History of Ashfield, Massachusetts, USA

1743 - Ashfield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1764 - The town of Ashfield is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Ashfield
Ashfield, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This town was first settled in 1754, and, until its incorporation in 1764, it was called Huntstown. Population, 1837,—1,656. This town is on elevated land between Deerfield and Westfield rivers, to each of which it sends a small tributary. It has small manufactures of leather, scythe snaiths, spirits and essences, and about 8000 sheep. It is 105 miles W. from Boston, 12 S.W. from Greenfield, and 15 N.W. from Northampton.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - ASHFIELD. [Pop. 1,610. Inc. 1765.]
Ashfield was granted to Captain Ephraim Hunt, of Weymouth, for military services in the expedition against Canada, in 1690, and it was called Huntstown before its incorporation.

The surface is hilly, and the inhabitants are chiefly farmers.

Distance from Greenfield, 18 miles; from Boston, 105.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Ashfield
The territory comprising this town was granted to Capt. Ephraim Hunt, of Weymouth, as a compensation for services rendered in the Canada expedition of 1690. It was actually conveyed to his heirs forty-six years afterwards, and was settled by a few families in 1742. It was incorporated as a town in 1764; previous to that time it went by the name of Huntstown, from the name of its original proprietor. Richard Ellis, a native of Ireland, was the first permanent settler; Thomas Phillips, with his family, from Easton, was the next; Chileab Smith, from South Hadley, was the third settler. These persons all settled in the north-eastern part of the town. Mr. Chileab Smith settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son Chaleab, who is 96 years of age, and in good health at this time, (1837.)

The first regular church formed in this town was of the Baptist denomination. It was constituted in July, 1761, and consisted of nine members. In the following August the Rev. Ebenezer Smith, the ... Read MORE...

1854 - Ashfield
Ashfield, a post-township of Franklin county, Massachusetts, about 105 miles W. by N. of Boston, between the Westfield and Deerfield rivers. Population, 1394.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1871 - The town of Ashfield, Mass., was recently obliged to pay $19,135.81 to a lady who was injured by falling through a defective bridge.
Before the commencement of the suit the lady offered to settle for $1,000; but the Selectmen of the town were obstinate and preferred the suit.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 11, 1871

Ashfield Massachusetts, 1890
Ashfield is an uneven and hilly grazing town in the southwestern part of Franklin County, having Hawley and Buckland on the north, Conway on the east, Goshen on the south, and Plainfield and Hawley on the west. It lies at an elevation of about 1,200 feet, on the highlands midway between Deerfield and Westfield rivers, sending to the former, as tributaries, Clesson's Brook, Bear and South rivers; and to the latter, Stone's Brook and Swift River. Peter's Hill, Ridge Hill, Mill Hill, and Mount Owen are prominent elevations. Great Pond, near the centre of the town, covering sixty acres, is enclosed as a beautiful gem between them. From it runs romantic South River, flowing through the central village on the plain, then winding southward about the base of the hills, to South Village on the eastern side of the town; whence it turns northward again to meet Deerfield River. Ground laurel and bay are common here. Calcareous mica-schist forms the geological structure.

The town has 24,097... Read MORE...

1895 - Ashfield / Ashfield Plain
Ash'field, or Ashfield Plain, a post-village and summer resort of Franklin co., Mass., 32 miles N.N.W. of Springfield. It has 3 churches, an academy, a fire-insurance company, a fine public library, and manufactures of lumber and wooden-ware. Pop. of Ashfield township, 1190.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Ashfield, or Ashfield Plain, a post-village and summer-resort of Franklin co., Mass., 32 miles NNW. of Springfield. It has a fine public library, manufactures of lumber and wooden-ware, etc. Pop. of Ashfield township (town) in 1900, 955.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in and around Ashfield:
Ashfield Lake:

Start your visit with a relaxing day at Ashfield Lake. It's a serene spot for picnics, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty.

Elmer's Store:

Don't miss Elmer's Store, a quintessential New England general store. Grab a cup of coffee, browse through local crafts, and soak in the friendly atmosphere.

Ashfield Farmers' Market:

If you're in town on a Saturday morning (May to October), visit the Ashfield Farmers' Market. You'll find fresh produce, artisanal products, and a vibrant community spirit.

Ashfield Fall Festival:

If your visit coincides with October, check out the Ashfield Fall Festival. It's a local tradition featuring crafts, food, music, and the picturesque backdrop of fall foliage.

Double Edge Theatre:

Experience unique outdoor performances at the Double Edge Theatre. This avant-garde theatre company often stages shows in breathtaking natural settings.

Hike in DAR State Forest:

DAR State Forest, just a short drive away, offers ... Read MORE...