Dividing Lines: How the South Parish Became Hampden

As the population in the southern part of Wilbraham steadily increased during the 18th century, so did the desire for a place of worship closer to home. The Scantic River region, which was somewhat removed from the town center, developed a strong sense of community. This led to the formal establishment of a second parish on June 11, 1782, when the Town of Wilbraham was officially divided into two religious precincts. The new division became known as the South Parish of Wilbraham, which we now call Hampden.

Over the decades that followed, the South Parish made multiple attempts to gain independence and form its own town. These early efforts were unsuccessful, but perseverance eventually paid off. On March 28, 1878, the Massachusetts Legislature granted approval for the area to break away and form its own municipality. With that victory came a pivotal question: what should the new town be called?

Several names were suggested. One proposal was “Dayton,” possibly to honor a politically active New Jersey family known for their anti-slavery advocacy, which had also been recognized in the naming of Dayton, Ohio.

Still, many favored the name "Hampden," taken from the English patriot John Hampden (1595–1643), a champion of constitutional government. Hampden had famously refused to pay King Charles I’s “Ship Money” tax without parliamentary approval, an act of defiance that turned him into a symbol of resistance and reform. He died in battle in 1643, fighting for the parliamentary cause, and became widely admired in colonial America, particularly after the American Revolution. In 1812, his name was already honored regionally when Hampden County was formed.

John Hampden 1594-1643 (Drawing by Vintage Design Pics)

However, naming the new town “Hampden” stirred controversy. Some felt it would cause confusion, given the county already bore that name. One vocal opponent was Marcus Perrin Knowlton, a Wilbraham native and respected legal mind. At the time, he was serving on the judiciary committee of the General Court and later became Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Knowlton passionately argued against adopting the county’s name for a town, predicting administrative confusion.

Just as the debate seemed to sway toward his reasoning, another voice rose, one that would turn the tide. William Pynchon of Springfield, a descendant of Springfield’s founder and a rarely outspoken member of the Legislature, delivered an eloquent and stirring tribute to John Hampden. His words made a lasting impression on the chamber and decisively countered Knowlton’s objections.

The vote was held, and the name “Hampden” prevailed.

From that moment forward, the South Parish of Wilbraham took on a new identity, not just as an independent town, but as one proudly bearing the name of a man who stood for liberty, resistance to tyranny, and principled leadership. The Town of Hampden was born.

Postcard Card of Main St., Hampden