Cummington directory, 1881

Earlj History '-^

Churches and Ministers "

Cummington Library 1-^

Secret Societies, Temperanci' Moveiueiits 14

Physicians, Hillside Agrieulturai S(»ciety 17

Sketches of families. Traditions, AnecdoUs. et. 18

Centennial Ajiiiiversary 33

Lidustries of Oumminj^ton 34

/ 1UMMINGT0N is situated in the western part ^-^ H.ampHhire Co., Mass., 18 miles from Northampton tile county seat. The Westfield river passes thrK^ugli the entire length of the town from west to east, while from either side of its narrow valley rise to the height of sev e.ral hundred feet a series of hills belonging to the Hoo sac range of the Green Mountain System. In the north- western part of the town, its base washed by the rivei", rises " Deer Hill " its Situthern slope covered with oak trees of remarkably even growth, forming one of the most r.ymmetncd elcvatioRB of land in the state.

The larger portion of the farming population resicte on the higher lands while the several villages and man ilfacturing interests are within the narrow limits of the raver valley.

The town has no railroad connection, Williamsburg on the east and Hinsdale on the west being the neai'est itations. It has, however, tolerable mail facilities being iQcated about midway on the stage route connectiag the

In the exti-eme eastern part of the town lies the littfe kamlet kno^wi as " Swift River " containing a Poat Oifi.ce

and several w<5od working mills. About two miles w^^sl is the pretty village of Cummmgton containing a Post Office, two churches, four stores, hotel, five or six shops )r mills for the manufacture of gloves, saw and shovel handles, towel racks, etc., harness shop, two blacksmitli shops, tin and stove store, and watch repairing establish ment. Three miles west of Cummington village is a mill for carding wool and making satinet cloth. This plac*- bears the sounding title of '- Lightning Bug " At a dis t;4nce of two miles west lies the west village ( huuierh called "Woodchuck Hollow"), with about forty dwelUn^ JKiuses. post office, two churches, hotel, three stores, a <tarriage and cabinet shop, two paper mills, two bla<?k Hmith shops, saw mill, turning shoj), printing office, pen tiolder factory and a clock repairing estabhshment.

The history of the town commences with the sale of the township, at auction June 2, 1762, to John Cuming - jf Worcester, for £1800 Associated with him in this purchase were twenty six others though few >>f the com pany ever became residents of the township. Its arert included the present town of Cummington with j^ortions of the present towns of Plainfield and Windsor, and wa.< known as " No. 5." being one of the ten townships sold at that time.

Col. Cuming was of Scotch descent and possessed re luarkable qualifications for those days, having h^A-n ed iicated for tho medical profes.sion: he also distiiigui.slied himself in military life and took an a<'tive j)art in rduca tional and religious enter} )ri sen.

The conditions of the sale retpiired tht^ reservation of one sxty-tliird part for the first settled minister, one six- ty-third pai't for the ministry and the same amount for

the support of a school forever, and that within five year*^ there should be sixty settlers within the township limits, each having a dwelling 24 x 18 feet and seven acres of land cleared and fenced and brought to English grass, and plowed, and shall have settled a learned Protestant

The first settler was Samuel Brewei-. of Worcester, now owned by P. P. Lyman, where traces of the ancient habitation may stil' be se^en.

In 1765 Charles Prescott built a r.iw mill near wher^ Jacob Higgins now resides. Kuins of tins Ktructnra are also visible.

For nine years the meetings of the proprietors were held in (lonctinl, but as the township was f:ist being set led; it became necessary to transact business of this na t,ui-e within its limits and the first town meeting was held at the house of Stephen Warner ( on the Dea. Rog erator and Wm. Ward, clerk. At this and subsequent meetings the important subject finding a suitable locn tioa for the ''meetinghouse'' seems to hive been t)i< principal topic for consideratu n- Several committees were appointed who '- j)it('h('d upon '' as many sites for the edifice and the eontroversy was not settled for maiiy

June 28d 1779, the (reneral (Jourt passed an .tctincor porating the town of Cumminoton within these bounds: -'beginning at the Nortli-west corner of Worthington nnd i-unning east Nineteen degrees. South sixteen hundred and twenty-five poles, then North nineteen degrees. E;ist six miles to stake and stones, then running West nine teen degrees North ( including part jf Hatfild Equivalent to the Northeast corner of lot No. thirteen of the second Division in said plantation, tlien running South nineteen

degrees to the liounds tiret mentioned." In 1786 the east line of the town was extended to the towns of Ash- Held, Goshea, and Chesterfield. Sept. 3d 1778 a part of the town was set off to Gageboro, ( now Windsor ), and in 1794 a portion was allotted to Plainfield

Among the families residing here in 177ti were those of Samuel Brewer, Stephen Farr, Jacob Melvin, Charles Prescott, Thomas Barrett. Stephen Hayward. Tilly Mer- rick and Obed Shaw. The dwellings of these pioneern were mv)stly built of logs Whenever a new family ar- rived in the township: those alieady residing there would assist in prepaz'ing the house, often cutting the 'timber, framing and erecting the house in one day. The first settlements were made on the hdls in the south part of Ihe town, as the low Isnd on the river was not thought Hs suitable for cultivation, and also because the higher land was ne^ir the old military road from Northampton to Adams and Bennington. At a later date a road was laid out in the north part of the town, passing by where H. A. Streeter n:)vv lives, thence to the river at -- Light- liing Bug. and passing through Windsor to tlie towns on the Hoosac river. Prior to the introduction of steam transportation by rail, this road was much used and sev- (-ral times a day might be heard the sound of the horn l>lown by the driver of the six-horse coach as he cime in sight of each hamlet on his route.

Having thus briefly sketched the most important inci- dents connected with the early history of the town, we shall now classify the several events c«mnected with the churches, schools, and industries, each in its appropri- ate department, which may l)c readily found by an exam- luation of the index.

was organized soon after the settlement of the town, an<l. until the erection of suitable building, the meetings wen^ held at private dwellings. The first church edifice was built about the year 1772, near the four corners on the farm of the late Wm. C. Bryant. This building was re moved to " Meeting House Hill." and was for a number of years the only place of worship in the town. Tlie min isters of this church were : Revs. John Hooker, Jesse Reed, Mr. P;n-ter. Mr. Billings, Mr. Hotchldss. and Rev. Jamts Briggs.

Ml-. Briggs was ordained in tliis place, July 7th L77ii, and remained pastor of this church forty-six yeiirs. deriv uig his supp jrt from the whole town, each citizen beiiig taxed according to his means. During this entire period. Parson Briggs took an active part in all public affairs, opening town meetings ofl&ciating at funerals and wed dings, and performing the duties now devolving on tho school committee. In this t-onnection we insert an aue<' dote related l>y the late Dr. Royal Joy who, while young, came before the Parsoa for examination as a teacher and was questioned as follows :- ' What is your name f

' Are your parents membt^rs of the church ?'

'Vei7 well, here is your certificate.' Mr. Briggs was succeeded by Revs. Roswell Hawkes, Thompson. This society continued until 1868.

was organized at Cummington village, July 1st 1839 br members of the first church who disliked t.. go so far to worship: the church was built and dedicated the same year,^a beautiful knoll of sand being removed to allow its erection on the site purchased of Mr. Tirrell.

The pulpit of this church has been supplied by the fol- lowing clergymen :- Royal Reed, T.J.Clark. J.' J Dana Messrs. Alvord, Hutchinson. Otman. Gary, O. S. Morris and H. B. Blake the present paster.

This society was organized and the here given ) stands on elevated land commanding a fine view of the princi- pal street of the euiber. 1840, Rev. Joseph B. Baldwin became pastor of this church and remained with the society over sixteen >ears. Mr. Baldwin was subsequently called to a second pastorate making, in all. about twenty years of labor in this held. He now resides in the place, having purchas^

Other clergymen who have labored with this people are :- Rev. Josiah Pomeroy, for a little more than a year ;

Mr. Brown, one year ; Charles Scott, one year and one

The church has an excellent choir under the charge of H. L. Allen. In former years this society wag large and prospt'i-ous but death and removals have diminished \U

was organized at the west village about the year 183ii. In 1845 a neat edifice was erected on land donated by Charles Shaw. Soon after the church was oompletf<l Kev. Aim on W. Mason became their pastor. Mr. i\Ias(»n wa^: well knoAvn throughout the entire region, having taught music in this and adjoining towns for several years. He was succeeded by Revs. E.irl Guilford, Moses Stoddard. Mr. Gilford, Mr. Plumb, Mr. Hughes, D. J. Mandel). L. W. Brigham. and Mr. Trask.

For several years? the society has not sustained regula> -ervices, the pulpit being (K-casionally supplied by speak the interest and repair the churcli ; at present, however nothing has been done further than to repair the steeple whicl) had come to resemble the leaTimg tower at Pisa.

was organized at the east village in 1821, with only f am raising of the frame the laborers were stimulated in thai}-

©ndeavoi's by a barrel of ruin.

The clergyjnen wlio bave labored with this society are: Revs. Asa Todd, J. Grant. H. Trumbull, David Wright. Edwin Sandys, G. Tripp. H. C. Coombs and the present' pastor, Rev. A. B. Whipple.

This church must have had a powerful influence upon the community, constant accessions augmenting its num- bers to about three hundred. In later years the society has been nearly extinct, and much active labo)- is neces- »arv to reaain its former influence.

Rev. Wm Willcutt commenced holding' meetint;>< in the '"' gospel shop ( old carding mill ) at Lightning l»ng, soon after 1830. Quite a reformation followed and r«8alted in the formation of a society, and the erection of a clmreh at the corner near the residence of Stephen

This society existed. for about twelvt; years, and pro- quoted remarkable phenomenal revivals. Here it wan That a certain brother, with more religious zeal than ed iication. iiBed nightly to exhort and pray, always «-onj mencm4^: "O! Thou great and abominable Creator!"^ mid closing with a petition to an overruling powei' t« -introduct us to heaven at last.' Pastors:- Revs. Mr Graves. Philo Hawkes and C.MaKou.

was established at Lightning Bug. and was revived by

Noah Packard in 1843. This church had sixteen mem hers, and prospered until the arrival of one Hyde vitli inntructions to introduce polygamy. This revelation Avas* uot accepted by all, and Hyde, with several of his follow ers. emigrated to Salt L-.ike City where he became one of Brigham Young's Apostles.

Unitarian meetings were formerly held at the east viJ lage ; though no church was bmlt, and we do not learn that any minister of the denomination resided there.

There are many Spiritualists who have occasional meet- ings in various parts of the town. Among those who have labored in this section are several of the ablest speakers of the denomination.

Educational advantages were secured, at the first sale of the township, by a reservation of one sixty-third part for the support of a school forever, and tolerable facil ities for obtaining a common school education have been afforded during the entire existence of the town.

In early years an active interest was manifested, and the result was the the erection of an Academy near the place now occupied by Stephen Warner. Dr. Rowland Dawes was, at one time, a teacher in this school.

Many years later another Academy was built south of the Baptist church at Cummington village. Although at that tune nearly every to\m in New England supported a similar institution few excelled it in the number of st\i dents who have attained to prominent stations in literary i'irclee, educational enterprisep. and important positions

m our ^tate and nation. Among these are Ex-Gov. Tal hot, U. S. Senator Henry L. Dawes, and several teachers of recognized ability.

A select school was supporbed, for a time, in a hall over the store on the hill.

The district schools of the town have,, from their com- mencement, been as successful as those of other towns in western Massachusetts. The town was originally di- vided into ten school clistrcts, two of which, Nos. six and nine, have been discontinued. Each of the sui'%dving dis tricts has a convenient school house and supports a school during twtnty four weeks of the year. In addition to this a term of high school will be maintained tlie pres <mt year.

The number of scholars in the town is about two hun-

Among those who hav;^; taught in the town are : Hjyal Joy, who taught school thirty-five winters in succession : L. C. Eobinson, an experienced teacher ; and Wm. W. Mitchell who has been engaged in educational work fo» many years.

An important institution of the town is the Bryant free Library, establihiied in 1872 through the liblrality of tlie late lamented Wm. C. Bryant, and maintained by an an nual appropriation of ^ of one mill percentage on the val nation of the town.

The Library building is of stone, fire proof, and with the residence of the Librarian, (constitutes an attractive* and valuable property. This institution is an ornament to the town and a fitting monuiiiont to the illustrious do- nor who expended $20,0 JO in this gift to his native town- Mr. Bryant also paid the salary of the Librarian until the

This Library contains, at present, not less than 4000 volumes. The catalogue contains a list of hooks classified nnder the headings of theology, biography, history, fic- tion, travels, etc. All books ai-e free to inhabitants of the town, subject to the regulations necessary in all in- stitutions of this kind. L. H. Tower, Libniriau.

In the early years of tlie present century Orion hodgii, F. A. M., wm established at Cuiruaingtun. and regular meetings were held in a hall at east village. This society continued until the famous " Morgan " exoitenumt so em bittered the pubUc feeling against secret order.s that the lodge began to languish and oventuaUy disbanded.

Temperance Movements.

About the time of the Washinotunian tem- perance agitation, a general interest was created, in the east part of the town, through the labors of an able law- yer from some town in the county. The interest was al most universal, and its beneficial results were apparent in subsequent j'^ears.

In the spring of 1878, when the Murphy movement was -sweeping like a tidal wave over the New England states, the west village was visited by prominent ppeakers, and a general temperance uprising followed, in which almost the entire population p.articipated. Blue ribbons ( Mur phy's badge) were donned by old and young, and lasting benefits accrued to the entire community.

Rev. 0. S. Morris, then pastor of the Congregarioual church, was an active supporter of this movemont, and during hia residence in the town, laborr. i with commend able zeal iu ihe temperance cause.

The first Hotel or -' Tav ern " was built where C. C Streeter now resides and foi' a number of years wan pop ular with travellers on the -' Gre it Road." This housR was built and owned by Mr.

Another tavern was kept by Asa Streeter on the farm uuw owned by H. A. St,reet-

Adam Packard opened a public house on Gumming ton hiil. We present a cut of the old sign which hung before this tavern, and be neath which our ancestor^f met for an evening smoke, while they discussed the <>m temporary events connected with the formation of our national government. This old iiign may be seen at the residence of Mr. Pettingill at east village.*

At a later date Seth Williams established a store-house and tavera at east village, where it was m lintained until

*Mr P. has in his possession another relic in the form of a chair- table, brought over in the Mayflower. We as sure the reader that tliis is a veritable fact, although we admit there are enough relics, now m existence, to sink a dozen ships like that venerable craft. -

1815 by this family, and afterwards by a Mr. Sawyer.

lu 1821, Levi Kingman opened a hotel at east village, which was maintained for a number of years.

In 1846, \Vm. White built the house since used as a hotel at east village. Among the later proprietors have This hotel is known as the -'Union House."

A tavern was built by Mr. Tower, near H. N. Elder s residence. It was afterwards owned by Col. L. Bates, and still later by Mr. Albro.

Another tavern was opened, soon after the settlement of west village, by Mr. Keed in the building since u^ed as a boarding house at the paper mill. It is said that Reed sold the "chalk-stone" ledge (in Windsor) aari in vested the proceeds in liquors for his tavern.

In 1840, the present hotel builchng at west village was hoilt by Elisha Mitchell and Wni", Hubbard. Amo]ig the propi-ietors since that time are : Ephraim Whitman. Aj- t-emas Tirrell, Joseph Harlow, Washington Elder. Dexter Dyer Jr., Mr. O'Brieji. Mr Eaton, C. M. Babbitt, and E. P. Hunt the present occupant. This hotel ib large and convenient, and under the management of Mr. Hunt has acquired considerable popularity among traveller.'

The town has always been supplied with physicians. In the early years Drs. Bradish, Mick and Fay attended to the health of the pioneers, ever ready to assist in cui-- ing the people of disease, and just as rvjady to " assist in taking the small pox."

After the incorporation of the town, the following phy sioians have practiced in the town : Dr. Peter Bryant, Di Shaw associated «ith Mr Bryant, and afterwards Ijcated at Plainfield ; Howland Dawes, who came to Cumming- ton in 1780 ; Eobert Robinson, from North Adams ; Dr. Clark; Royal Joy, who studied with Dr. Bryant, located at West Cummiugton in 1834 and afttrwards removed to East Village ; Drs. Tol^ey, at West Village; Richards at both villages; C. M. Bartc^n, at West Village; Stedman. Bemus and Gilliilan ( a brother of James Gutillan of the Treasury Department at Washingtou . )

The Physiciaus now practicing in the town are : A. H. Kimball, at Cnmmington; and Adam Ebei'g, at the West

Hillsido Agricultural Society.

Organized in 18G8 at Cuuimington, with active mem- bers residing in this and the adjoining towns of Windsor and Pliinfield. Although this Society receives nothing in admisr-ion fees, its annual fairs are are generally quit« successful. For 1881 it has the following

SriiPnEv TTAvwAKn, Pr-^sident; R. R. Packard, Treasure*'

N. M G. Atkins, Secretary.

Sketches of Principal Families,

Adam Packard settled and kept a tavern on the Mason place. Wilham, his son, also lived there.

Ensign Abel Packard lived near the road leading from the Library to the hill. Mr. Packard was an officer in the contmental army during the Revolutionary War.

Ebenezek Snei.l Epq came from Bridgewater, and was a prominent man in the early years of the town's existence. His family were di- rect descendants of John Alden of the Mayflower Sev era amns.ng anecdotes are related m which the "Squire'- took a conspicuous part. He had, it is said, two negro servan.s, " Liph " and '' Aleck,"' both a little addictecf to lazme... One day the '^ Squire" sent them to work "log- ging, while he, knowing their characteristic weakness- proceeded to watch them. " Aleck" stretched himself on the ground behind a large rock, and "Liph" crawled in- to a hollow log. The "Squire" aroused the first and set him chuppmg the identical log in which the second dar- key was reposing. The log was somewhat decayed and two or three blows unearthed the recu.nbent Ethiopian who, covered with rubbish, emerged from the aperture, and each ternfaed African rushed toward the house and declared he had "seen de Debbil suah."

Wm. Mitchell also came from Bridgewater. Mr I^Iitchell lived where Charles Streeter reddes. His children were influential members of society. His sons were: Gushing. Pyam- Wm., Chester, Elisha and Bela.

Jacob Melvin

lived on the farm now owned by Hiram Steele, Mr. Mel vin was fond of hunting and often visited Deer Hill in search of game, a ad it is s-iid that he seldom failed to re- turn with a deer on his back. Mr. F. Knapp now living in the place is a grandson of the early hnjiter.

Stephen Farr lived near the old road from Northampton, where some claim he kept an inn. If this is correct, it must have beeii one of the first, and should have received notice in our

Dr. James Bradish came to Cummington before 1780, and lived in thv- bouse now owned by Edwin Knapp. His son, Luther Bradisb was born in Cummington, September 15, 1783. He pre pared for college at the Academy on the hill, an 1 gradu ated at Williams College in 1804. Removing to Franklin County, N. Y., he engaged in the practice of law. Ir 1829 he became Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York, to which office he was elected fourteen years in succession. Mr. Bradish also held i ffice at New York city under the National Government He died in 1863.

The Knapp Family resided in the south part of the tuwn, and representatives of tliis family have lived in the town smce its first set tlement. Shepard Knapp the weaiti^y merchant and re nowned banker of New York, w .-, Durn in Cummington, by industry and integrity acquired wealth which he gave freely in the cause of philanthropy. He was President

of the Mech iiic's Bank, and also held the office of City

Rev. James Briggs the first settled minister, had one son, James W.. who. in his boy-hood, it appears, hked a little sport as well as other boys. One night after the family had retii'ed and the good parson was meditating on his sermon, just as he reached sixteenthly he was startled by the report of a gun in the boy's bed-chamber. Jumping out of bed the excited dominie rushed to his door and asked:-. "James, James, what is the matter ?" "Notliing, father, only shooting bed-bugs."

Mr. Briggs kept a few sheep which he very much val- ued. A neighbor had a grudge against the parson, and Scribner's Monthly thus tells how he paid it :- " One evening he appeared at the parsonage and in a manner betravmg the livliest concern, informed Mr. Briggs that one of his most valuable sheep was very sick down in a field near the highway. The anxious clergyman sped to the place described with breathless haste, and lo ! there in corner of a fence, dead drunk, was a favorite parish- ioner, - a sick sheep indeed."

Dea. Barnabas Packard was the grandfather of the Packards now hving in the west part of the town and in Plainfield and Windsor.

Saimuel Thompson settled on the hill in the south western part of the town. He was a soldier in the continental army during the Rev olutionary War, was taken prisoner and endured priva tions of the severest type. His sous were : William. Ja

cob, Samuel aud Joseph- Jacob and Samuel removed to Windsor, Joseph went to Boston, and William remained on his father's farm. Mrs. Mason, a daughter of the old soldier is still living-.

Dr. Peter Bryant came from Bridgewatcr, married Sarah Snell, ( daughter of Ebenezer Snell Esq..) and located his practice in Cum- mington. He was an ^ble physician and jDrominent in public matters. The dwelling-house near " Lightning Bug," now occupied by a colored family, was originally Dr. Bryant's ofl&ce, and was moved over a hard crust of snow, to its present location. Three of the Dr's sons. Austin, Arthur and John H., removed to Princeton, 111., where the two last named are stQl living. His secvmd son

was born in Cummington, early years were passed in

this locality, and the im- pressions made on his ju- venile mind by the roman- tic scenery with wliich he was surrounded, occasion- ally found expression in the gifted writings of his mature years.

His first poem was com. posed when he was but ten years old. the first compensation therefor was ninepence. Soon after he commenced writing scraps of poetry which were pubhshed in the " Hampshire Gazette." At four- teen years of age he wrote the "Embargo."' a political poem which fairly gave the author a name among Ameri

can poets, and " Tbanatopsis, " written when he was on ly eighteen years of age, established his fame wherever the Enghsh language is spoken. He prepared for college under the instruction of Revs. Thomas Snell, of Brook field, and Moses Hallock, of Plainfield. At the age of sixteen he entered Williams College, but on account of his father's limited circumstances, was unable to grad-

Mr. B. engaged in the study of law with Judge Howe of Worthington, and Hon. Wm. Baylies of Bridgewater. Was admitted to the bar at Plymouth. He practiced, for a short time, at Plainfield, and then removed to Great Barrington. While there he wrote several of the poems which have made their author famous. The legal profes- sion was not congenial to his nature and in 1825 he re moved to New York to become associate editor of the " New York Review." Two years later he became edit- or of the " New York Evening Post." which position he retained imtil the close of his illustrious life.

In 1864 he purchased the old homestead in Cumming- ton, and expended a large amount of money in improv- ments on buildings and land. He resided here during the summer months, and seemed to enjoy the moments passed in the home of his childhood.

He died in June, 1878, from a sickness induced by a fall received a few days previous. A monument has late- ly been erected on the site of his birth-place.

Mr. Bryant's life was in keeping with the noble princi- ples of temperance and purity infusing all his writings. Few men ever attained such prominence with so few en-

-' The words of fire that from his pen Were flung upon the fervid page,- Still move, still shake the hearts of men, Amid a cold and coward age."

Stephen Warner was an early settfer on the place now owned by Deacon Rogers. This family afterwards removed to Michigan.

The Dawes Family.

Samuel Dawes, from Abingtou, came to Cummington about the year 1780. Three of his sons, Howland, Dan iel and IVIitchell, remained in Cummington, and the oth ers removed to Windsor. Jl owland w^s a physician and by his genial nature endeared the hearts of the people to whose physical wants he ministered. Mitchell had two sons, Francis H. Dawes Esq. , who is an influential citi zen of Gummington, now living at the Bryant place; and

who received his Acaacmic education at CummingtoUj and after completing liis studies at college, located in the practice of law at North Adams. He) was elected to Con gress, and ably represented his district during the crit- ical period when our n ition w.i,b involved in civil war.

After the death of Hon. Charles Sumner, in 1874, Mr. Dawes was chosen to fill his unexpired term as United States Senator, and in 1881 was re-elected to the same office. Mr. Dawes now resides at Fittsfield, Mass.

Josiah PIayden lived in the east part of the town for many years, and af terwards removed to Williamsburg. His son, Joel Hay- den, founded the extensive brass works at Haydenville, and was several times elected Lieutenant Governor of

Nehemiah Joy located in Cummin gti n soon after the Revolution His son. Royal Joy, was for many years a teacher and phy- sician in the town.

John Mellen who liTed on Cummington Hill, was a desceudant of the royal family of Scotland. His ancestors suffered by the confiscation of their property and emigrated to Ireland Mr. Mellen enlisted in the British navy and participated m the battle of the Nile. After leaving the service he came to America. James Mellen, now living in the town is a member of this family.

came from Hingham. Several of his descendants reside m Cummington and vicinity.

lived on the farm now occupied by hie grandson H. A. Streeter. His wife, a descendant of Rev. John Cotton, was an estimable lady of cufture and refinement.

will receive notio under head Industries. Etc.

Now li\ang in Cummington, was bcm in Plainfield, stationed at Smyrna, employed in the printing depart- ment of the American Ti-act Society. On his return to America he engaged in the manufacture of Arabic type, used inpubHcations of the above named Society.

Hon. John H. Bryant, in a poem read at the centen- uial anniversary of the incorporation of the town, tells of a feud which existed in the early years. The settlers who came from Worcester county were called "Tunkers" and those from Plymouth were known as "Whickaneers." If a Tunker bruised hie finger he said he had "squat" it, while a Whickaneer used the word "jam" to describe the same accident; hence, "Squat" and "Jam" became the watchwords of the respective parties who raUied un der their leaders with a zeal worthy of a better cause.

This controversy was carried into town meetings, and became the exciting topic at election. The Tunkers felt certain that if the other pirty gained the ascendancy the direst calamities would afflict the town, while the oppo- site party were just as sure that misfortunes little short of earthquakes and famine must inevitabh occur mider a Tunker adminstration. At each annual town meeting the Snells, Packards and their adherents arrayed their solid forces against the Wards, Bradishes and Warners, and, by use of the same tactics adopted by modern poli ticians, endeavored to extinguish his opponent.

In the course of time members of the two parties in- termarried, and it soon became apparent that to main^ tain party lines would sacrifice domestic happiness, and cause "unpleasantness in the family." A reconciliation was therefore effected between the factions, dropping -'squat" and "jam" and substituting " bruise," thereby introducing an era of peace for the inhabitants of Cum-

Many years ago there lived in Cummington, two mer chants ( brothers ) who were noted for their shrewdness. These men collected a large siipply of sorrel seed and went to Bost<:)n to dispose of it. The elder brother first visited the principal stores in the city and inquired fo) -' Flare top," a new kind of grass seed. On being told at each place that the article was unknown in that local- ity, he expressed much regret and politely requested the merchants, if an opportunity occured, to purchase sev eral bushels for his particular use,

In a few days the younger brother arrived and found no difficulty in disposing of the entire lot at a good price. The brothers then made their exit, leaving the Boston merchants to wonder why no one called for "Flare top.'

While the above incident would indicate that the two brothers were proficient in shrewdness, another anecdote will show that they were deficient in education. They purchased the goods for their store at Boston and were surprised to find in the bill numerjus charges for "dit to." One of the brothers went to t)ae Boston dealer de daring they "had never bought a pound of ditto," The matter was explained, and he returned to his brother who asked :-

" Well, what does so much ditto mean 1" d d fool and you are ditto."

Formerly every town could boast of its haunted house or buried gold, concerning which, marvelous stories of ghosts and apparitions were frequently told. Diligent search among the traditions of Cummington fails to dis cover any habitaticn suppcstd to shelter spirits - ex ceptin a liquid form. We succeedtd, however, in pro curing an accouut of buried gold, which we give sub stantially as related by one who participated in the affair.

About forty Tears ago a burglar, who had robbed a jewelry store in New York passed through Cumming'ton hotly pursued by officers of the law. Next day the un lucky criminal was captured and disclosed the fact that he had buried the plunder near the house now occupied by Shepard Allen in Cummington. Numerous parties excavated the soil in the locality and wonderful stories might be disclosed by some of the persons who engaged in the search. One party of young men from " Light- ning Bug" and vicinity met in a sugar house to concoct plans to accomplish their object. In these days it was believed that some evil spirit or genii guarded all buried treasure, that none but the rightful owner might obtain

it; accordingly they invited Thomas , who by "hook

and crook" had acquired some knowledge of psychoman cy, to assume the role of magician, and intcjxicate, cut wit, or bribe any ghost who might interfere in this par ticular enterprise.

After versing themselves in magic lore the party went to exhume the wealth which might now be secured with comparative ease. Tom by means of the " divining rod,' a willow branch shaped like a V performing gyrations

oscillations indiscribable, found the right spot, and with the air of a philosopher, posted a sentinel, and ordered the others to dig, while he, with a bottle of whiskey, sought to appease the ghosts.

After each, in turn, had looked at the stars through an upturned pitcher, they proceeded to dig for precious booty so near at hand. All seemed to work well and fre quent gurgling sounds in the direction Tom, indicated that he was meeting with tolerable succeps in putting down the "spirits." At length the bar appeared to meet- an obstacle, and all supposed it was the box of jewelry. Tom was called in, and he decided to place his ear near the ground while some one should strike again. Having placed himself in position, and cried "ready", the other plunged the bar and shouted :-

There was no definite answar, but from the unearthly groans which followed, all wt re cou-vinced that he had ity to the descending bar. The frightened sentinel ran to ascertain the cause of the uproar, and falling over the form of the prostrate magician, extinguished the on- ly light, and in the confusion which followed it was de cided to abandon the enterprise.

The town was in its infancy at the time when the col- onists were rng3p:cd in the struggle for independence. yet the inhabiturts contributed liberally in support of the American r;Tuse. Among the soldiers from the town were: Samuel Thompson, Nehemiah Joy. I.Kingman. Peter and Nathaniel Tower. While a company of Bur- goyue's soldiers were passing through Cummington as prisoners of war, two of the men deserted and became residents of the town.

During the famous Shay's Rebellion several .citizens of Cummington sympathized with the insurgents, and forwarded provisions for their support.

The peoj)le Cummington did not favor the attitude of American politics during the war of 1812, but accepted the sitiiation with tolerable grace and furnishfid the fol- lowing soldiers :- Capt. Whitman, Leonard Shaw, Har- vey Tirrell, T. Tirrell, Capt. Claggard, Solomon Shaw. Syivunus Shaw, Mr. Bates and Nathan Mason.

In the war of 1861-5 the town has an honorable and enviable record, having firriiished its full quota of sol diers. Of these nearly fifty were residents of the town.

itKjmbers of the Massachusetts Legislature: -

Wm. Warel. Jamts Richards. Ebennzer Snell, Peter Bryant. Adam Packard. AbelParksrd, Robert Dawes. liliphalet Packard. Amos Cobb, Wm. Swan, J. Dawes, A Painter. .Tas. W Briggs, N. Orcutt. P. Packard, Jos. Packard, J Orcutt. H L.Packard, Robt. D-wes Jr, H. Steele, R Joy. John Ford. Chas. Shaw, N, F. Orcutt. K. Shaw, S. Shaw, Alm.m Mitchell. Richmond Kingmnn.

Father of all ! whose boundless sway

Rules Earth 'and all the rolling spheren Grant us thy gentlest smile to day,

This day that crowns a hundred years From many homes. fr>m near and far,

From where the Atlrnti^ billows foam. And plains beneath the evening star,

We come, to greet our native home.

Fit place is this, O Lord most High!

Where these eternal hills ascend. Fit hour, beneath this mountain sky,

Around thy mercy seat to bend.

Let love and concord rule the day,

And reverence fv»r those linve old sires

Who hewed the mighty woods away, And kindled here their altar fires.

Here may their virtues still abide, With kindUer, gentler mein than then

And as the coming ages glide.

Make glad the hearts and homes of mei,

Centennial Anniversary

At the annual town meeting in March 1879, an appro priation was made for celebrating the one hunclrcth an niversary of the town's incoriDoration. An executive com mittee, consisting of influential citizens, was chosen to prepare for the holiday Circulars were sent to former residents inviting them to return and join in the festiv ities at their native town on Thursday, June 26th 1879.

As the day approached the inhabitants engaged with interest in the enterprise, and old friends returned from distant lands to look agam on the home of their child hood. At length the eventful day arrived, and notwith standing the gloomy weather, a large concourse assem- bled in a pleasant grove on the upper Bryant place, and with banners and music welcomed the distinguished per sons who participated in the exercises of the day.

After a select choir had sung a hymn composed for the occasion by John H. Bryant, W. W. Mitchell, President of the day, introduced Senator H. L. Dawes who follow ed with an able historical address, replete with vivid de- lineations of incidents in the history of Cummington. At the close of Mr. Dawes' address the entire assembly par took of a dinner furnished by the committee, after wnicli Hon. J. H. Bryant read a poem, followed by speeches from His Excllency Thomas Talbot, then Governor of Massachusetts; Hon. Amasa Norcross, Member of Con gress: Charles Dudley Warner, H. S. Gf re and others. The crowd then dispersed with the detei-mination to at

industries of Cummington.

The Bettlement of " Woodchuck Hollow" or West Vil (age does not date much earlier thaa the commenoement of the present century. Seth Wilder built the first log house on land now owned by Mrs. Wilkes, and his son Abel built another where the parsonage now stands'. At a later date Sylvanus Shaw erected a dwelling on land now owned by Wm. Tower, and some one whose name we do not learn built another where the hotel stands.

Jonah Beals owned a saw mill on the site oi the L. L. Brown Paper Co.'h mill. In 1805 Wm. Hubbard estab lished a tannery at the same place, which was maintain ed for about forty years, and furnished employment for twenty men. Mr. Hubbard also kept a store diuing the latter years of his business career in Cummiugton.

In 1812 Col. L. Bates built a saw mill which was after wards owned by Henry Elder & Co., who enlarged the buildings and engaged in the manufacture of furniture. This business was for several years one of the leading in dustries of the village. At present these buildings are occupied by H. N. Elder, manufacturer of numerous va rieties of penholders, and giving employment to several

Many years ago an extensive potash manufactory was in operation at this village, traces of which may still be seen south of the river on the meadow owned by Charles

In 1820 Elisha Mitcliell of)eiied a store at this village and for several years had a prosperous trade. He took an active part in public affairs, and was respected by the citizens of the town. His son, Clark Mitchell, is now a druggist in Dalton. Since Mr. Mitchell this store has been owned by the following persons : Mr. Parker, C N- Harlow, Harlow & Torrey an:l J. W. Tirrell the present

Soon after the erection of the hotel a co-operative store was established in a part of the building. E. Whitman, Agent. The proprietors afterwards built a store on the opposite side of the street where Ethan Clark and Albert Winslow acted as Agents. This store was purchased by Mr. Caswell who conducted the business for a time and then sold to L. E. Bicknell the present proprietor.

In 1877 E. G. Allen opened a grocery and during the present year has built a commodious store to accomodate increasing trade.

In 1878 H. A. Mason c<inducted a grocery store in a small biiilding o^^'ned by John Barstow.

In 1825 Stephen Dawes erected a cotton factory where Charles Harlow's bam now stands. Mr. Dawes after wards sold the establishment to a company who employ ed fourteen persons This mill was destroyed by fire. While this factory was in operation Samuel Luther kept several boarders in his family, all finding shelter in the small building near the bndge which crosses the river in the village. During a heavy freshet this house with its occupants was surrounded by water, preventing commu- nication with the outside world for one night. So great was Mr. Luther's anxiety for the safety of his family that his hair turned gray from the excitement of that me morable night.

Bela Sliaw formerly had a shoemaker's shop near the place where L. E. Bicknell now resides, and a carpenter's, shop owned by Sylvanus Shaw was in the same locality-

at Cummington West Village, was established in 1828. and has been attended by the following postmasters :- ElishaMitchell,Josiah D.Nelson, Albert Winslow. Ethan Clark, Charles Harlow and L. E. Bicknell.

About 1843 Elisha and Bela Gardiner bnilt the mill BOW occupied by Charles Harlow for the manufacttire of broom and brush handles.

Mr. Bipbee built the mill afterwards occupied by Mr. Brown, and now owned by James Hawley.

M. L. Bates owned a grist mill near the cemetery. It was burned several years ago and has never been rebuilt. A few years since, Mr. Bates and his son Frank built a mill for the manufacture of manilla paper. The enter priee was not successful, and after several attempts were made to revive it, the property passed into other hands and at present remains idle.

About fifteen years ago Spmnel Bartlett started the blacksmith shop now occupied by Daniel Snow.

The paper mill was built in 1850 by Nelson Shaw & Co., who carried on the business for a short time, after which it remained idle until it was leased by Amos Eddy and another gentleman. This firm engaged in the man- ufacture of albumen paper for photographs. The Hi:)l- lister Paper Co. then occupied the mill for a short time, and in 1870 it was purchased by the L. L. Brown Paper Co., who have conducted the mill with the following su perintendents : Wm. Osborne, Abram Osborne, John H. Wiethauper. A fatal accident occured at this miU when the engine was first introduced. The inventor came to set np the machinery, and when all was ready the power

was applied, the inventor stepped back to admire the re- sult of his labors, and missing his footing he fell into the machinery and was instantly killed.

Nathaniel Bartlett formerly had a blacksmith shop near where Eurotas M^ison now lives.

A building on North Street originally a blacksmith shop, and later a penholder factory, is now occupied on the lower floor by S. D. Benjamia, blacksmith; and the upper floor by Wm. G. Atkins, manufacturer of brush handles and " Excelsior " fire kindlers.

On the same street is the printing office of H. E. Mil

In 1879 A. C. Capen erected a commodious carriage shop, which is supplied with steam power and complete in all its appointments.

Amos E Idy has a shop, near the paper mill, for repair- ing clocks.

Mr. Grimes established the wool carding and satinet factory in 1800. This factory whs pur^^hfised by Charles family since that time. It is now conducted by Oharle»

John Ford also owned a sitinet mill at this place. He conducted a profitable busineps and eniployed several

A brick-yard was formerly in operation near the resi dence of Mrs. Vining.

The blacksmith shop now standing on the farm occupied by S. S. Clark, was formerly owned by Asel Bartlett and afterwards by Ins son (Jii^nes.

Daniel Kichnrdp, who lived in the house now occupied by Stephen Benjiunir, was a leading man in this commu oity during his r si-len'^e here.

One mile east, (on the old stage road) was the store of Joseph and Edw vl Lizell, who conducted a thriving business during tlie e"rly yehrc; of the present century.

In the same locality was tli tannery owned by Brack- ley Shaw, and afterwards by iiis son Lorenzo. This tan- nery was burned a few years nince. Brackley Shaw's pons, Brackley, Fayette ;ind William, established several tanneries in Mp^>^ vvd Canada, and are now the most

Caleb L^)ud once had a store in the house now occu pied by Noah Gloyd.

Among the early residents in this village wert: Beriah Shaw on the place now owned by L. J. Orcutt; and hig brother Obed Shaw where 51. I. Jenkins now lives.

James Shaw formerly (mih d a grist mill at ibis place, rhis mill was afterwards rsed as a clotbier's works for a short time. In this locality was also a tannery.

A Mr. Noyes owned a blacksmith shop. Since Mr. N. several blacksmiths have been located at this village. At present there are two ; Mr Gurney in the f'hop formerly occupied by C. O. Bartlett, and F. R. McLellan in a part of Mr. Stevens' building near the hotel.

Various business enterprises have been conducted in ihe long building owned by Mr. Orcutit.

In 1812 a cotton factory was erected by Josiah Hay- den. This building has since been u^ed as a scythe- snath manufactory, and is now occupied by Mr. Stevens for the manufacture of penholders, etc.

Jordan & Rhodes conducted a scytlie-snath manufactory on the north side of the river.

C. & T. Packard formerly owned a woolen factory on the same side of the river. In later years it served as a wood-working mill owned hj H. Bradley. Destroyed by

at Cummington was established in 1810, and has had the following postmasters : Robert Dawes, James Dawes, J. and N. F. Orcutt.

In 1820 Oa-kes Shaw opened the store now owned by

Robert Dawes formerly kept a store where Austin Cowing now lives. This store was purchased by Levi Kingman, who fitted up a bar-room and hall and kept a tavern in connection with the store Mr. Kingman was the father of Richmond Kingman, for many years a prom- inent citizen of Cummington and now living at Battle Creek, Mich.

In 1844 N. F. Orcutt established the store now occu pied by him near, the centre of the village.

About 1863 L. J. Orcutt opened the store, in the low er part of the village, of which D. E. Lyman is the pres ent proprietor.

In 1856 Z. Bradley established the towel rack manu factory now owned by Bradley Bros.

Austin M. Shaw has for several years manufactured a

L. B. Cobb, in the Academy building, has a stove and tin shop.

R. R. Packard has an establishment for repairing jew

Mr. Streeter has a haruess shop in this village.

At Swift River ( better known as "Babylon") there was a grist mill, owner unknown. Nehemiah Joy and Asa Gnrney also owned a grist mill in the east part of Cum

Mr. Guilford formerly had an establishment for man

N. B. Crosby has for several years been engaged in the manufacture of vari()us articles of wooden ware. ,His establishment is the principal business feature of the vil

A file manufactory was, for a short time, in operation at this place, under the charge of Mr. Alcott.

The Post Office at Swift River Avas established in 1809-

The first merchant in Cummington was Roswell HuV)- bard who had a store on the "Hill."

Mr. Otis formerly owned a distiller;^ in the vicinity of "Otis" bridge.

Town Ci.bkk, li It. PACKARD.

(.'.M.LKOTOK AND Treakukek, A. V. STEVP^NS.

In the following lis , farmers, and property holders uot engaged in bxisiiiesH aside frcm the management of their farms, are nui. marked. Others are designated by abbre -viations, thus: s-L, selectmen; c. el., congregational cler-

Atkins, WmG mfr

Allen, ErastuH G mw

Adams, Henry J

Arnold, E iward A

li.'ites. Plulumhr

Hrewste;r. Andrew

Bartlett. John L

Hi Tiji-miii. .Stephen

BarBtow, John

Bradley. Bridgemau hi

iiisho}-. Myron L

Clark M voir

Bogart, Henry 0

Buck. Lucius E

Babbitt. ChasMblksruiM.

Bicknell. Luke E mev. pni

Baldwin, Joseph B c cl.

BiUinga George W

Blake, Henry c. cl.

Bourne, George IVI nit-*

Beals, J Chester ru.«^

Cowing, Austin

Cobb, Henry A

Converse, Emerson D Capen, Arthur C cab.

Dyer, Henry M

" Dexter Jr

Din, Lorenzo M

Crosby, Joseph

Coon, Chas W Conn, Chas H Cranston, Robert m.f Cranson, Cadman A

Dawes, Chas W

Damon, Clinton W Drake. Edmund T Dill, Arthur L

Everett, John Eberg, A physician Elder, Henry N rafr

Furd, Fi-ancis

French. Stephen

Gurney, John W

(iuilford, George W

Gloyd, Noah L

GjoJsell, J ,lin L

Hitchcock, Henry H p.m Hunt, Eberxzcr

Hawley, James mfr " Ebtu i' hotel prop*

Higgins, Jacob G Howes, M^U^u 8

Harlow, Charles nifr

Holmes, Chns 1 Hamlin, Theron

Hathaway, Chas H

H;ile, Nelson F

Jenkins, Richmond Jones, Henry C

^' Marshall I sheriff Jordan Edgar E m.e

Kingman, Alvin

K nipping, Frederick K

Kuapp, Fordyce M

Kimball, A H physician Knapp, Edwin B

Lyman, Philander P

Leonard, Henry H Longley, Edgar L m. e

Lovell, Darius W mer, ael Arthur W clerk

Miller. H Elmer printer McCoy, Tylon

Norton, Edward P

Oroutt, Nathan F mer, p.m Oreiitt, Lysander J wool dl»

Pettengill, Charles M

Parsons, Amasa 0 mfr Porter, Milton

Prutt, Emory 1

Reed, Albert W

Streeter, Henry A

Snow. Orange W car. j Smith, Lawrence

Powell, Douglas S Packard, R R jeweler, t c

Park, Cyrus Fhipps, Chas Pratt, Bernice Proud, Martin V B m.e

Rogers, Joseph W Richards, Francis O butcher Rjbbins, Hiram

Shaw, Wm H

" Austin M auctioneer Shattuck, R W hotel prop'r Stevens, Nelson S mfr

tjylvester, Charles L

Stetson, Charles Stewart, John 1

Standish, Chas H Stearns, Onus Q F

Trow, Myron D TiUson, Edward A

Torrey, Sidney M mfr " Lorenzo H librarian

Thompson, George N sel " Nathaniel

Taylor, Daniel car Tirrell, Spencer N teamRtei

Traverse, John " Arthur W student

Viniiig-. R C w'ks Ilolyoke Vining. Marcus R m.r

Oren H Willculi. Jason

Wells. Alexis " Jesse

Wilbur, Ezra P Whitney, Elliott

Wiothaui^er. J H mill sup Wilson. Charles S 1