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Page: 242
Historical Collections, by John Warner Barber
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242 COLERAINE. the principal business of the inhabitants. In 1837, there were 3,355 merino sheep, and 1, 398 of other kinds; the value of wool produced $7,460. Population of the town, 994. In 1838, a large proportion of an unincorporated tract of mountainous and broken land, called Zoar, with few inhabitants, on the western border of the town, was, by an act of the legislature, added to this town. COLERAINE. COLERAINE* was incorporated in 1761. It was previously called Boston Township. It was partly settled by emigrants from Ireland, who were Presbyterians in religious sentiment. The church in this place was Presbyterian till 1819, when it became Congregational. The first minister, Rev. Alexander McDowel, it is believed, was from Ireland. Rev. Daniel McClallen was born in Pennsylvania, but educated in Ireland. Very little in known of the early state of the religious affairs of the people, as either no church records were kept, or if kept have been lost. Mr. McDowel, the first minister, was settled in 1753; Mr. McClallen in 1769. The third minister, Rev. Samuel Taggart, was settled in 1777, and died in 1825; he retained his connection with his church and society till the close of life. He was a member of the house of representatives of the United States, from 1804, for 14 years. He is said to have remarked to a christian friend, that he had read the Bible through at Washington every year during the time he had served as a member of congress. Rev. Aretas Loomis succeeded Mr. Taggart in 1829.Coleraine has a larger population than any other town in Franklin county. It is finely watered by two branches of North river, a tributary stream of Deerfield river, affording water-power for a number of factories in various parts of the town, which are now in successful operation. After the union of the two branches of the North river in this town, in its course towards Deerfield river, it passes through a very narrow defile, with lofty elevations on each side, particularly on the north bank; the road, in some places, passes at a great elevation from the bed of the river, and to a lover of natural scenery in its varied forms this place possesses uncommon attractions. The engraving is a western view of part of the village in the central part of the town. The Methodist church appears on the right, and the Congregational on the left. This place is surronded by lofty elevations on almost every side. It is 9 miles from Greenfield, 30 from Adams, 30 from Northampton, 70 from Albany, N.Y., and 100 from Boston. Population, 1,998. In 1837 there were 3 cotton mills, 5,000 cotton spindles; 125,000 lbs. *It is said that this town was named from Lord Coleraine, in Ireland. His lordship was so well pleased with the honor done him that he sent the inhabitants a fine bell; but, through the unfaithfulness of the agent to whom it was intrusted, it never reached them. It is believed to be still in existence, and used in one of the churches in Boston. |
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