Trails-to-the-Past-Massachusetts-Hampshire-County-Biographies-pg2

 

Trails to the Past 

Hampshire County, Massachusetts Biographies

The Leading Citizens of Hampshire County

Boston Biographical Review Publishing Co. 1896

DEXTER R. BARNES

JAMES D. BARNES

EDWARD T. BARRUS

SHERIDAN E. BARRUS

WILLIAM A. BARRUS

EUGENE PRENTISS BARTLET

ADDISON HOMER BARTLETT

ELIHU P. BARTLETT

JOHN A. BARTLETT

AUSTIN D. BATES

GORDYCE BATES

JOHN H. BATES

 
 

 

DEXTER   R.  BARNES,  formerly a lumber dealer, now an enterprising and   well-to-do  farmer, diligently pursuing   his  occupation   in   the town of Granby, is a  native of Hampshire County, born October 8, 1842, in the town of Pelham.  He is a son of the late Ansel Barnes, who was born in Hardwick,  Worcester County, and there worked for many years as a machinist.    Ansel Barnes removed to Pelham while in the prime of a vigorous manhood, and there carried on general farming until his death on August 12,   1878.   He married Deborah Churchill, a native of Cornish Flat, N.H., and they became the parents of eight children, namely:  Susan; Lewis, deceased; Lucretia, deceased; Martha, deceased; Louise; Lois, deceased; Dexter R.; and Hosea. 

Dexter, who was next to the youngest of the family, acquired a good common-school education in the place of his nativity, and was nineteen years of age when, on August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, under Captain George Bliss, Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The regiment, commanded by Colonel Greenleaf, was assigned to General Banks's division; and Mr. Barnes, with his comrades, took part in many of the important battles that followed, being present at Jackson, Miss., Irish Bend, and at the siege of Port Hudson, where Captain Bliss, who was then standing within four feet of him, was fatally shot. He was also in other skirmishes and in the great gunboat expedition.   After receiving his discharge at Greenfield, he returned to Pelham, being sick for some six months afterward.   Coming to this locality on his recovery, he worked for some time as a farm  laborer, but in   1864 went home again, and was there similarly engaged for a year.    During the next six months Mr.  Barnes owned and operated a sawmill, being quite successful therein,  and then resumed his agricultural   labors,   continuing about a year, when he embarked in the lumber business.   We next hear  of  him in Holyoke, where he was employed about six months in a sash and blind factory.   

Once more he returned to the home farm, and while there, on October 17,   1868, was united in marriage with Miss Jennie M. Kellogg, whose parents were Mr. and Mrs. David Kellogg.  After his marriage Mr. Barnes came to the town of Granby, and purchased a farm, which he conducted for six months, when he sold it at an advance, and bought another estate, on which he lived a year. Having an advantageous offer, he sold that also, and then removed to the village of Granby, where for three years he was successfully engaged as a dealer in lumber, hay, and straw, finally relinquishing the business to take possession of the farm he now owns and occupies.    He has a snug property of thirty-five acres, which he carefully tills, the improvements that he has made being of a most excellent character.

Politically, Mr. Barnes is a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and is earnestly interested in the welfare and advancement  of  his  adopted   town.   He has served   with ability in   many of  the local offices, having been Constable several years, Selectman two years, a Tax Collector, and at the time the State road was built a Road Commissioner.   At present he is serving as cattle inspector for the town of Granby. Socially, he belongs to the E. J. Griggs Post, No. 97, Grand Army of the Republic, and also to the Granby Grange, of which he is Overseer. 

The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes has been enlarged by the birth of six children, as follows: Nellie, who died in infancy; Agnes; Henry; Addie; Chester, who lived but twelve years; and Forest, whose life on earth was but brief. In his religious views Mr. Barnes is quite liberal, and Mrs. Barnes is a conscientious and esteemed member of the Congregational church.


JAMES D. BARNES, a progressive farmer of Prescott, born in Pelham, Mass., August 27, 1827, was the son of Dwight and Violet (Mellen) Barnes. Mr.  Barnes's great-grandfather, Eli Barnes, was an early settler of Hardwick, Mass., where he became a prosperous farmer and resided for the remainder of his life.    He raised a family.  of nine children, respectively named : Dwight, Harvey, Horace, Lucius, Eli, Lyman, Sophia, Minda, and Fanny. Of these the only one now living is Lucius Barnes, a resident of Ware, Mass.

Dwight Barnes, father of Mr. Barnes, was born in Hardwick. He first settled in Belchertown, and later in Pelham, where he owned and successfully managed a good farm. He possessed a strong constitution, was a tireless worker, a Democrat in politics, and lived to the age of sixty-four years. His farm is now occupied by Arthur Barnes. His first wife, Violet (Mellen) Barnes, died at the age of thirty years. His second wife was Lois Kingfield, who passed her declining years at the home of James D. Barnes. Mr. Barnes was the father of three children, as follows: James D., the subject of this sketch; Estus H., who died aged sixty-five; and Joseph M., a resident of West Ware.

James D. Barnes received his education in the schools of Pelham, and at an early age commenced life as a farm boy, receiving for wages thirteen dollars per month. He continued to work as an assistant upon different farms until 1860, when he purchased the property on which he now resides. The farm, situated upon high ground, overlooking a considerable portion of the surrounding country, is conducted upon modern principles.  Its appearance, together with the excellent condition of the buildings, tells the sterling qualities of the owner. He has no specialty; but, while conducting general farming operations, he is seldom found without some fine cattle. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served the town with ability for two terms each as Selectman, Assessor, Overseer of the Poor, and Road Commissioner. He is a Master Mason and a member of Bethel Lodge. 

On November 25,  1858, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Mary J. Upton. She was born in Prescott, and was a daughter of Otis and Minerva (Shaw) Upton. Both parents were natives of Prescott. The father's occupation was that of stone mason, and he was over eighty when he died. Mr. and Mrs.  Barnes have had five children, namely: Addie Leola, who died at the age of eighteen; Eugene and Herbert W., who are in the meat business in Prescott; Allie L. and Clarence, who are engaged in farming. Mr. Barnes is highly esteemed by his fellow townsmen, and his sons are well and favorably known in the community as bright and active business men.


EDWARD T.  BARRUS, a leading merchant and real estate owner of Williamsburg, was born in the town of Goshen,   Mass.,   October 13,   1861,   son of Theron L. and Czarina N. (Robinson) Barrus.

Mr. Barrus's grandparents, Levi and Almeda (Stearns) Barrus, moved from Salem, Mass., to  Goshen,  and   settled upon four hundred acres of land.    Levi Barrus was a very prosperous farmer and a highly esteemed citizen. He was originally a Whig in politics, but later joined the Republican party.    He was a member of the Baptist church.    He died at his homestead in Goshen at the age of seventy-three  years..     His   children   were: Hiram, Lorin,   Charles,   Alvan,   Laura,   Jane, and Theron L.

Theron L. Barrus, Mr. Barrus's father, was born at the homestead in Goshen, September 1, 1829. He attended the select school three winter terms, working during the summer in the turning shop of Ranney & Gage, and also at plane-making. After finishing his studies he taught school for nine winters, his summers being occupied in farming  and working at plane-making in Swift River.    He purchased what is known as the red house property, a farm of twenty acres, situated in the vicinity of his present residence, and devoted his summers to agriculture and his winters to the manufacturing   of   ladders,   which   he sold through the surrounding section.    He later bought the Cushman place of eight acres, and still later the Parsons farm, which consists of one hundred acres; and he has since resided upon that property.    He carries on general farming and dairying.    He has remodeled the farm buildings, keeps ten choice cows, and is in good circumstances.    He is a Republican in politics, and has been a member of the School Board for twenty years.    He united with the Congregational church in young man-hood, and at the age of twenty-five was chosen a Deacon, a position which he still holds. In 1852 Theron L. Barrus married Czarina N.  Robinson,   born   December  27,   1831, and daughter of James and Adeline (Randall) Robinson. She became the mother of five children: James L., William A., Edward T., Mary A., and Lida E. The mother died May 6, 1895.

Edward T. Barrus commenced his studies in the schools of his native town, and completed his education at the Sanderson Academy in Ashfield, Mass.    At the age of twenty years he began work as a wood polisher in the shop of  the  Crosby   Manufacturing   Company in Swift River.    After remaining there for one year he went to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he pursued a course at Eastman's Business College.   He then went to Boston as a book-keeper in the wholesale   clothing  house of C.  N.  Mellen & Co.,  and after remaining there for a time resigned his position in order to devote his attention to teaching.    He later returned to mercantile pursuits, and after acting as traveling salesman for a short time purchased an interest in the general store of J. H. Godfrey in Goshen, where he remained in business for six years, at the expiration of which time he retired from the firm. In 1890 he came to Williamsburg and purchased the stock of S. K. Waite, which included buildings and the adjoining land on Main Street. He refitted the store and put in an extensive stock of general merchandise, so enabling himself to supply a large and constantly increasing patronage. He employs a force of five men, and four teams are kept busy in delivering goods. He also runs a provision store in Holyoke. Mr. Barrus is President of the Williamsburg Co-operative Creamery Association, which is proving a most profitable enterprise. He purchased the Kingsley shop on South Street, which he has enlarged and fitted up for storage purposes.  He has also found it necessary to build an addition to his store.    He has invested in a valuable piece of real estate on Main Street, which he has subdivided into building lots for residences, and in many other ways has displayed a spirit of energy and enterprise, which will, without doubt,   insure his future prosperity. 

On May 18, 1887, Mr. Barrus was united in marriage to Mary L. Graves, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Bartlett) Graves, of Southampton, Mass., and has one son, named Roger H., who was born May 16, 1893. Mr. Barrus is one of the brightest and most progressive young business men in Hampshire County, and is highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen.


SHERIDAN E. BARRUS, a prosperous farmer of Goshen and superintendent of stone crushing, son of Loren and Lucinda S. (Naramore) Barrus, was born in Goshen, September 29, 1868. Mr.  Barrus's grandparents, Levi and Almeda (Stearns) Barrus, moved from Salem, Mass., to Goshen, where they were among the early settlers, and purchased four hundred acres of land. Levi Barrus was a member of the Baptist church and a Whig in politics. He died at the age of seventy-three. His children were: Hiram, Loren, Charles, Alvin, Laura, Jane, and Theron L.

Loren Barrus, father of Mr. Barrus, was born May 31, 1825. He resided with his parents until reaching the age of twenty-one, when he went to Cummington, where he engaged in the manufacturing of scythe handles.  He subsequently worked in Ranney's turning-mill, and was also employed in plane-making.  In 1857 he settled upon the Beals farm, and later purchased the Dawes property, where he resided until 1884, when he sold out, and bought the Shipman farm. Here, besides carrying on general farming, he operated a grist-mill that was on the premises. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in the First Massachusetts Cavalry, and served in the Civil War until October, 1864, when illness obliged him to go into hospital.    Upon his recovery he acted for some time as ward master of the hospital. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as a Selectman and as Constable.  Loren Barrus's wife, Lucinda S. Naramore, daughter of Franklin and Wealthy P. (Parsons) Naramore, whom he married June 5, 1848, was born in Goshen, December 10, 1828. Their children were: Walter F., who died in infancy; Helen L., wife of W. O.  Bartlett; Charles F., who married Minnie Hubbard, now deceased; Fred W., who died aged thirty-six; Anna L., who died at eighteen; Eva, wife of C. Frost; Sheridan E., the subject of this sketch; and Josephine R., wife of C. E. Hubbard. Loren Barrus and his wife are members of the Congregational church. 

Sheridan E. Barrus, after taking the usual course in the schools of Goshen, completed his education at Amherst College. At the age of twenty-one he bought an interest in his father's farm, and has since been engaged in general farming and dairying. They keep ten choice Jersey cows, use the separator, and manufacture a superior quality of butter, which they sell to regular customers. Mr.  Barrus is a Republican in politics. He superintends the breaking and sorting of stone for use upon the State road, having under his charge a force of twenty men.

On November 14, 1894, Mr. Barrus was united in marriage to Jessie F. Patterson, daughter of William H. and Jane Patterson, and has one child, named Russell Winthrop, who was born August 7, 1895.


WILLIAM A. BARRUS, of Goshen principal of the Hampshire and Franklin County Truant School, is the son of Deacon Theron L. and Czarina A.  (Robinson) Barrus, and was born in Goshen, October 2, 1857. His grandparents, Levi and Almeda (Stearns) Barrus, moved from Heath, Mass., to Goshen, where the former purchased four hundred acres of land, and began farming on an extensive scale. Levi was a member of the Baptist church, a Whig in politics, an energetic farmer, and a progressive citizen. He died at the age of eighty-four years. His children were: Hiram, Loren, Charles, Alvin, Laura, Jane, and Theron L.

Theron L. Barrus, father of William A., was born at the old homestead in Goshen, September 1, 1829. At the age of twenty-one he commenced work in the turning shop of Ranney and Gage, and subsequently engaged in plane-making. He gave only the summer months to these occupations, as he still pursued his studies during the school season.  After completing his education, he taught in the district schools for nine terms, devoting the summer season to agriculture. His first investment in real estate, known as the Red House, included twenty acres of land, situated in the  vicinity of   his   present residence.  Here he resided for a time, devoting his energies to farming and the making of ladders.  Then he bought the Cushman farm of eighty acres, and later the Parsons property, comprising one hundred acres, on which he now resides. He has remodeled the buildings, keeps a dairy of ten cows, and has otherwise improved the farm, which he cultivates successfully. He joined the Congregational church when a young man, and at the age of twenty-five was made a Deacon, a position which he still holds. He is a Republican in politics, and has been a member of the School Board for twenty years. In 1852 he married Czarina N. Robinson, daughter of James and Adeline (Randall) Robinson, born December 27, 1831. They had five children, as follows: James L., Willie A., Mary A., Edward F., and Lyda E.   The mother died May 6, 1895. 

William A. Barrus received his education in the schools of his native town; and at the age of eighteen he engaged in agriculture as an occupation, which he followed for some years. He was later employed in Swift River as a plane-maker and wood polisher, at which business he continued for two years. In 1885 he purchased the Russ farm in Goshen, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres. Since then, besides making other, improvements in the property, he has remodeled the buildings, and has conducted general farming, together with dairying, for which he keeps eight graded Jersey cows. He owns an interest in the Ashfield Co-operative Creamery, and has furnished teams for the construction of the State road.

On October 11, 1889, Mr. Barrus was appointed principal of the Hampshire and Franklin County Truant School, and has since filled that position to general satisfaction. In this capacity he has fitted up a suite of dormitories, which are well lighted and ventilated, and provided a yard for outdoor exercise.

Mr. Barrus was united in marriage on October 5, 1881, to Lucy M. Hall, daughter of Allen and Olive (Howe) Hall, of Ashfield.     They have three children, namely: Alice E., born October 5, 1882; Myrtle E., born March 5, 1887; and Ida E., born August 12, 1889. Mr. Barrus is a Republican in politics.


EUGENE PRENTISS BARTLET, of  Pelham, a Director and superintendent of the Montague City Rod Manufactory, was born in Pelham, January I, 1853, son of Marshall and Abigail (Warren) Bartlet.  Mr. Bartlet's ancestors were early settlers in Enfield, Mass., where they were engaged in agriculture. Marshall Bartlet, Mr. Bartlet's father, was born in Enfield, and was a son of Gideon Bartlet. He settled in Pelham in 1845, and followed his trade of shoemaking during the active period of his life. He was an industrious worker and an estimable man.  In politics he was a Republican, while he held liberal religious views.   Marshall Bartlet died in Amherst at the age of seventy-two years.   His wife, who was a descendant of General Warren of Revolutionary fame, was born at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor. She became the mother of ten children, as follows: Erastus; Livingston, a resident of Amherst; Calista, wife of Henry Wheeler, of Hartford, Conn.; Joseph F. a resident   of Turner's Falls,   Mass.;  Myron   M., who resides in Belchertown; Leander L., of Montague City; Henrietta, wife of Edwin Wade, of Ludlow; Carrie, wife of Charles Aldridge, of Keene, N.H.; Eugene P., the subject of this sketch; and Lora, wife of Charles Engel, of Springfield, Mass.   The mother died at the age of sixty-eight years.

Eugene Prentiss Bartlet commenced at an early age to contribute toward his own support. When thirteen years old, he became farm boy for Marcus Daniels in Wilbraham, receiving twenty-five dollars for his season's work. He then found employment in the Hills Company's factory in Amherst. The Hills were then the exclusive manufacturers of Shaker hoods, and Mr. Bartlet was with them at different times during the space of three years. He next went to Turner's Falls, where he was engaged with his brothers in learning the painter's trade. He continued at that occupation for three years. In 1872 he entered the employment of Gray & Sons, fishing rod manufacturers, receiving at first seventy-five cents per day. His wages were increased as he advanced in proficiency; and in less than a year after entering the factory he was receiving two dollars per day. Though he commenced in a humble capacity, he made such rapid progress through the various departments that on January 1, 1874, he was made superintendent of the factory.   He later became a stockholder in the concern, and finally obtained possession of the whole business. He subsequently enlarged the factory, and placed it in the hands of a stock company, known as the Montague City Rod Manufactory.  Although Mr. Bartlet is a large stockholder and a Director, he continues to act as superintendent ; and each department is conducted under his personal supervision. The company has factories located in Pelham, Montague City, Mass., and in Postville, Vt., and manufactures all kinds of fishing rods except steel ones.  The Pelham factory employs forty-five workmen the year round. Its products are shipped to various parts of New England and to New York City. During the season of 1893 and 1894 this factory alone completed seventy-five thousand rods, of two hundred and fifty different styles. This concern is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, and its present flourishing condition is due principally to the skill and business ability of Mr. Bartlet.  Mr. Bartlet is a Republican in politics, and has served as a Selectman and Assessor for two terms. He is a member of Pacific Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of the Northampton Commandcry.

On July 8, 1874, Mr. Bartlet was united in marriage to Jennie Ward, daughter of Joseph and Amanda A. Ward. Joseph Ward was a prosperous farmer and a lifelong resident of Pelham. He owned and operated a stone quarry, and was a well-known citizen. He died in Pelham, at over seventy years of age.  His wife, who survives him, now resides with Mr. Bartlet. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlet have two children, namely: Lotta A., wife of R. M.  Aldridge, who is employed in the factory; and Jessie E., who resides at home. Mr.  Bartlet contributes liberally to the support of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Bartlet is a member.


ADDISON HOMER BARTLETT was born upon the farm at Belchertown where he now resides, February 15, 1843, son of Cyrus Sabin and Emily (Stebbins) Bartlett. His father, who was born at Stafford, Conn., May 6, 1814, was a son of Cyrus Bartlett, a native of the same place, born in 1778.

Cyrus Bartlett owned and operated a saw and grist mill in his native town for some time before 1816. He then moved to Belchertown, settling upon the farm now owned by his grandson. Here he resided for the remainder of his days, and died at the age of seventy-nine years. The maiden name of his wife was Anna Sabin, a native of Ellington, Conn. (An account of Mrs. (Sabin) Bartlett's ancestors may be found in a work entitled, "The History of the Sabin Family.") She died at the age of ninety years, having raised a family of four children, named: Selden, Elvira, Cyrus S., and Louisa. Cyrus S. Bartlett was two years of age when his parents moved to Belchertown.    He received a good education in the district schools and at the Monson and Hadley Academies.    During his young manhood he taught school for several terms, also engaging in agriculture.    At the death of his father he succeeded to the ownership of the farm, which he cultivated profitably for several years.    In 1872 he sold the property to his son, purchased a home in the village, and  there resided  until  his decease, which occurred February 25, 1888.    The wife of Cyrus S. Bartlett, who was before her marriage Emily Stebbins, was born at Belchertown, November 10, 1814, daughter of Samuel Hinsdale and Nancy (Reed) Stebbins, and a direct descendant in the seventh generation of Rowland Stebbins.    (An account of Mrs. Bartlett's early ancestors is given in the "Annals of Belchertown," by the late Hon. Mark Doolittle.)   She died December 17, 1893, having been the mother of three children; namely, Eliza, Addison, and Julia.    She and her husband were devout members of the Congregational church, and contributed generously toward its support.

Addison H. Bartlett obtained the rudimentary branches of his education at the district schools.    After completing his studies at the Wilbraham Academy' he taught school for a time.    His chief attention, however, was devoted to agriculture, of which in due time he acquired a thorough knowledge.    The family homestead is known as the "Cold Spring" farm,   because   it   contains  a never-failing spring of pure water.    The town was originally so named for the same reason. When the farm came into his possession in 1872, he gave his whole time to its cultivation. The home is very desirably situated upon the west side of a hill, commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country.

On November 18, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Violet Isabelle Bardwell, a native of Belchertown, daughter of Antipas Steward Bardwell, who was also born there. He was a son of   Martin   Bardwell, whose father,  also   named   Martin,  was   a   son of Joseph, through whose father, John, the descent goes back to Robert Bardwell, who came from London to Boston about the year 1670, and settled in Hatfield, Mass.    Robert was a hatter by trade, and his son, John Bardwell, was one of the first settlers of Belchertown, having come about the year 1732.    The farm upon which Mrs. Bartlett was born was the original property of the family in that town.  Antipas Bardwell, who inherited a portion of the old homestead, purchased the interests of the other heirs and resided there until his decease, which occurred on April   18, 1877.  The maiden name of Mrs. Bartlett's mother was Caroline C. Sikes.    She was from Ludlow, and was a daughter of John and Dorothy (Kellogg) Sikes.    She died February 4, 1879, having been the mother of seven children: namely, George S., Alonzo J., Maria L., Francis N., Violet I., Martin W., and Charles E.

Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have five children living: Lizzie Maria,  Marion Estella, Dwight Stebbins, Francis Alonzo, and Edward Payson.  Their third child, Alice Isabelle, died August 30,   1877,  aged  thirteen  months; and their fourth child,  Henry Addison, died May 11, 1888, at the age of ten years.    The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett and several of their children are members.    Mr. Bartlett has been a Deacon of this church since 1882.


ELIHU P. BARTLETT, an old resident of Westhampton, was born there, March 19, 1825, son of Elihu and Sarah (Hurlburt) Bartlett, the former a native of Westhampton, the latter of Southampton.  The Bartlett family has been well known in the locality since the latter part of the last century, when Mr. Bartlett's grandfather removed from Northampton to Westhampton.  He was then a young man, was many years a resident of the town, and engaged, like his neighbors, in farming.

The elder Elihu Bartlett, father of Elihu P., also engaged in agriculture.    He lived in the western part of the town till he was sixty-five years of age, when he went to reside with his son Elihu P. He died December 11, 1866. His wife had passed away nine years before, on October 12, 1857. Their home was brightened by eight children, namely: Mary, deceased; Elihu P., the subject of this sketch; Asaph H., now in Leavenworth, Kan.; Christopher C, who lives near his brother Elihu; Horace C., Diana D., and two daughters named Sarah A., all of whom died some years ago.

Elihu P. Bartlett received a fair education in the schools of Westhampton. Living on the farm he necessarily became familiar with farm work. When twenty years of age he went to work in Westfield for a season, and later was employed in Springfield for a year.  In 1848 he rented the farm which he now occupies, and which in course of time he was able to purchase. At first it comprised one hundred and fifty acres.    Since then Mr. Bartlett has added to it, and now it is one hundred and eighty acres. He has made a great many improvements, carries on general farming in an intelligent and progressive way, and derives from his bountiful crops an ample income. 

On June 14, 1850, Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage with Elsie E. Kingsley, who was born in Westhampton, daughter of Orrin and Emily (Hooker) Kingsley. Orrin Kingsley, who was a farmer in Westhampton, died in Northampton in December, 1876. Mrs. Bartlett died in 1855, and the place left vacant by her decease has never been filled, her husband remaining faithful to her memory. She left two children, Edward A. and Emily H.  Edward A. married Emma Jessamine, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and they are the parents of six children, three of whom are living: Elsie K., Ruby B., and Clifford M. He lives with his father, his wife superintending the household. Emily H. is the wife of Henry Warner, of Leeds, Mass. In politics Mr.  Bartlett was originally a Whig, and is now a Republican. He has a comfortable home, and the goodly acres which surround it are the recompense of a life of honest and persevering labor.


JOHN A. BARTLETT, a substantial Citizen and a practical agriculturist of Enfield, has spent his whole life within the borders of that town, his birth occurring there on June 26, 1843. He is a son of Alexander, Jr., and Susan (Robinson) Bartlett, respectively natives of Enfield and Hardwick, Mass.

Alexander Bartlett, grandfather of John A., was one of the pioneer settlers of Pelham, this county, where he purchased a farm and lived for a number of years. Later on he resided in Belchertown for a time; but the last years of his life were spent in Enfield, where he died at the age of seventy-six years. He was drafted for service in the War of 1812, and went to Boston; but although he was sent to Boston he was not called upon for active service. He married Miss Deborah Brown, who reared him a family of seven children. Two of these are still living, namely: Mrs. Sarah Rogers, of Greenwich, Hampshire County; and Sylvan us Bartlett, of Concord, N. H.  Alexander Bartlett, Jr., was reared to farm life; and on starting for himself he chose farming for his occupation.    He finally purchased the excellent farm of one hundred and fifty acres that his son now owns, and on which the last twenty years of his own life were successfully spent. He lived sixty-seven years; and his wife, whose maiden name was Susan Robinson, died in the sixty-fifth year of her age.  But one child, John A. Bartlett, was born of their union. Both parents were liberal in their religious views.

John A. Bartlett received his education in the common schools of Enfield and Pelham.  He remained with his parents, caring for them during the last years of their life.   At their death he became the owner of the old homestead, on which he continues to reside. He is profitably engaged in mixed farming, and his dwelling and barns indicate comfort and prosperity. On May 20, 1867, he was joined in marriage with Miss Lydia A. Aldridge, who was born in Belchertown in 1842. They have no children. Politically, Mr. Bartlett is a faithful adherent of the Republican party.  Both he and his wife are liberal in their religious views.


AUSTIN D. BATES, a prosperous farmer and business man of Cummington, was born in that town, March 20, 1837, son of Dorrance and Hannah (Damon) Bates. Mr. Bates's great-grandparents were Nehemiah and Mehitable (Marble) Bates.

Nehemiah Bates was born in Abington, Mass., in 1740. He moved from Abington to Chesterfield, Mass., where he settled upon the farm which is now owned by H. Bates, and followed agriculture successfully until his death, which occurred at a good old age. His children were: Joel, Mehitable, Nathaniel, Ephraim, Asa, Levi, Elijah, Mehitable (second), Gersham, Solomon, and Ruth. Levi Bates, grandfather of Austin D. Bates, was born in Abington, September 9, 1771.  He learned the trade of a carpenter, and settled in Cummington, upon the farm which is now occupied by P. Bates.   He became a prosperous farmer, owning one hundred and thirty acres of land, and died aged thirty years. He was a Whig in politics and a Baptist in his religious creed. Levi Bates married Lorina Hersey, who was born March 5, 1775; and they had eight children, as follows: Malensa, Levi, Dorrance, Melinda, Lucinda, Lucretia, Phidelia, and Philander. The mother died April 26, 1849.

Dorrance Bates, Mr. Bates's father, was born in Cummington, January 25, 1803, and, when a young man, acquired the carpenter's trade, which he followed as an occupation.  He first settled upon two acres of land, but later he purchased the adjoining property, which was known as the E. Culver homestead, consisting of one hundred acres; and here he resided until his death. He died aged forty-nine years. His wife, Hannah (Damon) Bates, who was born in 1812, became the mother of five children: Finley V.; Austin D.; Hollister, who died young; Osmyn; and Hollister, second.   She died at the age of seventy-nine.

Austin D. Bates was reared to agriculture, and succeeded to the possession of the old homestead by purchasing the interests of the other heirs. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaming in a small way upon a route which included the city of Northampton and the towns of Huntington, Dalton, and Adams; and this undertaking later developed into an extensive business.    He also engaged in the sale of feed, grain, flour, and fertilizer, which he buys by the carload; and in this branch of trade he has also become successful. He has added thirty acres to his farm, keeps ten choice cows, has enlarged his residence, and remodeled his other farm buildings. The property is situated near the Hillside agricultural grounds; and during the annual fair he provides dinners for a large number of people and provender for quite a number of horses. He also owns an interest in the creamery.

On November 27, 1862, Mr. Bates was united in marriage to Sarah D. Brewster, daughter of Andrew and Phoebe (Sherman) Brewster. Mr. and Mrs. Bates have one son, named Herbert A., who was born October 7, 1871, and is now in business with his father.  Mr. Bates is a Republican in politics; and, although frequently requested to serve in town offices, he has always declined, as his business requires his entire time and energy.


GORDYCE BATES, a successful farmer of Worthington, was born in this town, February 25, 1823, son of Ouincy  and   Lovica  (Knapp) Bates. Mr. Bates's paternal grandparents were residents of Weymouth, Mass.   Ouincy Bates was born in Cummington, Mass., March 17, 1791; but, having grown to manhood, he settled upon a farm in Worthington, where he became a prosperous and well-known farmer.   He died in October,   1875.    His wife was born in Cummington,  April   19,   1790,  daughter of Jonathan Knapp, and she became the mother of ten children,  namely: Shepard F., who died in Cummington in 1842; Herman L., ; who is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Peru, Mass.; Emily L., widow of Talmage Church, a former manufacturer of Middlefield; Marcus A., now deceased; Mary L., who died October   3,   1S 3 8 ;   Fordyce   and   Gordyce, twins; Laura T., who married Jabez Hazzard, a druggist of New York City, and is now deceased; Jonathan L., who died October 13, 1838; and Austin, who died on the passage to California, at the age of eighteen. The mother died January 1, 1839.

Gordyce Bates resided with his parents until he reached the age of seventeen, when he commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter and joiner. He worked at that trade as a journeyman for five years, and then, in company with his brother Marcus, erected a sawmill in the vicinity of the old homestead, in which they manufactured fork, rake, broom, and shovel handles, besides sawing lumber for other parties. They conducted a successful business until some time in 1866, when the mill was burned. In 1843 Mr. Bates purchased the old home farm, which originally consisted of forty acres; and he has increased his property to one hundred and sixty-five acres. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising beef and vegetables for the market. Mr. Bates is a Republican in politics, and has always taken an active interest in local political issues. He was for five years a member of the Board of Selectmen, and served one year as Collector. 

On April 29, 1846, Mr. Bates married for his first wife Corinth Wing, a native of Hinsdale, Mass. She was born November 27, 1824, daughter of Zeri and Triphenia (Ingham) Wing, the former of whom was a practicing physician. Four children were born of this union, namely: Emma L., who married Andrew Brewster, of Cummington; Clarence E., who married Ida Hancock, and resides in Huntington, Mass.; Shepard F., who died in infancy; and Shepard F., second, who married Nellie A. Tower, and resides in Worthington. The mother died July 21, 1894; and on June 5, 1895, Mr. Bates wedded for his second wife Mrs. Malina Graves, a sister of his first wife. Mrs. Malina Bates was born March 26, 1823, and has been three times married. By her first husband, Sherman Geer, she had one son, Elwin W. Geer, who married, and resides in Dalton, Mass. Her second husband was Amasa Graves, Jr., of Middlefield, by whom she had one son, Arthur W. Graves, who is married, and resides in Pittsfield, Mass.

Mr. and Mrs. Bates are members of the Congregational church. Fordyce Bates, Mr.  Bates's twin brother, went to California in 1849, and remained there for several years, during which he was successful both as a merchant and a miner. While there he served as a member of the legislature in 1860. Marcus A. Bates was a member of the legislature in 1880.


JOHN H. BATES, a resident of Northampton and senior partner in the firm of Bates, Lyman & Locke, was born in South Hadley, Mass., June 12, 1847, being a son of Emerson and Sarah Ann (Edwards) Bates. The Bates family originated in England, the first of the name to cross the ocean and locate in this country having been one Joshua Bates, who settled in Hingham, Mass., at Cohasset, at an early period in the settlement of New England.

John Bates, grandfather of John E. Bates, was born March 12, 1772, in Cohasset, and, when a young man, came to this county. He lived for a while in Chesterfield, and was there married to Nancy Cogswell. Soon after their union they removed to Westhampton, where their ten children, five sons and five daughters, were born, all of whom, except one who died in infancy, grew to adult life. Of these one daughter still lives. This is Mary Ann, widow of Asahel Judd, formerly a resident of Charlemont, but now of Aurora, ILL.  Emerson improved his land and spent his life and remaining days upon it with his family, dying March 12, 1856. He was united in marriage in 1833, to Sarah Ann Edwards, who was born at Roberts Meadow, Northampton, daughter of David Edwards, grand-daughter of Nathaniel Edwards, former well-known residents of the locality. For many years after their union they kept the hotel and toll-gate on the old Boston and Albany Pike, and also owned and operated a tannery. They reared five children, as follows: Henry E., a volunteer in the late Rebellion, Corporal of Company H, Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, born in 1844, died August 19, 1863; Mary A., the wife of T. C. Cooley, of Springfield; Catherine L, living on the old homestead; John E., the subject of this sketch; and Nathaniel Edwards, who owns and occupies the old home farm. The mother survived her husband, passing away March 22, 1895, at the good old age of seventy eight years. She was buried beside her husband in the South Hadley cemetery.    The soldier son was laid to rest in the Cypress Grove Cemetery in Louisiana.

John E. Bates was a student in the high school when his eldest brother enlisted. The departure of his brother obliged him to give up his studies to assist on the home farm. This he continued to do until 1870, when he came to Northampton and secured work in the biscuit factory of Carr & Lyman, where he remained until the death of Mr. Carr, which occurred more than fifteen years afterward.  Mr. Bates subsequently became a member of the new firm. The company was organized March 15, 1886, and has since carried on a flourishing business under the title of the Smith Carr Baking Company. This bakery was first established a century ago, since which time it has passed through different hands.  The firm carry on a large trade. The factory  at   times  has  made  one hundred and seventy-five barrels of crackers per day. The larger part of this output consists of the Smith Carr Butter Crackers, which are unsurpassed by any other, and are extensively sold throughout New England and the West. The firm keeps three commercial travelers busily employed. 

Mr. Bates was united in marriage October 1, 1872, to Harriet E. Wright, of Northampton, by the Rev. Ephraim M. Wright, formerly Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, and an uncle of the bride. Mrs. Bates is a daughter of Ozro C. and Emeline (Clark) Wright, her mother being a native of Easthampton and a daughter of Luther Clark.  Mr. and Mrs. Bates reside at 14 Fruit Street, having settled in this locality soon after their marriage. Since then they have changed their residence but once, on that occasion having been compelled to do so by a fire which burned them out. This was in 1876, when they bought the Daniel Kingsley place.  They are the parents of five children, namely: Clinton Monroe, born July 25, 1874, now in the office of the company; Edith W., born January 28, 1876, attending the high school; S.  Emeline, born in October, 1880; Harriet I., born July 18, 1882; and Lucy A., born August 9, 1886. Mr. Bates evinces a warm interest in the progress and advancement of the city. In politics he is independent of party.  He has served three years as a member of the City Council. He has passed all the chairs up to that of Clerk in the Canton, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also a Knight of Pythias, and belongs to the American Legion of Honor and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

 

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