Person:Nathaniel Edwards (5)

Nathaniel Edwards was a descendant of Alexander Edwards, who came to this country from the Wales. This progenitor was a tanner by trade, and also engaged in sheep and cattle raising at the start. He afterward combined these avocations with that of tavern-keeper. His inn was close by the first toll-gate west of Northampton, on the Boston and Albany turnpike, over which the stage lines ran.

It was about 1750 when Nathaniel being the first occupant of the farm, took possession of it. Nathaniel taught one of the earliest schools on South street. For a series of years, as many as twenty, this constituted, for a part of the year, his principal employment. The school house stood opposite his place of residence, on the spot where the present school building stands. Another particular shows his appreciation of learning. He sent one of his sons, Nathaniel Edwards, Jr., to college, 1782, who, however, did not take a full course.

It was said by one of his contemporaries, and the saying has come down in the family to the present time, that the first Nathaniel, during recess, used to send the boys to take some care of his fat cattle. His wife, Margaret Alvord, was daughter of Benjamin A., a weaver, also an express rider, and somewhat actively engaged in the French and Indian war. This worthy teacher deceased 1792, aged sixty-three.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Nathaniel Edwards, in Find A Grave.