Brookfield Town (part 6 of 18)

the retreating band, for want of such shoes, the General Court ordered that 500 pairs of snow-shoes and as many moccasins be provided for use on the frontiers, one-fourth of the number for Hampshire county. The shoes were to be provided by individuals or towns, and the Province allowed 5 shillings per pair (to be deducted from the person's poll tax) - though the actual cost was more. "In April, 1712, Col. Partridge sent the names of 463 soldiers in this county, who had provided themselves with snow-shoes and moccasins, and each was allowed 7 shillings."

Rev. William Grosvenor. Rev. Mr. Smith left Brookfield this fall ; and Mr. Grosvenor was secured to take his place. "Oct. 24, 1705. The Committee for Brookfield and Inhabitants, Humbly propose to this Court, that whereas they have procured Mr. Grosvenor for to be a Minister to preach the Word to them - The people being unable fully to maintain a minister, we earnestly entreat consideration & allowance towards the support of said Minister in preaching the Word of God there. Mr. Grosvenor proposes that if the Publique allow 30I. he will accept of the people to pay the rest to make up a suteable allowance, and this for one whole year, and so for as long as it's judged meete he abide in said service.

The House of Representatives voted to grant the sum of ;^20. The Council concurred, with the proviso : " that said minister be approved by the Governor and Council." The House disagreed, and the proviso was stricken out, and ^20 granted.

The annual grant of ^20 was continued, and Mr. Grosvenor remained in office till Aug. 25, 1708. He received a grant of a Home-lot and the accompanying rights of plain and meadow. He was son of John Grosvenor of Roxbury, where he was born Jan. 8, 1673, graduated at Harvard University 1693. After leaving Brookfield, his history has not been traced.

1706. - Alarms were frequent this year, just enough to keep the people well on their guard ; but no general appearance of the enemy. The scattered garrison houses gave renewed confidence, as well as comparative safety. Probably the farmers, carrying their arms, and keeping a watch, pursued their accustomed labors in the field ; and the "Address " shows a more cheerful and hopeful spirit. Not less than iS men were in service here as soldiers (part of them citizens) during the summer and fall.

Only one casualty is known to have occurred in this town. " Mary Mcintosh, widow of Daniel, was fired upon and killed as she was milking her cows." This happened Aug. 2. Judah Trumble was killed at or near the same date ; and the entry in the Co. Recorder's Book, seems to imply that they were shot at the same time and place. He belonged to Sufifield.

" The Humble Address of the Inhabitants and Soldiers of Brookfield Showeth our grateful acknowledgements to your Honours, in that you did so consider our low condition, in so much as your Honrs did the year past grant a considerable suply of Moneys towards the maintaining a Minister to preach the Gospel to us in this place. We now humbly begg the gracious continuance of your Honrs goodness and bounty to us for the insuing year, els we shall starve & pine away for want of that spiritual food with the which throw your Honours liberality we were the last year so plentifully fed with.

Several of the above marked Inhabitants, were doing duty as garrison soldiers ; and several of the Soldiers were then or soon after became Inhabitants.

"Nov. II, 1706. The Council have allowed soldiers [for the winter months] as follows : To Deerfield, 30 ; to Brookfield, 10 ; to Northampton, Hadley, Hatfield and Westfield, each town 5, in all sixty.

" Ordered, that the soldiers that shall be allowed for service in the respective towns be improved as scouts, and posted most convenient for that end [in private houses, or garrisons], to discover daily, if they find any [signs of] approach of the enemy ; and that by his Excellency's order they may attend the same under, by and from such commissioned officer in each respective town as his Excellency shall appoint ; and that upon any approach of the enemy, if these be drawn off by his Excellency's order, that the towns secure themselves [at the expense of the Province] till supply come " \_Siate Archives, LXXI. 265.]

The new comer at Brookfield this year was John Grosvenor, brother of the minister, who bought June 11, 1707, the home-lot and lands, formerly belonging to John Ayres deceased.

1708. - This year our authorities adopted the enemy's tactics, and sent ranging parties to the North, in search of Indians. In February, Capt. Benj. Wright led a scout of picked men as far as Cowasset (Newbury, Vt.), where was the resort of an Indian clan. They went on snowshoes ; but no Indians were found.

Strolling bands of savages would suddenly appear at different and unexpected points in our county, showing that they were always on the alert ; and about a dozen persons were killed or captured.

Brookfield was again to be the scene of bloodshed. I quote from Rev. Mr. Fiske's Historical Discourse : "Oct. 13, early in the morning, John Woolcott, a lad about 12 or 14 years old was riding in search of the cows, when the Indians fired at him, killed his horse under him and took him prisoner. The people at Jennings' garrison hearing the firing, and concluding the people at another garrison [Banister's] were beset, six men set out for their assistance, but were waylaid by the Indians. The English saw not their danger till they saw there was no escaping it. And therefore, knowing that an Indian could not look an Englishman in the face and take a right aim, they stood their ground, presented their pieces wherever they saw an Indian without discharging them, excepting Abijah Bartlet, who turned to flee and was shot dead. The Indians kept firing at the rest, and wounded three of them, Joseph Jennings in two places ; one ball grazed the top of his head, by which he was struck blind for a moment ; another ball passed through his shoulder, wounding his collar-bone ; yet by neither did he fall, nor was mortally wounded. Benjamin Jennings was wounded in the leg, and John Green in the wrist. They were preserved at last by the following stratagem. A large dog hearing the firing came to our men ; one of them, to encourage his brethren and intimidate the Indians, called out, " Capt. Williams is come to our assistance, for here is his dog." The Indians, seeing the dog, and knowing Williams to be a famous warrior, immediately fled, and our men escaped. John Woolcott, the lad above mentioned, was carried to Canada, where he remained six or seven years, during which time, by conversing wholly with Indians, he not only entirely lost his native language, but became so naturalized to the savages, as to be unwilling for a while to return to his native country. [He did return to Brookfield, married, and settled.] Some years afterwards, viz. in March, 1728, in a time of peace, he and another man having been on a hunting expedition, and coming down Connecticut river with a freight of skins and fur, they were hailed by some Indians ; but not being willing to go to them, they steered [their canoe] for the other shore. The Indians landed at a Httle distance from them ; several shots were exchanged, at length Woolcott was killed."

" The Petition of Joseph Jennings of Brookfield, sheweth - That whereas he, living in Brookfield in Oct. 1 708, and the enemy made an assault there, and y'' pef with his hired servant went as volunteers to the help of our neighbors, together with several others in company ; and in our march we were attacked by the enemy, and myself grievously wounded in the back, and my man in the leg, by which wounds we endured much pain and smart ; and lost my own time and man's nine weeks ; being six weeks under the chirurgeon - prays compensation."

The Council orders paid to Joseph Jennings, the sum of ;^6. 10, " for his smart, and the loss of his and his man's time, being both wounded in her Majesty's service ; and 30 shiUings to his man Benjamin Jennings for his smart."

John Green sent a similar petition to the General Court, asking a gratuity and an annual pension, on the ground of " the total loss of his right hand."

The Court ordered the sum of ^5 smart money, with j[^^ pension for the year past, and ^^5 per annum for five years next coming, if he shall live so long." July 27, 1716, the General Court voted "to John Green of Brookfield the sum of 40 shillings at present, and the sum of ^5 per annum from this time during his natural life."

" Sheweth, That in his youth he was able bodied & effective, and according to his ability was serviceable and faithful in his Majesty's ser- vice against the common enemy, by means whereof he underwent many and great hardships, was sorely wounded and cripled, and has never since been able to labor but with pain & difificulty ; and having been much overbourn and reduced by the loss of his house & all his goods, but especially in the loss of two of his children in the flames : That the General Court, about 28 years ago, upon view of his wounds, was pleased to commiserate his circumstances and grant him a yearly pension of five pounds, which has been a considerable relief to him, and which he ever desires to acknowledge with thankfulness : But your petitioner being now aged and cripled, and under low circumstances in the world, and not having shared in the common Bounties of the Great & General Court in the many free grants of Lands by them made, and the five pounds now yearly paid him being in no measure equal to what he received from year to year next after his grant made, and as your petitioner humbly apprehends not equal to the true intent of his grant : Begs the further pity and compassion of y Excelly & Honours.

The General Court Ordered, " That there be an addition of ten pounds per annum added to the five pounds already granted to the petitioner, till the further order of this Court."

Rev. Wm. Grosvenor finished his labors as minister in Brookfield, Aug. 25 ; and Oct. 20, Sam" Partridge, for the Committee, sent this petition to the General Court : " Brookfield being now destitute of a minister, and poorly capacitated to maintain one, & yet its absolutely necessary that they have the word of God preached to them and to the forces settled there from time to time ; accordingly they have improved me to look out for one, which if we can obtain, - That this Court would consider their condition, and allow (as formerly) ;^20 out of the pubhque Treasurie towards the support & encouragement of some able minister, if he be obtained as aforesaid, and so preach with them one whole year."

^^ Resolved, etc. ^{^20, for the year current, to begin from the time of a minister going there, if he continue a year, and in proportion for the time he continues there - which minister shall be approved by the ministers of the three next neighboring towns."

1709. - The English Government ordered our colonies to raise forces and fit out vessels, to unite with those of England, and attack Canada by sea and land. Massachusetts levied 900 men, and engaged several vessels, and waited from May to October ; but the English fleet did not arrive, and the enterprise failed. It however kept the French forces in Canada. And the Indians contented themselves by waylaying the roads, and outskirts of the towns, and picking off incautious travellers and hunters. Three or four persons were killed and as many taken captive in Hampshire county.

" Aug. 8, Robert Granger and John Clary were passing along the road in Brookfield ; and being fired upon by the savages, Granger was killed on the spot : Clary attempted to escape, but had not fled far before he also was shot down." Fiske's Discourse. Clary was an inhabitant of B. ; Granger was of Suffield, son of Launcelot and Joanna Granger, and brother of the wife of Joseph Woolcott.

1 710. - There is evidence from the records, that this year opened with brightened prospects and large plans, to the Brookfield settlers - to be darkened by sore disappointments before its close.

"At a meeting of the Committee in Quabaug Mar. 7th 1 710, they then considered the several titles of every particular persons of what they then stood possessed ; and altho' several of their Grants were lost ; yet receiving good satisfaction of their title thereunto ; they ordered all the foregoing parcels of land to be recorded ; to be to them and their heirs forever."

The List (nearly complete) of the grantees referred to, is found by consulting the preceding pages, beginning with 1686, and adding those termed New Comers, in each succeeding year.

Since the winter of 1704-5, a considerable number of the inhabitants had been kept in the employ of the Province, as "standing guards," or garrison soldiers ; and other young men who were stationed here as soldiers,, had resolved to become inhabitants. To insure this result, and to hold out inducements to the sons of the first planters to remain, the Committee, at the meeting held Mar. 8, 1710, granted to Sergt. John White, 42 acres of upland and 20 of meadow, " provided he live in the place four years after he is wholly disbanded, and pay rates." Granted to Lieut. Samuel Williams, 50 acres of upland and 25 of meadow, "provided he settle on it and hve in Brookfield four years." Stephen Jennings, Jr., received a similar grant. Joshua Barrus (Barrows) received 70 acres. The following received grants of 40 acres of upland and 20 of meadow, on the terms above-named : Edw. Walker, Jr., Jona. Jennings, Joseph Perry, William Old, John Hinds (from Lancaster), John and Samuel Gilbert (provided they live there 4 years after they come of age) , Henry Peters and Joseph Kellogg, Edward Kellogg's son. Samuel Barns received 80 acres " at Mattchuck ; " Tho^ Gilbert, 20 acres ; John Woolcott, 22 acres.

Saw mill. At the same meeting the Committee " granted to Thomas Barns, Thomas Gilbert, Philip Goss, Joseph Banister, Joseph Jennings, John White, Henry Gilbert, John Hay ward and Stephen Jennings, liberty to build a saiv mill in Brookfield, in such a place as they and a good workman shall judge best ; and they have liberty to cut all sorts of timber for the use of the mill in any parts of the precinct, except upon persons' propriety, and they are to have 40 acres of land for their encouragement, to be divided among them."

The saw mill was built on Sucker brook, where is now the Malt mill bridge - the privilege being wholly disused in modern times. It appears from the records that this was the first saw mill erected on Brookfield territory.

July 22, "six men, viz. Ebenezer Hayward, John White, Stephen Jennings, Benjamin Jennings, John Grosvenor and Joseph Kellogg were making hay in the meadows, when the Indians, who had been watching an opportunity to surprise them, sprang suddenly upon them, despatched five of them, and took the other (John White) prisoner. White, spying a small company of our people at some distance, jumped from the Indian that held him and ran to join his friends ; but the Indian fired after him and wounded him in the thigh, by which he fell ; but soon recovering and running again, he was again fired at and received his death wound." - Fiske's Discourse.

" Though there were several Indian Wars afterwards, in which other towns were visited by the enemy, and distressed more or less, and Brookfield was often alarmed and put in fear, yet our town was not invaded, nor was any person in it either killed, wounded or captivated." - Fiske.

The adage that " misfortunes never come single," was verified by our people this year. The following petition, copied from the State Archives, Vol. CXIII,, page 582, speaks for itself:

"The humbel petitian of yo"" poor Distresed people Heear caleth aloud for pity & help Therefore we Adres the Gieneral Court that They would consider us and set us in sum way or other where By we may have a subsistence so long as you shall se case to continue us heere. We did not com heear with out order neiter are we wiling To goe away witout order There Fore wee Are wiling to leave our selves with you to Doe for and with us as you think Best You Knowe our Dificultyes as to the Common Enemye and Besides that our Mill Dam is Broaken so y' we have neither Bread nor meal But what we Fetch 30 miles which is intolerable to Bear either for Hors or man which puteth us upon indeavering to rebuilding of it which is imposibel For us to Doe without your pity & Helpe winter is so neear y' we must intreat you to Doe sumthing as soon as may be no more but are your pooar Destresed Begars Henry Gilbert, Phillip Goss, Joseph Banister, Samwell owen, Thomas Barns in Behalf of the reste of the inhabitance "

Site Of Grist Mill

"Nov. 8. In General Court, Voted, that the sum of ^lo be allowed and paid out of the Publick Treasury towards mending the Mill Dam in said Town : and that such of the inhabitants as are by the enemy driven from their houses and livings be admitted into the service as soldiers, that are capable thereof and his Excellency shall please to entertain.

" Voted, that no more of the inhabitants in the Frontiers be kept in the pay as standing guards, than are necessary for guides, except in the town of Brookfield, who are under extraordinary discouragements."

Grist Mill. The records are somewhat confused in relation to the site of the first grist mill set up in Brookfield after the Re-Settlement. A careful collation of facts renders it probable that Col. Pynchon re-built his corn mill on the old Mill brook, above Wekabaug pond, and maintained the same till his death. But this was private property over which the town had no control ; and the water failed in the dry season. About 1706, the town, with the sanction of the Committee, made a grant to John Hay ward, Jr. [see ante, p. 164] of 40 acres of upland, in the west part of the town, and 15 acres of meadow ; also 70 acres joining the first lot, and 24 acres of meadow, " for his incouragement to build a grist mill in Brookfield, and on condition that he maintain the same in such repair as the town may be supplied at all times with grinding from said mill, for the term of 25 years."

Mr. Hayward built the grist mill on the new "Mill brook," which is the present dividing line between West Brookfield and Warren on the north side of the river. It was the dam of this mill which was " Broaken," and was the subject of the "humbel petisian " before quoted." The mill stood near the present - 1886 - house of Sexton Douglas.

Besides the giving way of the first dam, this corn mill was the subject of much contention and many disappointments to the people and town authorities. In 1713, "John Hayward, Jr., faUing short of his first contract with the town referring to the corn mill," is allowed larger grants ; " and if said Hayward have occasion to move said mill, he can take a stream anywhere in the town, free from former grants, and the town to sequester it; and all the men in town of 16 years and upwards, shall give said Hayward one day's work." May 19, 1714, John Hayward " having built a corn mill at Brookfield, and not being able to carry on business, therefore transfers it and all his lands and mill rights to his kinsman Ebenezer Prescott of Lancaster," and returned to Concord. Prescott sold the property to George Hayward of Concord, an older brother of John, Jr. In 1719, George Hayward and his son Ephraim sold (or mortgaged) the mill and accrued rights to John Ashley of Westfield, who released the same back to the Hay wards in 1723. About this date (perhaps in 1720) this mill was given up, and the Haywards, father and son, bought lands and received rights of pondage, and built grist and saw mills on Quabaug river, at the upper privilege near Warren Centre. George, the father, died in the winter of 1726; and Ephraim carried on the mills in his own name.^

New Minister. Rev. John James commenced his labors in the ministry in Brookfield May i, and received the usual allowance of ;!^20, from the Province Treasury. He continued to preach here till May i, 1 714, when he probably removed to Wethersfield, Ct., where he died Aug. 10, 1729. President Stiles says he came from England. Mr. H. E. Waite suggests that he may have been son of Rev. Thomas James, then of Charlestown, baptized Jan. 9, 1633. This would make his age at death 96. He was a preacher at Haddam, Ct., 1683 ; removed to Derby, 1693 ; was dismissed at his own request 1706. It is said of him that " he was devoted to books ; was not a popular speaker, although a faithful, efficient man, undertaking more than he could possibly do." In the Boston Athenseum is a mutilated broadside, containing several poetical effusions " On the Death of the very learned Pious and Excelling Gershom Bulkley Esq. M.D.," with the name "Johannis Jamesius Londonensis, Brookfield Decemb. 7, 1 713 " attached. See Sibley's list of Harvard Graduates. He probably left no descendants.

1 71 2. - In a letter dated Hatfield Aug. 4, 1712, Samll Partridge says : " On Wednesday, July 30, came to me a messenger informing me of a young man taken by a party of the enemy at Springfield ; and same day at night a messenger from our Eastern scouts gave news of the discovery of a party of 8 or 9 Indians seen, and they made shot at them, but the enemy soon ran out of reach towards Brookfield. We immediately sent a Post to Brookfield to inform them, who immediately sent out to all their workfolk abroad, and in their way see 6 or 8 Indians : Alarmed the said workers and disappointed the enemy, who were about secretly to waylay them, but run for it : By all this it plainly appears the enemy are on every hand of us laying wait for to accomplish their bloody designs. The same night a Post from Albany came with a letter. The letter doth not speak of it, but the messengers say the Governor of Canada looks for a speedy peace, but will do as much spoil as he can before it comes. . . ."

I " At a meeting of the Committee for Brookfield Nov. 22, 1715, Ordered that the stream of Quaboague river at or near Benj. Bartlett's house or land, shall be sequestered for the use of the Town for a grist mill, or to fulfill their agreement upon that account, and that the land lying near or adjoining to said place shall not be appropriated to particular persons, but lye for the use or benefit of said mill."

A New Committee

The war expenses of Massachusetts from May, 1703, to May, 17 13, were not less than 285,000 pounds. The mihtary expenses in Hampshire county averaged between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds per year. And during the war 105 persons were slain in the county, or in excursions from it. Not less than 125 were taken captive, many of whom were slain or died on the way to Canada, and others after their arrival there. About two-thirds of the captives were redeemed and returned home ; the rest adopted Indian or French habits, and intermarried with their captors, or were induced to enter the Catholic religious orders.

A New Committee. " At a great and General Court, held June 6, 1 713, The Committee for Brookfield, by the death of Joseph Hawley, Esq., and Lieut. John Hitchcock, being much weakened, I humbly propose that the sd Committee being now only Col. Pynchon, Dea. Pomroy and myself (and Dea. Pomroy being much incapacitated by age & infirmity) that there be an addition to sd Committee of Samuel Porter, Esq., Mr. Ebenezer Pomroy and Mr. Luke Hitchcock : also for a clerk Mr. Joseph Hawley. Signed Samll Partridge.

Read, and the persons accepted : And the Committee to be established accordingly. The Committee to present an Account of their proceedings, and of the circumstances of the Plantation, and its capacity to be constituted a Township to this Court at their session in the fall of this year."

"At a meeting of the Committee for Brookfield, Sept. 4, 1713, the Committee then agreed, that all grants of land hereafter made should be upon the conditions following, vizt. i . That they shall work upon the land granted within six months from the grant in order to a settlement ;

" The Committee then appointed Capt. Pomroy to be surveyor, and ordered that he should have two pence per acre for laying out, to be paid by the owners of the land for whom he should lay out."

" Granted to new comers, viz. Jeremiah How, George Hayward, from Concord, brother of John, Lieut. Thomas Baker, from Northampton, Jabez Olmstead (in a valley between the two Mohawk hills and partly upon them), and Josiah Bemin, 60 acres each; also to sons of old settlers, Ebenezer Gilbert, Samuel Davis, Jr., Hopestill Hinds, 60 acres each ; to Joseph Perry, 8 acres ; to the first settled minister, 60 acres.

formerly Mr, Grosvenor's ; also sequestered 60 acres for Ministry, and 60 acres for School." There was also granted this year (or previously) 60 acres to Samuel King of Sudbury, Joseph Marber and Nicholas Nichols of Andover, Peter Shanaoway, James Negro, Preserved Smith, Robert Old, [he lived on the Springfield road within the present bounds of Brimfield].

The Committee also made grants this year, of 60 acres each, to the sons of Sergt. John Ayres, viz. Thomas Ayres, Joseph Ayres, Edward Ayres, Mark Ayres and Nathaniel Ayres ; and " if they prove their Father's right of undivided lands, these grants to be accounted part."

The Ayres' Grants. A curious piece of Brookfield history is connected with the claims of and grants to the heirs of Sergt. John Ayres, who was killed by the Indians in 1675. In 1693, John Ayres of Boston, shipwright, son of John Ayres late of Squabauge, deceased, and wife Mary, sold to Wm. Rooker of Hadley, for ^20, " his share in land at Brookfield, laid out to his father." In 1703, a settlement in probate, was made of the estate in Brookfield, of John Ayres, Sen., deceased. The inventory showed 50 acres in the home-lot and 6 acres of meadow at rear of it ; 12 a. on the river, 8 a. called Manings meadow, 6 a. on Coy's brook, 6, a. on new road, 18 a. on the plain, a lot south of the river, and rights undivided. Some time after this, the remaining children petitioned the General Court to have the old grants renewed and relocated, or equivalent grants made, so that they " might have and enjoy what belonged to them in Right of their father." After various delays, the Committee made the grants of 60 acres each to the sons above named. But none of them came to occupy the lands. Sept. 17, 1714, these brothers received grants of 72 acres each. At the same time many of the grandchildren received each a grant of 80 acres, on condition of occupancy within a year. All the grantees, sons and grandsons, failed to comply with the condition, except John, the son of Samuel, and John the son of Joseph, who became residents in 17 14 or 15. Consequently the grants to the others were declared forfeited. In 171 7, the sons, viz. Thomas, Joseph, Mark, Edward and Nathaniel petitioned the General Court "to confirm to them the lands which the Committee have laid out to them and their children, containing by estimation no more than 1,500 or 1,600 acres - Altho' they have heard their father and many others say that he had 2,000 Acres of land in Brookfield." The Court granted the petition; and a year later, i.e. Nov. 7, 171S, made an explanatory and final order, " That in confirming the several grants of land made to the children and posterity of John Ayres formerly of Brookfield, deceased, by Col. Partridge and others a Committee for said Brookfield, to the several and respective grantees, as named in said grants, their heirs and assigns, it is the intention of the Court that said grants should be in full of all claims and demands whatsoever even from their paternal Right. And that those and those only who have or shall bring forward a Settlement on their respective lots within the space of 3 years next coming from the 25th day of May 1718, shall be entitled to after Divisions in the said town." Consented to S. Shute.

i. John, w. Mary; a shipwright of Boston ; sold (as above) his share in his father's estate, which cut off his own and his children's claim in the new grants in Brookfield ; he was living in 1 705 .

non-resident. Samuel Swazey, Jun., had grant of 80 a., non-resident. These grants, made 1714, and confirmed 1718, footed up 2,800 acres, and held good to the grantee's heirs and assigns ; consequently were not forfeited by non-residence, like other grants made by the Committee. The discrepancy between the statement of the Ayres brothers, that the grants amounted to no more than 1,600 acres, and the fact that they actually footed up 2,800 acres, is reconcilable on the ground that a part of the grants were made subsequent to 171 7.

1 714. - The General Court at its session June 22, 1714, " Ordered, that Samuel Partridge, Esq., and the present Committee for Brookfield, be directed and impowered to make inquiry, and cause a Register to be made of the Lots, Rights and Properties of land, within the said Plantation, granted to the first and ancient settlers and others, particularly a grant made to Mr. Phillips sometime minister of the said place, and make report to this Court." This order was complied with, so far as making out a Register of the early Land Grants to those men who (or their heirs) were then resident in the town. And it is from this Register, still extant, that the lists of names and properties, given in the preceding pages of this chapter, are made out.

His brother Obadiah came to B. in 1719, married Esther Mirick, raised a family of 11 children, and late in life removed to Quabin (Greenwich). Of his sisters, Martha m. Elisha Rice, and Esther m. Jona. Jennings, both of B.

Azariah Rice, a cousin of Amos, had a grant of 60 acres in 1714, and settled in B., as did his sisters, Lydia, who m. Cyprian Rice, and Priscilla, who m. Josiah Partridge.

Elisha Rice, from Marlb. had a grant of 60 acres in 1714, settled in B., received in all 275 acres, and became a leading man in town affairs. His w. Martha d. Oct. 3, 1785, in her 90th year: he d. Mar. 10, 1789, in his 99th year, " retaining his mental faculties until a day or two before his death."

Peter Rice, another brother, had a grant in 1721 of 100 acres, m. Dinah Woolcott ; lived in Western (Warren). For full records of these families, see IVard's Rice Fai?nly.

Capt. Thomas Baker, 183

Daniel and Elisha How, sons of Samuel of Sudbury, received each a grant of 60 acres, but did not come to reside. Daniel settled in Framingham, and afterwards in Westmoreland, N.H., and lie and his son Daniel became the heroes of the French and Indian wars.

Thomas Gibbs, from Sudbury, (son of John and w. Anna Gleason) had a grant of 60 acres in 17 14, on which he settled; received in all 298 acres.

Isaac Shaddock (Shattuck), from Watertown, son of Dr. Philip and w. Rebecca, had a grant of 60 acres, but did not come to reside. He settled in Westboro'.

Capt. Thomas Baker. There also came to Brookfield this year, a man who, from inherent force of character, became a social and political leader, and for the next 12 years, divided the honors of office and power with Thomas Gilbert, Thomas Barns, Philip Goss, Joseph Banister, Joseph Brabrook, Dea. Joseph Jennings, Tilly Mirick, John Woolcott, Edward Walker, and Elisha Rice. I refer to Capt. Thomas Baker. He is first identified with Brookfield history in 1710-11, Feb. 21st of which year, he (then of Northampton) bought the Millet homestead on Foster's hill. Sept. 4, 1713, he received a grant of 60 acres; Oct. 22, 1 713, of 80 acres; Dec. 11, 1714, of "the land formerly Mr. Grosvenor's ; " and subsequently of other lots, amounting in all to 1,069 acres. He also held other estates by purchase. A brief sketch of his eventful life is in place here.

Thomas Baker was son of Timothy and Sarah (HoUister) Atherton Baker, and grandson of Edward of Lynn and Northampton ; he was bom at Northampton May 14, 1682, and grew up amid the stirring scenes of King William's war. His mother was the widow of Rev. Hope Atherton of Hatfield, chaplain to Capt. Turner's force in the famous battle at Turner's Falls, May 19, 1676, whose tragic experiences on the retreat, and sad death in consequence, must have been the theme of household story in the Baker family, and made an indelible impression on the boy's mind. At 21, we find him a soldier at Deerfield, when that Plantation was assaulted and devastated by the French and Indians. What happened to him here, and in the immediate future, is best told in his own words, copied from the Genej-al Court Records, Vol. 10, p. 250 : "A petition of Thomas Baker of Brookfield, setting forth that he being a soldier under the command of Capt. Jonathan Wells, was taken prisoner at Deerfield by the French and Indians Feb. 29, 1 703-4 : That he lost his arms and a good suit of clothes, and was carried to Canada : That the summer following the Chevalier Boncour went from Canada with a great army, designing to spoil and destroy some of the towns on the Connecticut river - which the petitioner understanding, in 'order to serve his country by giving seasonable intelligence of said intended expedition, made his escape from Mont Real to the utmost hazard of his life, and was unfortunately taken, and preparation was made by the salvages to burn him alive ; but he happily got out of their hands, and ran to the house of one Lebair, who ransomed him by advancing £%, which the petitioner promised to repay him. After which the petitioner was by order of the Governor of Canada put into irons, and made a close prisoner for 4 months. After which the petitioner being made a prisoner at large escaped a third time, and then got safe to his own country." '

The word " safe " in the last line, needs quahfying. Their long march through the wilderness of woods and streams was one of great danger, and fearful suffering. As they started without provisions, and without firearms, they were obliged to subsist on roots, nuts and bark, and such small animals as they could kill with stones and sticks. Once they were on the point of giving up, when one of them gave utterance to a prayer that God would in some way send them succor ; and immediately a large bird, such as they had not before seen, fell, or alighted close to their path. It was secured, torn in pieces, and eaten without cooking.

As before noted, he was in Brookfield in 1711, when he purchased the Millet homestead, which was afterwards confirmed to him by special grant.

The last of March, 1712, Lieut. Baker, with a ranging party of 32 men, started from Northampton, went up the Connecticut as far as Cowas (Newbury, Vt.), where they struck ofi" to the east till they came to the Pemigewasset. Near where the west branch (since known as Baker's river) unites with the main stream, they surprised an Indian camp, killed Wattanummon, a chief [of the Pequawkets], and as they beheved one or two more, and routed the rest. None of the English were killed. The Indians had gathered a large stock of beaver skins ; and Baker and his men loaded themselves with as much as they could carry, and burnt the remainder. The party then went down the Merrimack to Dunstable, and thence to Boston, where they applied to the General Court for pay and bounty. They could show but one scalp ; yet the Court, in view of the brave adventure, granted a bounty of £2>^, i. e. pay for three scalps, and ;a^io to the Lieut., and wages for all from Mar. 24 to May 16.

- " Sometime in May or June, 1705, Joseph Petty, John Nims, Thomas Baker, and Martin Kellogg, Jr., made their escape from Montreal and got home to Deerfield." Dr. S. Williams' Journal.

Wife Of Capt. Baker. 1 85

A large number of captives, taken at various times, from 1689 to 171 2, still remained in the hands of the French in Canada : and in the fall of 1 713, a Commission was sent by Gov, Dudley, to endeavor to redeem them. The Commissioners were Col. John Stoddard of Northampton and Rev. John Williams of Deerfield. They took with them Capt. Thomas Baker as escort and adviser, Martin Kellogg, interpreter, and two attendants, viz. Eleazar Warner (afterwards of Brookfield) and Jona. Smith. The party started from Northampton Nov. 13, 1713; went by way of Westfield and Kinderhook to Albany, where they were detained till Jan. 22. They reached Montreal Feb. 9, and Quebec on the i6th. The Commissioners set about their business with hopefulness and energy, under assurances from Gov. Vaudreuil, of his favor and aid. But they soon found that his professions were only diplomatic ; and the Jesuits put obstacles in the way of negotiations, which frustrated their plans. When they complained of this to the Governor, he replied that he " could as easily change the course of the river, as prevent the priests' endeavors." April 4, Capt. Baker was sent off to Boston, via Albany, to Gov. Dudley, for instructions. He returned to Quebec, July 23. After 6 months of vexatious negotiation, the Commissioners embarked, Aug. 24, on a vessel sent from Boston, with only 26 captives, leaving behind four times that number. Some of these were taken in childhood and had grown up with their captors, and no persuasion could induce them to give up the free wild life of the wilderness ; others had intermarried with Indians or French, and formed new and strong ties ; others were frightened by the stories told by the priests of Protestant intolerance and apostasy.'

She was the daughter of Richard Oti? and wife Grizel Warren, of Dover, N.H. ; was born Mar. 1689, and named Margaret. Her father and sister Hannah were killed by the Indians in the attack on Dover June 28, 1689, and her mother and herself were carried to Canada. Her mother subsequently married a Frenchman named Robitail, and lived and died at Montreal. Margaret was taken in charge by Catholic priests, baptized by the name of Christina, and was educated in their faith. About the age of 16, she married a Frenchman by the name of Le Beau (L6-bue on Brookfield records). Her husband died leaving by her three children. When Col. Stoddard was in Canada, on his errand of redemption of captives, she decided to return with him. Her mother and her confessor opposed this ; and it was only on condition that she should give up her property, and leave her children behind, that her departure was permitted.

" Dec. 9, 1 714. Then granted to Margett Otis, a/ias Le bue, one that was a Prisoner att Canada and Lately come from thence, forty acres of upland In Brookfield and twenty acres of meadow : Provided she returns not again to live att Canada, but tarrys in this Province or territory, and raarrys to Capt. Thomas Baker, and also upon the same condition as other Grants : - Col. Partrigg, John Pynchon Esq., Eben"" Pumry, Committee for Brookfield."

That she accepted both offers, appears from the following record : " May 20, 1 715, Granted unto Mrs. Margett Baker m unto Mr. Thomas Baker, 40 acres, N. on new Country road, S. on old Country road, E. on Bettis, VV. on Sam Owen, Jr., it being the tract formerly granted to Mr. Smith the Minister, and after him to Mr. Grosvenor."

Mrs. Baker embraced the Protestant faith, and as there was no church in Brookfield, she united with the church in Northampton, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Solomon Stoddard, where her eldest child was baptized and recorded. In most of the deeds of Brookfield lands she is called Margaret; but in one dated Dec. 10, 1728, the record is " Thomas Baker and wife Christian, both of Brookfield."

Apr. 17, 1716, Capt. Baker, in the employ of the Province started with a ranging party for the north, and was absent five weeks. Probably he went as far as Canada, with a view to obtain information about captives and the purposes of the French authorities.

In 1722, Capt. Baker was again sent on a trip to Canada. His wife went with him. In a petition she says : "Your petitioner did undertake the hazzard and fatigue of a Journey to Canada againe in hopes by the interest of friends to get her children - but all in vaine " ' The expenses of the Journey were allowed by the Mass. Council.

In the spring of 1 727, Capt. Baker was accused of Blasphemy, and put under ^200 bonds by the magistrates. The case grew out of a controversy with Dea. Joseph Jennings. In a petition to Gov. Dummer, Baker avers that " however the evidences might strain and misconstrue his words, yet in conscience he really had no design to reproach the Deity," and asks that he may be " discharged from his recognizance, or admitted to a trial." The Court " ordered that the Petitioner's recognizance be discharged, and the writ of Scire Facias issued be declared null and void - provided he appear at the next Court of Assize at Springfield and abide his trial." In Sept., the case was tried. The charge against him was thus worded : " There being a discourse of God's having, in his Providence, put in Joseph Jennings, Esq., of Brookfield, a Justice of the Peace, Capt. Baker used the following words - 'If I had been with the

Rev. Daniel Elmer. 1 87

In 1728, Capt. B. sold Samuel Brown of Salem 600 acres, lying towards the north-west corner of Brookfield ; and before the end of 1731 he had disposed of his remaining estates in B. to Josiah Sheldon of Suffield, a speculator in real estate, who failed before the day of payment came, and Baker was thus reduced to poverty. He removed first to Mendon, where in 1732, his wife was admitted to the church by letter. Before Sept., 1734, he took up his abode in Dover, N.H. In a petition, dated May 2, 1735, Mrs. Christine Baker says: "The General; Assembly of Massachusetts took your petitioner's case into their consideration, and made her a present of 500 acres of land in the Province' of Me., and put it under the care and trust of Col. Wm Pepperell,. Esq., for the use of your petitioner." In the same petition, she asks, the General Assembly of New Hampshire to pass a private Act toenable her to keep a House of Entertainment in Dover ; which Act was passed May 8, 1735; and she opened and kept said House for many years.'

The family tradition is, that Capt. Baker fell into a lethargy, and died at the house of a cousin (Sumner) in Roxbury, before 1753. His wife died Feb. 23, 1773. Their children were :

This year (1714) Rev. Mr. James closed his ministry, May i, and in the summer Rev. Daniel Elmer was employed to preach. From the terms named in the grant of a home-lot to him, it was evidently expected that he would become a settled pastor in B. ; but he remained only half a year, and was paid ^10 out of the Province treasury. Mr. Elmer was born at East Windsor, Conn.; graduated Yale College, 1713. Afterleaving Brookfield, he preached at Westborough several years, and, when, the church was gathered there in 1724, received a call from the people ;; but difificulties arose, and though he built upon a farm that was sequestered to the first settled minister, yet by the advice of an ecclesiastical' council, he desisted from preaching, and removed with his family to Springfield. He was ordained at Fairfield, N.J., about 1729. His first

1 715. - The new comers this year, were Samuel Bush, from Marlborough, who had grant of a 60 acre home-lot, and later of 120 acres; Joseph Brabrook, from Lancaster, whose home-lot of 60 acres was granted on condition that " he build and inhabit within 3 years." He bought. Mar. 14, 1716, for ;^40, "the living of John Lawrence of Brookfield, deceased, 60 acres, bounded S. by highway, and on the S.W. corner a little brook," and settled that year; received in addition 224 acres, 40 of which (granted 1720) was "near the burying-ground, it being an ancient right, and bounded east on a brook, and south on the road." John Shepherd, then "a servant to Lieut. Philip Goss," had a grant of 60 acres, "when his time is out," and later of 170 a. John Prichard, Nathaniel Boyenton, Job Harris, John Lath and Peter Hubbard received 6o-acre grants, but forfeited them.

Taxation. " In General Court, July 26, 17 15. Upon reading a petition of Thomas Baker, Philip Goss, and Joseph Banister, in behalf of the Inhabitants of Brookfield, showing that by reason of the desertion of the place by the first grantees, and by the sale of many Grants since made, good part of the lands are fallen into the hands of strangers, who neither improve nor sell to those who would settle themselves amongst them, which greatly obstructs their growth and hurts their publick affairs, especially rendering them uncapable of settling and supporting the Ministry amongst them - Praying that for some few years next succeeding, and until they shall be more capable of enduring a charge, all lands, belonging to Non-residents as well as others, though not under improvement, may be made liable to be ta.Kcd in all town assessments, and that the Committee may receive directions therein ;

Ordered, that for seven years next coming, all town assessments in Brookfield be raised on polls, as the law directs, and on the real estate of the non-resident as well as the resident proprietors, exclusive of personal estates ; which the Committee for settling the said town are hereby directed and fully impowered to levy and collect accordingly so long as they shall be continued by this Court : And to take care the town be settled in the most regular, compact and defensible manner that can be."

Great Field. Nov. 22, 1715. "The Committee, with the consent of the inhabitants, ordered, that the Great Field upon the Plain should be sufficiently fenced, and at no time laid open, for the preservation of the corn [wheat] sown at the fall, and so in the spring, and all the year from time to time, until further order : provided always, that there be a pair of bars or gate made at each end of said Field, for such as have occasion to go through said Field in the private highway, with teams, taking down the bars, and carefully putting them up again, or shutting said gates as they pass through, and no droves of cattle or hogs or horse to be allowed to go through said Field, on penalty of paying whatsoever damage they do, and five shillings a time they offend as aforesaid in any of the particulars above mentioned, to be to the use of the proprietors." This Field took in about 90 acres, and covered what is now West Brookfield village.

Meeting-House. - Since the Re-Settlement, up to this date, there had been no house dedicated to public worship. And there are no records to indicate where preaching services were held. The fact that the minister/;-^ tempore was designated as "Chaplain to the Garrison " leads to the inference that Sabbath services were held at Gilbert's Fort till 1713.

Sept. 17, 1 714. "The Committee unanimously agree that the Inhabitants build a Meeting-house wherein to attend the worship of God, which shall be set up and erected in said place where formerly the Meetinghouse was built near old John Ayres' House Lott, lying near about the centre of the Town : And the Committee have and do by these presents order that the Constable, together with Edward Walker, Sen., and Joseph Banister take an exact list of the rateable estates both real and personal, within the precincts of Brookfield, and cause a rate to be made, for the payment of their minfster and other charges."

Nov. 22, 1715. "The inhabitants of Brookfield agreed, by the consent of the Committee, to build a Meeting-house wherein to carry on the worship of God; in the form and manner as followeth : viz., 45 feet in length and 35 feet in width, and to put in Galery pieces so that they may build galeries when they shall have occasion ; and to carry on the building the said house as far as they can conveniently with their labour ; and what shall be required in money for the carrying said work, to be raised by a Town rate ; and if any person or persons refuse to labour, having suitable warning by the committee hereafter named, shall pay their proportion in money. The inhabitants likewise agree to get the timber this winter. The committee chosen to oversee and take care for the carrying on of said work are Thomas Barns, Henry Gilbert, Lieut. Philip Goss, Ens. Thomas Gilbert, Joseph Banister, Edward Walker, Joseph Jennings, John Woolcott, Wm Old. Then ordered that a rate of 150 pounds be made towards building the meeting-house."

The work proceeded slowly ; the house was raised and covered in during the next year; so that at a meeting Jan. 4, 171 7, the Committee ordered a rate of 30 pounds to be made to pay for " Glass and Nails for their Meeting-house, and 8 pounds for window cases." It appears to have been so far completed that the ordination services were held in it Oct. 16 ; but the following vote indicates that the seating arrangements were imperfect : " At a meeting of the inhabitants of Brookfield Dec.

23, 1 71 7, being legally warned, by order of the Committee, then 7>ofed, that all round upon the Bastings ? of the Meeting-house shall be built up with pews."

Horse-sheds. Our fathers did not consider a meeting-house as finished, till a shelter for their horses had been provided. " Oct. 12, 1716, voted, that from the Ayres land to the Meeting-house the highway be laid out ten rodds in breadth ; and one acre & half of land be laid out round about the Meeting-house to make shelters for to sett horses under, horse-block, and other necessary uses."

A Settled Minister. - Nov. 22, 1715. "The inhabitants of Brookfield agreed with Mr. Thomas Cheney to carry on the work of the Ministry in said place for 26 pounds for half a year, and to have the use of the Ministry house and lot, and land belonging or appropriated for the Ministry in said place ; and so in proportion for a longer time ; and in case he stay, and continue in the work of the ministry, to pay him at the end of every half year."

" Also voted, to clear, fence and break up two acres for an orchard for the Minister, and likewise to finish clearing and fencing a pasture which is already begun for the Minister."

Mar. 28, 1 716. "The Committee for Brookfield did this day grant to Mr. Thomas Cheney, now Minister in said place, the land lying between Mr. Wilson's and Mr. Younglove's land, and the 20 acres of meadow belonging to said lot ; and also 8 or 10 acres on the plain ; and also 100 acres, to be taken up free from former grants where he shall chuse - always provided Mr. Cheney become a settled Minister in said place."

April 5, 1 716. "At a meeting of the inhabitants of Brookfield, voted, that Edward Walker, Sen., Joseph Banister and Elisha Rice do further discourse Mr. Cheney as to his proposal in order to a settlement in said place to carry on the work of the Ministry. Having considered Mr. Cheney's proposals, the inhabitants voted, i, to give Mr, Cheney for his Salary 5 2 pounds yearly for three years, and to rise 40 shillings a year untill it comes to 70 pounds, and there to stay. 2. Voted, that Mr. Cheney have all the land that the Committee proposed to give him. 3. Voted, to build him a house and barn, according to the dementions that he has given, Mr. Cheney providing glass, nails and iron. 4. Voted, to break up and fence and fitt to sow 8 acres of Land, 4 acres upon the Hill ; two acres to be planted out with orcharding this year ; and 4 acres to be broken up on the plain this year ; the other two acres to be done within four years. 5. Voted, to get Mr. Cheney 25 cords of wood yearly his lifetime. 6. Voted, to give Mr. Cheney each man one day's work yearly, for six years. His house and barn to be built in four years - always provided Mr. Cheney be our ordained Minister." "Approved

Rev. Thomas Cheney

Mr. Cheney'' s Proposals. " Gentlemen : as to the Dementions of the House and Barn you propose to build for me, In case I should settle amongst you, it is my mind and desire with respect to my House, that the length may be 42 foott, the width 20 foott ; as to the stud, 14 foott stud. And as to the Barn, that it may be 30 foott long, and 20 foott wide with a lentow on one side. As to the glass, nails and iron, I will provide and procure myself so far as is necessary to said House and Barn. This from your Servant, Thomas Cheney."

Oct. 12, 1 716. "Sold to Mr. Thomas Cheney our present Minister, the Town's house, and about six acres of land it stands on, for which he is to set off and allow unto the inhabitants 30 pounds of the first Rates that are due to him or will be due."

As definite arrangements appeared to them to be unreasonably delayed, the Committee prepared a warrant and sent an order June 28, 1 71 7, to Brookfield, for a meeting of the inhabitants. The meeting was held July 16, Thomas Gilbert moderator. " Voted, that said meeting is legal to prosecute the ends of said warrant received from said Committee for said Town. -

Voted, that Mr. Tilly Mirick and Joseph Banister acquaint Mr. Cheney with the Town's mind, and as to the day agreed upon for his ordination.

Voted, that Tilly Mirick, Joseph Banister, Thomas Barns, Thomas Parsons, do take care that suitable provision be made for such Elders and Messengers as may be called to assist in our ordination.

Voted, that the Town celebrate and set apart a day of Fasting and Prayer to implore God's presence with us in this solemn and weighty matter - which day is left to Mr. Cheney to appoint. Full and Clear votes.

July 28, 1 71 7. We the subscribers, having given order for said meeting, do well approve of the votes aforesaid. And rejoice in their unanimity in so good a work, and hope to have further ocation to rejoyce in their good settlement.

Oct. 16, 1 71 7, a Church was organized, and Mr. Cheney was constituted its pastor. The Sermon preached on the occasion was printed, and is entitled, " The duty of Gospel Ministers to preserve a People from Corruption, set forth in a sermon, preached at Brookfield, October 16, 1 71 7, being the day wherein the Church was gathered, and Mr. Thomas Cheney was ordained Pastor. By Solomon Stoddard, A.M. and Pastor of Northampton."

Church Covenant. - " You do now in the presence of the great and holy God, the elect Angels, and this assembly of witnesses, enter into a solemn and perpetual covenant, never to be forgotten, never to be broken.

You sincerely and cordially give up yourself to that God whose name alone is Jehovah ; taking God the Father to be your God and Father, God the Son to be your only Saviour and Redeemer, God the Holy Ghost to be your Sanctifier and Comforter.

You submit yourself to Christ, and accept him as the Prophet, Priest, and King of your soul, the Great Head of the Church, and the only Mediator of the covenant of grace : promising that by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, you will keep the covenant of the Lord inviolably ; that you will cleave to the Lord Jesus Christ by faith and Gospel obedience ; and will endeavor to reform your life as to all known sin, whether open or secret - will live in the conscientious discharge of all duty towards God and man - walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly ; that you will endeavor that the inward temper of your mind be conformed to God's will and word ; and that you will follow the excellent example which Christ has set you for the rule of your life.

You also give up )'Ourself to this Church in the Lord ; and freely covenant and bind yourself to walk as a regular member of Christ's Church ; to obey them that have rule over you in the Lord ; to read God's word, and to live in the practice of social and secret prayer, and in diligent attendance on the word preached, and ordinances administered : - relying on the grace and all-sufficiency of Christ, which are sufficient for you - you promise to walk according to what you now know, or shall know to be your duty.

We then receive you as a sincere disciple of Christ, and a member of the same church with ourselves, - promising, so long as God shall continue you among us, to watch over you with meekness and brotherly love : - and may the Lord add to the numbers and graces of his church, and finally bring us all to join the general Assembly and Church of the First-born, whose names are written in heaven. Amen."

consideration a former grant in the ancient Manuscripts of Brookfield, of some land sequestered for the Ministry - now find that there is about thirty acres of land between the land formerly Younglove's and Millett's ; which land we the Committee do now sequester for the Ministry in said place, with the meadow adjacent lying at the end of said thirty acres.

" At the same time, sequestered 80 acres of land upon the north side of the River, and as many on the south side the said River, for the Ministry." The 80 acres, north of the River, was laid out, and bounded " South on Joseph Banister, King's, Hovey's and Joseph Brabrook's, East on John White, dec'J., and Sam^ Owen, Jr., North on Capt. Thomas Baker, West on the great Rocky hill to the foot of the hill."

1 716. - The new comers this year, were David Wedge, perhaps from Sudbury ; Benjamin Knowlton, from Springfield, who had a grant of 60 acres ; Joseph Knowlton, from Springfield, who bought out Joseph Rice ; William Biggerton, M'ho had a grant of a 30 acre home-lot, and later of 210 acres; John Morse; Thomas Bartlett, who had a grant of 60 acres.

1 71 7. - The new comers this year were: Arthur Tucker, (Tooker) a turner, who was of Lancaster 1690, received a grant of 60 acres, and later in all of 245 acres ; Tilly Mirick, from Springfield, tanner, bought the Prichard place of Jos. Jennings ; James Aiken had a grant of 80 acres north of the Jabez Olmstead place ; John Hitchcock of Springfield had a grant of 30 acres, but did not come to reside till later ; Jonathan Davis, shoemaker, had a grant of 60 acres on condition that he set up his trade ; Josiah, Jr., John and Simon Beamin had grants, and settled.

Wood Feeding. " The Committee, taking into consideration the necessity of sequestering some land in Brookfield for Wood Feeding, &c., Therefore have sequestered a piece for the use aforesaid, which land is bounded as foUoweth, viz. : Westerly upon the old Country Road, southerly upon Joseph Brabook's land, easterly upon the Ministry and School land, northerly upon Benjamin Knowlton, Joseph Knowlton and Arthur Tucker's land ; being a Rocky Piece of land - the aforesaid is to be a perpetual Common for the use aforesaid, forever."

Land Holders. - The following list of land holders in Brookfield, in the hand writing of Samuel Partridge, is preserved. It has great intrinsic value ; and taken in connection with the list of new comers of this year, furnishes the names of the tax payers, and the comparative

Second Settlement, 16S6-1718

"A Rate made this 22d day of April, 171 7, for the paying the Minister of Brookfield & the Meeting-house & other Necessary charges in s d place, made the day above said by us the Committee for Brookfield :

Brookfield Records, 1718-1786

Second Incorporation of the Town. - Meeting-House. - Minister. - School. - Burying Grounds. - Father Ralle's War. - Old French and Indian War. - Last French and Indian War. - The Revolution - Shay's Rebellion. - The Spooner Murder. - First Celebration of Independence.

THE last chapter brought our narrative down to the date when Brookfield had built a meeting-house and settled a minister - a preparation then regarded as essential to the prosperity and permanence of a town. The present chapter opens with the commencement of the formal steps needful to a legal organization which should give the inhabitants all township rights and privileges.

"To his Excellency, Samuel Shute, Esq., and the Hon^ Council and House of Representatives, convened in General Court the 28th of May, 1718 -

We undersigned, the Committee for Brookfield, after many Disappointments by warr and otherwise which for a long time the people have laboured under, by the good providence of God are. now so increased that they are now near fifty families on the place, have near finished a very convenient meeting-house, have settled a church and ordained an orthodox & learned Minister - We humbly propose that they be made a Township, to order all the affairs of a Township, according to the directions of the Law by themselves, & said Committee released, - which we submit to the Court's determination. And for your Excellency and Honors shall ever pray.

"In the House of Representatives, Nov. 12, 1718, Read, and Ordered, That the prayers of this Petition be granted: and that the Inhabitants of the Town of Brookfield be invested with all the powers, privileges and authorities to direct, order and manage all the affairs of the said Township that other Towns are or ought to be invested with ; And that the Committee be dismist from their care of them, with the thanks of this Court

First Towti Meeting. "A meeting duly warned," was convened Dec. 15, I 718, and Left. Philip Goss was chosen moderator for saiei day, and Thomas Gilbert toivn clerk and Treasurer. The work of the day not being finished, the meeting was adjourned to the next Monday, when Capt. Thomas Baker was chosen moderator ; Thomas Barns, Left. Philip Goss, Elisha Rice, Samuel Barns and Thomas Gilbert, assessors ; Tilly Mirick, Joseph Brabrook, Thomas Parsons, committee to examine town debts ; Ens. Joseph Jennings and Joseph Banister, measurers, they to have t^s. 6d. per day for their service ; Elisha Rice, Thomas Gibbs, and Jonathan Jennings, committee to take care & see that the Grants made by the former Committee do pay equal proportion to the Rate committed to constable Walker to collect for the meeting-house, &c. Voted, that Thomas Gilbert now chosen town clerk, do receive of the former clerk the Town Book and all other writings belonging to the Town of Brookfield. Voted, that Samuel Owen, John Perry and Daniel Price be freed from paying rates for their heads. Voted, that Tilly Mirick, Henry Gilbert, Edward Walker, and Ens. Joseph Jennings, do take care about the grist-mill that the Town may be supplied with meal according to the bargain made with John Hayward."

Lands Granted. - Among the earliest acts of the new town, [and the haste of the action clearly evinced the wisdom of the General Court in keeping the people so long under the restraint of a cool-headed Committee] was the confirmation of previous grants, and the apportionment among the then inhabitants of the valuable lands not already taken up.

" At a legal town meeting of the inhabitants of Brookfield on January ye 5th 1719-20, Voted, that the Town are of the opinion that the power is wholly in the Town to make Grants of Land."

"At a legal town meeting May 31, 1720, Then voted, that the land be laid out by a committee, which committee is to lay out said lands to sute every man's interest as near as may be ; and in case said committee cant sute every man in quality, may and are hereby impowered to make it up in quantity. The committee are. Left. Philip Goss, Dea. Joseph Jennings, Samuel Barns, Thomas Gibbs and Left. Thomas Gilbert." Subsequently there were added to the committee, John Woolcott, Robert Emmons and Hopestill Hinds, for the east part of the town, and Thomas Parsons, for the west part, and William Old, Elisha Rice, Jona. Jennings and Amos Rice, for the south side of the river.

of its appointment and the next March, had made and recorded grants amounting in all to 12,883 acres. This included grants to the old Committee : To Col. Sam^ Partridge, Sam^ Porter, Esq., Capt. John Pynchon, Luke Hitchcock, Esq., Henry Dwight, Esq., each 60 acres, and to Maj. John Stoddard, 40 acres. The Committee had previously, with the consent of the inhabitants, granted to themselves as follows : Col. Partridge, 100 acres, Esq. Porter, 60 acres, Capt. Pynchon, 80 acres, Esq. Hitchcock, 140 acres, Esq. Dwight, 40 acres, Maj. Stoddard, 100 acres.

Minister and Meeting-house. - In addition to Ministry Lands, 160 acres, and the 172 acres to Mr. Cheney as an inhabitant, the town voted ^146, to build a house for Mr. C. ; and when he decided to remain in the Town's house, opposite the Ayres tavern stand, voted to dig and stone a well for him there, and give him the improvement of the Ministry home-lot.

At a town meeting, legally warned, and held Jan. 5th 1 718-9, Voted, Tilly Mirick moderator. Voted, to make a Rate of 250 pounds for paying the Minister, and other town charges, & the overplus to be laid out in finishing the meeting-house.

The meeting-house was not finished for several years ; but prompt action was taken to assign the pew ground to men whose taxable estates entitled them to such distinction.

At a town meeting Jan. 5, 1719, Voted, that Capt. Thomas Baker have a pew in the meeting-house, on right hand of the South door, he paying 3 pounds ; he has already paid 3 pounds in money. Voted, that Thomas Gilbert have a pew at the right of the East door, he paying 2 pounds ; each pew to be eight feet square. At subsequent meetings, pew room was granted to Left. Philip Goss, John Woolcott, Joseph Banister, John Hamilton, Joseph Ayres, Dea. Henry Gilbert, Edw. Walker, Sen., Tilly Mirick, Dea. Joseph Jennings, Thomas Barns, Samuel Barns, Hopestill Hinds. Voted, to build a Ministry pew on the right hand of the pulpit. Voted, to build a pew on the left hand of the pulpit, to be for the Deacons' wives, and said wives to sit in the pew during their natural lives. Voted, that he that hath a pew granted in the meeting-house, do pay in to the town treasurer 40s., or else forfeit their pews. Voted, to build up the seats in the body of the meeting- house with strong plain seats. Voted, Joseph Jennings, Jr., Daniel Bowker, Comfort Barns and Daniel Walker, liberty to build a pew upon the back-side of the front gallery, provided they build the same upon their own cost, and move the windows against their seats to the plate ; and when any one or all of them shall be brought forward, or seated elsewhere, then to sell their right in the aforesaid pew to those that appear to buy it.

Seating the Meeting-house. The committee,, viz. Elisha Rice, Samuel Barns, Jos. Brabrook, Thomas Gilbert and Samuel Wheeler, were instructed "to have regard to age, where it is honorable, and to estate; taking the list that Mr. Cheney's Rate was made by as a rule ; having also regard to men's servicefulness in the town. Voted, To seat seven or eight in a seat in the body of the house below, and in the front gallery ; and fourteen in a seat in the side gallery. Voted, that the fore seat in the front gallery shall be equal in dignity with the third seat in the body ; and the fore seat in the side gallery shall be equal with the fourth seat in the body of the house."

" Voted, that the selectmen do take care and get a man to sweep the meeting-house, as cheap as they can." In 1733, the town voted, "that the women that set in the front gallery in the meeting-house, be seated in some other convenient place in said house, the pews only excepted."

School. - The new town made early provision for the education of the children. "At a legal meeting held Jan. 5, 1719-20, then granted for a School, 40 acres, on the north side of the river." The town had in 1 71 7 sequestered two other " School Lots " of 80 acres each, making 200 acres in all. These school lands were leased by the selectmen to such inhabitants as would pay the highest rent for their use, and this income was applied by the selectmen (without an express vote of the town) to the payment of teachers' wages.

In most of our towns, at their beginning, and till the meeting-house was finished, and the minister ordained, and the leading highways laid out, no public school was established and supported by a tax. There were usually some men and some women, with sufficient education to teach the rudiments of reading, spelling and arithmetic, who would receive scholars at their homes, and charge 2d. to 6d. per week for instruction. The unfinished room was used by the Dames in summer, and the capacious kitchen, well warmed, was used by the Masters in winter.

Sometimes the town would agree to pay a fixed sum to the teacher, in part for his services, and he would charge a part to the scholars ; and in such case the records make mention of a school. But when teachers' wages came wholly from the rent of school lands and private tuition, no such record is found. The first mention of a school in the Brookfield records is under date, Dec. 12, 1726, when "the town voted io give Left. Eleazar Warner the sum of money that the selectmen agreed with him for keeping the school." The wording of this vote implies that a public school had already been established, by authority of the selectmen, and the town now assumed the responsibility for the teacher's wages.

The following votes give an outline of the town's action respecting schools. "Jan. 23, 1728, voled, that a school shall be kept at four several places in town, the town to be divided into four parts by a committee consisting of Wm Old, Ephm Hayward, VVm Ayres, Saml Barns and John Hinds. Voted to agree with a school master for but half a year at first, and to be left with the selectmen to agree with a man as cheap as they can ; and to appoint a place where the children shall meet in order to be scooled. Voted to raise ;!{^20, to pay said schoolmaster, or some of it, as the selectmen agree with him."

Dec, 1728, the town "voted to build one scool house in the most convenient place to sute the most inhabitants. Voted, to set it in the most convenient place between Tucker's old place and the new country road where it comes across Coy's brook. The following persons entered dissent against the site of the school house : Ephm Hayward, Philip Goss, Jr., Jonathan Jennings, Timothy Brown, Jos. Davis, Peter Rice, Tho. Rich, Cyprian Rice, Edw. Ayres, Jos. Walker." The vote was afterwards reconsidered; and the school house was not built till 1733. It stood close by the line between W. and N. Brookfield, near Coy's brook, a short distance west of where the road from Foster's hill joins the new country road. This was the geographical centre of the town.

May 15, 1732. Voted, that the selectmen be desired and directed and impowered to hier and Improve fouer wimen to keep schoU : in the most convenant places to accomodate the most Children for fower months from the time they begin to keep sd schoU. Granted for the support of the school for the future ^50.

1733. Voted, that any number of men that are minded to build a school house may set it up in the highway or common land near the middle of the town. Voted, that any number of men have the same privilege in any other part of the town.

Moving school. Nov. 23, 1739, voted to have two school masters for four months in the winter season : To be moved into the several parts of the town. Voted £,\oo for the support of the school.

1748. " Voted, that where there is 15 or 20 children can conveniently come to one school in any part of the town, they shall be allowed a School Dame, at the charge of the town, they procuring sd Dame."

1756. ^^ Voted, that the school be kept in the several Precincts in this town, each Precinct to have its equal proportion, and to be stated by the inhabitants of each Precinct in their own respective Precinct."

1760. " Voted, that the interest of the money due the town for the sale of Common Land called "The Rocks," and other lands sold last year, be appropriated for the support of a Free School, for the benefit of the Inhabitants of said town, as the selectmen shall order, for this year, and until the town shall further direct in the affair."

Items of Interest. - 1719. Capt. Thomas Baker was sent representative to the General Court; and in 1723 the town raised money to pay him for his services.

Philip Robitail, a half brother of Capt. Baker's wife, appears to have been in Brookfield this year, and worked on the Captain's farm. Other new comers were, Ebenezer How, blacksmith, from Marlborough ; Alexander Stewart, tailor, from M. ; Obadiah Rice, also from M., bought the Bettis' place ; Samuel King, alias Rice, from Sudbury ; Jonas Houghton, and Thomas Tucker, from Lancaster, bought the Arthur Tucker place ; Capt. Thomas Perley and Stephen Peabody from Boxford bought a large tract of land near the Brimfield line, of Tilly Mirick.

The settlers this year were, Jacob x'Vbbott, carpenter, from Andover ; Richard Burk, Sen., and his sons Richard and Jonathan, carpenters, from Stow, perhaps later from Northampton ; John Patterson ; Wm Hair ; Josiah Wood ; Obadiah Wright ; Jacob Wood.

1 72 1. Capt. Thomas Baker, Tilly Mirick and Left. Thomas Gilbert were appointed Trustees, to take up the ;^5o. province bills granted to our town by the Great and General Court. Voted, to let out the ^50, upon interest, no man to have over ;^ro.

1728. Voted, to take our proportion of the ;;^6o,ooo, out of the Public Treasury of the Province ; that Thomas Gilbert, Samuel Barns and Wm Old be the Trustees to let out the money ; and that no man have less than ^5, nor more than ^10, Brookfield's share was ^203.

Voted, to have four contributions this year : the first next Sabbath, and so once a quarter, for to raise money for Mr. Cheney, to make up something of the loss he hath been in the bills of credit.

1 73 1. May 14, Voted, that whoever, within 20 days, shall kill any rattlesnake, and shall bring the last joint of the tail thereof to the selectmen, and shall solemnly declare that the said snake was killed in or near our town, shall have 3d. reward.

1742. Support of the Poor. Up to this date, aid to poor persons was given by abating taxes, granting specified sums to individuals, paying doctor's bills, &c, and only 3 or 4 such instances are on the records. This year the town granted forty pounds, old tenor, " for the support of the Poor." The next year the grant was fifty pounds ; and a like grant was continued from year to year.

Temperance. At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of Brookfield, Sept. 30, 1754, Capt. Ebenezer Witt, moderator - That paragraph in the Excise Bill which relates to the private consumption of Spirituous Liquors &c., together with his Excellency's speech thereon, being read, the Question was put by the moderator, whether the town will consent to said Paragraph being passed into a Law, it was voted in the affirmative.

Father Ralle'S War

Coaches. In an official return of wheel-carriages for pleasure, in 1755, Worcester has none ; Lancaster, 3 chaises ; Brookfield, 3 chairs ; Leicester, 3 chairs.

Father Ralle's War. - This sanguinary conflict with the Indians, was instigated by the French authorities in Canada, Father Ralle, a Jesuit living at Norridgewock, Me., being the chief instrument, and hence the name. It was opened in 1722, and continued four years. The princii^al field of operations was in the Province of Maine and New Hampshire ; but our Massachusetts frontiers became directly involved, and several of our Hampshire towns suffered greatly. Brookfield suffered most from alarms, and interruption of farming pursuits, and expenses of maintaining a garrison, and watching, warding and scouting. The town records are silent on all matters relating to this, and the succeeding French and Indian wars ; and our only means of information are the State Archives.

1722. The Council Records, under date July 9, 1722, note : Advised, that his Excellency give orders for 50 men to be raised to be employed as scouts on the Western Frontiers, viz. 20 men to be drawn out of Col. Partridge's regiment, their scout to be between Brookfield and Northfield ; 15 men out of Col. Buckminster's regiment, their scout to be from Lancaster to Brookfield via Rutland.

In Col. Samuel Partridge's Co., in service Aug. 18 to Nov. 26, were Thomas Baker, acting as sergt., Eleazar Warner, corporal, Paul De Land, private. In Maj. John Chandler's Co., same date, were Jona. Burk, John Hamilton, Experience Rich, John Rich, Benj. Walker, Daniel Walker, Joseph Walker, Jacob Wood. In Capt. Samuel Barnard's Co., same date, were Benj., John and Joseph Wait, then of Northampton.

1723. May 14. Col. Partridge writes to Gov. Dummer : "The River is pretty well secured by the forts and men at Northfield and Deerfield ; yet Sunderland, Hatfield, Hadley, Northampton, Westfield and Brookfield and Rutland are too much exposed to invasion from the east and west. . . . These towns can't stand the strain upon them to watch and ward, scout and fort, without pay, while their spring work is pressing to be done. They can't get a living." . . . [There was a quarrel of long standing between the Governor and the House of Representatives, which checkmated all legislation necessary for making appropriations and raising money to garrison these exposed towns.]

carried away two other Stevens boys. Nathaniel Gilbert and a party of men from Brookfield went to the relief of Rutland ; and Col. Partridge was ordered to engage men to scout in the exposed towns, viz. 5 men from Brookfield, and 4 from each of the other frontier towns, to be kept in regular and constant duty. These men were placed in command of Lieut. Samuel Wright of Rutland, with Eleazar Warner of Brookfield as sergeant. Of the men in service Jan. 8, 1724, there were Ammiel Weeks and Wm. Thompson of Sudbury, Nathaniel Harwood of Concord, Benj. Bartlet, Jona. Burk, John Hamilton, Jos. Walker, and John Woolcott, Jr., of Brookfield. In the spring, Sergt. Warner with 9 men were stationed in garrison at Brookfield, and remained from Apr. 13 to Nov. 20. A Daily Journal of duty done at Brookfield was kept by Sergt. Warner, and is preserved in the State Archives. A few extracts will be given, which will furnish a picture of the times. The 9 men were, Corp. John Hamilton, Benj. Bartlett, Jona. Burk, Daniel Colton (of Spg.) Eph"^ Hayward, Ebenezer Metcalf (of Wrentham), Wm Virgin (of Concord, later of Brookfield), Joseph Walker, Josiah Wood. Tuesday Apr. 14. Two men guarding, the rest warding. Three men guarding, the rest warding. Four men sent scout to Rutland, the rest warding. The scout returned from Rutland. No discovery. To ward the garrisons. One man to guard the meeting-house. Warding, one man guarding. Two men to guard, the rest warding. All the men warding. Two men guarding the meeting-house. News from the Block house, of Indians discovered. Scout sent to inform Capt. Wright. Received an addition of ten men. Two men guarding the meeting-house. Warding at the garrisons. A scout sent up to the turn of Ware River. We had news from Albany that there was some Indians come from Canada, designing for our western frontiers. A scout sent to the branches of Swift River. Two men to guard the meeting-house. Five men guarding, the rest warding. When winter set in, Capt. Wright took command of the scouting parties, with headquarters at Rutland. Some extracts from his Journal follow : Nov. 29. Scouted towards Wachusett, and cross towards Brookfield. Dec. 4. Snow deep & soft, could not go out with snow-shoes nor without.

Father R A Lie'S War

Jan. II. Some to Bkfd., some to Worcester to mill. " 19. Scouted over Ware River; 20. and back of Brookfield ; 21. back into the woods again.

Feb. 2. Scouted; discovered some tracks; 3. went out after them, but they scattered, we could not follow them; 4. came in; 5. kept garrison; 10. guard to mill to Brookfield; 26. sent a company to buy corn at Brookfield. Mar. 4. went to Brookfield to fetch provisions. Mar. 18-19. guarded the people fencing their meadows. Apr. i. guarded the people at the corn mill. Apr. 26. guarded the people to plow. May 4-13. guarded the people to plant. 10. scouted, discovered Indian tracks by Ware River. 28. Indians came about the garrisons; 29. scouted the swamps in pursuit of the Indians; 31. watched without the garrisons, and ranged the swamps with dogs. July 10. guarded 23 men at work in the meadows making hay.

May it please yr Honour: I would by these humbly entreat y Honour would think of our Poor afiiicted Town, and that you would please to grant our Town some garrison soldiers. I would beg yr Honour not to be Troubled that I take upon me to request this favour of you to my people, for their interest and welfare in a great measure is mine ; and if they can't have some help, by reason of the danger of the enemy they will not be able to improve their lands, and so not be able to live themselves nor to pay me my sallary ; and several of my people desired that I would write a line to your Honour in their behalf. This Sir with hearty thanks for the care your Honour hath taken of us, and with hearty wishes of all prosperity upon y person. Family and Government - is from y dutiful

In response, ten men were ordered to Brookfield, from the upper County. They had been with Capt. Samuel Willard from June 10 ; were given in charge of Lieut. Eleazar Warner, and remained in Brookfield till Nov. 28. Their names are as follows : Corp. Wm. Old, Eben"" Ayres, Daniel Bovvker, Daniel Colton, Joseph Davis, Thomas Gibbs, Samuel Gilbert, Nathaniel Gilbert, Josiah Wood. Other Brookfield men, in service July 26, to Nov. 18, were, Hopestill Hinds, Tilly Mirick, Joseph Ayres, Joseph Jennings, Jr., Samuel Davis, Joseph Marks, Edw. Walker, William Virgin, Richard Burk, Jona. Burk, Samuel Walker, John Davis. Joseph Perry was in Capt. Jos. Kellogg's Co. May 19, to July 5. John Woolcott, Jr., was in Capt. Timothy Dwight's Co. June I, to Nov. 30. [He was the boy taken by the Indians Oct. 13, 1708 ; and was killed by the Indians, on the Connecticut river, Apr. 17, 1728.]

of 7 men is too little to range from Watchusett hills, on the back side of Ware River, and so to the back side of Brookfield. . . . The Indians lye on the back side and hunt about 12 miles from the towns ; we hear their guns, but are not strong enough to track and follow them."

Sir : On Tuesday last, at 3 P. M., Moh-gun-neat a Norwich Indian, with Mo-as-quin-ne and Chausham, two Pequods, came to my house and gave me the following Relation, viz : That two Maqua men and a squaw with an infant of about 6 months old, came into a house somewhere on the road between Springfield and Brookfield [not far from the house of Robert Old ] the beginning of last week, who having affronted the woman of the house (the only person then at home) by hanging their kettle over her fire and turning away her kettle. Either the men of the house or some other men coming in, fell foul upon one of the Maqua men, and with a great stick has very much wounded his shoulder and back : And the child very narrowly escaped with its life, having been grazed on the belly with a stick of wood, thrown at the squaw, the sharp end whereof carried away part of the child's clothing. He also destroyed and ruined the Maqua's kettle. That the Maqua is full of resentment and has vowed revenge on the man with his hatchet in May next (unless satisfaction be made him), at which time he proposes to return with 30 of his countrymen, who will, if he shall be seized, fall upon the English. The Indians, my informers, (who have been with the Maquas since the violence done them) were sober, and seemed very much concerned lest a war should ensue with the Maquas, They also say, the Maquas were urgent with them to go with them at their drawing off. But altho' they declined it, yet they expressed great dissatisfaction at the treatment the Maquas met with. I thought it my duty to transmit this account to y"" Honor, who best know what method will be proper to take.

Capt. Joseph Kellogg was in command of Fort Dummer, above Northfield, from 1726 to 1740. Jos. Perry and Kellogg of Brookfield, enlisted in Capt. Kellogg's Co., May 12, 1735, and continued m the service till May 1 740.

The Old French and Indian War, i 744-1 749. - War was declared by France against England, Mar. 15, 1744; and on the 29th, England declared war against France in return. This contest between the powers over the water, meant for New England a war with the Indians, with a

Brookfield was no longer a frontier town. Leicester, Sturbridge, Brimfield, Western and Hardwick had been planted on her borders, and served as sentinels and guards. And settlements had been pushed up the Connecticut valley towards Canada, as far as Walpole and Charlestown, where the brunt of first assaults must be borne. The part which our people took in this war was chiefly to furnish officers for field expeditions, and soldiers to defend the distant frontier forts.

The declaration of war took the Provinces by surprise, and in a measure unprepared. Defensive forts were hastily constructed in most of the towns ; and a continuous line of fortifications was built from Groton as far west as Adams. Fire-arms were put in repair \ and the old men "fought their battles o'er again", to arouse the spirit and courage of the young.

At the March meeting, 1745, Brookfield voted, "To choose a committee to require and receive the former Town Stock of Ammunition ; and to make a tax on polls and estates of no pounds, old tenor, to provide a new Stock of Ammunition."

Some of the old garrisons, particularly Gilbert's fort, must have been still in serviceable condition. And at least one new fort was built within our limits. This was "The old French Fort," which stood on the top of Coy's hill. Mrs. Eunice P. Cutter of Warren, who was born near by, has often heard her father and the old people describe the fort, the foundations of which had not wholly disappeared in her childhood. It was located on what is still known as " Rich land," north of the Powers' place. Probably it was what was termed a mount, i.e. a heavily timbered building, 18 or 20 feet square, and two stories high, with a look-out at the top surrounded by a balustrade and covered with a roof. These structures sometimes formed one corner of a stockade. The one in question appears to have been a part of, or adjacent to Rich's tavern, a noted hostelry on this height of land on the old Hadley road.

Col. Joseph Dwight of Brookfield took an important and honorable part in this war. He was commander of the Ninth Mass. regiment, in the memorable expedition against Louisburg in 1745, the success of which was the distinguishing feature of this war. He was commissioned Brigadier General by Gov. Shirley, Feb. 10, 1745; and in the active operations of the siege had command of the artillery, who, in order to bring their fire upon an undefended part of the town, were forced to draw their cannon by hand across a morass, where oxen and horses could not be used. The siege lasted 49 days ; and the fort capitulated June 17. Gen. Dwight received special commendation from

Capt. Jabez Olmstead took part in this expedition. He commanded the loth Co. in Col. Samuel Willard's 4th Mass. regiment. James Fry was I St Lieut.; and John Bell 2d Lieut. Edmund Bemis of Spencer was also a Lieut, in this Expedition. Bell and Bemis were armorers, and were allowed wages as such from Apr. 17, to June 17. Bell was allowed 7 pounds 6 shillings and 6 pence, old tenor, " on account of his sickness after his first return from Louisbourg." The French had spiked their guns before surrendering, thus making them unserviceable ; but Bemis built a wood fire around the breech, which so dilated the metal, that the spike was readily driven in, without injury. His ingenuity was rewarded by a handsome premium.

Edward Smith of B. enlisted for this expedition. " Capt. Wm Old impressed Seth Banister's gun, worth 7 pounds, for the use of the above named E. S., who never returned - and the Commissary is ordered to deliver s'l Banister a gun out of the Province store."

Sir : We have constant accounts of the enemy their lying upon our borders in great numbers, killing and captivating our people ; and we suffer ourselves to be a prey to them, and through cowardice or covetousness, or I know not what bad spirit in officers and men, we can't so much as bury the slain. It appears to me high time for the Government to exert its Power and give more effectual directions to officers posted on our frontiers ; and if need be to raise half the militia of the Province : But I beg we may have lODO men to drive the woods, and pursue the enemy even to Crown Point - If it be worth while, to send parties into the enemy's country, and give at the rate of ^1000 per scalp - Why when they are so numerous on our borders, should we lie intirely still and do nothing - Can't some troops of horse be sent, and may not commissions be given to such as will inlist a number of Volunteers, and by one way or other so many men raised as will a little discourage our enemy - I doubt not I can find many who would undertake (even without pay) for the Honour of the Country, and do good service

Last French And Indian War

The time was very dark. Col. Stoddard, the efificient commander of the Hampshire county forces, had died June 19. The soldiers from Connecticut refused to obey the orders of Maj. Williams. Sergt. Taylor was waylaid above Northfield, July 14, by 106 French and Indians, and two of his party killed, and eleven made prisoners. The garrisons and people at Northfield and Fort Dummer were weakened by sickness.