History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1748.] SCHOOL LANDS—SCHOOLS—MILL CONTROVERSY. 101
and "behind tlie liigli enclosure miicli mischief was carried
on during Sunday services. One method of diversion was
to cut and liack the woodwork with penknives, and many
a hole was made, through which the j^oungsters peered or
held communication with their fellows.
Death-rate for Three Froui 1745 to 1748, much sickuess pre-
^^^^s- vailed throughout the town, and many
deaths occurred. The family of Samuel
Clarke" was sorely afflicted. In 1745, four children from
twenty-five to twenty-nine years of age, died within four
months. By his will, made in March of that year, he dis-
tributed a large estate to four sons and seven daughters.
Within a twelvemonth only two sons and five daughters
were living, and one of the latter died in 1747. Samuel
Clarke died at the age of fifty-seven years. He was a great
grandson of William Clarke Sr. He was twice married
and had fourteen children, of whom only six were living in
1748. A stone was placed at his grave, on which were
chiseled the following lines : —
" Awful is the command but just,
That bids these five lie slumbering in the dust,
Father and four children, all in their bloom
Within four months were seated in the tomb.
Each died in hope, each here in silence lies,
Till the last trump shall bid them rise."
In 1745, there were thirty-nine deaths registered ; in 1746,
thirty-two ; in 1747, twenty-seven ; and in 1748, forty-three.
The entire population of the town at that time, was about
one thousand, probably a little less.