died October 23, 1886, at the age of yd> years. He married Mary Button of Dummerston, Vt. She was born March 16, 1808, died July 18, 185 1, aged 43 years. A son, George Kingsley, lives in Springfield. Hon. Wells Lathrop was born in Becket, Mass., Feb- ruary 25, 1795. He was son of Capt. Joseph Lathrop, and a grandson of that eminent divine, Rev. Dr. Joseph La- throp of West Springfield. \\\s parents removed to Wilbra- ham when he was a child. \n his boyhood he passed the winters in study with his grandfather. When sixteen years old he came to Springfield and entered the store of Warri- ner & Bontecou as clerk. In 18 16, when twenty-one years of age, he formed a partnership with Charles Howard, under the firm of Howard & Lathrop, and carried on a gen- eral merchandise business for about nine years. In 1824-25 the firm built the first paper mill erected in Hampshire county, at South Hadley Falls, on the site of the present Glasgow mills. For more than twenty years Mr. Lathrop managed the business while Mr. Howard remained in Springfield. They did not succeed in the enterprise, and in April, 1846, they went into insolvency. The next month a fire destroyed the mill and its contents. At a later time Mr. Lathrop engaged in farming in South Hadley and was largely interested with his brother Paoli Lathrop in stock raising. In April, 1841, the late Frederick Dwight bought of them some of the noted Durham stock, which were sent to his prairie farm on Rock river, Portland, 111. Mr. Lathrop was one of the incorporators of the Chic- opee Bank, Springfield. In 1836, when the bank was or- ganized, he was chosen one of the directors. He was one of the fifty-four petitioners to the Legislature in May, 1818, AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 243 for an act of incorporation as the second society (Unitarian) of the first parish in Springfield. He married, November 12, 18 19, Catharine Rhodes Bontecou, daughter of Daniel Bontecou. She was born in Enfield, Conn., December 26, 1798, and died December 24, 1832, aged 34 years less two days. Children : two sons, two daughters. September 12, 1836, he married for a second wife Mrs. Lydia Washburne, widow of Dr. Lewis Washburne of Bridgewater, Mass., daughter of Benjamin and Relief (Dunbar) Ager of Acton, Mass. Children : a son, died young. A daughter Mary, who married Prof. Orlando M. Fernald of Williams College. Mr. Lathrop died in South Hadley, Mass., April 12, 1 87 1, aged 76 years. He was originally a member of the Whig party, but became a Democrat in the " 15 gallon law" times of 1838. He was often a delegate to the state and national conventions, and was known to be the writer of some of the "sharpest and sauciest" of the political handbills which were so liberally used to arouse the hearts of voters of fifty years ago. The following are copies of original handbills in posses- sion of the writer : — WORKING MEN, BE NOT DECEIVED! " To The Polls, one and all, and by your united exertions, add another and more glorious victory to that so gallantly achieved last Monday. The men who are opposed to a ?eciuciioti of high salaries and state taxes, are on the alert — they have already boasted that they will this night " chaunt the requium " of Working-Men. "Electors of Springfield, Working-Men, and friends of Economy, Retrenchment, and Equal Rights, shall these things be.? Come to the Polls, then, and support the IVor^ing-J/en's Senatorial Ticket, Ja.mes Kent, Esq., Col. Harvev Chapix. " The friends of high salaries and exorbitant state taxes, alarmed at the indications recently manifested by the Working-Men, to assert their rights, have held a Caucus, ostensibly to oppose Gen. Jackson and his administration. But the real object was to put down the Working- Men. They have no fears of the Jackson party, in this Common- 244 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS wealth — the cry against it is for the purpose of diverting the Working- Men from their fixed purposes of Reform and Retkenxhment. "Again, Working-Men, be not deceived. But to the Polls, and by this day's work effectually stop the Treasuiy leak, through which 5®== Two Hundred Ninety-three Thousand, Nine Hundred Forty-two Dollars and Forty-five Cents found its way out last year ! ! ! "$293,942.46. STATE EXPENDITURE FOR THE LAST YEAR! " $49,486.94 }/io/ e i/iafi tJie wJwle expenses of Ike otJie)- five Nezu Eng- land States. " Electors of Hampden. — -Shall a Charles X and his Polignac, grind us to the face of the Earth ! — It was for their enormous expendi- ture, and taking from the mass of the people — the working men — the real bone and sinew of the country, their just rights, that the good La Fayette, placed himself at the head of the noble working-men of Paris and hurled their oppressors from power. We have our aristocracy, our Charles X and our Polignac, and we have them at our own doors ! "Who have hitherto controlled the elections in this county.-* A Small Band of Lawyers and Springfield Aristocrats ! Who boast, that f-^nos Foote and John Wyles shall be forced upon the Work- ing-men ? This Little Band of Lawyers and Aristocrats who Nominated them ! Who boast, that the present splendid State Gov- ernment to the tune of $293,000 per annum, shall continue to be forced upon the people ? This same Aristocratic, Ruffle Shirt Party ! Who will sustain the Lawyer's bar rules .'' Who will continue to op- press the people with the present oppressive laws for the support of Religious worship ? Who would deprive every independent Working Man of his vote, unless he was worth 200 dollars ? Who appeal to the Working Men but to deceive and cajole us ? The Aristocracy ! The Lawyers! The Ruffle Shirt Party, who Nominated Enos Foote and John Wyles ! " WORKING MEN OF HAMPDEN— ^loney does not flow into our pockets by the aid of bar rules, by our capital at interest, nor by holding office. We earn our money by the sweat of our brow. Our produce is low, our wages are cheap, and the earnings of our Mechanics are small. Can we bear this enormous load of expenses? We are divided into two parties. The aristocracy is one and the great body of the people, the other. The simple question for us to decide is, shall a small purse proud aristocracy, like a Charles X and Polignac, rule the great body of the people with a rod of iron, or shall the people, like the Working Men of France, Shake off Their Oppressors. WORKING MEN. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 245 Rev. Sanford Lawton was born in Dudley, Mass., December ii, 1798. When eight years of age he moved with his father to Hardwick, Mass., where he worked for several years on his father's farm. He entered Yale Col- lege in 1821, and graduated in 1825. He studied for the ministry and preached a year in Barre, Mass. He taught school in Dudley for a few years, and afterwards was prin- cipal of Monson (Mass.) Academy. He came to Springfield about 1836, and soon after opened a private school on West State street, on the third floor of the building recently vacated (1891) by G. & C. Merriam Co. Among his pupils at this time were Ephraim W. Bond and Allen Bangs of Springfield, George Wolcott, now of Ouincy, 111., and the writer. Mr. Lawton was the first principal of the high school opened in 1841, and located on State street, where the court house stands. Mr. Lawton was a learned Latin and Greek scholar. As a tutor he impressed upon the minds of his pupils that the study of "conjugation of verbs, for the perfection of the languages, was very impor- tant." He was one of the original members and assisted in the formation of the South Church, founded in 1843. About the year 1850, he moved to Longmeadow, Mass., where he established a school for boys, which prospered for several years. In 1874 he returned to Springfield, and lived with his son, Dr. Sanford Lawton, on Maple street, where he died November 7, 1882, aged nearly 84 years. He married Mary Ann Colton, of Longmeadow, Mass. She was born December 1 1, 1802, and died January 5, 1880, aged jy years. Children : four sons, two daughters. Hon. Benning Leavitt, son of Rev. E. and Sally (Jewell) Leavitt, was born in Northampton, N. H., in 1793. Coming to Cabotville (now Chicopee) many years before it became a town, he engaged in the manufacture of bobbins, which business he successfully carried on for several years. He invested largely in real estate, which in time greatly increased in value. In 1853, he was one of the selectmen 246 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS HORACE LEE. From a painting by a French artist, 1S31. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 247 of the town, and was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 2, 1843, to October 7, 1S72. He was for several years one of the trustees of the Chicopee Savings Bank. In 1856, he was a member of the Massachusetts Senate from the Eastern Hampden district. He was elected county commissioner, and held the office from 1847 to 1850, and from 1862 to 1865. He was a prominent Mason, and treasurer of the Chicopee Lodge of Masons from its organization in 1849. An esteemed citizen, and a sterling Democrat of the " old school." He died at Chicopee, October 29, 1876, aged 83 years, 8 months, 15 days. Mr. Horace Lee was born in Westfield, Mass., Octo- ber 28, 1795. At an early age he went to Boston and learned the cabinet and chair making business. He after- wards went to Northampton, Mass., and started business on his own account. In a short time, about the year 1830, he removed to Springfield, and was for several years doing the largest business in the cabinet and chair making line ofanyfirmin Western Massachusetts. His manufactory was on Main street in the building now occupied by W. H. Wright, dealer in tobacco, 479 Main street. While thus engaged, Mr. Lee met with a heavy loss by fire, which destroyed his manufactured stock and a valuable lot of mahogany amounting to about $10,000, with no insurance. To extinguish the fire the town had only one small fire engine, which was filled with water from Town brook by dipping it up in leathern buckets. Mr. Lee was married December 6, 1820, in Northamp- ton, Mass., to Laura Clark, daughter of David Clark of that town. She died December 27, 1871, aged 74 years. Mr. Lee died April 14, 1868, aged 72 years. Children : four sons ; now living (1893), Charles M. Lee, formerly a merchant, and Henry S. Lee, treasurer of the Springfield Institution for Savings since 1858. 248 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS COL. ROSWELL LEE, U. S. ARMY. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 249 In 1 818 Charles Stearns opened Union street east from Maple street. The land, being covered with pine trees, was called " the Wilderness." Mr. Lee, Edwin Pitkin, Martin D. Graves, Apollos Marsh, and Samnel Bowles bought a lot of land on the north side of the street, and each built a house thereon, all of which are yet standing on their original sites, except the one built by Mr. Bowles, which has been moved to School street. Col. Roswell Lee was born October 14, 1777, at Canaan, Columbia county, N. Y. He entered the military service of the L^nited States, and was appointed major, March 3, 1813, in the 25th Regiment of Infantry ; trans- ferred in the following May to 37th United States Infantry ; appointed lieutenant colonel September 21, 1813 ; was stationed at Groton, Conn.; had command of Fort Gris- wold in the War of 18 12, and at its close was discharged at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y. He came to Springfield in 1815, was appointed superintendent of the U. S. Armory June 2, 18 1 5, and remained in office until his death in 1833. Dr. Alfred Booth in his reminiscences of Springfield, in 1868, says : — "Colonel Lee undertook to correct certain abuses which had been permitted by his predecessor. Col. Benjamin Prescott, and among other things forbade the taking of spirituous liquors into the shops. The workmen were not disposed to have their liberties abridged, and a further step raised a rebellion. Going into one of the shops in March, 181 6, he found two men named Noble and Charter, wrestling in the middle of the room, with the rest of the workmen standing around. He promptly discharged the two offenders, and as was the custom they got some rum to pay their clearance, and invited all hands out to the ' liberty pole ' in the center of the grounds to drink. There the men resolved that if they couldn't have any liberty, they wouldn't have any ' liberty pole ' and went to work to cut it down. Colonel Lee sent out his clerk. William F. VVoicott, to remonstrate, but they paid no attention, and then the master armorer, Adonijah Foot, went out for the same purpose. He was told by one man swinging an axe io look out for his lei^s, for lie couldtit iell wliere lie s/iould strike next. Finally the Colonel himself went out. and by threatening prosecution 250 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS i^tf^^^^ 4^%i^^C^^ Autograph written March 11, 17S3. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 25 I before the United States court, with perhaps some concession in the way of explanation, they desisted. Colonel Lee admitted afterward that he was hasty in the matter, though on the whole he thought it resulted in good to all concerned." Colonel Lee was a prominent Mason, the Roswell Lee Lodge being named in his honor. He married at Hamden, Conn., December 20, 1804, Phebe Potter. She died December i, 1869, aged 86 years. He died August 25, 1833, in the 56th year of his age. Children: five sons, two daughters. Now living (1893), Mrs. Eliza Phebe Wetmore, relict of John G. Wetmore of VVinsted, Conn. Mr. William Lloyd was born April i, 1779. A cabi- netmaker. He married Jerusha Gardner, born in Springfield, Mass., January 30, 1780, and died March 13, 1859, aged 79 years. He died September 10, 1845, aged 66 years. Children: si.\ sons, eight daughters. Mr. Daniel Lombard, quartermaster and postmaster, was born F^ebruary 4, 1764, In 1787, during the Shays rebellion, he was active on the side of the Government forces in quelling the insurrection. In i8c6, during the second term of Thomas Jefferson, he was appointed post- master of Springfield, and held the office through the administrations of James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams, until June 3, 1829, making a continu- ous service of twenty-three years, when, during the first term of General Andrew Jackson (elected president in 1828), he was succeeded by Albert Morgan. Mr. Lombard kept a store, and had the post office in a wooden building which stood on the corner of Main and Elm streets, where the Chicopee National Bank is located. In 1805 he was with George Blake, James S. Dwight, Edward Pynchon, and ten other prominent citizens, incorporated as the " Proprietors of Aggawaum Bridge," for the purpose of building a bridge 252 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS over that river in West Springfield. In 1810, the Hartford (Conn.) Fire Insurance Company appointed him their sur- veyor in the town and vicinity, and he was authorized to receive proposals for insurance. Me became largely inter- ested in the turnpike corporations in Western Massachu- setts. He was the owner of one turnpike which had its toll gate in Wilbraham, near Collins Depot. The pike extended eastward to Palmer, and was known as the "Lombard Turn])ike." It was finally purchased by the Western Railroad (now the Boston & Albany). He was one of the unconditional subscribers (one hundred dollars) to the fund for the purpose of buying the land which is now Court Square. He was commissioned July 31, 1794, by Gov. Samuel Adams, quartermaster First Regiment, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Hon- orably discharged January 20, 179H. He married Sylvia Burt of Longmeadow, Mass. She died April 16, 1856, aged 86 years. He died May 5, 1856, aged 92 years. They had lived a married life of si.xty-eight years, a remarkable duration. Children : three sons, six daughters. Mr. Joseph Lomijakd was born at Somers, Conn., in 1794. On his coming to Springfield at the age of fourteen, he began work at the U. S. Armory as an apprentice, and continued for thirty-five years in the employ of the govern- ment. Was foreman at the old Water Shops. He was op- posed to the military superintendency of the Armory, which caused his removal from the service. He encouraged Sam- uel Bowles in founding the Republican in 1824. He was a member of the First Church when under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Osgood. He was prominent in town affairs and an earnest Jacksonian Democrat. He died May 3, 1870, aged -jC) years. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. !53 Xo. 364 Main street, the home of Justin Lombard, built in 17S7 at a cusl ot $1,200. The property sold at auction, May 10, 1S93, for $119,250,10 settle the estate. 254 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS CORNELIUS LVMAX AND HIS SOX JAMES. Frcm a painting by R. Earl, 1801. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 255 Dea. Justin Lombard, farmer and merchant, son of Daniel Lombard, was born in Springfield, October 6, 1759. In 1821 he was chosen one of the selectmen of the town. June 6, 1788, he married Phoebe Bliss, daughter of Lieut. Timothy and Elizabeth (Stebbins) Bliss. She was born October 6, 1757, and died June 3, 179S, aged 40 years. Children : one son, three daughters. In April, 1789, he and his wife were admitted members of the First Congre- gational Church, Rev. Bezaleel Howard. In 1819, on the organization of the Third Congregational Society (Unita- rian), Rev. W. B. O. Peabody, he became a member, and was for several years one of the deacons of the church. June 20, 1799, he married for a second wife Elizabeth Loring, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Bliss) Loring. She was born June 13, 1777, and died March 22, 1855, aged 78 years. Mr. Lombard died October 20, 1841, aged 82 years. Children : six sons, four daughters. ^^ cZZa ,^C0 ^''^^ '^ (?t.^i^ c/ Autograph written March 7, 1S14. Mr. Roswell Lombard was born in Springfield, August 26, 1766. He was a saddler and a manufacturer of mattresses. He married. October 4, 1789, Nancy Jones of Stock- bridge, Mass. She died at Coxsackie, N. Y., September 21, 1803. Children: three sons, three daughters. April 11, 1805, he married for a second wife Cornelia Hall of Middle- town, Conn. She died September 5, 1861, aged 81 years. Children : three sons, four daughters. He died October 24, 1843, aged J J years. Capt. Cornelius Lyman, son of Captain William and Jemima (Sheldon) Lyman of Northampton, Mass., was born January 7, 1858. He enlisted in the U. S. Army and was captain of the First U. S. Infantry in what was 256 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS HON. SAMUEL LVAIAN. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 257 called John Allen's Army. He was stationed at Spring- field in 1793, afterwards on the frontier. He married Sarah Mason of Boston. He died at Vincennes, Ind., March 23, 1805, aged 47 years. Child: James Lyman, who died unmarried. Hon. Samuel Lvman. It has been stated* that in the records both of the town and of the church in Northampton, Mass., for the first fifty years or more, the name of Lyman is generally written " Liman." In the pedigree of the Lymans in England, it is evident that the above names were recognized as the same, from the fact that Sir John Leman, Lord Mayor of London, 16 16, had a correspondence with the widow of Henry Lyman, brother of Richard, respecting her return to England: and that the father of Sir John held part and parcel of the same estate which came into the possession of the Lymans, by the marriage of Thomas Lymanof Navistoke, with Elizabeth Lambert. The name of Lyman, in this orthography, appears in the parish records of High Ongar as far back as 152L The ancient and honorable lines of Lambert and L^mfreville unite in the marriage of Sir William Lambert and Johanna de Umfreville, and they become the ancestors of the Lyman family, by the marriage of their great granddaughter with Thomas Lyman, Esq., of Navistoke, county of Essex, in England. This Thomas becomes the great grandfather of Richard, who was the great great great grandfather of the Hon. Samuel Lyman. The Lyman family have, at different times, borne live separate armorial bearings or emblems, of which two only are worthy of particular notice. The second figure in the quartering is the coat of arms of Elizabeth Lambert, the heiress, who by her marriage, about 148S, with Thomas Lyman, of Navistoke, near High Ongar, brought large estates into the family. The third is the armorial bearings of Sarah Osborne, the wife of Richard, the original immis:rant to America. 'See "Genealogy of tlie Lyman Family," by Lym.iii Coleman, D.D. iS 258 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Papers are in the possession of the Lyman family, show- \n-'/ He was married by Rev. Dr. Wayland, at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., to Charlotte Lester, daughter of Captain Lester (who was a shipowner and importer, and a direct descendant of the Earl of Leicester, whose coat of arms is in possession of a member of Mr. Sargeant's family). She was born in Connecticut, and died at Detroit, Mich., July 26, I.S86. Their children : Rev. Horatio Lester Sargeant, who was chaplain of the 14th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the War of the Rebellion, and died at West Springfield, Mass., July 25, 1866, aged 32 years : Thomas Bradford Sargeant, who resides in Detroit, Mich.; Charlotte Maria Sargeant, who married George E. King of Detroit, Mich., and died March 5, 1887 ; Mary Amelia Sargeant, who married L. Ely Day, and resides in Boston. Mrs. Day established " Housatonic Hall " (an educational institution). Great Barrington, Mass , and was principal with an associate for several years, retiring from it in 1887. Afterwards she was principal of one of the Wellesley Col- lege preparatory schools for a time. "Housatonic Hall' has been a flourishing school from the first, and at present ranks among the best. Mr. Sargeant was returning from St. Catharine's, Canada, where he had been spending a few weeks for his health, and stopping for a visit to his sister, Mrs. Rockwood, at Hartford, Conn., was taken suddenly very ill, and died September 26, 1864, aged 72 years. Mr. Thoma.s Sargeant was born in 1773. He came to Springfield about the year 1785, and commenced the watch and jewelry business in a wooden building which stood nearly opposite the Exchange Hotel (recently torn down), on Main street. He built the hotel about 1820, also the brick house for a residence which stood where the Pynchon l^ank block now is. The house was moved back on to West State street (Nos. 92 and 94), to make way for the bank building, which was erected in 1853. Mr. Sargeant was one of the selectmen of the town in 18 18-19-20, 328 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS and foreman in the fire department. He subscribed $100 to the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square. His wife, Lydia, was admitted a member of the First Congregational Church (Rev. Bezaleel Howard), in March, 1800. She died May 5, 1855, aged 81 years. Mr. Sargeant died May 16, 1834, aged 61 years. Their son Thomas died at sea, June 25, 1825, aged 27 years. Otis A. Seamans, Esq., was born in Rhode Island, and came to Springfield, a poor orphan boy, about the year 1832. He taught school, and afterwards studied for the profession of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1843. His office was on the " Hill," where he had considerable practice. He was a land surveyor, a member of the school committee for several years, and a member of the Common Council from Ward five, in 1856 and 1861, and in 1859 was a member of the House of Representatives. He married Miss Steel. Children: two daughters. He died February 6, 1862, aged 50 years. Dr. Edwin Seeger was born in 181 i, at Northampton, Mass., where his father, Dr. Charles Lewis Seeger, a native of Germany, settled early in the present century. Edwin Seeger entered Jefterson Medical College, Phila- delphia, and was graduated in 1832. When twenty-one years of age he came to Springfield, where for thirty-four years he lived and devoted himself to his profession, the duties of which he performed with diligence and faithful- ness. In October, 1852, he was associated with Dr. Jefferson Church in a proposal to publish the work of Dr. William Tully upon " Materia Medica," which was issued in 1857- 58, in two volumes. He was opposed to the perpetuation of slavery and strongly in favor of making the territories of the United States free for settlement. He married Harriet Woodworth F'oot, daughter of AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 329 Adonijah and Clarissa (Woodworth) Foot. She was born July 21, 1 8 14, and died August 26, 1843, aged 29 years, leaving a daughter, Harriet Seeger. He married for a second wife Elizabeth A. White, daughter of Col. John H. White, of Lancaster, N. H. Dr. Seeger died September 26, 1866, aged 55 years. Children: three sons. Now living (1893), William T. and Charles L. Seeger, both of New York. Autograph written July 13, 185S. Col. Samuel Adams Shackford, merchant, son of Seth R. and Martha Shackford, was born in New Market, N. H., in 181 1. He came to Chicopee Falls about the year 1834, and was for many years a prominent merchant. August 30, 1838, he was commissioned by Gov. Edward Everett brigade inspector, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia ; discharged April 24, 1840. In 1844 he formed a partnership with George S. Taylor, under the firm name of Shackford & Taylor, and engaged in the general merchandise business until 1863. He was a member of the House of Representatives from Chicopee in 1853-54- He died in Chicopee Falls February 3, 1864, aged 53 years, 6 months. Mr, Calvin SiiATrucK. was born in Havvley, Mass., July 30, 1790, was reared in Charlemont, Mass., and came to Springfield at the age of twenty-two years. In 1 8 14 he went into the United States service at the Armory, in which he continued for nearly thirty years. He after- wards engaged in farming, also carried on the livery busi- ness. He entered into the mulberry and silk culture about the year 1838, in which he was successful. At one time he fed 300,000 silkworms, said to be the largest number any 330 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Number 29 Elm street was the home of Charles Sheldon, who built the house about the year 1772. In February, 180S, Rev. Bezaleel Howard bought the property and resided there until his decease in 1S37. Henry Adams, who was a jeweler, occu- pied the house in 1S39-40. Alfred A. Allen was the next occupant, having bought the jMoperty of the heirs of Rev. Mr. Howard. In 1865, Mr. Allen sold it to Gilbert A. Smith, who resided there until 1867, when in May, the same year, Henry Fuller, Jr., l^urchased it and lived there until his decease in 18S7. The house is now the home of Mrs. Fuller. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 33 I one ever had in ihe state. He was one of the original owners of the Hampden Brewery, which was located on Myrtle street. Through his influence he persuaded his partners to give up the business. He was on the last two tickets for selectman of the town government, in 1850 as a Democrat, and in 185 i as a Free-soiler. He became master of the old Masonic Lodge, and was one of the early mem- bers and supporters of the Olivet Church. He was a soldier in the last war with England, 1812-15. On the loth of March, 1818, he married Betsey Sprague of Ludlow, Mass. She was born in Andover, Conn., and died in Springfield May 29, 1882, at the age of 84 years. He died suddenly of paralysis, July 28, 1855, just complet- ing his 65th year. Their children, living: Elizabeth, wife of Artemas Bigelow, one of the first graduates of Wesleyan University ; Calvin S., Congregational minister, mostly at the West and South ; Emily C, widow of F. F. Battles, Lowell, Mass.; Lucius A. and Frederick R., metal brokers, Boston, Mass.; Porter S., machinist, and William H., farmer, Springfield. Frederick R. was a captain during the War of the Rebellion, and third of rank in the United States signal service. Mr. Shattuck's father was a captain in the Revolutionary War. Charles Sheldon was born in 1757. In 1787 and for many years after he was a merchant, selling dry goods, groceries, etc. His first wife was Betsey Bellamy. Their children were a son and two daughters. For a second wife he married Elizabeth Parsons. They had two children. He died in 1 8 13, aged 56 years. Dr. William Sheldon was born at Hartford, Conn., in 1 76 1. A merchant ; had a store "a few rods south of the court house," where he sold drugs, medicines, etc. The title doctor was usually given to druggists in those days. 332 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Nos. 65 and 67 Dwight street was the home of William Sheldon. The house was built about the year 1770 and stood on Elm street. Colonel Ebenezer Russell, one of the landlords of the old Hampden Coffee House, afterwards bought the house and resided thereuntil his death in 1854. The house was removed from Elm street, where the schoolhouse now is, in 1S66, and is now occupied as a double tenement. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 333 He was a representative to the General Court in 1812, a selectman of the town in 1813-14-15-16-17. He married Eunice Williams. He died in 181S, aged 57 years. Mr. Chauncey Shepard, a prominent architect and builder, was born in Hebron, N. Y., January 2S, 1797. He was the son of Turner Shepard of that place, and grand- son of Gen. William Shepard, an officer in the Revolution- ary War, and who had a command in the Shays rebellion Chauncey Shepard learned his trade in Westfield, Mass., where he served an apprenticeship of several years, acquir- ing a thorough knowledge of the trade in all its branches. After serving his time, he went to Philadelphia with his former master, and worked there for a time, and then re- turned to W^estfield, where in 1822 he married Lydia Dewey (eldest daughter of James Uewey, with whom he lived fifty- one years), and afterwards moved to Springfield and lived in the house on State street, formerly the residence of the late Rev. Dr. Peabody. Mr. Shepard's first work in Spring- field was on the First Church (Rev. Dr. Osgood, pastor). His work was the best of his day, and many of the old sub- stantial buildings of Springfield bear testimony of his skill as a workman. Examples of his early work were the fine residences of David and John Ames, the former of which he remodeled forty-one years after it was built ; of his later work, the residences of William Gunn on Maple street, R. F. Hawkins on Mulberry street, D. B. Wesson on High street, Horace Smith on Maple street. Dr. A. Lambert on State street, and many others : also Smith & Wesson's pistol works. Among the public buildings which he built are the City Hall, the Methodist church on Florence street, and the Worthington street schoolhouse, in Springfield, Mount Holyoke Seminary at South Hadley, Williston Sem- inary at Easthampton, Mass., and the Allyn House at Hart- ford, Conn. His wife was born in Westfield, Mass., September 25, 334 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS CHAUNCEV SHEPARI). AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGP'I ELD. 335 1797, and died in Springfield, September 22, 1H71, aged 74 years, less three days. Mr. Shepard died April 30, 1875, aged 78 years, 3 months. By his faithful and excellent work he earned an honorable name in his profession. Of their seven children there are living, James Turner and William, in Waltham, Mass., and Mrs. Fannie C. Lee of Springfield, Mass., relict of Col. Horace C. Lee. Chauncey Shepard, Jr., died in 1858 at the age of 28 years. He was a wood carver, and did much fine work for the houses built by his father. Mr. Thomas J. Shepard was born in i8co. He was employed at the U. S. Armory for several years. He was a director and the fourth president of the Hampden County Agricultural Society, which was chartered in 1844, a metii- ber of the House of Representatives from the town of Springfield in 1850; a prominent member of the Hampden Lodge of Masons. He married Caroline B. Ringe of Wilbraham, Mass. She died June 15, 1879, aged 73 years. He died at Sus- pension Bridge, N. Y., November 21, 1865, aged 65 years. Children : one son, one daughter. Col. Roswell Shurtleff, merchant, was born at Chesterfield, N. H., in 1797. His father was a soldier of the Revolution, and his earliest American ancestor was Will- iam (sometime captain) Shurtleff, who landed at Plymouth from the second of the vessels which bore the Pilgrim fathers to these shores, coming from Ecclesfield near Shef- field, England, where now stands the family mansion built early in the sixteenth century. At the age of twenty-one years he received an appointment upon the staft'of the gov- ernor of Vermont, from whence he derived the title of col- onel. He was prominent in Odd Fellowship, and in Free- masonry, a past grand before coming to Springfield. He began business first at Bath, N. H., afterwards at Wells River, Newbury, and Norwich. Vt. In February 10, 1839, 336 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS COL. ROSWELL SHURTLKFF. Fr>ni ,ui ambrotype taken in 1S53. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 337 he removed to Springfield, where he engaged in the auction, commission, and real estate business in a store on the site of Metcalf & Luther's building on Main street. In con- nection with Roderick Burt he purchased the William Dwight homestead on Chestnut street, and opened what is now Pearl street to Spring street. He built and occupied for a time a house on Howard street, afterwards bought the "Byers cottage" on State street, where he lived. The land on which this house stood formed what is now the southwest entrance to the Armory grounds, corner of State and Byers streets, and was sold by him to the U. S. Gov- ernment. The cottage stands on the west side of Byers street (which was opened in 1848), and is owned and occu- pied by David E. Taylor. About the year 1850 Colonel Shurtleh with two others bought a large portion of the island at Bellows Falls, Vt., consisting of a tract of land in the Connecticut river, adjoining the Falls, a valuable water power owned at that time by parties in England. They developed the property by erecting a hotel thereon which was afterwards destroyed by fire. Finally the Island House was advertised to be opened to the public by a lessee, but he failed to keep his engagement. At this juncture Colonel Shurtleff was in- duced by the other owners to fill the place of landlord. Under his management the hotel became popular and suc- cessful. In politics he was a Whig of the old school and took great interest and was an active worker in political affairs. He was an attendant at the First Congregational Church (Rev. Dr. Samuel Osgood) to which his wife was admitted a member January, 1841, from the church in Norwich, Vt. He married Clarissa Gleason of Fort Covington, N. Y , at the house of her sister, the wife of Judge William Steele of Sharon, Vt. Mrs. Shurtleft^ died at Bellows Falls. Vt., in 1853. In June, 1856, owing to his greatly impaired health, and that he might have the best medical advice, Colonel Shurtleff went to Hanover, N. H., where he died on the 6th 338 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHA15ITANTS CICERO SIMONS. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 339 of June, at the house of Mrs. Joseph lunerson, a daughter of his uncle, Prof. Roswell Shurtleff of Dartmouth College, at the age of 59 years, and was buried by the side of his wife in Springfield (Peabody) Cemetery. Colonel Shurtlefif was of a commanding personal presence, genial, humorous, and companionable, fond of a good horse, of which he was a judge and skillful manager. A noticeable intimacy existed between the Colonel and Dr. Osgood, who was his pastor and friend. The esteem in which he was held was manifested by the Doctor through the columns of the local press, at his death, in a manner wholly in keeping with his character as a gentleman of much public and private worth. Children : William Steele Shurtlefi", lawyer, a graduate of Yale College in i^^ Autograph wrilleii March 7, iSi^. 358 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS the window, and bowed to him, but received no sign of recog- nition, which gave much offense to Mr. Ames, as they were firm friends. When they next met the matter was explained. It appeared that Mr. Ames had paid his respects to a portrait of Mr. Stebbins, having taken it for the real living person. The building on the northeast corner of Main and Ferry streets formerly stood on the southwest corner of Main street and Ferry lane, and was occupied by Dr. Charles Pynchon as an office and apothecary shop. Zebina Steb- bins, who lived on the northwest corner of Main street and Ferry lane, offered to lease Samuel Lyman the spot of ground on which the building now stands, to have it removed there, as it obstructed his view. The following is a copy of the lease for 999 years, as recorded in the office of the Hampden County Register of deeds, l^ook 28, page 330: — "This indenture made the 23d day of November, A. D. 1785. between Zebina Stebbins and Samuel Lyman, both of Springfield in the county of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. WMtnesseth. that the said Zebina for the consideration of £(:> los. law- ful money, to be paid in manner hereafter mentioned, doth let, lease, give, bargain, grant & demise to the said Samuel, his heirs and assigns, that parcel or tract of land under a large Store & Stair case at the south end of said store leading against the printing office, together with the privilege or right of passing & repassing to and from the cellar door, at the north end of said building, and Store stand, and is situated in said Springfield, fronting the head of the lane lead- ing to the Great Ferry. To have and to hold, use, occupy, and improve the said land cK: privilege and appurtenances thereunto, belonging to him, the said Samuel, his heirs and assigns for and during the term of nine Jnindred and ninety-nine years, yielding therefore «X: ])aying to the said Zebina, his heirs and assigns, the aforesaid sum of six pounds, ten shillings, at that period of time, when the printing busi- ness shall cease to be done, and performed in said store within a reasonable time thereafter if demanded. '■ In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals the day & year aforesaid. " Signed, sealed & delivered "ZEBINA STEBB 1 N S. and Seal. in presence of ugAM^ LYM A N, and Seal. •'Ahr^' Rh'LEV, " Gad SxEiiiUNS. AND MAXSIONS OF SPKINGF lELO. 359 JAMES STK15BINS. From a painting by J.inics \V. Slock. 360 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS •• Rec'd February 14, 178S, six pounds, ten shillings lawful money, being the consideration within mentioned, and in full of all demands for the premises therein described. '•ZEBINA STEBBINS. " Rec'd February 15, 1788, & registered from the original. •pr WM. PYNCHON, Reg'r." This incident of Zebina Stebbins's horse is related : " On Sundays they used to ride to church in a one horse shay, and were prompt to start at the ringing of the bell. One morning they were delayed. The horse hearing the bell strike, walked off with the empty shay to the church, stopped for a moment at the door, then went to the shed, where he remained till church Vv^as out ; then he backed out, stopped again at the church door, and went home to his master's house, and returned to his stable." In those days it was said that whoever possessed intelli- gence above his fellow beings was '^ as smart as Zebina s horsey Zebina Stebbins's children: Rowland Stebbins, born September 6, 1785, died August 16, 1856, aged 71 years, unmarried ; James Stebbins, born May 9, 1787, died March 10, 1850 ; Christopher Stebbins, born December 16, 1790, died August i, 1857 ; Caroline Stebbins, born June 12, 1793, died August 20, 1834; William Stebbins, born March 18, 1795, died September 15, 1858 ; John 11 M. Stebbins, born July 13, 1798, died June 30, 1869; Joshua Stebbins, born April 4, 1800, died October 8, 1801. James Stebbins, Esq., was born May 9, 1787. Studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1813 and practiced in Palmer, where he had removed. In 1846 or 1847, he returned to Springfield. He was noted for his wit. Un- married, lie died March 10, 1850, in the 63d year of his age. Christopher Stebbins was born December 16, 1790. He was drowned July 23, 1793, " but brought to life again by the providence of God." When a young man he drove stage for the late Chester W. Chapin. He afterwards AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. S'>l l\ [. IS. M. STKHl'.IXS. 362 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS became one of the firm of the John Cooley & Co. freight boat Hne between Springfield and Hartford, having an office in the latter place. When the company closed up their business he returned to Springfield, where he died August I, 1857, aged 66 years, 7 months. Unmarried. Caroline Stebbins, born June 12, 1793. was the only daughter of Zebina and Mary Stebbins. She married a Mr. Lawrence of Monroe, Michigan. In 1834 she made a visit to her parents in Springfield ; on her return to Monroe, she was taken with the cholera, and died August 20, 1834, aged 41 years. William Stebbins was born March 18, 1795. He was a carpenter by trade, and went to Rochester, N. Y. Was married. Children : three sons and one daughter. He returned to Springfield in 1857. His first wife dying, in 1858 he married Miss Elvira A. Cambell of New York. He died September 15, 1858, aged 63 years, 5 months, 28 days. John Kyles Marshall Stebbins, Esq., was born July I3> 1798. He was a clerk in the office of the Connecticut River Transportation Company (firm of John Cooley & Co.), between Springfield and Hartford. He was afterwards a member of the firm. The most of the time during the existence of the firm, Mr. Cooley was a retired partner with a yearly salary for the use of his name in the firm's business, which he had previously built up. The members of the firm besides Mr. Stebbins and Mr. Cooley were Edmund Palmer, Henry Palmer, Hosea Day, Sylvester Day, Roderick Ashley, and Christopher Stebbins. Mr. Stebbins was a director in the Agawam Bank at the time of his death. He was at one time engaged in the coal and flour trade, having an office and store room on the site of Isaac Mills's coal office. In 1829 he was elected one of the selectmen of the town. He married Lois Stebbins, daughter of Calvin Stebbins, January 27, 1834. She was born April 7, 1802, and died May 6, 1865, aged 63 years. AND MAXSIOXS OF .SI'RINr.IMF.LD. Sf>5 tttttJ'' !'^^'"f-i ■"".""■ m -■- J ■ • - i.\tEJ^^^^ftt "Old Poor House," built in 1S02, which stood on Main street near Auburn street; was moved to Frery street, now No. 57, about 1S4S. Overseers of ihi- poor and of the workhouse May 17, 1S02: Zcbina Stebbins, William Smith. John Hooker, William Kly, and Calvin Stcbbins. 364 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS The residence of Ilenrv Sterns, built in 1S20, situated in what was called " Sterns's woods," entrance by Madison avenue; is now owned and occupied by William C. White. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 365 In 18 18 he attended the medical college at New Haven, and studied with Dr. Dwight of Hadley, but was obliged to give up his profession on account of his health. He then went to Monroe. Mich., remained one year, and returned to Springfield. His uncle, Pelatiah Bliss, being in feeble health, made him the offer of the homestead on Main street, the lot extending to the Connecticut river, and the meadow lot on the east side of Main street, now Congress street. He also had the care of his aunt, Mrs. Bliss. At her death the property all came to him. He died June 30, 1869, aged 71 years nearly. Mr. Henry Sterns, merchant, was born at Halifa.x, Nova Scotia, May 11, 1794. He came to Springfield about the year 1803, and for many years was a merchant on Main street opposite Court Square, having formed a copartnership with William Sparhawk, under the firm name of William Sparhawk & Co. On the death of Mr. Sparhawk, June 27, 1834, the late Joseph C. Parsons became a partner under the firm name of Sterns <& Parsons. In 1 83 1 Mr. Sterns was agent for William Prince & Son's Nursery (fruit trees), of Flushing, L. I., and for the Manufacturers F'ire Insurance Company of Boston, in 1849-50; the State Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company, also of Boston. He was treasurer of the Springfield Institution for Savings, from December 24, 1S49, until May, 1858, when he was succeeded by Henry S. Lee. In P'ebruary, 1826, he married Sophia Dwight, daughter of James Scutt and Mary (Sanford) Dwight. She was born December 31, 1801, and died at Rome, Italy, July 9, 1885, aged 83 years, 6 months. Mr. Sterns died July 29, 1859, ^o^d 65 years, 2 months, 18 days. Children : two sons, four daughters. One of the daughters, Mary Sterns, became Countess Marie Catucci, living in Rome, Italy. 366 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS ELAM STOCKBRIDGE. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 367 Mr. Elam Stockbkidge was born at South Hadley, Mass., March 31, 1792. When fifteen years old he was apprenticed to Sylvester Lyman, a tailor at Northampton, Mass., and remained with him until he was twenty years of age. He afterwards came to Springfield, where Mr. Lyman had a branch establishment managed by Sylvester Clark, where he held a responsible situation. In 1812 he began business on his own account in an upstairs room in a wooden building which stood where the Chicopee National Bank block stands. Subsequently he moved to a wooden building which stood where the First National Bank block now is. Being financially successful in his business he bought the land now the corner of Main and Stockbridge streets and in 1821 built the block thereon known as "Stock- bridge block," to which he removed. In 1832 he was in partnership with the late Reuben T. Safford as merchant tailors, under the firm name of Stock- bridge & Safford. In 1861 he became interested in a woolen mill located at South Wilbraham, Mass., then under the management of Charles E. Parsons, a brother of William H. Parsons. In 1866 the company failed, from which cause Mr. Stockbridge suffered losses, said to have been about $70,000. In March, 1873, he was admitted a member of the First Congregational Church {Rev. Henry M. Parsons). In 1814 he married Miss Elizabeth Colton of Springfield, who died October 20, 1826, aged 49 years, leaving two daughters, Elizabeth C. and Dorothy A. The former married James F. Comstock of Hartford, Conn. They removed to St. Louis, Mo., where she died at the age of 26 years. Her sister Dorothy died soon after. Mr. Stockbridge married his second wife in 1833. She died November 8, 1862, aged 54 years. He died June 2i,i88r, aged 89 years. Dr. John Stone, son of John and Lucy Stone, was born at Rutland, Mass., May 11, 1763. He studied medi- cine with Dr. John PVink of his native town. He began 368 SKETCHES OF THI': OLD INHABITANTS the practice of his profession in Greenfield, Mass. Owing to ill health he was compelled to give up his practice there, and about the year i Seating DAN'L BONTECOU. \ Comttee. ^Ci^ 0''^c^^in*>^^ Autograph written April 2S, 1813. Mr. Joshua B. Vinton was born in Wardsboro, Vt., in 1798. At the age of fifteen he worked on a farm for five dollars and a half a month. He came to Springfield in 1824, and entered the employ of Moses Chapman, who then kept the Exchange Hotel (torn down in June, 1890). where he remained about two years. In 1826 he rented the hotel in Brimfield, Mass., which he carried on for one year. He afterwards went to Northampton, Mass., as clerk for Oliver Warner, who was the landlord of the hotel there. In 1831 he purchased the hotel property of Mr. Warner, and was its proprietor until 1840, when he sold it back to Mr. Warner, and then came to Springfield and bought one-half of the old Hampden House of Horatio Sargeant (the other half was owned by Harvey Tucker), where he served his patrons for two years. In the spring of 1842 he went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and for a short time was eno:ao:ed in business as broker in Wall street, New York. He returned to Springfield in 1843, and eventually retired from active business. He was one of the first nine directors of the Agawam Bank (organized in 1846), now the Agawam National Bank. He gave $4,000 to the building fund of the Church of the Unity. 390 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS He married Mary He died May 21, 1869, aged 71 years. Children : two sons ; deceased. Mr. Thomas Warner was born at Springfield, June 12, 1793. At the age of fourteen he went to his uncle at North Amherst, Mass., who was a millwright, to learn his trade. After three years' service he returned to Spring- field, where he secured work at the U. S. Armory at about seven dollars a month for the first year, and a certain amount of rations. In 1830 he was made inspector at the Armory ; in 1834 inspector of contract service, and August 16, 1837, he was appointed master armorer, which position he held until December 31, 1842, when he resigned to take charge of the Whitneyville (Conn.) Firearms Works. In 1848-49 he was associated with D. B. Wesson in the execution of a contract for the Wesson rifle at the Edwin Wesson rifle factory at Hartford, Conn. He afterwards went to Chicopee Falls, Mass., and with other parties established the Massachusetts Arms Company, for the manufacture of revolvers, but owing to an infringement they made on a patent of the Colt's Arms Company, of Hartford, Conn., Mr. Colt sued the company, and after a long contention won his suit. Upon this result the Mas- sachusetts Arms Company dissolved. Mr. Warner in 1852 was associated with the Arms Company at Millbury, Mass., in getting up gun machinery for arms works at Columbia, S. C. He was afterwards engaged in New York in an enterprise for rifling muskets. He next returned to Chicopee Falls, where he resided for several years, and finally removed to Springfield. Mr. Warner was a charter member of Hampden Lodge of Masons, which was organ- ized in 1817. In 1829 Mr. Warner was in partnership with Jonathan Bangs, on the " Hill," in the grocery business, under the firm name of Bangs & Warner. Mr. Warner had great inventive faculties and improved every opportunity that came to him to perfect the manu- AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 391 " Bates Tavern," 75 State street, l)uilt about tlie year 1773, formerly stooil where " Foot's block " now is, and was kept by Thomas Bales. It was removed to its present location in 1847, and is now a public house. Elijah Goodrich kept the house from 181 5 to 1820, when Jeremy Warriner became the proprietor, and it was then known as the " Eagle Tavern." " Uncle Jerry's " was a famous hostelry, having a wide reputation for its many excellences. 392 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS No. 43 Howard street, the home of Uncle Jeremy Waniner. Jenny Lind, when she came to Springfield in July, 1S51, was entertained bv" Uncle Jerrv " in this house. The school children marched in procession to the house, when she "appeared upon a balcony and acknowledged their attention" with gracious smiles and bowing. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 393 facture of firearms. There is little doubt that he did more than any other one man to put the interchangeable system of gun making to a practical test. The interchangeable system of manufacture of the musket was hrst practically taken up by Mr. Warner. It was based by him on a further alteration of the 1838 model. He was the projector of the movement for interchangeability at the Armory in 1839-40. Colonel Talcott in one of his reports made August 6, 1841, says: "The construction of an entire set of machinery for finishing it [the bayonet] in all its parts and thereby dispensing with the process of grinding, so ruinous to the health of man, deserves a medal of gold from friends of humanity. Thomas Warner is entitled to all the credit of these invaluable improvements." In 1 8 14 he married Sallie Hartung. She was born in 1795, and died October 27, 1883, aged Sy years. He died February 11, 1885, aged 91 years, 8 months. Children: eight sons, two daughters. Now living (1893): Edwin Warner, Boston ; Lewis Warner, president Hampshire County National Bank, Northampton, Mass. ; Mrs. Sarah W. Hubbard and Miss Maria Warner, Springfield. Jeremy Warriner was born in 1784. In early man- hood he engaged in hotel keeping. When the Union House (now Chandler's Hotel) was built, in 1844-45, and ready for occupancy, he became the first landlord, and con- ducted the house for several years thereafter. Then he retired from the business, and spent the remainder of his life at his residence on Howard street. In December, 1809, he married Phcebe Bates, daughter of Thomas Bates. He died March 27, 1859, aged 75 years. It is related by a Mr. Willard who it was said was a clerk for Jeremy Warriner, but then (in 1848) was a clerk for Chester Jennings, who kept the City Hotel on Broadway, New York, that one day a Southerner called at the bar and asked for some brandy, which was handed to him with a tumbler, into which he poured the liquor until the glass was 394 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 395 about two-thirds full, and then offered in payment a Span- ish ninepence (12^ cents). Willard handed back sixpence (6j cents) in change, much to the surprise of the South- erner, who said, " I thought you charged ninepence a glass." " So we do, but at wholesale we charge only half price,'' was Willard's reply. Mr. Warriner had the honor of entertaining Jenny Lind at his home on Howard street when she sang in Springfield. She arrived at New York on a Sunday in September, 1850, coming to America without any formal contract with Mr. Barnum. iTi June, 185 i, after singing at ninety-five concerts under Mr. Barnum's management, the contract between them, which she had the privilege to extend to one hundred and fifty, was rescinded by mutual agreement, but at her request. The performances which she afterward gave in the United States were on her own account. She detested humbug. Maunsell B. Field, Esq., of New York, who was her attorney in the contract made with Mr. Barnum, relates that he was with her when a telegram was shown to her, mentioning the enormous sum that was paid in Boston for a choice of seats at her first concert. " What a fool ! " she exclaimed referring to the purchaser. Miss Lind (known as the Swedish nightingale) was a "calm, sensible, con- scientious woman of high principles." The monument to Jenny Lind, just completed in Aberdeen, is appropriately made of Swedish granite, polished, the design being that of a highly ornamented plinth, surmounted by an Ionic cross. A marble medallion bearing a wreathed lyre over the motto " Excelsior " is inserted in the plinth, and below is the following inscription in gilt letters: " Li loving memory of Jenny Maria Lind, wife of Otto Goldschmidt. Born at Stockholm, October 6th, 1820. Died at Wynd's Point, xMalvern, November 2d, 1887." The following is copied from an original programme of the grand concert she gave in the First Congregational Church, Springfield, July i, 185 i :— 39^ SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS PROGRAMME MADEMOISELLE JENNY LIND'S CONCERT, THIS EVENING. PART I. Fantasia, or Favorite Themes of Bellini. Violin Artot. iMk. JOSEPH BURKE. Duett. "Allidea di quel metallo." (11 Barbiere ) Rossini. SiG. SALVI and BELLETTI. Air. "I know that my Redeemer liveth." (The Messiah.) Handel. Mdlle. J EN XV LIND. Akia. " Vi ravviso." (La Sonnambula.) Ijellini. SiG. BELLETTI. Fantasia, or Favorite Themes from Massaniello. Piano Forte. . .Thalberg. Mr. otto GOLDSCHMIDT. ScENA AND Aria. "Casta Diva." (Norma.).. Bellini. Mdlle. JENNY LIND. PART n. Fantasia, or Favorite Themes from the Bohemian Girl. On the Clarionet. SiG. G. liELLETTI. Belletti. Serenade. " Com'e gentil." (Don Pasquale.) Donizetti. SiG. SALVI. The " Bird Song." Taubert. Mdlle. JENNY LIND. Galop di Bravura. Piano Forte Schulhoff. Mr. OTTO GOLDSCHMIDT. Ballad. " Home, sweet home." (Clari.) Bishop. Mdlle. JENNY LIND. A RiA. " Largo al factotum." (II Barbiere.) Rossini. SiG. BELLETTI. " [ihn Anderson, my joe." A Scotch Ballad. Mdlle. JENNY LIND. The " Echo Song." A Swedish Ballad. Mdlle. JENNY LIND. Conductor .M. BENEDICT. Doors open on the Evening at 6 1-2 o'clock; the Concert commences at 8 o'clock. liooks containing the words of the Songs may be obtained at the door; price 25 cents each. G. W. Wilsiin, Printer, Springfiel.I. 1851 AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 397 Col. Solomon Warkiner, son of Solomon and Mary (Bliss) Warriner, his wife, was born at Wilbraham, Mass., March 24, 1788. He served his apprenticeship to a book- binder in Worcester county, Mass. In 1801 he came to Springfield and associated himself with Dr. Elam Bliss* in the drug and book business. He was afterwards in part- nership with Daniel Bontecou, under the firm name of Warriner & Bontecou, selling dry goods and general mer- chandise. Their store was where the First National Bank building stands. Mr. Warriner when he was a young man served in the militia and about the year 1S03 was chosen lieutenant of a company. He was commissioned captain of Artillery, First Brigade, Fourth Division, Mass. Vol. Militia, March 7, 1810; major, August 27 ; lieutenant-colonel commandant, November 24, 1814. During the War 1812-15, he was ordered to Boston. He was honorably discharged August 28, 18 1 5. Land warrants were issued in his favor as major in Colonel Edwards's (company) regiment, Mass. Militia, War 181 2, by the U. S. Government, but he after- wards assigned them to Solomon Sturges and Joel A. Doty. Colonel Warriner possessed much musical talent. He was the musical director in the First Church (Rev. Dr. Osgood) for thirty-seven years beginning in 1801. He was admitted a member of the church in February, 1802. In 1 81 5, owing to business matters, he moved to Pittsfield, Mass., but returned to Springfield in 1820. In 1828 he was in business with his son under the firm name of S. Warriner & Son. He was made postmaster of Springfield in 1842, and held the office seventeen months, when he vvas super- seded by Col. Harv^ey Chapin, who was appointed August 29, 1843. Colonel Warriner compiled the "Springfield * Born December 6, 1779; educated as an apothecary, was a book publisher and seller. Afterwards was in Boston and in New York. He died at his residence on I5roadway, New York, March 30, 1848, in the 69th year of his age. Unmarried. 398 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS SOLOMON WAKRINER. AND MANSIONS OF Sr'KINGFIELD. 399 Collection of Sacred Music," published in 1810. He was associated with the eminent musician, Thomas Hastings, in the compilation and publication of the " Springfield and Utica Collection United," published in several editions at Utica, N. Y., from 181C to 1829. He was the first leader of the first musical society (the old Handel and Haydn So- ciety) ever formed in Springfield. They used to meet in the old Unitarian church on State street, which was burned down October 12, 1873. The choir numbered from eighty to one hundred members, Abraham G. Tannatt being the organist. Colonel Warriner was a justice of the peace and quorum for several years. He took great interest in the public schools and was a member of the prudential committee. When a member of the school committee he was informed that the boys at the Charles street school were unruly and disobedient. One day he visited the school and remon- strated with them for their ill behavior, and said, " My lads, if I am called to come up here again I shall bring a gun ! " This possible object lesson restored order. He married, July 4, 181 1, Mary Bliss, daughter of Luke and Rachel (Colton) Bliss. She was born August 8, 1783. Colonel Warriner died June 14, i860, in his 83d year. Chil- dren : five sons, three daughters. Capt. Walter Warriner, a farmer, was born in Springfield, September 9, 1789. He was a member of the artillery company of sixty men that went to Boston to repel the threatened invasion on our coast by the l^ritish in the War of 1812-15. He was appointed lieutenant of artillery First Brigade, Fourth Division of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, July i, 1816 ; captain February 18, 1817 ; honorably discharged April 30, 1821. In 1825 Captain Warriner was highway surveyor of the town. He was a representative from Springfield in the Legislature in 1834-35 and 1847. On the occasion of President James Monroe's visit to 400 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS JOSKPM WEATHERHEAD. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 401 Springfield in 1817, as the party arrived from the west, the artillery company of which Captain VVarriner was then first lieutenant and acting commander met them at the old toll bridge and escorted them, riding on horseback, to Eleazer Williams's tavern where the president and his party had a reception from the town authorities, and were handsomely dined. In 1 8 16 Captain Warriner married Sophia Collins, born ; died April 29, 1824, aged 31 years. He married for a second wife Tirza Hancock. She died March 3, 1846. He died October 4, 1S71, aged 82 years. Children: one son, two daughters. Mr. Joseph Weatherhead was born at Cumberland, R. I., September 30, 1790. He came to Springtield in 181 5, andsoon after entered the employment of the United States at the Water Shops as a machinist. Being an excellent workman and of good executive ability, he was appointed foreman, and in December, 1825, received the appointment as master armorer, wdiich office he held for eight years, until December 31, 1833, and then for a short time was in office again, from January i, 1843, to October 13, 1843, and again for the third time from December 1, 1844, ^o Septem- ber 30, 1847. He was in the service of the United States Government for a period of thirty-two years. After his retirement from the Armory he lived a cjuiet life at his home on State street, and for thirty years kept a daily record of the weather, the report of which was printed monthly in the Springfield Republican. He was one of the seven members who composed the tirst board of trustees of the Springfield Cemetery Association, which was organ- ized May 9, 1 84 1. In 1820 he married Hannah Dickinson of Amherst, Mass. She died July 21, 1832, aged 52 years. Their only child, Louisa, married the late Daniel D. Warren. She died June 26, 1864, aged 41 years. Mr. Weatherhead died March 25, 1871, aged 80 years, 27 402 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS 6 months, nearly. He was a gentleman of " great purity of character, whose worth and genial nature were highly esteemed by those who had formed his acquaintance. " Mr. James Wells (whose father was a soldier of the Revolution, and an officer in the Second Connecticut Regi- ment, Colonel Sheldon's) was born at Hartford, Conn., November 14, 1783. He was for many years one of the prominent citizens and merchants of Springfield, commenc- ing business about 18 10 as a partner with Gen. Jacob Bliss under the firm name of Wells & Bliss. He was one of the town assessors from 1822 to 1830, and a foreman in the fire department for se\'eral years ; a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 14, 1830, to October 5, 1840, and a manufacturer of paper, with a mill at Suffield, Conn., conducted under the name of P. Valentine & Co. In 1824 he was agent of the /Etna In- surance Company of Hartford, Conn. Mr. Wells was one of the founders and original members of the Unitarian society at Springfield, which in 1820 called Rev. W. B. O. Peabody to be its first pastor. He was clerk of the society for twenty-two years, from 18 19 to 1840. He was one of the forty-seven subscribers* to the fund of $7,035, with which the land now constituting Court Square was bought and deeded in April, 1821, to Hampden county for public ])urposes. He married October 14, 18 12, Rebecca, daughter of David and Rebecca Ames, who was born at Bridgewater, Mass., December 5, 1788, and died at Springfield, May 27, 1 87 1, aged 82 years. Their children were Mary, born June 24, 1 8 14, married to William Barton of Troy, N. Y., May, 1839, died at Troy, February 25, 1891, aged j"] years; James, born July 21, 1820, died at Springfield, March 5, 1890; David A. Wells, an eminent economist, born June 17, 1828, a resident of Norwich, Conn. Mr. Wells in 1839 * His subscription was ;?2oo. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 403 became interested in a large lumber establishment in Can- ada, and died while superintending the same at St. Francis, in the present Province of Quebec, November 14, 1843, aged 60 years. Mr Jerome Wells was born in Greenfield, Mass., April 2, 1813. In 1830 he went into the store of Howard & Lathrop, South Hadley Falls, as clerk, where he re- mained but a short time, and then went to Springfield to learn the silversmith's trade. His health failing in this he afterwards entered the store of his uncle, Daniel W. VVillard, a dry goods merchant, where he remained until 1835, when on the 15th of May the same year he removed to Chicopee and engaged in the dry goods business with Moses S. Younglove. In 1854, upon the organization of the Chic- opee Savings Bank, he was chosen its president and re- mained in office until 1874; a director and president of the old Cabot Bank, chartered January 24, 1845, succeeding John Wells October 9, 1854, and held the office of presi- dent, from its reorganization as a national bank in 1865, until his death in 1880. He was a stockholder and a director in the Gaylord Manufacturing Company from its organization in 1868. He was elected a representative from Chicopee to the Legislature in 1S69, and was chair- man of the committee on banks and banking. On the 2ist of July, 1842, he married Louisa C. Rice of Northboro, Mass. Mr. Wells died November 21, 1880, aged 67 years, 7 months. The wife of Fred B. Doten, cashier of the First National Bank of Chicopee, is their daughter. Hon. John Wells, son of Col. Noah and Sarah (Reed) Wells, of Rowe, Mass., was born February 17, 18 19. He was a student at law in Greenfield, Mass., afterwards entered Harvard Law School, under the instruction of Professors Story and Greenleaf. F'rom thence he entered Williams College and was graduated in 1838, and in 1841 settled in 404 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS Chicopee, Mass. Upon the organization of the Cabot Bank (now the First National Bank of Chicopee), he was chosen president. He was a member of the House of Repre- sentatives from Springfield in 1849, and from Chicopee in 185 I, 1857, and 1865. In 1858 he was appointed judge of probate and insolvency for Hampden county. He was one of the presidential electors on the Lincoln and Johnson ticket in 1864. In September, 1866, he was appointed by Gov. Alexander H. Bullock, judge of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, and afterwards removed to Boston. During his residence there he built a house in Brookline, Mass., which was ever after his home during his lifetime. He received the degree of master of arts from Williams College, and in 1870 the honorary degree of doctor of laws. In 1850 he married Sophia Dvvight, daughter of Hon. Edmund Dwight of Boston. She was born June 9, 1823. Judge Wells died in Salem, Mass., November 23, 1875, at the age of 56 years. Children : John Walter Wells, super- intendent of a mill at Woodbury (Mayo Landing), N. J., who was killed on the morning of November 9, 1892, by the falling of the elevator, and Mrs. James P. P'arley, Jr., of Boston, wife of a prominent lawyer. At a meeting of the members of the bar of the common- wealth held in Boston, on the 24th day of November, 1875, and at an adjourned meeting on the 4th day of December, 1875, the following resolution, presented by the Attorney- general, Charles R. Train, was passed upon his death ; — ^'■Resolved: That the death of Judge Wells, senior associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, in the meridian of life and the full maturity of all his powers, is a calamity which will long be felt by the bar and the people of this commonwealth : that his acute philosophical intellect, his legal learning, adequate in all and pre-eminent in many departments of jurisprudence, his habits of thorough and minute investigation, his remarkable power of protracted study and patient thought, his anxious conscientiousness and unfailing devotion to duty, his absolute intellectual and moral independence and impartiality, made him a pillar of strength in our judicial system: while his native modesty, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, the gentleness and AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 405 courtesy of his manners, his simphcity, innocence, and purity of lieart and life, endeared him to all who came within the sphere of his influence." Mr. Philip Wilcox, merchant, was born September 2, 1800, at East Berlin, Conn. He was a lineal descendant of the fourth generation from Daniel Wilcox, who emi- grated from England, and settled in Middletown.Conn., then an unbroken wilderness. Philip Wilcox came to Spring- field in 1823 and started the tinware and stove business on State street on the "Hill," in the building which stood where the old John Hancock Bank building stands. About 1827 he moved down on State street near Main in the block recently torn down (January, 1893). He was at one time in partnership with his brother, Philo F. Wilcox; they were the first to manufacture stoves in this vicinity. In 1830 he bought of Charles Stearns the middle store in the old town hall and soon after removed to that place. About 1832 he sold the store to Capt. Henry L. Bunker, and bought of Dr. Elisha Edwards the corner store next to Market street, to which he moved. In 1833 he bought the old brick schoolhouse which stood in the rear of the town hall and tore down the west end of the building, and built the block on its site, now along Market street, for his shop and warehouse. He was a liberal advertiser. In \.\\& Republican of August 31, 1831, after mentioning in about forty lines the articles he has for sale, he closes by saying, " Please keep in re- membrance the Batik*- and its contents, and yon cannot mistake the place." The following is a copy of his certificate as a member of the Hampden Mechanics Association : — '• This certifies that Philip Wilcox has been admitted a member of the Hampden Mechanics Association and is entitled to all the privi- leges belonging to the same. This certificate is transferable only by consent of the Association : — *The old Springfield Bank, which was directly opposite his store. 4o6 SKETCHES OF Till OLD INHABITANTS AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 407 " Given under my hand and the seal of the Association at Spring- field this fifth day of February, A.D. 1824. •'A. G. TANNATT, ELIJAH BLAKE, Secretary. Presidents In November, 1824, he was admitted a member of the First Congregational Church (Rev. Samuel Osgood), from the church in Berlin, Conn., and was connected with the South Congregational Church, of which he was one of the original trustees. He married June 26, 1823, Eliza Parmelee at Middle- town, Conn. She was born February 19, 1804, and died January 12, 1847, aged 43 years. He died November 19, 1842, aged 42 years. Children : two sons, two daughters. Now living (1893): John P. Wilcox and Mrs. Henrietta B. Dexter. Mr. Philo Y . Wilcox, son of a farmer, was born in East Berlin, Conn., in 1806. He came to Springfield about the year 1824, and learned the trade of a tinner in the shop of his brother on the "Hill," and was for a short time in partnership with him. He afterwards went into business on his own account near the southeast corner of Main and State streets. In a few years he bought the property which he occupied, and was the owner of the land on which is now (1893) being erected the Masonic building, corner Main and State streets. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assur- ance Company from October 6, 1834, to October 4, 1869, and its president from October 4, 1841, to October i i, 1850. In 1840 he was elected a director in the Chicopee I^ank, Springfield, now the Chicopee National Bank, and president from June, 1850, to January, 1865. He was a member of the Common Council from Ward three in 1854, and a repre- sentative in the Legislature from Springfield, in 1859. He married Orpha J. Wood. She died February 26, 1890, aged 82 years. He died January 9, 1871, aged 65 years. Children : five sons, one daughter. 40S SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS HON. TUSTICK WIl.LARD. AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 409 Mr. Daniel Wheelock Willakd, merchant, son of Ruel and Margaret (Wells) Willard, was born in Green- field, Mass., December i8, 1799. He received his educa- tion in the common schools of the town, and presumably from the academy. He removed to Springfield in early manhood and engaged in mercantile business, having as partners (at various times), Benjamin Day, in 1829, under the firm name of Day & Willard, and in 1831 Christopher Bliss, firm being Willard & Bliss, and later Henry Smith, under the firm name of Willard & Smith, and at one time was a member of the firm of Howard & Lathrop at South Hadley, Mass. In 1838, he was a representative from Springfield in the Great and General Court and ser\ed on committees where his financial talents were valuably employed. Mr. Willard was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from October 7, 1839, to October 4, 1841, and one of the original corporators of the Hampden County Agricultural Society, chartered in 1844. He was interested in politics and wrote a number of articles as editorials for the Republican when published by Samuel Bowles, the founder (1824). In 1S44-45 he was one of the parish com- mittee of the Unitarian society and a devoted member. He married Harriette Clapp of Northampton, Mass. She died October 11, 1832. For a second wife he married Helen A. Sw^ift (daughter of Dr. Zephaniah Swift, late of Farmington, Conn.), who resides in New York city with her son, Daniel W. Willard. Mr. Willard had an excellent library in which he was a diligent student. He was "a man of strict integrity, with a high sense of justice, and was liberal in upholding the interests and charities of his church." He died September 23. 185 i, in his 52d year. Hon. Justice Willard was born in Greenfield, Mass., April 5, 1790. He entered Dartmouth College, from which he was graduated in 181 1. He studied law with Elijah Alvord at Greenfield, and was admitted to the bar in 18 16. His first public office was as United States deputy col- 4IO SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS lector of internal revenue in 1815-16. In i8i4he removed to Springfield. He was a member of the House of Repre- sentatives to the General Court in 1S23, and in 1825 was a member of the Senate. From 1820-22 he was editor of the HaDipdcn Patriot, a newspaper controlled by prominent Democrats. In June, 1829, he was appointed register of l)robate for Hampden county, and held the office until July I, 185 I. He was one of the commissioners to qualify civil officers and was a justice of the peace for many years. Mr. Willard took much interest in the Springfield Republi- can when first started by Samuel Bowles in 1824, and contributed many timely articles to its columns during his lifetime. He was a lawyer of ability, and possessed of much warmth of character. At the social gatherings of his friends of the bar, by whom he was greatly esteemed, he was the soul of wit and enjoyment. In 18 19 he was one of the subscribers ($100) to the fund for the purchase of the Court Square property. Mr. Willard was a zealous member of the Unitarian society, and one of the committee in its affairs in 1825-26-27. He was a director in the Springfield Mutual Fire Assurance Company from Novem- ber 3, 1828, to October 7, 1839, ^'""^ secretary from March 9, 1838, to June 4, 1849. He married Sarah Lyman Bryant. She died May 9, 1853, aged 57 years. He died April 11, 1864, aged 74 years. Children : two sons, seven daughters. Now living (1893) : Sarah B. and Charlotte Willard, Springfield ; Mrs. Harriet (Willard) Whitman, Washington, D. C. ; Mason Willard, Longmeadow, Mass. ; and Captain Wells Willard, a gallant soldier, who served with distinction in the War of the Rebellion. He was commissioned first lieutenant 21st Mass. Vol., August 5, 1861 ; captain 34th Mass. Vol., October 2, 1862 ; mustered out, June 16, 1865 ; second lieutenant, 19th Infantry, May 11, 1866 ; transferred to 37th Infantry, September 21, 1866; brevet first lieutenant, March 2, 1867, for gallant and meritorious service at the battle of Chantilly. Va. ; brevet captain, March 2, 1867, for AND MANSIONS OF SPRINGFIELD. 411 gallant and meritorious service in the battle of New Mar- ket, Va. ; first lieutenant 37th Infantry, November 5, 1868; unassigned, August 11, 1869; assigned to 5th U. S. Artil- lery, January i, 1871 ; commissary of subsistence, U. S. army, and is now (1893) stationed at San Antonio, Texas. The late Hon. William G. Bates gives the following incident of Hon. Justice Willard : " During the examina- tions bearing upon the policy of constructing the railroad from Boston to Albany, a public meeting was held at Springfield. After a number of persons had spoken Mr. Willard arose with his usual ardor ; warming with his sub- ject he concluded as follows : ' Mr. President, I am told that I am apt to be too sanguine. But, sir, when I consider the improvements of the age, the new discoveries that must hereafter be made in that wonderful machine, the steam engine, and the new applications of the power of steam, I believe, and I am ready to declare, — and I do declare, here, before this audience, and some of you may make a note of it, — that during the lifetime of some persons standing here, a train of cars will run from Springfield to Boston between sun and sun ! ' and then pausing for a moment he contin- ued : ' Yes, sir, I repeat, between sun and sun ! and back again in the same day ! ' The flon. John Howard, who was present and an earnest friend of the road, exclaimed, ' There ! Willard is so sanguine that he always throws an air of burlesque over the most solemn subject.' " Mr. Eleazer Williams, landlord and merchant, son of Dr. S. Williams, was born February 3, 1771. About the year i8oohe was in business as a merchant. In 1830 he was a representative from Springfield to the Legislature, also foreman in the fire department. He subscribed $400 to the fund for the purchase of land now Court Square. He was at one time landlord of the old tavern which stood on Court Square. He was noted for his gentility, and pride in personal appearance. His figure was large and portly — always wearing a spotless, ruffled shirt and wristlets, his 412 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS WILLIAM F. WOLCOTT. AND MANSIONS OF SPKINGFIELO. 413 clothes of faultless make and style, he was the beau ideal of the " host in ye olden time." It is said of him that he would take his time in mixing a glass of toddy, — stopping to fix his hair, or brush his clothes if there was a speck of dust on them, — no matter who was waiting ; taking up a tumbler, he would wipe it inside and out repeatedly, until he was satisfied it was clean. It is related that one individual ordered a glass of toddy, and remarked that he was going to Hartford, and would like it ready i^'hoi he returned ! His first wife was Charlotte Dean, daughter of Capt. Joseph Dean of Boston. She was born March 7, 1773, and died February 22, 1827, aged 54 years, nearly. He married for a second wife Fanny Holbrook, daughter of Elihu Hol- brook of Brookfield, Mass. She was born December 7, 1793, and died at Lafayette, Ind. Mr. Williams died Octo- ber 3, 1834, aged 6}, years, 8 months. Mr. Ephkaim Willi.ams, a prominent manufacturer of carriages and patent straw cutting machines, was born in Westfield, Mass., July, 1798. His shop was on Walnut street near the corner of State, in Springfield, where he carried on business for many years. In 1827 he married Lucy B. Colton, of Springfield, She died February 12, 1855, aged 57 years. He died June 23, 1879, aged 80 years, 11 months. Children: two sons, two daughters Now living (1893) : Rachael E. Williams, who married George G. Clark, merchant, Springfield, Mass. Mr. William F. Wolcott was born in Windsor, Conn., June 9, 1788. When a young man he came to Springfield and was clerk for James Byers, who had a store near the Armory grounds. Afterwards he was clerk at the U. S. Armory, from September, 1813, to March, 18 14. Was reappointed February, 18 15, and remained in ofifice until August 31, 1842. In April, 1843, he removed to Agawam, where he settled on a farm. He was one of the first fifteen 4r4 SKETCHES OF THE OLD INHABITANTS trustees of the Springfield Institution for Savings, which was incorporated in 1827. In 1839 ^^ ^^^^ chosen a director in the Chicopee Bank, Springfield, now the Chicopee National Bank. He married Lois Bryant. She was born in Springfield, May I, 1787, died February 14, 1843, in her 56th year. He died at Agawam, May 20, 1869, in his 8ist year. Children: four sons, four daughters, all born on public grounds — U. S. Armory. Now living, William Wolcott and Miss Helen Wolcott of Agawam, Mass., and George Wolcott, of Ouincy, 111., a civil engineer. Col. John Worthington was born at Springfield, November 24, 17 19. He entered Yale College, where he was graduated in 1740, and remained a tutor for three years. He read law in the office of Gen. Phineas Lyman, of Suffield, Conn., and commenced to practice in his native town in 1744. He received the degree of master of arts and doctor of laws, from his alma mater in 1792. As early as 1757, he received his military title of colonel by commanding a regiment of Massachusetts Militia in Hampshire county. In 1771-72-73 he was one of the selectmen of the town. He was attorney for old Hampshire county under the Colonial government ; was a stockholder, and one of the incorporators of a company chartered by the Legislature in 1792 to build locks and canals on the Connecticut river, that at South Hadley (Falls) being one of those built. Colonel Worthington was one of the executors of the will of Col. Ephraim Williams, who was killed in the French and Indian War, at Lake George, September 8, 1755. and by his will laid the foundation of Williams College. For his loyalty to the cause of the British crown in the Revolu- tionary War, the Whigs forced Colonel Worthington to kneel and ask forgiveness for "his Toryism " ; but being in favor in 1791 he was one of the commissioners to ascertain the boundary line between Massachusetts and Connecticut. President Dwight of Yale College said of Colonel AND MANSIONS OF STRINGFIKLD. 415 Worthington, " He was a lawyer of the first eminence and a man who would have done honor to any town, and any country." In 1765 he was a member of a committee of the House of Representatives to consider Governor Bernard's speech, and the next year he assisted in the preparation of an address of thanks to the king for the repeal of the Stamp Act. In 1769 Governor Hutchinson wrote him to ask if he would accept the place of attorney-general. In 1770 he was associated with Hancock, John Adams, and other Whigs to draft a message to the governor on the subject of removing the troops from Boston to Castle William. In 1772 he was connected with resolutions relative to grants of money for the support of the government of the province. In 1774 he was appointed a mandamus councilor, but declined that honor. The courts were interrupted the same year, and he retired from the bar. One of his daughters married the gifted Fisher Ames ; another was the wife of Jonathan Bliss, a loyalist, who was proscribed under the act of 177H, and went to New Brunswick. Colonel Worthington died April 25, 1800, in the -* *-, J * ^ t. 3r '. -'. ..^^^H p fir ill -H-^^ it^l Springfield Academy. 74 Elm street, now ("ity Mission colfet- h-mse. Tlic part seen in the rear is the original building, the projection on the right of ii:e picture was built about twenty years ago. (See sketch of I;imcs \V. Crooks on page 151.) ANCIENT AUTOGRAPHS. Autograph written January 29, 1750. Autograph written Octolier 3, 1753. ^j^/t ■^A^^^^;^o^ Autograph written October 3, 1753. Autograph written May ig, 1762. Autograph written Septtniber 12, 1763. Autograph written November 6, 1799. Autograph written May 28, 1S03. A Autograph written April 28, iSij. M<'^*^^ ^-^^C^-if^:^^^^i^ (See page S7.) ANCIENT PAPERS. Reed of Abel Chapin one pound Sixteen Shillin-s & Eight pence for My Right in ye inward Commons acco?din- to a Vote of y^ Proprietors of S^' Commons pas'' at a meeting April y^- 2 1/54 & promis to give Him a Deed of S^ Right Witnefs my Hand. Samuel Glover May ye 25 1763. To Abel Chapin, Surveyor of Highways for Springf^- Your Diftrict as Surveyor aforef is as follo'lvs-viz' Including all the Lands & Roads or Highways from Con- necticut River on the west To fifty rod East of Coltons Bridge on the East, To South Hadley bounds on the North, to Chickobee River on the South. Springfield March 2Stli 1765. EdvV Pvnchon, ^ Nath»=^ Ely 2'^ ' Selectmen Robert Harkls, ' ., /^ Benj~ Day, j ^priugfield. Colton^ Bridge muft be Repaired Soon or the Town will be prelent^ and the Surveyor Expofed to a Fine of five PO'-l" 1767. M"" Chapin Sir plefe to deliver to the bearer one Hodgfhead of rum with wodden hops marked E. N. Gaged one Hundred & Sixteen Gallons. Elisha Nash. Att a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the third Parifh in Springfield Lawfully alsembled on monday the fourth Day IVIarch 1776 Voted & Granted to Jeams Kindwell the Sum of ^0-5^-2./ for Nathaniel Taylors Rate that he could not Colect— A True Copy of the Records of Said Parifh. Lef' Edward Chapin, Parifh Clerk. Received, Springfield Auguft 27''' 1787 of Cap' Ephraim Chapin Eleven Pound 6/ i in full for Excife and Impolt, until This Time — and have given two Receipts of this Tenor and Date. Moses Church, D Collector. 420 RESIDENTS AND BUILDIN(iS ON STATE STREET. REceived of Cp' Kphrim Chapin of Springfld in the County of Hampfhire, Five Pound Nine Pence in full for Excife due from the firft day of Novmbr 1789 unto the firft day of May 1790 South Hadly June 13 1790. \ Collector of Excife for Noah Goodman, I the County of Hampshire. RESIDENTS AND BUILDINGS on the south side the "Hill" to Zebina Walker. Dr. Jacob Perkins. Edwin Booth. Sable Rogers. Martin Sikes. Col. Roswell Lee. Elisha 'I'obey. Martin White. Carlo Smith. Mrs. Stevenson. Cyrus Foot. Lombard Dale. Ezra Richmond. Uriah Ferre, Jr. Calvin Gay. Daniel Ferre. Daniel Warner. of State street, previous to i