STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLIV.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS, NATIVE AND FOREIGN.
The farms in Stockbridge are often spoken of as remarkably good, and easy of culture.
Formerly, fine crops of wheat were raised; but for several years past, farmers have turned their attention to other crops, and depended upon the more westerly States for their flour.
The timber is also valuable, and of wild fruits we have the varieties of nuts, red plums, raspberries, whortleberries, blackberries, strawberries, &c.
Occasionally the "white blackberry" has been found.
The black currant and goose-berry are common, and the white currants which are now cultivated, sprung from a bush found by Captain Jones growing wild upon his farm.
The pigeon grape, generally called the frost grape is abundant, and the true frost grape has been found.
In cultivated fruit, Stockbridge is often said by strangers to excel.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLIV.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS, NATIVE AND FOREIGN., concluded ...
The "Stockbridge Damask Rose," as many strangers have been pleased to denominate it, has few equals.
Until near the close of the last century, it was known only in the gardens of Dr. West and the Joneses, from which we infer that its was brought from Weston.
The red rose grows, spontaneously to appearance, where was once the garden of Mr. Jones, sen., and was probably an early settler.
The cinnamon rose is believed to have been brought from Farmington, Conn., by Miss Mercy Scott.
The white rose was brought from Ellington, Conn.
At the present day, the rapidity of transportation is leading to a great increase in the varieties of roses and other shrubs.
An Agricultural Society was formed here in 1824, and extended to other towns in 1826, in which form it existed for some years.
The Society formed at Barrington in 1840, now occupies the sphere which this filled.
At one of the early exhibitions, a juvenile Floral Procession added much to the interest.
A "Shrubbery Society" was formed about the same time; but the ill-success of the first purchase caused its dissolution.
The Horticultural Society for the County was formed in Lenox, June 5, 1847.
The Fair held in the autumn of 1851 was very gratifying, and that in 1852 not less so.
Much of the delicious fruit upon the loaded tables was from Stockbridge.
At the Fair here in 1850, a vote was passed, to depend more in future upon the ladies for the interest of the occasion.
This referred to the decorations of the room.
Yet it has never been our lot to entertain the Society until the frosts of autumn had swept over our gardens, leaving death and desolation behind them.
We hope that our turn may come ere long to be on the sunny side of their appointments.
The North Stockbridge Club, has been in operation about three years.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLIV.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS, NATIVE AND FOREIGN., concluded ...
The "Stockbridge Damask Rose," as many strangers have been pleased to denominate it, has few equals.
Until near the close of the last century, it was known only in the gardens of Dr. West and the Joneses, from which we infer that its was brought from Weston.
The red rose grows, spontaneously to appearance, where was once the garden of Mr. Jones, sen., and was probably an early settler.
The cinnamon rose is believed to have been brought from Farmington, Conn., by Miss Mercy Scott.
The white rose was brought from Ellington, Conn.
At the present day, the rapidity of transportation is leading to a great increase in the varieties of roses and other shrubs.
An Agricultural Society was formed here in 1824, and extended to other towns in 1826, in which form it existed for some years.
The Society formed at Barrington in 1840, now occupies the sphere which this filled.
At one of the early exhibitions, a juvenile Floral Procession added much to the interest.
A "Shrubbery Society" was formed about the same time; but the ill-success of the first purchase caused its dissolution.
The Horticultural Society for the County was formed in Lenox, June 5, 1847.
The Fair held in the autumn of 1851 was very gratifying, and that in 1852 not less so.
Much of the delicious fruit upon the loaded tables was from Stockbridge.
At the Fair here in 1850, a vote was passed, to depend more in future upon the ladies for the interest of the occasion.
This referred to the decorations of the room.
Yet it has never been our lot to entertain the Society until the frosts of autumn had swept over our gardens, leaving death and desolation behind them.
We hope that our turn may come ere long to be on the sunny side of their appointments.
The North Stockbridge Club, has been in operation about three years.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY.
No one, in passing through Stockbridge, would be reminded of the Alhambra, or of "The City of Palaces;" but "Eden!" has, under such circumstances, dropped from the lips, and comparisons are sometimes drawn which exempt Stockbridge people from the charge of exaggeration when they grow warm in the praise of home.
The view, as one enters from the west, or the south, is very beautiful.
Monument Mountain is an admirable point of observation; and from a little elevation in the south part of the town, called Rose Hill, a zone of beauty encircles the observer, not often surpassed.
The drives about the town all possess circumstances of interest peculiarly their own.
Curtisville, East Street, and Glen Dale, have each points of observation worth visiting; particularly the last, where a cone-shaped hill seems piled up on purpose to afford an extensive prospect.
But, it is generally agreed, that the view from "the Hill," which rises north of the village, is the most perfect.
This elevation possesses the most extensive table land of any in the vicinity.
The road passes for a long distance upon its brow, and the view is not only beautiful and extended, but constantly changing.
The best view of the village is obtained as soon as the summit is gained; but from a point near the house of Mr. Hull, not only a part of "the Village," preeminently, but Curtisville, Larawaugh, Glen Dale, and Goodrich Street, may be distinctly seen.
Yet no one has seen all of Stockbridge, until he has taken the bird's-eye view to be obtained from the top of the house formerly owned by Dr. West.
An old African woman, who used occasionally to work at Dr. West's, would go, when her work was done, and sit upon the stairs leading from the upper garret to the roof, "because it was so near to heaven."
But if near to heaven is synonymous with away from earth, it is one of the last places which we should think of selecting for such a reason; for one seems there in the very center of created beauty.
It is not self-praise for us to talk thus of our own valley.
It came from the hand of its Creator, fashioned for a canvas; and since the hand of art has been employed in painting its surface.
His skill has guided every woodman and every builder, that all should be arranged in symmetry, where symmetry was to be desired, and beautiful disorder, where confusion would add a charm.
It is not our palaces, our parks, our temples, or our artistic lakes and glens; we have none of these; but it is that He, who is "excellent in counsel and wonderful in working," has vouchsafed to paint a picture here which is ever redolent of praise.
And may it be, that not from earth alone shall rise that savor, which mind — elevated, sanctified mind — should ever give.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY.
No one, in passing through Stockbridge, would be reminded of the Alhambra, or of "The City of Palaces;" but "Eden!" has, under such circumstances, dropped from the lips, and comparisons are sometimes drawn which exempt Stockbridge people from the charge of exaggeration when they grow warm in the praise of home.
The view, as one enters from the west, or the south, is very beautiful.
Monument Mountain is an admirable point of observation; and from a little elevation in the south part of the town, called Rose Hill, a zone of beauty encircles the observer, not often surpassed.
The drives about the town all possess circumstances of interest peculiarly their own.
Curtisville, East Street, and Glen Dale, have each points of observation worth visiting; particularly the last, where a cone-shaped hill seems piled up on purpose to afford an extensive prospect.
But, it is generally agreed, that the view from "the Hill," which rises north of the village, is the most perfect.
This elevation possesses the most extensive table land of any in the vicinity.
The road passes for a long distance upon its brow, and the view is not only beautiful and extended, but constantly changing.
The best view of the village is obtained as soon as the summit is gained; but from a point near the house of Mr. Hull, not only a part of "the Village," preeminently, but Curtisville, Larawaugh, Glen Dale, and Goodrich Street, may be distinctly seen.
Yet no one has seen all of Stockbridge, until he has taken the bird's-eye view to be obtained from the top of the house formerly owned by Dr. West.
An old African woman, who used occasionally to work at Dr. West's, would go, when her work was done, and sit upon the stairs leading from the upper garret to the roof, "because it was so near to heaven."
But if near to heaven is synonymous with away from earth, it is one of the last places which we should think of selecting for such a reason; for one seems there in the very center of created beauty.
It is not self-praise for us to talk thus of our own valley.
It came from the hand of its Creator, fashioned for a canvas; and since the hand of art has been employed in painting its surface.
His skill has guided every woodman and every builder, that all should be arranged in symmetry, where symmetry was to be desired, and beautiful disorder, where confusion would add a charm.
It is not our palaces, our parks, our temples, or our artistic lakes and glens; we have none of these; but it is that He, who is "excellent in counsel and wonderful in working," has vouchsafed to paint a picture here which is ever redolent of praise.
And may it be, that not from earth alone shall rise that savor, which mind — elevated, sanctified mind — should ever give.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY., continued ...
The Housatonic River winds among the meadows as its name denotes.
Its earlier name, as Mr. De Forest gives it from the Stratford records, was Paugussett.
It enters the town from Lee, and passes around the western end of Monument Mountain into Barrington.
It rises in Windsor on the east, and Lanesborough Pond on the north; these two streams unite at Pittsfield.
In Stockbridge it is five or six rods wide, and averages between two and three feet deep.
Its curves are often beautiful, particularly one called the "Ox Bow."
Seepoosah, or Sepoese, as it should probably be spelled, meaning a little rivulet, rises in Tyringham and Great Barrington, and empties into the Housatonic.
It has been known as Konk's Brook.
Another brook flows from a pond in the north part of the town, but is not known by any particular name.
The pond from which it flows is one mile long and half a mile in breadth.
It has been called by several names; the most beautiful, we think, is "Mountain Mirror."
It is appropriate, too.
The name, as obtained by Esquire F. from an Indian who visited Stockbridge some years ago, was "Mah-kee-nac — Great Water."
But we have the testimony of Mr. Slingerland that Mah-kee-nac is only an adjective, meaning great; and by referring to the Section upon Language, the reader will see that the word water cannot, as Mr. Slingerland remarks, be added; for the adjective must be turned into a neuter verb.
Mohawk Pond is a smaller sheet of water which lies in an opening in the Stockbridge Mountain to the south.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY., continued ...
The Housatonic River winds among the meadows as its name denotes.
Its earlier name, as Mr. De Forest gives it from the Stratford records, was Paugussett.
It enters the town from Lee, and passes around the western end of Monument Mountain into Barrington.
It rises in Windsor on the east, and Lanesborough Pond on the north; these two streams unite at Pittsfield.
In Stockbridge it is five or six rods wide, and averages between two and three feet deep.
Its curves are often beautiful, particularly one called the "Ox Bow."
Seepoosah, or Sepoese, as it should probably be spelled, meaning a little rivulet, rises in Tyringham and Great Barrington, and empties into the Housatonic.
It has been known as Konk's Brook.
Another brook flows from a pond in the north part of the town, but is not known by any particular name.
The pond from which it flows is one mile long and half a mile in breadth.
It has been called by several names; the most beautiful, we think, is "Mountain Mirror."
It is appropriate, too.
The name, as obtained by Esquire F. from an Indian who visited Stockbridge some years ago, was "Mah-kee-nac — Great Water."
But we have the testimony of Mr. Slingerland that Mah-kee-nac is only an adjective, meaning great; and by referring to the Section upon Language, the reader will see that the word water cannot, as Mr. Slingerland remarks, be added; for the adjective must be turned into a neuter verb.
Mohawk Pond is a smaller sheet of water which lies in an opening in the Stockbridge Mountain to the south.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY., continued ...
Stockbridge seems cradled in mountains.
On the south are the bold peaks, and the more western part of Monument Mountain, so named by the English from the cone shaped pile of stones upon its southern slope, but by the Indians called Maus-wos-see khi, or Fisher's Nest.
On the west is Stockbridge Mountain, and on the north, the Rattle Snake of the English, called by the Indians Deowkook, or Hill of the Wolves.
This mountain is two miles in length, and is entirely within the limits of the town, though quite on its northern border.
It contains a cave of some interest, although much of its surface is easily tilled.
In the south-east, Bear-town Mountain extends a considerable distance; but to the east the land stretches off for several miles, as if to let in the morning; and between Bear-town and a low range beyond, another valley opens to the east.
The ground is undulating, and the villages of Lee, lying in the lower parts of that first named, are overlooked, so that the eye rests upon the high mountain range in the eastern part of the County, whose patches of wood and of cultivation form an agreeable alternation.
Within this cradle, the village occupies a position southeast from central.
West of this is Glen Dale; East street runs to the north, and is in the north-east part of the town; and Curtisville lies in the north-west part, between Stockbridge Mountain and the Mountain Mirror.
This and Glen Dale are manufacturmg villages.
Stockbridge Iron Works, at the west end of Monument, has also a surrounding population.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY., continued ...
Stockbridge seems cradled in mountains.
On the south are the bold peaks, and the more western part of Monument Mountain, so named by the English from the cone shaped pile of stones upon its southern slope, but by the Indians called Maus-wos-see khi, or Fisher's Nest.
On the west is Stockbridge Mountain, and on the north, the Rattle Snake of the English, called by the Indians Deowkook, or Hill of the Wolves.
This mountain is two miles in length, and is entirely within the limits of the town, though quite on its northern border.
It contains a cave of some interest, although much of its surface is easily tilled.
In the south-east, Bear-town Mountain extends a considerable distance; but to the east the land stretches off for several miles, as if to let in the morning; and between Bear-town and a low range beyond, another valley opens to the east.
The ground is undulating, and the villages of Lee, lying in the lower parts of that first named, are overlooked, so that the eye rests upon the high mountain range in the eastern part of the County, whose patches of wood and of cultivation form an agreeable alternation.
Within this cradle, the village occupies a position southeast from central.
West of this is Glen Dale; East street runs to the north, and is in the north-east part of the town; and Curtisville lies in the north-west part, between Stockbridge Mountain and the Mountain Mirror.
This and Glen Dale are manufacturmg villages.
Stockbridge Iron Works, at the west end of Monument, has also a surrounding population.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY., concluded ...
Within the town are various hills which possess more or less of beauty.
Among these is the one South of the Academy, upon which Arnold was burned in effigy, called Laurel Hill, which in the Indian tongue would be Aum-hoo-ne-moo-seek Woo-chook.
It stands almost in the heart of the village, and in the season of bloom is a most beautiful object.
Esquire Fields' description is most graphic:
"Or wanders 'mid yon laurel bowers,
Whose blushing beauty clothes the hill,
As though a very snow of flowers
Had fallen from heaven, and lay there still.''
Ice Glen is a cleft in the rocks which form the summit of what is called Little Mountain, a spur from the Western end of Bear-town.
It was perhaps never entered until within the present century, and was first passed through by torch-light, we suppose, during the summer of 1841.
That season Mr. Parker took his scholars through; but as their lights went out, it was rather a dangerous, than a pleasant ramble.
Since that time however, the feat has become quite a common diversion.
During the summer of 1850, the lamented Miss Mary M. Chase was one of a party who performed it; and having her kind permission to transfer to our pages her sketch of the scene, published soon after in Holden's Magazine, and pronounced by her companions to be strictly truthful, (however the reality might baffle the descriptive powers of others,) we give it entire, and make no attempt of our own, except to say, that the rift is about one-fourth of a mile in length.
ICE GLEN.
"Away to the Ice Glen! the dews are fast falling,
From the dim, misty tree-tops the night-birds are calling,
From the measureless heavens the starlight is gleaming,
Look on through the trees where the torches are beaming
The shadows are beckoning, we must not delay,
Don the shoes, seize the staff, to the Ice Glen away!
"Well met, free companions! a bold band are we!
Let the faggots be kindled, each other to see!
Ho! ho! what a picture! the turban and shawl,
The bandit's red sash, hat painted and tall.
The gay scarlet cap, the roses, and plume.
How strangely they mingle, and shine through the gloom!
"Va! allons! move on! prenez garde! now we go!
The motley procession sets out with the glow
Of the torches, wide pouring along the rough track,
And kindling wild gleams on the rocks huge and black;
The slumbering echoes are wakened again,
As laughter and shouts ring afar through the Glen.
"On! On! o'er our heads the fearless trunks tower,
Watching grimly the tumult that startles the hour.
Around lie the Titan rocks, gloomy and vast,
Fettered firm to the earth where in wrath they were cast.
Stoop! clamber! light foot, strong hand, here we need,
Eagle eye, steady nerve, all these dangers to heed.
''Beware how you pass by yon terrible steep,
Or in its dark bosom forever you'll sleep!
Hold! back! here's a charm that cannot be crossed!
Now a leap! not a slip! or your foothold is lost!
Look before you, far down, what a perilous way!
Yet there does our path lie, we cannot delay.
"Ho! trusty companions! come tell us what cheer,
Our torches are dying, we must not pause here,
Give us light, give us aid! here's a horrible rift,
And the strong must the weak o'er its fearfulness lift!
List how the scared echoes reply to our call,
Then the very rocks vibrate, and threaten to fall!
"Lo! our way is closed up with a barrier high,
That seems, in the darkness, to blend with the sky.
What! creep we beneath it? That crevice may be
The path to some horror we shrink but to see!
No turning! on! on! by the torches' red flame,
Through the cavern's dark mouth we must clamber the same.
"Again we may breathe, then onward we go
In our perilous path, but our progress is slow.
Awhile we may pause, and gaze down through the Glen,
Where the flaring lights gleam o'er the people, and then
Once more to the journey. At last we emerge
From the beautiful horror — we stand on the verge
"Of the Glen's farthest entrance; before us the night
Lies quiet and holy — how changed is the sight,
And the spirit how changed; no longer the toil
Gives zest to the journey; — the coveted spoil
Of mosses and fern-leaves that gloriously shone
In the torchlight, seem faded — that radiance gone.
"How like to life's pathway, the Glen of the Soul;
With footsteps untried yet, we start for the goal.
By perilous chasms our pathway must lead;
We make bright our torches, we journey with speed;
Happy we, if we break not on treacherous rock.
And our light goes not out with the dangerous shock.
"We gather gay trophies that win us to stay,
Though a mandate still urges, that we must obey;
A strong hand upholds us, when else we would fall,
With jesting and laughter we travel through all:
At last the wild passage is ended, and then
In silence we stand at the mouth of the Glen,
"Behind us our comrades in companies throng —
We hear, though but faintly, their murmurs and song;
Above us the pale stars of heaven we see;
From our hands drop the treasures we gathered in glee;
And on through the darkness, mysterious, forlorn, —
We travel alone to Eternity's dawn."
June 1st, 1850, Stockbridge contained 1940 inhabitants, 363 families, 384 dwellings, 102 farms, and 7 manufactories.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLV.
GEOGRAPHY., concluded ...
Within the town are various hills which possess more or less of beauty.
Among these is the one South of the Academy, upon which Arnold was burned in effigy, called Laurel Hill, which in the Indian tongue would be Aum-hoo-ne-moo-seek Woo-chook.
It stands almost in the heart of the village, and in the season of bloom is a most beautiful object.
Esquire Fields' description is most graphic:
"Or wanders 'mid yon laurel bowers,
Whose blushing beauty clothes the hill,
As though a very snow of flowers
Had fallen from heaven, and lay there still.''
Ice Glen is a cleft in the rocks which form the summit of what is called Little Mountain, a spur from the Western end of Bear-town.
It was perhaps never entered until within the present century, and was first passed through by torch-light, we suppose, during the summer of 1841.
That season Mr. Parker took his scholars through; but as their lights went out, it was rather a dangerous, than a pleasant ramble.
Since that time however, the feat has become quite a common diversion.
During the summer of 1850, the lamented Miss Mary M. Chase was one of a party who performed it; and having her kind permission to transfer to our pages her sketch of the scene, published soon after in Holden's Magazine, and pronounced by her companions to be strictly truthful, (however the reality might baffle the descriptive powers of others,) we give it entire, and make no attempt of our own, except to say, that the rift is about one-fourth of a mile in length.
ICE GLEN.
"Away to the Ice Glen! the dews are fast falling,
From the dim, misty tree-tops the night-birds are calling,
From the measureless heavens the starlight is gleaming,
Look on through the trees where the torches are beaming
The shadows are beckoning, we must not delay,
Don the shoes, seize the staff, to the Ice Glen away!
"Well met, free companions! a bold band are we!
Let the faggots be kindled, each other to see!
Ho! ho! what a picture! the turban and shawl,
The bandit's red sash, hat painted and tall.
The gay scarlet cap, the roses, and plume.
How strangely they mingle, and shine through the gloom!
"Va! allons! move on! prenez garde! now we go!
The motley procession sets out with the glow
Of the torches, wide pouring along the rough track,
And kindling wild gleams on the rocks huge and black;
The slumbering echoes are wakened again,
As laughter and shouts ring afar through the Glen.
"On! On! o'er our heads the fearless trunks tower,
Watching grimly the tumult that startles the hour.
Around lie the Titan rocks, gloomy and vast,
Fettered firm to the earth where in wrath they were cast.
Stoop! clamber! light foot, strong hand, here we need,
Eagle eye, steady nerve, all these dangers to heed.
''Beware how you pass by yon terrible steep,
Or in its dark bosom forever you'll sleep!
Hold! back! here's a charm that cannot be crossed!
Now a leap! not a slip! or your foothold is lost!
Look before you, far down, what a perilous way!
Yet there does our path lie, we cannot delay.
"Ho! trusty companions! come tell us what cheer,
Our torches are dying, we must not pause here,
Give us light, give us aid! here's a horrible rift,
And the strong must the weak o'er its fearfulness lift!
List how the scared echoes reply to our call,
Then the very rocks vibrate, and threaten to fall!
"Lo! our way is closed up with a barrier high,
That seems, in the darkness, to blend with the sky.
What! creep we beneath it? That crevice may be
The path to some horror we shrink but to see!
No turning! on! on! by the torches' red flame,
Through the cavern's dark mouth we must clamber the same.
"Again we may breathe, then onward we go
In our perilous path, but our progress is slow.
Awhile we may pause, and gaze down through the Glen,
Where the flaring lights gleam o'er the people, and then
Once more to the journey. At last we emerge
From the beautiful horror — we stand on the verge
"Of the Glen's farthest entrance; before us the night
Lies quiet and holy — how changed is the sight,
And the spirit how changed; no longer the toil
Gives zest to the journey; — the coveted spoil
Of mosses and fern-leaves that gloriously shone
In the torchlight, seem faded — that radiance gone.
"How like to life's pathway, the Glen of the Soul;
With footsteps untried yet, we start for the goal.
By perilous chasms our pathway must lead;
We make bright our torches, we journey with speed;
Happy we, if we break not on treacherous rock.
And our light goes not out with the dangerous shock.
"We gather gay trophies that win us to stay,
Though a mandate still urges, that we must obey;
A strong hand upholds us, when else we would fall,
With jesting and laughter we travel through all:
At last the wild passage is ended, and then
In silence we stand at the mouth of the Glen,
"Behind us our comrades in companies throng —
We hear, though but faintly, their murmurs and song;
Above us the pale stars of heaven we see;
From our hands drop the treasures we gathered in glee;
And on through the darkness, mysterious, forlorn, —
We travel alone to Eternity's dawn."
June 1st, 1850, Stockbridge contained 1940 inhabitants, 363 families, 384 dwellings, 102 farms, and 7 manufactories.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c.
BRIG. GEN. JOSEPH DWIGHT.
General Dwight was born in Dedham, in 1703, and admitted to the bar as an inhabitant of Brookfield in 1733.
But he soon engaged in a military career, in which he gathered brilliant laurels.
Particularly, he was distinguished as commander of the Massachusetts Artillery at the capture of Louisburg in 1745, when he carried the ordnance and military stores across the extensive and miry morass west of the town; and also on the subsequent attack upon the walls.
About the year 1750 or '51, he married Mrs. John Sergeant of Stockbridge, and settled here as Trustee of the Indian Schools, bringing with him Lawrence Lynch, a young man from Ireland who had been with him at Cape Breton.
He resided in the dwelling erected by Mr. Sergeant on the Hill.
In 1756, he was sent at the head of a brigade to Lake Champlain, and soon after his return, purchased a place in Great Barrington, and removed his family thither.
When Berkshire County was formed, in 1761, he was chosen Judge of both Courts, and held those offices until his death, which occurred at Barrington, June 9, 1765, at the age of 62.
He had, previous to becoming a citizen of Stockbridge, viz. in 1739, been appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Worcester County.
Judge Dwight was a graduate of Harvard in 1722.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c.
BRIG. GEN. JOSEPH DWIGHT.
General Dwight was born in Dedham, in 1703, and admitted to the bar as an inhabitant of Brookfield in 1733.
But he soon engaged in a military career, in which he gathered brilliant laurels.
Particularly, he was distinguished as commander of the Massachusetts Artillery at the capture of Louisburg in 1745, when he carried the ordnance and military stores across the extensive and miry morass west of the town; and also on the subsequent attack upon the walls.
About the year 1750 or '51, he married Mrs. John Sergeant of Stockbridge, and settled here as Trustee of the Indian Schools, bringing with him Lawrence Lynch, a young man from Ireland who had been with him at Cape Breton.
He resided in the dwelling erected by Mr. Sergeant on the Hill.
In 1756, he was sent at the head of a brigade to Lake Champlain, and soon after his return, purchased a place in Great Barrington, and removed his family thither.
When Berkshire County was formed, in 1761, he was chosen Judge of both Courts, and held those offices until his death, which occurred at Barrington, June 9, 1765, at the age of 62.
He had, previous to becoming a citizen of Stockbridge, viz. in 1739, been appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Worcester County.
Judge Dwight was a graduate of Harvard in 1722.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
COL. THOMAS WILLIAMS.
The eldest son of Dr. Thomas Williams of Deerfield, own brother of the founder of Williams College, was born May 5, 1746.
He studied law with Colonel Hopkins of Great Barrington, and commenced practice in Stockbridge with a fair prospect of success.
But at the opening of the Revolutionary War, he marched to Cambridge at the head of a party of minute men, and was one who volunteered to follow Arnold up the Kennebec, being of the division under Colonel Enos.
But on reaching the mouth of Dead River, that division was compelled to return because of the absolute impossibility of obtaining provisions.
The next year, 1776, being made Lieutenant Colonel, he was ordered to Canada by another route, and died on his way, at Skenesborough, now Whitehall, July 10, at the age of 30.
The residence of Colonel Williams in Stockbridge was the house erected by Colonel Elijah Williams on the Hill, and his law office was a wing of the same building.
The building stood a few rods east of the old Fort — the house built by Colonel Ephraim Williams.
Very few traces of it now remain.
His wife was Miss Thankful Ashley, and his children, Ephraim Williams, now living in Lee, Colonel Thomas Williams, who died at the South, and Esquire William Williams of New Hartford.
The widow of Colonel Williams married Brigadier General Ashley in 1781.
He had been here as a delegate from Washington to the County Congress in July, 1774, and had afterwards served in the war.
At what time he became an inhabitant of Stockbridge is not known; but he was married here, took up his residence, when at home, in the house of his wife, and appears to have remained generally in the army, as an officer, until the close of the war.
He was drowned at South Lee.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
COL. THOMAS WILLIAMS.
The eldest son of Dr. Thomas Williams of Deerfield, own brother of the founder of Williams College, was born May 5, 1746.
He studied law with Colonel Hopkins of Great Barrington, and commenced practice in Stockbridge with a fair prospect of success.
But at the opening of the Revolutionary War, he marched to Cambridge at the head of a party of minute men, and was one who volunteered to follow Arnold up the Kennebec, being of the division under Colonel Enos.
But on reaching the mouth of Dead River, that division was compelled to return because of the absolute impossibility of obtaining provisions.
The next year, 1776, being made Lieutenant Colonel, he was ordered to Canada by another route, and died on his way, at Skenesborough, now Whitehall, July 10, at the age of 30.
The residence of Colonel Williams in Stockbridge was the house erected by Colonel Elijah Williams on the Hill, and his law office was a wing of the same building.
The building stood a few rods east of the old Fort — the house built by Colonel Ephraim Williams.
Very few traces of it now remain.
His wife was Miss Thankful Ashley, and his children, Ephraim Williams, now living in Lee, Colonel Thomas Williams, who died at the South, and Esquire William Williams of New Hartford.
The widow of Colonel Williams married Brigadier General Ashley in 1781.
He had been here as a delegate from Washington to the County Congress in July, 1774, and had afterwards served in the war.
At what time he became an inhabitant of Stockbridge is not known; but he was married here, took up his residence, when at home, in the house of his wife, and appears to have remained generally in the army, as an officer, until the close of the war.
He was drowned at South Lee.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
EPHRAIM WILLIAMS, ESQ.
Esquire Williams would scarcely be recognized by his real name in Stockbridge, having taken to himself the more familiar name of "Uncle Bob," by which he is universally called to the present day.
He was the oldest son of the second wife of Dr. T. Williams of Deerfield, and in that way grandson of Rev. W. Williams of Weston, pastor of that church at the time Colonel Williams and Mr. Jones removed to Stockbridge, though through his father, he was cousin to him.
Ephraim Williams was born November 19th, 1760, and studied law with Judge Sedgwick, with whom he afterwards entered into partnership.
Having several times represented this town in the State Legislature, and accumulated an independent fortune, he retired from practice about the year 1803, and returned to Deerfield.
This course, it is said, was in consequence of a charge of incorrectness from the Presiding Judge, and an order to "sit down."
"I will not sit down," was his reply, "but I will leave the bar, and never enter it again."
"He was often urged," says Rev. H. Colman, "to return; but he remained inflexible."
This act is said by one who knew him well, to have been perfectly characteristic of the man.
"Under the law providing for that office," continues Mr. Colman, "he was the first Reporter of the Decisions of the Supreme Court, and published one volume of the Reports: had a seat in the Senate Board for Franklin County, and was often consulted by the Judges of our Courts."
He married Miss Emily Trowbridge about the year 1815, and died at Deerfield, December 27th, 1835, leaving one son, who is now assistant Bishop of Connecticut.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
EPHRAIM WILLIAMS, ESQ.
Esquire Williams would scarcely be recognized by his real name in Stockbridge, having taken to himself the more familiar name of "Uncle Bob," by which he is universally called to the present day.
He was the oldest son of the second wife of Dr. T. Williams of Deerfield, and in that way grandson of Rev. W. Williams of Weston, pastor of that church at the time Colonel Williams and Mr. Jones removed to Stockbridge, though through his father, he was cousin to him.
Ephraim Williams was born November 19th, 1760, and studied law with Judge Sedgwick, with whom he afterwards entered into partnership.
Having several times represented this town in the State Legislature, and accumulated an independent fortune, he retired from practice about the year 1803, and returned to Deerfield.
This course, it is said, was in consequence of a charge of incorrectness from the Presiding Judge, and an order to "sit down."
"I will not sit down," was his reply, "but I will leave the bar, and never enter it again."
"He was often urged," says Rev. H. Colman, "to return; but he remained inflexible."
This act is said by one who knew him well, to have been perfectly characteristic of the man.
"Under the law providing for that office," continues Mr. Colman, "he was the first Reporter of the Decisions of the Supreme Court, and published one volume of the Reports: had a seat in the Senate Board for Franklin County, and was often consulted by the Judges of our Courts."
He married Miss Emily Trowbridge about the year 1815, and died at Deerfield, December 27th, 1835, leaving one son, who is now assistant Bishop of Connecticut.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
JOHN BACON, ESQ.
Esquire, or as he is more generally called, Judge Bacon, was born in Canterbury, Ct., and graduated at Princeton in 1765.
After supplying two destitute churches in Maryland for a time, he was settled over the Old South Church in Boston, September 25th, 1771.
In 1775 he was dismissed, and engaged in civil affairs, occasionally, however, supplying some vacant pulpit.
About the same time he came to Stockbridge, built the house which formerly stood on the ground now occupied by Mr. P. Palmer; and, besides being much engaged in town business, was representative to the Legislature, member and President of the State Senate, member of Congress, and associate and Presiding Judge of Common Pleas.
He died October 25th, 1820, aged 82.
His wives were Gertrude Henry and Elizabeth Goldthwait, and his only son is Judge Ezekiel Bacon of Utica, N. Y.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
JOHN BACON, ESQ.
Esquire, or as he is more generally called, Judge Bacon, was born in Canterbury, Ct., and graduated at Princeton in 1765.
After supplying two destitute churches in Maryland for a time, he was settled over the Old South Church in Boston, September 25th, 1771.
In 1775 he was dismissed, and engaged in civil affairs, occasionally, however, supplying some vacant pulpit.
About the same time he came to Stockbridge, built the house which formerly stood on the ground now occupied by Mr. P. Palmer; and, besides being much engaged in town business, was representative to the Legislature, member and President of the State Senate, member of Congress, and associate and Presiding Judge of Common Pleas.
He died October 25th, 1820, aged 82.
His wives were Gertrude Henry and Elizabeth Goldthwait, and his only son is Judge Ezekiel Bacon of Utica, N. Y.
TO BE CONTINUED ...