Notes |
- "His early education was limited to the knowledge which could be gained at the public schools, then of inferior quality, but was supplemented by reading and study in later years. Brought up on his father's farm, he early acquired habits of industry, economy and temperance, which remained with him through life, and doubtless were responsible for much of the success which he attained. He devoted his life to farming, by which he acquired a handsome property, much of which was donated to benevolent objects. He united with the First church in 1816; in 1824, he was one of the founders of the church in South Amherst, contributing liberally to its support during his life, and at his death bequeathing it funds with which the parsonage now in use was purchased. He was a regular attendant at town-meetings, seldom taking part in the discussions, but when he did speak his words bore with them the weight of character and wisdom. He served the town as selectman and, in 1828, as representative to the General Court. In 1812, he received a commission as lieutenant, and went with a company raised in this part of the state to Boston, but was not called into active service. From this time he was known as 'Lieutenant' Dickinson. He was married, April 27, 1809, to Lois Dickinson of Amherst; having no children, he devoted, in later years, the income of his large property to charitable and benevolent objects. He gave generously to Amherst Academy, Amherst College and Mount Holyoke Seminary. The expenses of the 'Nineveh Gallery' at Amherst College were borne by him; in his will he provided for a perpetual scholarship at the college, which bears his name." [1]
|