1
15
4
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https://digitalamherst.org/files/original/4d4d4cc2d98735414603c66cbdbd4bb7.pdf
350ada1f1dbf2f98bd5ab4c5dddcfd4d
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Amherst Tax Records Collection
Description
An account of the resource
The Amherst Tax Records Collection is made up of a selection of digitized versions of the property tax records for Amherst, Mass. residents (and Hadley 3rd Precinct before the creation of the town of Amherst).
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Account book
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Amherst tax records, 1780
Language
A language of the resource
English
Subject
The topic of the resource
Property tax -- Massachusetts -- Amherst
Amherst (Mass.)
Description
An account of the resource
Tax record book showing property owned and its value.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Jones Library Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1780
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This digital file may be used for educational uses, as long as it is not altered in any way. Prior written permission is required for any other use of the digital files from the Jones Library.
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Documents
1700s
1780s
Account books
Government
-
https://digitalamherst.org/files/original/8be1b20104c9562133faffd3dbdb0239.pdf
fa517d3c265386e0dcac3c94694e73d8
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Document
Text
Any textual data included in the document.
To the Rev. Parsons and delegates from the several churches of
Northampton, Hatfield, Southampton, Williamsburgh, Whately &
Westhampton in council assembled at Amherst on Monday
the 30th day of Septr A.D. 1782
Gentlemen
In as much as it has been agreeable to your several
churches to grant our request to them expressed in our ----?
in appointing you to advise and assist us under our present [disa---?]
greeable circumstances; we beg leave to lay before you for your
consideration and advise thereon a more full and particular [account?]
of the several matters of grievance subsisting in our minds with
regard to the settlement of Mr. David Parsons as Pastor of the
Church and Congregation in this town.
And in the first place we consider ourselves as being treated
in an unchristian like, and unfair manner by a majority of
the Church, in that, they have proceeded in a hasty & unbecoming
way to procure Mr. Parsons to preach here, in the first place
Contrary to the authority of the town expressed by their vote of
May 18th, 1781 which was that the -----? be a commentary to
provide the town with a preacher, soon after which vote was passed
in town meeting, a member of the church (uneasy as we suppose
that the -----? by advice of the neighboring ministers
were about to procure another gentleman in preference to
Mr. Parsons to supply the pulpit in this town) procured a church
meeting to be called to prevent the committee appointed by [ye?]
aforesaid vote of the town from procuring any other person to
supply the pulpit except Mr. Parsons. Accordingly a church
meeting was immediately called, and the church without giving
opportunity to said committee to pursue their -instructions; by
their votes and influence procured a town meeting, which town
meeting being called on the 25th day of June 1781, the following
votes were passed, to wit, that as soon as convenient the town
will be in a way for the ------? of the gospel ordinances
among them, 2d that the town are willing to concur with
the [chh?] in all pro----? measures for the settlement of
the gospel ministry and ordinances.
And after having [spoken?] a committee of the town to join
with the committee of the chh to procure a [settlement?] of the gospel ordinances in this town. The following -----?
was ----?, to wit, that the committee be directed to
employ Mr. David Parsons to supply the pulpit for the
--page 2--
by all which votes and proceedings of the chh and town we are of [opinion?]
that it was the predeterminate resolution of the majority of the chh
to have Mr. Parsons the sole candidate for settlement in the
ministry in this town, altho' afterwards, after a general declaration
that Mr. Parsons would not consider himself as a candidate for
the ministry (which we suppose to be a feigned assertion by his
friends; It was voted by the town December 17th, 1781 that the com
mittee be directed as soon as may be to procure a candidate for the
ministry to preach in this town in preference of which direction
of the town the committee (by advice of a council of ministers
assembled for the installment of Mr. Strong of Williamsburgh)
applied to, and procured Mr. Henry Ely to supply the pulpit for
a short term, which worthy gentleman had not long laboured
in our service, before it was reported that Mr. Parsons would
offer himself as a candidate for settlement in the ministry
Whereupon a meeting was called and a majority of the town
voted to invite Mr. David Parsons to preach here on probation
for settlement.. who has supplied the pulpit ever since..by
which proceedings of the chh and town we consider ourselves
as injured in that when they knew that more than one third
part of the town were opposed to Mr. Parsons they refused
hearing any other candidate, which reasonable request if
granted might have prevented the uneasiness and troubles now
now prevailing in this town, the aforesaid request was often made &
----? for reasons hereafter to be be inserted, but always denied
with an unbecoming ----? alleging that they were
the majority, and it must be that the minority must be
bound by their proceedings
With regard to Mr. Parsons As there has been for many years
past divers disputes and controversies between parties in this
town relative to political principles in some of which his
family have taken part, and been interested, we doubt not
but the gentleman is prejudiced against many of the
inhabitants of this town, and as these parties still -----?
in town, we consider him as taking part with, and being
unreasonably influenced by particular [Parsons?] of the one
party, and prejudiced against [Parsons?] of the other party;
Whereas we suppose a minister ought to be free from all
kinds of prejudice towards the people or any part of them.
As to his political principles although we are not absolutely
acquainted with them, yet by his [reservedness?] & manner
of expression in his public performances, as well as by
--page 3--
some expressions in private conversation we are fully of opinion that
he is not a friend to the independence of America, and of consequence
not friendly to those who are opposed to the dominion of Great
Britain over the United States.
As to his principles with regard to church government
and discipline we are at a loss to determine what they are and
it appears to us by his own conversation that he hath not
determined for himself what they may be. These matters
we think, ought to be clearly understood, pointed out and agreed
upon previous to the settlement of a minister, that we may
know when we offend, and if an offence be committed, the we
may know how and in what manner the offender shall
be tried, convicted, and punished.
As to ability of body we consider him by reason of
infirmity to be incabable of [safe?] application to study, and
thereby rendered unfit to perform the duties appertaining
to the sacred office.
Furthermore we consider him more general in
his observations in public discourse than is profitable to
enlighten the mind in the doctrines of faith, repentance and
regeneration. Finally we consider him as unduly influ-
enced by interest otherwise he would have left us and gone to
some other parish where he might have settled in peace
and harmony as it is given out by himself and friends
that he hath had many such offers, and not have continued in
this town contrary to the minds of more than a third
part of it.
The foregoing and such like considerations lying with
weight on our mind hath so far alienated our affections and
esteem from Mr. Parsons as to render him an unprofitable
and disagreeable preacher to us = We therefore pray you to
take the premises into your wise consideration and grant us your advice
assistance and direction respecting the same = wishing you
that wisdom that is profitable to direct, we are in behalf
of a large number of the church and inhabitants of the
town of Amherst, your friends in the fellowship of
of the gospel
John Billing
Ebenr Mattoon Jr.
Sept 30th, 1782
a true copy
attest
John Billing
Hezekiah Belding
--page 4--
to the settlement of Rev.
David Parsons, by the
aggreived members of
the church
Sept 30, 1782
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Objections to the settlement of David Parsons as minister
Subject
The topic of the resource
Church controversies
Tories
English
Political activists
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Influence
Amherst (Mass.)
Description
An account of the resource
Written communication listing the grievances of members of the First Congregational Church of Amherst to the settlement of the Rev. David Parsons, Jr. as minister for the parish. It is signed by Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. and John Billings. One of the reasons listed is that "he is not a friend to the independence of America, and of consequence not friendly to those who are opposed to the dominion of Great Britain over the United States." This statement implies that political differences split the First Parish congregation and led to the organization of the Second Congregational Church.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Jones Library Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1782-09-30
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This digital file may be used for educational uses, as long as it is not altered in any way. Prior written permission is required for any other use of the digital files from the Jones Library.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
English
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Folder: Parsons, David, Jr. -- Settlement
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Manuscripts
1700s
1780s
Revolutionary War
War Peace and Human Rights
-
https://digitalamherst.org/files/original/appealtowomen_78cbc9c910.jpg
ba32d8a7d5dd254b1358ff0cd2f300cf
Omeka Image File
The metadata element set that was included in the `files_images` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all image files.
Bit Depth
8
Channels
3
Height
800
IPTC String
Array
(
)
Width
679
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Manuscript
Text
Any textual data included in the document.
Amherst December 20th 1781
An address to the Ladys of this Town
On consideration of the great and necessary charges arise
Ing on the Inhabitants of this town. By reason of the expensive
Defence made against our unnatural Enemies, together with the
Debts demanded by our own Citizens at the Present day
therefore it appears highly Reasonable that all Persons
Receiving Benefits from the Defence of our Pleasant
and fertile country and other ways should be touched by a warm &
Benevolent Zeal to Lend their assistance to Encourage
their over Burdened friends and Neighbors who are
by the Laws of our Land taxed to fray the Charges
thereof Publick & Domestick; the address is seriously
to awaken the attention of the [female] virtuous
and compassionate Womenkind Espeacially such as are
yet in single Life to cashe into the treasury
of amherst their volentary gifts for the Relief
of those who no Doubt you wish well
unto and in whose welfare you will? share? a part
firmly Persuaded of Justice? In so Reasonable a Request to
such Aprehensive Quick sighted sympathizing Matrons
we shall Lend our hand to distinguish the Names and Carecters
of such worthy deeds to their Lasting Honnour
you the Ladys that come to the Knowledge of this ad [???]
will be so good as to subscribe their Names and their
gifts to the town treasury or the select men
or other ways as they shall see Cause.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Appeal to Amherst women for funds
Subject
The topic of the resource
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783; Women -- Massachusetts -- Amherst
Amherst (Mass.)
Description
An account of the resource
Appeal for financial contributions addressed to the women of Amherst in order to help offset the heavy tax burden imposed on the town treasury by the Revolutionary War.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Jones Library Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1781-12-20
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This digital file may be used for educational uses, as long as it is not altered in any way. Prior written permission is required for any other use of the digital files from the Jones Library.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
image/jpg
Language
A language of the resource
English
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Folder: Amherst -- Women
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photographs
1700s
1780s
Revolutionary War
War Peace and Human Rights
-
https://digitalamherst.org/files/original/7d2d6cfe15d3fa7d13102ff5471c55b9.pdf
3a2bf2f17e491de66d52609307b040c1
Document
A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text.
Original Format
If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Correspondence
Text
Any textual data included in the document.
Stockbridge March 5 1787
Dear Sir,
When you was here, I had the most sanguine prospects of making you a payment before this time, but we have had nothing but a scene of war and distress since the beginning of Feby. which has prevented my collecting any money worth your receiving, you may depend on my exercions in your favor as soon as there is the least propect of success -- On Tuesday morning the 27 ulto. about daybreak I had my house surrounded by twelve armed men, with a demand of enterance and surrender to Shays with the most horrid imprecations and diabolical visages that is possible to possess the human appearance before we could have time to determine whether it would be best to grant them enterance, they drove their bayonets thru the window of my lodging room and by repeated thrusts broke the sash and 6 or 8 lights of glass, in the room I, my wife and small children lodged, then with the same degree of vailance burst an outside door and an entery door which led into the same room, pointed the bayonet to my wives breast, with a demand of arms and arminition at the same time they had found enterance into almost every room of my house, after getting what arms and arminition they could find, and what plunder they pleased, which consited of cloathing, silver buckles some cash hats etc etc they ordered us to prepare to march immediately to head quarters, which was then at Mr. Bingham, where I found almost all my neighbours in the same unhappy situation. The commanding officer, Capt. Hamblin, informed me I must go with him and gave me permission to return home and take an horse or sleigh and what other comforts I pleased, which I considered as a very great indulgence, they plundered 6 horses and mounted them as videts [?] and marched out of town sun almost two hours high in the morning with 32 prisioners, we went to Barrington where they were joined by a number more, our Friends at Barrington got information timely to make their escape to Sheffield, where with an uncommon ardor and spirit they collected a force sufficient to attack them, which they did on the road from Barrington to Sheffield, tho; they decoyed them out of the common road, there strength was nearly equal the prisioners were pressed on at the point of the bayonet ot the scene of action a cruelty unknown in the most barbarous Nation, but kind providence so ordered it that but one of the poor prisioners fell, whether by the fire of our people or the rebels is uncertain, the attack was vailant and resolute on both sides, Hamblin received a mortal wound, which disconcerted his men, and they fled with precipitation into every direction, leaving one dead and two mortally wounded, by the seasonable reinforcement under Genl. Patterson in their rear, about fifty of there number were made prisioners, we lost two killed and one wounded, but I hope not mortal, Thus ended this rash incursion of the rebels, which they plumed themselves much on - I have spun out this to a much greater length then I intended, am
Your Friend
& Servt.
Erastus Sargeant.
Maj. Sheppard
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to Major General Shepard about Shays' Rebellion
Subject
The topic of the resource
Shays' Rebellion, 1786-1787
Stockbridge (Mass.)
Description
An account of the resource
Dr. Erastus Sargeant writes to Major General William Shepard describing being captured by Shays' Regulators as they attack and loot the town of Stockbridge. They are defeated during a final bloody encounter with government militia at Sheffield, MA on February 27, 1787.<br /><br />Shepard was chosen major general of the Fourth Division of the Massachusetts militia in 1786 and defended the Springfield Arsenal in January and February 1787 during Shays' Rebellion. Dr. Sargeant mentions being marched to Shays' headquarters in Stockbridge at Mr. Bingham's. This location would be the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, which was founded by Silas Bingham and his wife Anna.<br /><br />A similar account is mentioned in several published letters in <a href="http://memorialhall.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=18938&img=0&level=advanced&transcription=1">Multiple articles from The New-Haven Gazette and The Connecticut Magazine newspaper regarding Shays' Rebellion</a>.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Sargeant, Erastus
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Jones Library Special Collections
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1787-03-05
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This digital file may be used for educational purposes, as long as it is not altered in any way. Prior written permission is required for any other use of the digital files from the Jones Library.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
application/pdf
Language
A language of the resource
English
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Folder: Shays' Rebellion - Documents
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Correspondence
1700s
1780s
Shays Rebellion
War Peace and Human Rights