Merrimac Town (part 4 of 9)

first why you delt so with me, 2^y what you farther intended to do about it to w^^ neither the towne nor on of you in the towne was so civil as to retume me on wonl of answer. I could not have expected I^ss if I had aplyed my self to a company of S or any kind of bruit creaturs (w^** I took the more a miss) l)ecause I know that ther ar many good men a mong you and persons by me of much esteem yea and severall of them had in my hearing despysd the basenes of the thing, yea so late that capt Flai-vy himself declaimed aganst it as abomnable and yet not on word to me al>out it then (nor never sine) upon w*^** I thought it not uncharatabl to surmise that you wear either al alik in the case w^ever you s;iyd or that the acters in the same ar so farr the prevayling part as to keep the rest so under as that they dare not do nor si>eak but I^tt your unc Reply be as it will to me.

I shall not be wanting to you w*^ regard to both years and cases minding the rule (if it be posibl ) Rom 12, 14. 18 and shall begin again where 1 did last yeare namely

Iiistorv Ov Amkshury. 1 47

3 That no towne have power to sett men to lay .out high ways but the S>elect men must appoint for privat towne ways and the court for the country.

5 hut your couiuiily never I/;t me know it nor did I know of it in almost too years after it was don they took no more notis of me in it then the thieves do and have don in stealing our wood and timl)er that is to take a time to do it when we ar where we caiuto! see them.

6 I do hear that thay do pretend that the records of the Inchan Land was burnt w" Left liamerds house was burnt (^rch if true) (cjuery) is it not the duty of all there to labor speedily to have I he records renewed while tis in memory that so men men may have thayr Lands repayred as well as the house is repayred - the rule is render to every man his right if the neibors ox or ass go astray may he that find them sell them or put them into the pawdering tub because he can do it & no body know it ( I trow not ) but he must bring them home to his barn, and ar thay not bound to do the like by deed or records of land I ])elieve you would think so if ever it shoold com to be your case with your records (w<^*» God for bid.)

7 I woold gladly know upon w* acompt any of you do call the 60 akers comau land it was mine and I I^galy posest of it as you all know and I never resigned it to you nor do 1 think that your stealing my wood and timber do make it yours any more than your stealing it of my other land do make them yours of w^*' you may understand my friends you are not ignorant of the wrong don to me and my children in stealing our wood and timber thay now you ar not able to repayr and <lo you think the taking away our land also will make us amends your predecesers woold have abhored it cand if you should say that ther is now another generation risen up that do not know the Lord (w^'* God forbid) yet it is much to think thay so £aur regenerated as not to know the 9th and 10th comandment all w^^ gentlemen I ho];>e will be favorably considered by you and if it be not to great a condescendansy in you give me som answer more or Less Let it be w* it will it shall be grateful to me who am gendeman your friend and neil)Our,

Mr. Currier, then clerk, presented the letter at the annual meeting, March nth, and the town took special notice of it by voting "whereas Mag' Pike sent y^ town a letter bearing date March 11, 1699 or 1700 in which letter he is pleased to call us S or brutes it was voted that if y« s^ Mag' Pike make it ap];>eare that y^ town have done him any damage they are willing to make him satisfaction.''

Major Pike was, at this time, very aged, which nuy to some extent account for this unmannerly letter, but it nuist be remembered that he was a free thinker and l>old to express his mind at all times and on all occasions. In religious matters he was more tolerant and consistent than the great majority of our ancestors.

In 1653 the (fcncral Court forbade all persons preaching imless licensed by four churches in the vicinity, which order was designed to stop the spread of heresy. This law Major IMke did not hesitate to denounce publicly, as the following shows : -

" Left Kob Pike demanded if that la we which was made to restraine onfitt p'sons from constant preaching, &c whither that law was in force after the next (lencnill Court, to which ans' being made that the Court had declared their minde therein, on which he replied that such persons as did ast in making that law did breake theire oath to the country, or acted contrary expressing the ffrecmnns oath : for, said he, it is against the libcrtie of the countrcy, l)oth eclcasiasticall and civill, and that he stood there ready to make it good ; and farther said divers or several! churches had called theire members to accompt which did act in that lawe making, and that some places were alwut to show theire minds to the Generall Court about it."

For these heretical views and slanders of the General C!!ourt, he was arrested, tried and sentenced to l)e disfranchised and made incapable of hokling any " public office in toune or commonwealth, and from pleading any case except his oune in any Court ; and further, that he be bound to the good behaviour < hiring the Courts pleasure, and be fined the some of twenty marks to the country." His stand for freedom of religious opinions was sustained by numerous freemen in the neighboring towns and his sentence was strongly condemned.

A petition was circulated in Salisbury, Newbury, Haverhill, Andover and Hampton, and numerously signed for "revoaking his sentence" and presented, which so exasperated the General Court that a commission was appointed with power to call the petitioners together and demand their reasons "for their unjust recjuest" and rei)ort to the next (General Court. The committee reported and sixteen of the principal petitioners were bound over for trial, viz. : eight from Newbury, six from Salisbury and two from Hampton. Among those from Salisbury were George Martin and Philip Challis.

In 1657 Major Pike, by the intercession of Rev. Mr. Wor- <:ester and his own humble petition, was released from all but the fine, which he said he had paid, and thus ended and failed the bold stand he had taken.

early date. ^Fhe Hampton monthly meeting decided to build a meeting-house 26 feet square and '^14 foot stud." 'llie cost was mostly paid by subscription, one man paying J^^o. Previous to the completion of this house, meetings were held at private houses. 'I'hc sum of ^*66 4 s. was raised, and probably covered a large portion of the exficnse of i)uil(ling. In this little house all of the order from Hampton, S>alisbury and Amesbury, gathered for some four years to worship after their peculiar manner. l*hey were, however, badly treated, as the following extract from the record shows : -

"Isaac Morrill, Jun' and his brother, and John Tomjison, came to the house of Jeremiah Dow of Salisbury the 13 day of the II*** month 1701 the sayd Jeremiah Dow being from home, his wife in Kindness to them, they being Neighbors, fetched or caused to be fetched a Pott of Cyder for them to Drink which when they had drunk up the Cyder, the said Issaac Morrill (having bin constable the year before) carryed away the (]uart pott that the Cyder was in, and a pair of fire-tongs, a tray and a cake of tallo, to satisfy the Hireling Minister Caleb Cushen for preaching."

Small vessels were freely built in town, although but a poor record has been kept. This year a round stem vessel of about thirty tons, named " Raich Peter," was registered, which Ls said to have been built in 1699.

A stringent hw was passed this year, uiaking it obligatory u]X)n towns to maintain schools and employ quaiiAed teachers other than ministers, under penalty of jC2o. Hitherto it had been customary to employ the minister to teach the children, thus adding a trifle to his scanty salary. To comply with the law, the town established a free school and ai^horized the ^>electmen to hire a master.

rated, and has continued to prosper, increasing with the growth of the town, till from the small expenditure of £,6 it has gradually increased, reaching in 1874 the large sum of ]K 11,000. Vxo\x\ a school kcj>t in private houses, with a few simple benches, has grown the modern school of many branches, kept in nicely furnished public houses.

Three years a^o the town decided to repair the meetinghouse, build gnllcries, etc. It is probable that most of the repairs were completed. The galleries, however, were not wholly finished, if wo may judge from the following vote : -

** At y*= same meeting it was granted to Mary Currier, Mary Stevens, Hannah Sargent, Mary Frame, Rachel Sargent, Sarah Hagley, Hannah Stevens, that they should have the two hinder most seats of y« short seats of y« womens Gallery in our meeting house towards y* south-east corner of it in to a pew and 01 improving it for their own use."

'ITiese seven young ladies were immarried at this time, and in their selection of a place to buikl a pew, showed a very commendable modesty. Whether their wise course was the means of procuring husbands or not, certain it is that this fine looking pewfull soon began to disappear till the pew was finally empty. Before the year closed, Mary Frame niarried John (!olby, and Mary Stevens married Thomas Sargent. Sarah Bagley married Henry Lanckester in 1703, Hannah Sargent married William Somes, and Rachel Sargent married William Currier in 1704. Mary Currier married Robert Hoyt in 1707, ,uid Hannah Stevens married Nathaniel Merrill in 1709. 'ITius disappeared this maidenly grouj) from the "south east corner*' of the little meeting-house.

The nnme of **fTreame'* as it was sometimes written, appears in a few instnn«:es on the early records, but soon di.sa))pears. Susanna Frame married Caleb Norton of Salisbury, and it is probable that, with the exception of John (!olby's wife, the family removed to thnt town.

A new move seems to have been made this year by the commoners, looking to a separate organization. February 25th a meeting was held and Thomas Currier, senior, was chosen clerk, 'llie meeting then proceeded 'to vote "that all that are entered townsmen & commoners in y^ town book of records for Amesbury have liberty to vote as commoners for the dis- |K)sell of all lands tliat are not yet granted." The meeting also proceeded to order the kiying out of a tract of land next the six roii highway, and to imi>ose a fine of three shillings per tree for all cut thereon. A committee was chosen to lay out the land, and also a committee to prosecute any " parson that that shall cut any wood or timber upon this land above said."

April 27th a second meeting was held by the commoners, anil the only business done seems to have been granting Francis Davis several lots of kind* originally laid out to Walter Taylor. This was a confirmation of the first location of the 1 )avis family in the Fast Parish, near the new buildings of the Merrimac Hat Comfxmy, where the descendants of Francis 1 )avis lived, till within about thirty years. There are many living who well remember "Uncle John Davis," as he was familiarly called, a carpenter and pump-maker, living snug by the road on the bank, nearly opposite the present elm on the river side. He was the last of the chiklren of James and 'labitha Davis, whose homestead he occupied. Klijah, a brother, died in 1832, leaving chiklren whose descendants now reside at the Ferry and elsewhere. His house stood a few feet west of the late Ira Miles', and the cellar is yet to be seen.

A new officer was chosen this year called "Howard,"t ^^nd for many years the office was continued, although we have been unable to find what duties were performed.

Elizabeth Colby was granted " the liberty of making pew in our meeting house and to have half of y^ hindermost seate towards the south-east comer of the meeting house l>etwixt the greate |K)st and the womens gallery stairs."

Richard Martin commenced a suit against the town and ICnsign Ihgley and Thomas Stevens were chosen to manage the matter on behalf of the town with power to employ counsel.

Thomas Challis, one of the selectmen and assessors, "promised to do in all maters relating to his offices faithfully except making the ministers rate," before Thomas Currier, town clerk. He was a Quaker and had no faith in a paid ministry.

'I'hc tract of land which the commoners ordered laid out at their meeting, February 25th, was on the east side of the Buttonwood road and embraced eighty-seven and a half acres where Moses Merrill now lives, and along down towards the river. It was laid out in fwfi ranges, embracing thirty-five lots, which were given to the original commoners. The Indian ground bounded this tract next the river and is described as "being in estimation about thirty acres." This was very proi>erly called " Indian ground," as many relics have been found, assuring us of their residence here.

The old road, commonly known as " Hunt lane," was defined this year commencing at the "country road that leads to the Ferry and numing two rods wide by the head of Ikiyly's lot, and to a heap of stones on a knowl near Weed's meadow and so along between Ring's lot and y« River lots to that highway that leads to Wolf peet and so along at y« head of y* River lots to that highway that comes down by John Colby's."

"Taken from Jeremiah Dow of Salisbury one cow valued fifty shils without showing any warrant dun by y* Clark of y« train band which Clark said was for not apeering to traine & being wanting thare seven days." And there was also taken from Henry Dow a cow, from John Collins a mare and colt, and from l'>.ekiel Wnthen, of Amesbury, two thousand and one hundred

Samuel Weed was chosen sealer of leather. The tanning business was carried on to a considerable extent at this time. The remains of tan pits are yet to be seen back of Pleasant valley, in a pasture now owned by Peter F. Swett, at this time ( 1 704 ) the homestead of Richard Martin, and at the Pond hills, near the church yard. Most of the leather needed was tanned and curried at home and made into the various articles wanted, by patient labor.

The selectmen were ordered to make "the two halfe years rats that was due to Mr. Tho Wells for his labour amongst us in the worke of the Ministrey for the last year past."

"At the same meeting it was voted to allow Samuel Colby sen twenty shillings for ringing the Hell and sweeping the meethouse for the last year past."

The al)Ovc is the first intimation to be found of a bell un the little church. It may have been placed in i)osition when the repairs were made in 1699, but no charge for ringing is found previous to this time. Doubtless Mr. Challis thought it a needless appendage to a meeting house.

'I'he Indians were very troublesome and a general alarm was given, causing the people to flee to the garrison houses for safety. Among those who ha.stily snatched their guns and sought safety in the garrisons was John Collins, of Salisbury, a Quaker. He was afterward sorry that he showed such want of faith in his professed creed, and made confession as follows : -

"I do acknowlidg that When as I take up arms ^ Run to garrison ffor safte from the Indians since I was convinced of Gods blessed truth. It brought grate trouble ui>on me and (rods Rightous (vugments I felt u|)on mee which brought mee to a deej>e (consideration of the Kv'xel of my so Dooing but as ! was made wiling to come out of those things againe I find God is wiling to forgive mee thearefore I desire my breatheren to forgive me & Reseave mee Into unity with them

At the annual meeting it was "voted to throw up the road through 'ITionias Nickols* land on condition that he give the town a landing place six rods long on the river and four rods wide up the bank." The above was a road across a portion of the plain nenr Tappan ICmcry's to the river, proliably not far from the present one which terminates near the late Moses Currier's, at the steep bank.

Again the town was troubled with war and Indian deprcda tions to such an extent that it became necessary to lay the matter before the people at jin adjourned meeting, when "it was voted upon consideration that the town is under such dificulty this time of war that y* whole town cant have the benefit of any settled place for schools without exposing our children to great dnnger in travelling our rodes these things considered we see case to impower the Selectmen to take y* best care y* they can to a point such places as they shall think may be best for y« town and to employ such parsons as they shall think mny be for the best."

"At this snnie meeting the town seriously considering the dificulties that the people at Jamaco are imder these troublesome tinies that there old people and children cant but sildome come to meeting these things considered at the present mceeting it was voted thnt the Minister preach every third Sal)eth day at Jamaco at such place or places as shall be provided for that sar\is and this to continue for one ycare."

ox-carts. The Indians were, also, on the war path, watching every opportunity to glut their savage vengeance. 'I'lie way from Jamaco was long and in places dangerous to the little church at the burying ground, and very truly old people could not ride on horselKick so far with safety, and it was a wise measure to ap|)oint meetings nearer home. Scholars were, also, in great lianger when going through the woods, as they were obliged to do, and changing to accommodate different localities was a wise precaution. Our fathers could hardly sit under their own vine with none to molest or make them afraid.

At the representative meeting in May the town gave the selectmen leave to hy out a highway to " James Creek " if they thought advisable. This was, probably, from the six rod road near Thomas Page's to I^essey's creek, or on the west side front the steep bank to this (then James') creek.

Mary, wife of Thomas Currier, sen., ( town clerk ) died this year and also Robert Ring, who was, prolmbly, a son of the first Rolx^rt, of Salisbury.

From an early |jeriod there had been a few Friends in Amesbury and Sialisbury, and in 1699 a minister from Kngbnd held a meeting at the house of Samuel Weed, there being no meeting house nearer than the one built at Hampton in 1701. This year the Friends in this vicinity made a move towards building a house to worship in and the Hampton monthly meeting chose a committee of two to look out a location suitable for the purpose. This committee subsequently rei)orted that a piece of land could be had, and the whole matter was left in their hands to carry out the minds of Friends at '* Salisbury, Amesbury and (lemaco." Thomas Ikrnard gave the lot and it was, according to tradition, situated on Friend street, near No. 8 mill. Thonuus Challis, who op|K)sed the minister's rate last year and, also, |xiying Samuel Colby for ringing the bell, was one of this committee. Thus the Friends were gradually gaining in numl>ers and becoming of importance in town.

The first marriage recorded among this order took place this year at the house of Thomas Ikrnard, where a meeting was held for the occasion. The i)arties were John Peaslee, grand- son of Joseph Peaslee, who gave the (Jeneral Court much trouble many years ago by his persistency in preaching, and Mary Marlin, granddaughter of Oeorge Martin. Tliis marriage was signed by forty-seven witnesses.

For the first time the selectmen are ordered to make a rate to pay the school -master, and this j^laccs the educational inter ests on a firm basis.

Nothing is said or done in regard to Indian troubles, which were so threatening last year, and it is presumed that the fright had passed away.

The town voted that " y^ town is willing that Mr. Wells should goe to Jamaco on third of y*^ Sabath days this year as he did the last yeare."

Thomas Sargent, sen., son of William Sargent, died this year, aged sixty-two years. He was born at Salisbury on the Mudnoc roa<l, so called, Jime iith, 1643, and was an active, capable man. He served as selectman five years and held many other important offices. It is probable that he lived near Bear hill.

The saddest event of the year was the death of the Weed family. Sarah, wife of Nathaniel Weed, and her three children : John, Daniel and Sarah, died in one day, the 4th ol July. Their death resulted from an epidemic commonly denominated "Throat distemper," which appears to have been very latal at this time. It was a fearful sight : in that house of mourning lay four of the family, the mother beside her darlings, the oldest of whom was less than three years, all clad in the habiliments of the grave, and all borne away to return no more to that hitherto happy home.

The father returned with a heavy heart ; they were his all ; he had no more of whom death could rob him. All was gone in a day. The impression on the public mind was such as to cause this terrible affliction to be handed down from generation to generation, until the present time. The record, also, confirms its truth. Mr. Weed lived near the late Ephraim Merrill's

The Kriends turned out John Ring, John Green, Samuel Norton and Samuel Cass for "baring arms" and other bad conduct. John Cazer, of Haverhill, was specially admonished by the monthly meeting to pay his debts.

" Att y* same meeting it was voted that the town would alow (ivc pounds to two men that y^ Selectmen should hire to keep a school to teach young parsons to write and sifer two months this year insuing." The work of educating the young is gradually advancing and becoming of more importance. It is but a few years since the master was to tearh all who knew their a be; but now we liud them advanced a step. Females arito teach the children to read and males are to teach writing and arithmetic. The number of schools, also, have increased, giving greater facilities to all.

Richard ('urrier, being i hoscn constable, gave the t<iwn jQ^ to release him, and Ephraim Weed was chosen in his stead ; but, at a subsecjuent meeting, he w«is released and John Kimball, sen., chosen to fill the vacancy. S;uniiel Colby, sen., also, resigned the office of tithing man. Offices were little sought at this time.

John (^ollins, who offended the Friends in 1704 by defending himself against the Indians, is again at fault, " having parsistid In preaching contrary to the Manefestation of y* spiritc of God in us wee desire him as ffonTierly to take care of his wayes all so to his doctrin & bee silant till friends have unity tharewith." Hut, although several times sul)sequently warned, he, like Joseph Peaslce, persisted in preaching till, at the monthly meeting, held Pecemher 1 8th, it was voted "that hee y« s** Colins Is denyed by ns."

The town ordered a road laid out from the six-rod highway near John Chnllis* house to the pond plain road. 'I'his was the road from Daniel F. Morrill's to Tappan Kmery's.

Benjamin ICastman petitioned the town for leave to build a ** fulling mill just below the mill bridge on the Powow river, and, also, to take the water under grotmd across the road to drive the mill. The petition was readily granted. This was, probably, the fust rullini: mill in town.

Col. John March received a grant of several pieces of common land on the original right of (leorge ( 'arr*s, whose son-inlaw he was. This graiit was made by a meeting of the commoners held Septeml)er 7th.

Oct. 1 8th. A town meeting was held and the only business transacted was to order the selectmen to prosecute at the town's charge the five late constables, viz. : Ebenezer Blazdell. William Fowler, Robert Quinby, Israel Dymond and John Kimball, sen., for not making up their accoimts according to law. It would seem, Iniwever, that they hail committed no very great <:rime, as William Fowler was elected Representative the next vear.

The poimd ordered in 1 707 had not Inren built at Kdward Hunt's, and it was now decided to build it at the *'|K)nd plain," William Pressey <»(Tering a piece of land "four rods s(|uare" for ten years free of charge. It was, probably, built near the burying ground.

The town voted to fence in the burying ground with boards at the town's cost. I'his is the first intimation of a fence aroimd the burying ground on record.

''Widow Stevens and Goodwife Pregett" were designated, at salaries of j£S each. A master was, also, to be employed '' to teach to wright and sipher and not to exceed eight pounds and one quarter part of it to be money and y^ other three quarters as money."

April 29th. The commoners held another meeting and chose a committee to ascertain all encroachments on common lands and highways, and, also, what grants had been made and not yet laid out, and report at an adjourned meeting May i6th. At the adjourned meeting the committee re|X)rted that "according to there best judgment John Colby have made incroachment upon y* coman land" - hardly worth two meetings.

The commoners, also, gave Thomas Weed and William Currier leave to fence in the six-rod highway ( lUittonwood road) by making sufficient bars.

The town had considerable trouble with John Whitcher, of Haverhill, about a highway which the court of sessions had ordered through his land at Jamaco. it was proposed to refer the matter to three men, but finally it was left with a committee to agree uix>n some plan and make return to court.

Some difficulty occurred this year between Col. John March and the town. He charged the town with "taking away all most all Wosters lot and a considerable |)art of Challis his lot that was granted to him in the year 1640 for hiUisfaclion for a highway," but the town denied the charge. The commoners took up the dispute. A meeting was called on the 2 2d of March to transact the ordinary town business till twelve o'clock, and then to be a commoners' meeting. Thomas Currier was chosen their clerk and it was " voted to stand suit with Col. John March," and Left. John Foot and John Blasdell were chosen as "Atumes" to answer him in his action commenced against the commoners.

The commoners had or supposed they had rights whirh should not be acted upon l^y all of the voters in town, and - these separate meetings seem to liave been held for the purpose of avoiding this outside influence, and the fact that they actually finished the division of the common land in 1703 by sei)nr.itc meetings, confirms the above view of the matter. 'I1ulirst eighteen owned and disposed of the common lands as they deemed proper, and, also, granted townships or common rights to whom they pleased. 'I'hey fixed the number of commoners at fwenty-six, unless by the "consent of every freeman" the number should be increased. It was soon increased to that number and most of the divisions of land were made acconlini;ly.

Col. J(»im March, John Uarnard, Joseph Urown and Jarvis king petitioned the town for leave to build iron works on the Powow river without being liable to taxation, and their petition was cheerfiilly granted. A similiar petition was presented at the Salisbury annual meetitig and readily granted. The works were built atid in o[)eration several years. 'JVadition states that iron ore was taken from the bed of the pond and refined for use at these works, which were situated on the Amesbury side of the Powow river.

('apt. Harvey, also, petitioned for liberty to build a vessel or \essels at "Jamaco," and was allowed to do so. Left. Foot and Thomas Challis were appointed to lay out a ship-yard for him. With a fulling mill, iron works and several ship-yards along the river, it was, no doubt, a busy, prosperous town.

.An appropriation of jQ^o was made for school purposes, and the school was to be kept one-half of the time at the meeting house and the other half near Roger Stevens' house.

May 9th. John Kimball, sen., was chosen representative, and on the i6th Thomas Fowler was chosen. It is very probable that Mr. Kimball died at this time, as he entirely disap- l>ears from the records hereafter. He was a prominent man in town, serving as representative three years ami was elected a fourth time, and, also, held many other offices.

He lived near the |)ond*s mouth and owncil seven lots in that division (which was called the ox pasture) in 1699, embracing all between the pond and pond road, and twd lots north of the road. Tradition locates his house south of the road, very near the pond's mouth, and there are indications of a former residence there. He was, probably, an extensive farmer and very active in town afHiirs, but a firm believer in witchcraft, giving foolish testimony against Susanna Martin at her trial. It should be remembered, however, that he lived in an age of superstition, when clear-headed, sensible pers(ins were muc:h bewildered on this subject.

Aug. loth. Kbenezer Hlasdell died. He was a .son of Henry niasdell, one of the original settlers, and grandson of Jaret Haddon, who gave him a legacy in his will. He was born the 17th 8th mo. 1657. He served as selectman in 1698 and held many other offices. It is probable that he lived at Hear hill.

This year the Friends* monthly meeting re<:eived five lH>oks sent from Knglanil. May i8th the monthly meeting was held at Amesbury, and from that time for more than sixty years it was held alternately at .Amesbury and Hampton.

At the annual meeting it was " voted that Mr Wells should go to Jamaco on third part of y*= Sabath days and of Huniala tion and Thanksgiving.*'

"At y* same meeting it was voted that y* S< hool should be kept y*^ first four months at y*-* town Meeting IIdumc y*= next four months at y* Pond Hills fort and y^ last four months at Left lu)Ots fort or there al)outs.*' and occupied by Jacob Huntington, which was originally lined with brick around the first story, and, no doubt, designed as a garrison house for the neighborhood. I-reft. Foot's fort was, no doubt, in the vicinity of the burying ground at West Amesbury. 'I'he six-rod highway was narrowed by allowing Thomas Challis and Thomas Weed to fence in two rods in width, in consideration of highways laid through their lands elsewhere.

Capt. John Wadey, of Salisbury, had leave granted to build a dam at the pond's mouth not to exceed three feet in height '*to preserve water in a dry time for grinding."

This was the first attempt to turn the water of KimbalPs pond to account. For untold ages this water had nm to waste, passing through the pond meadow and across the highway near Thomas ('(»lby*s, into the strcan) that carries Tuxbury's mills.

In great drouths the water in the Powow river ran low, so that grinding was necessarily susj^ended ; but with this extra three feet on the surface of the pond, there would, probably, be no more scarcity.

I>cft. Foot had leave to "fence across y« highway leading by his house next y*= country road and so against Thomas Colby's not to hinder any passing." This road was, probably, the one now known as Church street, in Merrimac.

Se])t. 27th. Deacon Thomas Currier died, having served the town in almost every capacity. He was chosen town clerk in 1674 instead of his father, Richard Currier, and served till his death, a period of thirty-eight years lacking a few months. He served as selectman seventeen years and in many other offices, and was a fair penman. His business was not confined to town affairs, but he was employed in settling estates and various other matters. He was a witness to the will of Edmund Klliott, which his father wrote in 1675, ^"^ occasionally recorded meetings when his father was clerk. This would go to show that they lived in the same house at that time, and it is very probable that Thomas ownetl the homestead before his father's death. It has been said that Richard deeded away his property and died poor. Thomas was bom at Salisbury March 7th, 1646, and was sixty-six years of age when he died. It is probable that he hved near the mills and, perhaps, in the vicinity of the Lion's Mouth. He married Mary Osgood, daughter of William Osgood of Salisbury, and by her inherited one-cjuarter of the old saw mill which he gave to his son l*Ibenezer. He had nine sons and three daughters.

On the 13th of October Orlando Bagley, jun., was chosen town clerk and entered upon his long term of office. He was, also, chosen to keep a private school to "teach to wright ami sipher such as shall come to him they paying as he and Uic) shall agree."

The selectmen notifieil the selectmen of Kingston to meet them on the 30th of March " at y^ ponds mouth, called y* country [lond," to perambulate the line between the towns. At this time the territory of Amesbury extended to the island in Country pond, embracing nearly all of the territory now known as Newton, N. H.

A town meeting was held January 7th for taking some measures to repair the old meeting-house, but those present hardly felt like deciding upon what should be done, and so adjourned half an hour, to meet at Samuel Colby's, lie was innhoklcr, and when met the meeting felt better spirits and proceeded to business. Without opposition it was "voted that v« selectmen should repair y* ould meeting-house."

With the same unanimity another vote was passed, as follows : *' Voted y' y« town did chuse a comm" of six men to consider mm\ conclude concerning y^ building of a meeting house, and they to bring in there result aty^ next March meeting for y* town's approbation, and also y* f»lace where y* house shall be built." There is no report on record from this committee, but

The annual meeting was held March 8th, and adjourned to the loth, to meet at the house of 'J'homas Hoyt, at the l*ond hills. At the adjourned meeting "it was voted that the town would build two meeting houses in said town.*'

John Challis opposed this measure, and to relieve the (Quakers the nurling voted "to free the Quakers in s*' town from paying to the minister's rate all such as the heads of their society shall gi\(r in a list of."

To give thf ninller fnrllu.T roiisidenitiou, Iwiwever, the meet ing adjourned !<» April 12th, nine o'clock, A. M., at the meeting house. Afkr having had time for due consideration of the whole matter, I he town voted at the adjourned meeting to ** build llurc (irsi u)eeling Iujiisc at that part of the town called Jamaco." It w:ls voted to build the house at the Pon<l plain on a piece of laud given the town by Jarvis Ring. This lot was given for a burying groinid atid is now known as the Middle Cemetery. The house was to be 40 feet long, 32 feet wide and iS leel stud. No committee was chosen, anil although several meetings were hold subse(|uently, nothing ftirther was done this year.

l^ave was given Samuel Colby to build an arch "on the highway near his house." It was a common thing to build arches in those early times, and they were invariably built on the side of some knoll or rising ground, so that the earth might cover the top sufficiently to keep out the frost. The location of this arch was on the north side of the road a few rods west of the store on Hartlett's corner, and the c:avity where the rocks were taken out may yet be seen.

Hetter school acconmiodations were ordered this year, the selectmen being authorized to hire two masters for each end of the town, and school dames for the whole town.

Capt. Thomas Harvey was chosen representative in May and in October Left. Jolm Koot was chosen for the remainder of the year. No record of his death is found, but it is very probable that he diid during the summer, which occasioned the elcclion of Left. Foot. He first appears on the record as one of a committee on highways in 1689 and was chosen deputy in 1690, 1694, 1697, 1699, 1706, 1708, 1 713 and 1714, and was on the board of selectmen in 1701 and 1714. Heheld various other offices and was a ship carpenter, building vessels at Jainaco on land granted him in 1710 by the town. ITie Harveys owned a large tract of land near the Universalist church at West Amesbury, where they probably lived, and also a mill on Cobbler's brook. He was largely employed in public business and was a faithful servant.

The Friends' monthly meeting this year granted permission to Newbury Friends to hold meetings "every 3d first day y* week in every month,** and also to Haverhill "every 4th first day of y« week in every month.**

For many years an officer called " Clark of y* market ** has been annually chosen, whose duty is defined m an act |>assed in 1 696, as follows :

"Sect. 2d. ITiat the clerks of the market in each town within this Province, or any one of them, shall, and are hereby impowered and required once every week or of^ener, as they shall see cause, to enter into any shop or place where bread is usually sold or baked for siile, and to weigh the siune ; and all such bread which they shall find un der the due assize according to the proportion before mentioned, or not being marked, to make seizure of and deliver two-thirds parts thereof unto the selectmen or overseers of the |KX)r in such town, for the use of the poor wiUiin the same, the officer to have the other third for his pains.** The fact that such officer was annually chosen .seems to indicate the necessity, and from the occasional references to some kind of breail shops, it may justly be inferred that there were bakeries in town in those days. Joseph Prechet was chosen this year.

A town meeting was heUl January 7th and adjourned to ihe 24th, when the following vote was passed : " Whereas there hath been a vote past for y^ building of two meeting houses, and y* first to be built at y« pond plain, we upon considera- tion do see cause to have but one at present and to build it at y^ panel of land called y- parsonage, neare Edward Hunt's.*' He lived on the corner where Geo. W. Hartlett now lives. The late Joseph Merrill, who hauled the present house from the pond, i)la(:ed it over the old Hunt cellar.

The meeting-house was built on the opposite corner of the Martin road on a litllc knoll, a l)eautiful location. The old house was nllogcthcr loo smnll to hold the present population, bchig only 25 by 30 fcit. The vole to build two houses of worship would have been carried out, undoubtedly, had the town been able to do so. The people had increased at the west end, although no village had yet commenced. In 1726, which is but eleven years later, we find the names of 123 men taxed in the West parish for the support of preaching, and this would warrant the conclusion ih.U there were not less than four hundred inhabitants at that time. There were not quite so many in 1 715, probably, yet there were more than were willing to travel the long distance to the little chtirch at the burying ground. The most j)rominent men at Jamaco were opposed to the repeal of the vote ordering two houses, and lA*ft. John Foot, Sergeant Joseph Dnvis and Thomas Fowler entered their "contra dicent " against it. The present location - one mile nearer the centre of the town - was designed to give better accommoilations to the west end people and obviate the necessity of two houses. Nor was this location a very lonesome one, for within the range of a half mile there were more than half a score of houses.

Dea. Joseph r>rown, Thomas Hoyt and Thomas Sargent were chosen a committee to "carry on s** work of building said house at y« towns cost, and are to have said house finished at or on y« first of November in y« yeare 1716." Its dimensions were "forty-five fot in length and thirty-five fot in wedth and twenty fot stud."

A meeting was held July 13th and jQ^S^ raised to "carry on y« work of finishing our Meeting house and likewise to expend y* charge that we have already been out in building." So the work was begun at this date.

" At y* same meeting voted' that y* town would in general const and charge to huild a Meeting house at y* west part of y« town called Jamaco that is to say not to build said house within three years after y* time fixed for y« finishing our Meeting house which is already raised it is to be understood when y* Major [mrt of y* town y* lyeth west <if Nickols* creek shall see cause to build y*^ town to assist them as aforesaid."

It is probable that this vote settled all matters in dispute, and the work went on with the house, which was "already raised." It is said to have been very heavily timltered and was, no doubt, a very substantial building, although perfecdy plain, without porch or spire. On this gently-sloping knoll it stooil for two generations or more. It would l>e an interesting sight if we could be allowed a glimpse of that sedate assembly as they wended their way from all sections of Ihe town on each returning Sabbath to this new but unadorned house of worship. They came from the Ferry, the Powow river, the i,yon*s Mouth, the Pond, the Pond hills, the Hear hill, Jamaco, Nickols' creek, the River and the many old roads and fields where they were then located, some on foot, but mostly on horseback, two or three to a horse. Clothed in home spun, the work of their own hands, a few yards woven in a day, and colored and dressed in their own fulling mill, neat and comfortable, they humbly gathered to worship the (jod of the Pilgrims, who had so graciously protected and blessed them in this wilderness. .And with each returning S;ibbatli the dignified and erect form of the venerable minister was seen on his way to church, riding on his ** blackish mouse coulored horse."

Mr. Wells sent a communication to the annual meeting, desir lug a piece of land for his use, and C\ipl. John Ikirnard and Jonathan Blasdell were ordered to view the premises and rejiort at the next meeting, 'llie matter was not fiilly settleil at the next meeting, but the selectmen were authorized to settle that and some dispute about Mr. Wells* fire- wood.

In conseijuence of depredations by wolves, a bounty of 20 s. was again offered for "every Woulf killed by any parson belonging to said town."

History Ok Ami.Shury. 1 69

Schools were yet anything but permanent institutions, being mostly kept in private houses, but the young clerk, who was fast rising to ]»rominence, and himself a schoolmaster, very well knew the importance of making the schools local and jKTmanent. To carry out his plan, he made the following communication to the meeting : - -

"At this same meeting, Orlando Bagley, jun., doth give and grant to and for y« tisc of said town one-half (jorter of an acre c»f land frunting on y« country road adjacent to a town highway on y« west for y« i)rivilege of setting of a school house on so long as y« town see cause there to keep a school.

This lot was, no doiibt, the one where the ])ound now stands, which answers the description perfectly. It was a notch out of the clerk's homestead.

The meeting voted "to build a School house of twenty foot square and seven foot stud to be built within y« space of two years after y« date hereof to be finished and set on y* land before mentioned at y'^ towns coast."

Thus began the I*ond hills school house and, although the house then built has passed away, yet the locality has always been provided with a house. Why the present house is not on this lot is hardly clear ; but some three-quarters of a centur)' after this dite, when the house was old and unfit for use, there was some considerable contention in regard to the new house, which was finally settled by two men, who built the present house and afterwards sold it to the town. The writer has l)een told by old persons, who well remembered the transaction, that such was the case, and Capt. Ephraim Weed and Ichabod B. Snrgent were named as the men who built it.

On the record appears the following: "Amesbury May y' 28th 1716. Taken from John Challis (by distress) a yearling heifer and proceeded with according to law. Sold for eleven shillings by mc Henry Tnisscl late Constable of Amesbury."

The annual meeting was held in the old meeting-house, which may have been uncomfortable, and the few in attendance adjourned to the house of Elizabeth Colby, to meet in a quarter of an hour. Elizabeth was the wife of Samuel Colby, if he was living, but the vote would rather look as though he was dead.

Before completing the whole business the meeting was again adjourned, to the house of Thomas Challis, on the 15th inst., This was an accommodation to the west part of the town, as Mr. Challis lived near Sandy brook, just west of Daniel F. Morrill's.

Upon reassembling ''The town then met did vote and chuse Thomas Challis for to finish our school house that is already raised according to his best judgment by y"-* time before mentioned at y* town's coast."

Instead of hiring a master to '' wright and sifer," as formerly, the town chose Left. Currier and Left. Stevens to hire a ''grammar school master and school dames for y^ use of s^ town." The good cause is slowly but surely progressing. The people are doing all they can for its advance.

The meeting-house was not yet completed and the town voted that those having leave to build pews should do so within twelve months or lose the privilege, excepting Mr. Wells. The pulpit and deacons' i>ew seem to have been completed as the meeting proceeded to seat some of the most prominent men - Capt. Barnard, Capt. Foot and ICnsign Orlando Bagley, sen., were "set in y« front seate at y*' table." Capt. Chandler, Left. Currier, Ensign Hoyt and Cornet Blasdell were " to set at y* table in that seate next y- pulpit. Thomas Stevens and Sargent John Kiml)all are to set w^^ y*= deacons, and also Joseph Lanckester, sen."

this year. It had been the gathering place of those hardy pioneers on each returning Sabbath for more than half a century, and now it was given to the faithful minister, which was a very proper disposition of it.

Mr. Wells put in a petition at the adjourned meeting for leave to build a pew in the new meeting-house, and also in the one to be built at "Jamaco," of which the following is a copy : -

"lb y* Moderator of y* present meeting of y* inhabitants of y* town of Almsbury, March y*^ 15th, 1716: 17, to l>e communicated to y^ town that if they please to grant me y* privilege of a pew in y« new meeting house on y* left hand next yc south door seven fool in length and so wide as present vacant s|)ace in y*^ judgment of y* workmen or Mr. Skipper Limt or both of them, shall admit of for needful passage to y« adjoining vacant space, and an other in y* upper meeting house, granted to be built for place and dimenlions at your own pleasure, provided it may not appear to be a ridiculous mockery, both to be built at y« charge of me my heirs or assigns. I will in addition unto ten pounds already allowed which was left out of rate dat. Sept. 14, 1715, allow ten pounds more out of y« present rates dat. Octob' 23, 1716, or y* next, and sign a general acquittence for y**. town, a copy whereof may be seen next underwritten, and I expect my former papers given in to y« town and committee to be returned unto me, and this also if voted on y*= negative."

The following is a copy of the receipt, and seems sufficiently broad to coNcr the whole ground, thus avoiding all further dispute about salary : -

" Id actpiilt discharge and absolve y* inhabitants of y* town of Almsbury considered conjunctively as y*^ town of all debts dues and demands whatsoever relating to my yearly salary for my ministerial maintainence from y* beginning of y* world unto y* twenty ninth day of September""in y* yeare of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fourteen.

Ever since the settlement of Mr. Wells there had been more or less trouble in regard to his salary. Hard and troublesome times pinched the people so that they could barely live, and, no doubt, failed to pay the minister. But they seldom refused to grant him any (avor which he asked of them, and were really unwilling to part with him. In the early part of this year the road near the new meeting house was enlarged and bounded out to a knoll the south side of the swamp, near Martin's bridge and a road leading to the river, which was laid out in 1693. This confirms the location of the new meeting house, as stated in previous pages of this work.

Capt. John I^rnard died July 15th. He had held many offices in town and was a man of sterling integrity and greatly respected. He was one of the committee to locate the meeting house in [714 and on the committee to run the line next Haverhill in 1 714, and the town meeting adjourned to his house in 1709. He was, probably, a son of Capt. John liarnard, who died in 1700, and grandson of "Robert Rarnett."

Constables have been collectors from the first, and were on that account considered important ofhccrs, and were not taxed ; but this year they were taxed, and allowed six pence on the pound for collecting.

Capt. John Foot, Orlando Baglcy, sen., and Thomas Challis, were chosen to return the bounds of land '* into y« town book and also to join with y*' selectmen concerning y*^ setting and and exchanging highways.*' Samuel Weed had served on this i:ommittee since 1694, but w;is dismissed at this meeting, bcc:ause, as they said, he was *' ancient and decayed." So S^unuel Weed at 66 was really an old fogy - not up to the times. It was a little rough to dismiss one who had faithfully served the town for more than a (Quarter of a century in such an undignified manner.

July 30th. A meeting was held and the following vote passed : " At y^ same meeting that part of a vote is recalled, that is to say concerning y« place of building and setting our school house at y« west end of y* town, and voted to set said house on a pece of land near y* house of John Davis, and y* inhabitants of y west end of said town to provide land for setling of said house on."

(jideon Lowell petitioned for leave to fence in the road over l»ailey's hill, and offered to give a piece of land at the mouth of Powow river lor a landing-place. 'I'he offer was accepted by the town.

Richard (!unicr petitioned for leave to build a vessel or vessels on the above landing, and was allowed the privilege. Ship building on the river at this date was a very important branch of business and was fast building up the Ferry.

The schools were not forgotten, but at the May meeting the town voted "that y« school shall be kept at Jamaco five months from y« first of February last and the .school shall be moved to town and there kept till seven months is expired after his removal to town.*' This was the grammar school.

The first mention of a bond given by the constables is found this year. John Pressy was accepted by giving a bond of jC^oo, which William Pressey and Kphraim Weed signed.

Capt. Foot was moderator of the annual meeting, but being unexpectedly called to a session of the legislature, Orlando Bagley, sen., was chosen at the adjourned meeting.

The road known as " Hunt's road," near the house of Renj. F. Huntington, was widened and defined this year : " Voted that y« town would have an open highway of three rods wide from y* countrey rode to y^ town highway at y^ head of the River lots out of y*" parsonage land, saifl way bounding westerly on y* land of Capt. Currier, Ephraim Hunt and Daniel Flanders." For many years there had been a road, but like many of the old roads, it was a mere \ya\h s])olted through the woods. On three-fourths of the roads but very little was expended for their improvement.

Some difficulty having arisen in regard to hogs nmning at large, a special meeting was held *' concerning of y* taking of y* sharpness relating to swine." "Voted that all hoggs should go at large on y* commons in said town for y* ycarc ensuing they being yoaked and ringed as y« law directs."

The General Court at its session begun on the 15th of March, passed a law authorizing the emission of bills of credit to the amount of fifty thousand i>ounds, for the use of the province, giving the following reason : ^' Whereas the public bills of credit on this province, which, for want of silver, have for many years not only answered the charge of his majesty's government, both in war and peace, but served as a medium of exchange in the merchandise, trade and business of the province, are grown scarce in proportion to the great demand of the same."

lliese bills were to be loaned to the town and held by trustees, who were to loan the same on good security to the inhabitants. The towns received in proportion to their last province rale, 'i'he amount received by Amesbury was jCsiSCapt. Richard Currier, Jonathan HIasdell and Orlando Hagley, jr., were chosen trustees, to loan the money on time not longer than four years, and to receive one (|uartcr of the interest for their services.

Mr. Wells was directed not to go to Jamaco to preach till some place was provided for him. Very likely the want of a suitable place to hold meetings hastened the building of the second meeting-house, talked of some six years ago. I^te in the year (Dec. nth) a town meeting was called to consider the matter, and possibly to make preparation to build the coming year.

At this meeting it was voted that, "that vote April y« 12 : 1 714, which was voted to build our first meeting house at that part of y* town called Jamaco, should be built on that pece of land which Mr. Ring gave y« town at y* pond plain, is repealed made voyd and of none effect."

"At y« same meeting voted that y« town would forthwith proceed in building a Meeting house at y« west end of y* town, ronunonly called Jamaro."

'I'homas Challis and four others opposed the measure, they being Quakers. Their protest availed nothing : the meeting went forward with the nicnsurc and "voted that y« said Meeting house shall be set on y* country road near y* house of Thomas I'ettells." Thomas and Jeremiah Fowler owned land there and offered to give "one quarter of an acre of land lying most convenient for y« aforesaid Meeting house."

A committee was chosen, consisting of Richard Currier, Jacob Sargent and Orlando I^agley, jun., to proceed with the work. The house was to be of the same dimensions as the one at the east end, built at the parsonage in 1715. The location proved a l>onc of contention, being finally repealed in 1722, and the question left to a committee taken from other towns.

At the Friends* November monthly meeting at Amesbury, a communication from the cpiarterly meeting was read, asking the opinion of the meeting in regard to wearing wigs. Some of the order were conforming to the fashions of the world and ornamenting their persons with borrowed hair. I1iis wicked departure from the plain course marked out by the founders of the order received very grave consideration at the next monthly meeting at Hampton, and the following conclusion was reached : " The matter above mentioned consaming y* Wearing of Wiggcs was Discorsed & It was concluded by this meeting yt y'^ Wearing of Extravegent superflucs Wigges Is all to (ladicr Contrcary to truth."

'Ilie town was presented for not having a school-ma.ster, according to law, and " Dacon " John Tukesbury was chosen to go to Ipswich court to answer.

In 1715 a petition was laid before the town for a highway from "Swett's ferry to Kingstown," and an old plan is now in the county commissioner's office showing the way as petitioned for, made the s;ime year. Swett's ferry seems to h;ivc been in East Maverhill, or near the line of tiic two towns, and the way went through the northwest part of the town to Kingston. 'll)is section was laid out in farms of various sizes, but in rectangles intersected by roads as convenience required. 'l"he town opposed the "way," and paid Jarvis King 45 s. for "put ting it bye."

'i'hc annual meeting was adjourned " to the house of Elizabeth Colby, inn holder," to meet at 9 A. M. on the 13th inst. Capt. John Foot, moderator of the meeting, was unexpectedly rallied to General Court, and Orlando liagley, the clerk's father, was chosen for the remainder of the meeting.

The constables were paid 6 s. on the pound for collecting, which is eijual to two and one-half cents on the dollar. Representatives were allowed 12 d. per day in addition to what the law gave them.

hist year the town voted to build a meeting house at the west end, near the house of Thomas Hettel on the country road, Thomas and Jeremiah Fowler engaging to give a (fuarter of an acre of land for that purpose ; but the location was not satisfactory, and a meeting was held May 14th and the vote reconsidered, notwithstanding very strong opposition.* The work had already commenced ; the materials were collected and on the spot and the building under contract and in process of construction ; but a portion were dissatisfied and detennined tc» change the location, notwithstanding the extra cost.

"At y*^ same meeting voted to chuse three men as a Committee fully impowering them to apix)int a plase where y* said Meeting house shall be set as they shall judge most convenient for the west end of y* town called Jemaco and iff y« said Com- mittee see cans to appoynt any other place the town to lie at general charge for y* removing of y« timber and other matters already provide<l in order for the promoting and carrying on y* said work of building and finishing s** house so that the (Committee a])poynted for building and finishing s** house and y« undertakers that arc obliged to do and finish y« s** house afore s^ may not !)c damnified by y* s** removal."

The committee chosen were Col. Henry Summcrby, of Newbury, Capt. Nalhnniel Hrown, of Salisbury, and Lieut. Richard Heason, of Haverhill. What conclusion was reached we hardlv know, as no report a|)pears on the record. As, however, the house was not located on the " Country road," but on the plain a short distance above the present church, it is probable that this committee changed the location.

The plain wns. no doubt, the most populous portion of "Jemaco" at thnt time. Capt. Foot, the Aliens, Cottles and, no doubt, many others lived in the immediate vicinity. Capt. Foot's fort was there, to which in times of alarm all the families fled for safety and |>rotection, as they did this very year.

The Indians were mnking raids on the settlements in various places, and suddenly appeared at Jamaco. The alarm was given and great excitement followed. The women and children fled to the fort for safety. It was on this occasion that Anna Cottle was born, who died in 1810, aged 87 years, 11 months, 5 days. Ushered into the world under such singular circumstances, she yet lived to a great age, dying at a period when neither forts nor garrison houses were need. Her parentage is not very clear, but she may have been the daughter of Edmund Cottle, then livini^ in some part of Jamaco.

There were at this time several forts or garrison houses scattered over the western section of the town. One of them was locatc<l not far from the homestead of the late Fnos Heath, one at the Highlands, and Capt. Foot's fort was on the plain where the school was kept a few years ago.

It is probable that at this time a raid was made on the Pond hills. Tradition s;ivs thai Uavid Currier, the great ancestor of the Curriers there, while at work in his field near the Great swamp, was aroused to a sense of danger by the growling of his dog, which lay not far o(T. Ilcing thus put upon his guard, he made a hasty survey of the surrounding premises, and presently espied an Indian very quietly picking hucklelxmrics near the woods. Snatching his gun he fired, wounding the Indian slightly under the arm, which so frightened the poor fclUiw that he called for quarter without firing. ''I^iy down your gim and I'll give you (luarters!" was the reply, which he did very readily. He was taken to the garrison house, near the residence of the late 1>. G. Kstes, and subse(]uently exchanged. The gun was kept and is now in })ossession of Mr. John Currier, who lives on the premises. He was one of a party of five or six who were on the war-path seeking mischief Startled by the firing, they were seen running over the hill towards the i)ond a few minutes later.

Before the close of the year the ''way to Kingstown was laid out," and the town complained of the heavy burden tmixised u|>on them in consecpience.

Rev. Thomas Wells, the ehxiuent young preacher who captivated the hearts of the people in 1674, had now grown somewhat aged, having most faithfully expounded the word for more than forty-eight years, and passed through many very trying times, as well as the i)eople, l)cgan to teel the iM^ml of some relief from the duties which every year grew more arduous. Accordingly a meeting was <:alled to *'make choyce of men t<» procure an orthodox S<:hooller to assist our reverent Mr Wells Minister in y* work of y*' Ministry." Nothing was done at this meeting except chosing a moderator, and thus the matter rested awhile.

Widow Kliziibeth Colby petitioned for leave to (cnrc across the old road back of Pleasant valley (then called River lots) at both ends, " making convenient gates and maintaining them at each end."

"This voted on y^ afarmitive." Many of the roads were thus turned into pastures every year. The Sandy Krook road was fenced in and used by Thomas (*hallis and Thomas Nichols, through whose land it was located.

The town, having laid out a landing near NichoFs creek, found that the land taken was given to the "bank of credit" for security, and could not be legally taken without the authority of the Court. Accordingly, Capt. Foot was chosen to petition the "enferonr court" to establish the landing as desired. Capt. {-'oot was, also, "to represent at s*' court in matter and cans of and concerning the great hardships wc are under concerning a highway lately laid out from Swetts Ferry to Kings Town."

This was a cosily road and of no great benefit to Amesbury - rather a damage, cutting the farms in some cases to a great disadvantage. It might have been valuable to Swctt's landing, affording better accommodations into the country.

Thomas Ibrnard died December iith. He w;is a grandson of the first Thomas Hamard and, by inheritance or otherwise, had come into i)ossession of a large property, appraised at /,543» '^> ^- '^'^ horn-beam tubs were valued at 23 s., yoke of oxen ^^10, horse 40 s., two cows jQ^, Tobacco was named in the inventory, but no potatoes, nor do any of the old inventories at Salem mention them up to this date, or even somewhat later. Some part of his homestead touched the pond.

Some of the Friends were putting up large stones at the graves of their friends, contrary to the principles of the order, and the monthly meeting took notice of the matter, as follows : '*This meeting taking Notis of y^ superfluas Stones sat up At y« Craves in y^ buering place Dwo tharefore Desire Joshua Purington lienjamin lloug & Moses Swett to Discors with those y* have sit up y'= same ^ ])ring thayer Account to y* next monthly meeting y* so In Deavers may be used to hinder sulch things."

work. " Lieu" Thomas Hoyt, Oacon Joseph Brown and John ('hallis" were chosen a committee to assign the |)ew-room to those who were al)ont to build. For the privilege uf |)ew-room each was to pay ten shilling.s, and if not built or (Mjcupied l)efore the last of May all was to be forfeited.

Jamaco was now well accommodated for religious worship, with the exception of a minister, and the question very naturally arose, How shall he be hired and paid? 'lo settle this ([uestion a town meeting was called April 24th, when it was "voted whether or no y« town will still keep togeUwr (or part) in y*^ maintaining two ministers among us, this vote voted and past on y* affermitive, viz. : to part in y« maintaining our ministers."

The dividing line was fixed at Nichols' creek, and up the brook lo the country road, thence north to the pond and across to back river, thence up the river to Ikirtlett's brook to his saw-mill, and thence, as the brook goes, to C*ountry pond. This gave each parish a large territory, until the State line was i leaned anew.

To make this division valid anil establish two parishes in town, the consent and ap[)roval of the (General Court was neede<l. Accordingly a meeting was called on the iSih of October to t;ike measures for the confuuiation of this line by the legislature, but tho.se opposed were the stronger, and voted not to api)ly for a confinnation. ('apt. Richard Currier and forty others, mosdy ea.st end men, entered *- themselves contradicenl to and dicenting from y*-' vote last past and entered up(jn record."

The west end people were not fully .satisfied with the line, or with a division at all, and with what a.ssistan( e they obtained at the east end, had for die present virtually defeated the measure.

Rice lui wards asked the town for a small piece of land in the yard at the Ferry where he was building vessels, to .set a house on so long as he continued building, and his petition was granted. Oapt. Currier and Thomas Challis were appointed to set him off four rods. Ship-building was adding to the population and

I'homas Nichols, whose home was on the plain near 'i'appan lOmery's, died this year. Hy his will he gave his son Jonathan live shillings, his daughter Anna, wife of Samue! Colby, (\vt shillings. Mary, wife of Ralph Mlasdell. five shillings and two bushels of winter apples for ten years if she would go into the orchard and pick them ;' Ksther. wife of Ichal)od Colby (and at a later period the famous "Widow Ksther Colby, Inn holder"), live shillings ; Thomas, five shillings ; David, forty shillings ; Rachel, live poun<ls when eighteen ; and to Ste])hen. Kbenezcr and Henjamin, all of his real estate. lie was llu* father of those bearing that name in town, and a Friend.

Capt. Currier. Jacob Rowell and Samuel Jewell petitioned for leave to build a wharf ** upon y*= Powow river to the northward of Mr. Ixjwells his wharf," and the petition was granted.

I^st year the town was divided into two parishes, but was not piesented to the Cieneral Court for couOrmation on account ol some disagreement on .several ])oints. The west parish, however, went forward and hired a minister, who continued to preach. The parlies could not agree as to Mr. Wells' maintenance in his old age, or about the "parsnage" land, which was ever to be kept for the use of the ministry. The west parish would have given up the land to be cleared from contributing to the support of Mr. and Mrs. Wells.

To settle this difficulty by the adoption of some just measure. John Challis was directetl to warn a meeting on the ylh day of April, at the east meeting-house. " to consider of sum means whereby to settle ourselves with respect to y*^ payment of our uiinisters : :nid to (!ndenvor a loving a;^recment for y*^ fiitun* selling ourselves for y'= fiiture resjiecting y* same, either in our being together or asunder."

Under this mild and ])eacefiil invitation, the people a.ssenibled and confirmed the line to be perpetual and "mutualh agreed upon and concenlcd to and with l>y us y*^ s<'.inhabi- tants, that y« lower precinct shall pay to y*^ iip|)er precinct so much as y« s** upi>er precints are assessed to i)ay to y« maintainance of Mr. Wells for his work in y* Ministry in y* year [724; within three months after y« date hereof and it is further mutually agreed upon by y« s<* inhabitants that y* upper precinct shall have and enjoy y* one half of y« (xisnage land and meadows conditionally that they shall and do pay to and for y^ use of Mr Wells maintainance after he is disabled for carrying on y* work of y« ministry y« one half of what is to Ix* payd to him and also pay to Mistress Wells y^ one half of what she must be paid by y* towns agreement with Mr Wells."

The town voted to have a school kept "one (|uarter part ol )*= .V' lime for this year near or al y*-' dwelling house of Tres irem liiimard iff in case there be a convenient place provided."

The division of the town into parishes last year by the ( General ( *ourt Wits the occasion of an organization of a separate church on the 19th of May, as appears by the parish records, from which the following is taken : -

**Aniesbiiry, May 19, 1726. Was gathered the 2d church of ( 'hrist in Amesbury, there being then present the Rev. ministers of the gospel, viz. : Mr. Wells, ('ushing, Parsons, Tufts and llrown."

A creed was adopted, containing the embodiment of their faith, especially the Puritanical doctrine of the decrees, election, reprobation and depravity. The church covenant followed, and the whole was signed by

Tin* whole wns rnlificd by public acknowledgment in the rongrcgnlion. and Mr. Pain Wingale, then a young man, was made choice of to carry on the work of the ministry.

Arrangements were then made for the ordination of Mr. Wingate, ("apt. John Foot and Abraham Merrill were chosen to send letters to the neighboring churches, to send delegates ; and their ministers were invited to take |)art in the services.

Mr. dishing of Salisbury was selected to preach the sermon, or, if not able to do that, to give the charge, which he did. Letters were sent on the 23d of May, and the ordination took place on the y\ of June. Mr. Wells made the prayer, Mr. (lookin preached the sermon from John xx. : 15. Mr. Tufts offered prayer and Mr. (Wishing gave the charge, and Mr. Parsons gave the right hand of fellowship.

It was decided to furnish the communion table by the "freewill offering" of the church. It cost ^7, 10 s. 10 d., and the whole siTvice was purchased in l»oston and the following is the bill of pieces :

'llie following is a list of persons taxed for the support of preaching in the west imrish for the year 1726. It is given here as showing very nearly the whole male population of the parish who were voters or above twenty-one years of age. It may not be improper to remark that all were taxed for the suplX)rt of the legal church. This list of |>ersons was assessed to raise the sum of ;^220 8 s. 7 d. to carry on the work of the ministry : -

On the 25th of November a town meeting was held to choose a representative for the fall session of the General Court, and the choice fell upon Capt. John Foot. He was "to represent s^' town at a General Court now holden at Boston, to endeavor to have y^ County of Essex divided into two countys." The object of this move does not appear. It may have been an attempt to re-establish the Old Norfolk county north of the river. 24

A committee was chosen ** to purchase of Mr. Ring two acres of land at y« burying place at y* pond plain and to receive a deed of y* same at y* cost and for y« benefit of s** town."

For a long series of years, perhaps from the first, people had paid their province or country rates in grain and the products of their farms, which had to be transported to Boston and delivered to the government. This year the town offered to abate one-fiftli to those who should i)ay direct to the treasurer of the province. This tax was £^^2 6 s. this year. l*rices as fixed by law were : "beef, ^3 per barrel ; pork, £^^ 10 s. ; winter wheat, 8 s. per bushel ; summer wheat, 7 s. ; barley, 6 s. i:>er bushel ; rye, 6 s. jier bushel ; Indian corn, 4 s. per bushel; oats, 2 s. per bushel; flax 16 d. per i)ound ; pease clear of buggs, 9 s. per bushel; firkin butter, good, sweet, 12 d. per pound ; hemp, 9 d. per pound ; beeswax, 2 s. 6 d. per poimd ; dry hides, 6 d. per pound ; leather, 1 2 d. per pound ; merchantable dry codd, 30 s. per (|uintal ; oyl, £2 10 s. j)er barrel ; whalebone six feet long and upwards, 3 s. 6 d. per pound ; bayberry wax, 16 d. per pound ; turpentine fiill l)Ound, 13 s. per cwt. ; merchcintable bar iron, 48 s. per cwt. ; cast iron potts and kettles suit;ibly sorted, not loo heavy, 48 s. per cwt. ; well cured tobacco, 4 d. per pound ; good Iryed tallow, 8 d. per pound.'*

At the annual meeting it was " voted that no person shall cutt down or other ways distroy any trees standing on >-* country rode or on any town way within two miles of Merrimack river, on y* forfeiture of forty shillings per tree so cut or destroyed." How changed are things ! At present there are not trees enough l>eside the road for the weary traveller to rest under.

1705, 1707 and 1710, and was several times moderator of town meetings. He was cliosen assessor in 1694 and grand juror in 1695, -'^"*^ ^"'^^ name is fre(]iiently mentioned on the records. He lived at " Jamaco *' and was opiwsed to building the meeting-honso at the parsonage in 1715, probably because but one house was to be built, and that too far off. Thomas and Jeremiah offered to give a (juarter acre of land to set the meetinghouse on al Jamaco in 1721, near Thomas Hclters, on the country road. The fust mention of his name on the record is in 1678, when he was chosen to define the bounds of highways. He sued the town in 1679, ^"^^ Capt. I'^oot was chosen to defend the suit; and he was constable in 1685. The exact time when he settled in Amcsbury is not known. He was born in Wales and i)robably came over when a young man, and, it is said, served seven years for his passage to America. He had a brother Jeremiah living in Amesbury, who probably came over at the same time. In his will he mentioned his son, William, and daughters, Jane Ford, Mary (^lolby,* I lannah Ring and Margaret Challis.f He gave his son William forty acres of land near Country ])ond, and mentioned his grandson, Thomas, son of Jeremiah. He was a farmer, and said he was old, in his will.

On the ancient account book of David IMasdell is an account of an earth<iuake on the 29th of October, at 10 v. m., which he calls the " first Karquake."

Rev. Mr. Wingate received " 30 - cords good wood '* this spring for his supply. Tliis would l)C considered a large allowance at the present day.

ITie province treasurer was directed to issue ;£6o,ooo in bills of credit, to be loaned to the towns in proi)ortion to their valuation. Amesbury received jCaIZ* 5 s. The pro|)ortion of this town in the issue of 1721, when ;£5 0,000 was the total sum, was ;^73, and, had the same pro|>ortionate share been received, it would have been £88, The valuation of Amesbury had increased more than the average of towns in the province, or it would not have received so large a sum as ;£473. This speaks well for the prosperity and enteq^rise of the people.

John Challis, William Moulton and John Sargent were chosen tru.stees to receive and loan the money in sums not less than two nor more than ten pounds to any one person. The rate of interest was fixed at six per cent.

The trustees of the former bank were ordered to render their account before November 29th. Thus began the banking system which, under various fomis, has been continued to ihe present day.

A collection was taken this year by the Friends toward repairing the Boston meeting house, and Amesbury Friends contributed ^5, 10 s., Hampton ^^'5, 10 s., and Newbury 40 s.

This year the Rev. Edmund March was ordained July 3d. He was a grarluate of Harvard college in 1722 and was al)OUt twenty-five years of age.

The ferry across the river at Capt. Hook's occasioned some trouble at this lime, and at several meetings votes were passed in regard to obtaining it from the hands of those who were monopolizing the privilege.

At the annual meeting Jonathan Blasdell was chosen to search the records, and, at a meeting in September, John l^lasdcll, jr., and John Challis were chosen attorneys to obtain the ferry by "tryal at law" at the town's cost. Capt. Humphrey Hook was !ising the ferry ,ni(l, probably, receiving the benefit, and a portion of the people were dissatisfied, no doubt thinking the town might as well receive some little income therefrom. A meeting wns <\Mlli'd in 1 )(r('nibcr t<» sirrnglhrn the committee in their law-suit, as it was now in court ; but, after ch(M)sing Thomas Challis moderator, the meeting was dismissed. Evidently C!apt. Hook's party were in the ascendant and defeated all action. The (piestion created considerable excitement, and the people were very much divided in regard to it ; but the end is not yet.

'I'he selectmen were ordered to [)erambulate the line between Amesbury and Haverhill and, also, to hunt up the town lands. The trustees of the First bank were ordered to pay Capt. Foot five pounds towards his services as rej>resentative this year.

Deacon Thomas Stevens died April 14th. He was one of the leading men during a large part of his life, filling nearly all the important offices in town at some period. He served as selectman seventeen years and was twice elected

His first election as one of the selectmen was in 1684, and his last in 1724. Thorn is was a very popular name in the early days of the town, and, during six years of Deacon Steven's

Iqo History Of Amesbury

Richard Martin died March nth. He was mostly noted for l)eing one of the lot Liyers from the death of his father, Ceorge Martin, in 1685, to the present year, although he held many other offices. He lived near where Nicholas Balford now lives, in a pasture on the south side of (ioodale*s (1*. Valley) hill, ami may have been a tanner as well as farmer, as several tan pits are to be seen near his residence.

On the 21st of November an event occurred at the Kerry which attracted no unusual notice, nor perhaps brought joy to any excepting the father and mother of the promising boy, who was at a later period known as **Josiah Bartlett," a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was the son of Stephen and Hannah Banlett, who then lived at the Ferry in a house which stood on the spot now purchased for an Old indies* Home. The house remained until the fall of 1878, when it was removed, being nearly two hundred years old. The history of the boy born here need not be repeated, as all who read American history are familiar with his life. The ** Home " contains nearly two acres - a beautiful spot, and should contain a suitable monument to Amesbury*s most noted son.

He was the son of Deacon Joseph IJrown, and a graduate of Hanard college, but what professsion he had chosen we have no means of knowing. He was, before entering college, a school-master, and was engaged to teach in Amesbury m 1716. lie was no doubt a young man of much promise.

There being some danger that the charter of the province would be taken away by the king and council, Messrs. Wicks and Uelcher were employed by this town (and perhaps by all other towns) to represent matters in Kngland. Mr. Belcher was a native of the ])rovince and popular at court. A serious dispute had arisen between the new governor, William Burnet, and the General Courts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, in regard to his salary. The excitement is supposed to have caused his death in a few months, which greatly exasperated the royal government in ICngland, causing a strong feeling in favor of reducing the province to " a more absolute dependence on the crown." To pay these agents for their services the town appropriated ^30 this year.

For certain offences the punishment was sitting in the "stocks or bilbowes, or putting their tongues in split sticks." Having on hand a lot of offenders whom the town was unable to punish pro])eHy, it was voted at the March meeting " to have one ])aire of stocks immediately built and set where y« selectmen shall think most convenient." This was to be done immediately. As these stocks were usually set up in some highway or public i)lace, it was really no small punishment to sit thus exposed to the gaze of friends and foes.

Thomas Cottle having purchased the interest of Rice l^dwards in the ship-yard near (lideon l/Owell's, petitioned the town for a continuance of the grant made to Edwards, and had his petition allowed.

I^st year an action was commenced to recover the ferry at the mouth of the Powow river from the hands of Capt. Humphrey Hook. What progress was made does not appear, but this year a meeting was held Nov. 9th to take measures to carry on the suit. The inhabitants were notified to meet at the west meeting-house, and even there it was a close contest. The choice of moderator seems to have l)een a test question, and he was only chosen by "drawing out of s** meeting house." Ilatt Moulton was chosen moilerator, and his brother William and John Blasdell, jr., (all west end men) were chosen committee to continue the prosecution.

Capt. Hook's party was present contesting the ground, but the west end people were too strong for them. Capt. Hook and thirty-one others "entered themselves contradicent to and dicenting from y* above written." Two years had now |)assed, and but little progress had been made toward recovering the ferry from the hands of Capt. Hook.

Jonathan Hamard petitioned for leave to build a bridge " across y* falls on Powow river, about four rods below y« bridge now across s^ river, provided y* town of Salisbury may consent thereto, he y* s** Barnard to make and keep y« s** bridge forever at all times in g(x>(l and sufficient repair, in consideration whereof he y« s** ikirnard to liave our part of y* ould bridge and also y* liberty of making a dam across s^ river for his own use for y* flooding and stopping of water for y« use of a mill or mills not damnifying y* highway nor y® town of Salisbury, nor any other dam or dams, mill or mills, as y* affair may l)e vewed and Considered by a committee's report at y* next meeting for a confimialion, and you will much oblige your petitioner. The |)etition was referred to a conuuitlee consisting of Richard Currier and Orlando Hagley, who reix)rted in its favor, and it was allowed at an adjourned meeting.

West parish bought land of "Cai)t. ffoot or John ffoot, jr., for a burning place," and the assessors drew their order in his favor for ^£4.

October 4th, " Philip Rowell for mending y* parsnedg fence in 1730, 2 s. ; and for nails and fitting y« school house, 2 s. ; and for a desk or talkie in y« school house, 5 s. 000. 09, 00.'*

The Rev. Mr. Wingate's large fire-place seemed to require a great deal of wood in the course of the year, according to the assessors' orders, which are as follows : -

"Ordered to Wm. Moulton, for ten cord of wood to Mr. Wingett, 005. 05. 00. Ordered to Jonathan Kelly, for ten cord of wood to Mr. Wingett, 005 05 00. Ordered to Joseph Currier, for ten cord of wood to Mr. Wingett, 005 05 00."

John I'^oot, jr., sold to the West j)arish, April 8th, 210 rods of land, being 40 rods long, for a training field and parish uses of passing and rej)assing, to lay common forever. The consideration was ;^Ti 16 s. It is yet common near the cemetery, and constitutes a considerable portion of the open space in that vicinity. An old deed from John Foot, and his son John, jr., to Rev. Pain Wingate, dated a few years subsequent to the above, refers to this training field in bounding the purchase, and calls it one and one-half acres. The description of Mr. Wingate's purchase is as follows : " by Nathaniel Merrill, Timothy Colby, Widow Margaret Challis ; west by one and a half acres purchased for a training field and partly on parish land where the meeting-house stands, and partly on land bought for a burying place behind s*^ meeting house." This fixes very nearly the location of the first meeting-house.

The ferry which has occasioned so much feeling and trouble is not yet recovered from C!apt. Hook. September 4th a meeting was held, and by a vote of fifty-seven to twenty it was a third time voted to obtain it out of his hands. By what right or authority he held the ferry does not appear.

John Hoyt received of the West parish, for " drawing a deed for y* parish of y* buring place, and a bond, and giving out coppys, ooo 12 oo."

Rev. Thomas Wells received of the West parish ^£2^ 6 s. 8 d., but wliat services were rendered is not known. If his colleague. Rev. Edmund March, was witli him at this time, the probability is that he preached for Mr. Wingate.

Kor many years p;ist those keeping horses were required to enter them with the clerk, giving a description, in order to obtain a license for them to run at large on the town's commons. Unless such license was procured they were liable to Ihj taken up as stray beasts. A book was kept for that pur|)Ose, and to enter ear-marks, which is yet in the clerk's office, although very much worn, llie following are copies of some of the entries : -

Such licenses were re(|uireil from 1694 to 1733, after which none are found. The town commons were gradually narrowing down till diey finally disappeared altogether. In 1694 there were 17 horses licensed, in 1725 only 21; but no doubt there were many not licensed - kept at home for work.

Feb. 24th. On the West parish records is found an order "To y^ R"^' mister Winget, which was allowed him for ilividing y« east parsonedg 02 00 00." The town records make no mention of the committee appointed to divide the parsonage land or the time when it was divided, but the above order shows that it was done previous to this date.

History Ov Amksiuirv. I95

he had l)ccn repeatedly cautioned and admonislied, even to " denying him to be in unity " with them, but all . to no pur- |)ose. Judging from the lenient treatment which he received, he must have been an able speaker, although somewhat rash in his expressions. At the monthly meeting in June he was present and cx|)ressed his mind as follows : -

"John (!ollIins being spoke to concerning our Last Labouring with him to forbear offering among us by way of publick Testamony or preaching : he s^ John Collins stood up in s** meeting and made the following speech or Protestation : ( which was as followeth) viz. I had rather than conforme to your judgment go and Kiss the Poopes toe : or turn Powower among the heal hern : yea or go joyn with mehomit or be carried into the uttermost Parts of the Earth and there be put into Jayl near to hear joyfull .sound more : yea or if hell was open before me and (lod behind mee with all his heavenly Host, and they the Heavenly Host should tell mee that if I would not conform to you he would Imediately cast me in thither I would Rather trust in his mercy that he would not, than conforme to what you would have mee ; which was to forbear speaking in our meetings untill he be reconciled to his Brethren."

Verily, perfect freedom was not found even among the Order of Friends. After laboring witli him some five years longer, he was, in 1738, formally turned out of the society. Mr. Collins was of Salisbury and, probably, an honest free-thinker.

It was c ontemplated obtaining a grant of land from the General Court to assist in establishing a free school in town, and the representative elect was instnicted to petition the next Court to that effect. If any such i)etition was preferred, no record of the result is found.

At the May session the Ceneral Court passed a stringent law in regard to taking fish in the Merrimac river. No person was allowed to set up any " wear, hedges, fish garths, stakes, kiddles or other incumberance," under a penalty of fifty pounds for the first olfence and one hundred pounds for every other

During the first years of the settlement fish were very plenty and were easily taken by these various contrivances, but, as they grew more scarce, the public were opposed to any waste by traps, etc.

Rev. Thomas Wells died July loth in his eighty-eighth year. He was l)orn at Ipswich January nth, 1647, *"^^1 ^'^'^ ^ i>^>" ^^ Dr. 'Hiomas Wells. His father died in 1655 ^"^1 *" ^^*s will gave him his "three ptisick bookes and Hyelongs Geogripta, and one two and twenty shilling piece of gould and the new pictiures viz of the King and Queene and the fivQ sonllies."

"I give it to my son Thomas toward his charges of his going to the Colledge and for bookes and apparell &c to put him to Mr. Allecke, or the like." He continued his studies, fitting for and entering Harvard college, fi-om which he graduated in 1669. It is probable that the intention of his father was that he should, afler completing his collegiate course, study medicine. It was, however, decided that he should study for the ministry, but we have no means of knowing with whom he studied.