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

SPRINGFIELD, IG36-1SS6. 375
more as a graphic incident than a business matter tiiat the citizens in
1808 bouglit and freed a fugitive. It was in February tliat a bill of
sale was given by Peter van Geyseling, of Schenectady, to the select-
men of Springfield, by whicli a negro woman, '' Jenny," a fugitive,
was given her freedom. "Jenny" had become favorably known in
Springfield, and the subscription of $100 was easily raised. She and
lier husband, "Jack," lived for many years near Goose Pond (Lake
Como) , and they added to their fame by selling a fine quality of
spruce beer.
The " Old Academy " was started in the exciting year of 1812, and
while many a struggle was precipitated over the raising of funds, its
record was worthy of the people who were destined to found a city of
homes.
Religious matters also largely occupied the thought of the town at
this time. The half-way covenant was discontinued at the First
Church in 1795. Mr. Howard, whose voice had failed him, retired
from its pulpit in 1803, with a payment of $2,000, in three annual
instalments, as a recognition of his work here. It was not until
1809 that Samuel Osgood, a young man of parts, was ordained and
settled over the church, which had a membership of two hundred and
twenty-five, with a precinct population of two thousand two hundred.
Mr. Osgood was at first considered in danger of drifting with many
other New P^ngland ministers of the day into Unitarianism, but he
developed into a stout Orthodox divine. The old inhabitants have
many anecdotes of this remarkable man. He was brave, original,
clear-headed, earnest, and sound. Had he been called to public life,
it would have been as a Garrison or Phillips. He had the commanding-
qualities of a moral sentiment, love of humanity, and picturesque
methods of oratory. Men remember his wit, but better than that
was his sterling worth. He carried his warfare, however, to great
length. Owing to his personal opposition the Baptists were prevented
from securing a foothold for some years. Osgood's parishioners
were afraid even to attend Baptist meetings. The Baptists, after a