Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ... STORIES OF THE HOMESTEADS Broughton--Dickinson--Henry The house on the west side of the street at the "North End" is now the home of Mrs. David Henry. (See Directory of Industries.) Thomas Broughton was the first to make a home on this lot, which extended to the pond in the meadows, still called "Broughton's." In 1693 some "trading Indians" were camping on the hills across the river, and "ab' midnight (on the 6th of June) yy came upon ym & killed Thos. Broughton & his wife & Xdren 3." The frequency of Indian raids did not enhance the value of Deerfield real estate. After Broughton's death, this property was inventoried at 20, but three years later it was sold for "a mare at 3, and new cart wheels at 2. Here dwelt in later days Colonel Thomas Wells Dickinson, who served his country as commissary and soldier in the Revolution. (See Frary House.) From papers left by him, we learn that at a critical time his superior said that unless he, Dickinson, could do "something extraordinary" in securing supplies, Washington would be driven from the field. He did accomplish the "extraordinary," and delivered the needed cattle at Hatfield. Afterwards as lieutenant, he heard read at West Point--perhaps from the Orderly Book now in Memorial Hall--that "Treason of the Blackest Die was Yesterday Discovered," thus being a part of the beginning and seeing the end of Benedict Arnold's career. Wells--Ashley Next south of the Broughton house, in 1693, dwelt the family of Lieutenant Thomas Wells, who until his death, in 1690, was commander of the soldiers here. His commission, signed by Governor Andros, is in Memorial Hall. On the night when the Broughtons were killed, his widow Hepzibah and three children were "knocked on the head and...