History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 106

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 106

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In 1814 it was voted that the "burying-ground should not be pastured the present year."

In 1816 voted to build by subscription a pew in Mansfield meeting-house for the singers, proposed to be the length of the front gallery.

Voted to mend the plastering and point the under- pinning of said meeting-house.

In 1818 the following pews were "vendued :" The first pew struck off to Benjamin Williams for $36 ; the second pew struck off to John Williams for $60 ; the third pew struck off to David Gilbert, Esq., for $63; the fourth pew struck off to Benjamin Bates, Esq., for $50.

In 1768 or thereabouts the good people residing in the North Precinct, after doubtless severe discussion and agitation, decided they would make strenuous efforts to dissolve their municipal relations with the South Precinct. Previous to this from 1764, one-third of the town-meetings had been held at the North meeting-house, but in 1767 it was voted to hold no

more there, and the North Precinct voters accordingly petitioned the Great and General Court to be set off as a separate district, and in April, 1770, this prayer was granted, and Mansfield became a " district." This gave them all the powers of towns, except the separate choice of a representative. In a few years this restriction was removed, and Mansfield became a full-fledged town. The old town (Norton) bid them God-speed in these words, " Voted, whereas the North Precinct of the town of Norton has desired said town to vote them off' a district, the said town doth hereby signify their consent to the same, if the General Court shall think proper to set off and make sd precinct a separate district ; sd North Precinct taking their pro- portionable part of the poor of said town, and also their proportionable part of the town stock."

The first town-meeting was held in March, 1771, and the warrant is as follows :

" BRISTOL, Ss. To either of the Constables of the District of Mansfield in said County, Greeting :

"In his Majestie's name you are hereby required forthwith to notify and warn all the freeholders and other persons of the district of Mans- field that are qualified according to law to vote in town affairs, to meet and assemble together at the publick meeting-house, in said Mansfield, on Monday, the eighteenth day of March, instant, at twelve of the clock of said day, then and there first to choose a moderator to manage and carry on said meeting ; secondly, to choose a district clerk for the en- suing year, and selectmen and all other officers that towns are obliged by law to choose annually in the month of March ; thirdly, to vote if they will think proper that swine may run at large, being ringed and yoked according to law ; fourthly, to vote for county treasurer ; fifthly, to vote to accept of a rode, if they think proper, which is laid out by the selectmen, leading from line near where Abiether Babbot now dwells to the rode that leadeth from Ephraim Leonard's, Esq., to E. Clapp's and another rode from Easton line, along near the house of Walle Southward, agreeable to a returne in said meeting to be produced ; hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant and your doings to either of us, the subscribers, timely in said meeting. Given under our hands and seals this fourth day of March, in the eleventh year of his majesty's reign, Anno Domini, 1771.

" EPH'M LEONARD, " GEORGE WHEATON, " Selectmen of Mansfield.

" Recorded the 29th of March, 1771, by me.

" ISAAC DEAN, Clerk."

Doings of the Meeting .- Chose William Dean to be a moderator to carry on and manage the meeting ; chose Isaac Dean their district clerk; chose Dr. George Wheaton, Mr. Benjamin Williams, and Thomas Skinner for selectmen. They each took the oath relating to the "government bills" before Ephraim Leonard, Esq., justice of the peace, in pub- lic meeting. They chose Samuel White, Dr. George Wheaton, and William Dean, Jr., for assessors for ensuing year; chose Samuel Tillebrown for one of the constables, and accepted Samuel White in place of Samuel Tillebrown as constable for the ensning year ; chose Abijah Bceley for one of the constables, and accepted of Elijah Dean in the room of said Beeley. They made choice of Benjamin White for treasurer; chose Alfred Leonard and John White for wardens. They chose Nehemiah White and Ben- jamin Sweet for hog-reeves. They voted that swine may run at large, being yoked and ringed according

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HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

to law. They voted to adjourn. Met according to adjournment, and chose Lieut. Job Hodges and Reuben Titus for to keep the river clear for the free passage of the fish for the ensuing year, and they accepted the " rodes," and voted for county treasurer, and the doings recorded by Isaac Dean, clerk. The next town-meeting was to see if the town would vote reasons to the Great and General Court why Eleaser Robbins and others of Stoughton, who were annexed to Mansfield, should not be taken from said Mansfield, and they chose a committee to aid the Stoughton people in their efforts to withdraw from Mansfield.

At a meeting in November, 1771, called to vote what they shall think proper relating to the schools in the district of Mansfield, it was voted

" that the one month's school which has been lately kept at the dwell- ing-house of Nathan Williams, Jr., should be reckoned to the whole district, and go towards the present year's schooling. They voted not to have three schools at once during the present winter, but they did vote to have two schools. Voted to have the schools kept at or near the same places where they were kept last year."

In 1775 the sum of fifteen pounds was voted for the support of the schools. The same year they voted to Capt. William Howes as their part of his pay in Con- gress the sum of nine pounds and two shillings, and to Eleazer Clapp for the same purpose the sum of two pounds and sixteen shillings.

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Mansfield, legally warned pursuant to a resolve passed in the honorable House of Representatives on the 17th of September, in order to consider and de- termine whether they will give their consent that the present House of Representatives of this State of the Massachusetts Bay, together with the Council, should consult upon and enact a form of government for said State, and, taking the same into their most ma- ture consideration, came under the following votes :

" Ily. Voted that the establishing a good form of government abso- Intely necessary in order to lay a foundation for the future safety, happiness, and welfare of a people.

"2ly. Voted that, as the end of government is the good of the people, so the power and right of forming and establishing a plan thereof exists essentially in them.

"3ly. Voted that, as this State is at present without a form of govern- ment, it is highly necessary that one should soon be formed.

"Aly. Voted that we cannot give our consent to the proposal of the Honorable House in their Resolve of the 17th Sept. last past, that the present Hon. House, with the Hon! Council, should enact a form of Government for this State, for these Reasons, viz. :

" Ily. That the present house and council was not separately elected by the people for that special purpose, which we think is highly rea- sonable they should be in a matter of great importance.

" 2ly. That it is the undoubted right of many of the inhabitants of this State to have a voice in the establishing a form of government that was not allowed to vote in the choice of the present Honse of Repre- sentatives.

"5ly. Voted we humbly conceive that it would conduce much to the peace and quite of the people of the State, and we hope would be a sal- utary measure to obtain the ends proposed, if each County should meet by their delegates with an Equal Representation from the several towns and consult what form of government they may think it would be Best for this State to come into, and when they have no desire to lay the result of their several meetings before a State Convention to be chosen by said County Conventions, and the State Convention to se-

lect from the whole such a form of government as shall by them be thought most likely to terminate in the safety, peace, and happiness of the people.

"6ly. That it appears to us absolutely necessary for the liberty and safety of this State that the plan of government when formed should be published for the perusal of the people and not established without their approbation.

" 7ly. Voted that we think that it would be very proper and expedi- ent for the present Honorable House of Representatives to give out precepts or orders for the choice of said Conventions.

" Sly. Voted that the clark of this town should lodge a copy of the votes passed in the meeting in the Secretary's office.

" Recorded by me,

" JOHN WHITE, Clark."

At town-meeting held Feb. 25, 1777, it was voted to give a bounty of twenty-five pounds to all those who enlisted in service of the United States for three years or during the war.

In March, 1777, the following prices for labor, etc., were fixed, in pursuance of an act of the General As- sembly :

s. d. f.

Farming labor in the summer, found as usual, shall not exceed.

3 0 0

Good wheat, per bushel.

7 6

Indian corn, per bushel.

3 6 Rie, good rie, per bushel .. 4 6 0

Good sheep's wool, per pound ..

2 0

Good fresh pork, per pound

Salt pork, clear of bone, per pound.

0 6

Good grass-fed beef, per pound.

0 3 3

Good raw hides, per pound, other skins in the same propor- tion ..

0 3

Good cheese, maid in town, per pound ....

Good butter, per pound.

0 9

Good beans, per bushel.

6 8 0

Good Spanish potatoes, in the fall of the year, per bushel.

1 0 0

Ditto, in the spring, per bushel, and other sorts in proportion, according to their quality

Men's shoes, made by the best neat leather.

S 0

Outs, good oats, per bushel

Good tried tallow, per pound.

0 8

Beef tallow, fit for snet, per pound ..

0 5

Yarn cloth, yard wide, the best sort, flannel, yard wide, of the best quality, per yard.

0 0

Cotton and linnen home-made cloth, best quality, per yard. Mutton, lamb, and veal, per pound.

0 0 3

Good new milk, from December Ist to March Ist, per quart Rest of year ..

English hay, in field

2 6

Tobacco in lief, of the best ..

Carpenters' pay, per day, found

0 3

Spinnin by the skein, taken home.

0 5

0 10

6 0 0

Victualing at tavern, with good boyled or roast meat, with sose, per meal.

1 0

Lodging, for one night ...

0 3

Boarding a laboring man, per week

Keeping, per day.

Best blue all-wool cloth, 34 yard wide, well dyed ...

10 0

C Shoemaking in familys, he finding his wax, per pair .. 200

JOHN WHITE, The above prices made by the Selectmen and committy. Recorded by me,

Town Clerk.

April 7, 1777.

A town-meeting was called June 16, 1777, to " pre- sent tories," and the warrant warns the voters in the name and government of Massachusetts Bay,

" To 2dly to chuse a man to procure and lay before the court hear- upon described, the evidence that he had of the inimical expression of any person towards this or any United States. 3dly, act and proceed with any persons that have Ben Inimical to their country, according to a late act of the grate and General Corte, and to act upon the hole as they shall think proper." Isaac Dean was chosen moderator. Made choce of Elijah Dean to procure evidence against any such persons as described in warrant. 3dly, the Selectman, Reverend Zephaniah Hogges, as a person Dangerous to our cause, and effort was made to relieve Mr. Hogges of this " soft impeachment," but not a sing.e voter would con- sent to it, and it was ordered that he " should be tried by a special court for that purpose."

At the March meeting, 1778, it was

0 0

Woman's tailor, per day, found.

Woman's shoes, made of calfskin, per pair ..

3 Good stall-fed, ditto.

443

MANSFIELD.

" Voted to send to each of the soldiers in the Continental servis for the Town of Mansfield, and which engaged for the Town's Bounty, one Shurt, one pair of Trowsers, and four stockings and one pair of shoes."

In May, 1778, Town had a meeting in " favor of Government." Voted additional Bounty to all men who would volunteer, and voted " To clear or indemnify the commission offices for said town for any damage or fines which may be laid upon them for not Drafting men for the ser- vice."

In 1780 two warrants were issued by the selectmen ; one directed the constable to notify all the voters on the east side of Rumford River, and the other directed him to notify all the voters on the westerly side of said river, to meet at the public meeting-house, then and there to act on certain articles enumerated in a former warrant, which were not acted upon by reason of the " late alarm which prevented the said meeting being holden." A town-meeting warrant was issued same year directing the officer " to warn all the male persons being twenty-one years of age, and resi- dents of said town for the space of one year, or that have their usual homes in said town, having a free- hold estate in said town of the annual income of three pounds, or other estate than a personal or mixed of the value of sixty pounds, computed in silver at 6s. Sdd. per ounce, to meet or assemble the 13th day of October, 1780, to elect a person who is an inhabitant of said town and secured in his own right of a free- hold of the value of one hundred pounds, or any valuable estate of the value of two hundred pounds, within said town, to be computed in silver as afore- said, to serve for and represent them in the Great and General Court." And at this meeting Capt. Samuel White was unanimously made choice of as the representative, and he was given by the town clerk and selectmen a "fair certificate," and Con- stable Skinner summoned and warned the said White to appear and to attend to the service for which he was chosen.

Probably the largest appropriation in figures ever made at any town-meeting was at the December, 1780, meeting, when for town purposes and some few inci- dentals there was appropriated the sum of fifty-three thousand three hundred and forty-seven pounds, and this fact will give us some idea of the value of a paper currency. At this time John Pratt was the constable, and Benjamin Bates was the town clerk.

At the town-meeting held April, 1786, the vote for Governor stood : the Hon. John Hancock had twenty- seven, the Hon. James Bodwine had two. At a meeting held just previous to the preceding, it was voted to pay their representative the sum of four shillings per day out of the town treasury, and Capt. Benjamin Bates was chosen representative.

The town was called together in the name of the commonwealth of Massachusetts on Monday, Feb. 5, 1787,-

"To Reade and hear the address of the General Courte lately pub- lished. To take into consideration the present calamities in this com- monwealth and to see if the town will petition the General Court to recall those troops under the command of General Lincoln, who have marched to the counties of Worcester and Hampshire, in order to pre-

vent the further effusion of Blood and the calamity of a Domestic War, and also that the Honorable General Court Repeal the Act passed the last session suspending the Ilabeas Corpus act, or for the town to pass any vote or votes Relativo to the before mentioned premises they may think proper."

At this meeting it was voted "not to read the address lately published by the General Court," and it was voted that a copy of the petition drawn up by Capt. Pratt be sent by the town clerk somewhere, probably to the General Court. At this time Jona- than Newcomb was town clerk, Elijah Dean and Jonathan Newcomb were the selectmen who signed the warrant, and William Copeland was the constable who served the warrant.

At a meeting held on 5th November, 1787, it was voted "that the poor of the town shall be set up at publiek vendue to them that will keep them the cheapest." At this time Thomas Skinner and Jona- than Williams were selectmen, and Stephen Bond constable, and Jonathan Newcomb town clerk.

At the "Governor's meeting," in 1778, John Han- cock had forty-five votes, Elbridge Gary had forty- three votes, James Warren had one.

One article in the warrant calling the meeting for September, 1783, is to "see if the town will vote to choose a committee to act with the committee chosen in other towns in this county for the purpose of peti- tioning to the General Court for the better regulating of fishing in Taunton Grove River, and Capt. John Pratt was duly chosen."

At the December town meeting, 1788, for voting for representative to Congress, the district consisting of Bristol County, Dukes County, and Nantucket, the Hon. George Leonard, Esq., had twenty votes, the Hon. David Cobb had thirty-six. The vote for elec- tor stood : Elisha May had thirty-six, Samuel Tobey had thirty-six.

At a meeting held Sept. 29, 1789, it was voted, "To build a stone pound 30 feet square within the walls, six feet high, with a stick of Timber all Round said wall to a Dubble Wall three feet wide at the Botom and carried up the 6 feet in proportion."

Extracts from the proceedings at the town meetings might be made to a great extent, which would prove of value and of much interest, but the limits allowed for this sketch will not permit it.

Early Settlers. - " Very Worshipful Ephraim Leonard, Esq.," was probably the most distin- guished man who ever lived in Mansfield. His residence was in the house at East Mansfield, formerly owned by Mr. Calvin Thomas, now owned by George Thomas, located on the easterly side of the road, near Flint's saw-mill. The old house in its wide entry and staircase, in its high rooms, gives evidence of its former grandenr. He was ap- pointed judge of Court of Common Pleas in 1747, and was in office until after the Revolution. He was born Jan. 16, 1705-6. He was a leader in the town, a man of great energy ; held the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens; held the office of col-

444

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

onel in the militia during the old French and Indian war. HIe was a man of eminent piety, and the wealthiest man in the region. His name is often found upon the old records of both town and parish. His grave, with those of three of his wives (he was married four times), are in the woods a short distance from his former residence ; the slate slabs indicating their burial-places are flat upon the ground, and it is extremely difficult to decipher any of the lettering upon them. There are evidences near these graves of other burials, but the stories of the men and women who found their last resting-place are only known to the Recording Angel, and probably their names will never more be mentioned upon earth. He had a son, Daniel, born May 18, 1740, graduated at Harvard University in 1760, at the age of twenty years. Studied law, and was a man of brilliant abilities. Became a Loyalist, and was appointed by Governor Hutchinson a mandamus counselor in 1774; practiced his profes- sion at Taunton Grove, but the honest yeomanry would not tolerate him. Left Taunton and went to Boston, thence to Halifax, thence to England, and was after- ; wards chief justice of Bermuda Islands. The house in which he lived still stands just north of the court- house in Taunton, and the marks of the bullets still remain to testify to the animosity which the people felt towards the sentiments he held. His personal popularity, however, was great. His father be- queathed to him a large portion of his estate, pro- vided he was allowed to return and enjoy it, and also be allowed the rights of citizenship; but if not, then to any of Daniel's children who should come to Amer- ica and become citizens. A son, Charles, did come, took possession of the property, entered Harvard College, but did not graduate; was subsequently placed under guardianship, and was found dead May 4, 1831, in the road near Burrowsville.

Mr. Ephraim Leonard gave the land to the parish now used as a burying-ground at East Mansfield.

John Caswell, Sr., settled at East Mansfield. His son John, Jr., lived near him. He was a lieutenant and ensign in "the King's service." He died 18th December, 1773. His wife died July 6, 1769, in her eighty-first year. They had ten children.

Benjamin Caswell and James Caswell, it is sup- posed, lived at East Mansfield. There is now no per- son in town bearing the name of Caswell.

Seth Dorman settled in East Mansfield, and was one of the original members of the Norton Church.

Joseph Elliot lived at East Mansfield. He died in 1752.

Thomas Brintnell, with his family, made a settle- ment in the northwesterly part of Mansfield, a few rods easterly of Wading River, short distance from the lines of the two colonies, near the Obadiah Brintnell place. He built a rude shelter, partly of wood and partly of stone, wherein, with his two muskets, he felt safe against the unfriendly red men. He came from Boston. His descendants are numerous, some of which

have resided in town continuously since the settlement by their ancestor.

Samuel Buzby, who lived at East Mansfield, mar- ried, Ang. 28, 1711, Elizabeth Caswell. They had eight or nine children.

Capt. Samuel Brintnell, son of Thomas and Esther, lives at his father's house. He was a man of note, and his voice was often heard in the discussion of parish and town affairs. He was often selectman, and was also representative to the General Court. He was married three times, and in his will names six chil- dren.

Samuel Brintnell, Jr., son of Samuel, lives near the old homestead. He married twice and had three children.

Thomas Grover, born March, 1668. He settled at West Mansfield. He built a house near the " Tobitt" place. Andrew, his brother, built a house where Mr. Sherman now lives, formerly occupied by Elder Chad- wick. Ephraim, another brother, built a house near what is now Mr. John Bailey's. He was a deacon of the church in North Precinct.

John Hall lived near Cobbler's Corner, and at one time was interested in the grist-mill near the Corner. He had a brother Ebenezer.

Ephraim Sheldon lived at West Mansfield a short time, then moved to Attleborough.

Thomas Skinner settled at West Mansfield. He was one of the original members of the North Church, and was the first schoolmaster who lived to be ninety years of age.

John Skinner, brother of Thomas, lives at West Mansfield.

Deacon Nicholas White built the old house now owned by Charles N. Hall, Esq., on the south side of Hall Street, until lately occupied by Mr. Hall. He was a very prominent man in town and parish affairs. He was one of the selectmen eleven years, member of General Court, and deacon of the church. A man of much importance, whose opinion was much relied upon by his neighbors both in town and parish meet- ings. He was buried upon his farm, near the resi- dence of Mr. Elkanah Hall. His grave, like the graves of many of the early settlers, it is now impos- sible to find.

Marcus White lived near his brother, Deacon Nich- olas.

Deacon Benjamin Williams lived where Charles Henry Williams now lives, from whom the last named descended. He was a man of great influence in town, and was often chosen to parish and town office, and was a man of good mind, careful judg- ment, and sound sense.

Public Buildings .- The first meeting-house was never completed. In 1752 the freeholders voted to " the very worshipful Col. Ephraim Leonard, Esq., the privilege and liberty to build a pew in the meeting-house for the comfort and convenience of himself and family. to extend from the public stairs

445

MANSFIELD.

half-way to the west wall of the said meeting-house." At the same meeting the privilege was given "to Lient. Josiah Pratt to build a pew extending from the northeast corner of said meeting-house to the min- isterial pew, even to front with the same pew." In 1752, Nathan Williams, "for locking and onlocking the meeting-house doors, and sweeping the meeting- house, was voted in lawful money, or rye at three shillings per bushel, or Indian corn at two shillings per bushel, the sum of six pounds."

A part of this ministerial land was on " Dorches- ter plain, so called," and six acres of it was " near a lot of land which Brian Hall owneth." It was granted by the proprietors of "Taunton North Pur- chase, for the maintenance of the congregational ministry." The land as granted was divided between Norton and Mansfield Jan. 9, 1778, Isaac Hodges, John King, and Seth Smith, acting for Norton ; Benjamin White, Samuel Tillebrown, and Isaac Dean, for Mansfield. There was also another tract of min- isterial land in Taunton Cedar Swamp.

" At a legal meeting holden by the freeholders and others, inhabitants of Norton, North Precinct, at the public meeting-house in said precinct, on Wednesday, ye 30th day of May, A.D. 1765.

"Firstly, they made choice of Capt. William Dean for a moderator to carry on and manage said meeting.

" Secondly, they voted to build a new meeting-house on the meeting- bonse lot, near where the meeting-house now stands.

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History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 106

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1818

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818