USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Norton > History of the town of Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, from 1669 to 1859 > Part 36
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ritory easterly of Rumford River.1 . I have found a list of these three companies for the year 1757 ; of which Major George Leonard, jun., had the command of the first ; Col. Ephraim Leonard, the second ; and Capt. Sim- eon Wetherell, the third. We regret that want of space compels us to omit these names. In the lists of town- officers which we have given in Chapter XX. will be found attached to their names the titles of most of the military officers previous to the Revolutionary war. I have been unable to find, except in one or two cases, the date of any military commissions previous to 1776. After the incorporation of Mansfield, the two infantry companies of Norton (one on each side of Rumford River) continued till about twenty years ago. In 1834, the military system of Massachusetts was revised, which gave the deathblow to all but the volunteer companies ; and hence we find no commissions issued to officers of the old infantry company after that time. The following persons were captains of the infantry company, on the west side of Rumford River, between 1781 and 1834. The date of their commissions, in parentheses, immediately follows their names.
Joseph Hodges (July 1, 1781) ; Ebenezer Titus (Aug. 4, 1789) ; Zebulon White (Aug. 20, 1792) ; William Morey (Sept. 25, 1797) ; Jonathan Hodges (March 26, 1798) ; Ru- fus Hodges (May 5, 1801) ; Seth Hodges (Dec. 3, 1804) ; Asa Arnold (March 23, 1807) ; Lemuel Arnold (Nov. 21, 1808) ; Sanforth Freeman (June 15, 1815); Alvin Perry (May 1, 1819) ; Ichabod Perry, jun. (June 26, 1821); Isaac Braman (May 30, 1822) ; Mason Stone (March 30, 1826) ; Almond Tucker (Oct. 25, 1828) ; Thomas Carpenter (May 14, 1832.)
We here give the names of the captains of the com- pany, east of Rumford River, from 1781 to 1834: -
1 For many years, in taking the valuation of the town, the same division was observed, - George Leonard heading the list westerly of Rumford River; Simeon Wetherell, that on the easterly side of said river; and Ephraim Leonard, at the head of the North-Precinct list. We suppose they were placed first because they were considered the leading men in their part of the town.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
David Clap (July 1, 1781) ; Reuben Tisdale (May 28, 1789) ; Isaac Makepeace (July 16, 1790) ; James Godfrey (Sept. 26, 1803) ; Lysander Makepeace (March 24, 1806) ; Asa Knowles (Feb. 15, 1808) ; Terry Crane (May 18, 1811) ; Jacob Shepard (May 17, 1812) ; Laban Lincoln (Aug. 9, 1819) ; Thomas Copeland (June 6, 1820) ; Lyman Eddy (May 6, 1824) ; Daniel Briggs, jun. (Aug. 26, 1826) ; Hennary Newcomb (April 30, 1830) ; George B. Crane (April 16, 1833).
In 1776, the Norton Artillery Company was organ- ized, and George Makepeace was commissioned as captain. This company remained in Norton (a portion of its officers and members belonging to other towns) till 1854 ; when its name was changed to Light Infant- ry, and the company was removed to Foxborough. The two field-pieces in the possession of the company were returned to the State; and the Gun-house, near the Pound, was sold. At the time the name was changed, and the company removed to Foxborough, it was the oldest military company in the State.1 The following are the names of its commanders (with the date of their commissions) who have belonged to Norton. A few captains, whose residence was in other towns, we have omitted from this list.
George Makepeace (Oct. 31, 1776) ; Ephraim Lane, jun. (1787) ; Daniel Knapp (March 26, 1790) ; Benjamin Blan- din (Dec. 28, 1795) ; John Gilbert (May 7, 1799) ; Samuel Hunt (March 9, 1802); Thomas Danforth, 2d (Aug. 27, 1804) ; Elisha Crossman (June 14, 1810) ; Isaac Lane (May 14, 1812) ; David Lane (Aug. 22, 1814) ; George Walker (May 20, 1817) ; Lemuel Perry (Sept. 22, 1821) ; Calvin Lane (March 31, 1824) ; George Lane (Feb. 5, 1827) ; Simeon Blandin (March -8, 1828) ; Ira Richardson (April 16, 1833) ; Earl Hodges (Sept. 24, 1836) ; Carlos Freeman (April 9, 1836) ; Don F. Lane (July 4, 1839) ; Benjamin S. Hall (April 24, 1841) ; Luen C. Leonard (May 13, 1843) ; Carlos Freeman (May 24, 1844) ; Jacob
1 Adjutant-General's Report, January, 1855, pp. 26, 27; where also may be seen a copy of a commission to Ephraim Lane, as second lieutenant of said company, dated Oct. 31, 1776.
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T. Shepard (Aug. 30, 1851) ; Benjamin M. Round (April 27, 1853).
There was also, for some years, a horse company, a portion of whose members belonged to Norton; and the following Nortonians were captains of it: -
Tisdale Hodges (Dec. 16, 1793) ; Daniel Smith (May 24, 1810) ; Pliny Puffer (Aug. 22, 1823).
The following comprise a list of those from this town, who, since the Revolution, have risen above the post of captain, or held a commission of the same rank : -
Brigadier-General. - Silas Cobb (Aug. 2, 1792).
Colonels. - Silas Cobb (May 26, 1788) ; Isaac Braman (Sept. 9, 1826) ; Mason Stone (Nov. 3, 1832).
Lieutenant- Colonel. - Simeon Wheeler (Jan. 14, 1819).
Majors. - Thomas Fobes (Sept. 26, 1794) ; Zebulon White (Aug. 1, 1803); Brian Hall (April 20, 1797) ; Isaac Braman (Oct. 1, 1825) ; Earl Hodges (July 10, 1844).1
Adjutants. - Isaac Morey (Oct. 2, 1788) ; Ephraim Ray- mond (June 14, 1791) ; George Palmer (Aug. 30, 1797) ; William Lane (May 7, 1799) ; Thomas W. T. Bicknell (Oct. 4, 1812) ; Ephraim A. Raymond (April 23, 1829) ; John B. Newcomb (March 30, 1833).
WAR OF 1812.
We find but little to record relative to the war of 1812-15. From the following votes, we infer that the war was not very popular in Norton. Aug. 24, 1812, the town met, in obedience to a petition of Silas Cobb and others, to consider whether a continu- ance of the war was necessary, &c.
" Voted, that a continuance [of the] war was not necessary nor expedient under existing circumstances." -" Voted, that an alliance with France is not desira- ble. Chose three delegates to attend a County Con- vention to consult together for the common good," &c.
The latter part of June, 1814, the Norton Artillery
1 He did not accept the commission.
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Company, Isaac Lane, captain, were called out to guard New Bedford. They were absent about twelve days. In August of the same year, one-half of the Artillery Company were draughted to go to Fairhaven ; and the other half went to Boston, and were absent about six weeks. A portion of the infantry compa- nies were also draughted into service about the same time.
Nov. 7, 1814, a meeting was held " to take into con- sideration the petition of Benjamin Horton and others, to see if the said town can or will fully compensate those that have been or shall be called into the service of our country this season or year."
At the meeting, " Voted to choose a committee of five persons to take into consideration the above-named petition, and report at this meeting."
The committee reported " that they think it expedi- ent for the town to make up the wages of each non-com- missioned officer and private soldier to fifteen dollars per month, including government's pay." This report was accepted.
The following persons from Norton were called into service during the war ; viz., -
Isaac Lane, David Lane, Lemuel Perry, Asa Danforth, Samuel Hunt, George Walker, Josiah Hodges, Allen Lane, Calvin Lane, Samuel Copeland, Enos Dean, Ebenezer Burt, Thomas Sweet, George Wetherell, Ebenezer M. Lincoln, Daniel Morey, Stillman Smith, Newton Sweet, Henry B. Dyer, Thomas Braman, jun., Ezra Macomber, Moses Hunt, John Harris, Noah Cooper, Eliab Thompson, Samuel Hunt, 2d, Joel Wilbur, Jonathan Knowles, Elijah White, John T. Whiting, Joseph Fuller, Simeon Dean, Allen Derry, Alfred French, Amherst Guild, Asa Patten, Spencer Morse, James Wiswall, Henry B. Hodges, Abijah Dean, John Gilbert, Stephen Hodges, Daniel Guillow, John Penno, Peleg West, Williams Keith, Sylvanus B. Braman, Andrews Braman, Perry Atherton, Sylvester Round, John Russell, Levi Bowen, Nathaniel Danforth, Ichabod Perry, jun., Seabury Woodward, Horatio Field, Kingman Richmond, Reuben Wilbur, John Wild, jun., Jesse Blandin, Elijah Eddy, Barnard Dean, Ly- man Eddy, Solomon Lothrop, jun., Benjamin Blandin, jun.,
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Josiah Wilbur, Abiathar Knapp, Tisdale Lincoln, George Hodges, jun., Charles Danforth, Leonard Hill, jun., William Lane, jun., Adoniram Hodges, Elisha Crossman, Nathan Dean, jun., William Dean, Gulliver Dean, Albert W. Godfrey, So- lomon Leonard, Jedediah Packard, Daniel Lane, Asaph White, Philip Andrews, William Sweet, Zelotes Wetherell, Lawrence Hunt, Oliver Hunt, George Lane, John Freeman, jun., Zopher Skinner, David Godfrey, Alanson Cobb, Ephraim French, Augustus White.
POWDER AND AMMUNITION.
In " An Act for regulating of the Militia," passed by the General Court in 1693, it was ordered, "that there be a Stock of Powder and Ammunition in each town provided, and from time to time, as there is need be, renewed by the selectmen." The stock was to consist of a barrel of good powder, two hundred pounds of bullets, and three hundred flints, for every sixty enlisted soldiers, and in that proportion, whether more or less. The penalty for neglecting to have such an amount on hand on the 1st of May each year was " five Pounds." The selectmen were empowered to make a rate to purchase the ammunition, &c.
I do not find any action of the town relative to the matter till Oct. 2, 1722, when it was "voted that Joseph Pratt, Treasurer, shall Recover all the money that is dew to the towne for stray creters that have bin taken up, and deliver it to the selectmen for to Gitt a towne Stock of Powder and aminition with; and sd. Pratt shall be Paid out of sd. money for his Reasona- bell charges."
May 13, 1723, at a meeting " warned to Provide a Towne Stock of amenition," it was " voted that they would Refer the Gitting of a stock of amenition till the Representative should Go to Boston, that he might send word what the minds of ye Court ware consarning the Precent ; Baring a Part of Gitting sd. amenition, and to have a meeting before July Court again." We do not find, however, that they had " a meeting before July Court ;" but, on the 1st of November following,
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a vote is passed, " that the Interest money that is dew to the towne of Norton and sd. North Purchase, for this Presant year, shall be Laid out to Gitt a towne Stock of Powder and ammenicion for sd. towne and North Purchase."
Sept. 1, 1740, " Voated for to provide a towne Stock of amanition, the sum of £50-00-00." This lasted, we suppose, till May 17, 1744; when, probably, the news of war with France had reached the Colony, and an extra amount of ammunition was deemed necessary. Hence the town " voted to raise one hundred pounds, old Tenor, to be laid out for a towne stock of Powder ammunition, and charges of Giting it." This, we suppose, was used up during the year ; and therefore, Sept. 23, 1745, £110 were appropriated " to purchase a towne stock of ammunition." The prospect of another war with France, in 1754, caused the town to again look to their powder-box, and pick their flints preparatory to the contest. Accordingly, Oct. 14 of that year, they voted " that the money which the General Court hath ordered to be paid to the select- men out of the province Treasury be to provide for a town stock of Amunition, so much as is now wanting to be sufficient according to law, provided that Capt. William Stone do not procure the same."
In the summer of 1770, a division of "the town stock of ammunition, as powder, bullets, and flints," was made by a committee of Norton and the district of Mansfield ; but the amount on hand was not stated.
" Feb. 19, 1787, voted that the selectmen be requested to make inquiry into the state of the ammunition in this town, and make report at the next March meeting."
" March 12, voted that the selectmen be directed to call on those persons, who have had any of the Town stock, to replace it immediately."
This was during the troubles caused by what is known as "Shay's Rebellion." For many years, the town's stock of powder and ammunition was kept in the garret of the old meeting-house. This was con-
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sidered rather an unsuitable place ; and hence the erec- tion of a building to deposit all the military stores in was a question before the town at a meeting, April 2, 1804 ; but it was " voted not to build a powder-house."
The next year, the matter was revived with better success ; for, June 12, 1805, it was " voted to build a Powder-house of brick and lime, and to set up the building of said house at vendue." By whom it was erected, we are not informed ; but the little circular brick building, about six feet in diameter, and as many high, with a conical roof of wood, now standing back of the Trinitarian Meeting-house, and nearly in front of William A. West's house, was soon after built in obe- dience to the above vote; where, for many years, the town have kept their ammunition and other military stores.
· "May 11, 1818, voted to furnish each infantry soldier with twenty-four cartridges with balls, to be kept in the town's store."
The powder-house now contains one old rusty flint- lock musket and bayonet; about two kegs of ball-car- tridges, so completely saturated with water and petrified that it is doubtful whether they would burn in any common fire ; a half-bushel of bullets, a peck of flints, three old tin pails, a few broken boxes, and almost hoopless powder-kegs. May it never contain more ! Peacefully may it go to ruins, with none to weep over its mouldering remains !
The old Common, near Sanforth Freeman's, was the scene of frequent regimental musters and military parades, with all their accompaniments of drunkenness, gambling, and fighting. But the progress of Christi- anity has almost entirely removed from our State these relics of a barbarous age ; and, so far as our town is concerned, all that remains of the military grandeur of former ages (aside from the powder-house) are a few broken muskets, rusty swords, beltless cartridge-boxes, tattered knapsacks, and mouldy commissions, preserved as mementoes of a bygone age.
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FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONS.
CHAPTER XXX.
FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONS.
" What constitutes a state? Men, - high-minded men; Men who their duties know; But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain."
WM. JONES.
THE Declaration of Independence formed no bond of union among the several Colonies. Hence the atten- tion of the Continental Congress was soon called to the necessity of such a confederation, or union. Dr. Franklin, in 1775, submitted to Congress articles of confederation. But most of the members were pro- bably then unprepared for such a movement. In the spring of 1776, this subject was again before Congress ; and a committee of twelve - one from each State, except New Jersey - took the matter into considera- tion, and, the next week after independence was declared, reported a series of articles. It was found difficult, however, to harmonize all the conflicting opinions of the Colonies.
In the spring of 1777, Congress again turned its attention to this matter ; and, on the 15th of Novem- ber of the same year, the articles of confederation were adopted, - giving to the Colonies the name of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
There was an article in the warrant for town- meeting, Jan. 1, 1778, " to take under consideration the articles of confederation and perpetual union pro- posed by the Congress."
At the meeting, the town " voted to choose a Com- mittee, to take the confederation of Congress into consideration, and report." Chose William Holmes,. Abraham White, Seth Gilbert, Nathan Hodges, Brian Hall, Eleazer Clap, William Cobb, Noah Woodward,
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John Patten, David Arnold, George Leonard, jun., Jonathan Clap, and David Lincoln, for said com- mittee.
Adjourned to 12th inst. Then "voted to Except of the Report of the aforesaid committee with regard to the confederation of Congress." - " Voted, that a copy of said Report should be given to the Repre- sentatives."
No record of this report was made on the town- books, and I have been unable to find a copy of it.
These articles of confederation did not authorize Congress to pass general laws or to impose taxes : they served only a temporary purpose, and that in- adequately. In carrying on the war, Congress had incurred a heavy debt; but, having no power to raise money, could not pay it. This inability Ied to serious difficulties. At length, however, the conviction be- came general, that a remedy for these troubles must be found in amending the articles of confederation, or the formation of a new compact, or bond of union, between the States.
A convention of delegates from all the States, ex- cept Rhode Island, met at Philadelphia in 1787, and, having decided not to revise and amend the articles of confederation, proceeded to the formation of a Federal Constitution ; and, after some months of deliberation, a constitution was adopted, and submitted to the several States for ratification.
Nov. 26, 1787, the town " did elect Mr. Abraham White to represent them in a state Convention to be holden at Boston on the second Wednesday of January next, for the purpose of taking under consideration the Federal Constitution."
The constitution was ratified by the convention at Boston, Feb. 6, 1778, by a majority of nineteen in a vote of three hundred and fifty-five. Mr. White, from Norton, voted against its ratification ; but, imme- diately after the vote was declared, he is reported to have said, "that notwithstanding he had opposed the adoption of the constitution, upon the idea that it
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would endanger the liberties of his country, yet, as a majority had seen fit to adopt it, he should use his utmost exertions to induce his constituents to live in peace under and cheerfully submit to it." 1 This seemed to be the general spirit of the opposition.
STATE CONSTITUTION.
Immediately after the Declaration of Independence, the Massachusetts Assembly began to devise means for the formation of a constitution, and the adoption of a state form of government; and, accordingly, a resolve looking to this end was passed by them in Sep- tember, 1776, and sent to the people.
On the 7th of October of that year, a meeting of the inhabitants of Norton was held -
" To take under consideration a resolve of the Honorable House of Representatives of this state with regard to a form of government; and to consider and determin whether they will give their consent that the present House [of Repre- sentatives ], together with the Honorable Council of this State, in one body and equal voice, should consult, agree on, and enact, such a Constitution and form of Government for this state as the said House and Council, joined as aforesaid, shall judge will most conduce to the safety, peace, and happiness of this state; and whether, if any form of Government should be agreed on, that this town would desire that such form should be made publick for their inspection before it is ratified by said assembly ; and to act in all respects with regard to said Resolve as they shall think fitt."
At this meeting, William Homes, Eleazer Clap, Wil- liam Cobb, Brian Hall, Nathan Hodges, David Arnold, Jonathan Clap, David Lincoln, Seth Gilbert, George Makepeace, and Henry Wetherell, jun., were chosen a committee to consider and make report upon the mat- ter. The meeting was adjourned once and again to Oct. 22; when the committee make the following re- port, which was accepted : -
1 See account of the ratification, &c., in Genealogical Register for July, 1847.
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" The freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Norton, legally warned and in Town-meeting assembled, taking under their consideration a late Resolve of the present Honor. House of Representatives of this state respecting their consent that said House, with the Honor. Council, should agree on and enact a form of government for said state, came into the following votes; viz., -
" 1stly, That the establishing a good form of government is absolutely necessary, in order to lay a foundation for the future safety, happiness, and welfare of a people.
" 2ndly, That as the end of government is the good of the people, so the power and right of forming and establishing a plan thereof is essentially in them.
"3dly, That, as this state is at present without a form of Government, it is highly necessary that one should soon be formed.
" 4thly, That we cannot give our consent to the proposals of the said Honor. [House] in their resolve of the 17th of September last, that the present Honor. House, with the Honr. Council, should enact a form of government for this state ; for these reasons, viz .: 1stly, That the present House and Council were not separately elected by the people for that special purpose, which we think it highly reasonable they should be in a matter of such importance; 2dly, The requisi- tion of the Honor. House being so pregnant with power, we cannot think it will be conducive to the future good of this people to comply with their proposal.
"5thly, That we humbly conceive, that if the present general Assembly in a convenient time should be dissolved, and a state Convention called and convened for this important purpose, it might conduce much to the peace and quiet of the people of this state; and, we hope, would be a salutary mea- sure to obtain the end proposed.
" 6thly, That we think it would be very conducive to said end, with regard to a form of government, if each county should meet by their delegates, and consult with regard to what form of Government they may think it would be best for this state to come into; and, when they have so done, to lay the result of their several meetings before the proposed General Convention, that they may better collect the minds of the people, and select from the whole such a form of Gov- ernment as shall by them be thought most likely to terminate in the safety, peace, and happiness of the people.
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" 7thly, 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.
" 8thly, Voted, that a copy of these Resolves be sent to the Secretary's office of this state, attested by the Town Clerk."
May 5, 1777, the Massachusetts Assembly "recom- mended to the people to choose their representatives to the next General Court, with full powers, in one body with the Council, to form such a constitution of Government as they shall judge best calculated to promote the happiness of this state ; " to be subject to the approval of a two-thirds vote of the people.
At the session of June, 1777, a committee of twelve was charged with this subject. In January, 1778, this committee reported a draught of a constitution, which was adopted by the General Court, Feb. 28, 1778.1
In the spring of 1778, this draught of the state con- stitution was submitted to the people for their accept- ance. It was, however, so objectionable, that most of the towns in the State voted against it; and it was accordingly rejected.
At a meeting on the 22d of May, held by adjourn- ment from May 11, the town of Norton " voted NOT to receive the form of Government agreed on by the Convention or general Court of this state ; 8 for it, and 102 against it."
Feb. 20, 1779, the General Court, by a resolve, directed the selectmen of towns to obtain a vote from the people upon two questions, - whether they wished for a new constitution or form of government ; and, in case they did, whether they would empower their rep- resentatives for the coming year to vote for a " State Convention for the sole purpose of forming a new Constitution." The people said " Yes" to both these propositions.
1 See printed Journal of Convention, 1820, p. 6, Note.
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In the warrant for a town-meeting, May 19, 1779, there was an article to see "whether they choose at this time to have a new Constitution, or form of Government, made." On this article, "voted in the negative." Then reconsidered the vote, and chose a committee " to give the representatives instructions ; " and adjourned to May 26. Then met, and " voted for a new constitution, and form of government. at this time, 34 for it, and one against it."
" Voted to accept of the instructions of the Com- mittee to the Representative." They are as follows : -
"NORTON, May 26th, 1779. "To Mr. Abraham White.
" SIR, - As the town of Norton have made choice of you to represent them in the General Court at this critical and perplexed day, so they confide in your wisdom and integrity to conduct that arduous task in general so as you shall judge will best promote the interests of sd. town, and this and the other United States of America. Yet, as it must be agreeable to you to know the minds of your constituents in all matters of importance, we think fit to give you the following instruc-' tions ; viz. : That you use your influence, that, as soon as con- veniently may be, a new form of Government may be made.
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