GEORGE W. COWING, a well to do farmer of Williamsburg, was born in that town April 22, 1842, son of William and Rebecca (Loomis) Cowing. His grandfather, Thomas Cowing, was probably born in Worthington, was a weaver by trade, and owned land in Worthington, where he died at an advanced age, having reared five children: Zalman, Emerson, William, Caroline, and Irene.

William Cowing, father of George W., when a young man, went to work in the Haydenville manufactory at Williamsburg, and remained there many years. At the time of the war he enlisted in the army, and while in the service was taken sick with fever, and died at the age of forty-six years. His wife had died in 1845. They were the parents of four children: Emory, George W., Mary, and Nancy.

George W. Cowing received a fair education in the schools of Williamsburg. He worked as a farm hand for some time, saving his earnings until he had accumulated some money.  Then he purchased a place in Whately, and for two years was engaged in general farming. He then entered the employ of the Connecticut River Railroad Company,  and   was section master for nine years.    In 1890 he bought the Lawyer White farm in Williamsburg. This property had been in the hands of the White family for one hundred  and ten years. It comprises thirty acres of good land, quite conveniently located, being only half a mile from the post office.    There, in addition to the usual farming operations, he conducts a small dairy.  He has made many improvements on the estate, which bear the stamp of his good management.

Mr. Cowing was twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Martha Burton, died at the age of thirty-five, leaving one son, Wilson, a book keeper in the Haydenville Brass Works, and married for some time to Miss Gettie Black. Mr. Cowing’s second wife was formerly Miss Carrie Sleigher. No children have been born of this union.

In politics Mr. Cowing is a Republican.  On the subject of religion his opinions are liberal. He is one of the representative citizens of Williamsburg, and is highly esteemed in the town.

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LEWIS S. COWING, a successful farmer of Chesterfield, was born in Huntington, July 20, 1830, son of  Job and Clarissa (Taylor) Cowing, the latter of Chester. Job Cowing, a native of Huntington, was a farmer, and followed his calling in Chester, Huntington, and Worthington.

The latter part of his life was spent in Leeds, Mass., where he died. His wife breathed her last in Chester, October 29, 1839. They were the parents of five children, namely: Lewis S., the subject of this sketch; John W., who married Laura Smith, and is now living near his brother Lewis; Nancy, wife of Edwin Dodge, of Worthington, Mass., who is a farmer; Mary, who died January 5, 1853; and Samuel D., who was married to Louise Hilman, now deceased, and resides in New Jersey.

Lewis S. Cowing received a good common-school education. He began to work on his father's farm when a boy of twelve. At eighteen he abandoned farm work to learn tool-making at Ringville, Mass. In 1853 he moved to the Cole homestead in Chesterfield, and once more engaged in farming. Eleven years later he went to live on the farm where he now resides. This estate, containing one hundred acres, has been much improved by Mr. Cowing. Hay and corn are the staple products, and some stock is also raised. Mr.  Cowing's methods are well up to date.

On May 25, 1853, Mr. Cowing was united in marriage with Maryann, daughter of Consider and Deborah Cole, of Chesterfield. Mr.  Cole was a well-to-do farmer, the property now owned by our subject originally belonging to him. He and his wife have both passed away. They were cared for in their old age by their daughter and her husband, who moved to the farm in Chesterfield in order to relieve the old folks of the cares incident to farm life.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Cowing was blessed by three children, namely: Horace W., a school-teacher, who was married first to Emily Streeter, and is now living with his second wife in Johnstown, N.Y.; Truman S., formerly a teacher in Hampshire County, and now a railroad man in Charlotte, Mich., married to Libby Merritt; and Mabel C, who died at the age of six years. Mrs. Cowing died February 8, 1885; and Mr. Cowing subsequently married Mrs. Ellen (Middlebrook) Sanderson, who died October 5, 1888.

Politically, Mr. Cowing believes firmly in the principles of the Democratic party, has held several offices in the county, and is much respected by all who know him.

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JONATHAN COWLS, a retired farmer of North Amherst, was born in that town, May 4, 1822, son of Jonathan and Esther (Graves) Cowls. Mr. Cowls's grandfather, David Cowls, was born August 11, 1741, and was one of six brothers, who settled in that part of the State.   He was an early settler in North Amherst, and cleared a good farm from the wilderness.    He followed agriculture successfully, and died November 18, 1817.   He was a prominent citizen of the town, honorable and upright in all his dealings, and was a leader of the church choir for many years.   His wife, Sarah Eastman before marriage, was  born in Hampshire County, January 28, 1744, daughter of J. Eastman.  She   became   the mother  of   five children: David,  Sally,  Joseph, Silas, and Jonathan. She died August 14, 1815.

Jonathan Cowls, father of Mr. Cowls, was born in North Amherst, December 2, 1781.  He succeeded to the possession of the homestead. He educated himself, studying nights by the light of a pine knot, and in his young manhood taught school. He became an extensive farmer, owning over three hundred acres of land, and was prominent in public affairs, being chairman of the Board of Selectmen for  some years.    He possessed sound judgment, and his advice was often in demand. He was a Congregationalist in religious belief and a liberal supporter of that church in North Amherst. Jonathan Cowls died at the old homestead in North Amherst, January 18, 1866. His wife, whose maiden name was Esther Graves, was a native of Sunderland, Mass., and became the mother of eight children, as follows : Justin, Erastus, Lois, Ira, and Esther, all of whom died young; Sarah, who married George Bridgman, and resides in Michigan; Ransom, a prosperous farmer of Amherst; and Jonathan, the subject of this sketch.   The mother died June 20, 1868. 

Jonathan Cowls grew to manhood at the Cowls homestead in North Amherst. He commenced his education in the schools of his native town, and completed his studies at Belchertown and Lee. He adopted agriculture as an occupation, residing with his parents until their death, after which he took charge of the home farm, and conducted it successfully for many years. He was an extensive dealer in stock, and also devoted considerable attention to dairying. He carried on lumbering operations for several winters, and in all of his undertakings has displayed a commendable spirit of energy and perseverance. He retired from active labor in 1893, at which time he removed to his present residence. Mr. Cowls is independent in politics, and is a supporter of President Cleveland. He has been a member of the Board of Selectmen, and has held other town offices.

On July I, 1851, Mr. Cowls was united in marriage to Sarah M. Dickinson. She was born in Amherst, March 3, 1828, daughter of Walter and Lydia (Dickinson) Dickinson, both of whom were old residents of Amherst. Mr. and Mrs. Cowls have five children, namely: Walter D., born June 30, 1852, residing at the homestead; Newton E., born April 11, 1854, a farmer in California; Abbie Grace, born August 21, 1856, who died October 24, 1865; Sarah Janette, born December 17, 1858, married to Francis Frary, and residing in Minneapolis; and Nellie G., born December 31, 1866, married to Edwin Dickinson, and residing in North Amherst.  Mr. and Mrs. Cowls are members of the Congregational church, in which Mr. Cowls is an active worker and now Trustee.

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RANSOM COWLS, one of North Amherst’s prosperous farmers, was born in Amherst, August 18, 1818, son of Jonathan and Esther (Graves) Cowls. Mr. , Cowls's ancestors came originally from Connecticut to Hatfield, Mass.; and his grandparents, David and Sarah (Eastman) Cowls, were natives of that town. David Cowls was born August 11, 1741. He moved from Hatfield to Amherst, where he was an early settler, and cleared the farm which is now owned by Walter Cowls. He was an industrious and an upright man. David Cowls died in Amherst, November 18, 1817. His wife, Sarah  Eastman  before  marriage, who was born January 28, 1744, daughter of John Eastman, of Hatfield, became the mother of five children: David, Sally, Joseph, Silas, and Jonathan.   She died August 14, 1815.

Jonathan Cowls, father of Mr. Cowls, was born in North Amherst, December 2, 1781.  He succeeded to the ownership of the home, farm, and bought other real estate. He be-came a very prosperous farmer, and owned some three hundred acres of land. He was a man of sound judgment in all business matters, and was active in public affairs, having been chairman of the Board of Selectmen for some time. Jonathan Cowls died January 18, 1866. He was a zealous member of the Congregational church. His wife, whose maiden name was Esther Graves, was born in Sunderland, November 23, 1783, and became the mother of eight children, as follows: Justin, Erastus, Louis, Ira, and Esther, all deceased; Sarah, wife of George Bridgman, a resident of Michigan; Jonathan, Jr., a prosperous farmer of North Amherst; and Ransom, the subject of this sketch. She died June 20, 1868.

Ransom Cowls was reared to agricultural life, and has always followed farming as an occupation. He resides upon a part of the original farm of David Cowls, his property consisting of one hundred and twenty-five acres. In his time he worked laboriously; but he has now retired from active occupation, leaving: his sons to manage the farm. He is a Republican in politics.

On August 24, 1843, Mr. Cowls was united in marriage to Sarah B. Gunn. She was born in Sunderland, August 3, 1821, daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Baker) Gunn, both now deceased, who were old residents of North Sunderland, where Stephen Gunn was a farmer. Mrs. Cowls was the mother of the following children:   Stephen G.,  who diedMarch 4,  1894;   Francis J.,   who married Sarah Wormwood, and died August 1, 1881, leaving two children, Esther and Sarah; Esther T., who married Frank M. Cushman, of Northampton, and has two children, Esther C. and Clara M.; Albert R., who resides at home; and Mellie A., an organ manufacturer of Detroit, Mich., who married Clara Nichols, and has a son, Emerson R.   Mrs. Cowls died May  14,  1894.   She was a member of the Congregational church.   Mr. Cowls has been a member of the same society for fifty years, has been its treasurer, and is the superintendent of the Sabbath-school

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DAVID WHITE CRAFTS, superintendent of the Northampton Gas Light Company, is an old and honored resident of the city, having, with the exception of seven years spent in Eastern Massachusetts, lived here since 1834. For thirty-five years he has been connected with the gas works, being its President, a stock-holder, a Director, and the superintendent at the present time. He was born February 17, 1821, in the town of Whately (in that portion known as the straits), Franklin County, his father, Chester Crafts, having been born in the same town in 1783.

Mr. Crafts traces his ancestry to Lieutenant Griffin Crafts, who came to Massachusetts in 1630, and was the first of the name to settle on American soil. He made his home in Roxbury. The line of descent is as follows:Griffin, John, Thomas, John, Thomas, Joseph, Chester, David White—the subject of the present sketch being of the eighth generation from the emigrant. The Genealogy of the Crafts family, in which the original name is spelled Craft or Kraft, an octavo volume of eight hundred and three pages, was compiled by James M. Crafts, of Orange, and William F. Crafts, of Boston Highlands, and printed in Northampton in 1893, Mr. David W. Crafts being the president of the association while the work was in preparation.

Joseph Crafts was born November 6, 1745, in Hatfield, Mass., and died October 18, 1815. He served in the Revolutionary War, and afterward devoted his time to tilling the soil. He married Mrs. Roxana White, daughter of Gideon and Mary (Parsons) Warner, her father also having been a Revolutionary soldier and in many of the important battles of that war. Grandfather Crafts settled in Whately, and was noted as being a great pedestrian. His last walking trip, taken when seventy years of age, a short time before his decease, was from Boston to Whately, a distance of ninety-eight miles, which he accomplished in two days. He and his wife had a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters.

Chester Crafts, son of Joseph, was reared to pioneer life, and assisted in improving a farm from the wilderness in which his parents located. In 1809, on March 16, he was united in marriage with Phila Jewett, a daughter of Reuben Jewett, who moved from the eastern part of the State to Deerfield at an early day, and there reared his family. Nine children were born into their household, and of these five are now living: Josephus; Sylvia, widow of Alvin S. Field; David White; Roswell P., of Holyoke; and Albert W., a merchant and farmer in Ashfield. The father died of consumption, September 27, 1827; and the mother subsequently married again, and lived to the ripe old age of eighty-nine years, dying July 2, 1880, at the home of her son, David W.

David W. Crafts attended school rather irregularly from the age of five years until six-teen, his schooling ranging from six weeks to four months a year, in the typical district school house. This rude log structure, with a huge fireplace occupying nearly the whole of one end of the building, the floors being of puncheon, the window panes probably of greased paper, was in marked contrast to the well-equipped buildings of this day and generation. David was but six years old when his father died, and the large family of children were scattered. He spent his early life in Whately, Deerfield, Montague, Holyoke, and Northampton. In 1843 he went to Boston, where he stayed six years, being prosperously engaged as a hairdresser on Court Square; but the salt breezes from old ocean were trying to his lungs, which were never very strong. On his return to Northampton Mr. Crafts engaged in mercantile pursuit.  He accepted his present position in 1861, as before stated, and has faithfully performed its duties since.

On May 11, 1841, Mr. Crafts was married to Wealthy C. Munyan, a native of this city, daughter of Joseph Munyan, a carpenter of Boston and Northampton, and the father of twelve children, of whom two are now living, namely: Mrs. F. A. Willey, a widow residing in Pittsfield ; and Mrs. George Chapin, of this place. Three children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Crafts, but they all with their mother have passed from their earthly home to the more perfect life beyond. The eldest, Edward C. Crafts, born in 1842, died in this city in 1874, leaving a widow and two sons, who have since lived with Mr. Crafts; Gertrude Eliza died at the age of three years; and Louisa Elizabeth, an accomplished young lady, died at the age of twenty-four years.  Mrs.  Crafts died of heart failure on May 31, 1895, after an ideal wedded life of upward of half a century, she and her husband having celebrated their silver wedding in 1866, and their golden wedding on the 11th of May, 1891.  Although free from superstition, the old tradition that May marriages are unfortunate has been brought to the notice of Mr. Crafts and his family, as three of the deaths therein have occurred during that month, his son's on May 12, one daughter's May 13. Mr. Crafts has a pleasant home at No. 23 Crafts Avenue, where he settled in 1872.

In Masonic circles Mr. Crafts is very active and prominent, having taken the thirty-second degree, and being Past Master of Jerusalem Lodge, Past High Priest of Northampton Royal Arch Chapter, Past King of the Massachusetts Grand Chapter, and a Past Eminent Commander of the Northampton Commandery, and Past Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Red Men, belonging to the Daughters of Pocahontas, and a member of the Delphi Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and is a Knight of Pythias. Politically, he is an advocate of the principles of the Democratic party. For, many years he has been a communicant of the Episcopal church, and he has served much of the time as Vestryman.

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JOSEPHUS CRAFTS, a venerable and well known citizen of Northampton, until recently President of the Hampshire County Savings Bank, and a man of sterling character, was born in Deerfield, Franklin County, Mass., March 2, 1810. The progenitor of the Crafts family in America is said, by tradition, to have come over from England in the "Mayflower." His name is not found in Hotten's list of the Pilgrims of 1620; but he may have been a passenger in a subsequent voyage, that historic vessel, it is claimed by students of Colonial history, having brought emigrants to these shores in 1629 and 1630.  Savage's Genealogical Dictionary says that Griffin Crafts came in 1630 in the fleet with Winthrop — tradition again says, in the “Arbella."

Chester Crafts, father of Josephus Crafts, was born in Whately, Franklin County, Mass., in 1783, and was the son of a farmer in moderate circumstances. He died in Deerfield on September 27, 1827, on the day on which his brother Roswell was buried, his own summons to depart coming very suddenly and unexpectedly while his family were attending the funeral, at which he himself, though in feeble health, had thought to be present. Like his father, he was a farmer. He married Phila Jewett, of Deerfield; and to them nine children were born, five sons and four daughters, of whom Josephus is the eldest. Four sons and one daughter are now living: David W., in Northampton; Coswell P., in Holyoke; Albert, in Ashfield; and the sister, Sylvia, widow of Alvin Field, in Northampton. Mrs.  Phila J. Crafts lived to be nearly ninety years of age, dying in Northampton at the home of her son David.

Josephus Crafts when but a lad of nine years left his home to go to that of Russell Cooley, a large farmer of Deerfield. Here he lived for nine years, working hard most of the time and getting but a very meager schooling, so that, when he started out at eighteen to win his way in the world, his capital consisted chiefly of his health and energy. Walking to Greenfield, he let himself to Spencer Root, a hotel-keeper and stage proprietor, as hostler.  He soon began to drive stage, and one year later, when the mail contract changed hands, engaged to drive for another party. He drove stage for about five years on the Ashfield road, and in the course of that time met his fate and married.     Mr. Crafts next bought the stage route, which he ran for seven or eight years, when he established himself in business at Ashfield as a dealer in dry goods and West India goods, including rum, which was a staple in those days. And the marvel is that Mr.  Crafts never drank a glass of rum, nor did he smoke, though his father was a veteran smoker, his one experience when a boy, from which he was deathly sick, proving sufficient. Mr.  Crafts carried on this business for about six years in connection with a small farm. On leaving Ashfield, about thirty years ago, he came to Northampton. His first purchase of real estate here was the lot on which the Hampshire House now stands, this block having been erected by him in 1870. He also bought another lot back of it, which he sold at a handsome profit. Although people doubted his wisdom in purchasing this property, it has proved a good investment, bringing him in a yearly rent of from eighteen hundred to twenty-four hundred dollars. Since coming to Northampton Mr. Crafts has done little business aside from making loans and settling estates, of which, as administrator, executor, trustee, or assignee, he has had charge of one hundred and twenty-one, some in Greenfield, but most of them in Northampton, and some of them reaching far into the thousands, showing the confidence in which he has always been held by his fellowmen. Mr. Crafts has been one of the organizers of several different banks, three in Holyoke, one in Conway, and one in Shelburne Falls. The Hampshire County Savings Bank was started in Northampton about thirty years ago; and about twelve years ago, when Luther Bodman, the president, died, Mr. Crafts became his successor, and filled the place most faithfully up to the summer of 1895, when he voluntarily retired. 

Mr. Crafts married Roxie D., daughter of Lyman Cross, for many years landlord of a stage house on the Ashfield road. Mr. and Mrs. Crafts reared to adult life two of the seven daughters born to them and one son.  Their only living child now is Harriet L., wife of Joshua H. Fraser, of Holyoke, and mother of a son and a daughter. Mrs. Fraser's sister, Frances E., wife of Henry C. Hallett, died in Northampton in the fall of 1894, at the age of forty-two, leaving four children, one daughter and three sons.

In political affiliation Mr. Crafts is a firm Democrat and has served in some of the committees. Mr. and Mrs. Crafts are members of the Edwards Congregational Church. This exemplary couple have enjoyed sixty-two years of wedded life, a rare experience; and both are still in comfortable health. Their home is at 71 Market Street, where they settled within three years of coming to Northampton, which they have seen grow from a village of about five thousand inhabitants to its present population of some eighteen thousand.

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HENRY A. CROSBY, a farmer and milk dealer of Northampton, was born in Williamsburg in 1844, son of Benjamin Franklin and Parthena (Bradford) Crosby.

Joshua K. Crosby, the grandfather of Henry A. Crosby, was a native of Enfield, Mass., and a son of the Rev. Joshua Crosby, who served in the Revolutionary War, and later as chaplain in the War of 1812. Joshua K.  Crosby, who was a tiller of the soil and an enterprising citizen of Enfield, married Miss Minnie Sears, of Williamsburg. They reared two of the three sons born to them, namely: Joshua, a successful agriculturist of Searsville, in the town of Williamsburg; and Benjamin F., who was born in Enfield in 1820.  The latter married in 1842, and he and his wife reared three children. Two are now living: Henry A.; and Ella, the wife of Nathan Abbott, of North Farms. Their mother died in 1852, when but thirty-six years of age.  The father, who is still living, resides at North Farms with his daughter's family. 

Henry A. Crosby acquired his education in the Williamsburg common school. In 1877 he came to Northampton, and purchased from Charles Sanderson his present farm. It contains about sixty-eight acres of land. Besides his farming, he keeps a dairy of choice cows, the milk of which he sells to the people of Leeds.

He was married March 15, 1870, to Miss Mary C. Allen, a native of Dorchester, Mass.  She is a daughter of Bennett and Cordelia (Warner) Allen, who now reside in Florence, to which they moved from Goshen, Mass.  Her father is a successful carpenter and building contractor. He and his wife reared seven children; and all are now living except Clara M., who died, thirty years of age. Those living are: Charles T. Allen, of Manchester, N.H.; Mary C.; Flora I., the wife of G. N.  Baker, of Florence; Lizzie E., who is unmarried, and resides at home; Lucy L., who married C. B. Tower; and Harriet B., the wife of Lynn Porter, of Florence. Mrs. Crosby's paternal grandfather was Amzi Allen, who was born in Connecticut, but spent his life mostly in West Springfield and Florence, Mass. He was twice married, and had twelve children by the two unions, of whom nine grew to maturity, and six are now living.  They are as follows: Hiram Allen, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Robert Allen, who resides in Washington, D.C., and is paymaster in the navy; Frederick, living in Manchester, N.H.; Mrs. George Readio, a widow, living in Florence; Mrs. William Currier, also of Florence; and Bennett, the father of Mrs. Crosby.  Mrs. Crosby has borne her husband three children, namely: Flora Maud, eighteen years old, who is a graduate of the Springfield Business College, and is living with her parents; Earle Bennett, a lad of seven years; and Frank Ashley. Mr. Crosby is a Republican.  He has served acceptably as Councilman. He is connected with various fraternal organizations, among which may be mentioned the A. F. & A. M., the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Northampton Grange, and the Knights of Honor.

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CHARLES S. CROUCH, an enterprising real estate dealer in Northampton, who   is also a practical carpenter and builder, was born in Wardsboro, Vt., August   17,   1829,   son  of  Elisha and Olive (Brown)   Crouch.     His   father was a twin brother of Elijah Crouch, of Stowe, Mass., and his mother was a native of Princeton.  They had two sons and four daughters. One son passed away in infancy; and one daughter, Lucinda, wife of Zimri Scott, a farmer in Gill, is yet living.

Charles S. Crouch attended school in Brattleboro, Vt., Chicopee and Springfield, Mass., studying in the latter city at the Lawton Private School. When a boy he sold papers on the street in Springfield, and developed a keen business talent, selecting the most taking topics to call out when vending his wares. In his seventeenth year he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he worked at in Springfield and Chicopee. With the exception of three years when he was engaged in manufacturing tools in Northampton, he has since followed this vocation. A man of foresight and untiring energy, he deals extensively in real estate, buying large tracts of vacant land, which he divides into house lots, laying out streets and building good houses for sale. 

On June 26, 1846, Mr. Crouch was united in marriage to Susan M., daughter of Isaac Alvord, of Northampton. She passed away in March, 1855, leaving three children, who are located as follows: Nellie, wife of Samuel L.  Graves, a decorator, is living at Buffalo, N.Y., and has five children; Emma, wife of Elbridge Wait, lives in Hartford, Conn., and has one son; Alice, wife of Henry Lander, resides in Boston. Mr. Crouch subsequently married Jane B. Bardwell, of Hartford, Conn., who for many years was a teacher in the public schools; and one child was born to them, Anna Elizabeth, who died in infancy. Their pleasant home at 66 Pleasant Street, in which they have lived for the past fifteen years, Mr.  Crouch built in 1880. In politics Mr. Crouch is a Republican. He has been a member of the Common Council two terms, and is serving the second year as Alderman of Ward One.  In religious belief he is a Congregationalist.

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AMBROSE CUDWORTH, a prominent citizen of Chesterfield, who owns and conducts a farm in that town, was born there July 16, 1832, son of Charles and Roxy (Witherell) Cudworth, both natives of Chesterfield.

Charles Cudworth's chief   occupation was general farming, but he sometimes worked on the roads.    He conducted a farm in Savoy for a while,  subsequently entering the  one of which his son is now proprietor.   This he sold later, and removed to another.    His last days were spent in Chesterfield, where he died May 2, 1883.    His wife survived him something over eight years, passing away October 20, 1891.    They were the parents of three children, namely: Ambrose, the subject of this sketch; Arabella, who passed away some time since; and Electa,  who  married Alvin M.  Burt, and lives in South Hadley.