lleliotype Printing Co., Boston.
HISTORY
utton,
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HISTORY
OF TIIK
Town of Sutton,
MASSACHUSETTS, From. 1704 to 1876;
INCLUDING
GRAFTON UNTIL 1735; MILLBURY UNTIL 1813; AND PARTS OF NORTHBRIDGE, UPTON AND AUBURN.
COMI'IT.KJ) BY
KEY. WILLIAM A. BENEDICT, A.M.
AND
REV. HIRAM A. TRACY.
WORCESTER:
PUBLISHED FOR THE TOWN, BY
SANFORD & COMPANY, 364 MAIN STREET.
1878.
PRESS OF
LUCIUS P. GODDAKD, "WORCESTER,
ACTION OF THE TOWN OF SUTTON
IN REFERENCE TO /STHE PUBLICATION OF THIS HISTORY.
At an informal meeting of citizens interested in the publication of a history of the town, a committee was appointed to take the matter under advisement, and, if found practicable, proceed to make arrangements for such publication.
The committee feeling that the town ought to assume responsibility in the matter, and believing there" would be a willingness so to do, secured the inser- tion of the following article in the warrant for a meeting to be held June 13, 1876:
" To see what action the town will take in regard to publishing a history of the town, from its organization in 1704 to 1876, or act or do anything relative to the same."
Upon consideration of this article, on motion of Amos Batcheller, it was voted to choose a committee of five to procure the publication of a history of the town from 1704 to 1876, and that the selectmen are instructed to advance to said committee, on their application, sui^ sum or sums of money as may be necessary to defray the incidental expenses attending its publication, not to exceed for the above the sum of three hundred dollars, with the under- standing that the edition shall be the property of the town, and that the money received from subscriptions and sales shall be, after defraying expenses, the property of the town, and said committee shall make a full and detailed report of their doings to the town. The committee elected were as follows :
B. L. BATCHELLER, EDWIN H. HUTCHINSON,
CHARLES H. CHASE, AMOS BATCHELLER,
SOLOMON D. KING.
2076126
PREFACE.
In a Prospectus issued April 27, 1876, it was stated that this history, which "will be a volume of not less than four hundred pages," will probably be ready for delivery by the first of November.
It was then supposed that Deacon Jonathan Lei and, and after him Christo- pher C. Baldwin, Esq., both of whom had been gathering materials for a history of the town, had collected nearly everything of interest for such a work from the year 1704 to 1835. The papers of the above named were found in the Antiquarian Hall, in Worcester, where Mr. Baldwin was librarian at the time of his death. Copies of all these papers were obtained, when it was seen that very little comparatively had been done in the preparation of a history. Deacon Leland's papers were largely genealogical, and contained much that was valuable pertaining to the history of the old families, but everything was incomplete. Mr. Baldwin's papers were filled with matter taken mostly from the town records, and arranged under the heads " Public Worship," " Schools," " Revolutionary period," etc. As his plan and ours were very different, these papers were at once laid aside, and recourse was had to the original sources of his information.
When all that had been collected was in our hands, the work of getting together additional material was begun in earnest, and has been prosecuted until the present time. The "oldest inhabitants" have been interviewed until all the information they had to impart was obtained — the records of the proprietors of the town, of the proprietors of the four thousand acres, of the town, of the ecclesiastical societies and churches, have been carefully searched, a file of the Massachusetts Spy for more than one hundred years, Dr. David Hall's Diary, kept for a period of forty years, the "New England Historical and Genealogical Register," the published histories of the families of the same name with old families of the town, have been examined ; in short, every book or pamphlet from which we could hope to secure corroboration of oral testi- mony, or additional facts, has been sought, and the result of our researches is now given to those who have patiently waited for two full years beyond the promised time for the delivery of the work.
The accumulation of material has been such, that, instead of a book of about four hundred pages, as first proposed, they have one of something more than eight hundred.
We have arranged the history in parts rather than chapters.
6
In Part I. — the Annals — what we have taken from the records we have given verbatim et literatim, and we have done so for the purpose of showing how the fathers embodied their thought and action in words, and the progress of the children in intelligence.
In Part II. — The Homes of Sutton — an attempt has been made to give a brief history of every home, making mention of the occupants as far as it wa s possible to learn their names.
All who have contributed by the payment of taxes, and in other ways to the support of government, churches and schools, have borne some part in making the town what it has been, and is to-day, and are deserving of record.
We trust the sketches we give in connection with these homes of some who . have attained to honorable and prominent positions, may be found of special interest, and prove a stimulus to our young men to emulate their virtue, earn- est purpose and industry.
In Part III. — Ecclesiastical and Educational — we have given a brief history of the churches, and traced the progress of the town in the establishment of schools, as far as we were able to do so from the meagre data at hand.
In Part IV. — Manufacturing — brief mention has been made of the early efforts of the fathers in mechanical industry when everything was made hy hand, and we have endeavored to show the gradual development of the man- ufacturing interests of the town to their present proportions.
In Part V. — Genealogical — we have given the history of the old families . One hundred and four family names will be found in this part, and under these names more than one thousand families have mention. A few of these family histories, as will be seen, have been written by some connection suffi- ciently interested to undertake the labor, but we have been obliged to prepare the record of most of them from the best data we could obtain.
Notwithstanding the valuable material left by Deacon Lejand, no portion of this history has required so much research, taken so much time, and been attended with so much perplexity, and no part is to us so unsatisfactory, in consequence of our inability in many instances to supply dates and names.
In Part VI. we give something more of the war record of the town than was furnished in the "Annals" — the names of those whom the town has hon- ored with the principal offices — and statistical tables.
In the compilation of this history valuable aid has been rendered by many persons. The histories of the "Homes" have been almost wholly furnished by others. Mr. Gardner Hall prepared those of Districts Nos. one and two ; Mr. Solomon Severy, those of District No. three ; Mr. Alvan W. Putnam and Mr. G. Hall, those of District No. four; Mr. A. W. Putnam, those of District No. six; Mr. Milton E. Crossman, those of Districts Nos. five, seven and eight; Mr. Reuben R. Dodge and Mr. G. Hall, those of Districts Nos. nine, ten and twelve ; Mr. William E. Cole, those of a few in District No. eleven, and Mr. G. Hall the remainder.
We have abridged the matter pertaining to these homes, but have endeav- ored, as far as possible, to retain essential facts, and to let the persons who have furnished these facts state them in their own words.
In addition to those above mentioned, we are indebted to many who have aided us in our work. Among these is Reuben R. Dodge, Esq., who had him-
self projected a history of the town and accumulated considerable material for his purpose, all of which he freely placed at our disposal, and his encouraging words and unselfish co-operation can never be forgotten.
We would also express our obligations to Samuel F. Haven, Esq., the Libra- rian of the American Antiquarian Society, and to Mr. Edmund M. Barton, his gentlemanly assistant, who afforded every possible facility for research in the society's treasure house of knowledge.
To all who have furnished matter to enrich the pages of this work we tender our grateful thanks. Nor would we fail to mention in this connection, Miss Sarah J. King, who, for fourteen months, has been engaged upon this history, patiently transcribing our hieroglyphical scrawls, which no printer could read, and rendering us much help in deciphering old and almost illegible records. She has written for us more than two thousand legal-cap pages of manuscript.
Of those named as compilers of this history, the chief labor has fallen upon the first. Mr. Tracy has written the history of the first and second Congrega- tional churches, and the sketch of Dr. David March.
The labor expended upon such a work, in collecting the mass of material, selecting from this mass, sifting the selections, separating fact from fiction, arranging in order and correcting the proof-sheets as they issue from the press, indexing, etc., can be known only to those who have had experience in kind. But though the labor has been great, we have taken much pleasure in our work, which we have prepared not so much for the general reader as for our towns- men, and those who have gone out from us, and think of old Sutton as once their home, or that of their fathers or grandfathers. If these are satisfied with a work, the imperfection of which none can feel more keenly than our- selves, we shall care little for the criticism of those to whom we claim no family relationship.
For the attractive mechanical and typographical appearance of the book, much commendation is due to the publishers, Messrs. Sanford and Company, and the printer, MB. Lucius P. Goddard.
W. A. B.
SUTTON, November 4, 1878.
HISTORY OF SUTTON
Part I.
A N X A L 8 .
UK township of Sutton* was purchased by certain personsf residing in Boston, of John Wampus, alias White, and Company, Xipmug Indians. It is described us " a tract of waste land eight miles square, lying between the Towns of Mendon, Worcester, New Oxford, Sherburne and Marlborough, embracing with- iug its limits an Indian reservation of four miles square called Uassanimisco."
The original deed from John Wampus and Company seems to have been lost, from the fact that the "Proprietors of Sutton/' at a meeting held Feb. 22, 1731-2, ordered
* The origin of the name of the Town is unknown. Dea. Leland in his papers gives an old tradition concerning it which he regards as well estab- lished. It is this:
John Wampus crossed the Atlantic ocean and visited England. While on his return voyage to New England his health failed him, and he received particular attention from one of his fellow-passengers, a Dr. Sutton ; and from gratitude to him for his kindness suggested his name for the Township when he gave the deed conveying it to the Proprietors.
t These persons, and" others who were subsequently admitted as members of the Company, were called "Proprietors of Sutton." These Proprietors- kept a careful record of their proceedings.
](» \\\ M,s OF THE
"• That the Clerk shall provide a new hook, and transfer this regularly, and that on the first pages of it, the original deed of John Wampus, alias White, together with the Grant of the General Court l>e tirst placed" -and though a, new book was procured, and the transfer made, no deed appears. The grant referred to was recorded on the first pages, and is as follows :
Joseph Dudley, Esqr., Captain General and Governor In Chief In and over her Majesties Province of the Massachu- -etts Bay in New England in America — To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting.
Whereas John Conner, Pewterer, James Smith, Shop- keeper, William Mumford, Stone-cutter, and Joshua Hewes, Innkeeper, all of Boston In the County of Suffolk, within the Province aforesaid by their petition presented to the said .Joseph Dudley, Esqr., Govenor, and the General A— embly of the aforesaid Province, at their last Session begun the Eighth day of March last passt before the sale hereof, Have humbly prayed in behalf of themselves and company, a confirmation by a grant of this Court of their right and title to a certain tract of land purchased of John Wampus, alias White, and Company, Indians, situate in the Nipmug Country between the towns of Mendon, Worces- ter, New Oxford, Sherburne and Marlborough, of eight miles square, in which is included a tract of land four miles square called Hassanamisco, and possessed by the Indians. And Whereas the said Govenor and General Assembly have ordered that the prayer of said petition be granted, saving the lands purchased by the Haynes's, and reserving the Indian property of Hassanamisco — Provided also that they intrench upon no former grant of the General Court, and they be obliged to settle a town of thirty families, and a minister upon said lands, within seven yeares after the end of the present war with the Indians. And that they reserve three hundred acres of the said lands for the first .settled minister, four hundred acres for the ministry, and two hundred acres for the use of a school, all to be laid out conveniently. The said tract to begin upon the line of Marlborough next Hassanamisco, a platt thereof to be
TOWN OF BUTTON. 11
returned and approved by this Court, as in and by the record of said General Assembly, relation being thereunto had, doth and may appear.
Know ye therefore that I, the said Joseph Dudley, Esqr., Governor, agreeable to the above recieved order passed by Ihe Council and Assembly respectively, and pursuant to the power and authority contained and granted in and by her Majesties Royal Charter the Governor and General Assem- My of the « aforesaid Province of Massachusetts Bay, have granted, ratified and continued and by these presents do freely, fully and absolutely grant, ratify and confirm unto the above named John Conner, .James Smith, William Mumford, Joshua Hewes, and others, their Partners, viz: Paul Dudley of Boston aforesaid Esqr., .John Jackson of said Boston, housewriglit, Mary Conner and Elizabeth Pittom, daughters and co-heirs of John Pittom Plummer, deceased, Edward Pratt of Newtown within the County of Middlesex, Physician, and Elizabeth Wilson of Hartford in the County of Connecticut, Widows, their heires and assignes forever, all the aforesaid certain tract of waste land purchased of the Indians, Native Proprietors, as above men- tioned, scituate and described as aforesaid, and to be sur- veyed, platted and approved as above directed, with and under the severall savings, reservations, Provisos and conditions above expressed, and all the estate, right, Title, Inheritance, use, property, and Interest of the said several persons therein and thereto — Together with all and singular the fields, feeding, herbage, pastures, soils, swamps, Mead- ows, Rivers, Rivulets, Ponds, Pools, AVoods, underwoods, trees, timber, stones, fishing, fowling and hunting Rights, Members, Hereditaments, Emoluments, Profits, Privileges and Appurtenances thereto belonging or in any way apper- taining. The said tract of land being hereby granted for :i township, the same to be called Sutton. And to have, use, exercise, and enjoy the same powers, immunities, and privi- leges by Law granted to towns. To have and to hold all the said tract of land by the name of the towrn of Sutton, with all the aforesaid premises. Emoluments, Profits, Privi- leges and appurtenances thereto belonging, with and under
1'2 ANNALS OF THE
ihe severall savings, reservations 'Provisos and conditions herein before expressed. And to be surveyed, platted, returned and approved as above said unto the said John Conner, James Smith, William Mnmford, Joshua Howes. Paul Dudley, John Jackson, Mary Connor, Elizabeth Pittom, Edward Pratt, and Eli/abeth Wilson, their hoi res and assiii'iies to their proper use and l)ehoofe forever. Yielding, Rendering and Paying therefore unto our Sovereign Lady Queen Anne her kings .and Successors one fifth part of all the Gold and Silver Oar and Precious stones, which from time to time and at all times forever hereafter shall happen to be found, gotten had or obtained in any of the said lands and Premises, or within any part or parcel thereof — In lien and stead of all Rents, Services. Dues, Dutys, and demands whatsoever from the said lands and premises, and for every part and parcel thereof. In Testimony AYhereof I the said Joseph Dudley, Esqr., Governor have signed these presents and caused the Publiek seal of the Province of Massachusetts Bay aforesaid to be hereunto affixed.
Dated at Boston aforesaid the fifteenth day of May in the third year of her Majesties Reign Anno Domini 1704.
5 The publick seal > J. Dl'DLKY.
£ on a label appending $
Copy of Records Examined.
H. Ai)DiN(;ToN. Sec.
The tract of land included in the above grant was with the exception of here and there a cleared space, on which the Indians raised their corn, and a few marshes, called meadows, an unbroken forest, heavily wooded with pine. oak. hickorv, chestnut, birch and maple. In its physical aspect it presented many attractive features, and was a favorite resort of its native owners, who reserved a home within its limits. Its surface is uneven and hilly, and, though none of its hills rise to a great height, yet many of them are of sufficient eleva- tion to reveal from their summits scenes of quiet beautv un- surpassed in any other portion of \ew England. The soil is varied, in the southern and eastern part being of a saiidv and gravelly nature, while in the northern and western parts
TOWN OF Sl'TTOX. 13
much of it is a clayey loam. In the main it is well adapted to agriculture, though some portions, particularly in the southern part, are too rocky to he brought under cultivation, and none of it was subdued and made productive without much patient toil. The fine farms of to-day which embellish hill-side, hill-top and valley, are the result of the muscle and money the several generations that have occupied them have contributed. This township furnishes great facilities for manufacturing purposes, as well as for agriculture. There are within its limits several natural ponds fed largely by hidden springs, whose outlets afford tine water privileges. The principal of these are Dorothy Pond in the north part of the town, Ramshorn in the northwest, Crooked Pond near the centre, and Manchaug Pond in the southwest . IJlackstone River — called by the Indians Kittatuck — has its rise in Ramshorn Pond, and passes through the the town from northwest to southeast. This river furnishes valuable water power. So also does Mnmford river, the outlet of Manchaug Pond. Mill Brook, the outlet of Crooked Pond (now called Singletary Lake), has in the distance of a mile a fall of 17;") feet, and affords seven water privileges. There are several other streams in town which the early settlers utilized by the erection of saw-mills, grist-mills and fulling-mills, and which in later days have been employed in manufacturing of various kinds, as will appear under its appropriate head in this History.
In its Geological features the town presents nothing of a peculiar nature. Like many other towns in eastern Massa- chusetts, the rocky formation is chiefly granite, quartz rock, and gneiss. Gneiss predominates, and the quarries which have been opened furnish most excellent stone for building purposes. This rock often contains iron pyrites, mica, lead, tin and some other mineral substances in small quantities. The glitter of the little particles has led to the belief that gold and silver might be found, and this town, in common with many others in the State, has had its excitements over wild and fruitless search for the precious metals.
There are natural curiosities in the town, some of which :ire thus referred to in "Whitney's History of Worcester
ANNALS OF THE
County": As first. In the west part of Sutton within sixty rods of the rise of the inlet of Ranishorn Pond, which is the head of Hlackstone River running to Providence and falling into the sea at Bristol, is a brook as large as to carry a sa \v-ini 11 in Sutton, then bears away into Oxford, joins French River which unites with the river Quinebaug, and enters the sea at New London.
Secondly. A few rods west of the second parish meeting house, there is a swamp having two outlets, one at the southwest, the other at the southeast. Both these outlets enter Blackstone River above described, at about one mile's distance from each other. But the river is estimated to run ten or twelve miles after the entrance of that on the westerly side before it returns and takes in that on the east.
Thirdly. In the southeastern part of the town is a cavern in the earth or rocks, commonly called Purgatory. The rocks on each side of the chasm evidently appear to have been rent asunder.
People may enter some rods under the ground or rocks, and there are cracks down which they drop pebbles, and, after these strike the sides alternately several times they arc- heard to fall into the water ; and a brook issues out at the bottom of the hill.
It may be acceptable to give a more particular description of this place called Purgatory.
It is the side of a hill which consists of vast ledges of rocks. Where the natural descent begins, a chasm has been formed of perhaps thirty, and in some places, forty feet in width, in these ledges by some violent concussion which left this body of stones of all shapes and sizes to fall in. Above it is open to the heavens, and the ledges, on either side, are from five to ten, and so on to twenty, and even forty feet in height. This chasm is, perhaps, near eighty rods in length, and the descent is gradual and not very difficult. Where the greatest depth is, water issues from crevices in the rocks and hangs in icicles, and even in solid bodies of ice, not only in May, as I have seen, but in June, although the descent is to the south. Some small caverns were formed by the falling of these rocks, through which persons have
TOWN OF SUTTON. 5
descended and come out .several rods below. This is a most stupendous place, and fills the mind of the beholder with exalted ideas of the infinite power of the great Creator of all things, " who removeth the mountains and they know it not ; who shaketh the earth out of .its place, and the pillars thereof tremble."
After all, no description given of this place by another, will enable persons to form just and adequate conceptions of it.*
The ledges which Mr. Whitney says are " from five to ten and so on to twenty, and even forty feet in height ; " are found by actual measurement to be in some places between Hfty and sixty feet in height. Dr. Hitchcock in speaking of Purgatory puts the extreme height of the sides of the fissure at seventy feet.f
The settlement of the town was much delayed by the war mentioned in the grant by the Governor and General Court.
This war is known as Queen Anne's war. It began in 1702 and was not ended until 1713.
November 17, 1714, the Proprietors held the first meet- ing of which there is any record. At this meeting (held in Boston) it was voted, " That three men should be chosen for a committee to order the affairs of that place "-— Button. Nathaniel Brewer, Jonathan Draper, and Eliezer Daniels were chosen such committee, and " were to stand until others were chosen."
" It was the same day voted that all the charges that has been and shall arise, till the next meeting should be payed by the Proprietors equally according to their several pro- portions at twenty shillings for every 500 acre right."
The next meeting was held in Boston, March 2, 1714—5.$
* See Whitney's History of Worcester County, pp. 96-98.
I See Hitchcock's report on the Geology of Mass, page 295.
t Before the adoption of the "New Style" in England, in 1752, the year was considered as beginning the 25th of March. Any date therefore between the 1st of January and the 24th of March would be a year too little, so to avoid mistakes it had become customary to give both years as above. March 2d would occur in the year 1714 should the year begin the 25th of March, in 1715 should it begin the 1st of January.
16 ANNALS OF THE
At this nice-ting it was voted '4 That Jonathan Draper, Eliezer Daniels, and Nathaniel Brewer should be a commit- tee to go and lay out sixty lots at Button , for the Proprie- tors, of thirty acres a lot, thirty rods wide and one hundred and sixty long."
" Voted the same day that all such as had one live hun- dred acre right should have a thirty acre lott, and they who had more according to their proportion."
It was also " Voted that there should be a rate of sixty pounds, one pound on every live hundred acre right."
It appears from these votes that the tirst division of the township was into sixty tive-hundred-aere rights. Kach proprietor owned at least one right, some more. Actual surveys, as will appear, were afterwards made of lots, cor- responding in number to the number of rights, and varying in area from thirty to one hundred acres. These lots were drawn by' the proprietors — each right being entitled to one — and disposed of by them individually.
At the meeting held March 2, 1714-15 it was likewise " Voted, that all such as should appear to go tirst and live at the town of Sutton, for their encouragement should have one hundred acres of land given them for their own, pro- vided they settle two years from the date hereof ; and they to bear their proportion of town charges, the Proprietors to bear half the charges of building a Meeting house and settling a minister the first four years."
March 18-19, 1714-15. Meetings of the proprietors were held at which it was " Voted that every man shall have a convenient way to his lott through his neighbor's lott, where it shall be most convenient for him and least damage to his neighbor ; also in all after divisions in the town every per- son shall have a convenient way to their lotts, which lott is to be understood to be a proper whole lott." Also " Voted the same day that for encouragement to thirty families to <ro and settle first, they should have four thousand acres laid out to them on the northwest side of the road from Marl- borough to Oxford provided, and it is to be understood that such as appear and are allowed by the Committy do go and work upon their lotts within six weeks, and make a return
TOWN OF SUTTON. 17
to the Committy. And upon their default the Committy shall have liberty to putt in others as shall appear."
•' Voted the same day that the Committy shall go and survey the four thousand acres of land, and lay out thirty home lots in it, containing forty acres per lott, at the settlers' charge."
" Voted the same day that Jonathan Draper, Edward Summer and Nathaniel Brewer should be a Committy to allow of the settlers."
It seems that the survey of the land granted to the thirty families who should be approved by the committee and set- tle upon it within the time prescribed, was made and the thirty lots of forty acres each were in due form laid out. But no settlement ivas effected during the year. It appears that no formal " Act of Incorporation " was ever secured, or asked for by the proprietors or settlers of the town. The following endorsement is on the back of a plot of the town- ship on file in the land office.
" In the House of Representatives,
June 18, 1715.
Ordered that the Land described and Platted, on the other side, be allowed and confirmed to the Proprietors of the Township of Sutton. Provided it Intrench on no former grant. Sent up for concurrence.
JOHN BUKKELL, Speaker. In Council, June 21, 1715, Rec'd and Concurred,
JOSEPH HILLEK, Clerk Coun. A true Copy, Examined,
Jos. MARION, D. Sec'y."
The next meeting of the proprietors of which there is a record, was held in Boston, March 13, 1715-16, at which the following votes were passed:
kk Voted that every five hundred acre right should draw a second right of one hundred acres."
" The same day it was voted that wheresoever any (•lav- was found in any man's lott, it should be for the use of the whole town till a publick place was found for that use." 3
18 ANNALS OF THE
' ' Voted the same day that the Mill lot* and stream in the settlers' side shall be at the Proprietors' disposal."
" Voted the same day that the proprietors will be at half the charge of building a meeting house and settling a min- ister for the first four years from the date hereof."
" Voted the same day that the settlers shall have liberty to cutt grasse and timber in the Proprietor's land till they come to improve and to be laid out."
During this year (1716) three families were found of sufficient nerve and enterprise to pioneer the settlement of the town. These families were those of Benjamin Marsh, Elisha Johnson, and Nathaniel Johnson.
They built their cabins near the centre of the town, and spent there the winter of 1716-7. It proved a trying win- ter to them. It was the winter made memorable by the deep snow which fell the last of February, and wholly cov- ered the cabins.
Elisha Johnson, whose cabin was located near the place now occupied by Mr. Samuel Prescott, had left his family the morning of the day the great snow commenced falling, for the purpose of obtaining some supplies in Marlborough.
He was seen on his way by a friendly Indian, who, when the storm had subsided, started on snow-shoes for the little settlement, and found the cabin of Mr. Johnson by the hole which the smoke from the fire-place had made through the snow. His family would doubtless have perished had it not been for the kind forethought of this friendly Indian. Mrs. Johnson said " no human voice ever sounded half so sweet as did that." Other families were attracted during the year 1717 by the offer of a farm for the taking, so that, at its close, the thirty families to whom a grant of four thousand acres had been made, and for whom home lots of forty acres each had been laid out, were on the ground.
The tract of land which the four thousand acres embraced was so located on the north side of the Oxford road, that a north and south line dividing it into equal parts would pass directly through Singletary Lake.
* This lot embraced a tract of one hundred and sixteen acres at the foot of Crooked Pond, and included the privilege of the stream to the lower falls.
TOWN OF BUTTON. 21
The home lots fronted some of them on the Oxford road, extending as far west as the place now occupied by Dea. John Marble, and east as far as the place now occupied by H. S. Stockwell. Five of them were north of, and joining those most easterly, and eight of them in what is now the "Eight Lots District" — the most easterly of these being the place now occupied by Mr. Solomon Severy.
The entry in the proprietors' records with reference to the thirty families to whom four thousand acres of land were given is as follows :
"' These are the names of such as are entered settlers in the four thousand acres that was given to them upon the con- ditions that they would go and settle first there and bear charge with the proprietors according to their agreement.
William King, Thomas Growing,
Oliver Gosse, Samuel Parker,
Joseph Sibley, Samuel Stearns.
William Stockwell, John Bates,
Benjamin Marsh, Jonathan Sibley,
Thomas Gleson, William Rutter,
Samuel Gowing, Timothy Manning,
John Waite, John Sibley,
Benjamin Smith, Samuel Dagget,
John Stockwell, Nathaniel Johnson,
Jonathan King, William Larned,
Samuel Bixbee, Elisha Johnson,
Samuel Barton, Richard Gibson,
William Stockwell, Ebenezer Cutler,
Freegrace Marble, William Hey wood.*
The plot of ' ' Settlers' Land " contained four thousand nine hundred and sixty acres. The south line on the Oxford road was 1,240 rods, the west line 640, the north line 1,240 — the east 700 rods. Six hundred acres were allowed for "Crooked Pond" (Singletary Lake), and three hundred and sixty acres for Farm. This farm was at the southwest
* A few of these names will be recognized as still common. Numerous descendants of some of these families are now residents of the town.
'22 ANNALS OF THE
corner of the plot, and fronted on the north side of the Oxford road, the east line being near Dea. Marble's house. For what purpose this farm was laid out can not now be learned. There is no record with reference to the use to which it was put, and no allusion is made to it, only as bounding the land adjacent as this was apportioned among the settlers. The thirty persons above named style them- selves " Proprietors of the four thousand acres," and keep a record of their meetings. This record contains little of interest, as it is mainly filled up with proceedings pertaining to the division of what remained of the four thousand acres among the occupants of the home-lots, and the boundaries of each man's portion.
The aim seems to have been so to divide the land that no one should have reason to complain that he had been wronged ; and, that no dissatisfaction was expressed when the allotments were made, is pleasing evidence of the good feeling which existed, and the disposition of all to see that exact justice was done.
The mill lot to which reference has been made was assigned to Ebenezer Dagget, as appears from the following entry in the proprietors' records.
" Ebeuezer Dagget hath the mill lot with the privilege of the stream to the lower falls, upon condition that the said Dagget, or his Heires, keep a Grist-mill for the use of the town ; and if the said Dagget denies or refuse to keep a mill for the use of the town he shall return the stream to the town again." The return of the mill-lot with boun- daries carefully defined is noted in the proprietors' records of Nov. 23, 1717.
We also find the following with reference to the Oxford road :
"The road from Oxford to Maryborough, beginning at the farms, so returning upon the point of compasse to the meeting-house hill, thence to the north side of Elisha John- son's house to Cold-spring brook, six rods wide from the heads of the proprietors' lotts — laid out March, 1716, by Nathaniel Brewer, Jonathan Draper, Eleazur Daniels.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 23
1718.
The first town meeting was held at the house of Capt. John Stockwell, Dec. 3, 1718. This house was a small one, about fifteen feet by ten, and stood near the present dwelling of Mr. Simeon Stockwell.* Elisha Johnson was
O
elected moderator, and selectmen, a town clerk and a con- stable were chosen " to continue in office until the next March meeting. "f
Action was also taken on a proposition of the proprietors, that a committee be appointed to act with a committee whom they had chosen, to aid in the matter of building a meeting house, and establishing the preaching of the gospel.
Referring to the Proprietors' Records we find that at a meeting held in Boston March 5, 1717—18, the following votes were passed :
" Voted the same day that the four years charges for carying on the worship of God, and building a meeting house should begin from this day above mentioned."
1 ' Voted the same day that there shall be twenty pounds raised by the Proprietors and settlers towards the carrying on of the worship of God amongst them which money is to be paid into the Clerk's hands to be improved for that use."
' ' Voted the same day that Jonathan Draper, Nathaniel Brigham, John Haye, and Nathaniel Brewer are a committee to agree with workmen to build and furnish a meeting:-
O O
house ; and the Proprietors obliged themselves and heires to bear their equal proportion of said charges."
The record in reference to the action of the town in response to the proposal of the Proprietor's Committee is as follows :
' ' The committee of the proprietors who was chosen to manage the affairs relating to the settlement of the worship
* This house was afterwards sold to Amos Stockwell, and moved upon the place now occupied by David Welsh and attached to the house which was burned.
t For the names of town officers chosen this year, and each succeeding year to 1876, see the record in part vi. of this history.
24 ANNALS OF THE
of God in this Town having made application to the Town at this meeting that a committee may be appointed by this Town to joyn with them to move forward and carry on proper managements and agreements for said service —
"Voted unanimously that the Town do now choose live persons to l)e a committee to joyn with the Proprietor'- committee aforesaid, who shall from time to time represent the Town in order to building and furnishing a Meeting- house in said Town, and it is Resolved, that William King, Samuel Stearns, Benjamin Marsh, John Stockwell and Freegrace Marble or the Major part of them, be a comittee for said service."
1719.
The Town Meeting was held March 17th at the house of Samuel Stearns, at which, after the choice of Town Officers, it was voted, "That there should be a rate levied on the settlers of the four thousand acres, according to every man's right, of one hundred pounds to defray the charges of building the Meeting-house."
"Voted the same day to have a minister this Summer. Voted the same day to rays a rate of forte n pounds ten shillings to defray the charge of preaching, one half to be payable the first of May, and the other half to become payable by the first of Nov. Voted the same day to have preaching three months."
"Voted the same day that William King, Samuel Stearns and John Stockwell shall be a committy to get a minister, by the second Sabbath in May, and so on for three months."
"Voted also the same day to rays a rate of three pounds to defray the charges of building the pound and other charges."
Another Town Meeting was held Dec. 25th, at which it was voted that Mr. Macinstree should have fifteen pounds for three months preaching.
"Voted the same day that the 15 pounds become payable by the first of March."
The meeting-house was built during this year. Its location was on the west side of the Common and nearly that of the
TOWN OF SUTTOX. o
( !cntrsil schoolhouse. It fronted toward the east : was about forty feet by thirty-six, had folding doors in front, and
single ones at each end. It was lighted by two small Win- is <~> *•
(lows of diamond glass set in leaden sashes, at each side and end for the lo\ver floor, and one window of the same fashion and size in each side and end for the gallery.
The pulpit was on the west side of the house opposite the front door, \vhieh opened into the broad aisle. The seats first used seem to have been nothing more than ordinary benches with baeks. The gallery extended across the front side and each end, and had two rows of seats through its whole extent. Behind these seats there Avas a narrow plat- form which the children who could find no other place occupied. "A very convenient place," Deacon Leland quaintly remarks, "for idlers: not much chance however to escape detection as the Ty thing Man in his official capacity was ready to notice every delinquent.'*1
1720.
The Town Meeting for the choice of officers was held at the meeting-house. In addition to the'town officers hitherto chosen John Page and Timothy Manning were elected Tything men and " sworn to the faithful discharge of the otise."
After the choice of officers the town " proceeded toward the settling of a minister," "and it Avas voted by a major vote the same day to have a minester."
"Voted the same day to send for Mr. Thatcher, to Mr. SAvift and to Mr. Dor Concerning the settling of a Minister."
'• Voted the same day and desired by the Major part of the voters that Mr. Thatcher, Mr. Swift, and Mr. Dor. that they Avould send thar advis into the Town concerning the
« v"
settling of Mr. Maeinstree for our minister."
" Voted the same day that it be left with the Selectmen to send for advise to the Minesters."
" Voted the same day for a sallary to the Minester — and it was voted the same day sixty pounds a year to a Mines- ter."
*See Dea. Leland Papers.
•2(\ ANNALS OF THE
" Voted the same day that William King, Samuel Stearns, and John Stockwell be a Committy to discors* Mr. Macin-
stree."
At an adjourned meeting held March 21, the Town " voted for the choice of a minister and it appeared by a major vote that the Reverend Mi1. John Makinstree vva.s chosen to be settled in Sutton aforesaid, and to have sixty pounds per annum for his yearly sallery."
" The same day voted that William King, Sam'l Stearns and William Larned, should aquant the reverend Mr. John Makinstrey that the town has by a vote given him a call to the Minestry and asks his exceptance."
Sept. 27, at a Town Meeting " It was agreed upon by a Major vote that the day for the ordaining ye reverend Mr. John Makinstrey should be wennesday the Ninth day of November 1720." No record is made of the ordination services.
The Proprietors' Record of this year shows the following action :
"Voted that Eben'r Cutler be admitted as a settler of Sutton and have a right to the lott that was John Waite's, and was declared to be forfeited, he paying all the charges with respect to said lott, and also ten pounds money, five pounds of it to be given to John Waite sen'r to reimburse him money paid for said lott, and the other five pounds towards buying a drum, Hallbards and a suite of colours in the Military Company."
" Voted the same day that the .sumni of twenty five shill- ings be advanced and paid upon and by each propriety or five hundred acre right, amounting in the whole to eighty- five pounds ten shillings, to and for the encouragement and settlement of the first ordained minister of Sutton ; to be paid in three months after his ordination either to said Min- ister or to the Committy of the Inhabitants towards the building his house, or paying the charge thereof.
" This vote not to be binding unlesse they have a Minister ordained In five years from this day."
* For discourse — used in the obsolete sense of " to confer with.'
TOWN OF SUTTON. 27
This year is the date given for the introduction of tea into New England. Its influence upon social manners and morals has been great beyond the power of description, and the end is not yet.
Coffin, in his History of Newbury, gives the following extract from an unpublished letter written in England, Jan. 1, 1740.
"They are not much esteemed now who will not treat high and gossip about. Tea is now become the darling of our women. Almost every little tradesman's wife must set sipping tea for an hour or more in a morning, and it may be again in the afternoon, if they can get it, and nothing will please them to sip it out of but china ware, if they can get it. They talk of bestowing thirty or forty shillings upon a tea equipage, as they call it. There is the silver spoon, silver tongs and many other trinkets I can not name." '
Madame Hall had the first teakettle ever brought into Sutton : and the wife of Dea. Pierce the second : They held about a pint each, f
1721.
John Singletary and Ebenezer Stearns were chosen Ty thing-men.
This is the first mention of John Siugletary, father of the Singletary family. Amos was his youngest son. He was born in Sutton, September, 1721, and was the first male child born in town.
There had been one birth in town previously — that of Abigail Marsh, daughter of Benjamin Marsh. Dr. Whitney refers to her as the first child born in town, and states that she was living in 1793, a widow Chase, having had four husbands.
Upon the Proprietors' Records of Feb. 8, 1721, are the following entries :
"Upon petition of the Church in Sutton, voted that one shilling upon each five hundred acre right, as they are so
* Coffin's History of Newbury, p. 191. t Leland Papers.
•2* ANNALS OF THE
railed, belonging to the Proprietors, be raised, collected and paid for and towards buying a cushion for the Pulpit of the Sutloii mceting-honse, the money to be paid to and collected by Dea. Timothy Manning. "
••Voted that an exact, large plott bee drawn <±n parchment of the township of Sntton as the survey was granted and conferred by the General Court making the several lines. divisions, and boundaries of the whole and plotting also in said mapp the four thousand acres given and laid out to the settlers numbering the lotts and the names of the present settlers, and plotting the Indian plantation of Hassanamiscn also in the plott, the charges to be defrayed by the proprie- tors as other public charges, and advanced by the Clerk : the proprietors several lotts are also to be marked, num- bered and named in the plott." *
June 20th. " Voted that twenty shillings be raised upon every five hundred acre right for the defraying the charges to the minister, laying out land and other charges ensuing. "f
August Xth. The town "voted on the afirmity (in the affirmative) to petition to the Generall Court to get the sum abated that the Town is rated to the Province tax. the same day Timothy Manning chosen by a Major vote to go with it and speak to it." J
1722.
May 29th. The Proprietors "Voted that they that refuse to pay their due proportion of the charges that hath arisen for the support of the minister and other charges shall be liable to be recovered by suing in the lawe."
••Voted that the Proprietors allowe thirty pounds to be for ye maintaining of the minister for the year 1722."
October 8th. "Laid out for the ministry lott three hundred acres of land on the east of the settler's land."
"The same day laid out for the minister one hundred acres of land bounded North on the Ministery land." §
* Proprietors' Records, p. 18. t Proprietors' Record, p. 20. J Town Records. § Proprietors' Records, pp. 20, 21.
TOWN OF SUTTOX. 29
1728.
March 4th. The town kt voted that the Meeting House should be seated."
>k Voted that the third seat below be equal in dignity with the tore seat in the front gallery, and that the fourth below be equal with the fore seat in the side gallery."
kk Voted that Percival Hall, Win. King, Timothy Manning, Nathaniel Dike and Joseph Sibley be a commitee to seat the Meeting House, and for the rea'ii latino- thereof during the
~ O * *— '
Town's pleasure."
•• Voted that the Commitee that are chosen to seat the meeting-House shall consider of what men have paid to the building <>f it< and what public charges they now bare, and what they are likely to pay for the filter, and to have respect to persons." *
March 13th. kk Voted to petition the Generell Cort at the next sessions for the Inhabitaiice of Hassanamisco that dwell on the Southwestward side of the Blackstone River to be laid to said Town and all the land to the west ward of Sutton as far as Sam'l Riches farm reches, and that William King should be joined to the Selectmen for this purpose."
October 22d. " Voted that Inhabitaiice on the Northward side of the Blackstone River should be freed from paying their proportion to the Minister for this Present year, excepting wat is laved, by an act of the General Cort, on the unimproved land."
December HOth. "Voted that the room allowed in the meeting-House for pews be disposed of."
k k J ohnathan Sibley personally appeared and declared his decent against what is above rated at time and place."
"Voted there be five men chosen for the disposing of the room allowed for Pews.
Voted that Timothy Carter, Ebenezer Dagget, Elisha Johnson, John Whipple and Robert Knolton be a Commity to dispose of ye room allowed for Pews to such Inhabitaiice of Sutton as they according to their best discresing (discre- tion) shall judge meet."
* Town Records.
30 ANNALS OF THE
Jan. 15, 1723-4. The Committee make return as follows :
\Ve the Subscribers being chosen Comittee by the Town of Sutton for the disposing of the Pews in the meeting House have accordingly granted to the men under named, to them, their heires and assignes, to each man his particular place, as his right to set up a Pew upon for himself viz. to John Ward a Pew in the Northeasterly corner running four feet nine inches from the east wall towards the door then from the North wall to the Ministers- Pew.
Samuel Dagget front 5 foot, in depth 5 foot and 5 inches. Ebenezer Dagget front on the east of the North door 5 foot, depth 5 foot and 5 inches.
Cpt. Benjamin Willird front 5 feet and 2 inches — deep 5 foot and 4 inches being on the west Side of the north door.
Robert Knolton front 3 foot and 3 foot cant, deep 5 foot and three inches.
John Sibley front 3 foot and 3 inches from that to the stairs, cant one foot and 5 inches, deep .5 foot & 0 inches.
James Leland front 5 foot and 2 inches, deep 5 foot and fi inches, being on the North side of the front door.
Freegrace Marble front 4 foot & 10 inches, dee]) f> foot & (> inches, being on the south side of the front door.
Joseph Sibley and Timothy Manning front 4 foot and 2 inches cant one foot and one inch running to the Stairs, deep 5 foot and 6 inches and so long as the Pew remains between 2 families the men have the liberty of their seats.
Isaac Farewell front 3 foot, cant 3 foot to the stairs, deep ~) foot and 6 inches.
John AVhipple front 5 foot and 3 inches, deep 5 foot and (5 inches, being on the west side of the South door.
Elisha Johnson front 4 foot and 11 inches, deep 5 foot and six inches, being on the east side of the South door.
Samuel Barber front 3 foot and 6 inches, deep 5 foot and (> inches, cant one foot and 3 inches.
Timothy Holton front one foot and (3 inches and from the South wall to Mr. Carters Pew and from the east wall to Mr. Barbers Pew.
Timothy Carter front 3 foot and 10 inches, cant 2 foot 3 inches, deep 6 foot and four inches.
TOWN OF SUTTON. ol
Dacon Hall front 5 foot and 2 inches, deep 6 foot and 4 inches being at the South end of the Pulpit." *
1724.
May 18th. "Voted that the To\vn Peticions to the avneral Cort for a reconsideration of the vote for ye farms that Mr. .Richard Waters and Mr. Samuel Rich ons (owns) to be anaxed to Sutton. Samuel Barton William Waite, John Sible, Richard Norton Thomas Mede, Samuel Sible, Tim- othy Carter all of them have entered thair disent against the above said vote in gining with Mr. Waters and Mr. Rich in a peticion to the general Cort to have their farms anaxed to Sutton.
"Voted that Samuel Rich and William King and Nathaniel Dike be a committe to manage the peticion above mensioned for said farms."
June 3. "Voted that Mr. Richard Waters farm and Mr. Samuel Richs farm be peticioned for to the present Sescion to be anaxed to the Town of Sutton to do duty and recieve Privelege with said Town. The peticion is to be at the charge of the town, Mi1. Waters and Mr. Rich bearing thair part of the charge."
"Voted that the farms formerly caled Collinses farm, and Col. Ilutchingsons farm, and Mr. Davenports farm be peti- cioned for to the Present and general Sescions in Boston to be lade to the Town of Sutton to do duty and Recieve priv- elege in said Town the peticion to be at the charge of the Town.
"Voted that Col. John Chandler be empowered as an Agent to act in full for the Town of Sutton in the peticion above menshoned.
"Voted that Samuel Rich should cary down the votes to Col. Chandler that was voted on the day above mentioned. William Wate, Samuel Barton, Timothy Carter, Samuel Sible, John Ward William Sible, John Sible, Samuel Dagit James Leland, Ebenezer Dagit and Thomas Lovell all of them personally apearing at said meeting and entered thar
* Town Records.
32 ANNALS OF THK
disent against the proseedings of the meeting. The reasons that they give is this, that the meeting was not as the law directs and also the vote of bearing the charge of the peti- cion AVC think it unreasonable."
Mav 2«. At a meeting of the Proprietors it was " Voted that all that have not paid their dues to the minister which the Court ordered upon the unimproved land be brought in to Mr. Makinstree by the 28th day of June 1724. "f
1725.
March 29. "Voted that all the Inhabitants of Sutton livinv North east of Blackstone River should be freed from
D
the Ministereal Rate for the years 24-25.
-•Voted that twenty shillings be allowed for sweeping the meeting house."
•• Voted that Mr. John Whipple should go down to the proprietors meeting to se and now what they will du concer- ning the arrears of the ministry munny."
"Voted that Freegrace Marble and Kbenezer Dagit be a committee to take care of the school lot and ministerel lot that there be no waste of the wood and timber."
Aug. 16. "Voted that the school land in Sutton be all- sold Reserving the thirty acre lot and the mony to be put out for the benefit of a school in Sutton forever."
•• Voted that Laftenant William Kjng and Freegrace Mar- ble and Jonathan Kinney, John Stockwell, Samuel Dagit should be a committe for to sail the school land above recorded or aboAre mentioned." }
" Col. Johnathan Hanvood Entered his desent against the school land being sold."
Feb. 18, 1725-6 :
"Voted that the Farms that was formerlly Mr. Hutchi- son's and Mr. Davenports, with all the Inhabitancy on said farms be anaxed to the Town of Sutton. so that the said Inhabitance thare upon shall be anaxed as Town Inhabitancy,
* Town Records.
t Proprietors' Records.
J Town Records.
TOWN OF .SUTTOA. 33
and .shall share with This Town in all Town privileges what soever on these conditions. That ye fore said Inhabitance on said farms doe pay thare propotion To all Town charges that shall Be made in the Town of Sutton forward — not to have any of Town debts or charges that wee do this day stand obliged To pay ever levited upon them."
"The Inhabitance on the farms above mentioned being at the meeting concured with the Town and came into the Town upon the proposals above mentioned and manifestted it by a vote amongst them self's and desired that the vote mite be put upon Record in Sutton Town Books."
This agreement above mentioned to stand during the plessuer of the General Corte." *
1726.
March 7. - Voted that Obidiah Walker be added to the former Committe to seat the meeting house.
May 12. "A Town Meeting was held at the Meeting House in Sutton for the choice of Kepresenttitive, and the vote passed in the Negative."
July 29. A Town Meeting was held in the Meeting house " to consider of making choice of a Committy to treat with ve Mr. Mckinstrv and to give them instructtions — and
* «/ O
furst Mr. John Whipple was chosen Moderator and then they proseded to chous a Committy and the Committy ware Paeon Passeful Hall, Elisha Putnam, Thomas Nickols Elisha .Johnson, Timothy Carter, Joseph Sible, Ebenezer Starns, Kbenezer Dagit, William Stockwell, Jun'r. The Town gave the Committy thar Instructtions." f
There is no record showing what these instructions were.
Aug. 29. At a Town Meeting it was "Voted that thar should be a Counsel to juge wether or no that Mr. Mckins- Ire should be continued in Sutton as thar minester.
"then the Committy brought in thar Return to the Town, that was chosen by the Town to treat with the Reverend minester.
* Town Records. t Town Records.
34 ANNALS OF THE
" Voted by the Town to Call in Seven Churches fora Counsel."
''Voted that mr John Williams of Deal-field with hi.s Dilligates and mr Prentis of Lankester and his dilligates and mr Prascot of Salem with his dilligates, and mr Williams of Weston with his dilligates and mr Whiting of Concord with his dilligates and mr Brown of Reding with thar dilli- gates and mr Backer of Sharbon with thar dilligates should be called in this counsel to juge of matters of difference Between the minester and the people."
Voted "that Elisha Johnson, Elisha Putnam, Joseph White, James Leland, Timothy Carter, Simon Dacon, Isiah White, William Stock well and John whippel should be a committe to take care and cary letters to the minesters and also to prepare and get things in order for the Counsel."
Voted "that Decon Passefell Hall, Joseph Sible, Samuel Daget, obadiah Walker, Thomas nichols, Ebenezer Daget and Samuel Sible Should be a committe to take care and prepare for the Counsel also it was voted that the 12th day of October the Counsel Should Come."
' ' We the Subcrybers Entered our desent against Counsels Coming into Town to juge between the Town and mr mckins- tree because thar was nothin charged against him in the meeting, nor in the warrant, to vote. Sollomon Holman, William King, John Stock will, Johnathan Stockwill, Joseph Savery, Samuel Bigelo, Jonathan Kinny, John Singeltary, John ward, Babal Bixbe, william Stockwill, Nathaniel Dike Sen'r. Nathaniel Dike." *
The name of Putnam first appears upon the records of the town this year.
Some, if not all the brothers whose names are subse- quently found upon the records, probably came into the town during the preceding year.
1727. The records of the town for this year are missing.
* Records of the Town.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 35
1728.
t
Sept. 2d. " Pursuant to an agreement with Mr. John McKinstry to be Dismist from preaching in Sutton, att a town meeting leagely warn'd and held att ye meeting house in Sutton, first Mr. John Whipple was chosen moderater, secondly, put to vote to see wheather the town would Dismis mr. John Mckinstry from preaching hear in Sutton — and it passed in ye affirmetive and there was not any voats in ye Negetive."
September 26. The following receipt from Mr. McKin- stry is recorded.
' ' Then received of the selectmen of ye town of Sutton full Satisfaction and payment as to Sallery for preaching in the said Town from the first Day I Came among them to the Day above said, as witness my hand.
JOHX MCKINSTRY.*
Oct. 14. " Voted that the 3d Wensday be a day set apart for fasting and prayer in Sutton."
" Voted that the Reverend mr Parkman and the Rever- end mr Troop Should Carry on the work of the day above mentioned, to wit — the day set apart for fasting and prayer if prevailed with by the committee."
" Voted that there should be preaching three months from this day forward in the Town of Sutton."
" Voted that there should be a coinmttee to provide a niinester or minesters for three months to prech in Sutton."
" Voted that there should be four men Chosen a commit- tee to go and get ministers to prech three months in Sut- tou."f
" Voted that Decon Passeful Hall, mr John Stockwill, mr Timothy Carter and mr Jonathan Kinny was Chosen for the above said sarviss, and then the meeting was agurned to the 18 day of this October corrant at-12-of-the- clock — and then they proseded : — and furst voted that thar should be a committee chosen to take care to provide for
* Town Records. t Town Records.
36 ANNALS OF THE
lutertenment for the ininesters three months — and it appered by a major vote that mr Obidiah Walker and mi- John Sible was Chosen for that sarvis."
Nov. 26. "A town meeting was held at which it was "Voted that 60 pound be Rased for the support of the gospel in Sutton."
" Voted that Decon Passeful Hall should be Treasurer for to reseive the contribucion monny given into the Contribu- cion boxes."
" Voted that mr David Hall should continue to prech in Sutton till the furst day of March next insuing if he can be prevaled with."
'• Voted that Elisha Johnson, Freegrace Marbel, Joseph Sible, Samuel Dudly, John Whipple, Nathaniel Dike, Senr. be aded to the former committee to wit — Decon Hall, Insing John Stocwell, mr Johnathan Kinny and mr Timothy Carter to treete with mr David Hall Conserning his supply- ing the pulpit in Sutton till the furst day of March as above mentioned."
Dec. 2. " By order of a vote that was past in Sutton on the 26th day of November, 1728, to treete with Mr. David Hall to prech with us hear till the furst day of March next insuing the date hereof, and acordingly the committee above mentioned treeted with the above said mr Hall and he acsep- ted."
Feb. 10th, 1728-29. " Voted unanimously that mi- David Hall should prech and supply the pulpit in the House of God in Sutton till the midel of May next insuing the date hereof, in order for settelment if he can be effected or pre- valed with."
" Voted thar should be saven men chosen a committee to treet with mr Hall, and it appered by a major vote that Decon Hall, Samuel Dudly, Thomas nichols, Nathaniel Dike, Senr., Samuel Barton, Obediah Walker and Simon Dakin ware chosen for the above said committee — and if mr Hall could not be prevaled with to supply the pulpit in the House of God in Sutton until the midel of May next insuing — then for the above said comm'tee to prosed in
TOWN OF SUTTON. 37
order to have the pulpit supplyed till the time above men- tioned — to wit — midel of May next insuing."
Feb. 2(>. "Voted that thar should bee a town meeting caled in order to give mr David Hall a call to Settel in the ministeral office in Sutton."*
1729.
March 2fith. At a meeting, caled " to Consider and sec wither ye town will concur with the church and Give mr David Hall a Call to settel in the work of the Ministry amongst them," and " to see what salery and settelment thav will «rive To mr David Hall," and " to chuse a Coinittv
• ' O */
To treet with mr David Hall in Case ye town a Grees To (Jive him a call," — it was "put to vote whither the town would chuse mr David Hall for their miniser and Teacher to settel In ye work of ye ministry amongst them, and the vote Past in ye afirmitive."
kb Voted to give mr David Hall an Honorable Salery."
" Voted in the afirmitive to Give mr Hall a Salery of one Hundred Per year in Province Bills, or the Equal value of one Hundred Pounds per year of Province Bills as they are now valued, as long as he shall serve them in the work of the ministry."
" Voted in the afirmitive to Leace out to mr David Hall part of the Ministeral Land — to wit — one thirty acre lot number 18, and one Seventy acre for Nine Hundred and Ninety nine Years at Six Pence Per year for Incouragement or towards his Setelment, and also to Give him one hundred Pounds in work, Meterals for Building." " Solomon Hole- man entered his desent against the 1 part of this vote."
" Voted yt Joseph Sibly, Freegrace Marble, Johnathan Kinny and Benjamin Marsh should be a Comitty to treat with mr Hall." f
May 20th. The hundred acres of land, that the " town formerly voated to give mr David hall a lease of, they have now voated to give him a Deed thareof, for his settelment amongst us."
* Town Records. t Town Records.
38 ANNALS OF THE
" Voated that thare should be a number of men Chosen as a Comity to give mr David Hall a warrant tea Deed of the s'd hundred acres of land in the towns behalf."
The names of a committee of twenty-one persons are given.
" Voated that Lieut. Elisha Johnson, Insing John Stock- will, mr John Sibly should be a Comitty to Judg upon the Present value of Paper Money in Pursuant to our forth voats last March ye 26 1729.
" Voated that the Contribushon should be kept up."
" Voated that the Lease money should be given to mr Hall." *
July 25th. The committee appointed to confer with Mr. Hall made their report to the Town and the meeting was adjourned to Aug. 14th, " and then it was put to voat, to see whether the Town would accept of mr David Halls answer and the voat past in ye afirmitive Provided he be content with ye land which the Proprietors have voated him and accept of it in ye Room and stead of that which ye town has voted to give him a warranttee Deed of." f
A meeting of the Proprietors of Sutton was held Aug. 12th, 1729, at which it was "Voted, that the committy chosen to lay out the remaining, undivided lands shall forth- with lay out to the Reverend Mr David Hall one hundred and thirty two acres of the undivided lands which we give him for his comfort and encouragement provided he is ordained Minister for this town of Sutton which is in lieu and full of the one hundred acres the Inhabitants promised to give him." J
This is the vote to which reference is made in the action of the Town as above given.
O
Sept. 8. " Voted to accept the comittys Return which was chosen to judg with mr David Hall on ye Present value of Paper money and also to put it on Record."
" Voated to send for nine Churches to assist in mr David Halls ordination."
* Town Eecords. t Town Records, t Proprietors' Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. M
"• Voated to make Provision for these Churches and other gent'men and to chus a Committy for said servise and leave ye whole concern to their decesion."
" Voated y't mr Samuel Dudley, mr John Whiple, mi- Timothy Carter, mr Robert Goderd, mr Johiiathan Kiney, mr william Stockwell, and mr Nathaniel Dike should be a Committy for ye sarvise above rnensioned."
' ' Voted to leave it with the selectmen to see what will satisfy mr David Hall for his servise in Preaching with us from ye time he first com amongst us to ye time the Town gove him a Call to settel amongst us." *
The return of the Committee to fix upon a standard of valuation for paper money is as follows :
" Wee, the Com'ttee chosen by the Town May the 20th 172!) to judg upon the valley of Paper Money, met together in pursuance of s'd voat in order there to. we the Committy declared as followeth — 1. That sixteen shillings of Paper money is adjudged to be equivalent to an ounce of silver. 2. that as to day labour it will in general answer at three and six pence per day. 3. that it wrill in generall purchess as followeth, beof three pence half penny per pound, pore at five pence per Pound. 4. That it purchase Indian Corn at four shillings ; and Rye at six and wheat at eight shillings per bushil, as witness our hands.
ELISH JONSON JOHN STOCKWILL JOHN SIBLEY."
At the same time consented to
Per me DAVID HALL.J
"This above written composition is a true copy of the comittes accepted (report) by ye toun and ordered to be entered upon Record as a Just standard of ye value of ye money wherein mr David Hall is to Receive his salery men- tioned & acted upon voat 2 in ye preceding page."
" BENJA. MARSH Town Clerk."
* Town Records. t Town Records.
40 ANNALS OF THE
Oct. 10. " It was put to voat to sec- whether ye Town would fully close with rar David Halls answer & have it put upon record, and ye voat Past in ye atirmitive, which answer is as followeth * —
Mr. Hall was ordained Oct. 15, 1729. The Town Clerk makes no record of the Churches invited, nor of the proceed- ings of the Council.
Dec. 8. "The following voats wars past tirst it appears by a major voat that Decou Pasive.1 Hall should still take care of the eontrilmshons," 21y it appeared by major voat that the town alowed ye bill of charge which ye Comity broat in for the charge of mr David Halls ordination." f
Taxes were some times in arrears in the early history of the town, as appears from the following entry upon the records, made by order of the selectmen :
"Feb. ye 27, 1729-30.
•• Mr. Elisha Putnum Town Treasurer Debtter for Diver- Sums of money comited to several constables to colect.
£ — s— d
for ye year 1728 Constable Holmans town rate - 42. 17. 01
and his ministers Rates - - - - 24 — 00 — 11
for ye year 1726 Constable Ebenezer Daggets Ministers Rate, 52. 08. .11
his town Rate amounts to 10. 07. 05
for ye year 1727 Constable James Millers town Rate 04. 17 .01
his ministers Rate is 09. 14. .01
for ye year 1728 Constable Nicols town Rate 26. 00 00.
his ministers Rate is - 52. 00. 00
for ye year 1728 Constable hazel tons town Rate - - 20. 14. .04
his ministers rate - - 11. 18. .03
By order of ye selectmen." J 1730.
April X. A Warrant was issued for a town meeting to be held " at ye meeting House one wensday, the tAventy second of April att one of ye Clock in ye after noon undo- standing that the vote concerning the trusttes to (wit) of Suttons part of ye 60 thousand pounds Land money, granted by ye general Court and the town of Suttons dispoels thar
* For the answer see History of "First Congregation Church " in this book. t Town Records. J Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTOX. 41
of is not Entered in ye town Book as we are in formed and other Things Releating to the town of Sutton's prudencils Hearafter Exprest — As furst to see what the Town will do to secure them selves and the trustes and all so to se if tha will Chuse a committy to asist the town Clerk in searching ye town Book Relating to s'd money and trusttes and all so to see what ye town will do with ye Intrust of s'd Land money. 21y. for the town to Hear ye Petions of several pearsons of Hasanamiskco. — 31y for the town to Chuse a Connnety to discourse with Rev'nd mr David Hall Concerning the valleation of our paper Bills and make a Return Thearof to ye nexte town meating."
"•Pursuant to the wearant of which this above writ-en Is a true Copy then the following votes was past Capt. willam King was Chosen moderator by a majer voat for said met- ing 21y voated that ye Selectmen ware Chosen to A sist ye town Clerk in searching ye town Book consuming the Land mony and thay made thare Return in ye above said meting and thair Return is that thay Can find nothing thair of any meeting for the Recouvering of said Land mony. 31y thay proseed to chuse a commete to treete with ye trusttes to see what securety thay will give to the towns for the above said Land mony. 41y voted that three men should be a com- mette to treete with the trusttes. 51y voted that mr Johna- than Kinny and Insin John Stockwell and mi- Robart God- dard should be A Commette to see what securety ye trusttes will give to ye town and to make a Return to the next town metten 61y Voted that Lu't Elisha Jonson and Insin John Stockwell and mr John Sible should be a Commett to treette with the Rev'd mr David Hall consearning the vallyation of our paper Bills." •
1730.
May 15th. The town voted that the following record, which had been omitted, "shall be entered in our town Book."
"At a Leaguel Town meeting Held at the meting House In Sutton one mondy ye 25 of March 1728 for to consider of taking the Land mony in the Town that was parte of the 6
42 ANNALS OF THE
sixty thousand pound land money being an hundred and Eighty three pounds, fifteii shiling faling to the town of Sutton or to chuse three or five meet persons for trustes to take the care of the saim. and furet by A mager vote it apeared that mr Samuel Duddly was Chosen moderater, secondly the town voted to take the Land mony that parte of the sixty thousand pound of the Land mony that was a lowed to them by the honorable Court, thardly voted that the land, money should be let out, non of it to any man above twenty pounds, nor none of it under ten pounds to any man — forth ly voted y't thar should be three men chosen trustes to take ye land mony and dispose of it, fifth- voted that Elisha Jonson, Elisha Putnam and John whippel ware chosen by the town for that sarves — to wit to take the land mony 61y, voted to have a schoul this present year." *
The Land Money, to which reference is made in the above action of the town, was money raised by the Colonial gov- ernment, and apportioned among the several towns to be loaned to the land holders in small sums secured by lien upon real estate. According to Hutchison and others, the plan was adopted by the government to forestall private parties, who wished to be incorporated as banking associa- tions for the purpose of loaning money upon land security. The design was to prevent monopoly, and furnish money to those of small means at a reasonable rate of interest, and without danger of foreclosure. Tne towns were to remit a part of the interest to the government, and retain a part. The plan was a good one in theory, but proved a failure.
January llth, 1730-31 :
"Voted that no money shall Be Raisd to Defra town charges."
' ' Voted that Decon Putnam shall take Care of the Contru- luision money."
"Voted to seete the meeting House and Chuse a Cometty for that sarvice."
"Voted that mr Johnathan Keney and mr obdiah Walker
* Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTOM. 43
and mr Ebenezer Starns and mr Thomas nickiols and mr Cornalous Putnam shall be a Commetty for said sarvice — the In structions thay are to goo by Is age and Rate and oifece — Heds not Regarded."
Jan. 29th, 1730-31. "Lut Samuel Dudly was chosen a representtive, by a mager vote, to send to our grate and general Court and asembely Cept and Hild at Boston Feb- euarey-ye-1 1-1 730-31." *
May 15th. Lieut. Dudley was chosen to represent the town at a session of the General Court and Assembly to be convened at Cambridge August 27th.
He was the first representative chosen from this town.
August 29th. " Voted to chuse three men to meet with gentenmen of severl towns that have apinted to meet at mr James Lealands one the 28 of this Instant to consider and provide a new skeam in order to Procure a new County."
"Voted that Capt Wm. King and rnr John whippel and nathaniel Dike was Chosen for that sarves."
" Voted to keep a school in s'd Town for this present year for four mounths and that the selectmen agree with a school- master to keepe School for s'd town to Lern the chelderen and youth to Rede and wright English and to be kept at the Discresion of selectmen In four Places in s'd Town (viz) one month in the town Plot and three months at 3 other Places in the town one month in a Place." f
1731.
May 17th. The town chose "Ins' John Stockwell, and Lut. Beniamin marsh for trustes for Suttons Parte of ye sixtey Thousand Pounds land money."
"Voted that the meeting House should be Repeared — and that The selectmen should take cear to Repear The meeting House."
" Voted thar shold Be schole Darnes Provided to teaceh the Cheldern in the town as shall be thought ueadfull."
At the same meeting the town ' ' Dide Elect and Deput
* Town Records. t Towii Records.
J4 ANNALS OF THE
Lut. Sainual Dudley to .send a representtive To our grate and general Cort or assembley to Be hild and Kept for his Maigesties sarvice at the Cort House In Boston upon wens- day The 26 of May In ye year 1731."
"Voted that ye selectmen prefer a peticon to ye gen'll Cort in Behalcf of ye town for an abatmeut of ye Charge for Pauient of thair Representative ye last year By Reson of ve "rate sickness and mortality that god was Plesed to
* O
visit ye Town with the Last winter."
luo-ust 2d. "Voted that Deacon Parssiful Hall should
o
sarve at ye Court of General sesions of ye Peace to be Holden at worsester for this present year."
-'Voted that Philep Chace shuld sarve at ye Court for a pety jurey."
September 2d. "Voted Doct. Thomas Sanford should sarve grand juriman at our Court at worsester this Present year."
' * Voted that Samuel Dagget should sarve at s'd Cort of Trials for this presant year on ye Jury of trials."
September 20th. "Ye Inhabitants of ye Town being asembled in town meeting to Consider what advice to give ye Representative Releating to ye Diffeculty lying before ye honourable house of Representatives Respecting the supply of ye treasuary and having Considered of ye saime ye folloing vote was put to vote —
"If it be your minds that our Representative should yeald ye Piutt that hath been so long in Debate between his excel- lency ye governer and ye honourable House of Representa- tives Relating to ye suply of ye treasurry siguitie it by holding up your hands. — ye vote passed in ye negative."
November 1st. "Voted that mr nathaniel Dike should sarve on ye Jurey at ye Court of triales to be holden at worssester ye 2 day of november 1731." f
" Sutton December ye 20th 1731
"The Returne of ye Commity Chosen to seat ye meeting house Is as folio weth
* Dea. Lelaud says this sickness was called the Long fever. t Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 45
ye fore Sect
Samuel Dudley Squr Capt. King, Leut. Benjamin Marsh, John Perham, Nathaniel Dike, John Singletary, William Waite, Samuel Sibley, 2d Sect. Thomas Nichols,
Daniel Elliot, Sen. Ins. John Stockwell,
William Stockwell, Josiah White, Obadiah Walker. 3d seat. Caleb Bixbe, Joseph White, Ebenezer Stearns Caleb Talor Samuel Bixbe Isaac Putnam. 4th seat. James Eliott Joseph Severy John Alen
Nathaniel Dike Juner. Joseph Waite Johnathan Parks. 5th Seat. David Stockwell,
Ebenezer Stockwell, William Sibley, Beniamin Sibley Thomas Dennies Abel Chase. 6th. Seat. William Vinino-
O
Thomas Harback John Burden Joseph Kideo. "All ye above writeu are in ye body of sects below."
46 ANNALS OF THE
" Ye front fore seet up in ye gallery,"
Thomas Lavel John Gibbs, Isaac Chase, Johnathan Xichols, Sollomon Holman Samuel Carrel Jarsham Waite Robert Jennison Richard Waters, John Hazelton.
Ye 2d seet in front gallery. — Joseph Eliott
Samuel Waters Jacob Whipple Benjamin Marsh ju Samuel Wood Jonathan King Daniel Kiney Daniel Cariel David Harwood John Lion John Stock well.
' ' The fore seet in ye side gallery
Cornelius Putnam Isaac Nichiolsun Daniel Elliot Eleazer Fletcher Edward Holmaii Samuel Parker Robert Goddard Charls Robarts, Percival Hall John Bound Johnathan Stockwell Samuel D wight, David Prince Ebenezer Cutler Jepthha Putnam Daniel Greenwood
TOWN OF SUTTON. 47
Martin Armstrong Samuel Dudley Johnathan Marsh . 2nd Seat in side gallery,
Jason Waite Nathaniel Jones Joseph Sibley Frances Kider William Perham Benjamin Perharn. Benjamin Carter Ebenezer Harwood. ' ' First in ye wimines foore seet below "
Ye widdo Stockwell ye widdo Rich. Ye 2nd seet. Doct. Putnams wife
Wido Page Wido Rebeckah Kenney
Mrs. Harwood.
ye 3 seat, ye Wido Martha Sibley "Ye fore seet in ye front gallery,"
Widdo Mary Sibley
" And it is to be understood that all ye wimen that have husbands are seeted eaquel with thar husbands."
THOMAS NICHOLS This done by a
OBADIAH WALKER I commity chosen to
EBENEZER STEARNS j seet the meeting
CORNELIUS PUTNAM J in Button.
At this period all property holders were taxed for the support of the gospel, and were expected to attend church. Hence, if to the above list of males we add the names of the pew-holders, we have a record of all the adult males in town at this date, with the possible exception of a few in the part which is now Grafton.
January 25th, 1731-32. "Voted that Kbene/cr Dagget should sarve at ye Cort of trials to be Hoklen at Worssester on ye furst day of February 1731—32."
4S ANNALS OF THE
March Hth, 1731-2. " mr nathaiiiel Dike was Chosen grand juriman to sarve at ye Cort of \\orster for this pres- ant year and mr Samuel Barton was Chose at s'd meeting to sarve at the next Inf. Cort of Comon Pies to be hoklcn at Worcesster."
March 6th, 1731-2. The town "voted that all ye tree holders in Sutton have liberty to vote in s'd meeting."
"Voted not to act upon Chusing trusttes for Sutton Part of ye Sixty Thousand pounds land money."
At the meeting held this date a petition was presented by John Hazelton and several "of oure Esterly in habitants Requesting thay may be set of in order to joyne with mendon, uxbridge, and hopkinton in order to make a new Town ship."
"Voted that if ye towns afore s'd shall se met to Dismis thar Inhabitants in order their to and ye generall Court shall incorporate them into a town then these our Inhabitants are Dismised in order thar to-r— ye Line to Run upon ye westerly side of John Hasaltons Land and to Run north to Hasnemisco Line and south to uxbridge line."
Henry King, Joseph Harwood, Stephen Hall, Xathaniel Jones, John Sibley, Johnathan Kenney, Richard Singletary, Thomas Nichols, Francis Dudley, David Dudley, Johnathan Dudley, petitioned the town of Sutton for permission "to erect and bild a new Pew in oure Meeting-house where the two hindermost seats are in the frunt galleary in the mens parte for our accomodation to set at meeting."
"Voted ye prayers of this abuv writen Petion, with this Restruction, that they shall Come no further than the select- men shall allou."
1732.
May 24. "Voted to Chuse a Commity to set a valiation upon ye Bills of Publick Credit with ye R'vnt mr Hall and also upon all other things which were brote under Considra- tion by a former Commity which ware Chosen by ye town to set a valiation upon ye Bills of Credit and other things
* The proposed Township was incorporated by the General Court and is now Upton.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 4!»
Iveferance being had to the valluation as it ma be found upon ye Town Book.
"Voted Lut. Elisha Johnson and In's John Stoekwell and inr John Sibeley a Commity for ye above said vote about ye valuation of the paper bills and other things as thay are in that artikel menshoned.
"Voted to keep the schoole at Esqu. Dudleys."
"Voted Esqu. Dudley to Keep sehoole for three months."
"Voted to give R'vnt mr David Hall ye loos Money that is in Deacon Halls hands Excepting ye one half that mr Leland Contributed." *
June (5th. "Voted that the six acres formerly appropria- ted by the Proprietors tor building the meeting-house thereon and for a training tield and burying place bounded as folio w- eth, viz. Southerly upon Mr Hall's lott No. 18, Westerly on town road, Northerly upon the county road, and Easterly part upon the School lott and upon undivided land, should be put on record." f
July 2f>. "• Voted John Sible senuer Should sarve on the Jury of trials at our next Infearer Courte of Common pleas to be holden at Worcester s'd Courte to be held on ye S day of August 1732.
Sep. 11. " Voted Capt. william King should sarve at our next Supeuer Court of Judecatuer of Worcester on ye grand Jury."
" Voted Lut Beniamin marsh should sarve at said Court on ye Jury of trials said court is to be holden at Worcester on ye 20 Day of September Instant.!'
Sept. 18. " Voted fifteen pounds to seport the schooling in Sutton this present year.
' ' Put it to vote to see whether ye Town will sink thos parcions setelment Kate which are of a Difrant Purswasion from ye generality of us, which are yet behinde and Refus to pay it — and ye vote Passed in ye negative."
Oct. 30. " Timothy Holton was chosen to serve on the Jury of trials at the Inf. Court of Common Pleas to be held in November.
* Town Records.
t Proprietors' Records.
50 ANNALS OF THE
Dec. 18. " Elisha Johnson was chosen to serve at the Session of the same Court to be held Feb. 6, 1732-3.
The Town voted not to send a representative to the Gen- eral Court this year.*
March o, 1732-3. " Voted to allow Esq. Dudley his money that was menshuned in ye third article in ye war- rant."
He was fined for not attending the General Court. The sum is not given.
" Voted that Mr. Samuel Sible should sarve on the Grand Jurey this present year,"
" Voted that mr Simon Da-ken should sarve on ye Jurey of trials at our next Infereur Court of Common Pies to be holden at Worcester. Said Court is To be begun-Hild on Tuesday ye Eaight Day of May 1733."
The same day " it was Put to vote to see wheather ye Town woold free Eleven of our esterly Inhabitants of haft' thare minesters Kate for ye year insuing and ye vote Past in ye afarmitive and ye Parsons freed oft" haff thare mines- ters Rate, are as folio weth :
John Parham, Joseph Kidder,
William Parham, Jonathan Smaith,
Benjimin Parham, Jacob Whipple,
John Hazeltine, David Bactheller,
Joseph Tyler, Samuel Wood,
John Rawson.
1733.
March 26. "It was put to vote to see wheather ye TOAVU will Rais mony to support schooling amoungst us, or act upon any thing Relating thare to about ye keeping of school that shall be Thought Proper, and ye vote Past in ye nega- tive."
April 9. "Voted Twenty-five pounds to seport ye school amoungst us this present year."
"Voted that ye selectmen shall be a Commity to take cear about providing a school."
* Town Records.
TOWN OF BUTTON. 51
" Voted that thare shall be a moving school." To which David Harwood entered his dissent.
" Voted that Lu't Beniamin Marsh and mr Samuel Dag- £-et and mr Nathaniel Dike shall be a Commitv to Call Dea-
O V
con Percivel Hall, mr Joseph Sible and mr John Stockwell mr Robart Goddard and mr John Sible and mr John Bound to an a Compt for taken money out of ye Town Treasueary without order from ye Town, in ye year Thiurty on and in ye year Thurty TAVO."
May 21. "Voted that ye Rev't mr. David Hall shall have liberty to make a vvindo against his pew. In ye meet- ing-house " " voted that ye Re'nt mr David Hall shall have a free quarter!}' Contribution."
Oct. 1. "• Voted to Chuse a Commity to Look into ye Deiiceince of ye money since ye a greament maid between ye Town and ye Rev'nt mr David Hall."
-• Voted that mr Samuel Lilie mr obadiah walker and mr Solomon Holinan, Deacon Parcivel Hall and uir Perres Rice be a Commity for saide sarvice."
" Voted that mr Robart Goddard and mr freegrace Mar- bel and Timothy Holton shall be a Commity to Repair ye meeting house in Sutton."
The committee appointed to examine into the deficiency of the salary of Rev. Mr. David Hall caused by the depre- ciation of the currency, report as follows :
" The Comity s Return, that was Chosen to Look into ye Defisincy of ye money since ye agreement maid between ye R'viit mr Hall and ye Town, is as folio weth :
We, the subscribers whose names are under writen, being Chosen by a voat of ye Town to Consider ye Present value of money and Compare it with ye Towns ofl'ers maid to Rev'd mr Hall, in relation to his sallery and ye goodness of ye money whairin he was to recive it, being assembled for said purpose the ninth of October Currant, after mature Consideration upon the value of ye money, it was unam- ously agreed by us, as our mind, that mr Hall, our Pastor, ought to have, In our present money, at lest one hundred & Thurty pounds for this Present year in anser to ye obli- gation of ye Town to give him an Honourabel Sallery ; and
02 ANNALS OF THE
upon Discourse with mr Hall we tind, that altho tis his mind that he is cut short in ye Three years Past seventy five Pounds in valy by reason of ye falling of money from ye -tandard set for a vale wherby he was to have his sallery. yet, that rather than any hurt to ye Peopel, Considering our Present Circumstances, he will fore goo it upon these Condisions that ye sallery may be thus helpet and that he may Procure his money withoute Troubel at the Time.
PERCIVELL HALL OBADIAH WALKER SOLOMON HOLM AN PERES RICE." *
The Town made no choice this year of a Representative to the General Court.
March 4, 1733-4. The Town voted for County Treas- urer, which is the first mention made of action in the choice of such an officer. The name of the person voted for is not given.
1734.
May 22. "Voted ye former Contribution, that is to say Every weak as it hath ben in Time Past, and ye quart ly Contrabution to be Dropt."
"Voted that ye meeting house shall be Repared."
"Voted that mr nathaniel Dike and mr John Singeltary should be aded to ye selectmen to be a Conmiity to Tret with ye R'vnt mr Hall to Luck in to ye Defectiance of ye money."
k k Voted that ye selectmen be a Commity to In quiere and see whether ye Town may with safty make sale of ye school Land, and to make Report to ye Town ye next meeting and also, to make Report to ye Town what offers any Parson or Persons make for ye saini."
Nov. 4. "It was Put to vote to se if ye Town wood give ye R'vnt mr Hall ye sum of sixty Two pound Ten shillings for ye Diticiencey of ye mony this year, and ye vote Past in ye negative."
* Town Records.
TOWN OF BUTTON. 53
""It was voted, that it was Thought that a Hundred and Thurty Pound was a Horn-able Sallery for this present year."
"Voted that Thurty Pound shall be aded to the Hundred Pound for This present year."
" Voted, that ye quarterly Coutrubution shall be set up in Lew of ye weakley Contrubution."
March 3, 1734-5. "Voted, that Esqr. Dudley and mr Freegrace marbel and Ins. Robeart godard and mr Solomon Holman and mr Jepthah Putnam be a Coinmity to vu ye meet ing House and Lay ye saim before the Town ye next Town meeting in order for ye Reparing of ye meeting House."
"Voted that Esqr. Dudley and mr Lille and mr John Sible be a Comiuitty to Joyn with the Rev'nt mr Hall In Leasing out ye minister! Land, and that ye agrement which ye R'vnt mr David Hall and ye Commity shall make with any Parson or Parsons Relating to ye ministerl Land shall be Laid before ye Town In order for thare Exceptence before any writing be Particted about the saim."
The north eastern part of the town embracing the Indian reservation of Hassanamico, and a small portion of terri- tory in addition, was incorporated as the town of Grafton.
The Act of Incorporation is dated 1735.
1735.
May 19. "Voted that Deacon Parcivel Hall shall hove Liberty to buhl a Stabel upon ye Town Land haveing ye advice of ye selectmen where to set s'd stabel."
' ' Voted to Chuse a Commity to vue ye Town to see how man}' school Housen are wanted, and whare thay shall be set and to make Return to ye Town."
"Voted Esqr. Dudley and Ln't Joseph Sibley and Ins. Robart Goddard and Lu't John Stockwell and mr Solomon IIolman a Commete for ye aforesaid sarvice about siting ye school Housen."
"Voted Forty Pounds to Repair ye meeting house." *
* Town Kecords.
54 ANNALS OF THE
"Voted that inr nathanel Dike Dea. Elisha Putnam and Lu't Joseph Sible shall he a Commity to treet with ye Rvnt. nir Hall about ye Defieince of ye money Relating to his sallery."
At the same meeting, the Town "Did Elect and Depute Deac. Percivel Hall to be our Representive to our grate and general Court or asembley to be cept and held at ye Court house. In Boston, on Wensday the 28 Day of this Instant may."
Sept. 12. The committee, appointed to confer with Mr. Hall with reference to sallery, reported as follows :
"We, the subscribers Chosen by the Town to Treet with the Rev'd nar Hall about the value of money, after Discourse with nir Hall, and Delibrating upon the matter, we Conclude that, acording to the general run of Provison and Clothing, that Present Provence Bills fall short one third In valley of what thay ware at the Time of His settlement with us, so that we apprehend one Hundred and fifty Pounds will but barely bring it to the Balance of one Hundred according to the standard.
NATHANIEL DIKE ) ELISHA PUTNAM >Com. JOSEPH SIBLE"* )
The following agreement with the committee, signed by Mr. Hall, is also found on record.
"I, the subscriber, hearby Signify and Declare that if the Town will provide that what the Towns Committee I lave adjudged reasauabel to assess for this years sallery be assessed, that, upon the Reseat of the saime, I Avill give the Town a full Discharge for the present years sallery as wit- ness my hand
DAVID HALL."
The Town "Voted, that a Hundred and fifty Pounds shall be assessed for the Rvnt. mr Halls sallery this present year."
March 1, 1735-6. "Voted that iiir Xathaniel Dike and mr Robart Godard and Timothy Holton be a Committe to
* Town Records. '
TOWN OF SUTTON. 55
Treet with the R'vnt nir Hall about the Deficiency of the money Relating to his Sallery this present year.
1736.
May 19. "Voted that the selectmen shall be a Commit- tee to Repear the meeting-house."
"The Return of the Comitte that was Chosen to Squd- ron out the school Housen was brought In to ye Town and non Excepted."
It seems by an article in the warrant for the TowTn meet- ing held upon the day above given the tine imposed upon the Town by the General Court for failure to send a Repre- sentative in 1784, was remitted and the money returned.
The article is as follows :
"To see what the Town will J)eu with the money that the Town was find for not sending a Representative to our Grate and general Court In the year 17H4, which is Got of and Returned back again to the Town." In reference to the above, it was "Voted that the ninten Pounds shall be Throod in to the Treasure that was got of which the Town was find for not sending a Representive To our grate and general Court In the year 1734."
Sept. 24. The committee appointed to confer with Rev. Mr. Hall make their report :
".We, the subscribers being Chosen to be a Committe, To Treet with the Rev'nd mr Hall about the Deficencey of the money since he seteled amongst us, and having Discoursed with him about the saim and muttuerly Considered thare on togeather with the nessesarics of Life and we find that about one Hundred and fifty pounds be equelent to one Hundred at the time of his setelment.
ROBERT GODDARD ) r, ... „ TIMOTHY HOI/TON \ C°mm,ttey.
"Voted one Hundred and fifty Pound for the Revnd mi- Halls sallery This present year."
A petition was received from certain young men, for per- mission to build a pew in the meeting house, and it was
' ' voted the Prayer of the above said Petisioners be
5H ANNALS OF THE
granted with this Proviso that they Take in a suticent num- ber with them That have Petioned to till up the Roome and bulde thare scat or pew no wider than the Hind seat or at Least so as not to Dammidge no other seate."'
1737.
May 23d. " mr Robart (loddard and mr Samuel Lille and mr Jeremiah Buckman ware Chosen a Commette To Treet with the Revnt mr Hall about the vallation of money Relat- ing to his Sallery."
A desire for greater facilities for attendance upon Public- worship had been felt by those who were remote from the centre, and was made manifest about this time in a request for preaching at various places.
We find in the warrant for a Town meeting upon May 23d the following article :
"To hear the Petision of the several parts of our Town Relating to Preching."
Upon the consideration of which, it was " Voted, that the Town Chuse a Commette to vue the several Parts of the Town in ancuer to the Petious Conserning Preching and to bring into the Town by the next March meeting what thay shall think most proper."
"Voted Esqr Dudley Dea. parcivel Hall and Dea. Elisha Putnam Samuel Boutwell, Benjamin woodbeary Ens. Timothy Carter, Richard Waters, Ins. Robart goddard, mr obadiah Walker mr Isaac Putnam mr Hennery King mr Daniel Chace a Commete for ye aforesaid Sarvice about preching."
Sept. 19. The committee appointed to confer with Mr. Hall report that his salary for the year should be £1(J3, slS, d.6, which the Town voted to pay him.
" Voted to set up the weakley Contribution as form ley."
1738.
May 24. " Voated that there should be one hundred and sixty four pound Raised to support the Rev. mr. David Hall the present year."
* Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTOX. O t
" In-sin Robart Goddard mr John Sibley mr Samuel Bar- ten ware Chosen to be a Committy to treet with Revrnt mr Hall about the Deficenaey of money."
March (>, 1738-1). "Voted that our Daniel Dike should have liberty to build him a pue up over the wimmings stears in the meeting house for him and his famerly provided he did not hurt or Discommode the going up the gallery stares."
"• Voted that Elisha Putnam Junr and John Holton, John whipple, Ebene/ar waters & Amos waters should have the liberty to build them a seet up over the mens stares In the meeting house — provided they Did not hurt nor Discom- mode the going up the gallery stares."
Permission was given to Elisha Putnam Cornelius Putnam & Elisha Putnam Junr "and also any others Even as many as would build stables upon the Common-laud near the meeting-house might — provided that they Did not hurt nor Discommode the training field nor the Buring place.''
1739.
May 22. " Voated that mr Samuel Boutwell, mr Samuel Chase and mr Solomon Holman be a Committy to treet with the Revnt mr Hall about the Deficiance of money."
Johnathan Lilly was allowed thirty shillings •• his charge in going after a school-master the last year."
Dec. 24. "'Voted that mr David Greenwood should be one of the men to take Care that the Dear within this Province be not Killed Contretrary to the law."
" Voted that John Sibley Junr should be a man to take Care of said Dear as aforesaid." f
March 10, 1739-40. -Voted that there should be six plases or squarderanes wheare the school should be kept In the Town provided that Each Squarderain Do Build a school- house In Each pertieler place hearafter mentioned and that upon their one Cost and Charge or h'nd sum other house to keep the school in." The six places are described in detail.
* Town Records. t Town Records.
5X \\VALS OF THE
1740.
May 25. In the warrant for a town meeting to be held upon this date we find the following article :
"To see if the Town will hear the Petition of sundry of our notherly Inhabitance with Respect to setting off — two miles In Breadth — on the notherly side of the Town Joyn- ing upon the Contry Goure.-and five miles In Length from oxford Line Bastardly — to joyn with their neighbouring Inhabitance that they may be better a Comidated with the word." *
There are several references upon the town records TO "petitions by our Northerly Neighbors," but the above is the first mention made of the subject matter of these petitions.
"Voted that there be one hundred pounds Raised for the Rev'nt Mr Hall this present year — with the addition of what the assesers shall, upon their treating with the Rev'nt mr Hall, find that the money hath sunk in Credit since mr Hall setteled amongst us — and all so ten pounds more which the Town is behind time."
Obadiah AValker, Nathaniel Goodwin and Samuel Bout well are appointed to confer with Mr. Hall upon the depreciation of the currency.
The consideration of the petition above referred to was deferred till the next town meeting.
"Voted that the Baptis be freed from paying any of Mi- Halls salery this present year."
Sept. 1st. Benjamin Woodbury and Henry King and Lieut. Goddard were appointed a committee to unite with a committee of the Proprietors of Sutton in making a survey and final settlement of the line between Sutton and Oxford.
The location of this line had been for several years a mat- ter of controversy.
Nov. 5th. Upon this date Rev. David Hall commenced a diary which he continued to the year 1789. f
* Town Records.
t This diary fell into the hands of C. C. Baldwin, Esq., who, for its better preservation, had the manuscript bound in two volumes, which may now be found in the Hall of the Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 59
Dec. 2. "It is a time of sore sickness and Mortality with us, God seems angry and the Heavens look dark upon us. I have agreed with my People to spend to-morrow as a day of Humiliation, fasting and prayer on ye account of sickness amongst us." '
March 2, 1740-41.
* * Mr Abel Chase and mr Ebenezer Harwood chose to take Care that the Dear are not kiled Contrary to ye law."
" Voted that mr Benjamin Woodbry mr Abel Chase mr Richard Waters Capt Joseph Sibley — Capt. John Stockwell and Elisha Putnam — be a Committy to Consider and look into the origenall agreement which the Town made with the Rev'nt mr Hall and se wheather the Town hath fulliled the same a Cording to the true Intent and meaning there-of and make Report there of a Cording as they shall find maters stand — at next may meeting."
' • Voted that the school laud (with the exception of an acre and a half ) should be leased out nine hundred and ninety nine years and that they would Chuse a Committy for that purpose."
"•Voted that Capt. Timothy Carter, inr Benjamin Wood- bury and mr Isaac Barnard be a Committy to Lease out the school land as above said." f
March 7. "I am concerned that .God hath a grate con- troversy with New England, and that he calls us to great searchings of heart : he sends us war : sore sickness and seems to be smiting with ye arrow of famine." J
1741.
Apr. 6. " Nineteen persons have died with the lung fever : many more of the throat distemper ; no less than five in one Family God's hand is upon old and young, espec- ially upon my People." §
May 25. "Voted to give the Rev'nt mr Hall the sum of two hundred and thirty pounds acording to the old tenner Bills — this present year."
* Doctor Hall's Diary. t Town Records. J Dr. Hall's Diary. § Dr. Hall's Diary.
60 ANNALS OF THE
•-Voted to Defer the giveing of the Committy that ware Chosen to leas out the school-land their Instructions till next march meeting."
Jan. 18, 1741-2. "Voted that there should he a Com- mitty Chosen to Consult the affair Relating to the Building of a meeting-house or Reparing the present meeting-house — and to make Return to the Town at the time that shall be set."
"Voted that Dea. Lilley, Deacon Hall mr Walker, mi- Richard waters, mr Samuel Chase, mr Daniel Greenwood mr Abel Chase, mr Isaac Chase, Capt. Stockwell, Capt. Carter, & Elisha Putnam Be a Committy for the above said service, and that the said Committy should make their Return to the Town the first monday In febuary next."
Feb. 1st. "The Return of ye Committy was Read and it was put to vote wheather the Town would make more Room in the present meeting-house, and it past in ye affir- mitive.
"Voted that mr Benjamin Woodbery, mr Freegrace Mar- ble & Isaac Putnam be a Commity to make som more Room in said house, and that the said Committy have liberty to make what Room they can In ye present meeting-house below and also in the galliries." *
Feb. 3. "Rev. Mr. Edwards of North Hampton at my house this week. I thought I had not seen in any man for some years so much of the grace of God causing ye face to shine ; Might I have a house full of gold or such enlarge- ments of grace as I think shines in him, Oh I would dispise all for such enlarged measures of grace." f
Feb. 2(>. "A blazing star or Comet appeared last week. It arises about midnight in ye north-east. What changes it portends who can tell ; perhaps some great Devastation of the British nation : ye lord preserve us." +
March 15. "It was put to voate viz. all that are of the mind to build a new meeting house and to set it upon the
* Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary. t Dr. Hall's Diary.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 61
Common Land hear near this present meeting house to mani- fest it by holding up the hand, — and the vote past in the affirmitive.
"Voted that Capt. Joseph Sibley, Capt. John Stockwell, Klisha Putnam, mr Richard \vaters, inr Solomon Holman mr Benjamin Woodbery, and mr obadiah Walker be a Committy to take ('are about Building the said new meeting house.
"Voted that the above said Coinmity proceed to take Care and Build the said meeting-house as soon as they Can Conveniently."
"Voted that mr obadiah Walker, mr Johnathan Marsh, mr Ebene/er Parse be a Committy to treat with the Rev'nt mr Hall Relating to his sallearv." *
1742.
May 25. "Voted to give the Rev. mr Hall the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds, Bills of Credit acording to the old tenner Bills — for his salery this present year."
"Voted that Elisha Putnam, Capt. Sibley, Mr Isaac Bar- nard, mr Obadiah Walker, mr Henry King be a Committy to Consider of the petitions of sum of our northesterly and northerly Inhabitance Couserning their being set of from us, and that said Committy make Return to the Town at the next Town meeting."
June 9th. A petition of . certain persons living in the north-west part of the town, asking permission to unite with others in adjoining towns for the purpose of forming a new town was presented and denied.
The committee appointed to consider the petition of the northerly inhabitants desirous of forming a new precinct, reported, and probably adversely to the prayer of the peti- tioners, for the town voted not to allow them to be set oft'.
Aug. 23. "It was put to vote to see if the town would give the Committy that ware Chosen by the Town to take Care about Building a new meeting-house — Instructions how Big they should Build it. — and the vote Past in the affirmitive."
* Town Records.
62 ANNALS OF THE
"Voted that the said Comity should Build the said meet- ing-house — 55 foots long — and 45 foots wide and the height be left to the Judgement of the said Committy."
Sept. 27th. " Voted that Capt. John Stockwell, Lieut. Goddard, Deacon Hall, Mr. Benjamin Woodbery, Capt. Carter, Cornelius Putnam, Mr. Solomon Holman be a com- mittee to go and measure three miles and one-half from the north line of the Town, south, and make return to the Town.''
Oct. 18. "At an adjourned meeting held this date the above committee report as follows :
" We the subscribers being chosen by a vote of the Town to measure from our north line, three miles and one-half, a Cording to the petition of our Northerly Inhabitance, and to make Return of our Doings In that affair. First of all. we measured of three miles and half from our Northerly line, acording to our order, which we found would take off Robart Fits, juiir., Daniel Dike, John Stockwell and Both the Severies and Joseph Safford, Thomas Lovell, and Daniel Chase, junr., to the north part, which Extended so far south that we were well satisfied that the Town would not set off so far; then we went back to our three miles mark and ran another line from oxford to Grafton, paralel to our northerly line, which takes off Francis Kidder, Josiah Allen, Richard Singletary, Isaac Barnard, Garsham Waite, Samuel Goodel, and Amos Goodell to the north of said line, and leaves Daniel Chase, junr., Thomas Lovel, Joseph Singletary. Theophilus Kiuuey and Israel Easty, a little to the south.
TIMOTHY CARTER, i
JOHN STOCKWELL,
SOLOMON HOLMAN. ^ Committee.
CORNELIUS PUTNAM,
BENJAMIN WOODBURY. j Then the following petition was read, viz. ;
Sutton, Sept. the 8th, 1742.
" The petition of sundry of the northerly Inhabitance of s'd Town, humbly sheweth that, whereas we, your petitioners, living, sum and the most of us, very Remote from ye place
TOWN OF 8UTTOX. 83
of worship and having, sundry times, petitioned said Town for Releef, and hether to all our petitions have been abortive and unsuccessful! yet, not withstanding our Difficulties being so grate, we cant content our selves to give over seeking, hopeing we shall succeed at ye last — and, having thought upon a new skeeui — which we think will pritty well accoin- niidate us all, we pray that you would not Deny us this Request, (viz.) To set us of three miles and an half wide by a parallel line with the northerly line of said Town. Begin- ing at oxford and Riming to grafton In order to make a pre- cinct, that so we may have the worship of God set up amonirst us, which we think Cant but be a Reasonable Re-
o
(|iiest and what we hope you will not Deny unto us, which as in Duty Bound we hartily pray for.
" Timothy Carter, Isaac Maiming. Thomas Whittemore, Josiah Bond, Dauiell Greenwood, Joseph Sparro whack, Isaac- Gale, Nathan Hiscock, Jabesh Pratt, John Allen, Samuel Buck, Junr., Jabesh Pratt, Junr., Jeremiah Bukman, John- atlian Dwinell, Amos Singletary, Ebene/ar Peirce, Thomas Hall, Ebene/ar Sibly, Garshain Bigelow, Samuel Boutell, John Allen, Junr., Jolmathan Park, Robert Goddard, Fran- cis Kidder, Edmond Barten, Abel Chase, Richard Singletary. William Fiske, Elisha Goddard, Garsham Waite, George March, Johnathan Fuller, Johnathan Waters, Theophilous Kinne, Daniel Buckman, Samuel Buck, Thomas Gould, Edward Lyon, Elisha Barton, Thomas Holman, Jeremiah Buckman, Junr., Solomon Holman, Robert Jeneson."
" Then it was put to vote, to see wheather the Town would set of three miles from the north line of the Town to make a presenk — In answer to the said petitioners — Instead of three miles and a half — which was petitioned for — and the vote Past in the negitive."
Failing to secure from the town favorable action, the petitioners now applied to the General Court, setting forth their desire and grievances, and praying that by special en- actment they might be set off as a Precinct.
In view of this action on their part, at a special meeting of the town held Dec. 8th, " It was put to vote, to see wheather the Town would Chuse a Committy to shew to ye grate and
H4 ANNALS OF THE
General Court, the Resons why the prayers of Solomon Holman and Jeremiah Buckman and others, set forth in their petitions to said Court should not be granted and ye vote past in ye affirmitive."
" Voted that Klisha Putnam, Benjamin Woodbery and Samuel Chase be a Committy for the above said service to shew to the grate and General Court."
In answer to the petition above referred to, a committee was appointed by the General Court to visit the town and examine into the circumstances of the parties at variance, and report conclusions.
Jan. 3 1st, 1742-3.
" Voted, to Chuse a Committy to wait on the Committy that the great and generell Court appointed to vewe our Town, to see if it be expediant to sett of a precenct.
" Voted that Capt. John Stockwell, mr. Samuel Chase. mr. Charles Ritchison, mr. Benjamin Woodbury, & Klisha Putnam be a Committy to wait on ye said Courts Committy, as above said.
" Voted, that the select men should take Care for the Kn- tertainment of the said Courts Committy while they are here."*
Dr. Hall wras evidently opposed to the formation of a new Parish, as, about this time, we find the following entry in his diary :
' ' Some Town affairs respecting setting off a precinct have , of late, been much on my mind and a hindrance, as I imagine, to the inward communion of my soul with God." f
He also expresses the fear " lest some zealous laymen amongst us will finally hurt the cause of our Lord Jesus pre- suming to exhort, as they call it, and to do it in an unwar- rantable manner ; who moreover seem to lay to much stress upon man's crying out under conviction and falling down or falling into raptures after they attained comfort. I pray God deliver us from dangerous errors." J
* Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary. t Dr. Hall's Diary.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 65
Feb. 7th. "A Courts Committee being here present for some days upon the projection of our north Inhabitants, I find by times concern arising, and want more resignation to God * * * * If ye Town be divided into two precincts yet God is not divided; Christ is not divided. I have a whole Christ still, why should I not be at rest."*
March 14. At a Town meeting held this date it was " put to vote, to see if the Town would Erect a meeting house where it would most acommidate the whole Town, haveing sum Regard to the nonresidunt as well as the Inhab- itance— and the vote past in the negitive."
"Voted to set off upon the northerly side of our Town two miles of land in weedth, with the Inhabitancy there-on- paralel with the North line of our Town from Oxford to Grafton, In order to Joyn with the Inhabitance living on the Country goare, and part of the Inhabitance of Worces- ter to make a precinct — and that the said Inhabitance, within the two miles above mentioned, shall be aquitted and freed from Doing aney thing to wards Building a meeting house whear the Town have alredy agreed to build one." f
March 16. Dr. Hall writes, "Many that oppose ye cause and Kingdom of Jesus are in a storm at me, ye Lord God give me Wisdom and Patience. Some of my Family's friends are against me, the Town about to rend asunder, if God prevent it not. The Lord turn the Councils of all these Ahithophels into foolishness." J
1743.
May liJth. "Voted to give the Rev. mr Hall two hun- dred and fifty pounds (according to the old tenner Bills) this present year."
Aug. 29th. "Put to vote to see if the Town would Chuse a Committy to go to the great and General! Court to make Replie against the petition of Daniel Boyden put into the great and generall Court the last may sessions to see if
* Dr. Hall's Diary. t Town Records. J Dr. Hall's Diary.
66 ANNALS OF THE
the said Court would set off the north-west part of Sutton, and the south west part of Worcester, and the south-east part of Lester, and the north east part of Oxford and to make a Distinct precinct and the vote past in the nega- tive." *
In the autumn of this year, notwithstanding the remon- strance of the town through its committees, the General Court responded favorably to the petition of the northerly inhabitants, and set them and their estates off as a separate and distinct precinct.
The proceedings in the matter were as follows ; com- mencing with the report of the committee appointed to visit the town :
"The Committee appointed by this Court to repair to ye Town of Sutton, on ye Petition of Solomon Holman and Jeremiah Buckman, did attend said service in Febuary 1742, having first given seasonable notice to said Town and having viewed ye several parts thereof and heard the Par- ties, and Considered their Circumstances, are of oppinion that ye Petition be granted, and that a Line be drawn from ye Westerly Bounds of Graffcon Parallell with ye North line of ye Tow^n of Sutton and three miles South from it till it meet with ye easterly Bounds of ye Town of Oxford, and ye Inhabitants of Sutton living to ye northward of said line with their families and estates be set off a separate and Distinct Precint with ye same powers and Privileges as other Parishes and Precincts within this Province by LawT hold and Injoy which is Humbly submitted.
By order of the Committee
Jos. WILDER."
"In ye House of Representatives Oct. ye 28, 1743: Read again and ordered that ye Inhabitants and their Estates within ye Limits mentioned in ye foregoing Report (excepting only such qualified Voters writh their estates as shall, within one year from this time, signifie to this Court, their Desire to continue to ye first Parish in
* Town Records.
TOWN OF BUTTON. 67
Sutton) be set off a separate and Distinct Precinct, and that they Injoy ye Powers and Privileges which Precincts ought, by Law, to Injoy,
Sent up for Concurrence
T. CUSHING, Speaker.
In Council, Oct. 28, 1743. Read & Concurred,
J. WILLARD, Secry Consented to W. SHIRLEY "
"In ye House of Representatives, Nov. llth, 1743. Whereas the Northerly part of Suttou was erected into a separate and distinct Precinct by a vote of this Court on the 28 day of Oct. anno Domini 1743 and there being no provision therein obliging ye Inhabitants of said Precinct to pay all past Ministerial Charges and assessments that have arisen in ye Town of Sutton, Therefore ordered that ye Inhabitants of said Newr Precinct be, and hereby are obliged, to pay their Proportionable parts and Dues to all past ministerial Charges and assessments in ye Town of Sutton, as also their Proportionable of the sum that ye Inhabitants of said Town of Sutton have agreed to raise for ye paying of their Ministers Salary this present year ending in March next, any thing in ye Vote constituting them a Precinct to ye Contrary notwith standing.
Sent up for Concurrence,
T. GUSHING, Speaker. In Council Nov. 11, 1743. Read and Concurred
J. WILLARD, Secr'y.
Consented to W. SHIRLEY." Worcester, ss.
To Richard Moore Esq. one of his Maj's Justices &e. We the Subscribers, Inhabitants of ye Second Precinct in Sut- ton in said County hereby signify to you our Desire that a warrant may issue agreeable to Law for calling a Meeting in said Precinct as soon as may be &c. (which was to choose Parish officers.)
Jeremiah Buckman Ebenezer Pierce
Daniel Buckman Solonian Holman
Thomas Gould Francis Kidder
Abel Chase.
68 ANNALS OF THE
The warrant appointed the first meeting to be held at the house of Richard Singletary on ye 26 of Dec. 1743 — and the warrant which was directed to Jeremiah Buckman, has this return upon it.
"Button, Decem'r 26, 1743.
"By vert ue of this Warrant, to me Directed, I have noti- fied ye Freeholders and other Inhabitants of this ye same at Mr. John Singletary 's Mill Doore."
"By Mr. Jeremiah Buckman one of the Petitioners of S'd Warrant,"
Jan. 23, 1743—4. "A blazing star or comet in the West has appeared for near two months ; at first small, but now of great length beyond what I ever saw. This is the third that has of late years appeared. I would not be dismayed at ye signe of Heaven, but O ye sinners fear who live in ye neglect of God and O y't I might so far regard it as to trim my lamp and get ready."
Feb. 16th. A more particular description is given of this comet,
" The blazing star from the south-west has appeared near three months. It was small — it passed by north of the sun ; when it first appeared its Tail was about a yard long to appearances, was bent towards the Equator. When it came down about north of the sun its Tail was pointed towards the North Pole — Its Tail appeared about 12 Degrees in Length at a farther distance from the sun. Its Body or Nucleous appeared about 3 Inches in Diameter to the naked eye. Feb. 4th. It appeared half an hour after sunset about half an hour high and about an hour and a half to the North of the sun, it being so near in the sun gloss its Tail did not appear above two yards long — next morning it rose before the sun and appeared much in the same shape. Its tail must be several millions of miles long. The Lord sanctify so awful a token of an approaching God, who thus hangs out his ensign in ye skies y't ye nations may tremble before Him."
* Dr. Hall's Diary, t Dr. Hall's Diary.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 69
March 5. "Voted to Chuse two of the Selectmen In Each parish and one In the Baptis Sosiaty — also to chnse one of the Assessors In Each parish and one In the Baptis.
March 12th. " Voted to alloAv the Baptis sosiaty to Draw out of the Town Tresuary the sum of seven pounds four- teen shillings and one peuney a Cording to the old tenner Bills.
"Voted that Capt Robart Goddard, Capt. John Stock- well, Deacon Benj. Woodbery be a Committee to a Jest a Counts with the Rev. nir Hall, In order to geet a Discharge In full for his salery for the time."*
1744.
June 2d. War was proclaimed at Boston (by England against France).
June 3d. "There was a considerable shock of an Earth- quake just as we were going to the House of God." f
March 4th, 1744-5. "Voted that the school be kept In Each parrish a Cording to the proportion of the Town Rate that Each parish paves and that Each parish have free liberty to send their Children in to the other parish to school and that Each parish have liberty to settle the school as they think proper within their parish." :£
March 29th. The Parish Records of this date contain the following agreement :
"I, Philip Chase Do Ingage to the Committee To sweep the meeting-House and to take care of all ye Dores and Windows to open and shut the same when there is need, this present year For three Pounds old Tenour as witness my Hand."
1745.
April 4th. "This day is a Fast day to implore of God his mercy and smiles on our expedition to Cape Breton." §
* Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary, t Town Records. § Dr. Hall's Diary.
70 AXXAL.S OF THE
May 31st. Action was taken at a Parish meeting, held this date, with reference to seating again the meeting-house and it was " Voted that mr Jonathan Bacon Dea. Benj. Woodbery, mr Samuel Barton, mr Francis Dudly Lieut. Obadiah Walker, Be a Committee to seat ye meeting House — Degnitieing ye -seats, 2nd Seat Below and ye fore seat in ye front (gallery) Equel, ye third seat Below and the fore seat in ye side (gallery) Equel, Having Respect to age and Real and personal Estate." *
July 5th. ' ' I have lately heard comfortable tidings of ye taking of Cape Breton by our English forces for which mercy, all praise to Jehovah."
"Dear Mr. Whitfield has been at my house two nights and preached two sermons and is to preach this morning."
July 18th. " I have heard Mr. Whitfield preach six ser- mons this week."
* ' To day, have attended a public Thanksgiving on occa- sion of ye taking of Cape Breton." f
Nov. 5th. Dr. Hall writes "I have thought of proposing a day of solemn humiliation on account of ye sickness, to be observed through-out the Town. Nov. 18th he adds, "I have lately had Mr. Parkman and Mr. Prentice here on a public Fast."
Nov. 18th. A committee, consisting of Mr. Benjamin Woodbury, Capt. Carter, Benj. Marsh, were authorized by the town to make sale of the school lands, and it was "Voted that ye Town doe keep the prinsaple sum good and that said com'tt state the same by Silver and take good Security with Sufficient Sureties for ye Same ; and that ye Interest be yearly Improved for the use or support of \v school and that s'd com'tt be accountable to ye Town for their proceedings and that ye surety be taken in ye name of ye com'tt and thair successors In trust in behalf and for ye use of ye Town" Also "Voted that mr Charles Richardson, mr Daniel Greenwood and Deacon Benj. Woodbury be a Committee to prefer a petition to ye grate and gene rail
* First Parish Records, t Dr. Hall's Diary.
TOWN OF SUTTOX. 71
Court praying Liberty to make Sale of School Lands in Manner and form as is before voted."
Dec. 6th. " I have a strange account of some appearances of witchcraft in Woodstock and some other places. I pray God rebuke ye symptoms and suffer not ye Devil to appear in this audacious fashion. Lord Jesus, when thou didst send forth thy ministers thou gavest them power over unclean spirits to cast them out. O Lord suffer not these things in this age of light and knowledge to appear but give the ministers the same power to cast them out." *
1746.
May 10th. Under this date we find the following entry :
" These may Certifie Whome it may Concern yt mr John
Gibbs has* Declared to me yt he believes ye Baptis Religion
to be ye lightest and he useally attends our meetings on ye
first Day of ye week for ye Worship of God.
BEN.J. MARSH Elder. A true copy. Attest BENJ. MORSE Town Clerk." f
It is evident from the above certificate, that the town at tliis early date in its history was disposed to accord the largest liberty of conscience in religious matters, and to ex- empt from the ministerial tax those who entered their dissent from the Congregational polity, and actually worshiped with another denomination.
Sept. 24th. " On Monday night we had an alarm of the French invading Boston. My thoughts were that I would freely have gone with those that went down. I thought 1 should not be daunted by the most dangerous attendants of
v o
a Campaign : went ye next day four miles with them." \
March 2, 1 746-7 . "Voted that ye Com'tt viz. Capt. Carter, Dea. Benj. Woodbury, and Benj. Marsh chosen to make sale of ye school Lands in said Town, do Immediately proceed and make sale of ye same according to a vote passed in ye Town at a publick meeting held the 18th of Nov. 1745.
* Dr. Hall's Diary. t Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary.
72 ANNALS OF THK
Aug. 18th. The first mention made of a pauper in town is upon this date. Mendon secures an order for the transfer of Hannah Bumpee, daughter of Abigail Hay ward, to Sutton, the place of her birth.
1747.
D?n Benj. Woodbury, Isaac Putnam, Edward Putnam, Sam. Chace, Joseph Woodbury, and Daniel Dike were given ' k Leive to Build Stables some whare on ye common near ye meetiug-house but not on ye Road."
1748.
The line between Suttou and Douglass had been for several years in dispute. Definite action was now taken for its set- tlement by both the town and the proprietors.
" Capt. John Hazeltine was chosen by a vote of the pro- priety to prefer a petition to the Great and General Court with Reference to some Controverted Lands adjoyniugto New Sherborn or Douglass District and Manchogue Pond in order to Render the s'd Land uncoiitroverted for the future."
May IDth. " Voted that Capt. Robert Goddard serve MS cominitt man for ye Town to Joyn with Such Committ men or man as ye propriety of ye Town of Sutton have or shall chuse to prefer a petition to ye Grate and General Court in order to get ye Line of ye westerly part of s'd. Town near to or adjoyning to ye Town of Douglass settled which is now in Controversy." f
Jan. 6th, 1748-9. Upon this date Dr. Hall refers to the meeting of a council called to advise upon difficulties that had arisen between the church and certain of its members called " Separating Brethren," and to a "• day of solemn Fasting and Prayer" in connection with the meeting of the council.
Jan. 24th. " A vote was passed in Parish meeting to-day to suffer a new meeting-house to be built. ' " The Lord over-rule it for good." J
* Proprietors' Records, t Town Records. } Dr. Hall's Library.
TOWN OF BUTTON. 73
The vote to which Dr. Hall refers was upon the following article in the warrant far the meeting :
' ' To see if the Parish will give liberty to have a meeting- house Built by subscription and set as near the old one as the Parish shall think best. S'd House to be Fifty-five Feet in length and forty-five feet wide, and as hie as the parrish shall think proper and when Fineshed to be as intirely the Parrishes as if built by a Rate or assesment."
Upon this article the Parish "• Voted to give liberty to have a meet ing-house to be built by Subscription and set as near as can conveniently to the old meeting-House."* •
March loth. The Parish "• Voted that the meeting-house, to be built by subscription, be fifty feet in length, Forty feet wide, Twenty-two feet high between giuts."f
Until the division of the town into two parishes, which occurred in the autumn of 1743, the Town had been the Parish, and voted the salary of the minister, and appointed the committees to confer with him respecting the deprecia- tion in the currency. The last appropriation made by the town for the salary of the minister was at the May meeting, 1743. From that date the parish take the matter in hand, - vote the salary of the minister, appoint the committees to couter with him upon the valuation of the currency, and the assessors to make out the tax levy for salary and current expenses. The tax rate is upon the polls and property, made out in the same way as the rate for town expenses.
1749.
Oct. Kth. Framingham sues the town for the support of Mary Edmunds, and the town sends Dea. Benj. Woodbury, Isaac Barnard, Esq., and Mr. John Hicks as a committee to defend the case in Court.
* First Parish Records. t Parish Records.
10
74 AIS'NALS OF THE
1750.
June 24th. Dr. Hall writes : " I have been at Northamp- ton ye last week as a member of an Ecclesiastical Council and (grievous to be seen), have found ye Chh. in general set to remove Mr. Edwards, ye Reverend and Worthy pastor, from his relation to them, (which also a Majority of ye Council advised to) and for no other reason than his insisting that Persons admitted to the Communion of Saints should profess sanctity, or sanctifying Grace, or the great things of Religion pertaining to Godliness. * * *
"Some of ye Council protested against the proceedings of the Church and majority of ye Council (with good reason I apprehend), and I was one of them."*
1751.
Aug. 28th. The town voted "that ye subscribers, that are Building a Meeting-house in ye first Parrish in Sutton, near ye old meeting-house shall have the old meeting-House to help finish ye new one with, excepting ye pews that were Built by perticular Men."
1752. f
March 2d. The town " Voted that Mr. John Hicks, Mr. Edward Putnam, Mr. Isaac Dodge be a Com'tt for to view ye Contry Road from Oxford line to Grafton line to see if there be any Infringing upon s'd Road, also ye training field and common land near ye meeting House. J
May 20th. A meeting of the Parish was called " To see if the Parish will take the meeting house as it now is and finish it, or give the Pew Roome to the subscribers to Dis- pose of to Inable them to finish s'd house," and the vote was
* Dr. Hall's Diary.
t The " new style " of dating between Jan. 1st and March 25th was adopted this year.
J Town Records.
TOWN OF 8UTTON. 75
" To give all the Pew Room, to the subscribers, in the meet- ing-house on the wall on the Lore flower and in the Gallery, Excepting the Ministerall Pew, to Dispose of in order to " I nable the said subscribers to Finish the said meeting- house provided they Finish it in three years." *
This meeting-house was situated on the Common, opposite the brick block. It was a plain structure, having east, south and west porches. It had no steeple when first built. From the south door there was a broad aisle leading to the pulpit, which was upon the north side. The house remained un- painted until repaired.
From the residence of Dr. Hall to the south door of the church there was a continuous line of steps made of stones carefully prepared for the purpose. In front of the old place, now owned by the venerable E. J. Mills, Esq., a son of the successor of Dr. EL, some of these stones still remain, just as they were laid more than one hundred years ago. And there they will remain until some modern vandal, who has no respect for the past, and no reverence for the monuments it has left of its taste in matters of convenience, as well as beauty, shall see in them only a fitness for cap-stones of a wall, or underpinning of a building, and thus put them to ignoble use. We will continue to step softly upon them, and cherish the memories of the noble men and women by whose tread they were worn " long, long ago."
In the record of a town meeting held May' 20th, we find the first mention of the Baptist meeting-house. At this meeting it was ' ' Voted that ye Contry Road from Hutchin- soiis Farm, so-called, Down to ye Road that Comes out by ye Baptist Meeting-House be four Rods Wide. "f
The road referred to is that intersecting the Oxford road, near the house of A. W. Putnam, Esq. The location of the First Baptist meeting-house then, was upon the corner be- tween these two roads.
* Parish Records. t Town Records.
76 \\NALS OF THE
1753.
March 19th. The parish voted "not to grant a Request of a Xumber of the Separates (so called) -which is to Sink their parish Rates.''*
1754.
March 4th. The town appointed Dea. Beiij. Woodbury, Elisha Rich and John Hicks a committee to " Let or Lease out ye Burying place to mr David Hall Jun. for a number of years." The " Burying place " referred to is described as that " near ye first parish Meeting-House, Containing by Istemation, Two acres, be ye Same more or less."
The lease, given by the above committee, provided that "• if ye s'd David Hall, his Heires and Assigns, shall for and during ye space of seventeen years from ye date hereof freciy and without any Molestation Injoye all ye priviledge of herb- ege and pasturidge of s'd Land not plowing any of It up, nor turning any Swine thare on, and alowing Liberty to all Per- sons to Bury thair Dead with in its Limets and that, In Considaration of ye afore s'd herbage and pasterage, ye s'd David Hall his heires and assignes doth oblige himself to Inclose ye s'd Land with a good Stone wall four foot high, wrell proportioned ; that is to say, to fence ye out-sides there-of bounding upon ye Training field or Road, with a good gate for passing and Re passing on funaral ocations. S'd gate to be Collered Read ; and that ye s'd David Hall make one half of ye fence adjoyning to other Lands in good stone wall four feet high."f
1755.
March 3d. The town " Voted to Chuse a Com'tt of five men, to Consider and T re ate with ye Several Ministers in Sutton to see what they will take for thair parts in ye minis- terial Land yearly, and make Report to ye Town at May Meeting next or order to Sell or Lease s'd Land."
* Parish Records. t Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTOX. 77
May 20th. " Voted upon Condition y't ye Several Min- isters in ye Town Consenting to Sell ye Ministeral Land in s'd Town ye Town having one half of ye use of ye money and ye Ministers ye other half — Voted y't ye Land be Sold."
1756.
May 18th. "The Town chose Robert Goddard, Esqr., John Hazeltine, Esqr., Capt. Henry King, Mr. Samuel Chase, Mr. John Hicks, a Comm'tt to make Sale of ye Min- isteral Land suid to Treate or agree with ye Several Ministers Concerning ye Same."
June 20th. The above named Committee were instructed "to take Bonds for ye same (when sold) on Interest with good security, Either Land security or good Substantial Bondsmen ye Bonds to Run to A. B. & Co. trustees and their successors in s'd trust."
' ' Voted that the Interest or Income of ye Money collected by ye trustees be paid from time to time annually by the trustees to ye select men, or such as the Town shall Depute, to be Disposed according to the true Intent and Meaning of ye sale of ye Land, Reference being had to the Agreement betwixt ye Towns Com'tt and the Incumbent Ministers Bear- ing Date May 19th 1756 and accepted by ye Town."
The agreement is as follows :
" We, ye Subscribers, Consent y't ye ministry Land within ye Township of Sutton be converted into a money Fund for ye use of ye ministry in s'd Town for Ever, and where as now we have by way of Lease Ten pounds old Ten'r p'r year we being allowed Ten pounds old Ten'r we consent that ye Remainder of what ye LawTfull Intrest of ye money ye Land shall sell for — Shall amount to, be divided Between ye Town and ministers now Incumbent s'd one half with ye Ten pounds as above To be divided between ye ministers Incombent judged to have Right there- to as Law or Equity or personal agreement according to ye Right they now have to ye use and Improvement of s'd Land shall determine ; ye other half to be ye Towns prop-
78 ANNALS OF THE
erty during our ministry provided we have annually paid us, out of ye Town Treasury, ye s'd one half and ye Ten pounds old Ten'r.
Sutton May 19th.
DAVID HALL
pastor of ye 1st Church of Christ in Sutton.
JAMES WELLMAN pastor of ye Second Chh. of Christ, Sutton.'
BENJA. MARSH, Elder of ye Baptist Chh. of Christ Sutton.
And at ye day of ye Date above we ye subscribers ye Towns Com'tt Express our acquiescence and consent to ye above.
JOHN HAZELTINE 1
ROBERT GODDARP
SAMUEL CHASE f Committee." *
HENRY KING JOHN HICKS
The committee appointed to sell the ministerial land were instructed to give, in the name of the town, deeds to purchasers. The form in which the deed shall be given is recorded. The ministers unite in the conveyance, and sign the deed.
During this year Mr. Hall makes frequent mention of the war (French and Indian) and ill December gives the names of six soldiers who died in the war : "Issachar King, Sam'l Carriel, Nathan Kiimey, Win. Stockwell, John Stockwell, and Ebenezer Cutler." f
1757.
May 18th. The town "Voted to sink ye pole Rate of ye men that Came Home from Menuss in ye Sumer and fall of ye year 1756." J
* Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary. t Town Records.
TOWN OF BUTTON. 79
Aug. 18th. Dr. Hall speaks of the fall of our strong- hold on the lake, and refers to the report that the siege might have been raised with 2000 men, and that Genls. Johnson and Lyman could have been spared from Fort Edward with 5000 men, and that they begged with tears to go, but Genl. Webb forbade, and that great dissatisfaction prevailed in the camp.
1758.
Constant difficulty is experienced in adjusting the salary of Rev. Mr. Hall, in accordance with the terms of his settle- ment, owing to the variation in the value of the currency.
March 27th. The parish kk Voted to Leave the matter of Difficulty Relating to the Rev'd Mr. David Hall's sallary to the Judgment of Indiferant men, mutually to be Chosen, what the Rev. Mr. Hall hath a just Right to, by vertue of Contract first made with him, and what shall be made up of Arrearages and what for the future, in case the Rev. Mr. Hall and the Parish can agree upon the Chairman."
Mr. Hall and the Parish agree to submit the salary diffi- culty to a committee of "Iiidiferent men" of whom Mr. Ephraim Shearman of Grafton shall be chairman. The committee are Ephraim Shearman, Edward Davis, and John Brown, who report as follows :
We, the subscribers, being mutually Chosen and appointed by the Rev. Mr. David Hall and the first Parish In Sutton to Settle the matter of Deficulty Relating to the Rev. Mr. Hall's salery, having mett and hearing the parties upon the Premisses & Veiwing the Records of the first Contracts made att his settlement, and after a full hearing of Evi- dences, Papers and Records Relating thereto, have mutually agreed and Determined in the following manner (viz.), that the Contract, in our judgment, allowing for Mr. Hall's nesessities and the abilities of the Pariish, amount to Sixty Six Pounds Thirten Shillings & four pence Pr. year att Silver at Six & Eight pence per ounce, or Milld Dollers att six Shillings Each ; which Sum in our opinion ought to be the stated Salery for the future & that the two years past (viz) 1757 & 1758, for which there is no Receipts in the
80 ANNALS OF THK
Parrish Book, be made up Each year att the same sum, and also that in our opinion there is Due to Mr. Hall for arearages for several years Back (viz) In 174K, 1754, 17")") & 1756 In which the Receipts upon Book ware not In full, the Sum of Thirteen Pounds, Six Shillings & Eight pence.*
July 21st. Dr. Hall mentions the repulse of our forces at the lake, and of great loss in killed, wounded and miss- ing, and refers to the disaster as evidently the efl'ect of treachery ' ' which intimidates our soldiers and causeth the greatest disagreement."
Sept. 22nd, 1758. Refers to " comfortable tidings of Col. Bradstreet's success at Fort Frontenac and of the value of the capture."
Oct. 21st. "This day sen'it died Mr. Hall, of the camp disease, lately returned from the army — sundry more are .sick in the Town. Our forces are coming from the lake without further attempt on Ticonderogue." f
1759.
May 22nd. The town "Voted to alter the method of warning the Town meetings." "Voted that the Town meet- ing be warned for the future by a copy of the warrant upon Posts set up for that purpose." J
Oct. 15. In the warrant for a parish meeting to be held this day, the following article appears :
"To see if the Parish will except of the Meeting House under the present Sircumstances ; the subscribers to Deliver up all the money they have in there Treasurer to s'd Par- rish."
" And if the Parrish do Except of the Meeting House To see if they will Dispose of the Seats in s'd Meeting House as aboved Exprest." The seats referred to were " the two hind seats both the mens and womens seats in s'd meeting- house."
* Parish Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary. | Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 81
The proposition was to have them removed and pews erected in their place.
The parish "'Voted to Receive the Meeting House under the present Sircumstances the subscriber's Treasurer to Deliver up to the Parrish, all the money they have within the Treas- urer," and "to Dispose of the Two hind seats below, both the mens and womans seats in s'd meeting-House in order to Build Pews and that the money they are sold for, is to be Disposed towards finishing the meeting-house."
" Voted that Mr. Sam'l Chase, Tarrant Putnam and Dea. Benja. Woodbury be a Com'tt to make saile of s'd seats in s'd meeting-house" and also "that the s'd seats, if Built into Pews, to be Raised but half as high as the Pews against the walls, and that there be Public notice given of the sail of s'd Pews and sold to the Highest Bidder." *
May. A time of sickness.
•• Many taken with a fever; two died in one week. John Ilolton and Jona. Stockwell's wife. Many more sick. June 5th. Sickness still prevailing deaths multiplied." f
The parish appoint " Capt. John Fry, Mr. Jona. Dudley, Dea. Putnam, Dea. Woodbnry £ Mr. Jona. Hale to be a committee to seat the Meeting-House. S'd Committee to have Regard, in the first place, to age and then, to their Real <fe personal Estate. The men in the Parish that have pews in the meeting-house are not to be seated by this present Com'tt." J
May 5. The committee appointed to make sale of the pew room in the meeting-house report as follows :
"Agreeable to a vote of the first Parish in Sutton for the Disposal of the two hind seats, both the mens and woinans scats Below in the Meeting-House in s'd Parish, we, the subscribers being chosen a Com'tt to make sail of s'd sects, have accordingly Leted them out for four Pews, and have
* Parish Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary. | Parish Records.
11
82 ANNALS OF THE
sold them to the highest Bider — (viz) The Pew next to the aile on the womans side was sold to Mr. Follinsbe Chase for £6 18s Od.
' ' The Pew next to the aile on the mens Side was sold to Lieut. Jona. Lille for £6 6s Od.
" The other Pew on the womans side, was sold to Mr. Nata. Sibley for £7 2s Od.
" The other Pew, on the mens Side, was sold to Ins' Sam'l Chase for £9 Os Od."
Aug. llth. The Parish "Voted to abate Two Pounds, Thirteen Shillings, and four pence Lawfull money to Mi-. Jona. Bacons Hairs, Late of Sutton, Deseast, of his sub- scription towards Building the Meeting-House." *
1761.
March 12th. "On this morning, about ten minutes past two o'clock, we were waked out of sleep with an Earthquake lasting nearly two minutes, a constant jarring and trembling, with a continual sound, from the deep places of the earth, which lasted much longer."
July 12th. " A very dry time."
Aug. 6th. "A parching drought prevails the like of which New England never heard, "f
1762.
March 1st. " The Town chose Capt. Solomon Holman, Ens. Samuel Chase, Dea. Benj. Woodbury, Mr. Ebenezer Peirce, Lieut. Benj. Marsh a Committee to Treat with the Rev'd Mr. David Hall and see what is due to him from the Town, and make Report at next Town Meeting. "J
Mr. Hall regarded the town as indebted to him for arrear- ages of salary that had not been made up when the town ceased to be the parish. He had proposed to leave the mat- ter of adjustment to a committee mutually chosen.
Sept 6th. "Voted for a Regester of Deeds." This is
* Parish Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary. } Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 83
the first vote of the town for such an officer that is mentioned. No name is given.
Aug. 8th. " The draught is heavy upon us and our pas- tures wither away."*
1763.
Jan. 25th. The town " Voted to leave it to three judi- cious men mutually chosen, to look into the Contract made between the Rev. Mr. David Hall and the Town and into the Discharges Mr. Hall has given the Town, and to say whether any thing is Mr. Hall's Due from the Town, and if anything how much.
" Chose Josiah Brewer Esq. of Worcester Chairman Lieut. Benja. Daves of Oxford Rev. Mr. Thaddeus Maccarty of Worcester a Committee or Referees to Determine what is mentioned in the above vote."
A committee was also chosen by the town to represent its interests when the matter should be considered by the referees.
March 7th. The town "Voted that the Town Clerk should Transcribe the Births and Deaths and marriages in a hound Book Provided for that purpose."
.May 18th. The town " Voted to accept the award of the Arbetrators, which met at the house of Mr. Follausbee Chase in Sutton the 18th day of April, upon the affair Relating to the Rev. Mr. Hall's salary, which awarded him Fifteen pounds Lawfull money in full of all past arrearages from the Town.
' ' Voted to raise twenty pounds Lawful money for to pay the Rev. Mr. Hall the arrearages and the cost of the arbetra- tion."
" Voted to provide two Burying cloaths — one for each Parish, "f
1764.
May 21st. " Voted to add fifteen pounds Lawfull money to what was voted before to the Rev. Mr. David Hall."
* Dr. Hall's Diary. 1 1 Town Records.
84 ANNALS OF THE
1765.
March 4th. An article in the Avarrant for a town meeting this date is as follows :
"• To .see if the Town will Devide the money the minis- terial land was sold for, between the two Parishes, and also allow Elder Marsh society their Proportion according to the Province Tax this present year: if not to see if the Town will call in £150 or £200 of the money above mentioned and let it to the Rev. Mr. Hall He giving good security to the Town for the same."
Another article in the same warrant is " To hear the Peti- tion of Samuel Goldthwait and others Respecting setting them off to the Town of Oxbridge, or to Ease them in their Rates."
Upon the division of the ministerial land no action was taken.
Upon the petition it was " voted to abate the town rate exclusive of the highway rate to Samuel Goldthwait, Micah Thayer, Samuel Prentice, Stephen Goldthwait and William Bacon for this present year."
June 30th. The town voted for a County Register of Deeds. No name is mentioned.
Sept. 22d. A town meeting was called '* To see whether the Town will give their Representatives any Instructions Concerning making Restitution to the late sufferers in the late Riots and Disturbances in the Town of Boston," and it was " voted to leave the affair of making up the Damages the Lieut. Governor and others has sustained in the Town of Boston to the mature Consideration of our Representative."
1767.
March 23d. In the warrant for a parish meeting this date the following articles are found :
" To see if the Parish will choose a Committee to seat the meeting-House " and " To see if the Parish Will vote the two hind seats in ye mens side to the singers of this parish."
TOWN OF STTTTON. 85
Upon the first article the vote was in the negative. No action was taken on the second.
May 18th. "Voted that fifteen pounds be taken out of the ninety pounds that was voted to Defray schooling and other Town Charges for this present year to pay school Dames for schooling in the Summer Season."
Dec. 28th. A town meeting was called for this date ; among other things •* To see if the Town will come into some effectual measures to promote Industry, Oeconomy and Man- ufactories, there by to prevent the unnecessary Importation of European Commodoties."
And the town " Voted to come into the measures, that was come into, Respecting Oeconomy and manufactories by the Town of Boston as far as they consist with our present Circumstances."
' ' Voted to Choose a Committee of five persons to look into s'd affair."
Chose Dea. Daniel Greenwood, Capt. John Sibley, Capt. Henry King, Mr. Willis Hall and Mr. Ebene/er Pierce a Committee for the purpose afores'd and likewise voted that s'd Committee make Report to the Town at the next Town Meeting."
" Voted that the Select men provide a work House to put Idle, Vagrant and Dissolute persons in."
1768.
March 7th. The committee appointed Dec. 28th, 17G7, reported, whereupon it was " Voted that what the Town's Committee has Drawd up, Relating to Manufactures and Oeconomy, be accepted and go upon the Town Book."
The report is as follows :
" \Vhereas the Happiness and well being of Civil Commu- nities depend upon Industry, Oeconomy and Good Morals; and this Town, taking into Serious Consideration the great Decay of the trade of the Province, the Scarcity of Money, the heavy Debts contracted in the late war, which still remains on the People, and the great Difficulties to which they are by these means reduced — Resolved th.at this Town will use
86 ANNALS OF THE
their utmost Endeavors and Enforce their Endeavours by Example in Suppressing Extravagance, Idleness and Vice, and promoting Industry, Oeconomy and good Morals in this Town. And in order to prevent the unnecessary Exporta- tion of money of which this Province has of late been so much drained, it is further —
"Resolved, that this Town will, by all prudent means, Endeavour to discontinue the use of Foreign Superfluities, and to Encourage the Manufactures of this Town."*
There was, at this time, throughout all the colonies, deter- mined opposition to the oppressive rule of the mother coun- try. The restrictions which had been imposed upon commerce and manufactures, the means adopted for increasing the revenue of the crown, the claim of the right to frame laws for the government of a people who had no voice in their enactment, the deprivation of the right of trial by jury, and many measures for the obstruction of local laws, to which the ro}^al assent had been given, were felt to be unjust and humiliating. Frequent remonstrance had been made, but only to render more arrogant the power claiming sovereignty. When the stamp act, which was to take effect in November, 1765, was passed by Parliament, the indignation of the people could no longer be repressed. In some places it broke through all restraints, and revealed itself in riotous demonstration ; and when the obnoxious act was repealed in March, 1766, the exhibitions of joy were great — scarcely less so than had been those of indignation. The people of this town were loyal to the cause of liberty, and in hearty sympathy with the meas- ures proposed for the redress of grievances.
But, being an agricultural people, scattered over a largo territory, with fewr opportunities for a public discussion of the situation, the excitement did not rise as high as in the more commercial towns. When, however, it became evident that further remonstrance was in vain, and that there remained only that last resort of an oppressed people, resistance by. force of arms, the inhabitants with a unanimity remarkable
* Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 87
even for that day, threw themselves into the conflict, sustain- ing the measures proposed by the Continental Congress, and furnishing men and money to the extent of their ability.
1769.
Aug. 7th. ' " The lightning struck Ebenezer Gould's house last Monday about 3 P. M. Struck down himself and wife and killed a dog in the other room corner."*
1770.
The town " voted to Build or Provide a Work House," and chose as a committee for that purpose, " Mr. Jonathan Waters, Capt. Moody Morse, Mr. Nathaniel Carriel, Dea. Ebeuezer Pierce and Mr. Enoch Marble."
May 1st. kk It was put to vote to see if the Town would Hold any part of the Town Meetings for the future in the Second Parish in Sutton, and the vote passed in the nega- tive."
Dr. Hall commences a suit against the town with regard to his right to the use of the ministry money.
Aug. 20th. The town chose " Capt. Henry King, Dea. Ebenezer Pierce, Mr. Ed ward Putnam, Capt. Elisha Goddard and Mr. Nathan'll Carriel a committee to defend the suit."f
Sept. 3d. A special town meeting was called "To see if the Town will agree to leave the suit the Rev. Mr. Hall has commenced against the Town to arbitration, to be judged of according to Law and Equity and to make choice of the men for that purpose if the Town comes into that method."
The matter put to vote "passed in the negative."
Sept. 17th. At another meeting, held upon this date, called for the purpose of making "such explanations upon the above vote as shall be thought proper according to its true intent and meaning,"
"Voted it is the mind of the town, that the Committee Chosen at a Town meeting August 20th, to Defend the suit,
* Doctor Hall's Diary. t Town Records.
88 ANNALS OF THE
that the Rev. Mr. David Hull has commenced against the Town, relating to the ministry money, were then understood to be Chosen to Defend the Town against s'd suit, in tin- Towns Behalf." *
1771.
May 20th. " Voted to Raise eighty Pounds to support the Poor of the Town this present year."
This is the first mention of an appropriation by the town, for the support of its poor.
Nov. 19th. The town " Voted to Raise Thirty Three pounds, Six Shillings and Eight pence to defray the Charge the Town's Committee have been at, in defending the Town, against the suit, the Rev. Mr. Hall has commenced against the Town." f
1772.
Several of the inhabitants of the north-west part of the town unite with others from Oxford and Leicester, in peti- tioning the General Court for a new township. Stephen Goldthwait and others in the south-east part of the town ask the town to set off' a portion of territory about one mile wide to join with the north part of Uxbridge as a dis- trict.
May 18th. "Voted to choose an Agent or Agents to show cause to the General Court, why the petition for a township out of the four towns of Worcester, Oxford, Sutton and Leicester should not be granted." J
No action was taken upon the petition of Stephen Gold- thwait and others.
1773.
Jan. llth. A special meeting wus called " To sec if the Town will hear the Request of the Town of Boston," and
* Town Records. t Town Records. J Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 8J>
" To see if the Town will Choose a Committee to consider the Difficulties as represented to us by the Town of Boston, and to make Report ; and the Town to act upon the same as they shall think proper."
At the meeting the town "• Voted that a Committee be appointed, consisting of seven men, to consider the several Articles of Grievances (Imposed on this Government by the British Parliament) as represented in a printed Pam- phlet from the Town of Boston and to make Report at the Adjournment of this meeting — then the following Gentle- men were appointed a Committee accordingly — (vi/) ('apt. John Sibley, Lieut. Samuel Trask Deacon Ebenezer Pierce, Messrs. Edward Putnam, Daniel Marsh Nathan Putnain. and Willis Hall."
Jan. 18th. The committee reported at an adjourned meeting as follows : " Having well perused the above said pamphlet and the Charter of this Province, together with the English Liberties, — we do apprehend that our Charter Privileges are Infringed in many Instances and that there is just Cause of Complaint : Therefore we think it advisable that this Town recommend to Capt. Henry King, the Repre- sentative of this Town in General Assembly, that he use his best Influence with his Brethren, the members of s'd assembly, that a humble and pungant address be made to his Majesty and Court at home — that we may Obtain redress under such pressing and alarming Grievances. Further, that whereas it has been thought that the Judges of the Superior Court have not had salaries adequate to their Important ser- vice that he make due Enquiry into that matter, and if he should find it to be fact, that he use his utmost Endeavours that their Salaries may be enlarged and made Adequate to their Merit and Station."
March 1st. The petition of James Adams and others relative to their being set off to the town of Northbridge was denied.
May 17th. The petition of John Adams and others to be set oft' to Northbridge was again denied.
12
90 ANNALS OF THE
1774.
July 25th. A town meeting was called "To see if the Town will Grant Money to supply the Town Stock with Arms and Ammunition according to Law." Whereupon it was "Voted to Grant the Sum of Forty-two Pounds Ten Shillings to Supply the Deficient Town Stock with Ammu- nition." It seems that several meetings had been held dur- ing the summer, for the discussion of public affairs, no record of which was made.
In the warrant for a meeting called for Sept. 26th we find the following articles :
* ' To see if the Town will choose one or more persons as a Committee or Delegates to meet and act with the General Congress of this Province whenever said Congress shall meet.
"To see if the Town will approve of the proceedures of the several meetings of the Inhabitants of the Town of Sutton in the Summer past and record the same upon the Town Book.
"To see what method the Town will come into in order to Regulate the Militia in this Town as the Commissioned Officers have proposed to resign their Respective Offices.
' ' The Town chose Mr. Edward Putnam a Delegate to meet and act with the General Congress of this Province when and where they shall meet.
' ' Voted to approve of the proceedings of the Town in their several Town Meetings, the summer past, and that all Papers, relating to those proceedings that may be procured, be lodged with the Town Clerk.
' ' Voted that it be Recommended to the Military Com- panies in this Town to Choose their own Officers as the present Commissioned Officers have proposed to Resign/'
Nov. 15th. "Voted that the Selectmen of the Town purchase such a Quantity of Powder as to complete the Town stock according to Law." *
* Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 91
1775.
Jan. 5th. "The Town made choice of Capt. Henry King, & Elder Anios Singletary as Delegates to Represent the Town in the Provincial Congress to be held at Cam- bridge on the first day of Feb. next." *
This action was taken in accordance with the recommen- dation of the Provincial Congress, which had been held at Cambridge on the tenth of December last.
The warrant for the town meeting upon this date con- tained the following articles :
To see if the Town approve of what the Continental Congress have done.
To see if the Town will approve the Association of said Congress.
To see if the Town will choose a Committe of Inspec- tion to see that said Association is duly observed and to choose such Committee.
To see if the Town will order the Constables not to pay any money, due to the Province, to Harrison Gray Esq.
To see if the Town will order the Constables to pay such money to Henry Gardner Esqr. of Stow and take his Receipt for the same.
To see if the Town will Indemnify the Constables upon their Conformity to such orders.
To see if the Town will give any Instructions tp the Representatives that may be chosen to attend a Provincial Congress at Cambridge and to give such Instructions as the Town shall think proper.
To see what method the Town will come into for the effectually carrying into Execution said Association or any orders of the Provincial Congress, or of this Town relative thereto, and to determine how such shall be treated as Transgress, us the Town shall think proper.
To see if the Town will Choose a Committee to Receive and forward Donations given for the Relief of the Towns of Boston and Charlestown, suffering under the operation
* Town Records.
92 ANNALS OF THE
of the Port-Bill and to choose such Committee, if the Town think proper.
To see what money the Town will raise for supplying the Town stock of Ammunition.
To see what the Town will do with respect to ordering that the Minute men should be equipt and paid according to the Recommendation of the Provincial Congress at Cam- bridge the tenth Instant.
At the meeting as above called the following action was taken :
" Voted to approve of what the Continental Congress have done.
4 ' Voted to adopt the Association of the Continental Con- gress.
" Voted to choose a committee of Inspection to see that the Association of the Continental Congress be duly observed.
4 ' Voted to choose a Committee of Seven Persons — nom- inated'and chose Messrs. Arthur Dagget, Edward Putnam, Samuel Marble, Asa Waters, Abraham Waters, Capt. Sam- uel Sibley and Mr. Seth. Chace.
" On the 5th article of the warrant, unanimously voted to approve of what the Provincial Congress have done, so far as what is said with respect to the Continental Congress, their Association, and of not purchasing Imported Commodities, and their choice of members for the next Continental Con- gress.
"Voted that the Constable shall pay no monies, due to the Province, to Harrison Gray Esqr."
(Harrison Gray, Esqr., was collector of taxes for His Majesty.)
"Voted that the Constables pay all monies, due to the Province, to Henry Gardner Esqr. of Stow, and take his Receipt for the same.
" Voted to Indemnify the Constables upon their Conform- ity to such orders.
" Voted to give Instructions to the Representatives.
TOWN OF BUTTON. 93
" Voted to Instruct the Representatives to be careful that they do nothing that shall be inconsistent with what the Continental Congress have done."
On the tenth article of the warrant -
' ' In order effectually to carry into execution the Associa- tion of the Continental Congress or any orders or Reccom- mendations of the Provincial Congress or of this Town relative to the non-consumption of Imported Commodities : It is Resolved that we will most strictly and Conscientiously adhere-to and prosecute the measures proposed in the eleventh article of said Association (viz.) To break off all Dealings with any one convicted of violating said Association and we will in like manner treat any convicted of transgressing any orders or Reccommendations of the Provincial Congress relative to the Importation or Consumption of foreign Com- modities. And where as the Inhabitants of this Town, in a meeting on the fourth of July last — Voted to concur with the Reccommendations of the late House of Representatives, altogether to renounce the Consumption of India Teas : There fore Resolved that any who shall be convicted of bringing in, purchasing, or using any India Teas in this Town, after this Day, shall be treated in the same manner as those that violate s'd Association.
" And it is also farther Resolved that when the major part of the Committee of Inspection have, upon due Tryal, found any one guilty of any of s'd Crimes they shall cause a notifi- cation thereof forth with to be posted up at the several Taverns, Mills and Smiths in this Town, that all the Inhabi- tants may know and avoid all Dealings with him or her. But, if there should appear any symptoms of sorrow and hopes of Repentance, the publication of it in the News, may be suspended until the next Town meeting, in order that said offender may have opportunity for Consideration, and space to repent, Avhich if he manifests at such meeting to the satis- faction of the Town, and promises a Reformation, the Town may then restore such offender to Fellowship ; otherwise he shall be published in the News according to s'd eleventh article of the Association as bein<»' Incorrigible.
94 ANNALS OF THE
"And it is also farther Resolved that, if any one shall disregard such sentence against any Person transgressing in Articles above, and still continues to Deal with him or her, in any manner whatever, and be there-of Convicted before the Major part of the Committee of Inspection, he or she shall be treated in the same manner as the original Offender. Provided, nevertheless, that, if upon Trial, it shall appear to the Committee that such person did no more than to help in case of absolute sickness or some casualty, in which a Building or the Life of some person or creature was in danger of immediately perishing, or spake nothing other to offender than to demand, or pay a Debt or Tax, or about the Things of the Eternal World, or to convince him or her of his or their error in transgressing as above, or if he only spake a word inadvertently, and desisted upon being Reminded of the state of such Offender, he shall not be adjudged or treated as being guilty of Criminal dealing with such Offender.
" And it is also farther Resolved, that, if any person refuse or neglect to appear before the Committee or to make Defense, having six Days previous notice of the Time , Place and Charge , such person shall incur the same punishment, for such Con- tempt, as he or she would be subjected to, in case the Charge should be found against him or her.
"And it is also farther Resolved, that it shall be the Duty of every Individual in this Town, upon any knowledge or Information against any one, to forward said Information to some one of the Committee of Inspection , as soon as conve- niently may be, in order that it may be properly examined into by the Committee.
" Resolved that if any person, who would, by Law, be a proper witness, shall refuse to give Evidence, being called there-to by the Committee, or shall wilfully give a partial or false Testimony, such person shall be adjudged to the same Punishment as the person upon Trial would be adjudged to, if found guilty.
" Resolved, that it is the Duty of every Head of a Family, in this Town, to use his or her Parental Authority in oblige- ing all under them strictly to observe said Association and
O v
all the orders, Resolves and Recommendations of the
TOWN OF SUTTON. 95
Provincial Congress, and of this Town relative there-to, or concerning the non-Importation and non-Consumption of foreign Commodities. Voted nem. con.
kk Voted to choose a Committee of Donations.
" Voted to choose six for said Committee.
kk Chose Capt. Moody Morse, Messrs. Stephen Prince, Willis Hall, Abraham Waters, Capt. Traskand WTm. Waite.
Voted to Raise Thirty-two Pounds for the purchasing Town stock of Ammunition."
Jan. 16th. "Voted that the assessors of the Town make Return of their Assessment of the Province Tax Granted by the General Court last May to Henry Gardner Esq. of Stow, Receiver General," and also -'voted to defend the Assessors in so doing."
' ' Voted that the Minute Men shall be provided with a Bavonet and other Accutriments agreeable to the advice of
*< o
the Provincial Congress, and also Voted, that all others from 16 to 60 years of age shall be equip'd according to the Province Law, or may get Bayonets in the room of swords or Cutlashes if any please ; and that every Householder provide himself according to Law."
" Voted, that every person from 16 to 60 years of age (excepting such as the Province law exempts from Training) that refuses to submit to their respective Military Officers in this Town by not attending Trainings when warned, (without a sufficient reason given to their respective Offi- cers) and to provide themselves with a good Fire- Arm and other Accutriments required by the Law of this Province, shall be treated as those that Transgress the Association of the Continental Congress, and shall be treated by the Com- mittee of Inspection as such."
"Voted that all Alarm men that shall neglect or refuse to be equip'd according to Law and to bring or send their Arms and Ammunition into the Field upon a time appointed for recieving arms, shall be treated in the same manner as above."
' ' Voted training soldiers shall be treated upon their De- linquency."
!)H ANNALS OF THE
Feb. 20th. The committee of donations having- made their collection, write as follows :
Sutton Feb. 20th 1775. To the Committee of Donations for the Town of Boston.
Gentlemen :
These may inform you that the Town of Sutton has made a small Collection for the District poor of the Town of Boston & Charlestown and Desire you would write to us when and where we shall convey it.
From your friend & fellow citizen,
WILLIS HALL.
In behalf of the Committee of Donations for said Town of Sutton." *
March 6th. Samuel Goldthwait and others continue petitioning the town, to be set off to the town of North- bridge.
A committee, consisting of "Dea. Tarrant Putnam, Dea. Ebenezer Pierce, and Lieut. Caleb Chase,'' were chosen ' ' to view the lands of the Petitioners and make Report to the Town at the next May meeting."
The committee reported as instructed, and the town voted to take no action on the petition.
The news of the bloodshed at Lexington and Concord, April 19th, produced in this town as in others the most intense excitement. It was felt that all hope of a peaceable solution of difficulties with the mother country was des- troyed by her action in attempting to subdue by force of arms the spirit of her hitherto loyal subjects, and no alter- native was left but to meet force bv force. The challenge
«/ O
thus given was accepted, and, as is seen by a record of pro- ceedings, action prompt and decisive was taken to furnish men and material at a moment's call.
May 22d. "Voted to choose two Delegates to Represent this Town in a Provincial Congress to be held at Watertown on the thirty-first Day of May Instant and for six months after to serve alternately but one at a time."
* From a Letter Book in the Mass. Historical Library.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 97
Made choice of "Capt. Henry King and Elder Amos Singletary agreeably to the proceeding vote."
"Voted unanimously to approve of the Recommendation of the Provincial Congress to disregard Gen. Gage's Precept for a Representative — his Proclamations <&c."
Sept. 18th. "Lieut. William King and Elder Amos Singletary were nominated by the Town for Justices of the Peace for s'd Town."
Oct. 7th. "The Town nominated Mr. Nathan Putnam for a Field Officer."*
Feb. 3d. " Monday and Tuesday our people mustered ye Companies and raised 24 more soldiers Avho set oft' to-day for ye camp." f
March 4th. "Voted that the Committee of Donations keep those Benefactions they have now in their Hands until the next May Meeting, unless they are wanted before that time by those for whom they were given.''
The contributions referred to were those of money, grain, etc., for the poor of Boston.
" Voted to choose a Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- tion and Safety for the year ensuing."
" Chose Capt. Moody Morse, Dea. Willis Hall, Mr. Nathan Putnam, Col. Timothy Sibley, Dea. Ebenezer Pierce, Mr. David Holman and Capt. James Greenwood for the Com- mittee."
May 20th. In the warrant for town meeting are the following articles :
"To see whether — That if the Honorable Congress should, for the safety of s'd Colonies, Declare themselves Independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain : They, the s'd Inhabitants, will solemnly engage, with their lives and Fortunes, to support them in the measure."
" To see what Measures the Town will take with the Donations collected for the poor of Boston."
* Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary.
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98 ANNALS OF THE
Upon the first of these articles no action was taken. Upon the second, " Voted that the Committee of Donations return to the Donors, the Benefactions the s'd Committee have now in their Hands : the Donors calling upon the Committee for the same."
A special town meeting was called for July 1st to take action upon the article passed over at the last meeting.
At this meeting it was "Voted. That if the Honorable Congress should, for the safety of these Colonies, Declare them Independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain : the Inhabitants of this Town will Solemnly engage with their Lives and Fortunes to support them in the Measure."*
July 4th. The independence of these colonies was solemnly declared, and the people of the town felt themselves pledged in accordance with the above vote to support the measure witji their lives and fortunes.
July 8th. "Voted to grant a sum of Fifteen Hundred Pounds in order to raise our Quota, or procure men, to join the Continental or Provincial Army in defence of America."
' ' Voted to make a consideration to those persons who have voluntarily served, or by hiring Men to serve in Defence of America Since the 19th of April 1775 to this time."
" Chose Wm. King Esq., Dea. Tarrant Putnam, Lieut. Enoch Marble, Dea. Ebenezer Pierce & Elder Daniel Green- wood, a Committee to adjust, to every person, their equal part for Service done in Defence of America Since April ye 19th 1775."
Sept. 21st. " Monday our companies met and drew out every 5th man of ye militia to go to New York."f
Oct. 7th. " Voted. That the Selectmen (provided that the state of the State will admit of) should return the Field pieces borrowed by Capt. George Dodge and Esq. Gardner of Salem ; they, the s'd Dodge and Gardner, giving the Town a full Discharge for them, and sell the Carriages to the state if wanted, or other- wise bring them back for the use of the Town."
* Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 99
The town was also called upon to take action on the fol- lowing article in the warrant for the meeting October 7th :
' ' To see whether the above mentioned Inhabitants will give their Consent that the present House of Representatives, of this State of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, together with the Council, if they Consent in one Body with the House, and by equal voice should consult, agree on, and enact such a Constitution and Form of Government for this State, as the said House of Representatives and Council, as afore said, on the fullest and most mature Deliberation, shall judge will most conduce to the Safety, Peace, and Happiness of this State, in all after Successions and Generations : and if they would direct that the same be made publick, for the Inspection and Perusal of the Inhabitants before the Ratifi- cation there of, by the Assembly."
" Dea. Willis Hall, Mr. Samuel Dagget, Dea. -Ebenezer Pierce, Mr. Nathan Putnam, and Col. Timothy Sibley were appointed a Committee to draw up a Form of vote upon the above article."
The committee brought in the following report, which was accepted and adopted :
"At a legal meeting of the Town of Sutton, upon the Hand-Bill, sent out by the House of Representatives, to see if Towns will consent, that the present House of Representa- tives and Council should form and ratify a Constitution for this State.
"Resolved that this Town can, by no means, consent to what is there proposed, for the following reasons (viz.)
"1. Because we think it irrational for us to consent to the setting up any Constitution unknown to us, or to vote for any thing, before we see what it is we vote for.
"2. Because we look upon the present House of Repre- sentatives, not only, to be a very unequal Representation of the State ; But also an illegal one, many of them being- chosen by virtue of a pretended Law, made after the Pre- cepts went out for the Election of the House.
" 3. Because we look upon it irrational and unjust for us, to act any-thing that shall operate, in any measure, for such an everlasting effect, while so m-iny of our Brethren and
100 ANNALS OF THE
Neighbors are gone into the army, and would be plainly a voting away their Right, in their absense.'"
Dec. 2d. " Voted to choose an Agent for to make enquiry and confer with others upon the article of Salt ; to see, upon what terms, it may be procured for the Inhabitants of the Town."
Dea. Tarrant Putnam was appointed " Agent for s'd pur- pose" and instructed as follows :
" We instruct you, to inform as many of the members of the several Towns in this County, as you have opportunity, and to motion to them to come into some measures to promote the Manufacture of Salt : and enquire how salt can be made, and to see how any person, or Towns, upon the Sea Coasts, will undertake to make salt, in exchange for Grain and Meat or Money ; and if any person or Town will undertake to set up making Salt for us, if we will take off one Thousand Bushells of Salt in a year for iive years, or a less time than that, as the undertaker may propose : and if you find that it will be an Advantage to have any other Towns join with us. See, who of the Neighboring Towns will join, and to make Report to this Town of what you find upon these things as soon as may be."*
Dec. 14th. " This week, on Wednesday, a great part of our Militia went to Providence, a large fleet of ye enemy being come in to Rhode Island. "f
It is interesting to take note of the loyal sentiment of the people of the town, as it revealed itself in the authority which is recognized in the warrants for the town meetings called after the battle of Lexington. The last one issued in his Majesty's name, bears date May 15th, 1775. Then fol- low three "In the name of America," then three "In the name of the United Colonies" or "United Colonies of America," then several " In the name of the people of this Province," or " In the name of the people of this Colony," or " In the name of the people of the Colony of the Mass. Bay." After September 27th they are issued " In the name
* Town Records. t Dr. Hall's Diary.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 101
of the Government and people of the State of the Massachu- setts Bay." Near the close of the record for the year 1776 the full text of the Declaration of Independence is recorded. There is also an entry of the following order of the Council :
" Ordered. That the Declaration of Independence be printed, and a Copy sent to the Ministers of each Parish, of every Denomination, within this State : and that they, sever- ally, be required to read the same to their respective Congregations, as soon as divine service is ended, in the afternoon of the first Lords-Day after they shall have received it. And after such Publication there of, to deliver the said Declaration to the Clerks of their several Towns, or Districts, who are hereby required to record the same in their respec- tive Town or District Books, there to remain as a perpetual Memorial thereof.
In the name and by order of the Council. A true copy.
Attest, JOHN A VERY, Dep. Sec.
R. DERBY, Jun., President."
1777.
Jan. 20th. The principal matter to be acted upon in the town meeting of this date was :
" To see if the Town will choose one or more Delegates, to meet in County Congress, with any such other Towns as will join with us in this method for a redress of the Grievance by the Law made last Spring for the new modelling the Representation of this State ; or any other Grievance that shall be thought proper by any of the Towns joining in such Congress. And also, to see if the Town will invite the other Towns in the County, to join with them in such Congress, by a note of our proceedings in the Worcester News Paper."
The town " Voted to choose delegates, and made choice of Capt. Henry King and Capt. Samuel Trask as such ;" also " Voted to give invitation to the other Towns in the County to join with us in such Congress, by a Note in the Worcester News Papers," and " To give instructions to the delegates."
The Instructions were as follows :
102 ANNALS OF THE
' ' The Inhabitants of the Town of Sutton in legal Town Meeting assembled Jan. 27th.
" To Capt. Henry King and Capt. Samuel Trask, whom we have now chosen Delegates, to join in County Congress with such other Towns in this County as shall adopt the like method for the obtaining redress of the grievance by the Law made last Spring, for the new modelling the Represen- tation of this state ; or any other grievances that any of the Towns joining in such Congress shall think proper. We hereby direct you to repair to the House of the Widow Stearns, Inn holder, in Worcester, on Wednesday the 26th day of Feb., next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon ; then and there, to join with such other Towns as may meet you by their Delegates, and form into a County Congress, to con- sult, deliberate upon, and unite, in some method, for the redress of the grievance aforesaid or any other grievance there moved, either by petition to the General Court, or by recommending a form of Instructions to the Several Towns, to give their Representatives, or both, as shall be thought most effectual. And that you invite the other Counties in this State, to adopt the like method, and to correspond with you by Committees, that this County and others, may harmonize in their measures. And we farther direct and order you to continue yourselves by adjournment, (if the other Towns will join in it) so that you remain a County Congress, until next May meeting, for choosing Representa- tives, at which time, if it be agreeable to the County in general, we propose to continue such Congress by the choice of new Delegates, for a future time, as shall be thought proper. You are also to make return to us, at next March Meeting, what you find and agree upon at your first Congress; and so on, from time to time, as we shall require. And we think, that your first adjournment ought not to be deferred longer than the beginning of May next ; in order that, if the above grievous act should not bv that
O »
time be repealed, some other Constitutional measures might be agreed upon for redress ; or if it should be repealed, any other matters, then thought of, for the good of the public, might be agreed upon to instruct the Representatives, at the
TOWN OF SUTTON. 103
next Election, or any other business proper for a County Congress that may occur at that time.
"And you are, from time to time, to attend to and pursue, as far as you can, all such Instructions as you shall receive from us, your constituents.
"And we hereby, also invite all the other Towns in this County, to join with- us, in such Congress.
" And, for that purpose, order that the above be inserted in the Worcester News Paper as soon as possible.
"And also, that the above Delegates take care that the above be immediately put into Hand-Bills and distributed to the Selectmen of the Several Towns in this County at the expense of this Town."
March 3d. There was an article in the warrant : "To see if the Town will provide a Hospital for Inoculating for the Small-Pox." Which being "put to vote passed in the negative."
Another article in the warrant was: "To see if this Town will comply with the advice and Recommendations of the Convention of the Committees of Inspection from the Majority of the Towns of the County of Worcester met at Worcester the 26th day of Nov. last respecting some method for forming a system of Government in this State."" Upon which it was "Voted to comply." " Capt. Johnathan Carriel, Capt. Bartholomew Wood- bury, Lieut. Enoch Marble, Lieut. March Chase, Mr. Jonas Bond, Lieut. David Holman and Capt. Elisha Goddard were chosen a Committee of Correspondence Inspection and Safety for this present year."
March 10th. The town "Voted to make an addition to what the Congress and the General Court of this State have done for the Encouragement of such Soldiers as shall Inlist into the Continental Service."
"Voted, that all such soldiers, belonging to this Town, as have lately In listed into the Continental Service, shall be intitled to the same additional Encouragement from this Town, as all others shall be, who shall hereafter Inlist into said Service, provided, they have not already received an Equivalent Consideration by particular persons."
104 ANNALS OF THE
"Voted, That the Sum of Twenty five Pounds he paid, by the Town, to every Soldier of this Town, that has or shall Inlist into and go into the Continental Army now
<j v
raising till our Quota for s'd Army is Completed ; provided he has not already received an Equivalent Consideration in a private way."
Liberty to imioculate for the small-pox was refused.
May 9th. In the warrant of this date for a town meeting to be held the 19th instant : "all the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of s'd Town of Sutton that have an Estate of Freehold, in Land, within this State or Territory, of Forty Shillings p'r annum, at the least, or other Estate to the value of Fifty Pounds Sterling, are warned to meet at the Meeting House in the first Parish, in s'd Sutton, on Monday, the nineteenth Day of May current, at twelve o'clock, then and there, to elect and depute one or more persons (being- Freeholders and Resident in s'd Town) according to the number set and limited, by an act of the Great and General Court or Assembly of this State."
This warrant shows that more liberal views were being entertained with reference to suffrage, and that the right of voting had already been accorded to small property-holders, who had hitherto been excluded from its exercise.
May 19th. "Dea. Willis Hall and Amos Singletary Esq. were chosen to Represent the Town in the Great and Gen- eral Court the year ensuing."
Difficulties have arisen with reference to the disposition of the fifteen hundred pounds (£1500.) which was voted for the support of the war July 8th, 1776.
A committee, which had been appointed to make an equitable adjustment of the money, report, and their plan is rejected. A new committee is appointed to report at the next meeting.
David Bancroft and Benjamin Carter, a committee for the South Parish in Worcester, present a petition, "requesting this Town to set them oft', with their Estates and such others as are willing to join them, in order that they may be incor- porated, with others in the neighboring Towns, into a Town." The request of the petitioners was refused.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 10.5
June 9th. The town "Voted to provide a Pest House for to carry those to, that are taken with the Small Pox in the natural way."
The new committee, lately chosen to make an adjustment of the fifteen hundred pounds granted for supporting the Avar, made report to the toAvn of their adjustment of said money : when, " it was put to vote to see if the toAvn accept of the same and it passed in the negative."
"Voted to pay the Towns Bounty (viz.) TAventy-tive pounds, to those men, that were hired, for eight months, to o-o into the Continental Armv, if theA' Inlist for three years
O «.*/*/
or during the war; besides what they have received in a private way."
" Voted, that the Officers, in each Company, in this Town, draw out of the Town Treasury twenty-five pounds for every seventh man that has not already drawed it, and make up their Quota for the three years or during the war in their respective Companies, and that each Company shall have the Fines that have been or shall be paid by their respective companies."
The town " made choice of Lieut. Samuel Dagget, to pro- cure and lay before the Court described by a late Law of this State, the Evidence that may be had of the inimical dispo- sitions towards this or any, of the United States, of any of the Inhabitants of this town who shall be charged, by tin- freeholders and other Inhabitants of this town, according to said Law, of being a person whose residence in this State is dangerous to the public peace or Safety.''
A list of inimical persons was presented at this meeting, but not acted upon.
June Kith. The tory list was acted upon, and all the names, but tAvo, were stricken therefrom.
July 7th. A new committee was chosen to adjust the distribution of the fifteen hundred pounds granted for hiring soldiers.
"Voted to allow to every Commissioned Officer that has been out at any time in the Service of the present year an equal Consideration from the Town Avith the privates."
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106 ANNALS OF THE
Gersham Biglow, Wm. Kenney, Charles Richardson and others living in the north-west part of the town, who, in connection with certain persons in Worcester, Leicester and Oxford, have been formed into a parish, ask the town to set them off with their estates, " and such others as are willing within our limits, to be incorporated into a Town."
They also ask for their proportion of the ministerial money since they " have been a Parish and for future time," also for their " part of the school money for future time," also to have their " part of the War Rate sunk which was granted to hire soldiers in July 1776," also to be allowed their ' ' part of the Town Stock of Ammunition according to what they .had paid."
All these requests were included in one of the warrants for the town meeting of July 7th, but not acted upon until November 3d, when they were one and all refused.
As illustrative of the customs of the day among a certain class in the community, we copy the following from the Massachusetts Spy, of Sept. llth, 1777 :
A CARD.
" Where as, Deacon Thomas Holman has made and spread a shameful and distrustful story about me, in saying that I drinked a number of barrels of Cider for him in two months ; I do hereby certify the publick, that what he has told is a right down lie I *
Attest, SAMUEL HOLMAN."
Nov. 3d. A town meeting was called "To see if the Town will Hear the Petition of Mr. Daniel Chase and others with regard to a late Law made by our General Assembly, for Loaning the States Money &c. and act upon the same as said Town shall think proper."
At this meeting it was —
" Voted to hear the Petition of Mr. Daniel Chase and others with regard to a late Law, made by our General Assembly, for calling in the States Money and redeeming it with. Notes, upon Interest payable by this State."
* Massachusetts Spy.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 107
" Then the following Draught was brought in and read before the Town, viz. :
"This Town taking into serious Consideration the late Act, made for putting large Sums of the Bills issued by this State on Interest, at six per. cent, on the first day of December next, and for sinking in the Hands of the Pos- sessor all sums less than Ten Pounds, at the same time and for sundry other purposes in said Act specified — This Town are clearly of Opinion that said Act, in connexion with the large tax immediately to be paid, is big with Cruelty, Oppression, and Injustice.
" 1st. It appears to be Cruel because so large a tax, three times as big as has ever been paid before, should be required so hastily, at the same time not allowed to pay it, nor any part of it, in this States money, when it appears that said money ought to pay itself.
" 2d. It appears to be Oppressive because it puts an advantage into the hands of those that have oppressed the people already by extortionate prices, and thereby sinking the money into their own Hands, and now putting their money thus gained by oppression, on Interest, to increase the Debt and farther oppress and impoverish the common people.
3d. It appears to be unjust, and a violation of publick Faith, when the Bills are emitted of various sums promising to receive them in the Treasury for the sum specified : and now declaring they will not accept them unless the amount of Ten Pounds of them is brought together, which is a Point Blank violation of Publick Faith, and grossly tends to destroy the common people, who, in General, will not have £10 of that money by them, or if they had to take a journey of fifty, a hundred, or a hundred and fifty miles to have it exchanged will be so expensive it had near as good die in their Hands. And after all, the Court have just as good right, next year, to say there shan't be any Notes under £50, and all, who, in one months time can't produce that amount of them, in Notes, it shall die in their Hands, and there is so much probability of it from what they have done now, that we don't think it is
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safe to pretend to get any such Notes as any of the common people can likely attain to.
"4th. The Act is unjust when Considered in connexion with the former Act which made that Money a lawfnll tender ; for we are obliged to take till the last day of Novem'r, and the next day it is £f> Fine to offer any of it, and be exposed to have it die in the Hands of the possessor thus obliged to take it.
' ' Considering these things it appears to us that we can not in Duty to ourselves and the common Cause sit still, or hold our peace.
" But the matter requires something very speedily to be done.
** Therefore, Resolved, to propose to the next neighboring- Towns whether they would join, with us, in a Suitable Remonstrance and Petition to the Court for a Redress of the aforesaid Grievances, and if the Court will not alter said Law so that the tax now coming out may be paid in this State Money, or Continental, as comes best to Hand to Individuals, that we will not attempt to pay said Rate, and if the Court will not repeal said Law, so that those, who have already sunk so much of the Money into their Hands, shall not have the advantage against us, farther to Oppress us, that we will not attempt to pay said Four Hundred Thousand Pound Rate granted in said Law.
" And we hereby desire our Brethren in the neighbouring Towns to meet us, by their Select-men or Delegates, at the house of Joseph Elliot, Inn holder, in this Town, on Wednes- day, the 12th Instant, at ten o'clock before noon.
•' And we hereby direct the Select-men of this Town to send a Copy of this to the Select-men of each next adjoining Town and to attend upon the Select-men or Delegates of the neigh- bouring Towns that may come upon this, our Invitation, then and there to consult upon and adopt such measures, upon the Premises, as shall be thought proper, and make Report to this meeting of what shall be concluded upon, on Thursday the 13th Instant at one o'clock P. M. to which time this meeting will stand adjourned.
TOWN OF SUTTON. 10J-)
" The foregoing being sundry times read before the Town, it was put to vote, to see if the Town accept of the same as agreeable to their minds.
O
"Passed in the affirmative.'*
' ' Voted to choose a Committee to draw up some-thing agreeable to the foregoing, to publish the same in the Pub- lick News as soon as may be.
" Chose Col. Timothy Sibley, Lieut. Asa Waters, and Mr. Edward Putnam for said Committee."
Nov. 13th. This committee reported at an adjourned meeting as follows :
"To the Honorable Council and House of Representa- tives, of the State of the Massachusetts Bay, in General Court, to be convened at Boston on the twenty-fifth Day of Nov'r Instant.
"The Petition of us, the subscribers, being a Committee of the several Towns (viz.) Suttou, Worcester, Uxbridge, Grafton, Douglass, and Northbridge, in the County of Worcester, convened at Button Nov. 12th 1777, "Humbly sheweth, that upon taking into consideration the late Act of Court Intitled : k An Act for drawing in the Bills of Credit, of the several Denominations not on Interest, which have at any time been issued by this Government and are still out- standing ; and for prohibiting the Currency of s'd Bills of any one of the United States after a certain time.' Are of the opinion that said act, in connection with a large Tax immediately to be raised, is big 'with Cruelty, Oppression and Injustice."
The remainder of the petition is almost precisely in the language of the four articles above recorded.
* ' The Petition being sundry times read it was then put to vote to see if the Town accept of the Same and the vote passed in the Affirmative."
The committee from the towns were instructed to ' ' sign the foregoing Petition in the Name and in Behalf of the Town."
Delegates met at Elliot's from the towns of Sutton, Worcester, Grafton, Douglass and Northbridge and signed the petition.
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" Voted to grant a Sum of Two Thousand and four Hun- dred Pounds for to pay the Continental Soldiers."
"Voted that the Fire- Arms that the Selectmen have pro- cured for the Town be sold to the best advantage."
* ' Voted that the Lead and Flints that the Selectmen have procured for the Town, be equally divided among the sev- eral Companies in the Town."
"Voted that the Captains of the Several Companies in the Town draw their proportion of s'd Lead and Flints, and dispose among their respective Companies according to the mind of said Companies.
Dec. 19th. Mr. Ebenezer Waters, Mr. Simon Taiuter and Lieut. Caleb Chase were chosen a Committee to take care of, and provide for the families of such persons as are in the Continental Service, whose families stand in need of help." *
1778.
Jan. 5th. A meeting was called "To hear and consider upon the Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union, between the United States of America, agreeable to a late Resolve of the General Assembly of this State," and "To see what sum of money the Town will Raise for the purpose of lessening their proportion of the Public Debt, agreeable to a late Act of the General Assembly of this State, and pass any vote or votes relative thereto."
The articles of confederation proposed by Congress were read, and a committee, consisting of Capt. King, Dea. Pierce, Mr. Nathan Putnam, Col. Holman, Lieut. Asa Waters was chosen " to peruse and Consider the Articles of Confederation &c. and make Report to the Town at an adjourned meeting."
"Voted to raise the sum of Three Thousand Pounds to diminish this Towns proportion of the Public Debt."
Jan. 9th. The committee upon the articles of confedera- tion reported "that in their opinion these should be com- plied with by this Town."
* Town Records.
TOWN OF SUTTON. Ill
* ' Then it was put to vote to see if the Town would com- ply with the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union proposed by the Congress. Passed unanimously in the affirmative."
Upon the petition of certain of the inhabitants of Sutton, Worcester, Leicester and Oxford, that they may be incor- porated into a town, the General Assembly of this State has appointed a committee to view the territory, and also issued a citation to the several towns to confer with this committee.
Feb. 2d. The town chose Dea. Ebenezer Pierce, Capt. Elisha Goddard and Col. Jonathan Holman, agents to meet this committee, and "enter this Town's Objections wrhy said Parish should not be incorporated into a Town."
Feb. 18th. The town chose Dea. Ebenezer Pierce, Mr. Asa Waters, and Mr. Ebenezer Waters a standing commit- tee to take action in behalf of the town ' ' to prevent a part of this Town at the Northwest corner being set oft' (against their will) according to a line ordered to be run by the Honorable Courts Committee on the 5th day of Feb. Instant."
March 2d. "The Town chose Dea. David Harwood, Doctor Benja. Morse, Mr. Abel Dudley, Mr. Moses Ban- croft and Mr. Josiah Goddard a Committee of Correspon- dence, Inspection and Safety for this present year."
The town of Ward, composed of parts of Sutton, Worces- ter, Leicester and Oxford, was incorporated April 10, 1778. The name has since been changed to Auburn.
April 13th. The new constitution, which