My Genealogy Hound

ERASTUS JAMES INGHAM, the enterprising proprietor of the old Ingham homestead in Middlefield, was born on June 10, 1828, son of Erastus John and Vesta (Dixon) Ingham. His paternal grandparents, Erastus and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Ingham, were both born in Connecticut. In the latter part of their married life they removed to Middlefield, Mass., and purchased the farm now owned by their grandson. The grandfather, besides being a successful agriculturist, devoted considerable attention to public affairs, and took an active interest in politics. He was well known and quite prominent, serving in various offices, among which may be mentioned that of Justice of the Peace and Representative to the State legislature.

Mr. Ingham’s father was about twenty years of age when his parents settled in Middlefield. He, however, remained with them, helping in the cultivation of the farm. Upon his father’s death he purchased the homestead and lived there for the remainder of his life. He confined his attention chiefly to his farm work, and was quite successful in his management. His wife, Vesta Dixon, bore him six children, as follows: Milton, who married Miss Mileta Ballon, both deceased; Samuel, who married Miss Clarissa Alderman, both also deceased; Maria and Mary (twins), respectively married to Romeo Alderman and Walter Pease; Andrew, who died at fourteen years of age; and Erastus James. All the children were educated in a select school. The father was a Republican and an active politician. Both parents were influential members of the Congregational church, the father serving as Trustee and always taking a keen interest in the work of the organization.

Erastus James Ingham lived with his parents until their death, caring for them in their old age. He then purchased the old homestead, and has since carried on general husbandry, while devoting considerable attention to dairying. On February 4, 1850, his marriage with Miss Julia Pease was performed. She was born in March, 1830, daughter of Daniel Pease, who was among the earliest settlers of Hampshire County. She has borne her husband four daughters, as follows: Alida, a successful teacher, who died at seventeen years of age; Lillie, the wife of Wayland F. Smith, a prosperous farmer residing in West Springfield, Mass.; Elnora, who died aged one year and nine months; and Nora, who married J. T. Bryan, a successful farmer residing in Middlefield.

Mr. Ingham is actively interested in political matters and a loyal supporter of the Republican party. Appreciating his zeal for the welfare of the town, the citizens have from time to time elected him to various offices of trust and responsibility. For several years he has served as Selectman. He and his family are communicants of the Congregational church, in which they are prominent workers.