A HISTORY OF THE TOWN
OF MIDDLEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS,
1670-1850
Edward Church Smith.
Menasha, Wis. Priv. print. 1924

CAMPBELL to CROWELL

[Transcribed by Coralynn Brown]

CAMPBELL Campbell, Robert, of Chester m. (int.) 12-12-1785, Asenath, dau. Malachi and Priscilla (Norcott) LOVELAND of Mid. Pw. 21-1794. He bought of William Graham the grist and sawmill built by John Ford on Factory Brook and ran it after 1795. He moved to Pike, N.Y., and was living there in 1820. CARRIER Carrier, David. Possibley from Colchester, Conn. First mentioned in Mid. Town Records 1784. Cen. 1790. His children David, Dolly, Elias, Joseph, Polly, and Rebecca were bap. in 1793-4. Joined Cong. Ch. 1793. He must have been a fairly prominent citizen for he was one of the committee which wrestled unsuccessfully with the problem of assigning seats in the meetinghouse with the problem of assigning seats in the meetinghouse in 1791-2. Pw. 11, 1792-4. Sch. Com. 1795. He lived where there is a cellar hole west of the highway to the Aldernman farm, a quarter of a mile south of the road to The Berkshire. As a collector of taxes Carrier took the oath of allegiance after Shay's Rebellion in 1788. He moved away before 1799. CARTER Carter, John, heads one list of names on Pet. Inc. 1781. He was probably a non-resident owner of certain lands included in the incorporation of the new town. CARY Cary, Dea. Joseph (Jabez, Joseph, John), son of Jabez and Hannah (Hendee) Cary, was b. Windham, Conn. 9-28-1723; d. Williamsburg, Mass., 5-30-1803. m. 7-1-1747, Phebe, dau. Ebenezer and Hannah (Huntley) MACK of Lyme, Conn., who was b. 1-20-1729; d. Williamsburg 11-22-1822. Dea. Cary and his wife were among the 21 members who formed the Cong. Ch. at Williamsburg 7-3-1771. The descendants of Dea. Joseph and Phebe (Mack) Cary are thus descendants of the emigrant ancestor John Mack of Lyme, Conn., who was ancestor of many of the residents of Middlefield. Children: Hannah, m. Thomas MEEKINS, of Hatfield. Phebe, b. 1-6-1750, d. at Mid. 8-3-1815; m. 7-13-1769, Amasa GRAVES of Williamsburg. Mary, b. Coventry, Ct., 12-5-1751; m. Joel WAIT of Whately. 5 chil. Jemima, b. Coventry, Ct., 11-21-1753; d. Mid. 11-11-1845 m. 1st, 1771, John FORD, m. 2nd, 1784, Lewis TAYLOR. Elizabeth, b. 3-10-1755, Coventry; d. Fredonia, N.Y. 10-12-1841; m. Anson CHEESEMAN in 1774. Joseph, b. 3-7-1757. (see Fam. 1). Richard, b. Mansfield, Ct., 1-15-1759; m. Williamsburg, 1782, Susannah FORD; soldier if Rev. War; lived in Whately; moved to N.Y. state 1806-08. 8 chil. Abner, b. January, 1760 (see Family 2). Triphena, b. Mansfield, 12-11-1763; m. John STARKS, of Whately, 9 chil.; Moved to Thetford, Vt. Mercy, b. Williamsburg, m. Elihu, bro. of Amasa GRAVES; 8 chil. _____, dau. b. Williamsburg. Asa, b. 4-1-1770. (See Fam. 3). FAMILY 1 Joseph Cary, son of Joseph and Phebe (Mack) Cary, b. Mansfield, Conn. 3-7-1757; d. Ontario, N.Y., 2-3-1848; m. Canterbury, Conn., 1-7-1781 Rachel THOMPSON. She d. 9-26-1851. Joseph Cary of Williamsburg, Mass. was in Mid. early enough to sign the Pet. Inc. 1781. His farm was located on the brow of the hill half a mile southwest of the Alderman farm, overlooking the Westfield River valley. Traces of the cellar of his house are still to be found. He owned Lots 27 and 29 in III Div. B. and 41, 52, 53 in V Div. His wife joined the Cong. Ch. 1792. Cary was a chaplain in the Rev. War. He moved to Ontario, N.Y. between 1794 and 1799. Children, b. Mid.: Rachel, b. 3-31-1783. Joseph, b. 6-19-1784. Lucy, b. 12-27-1785, m. Wm. MOTT. Stephen, b. 10-6-1786. Eunice, bap. 4-13-1794, m. Mr. WRIGHT. Ezekiel, b. 4-1-1788. Phebe Mack, bap. 10-26-1795, m. Mr. FRAZER. (Seth C. Cary in ("John Cary, the Plymouth Pilgrim") gives the following additions to the list of children): Hahha, b. 1-3-1792, m. Mr. SCOTT. Zina, b. 2-1-1799, m. Mr. GILL. Isaac, b. Sept. 1804. FAMILY 2 Abner Cary, son of Joseph and Phebe (Mack) Cary, b. Mansfield, 1-21 or 31, 1760. He is said to have married 4 times in Williamsburg. An Abner Cary of Williamsburg m. Annis STEBBINS in Mid. 6-10-1807. An Abner Cary of Williamsburg m. Mid. 12-12-1814 Roxana JOHNSON. Moved to Dupage Co., Ill., where he d. 1845. Lucina, dau. Abner and Polly Cary, b. 2-22-1793, m. W. W. LEONARD of Mid. She d. Mid. 2-28-1867. Abner L. Alvin. Lucy. Sally. Asa. FAMILY 3 Asa Cary, son of Joseph and Phebe (Mack) Cary, b. Williamsburg 4-1-1770; d. Erie Co., N.Y. 9-29-1852; m. 6-24-1790 Damaris HICKOX of Conway, Mass. She d. 4-17-1863, ae. 91. Asa Cary came to Mid. about 1793, bought land in Lots 28 and 29, III Div. B and lived with or near his brother Joseph east of Walnut Hill. He joined Cong. Ch. 1793. Pw. 21, 1794. M.T. 1799. Moved to Erie County, N.Y. before 1800. Children: Trueman. Sylvia (who m. Aaron ADAMS). Ada. Joseph. Sylvester. Harriet. Van Renssalaer Damris Amelia. Saduska. Asa. Amelia. CHAMBERLAIN Chamberlain, Edward, son of James and Elizabeth Chamberlain, was b. in England. He m. in Albany, N.Y. in 1858 Ann, dau. of Joseph and Sarah BAKER, who was b. in Leicestershire, Eng. He was a market-gardener in Albany. About 1781 he moved to Mid. and was living on the farm of Samuel Smith Jr., at the head of the reservoir at the time of the flood of 1874. He then moved to the old Pelton farm in the northern part of the town. He d. July 19, 1878, a. 60 yrs. His wife d. May 24, 1902, a. 70 yrs. Children: Sarah Elizabeth, b. in Albany, N.Y. Aug. 3, 1862. Lives in the Alexander Ingham house in Mid. Center. Louisa Helen, b. in Albany, N.Y. May 3, 1870; d. in Renssalaer, N.Y. in 1918; m. George HALL. Their dau. Edda m. John BAER. Florence Edda, b. in Mid. Oct. 28, 1874. She d. Oct. 12, 1903. CHAPIN Chapin, Abner (Abner, Abner, Henry, Henry, Samuel), son of Abner and Rhoda (Kibbe) Chapin (sister of Bildad Kibbe, pioneer in Mid.), b. Wilbraham, Mass. 1-12-1771; m. 5-30-1793, Polly ADAMS. She d. 1-10-1823, ae. 66 yrs. Some time in 1798 or 1799 Chapin moved from Wilbraham to Mid. M.T. 1799, Cen. 1800. Lived in S.W. Part of town in Taylors pasture or near "the Switch." Returned to Wilbraham after 1806. Children: Polly, b. 1794, d. 3-15-1823. Lucy Edson, b. 3-29-1798. Oliver Adams, b. Mid. 3-25-1800. Minerva, b. Mid. 7-2-1802. Caroline, b. 9-19-1804. Lavinia Warner, b. Mid. 11-20-1806. Leander, b. 8-25-1809. Lucinda, b. 8-25-1809. David, b. 4-17-1812. Vashtai, b. 4-17-1812. Valrous Munro, b. 4-11-1815. Charlotte, b. 9-9-1821. Chapin, Moses A., b. in Somers, Ct., 11-28-1762, s. of Moses and Elizabeth (Dwight) Chapin. He m. Lucina GRAVES of Hatfield and had ten chldren b. in West Springfield, 1788-1809. Was living near Orrin Millard in 1824 when the town voted a bridle path to his land from the Becket highway. He d. in West Springfield 3-11-1841. CHAPMAN Chapman, Benjamin. Was probably the man who owned the mills built by John Ford as Chapman's mills are mentioned in records for 1784. M.T. 1799. (Written Chipman) Pw, 20, 1792. Let town before 1800. Chapman, Daniel (Ichabod, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, Robert) son of Ichabod and Hannah (Jones) Chapman, was b. 3-12-1753; m. 1-5-1775, Lucy, dau. John and Abiah (Phelps) TALCOTT, of Hebron, Conn., d. 11-23-1842. She was b. 11-10-1755; d. 4-19, 1809. She was sister of Mary Talcott who m. David Mack. Daniel Chapman of Hebron, Conn., leased in 1780 Lot 223, a school lot in the Worthington section. his house was near and possibly on the site of the dwelling of G. E. Cook. He signed the Pt. Inc. 1781. Was chosen town treasurer 1783-84; on committee to secure preaching 1783-85; selectman 1785-90; on school committee 1794. He and his wife were charter members of Cong. Ch. 1783 and he was chosen deacon. He moved to Pittsfield, Mass. between 1794 and 1799. Children: Daniel, b. Hebron 11-4-1775, d. 12-17-1794. Ichabod, b. Hebron 11-14-1777, m. Eunice BUTLER. Lucy, b. Hebron 2-11-1779 or 1780, m. Gideon NORTON. Anna, b. Worthington, 7-11-1782 m. Nathaniel HARRIS. Mahala, b. Mid. Sept. 1784, m. Dea. Daniel H. FRANCIS. Hannah, b. Mid. Nov. 1787, m. Bartlett LEONARD. CHEESEMAN Cheeseman, George was the emigrant ancestor who is supposed to have been born in England and to have come to America early in the 18th Century. He settled in Braintree, Mass., m. Jane DURAN. Had a son Edward. Cheeseman, Edward, son of George and Jane (Duran) Cheeseman, was b. Braintree 4-9-1726, d. 1776, m. 4-25-1752 Margaret DYER. He served in the Rev. War. Children: Anson, b. 7-14-1752 (see Fam. 1). Benjamin, b. 9-20-1756 (see Fam. 2). Rhoda, b. 3.15. 1760, m. ____ BILLS. Calvin, b. 11-12-1764. Had contract to furnish provisions to Garrison at Pittsfield, War 1812. Thankful, b. Braintree, 8-7-1769, m. Mar. 1796, Robert BISSELL. By the death of her father in Rev. War the family of nine children was scattered. Thankful at age of six found home in the family of Judge Niles of Braintree where occurred her marriage to Robert Bissell, d. 1-7-1853. Ruth, b. abt. 1773. Silence, b. 1771, d. 1851, m. Ebenezer TIFFANY. Edward, b. 1775, moved to Richfield Springs, N.Y. where he was an early settler. Kept store at Federal Corners and manufactured "Cheeseman Arabian Balsam." d. 8-18-1840. FAMILY 1 Anson Cheeseman, son of Edward and Margaret (Dyer) Cheeseman, b. 7-14-1752, d. abt. 1813, m. 1774, Elizabeth, dau. of Joseph and Phebe (Mack) Cary. He moved into the Becket Section 1781. Pt. Inc. 1781. He was the firth ththingman elected in Mid. Cong. Ch. 1783. Had 11 children. Moved to Pittsfield in 1790 and was in Benson, Vt. in 1793. He was soldier in Rev. War. FAMILY 2 Benjamin Cheeseman, son of Edward and Margaret (Dyer) Cheeseman, b. Braintree, 9-20-1756, m. Sarah HOWE. Came to Mid. about 1781. Pt. Inc. 1781. He lived somewhere on the south side of Walnut Hill in a spot known as "Cheeseman's Hollow." Moved to Nelson, N.Y., his letter of dismission from the Church being dated 1811. Cen. 1790-1800. Children: Benjamin. Isaac. Nabby. Peggy. Ruth. Sally. Thankful, all bap. 11-1-1795. Thanka, bap. 9-28-1801. Clarissa, bap. 8-31-1803. FAMILY 3 Abel Cheeseman, son of Edward and Margaret (Dyer) Cheeseman, b. Braintree, 2-22-1758; m. 1780 Mary, dau. Elisha and Sarah (Blossom) MACK, d. Becket 5-15-1826. Pt. Inc. 1781. Served several enlistments in the Rev. War. Lived a while in Mid. on Walnut Hill. Cen. 1810. Moved to Becket. In Pittsfield 1790. Among their children were: Martha (m. Peter FRANCISCO). Samuel. Mary. Samuel. Sally. Silence. Julia. Elizabeth. Lydia. Edward (see Fam. 5) Anna. Abel (See Fam. 4). FAMILY 4 Abel Cheeseman, son of Abel and Mary (Mack) Cheeseman, b. 1-29-1792; d. 3-26-1877; m. 1st Polly, dau. Jno. BALL of Windsor. He lived for many years at Factory Village where he was watchman at S. U. Church and Brothers, Lower Mill. Children: Uriah Frank, b. 4-8-1825, m. Kate P. JOHNSON. Moved to Colrain, Mass. Mary H., b. 8-13-1833, Washington, d. there 2-25-1839. FAMILY 5 Edward Cheeseman, son of Abel and Mary (Mack) Cheeseman, b. Mid. 11-26-1801; d. Hinsdale 5-7-1885; m. 11-20-1834, Lucinda BILL. Among their children was: Edwin, b. 5-12-1847, at Hinsdale. While employed on the B. & A. R.R. he was severly injured in a freight wreck at Russell. After recovering from the serious burns he was for a while station agent at Middlefield. CHURCH All the Middlefield families by the name of Church, with the exception of Walter Church family, are descendants of Richard Church, the emigrant ancestor, 1630, who was one of the early settlers in Hartford, Conn. Samuel Church, son of Richard and Ann Church, b. Hartford, 1638, d. Hadley, Mass. 4-13-1684; m. Mary, dau. Josiah and Elizabeth (Foot) CHURCHILL of Wethersfield, Conn. She d. 1690. He was made freeman of Conn., 1657. Moved to Hadley. Children: Mary, b. 1-23-1665; d. 8-28-1707, m. 1684, Samuel SMITH of E. Hartford, Conn. Samuel, b. 8-19-1667, m. 1st 7-7-1692, Abigail, dau. Isaac and Martha (Montague) HARRISON. She d. 9-7-1717, m. 2d, 8-12-1720, Abigail STRONG. Richard, b. 12-9-1669. Slain by Indians 10-15-1696, m. 1-24-1696, Sarah BARTLETT. Mehitable, b. 1-11-1672, d. 10-15-1715, m. Nehemiah DICKINSON, who d. S. Hadley 9-25-1748. Josiah, b. 4-10-1673, m. Thankful BROOKS. Benjamin, b. 9-1-1680, m. 1st 1-30-1709, Miriam HOVEY. Lived in Hadley, m. 2d, Hannah DICKINSON, m. 3d, Sarah PERKINS. John, b. 12-24-1682 (See Fam. 1) FAMILY 1 John Church, son of Samuel and Mary (Churchill) Church, b. 12-24-1682, d. 3-21-1751, m. 2-5-1707, Elizabeth, dau. of Samuel and Mary OLMSTEAD of E. Haddam, bap. 8-7-1692, d. 12-22-1749. Lived in E. Haddam. Children, b. E. Haddam: Elizabeth, bap. 8-8-1707, m. 2-11-1731, Caleb CHAPMAN, b. 8-24-1704. John, b. 7-29-1711. (See Fam. 2). Mehitable, b. 3-7-1714, d. 7-23-1771, m. 3-31-1737, Joshua BRAINERD, who d. 12-24-1790. He m. 2d, Mrs. Abigail GATES. William, b. 11-7-1716. (See Fam. 4) Richard. Samuel, b. 7-5-1720, m. 11-12-1747, Elizabeth FULLER, b. 4-18-1723. Sarah, b. 7-4-1724, d. 7-12-1796, m. 1-16-1745-6, Matthew SMITH. Joseph, b. 1-14-1726, m. 1-24-1765, Phebe STERLING, who d. 8-1-1770. He was a blacksmith. Bought lots 1, 4, 5 and 9 in II Div. E. P. G. 1773. Sold them to David Bolton, 1777. Rachel, b. 9-5-1732, m. 1st 1751-2, Hezekiah, son John and Sarah (Bagley) MACK, who d. 10-14-1755. She m. 2d, David BROCKWAY. FAMILY 2 John Church, son of John and Elizabeth (Olmstead) Church, b. E. Haddam, 7-29-1711, m. 2-10-1736, Lydia CHAPMAN. Children, born E. Haddam: John, b. 3-22-1737, m. Jane PARK. Bought lots 1 and 12 in I and II Divs. W. P. G. 1773. Was a blacksmith. Ira, b. 5-19-1741, m. Dorothy CHAUNCY. He bought lots 13 in I and II Div. E. P. G. 1773. Was a blacksmith. Selden, b. 9-2-1748. Jabez, b. 8-14-1750. Was soldier in Rev. War. Was a carpenter. Bought lots 9 and I and II Divs. W. P. G. 1773, but sold them to his brother, Elihu. Phineas, b. 8-14-1750. Lazarus, b. 11-21-1753. Lydia, b. 11-21-1753. Elihu, b. 2-11-1756 (See Fam. 3). FAMILY 3 Elihu Church, son of John and Lydia (Chapman) Church, b. E. Haddam, Conn. 2-11-1756; m. 6-26-1786, Lydia, dau. of Charles and Lydia (Taft) SHELDON, of Mendon, b. Somers, Conn. 6-18-1742. She was sister of Ephraim Sheldon, the Mid. pioneer. He purchase3d lots 9 in I and II Divs. W.P.G., where he settled in 1783. His house was probably on the side of the "brick house" later occupied by Benjamin Eggleston, which stood on the West Hill, east of the road, a quarter of a mile north of the farm of Mr. Drozd. Was elected surveyor of highways 1787, collector of highway rates, 1787. Sch. Com. 1790. Sold his farm to Benjamin Eggleston, 1790, and moved to Wash. where he was enumerated in Cen. 1790. FAMILY 4 Capt. William Church, son of John and Elizabeth (Olmstead) Church, b. E. Haddam, Conn., 11-17-1716, m. 1743, Hannah, dau. Thomas Fuller, b. 3-21-1720, d. Millington, Conn. 6-16-1777. Children: Richard, bap. June, 1744. May have been the Richard Church who settled in N. Y. State. William, bap. 8-25-1745 (See Fam. 5). Elizabeth, bap. Oct. 11, 1747, m. William SKINNER in Mid. Obadish, b. ___; d. Mid. 9 years old. Ambrose, bap. 6-3-1753; d. Roxbury, Mass. Was soldier in Rev. War. Uriah, bap. 5-11-1755 (See Fam. 12) Hannah, bap. 11-13-1757. Oliver, b. 1763 (See Fam. 27). FAMILY 5 William Church, son of Capt. William and Hannah (Fuller) Church, bap. E. Haddam, Conn. 8-25-1745; d. Mid. 3-16-1818, m. 1769-70, Susannah, dau. Green and Elizabeth (Stewart) HUNGERFORD, b. 1745, d. 3-12-1808. He was a tall well formed man of good disposition and habits. Like many of the Churches he was a carpenter by trade. Just before the Rev. War, 1773, he purchased eight lots of land in Prescott's Grant (No. 12 I Div. E; No. 2, 6 and 12 in II Div. E.; No. 11, in I and II Dvs. W.) After the war he moved to Mid. about 1783, settled on his I Div. lot No. 12 a third of a mile on the west side of the road which turns south a short distance from its junction with the road leading to Blush Hollow. As carpenter Church had a shop across the road from his house and also a sawmill located on Factory Brook, probably the one later owned by the Church brothers. Among the buildings of his handiwork was the meetinghouse for which he was master builder. He worked for some years in the U. S. Armory at Springfield stocking guns as he had done before coming to town. He and his sons were staunch Whigs, voting in town meeting with a minority of six to support the government in the war of 1812. He was a selectman in 1786. Children: Green H., 1771. (See Fam 6). William, b. 1772; d. 12-12-1846, m. 5-10-1803, Nancy, dau. James and Margaret (Gaston) DICKSON. Lived on West Hill opposite the house later built for him by Green Church now (1924) owned by Dr. Drozd. Warren, b. 1774. (See Fam. 10). Ambrose, b. 1776 (See Fam. 11). Anna, b. About 1776, m. 11-30, 1797, Dennis WARDWELL. Moved to Austinburg, Ohio. Diadet, b. 1782, d. young. Millicent, b. 4-12-1782, m. 9-3-1809, Orris BISSELL. Lived in Ohio. FAMILY 6 Green Hungerford Church, son of William and Susannah (Hungerford) Church, was b. E. Haddam, Conn., 1771; d. Mid. 1-29-1848; m. 1st Westfield, 10-13-1793, Dorinda SQUIRES. She d. 8-27-1799, ae. 27. He m. 2d 7-10-1801, Alice, dau. Thomas and Ann ROOT. She d. 10-8-1821; he m. 3d, 7-10-1822, Mrs. Hannah (Root) STACY of Wilbraham. She d. Rockland, Pa. Sept. 1866. He was a man of good character, intelligent. He was a carpenter by trade and followed his father on the farm. He represented the town in the General Court, 1835-37, and held many town offices during his life. Children, b. Mid.: Dorinda, b. 12-17-1794, d. 1867, m. Ezra JONES, who d. 9-14-1842. Susannah, b. 3-14-1797, m. 9-9-1819, Daniel Root, moved to Rockdale, Pa. about 1820. Jefferson, b. Oct. 21, 1802 (See Fam. 7). Amanda, b. 3-6-1806, d. 8-2-1879, m. Isaac G. GLEASON. Franklin, b. 9-1-1813. (See Fam. 9) Diadet, b. 3-14-1826, died young. Hannah A., d. 3-14-1825. FAMILY 7 Jefferson Church, son of Green Hungerford and Alice (Root) Church, was b. Mid. 10-21-1802, d. 4-12-1885, m. 1st 5-31-1826, Betsey, dau. Joseph and Polly (Clark) LITTLE, who d. 11-8-1846. He m. 2nd, 12-18-1850, Eliza HOUPT of Utica, N.Y. She d. at Freeport, Ill. He graduated as a physician from the Pittsfield Medical College in 1825. He began practice in Peru in 1826 and a year later moved to Springfield. In company with Dr. Seeger he edited and published "Tulley's Materia Medica." He identified himself with the anti-slavery cause, which action in the early years of its agitation made him very unpopular with the people and the religious element of that town. He stood almost alone in this position and firmly bore the brunt of many attacks from pulpit and press. His house was always open to those who sympathized with the cause against slavery and many of the leaders of the movement made his house their headquarters. He was an intimate friend of John Brown, who visited him in Springfield in 1846. They agreed on the heniousness of slavery; but while Brown was for open fight, the doctor grew to be a strong Wendel Phillips sort of Abolitionist. He was always a friend to the oppressed, and many of them through his generosity found their way to Canada by the underground road. Children: Joseph Edward, b. 2-25-1827, d. Penn. 9-7-1828. William H., b. 9-15-1832 (See Fam. 8) Mary A., b. 8-16-1834, m. 8-13-1851, Henry HARRIS, cashier in the Chicopee bank. Both children d. young. Helen E., b. 5-5-1840, d. 19-15, 1841. Eliza C., b. 10-3-1852, d. 7-26-1853. Martha, b. 9-30-1854, d. 2-27-1858. FAMILY 8 William H. Church, son of Jefferson and Betsey (Little) Church, was b. 9-15-1832, m. 1st, 3-7-1851, Kate Van Ness, dau. Dr. Benj. TINSLAR, Surgeon in the U.S.N. Charleston, who was b. 1-5-1831, d. in New York Cikty, 12-11-1878. He m. 2nd, 3-29-1883, Harriet L. (Ribler) ACKLAND, who d. 8-14-1894. He m. 3rd, 9-15-1897, Clara L. STARR. Children: Jefferson, b. 3-19-1873, m. 1st, 6-8-1898, Elizabeth B. WAINWRIGHT of Brooklyn, m. 2d, 1-24-1900, Stephanie FISCH of California. FAMILY 9 Franklin Church, son of Green Hungerford and Alice (Root) Church, was b. Mid. 9-1-1808, m. 12-13-1838, Angeline D., dau. of Luther and Lydia (Ring) HIGGINS of Worth. He d. 8-29, 1843. His widow m. 2nd, H. W. SHAW of Plainfield. Moved to New York City, where he d. 7-9-1889. His widow resided in Newton Center. Franklin Church was a carpenter by trade. He was a popular teacher in district schools, where he used to teach in winter months. He was a skilled penman, his writing being beautiful, almost equal to copper plate engraving. This much respected, amiable but retiring man died at the early age of 35. Children: Henry Franklin, b. Mid. 9-8-1839, d. 1924. He was a printer by trade and lived in Boston. He did much research in genealogy and we are indebted to him for much of this data concerning the Church family. Helen A., b. 4-4-1844, m. 6-10-1863, E. F. HAMLIN of Plainfield, son of Franklin. Their son Franklin Hamlin was b. 9-19-1876. FAMILY 10 Warren Church, son of William and Susannah (Hungerford) Church, was b. E. Haddam, Conn. 1774, d. Springfield 9-2-1919, m. Anna DORMAN of Ludlow. She m. 2nd 12-10-1835, Jerry CADWELL, d. 8-24-1850 in Becket. He was a carpenter by trade. Moved to Springfield and was employed by the Armory. Was a charter member and officer of the Morning Star Chapter, R.A.M.; he was also charter member of the Springfield Council of Royal and Select Masters. He was buried with Masonic honors. Children: Orlean, b. 1807, d. 3-28-1815. Nancy Marilla, b. Ludlow, 12-16-1811, m. 10-11-1831, Lucian O. HIGLEY. She d. Becket, 1-19-1870. Nolina, b. 12-16-1811, d. 3-25-1815. Infant, d. 3-20-1813. FAMILY 11 Ambrose Church, son of William and Susannah (Hungerford) Church, was b. E. Haddam, Conn. about 1776, d. Illinois, m. 11-30-1798, Phebe BRAINARD of E. Haddam. She d. in Canandaigua, N.Y. He was a carpenter and built the house of Deacon Leonard, a quarter of a mile south of the Church homestead. He was something of a machinist, and millwright and made most of the machinery used in the early woolen mills of the Churches. He moved to Lebanon Springs, N.Y., where he kept a public house a number of years. Thence he moved to Canandaigua, N.Y., where he and his sons built some of the finest houses in the town. He built and owned the first planing mill there. He was of a roving disposition. Had served in Rev. War. [transcriber's note: if he was b. 1776 how did he serve in the Rev.??] Went to Canada; returned to Mid. before going to New York State. He was a mechanic and tinkered with everything, even having a perpetual motion machine at one time. After the death of his wife he went to Austinburg, Ohio, where his sister Anne lived, and from there to Illinois, where his sister Millicent Bissell lived. Children: Azuba, b. 3-28-1800, d. Mid. 9-13-1812. Emeline, b. 2-20-1804. Ambrose, b. 1-1-1807, d. unm. Autustus M., b. 11-21-1809. FAMILY 12 Uriah Church, son of William and Hannah (Fuller) Church, bap. E. Haddam, 5-11-1755; d. Mid. 4-10-1832, age 77. He m. Phebe DICKSON, dau. James and Margaret (Gaston) Dickson, who was b. 11-23-1763, d. Mid. 3-2-1819. He moved to Middlefield about 1784. In 1792 he bought lot 7, II Div. E. Prescott's Grant, of Geo. Griffin and in 1794 he bought lost 2 and 6 in the same division, from his brother William. He was a soldier in the Rev. War. His home was the house a mile north of Center, now (1924) owned by Mr. Gardner. Children: Uriah, b. 4-30-1784 (See Fam. 13) James, b. 7-18-1787 (See Fam. 20) FAMILY 13 Uriah Church, son of Uriah and Phebe (Dickson) Church, was b. Mid. 4-30-1785, d. Mid. May 14, 1851, m. 1-11-1810, Phebe, dau. of David and Mary (Talcott) Mack. He was one of the pioneers in the woolen manufacturing business, establishing the firm of U. Church and Sons at Factory Village, manufacturing the famous "Mountain Mills Gold Band" broadcloth. In his younger days he taught district school. Lyman Coleman, a man of broad education, once remarked that Uriah Church was the best teacher he ever had. Mr. Church was Justice of the Peace, a student of the Revised Statutes and well versed in law questions as well as in the politics of the day. He represented the town in the General Court in 1845. Children: Samner Uriah, b. 11-17-1810 (See Fam. 14). James Talmadge, b. 9-12-1813 (See Fam. 16). Lyman, b. 8-4-1815 (see Fam. 17). William Fuller, b. 2-28-1818 (See Fam. 18). Caroline, b. 6-1-1820, d. 9-11-1821. Oliver, b. 3-12-1822 (See Fam. 19). FAMILY 14 Sumner Uriah Church, son of Uriah and Phebe (Mack) Church, was b. Mid. 1101701810, d. Mid. 5-10-1884; m. 1st 9-27-1837, Harriet, dau. Ebenezer and Mary (Mack) EMMONS. He m. 2nd 12-2-1875, Eliza A., dau. James and Lucy (Starr) MILLER, b. 1-28-1829. She m. 2nd, J. A. WOODHULL. Mr. Church after vainly journeying to Ohio to seek his fortune, returned to Mid. and devoted his energies to the manufacturing of broadcloth, which he conducted to success, as senior member of the firm of S. U. Church & Bros. He was an expert in the dyeing and fulling operations. He was loved for his kindness and generosity and esteemed for his integrity. He was a pillar of the Cong. Church, and represented the town in the General Court in 1872. Children: Sumner Ebenezer, b. 8-28-1838, d. 10-19-1838. Caroline, b. 9-4-1839, m. 12-30-1863, Edwin McELWAIN. Mary Emmons, b. 8-2-1843, d. 10-20-1903 lived most of her life in Factory Village; was a faithful member and supporter of Cong. Church. Harriet, b. 9-2-1846 (See Fam. 15). Corinth Mack, b. 3-15-1850, d. 12-29-1856. FAMILY 15 Harriet Church, dau. Sumner and Phebe (Mack) Church, was b. Mid. 9-2-1846, d. 12-14-1905, m. 11-4-1875, John W. CRANE of Wash., b. 5-23-1847. He came to Mid. in 1871 and kept the general store in Factory Village for several years; moved to Springfield, 1886 where he has been in the real estate business for many years, and is a member of the Springfield Real Estate Board. Children, b. Mid.: Son, b. 4-15-1877; d. 4-18-1877. Alfred Sumner, b. 1-5-1880, m. 9-30-1908, Lulu E. RICE of Lyndonville, Vt. He is a member of the real estate firm of John W. Crane Co. in Springfield. Has one son, Alfred Sumner Jr., b. 10-28-1909. Mary Celemna, b. 9-26-1882. Lives with her father in Springfield. FAMILY 16 James Talmadge Church, son of Uriah and Phebe (Mack) Church, b. Mid. 9-12-1813; d. Mid. 11-12-1878, m. 2-14-1839, Emily Lovisa, dau. Quincy and Lovisa (Knapp) BATES of Worth., b. Worth. 10-10-1816, d. Worcester 7-13-1897. He attended the academy at Greenfield for a while and taught school near Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He took a trip to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland for his health. He spent most of his life in Mid. as a member of the firm of S. U. Church & Bros., broadcloth manufacturers. He was of musical tastes, a good tenor singer and a player of the violin. He was a leader of the Cong. Church choir for a time. He was Republican in politics. He was deeply interested in religious matters and a staunch supporter of the Cong. Ch. of which he was clerk of the Society, 1850-52. Children, b. in Mid.: Laura Lovisa, b. 2-16-1840, d. 12-14-1890. She studied at Mt. Holyoke Seminary. Francis Talmage, b. 11-14-1843, d. 3-23-1854. Julia Mack, b. 11-11-1845; d. 5-11-1924, m. 11-26-1868, Edward Payson SMITH. FAMILY 17 Lyman Church, son of Uriah and Phebe (Mack) Church, was b. Mid. 8-4-1815; d. Huntington, 3-21-1880, m. 5-7-1839, Amanda, dau. Andrew and Celina (Bird) Hawes MEACHAM, b. 4-6-1816; d. 10-13-1896. He was a member of the firm of S. U. Church & Bros., until failing health compelled him his retirement. He was interested in all kinds of fruit raising and gardening. He was a great fisherman. He lived in Huntington during his last days. Children, b. Mid.: Myron Lawrence, b. 9-16-1840, d. in Ohio, m. 6-7-1865, Lida Belle HAWES. He kept store for S. U. Church & Bros., and was a merchant in Huntington for awhile. Went West. Clara Amanda, b. 5-18-1846, d. 4-22-1922 at Brockton, Mass. m. 6-21-1871, William D. KITES. Son, b. 7-20-1851, d. same day. FAMILY 18 William Fuller Church, son of Uriah and Phebe (Mack) Church, was b. Mid. 2-28-1818; d. Huntington, 10-15-1892, m. 4-19-1843, Caroline M. PARSONS. Though he began working in his father's woolen mill factory he was not interested and sought more congenial occupation elsewhere. He followed various mercantile lines at Amherst and New York City; went west and located in Elyria and Cincinatti, Ohio. By his industry he built up for himself a reputation as a clear-minded, conscientious business man and upright citizen, and was appointed by Gov. Noyes as State Commissioner of Insurance. He was very fond of music, played the flute and was a good tenor singer. He acquired some skill in drawing and made sketches of the scenes he loved; especially in Mid. FAMILY 19 Oliver Church, son of Uriah and Phebe (Mack) Church, was b. Mid. 3-12-1822; d. Mid. 8-5-1901, m. 7-22-1844, Lucy, dau. Oliver and Abi (Starr) SMITH. He was a lifelong member of the firm of S. U. Church & Bros., carrying on the broadcloth manufacture after the decease of the other members. He was active in the Cong. Ch., of which he was clerk of the Society from 1852 to 1870. He gave liberally to the support of the ministers, and was especially interested in the church music. He gave the first harmonium and also money for the purchase of two bass voils played by Dwight Graves. He was a leader in local politics for many years. For twenty years he was postmaster at Mid. Center. Children: Emma Lucy, b. 4-22-1852, m. 12-9-1875, Henry G. TAYLOR of Westfield. Celia P., b. 4-23-1854, d. 1-3-1856. Son, b. 3-19. 1859; d. 3-24-1859. Ella Phebe, b. 5-6-1860, m. 11-2-1887, Elias P. BURNHAM of Gloucester. Alice Bertha, b. 8-23-1861. She spends her summers at the Church homstead at the Center. She played the organ in the Cong. Ch. for several years and had charge of decorating the church with flowers on Sunday. She has been very active in local affairs during the summer season. Oliver U., b. 10-3-1864, d. 3-11-1910; Sprinfield, m. 11-23-1892, Lilliam M. PORTER, b. 4-7-1872. Lived in Springfield. One son, Karl, b. 9-25-1894. m. 11-5-1921, Lucy Marytta, dau. Loring P. LANE of Westfield. He is with Tifft Bros. Springfield. FAMILY 20 James Church, son of Uriah and Phebe (Dickson) Church, was b. Mid. 7-18-1787, d. Mid. 4-12-1874, m. 3-14-1815, Nancy, dau. Barzillai and Elizabeth (Blush) LITTLE, b. Peru, 9-5-1791; d. 4-6-1863. He lived on the old Church farm which his father had cleared. He was a man of steadfast and upright character; a Congregationalist in church connection. At first a Whig, he was later a Republican in politics. He served five years as selectman and represented the town in the General Court in 1841. He had a humorous vein and a fund of stories and anecdotes pat for any occassion and was seldom known to repeat himself. Children, b. Mid.: Nancy Eliza, b. 1-8-1816 (See Fam. 21). Phebe Dickson, b. 11-17-1818 (See Fam. 22). James Uriah, b. 19-15-1827 (See Fam. 23) William Little, b. 5-28-1829 (See Fam. 24). Talmadge Barzillai, b. 6-27-1831 (See Fam. 25). John Clayton, b. 7-5-1834, d. 9-10-1838. Henry Clay, b. 1-26-1838 (See Fam. 26). FAMILY 21 Nancy Eliza, dau. James and Nancy (Little) Church, was b. Mid. 1-8-1816, d. 3-9-1877, m. 10-23-1842, James L. MUNIAN of Northampton. Children: Clayton, b. 8-13-1843. John Church, b. 8-12-1846. Julia Eliza, b. 5-29-1848. Fannie Josephine, b. 11-5-1851. Nancy Church, b. 7-7-1861. FAMILY 22 Phebe Dickson Church, dau. of James and Nancy (Little) Church, was b. Mid. 11-17-1818, d. Hartford, 6-25-1842, m. 7-4-1837, John WARD Jr. Children: John Henry, b. 7-4-1838, d. 8-6-1839. Myra, b. 1-13-1840, m. 11-30-1864, Solomon LITTLE of Aurora, Ohio. John, b. 1-31-1842, d. 5-16-1843. FAMILY 23 James Uriah Church, son of James and Nancy (Little) Church, was b. Mid. 10-15-1827, d. Mid. 8-27-1859, m. 3-4-1857, Sarah Blush, dau. Oliver and Abi (Starr) SMITH, b. 1-4-1838. She m. 2nd 3-24-1869, Wm. S. HUNTINGTON, of Becket. James Uriah Church studied medicine at Pittsfield and graduated in 1851 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. Upon receiving from his home town a petition signed by eighty-six of his fellow townsmen, asking him to locate there, he returned to Mid. and practiced very acceptably for six years. He was much beloved by the people and very active in public matters. He was an enthusiastic member of the Highland Agricultural Society. His death from an accident while driving down a steep hill in Peru was a great shock to his fellow citizens. Children: Mary Abi, b. 5-3-1858. Lives with her mother in Becket. Sarah Blanch, b. 9-9-1859, d. 9-21-1886. FAMILY 24 William Little Church, son of James and Nancy (Little) Church, was. b, Mid. 5-28-1829, d. Glenshaw, Pa., 1-22-1891, m. 5-15-1853, Nancy Adeline, dau. Oliver and Abi (Starr) SMITH, who was b. 6-23-1830; d. Pittsburgh, Pa. After living a few years in the dwelling that has housed the Blush Tavern at Mid. Center, he moved to Midway, Pa., where he was connected with the Walnut Hill Coal Co. for 14 years. He moved to Glenshaw, Pa., where he was connected with the Glenshaw Coal Co. After his death the family moved to Pittsburgh. Children: Nancy Marion (name changed to Daisy Marion), b. 6-9-1862, d. 1905, m. Rev. Edward P. HAWES; son Edward Prince, who lives at Carnot, Caraopolis, Pa. He is supervising principal of the schools of Moon Township, Allegheny Co. Pa. Edith Starr, b. Nov. 6, 1863, d. 6-27-1964. William Little, Jr., b. Newton Falls, Ohio, 10-4-1869. Is and assistant treasurer of the Union Trust Co., Pittsburgh. Pa. FAMILY 25 Talmadge Barzillai Church, son of James and Nancy (Little) Church, was b. Mid. 6-27-1831; d. 3-25-1874, m. 2-24-1864, Mary Janet, dau. Nathan and Mary M. (Abbott) ROOT of Chester, who was b. 9-14-1833. They lived on the old Church farm in Mid. Children: Mary Edith, b. 8-14-1865 (See Fam. 28). William Henry, b. 7-15-1867, m. 4-29-1898, Emma TRUE. Lives in Worcester. FAMILY 26 Henry Clay Church, son of James and Nancy (Little) Chruch, was. b. 1-26-1838; m. 3-13-1861, Caroline L. AMES of Becket. He moved to Newton Falls, Ohio. Children: James Uriah, b. 5-3-1865. Rufus Ames, b. 9-15-1877. Henry Clay, b. 2-14-1882. Edith May, b. 5-1-1885. FAMILY 27 Oliver Church, son of Capt. William and Hannah (Fuller) Church, was b. Millington, Conn. 1763, d. Albany, N.Y., 9-18-1818, m. 1-17-1778, Elizabeth, dau. Lieut. George and Phebe (Brainard) CONE, of East Haddam, Conn., b. 1-20-1763. Children: Julius, b. 6-4-1792, d. Phila. 10-18-1851, m. Charlotte MOORE. William, b. ____. Wealthy, b. E. Haddam, 2-18-1796, m. Mid. 9-3-1818, John SMITH Jr. Orris, b. 1796, m. Samuel LEWIS. Austin, b. 1-9-1799, d. Brooklyn, N.Y. 1-9-1879, m. 5-5-1827, Nancy, dau. Elihu DWIGHT, of So. Hadley, b. 7-10-1804, d. 1-26-1890. After graduating at Yale he practiced medicine at Cooperstown and Oswego, N.Y. and afterward engaged in the manufacture of Soda in Brooklyn, N.Y. FAMILY 28 Mary Edith Church, dau. Talmadge Barzillai and Mary (Root) Church, was b. 8-14-1865; m. 6-27-1888, West Mixer RAY of Charlton. They live in Mittineague. Children: Earl Talmadge, b. 5-13-1891. Alice Mary, b. 9-5-1895. Ralph West, b. 2-18-1897. Leon Strong, b. 4-7-1899. CHURCHILL Churchill, Elijah, (Giles, Samuel, Joseph, Josiah), s. of Giles, was b. Florida, N.Y. 9-4-1755; d. 4-11-1841; m. 3-10-1777, Eleanor, dau. James and Margaret NOONEY, b. Simsbury, Conn. 4-7-1756; d. 10-9-1846. They lived in Enfield, Conn. He served in the Rev. War. He may have been the Elijah Churchill who was living in E. Windsor, Conn. in 1790. By trade he was a carpenter and after moving to Mid. about 1793, he or his son, Giles, operated a sawmill on Den Stream, originally built by Joseph Little. Later Giles and Lyman built a woodturning works on the same book between Rhoads' mill and the sawmill. Pw 18, 1794. Cen. 1800-1810. He lived at the foot of Churchill Hill in the house recently (1924) improved by Herbert Knox Smith. Children: Giles, b. 7-28-1793 (See Fam. 1). Sophie, b. 1-30-1798, m. Jesse JOHNSON of Chester. Charles, b. Mid. 2-16-1796. Lived in Chester, m. Jannat PERCIVAL and Dolly DAVIS. FAMILY 1 Giles Churchill, s. of Elijah and Eleanor (Nooney) Churchill was b. 7-28-1793; d. 2-7-1869; m. Abigail, dau. John and Lovice HOSKINS of Simsbury, Conn. She d. 5-21-1879. Lived in Lee, Becket and Mid. He was a carpenter and wood turner. Children: Elijah Lyman, b. Becket 10-18-1815; m. Elizabeth ____. Was a carpenter in Mid. Had a son, Colden who lived in Mid. William Martin, b. 4-18-1816 (sic). Eleanor Abigail, b. Lee 2-4-1824. Laura Lorilla, b. 8-2-1826, m. Elijah COLE. Alvira, b. 7-27-1829. Giles Nooney, b. 10-26-1832, d. 4-16-1834. CLAPP Clapp, Abner (Roger, Roger, Preserved, Roger), oldest son of Roger and Ann Clapp, was born in 1737 (probably in Northampton, where his father lived). He resided in Southampton when he was young and held office of Lieutenant in that place. His wife Mercy died in Martinsburg, N.Y. 8-16-1823, age about 80 yrs. About 1768 he moved from Southampton to Mid. where he purchased of Ephraim Sheldon a farm on Lot No. 40, Mur. The house stood on the east side of the highway from Mr. Arthur Pease's to Mr. Sweeney's a short distance south of the former's barn, where Dea. Field used to live. Sch. Com. 1789. He also served as tax collector. He died 12-5-1800. Children: Orris, b. 3-19-1770 (See Fam. 1). Daniel, b. 1771; d. Dec. 1818 Martinsburg, N.Y. Abner, b. 3-15-1775 (See Fam. 1). Joel, b. 3-25-1775, twin, d. young. Jane, b. _____, m. Mr. LEE. Mercy, b. _____, m. 1-26-1803, Joel SHAPLEY. Electa, b. _____, m. 9-28-1797, John PINNEY Jr. Nancy, b. 1783, d. unm. 8-8-1843. Abigail, b. 1785; d. unm. 11-12-1812. Martinsburg, N.Y. FAMILY 1 Orris Clapp, s. Abner and Mercy Clapp, b. 3-19-1770; m. 12-29-1791, Phebe, dau. of Benjamin and Phebe (Skinner) BLISH. He probably came to Mid. with his father in 1788. He bought for his farm the south half of Lot 200 Wr. located east of where Mr. Cottrell's farm is located. Orris Clapp and his wife joined the Cong. Ch. in 1795. Se. Cm. 1802. Pw. 24, 1792. In 1805 he sold his farm to William Ingham and moved to Mentor, Ohio, whither his father-in-law had moved the year before. Of their thirteen children the following are listed in the Mid. records: Orris, b. 4-20-1794. Julia, b. 22-23-1796. FAMILY 2 Abner Clapp, s. Abner and Mercy Clapp, b. 3-25-1775; m. at Colchester, Conn. (int.) 10-20-1798, Mrs. Mercy GILLET. He lived in Mid. and after the death of his father, he carried on the farm. He sold out to Dea. Zechariah Field in 1804 and moved to Martinsburg, N.Y. Eight chidren. CLARK Clark, James, called Lieutenant, was b. abt. 1732, d. Chester, 4-22-1792, age 60 years., m. Sarah _____. He was a squatter on Murrayfield territory and allowed to draw land drawing Lot 71 at the first meeting of the proprietors 1762. At the first meeting after incorporation of Mid. he was chosen tithingman and later surveyor of highways. Served in the Rev. War and on War Committees. It was probably either he or his son James who was living in Mid. ner Coles Brook according to Cen. 1790. Children: John Scott, b. 4-1-1762, living in Cheter 1790. Royal, b. 11-21-1763, d. 12-17-1782. Silas, b. 6-28-1776 (See Fam. 1). David, b. 4-25-1768. James, b. 4-25-1768. Probably the man of that name in Mid. Cen. 1800. M.T. 1799, pw. 26-1794. Orrin, b. 3-24-1773. FAMILY 1 Silas Clark, son of James and Sarah Clark was in 1785 assigned to the fore seat in the East or side gallery of the Chester meetinghouse. He owned Lot 63 V Div. Becket on Coles Brook and was living near James Clark in 1790. M.T. 1799. His children were allowed to go to school in the adjoining town of Washington. He m. 1st (int.) 6-23-1788, Mehitable JAGGER, who d. Mid. 4-20-1792, m. 2nd, 5-16-1793, Phebe ORMSBY. In 1840 a letter of disamission was granted him from Cong. Ch. to a church in China, N.Y. Children, b. Mid.: Salla, b. 3-17-1789. Silas, b. 1-3-1795. Phebe, b. 7-1-1798. Mehitable Phebe, b. 4-17-1800, m. 12-21-1825 Peter ATWOOD, lived near or at the "Ashdod" farm 1830. Moved away before 1840. Children: Silas Morris, b. 5-21-1828; Royal Edwin, b. 11-14-1830; Charles Edwards, b. 9-28-1835. Jonathan Clark (William, William, John, Hugh), was s. of William and Mary (Marean) Clark, b. Newton, Mass. 3-28-1747, m. Esther PARKER (int.) 3-12-1780. Signed Pt. Inc. 1781. Was soldier in Rev. War. Was in Mid. as late as 1788. Moved away soon after. Elizabeth Clark, dau. of William, b. Newton, Mass. 5-25-1752, d. 3-17-1853, age 100 years, m. 7-23-1775 Thomas DURANT and lived in Mid. near Samuel Clark. She used to tell her children and grand-children of hearing the cannon at the battle of Bunker Hill. Samuel Clark, son of William, b. Newton, Mass. 2-27-1754, m. 7-1-1776, Elizabeth, dau. Edward and Anne (Jackson) DURANT, who was b. 11-17-1753. Was soldier in Rev. War. Came to Mid. 1782, buying his brother Daniel Lot 100 Par. He lived near his brother-in-law Thomas Durant who lived at the Dea. Henry Meacham place. On school committee 1792. Pw. 10, 1792. Cen. 1800. Sold out to Jas. Dickson Jr. and Alex Dickson and moved away about 1804. Children: William, b. 12-9-1776. Mary, b. 3-10-1779. Edward, b. 5-26-1782. Daniel, b. 9-19-1784. Anna, b. 3-31-1787. Samuel, b. 5-19-1790. Elizabeth, b. 8-21-1792. COATS John Coats, wheelright, of Lenox, Mass. was b. about 1748, d. Mid. 1-19-1824, m. Mehitable _____, who was b. about 1744 and d. in Mid. 7-18-1828. In 1785 Coats bought Lots No. 2 in the I and II Divs. West, Prescott's Grant, the farm lying next north of the Newton Farm owned by Henry Sternagle. The house stood on the east side of the road at the top of the hill north of the Sternagle house. Coats divided the farm between his sons, James and John. Later part of the farm was sold to Newton and the rest to Alexander Dickson. Mrs. Coats joined the Cong. Ch. by letter from Lenox in 1793. Children: Lois, b. 12-2-1769, m. Luther LEELAND 5-4-1803. Theodore, b. 10-14-1771 (See Fam. 1). James, b. 10-23-1773, m. Polly SPENCER, 1-27-1803. John, b. 3-26-1776, m. Chloe _____ who d. 4-3-1813. Children: Almira, b. Mid. 11-17-1806; Hiram, b. Mid. 3-25-1809, d. 11-21-1827. Mehitable, b. 1-5-1779, d. 7-13-1781. Hannah Way, b. 4-8-1781, m. 1-6-1803, Nathaniel BABCOCK of Westfield. Electa, b. 1-3-1785. Chauncey, b. 1-28-1788, m. 12-29-1813, Mary PEASE. They moved to Oswego, N.Y. FAMILY 1 Theodore Coats, s. of John and Mehitable Coats, b. 10-14-1771, d. 2-27-1836, m. 1st 6-28-1797, Kesia CROWELL who d. 4-21-1827. He m. 2nd Phebe BASSETT of Stockbridge (int.) 1-15-1830. She d. 3-2-1833. About 1795 he purchased of Darius Eggleston, part of Lot 10, II Div. Washington, which was located near to Coles Brook on the road to Becket. Mr. Coats who was called "Thody" or "Thoda" was a large portly man weighing 250 and upwards. He owned a very large farm with a very large house and barns, had a large family of large children. The farm was finally sold to Wesley Cross. Children: Eunice, b. 8-11-1798. Amanda, b. 4-14-1800, d. 9-25-1800. Child, b. 7-10-1801, d. 7-11-1801. Freedom, b. 6-21-1802. He followed his father on the farm but finally abandoned it and went to live with his brother Charles in Washington. Charles, b. 10=16=1804, m. Semantha HYDE of Williamburg (int.) 5-2-1842. He moved to Washington where he was a farmer. A dau. Helen Semantha was. b. Mid. 11-6-1844. Levi Lincoln, b. 10-22-1806, d. 6-22-1832. Nancy Minerva, b. 10-22-1811. Hannah, b. 5-12-1814. Oliver, b. 4-29-1816; d. 7-19-1832. Milton, b. 4-23-1824. COCHRAN Robert Cochran, of Blandford, bought of Moses Orcutt the southern part of Lot No. 207 in Worth. in 1777, where Mid. Center now is. He was a signer of the Pet. Inc. under then name of "Robert Coffin." After improving the land he sold his farm to Joseph Blush in 1783, and removed from town. His wife's name was Joan. COLEMAN William Coleman (Seth, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, John, Thomas), was s. of Dr. Seth and Sarah (Beecher) Coleman, b. New Haven, Conn. 9-7-1766. He d. 4-28-1858, age 92. He m. 7-19-1792, Achsah LYMAN, dau. Timothy Lyman of Chester. She d. at Pittsfield. He was a physician. He moved to Mid. about 1791 and first lived on Lot. No. 221, Worthington Section, in the gambrel roofed house now (1924) called "Cranberry Lodge" northeast of Blossom Coener. In 1805 he purchased of Daniel Alderman the old Enos Blossom place now the homestead of Mr. Arthur D. Pease, and here he lived for a decade. On school committee 1799. Dr. Coleman after Dr. Wright was the only physician in town for many years. In 1791 he was mentioned in a warrant for a town meeting as one to practice innoculation for the small pox in the town on the 20th of October under proper restrictions. Dr. Coleman and his wife were members of the Congregational Church. In 1814 they moved to Hartford West Parish, Conn., and a little later to Pittsfield, Mass. (1821). Children, b. Mid.: William, b. 2-15-1794, moved to Montrose, Iowa, and later to Keobuk, Iowa, where he d. 5-5-1829, m. 2-18-1824, Lydia KILBORN. Lyman, b. 6-14-1796. Graduated at Yale in 1817. Teacher at Hartford, Phillips Andover, Princeton, Lafayette. Author, traveler, minister of the Gospel. He m. 9-21-1826, Maria FLYNT, dau. Rufus Flynt of Monson, Mass. Sarah, b. 5-16-1799, m. L. L. RICE of Ravenna, Portage Co., Ohio, July, 1832. Moved to Oberlin, Ohio. Sophronia, b. 1-19-1802. Moved to Pittsfield. Fanny, b. 5-20-1804. Moved to Pittsfield. COLLINS Ebenezer Collins was on the valuation list of 1782 for Murrayfield. He lived on the south slope of what is still called Collins Hill located just southwest of the farm of W. Ovid Eames in Middlefield. His family numbered seven souls in 1800. In 1791 he was warned to leave town but did not do so. He was probably the Ebenezer Collins of Enfield, Conn. who m. Hannah _____, and had a son Ebenezer, b. there 11-14-1764. They also had a daughter Hannah who m. Aaron EGGLESTON 11-25-1784. Hannah, wife of Ebenezer, d. in Mid. 7-21-1809. Collins was one of the 14 petitioners who asked to have their money for preaching paid to Rev. Eleazer Rhoads, who was a Baptist minister in 1790. Moved away before 1810. COMBS John Combs, of Enfield, Conn., b. 1731, d. 9-14-1811, m. Enfield, 7-8-1762, Mindwell, dau. Isaac and Beulah (Parsons) PRIOR of Enfield. Nathaniel Combs, s. of John and Mindwell (Prior) Combs, b. Enfield, 7-3-1768, d. Chester, 5-19-1813, m. Rhoda W. _____, who d. Mid. 7-20-1834, age 66 yrs. Children: Armitta (Armedia), bap. 1794, m. Mid. 7-9-1817, John DAMON Jr. Lucretia, b. ___; d. Mid. 6-30-1849. Joined Baptist Ch. 8-2-1845. Milron, b. Chester 10-12-1796 (See Fam. 1). Aurelia, b. ____, Joined Baptist Ch. 8-9-1818, m. James CLEMENTS. Had s. Charles Lyman, b. 7-8-1838. Horace, b. 1804. Came to Mid. about 1825, d. there 5-24-1845. FAMILY 1 Milton Combs, son of Nathaniel and Rhoda Combs, was b. Chester 10-12-1796, d. Mid. 1-21-1855; m. 5-10-1821 Laura, dau. of Andrew and Sarah (Wood) MEACHAM, of Mid. She was b. 3-3-1797, d. 3-3-1878. Shortly after his marriage, Milton Combs moved to Mid. where he lived the rest of his life. His farm was a short distance south of the home of his father-in-law on the highway to Mr. Alderman's where the road turns to go to Mrs. Hespelts. It was the farm first owned by Ens. Elisha Mack. Mr. Combs was selectman in 1851 and representative to the General Court in 1855. In an old account book kept by John Newton is found the following record: "Lorra Meacham began work May 4, 1819 at six shillings." Dated June 10, 1819." The Combs family were Baptists. Children: Ebenezer Stacy, b. 3-7-1822 (See Fam. 2). Louisa, b. 6-27-1824 (See Fam. 3). Almira, b. 2-6-1828 (See Fam. 4). Andrew Meacham, b. 4-17-1831 (See Fam. 5). Charles Milton, b. 4-27-1833. (See Fam. 6). John Woods, b. 5-13-1834 (See Fam. 7). FAMILY 2 Ebenezer Stacy Combs, s. Milton and Laura (Meacham) Combs, b. Mid. 3-7-1822, d. 5-12-1902 at Russell, Mass., m. at Canaan, N.Y., 4-14-1845, Jane HAZELTON of Cazenovia, N.Y. He was living in Middlefield in 1850 and 1860. For several years he operated the saw and grist mill on Factory Brook, first built by John Ford about a mile south of Factory Village. Later he moved to Russell where he operated a grist and sawmill until his death. Children: Georgiana Elizabeth, b. Mid. 6-30-1846. Alpheus Hazelton, b. Mid. 6-15-1847, d. by drowning 9-2-1849. Milton, b. 9-7-1849, d. 6-2-1891. James Stacy, b. 4-9-1852, living in Chester, Mass. 1918. Martha Jane, b. 4-2-1854. Sarah Sophronia, b. 5-4-1858, m. Jarvis Watson GIBBS. Living at Rusell, Mass. in 1915. FAMILY 3 Louisa Combs, dau. Milton and Laura (Meacham) Combs, b. Chester, Mass. 6-27-1824, d. 5-21-1905 at Mid., m. 3-27-1843 Charles, son of Orrin and Sally (Wheeler-Blush) SMITH of Mid. Lived in Smith Hollow, Mid. FAMILY 4 Almira Combs, dau. of Milton and Laura (Meacham) Combs, b. Mid. 2-6-1828, d. Huntington, Mass. 9-3-1897, m. 10-22-1862, Austin RUDE, son of Alvah and Mary (Bisbee) Rude, who was b. at Chesterfield, Mass. Oct., 1825, d. at Huntington Mar. 1896. Children: Edith May, b. 7-31-1863, d. 10-30-1913, m. Clayton D. SMITH of Huntington. Children: Helen, Elizabeth and Dorcas. Bertha Estelle, b. Chester 4-4-1865, m. 10-10-1888, Wilson Avery MUNSON. Children: Dorothy, b. 3-29-1892; Cleora Margaret, b. 6-19-1893; Kenneth Avery, b. 11-28-1894. FAMILY 5 Andrew Meacham Combs, s. Milton adn Laura (Meacham) Combs, b. Mid. 4-17-1831, d. Albany, N.Y. 1-11-1885, m. 4-18-1855, Electa ALDERMAN, dau. Daniel and Electa (Root) Alderman of Mid., b. 4-25-1831, d. 7-22-1893 at Albany. Children b. at Albany N.Y. and living in 1915: Nellie Belle, b. 7-6-1856, living in Albany, unm. Lewis De Witt, b. 1-13-1859. Frank Benjamin, b. 10-29-1865. FAMILY 6 Charles Milton Combs, s. Milton and Laura (Meacham) Combs, b. 4-27-1833, d. 9-6-1912, Springfield, Mass. m. 9-15-1858, Susan Sophronia HASKELL, b. 2-9-1839 at Peru, Mass., dau. Ebenezer and Lydia (Phillips) Haskell, d. Springfield 3-21-1911. He carried on his father's farm in Mid. for several years, but in later years lived in Chester and Springfield. Children: Athur Philetus, b. 12-12-1859. John Clifford, b. 7-22-1861. Cora Belle, b. 5-5-1863. William Ashley, b. 3-21-1865. Charles Richard, b. 11-4-1869, Mid., d. 6=19-1915, Berkeley, Calif. m. 12-23-1893 at Springfield, Mass. Marietta FRENCH; had dau. Pauline Estelle Combs who was attending the University of Cal in 1918. Ada L., b. 9-11-1872, m. Irwin F. MILLS. Frank Eugene, b. 1-12-1878. Mabel Estelle, b. 7-2-1880, m. Geo. H. EMPSALL. Lives in Springfield, Mass. FAMILY 7 John Woods Combs, s. Milton and Laura (Meacham) Combs, b. Mid. 5-13-1834, d. Richmond, Va. 8-20-1882. "He was engaged to be married to the daughter of a Georgia Merchant in whose employ he was when the war broke out and he enlisted in the Confederate army. He was wounded in the Battle of Gaines' Mills, and was removed to the hospital where he died. CONE Daniel Cone, a pioneer of Haddam, Conn., in 1662, was b. in 1642 at Lynn, m. Mehitable SPENCER at Hartford, Conn. He d. Haddam, in 1691. Among their children was a son, Nathaniel. (See Fam. 1). FAMILY 1 Nathaniel Cone, son of Daniel and Mehitable (Spencer) Cone, was b. at Haddam 1674; d. 1731-32, m. E. Haddam, Sarah HUNGERFORD, who was b. New London, Conn. 1679 and d. 9-25-1753. Among their children was a son Nathaniel (see Fam. 2). FAMILY 2 Nathaniel Cone, son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Hungerford) Cone, was b. E. Haddam 1-19-1712; d. 4-4-1790; m. 12-5-1745, Mary GRAVES. She was b. 1727 and d. 6-10-1772. Among their children were: Daniel, b. 7-7-1759 (See Fam. 3). Cyrus, b. 7-28-1761 (See Fam. 6). FAMILY 3 Daniel Cone, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Graves) Cone, was b. E. Haddam, 7-7-1759; d. 6-28-1842; m. 4-7-1785, Olive ACKLEY, who d. 9-12-1840. He was a soldier in Rev. War. About 1800 he moved to Peru, Mass. Among their children were: Asenath, b. 7-19-1795, m. 2-8-1818, Nathan WRIGHT Jr. of Mid. Daniel, b. 3-11-1800 (See Fam. 4). Samuel, lived in Peru, had a son, Moses Leland. (See Fam. 5). FAMILY 4 Daniel Cone, son of Daniel and Olive (Ackley) Cone, was b. 3-11-1800; d. 11-10-1832; m. 5-22-1827, Lucy IDE, who was b. 9-15-1802; d. Oct. 1859. He was a farmer and lived in Mid. and Peru. Among their children were: Milo Hoyt, b. Peru, 2-25-1829. Lived in Olivet, Mich. Lucy Asenath, b. Peru 2-16-1832, m. Barton B. GRAVES of Mid. FAMILY 5 Moses Leland Cone, son of Samuel Cone of Peru, was b. Peru, 2-2-1836; m. 5-29=1963, Anna E., dau. of Ambrose O. and Eliza T. LOVELAND, who was b. Lee. They were members of the Cong. Church. Ella May, b. 5-16-1866, m. Arthur PAYNE. Rev. North Troy, N.Y. Leland, b. 7-22-1867. He is a photographer at Ticonderoga, N.Y. Charles B., b. 2-19-1870, m. Cora B. PARSONS. Res. Springfield. Archie B., b. 2-4-1872, m. Eliz. THOMSON. Res. Springfield. Eva A., b. 9-11-1876. Unm. Res. N. Troy, N.Y. Harold S., b. 1-3-1884. He was living in Mid. in 1903. FAMILY 6 Cyrus Cone, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Graves) Cone, was b. E. Haddam, 7-28-1761; d. Mid. 10-14-1825; m. New London, Conn. 6-4-1778, Rhoda BEEBE, b. 1764, d. Mid. 3-12-1822. He moved to Mid. in 1787. His farm was on the West Hill north of the farm of Willis Graves. The cellar of the house can still (1924) be seen a short distance south of the site of the Capt. Joseph Smith house. Cone's farm was part of Lots 31 and 32 Div. III. Becket, and part of Lot 13 II Div. E. Prescott's Grant. He served on School Com. 1791 and 1794, and as Selectman, 1817-20. He joined the Cong. Ch. 1793, and was assigned Pew 20 in 1792. In Oct. 1789 he was warned as a transient to leave town and was described in the records as from E. Windsor, Conn. Children: Ruby Buckingham, b. 10-20-1783, d. 12-22-1851; m. 11-8-1810, Joseph ELY. Uriel, b. 1-21-1785 (See Fam. 7). Mary Bigelow, b. 6-15-1788, m. 3-24-1806, Benj. Gillet MOORE of Cambridge, N.Y. Ludy B., b. 4-7-1796, d. 3-8-1867, m. 3-14-1814, Ambrose LOVELAND. FAMILY 7 Uriel Cone, son of Cyrus and Rhoda (Beebe) Cone, was b. 1-21-1785; m. 3-14-1805 Beulah CHAPIN. He lived in Blush Hollow, in a house formerly known as the "old red boarding-house," which stood west of the road a short distance south of the schoolhouse. Children, b. Mid.: Cyrus Lawrence, b. 6-15-1806 (See Fam. 8). Rhoda B., b. 1-18-1808. d. 1878. m. 1st 12-19-1826, Patrick O'BRIEN, m. 2nd, Elliot F. WHITCOMB. Alanson, b. 2-4-1810, d. 7-10-1881, m. Anna McCAULEY. Jonas Galusha, b. 2-23-1812, d. 1883, m. Clarissa FERRY. Nancy M., b. 11-17-1813, d. 5-10-1892, m. Joseph MASON. Zeno King, b. 2-22-1816, d. 12-24-1875, m. Eunice RUSSELL. Mary Angeline, b. 1-8-1819, m. Oliver P. SIMONDS. Lived Peru, Vt. Laura J., b. 9-26-1820. m. Jos. MARSDALL. Samuel Willis, b. 7-21-1822, d. 3-31-1891, m. Elvira HOBBS. Percy Ann, b. 5-27-1824. Edwin Alden, b. 3-11-1826, d. 8-17-1827. FAMILY 8 Cyrus Lawrence Cone, son of Uriel and Beulah (Chapin) Cone, was b. Mid. 6-15-1806; m. Thankful A. MERRIFIELD, b. Mid. 1812. He was a gunsmith by trade, and lived in Mid. Children: Edwin Laurens, b. Mid. 12-17-1829. Lyman Newton, b. Mid. 4-14-1832. Parma Iantha, b. Mid. 10-20-1834. Cyrus B., b. 1837. Welcome F., b. 11-19-1839. Killed in Battle of the Wilderness, 1864. Marion, b. 5-3-1844. FAMILY 9 Amos Cone (Phineas, Jonathan, Caleb, Caleb, Daniel), son of Phineas and Azuba (Stocking) Cone, was b. E. Haddam, Conn. 11-18-1789; d. 3-25-1860; m. 12-19-1816, Charlotte, dau. Capt. Elisha and Sarah (Blossom) MACK. Living first at Camillus, N.Y., he moved to Mid.about 1819 and lived on the farm once owned by Gen. David Mack, in the region north of the "Switch" known as Taylor's Pasture. He represented Mid. in the General Court at Boston in 1847. About 1825 he moved to Hinsdale. Children: Charlotte, b. Camillus, N.Y., 1-12-1818. Marie Lenore, b. Mid. 3-7-1820 (See Fam. 10). Laura, b. Mid. 8-11-1822, d. 2-6-1823. Amos, b. Mid. 2-19-1824, d. 9-13-1826. Amos Sylvester, b. Hinsdale, 8-25-1826. Mary Anne, b. Hinsdale, 3-21-1829. Charles Carroll, b. Hinsdale 9-23-1831. Sarah Mack, b. 2-20-1834. George Nelson, b. 12-23-1836. He was Station Agent at Chester many years. Marie Lenore Cone, dau. Amos and Charlotte (Mack) Cone, was b. Mid. 3-7-1820; d. 8-16-1873; m. Selden, son of Sylvester and Jedidah (Ackley) CONE, who was b. 8-11-1829; d. Ohio, 1892. He had a brother who lived in Michigan. For a number of years he conducted the store at Mid. Center for Solomon F. Root. He lived in the house at the foot of Town Hill where Lyman Church once lived. CONVERSE Benjamin Converse (John, John, James, James, Edward), son of John and Abigail (Baldwin) Converse, b. Leicester, 5-20-1732; d. Mid. 11-20-1813; m. (int.) 2-10-1754, Prudence4 HARRINGTON of Spencer. She d. Mid. 3-30-1809, in her 73rd year. Benjamin converse was living in the south or southwest part of Mid. according to Census of 1800. He moved from Leicester to Blandford, later to Chester and Mid. Children: Phineas, b. 12-15-1754. Abriel, b. 3-26-1756. Abraham, b. 12-21-1757. Killed in battle, Oct. 1780. COOLEY Thomas Cooley, purchased of his fellow townsman, Timothy Robinson, of Granville, in January, 1788, land in Lot 101, Partridgefield. His wife's name was Mary, and their dau. Polley was b. Granville, 7-26-1775. He was living in Mid. in the north part of town in 1790, but had left by 1792. Seneca Cooley, of Chester, perhaps a son of Thomas, m. Elizabeth MANN, "of Prescott's Grant" (int.) 1-23-1798. COTTRELL Nicholas Cottrell, b. abt. 1754; d. Cummington 6-19-1842, age 88, m. Lydia, dau. John and Anna KINNEY, who was b. Preston, Conn. 7-3-1755; d. Worth. 11-24-1846. He served in the Rev. War. Had a son Rufus, b. 12-1-1795. See Fam. 1. Asa Cottrell, b. abt. 1746; d. Worth, 6-15-1833, age 87, m. 12-6-1770 (mar. int. of Salisbury) Mrs. Lucinda CLAPP, who d. Worth. 3-23-1836, age 82. Children: Lucy, b. 4-17-1773, m. 12-22-1795, Zecheus HANCHET Jr. Dwelle, b. 4-17-1775, m. 5-31-1798, Peggy COLTON. Nicholas, b. 8-3-1777, of Cummington, m. Nabby WARNER. Gorom, b. 4-25-1780. Rebecca, b. 7-23-1782. Fordyce Leland, bap. 6-22-1817. Joseph, b. 1793, d. 11-25-1812. Temperance, b. ____; d. aged 10 yrs. 11 mos. FAMILY 1 Rufus Cottrell, son of Nicholas and Lydia (Kinney) Cottrell, b. Worth. 12-1-1795, m. 2-20-1819, Sarah ODELL. Lived in Worth. Children, b. Worth.: James H., b. abt. 1820, m. 3-30-1846, Mary, dau. John and Armidda (Combs) DAMON. Had s. b. Hinsdale, 1845. John, b. ____, m. Cornelia BURNHAM of South Egremont. George W., b. 8-31-1830. (See Fam. 2). Nicholas. Frank. Giles. Eliza. Marion. FAMILY 2 George W. Cottrell, b. Worth. 8-31-1830; d. 6-23-1883, m. Worth. 5-4-1854, Angeline M., dau Oakes DYER of Plainfield. She d. April 11, 1915. He served in the Civil War in Co. F. 46th Regt. M.V.M. He came to Middlefield about May 1, 1861, and lived at the George Spencer place, south of the farm of Wesley Chipman. Children: George W., b. 3-15-1856 (See Fam. 3). Mary V., b. 3-28-1858; m. 4-7-1881, Herbert H. PRENTICE of Mid. who moved to Pittsfield. Carrie H., b. 4-2-1863, m. 1st 9-12-1883, King PHILLIPS. He d. 1-2-1897, m. 2nd 9-19-1898, Ernest HASKELL. John, b. 7-7-1866, d. 3-6-1888. FAMILY 3 George W. Cottrell, son of George W. and Angeline (Dyer) Cottrell, was b. Hinsdale, 3-15-1856; d. 9-9-1923; m. 5-8-1879, Elsie, dau. Charles and Sarah (Smith) WRIGHT. For many years he carried on successfully the fine farm on Ridgepole Road formerly owned by Calvin Smith. He was prominent in town affairs, especially as Selectman, being first elected to that office in 1873 and serving in that capacity no fewer than twenty-four years, at various times between that date and 1916, a record unequaled by any other Middlefield citiizen during the history of the town. Children: Mary Adelaide, b. Mid. 2-14-1881, m. Wesley A. OLDS. Frank Arthur, b. Mid. 8-8-1882 (See Fam. 4). Sarah Elsie, b. 3-7-1884 (See Fam. 5). John, b. 11-20-1888, d. 7-1-1892. FAMILY 4 Frank Arthur Cottrell, son of George W. and Elsie (Wright) Cottrell, was b. Mid. 8-8-1882, m. 8-22-1906, Laura E. WAITE. He carries on his father's farm on Ridgepole Road. Children: Ella Frances, b. 7-29-1907. Merton Ashley, b. 1-28-1909. Lewis Arthur, b. 8-22-1910. Ruth Evelyn, b. 10-5-1920. FAMILY 5 Sarah Elsie Cottrell, dau. George W. and Elsie (Wright) Cottrell, was b. Mid. 3-7-1884; m. 2-6-1915, George H. LLEWELLYN. Lives in Pittsfield. Children: Mary Elsie, b. 10-12-1915. Bertha Elizabeth, b. 9-14-1917. Constance, b. 10-10-1919. Robert Warren, b. 5-22-1921. CROSS David Cross, b. 1755, s. of David and Grace (Moody) Cairn Cross, of Shamergate, near Dundee, Scotland. Came with British troops to America; captured at Saratoga, N.Y. Escaped near Worcester and returned to Chester Hill where he m. Nancy, dau. of James and Mary (Bell) MULHOLLAND, who was b. in Oakham, Mass. in 1762. Lived in Chester until 1803 when he moved to Mid., living on Lot 115, on old cross road which led from the Den to the county highway at the foot of Chester Hill. He was one of the pioneers of Methodism in this community. About 1816 he moved to Wash. where he d. 1-4-1852, age 96. Nancy, his wife, d. 11-25-1834. Children: James, b. 1789 (See Fam. 1). William, b. ____ (See Fam. 2). Polly, b. 1787, m. John GEER Jr. Mirnerva, b. ____, m. 9-23-1813, William BELL, of Chester. Nancy, b. 1796, d. 3-6-1851, in Wash. Samuel, b. 1798 (See Fam. 3). John G., b. 1803, d. 3-5-1860, unm. FAMILY 1 James Cross, son of David & Nancy, b. 1789 in Chester; m. 4-6-1812 Abigail, dau. of Aaron and Sally (Baker) WHITTEMORE, of Mid. They lived on West Hill near the Washington line. He d. in Pittsfield in 1842. She d. 11-26-1859. Children: James Nelson, b. 1-17-1813 (See Fam. 4). William Sherman, b. 10-31-1815, m. 1-13-1841, Susan, dau. of John & Elizabeth FERGUSON of Peru. s. Wm. J. b. Wash, 7-13-1842, another son, Orrville W., m. 9-19-1871, Julia Ann, dau. Jerome BLUSH of Mid. Amos Whittemore, b. 5-9-1818. (See Fam. 5). Esther, b. Mid. ____; m. 4-3-1844, Alvan DAY, s. of Ira and Esther Day of Hinsdale. Mary A., b. Mid. ___, 1823, d. Hinsdale 9-15-1845. Sarah Corinth, b. Mid. 9-8-1825, m. Justin FERGUSON of Peru, abt. 1845. John Wesley, b. Mid. 12-21-1830. (See Fam. 6). FAMILY 2 William Cross, s. of David & Nancy, b. _____. He m. 1st Samantha DIBBLE. He m. 2nd Waity Ann (Newton) SWAN; lived at one time in Lee, after his second marriage 5-26-1831. Children, b. in Lee: Laney, b. 4-7-1836. Henry U., b. 1-9-1841. John, b. 11-7-1843. FAMILY 3 Samuel Cross, s. of David & Nancy, b. Chester, 1798; m. at Hinsdale in June, 1823, Nancy SIMMONS, of Washington. Lived in Mid. in 1830. 4 Children b. Hinsdale. FAMILY 4 James Nelson Cross, s. of James and Abigail, b. in Mid. 1-17-1913; d. 5-6-1891, m. Jane Bell, dau. of Stephen W. and Betsy (Bell) NEWTON, in Washington, 4-28-1836; she was b. there 6-30-1814 and d. in Becket 4-19-1897. He lived at one time at "The Switch" where he engaged in making slatted window blinds, probably at John Mann's sawmill. Children: Emily Frances, b. 10-24-1837, d. 6-17-1904. Ellen Minerva, b. 7-31-1840. m. John N. RUDD of Becket, she d. there 12-27-1915. Mary Jane, b. 10-27-1842, m. 12-31-1861, Martin PEASE of Mid. James Witter, b. 7-21-1845; m. 6-18-1874, Ella Maria LEONARD. He d. in Cochituate, Mass. 1-14-1912. FAMILY 5 Amos Whittemore Cross, s. of James & Abigail, b. in Wash. 5-19-1818; m. 1st Clarissa, dau. of Sewall and Amanda (Cheney) GAMWELL, of Mid. 6-6-1843; she d. 10-3-1844; he m. 2nd 5-19-1847, Julia WRIGHT, dau. of Jesse & Dorothy (Skinner) Wright, of Mid. Lived on West Hill. Taught school in several districts. Filled out the unexpired term at the General Court of Milton Combs who d. 1855. Moved to Becket where he was a merchant; he d. there 4-14-1873. Children: by 1st marriage: Amos Gamwell, b. 9-23-1844, in Washington, m. 8-3-1871, Lida A. FORD, of Ashfield. Lived with Sewall Gamwell in childhood in Mid. Moved to Becket and later to Spfld, where he became a clothing manufacturer being at one time in business with Oliver U. Church, of Mid., and later connected with the Century Mfg. Co. Ida Louise, b. 9-18-1848, m. Edmund W. ELY. She d. Pittsfield 9-20-1914. She was a telegraph operator at Hinsdale for a number of years. Clara J., b. Mid. Sept. 1850, d. Becket, 9-30-1856. Fredrick W., b. 7-25-1859; m. Eva Ophelia LATHROP, 10-28-1892. FAMILY 6 John Wesley Cross, b. in Mid. 12-21-1830; m. 11-22-1856 Elizabeth, dau. of John and Elizabeth FERGUSON, who was b. in Cummington and d. West Spfld. 8-12-1895. He was a police officer in West Spfld. for many years; d. there 12-30-1883. Lived in Mid. 1850 Cen. Erected a three-story house at the Theodore Coats place on road to Becket. While acting as marshall at Cattleshow he expelled a drunken Frenchman who refused to pay his entrance fee at the gate. The same day the new Cross house was mysteriously burned and it was supposed that the Frenchman was in incendiary. Cross then moved to Becket. CROWELL Enoch Crowell (Christopher, John, John, John) was s. of Christoperh and Sarah (Matthews) Crowell, b. Yarmouth, Mass. 5-25-1739; d. Washington 12-7-1820; m. 1st 12-0-1763, Bathsheba PADDOCK, d. 3-2-1799. Enoch Crowell first appears in Mid. about 1783-4. He lived west of the Center on the road to Harry Pease's farm in the house now (1924) occupied by Ralph Pease. His farm was Lot 13, I Div. E.P.G. which he bought of David Bolton in 1783. Pw. 6-1792. Was assigned to West school district 1793, Center school district 1794. Children: Joseph, b. Yarmouth, 1-4-1764-5, d. Washington, Mass. 7-10-1843, Pw. 7-1792. Eli, b. Yarmouth, 8-11-1767 (See Fam. 1). Enoch, b. 3-11-1770, m. (int.) 4-14-1801, Hannah HAMILTON of Lee, Pw. 4-1792. M.T. 1790. David, b. 7-25-1773, m. Betsey CROWELL, 1799, Pw. 7 - 1792. Keziah, b. 7-23-1775, d. Mid. 4-21-1827, m. 5-25-1796, Theodore COATS. Betty, b. 3-25-1778, m. Russell WEST. Olive, b. Dec. 1780, d. Mid. 12-25-1813. FAMILY 1 Eli Crowell, son of Enoch and Bathsheba (Paddock) Crowell, b. 8-11-1767, d. Mid. 5-22-1859, m. 6-15-1797 Bathsheba HOWES of Ashfield, who d. 12-5-1833. Eli Crowell soon after his marriage, built the gambrel roofed house on the West Hill (now the dwelling of Mr. Willis Graves) where he lived until after 1830. His farm was Lots 59-60 Div. V. Becket. Pw 6-1792. West School District 1793. Children: Child, b. June, 1798, d. 9-14-1798. Urbane, b. 7-7-1799, lived in Mid. Armenia, b. 5-3-1801. Clarinda, b. 3-22-1803; d. 2-3-1823. Paddock, b. 6-28-1805, d. 7-16-1805. William, b. 9-22-1916. Became a Baptist minister and editor of a Baptist paper in Boston. Sarah, b. 3-13-1809. Emily, b. 6-30-1811. Child, b. 9-9-1817; d. 9-14-1917. Sarah Crowell, prob. dau. of Enoch, m. 11-23-1806, Jairus STEBBINS of Monson.