USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Rehoboth > The History of Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts, 1836 > Part 5
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" At the same time a parcel of salt marsh that lyeth in Ed- ward Smith's land in the woodland plaine was given to Edward Sale." "The same day it was ordered that no man shall keep
23. James Redwaie,
24. William Sabin,
25. Robert Wheaton,
40. John Dogget,
29. Edward Smith,
30. Ademia Morris,
44. John Allin,
-
40
HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
any gotes upon any common, or any man's property but his own, within three miles of the town, after the first day of the 6th month next, upon penalty of five shillings for every gote so kept."
" The 24th of November, 1647, at a meeting of the towns- men it was agreed that every inhabitant that hath a team shall work with his team and one man four days in a year at the highway, and every inhabitant that hath no team shall find a sufficient labourer four days in a year, being lawfully warned by the supervisor of the highway ; but if the supervisors in their discretion shall see more need of labourers than of teams, that those that have a team shall send two labourers instead of their teams, being so warned of the supervisor."
"The 4th of the 11th mo. [January] 1647, at a meeting of the town upon public notice given, the residue of the allotment that was given unto Matthew Pratt, he not having remained in town, was given unto Richard Bulok," (now written Bullock.)
"The 13th of the 11th mo. [January] 1647, Ademia Mor- ris, executor to Robert Morris, sold to Nicholas Ide his home lot."
"The 3d of the 12th month, [February] 1647, at a gen- eral meeting of the town upon public notice given, it was agreed upon that every inhabitant in the town, that hath land upon the woodland plain, shall meet together at his alotment, and set up sufficient stakes for bound marks to his land, upon the second day in the second month next : and it was ordered that the drum shall be beat up near the meeting-house as a signal for each man to repair to his lot."
At the same meeting it was also "agreed upon, Whereas it hath pleased the Court of Plymouth to give us power to try all manner of differences by way of action between party and party, that is under the value of ten pounds, that there shall be four Courts kept every year, upon the several days following, viz: upon the last Thursday of the third month, upon the last Thursday of the sixth month, upon the last Thursday of the ninth month, and upon the last Thursday of the twelfth month. And it is agreed that the jurors shall have sixpence apiece for every case tried by them."
" It is ordered that the constable shall have 6d. for every jury warned by him, and 6d. for attending upon the jury for every action."
"The 12th of the 2d mo. [April] 1648, at a general meet- ing of the town upon public notice given, John Allin was chosen constable for the year following, and John Dogget and Robert
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
Titus were chosen deputies for the towne, and Joseph Torrey and Robert Sharpe were chosen grand-jurymen, and John Mil- ler and John Peram were chosen supervisors of the highways, and Mr. Browne, Mr ._ Peck, Richard Bowin, Stephen Paine, William Carpenter, William Smith were chosen townsmen."
" At the same meeting it was agreed upon that there shall be added to the row of lots from Thomas Clifton's to Robert Titus's lot 2 rods out of the common ; and it shall begin at a notching at the outside of Thomas Clifton's lot, and so go on to 2 rods ; but, if it be not prejudicial to the highway, it shall begin at 2 rods wide throughout."
" The 18th of July, 1648, the towne gave to Roger Ammi- downe a house-lot between Walter Palmer's house-lot and the mill," besides a piece of salt marsh and other lands.
"The 11th of the 11th* mo. [January] 1648, at a general meeting of the town upon public notice given, Mr. Peck and Stephen Paine were chosen assistants to assist Mr. Browne in matters of controversy at Court."
" It was agreed that the townsmen shall make a levy for the finishing of the meeting-house, and for the county tax and to set the town out of debt."
"The lot that was given unto George Robinson, being for- feited into the town's hands, was given unto John Sutton, he paying unto George Robinson his necessary charges laid out upon it."
"The 11th of the 3d mo. [May] 1649, at a general meeting of the town upon public notice given, it was agreed upon that William Devill shall be constable for the next year ; Stephen Paine and Robert Titus were chosen deputies for the Court ; Thomas Cooper and Obadiah Holmes were chosen grand jury- men ; and Richard Bowen and Robert Sharpe were chosen surveyors of the highways."
"July 12th, 1649, at a general town meeting upon public notice given, it was agreed upon that there should be a dilligent search made to find out the nearest and most convenient way between Rehoboth and Dedham; and Mr. Browne and Stephen Paine were chosen to compound with the surveyors, and to agree for such help as should be requisite for him or them to have."
* Baylies says " 11th of the 1st," which is a mistake.
.6
42
HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
"The 24th of the 4th mo. [June] 1650,* at a town meet- ing, those men underwritten were chosen townsmen for this year :
Mr. Browne,
Richard Bowen,
Mr. Peck, William Smith,
Steph. Payne,
Robert Martin."
Tho. Cooper,
" At the same meeting the town gave permission to these men chosen to call a town meeting so often as need shall re- quire."
"The 10th mo. [December] 1650, the county rate was agreed on."
At the same meeting it was voted "to have a convenient way, four rods wide, (to be made by Edward Smith,) to be for the town's use, or any that shall have occasion to pass from town to Providence, or to Mr. Blackstone's."
" The 15th day of the 1st mo. [March] 1651, at a towne meeting, it was agreed on that Peter Hunt should accompany Mr. Browne to Plymouth to make agreement about the Indian complaints."
" The 19th day of the 3d mo. [May] 1651, chosen deputies Stephen Payne and Richard Bowen, for the Court at Plym- outh ; Walter Palmer and Peter Hunt to be grand jurymen. Surveyors for the highways, William Smith and John Read."
" The 18th of October, 1651, these were chosen townsmen. viz :
Mr. Browne,
Mr. Peck,
Thomas Cooper, Richard Bowen,
Stephen Payne, Peter Hunt,
Robert Martin."
" At the same time Peter Hunt was chosen Town Clerk.t
" 26th of the 12th mo. 1651. It was agreed on that Robert Abell and Richard Bullock should burn the commons round about, from the Indian fence, all on the neck, to the new mead- ow near, and so far about the fresh meadows as may be conve-
* Here a new handwriting appears on the records, and the characters used become much modernized.
t This is the first mention made in the records of any one being chosen for this office. The records back to July 12, 1649, and those that follow the date of Mr. Hunt's election appear to be in the same hand writing.
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
nient ; and they are to have 20s. for their pains, and to begin the 15th of March next, and to be paid out of the first rate."
" The 3d mo. [May] 1652. The townsmen counted with John Reed for two rates, one for the Indians pay, being £7 10s. ; and the other a county rate, being £5 1s. 8d. The Indian rate due in his hand of wampum, at 8 a penny, 18s. 2d. Of the county rate remains due from the town from him 14s. 2d. Then bought of John Reed two muskets for the town's use, cost £2 8s., and to be set off in the rates that he did owe to the town."
" The 24th of the 3d mo. [May] 1652, at a town meeting being lawfully warned, Stephen Payne and Thomas Cooper were chosen deputies ; Walter Palmer was chosen constable ; Henry Smith and Robert Fuller grand jurymen; and Joseph Pecke and Jonathan Bliss way-wardens."
" June the 11th, 4th mo. 1652. It was voted, that by the assent of the town then present, and being lawfully warned, that those lots which lie beyond the lot of Goodman Mathew should re- main to the ox-pastor,* and henceforth not be lotted."
"The 9th of the 7th mo. [ September] 1652. At a town meeting being lawfully warned, those men whose names are underwritten were chosen raters, to make a rate of 20 pounds for to buy a barrel of powder and two muskets, 4 swords, match and lead, bandoleers or porchers :
Mr. Peck, Peter Hunt,
John Peram,
Thomas Cooper, John Reed, Jolın Allin."
It was also agreed on at the same time, that wheat should be paid at 4s. 6d. the bushel, or good wampum at eight the penny, for buying of those things above expressed."
" The 28th of March, 1653, it was concluded and agreed upon, that Robert Abell should have three acres of meadow on the north side of the line, next the town, next the line that part- eth the land of the purchasers and the town of Rehoboth. This meadow was given them by Mr. Prince, Captain Standish and Mr. Winslow."
" The 13th of the 3d mo. [May] 1653, at a town meeting lawfully warned, those were chosen, viz : Stephen Payne and
* This lay north-east of Seekonk Common, between the new road from Seekonk to Pawtucket and the Pawtucket or Seekonk river, and extended as far down on the river as Manton's neck. It is still known by the name of " the Ox Pastor."
44
HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
Thomas Cooper, deputies ; William Sabin and Joseph Pecke, grand jurymen ; Robert Martin, constable; Richard Bowen and Thomas Redway, overseers of the ways."
"There were chosen at time of training, Peter Hunt for Lieutenant, and John Browne for Ensign."
This is the first notice found in the records of the appoint- ment of military officers. This company is said to have been commanded for some years by a Lieutenant, and to have been styled "a Lieutenant's company," the number of members not being large enough to entitle it to a higher officer.
"The 25th of October, 1653, at a town meeting lawfully warned, the following men were chosen raters for the sums of the county pay, viz : Stephen Payne, Richard Bowen, William Smith, William Carpenter, senior, and Peter Hunt."
" At the same meeting it was agreed on by the town, that the Indians should have 4 pounds in wampum, in recompence of the damage they have suffered in their corn by hogs and horses, this two years ; and the wanipum to be paid out of the wampum which remains in Walter Palmer's hands."
" At a town meeting lawfully warned, the 12th of December, in the year 1653, voted that the price of corn should be 5s., wheat 5s., rye 4s., and Indian corn 3s. (provided that the corn be current and merchantable corn.) "
" At the same time those men were chosen to be townsmen, viz :
Mr. Brown, Thomas Cooper,
William Smith,
Stephen Payne, William Carpenter, Robert Martin."
Richard Bowen,
"The 10th of the 11th mo. [January] 1653. Voted that the Indians that kill any wolves are to be paid out of the rate by the constable."
"The 22d of the 12th mo. [February] 1653. At a town meeting lawfully warned, Stephen Payne, senior, and Thomas Cooper, senior, were chosen deputies, to be present at Plym- outh, at the next Court in March, to performe the business there that the warrand doth require, in behalf of the town, with full power in that behalf."
"The 10th of the 3d mo. [May] 1654, Stephen Payne, senior, and Peter Hunt were chosen deputies for the Court ; Anthony Perry and John Allin were chosen grand-jurymen ; for constable, Stephen Payne, jr. or Mr. Peck ; for surveyors of the
45
HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
highways, William Carpenter, senior, George Kendricke and Stephen Payne, jr."
" The 22d of the 3d mo. [May] 1654, were chosen for mil- itary officers, Peter Hunt, for Lieutenant ; John Brown, jr. for Ensign, and allowed to stand by the Honourable Bench at Plym- outh Court."
"The 15th of the 7th mo. [September] 1654, at a town meeting lawfully warned, there were chosen raters for the making of the county rate, and for a town rate for the present debts, viz : Stephen Payne, Richard Bowen, Peter Hunt, John Reed and Robert Martin."
" At the same time Richard Bowen was chosen Town Clerk."
" The 28th of June, 1654. Were chosen for the consider- ing of such lands as shall be recorded in the town books, for the clearing the rights of any person, Mr. Pecke, Thomas Cooper, John Allin, Stephen Payne and Richard Bowen."
"The 21st of July, 1654. At a town meeting lawfully warned, Stephen Payne, sen., and Peter Hunt were chosen deputies for the attendance of the Court in August next."
" The 13th of the 10th [December] 1654. At a meeting of the townsmen it was agreed on that the price of corn for to pay the town debts [something here appears to have been omit- ted] "that wheat should pass at 5s., rye at 7s. and Indian to pass at 3s."
" The 1st of the 12th mo. [February], 1654, at a town meet- ing lawfully warned, it was agreed and voted, that Mr. Browne should have for his use four square rods of ground to build a house on, something near the meeting-house."
" At the same time Robert Abell was ordered to keep the Ordinary."
" In the year 1655,* the 22d of the 1st mo. [March] at a town meeting lawfully warned, it was agreed upon by vote that the new highway towards the bay shall be perfected, and that it should be done under the inspection of Goodman Payne and Goodman Carpenter."
"In the year 1655, the 17th of the 3d mo. [May], at a town meeting lawfully warned, Stephen Payne, sen., and Peter Hunt were chosen deputies ; for constable, Stephen Payne, jr .; for grand-jury-men, Philip Walker and Jonathan Bliss; Richard Ingraham and John Fitch were chosen way-wardens."
At the same time it was voted, " that there shall be no com- mon grass mown before the last of June ; and, in case any do
* Baylies has 1654 ; this in old style is correct.
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
transgress this order, it shall be lawful for any that know it to fetch away the hay or grass so cut, without any damage to them."
" June the 26th, 1655. At a town meeting it was agreed upon that Mr. Newman, our teacher, should have fifty pounds a year ; and those seven men whose names are hereto appended were chosen committees for the levying of a rate according to person and estate for the raising of said maintenance :
VJoseph Peck, Robert Martin,
Thomas Cooper,
Peter Hunt,
Richard Bowen, Stephen Payne,
Will. Sabin,"
" At this period," says Baylies, "so much indifference as to the support of the clergy was manifested in Plymouth Colony as to excite the alarm of the other confederated Colonies. The complaint of Massachusetts against Plymouth, on this subject, was laid before the Commissioners, and drew from them a severe reprehension. Rehoboth had been afflicted already with a serious schism, and by its proximity to Providence and its plantations, where there was a universal toleration, the practice
. of free inquiry was encouraged, and principle, fancy, whim and conscience, all conspired to lessen the veneration for ec- clesiastical authority."
[Hist. Memoir of Plym. Col. vol. II. p. 205.]
The schism here referred to was caused by Obadiah Holmes and several others withdrawing themselves from Mr. Newman's church, in 1649, and setting up a separate meeting of their own. A full account of this affair will be given in the ecclesiastical his- tory of the town.
February 9th, 1655, Mr. Peck, Richard Bowen, senior, Stephen Paine, senior, Thomas Cooper, senior, Robert Martin, William Carpenter, senior, and Peter Hunt, were chosen Townsmen. "It was also granted that they shall have power to order the prudential affairs of the town, and that they shall have power to call a town-meeting when they see cause."
" At the same time Father Bowen was chosen Moderator to see good order in our town-meetings."
By the following extract from the records of Plymouth Court, it will be seen that Mr. John Browne, a principal inhabitant of Rehoboth, and for a long time one of the Governour's Assistants, was opposed to coercing people to support the ministry, al- though he was willing to contribute his full proportion.
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
" Whereas, a petition was presented unto the General Court, at Plymouth, the first of June, 1655, by several of the inhab- itants of the town of Rehoboth, whose hands were thereunto subscribed, desiring the Court to assist them in a way according to the orders of other Colonies about them, for the raising maintenance for their minister ; the sum of the petition seemeth to hold forth that those whose hands were not subscribed con- tributed nothing, or so little as was not esteemed of, which peti- tion occasioned some discourse about a forcible way to compel all the inhabitants of that town to pay a certain sum every year towards the maintenance of the minister. Whereupon Mr. John Browne, one of the magistrates then sitting in Court, and being one of the inhabitants of that town, and not being made acquainted with the said petition until the names of the inhabit- ants were subscribed ; to issue the said troublesome controversy, and take off the odium from others, did propound that forasmuch as those whose hands were to the petition desired to submit themselves to a rate, that if the Court would send two of the magistrates unto Rehoboth to take notice of the estates of the petitioners, he would engage himself in the behalf of those who were the inhabitants of the said town, whose hands were not subscribed to the petition, that they should voluntarily contribute according to their estates ; and if any of them fell short in this business, he would supply that want of his own estate ; and this he would make good by engaging his lands for seven years in their behalf, while they staid, though he himself should remove from the place, which was approved of, and Captain Standish and Mr. Hatherly were then made choice of by the Court to see it ordered accordingly."
In 1655, "Liberty is granted by the Court to the neighbor- hood in which Mr. Brown liveth at Rehoboth to make a pound to empound all horses or hogs that shall trespass upon them."
[Plym. Col. Rec. vol. III. p. 84.]
Plymouth, July 3, 1656. " Robert Abell is allowed by the Court to keep an ordinary at Rehoboth."
" The Court have appointed and deputed Mr. Joseph Pecke to administer marriage at Rehoboth." "And the said Mr. Pecke, Mr. Stephen Paine, and Richard Bowen are appointed and authorized to hear and determine all controversies there between any, so as it amount not to above the value of three pounds ; liberty being left to any to make their appeal to the
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
Court of Plymouth, if there shall be reason." [Plym. Col. Rec. vol. III. p. 102.]
July 13th, 1657. Voted, "That all such persons, or any person that is behind hand in their accounts with Mr. Newman for this year present, that they shall make up their accounts with Mr. Newman by a month after Michaelmas ; and in case it be neglected, then such townsmen as may be deputed, together with the deacons also, to go to such persons and labor to convince them of the neglect of their duty ; in case they find them ob- stinate, then the Court order is to be attended on."
November 20th, 1757. Stephen Paine, senior, was chosen to assist Deacon Cooper, "to go to certain the inhabitants of the town, to put them on to clear their accounts with Mr. New- man."
" It was also agreed that there shall be a town-meeting this day fortnight, and in case it appear that any person or persons be behind hand with Mr. Newman, that then some effectual course may be taken according to Court order, to make such to pay as have been negligent in their duty for the settling of Mr. Newman amongst us."
It was also voted that persons neglecting to attend town-meet- ing should be fined 6d.
December 9th, 1757. It was voted, " that Sampson Mason should have free liberty to sojourn with us, and to buy houses, lands or meadows, if he see cause for his settlement, provided that he lives peaceably and quietly."
Samuel Mason had been, according to Benedict, [Hist. Bap. vol. I. p. 427] a soldier in the Commonwealth's army, commanded by Cromwell. He became a Baptist, emigrated to America, and, after having resided several years at Rehoboth, became ultimately one of the founders of Swansey.
February 22, 1658. "The following persons are accepted as freemen of the town, to take up their freedom, namely, Joseph Peck, John Peck, Henry Smith, Robert Fuller, John Fitch, Stephen Paine, Jonathan Bliss, William Buckland, Rice Leon- ard."
June 22d, 1658. " At a town-meeting lawfully warned, lots were drawn for the meadows that lie on the north side of the town, in order as followeth, according to person and estate :"
a 1. John Peck,
4. Nicholas Ide,
2. George Robinson,
5. James Reddeway,
3. Robert Abell, 6. Jonathan Bliss,
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
7. Mr. Winchester's children, 29. Peter Hunt,
8. Mr. Newman, 30. Tho. Cooper, jr.
9. George Kendrick, 31. Will. Sabin,
10. Stephen Payne, sen.
32. Philip Walker,
11. John Butterworth, 33. Daniel Smith,
12. John Read, 34. John Dogget,
13. Thomas Wilmoth,
35. Nicholas Peck,
14. John Fitch,
36. Rice Leonard,
15. Henry Smith,
37. Robert Jones,
16. Will. Carpenter, sen.
17. John Millard, jun.
18. Robert Wheaton,
19. Richard Bullock,
20. Robert Martin,
42. Stephen Payne, jun.
43. Roger Amadowne,
44. Richard Bowen, jr.
22. Richard Bowen, sen.
23. Obadiah Bowen,
24. Anthony Perry,
46. Will. Bucklin,
47. Mr.&Peck,
48. John Willard, sen.
49. Will. Carpenter, jun.
From the expression "the meadows that lie on the north side of the town," it appears that this division was of land after- wards included in the North Purchase, now Attleborough and Cumberland.
The 2d of the 9th mo. [November,] 1658. The Indians were forbidden to set their traps within the town's bounds.
" December the 9th, 1659. It was agreed upon between the town of Rehoboth and Lieutenant Hunt and William Bucklin that the said Lieutenant Hunt and William Bucklin is to shingle the new end of the meeting-house, and to be done as sufficient- ly as the new end of Goodman * Payne's house ; and they are to furnish nails, and to be done by May-day next ensuing, provided that the frame be ready in season : in consideration whereof they are to have £8 to be paid in good, merchantable wampum, when their work is done."
"30th of the 11th mo. [January,] 1659. Voted to agree with Richard Bullock to perform the office of Town Clerk ;
* This title Good-man, I have been informed, was used formerly much the same as Mr., Master, or Mister is with us at the present day.
39. Thomas Cooper, sen.
40. John Woodcock,
41. Edward Hall,
21. John Perrum,
45. Robert Fuller,
25. Joseph Peck,
26. John Matthews,
27. John Allin,
28. John Sutton,
38. Francis Stevens,
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
to give him 16s. a year, and to be paid for births, burials, and marriages besides."
March 17th, 1659, the town made an agreement with Wil- liam Bucklin "to enlarge the meeting-house the breadth of three seats throughout, to find boards and to finish it complete and answerable to the rest, with seats, the town finding nails."
" The 19th, 12th mo, [February] 1660, at a general town meeting, Capt. Willet, Mr. Peck, Richard Bowen, Stephen Payne, sen., Lieutenant Hunt, were chosen by the town, and empowered to view the town book, and to see that it be tran- scribed into a new book, all such things as they shall judge ına- terial for the good of the town, as also for the clearing of evi- dences of men's lands, according to Court orders, made in 1654."
21st of the 12th mo. [February] 1660. In town meeting it was voted "that Mr. Willet should have liberty to take up five hun- dred or six hundred acres of land northward or eastward, beyond the bounds of our town, where he shall think it most convenient for himself."
1st day 2d mo. [April] 1661. Gilbert Brooks of Scituate, had " free liberty to be an inhabitant of Rehoboth, and to purchase what he may, if he be minded to come among us."
In this year, Captain Thomas Willet, empowered by the Court of Plymouth, and having obtained the consent of the town of Rehoboth, purchased of Wamsitta,* or (as he is more commonly called,) Alexander, the elder brother of king Philip and son of Massassoit, a large tract of land, which was called Rehoboth North Purchase, now Attleborough (Mass.) and Cumberland, R. I. "It was bounded," says Daggett, " West by Pawtucket river, now Blackstone; North by the Massachu- setts Colony or the bay line, (so called ;) East by territory which was afterwards the Taunton North Purchase, now Mans- field, Norton, and Easton; and South by the ancient Rehoboth, now Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Pawtucket. This purchase in- cluded Attleborough, Cumberland, R. I., and a tract of a mile and a half in width, extending east and west, (which was annex- ed to Rehoboth as an enlargement,) and a part of Mansfield and Norton. This purchase was afterwards, viz. April 10th, 1666,
* The then Sachem of Pokanoket. His original name was Mooanum. He succeeded Massassoit as Sachem of the Wampanoags, and died in the summer of 1662. His wife's name was Namumpum or Wetamoo .- See Drake's Book of the Indians, b. 3, c. 1, p. 1-8.
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HISTORY OF REHOBOTH.
granted and confirmed by the Plymouth government to the in- habitants of Rehoboth."-Daggett's History of Attleborough, p. 6.
The following is a copy of the Deed of this tract from Wamsitta, or Alexander, to Mr. Willet.
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