claims, became associated with him as joint proprietors. The terms of
the grant were not strictly complied with, and, after an unsuccessful
attempt to bring in Dutchmen, a company of forty settlers from Westfield
purchased and took possession of the greater part of the township.
Difficulties with the Indians soon drove them back. The first permanent
settlement was made in 1749, and three years later occurred the birthday
of the town.

[Illustration: MAPLEWOOD AVENUE.]

In May, 1761, the first town meeting was held. At this time the name was
changed to Pittsfield in honor of William Pitt, for his vigorous conduct
of the war against France. Slaves were owned by many of the citizens,
and stocks and a whipping-post were set up. Saw mills and grist mills
were in operation; fulling mills held an important position, and shortly
afterwards the production of iron became considerable. The first
meeting-house was completed in 1770. The most pretentious dwelling-house
was "The Long House," owned by Colonel Williams. The first appropriation
for schools was twenty-two pounds eight shillings, in 1762.

In resistance to British oppression at the outbreak of the Revolution,
Berkshire County required no one to lead the way. "The popular rage,"
wrote Governor Gage, "is very high in Berkshire and makes its way
rapidly to the rest." In response to the Boston Port bill cattle and
money were sent to the sufferers. Resolutions were passed to discontinue
the consumption of English goods at whatever time the American Congress
should recommend such action. In August, 1774, Berkshire set the example
of obstructing the King's Courts. In the expedition for the capture of
Ticonderoga, in the invasions of Canada, and in Burgoyne's campaign, the
town and the county held a place among the foremost in efforts and