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ADAMS,
lies in the northern part of the country, in 42º 37' north
latitude, and in longitude east from Washington,* 3º 53',
bounded north by North Adams, east by Savoy and a small part of
Florida, south by Cheshire and a small part of Savoy, and west
by small parts of Cheshire, New Ashford and Williamstown. The
town was named in honor of the patriot Samuel Adams, and
was originally in the form of a parallelogram, seven miles long
and five miles broad, remaining thus until it was divided a few
years since, the northern part being formed into the town of North
Adams. As this division occurred so recently, however, we shall
for the present consider the towns as one, the old town of Adams,
as their early history is coincident.
These combined townships then, were originally known as East Hoosac,
the tract being explored and surveyed by a committee appointed
by the general court, in 7149, they being instructed to lay out
a township six miles square. This order, for some reason, they
did not obey, but made the tract seven miles by five, or having
an area of 22,400 acres. From this a small part was taken towards
forming the town of Cheshire, March 14, 1793, other than which
no changes were made until the division of the town. In the year
following that in which the survey was made, in 1750, Ephraim
Williams secured a grant of 200 acres, under condition that
he should "reserve ten acres for a fort, and build a grist
and saw-mill, and keep them in repair for twenty years."
The reservation of ten acres was located in the north-western
part of the town. On June 2, 1762, the general court sold at auction
nine townships in the northwestern part of the county, among which
East Hoosac was No. 1. It was purchased by Nathan Jones,
he paying therefore £3,200. Soon after his purchase he admitted
as joint proprietors Col. Elisha Jones and John Murray.
The proprietors, in October of the same year, employed a surveyor
to lay out forty-eight settling lots of 100 acres each. A line
was drawn through the length of the town, dividing the best of
the land into two equal parts, and on each side of this line a
range of lots was laid out. Each lot was 160 rods long from east
to west, abating from the breadth of each lot enough to bring
the range of twenty-four lots within the north and south limits
of the town. These forty-eight settling lots, occupying the bottom
of the valley through its whole length, comprised the heart of
the township. Four years after, or in 1764, Israel Jones, then
a resident of the town, was authorized to survey a further number
of lots, not exceeding twenty, of 100 acres each, and as agent
of the proprietors to admit sixty settlers, this number being
fixed upon in order to fulfil the conditions voted by the general
court, that "when the number of settlers shall have amount
to sixty, they shall build a meeting-house and settle a learned
protestant minister." The proprietors would naturally be
anxious to obtain this number, as the building of a church and
settlement of a minister would prove a great impetus in drawing
other settlers, thus enhancing the value of the land. The rest
of the township was divided into 200 acre lots, in 1768, and distributed
among the proprietors according to their shares in the property
of the town. Ten years later, October 15, 1778, East Hoosac was
incorporated as the township of Adams, named, as we have said,
in honor of Samuel Adams, who subsequently became Governor
of the State. April 15, 1878, the town was divided, the line passing
midway between the northern and southern boundaries, north of
which the territory was incorporated into the township of North
Adams, and the southern part retaining the old name of Adams,
and is thus the Adams of which we write.
The surface of Adams is broken and mountainous, being noted for
its picturesque scenery, having within its limits the highest
point of land in Massachusetts, old Greylock, towering to an altitude
of 3,505 feet. Hoosac river enters the town from the South, flowing
a northerly course through the entire length of the township,
twisting its serpentine course through a rich valley of great
beauty, to the east and west of which rises hill upon hill and
mountain upon mountain, here turned in graceful curves, and there
broken into sharp angles by crag and precipice. Within this beautiful
valley are located nearly all of the inhabitants, within it is
conducted the manufactures of the town, and crossing and recrossing
the Hoosac, like threads of silver, extend the rails of the Pittsfield
& North Adams railroad, over which is conducted the towns'
harvest surplus and the result of her toil in the factory and
shop. The mountains of which Greylock peak forms a part, are not
known as the Greylock group, though they were formerly, and are
still to a certain extent, called as a whole, Saddle Mountain.
This very unromantic title, however, is fast giving way to the
poetic and smooth-sounding Greylock, given from the poetic fancy
that the peak, when whitened by the snows or frosts of autumn
and spring, the body being clothed in dark forests, presents the
appearance of the grey and straggling locks of an old man. The
sides of the mountain are covered with a thick growth of maple,
beach, birch and cherry, while its summit affords to the observer
a most magnificent and enchanting prospect, of which Mr. W.
Gladden speaks as follows : -
"Down at its feet lies the valley of the Hoosac, nearly three
thousand feet below. Pittsfield, with its beautiful lakes, and
many smaller villages, are seen in the valleys and on the adjacent
slopes. Southwestward the eye sweeps over the top of the Taconics
away to the Catskills, beyond the Hudson, northwestward the peaks
of the Adirondacks, in the Northern New York, are plainly visible
; in the north the sturdy ridges of the Green Mountains file away
in grand outline ; on the east Monadnock and Wachusett renew their
stately greeting, and Tom and Holyoke look up from their beautiful
valley ; southward Mount Everett stands sentinel at the portal
of Berkshire, through which the Housatonic flows. And all this
grand circuit is filled with mountains ; range beyond range, peak
above peak, they stretch away on every side, a boundless expanse
of mountain-summits. Standing here and taking in with your eye
all that is contained within the vague boundaries of the horizon,
you receive the grandest if not the very first impression you
ever had of distance, of immensity, and of illimitable force."
Between Greylock and the other mountain summits, just over the
line in Williamstown, lies "the Hopper," a chasm more
than a thousand feet in depth whose four wooded sides, seen from
above, appear to converge at a point below.
"The Bellow's Pipe" is a narrow gorge between Greylock
and the peaks on the east, through which the northwest gales sometimes
sweep with fearful violence. The soil of the valley is rich and
deep, and her are located some excellent farms, while the hillsides
afford some fine grazing land. The rocks entering into the geological
structure of the territory are talcose and mica-slate and limestone.
In 1880, when the last census was taken, Adams had a population
of 5,591, though she now has, owing to increase in manufacturing
interests, about 3,000 more, while the report of the State Board
of Education for 1883 shows the town to have employed twenty-eight
teachers during the year, five of whom were males, and to have
sustained one high school, having forty-four pupils, while the
aggregate attendance upon all the schools was 1,581. The annual
report of the school committee for 1884 shows the town to have
1,602 children of school age, the average membership in school,
being 1,136, and the average attendance 1,056.
Adams is a handsome post village nestled at the foot of old Greylock,
on the Pittsfield & North Adams, R. R., and extending on both
sides of the Hoosac river. Here are collected factories, mechanic
shops, rows of business blocks, dwellings and churches, forming
a neat, prosperous and vigorous New England village. North and
south of it, strung along the Hoosac like beads on a thread, are
other prosperous, manufacturing villages, so that the valley is
almost a continuous village through the whole length of the town,
for it must be remembered that nearly the whole population of
the township is gathered in this narrow valley.
Arnoldsville is the southermost village, extending nearly to the
Cheshire line.
Maple Grove is a bright manufacturing community, lying between
Arnoldsville and Adams village.
Renfrew is another enterprising little village, where are located
the Renfrew mills.
Howlands comes next, a village yet in its infancy, though possessing
a wonderfully sturdy growth, where are located the extensive works
of the American Zylonite Company
The First National Bank of Adams. - This bank was incorporated
in 1863, and extended in 1883. The officers are H. J. Bliss,
president; H. H. Wellington, cashier; and H. J. Bliss,
L. J. Colby, L. L. Brown, S. W. Bowerman, D. J. Dean, James Renfrew,
Jr., and H. H. Wellington, directors. The following
is a statement of the bank's affairs October 1, 1884: -
Capital stock paid in............................................... $150,000.00
Deposits............................................................ $197,000.00
Loan and discounts.................................................$328,000.00
Undivided profits................................................... $75,000.00
Premium account..................................................... $10,000.00
Reserve............................................................. $68,000.00
South Adams Savings Bank. -This institution was incorporated and
organized in 1869, with H. J. Bliss, president; L. L. Brown,
L. J. Cole, and Charles H. Ingalls, vice-presidents;
H. H. Wellington, treasurer and secretary; and D J.
Dean, B. F. Phillips, James Renfrew, Jr., Daniel Jenks, Charles
F. Sayles, A. J. Bucklen, D. D. Wheeler, George W. Adams,
and J. B. Farnham, trustees. Its present officers are H.
J. Bliss, president; L. L. Brown, D. J. Dean, and L.
J. Cole, vice-presidents; H. H. Wellington, treasurer;
James C. Chalmers, secretary; and D J. Dean, A. J. Bucklin,
James Renfrew, Jr., Daniel Burt, F. E. Mole, B. F. Phillips, C.
F. Sayles, W. B. Green, and J. B. Farnham, trustees.
The bank is doing a prosperous business, its statement October
1, 1884, when it had 1,700 depositors, was as follows:-
Due Depositors................................................. $ 599,672.59
Guaranty Fund.................................................. $15,800.00
Interest account............................................... $1,287.50
Profit and loss................................................ $20,000.00
__________
Total....................................................... $ 636,760.09
The American Zylonite Co. - Paper, camphor and alcohol,
combined and treated chemically, make zylonite, and from zylonite
in turn are made almost numberless kinds of goods, which have
heretofore been produced from shell, bone, ivory, hard rubber,
celluloid and metal, celluloid being so similar a combination
and closely allied to zylonite in both material and manufacture,
that cross suits at law are either pending or have recently been
decided in the matter of infringement, injunctions, etc., between
the zylonite and celluloid companies. These works are located
midway between the villages of North Adams and Adams, at the pretty
and prosperous village of Howlands, which no longer than three
years ago had neither name or habitation. Ground was broken for
the erection of manufacturing buildings and for the residences
of employees, the result already attained being a handsomely located
hamlet with plenty of room for growth to a comely village.
Like all new enterprises, in this instance introducing not only
an entire new line of manufactured goods, but a new process of
manufacture, the first steps of progress were slow; but the outcome
gives evidence that they were surely taken, and that the work
of building factories and residences, making streets and sidewalks,
securing help. Constructing machinery, etc. has been successfully
carried out.
In the summer of 1883 the first manufactured goods of the company
were put upon the market, the early installments offered to the
trade creating such a demand that the entire force of the establishment
is kept busy in filling orders for goods, and the larger part
of the works is kept running both night and day.
As we said at the outset, paper, camphor, and alcohol are the
materials from which zylonite is made, paper being the basis and
principal feature of the stock used in this system of manufacture.
This must needs be made from pure rag stock, and be as nearly
without spot or blemish as the greatest care in the selection
of stock and details of the manufacture of paper can make it.
This paper is manufactured at the Greylock mills of the L.
L. Brown Paper Co., at Adams, being made expressly to order
and delivered in rolls. The first process of manufacture into
zylonite is the cutting of the paper into strips, about an inch
wide and two feet long, the paper being embossed while passing
through the machine. The embossing is found necessary to prevent
the paper from matting together, as it would be liable to do in
sheets in the following process of manufacture:
The paper strips are placed in iron vessels, when strong acids
are applied, and by means of chemical action the paper is again
resolved into pulp. Then by means of processes peculiar to the
company and which cover all the secrets, if secrets there are,
in the manufacturing details, the important features of which
are the introduction and combination of camphor and alcohol to
the pulp, making the preparation entirely insoluble. At this stage
of procedure, the mass partakes of the nature of cellulose, when
coloring matter is introduced, and the combined preparation is
passed continuously between heavy and highly polished rollers,
not unlike the paper-mill calender rolls in appearance, or perhaps
more like the machinery generally used for grinding rubber. It
is then molded into slabs of four or five feet in length, two
feet in width and three or four inches in thickness, after a certain
length of time, and when in proper condition, the slabs are placed
on the bed of a machine in which they are shaved to any desire
thickness. At this stage, the shaved sheets are as clear as crystal
and transparent as glass, presenting nothing to the eye when looking
through them, but the shade or color, which may have been added
at the proper time.
Celluloid, having first been made from gun cotton, was necessarily
an explosive compound, and the idea has quite generally attained
that both zylonite and celluloid are dangerously explosive substances.
Zylonite is not explosive in the least degree; but it is inflamable,
and will burn readily and freely, as will paper in its crude or
any of its more finished conditions, Zylonite being just as liable
to destruction by fire as paper is found to be, and more so. The
particulars we give, as to what zylonite is, viz.: paper, camphor
and alcohol, cover all the published information that is to be
had on the subject, as both Webster and Worcester are silent on
the subject, and will continue so until revised editions are printed.
The American Zylonite Co. was incorporated in 1881, with
a capital of $750,000.00, the officers of the company being Emil
Kipper, of Adams, president; S. W. Ingalls, of North
Adams, treasurer. The New York office of the company is at 361
and 363 Broadway. The company employs 150 hands. Later on, in
1883, was incorporated the
Zylonite Comb and Brush Co., with a capital of $100,000.00,
which now employs 175 hands in the manufacture of zylonite combs,
brushes, and mirrors of all kinds. The officers are W. L. Brown,
of North Adams, president ; B. E. Kingman, of New York,
treasurer ; and C. A. Denny, of New York, secretary. Still
later, or early in 1884, was incorporated the Zylonite Novelty
Co., with a capital of $100,000.00, for the manufacture of zylonite
shoe-horns, glove-stretchers, pen-holders, checks, handles of
all kinds, toilet boxes, martingale rings, etc., etc., giving
employment to about fifty hands. The officers are W L. Brown,
of North Adams, president, and B. E. Kingman, of New York,
treasurer. The business of these companies is constantly increasing,
necessitating the erection of new buildings, etc., promising within
five years to become the largest manufacturing establishments
in Berkshire county.
The Renfrew Manufacturing Co., whose works are located
at Renfrew, was incorporated in 1867, its present officers being
L. L. Brown, president ; James C. Chalmers, secretary
; and James Renfrew, Jr., agent ; a capital of $1,400,000.00
being employed. The company manufactures ginghams, yarns, turkey-red
damask table cloths, and fancy dress goods, employing about 2,500
operatives. The mills are operated by both steam and water-power.
The Adams Steam Grist-Mills, located on Hoosac street, Adams,
were built by Messrs. Butler & Fairchild, in 1869.
In 1871, the property came into the hands of H. A. Butler &
Co., and in 1874, Mr. M. C. Richmond, of this firm,
became the sole owner, and still conducts the business. The mills
have two runs of stones, with the capacity for grinding 600 bushels
of grain per day.
Henry J. Arnold & Son's steam saw and planning-mills,
located on Spring st., was established in 1878. Mr. Arnold gives
employment to fifty hands in the manufacture of lumber, boxes
and barrels, turning out about 3,000,000 feet of lumber per annum.
Allen Iron Works located on Mill street, operated by both
steam and water-power, were built by James A. Allen, in
1871. Mr. Allen manufactures patent grate bars, filters for paper-mills,
sugar refineries, bleacheries and dye works, beamers, skein spoolers,
bobbin winders, chain warpers, dye machines, and chain-splitting
machines, all of which are his own inventions and his specialties
in manufacture. He has also invented a new steam-heating apparatus,
which is considered of great value for heating factories, churches
and dwellings. He gives employment to about twenty-five hands.
The Greylock Woolen Mills, located at Maple Grove, on the Hoosack
river, were erected in 1864, by Messrs. Peter Blackinton
and B. F. Phillips. The present firm is B. F. Phillips
& Son, who manufacture cassimeres, ladies' dress goods
and shawls. The mills are operated by both steam and water-power,
are furnished with seven sets of machinery, and give employment
to 160 operatives.
James B. Dean's grist-mill and cotton-batting factory are
located on road 14 cor 26 and 27, on Peck's brook. The grist-mill
grinds meal and feed, and cotton-batting is made from waste material
gotten at cotton factories. Mr. Dean employs six hands.
The Maple Grove Warp Mills, located at Maple Grove, Adams
& Co., proprietors, have 4,100 spindles and employ 125
hands in the manufacture of cotton warp. The mills were built
by Adams & Seeley, in 1848.
The Plunkett Manufacturing Co.-The mills occupied by this
heavy company were built by Stephen L. Arnold & Co.,
in 1846, going into operation July 4th of that year, manufacturing
cotton cloth. Upon the death of Stephen L. Arnold, the concern
was left entirely to his partner, Daniel Arnold, and then
came an unsuccessful period of several years. It then became the
property of O. Arnold & Co., and then, several years
later, came another change of proprietors, and finally, in 1881,
it was taken by the present company. The officers of the concern
are J. R. Anthony, president ; W. B. Plunkett, treasurer
; and Charles T. Plunkett, manager. They have 5,200 spindles
and 120 fancy looms, producing bleached dress goods.
W. C. Plunkett & Sons.-This firm, composed of William
B. and Charles T. Plunkett, carry on an extensive business
in the manufacture of white and colored cotton warps and yarns,
operating 14,200 spindles.
The Pump Log Factory.-This old factory was located on Tophet
brook, about three-quarters of a mile east of the village. It
was built by Daniel and John Anthony, in 1822, 40 by 30
feet, three and one-half stories in height for the manufacture
of cotton yarn. The water was thrown upon a wheel twenty-six feet
in diameter, on a level with the third story. The weaving was
all done in the families of the surrounding neighborhood. About
seven years later Cyrus and Jacob Peck leased the factory,
changing it to a machine shop for the manufacture of cotton and
woolen machinery. About 1831 it was again changed, to a factory
for manufacturing satinets, operated by Isaac U. Hoxie,
who continued until 1834 or '35, when the factory was closed.
Turner's Factory.-This building was erected in 1814 by
Gersham, Caleb, George and Sewell Turner, standing where
the machine shop now stands, near the Stone Mill of the Renfrew
Manuf. Co.
Although the two towns were then one, the sketch of old Fort Massachusetts
and the Indian history pervading its story properly belong with
the history of North Adams, to the sketch of which town the reader
is referred. But in the following remarks relative to the early
settlement of the territory, it must be remembered that we speak
of the two towns as a whole, or as though no division has ever
been made.
Among the early settlers of the town, not including a few soldiers
who lingered near the fort, were Abial Smith and his sons
Gideon and Jacob, John Kilborn and John
McNeal, of Litchfield, Conn.; Reuben Hinman and Jonathan
Smith, of Woodbury; and Messrs. Parker, Cook and Leavenworth
of Wallingford. These settlers, however, with others who located
with them, did not remain long, most of them selling their lands
to purchasers from Rhode Island, many of whom were Quakers. Others,
not of that order, soon followed from the same State, until nearly
the whole town was occupied by Rhode Islanders. October, 15, 1778,
the town was incorporated, the first town meeting being held March
8, 1779, when Capt. Philip Mason, Capt. Israel Jones, and Capt.
Reuben Hinman were elected selectmen. The principal points
of settlement were at what are now the villages of North Adams
and Adams, forming the nucleuses about which these villages were
built. The grist and saw-mill required by the grant to Ephraim
Williams, were built at what is now North Adams village, and
a grist-mill was built about the same time at Adams village, or
as it is generally known, South Adams. The following biographical
sketches, however, are of only such as settled in what is now
the township of Adams.-
Benjamin Farmer came to Adams, from Dartmouth, R. I., about
1787, settling as a pioneer farmer, where he resided until his
death. His son William, born in Dartmouth in 1775, was
twelve years old when he came to Adams with his father, and resided
on the old homestead during the remainder of his life. He married
Martha Chase, of his native town, who bore him eleven children,
who lived to attain a mature age, and all married, except one
daughter who remained at home and ministered to the wants of her
parents until they died. Only one of this large family, Mrs.
Ann Eliza Fessenden, now resides in the town.
Job Anthony, born at Taunton, Mass., in 1797, came to Adams
in 1816, commencing an apprenticeship with Joseph Shove,
tanner, with whom he remained three years. He then entered into
a contract to support Hattel Kelly, a bachelor, and his
maiden sister, for the use of a small tan-yard and a farm of fifty
acres. This he continued to do until the death of Mr. Kelly,
when he purchased the property to which he as added from time
to time. Here he has continued to live, up to the present time.
Mr. Anthony is of Quaker extraction, and early identified himself
with that society here, being now the only surviving member thereof.
At the dismission of the society, in 1828, caused by the doctrines
of Elias Hicks, Mr. Anthony took strong grounds
against these sentiments, and is now decidedly orthodox. In his
thirty-first year he married Hannah Harkness, who died
in 1861. This union was blessed with the birth of two sons and
a daughter, viz.: Susan (Mrs. Andrews Hall), living on
Myrtle street; Job Kelly Anthony, merchant of the firm
of Anthony & Burlingame, at Maple Grove; and Edmund,
a farmer, residing on the homestead. During his whole course as
a business man, involving transactions of considerable amount,
Mr. Anthony has never broken a contract nor failed to meet an
obligation.
John Fisk, from Cheshire, came to Adams at an early date,
locating on the farm his grandson, John H. Fisk, now occupies,
where he remained till his death. He built the house thereon,
which is still in a good state of preservation, in 1797. He married
Hannah Smith, who bore him four children, none of whom
are living. His son Daniel succeeded him on the homestead.
Daniel was twice married and reared six children, four of whom
are now living, viz.: Daniel W., in Wisconsin; Ann Eliza
(Mrs. Henry Bliss), in Adams village ; John H.,
as before mentioned ; and Charles E., an invalid, occupying,
with his mother, a part of the homestead.
Hiram H., son of Jerred Clark, was born in Williamstown,
in November, 1820. He spent his youth much as other farmer's sons,
in work on the farm and in attending the common school of his
neighborhood, until fourteen years of age. He then was engaged
to work in the cotton mills of Dr. Brayton, where the woolen
mills of Deweyville are now located. In 1836 he engaged with James
E. Marshall, a cotton manufacturer, of North Adams. In 1846
he engaged with Messrs. Pollock & Hathaway, where he
remained two years, then bought out Mr. Hathaway's interest, the
firm being known as William Pollock & Co., and was continued
until 1863, when Mr. Clark withdrew and formed a partnership with
George W. and John S. Adams, manufacturing cotton
warp, under the firm name of Adams & Clark. This firm
continued four years, when Mr. Clark purchased an interest in
the Renfrew Manufacturing Co., holding the position of superintendent.
Here he remained till 1871, when he sold out his interest and
moved to Alabama, to superintend a manufactory of cotton checks
and plaids, remaining there until the autumn of 1883, when he
returned to Adams, and is now superintendent of the mills of the
Plunkett Manufacturing Co. at Maple Grove.
David Anthony, from Rhode Island, came to Adams, as near
as can be ascertained, about the time of the breaking out of the
Revolution, locating in the southern part of the town, on the
West road, near the Cheshire line. At the time of the battle of
Bennington, while the men turned out with such arms as they could
procure-guns, pitchforks, etc.,--and hastened forward to the scene
of war, Mrs. Anthony collected her pewter ware and other
valuables, placed them in her large brass kettle, and buried the
whole in the cellar of their log house. Mr. Anthony remained where
he first located until the division of the Friend's society, about
1827, when he went to live with his orthodox brother, in Greenfield,
N.Y., where he died. His four sons were Elihu, John, Humphrey
and David. Elihu and John, early in life, went to Greenfield,
N. Y. Elihu was a farmer, blacksmith and Quaker preacher, John
a farmer. Humphrey was a farmer and blacksmith, but owned fifteen
shares of stock in the South Adams Cotton and Woolen Company,
and was the Company's agent one year. He married Hannah,
youngest daughter of Joshua Lapham, and attained the great
age of ninety-six years, his wife dying at the age of sixty-six.
Their children were Daniel, Susan, Hannah, John, Joshua, Abram,
Ira, Ann Eliza and Humphrey. Daniel, a man of high
talents and fine education, was a manufacturer, and built, with
his brother John, the Pump Log Factory, and was the prime mover
in organizing the first academy in town. He left Adams about 1827,
and died in Rochester, about 1857. He married Susan Reed,
a daughter of one of the early settlers, and reared six children,
two of whom attained a national reputation, viz. : Miss Susan
B. Anthony, and Col. Daniel R. Anthony, of Leavenworth
fame. John was at one time a manufacturer here, but finally went
West, and became an extensive land owner. Joshua was a farmer
near the old homestead, and was killed by lightening about 1835.
Abram has been a manufacturer, first at Maple Grove, with his
brother John, next with his brother-in-law, Israel U. Hoxie;
he then gave his attention to farming, owned 600 acres, continuing
a farmer several years, when he built a saw-mill and grist-mill,
at Renfrew, and finally sold out to William Pollock, in
186_. He still owns valuable land in the vicinity of Renfrew Mills,
along the Hoosac. Ira died in boyhood. Ann Eliza married Mr.
Dickinson, and is now a widow, residing in Chicago. Humphrey
resides in town, a wealthy farmer.
Joshua Lapham came to Adams sometime previous to 1781,
and was one of the organizers of Friends society, and one of its
first members. He was a farmer, and located about half a mile
north of Bowen's corners. His sons nearly all went west, were
enterprising and energetic men. None of the name, however, are
now in town.
Stoel E. Dean was born in New Ashford, April 18, 1809,
and came to Adams with his father, a tanner, when twenty years
of age. He was a partner with his father a few years, and in 1841,
he left Adams and engaged with his brother in the tanning business
at Pittsfield, where he remained nine years. In 1850, he returned
to Adams and formed a partnership with B. F. Phillips,
under the firm name of Dean & Phillips, for the manufacture
of woolen goods. This firm continued about three years, when he
rented the factory to Messrs. B. F. Phillips and Peter
Blackinton, but soon obtained an interest in the firm. This
continued until about 1857, when Abram LaMonte entered
the firm, and later Messrs. Phillips and Blackinton retired. Mr.
Dean and Mr. LaMonte continuing the business alone until the factory
was destroyed by fire. The building was soon after replaced and
occupied by the Richmond & Upton Paper Co., in which
Mr. Dean had an interest. The factory was finally sold to William
C. Plunkett, and is now used by his sons in the manufacture
of cotton warp. Since then Mr. Dean has retired from active business.
He was in early life a Democrat, but in 1844, believing the principle
of Free Soil correct, he left the party, and at the organization
of the Republican party he identified himself with it, and was
elected to the State legislature in the autumn of 1860.
Horace M. Holmes, M.D., was born in Waterville, Vt., November
2, 1830. He received his education at Bakersfield Academy, and
then went to Warsaw, Ill., in May, 1848, where he successfully
engaged in teaching about a year and a half. He then, after teaching
a short time in Alexandria, MO., returned East, commencing the
study of medicine with the late Profs. H. H. and T. Childs,
of Pittsfield, also attending lectures at the old Berkshire Medical
college, from which he graduated in 1852. He immediately commenced
practice in Cambridge, VT., remaining only a short time, however,
when he located in Adams in 1853, forming a partnership with the
late Dr. George C. Lawrence, which lasted one year, since
which time he has practiced alone. During his first year here
he was elected school committee, serving two years. In politics,
Dr. Holmes is a firm Republican, and in the autumn of 1878 was
elected to represent the Second Berkshire District, serving on
the committee on public health, and was re-elected the following
year, serving on the same committee. He has since, however, given
his whole attention to his large practice.
Liscom Phillips, M.D., was born in Ashfield, Mass., in
1777, studied medicine with Dr. Bryant, of Cummington,
father of William Cullen Bryant, and commenced practice
in Savoy soon after graduating. He remained there until 1812,
when he removed to Adams, where he remained in practice until
his death, in 1821. He married Nancy Paddleford, of Taunton,
who bore him seven children, all of whom, except three, removed
from the town at an early age. Henry P. Phillips took his
father's profession, attended Williams college, and graduated
from the old Berkshire Medical College, and commenced practice
in Adams, remained till 1840, then removed to North Adams, where
he remained in successful practice until his death, in November,
1881. Julia A. Phillips became the wife of Stoel E.
Dean, in 1834. Benjamin F. Phillips, now occupying
the homestead, on Park street, was born therein in 1817. He commenced
work in the wool-carding mills of William Jenks, at the
age of fourteen, remaining in this manufacture until 1850, when
he became a partner with Stoel E. Dean. In 1853, Mr. Phillips
and Peter Blackinton rented the mills of Mr. Dean, and
in 1857, Messrs. Dean and LaMont were admitted,
the firm name being Blackinton, Phillips & Co., which
was continued till 1860, when Blackinton and Phillips withdrew
and commenced the manufacture of woolen goods at Maple Grove.
In 1864 they built the present Greylock woolen mill, and in 1866
they divided their property, Mr. Phillips obtaining Greylock mills,
which he now operates in company with his son Albert L.,
manufacturing cassimeres, ladies' dress-goods and shawls.
Zebedee Dean, born in Rehoboth, Mass., in 1782, moved to
Cheshire about 1800, and learned the blacksmith trade of his step-father,
Ephraim Farmington. After learning his trade, he bought
out his father and carried on the blacksmithing business and farming
until about 1860, when he gave up blacksmithing and sold his farm,
but lived in the house until his death in 1867, aged eighty-five
years and six months. Three children are living, D. J., James
B., and Albert G.
D. J. Dean, born in Cheshire, in 1816, worked on the farm
till fifteen years old, then went into the store of Russell
Brown, continued there until the dissolution of Brown &
Plunkett, in 1841, then came to Adams, entering the employ
of Mr. Brown, as business manager of his mill and store. He continued
with Mr. Brown till the latter's death, in 1851, when, after settling
the deceased's estate, he bought an interest in the mercantile
business, with David Richmond, continuing with him three
years, then bought his interest and continued the business until
1883. He then, on account of age and failing health, sold out
to E. J. Noble. He was a member of the House of Representatives
in 1848 and 1876; member of the Senate in 1879; town assessor
for twenty-five years, selectman one or two years; director of
the First National Bank seventeen or eighteen years; and vice-president
and trustee of the South Adams Savings Bank from its commencement,
in 1869, to the present time.
Russell Brown, born in Cheshire, in 1782, worked at farming
until about 1803-04., then commenced mercantile business, at Cheshire,
which he continued successfully until 1845-46. He was a member
of both branches of the legislature several times. About 1820-25
he bought an interest in the Adams South Village Cotton and Woolen
Mfg. Co., at Adams, and by buying in the shares was principal
owner in 1825-26. In 1831-32, he sold an interest in the mill
to William C. Plunkett, who, in 1832-33, built the "Stone
Mill," for the manufacture of print cloths, under the firm
name of Brown & Plunkett, who continued together till 1841,
when they dissolved, Mr. Brown taking the lower or Stone Mill,
and Mr. Plunkett the upper or Brick Mill. Mr. Brown continued
manufacturing until his death, in 1851, aged sixty-nine years,
ending a long, successful and honorable business life. He died
without issue.
Gen. William C. Plunkett, who died in Adams, Saturday,
January 19, 1884, ending a well spent and useful life of eighty-four
years, was the last of three brothers -William C., Charles
H., of Hinsdale, and Thomas F., of Pittsfield-who left
their mark in the business, social and political life of Berkshire.
Mr. Plunkett was born in a log cabin at Lenox, but managed by
economy to obtain a practical academic training, which fitted
him for a school teacher, and enabled him to obtain a situation
in Lanesboro, to which place his family had removed from Lenox.
About the year 1830 he moved to Adams, and although his capital
then consisted of only $270.00, it was the foundation for large
manufacturing interests with which he was identified up to the
time of his death. He made cotton and woolen goods, and the Plunkett
Manufacturing Company and the Greylock Mills attest his enterprise
and industry. His two sons, William B. and Charles T.,
were associated with him for a number of years, owning a controlling
interest in four or five mills. Mr. Plunkett acquired his military
title in old military days, and although having held the high
offices of lieut.-governor, executive councilor, senator and representative
to the general court, there was no honor he more highly prized
than that of moderator over the deliberations of his fellow citizens
in town meetings. He was a progressive man in every respect, and
good schools and school-houses were always advocated by him. Gen.
Plunkett held many offices of trust in the State. He was lieutenant-governor
with Gov. Emory Washburn, of Worcester, in 1854, a member
of the senate in 1840, and several times represented his district
in the lower branch of the legislature, the last time in 1872-73.
He served in the executive council with both Governors Rice and
Long, and was a member of the constitutional convention in 1853.
He is particularly missed by the Congregational church and Sunday
School, having been one of the most prominent members of the church
since its formation in 1840, its most liberal supporter and a
deacon almost constantly. He had also been superintendent of the
Sunday school for forty-two consecutive years.
Edmund Jenks, from Smithfield, R. I., located, in 1778,
about a mile and a quarter east of Adams. He reared a large family
of six sons and three daughters, the sons being named Charles,
Samuel, William, Thomas, George and Edmund, Jr. They
all upheld well the good reputation of the family as farmers,
mechanics, manufacturers, doctors and in all political life. They
located in different parts of the county and have left many descendants.
Zacheus Hathaway, born at Freetown, Mass., in 1751 married
Eleanor Upton, of Berkley, and came to Adams in 1791, locating
on road 12, there they reared a family of eight children. Edward
Hathaway, the fifth child, remained on the old homestead,
married Abigail Power, of Hudson, N. Y., and reared four
children. Of these, Rufus B. and Lydia P. are living,
occupying the old home farm.
During the Revolutionary period the inhabitants of Adams maintained
prompt co-operation with the government. Numerous votes stand
on record, authorizing assessments to defray the expenses of the
part they were taking in the contest. They raised large sums at
a time. At one meeting it was "voted to give nine month's
men ten dollars a month in grain,--wheat at 6s., per bushel, rye
at 4s., corn at 3s., and one hundred continental dollars before
they marched."
The Baptist church of Adams, located on Commercial street, was
organized by James Mason, Daniel Smith and others,
in 1826, Rev. Mr. Sweet being the first pastor. Their church
building, which is still in use, was erected in 1835; it is a
frame structure capable of seating 300 persons, and, including
grounds, etc., is valued at $2,250.00. The society now has 216
members, with C. W. Anable,D.D., pastor.
The First Congregational Church of South Adams was organized by
Rev. Stillman Pratt, with two members, January 1, 1840,
Mr. Pratt being also the first settled minister, installed in
1845. In 1843, the society erected a house of worship which did
service until 1868, when the present handsome wood structure was
erected, which will comfortably seat 600 persons, and is valued,
including grounds, at $30,000.00, its original cost being $25,000.00.
The society has about 300 members with Rev. Edward Hungerford,
pastor. We quote from a copy of the New York Observer, of 1883,
the following paragraph relative to this church, from the pen
of S. E. Bridgeman: --
"We were much interested in the reminiscences of the town
of Adams as given by Gen. C. W. Plunkett, a county octogenarian.
When he went to that town half a century ago, the Sabbath was
openly profaned, stores were kept open, farmers plowed their fields,
boys played ball in the streets, factories were 'raised,' and
even the pastor of the single church carried his grist to mill
on Sunday! When an earnest Baptist minister came into the village
and preached against the desecration of the Sabbath, by the people
digging ditches and grinding corn, the public sentiment was so
strong as to compel him to leave. Dr. Alden, of Williamstown,
and Prof. Hopkins, his associate, seeing the ungodliness
of their neighbors, sent out the cry: 'Who will go to Adams?'
Rev. Stillman replied, 'I'll go,' organized, with two members.
In two months the original church had diminished one half, but
that half being a woman it could not die, and to-day it has a
membership of nearly 300, and a Sabbath School of over 250.
St. Paul's Universalist Parish was organized by E. F. Jenks
and thirty-two others, March 28, 1844, Almond W. Mason
being the first pastor. The society soon after built a small brick
church, which did service until 1871, when the present commodious
structure was erected, which will comfortably accommodate 350
persons and is valued, including grounds, at $25,000.00. The present
pastor of the society is Rev. W. S. Woodbridge.
St. Mark's church of Adams, Protestant Episcopal, was originally
organized in 1867, and re-organized in 1872, their church building
being erected in 1881. This a neat stone structure, capable of
seating, including chapel, 400 persons, valued at $32,000.00,
about its original cost. The parish now has sixty-three members,
with Rev. Herbert Smythe, rector.
The Seven Dolors of the B. V. M., Roman Catholic church, was organized
by its first pastor, Rev. C. Crevier, with 400 members,
in 1871, and in 1875 their church building was erected, which
is valued at $6,000.00. The society now has 1,700 members, with
Rev. J. B. Charbonneau, pastor.
St. Charles Borromeo, Roman Catholic church, located on Park street,
has 2,000 members, with Rev. Dennis C. Moran, assisted
by Rev. James F. Maher, pastor.
GAZETTEER OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MASS. 1725-1885; Compiled and Published
by HAMILTON CHILD; Permanent Office; Syracuse, N.Y., January,
1885; pages 88-101
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