The Worcester spy., 1899-08-21
RICHARDSON FARM.
Location One of the
Most Historic in
the Country.
SPOT WHERE GEN. WILSON FELL.
Scenes of the Quoboag War
Plainly Marked On
the Old Place.
SPOT WHERE GEN. WILSON FELL.

North Brookfeld, Aug. 2O-Grangers
in this vicinity are stin talking of the
fine reception given them at the hand
some country home of Carlton D. Rich
ardson in West Brookfield on Wednes
day at the annual field day of the Qua
boag Pomona Grange. First in their
minds is the fraternal usage given them
by Mr.. Richardson and his family, and
second only to this are their lavish
praises of the grounds and the sur
rounding country.
In tour of observation about this
fine farm, The Spy reporter met with
some Of the most historic spots in Mas
sachusetts. The farm of Mr.. Richard
son Is situated on a broad plateau,
about three-quarters of mile from the
pretty little village of West Brookfield
Its intrinsic value lies in the fact that
here were enacted some of the most
stirring scenes Of colonial days, when
every tree sheltered a lurking foe and
every rock was fort for red-skinned
Nipmuck bent on dealing death and
destruction to the hated palefaces who
were gradually but surely usurping
their lands
AS one gazes at the fine country ly-
ing about, he can find no reason for
blaming the poor savage for striving
with might and main to drive the white
invaders out of this domain, which is
one of the finest pieces of land in Wor-
cester county. Right here were the
fields where King Phillips war was
waged, and here are some of the spots
that are of the most historic value IN
New England history, as it deals with
the Indians.
But few yards, perhaps 20 or 30,
from the house now occupied by Mr..
Richardson is the site of the famous
Brookfield block house besieged by
Indians in 1875. Every reader of his
tory is familiar with the story of how
the Indians besieged this house and,
after trying every other method Of get
ting the occupants out, so that they
could gloat over their sufferings, load
ed a cart with flax and hemp, and, after
setting the mass afire, pushed it against
the house, expecting to burn the pale
faces out, and from their places in the
woods kill them at their pleasure.
Also how providential shower came
up and extinguished the blaze The
spot where stood this historic house is
marked by slab, on which are IN
scribed the words Here stood the for
titled block house, besieged in King
Philips war, Aug. "a, 1875" About
100 yards from the house and up a
gradual incline stands the big pock be-
hind which the redskins hid while they
were loading their cart, preparatory to
rushing it down the grade to the house.
The face of the rock is marked with the
inscription Indian Rock, 1875"
Behind this same rock was the savage
who shot Maj. Wilson as he went from
the block house to the well to obtain
water for the prisoners. At the base
of this rock is implanted a tall flag
pole, from the pinnacle of which flies
large starry flag.
The first thing that strikes the WIS.,
itor as he comes to the Richardson
homestead, after the fine appearance
of the place, is a rock bearing the words
The well at which Maj. Wilson was
shot, 1875" But short distance from
this spot is another of equal historic
value. 1t is the site of the old meet
ing house, burned by the Indians. This
spot, too. is marked, and the passer
can read as he runs Here stood the
first and second meeting houses. First
burned by Indians, Aug. 4, 1875. Second
dedicated Oct. 16, 1717." Only short
distance from where the meeting
houses were erected is the gigantic rock
known as Whitefield rock, because it
was from this rock that George White
field in 1740 preached to the good folk
who had gathered from miles around to
hear him.
The rock shows the inscription
"Whitefield, 1740.' This plateau seems
to have been the chosen battle-ground
of the vengeful Philip. Outside the
Quaboag Historical Society members
and the grangers, it is safe to say that
very few people of this vicinity know
the exact location Of these historic
spots, When the old block house was
standing the town was Brookfield.
Mr.. Richardson's farm is model Of
neatness. The grounds are well kept
and are undoubtedly among the finest
in Worcester county.
William Murphy of Bell street can
thank his lucky stars that there were
strong and willing hands to help him
this afternoon, to save him from
watery grave in Lashaway. He was
seized by a cramp while in bathing near
Fred L. Harding's cottage, and in an
other moment would have sunk to rise
no more had he not been assisted by
several swimmers who needed his cries
for help. The young man had gone
down for the second time and could
do nothing to aid himself when help
Icame.
The travel was heavy on the local end
of the Warren, Brookfield & Spencer
lime today, the majority of the riders
going to the concerts at Lashaway
park. The All Stars company from G.
j. Gorman's agency finished a weeks
entertainment today, and next week
the New York entertainers will furnish
amusement
Many members of the st. Josephs
parish attended services today with the
expectation OF hearing Rev. James P.
Tuite remark on the recent episodes of
the French church fight. Father Tlite
however, ignored the matter entirely,
as he says he considers it of no import
lance.
Miss Annie Tobn of Albany is the
guest of her cousin, Miss Mary Boyle.
AT st. Joseph's Church today the
banns of marriage were published for
the FIRST time between Joseph Mineau
and Miss Matilda Countess and Peter
Benoit of East Brookfield and Emma
Mangion of this town.
Paw DOrfar af