USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Templeton > Historical discourse in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of the First Congregational Church in Templeton, Massachusetts : with an appendix, embracing a survey of the municipal affairs of the town > Part 9
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1767.
Henry Sawtell. John Wheeler, jun. John Death. Joseph White. Jonathan Holman.
1768.
Ezekiel Knowlton.
Charles Baker.
Ebenezer Wright. Silas Jones. Jolm Wheeler, jun.
1769.
Jonathan Baldwin.
John Cobleigh. Jonas Wilder. Charles Baker. Ebenezer Wright.
1770.
Jonathan Baldwin.
Jonas Wilder.
Josiah Wilder. Charles Baker. Ebenezer Wright.
1771. Jonathan Baldwin. Samuel Taylor. John Richardson. Charles Baker. Ebenezer Wright.
1772. Jonathan Baldwin. John Brigham. John Richardson. Thomas White. Jolin Cobleigh.
1773. Jonathan Baldwin. Ebenezer Wright. Joshua Wright. Thomas White. Joel Grout.
1774. Jonathan Baldwin. Ebenezer Wright. Joshua Wright. Abner Sawyer. Joel Grout.
1775.
Jonathan Baldwin.
William Sprague.
Thomas White. Abel Hunt.
Joel Grout.
1776.
Jonathan Baldwin.
Simon Slocomb.
Thomas White.
William Sprague.
Henry Sawtell.
1777. Jonathan Baldwin.
Silas Cutler.
Abner Sawyer. Joel Fletcher. John Wheeler.
1778. Ebenezer Wright.
Silas Cutler.
Jonathan Jones.
Thaddeus Brown.
Ezekiel Knowlton.
1779.
Silas Cutler. Jonathan Jones. Joel Fletcher. Thomas White. Ezekiel Knowlton.
1780. Ebenezer Wright. Jonathan Jones. Ezekiel Knowlton. Thomas White. Silas Cutler.
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三
122
1781.
Ebenezer Wright. Jonathan Jones. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton. Thomas White. Silas Cutler.
1782.
Silas Cutler.
Joel Grout. Simon Stone.
Gardner Maynard. Josiah Wilder.
1783.
Ebenezer Wright.
Charles Baker.
Samuel Cook. Jonathan Stratton. Deacon Paul Kendall.
1784.
Ebenezer Wright.
Charles Baker.
Samuel Cook. Jonathan Stratton. Deacon Paul Kendall.
1785.
Ebenezer Wright.
Charles Baker. Samuel Cook. Jonathan Stratton. Deacon Paul Kendall.
1786.
Ebenezer Wright.
Charles Baker. Samuel Cook. Jonathan Stratton. Deacon Paul Kendall.
1787. Ebenezer Wright. Deacon Paul Kendall. Jonathan Baldwin. Capt. John Richardson. Capt. Josiah Wilder.
1788. Joshua Wright. Joel Fletcher. Samuel Cook. Simon Stone. Moses Holbrook.
1789.
Ebenezer Wright. Joel Fletcher.
Jotham Sawyer.
Simon Stone. Aholiab Sawyer.
1790. Ebenezer Wright.
Jotham Sawyer.
Timothy Parker.
Samuel Cook.
Capt. Leonard Stone.
1791. Silas Hazelton.
Leonard Stone.
Silas Cutler.
Aholiab Sawyer.
Simon Stone.
1792. Silas Hazelton.
Silas Cutler. Leonard Stone.
Aholiab Sawyer. Simon Stone.
1793. Silas Hazelton.
Silas Cutler.
Leonard Stone. Aholiab Sawyer. Silas Church.
1794. Silas Hazelton. Silas Cutler. Leonard Stone. Aholiab Sawyer. Silas Church.
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123
1795. Joshua Wright.
Leonard Stone. Aholiab Sawyer. Thomas Fisher.
William Goodell.
1796.
Joshua Wright.
Silas Cutler.
Leonard Stone.
Thomas Fisher. Silas Church.
1797.
Joshua Wright.
Silas Cutler.
Thomas Fisher.
Stephen Bush.
Joseph Baleomb.
1798.
Thomas Fisher.
Joseph Balcomb.
Stephen Bush.
Eden Baldwin.
James Dolbear.
1799.
Thomas Fisher.
Eden Baldwin. Stephen Bush.
Dr. Josiah Howe. Jonathan Orcutt.
1800.
Benjamin Read. Leonard Stone. Silas Church. Eden Baldwin. Stephen Knowlton.
1801.
Thomas Fisher. Silas Cutler. Silas Church. Cooper Sawyer. Timothy Parker.
1802.
Thomas Fisher.
Silas Cutler.
Cooper Sawyer. Asa Turner. David Cobleigh.
1803. Thomas Fisher.
Silas Cutler.
Cooper Sawyer.
Asa Turner.
David Cobleigh.
1804.
Dr. Josiah IIowe.
Sylvanus Howe.
Moses Wright.
Silas Church.
Aaron Jones, jun.
1805.
Dr. Josiah Howe.
Thomas Fisher.
Moses Wright.
Leonard Stone.
Cooper Sawyer.
1806.
Leonard Stone.
Cooper Sawyer.
Stephen Bush.
Eleazer Davis.
Jonathan Holman.
1807: Moses Wright. Stephen Bush.
Dr. Josiah Howe.
Lovell Walker. Eleazer Davis. '
1808. Moses Wright. Adam Jones. Elisha Cook. Leonard Stone. Jonathan Orcutt.
124
1809. Moses Wright. Adam Jones. Thomas Fisher. Jonathan Orcutt. Asa Turner.
1810.
Moses Wright.
Adam Jones. Thomas Fisher. Jonathan Orcutt. Asa Turner.
1811.
Moses Wright.
David Cobleigh.
Cooper Sawyer.
Aaron Jones.
Cyrus Brown.
1812.
-
Moses Wright. David Cobleigh. Cooper Sawyer. Aaron Jones. Joshua Richardson.
1813. Samuel Cutting. David Cobleigh. Cooper Sawyer. Dr. Josiah Howe. Ephraim Stone.
1814. John W. Stiles. David Cobleigh. Moses Wright. Aaron Fiske. Ephraim Stone.
1815. John W. Stiles. Samuel Cutting. Eden Baldwin. Cooper Sawyer. Elisha Cook.
1816. Moses Wright. Samuel Cutting. Col. Leonard Stone. Aaron Fiske. Ezekiel Partridge.
1817.
Moses Wright.
Joshua Richardson.
Leonard Stone.
Cooper Sawyer.
Paul Kendall, jun.
1818. Joshua Richardson. David Cobleigh. Ephraim Stone.
1819. Eden Baldwin. Simeon Merritt.
Levi Norcross.
Gillam Wilder.
Samuel Cutting.
1820. Eden Baldwin. Leonard Stone. Cooper Sawyer. Simeon Merritt. Levi Norcross.
1821. Eden Baldwin. Leonard Stone. Cooper Sawyer. Simeon Merritt. Levi Norcross.
1822. Eden Baldwin. Leonard Stone. Cooper Sawyer. Levi Norcross. Dr. Josiah Ilowe.
125
1823.
Eden Baldwin.
Leonard Stone.
Cooper Sawyer. Levi Norcross.
William Brown.
1824.
Leonard Stone.
Eleazer Davis.
Cooper Sawyer.
Levi Norcross.
Moses Leland.
1825.
Eleazer Davis.
Moses Leland.
Ephraim Stone.
Elisha Cook. Samuel Dadman.
1826.
Samuel Dadman.
Elisha Cook. Joseph Jackson. John Sawyer. Joshua Sawyer.
1827.
Ephraim Stone.
Leonard Stone. Joshua Richardson. Joshua W. Whitcomb. Samuel Lee.
1828. Ephraim Stone. Leonard Stone. Joshua Richardson. Joshua W. Whitcomb. Samuel Lee.
1829. Leonard Stone. Joshua Richardson. Samuel Lee. Cooper Sawyer. Daniel Norcross.
1830.
Ephraim Stone.
Leonard Stone.
Cooper Sawyer.
Joseph Upham. George W. Jones.
1831. Samuel Lee.
Artemas Lee.
John Sawyer 2d.
Calvin Townsley.
Joseph Upham.
1832.
Ephraim Stone.
Samuel Lee.
Jolin Sawyer 2d.
Calvin Townsley.
Ilenry Newton.
1833. Samuel Dadman.
Calvin Townsley.
Henry Newton.
Moses Leland.
Augustus A. Jones.
1834. Henry Newton. Moses Leland. Augustus A. Jones. William Graham. Nathan Farnsworth.
1835. Ephraim Stone. William Graham. Joseph Davis. Augustus A. Jones. Nathan Farnsworth.
1836. Ephraim Stone. Gilman Day. Joseph Davis. Augustus A. Jones. Nathan Farnsworth.
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126
1837.
Ephraim Stone. Gilman Day. Elijah B. Newton. Augustus A. Jones. Nathan Farnsworth.
1838.
Joseph Davis. Stephen S. Maynard.
Elijah B. Newton.
Israel P. Sibley. Joseph Upham.
1839.
Joseph Davis.
Stephen S. Maynard.
George W. Jones.
Israel P. Sibley.
Charles T. Fisher.
1840.
Jotham Goodnow.
Stephen S. Maynard. Gilman Day. Hermon Partridge. Charles T. Fisher.
1841.
Jolin Sawyer 2d.
Jothamn Goodnow.
Samuel Lee.
Thomas Parker. Lemuel B. Howe.
18-12. Thomas Parker. Lemmel B. Howe. Hermon Partridge. Benjamin Hawkes. Samuel D. Morley.
1843. Benjamin Hawkes. Nathan Farnsworth. Hermon Partridge. Joshua Hosmer. Augustus A. Jones.
1844. Joshua Hosmer. Benjamin Hawkes. John Sawyer 2d. Jolm W. Work. Augustus A. Jones.
1845. Augustus A. Jones. Benjamin Hawkes. John Sawyer 2d. Nathan Farnsworth. Joshua Sawyer, jun.
1846. Benjamin Hawkes. Augustus A. Jones. Stillman Norcross. Nathan Farnsworth. Leonard Stone, jun.
1847. Benjamin Hawkes. Augustus A. Jones. Leonard Stone, jun.
1818. Benjamin Hawkes. Augustus A. Jones. Leonard Stone, jun. John Sawyer 2d. Merrick E. Ainsworth.
18449. John W. Work. Merrick E. Ainsworth. John Sawyer 2d.
1850. Dexter Gilbert. John W. Work. James II. Clapp.
1851. John W. Work. James II. Clapp. John Sawyer 2d.
127
1852.
John W. Work. James HI. Clapp. John Sawyer 2d.
1853.
John W. Work.
Benjamin Hawkes.
Moses Elliott.
Warren Simonds.
Seth Webb.
1854. Edward Hosmer. Benjamin Hawkes. Moses Elliott.
1855. Edward Hosmer .* Benjamin Hawkes. Otis Warren.
1856. John Sawyer 2d. Joshua Sawyer, jun. George P. Hawkes.
TOWN CLERKS AND TOWN TREASURERS FROM THE BEGIN- NING TO THE PRESENT TIME.
Year. Town Clerks.
1762. Abel Ilunt .
Zaccheus Barrett.
1763. Nathaniel Holman
Phinehas Byam.
1764. John Richardson; removed from
town; and Abel Ilunt was chosen in his place.
Phinehas Byam.
1765. Ebenezer Wright
Phinehas Byam.
1766. Ebenezer Wright
Zaccheus Barrett.
1767.
Ebenezer Wright
Zacchens Barrett.
1768.
Ebenezer Wright
Phinchas Byam.
1769.
Ebenezer Wright
Phinchas Byam.
1770.
Ebenezer Wright
John Cobleigh.
1771. Ebenezer Wright
Jolin Cobleigh.
1772.
John Richardson .
Abner Sawyer.
1773.
Ebenezer Wright
Abner Sawyer.
1774. Ebenezer Wright 1775. Jonathan Baldwin Simon Slocomb
Abner Sawyer.
1776. 1777.
Jonathan Baldwin
Phinehas Byam.
1778. Ebenezer Wright
Ebenezer French.
1779. Silas Cutler Ebenezer French.
1780. Ebenezer Wright
Ebenezer French.
1781. Silas Cutler
Phinehas Byam.
* John Sawyer 2d was chosen Selectman after the death of Edward Hosmer.
Town Treasurers.
Phinchas Byam.
Phinehas Byam.
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Year.
Town Clerks.
Town Treasurers.
1782.
Ebenezer Wright
Joshua Wright.
1783.
Ebenezer Wright
Joshua Wright.
1784. Ebenezer Wright
Joshua Wright.
1785.
Ebenezer Wright
Joshua Wright.
1786. Ebenezer Wright
Joshua Wright.
1787.
Ebenezer Wright
Jonathan Cutting.
1788.
Joshua Wright
Ebenezer French.
1789.
Ebenezer Wright
Fisk How.
1790.
Ebenezer Wright
Fisk How.
1791.
Silas Hazelton
Fisk How.
1792.
Silas Hazelton
Fisk How.
1793.
Silas Hazelton
Fisk How.
1794.
Silas Hazelton
Fisk How.
1795. Joshua Wright
Fisk How.
1796.
Joshua Wright
Fisk How.
1797.
Joshua Wright
Silas Hazelton.
1798.
Dr. Josiah Howe .
Silas Hazelton.
1799.
Dr. Josiah Howe.
James Dolbear.
1800.
Benjamin Read
Thomas Fisher.
1801. Thomas Fisher
James Dolbear.
1802.
Thomas Fisher
James Dolbear.
1803.
Thomas Fisher
James Dolbear.
1804.
Dr. Josiah Howe .
James Dolbear.
1805.
Dr. Josiah Howe.
Lovell Walker.
1806. Moses Wright
Elisha Cook.
1807. Moses Wright
Elisha Cook.
1808. Moses Wright
John W. Stiles.
1809. Moses Wright
John W. Stiles.
1810. Moses Wright
John W. Stiles.
1811. Moses Wright
John W. Stiles.
1812.
Moses Wright
Jolm W. Stiles.
1813.
Samuel Cutting
Thomas Fisher.
1814.
John W. Stiles
Thomas Fisher.
1815.
John W. Stiles
Benjamin Read.
1816.
Moses Wright
Benjamin Read.
1817.
Moses Wright
Benjamin Read.
1818.
Moses Wright
Benjamin Read.
1819. Thomas Fisher
Benjamin Read.
1820.
Thomas Fisher
Benjamin Read.
1821.
Thomas Fisher
Benjamin Read.
1822.
Dr. Josiah Howe .
Benjamin Read.
1823.
John Bigelow .
Benjamin Read .*
1824.
John Bigelow
Dr. Josiah Howe.
1825. John Bigelow .
Dr. Josiah Howe.
1826.
John Bigelow .
Dr. Josiah Howe.
1827.
John Bigelow .
Dr. Josiah Howe.
* Eden Baldwin was elected on the decease of Benjamin Read.
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129
Year. Town Clerks.
Town Treasurers.
1828. John Bigelow .
Dr. Josiah Howe.
1829.
John Bigelow
John Bigelow.
1830. John Bigelow .
John Bigelow.
1831.
John Bigelow .
John Bigelow.
1832.
John Bigelow .
John Bigelow.
1833.
John Bigelow .
John Bigelow.
1834. John Bigelow
John Bigelow.
1835.
Thomas J. Waite
John Bigelow.
1836.
Thomas J. Waite .
John Bigelow.
1837.
Rufus Wyman
Ephraim Stone.
1838.
Rufus Wyman
Ephraim Stone.
1839.
Rufus Wyman
David Whitcomb.
1840.
Joseph Mason .
David Whitcomb.
1841.
Joseph Mason .
John W. Work.
1842.
Dexter Gilbert
John W. Work.
1843.
Dexter Gilbert
John W. Work.
1845.
Dexter Gilbert
Dexter Gilbert.
1846.
Dexter Gilbert
Dexter Gilbert.
1847.
Dexter Gilbert
Giles II. Whitney.
1848.
Dexter Gilbert
Joshua Hosmer.
1849.
Dexter Gilbert
Joshua Hosmer.
1850.
Dexter Gilbert
Joshua Hosmer.
1851.
Dexter Gilbert
Joshua Hosmer.
1852.
Dexter Gilbert
David Whitcomb.
1853. Dexter Gilbert
David Whitcomb.
1854.
Rev. Gerard Bushnell
Giles II. Whitney.
1855.
Rev. Gerard Bushnell
Henry Smith.
1856.
Rev. Gerard Bushnell
Henry Smith.
1844.
Dexter Gilbert
John W. Work.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.
The town sent no representative to the General Court till the revolutionary strife was drawing near. In 1762, 1765, 1766, and 1767, there was no article in the town-meeting warrants on the subject of sending a representative ; and, of course, no action was taken. In each of the other nine years, - from 1762 to 1774, inclusive, - the town voted
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130
not to send. Gov. Gage convoked the General Court to meet at Salem, on the 5th of October, 1774, by proclama- tion dated Sept. 1 of that year. The people of Templeton were already burning with the sentiments of liberty, and opposition to the British aggressions. A town-meeting had been called to assemble on the 25th of August, the warrant for which had an article, with one clause in these words : " And act upon any other matter relative to the supporting of our charter-rights and liberties as seems most proper." This town-meeting was continued, by successive adjourn- ments, to Sept. 26. On that day, with no other article than the foregoing to support the action, the record says the town "voted to choose a representative."-" Chose Mr. Jonathan Baldwin to represent the town at the Great and General Court to be holden at Salem the present year."
On the 28th of September, Gov. Gage, alarmed by the tokens of public spirit that were everywhere manifested, issued a proclamation declaring his " intention not to meet the said General Court at Salem on the said fifth day of Oc- tober next," and declaring that the representatives elected to serve at the same were discharged from giving their attend- ance. But, on the 5th of October, ninety of the representa- tives thus elected met at Salem. They cautiously waited through that day for the Governor to appear and administer the usual oaths ; and then they passed a resolve, ingeniously raising the point, that the Governor's lawful power " to ad- journ, prorogue, and dissolve all Great and General Courts doth not take place till after said courts have first met and convened." They therefore claimed that the Governor's proclamation on the 28th of September was a nullity, and resolved that they would act, with other representatives that might be chosen, as a " Provincial Congress." They then adjourned to meet at Concord, and proceeded to exercise the powers of government without leave of Gen. Gage.
Two other Provincial Congresses were formed in 1775: one was convened at Cambridge, Feb. 1, and held two adjourned sessions at Concord and Watertown, and was
131
dissolved May 29; the next met at Watertown, May 31, and was dissolved July 19. To both of these assemblies, Jona- than Baldwin was chosen as delegate from Templeton ; viz., at town-meetings on the 4th of January and on the 16th of May.
On the 9th of June, 1775, the Continental Congress, sitting at Philadelphia, passed a resolution, that - no obedience being due " to the act of Parliament for altering the charter of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, nor to a Governor and Licut .- Governor who will not observe the directions of, but endeavor to subvert, that charter - the Governor and Lieut .- Governor are to be considered as absent, and their offices vacant." And, in the same resolve, it was re- commended to the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts - " as the inconveniences arising from the suspension of the powers of government are intolerable " -" to write letters to the inhabitants of the several places which are entitled to representation in assembly, requesting them to choose such representatives ; and that the assembly, when chosen, should elect counsellors, - which assembly and council should ex- ercise the powers of government until a governor of his majesty's appointment will consent to govern the Colony according to its charter." Thus cautiously did the leaders, before independence was declared, take heed not to show open forms of rebellion against the king.
In obedience to the directions of the Provincial Congress, issued agreeably to the foregoing recommendations, the Sc- lectmen of Templeton called a town-meeting, July 5, 1775, at which Jonathan Baldwin was again chosen to represent the town "in the Great and General Court to be held at Watertown." And thus for ever passed away the royal authority over us. Since Gov. Gage's time, no "governor of his majesty's appointment " has appeared " consenting to govern the Colony " of the Massachusetts Bay. The people hardly realized the magnitude of the change: the con- stables were posting warrants, just as they had always aone, for town-meetings called together by the customary
بائد وله
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authority of the selectmen ; the town-clerks recorded the doings, with no sign that any thing unusual was taking place.
But the warrant for the town-meeting, at which, on the 26th of September, 1774, Jonathan Baldwin was chosen the first representative to the General Court, was issued, requiring the constable, " in his majesty's name," "to warn the freeholders and other inhabitants to meet," &c. The next time a representative from Templeton was chosen to an assembly, which they ventured to call a " General Court," the warrant no longer makes any mention of " his majesty," but says it is " by order of Congress."
One election, therefore, and one only, has ever been made in Templeton - that of Sept. 26, 1774 - of a representa- tive to a legislature called together by authority of the King of Great Britain through his governor's proclamation. From that day to this, the representatives have been chosen to the people's General Court. Their names, and the year of their election, are as follows. Before 1831, the repre- sentatives were chosen in May ; since, in November.
1775. Jonathan Baldwin.
1776. Capt. John Richardson.
1777. Capt. John Richardson.
1778. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton. 1779. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton. 1780. (Voted not to send.)
1781. Capt. Joel Fletcher.
1782. (Voted not to send.)
1783. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton.
1784. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton.
1785. Capt. John Richardson. 1786. Jonathan Baldwin.
1787. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton.
1788. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton. 1789. Capt. Ezekiel Knowlton. 1790. (Town fined £13 for not sending.)
1791. Capt. JJoel Fletcher.
1792. Capt. Joel Fletcher.
1793. Col. Silas Cutler.
1794. (Voted not to send.)
1795. Capt. Leonard Stone.
1796. (Voted not to send.)
1797. Silas Hazelton.
1798. Silas Cutler.
1799. (Voted not to send.)
1800. Leonard Stone.
1801. Leonard Stone.
1802. ( Voted not to send.)
1803. Lovell Walker.
1804. (Voted not to send.)
1805. Lovell Walker. 1806. Leonard Stone.
1807. (Voted not to send.)
1808. Lovell Walker.
1809. Leonard Stone. 1810. John W. Stiles.
1811. John W. Stiles. 1812. John W. Stiles. 1813. John W. Stiles.
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1814. Moses Wright.
1835. Samuel Dadman.
1815. Moses Wright.
1836. Artemas Lee.
1816. Moses Wright.
1837. Moses Leland.
1817. (Voted not to send.)
1838. Moses Leland.
1818. (Voted not to send.)
Joseph Davis.
1819. Ephraim Stone.
1839. John Boynton. Moses Leland. 1840. John Boynton.
1821. (Voted not to send.)
1822. (Voted not to send.)
1841. (Voted not to send.)
1823. Benjamin Read.
1842. Charles T. Fisher.
1843. Charles T. Fisher.
1824. (Voted not to send.)
1844. (No choice.)
1826. (Voted not to send.)
1845. Gilman Day.
1827. Dr. Josiah Howe.
1846. John W. Work.
1828. Col. Leonard Stone.
1847. Artemas Lee.
1829. Leonard Stone.
1848. (No choice.)
1849. John W. Work.
Samuel Lee.
1850. Dexter Gilbert.
1831 .* Leonard Stone.
1851. John W. Work.
1852. Edward Ilosmer.
Samuel Dadman.
1853. Benjamin Hawkes.
1833. Samuel Dadman.
1854. Frederick Parker.
Artemas Lee.
1855. John Sawyer 2d.
Artemas Lee.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
The General Court, in 1778, framed a Constitution for Massachusetts ; which was submitted to the people, and rejected by a great majority. In Templeton, the vote was twenty-two for, and fifty-one against. The members of the General Court chosen in 1777 were expected to act upon the subject of the Constitution, as well as upon the ordinary subjects. The representative from Templeton that year was Capt. John Richardson.
* After the amendment of the State Constitution, ratified in 1830, the repre- sentatives were elected in November of each year to serve for the year following.
1834. Samuel Dadman.
1856. Henry Smith.
1820. (Voted not to send.)
1825. Dr. Josiah Howe.
1830. Ephraim Stone.
1832. Artemas Lee.
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In 1779 and 1780, a convention of delegates, chosen for the purpose, framed the present Constitution of the State. It was submitted to the people in March, 1780, and adopted by more than two-thirds. In Templeton, May 23, 1780, a committee reported in favor of some amendments; with which suggestions the frame of government was adopted by a vote of fifty-seven to one. It was provided in the Con- stitution, that, in fifteen years, there might be a convention for revising it. In 1795, the question was submitted to the people, and they voted against holding a convention. In Templeton, the vote was " seventy-six for the Constitution to stand as it is; none against it." It received important amendments proposed by a convention assembled in 1820. In 1853, a convention of delegates was held, and a new constitution prepared ; but it was not accepted by the people.
To the convention of 1779-80 were chosen as delegates from Templeton (Jonathan Baldwin having declined) Capt. John Richardson and Mr. Joel Grout. To the convention. of 1820, the delegate was Lovell Walker, Esq. To the convention of 1853, the delegate was Gilman Day, Esq.
When the Constitution of the United States was framed, in 1787, it was submitted for ratification, not to the direct votes of the people, but to conventions of delegates in cach State. The Massachusetts convention assembled in January, 1788. It consisted of three hundred and sixty members. The majority of these delegates, when they first assembled, were opposed to adopting it as a constitution for the United States ; but it was finally ratified in the convention, on behalf of Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1788, there being a ma- jority of nineteen in its favor.
The delegate from Templeton was Capt. Joel Fletcher.
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.
VOTES FOR GOVERNOR.
The following is a list of the votes for governor in Templeton, each year, from the adoption of the State Con- stitution in 1780 to 1856. It also shows the compara- tive strength of the various political parties since the year 1800 ; the names of the "Federalist" candidates, . and subsequently those of the " Whig " party, during its or- ganization, being placed first each year, and the names of the " Democratic " candidates next. Others are specially noted when they occur. The name of the person elected by the people each year is printed in small capitals : -
1780.
No. of Votes.
1786. No. of
JOHN HANCOCK.
51
JAMES BOWDOIN 22
James Bowdoin 5
Benjamin Lincoln 8
Thomas Cushing . 4
1781.
JOHN HANCOCK. 43
James Bowdoin
1
James Bowdoin 9
James Warren
7
Benjamin Lincoln 7
1782.
1788.
JOHN HANCOCK. 12
James Bowdoin
29
Scattering
6
James Bowdoin
4
1783.
JOHN IIANCOCK . 59
James Bowdoin 1
James Bowdoin 4
Benjamin Lincoln 4
1784.
1790.
JOHN HANCOCK. 28
JOHN HANCOCK . 41
James Bowdoin 13
James Bowdoin
2
Scattering 4
1791.
1785.
JOHN HANCOCK . 40
James Bowdoin * 12
Caleb Strong . 6
Benjamin Lincoln
41
Benjamin Lincoln 4
Thomas Cushing
1
Scattering 3
1787.
JOHN HANCOCK . 53
JOHN HANCOCK. 68
1789.
JOHN HANCOCK. 37
Votes.
* No choice by the people; JAMES BOWDOIN elected by the Legislature.
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1792 .*
No. of Votes.
1802. No. of Votes.
Francis Dana .
27
Samuel Holton
27
Scattering
5
1793.
JOHN HANCOCK.
48
Samuel Phillips .
3
1794.
SAMUEL ADAMS . 36
William Cushing .
15
Scattering .
9
1795.
SAMUEL ADAMS . 53
Moses Gill .
9
Scattering
1
1796.1
Increase Sumner .
83
Edward H. Robbins 3
Moses Gill .
1
1797.
INCREASE SUMNER . 96
Scattering 2
1798.
INCREASE SUMNER. 68
Scattering
1
1809.
CHRISTOPHER GORE . 121
Levi Lincoln
71
Scattering
2
1800.
CALEB STRONG .
3
Elbridge Gerry
76
Scattering .
4
ELBRIDGE GERRY
73
1801.
1811.
CALEB STRONG . 51
Christopher Gore
105
ELBRIDGE GERRY
64
Scattering .
1
Scattering
1
* Although Gov. HANCOCK was re-elected Governor in 1792, and by a great majority, yet he had not a single vote in Templeton.
t Although Gov. SAMUEL ADAMS was re-elected Governor in 1796, he had no votes in Templeton.
# No votes in Templeton for any one else.
CALEB STRONG .
82
Elbridge Gerry
28
.
1803.
CALEB STRONG .
83
Elbridge Gerry.
10
1804.
CALEB STRONG .
80
James Sullivan
40
1805.
CALEB STRONG 102
James Sullivan .
67
Scattering
1
1806.
CALEB STRONG
95
James Sullivan .
67
1807.
CALEB STRONG
118
James Sullivan .
72
1808.
Christopher Gore
105
JAMES SULLIVAN
74
1799.
INCREASE SUMNER #
81
1810.
Christopher Gore
115
Elbridge Gerry 34
137
1812.
No. of Votes.
1823. No. of
Votes.
Harrison Gray Otis 142
WILLIAM EUSTIS .
91
Scattering
1
1813.
CALEB STRONG 139
1824.
Samuel Lathrop
160
WILLIAM EUSTIS
94
1814.
CALEB STRONG 139
Samuel Dexter
66
1825.
Solomon Strong
13
LEVI LINCOLN.
131
Scattering
1
1826.
Samuel Hubbard
122
LEVI LINCOLN .
74
James Lloyd .
15
1817.
JOHN BROOKS .
130
Henry Dearborn
62
- 1818.
JOHN BROOKS .
·
126
B. W. Crowningshield
.
54
1819.
JOHN BROOKS .
·
131
B. W. Crowningshield
·
68
1820.
JOHN BROOKS
127
William Eustis .
64
1821.
JOHN BROOKS
108
William Eustis .
63
Samuel C. Allen
16
1822.
1831 .*
John Brooks .
128
LEVI LINCOLN .
130
WILLIAM EUSTIS .
65
1827.
LEVI LINCOLN .
127
Scattering
13
1828.
LEVI LINCOLN .
119
Scattering
3
1829.
LEVI LINCOLN.
89
Marcus Morton .
34
Samuel C. Allen
26
Scattering
1
1830.
LEVI LINCOLN .
161
Marcus Morton
10
Scattering
7
* Since 1830, the political year in Massachusetts has commenced in January instead of May. Consequently, the governors voted for in November of each year, subsequent to 1830, did not assume their office till January of the following year.
18
CALEB STRONG
131
Elbridge Gerry .
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