History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 151

Author: L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts
Number of Pages: 700


USA > Massachusetts > History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I > Part 151


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Ile was a regular attendant upon divine worship, and a firm supporter of the services of the sanctuary. For thirty years he was a member of the choir, and occasionally acted as chorister. During the long pastorate of Rev. Mr. Bishee,-twenty-eight years,-Mr. Brewster was his warm friend and supporter, and his fre- quent adviser. He never formally united with the church, but he had an abiding faith in its underlying principles, and his old pastor hore heartfelt testimony at the funeral to his Christian character, as exem- plified in his pure aud consistent life and his peaceful death.


In all of the many offices of trust and responsibility which he filled, covering a period of nearly forty years, he manifested a conspicuous capacity for public work. Ile was accurate, methodical, and painstaking in all that he did. His judgment was unsurpassed. Ile saw the vital points of questions with surprising quickness, and his peculiar aptness in adjusting affairs rendered his services invaluable in unraveling difficulties and smoothing the rough places among men. He was affable, courteous, and dignified,-so much so as to be a marked man wherever he gathered with other men. His fine physical presence and genial, sympathetic nature were also conspicuous. Ile was an excellent presiding officer, and in that capacity his rare urbanity, strong common sense, and courteous hearing were most advantageonsly displayed. He was a man of marked firmness of character, yet modest, unassuming, and retiring. Ile had friends, many of them, and good ones, too. ITis attachments were strong, his friendship true and constant. lle was no fair-weather friend. He never deserted nor wavered. When once his confidence and friendship were gained, they could be relied upon. Alike in sunshine and in storm, he remained the same. He seemed to think little of himself. This was natural, for he was not a selfish man, hut self-forgetful, warm-hearted, tender, and true. Mr. Brewster died Nov. 27, 1878, aged seventy years.


Horace Cole


Mr. Cole's ancestors were among the early settlers of Chesterfield. His father, Consider Cole, was born in Plymouth, Mass., in 1762, and came to Chesterfield in his hoyhood. A few years later he bought one hundred aeres of unimproved land, eleared up the farm, and established a home for himself and family, having married about that time. Ile was also a blacksmith, and had a shop in connection with his farm, making blacksmithing his principal business. In his family there were eleven children, four of whom died young, and the remaining seven are now all dead except Horace Cole, whose portrait appears upon this page. The wife of Consider Cole died September, 1819, aged fifty-five.


Horace Cole was born in Chesterfield, June 10, 1799. He passed his boyhood at home, working in the shop and on the farm, until he was about sixteen years of age. His father having died not long before, he, with others from that neighborhood, walked to New York to seek employment.


Going out upon Long Island he engaged in building stone wall, and was also employed upon the stone dock at Williamsburg ferry, opposite the city of New York, that being the first dock built at that place.


HIe then returned to Chesterfield, worked a few months upon a farm, and, on the 18th of March, 1818, he again went to New York with several other young men, walking, as before, the entire distance. They expected to find employment with a company that was grading the city between Harlem and the Bowery. About the time of their ar- rival the company failed, and they were disappointed in their plans.


Being short of funds, and feeling the necessity of obtaining imme- diate employment, they went one day's journey into New Jersey in search of work. Entirely failing to seeure situations, they were quite discouraged. Mr. Cole, having a cane in his hand, placed it perpen- dicularly on the ground and said to his companions, " Whichever way this cane falls, I am going." The cane fell toward New York City, and Mr. Cole, with earnest resolution, separated himself from the others, and wearily plodded his way back. Hle crossed the ferry from New Jersey, and landed in the metropolis with just three cents in his pocket. This was about four o'clock in the afternoon, and the resolute young Yankee from the hills of Chesterfield had yet to find a place for the night in a city of strangers. Ile found his way down into what was then known as "the swamp," among the heavy leather- dealers of the city. This was a busy place. Ile called upon a Quaker, one of the principal business-men of the street, an extensive dealer in leather and hides, and a man of wealth.


The merchant closely interrogated the young man as to his habits, and, being satisfied upon this point, engaged him for one year as a porter and msn-of-all-work, agreeing to pay him $1 a day, Mr. Cole to board himself. With prompt kindness the merehant sent his son to find a suitable boarding place not far from the store.


Mr. Cole improved his opportunity by industry and by unflinching regularity in the performance of all his duties, and secured the con- fidence of his employer. Ile lost no time, and, just before the expira- tion of the year, he was promoted from the position of a lahorer to that of salesman. The merchant re-engaged him at the elose of the year for six months, agreeing to pay him one dollar a week in addition to his former wages. During his first year he saved 8130, and in the six months' term following he made $75 hy buying sheep- and ealf- skins, the merchant having allowed his sen and Mr. Cole to speculate a little on their own account. The truckman in the employ of this house desired to sell out, and Mr. Cole, with the permission of his


employer, bought the horse and dray, paying for them $200. He was still under age, and had to procure a license to enable him to do this.


Ile now entered upon a course of still harder work. Doing all the earting for the house, he also bought hides of the farmers and butchers, rented a building near, cured the hides, and sold them to the country tanners. This was done early in the morning before the carting would be required. In this way a large business gradually fell into his hands. At the end of three years, having made sufficient money to enable him to enter into a still larger business, he formed a copartnership with Matthew Carroll, under the name of Carroll & Cole, removing from Jacob Street to more commodious quarters in Ferry Street. Mr. Car- roll had charge of the finances, and Mr. Cole did the buying and selling. They employed a large number of men, and the business rapidly increased. After two years, Mr. Carroll's health failing, Mr. Cole's labors were largely added to.


The time of the partnership was four years, and when it expired, at Mr. Carroll's earnest request, it was continued one year longer. In the midst of this successful eareer Mr. Cole's own health failed, and, acting upon the imperative advice of his physician, he disposed of his business and returned to his native town, arriving there in December, 1828. There he bought a large farm, keeping a dairy of thirty cows, and shearing sometimes sixteen hundred sheep in a year. He also bought wool for the Northampton Woolen Company, and for Plattner & Smith, of Lee, Mass. In 1845 be moved to Worthington, and engaged in general merchandising with Simeon Clapp. They continued to- gether four years. After that, Mr. Cole and C. C. Parrish were the firm for six years and a half. Mr. Parrish retiring, his son, Samuel Cole, went into the partnership, and the firmn-name was II. Cole & Son until 1875, when the son succeeded to the entire business, and con- tinues the same in Worthington. Besides his mercantile work, Mr. Cole has engaged in various other enterprises, especially the manufacturing of boots and shoes on a large seale. In 1859 his buildings-store and dwelling-house-were destroyed hy fire. He promptly rebuilt them. In 1875 he erected a cheese-factory, having facilities for using the milk of one hundred and fifty cows or more. This factory he has recently sold to an association of farmers. Politieally, Mr. Cole was a Whig, and in later years a Republican. He has held the position of seleetman, both in Chesterfield and Worthington, and has been postmaster for many years. He is a member of the Congregational Church of Worthington.


He married, May 9, 1821, in New York, Sarah King, of that eity. She died in June, 1855. Their children were eleven in number, all of whom died in childhood except the son, Samuel. Mr. Cole married (second), Oct. 14, 1857, Maria, daughter of Elijah Cole, ef Worthing- ton. She was the widow of John Kinne, of Chesterfield. She died Feb. 7, 1873, and Mr. Cole married (third), June 28, 1874, Alınira, daughter of Jeremiah Hull, of Stonington, Conn. She was the widow of Calvin Gunn, of Pittsfield, Mass. Her grandfather was Judge Ilull, a prominent lawyer, of Stonington, Conn.


Mr. Cole has been remarkably successful in business, and this is attributed to the close personal attention he has always given to his various undertakings. His education was only that obtained in the common schools, but he possessed great natural ability. le has been very generous in contributing to all matters affeeting the public wel- fare of his native towa. lle has a large number of friends, who es- teem him for his sterling integrity and strict honesty. A prominent banker of Northampton said to the writer, " Mr. Cole is the soul of honor, and his word has always been as good as his bond."


457


HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.


and Mr. Nahum Eager took the oath relating to fence-viewers. Dr. Moses Morse took the oath of a surveyer.


Oct. 14, 1768 .- The town met at the house of Mr. Alexander Miller, in Werth- ington aforesaid, and then the town proceeded to the choice of Nathan Leonard deer-reeve, and he was sweru into the office; and then the town veted to adjourn this meeting to ne day. Mr. John Watt took the eath of a tythingman.


October 22d .- Mr. Thomas Kinne took the oath of warden.


Oct. 11, 1768 .- At a legal town-meeting held at Mr. Alexander Miller's, Dr. Moses Morse was chesen moderator; and then the town voted te lay out ronds in the following places: Ist. To begin at Murrayfield linc, near Mr. Thomas Kinne's, running northerly, hearing to the east, to the dwelling-house of Mr. Benjamin Bigelow, and from there to the grist-mill in said Worthington; and then a road from Murrayfield line to No. 5 line in the most convenient place; and then a road from No. 5 line, on the west end of Mr. Whipple's Jot and Mr. Ford's and Mr. Rice's, out to the other road; and then to lay ont a road in the most convenient place from the grist-mil! to lead up te Mr. Daniel into the north and south road; and then a road from Capt. Nathan -


saw-mill in the most convenient place - into the county road


between Mr. Ephraim - lot and Mr. Jonathan Eames' lot. And then the town voted to recommend the other roads to be laid out by the selectmen where they may think the most convenient place .*


The first regular March meeting was held on the 21st day of the month, 1769, at the house of Mr. Alexander Miller, inn- holder.


Mr. Thomas Kinne was chosen Moderator, Nahum Eager, Town Clerk and Town Treasurer; Thomas Kinne, Moses Morse, Samuel Clapp, Selectmen ; Tini- othy Meech, Constable; Samuel Wilcox, Benjamin Bigelow, Nathan Leonard, Surveyors of Highways; Samuel Crosby, Tythingman; Daniel Morse, Rufus Stone, Fence-Viewers; John Skiff, Leather-Sealer; James Benjamin, Deer-Reeve; Moses Ashley, Nathan Leonard, Wardens. The town voted to accept of sundry roads-perhaps the same as already mentioned-one "from Murrayville to No. 5 line ;" one "from grist-mill to Capt. Daniels';" ene " from the grist-mill to Mr. Biglow's."


Nov. 12, 1770 .- Dr. Moses Morse and Mr. Alexander Miller chesen agents to represent the town at the county court, in relation to county roads.


March 19, 1771 .- Voted sixty pounds to mend the highways, men's labor to be counted 3s. per day ; yoke of oxen, 18. 6d .; use of plow, 8d.


Dec. 23, 1772 .- Voted Nahum Eager, Jeremiah Kinne, Nathaniel Daniels a committee to petition to have the provincial tax taken eff.


April 2, 1778 .- Voted not " to set up enoculation" at all this time.


Other extracts from town records are given in connection with churches, schools, cte.


SELECTMEN, FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN.


1768 .- Nathan Leonard, Nathaniel Daniels, John Kinne.


1769 .- Thomas Kinne, Moses Morse, Samuel Clapp.


1770 .- Nathan Leonard, Nathaniel Daniels, Nahum Eager.


1771 .- Joseph Marsh, John Kinne, Alexander Miller.


1772 .- Ebenezer Leonard, Alexander Miller, Joseph Marsh. 1773 .- Nathaniel Daniels, Nahum Eager, Thomas Kinne. 1774 .- Nahum Eager, Nathaniel Daniels, John Kinne. 1775 .- Nathaniel Daniels, Jonathan l'rentice, Jeremiah Kinne. 1776 .- Ebenezer Leonard, Thomas Kinne, Moses Morse. 1777 .- Nathan Leonard, Thomas Kinne, Joseph Marsh. 1778 .- Jonathan Brewster, Timothy Meech, John Skiff. 1779 .- Jonathan Brewster, Moses Porter, William Burr.


1780 .- Jonathan Brewster, Moses Porter, Joshua Phillips, Nathaniel Daniels, Zephaniah Hatch.


1781 .- Nahum Eager, John Kinne, Jonathan Prentice. 1782 .- Stephen Fitch, Nahum Eager, Samuel Woods. 1783 .- John Watts, Stephen Fitch, Samuel Woods. 1784 .- Nahum Eager, Jonathan Brewster, John Kinne. 1785 .- Nahum Eager, Jonathan Brewster, Job Marsh. 1786 .- Nahum Eager, Jonathan Brewster, John Kinne. 1787 .- Jonathan Brewster, Nathau Branch, Ezra Leonard. 1788 .- Jonathan Brewster, John Kinne, Ezra Leonard. 1789-90 .- Jonathan Brewster, Matthew Warner, Thaddeus Chapin. 1791-92 .- Jonathan Brewster, Matthew Warner, Nathan Branch. 1793 .- Jonathan Woodbridge, Rufus Marsh, Israel Burr. 1794 .- Jonathan Brewster, Nahum Eager, Matthew Warner.


1795 .- Jonathan Brewster, Matthew Warner, Jonathan Woodbridge.


1796 .- Jonathan Brewster, Rufus Marsh, Nathan Branch.


1797-98 .- Rufus Marsh, Elisha Brewster, Samuel Cook. 1799 .- Elisha Brewster, Samuel Cook, Ezra Leonard. 1800 .- Ezra Leonard, Samuel Cook, Jeseph Marsh.


1801 .- Samuel Cook, Jonathan Brewster, Jr., Eliashib Adams, Jr. 1802 .- Samuel Cook, Jonathan Brewster, Jr., Jonathan Woodbridge.


1803 .- Jonathan Brewster, Jr., Jonathan Woodbridge, Nathan Hazen. 1804 .- Jonathan Woodbridge, Roger Benjamin, Elijah Curtis.


1805 .- Roger Benjamin, Elijah Curtis, Azariah Parsons.


1806 .- Ezra Leonard, Trowbridge Ward, Cyrus Stowell. 1807 .- Ezra Leonard, Trowbridge Ward, John Stone.


1808 .- Jenathan Brewster, Jr., Trowbridge Ward, John Stone. 1809-10 .- Jonathan Brewster, Jr., John Stone, Josiah Mills.


1811-13 .- Jonathan Brewster, Jr., Josiah Mills, Roger Benjamin.


1814-17 .- Ezra Starkweather, Azariah l'arsons, Ephraim Parish. 1818 .- Trowbridge Ward, Joseph Marsh, James Kelley. 1819-20 .- Jenah Brewster, Josiah Mills, Roger Benjamin. 1x21-22 .- Jenah Brewster, Trowbridge Ward, William Eager.


1823 .- Jouah Brewster, William Eager, John Stone, Jr.


1824-25 .- Jonalı Brewster, John Stone, Jr., Timothy Austin. 1826 .- Jonah. Brewster, John Stone, Jr., Joseph Bardwell. 1827-28 .- Jonalı Brewster, John Stone, Jr., Gorham Cottrell. 1829 .- William Coit, Ansel Burr, Lathrop Reed. 1830-31 .- Jonah Brewster, Ansel Burr, Jeremiah Phillips. 1832-33 .- Clement Burr, Jeremiah Phillips, Luther Granger. 1834 .- Ransloe Daniels, Amies Burr, Oren Stone.


1835-36 .- James Benton, Elkanah Ring, Jr., Azariah Parsons. 1837 .- Chauncey B. Rising, Jeremiah Phillips, Ames Burr. 1838 .- Ransloe Daniels, Ames Burr, Elkanah Ring, Jr. 1839 .- Norman Allen, Luther Granger, James Bisbee. 1840 .- Ransloe Daniels, Elkanah Ring, Jr., Russell Bartlett. 1841-42 .- Ransloe Daniels, Ames Burr, Russell Bartlett. 1843 .- Ransjoe Daniels, Elkanah Ring, Jr., Russell Bartlett.


1844 .- Russell Bartlett, John Adams, Elbridge Hazen. 1845 .- John Adams, Elbridge Hazen, Oren Stone.


1846 .- John Adams, Elbridge Hlazen, Tillson Bartlett. 1847 .- Elbridge Hazen, Azariah Parsons, Oren Stone. 1848 .- Elbridge Hazen, Oreu Stone, Azariah Parsons. 1849-51 .- Russell Bartlett, Milton Brewster, Ethan Barnes.


1852 .- Elisha H. Brewster, Jotham Clarke, James Bisbee. 1853 .- Jotham Clarke, James Bisbee, William H. Bates.


1854,-Jotham Clarke (died), William II. Bates, Ethan C. Ring, James Bisbee.


1855 .- William II. Bates, William Cole, John N. Benton. 1856 .- William Cole, John N. Benton, Edward C. Porter. 1857 .- John N. Benton, John Adams, William A. Bates. 1858-59 .- A. Dwight Perry, Alden B. Curtis, William Stark weather.


1860-61 .- Horace Coe, William A. Bates, Russell Bartlett. 1862 .- John Adams, Charles F. Cole, Aaron Stevens. 1863-64 .- John Adams, Oren Stone, Allen B. Curtis. 1865-66 .- John Adams, Oren Stone, Marcus A. Bates. 1867 .- John Adams, Franklin J. Robinson, Marcus A. Bates. 1868-69 .- William Cole, Franklin J. Robinson, E. C. Porter. 1870-71 .- William Cole, Edwin S. Burr, Alfred Kilbourne. 1×72-73 .- A. Dwight Perry, Marcus A. Bates, Jonathan Brewster. 1874-75 .- Jonathan Brewster, Gordlyce Bates, Jonathan H. Eager. 1876 .- Jonathan Brewster, Gordyre Bates, Charles K. Brewster. 1877-78 .- Jonathan Brewster, Gordyce Bates, Daniel R. Porter. 1879 .- A. J. Randall, Henry Benton, James Pease.


TOWN-CLERKS.


Nahum Eager, 1768 to 1776; Jolin Watt, 1777; Ebenezer Leonard, 1778 to 1781 ; James Thompson, 1782, 1783 ; Jonathan Brewster, 1784, 1785; Ezra Stark weather, 1786 to 1813; Jonathan Brewster, Jr., 1814 to 1824; William Ward, 1825 to 1830; Chauncey B. Rising, 1831 to 1834; Ransloe Daniels, 1835 to 1837; Elisha II. Brewster, 1838 to 1841; Simeon Clapp, 1842 to 1848; John Adams, 1849 to 1855 ; C. C. Parish, 1856; Edward C. Porter, 1857 to 1867; Samuel Cole, 1868, 1869; C. K. Brewster, 1870 to 1874; Samnel Cole, 1875 to 1880.


The following is a list of representatives from Worthington in the Provincial Congress or in the Legislature of the State :


Moses Merse, Agent to the Provincial Congress, 1773; also Representative to the General Court, 1777; Nahum Eager, Representative to Provincial Congress , 1774, and to the General Court, 1781, 1783, 1789, 1790, 1791, 1792, 1794, 1796, 1797 ; Nathan Leenard, Representative to the General Court, 1775; Deacon Jonathan Brewster, 1778, 1779, 1782, 1784, 1785, 1786, 1787, 1793, 1795; Hen. Ezra Stark- weather, 1788, 1798, 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803; Matthew Warner, Representative to the General Court, 1799; Jonathan Woodbridge, 1804, 1805, 1807; Elisha Brewster, 1806; Jonathan Brewster, Jr., 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1813, 1819, 1831 ; Samuel Ilowe, 1812; Josiah Mills, 1814, 1815, 1822, 1829, 1830, 1835; Hon. Wm. Ward, 1816, 1817, 1831, 1834, 1851. Died before taking his seat at the last election . Trowbridge Ward, 1820, 1821; Jonah Brewster, 1823, 1832, 1833; Elisha Mack , 1826; Ransloe Daniels, 1836, 1845; Chauncey B. Rising, 1838, 1839, 1840; James Benton, 1840; Ames Burr, 1841, 1842; Ethan C. Ring, 1843, 1844; Elisha HI. Brewster, 1847, 1832 ; Elbridge llazen, 1848; Ethan Barnes, 1849, 1850; Abner M. Smith, 1853; G. B. Hall, 1834; John Adams, 1856; Wm. H. Bates, 1857; John HI. Bisbee, 1864; Marcus A. Bates, 1869; Lafayette Stevens, 1875.


The place of the town-meetings has been as follows: 1768, "at the house of Alexander Miller, innholder," and to 1770, inclusive. 1770, November 12th, "at the meeting-house in said town," and down to Oet. 10, 1825. 1826, March 13th, "at the old meeting-house," and to May 14, 1827, inclusive. 1827, July 2d, " at Isaiah Kingman's," and through that year. 1828, March 12th, "at the town-house in said town," and to Nov. 12, 1849, inclusive. 1850, March 4th, "at the town- hall in said town," and down to the present time.


* The omitted words above are missing from the town records, a corner of tho page being tern away.


58


458


HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.


. VILLAGES.


WORTHINGTON CENTRE.


This village is so named from its geographical position. The town-hall is located just north of the place, and also the Congregational Church. In the sharp contest over the site of the latter, 1824 and 1825, it is said to have been determined that " Watts' Pond," just over the hill to the west, was the centre of the town, with respect to territory, population, val- uation, and travel. The earliest clothier-works in the town were located here, upon the present place of C. P. Hewitt, and some of the timbers have been uncovered in recent years. While the old Albany stage-route was in its prosperous days it was supposed that a village would grow up at the next four corners east. But the location of the meeting-house and the early clothier-works drew business to the centre. When the railroad was opened the old historie line of stages was aban- doned. Worthington became "an inland town," and the growth of "the centre" was more decided. The stores and taverns along the line of the old road disappeared, except as they were sustained for other reasons. A very early store at the centre was kept by Franeis Benjamin, on the site of Elisha Brewster's present residence. In 1837, D. T. Hewitt opened a store on the present place of his son, C. P. Hewitt, and con- tinued in trade for a few years. Somewhat later the store of Sidney and Elisha Brewster was established. Later, the firm was Sidney Brewster & Son. They closed out, and the store was opened by E. H. Brewster & Son, and has been continued to the present time.


WORTHINGTON CORNERS POST-OFFICE.


is on the old stage-road, a mile north of " the centre." It is a pleasant rural village, containing a number of substantial and elegant private residences ; the Worthington House, now kept by Mr. Winslow ; the Bartlett Hotel; the store of Sam- uel Cole ; a cheese-factory ; a basket-factory ; and several me- chanic-shops. From this village there are three stage-lines, - one to Williamsburg and one to Hinsdale, both daily, and one three times a week to Huntington.


In the tendency of summer travel to these mountain towns Worthington Corners is receiving considerable attention of late ; quite a number of boarders are wont to locate here. Several private dwellings are owned abroad, and opened as summer residences during the hot months of the year. Sev- eral places of romantic beanty are within easy drive, and there is much to attraet in all parts of the town.


WEST WORTHINGTON


is located above the Falls in the Westfield River. It ineludes a few private residences, the mills mentioned elsewhere, a post-office, school-house, several mechanic-shops, and the Methodist church. It is on the present stage-road from Worthington Corners to Hinsdale. The post-office was estab- lished December, 1849. Russell Bartlett was the first post- master, and retained the office until Jan. 1, 1874. David Jones took the office at that time, and is the present postmaster (March, 1879).


RINGVILLE


derives its name from the men who established the most im- portant business there. It is a small hamlet, rather pictur- esquely situated at the junction of the two branches of Little River. Besides the mills, it has a post-office, school-house, shops, and a few private dwellings. The place is south of Worthington Centre, on the stage-road to Huntington.


SOUTH WORTHINGTON POST-OFFICE.


This place is below Ringville, in the valley of Little River, and in the extreme southeast part of the town. The stage- route from Worthington Corners to Huntington passes through it. The village grew up mostly through the energy, business enterprise, and public spirit of Horace Cole, who is


mentioned in connection with the mills. He was the liberal benefactor of the Methodist Church, its real founder and generous supporter. The place now includes private resi- dences, the Methodist Church, a school-house, shops, and a post-office. The latter was established August, 1867. The first postmaster was E. R. Converse. The second, and present, incumbent is Isaac D. Thrasher.


SCHOOLS.


The first school-house " was built in 1773, near the ground occupied by the dwelling-house of Mr. John Adams." Schools were at first supported largely by subscription. Appropria- tions in the early years were very limited in amount. The struggle to lire in those pioneer times did not, however, absorb the whole attention. Education and religious worship were early cared for. The same writer before quoted says :


" When we remember that for the first four years the expenses of the town, thongh amounting to only forty pounds, were obliged to be defrayed with bor- rowed money; when we consider that the State taxes, from the want of hard money, were obliged to be paid in produce; when we contemplate the extreme low price of all kinds of labor,-we are rather surprised at what the town voted for the support of common schools than at what in their necessity they were prevented from doing."


No action by the town is recorded for three years; after that annual appropriations were generally made.


March 19, 1771 .- Voted to raise ten pounds for schooling for the year ensning. Nov. 13, 1772 .- Voted a committee to divide the town into districts,-Moses Morse, Nathaniel Daniel, Benjamin Biglow, Thomas Kinne, John Watts.




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