Deerfield — Men Of Note Born In Deerfield

Extracted from "History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, Volume II," by Louis H. Everts, 1879.


      Hon. Elihu Hoyt, son of David, was born in 1771. He was a colonel of Massachusetts militia, surveyor, and farmer. He married, in 1794, Hannah, daughter of Rev. James Taylor; was born, lived, and died in the "Old Indian House," which his father received with his wife from the Sheldon family in 1743. Col. Hoyt was a prominent figure in town and county affairs for many years. He represented the town in the General Court twenty-two years, was Senator twelve years, and died in 1833.
      Maj.-Gen. Epaphras Hoyt, brother of Elihu, was born in 1765. He was surveyor, student, antiquary, historian. He married, 1792, Experience Harvey. Was first register of deeds for Franklin County, 1811-14; high-sheriff, 1814-31; was deeply interested in military science; was offered an appointment in the United States army by Washington, which he declined. Published in 1798 a "Treatise on the Military Art," for the use of cavalry. In 1816 a new edition was issued, with instructions in the movement of regiments and armies in actual service, and the higher branches of the art of war. In 1813 he wrote an elaborate article on astronomy, of one hundred pages, as an introduction to Dickinson's "Geography;" was a contributor to Silliman's Journal, and other publications. In 1824 he issued his best-known work, "Antiquarian Researches." He left an unpublished work on Burgoyne's campaign, and made copious notes on the French-and-Indian wars,—of which he made an especial study,—which still exist in manuscript, if haply they have escaped the accidents of time. He died Feb. 7, 1850.
      Capt. Joseph Kellogg, son of Martin, born 1791. Feb. 29, 1704, one brother was killed; his father and four children—of whom he was one—were taken prisoners to Canada. After one year with the Indians, Joseph spent ten years traveling among them with French traders, and learned the language of all the tribes as well as the French. His brother Martin, who had escaped from captivity, accompanied Capt. Stoddard and Mr. Williams to Canada in 1714, and persuaded Joseph to return to New England with the promise of employment by the government. He was soon engaged as interpreter. In 1723 he was lieutenant under Capt. Samuel Barnard, and stationed at Northfield. At the close of this war the authorities of New York made him liberal offers to enter their service. He was put in charge of Fort Dummer, as truck-master, with a salary of £100. This post was left for a wider field of usefulness as general interpreter to the Indian tribes in 1740, continuing in this service until his death, at Schenectady, in 1756.
      Capt. Martin Kellogg, brother of Joseph, born in 1686; escaped from Canada, May, 1705, with three others, reaching home in June in a starving condition. He was taken again in August, 1708, while on a scout up the lakes; carried to Canada, where he remained several years, and became well acquainted with the French and Indian languages. He acted as interpreter on Capt. Stoddard's journey in 1714, and continued in public service in that capacity. He married Dorothy Chester, and settled in Newington, Conn. There he took charge of 12 Indian boys of the Hollis School, giving them instruction for about three years. He died in 1753.
      Rebecca Kellogg, sister of Martin, captured in 1704, probably returned with her brothers in 1714. Their sister, Joanna, married an Indian chief at Cagnawaga, and never came back. Rebecca married Capt. Benjamin Ashley, of Westfield, and both were employed in the Indian school at Stockbridge,—she as interpreter. She was also employed in this capacity elsewhere, and died while on a mission to the Susquehanna River with Rev. Gideon Hawley, in 1757.
      Hon. David Saxton was born in Somers, Conn., in 1734. He married, in 1759, Rebecca Barnard. He kept a tavern where Robert Childs lives. He was prominent in town affairs for a generation; an active and influential Whig, and representative of the town during nearly the whole period of the Revolution. He was State Senator for thirteen years, during the formation-period of the government. He died in 1800. Gen. Rufus Saxton of the United States army is a great-grandson.




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