Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

SPRINGFIELD, 1636-1SS6. 335
lived on the site of ttie Boston & Alban}' depot. He learned the
cooper's trade in the shop of Captain Alexander (near the carriage-
shop of David Smith) . The
captain, like all his calling, went about
from house to house hooping barrels.
We have referred to Dr. Breck's notable funeral in 1784. The
previous year Springfield was called to the solemn service of
burying another notable man, Dr. Charles Pynchon, whose uame
figures often in the local annals. He lived on the south side of
Ferry lane (Cypress street) near the corner of Main, and he owned
the building on the corner, having there an office and an apothecary's
shop. In former years Ferr}' lane promised to be the business
centre of the town, and even at that late date it had its ambitions.
Dr. Pynchon had a wide practice all through the valley. Opposite
the doctor's office Zebina Stebbins had his residence as well as a
dry-goods store. Mr. Stebbins was a good deal of a character,
thrifty in business, and faithful to all trusts. He was overseer of
the poor, and if he once proposed to make up a job-lot of coffins
for a group of aged unfortunates under his charge, pending their
demise, it was because he had an eye to finance, and not because he
was lacking in qualities of heart. Zebina desired finally to get rid
of the building on the south side of the lane. In 1785 this building-
was moved to the east side of JNIain street. It contained a printing
establishment, and there also Gad Stebbins had his apothecary shop.
Dr. Stebbins sold also tea, coffee, needles, and Bibles.
The death of Dr. Charles Pynchon had been preceded in January
by the death of the venerable William Pj^nchon, aged eighty, who
had spent his last days with William, his son (Ha^^nes's hotel site),
familiarly known as Major A¥illiam. The major's brother John lived
opposite, on the east side of the street, dying also at an advanced
age (1826, aged eighty-four).
There are still living a few persons who will remember John
Pynchon, as he appeared on the streets with cocked hat and small
clothes. The boys were his friends, as they used to ride his horse