USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Records and files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, Massachusetts, vol 7 > Part 37
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At the Commissioners' court, Mar. 2, 1679-80, Jeremiah Neale appealed and gave bond with William Trask and Thomas Flint, jr., as sureties.
John Hathorne,t recorder to the selectmen, certified on Mar. 20, 1679-80, that at a meeting on Nov. 11, 1679, the Salem tythingmen were chosen, and that there had been none chosen since.
Edward Wooland, aged fifty-six years, and Thomas Searle, aged forty-two years, testified as to Neale's refusing to take the oath. Sworn, 21 : 1 : 1680, before Wm. Hathorne,t assistant.
*Writ, dated Mar. 23, 1679-80, signed by Tho. Bradbury, t for the court and the town of Salisbury, and served by Joseph Pike,t constable of Newbery, by attachment of one black swine, three spotted swine and a broadax.
Phillip Grelle's bill of cost, 2li. 10s.
Bond, dated Nov. 9, 1673, given by Phillip Grelet of Sals- bery to Thomas Woodbridge of Newbery, in red oak pipestaves to be delivered at the hoghouse landing place at Salsbery. Wit: Nath. Winsley.t Sworn at Newbery, Sept. 17, 1677, before Jo. Woodbridge,t commissioner.
Ephraim Winsley and Joseph Greenliefe deposed that last February they were with Greely at the house of Mr. Tho. Woodbridge, and Ensign Steven Grenleife and Mr. Davidson were also there when Woodbridge owned that he had received of Grenleife 50s. upon Grely's account which Woodbridge refused to settle. Sworn in court.
Danll. Davison testified that being occasionally at Mr. Thomas Woodbridge's house in company with Mr. Phillip Grely, Ensign Greanelefe and Ephraim Winslow, etc. Sworn, Mar. 30, 1680, before Nath. Saltonstall,f assistant.
+ Autograph.
350
IPSWICH QUARTERLY COURT
[Mar.
Mr. Rich. Dole v. Edward Clarke. Debt. Verdict for plaintiff, in wheat, malt and pork .*
Mr. Rich. Dole v. Wm. Neeff. Debt. Verdict for plain- tiff.t
John Pearson v. Mr. Phillip Nellson, Ezekiell Northend and Capt. John Johnson. Verdict for plaintiff. His division of land, six acres and a half and twenty-seven rods according to the town grant to be laid out within six days.}
*Writ, dated Mar. 2, 1679, signed by Nath. Saltonstall,§ associate, and served by Tho. Eatton,§ constable of Haverell, by attachment of the house and orchard of defendant.
Bill of cost of Mr. Rich. Dole, sr., 1li. 6s.
Bond, dated Apr. 11, 1673, given by Edward Clarke§ of Haverhill to Rich. Dole of Newbury, for Sli. 5s., to be paid in wheat, barley or pork. Wit: Robert Ford§ and Jno. Dole.§ Sworn by said Dole before Nath. Saltonstall,§ assistant.
+Writ, dated Mar. 24, 1679, signed by Nath. Saltonstall, § assistant, and served by Thomas Eatton, § constable of Haverell, by attachment of Spegot meadow belonging to defendant, which runs northward to a "hash" tree, the warrant being left with Neef's wife, he not being at home.
Mr. Rich. Dolle's bill of cost, 1li. 16s.
Letter of attorney, dated Mar. 30, 1680, given by Richard Dole, sr., | of Newbury to Robert Lord, marshal. Ac- knowledged, Mar. 30, 1680, before Nath. Saltonstall, § assistant.
Bond, dated Apr. 22, 1672, given by William (his mark) Neff of Haverhill to Richard Dole of Newbury, for 20li., to be paid in white oak heading, two feet, three inches in length, and hogshead staves at 1li. 17s. per M. to be delivered at Haverhill. Wit: Jno. Doles and Thomas Lowle.§ Sworn, 18 : 9 : 1672, before Daniel Denison.§
įWrit: John Pearson, jr. v. Mr. Philip Nelson, Ezkiel Northend and Capt. John Johnson, lot layers of Rowley, to lay out a third part of men's rights at the eastward of the town who had no right in the ox-pasture; dated Mar. 25, 1680; signed by Thomas Leaver,§ clerk of the writs for the town of Rowley; and served by Jeremiah Elsworth, § constable of Rowley, by attachment of houses of defendant, also town land on the west of the way leading to the mill.
John Pearson's bill of cost, 2li. 8s. 10d.
Copies from Rowley town book of records made by Joseph Boynton,§ keeper of the book:
"At a Legall Towne meeting held the 24th of february 1673 it was agreed & voated that the Towne common should be divided to the value of two thirds of it or their abouts; be it
§ Autograph. || Autograph and seal.
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more or less (viz) that is that to every gate on the Common their shall bee laid out two Acers: to every twenty shillings of the last yeare ministry rate on every person in the Towne & so proportionably to lesser or more foure acers and to every inhabitant that keepes a house & payes rates two Acers: the persons paying Rates & keeping houses is to bee under- stood such whose habitation is situate within the five miles that is accounted Towne Common also inhabitants keeping houses are to be understood freeholders & such whose houses are at present inhabited. this voate passed on the affirmative by the maior part.
"At a Legall Towne meeting held 23th of march 1673 it was Agreed & voatted that the Quantity of land propounded to bee divided is hereby declared to bee doubled according to the rules above mentioned. this passed on the Affirmative.
"At a Legall Towne meeting held the 15th of Decemb. 1674 it was voated & Agreed that they that have noe right in either end oxe pasture should come in for one third part of their Right due unto them According to the last yeares Grants in the first land that is divided.
"At a Legall Towne meeting held 1 of Jenuary 1677 it was Agreed & voated that Mr Nelson Richard Swan, Ezekiell Northin are chosen to view the land & to lay it out to those men that are by grants in the Towne Booke to have the third of their proportion & thomas Tenny & William Tenny is to ioyne with them to see where it shall begin & where to find what is wanting to make up the sume."
"At a legall Towne meting held the 15 of december 1674 it was agreed and voted that that part of the comon within the five miles that is left undiuided after that the grants for a division of the comons that were granted the last year are fully satisfyed acording to the proportions their in expressed unto euery man therin concerned that then the Remainder of the land within the said fiue miles should be and so Remaines to be a fre comon to all these and their heirs that haue a pres- ent Right in the said diuision acording to their owne proper Right or intrest by house gates or estates onely those that haue the number of six gates and upwards and at present haue but one house or by the said grants liberty but for one frehold at present may haue liberty for one frehold more when they haue ocasion to build another house as those of fewer gates haue done before these grants and theirby haue gotten the benefit of two freholds and if their be any other cases worthy of tender consideration it shall be in the power of the selectmen to consider of them: this voted passed on the affirmative by a maior part of the Towne." Copy made, Mar. 26, 1679, by John Johnson .*
* Autograph.
352
IPSWICH QUARTERLY COURT
[Mar.
Hugh Lattimore v. Richard Hare. For goods in the hand of Philip Parson. Verdict for defendant .*
William Tenny, t keeper of the ministry book, certified that John Person, jr.'s, ministry rate for 1672 was 1li. 2d.
John Person, sr., aged about sixty-five years, testified that his son John was an inhabitant of Rowley and lived in the house he gave him when the town made the division of land, also he owned two gates in the cow common which he also gave him. Sworn in court.
John Pickerd, sr., and Daniell Wickcum testified that John Person, jr., is one who ought to have a third part of his rights laid out in the first division of the first divided land. Sworn in court.
John Johnson,t Philip Nellsont and Ezekiel Northendt laid out on Apr. 6, 1680 to John Pearson, jr., to satisfy judg- ment, six acres and a half of land and twenty-seven rods according to town grants, on the mill hill a little above the house of John Baly, bounded on the northeast corner by a great white oak standing in Newbury line, the southeast corner by a heap of stones, southwest corner by a black oak and heap of stones, northwest corner by a white oak stump, which is the corner bound of John Bayly's land, and bounded on the north by Newbury line, east and south by common land and west partly on common land and John Baly's land.
*Writ: Hugh Lattemore v. Mr. Richard Hares, who had goods in the hands of Mr. Phillip Parsons; debt, for services two months, being boatswain of the ship Margaret of which said Hares was master, which ship was driven ashore at Nan- tascott on Dec. 23, 1679; dated Mar. 4, 1679-80; signed by Moses Mavericke, t for the court and the town of Marblehead; and served by Thomas Haknes,t constable of Marblehead, by attachment of one piece of serge and two pieces of stuff.
Thomas Mander, aged about twenty-eight years, testified that Hare shipped Lattemore on Dec. 24, as boatswain, etc. Sworn, 8 : 1 : 1679-80, before Edm. Batter,¡ commissioner in Salem.
Henry Williams, aged about forty-four years, deposed that he carried the summons to Hare's lodgings, but he refused to hear it read, and on the next day he called again and a woman who was in the house said Hare had burned it. Sworn in court.
Hugh Lattemore, aged about twenty-three years, deposed that he was shipped to help get the vessel off the shore from Point Alderton for 40s. per month. He worked for him
+ Autograph.
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1680]
Frances Quilter, widow and relict of Marke Quilter v. Larrance Clenton. Debt. Nonsuited.
John Staniford v. John Killam. Debt. Defendant ac- knowledged judgment to plaintiff in pork and corn.
Richard Kimball acknowledged judgment to John Staniford in corn.
Joseph Gatchell acknowledged judgment to Mr. Phillip Cromwell.
Lift. John Ossgood had his license renewed for a year.
Ezekiell Woodward had his license renewed for a year, also his license for liquors.
John March was granted a license to keep ordinary at Newbury for a year, also to draw wine and liquors.
John Bullock was licensed to keep a cook's shop and to draw beer and cider for a year .*
Mr. Peeter Duncan had his license renewed for a year, also his license for liquors.
John Mighill had his license renewed for a year.
John Severns had his license renewed for a year.
Quartermaster Perkins had his license renewed for a year, also his license for liquors.
Edward Hassen had his license renewed for a year, also his license for liquors.
two whole months and brought the ship to Boston. Sworn, 29 : 1 : 1680, before Edm. Batter, commissioner.
Christopher Lattemore, aged about sixty years, testified that meeting with Mr. Richard Hare at Capt. Marshall's, etc. Sworn, Mar. 26, 1680, before Moses Mavericke, t commissioner. *John Bullocke was impressed into the country's service against the Indians and was "sorely wounded to the very greate hazerd of his liffe; and being thereby disabled from gitting a livelihood for himselfe much more for a famylye in any Labourious Calling, hee still remaineing a Creeple and under greate & greuious affliction by that meenes.
The Consideration wheare of hath moued our harts nott only to pittey him, butt also to Consider of some waye sutable for one in that distressed Condiccion wheareby hee may bee able to gitt a liueing, And nott discourage him and others that may bee called forth upon searvice for there Country heareafter," etc. Copy from the Salem town records, 9 : 11 : 1679, made by John Hathorne,t recorder.
t Autograph.
354
IPSWICH QUARTERLY COURT
[Mar.
Peeter Cheny had his license renewed for a year.
Nathan Webster being attached to this court by Benjamin Kemball, and no action entered, was allowed costs .*
Upon information made to this court that by virtue of an execution against Mr. Richard Hollinworth obtained by Phillip Inglish, that it was levied upon an estate of land sup- posed then to be Hollinworth's, which Mr. John Browne had challenged and holds by a deed from another man, and Phillip Inglish moving for a renewing of the execution for so much as remains, court granted it.
Mrs. Elizabeth Paine, administratrix and relict of John Paine, deceased, brought in the receipts of all the creditors that they had received their pay.
Nathaniell Walderne chose Walter Fairefield as his guardian. Phebe Newmarsh was fined upon her presentment.
Upon request of the selectmen of Ipswich that John Sparke's license for an ordinary include retailing wine and liquor and any other sort of drink according to law, court granted the request and renewed his license for a year.
Court appointed Capt. Saltonstall to take account of Mr. Dalton's treasurership, and report to court.
Walter Roper was released from training, without paying anything for the future.
Mary Marchant, widow, dying intestate, court granted administration to Henry Osborne, who was to administer according to a paper declared to be her mind, the land to stand bound.
Benjamin and Hanah Pearson were fined for fornication.
John Sandy was fined for fornication, and for marrying without being published.
John Stone had his license renewed for a year, also his license for liquors.
John Simons and Joseph Bayly of Bradford took the free- man's oath.
*Writ: Benjamin Kimball v. Nathan Webster; for coming upon that land in Bradford which he bought of Hugh March, formerly John Griffin's, claiming it as his own; dated Mar. 23, 1679; signed by Nath. Saltonstall, assistant. Copy made by Samuell Webster,t constable.
t Autograph.
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RECORDS AND FILES
1680]
Court referred the case of Roger Darbye to the next session.
In the case of Abell Powell, court found some suspicion and ordered him to pay charges, which was left to Mr. Jo. Wood- bridge .*
*On Dec. 3, 1679, before Jo. Woodbridge,t commissioner, Caleb Powell being complained of for suspicion of working with the devil to the molesting of Wm. Morse and his family, had his case continued until Dec. 8, when said Morse gave bond to prosecute him before the next Ipswich court.
Sarah Halle, aged about thirty-three years, and Joseph Mirick, aged about nineteen years, affirmed that John Moores, boatswain of the vessel in which Joseph Dole was master, and Caleb Powell, mate, had often said in their hearing that if there were any wizards he was sure that Caleb Powell was one. He said this in their house. Sworn, Feb. 27, 1679, before Jo. Woodbridge,t commissioner.
Wm. Morse and his wife, both aged about sixty-five years, testified that "Thursday night being the 27th day of Nov. we heard a great noyse without agt the house: wherrupon my selfe & wife lookt out & saw no body, & the boy all this time with us, but we had stones & sticks throwne at us that we were forced to retire into the house againe, afterwards we went to bed & the boy with us, & then the like noyes was upon the roofe of the house. The same night about mid- night the doore being lockt when we went to bed, we heard a great hog in the house grunt & make a noyse, as we thought willing to gett out & that we might not be disturbed in sleep I rose & let him out & I found a hog in the house & the doore unlockt the doore was firmely lockt when we went to bed. The next morning a stick of hanging in the chimney, they were throwne out of their place & we hanged them up againe, & they were throwne downe againe & some into the fire. 4. The night folowing I had a great awle lying in the window, the wch awle we saw fall downe out of the chimney into the ashes by the fire. 5. After this I bid the boy putt the same awle into the cupboard, wch we saw done & the doore shutt too: this same awle came presently downe the chimney againe in or sight & I tooke it up my selfe againe, the same night we saw a little Indian baskett that was in the loft before come downe the chimney againe: & I tooke the same baskett & put a piece of brick into it, & the baskett with the brick was gone, & came downe againe the third time with the brick in it, & went up againe the fourth time & came downe againe without the bricke: & the brick came downe a little after. 6. The next day being saturday, stones, sticks & pieces of t Autograph.
356
IPSWICH QUARTERLY COURT
[Mar.
bricks came downe so that we could not quietly dresse or breakfast & sticks of fire also came downe at the same time.
"7. That day in the afternoone my thread 4 times taken away & came downe ye chimney againe my awle & gimlett wanting came downe the chimney againe my leather taken away came downe the chimney: againe my nailes being in the cover of a firkin taken away came downe the chimney Againe the same night the doore being lockt a little before day hearing a hog in the house I rose & saw the hog to be mine, I lett him out. 8. The next day being sabbath day, many stones & sticks & pieces of bricks came downe the chim- ney: on the munday mr Richardson & my brother being there, the frame in my cowhouse they saw very firme. I sent my boy out to skare the fowles from my hogs meat: he went to the cowhouse & it fell downe my boy crying with the hurt of the fall: in the afternoone, the potts hanging ouer the fire did dash so vehemently one agt the other: we sett downe one that they might not dash to pieces: I saw the andiron leap into the pott & dance & leap out, & againe leap in & dance & leap out againe & leap on a table & there abide, & my wife saw the andiron on the table: also I saw the pott turne it selfe over & throw downe all the water: againe we saw a tray with wooll leap up & downe & throw the wooll out & so many times & saw nobody medle with it: againe a tub his hoop fly off of itselfe & the tub turne ouer & nobody neere it: againe the woollen wheele turned upside downe & stood up on its end, & a spade sett on it: Steph. Greenleafe saw it, & my selfe & my wife; againe my rope tooles fell downe upon the ground before my boy could take them being sent for them, & the same thing of nailes tumbled downe from the loft into the ground & nobody neere. Againe my wife & boy making the bed, the chest did open & shutt the bed cloathes would not be made to ly on the bed but fly off againe. Againe Caleb Powell came in & being affected to see or trouble did promise me & my wife that if we would be willing to lett him keep the boy we should see ourselues that we should be never disturbed while he was gone with him: he had the boy & had bin quiet euer since."
Tho. Rogers and George Hardy being at Wm. Morse's house affirmed that "the earth in the chimney corner moued & scat- tered on them: that Tho. Rogers was hitt with somewhat, Hardy with an Iron ladle as is supposed Somewhat hitt Wm. Morse a great blow but it was so swift that they could not certainely tell what it was, but looking downe after they heard the noyse they saw a shoe. The boy was in the corner at the first, afterwards in the house."
Mr. Richardson on Saturday testified that a board flew
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1680]
against his chair and he heard a noise in another room which he supposed in all reason to be diabolical.
Anth. Morse affirmed that he saw the board before tacked with nails to the window, but his evidence was drawn at large by himself.
John Dole saw a pin and stick of candlewood fall down and a stone and a firebrand, but he did not see which way they came until they fell down by him.
John Tucker affirmed that the boy was in one corner and he saw no motion in him.
Elizabeth Titcomb affirmed that Powell said that he could find the witch by his learning if he had another scholar with him. Steph. Greenleafe and Edw. Richardson affirmed.
Jo. Tucker affirmed that Powell said he saw the boy throw the shoe while he was at prayer.
John Badger affirmed.
Jo. Emerson affirmed that Powell said he was brought up under Norwood and it was judged by the people there that Norwood studied the black art.
Wm. Morse and his wife further testified "we saw allso a keeler of breade turne ouer agt me & strucke me not any being neere it & so ouerturned. I saw a chaire standing in the house & not any body neere it did often bow towards me & so rise up againe. My wife allso being in the chamber the chamber doore did violently fly together not anybody being neere it. I also saw an Iron wedge & spade was flying out of the chamber on my wife & did not strike her. My wife going to the cellar a drum standing in the house did rowle ouer the doore of the cellar & being taken up againe the doore did violently fly downe againe. My barnes doore 4 times un- pinned I know not how. I going to shutt my barne doore looking for the pin the boy being with me (as I did judge) the pin coming downe out of the aire & did fall downe neere to me. Again Caleb Powell came in as before sayd & seing our spirits very low by ye sense of or great affliction began to bemoane or condition & sayd thet he was troubled for or affliction, & sayd thet he had eyed this boy & drawed neere to us with great compassion, poore old man, poore old woman, this boy is the occasion of your griefe, for he hath done these things & hath caused his good old grandmother to be counted a witch, then said I how can all these things be done by him, sayd hee, all though he may not haue done all yet most of them, for this boy is a young rogue, a vile rogue, I have watched him & see him do things as to come up & downe. Caleb Powell also sayd he had understanding in Astrology & Astron- omy & knew the working of spirits, some in one country, & some in another & looking on the boy sayd you young rogue to begin so soone Goodman Morse if you be willing to lett
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IPSWICH QUARTERLY COURT
[Mar.
me haue this boy, I will undertake you shall be free from any trouble of this kind while he is with me: I was very un- willing at the first & my wife, but by often urging me to it he told me whither & what imploymt & company he should goe, I did consent to it & this was before Jo. Badger came: & we haue bin freed from any trouble of this kind euer since that promise made, on munday night last to this time being friday in the afternoone: then we heard a great noyse in the other roome oftentimes, but looking after it, could not see any thing: but afterwards looking into the roome we saw a board hanged to the presse: then we being by the fire, sitting in a chaire, my chaire would not stand still but ready to throw me backward often times: afterward my cap allmost taken off my head 3 times: againe a great blow in my polle, & my catt did leap from me into the chimney corner: presently after this catt was throwne at my wife: we saw the catt to be ours, we putt her out of the house & shutt the doore: pres- ently the catt was throwed into the house: we went to goe to bed suddenly my wife being with me in bed the lamp light by or side my catt againe throwed at us 3 times jumping away presently into the floore, & one of those times, a red wastcoat throwed on the bed, & the catt wrapped up in it: againe the Lamp standing by us on the chest, we sayd it should stand & burne out, but presently was beaten downe & all the oyle shed, & we left in the darke: againe a great noyse a great while very dreadfull: againe in the morning a great stone being 6 pound weight did remoue from place to place we saw it: two spoones throwed off the table, & presently the table throwed downe: & being minded to write my inkhorne was hid from me, wch I found couered with a rag, & my pen quite gone: I made a new pen & while I was writing one eare of corne hitt me in the face & firesticks & stones throwed at me & my pen brought to me while I was writing with my new pen, my Inkhorne taken away & not knowing how to write any more, we looked under the table, & there found him, & so I was able to write againe: againe my wife her hatt taken from her head sitting by the fire by me the table allmost throwne downe againe, my specticles throwne from the table & throwne allmost into the fire by me & my wife & the boy: againe my booke of all my accounts throwne into the fire & had bin burnt presently if I had not taken it up: againe boards taken off a tub & sett upright by themselves & my paper do what I could hardly keep it while I was writing this relations & things throwne at me while a writing pres- ently before I could dry my writing a monmouth hatt rubbed along it but I held so fast that it did blott but some of it: my wife & I being much affraid that I should not preserve it for the publike use did thinke best to lay it in the bible, & it
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Wm. Hooper dying intestate, court granted administration to Elizabeth, the widow, and there being three children alive, and other in prospect, and an inventory of 95li. brought in, court ordered 8li. to the eldest son, 4li. to each of the other three, the land to be bound for security. If any died, the others were to receive their share.
John Harris dying intestate, court granted administration to Homer Hall and Lewis Lafort to bring in an inventory* to the next court.
lay safe that night, againe the next I would lay it there againe but in the morning it was not there to be found, the bag hanged downe empty, but after was found in a box alone: againe while I was writing this morning, I was forced to forbeare writing any more I was so disturbed with so many things constantly throwne at me."
John Badger affirmed that Morse said he could find out by astrology or astronomy whether or no there were diabolical means used, etc.
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