Readers so commonly pass over the introductory, the writer will be pardoned, in this instance, for consulting brevity. This work originated in a small beginning, viz. : in an effort to ascertain the number of Northampton graduates at Williams College. The result, published in the Hampshire Gazette, contained the suggestion that some one or more would prepare a list of all college graduates belonging to the town. After waiting awhile, no response coming from any quarter, the purpose was formed to commence what at length has been accomplished. The only thing serving, at the outset, as a guide, was a statement of President Timothy Dwight, made about 1815, namely, that one hundred young men of Northampton had received a public education. Nothing was hinted as to their names, the families, and the particular college with which they were connected, or the year of their graduation. It was soon seen that an amount of work had been undertaken, not readily described. But nothing is denied to well directed diligence. Perseverance conquers all things. If discouragements and obstacles arose, so also came valuable helpers, as the exigency required. It may safely be said the labor, attended with much positive enjoyment, ...
Antiquities, Historicals and Graduates of Northampton
