USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Boston notions; being an authentic and concise account of "that village," from 1630 to 1847 > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
Willis Jn .. a mem. of the ch .. freeman 1632. was drowned Nov. 21, 1631.
Willey Allen, (Imisbandman; . mem. ch. 1633.
Wilson John (Rev.) took the freeman's rath 1632 ; lived on the corner of Wil- son's lane ; the spot where a bank now is ; he said " to Win. Toy. Glistiller of strong water) "a lot on the said lane, bounded east by Win. Franklin, with Nath'I Souther. west ; bomuled upon the lane which leadeth from the dock head to the house of John Wilson, and northward on the street which leadeth to the dock . from the house of Maj. Edward Gibbons; the land of said John Wilson on the south." Mr. Wilson died Ang. 7. 1667. aged 79 years; having been pastor of the Boston ch. 37 years : universally respected.
*Wilson Win .. (joiner) member ch. 1635 : freeman 1636 : disarmed 1637 : had three sons and one daughter.
Wing Robert, lived at the cor of Boylston and Washington sts. had 3 sons. Winsor Robert. had a son Thomas born in 1652.
Winthrop John (Gov.) born Jan. 12. 1553: died March 26. 1619, aged 61 yrs., 2 months, and I days: lived of Washington st., between Spring lane and the Old South meeting bons : Governor's Island was given to him by the Legislature, and it has continued in that family to the present date. . Josselyn said in 1633. that the first apple trees in the country. were planted on that island. with also a vineyard : but other writers name Wm. Blackstone's orchard. as the first. Governor Jolm Winthrop may be honorably styled the father of the State of Massachusetts. He commenced its government as its !og l. and in all instances during his continuance in office, strove for the best good of the people. Concerning his condemnation of Mrs. Hutch- inxo and others for berry, there is evidence of his regret, being compelled by otvor officers of his government and the opinions of the people to resort In such strenuous measures-for he was a real philanthropist at heart .- When Lient. Gov. Dudley was ever at his elbow, pleading for more stren- vous measures against the heresies of the times, and asking for more war. rants for the banismoi'm of the citizens. he at last said, "I cannot, I will not sign another one. I have done too much of it already " again, when he was informed that a certain person carried off his wood at night. he an- swere. send lem to me. and I will care him of that habit-and when he come, the Gov. said to lom-it is a cold severe season. and you are welcome to supply yourself from my wood pile till the winter is over
65
BOSTON NOTIONS.
Winthrop John, Jr., took the freeman's oath and was assistant in 1039; ha removed to Connectient and was there chosen Governor ; he died in Bos- ton, while in that office, April 5, 1676, aged 70 years.
Winthrop Adam, son of Gov. John W., freeman 1641 : mem. artill. co. 1612 : died Aug. 21, 1652, aged 32.
Winthrop Deane, son of Gov. John W .: mem. artill. co. 1614 : freeman 1005 : was concerned in the settlement of Groten, which was so named in honor of his father whose paternal seat was at Giroton, Suffolk, Eng. : he died at Pulling point, March 16, 1701, aged -1.
Wiseman James, 1655 : had a son James, born at Braintree.
Witheredge Edward, (mariner) : mem. ch. 1613: freeman 1641.
Wood Edw'd, (mariner) took the oath 1640 : owned a house in the neighbor- hood of John Phillips and Geo, Burrell.
Woodhouse Robert, 1610 : had sous Joseph born 1011 : and Nathaniel b. 1612. Woodhouse or Woody Richard, 1614, owned a house and lot on Essex street, between Lincoln and Kingston st.
Woodmansey Robert, 1911 : had a son Seth born 1011.
Woodward Robert, 1640 : died Nov. 21. 165? : had sons Smith and Robert : owned the south corner of Bedford and Washington sts.
Woodward Richard, took the oath 1635 : owned a windmill on Fort hill, near Richard Gridley, and also a house lot next to John Marrion.
Woodward Nath !. look the earth 1636 : lived on the corner of Winter and Washington sist he was an emment land surveyor and bad a large number of children.
Woodward Thomas : owned next north of John Angier on Common st. : his hand extended to the " High st." (Washington.)
Wonnelly Joseph, owned a lot next but one to Leonard Buttall on And st.
Wright Robert, mem. artill. co. 1613: had sons John born 1645 and Joseph born 1055 : resided on Washington st.
Wright Richard, (deputy) took the freeman's oath 1631.
Wyborne James, died March 7, 1655.
Wybourne Thomas, (saddler) 1653 : died Oct. 2. 1656: had a son Nathaniel born 1654 : owned a lot near the new meeting house, next to Win. Beamnesly and Zacharia Phillips.
Wytherden John (miller) was part owner of the windmill on Fox hill, at the bottom of the common, where the Flower garden is now.
Yale David, (merchant) : freeman 1610 : son David born 1645, and Theophihis born 1651 : probably driven from boston by the severity of the rulers: he lived on Sudbury st., with Rev. John Cotton on his south : having about 2 acres of land, bought of Edward Bendall.
Yeo Thomas : had a son Thomas, bern 1654.
In 1032, John Josselyn visited Boston, and wrote some account of the place. under the title of " New England's Rarities," and stated " that it was then father a village than a town. there being not above 20 or 30 houses ; " the population at that time would seem to require from 2 to 300 dwellings : but few convenient, well finished and handsome buildings could have been created, hi there were many huts, which perhaps he would not count as houses : when the Winthrop party removed from Charlestown in 10:30 they left there but 17 persone.
This list of the inhabitants comprises ber manes, generally hall of fame- ilies : 23% of them have a date of settlement, on or before 1635 ; and some of the 115 names to which no date is assigned, may have then been regular res- idents of Boston.
In 1638, Boston contained 600 acres of land, and in 1:17, it contained 1300 Beres : 700 having been binh up from the tide waters.
66
BOSTON NOTIONS.
KING CHARLES AND HIS PARLIAMENT AT ISSUE.
1644. Our people at this change of ministry in the Bri ish government evinced their loyalty by a complimentar address to the King, &c., with an order, that whoever distur ed the peace, by forming a party for the King, and yet again the parliament, should be deemed a high offender : to be proceeded against capitally or otherwise : soon after this London ship of 24 guns, capt. Stagg, arrived with wine from Teneriffe : - a Bristol ship laden with fish, then lay near Charlestown ; capt. Stagg landed his wine and sailed round 10 Charlestown and abreast of the Bristol ship: he then or- dered the Captain on board, and showed a commission from the British Parliament, to make prize of all Bristol vessels in any port or creek : he then turned up a half-hour glass, de- manded the surrender of the Bristol vessel by the time the glass run out : the captain of the Bristol ship returned on board and made known the circumstance to his men ; three of whom were for defending her in fight, but the rest were for surrendering at once, as that would secure to them their wages, which was promised by capt. Stagg, and the ship was then taken as a prize.
In this half hour time, a large number had collected on Copp's Hill to see the issue, and a Bristol merchant began to muster a mob, and some inhabitants apprehensive of serious consequences, seized him and some few strangers, and car- ried them before Lieut. Gov. Winthrop, who placed them un- der guard : others belonging to the town he imprisoned and directed a constable to disperse the rest : capt. Siagg was immediately called to an account and produced his com- mission from parliament, which justified the art.
Great excitement continued among the people and some of the old patriotic ministers in their sermons inveighed against it, as an orert act of power, and exhorted the magis- trates and people to maintain their liberties and rights which
£
0
1
1
أساس سليم
67
BOSTON NOTIONS.
had now been violated : many were of opinion that captain Stagg, ought to be forced to restore the ship to her owners; in this case there may be seen a small sprout from the seeds of liberty growing.
COURT OF ASSISTANTS, SEPT. 28th, 1630.
It is ordered, that no master Carpenter, Mason, Joiner or Bricklayer shall take above 16 pence a day for their work, if they have meat and drink, and the second sort not above 12 pence a day under pain of 10.€ both to giver and receiver. The law was repealed in 1631.
Nov. 9th, 1630. Mr. Clark is prohibited cohabitation and frequently keeping company with Mrs. Freeman under pain of such punishment as the court shall think meet to inflict.
Mr. Clark and Mr. Freeman hath bound themselves in 20£ a piece, that Mr. Clark shall make his personall appear- ance at the next court to be holden in March next, and in the mean time to carry himself in good behaviour towards all people and especially towards Mrs. Freeman, concerning whom their is strong suspicion of incontinency.
March 22d., 1630, Boston. It is ordered that every towne within this pattent shall before the 5th of April next take special care that every person within their towne (except Magistrates and Ministers) as well servants as others be fur- nished with good and sufficient arms allowable by the Capt. or other officers, those that want and are of ability, to buy them themselves, others that are unable, to have them pro- vided by the town for the present, and after to receive satis- faction for that they disburse when they shall be able.
April 12th, 1631. It is ordered that every Captain shall train his company on Saturday in every week.
May 3d., 1631. It is ordered that John Legge, servant to Mr. Humphrey shall be severlly whipt this day at Boston aad afterwards so soon as convenient may be at Salem. for
i
1 . 1
M
M
68
BOSTON NOTIONS.
striking Richard Wright, when he came to give him correo tion for Idleness in his masters work.
June 14th, 1631. It is ordered that no man within the limitts of this Jurisdiction shall hire any person for servant for less time than a year unless he be a settled house keeper, also that no person whatsoever shall travel out of this patteut. either by land or sea, without leave from the Gov. Dept. Gov. or some other assistant under such penalty as the court shall think meet to inflict.
July 26th, 1631. Lucy Smythe is bound as an apprentice to Roger Ludlowe for 7 years, during which he is to find her meat drink and clothes, and at the end of her years to give her the sum of 5.f.
Oct. 18th, 1631. It is ordered that if any man shall have carnal copulation with another mans wife they both shall be punished by death ; this law was confirmed the first month 1637, or 1638.
Aug. 7th, 1632. It is ordered that the remainder of Mr. Allen's strong water estimated about 2 gallons shall be de- livered into the hands of the Deacons of Dorchester for the benefit of the poor, for his selling it diverse times to such as were drunk with it, he knowing thereof.
It is ordered that Richard Hopkins shall be severely whipt and branded with a hott iron on one of his cheeks, for selling peices (guns) and powder and shott to the Indians.
It is ordered that Joyce Bradwick shall give unto Alexan- der Becke the sum of twenty dollars, for promising him mar- riage without her friends consent and now refusing to per- form the same.
2d of 9th month, November 1638. And leave is granted to Richard Paulinge a plasterer to buy Peter Johnson's the Dutchman's house, and to become an inhabitant of this town. '
Item .- That Edmund Quinsey, Samuel Wilbore, William Boston, Edinund Hutchinson the elder, and Wm. Cheesbo-
1
69
BOSTON NOTIONS.
rough the Constable shall make and assess all these rates, viz : a rate for 30£ to Mr. Blackstone,-a rate for cowes keeping ; a rate for the goates keeping and other charges in work thereabout, and for loste income and water for the young cattle and goats, keeping at Muddy river.
23d 12th month, Feb. Imprimis .- It is agreed by gener- all consent that all cattell whatsoever (except such as are constantly imployed in draughte) and weaned calves 20 weekes old, and weaned mayle kiddes, shall be kept abroad from off the necke, upon penalty for every one unput away within a week after warning, 2s for every weeke not put away.
23d 1st month March, 1635. Item. That whereas the wood upon the necke of land towards Roxbury gate, this last winter, hath been disorderly cutt off and wasted, whereby the poor inhabitants are disappointed of relief, they might have had there in after and needful times ; now it is gener- ally agreed that, Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Bellingham and Mr. Wm. Hutchinson, with the three Deacons shall consider whoe have been faultie herein, and sett downe what restitu- tion of wood unto the poore such shall make, according to their severall proportions alotted by the major part of the six.
Item .- That Mr. Wm. Hutchinson, Mr. Wm. Colborne and Mr. Wm. Brenton shall sett pryses upon cattell, commo- dities, victualls and labourers and workman's wages; and that noe other pryses or rates shall be given or taken.
Item .- We finde that Isaacke Collymore, Carpenter hath sould his house unto a stranger contrary to the same order, and therefore the sayle thereof to be voyd, and the said Isaacke Collymore to forfeit for his breaking thereof.
27th of the last moneth called February. Item. Att a meeting upon private warning, it was agreed that there shall be a watch taken up and gone round with, from the 1st of the
1
வும் இல்லை
70
BOSTON NOTIONS.
2d month next for the summer time from sunn sett an hour after the beating of the drumbe upon penaltie for every one wanting therein 12d for every night. p. 66. 7th of 6th moneth, 1637. Leave is granted to Rich- ard Fairebanke to sell his shopp to Sanders a book bynder. 25th. Robert Gillam, maryner, hath leave to buy a house lott where he cann.
30th the 8th moneth. Granted to our brother John Han- sett a great lott at the Mount for 3 heads -- yea for 3 heads.
18th of 10th moneth. It is agreed that Edward Bendall shall have a sufficient ferry boate to carry to Noddle's Island and to the shipps ryding before the town, taking forr a single person 2d. and for twoe 3d. and if there be more 1d. a piece.
31st of 6th moneth. That William Douglass is alowed to be a Townsman he behaving himself-as becometh a Christian man.
It is ordered, that every first Thursday in every month, there shall be a general Training of Capt. Underhill's com- pany at Boston and Roxbury, and every first Friday in every month there shall be a general training of the remainder of them, who inhabit at Charlestown, Mistick and the New Town at a convenient place about the Indian Wigwams, the training to begin at one of the clock in the afternoon.
It is ordered that Henry Lyn shall be whipt and banished the Plantation before the 6th day of Oct., next for writing in- to England falsely and maliciously against the government and execution of Justice here.
It is ordered that every hand (except ministers and magis- trates) shall afford their help to the finishing the fort at Bos- ton till it is ended.
Oct. 3d., 1633. It is ordered that no person, Housholder or others shall spend his time unprofitably under paine of such punishment as the court shall think meet to inflict, and for this end it is ordered that the constable of every placo
0
soll
71
BOSTON NOTIONS.
shall use special care and diligence to take knowledge of offenders in this kind, especially of common coasters, un- profitable Fowlers and Tobacco takers, and to present the same to the 2d next assistants, who shall have power to hear and determine the cause, or if the matter be of importance, to transfer it to the court.
Ordered, that no person either man or woman shall make or buy any slashed clothes, other than one slash in each sleeve and another in the back, also all cuttworks imbroid- ered or needle workt Caps, bands, Vayles are forbidden here- after to be made and worn under the aforesaid penalty-also all gold or silver, girdles, Hatbands, belts, Ruffs, beaver hatts are prohibited to be brought or worn hereafter under the aforesaid penalty, &c.
March 4th, 1634, Newtown. It is likewise ordered that Musket balls of a full boar shall pass currantly for farthings a peice, provided that no man be compelled to take above 12 pence at a time in them.
26th of 7th moneth, Sept. Newton. The 12th of the 8th month was ordered to be kept a day of publick Thanksgiv- ing to God for his great mercies in subduing the Pequot's, bringing the soldiers in safety, the success of the conference and the good news from Germany.
LADIES DRESSES REGULATED.
4th of 7th month, 1639, Boston. No garment shall be made with short sleeves whereby the nakedness of the arm may be discovered in the wearing thereof, and such as have garinents already made with short sleeves, shall not hereaf- ter wear the same, unless they cover their arms to the wrist with linnen or otherwise : and that hereafter no person what- soever shall make any garment for women, or any of their sex, with sleeves more than half an Ell wide in the widest place thereof, and so proportionable for bigger or smaller persone.
1
72
BOSTON NOTIONS.
1st of 10 month, Dec., Boston. The Jury found Hugh Buetts to be guilty of heresy and that his person, and errors are dangerous for infection of others. It was ordered that the said Hugh Buett should be gone out of our jurisdiction by the 24th present, upon pain of death, and not return upon pain of being hanged.
1644. It is ordered that the 3d day of the 5th month (July) shall be kept as a day of publick humiliation in all the churches in our jurisdiction in regard of our native coun- try, the siekness, drought and other dangers to ourselves.
It is ordered that the Printers shall have leave to print the Election sermon with Mr. Mather's consent and the Artil- lery's with Mr. Norton's consent.
1642. Mr. Robert Saltonstall is fined 5s. for presenting his petition, on so small and bad a peice of paper.
FILLING UP THE MILL COVE.
Where the eastern depot in Haymarket Square now is, there was originally a spacious cove : this was altered into a mill-pond by the erection of a causeway from Prince Street to Leverett Street, and building a Saw, Grist and Chocolate mill on the North side of it : the waters of the " Mill Cove," came up to the south-west side of Prince St., below Thatcher Street, where they went northerly towards the bottom of Snow-Hill Street : the south side of Prince Street, above this spot was marsh, and so was the west side of Back (Salem) Street : another causeway for those going to the mills was from the east side of the First Baptist Church to a few rods east of Thatcher Street : one half of the wooden Baptist meet- ing house stood over the tide waters, and the margin of the " mill Cove " ran on a south-by-west line to the south mills, which stood at the entrance of Mill.pond Street, verging thence a point westerly, it passed across Union, Friend and
b.1
الجزء
73
BOSTON NOTIONS.
Portland Streets to the bottom of Hawkins Street : thence westerly across Pitts and Gouch Streets to Leverett Street, which at one time was called, " Mill Alley : " the descent of the land here was very steep : a street was laid out in the line of Temple Street from Leverett to Beacon Hill, and which being too sudden an ascent for foot travelling, a lengthy continuation of steps was laid to its summit, 138 feet above the level of the sea, there affording a most extensive and beautiful panoramic view of the harbor and country for many miles around.
Beacon Hill with its three eminences, comprised about 100 acres of ground, extending from the centre of the town to the cove at the north ; the hill-peak, a little east of Beacon Hill, was rather the highest of the three : its base reached towards Tremont St., and thence by gradual descent tapered off to- wards the north ; the garden grounds of Messrs. Phillips, Green and Lloyd, (where Louisburg Square now is) are sup- posed to have been ' the three little rising hills, from which arose the name of ' Trea Mount,' as given to the street : the most western eminence was razed to form Mt. Vernon St., the highest points were probably between Bowdoin and Pinckney Streets ; 'on the top, directly opposite Charles St., 'meeting-house, there was a boiling spring open in thee ' places, at about 80 feet above the level of the water; ' the west side of the hills were rough and' precipitous, but even that is now covered with handsome buildings.
LOSS OF THE COLONY CHARTER.
In 1676. During the troubles with the Indians, complaints were making in England against the Colonies, which result- ed in a quo warunto, and judgment against the Charter : the compliance of the colony with the requisition of the King had been blow as necessity impelled, and whatever alterations
h S 1 1
3
74
BOSTON NOTIONS.
1.
they might make in their polity from reason and conviction of their own notion, they were not easily let to adopt the same when required by a sovereign to whom they held then- selves subject only according to their charter: there were different opinions in regard to the course which the colony ought to pursue, and from this period may be dated thu origin of two parties, the Patriots against the Prerogatives, the Whigs against Tories, between whom controversy never ceased till the final separation of the two countries.
A jealousy of their political rights infused itself into the minds of the Bostonians, and henceforward their increased sensibility was apparent on every encroachment of their lib- erties. In April, 1676, according to custom, the town choso Mr. J. Hayward to be nominated to the county court for the office of clerk of the writs : but that court saw fit not to take any notice of it, and the town resented it as an affiont at a public meeting on the 20th of August, as follows : " There ' was presented a paper to the inhabitants by Richard Knight, 'in the name of himself and others to represent their dissatis- ' faction and grievance for a breach of their liberties and ' privileges, as they apprehend by the Hon. County Court, 'putting in another clerk of the writs than what was nomi- ' nated by a major vote of the inhabitants on the 20th of ' April, 1676; the question being put, whether the motion 'therein should be considered at this time, resolved in the 'affirmative .??
In 1676. King Charles II., sent one Edward Randoph as bearer of despatches to the authorities of Boston : a man hated by the people as a spy upon their liberties, and a re- porter to the crown of the worst features in the proceedings of the colony. The court complied with the principal de- inands of the king and then sent Wm. Stoughton and Peter Buckley to England to make answer to any complaints made there against the colony ; Randolph immediately followed
גע
BOSTON NOTIONS,
1
them, and there reported that the town refused any obedi- ence to the acts for regulating the trade of the plantations.
Several laws were passed by the general court, to re- move some of the grounds of complaint, and the king's armis were ordered to be carved, and put up in the Court (Town) house : but to conform to the aets of trade, they acknowl- edged they had not done it : they considered them an inva- sion of their rights as subjects of his majesty, they not being represented in parliament ; however, they had made provision by law, that the aets should be observed from time to time, although it greatly discouraged trade and was a great dani- age to his majesty's plantations. Here was the same princi- ple avowed, " that taxation and representation should go hand-in-hand together," one hundred years in advance of that same declaration from the united colonies.
Randolph went many times to England with complaints, and always returned with fresh orders and powers for coer- sing the colonies : In 1678, he was invested with the office of inspector of customs and to make seizures for violations in the acts of trade : but whenever he did seize, he generally was condemned in costs; the town's agents returned home from England in 1679: two years after that date, Randolph was appointed Collector, surveyor and search- er of the customs for New England : he laid his commission before the general court, but of that no notice was taken ; he then stuck up an advertisement in the Town (Court) house, that such an office was erected and the people must govern themselves accordingly : this notice he said, was taken down by the mars hal by order of the general court or by some of the members, he therefore demanded of the court a final resolution whether they would admit his com- mission to be in force or not. that he may know how to pro- ceed : but what then answer was to him cannot be found, but in their address to the King, he " was an acknowledged collector and his commission enrolled."
tion the :m- ero ny ho 'S, er 0 1 - , 1
76
BOSTON NOTIONS.
Charles II., was yet dissatisfied and required that othe agents from the province should be sent to him without de lay, with powers to submit to such rules of government as his majesty might see fit. Mr. Joseph Dudley, a son of the fint Deputy Governor and Mr. John Richards, a merchant of Bo- ton, and an Assistant were commissioned for that errand and arrived in London. August 1682 : Randolph followed then, ready to disclose every thing they might wish to conceal "His Majesty was greatly provoked," and in their first report to the general court they represented the case of the colony as desperate, and proposed to them the choice of submitting to the dictates of the crown or to suffer a quo warranto to is- sue ; on the receipt of these advices, it was a serious ques tion, not only in the court but among all the inhabitants, whether to surrender or not : at last the agents were instruct- ed to make no concessions of any privileges conferred on the colony by their charter : on receiving this resolution of the court, the agents business was at an end, and they returned to Boston, Oct. 23, 1683 : it was immediately determined on, that the quo warranto should go forth, and Randolph arrived with that instrument. The next day after his arrival a des- tructive fire took place on the south side of the town dock, the richest part of the town ; and consumed a great number of dwelling houses, warehouses and vessels, and some of the people supposed it to have occurred by the procurement of Randolph : The Bostoneers as he called them, were forward to oppose his majesty's commands.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.