History of Richmond, (Berkshire County) Massachusetts United States of America

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Biographies:

Samuel Rossiter Betts, jurist, was born at Richmond, Mass., in 1787. He was graduated from Williams college in 1805, and soon after was admitted to the bar at Hudson, N.Y. His practice was interrupted by the war of 1812, in which he served as an officer, and was made judge-advocate on the staff of Governor Tompkins of New York. In 1814 he was elected a representative to the 14th U.S. Congress. He declined a re-nomination. From 1823 until a few years before his death he was judge of the United States district court. He codified the maritime laws of the United States. In 1830 Williams college conferred upon him the degree of LL.D. He is the author of a valuable book on "Admiralty Practice" (1838). He died in New Haven, Conn., Nov. 3, 1868.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Charles Chauncey Dwight, jurist, was born in Richmond, Mass., Sept. 15, 1830; son of Edwin (Wells) and Mary (Sherrill) Dwight of Richmond, Berkshire county, Mass.; grandson of Henry Williams and Abigail (Welles) Dwight of Stockbridge, Mass., and of Henry and Lois (Chitsey) Sherrill; great-grandson of Gen. Joseph and Abigail (Williams) Dwight, and a descendant of John Dwight of Dedham, Mass., 1634-35. He was graduated at Williams college in 1850, was principal of Coxsackie (N.Y.) academy, 1850-51, and was admitted to the bar in Albany, N.Y., in 1853, removing in 1854 to Auburn, N.Y., where he was elected county judge in 1859. On the outbreak of the civil war he raised a company of infantry and was elected its captain. He served in the department of the Gulf, was promoted assistant adjutant-general and in 1862 was made colonel of the 160th N.Y. volunteers. When the war closed he was mustered out of the volunteer service as colonel and resumed the practice of law in Auburn, N.Y. He was a member of the New York constitutional convention in 1867-68, and in March, 1868, was appointed justice of the supreme court for the 7th judicial district of New York. He was re-elected in 1869, 1877 and 1891, his term expiring in 1900. He was married July 29, 1868, to Emma, daughter of James M. and Ann (Sherwood) Munro of Camillus, N.Y. He was elected trustee of Auburn theological seminary in 1874, and was trustee of Cornell university, 1878-83. He received from Williams college the degree of LL D. in 1874.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Edward Aylesworth Perry, governor of Florida, was born in Richmond, Mass., March 15, 1831; son of Asa and Philura (Aylesworth) Perry; grandson of the Rev. David and Jerusha (Lord) Perry, and a descendant of Arthur Perry, Boston, 1630, member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery company, 1638, and of Arthur Aylesworth, North Kingston, R.I., 1681. Edward Aylesworth Perry matriculated at Yale college in the class of 1854, but left in 1855; went to Alabama, where he studied law, and practiced in Penncola, Fla., 1857-61. At the beginning of the civil war he recruited a company for the 2d Florida infantry and was commissioned successively captain, major and lieutenant-colonel. On the death of Col. George T. Woods at the battle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, he succeeded to the command of the regiment which was assigned to Garland's brigade, D.H. Hill's division, Longstreet's wing of Johnston's army. In the battle of Seven Pines May 31-June 1, 1862, the regiment was in Pryor's brigade., Anderson's division, Longstreet's corps, and also in the seven days' battle before Richmond. He was wounded at Frayser's Farm, June 30, 1862, but rejoined his brigade at Antietam. He was promoted brigadier-general and commanded the 2d, 5th and 8th Florida regiments in Anderson's division at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. His brigade at Gettysburg was conspicuous for the mortality of its men, losing the largest number of any brigade on the Confederate side. He was wounded a second time after distinguishing himself in the Wilderness campaign by driving back Burnside's troops on the Orange Plank road, May 5, 1864. He was unable to resume command of his brigade, and after the war resumed the practice of law in Pensacola. In 1884 he was elected governor of Florida by the Democratic party for the term expiring Dec. 31, 1888. In 1887 he was a prominent candidate before the Democratic caucus of the Florida legislature for U.S. senator, and after 100 ballots with no choice between himself and Ex-Governor Bloxham, both withdrew their names. Upon the expiration of his term as governor, he continued the practice of law, and while on a visit to Kerrville, Texas, died there Oct. 15, 1889.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor