Finding Aid for Documents, Artifacts, and Landmarks Relating to The Antislavery Movement in Cummington, MA 1764-1865
In 2011, Cummington received a grant from the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities to develop a finding aid of the town's antislavery activity. The result is a comprehensive inventory of documents, artifacts and landscape markers pertaining to Cummington's antislavery activity, including its African American past.
Finding Aid: The Antislavery Movement in Cummington, MA
Language: Material is in English
Acquisition: Donation, archival exchange.
Accruals: Periodic additions to the collection are expected.
Access: The collection is open without restriction.
Dates: Material from 1770 to 2009.
Created by: Stephanie Pasternak
Copyright: Copyright on primary sources is held by the Cummington Historical Commission.
Language: Material is in English
Acquisition: Donation, archival exchange.
Accruals: Periodic additions to the collection are expected.
Access: The collection is open without restriction.
Dates: Material from 1770 to 2009.
Created by: Stephanie Pasternak
Copyright: Copyright on primary sources is held by the Cummington Historical Commission.
Historical Overview of the Cummington Antislavery Movement
The antislavery movement in Cummington was a significant chapter in the town’s history. In the three decades before the Civil War, hundreds of residents demonstrated support for the cause in many ways such as: affixing their names to antislavery petitions, crafting antislavery resolutions in their churches and town meetings, holding antislavery parades, creating an antislavery church, and from 1854 to 1862 hosting annual antislavery conventions featuring such speakers as William Lloyd Garrison and Sojourner Truth. Beginning in the 1840s, some individuals, like Rev. James D. Chapman whose church in Wolcott, CT was burned down for his antislavery views, even moved to Cummington because it was known to be abolitionist-friendly. Yet, Cummington was not without its conflict around the issues of abolition. For example, in 1854 the Village Church excommunicated seven members for their particular antislavery activism.
African American history in Cummington further deepens this antislavery story. Evidence indicates it is probable a few Cummington residents were slaves during the brief period in Cummington that slavery was legal (between settlement in the 1760s and the effective abolition of slavery in Massachusetts in the early 1780s.) The historic record is mostly silent on African American participation in the Cummington antislavery movement- although one African American man, Brister Pierce, purportedly formerly a slave in Uxbridge, MA, was one of 132 men to sign an 1835 antislavery petition presented to the US House of Representatives demanding the abolition of slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia.
Similarly, there is not much in the historical record documenting female activism in Cummington- typically it is the efforts of the men which are recorded in town histories, church and town meeting minutes, and local nineteenth century newspapers. However, an 1845 copy of a petition to Congress protesting the admission of Texas as a slave state includes the names of all 212 of its signers- all women from Cummington. In addition, the collection of letters written by Cummington resident Melissa Everett Dawes highlights her commitment to and involvement in the antislavery cause.
African American history in Cummington further deepens this antislavery story. Evidence indicates it is probable a few Cummington residents were slaves during the brief period in Cummington that slavery was legal (between settlement in the 1760s and the effective abolition of slavery in Massachusetts in the early 1780s.) The historic record is mostly silent on African American participation in the Cummington antislavery movement- although one African American man, Brister Pierce, purportedly formerly a slave in Uxbridge, MA, was one of 132 men to sign an 1835 antislavery petition presented to the US House of Representatives demanding the abolition of slavery and the slave trade in the District of Columbia.
Similarly, there is not much in the historical record documenting female activism in Cummington- typically it is the efforts of the men which are recorded in town histories, church and town meeting minutes, and local nineteenth century newspapers. However, an 1845 copy of a petition to Congress protesting the admission of Texas as a slave state includes the names of all 212 of its signers- all women from Cummington. In addition, the collection of letters written by Cummington resident Melissa Everett Dawes highlights her commitment to and involvement in the antislavery cause.
Scope and Content of the Collection
All items depicted in this finding aid pertain to issues relevant to the antislavery movement in Cummington including slavery and the African American experience in Cummington. The inventory draws on three artifact types:
I) Cummington Historical Commission Archival Files: documents housed in Cummington Historical Commission Archive in the Cummington Community House.
II) Kingman Tavern Museum: artifacts located in Cummington’s historical museum.
III) Historic markers in the Cummington landscape: Buildings, site remnants, and gravestones in cemeteries.
The finding aid is divided accordingly into three sections.
I. Cummington Historical Commission Archival Files
The Cummington Historical Commission files consist of a variety of paper documents including letters, diaries, newspaper articles, book excerpts, scrapbooks, church records, and town meeting minutes. Some of the documents are original, dating back to the antebellum period. However, the majority of documents in the antislavery collection are copies that have been obtained from hardcopy and digital archives around New England and the country, without which we would have very limited knowledge about the extent of Cummington’s antislavery activity. Because most items in our paper collection are copies, they are not individually described as copies. Items that are original and not a copy are denoted as such by (orig.) for original.
II. Museum Artifacts
Artifacts are organized by room in which they are located at Cummington’s Kingman Tavern museum. Almost all the museum artifacts in this finding aid belonged to an individual involved in the antislavery movement but are not connected to any specific antislavery event or activity. This material culture is instrumental in interpreting the social history of the movement and gives museum visitors tangible connections to some of the people involved in the antislavery movement. It is expected that due to the vast number of artifacts in the museum collection, once the collection is digitized (currently in process) more items will be identified and added to the antislavery finding aid and inventory.
III. Historic Landmarks
The landmarks inventoried include buildings and building sites where antislavery activity took place or where individuals involved in the movement lived, worked or were buried. Also included are sites relevant to the antebellum African American community. Lot numbers used here are taken from the comprehensive property and deed history in the town history volumes Only One Cummington Vol 1 (OOC1), and Only One Cummington, Volume 2 (OOC2). Those volumes are available in the Kingman Tavern Museum, the Community House, and the Cummington town library. Where possible, a current street name is also given.
I) Cummington Historical Commission Archival Files: documents housed in Cummington Historical Commission Archive in the Cummington Community House.
II) Kingman Tavern Museum: artifacts located in Cummington’s historical museum.
III) Historic markers in the Cummington landscape: Buildings, site remnants, and gravestones in cemeteries.
The finding aid is divided accordingly into three sections.
I. Cummington Historical Commission Archival Files
The Cummington Historical Commission files consist of a variety of paper documents including letters, diaries, newspaper articles, book excerpts, scrapbooks, church records, and town meeting minutes. Some of the documents are original, dating back to the antebellum period. However, the majority of documents in the antislavery collection are copies that have been obtained from hardcopy and digital archives around New England and the country, without which we would have very limited knowledge about the extent of Cummington’s antislavery activity. Because most items in our paper collection are copies, they are not individually described as copies. Items that are original and not a copy are denoted as such by (orig.) for original.
II. Museum Artifacts
Artifacts are organized by room in which they are located at Cummington’s Kingman Tavern museum. Almost all the museum artifacts in this finding aid belonged to an individual involved in the antislavery movement but are not connected to any specific antislavery event or activity. This material culture is instrumental in interpreting the social history of the movement and gives museum visitors tangible connections to some of the people involved in the antislavery movement. It is expected that due to the vast number of artifacts in the museum collection, once the collection is digitized (currently in process) more items will be identified and added to the antislavery finding aid and inventory.
III. Historic Landmarks
The landmarks inventoried include buildings and building sites where antislavery activity took place or where individuals involved in the movement lived, worked or were buried. Also included are sites relevant to the antebellum African American community. Lot numbers used here are taken from the comprehensive property and deed history in the town history volumes Only One Cummington Vol 1 (OOC1), and Only One Cummington, Volume 2 (OOC2). Those volumes are available in the Kingman Tavern Museum, the Community House, and the Cummington town library. Where possible, a current street name is also given.
Contents List
I. CUMMINGTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION ARCHIVE FILES
GENERAL FILES
SUBJECT: AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN CUMMINGTON
Folder 1 African American Community in Cummington (1764-1860)
1. Compilation of census and vital records of Black residents of Cummington before 1900.
2. Document stating marriage of Asa Dunbar and Elizabeth Odel in 1784.
3. Excerpt from Irene Quenzler Brown and Richard D. Brown, The Hanging of Ephraim Wheeler detailing mixed race culture in turn of century Cummington.
4. 1793 Warning indigent out of Cummington including several black residents including Isaac and Ichabod Odel. African Americans Zilpah Peach and Sarah Brown were bid off to the lowest bidder to care for them. (presumably the town would be paying that 3/7 pr. week.) From 1793 Town meeting minutes reprinted in William Streeter, Only One Cummington, Volume II. p.165.
5. In Town Meeting, March 6, 1848 Philip Allen petitioned and was granted to have fine waived for illegally selling liquor. Reprinted OOC2, p. 270.
6. Account book in which Joseph Warner barters the labor of himself, an ox and yoke and Brister Pierce, to John Miller. From Warner Account Book, May 25, 26, 27 1825. Reprinted OOC2, 218.
7. In Town Meeting, April 2, 1810, Brister Pierce selected to clean meeting house.
8. Town Meeting- Brister Pierce warned out of town in 1795.
9. Notice of assault of Shephard Allen on Charles Phipps. Hampshire Gazette. March 9, 1896.10. News item mentioning death of Daniel Freeman May 20, 1885. In newspaper clipping.
11. Notice of death of Peter Freeman. Hampshire Gazette, February 28, 1860. Reprinted OOC2, p.290.
12. Notice of assault of Levi Bird of Cummington on Daniel M. Freeman. Hampshire Gazette, August 30, 1859.
Folder 2 Slavery in Cummington
1. Excerpt from Hiram Smith, History of the Town of Goshen, mentioning how James Packard hoped to sell inherited slaves to Squire Snell of Cummington, but emancipation preempted the agreed-upon sale.
2. H. Elmer Miller, Sketches and Directory of the Town of Cummington. Provides anecdotal evidence of Ebenezer Snell having disparaging attitude towards his black servants. (orig.)---were they former slaves?
3. 1790 census identifying white families with one or two African Americans living with them.
SUBJECT: ANTISLAVERY ACTIVITY IN CUMMINGTON- GENERAL
Folder 1 American Colonization Society
1.Excerpt from American Colonization Society’s The African repository and Colonial Journal, Volume 1 p. 351, Contributions from Cummington by way Rev. Myron of VT (1826).
2. Excerpt from American Colonization Society’s The African repository and Colonial Journal, October 1830. Contribution of 7.35 by Rev. David Wright’s society (Baptist).
3. Excerpt from American Colonization Society’s The African repository and Colonial Journal, Volume 11,1835, Rev. JL Pomeroy’s society donated $10 (from Cummington) in January, 1835. Clarissa Briggs gave $1.
Folder 2 Antislavery Activity in nearby Communities
1. ”David Ruggles, An Unsung African American Hero.”
2. “David Ruggles, The Hazards of Antislavery Journalism.”
3. Packet of antislavery articles pertaining to Florence, and at times Cummington.
4. “The Politics of Abolition in Northampton.” By Michael D. Blanchard Historical Journal of Massachusetts, Summer 1991.
5. “Antislavery Days in Florence” by Arthur G. Hill.
6. “Charlemont Librarians Lead Quilters for Louisa Dorsey Headstone.” March, 2003.
7. “Annual Meeting of the Franklin County Antislavery Society. ”Oct 23, 1839. Gazette. April 6, 1901. ---Speakers included Dr. William Richards, AJ Babbit, FH Dawes, Alden Tower, HD Capen, AT Pierce.
8. Announcement of lyceum lecture by Rev. Theodore Parker of Boston in 1856. Hampshire Gazette, Dec 25, 1855.in OOC2, p. 281.
Folder 3 Antislavery Conventions
1. Account by fugitive slave/antislavery activist Thomas H. Jones on attending 1854 Cummington convention. In The Experience of Thomas H. Jones, Who was a slave for 43 years; electronic edition. Written by a friend. Boston: Bazin, Chandler, 1862. Mentions convention held at Rev. EA Stockman’s church; Samuel May and Wendell Phillips were speaking. (Garrison wasn’t there but was one to tell Jones of meeting).
2. Announcement of Cummington Antislavery Convention held in Baptist Church March 17-18, 1855. In clipping of unknown newspaper.
3. Detailed description of Sept. 19-20 , 1857 Antislavery Convention in Northampton Courier, 9/22/1857.
4. Detailed account of Sept 19-20 1857 Antislavery Convention in Hampshire Gazette 10/6/1857.
5. Letter from WL Garrison to Samuel May on Sept 10, 1857 mentioning Cummington convention of 1857. From Louis Ruchames, Ed. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison.
6. Announcement of Cummington Antislavery Convention Oct 30-31, 1858 in 10/19/1858 newspaper article.
7. 1858 letter from William Lloyd Garrison to wife mentioning Cummington 1858 Convention. From Louis Ruchames, Ed. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison. p. 589.
8. Account of 1858 Cummington Antislavery Convention in unknown newspaper, Nov 9, 1858.
9. Announcement of Nov. 19-20, 1859 Cummington Antislavery Convention in The Liberator, Volume 24, Nov. 11, 1859.
10. Announcement of September 1-2 1860 Cummington Antislavery Convention in The Liberator 8/24/60 p.135
11. Announcement of August 23-24, 1862 Cummington Antislavery Convention in The Liberator, p.162 volume 32, 1862.
Folder 4 Antislavery Lectures
1. Account of Lucy Stone’s 1848 visit to Cummington’s antislavery 4th of July celebration in a letter from Stone to Samuel May. Excerpt from Lucy Stone, Pioneer of Woman’s Rights by Alice Stone Blackwell.
2. Lecture by Andrew T. Foss of the AAS in W. Cummington November 25, 1859 in The Liberator Vol. 24, No. 45, p.179.
3. Lecture by EH Heywood, 1862 in The Liberator Vol 32, p. 191.
Folder 5 Antislavery Lyceum
1. William Guernsey Diary January 9, 1843. “Which is the greatest evil Slavery or Intemperance?” (orig.)
2. William Guernsey Diary, January 30, 1843. “Ought abolitionists to act politically?” (orig.)
3. Hampshire Gazette, Dec. 25, 1860. “Which has been the greater evil in this country: intemperance in the use of alcoholic drinks or slavery?”
4. Hampshire Gazette, November 26, 1861. “Whether the republicans ought to compromise with the secessionists.”
5. Hampshire Gazette. “Old Times Recalled, Reminiscences of a Lyceum in 1862, First Year of the War.”
Folder 6 Antislavery Petitions: Copies of originals and references to petitions for which there are no copies.
1. October, 1835 petition signed by 132 men protesting continuance of slavery and slave trade in D.C. Submitted to House of Representatives.
2. House of Representative minutes for June 6, 1836 in which Cummington residents submitted petition protesting admission of Territory of Arkansas as a slave state.
3. 1837 House of Representative minutes in which Cummington residents submitted a petition signed by 112 men requesting abolition of slave trade and slavery in D.C. and territories of the United States.
4. December, 1845 petition to House of Representative signed by 130 Cummington men, headed by Arunah Bartlett, against the admission of Texas as a slave state.
5. Dec. 11, 1845 petition submitted on to House of Representatives presented by 212 Cummington women, headed by Mrs. Arunah Bartlett, protesting against the admission of Texas as a slave state.
6. March 6, 1854 resolution submitted to the House of Representatives by Town of Cummington protesting passage of Nebraska Bill.
7. Dec. 9, 1861 petition submitted by JJ Dana and 73 other citizens of Cummington urging emancipation of rebel slaves.
8. March 5, 1856 petition submitted to the House of Representatives signed by 85 Cummington residents requesting impeachment of Judge Kane.
9. October, 1857 petition to [unknown] inviting fellow citizens to meet at October 1857 convention to consider possibility of separation between free and slaves states. Signed by 19 voters and 13 others.
10. 1854 town meeting minutes detailing resolves at town meeting protesting Nebraska bill and to have this protest printed in Northampton Courier and Gazette as well as be sent to House of Representatives.
Folder 7 Antislavery Petitions: House of Representatives Minutes
1. Minutes of House of Representatives detailing how each petition was handled by Congress. (1835 petition particularly interesting as it arrived at implementation of gag rule- its fate debated over several days).
Folder 8 Antislavery Petitions: Transcriptions
1. Transcriptions of petition copies.
Folder 9 Antislavery Publications
1. “Obi, or the History of three fingered Jack,” in a series of letters from a residents of Jamaica to his friend in England.” By William Earle, printed by Isaiah Thomas, Jr., 1804). Book is signed by Peter Bryant and dated 1811.
2. Subscription list for periodicals by Cummington residents for 1834. List includes subscriptions to antislavery papers Hampshire Herald, Northampton Courier, Emancipator, Temperance Record. In William Packard’s diary. Manuscript copy.
3. Index of the Hampshire Herald, 1845-1848, weekly newspaper 1845-1848 organ of the Liberty Party.
Folder 10 Cummington Antislavery Society
1. Cummington, Pledge to Attend a Meeting to Form an Antislavery Society, Nov., 1835.
2. Receipt from Antislavery Society, Cummington, A.Reed, 3.50 b/w Sept-Oct 1835 in excerpt form Antislavery Record Vol.1for 1835, p.132
3. Announcement that Cummington formed chapter of American Antislavery Society with 70 members. The Liberator, February 6, 1836.
Folder 11 Town Histories Discussing Antislavery Movement
1. Account of Cummington Antislavery movement. In Henrietta S. Nahmer, “Bryant’s New England Home” in New England Magazine ,1892.
2. Account of discussing Hiram Brown’s excommunication. Anonymous.
3. Account of antislavery activity in Cummington. Lucius Warren Bartlett, “Historian’s Report 1925.”
Folder 12 Underground Railroad in Cummington
1. Fugitive slaves taken to Cummington. Adella Greene, “ The Underground Railroad and Those that Operated It. [1900],” Sunday Republican March 11, 25,and April 1, 1900.
2. Mention of fugitive slaves taken by father in Worthington to Bryant’s cousin in Cummington. Excerpt from Agnes Rush Burr, Russell H. Conwell.
3. July 1896, Letter from C. Barrus of Goshen to W. Siebert—discussion of Underground Railroad mentions ER Brown of IL and LH Tower of Cummington. In Wilbur R. Siebert, Letters from “the Underground Railroad in Massachusetts. Volume I.
4. Account of visit of Arthur Hill and Family of Florence to Cummington. Wilbur Siebert, Underground Railroad in Massachusetts, p.68.
5. Account of Underground Railroad activity in Cummington and surrounding towns. Letter from Melissa E. Dawes to William Siebert, August 5, 1896.
6. Account of transport of African Americans fleeing slavery from Florence to Cummington. Letter from Arthur Hill, Jr.,to Wilbur Siebert dated July 18, 1896.
7. Melissa E. Dawes recalls religious passion against slavery and refers to Cummington antislavery movement. In July 27, 1896 Letter from Melissa Dawes to William Siebert.
8. Letter from Arthur Hill to Mr. Marsh, again stating father’s most frequent conductor trip was to “Kingman’s in Cummington.” January 31, 1893. Letter in Charles A. Sheffield, History of Florence. (in packet)
9. “Antislavery Days in Florence”, by Arthur Hill. Again mentions Cummington (in packet)
Folder 13 Williams College and Abolition
1. Excerpt from “A History of Williams College” stating professors and students established first Massachusetts Antislavery Society in 1823. (several Cummington men attended Williams and may have been influenced accordingly). p. 138 (81).
SUBJECT: ANTISLAVERY ACTIVITY IN CUMMINGTON- CHURCHES
Folder 1 Antislavery, Anti-Sectarian Religious Association of Cummington
1. Founding pamphlet of Cummington’s Antislavery Church entitled “Antislavery, Anti-Sectarian Religious Association of Cummington, MA and Adjoining Towns Adopted November 10, 1853.” (w/11 names affixed- Royal Joy, MD, Dea. H. Brown, E.A. Stockman, Alden Tower, John Everett, J.S. Stafford, Francis Dawes, Nelson Brown, James Randall, S.S. Fuller, E. Shaw.)
2. Account of harassment of Hiram Brown and antislavery church supporters. Excerpt from Clifton Johnson’s Historic Hampshire.
3. Announcement in The Liberator July 6, 1855; 25,27, (from APS online) that Lecturer Andrew Foss of the Massachusetts Antislavery Society would be occupying pulpit of Cummington independent church on July 8 and on 3 ensuing Sundays. In weeks in between sermons will lecture on antislavery in neighboring towns. From July 6 to 29th his postal address is CUMMINGTON.
4. Obit of Hiram Brown--- Clementina Dawes Nahmer, “Death of Hiram Brown, A Friend of Garrison, At the Age of 95.”: How the Antislavery Folk were Treated in the Hampshire Mountains These Years before the War. Describes some details of church—how formed etc.
Folder 2 Baptist Church and Abolition
1. Account of burning of Baptist church including paragraph expressing relief church is gone. Hampshire Gazette, August 8, 1894.
2. In response to August 8, 1894 article, account of burning of and past antislavery activity that took place in Cummington Baptist Church. Hampshire Gazette, August 10, 1894.
Folder 3 First Congregational Society and Abolition
1. Voted to invite Rev. JD Chapman to be new pastor. Minutes 1845.
2. Three antislavery resolutions proposed and rejected --- William Packard notes he was not present for that vote. Minutes of Dec 30, 1853.
3. Three antislavery resolutions accepted. Minutes of July 2, 1858.
Folder 4 First Universalist Society and Abolition
1. Antislavery Resolution made by First Universalist Society on April 2, 1855 in minutes of First Universalist Society. Signed by 14 men including Arunah Bartlett, Alden Tower, John Everett.
Folder 5 Methodist Society and Abolition
1. List of members of Methodist Church
Folder 6 Village Congregational Society and Abolition
1. Seven letters of dismissal and recommendation requested and denied (to Hiram and Everline Brown, Janette and William Dawes, Nelson Brown, Nahum L. Shaw and Sarah N. Shaw). Minutes April 27, 1853.
2. Same group asks for letters of dismissal and recommendation and denied. Minutes, May 5, 1853.
3. Sarah Shaw withdraws and regrets requesting letter of dismissal. Minutes, Dec. 28 1853.
4. Same group (except Sarah Butts replaced Sarah Shaw) are excommunicated. Minutes, January 5, 1854.
5. Village Church antislavery resolutions of 1858.
6. “How the Anti-slavery Folk were Treated in the Hampshire Mountains” by Clementina Nahmer Sunday Republican May 30, 1897. p. 15.
7. “Solemn Excommunications” The Liberator Jan. 27,1854;24,4.
8. Contributions from Cummington’s Village church minister TJ Clark, Rev. EA Stockman, and William Packard to Boston Vigilance Committee. July 1854 account book of Boston Vigilance Committee.
9. Excerpt from Almon Dyer, “Historical Address: Seventy-fifth anniversary.” August 9, 1914. Village Congregational Church. Declares Rev. TJ Clark as offending some parishioners with antislavery views. (diff. perspective from H. Brown--)
SUBJECT: ANTISLAVERY ACTIVITY IN CUMMINGTON- INDIVIDUAL ACTIVISTS
Folder 1 Arunah Bartlett Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Arunah Bartlett. “The Life of an Unusually Bright and Thrifty Man.” Gazette, March 15, 1894
Folder 2 Bicknell Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Memoir by Luke Emerson Bicknell, “The Sharpshooters. ” March 9, 1883. Recalls standing up for antislavery beliefs while a Union solder.
Folder 3 Hiram Brown and Family: Antislavery Activity
1. “Death of Mrs. E.O. Smith.” Hampshire Gazette, July 7, 1904.
2. March 7, 1859 Letter to editor from Andrew T. Foss detailing travels to Elmwood,IL and close visit with ER and Hiram Brown and family. The Liberator, March 25,1859.
3. Antislavery lecturer Andrew T. Foss lists collections by AAS “at the west” including donations from Hiram, and ER Brown and William Dawes. The Liberator, June 17, 1859 .
4. Letter to the editor, from most likely HB, mentioning wife’s headstone “One world at a time.” Cummington Banner, June 5, 1885.
5. Letter to editor from Hiram Brown, April 29, 1885.
6. “Greylock of Greylock. A Tribute to the Character of a Good Man.” Hampshire Gazette, October 29, 1891.
7. Letter from Hiram Brown’s son Hiram to his brother Deloss. March 21, 1864.
8. “Laid at Rest.“ Hiram Brown obit. Hampshire County Journal. November 7, 1891
9. Letter to Cummington from grandson of Hiram Brown. 1951.
10. “A Running Sketch of My Life.” Hiram Brown’s unpublished autobiographical manuscript- includes detailed account of excommunication.
11. Account of ER Brown traveling with JH Bryant in South. Cummington Banner, 4/29/1885.
12. “Introduced to the Gazette in 1833: ER Brown writes of Lightening Bug and Cleveland.” Gazette, January 27, 1896.
13. “Edwin Ruthven Brown.” Obituary.
14. “In Memoriam, Nelson Brown, Born October 7, 1822, died July 25, 1882.”
15. “Late Nelson Brown of Cheshire.” Gazette, August 22, 1882.
16. Antislavery activism of William Dawes. Letter to the Editor from ER Brown, June 5, 1892.
Folder 4 Bryant Family (Cyrus, John Howard, William Cullen): Antislavery Activity
1.“John Hward Bryant Caned” Bureau County Republican July 26, 1877. Mentions JHB was editor of a liberty party newspaper.
2. August 19, 1891 newspaper clipping. “An Old Letter” Publication of Cyrus Bryant letter to Edwin Everett dated December 6, 1861 in which he asserts Unionists cannot “submit to degradations before the southern oligarchy.”
Folder 5 James D. Chapman: Antislavery Activity
1. Obituary of Mrs. A.J. Chapman. Hampshire Gazette, August 15, 1882.
2. Biography of Rev. James D. Chapman—mentions he was treated “vilely” in Wolcott because of his antislavery preaching and that leaving Wolcott and the church “must have been one of the greatest days of his life.” Samuel Orcutt, Town of Wolcott (Connecticut), 1874.
3. Brief Account of Chapman’s experience as minister in Wolcott , Ct from 1837-40. “During this period his antislavery sentiments subjected him to persecution, reproach, and loss of property, in this strongly Democratic community. From Biographical Notices of Graduates of Yale College. 1913.
Folder 6 FH Dawes and Melissa E. Dawes: Antislavery Activity
1. In FH Dawes ‘ hand, a June 15 set of antislavery resolutions. Unclear which association he wrote them for.
2. Letter from FH Dawes to Cyrus Bryant, August 15, 1857.
3. “Death of Francis H. Dawes.” January 21, 1892.
4. Letter from Melissa E. Dawes to nephew Peter Bryant. April 28, 1854. Describes depth of abolitionist beliefs and mentions Chapman and others.
5. Letter from Melissa E. Dawes to nephew Peter Bryant. November 24, 1854. Discusses abolition in Cummington, underground railroad, and depth of beliefs.
6. FH Dawes diaries. (orig. in cabinet)
Folder 7 Ford Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Letter from Cyrus Ford to Lewis Ford, Dec. 23 1848. Critiques presidential candidate, Zachary Taylor, as “man-killing, negro-driving bloodhound.”
2. Letter from Cyrus Ford, May 22, 1848. Request to discontinue Northampton Courier and get Hampshire Gazette because “the Courier is to Proslavery for our purpose.”
Folder 8 French Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Eliza French obituary, September 18, 1883.
“The antislavery cause had in her a staunch supporter, advocate and co-worker at a time when it cost censure, obloquy, and scorn.”
Folder 10 Kingman Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Levi Kingman. “Cummington” Hampshire Gazette Feb 7, 1865- alludes to Kingman’s being an “old veteran of the antislavery ranks”
2. Levi Kingman Photo and Poem. OOC1, p.lviii. Photo shows Kingman wearing white neckerchief said to be “his badge for antislavery.”
3. July 18, 1865 Gazette. Levi Kingman (as well as son Richmond Kingman, Nelson Brown, Rev JJ Dana etc.) speaks at July 4 town celebration of end of war.
Folder 11 William Packard: Antislavery Activity
1. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison, Vo. II. William’s cousin Theophilus Packard was VP AAS, 1837.
2. William Packard Work Diary. Wed Jan 13, 1836. “Go to Northampton Abolition.” (orig.)
3. Letter from Jacob Norton Porter to William Packard Nov. 25, 1869. Mentions how ideas of racial equality much more accepted than 30 years ago. “Then to believe it was called fanaticism and to preach it was a crime to be punished with rotten eggs, tar and feather, and sometimes the halter??? What has become of all those clergymen who a few years ago were such zealous advocates of the Patriarchal institution?...” (orig.)
4. Packard, Theophilus. Of Shelburne. William Packard’s uncle. Was VP of NE Antislavery Society in 1836 (from p.12 in Ruchames, A House Dividing Against Itself, Letters of WL Garrison).
Folder 12 Shaw Family Antislavery Activity
1. Shaw, Eliza and Oakes. Narrative by Eliza Shaw McMullen. Recollection of 1830s antislavery march. Eliza Shaw writes of “Passing up the winding street, we come to Liberty Knoll, long since leveled, and the site of a Congregational church, but for me it still bears the lofty pole which in the summer of 1834 or 1835, was raised there on that glorious old flag of the free might float to the summit….."
Folder 13 JS Stafford: Antislavery Activity
1. John Stafford, a vice president of the Massachusetts Antislavery Society, 1850-56. In “Officers of the Massachusetts Antislavery Society. 1840-1860”
Folder 14 JH Steadman: Antislavery Activity
1. “Death of Mr. [JH] Steadman.” Undated. Obit mentions he was abolitionist who ran antislavery newspaper in Cortland, NY 1846-8 and was part of the Underground Railroad after fugitive slave act. Lived in Cummington 1854-59 before moving to Brattleboro. Daughter married a Bartlett.
Folder 15 Rev. EA Stockman: Antislavery Activity
Boston Wesleyan Methodist minister who came to Cummington around 1854. Part of antislavery church.
1. Rev. EA Stockman. “Extract of a letter from Rev. EA Stockman” March 11, 1854. The Liberator. Discusses evolution of antislavery views b/w 1848-1854.
2. In report of March 9, 1855 meeting of American Antislavery Society, acknowledges state agents including CC Burleigh and EA Stockman.
Folder 16 Alden Tower: Antislavery Activity
1. Alden Tower obituary. “West Cummington.” Hampshire Gazette. April 3, 1880. Antislavery views mentioned.
2. Alden Tower. ER Brown recalls fiery moment when Alden Tower protested rejection of antislavery resolution. “Bryant Centennial Cummington, August the 16th, 1894.
II. MUSEUM ARTIFACTS
Artifacts pertaining to individuals who expressed support for the antislavery movement are located in the following rooms.
Arts and Industry Room
1. Homespun coverlet by Melissa Everett Dawes (circa 1847)
Bates Room
1. Trademark and 1855 Heater made by Gilbert Richards (signed 1856 and 1861 petitions)
Kitchen
1.Paddle signed by Mitchell Dawes (signed 1835 petition)
2. Flatware used by Veren Dawes (signed 1835 petition)
3. Miniature replica of Arunah Bartlett kitchen
Library
1. Photo of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Kingman
2. Pocket Book belonging to William Packard
3. Account book belonging to Gilbert Richards
4. Photo of Julia Stevens Lyman (signed Texas petition)
Tavern Room
1. Photo of Levi Kingman at age 70.
Tower Room
1. Alden Tower spectacles
2. Photo Alden Tower
Warner Room
1.Bonnet worn by Vesta Reed Warner (signed 1845 petition) (husband FJ Warner signed at least 2 petitions)
III. HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Cummington Center
1. Kingman Tavern Museum
Main St.
OOC1: No. 281. Lot No. 36-3. P. 331.
Home of Levi Kingman from 1817-1871. Kingman’s farm was a stop on the Underground Railroad where fugitive slaves came up from Florence and headed on North.
2. Village Congregational Church
Main St.
OOC1: No. 230. Lot no. 37-3, p. 311.
Church that excommunicated 7 members in 1854. Later passed antislavery resolutions.
3. Site of Baptist Church
Main St.
OOC1: No.274. Lot No. 37-3, p. 328.
The Baptist was the site of much abolitionist activity including conventions and meetings of the antislavery church. The church burned down in 1894. A new one was built, moved and converted into a house, which stands there now.
4. Hiram Brown house
Main St.
OOC1: No.272. Lot No. 37-3, p. 327.
Home and cabinet ship built by abolitionist Hiram Brown in 1848 and sold in 1867.
Cummington Hill
1.William Packard House
Bryant Road
OOC1: No. 300B. Lot no. 58-1, p. 340.
Home of William Packard from birth in 1799 until 1869. He was one of Cummington’s known early abolitionists, participating in meetings in the 1830s.
2. Site, First Congregational Church Society on Hill, third (site)
Potash Hill Road
OOC1: No. 313. Lot. no. 60-1, p.349.
Built in 1841 (after Congregational church divided into three). Abolitionist James D. Chapman was minister from 1844 to his death in 1854. While a significant number of members were abolitionists, some abolitionist resolutions failed to pass in 1853 though they did in 1858.
3. Site of James D. Chapman House
Potash Hill Road
OOC1: No.309. Lot no. 60-1, p. 347
Abolitionist minister resided at house on this spot from 1845 to 1854.
4. Site of FH Dawes/Melissa Everett Dawes House
Route 112/Powell Road
No. 316 Lot no. 52-1, p.350.
Home of FH Dawes from 1840-1868. Here he and wife Melissa E. Dawes sheltered fugitive slaves on the underground railroad. Dawes was also founding member of antislavery church.
5. Bryant Homestead
Route 112/Bryant Road
No. 321. Lot no. 50-1, p. 353
Home site originally of Squire Ebenezer Snell, whose slaves may have helped him clear the land when he came to Cummington in 1770s. Son-in-law Peter Bryant had antislavery publication in library and grandsons, Cyrus and John were active abolitionists in Illinois while famous grandson William C. Bryant, influential publisher of the New York Post, though less radical than brothers, was active in forming Republican party and publicly called for emancipation.
6. Site of Alden Tower House
Trouble St.
OOC-1. No. 343 Lot No. 21-1, 24-1. p. 362.
Alden Tower was an abolitionist. In this area, the Bartlett’s and Towers were all interlinked and all staunch abolitionists. Also known for sheltering slaves on underground railroad.
7. Site of Arunah Bartlett house
Trouble St.
OOC-1: No. 348 Lot no. 29-1, p. 364
Arunah Bartlett and his Amanda Tower Bartlett wife lead over 400 Cummington male and female residents to sign petition to Congress against admitting Texas as a slave state. In this area, the Bartlett’s and Towers were all interlinked and all staunch abolitionists. Also known for sheltering slaves on underground railroad.
Lightening Bug
1. Site of John Ford Mill
OOC1: No. 85, p. 254-55.
Site where Wesleyan Methodists celebrated British emancipation of slaves in British West Indies in 1834 and where Amos Dresser, abolitionist lecturer, showed his bloody shirt.
2. Site of Phillip Allen House
OOC1: No. 81, p. 252.
Site of home of Philip Allen, African American, who bought property in 1817, which remained with family for 99 years. Another house is constructed now on the same site.
3. James W. Briggs House
OOC1: No.82. pp. 253-254
Home of James W. Briggs, Deacon in Methodist Church from 1818-1845. It has been anecdotally passed down (in OOC1) that he sheltered fugitive slaves in this house. (but no hard evidence thus far and would precede fugitive slave act).
West Cummington
1. Universalist Church
West Main St.
No. 37. Lot no. 50-3, p. 232.
Now the West Cummington Church Parish House, this building was built as a Universalist Church in 1845. Passed antislavery resolution. Members included Alden Tower, Arunah Bartlett, and John Everett.
Headstones
Bryant Cemetery
(Trow Rd.)
1. Ephraim T., Bartlett
2. Luther Bartlett
3. Alden Tower
4. Laura Tower
Cummington Village Cemeter
(Main St.)
1. Levi Kingman
Dawes Cemetery
(Potash Hill Rd.)
1. Lydia Freeman Allen
2. Hiram Brown
3. Eveline Brown
4. Nelson Brown
5 James D. Chapman
6. F.H.Dawes, abolitionist
7. William Packard
GENERAL FILES
SUBJECT: AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN CUMMINGTON
Folder 1 African American Community in Cummington (1764-1860)
1. Compilation of census and vital records of Black residents of Cummington before 1900.
2. Document stating marriage of Asa Dunbar and Elizabeth Odel in 1784.
3. Excerpt from Irene Quenzler Brown and Richard D. Brown, The Hanging of Ephraim Wheeler detailing mixed race culture in turn of century Cummington.
4. 1793 Warning indigent out of Cummington including several black residents including Isaac and Ichabod Odel. African Americans Zilpah Peach and Sarah Brown were bid off to the lowest bidder to care for them. (presumably the town would be paying that 3/7 pr. week.) From 1793 Town meeting minutes reprinted in William Streeter, Only One Cummington, Volume II. p.165.
5. In Town Meeting, March 6, 1848 Philip Allen petitioned and was granted to have fine waived for illegally selling liquor. Reprinted OOC2, p. 270.
6. Account book in which Joseph Warner barters the labor of himself, an ox and yoke and Brister Pierce, to John Miller. From Warner Account Book, May 25, 26, 27 1825. Reprinted OOC2, 218.
7. In Town Meeting, April 2, 1810, Brister Pierce selected to clean meeting house.
8. Town Meeting- Brister Pierce warned out of town in 1795.
9. Notice of assault of Shephard Allen on Charles Phipps. Hampshire Gazette. March 9, 1896.10. News item mentioning death of Daniel Freeman May 20, 1885. In newspaper clipping.
11. Notice of death of Peter Freeman. Hampshire Gazette, February 28, 1860. Reprinted OOC2, p.290.
12. Notice of assault of Levi Bird of Cummington on Daniel M. Freeman. Hampshire Gazette, August 30, 1859.
Folder 2 Slavery in Cummington
1. Excerpt from Hiram Smith, History of the Town of Goshen, mentioning how James Packard hoped to sell inherited slaves to Squire Snell of Cummington, but emancipation preempted the agreed-upon sale.
2. H. Elmer Miller, Sketches and Directory of the Town of Cummington. Provides anecdotal evidence of Ebenezer Snell having disparaging attitude towards his black servants. (orig.)---were they former slaves?
3. 1790 census identifying white families with one or two African Americans living with them.
SUBJECT: ANTISLAVERY ACTIVITY IN CUMMINGTON- GENERAL
Folder 1 American Colonization Society
1.Excerpt from American Colonization Society’s The African repository and Colonial Journal, Volume 1 p. 351, Contributions from Cummington by way Rev. Myron of VT (1826).
2. Excerpt from American Colonization Society’s The African repository and Colonial Journal, October 1830. Contribution of 7.35 by Rev. David Wright’s society (Baptist).
3. Excerpt from American Colonization Society’s The African repository and Colonial Journal, Volume 11,1835, Rev. JL Pomeroy’s society donated $10 (from Cummington) in January, 1835. Clarissa Briggs gave $1.
Folder 2 Antislavery Activity in nearby Communities
1. ”David Ruggles, An Unsung African American Hero.”
2. “David Ruggles, The Hazards of Antislavery Journalism.”
3. Packet of antislavery articles pertaining to Florence, and at times Cummington.
4. “The Politics of Abolition in Northampton.” By Michael D. Blanchard Historical Journal of Massachusetts, Summer 1991.
5. “Antislavery Days in Florence” by Arthur G. Hill.
6. “Charlemont Librarians Lead Quilters for Louisa Dorsey Headstone.” March, 2003.
7. “Annual Meeting of the Franklin County Antislavery Society. ”Oct 23, 1839. Gazette. April 6, 1901. ---Speakers included Dr. William Richards, AJ Babbit, FH Dawes, Alden Tower, HD Capen, AT Pierce.
8. Announcement of lyceum lecture by Rev. Theodore Parker of Boston in 1856. Hampshire Gazette, Dec 25, 1855.in OOC2, p. 281.
Folder 3 Antislavery Conventions
1. Account by fugitive slave/antislavery activist Thomas H. Jones on attending 1854 Cummington convention. In The Experience of Thomas H. Jones, Who was a slave for 43 years; electronic edition. Written by a friend. Boston: Bazin, Chandler, 1862. Mentions convention held at Rev. EA Stockman’s church; Samuel May and Wendell Phillips were speaking. (Garrison wasn’t there but was one to tell Jones of meeting).
2. Announcement of Cummington Antislavery Convention held in Baptist Church March 17-18, 1855. In clipping of unknown newspaper.
3. Detailed description of Sept. 19-20 , 1857 Antislavery Convention in Northampton Courier, 9/22/1857.
4. Detailed account of Sept 19-20 1857 Antislavery Convention in Hampshire Gazette 10/6/1857.
5. Letter from WL Garrison to Samuel May on Sept 10, 1857 mentioning Cummington convention of 1857. From Louis Ruchames, Ed. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison.
6. Announcement of Cummington Antislavery Convention Oct 30-31, 1858 in 10/19/1858 newspaper article.
7. 1858 letter from William Lloyd Garrison to wife mentioning Cummington 1858 Convention. From Louis Ruchames, Ed. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison. p. 589.
8. Account of 1858 Cummington Antislavery Convention in unknown newspaper, Nov 9, 1858.
9. Announcement of Nov. 19-20, 1859 Cummington Antislavery Convention in The Liberator, Volume 24, Nov. 11, 1859.
10. Announcement of September 1-2 1860 Cummington Antislavery Convention in The Liberator 8/24/60 p.135
11. Announcement of August 23-24, 1862 Cummington Antislavery Convention in The Liberator, p.162 volume 32, 1862.
Folder 4 Antislavery Lectures
1. Account of Lucy Stone’s 1848 visit to Cummington’s antislavery 4th of July celebration in a letter from Stone to Samuel May. Excerpt from Lucy Stone, Pioneer of Woman’s Rights by Alice Stone Blackwell.
2. Lecture by Andrew T. Foss of the AAS in W. Cummington November 25, 1859 in The Liberator Vol. 24, No. 45, p.179.
3. Lecture by EH Heywood, 1862 in The Liberator Vol 32, p. 191.
Folder 5 Antislavery Lyceum
1. William Guernsey Diary January 9, 1843. “Which is the greatest evil Slavery or Intemperance?” (orig.)
2. William Guernsey Diary, January 30, 1843. “Ought abolitionists to act politically?” (orig.)
3. Hampshire Gazette, Dec. 25, 1860. “Which has been the greater evil in this country: intemperance in the use of alcoholic drinks or slavery?”
4. Hampshire Gazette, November 26, 1861. “Whether the republicans ought to compromise with the secessionists.”
5. Hampshire Gazette. “Old Times Recalled, Reminiscences of a Lyceum in 1862, First Year of the War.”
Folder 6 Antislavery Petitions: Copies of originals and references to petitions for which there are no copies.
1. October, 1835 petition signed by 132 men protesting continuance of slavery and slave trade in D.C. Submitted to House of Representatives.
2. House of Representative minutes for June 6, 1836 in which Cummington residents submitted petition protesting admission of Territory of Arkansas as a slave state.
3. 1837 House of Representative minutes in which Cummington residents submitted a petition signed by 112 men requesting abolition of slave trade and slavery in D.C. and territories of the United States.
4. December, 1845 petition to House of Representative signed by 130 Cummington men, headed by Arunah Bartlett, against the admission of Texas as a slave state.
5. Dec. 11, 1845 petition submitted on to House of Representatives presented by 212 Cummington women, headed by Mrs. Arunah Bartlett, protesting against the admission of Texas as a slave state.
6. March 6, 1854 resolution submitted to the House of Representatives by Town of Cummington protesting passage of Nebraska Bill.
7. Dec. 9, 1861 petition submitted by JJ Dana and 73 other citizens of Cummington urging emancipation of rebel slaves.
8. March 5, 1856 petition submitted to the House of Representatives signed by 85 Cummington residents requesting impeachment of Judge Kane.
9. October, 1857 petition to [unknown] inviting fellow citizens to meet at October 1857 convention to consider possibility of separation between free and slaves states. Signed by 19 voters and 13 others.
10. 1854 town meeting minutes detailing resolves at town meeting protesting Nebraska bill and to have this protest printed in Northampton Courier and Gazette as well as be sent to House of Representatives.
Folder 7 Antislavery Petitions: House of Representatives Minutes
1. Minutes of House of Representatives detailing how each petition was handled by Congress. (1835 petition particularly interesting as it arrived at implementation of gag rule- its fate debated over several days).
Folder 8 Antislavery Petitions: Transcriptions
1. Transcriptions of petition copies.
Folder 9 Antislavery Publications
1. “Obi, or the History of three fingered Jack,” in a series of letters from a residents of Jamaica to his friend in England.” By William Earle, printed by Isaiah Thomas, Jr., 1804). Book is signed by Peter Bryant and dated 1811.
2. Subscription list for periodicals by Cummington residents for 1834. List includes subscriptions to antislavery papers Hampshire Herald, Northampton Courier, Emancipator, Temperance Record. In William Packard’s diary. Manuscript copy.
3. Index of the Hampshire Herald, 1845-1848, weekly newspaper 1845-1848 organ of the Liberty Party.
Folder 10 Cummington Antislavery Society
1. Cummington, Pledge to Attend a Meeting to Form an Antislavery Society, Nov., 1835.
2. Receipt from Antislavery Society, Cummington, A.Reed, 3.50 b/w Sept-Oct 1835 in excerpt form Antislavery Record Vol.1for 1835, p.132
3. Announcement that Cummington formed chapter of American Antislavery Society with 70 members. The Liberator, February 6, 1836.
Folder 11 Town Histories Discussing Antislavery Movement
1. Account of Cummington Antislavery movement. In Henrietta S. Nahmer, “Bryant’s New England Home” in New England Magazine ,1892.
2. Account of discussing Hiram Brown’s excommunication. Anonymous.
3. Account of antislavery activity in Cummington. Lucius Warren Bartlett, “Historian’s Report 1925.”
Folder 12 Underground Railroad in Cummington
1. Fugitive slaves taken to Cummington. Adella Greene, “ The Underground Railroad and Those that Operated It. [1900],” Sunday Republican March 11, 25,and April 1, 1900.
2. Mention of fugitive slaves taken by father in Worthington to Bryant’s cousin in Cummington. Excerpt from Agnes Rush Burr, Russell H. Conwell.
3. July 1896, Letter from C. Barrus of Goshen to W. Siebert—discussion of Underground Railroad mentions ER Brown of IL and LH Tower of Cummington. In Wilbur R. Siebert, Letters from “the Underground Railroad in Massachusetts. Volume I.
4. Account of visit of Arthur Hill and Family of Florence to Cummington. Wilbur Siebert, Underground Railroad in Massachusetts, p.68.
5. Account of Underground Railroad activity in Cummington and surrounding towns. Letter from Melissa E. Dawes to William Siebert, August 5, 1896.
6. Account of transport of African Americans fleeing slavery from Florence to Cummington. Letter from Arthur Hill, Jr.,to Wilbur Siebert dated July 18, 1896.
7. Melissa E. Dawes recalls religious passion against slavery and refers to Cummington antislavery movement. In July 27, 1896 Letter from Melissa Dawes to William Siebert.
8. Letter from Arthur Hill to Mr. Marsh, again stating father’s most frequent conductor trip was to “Kingman’s in Cummington.” January 31, 1893. Letter in Charles A. Sheffield, History of Florence. (in packet)
9. “Antislavery Days in Florence”, by Arthur Hill. Again mentions Cummington (in packet)
Folder 13 Williams College and Abolition
1. Excerpt from “A History of Williams College” stating professors and students established first Massachusetts Antislavery Society in 1823. (several Cummington men attended Williams and may have been influenced accordingly). p. 138 (81).
SUBJECT: ANTISLAVERY ACTIVITY IN CUMMINGTON- CHURCHES
Folder 1 Antislavery, Anti-Sectarian Religious Association of Cummington
1. Founding pamphlet of Cummington’s Antislavery Church entitled “Antislavery, Anti-Sectarian Religious Association of Cummington, MA and Adjoining Towns Adopted November 10, 1853.” (w/11 names affixed- Royal Joy, MD, Dea. H. Brown, E.A. Stockman, Alden Tower, John Everett, J.S. Stafford, Francis Dawes, Nelson Brown, James Randall, S.S. Fuller, E. Shaw.)
2. Account of harassment of Hiram Brown and antislavery church supporters. Excerpt from Clifton Johnson’s Historic Hampshire.
3. Announcement in The Liberator July 6, 1855; 25,27, (from APS online) that Lecturer Andrew Foss of the Massachusetts Antislavery Society would be occupying pulpit of Cummington independent church on July 8 and on 3 ensuing Sundays. In weeks in between sermons will lecture on antislavery in neighboring towns. From July 6 to 29th his postal address is CUMMINGTON.
4. Obit of Hiram Brown--- Clementina Dawes Nahmer, “Death of Hiram Brown, A Friend of Garrison, At the Age of 95.”: How the Antislavery Folk were Treated in the Hampshire Mountains These Years before the War. Describes some details of church—how formed etc.
Folder 2 Baptist Church and Abolition
1. Account of burning of Baptist church including paragraph expressing relief church is gone. Hampshire Gazette, August 8, 1894.
2. In response to August 8, 1894 article, account of burning of and past antislavery activity that took place in Cummington Baptist Church. Hampshire Gazette, August 10, 1894.
Folder 3 First Congregational Society and Abolition
1. Voted to invite Rev. JD Chapman to be new pastor. Minutes 1845.
2. Three antislavery resolutions proposed and rejected --- William Packard notes he was not present for that vote. Minutes of Dec 30, 1853.
3. Three antislavery resolutions accepted. Minutes of July 2, 1858.
Folder 4 First Universalist Society and Abolition
1. Antislavery Resolution made by First Universalist Society on April 2, 1855 in minutes of First Universalist Society. Signed by 14 men including Arunah Bartlett, Alden Tower, John Everett.
Folder 5 Methodist Society and Abolition
1. List of members of Methodist Church
Folder 6 Village Congregational Society and Abolition
1. Seven letters of dismissal and recommendation requested and denied (to Hiram and Everline Brown, Janette and William Dawes, Nelson Brown, Nahum L. Shaw and Sarah N. Shaw). Minutes April 27, 1853.
2. Same group asks for letters of dismissal and recommendation and denied. Minutes, May 5, 1853.
3. Sarah Shaw withdraws and regrets requesting letter of dismissal. Minutes, Dec. 28 1853.
4. Same group (except Sarah Butts replaced Sarah Shaw) are excommunicated. Minutes, January 5, 1854.
5. Village Church antislavery resolutions of 1858.
6. “How the Anti-slavery Folk were Treated in the Hampshire Mountains” by Clementina Nahmer Sunday Republican May 30, 1897. p. 15.
7. “Solemn Excommunications” The Liberator Jan. 27,1854;24,4.
8. Contributions from Cummington’s Village church minister TJ Clark, Rev. EA Stockman, and William Packard to Boston Vigilance Committee. July 1854 account book of Boston Vigilance Committee.
9. Excerpt from Almon Dyer, “Historical Address: Seventy-fifth anniversary.” August 9, 1914. Village Congregational Church. Declares Rev. TJ Clark as offending some parishioners with antislavery views. (diff. perspective from H. Brown--)
SUBJECT: ANTISLAVERY ACTIVITY IN CUMMINGTON- INDIVIDUAL ACTIVISTS
Folder 1 Arunah Bartlett Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Arunah Bartlett. “The Life of an Unusually Bright and Thrifty Man.” Gazette, March 15, 1894
Folder 2 Bicknell Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Memoir by Luke Emerson Bicknell, “The Sharpshooters. ” March 9, 1883. Recalls standing up for antislavery beliefs while a Union solder.
Folder 3 Hiram Brown and Family: Antislavery Activity
1. “Death of Mrs. E.O. Smith.” Hampshire Gazette, July 7, 1904.
2. March 7, 1859 Letter to editor from Andrew T. Foss detailing travels to Elmwood,IL and close visit with ER and Hiram Brown and family. The Liberator, March 25,1859.
3. Antislavery lecturer Andrew T. Foss lists collections by AAS “at the west” including donations from Hiram, and ER Brown and William Dawes. The Liberator, June 17, 1859 .
4. Letter to the editor, from most likely HB, mentioning wife’s headstone “One world at a time.” Cummington Banner, June 5, 1885.
5. Letter to editor from Hiram Brown, April 29, 1885.
6. “Greylock of Greylock. A Tribute to the Character of a Good Man.” Hampshire Gazette, October 29, 1891.
7. Letter from Hiram Brown’s son Hiram to his brother Deloss. March 21, 1864.
8. “Laid at Rest.“ Hiram Brown obit. Hampshire County Journal. November 7, 1891
9. Letter to Cummington from grandson of Hiram Brown. 1951.
10. “A Running Sketch of My Life.” Hiram Brown’s unpublished autobiographical manuscript- includes detailed account of excommunication.
11. Account of ER Brown traveling with JH Bryant in South. Cummington Banner, 4/29/1885.
12. “Introduced to the Gazette in 1833: ER Brown writes of Lightening Bug and Cleveland.” Gazette, January 27, 1896.
13. “Edwin Ruthven Brown.” Obituary.
14. “In Memoriam, Nelson Brown, Born October 7, 1822, died July 25, 1882.”
15. “Late Nelson Brown of Cheshire.” Gazette, August 22, 1882.
16. Antislavery activism of William Dawes. Letter to the Editor from ER Brown, June 5, 1892.
Folder 4 Bryant Family (Cyrus, John Howard, William Cullen): Antislavery Activity
1.“John Hward Bryant Caned” Bureau County Republican July 26, 1877. Mentions JHB was editor of a liberty party newspaper.
2. August 19, 1891 newspaper clipping. “An Old Letter” Publication of Cyrus Bryant letter to Edwin Everett dated December 6, 1861 in which he asserts Unionists cannot “submit to degradations before the southern oligarchy.”
Folder 5 James D. Chapman: Antislavery Activity
1. Obituary of Mrs. A.J. Chapman. Hampshire Gazette, August 15, 1882.
2. Biography of Rev. James D. Chapman—mentions he was treated “vilely” in Wolcott because of his antislavery preaching and that leaving Wolcott and the church “must have been one of the greatest days of his life.” Samuel Orcutt, Town of Wolcott (Connecticut), 1874.
3. Brief Account of Chapman’s experience as minister in Wolcott , Ct from 1837-40. “During this period his antislavery sentiments subjected him to persecution, reproach, and loss of property, in this strongly Democratic community. From Biographical Notices of Graduates of Yale College. 1913.
Folder 6 FH Dawes and Melissa E. Dawes: Antislavery Activity
1. In FH Dawes ‘ hand, a June 15 set of antislavery resolutions. Unclear which association he wrote them for.
2. Letter from FH Dawes to Cyrus Bryant, August 15, 1857.
3. “Death of Francis H. Dawes.” January 21, 1892.
4. Letter from Melissa E. Dawes to nephew Peter Bryant. April 28, 1854. Describes depth of abolitionist beliefs and mentions Chapman and others.
5. Letter from Melissa E. Dawes to nephew Peter Bryant. November 24, 1854. Discusses abolition in Cummington, underground railroad, and depth of beliefs.
6. FH Dawes diaries. (orig. in cabinet)
Folder 7 Ford Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Letter from Cyrus Ford to Lewis Ford, Dec. 23 1848. Critiques presidential candidate, Zachary Taylor, as “man-killing, negro-driving bloodhound.”
2. Letter from Cyrus Ford, May 22, 1848. Request to discontinue Northampton Courier and get Hampshire Gazette because “the Courier is to Proslavery for our purpose.”
Folder 8 French Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Eliza French obituary, September 18, 1883.
“The antislavery cause had in her a staunch supporter, advocate and co-worker at a time when it cost censure, obloquy, and scorn.”
Folder 10 Kingman Family: Antislavery Activity
1. Levi Kingman. “Cummington” Hampshire Gazette Feb 7, 1865- alludes to Kingman’s being an “old veteran of the antislavery ranks”
2. Levi Kingman Photo and Poem. OOC1, p.lviii. Photo shows Kingman wearing white neckerchief said to be “his badge for antislavery.”
3. July 18, 1865 Gazette. Levi Kingman (as well as son Richmond Kingman, Nelson Brown, Rev JJ Dana etc.) speaks at July 4 town celebration of end of war.
Folder 11 William Packard: Antislavery Activity
1. Letters of William Lloyd Garrison, Vo. II. William’s cousin Theophilus Packard was VP AAS, 1837.
2. William Packard Work Diary. Wed Jan 13, 1836. “Go to Northampton Abolition.” (orig.)
3. Letter from Jacob Norton Porter to William Packard Nov. 25, 1869. Mentions how ideas of racial equality much more accepted than 30 years ago. “Then to believe it was called fanaticism and to preach it was a crime to be punished with rotten eggs, tar and feather, and sometimes the halter??? What has become of all those clergymen who a few years ago were such zealous advocates of the Patriarchal institution?...” (orig.)
4. Packard, Theophilus. Of Shelburne. William Packard’s uncle. Was VP of NE Antislavery Society in 1836 (from p.12 in Ruchames, A House Dividing Against Itself, Letters of WL Garrison).
Folder 12 Shaw Family Antislavery Activity
1. Shaw, Eliza and Oakes. Narrative by Eliza Shaw McMullen. Recollection of 1830s antislavery march. Eliza Shaw writes of “Passing up the winding street, we come to Liberty Knoll, long since leveled, and the site of a Congregational church, but for me it still bears the lofty pole which in the summer of 1834 or 1835, was raised there on that glorious old flag of the free might float to the summit….."
Folder 13 JS Stafford: Antislavery Activity
1. John Stafford, a vice president of the Massachusetts Antislavery Society, 1850-56. In “Officers of the Massachusetts Antislavery Society. 1840-1860”
Folder 14 JH Steadman: Antislavery Activity
1. “Death of Mr. [JH] Steadman.” Undated. Obit mentions he was abolitionist who ran antislavery newspaper in Cortland, NY 1846-8 and was part of the Underground Railroad after fugitive slave act. Lived in Cummington 1854-59 before moving to Brattleboro. Daughter married a Bartlett.
Folder 15 Rev. EA Stockman: Antislavery Activity
Boston Wesleyan Methodist minister who came to Cummington around 1854. Part of antislavery church.
1. Rev. EA Stockman. “Extract of a letter from Rev. EA Stockman” March 11, 1854. The Liberator. Discusses evolution of antislavery views b/w 1848-1854.
2. In report of March 9, 1855 meeting of American Antislavery Society, acknowledges state agents including CC Burleigh and EA Stockman.
Folder 16 Alden Tower: Antislavery Activity
1. Alden Tower obituary. “West Cummington.” Hampshire Gazette. April 3, 1880. Antislavery views mentioned.
2. Alden Tower. ER Brown recalls fiery moment when Alden Tower protested rejection of antislavery resolution. “Bryant Centennial Cummington, August the 16th, 1894.
II. MUSEUM ARTIFACTS
Artifacts pertaining to individuals who expressed support for the antislavery movement are located in the following rooms.
Arts and Industry Room
1. Homespun coverlet by Melissa Everett Dawes (circa 1847)
Bates Room
1. Trademark and 1855 Heater made by Gilbert Richards (signed 1856 and 1861 petitions)
Kitchen
1.Paddle signed by Mitchell Dawes (signed 1835 petition)
2. Flatware used by Veren Dawes (signed 1835 petition)
3. Miniature replica of Arunah Bartlett kitchen
Library
1. Photo of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Kingman
2. Pocket Book belonging to William Packard
3. Account book belonging to Gilbert Richards
4. Photo of Julia Stevens Lyman (signed Texas petition)
Tavern Room
1. Photo of Levi Kingman at age 70.
Tower Room
1. Alden Tower spectacles
2. Photo Alden Tower
Warner Room
1.Bonnet worn by Vesta Reed Warner (signed 1845 petition) (husband FJ Warner signed at least 2 petitions)
III. HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Cummington Center
1. Kingman Tavern Museum
Main St.
OOC1: No. 281. Lot No. 36-3. P. 331.
Home of Levi Kingman from 1817-1871. Kingman’s farm was a stop on the Underground Railroad where fugitive slaves came up from Florence and headed on North.
2. Village Congregational Church
Main St.
OOC1: No. 230. Lot no. 37-3, p. 311.
Church that excommunicated 7 members in 1854. Later passed antislavery resolutions.
3. Site of Baptist Church
Main St.
OOC1: No.274. Lot No. 37-3, p. 328.
The Baptist was the site of much abolitionist activity including conventions and meetings of the antislavery church. The church burned down in 1894. A new one was built, moved and converted into a house, which stands there now.
4. Hiram Brown house
Main St.
OOC1: No.272. Lot No. 37-3, p. 327.
Home and cabinet ship built by abolitionist Hiram Brown in 1848 and sold in 1867.
Cummington Hill
1.William Packard House
Bryant Road
OOC1: No. 300B. Lot no. 58-1, p. 340.
Home of William Packard from birth in 1799 until 1869. He was one of Cummington’s known early abolitionists, participating in meetings in the 1830s.
2. Site, First Congregational Church Society on Hill, third (site)
Potash Hill Road
OOC1: No. 313. Lot. no. 60-1, p.349.
Built in 1841 (after Congregational church divided into three). Abolitionist James D. Chapman was minister from 1844 to his death in 1854. While a significant number of members were abolitionists, some abolitionist resolutions failed to pass in 1853 though they did in 1858.
3. Site of James D. Chapman House
Potash Hill Road
OOC1: No.309. Lot no. 60-1, p. 347
Abolitionist minister resided at house on this spot from 1845 to 1854.
4. Site of FH Dawes/Melissa Everett Dawes House
Route 112/Powell Road
No. 316 Lot no. 52-1, p.350.
Home of FH Dawes from 1840-1868. Here he and wife Melissa E. Dawes sheltered fugitive slaves on the underground railroad. Dawes was also founding member of antislavery church.
5. Bryant Homestead
Route 112/Bryant Road
No. 321. Lot no. 50-1, p. 353
Home site originally of Squire Ebenezer Snell, whose slaves may have helped him clear the land when he came to Cummington in 1770s. Son-in-law Peter Bryant had antislavery publication in library and grandsons, Cyrus and John were active abolitionists in Illinois while famous grandson William C. Bryant, influential publisher of the New York Post, though less radical than brothers, was active in forming Republican party and publicly called for emancipation.
6. Site of Alden Tower House
Trouble St.
OOC-1. No. 343 Lot No. 21-1, 24-1. p. 362.
Alden Tower was an abolitionist. In this area, the Bartlett’s and Towers were all interlinked and all staunch abolitionists. Also known for sheltering slaves on underground railroad.
7. Site of Arunah Bartlett house
Trouble St.
OOC-1: No. 348 Lot no. 29-1, p. 364
Arunah Bartlett and his Amanda Tower Bartlett wife lead over 400 Cummington male and female residents to sign petition to Congress against admitting Texas as a slave state. In this area, the Bartlett’s and Towers were all interlinked and all staunch abolitionists. Also known for sheltering slaves on underground railroad.
Lightening Bug
1. Site of John Ford Mill
OOC1: No. 85, p. 254-55.
Site where Wesleyan Methodists celebrated British emancipation of slaves in British West Indies in 1834 and where Amos Dresser, abolitionist lecturer, showed his bloody shirt.
2. Site of Phillip Allen House
OOC1: No. 81, p. 252.
Site of home of Philip Allen, African American, who bought property in 1817, which remained with family for 99 years. Another house is constructed now on the same site.
3. James W. Briggs House
OOC1: No.82. pp. 253-254
Home of James W. Briggs, Deacon in Methodist Church from 1818-1845. It has been anecdotally passed down (in OOC1) that he sheltered fugitive slaves in this house. (but no hard evidence thus far and would precede fugitive slave act).
West Cummington
1. Universalist Church
West Main St.
No. 37. Lot no. 50-3, p. 232.
Now the West Cummington Church Parish House, this building was built as a Universalist Church in 1845. Passed antislavery resolution. Members included Alden Tower, Arunah Bartlett, and John Everett.
Headstones
Bryant Cemetery
(Trow Rd.)
1. Ephraim T., Bartlett
2. Luther Bartlett
3. Alden Tower
4. Laura Tower
Cummington Village Cemeter
(Main St.)
1. Levi Kingman
Dawes Cemetery
(Potash Hill Rd.)
1. Lydia Freeman Allen
2. Hiram Brown
3. Eveline Brown
4. Nelson Brown
5 James D. Chapman
6. F.H.Dawes, abolitionist
7. William Packard
