Merrimac Town (part 1 of 9)

In presenting the following volume the writer docs not claim that a full and perfect account of the town is given, as at this late day it would be impossible to do so. ITie main object has been to preserve all that is now known in regard to the histor)' of the town. To gather from all available sources fncts and items relnting to the progress and doings of the town from the first few who crossed the J*owow river to the present d:iy. This has been no easy or hasty task, but has required patient lalK)r for long years. For a (juarter of a century we have been slowly but steadily pursuing this work. The town records and documents, which have been in our custody for nearly forty years, have been carefully examined, and many private pajxjrs, diaries, account books and documents of various kinds. The old Norfolk county records, also, have been thoroughly examined, affording much valuable infonnation. The work is not an enticing novel, (although some of it is "stranger than fiction") but a sim])le narrative of events as they occurred. 'J'hose pioneers are allowed to speak for themselves in their own peculiar language, thus illustrating the early days of the town better than modern language could do. We have endeavored to give n truthful version of all subjects treated ; but, should errors l)e found, we can truly say that they were not intentional. A map of the location of the town at ICast Salisbur}' in 1639 '-^^ given to show the regularity and system with which the colonists set about their work.

To the many friends who, by the loan of documents, books. <liaries and records of various kinds have kindly aided in the work, we tender sincere thanks. The interest which thev manifested has afforded the encouragement which was greatly needed.

(^ur thanks are especially due to John (J. Whittier, Rev. \\ S. IJoyd and Dr. II. (i. Leslie, the conunittee chosen by the town to examine the manuscript, for their very favorable report and subse(|uent a.ssistancc and encouragement.

Contents

1639. First meeting ; Divisions; Roads and House-lots; (Ircen; System of Division; Public Worship; Named ColchestQ-; Three Meetings; .Several fined; Ooats and swine; ]«ucalitics; Swcepngc I «ots, their value; Hummocks.

1641. Grant at Great pond ; Four-rod way west of Powow river ; Road from the river northward; Weare point; Jamaco; Road over Ferry hills; PrJce of labor regulated; Year defined; Winter; Summer; Clapboards; Price of; Ikiards; Ferry fees; Price of butler and milk; (irant toward Mill; Regulation of cattle; Trees; IMpcstavcs; Mill road; Ox common; Land grants: Reprimand of the Cieneral Court; Marrying; (.Committee to run a line next Pentucket.

1642. General meeting; Rates: Pipestaves; Fishing in the Powow river restored to John Bayly; Ordinary; Church bell; Cutting trees; Grant of sixty acres to Abraham Morrill; Grant for fishing on island; Rate; Ammunition; Thirty families ordered off; Indians; How the alarm was given ; Soldiers; Garrison houses; Watches; Bounty for wolves; Powder; Ox common.

1643. Company armed: Where deposited; Ammunition: Order renewed; Publiccharges; Grant to minister; Five hundred acres granted; Fences; Hogs; Samuel Hall; Howard chosen; Record of grants; Rate; Town creek; Cows; Fences.

1644. New territory ; Joseph Moyce sells house ; Value of land west of Powow river; Rate; R. Goodale to hunt; Commissioners to end small cases; .Six hundred acres to Ward; Watch kept; Saltpeter; J. Haddon sells hou.se.

164.S. Authority of Prudential men; Hunting; I'incd foi cutting trees; Road U* Little river; Abusive speech of S. Hall ; Fences; Rate; Candlewood trees;

1647. School required; Teacher hired; Little river; Fences; Goats; U. North rings the bell; John (ioyt sells; Anthony Colby 6elU; Drawing wine.

1619. K. Ulasdell to keep ordinary; Trees; Slaves; Thomas Whicher; Tar; Beach common; Thomas Petitt, freeman; James, Indian; Bill of Orchards; Shire town ; Courts held here.

1652. Samuel Groome, townsman: Meeting-house repaired and enlarged; Kate; Commons; ('ailing meetings; Edward Cottle, townsman; Meadows laid out; *' Flders Cove '* ; Pentuckct bounds; John itayly died; .Ship-building; Mill; .Mint; Prison; Comet; Witchcraft; Road from mill bridge.

1655. Inhabitants; Order of business; Names of inhabitauls; Clerk; Staves; Number of inhabitants Hxed; James George, townsman ; Oaths; First eighteen; Cattle; Power of the company; aflairs in general.

16.S6. Destruction of forests forbidden ; Sawmill; To build; Conditions; Deposition of Richard Currier; Division of land; Joseph Peaslcy, townsman; I lis character.

1658. (ireat swamp laid out; Committee; Not done; Ixit-layers: Ten acres to j(»hn Weed; Petition to the General iouit; Division beyond the pond;

1659. Crant to Pike; Road to IJutlonwood; Children's land; Names of; Walter I'aylor, townsman ; Land on river; Joseph Peasley; Opposition to attending meeting in old town; Mr. Worcester at new town; Peasley forhiddcn to preach; Reasons for; Thomas Macy; Fined; letter of; Mees to Nantucket: Whittier's poem.

1660. Cattle, regulation of; Townships to sons; Bounty on wolves; Indians: Petition for new town ; Shubael Dumer ; Courts consent ; Failure of.

1662. Richard Currier, cicik ; (letirgc Carr, coniniun light ; (Ircnt swamp; Lion's Mouth; (Ireatlols; Vallentinc Rowcll; Death of : Sketch of.

1665. Meeting house built; Size of; Location of; Committee to obtain minister; Not successful; Treat with Capt. Pike; Cows on common; Herdsmen.

1666. Minister's salary ; Petition to the General Court for minister and township; \« k. Currier, agent; Pet granted; Organization of; Townships; R. Goodale; f Sketch of; Freemen, number of.

1667. I^nd to several; Dissent; Bridge at C>. Martin's; Richard Hubbard, a common right; William Uackett. a common right; Trouble with Haverhill; John Nash and Thomas Nichols, townsmen; Minister's support; Thomas Sargent, townsman; Town named; Land for minister; People seated in the mccting-housc.

1668. Mini.ster's pay; Name of town; Goodwin's ferry; Four divisions of land: (ieorge Carr's four hundred acres confirmed; (.'attic; Way from mill.

1669. lliomas Stevens and Joseph Lanckester, common rights; Land to minister; Committee to purchase house for minister; Mr. Woodbridge; Kfforts to obtain a minister ; Sends to Mr. Hobbcrd; No success; New committee ; Obtain Mr. Hubbard; John Ciimson and J«)seph Worthen, townsmen; Highway north of river lots; The ferry; Dispute about.

Viii History Of Amesbury

1672. Minister's house; Salary raised; Vote against minister; Rev. Thomas Wells ; Engaged ; Salary ; Land ; New house ; Committee to build ; Delay ; House not built; Vane lot.

1675. Meeting illegal; New clerk continued; Rate; Business of town; Island in Country pond; People seated; William Sargent; Death of; Sketch.

. 1687. Committee to scat persons in the meeting-house; Bounty on wolves; lndian<(; Richard <'nrricr; Death of; Sketch of; Waller Taylor: Death of; Sketch of; Thomas Jewell.

1689. Samuel Colby, representative; Selectmen to report; Trouble with Mr. Wells; Royal conuMi.>si(m; C)pposcd by Ihc town; Vote. on; Treatment of* Mr. Wells; John Weed; Death of; Sketch of; Widow William Huntington; Death of; Sketch of.

1691. Minister*.> salary continued ; John lloyt, jr.; Death of; Sketch of; Thomas lloyt; Death of; Sketch of ; Mary lUasdell; Death of; Indians.

Road over Kerry hill; Pay for; Ticatmcnt of Mr. Wells again; llis reply; Assent to «t»ndiiion'; of; Susannah Mnitin; Trial as a witch; Conviction; Kxeculiun of; Rclleciions.

1696. Mr. Wells, school-master; Bounty repealed: Indian murders; John lloyt and Mr. Peters killed; Sketch of; Imprisoned; Petition of; Haverhill, descent upon; Road at Cobler's brook; Jamaco house.

X History Of Amesbury

1702. School law; Free school; The system; Gallery room in meeting-house granted to Mary Currier and others; Their marriage; Susanna Irame; Friends compelled to pay the Minister's tax.

1703. Commoner's organixation ; Their action; Second meeting; Davis family; Elizabeth Colby leave to build pew; Suit of Richard Martin; I^nd near Moses Merrill's laid out ; Right to vote; Francis Davis; John Davis; Howard; Thomas Challis; Hunt's lane; Friends; Vessel built.

1705. Road given up; 1 binding; i)angcr from Indians; Schools; meeting at J:iiiiua>; Roads; Their i:ondilion; Highway ul Jaiucs' creek; Robeil Ring; Death of; Mary Currier; Death of; Friends; Friends' mecling-house ; I'^icnds' marriages.

Rale for schools; Meeting at Jamaco; Thomas Sargent; Death of; Sketch of; Death of the Weed family; Disease; Reflections; Friends and John i4izer.

170«;. Pound at Pond plain; lUirying ground fenced; Teachers; Commoners' meetings; Result; Six-rod highway fenced in; Trouble with John Whitcher.

1714. Meeting-house; Repairs of; New house; Two; Opposition; First one to be built at Pond Plain; Arch built; Schools; Thomas Harvey; Death of ; Sketch of ; Friends grant meetings to Newbury and Haverhill. v- i.

"Clerk of ye market "; Duties; Meeting-house at parsonage; Dimensions of; Committee to build; j^l.SO raised; Meeting-house at Jamaco; Remarks.

1716. Land for minister; Bounty on wolves; School-house lot; Given the town; School-house ordered; School -master; John Challis' taxes; Deaths.

1717. Town meeting; Adjournment of; School-house to be finished; Teachers; Meeting-house; not completed; Old meeting-house given to Mr. Wells; Petition of Mr. Wells granted.

1721. Constable's bond; Hunt's road; Regulation of hogs; Bills of credit; Meetings at Jamaco; Meeting-house vote reconsidered; Meeting-house ordered; Opposition; location of.

1722. Town prosecuted for want of school; Highway to Kingstown; Schools; .Annual meeting; I/)cation of Meeting-house; Indian raids; Traditions; Way to Kingstown; Colleague for Mr. Wells; Petition of Klizabeth Colby.

1724. West meeting-house; Assignment of pews; .Support of Minister; How furnished; Division into parishes; Conlirmntion defeated; Rice Kdwards' petition; Thomas Nichols; Death of; Sketch of.

Xii History Of Amesbury

1727. Burying place at Pond Plain; Province rates; IIow pnid; Prices; No trees cut; 'Hiomas Fowler; Death of; Sketch of; Earllupiakc; Mary Wells; Death of.

1729. Hook's ferry; Trouble about; Pay of representative; Thomas Stevens; Death of; Sketch of; Thomas Table; Richard Martin; Death of; Sketch of; Josiah Bartlctt; Nathaniel Brown; Sketch of.

1735. Ferry at Savage rock; Hook's ferry; Trouble about; Division of the county; Petition of Henry Flood; Meeting adjourned to Ichabod Colby's; Jacob Merrill; Death of ; Quakers; Dr. Hale taxed.

1737. House of correction; Teachers; Pay of; Wolves; Road through William Moulton's; Damages; Dispute; John Pressy; Death of; Scarcity of hay and corn; New Hampshire line; Governor's cavalcade.

History Of Amesburv. Xiii

1714. Abraham Merrill; Death of; Sketch of; Cost of ordaining Mr. Odiin; Mr. March's dismissal; Cost of; Ilis house, etc. ; Captain Currier.

1717. Task-master; Poor and idle persons; Roa(l fenced in; Soldiers at Cape - Hrettm; (htnchmcn; Illack child; Ihick-yard at Ruttonwood; Deaths in the Kellcy family.

Xiv History Of Amesbury

1756. French and Indian wars; Soldiers called for; Captain Worthen; His company; Enlistments; Orlando Hagley; Death of; Sketch of; Braddock*s campaign; French people brought here.

1757. Town has no grammar school; Prosecuted; Sandy 1 1 ill meeting-house lot David lilaisdell; Death of; Sketch of; Church dismissions at West paiish Capt. Kellcy; Soldiers for l.:ike Cieorge; Sohlicrs drafted; Marched Returned; Alarm; Ammunition.

1760. Appropriations; Petition of William Whittier; IJst of persons; Smallpox; Poor persons; Town meeting; Adjourned; Quaker lax document; Depositions of Enoch and Daniel Flanders.

1761. Appropriations; Removal of courts; Small-pox accounts; Yet in town; House to be built; Nursing expenses; O. Badger's petition; Meeting-house; Removal of; Account of; Poor and idle persons; Committee's report.

1767. Appropriations; Burying ground; The ferry; French people; Moses Chase's petition; (Granted land; Marchant Cleaves; Tailor's shop; Tax on tea, etc.

1784. Koacl from Ferry to Claplioard landing; Rond from Thomas RowcU's to Moses Sargent's; DifTiculty with Mr. liibbcrt; New meeting -house; New society; Benjamin Bell.

1786. Mr. Hibbert; Presbyterian society; Oppositiq;! to; Almshouse; Negroes; River road; Opposition; Settlement with Mr. Hibbert; Shay's rebellion; Soldiers; Law-suit at West parish; Sale of land.

1796. Road petition; Treaty; Fishing; Mills bridge; School money; The vote for governor; Presbyterian society; Poor; Ferry school-house; Master.

Iso.'

ISO.'. Road lo Davis' mill: (Ircat stt»rm; Stephen Mull ordained; lythinj; men; Sandy Hill meeting-house; Isaac Merrill killed by lightning: William I.nrvcy, death of; School-house tax in the West Parish; Powder house; .Malerials of.

180.^. RoafI at Davis* umII; Kxchangc of; Sch«>ols; Kpiscopalians; Orlanih* Sargent; Dirath of; Irbnbod March; Dttalh of; I'Vrry sclnwd tax; Tcaclicis.

1804. Poor: Kence burying ground; I'.lection; AcadcMuy; Samuel Mead .«irlllcd by S^cctmd church; Pleasant Valley school tax: Pond Mills school tax.

Xviii History Of Amesruky

1812. Si>l(licrs pruvidcd for; lui^ino men; Stephen Hull ilisiiiis.<«C4l; Isaac II uniinglun; Death of ; War declared; Militia; Drill of; Kactory built.

1816. Separation from Massachusetts; B.Sawyer installed; Widow Kandall died; Deacon Willis Patten; Death of ; Peter; Death of ; Frost; Pottery.

1818. iron and Nail factory; Change of meetings; Daniel Weed, collector; Kocks bridge carried away; Benjamin Lurvey, Ksq.; Death of; Sketch of.

History Of Amksimjry. Xix

Scluml committee; Fay of; William Nichols, senator; Middle road petitioned for; r»reak-water; Jacob Bagley Currier; Death of; Kphraim Weed; Death <»f; <*ongrrg.'itional church at the Mills organized.

Daniel Weed: Death of; Sketch of; John RIaisdell; Death of ; .Sketch of; Capl. Vallcntine ibglcy; Death i»f; Sketch of; New sehool-housc> at River; New meeting-honsc at West Amesbury: Rev. J. S. Rarry at l^nivcrsalist society at West Amesbury; Rev. S. H. Keeler dismissed.

1845. Road from Bear hill to pond ; White Hall road ; Universalist society incorporated at the Mills; G. G. Strickland, pastor; Planing machine.

Appropriations; Ship-building; Kire engines; House burnt; Rev. Rufu^ King; Rev. W. Williams; J. H. Davis; New school-house; Friends' meeting-house.

Bailey's mill; Waslicil away; i\)nNtitutional convention; Wheel Factory road; C. L. Rowell's road; William 11. Haskell's road; (ireat .storm; Buttonwood tree; Ferry school-hou.se built; Rev. H. P. Cutting.

1852. Dog law; Strike at the Mills; Operatives sustained ; Town action; Presidential election; Rev. J. Davenport; Rev. Benjamin .Austin; Rev. J. 1*. Pomfret; Alfred Bailey's carpenter shop.

1857. Apportionment of Mihool money; Constitutitmal amendments; Adopted: Kishing in the Merriniac; Lawrence dam; I'ishing grounds; Kish ; llezekial) Challis; Salisbury Mills; Post-olhce at South Amcsbury.

1861. Rebellion ; Town meeting; Resolutions; Pay of volunteers; hlnthusiasm of the people; Call for soldiers; Company formed; Dr. Atkinson; Death of.

1863. Town bonds; Fire di^^lrict; Almshouse enlarge«l; Landing sold; Recruiting committee; Rev. P. S. Katun; Death of; Wharf at South Amesbury: Manufacturing busiiness; Hollow mill; Lowell Hagley, Ksq.; Death of; .\mesbury Hat Company: Mills high school building.

1864. Hearses; I»y-I:iw. ; Recruits; Roiinty; Draft; Mm diafled; Recruiting: ( cmelery sohl; Presidential election; $10,000 for recruiting; A. 1,. llailcy's wharf; Unite towns; Failure of; Horse railroad; Horton Hat Company; National bank.

1S70. Appropriations; Kerry school-hou^e; Cattle disease; Itaptist meetinghouse dedicated; Capt. Currier's house; Store removed; Death of \. I.. Hailey; Kire at West Amesbury.

187.J. Koad commissioners; .Street accepted; Kriend street school-house; Kailroad; Subscriptitm to; Town house burned; Town meeting; Where held; Keprcsentative election; Kev. W. D. Corkin; New Catholic church; I'Vuin dation laid; Small-i)ox; Axle factory; Christian society.

r« >s( -office -ikplch; Stati'itics c»f carriage business; VVheol I'actory; liiddlc .V ( »»inpnny; Merrimac lint Company; Ameshnry and Sniislniry express; .-savings hank ; ri»vvn\v Kiver National !»ank ; Aca<lcmy; Insinance company; K. r. Wallace PtKi, (Irand .\rmy; Reform (liili; Old Ladies' Home: Waricn liwlge of Mnsi»ns; Trinity Chapter of Mascms; Odd Vrllows; Marmony I'.ncanipment of Odd I'ellows; Kniphts of Honor; Knights of Pythias; Kndowmeril Rank; Mcllah; Association; Temple of II«)nor; Mre District; IloscComi^iy: I look and Ladder Company; Isngine Company; Agricultural Sicifty: X'lMoran .Artillery; Rcligitms siuirlies; Physicians; Dentists: l^wvei; Trial Justices; low n officers.

1876. liHtiipoialiiMi ->! ; W. T, SaigrnI; riililit- Hirelings; ( lonsciil of Ame«iliuTv; Boundary line; Choice of town olficers: Town Hall; l^ication of; l^it; rurchasors i»f; Corner stone laid; Desciiption of Hall; Dedication; Sketch of \V. P. Sargent; Library; Dr. Nichols' donation: Trustees uf Library; Town considered; Manufactures; Meeting-houses; School-houses anti schools; Remarks; Surface of the town; Tanning business; IJbrary dedirnted; Sketch of Dr. Nichols: Rev. \V. If. Hubbard; Hotel: Ccmgregational society; House burnt; ("apt. |. W Sargent: J. S. Poyen; Postoflices; Carriage business; National bank ; Savings bank: Merrimac Manufacturing Company; Merino Shoe Company; Axle factory; Railroad; Niagara Lngine Company ; I'ire District; Agile l*'ngine Company; l^ethany fridge of Masons: (Irand Army; f^<hl I'ellows: 'Temperance Reform Club; ( hrisiiaii Ass<ici:ttion; Clergymen; Physicians; Dentist; Trial Justice: lawyer; Selectmen; Schof)! committee; 'Town clerk; Treasurer; Collect<ir: High school teacher.

History Of Amesbury

''I^WO and a half (x*nliirics siiux*, and ihc tcirilory through JL which the beautiful Merrimac winds its way to the ocean, was in the strictest sense a wilderness. From its source to its mouth, excepting a few savages who had survived the ])lague, not a human being was found to enjoy its beauties or feast on its l)ounties. IJut in the dim past the red man had hunted and fished here ami held high carnival on the banks (»f this pla<id strean). Its ainmdance of lish and clams aflbrded an inexhaustable suj)ply to the local tribes and others which occasionally resorted hither. Along the banks of the Merrimac the Indians delighled to dwell, and when the (Ireat Clhief l*;u>saconaway ])aid his visits, we may well imagine that their greatest war dances were ceK'brated. In Amesbury and Siilisbury there were foimd abundant evidences of their settlements in the various relics and extensive shell moimds.

It was fortmiate for the first settlers, who so fearlessly ventured into the forests along the coast, that few Indians reniained to assert their rights and inflict their bmtal revenge. The condition of the coimtry nuist have rendered these pioneers easy victims to the red men, and the probability is that no settlement could have been made a century previous to the i)lague.

The general aspect of the country cannot, perhaps, be better described than in the language of an ancient historian who wrote aliout 1700, when it is possible that some of the first settlers were yet living. The historian says "When the Fjiglish first landed on the coast, the country looked like one vast wood, the Indians having only cleared here and there a small patch of ground for planting corn ; but upon a narrower suney they foiuid every three or four miles a fruitful valley with a clear, fresh rivulet or brook gliding through it, and these again were surrounded with vast woody hills, which aflforded a very agreeable prospect." This tradition was no doubt in the main correct, but since tlie decimation of the Indians by some diseiLse alK)ut whicli there are various opinions, (some believing it to have l>een small pox, others pronouncing it yellow fever) the planting grounds had been neglected, and to some extent grown to weetls. There were, however, openings, clear si)ots and shining rivulets, and also vast woods, some old, decaying and broken into fragments, scattered in wild profusion ; woods towering aloft with gigantic trunks ripe for the "woodman's axe" ; woods in the prime of life, vigorous and of the brightest foliage ; woods just s])ringing above the decayed growth of fomier centuries, covering the hills and most of the valleys in such abundance that our ancestors found it convenient to build huge fireplaces, something like eight feet long and four feet deep.

Dismal and gloomy must have been the outlook as approaching night settled over this wilderness, enshrouding the land in darkness. Oft was the solemn stillness broken by the shaq) bark of the fox or the more frightful howl of the hungry wolf which roamed the woods undisturbed. Over this wild land which had hitherto been but little better than "a solitary waste", the sun had not failed to rise in all its usual splendor, the moon had shed her pale light as at present, the snows of thousands of winters had come and gone, spring had revived, herb and plant, clothing the trees with beautiful green. Summer had not failed to bring forth flower and fruit, nor had autumn forgotten to tinge with purple and gold the forest leaves. The streams had meandered through their long worn channels in the meadows and by the hill sides, unused and unappreciated.

There were none to admire the beauties of nature or turn her wonderful resources to account. The land was simply the hunting grounds of the various tribes who dwelt in the vicinity or resorted to this famous locality for hunting and fishing. Wild beasts of various kinds, and birds of many species, had for unknown ages dwelt in comparative safety, strangers to the shar]) crack of the hunter's fowling piece. Ages before our ancestors clinihcfl the famous Powow, the Indians held tlieir Powo>vs on its top and there celebrated their victories by their hilarious war dance. The snrroiniding hills were lighted by their camp-fires for centuries before Columbus was born or imagination had conjured up a western continent. Wild deer after (juenching their thirst at the fountiins which burst forth in the meadows, where they fed in the tall grass, reposed in the shady groves or wandered in herds over the hills, "the loud bark of the raccoon was heard everywhere, and droves of voracious wolves roamed the woods, trotting like dogs." Thus wild and strange was this unknown land when the white man came.

No trace of pre-historic civilization was found, nor could the origin of the red man be traced. He was here, but whence he came, where he originated - Phccnicia, Scythia, China or Tartary - is a question hard of solution, and we only know that the earliest discoveries have found him everywhere.

The plains were their corn-fields, where the shining grain had been deposited imder the R])cnr-turned sod ; their canoes glided quietly over the beautiful walei"s of the Merrimac and I'owow as years came and went ; nor did "*Attitash" refuse the shining pickerel and perch for their feasts. Ocean and rivers alxjunded with fish and dams, the forest with game, and enough was readily obtained with their simple instruments to satisfy their wants. Their houses were built of the branches of trees in summer and skins of wild beasts in winter.

They were following in the steps of their ancestors, who had gone towanls the setting sun and were now in the happy hunting ground ; dreaming of no intrusion unless from some of their warlike neighbors who occasionally surprised them by the startling warwhoop, when the white man suddenly appeared in their miilst.

For a while they hardly knew whether these strange comers were friends or foes, and their friendliness was far more deserving of the name than at a later period. For many years these pioneers lived a life of anything but pleasure, "and their descendants can have but a faint idea of the difficulties they encountered, and of the dangers that continually hung over their

Almost every man was a soldier ; and many who lived in remote imrts of the town "*were obliged to flee with their families to the garrison at night."

In less than eighteen years from the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, the eastern coast of Massachusetts, including that part now within the lines of Maine, had been explored with a view to settlement, and many plantations located. The spirit of adventure, a desire to know more of this strange land seems to have urged these strangers forward into the wilderness far beyond the lx)unds of safety. Small com])anies detached themselves from the principal settlements, forming independent ' plantations on every favorable s\x}t along the coast, claiming and appropriating the land in their vicinity.

Little thought seems to have l)een l)estowed on any claims which the Indians might have to the territory by virtue of peaceable ix>ssession for long ages. In some instances, however, after taking iKissession, the rights of the Indians were purchased, as in the case of Haverhill, where the settlement was made in 1640 and the territory purchaseil of the Indian (Chiefs Passagus and Saggahew on the i5lh of Nov., 1642. It is not, however, our purpose to discuss the propriety of this coiuse, but to note carefully such facts as may throw some light on things whii.h Irniispired in those early days.

There were many tribes of Indians in New l\ngland, but the Naumkeaks were the principal inhabitants of the territory now known as the County of Ivssex. After the settlement of S;ileni in 1628, other plantations were soon made to the eastward; Ipswich, **Newberry'*, Merrimac and Hampton within ten years. Newbury was begim in the early part of 1635, ^'^*^ '" ^-^^^^* more than tliree years was able to spare a few persons to begin a plantation at Merrimac across the river northward.

bridge, Mr. Ilnttyc, Henry Hilye, CJilcs Firman, Richard Kent and John Samplers, granted leave for theni to begin a plantation at " Merriniacrk." 'Hiis grant was obtained Sept. 6th, 1638. How ninrh territory was inrhided in this grant does not a]>pear from the re<:ord. nor was that an important consideration at that time. It woiihl not interfere with the rights of either Newbury or Hampton, and no other .settlements were within range to the westward. Of the twelve who obtained this grant, but two lived and died in Salisbury, viz : Samuel Winsley and Henr}' Bilye. Messrs. Hradstreet, Batter, Dennison, Clarke, VVoodbridge, Firman and Kent gave their names and influence to the mea.sure, but never settled in the new plantation. Mr. Batt and John Sanders received land and built houses but removed from town at an early period.

The <'omp;my was "allowed (u]M)n their petition) to Inigin a plantation at Merrimack, & shall have liberty to associate to them such others as they can agree upon ; & if any difference fall out amongst the planters about the seate of their towne, or of receiving of other associats, or alotment of lands, that then this Court or the counsell shall set order in it." This was the first attempt at permanent settlement north of the Merrimac in Salisbury, although one solitary soul had built his log house at an earlier date in this gloomy wilderness.

But the poliry of settling along the <c>ast and thus getting |K>ssession of the territory was early decided upon, even though it might t)rove dangerous to those occupying these distant posts. These continued settlements were in time, as the Indians grew more numerous, viewed as encroachments upon their hunting and fishing grounds, and ill feeling and revenge began to appear in the torch by night and surprise at mid-day. Half a century after the settlement, the ])eople were in more danger from the Indians than at first, as the frerpient alarms and murders clearly show.

The favorite haunts of the natives seem to have been near the sea and Merrimac. At Salisbury, near the marsh, immense piles of clam shells were found and have remained until recently. Among these, relic seekers have foimd many arrow heads and some lx)nes which show by whom these accumulations were made. At the lUittoinvood in Anieslxiry many rchcs have l>ecn founil and other indications of an Indian village, 'iliese evidences were so clear m 1654 when our ancestors explored the premises that they named this section "Indian ground/' and it has been known by that name ever since.

Another favorite resort of these migratory tribes was the banks of the beautifully winding and dashing Powow. Here and on the summit of the noble hill close by, tradition had no doubt fixed the head ciuarters of the Indians and hence the appropriate name "Powous" or "Powawus."

Having spoken in general terms respecting this new country, its appearance and condition at the commencement of the new era which had suddenly opened, it is now proix)seil to give more minute details of the progress of events as they transpire, and lay before the reader all the light and knowlcilge which long research has enabled us to obtain in regard to men and things. Although Amesbury had no real existence for some sixteen years after the plantation grant at Salisbury, yet the close connection in affairs, as well as the fact that all who removed west of the Powow were Salisbury men, prominent in the management of the business matters of the company, seems to render it necessary to commence with the settlement then and trace the progress of events from the beginning. "Salisbury new town," as Amesbury was often called had no legal existence till 1666, and until that time all who lived west of the Powow contributed by way of rates to certain [)urposes in the old town and voted there till 1654. So closely connected were those who settled the new town, with the interest of the old, that a sketch of the mother town, seems almost indispensible to a clear understanding of matters in general.

of John Bayly induced him to plunge further into the forest and establish a home "beyond the Merrimack." Here he built his log cabin and taking with him William Schooler as help, settled in solitude and began his ])reparation to cultivate the virgin soil. He had a wife and children in England, but she was unwilling to quit her home for one so far away in the wilderness, so she never came to join her husband here. Mr. Bayly was an honest man, but his associate was of a very difTcrcnt make, although John sup|>oscd him trusty and seems to have had perfect confidence in him. Mary Schooler a servant girl at Piscataqua, (Portsmouth, N. H.) was visiting at Newbury and l)eing ready to return, agreed with B:\yly to take her back to her maslcr. 11 is man Schooler was employed for that purpose and set ofl' on his journey all right. It was a difficult route to pursue and occupied usually more time than in this instance. His sudden return occasioned some suri)rise, and it was generally thought that he had in some way been unfaithful to his trust. He affirmed, however, that he had conducted her safely to her master, and the matter was droi)i)ed. But Schooler was a black-hearted wretch and had murdered the poor unsusi)ecting girl. A few months later an Indian came to Newbury and reported having found the body of a female some three miles from Piscataqua, and it proved to be that of Mary.

The arrest was made in accordance with the order ; both were tried, Schooler was 'convicteil, but Bayly was discharged. The following is the verdict of the ^ury : -

**i9tli 7th mo. 1637 at Quarter Court Boston William Schooler being indited for the death of Mary Scholee, the jury found him guilty of murtliering the said Schoolce."

On the 6th of Septeml)er, in answer to a petition presente<] to the (jeneral Court by Simon Hradstreet and others, leave was granted for a ])lantation at Merrimac, on the north side of the river. No legal settlement had previously been made here, although it may be possible that a few had ventured across and erected tem|K)rary residences. No reference is made by S;ilisbury records to any such settlement however, and it is hardly probable that much was accomplished during the latter ))art of the year, nor until the spring of 1639. '^^ territory was little Ixjtter than one unbroken forest. There were, however, a few clear spots where the Indians liad planted their com, and meadow lands which they had often burned over to get rid of the tall grass, which « tradition says ''grew so thick and high that a man or beast coukl not be seen five rods" anil which prevented them from killing the deer which resorteil hither every s|)ring to fee<l u|>on it. There were also many acres of marsh, clear uiid available as at present; but houses must be built for families, and sheds for cattle before venturing into this wilderness to spend the long severe winter. These preparations could not |H)ssibly l»e maile in the short time before winter must set in ; besides no lots were granted this year for building or planting, and s<|uatter sovereignty was less prevalent than at ))resent. So it is pretty certain that few removals were made in 1 638 ; but there was an abundance of work in making preparation for the coming spring.

The inducements which led to this new seulement are not quite clear, but there were some advantages which may have had weight in forwarding the movement. The great tract of marsh was near at hand and was a valuable feeding ground for their cattle ; clams and fish wey within easy reach, and the meadows and beach were alive with various kinds of fowl ; indeeil tradition has it that at times geese were so plenty as to greatly damage the hay cro]). Nor were these alone nimierous, but other species of water-fowl were abuntlant ami easily obtained.

The soil was rich and of easy cultivation, and water communication by way of the Town creek very near and convenient. These were no doubt some of the advantages which induced so many of the colonists at Newbury to remove hither.

It is worthy of note that the grant was for leave to establish a ^'plantation at Merrimack." The name "Colchester" we have not found on the first town records, and it evidently was not a popular name with the people.

luirly this spring the company was sufficiently organized to iKgin their difficult work. Simon Bradstreet, Samuel Dudley, Dnniel Dennison, Christopher Ritt, Samuel Winsley and John Sanders seem to have l>ecn the committee chosen to order affairs, although no record is found of their choice. The first meeting on record was of this committee in May, and is recorded as follows : -

"At a meeting at Merrimack of Mr. Simon Bradstreet, Mr. Samuel Dudley, Mr. Dannicll Dcnnison, (liristophcr Hatt, Samuel Winsley, John Sanders, two divisions of meadow were ordered, one nearer - the other fiirther. 3 month 1639."

Of more than sixty grantees, ten were honored with the title of Mr., which shows them to have been men of worth and substance ; and this fact also appears from the grants which were in proportion to the wealth possessed.

The grant was somewhat indefinite, but as subsetiuently defineil included South Hampton and a ])ortion of Kingston, Plaistow, Newton, Seabrook and Hampstead as well as Amesbury and Merrimar.

When and where the first nieeting was held (if the foregoing was not the first,) we have no means of knowing. This was an important meeting - a town was about to be located and where should it be ? East Salisbury was the favored spot, evidently possessing advantages over any other location. Here was a clear green spot, just suited for the center of their village, which seemed es])ecially designed to meet their wants. Around this green spi)t so frequently mentioned on the records as "the ftreen," roads were laid out very nearly as found at present. ITie semi-circular road, sometimes called "Mudnock road", the old "Ferrie road", "road to the neck", road to Hampton, "path to Exiler'*, road to the "hoghouse" and "mill road*' were the first work of the committee. With the exception of the "ferrie road" (which lay through the pastures to Carr's island) the roads all remain without great altcrationH. '^Fhc road to the neck is the ]ircscnt beach road below East Salisbury, and the Exeter road the old cross road near Mr. Wm. Pike's. From Mr. Pike's to the pump was a wide green or road, and the north-exst corner of the semicircle was an oj^n green for public use. The road to the "hoghouse" is the present one to Hook's creek. At the junction of this with the beach road is the ancient Burying Ground laid out with the first lots and mentioned in bounding a grant to Richard Wells. The roads in this vicinity may all be seen on the map of Amesbury and Salisbury. The object in settling compactly was, no doubt, protection against sudden raids by the Indians. No settlement was without its "fort" or garrison house.

Having located their roads the comixmy proceeded to locate house lots on all sides of the green and circular road and at the o|)ening of Hampton road, 'i'he grants were l)ased on property, and not on the principle that all were entitled to ei^ual rights. There was no attempt to found a democracy. The men with ;^ioo received four acres of meadow - with ^^50 received four acres of planting kind - six acres for the next ;^ioo and four acres for every additional ;^ioo. House lots ranged from one to four acres on nearly the same principle. There were but eleven who received four acres each, viz : - Samuel Dudley, Wm. Worcester, Francis Dow, Henry Bilye, Thomas Macy, John Sanders, Henry Mundy, William Hook, Samuel Winsley, Christopher Batt and George Carr. These were the most wealthy men, but others who received smaller lots proved to be talented men and became very prominent in town affairs in after years. The number who received house lots in the "first division" is somewhat in doubt on account of a document found in the Secretary's ofiice at Boston, duly attested by Mr. Bradbury who then kept the records. TTie following is the document referred to : -

Edward Ranson^ sec^ The foregoing may be a true copy of the names of those who received house lots in the "first division", but the time was not confined to 1639, ^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^ Abraham Morrill's grant was 12 - 12 m. 1640 and Thomas Macy's 26 - i m. 1642. The first list found on Salisbury records contains 68 names which was no doubt all in the settlement at that time. 'ITiat they did not all join the colony at first is not only reasonable but highly probable. The names not found on the foregoing dociunent are : - dilTcrent sections of the territory, owing, perhaps, to its unexplored state. A few names had been given - "y« Pawawes river", "y« great river", "y« little river", "y« great neck", "fTerrie road", "road to Hampton", "y« mill road", "road to y« hog-house" and "y* road to Exiter."

After the house lots came planting lots, which were freely given out in the various sections of the town; the first grants genei*- ally being near the house lots, as convenience and safety recpiired. 'I'he marsh was arranged in several divisions, and lots given to each settler accordingly.

[t has been supiK>sc(l by some that our plains were originally rich like the western prairies ; but in one instance the record describes a grant as being near "barren plain", which would seem to indicate tliat they were not all productive even in the earliest days of the settlement. The s|>ot selected for the town was, however, very productive, and has so remained to the present day, not failing to furnish an abundance of the greenest verdure, and may very properly be called "the green".

The lots on the outside * of the circular road, commencing on the corner where the Walton house stands, were Willi. Partridge, Thomas Dumer, John Rolfe, Henry Munday, John Sanders, Henry Biley, Robert Ring, Francis Dow, George Carr, Samuel Winsley, Christopher Batt, Willi. Sargent, Thomas Bradbury, John Harrison, John Hodges, Philip Challis, Josiah Cobham, Jarrot Haddon, Anthony Colby, Henry Brown, Richard Singletary, John Clifford, "ITiomas Hawksworth, John Stevens, John Ayers, Daniel I^dd, Robert Fitts. On the inside of this road were John Dickinson, Roger Eastman, Anthony Sadler, John Bailey, sen., John

Ikiiley, jun, Luke Heard, John Severance, Willi. Buswell, and Robert Codman extending to the green. On the beach road were located the lots of John Dickinson, John Hoyt, Willi, floldred, 'I'homas Barnard, John Clough, 'I'homas Carter, Enoch Greenleaf, Willi. Allen, Richard (Joodale and Willi. Barnes, these lots extending to the green. On the north of this road, commencing at the west, were the lots of I^wis Hulett, Joseph Parker, John llsley, John Coles, Thomas Rowell, Joseph Moyce, Christian Brown, John Fuller, Richard North, Richard Currier and Abraham Morrill, with the lots of Willi. Osgood, Samuel Hall, John Eaton, Ralph Blasdell and Samuel Felloes in the rear. On the west side of the Hampton road were Willi. Hook and John Wheeler. On the east side of the Hampton road, were at the north, Samuel Dudley, Rev. Willi. Worcester and Robert Pike. Next east of Mr. Pike were Edward French and Thomas Macie.

The minister received liberal grants of land, both east and west of the Powow river. With our ancestors no settlement was complete without a minister, and in some cases he was the directing spirit of the little colony. ^Vherever a sufficient clearing was made to admit a little band of puritans in those solitary wilds, and the smoke began to curl from their wooden chimneys, there was the sound of prayer and praise ascending from devout hearts to the Giver of all blessings. Even before the little log church could be erected - beneath the noble, widespread oak, the minister spake of Jesus and the cross, to those rugged, sunburnt settlers and their children, who were ready to receive the word and treasure it in honest hearts. They had no crimson cushioned pews, in which to sit at their ease, but the plain lx)ard settee in a house which varied in temperature as did the outside weather. Pilgrims and strangers in a strange land, like the Israelites of old, they did not forget the "One Ctod" who was to make of them a great nation. In the forest or l)eside the rippling stream they could kneel and ask the. blessing of Him who hearcth i)rayer, confident that they would be heard. 'Ilicirs was a great work and we can never overesliniate its im- |)ortance. 'Hiey laid well the foundations for succeeding generations to build u|K)n.

Sept. 4th the General Court named the plantation at Merrimack, Colchester. No clue is given to the reason of this name, as the town records are silent, not even mentioning the name, which seems not to have been satisfactory to the company.

In the early part of the year a committee was chosen to order the affairs of the company; but in November a petition was presented to the General Court for the appointment of "men to manage their affairs", and Samuel Dudley, Rev. Wm. Worcester, Christopher Batt, Samuel Winsley, John Sanders and Henry Mundy were appointed "to order all business of the towne so as this court doth expect & reserve power to that end, that such as have indirectly obtained greater lotts then of dewe belongs to them, the same should be reformed, & that care bee taken for pventing such inconveniences herraft*^."

It might seem strange that any dispute should have arisen in regard to land, when every man had more than he knew what to do with, but this attempt at reform shows that selfishness was no stranger to our ancestors. Who the unfortunate persons were who had received more land than they were justly entitled to it is impossible to say, as the records give no account of the matter, or whether the new committee, composed as it was largely of the old, ever carried out the purpose for which they were appointed, we cannot say.

There were three meetings this year, as appears by the record,* viz: "3 month - 7th 9 mo. - 29th 10 mo." No rules for the government of the meetings had yet been adopted, and no doubt some of the "ffremen" had very crude notions of an orderly town meeting. Anthony Colby didn't seem to understand how to behave respectfully, according to the ideas of the "major part of the meeting," and was fined i s. for being disorderly. Willi. Hook thought he had a right to go home when he pleased, and was "fined i s. for leaving the meeting without leave."

With the first settlers goats were very common, and to some extent took the place of cows which were scarce. They were however, a great nuisance to other people than their owners when allowed to run at large, and the meeting ordered a fine of 12 (1. on all taken running contrary to this order. Swine at large were a far greater evil than goats, and a fine of 6 s. was ordered when taken off the owner's land.

We may well imagine that the year 1639 was a busy one at Colchester, for those intending to make their homes there must plant something to furnish food for their families, and must also put up their log houses in addition to clearing, fencing and planting. There was no time to be wasted and no disposition to shirk among those toil-worn men. It could seem very litde like home at first, but all lived in hopes of better times and pleasanter surroundings. They had divided an abundance of land, even crossing the I*owow and giving out lots there this present year. The inarsli w;is disposed of, and the whole range of beach from Black Rocks to Hampton river cut up into lots, numbered and given out to the inhabitants, 'lliese lots were called "sweepage" lots, probably from the fact that the sea swept one end of them. Those toward Black Rocks and along up were bounded westerly by Black Rock creek, and tliosc toward Hampton by Dead creek. William I3arnes sold his sweepage lot No. 45 to John Eastman - 4 acres, 116 rods for j£^ Sterling, April 26, 1663. William Huntington sold his sweepage lot to William Osgood. It contained 2 acres, 92 rods. Jarrot Haddon bought Valentine RowelFs sweepage lot April 29, 1662. Thomas Macy sold his sweepage lot at the beach. Jarrot Haddon sold John Eyer two sweepage lots, viz: the lot originally laid out to Henry Brown, containing 3 acres, 66 rods, between the lots of Wm. Sargent and Anthony Colby and the lot he lx)ught of Val. Rowell. Robert Downer sold to Joseph French a sweepage lot, No. 58, near Hampton river and beai:h containing 5 acres, 124 rods, being originally the lot of Willi. Partridge, lying l)etween lots of Wm. Buswell and said French, "one end butting on the Beach y« other on y« River that runs from Hampton for ;£20 Sterling, May 13, 1679. I^hilip Grele sold lot No. 60, which was originally the sweepage lot of his father in law, John Ilsley, 3 ac, 150 rods for ^^20 Sterling, Oct. 20th, 1674."

afterward. Instead of a village, was a forest on the hummocks in those days. Some of these lots were very valuable if we may judge from the price they brought. Probably at that time the sea had never broken over the banks, and the best meadows were along near them.

On petition of the inhabitants, the Oeneral Court ap)>ointed Samuel Dudley, William Worcester, Christopher Batt, Samuel Winsley, John Sanders and Henry Munilay to order all business and ''see that no one get greater lots than he ought to have."

July 3d. A meeting of "ffreemen" was held and George Canwas given the "greatest Hand in y« river merrimack." 'ITiis gave name to the island and it has been known as "Carr's island" ever since. Mr. Can* was a ship builder, and large landholder and specially known by his ferry across the Merrimac.

July 20th. At a general meeting "ordered yat everie p son that has a lot com and reside in yc towne before y^ first of November next." The company were intending to grant land to actual settlers only and under the foregoing proviso, land not occupied would be declared forfeited.

Several meetings were held for the transaction of business but the November meeting was specially noted for the large number of lots granted west of the "Powaw." There seems to have I >een a determination to appropriate all the land among the company ;is fast as iK)ssible.

Christopher Batt, Samuel Winsley and Thomas Macy were ordered to "strike a line between Salisbury and Hampton and report." Their pay was fixed at "2 s 6 d" per day.

Messrs. Batt, Winsley, Heard and Bradbury were ordered to "run the line towards pentucket 6 miles." This order is rather indefinite but no doubt meant six miles from Powow river. Thus the boundaries were being established on the southwest and northeast.

Order was gradually being established in all departments. Having disposed of a large part of the land east of the Powow they now turned their attention to other matters, relating to the municijml affairs of the company. The foundation of the present town meeting was established by the following order : -

"That a Moderator shall be chosen at each meeting to keep order, and that every (Treeman when speaking in meeting shall take off his hat and rise when speaking and put it on when done, and that no ffreeman shall be allowed to depart the meeting before done without license under penalty of i s."

The "dreen" and its highways round about, were carefully guarded from encroachments, as here they expected to build a nice little village including their church, court house and garrison house. "Voted that no one shall be allowed to fell anie Ircc on anio highway or street in or near about y* towne or on the green** under a penalty of 20 s.

'ITiere was no wanton destruction of trees allowed, notwithstanding the wide-spread forests which covered a large i)ortion of the territory. 'Hieir conduct was far above the custom which now prevails in new settlements.

Oct. 7th. The (General Court changed the town*s name from Colchester to Salisbury. How this change was brought about has been a matter of speculation, but the most probable theory is that it was brought about by Christopher Batt. He is said to have resided in Salisbury previous to his emigration from England. He came over in the ship Reuvis, in May, 1638, aged 37 years, with his wife Anna aged 32 years, and five children under 10 years of age, also a sister Dorothy aged 20 years. He immediately joined the party crossing the Merrimac and was chosen on the first committee to order the affairs of the little colony. He served the colony continually until 1650 when he removed to Boston. He was an influential member of the company and was no doubt the author of the name "Salisbury.**

He was appointed to train the comjxiny at Colchester during the year. 'Ilie militia were rc«iuired to bo in constant readiness to repel any sudden attack of the Indians as they were becoming a little troublesome at this time. A watch of two persons was kept nights, as the inioplc were afraid to rclirc without sentinels to give the alarm.

The garrison house had already been built a little south of the residence of Joseph Pike, jr., and its huge logs in successive order, raised to the required height, afforded the whole village protection in case of danger.

A portion of the road to (ieorge Carr*s "fferrie" was discontinued and given to Josiah Cobham and Phillip Challis, between whose house-lots it lay. The road as re-located was, as at present we find the old Ferry road, at its junction with the circular road near where Thomas Bradbury once lived.

'I'liere is a ''Mill road'' mentioned on the recoril, but nothing definite as to its location is found. It Ls very probable that the Powow had already been decided ui>on as the i)lace for mills, as the beautiful falls were well calculated for that pur|)ose. Here, within a short distance, the water is precipitated down nearly one hundred feet to the flats below, 'i'his splendid water power was destined to build up that section.

The large tract of rough meadow land south of the mill road had already l>een named '* Hoggie meadows," and several lots given out there. John Ralfe received a grant of four acres next to ** Hiirllciicrrie ground, in y*^ grcate meadow." The JMiiTies were, no doubt, very plenty there.

Jan. 1 2th. A meeting was held, and after granting Francis Dowe a large tract of land toward** y' (Ireat |X)nd," and Abraham Morrill a house-lot on the "(Ireen," it was ordered that **a way four rod wide be laid out west from y*^ Pawaws river, and another from the river northward, next laud of Thomas Bradbury."

The road laitl out west from Powow river was, no doubt, the main road through town, starting at Weare point ((am-house lane) and running through the Pondhills and ^'Jamaco" to Haverhill. Many years afterward, this road was run out four rods wide from the meeting house to Haverhill line, but was, really, little more than a bridle path spotted through town. The other road starteil at the Merrimac river and ran over the eastern side of the ferry hill and through the sand hollow to \Vhittier*s hill, and thence over the hill to New Hampshire line. These were the first roads laid out, portions of which have been discontinued, viz. : part over the ferry hill, and part over \Vhittier*s hill. Of the main road running westerly through town, a very small part has been discontinued, viz. : that part running Ixick of the houses of W. F. Vining and John Currier.

April 5th. Another meeting was held to regulate matters, and, among other things, the prices of labor. This difficult (]uestion was readily settled in those days, as follows : -

"Also, it was ordered yat y*= year shall be accomptcd thus: from y^ first of November to y« last of y* i month ( March ) shall be winter months and y* seven other summer months, and all laborers for y« winter months shall have no more but i6 d. j»^ day, and for y« sununer months 20 d. p*" day ; and all caq)enters shall have 2 d. p' day more yan laborers, yat is, 18 d. j)^ day in winter, and 22 d. p*^ day in summer."

" Also, yat no man shall sell <*laboards of five feet in length for more yan yree shillings p' hundred ; and if shorter, according to p 'portion ; and if they cleave by y« hundred, yey shall not exceed six pence p' hundred for five feet in length."

"Also, yat no man shall sell anie sawn lx)ard for more yan five shillings p' hundred, and for y« sawing no more yan yree shillings, six pence p' hundred ; and for split work no more yan 4s. 6d. p' hundred."

" Also, yat y*^ flcrriman shall take no more of y* town but 2d. a person for going or rowing over ye river ; and all great ,l>easts 6d. p' head and 3d. \)^ ralfe, and all small cattell id. a head."

Ai)ril 2 1 St. A general town meeting was held and William Osgood was granted "50 acres of upland ** and "10 acres of meadow'* "on condition yat he build a mill yat may be suffi- cient for y« use of y* towne before y« loth of y* yth month next ensuing." This " upland " lay along clown the Powow river to the " Landing." The town agreed that no other mill should be built so long as his did the required work. It was a saw mill and the price of sawing was fixed at '' 3 s. 6 d. \y hundred." The mill was built and jierfurmed service for the town for many years before others were built in addition.

It was, in all probability, the first mill ever built on the Powow river, 'lo be sure, it would hardly l>e seen along lieside the stately buildings of the Hamilton mills, but il was, nevertheless, a great acciuisition to the little band who needed shelter from the severity of those dreary winters.

A more intelligent race had turned the elements to account, and the first water-wheel ever turned by the ripling " Pawaw " was now busily at work for the benefit of these hardy settlers. The "boarded frame " may now replace the log house."*

Persons were forbidden cutting trees along the river, as they infringed on lots already granted ; but Samuel VVinsley was alloweil on condition that he pay "toward y* buying of or drawing 20 miles so manie as shall accomplish his bargain of 30000 pi[)e-staves." Manufacturing pipe-staves in the early years of the settlement was an imi)ortant branch of business, furnishing 'the means to purchase West India goods, etc.

To end small causes, Mr. Batt, Mr. Dudley and Mr. Winslow were ap|)ointed. " and one of them to see people joyne in marriage & keepe records."*

" Mr. John Woodbridge, Mathewe Boyse, John Crosse & George (fittings, they 4 or any 3 of them are appointed to set out the lx>unds l>etweene Salsberry & Pantucket, ali. Haverell. They are to detenninc the l)ounds w*^^ Mr. Ward & his company are to inioy as a town or village if they have 6 houses up by the next Gen' all Court in the g*** m^."*

March ist. John Clifford, planter, sold to Thomas Hauxworth for 32 s. his house-lot of one acre on the west of the circular road. His residence is given at Hampton at this time.

Whenever the authorities could make a contnwt to sell ]^\\h:- staves for shipment to the West Indies, each inhabitant was allowed to fill his proj)ortionate share ; and it is |)ossible that some wore disposed to do more than that ; hence this conunittee.

"Onlered, yat y« sole fishing in Pawaw river shall Ik? taken out of the hands of John Bayly, seng'., for yat he hath forfeited his right given, in not performing y« conditions on which it was granted him.**

The fishing at this time was carried on in the Powow by means of dams or " wycrs," and was a very successful business, 'llie town claimed a certain part of the fish taken, and it seems that John Bayly had not come up to his agreement, either by failing to render to the town its share or some neglect in regard to his "wyers." The right was, however, soon restored, and a reprimand given at the same time, as follows : -

**John Ikiyly, sen^, is granted y* sole fishing in y* Pawaw river two years on condition that he shall not join any but townsmen, so that y^ fish shall not be carried out of towne ; and he is not to have more than his share of alewives, and is to make * y* wyers * to be full hight, so that the to^vn may not suffer by fish escaping."

The rivers were full of fish and afforded the settlers a large amount of provisions, which were very much needed. The price was fixed at "3 s. per 1000 in work, corn, cattle or merchant- I able commodities."

** Agreed to let John Harrison cut trees enough to nuke 2000 pipe-staves, and free him from all town & contre rats to keep an ordinarie two years." At the present time there are plenty of [>ersons ready to keep an "ordinarie" with no inducement but the profits.

Jan. i4lh. Henrie Mundy and Thomas Hradbury were authorized to kirgain with a man to hang the l>ell on the meeting house This bell was brought from Kngland by order of Rev. William Worcester, according to tradition, it is probable that the little log church was built in 1640, as the hurry of 1639 would hardly admit of its being built then ; and it is hardly probable that it was delayed beyonil the above time. This roughly-constructed church was built on the open green, on the easterly corner, now owned by Mrs. Buswell. It stood a little to the south of the present road, and cjuite a large common or green was then left of)en for ]>ublic use there. It was simply a log house with the outside cracks daubed with clay to keep out the cokl and storms.

"Ordered, tliat all the wood on the common shall be divided to everie inhabitant according to his estate." A fine of lo s. was imposed for cutting contrary to order.

Jan. 25th. A general meeting was held, and sixty acres of land granted to Abraliam Morrill and Henrie Saywood to build a "corn mill." No other mill was to be built as long as this giound all the town needed. With two mills upon this "Pawaws river," as it was sometimes called, it was considered a busy place.

March 26th. A general meeting ordered all fences made sufficient before April 8th, "against all cattle unyoked, hogs and goats excepted, upon forfeit of 2 s. 6d. for every rodd then found unmade." ICvcry hog was onlcrcd to be yoked before loth 2(1 mo., under penalty of 6 d.

Robert Ring carried on the fishing business and received a grant of two acres on the island * for two years, but was restricted to building "more than 3 houses." He might, however, continue his houses and stages on one acre "as long as he should employ it." Ring's - island was the great resort of the fishermen. Here their "stages" or fish-flakes were spread on which the fish were drietl, and the store houses built to contain the proilucts of their labors.

John llnll, Thomas nradburic, Thomas Mary an<l Robert Tyke were chosen to make the "rate of ;^,'i2 10 s., to be paid to the country the 22nd, 6th mo., 1642 ;" and Samuel Dudley, Richard Wells, John Sanders, John Severance and John Harrison were ap)Miinted to make Mr. Worcester's rate.

It was no very easy task to j>rocure work on the highway, although but little was expected, and Richard North and Thomas r»radburie were chosen "to enforce work on the highway."

the tide of emigration had set in that direction, and at the close of this year the people there began to think about having the ainunition removed to that section, as the following order very plainly shows : -

** Ordered, that the ordinance shall l)e removed ncre the pawawes river by the last of September next, com. 1 2 month, which will be in the year 1644." 'lliis was rather a singular order, for it is difficult to conceive how the next September could be in the year 1644. The record is plain, and wc have no means of correcting the mistake, if it be one.

The company were in debt, ( but, probably, to no great extent ) and a rate was made on that account. These rates were not |)aid in money, but provisions and produce, which was legal ten-' der then.

This year appears to be remarkable for one event : the meeting of the few settlers in Salisbury for the pur|x>se of ordering off a portion of their niunl>er, which woukl seem to have been sufficiently small already. Hundreds of acres of land had been given out west of the " Powowas river," and now it is [>roiX)sed to settle a colony there. On the 26th of the loth month ( Dec.) 1642, a meeting was called of "y* freemen," and "it was ordered yere shall thirtie families remove to the west side of y* Powowas river." This would seem to be an arbitrary order and one which nobody in particular was bound to consider as applying to themselves ; and, consetpiently, amounted to nothing. It settled one fact, however: that nobody was willing to remove. Finding their attempt a failure, in ten days another meeting was held, viz.: on the "5th, iilh mo., 1642," (Jan. 5, 1643) at which the former vote was re-affirmed and (he time for renu)val fixed '* l>efore the first of the third month in llic year 1645," which would l)e in season for planting. .And such persons were to remove as "the seven men shall approve of." The seven men were, no doubt, those chosen to order ti^ prudential affairs, viz. : Messrs. Dudley, Worcester, liatt and others.

Those removing were to have all the lands and timber, and the old town to be excluded forever therefrom. On the other hand, the new town's people were to be excluded from all rights in the old town, excepting the privilege of feeding their oxen on the "oxe common** when working there. There was, however, reserved to the old town the "libertie for one familie to feed eight cows on the common in the new town.** This one family will be foimd in the "Articles of Agreement** No. 5. 'lliese conditions were, no doubt, considered liberal and such as would give no occasion for complaint to those ordered off.

The movcmenl was made with a determination that it shoithl be carried out, and, that all (h)ul)t might disappear, " it was ordered that this order shall stand unrepealed forever, except by the consent of every freeman in town.'* Although no sanction was given to the measure by the (Jeneral Court, yet the i'om|).'my thought they could enforce it, an<l, |)rol)ably, thought they had offered sufficient inducement to accomplish what they pr(>|M)sed. This was evi<lently intended as the beginning of a new town or plantation, as they were called at that time, on the west side of the Powow, which seemed to form a very natural lK)nnfl.'iry.

The puril:niical radicalism of otn* aiucsloi's seems to crop out here very prominently, for which they were somewhat noted. Their indomitable will, not wholly free from selfishness, perhaps, hardly dreamed of failure. Hut it was found a difficult measure to carry into effect, especially in the short time of three years.

It was suffi<:iently wild at Salisbury, where they had but just re<:Iaimed a few broken patches among the scattered inhabitants ; but this western wilderness was even more solitary ; darker and, if |M^ssible, denser forests covered hill and dale, rendering the terrilor)' gloomy and forbidding. l^\*w, if any, were ready to ol)ey the order, and the only settlers who ventured along came reluctantly just across the stream at first, gradually venturing further on as the territory grew more familiar.

At this time the territory west of the Powow was large, extending beyon<l the (ireat j)ond, now mostly in Newton, N. H., an«l inchiding a large island in the pond, which was subsecpiently granted by Amesbury to Thomas Haynes. Hut it was farther from the sea and farther into the wilderness, as the back terri- tory was then called, and a settlement there must necessarily l)e attended with many inconveniences and great danger from the Indians. 'l*he danger from the Indians was, also, so great tliat the (icneral Court ordered a slri<t watch kept, and established certain rules to be observed to guard against sur[)rises, especially in the night time. To give an alarm the signal was to be ''by distinctly discharging three muskets or continual beat of the drum, or firing the beacon or discharging a peese of ordnance ; ^: every trained souUlier is to take the alanun imediately, on paine of (\yc yiowiuV*

"That every towne p'vide a sufficient place for retreat for their wives & children to repaire to, as likewise to keei>e safe the amunition thereof."* -

" That all watches throughout this country bee set at suneset, at the beat of the drum, & not bee discharged till the beate of the drum at simne riseing."*

It will readily be seen that great care and constant watchfulness were recjuired to protect these settlements, which were very liable to be destroyed at any moment by the treacherous red men.

Wolves as well as all other animals were plenty, and to ritl themselves of a common enemy a l)ounty of lo s. was offered for each wolf killed. It was wolves then and not dogs that killed the sheep and lambs, of which all the farmers kept more or less.

The General Court pas.sed an order re()uiring the plantations to keep a supply of powder, and S;ilisbury obtained one liarrel from the government.

The seven men appointed at first to nlanage the affairs of the plantation gave up their power, and William Worcester, Samuel Dudley, John Sanders, Samuel Winsley, Robert Pyke, Jona. Cobbitt and John Severance were chosen in their stead.

March 25th. John Hoyt exchanged his four-acre planting-lot with John Dickinson and received a house-lot and ))lanting-lot of Dickinson, who never built on his corner lot.

At this time people were obh'ged to keep constantly armed and the (general Court ordered "that the military oflfic's in every lowne shall ap]Kiint what amis to be brought to the meeting houses on the l/inPs day ^: odicr times of meeting, & to tike order at farmes ^: houses remote, that amunition bee safely disjKJsed of, that an enemy may not possesse himselfe of them."

We can imagine our ancestors wending their way to church on each returning Sablwth, on horse bark, each husband with his wife seated behind and his matchlock slung to the saddle, ready for any emergency which might hap])en. Arriving at the little church, whose 1k*II hn<l proclaimed the solemn hour of worship, their guns were severally placed within the door ready for use.

It was a long way from the I^owow where William Osgood and others lived to the meeting house at East Salisbury, and their crooked bridle paths lay through dark forests, where the wiley foe could easily conceal himself till sure of his aim. Verily these were trying times, requiring courage and self reliance. We know but little of the trials and privations of those early days.

Jan. 15th. A meeting was held and it was decided that "all public chnrgcs should be <lefrnyed by both places, the 7 men having |K)wer to make rates to pay debts and to certifie all ould records and bring into this new l>ook."

" And, also, ynt the constable for y*^ yenre past and so for lime to come shall be allowed for everie rate he shall gather two days' work or the value thereof by the towne."

Feb. 20th. A grant of 70 acres was made to Mr. Worcester " l)etween y* uper end of y* uper range iV y* great i)ond." In addition to this, five hundred acres were granted to various persons, probably in the "Peke" or near Country pond.

Among those who received land at this time were William Uarnes, Tiiomas Harnett, Anthony CdiUy, (leorge Martin and William Sargent, who were afterwards Amesbury men.

Feb. 26th. It was ordered that all fences ** next y« street shall lie made sufficient by y« 12th of y* first month,** under forfeit of " 2 s. p^ rod.** March was, at this time, the first month and the season must have been very early or frost would have prevented fence building.

Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Norfolk - the latter including Salisbury, Hampton, Haverhill, Exeter, Dover and Strawberr)' Ikmk (Portsmouth). The courts were holden at Hampton. This arrangement continued till 1679.

Dec. 27th. Robert Dumer complained of Samuel Hall for beating his (Dumer*s) daughter Phebe, a girl about ten years of age. Hall did not appear.*

Richard North was chosen Howard to impound the cattle and have 2 d. each, and, also, to see to all fences, in moilern language he was field-driver and fence viewer.

At the same meeting a rate of ^^15 was ordered "for digging town creek & other town charges," and a meeting of all land owners ordered to be held at the meeting house on the 2 2d, 23d, 24th of 6th mo. at 7 a. m. What these, meetings were for does not appear by the record, or whether they were ever held.

20tli, 9tli mo. It was ordered that the " oxe common on the north side of y« great neck leading toward the sea shall be at lil)erty for the oxen from 1st August to ist April, and cows to go from 15 Sept. to Ai)ril ; " and it was voted to fence this half with four rails.

Richard (ioodale was granted a lot of meadow west of the great creek, but one rod in width was reserved next the creek for drying nets and other purposes connected with the fishing.

" Ordered, that those persons that go up to live upon the west si<le of the Powwas river shall have the sole feeding on that side for the year ensuing, and power to make order alH)ut fences."

"Also, it is ordered that the improved lands of all those men y* have lands upon y*^ west side of y*^ Powwaus river shall be rated att half so much as the imp'vd land att the Towne untill they have a Minister there."

This onler does not establish the fact that there were any living west of the i*owow at this time, but it very clearly reiterates the detennination formed in 1642, when the order of removal was passed, to make a new town in course of time. It may be that some ha<l already crossed the river and were cultivating small patches near by, but in our careful search to ascertain the fact we have failed to find any evidence.

Messrs. Winsley, Severance, Huswell, Sanders and Ralfe Blaistlell were onlcrcd to make a rale of ^27 for Mr. Won-ester's half-yearly salary.

Feb: 19th. "Ordered, that those p^sons of y« towne of Salisbury wc^ goe up to live upon the west side of the Powwaus river, shall have the lil>ertie of the sole feeding of the common for there chattell upon the west & South side of Powwaus river, p'vided they let none come upon the towne's side, nor the Towne let any goe of there chattells (excepting calves) to goe upon the above sayd side of the Powwaus river for the ensuing year." They were, also, to have power to make orders about fences.

Feb. 20th. Richard North was granted ten acres east of Powow, in lieu of twenty acres granted previously west of Powow river. This grant was, no doubt, a fair illustration of the value of land each side of the Powow, and explains the reluctance of the people to leaving Salisbury for this wilderness.

Richard Goodale was engaged to hunt this year, and for hunting six weeks l)efore Michaelmas he was to have "one |>eck of Indian come from each townsman & ^^3 to be paid him in wheat ; and, also, to have for each fox killed 2 s. 6 d., and for everie wolf ;£2."

John Sanders, John Stevens and Thomas Harnett were chosen to "search out what trees have been cut for pipe-staves contra to order of 1642, and inform the constable who shall demand the fine." The committee were successful in their search, as we shall see in 1645.

At the May session of the Oeneral Court tlie fine imposed u|)on Salisbury for not having a watch-house was remitted, as the town had provided one. 'I'he danger from the Indians was such that every town was recpiired to keep watchmen with their head- (piarters at the watch-house.

An order was passed by the (ieneral Court rec|uiring ever}- town to take measures to make " salt peeter," and a commissioner was appointed to see to it that the order might be obeyed. Sergt. (Iiallis w;is .'ip|N)inted for Sidisbury, Sept. 2'j\h, 1642, but it seems was a little negligent, as this year the Court gently reminded Salisbury as follows : -

The order proviiled that " JCvery house or some two or more houses to join together for the breeding of salt peeter in some out houses for poultry or the like," under penalty of 12 d. fine for each month's neglect. Such families were to be paid a due price for the same.

April 5lh. Jarrett Haddon sold his house and lot of two acres on the circular road to Samuel Felloes and, also, a planting-lot ; and, probably, removed west of the Powow at this time.

Pmdential men : John Sanders, John Ralfe, John Stevens, John Klsley; Ralfe Blaisdell, constable. The '*f\ve men" were empowered to order all town business except giving out lands.

Richard (loodale was again employed to hunt, with a salary of ^^13. Me was "to hunt 1 day everie week whether there 1^ anie occasion or noe, & as often .as there be occasion, & to have I s. for everie fox & woulf, according to County order, and not to hunt in any other towne and to have his pay at a week's warning." He was, no doubt, an expert in the business, and the town was detennined to secure his services at home. It might have been interesting to have listened some of those long winter evenings to his stories of wonderful shots and mirac-

The committee chosen last year to incfuire into the violation of the order concerning cutting trees did their duty faithfully, and reported the names of those subject to fines, as follows : -

These fines were ordered to be [)aid forthwith to the c!onstable in "pipe-staves or corn or catde," "staves to l>e delivered at the water side," at the head of Town creek.

Jan. 6th. "Ordered, 40 s. to John Sanders, John Stevens & Thomas Baniett for their services." Also, a fine of 10 s. i)er tree was ordered, and 2 s. 6 d. of it to go to the complainant, for fiuure violations of the order.

Siunuel Winsley, John Severance and John IClsley were <:hosen to lay out a road ** to Little river, 5 rods broad." This was the road which branches from the old road and leads to the large brook (Little river) at Kast Salisbury.

Siimuel Hall seems to have been peculiarly unfortunate, having been obliged to pay a fmc of ^,'5 - about twice as nuich as any other person for cutting trees - and now a fine of "5 s. for his abusive speaches was* the ffreemen, saying, *you are all lords, all monarchs ; you^ will must be a law,' and such like." He wa.s, evidently, vexed with his heavy fine and did not hesitate to give them somewhat of his mind in town meeting, let the consecjuences be what they would. But there was really more of "Inith than poetry" in his won Is.

Feb. 5th. A meeting was held, and it was ordered that all fences he made hy "y« 20th of y* next month to keej) out all <attle, hut not goats & they to have a keeper."

** All swine .above 4 mos. old shall have lilKTtie to goe about y^ towne free, and w* p'sons shall neglect to make their fences sufficient p' y* time to be fined 2 s., & for everie 12 foote so found to pay 2 s. 6 d., this order to stand in force 1 yeare."

There were very few seasons in those times when the frost would allow of fence building by the 20th of March. It would seem that the springs were earlier then than now, but this order was extended to April iith, at a meeting of the commoners' committee April 4th, " )-« wether disabling men for y'' same."

It was ordered that no catUe but calves should be put on the lands between Mill river, on the west of the bridge, to the great swamp, under penalty of 5 s.

" Further ordered, that if any person put his cattle to any heard but the towns, or such as the 5 men approve, they shall not be allowed thrir milch cows in the town heard.*'

I'or many years cattle went in herds with keepers, and not in small pastures ns at the present day : :md il was ipiite a privilege to have them under their care.

April 2 1 St. At a general meeting it was ordered "y* no p'son shall imp^ve or make use of any candle wood or pine trees for y« making ]>itch or tarr, or Rosen to sell or carrie out of y« Towne upon y* penaltie of 20 s. for everie loade, & according to >'* same rate for any lesser p'portion."

May I St. A general meeting chose Samuel VVinsley deputy "for y* (>)urt of l''.lertion, and, moreover, it was ordered that he shall have 8 s. p' week while he attends y« Court, allowing him for 2 days going \' 2 days returning att y* same rate."

May 8th. A general meeting was held and John Sanders, Richard Wells and Willie l*artridge were chosen to lay out **y* highway to y* Beach," and to satisfy the owners of the meadow taken with other land.

May 2 2d. At a general meeting "it was ordered y' John Sanders, John Stevens & Gliomas Macy shall appoint where the highways shall lie beyond y* Pawwaus river from y* mill to )* houses, where they shall think most convenient, iK: this to Ik? done between this & September next."

This order would ratlier seem to indicate that some houses were already built west of the river, although the road may have been in anticipation of their location on the removal of the families ordered across. It is probable that the removals were very gradual at first, and the few small houses were located near the river in every instance.

John Stevens and John Severance were appointed sur\eyors, with power to "demand everie man helpe toward y« making &: repairing of wayes." They were to give three days* notice, and were to In: paid if they spent more than their share of lime. 'I'here was a great deal of work needed to make their "paths" even passable for horseback riders, and very few to do it. People were busy with their own affairs, clearing and reclaiming land, and it required all the ix)wer which the infant colony possessed to procure their ]al)or on the roads.

It is a fact worthy of note that our ancestors, although intense lovers of freedom, carried all their measures by fines and force ; nothing was done by moral suasion, and Mr. Hall said Inily, " you are all lords, all monarchs ; y' will must be a law." It was a commonwealth of eipials which they were atteni[)ting to established, and how well they succeeded let the present generation answer.

" Also, it was ordered that Ralfe blesdale shall keep the ordinary, & shall have ix)wer to draw & sell such in case the Court will give him licence."

Oct. 29th. At a general meeting of the freemen "it was ordered that the lane wich tiimes by Richard Currier's new dwelling house shall goe no further than the end of yS w^^ was John ffcllcrs house-lot." Richanl ('urrier was yet in fkilishury, east of the Powow.

Ralfe Hlesdell I arrowed one thousand pipe-staves of the town to pay in twelve months. He, prol)ably, had engaged a large number and, being short, solicited a ])ortion of those which had been pnid in for fines, while he might lie able to make them.

Sept. 19th. I Alice Heard sold his house, lot and planting-lot to (ieorge Brown for j£(). He lived within the circular road, near its junction with the " fl'errie road."

A rale of /\S was onlered " to defray town (hargcs and lo daub' the meeting house." If built in 1640 it would need re-daubing or ])lastering again by this time. The clay mortar, nlthongli berominj^ <|iiite hnrd, would gradually fall off, leaving suflficieiit openings between the logs for the cold to creep in.

"Ralph niesdale is allowed to draw wine at Salsberry" by the (»eneral Court this year. He was, as usual, chosen to keep an "ordinary" in town, in later times called tavern. Most of the town meetings in those times were held at the ordinary. There was a petition sent to the General Court by some of the Salisbury people for a new church organization, and a committee was appointed, as follows : -

"Mr. Richard Dumer, Mr. Edward Rawson & Mr. Carleton are appointed a committee to search & examine things at Salsl>erry ^' make rettime of their thoughts thereabouts (concemy« petition of some of y" to be a distinct church) and return dieir dioughts."

Why this petition was sent to the General Court we have no means of knowing ; but it is certain that since the erection of two mills on the Powow river, the population had increased in this section, and it may be that in their own estimation the) were able to maintain a minister in their midst, which would be a great convenience. Or, it may be that dissentions had crept into the church to such an extent that it was deemed advisable to settle the matter by establishing a second one. It lias been thought by some that this move was to est;iblish a church west of the Powow river ; but such could not have been the case, as there were few, if any settlers there at this time. The most reasonable conclusion is that the intention was to organize a second church at the west part of the town, for the con\enience of the settlers there.

April 2 1 St. It was ** ordered that the fence l>etween Samuel Helloes &: Phillip Challice his house shall be sett up in the siime place where it was wont to stand, pVideil the puies make a sufficient gate for the use of y« Contry." Phillip Challice seems to have been in Salisbury (old town) at this time, by the al)Ove order.

S^miuel VVinsley, who, like many others, was eugagetl in the fishing business, was allowed ** the acre reserved for lisherie aw an island by the river siile in Mr. Hook's bounds, as long as he continues fishing."

This year a stringent law was passed, reiiuiring every township of fifty families to maintain a school, and the preamble to the law is worthy of being read by every one : -

*' It being one cheife p'iect of y* ould deluder, Satan, to keepe men from the knowledge of y* Scriptures, as in form' times, by keeping in an unknowne tongue, so in these latt' times by p'swacling from y* use of tongues y* so, at least, y* tnie sence & meaning of y« originall might be clouded by false glosses of saint-seeming deceivers, y* learning may not Ik? buried in y* grave of o' fath" in y« church & commonwealth, the [>ord assisting our cn<lcnvors, -

It is, thcrfore, ord'cd, y* evry towneship in this jurisdiction, nft' )-« I^ml hath increased y"* to y* number of 50 household", shall then forthwith appoint one with" their towne to teach all such children as shall resort to him to write & reade."

This has the right ring and sets forth the best of all reasons for a general education of all the children, viz. : 'I'hat the "ould dehuler" may lose his influence over the peoj)le by a general diffusion of light and knowledge. This advice, in the shai)e of law, was willingly obeyed, and the town hired a teacher ;md agreed to pay him in provisions.

Rali)h HIasdell was granted four acres ** above the mill in the new meadow." This mill, which is several times mentioned, was evidently on " little river," which is, also, fre(|uently named. Litde river is near the railroad crossing at Kast Salisbury, extending along down to the meadows, and has, at present, an old saw mill standing on it and the remains of an old dam near the Hon. Streeter l^vans* residence. In the dry season there is but little water running, but at other times sufficient to carry the mills. It is possil)le and probable that a mill was built on this stream even before AVilliam Osgood built on the Powow. There is a mill and mill road mentioned in 1639, some three years before the grant to Mr. Osgood, and it is reasonable to conjecture that settlers in this section would seek to accommodate themselves as well as possible and as soon as possible- The first mills were built nw small streams, reipiiring but little ex|>ense to erect the dams and buildings. The settlers around **the green" would hardly think of doing without a mill, or of building it some four miles away.

Jan. 27th. An order was passed forbidding any person from gathering more than "two loads of candlewood off the comon yearly for any use w'ever upon the penalty of twiMity shillings p"^ load."

Feb. 8th. The Pnulential men ordered all fences set up hy the I St of April. For years the matter of fences has l>een taken in hand at the meetings held the latter part of February, and it is a little remarkable that the time fixed for complete repairs was much earlier than at present.

Goats were very generally kept and were very troublesome, so that it became necessary to fine the owners, who allowed them to run at large, 12 d. for every one taken in any "garden, come or orchard, winter or summer."

Richard North was allowed "fivetie shillings for ringing the bell two yeare & a half past and twenty shillings to ring it one yeare more." Most of the early meeting houses were built with a hopper roof and cupola suitable for a bell, and the sound of "the church-going bell" was heard from the first churches erected.

Sept. 27th. John lioyt sold to Willi. Holdred his house and two-acre lot, but reserved the commonage. He, no doubt, removed to the west side of the Powow at this time.

March 25th. Anthonie Colbie sold to Willi. Sargent,* seaman, his house and two-acre lot lying between the house-lots of Jarrett Had- (lon and Henry Browne, and, prol>ably, removed west of the Powow.

Dec. 2 1 St. John Severance sold to Thomas Bradbury "his new and old house and house-lot adjoining on lK)th sides of y*^ street on N. W. side of y* roatl running into a great swamp y* middle of it."

Pnidential men : Christopher Batt, Thomas llradbury, P2dward French, Isaac Buswell, Richard Wells. Coastables : Kdward French and Samuel Winsley. Fence viewers : Richard North and Samuel Fellows. Surveyors of highways : John Dickinson anil John Clough.

Hie regulations aljout goats were repealed so far as to imjx>se no fine if "the fence was 4 feet high and built of good rails, & there were no stunn>s that they could climb on to so that they might leap over," but otherwise damages were to be collected. Most of the fields were yet dotted with stumps which had not dctayrd. ( lonl lu*rds won* kept on the conunous under the care of a herdsman who was paid by those who turned in. 'I'he fences were mostly built of rails and posts, but sometimes by slakes or "pales" set in the ground; very little stone wall had as yet l)een built. Rail fence must consist of four large rails or five small ones. The fences were ordered to be set up by April ist this year.

June 4th. Samuel Dudley, Samuel Hall and Willie Partridge were joined to tlie Pnidential men to settle the matter with Mr. Carr a])Out the ferr)'.

Dec. 1 8th. A committee was chosen to review the bounds next Hampton, consisting of Robert Pike, $iAmuel Winsley, William .Sargent, Henry Ambros, and Philli|) ('hallis.

plain language. What raised the angry discussion is not known, but there appears to have been but two subjects Iiefore the meeting, viz. : the Hampton line and disposal of the " fferry." Nfr. Winsley was engaged in the fishing business to some extent, and may have opi>osed the proposition of Mr. Can* for renting the ferry. The meeting, however, "ordered that Mr. Carr" should have the ferry fourteen years uix>n the terms agree<l upon by the committee chosen in June.

(5eorge Martin petitioned the (leneral Court for the alwtemenl of the fine im|M)sed ui>on his wife by die County C\)urt (20 s.), and the matter was referred to Hampton Court.

Siilisbury sent a petition to the Ceneral Court for a grant of the islands in the river, and at the May session the following order was passed : " Ujion the petition of the towne of Salsberry the Co'te conceive it meete that the little iland in Merrimack be reserved for the ctountryes use, & the greater iland to l)e given to the towne of Salsberry, reserving a sufficient highway for jKissage of men & cattle, ^: that the towne may have liberty to keepe a ferry on their side."

"'i'homas Rowell being absent from Church was brought l)efore the Court for being found in John liournd house by the (.'on.slable in time u( |)ublic ordinances on a leclur ilay is sentenced to pay 5^ and 2^ fees court." "And John lk>umd is lined for selling strong water on the same lectur day and allowing persons to get drunk in his house."

Feb. 2d. .\t a general meeting it was decided dial ''no pipe-stave trees alnive 18 inches at the but shall be grante<l to any man to be transported out of town under the penahy of ;^'5 p^ thousand." .And for *'boults" under the penalty of ;^i5 p'^ thous«nn<1, & hogshead staves ^£4 p' thousand, and barrel staves ^3 p' thousand - any kind of heading stuff 40 s. p^ thousand, and this to continue for three years, and not to be altered but by consent of every freeman in town." The woods were carefully guarded, although there must have been an immense amount of growth on the hills and valleys.

Nov. 2(1. Thomas Pettitt was admitted a freeman on condition that he "live here, and he shall have libertie to dwell in the watch house till May day next cnsuinj^."

(hi. 8th. Thomas Macy sold to (Jeorge Martyn cme-half of a twenty-acre lot west of the Powow, for the sum of ^^3, 10 s. Martyn owned a small lot adjoining this, on which he had built a house recently.

The following bill of sale may serve to illustrate the customs of the first settlers to some extent. It is taken from the ancient records at Salem : -

" In consideration of y« cj'ter vessell yM y« s** George Canhave made over tmto William Hilton, as is in writing expressed, have delivered unto y« s*' (leorge Carr James my Indian and all y* interest 1 have in him, to him or to his assigns forever, iK: r y*= s** William IIilt(»n doe bimle myselfe, heirs & assigns to (ieorge Carr & his assigns to make good y* sale of James the Indian w^** I have sold unto y« said George Carr his servant forever or to whom y* said George ('arr shall assigne.

Thomas Bradbury's orchard is mentioned on the record, showing that in ten years orchards had been planted, 'llie trees must have been raised from the seed and were hardly in bearing condition.

Dec. 3d. A meeting has held and an order |)assed that "Anthony Coleby & William Browne shall have jxjwer to sease upon all pipe-staves & boults, hogshead staves, barrell staves, all kinds of heading and the like according to the order - not to reach Richard Currier's and George Martin's staves y' are now in the woods & eatch of y^ one tree, already felleil as also sayd Currier's boults."

Salisbury was this year made a Shire town in the County of Norfolk "till further orders from Court." Tradition says the courts were held in the Cushing house, a part of which is yet standing near East Salisbury on the Beach road and is no doubt one of the first houses built subsetiuent to the log houses.

March 8th. Willi. Holdred sold to Henry Brown " his dwelling house and all houses built or bought by him near imto & his house lott & y« house lott of John Dickinson & John Hoyt which he l)Ought & 2 acres of meadow every thing except 5 loads dung & y« boards over and against y^ oxen & a payer of hinges of one of y« doores ik. y* railes y* lie by y« leantoo'side also his commonage & two of y« apple trees w<=** y* s^ \Villiam shall make choice of."

Henry Biley who received a lot on the eastern side of the circular road, between John Sanders and Robert Ring, was dead in 1648 and his widow petitioned the (General Court for leave to sell the farm, and was referred to Salisbury Court which granted leave and ap|X)inted Christopher Batt and Robert Pike to see that the children (Henry and Rebecca) had the money when of age.