‘Westmoreland was properly settled in 1741, although several attempts had been made before this date to settle it, but, on account of many Indians dwelling in and around it, the white men did not dare to enter and claim it; and when they did their first work was to build forts at different points, each to be guarded by some ten men to keep watch for the approach of the wild men. As they saw signs of their coming upon them, they would hurry their women and children into the forts and so fire upon Indians through port holes, driving them away, or killing them.

This township was some seven miles east and west and six miles north and south, having great diversity of surface and decided attractions to the Indians. The Connecticut River runs through the western portions; then there are several large sand “beds and many lofty hills, deep vales with flowing streams through dense woods within its limits. Game was plentiful. In this region the Red Men could hunt, fish, sport and bivouac with greatest delight. The salmon and deer were a decided luxury to them. The great meadows on the river and the forests on the hills and the terrace formations through the lowlands were very dear to them and they wanted to abide here; but they cherished spite and hatred against the white faces, therefore, they were obliged to fight them, till they were destroyed or driven far away. As they left, new settlers hastened to the town, felled trees and built log houses from the timber, cultivating cleared spots, planting corn, beans and potatoes.

Soon they erected the church and schoolhouse. They attended religious services on Sunday and schooled their children, as best they could. They early introduced cattle, sheep,