USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Andover > Andover Massachusetts town meeting records 1656-1709 > Part 2
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Granted liberty to Mr. Bradstreet to take up 40 acres of land upon the south side of Boston Brook, whereof 20 acres is for his Shawsheen division and 10 acres for fifty shillings in money paid towards the mill, and the other ten acres in consideration of writing the new town book.
Joshua Woodman is admitted to be a townsman, he paying yearly to the tom in rates what is fitting.
Granted to Richard Barker four acres and a half of land below Saunders land and adjoining to a bit of meadow which is for his swamp land.
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0339
Granted to Joseph Wilson twenty acres of land where the town shall think best, he paying 10 shillings by the year to the town and to have the same privilege as the other twenty acre lots.
At a general town meeting the first of January 1671, Mr. Brad- street, Lt. Osgood, Richard Barker, John Stevens and John Frye junior are chosen selectmen for the year ensuing.
Thomas Farnum is chosen grand juryman for the ensuing year.
Whereas there was formerly granted to Edward Whittington, twenty acres of land on the west side of Shawsheen river, he hath now liberty to lay it down and to take up so much on this side of the river about three miles from the town in some place that may not be prejudicial to other men and to have the same privilege as the other grants, he paying ten shillings by the year to the town.
Granted liberty to Steven Johnson to make use of so much old cedar timber that is down as will make twenty thousand of shingles, he paying the town for it.
Sgt. Ingalls is empowered by the town to cause to be brought to Mr. Dane, all his rates and wood and to sue or distrain upon any that shall neglect or be behind.
Granted liberty to Henry Ingalls to lay down his three acres of swamp land at back end of his lot and to take up so much joining to his other land at the pond.
0340
Granted liberty to Joseph Wilson to take up so much of his twenty acres of land that was granted to him as is wanting in that he take up at home provided he come not on the side the old bridge upon the brook, and to take it on both sides of the brook and by Shawsheen river.
Pichard Barker, John Frye Jr. Henry Ingalls and Thomas Farnum are chosen surveyers for the year ensuing.
At a general town meeting 6th January 1672, Mr. Bradstreet, Lt. Osgood, Richard Barker, John Stevens and Ensign Chandler are chosen selectmen for the ensuing year.
Steven Johnson is chosen constable and George Abbott Sr. grand juryman for the next ensuing year.
It is ordered and agreed that no man shall have liberty to cut down any cedar tree or trees within the liberty of the town, to sell out of the town without liberty from the selectmen, but shall accord- ing to the former order forfeit ten shillings to the town for every tree so cut and sold out of tom and also it is ordered that any man shall have liberty to cut out and impound any cedar already cut down by selling it out of town, he or they paying to the town eighteen pence for every thousand so sent out of town and provided that they shall give notice to the selectmen of the town that they may appoint some to view them, otherwise they shall be all forfeit to the town. John Stevens was chosen to view all such shingles and to take an account of them to whom any person shall give notice that have made any shingles to sell out of town.
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0341
Also it is ordered and agreed that from this time forward; upon every first Monday in January, there shall be a general town meeting from year to year.
It is also voted and agreed for the better bounding of lands that every man in the town that hath any upland lying in common or unfenced, shall by the last day of May next, get two or three of his next neighbors joining upon him, to run their bounds and to make some plain marker, either by tree or a hole dug in the ground or heap of stone, and whosoever shall neglect so to do shall forfeit five shillings and also five shillings for every months neglect after, and so shall make a return to the selectmen of the bounds, and if bounds can not be found, then so to return it to the select- men, that so they may appoint some to lay it out again.
Ensign Chandler, Steven John, Richard Barker and Henry Ingalls are chosen surveyers for mending the highways for the ensuing year.
Whereas there was formerly granted to Edward Whittington ten acres of land on the west side of Shawsheen river which was part of Mr. Bradstreets great division upon the right of Robert Barnards, the which Mr. Bradstreet bought of him, it is now granted liberty to the said Edward to lay it down to the town and to take up so much adjoining to his twenty acres on this side of the river and ad- joining to the land of Henry Holt.
It is ordered that all last grants of upland and meadow that is brought in under the lot layout man shall be entered in the town book.
0342
At a general town meeting the 3 February 1672, it is agreed that the selectmen shall place all persons in such seats as they see meet.
William Chandler is chosen grand juryman for the ensuing year, ye( -? )
It is ordered that whatsoever dogs be in the meeting house on the Sabbath Day, the owners thereof shall pay six pence for every time being there and George Abbott Jr. is appointed to take notice thereof and to have the pay for his pains and to gather it up.
Granted liberty to Steven Johnson to make ten thousand shingles of cedar already cut down and to dispose of them as he see good and not to pay anything to the town for them.
At a general town meeting the 5 January 1673, Mr. Dudley Brad- street Lt. Osgood, Richard Barker, Ensign Chandler, John Stevens are chosen selectmen for this ensuing year.
Samuel Martin is chosen constable for this ensuing year.
Steven Johnson is chosen grand juryman for this ensuing year.
It is ordered that if any man shall speak in the town meeting after silence commanded twice by the moderator, shall forfeit twelve pence.
Dudley Bradstreet is chosen clerk of the writs and of the town, and likewise to record all grants laid out on the town books.
0343
Granted to Robert Bardell the fifth January 1473, twenty acres of upland about Bushy Hill and adjoining to Rowley Line, he the said Robert paying ten shillings per anno to the town forever, and not to make sale of the land without the consent of the selectmen of the town.
Granted to Samuel Marble this 5th January 1673 the privilege of being a towns- man, he the said Samuel paying four shillings per anno to the town forever for herbage and firewood.
Granted the fifth January 1673 to Lawrence Heart ten acres of upland upon the hill by Thomas Farnum, he the said Lawrence paying five shillings per anno to the tom forever and not to make sale of the.said land without leave from the select- men of the town.
Granted the fifth January 1673 liberty to Joseph Ballard to change two acres . of upland he formerly bought of the town for ten shillings and laid it on the west side of his land adjoining to his house, and now he hath liberty to lay it on the north end of his said land.
Granted to George Abbott Sr. the 5th January 1673, so much of a parcel of upland by pole hill as the lot layers (viz) Nathan Parker, Daniel Poor, Thomas Johnson shall think sufficient in lieu of three acres of meadow for his last div- ision which he hath not yet taken up.
Granted the 5th of January 1673, liberty to Henry Ingalls to lay down to the town two acres of meadow which he hath in great Wades meadow and to take up the same quantity in the wet meadow.
Granted to William Barker the 5th of January 1673 a parcel of swamp land lying behind his house and half an acre of upland to set a barn upon, the said land to be valued by Sgt. Stevens and Alexander Sessions, and he the said William to pay to the town the tru valuation thereof.
Granted the 5th of January 1673 to Joseph Marble and to Samuel Marble, a parcel of lowland adjoining upon the south side and east end of their meadow they bought of Samuel Martin and to be valued by the lot layers, the said Joseph and Samuel paying the true valuation thereof to the town.
Sold to Hugh Stone the 5th of January 1673, two acres of swamp land lying on the west side of his land and adjoining to his pasture, paying to the town for said land, ten shillings per anno for four years.
Sold to Samuel Frye the 5th of January 1673, five acres of upland adjoining to the land of Benjamin Frye, he the said Samuel paying to the town twenty shill- ings per acre within the space of three years (viz) the third part of five pounds every year until the whole sum be accomplished.
0344
At a Town Meeting this second February 16/3, it is ordered and voted that if any man shall speak in the town meeting while anything of town affairs is either in voting or agitation after the Moderator hath commanded silence twice, he shall forfeit twelve pence per times and twelve pence shall be levied by the constable, and this order to stand good forever.
John Stevens, Stephen Johnson, George Abbott Sr. and Daniel Poor are chosen surveyors for the year ensuing, and are empowered to call forth ye inhabitants of the town four days within the SD year to be employed in cutting bushes and mending highways for the good and benefit of the town, and at the discretion of ye said sur- veyers upon the former penalty.
Granted to goodman Ballard Sr. the benefit of a parcel of land lying betwixt Rowell's Folly and the land of John Frie Jr. for a highway to his third division of upland ye SD land leading from the countrey highway to the said Ballards land.
Granted liberty to Edward Whittington to change some part of his twenty acres of land formerly granted him by the town, as Joseph Ballard and Henry Holt shall meet provided it be beneficial to the tomme and his neighbors.
Granted liberty to Mr. Dane to lay those three parcels of swamp land (viz) that parcel he bought of Richard Sutton which was 9 and half acres: and that parcel of Mrs. Danes which was 6 acres and 6 acres of his om, which land lieth below goodman Russ his house, he hath now liberty to lay it in a square and Joseph Parker Sr. and Daniel Poor together with Lt. Osgood and goodman Barker Sr. are to lay it out.
Granted to William Ballard Sr. a pine iland lying betwixt Shawsheen River and his meadow and the pond, upon consideration he resigneth up two acres of land, without his fence, by his house and so much within as is necessary for the erecting of a Fulling Mill.
Granted to Edward Whittington and Walter Wright the above said two acres of land laid down by goodman Ballard with 3 acres more ad- joining thereto for the encouragement of erecting a Fulling Mill, which they promise to get about ye next Spring.
Granted to Henry Ingalls twenty acres of upland lying betwixt rattlesnake holes and Stephen Osgoods meadow, he the said Henry paying yearly ten shillings to the town and not to prejudice the highway to the meadow lying that way.
0345
Granted to Jno. Russ Jr. liberty to lay his fathers swamp Division which is 4 acres by his own house in some convenient place not prejudicial to the town.
Given to Ralph Farnum 6 acres of upland on one side, or one end of Woodchok Plain and Sgt. Stevens and John Frie Jr. are to lay it out to him.
At a Town meeting on the fourth day January 1674, Richard Barker Sr. with Edmond Faulkner, Daniel Poor, Sgt. Thomas Farnum and john Frie Jr. are chosen selectmen for the year ensuing.
February, John Lovejoy and Nathan Parker are chosen Constables for the year ensuing, and John Barker Grand Jury man.
William Ballard and William Chandler are chosen surveyers for the south end of the town and Serjent ffarntted (?) Dudley Bradstreet for the north end of the town, who have full power to call forth the inhabitants of the town two days this year at any time the sur- veyers shall think fit.
Granted to John Frie Sene this 4 January 1674, liberty to change twelve acres of land adjoining to his house lot and to take up so much by his son Samuel Fries lot which he bought of the town.
Granted to John Johnson to change his last division of upland and to take 4 acres for it and to lay it adjoining the pine swamp and the pople hole between goodman Phelps, his land and the river so as it prejudice not any particular way.
Whereas there is great controversy in the town about the giving out of land, the town therefore have chosen a committee to consider of the same, to see if it be convenient to give away any more land, or how and to whom. They have therefore chosen Dudley Bradstreet 2 Lt. Osgood: 3 Ensign Chandler: 4 goodman Barker -- 5 good Frie Sr .: 6 John frie, June, 7: George Abbott Sr .: 8 Daniel Poor: 9 Thomas Johnson: 10 John Lovejoy: 11 Sergt. Stevens to con- sider about the same and bring in the result against the next meeting day.
Granted to Francis Faulkner the privilege of a townsman upon the account of the land he now enjoyeth, paying for the same as ยท others do, that is, ten shillings for twenty acres.
0346
At a general Town meeting 1st February 16:4/5 it was ordered and agreed by the Town in general that all those that have upland and meadow now to take up, that they shall lose the same unless they get it layed out by this time twelve months, except the Town see great reason to the contrary.
It was also ordered and agreed upon that all or any of the Last division of upland and meadow which shall be brought into the Re- corder with the bounds and butments attested unto by the lot layers and sealed by them or brought to the recorder by them. They shall be entered in the Town book, they the said lot layers keeping a book of the same bounds.
It is further ordered that once within this three year every man that hath any land lying unfenced either upon other men or by itself shall take one of his neighbors with him and renew the bounds marks and give the same into the selectmen, that so it may hinder future trouble, and whosoever shall fail so to do shall forfeit the sum of five shillings to the Tom's use.
Liberty granted to a tanner that shall be allowed of by the Town to make use of what bark is needful for his work in Towne pro- vided he fell no trees that are fit for building or rail timber.
It is forther ordered and declared that no man shall have liberty after the first of January 1675 to sell or transport any cedar out of the Town either in shingles or otherwise but shall for- feit twenty shillings for every thousand of shingles or quantity of cedar proportionable unless the Town shall upon some extraordinary occasion grant liberty to the contrary. And he likewise declared that if any man, shall betwixt the date hereof and the first of January 1675, transport any new stuff in shingles or otherwise out of Town, he shall forfeit twenty shillings per thousand to the Town's use, and if any can make it appear that any stranger hath illegally taken out of the bounds any cedar or other timber, he or they making it so appear shall have (illegible) shillings for their pains and trouble.
Granted liberty to Andrew Allen to change six acres of land lying upon the pine plain and to lay it to his land below the plain not prejudicing any highway.
Granted liberty to Richard Barker to lay down fourteen acres of his great division and to take it up nearer the outside of the Town bounds.
0347
Tis also declared and voted that Redding shall be prosecuted (?) at the next Cambridge Court for not mending the highway allowed by the county.
It is likewise declared to be the mind of the town that the countrey road to Obourne (Woburn?) shall lie through William Blunt his land and the land of Joseph Ballard and Sherborn? Wilson and so to come by the house of Andrew Foster Jr and so to John Fries, the town making the above so persons full satisfaction for the same.
Granted liberty to Edward Phelps to change twenty acres of his great division and to take so much by his house lot, not prejudic- ing any way.
At a general town meeting the 3rd January 1675, Richard Barker, Daniel Poor, Edmond Faulkner, John Stevens and Henry Ingalls are chosen selectmen for the next ensuing year.
Nathaniel Dane and Steven Osgood are chosen constables for the next ensuing year.
Ed Faulkner is chosen town clerk for the next ensuing year. The 13th November '75.
Laid out to John Johnson on the west side of the Shawsheen river by Thomas Johnson and Daniel Poor and by. the poplar hole, 40 acres of land which is for his great division and bounded on the northeast corner with a pine marked; on the southeast corner with a pine marked, on the northwest with tenne little black oaks marked; on the southwest corner with a great black oak marked, which is for his fouerscore acres formerly granted and afterwards exchanged for these 40 acres. Laid out, Thomas Johnson and Daniel Poor.
Whereas it has been formerly ordered that there should be yearly a town meeting the first Monday in February, it is now ap- pointed to be the first Monday in March.
0348
At a general Town meeting the 6th March 75-76, George Abbott Sr. is chosen Grand Jury man for the next ensuing year.
Granted to Joseph Abbott twenty acres of land either on the adjoining to south side of Rogers Brook and adjoining to Shawsheen river, or else on the west side of the Shawsheen river on the common land and as near as conveniently to the land of Edward Phelps, for which land he is to pay to the town tenn shillings by the year forever, and he to have all the same privileges as the other 20 acre lots have.
Granted to John Marston Jr. 20 acres of land upon the same Tearmes as the rest have and the place to bee allowed by the select- men which since was agreed to be on the west side of George Abbotts Woodchock meadow.
Granted and laid out to George Abbott Sr. a parcel of land which is in lue of his last division of meadow and adjoining to his great division at the north corner and so bounded with the highway that now is and at the southwest corner with a white oak marked by the swamp and from thence to the mouth of the brook where it run into the river.
Granted to Sgt. John Stevens, Stephen Johnson, Samuel Wardle and Andrew Foster liberty to take up every one as much meadow that will be proportionable to others men if it be to be had. If not then as much swamp as will answer to it, thay proposing theire place first be. Proposed to the town to have theire assent which meadow and swamp is to make up this full proportion and soe to pay rates answerable as other men.
Laid out to Samuel Frye upon former liberty of exchanging 17 acres of land at the southside of his other land and east end: 5 acres whereof which he bought of the tom, the other 12 exchanged with the town and bounded at the southwest corner with a black oak marked, the southeast corner with a little red oak marked, the north- east corner with a black oak marked on the side of the hill.
0349
At a lawful town meeting the first day of January 1676-7, Lt. John Osgood, Ensign Thomas Chandler, John Frie Jr. Stephen Johnson and Dudley Bradstreet were chosen selectmen for the year ensuing.
Christopher Osgood was chosen Constable for the south part of the town for the year ensuing. Timothy Johnson was likewise chosen Constable for the north part of the town for the year ensuing.
Sgt. John Stevens was chosen Grand Jury man for the year en- suing, and Dudley Bradstreet was chosen town clerk till another be chosen in his roon.
Sgt. John Stevens and Thomas Johnson were chosen surveyers for the year ensuing, the one for the north part of town and the other for the south part etc.
The instructions for the selectmen were that they should manage all prudentials of the town except the disposing of land and timber unless it be for the defraying of charges about the meeting house.
Sold to George Abbott Jr. 9 acres of upland on the north side of Joseph Marble, his land, providing it be not prejudicial to Richard Barker and he to pay for it nine pounds in sweeping the meeting house and ringing the bell at thirty shillings per annum.
Whereas there hath been some difference betwixt the tom and some men which had land granted them, they paying to the town ten shillings per annum, the town in general do hereby declare that they were to pay the ten shillings per annum, as the rest of the town pays to the minister. (viz) the one half in wheat and other half in Indian corn, both ones chargable at the usual price it goeth in town from man to man.
Granted to goodman Kemp liberty to move a parcel of swamp land adjoining to Andrew Foster, his land at pole hill. The said Kemp is to have the use of it for seven years, provided he stay in the town so long. If not to throw it up to the town at his departure or at the seven years end, if he stay in town.
0350
Granted and said to Edward Whittington five acres of upland and swampland adjoining to the north end of his land upon the Indian Plain, he paying twenty shillings per acre and to make payment for ye whole in three years and twelve pence upon the pound till whole be paid. The payment to be made the one half Indian Corn and other half wheat, both merchantable at price current in Town.
Granted to John Preston twenty acres of upland upon the west side of Shawsheen river provided it prejudice no highway, and he is to pay to the Town ten shillings per annu for ever, the one half wheat, the other half Indian corn, both merchantable at price current.
Granted to Zacariah Eires twenty acres of upland upon the pine plain beyond Andrew Fosters, he paying yearly ten shillings to the town, half wheat, the other half Indian corn as above, etc.
Granted to Nicholas Nichols twenty acres of upland near the pine swamp on the way to goodman Holts provided he prejudice not the way to goodman Holts, nor to the said swamp and he is to pay yearly to the town for ever ten shillings, the one half wheat, the other half Indian corn both merchantable at prices current in town.
Dudley Bradstreet was chosen to enter all grants in the great town book, for which he is to have two pence a grant in money or else he is not obliged.
It was ordered that the order made the first of January 1672 about the running the bounds betwixt neighbor and neighbor he in full force and virtue and all are to bring in their returns by the last of May next to the selectmen upon the forfeiture of five shillings for every defect forthwith to be distrained by the constable for the use of the tom. Else the Constables are to pay it.
Granted and sold to Samuel Preston three acres of upland on the west side of his lot and adjoining there to, he paying twenty shillings per acre within three years, the one half in wheat, the other half in Indian corn, both merchantable at price current and to pay three shillings a year till the time before mentioned for payment.
Granted liberty to goodman Allen to lay down thirty acres of land upon the Pine Plain, and to take up fifteen acres in the ye leiu of the thirty.
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0351
which fifteen acres he shall join to his broken up land beyond William Elunts land.
Granted liberty to William Barker to lay down his land which lies by Ipswich highway and to take up so much in lieu of it nearer his house.
Granted liberty to John Abbott to lay his land in a long square and also to change two or three acres and lay it on the other side of the way.
Granted libertie to any that will to improve what cedar is fallen down in the swamp next the pond and dispose of it out of town, allowing the town eighteen pence per thousand for all shingles they shall sell as abovesd: provided they fell no trees upon the penalty of ten shillings a tree.
Granted to Andrew Foster Jr. a parcel of swamp land by the pine tree in the way to goodman Ballards for such a part of his division of meadow as the lot layers shall find it by measure.
At a legal general town meeting fifth day of March 1676-7 whereas there was an order made the 18th of January 1664 about the building of a corn and sawmill and then left to a committee to agree with the builders upon what condition the town should have their boards etc. they coming to no agreement, the whole time, this meeting have hereby declared the said act to be void.
Granted to Nathan Stevens twenty acres of upland adjoining upon Rose Meadow Brook, he paying to the town ten shillings per annum, half wheat and half Indian corn forever.
Granted to James Frie, a piece of ground just enough to set a house upon, facing it to the streete and joining his house to his father's lot against the house of Robert Ames.
Granted liberty to Ensign Chandler to lay down a parcel of land at the lower end of his lot and take as much on the back side of his barn, so as not to prejudice the way to the rail swamp.
Granted liberty to Thomas Johnson to change forty acres of his great division and lay on each side of his meadow near pole hill.
Granted to Ephraim Foster twenty acres of upland joining upon Rowley line near Ipswich way, he paying yearly to the town forever ten shillings, the one half wheat, the other half Indian corn.
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March 1070-7
Granted liberty to John Preston to change his twenty acres which was granted him on the west side of Shawsheen River and to lay it adjoining to Nicholas Nichols, his land in the way to goodman Holts providing he prejudice 1.0 highway, to meadows or otherwise.
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