ASA DICKINSON, a thorough farmer and respected citizen of Amherst, was born in that town on February 24, 1809, son of Asa and Salome (Hastings) Dickinson.

His grandfather, Nathan Dickinson, came to Amherst from Hatfield, settling in the eastern part of the town. At that time there were few inhabitants, and the larger part of the town was covered with forests of primitive growth. Though settling in a new country, where the conditions demanded a great deal of labor and hardship, he nevertheless lived to a good age. He was the father of a large family of children. His son, Asa Dickinson, was reared to the business of a farmer, but was never a man of much physical strength. He died of consumption at sixty-three years of age, and his wife lived to be seventy-six years old. Their union was blessed by the birth of three children, of whom but one, Asa Dickinson, is now living. The others were: Friend Dickinson, who was born April 6, 1806, and died November 22, 1851 ; and Noble Dickinson, born December 14, 1807, who died October 27, 1887.

Asa Dickinson was but fifteen years of age at his father's death. After that event he assisted his mother in running the farm, and later on he purchased the old home with its forty acres of land. To this he has since added, so that he now has a farm of one hundred and fifty acres. Intelligent industry has brought him success, and today he has an excellent farm and a desirable residence. At the present time the farm work is performed by his two younger sons, who carry on general operations.

On January 20, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Sprout, of Hardwick, Mass., where her birth occurred on May 24, 1809. Three sons and a daughter have been born to them in the following order, namely: Edwin H., born September 10, 1843, who lives in Pennsylvania; Albert S., born December 22, 1845, residing on the home farm in Amherst; William A., who was born November 19, 1849, also living at the farm; and Emma L., born August 23, 1855, who is the wife of Fred Dickinson, and resides in Amherst. Their mother died on April 2, 1890.

Mr. Dickinson's politics are independent. His religious views are liberal. His wife was a member of the Congregational church. Though well advanced in years, being one of the oldest citizens of Amherst, Mr. Dickinson still retains a good amount of mental vigor and bodily activity.

CHARLES H. DICKINSON, a retired merchant of Northampton, where for many years he has been an esteemed citizen, is the son of Moses B. and Ruth B. (Osborne) Dickinson and grandson of Medad Dickinson, who for years kept a hotel on East Street, Amherst. Moses B. Dickinson was born in Amherst, and having grown to manhood took up the same kind of business in which his father was engaged, for some time managing a hotel in Cambridgeport, Mass. Thinking to better his prospects, he went West; and there he died in 1827, at the age of thirty.    His wife, Ruth B. Osborne, was a native of Windsor, Conn., daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Bissell) Osborne. At her husband's death she found herself obliged to provide sustenance for herself and only son, the subject of this sketch.

The American woman takes her husband's place in the battle of life and conquers fate. Mrs. Dickinson engaged in the millinery business, starting in a small way, and, being an energetic business woman, soon ranked as one of the leading milliners in Westfield and Northampton. She lived to be ninety years old, a widow over sixty years, and was bright and active to the last.

Charles H. Dickinson attended school until he was fifteen, when he went to work in a drug store. For six years he was employed as a clerk in Amherst and Northampton, and when about twenty-two years of age he went into business with his mother, opening a millinery and fancy goods store in Northampton, which he conducted forty-four years. The enterprise prospered to such an extent that at the end of that time Mr. Dickinson was enabled to retire, and in 1893 he sold the business to Mrs. S. I. Mills. Mr. Dickinson owns three stores and two fine estates, his home residence and the one adjoining.

In 1847 Mr. Charles H. Dickinson was united in marriage to Martha C. Kellogg, who died in 1893, leaving one son, Charles H., Jr., who resides on the adjoining estate, and has a wife and two children, a son and a daughter. Mr. Dickinson was again married in January, 1895, his second wife being Elizabeth S. Willcutt, of Northampton, daughter of Daniel Willcutt. In politics Mr. Dickinson is a Democrat, but he has never sought or held office.    Socially, he is a Master Mason, and in religion he follows the teachings of the Congregational church. Though modest and unassuming, he holds a prominent position in the town, and is one of the most esteemed citizens.

DANIEL W. DICKINSON, who since 1889 has been successfully engaged in the wholesale meat and provision business in Amherst, Mass., where he is a highly respected citizen, was born in South Amherst, December 6, 1851, son of Waitstill and Mercy J. Dickinson, both of whom were natives of Amherst.

His grandparents on both sides were among the early residents of that town; and in many respects the history of their lives is somewhat similar, as both were leading farmers, Captains in the State militia, and prominent in town affairs. His maternal grandfather, Enos Dickinson, was sent as a Representative to the State legislature in 1836; and Oliver Dickinson, his paternal grandfather, also acted as a Representative. The latter died in Amherst, at seventy-one years of age. Enos Dickinson's death occurred at eighty-three years of age. The latter took a prominent part in religious movements, and was a member of the Congregational church. In politics he was a Whig.

Waitstill Dickinson, who was born March 19, 18 14, was a lifelong resident of Amherst. For many years he was a merchant and Postmaster in South Amherst, where he kept a general store, and did a successful business as long as his health permitted. When that failed, he was obliged to give up his business at a heavy loss.    He was an attendant of the Congregational church, and in political contests he cast his vote with the Republican party.    In 1849 he was sent as a Representative to the State legislature; and he served his town as Selectman for seven years, as Assessor for five years, and was also a member of the School Committee.    He was married on April 20, 1837, to Miss Mercy J. Dickinson, who was born April 7, 1816.    They had eleven children, who, with the exception of one, reached maturity.    Eight are now living; namely, Joanna T., Henry C, Dwight E., Lucy M., Daniel W., George W., Sidney O., and Robert M.   The others are: Lyman E., who died when three years old; Edward M., who lived to be thirty-five years of age; and Julia L., who died at twenty-three years of age.   Mr. Dickinson died on March 10, 1884; and Mrs. Dickinson is now living with her son, Daniel W. Dickinson.

Daniel W. Dickinson acquired a good practical education in the schools of Amherst. He began to assist his father in the store when a mere boy, and continued with him until shortly after his marriage. He then moved to Rocky Hill, Conn., where he started a general store for himself, and during the succeeding ten years did a successful business. He then went to Meriden, and thence to Hartford, Conn., remaining in the latter place about four years. While there, he was engaged as a commercial traveler, and carried a line of wholesale flour and provisions. In 1887 he came to Amherst, and purchased the old Lieutenant Dickinson farm, on which he now resides. It contains forty acres of land. In addition to cultivating this, he conducts a wholesale meat and provision business, in which he has been successfully engaged for the past six years.

His marriage with Miss Jennie Prince was performed May 20, 1873.   She was a daughter of George H. Prince, who was born in Amherst on December 12, 1827, and a grand-daughter of Asael Moody and Mahala (Arnold) Prince, the former of whom was born in New York State, and the latter on August 30, 1797, in Belchertown, Mass.    Her grandfather came to Hampshire County when but seven years of age, and from that time Amherst became his home.    He chose the occupation of an agriculturist, in which he was quite successful, and became one of the leading farmers of the town.    He was also active in religious work as a member of the Congregational church.    In political opinions he was a Whig.   He died March 13, 1836; and his wife died in   1858 in Williamsburg, Mass. Three of their four children are now living, as follows: Simeon D., born June 7, 1820, now residing in Chicago, 111., the proprietor of the Prince House; George H.; and Emory L., born January 23,   1831, who resides in Jamestown,   Kan., where he is a successful grain, feed, and coal dealer. A brother, after whom the last mentioned was named, was born June 18, 1822, and died October 8, 1830. George H. Prince received his education in the Amherst common schools. He then engaged in farming and lumbering, and is still interested in the latter. He owns the old Prince farm, which he purchased from his brother, and has now retired from active business, having acquired sufficient means for his support during the remainder of his life.

He was married on May 17, 1849, to Miss Sarah E. Nash, who was born in Amherst on June 30, 1829, and is a daughter of Luther and Sabra (Pomeroy) Nash, who were early settlers of Amherst. Luther Nash died, seventy-seven years of age, and his wife when nearly eighty-five years old. Their seven children all grew up, and two are now living, namely: Charlotte, the widow of Joshua Powers, who resides in Hadley, Mass.; and Mrs. Prince. Both parents were members of the Congregational church. Mr. and Mrs. Prince had six children. Four are now living, namely: Lizzie E., born June 10, 1850, the wife of Will A. Dickinson, of South Amherst; Frank M., born July 23, 1854, who is married, resides in Minneapolis, Minn., and is Vice-President of the First National Bank of that place; George H., born July 16, 1861, who lives in St. Paul, Minn., where he is Cashier of the Capital Bank; and Walter L., born June 24, 1866, who is married, and lives in Stillwater, Minn., Assistant Cashier of the First National Bank. The deceased are: Jennie E., born December 12, 1852; Charles W., born December 12, 1863, who died August 22, 1894, at Minneapolis, where he was employed as a book-keeper in a bank. Both parents are liberal in religious matters, and in politics the father is a Republican. He has served acceptably as Selectman of the town. Mr. Dickinson's wife died on May 9, 1882, leaving no children. He has liberal views as to religious matters, and is a Republican in politics. He is quite prominent in town affairs, and has served in the official capacity of Selectman since 1893 and also in other minor offices.

GEORGE P. DICKINSON, a retired merchant and Treasurer of the Northampton Gas Company, was born in this town, July 13, 1822, son of James S. and Betsey (Pomeroy) Dickinson.

His father, born in 1780, was a leading merchant of this section of the county. He was intimately associated with the best interests of the town, and represented his district in the State legislature. He was very successful in his financial affairs, leaving at his death, which occurred in 1824, a substantial property. His wife was a daughter of Quantus Pomeroy and the grand-daughter of General Seth Pomeroy. They reared a family of five children, two of whom died. The others, besides the subject of this sketch, are: James S. Dickinson; and his sister, Mary C. Dickinson, both residents of Toledo, Ohio.

Mr. Dickinson received his education in the district school and in the academy and select school. When sixteen years old, he went to St. Louis, Mo., to clerk in a hardware store for his brother-in-law. Four years later he returned to Northampton, where he engaged as a salesman for two years. He then became the partner of his employer; and for the succeeding two years they did a good business, under the firm name of Hopkins & Dickinson. Buying out his partner, Mr. Dickinson continued the business alone for two years more, and then formed a copartner ship with a Mr. West and his son, under the firm name of West, Dickinson & Co. In 1856 the firm dissolved; and Mr. Dickinson went to Brooklyn, N.Y. Here he embarked in trade with another Mr. West, with very satisfactory results. The firm carried on a prosperous and extensive business until 1878, when Mr. Dickinson, whose health was somewhat impaired by his close attention to business, sold out to his partner, and returned to the scenes of his early life. In 1880 he bought the land, and erected upon it his present commodious residence, which is one of the finest and most attractive of the elegant dwellings on Elm Street. With its vine clad front and situation in the centre of a shady lawn, it presents a charming appearance to the passer-by. Mr. Dickinson has also invested in other real estate, is a shareholder in the gas works, and treasurer of the company.

On June 27, 1849, Mr. Dickinson was united in marriage with Mary Robinson, a daughter of Dr. Robinson, of North Adams. Their only child, Anna M., married Franklin Edwards, of Northampton; and they have two sons. In politics Mr. Dickinson is a Republican. He has satisfactorily served his constituents in the City Council, of which he was a member for five years, being its presiding officer two years. He is a Trustee for the Northampton Institution for Savings, and is a member and has been for several years an Assessor of the First Congregational Church.

MARQUIS F. DICKINSON, a prosperous farmer and an old resident of Amherst, was born in that town, January 4, 1814, son of Walter and Lydia E. Dickinson. Mr. Dickinson's ancestors were among the early settlers of Amherst; and his great-grandfather, Nathaniel Dickinson, first located upon the present Dickinson farm, and owned a large tract of land.    He died in 1806, leaving one son. Mr. Dickinson's grandfather, Nathaniel Dickinson, was born in Amherst, September 9, 1750. He graduated from Harvard University in 1772, and was for many years the only lawyer in that part of Hampshire County. He became prominent in public affairs, was a Justice of the Peace, and for thirteen years Town Clerk. He resided with his parents, whom he assisted in managing the farm, and died at the age of fifty-two years. Nathaniel Dickinson was a Unitarian in his religious belief. He married Sarah Marsh, who was born July 20, 1753, and she became the mother of two children, namely: Susannah, who died October 8, 1836; and Walter, Mr. Dickinson's father.    The mother died in 1801.

Walter Dickinson was born at the homestead in Amherst, May 2, 1784. He was a well-to-do farmer, and always resided upon the Dickinson farm. He was independent in politics and liberal in his religious views. He died April 9, 1851. His wife, who was born in North Amherst in 1791, became the mother of ten children, as follows: Sylvester; Frederick E., who resides in Leverett, Mass.; Marquis F., the subject of this sketch; N. Albert; Lydia E., who resides at the old homestead; Nehemiah; Leander M. and Amy S., who are now deceased; Walter M., a resident of Georgia; and Sarah M., wife of Jonathan Cowls. The mother died March 21, 1828.

Marquis F. Dickinson received his education in the public schools of Amherst, and grew to manhood at the Dickinson homestead. He engaged in the manufacture of brooms in North Hadley, following that occupation for some time during his early manhood. After a residence in North Hadley of a few years he returned to Amherst, and, in company with his brother Sylvester, built a grist-mill in that town, which they operated for some years. In 1844 he engaged in agriculture upon the farm where he now resides, built the residence, and has enjoyed a long period of prosperity. Mr. Dickinson is a Republican in politics, and was for many years actively interested in the town government.   He was a member of the Board of Selectmen for seven years, during which he served as chairman. He was also Assessor for several years. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and is the oldest member of Pacific Lodge.

On November 20, 1838, Mr. Dickinson was united in marriage to Hannah Williams. She was born in Shutesbury, Mass., November 9, 1817, only daughter of Asa and Prudence Williams. Asa Williams was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was an early settler in Shutesbury, where he followed the trade of a shoemaker. He died in Shutesbury, aged seventy-six; and his wife, who lived to the age of ninety, died at the home of her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson had ten children, namely: Jane, Mary, and Walter, who are deceased; Marquis F., born July 15, 1840, a lawyer of Boston; Sarah A., born October 8, 1848, the wife of F. L. Pope, an electrician of Great Barrington, Mass.; Roxy E., born April 5, 1851, wife of E. Holbrook, a shoe manufacturer of Holbrook, Mass.; Asa W., born October 24, 1853, a lawyer of Jersey City, N.J.; Walter M., born April 5, 1856, a Lieutenant in the United States Army, and for the past three years military instructor at the Massachusetts Agricultural College in Amherst; Julia A., born June 7, 1859, wife of the Rev. Charles S. Nickerson, a Universalist preacher of Abington, Mass.; and Hannah F., born September 28, 1861, wife of Professor Joseph B. Lindsey, of the Massachusetts Agricultural College.

Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson are the oldest married couple in their neighborhood, and have celebrated both their silver and golden weddings. Mrs. Dickinson is a member of the Congregational church.

SAMUEL B. DICKINSON occupies the farm in Granby on which his birth occurred June 1, 1844. He is a descendant of a well-known family of this place.    His parents, Eli and Hermione (Barton) Dickinson, were lifelong residents of the town.   His father carried on general farming until his death, in September, 1867. His mother survived her husband, dying on the old homestead in 1870.    Of the five children born to them three are deceased; namely, Mary, Julia, and Caroline.   The two living are: Samuel B., the subject of this sketch; and Caroline, wife of William Lincoln, of Warren, Mass.

Samuel B. Dickinson acquired his education in the schools of the town. At the age of eighteen years, fired with patriotic enthusiasm, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-second Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel Greenleaf, and shared the fortunes of that regiment for a time in the Civil War. Soon after the engagement at Indian Bend he was taken sick, and in consequence was sent to Brashear City, La., then to New Orleans, and finally to his home. On August 14, 1863, he was honorably discharged from the service. Returned to the parental homestead, Mr. Dickinson assisted his father in cultivating the farm, thereby acquiring experience that was of inestimable value to him in after years. When his father died, he assumed the entire management of the property, which then contained one hundred and fifty acres of good land.

On December 7, 1865, Mr. Dickinson was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Nash, a native of Hadley and a daughter of Lorenzo and Pamelia Nash. The father was a native of Hadley, and spent his early life there; while the mother was a native of Granby. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson has been cheered by the birth of three children, as follows: Henry N., a resident of Jamaica Plain, Mass., married to Julia Kimball; Samuel R. and Carrie L., at home with their parents. In politics Mr. Dickinson is a Republican. He served his town as Selectman in the years of 1887 and 1888, and again in the four consecutive years from 1891 to 1895. He belongs to the Charles C. Smith Post, No. 183, Grand Army of the Republic, of South Hadley Falls. Both he and Mrs. Dickinson are members of the Congregational church.

SAMUEL H. DICKINSON, a highly respected citizen of Hatfield, Hampshire County, Mass., was born in this town, January 28, 1816, son of Solomon and Hannah (Huntington) Dickinson. Mr. Dickinson's grandfather, Daniel Dickinson, a native and lifelong resident of Hatfield, was an extensive real estate owner and a prosperous and influential citizen. He died at the age of eighty years. He married Lois Dickinson; and she became the mother of five children: Nancy, Rebecca, Daniel, Solomon, and Lois. The mother died at the advanced age of ninety-one years.

Solomon Dickinson was born in a substantial old house which had been fortified and used as a stronghold during the Indian wars, and of which he at length came into possession, later building the new one in which his son Samuel H. was born. Throughout his active life he was energetically and successfully engaged in general farming, making a specialty of stock-raising.     He was first a Federalist and then a Whig in politics, and was a Methodist in religion.    Solomon Dickinson died in Hatfield, aged seventy-six years.    His wife, Hannah T.   Huntington, was a daughter of Samuel Huntington, of Norwich, Conn. They reared four children, as follows: Abbie; Samuel H., the subject of this sketch ; Philura T., who married G. W. Hubbard; and Harriet, who married D. F. Wells.    Mrs. Hannah T. Dickinson died at the age of sixty-eight years.

Samuel H. Dickinson was educated in the schools of Hatfield and at the Greenfield Academy. He resided with his parents as long as they lived, assisting his father in conducting the farm, and eventually succeeded to the possession of the homestead. He afterward purchased the Wells place, the house on which was erected by Dr. Peck in 1840, and has since become the owner of other valuable real estate, including some tenement-houses. Mr. Dickinson is known as one of Hatfield's most able and successful business men. Although he has now retired from active pursuits, he attends to his investment interests, and, being possessed of a robust constitution, enjoys perfect health.    He is unmarried.

Desirous of conferring on his native town a substantial and permanent benefit, and of leaving behind him a lasting remembrance of his father and himself, a few years since, with considerate generosity, he devoted the sum of twelve thousand two hundred dollars to the erection in Hatfield of a library building.

The work was begun in 1892, and Memorial Hall was dedicated in 1894. It is a handsome and substantial structure, two stories high, built of brick and terra-cotta, and is fire-proof. The first floor contains a spacious hall, a room for mementos and relics, and the town clerk's office; while the upper floor is devoted exclusively to the public library, the whole interior being finished in oak. The gift is highly appreciated by the people of Hatfield, who are not chary of gratitude to the kind-hearted donor.

Mr. Dickinson is a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He attends the Congregational church.

WILLIAM AUSTIN DICKINSON, Treasurer of Amherst College since 1873, was born in Amherst, April 11, 1829. His parents were the Hon. Edward and Emily (Norcross) Dickinson, his mother being the daughter of Joel Norcross, of Monson, Mass.

The earliest known ancestor of this family was Nathan Dickinson, who came to Amherst from   Hatfield   in 1742.   His son, Nathan Dickinson, Jr., was the great-grandfather of William Austin Dickinson.   Samuel Fowler Dickinson, son   of Nathan   Dickinson and grandfather of William Austin, was in his time the leading lawyer in Western Massachusetts.   After he was graduated from Dartmouth College, he studied law in the office of Judge Simeon Strong.   Subsequently, while engaged in the practice of his profession, he filled many positions of trust and responsibility.   For fifteen years he was Town Clerk, and for twelve years he represented the town in the legislature. He was one of a half-dozen men to whose exertions was due the founding of Amherst Academy. Later he took a prominent part in establishing Amherst College.

Edward Dickinson, born in Amherst in 1803, graduated from Yale College in 1823. He subsequently studied law, was admitted to the bar, began practice in his native town, and became one of the leading lawyers in Hampshire County. In 1835 he was chosen Treasurer of Amherst College, which office he held for thirty-eight consecutive years. He was also prominent in public affairs, serving three years as member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, two years as State Senator, two years in the Governor's Council; and in 1853 and 1855 he represented his district in Congress. He largely helped in securing the building of the New London Northern Railway and later the Massachusetts Central Road. The late Emily Dickinson, the literary recluse, whose remarkable writings were not known until after her death, was one of Mr. Edward Dickinson's daughters. Miss Lavinia Dickinson survives him, and occupies the Edward Dickinson homestead.

William Austin Dickinson was fitted for college in his native town and at Williston Seminary, Easthampton. In 1850 he was graduated from Amherst College, and afterward studied law in his father's office and at Harvard Law School. He took his degree at Cambridge in 1854, being admitted to the bar in Boston the same year. He then joined in practice with his father at Amherst, a partnership that lasted nearly twenty years, when it was dissolved by his father's death in 1873. Mr. Dickinson rather avoided the trial of cases. Hence he never attained prominence before the courts; but he was a singularly clear headed   and   conscientious counselor, whose advice and assistance were much sought in the community. He often rendered his services gratuitously. He was in partnership with James I. Cooper in the Palmer Block in the winter of 1888, when their office was burned, together with many valuable papers of historical value to the town and college. He became treasurer of the college in 1873; and thereafter he devoted himself with enthusiasm to the various concerns of the institution, not confining himself to the care of its funds, but looking carefully after all its material interests. By his fine tact and excellent judgment he was able to do much for the improvement of the college. He exerted a purely beneficent influence with the faculty and the trustees in the administration of its internal affairs, and by both bodies he is greatly missed. The town was also an object of his care. In the First Congregational Church, of which he was a member, in the town government, in school matters, banks, and business matters generally, he was an   honored and trusted counselor. Mr. Dickinson was active in the formation of the Cemetery Association, and the grounds in Wildwood Cemetery were laid out under his supervision. He was also connected with the gas company and Village Improvement Society, and no man has done more to beautify the town he loved so well. He was for many years President of the Amherst Water Company, and was one of the first to take an interest in supplying water to the town. He served as moderator of town meetings for nearly twenty years, always presiding with dignity and fairness. In politics he was a Republican; but he would not support nominations that he regarded as unfit. Had he cared for political honors, he might easily have attained them. He was not specially gifted as a speaker, but he had the faculty of communicating much in few words. Mr. Dickinson's was a strong, forceful personality, public-spirited in the larger meaning of the term, and so outspoken that there was no misunderstanding his attitude on any subject.    He disliked mere show and hypocrisy, and never sought to cloak disagreeable matters   in   diplomatic   language. Though loyal in his friendships, it was not easy to gain his confidence.    Those,   however, who once won his regard were welcome to the best of his heart and life.   He had a wide acquaintance with prominent men,   many of whom enjoyed the hospitality of his home.   He was exceedingly fond of fine pictures, a most appreciative reader of the best literature; and he was optimistic in faith, thoroughly believing that "Evil is only the slave of God, sorrow the servant of Joy."

On July I, 1856, he married Susan Huntington Gilbert, daughter of Thomas Gilbert, then living in Greenfield, Mass. Mrs. Dickinson survives her husband with two children. These are: Edward, assistant librarian of Amherst College; and Miss Martha G. Dickinson. A younger son, Gilbert, died twelve years ago. Mr. Dickinson died of heart failure, August 16, 1895. There is no doubt that his end was hastened by overwork. Rarely has any community been called upon to mourn the death of a man who was so thoroughly representative of its best citizenship.

WILLIAM COOLEY DICKINSON, of Hatfield, proprietor of the Connecticut River Stock Farm and an extensive tobacco grower, was born in this town, September 8,   1853, son of William Henry and Angelina (Waite) Dickinson.

Mr. Dickinson is a descendant of Nathaniel Dickinson, who emigrated from England, and settled in Wethersfield, Conn., in 1637. He became a prominent man in the colony, and served as Town Clerk and Representative to the General Court. In 1659 he moved to Hadley, Mass., where he died in 1676, leaving several children. Two of his sons, Azariah and Joseph, were killed by the Indians in King Philip's War, Joseph being slain with Captain Beers on September 4, 1675. Nathaniel Dickinson, second, son of Joseph, was born in 1670, and died in 1745. His son, Obadiah Dickinson, was born in Hadley on July 28, 1704, and died June 24, 1788. He settled in Hatfield, where he became a large land-owner, and was for many years a Deacon of the Congregational church. He married for his second wife Martha Wait; and his son Elihu by this marriage was the great-grandfather of William Cooley Dickinson. The children of Elihu Dickinson were as follows: Cotton D., Israel, William, Pamelia, Silas, Clarissa, and two who died in infancy.

William Dickinson, third son of Elihu, was born in Hatfield, June 13, 1783. He inherited the homestead, and became the largest real estate owner in the town. He was possessed of a strong constitution, and continued active until within a short time previous to his death, which occurred December 29, 1870. He .married on January 20, 1814, Fanny Smith, a daughter of Lieutenant Samuel Smith, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. William Dickinson were the parents of three children: John, Mary, and William Henry. The mother died February 21, 1853, aged sixty-five years and six months.

William Henry Dickinson was born at the ancestral homestead in Hatfield, March 4, 1820.    He received his education at Hatfield and the Leicester Academy, and succeeded to the ownership of the home property.   He became a land and stock speculator, owning land in Iowa, and is largely interested in native bred cattle.   He has likewise been an extensive farmer and tobacco grower, possessing some fine land upon the Hatfield meadows, which is especially adapted for that purpose. In 1875 he erected a new and handsome three-story house to replace the old Dickinson residence, which had been the birthplace of four generations; and he has built modern farm buildings.    Besides his family dwelling he owns three tenement-houses.   He is a Director of the Hampshire County National Bank, and is President of the Board of Trustees of Smith Academy, and one of the Trustees of the Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

William H. Dickinson is a Republican in politics. He represented his district in the legislature in 1853 and again in 1859. During the Civil War he served as chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and rendered valuable aid to the government in procuring recruits for the army.    His wife, Angelina Waite, whom he wedded November 30,   1842, was born October 14, 1822, daughter of Justin an Olive (Cooley) Waite.   Her father was a native of Hatfield and a representative of a highly respected family.    Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dickinson have had four children, of whom only one, William Cooley, is now living.   James W., born October 24, 1844, died November 10,   1868; he married Avie M. Wood,   and they had a daughter,   Mary J. Mary S. Dickinson, born October 14, 1847, died   August   13,   1849.     Sarah   E., born November 23,   1851, became   the wife of E. A. Bardwell, and died August 10, 1876, leaving one child, James D.   Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dickinson are among the most prominent and highly esteemed residents of Hatfield.

William   Cooley Dickinson   has been in these later years closely identified with his father's   business   ventures.      He   is now largely interested in the cultivation of tobacco, and devotes much time and attention to the   breeding of fine horses,   being the owner of some excellent and speedy animals, including Electmont, one of the best-bred stallions   in the county.    His stables are equipped with all modern conveniences for boarding and training horses, and in that business he has been very successful.

Mr. Dickinson was married on November 4, 1891, to Clara L. Graves, who was born October 9, 1867, daughter of Thaddeus and Mary H. (Hubbard) Graves.   Thaddeus Graves is a prosperous farmer and a leading business man of Hatfield.   Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson have two children; namely, William H. and Mary G.    Mr. William C. Dickinson is a Republican in politics.    His father,   Mr. William Henry Dickinson, is of the seventh generation from the first Nathaniel; and he has two great-grandchildren, who represent the tenth generation from that emigrant ancestor.

REV.   WILLIAM   E. DICKINSON, pastor of the College Mission Church in Amherst, was   born   in North Amherst, June 11, 1832, son of Daniel and Tammy (Eastman) Dickinson, respectively natives of Amherst and Granby, Mass. Mr. Dickinson comes of a distinguished family which up to the present time has numbered many prominent professional men among its members.    His grandfather, Azariah Dickinson, was an early settler of Amherst, he and his brother Oliver having been large land owners and wealthy citizens in the town. His wife also, Mary Eastman, was a member of a prominent family.    They both lived to an advanced age, rearing five children, all of whom   became prominent   in   church work. They were: Ransom, a Deacon; Daniel, the father of William E. ;   Austin, a minister; Baxter, a doctor of divinity;   and Hannah, wife of Deacon Austin Loomis.

Daniel Dickinson grew to manhood in Amherst, receiving his education in the schools of that town and in Hadley Academy.    His chief occupation was agriculture, and he was a large land owner in the town.     Politically, Mr. Dickinson was first a Whig and then a Republican.    He represented his district in the legislature, was Selectman of the town for many terms,   Assessor,   and Justice of the Peace.    He was often called upon to settle differences   respecting estates.     In military matters also he was interested, and acted as Captain of the State militia.    In religious belief he was a Congregationalist, and was influential among the members of the church in North Amherst.    He died December 25, 1875, aged eighty-two years.    He was twice married, and was the father of two children by his first wife and of six by his second.   The latter was the mother of the subject of this sketch. She lived eighty-six years, passing away in 1887.    Of these children four are now living, namely: Daniel, a farmer in Illinois ; William E., the subject, as before mentioned; Sarah, wife of the Rev. Frederick Phelps, of Whiting, Vt. ; and Charles R., a farmer residing on the old Oliver Dickinson farm in North Amherst. Louisa, wife of the Rev. J. M. Green, D.D., of Lowell, died at the age of fifty-one; Edward B., a Sergeant in Company D, Twenty-seventh Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, died when a young man of twenty-eight, soon after the close of the war, from a disease contracted while in the service; and one child died in infancy.

William E. Dickinson received his early education in the public schools of Amherst and Easthampton. He graduated from Amherst College in 1855. He subsequently studied theology at the Union Theological Seminary, New York, and at Andover. He graduated at the latter place in 1858, and was ordained at Orleans in 1860. He was in poor health at the time of his ordination, but bravely took up the duties of his vocation.    His first charge as a regular pastor was at Canton, Mass., where he remained four years, subsequently filling pulpits at Walpole, N. H., and at Chicopee, Mass.    In the latter place he remained twelve years.    He was dismissed from Chicopee to accept a call to Fitzwilliam,   N. H. After four years of service there he removed to Amherst, where he is now pastor of the College Mission Church.     He is enjoining by word and deed the great principle of Christianity, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," while blessed in return by the love of all in his flock.

In 1860 Mr. Dickinson was united in marriage with Eliza H. Hobart, a native of Amherst, daughter of Joshua Hobart, an early settler of the same town. Their union was blessed by one son, Edward B., who was born in Amherst, and is now a leading dentist there, an adept in his profession and a capable business man.

Mr. Dickinson votes the Republican ticket. He has been active and efficient in educational matters, having been called to serve on various school boards during his pastorates both in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He and his wife are Congregationalists in religious belief. Mr. Dickinson belongs to one of the old families of the town, which for several generations has sustained a reputation for probity, intellectual ability, and prominence in church work.

STILLMAN S. DOWNING, a worthy representative of one of the old families of Enfield and one of the few who have continued to reside on the homestead of their fathers, was born in Enfield, August 12, 1823, son of James and Roxana (Firbush) Downing.

James Downing was born in Boston in the memorable year of 1775.   Early in life he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and followed that vocation for many years.    He also engaged in farming on a small scale, moving to Enfield about 1814, where he settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Stillman S.    He reared a family of sixteen children.   Of these four survive, and are as follows: George W. Downing, a successful agriculturist of Enfield; Smith Downing, a large fruit grower and farmer in the State of New York; Jerome F. Downing, a large land owner of Erie, Pa., where he is also engaged in the insurance business, being prominently connected with the North American Insurance Company; and Stillman S. Downing, who is next to the youngest of those now living. It may be further said of Jerome F. Downing that he is a very successful man.   Besides his property in Pennsylvania, he owns seven thou-sand acres of land in North Dakota, six thousand of which are under cultivation. As general agent of the North American Insurance Company he has the direction of two thousand men. The father died on the old home farm, eighty-three years of age, and the mother in the fifty-sixth year of her age.

Stillman S. Downing received a good practical education in the district school.   As a child he showed considerable mechanical ability in the erection of miniature chimneys and old-fashioned fireplaces from soft brick, which he cut up for the purpose.   He was only seven or eight years old when he began to learn the trade of a mason.   He has done a great deal of the mason work in Enfield and vicinity, and still continues to follow that avocation to a limited extent.   He has also engaged in general farming.    Besides enlarging the old farm left to him by his father, he has bought another of one hundred and fifteen acres in Belchertown, this county, making in all about two hundred acres.   Mr. Downing is essentially a self-made man.    During all his life he has enjoyed most excellent health, never having had occasion to call a doctor to his home.

On October 8, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Carter, who was born in Canada in January, 1824.    He has one daughter, Eliza Downing, just now absent from home.   His wife died August 11, 1877. In his political relations Mr. Downing is a stanch Republican, while in matters concerning religion he is liberal.

OLIVER DRAGON, partner in the firm of La Famboise & Dragon, blacksmiths of Northampton, is a native of Canada, and was born in the town of St. Denis, on the Richelieu River, March 26, 1842.

His grandfather, Hypolite Dragon, was a native of France.   When a young man, he emigrated to Canada, where the rest of his life was spent.    He was the father of sixteen children, of whom twelve grew to maturity. Of these a number lived to an advanced age. One son, Andrea Dragon, died when within but   three years   of   being a centenarian. Lewis Dragon, the father of Oliver, was born in St. Denis in 1793.    His life was spent in his native town, where he was a prosperous farmer.    His death occurred when he was seventy-four years of age.   He married Miss Mary Louise Lefebvre, who bore him thirteen children, and of the eight that reached maturity four sons and one daughter are now living, namely: Lewis, in Kansas City,   Mo.; Nelson, in Northampton; Theodule, in Holyoke; Joseph, in St. Louis, Mo.; Philomena Goulet, who lives with her parents in St. Denis; and Oliver, the subject of this sketch.

Oliver lived at home until he was sixteen years of age, by which time he was familiar with farming. That, however, was not his choice of an occupation. He preferred to be a blacksmith, and he then left home to learn that trade by serving an apprenticeship of three years. His wages during that period were: first year, one dollar per month; second year, one dollar and a quarter per month; third year, one dollar and a half per month, including board.    In 1867 he went to Chicago, ILL., where for three years he worked at both his own trade and that of a carpenter. He went to Kansas City in 1870, and was employed in blacksmithing alone for about two years. After this he came East, and settled in Northampton.

He first worked as a journeyman for four years. Then on July 1, 1875, in partnership with Mr. La Famboise, he established his present thriving business. They undertake all kinds of blacksmith work, but they make a specialty of horseshoeing.

In Canada, on May 20, 1868, Mr. Dragon was joined in marriage with Miss Angele Levitre. Fourteen children were the fruit of their union, and ten are now living. They are as follows: George J., a drug salesman and pharmacist in Springfield, Mass., married, and the father of one daughter; Ida, a dressmaker in Springfield; Eva and Emma, who live at home, and are engaged in dress-making; Oswald, a young man of eighteen years, employed in his father's shop; Raoul, Lorenzo (aged fourteen years), Anna (aged eleven), Bernadette (aged nine), and Roderick (aged seven), attending school.

In political matters Mr. Dragon is not a party man. He has served twice as a member of the Common Council, being elected on an Independent ticket. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is also a member of the St. John the Baptist Society, of which he has been Treasurer for fifteen years. The family are members of the French Catholic church, and he is one of its Trustees.

GEORGE DRESSER, a well known and much respected farmer and land owner of Goshen, was born on the farm where he now resides, July 12, 1820, son of Moses and Vesta (Cushman) Dresser. His grandparents on the paternal side were Reuben and Mary (Burnell) Dresser; and his great-grandfather, Richard Dresser, was the son of Richard Dresser, Sr., who came from England at an early day in the history of this country.

Reuben Dresser, the grandfather, was a native of Charlton, Worcester County, Mass. He moved to Goshen, where his brother-in-law, William White, was engaged in farming on what is now known as the White homestead, at a time when that part of the journey between Chesterfield and Goshen had to be made on foot, there being but a cow path in place of a road.    He bought seven hundred acres of uncultivated land, and cleared about two hundred acres, building thereon a log house, which was later replaced by a large and substantial dwelling, though on a site slightly removed from the original primitive home.   He kept a large amount of stock, mostly cattle and sheep, and became one of the most thriving agriculturists of his town. He was a Whig in politics, and held many town offices, which he filled with credit to himself and benefit to his constituents. His marriage to Mary Burnell took place in Chesterfield.

Their son Moses, father of George Dresser, was born on the farm in the large house above referred to, October 27, 1789.   He remained at home after reaching manhood, and assisted his father in the duties of the farm, and at the latter's death came into   possession of the homestead.    He was engaged in general farming; and he also built a saw-mill, and engaged to some extent in lumbering and custom work.   Like his father he was a Whig; but on the formation of the Republican party he joined it, and remained faithful to its principles thereafter.   He served the town as Selectman for a number of years, and was one of the most prominent citizens of Goshen. He died at the age of eighty-eight years, after a well spent life. His wife, Vesta Cushman, attained the age of seventy-seven.   Their children were by name as follows: Caleb C, Levi, Martha (deceased), George, Dorothy, Chloe, Wealthy, Rufus C and Martha (second).

George Dresser received his education partly at a select school and partly at New Salem Academy. He remained at home, and took care of his parents in their later years, and after their death in 1854 came into possession of the farm. He then sold the place, and went to Hermon, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he engaged in mercantile business for some time; but, as the buyer of the estate failed to make good his purchase, the property came again into his possession, and in 1860 he returned to Goshen, and settled down on the homestead of his immediate ancestors. He had previously, in 1846, built the present house; and he has since in other ways improved the property, and is now reckoned among the thriving farmers of the town. His son, George C, resides with him, and takes an active part in the general superintendence of the farm work.

Mr. Dresser was married January 14, 1847, to Miss Alvey Stone, a daughter of Colonel Luther Stone. She was born January 17, 1825, and died October 7, 1893, after many years of faithful performance of her duties as wife and mother. Her children were as follows: Henry H., born December 17, 1849, married Alice Montgomery, and they have four children, and reside in Goshen; George C. was born February 18, 1852; Vesta C, born September 8, 1854, married Edward C. Packard, and died May 18, 1879, at the age of twenty-four years, leaving two children -Edward W. and Laurence.

Mr. Dresser is a Republican in politics. He has served the town as Collector and Treasurer as well as Selectman, and has been School Commissioner for twenty years. He stands high in the estimation of his fellow townsmen, and may be justly considered as a good representative of the farming community of Hampshire County.

CHARLES N. DYER, merchant, Postmaster, and Town Clerk of Plainfield, was born in that town, January 7, 1850, son of Newell and Mary Ann (Whitmarsh) Dyer.   Mr. Dyer's grandfather, Jesse Dyer, was a son of Christopher Dyer, Jr. Jesse Dyer was a native of Abington, Mass., and settled in the town of Ashfield about the year 1790. He bought a tract of one hundred acres, which he improved into a good farm, first building a small house and later a larger and more substantial residence. He was the first settler in that part of Ashfield, and he became a well-to-do farmer. He died in 1854, aged eighty-five years; and his farm is now owned by B. M. Dyer. On October 4, 1795, he married Sally Pool; and she became the mother of the following children: Jared, Oakes, Bela, Albert, Sarah, Samuel, and Newell. The mother died in 1852, aged seventy-three years.

Newell Dyer, Mr. Dyer's father, was born in Ashfield, January 23, 1818. He succeeded to the ownership of his father's farm, which he conducted for five years. Selling the property, he moved to Plainfield, where he bought the Deacon Richards farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, which he improved to a considerable extent.    He resided there for eight years, at the expiration of which he sold, and purchased the farm which is now owned by J. W. Sears, together with an adjoining farm and some outlying lots. He was a successful farmer, a Republican in politics, and a Congregationalist in his religious belief. He died at the age of fifty-four. His first wife, Mary Whitmarsh before marriage, was a daughter of Jacob Whitmarsh. She became the mother of one son, Charles N., the subject of this sketch. She died in 1866, aged forty-seven years. Newell Dyer wedded for his second wife Mrs. Lydia Sears, who survives him, and is now the wife of Lemuel Cross, of Ashfield.

Charles N. Dyer was educated in the schools of his native town, and at the age of sixteen became a clerk in a general store in Hadley, where he remained for one year. He then taught school for seven succeeding winters, his summers being occupied in agricultural pursuits.    He then went to Northampton, where he worked at the machinist's trade until the death of his father caused him to return to Plainfield.    He conducted the farm for ten years, and then engaged in mercantile business in the store which is now occupied as a residence by J. W. Sears.    After conducting a successful business for seven years, he sold this store; and, purchasing a lot of land adjoining the town hall, he erected his present place of business, which he opened in 1887.   He carries a large and varied stock of general merchandise, and enjoys a liberal patronage.    Mr. Dyer is a Republican in politics, and is prominent in local affairs. He was a member of the School Committee for twelve years, has been Town Clerk and Treasurer since 1876, Justice of the Peace since 1884, and was appointed Postmaster in 1889, a position which he still holds to general satisfaction.

On October 6, 1872, Mr. Dyer was united in marriage to M. Antoinette Ford. She was born in Hinsdale, Mass., April 2, 1852, daughter of William R. and Cornelia (Worthington) Ford, the former of whom is a prosperous farmer of Peru, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer have three children, namely: Albert F., born August 2, 1873; Genevieve L., born June 7, 1880; and Frederick C, born August 16, 1882.

Mr. Dyer has compiled and issued a complete history of the town of Plainfield from 1785 to 1891, including biographical sketches of twenty-three of the early settlers, with their family genealogy. The work, which was published in 1891, contains one hundred and eighty-seven pages, is well illustrated, and bound in cloth.    Five hundred copies were printed, and the book was sought for and highly prized by residents of the town.

The information on Trails to the Past copyright (s) 2011-Present Date may be used in personal family history research, with source citation. The pages in entirety may not be duplicated for publication in any fashion without the permission of the owner. Commercial use of any material on this site is not permitted. Please respect the wishes of those who have contributed their time and efforts to make this free site possible.~Thank you!